Stuff and Nonsense

Today is the day. She is coming. The year is 1860. The place is Bearbrass, Australia: a sprawling metropolis of tin, steel, brick, stone and brass. (set: $gold to 0)(set: $brass to 0)(set: $scene5 to 0) Ever since the 1854 battle between gold miners and British soldiers, the famous rebel Emmeline Muchamore has sought independence for the state of Victoria. The state's police force is blatantly corrupt, the British government dictates Australian law from half a world away, and many people are disillusioned by their experiences of poverty and powerlessness on the goldfields. (set: $aluminium to 0) {It wasn't so long ago that the French discovered the magical potential of [[certain metals->Magical Metals]]. If a person wears even a small sliver of metal that has been magically activated, it grants them special skills.} (set: $silver to 0) Queen Victoria is visiting Bearbrass for Australia's own Great Exhibition. All the sharpest minds of the colony have worked day and night to perfect their devices and displays. The people of Victoria have built a glorious structure of glass, copper, and steel that is the tallest and widest building in the Southern Hemisphere, with 14,000 [[wondrous exhibits->Exhibits]]. The building's engineers employed revolutionary new techniques of construction featuring gossamer-thin supporting columns and a glass-and-copper checkerboard ceiling that appears to float in the air. {Miss Muchamore has gathered [[a rag-tag group of characters->Characters]] around her cause.} Queen Victoria is scheduled to visit the Great Exhibition within hours. Today is the day. She is coming. //Warning: The back button must not be used more than once in a row. Investigate freely, but choose wisely.// [[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0875.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0875.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

Who would you like to be? //The link to go forwards is at the bottom of the page.// (set: $samantha to 0) [[Emmeline Muchamore]], the London-born mad scientist with a magic-operated heart of brass, as well as the wealth and determination to get away from the United Kingdom's control. Her name is well-known but photography is a recent invention, so she is able to travel unobserved in public. (set: $emmeline to 0) Her [[magical metals->Magical Metals]] are Lead, Brass, and Silver. (set: $tin to 1) [[Patrick O'Connell]], the Australian-born Irish bushranger who can't stop himself rescuing people in trouble... especially his adopted sister, Matilda, and her best friend Emmeline. He's not fond of the British. (set: $slingshot to 0) His [[magical metals->Magical Metals]] are Lead, Brass, and Iron. (set: $scene4 to 0) [[Matilda]], the defiantly tactless heiress with an Aboriginal Australian mother who taught her quite a bit more than how to embroider and play piano to the standards of a classical education. (set: $scene3 to 0) Her [[magical metals->Magical Metals]] are Brass, Gold, and Aluminium. (set: $scene2 to 0) [[Doctor Normal]], the upper-class alchemist and genius who is happy to fight for independence with Miss Muchamore as long as it helps him avoid taxes. (set: $doctor to 0) His [[magical metals->Magical Metals]] are Silver, Gold, and Aluminium. (set: $matilda to 0) [[Samir]] the talented pickpocket who was adopted by Emmeline (and not out of pity) but remains savvy enough to deny all knowledge of his mistress if necessary. (set: $tin to 1) His [[magical metals->Magical Metals]] are Brass, Silver, and Aluminium. (set: $patrick to 0) All characters have a piece of magically activated tin. (set: $lead to 0) I choose to be [[Emmeline->The Great Exhibition]], [[Patrick->The Great Exhibition2]], [[Matilda->The Great Exhibition3]], [[Dr Normal->The Great Exhibition4]], [[Samir->The Great Exhibition5]]. //Choosing your character on this line moves the story forwards.// [[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0875.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0875.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

The Great Exhibition is open, and Her Majesty arrives at noon! Born into upper-class British society, I was taught dancing, embroidery, and the classical languages. The inventing in my basement just... happened. Some called my father a mad scientist. He was a brilliant inventor; the man who took out my ordinary flesh heart and replaced it with a heart of brass, silver, and magic. I am eternally grateful to his genius, and I remain angry that he was executed for the crime of committing uneccessary surgery on a child. Mother says we're very alike. After his death, the Muchamore family fortune dwindled away until I could barely afford the parts I needed to keep my heart running. I turned to crime to stay alive, and was transported as a convict to Australia. After I escaped captivity, I grew to love my new country. The more I understand the trappings of The British Empire, the more I want to break free. Independence for Victoria! I don't want to hurt anyone, but I will if I have to. My activated metals are tin, brass, silver, and gold. <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-2-56-18-pm.png?w=500" width="500" height="800" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-2-56-18-pm.png?w=500"> [[Return to Character List->Characters]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0875.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0875.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

