,,,,You float through the sea of nothingness, one star in an infinite cosmos. The true nature of the universe becomes clear, as if looking up from a kaleidoscope at the real world. As it falls to the ground, you witness the beauty of the true colors and shapes the universe is made of.
The stars in the sky come together to form shapes, constellations, the patterns of which show you your destined path through the world.
=><=
[[==>->Enemy Init]]
(set:$hour to 10)(set:$min to 0)(set:$hp to (a:30, 30))(set:$gold to 0)(set: $i to (a:))(set: $spells to (a:))As your feet trace the patterns of the constellations below you, the Knife sits heavy, like lead, in its sheath at your side, the accursed thing.
As your destination comes into view, you wonder what it will be like, living there. Will you make friends? Will you go on adventures? Will you have fun? Will you cast off your heavy burden, the weight of thousands of lives, contained by a simple slip of leather on a cord around your waist?
=><=
[[==>->3]]After an eternity, the road before you comes to a halt, at the Gates to the Upper World.
On a small, wooden stool sits the Gatekeeper, a short, round man with a curly white beard. He's fast asleep, as evidenced by the single, comically large bubble of mucus expanding and contracting with his labored snores.
[[Approach]]You approach the man, your sandals making little sound on the dirt and grass at your feet. Apparently though, it was enough to wake the man.
"Eh? Wussat?"
[[Apologize]]
[[Ask to enter]]You apologize to the Gatekeeper for waking him up.
"Oh, er... it's fine. Just don't tell the guy upstairs, eh?"
[[Ask to enter]]"Yeah? What's the porpose of yer visit?"
[[Enlightenment]]
[[Benediction]]
[[Cleansing]]
[[Strength]]
[[Friendship]]"Ah, ya seek Enlightenment? You wouldn't be tha first, and ye certainly won't be the last. What makes ye think yer werthy?"
[[My Strength]]
[[My Will]]
[[My Empathy]]"Cleansing, eh? Lemme see." He looks you up and down, and his eyes soon rest on the Knife at your waist. "Ya carry a grave burdan. How have ye managed this long?"
[[My Strength]]
[[My Will]]
[[My Empathy]]"Ya seek a blessing from tha Lord? What makes ye worthy of their grace?
[[My Strength]]
[[My Will]]
[[My Empathy]]"Ya seek to become a strongar being? Well, it's an atypical reason, but there are ways beyond these Gates. What's your best feature, that you wish to hone?"
[[My Strength]]
[[My Will]]
[[My Empathy]]"Really? Were ya lonely down thare? Well, I'm sure thare are like-minded peoples for you to befriend beyond these Gates. What will attract them to you?"
[[My Strength]]
[[My Will]]
[[My Empathy]]He looks you up and down.
"Yes, I see it. You possess quite an amount of physical strength."
=><=
[[==>->Enter]]He looks you up and down.
"Yes, I see it. You might not look it, but yer mind possesses a certain strength of mind rarely seen."
=><=
[[==>->Enter]]He looks you up and down.
"Yes, I see it. You look like someone who is easy to be friends with."
=><=
[[==>->Enter]]The Gatekeeper pulls a small notebook from the pocket of his maroon vest, and a beat-up pencil from behind his ear. He grunts, and writes a couple words down.
=><=
"Name?"
(input-box:bind $name,"=X=",1,"Sam")
[[Accept->Confirm Name]]"Okay $name, yer all set to head in. Just remembah, you can't go back. Capiche?"
[[I understand]]
The Gatekeeper hops down off his stool, and waddles over next to the gate. Out of nowhere, a small golden crank appears, attached to the side of the Gate. With a grunt, he turns it over and over, as the Gate slowly creaks open.
[[Go in]]As soon as it's wide enough, you slip through. The Gatekeeper calls out "Ye'd be wise to visit the Lord in the Palace. Tis not healthy, what you got at your side," as he closes it behind you.
There's a short path, which leads to a wide open area.
[[Walk forward->Entrance]]You stand in the Tower Plaza, within the City With No Name. In the center of the Plaza stands the tall Clocktower, whose giant hands tell you the time.
Many people pass through the Plaza, on their way to something or other, and many people are milling around, talking to each other.
You see a small, cube-shaped robot, conversing in some strange tongue with a tall, green-skinned fellow.
The Knife sits heavy at your waist.
There are many roads which lead away from the Plaza.
(if: $jack is true)[Jack looks around, sneering at many of the passersby, who quicken their pace.
][[Go to the South]]
[[Go to the West]]
[[Go to the North]], back towards the Gates you entered.
(if:$WineQuest is >= 1)[ [[Enter the Clocktower]]](unless: (passage:)'s tags contains "no-time")[(set:$min to it + 1)(if:$min is 6)[(set:$min to 0)(set:$hour to it + 1)](if:$hour is 13)[(set:$hour to 1)]](unless: (passage:)'s tags contains "no-header")[(if: (passage:)'s tags contains "clock" or $watch is true)[
=><=
(text-style:"bold")[$hour:(text:$min)0]] (if:$hour is 1)[(set:$magic to 0)(set:$tech to 5)] (if:$hour is 2)[(set:$magic to 1)(set:$tech to 6)] (if:$hour is 3)[(set:$magic to 0)(set:$tech to 5)] (if:$hour is 4)[(set:$magic to 4)(set:$tech to 2)] (if:$hour is 5)[(set:$magic to 0)(set:$tech to 2)] (if:$hour is 6)[(set:$magic to 5)(set:$tech to 2)] (if:$hour is 7)[(set:$magic to 0)(set:$tech to 0)] (if:$hour is 8)[(set:$magic to 6)(set:$tech to 6)] (if:$hour is 9)[(set:$magic to 4)(set:$tech to 1)] (if:$hour is 10)[(set:$magic to 0)(set:$tech to 4)] (if:$hour is 11)[(set:$magic to 1)(set:$tech to 4)] (if:$hour is 12)[(set:$magic to 6)(set:$tech to 6)]
==>
[[Menu]] (set:$cur to (passage:)'s name)](if:$canFight is not true)[(go-to:"Can't Fight")]
(set:$num to (random:1,100))
=><=
A (print:$enemy's 1st) appears!
