You're an agent for the emperor or more commonly known as the pope, a human who in the latter stages of his life picked you off the streets and raised you to do work for the royalty. You don't know your parents or what happened to them but the bitter nobility made the point that you're not one of them very clear from a young age. You're a young adult now and due to his detoriating health and a lack of control among his domain many nobles have run off attempting to seize territory for their own. And with that the pope's servants have sent you off, assuring they'll take good care of the the pope as you clean up the empires filth, it is very strange that all they offered you was a sword, a cloak which you wear to cover your face and a strange scroll designed to teleport those you capture back to the royal jail.
What do you make of this?
[[I just hope I can do whatever I can to help!->Duty]]
[[I plan to take this venture as an oppurtunity to attempt to find my parents->Mix]]
(set: $inv to (a:))
(set: $inv to (a: "Scroll","Sword","Cloak"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "inventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowinventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[(link-goto: "inventory", "inventory").]
(set: $STA to (a:))
(set: $STA to (a:"Healthy"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "Stats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowstats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[Check (link-goto: "Stats", "Stats").]
[[<B>CREDITS</B>]]
(set: $Brutality to 5)
(set: $Finesse to 5)
(set: $Empathy to 5)
(set: $Calculation to 5)
(set: $Tradition to 5)
(set: $Innovation to 5)
(set: $PopeFavor to 8)Wonderful work repaying the gracious acts of the king. I'm very certain he'd be quite proud of you- err not in a fatherly way however, He always was distant to you afterall
[[Embark on journey->Village Arrival]]
(set: $inv to (a:))
(set: $inv to (a: "Scroll","Sword","Cloak"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "inventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowinventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[(link-goto: "inventory", "inventory").]
(set: $STA to (a:))
(set: $STA to (a:"Healthy"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "Stats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowstats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[Check (link-goto: "Stats", "Stats").]Wonderful work repaying the gracious acts of the king. I'm very certain he'd be quite proud of you- err not in a fatherly way however, He always was distant to you afterall
[[Embark on journey->Village Arrival]]
(set: $inv to (a:))
(set: $inv to (a: "Scroll","Sword","Cloak"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "inventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowinventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[(link-goto: "inventory", "inventory").]
(set: $STA to (a:))
(set: $STA to (a:"Healthy"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "Stats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowstats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[Check (link-goto: "Stats", "Stats").](link-goto: "Return", (history:)'s last)
<h1 style="color:#ffa500;"><u>Gold</h1 style="color:#ffa500;"></u>
(if: $inv contains "Gold Pouch")[<I>Gold Pouch-<I/>A hefty pouch made from standard leathers suitable for carry 100 gold. Contains (print: $GoldPouch)/100]
(else:)[<style="color:#ffa500;">^^You have no money^^</style="color:#ffa500;">]
<h1 style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 50%);"><u>Inventory</h1 style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 50%);"></u>
(if: $inv contains "Cloak")[<I>Cloak-<I/>A simple cloak, not all to good for defending against strikes but wonderful for keeping your face hidden ]
(else:)[<!--Do nothing-->]
(if: $inv contains "Scroll")[<I>Scroll-<I/>A strange scroll with cryptic engravings, you mouth over the words and feel the tip of your tounge singe a bit.]
(else:)[<!--Do nothing-->]
(if: $inv contains "Sword")[<I>Sword-<I/>A standard sword issued to you by the royalty, it's needlessly engraved with a jewels at the hilt but works fine.]
(else:)[<!--Do nothing-->]
(if: $inv contains "Gold Pouch")[<I>Gold Pouch-<I/>A hefty pouch made from standard leathers suitable for carry 100 gold. Contains (print: $GoldPouch)/100]
(else:)[<!--Do nothing-->]
(if: $inv contains "Chain Mail")[<I>Chain Mail-</I>A mail comprised of compact chain links, nearly impossible to break with a swing from any blade but thrusting weapons are especially effective at penetrating it's defenses.]
(else:)[<!--Do nothing-->]
(if: $inv contains "Kite Shield")[<I>Kite Shield-</I>A tall shield resembling the shape of a kite, rounded at the top and about half as tall as you it is excellent for fending of barrages of arrows but tends to inhibit one's mobility.]
(else:)[<!--Do nothing-->]
(if: $inv contains "Bow")[<I>Bow-</I>A long bow made from a large chunk of palm wood capable of firing your (print:$Arrows) arrows. Double-click this passage to edit it.(link-goto: "Return", (history:)'s last)
<H1><u>Stats</u></H1>
<B><I>Brutality/Finesse</B></I>
(if: $Brutality >= 10)[
10/0](else:)[(print: $Brutality)/(print: $Finesse)]
<B><I>Empathy/Calculation</B></I>
(if: $Empathy >= 10)[
10/0](else:)[(print: $Empathy)/(print: $Calculation)]
<B><I>Tradition/Innovation</B></I>
(if: $Tradition >= 10)[
10/0] (else:)[(print: $Tradition)/(print: $Innovation)]
(if: $CharacterKnowledge > 1)[You know of the greusome abduction from your past by the king]
<u>Condition</u>
(if: $STA contains "Healthy")[<B><I> You seem to be unscathed from your adventure<B/><I/>]
(if: $STA contains "Tired")[<B><I> You're adventure has rendered you exhausted <B/><I/>]
<u>Relationships</u>
<B>Pope<B/> (Print: $PopeFavor)/10
<B>Wallace<B/> (Print: $WallaceFavor)/10
<B>Nobleman(Jespar)<B/> (Print: $NobleFavor)/10
<I>Bartender</I> (print: $BartenderFavor)/10
(if: $PopeFavor < 1)[(set: $PopeFavor to 0)]
(else:)[<!--Do nothing-->]
(if: $WallaceFavor < 1)[(set: $WallaceFavor to 0)]
(else:)[<!--Do nothing-->]
(if: $NobleFavor < 1)[(set: $NobleeFavor to 0)]
(else:)[<!--Do nothing-->]
(if: $BartenderFavor < 1)[(set: $BartenderFavor to 0)]
(else:)[<!--Do nothing-->] (link-goto: "Return", (history:)'s last)
You're tired from your days work, resting when you find the right moment should suffice, but for now you must trek on.You arrive in the small village, its the dead of night and you see a single gaurd perched on a chair fast asleep, slightly inebriated. This noble clearly is not ready for you, how do you approach?
[[Tie up gaurd->Trap]]
[[Kill gaurd->Trap]]
(set: $inv to (a:))
(set: $inv to (a: "Scroll","Sword","Cloak"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "inventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowinventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[(link-goto: "inventory", "inventory").]
(set: $STA to (a:))
(set: $STA to (a:"Healthy"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "Stats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowstats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[Check (link-goto: "Stats", "Stats").]You've remained unscathed in your adventures
(link-goto: "Return", (history:)'s last) You walk up the chair in which he slumbers but before you can even move you see a bright orange flare from underneath his chair and a steadily increasing crackling noise, you've triggered a rune! The gaurd shoots up awake and starts furiously chanting incantations to suppress the rune almost as if he was arguing directly with the hiss of its growth and before you can even comprehend what exactly is happening he's on the ground panting over the dispelled insignia. After a moment he speaks through his breaths <I style="color:#ff822b;">"You're with the pope right?"</I style="color:#ff822b;">
[[Remain Silent]]
[[Attack him]]
[["How do you know"]]
(Set: $WallaceFavor to 5 )
(set: $inv to (a:))
(set: $inv to (a: "Scroll","Sword","Cloak"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "inventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowinventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[(link-goto: "inventory", "inventory").]
(set: $STA to (a:))
(set: $STA to (a:"Healthy"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "Stats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowstats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[Check (link-goto: "Stats", "Stats").]The man gets up and you see his freckled and pale, aswell as sporting a few bruises on his cheek. His hair is a deep brown and curls at the tips, it is also slightly singed from what you can assume was the rune.
"Look kid, if you're with the pope, I'm here to help. But I am going to need you to communicate with me here. Let's start with your name."
[[Tell him your name]]
[["You first"]]The man gets up and you see his freckled and pale, aswell as sporting a few bruises on his cheek. His hair is a deep brown and curls at the tips, it is also slightly singed from what you can assume was the rune.
You see him jump back about a foot before raising his hands "Look atleast hear me out, my name's Wallace and I honestly just want to help I swear. Here let's start with our names.
[[Tell him your name]]
[["You first"]]The man gets up and you see his freckled and pale, aswell as sporting a few bruises on his cheek. His hair is a deep brown and curls at the tips, it is also slightly singed from what you can assume was the rune.
"I'm the king's servant, grew up just like you. You're not the first he's taken in" I can tell you more after we're done here, for now what's your name?"
[[Tell him your name]]
[["You first"]]
(set: $name to (prompt: "What is your name?", ""))
Wallace eases a bit
(if: $Youfirst is "true")["Well that wasn't so hard was it now?"]
(else-if: $Youfirst is not "true")["Well hello (print:$name) I'm Wallace, the pope has sent me here in secracy to aid you."]
"I know where the nobleman is, but first we have to get out of here the gaurds are bound to arrive at nearly any time from the noise that rune made, where do you suggest we go?"
[[Alleys]]
[[Battle the gaurds]]
[[Talk to the gaurds]]
(set: $inv to (a:))
(set: $inv to (a: "Scroll","Sword","Cloak"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "inventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowinventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[(link-goto: "inventory", "inventory").]
(set: $STA to (a:))
(set: $STA to (a:"Healthy"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "Stats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowstats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[Check (link-goto: "Stats", "Stats").]"No problem, I'm Wallace and I can assure you I am on your side. The pope has sent me in secracy to aid you."
(Set: $Youfirst to "true")
[[Reluctantly say your name->Tell him your name]]
(Set: $WallaceFavor to it - 1)
^^Wallace has lost favor in you^^
(set: $inv to (a:))
(set: $inv to (a: "Scroll","Sword","Cloak"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "inventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowinventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[(link-goto: "inventory", "inventory").]
(set: $STA to (a:))
(set: $STA to (a:"Healthy"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "Stats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowstats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[Check (link-goto: "Stats", "Stats").]"Ah, a crafty one. I'm certain we'll both have the highest chance of survival in taking the alleys.
