You open your eyes. You are lying flat. The dusty ground feels rough against your battered body. You push yourself up. It hurts.
"Damn it, this ain't good. But at least your alive girl" you say to yourself.
The wound in your side aches painfully. Your clothes are tattered. Looking around you see a great desert. Tumbleweeds drift across the open space. The sand whirls at your feet like a coiling snake. Cacti sprout up like disfigured fingers and the sun bears down intensely from above.
You need to get back to civilisation. Your breath rattles in your chest and a great blanket of heat settles about you. You are severely dehydrated. Death will be soon upon you if you do not drink. Checking your belongings you find a knife, a bottle of rum and an empty gun holster. What do you do?
<img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/Sonoran_Desert_33.081359_n112.431507.JPG"width="500" height="300"/>
[[Drink rum]]
[[Cut cactus]]
(Skip ahead)
[[Chapter 2: The Saloon]]
[[Chapter 3: The Mine]]
[[Chapter 4: Showdown]]
<audio src="https://mushishi717.yolasite.com/resources/Desert%20Travel%20Inspired%20Instrumental%20Music%20%20Royalty%20Free%20%20No%20Copyrights%20%20Music%20for%20Videos.mp3" autoplay>The Rum burns your throat as you swallow it down. You stumble forward and are overcome with heat and exhaustion. You fall to the ground, head grinding into the sand.
[[Pass out]]With your knife you slice open a yellow cactus. Water dribbles down your blade. You quench your deep thirst as you lift the cactus to your lips and drink its water.
Ahhh. The refreshment invigorates you. Sipping on the cactus as you walk, you make your way across the desert.
After some time you come to a canyon of red rock. Vultures fly high above, their eyes boring down on you with ill intent. You feel a gasp of pain as your wound has partially opened up. The bullet must have gone straight through. Lucky, but not so lucky now. You could bleed out in this wasteland if you are not careful. You may have to try and heal yourself somehow.
The canyon has two paths you can take. One has a path of dried mud. The other, a cattle skull surrounded by small debris.
Which do you take?
<img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e1/Decomposing_cow_skull.jpg"width="500" height="300"/>
[[Cattle Skull Path]]
[[Muddy Path]]
You breathe your last gasping breath and close your eyes.
Game Over.
[[You die|Chapter 1: You Awake]]You find yourself meandering like a river as you navigate this path. The canyon's sides rise about you like Titans, the ridges sheathed with ravaged rock. You stride around a bend and your wound flares up again. You steady yourself against the canyon side, and you hear a rumble. Bearing down like an avalanche, great chunks of stone drop towards you.
What do you do?
[[Run forward]]
[[Run back]]
Water trickles from a spring along the canyon floor. It spreads out its watery tendrils like a gasping hand. Small reeds, yellow, green and purple, sprout meekly from the canyon side.
Your wound flares up again. You take a moment to catch your breathe. Lucky only one shot got you. 'No Miss Jove' is his nickname afterall. The wound must be infected. How long you have left, you know not.
Sharp thorns stick out from a nearby bush. You see goat fur hanging from it. The thorn could be useful.
What do you do?
[[Break thorn off bush and sew up wound]]
[[Ignore and walk on]]
You dart onwards. Throwing your weight forward you narrowly dodge an incoming boulder as it smashes to the floor. You keep pushing but something hits you. Everything becomes blurred. You are on the ground. You look up and see a huge slab descend towards you.
Game Over.
[[Chapter 1: You Awake]]You throw your weight back. The boulders crash into the earth before your feet. You catch your foot on a loose rock and tumble to the ground. A slab of stone arcs its way towards you. You roll backwards and narrowly miss the fatal blow.
Getting to your feet you see the canyon is now blocked with debris. Best try the other path.
[[Muddy Path]]You walk on.
After some time you become aware of a wetness. Looking at your side you see the wound has festered. Yellow ichor dribbles from the gash. Suddenly a spasm of pain overcomes you and you fall to the ground. You feel the infection spread through your body and you close your eyes for good.
Game Over.
[[Chapter 1: You Awake]]You snap a sharp thorn from the bush. Ripping your shirt, you get a fine piece of twine and wrap it about the base of the thorn.
Slowly and painfully, you weave the thorn in and out your flesh.
It hurts.
But your a tough woman.
Eventually, you seal the wound...
After some time the path comes to a close and you pull yourself up onto the rocky outcrop of the canyon. The unrelenting sun bears down on you. The rocky folds of the canyon rise up and down like surfacing dolphins.
You march onwards only to hear a bark. Turning about, you see a pack of scruffy coyotes. They have mangled fur and sharp yellow eyes. The eyes all stare at you.
What do you do?
[[Run]]
[[Shout at them loudly]]
You turn about and run. You hear yaps of excitment as the pack follows.
You bounce from rock to rock. You vault great slabs, sweat pouring from your brow in great rivulets.
You turn round a sandy boulder and see the pack before you. They have caught up. A snarling coyote, teeth bared, takes a step towards you.
What do you do?
[[Shout at them loudly]]
[[Fight]]
[[Run faster!]]
<audio src="https://mushishi717.yolasite.com/resources/Large%20Dog%20Barking%20-%20Sound%20Effect.mp3" autoplay>You wave you arms about wildy and make loud grunting noises. A snarling coyote takes a step back.
You screech "OHHHKAAA," and jump forward. The coyotes scatter like leaves before a storm.
With a smirk of satisfaction you stride off. After ambling down some rocks you reach another flat of desert. On the horizon you see the outskirts of a town. Brushing some dust off your jerkin you walk towards it.
After an hour of walking you see the town is not far off. You can't but help smile. You can have a bath and wash off the dirt. You can sleep in a bed and not worry about snakes. You can ask the questions you need to ask. And get yourself a real weapon. And put a bullet in Jove's head.
Suddenly, you feel something crawl up your arm. A black scorpion crept up you whilst you were daydreaming. It looks at you with its beady eyes and raises its bulbous stinger.
<img src= "data:image/png;base64,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height="300"/>
What do you do?
[[Take off shirt slowly]]
[[Don't move an inch]]You throw yourself towards the foe, blade at the ready. The coyote pounces. You clash in the middle. Your blade jolts into its chest. But its weight sends you backwards and you fall on your behind.
Then one coyote is on your foot and another is on your arm whilst another rips at your wound. You are torn to pieces.
[[You die|Break thorn off bush and sew up wound]]You speed past them as quickly as you can, launching yourself from rock to rock. You hear a sharp bark, turn about, and see they are right on your heals. As you turn forward something catches your foot. You lose your balance and fall to the left. You tumble down a rocky crevasse. Agony blazes through your body as you bounce down and down and down...
The pain has subsided and you feel numb. You open your eyes. You have fallen into a deep pit. Your eyes stammer shut and you are no more.
[[You die|Break thorn off bush and sew up wound]]You attempt to take your top off. But as you lift up the shirt the creature clinches to your body with it's sharp pincers. You shriek out in pain and the scorpion startles. It's stinger jabs into your arm.
You shake the thing off and stamp it. The scorpion is now a black puddle beneath your boot. Abruptly, you feel a fever invade your body. You feel bloated, like you are swelling. You try to draw in breathe but are only rewarded with a gargling wheeze. You fall to the ground.
[[You die|Shout at them loudly]]The beast advances up your arm. Its nasty legs scrambling higher up your body. Its eight eyes lock with yours.
Like a piston the stinger smoothly stretches up, and points at your neck.
What do you do?
[[Keep still]]
[[Hit the damn thing]]
You stare at the dam thing, hold your breathe and don't move a muscle. It crawls across your gullet. You feel its tiny legs pitter patter across your throat...
It crosses to your other shoulder, strolls down your arm, your leg and leaves you in peace.
You sigh with relief and wipe the sweat from your brow.
The town is ahead of you.
You've made it.
[[Chapter 2: The Saloon]]
<audio src="https://mushishi717.yolasite.com/resources/Desert%20Travel%20Inspired%20Instrumental%20Music%20%20Royalty%20Free%20%20No%20Copyrights%20%20Music%20for%20Videos.mp3" autoplay>You lift your hand and as quick as lightning swipe at the beast. The scorpion is sent flying to the dirt.
Then all of a sudden you feel your hand throb. You lift it to see the stinger wedged into the flesh.
Abruptly you feel a fever invade your body. You feel bloated, like you are swelling. You try to draw in breathe but are only rewarded with a gargling wheeze. You fall to the ground.
Game Over.
[[You die|Shout at them loudly]]You clutch at your stomach. You feel a tightness.
Weird.
You push open the saloon doors. They swing back and forth as you walk through them.
The Dutch Egg. It's been sometime since you have been here. It's here that you made the plans. And where Jove plotted your downfall. You walk forward.
The saloon is aged and crooked. Drunk men are lost in their cups, wide brimmed hats casting shadows on their sullen faces. Whores litter the upper floor. They call at the punters.
To the left you see a round table with men gambling. They are playing Blackjack. Squatting on one of the chairs like a toad, is Herbert. Greasy Herbert. A cigar hangs from his wet mouth. Plumes of grey smoke rise from it like steam from a locomotive.
To the right is a long bar. A sultry woman is behind it, polishing glasses. Always good gossip at the bar.
You see Esther, star whore of the Dutch Egg. She is talking to a man atop the stairs. You see sadness in her face.
And then your eyes catch Bint. He is asleep at a table, whisky in hand. His bandana stretches out on the table like a lizard's tongue. It's the same colour as yours.
What do you do?
<img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/Crystal_Palace_Saloon.jpg"width="500" height="300"/>
[[Gamble]]
[[Wake up Bint]]
[[Talk to Esther]]
[[Go to bar]]
(Skip ahead)
[[Chapter 3: The Mine]]
[[Chapter 4: Showdown]]
<audio src="https://mushishi717.yolasite.com/resources/SALOON%20Piano%20Background%20Instrumental%20%20Royalty%20Free%20Music.mp3
" autoplay>
You pull up a seat at the table. Herbert stares at you. You can't but think he resembles a pig. A pocket watch dangles from his shirt pocket.
"Well, Missy Rosalyn. Such a pleasure to see your fine face again."
You grunt.
You say you'll play for the watch.
"Bet your purse is as dry as the desert. And this here beauty is a fine thing indeed. I'll play, but y'all put down 50 bucks and no less."
[[Bet all your money]]
[[Return to saloon foyer]]You hover over the drunk man and clear your throat.
The man slowly stirs. He raises his head. Blood shot eyes meet yours.
"Well, I do declare," says Bint through brown stained teeth. "The lovely Rosalyn, here in the flesh. I thought you were snake food by now."
