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Scripting tools to interact with Thea 2 The Shattering files in order to translate them easily.
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thea2Shattering_i18n_tools/Modules/game_files/mChapter 1.txt

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-- [EVENT] --Shattering1(0)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
Woken by a distant tremor, you rise from the gravel and dust that surrounds you. Mere steps away from you, a deep gash has swallowed the farmhouse that gave you refuge the night before. Dust and debris are all that remains.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Look for survivors.
[OUT]Run away.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
You search the debris for other survivors. There was a family of six. The little girl gave you her doll to keep you safe at night...
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep looking!
[OUT]Just leave this place.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
There are no signs of life. In fact, you realise that it is very quiet and still here, as if time itself has halted. You look down the chasm to check for bodies, but instead of the darkness you expected, you are blinded by a ray of bright light.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Step back.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
The light dims and before you stands the family. Their bodies are twisted and broken from the Shattering, but they seem unhindered by it, their eyes white and focused, yet empty. Their limbs are loose - unnaturally relaxed, even. At first you assume they are now unliving, but you can see blood still pumping in their veins and their hearts beating slowly.
They walk away from you without a word, moving together in unnerving unison.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Harmony or Light]Try to call out to them.
[OUT][Turmoil or Magic]Observe their movements.
[OUT][Nature or Intellect]Stay vigilant.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
There is a sense of overwhelming harmony, an exuberant blast of light and order that stifles your mind and soul. The gods favour balance, and these people -or whatever got them - is destroying it.
Your bodies freeze and you hear the light calling you, but your bond with the divine keeps you safe for now.
[/STORY]
[OUT]In the name of light, direct action is needed! Attack them to purge this abominable force.
[OUT]In harmony we must trust, even now. Speak to the people: 'Rosa, Vieslav, do you not recognise me? What has happened to you?'
[OUT]It is not wise to meddle with the unknown. Follow them at a distance and observe.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
An oppressive emanation of light and order pushes against your very being. This light seeks to stifle any magic or darkness, and the order seeks to diminish all turmoil. Your bones twist and your blood boils from the assault!
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Battle these fiends with magic!
[OUT]Stay back and only observe.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
Whatever these people have become, they are overfilled with the energy of light and harmony. This stifling, unnatural concentration of force is an abomination against both nature and intellect.
[/STORY]
[OUT]It stands against nature. Best be rid of it. Attack.
[OUT]Mystical forces seem to be at work here. Attack them spiritually.
[OUT]Stay back and only observe.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]9
[STORY]
Weary from your travels, you come across a small hamlet, and you are invited to rest and eat with the family.
They also offer their stables as a place to camp if you need to.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept their hospitality.
[OUT]Decline and move on.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]10
[STORY]
You get a warm meal and are invited to listen to folk tales from the old baba. The children ask you many questions about the wider world, and you are somewhat relieved when it is time to sleep.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Rest.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
You walk away and set up camp, but you are rudely awakened by a strong tremor. You are hit by some stray rocks and walk about disoriented for a time until you come across a deep gash that has swallowed the farmhouse that offered you refuge the night before. Dust and debris are all that remain.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Look for survivors.
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]14
[STORY]
You defeat the family and see their bodies burn to ash as they fall.
The oppressive light lingers, as if searching for a new host, but it does not approach you, and eventually it disappears.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]16
[STORY]
You are defeated and your spirit is assaulted. Your divine bond protects you, and eventually the enemy moves away, blindly following some unheard call.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]18
[STORY]
You try to talk, but they do not engage. Do they even hear you? You are unsure. Instead, they try to embrace you, and their light attempts to engulf you.
You feel encouraged by your steadfast resolve for peace, but clearly, they do not share your belief. Your divine bond protects you, and eventually the enemy moves away, blindly following some unheard call.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
They continue to walk, occasionally trying to turn to you and reach out with the oppressive light.
Your divine bond protects you, and eventually the enemy moves away, blindly following some unheard call.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]24
[STORY]
You defeat the family and see their bodies burn to ash as they fall.
The oppressive light lingers, as if searching for a new host, but it does not approach you, and eventually it disappears.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --StolenGoods1(1)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You wake to find some of your goods missing!
[/STORY]
[OUT][Perception or hunter] Track the thieves.
[OUT]Such is life. Leave.
[OUT]Track the thieves.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
With your skill in tracking, the previous night's rain has no impact.
You know exactly where to look for the thieves, and you know they were likely human, judging by the size and depth of the tracks.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Mark their location on your map and move out.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
It must have rained in the night, for the tracks have faded. It will be a difficult task.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Track the scoundrels as quickly as possible.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]12
[STORY]
The tracks go cold and end up going around in circles, but eventually you think you find the right direction.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Mark their location on your map and move out.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --scavengers4(2)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You come across a small settlement, or at least what typically passes as one for scavengers. It is shabby and dark, and smells of rotten flesh.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take a closer look, quietly.
[OUT]Charge in!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
You see people sitting around a badly made fire. There are a few kids - thin, feral-looking. Some grownups with visible ailments, such as skin growths, missing limbs, scabs, coughing up blood, and such.
Some of the people have weapons - five, by your count.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Approach.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
The settlement goes quiet and a small group approaches you with weapons drawn. A middle-aged, heavy-set woman rolls in from behind the armed group and speaks, her voice distorted by scabs covering her lips and face:
'Who're you then? You come to stick us?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you do not want to harm them, but you were asked by the red-ridge bandits to get rid of them, and for the sake of divine providence, you must do so.
[OUT]Nod and admit that is what you came here for. Prepare for a fight.
[OUT]Say that you came here to warn them that the bandits have new allies and are about to come and kill them all!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
'Those filthy buggers! Them lot who take our kin and kill us. Why you doing their dirty work, eh?'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Scavenger]Tell them it's each person for themselves, as it's always been. The bandits offered a deal and you need what they have -- simple.
[OUT]Say that you are on a path of the divine. The bandits have what you need, the red cave, so you need the scavengers to move out if they wish to avoid bloodshed.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'Oh, you all high and mighty now, eh? I smell no mind-itching on you, no flesh-itching too? You all good-flesh now, are you? How?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you follow the gods, so your flesh is healed. Tell them you need to get to a place called the red cave to do a job for the gods. Ask them to help you, and maybe one day their flesh will be healed too.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'We do not go nowhere! This is our patch, and if you don't go, we stick you like pigs!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Show them your mark of the chosen, and try to convince them that the gods will be angry if they do not obey.
[OUT]Just attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
You speak with divine gravity and they cower before you:
'Okay, okay, please don't make the gods angry at us! This place is shit anyways, we go now.But those bandits, they be bad. Maybe you consider helpin' us instead?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]No. Wait for them to leave and report your success to the bandits.
[OUT]Agree to listen.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'You shut your yaps and go shit yourselves now. Go, else we stick ya like pigs!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'So they took you in and you one of them now. Well, nice for you, right? So you will help your own, then?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell them your old pack is dead, and you go with the god folk now. But ask what they need help with.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'Much was taken from us, and we weak, no more strong ones to fight to take back. Can you help?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why should you?
[OUT]Say you will consider it, but ask her to speak quickly. [SKIP STORY]
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
'Your bodies look well-fleshed, your eyes speak of food and clean water. We had no such luck. Our grandfathers and their grandfathers before them, they all sick, they weak, they die.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Yes, you know the dark night well. Our grandfathers banished to walk the land, the sick rivers, the ailing forests, the cursed meats. We lived, but weak and flesh-ill or mind-itched. What of it?
[OUT]No, you do not recall the darkest night.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]22
[STORY]
'My family is growing weaker still. The Shattering took our homes again. Your good-flesh folk kill us, your gods leave us to rot. But my kid, my kid was born good-flesh, maybe this brings hope?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]And someone took them?
[OUT]Why ask you to do it, why not do themselves?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]23
[STORY]
'Yes, yes, the other pack, the red ridgers, over the peak there. They took them and took many man-folk, we too weak now...
If you do this, we have a way into this cave of yours, yes we do!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What's in it for you?
[OUT]Kidnapping children is a filthy deed. Agree to try to help.
[OUT]Why you? Why not do it themselves?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]24
[STORY]
'My younger daughter, Monia, she not so ill, she will birth you children. And we have goods we will give, not so much, most was taken, we have not much... and that cave of yours, you'll be free to go in, no?'
She gestures towards a pale, thin girl with saggy breasts and bulging abdomen, looking up at you without emotion.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree to look for the child and take Monia when you succeed.
[OUT]She doesn't look very happy about it. Ask her if she's okay with the deal.
[OUT]Well, she looks miserable, so at least she can leave here. Agree to look for the child.
[OUT][Scavenger]Take a closer look at your hosts.
[OUT]Say that you will not help in this odd saga. Tell them to leave as agreed, then go report back to the bandits that you solved the problem.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'Oh, good, good. You strange people, but good. How odd that is...
Them bandits, they talk to you, they think you work for them, you give them this - my rod. You say you kill me, and you poison the buggers! Or just steal our kin back, or slaughter them. Either way, you get your cave, I promise.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave to face the bandits.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'Happy? And? She birthed two whelps already, both died, but third time lucky, eh?'
The girl herself does not speak.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Scavenger]Take a closer look at your hosts.
[OUT]Agree to look for the child and take Monia when you succeed.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]27
[STORY]
You remember the harsh ways of your kind, but you left that life.
Most people here carry illness of the body and mind, and women are kept as breeding stock. You remember raids where you were sent out to capture healthy women from others. Still, you know this is their way of life, so the girl will come willingly -- or rather, she has no will left to oppose.
[/STORY]
[OUT]This is all foul business. Selling off their own kin as cattle. Purge this place, and kill all the leaders and guards!
[OUT]Agree to look for the child and take Monia when you succeed.
[OUT]Say that you will not help in this odd saga. Tell them to leave as agreed, then go report back to the bandits that you solved the problem.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]28
[STORY]
'You one of us, no? You know the shit we eat and live. A good-flesh child is good omen, will bring us health.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask why their chief isn't here to ask, just her.
[OUT]Say you'll consider it, but what is your reward?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]29
[STORY]
She frowns at you and wipes snot off her face. 'The chief is angry, out looking for Basha. You come, I speak. Boss listens to his breeder wife.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What's in it for you?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]31
[STORY]
You attack, seeking to kill only those in charge, but you soon realise that everyone stands in defence of the settlement, even the children.
[/STORY]
[OUT]If they all wish to die, then they'll all die. Attack!
[OUT]Ask why they defend those who hurt them.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]32
[STORY]
Monia, the promised breeder, speaks to you in reply:
'This is home, you know this...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod in resignation and say you will look for the boy.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]36
[STORY]
'Good, good, thank you! Go, go kill them and bring our kid!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]40
[STORY]
You kill the scavenger guards, and those who survived flee in terror, cursing your name and all your gods.
The hovel they left behind doesn't promise much, but you are free to search it and report your success to the bandits.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Gather what you can find and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]43
[STORY]
You are badly beaten and forced to flee, leaving much of your belongings behind.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'You again! You're either brave or dumbass, either way, time to die!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Fight!
[OUT]Run away.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]49
[STORY]
The woman in charge spits and curses the bandits:
'You good-flesh folks, you never too clever. But I guess I was wrong about you. Be thanking you. We go, quickly!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wait for them to leave, then report your success to the bandits.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]50
[STORY]
'Fast as I can. Those red-ridge buggers, them took our children, last healthy boy we had.
You stick them, stick them hard for us, find our boy, we reward you. We give you bride, we give you goods, and you get rid of scum and go to your cave.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree to look for the child and take Monia when you succeed.
[OUT]No. You came here to do a job, so attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]51
[STORY]
'It was before the Awakening, before the sun came back and the gods woke up. Them gods did not care for all, no. Us, we were left to fend for ourselves and the dark ate our flesh and spirit, yes it did.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and listen.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]54
[STORY]
'So, you got our young one, or maybe the bastards are dead'uns? Eh?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Killed the bandits.
[OUT]Got the child.
[OUT]Neither, they beat you.
[OUT]Attack the scavengers!
[OUT]Tell them you need more time. Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]55
[STORY]
'Bah, I be damned to all hells and kiss Nyia's arse for eternity! You went and did it.
Deal's a deal, we stay away from that cave, you go do what you want with it. We go have us a party now, you come drink with us, you take Monia!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank her and accept the reward.
[OUT]Say you'd rather not take Monia, but thank her all the same.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]56
[STORY]
'Well, I be damned for sure, you did it! Come here, child... eh, think it's ours. No matter, looks good-flesh, we take it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Does she not know whether this is her child? She made it sound like it was important earlier.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]57
[STORY]
'Well, all are mine, as I am the boss mamma, but its brood mamma died of the rot, and I never pay much attention to the whelps till they good for somethin', but this will do. Deal's a deal, here, I show you a passage to the cave you want. I warn you, those bandits will soon know you made deals with us, you best stay away from them.
Oh, and take Monia, as promised, she good to you. Now best go.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank her and go find the cave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]58
[STORY]
'She be good to you, don't beat her much and we good. Now go, see your cave and make flesh-healthy sprogs. Now we go drink!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Party with the scavengers before leaving.
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]59
[STORY]
'Ah, I see. Well, no other way now for you than keep trying to kill them lot, that way we get revenge and you get your cave. Good luck.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]73
[STORY]
'Bah, I guess you right, she ugly as my butt. Go, see your cave and make flesh-healthy sprogs. But now we go drink!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Party with the scavengers before leaving.
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]75
[STORY]
You see the remains of a scavenger settlement, it is destroyed. perhaps the bandits decided to deal with them after all.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --Hahalek1(3)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You track the thieves to this location and find an old abandoned ruin of a house.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go in, arms at the ready.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
As you come in closer, you sense the unmistakable presence of a demon here.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Greet him and say that you are here to talk, not play games or fight.
[OUT]Shout and tell the creature to give back your stuff!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
A creature lurks under the remains of the front door. He skulks at you, then repeats in a mocking tone:
'Hello there, creature, I wish you no harm. Let's talk.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Sigh and say that he must be one of 'those' demons.
[OUT]Tell him to stop, immediately!
[OUT][Demon]His tongue is riddled, likely bound by demon lore. Make him a deal of your own: tell him a riddle, and if he fails to answer, he must speak to you.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'Oh crap, you're one of those...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell him to stop, immediately!
[OUT]You know some demon lore, so speak the words: 'I curse you thrice, I bless you twice, and so I pay the speaker's price. Be free to speak to me.'
[OUT]Beat the creature up and tell him to give up your goods!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'Stop it immediately!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Sigh and say that he must be one of 'those' demons.
[OUT]You know some demon lore, so speak the words: 'I curse you thrice, I bless you twice, and so I pay the speaker's price. Be free to speak to me.'
[OUT]Beat the creature up and tell him to give up your goods!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]10
[STORY]
The demon lets out a sigh of great relief, but he still looks nervous:
'You called the lore, I am unbound, for now. Speak quickly, for it does not last much...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Did he mean long?
[OUT]Ask after your things.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
The creature shrugs:
'I meant much, but long will be. What do you want of I?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask after your things.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'If I did I cannot say. I do what I don't. I am bound to serve, so bad light does not catch me.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But he is a hahalek, a house demon. Why would he leave his house and steal from folk?
[OUT]Kill it!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
The hahalek looks saddened:
'I was, twice... The earth shakes, houses die and bad light hurts us. I bound myself to other services, I cannot say less?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Did he mean more? Never mind. Ask if you can take back your things. He doesn't need to be involved, thus he's not breaking his laws.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]14
[STORY]
'Oh... hmmm... I am no guardian demon, was bound to take and carry it to the masters, not to guard...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your things from the house.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]15
[STORY]
You take stolen goods you find inside the house. There is some extra, clearly taken from others.
You see a lot of torn-out feathers and fur and specks of blood in the house, and when you look at the hahalek, you see it does look very patchy.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell him you have your things back, so you will not kill him, but he had better not steal from you again.
[OUT]Ask the demon why he is bound like this. He does not seem happy or well.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'I thank me. I cannot promise. You see, masters, they make the rules, and me, I work.'
The creature skulks away.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
A creature lurks under the remains of the front door. He skulks at you, then repeats in a mocking tone:
'Give back what is ours, now!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Sigh and say that he must be one of 'those' demons.
[OUT]Tell him to stop, immediately!
[OUT][Demon]His tongue is riddled, likely bound by demon lore. Make him a deal of your own: tell him a riddle, and if he fails to answer, he must speak to you.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]20
[STORY]
The creature looks perplexed and tries to break your riddle, but he cannot do it. He squirms and squirms but fails the task.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell him a deal is a deal, so now he must speak to you.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
'I curse you thrice, I bless you twice, and so I pay the speaker's price. Be free to speak to me.'
It doesn't look like you're getting anywhere with the creature.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack him!
[OUT]Leave him be.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]23
[STORY]
It was a hassle to capture the hahalek, but you finally do it, and now he lies at your mercy.
It is quiet for once.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Demon or zerca]Call upon demon lore -- a life spared is a life bound. Now, this deal does not work on all demons, but try it anyway.
[OUT]Kill him.
[OUT]Spare him and just take back your stuff.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]24
[STORY]
'Unbound I am and yet tangled. I cannot serve you, so I may scream now? Speak quick for my tongue is not free for much.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Did he mean he is not free for long?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]28
[STORY]
As the creature dies, he utters a curse:
'Be it night, be it day, my spirit will stay.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]31
[STORY]
You fail to catch the creature and he runs away. Worse yet, your equipment is nowhere to be seen.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]33
[STORY]
'I unsaid, the ground shook, broke houses, new job. I am no sad, no happy, I am.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod, wish him well, and leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] -- CmuchPrince1(4)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You come to a place torn up by tremors. Surrounded by deep chasms in the ground lies a small patch of swamp. Within sits what looks like a very large toad, perched on a water lily leaf. It croaks a sad melody.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Cmuch]This one looks familiar. Hop over to the toad.
[OUT]Take a closer look.
[OUT]Approach carefully.
[OUT]Kill it!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
This is most likely a cmuch, a shy swamp demon with a reputation for appearing to lazy or weakened folk and draining their lives.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Consider the true demon lore.
[OUT]Kill it!
[OUT]Approach carefully.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You know this reputation to be false. The creature is in fact drawn to illness and despair and driven to take them upon itself. As a result, the demon is misshapen, forever suffering.
This one, however, looks unusual. It has golden scales along its neck and long crystal eyelashes that flicker with light with every move.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask your demon kin if he is all right.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
The creature turns to you and speaks, his voice surprisingly clear and melodic:
'Oh, oh. You see me! Oh no... but then... maybe you could...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask what he is.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'A cmuch, I am. I have no name, I think... not that I can recall. Although now that you mention it, it seems like I should. Hmmm.
Have you seen my swamp? I lost it...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]How can one lose a swamp?
[OUT]Say that you have little time to talk. Does he need any help?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'The earth shook, the holes came, and the swamp was gone. Then everyone left, only me, alone here. And I cannot stomp on dry land, you see. But I know someone who can help. Will you carry me to her?'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Cmuch]A fellow cmuch in need? Yes, agree to help.
[OUT]Agree to help.
[OUT]Tell him that it smells like a trick.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
'Great, it isn't far, only there.
And because you were so kind, here - I hear my spit is good for healing and other stuff.'
The toad-like creature croaks and spits a green, smelly ball of goo and hands it to you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank him.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'No trick, I swear! I am no trickster demon, you know. But a demon, yes, we are bound by deals we make. So you take me to Dobra's hut, and I give you my golden scales, deal?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deal.
[OUT]A demon deal for his healing spit, sure. Agree.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'Yes, so I hear. Fine. So, deal?'
The toad-like creature croaks and spits a green, smelly ball of goo and hands it to you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deal.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]12
[STORY]
You take a few shots at the creature and feel a weave of magic growing. It is not strong, but it will hit you soon!
[/STORY]
[OUT]Fight the magic!
[OUT]Just leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]14
[STORY]
The magic subsides, and in place of the toad lies the body of a young woman, naked, wearing only a golden necklace and a delicate crystal tiara on her head. The body slowly sinks into the swamp.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to take the tiara and necklace.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]15
[STORY]
The magic subsides, and in place of the toad lies the body of a young woman, naked, wearing only a golden necklace and a delicate crystal tiara on her head. The body slowly sinks into the swamp.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]16
[STORY]
You manage to grab the goods before the body sinks into the mud. The tiara turns to water in your hand, but the remains of the golden necklace look interesting.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]20
[STORY]
This is your own kin, a cmuch. But you see that it is odd. It has golden scales on its neck and its eyelashes seem to be made of crystal.
It is also unusual for your kin to be sitting in plain sight like this.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask him what he is doing here. Why isn't he hiding?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
'Oh, oh, a cmuch, yes? I thought all were gone! But... you're not the one I met here before... they are all gone, and I cannot leave on dry land!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does he mean he can't leave?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]22
[STORY]
'No, no, I cannot, I tried...'
The cmuch hops up to the swamp, and jumps in and out. All seems fine.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell him this is all very odd.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]24
[STORY]
'Great, it isn't far, only there.
And because you were so kind, here - I will share my spit with you and also give you my golden scale!
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank him and move out.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]29
[STORY]
'I am fine, I think. I have no name, or do I? Although now that you mention it, it seems like I should. Hmmm.
Have you seen my swamp? I lost it...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]How can one lose a swamp?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]30
[STORY]
'Hmm, yes, I think. Take me to my friend. She lives in a house, a strange house, over there.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --CmuchPrincespwn1(5)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
The cmuch directs you to an old straw hut sitting on a chicken leg, surrounded by low-hanging mist and the smell of baked cookies and burnt sugar.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Wisdom]This certainly looks like a witch's hut -- could even be a baba yaga. Shout at the toad for leading you here!
[OUT]This doesn't look friendly. Approach cautiously.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
The cmuch looks scared by your outburst. He gets nervous hiccups:
'What's a baba yaga? Hick... the lady there? Hick... She is good, she helps us...'
You feel you are being watched.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell whoever resides within the hut that the toad seems to think they will help, and you wish no conflict.
[OUT][Magic user]Say that whatever tricks are at work here, you are no fool. You wish only to hand over the toad.
[OUT][Baba Yaga]Tell your sister to stop messing around and let you in. Ask why this toad thinks she's a friend.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
'Oh, you do, do you now? Ha ha. Very well. No funny business with you, then.
You should not linger here, stranger. Leave the toad to my care and go.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]How did the other demons disappear?
[OUT]Leave the toad and swear at the lost time.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'The light came. Earth parted once more and this time, it was not empty inside.
All who see it are taken or destroyed. No in between with that lot...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]The light did it?
[OUT]How sad. Now, is there a reward for this toad?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'That is what I said and saw. A light so bright, it is darkness. If it finds you lacking, you wither away and become air. It devours, it takes, it does not need or want, it does only as it will.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]If it wills, it wants, surely?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'Perhaps. All I know is the demons were there one day, then they all changed, filled to the brim, overflowing inside, driven by emptiness, driven to walk away from their nature.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]A force took control of the demons from the swamp? So how is she still here?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
'A force, perhaps. They saw the light and are gone.
My hut knows how to hide, so we hid, we watched, we waited. Me and the toad, the only ones left.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So she has magic protecting her, but the cmuch?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'The cmuch? Oh, the toad. Well, it is not as it seems.
Hmm, it was there, in the middle, saw it all. I doubt its tiny mind comprehends, but if you take its curse away, maybe it could tell you more.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What curse?
[OUT]All right, whatever this curse is, agree to try to break it.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'It is not a cmuch, obviously. It is a cursed thing, and that is why it stayed. The light was too weak to break it, to take it. That is good, or is it?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Is she asking you?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'Not really, no. But you must know, demons are made of magic. We are bound to it, bound to laws stronger than our own will. We cannot break those bonds, not without other bonds, prices, deals, tricks. Those who left, they just left - how?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]'All right, so you say the toad could tell us more. Can you break its curse? Do we kiss it or something?'
[/NODE]
+[NODE]12
[STORY]
You walk towards the house, but within a few minutes you realise you aren't getting any closer. The voice of an old woman speaks to you:
'What do you seek here, strangers?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Answer that the toad asked you to bring him here because all his other friends are gone.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'Yes, yes, gone they are! All of them...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]How? Why? Does she know?
[OUT]How sad. Now, is there a reward for this toad?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]14
[STORY]
'Kiss it, kiss it... yes. That will work.'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Magic user]The kiss will connect us with the curse and then we can try to break free together, yes?
[OUT]A kiss? How is that going to work?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'Ah, clever... dangerous... clever you are... I was going to ask for payment, but I see I'm dealing with professionals. So let us just do it, yes?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod in agreement for now.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'All who wish to partake will lick the toad three times, then take the sweat from their armpits and mark the creature's face with it. This way I will join you all. The curse will then attack you too. If you succeed, you may break it!'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Demon]And if you fail?
[OUT]And if you fail?
[OUT]And why doesn't she do it?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
'You're a demon like me, so you risk getting some of the curse on you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Perform the ritual kiss.
[OUT]Refuse, leave the toad to the yaga and go.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]18
[STORY]
'You will likely be stung by the magic, but nothing more.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Perform the ritual kiss.
[OUT]Refuse, leave the toad to the yaga and go.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'I am a demon, and the curse is of demon origin, so it may hurt me more than you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Demon]Remind her that so are you.
[OUT]And if you fail?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
'A reward? Hardly! Why should I pay for a stinking toad? But leave him here, if you like. It's gotten lonely lately.
I see you are impatient, so I will say it fast. The earth broke, light came out, it was blinding. Do you want to know more?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]No, leave the toad and swear at the lost time.
[OUT]Yes.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]22
[STORY]
'Then all the demons and creatures from the swamp either died or left. The toad is a witness, but he is stupid in this form, so if you want to learn more, you will need to break the curse first.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse. Tell her it's time for you to go.
[OUT]Agree to give it a go.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]23
[STORY]
The curse breaks, and the cmuch turns into a tall young man with golden fins and gills. His eyes sparkle like gems.
'Thank the waters! That was insufferable!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if he's a prince.
[OUT]Ask what he is.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]24
[STORY]
'A what now? Why would you ask such a thing?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell him the story of the frog and prince.
[OUT]Never mind. Ask him what he is.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'I am a vodnik. I was, well, I was courting a rusalka, and it's strictly forbidden, you see... Anyway, her slimy sister turned me into the dumb creature.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask why she cursed him.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'Well, how about that. The rusalka who cursed me was a young witch before she was gifted with water-life. She must have thought it funny, the bitch!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask why she cursed him.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]27
[STORY]
'Eh, I tried to get it on with another rusalka. It is forbidden, but, well, I am a prince, I suppose you could say. My father is the vodnik who rules over our waters. So I thought I could get away with it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Prince, then, after all? Ask for a reward.
[OUT]Prince, then, after all? Ask for a reward.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]28
[STORY]
'Yes, yes.'
He looks playfully at you.
'So your story speaks of marriage to the prince, right? Or kissing at least? Yeah, no marriage, but I am willing to give you my lips and more, for a night...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree, spend some time with the vodnik.
[OUT]Politely decline. But insist he pays his dues for the rescue.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]29
[STORY]
'Yes, yes. I am not going to marry one of your rugged lot - you can forget that. But I can give you a few trinkets in thanks.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask about the disappearing demons.
[OUT]Demand more.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]30
[STORY]
'Hmm. It's all so very foggy, my dear. The cmuch was so undignified and dumb.
I felt a touch of something. It was burning, yet ice cold. Light but in its purest, raw form. It spoke of unison, order, ultimate peace. It sought to touch me, but the curse kept me hidden. The others, they were not so lucky...
I saw them walk so straight, so depleted of life, yet living. They went towards one of the chasms left by the Shattering, then they were gone.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask him to join you.
[OUT]Thank him and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]31
[STORY]
'I am getting irked with your tone. But you saved me, so I'll let it pass.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask about the disappearing demons.
[OUT]Kill the ungrateful wretch!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]32
[STORY]
You kill the vodnik without trouble. The witch who stood watching speaks:
'Well, that defeated the purpose of getting information. I am off now. Good luck to you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Stop her and demand more answers!
[OUT]Let her go.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'I have none, as I said! This was the only lead. Just keep your eyes open. I am sure this isn't the only place where demons disappeared.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and leave.
[OUT]Kill her!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]36
[STORY]
'Stinking fools, meddling in my business, then this! You're lucky I am no dark demon!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]38
[STORY]
'Oh, that's sweet, but no.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to convince him.
[OUT]Say your farewells.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]39
[STORY]
The witch who came with you waves goodbye as well:
'Off I go, then. Did my bit. Hope you get 'em, whoever "them" are...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say goodbye and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]41
[STORY]
'You have a silver tongue, I'll give you that. I shan't join you, but you can call upon my minions for help when you're in trouble. Farewell. May all the toads turn to princes for you!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wish him well and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]42
[STORY]
A baba yaga appears, smiles, and embraces you:
'A yaga, yes! We who are taken by madness should stick together, eh? The toad, yes, you can leave with me, if you like?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask her why this toad is the only demon in the swamps.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]43
[STORY]
'Ha ha. No threats, no negotiations, just gave me the toad. Odd folk.