[[Fight!->Fight]]
=><=
(print:$enemy's 2nd) HP
(print:$hp's 1st) HP
''$num''
(link-reveal-goto: "|/ 2|", "Fight")[(set:$num to (floor:$num / 2))] (link-reveal-goto: "|+ 5|", "Fight")[(set:$num to it + 5)] (link-reveal-goto: "|x 3|", "Fight")[(set:$num to it * 3)] (if:$stone is true)[(link-reveal-goto: "|- 12|", "Fight")[(set:$num to it - 12)]]
[(link-reveal-goto: "Attack with Knife", "Action")[(set:$dmg to (100))(set:$enemy's 2nd to it - $dmg)(set:$atk to "You draw the Knife, and stab your foe with it. You feel your body become weaker.")(set:$hp's 2nd to it - 1)(set:$hp's 1st to it - 1)]]
[(link-reveal-goto: "Struggle", "Action")[(set:$dmg to (random:0,5))(set:$enemy's 2nd to it - $dmg)(set:$atk to "You struggle vainly.")]]
(if:$num > 70 and $i contains "Laser Sword" and $tech is >= 5)[(link-reveal-goto: "Laser Sword - Heavy Slash", "Action")[(set:$dmg to (random:7,15))(set:$enemy's 2nd to it - $dmg)(set:$atk to "You slash at your foe with your laser sword.")]]
(if:$num <= 40 and $i contains "Laser Sword" and $tech is >= 5)[(link-reveal-goto: "Laser Sword - Light Slash", "Action")[(set:$dmg to (random:4,10))(set:$enemy's 2nd to it - $dmg)(set:$atk to "You slash at your foe carefully with your laser sword.")]]
(if:$num <= 30 and $spells contains "Fire" and $magic is >= 1)[(link-reveal-goto: "Fire Spell", "Action")[(set:$dmg to (random:10,12))(set:$enemy's 2nd to it - $dmg)(set:$atk to "You throw a ball of fire at the foe.")]]
(if:$num <= 60 and $i contains "Revolver" and $tech is >= 3)[(link-reveal-goto: "Fire Revolver", "Action")[(set:$dmg to (random:10,12))(set:$enemy's 2nd to it - $dmg)(set:$atk to "You shoot the foe with your revolver.")]]
=><=
(print:$enemy's 2nd) HP
(print:$hp's 1st) HP
$atk They take $dmg damage.
(if:$enemy's 2nd <= 0)[ [[Continue->Win]] ](else:)[ [[Continue->Enemy Action]] ]
(set:$ActionChose to (random: 1, $enemy's 3rd's length))
(set:$incDmg to (random: $enemy's (4)'s ($ActionChose), $enemy's (5)'s ($ActionChose)))You have won! You gain (print:$enemy's 6th) EXP. (set:$exp to it + $enemy's 6th)
(link-goto: "Continue", $CombatReturn)(if:$spar is true)[(go-to:"SparLost")]
(if:$FinalBattle is true)[Jack yells, "Retreat to the City! We need to regroup!" You run back inside.](else:)[You have lost. Fleeing to the City...]
(set:$hp's 1st to $hp's 2nd) (set:$FinalBattle to false)
[[==>->Entrance]](set:$hp's 1st to it - $incDmg)
=><=
(print:$enemy's 2nd) HP
(print:$hp's 1st) HP
The enemy attacks! They (print:$enemy's (3)'s ($ActionChose)) for $incDmg damage.
(if:$hp's 1st <= 0)[ [[Continue->Loss]] ](else:)[(link-reveal-goto: "Continue", "Fight")[(set:$num to (random:1,100))]]
=><=
(print:$hp's 1st) / (print:$hp's 2nd) HP
$exp EXP
(if:$exp is >= 20)[Spend 20 EXP to raise max HP by 3? [[Confirm]]]
Medical: (if:$magic is >= 2 and $potions > 0 and $hp's 1st < $hp's 2nd)[(link-goto: (text: $potions) + " Health Potions", "HealP")](else:)[$potions Health Potions], and (if:$tech is >= 4 and $stim > 0 and $hp's 1st < $hp's 2nd)[(link-goto: (text: $stim) + " Stimpacks", "HealS")](else:)[$stim Stimpacks]
$gold Gold
Inventory: (for: each _i, $i)[_i, ]
Grimoire: (for: each _s, $spells)[_s, ]
(link-reveal-goto: "Close", $cur)[(set:$min to it - 1)]Double-click this passage to edit it.You walk down the path, and it brings you to the giant stone wall that surrounds the city on all sides. A handful of guards stand watch, in front of a Gate, much like the Golden Gate you came into the City through in appearance, except it is made of some unknown metal with the color of obsidian.
(if:$ArtQuest is 7)[[Prepare for the battle]]
[[Leave]]
[[Back to the Plaza->Entrance]]You walk along the road. You pass by many people, and creatures that look quite unlike yourself. Bordering the road are various nondescript buildings and structures, none that would be of interest to you.
You come to a fork in the road.
[[On your left]], you see the road continues on for a ways before ending in front of a large Palace, enclosed by stone walls.
[[On your right]], the road opens up to a marginally wider area, where several stalls are set up.
Alternatively, you can [[go back to the Plaza->Entrance]].
(if:$ArtQuest is 1)[ [[Ask around about the thief]]] (else-if:$ArtQuest is 2)[ [[Ask someone else about the thief]]]You walk up to the Gates. The light reflects off their golden sheen. Through the metal beams, you can see a misty darkness, and nothing more. The Gatekeeper who let you in is nowhere to be seen.
Standing there, you feel waves of energy pulsing from beyond the Gate.
[[Open the Gates]]
[[Go back->Entrance]]You give the bars of the Gates a pull, as hard as you can, to no avail. You cannot return to your normal life, it seems.
[[Go back->Entrance]]You head down the road on your left, and make your way towards the Palace.
(if:$WineQuest is 2)[As you approach the Palace, you see a hooded figure dressed in black jump from the top of the outer walls and sprint past you. (set:$WineQuest to 3)
]
You stand outside the gates of the outer walls. The Palace looms overhead, a tall structure of stone bricks and marble.
The gates are closed, and two guards stand in front of them.
[[Talk to the guard]]
[[Turn back around->Go to the West]]You head down the road on your right.
This place appears to be a sort of marketplace. Little stalls line the streets, home to peddlers of all kinds. Many other current or potential customers walk up and down the road, same as you.
At the end of the street, are a set of stairs leading underground, almost like a subway back home.
[[Talk to one of the peddlers]]
[[Go underground]]
[[Turn around->Go to the West]]"Yes, what business do you have?" (if:$jack is true)[He looks suspiciously at Jack, who sneers in return.]
(if:$ArtQuest is 1)[ [["Did you see the thief?"]]]
(if: $WineQuest is 4) [ [["I'd like to go in"]]] (else-if: $WineQuest is 3)[ [["I have your wine."]]] (else-if:$WineQuest is 1) [ [["Where's the Sage?"]]] (else:)[ [["I'd like to meet the Lord"]]]
[["What is this place?"]]
[["Nevermind."->OutsidePalace]]
"Yeah, you an' everybody else. You got a reason?"