The Great Exhibition is open, and Her Majesty arrives at noon! I can't help it. When I see someone in trouble, I have to dive to the rescue. Mother is constantly getting herself imprisoned for demanding universal suffrage, or shorter working hours for children, or fewer random beatings performed by the local police. She's a lost cause, and I know it... but at least she can't be transported for her politics a second time. Emmeline and Matilda are even worse risk-takers, but at least they'll welcome my help after their latest plan goes horribly awry. When I was a teenager Matilda's Aboriginal family adopted me, making Matilda my sister. Emmeline has a family of her own, but they're all the way back in London―and I'm right here. I have to look after her. Committing treason is new, even for Emmeline. I know she doesn't want to hurt anyone, but that doesn't mean no-one will get hurt. One day, one of my closest friends is going to get herself hanged... and that will be more than I can bear. I wish someone else would spearhead the independence campaign instead of the ones I love... but I am willing to fight for Victoria's independence. Someone has to stop those dew-beating British from trampling our rights. When I was younger, I stole horses. Now I'm dead set on stealing the state of Victoria. My activated metals are tin, lead, brass, and iron. <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-2-19-01-am.png?w=500" width="500" height="500" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-2-19-01-am"> [[Return to Character List->Characters]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0875.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0875.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

The Great Exhibition is open, and Her Majesty arrives at noon! Few men would dare attempt to marry an Aboriginal woman, but my father had the wealth (and the sheer social obliviousness) to pull it off. Unfortunately, his obliviousness extended to his wife and daughter. That marriage broke my mother's spirit, but I ran away from home before it could break mine. Father gave me a full classical education. Mother gave me an equally thorough Aboriginal Australian education. If I need to eat a seven-course dinner, I'll reach for the right cutlery without thinking. I'll sit correctly, I'll speak correctly, and if called upon I can dance or sing or play the pianoforte to perfection. If, on the other hand, I need to disappear into the outback, I know I can live there indefinitely with the same casual ease. I'm not British. I'm not Aboriginal. I'm loyal only to my own heart. Over time, I've grown to enjoy the discomfort of others. I rarely care what anyone thinks of me, but I care about Emmeline. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't concern myself with who was governor of Victoria—or queen of Australia, for that matter. Yet here I am. We don't plan to hurt anyone today, but plans can change fast. My activated metals are tin, brass, gold, and aluminium. <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-1-53-48-am.png?w=500" width="500" height="500" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-1-53-48-am"> [[Return to Character List->Characters]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0875.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0875.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

The Great Exhibition is open, and Her Majesty arrives at noon! I've devoted my life to studying the most beautiful metal: gold. No-one can change one metal into another, but some of us have spent our lives studying magic, and earned our fortunes as a result. I usually get what I want, and what I want is more gold. Always. On the other hand... I've been wealthy for so long that I no longer have any idea if my friends appreciate me for who I am, or whether they only like me because of my magically-enhanced charm. They probably don't know the real answer themselves. Emmeline came to Australia with nothing and thanks to her magic she already owns the richest estate in Australia. Maybe replacing her heart with magical brass wasn't such a foolish idea after all... I believe she plans to commit treason today, and I'm going to be just as guilty as she is. She never plans to hurt anyone, but that doesn't mean no-one will get hurt. I didn't mind the British when they only hurt the criminal classes, but these days they have the power to tax me back down into the middle class, and we can't have that. My activated metals are tin, silver, gold, and aluminium. <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-5-16-24-pm.png?w=500" width="500" height="400" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-5-16-24-pm"> [[Return to Character List->Characters]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0875.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0875.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

The Great Exhibition is open, and Her Majesty arrives at noon! Usually it's obvious what side my bread's buttered on. Not that I'd had any butter before Emmeline took me in. Or much bread. I don't stick with Emmeline because she's kind. I stick with her because she's smart, and fierce, and even now that she's richer than a lord I know she'd fight for half a pound as if it were a matter of life and death. I happen to be a gifted pickpocket myself. We'll be committing treason today. That's a hanging offence, even though we won't be harming anyone. At least, not on purpose. Sometimes even the smartest fighters get taken down. What will I do if Emmeline takes on Queen Victoria... and loses? My activated metals are tin, brass, silver, and aluminium. <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-25-at-6-45-21-pm.png?w=1000" width="600" height="700" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-3-00-07-pm.png?w=500"> [[Return to Character List->Characters]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0875.jpg?w=200" width="180" height="180" alt="img_0875.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(set: $emmeline to 1)(set: $gold to 1)(set: $silver to 1)(set: $brass to 1)(if:$emmeline < 1)[It's been clear for some time that Emmeline has been getting a crew together, and I'm one of her inner circle. She still hasn't said exactly what the plan is, but there certainly is one. Well... almost certainly. It's bound to involve Her Royal Majesty somehow, which is sure to be a hanging offence. I'm ready to risk my life, and Emmeline knows it. We're gathered in one of the smaller side halls of the Great Exhibition, where Australia's most famous gold nugget is on display. Emmeline doesn't seem to notice that she's gently stroking the glass case with one hand. Above her, several tin whirligigs circle; part of the elaborate security measures organised by peons of the British royal guard. "We've all got jobs to do," says Emmeline, "and I recommend you expand your skill set by..."](if:($emmeline > 0))[You've been getting a crew together for some time, and you're happy with your inner circle. They don't know your plan yet, but they will soon. It's simple enough that surely, this time, nothing will go wrong. Since the plan involves Her Royal Majesty, it's a hanging offence. You're ready to lay down your life, and so is every member of your crew (except, hopefully, little Samir). You've gathered your people in one of the smaller side halls of the Great Exhibition, where Australia's most famous gold nugget is on display. Patrick doesn't seem to notice that he hasn't taken his eyes off the "Welcome" nugget since you entered the room. Nor has little Sam, but he's just a child and it's //very// shiny. Doctor Normal is carefully not looking at it. That would be gauche, even though he's almost vibrating with longing for it. Several tin whirligigs circle above you; part of the elaborate security measures organised by peons of the British royal guard. (set: $xiniwe to 0) "We've all got jobs to do," you tell your group. "I'd like some practice..."] [[Distracting the security guards.->Distract the security guards]] [[Finding some weapons, since we weren't allowed our own guns.->Improvise weapons]] [[Sneaking our mechanical spiders into various exhibits.->Sneak into the maintenance corridors]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0873.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0873.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(set: $scene2 to 1)(if: $emmeline<1)["You're right," said Emmeline. "We need an extra edge, or this could all go pear-shaped." (set: $scene2 to 1) (if: $matilda < 1)["I didn't know explosions were pear-shaped," Matilda said sweetly.](if: $matilda > 0)["As usual," said Patrick.] Emmeline laughed. "You know me so well." She slipped into the crowd and we followed her, keeping safe by keeping on the move. "Now, here's what I think. We've got a great range of talents, but we could always use a few more." She paused, looking at me until I felt uncomfortable. "I think you should focus on...](if: $emmeline>0)["You're right," said Matilda. "We need an extra edge," I said, "or this could all go pear-shaped." (if: $matilda < 1)["I didn't know explosions were pear-shaped," Matilda said sweetly.](if: $matilda > 0)["As usual," said Patrick.] I couldn't help laughing. "You know me so well. Now, here's what I think. We've got a great range of talents, but we could always use a few more." I paused, finding it surprisingly difficult to identify my own area of weakness. "For example, I shall focus on...] [[Paying attention to our surroundings.->Scene 2.2a]] [[Physical strength.->Scene 2.2b]] [[Fast getaways.->Scene 2.2c]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