Here, have a gift for your troubles and go away.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]46
[STORY]
The toad is slimy and stinks of the bog. It croaks at you and looks confused:
'Ehm, hi there. Do I know you?'
The yaga shrugs and takes the toad away:
'You tried. Bye.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]50
[STORY]
'I never could refuse a pretty face... that's what got me into this mess, I suppose. Still, one never learns, it seems.
Here's my reward, and fare thee well, my lovely friend. If ever you come by my pond, please visit. And do stay away from the wretched light!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank him and leave.
[OUT]Try to convince him to stay with you.
[OUT]Ask about the disappearing demons.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]55
[STORY]
'Ah, a wise one, or whatnot. Me, I am a simple demon, a yaga. But that is of no concern to you.
This here little fella's the only one left of our demons from the swamps, so leave him with me and be on your way, no tricks from me, swear.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]How did the other demons disappear?
[OUT]Leave the toad and swear at the lost time.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]56
[STORY]
'I take a wee bit of your blood, then you kiss the toad and I prepare a ritual. You will need to have a strong spirit to help break the curse.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Decline. She isn't getting any of your blood!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]57
[STORY]
'Oh, fine, fine, don't need it. Just kiss the toad, face the music, that's all.'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Demon]And if you fail?
[OUT]And if you fail?
[OUT]And why doesn't she do it?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]59
[STORY]
'I never could refuse a pretty face... that's what got me into this mess, I suppose. Still, one never learns, it seems.
Here's my reward, and fare thee well, my lovely friend. If ever you come by my pond, please visit. And do stay away from the wretched light!'
Your time together was great, but later you find yourself feeling a bit fishy...
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your leave.
[OUT]Try to convince him to stay with you.
[OUT]Ask about the disappearing demons.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]60
[STORY]
'I never could refuse a pretty face... that's what got me into this mess, I suppose. Still, one never learns, it seems.
Here's my reward, and fare thee well, my lovely friend. If ever you come by my pond, please visit. And do stay away from the wretched light!'
Your time together proved magical, and you feel your destiny strengthened by it.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank him and leave.
[OUT]Try to convince him to stay with you.
[OUT]Ask about the disappearing demons.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]63
[STORY]
You kill the demon and her body withers away.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --Dream0(6)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
Shaken in your sleep, you wake to find yourself fallen from a hammock onto dry, brittle soil.
[/STORY]
[OUT]What hammock? Look around.
[OUT]Stand up fast and be ready for trouble!
[OUT]Accept your divine role as chosen. [Skip story]
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
Dazed and displaced, your eyes glaze over a land steeped in dark shadows.
There is no hammock, no sign of your camp. But there is a dim light flickering ahead.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Follow it.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You stand ready for battle but realize your body is weak and worn out.
The land beneath your feet is scorched and the air heavy with a dark mist. But there is a dim light flickering ahead.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Follow it.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
You walk towards the light, and with every step, the shadows part beneath your feet and a path is revealed.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Walk it.
[OUT]Avoid the path and try to find your own way.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
The path leads you to a lone island upon a sea of white sand.
The island is small enough to hold only one tiny tree sapling, barely grown from the evergreen soil beneath its long silver roots. And yet, its presence is overwhelming as it tugs at the very fabric of your being.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Approach it.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
Six stones lie before you, floating in the air.
One is smooth and black with a single rune glowing on it.
One is rough, uncut, woven in green vine.
One is made of red ruby and shaped into a heart.
One is square and seems to have rows of words written upon it.
One is sharp, hot and red with blood.
One is made of glass that reflects a single ray of sunlight, even here.
You know each stone speaks to the divine domains, and you know approaching them will guide you to your deity.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Choose Light and Turmoil for Svarog.
[OUT]Choose Harmony and Intellect for Lada.
[OUT]Choose Nature and Harmony for Dievanna.
[OUT]Choose Harmony and Light for Stribog.
[OUT]Choose Magic and Intellect for Marovit.
[OUT]Choose Magic and Turmoil for Zorya.
[OUT]Choose Magic and Nature for Horz.
[OUT]Choose Nature, Magic, and Intellect for Nyia.
[OUT]Choose Turmoil, Nature, and Light for Triglav.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]9
[STORY]
You hear the thud of a hammer upon an anvil and feel the warmth of a forge surround you.
'SO, YOU ARE MY CHOSEN, THEN?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deny it. You did not choose this path!
[OUT]Confirm it. You have always felt you were made for something more!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'A reluctant hero, then. Very well. After all, so was my thundering father, once upon a time...
Be it by design, choice, or pure fate, you are mine. Forged in the fires of my divine will, you are marked to walk my path.
And if you shall fall, another will take your place, until there are no faithful to call upon.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse.
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'Ha! I see an iron will and a defiant streak - direct even in the face of your god. Good, the fates have chosen well.
Now, your foolishness aside...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]12
[STORY]
You try to leave and your body burns to ash. You feel it scorching even as you turn to dust.
Then you are lifted, moulded, and reforged.
You stand before the tree sapling again.
'READY?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'The mark of fire is not for the cowardly!
You must stand in defence of the weak. You must take action and fight against your foes.
You must be my hammer, for the land will soon shatter into oblivion.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more information.
[OUT]Accept his bidding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]14
[STORY]
You hear the voice of your god shift, as if they now spoke as all the gods together:
'This is the sacred cosmic tree, our divine home and our blood duty.
It holds darkness at bay, you see. The crown holds the dark skies where they should be. And while the dark lingers yet in our land, it is no longer all-devouring.
And yet, the tree stands in peril once more. But more so, we all stand in despair.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask why the gods need a chosen.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'The Shattering that split our land so long ago, we slowed it, but it grows, it lingers, and I fear that from the depths of the chasms comes a new danger.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask why the gods need you, then.
[OUT]Ask what danger.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'The gods fight with forces beyond your reach or understanding, but I believe the real fight awaits below, with you.
Marked by the pantheon, you and those who will join you will find the truth that is clouded from our divine sight.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Listen.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
'The gods fight with forces beyond your reach or understanding, but I believe the real fight awaits below, with you.
Marked by the pantheon, you and those who will join you will find the truth that is clouded from our divine sight.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask what danger.
[OUT]Ask what danger.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]18
[STORY]
Svarog's voice rings with doubt as he speaks:
'It is something old, something hidden, something that beckons me to its grasp. My fires burn ever brighter, the sun grows stronger, and yet even I fear it...
Our time here grows short. I know not what path you need to take, but I will guide your steps as you will guide my sight. Go. Live. Grow. But do not forget your purpose!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Kneel in acceptance.
[OUT]Nod defiantly.
[OUT]Ask what of the other gods, other chosen who you feel here with you.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'Yes, good. Your heart burns with my iron will and you felt it always.
Now you must be my hammer amongst the lands of the living.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'Yes, a true champion, willing to take up the mantle without fear. Forged you right, that I did. Good.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Listen.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
'For the cosmic tree felt the danger and so did our divine parents, Mokosh and Perun, and our eldest siblings, Morena and Veles. The four disappeared, and for a time the earth ceased to break.
They also shielded the tree, but this has its own side effects.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Yes?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]22
[STORY]
'The tree is protected, but this protection takes strength from us directly, so we cannot give our full strength to our children.
Once again, it is up to mortals and their allies to restore Thea.
Marked by the pantheon, you and those who will join you will find the truth that is clouded from our divine sight.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask what danger.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]23
[STORY]
'You will find signs, you will see the wrongs of this land. In time, your true purpose will become clear to you.
Be well, my children!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wake up.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]24
[STORY]
You walk away, try to wake, but nothing works. Eventually, the path leads you to a lone island upon a sea of white sand.
The island is small enough to hold only one tiny tree sapling, barely grown from the evergreen soil beneath its long silver roots.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Approach it.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]25
[STORY]
You smell the sweetness of flowers and sense the warmth of a lover's embrace.
'AH, YOU ARE MY CHOSEN?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deny it. You did not choose this path!
[OUT]Confirm it. You have always felt you were made for something more!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'A reluctant hero, then. Very well. After all, so was my thundering father, once upon a time...
Be it by design, choice, or pure fate, you are mine. Born of love and hope, ready to fight for them.
And if you shall fall, another will take your place, until there are no faithful to call upon.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse.
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]27
[STORY]
'Yes, good. Your heart burns with my passion and you felt it always.
Now you must be my herald of hope amongst the lands of the living.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]28
[STORY]
'Oh my. I see. All this passion and a defiant streak - direct even in the face of your god. Good, the fates have chosen well.
Now, your foolishness aside...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]29
[STORY]
You try to leave and hear her whisper sweetly in your ear, and you no longer wish to go. After all, why would you ever want to leave the side of the most wonderful being in all creation?
You stand before the tree sapling again.
'READY?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]30
[STORY]
'The mark of hope is not for the meek, as many may see it.
You must stand in defence of the weak. You must take action and fight against your foes to shine the way for love to triumph.
You must be my bearer, for the land will soon shatter into oblivion.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more information.
[OUT]Accept their bidding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]31
[STORY]
The voice of all gods speaks to you with sadness:
'It is something old, something hidden, something that beckons me to its grasp. Fires burn ever brighter, the sun grows stronger, and yet it feels wrong.
Our time here grows short. I know not what path you need to take, but I will guide your steps as you will guide my sight. Go. Live. Grow. But do not forget your purpose!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Kneel in acceptance.
[OUT]Nod defiantly.
[OUT]Ask what of the other gods, other chosen who you feel here with you.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]32
[STORY]
You smell freshness of the wild forest and sense the watchful eye of the huntress upon you.
'SO YOU ARE MY CHOSEN?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deny it. You did not choose this path!
[OUT]Confirm it. You have always felt you were made for something more!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]33
[STORY]
'A reluctant hero, then. Very well. After all, so was our thundering father, once upon a time...
Be it by design, choice, or pure fate, you are mine. Born of the wild, nature's child, destined to protect its laws.
And if you shall fall, another will take your place, until there are no faithful to call upon.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse.
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Yes, good. You heard the call of the wild and answered even before knowing it was my voice calling.
Now you must be my arrow amongst the lands of the living.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'The mark of the wild is not for everyone.
You must stand in defence of nature in all its diversity, be it the beauty of the green world or the terror of her wrath. Balance is your calling.
You must be my bearer, for the land will soon shatter into oblivion.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more information.
[OUT]Accept their bidding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]36
[STORY]
You see your body age before your very eyes. Within a few breaths, you approach death, die, decay, become worm food, then are reborn, remade.
The cycle continues without end and the huntress just stands there, watching.
You stand before the tree sapling again.
'READY?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]37
[STORY]
You smell seawater and feel the brisk touch of waves upon you.
'YOU, MY CHOSEN!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deny it. You did not choose this path!
[OUT]Confirm it. You have always felt you were made for something more!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]38
[STORY]
'Yes, good. As patron of travellers and master of the winds and seas, I would not like to think my own champion lost or confused.
Now you must be my herald amongst the lands of the living.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]39
[STORY]
'The mark of the wind is wrought with challenge.
You must try to be the compass by which others find their path, seek balance and peace, but defend them too when needs be.
You must be my bearer, for the land will soon shatter into oblivion.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more information.
[OUT]Accept their bidding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]40
[STORY]
You find yourself dazzled by an array of colours and sensations that you recognise as the weaves of magic.
'AH, MY CHOSEN, YES?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deny it. You did not choose this path!
[OUT]Confirm it. You have always felt you were made for something more!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]41
[STORY]
'Yes, good. You have always felt the oddity of your nature, the mystical weaves that guide your path. Yes.
Now you must be my catalyst amongst the lands of the living.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]42
[STORY]
'A reluctant hero, then. Very well. After all, so was our thundering father, once upon a time...
Be it by design, choice, or pure fate, you are mine. Born of the chaos, driven by mystery.
And if you shall fall, another will take your place, until there are no faithful to call upon.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse.
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]43
[STORY]
'A reluctant hero, then. Very well. After all, so was our thundering father, once upon a time...
Be it by design, choice, or pure fate, you are mine. Blown by winds of chance into my service, or perhaps born into it?
And if you shall fall, another will take your place, until there are no faithful to call upon.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse.
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]44
[STORY]
You try to leave, but with every step the wind brings you the song of death and destruction, the pleas of many lives all laid on your shoulders until the weight is too much to bear...
Then you are lifted, and within the embrace of the wind, you feel free and right.
You stand before the tree sapling again.
'READY?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'One voice speaks to you today, but all divine eyes are upon you, Chosen. All of you who listened today are marked and WATCHED by their divine guardians.
The cosmic pantheon has many voices, but we are all one, lest we are all gone.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Kneel in acceptance.
[OUT]Nod defiantly.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]46
[STORY]
'The mark of the mystical is ever dark and twisted.
You must try to remain uncorrupted while you delve into the worlds so inhuman. Even if you are no mystic yourself, our link will forever tug at your soul.
You must be my catalyst, for the land will soon shatter into oblivion.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more information.
[OUT]Accept their bidding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]47
[STORY]
You try to leave and feel your very soul assailed by eternal darkness twisting and changing you, corrupting your very being until you become naught but an angry wraith.
Then, slowly, you are returned to your form, with only a nasty aftertaste in your mouth.
You stand before the tree sapling again.
'READY?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]48
[STORY]
You hear the clutter of blades clashing, and you are blinded by three stars appearing before you.
'MY CHOSEN!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deny it. You did not choose this path!
[OUT]Confirm it. You have always felt you were made for something more!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]49
[STORY]
'You will find signs, you will see the wrongs of this land. In time, your true purpose will become clear to you.
Be well, our children!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wake up.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]51
[STORY]
'Yes, good! You felt the call of the beast, felt your blood rushing into combat, even as you sleep. Yes!
Now you must be my sharpened spear amongst the lands of the living.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]52
[STORY]
'A reluctant servant -- how dare you! Bah, perhaps it is best, for those who are too eager often disappoint... or perhaps I will just eat your heart, that works too.
Be it by design, choice, or pure fate, you are mine. Born of the stars, destined to fight with honour.
And if you shall fall, another will take your place, until there are no faithful to call upon.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse.
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]53
[STORY]
You try to leave and your body burns to white ash, the blazing cold light of the stars piercing your whole being.
Then you are lifted, moulded, and reborn.
You stand before the tree sapling again.
'READY?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]54
[STORY]
'The mark of the stars is not for cowards!
You must stand strong in the face of any enemy, and you must kill them with honour, or die trying.
You must be my blade, for the land will soon shatter into oblivion.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more information.
[OUT]Accept their bidding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]55
[STORY]
You smell the undeniable stench of rotting flesh, and you sense the sorrows of passing souls before you.
'CHOSEN, but by whom, I wonder? ME?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deny it. You did not choose this path!
[OUT]Confirm it. You have always felt you were made for something more!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]56
[STORY]
'Oh, I see. How odd. I never did feel your coming until just now, or did I?
Yet you felt our bond -- good, useful, wise.
Now you must be my minion amongst the lands of the living.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]57
[STORY]
'Yes, I can certainly sympathise, for I too have no recollection of our bonding. Yet a bond there exists, and we both must serve it.
Be it by design, choice, or pure fate, you are mine. Cursed follow my path of death, scorned by others, yet needed.
And if you shall fall, another will take your place, until there are no faithful to call upon.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse.
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]58
[STORY]
You try to leave, but with every step you sense the presence of the goddess upon you. Her silent lips whispering, her empty eyes watching. A sense of dread and futility overwhelms you.
You stand before the tree sapling again.
'Death is the only certainty -- or is it? Still, we must proceed.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]59
[STORY]
'The mark of the dead is an unpleasant burden.
You must respect the laws of nature and guide souls to their end. If it were up to me, this would be all, but they say we must also help the living, aid the other gods. Do so, in my name.
You must be my hand, for the land will soon shatter into oblivion -- and others seem to think this will not be good.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more information.
[OUT]Accept their bidding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]60
[STORY]
You smell molten lava and taste ash on your teeth. You feel rage fill you up and hear the roar of many warriors.
'CHOSEN!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deny it. You did not choose this path!
[OUT]Confirm it. You have always felt you were made for something more!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]61
[STORY]
'Yes, good! You are no misguided weakling, you KNOW! You were born to serve my might. This is good.
Now you must be my axe amongst the lands of the living.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]62
[STORY]
'What? A coward, a naysayer, a meek mouse born of my lava? NO! YOU WILL OBEY!
Be it by design, choice, or pure fate, you are mine. Born of the molten rock, bred for one purpose only.
And if you shall fall, another will take your place, until there are no faithful to call upon.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse.
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]63
[STORY]
Your body is torn into pieces, burnt, devoured by some mystical force. Then a soothing touch returns you to life, but even that hand of life feels stern and unyielding in its design for you.
You stand before the tree sapling again.
'READY!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]64
[STORY]
'The mark of the three is not for cowards!
You were called to heed my fury, feed my fires, and do my bidding. If you fail, all shall burn!
You must be my weapon, for the land will soon shatter into oblivion -- and only I can decide if such fate is to be!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more information.
[OUT]Accept their bidding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]65
[STORY]
You smell fresh blood and the brisk touch of midnight air. You hear the howling of many wolves, and instinctively, you join them, until a single clear voice answers your call.
'I hear your call, CHOSEN!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deny it. You did not choose this path!
[OUT]Confirm it. You have always felt you were made for something more!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]66
[STORY]
'Yes, good. You have always felt the call of the moon, even if you are no night beast. You are a moonchild, no less.
Now you must be my beta amongst the lands of the living.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]67
[STORY]
'A reluctant hero, then. Very well. After all, my own mate is the unruly daughter of the sun, and she too never admits her duties freely!
Be it by design, choice, or pure fate, you are mine. Born of the night and moon, destined to walk the dark path yet fight for light.
And if you shall fall, another will take your place, until there are no faithful to call upon.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse.
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]68
[STORY]
You try to leave, but this is a dream, so your path winds in circles. A large wolf sits and watches you patiently -- laughing?
You stand before the tree sapling again.
'READY?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]69
[STORY]
'The mark of the night lord is dark and never easy.
You must honour the call of the moon and the night, but never give in to darkness completely, for your pack is of the cosmic tree.
Heed my howl, heel to my will, and thus be free and wild!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more information.
[OUT]Accept their bidding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]70
[STORY]
'DIRECT, GOOD.'
You are chosen, you WILL do as the gods will it and soon, once you are settled, a mission of great importance will become clear to you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and wake up.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --WhispsMist1(7)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
As the sun rises high, you feel its gentle warmth on your skin and rejoice at the growing strength of the light over darkness.
But as you do so, you begin to feel uneasy. The warmth becomes ever more constant, unrelenting. The air stale and oppressive.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Light or Harmony]Focus on your domain and try to find out what is happening here.
[OUT][Intellect or Nature]The unusual is the norm in Thea, and thus one must not panic. Try to move away calmly.
[OUT][Turmoil or Magic]This light is burning you alive! Try to find the source so you can defeat it.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
As you observe the world around you, you soon see that the sun's rays are full of odd creatures. These light wisps are trying to attach themselves to you with their tentacles, and you sense their attempt to burn through your body and spirit.
Your domain shields you somewhat, but then, you also feel the call of this warmth, so sweet and promising.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Resist physically and move away.
[OUT]Use the connection to your domain and resist spiritually.
[OUT]Your will shall not be broken. Your mind will repel these fiends.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
You remain strong, and the creatures' attempts are futile. Seeing their failure, the wisps flicker away towards the sun and disappear.
You see burnt carcasses of bugs and small critters around you, but you also spot a small pack of oddly paired beings moving away in unison, as if trying to follow the wisps.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]9
[STORY]
The call of the light proves too strong to resist. For a moment, you let go, you open yourself to the burning warmth and accept the will of the overbearing brightness that calls for you to become one, to let go, to just be...
You manage to break free, but you feel exhausted, and some of your weaker companions may not be so lucky.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
As you brace yourself against the heat, you soon see that the sun's rays are full of odd creatures. These light wisps are trying to attach themselves to you with their tentacles, and they are burning through your body and spirit.
The darkness that accompanies turmoil and magic is weak against this foe, but if you resist, your dark power can destroy them.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Turmoil]Resist physically and try to destroy them!
[OUT][Magic]Use the connection to your domain and resist spiritually.
[OUT]Your will shall not be broken. Your mind will repel these fiends.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]24
[STORY]
The force of the light proves too strong to resist. For a moment, you feel that your very connection to the gods is being assailed with burning ferocity that seeks to extinguish all remnants of darkness with no regard for the host's life.
You manage to break free, but you feel your soul marked by this experience.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
You resist the assault, and your domain exudes a burst of darkness that destroys these infernal beings and turns them into obsidian ash.
You do not know what they were, but their power was unnatural and potent enough to reach your divine connection.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]31
[STORY]
As you slowly move away, you soon see that the sun's rays are full of odd creatures. These light wisps are trying to attach themselves to you with their tentacles, and they are burning through your body and spirit.
Your domain remains neutral to this assault, which allows you greater clarity of mind to resist the attack.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Resist physically and move away.
[OUT]Use the connection to your domain and resist spiritually.
[OUT]Your will shall not be broken. Your mind will repel these fiends.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]38
[STORY]
You remain strong and balanced, committed to neither light nor darkness in your domain, so the wisps seem unable to reach you. Seeing their failure, the wisps flicker away towards the sun and disappear.
You see burnt carcasses of bugs and small critters around you, but you also spot a small pack of oddly paired beings moving away in unison, as if trying to follow the wisps.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]44
[STORY]
The force of the light proves too strong to resist. For a moment, you feel the wisps burning through your body, soul, and mind, seeking to cleanse you, to make you one with the light.
You manage to break free, and the clarity of your natural domain keeps you mostly unscathed.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --Alchemist2(8)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
As you recover from yet another nasty tremor and look around in the debris for useful resources, you spot an odd-looking man sitting behind a table, surrounded by all sorts of strange contraptions, scrolls, vials, and tools.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go speak to him.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
You charge the lone man and topple him without any trouble. He seems bewildered and looks around as if expecting help. He mumbles:
'Damned mercs, one tremor and they run off... What... I mean, how can I help you?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Kill him.
[OUT]Ask him what he is doing here.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You approach the man and he looks up at you, puzzled, then looks around for a bit and mumbles:
'Damned mercs, one tremor and they run off... What... I mean, how can I help you?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask what he is doing here, in the aftermath of a tremor, with all this equipment.
[OUT]Enquire who he is.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'Ah, well. I am measuring the tremors - the strength, how long they last, the frequency with which they occur. Trying to pinpoint the epicentre, you see.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why?
[OUT]Ask for the shortest possible account of what is happening here. [SKIP STORY]
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'Like finding patient zero, I suppose - that is, a person who fell ill first, or in this case, a place, perhaps. That is the thing that began the disaster, be it disease, curse, act of the gods - they all tend to have a beginning. Like the burning of the cosmic tree that brought about the darkness centuries ago, yes?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask about the darkness and the burning of this tree.
[OUT]Ask if he found his patient zero.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'I am the Alchemist - or so they call me. In truth, alchemy is but one of my many talents. A renaissance scholar, that's what I am!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What's a renaissance?
[OUT]Ask for the shortest possible account of what is happening here.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
'Oh, ah. Never mind, it's a thing from my dreams...
I am a learned man. In the days before the dark, we were aplenty, but these days we are few. For our part in the whole darkness disaster, it has become somewhat of an unpopular career choice.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask what he is doing here, in the aftermath of a tremor, with all this equipment.
[OUT]Ask for the shortest possible account of what is happening here.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'I am looking for the beginning of it all, the catalyst, or the culprit, whatever I find.
And I am close. But I need to take measurements from within a cave, and it seems occupied by bandits - a large cohort, uninterested in the fate of the world, you see.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask what needs to be done.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'I am close. But I need to take measurements from within a cave, and it seems occupied by bandits - a large cohort, uninterested in the fate of the world, you see.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if he knows how to get in.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'Ah, well, the not-so-reputable history of my profession. The long and short of it is that scholars meddled with the ways of the gods, thought to rid us all of magic - bring about an age of reason. Only they didn't account for the gods having an actual world-saving job.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]Ask if he found his patient zero.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'The cosmic tree, you see, is the core that makes our Slavyan gods divine. Its roots hold the key to the underworlds, the trunk gives connection to the mortal realms, and the crown, well, that keeps the darkness in check. The tree burnt, the age of darkness consumed us, until the Awakening.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]The Awakening?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'Brave champions of the gods restored the tree and thus gave divine power back to the pantheon. Or at least that's the official line. There were rumours of other paths, tales of the tree being reborn despite those faithful failing their task, attempts to keep the dark going, all sorts. And there is talk of gods fighting, disappearing. I do not know more. It is not my area of expertise.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask why then he is investigating the tremors. Is it to do with the tree again?
[OUT]So if the tree is safe now, why are we having problems? Darkness isn't gone -- it still lurks in places, and now the noon light burns so bright and the shakes destroy so much.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]14
[STORY]
'No, not directly, I would imagine. But something shattered the earth, and while we survived, the shaking is getting more frequent. I fear we may yet face extinction if we do nothing.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Enquire if he plans to stop it himself.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'Me? Oh, gods no. You will. Or won't. That will be your choice once more, I suppose, as the wheel must turn.
I am merely taking measurements, looking for clues and happy to share them.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why does he say that about you?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'I am a learned man, I just know these things...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Demand a true answer!
[OUT]Nod and ask if he has any real clues, then.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
He goes quiet for a time, murmurs something under his breath, then replies:
'I am a scholar, yes, but no stranger to the ways of fate. I see many things, and many are so confusing - past, present, future. Possibilities spilling over and over.
And I saw you come to me, and I see you as you are, chosen or what have you -- not merely by your gods, for with those I squabble a lot, but by fate. Now enough of my ramblings, no?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and ask if he has any real clues, then.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]18
[STORY]
'Well, the way I see it, there are a few ways to deal with it. One, try to parley with the lot - an awful idea, if you ask me, but who knows. Second's obvious, but not my cup of tea - brute force. And then there's always other ways. Like I heard the scavengers who live nearby hate the bandits - a feud amongst rabble, heh. Perhaps use that?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So you need to get rid of the bandits from the cave, or convince them to let him set up camp?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'Yes, your grasp of the finer details is impressive. I should also say I tried asking them. Got myself robbed, beaten, and barely escaped with my life. Just so you know the sort you're dealing with, if you choose to help, that is.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say you will look into it if you can.
[OUT]Agree to help.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]23
[STORY]
You take a swing at him, but he shields himself with a large book, then drops a glass vial on the floor, releasing a toxic cloud that blinds you for a few seconds.
A group of mercenaries appears by his side and he shouts: 'Finally! What do I pay you for?'
They charge at you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Fight!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]25
[STORY]
The mercs are dead, and the odd man tries to run but you catch him. He squeals at your feet:
'Gah, so much blood, you'd think I'd be okay with blood by now... So, can we perhaps talk about this? I am trying to save the world and all...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Kill him.
[OUT]Listen to him.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'I am looking for the beginning of it all - the Shattering, I mean. I am looking for answers because we're out of time.
And I am close. But I need to take measurements within a cave, and it seems occupied by bandits - a large cohort, uninterested in the fate of the world, you see.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask what needs to be done.
[OUT]Kill him.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]27
[STORY]
You kill the man and loot his strange table. Among other things, you find a map with a place distinctly marked: 'Stupid bandits unable to grasp the importance of their cave - need to get in here before all shatters!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take what you can and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]28
[STORY]
'The giants, ah, yes. There is speculation that the two are related, but in what way, I do not know. Giants did return, but they were put back to sleep, else we'd see them roaming our land still. It's not like they were stealthy about it.
So some other connection must be hidden from us.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask why then he is investigating the tremors. Is it to do with the tree again?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]29
[STORY]
'Ah, the right question, precisely. Why indeed? The tree is saved, but it is clearly weakened again - perhaps threatened by the Shattering? Gods that once were have disappeared, and others have come to be. And all are trying to learn why this is happening. I suspected giants, of course, but I don't know...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Giants?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]33
[STORY]
The mercenaries beat you badly, and the man you tried to kill speaks:
'I am called the Alchemist, a scholar of sorts. I've been waiting for you, though I admit I was hoping for less turmoil. Still. Are we good to have a conversation now?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Yes.
[OUT]No.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Fine, fine, a monologue, then, while I have your undivided attention.
I am looking for the beginning of it all, the catalyst, or the culprit, whatever I find.
And I am close. But I need to take measurements within a cave, and it seems occupied by bandits - a large cohort, uninterested in the fate of the world, you see.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]The mercenaries continue to point weapons at you. Keep listening.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'And so, in short, I'll mark the location of said bandits for you, and if you choose to do the world-saving thing, please get them to let me into the red cave. Now, off I go, and try not to die before you serve a purpose - I mean, those aren't even expensive mercenaries...'
He leaves with his men.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --Bandits3(9)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You come to a mound that looks like a red blemish unnaturally formed from a strange reddish clay. There is a tear in the middle and beyond it you know lies the red-ridger camp.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go in closer.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
Just like the Alchemist said, the camp is well situated to repel any attacks, with plenty of natural cover and good line of sight.
You are not able to spot much from a safe distance, but you see regular patrols of fairly well-armed folk.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Spend more time observing them, then attack!