[["No, not really"]]
[[Show the Knife]]"What, the Palace?"
[["Yes."->WhatPalace]]
[["No, this town."->WhatTown]]"Well, bugger off then."
[[Walk away->OutsidePalace]]
[["I really must see the Lord"]]"Whot, you threating me?"
[["Yes"]]
[[Explain that it is cursed]]
You stand outside the gates of the outer walls. The Palace looms overhead, a tall structure of stone bricks and marble.
The gates are closed, and two guards stand in front of them.
[[Talk to the guard]]
[[Turn back around->Go to the West]]"Well, see how you like this" (set:$enemy to $guard)
[[FIGHT->FightSimStart]]"Sure."
[[Walk away->OutsidePalace]]
[["I really must see the Lord"]]"Hmph. Well, if you really want to see 'im, I suppose I could let you. However, you'll have to do me a favor. I got a real hankering for some wine. The good stuff, that the Sage would have. Go and git some, would ya?"
[["Sure"]]
[["Where's the Sage?"]]
[["No thanks."]](set:$old_man to (a: "Sketchy Man", 20, (a: "throw a dagger at you", "give you the ol' one-two"), (a: 7, 3), (a: 10, 5), 5))
(set:$guard to (a: "Guard", 100, (a: "a spear stab", "a fire ball"), (a: 5, 10), (a: 7, 20), 5))
(set:$bat to (a: "Bat Swarm", 20, (a: "rush at you and beat you with their wings", "bite you with their sharp fangs"), (a: 3, 7), (a: 5, 8), 15))
(set:$abom to (a: "The Abomination", 1000, (a: "smashes you with it's fists", "stomps on you"), (a: 20, 30), (a: 30, 40), 35))
(set:$bandit to (a: "Cloaked Bandit", 30, (a: "rush at you and stab you with a shank", "shoot their revolver"), (a: 5, 10), (a: 7, 12), 10))
(set:$rat to (a: "Rat Swarm", 40, (a: "rush at you and bite you with their sharp teeth"), (a: 7), (a: 8), 10))
(set:$mimic to (a: "Mimic", 50, (a: "jumps towards you and bites"), (a: 7), (a: 10), 15))
(set:$cyborg to (a: "Cyborg", 50, (a: "stabs you with his dagger"), (a: 6), (a: 9), 25))
(set:$thief to (a: "Thief", 50, (a: "shoots you with the Gun, grimacing in pain while doing so"), (a: 3), (a: 7), 25))
(set:$kidnapper to (a: "Kidnapper", 40, (a: "stabs you with their dagger", "swings the burlap sack at you"), (a: 5, 3), (a: 7, 5), 25))
(go-to:"2")You struggle vainly, but not knowing the method of combat in this place you are quickly outmatched. You flee to the Plaza...
[[==>->Loss]]"Great, see ya in a bit."
(set:$WineQuest to 1)
[[Walk away->OutsidePalace]]"He's an old hermit that lives at the top of the Clocktower, in the Plaza."
(if:$WineQuest is 0)[(set:$WineQuest to 1)]
[["Thanks."->OutsidePalace]]"Well, yer loss. You ain't getting in without me help."
[["Fine, I'll do it."->"Sure"]]"This here's the home and residence of the Lord. Ye new around here?"
[["Thanks."->OutsidePalace]]
[["Who's the Lord?"->WhatLord]]"Ah, you fresh outta the Gate? This here City is a sanctuary for all the Travelers, such as yourself, who get caught in the eddies of space and time. If you want to know more, the Sage is your guy."
[["Thanks."->OutsidePalace]]
[["Where's the Sage?"]]"Who's the Lord?! Why, he's the first one to ever go through a Gate. He's the founder of the City, and the one we owe our protection from the creatures beyond the walls to."
[["Thanks."->OutsidePalace]]You approach one of the stalls, at random. It's a wooden structure, with red canvas providing shade for the peddler seated underneath. Lined on the flat surface of the stall, are various items for sale.
"Ah, something caught your eye?"
(if:$gold is <= 0)[You glance over his wares. There are some interesting pieces, but with a heavy heart you realize you don't have any money.] (else:)[ [[Look at his wares]]]
(if:$i contains "Rat Tails" and $RatQuest is 1)[["I have some tails for you."]]
[[Walk away->Market]]
(if:$CTDone is true)[(go-to:"Neath")]
You walk down the stairs. As you get deeper, the light from outside fades away, and small lamps set in the walls light the way forward.
As you reach the bottom of the stairs, you see the passage continues forward, and branches off in dozens of directions. Before you continue forward, a sketchy-looking man in a grey trench coat and a ratty-looking wool cap holds up a cane to block your way.
"Now hold on there sonny. You seem to be going the wrong way. The market is up there." He gestures with the can back the direction you came.
(if:$ArtQuest >= 1)[ [["Did you see a hooded man come through?"]]]
[["Oh, sorry. Thanks."]]This place appears to be a sort of marketplace. Little stalls line the streets, home to peddlers of all kinds. Many other current or potential customers walk up and down the road, same as you.
At the end of the street, are a set of stairs leading underground, almost like a subway back home.
[[Talk to one of the peddlers]]
[[Go underground]]
[[Turn around->Go to the West]]You walk up to the Clocktower, and enter through a small wooden door you hadn't noticed before.
Inside is a wooden spiral staircase, bordered by the cobbled stone of the walls.
[[Climb the steps]]
[[Go back out->Entrance]](if:$SageVisited is true)[(go-to:"SageReturn")]
You climb the stairs to the top of the tower. At the top, you see a elderly man, in a long, blue robe, with a pointed hood puller over his head. He sits on a small wooden stool, looking through a telescope pointed towards a small hole in the clock face.
You can hear the clicking of machinery, and spinning gears line the walls of the room. In the center, is a large, low table, upon which is a small diorama. The diorama is in the shape of a clock, with a central circle embedded within a larger circle, split into twelve equal sections.
In the central circle, off to one side, you see what appears to be the City, obvious by the fact the Clocktower is visible.
As you watch it, you become aware that the central disc is slowly turning. A moment later, the elderly man turns towards you.
"Hello there, Traveler."
[[Greet him]]"Welcome to our fair City, $name. They call me the Sage. I sense that you are new to this place; you still carry the energies of your former home. I imagine you have many questions. If it is within my power to do so, I will answer them."
[["What is the City?"]]"The City With No Name is a sanctuary for all the Travelers, such as yourself, who get caught in the eddies of space and time and end up in Middleworld. It was built by the Lord, who they name as the very first Traveler."
[["What is Middleworld?"]]"Middleworld is what we call this land that belongs to no realities.