//Your decision revealed that you are naturally charming, which is represented by the magic of gold. If you did not already have the magic/skill that this game calls "gold", you do now.// I approached the security guards, smelling the sharp scent of carbolic soap mingled with the slightly burned smell of recently-pressed uniforms. (set: $gold to 2) They were proud of their job, but they were physically uncomfortable. I straightened my spine to match their posture and then engaged them in conversation, describing the new auto-press machine in gallery seventeen that used an ingenious hydraulic system to test the pressure exerted upon the clothing so the creases were as sharp as physically possible. They were suitably enthralled, and my companions crept into the back corridors of the exhibition with ease. We reassembled at the gold-plated central fountain, secure in the crush of people who'd designated the same location as their own meeting-place for lost children, top-hatted suitors, and corseted ladies. (if: $emmeline < 1)[ "We've planted a number of mechanical spiders throughout the exhibition!" Emmeline revealed. "Even if half a dozen are apprehended, the rest will converge on Her Royal Majesty the moment she arrives!" [[We won't harm the queen, will we?->Scene 1.3a]] [[It's about time the queen stopped treating us like her possessions!->Scene 1.3b]] [[Are we going to launch an all-out attack?->Scene 1.3c]]](if: $emmeline > 0)[ "We've planted a number of mechanical spiders throughout the exhibition!" I revealed at last. "Even if half a dozen are apprehended, the rest will converge on Her Royal Majesty the moment she arrives!" [[Don't worry, I won't let the queen get hurt.->Scene 1.3a]] [[It's about time the queen stopped treating us like her possessions!->Scene 1.3b]] [[If we have to fight, that's when it'll happen.->Scene 1.3c]]] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png?w=500" width="300" height="260" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png"> [[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0873.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0873.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

//(set: $silver to 2)Your decision revealed that you are mechanically minded, which is represented by the magic of silver. If you did not already have the magic/skill that this game calls "silver", you do now.// The others distracted the security guards so I could get into the back corridors of the exhibition, where all manner of broken implements and spare parts lay in piles as enticing to me as a tower of profiteroles to a French chef. (set: $slingshot to 1) I was extremely tempted to rig up a full-size cannon or three, but there were thousands of innocent people exploring the displays and innovations, and I couldn't risk them. Instead I put together some spring-loaded slingshots. I sat on an enormous steel pipe and enjoyed my creative process. It might have been my imagination, but I felt like the weapons I made enjoyed being reformed into something both beautiful and useful. We reassembled at the gold-plated central fountain, secure in the crush of people who'd designated the same location as their own meeting-place for lost children, top-hatted suitors, and corseted ladies. (if:($emmeline < 1))[ "We've planted a number of mechanical spiders throughout the exhibition!" Emmeline revealed. "Even if half a dozen are apprehended, the rest will converge on Her Royal Majesty the moment she arrives!" [[We won't harm the queen, will we?->Scene 1.3a]] [[It's about time the queen stopped treating us like her possessions!->Scene 1.3b]] [[Is that the moment we launch our attack?->Scene 1.3c]]](if:($emmeline > 0))[ "We've planted a number of mechanical spiders throughout the exhibition!" I revealed at last. "Even if half a dozen are apprehended, the rest will converge on Her Royal Majesty the moment she arrives!" [[Don't worry, I won't let the queen get hurt.->Scene 1.3a]] [[It's about time the queen stopped treating us like her possessions!->Scene 1.3b]] [[If we have to fight, that's when we attack.->Scene 1.3c]]] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png?w=500" width="300" height="260" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png"> [[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0873.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0873.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