[[Ask about 'Him']]
[[Threaten Bint]]
[[Bribe Bint]]You walk up the stairs to see Esther. She is leaning over the banisters. She looks crestfallen.
A man is hovering by her. He stinks of alcohol. He leers over her.
"Come on sweetie, just a quick one. No hair grabbing this time I swear!"
Esther looks annoyed.
What do you do?
[[Punch drunken man]]
[[Ask about Jove]]
[[Gossip and Giggle]]You sit down at the bar.
The barkeep is old. She has a weathered face.
Her face shows no sign of joy.
"What y'all want?"
[[Order drink]]
[[Return to saloon foyer]]You ask about Jove. If she has seen him. If he has any of the possee with him. If he's been carrying around a large case.
The women slams her hand on the bar.
"Don't you be asking me questions of such alike. That's how y'all find yourself in a pit in the desert over there yonder".
Her brow furrows.
[[Return to saloon foyer]]You ask for a whisky.
The brown liquid slithers into the glass. You bring it to your lips and take a sip. It's harsh. It's dirty. It sets your throat alight.
Just how you like it.
You see a white cat jump onto the surface of the bar and casually stroll towards the barkeep. The cat purrs and archs it's back. The women stops cleaning glasses. You see a smile stretch across her face as she pets the cat.
[[Enquire]]
[[Compliment cat]]
[[Return to saloon foyer]]You are back at the entrace.
You see Herbert and his cigar.
The barkeep polishing glasses.
Esther lamenting on the stairs.
Bint asleep at the table.
What do you do?
[[Gamble]]
[[Wake up Bint]]
[[Talk to Esther]]
[[Go to bar]]You say the cat is rather cute.
The women is delighted.
"Why, thank y'all. He is just adorable ain't he? The finest feline I ever did set my eyes upon. We got him not but a week ago when some of them Germans came by town. They gave us the cat when we treated one of their folk for gout. Now Fiddle here is just the apple of my eye."
[[Gossip]]
You ask if there have been any other goings on of late.
"Well, y'all know there's plenty a-goings on in town. But things been awfully jumpy here of late. Herbert over there, yeah, there one with the cigar. Well he been racketing up alot of moolah of late. That man... People say he got the devil's luck. I'm inclined to believe 'em! Poor Esther, bless her sweet soul, had a gander at the Blackjack. She was drunk at the time and I 'spose felt she had fortune's favour. Played against Herbert and lost her father's watch! Poor girl is a wreck. That Herbet is a no-gooder. I'm sure I saw him feed Esther drinks all night. And that was before the game..."
Her eyes glance over to Bint. And her voice is a whisper.
"I'll tell y'all something aswell. Stay clear of that man. Came in but few days ago all bloody and bruised. No doubt about it, he musta' had something to do with the robbery over yonder by Elizabeth Town. He's got bandit written all over him."
You chit-chat for a little longer and leave the bar.
[[Return to saloon foyer]]"Alrighty, we got ourselves a game," says Herbert with a wet smile.
"Black Jack. You know the rules. Let's play."
He puts down your two cards. It is a Jack of clubs and a 5 of diamonds.
He plays two cards for himself. You cannot see them.
[[Hit the Jack of clubs and 5 of diamonds]]
[[Stay]]He gives you another card.
It's a 5 of Hearts.
Herbert awaits your next move.
[[Hit]]
[[Stay this time]]With a leering grin he flips his cards.
10 of Spades and 8 of Spades.
He wins.
"Why thank you for your time darling," he mocks.
[[Lose]]You lose.
You're as good as dead without your money.
[[Shit|Bet all your money]]He puts down another card for you.
It's a 7 of Hearts.
Damn it. You're bust.
[[Lose]]"Alright, what ya got?" Herbert says.
You flip your cards.
"Gad nab it!" He grunts.
"You gotta win three to beat me so don't look so smug."
Herbert shuffles the cards. It's a new round.
He puts down two cards for you. You have a King of Spades and a Queen of Hearts.
[[Hit|Hit the King of Spades and Queen of Hearts]]
[[Smile and stay]]He puts down a card for you.
It's a 2 of Diamonds.
Damn it. Bust.
[[Lose]]"Alrighty, let's see em then".
You both flip your cards.
He has an 8 of Diamonds and 10 of Spades.
You win.
"Well shit!" Herbert says.
"You're losing it next round. Of that I'm sure!"
He shuffles and puts down your cards.
You have a 3 of Diamonds and a 5 of Clubs.
He laughs. "Go on, try and beat this then."
He flips his cards. It is a Queen of Spades and a Queen of Diamonds.
What are you going to do?
[[Hit|Hit 3 of Diamonds and 5 of Clubs]]
[[Stay|Lose]]He slides your next card towards you.
It's a 3 of Hearts.
A wide grin has stretched across Herbert's sweaty face.
What do you do?
[[Hit|Hit 3 of Diamonds, 5 of Clubs and 3 of Hearts]]
[[Stay|Lose]]"Alrighty missy, if y'all sure".
Herbert sets your new card before you.
It's a 6 of spades.
[[Hit|Hit 3 of Diamonds, 5 of Clubs, 3 of Hearts and 6 of Spades]]
[[Stay|Lose]]"I think it's game over for you now Rosalyn. Last hand".
He puts your final card down.
It's a 4 of Hearts.
"No doubt your bust now. Come on hand over what ya got".
You reveal your final card.
"No!" Herbert screeches as he slams his fist angrily down on the table.
"Gad nab it, no!"
You stand up from the table and walk over to Herbert. You put one hand to your knife sheath and hold the other open towards him.
With a heavy sigh, he hands you the pocket watch. You hear him whimper. You grab Herbert's cigars for good measure.
[[Return to saloon foyer with pocket watch]][[Go wake up Bint]]
[[Head up to Esther|Head up and see Esther]]
[[Go to bar]]Your fist connects with the drunken man and he falls to the ground like a sack of potatoes.
You look up at Esther to see her staring angrily back.
"What in the name of Gad's green earth did you do that for? He's my best customer! Go away!"
[[Return to saloon foyer]]You squeeze next to Esther and try and talk to her.
You enquire playfully about the local gossip.
She turns turns to you.
"Does it look like I got time for your yapping nonsense. Get outta here!"
[[Return to saloon foyer]]You push past the man and ask Esther if she has seen Jove.
Her eyes flare up.
"What ya trying to do? Get a girl killed?! Begone!"
[[Return to saloon foyer]]Bint chortles.
"You think I'd say shit all to you. Rosalyn you're a serpent 'neath womens skin. You best be leaving 'fore I feel the need to make myself some snake skin boots".
[[Return to saloon foyer]]You say you will lay him low if he doesn't tell you the whereabouts of Jove.
Bint stares at you with blood shot eyes. He takes a swig of his whiskey.
His other arm falls to his gun holster.
Bint puts down the drink and dabs at his mouth with his bandana.
He awaits your next move.
[[Stab him]]
[[Back off|Return to saloon foyer]]"Only thing you can give me is an itchy groin".
Bint spits onto the floor by your feet.
The spit is yellow and green.
"I need nothing from you Rosalyn".
[[Return to saloon foyer]]You pull your blade from your sheath and lunge at the man.
There is a BANG, and you fall to the ground.
You feel yourself slip away. Bint stands over you and smile's his nasty smile.
[[You die |Chapter 2: The Saloon]]You hold out the pocket watch to her. Her eyes light up.
"My papa's watch! You got it back for me?"
She throws her arms about you.
"Thank you so much. Y'all have no idea how much this little piece o' metal means to me. Is there anything I can do to help you?"
[[Where is Jove?]]
"You bring trouble just speaking that cruel man's name. But I know a thing or two."
She leans in.
"I know he had something to do with that robbery but a few days past. People seen him travelling back through town, covered in blood, with a big case 'neath his arms."
She nods her head to a table below. Your eyes follow. She is staring at Bint.
"That foul son o' a bitch is part of his possee. He may know Downdune Jove's whereabouts."
She leans closer to you.
"Rumour has it, that Bint had something to do with the fire over at Marcie's place. They were lovers see, and Marcie eventually came to her senses. The poor girl knew better than to share a bed with a demon. She kicked him out and the next day her house was set ablaze."
Esther's voice becomes a whisper.
"Now, on that very eve, I was bringing some healing 'erbs back to Samantha. Poor girl got a terrible fever. And I saw Bint by Marcie's, bottle in one hand and torch in the other. It was night see, so I was thinking the crooked man had the torch for the dark. And that he was just drunk. But now I'm starting to think it may have been some oil to start the flames".
She leans back, eyes wide.
"Maybe you can make the man squeal, knowing now what you know. But be careful girl. He's likely to make a noise."
[[Confront Bint]]The chair scrapes on the hard floor as you pull it back from the table.
Bint stirs. You sit down.
Bint raises his head. Blood shot eyes meet yours.
"We'll I do declare," says Bint through brown stained teeth. "The lovely Rosalyn, here in the flesh. I thought you were snake food by now."
[[Ask about 'Him'|Ask where Jove is hiding]]
[[Blackmail]]You tell him you know he started the fire at Marcie's.
You tell him you even have a witness.
You tell him the Sheriff would be very interested in what she has to say.
You then tell him he is a sad little man.
Bint's eyebrows furrow. He slowly leans over the table towards you.
"Rosalyn, you're a vile piece o' shit, you know that?" He holds his bandana out towards you.
"To think we ever shared the same colours. To think I once called this spiteful harlot my compadre."
You are unmoved.
Bint seems to fold. You see him sigh heavy and fall back into his chair. He takes another swig from his drink.
[[Where.The.Fuck.Is.Jove?]]Bint coughs and then puts a finger to his nose. He squeezes it and snorts out a yellow stream of snot onto the floor. He speaks but doesn't look at you.
"Downdune Jove came back to town with me after the train robbery. Paid me to be on look out, make sure there weren't no enquiries about his activities in town. Not that the son of a bitch has sent no word of paying me the rest of my fair share..."
He slurps from his whiskey.
"Jove's camped out in Cavache Mine. Meant to be meeting some prospector. Mr. Elmon or something. Now, i've just sold my friend downriver so the least you can do is buy me another whisky".
[[Get a whisky]]
[[Leave saloon]]You get a whiskey from the bar and give it to Bint.
He smiles wide.
"Why thank you darling".
He slurps the drink.
[[Leave saloon]]You push yourself up from the table, turn about and head to the exit.
You hear a click. The sound of a pistol being cocked.
