Pilgrim

The sound of thunder awakens you. You open your eyes to observe a dimly lit cabin. There is the steady drumming of rain against the window glass. [[Get up]] [[Lie in bed, go back to sleep]]

You omit a low groan and rise upward from your bed. There is another crack of thunder... louder... The cabin begins to rock and shift... [[Attempt to walk forwards]]

You close your eyes and attempt to sleep once again. In the darkness there are thoughts waiting for you. Merely closing his eyes will not suffice. [[Attempt to banish these thoughts.]]

It is no use. Your thoughts are restless as the tides.... [[Get up]]

(text-style: "shudder")[You stagger forwards, struggling to maintain your balance...] [[Attempt to regain your balance]] <audio src ="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Wispy_Wind_2.mp3" autoplay>

You walk towards the drinks cabinet...a dark mahogany antique. The symbol of 'The Eye' is inscribed upon it's surface. [[Inspect the eye]] [[Open the cabinet]]

Holy symbol of the 'Luminus Dei.' <img src="https://i.ibb.co/tYPw5ms/All-Seeing-Eye-Eye-Of-Providence-Symbol-And-Its-Meaning.png" width="400" height="400"> [[Try to remember the signifcance of the symbol.]] [[Open the cabinet]]

You see a single bottle of whiskey on the shelf. Drinking straight from the bottle you take a few deep swigs. The taste is strong and bitter... [[Keep drinking]]

(set: $intoxication to 1) You're already getting a light buzz from the drink... [[Keep drinking...]] [[Refrain from drinking. Such indulgence is a sin...]] Your (text-colour: "green")[**Intoxication**] is (print: $intoxication)

Stepping forwards you inspect the symbol more closely. It appears to be the symbol of a Holy Order. 'Ordinis Sanctia'. This organization orginates from your homeland... (set: $Erudition to '2') Your (text-colour: "red")[**Erudition**] increased. Your (text-colour: "red")[**Erudition**] is now (print: $Erudition) [[Head Towards the Desk]]

You drink more whiskey straight from the bottle. The bitter taste makes you want to retch, yet you keep going reagrdless. The cabin is now starting to slowly spin around you...and it's not just the storm, you begin to realise... (set: $intoxication to 2) Your (text-colour: "green")[**Intoxication**] is (print: $intoxication) [[Refrain from drinking. Such indulgence is a sin...]] [[Head Towards the Desk]]

[[Head Towards the Desk]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/Lr3TMS0/maxresdefault.jpg"> You see a dark mahogany desk before you. Approaching the desk you find a letter and a book upon it. [[Pick up the letter]] [[Pick up the book]] <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Wispy_Wind_2.mp3" autoplay>

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/82TvvvZ/1.jpg" alt="1" border="0"></a> <span style="font-size: 250%">(text-style: "italic")[**PILGRIM: PART I**]</span> [[Begin]] <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/The-Darkness-Below_Looping.mp3" autoplay loop>

With some effort you manage to regain your footing. [[Head towards the drinks cabinet]] [[Head Towards the Desk]] <audio src ="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Wispy_Wind_2.mp3" autoplay>

[[Read Letter]] <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Wispy_Wind_2.mp3" autoplay>

A leather-bound tome. There is an eye symbol inscribed upon its surface. Below, a title in gold lettering. (text-style: "italic")[**Ordinis Santcias**] [[Read a page.]] [[]]

(text-style: "italic")[Lorenzo, I suspect that this will be the last time I write to you. By now, you will be sailing across the great sea, bound for the Southern Continent. I admire your devotion and loyalty towards the order.] [[Continue to read]] <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Wispy_Wind_2.mp3" autoplay>

(text-style: "italic")[They granted you this opportunity, to find this new world. To spread the good word of the Luminius. I only wish I could be there with you. To see the New World...] [[Continue reading]] [[Leave]]

(text-style: "italic")[I am alone here. Yet...I must stay strong. By the Luminius, I must endure.] [[Continue to read letter]]

(text-style: "italic")[My hope is that we may meet again. That you will return to Veira one day. This hope gives me strength.] (text-style: "italic")[**Blessings, Lusia**] [[.....]]