//Your decision revealed that you are graceful, which is represented by the magic of aluminium. If you did not already have the magic/skill that this game calls "aluminium", you do now.//(set: $aluminium to 2) (if:($emmeline < 1))[(if:($matilda < 1))[While Matilda distracted the security guards with her "lost my chaperone" act, the rest of us snuck past them into the labyrinthine corridors built into and through the supporting columns of the exhibition. ](if:($matilda > 0))[While Emmeline distracted the security guards by stealing my patented "lost my chaperone" act, the rest of us snuck past them into the labyrinthine corridors built into and through the supporting columns of the exhibition. ] The copper-lined steel of the corridors thrummed with the vibrations of the exhibits all around them. It felt uncannily like being inside an enormous beating heart. Emmeline gave each of us a number of small cardboard boxes tied with twine. They twitched and wriggled in our hands. "Don't open them," she said. "Just hide them. My little ones will find their own way out easily enough." We split up, spreading the "little ones" far and wide. I climbed service ladders to the upper levels, planting Emmeline's quivering boxes under the yellow flowers of native wattle trees and inside the bellies of the expandable tin horse tents that were one of Australia's most useful local inventions. We reassembled at the gold-plated central fountain, secure in the crush of people who'd designated the same location as their own meeting-place for lost children, top-hatted suitors, and corseted ladies. "We've just planted a number of mechanical spiders throughout the exhibition!" Emmeline revealed. "Even if half a dozen are apprehended, the rest will converge on Her Royal Majesty the moment she arrives!" [[We won't harm the queen, will we?->Scene 1.3a]] [[It's about time the queen stopped treating us like her possessions!->Scene 1.3b]] [[Is that the moment we launch our attack?->Scene 1.3c]]](if:($emmeline > 0))[While Matilda distracted the security guards with her "lost my chaperone" act, the rest of us snuck past them into the labyrinthine corridors built into and through the supporting columns of the exhibition. The copper-lined steel of the corridors thrummed with the movement and the shifting temperatures of exhibits all around them. It felt uncannily like being inside an enormous beating heart. I gave each person a number of small cardboard boxes tied with twine. They twitched and wriggled in our hands. "Don't open them," I said. "Just hide them. My little ones will find their own way out easily enough." We split up, spreading my little ones far and wide. I climbed service ladders to the upper levels, planting my quivering boxes under the yellow flowers of native wattle trees and inside the bellies of the expandable tin horse tents that were one of Australia's most useful local inventions. We reassembled at the gold-plated central fountain, secure in the crush of people who'd designated the same location as their own meeting-place for lost children, top-hatted suitors, and corseted ladies. "We've just planted a number of mechanical spiders throughout the exhibition!" I revealed at last. "Even if half a dozen are apprehended, the rest will converge on Her Royal Majesty the moment she arrives!" [[Don't worry, I won't let the queen get hurt.->Scene 1.3a]] [[It's about time the queen stopped treating us like her possessions!->Scene 1.3b]] [[If we have to fight, we'll attack then.->Scene 1.3c]]] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png?w=500" width="300" height="260" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png"> [[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0873.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0873.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(if: $matilda > 0)[I raised my eyebrows in a silent question.](if: $matilda < 1)[Matilda raised her eyebrows in a silent question.] (if: $emmeline < 1)[ "We won't harm the queen unless we absolutely have to," said Emmeline firmly.](if: $emmeline > 0)[ "We won't harm the queen unless we absolutely have to," I said firmly.] (set: $lead to 2) (if: $patrick < 1)["Uh oh," said Patrick, looking beyond me. "We've been recognised." ](if: $patrick > 0)["Uh oh," said Doctor Normal, looking beyond me. "We've been recognised." ] I followed his gaze and saw a knot of people nearby watching us, including our old friend Mr Lalor. Mr Lalor had fought for justice and lost his arm as a result. It had since been replaced with an iron limb that suited him very well. I was less impressed by his wealthy clothes; a side effect of his new career as a politician and land-holder. <img src="http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2.2.3.6_00.jpg" width="580" height="580" alt="2.2.3.6_00.jpg"> His eyes flicked to mine, and then away. He was watching us. They were all watching us. Mr Lalor was part of a special security team... and he'd just told his friends what we looked like! (if: $matilda < 1)[ "Don't panic," said Matilda. "Those fustilugs don't know for certain we've done anything."](if: $matilda > 0)[ "Don't panic," said Doctor Normal. "Those dew-beaters don't know for certain we've done anything."] (if: $samantha < 1)[ "They don't need proof to follow us," said Samir. ] (if: $samantha > 0)[ "They don't need proof to follow us," I pointed out. ][["Release the Training Montage!"->Training Montage]] [["Do you hear something?"->Do you hear something??]] [["We have to get away from them!"->We have to get away from them!!]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0873.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0873.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(if: $emmeline < 1)["Exactly," said Emmeline. "This is our day to show what we're made of."](if: $emmeline > 0)["Exactly," I said. "This is our day to show what we're made of."] (set: $iron to 2) (if: $patrick < 1)["Uh oh," said Patrick, looking beyond me. "We've been recognised." ](if: $patrick > 0)["Uh oh," said Doctor Normal, looking beyond me. "We've been recognised." ]I followed his gaze and saw a knot of people nearby watching us, including our old friend Mr Lalor. Mr Lalor had fought for justice and lost his arm as a result. It had since been replaced with an iron limb that suited him very well. I was less impressed by his wealthy clothes; a side effect of his new career as a politician and land-holder. <img src="http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2.2.3.6_00.jpg" width="580" height="580" alt="2.2.3.6_00.jpg"> His eyes flicked to mine, and then away. He was watching us. They were all watching us. Mr Lalor was part of a special security team... and he'd just told his friends what we looked like! (if: $matilda < 1)["Don't panic," said Matilda. "Those fustilugs don't know for certain we've done anything."](if: $matilda > 0)["Don't panic," said Doctor Normal. "Those dew-beaters don't know for certain we've done anything."] (if: $samantha < 1)[ "They don't need proof to follow us," said Samir. "Just look at us!" ](if: $samantha > 0)[ "They don't need proof to follow us," I pointed out. "Just look at us!" ] [["Release the Training Montage!"->Training Montage]] [["Do you hear something?"->Do you hear something??]] [["We have to get away from them!"->We have to get away from them!!]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0873.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0873.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