(Set: $WallaceFavor to it + 1)
^^Wallace has gained favor in you^^
(set: $Brutality to it - 1)
(set: $Finesse to it + 1)
^^Gained Finesse, lost Brutality^^
You both creep off into the cities alleyways, sinking deeper into the shadows you notice an open window and a left turn culminating into a dead end. As you and Wallace try to decide where to go you hear the faint cantering of a horse approaching where you and Wallace just were, they wouldn't reasonably be able to see you but it may be best to leave while you can.
[[Stay and watch who it is]]
[[Climb into the unknown building]]
(set: $inv to (a:))
(set: $inv to (a: "Scroll","Sword","Cloak"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "inventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowinventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[(link-goto: "inventory", "inventory").]
(set: $STA to (a:))
(set: $STA to (a:"Healthy"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "Stats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowstats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[Check (link-goto: "Stats", "Stats").]"Face the gaurds head on eh? You're going to get yourself killed being that reckless, but you are the leader of the mission so I'll trust you."
(Set: $WallaceFavor to it - 1)
^^Wallace has lost favor in you^^
(set: $Brutality to it + 1)
(set: $Finesse to it - 1)
^^Gained Brutality, lost Finesse^^
You and Wallace prepare for the incoming gaurds when suddenly, you hear the canter of a single horse coming from the center of town. On top of it rests a relaxed figure in a red cloak with an aged face and gray stubble resting on his chin, he is accompanyed by no gaurds and appears to have no weapons on him. He rides forwards for before meeting you and climbing off of his horse. He speaks with a calm and relaxed voice "Hello there, I presume you've been sent into my city in order to bring me before the pope?"
(Set: $NobleFavor to 4 )
(Set: $GoodSleep to 2)
[[Continue Attack]]
[[Talk To Him]]
"Huh, you're not very by the book are you? Well I suppose we've nothing to lose at this point"
(Set: $Innovation to it +1)
(Set: $Tradition to it -1)
^^Gained Innovation, lost Tradition^^
You and Wallace sit there with your hands in the air your blades tightly sheated away. Eventually you hear the canter of a single horse coming from the center of town, on top of it rests a relaxed figure in a red cloak with an aged face and gray stubble resting on his chin. He is accompanyed by no gaurds and appears to have no weapons on him. He rides forwards for before meeting you and climbing off of his horse. He speaks happily and appears to be hiding a look of gratitude at the sight of your cooperation. "Well hello there! You're the pope's ambassador are you no? I'm Jespar, the nobleman of the town and I'm sure we can come to an agreement of sorts. I will give you a tour of town along with lodging in my personal keep for the night, the decision to ally with me or turn me in will be yours then."
(Set: $NobleFavor to 6 )
(Set: $GoodSleep to 1)
[[Decline Tour]]
[[Accept Tour]]
(set: $inv to (a:))
(set: $inv to (a: "Scroll","Sword","Cloak"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "inventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowinventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[(link-goto: "inventory", "inventory").]
(set: $STA to (a:))
(set: $STA to (a: ""))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "Stats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowstats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[Check (link-goto: "Stats", "Stats").]Double-click this passage to edit it.Double-click this passage to edit it.Double-click this passage to edit it.Double-click this passage to edit it.Your inventory contains (print: $inv.join(", ")).You and Wallace step a few paces back and crouch, waiting for the horseman to approach. You see Wallace press his thumb to his temple and his eyes flash a light green for a moment before he closes his eyes and scrunches his face in concentration. You hear the cantering come to a stop and a single person dismount it, a male figure with grayed hair and a calm look on his face starts looking around and squats down to examine the rune and chair Wallace sat on.
Wallace strains his focus more and whispers to you "That's the towns nobleman! What do we do?" You recall that you were given a scroll that could be used to trap the noble and teleport him back to the popes court but using now would lose any oppurtunity to get information out of him.
[[Approach him]]
[[Use Scroll]]You and Wallace hoist yourselves into the open window and seal it shut behind you. You look around and see a rickety floor with the wood tiling starting to peel. Upon further inspection you notice the walls are lined with different armor stands and a variety of old and battered weaponry, you look through and notice a set of chainmail that has yet to succumb to age alongside a still intact kite shield.
[[Take Gear]]
[[Leave for Wallace]]You charge the old figure and Wallace casts a ward of sorts on you that forms into golden wisps that swirl around you protecting you.
(if: $Brutality < 6)[You're melee assault falters and the old man sweeps your legs, dispelling the ward and knocking you to the ground "I just want to talk! My name's Jespar!"
[[Talk To Him]]]
(else:)[You charge the old man and manage to get a cut into his forearm before he staggers back.
"Wait! I just want to talk! My name's Jespar!"]
[[Talk To Him]]
[[Telport him back]]]
^^The nobleman has been wounded^^
^^Jespar has lost favor in you^^
^^Gained Calculation, lost Empathy^^
^^Gained Brutality, lost Finesse^^
(set: $Empathy to it - 1)
(set: $Calculation to it + 1)
(set: $NobleFavor to it -2)
(set: $NobleWound to 1)
(set: $Brutality to it +1)
(set: $Finesse to it -1)
Wallace looks confused at your methods, but intruiged by your boldness and creativity in the face of danger.
(Set: $WallaceFavor to it +1)
^^Wallace has gained favor in you^^
The man continues his calm demeanor and you notice him start to bear a slight grin in between his speech. "Thanks for the cooperation, I am Jespar or the nobleman of this village. I understand that I'm goiong to be collected and returned to the capital by you two correct?"
[["How do you know about us?]]
[["Yes"]]
(set: $Empathy to it + 1)
(set: $Calculation to it - 1)
^^Gained Empathy, lost Calculation^^
(set: $Tradition to it - 1)
(set: $Innovation to it + 1)
^^Gained Innovation, Lost Tradition^^
(set: $inv to (a:))
(set: $inv to (a: "Scroll","Sword","Cloak"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "inventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowinventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[(link-goto: "inventory", "inventory").]
(set: $STA to (a:))
(set: $STA to (a: ""))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "Stats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowstats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[Check (link-goto: "Stats", "Stats").]Jespar chuckles before his face turns into a grave stare "Don't get too confident in the subservience of the pope's court. I may be considered a rogue by your standards but many more men have levyed stock into my cause underneath the facade of serving your ruler. Of course I don't mean to threaten you by any means, in fact would you like a tour of the town? I'm near certain your mind will be changed upon viewing the happiness of the populace."
Wallace looks to you before making any further action.
[[Accept Tour]]
[[Decline Tour]]
(set: $inv to (a:))
(set: $inv to (a: "Scroll","Sword","Cloak"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "inventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowinventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[(link-goto: "inventory", "inventory").]
(set: $STA to (a:))
(set: $STA to (a: ""))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "Stats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowstats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[Check (link-goto: "Stats", "Stats").]The nobleman winces for a minute before you see his face tense up a little bit "Well, I have a proposition for you two in that case. I shall provide you all with a tour of the town along with permitting you to inquire the denizens in the morning. You may also stay and linger in the town during the night as you please, after you have experienced what my free city is like I will give you the choice to either join me or I will voluntarily turn myself in to the king's court."
Wallace is frozen stiff in the face of the decision and looks to you for guidance.
[[Accept Tour]]
[[Decline Tour]]The noble climbs back onto his horse, a heavily armored white mare that seems the have enough room to carry all three of you and a bit more. You don't know where he would be able to attain such a beast and the armor covers its facial features apart from a pair of glistening yellow eyes. As you and Wallace climb on Jesper lights a small torch and holds it outwards to light up the dark streets.
Your tour begins with the a simple retailing of the towns history from Jespar's perspective which differs quite drastically from the tales you were told in the court. Jespar recounts the details with uncanny accuracy, even exceeding that of the keeps historians and politicians to a degree. "The King was crowned precisely seventeen years ago, I at the time was the leader of a newly annexed village attempting to secure my village's safety. I was summoned to a council with the leaders of all the fifteen villages the king seeked to add to his domain, I remember his sturborness in the face of simple requests not offering a single coin nor grain of food to us <i>savages</i>!" You see Jespar pause as his shoulders tense up and you think you hear the grinding of teeth when the cantering of the horse is put to an abrupt stop before he continues amidst an exhale "All of the leaders were 'exiled' and never heard from again. I managed to negotiate my way into serving under him a noble, forced to enact his will while appearing to be a kind relatable face to the villagers..." Jespar's words trail off into incoherent mumbling and grunts
As you continue riding you arrive in the center of the town you see a thriving market that appears to be floroushing during the day. In the very center appears to be a series of pedestals if Jespar ever needed to hold an assembly of the town. "This is the heart of the town, anything we can get our hands on near instantly enters circulation here before eventually being bought." Wallace looks to be excited at this and eyes down a series of stalls that appear to have strange scrolls strung on the front.
An hour passes and you get the general layout of the town, the east end being used by the people as housing. Going down the streets you notice that on the front doors are different symbols and embroideries of religions usually outlawed in the king's villages along. The west end of town is the newest built part, containing a metal refinery and the barracks for troops along with several different guild houses spread about aswell as a huge tavern that despite the hour of the night, a faint shanty can be heard being played from within it's walls.
(if: $NobleFavor > 5 )[[[Continue Tour->Good Sleep]]]
(else:)[[[Continue Tour->Bad sleep]]]
"Ahh, thats quite unfortunate then" You see the noble shift awkwardly before breaking into a full sprint back to his horse. He's incredibly swift for a man his age and seems to be readying to jump onto his horse and run from the two of you back into the center of town.
(set: $Tradition to it + 1)
(set: $Innovation to it - 1)
^^Gained Tradition, Lost Innovation^^
(set: $NobleFavor to it -1)
^^The noble has lost favor in you^^
Wallace still exhausted from his previous dispellment of the rune leaves him too flustered to do anything more than summoning a few unnecisary sparks from his hand which only contribute to his fatiuge. You see him stagger forward in a futile attempt to chase the noble before falling to his knees wheezing and gasping for air.