You see, Middleworld is a spinning disc that makes a full rotation every 12 hours. Every hour, the Golden Gates in the City line up with one of the twelve realities, and let its energy and new Travelers in.
[["What are the twelve realities?"]]"This is a crucial concept that you'll need to understand to make it in this place. There exist twelve distinct realities, each of which can correspond to a specific hour that they connect with the Golden Gates in the City.
I'll ask about this reality:
[[1 o'clock->R1]]
[[2 o'clock->R2]]
[[3 o'clock->R3]]
[[4 o'clock->R4]]
[[5 o'clock->R5]]
[[6 o'clock->R6]]
[[7 o'clock->R7]]
[[8 o'clock->R8]]
[[9 o'clock->R9]]
[[10 o'clock->R10]]
[[11 o'clock->R11]]
[[12 o'clock->R12]]
[["What does it mean for a reality to be connected?"]]
[[Move on]]"At 1 o'clock, is the reality known as 'Outta Time'. In this reality, Time Travel was discovered in the far future, but instead of choosing to preserve the timeline, they have spread the technology evenly throughout history, creating a world where time is essentially meaningless, and Technological advancement has peaked."
I'll ask about this reality:
[[2 o'clock->R2]]
[[3 o'clock->R3]]
[[4 o'clock->R4]]
[[5 o'clock->R5]]
[[6 o'clock->R6]]
[[7 o'clock->R7]]
[[8 o'clock->R8]]
[[9 o'clock->R9]]
[[10 o'clock->R10]]
[[11 o'clock->R11]]
[[12 o'clock->R12]]
[["What does it mean for a reality to be connected?"]]
[[Move on]]"At 2 o'clock, is the reality known as 'Space Odyssey'. This reality is similar to what you would know as a Space Opera. reality. Galactic space travel is a fact of life, and all manner of strange and unusual aliens with weird powers exist."
I'll ask about this reality:
[[1 o'clock->R1]]
[[3 o'clock->R3]]
[[4 o'clock->R4]]
[[5 o'clock->R5]]
[[6 o'clock->R6]]
[[7 o'clock->R7]]
[[8 o'clock->R8]]
[[9 o'clock->R9]]
[[10 o'clock->R10]]
[[11 o'clock->R11]]
[[12 o'clock->R12]]
[["What does it mean for a reality to be connected?"]]
[[Move on]]"At 3 o'clock, is the reality known as "Steam Automata".This reality is one of steam engines and brass, inhabited by 'living' constructs made of metal. All the organic people, if there ever were any, are missing."
I'll ask about this reality:
[[1 o'clock->R1]]
[[2 o'clock->R2]]
[[4 o'clock->R4]]
[[5 o'clock->R5]]
[[6 o'clock->R6]]
[[7 o'clock->R7]]
[[8 o'clock->R8]]
[[9 o'clock->R9]]
[[10 o'clock->R10]]
[[11 o'clock->R11]]
[[12 o'clock->R12]]
[["What does it mean for a reality to be connected?"]]
[[Move on]]"At 4 o'clock, is the reality known as 'Armonia'. This reality is much like your own, except in what would be your near future, an apocalyptic event occurred. In the present, the Moon has been made hospitable to life, and all manner of peoples live there, descended from humans and animals from the now wasteland Earth."
I'll ask about this reality:
[[1 o'clock->R1]]
[[2 o'clock->R2]]
[[3 o'clock->R3]]
[[5 o'clock->R5]]
[[6 o'clock->R6]]
[[7 o'clock->R7]]
[[8 o'clock->R8]]
[[9 o'clock->R9]]
[[10 o'clock->R10]]
[[11 o'clock->R11]]
[[12 o'clock->R12]]
[["What does it mean for a reality to be connected?"]]
[[Move on]]"At 5 o'clock, is the reality known as 'The Wild West'. This reality is a world of endless desert, filled with cowboys and saloons, reminiscent of Manifest Destiny-era America."
I'll ask about this reality:
[[1 o'clock->R1]]
[[2 o'clock->R2]]
[[3 o'clock->R3]]
[[4 o'clock->R4]]
[[6 o'clock->R6]]
[[7 o'clock->R7]]
[[8 o'clock->R8]]
[[9 o'clock->R9]]
[[10 o'clock->R10]]
[[11 o'clock->R11]]
[[12 o'clock->R12]]
[["What does it mean for a reality to be connected?"]]
[[Move on]]"At 6 o'clock, is the reality known as "Future Wizards". This reality is one where traditional nuts and bolts technology is scant, yet feats such as space travel are accomplished with magic and magically-powered automata."
I'll ask about this reality:
[[1 o'clock->R1]]
[[2 o'clock->R2]]
[[3 o'clock->R3]]
[[4 o'clock->R4]]
[[5 o'clock->R5]]
[[7 o'clock->R7]]
[[8 o'clock->R8]]
[[9 o'clock->R9]]
[[10 o'clock->R10]]
[[11 o'clock->R11]]
[[12 o'clock->R12]]
[["What does it mean for a reality to be connected?"]]
[[Move on]]"At 7 o'clock, is the reality known as 'Dino City'. This reality is similar to your ancient past, with primitive humans and hulking dinosaurs."
I'll ask about this reality:
[[1 o'clock->R1]]
[[2 o'clock->R2]]
[[3 o'clock->R3]]
[[4 o'clock->R4]]
[[5 o'clock->R5]]
[[6 o'clock->R6]]
[[8 o'clock->R8]]
[[9 o'clock->R9]]
[[10 o'clock->R10]]
[[11 o'clock->R11]]
[[12 o'clock->R12]]
[["What does it mean for a reality to be connected?"]]
[[Move on]]"At 8 o'clock, is the reality known as 'End of Everything'. A desolate reality, the Big Crunch is set to occur within the next few years. Intergalactic space travel and powerful magic is present, but most are concerned with trivial worldly pleasures, in the face of mass extinction."
I'll ask about this reality:
[[1 o'clock->R1]]
[[2 o'clock->R2]]
[[3 o'clock->R3]]
[[4 o'clock->R4]]
[[5 o'clock->R5]]
[[6 o'clock->R6]]
[[7 o'clock->R7]]
[[9 o'clock->R9]]
[[10 o'clock->R10]]
[[11 o'clock->R11]]
[[12 o'clock->R12]]
[["What does it mean for a reality to be connected?"]]
[[Move on]]"At 9 o'clock, is the reality known as 'Myths and Monsters. Now this is quite an interesting reality; it's the origin of much of the mythology in your reality. Gods ruling from Mount Olympus, and all that. This happened because of a two-way Gate between 9 o'clock and 10 o'clock."