[OUT]Approach them to talk.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
As you walk towards the camp, you sense that you are being watched. A small group of ruffians meets you at the edge of the camp. One of the men, a burly-looking human, speaks:
'It isn't often that folk hand themselves to us, so I'll assume you have business here?'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Strength]Make sure they see your strength, then answer that you wish to gain access to the cave in the red mound.
[OUT][Attractive]Smile and say that you wish only to visit a cave in the red mound.
[OUT][Bandit]Say that you aren't here to piss on their turf, only to go into the red cave.
[OUT]Nod and tell them you need to see the cave in the red mound.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'You with that oddball bookworm type? We told him and we'll tell you - that cave is our turf, no stragglers, no sightseein'.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to haggle with them. Surely there is a price they would accept for entry?
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'You speak some sense. No reason to pass on an opportunity when it comes a'knockin'. I tell ya what, there's an old witch hut not too far from here - a baba yaga, we think, lives there. The cursed thing's been interfering with business and we ain't no spirit folk to deal with such sort.
Deal with her, and we may let you peek into our cave.
Or there's another task you can do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'I suppose if you go and slaughter those filthy scavengers down by the lake, yeah, that'll be a treat, then we'll let you snoop in the cave all you like.
I'll mark both on your maps, and you decide which favour you'll do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'Bah, you bore me to death with your word vomit. Just shut your gob.
I'd kick your butts and be done with it, but we do have us two problems we'd like dealt with, and I ain't gonna cry if you die trying to do them for us.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]14
[STORY]
'There's an old gold mine, swarming with some demon kind. We don't like meddling with their sort. Get us the mine and we'll talk about the cave.
Or there's another constant sore up our butts you can help with...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'Go and slaughter those filthy scavengers down by the lake, yeah, that'll be a treat, then we'll let you snoop in the cave all you like.
I'll mark both on your maps, and you decide which favour you'll do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'Suppose you look impressive-like, yeah. So we can talk. But, you with that oddball bookworm type? We told him and we'll tell you - that cave is our turf, no stragglers, no sightseein'.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to haggle with them. Surely there is a price they would accept for entry?
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
You slaughter most of the bandits. Those who survive run away via hidden passages, swearing revenge upon you.
You find some goods, and even some cages where livestock and people were held. Some are empty, but perhaps a few may yet be occupied.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Search the place.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]22
[STORY]
You find a horse, some dogs, and several bodies of scavengers, including children, although some may yet be alive.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Gather what you can and help the wounded.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
The Alchemist arrives out of nowhere and looks pleased, ignoring all the bloody carnage and his own ghostly form:
'Splendid! My oh my, I never did think you'd go this way.
So, the cave entrance is now clear. I will go in first, make way and mark it for you on the map. Come join me if you want to find out more about the Shattering.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But you killed him?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]29
[STORY]
The bandits beat you badly and force you to flee, taking some of your belongings!
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep running.
[OUT]Keep running.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]30
[STORY]
As you escape, the Alchemist's ghost approaches you:
'Yes, it is me, although somewhat changed. And yes, I've been following you. Fat chance of getting in the cave that way now. Here, there's a scavenger camp not too far, and they hate the red-ridge bandits. Perhaps you can get revenge and find me a way in still?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and leave.
[OUT]Nod and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]33
[STORY]
'You again! Die!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Fight!
[OUT]Run away!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'So you done the deed? No? Bugger off, then. Go do what we asked.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Fight!
[OUT]Ask about the witch's story.
[OUT]Talk to them about the demons and their side of the story.
[OUT]Leave.
[OUT]Yes, tell them you have been to the places they sent you.
[OUT]Call upon the demons for aid and attack the bandits!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]37
[STORY]
'So you done the deed??
[/STORY]
[OUT]Question the bandits about kidnapping scavenger kids.
[OUT][Lie]Yes, killed the scavengers.
[OUT]Yes, killed the scavengers.
[OUT][Lie]Yes, the mine is theirs.
[OUT]Yes, the mine is theirs.
[OUT][Lie]Yes, the baba yaga is dead.
[OUT]Yes, the baba yaga is dead.
[OUT]Leave.
[OUT]Call upon the demons for aid and attack the bandits!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]38
[STORY]
'So, demon tells you a sob story and you come askin' us if we're the evil type? Sure, whatever. Those buggers become worse than pests. Coming to bother us like crazy, they the ones who broke laws first, we just try to keep us lot safe, and prosperous too, sure.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more details. How did the demons become crazy?
[OUT]Nod and agree that demons should be dealt with. Leave to do your task.
[OUT]Go back to the demons. They mentioned a way to try to kill those bandits.
[OUT]Call upon the demons for aid and attack the bandits!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]39
[STORY]
'All done, eh? That easy, was it? You don't look too beat up for it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Convince them you dealt with it.
[OUT][Attractive]Say that your pretty face would never lie.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]41
[STORY]
'Beats me, but they started to act out of sorts. House demons swarming our camp and fighting for favour, then turning nasty on each other and us. Those damned tooth-fairy types, pulling our teeth out at night! Karakandza tunnelling beneath us like crazy, searchin' for the tree, they said. Bah, madness. We had to start controlling the lot.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say you will deal with the problem as promised.
[OUT]Call upon the demons for aid and attack the bandits!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]42
[STORY]
'Everyone's got their tall tale, eh? Some crazy chick told ya we're the cause of all her bad days. Sure, likely we are. Just see how those kids that stay with them filthy scavengers do, will ya? Yeah, didn't think you'd bother. Whatever. We do take them young ones - we keep some, we sell some, we lose some, that's life.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod, agree this is none of your business, and go back to killing witches.
[OUT][Lie]Actually, the baba yaga is dead.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]44
[STORY]
You speak the power word and know that a karakandza will aid you in this fight.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]47
[STORY]
'Excellent. Now, we said we'd consider letting you in the cave if you did the job, so I'm considering...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and say you did as you were asked, and all you need is entry to the cave.
[OUT]Tell him he'd better keep his end of the deal!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]49
[STORY]
'Bah, you did well.
Go in, look around the cave to your heart's desire. We ain't gonna bother you or your odd friend.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank him and go inform the Alchemist.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]52
[STORY]
'You did well.
But as I said, we'll consider it. So pay us a good price and we have us a deal.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree, trade.
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Beauty]Convince the captain you can make this worth his while.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]54
[STORY]
'Deal. Go in, look around the cave to your heart's desire. We ain't gonna bother you or your odd friend.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank him and say you'll check it out.
[OUT]Thank him and go inform the Alchemist.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]55
[STORY]
'Oh, ah. Well, if you put it that way...
Deal. Go in, look around the cave to your heart's desire. We ain't gonna bother you or your odd friend.
And we can go seal the deal, eh?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and go make the captain happy.
[OUT]Refuse, say you changed your mind after all.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]57
[STORY]
'Excellent. Now, we said we'd consider letting you in the cave if you did the job, so I'm considering...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and say you did as you were asked, and all you need is entry to the cave.
[OUT]Tell him he'd better keep his end of the deal!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]58
[STORY]
'You lying scum, die!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Fight!
[OUT]Run away!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]59
[STORY]
'All done, eh? That easy, was it? You don't look too beat up for it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Convince them you dealt with it.
[OUT][Attractive]Say that your pretty face would never lie.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]60
[STORY]
'Excellent. Now, we said we'd consider letting you in the cave if you did the job, so I'm considering...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and say you did as you were asked, and all you need is entry to the cave.
[OUT]Tell him he'd better keep his end of the deal!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]61
[STORY]
'Ha! Ha, I say. You've gone and done what I've been trying for a long while. Gods be damned, you're good, you are!
Go in, look around the cave to your heart's desire. We ain't gonna bother you or your odd friend. Who knows, you might have made us into honest folk yet. Now that we don't have so many scoundrels about, we may settle. Gods be good to you, friend.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank him and go inform the Alchemist.
[OUT]Bear keeps eying you, looking very pleased. He seems to want to follow you. Ask him?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]62
[STORY]
'Yeah, you got me there, you did. I mean, I've been trying to follow the gods, but my band here, they're just not god-fearing enough...
Say, my son is ready to do some banditry out of my shadow. What say you to me coming along with you for a while?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree. Thank him and go inform the Alchemist.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]63
[STORY]
'The rod of the old mother, I see. Yes, so they're gone, finally.
We will of course go and confirm. I am reluctant to trust strangers, but let us drink tonight!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Use the opportunity of drinking to try to steal away the kidnapped children.
[OUT]Put some poison in their drink, then attack whoever is left.
[OUT]Use the element of surprise and attack!
[OUT]Try to play along with the lie. Perhaps they will not notice the scavengers aren't dead.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]68
[STORY]
The poison works well. You slaughter the bandits and those who survive run away via hidden passages, swearing revenge upon you.
You find some goods, and even some cages where livestock and people were held. Some are empty, but perhaps a few may yet be occupied.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Search the place.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]69
[STORY]
You sneak in and manage to rescue the scavenger child, along with a few others.
They are unusually reluctant to be rescued, so they make a real ruckus and you are forced to run fast before the bandits catch you. There's little chance of them being friendly now.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]71
[STORY]
'That again. Sure, we get us some prisoners from time to time.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why keep prisoners?
[OUT][Lie]We killed the scavengers.
[OUT]Ask if you can buy one prisoner, the scavenger child. You did do the bandits a favour already, after all.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]72
[STORY]
'Bah, you and your nosy questions. I guess sometimes we are. Not as a rule, but if we have too many rascals, we do exchange them, sure. Whatever's good for business.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]No. Say you will come back when the deed is done. Leave.
[OUT][Lie]Actually, we killed the scavengers already.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]74
[STORY]
'What ya mean, why? Why do ya ever have prisoners? 'Cause they're not us and they ain't dead.
Some will die 'cause they're sickly bastards, we hope. Some we sell or somethin', dunno, we will decide.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Even the children?
[OUT][Lie]Actually, we killed the scavengers already.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]75
[STORY]
'S'far as I care, little ones are gonna be big one day.
But we'll have them looked at, healed maybe. Re-homed, or sometimes kept. Depends on the rascal. Some will die like the others, or make us rich, sure.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they are slavers too?
[OUT][Lie]Actually, we killed the scavengers already.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]77
[STORY]
'Heh, sure, why not. Though it's a bad deed you're doing, giving them to those bastards again...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]78
[STORY]
'Did ya meet them? Garbage sort - wild, scary types. Eat human flesh, even, that's why the gods don't like 'em and all. But you did us a solid, so we'll sell you the brat.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Buy the child.
[OUT]Change your mind. Tell them you'll deal with the scavengers after all.
[OUT][Lie]Actually, we killed the scavengers already.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]82
[STORY]
The Alchemist arrives out of nowhere and looks pleased, ignoring all the bloody carnage:
'Splendid! My oh my, I never did think you'd go this way.
So the cave entrance is now clear. I will go in first, make way and mark it for you on the map. Come join me if you want to find out more about the Shattering.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you will join him when you can.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]83
[STORY]
'Oh, that. Well, yes, let's not reminisce. Time's a wasting, worlds need saving. Off we go, water under the bridge and all that.'
He rushes off.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you will join him when you can.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]84
[STORY]
As you leave, the Alchemist approaches you on the road:
'Yes, yes, I am alive. Let's not bother with details, bygones be bygones. Well done, I shall meet you at the cave.'
He departs.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]85
[STORY]
As you escape, the Alchemist approaches you:
'Oh my, you went in with a hammer, didn't you... hmm. Fat chance of getting in that way.
Here, there's a scavenger camp not too far. They hate the red-ridge bandits. Perhaps you can get revenge and find me a way in still?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and leave.
[OUT]Nod and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]87
[STORY]
You fail and the bandits uncover your intent.
They beat you badly, take all your stuff, and chase you away!
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep running.
[OUT]Keep running.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]89
[STORY]
You begin to parley, and they promise to let you into the cave, until someone reports that the scavengers are just fine.
They beat you badly, take all your stuff, and chase you away. No chance for parley now.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep running.
[OUT]Keep running.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]91
[STORY]
'Suppose you're one of us, or ya were once, so we can talk. But, you with that oddball bookworm type? We told him and we'll tell you - that cave is our turf, no stragglers, no sightseein'.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to haggle with them. Surely there is a price they would accept for entry?
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]95
[STORY]
The bandits have clearly heard of your deals with the scavengers...
'You again! Die!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[OUT]Fight!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]100
[STORY]
The bandits beat you badly and force you to flee, taking some of your belongings!
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep running.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]101
[STORY]
The bandits beat you badly and force you to flee, taking some of your belongings!
Your only option now is to find a way to come back and defeat them.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep running.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]102
[STORY]
'You did well.
But as I said, we'll consider it. So pay us a good price and we have us a deal.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree, trade.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]103
[STORY]
'Suppose you look impressive-like, yeah. So we can talk. But, you with that oddball bookworm type? We told him and we'll tell you - that cave is our turf, no stragglers, no sightseein'.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to haggle with them. Surely there is a price they would accept for entry?
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]105
[STORY]
'Ha! Ha, I say. You've gone and done what I've been trying for a long while. Gods be damned, you're good, you are!
Go in, look around the cave to your heart's desire. We ain't gonna bother you or your odd friend. Who knows, you might have made us into honest folk yet. Now that we don't have so many scoundrels about, we may settle. Gods be good to you, friend.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank him and go inform the Alchemist.
[OUT]Bear keeps eying you, looking very pleased. He seems to want to follow you. Ask him?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]106
[STORY]
'The rod of the old mother, I see. Yes, so they're gone, finally.
We will of course go and confirm. I am reluctant to trust strangers, but let us drink tonight!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to play along with the lie. Perhaps they will not notice the scavengers aren't dead.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --BabaYaga4(10)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You find the witch hut the bandits spoke of. It looks typically odd and crooked, but you also see it is in bad shape.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Witch]A baba yaga does not dwell here, but a fellow witch may. If she does, she isn't very strong, as she can't keep up the illusions of the hut. Call out to the witch.
[OUT][Magic users]Take a closer look, something seems off here.
[OUT]Whatever this is, charge in and attack!
[OUT]Investigate.
[OUT]Come back another time.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You hear a lot of rustling in the hut and sense a rise of some force, but much more primal than what your sisters can typically use. You hear a croaking voice:
'Ha, sister, yes. Well, leave. This is my house and I have no time for... tea, no.'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Demon]This all feels familiar. Call upon a fake witch law that would compel her to let you in.
[OUT]Convince her to let you in, time or no time. Witches should stick together in these hard times.
[OUT]How rude, attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
This type of witch's hut needs strong magic to keep it 'alive,' and whoever occupies this one either doesn't have it or doesn't know how to use it.
It is very rare to find a witch hut that isn't fully controlled by its witch, so this is an opportunity.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Call out to whoever resides here. Tell them you've come prepared so not to try any magic tricks on you.
[OUT]Try to control this house yourself!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'Oh, a law, you say, well. Hmm. Okay, come in...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go in.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
You enter the house and see it is cluttered to the brim with odd bits, broken glass, bits of jewellery, scraps of clothes, and all sorts of things.
There are also rows of beads hanging from the ceiling, and they are made of teeth.
A young woman, far too cheerful for a sister of yours, stands in a corner.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Call her out on the lie. Say there is no witch law, and only a fellow demon would believe there was one.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]9
[STORY]
She mumbles something about stupid demons, then speaks up:
'Yeah, I said so, but they said I am not witch enough to know and laws must be obeyed, stupid little buggers. Come out and face the music!'
Several small green creatures fly out from her backpack.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tooth thieves, an odd type of forest folk that dabbles in house demon business, specifically taking teeth for favours. Ask what they're all doing here, and why the bandits sent you here as if they were a menace.
[OUT]Do what you came here for, attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'Oh, fine. If you must know, I'll tell you why I'm here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Yes.
[OUT]Yes, but just tell the short story. [SKIP STORY]
[/NODE]
+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'I was one of the kids those bandits kidnapped from scavenger camps. I got away, got lost in a forest. The fairy folk helped me, brought me up, taught me magic. The bandits also killed their folk, you see, they used to live by the red cave.
We found this house. It has lots of magic. I found a way to pester those bastards. Boils, itchy feet, vomiting, someday maybe more. And when they tried to come here, we even killed some.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Convince them you don't care about the revenge angle. You just need to go into the red cave, so they need to leave, for good.
[OUT]Say that you understand, and leave them be.
[OUT]This house could be valuable, and the witch isn't being careful now that she's talking to you. Use this opportunity to kill her and her demon friends!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'I was one of the kids those bandits kidnapped from scavenger camps. I got away, got lost in a forest. The fairy folk helped me, brought me up, taught me magic, even -- or as much as they could teach a scavenger brat.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask why they did that.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]14
[STORY]
'The bandits also killed their folk, you see. They used to live by the red cave. In fact, those thugs are relentless fairy hunters. They catch them and lock them in cages and sell them off as pets!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But how did they find a way to threaten a camp that strong?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'We found this house. It is old, full of magic. Together, we found ways to use it, demon tricks and witch spells. We cause them boils, itchy feet, vomiting, and when they tried to come here, well, that's when the real fun started. We got a few of them in the pot, didn't we, boys?'
The fairies nod and snicker with the witch, and you notice a big pot full of meat stew.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Convince them you don't care about the revenge angle. You just need to go into the red cave, so they need to leave, for good.
[OUT]Say that you understand, and leave them be.
[OUT]This house could be valuable, and the witch isn't being careful now that she's talking to you. Use this opportunity to kill her and her demon friends!
[OUT]Say that you need to consider your options.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
You enter the house and see it is cluttered to the brim with odd bits, broken glass, bits of jewellery, scraps of clothes, and all sorts of things.
There are also rows of beads hanging from the ceiling, and they are made of teeth.
A young woman, far too cheerful for a witch, stands in a corner. While you sense she has some skill with the mystical arts, you do not think she is a proper witch.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Call her out on the lie.
[OUT]Take another look at this house, as you feel strong magic emanating from it, but it doesn't seem connected to the young woman.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]18
[STORY]
She looks nervous, and you sense the house becoming more hostile:
'I... I am a witch, you know. Even scavengers can be one! And this is my house, and me and my friends own it, so go away!'
You spot several green flying fairies with mean-looking teeth grinning at you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell her she must be honest with you, now!
[OUT]Since she is a witch and working with demons, attack her with spirit to give her a taste of the real thing!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'No! Leave, or share the fate of the brutes who sent you here!'
The house shifts and shakes, and you feel it becoming very hostile towards you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Run away.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
'I tell you what, you seem like the good sort. You say you serve the gods and I ain't convinced about that, but I do know those buggers down there won't care two bits.
So if the world needs savin', me and the boys will stay quiet-like for two weeks, make them lot think we're gone. It'll be more fun that way anyhow. Deal?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Say that there is too much at stake. You need them really gone.
[OUT]This is wasting time, attack!
[OUT]Say that you need to consider your options.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]22
[STORY]
'Sorry, best offer. Take it or leave it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]This is wasting time, attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]24
[STORY]
'Great, good luck savin' the world and all.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank them and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'Hmm, good. Maybe you can go and beat the shit out of them, eh? But listen, since you're so good, we're gonna stay low for some time. You can lie to them, tell them you killed us or whatnot, maybe jump their arses then, or just go to your cave.
In any case, good luck with the world savin'.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank them and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]28
[STORY]
This type of witch's hut needs strong magic to keep it 'alive,' and whoever occupies this one either doesn't have it or doesn't know how to use it.
It is very rare to find a witch hut that isn't fully controlled by its witch, so this is an opportunity.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Witch]Perform a ritual to take charge of this witch's hut. Without it, whoever is inside likely has little power.
[OUT]Call out to the pretend witch and tell her you see through her lies.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]29
[STORY]
You charge in to attack, but before you reach the woman, the house shifts and shakes and you feel dizzy. Everything becomes blurry and you are attacked in the spirit world!
[/STORY]
[OUT]Resist this attack!
[OUT]Try to escape!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]32
[STORY]
You manage to take control of the house. It is old and dying. There isn't much left, but you can drain it to gain power.
A girl runs out, surrounded by several green flying creatures, some of whom seem wounded, as if it was them who held the house before:
'You hurt them, you hurt them, how could you!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell her to calm down before you do the same to her.
[OUT]Kill her and the remaining creatures.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]33
[STORY]
'I may not be strong, but I curse you!'
She cries out and runs away, and the green creatures follow suit. You perform the final ritual to deplete the house and you feel some energy released into you.
All that is left now is an old shack.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]34
[STORY]
You kill her and the creatures. You perform the final ritual to deplete the house and you feel some energy released into you.
All that is left now is an old shack.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]36
[STORY]
You enter the house and see it is cluttered to the brim with odd bits, broken glass, bits of jewellery, scraps of clothes, and all sorts of things.
There are also rows of beads hanging from the ceiling, and they are made of teeth. A young woman dressed in odd clothes and wearing a backpack full of junk stands in the corner and stares at you.
'You better have a good excuse to poke your heads into my house, eh?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Intimidate her into leaving this place. Say that the bandits are set on burning her alive, and they have an even more powerful witch to help them.
[OUT]Try to appeal to her better nature. Explain that you need to get to the red cave, and for that to happen, she needs to leave the bandits alone.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]38
[STORY]
She spits at the ground:
'Those buggers, I knew they'd come for me good one day! Thanks for the heads up, whoever you are. I may hate them lot, but I ain't sticking around to get dead. Here, my reward for you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wait for her to leave, then pilfer the house and leave.
[OUT]Ask why she hates the bandits so.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]39
[STORY]
'I was one of the kids those bandits kidnapped from scavenger camps. I got away, got lost in a forest. The fairy folk helped me, brought me up, taught me magic. The bandits also killed their folk, you see, they used to live by the red cave.
We found this house. It has lots of magic. I found a way to pester those bastards. Boils, itchy feet, vomiting, someday maybe more. And when they tried to come here, we even killed some.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and wait for her to leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]43
[STORY]
You break away from the assault and run out of the house. Your spirit is weakened, and you suspect that further attempts will end in spiritual combat as well.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]51
[STORY]
The witch is slain, and the house slowly collapses on itself as if it was connected to the woman.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave to inform the bandits.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]55
[STORY]
You fail. The house shifts and shakes and you feel it becoming very hostile towards you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Run away.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]57
[STORY]
'Yes, yes, I will leave forever.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell her how to heal and watch her leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]61
[STORY]
You kill the witch, but one of her demon friends curses you for it.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]63
[STORY]
The witch runs away, but you also see one small demon who survived.
It smiles at you and bows, impressed with your mercy.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]65
[STORY]
You defeat the young witch and she cries out in pain as her spirit is depleted.
'No, no, you took it away, no...'
You know that her spirit can heal eventually, but she doesn't seem to know it.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell her you will give her the secret to restoring her spirit if she swears to leave here forever.
[OUT]Kill her.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]66
[STORY]
The house is hostile and tries to lure you into a spiritual fight as you approach. Any attempts to fight it by force end in you waving your weapons in thin air.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Fight!
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]67
[STORY]
'Sure, we'll give you time.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]68
[STORY]
'You're back -- nice. Made a decision yet?
So if the world needs savin', me and the boys will stay quiet-like for two weeks, make them lot think we're gone. It'll be more fun that way anyhow. Deal?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Convince them you don't care about the revenge angle. You just need to go into the red cave, so they need to leave, for good.
[OUT]Say that you understand, and leave them be.
[OUT]This house could be valuable, and the witch isn't being careful now that she's talking to you. Use this opportunity to kill her and her demon friends!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]70
[STORY]
As you approach, you see the house ready for travel. The witch pokes her head out of the window and waves at you:
'Ha! You did it, well done. Here, catch, a thank-you gift. I am off to a new life now that my enemies are gone. I need to find new ways to entertain myself.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wish her well and depart.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]73
[STORY]
'So they beat ya, eh? Guess your only chance at world saving's killing them lot. Here, drink this, should help a wee bit.
I am off, gonna hide for a bit, don't like it when they're agitated. But good luck to ya!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank her and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]77
[STORY]
'You seem a know-it-all. I ain't tellin' you nothin' more.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Convince them to talk with you.
[OUT]Do what you came here for, attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]78
[STORY]
You approach the house, but it feels dead and it is empty.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --GoldMine4(11)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You find the entrance to the old gold mine, and from the bright light beaming out at you, you'd guess it is not unoccupied.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go in carefully.
[OUT]Take a closer look first.
[OUT]Come back later.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You enter the tunnel and realise immediately that you are being watched.
As you move forwards, you see gold ore that shouldn't glimmer but it does, as if it were purified and smelted already. You cannot yet see the light source that could cause such an effect.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Demon]The bandits said demons guard this place. Speak up and appeal to your kinship.
[OUT][Magic user]Focus your mind and soul on this place. Try to sense the source of the unnatural light.
[OUT]Proceed with caution and weapons drawn.
[OUT][Dwarf]Touch this gold ore. There's something very wrong with it, and you know nothing if you don't know your metals.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
The walls of this mine have plenty of small burrows weaved throughout the structure, and you see faint movement within - something is watching you.
As you move forwards, you see gold ore that shouldn't glimmer but it does, as if it were purified and smelted already. You cannot yet see the light source that could cause such an effect.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Demon]The bandits said demons guard this place. Speak up and appeal to your kinship.
[OUT][Dwarf]Touch this gold ore. There's something very wrong with it, and you know nothing if you don't know your metals.
[OUT][Magic user]Focus your mind and soul on this place. Try to sense the source of the unnatural light.
[OUT]Proceed with caution and weapons drawn.
[OUT][Light]Call upon your domain for answers!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
Several creatures of all shapes and sizes appear before you, only to scatter away again. A lone karakandza demon stands firm and speaks in a slurping, almost growling voice:
'Hmm, yes. Good. We had us a skshack who served Svarog. He helped us secure this place. Good fella, gone now...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask what they are protecting against -- the bandits?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
A voice answers from within the walls:
'You smell like one of us, to be sure, but you also have that human-divine stench about you, so which is it?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Confirm that you are a servant of the divine.
[OUT]Deny any divine servitude. Say that it was never your choice, just chance.
[OUT]Say that you are demon, nothing more.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
The gold is warm to the touch and its surface is indeed polished, even though some of it is clearly not mined yet.
As you run your fingers over the metal, it whispers to you, and you recognise not only dwarven runes but also a touch of Svarog's blessing lingering in these walls.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Runemaster]Try to read the runes.
[OUT][Light]Call upon the lord of light.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]9
[STORY]
Your connection to light flares up and blinds you with its sudden burst.
In this flash, you know instantly that Svarog's touch protects this place. But what is odd is that it protects it from light...
[/STORY]
[OUT][Zerca or elf]Use your knowledge of the gods or light to study this place further.
[OUT]Proceed with caution and weapons drawn.
[OUT]Call out to whomever resides here. Tell them you are here to make a deal, not fight.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]10
[STORY]
The runes are strong, but they were clearly made by a young runemaster, or perhaps one in too great a hurry to do their job properly!
As shoddy a job as it is, the runes are meant to absorb the pure energy of light onto the gold ore and then into the ground.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Proceed with caution and weapons drawn.
[OUT]Call out to whomever resides here. Tell them you are here to make a deal, not fight.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
This reaches into the eldest scripts before the darkest of nights, before the Awakening.
You are too young to know more, but you know that this type of protection would only be needed against the strongest of light's emanations. There is of course a chance that creatures of true darkness lie within. After all, they would want light kept away.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Proceed with caution and weapons drawn.
[OUT]Call out to whomever resides here. Tell them you are here to make a deal, not fight.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]12
[STORY]
This place is beaming with power, but its source or sources are eluding your grasp.
The walls seem to be pulsating with weaves of light, yet there is also a sense of stifling, a barrier that holds things tight and keeps something at bay.
Whoever resides within is likely skilled in mysticism and determined to keep folk out.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Proceed with caution and weapons drawn.
[OUT]Call out to whomever resides here. Tell them you are here to make a deal, not fight.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
You step in closer, carefully. You hear movement from the walls, and echoes of voices from within:
'Begone. Leave. Away. Danger. Darkness. Lightness. Leave.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you know they are trying to keep something at bay here, and perhaps you can help.
[OUT]If they don't wish to talk, keep moving forwards, weapons at the ready!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]15
[STORY]
You hear movement from the walls, and echoes of voices from within:
'Begone. Leave. Away. Danger. Darkness. Lightness. Leave.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you know they are trying to keep something at bay here, and perhaps you can help.
[OUT]If they don't wish to talk, keep moving forwards, weapons at the ready!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
Several creatures of all shapes and sizes appear before you, only to scatter away again. A lone karakandza demon stands firm and speaks in a slurping, almost growling voice:
'You sensed our walls, you know things. Maybe you are worth more alive. What do you know of our barrier?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you know little, only that it is made to hold something back, perhaps even light itself? If so, ask them why.
[OUT]Tell them that you know they wish to keep light away. Ask them to speak quickly of what they need, as the fate of the world is at stake! [SKIP STORY]
[/NODE]
+[NODE]18
[STORY]
'The case is simple. The red-ridge bandits take us, cage us, and sell us. We want them dead. We can help you do the deed, but we need you to do the heavy work. Kill the bandits, and we both get what we want.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Disagree. Ask if there is any other way to convince them to leave this mine.
[OUT]Say that you must consider this.