"Only if we have to," said Emmeline. "Let's hope Her Royal Majesty attracts enough spiders to scare her off." (set: $iron to 2) (if: $patrick < 1)["Uh oh," said Patrick, looking beyond me. "We've been recognised." ] (if: $patrick > 0)["Uh oh," said Doctor Normal, looking beyond me. "We've been recognised." ]I followed his gaze and saw a knot of people nearby watching us, including our old friend Mr Lalor. Mr Lalor had fought for justice and lost his arm as a result. It had since been replaced with an iron limb that suited him very well. I was less impressed by his wealthy clothes; a side effect of his new career as a politician and land-holder. <img src="http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2.2.3.6_00.jpg" width="580" height="580" alt="2.2.3.6_00.jpg"> His eyes flicked to mine, and then away. He was watching us. They were all watching us. Mr Lalor was part of a special security team... and he'd just told his friends what we looked like! (if: $matilda < 1)[ "Don't panic," said Matilda. "Those fustilugs don't know for certain we've done anything." ](if: $matilda > 0)[ "Don't panic," said Doctor Normal. "Those dew-beaters don't know for certain we've done anything." ](if: $samantha < 1)[ "They don't need proof to follow us," said Samir.] (if: $samantha > 0)[ "They don't need proof to follow us," I pointed out. ] [["Release the Training Montage!"->Training Montage]] [["Do you hear something?"->Do you hear something??]] [["We have to get away from them!"->We have to get away from them!!]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0873.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0873.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(set: $scene3 to 1)(if: $emmeline < 1)["Yes," said Emmeline, cocking her head like a sparrow to hear more clearly. (set: $scene3 to 1) "Gasket," she said suddenly, and set off at a run. We all ran after her, wondering what was happening—until we heard the screams of terror and rounded a corner to see an enormous mechanical reaper chewing at the copper floor... and skittering sideways as the crowd fled its path of destruction!](if: $emmeline > 0)[I was sure I heard a faint hissing, so I shushed the others while I tried to figure out why my magical brass heart was bringing that tiny noise to my attention. It was so familiar... "Gasket," I blurted out, and set off at a run. The others ran after me, but their footsteps were quickly drowned out by screams of terror! We rounded a corner to see an enormous mechanical reaper chewing at the copper floor... and skittering sideways as the crowd fled its path of destruction!] I spotted the lady mechanic from Mr Lalor's security team. She knelt on the copper floor, searching through her tool bag for something useful. <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-12-51-19-am.png?w=1000" width="580" height="880" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-4-50-15-pm.png"> [["Oh, those poor people!"->Scene 3.2a]] [["Catch it!"->Scene 3.2b]] [["It's heading straight for that nanny, and she hasn't noticed!"->Scene 3.2c]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(set: $scene4 to 1)I moved quickly among the exhibits, listening carefully to what people near me were saying. (set: $scene4 to 1) "Mr Bhai told me Her Royal Majesty's not so tall. Will we really be able to see her for ourselves?" "Look at the movement of that crank! Have you ever seen such a smooth turning motion?" "I heard Miss Muchamore is here, in disguise." "How does that contraption work?" "Is it true that Miss Muchamore is going to fight the queen?" "Timmy, stop sucking your thumb. There's a good boy." I followed a well-dressed Chinese pair among a group of new locomotive designs as they discussed Miss Muchamore in less than glowing terms. It was important to know what people really thought of us. All at once, I found myself trapped between a protoype engine and a high balcony, with Mr Lalor and his crew of security experts closing in! One of them gave me an almost apologetic glance as he tucked away his notebook. I recognised him with a shock: the novelist Charles Dickens himself! <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-4-50-15-pm.png?w=1000" width="280" height="550" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-4-50-15-pm.png"> For a mad moment I was tempted to ask for his autograph—but of course we were mortal enemies when it came to the fate of Victoria's bid for independence. [[Grab a poker and wield it like a sword!->Scene 4.2a]] [[Use the exhibit to defend yourself.->Scene 4.2b]] [[Get the wealthy couple on your side.->Scene 4.2c]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