I'll ask about this reality:
[[1 o'clock->R1]]
[[2 o'clock->R2]]
[[3 o'clock->R3]]
[[4 o'clock->R4]]
[[5 o'clock->R5]]
[[6 o'clock->R6]]
[[7 o'clock->R7]]
[[8 o'clock->R8]]
[[10 o'clock->R10]]
[[11 o'clock->R11]]
[[12 o'clock->R12]]
[["What does it mean for a reality to be connected?"]]
[[Move on]]"At 10 o'clock, is the reality known as 'Here and Now'. This is where you come from. I've observed a pandemic currently ravaging the world."
I'll ask about this reality:
[[1 o'clock->R1]]
[[2 o'clock->R2]]
[[3 o'clock->R3]]
[[4 o'clock->R4]]
[[5 o'clock->R5]]
[[6 o'clock->R6]]
[[7 o'clock->R7]]
[[8 o'clock->R8]]
[[9 o'clock->R9]]
[[11 o'clock->R11]]
[[12 o'clock->R12]]
[["What does it mean for a reality to be connected?"]]
[[Move on]]"At 11 o'clock, is the reality known as 'Haunted Mists'. In this reality, a peculiar mist covers the Earth, causing the appearance of monsters and paranormal events to occur."
I'll ask about this reality:
[[1 o'clock->R1]]
[[2 o'clock->R2]]
[[3 o'clock->R3]]
[[4 o'clock->R4]]
[[5 o'clock->R5]]
[[6 o'clock->R6]]
[[7 o'clock->R7]]
[[8 o'clock->R8]]
[[9 o'clock->R9]]
[[10 o'clock->R10]]
[[12 o'clock->R12]]
[["What does it mean for a reality to be connected?"]]
[[Move on]]"12 o'clock is an apparently empty reality. My guess is this reality is the origin of many of the cosmic entities and creatures that lie outside our walls."
I'll ask about this reality:
[[1 o'clock->R1]]
[[2 o'clock->R2]]
[[3 o'clock->R3]]
[[4 o'clock->R4]]
[[5 o'clock->R5]]
[[6 o'clock->R6]]
[[7 o'clock->R7]]
[[8 o'clock->R8]]
[[9 o'clock->R9]]
[[10 o'clock->R10]]
[[11 o'clock->R11]]
[["What does it mean for a reality to be connected?"]]
[[Move on]]When a reality lines up with our Golden Gate, it not only lets Travelers into Middleworld (not the other way, unfortunately), but also cosmic energies that we call Flow. Depending on the Flow, and by extension the time of day, different things are possible. For example, our laser guns only work at 2:00, and Zeus (who I've heard is somewhere in the City) can only use his lightning powers at 9:00. For this very reason, I recommend you acquire a watch as soon as possible."
I'll ask about this reality:
[[1 o'clock->R1]]
[[2 o'clock->R2]]
[[3 o'clock->R3]]
[[4 o'clock->R4]]
[[5 o'clock->R5]]
[[6 o'clock->R6]]
[[7 o'clock->R7]]
[[8 o'clock->R8]]
[[9 o'clock->R9]]
[[10 o'clock->R10]]
[[11 o'clock->R11]]
[[12 o'clock->R12]]
[[Move on]]
"As you can see, there are many realities that affect Middleworld. If you want to survive, you need to understand Flow as a second nature, to not be caught defenseless."
(if:$SageVisited is true)[ [["Thanks."]]] (else:)[
[["Is there any way to return home?"]]]
(if: $WineQuest is 1)[ [["Do you have any wine?"]]]"I'm afraid not, you'll have to adapt as we all have to this new way of life."
[["Thanks for the info"]]
(if: $WineQuest is 1)[ [["Do you have any wine?"]]]"Wine? I suppose so. Here, it might help you cope." (set: $i to it + (a:"Wine")) (set: $WineQuest to 2)
(if:$SageVisited is true)[ [["Thanks."]]] (else:)[ [["Is there any way to return home?"]]]"My pleasure. Come back if you need a review." (set:$SageVisited to true)
[[Go downstairs->Clocktower]]You stand just inside the Clocktower. Inside is a wooden spiral staircase, bordered by the cobbled stone of the walls.
[[Climb the steps]]
[[Go outside->Entrance]]You climb the stairs to the top of the tower. At the top, you see the Sage. He turns to face you.
"Ah, hello again $name. Need something?"
[["Tell me about the twelve realities."->"What are the twelve realities?"]]
(if: $WineQuest is 1)[ [["Do you have any wine?"]]]"Anytime."
[[Go downstairs->Clocktower]]"Ah, sweet. Give it 'ere." (set:$WineQuest to 4)(set:$i to it - (a:"Wine"))
He takes it, pops open the cork, and takes a heavy swing. "That's the good stuff. Go on ahead."
[[Enter the Palace]]The guard raises the metal gate, and lets you inside.
You walk on the cobbled path, bordered with a variety of exotic flowers, towards the Palace proper.
[[Enter->Palace]]"Hmm? Oh, it's you. Go ahead."
[[Enter the Palace]]You walk through a large hall to the throne room.
You see the Lord, a man who looks old enough to be experienced but not so old as to be weak and elderly. A fairly long but well kept silver beard adorns his face.
He is seated on an ornate throne, and as you enter the room he lifts his gaze towards you.
[["Greetings, Lord"]](if:$ArtQuest is >= 1 and $ArtQuest < 5)[(go-to:"ArtQuestCheckIn")](else-if: $ArtQuest is 5 or $ArtQuest is 6)[(go-to:"JackCheckIn")](else-if:$ArtQuest is 7)[(go-to:"AbomCheckIn")]
"Well met Traveler. What brings you to my home?"
[[Show the Knife->LordKnife]]As soon as you draw the Knife, the Lord recoils. "Put it away!" he pleads.
After doing so, he sighs solemnly. "Traveler, how have you come by this weapon?"
[["It appeared out of nowhere."->WhereKnife]]
[["It was my father's."->WhereKnife]]"I see. It is a cursed thing, that I would beg you to never use. However, if you have beared it this long, than you may be the only one who can. Tell me, have you heard of the Abomination?"
[["No."]]"Well, it is a giant, deformed creature, 5 stories tall. It's flesh is raw and blood-red, and it is slowly approaching the City. Our walls would not hold against an attack, and I fear the end is nigh. However, if I am correct, what you carry is one of several Artifacts, capable of doing harm to the Abomination, at the cost of doing harm to oneself."
[["What kind of harm?"]]"Every cut and slash of that Knife will eat away at your life force until you are a husk of a person. However, it shouldn't be necessary to go that far for this fiend. I must ask you to do this task. If another tried, I fear he would be consumed almost immediately by it's vampiric powers."