"Always thought you were better than us, didn't ya?" You hear Bint say.
"You and Jove, at the top, together. Well no more hey?"
"Send my regards to the rest of possee".
[[Make a run for it]]
[[Throw your knife at Bint]]
You dash for the doors.
You hear a chair crash to the floor.
Something painful snaps into your back.
You fall face forward, smashing through the saloon doors.
You crash on to the ground. You try and breathe, but are rewarded with a spluttering gurgle. The bullet has gone through your throat.
[[You die|Leave saloon]]Quick as lightning you unsheath your blade, turn, and throw it at Bint.
The dagger sinks into his chest and as his arms flail, the pistol goes off with a BANG.
The bullet takes a great chunk from the saloon wall.
Bint falls back into his chair gasping.
You approach.
Bint lifts his head up and looks like he is going to try and say something clever. But as he opens his mouth blood pools out of it. He spasms and then falls down dead. His head smashes against the table.
You take back your knife, his ammunition and the pistol. A Remington Revolver...
Nice.
All eyes are on you, as you march out the saloon door, pistol spinning in one hand.
[[Chapter 3: The Mine]]The mine stands before you. A large opening in the side of a dusty mountain.
Torch light flickers inside, sconces lining the walls.
Suddenly you retch. Bile spills from your mouth. It splatters on the ground.
Shit. Now is not the time.
You wipe your mouth and draw your attention back to the mine.
You notice equipment outside the mine. A canteen, some sacks, picks and a mine cart. You also notice some sleeping mats.
Someone's been busy.
<img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3234/3512436286_2062324eeb_b.jpg "width="500" height="500"/>
[[Walk on into the mine]]
(Skip ahead)
[[Chapter 4: Showdown]]
<audio src="https://mushishi717.yolasite.com/resources/Western%20Cowboy%20Duel%20Background%20Instrumental%20%20Royalty%20Free%20Music.mp3
" autoplay>
You walk up the stairs to see Esther. She is leaning over the banisters. She looks crestfallen.
A man is hovering by her. He stinks of alcohol. He leers over her.
"Come on baby just a quick peck?"
Esther looks annoyed.
What do you do?
[[Punch drunken man|Punch drunken fool]]
[[Ask about the bandit Jove]]Your fist connects with the drunken man and he falls to the ground like a sack of potatoes.
You look up at Esther to see her staring angrily back.
"What in the name of Gad's green earth did you do that for? He's my best customer!"
[[Give her pocket watch]]Bint chortles.
"You think i'd say shit all to you. Rosalyn you're a serpent 'neath womens skin. You best be leaving 'fore I feel the need to make myself some snake skin boots."
[[Blackmail]]You feel cold as you march forwards. You feel weak. You shake your head and walk on.
The flames flicker on the walls.
The ceiling is low and the sides narrow.
You walk down and down until you see a minecart on a track. Next to it is a desk and chair. Notes scatter about the desk. A man is scribbiling something down.
As you approach he turns to meet you.
"Why hello my dear!" He has a monocyle and a thin moustache. He looks a fool.
"What ever are you doing down here? My name is Elmon, a prospector here to make my fortune".
"He smiles at you. Tell me dear what is your name?"
[[Tell him your name and who you are looking for]]
[[Just tell him who you are looking for]]
You yank the the lever to the left and thunder into the darkness.
The cart screeches as it zooms down the tracks. You can't see anything.
Then you feel weightless. You're off the cart and falling. You give out a panicked cry.
And you know no more.
[[You die|Walk on into the mine]]You yank the lever to the right and plummet into the narrow tunnel of light. The ceiling is narrow. You crouch.
Suddenly the tunnel opens up and you are in a wide cavern. The tracks are 30 metres above the ground. You see another track some 3 metres to the left, running parrell with yours.
You are zooming along. Stalactites hang from the cavern roof like bats. Looking ahead you see another junction.
To the left, the track swerves aggressively to the left.
To the right, the track continues but a portion of the track has fallen away. The tracks bend up before the drop. A ramp.
What do you do?
[[Move switching gear right]]
[[Move switching gear left]]Yanking the gear to the right, you head towards the hole.
The cart flies up the ramp and for a second you are weightless.
Your stomach lurches as you crash back down onto the rails.
All of a sudden, you hear hooting and yelling.
From a cave, a cart comes barrelling out on the parrell tracks. Three men are inside. They shout and laugh and point their pistols at you. Bullets whiz past your head and you hear a loud DINK as one slams into your cart.
[[Shoot at men]]
[[Keep low in cart]]Yanking the lever to the left you hit the new swerving track.
You hold on tight as you are thrown left and right. You feel your grip loosen.
There is a violent bend on the rail and you swing to the left. The path keeps bending and you can't hold on.
You loose your grip and fall from the cart.
The cavern floor meets you with a CRUNCH.
[[You die |Walk on into the mine]]You whip out your pistol and shoot as you fly down the rails.
Bullets zip back and forth. The dark cavern flashes with explosions of light.
You hit one man, he falls from the cart.
Suddenly you turn back to face the track. A stalactite looms out of nowhere.
It hits you in the head.
You know nothing more.
[[You die|Walk on into the mine]]
<audio src="https://mushishi717.yolasite.com/resources/Gun%20Shot%20Sound%20Effect%20%5BHigh%20Quality%2C%20Free%20Download%5D.mp3
" autoplay>You duck down as the bullets rail against the side of the cart.
You raise your head. Three leering men. One with a rifle, one with a pistol, another at the head of the cart.
This cavern has recently been excavated. You see ladders and picks. There are some barrells, covered by a blanket.
A loud ZING brings you back to the task at hand.
What do you do?
[[Keep low]]
[[Shoot man with Winchester]]You crouch low, the cart hides you from the barrage of bullets. The cart thunders down the rails as the bullets smash the cavern wall beside you. Great billows of dust rise from the holes as parts of wall fall away.
There is silence for a second.
Then a loud BANG.
You hear a tearing noise. You taste blood in your mouth.
A large hole is in the cart. A large hole is in your side.
You bleed out. The cart rumbles on.
[[You die|Walk on into the mine]]You spring up from cover and unload your weapon.
You shoot the man once, twice, three times.
He cries out and tumbles into the darkness below.
Suddenly, a wall of rock breaks you from your foes. You're going down seperate but parallel tunnels.
You take the moment of respite to catch your breath and reload.
Your legs suddenly cramp up.
Why now?!
Looking ahead, you see the wall on your left break into open space.
You spit on the floor of the cart, and steel yourself.
As soon as you burst into the open space the cavern screams with the fire of gunshots. Bullets ricochet off the stalactites as you whizz past. You fire, and fire and fire.
A man on the parrallel cart readies a pistol at you. From the corner of your eyes you see another barrell. This time it is not covered with a blanket.
The barrell has a symbol painted on. It's of a flame.
What do you do?
[[Shoot man with pistol]]
[[Shoot barrell]]
[[Keep low]]
<audio src="https://mushishi717.yolasite.com/resources/Gun%20Shot%20Sound%20Effect%20%5BHigh%20Quality%2C%20Free%20Download%5D.mp3
" autoplay>The man cries out and pitches foward as your bullet connects.
But then, he pushes himself up against the cart, raises the pistol and shoots.
The bullet thuds into your side. You slide to the floor of the cart. Blood spreads from you.
Damn.
[[You Die|Walk on into the mine]]There is a great explosion. An enormous fireball erupts from the barrell. It engulfs the other cart.
The men scream and flap their arms. Set alight, they shriek and yelp and fall from the cart. You see them plunge to the cavern abyss, like blazing birds.
You fall back in the cart and take a breath. The track must end soon. Surely it must.
Looking at the tunnel walls you see great veins of ore. They weave in and out of the rocks like tree roots.
So this was Jove's future. A king, squatting atop all the gold in the world.
You snort.
You had had another future in mind. You had thought it would be with Jove.
There is a great rumble and the wall to your right opens up. There's another set of tracks. The rails connect with the ones you are travelling on.
A mine cart comes crashing out an opening and joins the track. Elmon is on it. He holds up a heavy rifle and points it at you.
"Good bye!" He laughs.
What do you do?
[[Shoot at Elmon]]
[[Leap onto Elmon's cart]]
<audio src="https://mushishi717.yolasite.com/resources/EXPLOSION%20SOUND%20EFFECT.mp3
" autoplay>You whip your pistol up, aim, and fire.
But as you fire, you hear another weapon fire.
Elmon drops dead.
But his bullet sends you sprawling over the front of the cart.
You fall to the tracks. There is a terrible pressure and crunching sound.
Then there is no more.
[[You die|Shoot barrell]]You leap forward and hear the blast of Elmon's gun.
The bullet misses. You crash into the man and you both sprawl onto the floor.
You feel Elmon scrabble onto you. His hands reach for your throat.
You kick him off and stand up at the back of the cart.
Quickly, You reach for your gun.
Oh no.
Infront of you, the tracks fall away into nothing.
What do you do?
[[Shoot Elmon]]
[[Hold on tight to cart]]
The slug hammers into Elmon and he falls down dead.
But suddenly the cart zooms down a steep track.
Off balance, you flounder.
The cart swings to the left in a great circle and you fall off.
You feel your back break against the rock.
[[You die|Shoot barrell]]You grab the edges of the cart as you pitch down a steep patch of track. You feel like your arms are being ripped from your sockets.
But you hold on.
The cart rights itself and starts to swerve left and down. The track is like a great spiral descending to the cavern floor.
All of a sudden Elmon is on his feet and leaps at you.
He butts you with his rifle in the stomach. You double over.
Looking up, he brings his rifle to point.
What do you do?
[[Grab rifle and wrestle]]
[[Shoot Elmond]]Down on your knees, you hurl up your arms, grabbing the barrell of the rifle.
You point it up and away from your face.
Elmon cries out in rage. He grabs the stock of the rifle in one hand, the neck in the other and bears down on you.
You feel yourself squeezed. Crushed against the cart wall. You feel the rifle's neck inch towards your throat.
The cart is spiralling down the corkscrew tracks. The torches flicker past as you go down and down.
You grit your teeth.
And then you push back.
The weight is enormous but you get one foot up.
Then the next. You push against the rifle.
It is Elmon that is now being forced against the cart wall.
His eyes goes wide with fear. You have forced him to lean back over the cart.
He snarls, snaps and then yelps as he sees a stalactite approaching.
There is a sickening crunch. Blood splats onto you.
You let go of the lifeless form and sit down.
You retch.
The cart eventually comes to a stand still. You get out and look around.
