Bride of a Dead God

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<div class="text-box"> Thanks for playing. This work features mature themes and adult content. It is not intended to be viewed by anyone under the age of 18. Please confirm you are old enough to view this content. [[Yes, I'm over 18 |SplashScreen]] [[Sorry, I'm in the wrong place |Thanks Anyway]] </div> All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or distributed in any form without prior written permission from the author, with the exception of non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

<div class="text-box"> <span style="font-size: 24px;">Attributes</span> <div class="line"></div> <span style="font-size: 18px;">Stamina: $Stamina</span> <<if $AdvancedSpellcasting == true>><div id="advancedSpellcastingText"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Stress: $Stress</span></div><</if>> <span style="font-size: 18px;">Strength: $Strength</span> <span style="font-size: 18px;">Dexterity: $Dexterity</span> <span style="font-size: 18px;">Charisma: $Charisma</span> <span style="font-size: 18px;">Intuition: $Intuition</span> <div class="line"></div> <span style="font-size: 18px;">Last Roll: $SkillCheck</span> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You have run out of stamina! Your vision fades. Your strength falters. You don't have the power to go on! Game Over! Please load a save. </div>

<div class="text-box"> Welcome to the game! Your character has 4 main attributes that you will use to complete challenges in the game. Two are physical, Strength and Dexterity, and two are mental, Charisma and Intuition. Each challenge has an attribute and a difficulty number (DC) associated with it. To attempt a challenge you will select an option presented to you and the game will roll a 20 sided die. The value of your relevant attribute is added to the result. If the total is equal to or higher than the challenge’s DC you have passed the challenge successfully. If the total is lower you will fail. Strength will help you in brawls and overcoming physical obstacles with raw power. Dexterity will make you more agile and sneaky. Pick locks, creep past guards, or make accurate ranged attacks. Charisma will make you more charming and a better conversationalist. Pick this if you want to manipulate people into doing what you want, or talk your way out of sticky situations. Intuition is a mixture of your natural intelligence, wisdom, and some luck. Notice details other people would miss, react to hidden dangers, and solve complicated puzzles or operate complex mechanisms. All attributes start at one. No one skill will get you through the whole game, you can specialise, but it’s a good idea to focus on more than one skill! Throughout the story you will get the opportunity to raise these attributes further. Sometimes the narrative will branch, and it won't always be clear which skills are going to come into play. How you choose to tackle problems will also influence other character's opinion of you. If someone isn't impressed by your feats of strength they may be more impressed if you were charming or intelligent. In the next section you will determine your starting stats by detailing your character's origin story. [[You were born in the late 15th century of Imperial Rule. |Heritage]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Your mother was a lowborn peasant and you never met your father. When you asked about him your mother told you he was... A human nobleman who paid her off and sent her away. [[+1 Intuition|EarlyYears][$Intuition += 1]] An orc soldier whom she met as part of an officer’s household staff. He was killed in a great battle. [[+1 Strength|EarlyYears][$Strength += 1]] An elven acrobat from a travelling circus, who seduced her and disappeared the next morning. [[+1 Dexterity|EarlyYears][$Dexterity += 1]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Your starting stats are Stamina: $Stamina Strength: $Strength Dexterity: $Dexterity Charisma: $Charisma Intuition: $Intuition Are you happy with this result? [[Yes |Prologue]] [[Pick Again |PickAgain]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> As the vagrant is dragged away you see he's dropped something on the floor. It glitters in the sunlight. You wander over and scoop it up. It’s an amulet, circular, made of gold. It depicts a horned skull surrounded by thorns. You’ve never seen the symbol before. Why would the beggar have this? It looks valuable. Frowning, you [[head back to your seat. |SitDown]] </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Inserts/amulet.png"> </div> <<set $FoundAmulet = true>>

<div class="text-box"> Apart from a crazed smile on his face you [[don't notice anything else about the vagrant. |SitDown]] <<set $FoundAmulet to false>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Crazy bastard,” Gael mutters and goes back to his coffee. “Have you ever heard of The Lord in Slumber?” you ask Gael. He shakes his head. “No, I imagine it’s just another cult from some country the empire conquered long ago,” he muses. It's been centuries since the empire completed its conquest of the continent. The four kingdoms all swear fealty to the Emperor and have done so for generations. The clatter of horse hooves and carriage wheels brings your attention back to the market stalls across the square. A pair of grey horses emerge from the side street leading a painted blue carriage decorated with elaborate gold filigree. A top-hatted coachman sits in the driver’s position, next to him a burly orc with greasy black hair and an intricately engraved firearm cradled in his lap. The coach comes to a stop and the orc leaps down to the street. He carries himself like a soldier but he’s not dressed accordingly. He makes disciplined, deliberate movements. You get the impression this is a well rehearsed activity. The orc’s gaze sweeps over the crowd. Seemingly satisfied, he slings the musket over his shoulder and moves around the carriage to the passenger door. The coachman hurries to place a small set of stairs in front of the exit. A young woman emerges, wearing a fine green and white dress. Brilliant red locks of hair frame a heart shaped face and dazzling emerald eyes. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Inserts/Effie-Prologue.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> “Aha!” Gael laughs, following your gaze. “Why do I have the distinct impression we didn’t come here to sample the coffee?" You smirk and throw up your hands in defeat. “You caught me. I saw her here this time last week. I know her, Gael, she’s Hamish Carrington’s daughter." “Hamish…” Gael contemplates the name. “You mean Lord Carrington? Peer of the realm, fantastically wealthy, has the King’s ear, that Lord Carrington?" [[You nod your head. |SitDown2]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Now you hear marching feet coming from that direction. Raised voices. Screams. A throng of red-faced, shouting people materialises from the main street. They’re waving torches and throwing stones, bricks, and glass bottles. Windows are smashing. You see a couple of hooligans set a merchant’s stand alight, fine silk tapestries and carpets curling up in the blaze. Torches are hurled through the broken windows. “Ah and here I was thinking we might finally get a summer without a riot!” Gael snorts and rises to his feet. “How foolish of me. Come my friend, I think it’s time we made our exit.” Your eyes snap to the carriage across the square. A rioter smashes a bottle at the feet of one of the horses, startling it. The driver flinches and the horses bolt, charging through stalls and knocking over carts piled high with fruits and vegetables. The orc bodyguard curses, shaking a fist the size of a ham in the wake of the chaos caused by the spooked animals. He turns, pushing Effie inside the tailor’s shop as their position is swiftly overrun by rioters. You see him putting up a good fight, but he won’t last long. “She’s in trouble!” you yell, as you stand, knocking over your chair. Gael sighs as you [[rush to her aid. |GetToEffie]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> The square is thick with panicking people. You see one man who falls and is trampled by the crowd. You need to get over to that tailor's shop as quickly as possible if you're going to get Effie out of there unharmed. Drop your shoulder and charge through the crowd, pushing them out of the way. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto ChargeSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto ChargeFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> You see a path across the roofs of the market stalls. Climb them and jump from stall to stall, bypassing the crowd. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto ClimbSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto ClimbFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> Yell at the top of your lungs for people to get out of your way. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto YellSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto YellFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You barge, shove, push, and elbow your way through the crowd. The startled people you batter out of your way have little time to protest as you swiftly make your way [[across the square. |OutsideTailors]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You make some progress barging and pushing your way through the crowd, but as you approach the tailor’s shop you’re suddenly tripped and crash through one of the many merchant’s stalls. It collapses under your weight and you fall, face first, to the floor. [[You stand and dust yourself off. |OutsideTailors]] <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina.</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You jump up on a table and then to the roof of a nearby merchant’s stall. It creaks and groans, beginning to give way under your weight. You hurriedly dash from one stall to the next, toppling the unsteady stands to the floor. As you approach the tailor’s store the last booth gives way underneath you. You crash through it and roll clumsily [[to your feet. |OutsideTailors]] <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina.</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You leap up on a table and jump to the roof of the nearest stall, it seems strong enough to take your weight. You bound from one to the next, springing from the last stall and landing nimbly in front of the [[tailor’s shop. |OutsideTailors]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You draw yourself to your full height, bellowing “Make way!” at the top of your lungs. Thankfully, the panicked throngs ahead of you take notice; people begin to filter slowly but steadily out of your path as you [[continue to yell. |OutsideTailors]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> “Move you stupid bastards!” you yell, at the top of your lungs. Few of the panicked people seem to take notice and your progress through the crowd is slow and clumsy. As you near the tailor’s shop you spot a panicked merchant, his arms piled high with wares, attempting to flee. He hasn’t noticed you. You open your mouth to make your presence known, but it’s too late. You collide, sending you sprawling to the floor in front of the shop. [[You stand and dust yourself off. |OutsideTailors]] <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina.</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> A semi-circle of rioters has formed around the shop entrance. The rioters are laughing and hooting as the orc bodyguard wrestles with a couple of goons. You circle around to get a better view. He’s putting up a good fight but is in danger of being overwhelmed. Glancing inside the shop you see Effie and the shopkeeper cowering behind some furniture. Wade into the fight on the orc’s side. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto TailorFightSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto TailorFightFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> Check your surroundings for a way to help. <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Intuition Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto TailorHelpSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto TailorHelpFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> There’s an open second-story window, leave the orc and climb into the shop. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto TailorClimbSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto TailorClimbFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You push your way into the impromptu arena and get ready to fight. One of the thugs has jumped on the orc’s back and is throttling him. You grab him and toss him into the nearby spectators, bowling over a few of them. The crowd cheers and laughs, they don’t seem overly concerned with who actually wins the brawl. As you turn back to the fight you see the orc is a little unsteady on his feet, hands up, blocking blow after blow aimed for his head. He finds an opening and lashes out with a powerful hook, the rioter attacking him going down hard. He turns to figure out what happened to his other opponent and sees you. Unfortunately he doesn't see the incoming brick hurled from the crowd. It connects with his face, producing a sickening *crunch* and he collapses against the building’s wall, blood streaming from his nose. The entertainment over, someone in the crowd boos and tosses an oil lamp through the broken shop window. The many fine ball gowns and men’s suits catch light, and risk turning the entrance into a roaring blaze. [[You rush inside the shop. |Dressmakers]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You push your way into the impromptu arena and ready yourself for a fight. One of the orc’s assailants turns to engage you, a flurry of blows coming quick and unrelenting. You raise your hands to defend your head, but your assailant switches to pummeling your body. You’re outmatched here, but luckily you’ve given the orc enough time to dispatch his opponent. The burly green man pulls your foe away, locking him in a chokehold. The rioter’s eyes roll back in his head. Soon after, he goes limp and the orc drops him. He turns his focus onto you, but the momentary distraction prevents him from seeing the incoming brick hurled from the crowd. It connects with his face, producing a sickening *crunch* and he collapses against the building’s wall, blood streaming from his nose. The entertainment over, someone in the crowd boos and tosses an oil lamp through the broken shop window. The many fine ball gowns and men’s suits catch light, and risk turning the entrance into a roaring blaze. [[You rush inside the shop. |Dressmakers]] <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> The shop has a cloth awning fastened to the wall supported by two flimsy wooden poles. You push your way into the clearing and kick out one of the poles, grabbing the awning and tearing it from the wall. It comes free and you toss it over one of the orc’s assailants, wrapping him up and giving him a swift kick to unbalance him. Free to focus on his other opponent the bodyguard lands a well placed haymaker. The rioter falls to the ground unconcious. He turns his focus onto you, but the momentary distraction prevents him from seeing the incoming brick hurled from the crowd. It connects with his face, producing a sickening *crunch* and he collapses against the building’s wall, blood streaming from his nose. The entertainment over, someone in the crowd boos and tosses an oil lamp through the broken shop window. The many fine ball gowns and men’s suits catch light, and risk turning the entrance into a roaring blaze. [[You rush inside the shop. |Dressmakers]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You jump onto a gutter and swiftly scale it to the second story. The shop has a large cloth awning fastened to the wall and you roll out onto it, placing yourself in front of the open window. You gracefully flip yourself over the windowsill and into a small bedroom. You head down the nearby staircase and emerge at the back of the shop. You can see Effie and the shopkeeper here, but they have their backs turned to you. Through the window at the front of the shop you see the bodyguard finish off the last of the assailants and turn to check on the shop’s interior. Unfortunately he doesn't see the incoming brick hurled from the crowd. It connects with the back of his head and he collapses against the building’s wall, blood streaming from a gash in his scalp. The entertainment over, someone in the crowd boos and tosses an oil lamp through the broken shop window. The many fine ball gowns and men’s suits catch light, and risk turning the entrance into a [[roaring blaze. |Dressmakers]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> The shop has a large cloth awning fastened to the wall and supported by two wooden poles at the front. You push your way into the clearing and kick out one of the poles, grabbing the awning and tearing it from the wall. It comes loose more easily than you expected and you lose your balance, stumbling backwards. You try to wrap the loose material over the head of one of the orc’s assailants but he’s figured out what you’re trying to do. He overpowers you and now you’re the one tangled up with a cloth over your head, blows raining down on you from multiple directions. It seems your cunning plan has given the orc enough time to dispatch his opponent though, and he shifts his attention to your assailant. Soon after, the material is lifted from your eyes and you see the confused, but grateful, face of the orc staring down at you. Unfortunately this prevents him from noticing the incoming brick hurled from the crowd. It connects with his face, producing a sickening *crunch*. He collapses against the building’s wall, blood streaming from his nose. The entertainment over, someone in the crowd boos and tosses an oil lamp through the broken shop window. The many fine ball gowns and men’s suits catch light, and risk turning the entrance into a roaring blaze. [[You rush inside the shop. |Dressmakers]] <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You jump onto a gutter and swiftly scale it to the second story. The shop has a large cloth awning fastened to the wall and you roll out onto it, intending to place yourself in front of the open window. Unfortunately the awning is in poorer condition than you thought, an ominous tearing sound in your ears just as you’re reaching for the windowsill. You plummet through the awning and land atop one of the orc’s assailants, knocking him out along with the wind from your lungs. Luckily the distraction gives the orc the opportunity to dispatch his assailant. He moves to help you to your feet. Unfortunately this prevents him from noticing the incoming brick hurled from the crowd. It connects with his face, producing a sickening *crunch* and he collapses against the building’s wall, blood streaming from his nose. The entertainment over, someone in the crowd boos and tosses an oil lamp through the broken shop window. The many fine ball gowns and men’s suits catch light, and risk turning the entrance into a roaring blaze. [[You rush inside the shop. |Dressmakers]] <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Kurz, oh no!” Effie cries out, and makes a move towards the shop entrance. The fire is spreading rapidly and smoke is beginning to fill the room. “Effie no!”, you shout, “We have to leave!” She points outside and begins to say something but stops as her eyes meet yours. A look of confusion spreads across her face. “What are you doing here? I don’t understand what’s happening!” she cries, falling to her knees. She begins coughing and spluttering from the smoke. You rush forward and help her to her feet as the fire moves to engulf the front door, blocking your exit. “There’s no time to explain, we have to get out of here right now!” You turn to the shopkeeper. “Is there another exit?” You manoeuvre Effie away from the fire. Her grip tightens in your hand, turning her knuckles white. The tailor rubs soot from his spectacles with a fine handkerchief before setting them back on his face with a shaking hand. “Uh, oh my. Yes, we can leave through the back door, it leads to an alleyway behind the shop. Follow me!” He pulls back a set of drapes and heads for the rear of the building. Effie tugs at your coat. “No, wait! We have to help Kurz, my bodyguard. We can’t just leave him out there!” Just grab her and go, you can apologise later. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto TailorGrabSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto TailorGrabFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> Try to convince her it’s too late to go back. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto TailorConvinceSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto TailorConvinceFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> Kingsport <a href="#" onclick="window.open('images/Inserts/Etrantus.png', 'Image', 'width=1280,height=720') ;return false;" style="color: mediumseagreen;">Kingdom of Etrantus</a> The Cerulean Empire Summer 1496 I.R. It’s a warm summer afternoon in a bustling city square. An easterly wind brings the salty tang of the ocean to mingle with the more prominent smells of the city, chiefly horse manure or the occasional overflowing sewer. You sit outside a café with your good friend, Gael, over a cup of what’s become the newest sensation in the city, coffee. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Inserts/Gael.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> Gael is an elf and, like you, lowborn. You met about a year ago in a tavern brawl that left you with a couple of broken ribs on top of an atrocious hangover. Since that night you've gone on to pull several lucrative jobs together and you consider him the closest friend you've made since moving to the city. “So, what do you think?” Gael asks. “Hmm?” You respond. Your eyes keep turning from the conversation to the opposite side of the square. “The coffee? Don’t you find it restorative?” “Oh, it’s . . . bitter," you mumble. Gael frowns at you from behind his cup. “I’ve seen that look on your face before. You’re nervous! Why do you keep glancing over there? [[Are you expecting trouble?” |Prologue2]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> [[You were born late in the 15th century of Imperial Rule. |Heritage]] </div> <<set $Stamina to 5>> <<set $Strength to 1>> <<set $Dexterity to 1>> <<set $Charisma to 1>> <<set $Intuition to 1>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>>

<div class="text-box"> “It’s too dangerous,” you wheeze as the smoke catches in your lungs. Parts of the ceiling are beginning to collapse. You tighten your grip and [[pull her away from the blaze. |TailorEscape]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You turn to pull her in the direction of the exit when her hand slips from yours and she makes a dash towards the window. “Effie, no!” you shout and move to grab her. You manage to pull her away just as a beam comes loose from the ceiling, crashing down on your back and knocking you to the floor. You shield her from the blow, but it’s knocked the wind out of your lungs. Gasping and wheezing for air, you roll the beam off your back. Effie helps you to your feet and [[apologises profusely. |TailorEscape]] <span style="color: red;">-1 stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina -1>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You give her hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’m sorry, there just isn’t anything we can do for him from here.” She turns to look through the smoke and fire, despair turning to acceptance on her face. Parts of the ceiling are beginning to collapse. A simple “alright,” is all she can manage to choke out [[through her tears. |TailorEscape]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> “He’s on his own!” you blurt out, and then wish you hadn’t. Her eyes fill with tears and she collapses to the ground sobbing. As you bend to pick her up a beam comes loose from the ceiling, crashing down on your back and knocking you to the floor. You shield her from the blow, but it’s knocked the wind out of your lungs. Gasping and wheezing for air, you roll the beam off your back. Effie is shaken, but helps you to your feet and [[you head for the back of the shop. |TailorEscape]] <span style="color: red;">-1 stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> Everyone assembles in the back of the shop where the tailor fumbles in his coat pocket and produces a key. The door is unlocked and you make your way outside to an alleyway that leads onto a small street behind the square. It seems the rioters are clashing with some of the local authorities. You can hear the odd musket crack and clashing of swords. The tailor rushes out of the alley and into the street. Unfortunately, he is quickly swept away in a flood of angry rioters. It looks too dangerous to make a run for it. You glance around for your next move. There’s a ladder against the opposite building, we could [[escape across the rooftops. |AcrossRooftops]] Or there's a side door on the opposite building that doesn’t look too sturdy. Kick it down and [[head through the building. |ThroughBuilding]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You hold the ladder and motion for Effie to start climbing. “Up there? Really?” she sounds doubtful. “Don’t worry I’ll help you,” you reassure her, making sure the ladder is steady. Reluctantly, she begins climbing. Once she’s made it to the rooftop you swiftly scale the side of the building to join her. The district is thick with rioters. You can see smoke from several fires dotted across this area of the city. Wind is blowing the smoke from the fires away from the rooftops to the west. The closest building on that trajectory is a long arcade that should take you away from the majority of the crowds. You haul the ladder up behind you and lay it across the gap between the buildings. Effie shakes her head at you. “Are you crazy, I can’t get across that!” she whimpers. “Yes you can, I’ll help you. Just look straight ahead,” you tell her. You take her arm and place it around your waist. Then you edge out over the precipice. Your progress is slow but steady until about half way across. A sharp gust of wind catches Effie’s skirts and she yelps, momentarily losing her balance. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto LadderGrabSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto LadderGrabFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Come on, let’s try through here,” you say, and beckon Effie over. You square up to the door and give it a kick. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto BrothelKickSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto BrothelKickFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You twist and grab her, leaping backwards awkwardly and falling to your back on the opposite rooftop. Your head cracks against the stone tiles as Effie comes down on top of you. The ladder slips from its perch and clatters to the street below. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> “By the Gods that was close,” she breathes in your ear. Her face is flushed. You realise how close your lips are. You linger for a second, she looks up into your eyes and your pulse begins to race. You let her go. She clears her throat and smooths out her dress. “Okay, well done. We just need to get back down to the street now,” you tell her. “Right,” she says, looking around. “And how are we doing that?” You search for a solution. The far end of the roof has a flagpole on it with a rope running to street level used to raise and lower the imperial standard. You head over and give the rope an experimental tug, then hold out a hand to Effie. She sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Alright, we’ve come this far. You’re sure it will take our weight?” “We’re about to find out,” you grin at her. She climbs onto your back, her arms wrapping tightly around your chest. You make sure Effie is secure and then step out over the edge of the roof. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto RappellSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto RappellFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You twist and grab her, leaping backwards the rest of the way and safely landing on the opposite rooftop with her in your arms. The ladder slips from its perch and clatters to the street below. “By the Gods that was close,” she breathes in your ear. Her face is flushed. You realise how close your lips are. You linger for a second, she looks up into your eyes and your pulse begins to race. You let her go. She clears her throat and smooths out her dress. “Okay, well done. We just need to get back down to the street now,” you tell her. “Right,” she says, looking around. “And how are we doing that?” You search for a solution. The far end of the roof has a flagpole on it with a rope running to street level used to raise and lower the @@.image-link;<<link "imperial standard.">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Inserts/ImperialStandard.png]]"); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@ You head over and give the rope an experimental tug, then hold out a hand to Effie. She sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Alright, we’ve come this far. You’re sure it will take our weight?” “We’re about to find out,” you grin at her. She climbs onto your back, her arms wrapping tightly around your chest. You make sure Effie is secure and then step out over the edge of the roof. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto RappellSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto RappellFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You’re about half way down the building when Effie squeaks out “I’m slipping!” You feel her grip loosen around your chest and stab out your hand to grab hers. You connect just in time, the force of her fall wrenching a muscle in your shoulder painfully. You manage to haul her high enough to grab onto your waist, and [[descend the rest of the way to the ground. |Barricade]] <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> Effie scrunches her eyes shut and gasps as you slide rapidly to the street below. She climbs from your back and you [[take stock of your surroundings. |Barricade]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You’re on a narrow street near the edge of the market district. To the east you hear the continuing sounds of the riot, they seem to be moving off from this area. You realise heading west would take you on a route back to your lodgings in Cheapside. You and Effie could lay low there until it was safe to get her back to her estate. The only problem you see is that the rioters, having passed through this area, appear to have left a barricade in the street right in the direction you need to be heading. You see a few civilians lingering nearby, seemingly in the same predicament as you are. It's through the barricade, or take your chances tangling with the rioters again. You motion Effie to follow and lead her towards the obstruction. Take charge and organise the crowd to help you tear down the barricade. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto OrganiseBlockSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto OrganiseBlockFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> Get your hands dirty and start tearing the thing down yourself. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto TearBlockSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto TearBlockFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> Examine the barricade more thoroughly, perhaps there’s a weak spot? <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Intuition Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto WeakBlockSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WeakBlockFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Alright people,” you raise your voice to be heard over the muttering crowd. “We’ve all had a long day and would like to be home and safe, let’s see if we can’t get this thing down, shall we?” You begin pulling down broken chairs and tables, remnants of shattered doors and market stalls. A muscular orc gentleman with a long ponytail comes over to help, then some more men. Effie and a few women begin clearing away the debris you’re pulling down from the barricade to make passage through to the other side easier. After about half an hour of work the first couple of people are through to the other side. You take Effie’s hand again and [[squeeze through the gap. |WalkHome]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> “Oh come on!” you moan. You begin tugging at broken tables and chairs stacked in the barricade. “Can I get some help here, people?” Nobody looks impressed, the majority seem content to stand by and see what happens. Effie starts pulling bits and pieces from the pile and stacking them off to one side. Eventually a single orc gentleman with a ponytail comes to offer his help. It takes over an hour of back-breaking work for you to clear a hole safe enough for people to pass through. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> You take Effie by the hand and [[squeeze through the gap. |WalkHome]] </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You roll up your sleeves and get to work. The barricade consists of broken tables and chairs. Doors ripped from their hinges, odd scraps of lumber and the like. Nothing too taxing for you, but you’re not taking sufficient care to bring the obstruction down safely. A solid oak table topples from its perch and comes down right on your back, sending you to the floor. Effie rushes over to help you up, and the rest of your progress is slowed. Finally, you clear enough debris for people to slip through to the other side. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> You take Effie by the hand and [[squeeze through the gap. |WalkHome]] </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You roll up your sleeves and get to work. The barricade consists of broken tables and chairs. Doors ripped from their hinges, odd scraps of lumber and the like. Nothing too taxing for you, but it takes you nearly an hour before you finally have a path through which you deem safe enough to try. You take Effie by the hand and [[squeeze through the gap. |WalkHome]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You take a closer look at the hastily erected structure before you. You trace the lines of broken tables, chairs, and doors. Odd bits of lumber here and there prop up dusty cabinets and an overturned horse cart. Then you see it, a solid oak table on top of a rickety wardrobe that looks like it’s about to collapse. You tell Effie to stand back and give the wardrobe a few experimental kicks. At first nothing seems to happen. Then a creak. A snap. Then an almighty crash as the wardrobe collapses, the table coming down atop it. Debris slides off the table and into the street before you, leaving a ramp and a good sized hole through the middle of the barricade. You clamber up the table and help Effie through the gap [[then follow soon after. |WalkHome]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You take a closer look at the hastily erected structure before you. You trace the lines of broken tables, chairs and doors. Odd bits of lumber here and there prop up dusty cabinets and an overturned horse cart. Then you see it, a solid oak table on top of a rickety wardrobe that looks like it’s about to collapse. You tell Effie to stand back and give the wardrobe a few experimental kicks. At first nothing seems to happen. Then a creak, a snapping sound, then an almighty crash as the wardrobe collapses, the table coming down atop it. Debris slides off the table at an astonishing speed, surprising you. An old cart wheel rolls down the ramp you’ve created and bounces once, twice, then collides with your chest, knocking the breath out of you. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> Breathing heavily, you look up to see the table acting as a ramp up to a hole in the makeshift wall that's big enough to pass through. You clamber up the table and help Effie through the gap [[then follow soon after. |WalkHome]] </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> The door crashes open and you motion for Effie to follow you inside. You find yourselves in a tight corridor stacked with wicker baskets. You peer inside one to find dirty bed sheets, underwear, and other assorted laundry. “What is this place?” Effie asks. “Not sure,” you reply. “Could be an inn, I suppose?” You head down the corridor. At the end is a single door, marked with a sign. “Working girls only?” Effie reads from the sign. You push open the door and head through, straight into a dressing room. Women sit around the room in various states of undress. They turn, as one, to face you. Effie’s face turns beet red. You notice the angry expressions on the faces of the beautiful ladies in the room. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto PacifyBrothelSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto PacifyBrothelFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> It doesn’t budge. You give it a couple more kicks. Still nothing. You step back and take a run at the door, smashing it open with your shoulder. You hear something go *crunch* and pain shoots up and down your arm. At least the door is open. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> You motion for Effie to follow you inside. You find yourselves in a tight corridor stacked with wicker baskets. You peer inside one to find dirty bed sheets, underwear, and other assorted laundry. “What is this place?” Effie asks. “Not sure,” you reply. “Could be an inn, I suppose?” You head down the corridor. At the end is a single door, marked with a sign. “Working girls only?” Effie reads from the sign. You push open the door and head through, straight into a dressing room. Women sit around the room in various states of undress. They turn, as one, to face you. Effie’s face turns beet red. You notice the angry expressions on the faces of the beautiful ladies in the room. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto PacifyBrothelSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto PacifyBrothelFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “My apologies ladies, just trying to escape a riot, we’ll be moving right along!” You make your excuses as Effie grabs your hand, pulling you through the crowd and towards the exit on the other side of the room. You hear some grumbles and moans, someone yells “Get out!” as you pass and then you’re [[through the door and onto a stage. |Carlottas]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You find yourself tongue-tied at the sight before you. “Uh, sorry. Sorry! Excuse us,” you offer weakly as Effie pulls you through the crowd. Someone yells, “Get out!” and throws a hairbrush at you. Soon all the women are throwing objects at you. Just as you reach the door at the other end of the room a hand mirror strikes you in the back of the head. You pass [[through the door and find yourself on a stage. |Carlottas]] <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> This room is some sort of theatre. There are no windows, soft lighting from candles shrouded by red glass illuminates a couple of employees setting up some tables and chairs. Your mind begins to race wondering what manner of show is put on in an establishment such as this. This must be Carlotta's! The premier entertainment venue in the city. A private gentleman's club; its location is known only to select clientele. Gael is not going to believe this. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Inserts/Carlottas.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> There’s an ageing theran tending bar at the back of the room. His tail droops and his grey ears prick up as he notices you. He slings a dirty rag over his shoulder as you jump off the stage and approach. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Inserts/Bartender.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> “We’re not open yet, how did you get back there?” he asks. “We broke in, there’s a riot going on out there, you know,” you explain. “Huh. How ‘bout that,” the bartender muses. He doesn’t seem particularly phased by the idea of a riot, or two people breaking into the dressing room for that matter. You notice you can’t hear the sound of the rioting outside. The building must have some strong noise proofing. “We’re just trying to get out of the district,” Effie offers, her voice hoarse from the smoke. The bartender grabs two glasses from under the bar and fills them with an amber liquid. You down yours in one. It’s top shelf stuff, definitely expensive. Effie gives hers an experimental sniff before shrugging and knocking it back. The bartender chuckles. You begin to dig in your pocket for some coins but the bartender waves you off. He motions you to a set of stairs in the corner. “Red door. Good luck,” he says with a simple smile. At the top of the stairs you find the red door. Beyond is a small reception, a well dressed lady with greying hair and a severe expression sits behind a desk. To her left is an exit to the street. She doesn't say anything, merely gives you a quizzical look as [[you and Effie shuffle outside. |Barricade]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> It seems like the worst of the riot is behind you now. You take a breath and allow yourself to relax a bit. Effie links her arm in yours as you walk together through deserted streets. The sun is beginning to dip below the horizon. The lamplighters that usually emerge at this time are nowhere in sight, leaving the streets in ominous shadow. You notice Effie is quiet, looking down at her feet. She seems to be trying to process what just happened. “We should be safe now,” you offer, trying to reassure her. “I’ll take you to my lodgings, it’s not pretty but should be safe enough until we can get you back to your family.” She looks you in the eye. “I can’t thank you enough, but I’m more than a little confused,” she replies. “I get the feeling it wasn’t a coincidence you were nearby to save me?” she asks, one eyebrow cocked. You grimace, rubbing the back of your neck with your free hand. “I may have been looking for you. This wasn’t how I pictured a reunion though.” “Looking for me? Or stalking me?” Effie asks impishly. You laugh. “You’re the second person to suggest that,” you say with a grin, which drops from your face as you realise you lost track of Gael as soon as the riot started. You hope he’s alright. “Well, whatever the reason, I’m alive thanks to you,” she hugs her body closer to yours, giving your arm a squeeze. “I hope Kurz made it out." You wonder if there was more you could have done to help the orc, but he seemed like a tough fellow. [[Hopefully he survived.]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “I don’t remember a Kurz when I was at the estate. Is he new?” you ask Effie. “He came to us after you'd left. Father recruited him from the Bluecoats last year to be my bodyguard." You nod your head as she continues. “I wanted the freedom to go into town. Father was worried about my safety, what with the unrest among the peasantry." “He’s a shrewd man, your Father. I always liked him. I mean, he's alright for a nobleman,” you tease her. She laughs softly, then grows quiet. After a pause she looks at you again. “Why did you leave? You know Father would have given you a better position if you had asked for it.” You consider how to answer. The reality is you left because of Effie. You knew there was truth in what Gael was saying earlier today. You’d developed feelings for a person you had no future with. You never found the courage to tell her how you felt. Even if she had wanted to run off with you, her father's men would have hunted her down and brought her home. Not to mention what they would have done to you. “My reasons were…complicated,” is all you can think to say. “I was terribly disappointed when you left. It wasn’t something I did, was it?” “No,” you answer, perhaps too quickly. “No, the life of a servant wasn’t appealing to me anymore. I wanted something I wasn’t going to get if I had stayed.” She doesn’t seem entirely satisfied by your answer, but senses [[you aren’t going to go into further detail.]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You walk on for a bit in silence, until you turn onto the street considered the end of the market district and the beginning of Cheapside. Your lodgings are not far off in a run down little boarding house nestled between a reasonably clean tavern and a decidedly unclean stable. Compared to the market district, this area of the city is visibly less affluent. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Locations/Lodgings.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> Effie holds you a little tighter and says, “I’ve never been to this part of the city before. It’s…nice." “It’s affordable,” you reply. “It has to be when your neighbours are constantly looking for an opportunity to rob you blind.” She gives you a worried look. “Don’t worry, I’m only joking. Mostly. We’ll be safe here until the morning when I can get you back home.” However, as you enter your street you’re surprised to see, parked outside of your building, a blue carriage covered in gold filigree and drawn by two grey horses. A now top-hatless driver sits in the passenger seat beside a blonde elf. There also appears to be a large, unconscious orc inside the carriage with a bloody bandage wrapped around his head. Gael hops down from the carriage and marches up to you with a big grin on his face. [[He performs an elaborate bow to Effie. |Joyride]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “I really don’t know how to thank you. You must take some reward…” she begins. You hold up your hand to cut her off. “Of course not, I’m just happy you’re safe Effie.” “I’m so happy too…I mean,” she trails off, unsure of what to say. “M'lady, we should be leaving before it gets any darker!” her coachman calls out to her. “Oh yes,” she turns towards her carriage. “Coming, Withers!" You help her up into the passenger compartment. “Thank you again,” she says, as the door closes. The driver cracks the reins and the carriage begins to move off down the street. Gael moves to stand beside you as you watch it pull away. Effie leans out of the window to wave goodbye, then blows you a kiss. The carriage disappears around a corner. “Come, my friend. Share a drink with me and you can tell me all about your adventure with the glamorous Lady Carrington,” Gael pulls you in the direction of the nearby tavern. "And you're buying," he adds. [[End of Prologue |OneWeekLater]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> In your early years your mother found a job in Kingsport, the capital city of the Kingdom of Etrantus, one of the many kingdoms subject to imperial rule. While your mother was working days you... Snuck off with the local orphans and urchins of the street, pickpocketing and stealing from merchants. [[+1 Dexterity|LaterInLife][$Dexterity += 1]] Hung around the local theatres where you were watched over by the entertainers backstage. [[+1 Charisma|LaterInLife][$Charisma += 1]] Helped at the local church where the priests taught you about the Gods. [[+1 Intuition|LaterInLife][$Intuition += 1]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Later in life your mother went to work at the estate of Lord Hamish Carrington, a prominent noble in the city. You lived in the servants' quarters on the estate, and worked days as the lord’s... Stable boy, shovelling shit and hay kept you busy most days. [[+1 Strength |Adulthood][$Strength += 1]] Gamekeeper’s assistant, stalking game and hunting with bow and musket. [[+1 Dexterity |Adulthood][$Dexterity += 1]] Houseboy, exposed to the many curious customs and rules of etiquette of the noble class. [[+1 Charisma |Adulthood][$Charisma += 1]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> When you reached adulthood you decided to leave Lord Carrington's service and strike out on your own. You live in Kingsport, but honest work is hard to come by. If you want to survive here, you have to get your hands a little dirty. You work as... An enforcer and bounty hunter for one of the many unsavoury elements of the city. [[+1 Strength |Stamina][$Strength += 1]] An entertainer, playing music, telling stories in local public houses, sometimes charming and robbing foolish nobles. [[+1 Charisma |Stamina][$Charisma += 1]] A conman, gambling and hustling your way through the city’s gaming parlours and public houses. [[+1 Intuition |Stamina][$Intuition += 1]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Beyond your four main stats you have an additional attribute called Stamina. You start the game with 5 stamina points. Think of them as a combination of your character's health, energy, and will to press through the challenges ahead. Should you take damage in combat or fail a task you might lose a stamina point. If your stamina reaches zero you will fail and have to reload an earlier save! You will periodically have opportunities to restore lost stamina. Save at any time using the button on the sidebar. When you fail a challenge you will not be able to attempt it again, but sometimes you will expend a stamina point in order to progress. Remember to play to your strengths! As you progress through the story you will have opportunities to level attributes of your choice. [[Let's review your choices |ReviewChoices]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Tensions have been rising in the kingdom as of late. Year after year, people have been put out of work by fantastic innovations in the industrial world. Ingenious machines replacing labourers on farms and in workshops throughout the empire. “No, it’s nothing. Don’t worry about it,” you reply. In truth you are expecting something. Or rather, someone. “The time is nigh!” a voice from the crowd calls out. A filthy beggar dressed in rags shuffles past, ringing a bell and hollering at the top of his lungs. “The Lord in Slumber will awaken and throw down the pretender Gods! Fire will rain from the sky!" he cackles maniacally. "The seas will boil and the ground will open to swallow you whole! Repent! Repent you heathens!” He shambles past your table, leaving a lingering stench of stale sweat and sour ale. Soon enough a couple of Bluecoats arrive to hustle him away, likely into an alleyway for a good beating. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Inserts/Bluecoats.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> Take a closer look at the vagrant. <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Intuition Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto FoundAmulet>> <<else>> <<goto NoAmulet>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Bullshit, you don’t know her!” Gael laughs. “I do, we were childhood friends,” you hit back. “My mother was a maid on the staff. She brought me to their estate where I served them too.” Gael scoffs. “You’re delusional my friend! You were not ‘childhood friends’, you were her father’s servant. I wager the girl never knew you even existed!” You wince, your pride a little wounded. “She’s not like other noble girls," you reply. "She was sweet to me. We would take walks and…” Gael cuts you off. “Oh and she confessed her undying love to you? Promised you would run away together and leave behind all of her fantastic wealth and privilege?” His voice drips with sarcasm. You roll your eyes at Gael and turn your attention back to the young woman. Her name is Effie, or, more properly, the Lady Euphemia Constance Carrington. To you, she was always just Effie. Close in age when your mother moved you to live with the servants, you and Effie were frequently seen together about the grounds when you could get time away from your duties. You saw her here last week, entering a tailor’s shop, she appeared to be having a dress made. You’ve been coming back to this spot all week in the hopes of running into her picking it up. “Go over and talk to her then, if you’re such close friends,” Gael presses you, jabbing you in the ribs with his finger. “I am sure her orc bodyguard there would have no qualms about beating you into a bloody pulp right in the middle of the street!" He gives you a big grin. “Or do you simply intend to stalk this poor girl?” You begin to object to the use of the word ‘stalk’ but stop as you notice a murmur run through the crowd. People seem to be pointing at something over on the east side of the square, the opposite direction from which the carriage emerged. Turning your eyes upwards you see thick black curls of smoke rising into the distance. It seems [[a building is alight just a few streets over. |RiotStart]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “My lady,” Gael breaks the stunned silence. “I do hope you don’t mind me taking your carriage for a little spin about the city, only, the driver seemed to have abandoned it. Of course, I made sure to retrieve both of your servants before leaving the district.” “Lady Carrington,” you make the introductions. “May I introduce my associate, Gael Kildrathen. Gael, this is Lady Carrington.” “So pleased to meet you, Mr. Kildrathen,” Effie curtsies with a big smile. “I’m truly grateful to you for saving my servants, truly grateful.” She hurries over to her carriage to check on her bodyguard. Gael slings his arm over your shoulder as he turns to watch Effie. “I hope you aren't going to make a habit of running into burning buildings after beautiful maidens,” he lowers his voice to speak to you. “I’m not interrupting any plans you might have had for the evening with your lady friend?” You elbow him in the ribs. “No, nothing like that, just glad she’s safe,” you tell him, though it’s hard to keep a smile from your face. Effie climbs down from the carriage and comes back over to you. “Withers says he’s alright to drive me back home tonight. Oh, I must thank you again Mr. Kildrathen.” “Please, call me Gael. And it was my utmost pleasure to be of service to you, my lady,” he gives another exaggerated bow, twirling his hand in circles in front of him. Effie turns her attention back to you while Gael [[moves off to give you some privacy.]] </div>

<<set $Stamina to 5>> <<set $Stress to 0>> <<set $Strength to 1>> <<set $Dexterity to 1>> <<set $Charisma to 1>> <<set $Intuition to 1>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $ChoseMelee = true>> <<set $ChoseRanged = true>> <<set $ChoseArmour = true>> <<set $MeleeWeapon to "dagger">> <<set $RangedWeapon to "pistol">> <<set $Armour to "leather vest">> <<set $CharacterName to "Dante">>

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<div class="text-box"> The Horse and Hammer Cheapside Kingsport “You know Red Rudy?" You look up from your ale as Gael slides into the seat across from you at the table. “Barman at The Gull and Barrel. Tavern in the docks. Rough place,” you say. “I was there last evening,” Gael continues. “He introduced me to someone, a funny little man called Hardy. Apparently, this Hardy fellow is apprenticed to a master jeweller in the city." Your ears prick up at that. “You have a job lined up?” you ask. Jewellery is Gael’s speciality. “Potentially. Wanted to see what you thought first. Probably a two person job, short notice." Gael reaches across the table and finishes the ale you’ve been mulling over for the last half hour. He catches the serving girl’s eye, a sweet girl named Emma whose father owns this place. Gael raises two fingers and she nods, turning to [[head for the bar. |BrewerStreetJob01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> [[One week later. |BrewerStreetJob]] </div> <<set $Stamina to 5>>

<div class="text-box"> “Who’s the jeweller?” you ask. Emma brings two more ales to the table. “Thank you, my dear,” Gael flashes his widest smile at the girl and she giggles. “A theran by the name of Pinzler. I think he’s from Silaria. I’ve seen his work, he’s very good." “Sounds promising, what about this apprentice?” you take a swig of your ale. It’s terrible stuff. Bitter and with a faint taste of cooked cabbage, like the soup your mother used to make when money was tight. “He was nervous. A little shifty. His story is a little odd," Gael explains, pulling a pair of rolled parchments from a pocket. He unfurls one to show you. It’s a design for a piece of jewellery, very elaborate, fit for royalty you’d wager. A necklace made with an intricate gold chain, a large sapphire as the centrepiece with multiple smaller diamonds surrounding it. “Princess Isabella herself commissioned this piece,” Gael says. “She wants to wear it for a big event coming up. Two days from now Pinzler is taking the finished piece up to the palace to present it to her. It will be in his vault tomorrow night, that’s our chance to take it." “Why is Hardy looking for someone to steal it?” you ask. “That’s the interesting part of the story. Apparently someone already came to Hardy and paid handsomely for a copy of these designs. Said they wanted exact details on the piece, down to the smallest measurements. “Hardy doesn’t seem to have much love for his employer, took copies of the design the next night. Handed one over to the interested party for a nice payday. Now it seems he’s had enough of the apprentice life and wants to start up on his own somewhere. He thinks if we can lift the necklace then Pinzler’s reputation will be ruined. "He’ll have an excuse to leave and a cut of our profit from fencing the necklace to help him get established," [[Gael finishes.|BrewerStreetJob02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Why would someone want the plans for a piece of jewellery?” you’re a little wary of a third party being involved. “He didn’t go into much detail,” Gael tells you. “The person Hardy was dealing with was rather insistent on secrecy. I didn’t get the impression it was simply a rival of Pinzler’s. It’s something else. It’s the only part of the story that smells funny to me. However, Hardy is convinced their business is concluded. He doesn’t expect to hear from them again.” “And you think it’s worth a go?” you ask. You trust Gael’s judgement in situations like this. In-and-out, low risk, high reward has been your experience with him in the past. He unrolls the second piece of parchment. It’s a drawing of a workshop, Pinzler’s you assume. It looks like a single-story building surrounded by a wall. Gael explains the layout to you. “This is the workshop. It’s on Brewer Street, just inside the docks district. Security is just three guards. One outside the wall here,” Gael taps at the document, pointing to an entrance in the outer wall leading to a courtyard before the main building. “One outside the entrance to the building,” his finger moves to the doorway of the workshop. “And one here, in the vault,” he finishes. The vault is inside the workshop. It looks like the building is divided into two sections. The entrance leads to a shop front for customers. Pieces on display, ready for purchase. Behind a counter is the entrance to the actual workspace where the design and manufacture must take place. That’s where the vault is located, behind two sets of doors. The first is made of simple metal bars and the second [[is a more substantial solid iron. |BrewerStreetJob03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Back in your room, you spread the blueprints of the workshop over your dresser as Gael locks your door. “Ok, guards first,” Gael begins. “How do we want to deal with the two outside?” [[We’ll go quietly. I’ll scale the walls and get on the roof. From there I take out the one in the courtyard; You can take the one guarding the wall. |BrewerStreetJobPlan01][$InfiltrateShop = true]] [[It’s just the two, even odds. We’ll go in hard. I take the one outside the wall and you deal with the one in the courtyard. |BrewerStreetJobPlan01][$BreakInShop = true]] [[We have a lot of good inside information. I think we can talk our way in. |BrewerStreetJobPlan01][$TalkShop = true]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Ok,” says Gael, “Now, the guard in the vault, he’s behind a locked door. Any ideas?” [[He’s there alone all night? No bathroom breaks? Maybe we can poison him beforehand, something slow acting, we’d have to time it right. |BrewerStreetJobPlan02][$PoisonGuard = true]] [[The first vault door is built with iron bars? Not very secure. He’s the last guard, we can force him to comply. |BrewerStreetJobPlan02][$HoldUpGuard = true]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “The vault guard sits behind the first door, he has the key for it and locks himself in. Pinzler himself has the key to the second door, giving access to the vault. He locks it before he leaves every night,” Gael finishes. “Just three guards?” you ask. It seems low. “Discretion is part of the design,” Gael explains. “They don’t want to draw too much attention to the place. You only know the place exists if you’re wealthy enough to be referred to Pinzler by someone. “The courtyard and high walls give privacy for loading and unloading the precious materials he has delivered to the shop. A single visible guard outside the wall is not unusual for the neighbourhood, considering how rough the docks are.” It sounds like a golden opportunity. Inside information, low security, solid payout. You roll up the parchments and hand them back to Gael. “Finish your drink,” you say as you finish off your own. [[“Let’s go somewhere more private to plan”. |BrewerStreetJobPlan]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Ok, and the key to the second vault door?” [[We’ll pay Pinzler a visit when he leaves the workshop to go home. |BrewerStreetJobPlan03][$PinzlerKey = true]] [[Forget the key, I can cook up a black powder charge that should take out the lock. |BrewerStreetJobPlan03][$BlowLock = true]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Okay, looks good to me,” Gael seems satisfied with your plan. “All goes well we shouldn’t have to kill anyone, we’ll bring plenty of rope to tie up guards. Agreed?” you ask Gael. “Agreed, don’t want things getting messy. We start murdering guards and we'll have Bluecoats coming after us for certain," he answers. "One other thing,” Gael adds. “We shouldn’t be tempted by the pieces on display. I want to do this quick and clean, get the necklace and get out. No wasting time on filling bags with loot. The more we have to fence the easier it will be to track us down.” You think it’s a bit overcautious, but many an amateur has found themselves apprehended by Bluecoats for being too greedy. You nod your head in agreement. “Split up if we run into trouble?” you ask. “Yes, if it goes sideways rendezvous at the statue of @@.image-link;<<link "Rokar">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Portraits/Gods/Rokar.png]]\n\n Rokar. God of war, courage, competition."); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@ in Mesos Plaza. Anything else?” You rub your chin, thinking. “Still wish I knew who wanted the copy of the design,” you tell Gael. “Who knows? Maybe they work for some socialite rival of the princess who wants to upstage her? Could be anything.” <<link "“Well, the princess will have to make do with something from her current collection,” you grin at Gael.">> <<if $BlowLock == true>> <<goto BlowLock>> <<elseif $PoisonGuard == true>> <<goto PoisonGuard>> <<elseif $PinzlerKey == true>> <<goto PinzlerKey>> <<elseif $InfiltrateShop == true>> <<goto InfiltrateShop>> <<elseif $BreakInShop == true>> <<goto BreakInShop>> <<elseif $TalkShop == true>> <<goto TalkShop>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> Your lodgings Cheapside Kingsport Morning It’s the morning of the heist. You’ve returned to your room after a little shopping trip to acquire the materials necessary for an explosive charge strong enough to blow the lock of the vault door. The materials are spread out on the dresser before you. The trick now is to get the proportions of the explosives right. Too little and the lock won’t break, or worse jam up and make it impossible to open. Too much and you just turn the lock into a deadly shrapnel bomb or risk starting a fire that could take out a large portion of the docks district. <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Intuition Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 11>> <<goto GoodExplosive>> <<else>> <<goto BadExplosive>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> @@.image-link;<<link "Brewer Street">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Locations/BrewerStreet.png]]"); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@ Docks District Kingsport Night It’s overcast tonight, the moon peeks through the clouds sporadically to cast its light on the surrounding rooftops. Perched on top of a building overlooking the workshop you turn to look out over the ocean. Looks like a stormfront is making its way inland. You hear a door open and turn back to look in the workshop’s direction. You can’t make out what’s being said but it looks like a small theran is speaking to the guard in the courtyard. Pinzler heading home. You see him make his way across the open space to the outermost gate and knock on it. The guard on the street swings it open. Pinzler steps out and makes his way down the street that runs parallel to your lay-up point. Now that he's out of sight of the guards you're ready to make your play for the vault’s key. [[Gael’s in position as the distraction, you’re going to pickpocket the key. |PinzlerPickpocket]] [[Gael’s in position to pickpocket the key, you’re running the distraction. |PinzlerDistraction]] [[Gael’s in position as the distraction, you’re going to bag Pinzler and pull him into the alley. |PinzlerMug]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Docks District Kingsport Afternoon The Gull and Barrel is a dingy little tavern, catering to the sailors of the coastal trade ships that make runs between Kingsport and Briarmarsh to the south or Twinquay to the north. You arranged to meet Gael here for the first phase of the plan. “Another one please, Rudy,” you raise your hand at the red-faced man behind the bar. He grunts in acknowledgment. The door swings open and Gael enters, scanning the room. He picks you out from the crowd of drunk sailors and comes over. “Okay, I met with Hardy, told him it’s on,” he says as he sits down. Rudy sets your drink down in front of you and Gael snatches it up, drinking it. You frown at Gael and try to get Rudy's attention again, but he’s moved off to the other side of the bar. You sigh and pull a little packet of folded paper from your pocket. <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Intuition Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 11>> <<goto GoodPoison>> <<else>> <<goto BadPoison>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> @@.image-link;<<link "Pinzler’s Workshop">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Locations/WorkshopGate.png]]"); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@ Docks District Kingsport Night Black clouds roll over the night sky depositing a steady stream of rain over the city. You lift your hood and pull your mask up over your face. It’s time to go to work. Obscured by the corner of a building, you have eyes on the guard outside the workshop gate. You check the roof of the building opposite and see Gael in position, giving you the okay. You slip from your cover and head across the street, moving around to the back of the building adjacent to the workshop wall and out of sight of the guard. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto InfiltrateShopSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto InfiltrateShopFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> @@.image-link;<<link "Pinzler’s Workshop">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Locations/WorkshopGate.png]]"); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@ Docks District Kingsport Night Black clouds roll over the night sky depositing a steady stream of rain over the city. You lift your hood and pull your mask up over your face. It’s time to go to work. You’re perched atop the building across the street from the workshop. From here you can see Gael working his way across the tops of the neighbouring buildings across the street. He leaps gracefully from one to the next, then across a gap and onto the wall surrounding the workshop. From there it’s an easy jump for him to get onto the roof of the jeweller’s shop. He creeps to a perch directly above the courtyard guard. You slide a set of brass knuckles over your gloves, then raise your hand, palm open. He looks out across the street to you and raises his hand mimicking the gesture. You clench your fist and drop your hand, giving the signal to go. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto BreakInShopSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto BreakInShopFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> @@.image-link;<<link "Pinzler’s Workshop">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Locations/WorkshopGate.png]]"); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@ Docks District Kingsport Night Black clouds roll over the night sky depositing a steady stream of rain over the city. Perfect weather for the ploy you and Gael have settled on to get past the guards. You throw on your blue rain cloaks and raise the hoods. In the dark and the rain, you look convincingly like a couple of grumpy Bluecoats on patrol in a downpour. You march up to the gate guard, a stocky human with a shaved head armed with a halberd, and lace your voice with sneering arrogance. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto TalkShopSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto TalkShopFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You carefully tip your prepared explosive mixture into a small tube you’ve prepared. You cap it off and insert the fuse. <<link "Satisfied, you tuck it into a pouch on your belt.">> <<if $PoisonGuard == true>> <<goto PoisonGuard>> <<elseif $PinzlerKey == true>> <<goto PinzlerKey>> <<elseif $InfiltrateShop == true>> <<goto InfiltrateShop>> <<elseif $BreakInShop == true>> <<goto BreakInShop>> <<elseif $TalkShop == true>> <<goto TalkShop>> <</if>> <</link>> </div> <<set $GoodExplosive = true>>