[["I can do it."->QuestBegin]]
[["I'm afraid I can't."->QuestBegin]]"Steel your heart, I know you can do this task. However, to do this alone would be folly. Other artifacts exist, and those able to wield them. You must find them, and bring them to your side, before the Abomination arrives."
"Minutes ago, an Artifact that was in our possession was stolen by an unknown thief. If you wish to be successful, you must retrieve it. Find where he went, and retrieve it. Return to me when the task is done."
[["I understand."]]
(set:$ArtQuest to 1)"To aid you in your endeavors, Traveler, I bequeath a small portion of the treasury." (set:$gold to 100)
"I would ask the guards outside if they saw where they went. Good luck."
[[Leave->OutsidePalace]]"Welcome back have you found the Artifact?"
[["No, not yet."]]
(if:$ArtQuest is 4)[ [["I have."]]]"Well, on your way then."
[[Leave->OutsidePalace]]"Tha thief? The one who stole some artifact from the Lord? I saw him going up the road."
[["Thanks."->OutsidePalace]]You stop a small, cube-shaped, brass robot as he rolls past you.
"Have you seen someone around here with a black, hooded cloak?" you ask.
"NO BODY LIKE THAT. APOLOGIES." The little robot rolls away.
(set:$ArtQuest to 2)
You stand at a fork in the road.
[[On your left]], you see the road continues on for a ways before ending in front of a large Palace, enclosed by stone walls.
[[On your right]], the road opens up to a marginally wider area, where several stalls are set up.
Alternatively, you can [[go back to the Plaza->Entrance]].
(if:$ArtQuest is 2)[ [[Ask someone else about the thief]]]You stop a hooded figure with an emerald cloak as he walks past you. They turn to you, revealing a feathered face with a sharp beak.
"Have you seen someone around here with a black, hooded cloak?" you ask.
"Yeah, I think I saw someone like that earlier. They went into the market, towards the Neath." They walk away.
(set:$ArtQuest to 3)
You stand at a fork in the road.
[[On your left]], you see the road continues on for a ways before ending in front of a large Palace, enclosed by stone walls.
[[On your right]], the road opens up to a marginally wider area, where several stalls are set up.
Alternatively, you can [[go back to the Plaza->Entrance]].The peddler has the following items for sale:
(if: $watch is not true)[A metal watch - 25 Gold [[Buy->BuyWatch]] ]
A health potion - 15 Gold [[Buy->BuyPotion]]
A stimpack - 15 Gold [[Buy->BuyStim]]
(if:$stone is not true)[A (-12) Tuning Stone - 50 Gold [[Buy->BuyStone]] ]
(if:$RatQuest is not 1)[["Can I sell stuff to you?"]]
[[Buy nothing->PeddlerDecline]]"Ah, a good choice. It's an essential piece for any traveler."
(if:$gold is >= 25)[You buy the watch.(set:$watch to true)(set:$gold to it - 25)](else:)["Looks like you don't have enough. Too bad, be sure to come back later!"]
[[Look at his wares]]"Come back if you change your mind!"
[[Walk away->Market]]"Perhaps I did. What's it to you?"
[["They stole something from the Lord."]]You walk back up the stairs.
[[==>->Market]]"Did they? And you're going to get it back, hmm?"
[["Yes."->CombatTutorial1]]"Well, you do know what this place is, right? It's the Neath, the most dangerous place in the City. If you don't know how to defend yourself, you'll be eaten alive. Come here, follow me."
[[Follow him]]As you walk behind him, the man speaks, "You're new, right? I can tell. We don't get as many new Travelers these days. And most that do come tend to panic, and get eaten alive outside the City."
[["I see."]]As you reach an open area, he turns around. "Now, I assume you have visited the Sage? He would've told you that there are twelve realities that connect the Gates at specific times. When that is the case, energies, called Flow, come into Middleworld, and it allows you to use different weapons and techniques. Here, you can take this."
He looks inside his trench coat, and grabs a scrap of paper and what looks like the hilt of a sword. He passes them to you.
Reading the scrap, you learn the ''Fire'' spell. You pocket the hilt.
(set:$spells to it + (a:"Fire"))(set:$i to it + (a:"Laser Sword"))
"Now, you should know a magic spell, and you have a high-tech weapon. You should be fairly set for those kinds of realities. Now, in order for attacks to land properly, you need to fine-tune the Flow for your attack."
He pulls out three stones, inscribed with strange symbols, and hands them to you. "You can use these Tuning stones to read and fine-tune the Flow level for each kind of attack. Different attacks need the Flow level be in certain ranges, or specific levels."
"Why don't we try a little spar? It should make more sense in practice than just me explaining."
(set:$enemy to $old_man) (set:$canFight to true) (set:$CombatReturn to "WonSpar") (set:$spar to true)
[[FIGHT->FightSimStart]](set:$hp's 1st to $hp's 2nd)"Nice job. Want another go?"
(set:$enemy to $old_man) (set:$CombatReturn to "WonSpar") (set:$spar to true)
[[FIGHT->FightSimStart]]
[["No thanks."->CombatTutorialEnd]](set:$hp's 1st to $hp's 2nd)"Ah, too bad. It was a close one. Want another go?"
(set:$enemy to $old_man) (set:$CombatReturn to "WonSpar") (set:$spar to true)
[[FIGHT->FightSimStart]]
[["No thanks."->CombatTutorialEnd]](set:$spar to false)"Well, hopefully y ou have a better idea of how to fight. You'll want to have a diverse set of weapons and abilities, in order to survive at all hours of the day."
You walk with him back to the entrance. (set:$CTDone to true).
"One last thing; the Neath is a bizarre maze of passages, and it's easy to get lost. Here, take this." He hands you a ball of string.
"It's an old trick from 9:00, just lay this out as you explore and you'll be able to follow it back to the entrance at any time. Farewell!"
He walks away, into the Neath.
[[Continue->Neath]]You stand at the entrance of the Neath. You drop the end of the ball of the string, so you can make your way back.
(if: $BoyQuest is 1)[The woman you promised to help waits on the steps. She looks hopefully up at you.]
(if: $jack is true)[Jack looks into the passages, thinking of his Brothers.]
[[Venture Deeper]]
[[Leave->Market]]"Ah, a good choice. It's an essential piece for any traveler."
(if:$gold is >= 15)[You buy a health potion.(set:$potions to it + 1)(set:$gold to it - 15)](else:)["Looks like you don't have enough. Too bad, be sure to come back later!"]
[[Look at his wares]]"Ah, a good choice. It's an essential piece for any traveler."
(if:$gold is >= 15)[You buy a stimpack.(set:$stim to it + 1)(set:$gold to it - 15)](else:)["Looks like you don't have enough. Too bad, be sure to come back later!"]