Veins of gold cover the mine walls like a tapestry. There is a tunnel immersed in golden light.
If Jove's anywhere, he's there.
You reach for your gun. It's not there.
Damn it. Must have fallen from the cart. You look down the golden tunnel.
Shit. This is it.
Clenching your fists, you march forwards.
[[Chapter 4: Showdown]]You tell him your name and that you are looking for Jove.
You tell him you know he is doing business with Jove.
"Why I am, Mam." replies Elmon.
"The man's a gentleman who's keen on investing in my new business. You are looking at the proud owner of Cavache Mine."
He pauses.
"You must tell me Mam, is there something amiss with this here fella?"
[[Tell him the sins of Jove]]You stare at him but say not your name.
You tell him you know he is doing business with Jove.
"Why I am, Mam," replies Elmon.
"The man's a gentleman who's keen on investing in my new business. You are looking at the proud owner of Cavache Mine".
He pauses.
"You must tell me, Mam, is there something amiss with this here fella?"
[[Tell him the sins of Jove]]His mouth hangs open. The monocyle falls from his face. It swings back and forth like a pendulum.
"Why mam, I knew nought of such an ill tempered character. He approached me but three weeks ago and sought to do business. I thought him a gentleman. A little ruff round the edges, but a gentleman none the less."
He gestures to the mine cart. It sits on tracks that lead deep into the mine.
"He resides in the belly of the mine. If you want to find him y'all have to hop into that cart there."
<img src="https://cdn4.picryl.com/photo/1942/01/01/ben-bow-chromite-mine-stillwater-county-montana-mucking-chrome-ore-1024.jpg"width="500" height="500"/>
[[Get into cart]]
You reach for your gun.
You can't find it. It must have fallen out the cart.
The bullet goes straight through you.
[[You die|Shoot barrell]]The tunnel is long and filled with glittering golden light.
You feel your stomach squirm. You pause against the wall, slowly breathing in and out.
Gritting your teeth you march on.
You first hear the sound of clanging, and then voices.
The tunnel opens up into a huge cavern. There are men at work here. And some whom you recognise. Bastard Bill from the Coyote Tricksters, Niel Pash from the Crossroad Mob, Elliot Melon from the American Beacons Possee. You realise there must be at least 50 men from a host of different gangs.
So Jove has created a mega-gang huh? These guys are dangerous. You must be careful.
Scanning your eyes about you can't see Jove. You see a raised platform to the left. Benches and tables squat atop it. To the right you see a narrow tunnel. The tunnel CLINKS with the sound of mining. You see pick axes rise and fall. Next to that tunnel is a very dark tunnel dimly light.
There is no way you can get to Jove with all these men about. Then a large box catches your eye. Three letters are imprinted on it. TNT. You look inside, but see its contents removed.
If you can blow a big whole in this cavern, Jove is bound to show his face.
But first, you've gotta find the damn dynamite.
[[Narrow tunnel]]
[[Raised platform]]
[[Dark tunnel]]
<audio src="https://mushishi717.yolasite.com/resources/Music%20from%20the%20Wild%20West%20%28royalty%20free%29%20-%20il%20Mercenario%20-%20Frank%20Perez.mp3
" autoplay>You hold onto tight as the track swerves violently.
You can't hold on.
You topple into darkness.
[[You die|Tell him the sins of Jove]]You go to the entrance of the narrow tunnel. There are at least 5 men here.
Their pick axes rise and fall in unison. You see at the far end of the tunnel a box labelled 'TNT'. It may have something useful in it.
At your feet is a bundle. It has a wide brimmed hat, a cloak and a dirty bandana.
What do you do?
[[Disguise self]]
[[Stroll in]]You sneak up to the left, keeping close to the wall. The staircase creaks as you walk up to the raised platform.
There is a large rock sticking out from the centre of the platform, and beyond it, tables, chairs and a chest. That chest may have what you need.
You crouch down by the large rock. On a table next to you is a dirty oil lamp, and a blueprint of the mine.
You see a man standing by the chest. He is scraping the dirt from his nails with the edge of his sharp blade.
What do you do.
[[Try and take him out]]
[[Smash oil lamp on the floor]]
[[Bird whistle]]You look and see two men walking into the dark tunnel. One of the men is wearing spectacles and you see him consulting a map with one hand and see a case in his other. The otherman is heavily scarred. He lights a torch and the pair walk into the darkness.
You slip into the tunnel and follow in the shadows. The DING of the pickaxes fades away as you follow the men.
"Now, I am still not so sure here is the place to set it off. There could be a great deal of ore but i'm afraid the cavern may collpase. Best to check for good measure," you hear the man say.
"But I should say we are blessed as we are. The amount of wealth here will not only yield steady gold, but sturdy work for a decade to come. Damn that Jove is a godsend."
Jove.
The tunnel reaches an end. You see the spectacled man bring out a piece of paper and scribble notes as he examines the rock. The otherman stands behind him, torch aloft.
What do you do?
[[Tell them there has been a cave and they must return to base]]
[[Rush the duo]]
[[Take out the first miner]]You unsheathe your knife and dash at the man.
He cries out as your blade wedges itself into his stomach. He grabs you with both hands, a look of agony on his face.
He falls backwards, pulling you with him.
You flip over the railings of the platform. You THUD into the ground. You look up and see a man. He raises his pickaxe and brings it down on you.
[[You die|Raised platform]]You push the latern off the desk and it smashes onto the platform.
The bandit startles and approaches your poistion, knife at the ready.
[[Go for him]]
[[Use rock for cover and amble past]]You put your fingers to your lips and whistle.
The man looks up, he stares in the direction of your hiding place.
You see him mutter and get back to cleaning his nails.
[[Another tactic]]You crouch down by the large rock. On a table next to you is a dirty oil lamp, and a blueprint of the mine. The man hovers by the chest.
[[Try and take him out]]
[[Smash oil lamp on the floor]]You unsheathe your knife and dash at the man.
He cries out as your blade wedges itself into his stomach. He grabs you with both hands, a look of agony on his face.
He falls backwards, pulling you with him.
You flip over the railings of the platform. You THUD into the ground. You look up and see a man. He raises his pickaxe and brings it down on you.
[[You die|Raised platform]]
As he approaches, you put your back to the rock and slither around it.
With his back turned you amble over to the chest. It clicks as you open the latches.
You turn to look back at the man but he is picking up pieces of glass from the floor.
Inside the chest are 5 sticks of dynamite.
Awesome, but you don't have all the components yet.
[[Head to the narrow tunnel (Got dynamite sticks)]]
[[Head to dark tunnel (Got dynamite sticks)]]You clear your throat and walk fowards. They turn and stare at you.
Before you have a chance to speak the scarred man whips out a pistol.
"It's her! The banshee Jove spoke off. Quick, get her!" He cries.
He shoots. You fall.
[[You die|Dark tunnel]]You dash forward, knife drawn. You slash at the scarred man. His blood lashes against the wall and he falls.
You stalk over to the spetacled man. He quivers and holds up his hands. You grab him by the lappels, lift him and raise your knife.
You then hear a BANG. There is a hole in your stomach.
Turning around, you see the scarred man leaning against the wall, smoke coming from a pistol's muzzle.
You fall dead onto the screeching spectacled man.
[[You die|Dark tunnel]]You slither up behind the scarred man and jam your knife into his back.
He cries out and falls down dead.
The spectacled man screeches and charges you.
Before you have a chance to attack, he crashes into you. Your knife falls from your hand. He grabs your head in one hand and squeezes your throat with the other. You are pressed up against the wall.
Your blade is just out of reach. But it is so close.
Everything becomes blurry.
What do you do?
[[Bite hand]]
[[Keep reaching]]
You sink your teeth into the man's hand, biting as hard as possible.
The man howls and lets go. He grabs you and spins you around, away from the knife. You stumble back, your feet catching something. It's a lantern.
The man shakes his hand and grabs a pickaxe from the floor. You see another at your feet and deftly grab it.
He approaches you, weapon raised.
[[Swing pickaxe at miner]]
[[Swing pickaxe at lantern]]You stretch down for the weapon, willing every muscle in your body to grab it.
You are pulled up. The man grabs your head and whacks it against the wall.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Then there is nothing.
[[You die|Dark tunnel]]You swing your pick axe at the man.
It connects. But you feel a THUD and hear a SQUELCH as his pickaxe jams into your stomach.
You both collapse.
[[You die|Dark tunnel]]As the man comes at you, you swing your weapon down at the lantern.
It shatters, and the tunnel goes black.
The man yelps you hear him stumble and trip. You raise your weapon, and take a step back from the noise.
Light flickers dimly as the man holds ups a lighter. He turns to face you.
You jump and strike. You smite him.
Using the lighter you check the case. You open it and see a black cable wound about itself. Perfect.
You have obtained one of the components to ignite the TNT.
Where do you go now?
[[Raised platform (Got cable)]]
[[Head to the narrow tunnel (Got cable)]]You pull on the trenchcoat, put the hat atop your head and wrap the bandana about your face.
As you walk into the tunnel you can't but admire the mineral wealth. The ores lace the walls like the tributaries of a great river.
Men block your path, you can't reach the box.
What do you do?
[[Make yourself vomit]]
[[Pretend to faint]]
[[Hand out Herbert's cigars]]You stroll into the narrow tunnel.
You hear a man shout.
"What y'all doing here!?"
The other men stop working and approach.
This was a bad idea.
[[You die|Chapter 4: Showdown]]You put your fingers to the back of your throat and vomit.
It's not hard. You feel queasy as it is.
You look about. No one has taken notice. The loud PANG of pickaxes hitting the wall has muffled your retching.
The spew at your feet is green.
Well that was gross.
[[Try something else]]You put your hand to your head and fall to the floor.
You feel yourself being lifted up and set against the wall.
"Come on man" you hear a voice say. "I know it's hard labour but your mining yourself a future."
"Here", he says as he puts a tankard of water next to you. "This will help ya get back on ya feet."
He goes back to work.
Darn tooting.
[[Try another ploy]]You approach each man and hand out a cigar.
They smile and pat you on the back.
One says, "Well thank you kind sir! I do believe a break is in order."
They leave the tunnel.
You approach the box labbeled TNT. You open it.
The blasting cap is inside.
Awesome. You have one of the components needed to set off the dynamite.
[[Head to raised platform (Got fuse box)]]
[[Dark tunnel (Got fuse box)]]You must find a way to get them out the tunnel.
[[Pretend to faint]]
[[Hand out Herbert's cigars]]You must find a way to get them out the tunnel.