[OUT]Refuse and just attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'Why, why, you ask? Because it burns and shatters and takes those who are strong. We, karakandza, we once gnawed at the roots of the cosmic tree, and now it is hidden.
Our friends, house demons, they have few houses to go to as the earth keeps swallowing all.
Darkness was chased away and lurks only in the corners, so light bites back, bites hard.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Light is attacking demons?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]20
[STORY]
The creature shrugs:
'I suppose you could say that. It comes and burns, and then those humans by the cave, they catch us, they cage us, they sell us as toys... So we made a fort, we're safe here. Or we were, until the humans started sending their thugs.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Admit that you are here on their behalf, but only because you need the cave.
[OUT][Demon]Capturing demons, caging them, and selling them as toys! Swear that you will kill every last one of those bastardly bandits!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
He frowns:
'Yes, I thought as much, but why do you need a cave so bad?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell them of the Alchemist and his plan to solve the mystery of the Shattering.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]22
[STORY]
'Aha. A world-saving thing. Yes, that cave does feel strong, sometimes it calls out to us, sometimes it makes us shudder. And the shakes come from it, that's for sure.
Still, we can't give you our mine, it is ours, it is a safe haven. But we could help you kill the humans? That way we both get what we want.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Disagree. Ask if there is any other way to convince them to leave this mine.
[OUT]Say that you must consider this.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]24
[STORY]
'You're a creature of pure dark. You give us ALL of your spirit, yes, all - or at least close to it. We'll try to leave you some.
With your darkness, we can hide for a time. Those bandit bastards will think we've left, and with the dark power - well, we may get our taste of their flesh yet. Win-win.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Say that you will kill the bandits after all.
[OUT]Say that you must consider this.
[OUT]Refuse and just attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'You're a creature of light, elf. You give us ALL of your spirit, yes, all -- or at least close to it. We'll try to leave you some.
With your light, we can strengthen this place. We have a yaga with us, she'll do us an illusion. Those bandit bastards will think we've left, and with the extra power -- well, we may get our taste of their flesh yet. Win-win.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Say that you will kill the bandits after all.
[OUT]Say that you must consider this.
[OUT]Refuse and just attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]27
[STORY]
'Fine with me. We aren't moving anyway.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]30
[STORY]
The demons prepare a ritual and take those they need into a tunnel, where they drain their spirit almost to the brink of death!
The cave's light dims and a cold mist descends:
'Better go now. You folk don't do well when the mist comes.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]34
[STORY]
The demons prepare a ritual and take those they need into a tunnel, where they drain their spirit almost to the brink of death!
The cave's light grows even stronger, and its heat burns your skin:
'Better go now. We'll make our spells and wait for those fuckers!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'We're hiding here, but we're always looking for new ways to get stronger. Children are useful for our kin, in all sorts of ways. Give us one of yours.
With their youth, we can do much. We have a yaga with us, she'll do us an illusion. Those bandit bastards will think we've left, and - well, we may get our taste of their flesh yet. Win-win.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Say that you will kill the bandits after all.
[OUT]Say that you must consider this.
[OUT]Refuse and just attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]37
[STORY]
The demons take their prize.
The cave's light grows even stronger, and its heat burns your skin:
'Better go now. We'll make our spells and wait for those fuckers!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]38
[STORY]
'We're hiding here, but we're always looking for new ways to get stronger. Life force is useful for our kin, in all sorts of ways. Give us all your pets.
With their vitality, we can do much. We have a yaga with us, she'll do us an illusion. Those bandit bastards will think we've left, and - well, we may get our taste of their flesh yet. Win-win.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Say that you will kill the bandits after all.
[OUT]Say that you must consider this.
[OUT]Refuse and just attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]40
[STORY]
'Wonderful. We will hide for now, allow you better access. Beware, though - we do not make such deals twice, so you make it, you stick to it. You break it, we will never speak again. So you go lie to them, you speak the word and we come to help. Good luck.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deal. Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]42
[STORY]
'You done the deed? You killed those red-ridge bastards?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Yes.
[OUT]No. Come back later.
[OUT]No, attack the demons instead!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]43
[STORY]
'Ah, the winds of fate throw us as they will.
We had us a skshack who served Svarog. He helped us secure this place. Good fella, gone now...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask what they are protecting against -- the bandits?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]44
[STORY]
'Tricking tricksters is never easy, kin. And if you're here to lie to us, begone!'
They scatter away and disappear in darkness.
[/STORY]
[OUT]If they don't wish to talk, keep moving forwards, weapons at the ready!
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]45
[STORY]
You move in deeper and the bright, hot light of the golden ore tingles, then burns your skin. You feel dizzy from the heat and dazed from the light.
It is only now that you feel sure this cave is protected by strong powers, made to keep something strong at bay.
You hear the clutter of claws and snarling getting more aggressive. You know you're surrounded!
[/STORY]
[OUT]Shout to whomever surrounds you. Convince them you want to make a deal, not fight!
[OUT]Fight!
[OUT]Run away!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]47
[STORY]
'You are kin, but you are not us. We will say only that between the light burning us alive and the bastard bandits pestering our folk, we made this place safe and we aren't leaving.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Convince them you are a friend, and ask them to tell you more.
[OUT]You came here to do a job, kin or no kin. Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]49
[STORY]
'Hmm, yes, you seem fair. Like I said, we guard against light and the bastards.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]50
[STORY]
'Your words smell of deceit. I can taste those red-ridge scumbags on your breath!
Leave or die!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave to regroup.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]52
[STORY]
'You again. Begone or be dead!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]54
[STORY]
You kill most of the demons and those who survive clear away in a hurry. The mine is empty for the bandits to take, although you see much of the gold ore fade and turn to common stone.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go report your success to the bandits.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]57
[STORY]
'Wonderful news! I admit, I was betting against you. Well, a deal's a deal, here is your reward and a blessing. We've been to that cave - you'll need to be tough to get in where you need to. Good luck!'
They scatter off into the tunnels.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank them and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]60
[STORY]
The demons beat you badly and force you to run, also draining some of your spirit.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]63
[STORY]
You step in closer, carefully. You hear movement from the walls, and echoes of voices from within:
'Begone. Leave. Away. Danger. Darkness. Lightness. Leave.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]If they don't wish to talk, keep moving forwards, weapons at the ready!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]65
[STORY]
'You do not have anything we need. Children, pets, elven light - those you can bargain with.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you will kill the bandits after all.
[OUT]Say that you must consider this.
[OUT]Refuse and just attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]66
[STORY]
'Wonderful friend! We will hide for now, allow you better access. Beware, though - we do not make such deals twice, so you make it, you stick to it. You break it, we will never speak again. So you go lie to them, you speak the word and we come to help. Good luck.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deal. Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]67
[STORY]
'We're hiding here, but we're always looking for new ways to get stronger. Children are useful for our kin, in all sorts of ways. Give us one of yours.
With their youth, we can do much. We have a yaga with us, she'll do us an illusion. Those bandit bastards will think we've left, and - well, we may get our taste of their flesh yet. Win-win.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Say that you will kill the bandits after all.
[OUT]Say that you must consider this.
[OUT]Refuse and just attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]68
[STORY]
'We're hiding here, but we're always looking for new ways to get stronger. Life force is useful for our kin, in all sorts of ways. Give us all your pets.
With their vitality, we can do much. We have a yaga with us, she'll do us an illusion. Those bandit bastards will think we've left, and - well, we may get our taste of their flesh yet. Win-win.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Say that you will kill the bandits after all.
[OUT]Say that you must consider this.
[OUT]Refuse and just attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]69
[STORY]
'You're back, so let me remind you of our dealings. The case is simple. The red-ridge bandits take us, cage us, and sell us. We want them dead. We can help you do the deed, but we need you to do the heavy work. Kill the bandits, and we both get what we want.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Disagree. Ask if there is any other way to convince them to leave this mine.
[OUT]Refuse and just attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]70
[STORY]
The cave is abandoned.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --RedCave5(12)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
'Fascinating. I've heard of such things. Of course, inanimate yet living is not a thing of myth in Slavya, no, but at this scale? This cave, it has residues of great power, but also echoes of life.
Alas, I admit, I need help if I am to solve this.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if you can help.
[OUT][Runemaster]Nod. Bloodstones are a rarity and even you do not know much about them. Say that you will need to consult your kin, and an elder one at that.
[OUT][Elf]Add that you also sense an overwhelming imprint of light here, and the source seems to dwell somewhere much deeper. You will indeed need the counsel of an elder -- a dwarf will do. But an elder-kin master will surely do even better.
[OUT][Dwarf]Admit that this is beyond even your own understanding of stone, and you will need an old stone master to tell you more.
[OUT]Ask him to tell you all this fast. [Skip Story]
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
'Unless you happen to be a dwarven stone master, or perhaps an ancient who still remembers, no.
We need to search for an expert. I will of course remain here. Study this cave more.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask where to search for such experts.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
'A blood cave, you say? Yes, makes sense, can you tell me more?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]From what you know, they are the rarest of dwarven caverns, heavily guarded and said to hold the most ancient of secrets. Clearly the Shattering moved this one to the surface, for you could not imagine your kin abandoning it otherwise. But this one also seems wounded, damaged. Something more than the shakes happened here.
[OUT]Say that you will not reveal anything more. An expert is needed and they will decide if outsiders can share in the knowledge.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'A burst of light, eh? I will test for that too, then, thank you. Yes, a master of your kind, old enough to have lived in the days before the Awakening -- they may hold such knowledge still.
Although I would rather hear it from the horse's mouth, as it were. Dwarves seem inevitably involved in this. But your choice.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask where to search for such experts.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
You finally enter the red cave and you now realise the meaning of its name.
The walls and floor are rough, layered with blood-red moss and black veins. Faint crimson light lingers beneath this odd canopy, pulsating quietly in slow rhythm.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wait to see what the Alchemist wants to do.
[OUT]Go in.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
He stares, his mouth wide open and eyes lit up, and gestures for you to move forwards.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go in.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
You move through this odd tunnel and find several paths, some leading to small alcoves that are clearly used by the bandits as storage. Other paths are entirely collapsed. The only remaining way leads to what looks like an entrance to another, larger tunnel.
But there is a membrane blocking your way.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the Alchemist what he thinks.
[OUT][Magic users]Examine this barrier.
[OUT][Dwarf or goblin]Search this entrance for a mechanism.
[OUT][Orc or strength] Everything breaks, and this thing will too!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]9
[STORY]
The scholar takes his time to study the membrane, then speaks:
'It is beyond me for now. But the samples tell me it is infused with old magic, yet at the same time is organic. Odd, very odd.
I see two ways. We can work on a mystical solution or, well, bash it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Orc or strength] Force it open.
[OUT][Magic users]Examine this barrier.
[OUT][Dwarf or goblin]Search this entrance for a mechanism.
[OUT]You need someone strong, a magic user or a dwarf or goblin to figure this one out. Come back later.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
For a time, you are sure the membrane will not break. With every swing, the odd substance simply repairs itself, and the gooey slime stings your skin and hurts your spirit.
But finally, your force overwhelms the thing, and as you push through it, the barrier collapses in on itself.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take a look around.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
You stand in a dark chamber, covered still in the strange moss, but here, you see a deep hole in the middle, the earth and stone around it torn from within.
And from this hole, cracks spread out like the sun's rays. They are small here, yet you see bright light within and you sense enormous power within, pulsating, spreading.
And yet, from your divine connection, you also sense that this is a mere outlet, not the source.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Turn to the Alchemist for answers.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]14
[STORY]
The membrane will not break. With every swing, the odd substance simply repairs itself, and the gooey slime stings your skin and hurts your spirit.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave and come back when you're ready to face this challenge.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
You examine the structure of this barrier and sense ancient weaves of magic, combined with a life of its own as well as the artifice of dwarves.
Through magic, you can weaken the weaves and thus hopefully walk through.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Do it.
[OUT][Dwarf or goblin]Search this entrance for a mechanism.
[OUT][Orc or strength] Force it open.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
Although magic and other mysteries are clearly at work here, you also spot the unmistakable craft of dwarven smiths.
You uncover the mechanism that should open the barrier, but it will not be easy to master.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Do it.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
Carefully, you unravel the complex weaves that keep the barrier up, and the whole thing collapses, allowing you to enter.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take a look around.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]22
[STORY]
Carefully, you study the ancient mechanism and with much care, you find the right combination to make it work. The barrier opens, allowing you to enter.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take a look around.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]23
[STORY]
You try to unravel the complex weaves that hold this barrier, but you cannot, and the effort exhausts your spirit.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave and come back when you're ready to face this challenge.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]25
[STORY]
The mechanism is ancient and well crafted. You cannot break it, and the effort is exhausting.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave and come back when you're ready to face this challenge.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]27
[STORY]
'Yes. We need to search for an expert. I will of course remain here. Study this cave more.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask where to search for such experts.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]29
[STORY]
'That is an excellent question. I would wager that travelling to the lands of stone and metal where dwarven survivors now dwell is a sure bet.
Now, you could also look for some elder long-ears - ehm, elves, that is. Once they're old enough, the likelihood that they meddled in the affairs of the world grows exponentially. Find them in ancient forests. And who knows, maybe goblins or orc know something? Just remember to find their villages, not just random folk.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Any other options?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]33
[STORY]
You enter the red cave. The Alchemist looks up from his many scrolls and vials:
'Found some answers for us?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Yes. Tell him that he knows full well that you rescued the dwarf.
[OUT]Not yet. Leave.
[OUT]Tell him you got a new heart, made by a sorcerer from the last remaining giants.
[OUT]Say that you agreed on an alliance with the elves. They should arrive here shortly.
[OUT]Say you have been given the heart of ice.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]36
[STORY]
'Failing that, I do know a place, but it will be a matter of brute force and likely much more difficult. A dwarven smith of great renown is held captive by trolls. I happen to know where.
Go, free him, and he will be honour-bound to aid you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank him for the help and leave to search for the expert.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]37
[STORY]
'Fascinating, thank you for sharing your knowledge, friend. And yes, this makes me even more certain that we need dwarven expertise here. Please, go find us a master runesmith.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you've been out of touch with your kin for a time. Ask where to search for such experts.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]38
[STORY]
'Yes, right you are, master dwarf, right you are. But this makes me even more certain that we need dwarven expertise here. Please, go find us a master runesmith.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you've been out of touch with your kin for a time. Ask where to search for such experts.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]40
[STORY]
'I see, a mroki, you say. Yes, I read somewhere that they were indeed giants once. Still . . .'
He looks at you for a moment, then nods:
'You are the champions. It is and always will be your choice. I have found the entrance to the earth-cave where you must place the heart. Good luck!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank him and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]43
[STORY]
He nods, and as you turn to enter the red cave, the elves arrive. Several of the emissaries are hooded and keep their distance. The one who speaks to you looks pale and sickly:
'We know where to find the heart chamber and the light-beast that resides within. We will lead the way and together we can set things right.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree to meet them at the heart chamber.
[OUT]Ask if they are okay.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]44
[STORY]
'The light-beast drew power from us because of our pure connection to the light. We decided to sever this connection willingly in penance for our kin's folly.
This sacrifice also allowed us to acquire the heart of the forest from a forest demon. This will do as the new safeguard. And our condition will blindside the beast and help you defeat it. Alas, I am afraid we will not be much use in the fight itself, as we are weakened.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does that mean, exactly?
[OUT]Thank them for the sacrifice and agree to meet at the heart chamber.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'We have wilfully accepted darkness into our souls. The curse of the old days. Many will perish. Most will turn into shadow kin. But some will endure as we did before. So do not concern yourself with it. The choice was ours to make.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank them for the sacrifice and agree to meet at the heart chamber.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]46
[STORY]
'So yer back with the blood, eh? Wasn't sure you had the bollocks to get it. Let us talk - come to my forge.'
He leads you into a forge that was not there when you left.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go to the forge.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]47
[STORY]
'Now, the blood will push life into a lifeless form, but it is by far the easiest of prices needed for this.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask him to tell you more of his story. Why was he in the prison? Why didn't other dwarves come to rescue him? He is a grandmaster runesmith, after all.
[OUT]Ask what is needed next.
[OUT]Ask for all the options to be laid out straight. No backstory needed. [Skip Story]
[/NODE]
+[NODE]48
[STORY]
You see the smith standing outside the red cave. He has his smithing hammer and several men are watching him.
'Ya got the blood yet?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Yes.
[OUT]No. Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]49
[STORY]
'I suppose they forgot about poor old me when the earth shook and cities were misplaced. One prison here or there, eh?'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Dwarf]Insist that he cut the bullshit. Dwarves would not forsake a grandmaster, as they are few and far between, almost like a dwarf-wife.
[OUT]But the Alchemist knew where he was?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]50
[STORY]
'Bah, I won't fool ya, will I? I am no grandmaster, not anymore. I was dishonoured, my beard torn, my name struck from stone forever. The fools! They did not understand -- the heart, the giant was weak, I had to find ways! It was all for them! '
[/STORY]
[OUT]So the dwarves decided the prison was his punishment for breaking the dwarven code of ethics?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]51
[STORY]
'A learned man, that one, and like you, touched by your gods or what have ya.
Listen, I was, well, not popular in my last days. Many of my men thought my methods crude or outlandish -- "too much change, Wilfred, you must stick to traditions." Creatures of stone and metal we are, we do not like change, ya see.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they left him here because he was not liked?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]52
[STORY]
'Ethics! Ha! They are afraid, and they should be. I was able to command stone and bend metal to my will. The warrakus - an accident, a shameful sort - but I could make them again and again. The fools did not listen to reason. My runes are an art that they could not grasp. Stone idiots!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if he regrets his cruel experiments.
[OUT]Tell him you understand that progress needs sacrifice at times.
[OUT]Did he just call dwarven elders, the very core of your esteemed society, idiots? How dare he!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]53
[STORY]
'Yer one to talk! Ya walk with them human gods now, eh? The forefathers ain't so clever for ya either?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if he regrets his cruel experiments.
[OUT]Tell him you understand that progress needs sacrifice at times.
[OUT]Deny it. Say that you follow the gods but you also respect your old life. The two are not mutually exclusive.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]54
[STORY]
'No? Finny that. I'd have said they were. I'd swear no self-respectin' dwarf would pray to a god. So ya see, perspective. I call them idiots, and ya left them and found new fools to follow. Either way, we're both out.
I will not speak of it more.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if he regrets his cruel experiments.
[OUT]Tell him you understand that progress needs sacrifice at times.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]55
[STORY]
'Bit of this, bit of that, ya know how it is. Priorities, choices. We also live long, so I am sure they would have come back eventually.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if he regrets his cruel experiments.
[OUT]Tell him you understand that progress needs sacrifice at times.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]56
[STORY]
'Cruel, bah! Exceptional, inventive . . . I do not care for suffering or pain, only results. I was there when the giant gave his heart and it opened my mind to such possibilities. I also knew this day could come. I warned the others, implored them to pursue my work, for the giant's heart was vulnerable, but they were too stubborn to listen.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Giant's heart?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]57
[STORY]
'Aye, good. So ya understand the process had no meaning, only the results. I was there when the giant gave his heart and it opened my mind to such possibilities. I also knew this day could come. I warned the others, implored them to pursue my work, for the giant's heart was vulnerable, but they were too stubborn to listen.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Giant's heart?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]58
[STORY]
'Giants once walked the land. They sang the life-song and made mountains grow. Shapers and makers of our land. When other life came to be, the giants slept, but one gave us his heart to safeguard the earth, make it stick together.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Stick together?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]59
[STORY]
'Aye, like the cosmic tree that holds the skies and the dark up in the heavens, the heart was like a . . . hmm, a plug, maybe, to keep the earth from moving and the scorching light of the core down below.
That's all I know, for I was a young'un then, focused on my work. I did not listen about the bigger things, and later they were locked away, kept secret even from me.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask what is needed now to stop the Shattering.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]60
[STORY]
'Kill most of the dwarves so they feed my master rune and thus make an extra-strong heart of the earth to replace the one that was lost. This will weaken the light-beast ya must face.
Or go kill four dwarven champions in a tomb, then sacrifice yer faith and spirit to feed a much weaker heart that will not help ya in the fight with the final beast.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree to kill the dwarves and thus weaken the lightbringers greatly. Then go face the final challenge.
[OUT]Say that you will not sacrifice the dwarves. Agree to go kill the champions, then come back and give your own spirit to forge the weaker heart.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]61
[STORY]
'It depends, really. How much do ya know of the Shattering?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]It broke the world, threatens to keep doing it, and some light creatures came out and keep attacking folk. And the gods want you to deal with it.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]62
[STORY]
'Yes, that covers it. In short, there was once a giant's heart that kept the light down under and kept the earth in one piece.
The heart was broken by some fools. Now we need a new one. And yes, I can make one. But there are no more giants to lend a hand, so I need to improvise.
And even when I have the heart, ya will still need to slay the light-beast that sits where the heart should be.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]63
[STORY]
'To forge the heart of earth anew, I need another stone heart - in fact, many. This is what my kin were made for, sadly, and the time is now. We failed to keep the heart safe. Now our hearts will make a new one.
If you agree to it, I will distribute a death-rune to my brethren. Once I craft another, the life-rune, it will connect with its dark twin and take power from it. This power will come at the expense of dwarven lives.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]How many lives need to be sacrificed for this?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]64
[STORY]
'Many, perhaps most.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Most dwarves will die, and he is okay with it?
[OUT]Never!
[OUT]Ask Ail'yleth if this is why she convinced you to come here and not the elves. They would have to pay a similar price, right?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]65
[STORY]
'You are wise. Yes. This is why. But you do have more than one path here. Both are preferred to the sacrifice of my own kin. Let us not waste time - make up your mind, champion.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Most dwarves will die, and he is okay with it?
[OUT]Never!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]66
[STORY]
'Aye, like I said, the process is irrelevant, but the results matter. Those old fools need to die anyway. Stuck in their stone ways, metal heads too stubborn to learn. They pay the price for their own arrogance, for it was them that were supposed to keep the earth-heart safe.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]How will their deaths be used?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]67
[STORY]
'The heart forged from their sacrifice will not only stop the Shattering, it will also be strong enough to pull the light back into the core. It will weaken all creatures taken by the lightbringers, including the beast that you must slay in order to place the heart where it belongs.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So he will make the runes, then forge a heart and power it with the deaths of dwarves. Then you will need to slay the light-beast and put the heart in a special place, yes?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]68
[STORY]
'Yes. Once the heart is where it should be and the light-beast is banished, things should eventually get back to normal. Until the next genius decides to screw with the world order.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree to take the life force from dwarves to forge a new, stronger heart and keep the light at bay.
[OUT]Refuse and ask for another option.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]69
[STORY]
He nods, his eyes darken, and a grin flashes across his stone-cold face:
'Good, excellent! Yes, I mean. You made the right choice. Now I will finish the forging of the rune.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]How will it affect the dwarves from afar?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]70
[STORY]
'I am one of only three grandmasters that live. Even if they choose to forget me, I forged the runes that keep their fires going. The death-rune will be placed by your Alchemist friend in one forge. It is enough to activate all the runes I ever made.
This grand rune of life will then do the rest.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and await the result.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]71
[STORY]
The grandmaster works at his anvil for several hours, carefully carving an intricate design onto a single, unimpressive slab of stone.
You notice the tool he uses is dabbed in the druid-tree's blood, and with every stroke a faint red glow briefly lights up the design. The tension is high.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep watching.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]72
[STORY]
The grandmaster stops, puts the stone away, and begins to clean his tools. The Alchemist appears by your side:
'I did not interfere with your choice. It was yours to make. Now it is done. No fireworks, no special effects, but the rune is working now. He will place it in the heart he forged, and we will have it ready when the light-beast is slain. I marked the entrance to the tunnels that will take you directly to the creature.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and leave to find the beast.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]75
[STORY]
'I feared ya may be too soft to do the right thing, and since ya own my arse, I will not waste time arguing.
I can make a weaker heart. You will need to defeat the four great dwarven champions that were supposed to guard the heart in the first place, but failed. With their demise I will forge an inferior rune. It will hold the earth and the light, but it will not weaken the beast that you must slay.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What was the beast again?
[OUT]Anything else?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]76
[STORY]
'I know nothing of it other than what the stone told me and what yer Alchemist found. There is a beast of light that has taken physical form and guards the chest where the heart must lie.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Anything else?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]77
[STORY]
'Yes, your faith will be the price. My rune will take from you what is strongest. Your spirit will suffer immensely, but you will have a chance to heal it in time. So I advise not facing the light-beast until you are feeling better.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree to let the grandmaster forge the weaker rune and use your own faith as the power source.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]78
[STORY]
'Good, go bring me the remains of the champions, and I will have the rune ready.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]81
[STORY]
'Ya got the dwarven guardian remains yet?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Yes.
[OUT]No. Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]82
[STORY]
'Good. I will forge yer heart, and yer Alchemist friend will bring it to ya.
Fools that ya are, I hope ya can beat the light-beast with this measly thing. Now go -- we marked the entrance to the earth-heart cave for ya.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]85
[STORY]
'You are back. I have no new insights.
I see two ways. We can work on a mystical solution or, well, bash it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Orc or strength] Force it open.
[OUT][Magic users]Examine this barrier.
[OUT][Dwarf or goblin]Search this entrance for a mechanism.
[OUT]You need someone strong, a magic user or a dwarf or goblin to figure this one out. Come back later.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]88
[STORY]
You enter the red cave but find it empty, covered only in silver ash.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]89
[STORY]
You get back to the red cave.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Look for the dwarf.
[OUT]Look for the Alchemist.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]90
[STORY]
He nods, and as you turn to enter the red cave, the dwarves make themselves seen. The Alchemist speaks:
Yes, I was informed of this and I am glad. We have the entrance to the light-beast's lair marked. Go, end this.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]91
[STORY]
'Either go look for help in other, non-human factions, or go rescue a dwarven master runesmith.'
He marks the runesmith's location on your map.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank him for the help and leave to search for the expert.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --Ambush1spwn(13)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You are ambushed by the scoundrels that took your goods earlier.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Fight!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
'No, no, don't kill us! The earth keeps breaking, the light takes our folk away, bandits steal our young ones, we only take to live...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Kill them.
[OUT]Let them live.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'The earth keeps breaking, the light takes our folk away and bandits steal our young ones, so we take what we want! Now, leave us be, or we take you too!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'Thank you. We will go now, but because you're kind, we tell you - watch out in these lands. Demons are actin' weird, the Shattering's wreaking havoc, and red-ridge bandits are claiming more and more turf. Here, have our pup, he'll keep ya safe. Bye.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wish them well and leave.
[OUT]Tell them they better never steal from you again, then leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --Roamingscavengers6(14)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
More and more scavenger groups are roaming these parts lately, and they don't always care if you were once friends.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Greet your allies.
[OUT]Stay cautious, but speak to them.
[OUT]Fight!
[OUT]Intimidate them!
[OUT]Move away.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
'Ah, good day to you, friends, well met.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if they want to trade.
[OUT]Have a drink together.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'You ain't the enemy, but you ain't friends either. Go to our village if you wanna make friends. Now move away.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[OUT]Fight!
[OUT]Intimidate them!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
'Fine, fine, here, you take our shit and we back away. No need for fightin', and no hard feelings either, eh.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take their stuff and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
Your threats don't work. You are beaten and chased away.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Run.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --Roamingbandits6(15)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
Angry bandits spot you, and they don't look like they're going to talk.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Fight!
[OUT]Intimidate them!
[OUT]Move away.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
'Fine, fine, here, you take our shit and we back away. No need for fightin', and no hard feelings either, eh.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take their stuff and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
Your threats don't work. You are beaten and chased away.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Run.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --ScavengersTradesmall(16)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
The trader's stalls stand open for you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Trade.
[OUT]Trade.
[OUT]Trade.
[OUT]Come back another time.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'You are no friends of ours, so we won't take food as payment, and you'll have to pay us extra first.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Trade.
[OUT]Come back another time.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'Good trading with you. Gods be with you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --SlavyanVillageSmall(17)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
'Welcome, come and see how we have changed since our bandit days. We may not be as rich, but we're honest folk now. What brings you here?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if there is anything you can help with.
[OUT]Say you just came to rest and visit.
[OUT]Ask if you can visit the kennels.
[OUT]Trade.
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'You best move along. We are now proper Slavyans, our bandit past is behind us and you are no friend to our folk!'
You see armed folk gathering.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Leave.
[OUT]Say that you mean them no harm -- all you want is to talk and visit.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
The village lies destroyed, and the spoils are yours.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'There's always trouble about the place. There's a bunch of vermin nesting nearby. We're small, only setting up. If you help us be rid of them, we'll be very thankful, to be sure.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Decline and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'It will be a cold day in summer before we refuse hospitality to the weary.
We also have a healer in the village. If they're not busy, they're good with the body and the mind.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Pay to get physical wounds healed.
[OUT]Pay to get mental wounds healed.
[OUT]Pay to have poison removed.
[OUT]Ask if there's a wise one who can heal spiritual ailments.
[OUT]A zerca is telling the story of the cosmic tree. Go listen to his tale in honour of the gods.
[OUT]Come back another day.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'There's always trouble about the place. There's a nice rich beehive nearby. We'd like to get the honey, but we're small, only setting up. If you help us pacify the bees, we'll be very thankful, to be sure.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Decline and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
'You lookin' to help a fellow, eh? Sure, there's always trouble.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if anything needs killing.