[[Look at his wares]](set:$hp's 1st to $hp's 2nd) (set:$potions to it - 1)
(go-to: "Menu")(set:$hp's 1st to $hp's 2nd) (set:$stim to it - 1)
(go-to: "Menu")(set:$venture to (random: 1,7))
(if:$venture is 1)[(go-to:"Fight Bat")]
(if:$venture is 2)[(go-to:"Guild Encounter")]
(if:$venture is 3)[(go-to:"Bandit")]
(if:$venture is 4)[(go-to:"Widow")]
(if:$venture is 5)[(go-to:"Mimic")]
(if:$venture is 6)[(go-to:"Jack")]
(if:$venture is 7)[(go-to:"Rats")]As you wander through the Neath, the tunnels open up into a large area, with raw, unchiseled walls.
As you enter, you hear a shrieking sound up above, and a group of bats fly down in front of you.
The bats are black, covered in a light fuzz, with blood-red eyes. White fangs gleam from their mouths, and you see a drop of blood fall from one of their mouths.
(set:$enemy to $bat) (set:$CombatReturn to "WonBats")
[[Fight!->FightSimStart]]With a wild blow, you knock another bat out of the air. The last few bats fly away, apparently not thinking you're worth the effort.
Looking around, you see the bones of a less fortunate adventurer, who left behind a small pouch of 50 gold. You pocket it. (set:$gold to it + 50)
[[Venture Deeper]]
[[Follow the string back to the entrance->Neath]](if:$i contains "Pendant" or $ArtQuest >= 4)[(go-to:"Guild")]As you wander through the Neath, you catch a glimpse of a hooded figure duck around a corner.
You start to run after them, but you lose sight of them. Looking down, you see that the figure dropped a small medallion.
You pick it up, and examine it. It's made of some bronze-colored material, stamped with the symbol: ß·
You pocket it. (set:$i to it + (a:"Pendant"))
[[Venture Deeper]]
[[Follow the string back to the entrance->Neath]]As you wander through the Neath, a figure jumps out in front of you.
"Stick 'em up!" he yells, brandishing a mean-looking revolver.
The man's cloak is black, like the thief's, but without a hood. His gaunt features show grimly in the dim light of the wall lamps, and a stench wafts in your direction from his body.
(set:$enemy to $bandit) (set:$CombatReturn to "WonBandit")
[[Surrender]]
[[Fight!->FightSimStart]]You hold up your hands, and obey the bandit's commands to empty your pockets.
You lose all of your Gold ($gold pieces) (set:$gold to 0)
[[Venture Deeper]]
[[Follow the string back to the entrance->Neath]](if:$i contains "Revolver")[You deal a smashing blow, and the bandit runs, dropping his purse at your feet. You gain 50 Gold from his past victims (set:$gold to it + 50)](else:)[You deal a smashing blow, and the bandit runs, dropping his revolver at your feet. You pick it up. (set:$i to it + (a:"Revolver"))]
[[Venture Deeper]]
[[Follow the string back to the entrance->Neath]]As you turn the corner, you come upon an oaken door set into the stone walls. It looks like there's a small slot where the handle would be, like a coin-operated machine back home. (if:$ArtQuest >= 4)[Without the Pendant, it looks like you can't get back in. Maybe the cyborg is somewhere else in the Neath?]
(if:$gold > 0)[ [[Put in a Gold piece]]]
(if:$i contains "Pendant")[[Put in the ß· pendant]]
[[Venture Deeper]]
[[Follow the string back to the entrance->Neath]]You take out a gold piece, and put it in the slot. You hear a *clink* from the other side of the door, but nothing appears to happen. (set:$gold to it - 1)
(if:$i contains "Pendant")[[Put in the ß· pendant]]
[[Venture Deeper]]
[[Follow the string back to the entrance->Neath]]You rip the leather cord off the pendant, and slide the bronze disc into the slot. With a heavy *clunk*, the door creaks open.
[[Go inside]]You walk inside, and the door closes behind you.
Ahead, is a large area, where black-cloaked figures walk around, and talk in hushed voices.
After a moment, your entrance is noticed, as well as your lack of a cloak. One of them approaches you.
"Nice weather we havin'?
[["Sure."->Guild2]]
[["Yeah?"->Guild2]]
[["No, what are you on about?"->Guild2]]
[["Hmm?"->Guild2]]
"You're not one of the Brothers!" Many of the other figures stand up, drawing various weapons.
"I got this, sit down." The one who approached you lowers his hood, revealing a heavily scarred, pale face, covered in various implants. He draws a Gun, made of a light blue metal.
[[Fight!->FightSimStart]]
(set:$enemy to $thief) (set:$CombatReturn to "WonArtBattle")The cyborg man collapses to the ground, grimacing. "Enough! You're after this, right?" He holds up the Gun. He tosses it at your feet, and he rises, with effort, to his feet.
You pick up the Gun, presumably it is the stolen Artifact. (set:$i to it + (a:"Gun"))The thief limps to the back of the room, and sits down on a bench. Judging by the dirty looks of the other couple dozen hooded figures in the room, it would be wise to abscond. (set:$ArtQuest to 4) (set:$i to it - (a:"Pendant"))
[[Follow the string back to the entrance->Neath]]"Well done Traveler! Now, we need to find someone who can use it without immediately crippling themselves..."
[["Actually..."]]"What?! You say the thief took up arms against you with this Gun as a weapon? Then he must be one of the Artifact's chosen! Traveler, you must find the thief once more and bring him to our cause." (set:$ArtQuest to 5)
[["On my way."->OutsidePalace]](set:$hp's 2nd to it + 3)(set:$exp to it - 20)(go-to:"Menu")"Woah, hold up there buddy. No one leaves, Lord's orders. The Abomination is too much of a threat."
[[Back to the Plaza->Entrance]]"Have you found them yet?"
[["No, not yet."]]
(if:$jack is true)[["May I introduce Jack?"]](if:$BoyQuest is 1)[(go-to:"FoundBoy")](else-if: $BoyQuest is 2)[(go-to:"Venture Deeper")]As you wander through the Neath, you come across a woman, slumped against the wall, crying.
[["Are you okay?"]]
[[Venture Deeper]]
[[Follow the string back to the entrance->Neath]]She looks up. "Oh, it's just horrible! My boy was taken by a group of black-cloaked people. I chased after them, but I got lost. Please, you have to get my boy back!"
[["I'll do what I can."]]
[["Sorry, I'm busy right now."]]"Thank you so much!" (set:$BoyQuest to 1)
You guide the woman back to the entrance, where it's safe. She says she'll wait there for you.
[[==>->Neath]]"Oh, please, have a heart!"
[["I'll do what I can."]]