[[Tail Noble]]
[[Help Wallace]]
Your muster up all the energy in your being and sprint forward lingering behind Jespar's mighty steed but are unable to catch to him. The chase lasts five minutes before Jespar lets out a sharp whistle followed by his horse reaching top speed shooting out of your site to the opposite end of town.
Wallace jogs behind you after a minute and leans up against a nearby stone wall very clearly fatigued from the recent events and speaks to you in between his panting. "Well, thats just great ain't it?! What do you reckon we do now huh (print: $name)
[["Wallace calm down!"]]
[[Use the scroll to return to the keep]](Give up)
[[Try and follow the noble]](set: $Empathy to it +1)
(Set: $Calculation to it -1)
^^Gained empathy, lost calculation^^
You rush to your friends aid and as you help him up you notice he's covered in sweat and his heart is racing beyond any reasonable speed. He nearly collapses again befeore falling onto you shoulder and clinging on to you for support before wearily raising his hand to shoot another spell at the escaping noble. You could attempt to imbue his spell with the scrolls in your pack and risk him tiring himself out even more or pull him away and allow the noble to get away for now.
[[Stop him from casting]]
[[Use scroll to imbue Wallace's spell]]As Jespar takes you through the town he leads to the very back where you see a modest house, of which a moderately wealthy merchant would be able to live in and points to it. "That's my house, you guys are welcome to sleep in any of the spare rooms aswell as wander it as you please." As he rides towards you notice that the door seems to have no lock on it before he dismounts the horse leaving it to wander outside before opening the door for you. "Your rooms are off to the right hallway, pick any you deem fit. If you have any problems feel free to get me or wake up one of the servants". He smiles as you walk in, the house is a modest cabin with a hallway to your right lined with rooms. You see a servant seated in a chair against the wall lightly snoring but still tensed up as if ready to awake at any moment. Wallace staggers towards one of the doors before shoving it open and before you can even peer in the room you hear a thud of him falling on the bed followed by a light mumbling.
Jespar walks towards you fishing something out of his pocket before presenting you a hefty pouch of gold. "Here buddy, this should get you anything in the markets in the morning." He bears a hearty smile as he walks off to the left half of the house whistling a merry tune as he goes.
^^Gained gold pouch^^
^^Gained 50 gold^^
[[In house]]
(set: $inv to (a:))
(set: $inv to (a: "Scroll","Sword","Cloak","Gold Pouch"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "inventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowinventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[(link-goto: "inventory", "inventory").]
(set: $STA to (a:))
(set: $STA to (a: ""))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "Stats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowstats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[Check (link-goto: "Stats", "Stats").]
Jespar sighs a bit before stopping the horse infront of the tavern. "That's it for the tour, thanks for having such an open mind." You see him reach for his satchel and scribble on a piece of parchment and hand it to you accompanyed by a satchel of loose coins. The parchment's print is too fine but you it appears to be some type of pass for a free room in the tavern.
^^Gained gold pouch^^
^^Gained 5 gold^^
[[Go to tavern->In Tavern]]
(set: $inv to (a:))
(set: $inv to (a: "Scroll","Sword","Cloak","Gold Pouch","Tavern Pass"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "inventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowinventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[(link-goto: "inventory", "inventory").]
(set: $STA to (a:))
(set: $STA to (a: ""))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "Stats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowstats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[Check (link-goto: "Stats", "Stats").]
(set: $GoldPouch to 5)You and Wallace both spread out into your own quarters greeted by a light mumble from the apparently dorment maid "Welcome... Enjo-" before the servants head rolls back and his speech reverts back into snoring. Your room is a moderetely sized dwelling with a small bookcase containing an array of different books that you remember to be illegal in the king's domain. Reading them would be heresy and the king would surely punish you if he were to find out but this may be the only oppurtunity to read such works.
[[Read Books]]
[[Go to bed]]You and Wallace walk into the tavern to resign for the night, walking in you see what appears to be a re purposed living room of a modest house with different tables layed out. You see a small stage propped up in the center of the tables and on it stands a young child merrily picking away at a lute for a small crowd of two or three late night denizens at a single table. Off to the right is a wide hallway with 5 total rooms, three of which appear to be vacant. At the very front of the saloon is a bar managed by a short old lady with grey hair and squinted eyes who waves at you pleasently.
[[Rent Room]]
[[Sit at the bar]]
(set: $BartenderFavor to 5 )You spring forward and pull aside Wallace's hands, they're soaked with sweat and are hot to the point of scalding your fingertips as you touch them. Wallace nearly falls over but manages to remain standing with his snippet of remaining strength. In the time spent doing this the nobleman rides away into the center of town, and is far from your reach now. Wallace teems with rage and slams his exhausted hands against a nearby wall at the recent turn of events.
[["Wallace calm down!"]]
[[Use the scroll to return to the keep]](Give up)
[[Try and follow the noble]]
(set: $WallaceFavor to it -1)
^^Wallace has lost favor in you^^
Wallaces hands start glowing a magnificent yellow that he's struggling to control as the spell forms. You sift through your pack and fish out the scroll, as you chant out the incantation you feel your mouth light ablaze as if you had just eaten a chili. The scroll crumbles and fragments into light blue ashes which coalesce into a plume of glowing magic energy.
(set: $inv to (a: "Sword","Cloak"))
(set: $STA to (a: "Tired"))
^^lost scroll^^
^^you have become tired^^
Wallace's eye tint to the color of the scrolls magic as throws his hand forward launching the magic forward like a shotput. The nobleman turns around sweat pouring down his face and his eyes filled with fear before he's slammed into by the spell. His horse skids lopsided launching him forward before you hear the scrolls voice boom through the streets once more before the noble is engulfed by the magic and dissapears. In his place a fiery blue vortex swirls from which you think you hear one of the popes servants speaking.
(set: $NobleFavor to it -3)
^^Jespar has grown to hate you^^
Wallace bursts into a coughing fit and completely collapses to the ground twitching while simultaneously clutching his chest. As his conditions worsens you see him start to cough up bile intermittently between his coughs.
Just as Wallace seems to brink on unconciousness you hear footsteps coming from the raging vortex. Turning your head you see an aged man in a brilliant white robe wistfully walking towards you sporting an aged face on which rests a crown embroided with mithiril and and even bright smile... It's the king!
[[Bow before him]]
[[Help up Wallace]]
You fall to your knees, no different than any of the previous bows you've fallen into before him in the many years of life under him. Wallace continues to struggle on the ground until you hear the kings smooth aged voice bellow throughout the street. "You have served as a wonderful spy and aid Wallace, your suffering shall come to an end within the hour if you should oblige and take my hand"
As he reaches down, extending a hand he brandishes a dissapointed glare towards you before reverting back towards him calm face whilst beckoning you to the vortex.(Set: $KingFavor to it - 1)
^^The king has lost favor in you^^ (set: $WallaceCarry to 2)
[[Continue->Teleport Back]]
(set: $inv to (a:))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "inventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowinventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[Check (link-goto: "View ending inventory", "inventory").]
(set: $STA to (a:))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "Stats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowstats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[Check (link-goto: "View ending stats", "Stats").]
You scramble towards Wallace, hoisting him up into a resting slant on your shoulder. His breathing remains unkept and heavy but he manages utter "Thank you" before breaking into wheezes.(set: $WallaceFavor to it + 1)
^^Wallace has gained favor in you^^
The king remains standing by the vortex with his stagnant face before beckoning the two of you forward. "Excellent work you two, I understand that this was no easy task for a simple party of two. I have ensured sufficient rewards and provisions back at the keep if you two were to oblige and walk through the vortex. (set: $WallaceCarry to 1)
[[Teleport Back]] You quietly creep out of the alley unbenounced to the nobleman who remains crouched now muttering calculations to himself attempting to figure out what happened here.
(set: $Finesse to it + 1)
(set: $Brutality to it -1)
^^Gained finesse, lost brutality^^
[[Clear your throat]]
[["We just want to talk"]]
[["Drop your weapons, now."]]^^Gained Chain Mail^^
^^Gained Kite Shield^^
You throw on the gear and after a few stiff movements grow rather accustomed to it. The armor will surely protect you from different strikes but it is likely to inhibit your ability to move around comfortabley and freely.
(set: $Brutality to it + 2)
(Set: $Finesse to it -2)
^^Gained brutality, lost finesse^^
(set: $WallaceArmor to 2)
[[Continue Looking]]
(set: $inv to (a: "Chain Mail,""Kite Shield","Scroll","Sword","Cloak")) Wallace slides into the armor and winces a bit at the heavy load before growing accustomed to it, you notice him movements remain a bit ridgid and dull with gear but he seems to feel at ease wearing the mail.
You remain unarmormed but you notice the balls of your feet start to spring up ready to exploit the freedom of movement they have whilst unarmored.
(Set: $Finesse to it + 2)
(Set: $Brutality to it - 2)
^^Gained finesse, lost brutality^^
(set: $WallaceArmor to 1)
[[Continue Looking]]You and Wallace scour the room afterwards and find a small door with similiarly wilting wood and hinges enveloped in thick rust. You hear nothing beyond it but it does seem to be ever so slightly wedged open letting in a faint smell of ale and aged paper.
Wallace gently presses the door closed, leaving not even the slightest noise before speaking to you. "It's not fair to just <I>sack</I> this persons house king's agents or not, we should wait until the noble is gone and then leave as soon as possible"
[[Go through door]]
[[Hide in armory]]Wallace clenches his teeth but sighs before responding and stepping aside "Lead the way sir". (Set: $WallaceFavor to it - 1)
^^Wallace has lost favor in you^^
(set: $Empathy to it - 1)
(set: $Calculation to it + 1)
^^Gained calculation, lost empathy^^
You push aside the door and cobwebs immediately disperse through the doorway. The room fans out into a huge living space, complete with beds stuffed with weary faced men snoring in their sleep. Their nightstands sport different blades and armor pieces which have been recently tended to. Parallel to them are different bookshelfs and tables with partially finished card games and empty ale tankards. There appears to be upwards of 100 men there and the remnants of a party still lingers within the room.
Wallace's face turns a bright red and he shivers, agressively pacing backwards into the armory. He grabs you by the arm and agressively motions to leave, sweat streaming down his face with his eyes darting furiously across his face.