<div class="text-box"> You visited one of your contacts in the city this morning to acquire a poison for the job. A nice old herbalist named Tilla. You described what you needed and she gave you a couple of options. You settled on desiccated crimson pokeweed berries. [[Hopefully, you made a good choice. |PoisonGuard01]] </div> <<set $GoodPoison = true>>

<div class="text-box"> You visited one of your contacts in the city this morning to acquire a poison for the job. A nice old herbalist named Tilla. You described what you needed and she gave you a couple of options. You settled on powdered snakeweed root. [[Hopefully, you made a good choice. |PoisonGuard01]] </div> <<set $BadPoison = true>>

<div class="text-box"> “I have the poison,” you show Gael the little packet. “Should turn his guts to water about two hours after ingestion,” you explain. “Great. Hardy tells me the night shift guards work for a mercenary outfit called the Circle of Blades. They moonlight as private guards for the extra coin,” Gael holds up one finger as he finishes off your drink, then continues. “The head guard is the man we want, seniority means he gets to sit on his arse in the vault all night. He’s an orc, name’s Gulrun. Big red beard.” “Okay, how do we find him?” you ask. “The mercs live in a barracks on Seaside Lane. He’ll be there before heading to the jeweller’s.” “So we intercept him between there and Pinzler’s shop,” you nod your head. “How do we get it in him?” Gael asks, then waves Rudy over and orders you both a drink. “Hmm,” you run through your repertoire in your head. “Hey, Sailor?” Gael shakes his head. “No brothels between here and Seaside Lane.” “I think you dropped this?” He shakes his head again. “Orcs are a superstitious sort.” “Happy birthday?” you offer. “That could work,” he nods his head slowly. “Orcs never turn down a free drink. Okay, let’s do it.” Rudy puts two fresh mugs down in front of you. [[You knock yours against Gael’s and drink. |PoisonGuard02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> A few hours later you’re posted up in a sidestreet with a good view of the barracks on Seaside Lane. The sun is setting, turning the sky a brilliant orange, fading to a rich crimson over the ocean. You and Gael are pretending to play dice to blend in as you wait for the orc, Gulrun, to make an appearance. “So, have you heard from her again? It’s been a week,” Gael asks you. “Who?” you look intently over at the barracks. “Ah don’t play coy with me, you know who,” Gael laughs. “No, I haven’t. It’s not like she’s going to start writing me letters, is it?” you sigh. “I could read them to you…” Gael begins, but you hold up a hand to cut him off. An orc with a big red beard is leaving the barracks and turning in your direction. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Inserts/Gulrun.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> “Okay, I think we’re on,” you say, drawing a little silver hipflask from your belt. Gael throws an arm around your shoulder and you stumble out into the road together, singing and acting like drunkards. Gael has his own flask and, as the orc approaches, 'stumbles' into him. He spills his booze over the mercenary's boots and trousers. The orc shoves him away. “Hey, watch it!” he yells, as you step in, holding up your hands in apology. “I’m so sorry sir, please forgive him. We’re celebrating his birthday and he’s had a little too much”! <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 11>> <<goto PoisonGuardSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto PoisonGuardFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> Gulrun looks angry, but not furious. He brushes off his trousers and rearranges his belt, a hefty scabbard holding a thick blade at his side. “Just be more careful,” he grumbles at you. You hold out your flask. “No hard feelings?” You offer him a sip. He narrows his eyes at you. For a moment you’re sure he’s not going to take the bait, then his expression softens and he accepts the proffered drink. He takes a hefty swig and then pushes the flask roughly into your chest. You take it back. <<set $GuardPoisoned = true>> “Happy birthday,” he mutters to Gael, as he turns and continues down the road. <<link "You and Gael stumble off in the opposite direction.">> <<if $PinzlerKey == true>> <<goto PinzlerKey>> <<elseif $InfiltrateShop == true>> <<goto InfiltrateShop>> <<elseif $BreakInShop == true>> <<goto BreakInShop>> <<elseif $TalkShop == true>> <<goto TalkShop>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> Gulrun looks furious. He shoves you out of the way, spinning you. The flask tumbles from your hand and spills its contents into the street. “Happy birthday,” the orc spits in your direction and continues down the street. “Shit,” Gael swears under his breath. “We’ll just have to adjust the plan for the first door,” you reassure Gael. “What are you thinking?” Gael asks. <<set $HoldUpGuard to true>> <<link "He'll be the last guard. We’ll just have to force him to comply.">> <<if $PinzlerKey == true>> <<goto PinzlerKey>> <<elseif $InfiltrateShop == true>> <<goto InfiltrateShop>> <<elseif $BreakInShop == true>> <<goto BreakInShop>> <<elseif $TalkShop == true>> <<goto TalkShop>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You slide off the roof and drop into an alley, pressing yourself against the wall just as Pinzler passes you in the main street. He hasn’t seen you. You step out silently behind him and see Gael a ways down the otherwise deserted street. He moves into Pinzler’s path and holds his hand up to him. “Excuse me, my good man. I’m a little lost.” Gael’s distraction seems to be working, he has Pinzler facing away from you. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto PinzlerPickpocketSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto PinzlerPickpocketFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You slide off the roof and drop into an alley, pressing yourself against the wall just as Pinzler passes you in the main street. He hasn’t seen you. You step out silently behind him and see Gael a ways down the otherwise deserted street. He moves into Pinzler’s path as you hold up your hand and call out. “Excuse me, my good man. I’m a little lost.” <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto PinzlerDistractionSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto PinzlerDistractionFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You slide off the roof and drop into an alley, pressing yourself against the wall just as Pinzler passes you in the main street. He hasn’t seen you. You step out silently behind him and see Gael a ways down the otherwise deserted street. He moves into Pinzler’s path and holds his hand up to him. “Excuse me, my good man. I’m a little lost.” Gael’s distraction seems to be working, he has Pinzler facing away from you. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto PinzlerMugSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto PinzlerMugFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You creep up and undo the drawstring on the pouch at Pinzler’s waist. At the same time, Gael finds an excuse in their conversation to pat Pinzler on the shoulder, jostling him to disguise your movements. Your fingers lightly push coins aside and close around what feels like a key. You lift it out, turn, and head back to the alley. A few seconds later Gael joins you. “Nicely done,” he says. “<<link "Now let’s get moving.">> <<if $InfiltrateShop == true>> <<goto InfiltrateShop>> <<elseif $BreakInShop == true>> <<goto BreakInShop>> <<elseif $TalkShop == true>> <<goto TalkShop>> <</if>> <</link>> He’s going to discover it missing at some point.” </div> <<set $DoorTwoKey to true>> <<set $PinzlerWitness to true>>

<div class="text-box"> You creep up and cut the strings on the coin purse at Pinzler’s waist. At the same time, Gael finds an excuse in their conversation to pat Pinzler on the shoulder, jostling him to disguise your movements. You turn and slink back to the alley, Gael joining you a few seconds later. Sifting through the contents of the purse reveals no key, however. “Shit, it’s not here,” you tell Gael. “Okay, we’ll have to pick the lock on door two. Come on, <<link "let’s get a move on.”">> <<if $InfiltrateShop == true>> <<goto InfiltrateShop>> <<elseif $BreakInShop == true>> <<goto BreakInShop>> <<elseif $TalkShop == true>> <<goto TalkShop>> <</if>> <</link>> </div> <<set $PickVaultLock to true>> <<set $PinzlerWitness to true>>

<div class="text-box"> You ask Pinzler for directions to an Inn as Gael creeps up and undoes the drawstring of the pouch at Pinzler’s waist. At the same time, you pat Pinzler on the shoulder, jostling him to disguise Gael’s motions. A second later Gael flashes a key at you over Pinzler’s shoulder and turns to walk away. You make your excuses to Pinzler and minutes later rendezvous with Gael. “Nicely done,” he says. “<<link "Now let’s get moving.">> <<if $InfiltrateShop == true>> <<goto InfiltrateShop>> <<elseif $BreakInShop == true>> <<goto BreakInShop>> <<elseif $TalkShop == true>> <<goto TalkShop>> <</if>> <</link>> He’s going to discover it missing at some point.” </div> <<set $DoorTwoKey to true>>

<div class="text-box"> You attempt to ask Pinzler for directions to an inn, but he’s already on guard. He waves you away. “No time, no time,” he says, making to move off. As Gael passes, the theran moves his hand to protect his coin purse, denying the lift. Dismayed, you return to the alley and a minute later Gael joins you. “No good,” he shakes his head at you. “We’ll have to pick the lock on door two.” “Okay, Come on, <<link "let’s get a move on,”">> <<if $InfiltrateShop == true>> <<goto InfiltrateShop>> <<elseif $BreakInShop == true>> <<goto BreakInShop>> <<elseif $TalkShop == true>> <<goto TalkShop>> <</if>> <</link>> you answer. </div> <<set $PickVaultLock to true>>

<div class="text-box"> Seconds later you have a bag over Pinzler’s head. You throw one hand over his mouth and twist his arm up behind his back. Gael grabs the other arm and you bundle the poor sod into the alley. A swift punch to the gut has Pinzler doubled over, then you’re searching pockets as Gael ties and gags him. A few seconds later you come up with the key. “Okay, <<link "let’s get a move on,">> <<if $InfiltrateShop == true>> <<goto InfiltrateShop>> <<elseif $BreakInShop == true>> <<goto BreakInShop>> <<elseif $TalkShop == true>> <<goto TalkShop>> <</if>> <</link>>” urges Gael. “Someone’s going to find him sooner or later.” </div> <<set $DoorTwoKey to true>> <<set $PinzlerWitness to true>>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> Seconds later you have a bag over Pinzlers head. You throw one hand over his mouth and twist his arm up behind his back. Gael grabs the other arm and you bundle the poor sod into the alley. Gael begins searching his pockets for the key, unfortunately, he lets go of Pinzler’s free arm to do so, which darts into a pocket and emerges with a knife. He lashes out and searing pain shoots up your forearm. You swiftly disarm Pinzler and sink a fist into his gut, doubling him over. “Shit, are you alright?” Gael asks. “Yeah, just a scratch, come on let’s get him tied up,” you reply through gritted teeth. A minute later Pinzler is bound and gagged in a shady alley as you wrap your injured arm. The cut was deep but didn’t hit anything major. At least you have the key. <<set $DoorTwoKey to true>> <span style="color: red;">-1 stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> “Okay, <<link "let’s get a move on,">> <<if $InfiltrateShop == true>> <<goto InfiltrateShop>> <<elseif $BreakInShop == true>> <<goto BreakInShop>> <<elseif $TalkShop == true>> <<goto TalkShop>> <</if>> <</link>>” urges Gael. “Someone’s going to find him sooner or later.” </div> <<set $PinzlerWitness to true>>

<div class="text-box"> You run up the side of the building, grabbing hold of a thin ledge protruding from the building’s second-story window. You draw your legs up and push off, leaping towards the workshop wall and grabbing it. You haul yourself up quietly. On this side of the building, the distance from the top of the wall to the workshop roof is easily jumpable. You stick the landing and remain undetected. You creep along the roof until you're crouched above the courtyard sentry. He’s standing, arms crossed, with his back against the door. You look out at the building across the street and see Gael, one hand raised. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto InfiltrateShopSuccess01>> <<else>> <<goto InfiltrateShopFailure01>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You run up the side of the building, grabbing hold of a thin ledge protruding from the building’s second story. You draw your legs up and push off, leaping towards the workshop wall and grabbing it. You haul yourself up quietly. On this side of the building, the distance from the top of the wall to the workshop roof is easily jumpable but the rain makes it tricky. You don’t quite stick the landing, one leg sliding on the wet roof and twisting your ankle painfully. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> You creep along the roof until you're crouched above the courtyard sentry. He’s standing, arms crossed, with his back against the door. You look out at the building across the street and see Gael, one hand raised. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto InfiltrateShopSuccess01>> <<else>> <<goto InfiltrateShopFailure01>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You raise your hand in reply, palm open. Gael mimics the gesture. Then you snap your palm closed and drop your hand, giving the signal to go. You drop from your perch above the guard and crush him to the floor. He goes down hard as you roll away and up to your feet. You bring your boot down on his neck and keep him pinned. You hold him there, one hand to your lips as he stares up at you in fear. You hear the faint sound of a struggle from outside the gate and a moment later the other guard comes through it, hands raised. Behind him is Gael, holding the point of a sabre to the small of his back. “Tie up your friend, no stupid moves,” you tell the guard pinned under your boot, tossing him some rope. A couple of minutes later you and Gael have both guards gagged and tied together out of sight of the gate. <<link "You head inside the workshop.">> <<if $GuardPoisoned == true>> <<goto GuardPoisoned>> <<elseif $HoldUpGuard == true>> <<goto WorkshopEntry>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You raise your hand in reply, palm open. Gael mimics the gesture. Then you snap your palm closed and drop your hand, giving the signal to go. You drop from your perch above the guard and crush him to the floor. He goes down hard as you roll away and up to your feet. You bring your boot down on his neck and keep him pinned. You hold him there, one hand to your lips as he stares up at you in fear. You hear the faint sound of a struggle from outside the gate and a moment later the other guard comes through it, hands raised. Behind him is Gael, holding the point of a sabre to the small of his back. As you turn to look at Gael the guard under your boot makes his move, grabbing your foot and twisting it out from under you. You go down as the guard gets to his feet. Gael slams the pommel of his sabre into the back of his guard’s head, dropping him to the floor. You leap up and tackle your foe, slamming him into the wall of the building. He lashes out at you with a headbutt connecting painfully with your nose. You twist your body and slam your knee into the guard’s groin. The fight goes out of him. You force him to the floor and grab the key from around his neck. A couple of minutes later you and Gael have both guards gagged and tied together out of sight of the gate. <<link "You head inside the workshop.">> <<if $GuardPoisoned == true>> <<goto GuardPoisoned>> <<elseif $HoldUpGuard == true>> <<goto WorkshopEntry>> <</if>> <</link>> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You leap from the roof, tucking into a roll as you land, crossing the street in a flash. Your first kick slams the guard into the wall, cracking his head against the brick and causing him to drop his halberd. He reaches for a flintlock pistol tucked into his belt but you’re already hammering blows against his ribs. Before he can draw the weapon you land an uppercut to his chin that knocks the fight out of him. He crumples to the floor. You have his hands tied behind his back and are fitting a gag as the gate opens, revealing the other guard. His hands are raised, Gael standing behind him, the point of his sabre at the small of his foe’s back. A couple of minutes later you and Gael have both guards gagged and tied together in the courtyard, out of sight of the gate. <<link "You head inside the workshop.">> <<if $GuardPoisoned == true>> <<goto GuardPoisoned>> <<elseif $HoldUpGuard == true>> <<goto WorkshopEntry>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You leap from the roof, tucking into a roll as you land and crossing the street in a flash. Your first kick slams the guard up against the wall. He twists out of the path of your next blow, your brass knuckles breaking a chunk of brick from the wall. The guard brings his halberd to bear. It lances out. You dodge it once, twice, then trap the shaft under your armpit on the third strike. You slam an elbow down with tremendous force, shattering the weapon in two. The guard roars and tackles you to the ground. You go down on your back, the guard landing a couple of solid blows to your face. One of your fingers finds his eye and he reels, opening up his guard. You sit up and land a shot to his throat, sending him tumbling over backwards. You leap to your feet and drop your knee into his back, your other boot crushing his wrist into the ground. <span style="color: red;">-2 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 2>> You have his hands tied behind his back and are fitting a gag as the gate opens, revealing the other guard. His hands are raised, Gael stands behind him, the point of his sabre at the small of his foe’s back. A couple of minutes later both guards are gagged and tied together in the courtyard, out of sight of the gate. <<link "You head inside the workshop.">> <<if $GuardPoisoned == true>> <<goto GuardPoisoned>> <<elseif $HoldUpGuard == true>> <<goto WorkshopEntry>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “You there, what are you still doing here?” you point and call out to the gate guard as you approach. “Pinzler has arranged for Bluecoat security tonight. Nobody said anything about sharing guard duty with some merc thugs.” “Er, what?” the sentry asks with a blank look on his face. “Nobody told me about no Blues tonight.” “What?” you bark at the guard. “Are you telling me nobody read you in on the protocols for this detail? Just what kind of amateurs are we working with here?” you turn to ask Gael. “Looks like we pulled babysitting duty again corporal,” Gael sighs. “Who’s your superior, boy? Didn’t Hardy fill him in? Take me to him, we’ll get this sorted out,” you poke the guard in the chest repeatedly. “Uh, you wanna talk to Gulrun, he’s inside,” the guard stammers out. “Well let’s go, if I wanted to hear shit all night I would have brought my wife along. Get a move on." The guard unlocks the gate and you follow him through. He raises his hand to his counterpart inside the courtyard who comes over to see what’s happening. “Uh, Bluecoats want to see the boss,” the sentry begins to explain. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto TalkShopSuccess01>> <<else>> <<goto TalkShopFailure01>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “You there, what are you still doing here?” you point and call out to the gate guard as you approach. “Pinzler has arranged for Bluecoat security tonight. Nobody said anything about sharing guard duty with some merc thugs.” The sentry narrows his eyes at you. He looks you up and down and scoffs, banging twice on the gate with one fist. “Nice try, but if you’re Bluecoats then I’m bloody @@.image-link;<<link "Aganon">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Portraits/Gods/Aganon.png]]\n\n Aganon. God of cities, community, law."); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@,” he laughs as a second guard emerges from behind the gate, halberd raised. “Now, fuck off,” the first guard growls, as he takes a fighting stance. It’s two on two, you're going to have to take them head-on. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto TalkShopSuccess02>> <<else>> <<goto TalkShopFailure02>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> Before he has a chance to respond you’re barking orders again. “Alright, you two, on the gate outside. Patrolman, you’ll take this man’s post here. I’m going inside to protect the vault and chat with this ‘Gulrun’.” “Yes, corporal!” Gael snaps to attention beside the door to the workshop. “Hurry it up you two, I don’t want to stand in this rain any longer than I have to,” you snap at the two mercenary guards. They give each other a shrug and one of them unlocks the door to the workshop for you. Then they head back outside the gate. “That bit about your wife was a little much,” Gael gives you a grin. “I heard an actual Bluecoat say that once, poor woman,” you shrug as Gael turns to <<link "open the front door.">> <<if $GuardPoisoned == true>> <<goto GuardPoisoned>> <<elseif $HoldUpGuard == true>> <<goto WorkshopEntry>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> Before he has a chance to respond you’re barking orders again. “Alright, you two, on the gate outside," you point at the two mercenaries. "Patrolman, you’ll take this man’s post here. I’m going inside to protect the vault and chat with this ‘Gulrun’.” The second sentry looks angry. “Tierney, you idiot. Those aren’t Bluecoats!” He lowers a halberd as he rushes you. It’s two on two, you're going to have to take them head-on. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto TalkShopSuccess03>> <<else>> <<goto TalkShopFailure03>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> The first guard brings his halberd to bear. It lances out. You dodge it once, twice, then trap the shaft under your armpit on the third strike. You slam an elbow down with tremendous force, shattering the weapon in two. The guard roars and tackles you to the ground. You go down on your back, the guard landing a couple of solid blows to your face. One of your fingers finds his eye and he reels, opening up his guard. You sit up and land a shot to his throat, sending him tumbling over backwards. You leap to your feet and drop your knee into his back, your other boot crushing his wrist into the ground. <span style="color: red;">-2 stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 2>> You look up to see Gael wrestling for control of the second guard’s halberd. He lands a nasty kick to the inside of the man’s knee, you’re pretty sure you hear something snap. He goes down like a sack of bricks, yelling in pain. Gael is on top of him in a flash, hand over his mouth to stifle the sound. A couple of minutes later you and Gael have both guards gagged and tied together in the courtyard, out of sight of the gate. <<link "You head inside the workshop.">> <<if $GuardPoisoned == true>> <<goto GuardPoisoned>> <<elseif $HoldUpGuard == true>> <<goto WorkshopEntry>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> He brings his halberd to bear. It lances out. You dodge it once, twice, then trap the shaft under your armpit on the third strike. You slam an elbow down with tremendous force, shattering the weapon in two. The guard roars and tackles you to the ground. You go down on your back but roll backwards with the momentum, flipping the big man over you and onto his back. You leap to your feet and drop your knee into his back, your other boot crushing his wrist into the ground. You look up to see Gael wrestling for control of the second guard’s halberd. He lands a nasty kick to the inside of the man’s knee, you’re pretty sure you hear something snap. He goes down like a sack of bricks, yelling in pain. Gael is on top of him in a flash, hand over his mouth to stifle the sound. A couple of minutes later you and Gael have both guards gagged and tied together in the courtyard, out of sight of the gate. <<link "You head inside the workshop.">> <<if $GuardPoisoned == true>> <<goto GuardPoisoned>> <<elseif $HoldUpGuard == true>> <<goto WorkshopEntry>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> The first guard also brings his halberd to bear. It lances out. You dodge it once, twice, then trap the shaft under your armpit on the third strike. You slam an elbow down with tremendous force, shattering the weapon in two. The guard roars and tackles you to the ground. You go down on your back but roll backwards with the momentum, flipping the big man over you and onto his back. You leap to your feet and drop your knee into his back, your other boot crushing his wrist into the ground. You look up to see Gael wrestling for control of the second guard’s halberd. He lands a nasty kick to the inside of the man’s knee, you’re pretty sure you hear something snap. He goes down like a sack of bricks, yelling in pain. Gael is on top of him in a flash, hand over his mouth to stifle the sound. A couple of minutes later you and Gael have both guards gagged and tied together in the courtyard, out of sight of the gate. <<link "You head inside the workshop.">> <<if $GuardPoisoned == true>> <<goto GuardPoisoned>> <<elseif $HoldUpGuard == true>> <<goto WorkshopEntry>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> The first guard also brings his halberd to bear. It lances out. You dodge it once, twice, then trap the shaft under your armpit on the third strike. You slam an elbow down with tremendous force, shattering the weapon in two. The guard roars and tackles you to the ground. You go down on your back, the guard landing a couple of solid blows to your face. One of your fingers finds his eye and he reels, opening up his guard. You sit up and land a shot to his throat, sending him tumbling over backwards. You leap to your feet and drop your knee into his back, your other boot crushing his wrist into the ground. <span style="color: red;">-2 stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 2>> You look up to see Gael wrestling for control of the second guard’s halberd. He lands a nasty kick to the inside of the man’s knee, you’re pretty sure you hear something snap. He goes down like a sack of bricks, yelling in pain. Gael is on top of him in a flash, hand over his mouth to stifle the sound. A couple of minutes later you and Gael have both guards gagged and tied together in the courtyard, out of sight of the gate. <<link "You head inside the workshop.">> <<if $GuardPoisoned == true>> <<goto GuardPoisoned>> <<elseif $HoldUpGuard == true>> <<goto WorkshopEntry>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> Stepping in from the rain you cast your eyes over the many pieces of fine jewellery on display. Necklaces, rings, earrings. All are of extremely high quality. You see opals, tourmalines, rubies, and more. There are even some gems you don’t recognise. Gael taps you on the shoulder. “Come on, in and out, remember?” he reminds you as he makes his way over to the door at the back of the room. You join him and <<link "press your ear to the door before opening it.">> <<if $GoodPoison == true>> <<goto GoodPoison01>> <<elseif $BadPoison == true>> <<goto BadPoison01>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> Stepping in from the rain you cast your eyes over the many pieces of fine jewellery glittering in the dim light of a lamp set on a countertop. Necklaces, rings, earrings. All are of extremely high quality. You see opals, tourmalines, rubies, and more. Gael taps you on the shoulder. “Come on, in and out, remember?” he reminds you as he makes his way over to the door at the back of the room. You join him and press your ear to the door before opening it. You don’t hear anything on the other side and crack it open slightly. The room beyond the door is cluttered with long tables covered in half-finished pieces of jewellery and tools of the trade. The outer vault door is visible at the back of the room, beyond it, a burly orc sits on a chair with his back against the wall. He seems to be dozing lightly. Sneak up on him, taking him unawares will give us the advantage. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto SneakVaultGuardSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto SneakVaultGuardFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> We’re armed, we’ll intimidate him into opening the door. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto ScareVaultGuardSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto ScareVaultGuardFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> I think I can reach him through the bars, I just need to be fast. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto StrengthVaultGuardSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto StrengthVaultGuardFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> The sight that greets you is not a pleasant one. Nevertheless, you can’t keep a smile from your face. Beyond the tables scattered with various tools and implements of the jeweller’s trade, a burly orc with a red beard is crouched over a bucket in the corner of the room cradling his stomach. His trousers are on the floor halfway to the vault door, kicked off in a hurry you assume. Judging from the smell your poison has had the desired effect. “Holy Mother Myfanwy, the smell,” Gael gags. “Go on and tie him up then,” he adds. “Me tie him up? Why not you?” you ask indignantly. “It was your idea to poison the poor bastard, you tie him up! I’ll get the key!” he laughs. “Oh Gods make it stop, I’ll give you the key, just make it end!” the orc whimpers as you approach. You liberate the key from the incapacitated guard and toss it to Gael, then hold your breath as you tie his ankles and wrists together. Finally, you secure the orc to a heavy table, bucket in place underneath him. Gael moves to the back of the room and gives the outer vault door an experimental tug. It swings open. “Huh, he forgot to lock it behind him,” he muses as you come over to join him. “I’m burning these gloves when we get back,” you say, <<link "only half joking.">> <<if $GoodExplosive == true>> <<goto GoodExplosive01>> <<elseif $BadExplosive == true>> <<goto BadExplosive01>> <<elseif $DoorTwoKey == true>> <<goto DoorTwoKey>> <<elseif $PickVaultLock == true>> <<goto PickVaultLock>> <</if>> <</link>> </div> <<set $GuardPooped to true>>

<div class="text-box"> The room beyond the door is cluttered with long tables covered in half-finished pieces of jewellery and the tools of the trade. The outer vault door is visible at the back of the room, a burly orc sits on a chair with his back against the wall. He seems to be dozing gently. “Hmm, poison must not have worked, what did you give him?” Gael whispers. “Snakeroot, maybe it doesn’t work on orcs?” you answer. “I don’t know, but we have another guard to deal with, what’s the play?” Gael asks. Sneak up on him, taking him unawares will give us the advantage. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto SneakVaultGuardSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto SneakVaultGuardFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> We’re armed, we’ll intimidate him into opening the door. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto ScareVaultGuardSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto ScareVaultGuardFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> I think I can reach him through the bars, I just need to be fast. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto StrengthVaultGuardSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto StrengthVaultGuardFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You move quickly but silently to the vault. The orc doesn’t stir. Sliding a dagger from the sheath at the small of your back you extend your arm between the iron bars. You can just reach the key tied to the belt at his waist. With a deft touch, the cord is cut and the key drops to the floor, your other hand darting out to catch it just before it hits the ground. Withdrawing carefully, you slide the key into the lock and turn it. The door swings open silently. Upon waking, the guard is greeted by the sight of you holding a blade to his throat. He raises his hands slowly. You hold him there as Gael ties him to his seat and drags him <<link "away from the vault. ">> <<if $GoodExplosive == true>> <<goto GoodExplosive01>> <<elseif $BadExplosive == true>> <<goto BadExplosive01>> <<elseif $DoorTwoKey == true>> <<goto DoorTwoKey>> <<elseif $PickVaultLock == true>> <<goto PickVaultLock>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You sprint to the back of the room at full speed, jumping and sliding over one of the long tables. The noise wakes the orc, who stands, bleary-eyed and caught off guard. Your hands reach through the iron bars separating him from you, taking a firm grip on his tunic. Pulling with all your strength, you ram the orc’s head into the door. Once, twice, three times. He crumples to his knees and you release him, allowing his limp body to keel over sideways. You bend over and yank the key at his waist from his belt, slide it into the lock, and enter the first layer of the vault. Gael enters after you and begins <<link "tying up the dazed guard.">> <<if $GoodExplosive == true>> <<goto GoodExplosive01>> <<elseif $BadExplosive == true>> <<goto BadExplosive01>> <<elseif $DoorTwoKey == true>> <<goto DoorTwoKey>> <<elseif $PickVaultLock == true>> <<goto PickVaultLock>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Wake up, sunshine!” you call out as you enter the room, startling the dozing orc. “What the?” he exclaims and begins to make a move for a flintlock pistol by his chair. Gael draws his own pistol and levels it at the guard. “Ah, I wouldn't do that if I were you,” you taunt the orc. “You being paid enough to lose your life for a damned necklace?” He reconsiders his position as Gael cocks the hammer on his firearm. “Why don’t you open the door, step out, and we’ll get you tied up in a nice, comfy spot?” you add. The big man behind the door sighs and reaches for the key at his belt. “Nice and slow, now,” you make sure to keep your attention fixed on his hands. He undoes the lock on the door and steps out. Gael motions with his pistol for him to turn around. He rotates slowly in place and you step up and secure his hands behind his back with some rope. “Someone’s gonna come after you for this!” he grumbles as you manoeuvre him over to one of the solid oak workbenches away from the vault door. “Your concern for our wellbeing is touching,” Gael snickers as you secure the orc to the table leg in a sitting position. You pop a gag in his mouth and <<link "return your attention to the vault.">> <<if $GoodExplosive == true>> <<goto GoodExplosive01>> <<elseif $BadExplosive == true>> <<goto BadExplosive01>> <<elseif $DoorTwoKey == true>> <<goto DoorTwoKey>> <<elseif $PickVaultLock == true>> <<goto PickVaultLock>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You move quickly but silently to the vault. The orc doesn’t stir. Sliding a dagger from the sheath at the small of your back you extend your arm between the iron bars. You can just reach the key tied to the belt at his waist. Unfortunately, you cut the cord clumsily. The key drops to the floor, your other hand darting out to catch it just before it hits the ground, but the orc is roused before you can get the door open. Startled, he curses and draws a flintlock pistol from beneath his chair. He gets a round off as you dodge out of the way, the ball grazing your thigh. Searing hot pain lances up and down your leg as you clasp a hand to the wound. A split second after the shot Gael’s own pistol goes off. The orc falls to his knees, clutching a bloody hand and dropping his pistol. <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> You toss Gael the key and he quickly has the door open and his sabre to the orc’s throat. Minutes later the final guard is bound and gagged. You’re even nice enough to bandage his wound for him after you <<link "tend to yours.">> <<if $GoodExplosive == true>> <<goto GoodExplosive01>> <<elseif $BadExplosive == true>> <<goto BadExplosive01>> <<elseif $DoorTwoKey == true>> <<goto DoorTwoKey>> <<elseif $PickVaultLock == true>> <<goto PickVaultLock>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You sprint to the back of the room at full speed, jumping and sliding over one of the long tables. The noise wakes the orc, who stands, bleary-eyed and caught off guard. Your hands reach through the vertical iron bars separating him from you. He leaps backwards out of reach, ducking to grab a flintlock pistol from beneath his chair. He gets a round off as you dodge out of the way, grazing your thigh. Searing hot pain lances up and down your leg as you clasp a hand to the wound. <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> -1 Stamina A split second after the shot Gael’s own pistol goes off. The orc falls to his knees, clutching a bloody hand and dropping his pistol. Gael moves up and grabs the key, unlocking the door. He holsters his firearm and then levels his sabre at the orc’s throat. Minutes later the final guard is bound and gagged. You’re even nice enough to bandage his wound for him <<link "after you tend to yours.">> <<if $GoodExplosive == true>> <<goto GoodExplosive01>> <<elseif $BadExplosive == true>> <<goto BadExplosive01>> <<elseif $DoorTwoKey == true>> <<goto DoorTwoKey>> <<elseif $PickVaultLock == true>> <<goto PickVaultLock>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Wake up, sunshine!” you call out as you enter the room, startling the dozing orc. “What the?” he exclaims and begins to make a move for a flintlock pistol by his chair. Gael draws his own pistol and levels it at the guard. “You’re gonna open up that door for us!” you yell, trying to intimidate the big man. He glances from Gael’s gun to you and then back at the gun. You realise too late he isn’t going to comply and make a dash for cover as he spins to grab at his gun. Gael’s first shot hits the orc in the back of the shoulder, but he makes it to his pistol and squeezes a shot off in your direction. Gael dives into cover and begins to reload. You tip over the table in front of you and draw your own pistol from its place at your hip. Take the shot <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto ScareVaultGuardSuccess01>> <<else>> <<goto ScareVaultGuardFailure01>> <</if>> <</button>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You pop your head out from behind the table and take quick aim, you can just see the orc’s pistol hand peeking out from behind the wall he has taken cover behind. You squeeze the trigger and green fingers fly from your target’s hand in a spray of blood. His pistol clatters to the floor. Gael finishes reloading and is up and over his table, training his pistol on the cowering orc cradling his injured hand. “Why don’t we try that again?” you request of the wounded man, moving out of your own cover. A few minutes later you have the final guard bound and gagged, <<link "the first vault door is open.">> <<if $GoodExplosive == true>> <<goto GoodExplosive01>> <<elseif $BadExplosive == true>> <<goto BadExplosive01>> <<elseif $DoorTwoKey == true>> <<goto DoorTwoKey>> <<elseif $PickVaultLock == true>> <<goto PickVaultLock>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You pop your head out from behind the table and take quick aim, you can just see the orc’s pistol hand peeking out from behind the wall he has taken cover behind. You squeeze the trigger but your shot goes wide. You drop back into cover as the orc finishes reloading, he looses a shot at you, the wood next to your head explodes in a shower of splinters, peppering your neck with shrapnel and drawing blood. <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> Gael finishes reloading and is up and over his table in a flash, closing the distance on the orc before he can reload again. He has the orc at his mercy now and the big man seems to realise it, dropping his weapon and raising his hands. A few minutes later you have the final guard bound and gagged, <<link "the first vault door is open.">> <<if $GoodExplosive == true>> <<goto GoodExplosive01>> <<elseif $BadExplosive == true>> <<goto BadExplosive01>> <<elseif $DoorTwoKey == true>> <<goto DoorTwoKey>> <<elseif $PickVaultLock == true>> <<goto PickVaultLock>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> The second door is much sturdier than the first. Solid iron with heavy steel hinges. “Okay, stand well back,” you warn Gael as you pull the charge you prepared earlier today from its pouch. The small package fits snugly inside the keyhole and you strike your flint and steel to light the short fuse. As it begins to spark you retreat behind the first door, awaiting the blast. A few seconds later the charge detonates with a satisfying crack and a pinging sound as you hear the lock shatter. You move to the door and give it a firm tug, swinging it open easily. You can see a thin wooden case on a pedestal inside. [[ The necklace. |VaultUnlocked]] </div> <<set $LockBlown to true>>

<div class="text-box"> The second door is much sturdier than the first. Solid iron with heavy steel hinges but just the one keyhole. You take out your picks and get to work, first inserting your tension wrench and applying light pressure, then your pick. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 11>> <<goto PickVaultLockSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto PickVaultLockFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> The second door is much sturdier than the first. Solid iron with heavy steel hinges. “Okay, stand well back,” you warn Gael as you pull the charge you prepared earlier today from its pouch. The small package fits snugly inside the keyhole and you strike your flint and steel to light the short fuse. As it begins to spark you retreat behind the first door, awaiting the blast. A few seconds later you hear a disappointing little crack. Frowning, you move to inspect the lock. Looks like the charge wasn’t strong enough to blow the lock. What’s worse is you seem to have mangled it enough that a lockpick isn’t going to work either. You tug on the door with all your strength, but it isn’t moving. “Shit. Shit!” you yell, [[pounding a fist against the door. |VaultLocked]] </div> <<set $LockBlown to true>>

<div class="text-box"> The second door is much sturdier than the first. Solid iron with heavy steel hinges. “Glad we have the key,” you smile at Gael. You wouldn’t want to tangle with the lock on this vault. It looks pretty sophisticated. “Come on, we’re almost home free,” Gael says eagerly, as you slip the key into the lock and turn it with a satisfying click. Giving it a firm pull, the door swings open smoothly. You can see a thin wooden case on a pedestal inside. [[The necklace. |VaultUnlocked]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> It feels pretty standard so far, a six-pin configuration. You set them with ease and begin to turn the lock when you stop. Your gut is telling you something is wrong. You withdraw your pick and flip it over, testing carefully. Then you find what you’re looking for, a trap pin. If you had opened the lock in this configuration you would have set off a trap, usually something devious cooked up by an alchemist to jam the lock shut, or worse kill the person attempting to pick it. You carefully set the extra pin to the disabled position and give the lock a turn. The door swings open smoothly and you wipe a bead of sweat from your brow. You can see a thin wooden case on a pedestal inside. [[The necklace. |VaultUnlocked]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You begin lifting pins. It feels pretty standard so far, a six-pin configuration. You set them with ease. Smiling to yourself you turn the lock all the way. Easy. Then you hear a click and the sound of breaking glass. Something viscous and black pours out of the keyhole and then hardens incredibly quickly into a rock-like substance. The lock was trapped. Something devious cooked up by an alchemist to jam the lock shut, a vial that shatters if you don’t disarm a trap pin before turning the lock. This door isn’t opening without some heavy equipment. Even the key won’t work now. “Shit. Shit!” you yell, [[pounding a fist against the door. |VaultLocked]] </div> <<set $LockGoop to true>>

<div class="text-box"> “My, my. What have we here?” A voice like fingernails being drawn down a chalkboard comes from the room behind you. You turn to see a hooded figure, gaunt with pale skin the colour of shale. His eyes are an unnatural shade of red, two large orbs that flick rapidly between you and Gael. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Inserts/Sorcerer.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> He stands between you and the captive orc guard. He casually waves a hand in the orc’s direction. Red mist begins pouring out of the orc’s mouth and eyes, like steam rising from a boiling pot. The guard makes no sound, merely straightening his back, tensing. Then he falls limp, his eyes glazed over, staring lifelessly at the ceiling. “Sorcerer!” Gael whispers in disbelief. Sorcerous blood is a rare gift. Those discovered with the ability to practise magic are conscripted into the empire’s service. Children are taken from their homes to the academy in High Caledan where they are moulded into tools to be wielded as the Emperor deems fit. Somehow, you can sense the lingering magical residue in the air, every breath you take makes your blood run hot. Energy courses through your veins, your heart pumping hard and fast. You've never felt this sensation before, it confuses and frightens you. Could you have the gift too? “Ah, this will not do at all,” the little man mumbles to himself. He leaves awkward pauses between each word, as though having to force his tongue into alien shapes [[to make the necessary sounds for speech. |VaultLocked01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> He draws a flat wooden case from his robes and opens it, revealing the necklace you are here to steal sitting on a cushion inside. Looking at it makes your stomach roil. You clutch your abdomen in pain. The man snaps the case shut and the pain disappears. You glance over at Gael but he seems to be unaffected. “The princess must receive my gift,” the little man shakes his head as he speaks. Your hand finds the knife in its sheath at the small of your back, Gael’s hand rests on his pistol’s grip. The cloaked man begins begins to shimmer like a mirage in the desert heat. He glides past you to the vault door and phases right through the solid iron. You and Gael back away from the vault into the workshop. The sorcerer re-emerges from the locked vault, wooden box in hand. He opens it, and this time when you look upon the necklace your stomach doesn’t clench in pain. It just looks like a normal, if well crafted, piece of jewellery. “My little present is in place and you have failed to penetrate the vault. I am feeling magnanimous and shall allow you to leave this place, on the condition that you tell nobody what you saw here tonight,” the skinny little bug-eyed man gives you a grin, [[showing his crooked yellow teeth. |VaultLocked02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Gael looks at you, a questioning look on his face. It seems he’s content to let you decide what to do. On the one hand, you could just leave. The sorcerer's replica left in the vault will make it appear as though this was a bungled robbery and nothing is missing. The Bluecoats wouldn’t even be looking for you. But you won't have what you came for. On the other hand, whatever this wretch is doing doesn’t sit right with you. That necklace reeked of malice, but Gael didn’t seem to react to it at all. Should you warn someone about it? What could you even do? Walk up to a Bluecoat and explain how your robbery went sideways? Pop into the palace for a chat with the princess? And if you leave, can you really trust this sorcerer not to come looking for you? [[We can't trust him. We should take him out and get what we came for. |SorcererFight]] or [[Leave, empty-handed. |LeaveEmptyHanded]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> He draws a flat wooden case from his robes and opens it, revealing the necklace you are here to steal sitting on a cushion inside. Looking at it makes your stomach roil. You clutch your abdomen in pain. The man snaps the case shut and the pain disappears. You glance over at Gael but he seems to be unaffected. “The princess must receive my gift,” the little man shakes his head as he speaks. Your hand finds the knife in its sheath at the small of your back, Gael’s hand rests on his pistol’s grip. The cloaked man begins to shimmer like a mirage in the desert heat. He glides between you and into the vault. His arm reaches out and the necklace case on the pedestal lifts into the air, floating to his outstretched hand. He places his own case where the original sat moments before. You and Gael back away into the workshop. The sorcerer exits the vault, the door closing by itself behind him. “And what to do with you?” the pale little man rubs his chin. “This mustn’t look like a successful burglary, no. I suppose you died in a struggle with the guard?" he nods feverishly to himself. "Yes, you mortally wounded him before dying yourself.” You nod to Gael and he draws his pistol in a flash and fires. The round passes harmlessly through his target to impact against the vault door. A bolt of yellow lightning streaks through the air and sends Gael flying. The smoking fingers of the pale man’s outstretched hand turn towards you. "An inelegant solution but it shall have to suffice," he muses. [[Time seems to slow to a crawl. |PowerUnleashed]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You nod to Gael and he draws his pistol in a flash and fires. The round passes harmlessly through his target to impact against the vault door. A bolt of yellow lightning streaks through the air and sends Gael flying. The smoking fingers of the pale man’s outstretched hand turn towards you. [[Time seems to slow to a crawl. |PowerUnleashed]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You shake your head, no, at Gael. He moves his hand away from his weapon. The little sorcerer smiles. “Gentlemen, I shall take my leave of you now,” he taunts you with a laugh as he glides through the solid wall. “Shit!” Gael curses, kicking over a nearby stool. "A fucking sorcerer? I'll kill Hardy for getting us into this, the little weasel." You turn to look again at the dead guard. “Come on, we need to leave before that gets pinned on us,” you say, pointing to the corpse. “I don’t want anything tying us to this place, or that thing in the vault.” “The replica? Why? What does it matter?” Gael asks you. It seems he really didn’t notice anything was off about the sorcerer’s necklace. “I’ll explain later, let’s just get out of here,” you reply. Together, you make your way out and into the courtyard. The rain has yet to abate and the courtyard is covered in little puddles. Now you’re outside, you notice the corpses of the other two guards. Cursing under your breath, you head left out of the door, towards the courtyard wall. You boost Gael up and onto the top of the wall, where he balances as he extends his arm down to you. You grasp it and haul yourself up and over. Using the winding back alleys for cover you slowly work your way [[back home to Cheapside. |DebriefHeist01]] </div> <<set $NoNecklace to true>>

<div class="text-box"> The energy coursing through your veins is screaming to be released. Instinctively you harness it, redirecting it… into your muscles. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Unlock Strength Magic">> <<goto UnlockStrengthPower>> <</button>> </div> into your reflexes. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Unlock Dexterity Magic">> <<goto UnlockDexterityPower>> <</button>> </div> into your voice. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Unlock Charisma Magic">> <<goto UnlockCharismaPower>> <</button>> </div> into your mind. <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Unlock Intuition Magic">> <<goto UnlockIntuitionPower>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You move faster than you ever thought possible. A lightning bolt crackles past you, aimed at the spot you had been standing in. The energy rushes from your legs and into your arm as you draw back for a strike. Your hand is bathed in red energy as you lash out at the surprised sorcerer. You feel whatever magic he’s using to defend himself dissipate as your fist passes through his body, rending a hole in the side of his abdomen. He screams in agony and drops the necklace to the floor, as you draw back for another strike he cowers, literally melting away into the shadows around his feet. You blink and search the room for him, [[but he is nowhere to be seen. |FleeWorkshop]] </div> <<set $StrengthMagic to true>>

<div class="text-box"> The sorcerer’s lightning bolt arcs out from his hand. To your eyes, it travels no faster than a man moving at a swift sprint. It’s child’s play for you to simply roll out of its path. The shadows in the room seem to call to you, drawing you in like the current of a river. Coming up out of your roll to find yourself crouched in the gloom, you draw your hand back and twist the darkness around you into the shape of a throwing knife. You fling it at your foe, penetrating whatever magic he’s using to defend himself, and sinking the blade deep into his shoulder. He screams and drops the necklace to the floor. As you draw back for another strike he dives through the wall to his right, as though it were thin air, [[and is gone. |FleeWorkshop]] </div> <<set $DexterityMagic to true>>

<div class="text-box"> “Stop.” Your voice is a weapon. An instrument of power, reaching across the room to halt the sorcerer in his tracks. He screams and drops the necklace to the floor, collapsing to his knees. He appears to be trying to lift his arm to point at you but can’t move it more than a few inches. “Flee.” The word drips into his ears, digging through his mind for the source of all fear, probing fingers deep into his psyche. His jaw goes slack and a wail of pure terror fills the room. He rises to his feet, a gibbering mess, and darts through the wall to his right [[as though it were thin air. |FleeWorkshop]] </div> <<set $CharismaMagic to true>>