I climbed the stairs to the top floor balcony, and watched the crowd from above. It was impossible to get a clear view past the full-size eucalyptus trees inside, not to mention the masses of man-sized pipes and columns linking every part of the Great Exhibition to every other part. (set: $brass to 2) The building was so enormous it had its own weather patterns, and there were ornithopters and gliders cluttering the air. The structure was so delicate it looked to my eye as if a smart saboteur could destroy it with minimal effort. And then it wasn't. The thrumming engines had a distinct rhythm, and after a while I could see where the main beats were coming from: The automatic reaping engine vibrated at a frequency that moved in waves through the building every few minutes, and there was a herd of segmented tin horses that jerked along in a full loop around the central fountain over and over again. Even the ornithopters took flight as one flock before floating to the ground and getting hauled back up on pulleys for a new set of amateur aeronauts to try. The people followed the same swirling pattern, instinctively circling clockwise. They were densely packed, making themselves vulnerable to crushed skirts, pickpockets, and fires. The members of the security team walked against the flow, scanning faces and ignoring exhibits. If we moved with them they would be far less likely to see us. We could also take advantage of exhibits with a central item that shielded customers from easy view. I watched from above as Mr Lalor's security team gathered in a sheltered alcove, talking intently to one another. [[Spy on them.->Scene 2.3a]] [[Confront them.->Scene 2.3b]] [[Avoid them.->Scene 2.3c]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

I made a beeline for an exhibit I'd passed on the way in: The Strong Arm of the Law. It was an innovation designed to assist the beleagured local police force. (if: $patrick > 0)[I liked to think I bore some responsibility for that.](if: $patrick < 1)[I suspected Patrick bore a certain amount of responsibility for that.] (set: $iron to 2) The device was, quite literally, an arm. It was equipped with adjustable leather straps to fit its owner, made of leather-lined iron with a range of tools operated by sliding levers. Inside the large iron shaft there was a concealed knife, a spring-loaded packet of flechettes, and a grappling hook. I wanted it. Not knowing how to acquire one of the prototypes on display, I stood staring at it until one of the inventors noticed me and said quietly, "You're one of the lot wanting independence for Victoria, aren't you?" The activated tin I wore parped delightedly, and since I didn't have a choice I nodded confession. "Keep it," she said, and pushed it into my hand before gently shoving me back into the throng of people. I walked on in a happy daze. Mr Lalor's group of security experts gathered in a sheltered alcove, talking intently to one another. I snapped out of my reverie and wondered what I should do. [[Spy on them.->Scene 2.3a]] [[Confront them.->Scene 2.3b]] [[Avoid them.->Scene 2.3c]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

I climbed the stairs to the top floor balcony, and watched the crowd from above. It was impossible to get a clear view past the flocks of airborne security gadgets and ornithopters, not to mention the masses of man-sized pipes and columns linking every part of the Great Exhibition to every other part. There were a million concealed escape routes from every corner of the exhibition. It was almost too easy. (set: $aluminium to 2) The building was so enormous it had its own weather patterns, yet the structure was so delicate it looked to my eye as if a smart saboteur could destroy it with minimal effort. (if: $samantha > 0)[My guardian was a bad influence on me.](if: $samantha < 1)[Patrick was a bad influence on us.] I traced the geodesic pattern of the roof, well aware that there was nothing holding the pieces together except their own complementary forces. Everything hung in perfect balance. Nothing so complicated could stay balanced for long. The more I thought about it, the more nervous I became. I watched as men tried on the latest self-doffing top hat designs, and children rolled around in enormous glass spheres designed to foil pickpockets. (if: $samantha > 0)[The urge to steal an entire globe, child and all, was almost overwhelming.](if: $samantha < 1)[I was willing to bet Samir could figure out a way to rob them, glass or no glass. The boy was unstoppable.] Mr Lalor's security team walked against the flow of the crowd, scanning faces and ignoring exhibits. I watched from above as they gathered in a sheltered alcove, talking intently to one another. [[Spy on them.->Scene 2.3a]] [[Confront them.->Scene 2.3b]] [[Avoid them.->Scene 2.3c]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(if: $aluminium >0)[It was lucky that I'd examined the area before approaching, because I was able to use my observations to remain hidden from view. (if: $aluminium <2)[(if: $aluminium >0)[My magical aluminium helped me to keep out of sight while eavesdropping.]] (if:$aluminium>0)[It was tricky getting close enough to hear what the security team was saying, but I managed it.] "How many more are there?" said a professor-type man with a German accent. "I'm afraid I don't know," a woman said. We've only found three, and that doesn't seem enough for the purpose." "Parp!" said their automated dog, and stood up on its hind legs to examine passers-by. I shrank back, holding my breath. "Yes," the woman said. "Given a little time, I think I can figure out if they're an annoyance or a mortal danger." "Her Royal Majesty is sure to be the target," the professor said. "What do you think, Mr Lalor? Are these rebels an annoyance, or a genuine threat?" The dog was working its way through the crowd and I slipped away, making my way back to Emmeline and the others and telling them what I'd discovered.](if: $aluminium <1)[It was tricky getting close enough to hear what the security team was saying, and I wedged myself awkwardly between a new Polarity Reversing Water Closet and a pair of wheeled shoes. "How many more are there?" said a professor-type man with a German accent. "I'm afraid I don't know," a woman said. We've only found three, and that doesn't seem enough for the purpose." "Parp!" said their automated dog, and stood up on its hind legs to examine passers-by. "Parp! Parp! Parp!" It shook free of the professor's hand and bolted towards me! I gave up all hope of concealment and fled into the crowd. If only I'd possessed some magically activated brass to help me hear them from farther away! It was a narrow escape, and I was still shaken when I rejoined the rest of my party.] The day was far from over. (if: $scene3 < 1)[ [["Do you hear something?"->Do you hear something??]]] (if: $scene4 < 1)[ [["We have to get away from that security team!"->We have to get away from them!!]]] [["We're out of time! Her Royal Majesty is arriving!"->Her Royal Majesty]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