[[Venture Deeper]]
[[Follow the string back to the entrance->Neath]]As you wander through the Neath, you catch sight of a black-cloaked figure, carrying a large, brown burlap sack over their shoulder. They're walking through the passages a little ways ahead of you.
[[Approach->FoundBoy2]]
Ignore, and...
[[Venture Deeper]]
[[Follow the string back to the entrance->Neath]]You run up behind the figure. Hearing your footsteps, the figure turns, and seeing you, turns and draws a mean-looking dagger.
(set:$enemy to $kidnapper) (set:$CombatReturn to "WonBoyBattle")
[[Fight!->FightSimStart]]With a yell, the figure drops the sack and flees deeper into the Neath.
You open up the sack, and see a small boy, dressed in a plaid shirt and suspenders. He's got some bruises, and looks pretty shaken up, but he seems to be okay.
"Come on, I'll take you to your Mom."
[[Follow the string back to the entrance->BoyQuestTurnIn]]As the boy sees his mother, he runs up to her, and they embrace.
The mother turns to you "Thank you so much! I can't ever repay you for your kindness. Here, take this." She hands you a handful of health potions, wrapped in cloth. (set:$potions to it + 5) (set:$BoyQuest to 2)
They walk up the steps to the surface.
[[==>->Neath]]As you wander through the Neath, you come upon an abandoned chest.
Made of oak, with a shiny gold trim, it is just itching to be opened.
[[Open it up]]You approach the chest, and as you rest your hand on the lid, suddenly it opens up to reveal sharp fangs along it's inside edge, with a black mist inside.
(set:$enemy to $mimic) (set:$CombatReturn to "WonMimic")
[[Fight!->FightSimStart]]With a final blow, the wood in the chest cracks and breaks apart. The black mist disperses, and whatever consciousness it possessed seems gone.
You move aside the wood, and find a cache of 100 gold pieces. (set:$gold to it + 100)
[[Venture Deeper]]
[[Follow the string back to the entrance->Neath]](if: $ArtQuest < 5 or $ArtQuest >= 6)[(go-to:"Venture Deeper")]
As you wander through the Neath, you come upon a black-cloaked figure, seated on a stone bench carved into the passage's walls. His hood is down, and you see the cyborg's augments plainly. It is the thief who stole the Gun.
[[Approach->JackEncounter]]
Ignore, and...
[[Venture Deeper]]
[[Follow the string back to the entrance->Neath]]You walk up to the cyborg. He looks up at you, and seeing you, quickly stands up. "You!" He draws a mean-looking dagger.
(set:$enemy to $cyborg) (set:$CombatReturn to "WonJackBattle")
[[Fight!->FightSimStart]]As you wander through the Neath, you find yourself surrounded by giant rats! Their fur is a dark brown, and their teeth gleam in the low light of the lamps. Red eyes bulge out of their skulls.
(set:$enemy to $rat) (set:$CombatReturn to "WonRats")
[[Fight!->FightSimStart]]With a final blow, you knock another Rat away. The rest of the swarm scurries away.
[[Harvest their tails]]
[[Venture Deeper]]
[[Follow the string back to the entrance->Neath]]You cut off the tails of the rats you slew. Who knows, they might have a use? (set:$i to it + (a:"Rat Tails"))
[[Venture Deeper]]
[[Follow the string back to the entrance->Neath]]The cyborg collapses to his knees. He looks up at you. "Enough! You happy now? Humiliated me enough? What do you want?!"
[["We need your help."]]"What do you need me for? I'm just some sewer rat."
You explain to him the threat of the Abomination, and the need for people to wield Artifacts, such as your Knife and the Gun he had before.
"The Gun? That hurt like Hell to use, no way I'm picking it up again."
You explain the fate that will befall the City if his help is not gained.
"Fine, I'll help, or whatever. First sign of trouble I'm out though."
(set:$ArtQuest to 6) (set:$jack to true)
You head back to the Entrance, with the cyborg in tow.
"I'm Jack." "$name."
[[Follow the string back to the entrance->Neath]]"No, I don't run that kind of business..." After a moment, he says, "Actually, I would buy any ''Rat Tails'' from you. I've been wanting to make my famous Rat Tail Soup for the wife. There's sure to be rats all over the Neath." (set:$RatQuest to 1)
[["Okay, I'll keep that in mind."->Look at his wares]]
(if:$i contains "Rat Tails")[["Actually, I have some now."->"I have some tails for you."]]"Oh, wonderful. Here, take some gold. Be sure to bring me any more you collect."
(set:$i to it - (a:"Rat Tails"))(set:$gold to it + 25)
[[Look at his wares]]"This is the fellow who can use the Gun?" the Lord looks at Jack in disbelief
"Yeah? What's so special about that?" Jack sneers.
"You're very special, boy, if you can use the Gun. Traveler, hand it over to him."
You hand Jack the Gun. "We will be ready, when the Abomination strikes. The two of you can do it, I'm sure. Now, the Abomination is closer than ever. When you're ready to prepare for the battle ahead, wait at the Black Gates, south of the Plaza." (set:$ArtQuest to 7)
[["We'll prepare."->OutsidePalace]]"When you're ready, go to the Black Gates, south of the Plaza."
[["We'll prepare."->OutsidePalace]]"Ah, a good choice. It's an essential piece for any traveler."
(if:$gold is >= 50)[You buy the tuning stone.(set:$stone to true)(set:$gold to it - 50)](else:)["Looks like you don't have enough. Too bad, be sure to come back later!"]
[[Look at his wares]]The guards open up the Gates, and you and Jack leave to approach the Abomination, before it gets to the Walls.
You see the Abomination, a hulking monster 5 stories tall. It's flesh is raw and blood-red, and moves slowly towards the City.
You stand at its feet. Jack grips the Gun, and you draw the Knife.
(set:$enemy to $abom) (set:$CombatReturn to "WonGame") (set:$FinalBattle to true)
[[Fight->FightSimStart]]Jack shoots his Gun, grimacing with pain each time, at the Abomination. You run, jump, and climb onto the giant creature. You climb up to it's head, if you could call it that, and deal one final blow with the Knife. With a guttural roar, the Abomination collapses, and slowly disintegrates into a fine black powder.
You and Jack yell a cry of victory! You both limp, weak from the Artifacts, back to the Black Gates.
[[Go->Wrapping Up]]You have a hero's welcome, and the guards help you back to the palace...
"My my, you have done it! Traveler..., er, what did you say your name was? $name? Well $name, and Jack, thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving our fair city. You are free to make yourselves at home, we have a bed and a hearty meal for you."
=><=
[[==>->End]]
=><=
(text-style:"bold","double-underline")[Middleworld: Chapter 1]
The End