[OUT]You have a lot of wood on you. Ask if they need some.
[OUT]You see they are in need of stone, so tell them you're willing to give away some of yours.
[OUT]Come back another day.
[OUT]Ask if anything needs killing.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]22
[STORY]
'Yeah, nasty bunch of scoundrels are setting up nearby. You've done it before, so go beat them up for us again, will you?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Decline and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'A witch, that's what you're after, eh? Magic comes at a price. Healing the spirit is easier, but curses, well, they are nasty things. They'll cost you more, cost you blood.'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Witch]Say you only need your sister's aid, and you'll pay the price yourself and promise not to burden her.
[OUT]Agree to pay the price to remove curses.
[OUT]Ask to have your spirit wounds healed.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]29
[STORY]
The witch nods. 'Bah, should've said so, sis. I wouldn't try to sell you the pricey crap, ha. Let's get to it.'
Together, you remove any curses you had.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank her and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]37
[STORY]
'In the name of the cosmic tree itself, you are truly odd folk to offer resources like that. We thank you.
We cannot give much, but here, have what we can spare.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wish them well and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]40
[STORY]
'Sure, go right ahead, we may have some pups for you to buy.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Buy a dog.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]47
[STORY]
'There's always trouble about the place. There's a bunch of nasty gobbos camping nearby. Little buggers are looking to stay, and we ain't too happy about them bein' our neighbours. If you were to deal with that, we'd be grateful.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Decline and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]50
[STORY]
'Bah, fine, you look honest enough and you carry the mark of the gods, so we best not anger them lot.
Come in, but we're watching you!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask to trade.
[OUT]Offer to do something for them to prove your goodwill.
[OUT]Offer to do something for them to prove your goodwill.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]53
[STORY]
'Go away!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]58
[STORY]
'Either we do not have any work for you, or you or your kin are already set on a path to aid us. Finish that path before you ask for new tasks.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --SlavyanKillsmallBees(18)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You approach the beehive the Slavyans asked you to clear.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Druid or nature]There's no need for violence. You simply need to ask them to share.
[OUT][Forest folk]Convince the bees to cooperate, as it is always more fruitful in the long run.
[OUT][Beast master]You need to claim this territory. Any beasts will then move away.
[OUT][Hunter]Set up traps to thin the swarm, then attack.
[OUT]Come back later.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
You find the right spots to mark your territory with a strong, predatory odour.
The bees soon buzz away and leave their honey behind.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Great. Go tell the villagers.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]12
[STORY]
You are badly beaten, and the villagers have to come to your rescue. They are not impressed.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]18
[STORY]
The bees buzz in unison, listening to your words.
They agree to cooperate with the human village. If the humans keep away and leave them in peace, the bees will in turn give some of their honey away.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Agree.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]20
[STORY]
A villager scout was watching you and approaches:
'I'll be damned. You reasoned with the stingers, but why? We have no desire for the buzzers to live on our doorstep.
I mean, you meant well. But perhaps next time, do as we ask.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]28
[STORY]
The bees buzz in anger and turn your way.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]You will be stung, so run.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]48
[STORY]
A villager scout was watching you and approaches:
'I'll be damned. You reasoned with the stingers. Great. I guess we won't mind the buzz if it gets us honey. Thank you, and here, this is your reward.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]50
[STORY]
A villager scout was watching you and approaches:
'I'll be damned. You chased them away. Wonderful! Here, have this as thanks.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]51
[STORY]
You aren't called a beast master for nothing. You scare the bees away. A villager scout was watching you and approaches:
'I'll be damned. You chased them away. Wonderful! Here, have this as thanks.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --SlavKillsmallGoblins(19)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You find the place where goblins were supposed to have settled. It is a small but thick grove.
You see some signs of humanoid presence, but no goblins yet.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Hunter or perception]Track the greenskins.
[OUT]Search the place.
[OUT]Search the place.
[OUT]Come back later.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
You track the goblins to a small opening where they have set up a camp. It looks more like a travelling settlement than a village as the Slavyans suggested, but there are indeed many goblins here.
Luckily for you, only a few have weapons at the ready.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Surround the goblins and make your presence known.
[OUT]You have the advantage. Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You are ambushed by the goblins!
[/STORY]
[OUT]Fight!
[OUT]Try to run away.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
You search the place and finally spot some goblins. Alas, they spot you too, so you haven't got much time to choose a plan of action.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Stop, throw up your hands, and say that you do not wish to fight, only to tell them they need to leave because the Slavyans do not want them here.
[OUT]Try to look intimidating and tell them to beat it!
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Goblin]Say the hummies are being arseholes and want them gone. Ask if they can move along.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]16
[STORY]
You are badly beaten and the Slavyans have to come to your rescue. They are unimpressed with your 'help.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'Right, right, yes of course, we meant no harm, we're not even a large-enough group to set up permanent-like. We got robbed, you see. And we have young ones who need rest and healing. But we move along now.'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Healer or cmuch]Offer them help in healing.
[OUT]Say that they do not need to leave, and you will explain their situation to the Slavyans.
[OUT]Nod and insist that they depart within a day.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]20
[STORY]
You stay for a while and help the goblins heal.
'Oh, thank you, thank you kindly. We leave now as promised, but thanks to you we now have a chance to live on. Here, have this, not much, but all we can give.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and wish them well.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]23
[STORY]
'We have sick children, elderly, so we ain't moving. You face us with swords, or you go!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave them be.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
The goblins jump to their feet, weapons only half drawn:
'Wait, wait, we don't have that much, please misters, please do not harm us.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell them the Slavyans do not want them as neighbours and they must relocate.
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Goblin]Say the hummies are being arseholes and want them gone. Ask if they can move along.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]35
[STORY]
The goblins depart, carrying their sick and trying to look brave.
The Slavyans are pleased with your help and offer a small reward.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank them and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]36
[STORY]
The Slavyans are pleased with your help and offer a small reward.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank them and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]37
[STORY]
The goblins are grateful for your mercy. They stay to heal their wounds, which may take some time.
'Oh, we thank you, thank you kindly. Here, a small token of thanks.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and wish them well.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]39
[STORY]
The Slavyans, however, are not so happy with the results. They send their own forces to kill the goblins, and they tell you not to offer help unless you mean it.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]40
[STORY]
The Slavyans are not overjoyed with your 'solution', but in the end, they stick to your promises and let the goblins heal before they leave.
The villagers leave you a small reward for your services.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]42
[STORY]
When you inform the Slavyans of your failure, they are disappointed in your efforts.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]43
[STORY]
You kill the warriors and the rest flee.
The Slavyans are pleased with your help and offer a small reward.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank them and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]47
[STORY]
'Right, right, yes of course, we meant no harm, we're not even a large-enough group to truly set up permanent-like. We got robbed, you see. And we have young ones who need rest and healing. But we'll move along now.'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Healer or cmuch]Offer them help in healing.
[OUT]Say that they do not need to leave, and you will explain their situation to the Slavyans.
[OUT]Nod and insist that they depart within a day.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --SlavKillsmallRats(20)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You find the vermin nest you were sent to clear.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Hunter]Set traps to lure the rats.
[OUT][Beast master or wisdom]You know that rats are susceptible to a certain flute melody.
[OUT][Druid]No need to kill the rats. Try to coerce them into leaving.
[OUT][Witch]Rats are your cohorts. Dominate the vermin and make them leave.
[OUT]Investigate this rat nest.
[OUT][Rat]Go in alone and convince your vermin kin to leave here.
[OUT][Rat]Go in alone and convince your vermin kin to leave here.
[OUT][Rat]Go in alone and convince your vermin kin to leave here.
[OUT]Come back another time.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
You play the flute and the rats slowly begin to follow you. Some sink in the water already. You must hold the tune long enough to drown them all.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Kill the ones left the old-fashioned way. Attack!
[OUT]Keep playing.
[OUT]Come back another time.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]9
[STORY]
You barge into the nest and throw your weight around. You speak of the gods and threaten the rats with the might of man and divinity.
The rats listen and scamper away obediently, leaving you free to loot their nest.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Good, gather what you can.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]10
[STORY]
You barge into the nest and throw your weight around. You speak of the gods and threaten the rats with the might of man and divinity.
But the fat rat in charge is not buying it. You are bitten and thrown out. The nest is unsettled.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to walk away calmly.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
You barge into the nest and throw your weight around. You speak of the gods and threaten the rats with the might of man and divinity.
The rats are so convinced by your words that they want you to be their new pack master. You would lead your own nest, have many baby rats, and bring the word of the gods to the vermin.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree to take on the responsibility. [Lose one rat]
[OUT]Do not allow your rat friend to leave! Kill the female rat that is clearly the architect of this disaster!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]18
[STORY]
You set the traps and get rid of the vermin.
The villagers thank you and give you a reward.
[/STORY]
[OUT]You see a rat lurking. Approach it.
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]20
[STORY]
The rat is very young and wounded, but you know how to train rats, so you can take him along with you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nice.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]25
[STORY]
You find the bodies of many children, but also those of demons and animals. This nest was busy.
More surprising, you discover in a central space, upon a throne of bones, a common cat, bound in a collar. Was it the master or the victim here?
It purrs at you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take the cat.
[OUT]Kill the cat, for it is clearly the architect of this evil!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]27
[STORY]
You set up traps and kill most of the rats, while others scamper away. In one of your traps you discover a cradlepossum -- an overgrown, twisted, vermin-like creature with a large pouch on its front, known to steal away younglings.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Search the place for survivors.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]28
[STORY]
The rats get spooked and swarm you within minutes. The villagers have to come to your rescue and are not impressed with your 'help.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]39
[STORY]
Your friend is distraught at your actions, but the nest scampers away in fear.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Good.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]49
[STORY]
The rats listen and scamper away from the village. Nature and harmony are satisfied by your actions.
The villagers thank you and give you a reward.
[/STORY]
[OUT]You see a rat lurking. Approach it.
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]50
[STORY]
The rats listen and scamper away from the village.
The villagers thank you and give you a reward.
[/STORY]
[OUT]You see a rat lurking. Approach it.
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]51
[STORY]
The rats listen and scamper away from the village.
The villagers thank you and give you a reward.
[/STORY]
[OUT]You see a rat lurking. Approach it.
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]52
[STORY]
You get in closer and observe the rats. You soon realise that they are unusual. They seem to be building a prison of sorts with cages and holes, and you see bodies of their prisoners sticking out.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Hunter]Try to sneak in and set up traps to get rid of the vermin.
[OUT][Druid or beastmaster]Play the flute to call the rats away, then try to rescue whomever you can.
[OUT]Attack the vermin!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]53
[STORY]
The villagers thank you for clearing the nest and give you a reward.
[/STORY]
[OUT]You see a rat lurking. Approach it.
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]56
[STORY]
The rats beat you badly and force you to flee. The villagers have to come to your rescue and are not impressed with your 'help.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]57
[STORY]
The nest is cleared. The villagers thank you and give you a reward.
[/STORY]
[OUT]You see a rat lurking. Approach it.
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]58
[STORY]
The nest is cleared. The villagers thank you and give you a reward.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]61
[STORY]
The vermin are dead or running away. One of the bodies, you discover, was a cradlepossum -- an overgrown, twisted, vermin-like creature with a large pouch on its front, known to steal away younglings.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Search the place for survivors.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]62
[STORY]
The rats listen to your tune and obediently abandon their nest. You notice that one of them was actually a cradlepossum -- an overgrown, twisted, vermin-like creature with a large pouch on its front, known to steal away younglings. Most likely, it was not entranced by the flute but rather decided to flee while it could.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Search the place for survivors.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]63
[STORY]
The rats follow the tune and drown.
The villagers thank you and give you a reward.
[/STORY]
[OUT]You see a rat lurking. Approach it.
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --SlavKillsmallScav(21)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You find the place where you were sent to deal with some folk attacking the Slavyans.
[/STORY]
[OUT]You know how to deal with ruffians -- you dabbled in that life too. Speak to them.
[OUT]Intimidate the ruffians. Tell them you'll leave none alive unless they go.
[OUT][Intellect and harmony]Convince the scavengers that it is wiser to leave now than to face you or, later, the Slavyans too.
[OUT]Pay the scavengers to leave.
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Come back later.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
You spot the scavengers ahead. They are busy kicking the head of a dead demon as if it were a ball. They haven't seen you yet.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Scavenger]Convince them it isn't worth the trouble to stay here because they'll get whooped either by you or by the Slavyans. Give them a tip on a different village they can hit, one with less protection.
[OUT][Scavenger]Convince them it isn't worth the trouble to stay here because they'll get whooped either by you or by the Slavyans. Give them a tip on a different village they can hit, one with less protection.
[OUT]Barter with them and convince them it is best to leave now, before there is more trouble.
[OUT]Scavengers are after goods, so offer them some in exchange for leaving.
[OUT]You know their tactics, so the fight will be easier. Attack.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
'Shit, you guys look dangerous, we ain't messin' with you. We're gonna find another spot. Bye.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Shake your fists at them.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'Eh, why not, you one of us, so you good type. See ya around.'
You got rid of the problem as you were asked, and your friendship will surely grow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
The scavengers scatter and even leave some of their stuff behind.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Good.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
'Yeah, you be right, methinks, you look like trouble, and them lot are growing too. We leave.'
You dealt with the problem as asked, and you gain friendship.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]18
[STORY]
You got rid of the problem as you were asked, and your friendship will surely grow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'Yeah, all right, deal's a deal, we move out.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Good.
[OUT]Good.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
You are about to report your success when you realise that the scavengers have no honour. They return to the village and attack again.
They are eventually beaten by the villagers without your help, and your friendship suffers for it.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]22
[STORY]
You got rid of the problem as you were asked, and your friendship will surely grow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]25
[STORY]
You got rid of the problem as you were asked, and your friendship will surely grow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
You are defeated. Eventually, the folk who asked for your help deal with the problem themselves, so you do not gain any friendship.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]32
[STORY]
'You think you scumbags can come and tell us what to do? Fuck off!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Give up.
[OUT]Pay them off.
[OUT]Just attack them.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Ah, fine, fine, we ain't gonna shit on our friends? doorstep, we'll find a new patch.'
You dealt with the problem as asked, and you gain friendship.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]37
[STORY]
The folk who asked for your help hear of your failure and come to your aid. They have to kill the scavengers themselves and are angry about having to spare the time. You do not gain any friendship.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]42
[STORY]
'Bah, shut your trap, you turncoat! We ain't listenin' to traitors.'
The scavengers attack.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Fight.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]44
[STORY]
'Ah, you sneaky buggers, you know what a bandit wants, good tradin' with ya.'
They move on, and you gain the friendship of those who sent you here.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'Give us some of your goods and we'll leave. We'll even trade with ya, if ya like.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Refuse.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]48
[STORY]
'Yeah, you be right, methinks, you look like trouble, and them lot are growing too. But we ain't goin' for free. Pay us or we face the beatin'.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Give up.
[OUT]Pay them off.
[OUT]Just attack them.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --SlavyanTradeadv(22)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
The trader's stalls stand open for you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Trade.
[OUT]Trade.
[OUT]Trade.
[OUT]Come back another time.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'You are no friends of ours, so we won't take food as payment, and you'll have to pay us extra first.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Trade.
[OUT]Come back another time.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'Good trading with you. Gods be with you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --TrappedDwarf6(23)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You discover the ruins of an ancient city. Within its shattered walls, you spot an entrance to a dungeon. This is where the Alchemist said the dwarven rune grandmaster is held captive by trolls.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go in.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
The dungeon was clearly designed to keep some large creatures captive. You spot cells where massive skeletons lie chained to the rock. Some may even belong to dragons.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Dwarf]Take a closer look at the ruins.
[OUT][Perception or luck]Examine the place carefully.
[OUT][Beast or night demon]Smell your way into the dungeon.
[OUT]Explore the dungeon.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
You've heard of places built by your dwarven kin to hold mythical monsters. Some say it was done for amusement, but you know it was for learning. The runemasters of old were said to collect those creatures in an attempt to bind their powerful spirits to stone and metal, thus creating runes of magnificent strength - awful stuff to be sure, but marvellous at the same time.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Head straight for the eastern passageway. You know this is where the main holding cells would have been, so it is likely where the dwarf is kept.
[OUT]Even though there is likely danger, explore some of the cells anyway before trying to rescue the dwarf. You may find something useful here.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
This place was clearly a prison of some sort, built to hold extremely large creatures, perhaps even dragons.
Some cells hold the skeletal remains of such monsters, and other cells are empty or contain piles of ash. You also notice that some of the dirt has been disturbed, so you may not be alone in here.
You uncover some arrows and sigils written in the common tongue that suggest the direction of a central cell, likely where the dwarven prisoner is kept.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go rescue the prisoner as you came here to do.
[OUT]Explore the old cells first.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
This place was clearly a prison of some sort, built to hold extremely large creatures, perhaps even dragons.
Some cells hold the skeletal remains of such monsters, and other cells are empty or contain piles of ash.
There are several corridors, and you have no indication of where the dwarven prisoner is held.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to find your way to the prisoner without detours.
[OUT]Explore the old cells first.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
This place was clearly a prison of some sort, built to hold extremely large creatures, perhaps even dragons.
Some cells hold the skeletal remains of such monsters, and other cells are empty or contain piles of ash.
Your keen sense of smell tells you there are creatures yet living in this underground place, and you also catch the distinct odour of old stone soaked in spirits - likely the dwarf you are looking for.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go rescue the prisoner as you came here to do.
[OUT]Explore the old cells first.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]10
[STORY]
As you enter one of the cells, a trap door opens beneath your feet and you fall down into a dark space with squishy debris under your feet. You hear the sound of stone slowly moving somewhere nearby.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Dwarf or goblin]A classic trap - the walls are going to squash you, and your guts would normally feed whatever beasts still lived here. There is usually a hidden safety switch, so find it!
[OUT][Perception or night creatures]The walls are moving! Try to find a way out, quickly.
[OUT]Get your bearings and try to find out where you are.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
You light your torches or get your eyes used to the dark, and only then do you realise that the walls are closing in on you!
[/STORY]
[OUT]Use brute force to try to keep the walls from crushing you while you search for a way out.
[OUT][Wisdom]Most of the bones here are crushed, but you spot one that you know belonged to a zmey. Check it quickly.
[OUT][Strength]Hold the walls and move towards the exit, then break it open.
[OUT][Bodyless forms]The trap cannot hurt you and doors cannot keep you. Quickly find a way out for your less fortunate friends.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
Zmeys are serpent-like dragons, ancient and born of chaos. Their bones are thin but very durable, and lucky for you, one such bone lies beneath your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Use it to slow down the trap and find a way out.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]15
[STORY]
You push your way towards what looks like an exit and kick the door open before the deadly walls can crush you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to find that dwarven prisoner now.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]16
[STORY]
You manage to make your way to a door before the walls crush the life out of you. You force it open. Lucky for you it was old enough to crumble under pressure.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to find that dwarven prisoner now.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
The walls come closer, your strength fails you, and the door on the other side is locked. You feel your body being squeezed, your intestines shifting, and your bones slowly bending under the pressure.
It is only through sheer luck or an act of the gods that the mechanism jams before it becomes lethal for you, and eventually you get the locked door open.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to find that dwarven prisoner now.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]20
[STORY]
You noticed the trap in time to run to what looks like the way out. Once at the door, you still need to get it open.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Strength]Kick it open, fast.
[OUT][Intelligence]You spot hidden hinges and see they are old and rusty. You quickly dismantle the door and run out.
[OUT]Force it open. Then go looking for the dwarf prisoner.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
You make your way towards the exit, find enough space to squeeze through to the other side, and open the door for your comrades.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to find that dwarven prisoner now.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]23
[STORY]
You quickly make your way to where you know such a switch is embedded and you stop the trap. You can now collect any goods in peace before moving on.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to find that dwarven prisoner now.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]24
[STORY]
You make your way into a deep, dark tunnel that collapsed at some point in the past and is now propped up by odd pieces of stone and metal.
Finally, you get to the end and find a large prison cell. In the middle of this huge space designed for a dragon, you see a lone drunken dwarf, singing and talking to himself:
'If I were a rich man . . . oh, how did it go? Eh, over the mountain pass? My gold lies? Eh . . .'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Speak to the dwarf, but try to stay alert as there are bound to be guards here, after all.
[OUT][Perception or dwarf]Stay hidden and examine the cell for any weak points, guards, and such.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'Guests, here? Oh. Ya best keep yer distance, laddies, else the rock-shits'll have ya for lunch.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if he means trolls. Where are they?
[OUT]Say you have no time to chat. Tell him you need to get him out so he can help with an urgent matter, a red cave that seems to be key to the Shattering.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'They're here. Sleeping, or watchin', who knows . . . Why ya here? Come to laugh at me, eh?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask him why he is here, and for how long.
[OUT]Ask him what this prison was for?
[OUT]Tell him you need to get him out so he can help with an urgent matter, a red cave that seems to be key to the Shattering.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]27
[STORY]
'Why? So yer not here to laugh? I was the head of this here prison, a grand old runemaster, grandmaster, me, yes, one of the elders, that was me . . . Then the ground shook, the prisoners got away, and my kin washed their hands off me, said I was crazy. Fools! Afraid to spill some blood. Then the trolls and their lot decided to punish me.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask him what this prison was for?
[OUT]Tell him you need to get him out so he can help with an urgent matter, a red cave that seems to be key to the Shattering.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]28
[STORY]
'Research! Knowledge, understanding. Bah. I was never cruel. I loved my subjects, I cared for them. They suffered for the good of dwarf kind! Not that those stone heads deserve it, no, no, they will pay . . .'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But what sort of knowledge did he need from all those large beasts?
[OUT]Tell him you need to get him out so he can help with an urgent matter, a red cave that seems to be key to the Shattering.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]29
[STORY]
The dwarf cowers and turns away from you as he mutters:
'I . . . I am sorry. I didn't know ya wanted to help. Too late now . . .'
You are suddenly very aware that the walls around you are not walls. They have eyes, they have mouths and arms, and they are smiling at you:
'So you want our toy, do you? Play with us first.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say you would like to talk about this.
[OUT]Prepare for a fight.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]30
[STORY]
'Mythical beasts, powerful demons, troll kind that is so akin to us dwarves. They held their secret and the runes that I was able to craft - epic! No grandmaster could ever match me, yet they all shied away from it, the shame . . .'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask him why he is here, and for how long.
[OUT]Tell him you need to get him out so he can help with an urgent matter, a red cave that seems to be key to the Shattering.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]31
[STORY]
The doors to the cell open and the ground beneath your feet changes to slippery mud that pushes you in. From the dark corners you also see several more sets of eyes - some red hot, some ice cold, all large and angry.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Magic user] Keep talking and ask them if they will release the dwarf. But also, quietly prepare a ritual that will let you attack them in the spirit realms.
[OUT]Ask the trolls why they keep this dwarf here. Perhaps you could pay them for him?
[OUT]Convince them that a long time has passed and you need the help of this dwarf to help stop the Shattering. Tell them they should not be like him, or else they will remain his prisoners for good.
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Damn this dwarf run for your lives!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]32
[STORY]
Tree roots break through the floor. You hear another voice answer, an old, tired voice:
'Wee keeep him here, asss hee keept uss. He took pieces of uss, now we cannot leave thiss place, sso he stayss, sufferss with uss.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Convince them that a long time has passed and you need the help of this dwarf to help stop the Shattering. Tell them they should not be like him, or else they will remain his prisoners for good.
[OUT]Ask them what exactly was done to make them unable to leave.
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Damn this dwarf run for your lives!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]33
[STORY]
Tree roots break through the floor. You hear another voice answer, an old, tired voice:
'Wee keeep him here, asss hee keept uss. He took pieces of uss, now we cannot leave thiss place, sso he stayss, sufferss with uss.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Convince them that a long time has passed and you need the help of this dwarf to help stop the Shattering. Tell them they should not be like him, or else they will remain his prisoners for good.
[OUT]Use the ritual and attack the creatures!
[OUT]Ask them what exactly was done to make them unable to leave.
[OUT]Attack with brute force!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]34
[STORY]
The dwarf answers your question:
'I took their hearts. I needed them, to make one. A magnificent one! They live only as shells, a warrakus, but grander and better! They cannot leave for it is my runes that keep them alive now. And no, I cannot craft them better ones - these are already marvels beyond your small brain's understanding.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell the creatures that you can see why they keep him here.
[OUT]A warrakus?
[OUT]Use the ritual and attack the creatures!
[OUT]You have a job to do here. Attack the jailers!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]38
[STORY]
The troll who first spoke answers you:
'We are all of the earth, friends. We should serve as we once did, or we not any good no more. Thiss was fun, but games be over. You take the dwarf, but you promise he not go free! He be evil.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Make the promise.
[OUT]Say you cannot make such a promise, as he committed no crimes towards you, so you will not imprison him.
[OUT][Dwarf]Make an oath and promise to deliver him to dwarf kind for proper judgement.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]39
[STORY]
'You speak for your gods, yes? I can sense it in your tone, smell it on you. You agree to give uss your spirit, lots of it so we may live. You can take this prison master with you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree to pay the price with your own spirit.
[OUT]Refuse and attack!
[OUT]Promise that he will not go free.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]40
[STORY]
As you speak the words of the promise, you feel their unnatural weight and know they are no mere utterance. You are now bound by a demon deal. You do not know the consequence of breaking it, but there will be one.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take the dwarf back to the red cave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]42
[STORY]
The Alchemist appears en route with a jovial smile:
'Ha! So you went straight for the fight - good, good. This old fella's not what you call ethical, but he knows his stuff. Let me take him off your hands now. Come see us in the red cave when you can, and perhaps we will have some answers for you.'
Before you are able to answer fully, the Alchemist wraps his hands around the rescued grandmaster and breaks open a vial of purple liquid, making them both disappear. You think they went into the greyworld, although only goblin shamans are known to travel that way.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'Ah, a creation of my peers -a marvel of metalworks, rune mastery, and something else. Armour that moves and has a heart. Humans often claim they are creatures man made, wizard spells gone wrong, curses, but it is not so. Harnessing life to awaken stone and metal - the basis of my own work as well.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Convince them that a long time has passed and you need the help of this dwarf to help stop the Shattering. Tell them they should not be like him, or else they will remain his prisoners for good.
[OUT]Use the ritual and attack the creatures!
[OUT]You have a job to do here. Attack the jailers!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]46
[STORY]
'Yess, cruel mind, filled with ambition. Ignorant of the lawss of nature. Payss the price now, and perhapss we are all paying it. Asss you ssay, he likely knowss of the Shattering.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Convince them that a long time has passed and you need the help of this dwarf to help stop the Shattering. Tell them they should not be like him, or else they will remain his prisoners for good.
[OUT]Use the ritual and attack the creatures!
[OUT]You have a job to do here. Attack the jailers!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]49
[STORY]
'NO! Godss or no godss, we do not care for your troubless. You go noow, or we crush you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]51
[STORY]
You enter the dwarven prison once more and find it changed. The tunnels are darker, the air heavier, and you see only one path ahead of you, likely leading into a trap.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Meet Ail'yleth first and then prepare yourself spiritually and attack the creatures in the spirit realm.
[OUT]Meet Ail'yleth to attack together.
[OUT]Keep your weapons at the ready and go in.
[OUT][Magic user]Prepare yourself spiritually and attack the creatures in the spirit realm.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]53
[STORY]
'The price iss paid. With your stroong sspirit touched by the divine, we maay linger heeere for a time, perhapss even find a way out. Take him, use him. Beware of hiss treachery!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank them and take the dwarf back to the red cave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]54
[STORY]
When you defeat the creatures in the spirit world, their physical bodies turn to dust and bone as if it was only through mystical powers that they yet lived.
The dwarf breathes a sigh of relief:
'Well, I admit, I didn't think ya'd do it. Bravo!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell him he is not free yet. He must now help you with the red cave mystery.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]55
[STORY]
'Aye, aye, despite what my kin say, I have not forgotten my honour! I will repay my debts, but centuries in this cell have made my brain foggy. Take me to your cave, I will rest and do the work.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree and take him to the red cave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]56
[STORY]
The creatures look at you with mistrust - clearly dwarven oaths are not especially worthy to them. But they accept nonetheless. As you speak the words of the promise, you feel their unnatural weight and know they are no mere utterance. You are now bound by a demon deal. You do not know the consequence of breaking it, but there will be one.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take the dwarf back to the red cave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]57
[STORY]
You are defeated and forced to run away. Some of you may have been caught by the angry creatures.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep running.
[OUT]Keep running.
[OUT]Keep running.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]62
[STORY]
You defeat the creatures and, in death, they breathe a sigh of relief as their long imprisonment ends. The dwarf looks surprised:
'Well, I admit, I didn't think ya'd do it. Bravo!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell him he is not free yet. He must now help you with the red cave mystery.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]63
[STORY]
As you enter one of the cells, a trap door opens beneath your feet and you fall down into a dark space with squishy debris under your feet. You hear the sound of stone slowly moving somewhere nearby.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Dwarf or goblin]A classic trap - the walls are going to squash you, and your guts would normally feed whatever beasts still lived here. There is usually a hidden safety switch, so find it!