[[Make yourself vomit]]
[[Hand out Herbert's cigars]]You go to the entrance of the narrow tunnel. There are at least 5 men here.
Their pick axes rise and fall in unison. You see at the far end of the tunnel a box labelled 'TNT'. It may have something useful in it.
At your feet is a bundle. It has a wide brimmed hat, a cloak and a dirty bandana.
What do you do?
[[Walk straight on in]]
[[Disguise self with miner clothes]]You stroll into the narrow tunnel.
You hear a man shout.
"What y'all doing here!?"
The other men stop working and approach.
This was a bad idea.
[[You die|Head to the narrow tunnel (Got dynamite sticks)]]You pull on the trenchcoat, put the hat atop your head and wrap the bandana about your face.
As you walk into the tunnel you can't but admire the mineral wealth. The ores lace the walls like the tributaries of a great river.
Men block your path, you can't reach the box.
What do you do?
[[Pretend to feint by collpasing to the floor]]
[[Make yourself barf]]
[[Hand out the smokes you took from Herbert]]You approach each man and hand out a cigar.
They smile and pat you on the back.
One says, "Well thank you kind sir! I do believe a break is in order."
They leave the tunnel.
You approach the box labbeled TNT. You open it.
The blasting cap is inside.
Awesome. You have one of the components needed to set off the dynamite.
[[Head to dark tunnel (Got dymaite sticks, blasting cap)]]
You put your hand to your head and fall to the floor.
You feel yourself being lifted up and set against the wall.
"Come on man" you hear a voice say. "I know it's hard labour but your mining yourself a future."
"Here", he says as he puts a tankard of water next to you. "This will help ya get back on ya feet."
He goes back to work.
Darn tooting.
[[Not working. Try another tactic]]You put your fingers to the back of your throat and vomit.
It's not hard. You feel queasy as it is.
You look about. No one has taken notice. The loud PANG of pickaxes hitting the wall has muffled your retching.
The spew at your feet is green.
Well that was gross.
[[Dam. Try something else]][[Fall to the floor groaning]]
[[Hand out the smokes you took from Herbert]]You put your hand to your head and fall to the floor.
You feel yourself being lifted up and set against the wall.
"Come on man" you hear a voice say. "I know it's hard labour but your mining yourself a future."
"Here", he says as he puts a tankard of water next to you. "This will help ya get back on ya feet."
He goes back to work.
Darn tooting.
[[Hand out the smokes you took from Herbert]][[Hand out the smokes you took from Herbert]]
[[Make yourself sick and retch]][[Hand out the smokes you took from Herbert]]You sneak up to the left, keeping close to the wall. The staircase creaks as you walk up to the raised platform.
There is a large rock sticking out from the centre of the platform, and beyond it, tables, chairs and a chest. That chest may have what you need.
You crouch down by the large rock. On a table next to you is a dirty oil lamp, and a blueprint of the mine.
You see a man standing by the chest. He is scraping the dirt from his nails with the edge of his sharp blade.
What do you do?
[[Take the man down]]
[[Push oil lamp off table onto floor]]
[[Whistle like a bird]]You look and see two men walking into the dark tunnel. One of the men is wearing spectacles and you see him consulting a map with one hand and see a case in his other. The otherman is heavily scarred. He lights a torch and the pair walk into the darkness.
You slip into the tunnel and follow in the shadows. The DING of the pickaxes fades away as you follow the men.
"Now, I am still not so sure here is the place to set it off. There could be a great deal of ore but i'm afraid the cavern may collpase. Best to check for good measure," you hear the man say.
"But I should say we are blessed as we are. The amount of wealth here will not only yield steady gold, but sturdy work for a decade to come. Damn that Jove is a godsend."
Jove.
The tunnel reaches an end. You see the spectacled man bring out a piece of paper and scribble notes as he examines the rock. The otherman stands behind him, torch aloft.
What do you do?
[[Rush the men]]
[[Tell the men there has been an accident]]
[[Take out the first man]]You unsheathe your knife and dash at the man.
He cries out as your blade wedges itself into his stomach. He grabs you with both hands, a look of agony on his face.
He falls backwards, pulling you with him.
You flip over the railings of the platform. You THUD into the ground. You look up and see a man. He raises his pickaxe and brings it down on you.
[[You die|Head to raised platform (Got fuse box)]]You push the latern off the desk and it smashes onto the platform.
The bandit startles and approaches your poistion, knife at the ready.
[[Sneak past him]]
[[Now strike the man]]You put your fingers to your lips and whistle.
The man looks up, he stares in the direction of your hiding place.
You see him mutter and get back to cleaning his nails.
[[Try another move]]You crouch down by the large rock. On a table next to you is a dirty oil lamp, and a blueprint of the mine. The man hovers by the chest.
[[Take the man down]]
[[Push oil lamp off table onto floor]]As he approaches, you put your back to the rock and slither around it.
With his back turned you amble over to the chest. It clicks as you open the latches.
You turn to look back at the man but he is picking up pieces of glass from the floor.
Inside the chest are 5 sticks of dynamite.
[[Head to dark tunnel (Got blasting cap, sticks of dynamite)]]
You dash forward, knife drawn. You slash at the scarred man. His blood lashes against the wall and he falls.
You stalk over to the spetacled man. He quivers and holds up his hands. You grab him by the lappels, lift him and raise your knife.
You then hear a BANG. There is a hole in your stomach.
Turning around, you see the scarred man leaning against the wall, smoke coming from a pistol's muzzle.
You fall dead onto the screeching spectacled man.
[[You die|Head to dark tunnel (Got blasting cap, sticks of dynamite)]]You clear your throat and walk fowards. They turn and stare at you.
Before you have a chance to speak the scarred man whips out a pistol.
"It's her! The banshee Jove spoke off. Quick, get her!" He cries.
He shoots. You fall.
[[You die|Head to dark tunnel (Got blasting cap, sticks of dynamite)]]You slither up behind the scarred man and jam your knife into his back.
He cries out and falls down dead.
The spectacled man screeches and charges you.
Before you have a chance to attack, he crashes into you. Your knife falls from your hand. He grabs your head in one hand and squeezes your throat with the other. You are pressed up against the wall.
Your blade is just out of reach. But it is so close.
Everything becomes blurry.
What do you do?
[[Bite his hand!]]
[[Keep reaching for blade]]You sink your teeth into the man's hand, biting as hard as possible.
The man howls and lets go. He grabs you and spins you around, away from the knife. You stumble back, your feet catching something. It's a lantern.
The man shakes his hand and grabs a pickaxe from the floor. You see another at your feet and deftly grab it.
He approaches you, weapon raised.
[[Swing pickaxe at man]]
[[Hit the lantern]]You stretch down for the weapon, willing every muscle in your body to grab it.
You are pulled up. The man grabs your head and whacks it against the wall.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Then there is nothing.
[[Head to dark tunnel (Got blasting cap, sticks of dynamite)]]You swing your pick axe at the man.
It connects. But you feel a THUD and hear a SQUELCH as his pickaxe jams into your stomach.
You both collapse.
[[Head to dark tunnel (Got blasting cap, sticks of dynamite)]]As the man comes at you, you swing your weapon down at the lantern.
It shatters, and the tunnel goes black.
The man yelps you hear him stumble and trip. You raise your weapon, and take a step back from the noise.
Light flickers dimly as the man holds ups a lighter. He turns to face you.
You jump and strike. You smite him.
Using the lighter you check the case. You open it and see a black cable wound about itself. Perfect.
You have obtained another of the components to ignite the TNT.
Where do you go now?
[[You have all the components. Time to make things go BOOM]]Ok then.
You make your way back to the tunnel entrance.
You unwind the cable and set the blasting cap. You sneak forward, and place the sticks of dynamite beneath the raised platform.
As you retreat to cover, you stretch the cable out as far as it goes.
If this doesn't draw Jove out, then nothing will.
You hear a voice yell "Hey what the fuck is that doing there?!".
You hear footsteps pounding towards you.
Here goes nothing.
[[Set off TNT]]You look and see two men walking into the dark tunnel. One of the men is wearing spectacles and you see him consulting a map with one hand and see a case in his other. The otherman is heavily scarred. He lights a torch and the pair walk into the darkness.
You slip into the tunnel and follow in the shadows. The DING of the pickaxes fades away as you follow the men.
"Now, I am still not so sure here is the place to set it off. There could be a great deal of ore but i'm afraid the cavern may collpase. Best to check for good measure," you hear the man say.
"But I should say we are blessed as we are. The amount of wealth here will not only yield steady gold, but sturdy work for a decade to come. Damn that Jove is a godsend."
Jove.
The tunnel reaches an end. You see the spectacled man bring out a piece of paper and scribble notes as he examines the rock. The otherman stands behind him, torch aloft.
What do you do?
[[Attack the duo]]
[[Tell the men there is an emergency in the cavern above and people need help]]
[[Take out the first man out of the picture]]You dash forward, knife drawn. You slash at the scarred man. His blood lashes against the wall and he falls.
You stalk over to the spetacled man. He quivers and holds up his hands. You grab him by the lappels, lift him and raise your knife.
You then hear a BANG. There is a hole in your stomach.
Turning around, you see the scarred man leaning against the wall, smoke coming from a pistol's muzzle.
You fall dead onto the screeching spectacled man.
[[You die|Head to dark tunnel (Got dymaite sticks, blasting cap)]]You clear your throat and walk fowards. They turn and stare at you.
Before you have a chance to speak the scarred man whips out a pistol.
"It's her! The banshee Jove spoke off. Quick, get her!" He cries.
He shoots. You fall.
[[You die|Head to dark tunnel (Got dymaite sticks, blasting cap)]]You slither up behind the scarred man and jam your knife into his back.
He cries out and falls down dead.
The spectacled man screeches and charges you.
Before you have a chance to attack, he crashes into you. Your knife falls from your hand. He grabs your head in one hand and squeezes your throat with the other. You are pressed up against the wall.
Your blade is just out of reach. But it is so close.
Everything becomes blurry.
What do you do?
[[Savegely bite the man's hand]]
[[Keep reaching for your knife]]You sink your teeth into the man's hand, biting as hard as possible.
The man howls and lets go. He grabs you and spins you around, away from the knife. You stumble back, your feet catching something. It's a lantern.
The man shakes his hand and grabs a pickaxe from the floor. You see another at your feet and deftly grab it.
He approaches you, weapon raised.
[[Swing pickaxe at miner's body]]
[[Swing pickaxe at the bright lantern]]You stretch down for the weapon, willing every muscle in your body to grab it.
You are pulled up. The man grabs your head and whacks it against the wall.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Then there is nothing.