It is written in the Veiras dialect. You can make out a basic reading. A simple hymn. (text-style: "italic")[The sky is sacred, Eye of the Gods. As you wake, gaze upon his glory. Kaelus, who borne us. Blessed are the faifthful...] [[Read More]]

[[Leave]]

[[Head to the door]] [[Head Towards the Desk]]

Theres an oak door before you. It's shut. [[Open the Door]] [[Leave]] <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Wispy_Wind_2.mp3" autoplay>

An empty corridor lies before you. You hear the faint howling of the wind. [[Continue down the corridor]] <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Wispy_Wind_2.mp3" autoplay> <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Interior-Door_Close.mp3" autoplay>

[[Check the door to the left]] [[Keep walking along the corridor]] <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Wispy_Wind_2.mp3" autoplay> <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Footstep_Tile_Right.mp3" autoplay>

You check the handle. It's locked... There's the muffled sound of talking from inside. [[Keep walking along the corridor]] <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Interior-Door_Lock.mp3" autoplay> <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Wispy_Wind_2.mp3" autoplay>

You are interupted by the sound of footsteps. Someone is approaching... [[Wait]] <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Wispy_Wind_2.mp3" autoplay>

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/rp541yQ/CA063-FCC-AC17-419-F-AF7-F-DBBC7-BF6-F53-D-2.jpg"> A priestess of the order approaches you. [[Listen to the priestess]] <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Wispy_Wind_2.mp3" autoplay>

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/rp541yQ/CA063-FCC-AC17-419-F-AF7-F-DBBC7-BF6-F53-D-2.jpg"> Blessings brother. You left your chambers. What brings you here? [[Couldn't sleep...the storm is keeping me awake.]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/rp541yQ/CA063-FCC-AC17-419-F-AF7-F-DBBC7-BF6-F53-D-2.jpg"> Indeed brother.... I pray to Kaelus...that he may guide us through this storm. [[Kaelus protects us. He will answer our prayers.]] [[What is your name...sister?]]

(text-style: "shadow")[And what of your faith? Do you still believe?] [[What?]] [[Leave]] <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/The-Darkness-Below_Looping.mp3" autoplay>

(text-style: "shadow")[You pray to your lord. Yet....he will not speak....] [[This is heresy! Begone!]] [[Will he...answer?]] <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/The-Darkness-Below_Looping.mp3" autoplay>

[[Leave]]

(text-style: "shadow")[Not he... but the *others*....] [[This is Madness...silence!->Leave]] [[The Others?->Listen]] <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/The-Darkness-Below_Looping.mp3" autoplay>

(text-style: "shadow")[They will find you.] (text-style: "shadow")[They watch with intent.] [[I seek them. I heed their call.]] [[Enough!->Leave]] <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/The-Darkness-Below_Looping.mp3" autoplay>

(text-style: "shadow")[RECEIVE THEIR GIFTS.] You gained (colour:#A16BEA )[**Insanity**] (set: $Insanity to 1) You gained (colour:#0745A0 )[**Insight**] (set: $Insight to 1) [[Leave]] <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/The-Darkness-Below_Looping.mp3" autoplay> <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Creepy-Piano-FX_2.mp3" autoplay>

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/rp541yQ/CA063-FCC-AC17-419-F-AF7-F-DBBC7-BF6-F53-D-2.jpg"> Praise Kaelus. When we reach the shores of this New World, he will guide us. [[.....->return to chambers]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/rp541yQ/CA063-FCC-AC17-419-F-AF7-F-DBBC7-BF6-F53-D-2.jpg"> Brother, you should try and rest. We will arrive in the morning. [[Blessings upon you. (Return to your chambers. Try to sleep).]]

(text-style: "italic")[You head back towards your private chambers. The corridors are occupied by silence...the howling of wind becomes faint. ] [[Enter chambers. Sleep.]]

Entering your chamber, you wearily walk towards your bed and lie down upon it. Your limbs are weighed down by fatigue. You feel your eyes slowly closing, as your weariness takes hold... [[Sleep]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/rp541yQ/CA063-FCC-AC17-419-F-AF7-F-DBBC7-BF6-F53-D-2.jpg"> (text-style: "italic")[The priestess smiles kindly.] I'm Amelia. I suppose...Sister Amelia to be precise. And you must be Brother Lorenzo I assume? [[Indeed. A pleasure to meet you, Amelia.]] [[That is none of your concern.]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/rp541yQ/CA063-FCC-AC17-419-F-AF7-F-DBBC7-BF6-F53-D-2.jpg"> (text-style: "italic")[The priestess nods.] Kaelus be praised. It's reassuring to have you on board. Your knowledge of the Ancients will serve us well. I've heard of your dedication towards the Order...impressive. [[We will discover the wisdom of the ancients once more. I assure you.]] [[In truth...I miss home already.]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/rp541yQ/CA063-FCC-AC17-419-F-AF7-F-DBBC7-BF6-F53-D-2.jpg"> (text-style: "italic")[With your response the priestess frowns slightly. Then she shakes her head] Very well. I...must have thought wrong. Then I shall take my leave. [[Blessings upon you. (Return to your chambers. Try to sleep).]]