<div class="text-box"> You can sense the crackle and hum of lightning forming in the sorcerer’s hand. Every cool stone tile across the floor between the two of you. Gael's faint and irregular heartbeat. You can even sense the moisture in the air around you. You focus the magical energy permeating your blood to draw as much of that moisture as possible towards your foe’s outstretched hand. You then snap that energy away in an instant, flash-freezing the little grey man’s hand. At the same moment, he looses his spell at you but, instead of the yellow arc of energy leaping across the room, it rebounds, shattering his hand into multiple small chunks. Screaming, he falls to his knees, dropping the necklace and gripping his injured arm. You begin to coalesce the moisture in front of your outstretched hand to form a jagged icicle, then fling it at high speed towards the injured figure. He dodges out of its path just in time, phasing right through a wall and [[fleeing into the night. |FleeWorkshop]] </div> <<set $IntuitionMagic to true>>

<div class="text-box"> You dash over to Gael to check on him. He is prone and breathing heavily, a burn mark on his shirt revealing scorched flesh and zig-zagging lightning-shaped scarring. “Gael! Can you stand?” you tap his cheek lightly. His eyes flutter open and he coughs, then winces in pain. “What happened? I didn’t miss, I know I didn’t miss”. He wheezes between shaky breaths. You prop him up against the wall, he nods at you in thanks. “Where is the bastard?” “I scared him off,” you reply. “Do you think you can walk?” “You scared him off? How? I swear you have the luck of @@.image-link;<<link "Hai Apok.">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Portraits/Gods/Hai Apok.png]]\n\n Hai Apok. God of nature, hunting, luck."); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@” He stares at you in disbelief. “That's right, I got lucky. I’ll explain everything later. Right now we need to get out of here.” Glancing towards the vault you see the necklace case lying on the floor. You head over to it. Picking it up, you crack the case open and glance inside. The necklace is there, no evil aura, no twisted gut. It’s the original. Gael slides his back up the wall behind him, moving to a standing position. “Okay, I think I can move,” he stumbles a bit as he tests his balance. You head over and drape one of his arms over your shoulder. Together, you make your way out and into the courtyard. The rain has yet to abate and the courtyard is covered in little puddles. Now you’re outside, you notice the corpses of the other two guards. Cursing under your breath, you head left out of the door, towards the courtyard wall. Gael gets stronger with every step you take and you boost him up onto the top of the wall. With great effort, he balances there and extends his arm down to you. You grasp it and haul yourself up and over. Using the winding back alleys for cover you slowly work your way [[back home to Cheapside. |DebriefHeist]] </div> <<set $NoNecklace to false>>

<div class="text-box"> @@.image-link;<<link "Home">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Locations/Lodgings.png]]"); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@ Cheapside Kingsport Gael lies on your bed, still recovering from his burns. You tried to help him as best you could, but you aren’t exactly practised in healing magical wounds. He does seem to be stable though and all you can hope for is that he makes a recovery over the next few days. The necklace lies in its case on your dresser. You’ve finished recounting what happened with the sorcerer after Gael passed out from the spell. He wears a look of utter disbelief. “I appreciate you trusting me with this,” he says, eventually. “I understand why you never told me about your powers.” “Powers!” you laugh. You yourself can barely believe what you did. You’ve never tapped into your latent abilities. “I swear, I’ve never done that before tonight. I think we both got very lucky back there. I still don’t really know how I did it.” “And this magical necklace?” Gael continues. “You’re sure it’s not that one?” he motions to the necklace on your dresser. “Positive, this is Pinzler’s, just a piece of jewellery. Whatever that sorcerer left behind for the princess is dangerous. I could sense evil coming from it in waves,” you tell him. “Well, if that sorcerer is Hardy’s original client, perhaps we had better warn him about his true nature?” Gael suggests. “And what about the princess?” you wonder. “What can we do? We can’t warn the authorities, we can’t contact her directly. We’re not going anywhere near that workshop again unless we want to be hanged by the Bluecoats,” Gael shrugs and then winces in pain from the motion. “Forget about her, and that damned sorcerer.” “I hope he’s not the vengeful sort. He could come looking for us,” you add. “Well, hopefully, you scared him well enough that he won’t. You should head to Hardy’s though. [[I can give you the address.” |HardyCorpse]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> The Horse and Hammer Cheapside Kingsport You and Gael sit hunched over a couple of ales in a dark corner of the Horse and Hammer. It’s after hours and you’re the only ones in the place. You decided breaking in to drown your sorrows was the only proper thing to do after such a catastrophic job. “I still don’t understand what happened back there,” Gael muses. “Why make a replica of a necklace and swap them? They looked identical to me.” You didn’t tell Gael about the malevolent aura you detected emanating from the duplicate necklace, or that you now suspect you might have the gift of magic. It isn’t that you don’t trust him, but you decided the less he knows the safer it is for him. “Who can understand what goes on in a sorcerer’s mind?” you wonder out loud. “Especially one as crazy as that one clearly was?” “You seemed disturbed by it, what was that about?” Gael eyes you suspiciously. “Well, whatever it is I just assume it can’t be good,” you bluff. “But what can we do? We can’t warn the authorities. We’re not going anywhere near that workshop again unless we want to be hanged by the Bluecoats. We should distance ourselves from the whole thing as best we can.” Gael nods sourly. “Well one of us should tell Hardy he isn’t getting his payday. Not to mention warn him his client is actually a crazed sorcerer who is probably angry with him for not keeping his mouth shut.” “Shit, you’re right, he’s in danger. [[Where do we find him? |HardyCorpse]]” you ask, standing to leave. </div>

<div class="text-box"> Hardy’s Private Rooms Beacon Lane Cheapside Kingsport The boarding house where the jeweller’s apprentice rents a room is a little nicer than your own. You make your way there in good time, though you do dodge a couple of Bluecoat patrols to be on the safe side. The building is unlocked and you find yourself outside what appears to be his room, knocking softly on the door. There’s no response. “Hardy!” you whisper through the door. “Open up, Hardy.” Still nothing. You try the handle and are surprised to find the door swings open with a high-pitched creak. On the floor, in the gloom of the unlit room, you see a body. Eyes still and lifeless, staring straight up. Your mind flashes back to the image of the dead orc guard. [[You’re too late. |DaysLater]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> [[Days later. |EffieScene01]] </div> <<set $Stamina to 5>>

<div class="text-box"> Thunk! You’re startled awake by a noise at your bedroom window. It’s the middle of the night, your room is nearly pitch black. Adrenaline courses through your veins. [[Light a candle. |EffieCandle]] [[Go for your sword. |EffieSword]] </div>

<div class="center-image"> [img[images/Backgrounds/Banner.png][Character Creation]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Your flint, steel and tinder are on your bedside table. Fumbling for them, you get a splint burning with which you light a candle. In the dim light, you can now see someone has placed a ladder at your window, knocking the potted plant that sits on your windowsill to the floor. Fooling with getting the candle lit has given whoever is coming enough time to ascend the ladder. Just as you stand to reach for your sword you see a pair of delicate hands appear at the top rung, and a heartbeat later a familiar face [[shows itself at the windowsill. |EffieScene02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You roll out of bed and snatch up your blade. You creep over to your window and nearly trip on a fallen potted plant that should be sitting on the windowsill. Dim torchlight from the street below outlines a silhouette preparing to climb a ladder set to your window. They must have knocked the plant to the floor and woken you. You see the slight, hooded figure looking around furtively and then begin to make their ascent up the ladder. [[Ready yourself to ambush them.|EffieAmbush]] [[Make your presence known.|EffieCallout]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Effie! What are you doing? I could have hurt you!” You sit at the end of your bed, heart thumping, though you realise now you were never in any danger. Effie moves further into your room and then turns to face you. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Effie01/hood.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> “How did you get here? Are you alone?” you ask, glancing towards the window. “Do you realise how dangerous this part of the city is at night?” Questions rush through your head as you try to comprehend what’s going on. “I snuck out, Kurz is still recovering. It was easier than I expected to be honest!” she slips off a pair of muddied black slippers. You picture the fearsome orc bodyguard. You hope he doesn’t get wind of this. You don’t want him knocking at your door. Effie goes on. “Seeing you again. Everything you did for me. It’s made me reconsider a lot of things,” she begins. “I told you, you don’t owe me anything for that,” you interject. She holds up her hand. “The debutante ball is set for next week,” she says. “I’m to be paraded in front of preening noblemen who’ll try to match me with one of their feckless sons,” she continues, her voice beginning to quiver. The annual debutante ball is the social event of the year. Nobles present their daughters at a lavish ball with all of high society in attendance. The nation’s most eligible bachelors attend to officially secure their matches with other noble houses in an attempt to garner the most lucrative and highest-status pairings. Effie continues. [[“The princess is to be in attendance.” |EffieScene03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You press your back against the wall next to the window and raise your blade, ready to strike. Before long, you see a pair of delicate hands reach the top rung and you realise the intruder is a woman. Grabbing them by the wrist you haul them inside, blade ready as the hood falls back to [[reveal a familiar face.|EffieScene02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “That’s far enough. Show yourself! Remove that hood,” you demand. The strained voice that whispers back from the gloom is one you recognise. “Shh! Quiet you fool! I’m trying to be stealthy and you’re going to get me caught!” A moment later [[you are face to face.|EffieScene02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Never blessed with a son, the King and Queen have reportedly tried everything to remedy the situation. There are even rumours of a witch serving at court for some time, though they have never been substantiated. As it stands, the kingdom is as yet without a male heir, meaning whoever manages to secure the princess bride is not only marrying into the royal family but potentially the next ruler of the kingdom. You glance at Effie, her striking green eyes beginning to well with tears. She’s a little past the age ladies commonly debut. Some of her contemporaries already have their first child to care for. A select few noble families have elected to wait to present their heirs until this year’s ball, Effie’s being one of them. The richest and most powerful noble sons will be vying for the princess. That means whoever doesn’t secure the royal engagement will be of ‘higher quality’ stock than usual. “So why come here, to me?” you ask. [[“Do you want me to get you out of the city?” |EffieScene04]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “No! Not that,” she sighs, wiping her eyes. She’s finding it difficult to maintain eye contact, looking up at the ceiling as if summoning her strength. “I’m so tired of my family making every decision for me. I need to be able to,” she stops mid-sentence, clenching and unclenching her fists. “I don’t want some spoiled boy,” she trails off again, her voice growing very soft. You have to strain to catch every word. “That day in the market, you saved me. I felt so helpless. I realised how little control I have over my own fate.” “What is it, Effie? What are you trying to tell me?” you ask. Taking a deep breath, Effie slowly drops her robe to her shoulders. Her brilliant red hair is pulled up into a ponytail, accentuating her slender neck. Your eyes linger on a choker there and then drift down, over her body. The robe falls the rest of the way to the floor revealing an exquisite set of lacy black lingerie. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Effie01/drop.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> You hear your heart pounding in your ears as you stiffen at the sight before you. You’ve had dreams that go something like this but you're almost positive you are awake. You pinch yourself just to make sure. “That tailor does good work,” is all you can think to say. Effie giggles and her face flushes red. You’re hesitant to move, as though she were a wild animal you might scare away with too rapid a motion. “Kiss me, you fool,” she whines, and you [[leap off the bed to oblige her.|EffieScene05]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You kiss gently at first, tenderly. She moans softly and presses her body into yours. Her hair is scented. Is that lilac? And… something else. Her mouth opens slightly, and then slightly more. Your tongue probes for hers and they roll together, languidly. You savour the sensation. Your hands glide over her smooth skin. She moves hers to your chest, leaning forward hungrily. You lose your balance and fall backwards to sit again at the edge of your bed, chuckling awkwardly. Effie pauses, and smirks, dropping to all fours and crawling seductively up to your lap. “Show me, I want to see it,” she pleads, her voice husky now. You fling your nightshirt across the room, as she pulls your britches away. Your erection leaps free and strains against the still night air; so hard it feels as though it’s about to burst. Tensing in anticipation, a bead of moisture drips from your tip and rolls down the underside of your shaft. Letting out a surprised little gasp, Effie moves one hand gently to your inner thigh. She licks you firmly, from base to tip, leaving behind a cool line of wetness as you tremble in pleasure. She plants a few light kisses and then, with a cute little sigh, she takes you into her mouth. Her lips squeeze over your head in warm, wet pleasure. Her tongue dances lightly over your glans. Where did she learn this? You wonder. She seems hesitant to take you deeply, content instead to focus on your most sensitive area with her lips and tongue. Her intensity forces you to slow your breathing. Just as you feel yourself regaining some measure of control she bobs her head down quickly, and then raises it, slowly, torturously, sucking hard. Then again. And again. Humming happily, she continues like this for some time. Just as you begin to lose control, she pulls her lips tightly away, then swirls her tongue firmly over your head as she pumps your shaft with her hand. She looks up and, as your eyes lock, your heart leaps into your throat. Buried emotions crash over walls erected years ago. Pleasure lances through your body and you loose a thick rope of cum to splash against Effie’s face. She gasps, then smiles and begins giggling. “Oops, I didn’t mean to do that,” she teases. You groan. “You’re adorable. I couldn’t control myself.” “Do you have something I can use?” Effie motions to her face. You reach for a nearby washcloth and softly dab her face clean. She trails a finger up your shaft, lifting a drop of your seed to her mouth. “Where exactly did you learn how to do that?” You ask, incredulously. “Oh! I was given a book by my tutor. ‘//Lady Roth’s Guide to Practical Wifery//,’” she smirks. You laugh. “If I’d known that was the sort of thing they put in books I would have learned to read!” She joins you in laughter, sitting on the bed next to you, resting her head on your shoulder. “I did try to teach you but I couldn’t get you to stick with it,” she muses. “If you’d brought me books about this I think I might have paid more attention.” “Oh, I don’t doubt that,” she rolls her eyes. [[You lean close to her ear and whisper,|EffieScene06]] “Let me teach //you// something". </div>

<div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Effie01/flip.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> She responds enthusiastically and you pick her up to lay her down on her back. Trailing little kisses down her chest and stomach, you settle between her legs. She lifts them gently as you slide her frilly black panties off, noticing her wetness. You’re a little surprised to see her mound is clean-shaven. Not something you’ve seen with the lowborn girls. Perhaps it’s something the noblemen require? As you lower your head to inhale her scent she spreads her thighs in invitation. You give them soft kisses, inching towards her glistening sex. She lets out a breathy gasp as you extend your tongue to explore among her wet folds. You hear a feeble whimper as you light upon her bud. Finding a rhythm as you interpret her little moans and squeaks in response to your efforts. You suck and circle and hum and tease. Then she is bucking her hips, grabbing at your hair with one hand, the other stuffed inside her bra to tug at one pretty pink nipple. This is a book you //can// read. A minute later you have her moaning, her hands pulling up the bedsheets. Your fingers linger at her entrance, making her ache to be filled. You tip her over the cliff’s edge. After several seconds of shuddering bliss, she goes limp, panting, and then flashes you an impish grin. “No. . . no that wasn’t in the book,” she huffs. Her fingers play lazily in your hair. You crawl up the bed to settle next to her, your hand trailing the length of her body, over her throat and up to her cheek. “I need more,” she pleads. [[“I want all of you.”|EffieScene07]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You roll her body on top of yours. Your hands reach up to remove her bra. It falls away as she pushes herself up to straddle you. Her wetness presses against your shaft. You raise a hand to cup one of her breasts and sit up to suckle at the other. She laces her fingers into your hair, moaning and grinding against you. Reaching back with her free hand, she guides you gently to her entrance. You lie back as her lips part against your tip. She glides slowly down your length. Her warmth forces conscious thought from your mind. She clenches around you. There is only warmth and pressure, melting into bliss. Her eyes flutter. She moves slowly, shivering lightly. Then her pace increases. Her breath comes in ragged gasps. Her hands find your chest. Yours take her hips. Her voice joins the medley of sounds produced by your bodies. You take the lead, your hips snapping rapidly into her core. She collapses into you. You groan. She comes. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Effie01/ride.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> You ride out her contractions, her tremors and shivers exquisite torture around your throbbing, aching cock. “Come. Come with me,” she pleads, her breath hot against your ear. You surrender. Your vision dims as your body rocks in orgasm, releasing your seed deep inside her belly. When you regain your senses you find Effie atop you with her head curled against your chest, your combined fluids slowly leaking from her onto your now spent erection. You trail your hand lightly up and down her spine and [[she hums in pleasure.|EffieScene08]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “I meant what I said earlier,” you whisper to her. “About getting you out of the city. We could leave.” She looks up at you and smiles, though you see a sadness behind her eyes. She plants a soft kiss on your lips. “This was wonderful, it was everything I wanted,” she whispers back. “But you and I both know what would come of that,” she raises a hand to your cheek. “I’m so grateful our paths crossed again, but...” You put a finger to her lips, stopping her. “I understand,” you swallow the lump in your throat. “I had to ask.” You lay together in comfortable silence, your hands gently exploring each other's bodies until you drift away to a dreamless sleep. [[In the morning she is gone.|TheCall]] </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Effie01/leaving.png"> </div>

<div class="text-box"> Click the link below to resume your journey! Due to some changes made, if you run into problems it may be better to start from the beginning. [[Continue playing. |Darkness01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> @@.image-link;<<link "Docks District">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Inserts/KingsportDocks.png]]"); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@ Kingsport “There’s that distant look again,” Gael grumbles as he hands you a chunk of bread. You’re enjoying a late lunch on a rooftop overlooking one of the busiest harbours in the city. A few gulls circle overhead, eyeing your meagre meal. The Hall of Aganon’s colossal bell rings out for afternoon prayer and many of the workers below set down their tools to give thanks to the father of civilisation. “I had a visitor a few nights ago,” you remark casually before taking a bite out of a lump of hard cheese. Gael’s eyebrows shoot up. “Oh? Am I acquainted with this visitor?” he asks with a grin. You nod your head and his eyes widen in realisation. “Ah, I see!” he laughs. “But you don’t look very happy.” “She’s gone,” you sigh. “Left the city for the Summer Palace.” You gaze out over the ocean, watching the sailing ships drift lazily across the bay’s calm waters. “The debutante ball? I’m sorry, my friend.” Gael puts a hand on your shoulder. “Honestly, I’m a little surprised you aren’t running off after her,” he jokes, trying to lighten your mood. Your smile doesn’t quite reach your eyes. “We know where we stand with each other,” you explain. “It was just a, what’s the word?” you wonder. “A tryst? A dalliance? An indulgence?” Gael offers. <<link "“Indulgence works.”">> <<if $NoNecklace == true>> <<goto TheCall02>> <<elseif $NoNecklace == false>> <<goto TheCall01>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You've reached the end of the current build, thanks for playing! Work on the next update is ongoing. If you'd like to donate to development please check out the patreon! patreon https://www.patreon.com/SummoningCircle If you'd like to support development but can't afford to donate, consider leaving a good review or a positive comment on itch.io (or wherever you found the game). itch.io https://summoning-circle.itch.io/ There's also a twitter, er an X, I don't know anymore! twitter @summon_circle https://twitter.com/summon_circle Demon Level Patreon Special Thanks: Delacroix Ivanhunter-Johnson Thanks again for playing! Next time...Rescuing Remy. Or will she rescue you? </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Want to get very, very drunk?” Gael asks, pulling a pouch of coins from his pocket and offering it to you. “I fenced the necklace.” Effie has been the only thing on your mind lately. However, Gael mentioning the necklace leads you to make a connection you hadn’t before. Your blood runs cold. “Gael. The princess is going to that ball. With the duplicate.” “Ah, so that’s the event she had it commissioned for.” “You don’t understand. It’s dangerous, a weapon perhaps. Effie is going to be there.” [[Gael doesn’t look pleased by what you’re implying. |TheCall03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Want to get very, very drunk?” Gael asks. “Cheap stuff only though. I would have fenced that damned necklace by now if we had it.” Effie has been the only thing on your mind lately. However, Gael mentioning the necklace leads you to make a connection you hadn’t before. Your blood runs cold. “Gael. The princess is going to that ball. With the duplicate.” “Ah, so that’s the event she had it commissioned for.” “You don’t understand. It’s dangerous, a weapon perhaps. Effie is going to be there.” Gael doesn’t look pleased by what you’re implying. “I knew there was something you weren’t telling me,” he fumes. You consider how best to explain. “The duplicate was magic. I could sense it.” “You’re a sorcerer,” Gael states. It wasn’t a question. “No! I think I just have the blood for it. I’ve never used it in my life,” you protest. “But even I could tell, that necklace is dangerous.” [[He sits there shaking his head in disbelief. |TheCall03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “You really do want to go after her, don’t you!” Gael stands and begins pacing back and forth across the rooftop. “This is mad. We’re talking about a royal palace, royal guard, not to mention it’s halfway across the country.” “But we have to warn them, or at least Effie. What if,” you begin, but Gael cuts you off mid-sentence. “Is she worth it? Doing the right thing here may get us hanged. Those guards are dead and we’ll take the blame if they connect us to the robbery.” “I’ll go alone,” you insist. “Your name won’t even come up. I know it’s hard to understand. It was like somebody had poured all of their hatred into that necklace.” Gael gives a frustrated growl and turns his back on you. He stands very still for a few moments, then speaks softly. “You’re a good man. I also think you’re crazy. It’s a frustrating combination.” He sits back down next to you. [[“You’re going to need better gear.”|GearUp]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Market District Kingsport The market district is still recovering from the riot. You pass several burned-out husks of buildings, many more have boarded up their shattered windows. “The glaziers must be doing good business,” Gael chuckles to himself as you approach your destination. Rolun’s Emporium is easy to miss and that's by design. A small sign hangs above a set of stairs leading down to the shop, a hidden treasure trove of goodies for mischief makers lies behind a plain wooden door. You enter a long and narrow room with shelves of weapons and armour lining the walls to either side of you. A skinny bald orc with a pencil moustache stands behind a wide counter at the far end of the room. "Good day, gentlemen," he says, in a surprisingly high voice for an orc. “Rolun!” Gael beams, moving over to the shopkeeper. They begin putting together some travel essentials, while you peruse the armaments. <<if $NoNecklace === false>> <<link "Several items catch your eye.">> <<goto ShoppingList>> <</link>> <<elseif $NoNecklace === true>> <<link "Several items catch your eye.">> <<goto DiscountGear>> <</link>> <</if>> </div>

<<if $ChoseMelee>> <<link "Melee Weapons">> <<set $ChoseMelee = false>> <<goto MeleeWeapons>> <</link>> <<elseif $ChoseMelee == false>> <</if>> <<if $ChoseRanged>> <<link "Ranged Weapons">> <<set $ChoseRanged = false>> <<goto RangedWeapons>> <</link>> <<elseif $ChoseRanged == false>> <</if>> <<if $ChoseArmour>> <<link "Armour">> <<set $ChoseArmour = false>> <<goto Armour>> <</link>> <<elseif $ChoseArmour == false>> <</if>> <<if $ChoseMelee === false && $ChoseRanged === false && $ChoseArmour === false>> <<link "Go to the counter and pay.">> <<goto FinishedShopping>> <</link>> <</if>>

<div class="text-box"> Unfortunately, without the necklace to fence you don't have enough to buy more than two decent pieces of gear. Unless... If you could secure a discount then three items would be feasible. “Rolun, how flexible are you on pricing?” you ask. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto DiscountGear01>> <<else>> <<goto DiscountGear02>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<<if $ChoseMelee === false && $ChoseRanged === false>> <<set $ChoseArmour = false>> <</if>> <<if $ChoseMelee === false && $ChoseArmour === false>> <<set $ChoseRanged = false>> <</if>> <<if $ChoseRanged === false && $ChoseArmour === false>> <<set $ChoseMelee = false>> <</if>> <<goto ShoppingList01>>

<div class="text-box"> “I have a lot of coin and I’m willing to spend it all here in exchange for, say, a twenty per cent discount?” You drop a heavy bag of coins on the counter. The orc taps his fingertips together and nods his head. “Fifteen and you have a deal,” he counters. [[“Done!” you accept his offer, shaking hands. |ShoppingList]] </div> <<set $NoNecklace to false>>

<div class="text-box"> “I have a lot of coin and I’m willing to spend it all here in exchange for, say, a twenty per cent discount?” You drop a heavy bag of coins on the counter. Rolun shakes his head. [[“Firm on prices, I’m afraid. Business is slow after the riot.” |ShoppingList02]] </div> <<set $NoNecklace to true>>

<div class="text-box"> You look over the melee weapons and spot a few candidates. <<link "A longsword of blue-tinged Cerulean Steel.">> <<if $NoNecklace === false>> <<set $MeleeWeapon = "longsword">> <<set $Strength += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList>> <<elseif $NoNecklace === true>> <<set $MeleeWeapon = "longsword">> <<set $Strength += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList02>> <</if>> <</link>> The grip is wound with black leather and the pommel is a stylised panther’s head with ruby eyes. +1 Strength <<link "A bearded axe.">> <<if $NoNecklace === false>> <<set $MeleeWeapon = "axe">> <<set $Strength += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList>> <<elseif $NoNecklace === true>> <<set $MeleeWeapon = "axe">> <<set $Strength += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList02>> <</if>> <</link>> The rosewood shaft is carved with orcish runes and the blade is engraved with a depiction of a bear’s head, roaring. +1 Strength <<link "A rapier with a golden basket hilt.">> <<if $NoNecklace === false>> <<set $MeleeWeapon = "rapier">> <<set $Charisma += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList>> <<elseif $NoNecklace === true>> <<set $MeleeWeapon = "rapier">> <<set $Charisma += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList02>> <</if>> <</link>> Engravings run the entire length of the blade. The scabbard is black leather with golden filigree. This is more a work of art than a weapon. +1 Charisma <<link "A spear with an ebony shaft.">> <<if $NoNecklace === false>> <<set $MeleeWeapon = "spear">> <<set $Intuition += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList>> <<elseif $NoNecklace === true>> <<set $MeleeWeapon = "spear">> <<set $Intuition += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList02>> <</if>> <</link>> A carved black serpent winds its way around the staff to the tip. The blade emerges from the mouth of the snake. +1 Intuition <<link "Maybe something else.">> <<if $NoNecklace === false>> <<set $ChoseMelee = true>> <<goto "ShoppingList">> <<elseif $NoNecklace === true>> <<set $ChoseMelee = true>> <<goto ShoppingList02>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> Gael points out some good quality ranged weapons. <<link "A theran shortbow.">> <<if $NoNecklace === false>> <<set $RangedWeapon = "shortbow">> <<set $Dexterity += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList>> <<elseif $NoNecklace === true>> <<set $RangedWeapon = "shortbow">> <<set $Dexterity += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList02>> <</if>> <</link>> Composed of hickory, antelope horn, and sinew. It comes with a fur-lined hip quiver. +1 Dexterity <<link "An elven longbow made of yew.">> <<if $NoNecklace === false>> <<set $RangedWeapon = "longbow">> <<set $Dexterity += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList>> <<elseif $NoNecklace === true>> <<set $RangedWeapon = "longbow">> <<set $Dexterity += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList02>> <</if>> <</link>> The grip, arrow rest, and tips are decorated with silver. The back quiver is brown leather embossed with a depiction of an eagle in flight. +1 Dexterity <<link "A crossbow made of maple.">> <<if $NoNecklace === false>> <<set $RangedWeapon = "crossbow">> <<set $Dexterity += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList>> <<elseif $NoNecklace === true>> <<set $RangedWeapon = "crossbow">> <<set $Dexterity += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList02>> <</if>> <</link>> Bone inlays depict charging boars. A pair of real boar tusks are mounted either side of the stirrup. +1 Dexterity <<link "A new pattern flintlock pistol.">> <<if $NoNecklace === false>> <<set $RangedWeapon = "pistol">> <<set $Dexterity += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList>> <<elseif $NoNecklace === true>> <<set $RangedWeapon = "pistol">> <<set $Dexterity += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList02>> <</if>> <</link>> The furniture is silver and engraved with ocean waves. The hammer is shaped like a sea serpent. +1 Dexterity <<link "Maybe something else.">> <<if $NoNecklace === false>> <<set $ChoseRanged = true>> <<goto "ShoppingList">> <<elseif $NoNecklace === true>> <<set $ChoseRanged = true>> <<goto ShoppingList02>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> Rolun shows you his best sets of armour and clothing. <<link "A steel breastplate.">> <<if $NoNecklace === false>> <<set $Armour = "breastplate">> <<set $Strength += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList>> <<elseif $NoNecklace === true>> <<set $Armour = "breastplate">> <<set $Strength += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList02>> <</if>> <</link>> Engraved with two gryphons rampant. +1 Strength <<link "Black leather armour with hood.">> <<if $NoNecklace === false>> <<set $Armour = "leather armour">> <<set $Dexterity += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList>> <<elseif $NoNecklace === true>> <<set $Armour = "leather armour">> <<set $Dexterity += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList02>> <</if>> <</link>> It won’t stop an arrow or a blade but it’s quiet and flexible. +1 Dexterity <<link "A stylish doublet.">> <<if $NoNecklace === false>> <<set $Armour = "doublet">> <<set $Charisma += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList>> <<elseif $NoNecklace === true>> <<set $Armour = "doublet">> <<set $Charisma += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList02>> <</if>> <</link>> Embroidered with gold thread and a matching shoulder cape with golden silk lining. +1 Charisma <<link "A cloak with a hooded mantle.">> <<if $NoNecklace === false>> <<set $Armour = "embroidered cloak">> <<set $Intuition += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList>> <<elseif $NoNecklace === true>> <<set $Armour = "embroidered cloak">> <<set $Intuition += 1>> <<goto ShoppingList02>> <</if>> <</link>> Embroidered with geometric patterns. Great protection from the elements and you want to travel light. +1 Intuition <<link "Maybe something else.">> <<if $NoNecklace === false>> <<set $ChoseArmour = true>> <<goto "ShoppingList">> <<elseif $NoNecklace === true>> <<set $ChoseArmour = true>> <<goto ShoppingList02>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> Rolun emerges from the back carrying a large canvas backpack. He sets it on the counter along with some new boots, a tent and bedroll, a small iron pot, flint and steel, and a water flask. You place your other items on the counter and pay the man. [["Gentlemen, a pleasure doing business. Please don't tell your friends about us," he says. |LeavingKingsport]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Ascendancy Gate Kingsport You stand before Ascendancy Gate the next morning as the sun begins its steady climb across a cloudless sky. The largest entrance to the city, the gate was constructed to commemorate Ferdinand, the first Etrantian king to be elected emperor. Three imposing marble arches part the walls of the city to allow access to the Imperial Highway. A constant flow of travellers from all corners of the Cerulean Empire pass into and out of the city by foot, horseback, and wagon. A nearby street vendor stirs a bubbling pot of stew, the aroma of spiced shrimp, clam, and squid enticing weary arrivals to sample the bounty of the Atrian Ocean. Gael is here to see you off. “You’re sure I can’t change your mind?” he asks hopefully. “Just a little trip to the summer palace and back. I’ll return by next week,” you try to reassure him. “Have you thought about what you’re going to do if they turn you away at the door?” “I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it,” you answer with a shrug and a smile. With the royal family in attendance, the palace is certain to be well-guarded. Effie’s father, Lord Carrington, will be there though. As your former employer, passing a message to him may get you through the gate. Gael gives you a wan smile. “Alright, I can see there’s no talking you out of it, so I’ll say farewell. You need to leave now if you’re to make Limekirk by sundown,” he sighs. Extending his arm, you grasp him by the wrist and pull him into a brief hug, then release him and sling your gear onto your back. [[“Feel free to use my room if you need it,” you offer. “Farewell, my friend.” |LeavingKingsport01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Gael gives you a casual two-fingered salute, then turns to leave. You see him lift a coin purse from the belt of a passing merchant. He looks back over his shoulder to give you a cheeky grin and show off his prize, then melts into the crowd and is gone. You turn to head through the monumental gate. Glancing up as you pass under one of the gleaming marble arches, a fine engraving that winds its way around one of the towering pillars catches your eye. It depicts the race between the gods Aganon and Rokar, one of their five fabled contests. You have just six days to travel over half the country on foot. This year, nobles from across the empire will be attending the debutante ball, likely having already arrived at the summer palace. The entire week is set aside to facilitate negotiations between the families. A grand hunt is held on the king’s estate with the finest chefs in the land cooking a feast the night before the final event, the ball itself. Ahead of you, wheat, a healthy shade of pale yellow, waves gently in the breeze coming from the ocean to the west. Fields run parallel to each side of the grand Imperial Highway, stretching out to the horizon. A reminder of the empire's mastery over all the land from Etrantus in the southwest to Tongling in the far east. You step out from under the protection of the city’s walls and into the rising heat of the morning sun, [[beginning a journey that will take you farther from home than ever before. |OnTheRoad]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Imperial Highway South of Limekirk <a href="#" onclick="window.open('images/Inserts/Etrantus.png', 'Image', 'width=1290,height=730') ;return false;" style="color: mediumseagreen;">Kingdom of Etrantus</a> Morning sunlight pours through the flap of your tent as you wake on the third day of your journey. You’re stiff and still groggy after sleeping on rough ground. Thankfully, you made good progress yesterday when a farmer in a cart offered you a lift. That night he permitted you to set up camp in one of his fields and you gratefully accepted. It’s not long before you have a little food in your belly, your camp torn down, and your boots back on the road. By today you’re hoping to make it past Kinlen’s Crossing, a village built around the bridge over the Troca Canyon. As the sun beats down on the back of your neck, you find yourself missing the cool sea breeze of Kingsport. The dry summer heat steadily saps the moisture from your body. By the time the sun is at its midpoint you have to stop for a break, taking a little more food and nearly emptying your water flask. Sitting in the burnt grass at the edge of the road, you’re devoured by a swarm of angry midges coming to investigate the bedraggled figure invading their territory. Wonderful. This section of the imperial highway isn’t paved with the meticulous, uniform cobblestones found on the roads leading from the capital. Those have long since given way to dry soil that kicks up into a cloud of fine dust every time a traveller on a horse or cart passes, [[coating you from head to toe in grime. |OnTheRoad01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Sighing to yourself, you return to placing one aching foot in front of the other. Thankfully, it isn’t long before you find yourself outside the little wooden palisade protecting Kinlen’s Crossing. The highway leads you right through the gate. Stopping at a well to refill your flask and splash some lukewarm water over your face, you take in the sights. There are a few thatched roof cottages, many with butchered animal carcasses hanging outside to age. A large barn stands near the centre of the village and serves as a communal storage area. The only other building of note is a fairly large inn with an attached coach house. Next to it, a shrine sits adorned with a few feathers and the bones of various small animals. The highway continues straight through the settlement to the edge of a deep canyon. A good deal of activity is centred there. Several agitated people stand near parked wagons, blocking your view of the bridge. One man is gesticulating wildly and arguing with a woman. After some time he seems to give up and begins the lengthy process of turning the whole procession around, [[heading back the way they came. |OnTheRoad02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “What’s the matter?” you call out to the lead wagon driver as he passes. “The bridge is out. Destroyed this morning," the man calls back as he rolls past you, a sour expression on his sunburned face. This is the only crossing for miles in any direction. It could add days to your journey if you have to go around. Days you don’t have. You head up to the bridge to talk to the woman. She is young and pretty, with brown eyes that complement her shoulder-length golden brown hair. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Bianca01/BiancaPriest.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> Take a closer look at her. <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Intuition Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 5>> <<goto Priestess01>> <<else>> <<goto Priestess02>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> The woman wears the robes of a priestess of Hai Apok. Communities in the countryside tend to worship Aganon, who gifted the first humans with knowledge of agriculture. However, the soil here isn’t any good for planting. It’s likely the villagers depend on hunting to survive, which explains the shrine dedicated to the god of nature. A priestess of the panther god would have unparalleled knowledge of the animals native to the area and provide the customary blessings of luck before hunts. “Good hunting, priestess,” you give a little bow of respect. “Good hunting, traveller,” [[she returns the traditional greeting with a happy smile. |OnTheRoad03]] </div> <<set $Bianca to 3>>

<div class="text-box"> The woman is clothed in robes that seem to be religious vestments. You assume she is a priest, but aren’t sure of which god. [[Probably a denomination uncommon in Kingsport. |OnTheRoad03]] </div> <<set $Bianca to 0>>

<div class="text-box"> “I’m trying to reach the summer palace,” you explain, glancing past the woman to examine the bridge. The canyon stretches for what must be at least a couple of miles, the bridge across it a marvel of modern imperial engineering. Unfortunately, a good portion of it lies in a twisted heap of lumber and iron at the bottom of the canyon, hundreds of feet below you. The mighty tear in the earth before you is composed of yellowish limestone. You can see bands of light and dark rock exposed after centuries of a river carving its path to the sea from the mountains of Asten Vale. The odd patch of green shrubbery clings tenaciously to the sheer cliff faces, doggedly chasing the sunlight over the yawning expanse. The scenery evokes the story of the mighty river Kesh, created when a weary Rokar dragged his axe through the Endless Desert, new life springing forth in his wake. “What happened to the bridge?” you ask. “A rival male entered the local wyrm’s breeding grounds. Unfortunately, they decided to settle their territorial dispute right underneath our bridge,” she explains, motioning to the canyon depths and the river below. Her voice has a soothing quality to it, her accent and manner of speech suggest she’s well-educated. You consider what you know about wyrms. <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Intuition Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto WyrmLore01>> <<else>> <<goto WyrmLore02>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You’ve heard of wyrms but have never seen one. A serpent large enough to swallow a horse whole, they commonly live near lakes or rivers. “A wyrm! I’ve never seen one, they're large snakes, right?” you ask the priestess. “That's right!" she answers, enthused by your knowledge. "They’re majestic and cunning predators. It’s a shame the males are so competitive.” She is visibly excited by the thought of the [[gigantic carnivorous reptiles slithering about her home. |OnTheRoad04]] </div> <<set $Bianca to $Bianca + 3>>

<div class="text-box"> “A worm!” you exclaim. “I had no idea one could get that big. I’ve only ever really seen them digging around in the dirt, couldn’t be much more than a few inches long!" “No, a wyrm, with a y," she explains. "They're massive serpents that live near water, large enough to swallow a horse whole.” She becomes more animated as she speaks about the creature, as though [[gigantic carnivorous serpents weren’t an absolutely terrifying idea. |OnTheRoad04]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Is there another way across? I need to be at the palace before the week is out,” you explain. She scrunches up her nose and shakes her head. “Going around the canyon would add days to your journey, I’m afraid. Normally, since you’re on foot, you could descend into the canyon if you don’t mind the difficult terrain.” She shrugs and raises her hands, palm up. “But with that young male still in the area? It won’t be safe until I’ve hunted it down.” “You’re planning on hunting it?” you ask, surprised. Taking down a wyrm would be an impressive feat, especially alone. “Yes, I’m a Wealdwarden. The elder wyrm retreated to its lair by the lake farther up the canyon. Culling the younger wyrm will be easier than going after the older male, it hasn’t reached full size yet.” You’ve never met a Wealdwarden before. There isn’t much call for one in the capital. Knights ordained as priests of Hai Apok, Wealdwardens are nobles who serve their communities by safeguarding the more savage corners of the empire. Their duty is to maintain the balance between the natural order of the environment and the livelihoods of their congregation. A warden is just as likely to hunt down a band of poachers as a pack of errant wolves. If descending into the canyon to cross is your best option to reach the Summer Palace before time runs out, [[having a Wealdwarden escort you would be ideal. |OnTheRoad05]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Would you be willing to guide me through the canyon?” you ask. The warden looks sceptical, placing her hands on her hips as she gives you a once-over. “It won’t be an easy journey. It would mean climbing and there are no roads or trails. I’m sorry, but if I find the wyrm I’d also rather not be burdened with someone to protect,” she explains. “I’m no slouch in a fight. I’ll help you kill it.” <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<set $Bianca to $Bianca + 2>> <<goto OnTheRoad06>> <<else>> <<goto OnTheRoad06>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> “I’m a good shot, and know how to stalk prey.” <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<set $Bianca to $Bianca + 4>> <<goto OnTheRoad06>> <<else>> <<goto OnTheRoad06>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> “People’s lives are in danger and I must warn them, you’d be doing a great service by helping me.” <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<set $Bianca to $Bianca + 1>> <<goto OnTheRoad06>> <<else>> <<goto OnTheRoad06>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> “Two heads are better than one. With a good plan, I’m sure we can take it down together.” <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Intuition Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<set $Bianca to $Bianca + 3>> <<goto OnTheRoad06>> <<else>> <<goto OnTheRoad06>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> She looks you in the eye, seemingly trying to make up her mind. Then she relents and holds out her hand. “Alright, I can see you’re serious. My name is Bianca by the way, what’s yours?” <<textbox "$CharacterName" "Dante">> <<button "Submit">> <<goto OnTheRoad07>> <</button>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> "$CharacterName," you answer. “Good to meet you, $CharacterName." An hour later you are waiting for Bianca to emerge from her cottage. She asked you for a little time to prepare for the expedition. The plan is to head down into the canyon and cross the river at a ford farther downstream. Afterwards, she can lead you to a spot suitable to climb out of the canyon. If you come across the wyrm you’ve agreed to do your best to help her kill it. You hear the front door of the cottage open and close behind you. Turning to look, a different person stands before you. Gone is the priestess, replaced by a knight in a fine suit of half-plate. It’s painted forest green and embossed in gold with depictions of twisting vines and leaves. You can see several little scuff marks in the paint indicating the armour has seen action in the past. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Bianca01/BiancaArmour01.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> Bianca carries a spear with a long shaft of ash wrapped in leather. A blade of considerable size sits at the tip, engraved with the same leafy patterns from her armour. She ties a sling to the weapon and sets it against the wall of her cottage as she ducks inside again to grab a hefty pack of supplies for the journey. “Ready to go?” she asks, retrieving her spear and marching over to you. You nod your head and [[begin walking back towards the bridge. |OnTheRoad08]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “That’s an impressive amount of gear,” you remark, the burden of the armour and heavy pack barely seems to slow her down. “The armour and spear were gifts from my father. He had them crafted for me when I completed my training as a warden,” she explains, wiping a smudge of oil from the blade of the spear. The two of you turn to head back towards the canyon lip. “They’re very fine, your father must be proud of you.” “Hah!” Bianca gives a hearty laugh. “He is now, but you should have seen him when I first told him I wanted to join the wardens. It’s commonly a profession for a noble’s second or third son, not his ‘precious little daughter.’” You join her in laughter. “How did you convince him?” you ask. “Oh, I was a precocious little girl of about 12. I had been refused many times, until one day when my father was planning to host another hunt. I always hated seeing those fat, stupid nobles stamping about the forest, killing for entertainment. “They don’t know the meaning of the word noble. A stag is noble. A mother bear fighting to protect her cubs is noble. I told Father if he didn’t take me to the Wealdwarden’s lodge in Arcanglen that instant then I would burn down his stupid castle while he was out hunting with his friends. [[He finally relented.” |OnTheRoad09]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You arrive back at the lip of the canyon. Bianca removes her heavy pack and slings her spear onto her back, motioning for you to do the same . She retrieves two ropes from her bag and uses one to bind both of your packs together, then loops the other end around a thick tree. Together you lower the heavy load to the canyon floor and then send the rope down after it. Next, she takes the second length of rope, one knotted every couple of feet. She secures it to the tree and throws it over the edge. Stretching her arms high above her head, she bends forward at the waist to loosen up her muscles. “Ready for a climb?” she asks. “Just take it nice and slow, it’s not a race.” She winks as she steps out over the abyss, rope in hand. You watch as she shimmies down the rope with impressive speed, walking backwards down the wall and moving hand over hand along the knots in the rope. When she reaches the bottom, she arches her back to look up and beckons for you to join her. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<set $Bianca to $Bianca + 2>> <<goto Canyon01>> <<else>> <<goto Canyon02>> <</if>> <</button>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> Summoning the nerve to step out after the warden, you grasp the rope and begin your descent. Though the day has been long and you have taken only meagre meals on the road, you don’t find the descent too taxing. In fact, you feel energised as you reach the bottom of the canyon, [[ready to tackle the next challenge. |Canyon03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> The first half of your descent goes well. Then you make the mistake of looking down. A wave of nausea hits you, a combination of the height, the hot sun, and the hard day’s travel on the road combining to overwhelm you momentarily. Your palms begin to sweat, and your muscles burn. Your grip loosens on the rope and you slide down to the next knot, the rope burning the skin of your hands. Your body swings towards the rough rockface and you bash your knee. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> The pain brings you back to your senses. Regaining your composure, you resume the descent and make it down to the bottom of the canyon before your arms give out entirely. You take a moment to compose yourself and [[shake out the stiffness from your arms. |Canyon03]] </div> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>>

<div class="text-box"> Bianca hands you her flask and you take a sip of water, taking in your new surroundings. The bottom of the canyon is heavily forested. The river lies ahead of you, out of sight, about one mile through the trees. The wind blows softly through the leaves and you can hear the buzzing of insects. You move into the cool shade provided by the tall black alder trees. “We’ll head to the river and follow it downstream to the ford,” Bianca explains. “The juvenile wyrm will have headed in that direction after the bridge came down, away from the elder’s lair.” You both replace your backpacks and begin the trek. You wonder how to handle the wyrm, should you find it. [[“We could try to lure out the beast, I could hold its attention while you position yourself for a killing blow, Bianca.” |TankWyrm]] [[“If we can track the beast, I think I can ambush it somehow.” |AmbushWyrm]] </div>

<div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Bianca01/BiancaArmour02.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> Bianca considers your suggestion. “It swam away from the bridge, so keep an eye out for signs of it leaving the water on the riverbanks,” she answers. As you continue your march through the trees you notice her turning to examine you periodically. “You’re wondering why I’m going to the Summer Palace?” you guess. “I am, you don’t look like the typical attendee of the debutante ball.” “I believe someone intends to harm the princess, I have to warn her.” “That’s a bit vague,” she muses. “It’s a very well-guarded event, you don’t think the royal guard can handle it?” You shake your head. “There’s magic involved, a sorcerer I crossed in Kingsport. I think he smuggled a weapon inside,” you explain. Bianca looks surprised at that. “What did the Bluecoats have to say about it?” she asks. You wince. “Ah. I didn’t tell them.” Bianca stops in her tracks. You turn to face her. “Telling them would have implicated me in a crime. I don’t think they’d believe my story.” “Wow,” she exclaims. “And you’re travelling halfway across the kingdom, by foot, to warn the princess? You must be the most loyal subject in Etrantus! Have you ever even met her before?” “I haven’t,” you shake your head again. “My friend is there, I can’t let her get hurt.” “Ah, now I see,” Bianca chuckles, a knowing expression on her face. “A woman. Your beloved?” Yet again you find yourself shaking your head and she frowns. “We can’t be together. I’m lowborn, she’s taking part in the ball.” Bianca’s expression softens. “But I won’t stand by when she’s in danger,” you finish. “That’s very noble of you,” she says. From what you know of the warden, [[that seems to be high praise. |Canyon04]] </div> <<set $AmbushWyrm to false>>

<div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Bianca01/BiancaArmour02.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> Bianca considers your suggestion. “It swam away from the bridge, so keep an eye out for signs of it leaving the water on the riverbanks,” she answers. As you continue your march through the trees you notice her turning to examine you periodically. “You’re wondering why I’m going to the Summer Palace?” you guess. “I am, you don’t look like the typical attendee of the debutante ball.” “I believe someone intends to harm the princess, I have to warn her.” “That’s a bit vague,” she muses. “It’s a very well-guarded event, you don’t think the royal guard can handle it?” You shake your head. “There’s magic involved, a sorcerer I crossed in Kingsport. I think he smuggled a weapon inside,” you explain. Bianca looks surprised at that. “What did the Bluecoats have to say about it?” she asks. You wince. “Ah. I didn’t tell them.” Bianca stops in her tracks. You turn to face her. “Telling them would have implicated me in a crime. I’m innocent and don’t think they’d believe my story.” “Wow,” she exclaims. “And you’re travelling halfway across the kingdom, by foot, to warn the princess? You must be the most loyal subject in Etrantus! Have you ever even met her before?” “I haven’t,” you shake your head again. “My friend is there, I can’t let her get hurt.” “Ah, now I see,” Bianca chuckles, a knowing expression on her face. “A woman. Your beloved?” Yet again you find yourself shaking your head and she frowns. “We can’t be together. I’m lowborn, she’s taking part in the ball.” Bianca’s expression softens. “But I won’t stand by when she’s in danger,” you finish. “That’s very noble of you,” she says. From what you know of the warden, [[that seems to be high praise. |Canyon04]] </div> <<set $AmbushWyrm to true>>