[OUT][Perception or night creatures]The walls are moving! Try to find a way out, quickly.
[OUT]Get your bearings and try to find out where you are.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]64
[STORY]
With every step you observe the walls and floor that surround you and notice irregularities.
Soon you become aware that these tunnels are alive. Eyes are watching you from the shadows, and slow, heavy creaks of movement follow your every step.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Speak to the dwarf, but remain vigilant of these observers.
[OUT]Damn this dwarf run for your lives!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]66
[STORY]
You search a few cells and find some old bones and loads of dust.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go rescue the prisoner as you came here to do.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]67
[STORY]
You search a few cells and find some old bones and loads of dust, but you also realise the air here is poisonous and you feel ill.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go rescue the prisoner as you came here to do.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]70
[STORY]
The Alchemist ghost appears en route with a jovial smile:
'Ha! So you went straight for the fight - good, good. This old fella's not what you call ethical, but he knows his stuff. Let me take him off your hands now. Come see us in the red cave when you can, and perhaps we will have some answers for you.'
Before you are able to answer fully, the Alchemist wraps his hands around the rescued runemaster and breaks open a vial of purple liquid, making them both disappear. You think they went into the greyworld, although only goblin shamans are known to travel that way.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]73
[STORY]
Ail'yleth meets you inside and joins you. She also brings some spells that should aid you further.
The dungeon was clearly designed to keep some large creatures captive. You spot cells where massive skeletons lie chained to the rock. Some may even belong to dragons.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Dwarf]Take a closer look at the ruins.
[OUT][Perception or scout]Examine the place carefully.
[OUT][Beast or night demon]Smell your way into the dungeon.
[OUT]Explore the dungeon.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]74
[STORY]
You get out while you can. Perhaps looking for other paths, the elves, dwarves, goblins or orcs may have some answers for you. Maybe search for their villages.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]76
[STORY]
The elven mage whispers to you:
'Will leave for now. I shall return when you have the new heart from this dwarf, then we will proceed with our plan.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]77
[STORY]
You come to where the dwarven prisoner was supposed to be held, but you find the earth parted and only rabble where the entrance once was.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --Redcave1(24)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
'Ah, yes of course, I was just testing you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask about the dwarf.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
'Oh, him. Odd sort of fella. Five minutes in and he wants to test this cave with some dead things.
In any case, I sent him to a forge to make me a rune. Don't worry - he's under guard.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So did they discover anything?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
'Yes, the old sod is mad. He calls this an earth stone cave, says it is one of the arteries of the earth-heart.
Now what he refers to as the heart sent him off on an anxiety attack. He mumbled to me about the sacred duty failed, stone guards misused, and more importantly, the world breaking.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Can he get more sense out of the dwarf?
[OUT]Ask him to tell you the short version, as time is of the essence.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'In short, all right. An ancient stone heart that is the core of the cosmic tree is missing or destroyed. This causes the earth to break, as far as I can tell.
This chamber is connected to others like it, life-caves or earth-caves from the earth-heart, and we can use the dwarf to get to the central chamber, where we can try to discover what happened to this heart.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So what does the dwarf need to reach this inner chamber?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'From what I gathered, the cosmic tree is the linchpin that holds divine power, and it is also the guardian against darkness. But what no one knew was that at the core - deep, deep beneath the earth - the roots are connected to a heart, an earth-heart or seed. He does not know why the earth shattered without the heart, but he knows it is connected.
Now, this heart not only feeds the tree, but also keeps something else at bay -- the dwarf called it the burning light. With the emergence of the lightbringers all over the land, I suspect it is a creature of theirs.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'These red caves, or life-caves, are like the veins of this heart - living stones. The grandmaster would not say how. He insists it is a dwarven secret and shall not be told.
But most importantly, judging from this place, he said the heart is gone, dead or stolen. And this set him off like crazy. Couldn't get much more out of him after that.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Does he know where to find this heart? Or at least where it was taken from?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
'Yes. The life-caves are connected, so I had the grandmaster carve me a rune to open the passage from here. This will take us to the central chamber where a stone ribcage awaits a new heart. I strongly suspect there to be a creature of light guarding it now.
And I have been warned that ancient heroes may stand guard, and that even if the heart is gone, they will most likely be only more aggressive in their duty.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But wouldn't they be dead?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'I don't know how the culprits got past them, but no, they stand guard still - something about runes made of mythical hearts that the grandmaster was very proud of.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So what does the dwarf need to get us to this inner chamber and reforge a heart?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'Well, since you embarked on this direct approach, not seeking aid from other factions, I am afraid brute force will be needed again.
There is a forest, and within it lies a special tree. Some say it is an elven druid who became one with their domain, and that there are more of them in the ancient forests. Who knows? The dwarf wants the blood of the druid-tree.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Isn't there another way?
[OUT]Agree to go look for the druid-tree.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'Not that I know of. But you never know, you've surprised me before.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree to go look for the druid-tree.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --DruidTree(25)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
Although it seemed like only a patch of forest from afar, the closer you get to the druid-tree, the more the woodland seems to grow around you.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Forest folk or Nature]Call out to the trees, as they are clearly aware of your presence here. Ask to be taken to the druid-tree.
[OUT][Hunter or perception]Go look for the druid-tree.
[OUT]Go look for the druid-tree.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
The forest answers and a path clears before you. At the end of it, you see the druid-tree welcome you with her open arms:
'Children of the forest, you called and I answered. Although it is a dark desire I sense within you, I cannot ignore it. And yet I am not as willing to part with my existence as one would hope . . .'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Explain that you are here to solve the mystery of the Shattering and restore order. Say that you were told you need her blood for it.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
This forest is deliberately hiding the right path from you and would lead you astray were it not for your keen senses. With some effort, you come to a clearing where the druid-tree awaits:
'Although yours is a dark desire and my guardians beg me to keep you away, there is also a great purpose I sense within you, so I cannot ignore it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you need her help to discover why the earth is shattering.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
You walk in circles for hours and you know this forest is deliberately hiding the right path from you. Eventually, tired and angry, you come to a clearing where the druid-tree awaits:
'Although yours is a dark desire and my guardians beg me to keep you away, there is also a great purpose I sense within you, so I cannot ignore it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you need her help to discover why the earth is shattering.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
You slay the druid-tree and its guardians. The body does not bleed at all - it is only filled with tree sap and wood. But you find a flesh heart that is pumping with hot red blood.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take the heart and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'Yes, we have long felt that the heart of the earth has stopped, and when the sister-tree Mokosh disappeared, leaving only her young offspring to watch over us, we knew this day would come.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if she can tell you more of this earth-heart that stopped beating.
[OUT]If she was ready for it, does she know what is needed, and will she give it to you?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'I was willing to aid you, or to listen at least, but you are bathed in darkness and destruction. You are not worthy of this mantle and will be wise never to return here!'
You feel your spirit drained, then everything goes blurry. When you wake, you stand outside the forest line.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'I was willing to aid you, or to listen at least, but you are bathed in darkness and destruction! Were you wise enough to stop this bloodshed, or just scared of our might? It matters not. You are weak and pathetic - begone!'
You feel your spirit drained and the guardians watching your every move.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[OUT][Wisdom]Apologise profoundly for your mistake. Swear that you did not intend for this bloodshed, but the stakes are so high that you were overwhelmed with passion.
[OUT]Try to convince her that you have learnt your lesson and would never do this again. Implore her to listen to your plea, as the world depends on it!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
'We have long felt that the heart of the earth has stopped, and when the sister-tree Mokosh disappeared, leaving only her young offspring to watch over us, we knew this day would come.
I will not give up my own blood for you, but I will send you to a place where you can find it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if she can tell you more of this earth-heart that stopped beating.
[OUT]Agree to do what she asks.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]18
[STORY]
'You are not worthy of this mantle of the chosen, and you will be wise never to return here!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'Matters of the deep earth are not of our realm. They belong to the stone folk. Yet our roots reach deep into the ground, so we sense things.
The heart was what kept the earth whole. It was a living thing, I think.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]How did it hold the earth together?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
'That I do not know, but it is likely something to do with the giants of old. They were the ones that sang the song of life, made mountains and fields. They are the fathers of the stone folk you call dwarves.
So, I imagine, just as the elven kin were given stewardship of the cosmic tree, and that keeps the heavens from falling on us, so too did the dwarves use the heart to keep the earth from collapsing.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But the cosmic tree is a divine place. Is the earth-heart also?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]22
[STORY]
'Yes and no. There are laws older than your gods. While the tree was given to the pantheon, the heart remained hidden even from the divine.
On the other hand, did Mokosh, mother earth, not know it? Did Veles, the keeper of the tree's roots, not feel it as we do? Doubtful. But they are gone, and the young ones rule. They must make it right.'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Nature]Call upon your domain, touch the roots of the druid-tree, and let the earth speak to you.
[OUT]Nod in agreement.
[OUT]Nod in agreement.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]23
[STORY]
You hear the lively bustle of the forest, the quiet concerto of the wind in the leaves, and the thumping of underground water veins rushing ever forwards.
But you also sense an odd deafening silence -- a dark spot where you feel a rhythm should set the tune for all to follow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Look up at the druid-tree with understanding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]24
[STORY]
'Now you know, little champion. So we must prevail, and for that, you need my blood, yes?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and explain the situation.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'Because you are of the forest, a child of nature -- if not directly, then by the path of your gods - I will end my existence for your cause. But I ask a boon of you in return. Will you agree to it?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Yes.
[OUT]No.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'I will hand you a hatchling from my branch, and you will carry it to the ancient forest and give it into the hands of a feral. Beware, Dieva's ferals are not easy to speak to.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Dieva's ferals?
[OUT]Agree to take this hatchling and find the ferals. But ask how they will know what to do with it.
[OUT][Dievanna]What do these ferals have to do with your lady?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]27
[STORY]
'They are like me in many ways. Once they were the elder children, druids. But their devotion to nature grew ever stronger while the laws of your societies grew ever more distant. For me, the call was to connect with the tree, listen, and forever stand guard. For them, it was the call of the wild, the beast within, untamed.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they were both elves before? Why are the ferals called Dieva's?
[OUT]Agree to take the hatchling and find the ferals. But ask how they will know what to do with it.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]28
[STORY]
'Yes, elf is another name we bore. Dievanna too followed our path, but hers led to divinity. She remains somewhat of a patron to the ferals, I suppose - a mother-sister.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree to take the hatchling and find the ferals. But ask how they will know what to do with it.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]29
[STORY]
'You only need to leave the hatchling close enough so they see it. Do not worry about the rest. Although please do not spook them, for they can be violent. Nature will take its course if you do it right. I will live on or perish - that is of no consequence - but my seed needs to find its way into the right hands.
Now, strike me in the heart and collect your blood. May nature smile upon you and guide you to save us.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in thanks.
[OUT]Is there no other way to take the blood?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]30
[STORY]
She reaches into her belly and tears the flesh to produce an egg-like object encased in tree bark. When you take it, you notice it is warm and pulsating.
You then take a blade and strike the druid-tree through her chest as asked. Deep red blood trickles out, much darker and thicker than you expected from an elf-like creature.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]31
[STORY]
'I do not have blood in my veins as humans do. Only my heart beats with the life force of mortals. This is why it is special, and I imagine it is why the dwarven smith needs it to power his creation. Worry not, friend, for I am one with nature, and I do not fear the change.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in thanks.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]32
[STORY]
'Are you worried that you are not the only chosen, children? Fear not -- the ferals follow Dievanna, but they were not made by her. They are like me in many ways. Once they were the elder children, druids.
But their devotion to nature grew ever stronger while the laws of your societies grew ever more distant. For me, the call was to connect with the tree, listen, and forever stand guard. For them, it was the call of the wild, the beast within, untamed.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they were both elves before? Why are the ferals called Dieva's?
[OUT]Agree to take the hatchling and find the ferals. But ask how they will know what to do with it.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]33
[STORY]
'No?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you have no time for favours. You need the blood and you need to go.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'How . . . sad. Well, my dear, I NEED and WANT a favour before I willingly give my life away.
Seeing as you showed your crude nature, my offer has changed. I will not give you my life. But I offer you a chance to get druid-tree blood from another -- one that is lost anyway and needs to be released.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you would rather do the initial favour.
[OUT]Agree to find this other druid-tree, and ask for details.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'No.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree to find this other druid-tree, and ask for details.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]36
[STORY]
'A druid-tree fell into the hands of dark fiends, mroki and the wretched shadow kin. The tree is dying, for it lacks light and balance. I sense its pain. The corruption is sickening.
Go, destroy those who did it, and then strike the druid-tree through the heart. It will be a mercy, and your task will be achieved too.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you will do as she asks, and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]39
[STORY]
'Yes, and perhaps. You need my blood, for it can revive the heart that is broken. Because you are of the forest, a child of nature -- if not directly, then by the path of your gods -- I will end my existence for your cause. But I ask a boon of you in return. Will you agree to it?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Yes.
[OUT]No.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]41
[STORY]
'Your plight is indeed great, yet I have learnt to respect the laws of nature. What will come must be. I will not aid you willingly.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]46
[STORY]
'Seeing as you showed your crude nature, my offer has changed. I will not give you my life. But I offer you a chance to get druid-tree blood from another -- one that is lost anyway and needs to be released.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree to find this other druid-tree, and ask for details.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]47
[STORY]
'You come back for more!'
The forest is ready to fight you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Apologise profoundly for your mistake. Swear that you did not intend for this bloodshed, but the stakes are so high that you were overwhelmed with passion.
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]48
[STORY]
'I thought I made myself clear. I do not wish to aid you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Nature, Harmony or Light]Implore her to listen to your plea once more. Call upon your divine domain for aid!
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]50
[STORY]
The forest is quiet and ordinary. You walk and walk but do not find traces of the druid-tree anywhere.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --DruidTreeHatchling(26)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
As you walk through the forest, you encounter signs of Dieva's ferals roaming the area.
You still have the druid-tree hatchling on you, so you could pass it on to them as you were asked. But before you are able to make that decision, an old woman walks up to you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask her what she wants.
[OUT]Avoid her and find a way to hand over the hatchling to the ferals.
[OUT]Ignore the woman and just throw the hatchling away -- you forgot you had it anyway.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
'Ah, hello there, children. Fancy meeting you here, eh? I noticed you handling that druid-tree hatchling just now and, well, I want to buy it off you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Seems like a great coincidence.
[OUT]What is she offering in return?
[OUT]Refuse and find a way to hand over the hatchling to the ferals.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
The ferals are not known for their kind nature, so when you spot one in the distance, you know not to move any closer without a plan.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Nature]Call upon the forest to guide your path and find a safe place for the hatchling to be found by these ferals.
[OUT][Forest folk]Call upon the forest to guide your path and find a safe place for the hatchling to be found by these ferals.
[OUT][Hunter]Find the best spot to place the hatchling where you think these ferals will find it.
[OUT]Try to find the best spot for this hatchling while keeping your distance from these ferals.
[OUT]Attack the ferals, then let one live and hand it the hatchling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'I will leave you this box of unknown loot. A matter of chance, you see.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Refuse and find a way to hand over the hatchling to the ferals.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'Chance, fate -- these are all my playthings. Does it matter? I wish to acquire the object, that is all.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What is she offering in return?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]12
[STORY]
The forest guides you to leave the hatchling inside an old tree trunk. From afar, you see the ferals circle it, and you hope they were the ones you were supposed to leave it for.
You feel the forest approves of your deed as your morale lifts.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]15
[STORY]
You find a spot to leave the hatchling, but you are not sure if the ferals noticed it.
In fact, you spot them leaving, and when you try to find the hatchling again, you see only a broken shell and some squirrel tracks.
[/STORY]
[OUT]You did your best. Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
You beat the ferals and they try to scatter. As they do, you throw them the hatchling and hope they will not think it is another violent attack.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Watch them go.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]23
[STORY]
As the ferals leave, they trample the hatchling. You feel a curse befall you as the wind whispers of broken vows.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]27
[STORY]
The ferals beat you badly and force you to flee. You realise the hatchling was trampled during the fight.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Run away.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --DruidTreeMroki(27)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
The forest where you were sent on the trail of another druid-tree is dark and steeped in black mist.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Turmoil or magic]You sense a strong presence of darkness here. Call upon your domain to guide you.
[OUT]Go in carefully.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
You feel your domain surround you and a path opens through the mist. You walk a while and are met by a shadow elf:
'What do you seek here, stranger? I sense some affinity to change and dark mists of magic upon you, yet you are not one of us.'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Shadow elf]It is true that you follow the path of the gods now, but you are still shadow kin. Reaffirm this.
[OUT]Tell them of your dire need for the druid-tree.
[OUT]Attack the shadow elf -- after all, this is what the druid-tree asked for!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
'Ah, the druid-tree and its sad tale, yes. It has fallen deep into a chasm of pure darkness. There it lingers, resistant to the change, yet unable to be free.
Even we do not go near it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Is there a way to get to it safely?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'Safely? No. But there are ways. We have been watching it, for it interests us how this ancient thing can withstand the call of the dark when we could not. Do we watch it out of spite, or shame? Both, maybe?
We are not bothered if you wish to "rescue" it. Go ahead.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go find the druid-tree.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
You approach the place where the shadow kin say the druid-tree lies, but you cannot see it through the thick black mist.
You are told it lies in a hole, and that it has no strength to climb out on its own.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Shadow elf]The black mist is not as bad for you. Run in for the druid tree, with all the darkness damage, it should be light enough to carry out.
[OUT][Magic user]Prepare a weakening ritual to dispel this mist and get to the tree.
[OUT][Intellect or light]Call upon your domain to cut through this darkness and let you pass.
[OUT][Wisdom]The black mist attacks your mind and causes you to see your worst fears. Steel your mind, stay strong, and concentrate on your divine connection as you walk in and take the druid-tree out.
[OUT]Run in for the druid tree, with all the darkness damage, it should be light enough to carry out.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]9
[STORY]
The black mist yields to your strength and you are able to recover the druid-tree. But you see that it is nothing like the one you met earlier. Its roots and trunk are blackened and pulsating with corrosive sap, its elven parts torn to the bone and twisted. It is dying, but you feel its death will take a long, long time.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Shorten its suffering and strike the heart as you were told.
[OUT]Try to carry it to the other druid-tree. Perhaps something can be done after all.
[OUT]Kill it and take its blood.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'And yet, you walk in the light. I smell the sweet corruption in you lessened and the heavy hand of the divine children -- those you now call your gods -- embracing you and pushing you towards their own goals. There is no shadow kin amongst you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell them to get off their high horse and stop pretending the shadow kin have rules. Embracing darkness is all about letting go, after all.
[OUT]They may be right. You are one of the chosen now, walking the path of balance, not darkness. Ask them to consider it as a means of escaping their cursed fate.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]12
[STORY]
The shadow elf smiles, and it is an odd, twisted kind of grimace formed by muscles unused in decades.
'Well, I have been told, indeed. So you need to get to the druid-tree, yes? The shadows told me this much.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell them of your dire need for the druid-tree.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'It has fallen deep into a chasm of pure darkness. There it lingers, resistant to the change, yet unable to be free.
Even we do not go near it, although we could, of course.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Is there a way to get to it safely?
[OUT][Shadow elf]What would it take to have them bring the druid-tree out for you, or just her blood?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]14
[STORY]
The shadow kin lie dead. You search the area and find a spot where heavy black mist hangs. On closer inspection, you do see roots of a large tree coming out of that spot. This is likely where the druid-tree lies.
But you feel the intensity of the black mist grow, as if the conquered shadow kin have fed its power.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to get to the tree.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'I suppose we've had our fun. For you, it will not be so hard to get her, so we will help if you pay us. Have a look at what we seek. We'd like some medium armour, diamonds or jewellery, and if you have spirits bound to you, we could use some of those too.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Trade.
[OUT]Trade your spirit companions.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
The black mist engulfs you, and your worst fears and nightmares assail your souls till dread turns your bodies stiff.
Some of you may not leave this place unchanged.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[OUT]Leave.
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]20
[STORY]
The shadow elves lead you to where the druid-tree lies, engulfed in black mist.
You are told it lies in a hole, and that it has no strength to climb out on its own.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Run in for the druid tree, with all the darkness damage, it should be light enough to carry out.
[OUT][Magic user]Prepare a weakening ritual to dispel this mist and get to the tree.
[OUT][Intellect or light]Call upon your domain to cut through this darkness and let you pass.
[OUT][Wisdom]The black mist attacks your mind and causes you to see your worst fears. Steel your mind, stay strong, and concentrate on your divine connection as you walk in and take the druid-tree out.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]27
[STORY]
You strike the druid-tree through the heart and it bleeds - thick red blood tainted with specks of black.
The tree slowly turns still, and you see its twisted face become serene.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take the blood and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]28
[STORY]
You try to move the druid-tree out of the forest, but while its roots allow you to carry it a few feet, they will not extend any farther. When you try to force them, you see more pain on its face.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Shorten its suffering and strike the heart as you were told.
[OUT]Kill it and take its blood.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]37
[STORY]
As you go in closer, you are certain you must delve into the mist to retrieve the druid-tree's blood.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Shadow elf]The black mist is not as bad for you. Run in for the druid tree, with all the darkness damage, it should be light enough to carry out.
[OUT][Magic user]Prepare a weakening ritual to dispel this mist and get to the tree.
[OUT][Intellect or light]Call upon your domain to cut through this darkness and let you pass.
[OUT][Wisdom]The black mist attacks your mind and causes you to see your worst fears. Steel your mind, stay strong, and concentrate on your divine connection as you walk in and take the druid-tree out.
[OUT]Run in, grab the druid-tree, and run out.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]41
[STORY]
The shadow kin frown at your violence and engulf you in the black mist from whence some of you may return changed.
They depart this place.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[OUT]Leave.
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]42
[STORY]
The dark mist is heavy and strains your spirit with every step. You walk a while and are met by a shadow elf:
'What do you seek here, stranger? I sense some affinity to change and dark mists of magic upon you, yet you are not one of us.'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Shadow elf]It is true that you follow the path of the gods now, but you are still shadow kin. Reaffirm this.
[OUT]Tell them of your dire need for the druid-tree.
[OUT]Attack the shadow elf -- after all, this is what the druid-tree asked for!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]43
[STORY]
The shadow elf frowns:
'Well, as I said, not one of us. What is it that brings you here, stranger?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell them of your dire need for the druid-tree.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]45
[STORY]
There is nothing of interest here.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]48
[STORY]
You return to where the druid-tree lies in black mist. The shadow elves you attacked previously are gone.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Proceed to the tree.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --NyiasCult(28)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
A group of hooded cultists stands on your path, and you realise they have surrounded you. While a few stand before you, many more lurk behind, and you hear them chanting.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask them why they helped you.
[OUT]Ask them why they helped you.
[OUT]Tell them to step away and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
'You seek to undo what we achieved, yet what we did was not what we intended, so are we foes, or allies bound by common misfortune and the cruel jest played by the divine upon our intentions?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]??
[OUT]Is he saying they are the ones responsible for the broken heart and the Shattering? If so, how?
[OUT]Tell them you have no time or willingness to listen to long tales. Cut to the chase.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
'Your puzzled face gives me pause, for I assumed the champion would be told more, but then did we also perhaps gag the divine voice, once again making them puppeteers in their own game? Perhaps, likely yes. Still, what are we to do now when our victory is about to be undone by you, or else you by it?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Is he saying they are the ones responsible for the broken heart and the Shattering? If so, how?
[OUT]Puppeteers? Weakened? What does he mean?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'You, you are champions of Nyia, thus proving we were ultimately not so. But did she trick us? Or were we the ones who unwittingly folded her plans, or were we tools in some other hand? Tell us, please?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell them they were misguided, cheated by elven fanatics who sought to bring the rule of light. Nyia was their tool.
[OUT]Say they were made fools because they are idiots. Nyia would never accept such incompetence, and they were arrogant to think otherwise.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'Long, long ago we dreamt of a trapped goddess. A servant of Veles, the old god of the underworlds, but unwanted and left in the darkness, left alone to perish. Her heart was empty, a dark hole, a void so sad. It called to us and we answered. We stole another heart to give to her.
Sadly, she did not want it, for she was already woken when we came with our gift. She did not even look at us.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What goddess?
[OUT]Have you got the old heart?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'Nyia is her name. If you don't know it yet, that is because she does not like to be known. We will say no more.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Have you got the old heart?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
'We took the stone heart from deep, deep in the earth. We used relics of many folk, and a holy hog given by your gods was our main sacrifice -- its blood, blessed as it was, had a lot of light in it and thus broke the seals.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]And then?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'We broke sacred seals to take the earth-heart from the ground. It was for a goddess who did not want it. We were tricked by someone.
Then the earth shook and shook and shook and light came and with it a beast, too much light! You now have the blood and the mad runemaster who can carve you another heart, but it will cost you. Still you must do it, for the light is getting stronger!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]There is a creature of light where the heart was and it grows stronger. Do you know more?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'Then the earth shook and shook and shook and light came, too much light! And our goddess does not even know us. She is angered by our deeds, so our kin cannot ever know the peace of dying till this is resolved.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So what exactly do they want or not want you to do here?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'Nothing, everything, who knows? We come to repent and tell you of the light that sits in the hole we once robbed. It grew, it fed, it feeds still.
With more light, more will be taken until all is one, all is stale and still, but they do not understand that life will end if it is so. We need still and unstill. The dark is not bad, the light is not good, they are.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]There is a creature of light where the heart was and it grows stronger. Do you know more?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'No, ask wise folk, but beware of elder forest folk. They are born of light, and they say they serve harmony and balance - but do they?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Any other suggestions?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'Ah, no, no, we do not have it because she did not want it, so we left it and then it was gone. Taken, maybe? We smelled elves, but why would they take it? We do not know more - ask them.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So what do they want from you?
[OUT]How did they take the earth-heart?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]14
[STORY]
'The tree burnt once and gods were damaged, then we made the earth shake and maybe did damage again? Else, where did the old ones go?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Is he saying they are the ones responsible for the broken heart and the Shattering? If so, how?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]15
[STORY]
The earth parts and you are stunned by a ray of bright, burning light. From within the gash you see figures climbing out and rushing towards you while you try to get your bearings after the flash.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Stand firm and brace for combat.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'Give back the blood.'
The many voices, yet one voice, chant as the figures swarm you. But just as you are about to be overwhelmed, hooded figures attack the lightbringers from the flank, giving you space to fight back.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Magic user]Attack with your spirit!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]18
[STORY]
The lightbringers lie defeated, their host bodies burnt to white ash.
But you are not alone.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Look for the hooded helpers.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
One of you is taken by the light and you barely escape. The lightbringers take the blood with them too.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'A child of light seeking to burn us - how odd. Ever we thought they had no such balls. How funny. Our goddess rose despite it, or perhaps we did release her, since you walk as her champion? Matters not. We served, so we bow to you and leave now.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say they were made fools because they are idiots. Nyia would never accept such incompetence, and they were arrogant to think otherwise.
[OUT]Nod and wish them well.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]28
[STORY]
'Yes, yes, you are correct, champion - you speak for her who is cold but wise. We bow to you. We leave and will learn to serve better.'
They scatter into the shadows.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]29
[STORY]
'Go ask the stone and metal folk, or maybe the greenskins or their big kin that do not like to be called so. They are not so old, but they know darkness, so perhaps they will know this light too. Or take the blood you have and do the deed you must, whatever price you must pay, yes, yes . . . Now we leave, and you must go.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod in thanks for the help and leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --DwarfGuardians(29)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You enter the dwarven tomb where you hope to find the guardians. As you walk down the long, dark stone corridor, you feel this ancient place slowly come to life.
Oil lamps begin to flicker and guide your path, and the gentle hum of old mechanisms beckons you towards the central chamber.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go in.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
You enter the great chamber where four statues of the heroes of old stand looming over you. One of them speaks as soon as you enter:
'We waited a long time for one to come to punish our failure. Are you it?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask them how they failed to protect the heart. They don't look broken, and the chamber where the heart was is not here, right?
[OUT]Say that they can help now by giving up their lives for the making of a new heart.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
'This chamber was once the only way to get into the earth's chest, no matter where you entered or what other path you thought you found.
But when the giants woke, the earth shifted and some blasted traitors took advantage! They snuck in, circumvented us, and broke the heart right under our noses. There was nothing we could do. Nothing . . .'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that they can help now by giving up their lives for the making of a new heart.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'If only we could. We stand here, animated, but we are spirits of stone and metal. We endure, we stand guard, but we cannot forfeit our lives even if it was what we desired, chosen of the young gods.
You do what you must. You do what needs doing!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Magic user]If they are spirits, you can defeat them in a mystical battle. Attack!
[OUT][Runemaster]Tell them their oaths demand obedience to the runemasters. Command them to stand down and give up their life essence to honour the stone code!
[OUT][Light]Ask the ancient heroes to do the right thing. This is an affront to true Light, and as servants of the domain, you must all do your part!
[OUT][Intellect]In the name of intellect, point out that their duty can only be done if they concede peacefully and aid your quest.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'Thank you . . . go, make it right . . .'
The stone and metal statues crumble, and you collect the translucent ash for the grandmaster.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
'Come again when you are ready, lassies!'