[[You die|Head to dark tunnel (Got dymaite sticks, blasting cap)]]You swing your pick axe at the man.
It connects. But you feel a THUD and hear a SQUELCH as his pickaxe jams into your stomach.
You both collapse.
[[You die|Head to dark tunnel (Got dymaite sticks, blasting cap)]]As the man comes at you, you swing your weapon down at the lantern.
It shatters, and the tunnel goes black.
The man yelps you hear him stumble and trip. You raise your weapon, and take a step back from the noise.
Light flickers dimly as the man holds ups a lighter. He turns to face you.
You jump and strike. You smite him.
Using the lighter you check the case. You open it and see a black cable wound about itself. Perfect.
You have obtained one of the components to ignite the TNT.
Where do you go now?
[[You have all the components. Time to make things go BOOM]]You sneak up to the left, keeping close to the wall. The staircase creaks as you walk up to the raised platform.
There is a large rock sticking out from the centre of the platform, and beyond it, tables, chairs and a chest. That chest may have what you need.
You crouch down by the large rock. On a table next to you is a dirty oil lamp, and a blueprint of the mine.
You see a man standing by the chest. He is scraping the dirt from his nails with the edge of his sharp blade.
What do you do?
[[Take the felon down]]
[[Knock the oil lamp to the floor]]
[[Whistle and tweet like a bird]]You unsheathe your knife and dash at the man.
He cries out as your blade wedges itself into his stomach. He grabs you with both hands, a look of agony on his face.
He falls backwards, pulling you with him.
You flip over the railings of the platform. You THUD into the ground. You look up and see a man. He raises his pickaxe and brings it down on you.You push the latern off the desk and it smashes onto the platform.
The bandit startles and approaches your poistion, knife at the ready.
[[Take the felon out]]
[[Amble past him the felon]]
You put your fingers to your lips and whistle.
The man looks up, he stares in the direction of your hiding place.
You see him mutter and get back to cleaning his nails.
[[Back to the drawing board. What else you got?]]You crouch down by the large rock. On a table next to you is a dirty oil lamp, and a blueprint of the mine. The man hovers by the chest.
[[Take the felon down]]
[[Knock the oil lamp to the floor]]You unsheathe your knife and dash at the man.
He cries out as your blade wedges itself into his stomach. He grabs you with both hands, a look of agony on his face.
He falls backwards, pulling you with him.
You flip over the railings of the platform. You THUD into the ground. You look up and see a man. He raises his pickaxe and brings it down on you.
[[Raised platform (Got cable)]]You go to the entrance of the narrow tunnel. There are at least 5 men here.
Their pick axes rise and fall in unison. You see at the far end of the tunnel a box labelled 'TNT'. It may have something useful in it.
At your feet is a bundle. It has a wide brimmed hat, a cloak and a dirty bandana.
What do you do?
[[Disguise self by donning miner outfit]]
[[Ignore them and walk straight to box]]You pull on the trenchcoat, put the hat atop your head and wrap the bandana about your face.
As you walk into the tunnel you can't but admire the mineral wealth. The ores lace the walls like the tributaries of a great river.
Men block your path, you can't reach the box.
What do you do?
[[Collapse and pretend to have feint]]
[[Throw up on the floor]]
[[Give out old Herbert's cigars ]]You stroll into the narrow tunnel.
You hear a man shout.
"What y'all doing here!?"
The other men stop working and approach.
This was a bad idea.
[[You die|Head to narrow tunnel (Got cable, dynamite sticks)]]You put your hand to your head and fall to the floor.
You feel yourself being lifted up and set against the wall.
"Come on man" you hear a voice say. "I know it's hard labour but your mining yourself a future."
"Here", he says as he puts a tankard of water next to you. "This will help ya get back on ya feet."
He goes back to work.
Darn tooting.
[[Not working. Try something else.]]You put your fingers to the back of your throat and vomit.
It's not hard. You feel queasy as it is.
You look about. No one has taken notice. The loud PANG of pickaxes hitting the wall has muffled your retching.
The spew at your feet is green.
Well that was gross.
[[Dam. Gotta try something else]]You approach each man and hand out a cigar.
They smile and pat you on the back.
One says, "Well thank you kind sir! I do believe a break is in order."
They leave the tunnel.
You approach the box labbeled TNT. You open it.
The blasting cap is inside.
Awesome. You have one of the components needed to set off the dynamite.
[[You have all the components. Time to make things go BOOM]]Not smooth. Do something else.
[[Give out old Herbert's cigars ]]
[[Barf!]]You must find a way to get them out the tunnel.
[[Give out old Herbert's cigars ]]
[[Collapse, pretend to have feinted]]As he approaches, you put your back to the rock and slither around it.
With his back turned you amble over to the chest. It clicks as you open the latches.
You turn to look back at the man but he is picking up pieces of glass from the floor.
Inside the chest are 5 sticks of dynamite.
[[Head to narrow tunnel (Got cable, dynamite sticks)]]
You look and see two men walking into the dark tunnel. One of the men is wearing spectacles and you see him consulting a map with one hand and see a case in his other. The otherman is heavily scarred. He lights a torch and the pair walk into the darkness.
You slip into the tunnel and follow in the shadows. The DING of the pickaxes fades away as you follow the men.
"Now, I am still not so sure here is the place to set it off. There could be a great deal of ore but i'm afraid the cavern may collpase. Best to check for good measure," you hear the man say.
"But I should say we are blessed as we are. The amount of wealth here will not only yield steady gold, but sturdy work for a decade to come. Damn that Jove is a godsend."
Jove.
The tunnel reaches an end. You see the spectacled man bring out a piece of paper and scribble notes as he examines the rock. The otherman stands behind him, torch aloft.
What do you do?
[[Take them both out]]
[[Tell them there is an emergency in the cavern and people need help]]
[[Take out the closest man]]You dash forward, knife drawn. You slash at the scarred man. His blood lashes against the wall and he falls.
You stalk over to the spetacled man. He quivers and holds up his hands. You grab him by the lappels, lift him and raise your knife.
You then hear a BANG. There is a hole in your stomach.
Turning around, you see the scarred man leaning against the wall, smoke coming from a pistol's muzzle.
You fall dead onto the screeching spectacled man.
[[You die|Head to dark tunnel (Got dynamite sticks)]]You clear your throat and walk fowards. They turn and stare at you.
Before you have a chance to speak the scarred man whips out a pistol.
"It's her! The banshee Jove spoke off. Quick, get her!" He cries.
He shoots. You fall.
[[You die|Head to dark tunnel (Got dynamite sticks)]]You slither up behind the scarred man and jam your knife into his back.
He cries out and falls down dead.
The spectacled man screeches and charges you.
Before you have a chance to attack, he crashes into you. Your knife falls from your hand. He grabs your head in one hand and squeezes your throat with the other. You are pressed up against the wall.
Your blade is just out of reach. But it is so close.
Everything becomes blurry.
What do you do?
[[Bite the man's hand]]
[[Keep reaching for weapon]]You sink your teeth into the man's hand, biting as hard as possible.
The man howls and lets go. He grabs you and spins you around, away from the knife. You stumble back, your feet catching something. It's a lantern.
The man shakes his hand and grabs a pickaxe from the floor. You see another at your feet and deftly grab it.
He approaches you, weapon raised.
[[Swing pickaxe at the man]]
[[Swing pickaxe at the lantern]]You stretch down for the weapon, willing every muscle in your body to grab it.
You are pulled up. The man grabs your head and whacks it against the wall.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Then there is nothing.
[[You die|Head to dark tunnel (Got dynamite sticks)]]You swing your pick axe at the man.
It connects. But you feel a THUD and hear a SQUELCH as his pickaxe jams into your stomach.
You both collapse.
[[You die|Head to dark tunnel (Got dynamite sticks)]]As the man comes at you, you swing your weapon down at the lantern.
It shatters, and the tunnel goes black.
The man yelps you hear him stumble and trip. You raise your weapon, and take a step back from the noise.
Light flickers dimly as the man holds ups a lighter. He turns to face you.
You jump and strike. You smite him.
Using the lighter you check the case. You open it and see a black cable wound about itself. Perfect.
You have obtained one of the components to ignite the TNT.
Where do you go now?
[[Head to narrow tunnel (Got dynamite sticks, cable)]]You go to the entrance of the narrow tunnel. There are at least 5 men here.
Their pick axes rise and fall in unison. You see at the far end of the tunnel a box labelled 'TNT'. It may have something useful in it.
At your feet is a bundle. It has a wide brimmed hat, a cloak and a dirty bandana.
What do you do?
[[Walk straight on towards box]]
[[Disguise self to look like a miner]]You stroll into the narrow tunnel.
You hear a man shout.
"What y'all doing here!?"
The other men stop working and approach.
This was a bad idea.
[[You die|Head to narrow tunnel (Got dynamite sticks, cable)]]You pull on the trenchcoat, put the hat atop your head and wrap the bandana about your face.
As you walk into the tunnel you can't but admire the mineral wealth. The ores lace the walls like the tributaries of a great river.
Men block your path, you can't reach the box.
What do you do?
[[Feint and collapse on the ground]]
[[Make yourself throwup]]
[[Give out Herbert's cigars]]You put your hand to your head and fall to the floor.
You feel yourself being lifted up and set against the wall.
"Come on man" you hear a voice say. "I know it's hard labour but your mining yourself a future."
"Here", he says as he puts a tankard of water next to you. "This will help ya get back on ya feet."
He goes back to work.
Darn tooting.You put your fingers to the back of your throat and vomit.
It's not hard. You feel queasy as it is.
You look about. No one has taken notice. The loud PANG of pickaxes hitting the wall has muffled your retching.
The spew at your feet is green.
Well that was gross.
[[Feint and collapse on the ground]]
[[Give out Herbert's cigars]]You approach each man and hand out a cigar.
They smile and pat you on the back.
One says, "Well thank you kind sir! I do believe a break is in order."
They leave the tunnel.
You approach the box labbeled TNT. You open it.
The blasting cap is inside.
Awesome. You have one of the components needed to set off the dynamite.
[[You have all the components. Time to make things go BOOM]]You look and see two men walking into the dark tunnel. One of the men is wearing spectacles and you see him consulting a map with one hand and see a case in his other. The otherman is heavily scarred. He lights a torch and the pair walk into the darkness.
You slip into the tunnel and follow in the shadows. The DING of the pickaxes fades away as you follow the men.
"Now, I am still not so sure here is the place to set it off. There could be a great deal of ore but i'm afraid the cavern may collpase. Best to check for good measure," you hear the man say.
