Bride of a Dead God

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[img[images/Backgrounds/Banner.png][Character Creation]]

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

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

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

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

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

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

<div class="text-box"> “No! Not that,” she sighs, wiping her eyes. She’s finding it difficult to maintain eye contact, looking up at the ceiling as if summoning her strength. “I’m so tired of my family making every decision for me. I need to be able to,” she stops mid-sentence, clenching and unclenching her fists. “I don’t want some spoiled boy,” she trails off again, her voice growing very soft. You have to strain to catch every word. “That day in the market, you saved me. I felt so helpless. I realised how little control I have over my own fate.” “What is it, Effie? What are you trying to tell me?” you ask. Taking a deep breath, Effie slowly drops her robe to her shoulders. Her brilliant red hair is pulled up into a ponytail, accentuating her slender neck. Your eyes linger on a choker there and then drift down, over her body. The robe falls the rest of the way to the floor revealing an exquisite set of <a href="#" onclick="window.open('images/Scenes/Effie01/drop.png', 'Image', 'width=677,height=1010') ;return false;" style="color: mediumseagreen;">lacy black lingerie.</a> You hear your heart pounding in your ears as you stiffen at the sight before you. You’ve had dreams that go something like this but you're almost positive you are awake. You pinch yourself just to make sure. “That tailor does good work,” is all you can think to say. Effie giggles and her face flushes red. You’re hesitant to move, as though she were a wild animal you might scare away with too rapid a motion. “Kiss me, you fool,” she whines, and you [[leap off the bed to oblige her.|EffieScene05]] </div>

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

<div class="text-box"> She responds enthusiastically and you pick her up to lay her down <a href="#" onclick="window.open('images/Scenes/Effie01/flip.png', 'Image', 'width=676,height=1010') ;return false;" style="color: mediumseagreen;">on her back.</a> Trailing little kisses down her chest and stomach, you settle between her legs. She lifts them gently as you slide her frilly black panties off, noticing her wetness. You’re a little surprised to see her mound is clean-shaven. Not something you’ve seen with the lowborn girls. Perhaps it’s something the noblemen require? As you lower your head to inhale her scent she spreads her thighs in invitation. You give them soft kisses, inching towards her glistening sex. She lets out a breathy gasp as you extend your tongue to explore among her wet folds. You hear a feeble whimper as you light upon her bud. Finding a rhythm as you interpret her little moans and squeaks in response to your efforts. You suck and circle and hum and tease. Then she is bucking her hips, grabbing at your hair with one hand, the other stuffed inside her bra to tug at one pretty pink nipple. This is a book you //can// read. A minute later you have her moaning, her hands pulling up the bedsheets. Your fingers linger at her entrance, making her ache to be filled. You tip her over the cliff’s edge. After several seconds of shuddering bliss, she goes limp, panting, and then flashes you an impish grin. “No. . . no that wasn’t in the book,” she huffs. Her fingers play lazily in your hair. You crawl up the bed to settle next to her, your hand trailing the length of her body, over her throat and up to her cheek. “I need more,” she pleads. [[“I want all of you.”|EffieScene07]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You roll her body on top of yours. Your hands reach up to remove her bra. It falls away as she pushes herself up to straddle you. Her wetness presses against your shaft. You raise a hand to cup one of her breasts and sit up to suckle at the other. She laces her fingers into your hair, moaning and grinding against you. Reaching back with her free hand, she guides you gently to her entrance. You lie back as her lips part against your tip. <a href="#" onclick="window.open('images/Scenes/Effie01/slide.png', 'Image', 'width=676,height=1010') ;return false;" style="color: mediumseagreen;">She glides slowly down your length.</a> Her warmth forces conscious thought from your mind. She clenches around you. There is only warmth and pressure, melting into bliss. Her eyes flutter. She moves slowly, shivering lightly. <a href="#" onclick="window.open('images/Scenes/Effie01/ride.png', 'Image', 'width=676,height=1010') ;return false;" style="color: mediumseagreen;">Then her pace increases.</a> Her breath comes in ragged gasps. Her hands find your chest. Yours take her hips. Her voice joins the medley of sounds produced by your bodies. You take the lead, your hips snapping rapidly into her core. She collapses into you. You groan. She comes. You ride out her contractions, her tremors and shivers exquisite torture around your throbbing, aching cock. “Come. Come with me,” she pleads, her breath hot against your ear. You surrender. Your vision dims as your body rocks in orgasm, releasing your seed deep inside her belly. When you regain your senses you find Effie atop you with her head curled against your chest, your combined fluids slowly leaking from her onto your now spent erection. You trail your hand lightly up and down her spine and [[she hums in pleasure.|EffieScene08]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> “I meant what I said earlier,” you whisper to her. “About getting you out of the city. We could leave.” She looks up at you and smiles, though you see a sadness behind her eyes. She plants a soft kiss on your lips. “This was wonderful, it was everything I wanted,” she whispers back. “But you and I both know what would come of that,” she raises a hand to your cheek. “I’m so grateful our paths crossed again, but...” You put a finger to her lips, stopping her. “I understand,” you swallow the lump in your throat. “I had to ask.” <a href="#" onclick="window.open('images/Scenes/Effie01/relax.png', 'Image', 'width=676,height=1010') ;return false;" style="color: mediumseagreen;">You lay together in comfortable silence,</a> your hands gently exploring each other's bodies until you drift away to a dreamless sleep. [[In the morning she is gone.|EffieScene09]] </div>