<div class="text-box"> You reach the riverbank a few minutes later. It isn’t a particularly wide river, but the water rushes past at a decent speed. Bianca moves to the waterside and removes her pack to refill her flask. You crouch next to her and do the same. It’s then you hear a twig snapping from Bianca’s direction and she places a hand on your knee, warning you to be still. Turning to follow her gaze you see a large wolf with a rusty brown pelt, it's standing very still and watching you intently, its ears pointing straight up and tail swishing back and forth slowly. Reach for your $RangedWeapon and take the shot. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<set $Bianca to $Bianca - 4>> <<goto Canyon05>> <<else>> <<goto Canyon06>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> Try to get it to leave. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<set $Bianca to $Bianca + 1>> <<goto Canyon07>> <<else>> <<goto Canyon08>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> Slowly, you move your hand to your $RangedWeapon. Bianca is crouched between you and the wolf, the animal’s attention is focused on her. You stand to aim over the Wealdwarden’s shoulder and take the shot. Your aim is true and the wolf goes down almost immediately, a perfect shot to the heart. “No!” Bianca yells, whirling to face you. “That was a mother, her den and pups are probably nearby. She never would have attacked without her pack.” She’s clearly upset. “I didn’t know,” you begin to apologise, but she turns away from you. “Just follow my lead next time,” she bites out between clenched teeth. “Losing a parent is devastating for a pack.” Dismayed, you replace your weapon and retrieve your backpack. Bianca skins the animal quickly and efficiently, wrapping the pelt in a cloth and placing it in her pack, leaving the meat for scavengers. [[Together, you begin the journey downstream. |Canyon09]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You stand and move forward, yelling and waving your arms to try to scare the wolf away. Bianca leaps up as you pass, grabbing you by the shoulder. “No, don’t!” she yells, too late. The wolf covers the distance between you with astonishing speed and latches onto your forearm. In a flash, Bianca slams the shaft of her spear down on the wolf’s sensitive nose with tremendous force. It yelps and releases you, running back into the undergrowth. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> “That was a mother, her den and pups are probably nearby. She wouldn’t have attacked alone,” Bianca explains. “You convinced her to, though,” she chuckles as you cradle your arm. She retrieves a bandage and a small clay pot from her pack then has you expose the wound so that she can tend to it. Thankfully the vambraces you wear absorbed most of the impact, but the long canines have punctured your skin and the force of the bite has left a bruise. Bianca scoops a pungent brown salve from the little pot and applies it to your arm, then wraps it with a bandage. Giving it a sniff, you can detect multiple herbs over a base of garlic and something sweet. Honey, perhaps. “I’ve seen much worse,” she remarks, and you believe her. You retrieve your backpack and, [[together, you begin the journey downstream. |Canyon09]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You stand and begin moving slowly backwards. Bianca does the same, avoiding eye contact with the wild animal. As you increase your distance, never turning your back on the wolf, it calms, giving you a wide berth and heading to the river to lap up some water. Its thirst slaked, it bounds back into the undergrowth. “That was a mother, her den and pups are probably nearby. She wouldn’t have attacked alone,” Bianca explains. “You did the right thing.” You retrieve your backpack and, [[together, begin the journey downstream. |Canyon09]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Slowly, you move your hand to your $RangedWeapon. Bianca is crouched between you and the wolf, the animal’s attention is focused on her. You stand to aim over the Wealdwarden’s shoulder and she notices you moving just as you are about to take the shot. “No!” Bianca yells, pulling your arm down. You miss low, kicking up dirt in front of the wolf which yelps and runs off. “That was a mother, her den and pups are probably nearby. She wouldn’t have attacked alone.” She sighs and shakes her head. “Losing a parent is devastating for a pack.” A little embarrassed, you replace your weapon and retrieve your backpack. [[Together, you begin the journey downstream. |Canyon09]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Bianca points out the ford as you near it. You can see the river moves a little slower here but it’s clear that crossing means more than simply wading through ankle-deep water as you’d hoped. A collection of slimy algae-covered rocks form a path to a fallen tree that extends to the opposite bank of the river. Bianca happily jumps onto the first rock and, with the grace of a dancer, hops from stone to stone and up onto the tree. She walks confidently across the makeshift bridge to the other side and turns to assess your progress. Seeing you haven’t begun the crossing, she places a hand on her hip and tilts her head to the side, urging you to get a move on. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<set $Bianca to $Bianca + 4>> <<goto Canyon10>> <<else>> <<goto Canyon11>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You readjust the straps of your pack and jump to the first rock. Thankfully the algae hasn’t made it to the tops of the stones and, with some careful foot placement, you make it up to the tree. From there it’s relatively simple to haul yourself onto it and make your way down to the south bank of the river. [[You resume the journey downstream. |Canyon12]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You take a deep breath and jump out to the first rock. You immediately lose your footing and crash into the rushing water, twisting your ankle painfully. <span style="color: red;">-1 stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> Kicking with all your might, you somehow make it from one stone to the next, using each as an anchor to prevent yourself from being washed downstream. Eventually, you make it to the fallen tree and haul yourself up, out of the water. You crawl sheepishly to the south bank of the river and get back to your feet. As you stand there, dripping, Bianca stifles a smirk. [[You resume the journey downstream. |Canyon12]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Have you seen any signs of the wyrm?” you ask Bianca, you wonder if you’ll be able to find it before you lose the light. “A few,” she answers. “I think it was wounded. It took at least one break on the river bank to recuperate and then moved on. I have a hunch as to where it may be now, but keep your eyes peeled. I’m sure it’s on this side of the water.” You begin searching for signs of the beast as you walk. <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Intuition Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<set $Bianca to $Bianca + 3>> <<goto Canyon13>> <<else>> <<goto Canyon14>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You can see evidence that reinforces what Bianca just told you. There’s a clear section of the riverbank where tracks indicate something large, very large, slithered out of the water and into the undergrowth. You point it out to Bianca who nods in appreciation. You see bent branches and a fresh trail, easily 12 feet across, [[leading a little farther downstream and inland. |Canyon15]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You don’t know how Bianca can tell so much from reading the signs in the earth, but you trust her, as she later points out tracks indicating something large, very large, slithered out of the water here and into the undergrowth. She shows you the bent branches and a fresh trail, easily 12 feet across, [[leading a little farther downstream and inland. |Canyon15]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Looks like my hunch was right,” Bianca explains as she motions for you to stop. About one hundred feet from the riverbank you see a cave entrance. The mouth protrudes from an upward slope in the terrain which is bare of trees and dotted with scree and the odd boulder. A winding trail left by the wyrm leads into the dark, yawning portal. “We’re going in after it?” you ask. “No, it would have the advantage in there. <<link "We need to lure it out.”">> <<if $AmbushWyrm == false>> <<goto Canyon16>> <<elseif $AmbushWyrm == true>> <<goto Canyon17>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Okay, I’ll lure it into position, you go for the killing blow,” you tell Bianca. “They don’t like high-pitched sounds. Can you whistle?” she asks. “I can,” you reply, setting aside your pack and readying your weapons. She does the same and then finds a good position to ambush the wyrm. Once ready, she gives you a nod. You curl your tongue back and insert two fingers into your mouth to blow a few sharp blasts into the mouth of the cave. You hear them echo back from the darkness. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<set $Bianca to $Bianca + 2>> <<goto Canyon18>> <<else>> <<goto Canyon19>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<set $Bianca to $Bianca + 1>> <<goto Canyon20>> <<else>> <<goto Canyon21>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You examine the ground before the cave as you remove your pack and check your weapons. Bianca follows suit. She removes the sling from her spear and examines the tip, then fastens a few buckles on her armour before giving you a confident nod. “Okay, I’ll set up in that tree and go for a killing blow, you lure it into position.” <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<set $Bianca to $Bianca + 4>> <<goto Canyon22>> <<else>> <<goto Canyon23>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> “See the boulders up the slope? If you lure the wyrm into position I think I can crush it with one.” <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Intuition Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<set $Bianca to $Bianca + 3>> <<goto Canyon24>> <<else>> <<goto Canyon25>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> At first, nothing happens. Then, with a mighty roar, the creature bursts from the cave, blue scales shining in the sunlight. It searches with glowing yellow eyes for the source of the disturbance, waving its horned head from side to side, forked tongue flicking out occasionally to taste the air. It fixes on you almost immediately. You raise your $MeleeWeapon and prepare for it to attack. The wyrm lurches forward, mouth wide, saliva dripping from its sharp fangs. You can smell its rancid breath as you tuck into a roll to avoid the deadly strike. You leap up to your feet and lash out with your $MeleeWeapon at the same time, scoring a gash along the side of the creature’s neck as it buries its mouth in the dirt where you had been standing moments before. Bianca leaps from her hiding place and plunges her spear deep into the soft underbelly of the writhing monster. It roars in frustration, whipping its tail at the Wealdwarden. She sees it coming and ducks beneath the strike, pulling her spear free and [[readying for another attack. |Canyon26]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> At first, nothing happens. Then, with a mighty roar, the creature bursts from the cave, blue scales shining in the sunlight. It searches with glowing yellow eyes for the source of the disturbance, waving its horned head from side to side, forked tongue flicking out occasionally to taste the air. It fixes on you almost immediately. You raise your $MeleeWeapon and prepare for it to attack. The wyrm lurches forward, mouth wide, saliva dripping from its sharp fangs. You can smell its rancid breath as you tuck into a roll to avoid the deadly strike. As you come to your feet, ready to strike with your $MeleeWeapon, the mighty beast whips its head to the side, connecting solidly with your body in a crushing blow. You tumble through the air and collapse in a heap against a tree. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> As you come to your senses you see the wyrm advancing on you, until Bianca leaps from her hiding place and plunges her spear deep into the soft underbelly of the writhing monster. It roars in frustration, whipping its tail at the Wealdwarden. She sees it coming and ducks beneath the strike, [[pulling her spear free and readying for another attack. |Canyon26]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> At first, nothing happens. Then, with a mighty roar, the creature bursts from the cave, blue scales shining in the sunlight. It searches with glowing yellow eyes for the source of the disturbance, waving its horned head from side to side, forked tongue flicking out occasionally to taste the air. You begin to sprint across its field of vision, luring the creature into position for Bianca to strike. It slithers after you as you dive for a narrow gap between two trees. Just as your feet leave the ground it snaps its jaws shut, mercifully only catching your clothing between its teeth. The beast flings its head sideways and you fly through the air to collapse in a heap against a rock. -1 Stamina <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> As you come to your senses you see the wyrm advancing on you, until Bianca leaps from her hiding place and plunges her spear deep into the soft underbelly of the writhing monster. It roars in frustration, whipping its tail at the Wealdwarden. She sees it coming and ducks beneath the strike, [[pulling her spear free and readying for another attack. |Canyon26]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> At first, nothing happens. Then, with a mighty roar, the creature bursts from the cave, blue scales shining in the sunlight. It searches with glowing yellow eyes for the source of the disturbance, waving its horned head from side to side, forked tongue flicking out occasionally to taste the air. You begin to sprint across its field of vision, luring the creature into position for Bianca to strike. It slithers after you, almost catching you in its jaws as you dive through a narrow gap between two trees. Bianca leaps from her hiding place and plunges her spear deep into the soft underbelly of the writhing monster. It roars in frustration, whipping its tail at the Wealdwarden. She sees it coming and ducks beneath the strike, [[pulling her spear free and readying for another attack. |Canyon26]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Bold plan, just be ready to come help if you miss,” Bianca chuckles. “I don’t miss,” you reply with a wide grin. You clamber up one of the trees overlooking the entrance to the cave, being careful not to disturb your quarry prematurely. Once in place and with your footing secured, you draw your $RangedWeapon and check over your ammo. Bianca stands ready in front of the monster’s lair, spear raised and legs set in a fighting stance. You watch as the Wealdwarden raises a hand to her mouth to blow an ear-piercing whistle which echoes back from within the dark cavern. At first, nothing happens. Then, with a mighty roar, the creature bursts from the cave, blue scales shining in the sunlight. It searches with glowing yellow eyes for the source of the disturbance, waving its horned head from side to side, forked tongue flicking out occasionally to taste the air. Bianca yells and the creature fixates on her, rearing its head high in the air to strike and giving you a perfect shot at the back of its massive skull. You line up your $RangedWeapon and let fly with a shot. You’re rewarded with a satisfying gout of blood from the impact point as the monster cries out in pain. The wyrm wheels in your direction and you leap from your branch before its mighty head comes crashing down to pulverize you. Tucking into a roll as you land, you come up running as Bianca plunges her spear deep into the soft underbelly of the distracted monster. It roars in frustration, whipping its tail at the Wealdwarden. She sees it coming and ducks beneath the strike, pulling her spear free and [[readying for another attack. |Canyon26]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> “Bold plan, just be ready to come help if you miss,” Bianca chuckles. “I don’t miss,” you reply with a wide grin. You clamber up one of the trees overlooking the entrance to the cave, being careful not to disturb your quarry prematurely. Once in place and with your footing secured, you draw your $RangedWeapon and check over your ammo. Bianca stands ready in front of the monster’s lair, spear raised and legs set in a fighting stance. You watch as the Wealdwarden raises a hand to her mouth to blow an ear-piercing whistle which echoes back from within the dark cavern. At first, nothing happens. Then, with a mighty roar, the creature bursts from the cave, blue scales shining in the sunlight. It searches with glowing yellow eyes for the source of the disturbance, waving its horned head from side to side, forked tongue flicking out occasionally to taste the air. Bianca yells and the creature fixates on her, rearing its head high in the air to strike and giving you a perfect shot at the back of its massive skull. You line up your $RangedWeapon and fire, but the shot is wide, just grazing the neck. The wyrm wheels in your direction and smashes its head down on your perch, sending you tumbling to the ground. Bianca charges, plunging her spear deep into the soft underbelly of the distracted monster. It roars in frustration, whipping its tail at the Wealdwarden. [[She sees it coming and ducks beneath the strike, pulling her spear free and readying for another attack. |Canyon26]] <span style="color: red;">-1 stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> “Bold plan, just be ready to come help if you miss,” Bianca chuckles. “I don’t miss,” you reply with a wide grin. You collect a decent-sized branch from beneath a nearby tree and clamber up the slope to a position above the mouth of the cave. You find a rock to use as a pivot and place it behind one of several large boulders that squat precariously on the incline. You judge the line you believe it will take and motion for Bianca to stand in its path. Once you’re satisfied you jam your lever under the rock and wave to your companion. Bianca stands ready in front of the monster’s lair, spear raised and legs set in a fighting stance. You watch as the Wealdwarden raises two fingers to her mouth to blow an ear-piercing whistle which echoes back from within the dark cavern. At first, nothing happens. Then, with a mighty roar, the creature bursts from the cave, blue scales shining in the sunlight. It searches with glowing yellow eyes for the source of the disturbance, waving its horned head from side to side, forked tongue flicking out occasionally to taste the air. Bianca yells and the creature fixates on her, rearing its head high in the air to strike. You press down on the branch with all your might and, with a sickening crack, your lever snaps in two, the boulder remaining motionless. The massive predator turns to investigate the snapping sound and charges up the slope towards you. You duck behind the rock as its massive head comes crashing down, shifting the boulder and rolling it painfully over your ankle before it tumbles down the slope. <span style="color: red;">-1 stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> Bianca dodges the rolling rock as she charges into the wyrm. She plunges her spear deep into the soft underbelly of the distracted monster. It roars in frustration, whipping its tail at the Wealdwarden. She sees it coming and ducks beneath the strike, pulling her spear free and readying for another attack. [[You dig at the loose dirt beneath your trapped leg and free yourself as quickly as you can. |Canyon26]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Bold plan, just be ready to come help if you miss,” Bianca chuckles. “I don’t miss,” you reply with a wide grin. You collect a decent-sized branch from beneath a nearby tree and clamber up the slope to a position above the mouth of the cave. You find a rock to use as a pivot and place it behind one of several large boulders that squat precariously on the incline. You judge the line you believe it will take and motion for Bianca to stand in its path. Once you’re satisfied you jam your lever under the rock and wave to your companion. Bianca stands ready in front of the monster’s lair, spear raised and legs set in a fighting stance. You watch as the Wealdwarden raises two fingers to her mouth to blow an ear-piercing whistle which echoes back from within the dark cavern. At first, nothing happens. Then, with a mighty roar, the creature bursts from the cave, blue scales shining in the sunlight. It searches with glowing yellow eyes for the source of the disturbance, waving its horned head from side to side, forked tongue flicking out occasionally to taste the air. Bianca yells and the creature fixates on her, rearing its head high in the air to strike. You press down on the branch with all your might and the boulder shifts easily, tumbling and picking up incredible speed. It rolls right over the coiled body of the massive predator with a satisfying crunch you can hear reverberate through the canyon. Bianca charges, plunging her spear deep into the soft underbelly of the distracted monster. It roars in frustration, whipping its tail at the Wealdwarden and dislodging your boulder. She sees it coming and ducks beneath the strike, [[pulling her spear free and readying for another attack. |Canyon26]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Bianca lures the creature through the trees, periodically jabbing and swiping with her spear to keep it at bay, much like a theran lion tamer you once saw when the circus came to Kingsport. The massive serpent winds and wends through and around the mighty trees, snapping branches as it strikes periodically at the dodging warden. You follow close behind, looking for the next opportunity to strike. As you reach the open air of the river you rejoin Bianca, ready to fight the creature together, which now rears up to its full height. For the first time, you truly appreciate the size and power of the wyrm, feeling a twinge of regret that you must kill such a majestic animal. That is until it lunges in your direction again and you have to dodge its deadly fangs. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Inserts/Wyrm.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<set $Bianca to $Bianca + 4>> <<goto Canyon27>> <<else>> <<goto Canyon28>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You dive away from the river, behind a medium-sized tree. The wyrm changes direction to focus again on Bianca and its powerful body dislodges your hiding place, tearing it out of the ground root and branch. It comes crashing down and you roll away, <<link "narrowly avoiding being crushed underneath the trunk.">> <<if $StrengthMagic == true>> <<goto Canyon29>> <<elseif $DexterityMagic == true>> <<goto Canyon29>> <<elseif $CharismaMagic == true>> <<goto Canyon29>> <<elseif $IntuitionMagic == true>> <<goto Canyon29>> <<else>> <<goto Canyon30>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You dive away from the river, behind a medium-sized tree. The wyrm changes direction to focus again on Bianca and its powerful body dislodges your hiding place, tearing it out of the ground root and branch. It comes crashing down to pin you to the earth, driving the air out of your lungs. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina -1>> Luckily you avoided the heavy trunk of the tree, or you wouldn’t be able to <<link "clamber out from under the branch to rejoin the fight.">> <<if $StrengthMagic == true>> <<goto Canyon29>> <<elseif $DexterityMagic == true>> <<goto Canyon29>> <<elseif $CharismaMagic == true>> <<goto Canyon29>> <<elseif $IntuitionMagic == true>> <<goto Canyon29>> <<else>> <<goto Canyon30>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You turn back to the wyrm just in time to see Bianca fumble a stab at the beast. It shifts and coils itself around her, pinning her arms to her side and crushing the breath from her. She gasps and strains as the wyrm rears its head back, jaws wide to devour its prey. You see her eyes roll back in her head as she begins to lose consciousness. Desperate, your heartbeat rises. Your blood begins to boil in your veins. The air around your body fizzes and crackles with energy. You can feel the power within you once more, an untapped source of energy waiting to be released. <<if $StrengthMagic == true>> <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Magic">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 6>> <<goto Canyon31>> <<else>> <<goto Canyon32>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<elseif $DexterityMagic == true>> <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Magic">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 6>> <<goto Canyon33>> <<else>> <<goto Canyon34>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<elseif $CharismaMagic == true>> <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Magic">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 6>> <<goto Canyon35>> <<else>> <<goto Canyon36>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<elseif $IntuitionMagic == true>> <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Intuition Magic">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 6>> <<goto Canyon37>> <<else>> <<goto Canyon38>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <</if>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You leap into the air, sending a shockwave of dust and debris flying out in every direction. You’re easily twenty feet in the air as you bring your $MeleeWeapon over your head, ready to plunge it into your foe. You feel heat travel up your arms to coalesce around the blade of your weapon. It combusts into red flame as you slam down with inhuman force on the space between the wyrm’s eyes. You yank your $MeleeWeapon free from the monster’s skull and leap onto it's back to rend a mighty tear in the creature’s flesh. You slide to the ground and are showered with blood as the wyrm uncoils itself from around Bianca’s body. It begins to slither away but doesn’t get far, [[collapsing to the ground and going limp. |Canyon39]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> The wyrm slows to a crawl, as though the air around it were thick as mud. You can see saliva drip from the tips of its fangs, hovering in the air between Bianca and the beast. You line up your $RangedWeapon on the creature’s eye and shoot. The projectile streaks through the air, gathering shadows around it to form a wake of dark energy. It passes straight through the eye and blows out the side of the serpent’s skull. Black shadows pour from the creature’s wound, dissipating like smoke in the breeze as the serpent recoils and loosens its grip on Bianca. It begins to slither away before collapsing to the ground, [[kicking up a cloud of dirt. |Canyon39]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You leap into the air, sending a shockwave of dust and debris flying out in every direction. You’re easily twenty feet in the air as you bring your $MeleeWeapon over your head, ready to plunge it into your foe. You feel heat travel up your arms and coalesce around the blade of your weapon, it crackles with red fire as you slam it down with incredible force. Unfortunately, you miss the spot you were aiming for, rather than plunging your blade into the space between the monster’s eyes you undershoot and carve a huge chunk of flesh from its neck. The wyrm showers you with blood as it uncoils itself from around Bianca’s body, roaring and coming after you. Instinctively you redirect the magical energy into your body as the wyrm’s mouth closes around your leg. It whips its head violently from side to side and tosses you into the river. Pain shoots up your calf and thigh as you splash into the running water. By all rights, you should be dead, but your magic has pushed your body far beyond the limits of a normal man. Heavily wounded, the wyrm begins to slither after you but doesn’t get far [[before collapsing into the dirt. |Canyon39]] <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> The wyrm slows to a crawl, as though the air around it were thick as mud. You can see saliva drip from the tips of its fangs, hovering in the air between Bianca and the beast. You line up your $RangedWeapon on the creature’s eye and shoot. The projectile streaks through the air, gathering shadows around it to form a wake of dark energy. The shot lands lower than you hoped, striking the open lower jaw, but passes straight through and out the other side, sending fangs flying in a spray of blood. Shadows rise from the wound like smoke from a fire. The serpent loosens its grip on Bianca and charges after you. You turn to run as it closes the distance. You charge up a tree and flip backwards over the beast’s head as it slams what’s left of its mouth shut around the trunk. You pull a knife from your boot and jam it into the back of the scaly neck as you land, causing the creature to thrash wildly. You lose your grip and are flung down to the dirt [[as the wyrm goes limp. |Canyon39]] -1 Stamina <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You reach out and touch the minds around you. Squirrels watch from the trees. A mole digs underground, fleeing from the frightening vibrations behind it. An eagle soars overhead, gaining altitude to avoid being plucked out of the sky by the wyrm’s impressive reach. You focus in on the bird, subtly altering its perspective. "That’s not a wyrm, it's a tasty little grass snake out in the open, your next meal," you tell it. The eagle dives with incredible speed, claws outstretched ahead of it. It plunges its talons directly into the eye of the wyrm, ripping and tearing at the surrounding flesh with its razor-sharp beak. The wyrm roars and loosens its grip on Bianca, shaking its head frantically and writhing away in an attempt to dislodge the raptor. Unfortunately, it's flailing in your direction and you run for all you’re worth as it rushes past you with surprising speed. Its tail whips out and connects with your legs, tripping you and sending you to the ground, smacking your head painfully against the earth. You are left dazed as the eagle continues to flutter and stab around the wyrm’s head, keeping it occupied. [[You pull yourself back to your feet. |Canyon39]] <span style="color: red;">-1 stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina -1>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You feel the pull of the river current. The fantastic force and sheer quantity of the water rushing to the ocean. You reach out and nudge it, swirling the water this way and that. Then you take hold of it and wrench it up, onto the shore. A torrent of water slams into the coiled serpent, sweeping it towards you. It roars and rolls over, releasing its grip on Bianca. You split a gentler current away to sweep her into your path and catch her as she floats past, then reach out with your other hand to snatch up her spear. The wyrm washes up on the opposite bank as you [[lose your mastery over the river, your energy spent. |Canyon39]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You reach out and touch the minds around you. Squirrels watch from the trees. A mole digs underground, fleeing from the frightening vibrations behind it. An eagle soars overhead, gaining altitude to avoid being plucked out of the sky by the wyrm’s impressive reach. You focus in on the bird, subtly altering its perspective. "That’s not a wyrm, it's a tasty little grass snake out in the open, your next meal," you tell it. The eagle dives with incredible speed, claws outstretched ahead of it. It plunges its talons directly into the eye of the wyrm, ripping and tearing at the surrounding flesh with its razor-sharp beak. The wyrm roars and loosens its grip on Bianca, shaking its head frantically and writhing away in an attempt to dislodge the raptor. It flutters and swoops around the wyrm's head as it retreats to the trees, [[snapping at the annoying bird. |Canyon39]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You feel the pull of the river current. The fantastic force and sheer quantity of the water rushing to the ocean. You reach out and nudge it, swirling the water this way and that. Then you take hold of it and wrench it up, onto the shore. A torrent of water slams into the coiled serpent, sweeping it downstream. It roars and rolls over, releasing its grip on Bianca. You split the current to sweep her into your path and catch her as she floats past, then reach out with your other hand to snatch up her spear. Unfortunately, you don’t notice the log you brought along behind her, which catches you in the back as you wade out of the water, sending you sprawling face-first into the dirt and smacking your head against a small rock. The wyrm washes up on the opposite bank as you [[lose your mastery over the river, your energy spent. |Canyon39]] <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You’re confused and a little terrified by the things you're apparently capable of. Your body feels weak and your knees shake. You’re reminded of the grim visage of the sorcerer in Kingsport. Are you destined to become like him? You check on Bianca, leaning over her body and giving her a few light taps on the cheek. Her eyes flutter open and she looks up into your eyes, a little disoriented. Then she gives you a smile which drops from her face as a shadow looms over you. She pushes you to the side and snatches up her spear, raising it just in time to skewer the wyrm through the roof of its mouth as it lunges for you one final time. The light finally goes out of its eyes and it [[slumps to the ground, motionless. |Canyon40]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You both breathe heavily, trying to process everything that just happened. Then Bianca starts laughing and leaps to her feet. You give the dead wyrm a little poke, just to make sure, but it remains motionless. You finally relax and look over at Bianca. “Well done! I thought I was dead, for sure!” she cheers. “Thank you mighty Hai Apok! How did you save me?” “Call it divine intervention. What do we do now?” you ask her, still short of breath. “It will be dark soon,” she replies. “Too dark to climb out of the canyon or butcher the carcass. We should make camp somewhere and I’ll lead you out in the morning, then come back for the remains.” You nod your head, looking at the sky. The sun is indeed getting low and the air is noticeably cooler. You look down at your clothes. You’re caked in a mixture of sweat, dirt, and blood. Bianca comes over to help you to your feet. “Let’s recover our gear, I have a place in mind we can set up camp,” she suggests. You nod and follow her back to the cave to retrieve the backpacks. Once you’re both ready to move, Bianca leads you farther downstream. You come to a little bend in the river near a clearing and set down your equipment. Bianca tugs at her collar and [[puffs out a breath of air. |Canyon41]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Phew, don’t need the armour anymore, would you mind helping me out of it?” she asks, turning her back to you and sweeping her hair forward over one shoulder to comb out some stuck twigs and leaves. You move up behind her and begin loosening buckles, your eyes drawn to the back of her exposed neck. She turns to look at you over her shoulder and you notice, not for the first time, how beautiful she is. You feel a little hot under the collar yourself. She smiles and wrinkles her nose, sniffing you. “You stink,” she complains playfully, pulling off her breastplate to reveal a padded woollen tunic dyed a deep blue. “Why don’t you get cleaned up in the river?” <<link "Suggest she joins you.">> <<if $Bianca gte 12>> <<goto Canyon42>> <<else>> <<goto Canyon43>> <</if>> <</link>> [[I'm not interested in her romantically. I'll go alone. |Canyon44]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “That’s a good idea,” you agree. “I’ll get a fire going and take my turn once you come back,” she says. “Right,” you reply, clearing your head. Cooling off is probably a good idea. You head a little further downstream and remove your $Armour, then strip down the rest of the way. Taking time to check over your body, the rigours of the hard journey and fight with the wyrm have clearly taken their toll on you. Your muscles cry out as you sink into the cool water, dunking your head and coming up only once you run out of air. You relax and lay back in the fading sunlight, then wash yourself off and tend to your gear. You soak what you can in the water and get it as clean as possible before ringing it all out and replacing your drawers. Satisfied, you march back to the little camp to be greeted by a crackling fire and [[Bianca setting up her tent.|Canyon53]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “That’s a wonderful idea, would you care to join me?” you ask casually. She gives you a big smile. “I need to get a fire going before I wash up,” she replies, “Keep the predators away from our gear.” “Right,” you say, clearing your head. Cooling off is probably a good idea. You head a little further downstream and remove your $Armour, then strip down the rest of the way. Taking time to check over your body, the rigours of the hard journey and fight with the wyrm have clearly taken their toll on you. You soak your clothes in the water and scrub them as best you can before ringing everything out and hanging it all on a branch to dry. Your muscles cry out as you sink into the cool water. You lay back and enjoy the last of the sunlight, then you close your eyes and dunk your head beneath the surface, coming up only once you run out of air. As you re-emerge you’re greeted by the sight of Bianca wading nude through the water to join you. A grin spreads across her face as [[she notices your expression. |Canyon45]] </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Bianca01/BiancaWade.png"> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “That’s a wonderful idea, would you care to join me?” you ask, trying to sound casual. Bianca snorts with laughter and shakes her head. “Nice try,” she chides you. “I’ll get a fire going and take my turn once you come back.” “Right,” you say, clearing your head. Cooling off is probably a good idea. You head a little further downstream and remove your $Armour, then strip down the rest of the way. Taking time to check over your body, the rigours of the hard journey and fight with the wyrm have clearly taken their toll on you. Your muscles cry out as you sink into the cool water, dunking your head and coming up only once you run out of air. You relax and lay back in the fading sunlight, then wash yourself off and tend to your gear. You soak what you can in the water and get it as clean as possible before ringing it all out and replacing your drawers. Satisfied, you march back to the little camp to be greeted by a crackling fire and [[Bianca setting up her tent.|Canyon53]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Having only seen her in loose robes or restrictive armour before now, you admire her tight stomach and ample breasts. Her nipples stiffen in the cool water as she sinks down next to you with a sigh. “You’re not how I pictured a Wealdwarden,” you tell her. She laughs. “And what was it you pictured?” she asks. “An old hermit living in a cave. One with bird droppings in his beard who’s followed everywhere by a pack of wild dogs.” “So sorry to disappoint,” she giggles, splashing water in your direction. “There are People of the Panther who live as you describe, but they prefer animals to people. I serve my congregation, which means the people of my community as well as the animals of the land.” “You seemed to enjoy hunting the wyrm though, wasn’t it a part of your congregation?” you ask. “It’s a fine line to tread,” she reflects. “Wyrms can live for a very long time, and having one nearby is beneficial in many ways. They actually spend most of their time lazing about in the sun, and keep many other predators away from the village. But having two is a recipe for disaster. They likely wouldn’t have killed each other but continued wreaking havoc across the countryside for years.” “Sometimes it’s just more beneficial for everyone if you take a life?” “Yes, that’s the practical answer. But also, the hunt is a form of communion with our God. It’s when we feel closest to Hai Apok. He created both prey and predator. [[When we hunt it is right for us to revel in it.” she replies. |Canyon46]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “The priests of Aganon in Kingsport are always harping on about hard labour bringing people together. There was one who used to stand in the plaza in Cheapside chanting things like ‘even the mightiest wall is lain one brick at a time.’” “Do you feel a connection to any of the Gods?” she asks. “You must pick up the spear, to be able to put down the spear.” @@.image-link;<<link "Rokar">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Portraits/Gods/Rokar.png]]"); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@: God of war, courage, competition. [[+1 Strength |Canyon47][$Strength += 1]] “Today the predator. Tomorrow the prey.” @@.image-link;<<link "Hai Apok">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Portraits/Gods/Hai Apok.png]]"); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@: God of nature, the hunt, luck. [[+1 Dexterity |Canyon47][$Dexterity += 1]] “The law binds beggar and king alike.” @@.image-link;<<link "Aganon">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Portraits/Gods/Aganon.png]]"); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@: God of cities, community, law. [[+1 Charisma |Canyon47][$Charisma += 1]] “He who would keep you ignorant would keep you in chains.” @@.image-link;<<link "Keridwen">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Portraits/Gods/Keridwen.png]]"); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@: Goddess of knowledge, creativity, craft. [[+1 Intuition |Canyon47][$Intuition += 1]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Bianca runs a hand through her hair. She’s vivacious but with a relaxed and easy manner in conversation. Combined with her confidence and intelligence it’s an intoxicating combination. “I couldn’t imagine living my life without my god,” she muses, taking in your surroundings. “Just look, in a place like this I feel his presence everywhere. It’s in the water, in the trees, in you,” she finishes, looking into your eyes. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Bianca01/BiancaLook.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> [[Go for a kiss. |Canyon48]] [[I'm not interested. |Canyon58]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You shift to close the distance between you and lean in. She raises one finger to your pursed lips and stops you. “Not here,” she whispers and stands, walking through the water and tossing you an alluring look over her shoulder. Her hips sway and she gives you a wonderful view of her full, round backside. You jump up to join her, and she takes your hand to lead you back to the camp. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Bianca01/BiancaRiver.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> Once there, you spin her to face you, leaning in again for a kiss. Again, she stops you, with a cruel smile and a firm hand on your chest. She moves both hands to your shoulders and presses you down into a kneeling position. Your face moves past her delicate throat, between her heaving breasts, over her cute little belly button. It comes to a stop inches from her pussy when she steps back, [[just as you’re about to devour the soft flesh before you. |Canyon49]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Bianca lowers herself to her knees, then sits back and spreads her legs to give you a perfect view of what has so far been denied to you. Your cock is raging at you, demanding you take what it wants. You begin to move forward but she stops you again, with her foot on your chest this time. You growl with frustration as she touches herself, two fingers to either side of her clitoris, rubbing in lazy circles. You watch a line of fluid ooze from her entrance and move your hand to stroke yourself. She shakes her head and knocks your arm away with her foot, denying you yet again. Her fingers dip inside of herself briefly and she spreads her juices up to her clit, pulling the hood back to stimulate it directly. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Bianca01/BiancaTouch.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> Her stomach tenses and quivers. The muscles and tendons in her legs stretch and strain. Her toes curl into the soft dirt beneath her feet. She sets one hand on the ground behind her to steady herself as her eyes begin to flutter and her mouth opens wide in a strangled yelp of pleasure. As the orgasm rolls through her body, she spreads her labia to show you her contractions, her needy vagina clenching desperately around a cock that isn’t there. You realise your hands are balled into fists, your penis [[throbbing in sympathy with her contractions. |Canyon50]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Once she’s recovered, Bianca dips her fingers inside of herself one more time, coating them in her wetness. She rises to kneel in front of you and softly touches her fingers to the space between your nose and upper lip, then drags her fingers down to pull your bottom lip open. Her smell and taste drive you ever wilder as you bend forward to suck them clean. “Now you have my scent,” she whispers to you. “The hunt can begin.” And she’s off, sprinting away into the trees. You remain still for a moment, dumbfounded, and then leap to your feet, laughing and chasing after her. You catch glimpses of her body flashing between the trees, sometimes here, sometimes there. As you close the distance you are entranced by her powerful leg muscles, the vibrations travelling along the flesh of her buttocks, her breasts bouncing and swinging hypnotically. You’re a starving predator. Tireless. Unstoppable. All you care about is [[your next meal.|Canyon51]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You catch her by the wrist and spin her to face you, her chest heaving with deep breaths. She wears a wide smile, teeth bared, and laughs. Your hands dig into the flesh of her ass and you haul her into the air, looping your arms under her knees, first one then the other. She locks her hands behind your neck and you bring her down, spearing her on your cock. She howls in pleasure as you unleash your pent-up frustration brought on by her teasing. Your savage strokes satisfying her aching cunt. Within seconds she is coming, gushing around your cock as she arches her back and thrusts her magnificent tits into the air. You lower your head to suck hard at one of her nipples. Before you can bring yourself to completion, Bianca motions for you to put her down. You relent and she slides down your body to her knees, taking you into her mouth. She sucks and licks her fluids from your tip and then pulls away, turning around and dropping to all fours. She lowers her chest to the ground and arches her back, raising her ass into the air, presenting herself to you. She looks over her shoulder at you [[with an expectant look on her face. |Canyon52]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You kneel between her legs and enter her, gliding all the way to the hilt in one smooth motion. She gasps but, as you pull back, she crawls away from you, laughing and leaving you thrusting into thin air. You growl and lunge forward to hook your right arm around her waist, pulling her close. Your left hand settles between her shoulder blades and you press her face down into the ground. “Oh fuck!” she screams. You re-enter her and she cries out a “Yes!” with every thrust, your right hand snaking down to rub at her clit the same way she touched herself. Your ruthless treatment is exactly what she wants, all of the teasing and taunting designed to provoke you to this point. She comes one more time and you roar with pleasure. “I want you to mark me as yours,” she begs. You flip her over and she wraps her legs around your waist as you enter her one more time. You need only a few wild jolts before you fire a hot spurt of cum into her pussy then withdraw to shoot the remainder over her belly and breasts. She writhes in pleasure. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Bianca01/BiancaFinish.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> You collapse into a heap next to her, your hunger satiated. She reaches a hand out to you and you draw her close. She lifts one leg over yours and places your hand over her swollen vulva. “Take this as a blessing from me,” she says and leans in [[to kiss you for the first time.|Interlude01]] </div> <<set $BiancaLover = true>>

<div class="text-box"> “Why don’t you get started on some food while I go to the river?” she suggests. She’s set out some meat and vegetables along with an iron pot and seasoning. It looks like the makings of a fine stew. Half an hour later, Bianca returns in a fresh set of clothes and you share the meal beneath a starlit sky. “You’re not how I pictured a Wealdwarden,” you tell her after your meal. She laughs. “And what did you picture?” she asks, stretching out like a cat in front of the warmth of the fire. </div> <div class="text-box"> <img src="images/Scenes/Bianca01/BiancaRelax.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> “An old hermit living in a cave. One with bird droppings in his beard who’s followed everywhere by a pack of wild dogs.” “So sorry to disappoint,” she giggles. “There are People of the Panther who live as you describe, but they prefer animals to people. I serve my congregation, which means the people of my community as well as the animals of the land.” “You seemed to enjoy hunting the wyrm though, wasn’t it a part of your congregation?” you ask. “It’s a fine line to tread,” she reflects. “Wyrms can live for a very long time, and having one nearby is beneficial in many ways. They actually spend most of their time lazing about in the sun, and keep many other predators away from the village. But having two is a recipe for disaster. They likely wouldn’t have killed each other but continued wreaking havoc across the countryside for years.” “Sometimes it’s just more beneficial for everyone if you take a life?” “Yes, that’s the practical answer. But also, the hunt is a form of communion with our god. It’s when we feel closest to Hai Apok. He created both prey and predator. [[When we hunt it is right for us to revel in it.” she replies. |Canyon54]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “The priests of Aganon in Kingsport are always harping on about hard labour bringing people together. There was one who used to stand in the plaza in Cheapside chanting things like ‘even the mightiest wall is lain one brick at a time.’” “Do you feel a connection to any of the Gods?” she asks. “You must pick up the spear, to be able to put down the spear.” @@.image-link;<<link "Rokar">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Portraits/Gods/Rokar.png]]"); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@: God of war, courage, competition. [[+1 Strength |Canyon55][$Strength += 1]] “Today the predator. Tomorrow the prey.” @@.image-link;<<link "Hai Apok">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Portraits/Gods/Hai Apok.png]]"); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@: God of nature, the hunt, luck. [[+1 Dexterity |Canyon55][$Dexterity += 1]] “The law binds beggar and king alike.” @@.image-link;<<link "Aganon">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Portraits/Gods/Aganon.png]]"); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@: God of cities, community, law. [[+1 Charisma |Canyon55][$Charisma += 1]] “He who would keep you ignorant would keep you in chains.” @@.image-link;<<link "Keridwen">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Portraits/Gods/Keridwen.png]]"); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@: Goddess of knowledge, creativity, craft. [[+1 Intuition |Canyon55][$Intuition += 1]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “I couldn’t imagine living my life without my god,” Bianca muses. She takes in your surroundings. “Just look, in a place like this I feel his presence everywhere. It’s in the water, in the trees, in you,” she finishes. Bianca runs a hand through her hair. Without her restrictive armour or loose robes, it's difficult to ignore her lean body and ample curves. She’s vivacious but with a relaxed and easy manner in conversation. Combined with her confidence and intelligence it’s an intoxicating combination. You find yourself staring and she notices, smiling and tilting her head quizzically. [[Go for a kiss. |Canyon56]] [[I'm not interested.|Canyon57]] [[I don't think she's interested in me.|Canyon57]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You move closer and lean in for a kiss. She pulls back and puts up her hand. “Oh, um. I’m sorry. I think you’re nice but I’m not interested in, uh, that,” she protests. You raise your hands in apology. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have done that. My fault,” you say. She laughs a little awkwardly. “It’s alright, no harm done. It’s been quite a day. [[Maybe we should get some sleep?”|Canyon57]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> The full weight of the day’s events comes down on your shoulders, your bedroll beckons and you want to get an early start tomorrow. Together, you clear away the cooking gear. "Sleep well, Bianca," you wish her goodnight. "And you, $CharacterName," she replies, and then you head to your [[separate tents to sleep. |Interlude01]] </div> <<set $BiancaLover = false>>

<div class="text-box"> You relax together and lay back in the fading sunlight. Satisfied, you dress and march back to the little camp to be greeted by a crackling fire where Bianca begins setting up her tent. She’s set out some meat and vegetables along with an iron pot and seasoning. It looks like the makings of a fine stew. Half an hour later, you share the meal beneath a starlit sky. The full weight of the day’s events comes down on your shoulders, your bedroll beckons and you want to get an early start tomorrow. Together, you clear away the cooking gear and then [[head to your separate tents to sleep.|Interlude01]] </div> <<set $BiancaLover = false>>

<div class="text-box"> [[Interlude|Interlude02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Brewer Street Docks District Kingsport The morning after the heist. “Hey! Hey, captain! Over here!" Carys yawned and gave her back a good, long stretch. She had passed her eighth hour on shift, just her luck to get roped in to investigate a robbery as she was about to go off duty. With any luck, there wouldn’t be much to do here. All she knew was a jeweller had been targeted last night but nothing appeared to be missing. The guards had probably scared off an amateur before they could get their hands on anything valuable. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Inserts/Carys.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> “What’s your name, guardsman?” she asked the animated little theran woman who had waved her over. “It’s Guardsman Su-Lin, ma'am,” the girl answered, standing to attention and pricking up her ears. Su-Lin stood as the lone guard outside the workshop gate. Carys looked past her and into the grimy little courtyard beyond the wall. The downpour from last night had only just run its course. There were two bodies under tarps near the gate. “Bodies. Did you move them?” Carys asked. “Yes miss, it was their eyes, I couldn’t stand looking at them." “In the future don’t touch anything, just wait for an officer to show up, ok?” “Yes ma’am, sorry ma’am,” Su-Lin raised her hand to her chest in the Bluecoat salute, a grimace on her face. Carys moved beyond the gate and folded back the rough canvas covering the bodies. They looked like mercenaries. Eyes open, stiff as a board. Dead for a few hours, then. Frowning, she searched the bodies for obvious signs as to the cause of death [[but couldn’t find any. |Interlude03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Hmm. Strange,” she muttered to herself. Su-Lin had moved to hover over the captain’s shoulder. “Ain’t it, ma’am? I couldn’t tell you what killed them, they’re just…dead." Returning the tarps, Carys moved inside the building. A fully stocked shopfront with dazzling pieces of jewellery on display, ripe for the taking by even the most incompetent thief. No bracelet, necklace, or ring looked out of place. The owner, another theran, stood behind the counter, arms crossed and foot tapping impatiently. “So pretty,” Su-Lin sighed, her eyes going wide as dinner plates. “They were after something specific, knew what they were doing,” Carys said to herself. She turned to inspect the lock on the front door. It hadn’t been forced. “Ah, I see” Su-Lin added, nodding sagely. Carys looked at the woman with a hint of disdain. She found her boundless energy more than slightly irritating. “Guardsman, could you go outside and make sure the bodies aren’t disturbed? Thank you," She chided the rookie, then moved over to speak with the owner [[without waiting for a response from the girl.|Interlude04]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Good morning, sir. My name is Captain Aethin, I just have a few questions for you,” she began, but was quickly interrupted. “Can I please leave now? I’m going to be late for an appointment with the princess herself,” Pinzler grumbled. Carys now saw he had a slim jewellery box clutched to his chest and was fidgeting like a horse at the starting gates. “Well, I’ll try to make this quick, sir. Was anything taken last night?" she asked. “No, no jewellery, just the dead guards.” “You don’t find that a little odd?” “Yes, yes, very strange, but what do I care? I have what I need!” he tapped at the box in his hands. “The commission from this piece could allow me to retire, [[so if you don’t mind?” |Interlude05]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Did you see the criminal?” Carys asked. <<if $PinzlerWitness == true>> “Only briefly, a blonde elf. There may have been two of them.” <<else>> “No.” <</if>> “Do you have any other employees I could speak with?” “Yes, my apprentice, Lucien Hardy. He didn’t show up for work today." “Where can I find him?” Pinzler put down his box to open a drawer in the countertop and handed Carys a card with an address scribbled on it. Without another word, he scooped up the necklace case and [[shuffled out of the shop. |Interlude06]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <<if $GuardPooped == true>> The smell in the next room was awful, it seemed to be emanating from a bucket underneath an orc corpse. Carys removed a handkerchief from her pocket and held it over her mouth as she went to examine the body. Same as the first two, aside from the effluence in the bucket. No lethal wounds on the body. Poison then? But why was this guard so negatively affected if they used the same poison on all three? <<else>> The corpse in the workshop was an orc’s. Bound. Carys moved over to inspect it more closely. Same as the first two, no visible lethal wounds. Some sort of poison? How was it administered then? <</if>> Carys moved on to the vault. It was empty now, the proprietor had it open first thing in the morning to get at his little box. She examined the lock and gave an exasperated sigh. <<if $LockBlown == true>> The lock had clearly been tampered with, Pinzler had the door taken off its hinges. <<elseif $LockGoop == true>> The safety mechanism on the lock had been tripped, Pinzler had the door taken off its hinges. <<else>> It looked fine. <</if>> None of this made any sense. There were too many unanswered questions here. This was the work of professionals, but nothing was missing. Why would anyone bind a guard and kill them? How were the guards killed? Perhaps this employee Hardy had some answers. It seemed likely he was involved somehow. Carys read the address from the card Pinzler had given her. Cheapside. Lovely. Couldn’t it have been closer? [[She yawned again and set off across town.|Interlude07]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> That afternoon she walked through the door of The Gull and Barrel. Hardy had died the same way as the guards. The deaths were clearly related. According to his friends, Hardy frequented this tavern after work. Carys’ beat was the docks district and she knew the bar well, it was known for its shady clientele. If something happened in the docks district she made it her business to know about it. “Hello Rudy,” she greeted the barman behind the counter. “Captain,” he nodded to the Bluecoat. “What can I get you?” “Information,” she answered, leaning against the bar and sizing up the customers. An orc sailor was passed out with his face in his plate and a pair of therans were playing cards in the corner, occasionally looking over at her. “Unless it’s information about Ankhorran ales, I’m afraid I can’t help you, ma’am,” [[Rudy replied.|Interlude08]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “I heard you had to take over running the place from your mother, Rudy?” Carys asked, gauging his reaction. The barman stood a little taller. “That’s right,” he said. “She’s got the wasting cough, no?” “Yes,” he answered, a suspicious look on his face. “She’s not taking wanna root for it, is she? Highly illegal stuff. Did you know it’s smuggled into the city through the docks?” “No, she’s not,” Rudy choked out. “So, if I were to visit her, I wouldn’t find any in her house? I’d hate to throw her in a cell when she’s so sick.” Rudy slammed his fists on the bar. “You leave her alone, you bitch,” he yelled. The sleeping orc was startled awake and looked around blearily. “Just need a name, Rudy. Lucien Hardy, a jeweller’s apprentice. He’s dead and I know he comes in here.” Rudy looked down at the ground, defeated. “You ever see him in here with anyone I should know about?” Rudy glanced at his customers, then leaned in close to Carys. “You didn’t hear it from me, okay?” he insisted. Carys nodded her head. “Gael,” Rudy told her. [[“Gael Kildrathen.”|ToThePalace00]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Troca Canyon West of Kinlen's Crossing Kingdom of Etrantus Unlike your vertical descent into the canyon, the route out is a switchback path along a fairly steep slope dotted with trees and the occasional patch of tall grass. “There’s a path at the top that leads back to the imperial highway. Not a hard climb,” Bianca explains. You hear a low rumble of thunder in the distance. It’s more humid today, you anticipate getting caught in the rain and decide you’d better get a move on. “I guess this is goodbye,” you say, turning to face the Wealdwarden. She’s wearing a pair of tight leather leggings and a loose cotton tunic, her hair tied back in a ponytail. Her relaxed appearance today gives a very different impression to her armed and armoured look from yesterday, yet her demeanour is oddly stiff this morning. “I’d hunt with you again any day.” She smiles and leans in to give you a quick peck on the cheek. Seemingly uncomfortable with long goodbyes, she then gives you an awkward pat on the shoulder and marches back into the forest, [[disappearing a moment later among the trees.|ToThePalace02]] </div> <<set $PassedThreshold to false>>