[[Attempt to steal from the barracks]]
[[Go back->Hide in armory]]You and Wallace sit around in the armory, finding a small series of empty crates in which you squat behind and hunker down for the night at. The night is spent uncomfortbly with you and Wallace alternating shifts keeping watch for any gaurds and one point the night was so quiet you could hear the snoring of the men from in the other room. At about three in the morning you and Wallace creep away out of the old armory and wander the empty streets until you see the town center. It appears to be a marketplace that would be otherwise floroushing if it weren't for the hour of night. The night ends with you and Wallace creeping out into the forests for a small camp and to observe the town's happenings during the day hours.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE")
^^lost brutality, gained finesse^^
You slip into the room taking steps in between the snores of the knackered gaurds spread through the barracks, upon further inspection of the room you see three things layed out on a table far away enough from the slumbering gaurds for you to grab quickly enough. A small book with glistening mithiril gilding on its frame about 6 inches thick, a longbow crafted from a portion of palm wood with 4 arrows at it's side and a fur robe which appears to be made from the golden fur of some enchanted creature of sorts, your best guess being a manticore.
[[Take bow and arrows]]
[[Take book]]
[[Take Robe]]
[[Sneak back->Hide in armory]]
(set: $Finesse to it + 1)
(set: $Brutality to it - 1)You read off the scroll, the words flow out of your tounge like a snakes venom and scald your mouth. A gaint swirling purple vortex appears in front of you through sucking you all in with great power.
Your vision blurs into an array of varying colors before you hear the scrolls words eminate through your head once more and are left in the center of the kings court. A gaint room within his palace, with marble pillars, lined with golden swirls resembling thorns stretch up towards the roof. At the very back center of the room is a gaint throne gleaming with adornments of pearls, gold and draped in fine silk. Gaurds are dispered throughout his room weilding mithirl armor, decorated with wildly varying gems. They encircle you as you form into the room weidling similiarly adorned mithiril shields and weapons.
At the sight of the king they instinctually fall onto their knees in a similiar manner to the way you were taught, a few uttering prayers and graces related to his presence. The moment passes and few maids come in and retrieve Wallace to send him to the infirmary, as he is lifted up the king stands tall and takes a deep breath. Continuing his calm demeanor he bluntly announces "Ready the preperations for a celebration, it shall be held tomorrow night!" The king's look up confused at the notion of two simple agents being the center of one his celebrations. Nonetheless they rise up and scatter throughout his keep to attain the festivities, their chatter consisting of shocked whispers.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE") The noble shoots up suprised and flails his gaze from you to Wallace before straightening up in a suprisingly calm demeanor for someone who had just been started "Well you two are quite the characters, with the king right? I have a proposal here for you two. I'll give you guys a tour of the town on the house, you can rest here or set up camp somewhere else nearby. If you enjoy life in the town you may join and be given positions here I will willingly go with you to the court and serve whatever sentence is headed my way."
[[Accept Tour]]
[[Decline Tour]] The noble freezes in place before turning around to look at you. "Well that's one way you greet a pal. My name's Jespar and I got an offer for you two, you're with the king right? I'll give you guys a tour of the town on the house, you can rest here or set up camp somewhere else nearby. If you enjoy life in the town you may join and be given positions here I will willingly go with you to the court and serve whatever sentence is headed my way."
[[Accept Tour]]
[[Decline Tour]]
(Set: $NobleFavor to 4)
The noble looks back at you confused but straightens up presenting a flawless calm demeanor. "I presume you two are with the king no? I have here a proposal for you? I'll give you guys a tour of the town on the house, you can rest here or set up camp somewhere else nearby. If you enjoy life in the town you may join and be given positions here I will willingly go with you to the court and serve whatever sentence is headed my way."
[[Accept Tour]]
[[Decline Tour]] (if: $WallaceCarry < 2)[You and Wallace heave yourself into the vortex, as you approach in you hear a sharp hissing noise accompanied by a strange sloshing as if you were trudging through mud. The king flashes you a faint smile before accompanying you into the vortex.]
(else:)[The king drags Wallace effortlessly despite his age, as you approach in you hear a sharp hissing noise accompanyed by a strange sloshing as if you were trudging through mud. The king meets you with an approving gaze accompanying you into the vortex.]
Your vision blurs into an array of varying colors before you hear the scrolls words eminate through your head once more and are left in the center of the kings court. A gaint room within his palace, with marble pillars, lined with golden swirls resembling thorns stretch up towards the roof. At the very back center of the room is a gaint throne gleaming with adornments of pearls, gold and draped in fine silk. Gaurds are dispered throughout his room weilding mithirl armor, decorated with wildly varying gems. They encircle you as you form into the room weidling similiarly adorned mithiril shields and weapons.
At the sight of the king they instinctually fall onto their knees in a similiar manner to the way you were taught, a few uttering prayers and graces related to his presence. The moment passes and few maids come in and retrieve Wallace to send him to the infirmary, as he is lifted up the king stands tall and takes a deep breath. Continuing his calm demeanor he bluntly announces "Ready the preperations for a celebration, it shall be held tomorrow night!" The king's look up confused at the notion of two simple agents being the center of one his celebrations. Nonetheless they rise up and scatter throughout his keep to attain the festivities, their chatter consisting of shocked whispers.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE")
You skip the bar and head straight towards the rooms, flashing the tavern pass as you walk past the bartender and continuing after she strains her eyes for a moment and then gives you the nod of approval. You and Wallace both walk into your own seperate rooms before resigning for the night, your thoughts trail off rather quickly and with no books or anything of the sort to read before your slumber you resign for the night to the faint strumming of a lute from the saloon.
[[Get up]]
You and Wallace both pull out adjacent stools and the bar tender greets you with a slightly hoarse and worn but endearing voice "Hello sweetie, we're low on supplies but I'm sure we have something of interest."
Wallace thinks for a minute before turning to you "Well you got all the money here (print: $name) what do you reckon you spend it on?"
[[Buy a drink for you and Wallace]](2 Gp)
[[Buy a drink for yourself]](1 Gp)
[[Buy a drink for Wallace]](1 Gp)
[["Having trouble? Here take some gold"]](1 Gp)
(set: $Tradition to it - 2)
(set: $Innovation to it + 2)
^^Gained innovation, lost tradition^^ (set: $CharacterKnowledge to 2)
You flip through the different books with the majority of them being alternative perspectives on the history of the empire. The version you were retailed as a kid from the king was that the empire was formed from tradesmen coming from the far north who brought the concept of government to the local tribes. From here the tribes proceeded to spend the next 200 hundered years slowly being pushed back into the jungles and mountains until they had turned on the empire attempting a series of sieges. In his prime the current king had braved the savage wilderness alone to congregate with the tribal leaders in order to bring prosperity to the empire. This book's version varies greatly, it instead said that the king's people had been native to the area having no relation to the prosperous northern traders. Repeatedly sacked the local tribes eventually forcing them into submission, at the forefront of the tribes lied Jespar and many different chieftans who are now presumed dead pleading for sovereignty to no avail with the current king. You continue reading little tid bits when you suddenly read a passage that explodes into a grave distress.<I> King Wenelhiem was known to take many children of tribal warriors as payment, then raising them from birth to be his servants...</I>
This revelation leaves you breathless staring blankly at the passage left with nothing but the nights winds heard from outside a small window to distract the lingering uncertainty. Everything in the house is quite apparently dorment with the servant's idle murmurs nowhere to be heard and Wallaces light snoring being heard softly from the room adjactent to you.
Your thought patterns grow even more erratic with the night's passing and you resign to a state of utter dread and fall asleep.
[[Wake Up]]You sleep quite comfortably, by no means comprable to the lodging in the king's domain but it is bearable and if your standards were not set that high it would be quite luxurious despite the room's size.
[[Wake Up]] (if: $CharacterKnowledge = 2)[Your eyes are scattered with red veins from the restless night as you roll out of bed after hearing Jespar's servant ringing a bell from the outside the hallway]
(else:)[Your awoken by the smell of fresh bread being prepared and the pleasent aromas of different spices entice your interest outside.]
Getting out of bed you notice that the servant outside seems to have awoken and has yet to move from his seat and simply sits in his chair ringing a brass bell signifying breakfast. He smiles at you before pointing towards the left half of the house, where you seem to realize the aroma is coming from shortly afterwards. Going down the pathway you are see a small dining room tucked away behind an open doorway from what appears to be a refurbished room. Jespar and Wallace are seated across from eachother at a small rectangle table with an open seat remaining for you, they're currently in the process of drizzling a fresh stack of steaming pancakes with a coat of syrup as hearty as the smiles they sport.
[[Join them->Join them and eat]]
You walk in and take a seat, you're greeted by both of their smiles and their groggy morning hellos before a maid runs awkwardly balancing another stack of pancakes on a platter that she drops before you before running skittering back into the hallway. Jespar lets out a hefty yawn before speaking to you "How was your rest friend?"
(if: $CharacterKnowledge > 1)[
[[(Lie)Good, how was yours you two?]]
[[Quite restless actually]]]
(else:)[[Not as good as in the King's company but thank you]]
[[Quite good, how was yours you two?]]]
(set: $NobleFavor to it + 1)Wallace has nothing but pleasent words for his stay calling it "Soothing and a nice change of pace" and things of the sort. Jespar seems quite pleased with himself and thanks you both for the compliments before starting to chip away at his meal, followed shortly by Wallace.
[[Eat]]
[[Don't Eat]]
Jespar and Wallace both pause for a moment confused before Wallace speaks up first "What do you mean (print: $name)? The rooms are almost as well kept as the kings for heavens sake!" Jespar winces for a moment before returning to his cheery demeanor and eyes you adamantly waiting for a response to Wallace's remark.
[[Well I read something in your books that disturbed me a little bit...]]
[[(Lie) Just not useed to sleeping in a new place is all]]
Jespar slouches a bit in his chair but his smile remains nonetheless, "Well I suppose there is minor room for improvement afterall." Wallace laughs to himself a bit, clearly satisfied with the experience before the two of them start to chip away at their food.