[img[images/Scenes/Effie01/leaving.png][TheCall]]

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

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

<div class="text-box"> You've reached the end of the current build, thanks for playing! Work on the next update is ongoing, check these sites for information on the next realease or help support the project: patreon https://www.patreon.com/SummoningCircle itch.io https://summoning-circle.itch.io/ twitter @summon_circle https://twitter.com/summon_circle Thanks again for playing! </div>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<div class="text-box"> “What’s the matter?” you call out to the lead wagon driver as he passes. “The bridge is out. Destroyed this morning," the man calls back as he rolls past you, a sour expression on his sunburned face. This is the only crossing for miles in any direction. It could add days to your journey if you have to go around. Days you don’t have. You head up to the bridge to talk to @@.image-link;<<link "the woman.">> <<script>> Dialog.setup(); Dialog.wiki("[img[images/Scenes/Bianca01/BiancaPriest.png]]"); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>@@ She is young and pretty, with brown eyes that complement her shoulder-length golden brown hair. Take a closer look at her. <div class="GreenButton"> <<button "Intuition Challenge">> <<set $SkillCheck to 0>> <<set $SkillCheck to random(1, 20) + $Intuition>> <<if $SkillCheck gte 12>> <<goto Priestess01>> <<else>> <<goto Priestess02>> <</if>> <</button>> </div> </div>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<div class="text-box"> “That’s a wonderful idea, would you care to join me?” you ask casually. She gives you a big smile. “I need to get a fire going before I wash up,” she replies, “Keep the predators away from our gear.” “Right,” you say, clearing your head. Cooling off is probably a good idea. You head a little further downstream and remove your $Armour, then strip down the rest of the way. Taking time to check over your body, the rigours of the hard journey and fight with the wyrm have clearly taken their toll on you. You soak your clothes in the water and scrub them as best you can before ringing everything out and hanging it all on a branch to dry. Your muscles cry out as you sink into the cool water. You lay back and enjoy the last of the sunlight, then you close your eyes and dunk your head beneath the surface, coming up only once you run out of air. As you re-emerge you’re greeted by the sight of <a href="#" onclick="window.open('images/Scenes/Bianca01/BiancaWade.png', 'Image', 'width=1450,height=1034') ;return false;" style="color: mediumseagreen;">Bianca</a> wading nude through the water to join you. A grin spreads across her face as [[she notices your expression. |Canyon45]] </div>

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

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

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

<div class="text-box"> Bianca runs a hand through her hair. She’s vivacious but with a relaxed and easy manner in conversation. Combined with her confidence and intelligence it’s an intoxicating combination. “I couldn’t imagine living my life without my god,” she muses, taking in your surroundings. “Just look, in a place like this I feel his presence everywhere. It’s in the water, in the trees, in you,” she finishes, <a href="#" onclick="window.open('images/Scenes/Bianca01/BiancaLook.png', 'Image', 'width=1290,height=730') ;return false;" style="color: mediumseagreen;">looking into your eyes.</a> [[Go for a kiss. |Canyon48]] [[I'm not interested. |Canyon58]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> You shift to close the distance between you and lean in. She raises one finger to your pursed lips and stops you. “Not here,” she whispers and stands, walking through the water and tossing you an alluring look over her shoulder. Her hips sway and she gives you <a href="#" onclick="window.open('images/Scenes/Bianca01/BiancaRiver.png', 'Image', 'width=1450,height=1034') ;return false;" style="color: mediumseagreen;">a wonderful view</a> of her full, round backside. You jump up to join her, and she takes your hand to lead you back to the camp. Once there, you spin her to face you, leaning in again for a kiss. Again, she stops you, with a cruel smile and a firm hand on your chest. She moves both hands to your shoulders and presses you down into a kneeling position. Your face moves past her delicate throat, between her heaving breasts, over her cute little belly button. It comes to a stop inches from her pussy when she steps back, [[just as you’re about to devour the soft flesh before you. |Canyon49]] </div>