<div class="text-box"> “Okay then,” you say to yourself with a shake of your head as you begin the climb out. You're not sure why Bianca's demeanour has changed so drastically since last night, though you did hear her toss and turn in her sleep. Watching her retreat into the forest leaves you with a lingering sense that you’ll see her again. The path meanders up the dusty terrain, the slope is taxing but far from unbearable. The sun charts its regular course through the pale blue sky and your feet return to the regular rhythm of the road-weary traveller. Before long you are back on the highway, deep ruts carved by the passage of countless wagons mark your return to civilisation from your night in the wilds. That’s when the skies open up and rain turns your journey into a slog through ankle-deep mud. The remainder of your journey is uneventful, the only breaks in the monotony are the occasional passing Bluecloak patrol or trade caravan. One day blends into the next until you’re relieved to see, on the morning of the sixth day, the silhouette of the summer palace on the horizon. The grand chateau sits on a small island in a [[picturesque little lake.|ToThePalace03]] </div>

<div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Inserts/SummerPalace.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> Formerly the ruling seat of a king who presided over a nation long since absorbed into Etrantus, the summer palace is decorated with blue-tiled spires perched atop tall towers of white marble which jut from a grand hall. A sizeable courtyard is home to several buildings which accommodate the many servants and guards who work day and night to cater to the nobility’s every whim. Gatehouses sit at either end of a bridge to the mainland, Royal Guards standing at attention in full plate armour, black and gold cloaks billowing in a steady breeze. Little pleasure craft dot the placid waters of the sun-dappled lake. A harbour protrudes from the western side of the high walls which encircle the entire island, with guards patrolling at regular intervals between imposing battlements. A little inn sits on the intersection of the highway and the entrance to the castle, a sign hanging out front depicts several warriors battling a long-necked monster emerging from a lake, one of their companion's lower half protruding from the creature’s bloody mouth. A large black raven lands atop the sign and cocks its head to look in your direction. Your weariness gets the better of you and taking a room at the inn to clean up and deposit your heavy pack seems like an excellent first move. [[You head through the front door.|ToThePalace04]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Inside, the inn is lavishly decorated with bunches of colourful fresh flowers. Rich red-brown tables of mahogany with cushioned chairs sit in neat rows along the walls. A large fireplace takes up the entire back wall, though it’s going unused with the heat of the summer. A large shelf occupies the wall opposite. It sits behind a well-polished bar of golden oak, fully stocked with expensive spirits. You recognise local wines, common in Kingsport, along with more exotic bottles from all over the empire, rice wine from Tongling, rum from the Singing Isles of the Cerulean Sea, and date beer from Ankhorra. There aren’t many patrons here this morning. A musician sits slumped in one corner. A floppy hat covers his face, soft snores emanating from beneath it, his lute cradled in his lap. At a table in the opposite corner, a man with dark black curls and cold blue eyes sits with his head in his hands, occasionally glancing out of the window. A table closer to the entrance is occupied by two young women [[having a conversation over their breakfast.|ToThePalace05]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> [[End of Interlude|ToThePalace01]] </div> <<set $Stamina to 5>>

<div class="text-box"> One is in full plate armour, the black and gold of a Royal Guard. She has warm brown skin, with straight black hair cut to just above shoulder length and a fringe that ends just above her dark brown eyes. A sword with a glittering emerald mounted in the pommel sits in a scabbard at her hip and a kite shield is propped against the wall next to her, decorated with a golden chevron over a black field with a [[rampant lion etched in silver.|ToThePalace06]] </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Portraits/Remi-Inn.png"> </div>

<div class="text-box"> The other woman is an elf with light brown hair, long and wavy. She wears a blue dress with a low neckline, a generous amount of cleavage on display. The colour complements her dazzling blue eyes. An ebony staff leans against the wall on her side of the table, the top carved to depict an eagle in a dive, its wings spread and claws outstretched. You move to take a seat on one of the high stools at the bar and find yourself eavesdropping on their conversation as you [[wait for the innkeeper to appear.|ToThePalace07]] </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Portraits/Liliwen-Inn.png"> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “You always have such a big breakfast, but I never see you eating lunch,” the knight jokes. Her voice is rich and silky, with a warm tone. Deep but still feminine. “I’m usually still recovering at lunch,” the elf muses. “Casting these wards every day is rather taxing.” Her silvery voice carries the clipped accent of the nobility from the elven isle of Highmoon. You rarely hear someone sound so ‘proper’ in their speech. “I spend most of the day training,” the knight goes on. “Yesterday I saw you eat most of a pig for breakfast and then you sat on your arse all day after casting one spell!” “Remi!” the elf exclaims with feigned shock. “I most certainly did not!” The knight, Remi, laughs at her friend’s false modesty. “One mustn’t over-exert oneself when warping the very fabric of reality, darling,” the petite sorceress explains before cutting a delicate slice from the sausage on her plate, popping it into her mouth and then dabbing her lips with a napkin. The knight rolls her eyes and snatches up the rest of the sausage from the plate, stuffing it into her mouth and [[standing up from the table.|ToThePalace08]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Come on, Liliwen” she mumbles around the piece of meat in her mouth, “We have work to do and we’re running behind schedule.” She retrieves her shield and then a simple steel helm sitting on a shelf near the bar. Tucking the helmet under her arm, she holds the front door open, waiting for her friend. “Alright, alright. I’m coming,” the elf answers, retrieving her staff and heading for the door. It’s difficult to take your eyes off her as she leaves. She sashays across the room, a slit in her dress exposing more than a hint of thigh. Her style is immaculate and her bearing is impeccable. She retrieves a wide-brimmed hat from a coat hook, completing her ensemble, then gives her friend a sarcastic little curtsy, prompting the knight to sigh and shove her, giggling, [[the rest of the way out of the door.|ToThePalace09]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You see the two again a few minutes later from the window of your newly rented room. The elf stands facing the gatehouse leading onto the bridge to the island, her companion at her side. The sorceress stretches her arms wide, staff in one hand, then reaches her free hand across to grasp a golden thread of light conjured between the wingtips of the carved eagle at the shaft’s tip. The shimmering thread spools out like a fisherman’s line, coiling itself neatly on the ground. Once satisfied with its length, the elf then waves her staff around her head in a circle and casts the line out towards the palace. It rapidly uncoils and envelops the entire island in a bright golden shell of magic, appearing to solidify briefly, before fading away into the ether. Her energy spent, the little elf woman stumbles and is caught and propped up by her friend, who helps her across the bridge and out of sight. You’ve never seen a spell cast like that before and wonder [[what exactly it was meant to accomplish.|ToThePalace10]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You deposit your gear and weapons in the rented room and wash yourself with a bowl of water before donning some casual clothes. Refreshed, you ponder your next move. [[Head to the gatehouse and simply talk your way in.|PalaceEntryTalk00]] [[Head down to the inn, there's probably another way to do this.|PalaceEntryOptions]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Good morning. I’m Remi de Montfort, I’m in charge of the gate today. May I be of some assistance?” </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Portraits/Remi-Bridge.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> “Yes, I’m trying to get a message to Lord Carrington, he’s attending the ball with his daughter,” you explain. “We can deliver the message for you,” the knight explains. You sigh, this conversation is going in circles. “It’s not a letter.” “Could you write it down for me to deliver?” she asks. You just shake your head. You promise yourself again that one of these days you’ll learn how to read and write. “Can I have you dictate it to someone?” You can’t risk implicating yourself in a crime to the royal guards, they’re bound to ask how you found out about the necklace and you’d rather be alone with Lord Carrington when that detail comes out. You sigh and shake your head again. “Are you an accredited messenger of the empire?” the knight rattles off her questions as though from a well-rehearsed script. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto PalaceEntryTalkSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto PalaceEntryTalkFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “I used to be a servant in their household, please, it’s very important that I speak to him in private. One of his servants would remember me.” She nods. “Alright," she says, "I’ll find someone from his staff that can confirm your identity, may I have your name?” You tell her and she motions to the first guard, who salutes and heads across the bridge. “Thank you, uh, ma’am,” you reply, unsure of how to address a Royal Guard. “We have a lot of important guests at the palace this week. We have to be very careful.” “Your name is De Montfort? Is that in Haveline?” you ask. Haveline is the central kingdom of the empire, located between Ankhorra in the west and Tongling to the east. It encircles the inland Cerulean Sea which is the namesake of the empire. “Yes,” she replies. It doesn’t look like she wishes to elaborate. “I just thought you looked like you might be Ankhorran.” “I was born there. I was adopted and raised in Haveline.” “Shouldn’t you be guarding the Havelinian king?” “No,” she answers. “Oh,” you reply. A long pause ensues. “We don’t get to choose which royal family we guard.” She adds. Her answers are curt, you wonder if she affects a tough persona while on duty or if she’s simply the type of person who only warms up around good friends. Her amiable banter with the elf this morning over breakfast gave you a very different impression compared to the stern, no-nonsense Royal Guard before you now. She turns to look back down the bridge and you see the first guard returning, a large orc in tow. You recognise Effie’s bodyguard, Kurz immediately. “Ah, here we are,” Remi sighs, relieved to be rescued from the small talk. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto PalaceEntryTalk01Success>> <<else>> <<goto PalaceEntryTalk01Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “No,” you answer with dismay. “But it’s really really important that I get in there.” You give her your best puppy-dog eyes but she isn’t moved. “We have a lot of important guests at the palace this week. I’m afraid I can’t let you pass.” You consider your options. Perhaps you can make it inside the castle another way. Sneaking in is dangerous but there’s at least a chance you can get to Lord Carrington alone. He’s your best chance of explaining the whole story and getting a credible person to take your warning to the princess. “No, thank you for your time. I’m sorry to have troubled you,” you answer, heading back to the inn. [[The knight narrows her eyes but allows you to depart.|PalaceEntryOptions]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Brooding over an ale in the inn, you consider your options for getting inside unnoticed. The weak point in the walls is probably the docks. It would be difficult but possible to swim underwater up to the shore and slip in when the guards on the walls aren’t looking. The many servants seem to pass under the noble’s noses without notice. Surely, with the ball taking place tonight, there’s going to be a lot of activity in preparation you could use as cover once inside. Your other option is to talk to the locals. Most castles have their secrets, perhaps someone local has some information you’d find useful. [[Sneak in through the docks.|PalaceEntrySneak01]] [[Ask the innkeeper about the castle’s history.|PalaceEntrySecrets01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You head along the lakeside to a patch of shrubbery that obscures you from the guardhouse and slide quietly into the water. You estimate it’s about five hundred feet to the docks from here and you aim to make it in a single breath. You begin taking a few deep breaths to prepare yourself, then take one more once you’re ready and sink beneath the surface. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto PalaceEntrySneak02Success>> <<else>> <<goto PalaceEntrySneak02Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div> <<set $Suspicion to 0>>

<div class="text-box"> You catch the innkeeper’s attention and call him over. He’s a portly man, balding, with a grey handlebar moustache. He uncorks another bottle of the ale you’re drinking and tops up your mug. If anyone is going to know some useful information about the area it’s going to be him. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 11>> <<goto PalaceEntrySecrets02Success>> <<else>> <<goto PalaceEntrySecrets02Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div> <<set $Suspicion to 0>>

<div class="text-box"> “Hello, Kurz, isn’t it?” you begin. “You’re the young Lady Carrington’s bodyguard, aren’t you? I’m $CharacterName, I used to work at the estate. You may know my mother, she still works there as Lady’s Maid to Lord Carrington’s wife, Lady Ailsa.” You hope someone has mentioned you at some point since you left the estate. You don’t think it’s wise to bring up the riot, it’s probably a sore spot for the bodyguard, having his charge rescued by somebody else. You’re pleased to see a flicker of recognition in the big orc’s eyes. He nods his head. “I have heard of you, is there something I can help you with?” His voice is deep and gruff, he carries the accent of the orcs from Draken’s Span in eastern Etrantus. “I have an urgent message for Lord Carrington, I must deliver it personally. Would you be able to escort me inside to see him?” Remi turns to Kurz and elaborates. “I apologise for the inconvenience, you’d be doing us a favour as well, I’m not supposed to leave this post under-manned and can’t spare [[someone to escort this man.”|PalaceEntryTalk02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Hello, Kurz, isn't it?” you begin. “I worked for Lord Carrington before you, my name is $CharacterName. I helped Lady Carrington escape the riot in Kingsport?” He grimaces, the memory of that day is probably a sore spot. Understandable, for a bodyguard. He did take a brick to the head and was unconscious while someone else rescued his charge. Kurz shakes his head. “I don’t know this man,” he says quickly and turns to head back across the bridge. You sigh again. This is not going well. Remi watches him leave. “I’m sorry,” she says. “Would you like to give me the message instead? I can’t let you pass unless I send a guard with you.” You consider your options. Explaining the whole story with a guard present would land you in the dungeons as a thief, one who tried to steal from the princess. Lord Carrington would be more understanding and a warning to the princess coming via him, a nobleman close to the King, will be taken more seriously than one coming straight from a common criminal. Perhaps you can make it inside the castle another way. Sneaking in is dangerous, but it means there’s at least a chance you can get to Lord Carrington alone. “No, thank you for your time. I’m sorry to have troubled you,” you answer, heading back to the inn. [[The knight narrows her eyes but lets you depart.|PalaceEntryOptions]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> The big orc straightens his back a bit and nods his head. “It would be an honour to assist the Royal Guard,” he answers. You see a faint smile play across the woman’s lips, you get the impression she knew the orc would jump at the chance to help her. “This way, please,” Kurz motions for you to follow him. You look to Remi and she nods her head in assent, so you head across the bridge without further delay. As you follow Kurz past the second gatehouse and take your first step onto the island, you’re struck with an odd sensation. It’s as though the air has become somehow thicker here. Sounds are faintly muffled, colours slightly less vivid. You realise you’ve just stepped inside the bounds of the spell you watched the elf cast earlier. She had called it a ward, but a ward against what? Your blood feels sluggish in your veins and you feel you’re missing something, a force in your body [[you hadn’t even realised was there until its absence.|PalaceEntryTalk03]] </div> <<set $PassedThreshold to true>>

<div class="text-box"> Kurz leads you through the courtyard, past the portcullis leading to the little dock and then a small stable. He continues past the barracks opposite the servants' quarters, straight to the grand double doors of the main building. He heaves one open to reveal a small anteroom before another set of large double doors, this time intricately carved and decorated. Large paintings of the summer palace and the lake hang on the walls. This must be the entrance to the grand hall in which the debutante’s ball will take place. Red carpeted corridors run the length of each side of this hall, and Kurz leads you down the leftmost corridor. Beyond is a room with a grand marble staircase. Another set of double doors leading to the ballroom faces the staircase, a back entrance. Along the left wall is a set of servants' stairs and to either side of the grand staircase are two more doors, one of which is propped open to reveal a busy kitchen. Kurz heads to the closed door and ushers you through to a drawing room appointed with tasteful furniture and walls lined with bookshelves. A map of the empire hangs above an unlit fireplace in front of which sits a table with bottles of expensive spirits, crystalware, and a bucket of ice. It’s the ice that impresses you most, [[it must have come a long way to get here.|PalaceEntryTalk04]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Kurz stands at attention just inside the door and motions for you to sit down. “Lord Carrington is occupied presently,” he explains. “He will then take his lunch and I will fetch him after second bell this afternoon. We will wait here.” You’re not sure exactly what time it is, but it’s definitely still morning and second bell is hours away. You heave a sigh and head to make yourself a drink. Kurz clears his throat obnoxiously as you reach for the ice bucket. As you turn to look he shakes his head disapprovingly. Wonderful. You slump down on one of the sofas and look around. “Are we just going to sit here quietly?” you ask. “If you seek entertainment I can permit you to read one of the many fine books in this room,” he answers. You bury your face in your hands and groan. When you look up, you see a maid hauling a bucket of steaming water pass by the open door behind the big orc. She’s heading for the grand staircase. You recognise her as one of Effie’s servants. Her name is Anne or Anna, something like that. Your eyes trail back to the wall of green muscle separating you from the rest of the palace. Maybe you can get rid of him somehow. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto PalaceEntryTalk05Success>> <<else>> <<goto PalaceEntryTalk05Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> Kurz seems like a modern orc, one of those who believe in discipline as the cure to his race’s inherent short temper and great appetite. You wonder what weaknesses a man such as himself might have. You move over to Kurz before looking around to make sure you’re alone, and then lean in as if you’re about to share a great secret with him. “Kurz, I feel I can trust a man of great integrity such as yourself with information about my mission,” you attempt to entice him with a lowered voice. He frowns but you have his attention and continue. “The safety of the royal family, maybe all of Etrantus is at stake. The information I bring could save many lives today, but I must deliver it to Lord Carrington personally. If you were to fetch him for me now I’m sure your part in this story would not be overlooked by the historians who will tell of the great deeds done this day by warriors such as yourself.” The orc straightens his back and huffs out a breath. “The royal family is in danger? If it is so important, why not tell me and I will relay the message to Lord Carrington. You would be free to leave.” “I can’t, I’m sorry. The enemy has spies everywhere,” you bluff, again looking around as if you think you’re being watched. “Princess Isabella is being targeted by a rogue sorcerer.” “The princess?” The orc starts when you mention her. “Who would want to harm her?” “Yes, have you met her?” you press, [[sensing an opening in his defences.|PalaceEntryTalk06]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “You can leave me here if you have something more important to do,” you suggest hopefully. Kurz looks unfazed. “I won’t drink any of the nice booze.” He just shakes his big green head. “I will not let you out of my sight,” he grumbles and you can tell he means it. The hours pass achingly slowly until, at last, the bell rings twice. Kurz informs you to wait here while he retrieves his master and leaves the drawing room. You wait a minute then [[poke your head outside and head into the hall.|MissEffieScene]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “I have…noticed her,” the orc admits. You’ve never seen an orc blush but you think his cheeks are turning a slightly darker shade of green. “From afar,” he hastens to add. “But no sorcerer can harm her here, we are protected by an anti-magic shell. It is refreshed daily by one of the empire’s finest sorceresses.” That explains the spell you saw the elf cast earlier and why you feel so sluggish inside the palace. You expect if you tried to reach for your magic to cast a spell nothing would happen. You refocus on getting Kurz out of the way. “The princess would be very grateful to you for your part in this and the sooner I can contact your master, the sooner we can ensure her safety.” The orc fidgets with his hands and shuffles his feet from side to side. Then he seems to relent. “I will go and check on the Lord, perhaps he can see you earlier.” You clap him on the shoulder. “Good man, good man. Oh and Kurz, don’t worry. I won’t touch the drinks.” You give him your best smile and the orc turns to head out the way you came. You wait until he’s out of sight and then [[dart up the staircase to look for that maid.|PalaceEntryTalk07]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> At the top of the stairs, you see a long carpeted hallway with another set of stairs at the other end. Rows of doors line the walls to either side of you, but the little maid you’re following doesn’t seem to be heading for any of them. She’s halfway up the next set of stairs, huffing and puffing with the weight of the water in the bucket. The maid doesn’t seem to be going much farther though, as she stops at one of the doors on the left side of the hallway on the next level up. She swings the door open and heads inside, pushing it closed with her foot. You creep up to the door and listen. “Last bucket m’lady, bath should be good and hot for you now,” you hear the maid say. “Thank you, Annika,” comes a familiar voice. “That will be all.” You head off down the corridor and wait for Annika to leave. She makes an appearance a few seconds later and heads back down the stairs. Unnoticed, [[you head for the door.|EffiePalace01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You gently turn the handle of the door and slowly push it open. Beyond lies a small sitting room, a pair of comfy armchairs sit around a little table in front of a fireplace. The floor is polished wood, the walls adorned with some sort of paper which has little flowery designs that repeat in patterns. You’ve never seen something like that before, why would you cover a wall with paper? You suppose you have to spend your money on //something// when you’re this rich. There’s an open door at the other end of the room through which you see a large wooden wardrobe and can just make out the foot of a bed. You can hear someone moving around in there. You step inside the living room and close the door softly, turning the key in the lock and dropping it on a side table before heading for the bedroom. Inside you see Effie, her back is turned to you, hair up in that familiar ponytail. She hasn’t noticed you yet as she puts a green dress away in the wardrobe and closes it. You lean against the door frame, arms crossed, [[stupid grin on your face.|EffiePalace02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> A little black cat jumps up on a side table near you. He tilts his head at you, a red ribbon around his neck carries a bell that jingles softly with the motion. “Hello there, little one,” you greet the cat, reaching out to give it a scratch behind the ear. “No touching please,” the cat replies in a sonorous voice. You jump back in alarm, looking around. Is someone playing a trick on you? This cat didn’t really just talk, did it? “Sakamoto!” you hear a lady call from somewhere up the big marble stairs. The cat heaves a big sigh as a stunningly beautiful Theran woman comes down the steps. She moves with an other-worldly grace, seeming to glide across the floor as she spots her cat on the table next to you. As she notices you she stops and offers a deep bow, her furry black ears flattening against her long and silky black hair, [[tail curling at her back.|PalaceMeeting02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You kick powerfully and glide underneath the water at a good speed, careful not to make waves on the surface. The water is murky and green, quite shallow, and the bottom is littered with several plants that occasionally hinder your progress. You hope you’re maintaining your intended direction, as the shallows give way to a much deeper portion of the lake and you lose any landmarks by which you can keep your bearings. Your lungs begin to burn and you breathe out slowly, emptying your lungs and drifting a little deeper in the water. Your chest feels like it's on fire now, your body warring with your brain as it tells you to breathe the cold water into your lungs. Just a little further, you guess, beginning a slow ascent to the surface of the lake. The surrounding water lightens to a pale yellowish brown as you ascend and then you’re rewarded with the sight of the wooden pillars supporting the docks nestled in the western wall of the castle. You reach one and come up for air [[underneath one of the piers.|PalaceEntrySneak03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You kick powerfully and glide underneath the water at a good speed, careful not to make waves on the surface. The water is murky and green, quite shallow, and the bottom is littered with several plants that occasionally hinder your progress. You hope you’re maintaining your intended direction, as the shallows give way to a much deeper portion of the lake and you lose any landmarks by which you can keep your bearings. Your lungs begin to burn and you breathe out slowly, emptying your lungs and drifting a little deeper in the water. Your chest feels like it's on fire now, your body warring with your brain as it tells you to breathe the cold water into your lungs. Just a little further, you guess, beginning a slow ascent to the surface of the lake. You still can’t make out any sign of the docks though. You feel the first signs of panic course through your body as you remain determined to stay out of sight. You kick harder and your vision begins to fade, the world ahead of you shrinking in a dark tunnel. Just as you feel your last ounce of strength leaving your body you collide with a pillar of wood underwater. You surface underneath one of the piers at the docks on the western side of the walls, [[gasping for breath.|PalaceEntrySneak03]] <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> </div> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>>

<div class="text-box"> You edge out from underneath the pier and see a small pleasure craft docked there, just large enough for a pair of people to row out into the lake to enjoy the water. The docks aren’t currently guarded, but there are servants in the courtyard and soldiers up on the walls overlooking the water, marching back and forth between turrets in the battlements. You stay low in the water and try to get a sense of their patterns, waiting for a gap before making your move. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto PalaceEntrySneak04Success>> <<else>> <<goto PalaceEntrySneak04Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> As the guard above you turns to resume his patrol you haul yourself smoothly out of the water and onto the pier. Staying low, you move swiftly through a raised portcullis and into the courtyard when you’re struck with an odd sensation. It’s as though the air has become somehow thicker here. Sounds are faintly muffled, colours slightly less vivid. You realise you’ve just stepped inside the bounds of the spell you watched the elf cast over the island earlier. She had called it a ward, but a ward against what? Your blood feels sluggish in your veins. You feel as though you’re missing something, an energy in your body you hadn’t even realised was there until its absence. A servant carrying a basket of laundry comes into view. You duck behind a set of large coiled ropes and wait for her to pass. She drops a shirt from her basket and stops to retrieve it, just as you see one of the guards on the wall turn and begin marching back towards the docks. He’s going to spot you if you don’t move soon. The servant folds the shirt neatly and places it back on top of her pile of laundry, moving away just in time for you to dash out behind her and [[slip into a small stable before being spotted.|PalaceEntrySneak05]] </div> <<set $PassedThreshold to true>>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> As the guard above you turns to resume his patrol you haul yourself smoothly out of the water and onto the pier. Staying low, you move swiftly through a raised portcullis and into the courtyard when you’re struck with an odd sensation. It’s as though the air has become somehow thicker here. Sounds are faintly muffled, colours slightly less vivid. You realise you’ve just stepped inside the bounds of the spell you watched the elf cast over the island earlier. She had called it a ward, but a ward against what? Your blood feels sluggish in your veins. You feel as though you’re missing something, an energy in your body you hadn’t even realised was there until its absence. A servant carrying a basket of laundry comes into view. You duck behind a set of large coiled ropes and wait for her to pass. She drops a shirt from her basket and stops to retrieve it, just as you see one of the guards on the wall turn and begin marching back towards the docks. He’s going to spot you if you don’t move soon. The servant stops to brush a spot of dirt from the shirt, then decides to fold it neatly before placing it back on top of her pile of laundry. The guard is getting too close now, so you risk being spotted by the servant and move quickly for the open door of a small stable. She notices you and calls out after you, but you slip inside and close the door, bolting it shut. You hear someone tug on the door and the guard calls down to ask what is happening. You’d better get out of here before the guard comes in. [[You won’t get away with many more sloppy moves like that.|PalaceEntrySneak05]] <span style="color: red;">Suspicion level raised.</span> </div> <<set $Suspicion to $Suspicion + 1>> <<set $PassedThreshold to true>>

<div class="text-box"> You search your surroundings for another way out and see a ladder leading to a hayloft. You scale it quickly and see a small crane outside that lifts hay bales from the courtyard into the loft through an open window. The roof of the building across from the stable has several chimneys, it looks like the servants' quarters or perhaps a barracks for the guards. The chimneys would give adequate cover from the patrolling soldiers on the walls if you could make it across to the roof. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto PalaceEntrySneak06Success>> <<else>> <<goto PalaceEntrySneak06Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> Waiting again for your moment of opportunity, you swing the crane out over the gap between the stables and the roof opposite and then leap out to grab the hanging rope, swinging yourself across the gap. You land expertly in a roll across the red clay tiles and come up behind the first chimney, pausing to check you haven’t been seen. Shadowing the guard on the wall, you move from chimney to chimney, smoothly and silently. You pause behind the last chimney and see the guard swivel to head back the way he came. [[It looks like you’re in the clear.|PalaceEntrySneak07]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> Waiting again for your moment of opportunity, you swing the crane out over the gap between the stables and the roof opposite and then leap out to grab the hanging rope, swinging yourself across the gap. You land expertly in a roll across the red clay tiles and come up behind the first chimney, pausing to check you haven’t been seen. Shadowing the guard on the wall, you move smoothly from chimney to chimney until you reach the last one and knock a tile loose. You watch it slide to the edge of the gutter, teeter there for a moment, and then fall to the floor, smashing loudly. You hold your breath as a guard whirls to look in your direction. He calls out in alarm and slings a musket from his shoulder before rushing for a set of stairs that lead down to the courtyard. [[If you stay here any longer you’re going to be discovered.|PalaceEntrySneak07]] <span style="color: red;">Suspicion level raised.</span> </div> <<set $Suspicion to $Suspicion + 1>>

<div class="text-box"> You’re close to the palace now, close enough to see an open window one storey higher than the roof you’re on. Reaching it would mean making a fairly long jump to the window on this level and then a short climb. You glance around at the guards on the wall and the people down below. It’s risky, but the last barrier before you’re inside. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto PalaceEntrySneak08Success>> <<elseif $Suspicion == 2>> <<goto PalaceCaptured>> <<else>> <<goto PalaceEntrySneak08Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You pick your moment and then leap across the gap to the wall. You land precariously on a windowsill, just managing to keep your balance and prevent yourself from stumbling backwards to the ground below. You steady yourself and then leap up to grab the sill of the open window above you, gripping it tightly by your fingertips and hauling yourself up into the palace. [[You’ve made it.|PalaceEntrySneak09]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You pick your moment and then leap across the gap to the wall. You land precariously on a windowsill, just managing to keep your balance and prevent yourself from stumbling backwards to the ground below. You steady yourself and then leap up to grab the sill of the open window above you, gripping it tightly by your fingertips. As you move to haul yourself up you kick out clumsily and smash one boot through the window by your feet. You tumble inside the open window and hear a shout from a guard outside. You’re not sure if they saw you, [[but they definitely heard you.|PalaceEntrySneak09]] <span style="color: red;">Suspicion level raised.</span> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You stop to examine the corridor you’re in when a door to your right bursts open and a guard levels a musket and bayonet in your direction. “You’re fucking nicked, mate,” he growls as more guards come up the stairs at the end of the hallway. [[You slowly raise your hands.|Interrogated]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> //Crunch// <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> A gauntleted fist connects with your jaw, producing a sickening sound and sending you toppling over backwards in your chair. Your hands are bound to its legs and you crack your head on the cold stone floor of the dungeon cell, unable to brace your fall. <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> If there was ever a moment you wanted to reach for your magic, it’s now. Unfortunately, on the island, you’re numb to your power. <<if $PassedThreshold == false>> It’s as though the air has become somehow thicker here. Sounds are faintly muffled, colours slightly less vivid. You realise you’re inside the bounds of the spell you watched the elf cast earlier. She had called it a ward, but a ward against what? Your blood feels sluggish in your veins and you feel you’re missing something, a force in your body you hadn’t even realised was there until its absence. <</if>> The big guardsman using your face as a punching bag grabs you by the shirt and hauls you back up, setting the chair right. He hasn’t even asked you any questions, just tied you up and commenced with the beating. Royal Guard are known for their efficiency and zeal, but you’d prefer not to have first-hand experience. The cell door creaks as it opens and you crack open an eye to see the dark-skinned woman from the inn. What was her name? [[You're a bit foggy on the details at the moment.|Interrogated01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You find yourself at the end of a long corridor, wood-panelled and decorated with portraits of former kings and queens. As you head down the passage you see a small balcony on your left overlooking a grand hall with a black and white tiled floor. This must be where the ball is to take place. You continue down the corridor and reach a small set of stairs leading down. With no other options, you descend. You pass a small floor that grants access to a larger balcony overlooking the grand hall. A few musicians are milling about and you move on, preferring not to be spotted. Descending another floor brings you to a central hallway. Off to the right you see a pair of large double doors, they lead onto the dancefloor of the ballroom. Opposite the doors is a grand marble staircase with red carpeting and smooth polished bannisters. Doors sit to either side of the staircase on the ground level, one is propped open and you see servants scurrying back and forth [[in what looks like a large kitchen.|PalaceEntrySneak10]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> A maidservant makes her way down the staircase towards you. With a start, you recognise her and turn away so as not to be recognised. She’s one of Effie’s handmaids, Anne or Anna or something like that. She’s carrying a wooden bucket and disappears into the kitchen. You wait a few minutes until she re-emerges, hauling the same bucket now steaming with hot water. She waddles up the staircase and you follow her from a distance. At the top of the stairs, you see a long carpeted hallway with another set of stairs at the other end. Rows of doors line the walls to either side of you, but the little maid you’re following doesn’t seem to be heading for any of them. She’s heading up the next set of stairs, huffing and puffing with the weight of the water in the bucket. The maid doesn’t seem to be going much farther though, as she stops at one of the doors on the left side of the hallway one level up. She swings the door open and heads inside, pushing it closed with her foot. You creep up to the door and listen. “Last bucket m’lady, bath should be good and hot for you now,” you hear the maid say. “Thank you, Annika,” comes a familiar voice. “That will be all.” You head off down the corridor and wait for Annika to leave. She makes an appearance a few seconds later and heads back down the stairs. [[Unnoticed, you head for the door.|EffiePalace01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Two guards are on duty and one steps forward with his palm raised motioning for you to stop. “What’s your business here, peasant?” he challenges you. “I have an urgent message for Lord Carrington,” you answer. “Well hand it over and I’ll see he gets it.” “It’s not a letter, I’m afraid I must deliver it to him myself.” The guard looks back at his partner and then past him, down the bridge. You see the dark-skinned woman from the tavern crossing the bridge to join the conversation. The first guard defers to her as she approaches you and [[introduces herself.|ToThePalace11]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Have you been running this inn for long?” you ask, taking a swig of the ale. “Oh aye, it’s been in me family for generations,” he answers. “Do the royals ever come in here?” “Aye, in the past, they liked to be seen mingling with common folk and such. Not so much anymore though.” “Oh? Why’s that then?” The bartender nods at the dark figure in the corner you noticed earlier this morning. “That fellow in the back goes by the name of Pelagos, claims the castle is his ancestral home. Constantly badgering anyone who’ll listen that the land rightfully belongs to him.” “Ancestral home? But every king and queen of Etrantus has lived here in the summer months, it’s a tradition as old as the empire.” “Aye, but he claims to be descended from the royal line that ruled the land before Etrantus had conquered all the petty kingdoms.” “That’s ancient history though, he has proof?” The bartender shrugs. [[“If he does I’ve never seen it.”|PalaceEntrySecrets03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> “They’ve got that castle locked up tight,” you venture to the innkeeper. He cocks an eyebrow at you. “Aye, the royals are always well looked after.” “They ever catch people trying to sneak in?” you ask. The bartender puts his hands on his hips and eyes you suspiciously. “On occasion. The guards are very happy to toss troublemakers in the dungeon.” His tone carries a hint of warning. “Anyone recently?” You try to sound casual bet sense you aren’t being as subtle as you’d hoped. <span style="color: red;">Suspicion level raised.</span> “Fellow in the back there has been causing trouble,” the bartender answers, motioning to the dark figure in the corner you noticed earlier this morning. “Goes by the name Pelagos, claims the castle is his ancestral home. Constantly badgering anyone who’ll listen that the land rightfully belongs to him.” “Ancestral home? But every king and queen of Etrantus has lived here in the summer months, it’s a tradition as old as the empire.” “Aye, but he claims to be descended from the royal line that ruled the land before Etrantus had conquered all the petty kingdoms.” “That’s ancient history though, he has proof?” The bartender shrugs. [[“If he does I’ve never seen it,” he answers.|PalaceEntrySecrets03]] </div> <<set $Suspicion to $Suspicion + 1>>

<div class="text-box"> You bring two drinks over to the man in the corner and offer him one. He invites you to sit down. “Thought you looked like you could use one of these,” you say, taking a deep pull from your mug. The man with the blue eyes smiles and nods his head in appreciation, taking a drink himself. “Much appreciated. I am Manuel Pelagos, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, mister?” “I go by $CharacterName. I heard you had an interesting story about the palace?” you ask, hoping this man has some information that could be useful to you. “Indeed, I do. It pains me to see that which should be mine in the hands of those who have everything,” Manuel says wistfully. You sense the man is already more than a little drunk, even though the sun has yet to reach its midpoint in the sky. “So the famous Summer Palace really belongs to you? Why is it I’ve never heard your name before?” “My family ruled these lands for generations before the first emperor re-organised the lands into the four kingdoms. My family’s kingdom encompassed everything from here to [[Arcan Hill on this side of the Whiteridge Mountains.”|PalaceEntrySecrets04]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “That must have been nearly fifteen hundred years ago, do you really still have a claim to something that old?” you ask. “By the laws of the old world, I do! I refuse to be shackled by the emperor’s laws!” He stands up out of his seat as he rants, practically foaming at the mouth. Perhaps this fellow is simply a madman. “Well, do you have any proof?” you ask. Manuel drains his cup and sits back down. “I know there’s proof at the palace, I just need to get inside!” This sounds promising. “Do you have a way in?” you ask, then turn to signal the bartender to bring more drinks. “I know of a secret way inside!” He grins wildly. “The only problem is I can’t figure out how to open the damn door.” The bartender sets down two more mugs and you push one across the table to Manuel. “Door? A secret entrance? Where? [[Maybe I can get it open.”|PalaceEntrySecrets05]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Manuel huffs out a deep sigh. “I doubt it,” he mumbles. “It’s supposed to be in the cellar of this tavern but I can’t find it for the life of me.” He drains his mug again and then eyes up yours. “If you figure it out look for the evidence I need in the king's bedroom!” You nod and stand, fully intending never to talk to this man again. If he wants to go off on some crazy quest he can handle it himself, you just need to get inside. Looking around the room you can't see an obvious entrance to the cellar, it’s probably outside. As you head out the door you notice Manuel finishing your ale. Outside, you find a set of double wooden doors set into the ground on one side of the inn, they must lead down to the cellar. You make sure nobody is paying attention before hauling one of the doors open to reveal the stairs down. [[You descend, closing the heavy wooden door behind you.|PalaceEntrySecrets06]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Light filters through a small window at ground level to illuminate the brick cellar. Four candlesticks sit in sconces at each corner. To your left, meat hangs from hooks along the wall and a few fish caught fresh from the lake hang on a rope strung across the length of the cellar. The back wall is obscured by rows of ale kegs stacked atop one another all the way to the ceiling. The right-side wall is taken up by several wooden shelves containing row after row of wine bottles. The floor consists of simple square stone tiles, each about three feet across. The centre of the room is piled with wooden crates containing fresh vegetables, potatoes, radishes, and turnips. Local produce. You also see some imported limes and lemons, a barrel of salt, and a crate of pipe tobacco. You search for any signs of a hidden entrance. <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Intuition Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto PalaceEntrySecrets07Success>> <<else>> <<goto PalaceEntrySecrets07Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You begin with the meat hooks, giving each a tug and then moving on. The kegs all seem to be genuine, with no false fronts or hidden door handles. You give the wine racks a few careful tugs but they don’t swing open to reveal a hidden entrance. You give a few wine bottles an experimental twist or two but find nothing out of the ordinary. You shove a few crates around but don’t find any trap doors, just some mouldering potatoes and you make a mental note not to order the hash browns at breakfast. Frustrated, you wonder if a little more light might help and go to inspect the candles. They’re close to expended, wax has dripped down to cover the majority of the sconce you’re inspecting. You brush off a good deal of it and hear a faint clicking noise. Intrigued, you give the sconce a hard tug and it ratchets downwards, then clicks rapidly as it moves back to its original position. [[Jackpot.|PalaceEntrySecrets08]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You begin with the meat hooks, giving each a tug and then moving on. The kegs all seem to be genuine, with no false fronts or hidden door handles. You give one of the wine racks an experimental tug but it simply tips forward, rather than revealing a hidden door you simply allow several expensive wine bottles to slide out and smash on the cold tile floor. You hope nobody upstairs heard that. <span style="color: red;">Suspicion level raised.</span> You shove a few crates around but don’t find any trap doors, just some mouldering potatoes and you make a mental note not to order the hash browns at breakfast. Frustrated, you wonder if a little more light might help and go to inspect the candles. They’re close to expended, wax has dripped down to cover the majority of the sconce you’re inspecting. You brush off a good deal of it and hear a faint clicking noise. Intrigued, you give the sconce a hard tug and it ratchets downwards, then clicks rapidly as it moves back to its original position. [[Jackpot.|PalaceEntrySecrets08]] </div> <<set $Suspicion to $Suspicion + 1>>