[[Eat]]
[[Don't Eat]] Wallace has nothing but pleasent words for his stay calling it "Soothing and a nice change of pace" and things of the sort. Jespar seems quite pleased with himself and thanks you both for the compliments before starting to chip away at his meal, followed shortly by Wallace.
[[Eat]]
[[Don't Eat]]
Jespar's expression suddenly turns into one of sorrow before responding "Oh, I didn't think you would read those, yes you're more than likely abductees my friend. I was planning to tell you after you were to join my company." Wallace's face contorts into a confused look before his eyes dart between the two of you demanding some sort of explanation.
[[Tell Wallace the name of the book]]
[[Explain it to him with Jespar]]
Jespar and Wallace share a laugh before Jespar calls out the hallway to his maid "Get (print: $name) A proper room would ya?!" He shoots you a smile and then speaks to you in a comforting tone "I'll try and clear it all up for you two, I promise."
[[Eat]]
[[Don't Eat]] Double-click this passage to edit it.You all start to enjoy your breakfast, it tastes quite good but unlike the rooms is nowhere near comparable to the food served in the king's court in terms of the intracacy of the flavor, but there is a nice hearty aspect to it that you've yet to experience in any food. Your shared meal strengthens the bond between you three and Jespar even eases a bit in his chair and his speech starts to consist of less formal words and cordialities until about halfway through when he seems rather comfortable he cracks a question to the two of you. "Annnyways, you guys set to join me? Or no, wanna know if I gotta start packing is all." Wallace looks up from his plate for a minute and simply nods pointing Jespar to you to make the decision.
[["Yes, we will join you Jespar]](Join Jespar)
[[No, you should start packing soon]](Stay with king)You sit awkardly at the table while Wallace and Jespar continue to feast on the meal set before them, they both glance at you raising a brow in confusion before Wallace speaks to you with a partially full mouth "C'mon (print: $name) join us, it tastes great!"
[[Eat]]
[[Decline]]You tell Wallace of the alternative history accounts in Jespar's library and he is shook stiff with no visible motions or gestures being made until after a minute he speaks to you two. "I will go read this book, you two discuss terms and all that- err sorry." before he waddles away from the table back towards his room to presumebly read the accounts.(if: $Empathy > 5)[With your skills as a conversationalist you manage to muster up enough idle chatter with Jespar to ease the tension, eventually leading him on to describe his food with endless precision succesfully evading the awkard silence
^^Empathy Success!^^ (set: $NobleFavor to it + 1 )
^^Jespar has gained favor in you^^]
(else:)[Jespar awkardly sits there twiddling his thumbs, neither of you have the nerve to string together a conversation nor eat in the midst of the recent happenings.]
[[Wait for Wallace]]
You and Jespar spend the next hour or so explaining the intracacies of the kingdom's history both from Jespar's more accurate perspective and the king's distorted account. Through all of this Wallace remains deathly silent, not even sending off the slightest hint of an inquiry in his facial expressions through the hour long discourse.
At the end he simply utters a slurred and nearly incoherent phrase in a mellow tone "I refuse to bear the king's name-" He's starting to initiate the dispatch code to illegally end his service to the kingdom!
[["Wait Wallace, let's think this over!"]]
[[Join him in the oath]](Join Jespar)
[[Stay quiet]]Wallace grits his teeth before shrieking at you "What more is there to think about?! I'm breaking this oath, you can join me or it's your sanity that'll be destroyed!"
[["No my allegience remains with the king"->Join him in the oath]](Side against Jespar)
[["You're right, I'll start the oath breaking process now->"No my allegience remains with the king"]](Join Jespar)Together you join hands and mutter through the kings oath and claiming your refusal to carry through with the different clauses in it until you find yourselves at the end of the oath. "We refuse to bear the king's name for us Wallace and (print: $name) refuse to carry the burden of thou for-" Wallace turns to you for reasoning of oath breaking that should be stated.
(set: $OathBreakReason to (prompt: "Why have you broken the oath?", ""))
[[Finish Oath break]]
(Set: $PlayerOath to 2 )Wallace starts to mutter through the kings oath and claims his refusal to carry through with the different clauses in it until he finds himself at the end of the oath.
[[Join him in the oath]](Join Jespar)
[[Remain Silent->Finish Oath break silent]] About half of an hour ends up passing until you and Jespar hear a rather prominent sobbing from within the hallways followed by a series of agressive sniffling accompanyed by a series of somberly weighted footsteps. Another moment passes by and you see Wallace peek his head through, his pale face stained a horrendous red and coated with a thick layer of dry tears ending at his lower jowls. His voice is meek and coarse and almost embodies your betrayed emotions from your restless night before nearly perfectly, "(Print: $name) I'm breaking my oath, you're going to do it with me." Breaking your oath is the most agregious act one under the position of servitude to the king may commit but Wallace seems rather intent and well aware of the irreversible consequences that come with this."
[["Wait Wallace, let's think this over!"]]
[[Join him in the oath]](Join Jespar)
[[Stay quiet]] "We refuse to bear the king's name for us Wallace and (print: $name) refuse to carry the burden of thou for (print: $OathBreakReason)!"
The life you and Wallace thrived in through your entire life flashes before your eyes before you feel it all come to a very abrupt ending as if some part of your very soul has been ripped out. Wallace chuckles for a second before returning to his seat and you also realize that the scroll from your parcel has suddenly dissapated leaving only a glowing orange ash.
^^lost scroll^^
Wallace fixes his mourning gaze onto you before Jespar interrupts the two of you "I understand that this is a pivotal moment in both of your lives, but I appreciate your acceptance of my ideals and I can only promise to ensure the two of you's safety within my company."
Wallace simply gets up from his chair and starts to waddle towards his room quite somberly, his head hanging low "Thank you two".
The rest of your day is spent idling around town and touring the markets while reminiscing upon the recent events.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE")
(set: $inv to (a:))
(set: $inv to (a: "Sword","Cloak","Gold Pouch"))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "inventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowinventory")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[(link-goto: "inventory", "inventory").]
(set: $STA to (a:))
(set: $STA to (a: ""))
(if: (passage:)'s name is "Stats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowstats")[<!--Do nothing-->]
(else:)[Check (link-goto: "Stats", "Stats").]
WALLACE TEXT #ff822b
JESPAR TEXT #bf59a1
POPE TEXT #f5d60a
<I style="color:#ff822b;">test</I style="color:#ff822b;">
<I style="color:#bf59a1;">test</I style="color:#bf59a1;">
<I style="color:#f5d60a;">test</I style="color:#f5d60a;">"I refuse to bear the king's name for I Wallace refuse to carry the burden of thou for you have lied to me!" Wallace chuckles for a second before returning to his seat and glares at you, his eyes fueled by disgust "(print:$name) I'm joining Jespar, I suggest you do the same if you have any sense, drop the oath aswell."
[["No my allegience remains with the king"]](Side against Jespar)
[["You're right, I'll start the oath breaking process now->Join him in the oath]](Join Jespar)Wallace and Jespar both take a moment and lock eyes and a simple nod is exchanged until both of them spring out of the chair, Wallace sprinting over to the doorway blocking it and Jespar whipping out his rapier before slowly edging towards you whilst speaking. "C'mon buddy, I like you I really do. Who cares about your loyalty to some king who withers in his own home?"
[["How dare you insult the king?!"]]
[[Use Scroll on the room]]
[["I yield!"]]Double-click this passage to edit it.Double-click this passage to edit it.Wallace and Jespar both stare at you with a shared look of dissapointment and distrust despite everything that the three of you had gone through in recent they seem to only think of you as a drone for the king at this point.
Wallace's face is suddenly flooded with an expression of guilt and remorse but after another gaze at Jespar he reaches his hand out firing off a ball of glowing teal energy than engulfs your hand suspending it in the air paralyzing it rendering it useless. Jespar walks over and with one swift movement injects his rapier into the palm of your free hand before kicking you to the ground.
<I>Your muscles lay weak and tender spread out and your visions starts to thin out at the sides leaving you to the sight of Wallace and Jespar standing over you in a squat ready to lift you up</I>
As you're hauled out of the room you feel your conciousness slip even further from your grasps and despite your best efforts you succumb to your afflictions and pass out, leaving your last moments dazed and confused and perhaps regretful.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE")
^^Wallace feels indifferent towards you^^
^^Jespar feels indifferent towards you^^
(set: $NobleFavor to 5)
(set: $WallaceFavor to it 5)Wallace see you reach for you parcel but instantly fires off a ball of glowing teal energy than engulfs your hand suspending it in the air paralyzed with minor twitching. Jespar walks over and with one swift movement injects his rapier into the palm of your free hand before kicking you to the ground.
<I>Your muscles lay weak and tender spread out and your visions starts to thin out at the sides leaving you to the sight of Wallace and Jespar standing over you in a squat ready to lift you up</I>
As you're hauled out of the room you feel your conciousness slip even further from your grasps and despite your best efforts you succumb to your afflictions and pass out, leaving your last moments dazed and confused and perhaps regretful.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE")
(set: $WallaceFavor to it - 2)
(set: $NobleFavor to it - 2)
^^Wallace has greatly lost favor in you^^
^^Jespar has greatly lost favor in you^^Wallace's face is flooded with an expression of guilt and remorse but after another gaze at Jespar he reaches his hand out firing off a ball of glowing teal energy than engulfs your hand suspending it in the air paralyzing it rendering it useless. Jespar walks over and with one swift movement injects his rapier into the palm of your free hand before kicking you to the ground.
<I>Your muscles lay weak and tender spread out and your visions starts to thin out at the sides leaving you to the sight of Wallace and Jespar standing over you in a squat ready to lift you up</I>
As you're hauled out of the room you feel your conciousness slip even further from your grasps and despite your best efforts you succumb to your afflictions and pass out, leaving your last moments dazed and confused and perhaps regretful.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE")
^^Wallace feels quite bad for his actions^^
^^Jespar feels quite bad for his actions^^
(set: $NobleFavor to it + 2)
(set: $WallaceFavor to it + 2)Double-click this passage to edit it.<B><I>CHAPTER TWO COMING SOON(ISH)</B></I>
<Center>CREDITS</Center>
TRS was made by me(Robin) for my 8th grade game design and development course across the span of the last semester. I had alot of fun making it and learned alot about using twine and writing text based games.