<div class="text-box"> Bianca lowers herself to her knees, then sits back and spreads her legs to give you a perfect view of what has so far been denied to you. Your cock is raging at you, demanding you take what it wants. You begin to move forward but she stops you again, with her foot on your chest this time. You growl with frustration as <a href="#" onclick="window.open('images/Scenes/Bianca01/BiancaTouch.png', 'Image', 'width=1450,height=1034') ;return false;" style="color: mediumseagreen;">she touches herself,</a> two fingers to either side of her clitoris, rubbing in lazy circles. You watch a line of fluid ooze from her entrance and move your hand to stroke yourself. She shakes her head and knocks your arm away with her foot, denying you yet again. Her fingers dip inside of herself briefly and she spreads her juices up to her clit, pulling the hood back to stimulate it directly. Her stomach tenses and quivers. The muscles and tendons in her legs stretch and strain. Her toes curl into the soft dirt beneath her feet. She sets one hand on the ground behind her to steady herself as her eyes begin to flutter and her mouth opens wide in a strangled yelp of pleasure. As the orgasm rolls through her body, she spreads her labia to show you her contractions, her needy vagina clenching desperately around a cock that isn’t there. You realise your hands are balled into fists, your penis [[throbbing in sympathy with her contractions. |Canyon50]] </div>

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

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

<div class="text-box"> You kneel between her legs and enter her, gliding all the way to the hilt in one smooth motion. She gasps but, as you pull back, she crawls away from you, laughing and leaving you thrusting into thin air. You growl and lunge forward to hook your right arm around her waist, pulling her close. Your left hand settles between her shoulder blades and you press her face down into the ground. “Oh fuck!” she screams. You re-enter her and she cries out a “Yes!” with every thrust, your right hand snaking down to rub at her clit the same way she touched herself. Your ruthless treatment is exactly what she wants, all of the teasing and taunting designed to provoke you to this point. She comes one more time and you roar with pleasure. “I want you to mark me as yours,” she begs. You flip her over and she wraps her legs around your waist as you enter her one more time. You need only a few wild jolts before you fire a hot spurt of cum into her pussy then withdraw to shoot the remainder over her belly and breasts. She writhes in pleasure. You collapse into a heap <a href="#" onclick="window.open('images/Scenes/Bianca01/BiancaFinish.png', 'Image', 'width=1450,height=1034') ;return false;" style="color: mediumseagreen;">next to her</a> your hunger satiated. She reaches a hand out to you and you draw her close. She lifts one leg over yours and places your hand over her swollen vulva. “Take this as a blessing from me,” she says and leans in [[to kiss you for the first time.|Interlude01]] </div> <<set $BiancaLover = true>>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<div class="text-box"> “I heard you had to take over running the place from your mother, Rudy?” Carys asked, gauging his reaction. The barman stood a little taller. “That’s right,” he said. “She’s got the wasting cough, no?” “Yes,” he answered, a suspicious look on his face. “She’s not taking wanna root for it, is she? Highly illegal stuff. Did you know it’s smuggled into the city through the docks?” “No, she’s not,” Rudy choked out. “So, if I were to visit her, I wouldn’t find any in her house? I’d hate to throw her in a cell when she’s so sick.” Rudy slammed his fists on the bar. “You leave her alone, you bitch,” he yelled. The sleeping orc was startled awake and looked around blearily. “Just need a name, Rudy. Lucien Hardy, a jeweller’s apprentice. He’s dead and I know he comes in here.” Rudy looked down at the ground, defeated. “You ever see him in here with anyone I should know about?” Rudy glanced at his customers, then leaned in close to Carys. “You didn’t hear it from me, okay?” he insisted. Carys nodded her head. “Gael,” Rudy told her. [[“Gael Kildrathen.”|EndOfBuild01]] </div>