(text-style: "italic")[...you gradually drift into unconciousness, as the light fades. ...darkness. Emptiness. The all familiar state of the void...] [[Sleep->sleep more]]

(text-style: "italic")[For what seems forever, you rest in this world of darkness. There is nothing. Only silence. Then...a disturbance.] [[Sleep->sleep even more]]

(text-style: "italic")[In this state of nothingness, a single sound can be heard... from the darkness, a voice calls to you. A whisper.] [[ignore the voice. Sleep.]] [[Listen to the voice.]]

(text-style: "italic")[the voice is a whisper. ...it seems to be a woman's voice. ...the voice is calling your name.] [[ignore the voice. Sleep.]] [[Respond.]]

(text-style: "italic")[With your remaining willpower, you manage to resist the voice calling to you. Gradually, the voice fades into oblivion. You rest in silence once more.] [[Awaken]]

(text-style: "italic")[In the endless darkness you cry out. Your voice echoes in the emptiness. Nothing...] [[Continue->keep listening for voice]]

(text-style: "italic")[...but then...the whispers slowly return.] [[Listen.]]

(text-style: "shadow")[Will you find what you seek?... ...will you accept the gift?] [[I accept this gift.]] [[Get...out...of my...HEAD!->ignore the voice. Sleep.]]

As you slowly return to conciousness, you are awoken by a light through your vision. [[Wake up]] <div style="display: none;"><img src="!@#$" onerror="$('#nowplaying').animate({volume: 0}, 1000);" /></div>

You open your eyes. Sunlight streams through your cabin window. [[Get up->Get up for the day]] <div style="display: none;"><img src="!@#$" onerror="$('#nowplaying').animate({volume: 0}, 1000);" /></div>

As you rise from your bed, you notice the clear blue skies through your cabin window. You hear the gentle lapping of waves. [[Step forwards]] <div style="display: none;"><img src="!@#$" onerror="$('#nowplaying').animate({volume: 0}, 1000);" /></div> <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Edge-of-Ocean.mp3" autoplay loop>

Your thoughts are interupted by a steady knocking upon the chambers door. [['Enter.']] <audio src="http://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Edge-of-Ocean.mp3" autoplay loop>

The door to your cabin opens. You are met with a familiar face... [[Continue->See Amelia]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/9swmKSJ/CA063-FCC-AC17-419-F-AF7-F-DBBC7-BF6-F53-D-2.jpg"> Good Morning, brother Lorenzo. I trust that you slept well? [[Very well sister. I feel refreshed.]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/9swmKSJ/CA063-FCC-AC17-419-F-AF7-F-DBBC7-BF6-F53-D-2.jpg"> I am glad to hear. Blessings upon you. It seems that we have arrived at the Island... The crew spotted the island in the early hours, whilst you slept. [[Then we must depart. We will begin the pilgrimage.]] [[An Island you say? My memory is...hazy...]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/9swmKSJ/CA063-FCC-AC17-419-F-AF7-F-DBBC7-BF6-F53-D-2.jpg"> Very well. I will lead you to the shoreline, follow me! [[Follow Amelia]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/9swmKSJ/CA063-FCC-AC17-419-F-AF7-F-DBBC7-BF6-F53-D-2.jpg"> (text-style: "italic")[Amelia's eyebrows raise with suprise] The Ancient island of Elysius. I trust that you were informed by the council of our destination? Either way, we should hurry. Our expedition is already departing. [[Oh yes...now I remember. Let us make haste then.->Then we must depart. We will begin the pilgrimage.]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/9swmKSJ/CA063-FCC-AC17-419-F-AF7-F-DBBC7-BF6-F53-D-2.jpg"> (text-style: "italic")[The priestess smiles.] I am glad to hear. Very good. I shall take my leave then. You will need plenty of rest for tomorrows journey. [[Blessings upon you. (Return to your chambers. Try to sleep).]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/rp541yQ/CA063-FCC-AC17-419-F-AF7-F-DBBC7-BF6-F53-D-2.jpg"> Oh...? Homesick? Why might that be, brother? [[(Lie) We're a long way from Veira. I'm not fond of travelling by sea either...makes me rather ill.]] [[(Truth) I miss my loved one. I pray that I may return to her one day.]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/rp541yQ/CA063-FCC-AC17-419-F-AF7-F-DBBC7-BF6-F53-D-2.jpg"> (text-style: "italic")[The priestess nods.] Then it seems that we share a common dislike of sea travel... (text-style: "italic")[Amelia Smiles.] Thankfully, we should be setting foot on land by the morning, rest assured! [[Blessings upon you. (Return to your chambers. Try to sleep).]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/rp541yQ/CA063-FCC-AC17-419-F-AF7-F-DBBC7-BF6-F53-D-2.jpg"> (text-style: "italic")[The priestess sighs softly and shuffles awkwardly.] I...I.... am sorry to hear brother. I pray to the Gods that we may return safely to our homeland, so you may see her once more. [[Blessings upon you. (Return to your chambers. Try to sleep).]]