Sorry that the game is really rough around the edges and that the play time is quite low on some of the branches, I had to finish alot of it rather quickly towards the end of the development process.
Link to Mr. Isaacs(My teachers) twitter: https://twitter.com/mr_isaacs
My blog: https://robinsgamedesign.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions or comments or anything of the sort feel free to contact me on discord: Cyrup#1883
(link-goto: "Return", (history:)'s last) <H1>CHAPTER ONE END</H1>
<B><I>CHAPTER TWO COMING SOON(ISH)</B></I>
<Center>CREDITS</Center>
TRS was made by me(Robin) for my 8th grade game design and development course across the span of the last semester. I had alot of fun making it and learned alot about using twine and writing text based games.
Sorry that the game is really rough around the edges and that the play time is quite low on some of the branches, I had to finish alot of it rather quickly towards the end of the development process.
Link to Mr. Isaacs(My teachers) twitter: https://twitter.com/mr_isaacs
My blog: https://robinsgamedesign.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions or comments or anything of the sort feel free to contact me on discord: Cyrup#1883
(link-goto: "Return", (history:)'s last) Wallace just shrugs before reimmersing himself into his platter of food, glancing over at Jespar you notice his struggling to wipe off the remnants of a slight frown from his face before he feigns a loud laugh and speaks to you and Wallace "Well you two, What's the plan? If the <I>food</I> is the problem then I assure that the meals in my company are made with <I>exquisite</I> tastes in mind. Annnyways, you guys set to join me? Or no, wanna know if I should start packing is all." Wallace looks up from his plate for a minute and simply nods pointing Jespar to you to make the decision.
^^Jespar has lost favor in you^^
[["Yes, we will join you Jespar]](Join Jespar)
[[No, you should start packing soon]](Stay with king)
(set: $STA to (a: "Hungry"))
(set: $NobleFavor to it - 1)Double-click this passage to edit it."<I>Wh-</I> Uhmm, ok I was- look (print: $name) can we atleast finish this meal here? Finish it on decent terms?"
[[Finish Meal]]
[["No, we're heading off now"]]
^^Jespar is aghast at your decisions^^
(set: $NobleFavor to it - 3)You two hastily clean anything on your plate while Jespar tries to make the most of this time, still continuing with idle chatter despite his clearly distraught mood. After half an hour he suddenly rises up from the table and cracks his knuckles. "Alright, horses are in the front and they got rope on them. I just ask that you do not pillage my town or hurt my people, please." (set: $NobleFavor to it + 1)
^^Jespar has gained favor in you^^
[["I'll try not to Jespar"]]
[["I Can't control the king's will]]
[["No, we will burn it to the ground"]]
Jespar blanks out staring at his plate confused and distraught before letting out a heavy sigh and even sniffling once or twice, this all happening across a period of about 30 to 40 quiet seconds. "Alright, horses are in the front and they got rope on them. I just ask that you do not pillage my town or hurt my people, please."
[["I'll try not to Jespar"]]
[["I Can't control the king's will]]
[["No, we will burn it to the ground"]]
^^Jespar is aghast at your decisions^^
(set: $NobleFavor to it - 3)"Thanks man, I really appreciate your open mindedness even if you didn't join me in the end."
Jespar gazes at you two with somber but hopeful eyes as you tie him up, as he's perched on the horse his pale face turns a bright red as he looks back onto the town that he once relished.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE") "You're right, thanks for giving me a shot (print: $name)."
Jespar gazes at you two with somber eyes as you tie him up, as he's perched on the horse his pale face turns a bright red as he looks back onto the town that he once relished.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE") Wallace stares at you wide eyed, even glancing at the sword at your side with questioning eyes for a moment before awkardly fidgeting while you two tie up Jespar. (set: $WallaceFavor to it - 1)
^^Wallace has lost favor in you^^
Jespar stares at you with mad eyes as you tie him up, as he's perched on the horse his pale face turns a bright red as he looks back onto the town that he once inhabited
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE") (set: $GoldPouch to it - 2)
^^You lost 2 gold^^
The barmaid brings you both a tankard of some strangely green tinted ale while apologizing as it is the only thing that they have in stock, after a very careful series of sniffs and nips at the drink you are confident that it is just normal ale infused with some type magic to increase its longevity.
^^Wallace has gained favor in you^^
The next few hours is made up of you and Wallace's merry banter and the two of you singing along to whatever song may have been idly playing at the moment. Your night ends with you both checking in quite happy and content, but your preperation for the next day questionable at best.
^^gained empathy, lost calculation^^
[[Get up]]
(set: $WallaceFavor to it + 1 )
(set: $Empathy to it + 1 )
(set: $Calculation to it - 1 )The barmaid brings you a tankard of some strangely green tinted ale while apologizing as it is the only thing that they have in stock, after a very careful series of sniffs and nips at the drink you are confident that it is just normal ale infused with some type magic to increase its longevity. Wallace's shoulders sag and he lets out a sigh clearly dissapointed.
^^Wallace has lost favor in you^^
The rest of the night is spent rather boring, you're in the mood for enjoying yourself but have nobody else to share it with. Wallace resigns early to his room without you and you're left alone to stagger back to your room alone late at night.
[[Get up]]
(set: $WallaceFavor to it - 1)(if: $GoldPouch <= 3)["Oh no, you've given me plently sweetheart!"]
(else:)[
^^You gave the bartender one gold^^
"Aww, thank you so much! Here, take this as a token of my gratitude!. She reaches out from underneath the table and drops a rather hefty cinnamon roll infront of you two, it's appears to be a few hours old ut still good to eat by all means. "I just happened to have this lying around, betting it doesn't go to waste." Your noses become instantly enthralled by the distinct smell from the pastry and down the pastry before the woman can even fetch tankards for any potential drink orders which she responds to with a hearty laugh.
(set: $BartenderFavor to it + 1 )
^^The bartender has gained favor in you^^
(set: $GoldPouch to it - 1 )
(set: $EatingCin to 2)]
(link-goto: "Return", (history:)'s last)
(set: $GoldPouch to it - 1)
The barmaid brings Wallace a tankard of some strangely green tinted ale while apologizing as it is the only thing that they have in stock, after a very careful series of sniffs and nips at the drink Wallace is confident that it is just normal ale infused with some type magic to increase its longevity and he speaks to you as he lightly sips it. "Thanks (print: $name), you oughta save your cash a little bit thought."
^^Wallace has gained favor in you^^
The night is spent attempting to keep up with the dazed Wallace's merry chatter, while you yourself stay in the backround of the scenery making sure he behaves properly and ensuring his safety through the night. You both resign to your rooms for the night, with Wallace's anxious nature at ease and your shrewdness as sharp as ever.
[[Get up]]
(set: $Empathy to it - 1 )
(set: $Calcualation to it + 1)
(set: $WallaceFavor to it + 2)You're awoken by a knock at your door at the exact crack of dawn, after tossing on your gear and stumbling your way outside you see Jespar standing at the front of the hallway with his chin ever so slightly raised toward you with his hands folded concisely behind his back and Wallace coming from his room parallel from your's rubbing the fatigue from his eyes alongside you. "Well hello there friends! I hope that my town's tavern has provided sufficient for people with such royal tastes as yours. Correct?"
[["Jespar, it's the crack of dawn."]]
[["This isn't even comparable to the king's abode"]]
[["It was quite good for what it's worth"]]Jespar chuckles ever so slightly underneath his breath before resuming the conversation. "Fine? want to cut to the chase, are you joining me or what? I got horses and rope set up outside for me if you choose to turn me in." Wallace's fidgety nature returns once again and he manages to awkardly shuffle away to the opposite wall, while further effectly evading the conversation by taking out a spell book and sinking his nose deep within it's pages. Jespar take's notice of this but doesn't instantly fish him back towards the discussion and instead talks to you. "Well, you are the leader of your duo then, shall you make a decision without him?"
[["No, I'll get Wallace"]]
[["Yes, he's not quite capable of making the choices for us it seems']]Jespar's eyes flash with the slightest hint of anger before returning to their resting inital welcoming yet fiery gaze followed by him sporting a rather prominent scowl, the most you've seen him alter his facial expression in his standard speech. "Well I'll have you know (print: $name) I always attempt to maintain the quality of the different amneneties in my town afterall despite the biased perspectives that come from you and Wallace..."
^^Jespar has lost favor in you^^
Jespar sighs before turning his gaze back to you two "Well, I came here to discuss the matter on whether or not you will be joining me in my envisioned town, or shall I turn myself in? I already prepared the horses." Wallace's fidgety nature returns once again and he manages to awkardly shuffle away to the opposite wall, while further effectly evading the conversation by taking out a spell book and sinking his nose deep within it's pages. Jespar take's notice of this but doesn't instantly fish him back towards the discussion and instead talks to you. "Well, you are the leader of your duo then, shall you make a decision without him?"
[["No, I'll get Wallace"]]
[["Yes, he's not quite capable of making the choices for us it seems']]
(set: $NobleFavor to it - 1)
Jespar's eyes flash with the slightest hint of satisfaction before returning to their resting inital welcoming yet fiery gaze followed by him sporting a rather prominent smile, the most you've seen him alter his facial expression in his standard speech. "Thank you (print: $name) I always attempt to maintain the quality of the different amneneties in my town afterall."
^^Jespar has gained favor in you^^
Wallace's fidgety nature returns once again and he manages to awkardly shuffle away to the opposite wall, while further effectly evading the conversation by taking out a spell book and sinking his nose deep within it's pages. Jespar take's notice of this but doesn't instantly fish him back towards the discussion and instead talks to you. "Well, you are the leader of your duo then, shall you make a decision without him?"
[["No, I'll get Wallace"]]
[["Yes, he's not quite capable of making the choices for us it seems']]
(set: $NobleFavor to it + 1)
Wallace sighs a bit before he shuts the book sliding it back into his parcel and walks over with his head dipped heavily down before returning to face you and Jespar. Jespar looks quite intruiged at your open methods but isn't neccisarily put of by it, in fact he even seems to admire your ability to treat your partner as an equal.