"But I should say we are blessed as we are. The amount of wealth here will not only yield steady gold, but sturdy work for a decade to come. Damn that Jove is a godsend."
Jove.
The tunnel reaches an end. You see the spectacled man bring out a piece of paper and scribble notes as he examines the rock. The otherman stands behind him, torch aloft.
What do you do?
[[Rush the pair]]
[[Tell them there is an emergency back up top]]
[[Take down the first man]]You dash forward, knife drawn. You slash at the scarred man. His blood lashes against the wall and he falls.
You stalk over to the spetacled man. He quivers and holds up his hands. You grab him by the lappels, lift him and raise your knife.
You then hear a BANG. There is a hole in your stomach.
Turning around, you see the scarred man leaning against the wall, smoke coming from a pistol's muzzle.
You fall dead onto the screeching spectacled man.
[[You die|Dark tunnel (Got fuse box)]]You clear your throat and walk fowards. They turn and stare at you.
Before you have a chance to speak the scarred man whips out a pistol.
"It's her! The banshee Jove spoke off. Quick, get her!" He cries.
He shoots. You fall.
[[You die|Dark tunnel (Got fuse box)]]You slither up behind the scarred man and jam your knife into his back.
He cries out and falls down dead.
The spectacled man screeches and charges you.
Before you have a chance to attack, he crashes into you. Your knife falls from your hand. He grabs your head in one hand and squeezes your throat with the other. You are pressed up against the wall.
Your blade is just out of reach. But it is so close.
Everything becomes blurry.
What do you do?
[[Sink teeth into man's hand]]
[[Stretch for knife]]You sink your teeth into the man's hand, biting as hard as possible.
The man howls and lets go. He grabs you and spins you around, away from the knife. You stumble back, your feet catching something. It's a lantern.
The man shakes his hand and grabs a pickaxe from the floor. You see another at your feet and deftly grab it.
He approaches you, weapon raised.
[[Swing pick axe at the man]]
[[Swing pick axe at the lantern]]You stretch down for the weapon, willing every muscle in your body to grab it.
You are pulled up. The man grabs your head and whacks it against the wall.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Then there is nothing.
[[You die|Dark tunnel (Got fuse box)]]You swing your pick axe at the man.
It connects. But you feel a THUD and hear a SQUELCH as his pickaxe jams into your stomach.
You both collapse.
[[You die|Dark tunnel (Got fuse box)]]As the man comes at you, you swing your weapon down at the lantern.
It shatters, and the tunnel goes black.
The man yelps you hear him stumble and trip. You raise your weapon, and take a step back from the noise.
Light flickers dimly as the man holds ups a lighter. He turns to face you.
You jump and strike. You smite him.
Using the lighter you check the case. You open it and see a black cable wound about itself. Perfect.
You have obtained one of the components to ignite the TNT.
Where do you go now?
[[Head to raised platform (Got fuse box, cable)]]You go to the entrance of the narrow tunnel. There are at least 5 men here.
Their pick axes rise and fall in unison. You see at the far end of the tunnel a box labelled 'TNT'. It may have something useful in it.
At your feet is a bundle. It has a wide brimmed hat, a cloak and a dirty bandana.
What do you do?
[[Garb yourself in miner outfit]]
[[Stroll on in]]You pull on the trenchcoat, put the hat atop your head and wrap the bandana about your face.
As you walk into the tunnel you can't but admire the mineral wealth. The ores lace the walls like the tributaries of a great river.
Men block your path, you can't reach the box.
What do you do?
[[Make yourself puke]]
[[Pretend to swoon and faint]]
[[Hand out the cigars you took from Herbert]]You stroll into the narrow tunnel.
You hear a man shout.
"What y'all doing here!?"
The other men stop working and approach.
This was a bad idea.
[[You die|Head to the narrow tunnel (Got cable)]]You put your fingers to the back of your throat and vomit.
It's not hard. You feel queasy as it is.
You look about. No one has taken notice. The loud PANG of pickaxes hitting the wall has muffled your retching.
The spew at your feet is green.
Well that was gross.
[[Darn it. Try something else.]]You put your hand to your head and fall to the floor.
You feel yourself being lifted up and set against the wall.
"Come on man" you hear a voice say. "I know it's hard labour but your mining yourself a future."
"Here", he says as he puts a tankard of water next to you. "This will help ya get back on ya feet."
He goes back to work.
Darn tooting.
[[Try another ploy|Not working. Another tactic needed]]You approach each man and hand out a cigar.
They smile and pat you on the back.
One says, "Well thank you kind sir! I do believe a break is in order."
They leave the tunnel.
You approach the box labbeled TNT. You open it.
The blasting cap is inside.
Awesome. You have one of the components needed to set off the dynamite.
[[Head to raised platform (Got blast cap)]]
You must find a way to get them out the tunnel.
[[Pretend to swoon and faint]]
[[Hand out the cigars you took from Herbert]]You must find a way to get them out the tunnel.
[[Make yourself puke]]
[[Hand out the cigars you took from Herbert]]You sneak up to the left, keeping close to the wall. The staircase creaks as you walk up to the raised platform.
There is a large rock sticking out from the centre of the platform, and beyond it, tables, chairs and a chest. That chest may have what you need.
You crouch down by the large rock. On a table next to you is a dirty oil lamp, and a blueprint of the mine.
You see a man standing by the chest. He is scraping the dirt from his nails with the edge of his sharp blade.
What do you do?
[[Take him down]]
[[Knock oil lantern off the table]]
[[Whistle loudly]]You unsheathe your knife and dash at the man.
He cries out as your blade wedges itself into his stomach. He grabs you with both hands, a look of agony on his face.
He falls backwards, pulling you with him.
You flip over the railings of the platform. You THUD into the ground. You look up and see a man. He raises his pickaxe and brings it down on you.
[[You die|Head to raised platform (Got fuse box, cable)]]You push the latern off the desk and it smashes onto the platform.
The bandit startles and approaches your poistion, knife at the ready.
[[Creep past him]]
[[Take him down]]You put your fingers to your lips and whistle.
The man looks up, he stares in the direction of your hiding place.
You see him mutter and get back to cleaning his nails.
[[Rethink tactics]]Gotta get to that chest.
[[Take him down]]
[[Knock oil lantern off the table]]As he approaches, you put your back to the rock and slither around it.
With his back turned you amble over to the chest. It clicks as you open the latches.
You turn to look back at the man but he is picking up pieces of glass from the floor.
Inside the chest are 5 sticks of dynamite.
[[You have all the components. Time to make things go BOOM]]You unsheathe your knife and dash at the man.
He cries out as your blade wedges itself into his stomach. He grabs you with both hands, a look of agony on his face.
He falls backwards, pulling you with him.
You flip over the railings of the platform. You THUD into the ground. You look up and see a man. He raises his pickaxe and brings it down on you.You push the latern off the desk and it smashes onto the platform.
The bandit startles and approaches your poistion, knife at the ready.
[[Time to take him down]]
[[Use rock for cover and amble past the bandit]]You put your fingers to your lips and whistle.
The man looks up, he stares in the direction of your hiding place.
You see him mutter and get back to cleaning his nails.
[[Not gonna do it. Try something else]]You crouch down by the large rock. On a table next to you is a dirty oil lamp, and a blueprint of the mine. The man hovers by the chest.
[[Take that bandit down]]
[[Knock oil lamp off table]]You unsheathe your knife and dash at the man.
He cries out as your blade wedges itself into his stomach. He grabs you with both hands, a look of agony on his face.
He falls backwards, pulling you with him.
You flip over the railings of the platform. You THUD into the ground. You look up and see a man. He raises his pickaxe and brings it down on you.
[[You die|Head to raised platform (Got blast cap)]]As he approaches, you put your back to the rock and slither around it.
With his back turned you amble over to the chest. It clicks as you open the latches.
You turn to look back at the man but he is picking up pieces of glass from the floor.
Inside the chest are 5 sticks of dynamite.
[[You have all the components. Time to make things go BOOM]]You sneak up to the left, keeping close to the wall. The staircase creaks as you walk up to the raised platform.
There is a large rock sticking out from the centre of the platform, and beyond it, tables, chairs and a chest. That chest may have what you need.
You crouch down by the large rock. On a table next to you is a dirty oil lamp, and a blueprint of the mine.
You see a man standing by the chest. He is scraping the dirt from his nails with the edge of his sharp blade.
What do you do?
[[Take that bandit down]]
[[Knock oil lamp off table]]
[[Tweet and whistle like a bird]]You unsheathe your knife and dash at the man.
He cries out as your blade wedges itself into his stomach. He grabs you with both hands, a look of agony on his face.
He falls backwards, pulling you with him.
You flip over the railings of the platform. You THUD into the ground. You look up and see a man. He raises his pickaxe and brings it down on you.
[[You die|Head to raised platform (Got fuse box)]]You set off the trigger.
There is a blinding explosion. A huge plume of fire and earth roars up to the cavern ceiling. Wood and rock splinter out like bullets. Men are torn asunder. There is a deafening BOOM.
<img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8c/Littoral_explosion_at_Waikupanaha_2.jpg"width="500" height="500"/>
Looking forward you see dead men on the floor, the raised platform destroyed. You then feel a shudder. A great vibration ripples through your body and the debris on the floor jolts and bounces. You see a huge slab of rock come crashing down. And then another and another.
Men are racing left and right. Great fists of stone taking them down as they shriek in panic. Miners dash forward only have to the tunnel collapse on them. You hear the rending of earth as the cavern starts to crumble.
Then you see him.
100 feet ahead. He's staring about at the chaos, large case clutched to his chest. Rocks fall down like mortars next to him.
You stand up and walk into the chaos. Your skin grows itchy and you feel a fury burn through your body. You can't take your eyes off him.
His gaze meets yours. He screeches and points a finger at you and runs towards the back of the cavern. You hear a bullet splat on the floor next to you.
You come to your senses.
What do you do?
[[Retreat back into the cavern]]
[[Race towards Jove]]
<audio src="https://mushishi717.yolasite.com/resources/EXPLOSION%20SOUND%20EFFECT.mp3
" autoplay>You push yourself further back into the cavern as bullets splatter against the wall next to you.
You hear the men cry out as a huge slab of earth takes them down.
You then feel the earth slip beneath your feet and you are crushed.
[[You die|Set off TNT]]You spurt forward, the mine falling about you. Great chunks of earth rain down like a biblical plague.
You dodge to the side as one slams next to you.