<div class="text-box"> Excited, you look around for the door you’re sure to have opened, only to be disappointed when you see that nothing in the cellar seems to have changed. You go and inspect the other three candle sconces, one on each wall. Two do nothing, but one on the wall diagonal to the first sconce also moves in the same fashion. You pull it and move back to the first sconce and tug it. Still nothing. Maybe they need to be pulled at the same time? You tug one and sprint to the other, but you can’t get to one before the other resets. <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Intuition Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto PalaceEntrySecrets09Success>> <<elseif $Suspicion == 2>> <<goto DisturbedInnkeeper>> <<else>> <<goto PalaceEntrySecrets09Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You look around for inspiration and see the fish strung up on the rope. You take one down and remove the fish, then tie one end to the first sconce. You head across to the corner with the second sconce but find the rope doesn’t quite reach across the diagonal length of the cellar. You stretch your arm out from the loose end of the rope, trying to reach the second lever without triggering the first prematurely. You just manage to get your fingertips onto the sconce and pull the lever as you yank the rope, triggering both mechanisms at once. They click in time with each other as they reset but this time you hear a low rumble and pop as one of the stone tiles in the floor opens along one edge. You head over to it and slide your fingers under the small gap. Lifting the tile results in it swinging open on a hinge to reveal a ladder descending about twenty feet. You take the time to replace the rope and even the fish before [[beginning your descent and closing the trap door softly behind you.|PalaceEntrySecrets10]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You look around for inspiration and see the fish strung up on the rope. You take one down and remove the fish then tie one end to the first sconce. You head across to the corner with the second sconce but find the rope doesn’t quite reach across the diagonal length of the cellar. You stretch your arm out from the loose end of the rope, trying to reach the second lever without triggering the first prematurely. You just manage to get your fingertips onto the sconce and pull the lever as you yank the rope. Unfortunately, doing so causes you to lose your balance and you tumble to the floor. You jerk the rope and it knocks one of the crates you’d rifled through earlier to the floor, toppling it and scattering lemons across the floor. You hear a scraping noise come from the ceiling above you as if someone just stood up quickly from their chair. <span style="color: red;">Suspicion level raised.</span> A mechanism rumbles underneath the floor and one of the stone tiles in the floor pops up along one edge. You head over to it and slide your fingers under the small gap. Lifting the tile results in it swinging open on a hinge to reveal a ladder descending about 20 feet. You take the time to replace the rope and fish before picking up the lemons. Satisfied, you begin your descent and [[close the trap door softly behind you.|PalaceEntrySecrets10]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> The ladder ends in a damp, dark tunnel. Rough stone walls and a dark sand floor lead in the direction of the castle. Small drips of water from the ceiling signal your passage under the lake. As you approach the end of the tunnel you’re struck with an odd sensation. It’s as though the air has become somehow thicker here. Sounds are faintly muffled, colours slightly less vivid. You realise you’ve just stepped inside the bounds of the spell you watched the elf cast over the area earlier. She had called it a ward, but a ward against what? Your blood feels sluggish in your veins. You feel as though you’re missing something, an energy in your body you hadn’t even realised was there until its absence. You try to shake the feeling and continue. As the tunnel begins to slope upwards it widens out, eventually ending in a small cave with a low ceiling. One wall of the cave is crafted from white marble bricks and bears a complicated carving. At first, it makes little sense to you. Three concentric rings with carvings of seemingly random lines. You reach out to touch one of the carvings and find it moves. Each ring seems to rotate around the centre of the carving, additionally, you discover each ring is actually split into three equal sections that can be flipped over to depict a different set of lines. It seems that when you have them properly oriented you should be able to proceed. <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Intuition Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto PalaceEntrySecrets11Success>> <<else>> <<goto PalaceEntrySecrets11Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div> <<set $PassedThreshold to true>>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You look around for inspiration and see the fish strung up on the rope. You take one down and remove the fish then tie one end to the first sconce. You head across to the corner with the second sconce but find the rope doesn’t quite reach across the diagonal length of the cellar. You stretch your arm out from the loose end of the rope, trying to reach the second lever without triggering the first prematurely. You just manage to get your fingertips onto the sconce and pull the lever as you yank the rope. Unfortunately, doing so causes you to lose your balance and you tumble to the floor. You jerk the rope and it knocks one of the crates you’d rifled through earlier to the floor, toppling it and scattering lemons across the floor. You hear a scraping noise come from the ceiling above you as if someone just stood up quickly from their chair. <span style="color: red;">Suspicion level raised.</span> You hear raised voices outside and the cellar doors are flung open. The innkeeper and a guard with a musket descend the stairs to catch you rooting around. “What do you think you’re doing in my cellar!” the innkeeper roars. The guard approaches with his weapon raised. [[“You’re coming with me,” he growls.|Interrogated]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You begin to rotate and flip the various sections of the puzzle. After some experimentation, you begin to understand what the finished product should look like. You can see what looks like a person’s arm, then the head of some sort of animal. You don’t recognise the creature but have a feeling you’ve seen it somewhere before. Then it clicks. The sign hanging outside the tavern. You try to recall what it depicted. Wasn’t it a man being swallowed by some sort of monster? After a bit more flipping and rotating you slide the last piece into place. You now see a carving before you of a creature with a long neck emerging from the lake, the legs of a man protruding from its mouth as the monster swallows its meal. The whole carving recedes slightly into the wall and you are able to roll it aside to reveal another dark tunnel, [[narrow and composed of neatly cut bricks.|PalaceEntrySecrets12]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You begin to rotate and flip the various sections of the puzzle. After some experimentation, you begin to understand what the finished product should look like. You can see what looks like a person’s arm holding a sword, then the severed head of some sort of animal. You don’t recognise the creature but have a feeling you’ve seen it somewhere before. Then it clicks. The sign hanging outside the tavern. You try to recall what it depicted. Wasn’t it a man cutting off the head of a monster? You flip and rotate the pieces until you’re satisfied with the result. You now see a carving depicting a warrior slicing off the head of a long-necked creature emerging from the lake. The carving pops out of the wall slightly and you hear a grinding noise followed by a sharp twanging of metal, as if a spring has snapped somewhere beneath your feet. You look down and jump backwards just as a series of sharp spikes are thrust up through the floor beneath your feet. One of them carves a long slice up your calf and you cry out in pain, blood trickling down your leg as the spikes recede into the ground. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina </span> <<set $SpikePuzzleInjury to true>> The pieces of the puzzle on the wall begin to re-arrange themselves. The mechanism squeaks and grinds against itself as it attempts to reset. It seems to be old and on the verge of breaking completely. You wonder if the current occupants of the castle even know about this secret entrance. Sighing, you rethink your approach. As you flip and rearrange the pieces once more you realise your mistake. The sign outside the tavern actually depicted a monster swallowing a man whole and you successfully rearrange the puzzle to depict the scene. This time, as you complete the puzzle, the whole carving recedes slightly into the wall and you are able to roll it aside to reveal another dark tunnel, [[narrow and built of neatly cut bricks.|PalaceEntrySecrets12]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> This tunnel is a tight fit, no wider than your shoulders, and it leads to a wooden panel in a brick wall. You give it an experimental shove and it pops open with a click. You peek through the small crack in the hidden door and see a well-lit room. Tubs of soapy water and piles of laundry waiting to be washed sit on tables in one corner of the room. It doesn’t seem to be occupied at the moment and you slip into the room. You sift through some of the dirty laundry and find a page’s jacket that looks like it will fit you. You throw it on to blend in a little better. <<if $SpikePuzzleInjury == true>> You also take the time to tear up a shirt and bandage the wound on your leg. Thankfully the cut is relatively shallow, but your trousers are bloodstained and conspicuous. You dig around and find a new pair to replace them. <</if>> Satisfied you won’t raise any alarm bells when you exit the room, you slip out into the corridor beyond. Lord Carrington probably has his quarters on at least the second floor. You head along the corridor to a servant’s staircase and [[take it up to ground level.|PalaceEntrySecrets13]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> The stairs lead to a central hallway. Off to the right you see a pair of large double doors, they must lead to the room where the ball is to be held. Opposite the doors is a grand marble staircase with red carpeting and smooth polished wooden bannisters. Doors sit to either side of the staircase on the ground level, one is propped open and you see servants scurrying back and forth in what looks like a large kitchen. A maidservant makes her way down the staircase towards you. With a start, you recognise her and turn away so as not to be recognised. She’s one of Effie’s handmaids, Anne or Anna or something like that. She’s carrying a wooden bucket and disappears into the kitchen. You wait a few minutes until she re-emerges, hauling the same bucket now steaming with hot water. She waddles up the staircase and you follow her from a distance. At the top of the stairs, you see a long carpeted hallway with another set of stairs at the other end. Rows of doors line the walls to either side of you, but the little maid you’re following doesn’t seem to be heading for any of them. She’s heading up the next set of stairs, huffing and puffing with the weight of the water in the bucket. The maid doesn’t seem to be going much farther though, as she stops at one of the doors on the left side of the hallway one level up. She swings the door open and heads inside, pushing it closed with her foot. You creep up to the door and listen. “Last bucket m’lady, bath should be good and hot for you now,” you hear the maid say. “Thank you, Annika,” comes a familiar voice. “That will be all.” You head off down the corridor and wait for Annika to leave. She makes an appearance a few seconds later and heads back down the stairs. [[Unnoticed, you head for the door.|EffiePalace01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> She’s wearing a thin white slip that hangs down to her calves, a pair of white stockings visible underneath as she moves about the room, humming a little tune as she gets ready for her bath. There’s another open door to your left and you can see a wooden tub in there, steam rising from it in little curls. Effie reaches down to the hem of her undergarment and begins lifting it up over her head. Your eyes follow the line of white cloth as it unveils her milky white thighs where her stockings end, hugging the flesh there just tight enough that a little bit bunches up to spill out over the top. You see the crevices where her legs meet the cheeks of her cute little bottom. She reveals a set of frilly white panties as her slip continues up over her back. You take in the flare of her hips and the little indentation at her spine in the small of her back. You catch a hint of breast as she lifts the slip over her head, the fabric lifting her ponytail and then dropping it to fall like water down her back, the muscles there flexing behind the skin at her shoulders. [[You remember that hair bouncing wildly behind her as she rode you to orgasm in your bed.|EffiePalace03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> She places the slip in the wardrobe and sits on a nearby chair. She begins rolling her stocking down her leg, first one then the other. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Effie02/Effie-Stockings.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> That’s when she catches your reflection in the glass of the window and whirls around with a gasp, one arm covering her bare breasts, [[the other dropping down between her legs.|EffiePalace04]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> She looks like she’s about to scream for help before recognition flashes in her eyes. “$CharacterName, you monster!” she whines. “You gave me such a fright, what in the gods’ names are you doing here?” You can see her heart pounding in her chest as she regains her composure. “You seem to enjoy sneaking into people’s bedrooms so I thought I’d repay the favour,” you answer with a grin. She groans, her head shaking. “You really are stalking me now,” she sighs, taking a step closer to you. “I thought we had an understanding the last time we met?” “Oh, don’t flatter yourself,” you joke. “I’m not here for you, I’m here to see your father, is he around?” She pouts as you close the remaining distance, giving you a playful slap on the chest as you come within reach, her hand lingering there to feel the muscles beneath your tunic. “This is the lady’s floor,” she whispers, you dip your head a little lower to hear her as your hands move to her hips. She looks up into your eyes. “The men are downstairs.” She curls her bottom lip between her teeth and bites down as [[her heavy-lidded gaze drops to your mouth.|EffiePalace05]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You lean in and kiss her. Her hand rises to the back of your head as she presses herself into you. She licks hungrily at your tongue and then pulls away from you, arching her back and lifting her pert breasts as you dip to kiss her neck. Her excited little moans drive you wild as you kiss your way down to her left breast, her nipples stiffening. You glide a hand down to grip her thigh and lift one leg to curl around your waist, pressing your hardening cock against her stomach. That’s when you hear a sharp rap at the front door. “Euphemia?” you hear a voice call, male. Your eyes go wide as you recognise who it is. A key can be heard turning in the lock. “Shit!” Effie gasps, grabbing you by the tunic and shoving you inside the open wardrobe. As the door begins to open she gives an exasperated cry, looking down at her state of undress before hopping into the wardrobe after you, turning to close the doors and [[pressing her back against your chest.|EffiePalace06]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You hear someone enter the apartment. “Euphemia?” Lord Carrington calls out again, looking for his daughter. “Well, she doesn’t appear to be here.” Your adrenaline spikes, if you’re caught here you’re a dead man. “Oh dear,” you hear another man’s voice answer. “Shall we wait a while and see if she returns?” You feel Effie go completely rigid against you at the sound of the other man’s voice. “Yes certainly, have a seat,” Lord Carrington answers. You hear the two men sit down in the armchairs. “Do you have any pipe tobacco?” “Certainly sir, here you are.” The second man sounds younger, perhaps around your age. He has the accent of a noble from northern Etrantus, maybe Limekirk or Riverlight. “I must say I was surprised you agreed to take Euphemia off our hands before the princess had declared her match. Why did you take yourself out of the running so soon?” Effie slumps over, gently resting her forehead against the inside of the wardrobe door. You sense a wave of sadness coming over her. She shouldn't have to hear this conversation. You swallow your fear and curl your arms around her waist. “Oh, as long as I made a match to a Kingsport noble my family will be happy. A good deal of our business is done there and your connections are on par with the king’s.” [[Effie curls her head to look up at you and you come together in a quiet kiss.|EffiePalace07]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “I see, very shrewd. Well, I hope she doesn’t disappoint, she’s always been a good girl, my Euphemia.” She feels your erection pressing into the small of her back as you slip a couple of fingers underneath the top of the white fabric between her legs. “Of course, her honour is still intact?” the younger man asks as you slide the rest of your hand into Effie’s panties, bringing it to rest over her labia. “I didn’t want to ask during negotiations, but now things are settled. . . “ Her eyes flutter, her breath hitches. “Oh yes, yes. Pure as the driven snow. Her brothers were absolute cads at her age, though.” You leave your fingers there, applying only light pressure, denying her the satisfaction of being penetrated, making her wait for it. She squirms and takes a sharp breath in, glaring at you. [[You can feel her hot stare but refuse to meet her eyes, instead wiggling your fingers gently.|EffiePalace08]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Ah, yes that’s understandable. I myself have a long-standing mistress I intend to keep. I do hope your daughter isn’t one to complain about such things.” You wait patiently, refusing to part her folds until you feel her juices begin to trickle over your fingers, allowing you to ease inside of her hot, wet channel without resistance. You can smell pipe smoke now, you think you hear someone move into the bedroom. “No, no. She knows when to stay quiet.” You gently cup your other hand over her mouth to stifle a little moan of pleasure as your middle finger curls up inside of her to stroke the sensitive spot on the front wall of her pussy, your palm pressing on her clit. She braces her arms against the inside walls of the wardrobe. Her father is just inches away now. The younger voice comes again from the sitting room. “I shouldn’t think I’ll need more than four or five children from her. Six at the most.” You lift your palm up towards her stomach, slowly dragging every inch of your now slick finger out and over her swelling clitoris. Then you lower your palm to perform the motion in reverse, finishing by curling your finger back inside of her once again. She melts into you as you slowly repeat the motion over and over, hot, shuddering breaths issuing from her nose over the back of your hand. “Oh, she’s a strong girl, I’m sure she’ll stand up to whatever you can throw at her!” The men laugh as Effie’s knees buckle in orgasm, her moan covered by their sniggering. “Well, we shouldn’t hang about here all day, [[you’ll just have to wait until the ball tonight to see her.”|EffiePalace09]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You hold Effie as she shivers in your arms, coming down from her orgasm. You remove your hand from her mouth and she cranes her head to steal a kiss from you, then you’re both very still, listening as the two men leave. Finally, you hear the front door of the apartment close. You explode out of the wardrobe, a tangle of limbs and lips and tongues. She tugs your shirt up over your head as you loosen your pants and drop them to the floor, kicking them off along with your boots. She sinks her teeth into the space between your neck and shoulder as you lift her up and carry her towards the bed. “You absolute bastard,” she laughs as you drop her onto the end of the mattress. “If they had found us…” “I know, they would have killed me, but it was worth it.” You drop over her, placing a hand on either side of her head and lowering yourself to her mouth. She lifts her legs to wrap around your waist. Your cock rubs against her soaked panties. “Get these off me,” she moans in your ear as she rocks her hips into you. You straighten up and stand at the foot of the bed. She refuses to unwrap her legs from around your waist, so you tear the little piece of fabric at her hip and fling what remains away. She feigns shock and pouts again before smiling and [[loosening her grip enough so you can sink your prick inside of her.|EffiePalace10]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Her head rolls back and she gasps as you begin driving into her, her legs going slack with the pleasure. You slip a hand under the small of her back and lift her hips up to keep the right angle, then place the thumb of your other hand over her clit to rub in little circles. She’s still sensitive from her first orgasm and she bites down hard on one of her knuckles. “Too much?” you ask. She shakes her head, no. You pick up the pace and her eyes widen, her head tilting down to watch you thrusting in and out of her. She writhes in pleasure, her moans turn to loud cries that take her breath away, forcing her to take deeper and deeper gasps. Then her eyes roll back and she collapses again, her pussy clenching and milking your cock in another orgasm. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Effie02/Effie-Bed.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> You feel your own release building in your core, waves of pleasure pooling at the base of your groin, the head of your cock throbbing in anticipation. “I shouldn’t come inside you again, we have to be more careful,” you say. “No,” Effie answers, locking her legs around you once more. “I want your seed inside of me when I’m handed away to that bastard.” //“Fuck,”// you groan, the mental image of your cum dripping down her thighs as she dances with her fiancé sends you into a powerful shuddering climax. [[You collapse on top of her and fill her with everything you’ve got, your face buried against her neck.|EffiePalace11]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Don’t stop,” she pleads, so you keep moving. “Don’t stop,” she asks again, but you’re completely spent. You try to keep the motion going but eventually drift to a stop. “Don’t stop.” You look up to see a tear rolling down Effie’s face, her eyes fixed on the ceiling. “Effie?” you ask. She doesn’t respond. Cursing, you scoop her up and she curls into your chest, crying softly. You carry her into the bathroom and step into the tub, lowering yourself into the warm water and placing her down in front of you, her back to your chest. You sit like that, holding her until she stops crying. “I’m sorry, this wasn’t fair to you,” you say. “Shut up,” she whispers. “I’m so glad you’re here.” “But I made you cry?” you ask, confused. “They did that. You keep showing up just when I need you.” “It is becoming a bit of a habit.” You grab a nearby washcloth and begin running it over her skin. “This really has to be the last time, though,” she says. “Why did you come? You know nothing’s changed since the last time we had this conversation.” “Actually I was only half joking earlier. It’s your father, I do need to talk to him.” She leans her head back, [[resting it against your shoulder.|EffiePalace12]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “What about? Do you want your old job back?” “No. It’s complicated. I think somebody is going to attack the princess, tonight during the ball. I think you might all be in danger.” She frowns at that, sitting up and twisting to look you in the eye. “What? Why? Who told you this?” You can see she has about a hundred more questions running through her head. You raise your hands to stop her. “As I said, it’s complicated. Effie, I need you to trust me, can you get me in a room with your father?” She doesn’t lose her frown but nods her head slowly. “As long as you explain it to me later, yes,” she answers. You give her a kiss and lift yourself out of the tub. “Thank you, Effie.” “Go wait for him at the foot of the marble staircase, by the servants' steps. I’ll take care of it.” You head for the door but turn back to her just before you leave. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Effie02/Effie-Bath.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> “Don’t worry, I won’t let anyone hurt you,” you tell her. She settles back in her tub and looks at you. You can’t read the expression on her face. [[“I know. Now go. We’ll talk later.”|EffiePalace13]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You snatch up your clothes and pull them on as you head for the front door. You’re tying up the drawstring on your trousers as you shut it behind you and look up to see a beautiful elf. She's leaning in the doorframe of the room on the opposite side of the hallway. The sorceress. What had the guard, Remi, called her? Liliwen? </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Portraits/Liliwen-Door.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> “You made quite a racket in there,” she says, eyebrow raised. She’s wearing a revealing nightgown and her hair’s unkempt, as though she’s just rolled out of bed. “Some people are trying to sleep,” she adds, crossing her arms. “Uh, it’s noon?” you answer, flustered. The elf simply narrows her eyes at you. “Who are you? You’re not Effie’s betrothed.” “No. I’m not,” you answer, shrugging, unable to keep a smile from your lips. You notice she uses Effie’s nickname, they must be friendly. Liliwen glances at the door behind you. “Good for her,” the elf says to herself. She turns her attention back to you, looking you up and down. “She deserves a bit of fun, the poor thing.” You heave a sigh of relief, for a moment you thought you were done for. “Oh, I’m a lot of fun,” you smirk and the elf rolls her eyes. “Careful,” she says, “I could turn you into a frog.” You tense up again but the elf simply yawns [[and turns to close the door behind her.|PalaceMeeting01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You head downstairs to wait for Lord Carrington. Your nerves jangle every time somebody walks past you, feeling sorely out of place. You wish Effie had sent you somewhere more private to wait. Luckily it seems to be mostly servants passing through at this time of day. You imagine the nobles must have gathered somewhere for lunch before the ball begins this evening. A little black cat jumps up on a side table near you. He tilts his head at you, a red ribbon around his neck carries a bell that jingles softly with the motion. “Hello there, little one,” you greet the cat, reaching out to give it a scratch behind the ear. “No touching please,” the cat replies in a sonorous voice. You jump back in alarm, looking around. Is someone playing a trick on you? This cat didn’t really just talk, did it? “Sakamoto!” you hear a lady call from somewhere up the big marble stairs. The cat heaves a big sigh as a stunningly beautiful Theran woman comes down the steps. She moves with an other-worldly grace, seeming to glide across the floor as she spots her cat on the table next to you. As she notices you she stops and offers a deep bow, her furry black ears flattening against her long and silky black hair, [[tail curling at her back.|PalaceMeeting02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> She gives you a wide smile as she straightens her back and says something to you in a language you’ve never heard before. The cat seems to be nodding along, understanding what the woman is saying. By her looks and the strange language, you guess she must be from even farther east than Tongling, perhaps one of the islands in the Chrysanthemum Sea. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Portraits/Mariko-Hall.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> The cat appears to sigh before he clears his throat and addresses you. “The Lady Mariko extends her warmest greetings and begs you allow her to speak with her humble servant.” You look around, confused. Servant? Does she mean the cat? “Um, go ahead,” you answer. This has to be magic, you decide, as the two begin chattering away in their foreign tongue. But ever since you set foot on the island you’ve felt a heavy atmosphere pressing down on you, the elf’s spell has you feeling as though a part of your body has fallen asleep, [[a part you’ve only recently discovered was even there.|PalaceMeeting03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You reach cautiously for that energy in your blood, for that spark of magic that lets you do the impossible. It’s not there. Perhaps you can only reach it when you really need it, or you need some sort of training. But you're convinced that the spell cast over the island is designed to prevent a sorcerer from using their gifts. So why is there a talking cat a few feet away from you? Your thoughts turn to the necklace, the reason you’re here. Perhaps if a spell were cast before entering the island, or stored in an object, like a piece of jewellery, you could bypass the protections in place. You consider seeking out the elf, Liliwen, and having her explain all things magic to you more thoroughly. Your blood runs cold once again at the memory of the sorcerer in Kingsport, his sunken face and unnatural red eyes. A shiver runs down your spine and you’re on the verge of simply grabbing the nearest guard and confessing everything you know when you see a pair of familiar faces. The orc bodyguard, Kurz, and Lord Carrington descend the grand marble staircase and stand before you, both wearing serious expressions. [[“I think we’d better have a word in my rooms, lad,” the lord says.|PalaceMeeting04]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> The better part of an hour later you’re sat in the lord’s suite, his bodyguard outside in the hall ensuring you aren’t disturbed. You finish recounting your story to the lord, massaging the truth a little in an attempt to keep you and Gael safe. You explain the attempt to steal the necklace, the sorcerer arriving and murdering the guards before swapping the necklace for a cursed facsimile, and finally your escape. Lord Carrington heaves a sigh and runs a hand through his grey hair. He refills his pipe and then lights it before standing to face the fireplace. “I don’t know whether to be proud of you for coming forward, or disappointed in you for doing such a damn fool thing,” he grumbles. You held a measure of respect for the man when you worked for him, but, after hearing him bargain away the rest of his daughter’s life so casually earlier today, [[you can’t say you're heartbroken about losing his favour.|PalaceMeeting05]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Lord Carrington turns to face you. “I believe you. My daughter trusts you, she always held you in high regard. Your mother is a good person, a loyal servant. But you must understand, taking this to the royal family is a big risk to me if you’re wrong.” Your face drops, is he not going to warn them? He holds his hand up, noticing your expression. “Don’t worry boy, I’ll go see the royals myself to explain things.” You heave a sigh of relief, feeling like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. “But you’ll have to remain in the palace, people will have questions and you'll have to answer them.” You nod your head reluctantly. “You’re sure about this necklace? A weapon of some sort?” “I’m positive, my lord. I can’t say what it does, or how it works, but believe me when I say it is dangerous.” Lord Carrington gives you a searching look, then nods, seemingly satisfied. “Well, better safe than sorry, I always say.” He heads to the front door and calls Kurz inside. “Kurz,” he says. “Find this man a room in the servants' quarters, I need to deliver a message to the royal family.” The big orc nods his head and beckons for you to follow him. “I have a room at the inn, all my things are there, could I not…” you begin, but the lord cuts you off. “Sorry, lad. I want you inside the protection of the palace, we’ll have someone retrieve your effects from the inn and brought to your room. Kurz, see to it,” he orders. [[A big green hand is placed on your shoulder and you rise from your chair.|PalaceMeeting06]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> The servants’ quarters is a small two-storey building located in the front courtyard of the palace. As you’re escorted inside, you notice a small kitchen where what looks like the remains of yesterday's feast are being divvied up as the servants’ dinner. You see cooks slicing up haunches of venison and tossing the remains of a boar carcass into a big stewpot. The smell is actually quite good for peasant food. Kurz deposits you in a small room on the first floor that reminds you of a prison cell. Brick walls and a little cot that takes up most of the room, you have barely enough space to turn around. A soldier appears a few minutes later with your pack from the inn. Your gear is all there, your weapons included. Now left to your own devices, you wonder what to do. You suppose your mission is accomplished. The princess will be warned, her necklace disposed of or perhaps studied by mages. Someone who’s qualified for this sort of thing can hunt down the rogue sorcerer from Kingsport. You can wash your hands of the whole affair. As you while away the next few hours in your room you realise you're not sure whether you’re in trouble or whether you’re about to receive some sort of reward. Are you a prisoner here, or do they just want to keep a lid on the situation? You’re starting to worry, considering sneaking away at the earliest opportunity, [[when a knock at your door startles you.|PalaceMeeting07]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Opening it, you’re surprised to see Annika, Effie’s maid. She’s holding a set of folded clothes, very fine clothes by the looks of it. “Miss Euphemia apologises if they don’t fit perfectly, we managed to scrounge these up but she had to guess your size,” the little blonde maid says with a wink. She hands you the bundle of clothes and disappears with a grin and a little chuckle. It’s a very modern suit of a sort you’ve never worn before. A close-fitting white tunic under a black doublet with gold stripes across the shoulders. There’s a knee-length coat of deep blue velvet with silver brocade and buttons. Three-quarter-length black trousers, white silk socks, and black leather shoes complete the ensemble. Thankfully she didn’t find you any frilly neckerchiefs or one of those ridiculous floppy hats the nobles are fond of at the moment. You leave the collar on the tunic open to show a little skin. Once you figure out how it all fits together you feel as though you cut a fine figure, though there are no mirrors to check. It seems like Effie wants you at the ball, but what if you’re caught? Can you walk straight in dressed like this or do you need to be more subtle? You crack your door open and peek into the corridor beyond. The servants are sitting down to their dinner now, the light is beginning to fade outside, but the sun’s not fully down yet. They didn’t leave a guard outside your door. You decide to slip out quietly. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 18>> <<goto TheBall01Success>> <<else>> <<goto TheBall01Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You head towards the exit opposite the little kitchen where the servants are sitting down for supper. You spare a quick glance around the open door to see if anyone will notice you leaving. A plump woman with rosy cheeks is setting the stew down on a long table and an elderly man begins ladling out the food. [[Content that they’re distracted you head confidently for the front door and out into the evening air.|TheBall02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You march towards the exit, trying to look inconspicuous. Unfortunately, you stand out a bit in this get-up and as you pass the open kitchen door an obsequious little man jumps up to intercept you. “Can I be of assistance, my lord?” he asks. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 18>> <<goto TheBall02Success>> <<else>> <<goto TheBall02Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> The front door of the palace is guarded by two members of the royal guard. The big doors are propped open and you can see straight into the grand hall, where the doors are also swung wide to allow everyone in. You steel yourself for another confrontation and head inside. To your relief you aren’t challenged by the guards, they simply give a quick bow and allow you to enter. Finally, a bit of good luck, maybe not everything has to be an ordeal. Then you spot her. The Royal Guard, Remi, is here, though not on duty by the looks of her splendid gown and jewellery. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Portraits/Remi-Ball.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> You catch yourself staring before realising that she’s likely to begin asking questions and you don't actually have an invitation. Why couldn’t this have been a masquerade ball? You could get away with anything at one of those. Just a quick glance around the room at the jewellery on display has your mouth watering. Gael would have a field day in here. You cast your eyes over the rest of the ballroom. <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Intuition Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 18>> <<goto TheBall04Success>> <<else>> <<goto TheBall04Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “No, no,” you wave the man away. “I just needed to chastise my footman for the absolute state he left my shoes in. Do these look shiny enough for a ball? I mean, really?” You motion to your feet in the hopes that the little man doesn’t spend too long looking at your face. “If you’d like I can polish them for you, sir?” he offers. You wave him away again. “No, I’m simply going to have to manage like this, somehow.” You spin your back on the man and march out the front door. [[Nobody seems any the wiser.|TheBall02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Um, I’m looking for my footman,” you bluff, then realise your mistake. “Oh, we’re all here for supper sir, which one is yours?” the little man asks, motioning to the table. It seems to you as if every eye in the room is now upon you. “Um, I don’t see him, nevermind, nevermind,” you say, a little panicked. You back away and feel behind you for the knob on the front door, twisting it and stepping into the evening air. “Sir? May I ask your name? I’m afraid I don’t recognise you.” The servant is following you outside. You quickly head across the courtyard to the stable, the servant following behind. You slip inside and check it’s empty. There are only four stalls for horses in here, three are empty and the last one houses a little black palfrey. There’s a ladder up to a hayloft that will serve your purposes. You dart up it just as the annoying servant makes his way inside. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 18>> <<goto TheBall03Success>> <<else>> <<goto TheBall03Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Sir? If you’ll just wait a minute? Hello?” he calls out, searching for you. You jump from the top of the ladder to land atop the man, bringing him to the ground. You hook him in a chokehold and hold him tight until he stops struggling. Once you’re sure he’s out, you hoist him over your shoulder and take him up the ladder, dumping him in a pile of hay. You grab some horse tack from the ground floor and bind the man’s hands and mouth. “There we are,” you say to yourself. “Just like old times.” [[You straighten your clothes and exit the stable.|TheBall02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> “Sir? If you’ll just wait a minute? Hello?” he calls out, searching for you. You jump from the top of the ladder to land atop the man, but he spots you just in time to jump back. You lunge for him, wrestling him to the ground, but he’s surprisingly strong and you end up tumbling into the stall containing the palfrey. It spooks, turning around and whinnying before kicking out with its powerful hind legs. It catches both of you, sending you flying into the wall. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> You groan and get to your feet before checking on the servant. He’s out cold. “Never liked horses,” you grumble, slinging the limp body over your shoulder. You climb the ladder and dump the man in a pile of hay, then grab some horse tack from the ground floor and bind the man’s hands and mouth before [[straightening your clothes and leaving.|TheBall02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> A band plays on the balcony above a set of double doors at the far end of the hall, through which the grand staircase can be seen over the heads of the gathered crowd. The music is soft and enchanting, a steady rhythm of one…two…three…one…two…three has you tapping your foot. It’s not as rousing as the tavern music you usually enjoy dancing to, but you can see the appeal. Beautifully dressed men and women glide across the tiled floor in time to the music. A mesmerising display that has you wondering just how much time they must dedicate to perfecting such an art. You worry that someone might ask you to dance, and whether or not you’d be able to pick up the subtle flourishes each motion seems to have. You spend some time attempting to memorise the movements before realising Remi has spotted you and is coming your way. You quickly grab the nearest lady and spin her out onto the dancefloor, waltzing across the room. Your partner is surprised at first but laughs and dances along with you as you handily perform each step of the dance you’ve just memorised. The music comes to a stop just as you reach the other side of the hall, [[having successfully shaken the inquisitive Remi.|TheBall05]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> A band plays on the balcony above a set of double doors at the far end of the hall, through which the grand staircase can be seen over the heads of the gathered crowd. The music is soft and enchanting, a steady rhythm of one…two…three…one…two…three has you tapping your foot. It’s not as rousing as the tavern music you usually enjoy dancing to, but you can see the appeal. Beautifully dressed men and women glide across the tiled floor in time to the music. A mesmerising display that has you wondering just how much time they must dedicate to perfecting such an art. You worry that someone might ask you to dance, and whether or not you’d be able to pick up the subtle flourishes each motion seems to have. You spend some time attempting to memorise the movements before realising Remi has spotted you and is coming your way. You briefly consider grabbing the nearest lady and losing Remi on the dancefloor, before deciding against it and simply trip up a passing waiter. He clatters to the floor, a tray of drinks spilling on a nearby woman, and you attempt to slip into the crowd. The Royal Guard isn’t shaken though and she dodges the commotion handily, still on your tail. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 18>> <<goto TheBall05Success>> <<else>> <<goto TheBall05Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You look around at the guests assembled up here. More noblemen, chatting away over glasses of bubbling wine. The price of one bottle of that stuff could pay the rent for your room in Kingsport for two years. A flash of purple and a burst of laughter draws your attention to the far wall. There you see Liliwen, the sorceress. She’s in a purple gown with puffy shoulders and gold embellishment. A little shiver runs down your spine at the sight of the large sapphire that takes pride of place in the tiara she has in her hair, reminding you of the cursed necklace. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Portraits/Liliwen-Ball.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> The song the band is playing finishes and a loud burst of trumpet music takes its place. A herald standing by the back doors clears his throat and begins to announce the debutants as they enter one by one, coming down the grand marble staircase and entering the ball. Each one is escorted by their father and then handed away to their suitors. [[At least, that should be the case.|TheBall06]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You slip between the tight groups of people conversing by the edge of the dancefloor. Your hand darts out to steal a man’s neckerchief and you wrap it around your throat. A floppy-hatted nobleman comes into view and you liberate the garish item in a swift motion, placing it on your own head. You sidestep a man with a long trumpet who's heading for the back doors and make your way up a small set of stairs in the corner. They lead to a balcony that rings the entire ballroom where you stop to look down at the dancefloor. Remi seems to have lost you now, someone that could be her superior officer has pulled her into a conversation with a nobleman. [[You breathe a little sigh of relief.|TheBall05]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You slip between the tight groups of people conversing by the edge of the dancefloor. Your hand darts out to steal a man’s neckerchief and you wrap it around your throat. A floppy-hatted nobleman comes into view and you liberate the garish item in a swift motion, placing it on your own head. Unfortunately, as you look behind you to check where Remi is, you collide with a trumpeter heading for the rear doors. His instrument falls to the floor and your new hat goes flying, as Remi reaches out one hand and taps you on the shoulder. “What are you doing in here? Who let you into the ball? And why are you stealing people’s hats?” she asks you. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 18>> <<goto TheBall06Success>> <<else>> <<goto TheBall06Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “I’m here at Lord Carrington’s request. He’s worried about a disgruntled suitor making a scene over his daughter,” you bluff. “I need to remain unnoticed, you are drawing a lot of looks.” “I’m drawing a lot of looks?” she hisses, incredulous. “You’re the one knocking over waiters and trumpeters.” “Of course, you’re the most beautiful woman in here, every man is staring at you when you aren’t looking.” “What!” she exclaims, then frowns, taken aback. “That’s ridiculous, I’m not…” she begins, then looks around at the men closest to her. Several of them suddenly find something very interesting to look at on the ceiling or the floor. You take the opportunity to head up a small set of stairs in the corner. They lead to a balcony that rings the entire ballroom where you stop to look down at the dancefloor. Remi seems to have lost you now, someone that could be her superior officer [[has pulled her into a conversation with a nobleman.|TheBall05]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “I’m looking for Lord Carrington, is he here?” is the best you can come up with. “Lord Carrington isn’t here, in fact, people have been asking after him,” she answers, frowning. You guess he must still be talking with the royal family. “Oh I see, I’ll just be on my way then,” you say, trying to extricate yourself from the situation. You begin moving towards a set of stairs in the corner of the room. “No, hey, wait a minute,” she calls. Remi isn’t keen to let you out of her sight, sticking to you like glue as you head up the stairs. They lead to a balcony that rings the entire ballroom where you stop to look down at the dancefloor. “I want you to explain exactly who you are and what you are doing, or I’m taking you to the dungeon.” You wince at the mention of the dungeon. You haven’t come this far only to land yourself there now. “Look, I delivered my message to the Lord and he was grateful, as was his daughter. She invited me to attend the ball, that’s all.” She doesn’t look convinced. “Wait here,” she orders, “I’m going to confirm your story.” She marches downstairs and motions to a fully armoured Royal Guard to watch over them. Looking around, there don’t seem to be any other exits to the room. [[You’re effectively stuck on the balcony now.|TheBall05]] </div> <<set $StairsGuarded = true>>

<div class="text-box"> “M’lords, ladies, and gentlemen!” the herald calls. “The Lady Mariko Hashimoto and … uh, her cat, Sakamoto.” As the theran woman you met earlier enters the ballroom there is a wave of whispers and murmuring that moves around the room. Her cat trots along beside her. She wears a silk yellow gown, unlike anything the other debutants are wearing. Mariko bows deeply and takes the hand of an elderly nobleman, one in a military uniform with a plethora of medals pinned to his chest. He says something and the little cat jumps onto Mariko’s shoulder, whispering a translation in her ear. She gives a dazzling smile and bows deeply to the nobleman before they move off towards one corner [[to take a seat away from the dancefloor.|TheBall07]] </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Portraits/Mariko-Ball.png"> </div>

<div class="text-box"> A few more introductions pass before another catches your ear. “M’lords, ladies, and gentlemen!” the herald calls again. “The Lady Euphemia Constance Carrington and father…” he trails off as someone interrupts him. Then you understand why. Effie enters the ballroom but without her father. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Portraits/Effie-Ball.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> She stands at the entrance to the ballroom, clearly uncomfortable. A few awkward seconds go by before a nobleman you assume is her suitor stomps up to her, red-faced. He grabs her by the hand and pulls her into the crowd. A surge of jealousy and rage [[coils in the pit of your stomach.|TheBall08]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You’re about to head down the stairs and do something, you don’t know what, exactly, when an almighty blast of trumpets brings everything to a standstill. It goes on for a ludicrous amount of time before finally abating and the herald steps forward one final time. “M’lords, ladies, and gentlemen!” he thunders. “Princess Isabella and the King! All hail the King!” The King enters the room first, the crowd bowing deep before erupting in cheers and applause. The pudgy little man in the crown is far less impressive than you imagined him to be. He soaks up the attention with glee and then [[steps aside to introduce his daughter.|TheBall09]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Princess Isabella descends the staircase and enters the room to take her father’s hand. She has long golden hair and beautiful blue eyes. She’s wearing a blue and white gown made of a fantastic sparkling material you’ve never seen before. It shows a modest amount of cleavage but the strapless design puts her bare shoulders and neck on display in order to highlight the real star of the show, a dazzling necklace of diamonds with a large sapphire front and centre. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Portraits/Isabella-Ball.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> “What the fuck!” you yell, unable to control yourself. A wave of nausea and that familiar feeling of malice, of raw hatred, rolls through your stomach. You hear a glass shatter and you turn to see Liliwen, a trickle of blood running from her nose, a broken glass of wine at her feet. “I don’t understand,” she squeaks out, looking up in fear. “What is happening?” is all she adds, [[before her eyes roll into the back of her head and she passes out cold.|TheBall10]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> A scream from the dance floor draws your eye back down, people are moving away from the centre of the room, a circle forming around an object on the floor. A bag of some sort? No. There’s blood. It’s a head. A human head. Lord Carrington’s head. Confused, you search for where it could have come from. A woman down below is pointing up at the balcony across from you. On the other side of the room, you see a familiar pair of red eyes staring at you, a wicked grin plastered across a sallow face. The sorcerer raises a finger, shaking it from side to side as if to say ‘nice try’, taunting you. The princess falls to her knees, clutching at her neck. “It burns!” she screams, over and over. You need to get to her and deal with the damned thing yourself. Get down the stairs. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13 && $StairsGuarded == true>> <<goto TheBall11GuardedSuccess>> <<elseif $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto TheBall11Success>> <<elseif $StairsGuarded == true>> <<goto TheBall11GuardedFailure>> <<else>> <<goto TheBall11Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> Jump the railing. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto TheBall13Success>> <<else>> <<goto TheBall13Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You push through the stunned crowd and make your way down the stairs, the guard Remi posted earlier is there, blocking your way. You look for a weak point in his armour and settle on his elbow. He raises his right hand to tell you to stop and you grab it by the wrist before sidestepping him and slamming your other hand into his elbow, forcing the joint in the wrong direction entirely. A loud snap, a scream and the guard crumples to the floor. Another Royal Guard stands between you and the princess, but you don’t have time for niceties. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto TheBall12Success>> <<else>> <<goto TheBall12Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You push through the stunned crowd and make your way down the stairs, a Royal Guard stands between you and the princess, but you don’t have time for niceties - you tackle him to the floor and roll straight over him, closing the remaining distance to the screaming girl. [[Your hand reaches for the necklace…|TheSpellBreaks]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You move to push past him but he grabs you in a bear hug, unwilling to let you pass. Your arms pinned, your only recourse is a powerful headbutt to the man’s face, it works, his grip on you loosening instantly, but you’re dazed, shaking your head and stumbling down the rest of the stairs. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> Another Royal Guard stands between you and the princess, but you don’t have time for niceties. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 13>> <<goto TheBall12Success>> <<else>> <<goto TheBall12Failure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You push through the stunned crowd and make your way down the stairs, a Royal Guard stands between you and the princess, but you don’t have time for niceties - you tackle him but he’s ready for you, sending a knee into your gut. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> He reaches for the sword sheathed at his side and you jam a finger into his eye. He yelps and clutches at his face as you scramble forwards, planting a foot behind one of his and sending him off balance to the floor with a shove. You close the remaining distance to the screaming girl. [[Your hand reaches for the necklace…|TheSpellBreaks]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You tackle him to the floor and roll straight over him, closing the remaining distance to the screaming girl. [[Your hand reaches for the necklace…|TheSpellBreaks]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You move to tackle him but he’s ready for you, sending a knee into your gut. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> He reaches for the sword sheathed at his side and you jam a finger into his eye. He yelps and clutches at his face as you scramble forwards, planting a foot behind one of his and sending him off balance to the floor with a shove. You close the remaining distance to the screaming girl. [[Your hand reaches for the necklace…|TheSpellBreaks]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> As your skin makes contact with the chain, your stomach flips and your head swims. You see yourself through someone else’s eyes. Isabella’s? No, I’m Isabella, who is this man? That isn’t right. I’m $CharacterName, but I’m not. You look down at your dress, then into your own eyes. How is this possible? A golden thread of light snakes through the open doors of the palace. It seeks out the sapphire in the necklace and dives inside, a shimmering golden bubble outside unraveling like someone tugging at the loose thread of a garment. Liliwen’s spell. The necklace absorbs the magical energy like water running down a drain. More and more of it until it’s all gone. There’s a blinding flash of light and the necklace disintegrates, along with Liliwen’s protective spell. You and Isabella are thrown to the floor. Back in your own body, you look up at the balcony, searching for the sorcerer. You see him stepping onto the railing and then shifting, morphing into a black raven before taking flight and circling the ballroom. [[Faster and faster he flies, thick green smoke beginning to fill the room, from where, you can’t tell.|TheSpellBreaks01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You plant a hand on the railing and lift both legs over it in one smooth motion. You land fluidly on the tiled floor below and sprint through the crowd towards the princess. A Royal Guard stands between you and the princess. He moves to stop you but you have the momentum. You feint to the left and dodge around him to the right, his grasping hands reaching for you and finding only empty air you as you glide past him. You close the remaining distance to the screaming girl. [[Your hand reaches for the necklace…|TheSpellBreaks]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You plant a hand on the railing and lift both legs over it in one smooth motion. You land fluidly on the tiled floor below and sprint through the crowd towards the princess. A Royal Guard stands between you and the princess. He moves to stop you and you attempt a feint to the left. He reads you like a book and tackles you to the floor, knocking the wind from your lungs. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> You twist onto your stomach and raise yourself to your knees, creating enough space for you to roll out of his grip. The guard is confused at your swift escape and you have just enough time to plant a boot in his surprised face before you close the remaining distance to the screaming girl. [[Your hand reaches for the necklace…|TheSpellBreaks]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> The noxious cloud coalesces underneath the raven and spins like a tornado, whirling and rising to the ceiling, before slowing and dissipating to reveal a figure standing at its centre. A woman with long black hair in tattered robes stands smiling, wreathed in magical energy. You lose sight of the raven. “I never received my invitation,” the woman mocks, pouting. She has an unnatural beauty, as though she’s been preserved under glass. Her voice is like a needle in your mind, she stands across the room from you but it sounds like she’s right over your shoulder, whispering into your ear. “Morwyn, you bitch!” the King roars, stepping forward to confront the woman. The Royal Guard in the room rush to his defence, levelling their weapons at the strange new arrival to the ball. “Your Highness,” she answers, bowing low. “I’m so glad I could be here for your daughter’s special day.” The grin on her face unnerves the stoic soldiers at the king’s side. She straightens and extends her arms, palms up, and her hands burst into flames. [[“I’m afraid I need to borrow her for a while.”|TheSpellBreaks02]] </div>

<div class="text-box" style="margin: 0 auto;"> Her voice shatters your reality. The ground shifts beneath your body, morphing from smooth tile to hard rock. The walls melt away, replaced with an endless horizon shrouded in mist. Hideous shapes flit in and out of your vision, every time you turn to look at one it disintegrates, only for a new shape to coalesce in the corner of your eye. A pair of massive gnarled trees pierce the horizon, only to grow monstrous skulls, laughing, eyes wreathed in flames, their gaze fixing you in place. You hear guests screaming far in the distance, impossibly far. You empty the contents of your stomach over yourself as more trees sprout from the ground. Dead trees, tangling and twisting their branches together to form a roof over the world, until all light is gone and [[the darkness swallows you whole.|Darkness01]] </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Inserts/M-Spell.png"> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Mateo, stand away from the prisoner,” she orders your captor. He steps back behind you, out of sight but now a looming presence behind you. “What’s your name, prisoner?” the woman asks. “$CharacterName,” you slur through a bloodied mouth, spitting a glob of red-tinged mucous onto the floor between your feet. “And why are you trying to sneak past my guards?” she asks. “You’re either desperate or stupid.” “Or both, Remi” the big guard behind you chimes in. “Or both,” the woman, Remi, adds. “I’m trying to get a message…” you begin. She cuts you off. “Messages go through me, I’m in charge of the gate, I decide who goes in, who goes out. What comes in and what comes out.” “Just, needed privacy,” you choke out. “Princess, in danger. She’s in danger.” The big man, Mateo, snakes an arm around your neck and squeezes, [[your vision dims and you can’t catch your breath.|Interrogated02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> Remi leans in close. “You claim a member of the royal family is in danger and you avoid her guards?” she asks, incredulous. The grip around your neck loosens. “I wanted to avoid…this particular conversation,” you explain, attempting a shrug. “Well, we’re having it now so you may as well tell me everything.” You shake your head, no. “Lord Carrington knows me, will vouch for me. I will tell him.” Remi stands and nods at her companion who re-applies the pressure. Your vision fades to a tunnel and then nothingness takes you. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> When you come back to consciousness there are three figures before you. Remi has been joined by the big orc bodyguard, Kurz, and Lord Carrington. He notices you awaken and nods to Remi, who reluctantly leaves the room. “I’ve convinced them to release you into my custody. [[I think we’d better have a word in my rooms, lad,” the lord says.|PalaceMeeting04]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Darkness. Your eyes won’t adjust to the darkness. It envelops you like a thick blanket. You struggle to blink but realise you can’t move. Not your eyelids, your arms, your legs. You’re paralysed. You can’t feel the ground beneath you. You can’t feel your body. You can’t tell if you’re warm or cold. Awake or asleep. Alive or dead. There’s no sound, nothing to indicate the passage of time. You can’t tell how long you’ve been like this. You should be frightened. Instead, [[you’re eerily calm.|Darkness02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Isabella shrinks from the monster, crouching in the corner of her cell. As it moves farther into the room the shadows are drawn to it, keeping it obscured. “Mistress,” it rumbles in a deep, gravelly voice. He bends over the woman on the floor and carefully lifts her, cradling her in his arms. “The others are in place,” it says. “You can relinquish control to them.” </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Inserts/Shadow.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> The woman lets out a soft gasp, faint tendrils of magical energy crackling across her body before disappearing. The giant turns smoothly and carries her from the room. [[The door swinging shut behind him.|Darkness04]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Her eyes open to take in her surroundings. Cold stone floor and walls. Iron bars. No windows. She’s in the dungeon, she realises. You try to stand and realise you’re not in control of her body. You’re just an observer. A passenger along for the ride. Her dress is in tatters, ripped and stained. She’s cold and frightened. Someone outside her cell groans, a woman is there, lying on the floor and breathing hard. Dark hair. The witch! What had her father called her? Morwyn. The woman looks frail and exhausted as she rolls onto her back. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Portraits/IsabellaDungeon.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> A door opens. A massive figure wreathed in shadow enters, stooping to pass through the doorway. It’s impossible to make out his face, just the outline of his body. Tall and muscled, [[with a pair of horns protruding from the front of his skull.|Darkness03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Your Highness!” a voice whispers from across the room. She looks up to see a girl in the cell opposite. Red hair, green dress. “Effie?” Isabella asks. “Is that you? What was that thing?” “I don’t know,” Effie responds. “I think it was a demon.” “Demon? It can’t be, they aren’t real. Just a story told to scare children.” “Then what happened to us? We were at the ball and then…my father. Oh gods, my father.” [[Effie’s voice catches as she begins to weep softly.|Darkness05]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “I’m so sorry,” Isabella tries to comfort the poor girl, recalling the grisly sight of Lord Carrington’s severed head. It was moments before her necklace began to burn with white-hot intensity. It had disintegrated right after that stranger had grabbed it. Was he in league with the ones responsible for all this? “Did you see what happened next?” Isabella asks. “It all happened so fast,” Effie replies through her tears. “There was smoke everywhere. $CharacterName, he tried to help you, I think. After that, it was all darkness until I woke up here.” “$CharacterName? The man who attacked me? You know him?” “Yes, he’s a friend. He wasn’t attacking you. I’m sure he was trying to help.” Effie stands and moves to the bars of her cell, trying to pull the door open. It’s locked tight and she gives up in frustration. “He’s coming to save us. I’m sure of it.” [[She says to herself.|Darkness06]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> The dungeon door opens again. This time a fragile, pale man with red eyes enters. He stands in the doorway and cocks his head at a strange angle before gliding across the room, his feet never touching the ground. He hovers outside Effie’s cell, inhaling deeply, smelling the air. Effie shrinks away from him. “Curiouser and curiouser,” he says, looking Effie over. “You reek of power, girl. But you’re no sorcerer.” His lips curl in a smile. His stilted, high-pitched laugh echoes through the dungeon. The pale figure wheels suddenly to face Isabella, his unnatural red eyes roving over her body. A hand reaches out and passes something through the bars. It’s blue fabric. A dress. “Put this on, Your Highness,” he commands. Isabella lets out a yelp of disgust before retreating into her cell, her back pressing up against the wall. [[The man holds up his hands as if to pacify the princess.|Darkness07]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Karver,” a deep voice booms from the doorway. The monster has returned. “You are frightening her. Leave immediately.” The pale man scrunches his face in anger before regaining his composure and turning to glide out of the dungeon. As he passes the shadow it snaps out a hand to grab him by the arm. “Who is this one?” it asks, turning its featureless face towards Effie. The pale one, Karver, angrily shakes his arm free of the tall creature’s grasp before answering. “She bears a trace of someone I encountered in the city. I saw him again at the ball. I should very much like to…converse with him.” “That was not a part of the plan,” the larger one answers, shaking its horned head. Karver moves towards the door. [[“Plans change,” he answers before slipping out of the room.|Darkness08]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> The colossal shadow moves towards Isabella’s cell. He opens the door and retrieves the dress from the floor before extending a hand to the princess. “Come with me,” he says. Isabella shakes her head, no. “You will not be harmed,” the monster continues. Dark shadows his body no matter where he stands in the room. Sighing, he drops his hand before moving closer to Isabella. “Leave her alone!” Effie yells. The monster takes no notice, grabbing Isabella by the arm before they both disappear without a trace. Darkness envelops your senses once again. A twisting, lurching feeling in your stomach arises before your sight returns abruptly. Isabella and the monster stand in the palace throne room. A woman sits before them on a throne. Morwyn stands and descends from the dais to approach the princess, her arms extended in a warm greeting. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Portraits/Morwyn-Throne.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> “Release me this instant!” the princess cries, trying to sound as authoritative as possible. “Come princess, be not afraid,” Morwyn coos. [[“You are no prisoner. You are our saviour.”|Wasteland01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You gasp and come to. Pain racks your body. You’re on your back, staring up at a dark sky. Grey clouds linger in the air visible through the tangled branches of a dead tree. Cracked dry earth dotted with cold black rocks stretches into the horizon. Your mouth is dry and your throat burns with thirst. <<set $Stamina to 3>> <<set $Stress to 0>> A vision? Or merely a dream? You were in the body of Princess Isabella. It felt like the odd sensation that overtook you when you grabbed the necklace at the ball. The more you encounter magic, the less you like it. Whether what you saw was real or not, for now, you focus on survival. Try to figure out where you are. <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Intuition Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto WastelandSurvivalSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WastelandSurvivalFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> It’s cold. Too cold for Etrantus at this time of year. You’re fairly certain it’s daytime but have difficulty making out the sun behind the dark clouds. The few trees are long dead, as though it were winter. You don’t recognise their species. There are no major landmarks on the horizon, you can’t see mountains or hills, rivers or lakes. No road. A thick fog has settled over the land in every direction. You’re not in the summer palace or its surrounding lands. Are you even still in Etrantus? But where exactly you’ve ended up, you don’t know. Try to stand. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 5>> <<goto StandUpSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto StandUpFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> A thick fog has settled over the land in every direction. You don’t see any major roads or buildings. No Summer Palace, no lake, rivers, or mountains. Just a few dead trees. You have no idea where you’ve ended up. Try to stand. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 5>> <<goto StandUpSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto StandUpFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You haul yourself to your feet with a groan. Moving loosens up your cramped muscles, restoring some of your lost vigour. <span style="color: green;">+1 Stamina.</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina +1>> You finish stretching and are trying to decide your next move when your body makes it for you. Thirst. You need to find water. You see nothing to indicate in which direction you would find water. You make your best guess as to which direction is north and which is south. You’re just going to have to pick one and start walking. [[Head 'North'|WastelandNorth01]] [[Head 'South'|WastelandSouth01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You groan and roll over onto your stomach. You lay with your face in the dirt for a few seconds before pressing yourself up to your knees, then slowly rise to your feet. You place your hands on your hips and are trying to decide your next move when your body makes it for you. Thirst. You need to find water. You see nothing to indicate in which direction you would find water. You make your best guess as to which direction is north and which is south. You’re just going to have to pick one and start walking. [[Head 'North'|WastelandNorth01]] [[Head 'South'|WastelandSouth01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You begin walking, the events of the ball running through your mind. That’s the last time you trust a noble with something important, you decide. It’s also the last time you’re going to stick your neck out for that princess. Even if she has been captured by a mad witch, her monstrous servant, and a red-eyed lunatic. Although…she was terrified. Alone in that cell. You felt her emotions as though they were your own. And Effie was down there with her, in the dungeons. Shit. You hug your arms close to your chest as a chill wind begins to blow. These fancy clothes aren’t doing much for you in this weather. You turn your thoughts to your gear, safely stowed away in the servants’ quarters, and let out a long sigh. After what feels like an age of trudging through thick fog over a dead and featureless landscape you finally [[see something of interest.|WastelandNorth02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> A set of footsteps leading away from you appear in the dusty soil. They simply begin here, with no indication of where their creator could have come from. You begin to follow the tracks. The distance between footsteps steadily increases, until it’s clear whoever made them had broken into a jog and then a full sprint. You look around for a cause. There are no accompanying tracks of a predator giving chase, nor can you hear anything particularly frightening. Unsettled, you continue. After some time the tracks end abruptly. There’s no body. It’s as though they vanished into thin air. You search the surrounding landscape. The sun does its best to shine through the grey clouds overhead, you can make out a lone tree on the horizon. Devoid of leaves, its dead branches curl upwards like a grasping hand. [[A hand that appears to be cradling a rough shape.|WastelandSouth03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Less than a foot high, a low ridge runs along the ground. Behind it sits a small dry lakebed before a rocky outcrop. It’s occupied by two animals fighting over a bone. At first glance, you believe the animals to be wolves. They’re gaunt and mangey but animals may mean you’re close to a source of water. As you approach the precipice and look down into the depression you realise something is off. Thin wisps of grey smoke curl into the sky from the back of the closest wolf. You wonder if it’s just a trick of the eye, perhaps the wind is catching dust from its coat giving the impression of smoke. But then the second animal lunges at the first, attempting to steal the bone, and the wolves [[burst into flames.|WastelandNorth03]] </div>