I strode directly up to the security team, noticing that they held several of Emmeline's mechanical spiders and appeared to be trying to figure out how dangerous they were. "Tell Her Royal Majesty to leave Australia to its own devices or suffer the consequences," I said. A curly-headed man looked up from his notebook with frank curiosity, but the professorial type next to him slapped me across the face. "How dare you! Seize that rebel!" Beside him, his steam-powered dog rose abruptly onto its hind legs and //parped// at me furiously, while the muscle-bound Mr Lalor grabbed for me with his iron arm. He was our ally against the British, once. No longer!(if: $iron > 0)[(if: $iron < 2)[ I knocked away Lalor's metal arm and kicked the dog hard in one of its back legs, knowing that if I didn't have magical iron assisting me then I would have broken several toes.]] (if: $iron > 1)[ I knocked away Lalor's metal arm and punched the dog hard in its chest, knowing that if I didn't have my own iron arm I would have broken my hand.](if: $iron < 1)[ I struggled, and barely escaped their grasp!] Before they could recover, I backed away into the never-ending stream of people. "Don't forget!" I called out, and moved away into the crush before they could coordinate themselves to attack me properly. I rejoined my team at the next agreed-upon location, and updated them on what I'd done. "Wait!" I said suddenly.(if: $scene3 < 1)[ [["Do you hear something?"->Do you hear something??]]](if:$scene4 < 1)[ [["We have to get away from that security team!"->We have to get away from them!!]]] [["We're out of time! Her Royal Majesty is at the gate!"->Her Royal Majesty]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(if: $brass > 1)[It was lucky that I examined the area before approaching, because I was able to use my observations to remain hidden from view as I moved.](if:$brass > 0)[(if: $brass < 2)[ My magical brass helped me to keep out of sight while I found a way back into the service corridors.]] (if:$brass>0)[ It was tricky navigating blindly through the service corridors but I managed it, treading carefully and locking every door as I passed perilously close to my enemies. "How many more are there?" said a man with a German accent, and I realised I was hearing their conversation. "I'm afraid I don't know," a woman said. We've only found three, and that doesn't seem enough for the purpose." "Parp!" said their automated dog, and banged its head on the outside of my pipe. I shrank back, holding my breath. The dog parped again, and continued knocking its head against my corridor. One of the others tried the closest door, finding it locked, but the dog only parped louder. I slipped away, heading back to the others and telling them what I'd discovered.](if:$brass < 1)[It was tricky navigating blindly through the service corridors but I managed it, treading carefully as I passed perilously close to the security team. "How many more are there?" said a man with a German accent, and I realised I was hearing their conversation. "I'm afraid I don't know," a woman said. We've only found three, and that doesn't seem enough for the purpose." "Parp!" said their automated dog, and banged its head on the outside of my pipe. I shrank back, holding my breath. The dog parped again, and continued knocking its head against my corridor. One of the others charged through the closest door, and I fled at once, barking my shins against discarded engine parts and barely escaping! If only I'd possessed some magically activated brass so I could hear them from farther away! I was still shaken when I rejoined the others at our next location.] The day was far from over. (if: $scene3 < 1)[ [["Do you hear something?"->Do you hear something??]]] (if: $scene4 < 1)[ [["We have to get away from that security team!"->We have to get away from them!!]]] [["We're out of time! Her Royal Majesty is at the gate!"->Her Royal Majesty]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(set: $scene5 to 1)The ornithopters flapped to the ground and stopped. Inventors and engineers stilled their creations. Parents hushed their children. The Great Exhibition held its breath, and the light tinkle of water on gold from the central fountain was audible throughout the galleries. Then there was a mighty [[fanfare->Fanfare]]! Hundreds of people played bugles from every corner of the Great Exhibition. I jumped at the sound. (if: $xiniwe > 0)[ "She's coming!" said Ms Xiniwe, grabbing my arm in her excitement.] <audio src="http://acws.co.uk/sounds/buglchrg.mp3" autoplay>[[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