One of you is turned to stone as you run out of the tomb.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]12
[STORY]
They bow before you:
'Thank you . . . go, make it right . . .'
The stone and metal statues crumble, and you collect the translucent ash for the grandmaster.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]18
[STORY]
'Aye, you speak with the vigour of the young gods, and although they are not our deities, we honour their wisdom and stewardship over the land.
We willingly concede and give our life force for the making of a new earth-heart. Perhaps this was always our fate.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in honour of their sacrifice.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --LightZmey(30)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You find the cave where the earth's chest lies, and it is much brighter than you expected.
The dazzling shine blinds you at first, and even after a time, you still feel dizzy from it. When you enter the final chamber, you see the torn corpse of a zmey, animated by living rays of pulsating light energy brighter than any lightbringer you've seen so far.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Look around for the Alchemist with the heart.
[OUT]Look around for the Alchemist with the heart.
[OUT]Look for the dwarves and the ice heart.
[OUT]Look around for the necromancer who promised to help.
[OUT]Look around for the elves.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
The Alchemist stands before you:
'Here, the heart was forged at the greatest of prices. You see how even now it sucks in some of the light. This creature will be weakened now. Go, deal with it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Approach the light-beast.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
As you come closer, you hear waves of voices, thousands perhaps, but they all speak in unnerving unison. One leads them and turns to you:
'Come, join. Be at ease. Cleansed from darkness for good. We will stay till the end of days. Peace, tranquillity. Come.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Light and Harmony]Call out to this tortured creature, call upon your domain and demand it ceases its madness. Light is supposed to be harmony, balance, order -- not this!
[OUT][Magic user]Attack it with spirit!
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Light and Harmony]Call out to this tortured creature, call upon your domain and demand it ceases its madness. Light is supposed to be harmony, balance, order -- not this!
[OUT][Magic user]Attack it with spirit!
[OUT]Ask what it seeks, why it takes people. Is there an end goal?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
The light-beast is slain and its body incinerates into white ash. Bright flares explode in all directions, blinding you for a second, but they are quickly sucked in by the heart held by the Alchemist.
He hands you the stone relic, and you place it on a carved pedestal that resembles a huge ribcage.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wait to see what happens next.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
The ribcage vibrates, then slowly it closes to hold its new heart. Blood-filled veins begin to pump through the stone and a slow heartbeat begins its rhythm.
Thin rays of light trickle in from the walls and ceiling. It will likely take decades for all the excess light to be drawn here, but it should happen.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the Alchemist what happens now.
[OUT]Ask the Alchemist what happens now.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
'You did it! You found a way to stop the Shattering and push back the lightbringers. This chamber will hide itself, just as the cosmic tree does. The gods can now focus on restoring the land.
I suppose I am done too, really. An odd thing, to be done with things.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask him to join you.
[OUT]Thank him for the help and depart.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]9
[STORY]
The Alchemist stands before you:
'Here, the heart was forged with compassion, and thus surely worth it. But beware, the beast will not be weakened by it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Approach the light-beast.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
The light-beast devours you whole and threatens to tear up your soul with its scorching light. Slowly it feels so safe, warm, tranquil . . .
Your divine connection shields you just in time to escape, but not everyone was so lucky.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'Yes, yes, I see no reason not to. Let us go master this land and its dangers, for banishing the light-beast will surely not be the last of our endeavours. Lead on!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank him for the help and depart together.
[OUT]Thank him for the help and depart together.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
'We . . . we feel your intent, so strong. Balance? That is what you seek. We seek peace, tranquillity for all. But there is too much turmoil and darkness, and the more we push, the more it answers.
We will listen to your guidance and allow you to restore the heart. Be well, be at peace.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in thanks and say they made the right choice.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]22
[STORY]
As you come closer, you hear waves of voices, thousands perhaps, but they all speak in unnerving unison. One leads them and turns to you:
'Come, join. Be at ease. Cleansed from darkness for good. We will stay till the end of days. Peace, tranquillity. Come.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Magic user]Attack it with spirit!
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]23
[STORY]
The light-beast collapses and the energy dissolves slowly. Bright flares explode in all directions, blinding you for a second, but they are quickly sucked in by the heart held by the Alchemist.
He hands you the stone relic, and you place it on a carved pedestal that resembles a huge ribcage.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wait to see what happens next.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]27
[STORY]
'We seek no end, for there is no end or beginning, only light that unites all. When all is still, all is quiet and tranquil, we will be, forever.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Light and Harmony]Call out to this tortured creature, call upon your domain and demand it ceases its madness. Light is supposed to be harmony, balance, order -- not this!
[OUT][Magic user]Attack it with spirit!
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Light and Harmony]Call out to this tortured creature, call upon your domain and demand it ceases its madness. Light is supposed to be harmony, balance, order -- not this!
[OUT][Magic user]Attack it with spirit!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]28
[STORY]
From the shadows, the necromancer comes out with several minions:
'Good, you kept your cool and now we can right many wrongs and have a world that is ours, not one dictated by old laws. Let us face this light-beast together.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Approach the light-beast.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]29
[STORY]
You see him approach.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wait.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]30
[STORY]
As you come closer, you hear waves of voices, thousands perhaps, but they all speak in unnerving unison. One leads them and turns to you:
'Come, join. Be at ease. Cleansed from darkness for good. We will stay till the end of days. Peace, tranquillity. Come.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Turmoil and Magic]Draw strength from the heart of darkness you carry and make this light cower before you! Make it think you aim to trap it again and threaten destruction if it does not yield.
[OUT][Magic user]Attack it with spirit!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]33
[STORY]
'We . . . we feel your dark power. We cannot allow light to perish. We will surrender to the prison once more.'
The light releases the carcass of the zmey host and seeps into the hole it came from without realising its impending doom.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in thanks and say they made the right choice.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]34
[STORY]
The necromancer urges you to place the heart of darkness onto a carved pedestal that resembles a huge ribcage.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wait to see what happens next.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]35
[STORY]
As the ribcage closes, the dark heart begins to pump its corrupted blood through black veins that now cover the entire cave. The rhythm is uneven and rushed. The Alchemist cries out:
'What, why? Why choose darkness? I promised I would follow you, but now my job is done. I leave you to your dark work and new friends.' He shoots a dirty look toward the necromancer and departs.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the necromancer what happens now.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]36
[STORY]
'Who can say for sure? With darkness comes change and uncertainty. But the lightbringers should suffer now, and in time the Shattering should cease. That was our goal, yes?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask him to stay with you.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]39
[STORY]
'Yes, I shall, for you are interesting.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Depart together.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]40
[STORY]
The beast lies defeated. The light releases the carcass of the zmey host and seeps into the hole it came from without realising its impending doom.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take out the heart of the mroki.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]42
[STORY]
You see them approach.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wait.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]43
[STORY]
The emissaries appear, holding a wooden box:
'This is the new heart. We will place it within the stone chest, but you must defeat the light-beast for us. It will be weakened now, but you must act fast.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Approach the light-beast.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]44
[STORY]
As you come closer, you hear waves of voices, thousands perhaps, but they all speak in unnerving unison. One leads them and turns to you:
'Come, join. Be at ease. Cleansed from darkness for good. We will stay till the end of days. Peace, tranquillity. Come.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Light and Harmony]Call out to this tortured creature, call upon your domain and demand it ceases its madness. Light is supposed to be harmony, balance, order -- not this!
[OUT][Magic user]Attack it with spirit!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]46
[STORY]
The light-beast is slain and its body incinerates into white ash. Bright flares explode in all directions, blinding you for a second, but they are quickly sucked in by the heart held by the elves. They place it on a carved pedestal that resembles a huge ribcage.
But you also see more light drained from the elder kin, and some collapse from the strain.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Turn to Nai-ysir to see if she is okay.
[OUT]Ask the Alchemist and the elves what happens now.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]47
[STORY]
Nai-ysir nods, but you see the terror on her face as her kin fall one by one:
'I . . . I was likely protected by proximity to you and your gods. Let us just finish this, please.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the Alchemist and the elves what happens now.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]48
[STORY]
The elves do not speak, but the Alchemist turns to you:
'The price was high, but fair. The lightbringers should be weakened straight away, and in time, the Shattering should subside. For now, you've done it. Let us leave this place and allow the elves their space.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod. Ask if he will stay with you.
[OUT]Nod. Ask if he will stay with you.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]49
[STORY]
'Well, I would, but I am inclined to go help whatever elf kin is yet alive. You see, my alchemy can cleanse some of the taint, or at least I want to try.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wish him good luck and depart.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]50
[STORY]
'Yes, I will accompany you, at least for a time.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Depart together.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]56
[STORY]
'We . . . we feel your intent, so strong. Balance? That is what you seek. We seek peace, tranquillity for all. But there is too much turmoil and darkness, and the more we push, the more it answers.
We will listen to your guidance and allow you to restore the heart. Be well, be at peace.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank them for taking this path.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]64
[STORY]
Belze'dhur appears and speaks:
'Ya did well laddie! Now, let us go kick some Light-Zmey arse and get this here heart in place.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Approach the light-beast.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]67
[STORY]
As you come closer, you hear waves of voices, thousands perhaps, but they all speak in unnerving unison. One leads them and turns to you:
'Come, join. Be at ease. Cleansed from darkness for good. We will stay till the end of days. Peace, tranquillity. Come.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Light and Harmony]Call out to this tortured creature, call upon your domain and demand it ceases its madness. Light is supposed to be harmony, balance, order -- not this!
[OUT][Magic user]Attack it with spirit!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]69
[STORY]
The light-beast is slain and its body incinerates into white ash. Bright flares explode in all directions, blinding you for a second, but they are quickly sucked in by the ice heart held by the Alchemist.
He hands you the ice relic, and you place it on a carved pedestal that resembles a huge ribcage.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wait to see what happens next.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]71
[STORY]
The ribcage vibrates, then slowly it closes to hold its new heart. Blood-filled veins begin to pump through the stone and a slow heartbeat begins its rhythm.
Thin rays of light trickle in from the walls and ceiling. It will likely take decades for all the excess light to be drawn here, but it should happen.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the Alchemist what happens now.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]72
[STORY]
'You did it! You found a way to stop the Shattering and push back the lightbringers. This chamber will hide itself, just as the cosmic tree does. The gods can now focus on restoring the land.
I suppose I am done too, really. An odd thing, to be done with things.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Turn to the dwarves.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]73
[STORY]
'Aye, good deed. Repairin' our shameful failure, that's waht ya did. Stone and metal be with ya always.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the Alchemist to join.
[OUT]Ask the dwarf to join.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]75
[STORY]
'Aya, don't mind if I do, laddie. Let's go.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank him for the help and depart together.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]81
[STORY]
'We . . . we feel your intent, so strong. Balance? That is what you seek. We seek peace, tranquillity for all. But there is too much turmoil and darkness, and the more we push, the more it answers.
We will listen to your guidance and allow you to restore the heart. Be well, be at peace.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in thanks and say they made the right choice.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]83
[STORY]
As you come closer, you hear waves of voices, thousands perhaps, but they all speak in unnerving unison. One leads them and turns to you:
'Come, join. Be at ease. Cleansed from darkness for good. We will stay till the end of days. Peace, tranquillity. Come.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Magic user]Attack it with spirit!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]86
[STORY]
As you come closer, you hear waves of voices, thousands perhaps, but they all speak in unnerving unison. One leads them and turns to you:
'Come, join. Be at ease. Cleansed from darkness for good. We will stay till the end of days. Peace, tranquillity. Come.'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Magic user]Attack it with spirit!
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --Theodore1(31)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
'Well, hello there, chosen - welcome into the service of the gods. As a believer myself, I am happy to be the one to guide you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask who he is, exactly?
[OUT]Tell him to beat it. You may be chosen, but you care little for all this talk! [Skip Story]
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
'Theodore's the name. But little old me is not relevant here. YOU are.
I am here to tell you of some basic rules and hand over any divine objects that may have been bestowed upon you. First and foremost, the cosmic seed.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Cosmic seed?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
'Yes. Thea is far from a land of prosperity. Darkness was defeated long ago, but it is not gone. It lurks in the corners and attacks at night.
The Shattering tears the earth asunder and a scorching light takes hold of folk without protection.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]How does it relate to the seed?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'The seed, and others like it, is a gift of the divine. A piece of the cosmic tree itself. It can grant great boons. It allows you to set up a village and provide divine protection there.
But if you wish for the life of a traveller, or if you are skilled enough to create another seed one day, this seed can be used to forge divine artefacts or even bring back a comrade from the clutches of death!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So one cannot build villages without a seed?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'Indeed - you catch on fast! Without the seed, or different means that other factions may possess, a village attracts the cursed light and is taken by it within days. And if somehow that does not happen, terrors of darkness will drive your folk insane.
This is how it has been in Thea for many centuries now. It is why we struggle still to survive just another day.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if there is anything else you need to know?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'I may pop up now and again to tell you of things, but for now, you must take your first steps into this hostile land.
Remember to check for resources on the map for Gathering, set up camp for Craft and Cooking, and check your Inventory to make sure you are well equipped. Here have some wood, so you may heal when camping.
My advice is to explore, learn the ropes, and only then decide on a settlement.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank him for the advice and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
'All right, all right. Just remember, without the cosmic seed - a special divine artefact - you cannot build a village. You are bestowed one now and may try to gain another later, but they will never be plentiful. So take care where you choose to settle!
And if you do not want to build a village, you may use the seed to craft a special object or resurrect a fallen friend. Now go, explore and conquer.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --Lightbringers(32)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You catch the lightbringers who took the druid-blood and one of your people!
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Magic users]Attack with spirit!
[OUT][Hunter]You quickly recognise this area as the old dark-swamps. A place where pockets of darkness linger. Try to lead them into a trap there.
[OUT][Turmoil or Magic]You sense the presence of darkness here, hidden pockets that lurk in the corners. Bait the lightbringers into a trap!
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You defeat the lightbringers, and your connection to the divine releases your friend from the light's hold. You also recover the druid-blood.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
The lightbringers overwhelm you, and you barely escape.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]12
[STORY]
The lightbringers fall for your trap and are caught by the hidden darkness, making them easy to kill while they struggle. Your connection to the divine releases your friend from the light's hold. You also recover the druid-blood.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --Mroki(33)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You track down a group of mroki. Perhaps you can harvest their hearts for the necromancer.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Magic user]Defeat them with spirit!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You defeat the mroki, and this time you are able to harvest a heart and store it in a bone casing given to you by the necromancer.
You can now head to the red cave and find your way into the chamber where the light-beast awaits.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
The mroki defeat you, and the darkness drains your souls before you escape.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --__Mroki(34)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You track down a group of mroki. Perhaps you can harvest their hearts for the necromancer.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Magic user]Defeat them with spirit!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You defeat the mroki, and this time you are able to harvest a heart and store it in a bone casing given to you by the necromancer.
You can now head to the red cave and find your way into the chamber where the light-beast awaits.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
The mroki defeat you, and the darkness drains your souls before you escape.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --ScavengersVillageSmall(35)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
'Oh, it's you, come, come, you see how big we are now, all thanks to you.''
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if there is anything you can help with.
[OUT]Say that you just came to rest and visit.
[OUT]Ask if you can visit the slave trade.
[OUT]Trade.
[OUT]Leave.
[OUT]Someone is calling out to you. Go see what they want.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'You beat it or we beat you, scum!'
You see armed folk gathering.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Leave.
[OUT]Say that you mean them no harm. You only want to talk and visit.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
The village lies destroyed, and the spoils are yours.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'Some damned crows sit in a tower nearby. They keep botherin' us and we ain't got the time to get 'em. You deal with it, if ya want.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Decline and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'I suppose you can rest.
We have us some wise ones here. If they're not busy, they're good with the body and the mind.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Pay to get physical wounds healed.
[OUT]Pay to get mental wounds healed.
[OUT]Pay to have poison removed.
[OUT]Ask if there's a wise one who can heal spiritual ailments.
[OUT]One of the scavengers is said to be dying of mind rot, and everyone gathers to listen to their dying tales. They sound like a lot of gibberish, but folk seem convinced it is worthwhile. Listen with them.
[OUT]Come back another day.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'There's always trouble about the place. There's a nice rich patch of ruins nearby, but stupid bees have set up there. We're small, only setting up, so if you'll help us get them bees, we'll be friends, for sure.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Decline and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
'You lookin' to help a fellow, eh? Sure, there's always trouble.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if anything needs killing.
[OUT]You have a lot of wood on you. Ask if they need some.
[OUT]You see they are in need of stone. Tell them you're willing to give away some of yours.
[OUT]Come back another day.
[OUT]Ask if anything needs killing.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]22
[STORY]
'Bastard Slavyans set up a settlement near us. Soon they'll come knockin' on our doorstep, sayin' godly stuff and forcin' us to listen. Get rid of them lot and we'll be mates for sure.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Decline and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'A witch, that's what you're after, eh?
Magic comes at a price. Healing the spirit is easier. Curses -- well, they are nasty things, and they'll cost you more. Cost you blood.'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Witch]Say that you only need your sister's aid. You'll pay the price yourself and promise not to burden her.
[OUT]Agree to pay the price.
[OUT]Ask to have your spirit wounds healed.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]29
[STORY]
The witch says, 'Bah, should've said so, sis. I wouldn't have tried to sell you the price crap, ha. Let's get to it.'
Together, you remove any curses you had.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank her and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]37
[STORY]
'You weird, you are. But sure, thanks.
We cannot give much in return 'cause we ain't as odd as you, but here, have what we can spare.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wish them well and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]40
[STORY]
'Sure thing, let's deal, we may have some live'uns for ya. And don't go lookin' at us like that, we never said we don't do slavery, just that we didn't like them bandits doing it to us.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Buy a slave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]47
[STORY]
'There's always trouble about the place. Some slimy gobbos set up camp nearby. You deal with them, we be friends for sure.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Decline and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]50
[STORY]
'Bah, fine, you look honest enough and you carry the mark of the gods. We best not anger them lot.
Come in, but we're watching you!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask to trade.
[OUT]Offer to do something for them to prove your goodwill.
[OUT]Offer to do something for them to prove your goodwill.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]53
[STORY]
'Beat it!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]66
[STORY]
You are badly beaten and forced to flee.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]67
[STORY]
'Either we do not have any work for you, or you or your kin are already set on a path to aid us. Finish that path before you ask for new tasks.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --ScavengersTradeadv(36)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
The trader's stalls stand open for you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Trade.
[OUT]Trade.
[OUT]Trade.
[OUT]Come back another time.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'You are no friends of ours, so we won't take food as payment and you'll have to pay us extra first.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Trade.
[OUT]Come back another time.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'Good trading with you. Now bugger off.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --scavKillsmallBees(37)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You come to the place where the scavengers said a beehive is bothering them.
[/STORY]
[OUT]You have folk who know how to deal with bees. Consider your options.
[OUT][Wisdom]You know a bit about bees, so think of a way to deal with them.
[OUT][Nature or Intellect]Use your mental prowess to figure out what to do.
[OUT]Use your food to lure the bees away from the territory and hope they won't come back.
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Come back later.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
You get in closer so you can assess the situation.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Bee]Buzz up to the hive and tell them to leave.
[OUT][Bee]Buzz up to the hive and tell them to leave.
[OUT]Try to communicate with the bees.
[OUT]Bees dislike smoke. Figure out the best place to smoke them out safely.
[OUT]Kill the bees in an easy fight because you know the enemy. [Physical]
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You could try to use some thick smoke with poisoned poppy seeds. That will suffocate the bees slowly, but it should get rid of them.
However, if things go wrong, they will get very angry.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Yes, kill them one by one.
[OUT]You have folk who know how to deal with bees. Consider your options.
[OUT]Just kill them the old-fashioned way.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
You buzz about with the other bees and convince them that this area is not safe.
You got rid of the problem as you were asked, and your friendship will surely grow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
The smoke works, but slowly, so you are stung by some angry survivors before the hive dies.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Good.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
You find just the right spot and use just the right amount of smoke to get rid of the problem. The bees buzz off and the scavengers should be happy now.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]18
[STORY]
You got rid of the problem as you were asked, and your friendship will surely grow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]20
[STORY]
You give the food away and lead the bees to another spot.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Good.
[OUT]Good.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
Alas, just as you are about to report your successful mission, you find out that the bees returned to their spot and continued to harass the settlers. They have to deal with the bees themselves, so your friendship does not grow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]22
[STORY]
You got rid of the problem as you were asked, and your friendship will surely grow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]25
[STORY]
You got rid of the problem as you were asked, and your friendship will surely grow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
You are defeated and eventually the folk who asked for your help deal with the problem themselves, so you do not gain any friendship.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]32
[STORY]
You are unconvincing, and the bees stay.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Give up.
[OUT]Use your own food to lure these animals away from the territory and hope they won't come back.
[OUT]Just attack them. [Physical]
[/NODE]
+[NODE]33
[STORY]
You fail and the bees go crazy on you!
The folk who asked for your help hear your screams and come to your aid. They have to kill the wolves themselves and are angry at having to spare the time. You do not gain any friendship.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]34
[STORY]
The bees listen to reason and decide to relocate. You dealt with the problem as asked, so you gain friendship.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Move out.
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]35
[STORY]
A single bee buzzes with friendship for you and stays.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave together.
[OUT]No, leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]37
[STORY]
The scavengers hear of your failure and come to your aid. They have to kill the bees themselves and are angry at having to spare the time. You do not gain any friendship.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]42
[STORY]
You buzz with the other bees and try to tell them it isn't safe here, but they are angered by your presence and attack!
[/STORY]
[OUT]Defend yourself.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --ScavKillsmallSlav(38)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You find the Slavyan camp that the scavengers asked you to deal with.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Convince the Slavyans that the scavengers aren't worth the trouble and that it would be best to leave.
[OUT][Intellect or Harmony]Convince the Slavyans that fighting is not the way to go here. A truce may prove safer and more profitable for both.
[OUT]Pay the scouts.
[OUT]Attack.
[OUT]Come back later.
[OUT][Hunter or perception]These Slavyans seem determined to hunt for scavengers, so plant false tracks to lead them away from this piece of land.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
'We thank you, friend, for you saved us time. We Slavyan folk should stick together against those godless types. Good luck to you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wish them well and leave to report your success.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
As the Slavyans move away, they leave you a gift.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Good.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
'You speak for gods, so we will listen. We will make peace.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave and report your success.
[OUT]Leave and report your success.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]18
[STORY]
You got rid of the problem as you were asked, and your friendship will surely grow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'Yeah, all right, deal's a deal, we move out.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Good.
[OUT]Good.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
You are about to report your success when you learn that the Slavyans lied to you and continue to pester the scavengers.
Your friendship suffers for it.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]22
[STORY]
You got rid of the problem as you were asked, and your friendship will surely grow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]25
[STORY]
You got rid of the problem as you were asked, and your friendship will surely grow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
You are defeated and eventually the scavengers deal with the problem themselves, so you do not gain any friendship.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]32
[STORY]
You fail to fool the Slavyans. They don't look too impressed with you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Pay them for this insult and to leave this land.
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Leave and admit defeat.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]34
[STORY]
Your misdirection works, and the Slavyans move away.
You dealt with the problem as asked, so you gain friendship.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]37
[STORY]
The scavengers hear of your failure. They have to kill the Slavyans themselves and are angry at having to spare the time. You do not gain any friendship.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]48
[STORY]
'You talk for the gods, sure, but we got to make a living. You pay us, we leave you and your friends in peace, deal?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Give up.
[OUT]Pay them off.
[OUT]Just attack them.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]53
[STORY]
The scavengers are furious:
'What? Peace with them lot? Not likely and not what we asked for. You god folk, you all stick together -- begone!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --ScavKilladvGobs(39)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You find the makeshift goblin settlement that the scavengers asked you to get rid of.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go in closer to talk.
[OUT][Hunter or perception]Take a closer look.
[OUT][Magic or intellect]Goblins are known to respect your domain. Try to reason with them.
[OUT]Pay the greenskins to leave.
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Come back later.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
The goblins stand with weapons at the ready:
'What do you want here? This is our patch of spirit ground, we stay here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Goblin]Say that the hummies are being arseholes and want them gone. Ask if they can move along.
[OUT]Tell them the scavengers do not want them as neighbours. Ask them to relocate, now!
[OUT]Goblins don't usually go for bribery, but these guys look worse for wear, so they may accept resources. Ask them if they will leave for a price.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You notice that a lot of the goblins are wounded from a previous fight and are trying to patch themselves up.
You see a stream from which they are taking water. You could poison it. In this weakened state, they are bound to die painfully.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Poison the stream.
[OUT]Go in closer to talk.
[OUT]Just kill them the old-fashioned way.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'Yeah, those soft-skin types, they always so touchy when it comes to turf. We will go, friend. We want no trouble, we had enough with some orcs not far from here, so beware!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank them for the warning and wish them luck.
[OUT]Offer to party together before they depart.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
The gobbos die horribly from the poison, but before the last one falls, he shakes his shaman staff and curses your honourless souls!
[/STORY]
[OUT]Damned goblin. Take what you can from them.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
'I see, yes. You speak well, friend, and those gods of yours understand the mind and the spirit. We leave and give you this token of our friendship. Spirits be with you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank them and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]18
[STORY]
You got rid of the problem as you were asked, and your friendship will surely grow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'Yeah, all right, deal's a deal, times are hard and stuff is good, so we move out.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Good.
[OUT]Good.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
You are about to report your success when you realise that the goblins have no honour -- they have returned.
They are eventually beaten by the scavengers without your help, and your friendship suffers for it.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]22
[STORY]
You got rid of the problem as you were asked, and your friendship will surely grow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
You are defeated and eventually the scavengers deal with the problem themselves, so you do not gain any friendship.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]32
[STORY]
'You think you scumbags can come and tell us what to do? Beat it or else!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Give up.
[OUT]Pay them off.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Ah, you, those hummies, this place seems to have bad mojo. We go.'
You dealt with the problem as asked, so you gain friendship.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Good.
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]37
[STORY]
The scavengers hear of your failure. They have to get rid of the goblins themselves and are angry at having to spare the time. You do not gain any friendship.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]44
[STORY]
'Yeah, you have good vibes, so we go as we said. May spirits be kind to you.'
The gobbos move on and the scavengers are pleased.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'Hmm, perhaps. Give us some worthwhile goods and we will leave, and we'll even trade with you on top of that, if you like.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree.
[OUT]Refuse.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]48
[STORY]
'Ha! This land's good place, spirits speak well here. We do not leave, you can tell your friends that.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Give up.
[OUT]Pay them off.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]53
[STORY]
'Now you speak like a true spirit child. Come, let us smoke and dance!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Party till the morning.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]55
[STORY]
You party well. Afterward, the goblins keep to their word and leave.
The scavengers are pleased with the result.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]56
[STORY]
You party well - too well for some. Afterward, the goblins keep to their word and leave.
The scavengers are pleased with the result.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]57
[STORY]
You party well. Afterward, the goblins keep to their word and leave.
The scavengers are pleased with the result.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]60
[STORY]
The poison does its gruesome job and the scavengers should be happy that their problem is gone.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --ScavKillCrows(40)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You find the tower where a crow's nest is bothering the scavengers.
[/STORY]
[OUT]You know how to handle crows. Try to figure it out.
[OUT][Hunter]Track the crows.
[OUT][Nature or Intellect]Use your mental prowess to figure out what to do.
[OUT][Crow]Dominate the crows.
[OUT]Find them and attack!
[OUT]Crows like to collect shiny things. Try to bribe them to leave.
[OUT]Come back later.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
You come closer and observe the birds, trying to find the best way to approach this.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Crow]Fly with the crows and convince them that this is not a safe place for a nest, as the scavengers are determined to explore it.
[OUT][Crow]Fly with the crows and convince them that this is not a safe place for a nest, as the scavengers are determined to explore it.
[OUT]You have those who can communicate with crows, so make them obey you.
[OUT]Set a trap for the crows and attack when they are weakened.
[OUT]Crows respect territory. Try to figure out a way to mark this land for the scavengers, thus making the crows leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You stalk the crows and pick them out one by one, making the rest flee.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Yes, do it.
[OUT]Just kill them the old-fashioned way.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
You fly together and the crows listen to your wisdom and move away from the tower.
You got rid of the problem as you were asked, so the scavengers are grateful.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
The crows try to fight back and leave you bleeding, but the job gets done.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Good.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
You mark the territory and harass the crows for a time, so that in the end they move on from the tower.
You got rid of the problem as you were asked, so the scavengers are grateful.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]18
[STORY]
You got rid of the problem as you were asked, and your friendship will surely grow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]20
[STORY]
The crows take their shiny trinkets and fly away.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Good.
[OUT]Good.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
Alas, just as you are about to report your successful mission, you learn that the crows returned to their tower. The scavengers have to deal with the problem themselves, so your friendship does not grow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]22
[STORY]
You got rid of the problem as you were asked, and your friendship will surely grow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]25
[STORY]
You got rid of the problem as you were asked, and your friendship will surely grow.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
You are defeated and eventually the scavengers deal with the problem themselves, so you do not gain any friendship.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]32
[STORY]
You are unconvincing, so the crows stay.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Give up.
[OUT]Crows like to collect shiny things. Try to bribe them to leave.
[OUT]Just attack them!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]33
[STORY]
Your scheming fails and you are assailed by the crows.