<div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Inserts/ddog.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> Lines of fire run down their spines as they snarl and snap at one another, yellow eyes glowing with fury. You duck down behind the low ridge, hoping to remain unnoticed as you try to process what you’ve just seen. You’ve never heard of animals capable of such a feat. There are dangerous creatures in the wild, like wyrms, but nothing like this. This strange land seems to be suffused with magical energy. It feels invigorating after spending time under the spell Lilliwen cast to protect the palace. You’re about to move on when you notice a small cave mouth in the lakebed. A sickly green glow emanates from within. You look back at the wasteland behind you, vast and empty. If you can reach it, that cave is probably worth investigating. You’ve no weapons or armour, only your power. Until now you’ve only used it in desperation, a reaction in the heat of the moment. You’re not even sure how to go about using it. You close your eyes and begin to concentrate. <<if $StrengthMagic == true>> <div class="StrMagicButton"> <<button "Strength Magic">> <<set $StrSpellCost to 3>> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $StrSpellCost>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 8>> <<goto DdogStrSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto DdogStrFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<elseif $DexterityMagic == true>> <div class="DexMagicButton"> <<button "Dexterity Magic">> <<set $DexSpellCost to 3>> <<set $Stress to $Stress +$DexSpellCost>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 8>> <<goto DdogDexSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto DdogDexFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<elseif $CharismaMagic == true>> <div class="ChaMagicButton"> <<button "Charisma Magic">> <<set $ChaSpellCost to 3>> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $ChaSpellCost>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 8>> <<goto DdogChaSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto DdogChaFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<elseif $IntuitionMagic == true>> <div class="IntMagicButton"> <<button "Intuition Magic">> <<set $IntSpellCost to 3>> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $IntSpellCost>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 8>> <<goto DdogIntSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto DdogIntFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <</if>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You still your mind and focus on your body, searching for a way to access the power in your blood. You catch a tendril of energy coursing through your veins and force it into your core. Holding it there, you reach out again and gather more energy, adding it to the reserve you’re building. Again and again, you wrestle magic into a concentrated pool of energy, until it becomes so large that you can no longer take your focus away to collect more, for fear of losing grip on that which you’ve already accumulated. The magnitude of the power is exhilarating, raw and ragged, boiling beneath your skin, waiting to be unleashed. You stand and open your eyes. You feel fifty feet tall as you look down into the basin. A few sharp teeth and a bit of fire can’t stop you. You’re an unstoppable force, ready to be [[unleashed on these pathetic sacks of flesh and brittle bone.|DdogStrSucces02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You still your mind and focus on your body, searching for a way to access the power in your blood. You catch a tendril of energy coursing through your veins and force it into your core. Holding it there, you reach out again and gather more energy, adding it to the reserve you’re building. Again and again, you wrestle magic into a concentrated pool of energy, until it becomes so large that you can no longer take your focus away to collect more, for fear of losing grip on that which you’ve already accumulated. The concentrated power is exhilarating, boiling beneath your skin, waiting to be unleashed. You stand and open your eyes. You feel fifty feet tall as you look down into the basin. A few sharp teeth and a bit of fire can’t stop you. You’re an unstoppable force, ready to be [[unleashed on these pathetic sacks of flesh and brittle bone.|DdogStrFailure02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Before you know it you’re running at full speed towards the wolves, who turn as they notice you and snarl, the fire on their ridged spines flaring into a torrent of flames that extend down their legs to their clawed feet. You barrel into the first wolf as it leaps for your throat, teeth bared. The force of your impact sends it tumbling across the dusty ground, rolling and whimpering in a tangle of twisted limbs. The second wolf lunges for your ankle. Without time to move away, you instinctively shift energy from your core down to your leg. To the surprise of both you and the wolf, bony spikes burst through your flesh to pierce the attacking animal clamping its jaws around your leg. You send a thundering kick into the side of the wolf, feeling ribs break and lungs burst. It releases its grip, flopping onto its side as flaming blood drips onto the ground from its wounded maw, tongue lolling in the dirt. The bony spikes recede into your leg, the flesh there knitting closed and removing all trace of the protrusions. You roar, releasing the grip on the last of your energy reserves. A clap of thunder from your throat creates a shockwave that blasts both animals away, extinguishing their flames and rendering them into shapeless, [[crumpled forms lying still and smouldering on the ground.|WastelandNorth04]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> Before you know it you’re running at full speed towards the wolves, who turn as they notice you and snarl, the fire on their ridged spines flaring into a torrent of flames that extend down their legs to their clawed feet. You barrel into the first wolf as it leaps for your throat, teeth bared. The force of your impact sends it tumbling across the dusty ground, rolling and whimpering in a tangle of twisted limbs. The second wolf lunges for you, clamping its jaws around your leg. You howl with rage and pain before sending a thundering kick into the animal’s side. You feel ribs break and lungs burst. The wolf releases its grip, flopping onto its side as flaming blood drips onto the ground from its wounded maw, tongue lolling in the dirt. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> You roar, releasing the grip on the last of your energy reserves. A clap of thunder from your throat creates a shockwave that blasts both animals away, extinguishing their flames and rendering them into shapeless, [[crumpled forms lying still and smouldering on the ground.|WastelandNorth04]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> The cave winds down deep into the earth. A dim green glow from a luminescent algae that coats the jagged walls provides just enough light for you to navigate by. You can feel a soft breeze flowing up from below, there must be an exit ahead somewhere. You continue through the passage before you, the walls gradually closing in around you to impede your progress. It’s not long before you’re unable to stand upright and you’re forced to progress on your hands and knees. Jagged rocks catch on your jacket, tearing the fine material. You barely manage to squeeze through one narrow opening and consider turning back when the passage mercifully begins to open up again. Able to stand once more, the path leads you on for another few hundred yards before eventually opening onto a wide underground cavern littered with stalactites and stalagmites roughly eight feet in length. They stretch to the edge of a cliff about three hundred yards ahead of you. Drooping purple flowers hang from vines that wind their way up and around the rock formations. More of the luminous green algae provides light as it snakes between [[the rocky teeth hanging from the roof of the cavern.|Wasp01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You gaze up at the silvery grey clouds. The sun behind them is low in the sky, visible only as a pale disc, shining only just enough for you to cast a pale shadow. A shadow that calls to you, beckoning you like a familiar friend asking you to join them. Your blood seems to be pulling you in its direction, as though it wants you to lie down, to align your physical body with your shadow self. You take a deep breath as though about to plunge yourself into cold water, stand up, and then allow yourself to fall backwards into your shadow. The world turns upside-down and your stomach flips as you fall through the floor. To your surprise you continue your rotation, a half-circle until you’re standing facing the opposite direction, as though hanging like a bat from the ceiling of the underworld. Or are you? You’re not upside-down, you realise as you look around. You’re standing exactly where you were moments ago, the world around you a pale imitation of what it once was. Your skin and clothes are washed of all colour. The dirt beneath your feet is now a deep charcoal colour, with the sky the only thing that appears unchanged. [[The rest of the world has shifted to mirror its shades of grey.|DdogDexSucces02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You gaze up at the silvery grey clouds. The sun behind them is low in the sky, visible only as a pale disc, shining only just enough for you to cast a pale shadow. A shadow that calls to you, beckoning you like a familiar friend asking you to join them. Your blood seems to be pulling you in its direction, as though it wants you to lie down, to align your physical body with your shadow self. You take a deep breath as though about to plunge yourself into cold water, stand up, and then allow yourself to fall backwards into your shadow. The world turns upside-down and your stomach flips as you fall through the floor. To your surprise you continue your rotation, a half-circle until you’re standing facing the opposite direction, as though hanging like a bat from the ceiling of the underworld. Or are you? You’re not upside-down, you realise as you look around. You’re standing exactly where you were moments ago, the world around you a pale imitation of what it once was. Your skin and clothes are washed of all colour. The dirt beneath your feet is now a deep charcoal, the sky is the only thing that appears unchanged, [[the rest of the world having shifted to mirror its shades of grey.|DdogDexFailure02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You can feel little ripples of power emanating from the creatures before you. They travel up your arms and along your spine, ending their journey somewhere behind your eyes. You can feel a rudimentary intelligence nestled somewhere behind an overwhelming sense of hunger and fear. Brushing the baser instincts aside you dig your fingers into the mind of one of the animals. You open your eyes to find yourself face-to-face with your packmate. Your stomach growls and so do you. Your jaw twitches, lips curling back in a snarl. You’re overcome with a desire to sink your teeth into flesh, to feel warm blood pour between your teeth, [[to hear the whimpers of your prey as life fades from its eyes.|DdogChaSuccess02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You can feel little ripples of power emanating from the creatures before you. They travel up your arms and along your spine, ending their journey somewhere behind your eyes. You can feel a rudimentary intelligence nestled somewhere behind an overwhelming sense of hunger and fear. Brushing the baser instincts aside you dig your fingers into the mind of one of the animals. You open your eyes to find yourself face-to-face with your packmate. Your stomach growls and so do you. Your jaw twitches, lips curling back in a snarl. You’re overcome with a desire to sink your teeth into flesh, to feel warm blood pour between your teeth, [[to hear the whimpers of your prey as the life fades from its eyes.|DdogChaFailure02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You kneel and clasp a fistful of the dry earth in your fist. It seems to come alive at your touch, jumping and skittering about in your palm. You force energy along your arm and then beyond it, suffusing the soil with raw magic. You form an open palm and plunge it downwards, sinking your arm deep into the earth, all the way to your elbow. A massive limb of rock and earth erupts from the ground beneath the feet of the wolves, sending debris flying into the air. One beast is pushed aside, tumbling away from the violent explosion, while the other is caught squarely in the palm of your new hand. [[You clench your fist shut and the animal within bursts in a shower of blood and bone.|DdogIntFailure02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Your gaze lands on the wolves in the lakebed. To your surprise, they appear motionless. You approach them cautiously, descending into the dry basin. As you close the distance you realise they’re still moving, only incredibly slowly. Colourless flames ripple along their spines in a lazy dance. Spittle hangs from the jaws of one animal, slowly falling to the earth as though it were the consistency of thick molasses. You chuckle to yourself in amazement only to find no sound emanates from your throat. Startled, you clap your hands together and hear no accompanying slap of flesh on flesh. This entire world is as silent as the grave. A wave of fatigue washes over you. The energy that suffuses your body seems to be draining from you rapidly, leaving you feeling as if your veins have been opened and your life force is spilling out onto the ground. You move quickly to the cave entrance. You’re being pulled in two directions. This world wants to claim you, to keep you here and sap you of your strength until you’re too weak to ever leave it. At the same time a light from somewhere beyond beckons to you. You release your tentative grip on this land of shadow and fall face-first to the floor. Your body slips between shadows and tumbles through to the light of the other side. Opening your eyes finds you face down in cool brown earth, the colour slowly returning to your flesh. You crawl deeper into the cave before looking back at the wolves. [[They seem completely unaware of your passage.|WastelandNorth04]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> Your gaze lands on the wolves in the lakebed. To your surprise, they appear motionless. You approach them cautiously, descending into the dry basin. As you close the distance you realise they’re still moving, only incredibly slowly. Colourless flames ripple along their spines in a lazy dance. Spittle hangs from the jaws of one animal, slowly falling to the earth as though it were the consistency of thick molasses. You chuckle to yourself in amazement only to find no sound emanates from your throat. Startled, you clap your hands together and hear no accompanying slap of flesh on flesh. This entire world is as silent as the grave. A wave of fatigue washes over you. The energy that suffuses your body seems to be draining from you rapidly, leaving you feeling as if your veins have been opened and your life force is spilling out onto the ground. You move quickly to the cave entrance before collapsing to your knees. It seems you’ve lingered here too long, the strain has taken a toll on your body. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> You’re being pulled in two directions. This world wants to claim you, to keep you here and sap you of your strength until you’re too weak to ever leave it. At the same time a light from somewhere beyond beckons to you. You release your tentative grip on this land of shadow and fall face-first to the floor. Your body slips between shadows and tumbles through to the light of the other side. Opening your eyes finds you face down in cool brown earth, the colour slowly returning to your flesh. You crawl deeper into the cave before turning to look back at the wolves. [[They seem completely unaware of your passage.|WastelandNorth04]]

<div class="text-box"> You lunge forward, fire flaring bright, jaws snapping shut on flesh. Your victim howls and shakes free from your grip, flesh tearing. It returns the favour, teeth closing around your leg and you jump away in shock. The sharp lance of pain is echoed in your real body. You reach a hand down to your leg to feel a wound that isn’t there. You’d rather not find out what happens if you’re in another creature’s body when it dies and relinquish your control. The two wolves continue snapping and tearing at each other and you take the opportunity to move to the mouth of the cave. As you enter the darkness you turn to look back at the creatures. One is on the ground, still breathing but leaking blood onto the earth. [[The other limps away a few feet before it too collapses to the ground, exhausted.|WastelandNorth04]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You lunge forward, fire flaring bright, jaws snapping shut on flesh. Your victim howls and shakes free from your grip, flesh tearing. It returns the favour, teeth closing around your leg and you jump away in shock. The sharp lance of pain is echoed in your real body. You reach a hand down to your leg to feel a wound that isn’t there. Distracted, you lose concentration on the fight and your opponent goes for a vulnerable spot. You feel jaws clamp around your neck and you scream in pain, relinquishing control. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> Thankfully, the two wolves continue snapping and tearing at each other. You take the opportunity to move towards the mouth of the cave. As you enter the darkness you turn to look back at the creatures. One is on the ground, still breathing but leaking blood onto the earth. [[The other limps away a few feet before it too collapses to the ground, exhausted.|WastelandNorth04]]