"Alright guys, I get you're just comfortable here and all that but the time for a decision is now unfortonoutely. I can't be running my town and attempting to survive on my own terms knowing that two people potentially carrying out the king's will are among my ranks, I'd rather die by execution that to have my vision of this town to be endangered or somehow altared in even the slightest form. As I have said you two may join in <I>MY</I> vision and if you seek to change it in any way, shape or form you can tie me up and haul me to the king right now, the horses are outside and ready for the journey." Wallace chimes in at the end of Jespar's rant (if: $NobleFavor > 5)["Well I think Jespar has been good to us so far right? I trust him so far anyhow.](else:)[I don't know (print: $name) I liked the king's domain alot more]
[[We'll join your vision Jespar"]]
[[No we will not join you on your vision]]
^^Gained innovation, lost tradition^^
^^Wallace has lost favor in you^^
^^Jespar has gained favor in you^^
(set: $WallaceWith to 1)
(set: $NobleFavor to it + 1)
(set: $WallaceFavor to it - 1)
(set: $Innovation to it + 1)
(set: $Tradition to it - 1)Wallace ever so briefly glances up from his book and shoots you an awkard smile almost as if to say <I>"You got me (print: $name)"</I>. While Jespar kinda scoffs at your choice and stares at you and then Wallace anylitcally for an uncomfortabely extended 10 seconds before contineuing.
"Alright guys, I get you're just comfortable here and all that but the time for a decision is now unfortonoutely. I can't be running my town and attempting to survive on my own terms knowing that two people potentially carrying out the king's will are among my ranks, I'd rather die by execution that to have my vision of this town to be endangered or somehow altared in even the slightest form. As I have said you two may join in <I>MY</I> vision and if you seek to change it in any way, shape or form you can tie me up and haul me to the king right now, the horses are outside and ready for the journey."
[[We'll join your vision Jespar"]]
[[No we will not join you on your vision]]
^^Gained tradition, lost innovation^^
^^Wallace has gained favor in you^^
^^Jespar has lost favor in you^^
(set: $WallaceWith to 2)
(set: $NobleFavor to it - 1)
(set: $WallaceFavor to it + 1)
(set: $Innovation to it - 1)
(set: $Tradition to it +1)"Alright guys, I get you're just comfortable here and all that but the time for a decision is now unfortonoutely. I can't be running my town and attempting to survive on my own terms knowing that two people potentially carrying out the king's will are among my ranks, I'd rather die by execution that to have my vision of this town to be endangered or somehow altared in even the slightest form. As I have said you two may join in <I>MY</I> vision and if you seek to change it in any way, shape or form you can tie me up and haul me to the king right now, the horses are outside and ready for the journey."At hearing this you notice Jespar start to wear an ever so slight smirk across his face before dropping his head down and falling to one knee quickly dispersing the display of satisfaction. "Thank you two, dearly. I promise to try my best to maintain your well being within my town and ensure your comfort and safety within my keep." Jespar gets back up from his kneel and adresses you both with his familiar stern but welcoming face and a slight nod "You may stay in the tavern for now and I will come see you two at a similiar time within the next week for any tasks I may need done from you two."
Before either you or Wallace can muster a response Jespar lightly jogs away out of the tavern, earning a slight chuckle from the bartender who is somehow still awake. Wallace stares off blankly at his room before mumbling "I'm going back to sleep (print:$name)." Before staggering back into his lodging with partially closed eyes unweary of anything you try and say to him.
Overcome by the overbearing urge to sleep you give in to your bodies desire and find yourself falling on the bed to resume your rest.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE") Whataver thoughts that were swirling inside Jespar's head are clearly disrupted and he eyes you keenly attempting to find any sign of jest in your tone, obviouslly failing. A minute consisting of failed analysis on Jespar's end comes to an end while you wait for his response and he just utters out a sentence. "Thank you anyway, the horses are outside (print:$name)... I just ask that you do not pillage my town or hurt my people, please."
[["I'll try not to Jespar"]]
[["I Can't control the king's will]]
[["No, we will burn it to the ground"]]You carefully sneak towards the table and take the bow and 4 arrows,
As you glance back to see if Wallace is still there you suddenly hear a confused and slurred voice from one of the barracks "Whuu-?" Looking over it you see that one of the gaurds has slipped out of his slumber and squinting quite profusely at the sight of you in one of his presumed buddies robes pilfering from their barracks.
[[Shoot him with the bow]]
[[Run]]
[["Don't say a word!"]]
(set: $Arrows to 4)
[Check (link-goto: "inventory", "inventory").]
(set: $inv to (a: "Bow","Chain Mail,""Kite Shield","Scroll","Sword","Cloak")) You carefully creep up to the table and run your fingers over the cryptic engravings on the mithiril gilding but feel a sharp pain embedd itself in the palm of your hand and you only prevent yourself from screaming by biting your lip. Suddenly a sharp shriek can be heard from the the first few pages of the supposedly cursed book awakening all of the gaurds rather quickly. "Who the hell messed with that screaming b- ?!" Cries one of the assembling gaurds but he pauses as all the gaurds realize your presence in the room.
[[Run]]
[[Fight]]
You creep over towards the table and You carefully sneak towards the table and throw on the elegant robe, you feel infinintley more affluent aswell keeping you a bit more warm in the coldness of the night. As you glance back to see if Wallace is still there you suddenly hear a confused and slurred voice from one of the barracks "Whuu-?" Looking over it you see that one of the gaurds has slipped out of his slumber and squinting quite profusely at the sight of you in one of his presumed buddies robes pilfering from their barracks. He shakes the person next to him who rattles in sleep before jolting up "WHAT TH-" pausing at the sight of you. This loud noise makes all the other gaurds spring up and all of them scramble for different weapons at their bedside and stagger out of bed to face you.
[[Fight]]
[[Run]]
The gaurds rush forward clambering on top of you(if: $WallaceArmor > 1)[(set: $GaurdsKilled to $Brutality + $Brutality )Destroying some of the chains on your mail and thrashing your shield but otherwise you're unnafected for the most part. Despite your strong condition you notice that Wallace has yet to come to your aid assumedly believing you can take on the entirety of the gaurd force at once. After a while your shield starts to resemble a porcupine from the amount of arrows littered across it's surface while your armor stands to dwindle from the onslaught of swings. After a minute of brutally cleaving through(print:$GaurdsKilled) you see Jespar kick down the door and charge into battle rapier in his right hand and a vicious fire ball shooting out towards you from his left, this combined with the efforts from his men tire you down to the point of falling to your knees until you're mercilessly kicked to a pulp by Jespar and the gaurds until you're knocked out cold.[[(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE")]]]](else:)[You're completely overwhelmed by the outragous amount of gaurds that clobber you down with pots,bottles and whatever else they can find in their daze. You fall to your knees, an arrow flying into your side imbedding itself in causing you to cough up blood and forcing you to curl up in pain as you're mercilessly kicked to a pulp by the gaurds until you're knocked out cold.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE") After briefly getting your holdings in the armory you and Wallace sprint out of the door, nearly breaking the old thing while scrambling to get it open.
As you and Wallace bolt into the night you notice some civilians emerge from their houses groggy but ready to aid their gaurd force with most brandishing household items or simple weapons at the ready forming a blockade of sorts in front of you and Wallace's path.
[["Wallace do some magic!"]]
[[Surrender]]
[[Use scroll to teleport home]](risk people following you)You knock an arrow far faster than he can articulate a cry for help in his dazed state which soars silently compared to the amassed snoring from the barracks and plants itself firmly in between the eyes of the lone gaurd sending him onto his bed face first. As you try to think of ways to clean up the mess you hear a slight humming from the body of the gaurd followed by him being sorrounded in an aqua greenish aura before levitating, soaring past you and into the barracks. "Get back in here (print:$name)!" The sheets also appear to have been cleaned relatively well with only a slight strange smell remaining that could be mistaken for the room's fragrance of ale. The gaurds however do start rustling in there sleep and you notice a few rubbing their eyes clearly disturbed by the recent spell. With masterful grace you roll back into the barracks sliding the door closed behind you.
As the night progresses you and Wallace eventually creep out of the empty barracks two hours before dawn and hide away in the forest, keeping a close eye on the soon to be floroushing town and plotting your next attempt at subduing the ever strange Jespar...
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE")
(set: $GaurdDeath to 1)
(set: $Empathy to it - 1)
(set: $Calculation to it + 1)
(set: $Finesse to it + 1)
(set: $Brutality to it - 1)You bark out this command quiet enough to leave the rest of the gaurds undisturbed while the man stares at you wide jawed as you continue to fix the bow right on him, he is remaining quiet at your command.
^^Gained calculation, lost empathy^^
^^Gained tradtion, lost innovation^^
[["You saw nothing here! Go back to bed"]]
[[Take him hostage]]
[[Kill Him->Shoot him with the bow]]
(set: $Empathy to it - 1)
(set: $Calculation to it + 1)
(set: $Tradition to it - 1)
(set: $Innovation to it + 1)The man's lip quivers unable to articulate a response instead he dives for his covers completley submerging himself in his sheets to the point where you doubt he can even properly breath making no attempt to resist or call for help. You suddenly hear Wallace from the doorway unveil what is possibly the most silent varient of a tirade you have ever seen upon you "Get out of there. Now, that guys gonna get his buddies on us the second he can we gotta run (print:$name)!"
[[Return to armory]]
You slowly walk over making sure the man makes no sudden movements while you continue to keep your eyes set to shoot him if needed. After reaching swinging range of him you knock him over the head sending him flailing onto his bed limp for the time being. After a minute of trying to figure out what to do with him you see his body become envoloped in a light greenish glow as well as a light buzzing noise to start to eminate from it. The body starts levitating, flying past you and into the now open doorway where you see Wallace voilently motioning for you to come back. The buzzing was quiet enough to not instantly wake up the gaurds but you do notice a few start rolling in their sleep and even one or two start rubbing his eyes in partial conciousness. You slither back into the room with little effort evading the closed eyes and inactive ears of the gaurds with relative ease until you're back in the the cramped but safe armory. Wallace starts to mutter an incantation breaking the silence of the armory which binds the man's arms tightly forcing his muscles into a state of perpetual paralysis for potentially the rest of the night.