(text-style: "italic")[You leave your chamber and follow Amelia through the ship's winding corridors. There are sounds of footsteps and bustle as you navigate the ship. In the corridors, you pass fellow pilgrims wearing robes and rugged sailors attending to the ship. You are watched warily by a group of soldiers clad in steel armour and helmets. ] [[Keep following]]

(text-style: "italic")[You eventually reach the end of a corridor and encounter a set of stairs.] [[Climb the stairway to the deck]]

(text-style: "italic")[Climbing the stairs you emerge onto the deck of the ship. As you appear on deck, you are met with a warm gentle breeze. You hear the commotion of men all around you, sorting their preparations for the expedition...] [[Continue]]

(text-style: "italic")[As you follow Amelia across the deck, you are stopped before the gangplank.] (text-style: "italic")[A guard stands before the gangplank, blocking your path.] [[Talk with the guard]]

(text-style: "italic")[The guard's hand rests upon the hilt of his blade.] **Halt!** This path leads to the Island's coastline. State your business. [[We are missionaries of the Order. We have been sent on a pilgrimage to the island. May we pass?]] [[Move aside! By the Gods...we have no time for this nonsense!]]

(text-style: "italic")[The guard frowns deeply and shuffles in his armour. His weathered face is decorated with various scars and wounds. His dark eyes narrow, he grimaces...] Well...I suppose the robes give it away. And you are damned irritating...so. Yes. Yes... I believe that you are missionaries. But orders are orders. I can't let you through. Not without proper 'authority.' [[Turn to Amelia.]] [[I AM THE AUTHORITY!->Why should I tell you, filth ridden cur?]]

(text-style: "italic")[The guard shifts fowards forcibly, his grip on the blade's hilt tightening. As he approaches, you see a grim, weathered face underneath a steel helmet scowling back.] Oh yes? And whose orders might those be? (text-style: "italic")[The guard sneers at you] [[Our lord Kaelus, of course. He has demanded that we visit the holy shrines. We must appease the Gods.]] [[Why should I tell you, filth ridden cur?]]

(text-style: "italic")[The guard grunts with reluctant approval] Hmph. If you speak of our blessed lord... then there must be some truth to your purpose. [[Turn to Amelia.]]

Before you can react, the guard darts fowards with lightning speed. He raises his gauntleted fist and lunges at you... [[Take the hit]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/9swmKSJ/CA063-FCC-AC17-419-F-AF7-F-DBBC7-BF6-F53-D-2.jpg"> (text-style: "italic")[She turns to the guard and bows slightly] We have orders from the council and the High Cardinal herself.... We've been sent to find the ancient shrines upon the island. [[Listen to Amelia]]

The fist plunges into your face, taking you by suprise. The world spins around you. You stagger backwards. The iron taste of blood fills your mouth... (text-style: "italic")[**You took 2 points of damage...**] (set: $Health to 8) Your (colour:red)[**health**] is now (print: $Health) [[Pass out]]

(text-style: "shadow")[RECEIVE THEIR GIFTS.] You gained (colour:#A16BEA )[**Insanity**] (set: $Insanity to 1) You gained (colour:#0745A0 )[**Insight**] (set: $Insight to 1) [[Awaken]]

(text-style: "italic")[She reaches into her robe and produces a silver amulet. The eye symbol of the order is inscribed upon its surface.] Will this suffice? [[....->listen to guard]]

(text-style: "italic")[The guards eyes narrow as he inspects the amulet. He then slowly nods his head with approval] Aye. It seems I was...misguided in my approach. (text-style: "italic")[The guard bows.] Please forgive my poor judgement, your holiness. I was given strict orders to guard this spot... [[Continue onward]]

(text-style: "italic")[The guard makes a deep bow and moves to one side. The path across the gangplank is clear.] (text-style: "italic")[Amelia smiles, and leads the way.] [[Journey onward to Elysius]]

(text-style: "italic")[Your journey has only begun...] (text-style: "italic")[Which path will you take...?] **End of Part 1**

(text-style: "italic")[You close your eyes. Everything turns to black...] (text-style: "italic")[You lie in darkness...yet your journey has only begun...] (text-style: "italic")[Which path will you take...?] **End of Part 1**

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PILGRIM: PART I

Begin