The scavengers hear of your failings and come to your aid. They have to kill the crows themselves and are angry at having to spare the time. You do not gain any friendship.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]34
[STORY]
The crows bow to your dominance and depart. Perhaps one or two may even decide to stay with you.
The scavengers are happy with your work.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]37
[STORY]
The scavengers hear of your failure and come to your aid. They have to kill the crows themselves and are angry at having to spare the time. You do not gain any friendship.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]42
[STORY]
The crows seem to listen to your wisdom at first, but later you discover they only moved their nest deeper into the tower, making it even more dangerous for the scavengers to loot this place.
They are not impressed with you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]50
[STORY]
The crows bow to your dominance and fly away. Perhaps one even decides to stay with you.
The scavengers are happy with your work.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --ElfMageChoice(41)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
'I never do put much stock in mortal words, yet I have hoped for some semblance of integrity from the so called chosen.
You either walk my path, or we stand now on opposite sides and must battle, for I detest treachery above all else.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Promise you will walk her path and go to the zmey cave right away.
[OUT]Say you would rather join the Alchemist and the dwarf.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
'A poor choice, child!'
She attacks and she is not alone!
[/STORY]
[OUT]Fight!
[OUT][Magic user] Attack with your spirit!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
You kill the mage and she turns into silver ash as she perishes.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
'I detest unnecessary death, so I shall only cripple you so you feel my displeasure at your treachery.
I no longer feel you pests are worthy of light. I shall retreat and think on this. Goodbye, worms.'
She walks off and your spirit burns.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'Good, go seek the cave as I told you, I shall deal with your Alchemist friend.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --Theodore2(42)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
'Welcome, chosen. I can't stay and chat, but I hear you are making progress in solving this whole Shattering business.
I was sent to give you this and wish you luck. The gods watch over you, bye!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --TavernSlavyan_(43)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
The fires are warm and the ale is good. The tavern is bustling with life and joy.
[/STORY]
[OUT]See if you can recruit anyone.
[OUT][Demon]Do some gambling.
[OUT]Do some gambling.
[OUT]Drink.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
There are some folks here who may want to join your band, seeing as you are the chosen and all.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Approach a warrior.
[OUT]Approach a hunter.
[OUT]There's a zerca staring at you. Ask him over.
[OUT]There's a bandit sitting in a corner. Approach him.
[OUT]Someone is ushering you over to speak to them. Go see what they want.
[OUT]Someone is ushering you over to speak to them. Go see what they want.
[OUT]There are no more folks who want to join this time.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
No deal. Better luck next time.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
A fighter is available but requires a payment.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Pay them if you can.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]12
[STORY]
A hunter is available but requires a payment.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Pay them if you can.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
He comes up to you and says he will follow you for free, as you are the chosen!
[/STORY]
[OUT]Welcome them.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]14
[STORY]
They say they'll do mercenary work for the right price.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Pay them if you can.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
An orphan overhears you recruiting and begs for you to take them in. They heard that you are a champion and they want to be one too, apparently.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Welcome them.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]24
[STORY]
An orphan overhears you recruiting and begs for you to take them in. They heard that you are a champion and they want to be one too, apparently.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Welcome them.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
One should never try gambling with demons. You were made for trickery, after all.
You win, but the folk look at you with suspicion.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Time to go.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]27
[STORY]
Lady luck has smiled upon you again. You win.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Time to go.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]28
[STORY]
Who needs luck when you have the gods on your side? You win.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Time to go.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]29
[STORY]
Alas, luck was not on your side. You lost.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Time to go.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]30
[STORY]
You got so drunk, you don't recall much of what happened. But a stork visits you some time later . . .
[/STORY]
[OUT]Good?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]33
[STORY]
Slavyans may be known for their drinking, but there simply isn't anyone with a tougher head than a Slavyan dwarf!
You drink everyone under the table and impress the locals greatly.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Great. Now it's time to leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]34
[STORY]
Slavyans may be known for their drinking, but you are a Slavyan too, after all, even if not from the same branch. So you drink with them hand in hand and they are impressed.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Great. Now it's time to leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]35
[STORY]
The Slavyans sure do know how to drink. You do not recall the evening, but you feel its effects painfully . . .
[/STORY]
[OUT]Great. Now it's time to leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]36
[STORY]
The Slavyans sure do know how to drink. You do not recall the evening, but you feel its effects painfully . . .
[/STORY]
[OUT]Great. Now it's time to leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]37
[STORY]
You got into a fight and discovered hidden strength within you. Unfortunately, the locals do not appreciate your prowess. You get kicked out of the tavern.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Time to leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] -- Scavenger witch training(44)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
'Say, you did us a solid and all, our witch will teach ya to be like her, warts and all, but also that dark magic stuff. It may kill ya, but your choice.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Yes, train one random scavenger to become a magic user.
[OUT]No, refuse and leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --Army(45)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
More and more scavenger groups are roaming these parts lately, and they don't always care if you were once friends.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Greet your allies.
[OUT]Stay cautious, but speak to them.
[OUT]Fight!
[OUT]Intimidate them!
[OUT]Move away.
[OUT]Scavengers are only after stuff, give them some, perhaps you'll make friends.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
'Ah, you god-folk, good to see ya!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if they want to trade.
[OUT]Have a drink together.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'You ain't our enemy, but you ain't our friends neither. Go to our village if you wanna make friends. Now, move away.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[OUT]Fight!
[OUT]Intimidate them!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
'Fine, fine, here, you take our shit and we back away. No need for fightin' and no hard feelings either, eh.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]If they left anything of use take it and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
Your threats don't work. You are beaten and chased away.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Run.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]25
[STORY]
You won.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
You were badly beaten and forced to flee.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]27
[STORY]
'Sure, you fool, but we don't care. Bye.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --Dream0 Spare(46)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
Shaken in your sleep, you wake to find yourself fallen from a hammock onto dry, brittle soil.
[/STORY]
[OUT]What hammock? Look around.
[OUT]Stand up fast and be ready for trouble!
[OUT]Accept your divine role as chosen. [Skip story]
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
Dazed and displaced, your eyes glaze over a land steeped in dark shadows.
There is no hammock, no sign of your camp. But there is a dim light flickering ahead.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Follow it.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You stand ready for battle but realize your body is weak and worn out.
The land beneath your feet is scorched and the air heavy with a dark mist. But there is a dim light flickering ahead.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Follow it.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
You walk towards the light, and with every step, the shadows part beneath your feet and a path is revealed.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Walk it.
[OUT]Avoid the path and try to find your own way.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
The path leads you to a lone island upon a sea of white sand.
The island is small enough to hold only one tiny tree sapling, barely grown from the evergreen soil beneath its long silver roots. And yet, its presence is overwhelming as it tugs at the very fabric of your being.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Approach it.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
Six stones lie before you, floating in the air.
One is smooth and black with a single rune glowing on it.
One is rough, uncut, woven in green vine.
One is made of red ruby and shaped into a heart.
One is square and seems to have rows of words written upon it.
One is sharp, hot and red with blood.
One is made of glass that reflects a single ray of sunlight, even here.
You know each stone speaks to the divine domains, and you know approaching them will guide you to your deity.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Choose Light and Turmoil for Svarog.
[OUT]Choose Harmony and Intellect for Lada.
[OUT]Choose Nature and Harmony for Dievanna.
[OUT]Choose Harmony and Light for Stribog.
[OUT]Choose Magic and Intellect for Marovit.
[OUT]Choose Magic and Turmoil for Zorya.
[OUT]Choose Magic and Nature for Horz.
[OUT]Choose Nature, Magic, and Intellect for Nyia.
[OUT]Choose Turmoil, Nature, and Light for Triglav.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]9
[STORY]
You hear the thud of a hammer upon an anvil and feel the warmth of a forge surround you.
'SO, YOU ARE MY CHOSEN, THEN?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deny it. You did not choose this path!
[OUT]Confirm it. You have always felt you were made for something more!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'A reluctant hero, then. Very well. After all, so was my thundering father, once upon a time...
Be it by design, choice, or pure fate, you are mine. Forged in the fires of my divine will, you are marked to walk my path.
And if you shall fall, another will take your place, until there are no faithful to call upon.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse.
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'Ha! I see an iron will and a defiant streak - direct even in the face of your god. Good, the fates have chosen well.
Now, your foolishness aside...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]12
[STORY]
You try to leave and your body burns to ash. You feel it scorching even as you turn to dust.
Then you are lifted, moulded, and reforged.
You stand before the tree sapling again.
'READY?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'The mark of fire is not for the cowardly!
You must stand in defence of the weak. You must take action and fight against your foes.
You must be my hammer, for the land will soon shatter into oblivion.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more information.
[OUT]Accept his bidding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]14
[STORY]
You hear the voice of your god shift, as if they now spoke as all the gods together:
'This is the sacred cosmic tree, our divine home and our blood duty.
It holds darkness at bay, you see. The crown holds the dark skies where they should be. And while the dark lingers yet in our land, it is no longer all-devouring.
And yet, the tree stands in peril once more. But more so, we all stand in despair.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask why the gods need a chosen.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'The Shattering that split our land so long ago, we slowed it, but it grows, it lingers, and I fear that from the depths of the chasms comes a new danger.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask why the gods need you, then.
[OUT]Ask what danger.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'The gods fight with forces beyond your reach or understanding, but I believe the real fight awaits below, with you.
Marked by the pantheon, you and those who will join you will find the truth that is clouded from our divine sight.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Listen.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
'The gods fight with forces beyond your reach or understanding, but I believe the real fight awaits below, with you.
Marked by the pantheon, you and those who will join you will find the truth that is clouded from our divine sight.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask what danger.
[OUT]Ask what danger.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]18
[STORY]
Svarog's voice rings with doubt as he speaks:
'It is something old, something hidden, something that beckons me to its grasp. My fires burn ever brighter, the sun grows stronger, and yet even I fear it...
Our time here grows short. I know not what path you need to take, but I will guide your steps as you will guide my sight. Go. Live. Grow. But do not forget your purpose!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Kneel in acceptance.
[OUT]Nod defiantly.
[OUT]Ask what of the other gods, other chosen who you feel here with you.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'Yes, good. Your heart burns with my iron will and you felt it always.
Now you must be my hammer amongst the lands of the living.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'Yes, a true champion, willing to take up the mantle without fear. Forged you right, that I did. Good.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Listen.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]21
[STORY]
'For the cosmic tree felt the danger and so did our divine parents, Mokosh and Perun, and our eldest siblings, Morena and Veles. The four disappeared, and for a time the earth ceased to break.
They also shielded the tree, but this has its own side effects.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Yes?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]22
[STORY]
'The tree is protected, but this protection takes strength from us directly, so we cannot give our full strength to our children.
Once again, it is up to mortals and their allies to restore Thea.
Marked by the pantheon, you and those who will join you will find the truth that is clouded from our divine sight.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask what danger.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]23
[STORY]
'You will find signs, you will see the wrongs of this land. In time, your true purpose will become clear to you.
Be well, my children!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wake up.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]24
[STORY]
You walk away, try to wake, but nothing works. Eventually, the path leads you to a lone island upon a sea of white sand.
The island is small enough to hold only one tiny tree sapling, barely grown from the evergreen soil beneath its long silver roots.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Approach it.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]25
[STORY]
You smell the sweetness of flowers and sense the warmth of a lover's embrace.
'AH, YOU ARE MY CHOSEN?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deny it. You did not choose this path!
[OUT]Confirm it. You have always felt you were made for something more!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'A reluctant hero, then. Very well. After all, so was my thundering father, once upon a time...
Be it by design, choice, or pure fate, you are mine. Born of love and hope, ready to fight for them.
And if you shall fall, another will take your place, until there are no faithful to call upon.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse.
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]27
[STORY]
'Yes, good. Your heart burns with my passion and you felt it always.
Now you must be my herald of hope amongst the lands of the living.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]28
[STORY]
'Oh my. I see. All this passion and a defiant streak - direct even in the face of your god. Good, the fates have chosen well.
Now, your foolishness aside...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]29
[STORY]
You try to leave and hear her whisper sweetly in your ear, and you no longer wish to go. After all, why would you ever want to leave the side of the most wonderful being in all creation?
You stand before the tree sapling again.
'READY?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]30
[STORY]
'The mark of hope is not for the meek, as many may see it.
You must stand in defence of the weak. You must take action and fight against your foes to shine the way for love to triumph.
You must be my bearer, for the land will soon shatter into oblivion.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more information.
[OUT]Accept their bidding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]31
[STORY]
The voice of all gods speaks to you with sadness:
'It is something old, something hidden, something that beckons me to its grasp. Fires burn ever brighter, the sun grows stronger, and yet it feels wrong.
Our time here grows short. I know not what path you need to take, but I will guide your steps as you will guide my sight. Go. Live. Grow. But do not forget your purpose!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Kneel in acceptance.
[OUT]Nod defiantly.
[OUT]Ask what of the other gods, other chosen who you feel here with you.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]32
[STORY]
You smell freshness of the wild forest and sense the watchful eye of the huntress upon you.
'SO YOU ARE MY CHOSEN?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deny it. You did not choose this path!
[OUT]Confirm it. You have always felt you were made for something more!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]33
[STORY]
'A reluctant hero, then. Very well. After all, so was our thundering father, once upon a time...
Be it by design, choice, or pure fate, you are mine. Born of the wild, nature's child, destined to protect its laws.
And if you shall fall, another will take your place, until there are no faithful to call upon.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse.
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Yes, good. You heard the call of the wild and answered even before knowing it was my voice calling.
Now you must be my arrow amongst the lands of the living.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'The mark of the wild is not for everyone.
You must stand in defence of nature in all its diversity, be it the beauty of the green world or the terror of her wrath. Balance is your calling.
You must be my bearer, for the land will soon shatter into oblivion.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more information.
[OUT]Accept their bidding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]36
[STORY]
You see your body age before your very eyes. Within a few breaths, you approach death, die, decay, become worm food, then are reborn, remade.
The cycle continues without end and the huntress just stands there, watching.
You stand before the tree sapling again.
'READY?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]37
[STORY]
You smell seawater and feel the brisk touch of waves upon you.
'YOU, MY CHOSEN!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deny it. You did not choose this path!
[OUT]Confirm it. You have always felt you were made for something more!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]38
[STORY]
'Yes, good. As patron of travellers and master of the winds and seas, I would not like to think my own champion lost or confused.
Now you must be my herald amongst the lands of the living.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]39
[STORY]
'The mark of the wind is wrought with challenge.
You must try to be the compass by which others find their path, seek balance and peace, but defend them too when needs be.
You must be my bearer, for the land will soon shatter into oblivion.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more information.
[OUT]Accept their bidding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]40
[STORY]
You find yourself dazzled by an array of colours and sensations that you recognise as the weaves of magic.
'AH, MY CHOSEN, YES?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deny it. You did not choose this path!
[OUT]Confirm it. You have always felt you were made for something more!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]41
[STORY]
'Yes, good. You have always felt the oddity of your nature, the mystical weaves that guide your path. Yes.
Now you must be my catalyst amongst the lands of the living.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]42
[STORY]
'A reluctant hero, then. Very well. After all, so was our thundering father, once upon a time...
Be it by design, choice, or pure fate, you are mine. Born of the chaos, driven by mystery.
And if you shall fall, another will take your place, until there are no faithful to call upon.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse.
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]43
[STORY]
'A reluctant hero, then. Very well. After all, so was our thundering father, once upon a time...
Be it by design, choice, or pure fate, you are mine. Blown by winds of chance into my service, or perhaps born into it?
And if you shall fall, another will take your place, until there are no faithful to call upon.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse.
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]44
[STORY]
You try to leave, but with every step the wind brings you the song of death and destruction, the pleas of many lives all laid on your shoulders until the weight is too much to bear...
Then you are lifted, and within the embrace of the wind, you feel free and right.
You stand before the tree sapling again.
'READY?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'One voice speaks to you today, but all divine eye are upon you, Chosen. All of you who listened today are marked and WATCHED by their divine guardians.
The cosmic pantheon has many voices, but we are all one, lest we are all gone.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Kneel in acceptance.
[OUT]Nod defiantly.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]46
[STORY]
'The mark of the mystical is ever dark and twisted.
You must try to remain uncorrupted while you delve into the worlds so inhuman. Even if you are no mystic yourself, our link will forever tug at your soul.
You must be my catalyst, for the land will soon shatter into oblivion.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more information.
[OUT]Accept their bidding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]47
[STORY]
You try to leave and feel your very soul assailed by eternal darkness twisting and changing you, corrupting your very being until you become naught but an angry wraith.
Then, slowly, you are returned to your form, with only a nasty aftertaste in your mouth.
You stand before the tree sapling again.
'READY?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]48
[STORY]
You hear the clutter of blades clashing, and you are blinded by three stars appearing before you.
'MY CHOSEN!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deny it. You did not choose this path!
[OUT]Confirm it. You have always felt you were made for something more!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]49
[STORY]
'You will find signs, you will see the wrongs of this land. In time, your true purpose will become clear to you.
Be well, our children!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Wake up.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]51
[STORY]
'Yes, good! You felt the call of the beast, felt your blood rushing into combat, even as you sleep. Yes!
Now you must be my sharpened spear amongst the lands of the living.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]52
[STORY]
'A reluctant servant -- how dare you! Bah, perhaps it is best, for those who are too eager often disappoint... or perhaps I will just eat your heart, that works too.
Be it by design, choice, or pure fate, you are mine. Born of the stars, destined to fight with honour.
And if you shall fall, another will take your place, until there are no faithful to call upon.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse.
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]53
[STORY]
You try to leave and your body burns to white ash, the blazing cold light of the stars piercing your whole being.
Then you are lifted, moulded, and reborn.
You stand before the tree sapling again.
'READY?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]54
[STORY]
'The mark of the stars is not for cowards!
You must stand strong in the face of any enemy, and you must kill them with honour, or die trying.
You must be my blade, for the land will soon shatter into oblivion.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more information.
[OUT]Accept their bidding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]55
[STORY]
You smell the undeniable stench of rotting flesh, and you sense the sorrows of passing souls before you.
'CHOSEN, but by whom, I wonder? ME?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deny it. You did not choose this path!
[OUT]Confirm it. You have always felt you were made for something more!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]56
[STORY]
'Oh, I see. How odd. I never did feel your coming until just now, or did I?
Yet you felt our bond -- good, useful, wise.
Now you must be my minion amongst the lands of the living.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]57
[STORY]
'Yes, I can certainly sympathise, for I too have no recollection of our bonding. Yet a bond there exists, and we both must serve it.
Be it by design, choice, or pure fate, you are mine. Cursed follow my path of death, scorned by others, yet needed.
And if you shall fall, another will take your place, until there are no faithful to call upon.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse.
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]58
[STORY]
You try to leave, but with every step you sense the presence of the goddess upon you. Her silent lips whispering, her empty eyes watching. A sense of dread and futility overwhelms you.
You stand before the tree sapling again.
'Death is the only certainty -- or is it? Still, we must proceed.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]59
[STORY]
'The mark of the dead is an unpleasant burden.
You must respect the laws of nature and guide souls to their end. If it were up to me, this would be all, but they say we must also help the living, aid the other gods. Do so, in my name.
You must be my hand, for the land will soon shatter into oblivion -- and others seem to think this will not be good.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more information.
[OUT]Accept their bidding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]60
[STORY]
You smell molten lava and taste ash on your teeth. You feel rage fill you up and hear the roar of many warriors.
'CHOSEN!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deny it. You did not choose this path!
[OUT]Confirm it. You have always felt you were made for something more!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]61
[STORY]
'Yes, good! You are no misguided weakling, you KNOW! You were born to serve my might. This is good.
Now you must be my axe amongst the lands of the living.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]62
[STORY]
'What? A coward, a naysayer, a meek mouse born of my lava? NO! YOU WILL OBEY!
Be it by design, choice, or pure fate, you are mine. Born of the molten rock, bred for one purpose only.
And if you shall fall, another will take your place, until there are no faithful to call upon.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse.
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]63
[STORY]
Your body is torn into pieces, burnt, devoured by some mystical force. Then a soothing touch returns you to life, but even that hand of life feels stern and unyielding in its design for you.
You stand before the tree sapling again.
'READY!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]64
[STORY]
'The mark of the three is not for cowards!
You were called to heed my fury, feed my fires, and do my bidding. If you fail, all shall burn!
You must be my weapon, for the land will soon shatter into oblivion -- and only I can decide if such fate is to be!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more information.
[OUT]Accept their bidding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]65
[STORY]
You smell fresh blood and the brisk touch of midnight air. You hear the howling of many wolves, and instinctively, you join them, until a single clear voice answers your call.
'I hear your call, CHOSEN!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Deny it. You did not choose this path!
[OUT]Confirm it. You have always felt you were made for something more!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]66
[STORY]
'Yes, good. You have always felt the call of the moon, even if you are no night beast. You are a moonchild, no less.
Now you must be my beta amongst the lands of the living.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]67
[STORY]
'A reluctant hero, then. Very well. After all, my own mate is the unruly daughter of the sun, and she too never admits her duties freely!
Be it by design, choice, or pure fate, you are mine. Born of the night and moon, destined to walk the dark path yet fight for light.
And if you shall fall, another will take your place, until there are no faithful to call upon.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Refuse.
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]68
[STORY]
You try to leave, but this is a dream, so your path winds in circles. A large wolf sits and watches you patiently -- laughing?
You stand before the tree sapling again.
'READY?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept this calling.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]69
[STORY]
'The mark of the night lord is dark and never easy.
You must honour the call of the moon and the night, but never give in to darkness completely, for your pack is of the cosmic tree.
Heed my howl, heel to my will, and thus be free and wild!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask for more information.
[OUT]Accept their bidding.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]70
[STORY]
'DIRECT, GOOD.'
You are chosen, you WILL do as the gods will it and soon, once you are settled, a mission of great importance will become clear to you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and wake up.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]
-- [EVENT] --Alchemist2 Spare(47)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
As you recover from yet another nasty tremor and look around in the debris for useful resources, you spot an odd-looking man sitting behind a table, surrounded by all sorts of strange contraptions, scrolls, vials, and tools.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go speak to him.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]3
[STORY]
You charge the lone man and topple him without any trouble. He seems bewildered and looks around as if expecting help. He mumbles:
'Damned mercs, one tremor and they run off... What... I mean, how can I help you?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Kill him.
[OUT]Ask him what he is doing here.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You approach the man and he looks up at you, puzzled, then looks around for a bit and mumbles:
'Damned mercs, one tremor and they run off... What... I mean, how can I help you?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask what he is doing here, in the aftermath of a tremor, with all this equipment.
[OUT]Enquire who he is.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'Ah, well. I am measuring the tremors - the strength, how long they last, the frequency with which they occur. Trying to pinpoint the epicentre, you see.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why?
[OUT]Ask for the shortest possible account of what is happening here. [SKIP STORY]
[/NODE]
+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'Like finding patient zero, I suppose - that is, a person who fell ill first, or in this case, a place, perhaps. That is the thing that began the disaster, be it disease, curse, act of the gods - they all tend to have a beginning. Like the burning of the cosmic tree that brought about the darkness centuries ago, yes?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask about the darkness and the burning of this tree.
[OUT]Ask if he found his patient zero.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'I am the Alchemist - or so they call me. In truth, alchemy is but one of my many talents. A renaissance scholar, that's what I am!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What's a renaissance?
[OUT]Ask for the shortest possible account of what is happening here.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]8
[STORY]
'Oh, ah. Never mind, it's a thing from my dreams...
I am a learned man. In the days before the dark, we were aplenty, but these days we are few. For our part in the whole darkness disaster, it has become somewhat of an unpopular career choice.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask what he is doing here, in the aftermath of a tremor, with all this equipment.
[OUT]Ask for the shortest possible account of what is happening here.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'I am looking for the beginning of it all, the catalyst, or the culprit, whatever I find.
And I am close. But I need to take measurements from within a cave, and it seems occupied by bandits - a large cohort, uninterested in the fate of the world, you see.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask what needs to be done.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'I am close. But I need to take measurements from within a cave, and it seems occupied by bandits - a large cohort, uninterested in the fate of the world, you see.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if he knows how to get in.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'Ah, well, the not-so-reputable history of my profession. The long and short of it is that scholars meddled with the ways of the gods, thought to rid us all of magic - bring about an age of reason. Only they didn't account for the gods having an actual world-saving job.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]Ask if he found his patient zero.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'The cosmic tree, you see, is the core that makes our Slavyan gods divine. Its roots hold the key to the underworlds, the trunk gives connection to the mortal realms, and the crown, well, that keeps the darkness in check. The tree burnt, the age of darkness consumed us, until the Awakening.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]The Awakening?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'Brave champions of the gods restored the tree and thus gave divine power back to the pantheon. Or at least that's the official line. There were rumours of other paths, tales of the tree being reborn despite those faithful failing their task, attempts to keep the dark going, all sorts. And there is talk of gods fighting, disappearing. I do not know more. It is not my area of expertise.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask why then he is investigating the tremors. Is it to do with the tree again?
[OUT]So if the tree is safe now, why are we having problems? Darkness isn't gone -- it still lurks in places, and now the noon light burns so bright and the shakes destroy so much.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]14
[STORY]
'No, not directly, I would imagine. But something shattered the earth, and while we survived, the shaking is getting more frequent. I fear we may yet face extinction if we do nothing.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Enquire if he plans to stop it himself.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'Me? Oh, gods no. You will. Or won't. That will be your choice once more, I suppose, as the wheel must turn.
I am merely taking measurements, looking for clues and happy to share them.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why does he say that about you?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'I am a learned man, I just know these things...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Demand a true answer!
[OUT]Nod and ask if he has any real clues, then.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]17
[STORY]
He goes quiet for a time, murmurs something under his breath, then replies:
'I am a scholar, yes, but no stranger to the ways of fate. I see many things, and many are so confusing - past, present, future. Possibilities spilling over and over.
And I saw you come to me, and I see you as you are, chosen or what have you -- not merely by your gods, for with those I squabble a lot, but by fate. Now enough of my ramblings, no?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nod and ask if he has any real clues, then.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]18
[STORY]
'Well, the way I see it, there are a few ways to deal with it. One, try to parley with the lot - an awful idea, if you ask me, but who knows. Second's obvious, but not my cup of tea - brute force. And then there's always other ways. Like I heard the scavengers who live nearby hate the bandits - a feud amongst rabble, heh. Perhaps use that?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So you need to get rid of the bandits from the cave, or convince them to let him set up camp?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'Yes, your grasp of the finer details is impressive. I should also say I tried asking them. Got myself robbed, beaten, and barely escaped with my life. Just so you know the sort you're dealing with, if you choose to help, that is.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say you will look into it if you can.
[OUT]Agree to help.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]23
[STORY]
You take a swing at him, but he shields himself with a large book, then drops a glass vial on the floor, releasing a toxic cloud that blinds you for a few seconds.
A group of mercenaries appears by his side and he shouts: 'Finally! What do I pay you for?'
They charge at you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Fight!
[/NODE]
+[NODE]25
[STORY]
The mercs are dead, and the odd man tries to run but you catch him. He squeals at your feet:
'Gah, so much blood, you'd think I'd be okay with blood by now... So, can we perhaps talk about this? I am trying to save the world and all...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Kill him.
[OUT]Listen to him.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'I am looking for the beginning of it all - the Shattering, I mean. I am looking for answers because we're out of time.
And I am close. But I need to take measurements within a cave, and it seems occupied by bandits - a large cohort, uninterested in the fate of the world, you see.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask what needs to be done.
[OUT]Kill him.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]27
[STORY]
You kill the man and loot his strange table. Among other things, you find a map with a place distinctly marked: 'Stupid bandits unable to grasp the importance of their cave - need to get in here before all shatters!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take what you can and leave.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]28
[STORY]
'The giants, ah, yes. There is speculation that the two are related, but in what way, I do not know. Giants did return, but they were put back to sleep, else we'd see them roaming our land still. It's not like they were stealthy about it.
So some other connection must be hidden from us.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask why then he is investigating the tremors. Is it to do with the tree again?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]29
[STORY]
'Ah, the right question, precisely. Why indeed? The tree is saved, but it is clearly weakened again - perhaps threatened by the Shattering? Gods that once were have disappeared, and others have come to be. And all are trying to learn why this is happening. I suspected giants, of course, but I don't know...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Giants?
[/NODE]
+[NODE]33
[STORY]
The mercenaries beat you badly, and the man you tried to kill speaks:
'I am called the Alchemist, a scholar of sorts. I've been waiting for you, though I admit I was hoping for less turmoil. Still. Are we good to have a conversation now?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Yes.
[OUT]No.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Fine, fine, a monologue, then, while I have your undivided attention.
I am looking for the beginning of it all, the catalyst, or the culprit, whatever I find.
And I am close. But I need to take measurements within a cave, and it seems occupied by bandits - a large cohort, uninterested in the fate of the world, you see.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]The mercenaries continue to point weapons at you. Keep listening.
[/NODE]
+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'And so, in short, I'll mark the location of said bandits for you, and if you choose to do the world-saving thing, please get them to let me into the red cave. Now, off I go, and try not to die before you serve a purpose - I mean, those aren't even expensive mercenaries...'
He leaves with his men.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]
[/EVENT]