An hour or two passes and you hear the voice of Jespar coming from outside the armory speaking to a couple of gaurds. They are approaching at a walking speed and will definitely check the armory in a second.
[["We have one of your boys!"]]
[[Remain quiet]]You and Wallace get out of the armory as fast as possible as wander the streets for as much as possible until they to are flooded with search parties looking for you and you are forced to look to look elswhere for refuge...
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE") Double-click this passage to edit it.You attempts to ease Wallace only result in him adding kicks to his roster in the crusade against the tryanicall brick wall. He speaks to you while intermintently striking the wall with his coarse and sorrowful voice "(print: $name), that was quite literally <I>THE</I> worst thing you could have possibly done in that situation! What gives?!"
[["You looked like you were going to die!"]]
[["Look Wallace, let's just go set up camp in the woods and rest for the night ok?"]]
[["Let's go home Wallace, we still have the scroll]]
[[Say nothing]]You let out a heavy sigh at your overwhelming defeat today and decide to call it quits, summoning the vortex to the keep you see it tear open a swirling voilet portal that lets out a loud whirring noise resembling that of a riptide. Wallace screams at the realization of heading back and punches the wall so hard that his blood streams down his fingertips from the cracked skin and a loud <I>thud</I> can be heard. Wallace files into the vortex, paying no heed to your watching of him and disspears into the ethereal mist. Follow shortly behind him and see that you've right infront of the king's throne, Wallace is nowhere to be seen and the king stares you still quite frail and sickly with a maid at his side with a look of dissapointment and confusion.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE")You follow the general path that the noble took, leaving Wallace to deal with his own sorrow alone.
The path comes to a dead end in the towns center, what seems to be a bustling market lined with different stalls aswell as a podium in the center but is desolate during the night for obvious reasons.
^^Gained calculation, lost empathy^^
Wallace eventually catches up to you as you attempt to regain a lead on the noble and speaks to you with his coarse and sorrowful voice "(print: $name), that was quite literally <I>THE</I> worst thing you could have possibly done in that situation! What gives?!"
[["You looked like you were going to die!"]]
[["Look Wallace, let's just go set up camp in the woods and rest for the night ok?"]]
[["Let's go home Wallace, we still have the scroll]]
[[Say nothing]]
(set: $Empathy to it - 1)
(set: $Calculation to it + 1)Wallace pauses for a moment when and wipes away the ocean of sweat resting on his forehead "Well, who cares?! We got a job to do and I ain't gonna take orders from someone who doesn't put that first!" Wallace stares at you his eyes soaked with rage and tears before he stomps off towards the woods "I'm setting up camp, get your act together and the morning and then talk to me!"
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE")"Sure, but you oughta get your act together by morning and don't think for a second that you can talk to me before that!" Wallace stomps ahead of you towards the woods.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE")"You <I>COWARD</I>! No way, you can go on ahead but I'm staying here until I get the job done (print:$name)!" Wallace stomps off towards to the woods "If you're even here in the morning feel free to talk to me when you're act's together."
^^Wallace has lost favor in you^^
(set: $WallaceFavor to it - 1)
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE")Wallace cracks you across the face with his fist but pulls back last second and let's out a deep exhale. "I'm sorry (print:$name), I'm not the best at this working as a team thing thats why I try and just take orders. Let's just set up camp in the woods for now, I'll talk to you when I have my act together.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE")"Uhh, alright!" Wallace sprints ahead of you and flings his arm forwards as if throwing a card launching a huge green fireball into the crowd of civilians. The initial blast sends the people flying everywhere and clears a passage for you and Wallace to run into the night...
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE") You and Wallace throw up your arms and are immidietly bombarded with knives, stones and arrows without concern until you're both on your side coughing up blood. Jespar's men tie you two up and haul you away before you find yourself fade into slumber from your wounds...
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE") You shoot your arm forwards speeding through the incantation inadvertently burning the front portion of your tounge with the magic. A shadowy purple vortex appears infront of you and Wallace a loud buzzing noise accompanying its whirling as you two throw yourselves in hurriedly.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE")
The door slides open and for a second the gaurd is stunned before he manages to pull himself together and draws his sword charging into the room "Oi they got Mitch tied up in here fellas!". You see Jespar follow from shortly behind the gaurd holding the lavishly embroided book from the hall in his left hand and his rapier in the other.
[["Wait! We can negotiate for this man's life"]]
[[Fight back]]Eventually you hear one of the gaurds whistle a tune idly as he opens the door while Wallace can be seen conjuring a glowing green knife which he pins to the hostages throat. The door creaks open and for a second the gaurd is stunned before he manages to pull himself together and draws his sword charging into the room "Oi they got Mitch tied up in here fellas!". You see Jespar follow from shortly behind the gaurd holding the lavishly embroided book from the hall in his left hand and his rapier in the other.
[["Wait! We can negotiate for this man's life"]]
[[Fight back]]Jespar stops in the middle of his poised stance and shouts out to you "I don't negotiate with filthy royalty! <I>Stand down at once or I assure that you'll sustain pain that's inexplicable to the human mind!</I>
[["We'll hand him over if you come with us to the court with no resistance."]]
[["No, he's a hostage"]]
[[Kill the man]]You charge forward into the duo succesfully slashing the gaurd across the face, causing him to collapse to the ground in agony while Jespar jumps infront of him nearly stabbing you. Wallace starts to shoot out fiery green beams of energy into the ensuing gaurds that have starting to pour into the room.
You and Wallace manage to bottleneck the gaurds at the doorway for about ten minutes before you hear the back door from which you entered the armory shatter into splinters by a force of gaurds set out to flank you. Wallace panicks and tries to shoot down as many of the stampeding men as possible but is quickly tackled by four men and is starting to get kicked relentlessy. The impeding forces quickly sorround you and despite your best efforts you sustain several brutal scars from the battle and pass out from tremendous amounts of blood loss.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE") Jespar closes his eyes and sighs very deeply before staring at you "Then I want your boy to stay with my boys as collateral" Just points to Wallace before returing his gaze to you and waiting for your response.
[[Accept Terms]]
[[Decline Terms]]"To hell with diplomacy, that's what screwed me over in the first place! You're outnumbered, relent or die!." Jespar springs forward with enormous speeds that you've never seen him conjure before and plunges his rapier deep into your right shoulder sending shockwaves of pain down your body. "<I> Surrender. NOW</I>
[[Don't Surrender]]
[[Surrender->Surrender1]]At your command Wallace presses the ethereal knife to the mans throat, ending his life in an instant. Jespar shrieks in rage him and his men pool into the room like swarming insects engulfing you and Wallace. Your last sight is you and Wallace back to back valiently fighting until a huge cudgel flies into your chest flinging you back with a loud thud against the wall knocking you out...
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "Continue") You reluctantly accept the terms to the agreement and a few of Jespar's men walk in and grab Wallace by the arms and begin tieing him up. It takes Wallace a moment to even realize what had just happens but when he does he looks at you with eyes filled with anger and betrayal from his binds.
(set: $WallaceFavor to it - 4)
^^Wallace has grown to hate you^^
As Wallace is dragged away Jespar walks up chuckling "Good choice, now don't you guys get a scroll or something? Or are we going to have to walk our way back?"
[["No, we'll have to walk"]](Lie)
[[Yeah, right here"]]Jespar spits in your face before screaming for his men to flood the room. You and Wallace fight back to back valiently for a few minutes before you both succumb to a combination of fatigue and accumulated blood loss. Your last sight is a gaurd looting Wallace's unconcious body and you being tied up.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "Continue") Jespar lets out a hearty laugh nearly falling over "Well, I should've figured you weren't that competent then." He extends his hand out pointing the face of the book to you and it lets it flies open on it's own letting out blood curdling screams knocking you to the ground on your knees covering your ears in pain.
Another minute passes away and you barely recover from the shock, finding your arms and legs nearly bound by a group of gaurds and a thick layer of spit, presumebly ammased from Jespar and the gaurds on your face.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "Continue") Jespar starts glancing around, tensing up before you quickly reach into your pack blurting out the scroll before he can do anything.
^^lost scroll^^
You summon forth a giant whirling purple vortex that enlarges, engulfing both you and Jespar before he can do anything.
Jespar kicks you in the stomach sparing no pain and tears his rapier down your arm ripping it open before he lets out another mighty kick on the open wound throwing you back onto the ground. You pass out shortly afterwards to the sigh of Jespar standing over you calling his men to your side to tie you up.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "Continue") Jespar kicks you in the stomach sparing no pain and tears his rapier down your arm ripping it open before he lets out another mighty kick on the open wound throwing you back onto the ground. You pass out shortly afterwards to the sigh of Jespar standing over you calling his men to your side to tie you up.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "Continue") You read off the scroll, the words flow out of your tounge like a snakes venom and scald your mouth. A gaint swirling purple vortex appears in front of you through sucking you all in with great power.
Your vision blurs into an array of varying colors before you hear the scrolls words eminate through your head once more and are left in the center of the kings court. A gaint room within his palace, with marble pillars, lined with golden swirls resembling thorns stretch up towards the roof. At the very back center of the room is a gaint throne gleaming with adornments of pearls, gold and draped in fine silk. Gaurds are dispered throughout his room weilding mithirl armor, decorated with wildly varying gems. They encircle you as you form into the room weidling similiarly adorned mithiril shields and weapons.
At the sight of the king they instinctually fall onto their knees in a similiar manner to the way you were taught, a few uttering prayers and graces related to his presence. The moment passes and few maids come in and retrieve Wallace to send him to the infirmary, as he is lifted up the king stands tall and takes a deep breath. Continuing his calm demeanor he bluntly announces "Ready the preperations for a celebration, it shall be held tomorrow night!" The king's look up confused at the notion of two simple agents being the center of one his celebrations. Nonetheless they rise up and scatter throughout his keep to attain the festivities, their chatter consisting of shocked whispers.
(link-goto: "CONTINUE", "CONTINUE")
(set: $SpeedAch to 2)Double-click this passage to edit it.