For a second you are blinded by the dust and when you open your eyes you see chaos. Everything is falling apart. To the left a man is wobbling on his feet, trying to aim a pistol at you. Ahead you see some of the cavern has fallen away. Red-gold light floods through it. You see Jove dissappear into it.
What do you do?
[[Follow Jove]]
[[Take out the man to the left]]You plough into the man.
You raise your fist and smack him once, twice, three times.
His eyes go wide and he meekly points above you.
You look up and see a stalactite drop.
It hits you.
[[You die|Set off TNT]]You ignore the man and rush towards the exit of the cavern.
You feel something hit you, and turn to see the man holding a smoking pistol. A stalactite drops and turns him into a puddle. The bullet has lanced your shoulder. You are bleeding but you barely feel it.
The right side of the cavern completely collapses. A tsunami of dust covers you and you are completley blinded. But you push on.
You swipe away at the grit in your eyes and see a figure loom out of the dust.
He bangs into you and you both fall to the ground. Your head bangs against a fist sized rock.
Dazed, you push yourself to your knees and hear the click of a gun being cocked. The man is aiming it at you, what do you do?
[[Hit the gun with the rock]]
[[Dive at the man]]You grab the rock and smack it into the pistol as the the gun goes off. The bullet rips through the top of your thigh.
You jump onto the man and he falls down beneath you.
You lift the rock and smack it down.
He jolts and then lays still.
The bullet has grazed your side. Your bleeding. But time is running short.
You see the shining red-gold light of the cavern exit.
You grab the gun and check ammo. 3 bullets left.
You shield your eyes and walk forward into the blazing light.
[[March on]]You launch yourself forward and crash on top of the man. You raise your fist to strike him down, but feel something hard press into your chest.
The gun goes off and the bullet goes straight through.
[[You die|Set off TNT]]The sun blinds you as you exit the obliterated mine.
When you next blink, you see you are in the desert. The cracked earth is a dirty gold. The wind tosses a tumbleweed past your feet. A man stands 50 feet from you. Behind him is a horse and cart.
Jove has one hand by his side, fingers twitching, the other on his holster.
His green eyes bore into you. Unblinking, unmoving.
You breathe heavy. Downdune Jove doesn't miss.
Shit.
You both bring your guns up at the same time.
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSI5LoAjU2M6a_v_T-yLuZO5wqWdRDy242W_iZ8P6AVvIQHoVzBvw "width="200" height="300"/>
[[Aim for head]]
[[Aim for stomach]]Your bullet misses.
His hits.
[[You die|Set off TNT]]You both fire.
You feel something crack into your shoulder. You spin around and hit the dirt. You look up. Jove is cursing, you've hit his leg.
He starts limping away. He is heading for the horse and cart.
You put your arms to the ground and try to push yourself up. It's agony. Great red blobs fall from your shoulder like rain. They splatter and then dry on the hard earth.
You get up. Every muscle hurts. You push forward.
Jove is getting nearer to the cart.
You can't let him get away.
It's a long shot. Highly inaccurate from this distance.
But missing is not an option.
You hold the gun up. You put one arm atop the other, steadying yourself.
He's getting further away. You breathe in. You breathe out.
[[Fire]]The bullet hits his back and he falls down.
You seem him crawl forward.
You breathe in and out. You shudder.
[[Approach]]You walk towards him.
Your coat flaps about you as the wind whistles through the desert.
There is a bloody line on the ground where he has dragged himself forward.
You reach Jove. He is lifeless.
His hat has fallen off. His dirty coat is dusty and bloody. The case lies beside him.
His gun is still in his hand.
You take a step closer.
Suddenly he swings himself onto his back, aims the gun and presses the trigger.
[[....]]You hear an empty click.
"Gad damn it..." He whispers.
He props himself up onto one elbow and spits out blood. He looks at you.
His full lips, tanned skin, green eyes.
"Rosalyn Le'guin. You truly are a banshee. Back from the dead and here to enact your vengence. Thought I'd killed you at the train robbery but I shoulda known we'd end up here. I shoulda known..."
"Well. What ya waiting for?"
You raise the gun. You aim at his head.
You lower the gun.
[["Why?"]]"Why?" Jove retorts.
"Why?! Cause you've the devil in ya Le'guin, thats why. Cos there was no stopping ya. 'Cos I saw an escape and I took it."
You stare at him. You feel strange.
"Why because Rosalyn Le'guin, you're the most terrifying bandit that's ever walked the earth and ever shall. 'Cos you've killed more men than shits i've taken. 'Cos you enjoyed every last second of it all."
You shake your head.
[[...]]"No?" He laughs.
"No?! When we first met, you said one gig. Only one. But then it became two, three, four. I wanted to stop, but you kept pushing. The caravans, then the jewellers, then the banks. You wanted more and more. And the bodies kept piling. You wouldn't let me stop. You wouldn't let me stop..."
You shake your head.
[[..]]"'Fore I knew what what had happened, we had a possee. Before I knew it, we had taken turf from every gang out here. Before I knew what had happened, the whole West knew my name".
He shouts at you furiously, "What then choice did I have Rosalyn?! Then what fucking choice did I have but to put them all down. To kill any sheriff or martial that came near. To make a name so fearsome that no one would come close. But they kept coming. And it was you that did it all. You kept, on, pushing. You wouldn't let me stop."
You shake your head
[[.]]But you know it all to be true.
"That mine there... that was our way out. The only way we could put all the blood and darkness behind us. It wasn't only a way out for me, but for all those men. A chance to live a life free of death. Free of terror. Free of you..."
He snarls, "And you took it all away from them. Why, you ask?!"
He spits and stares at you.
"Cos you're Rosalyn Le'guin. The girl that painted the West red."
Something trembles inside of you. You shiver.
"And you want to know why I really tried to take you out Rosalyn? Do you want to know the real reason behind it all?"
[["Yes"]]"Because Rosalyn Le'guin, there was no way in hell I would let you bring a child into this world."
He points to your stomach. You put a hand to it.
"Cos though I loved you once, though a small part of me still may do, the poor soul you birth will be a monster. A being of anger, violence and pain. And I wanted not to father such a creature. Killing you would have been a mercy to the child."
His green eyes finally look away.
The blue sky roams above. The wind gently flaps at your coat, back and forth.
Your throat feels tight.
Jove looks up.
"Though I have failed the child, I still wish him a wonderful life. Please Rosalyn, grant a man a dying wish. Just tell him... Tell him his papa loves him."
Jove smiles sadly.
"Despite everything, you're as gorgeous as the day I met you Rosalyn.
And I know our child will be just as beautiful."
[[-]]You aim the pistol and say,
"The boy ain't ever gonna know your name."
Jove's head cracks back as the bullet hits.
[[............................................................................]]
You put your fingers to the back of your throat and vomit.
It's not hard. You feel queasy as it is.
You look about. No one has taken notice. The loud PANG of pickaxes hitting the wall has muffled your retching.
The spew at your feet is green.
Well that was gross.
Only one more thing to try.
[[Give out old Herbert's cigars ]]You put your hand to your head and fall to the floor.
You feel yourself being lifted up and set against the wall.
"Come on man" you hear a voice say. "I know it's hard labour but your mining yourself a future."
"Here", he says as he puts a tankard of water next to you. "This will help ya get back on ya feet."
He goes back to work.
Darn tooting.
One last thing to try.
[[Give out old Herbert's cigars ]]You hover over the drunk man and clear your throat.
The man slowly stirs. He raises his head. Blood shot eyes meet yours.
"Well, I do declare," says Bint through brown stained teeth. "The lovely Rosalyn, here in the flesh. I thought you were snake food by now."
[[Ask about Downdune Jove]]
[[Threaten the man]]
[[Bribe the man]]Bint chortles.
"You think I'd say shit all to you. Rosalyn you're a serpent 'neath womens skin. You best be leaving 'fore I feel the need to make myself some snake skin boots."
[[Return to saloon foyer|Return to saloon foyer with pocket watch]]Bint chortles.
"You think I'd say shit all to you. Rosalyn you're a serpent 'neath womens skin. You best be leaving 'fore I feel the need to make myself some snake skin boots."
[[Return to saloon foyer|Return to saloon foyer with pocket watch]]You say you will lay him low if he doesn't tell you the whereabouts of Jove.
Bint stares at you with blood shot eyes. He takes a swig of his whiskey.
His other arm falls to his gun holster.
Bint puts down the drink and dabs at his mouth with his bandana.
He awaits your next move.
[[Stab Bint]]
[[Back off|Return to saloon foyer with pocket watch]]You pull your blade from your sheath and lunge at the man.
There is a BANG, and you fall to the ground.
You feel yourself slip away. Bint stands over you and smiles his nasty smile.
[[You die|Return to saloon foyer with pocket watch]]You push past the man and ask Esther if she has seen Jove.
Her eyes flare up.
"What ya trying to do? Get a girl killed?! Begone!"
[[Try something else|Head up and see Esther]]You see Elmon pull a gear next to the beginning of the track.
You start moving. Its sides go up to your hips and there is a switching gear in the centre of the cart.
"Why mam it was awful foolish of you to come down here. You don't think I know the character of your Downdune Jove?."
He laughs.
"It matters not mam. We're gonna be filthy rich. Filthy, filthy rich. The train money is going straight into this here mine. We're gonna turn this piece of junk into a gold spewing whore. And there ain't nothing y'all can do about it".
You cry out and raise your pistol at him, but you swerve out of sight.
The cart rattles downards. It jolts and you feel yourself jar left and right inside it. The lights on the walls are fewer than before and you pitch between light and shadow.
You are going very fast.
A junction is ahead. The left track leads to a dark tunnel with no light.
The right track has lights and is very narrow.
What do you do?
[[Push switching gear left]]
[[Push switching gear right]]You look up at the sky and feel the sun warm your face. Clouds are gently drifting along the azure. They are fluffy and white. From here, they look like different animals.
There's a horse. And there's a snake. And there looks like a child's face.
You wipe the dust and wetness from your eyes and grab the case of money from the body. It's satisfyingly heavy.
You put the case inside the cart and sit atop it. You look back at the mine, the body and then the sky.
"You know what ma boy?" You say as you rub your belly.
"They don't know what the hell they're talkin' about."
You smile and ride off.
<img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a2/Death_Valley%2C19820816%2CDesert%2Cincoming_near_Shoshones.jpg"width="500" height="500"/>
<audio src="https://mushishi717.yolasite.com/resources/Music%20from%20the%20Wild%20West%20%28royalty%20free%29%20-%20il%20Mercenario%20-%20Frank%20Perez.mp3
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