<div class="text-box"> The second creature yelps and stumbles to its feet, charging away from the commotion. Unfortunately, it's moving straight in your direction. You refocus your energy to twist your palm in its direction before bringing the massive limb down atop the animal to smash it underhand like an insect. All that remains is a smear of blood as you withdraw your arm from the ground beneath you, allowing the construct to recede into the earth. [[With the way clear, you head for the mouth of the cave.|WastelandNorth04]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> The second creature yelps and stumbles to its feet, charging away from the commotion. Unfortunately, it's moving straight in your direction. You refocus your energy to twist your palm in its direction before bringing the massive limb down atop the animal to smash it underhand like an insect. All that remains is a smear of blood as you begin to withdraw your arm from the ground beneath you. As you pull your arm back the earth pulls back at you. It seems to be reacting to your power, drawing you in and trying to take it for itself. The magic begins to rush from your body, stirring the ground beneath you into a mass of muddy quicksand. You lose your balance, toppling forward and plunging your world into darkness. Dirt fills your mouth and nose as you panic and gasp for breath. Losing your concentration on the spell only allows more and more of the power to seep from your body. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> You focus and try to regain some measure of control. You can feel the earth begin to respond to your command as you willingly push your power into it. You solidify the ground beneath your feet and raise it, lifting you back to the surface on a platform of stone. You maintain your concentration as you step away, keeping a tight leash on your power before releasing the spell. You breathe heavily, taking a moment to recompose yourself before [[heading for the mouth of the cave.|WastelandNorth04]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You enter the rocky field and begin to pick your way around the stalagmites. You soon notice a faint buzzing sound. It comes in fits and starts, pausing for several seconds before picking up again. Each time you hear it you pause for a moment and listen before moving on again. It seems to be moving, somewhere off to your right. And it’s getting louder. You’re about halfway to the cliff edge when you see it. A massive wasp is investigating one of the large purple blooms hanging from a nearby vine. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Inserts/Wasp.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> The creature is striped yellow and black, its wings buzz rapidly and a massive stinger drips a sickly green liquid on the floor. You freeze as the creature turns one of its large red multi-faceted eyes in your direction. It's seen you. <<if $StrengthMagic == true>> <<set $AdvancedSpellcasting to true>> <<run $("body").attr("data-advancedspellcasting", "true"); >> <span id="advancedSpellcastingLink" style="color: yellow; text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer;">Advanced Spellcasting</span> <<script>> $(document).on('click', '#advancedSpellcastingLink', function() { Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki(` Advanced Spellcasting Some challenges will now give you the option of using magic to overcome them. Using magic to overcome a challenge will significantly lower its difficulty rating or allow you to automatically succeed in some cases. However, magic takes a toll on your body. Casting a spell causes you to accumulate stress points. You can currently accumulate a maximum of six stress points before you are unable to cast any more spells for the day. Casting a spell accumulates three stress points. Resting removes all stress points. As you continue to master your powers you will have the option of deepening your connection to your magical discipline. Casting spells from a deepened discipline will only accumulate two stress points. In the future, you will have the opportunity to unlock access to other magical disciplines. Spells cast from a new discipline will accumulate three stress points until you can master it.`); Dialog.open(); }); <</script>> <<else>> <</if>> <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 15>> <<goto WaspStrSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WaspStrFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<if $StrengthMagic == true and $Stress + $StrSpellCost lte 6>> <div class="StrMagicButton"> <<button "Strength Magic">> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $StrSpellCost>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto WaspStrMagSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WaspStrMagFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<else>> <</if>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You react on pure instinct, running as fast as you can through the rocky forest. You can hear the buzzing of the wasp behind you giving chase but, to your relief, it grows fainter as you speed towards the cliff edge. You dive behind one of the large stalagmites and catch your breath as you listen for your pursuer. At first you hear nothing, until the telltale buzzing sound returns overhead, twice as loud as before. It aims a deadly blow at you with its stinger. <<if $DexterityMagic == true>> <<set $AdvancedSpellcasting to true>> <<run $("body").attr("data-advancedspellcasting", "true"); >> <span id="advancedSpellcastingLink" style="color: yellow; text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer;">Advanced Spellcasting</span> <<script>> $(document).on('click', '#advancedSpellcastingLink', function() { Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki(` Advanced Spellcasting Some challenges will now give you the option of using magic to overcome them. Using magic to overcome a challenge will significantly lower its difficulty rating or allow you to automatically succeed in some cases. However, magic takes a toll on your body. Casting a spell causes you to accumulate stress points. You can currently accumulate a maximum of six stress points before you are unable to cast any more spells for the day. Casting a spell accumulates three stress points. Resting removes all stress points. As you continue to master your powers you will have the option of deepening your connection to your magical discipline. Casting spells from a deepened discipline will only accumulate two stress points. In the future, you will have the opportunity to unlock access to other magical disciplines. Spells cast from a new discipline will accumulate three stress points until you can master it.`); Dialog.open(); }); <</script>> <<else>> <</if>> <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 15>> <<goto WaspDexSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WaspDexFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<if $DexterityMagic == true and $DexSpellCost + $Stress lte 6>> <div class="DexMagicButton"> <<button "Dexterity Magic">> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $DexSpellCost>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto WaspDexMagSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WaspDexMagFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<else>> <</if>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You take off running as fast as you can through the rocky forest. You can hear the buzzing of the wasp behind you as it gives chase, the sound spurring you on as magic begins to flow towards your legs. You begin to pick up speed at an alarming rate, making it impossible to navigate the maze of rocks with any finesse. Instead, you barrel through them, smashing them to pieces before you and sending shards of limestone flying. You barely manage to avoid tumbling over the cliff edge and come to a halt inches from the edge. Ducking behind a stalagmite, you pause to listen for your pursuer. At first you hear nothing, until the telltale buzzing sound returns overhead, twice as loud as before. It aims a deadly blow at you with its stinger. <<if $DexterityMagic == true>> <<set $AdvancedSpellcasting to true>> <<run $("body").attr("data-advancedspellcasting", "true"); >> <span id="advancedSpellcastingLink" style="color: yellow; text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer;">Advanced Spellcasting</span> <<script>> $(document).on('click', '#advancedSpellcastingLink', function() { Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki(` Advanced Spellcasting Some challenges will now give you the option of using magic to overcome them. Using magic to overcome a challenge will significantly lower its difficulty rating or allow you to automatically succeed in some cases. However, magic takes a toll on your body. Casting a spell causes you to accumulate stress points. You can currently accumulate a maximum of six stress points before you are unable to cast any more spells for the day. Casting a spell accumulates three stress points. Resting removes all stress points. As you continue to master your powers you will have the option of deepening your connection to your magical discipline. Casting spells from a deepened discipline will only accumulate two stress points. In the future, you will have the opportunity to unlock access to other magical disciplines. Spells cast from a new discipline will accumulate three stress points until you can master it.`); Dialog.open(); }); <</script>> <<else>> <</if>> <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 15>> <<goto WaspDexSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WaspDexFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<if $DexterityMagic == true>> <div class="DexMagicButton"> <<button "Dexterity Magic">> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $DexSpellCost>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto WaspDexMagSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WaspDexMagFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<else>> <</if>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You take off running as fast as you can through the rocky forest. You can hear the buzzing of the wasp behind you as it gives chase, the sound spurring you on as magic begins to flow towards your legs. You begin to pick up speed at an alarming rate, making it impossible to navigate the maze of rocks with any finesse. Instead, you barrel through them, smashing them to pieces before you and sending shards of limestone flying. You lose your balance and tumble to the ground. Coughing, you roll onto your back, opening your eyes just in time to see the giant bug within striking distance, the stinger poised to strike you squarely in the chest. <<if $DexterityMagic == true>> <<set $AdvancedSpellcasting to true>> <<run $("body").attr("data-advancedspellcasting", "true"); >> <span id="advancedSpellcastingLink" style="color: yellow; text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer;">Advanced Spellcasting</span> <<script>> $(document).on('click', '#advancedSpellcastingLink', function() { Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki(` Advanced Spellcasting Some challenges will now give you the option of using magic to overcome them. Using magic to overcome a challenge will significantly lower its difficulty rating or allow you to automatically succeed in some cases. However, magic takes a toll on your body. Casting a spell causes you to accumulate stress points. You can currently accumulate a maximum of six stress points before you are unable to cast any more spells for the day. Casting a spell accumulates three stress points. Resting removes all stress points. As you continue to master your powers you will have the option of deepening your connection to your magical discipline. Casting spells from a deepened discipline will only accumulate two stress points. In the future, you will have the opportunity to unlock access to other magical disciplines. Spells cast from a new discipline will accumulate three stress points until you can master it.`); Dialog.open(); }); <</script>> <<else>> <</if>> <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 15>> <<goto WaspDexSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WaspDexFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<if $DexterityMagic == true>> <div class="DexMagicButton"> <<button "Dexterity Magic">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto WaspDexMagSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WaspDexMagFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<else>> <</if>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You take off running as fast as you can through the rocky forest. You can hear the buzzing of the wasp behind you as it gives chase. To your dismay, you can hear its incessant buzzing getting steadily louder as it closes the distance between you. You risk a look over your shoulder just in time to see the giant bug within striking distance, the stinger poised to strike you squarely between the shoulder blades. Not looking where you're running, you trip over a rock and come crashing to the floor, hard. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> Coughing, you roll onto your back, opening your eyes just in time to see the giant bug within striking distance, the stinger poised to strike you squarely in the chest. <<if $DexterityMagic == true>> <<set $AdvancedSpellcasting to true>> <<run $("body").attr("data-advancedspellcasting", "true"); >> <span id="advancedSpellcastingLink" style="color: yellow; text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer;">Advanced Spellcasting</span> <<script>> $(document).on('click', '#advancedSpellcastingLink', function() { Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki(` Advanced Spellcasting Some challenges will now give you the option of using magic to overcome them. Using magic to overcome a challenge will significantly lower its difficulty rating or allow you to automatically succeed in some cases. However, magic takes a toll on your body. Casting a spell causes you to accumulate stress points. You can currently accumulate a maximum of six stress points before you are unable to cast any more spells for the day. Casting a spell accumulates three stress points. Resting removes all stress points. As you continue to master your powers you will have the option of deepening your connection to your magical discipline. Casting spells from a deepened discipline will only accumulate two stress points. In the future, you will have the opportunity to unlock access to other magical disciplines. Spells cast from a new discipline will accumulate three stress points until you can master it.`); Dialog.open(); }); <</script>> <<else>> <</if>> <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 15>> <<goto WaspDexSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WaspDexFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<if $DexterityMagic == true>> <div class="DexMagicButton"> <<button "Dexterity Magic">> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $DexSpellCost>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto WaspDexMagSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WaspDexMagFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<else>> <</if>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You dodge to the right, scrambling away just in time to avoid the deadly strike. More follow soon after, you barely manage to keep your feet underneath you as you twist and contort your body into odd shapes to avoid each blow. You can’t keep this up forever though, and glance around for a way out of your predicament. <<if $IntuitionMagic == true>> <<set $AdvancedSpellcasting to true>> <<run $("body").attr("data-advancedspellcasting", "true"); >> <span id="advancedSpellcastingLink" style="color: yellow; text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer;">Advanced Spellcasting</span> <<script>> $(document).on('click', '#advancedSpellcastingLink', function() { Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki(` Advanced Spellcasting Some challenges will now give you the option of using magic to overcome them. Using magic to overcome a challenge will significantly lower its difficulty rating or allow you to automatically succeed in some cases. However, magic takes a toll on your body. Casting a spell causes you to accumulate stress points. You can currently accumulate a maximum of six stress points before you are unable to cast any more spells for the day. Casting a spell accumulates three stress points. Resting removes all stress points. As you continue to master your powers you will have the option of deepening your connection to your magical discipline. Casting spells from a deepened discipline will only accumulate two stress points. In the future, you will have the opportunity to unlock access to other magical disciplines. Spells cast from a new discipline will accumulate three stress points until you can master it.`); Dialog.open(); }); <</script>> <<elseif $CharismaMagic == true>> <<set $AdvancedSpellcasting to true>> <<run $("body").attr("data-advancedspellcasting", "true"); >> <span id="advancedSpellcastingLink" style="color: yellow; text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer;">Advanced Spellcasting</span> <<script>> $(document).on('click', '#advancedSpellcastingLink', function() { Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki(` Advanced Spellcasting Some challenges will now give you the option of using magic to overcome them. Using magic to overcome a challenge will significantly lower its difficulty rating or allow you to automatically succeed in some cases. However, magic takes a toll on your body. Casting a spell causes you to accumulate stress points. You can currently accumulate a maximum of six stress points before you are unable to cast any more spells for the day. Casting a spell accumulates three stress points. Resting removes all stress points. As you continue to master your powers you will have the option of deepening your connection to your magical discipline. Casting spells from a deepened discipline will only accumulate two stress points. In the future, you will have the opportunity to unlock access to other magical disciplines. Spells cast from a new discipline will accumulate three stress points until you can master it.`); Dialog.open(); }); <</script>> <<else>> <</if>> [[Run for the cliff edge|CaveCliffJump]] <<if $CharismaMagic == true>> <div class="ChaMagicButton"> <<button "Charisma Magic">> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $ChaSpellCost>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto WaspChaMagSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WaspChaMagFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<elseif $IntuitionMagic == true>> <div class="IntMagicButton"> <<button "Intuition Magic">> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $IntSpellCost>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto WaspIntMagSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WaspIntMagFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <</if>>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You dodge to the left but you’re too slow to avoid the blow entirely. The stinger catches the flesh of your upper arm, and searing hot pain snakes through your veins. Your arm goes numb to your fingers. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> The wasp retracts its stinger and readies itself for another blow. You scramble away as best you can, searching for a way out of your predicament. <<if $IntuitionMagic == true>> <<set $AdvancedSpellcasting to true>> <<run $("body").attr("data-advancedspellcasting", "true"); >> <span id="advancedSpellcastingLink" style="color: yellow; text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer;">Advanced Spellcasting</span> <<script>> $(document).on('click', '#advancedSpellcastingLink', function() { Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki(` Advanced Spellcasting Some challenges will now give you the option of using magic to overcome them. Using magic to overcome a challenge will significantly lower its difficulty rating or allow you to automatically succeed in some cases. However, magic takes a toll on your body. Casting a spell causes you to accumulate stress points. You can currently accumulate a maximum of six stress points before you are unable to cast any more spells for the day. Casting a spell accumulates three stress points. Resting removes all stress points. As you continue to master your powers you will have the option of deepening your connection to your magical discipline. Casting spells from a deepened discipline will only accumulate two stress points. In the future, you will have the opportunity to unlock access to other magical disciplines. Spells cast from a new discipline will accumulate three stress points until you can master it.`); Dialog.open(); }); <</script>> <<elseif $CharismaMagic == true>> <<set $AdvancedSpellcasting to true>> <<run $("body").attr("data-advancedspellcasting", "true"); >> <span id="advancedSpellcastingLink" style="color: yellow; text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer;">Advanced Spellcasting</span> <<script>> $(document).on('click', '#advancedSpellcastingLink', function() { Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki(` Advanced Spellcasting Some challenges will now give you the option of using magic to overcome them. Using magic to overcome a challenge will significantly lower its difficulty rating or allow you to automatically succeed in some cases. However, magic takes a toll on your body. Casting a spell causes you to accumulate stress points. You can currently accumulate a maximum of six stress points before you are unable to cast any more spells for the day. Casting a spell accumulates three stress points. Resting removes all stress points. As you continue to master your powers you will have the option of deepening your connection to your magical discipline. Casting spells from a deepened discipline will only accumulate two stress points. In the future, you will have the opportunity to unlock access to other magical disciplines. Spells cast from a new discipline will accumulate three stress points until you can master it.`); Dialog.open(); }); <</script>> <<else>> <</if>> [[Run for the cliff edge|CaveCliffJump]] <<if $CharismaMagic == true>> <div class="ChaMagicButton"> <<button "Charisma Magic">> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $ChaSpellCost>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto WaspChaMagSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WaspChaMagFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<elseif $IntuitionMagic == true>> <div class="IntMagicButton"> <<button "Intuition Magic">> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $IntSpellCost>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto WaspIntMagSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WaspIntMagFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <</if>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You react without thinking, shadows rushing in to cloak you in darkness. The wasp’s stinger moves languidly through the air. You sidestep it easily and duck behind a stalagmite before releasing your hold on the spell, cautious not to linger too long on the other side. Having dodged the blow, you glance over at the wasp, it whirls about, searching for its prey. You dip back behind your cover, hoping it hasn’t seen you, but seconds later the creature buzzes overhead, still on your trail. You dart away, searching for a solution to your predicament. <<if $IntuitionMagic == true>> <<set $AdvancedSpellcasting to true>> <<run $("body").attr("data-advancedspellcasting", "true"); >> <<link "Advanced Spellcasting">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki(` Advanced Spellcasting Some challenges will now give you the option of using magic to overcome them. Using magic to overcome a challenge will significantly lower its difficulty rating or allow you to automatically succeed in some cases. However, magic takes a toll on your body. Casting a spell causes you to accumulate stress points. You can currently accumulate a maximum of six stress points before you are unable to cast any more spells for the day. Casting a spell accumulates three stress points. Resting removes all stress points. As you continue to master your powers you will have the option of deepening your connection to your magical discipline. Casting spells from a deepened discipline will only accumulate two stress points. In the future, you will have the opportunity to unlock access to other magical disciplines. Spells cast from a new discipline will accumulate three stress points until you can master it.`); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<elseif $CharismaMagic == true>> <<set $AdvancedSpellcasting to true>> <<run $("body").attr("data-advancedspellcasting", "true"); >> <<link "Advanced Spellcasting">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki(` Advanced Spellcasting Some challenges will now give you the option of using magic to overcome them. Using magic to overcome a challenge will significantly lower its difficulty rating or allow you to automatically succeed in some cases. However, magic takes a toll on your body. Casting a spell causes you to accumulate stress points. You can currently accumulate a maximum of six stress points before you are unable to cast any more spells for the day. Casting a spell accumulates three stress points. Resting removes all stress points. As you continue to master your powers you will have the option of deepening your connection to your magical discipline. Casting spells from a deepened discipline will only accumulate two stress points. In the future, you will have the opportunity to unlock access to other magical disciplines. Spells cast from a new discipline will accumulate three stress points until you can master it.`); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<else>> <</if>> [[Run for the cliff edge|CaveCliffJump]] <<if $CharismaMagic == true>> <div class="ChaMagicButton"> <<button "Charisma Magic">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto WaspChaMagSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WaspChaMagFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<elseif $IntuitionMagic == true>> <div class="IntMagicButton"> <<button "Intuition Magic">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto WaspIntMagSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WaspIntMagFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <</if>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You react without thinking, shadows rushing in to cloak you in darkness. The wasp’s stinger moves languidly through the air. You sidestep it easily and duck behind a stalagmite before releasing your hold on the spell, cautious not to linger too long on the other side. Thankfully, the wasp flies on in the wrong direction, seemingly having lost track of you. You breathe a short sigh of relief before moving on cautiously to examine the cliff’s edge. As you peer over the side a second wasp rears up in front of you. You tumble backwards in surprise, scrambling away as best you can in search of a way out of your predicament. <<if $IntuitionMagic == true>> <<set $AdvancedSpellcasting to true>> <<run $("body").attr("data-advancedspellcasting", "true"); >> <<link "Advanced Spellcasting">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki(` Advanced Spellcasting Some challenges will now give you the option of using magic to overcome them. Using magic to overcome a challenge will significantly lower its difficulty rating or allow you to automatically succeed in some cases. However, magic takes a toll on your body. Casting a spell causes you to accumulate stress points. You can currently accumulate a maximum of six stress points before you are unable to cast any more spells for the day. Casting a spell accumulates three stress points. Resting removes all stress points. As you continue to master your powers you will have the option of deepening your connection to your magical discipline. Casting spells from a deepened discipline will only accumulate two stress points. In the future, you will have the opportunity to unlock access to other magical disciplines. Spells cast from a new discipline will accumulate three stress points until you can master it.`); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<elseif $CharismaMagic == true>> <<set $AdvancedSpellcasting to true>> <<run $("body").attr("data-advancedspellcasting", "true"); >> <<link "Advanced Spellcasting">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki(` Advanced Spellcasting Some challenges will now give you the option of using magic to overcome them. Using magic to overcome a challenge will significantly lower its difficulty rating or allow you to automatically succeed in some cases. However, magic takes a toll on your body. Casting a spell causes you to accumulate stress points. You can currently accumulate a maximum of six stress points before you are unable to cast any more spells for the day. Casting a spell accumulates three stress points. Resting removes all stress points. As you continue to master your powers you will have the option of deepening your connection to your magical discipline. Casting spells from a deepened discipline will only accumulate two stress points. In the future, you will have the opportunity to unlock access to other magical disciplines. Spells cast from a new discipline will accumulate three stress points until you can master it.`); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<else>> <</if>> [[Run for the cliff edge|CaveCliffJump]] <<if $CharismaMagic == true>> <div class="ChaMagicButton"> <<button "Charisma Magic">> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $ChaSpellCost>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto WaspChaMagSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WaspChaMagFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<elseif $IntuitionMagic == true>> <div class="IntMagicButton"> <<button "Intuition Magic">> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $IntSpellCost>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 10>> <<goto WaspIntMagSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto WaspIntMagFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <</if>>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> Out of ideas and out of options, you run for the cliff edge. You just have time to make out a thick patch of thorny vines about twenty feet below you as you tumble over the side. You plummet into a thick tangle of branches and painful thorns. The plants tear your skin and clothes but manage to cushion your fall adequately. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> The wasp buzzes overhead, searching for you briefly among the thick undergrowth before [[giving up and returning to its territory.|Vines01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You reach out to touch the creature’s mind with your power. You sense nothing beyond base instinct. Over and over your mind is battered with the creature’s sole thought. Fight. Fight. Fight. You refocus and follow the thought to its origin. The base emotion drives the creature’s behaviour. Fear burns within it like a furnace, a source of power for you to manipulate. You spread the fear like wildfire to every inch of the creature’s body, muddying its singular focus. Without the sheer determination needed to put up a fight, a new directive is activated within the creature’s rudimentary mind. Flee! The wasp buzzes directly overhead, picking up speed as it flies out of sight into the darkest corners of the cavern. You let out a sigh of relief, then [[head to investigate the cliff’s edge.|Vines01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You widen your senses, sending an echo of your power into the cavern. For one brief instant, you feel as though you have a perfect understanding of your surroundings. You can sense every peak and valley of the rocks around you, the roots of the strange plants twisting their way around each stalagmite, and even the shifts in the air current from the creature’s beating wings. With the wasp closing the distance rapidly, you direct your power at a stalactite overhead and break it free from the cavern ceiling. With immaculate timing it comes crashing down on the frenzied insect, silencing it forever. You catch your breath and [[head for the cliff’s edge.|Vines01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You reach out to touch the creature’s mind with your power. You sense nothing beyond base instinct. Over and over your mind is battered with a single thought coming from the creature. Fight. Fight. Fight. You try to latch on to something more substantial, to redirect the creature’s attention, but the instinct is simply too ingrained for you to shift. The creature continues its advance. Throwing caution to the wind, you [[make for the cliff edge with all the speed you can muster.|CaveCliffJump]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You widen your senses, sending an echo of your power into the cavern. For one brief instant, you feel as though you have a perfect understanding of your surroundings. You can sense every peak and valley of the rocks around you, the roots of the strange plants twisting their way around each stalagmite, and even the shifts in the air current from the creature’s beating wings. With the wasp closing the distance rapidly you direct your power at a stalactite overhead and break it free from the cavern ceiling. Though you intended for the rock to crush the insect outright, it misses by mere inches. Nevertheless, a great cloud of dust and debris is thrown up before the creature, stunning and confusing it. You use the opportunity to dash away but can still hear it buzzing behind you, hot on your heels. You throw caution to the wind and [[make for the cliff’s edge.|CaveCliffJump]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You peer over the edge of the cliff to find that it’s about a twenty-foot drop to the cavern floor from here. You can see a thick patch of brown vines below you, covered in thorns. Beyond the vicious-looking plants, you can see steam rising from a small pool of water fed by an underground spring, the cave’s luminous green algae growing around it in a ring. You haul yourself over the edge, carefully descending about halfway to the cavern floor. You choose your landing spot and drop the rest of the way, managing to avoid the worst of the vines. As you pick your way carefully through the thorny undergrowth you come across a grisly sight. Tangled amongst the vegetation is a body, a man in fine clothes, quite similar to your own. You guess this is another guest from the ball. He appears to have become trapped and then partially devoured by something. The look of anguish frozen on his face turns your stomach. You move on from the morbid scene, a scent of rotten eggs growing stronger in the air as you [[approach the underground spring.|UndergroundLake01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> There’s a small pool of water here. It’s shallow and seems to be the source of the foul odour in the air. It’s fed by a small spring, the water rushing into the pool swirls around before exiting the cavern via a small tunnel under the rock. You dip a hand into the water and find it pleasantly warm to the touch. You cup some in your hands and bring it to your mouth, alas you can’t stomach the taste and spit the water out immediately. Disheartened, you’re wondering where to go next when you hear a soft humming coming from the tunnel where the water makes its exit. It sounds like a woman, softly singing a tune to herself. You enter the knee-deep water and duck your head to enter the little tunnel. [[The humming grows louder.|Melusine01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You’re drawn to the tree, a beacon on the bleak horizon. You find it growing steadily larger and larger until it towers over you and you realise you’ve been marching towards it unthinkingly. A dark hole framed by gnarled and twisted roots beckons you inside and you shake your head to clear it. You gaze upwards, the blocky shape in the branches is a gigantic nest cobbled together from blackened twigs and branches. Too large for any bird you’ve seen before. A rustling comes from the crude structure, joined by a clinking of metal on metal. Suddenly, a body falls from the nest, crashing against a branch before landing a few feet from you. It’s a man, armoured in black and gold. A royal guard. His body has been torn and shredded by claw and beak. His face has been devoured, along with one arm. One leg is bent at an unnatural angle, tethered to the body by a slim rope of muscle and tendon. A screech fills your ears as a massive hulk of feathers takes flight and circles the tree. Unwilling to risk being caught, you dive inside the hole beneath the tree and [[worm your way underground.|RootPassage01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> The hole is tight and unforgiving, it smells of decaying leaves and wet earth. Your clothes and face are caked with dark soil. The suffocating darkness is made all the more terrifying as the passage collapses behind you. There’s no going back now, you think, as the world fades to absolute darkness. You scrabble forward in a panic, hoping to reach the end of the tunnel as soon as possible. Mercifully, it’s not long before you burst through the darkness and out into an open cavern, bathed in a sickly green light emanating from a luminous, sludge-like algae that [[clings to the ceiling.|CaveFork01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> The cavern you’re in is made of a smooth white stone, carved long ago by the passage of water. Behind you is a collapsed section of the cave, blocked by boulders and dead tree trunks, detritus brought down from the surface, perhaps during a rainstorm or flood. Ahead the cavern diverges into two paths. One is a small tunnel near the floor of the cavern. Peering into it reveals a passage flooded with water but well-lit by the luminous green plant life. You’d need to be able to hold your breath for a long time to explore the route safely. The water is fetid and likely undrinkable. The second route is a bridge-like rock formation over a wide and deep chasm. Its narrow path winds back and forth across the rift. Gouts of hot steam blast into the air from geysers deep in the inky blackness below, slicking the surface of the bridge with water. Swim through the tunnel. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto CaveSwimSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto CaveSwimFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> Cross the narrow bridge. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto CaveBridgeSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto CaveBridgeFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You lower yourself into the tunnel and land in ankle-deep water. It’s cold and still, deepening further along the cramped space. You scoop some into your mouth but cough and splutter as you spit it out straight away. Undrinkable, as you thought. You wade in up to your waist before the lowering ceiling forces you to go under. You take in a few deep breaths and submerge yourself. The tunnel is just wide enough for you to swim through, algae forms a path for you to follow, a softly glowing beacon lighting the way forward. The passage begins to tighten as it bends upwards, the exit now within sight beyond a very tight hole. You’re not sure you can fit through here but don’t have enough breath left to turn back either. You steel yourself and push forward You manage to press your head and shoulders through the narrow opening but your jacket catches on a jagged rock, hampering forward progress. The tunnel is too narrow to reach your arms down to free yourself. You kick hard with your legs, just managing to generate enough power to tear the jacket and free yourself before you run out of breath. To your relief, you surface soon after, [[hauling yourself out of a small hole and into a larger cavern.|SpiderCavern]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You step out onto the slippery surface. The narrow path before you is full of twists and turns, difficult to follow in the dim light. Your first few steps are hesitant but you quickly grow in confidence, picking up the pace. About a third of the way across the first geyser goes off. A jet of steam just inches away from you shoots up into the roof of the cavern, hot water splashing the path in front of you. You’re thrown off balance momentarily but catch yourself before plummeting over the edge. You proceed more cautiously, making sure of your footing and trying to anticipate the next blast. It proves futile though, as the next blast catches you off guard. It scalds your right arm painfully, your body jerking away in response to the pain. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> You fall from the path, waving your arms clumsily in the air, grasping for anything to hold on to. You just manage to catch the lip of the path before you plummet to the bottom of the chasm. The slippery surface and lack of foothold make for a difficult climb back up but you manage it somehow. You take a moment to catch your breath before moving on. You finally reach the other side without further incident, turning to look back at the distance you’ve covered. You shake your head and continue along the tunnel before you. It opens into a wide cavern and you pause to [[take in the view before you.|SpiderCavern]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You step out onto the slippery surface. The narrow path before you is full of twists and turns, difficult to follow in the dim light. Your first few steps are hesitant but you quickly grow in confidence, picking up the pace. About a third of the way across the first geyser goes off. A jet of steam just inches away from you shoots up into the roof of the cavern, hot water splashing the path in front of you. You’re thrown off balance momentarily but catch yourself before plummeting over the edge. More blasts of steam impede your progress across the chasm, you begin to sense a rhythm in the eruptions, hurrying forward at times to avoid a blast and at others hanging back to wait before continuing. You finally reach the other side without incident, turning to look back at the distance you’ve covered. You nod your head in satisfaction and continue along the tunnel before you. It opens into a wide cavern and you pause to [[take in the view before you.|SpiderCavern]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You lower yourself into the tunnel and land in ankle-deep water. It’s cold and still, deepening further along the cramped space. You scoop some into your mouth but cough and splutter as you spit it out straight away. Undrinkable, as you thought. You wade in up to your waist before the lowering ceiling forces you to go under. You take in a few deep breaths and submerge yourself. The tunnel is just wide enough for you to swim through, algae forms a path for you to follow, a softly glowing beacon lighting the way forward. The passage begins to tighten as it bends upwards, the exit now within sight beyond a very tight hole. You’re not sure you can fit through here but don’t have enough breath left to turn back either. You steel yourself and push forward. You manage to press your head and shoulders through the narrow opening but your jacket catches on a jagged rock, hampering forward progress. You try to kick your legs hard enough to swim free, unable to reach down to free yourself. The jacket refuses to give way and you’re fast running out of breath. Your lungs begin to burn and you begin to panic. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> You thrash harder and harder, before shifting tactics and trying to reverse back down the passage. You brace against the walls and slip down just far enough to free the clothing from the jagged rock, then shoot up towards the exit of the tunnel with all speed. To your relief, you surface soon after, hauling yourself out of a small hole and into a large cavern. You sit on the floor panting, [[trying to catch your breath.|SpiderCavern]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> This cavern is far larger than you’ve seen before. The luminous algae runs in strips along the walls. In front of you is a smooth shallow slope leading towards a field of large mushrooms, some over five feet high with dull brown stalks and wide purple caps. You begin the descent down the slope. Though not steep, the way is slippery and you find yourself picking up speed, trying to maintain your balance. You slide and scramble your way down to the first of the large mushrooms. Curious, you reach out to touch the stalk but stop as a sound catches your attention. A soft scratching from somewhere to your right. You look around in the direction of the sound but don’t see anything until you turn your gaze upward. There, held aloft in a web, is the corpse of a man wrapped in thick white strands of silk. You crouch down behind your mushroom stalk, searching for the web’s weaver. The scratching grows louder, somewhere above you now. You’re still searching for its source when a shiver runs down your spine. You turn slowly to come face to face with the spider, massive and black, covered in bristly hairs. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Inserts/Spider.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> Its head shifts to examine you with its multiple pairs of glinting eyes. Giant fangs, dripping with venom, reach out as it lunges towards you. <<if $StrengthMagic == true>> <div class="StrMagicButton"> <<button "Strength Magic">> <<set $StrSpellCost to 3>> <<set $Stress to $Stress +$StrSpellCost>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 8>> <<goto SpiderStrSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto SpiderStrFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<elseif $DexterityMagic == true>> <div class="DexMagicButton"> <<button "Dexterity Magic">> <<set $DexSpellCost to 3>> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $DexSpellCost>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 8>> <<goto SpiderDexSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto SpiderDexFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<elseif $CharismaMagic == true>> <div class="ChaMagicButton"> <<button "Charisma Magic">> <<set $ChaSpellCost to 3>> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $ChaSpellCost>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 8>> <<goto SpiderChaSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto SpiderChaFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<elseif $IntuitionMagic == true>> <div class="IntMagicButton"> <<button "Intuition Magic">> <<set $IntSpellCost to 3>> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $IntSpellCost>> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 8>> <<goto SpiderIntSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto SpiderIntFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <</if>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> Without time to think, you rush forward, quickly gathering a shocking amount of energy in your arm as you cock it for a punch. Your fist connects with the creature’s forehead as it charges you, slamming it down to the ground and sending its many legs out from underneath it. You step back, gathering more of the power across your chest and arms, it burns within you, lighting a fire underneath your skin that itches to be released. The creature regains its composure and comes for you again. You catch each of its dripping fangs in your hands, forcing them apart before tearing them from the monster’s head. Pale blue ichor spills from the wounds around the creature’s mouth and you jam each of its severed appendages into the gaps between its hard carapace behind its neck. It lets out a gurgling screech as it skitters backwards but the power within you urges you forward, hungry for more blood. Your arms are wreathed in red flame as you lunge for one of the spider’s legs, tearing it free from its body and tossing it aside. The creature collapses and attempts to crawl away before giving up and curling up in fear. Disappointed with your foe’s weakness, you let out a roar as your bloodlust begins to take over. You ball your hands into fists and pummel the creature’s corpse. Over and over, you strike the hard carapace of the spider’s corpse. Uncontrollable rage flows through your blood. The skin on your knuckles splits. A finger breaks. Finally, you tire. Panting hard, you are spent. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> You shake some sense back into yourself as you slowly recover. It would seem you need to practise control over your power, [[lest you let it consume you.|MushroomToWasp]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Without time to think, you rush forward, quickly gathering a shocking amount of energy in your arm as you cock it for a punch. Your fist connects with the creature’s forehead as it charges you, slamming it down to the ground and sending its many legs out from underneath it. You step back, gathering more of the power across your chest and arms, it burns within you, lighting a fire underneath your skin that itches to be released. The creature regains its composure and comes for you again. You catch each of its dripping fangs in your hands, forcing them apart before tearing them from the monster’s head. Pale blue ichor spills from the wounds around the creature’s mouth and you jam each of its severed appendages into the gaps between its hard carapace behind its neck. It lets out a gurgling screech as it skitters backwards but the power within you urges you forward, hungry for more blood. Your arms are wreathed in red flame as you lunge for one of the spider’s legs, tearing it free from its body and tossing it aside. The creature collapses and attempts to crawl away before giving up and curling up in fear. Disappointed with your foe’s weakness, you let out a roar as your bloodlust begins to subside. The spider twitches as the last of its lifeforce [[ebbs onto the cavern floor.|MushroomToWasp]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You have little time to think, only to react. You feel the gloom of the cave beckon to you, calling you to join them. In the blink of an eye, you trade places with your shadow. The spider lunges right through the space you were standing moments ago, your body replaced by a swirling black spectre. The world around you slows to a crawl, what colour there was from the dim light of the algae has gone, as has any trace of colour from your skin and clothes. You move in the realm of shadows, creeping along the cavern wall to the ceiling above your prey. You return to the light, falling onto the creature’s back. You raise your hand and will the shadows nearby to coalesce into a simple blade. You plunge it into a gap in the carapace behind the creature’s head. The flesh beneath the hardened shell of the spider hisses and boils away wherever the blade cuts. It collapses to the floor, face first. You roll over its head and come up ready to strike again but the creature lies still, defeated. You release your grip on the blade and it [[dissolves without a sound.|MushroomToWasp]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You have little time to think, only to react. You feel the gloom of the cave beckon to you, calling you to join them. In the blink of an eye, you trade places with your shadow. The spider lunges right through the space you were standing moments ago, your body replaced by a swirling black spectre. The world around you slows to a crawl, what colour there was from the dim light of the algae has gone, as has any trace of colour from your skin and clothes. You move in the realm of shadows, creeping along the cavern wall to the ceiling above your prey. You return to the light, falling onto the creature’s back. You raise your hand and will the shadows nearby to coalesce into a simple blade. Before you have a chance to plunge it into your enemy, the spider rolls onto its back to dislodge you. You’re pinned against the cavern floor and the creature’s considerable weight, squeezing the air from your lungs. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> Before you lose your focus on your spell, you manoeuvre the blade into a gap in the hard carapace crushing you. The flesh beneath the hardened shell of the spider hisses and boils away wherever the blade cuts. It screeches and flops onto its belly. You roll away and come up ready to strike again but the creature lies still, defeated. You release your grip on the blade and it [[dissolves without a sound.|MushroomToWasp]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> “Stop!” you yell, commanding the hideous beast to obey. With your hand outstretched, you can feel the vibrations of energy emanating from the great spider’s mind. You sense its frustration as it attempts to continue, to devour its foolish prey that hasn’t the sense to flee in terror. You twist and turn the thoughts in its head. Constantly in motion, they feel almost tangible. It’s as though you are reaching out and moulding them like clay on a potter’s wheel. You grit your teeth as the spider’s will battles your own. It takes a few steps towards you, perilously close now. You strain against it and force it to back away, blood beginning to trickle from your nose. You have to push yourself far harder than you thought was possible. Fearing you’ll lose control altogether, you force the creature to flee with all of your might. You collapse to your knees as the spider turns tail and skitters away into the gloom. Exhausted but safe, you take a moment to [[gather your strength before moving on.|MushroomToWasp]] <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Stop!” you yell, commanding the hideous beast to obey. With your hand outstretched, you can feel the vibrations of energy emanating from the great spider’s mind. You sense its frustration as it attempts to continue, to devour its foolish prey that hasn’t the sense to flee in terror. You twist and turn the thoughts in its head. Constantly in motion, they feel almost tangible. It’s as though you are reaching out and moulding them like clay on a potter’s wheel. You have almost total control over the spider now, as long as you maintain your concentration on the spell. You force it to retreat into its web, to wait there in the shadows as you move past it. You sense it bristling with anger as it obeys your commands, tinged with confusion at its loss of control. You move carefully past the web, making sure not to become stuck. As you increase the distance you sense a strain on your body from maintaining the spell. Now out of sight of the creature, you’re satisfied you’re safe and drop your concentration. You wait a few tense seconds to see if anything happens, but [[it looks like you’re in the clear.|MushroomToWasp]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You throw your hands up in front of your face to protect yourself. Sensing the air between you and the spider shimmer with heat, your fingertips begin to grow warmer and warmer. Before the heat becomes too much to bear, you force the energy away from your hands, trying to escape the burning sensation. A gout of flame bursts forth, a stream of hot death that you project directly into the open jaws of the oncoming beast. It screeches and writhes in pain, its insides alight. Smoke billows from cracks in its carapace as it backs away, jerking spasmodically before collapsing in a [[crackling heap of smoke.|MushroomToWasp]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You throw your hands up in front of your face to protect yourself. Sensing the air between you and the spider shimmer with heat, your fingertips begin to grow warmer and warmer. You hold the energy focused on your hands for a fraction too long, the heat searing your skin painfully. With a yelp of pain, you force the energy away. -1 Stamina A gout of flame bursts forth, a stream of hot death that you project directly into the open jaws of the oncoming beast. It screeches and writhes in pain, its insides alight. Smoke billows from cracks in its carapace as it backs away, jerking spasmodically before collapsing in a [[crackling heap of smoke.|MushroomToWasp]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Now clear of the mushrooms, you enter a portion of the cave littered with stalactites and stalagmites roughly eight feet in length. They stretch to the edge of a cliff about three hundred yards ahead of you. Drooping purple flowers hang from vines that wind their way up and around the rock formations. More of the luminous green algae provides light as it snakes between [[the rocky teeth hanging from the roof of the cavern.|Wasp01]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> The tunnel takes a turn to the right and opens onto a steamy room. A much deeper pool sits at the centre of the room, framed by a large opening in the wall through which you can see falling water. The cavern here appears to be set behind an underground waterfall and it's currently occupied by a woman with her back to you. She wears a gauzy white dress, practically see-through. Her skin is pale and her long black hair is tinged a deep green in the light of the ever-present luminous algae. She appears to be setting down a clay pot filled with water against one of the cavern walls, next to another pot that appears to be empty. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Melusine01/Melusine-Meet.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> She lifts the empty pot and turns towards the pool of water to fill it. That’s when she notices you. Startled, she drops the pot. It shatters into pieces and she lets out a yelp of surprise, [[backing away from you to press herself against the wall.|Melusine02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Who are you!” she exclaims. Glancing down at the shattered pottery on the floor, she crouches to snatch up a jagged shard. She holds it out awkwardly as a makeshift blade. “Stay there, don’t come any closer,” she warns, her voice shaky. Close the distance and disarm her. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 8>> <<goto DisarmMelSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto DisarmMelFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<if $DexterityMagic == true and $Stress + $DexSpellCost lte 6>> <div class="DexMagicButton"> <<button "Dexterity Magic">> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $DexSpellCost>> <<goto DisarmMelMagSuccess>> <</button>> </div> <<else>> <</if>> Try to talk her into putting down the weapon. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 8>> <<goto TalkMelSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto TalkMelFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<if $CharismaMagic == true and $Stress + $ChaSpellCost lte 6>> <div class="ChaMagicButton"> <<button "Charisma Magic">> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $ChaSpellCost>> <<goto TalkMelMagSuccess>> <</button>> </div> <<else>> <</if>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> She’s close, if you’re quick enough you think you can close the distance fast enough to disarm her before she reacts. You dart forward, snatching her wrist and shaking the jagged shard loose before she can react. She lets out a startled yelp as it clatters to the floor. You kick it out of reach before releasing your grip and stepping back with your hands raised. “I’m sorry I had to do that. I mean you no harm,” you explain. Your voice is hoarse thanks to your parched throat. The frightened woman shrinks away from you and closes her eyes. You realise you must present quite a disturbing sight. Your clothes are ruined and your face is muddied. Your muscles ache, and your body has accumulated several bruises and small scratches on your journey here. “I’m just a lost traveller looking for some water, can you help me?” you plead. She opens one eye to peer at you, taking in your rough state. “Alright,” she answers meekly. [[“Who are you and how did you come to be here?” she asks.|Melusine03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> She’s close, if you’re quick enough you think you can close the distance fast enough to disarm her before she reacts. You dart forward, snatching at her wrist but she’s surprisingly quick and sidesteps you. “Underestimate me at your own peril!” she yells, slicing at you with the makeshift dagger. You dive away and slip on the slick cavern floor, bashing your head painfully against the cool rock. The woman stands over you, ready to strike again. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> “I guard these sacred waters,” she warns you. “I will not let you desecrate them!” You raise your hands to placate her. “I’m sorry, I promise not to hurt you. I’m just a lost traveller desperate for some water,” you explain. Your parched throat makes your voice sound hoarse. You must pose a disturbing sight with your ruined clothes and muddied face. You realise how much your muscles ache and how many small scratches and bruises you’ve acquired on your journey here. The woman takes you in, her features softening a bit. She backs away. “Do not try anything like that again,” she intones threateningly. [["Who are you and how did you come to be here?" she asks.|Melusine03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> She’s close, if you’re quick enough you think you can close the distance fast enough to disarm her before she reacts. You dart forward and she lashes out with her weapon. You tap into your power, your reflexes heightened as you touch the other side. The pottery shard moves achingly slow and you catch her wrist with ease, shaking the jagged shard loose. She lets out a startled yelp as it clatters to the floor. You kick it out of reach before releasing your grip and stepping back with your hands raised. “I’m sorry I had to do that. I mean you no harm,” you explain. Your voice is hoarse thanks to your parched throat. The frightened woman shrinks away from you and closes her eyes. You realise you must present quite a disturbing sight. Your clothes are ruined and your face is muddied. Your muscles ache, and your body has accumulated several bruises and small scratches on your journey here. “I’m just a lost traveller looking for some water, can you help me?” you plead. She opens one eye to peer at you, taking in your rough state. “Alright,” she answers meekly. [[“Who are you and how did you come to be here?” she asks.|Melusine03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Woah there,” you say, trying to sound reassuring. You raise your hands to show they’re empty and take a step back. “I’m sorry for frightening you.” Your parched throat makes your voice sound hoarse. “I’m just lost and looking for some water.” The woman eyes you suspiciously. You must look quite frightening in the dim light, your clothes are ruined and your face is dirty. You realise how much your muscles ache and you’ve accumulated various scratches and bruises on your journey here. “Alright,” she says, lowering the shard of pottery but maintaining her distance. [[“Who are you and how did you come to be here?” she asks.|Melusine03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> “I wouldn’t do that,” you warn her, eyeing the sharp piece of pottery. “You’d only end up getting hurt.” Your parched throat makes your voice sound hoarse and threatening. She frowns, narrowing her eyes and taking a step forward. “Underestimate me at your own peril!” she warns you, showing remarkable bravery. “It’s my duty to guard these sacred waters, you shall not desecrate them!” To your surprise she leaps forward, slashing at you with the jagged shard. You raise your hands in defence and wince in pain as she slashes a long, shallow cut in your forearm. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> You back away, slipping on the wet cavern floor and falling to your back. The fierce woman stands over you, a wild look in her eye, breathing heavily. “I’m not here to desecrate anything, just lost and looking for water!” you try to convince her, holding your arm in pain. “I apologise for scaring you.” She can see you more clearly at this distance and seems to be taking in your ruined clothes and dishevelled appearance. Your face is dirty and you realise how much your body aches, covered in small bruises and scratches from your journey here. “Alright,” she says, lowering the shard of pottery but maintaining her distance. [[“Who are you and how did you come to be here?” she asks.|Melusine03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You pool a small amount of energy in your blood and reach out to touch her mind, attempting to exercise subtlety with your power. You push calming thoughts into her mind, trying to put her at ease. It seems to be working, as you see her features begin to soften and the pottery shard lower slightly. “I apologise for startling you,” you explain in as smooth a tone as your parched throat will allow. “I’m simply a lost and weary traveller, searching for water.” She takes in your ragged appearance, your ruined clothes and dirtied face. You realise how much your muscles ache and how many small bruises and scratches you’ve accumulated on your journey here. “Alright,” she says, lowering the shard of pottery farther but maintaining her distance. [[“Who are you and how did you come to be here?” she asks.|Melusine03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Well, I can answer one of those questions,” you sigh. “My name’s $CharacterName. As for how I arrived here, I’m not exactly sure. I don’t even know where I am exactly. Am I still in Etrantus?” The woman looks at you quizzically. “Etrantus? No, I have never heard of it,” she answers. “Is it a large village?” she asks. You frown and shake your head. “Village? No, it’s a kingdom, part of the empire,” you explain. She only looks more confused. “You’ve never heard of the Cerulean Empire?” you ask. She shakes her head, no. You let out a strangled laugh. “Rokar’s teeth,” you curse. “Where did that witch send me?” “Witch?” the woman asks, a worried look crossing over her features. “Morwyn. You speak of Morwyn. My village is frequently beset by monsters, all in the service of a powerful witch. [[Perhaps we share a common enemy?”|Melusine04]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “It’s possible. I believe I may have been sent here by her,” you sigh. A wave of exhaustion runs through you and you sit, overcome by dizziness. Concerned, the woman moves close, placing a hand on your shoulder and kneeling before you. “Do you have any drinking water?” you ask. She stands and heads to a corner of the cave near her clay pots. There she retrieves a small waterskin from a leather bag and brings it to you. She holds it to your lips and you drink greedily. <span style="color: green;">+1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina + 1>> “Slowly now,” she says softly. “My name is Melusine, I am a healer.” She cups your face in her hands and examines your eyes, lifting one eyelid and then the other. [[“Did you have to fight your way here?”|Melusine05]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “I did. You say the creatures serve the witch? What do you know about Morwyn?” you ask. “She is a powerful spellcaster,” Melusine replies. “She warps and twists the world to serve her purposes.” “But what does she want? She attacked the royal family of my kingdom, I still don’t know why.” “I’m sorry, I can’t help you with that,” Melusine answers. “Come, remove these tattered clothes and enter the pool. The water is restorative.” </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Melusine01/Melusine-Portrait.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> She stands and offers a hand to help you to your feet. You accept it graciously and she moves behind you, lifting your ruined coat from your shoulders. You kick off your shoes then remove your doublet and tunic before letting down your trousers. You bend painfully to remove your socks and Melusine motions at you to take off your undergarment as well. [[You hesitate.|Melusine06]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “There is no need for modesty. I wish only to help you," she reassures you. "Your soiled clothes mustn’t sully the waters.” You remove the last of your clothes and step into the pool. The heat is remarkable, just on the cusp of being too hot to take. You let out a long sigh as you lower yourself to a seated position. The pool is shallow here, coming up to your chest. Melusine lifts the hem of her dress and steps into the pool carefully. “Lie back and let the water support you,” she whispers. You do as she suggests, surprised to find how easily you float in the water. It’s unlike any river or ocean you’ve swam in before. Melusine kneels beside you, water turning her thin white dress translucent, the delicate fabric clings tightly to her flat stomach. She reaches over your body and lifts your arm, inspecting it closely before bathing and massaging it. As she lowers your arm back into the warm water, the fabric around her breasts hangs loosely and you catch a brief glimpse of one nipple. Feeling a stirring in your loins, you clear your throat awkwardly and decide to close your eyes, but not before you catch a wry smile on Melusine’s face. Your muscles begin to loosen as you relax. You try to shift your focus away from your traitorous cock and focus on controlling your breathing instead. It’s no good though, as Melusine shifts her focus to your legs, running one hand along the inside of your thigh, all the way to your ankle, and lifting it gently out of the water. She softly scrubs away the dirt, then [[firmly massages the taught muscles in your calf.|Melusine07]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You groan with pleasure at the release of tension you hadn’t realised you were holding there. Melusine repeats the process on your other leg. You sigh in pleasure, a foggy feeling beginning to make your head swim. You no longer care about hiding your arousal, your prick now standing out of the water at full attention. It feels cold compared to the rest of your body, you long to sheathe it somewhere warm. Melusine lets out a little huff of satisfaction at your body’s reaction. “Does that feel good?” she asks. Your eyes are still closed but you can hear the smile on her face in her words. <span style="color: green;">+1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina + 1>> “It’s …. Wow. Yes,” is all you can muster in reply. [[Your mind feels like it's melting into the water.|Melusine08]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> She manoeuvres you a little farther into the pool and shifts to kneel behind you, placing your head in her lap. She runs her fingers through your hair, washing out the dirt and untangling the knots accumulated there. Then she digs her fingers firmly into your scalp, massaging you from the crown of your head to your temples. A shiver runs down your spine and your cock throbs, a bead of moisture welling at its tip. You open your eyes and look up to see Melusine’s breasts inches from your face. She’s not looking at you though, her eyes are fixed between your legs. Your breath hitches in your throat and she glances down at you. Her face flushes when she realises you’re watching her. She moves her hands to your shoulders and digs her fingernails into your skin. You yelp in pain and she laughs, moving her hands to your chest. She leans down to place her mouth close to your ear. “Would you like me to relieve you of all of your tension?” she asks in a whisper. The sound sends tingles rushing across your body. [[Accept her offer.|MelAccept]] [[Decline her offer.|MelDecline]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Don’t stop now,” you answer with a dopey smile. She digs the heels of her palms into your pecs, moving them in firm, slow circles. Her fingers splay across your chest and she runs them slowly down your body, leaning over and pressing her breasts into your face as her hands approach your groin. Her hair dangles to tickle your stomach as one of her hands slides past the base of your shaft and wraps around your balls, cupping and cradling them gently, before tugging on them firmly. Melusine leans forward a little more and you can feel her breath brush the tip of your prick. “Hmm,” she hums to herself. “Everything looks alright down here,” she says, straightening up and then patting you on the stomach before sliding out from underneath you. You moan with disappointment and then laugh to yourself. “That was cruel!” you complain and she laughs to herself. “Oh, you have no idea,” she retorts. She moves down to where your feet float in the water. Positioned between them, she stands and slips her shoulders out of her dress, letting it sink into the water. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Melusine01/Melusine-Drop.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> A hand finds each of your feet and she gently widens your stance before [[advancing between your legs towards your erection.|MelAccept02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “I don’t think that would be appropriate,” you answer, maintaining a measure of self control. “Ah, I understand,” Melusine answers, sounding dissapointed. She stands in the shallow water and turns to wade into the deepest waters of the pool. She ducks her head under the water and comes up with her black hair soaking wet. It appears a much darker shade of sea green in the strange light of the cave. She flicks it over her shoulder and then locks eyes with you. She slips her shoulders out of her dress, letting the thin garment sink to the bottom of the pool. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Melusine01/Melusine-Beckon.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> One hand emerges from the water and she crooks one finger in your direction, beckoning you over as she begins to hum a beautiful melody. Your blood sends a spike of magical energy through your body. You realise too late that Melusine has just begun to cast a spell on you. <span class="fake-link" id="turnDownText">Turn down her advances.</span> [[Swim over to her.|Melusine09]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> She reaches out one hand to stroke you gently, slowly. Her grip is delicate, as though she were handling a fragile instrument. It makes you long for a tighter grip, to have her pump your cock with abandon, not letting up until you shoot a load over her delicate breasts. Instead, she leans forward to plant a light kiss on the base of your shaft before gently running just the tip of her tongue up to your head. You buck and squirm in the warm water, thrusting into the air in an attempt to garner some relief, but to no avail. She chuckles cruelly and plants another soft kiss on you, this time right on the tip of your cock. You sigh with pleasure as she kisses you softly again and again and again. Tiny bursts of pleasure ripple down your prick and into your core with each touch of her lips. It’s exquisite torture, not nearly enough to make you come, but plenty to have you begging for more. She finally slips your whole head between her lips, sucking powerfully and running her tongue over your frenulum in powerful strokes. You gasp and moan, you long to plunge your member down her throat, to take this beautiful stranger’s head in your hands and use her mouth for your pleasure. As the orgasm begins to rise within you, Melusine stops, pulling her lips away with a popping sound. She grins and stands up in the shallow water, [[leaving you desperate for more.|MelAccept03]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> The mesmerising woman turns and wades into the deepest waters of the pool. She ducks her head under the water and comes up with her black hair soaking wet. It appears a much darker shade of sea green in the strange light of the cave. She flicks it over her shoulder and then locks eyes with you. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Melusine01/Melusine-Beckon.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> One hand emerges from the water and she crooks one finger in your direction, beckoning you over as she begins to hum a beautiful melody. Your blood sends a spike of magical energy through your body. You realise too late that Melusine has just begun to cast a spell on you. <span class="fake-link" id="turnDownText">Turn down her advances.</span> [[Swim over to her.|Melusine09]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> She’s simply irresistible. You stand and walk through the water towards her. The floor of the pool gives way to a sharp precipice and you have to swim the rest of the way to reach her. Her humming is growing louder, the sweet song drowning out all other sounds. As you swim, the distance between you feels like it’s growing larger instead of smaller. You have a strange sense that she is waiting for you at the end of a long tunnel, a tunnel that never ends. Finally, you reach her, swimming into her arms. She cradles you gently and plants a kiss on your forehead. You run a hand down her back, from her neck down to her tail. Her tail? You hadn’t noticed that before. It’s not furry like a Theran’s. Come to think of it, her hair is far greener than it was before, and [[did she always have horns?|Melusine10]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> She moves her hands to your shoulders and grins, bearing rows of sharp teeth before she pushes you underneath the water with surprising strength. You panic and wave your arms, struggling to break free. She sinks along with you as slippery vines from somewhere deep in the water begin to curl around your legs, dragging you down into the murky darkness. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Melusine01/Melusine-Strike.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> You search frantically for a way to escape. You can see other figures down here, men entangled in slippery vines like you, drowned, eyes still and lifeless, mouths open. Break Free <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto BreakVineSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto BreakVineFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> <<if $StrengthMagic == true and $Stress + $StrSpellCost lte 6>> <div class="StrMagicButton"> <<button "Strength Magic">> <<set $Stress to $Stress + $StrSpellCost>> <<goto BreakVineMagSuccess>> <</button>> </div> <<else>> <</if>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You tear and pull at the vines around your legs. Melusine smiles cruelly at your attempts to free yourself, revelling in your fear. It’s difficult to get a good grip on the slimy tendrils but you manage to rip free from the one wound around your right leg. You push against Melusine, bringing your free leg up to kick her in the chest, separating yourself from her. You tear yourself free from the remaining vine and [[turn to swim for the surface.|Melusine11]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You send power to the muscles in your legs. They grow rapidly in size and strength, snapping the vines entangling you. You kick free of Melusine’s grasp, the skin between your fingers and toes growing into webbing that helps to propel you away at great speed. You breach the surface of the water soon after, [[kicking and paddling towards the shore.|Melusine11]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You tear and pull at the vines around your legs. Melusine smiles cruelly at your attempts to free yourself, revelling in your fear. It’s difficult to get a good grip on the slimy tendrils and they keep slipping through your fingers. Your vision begins to tunnel and what little colour there is under the water begins to drain from the world. You’re fast running out of air with your exertions to free yourself. You loosen the bonds on one leg but can’t free yourself from the second before Melusine sinks her fanged mouth into your neck, drawing blood. You let out a yell, the sound muffled by the water as bubbles stream from your open mouth. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> Slip free of the loosened bonds <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 8>> <<goto SlipVineSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto SlipVineFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You haul yourself out of the water and onto your back to catch your breath. A rush of water and steam accompanies Melusine’s ascent to the surface. She steps smoothly across the water’s surface, hips swaying, tail waving behind her. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Melusine01/Melusine-Emerge.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> She claps, giving you a mock round of applause. “Well done!” she exclaims. “I had hoped one of you would put up a fight, it seems my wish is to be granted after all.” She reaches a hand up behind her back and underneath her hair, withdrawing a cruel-looking dagger. The blade is black as pitch and curves like a breaking wave, the hilt wrought of twisted loops of dull iron. You stumble to your feet, hands outstretched defensively, anticipating her next move. Grapple her. <div class="RedButton"> <<button "Strength Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Strength>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto GrappleMelSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto GrappleMelFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> Try to dodge her attacks. <div class="NavyButton"> <<button "Dexterity Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Dexterity>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto DodgeMelSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto DodgeMelFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> Try to keep her talking. <div class="PurpleButton"> <<button "Charisma Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Charisma>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto DistractMelSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto DistractMelFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> Look for a weakness. <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Intuition Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto PotMelSuccess>> <<else>> <<goto PotMelFailure>> <</if>> <</button>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> With the vines loosened by your initial efforts, you writhe free of the restraints. Melusine tries to hold you in place but you twist and slip free, kicking hard with your legs to [[swim away and up to the surface.|Melusine11]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> With the vines loosened by your initial efforts, you writhe free of the restraints. Melusine holds you firmly in place however, her fingernails are now sharp talons that dig painfully into your shoulders. Blood seeps from your wounds and you begin to feel faint. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> Somehow you summon the will to fight on, twisting and finally slipping free of Melusine’s grasp, you kick your legs and [[swim away and up to the surface.|Melusine11]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You charge forward, not waiting for her to make the first move. She brings her blade up high in two hands to stab down at you. You lower your head and slam your shoulder into her abdomen with as much force as you can muster. You hear the air rush out of her body as you bring her to the ground before she can lower the dagger. The blade goes spinning away as you pin her to the floor, one knee on her neck. She tries to gasp for more air, to refill her emptied lungs, but it’s impossible. Soon enough her eyes close and [[she goes under, unconscious.|MelusineUncon]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You charge forward, not waiting for her to make the first move. She brings her blade up high in two hands to stab down at you. You lower your head and slam your shoulder into her abdomen with as much force as you can muster. At the same time, Melusine brings the knife down. The collision knocks one of her hands free from the dagger and she only lands a glancing blow. The blade draws a long line of blood from your back but thankfully misses any vital organs. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> You hear the air rush out of her body as you bring her to the ground. You struggle together and roll across the cavern floor before coming up on top of her, [[a look of fear and shock in her eyes.|MelusineDead]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You wait for her to come at you with the knife, hoping you can avoid the worst of the blows. Melusine stalks forward, flipping the knife in her hand, alternating between a forward and reverse grip to keep you off-guard. She swipes horizontally, nearly connecting with your neck. You dodge backwards, wary of the cavern wall behind you, your room to manoeuvre steadily shrinking. She comes again, an overhead stab that you sidestep. You begin to circle one another, a wild glint in her eye as she sizes you up for another attack. She lurches forward suddenly, flicking the knife out behind her and catching it with her tail. You realise what’s happening just in time as she begins to spin, tail whipping around her back with incredible speed, blade aimed at your stomach. You try to jump over the blade but can’t bring your legs up in time. It cuts a long, bloody gash in your shin. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> You land off-balance and in pain, stumbling forward. You collide with Melusine before she can reorient herself for another attack. She goes down hard on her back, letting out a screech of pain, [[her eyes going wide with fear.|MelusineDead]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You wait for her to come at you with the knife, hoping you can avoid the worst of the blows. Melusine stalks forward, flipping the knife in her hand, alternating between a forward and reverse grip to keep you off-guard. She swipes horizontally, nearly connecting with your neck. You dodge backwards, wary of the cavern wall behind you, your room to manoeuvre steadily shrinking. She comes again, an overhead stab that you sidestep. You begin to circle one another, a wild glint in her eye as she sizes you up for another attack. She lurches forward suddenly, flicking the knife out behind her and catching it with her tail. You realise what’s happening just in time as she begins to spin, tail whipping around her back with incredible speed, blade aimed at your stomach. You tilt over backwards just in time, landing on your back as the dagger whirs through the air above you. Rolling away, you spring to your feet and sweep her legs out from underneath her before she can reorient herself for another attack. She goes down hard on her back, letting out a screech as the knife clatters across the stone floor. In an instant you’re atop her, hands around her throat. Her eyes go wide as she struggles to loosen your grip. Eventually, those eyes [[roll up in to her head as she passes out.|MelusineUncon]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “What are you?” you ask. She cackles, a cruel sound that echoes through the cave. “I’m your dream woman, darling,” she purrs, biting her lower lip. “Come back to the water and let me pleasure you, my sweet boy.” You can feel an undeniable pull, but this time you resist it through sheer force of will. She’s using magic on you, you’re sure of it now, and an idea occurs to you. You step forward, hand outstretched to touch her hip. She looks pleased, it looks like your deception is working. She thinks you’re under her spell and has let her guard down. Swiftly, your hand snaps out and grabs the dagger, there’s a brief struggle but you’ve caught her off guard and you come away with the knife. You press the blade to her throat and she howls with anger. You grab one of her arms with your free hand and twist it up behind her back, spinning her around. From this position it’s easy to slip her into a chokehold, she struggles futilely for a few seconds [[before passing out.|MelusineUncon]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> “What…what are you?” you stammer. She cackles, a cruel sound that echoes through the cave. “I’m your dream woman, darling,” she purrs, biting her lower lip. “Come back to the water and let me pleasure you, my sweet boy.” You can feel an undeniable pull, and you’re once again powerless to resist her charms. The spell has you in her thrall, you’re moving closer to her, one hand reaching for her round hips, the other for one of her breasts. Once you’re within arm’s reach she slashes cruelly with the dagger, drawing a long gash down your chest. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> The pain snaps you back to your senses and you reach out to grapple with your assailant. Soon you’re rolling together on the floor, fighting for control of the blade. You feel her breath, hot on your face, before she gasps and [[her eyes go wide with fear.|MelusineDead]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> <div class="flash-screen"> You circle each other, each looking for an opening. You try to think, shaking the fog from your head and trying to orient yourself. You brush up against one of the clay jugs of water Melusine was filling earlier. Two sit next to each other in this part of the cave, you grab one in each hand and throw them to the floor with as much force as you can muster. The jugs shatter, scattering water and shards of sharp clay in an area between you and your attacker. Melusine growls at you, her eyes narrowed, blade ready to strike. She charges forward, trying to avoid the makeshift trap, but she isn’t agile enough to dodge them all. She bloodies her feet trying to get to you, driving her into a frenzied attack that lacks subtlety. You try to read her moves, but it seems like she’s coming at you from every angle at once. She slices high and then low before spinning and coming up with the blade held in her tail, catching you off guard. It cuts a gash in your arm that bleeds profusely despite being relatively shallow. <span style="color: red;">-1 Stamina</span> <<set $Stamina to $Stamina - 1>> The cuts on her feet and frenzied attacks are beginning to tire her, though. You can see it in her eyes. She transfers the dagger back to her hand before coming at you again. Desperate to end the deadly assault, you dart inside the knife’s reach when you see an opportunity. You have a firm grip on her wrist as you struggle for control of it. The wrestling match brings you both to the floor, each of you trying to roll the other onto the sharp clay. In the struggle you lose track of the knife, just trying to keep her hands away from your torso. As you roll over the ground you suddenly hear a hasp from Melusine and [[her eyes go wide with fear.|MelusineDead]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You circle each other, each looking for an opening. You try to think, shaking the fog from your head and trying to orient yourself. You brush up against one of the clay jugs of water Melusine was filling earlier. Two sit next to each other in this part of the cave, you grab one in each hand and throw them to the floor with as much force as you can muster. The jugs shatter, scattering water and shards of sharp clay in an area between you and your attacker. Melusine growls at you, her eyes narrowed, blade ready to strike. She charges forward, trying to avoid the makeshift trap, but she isn’t agile enough to dodge them all. She bloodies her feet trying to get to you, driving her into a frenzied attack that lacks subtlety. You can read her moves like a book, or at least you imagine this is what reading a book is like. She swings clumsily and you easily dodge. She throws herself off balance in her rage and you strike with precision, toppling her to the floor. You take the opportunity to jump on her back, one arm snaking around her neck, the other pinning the knife hand to the floor. Soon enough she is wheezing and gasping for air. You hold on as her movements become ever more futile, until, at last, [[she is unconscious.|MelusineUncon]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> The world around you begins to wave and shudder, the walls and floor of the cave burst into cool blue flames that give off no heat. The cavern is burning away, circles of blue flame expanding to encompass everything you can see. Whatever they touch evaporates into thin air, leaving behind that same darkness you found yourself lost in after Morwyn appeared at the ball. You and Melusine drift weightless together. With her unconscious, the last remnants of whatever spell was keeping you here in this limbo fade away and you feel yourself [[jolting awake, as if from a nightmare.|MelGardenUncon]] <<set $MelusineAlive to true>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You distance yourself from her to see the knife protruding from her body. Dark blood pours rapidly from the wound and the frightened woman looks up into your eyes. “You, you’ve killed me,” she murmurs in disbelief. She begins to sob, softly, hauling herself to her knees and pulling the dagger from her body. It clatters to the floor. The world around you begins to wave and shudder, the walls and floor of the cave bursting into cool blue flames that give off no heat. The cavern is burning away, circles of blue flame expanding to encompass everything you can see. Whatever they touch evaporates into thin air, leaving behind that same darkness you found yourself lost in after Morwyn appeared at the ball. [[You and Melusine drift weightless together.|MelusineDead02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You find yourself lying in a garden at night, the summer palace towering over you. Sitting up, you see a marble fountain. Melusine lies crumpled against the cool stone, still unconscious and breathing softly. Arranged around the fountain in a circle are several other bodies. Some look as if they have been partially devoured by animals, others drowned, their clothes wet and eyes wide and still in death. All were guests at the ball. You check yourself and find that all of the wounds, scrapes, and bruises you accumulated over your journey underground are still present. Whatever you’ve just been through seems to have actually taken place, as far as your aching body is concerned, but you don’t appear to have actually travelled from Etrantus after all. “More magic, more questions,” you sigh to yourself, clenching your fists in frustration. You find your clothes on the floor next to you and pull on the trousers and tunic before heading over to Melusine. You retrieve her blade and cast your gaze over her body. She still exhibits horns and a tail, her dark green hair spilling over her pale skin. This must be her true form but she’s not of any race you’ve encountered before. You move to inspect the other victims of the spell. There are nineteen all told, a mixture of servants and guests of the palace. It looks like you were the only one to make it out alive. You take a closer look at Melusine’s dagger. There’s something inscribed on the blade, runes that flicker in the moonlight. [[You feel your blood reacting to the weapon, the sensation is invigorating.|GardenLvlUp]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “We will be free. I gladly give my life for my people,” she hisses at you between clenched teeth, tears on her face. “I only wish I had killed more of you when I had the chance.” She looks at you with pure hatred and yet you have no idea what it is you’re supposed to have done to this woman. “I…I’m sorry,” you answer, confused. She laughs bitterly. “You aren’t. You can’t be. Not yet. But you will. In time, you all will.” And with that, she dies, body slumping to the floor. With her life go the last remnants of whatever spell was keeping you here in this limbo and [[you feel yourself jolting awake as if from a nightmare.|MelGardenDead]] <<set $MelusineAlive to false>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You find yourself lying in a garden at night, the summer palace towering over you. Sitting up, you see a marble fountain. Melusine’s corpse lies crumpled against the cool stone, blood pooling near her blade lying in the grass. Arranged around the fountain in a circle are several other bodies. Some look as if they have been partially devoured by animals, others drowned, their clothes wet and eyes wide and still in death. All were guests at the ball. You check yourself and find that all of the wounds, scrapes, and bruises you accumulated over your journey underground are still present. Whatever you’ve just been through seems to have actually taken place, as far as your aching body is concerned, but you don’t appear to have actually travelled from Etrantus after all. “More magic, more questions,” you sigh to yourself, clenching your fists in frustration. You find your clothes on the floor next to you and pull on the trousers and tunic before heading over to Melusine’s corpse. You retrieve her blade and cast your gaze over the body. She still exhibits horns and a tail, her dark green hair spilling over her pale skin. This must be her true form but she’s not of any race you’ve encountered before, or even heard tale of. You move to inspect the other victims of the spell. There are nineteen all told, a mixture of servants and guests of the palace. It looks like you were the only one to make it out alive. You take a closer look at Melusine’s dagger. There’s something inscribed on the blade, runes that flicker in the moonlight. [[You feel your blood reacting to the weapon, the sensation is invigorating.|GardenLvlUp]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Channel the energy to enhance your: <<link "Strength +1">> <<set $Strength += 1>> <<if $MelusineAlive == true>> <<goto NextMoveUncon>> <<else>> <<goto NextMoveDead>> <</if>> <</link>> <<link "Dexterity +1">> <<set $Dexterity += 1>> <<if $MelusineAlive == true>> <<goto NextMoveUncon>> <<else>> <<goto NextMoveDead>> <</if>> <</link>> <<link "Charisma +1">> <<set $Charisma += 1>> <<if $MelusineAlive == true>> <<goto NextMoveUncon>> <<else>> <<goto NextMoveDead>> <</if>> <</link>> <<link "Intuition +1">> <<set $Intuition += 1>> <<if $MelusineAlive == true>> <<goto NextMoveUncon>> <<else>> <<goto NextMoveDead>> <</if>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="text-box"> You scavenge pieces of clothing from the bodies around the fountain and fashion some bindings and a gag for Melusine. Satisfied she’s no threat, for the time being, you ponder your next move. You’re in a garden at the rear of the palace. There’s a path around the side of the building that leads back to the courtyard that contains the servants’ quarters and your gear. Clothing and weapons are at the top of your list of priorities right now. <<set $Stress to 0>> Beyond that, your thoughts turn to the vision you had of Princess Isabella. Effie was in the dungeon with her. For a moment, you consider running. Whatever is going on here is far more than you bargained for, you could go for help. But the nearest town with a garrison is at least a day away. No, you came here to help her and you’re not leaving without her. You heave the unconscious Melusine over your shoulder and head down the path towards the courtyard. <<set $Stamina to 5>> You don’t come across anyone on your way to the servants’ quarters, the building itself is also deserted. Once you make it to your room you deposit Melusine on your bed and tie her up securely. Exhausted, you take a moment to rest. You’re relieved to see your pack and gear are still here and, once you're ready, you don your $Armour and take up your $MeleeWeapon. You also retrieve your $RangedWeapon and grab some rations from the kitchen [[before leaving the building.|ToTheBarracks]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You ponder your next move. You’re in a garden at the rear of the palace. There’s a path around the side of the building that leads back to the courtyard that contains the servants’ quarters and your gear. <<set $Stress to 0>> Beyond that, your thoughts turn to the vision you had of Princess Isabella. Effie was there in the dungeon with her. For a moment, you consider running. Whatever is going on here is far more than you bargained for, you could go for help. But the nearest town with a garrison is at least a day away. No, you came here to help her and you’re not leaving without her. You head down the path towards the courtyard. <<set $Stamina to 5>> You don’t come across anyone on your way to the servants’ quarters, the building itself is also deserted. Once you make it to your room you’re relieved to see your pack and gear are still here. Exhausted, you take a moment to rest. Once you're ready, you don your $Armour and take up your $MeleeWeapon. You also retrieve your $RangedWeapon and grab some rations from the kitchen [[before exiting the building.|ToTheBarracks]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You glance at the gate. It’s locked tight. You steel your resolve and turn your back on it. You can figure that part out later. That’s when you notice the barracks across the courtyard from the servants’ quarters. Maybe there are some guards still in there that could help you. Exploring the palace with someone who knows their way around and can watch your back sounds like a good idea. You approach the door with caution, it’s unlocked and you nudge it open with your foot, weapon at the ready. There’s a small room just past the door with a round table. Some playing cards and scraps of food sit atop the table, as if someone was just here moments ago. There are some stairs leading up and an open door on the right that leads to a small armoury. You check inside and find some ammunition for your $RangedWeapon [[which you pocket eagerly.|ToTheBarracks02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You head back into the common room and ascend the stairs. There’s a closed door at the top that leads to the dormitory for the palace guards. You open it and are greeted with what you can only describe as the last thing you were hoping to find. Bodies are arranged in the centre of the room in a circle, at the centre of which floats a corpulent figure with red skin, horns, and a tail. The great fleshy mass rotates slowly, about three feet off the floor. It chants in a low, guttural torrent of obscene sounds. You’re about to back away when its eyes snap open, and it fixes its bright yellow gaze upon you. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Inserts/ObDemon.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> “Welcome!” he cries in a deep and rumbling voice. You manage to get out a brief curse [[before your world turns upside down.|DarknessReprise]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Darkness. Your eyes won’t adjust to the darkness. It envelops you like a thick blanket. You struggle to blink but realise you can’t move. Not your eyelids, your arms, your legs. You’re paralysed. You can’t feel the ground beneath you. You can’t feel your body. You can’t tell if you’re warm or cold. Awake or asleep. Alive or dead. There’s no sound, nothing to indicate the passage of time. You can’t tell how long you’ve been like this. You should be frightened. [[Instead, you’re eerily calm.|TheTunnel]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You come to in a dark brick tunnel, standing in a line of people, all armed and armoured, waiting before a closed portcullis. Beyond the gate you can make out a sandy arena, people in the crowd chant and roar in anticipation. You shake off your disorientation. You’re not falling for it this time, you know it’s an illusion of some sort, you just need to find the bastard who’s channelling this spell and end it as soon as possible. You look around for a way out of the tunnel. You aren’t interested in whatever is waiting on the other side for you. That’s when you hear a familiar voice from behind you. [[“Don’t worry.”|TheTunnel02]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> [[Interlude|Interlude202]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Kingsport The Kingdom of Etrantus The day after you left the city Gael was off his game. He’d spent the better part of the morning hiding in a sewer from a Bluecoat patrol after he’d been caught with his hand in a nobleman’s pocket. His favourite coat was ruined and he was particularly sore about that. He’d gone home for a much-needed bath and found his building being searched by yet more Bluecoats. It was a semi-regular occurrence in the slums he called home but they’d already been shaken down once this month. Twice was either bad luck or someone was looking for him. To be safe, he’d decided to lay low at $CharacterName’s place. A little paranoia was always healthy. After arriving and cleaning himself up, he’d left $CharacterName’s room, sans coat, and gone down to the inn next door. He planned to drown his sorrows in equal amounts of booze and self-pity. There was an air of guilt hanging over his head and he wanted to shake it. A voice in the back of his head nagged at him. It told him a good friend would have gone with $CharacterName, he could have used the help. But Gael just couldn’t understand why he’d rushed off at the drop of a hat. [[It was a fool’s errand.|Interlude203]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Was any woman worth going to so much effort? Surely not, especially not a noblewoman. It was a dead-end relationship. No, Gael decided he didn't have a reason to feel guilty. He wasn’t a good travel companion anyway, he would want to stay in a tavern every night with warm food and a bed. He finished his wine and sighed, slumping down in the corner booth he’d sequestered himself in. A few more rounds and he should be feeling better. He motioned across the busy room at the weary barman and received a brief nod in reply. The innkeeper's daughter came over to attend to him. He’d noticed her the last time he’d been in here with $CharacterName. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Emma01/Emma-Inn.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> Her name was Emma. She had big brown eyes and a cute nose dotted with charming freckles. Her curly brown hair gave her an unkempt, slightly flustered appearance, though the hectic life of a tavern wench probably [[contributed a fair amount to the overall impression.|Interlude204]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Is your friend joining you later?” she asked, setting another cup of wine before him and retrieving his empty one. “No, he’s away from the city for some time,” Gael answered. ”He’s letting me stay in his room.” Emma smiled in response. “He lives in the tumbledown building across the street, doesn’t he?” she asked. Gael nodded. “It must be nice to live by yourself,” Emma contemplated. “I share a little room above the bar with my parents and younger siblings.” She sighed. “Having time alone sounds like a dream.” Gael gave her his widest smile. “Well, I’ll be there, alone, all night,” he teased, “You could come along and we could be alone, together.” Emma’s face turned bright red and [[she laughed awkwardly before scurrying away.|Interlude205]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Great, Gael thought. He came on too strong. Frightened her off. Truly, nothing was going his way. He relocated to a stool at the bar and stayed in place until the last call. The wine and music were decent tonight but they did little to lift his spirits. He supposed some days you just had bad luck. He left the little tavern and made his way across the road to find a pleasant surprise. Emma stood by the door of the ramshackle building, nervously twisting her apron between her hands. She smiled when they made eye contact and opened her mouth to speak. Gael held up a hand to stop her. Instead, he simply opened the door to the building and went inside, leaving it open behind him. [[Emma followed him inside.|Interlude206]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> He took her hand and led the way upstairs to the room. He held the door open for her in an exaggerated display of politeness, eliciting a little laugh from the shy woman. As soon as she was over the threshold he followed her inside and closed the door with his boot, snaking an arm around her waist and planting a kiss on her neck just below her right ear. She jumped slightly in surprise and shivered with pleasure, letting out a soft sigh. Gael turned her to face him and she pressed her hands to his chest, [[stopping him from placing a kiss on her lips.|Interlude207]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Am I moving too fast?” he asked, searching her eyes. She nodded slightly. “A little,” she whispered. “I’m nervous. I’ve been with a man before but you seem very experienced in these matters.” Gael laughed. She flushed red again and hit him playfully on the chest, embarrassed. “Don’t fret,” he reassured her. “Let’s see if we can’t work past some of those inhibitions. I’ll take charge and you just tell me if you’re ever uncomfortable.” She nodded, smiling enthusiastically. “Like dancing,” she said, placing her hands around his neck. He smiled and slid his hands to her hips, stepping in closer to eliminate the distance between them. “Just like dancing,” he agreed. [[“Now, follow my lead.”|Interlude208]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> She closed her eyes and, between soft kisses, articles of clothing began to come undone. Eager hands roved over arms and chests. He slipped a hand behind her head to tangle his fingers in her curly hair, then kissed her throat again. She responded with yet more breathy moans of pleasure. With his free hand, Gael pushed aside her unlaced bodice to cup one breast. He lifted his head to watch her chest swell with her heavy breaths, her nipples hard and standing proud. He circled one lazily with a finger, watching her face for a reaction as he tweaked it roughly between his knuckles. She let out a gasp and he buried his face in her chest. They moved to the bed, where Gael continued his journey south. He paused to grin at her before he disappeared beneath her skirt. He teased his way along her inner thigh, enjoying her muffled sounds of pleasure from [[beyond the bunched fabric of the garment.|Interlude209]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Once he had her thoroughly worked up, he emerged from below, reappearing above her to plant a kiss on her full lips. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Emma01/Emma-FPV.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> Her hands undid his shirt buttons one by one and then continued down to undo the laces at his trousers. Gael straightened up and slid off his shirt to bare his well-muscled chest and abs. She ran her hands across them in appreciation, sucking her lower lip between her teeth. He gathered two fistfuls of the skirt’s fabric and pulled it away, leaving her lower body bare but for a pair of simple white underpants. He stood and shook off his trousers, then lowered his short braies to the floor. Now naked, he climbed back atop her and slid a hand between her legs to rest atop the fabric there, [[rubbing softly as they kissed.|Interlude210]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “How are you feeling now?” he asked before slipping his tongue into her ear. She purred with pleasure. “Good,” she replied. Gael chuckled. “Be more specific,” he demanded, hooking his fingers under the rim of her panties and pulling them down, slowly. “Excited,” she breathed. “I can feel my heartbeat between my legs.” “What else?” “I feel an emptiness, a need to fill it.” “More,” Gael ordered. “My cunny is wet, I’m hot all over.” “You’re hot for me?” “Yes.” “You’re wet for me?” “I am.” [[“Good girl.”|Interlude211]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Gael moved to sit on the side of the bed and patted his lap. “Come and sit here,” he instructed her. She got up, moved into position for him and sat sideways across his lap, one arm around his neck. He kissed her roughly on the lips and spread her legs, giving him access to her pussy. He rubbed softly between her lips before inserting one finger, followed closely by a second. Emma moaned and wriggled her hips with pleasure. Gael traced his left hand up and down her spine and curled his buried fingers towards his palm, which was applying firm pressure against her clit. He tilted his head back to watch her face [[as he began to pump his hand in and out of her.|Interlude212]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Emma thrashed against him, moaning louder and louder as Gael built up speed. By the time he was moving his hand as fast as he could, she had curled her head into his shoulder, shaking and gasping for air. She moaned and rocked back and forth as she came hard, her upper body going limp, forcing him to support her with his free hand to prevent her from falling to the floor. He backed off to a lower speed but didn’t relent. A second orgasm rolled through her soon after the first. She whimpered this time, too exhausted to make more sound, her hot breath on his ear causing his erection to throb with delight. That’s when he picked up the speed again. All she could do then was try to remember to breathe. When she came for the third time, she squirted warm liquid over his hand and against his leg. It pooled on the floor at his feet. Her entire body trembled uncontrollably, utterly spent. He picked her up gently and laid her down on the sheets, where she promptly curled into a ball on her side, [[her hands tucked between her legs.|Interlude213]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Are you alright?” Gael asked, lying down behind her and placing a hand on her shoulder. She couldn’t answer but nodded yes. Gael stroked himself slowly while she recovered. After a few minutes, she rolled over to face him, a look of determination on her face. He smiled and ordered her onto her hands and knees for him. He got into position behind her, leaning forward to kiss the back of her neck before asking, “Are you ready to take my cock?” She shivered and nodded. </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Emma01/Emma-Gael.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> “Let me hear you say it,” Gael demanded. “I’m ready,” she said. “Ready for what?” Gael asked, the tip of his prick rubbing slowly against her entrance. [[“I want it, I want your cock in my pussy,” she gasped.|Interlude214]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Good girl,” he praised her again as he pressed inside of her warm slit. They groaned together in ecstasy, quickly finding a satisfying rhythm. He grabbed her hips and thrust into her, again and again as she rocked back against him, driving him deeper at the apex of each thrust. She came a fourth time, her pleasure drove him to his peak and he withdrew to cover her back in his seed. She collapsed forward into the pillows, he flopped down beside her. They made eye contact and laughed together before closing for another kiss. They made love again in the early hours of the morning before finally falling asleep. [[Maybe things were starting to look up for Gael.|Interlude215]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> In the morning, Gael awoke to find Emma half-dressed and spying out of the window. A hawker was selling oranges from a cart in the street below, calling, “Oranges! Oranges for sale!” to the passing early-morning crowd. Gael got up and moved to join her. “Morning,” he greeted her. “What’s got your attention out there?” He asked. “Morning," she replied. "I just noticed my father down there, he’s talking to a Bluecoat,” </div> <div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Scenes/Emma01/Emma-Morning.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> “Your pa?” Gael asked. “Oh, you're worried he thinks you’ve gone missing? Eloped with an elven miscreant in the night, perhaps.” He peeked out of the window at the scene. A young theran woman, a low-ranking Bluecoat by the looks of it, was indeed down there talking to Emma’s father. “Maybe you’d better get down there before…” he started to say, but was cut off as the door to the room was kicked in. A blonde elf with short blonde hair and intense blue eyes was standing in the doorway. [[She was apparently a Bluecoat officer.|Interlude216]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “Gael Kildrathen!” she bellowed. “You’re a hard man to track down.” Gael leapt onto the windowsill, still naked as the day he was born, and turned to blow Emma a goodbye kiss. “Another time, my sweet,” he joked before he fell backwards to safety in the orange cart below the window. Or at least, he would have if the bastard hadn’t decided to move off at exactly that moment. He came crashing down hard on the cobblestones, all air driven from his lungs. Emma and the Bluecoat officer both rushed to the window, leaning out to look down at Gael, sprawled on the street below. The young Bluecoat who had been talking with Emma’s father rushed over and clapped Gael in irons, hauling him to his feet. “I got him, Captain Aethin!” she hollered up at the window with a huge grin on her face. The blonde elf nodded and waved down to her. “Good work, Su-Lin. Hold him there, I’ll be right down,” she answered. Emma turned to face the woman next to her. “Am I going to see him again?” she asked, disappointed. [[“Don’t count on it, dear,” Carys replied.|EndOfBuild01]] </div>

<div class="center-image"> <img src="images/Inserts/Remi-Tunnel.png"> </div> <div class="text-box"> You turn to face the speaker. Remi De Montfort, Royal Guard to the King of Etrantus is there, her armour is battered and she looks to have been in a fight recently. [[“We just need to work together. Watch one another’s backs and we’ll survive.”|Interlude201]] </div>