I saw the scene in all the myriad colours of people and dress and mechanical wonder. Everyone in the Exhibition had come to admire the brilliance of Australia's creators, and now one of the most magnificent and useful creations was about to chew them to bits like so much dumb stone. (set: $lead to 2) The inventor herself stood within the informal confines of her display, frozen with horror. Her skirts were not quite long enough, and still were still augmented with the crinoline wheels that had long since fallen out of fashion. Even among inventors, she was underfunded. Underfunded meant only having one prototype; bringing the wheeled version into the Great Exhibition instead of building a second model specifically for public display in a confined space. Underfunded meant layers and layers of fear: Being ejected from Society on a whim; being imprisoned for an innocent mistake; being laughed at; destroying her machine and her life with it. The fear of becoming an accidental murderess was buried among the rest. <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-5-14-54-pm.png?w=500" width="500" height="400" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-5-14-54-pm"> She was brilliant, but not when she was full of fear. I spotted her name on a hand-stencilled sign half-hidden in the shadows at the back of her display area, and I knew exactly what to say to snap her out of her frozen terror. "Ms Sarah Xiniwe!" I shouted, and her chin jerked upwards as I pointed to her rogue machine. "It is beautiful!" Her mouth dropped open in simple shock, and then her eyes cleared and she gathered her skirts and leaped aboard her machine, hauling on a lever and unwinding a gear-chain until it suddenly came to a stop. "Magnificent display!" I yelled into the sudden silence, and the crowd gasped in delight and cheered her. She met my eye, and gave a slight wave of acknowledgement. I nodded back, and applauded with the rest of the crowd. (if: $emmeline < 1)["I'd like to speak with Ms Xiniwe," Emmeline said thoughtfully. [["Let's assist her in hauling the machine back into place—that way you can escape public notice."->Scene 3.3a]] [["I'll see if I can convince her to come with me into a more secluded area." ->Scene 3.3b]] [["That machine will need repairing. Let's volunteer together, so you're not noticed.->Scene 3.3c]]] (if: $emmeline > 0)["I'd like to speak with Ms Xiniwe," I breathed. Samir heard me. "So would I." [["Let's assist her in hauling it back into place—that way we can both escape public notice."->Scene 3.3a]] [["I'll see if I can convince her to come with me into a more secluded area." ->Scene 3.3b]] [["That machine will need repairing. Let's volunteer together, so neither of us are noticed."->Scene 3.3c]]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(set: $iron to 2)I ran closer, and realised I was running straight past an exhibit of corrugated iron: wavy sheets of my new favourite metal. "Help me make levers!" I gasped to one of the assistants. "This is too flexible! Do you have any normal iron?" "For demonstrations, yes!" he said. Together we wheeled several iron rods to the machine, pushing them underneath it on all sides and improvising fulcrums from an artisan's steel sculptures to lever the mechanical reaper right off the ground! Its wheels and reaping blades moved helplessly against the air, and the woman who had invented it—a Ms Sarah Xiniwe, according to the sign in her stall—was able to get it under control once more. <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-5-14-54-pm.png?w=500" width="500" height="400" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-5-14-54-pm"> The crowd clapped and cheered indiscriminately. (if: $emmeline < 1)[ "I'd like to speak with Ms Xiniwe," Emmeline said thoughtfully. [["Let's assist her in hauling the machine back into place—that way you can escape public notice."->Scene 3.3a]] [["I'll see if I can convince her to come with me into a more secluded area." ->Scene 3.3b]] [["That machine will need repairing. Let's volunteer together, so you're not noticed.->Scene 3.3c]]](if: $emmeline > 0)[ "I'd like to speak with Ms Xiniwe," I breathed. Samir heard me. "So would I." [["Let's assist her in hauling it back into place—that way we can both escape public notice."->Scene 3.3a]] [["I'll see if I can convince her to come with me into a more secluded area." ->Scene 3.3b]] [["That machine will need repairing. Let's volunteer together, so neither of us are noticed."->Scene 3.3c]]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

I focused on the nanny with all my might, and heard her reprimanding little James Octavius Southwell for hitting his sister—the baby squalling in her arms. (set: $brass to 2) "James Octavius Southwell!" I yelled at the top of my voice. "Move out of the way!" The child looked at me, and at the machine, and ran. His nanny ran after him, still holding one baby and dragging a perambulator with the other. With the threat of imminent casualty taken care of, the machine's creator—a Ms Sarah Xiniwe, judging by the sign in her stall—was able to get her device back under control. <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-5-14-54-pm.png?w=500" width="500" height="400" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-5-14-54-pm"> The crowd cheered and clapped, pleased by the spectacle. (if: $emmeline < 1)["I'd like to speak with Ms Xiniwe," Emmeline said thoughtfully. [["Let's assist her in hauling her machine back into place—that way you can escape public notice."->Scene 3.3a]] [["I'll see if I can convince her to come with me into a more secluded area." ->Scene 3.3b]] [["That machine will need repairing. Let's volunteer together, so you're not noticed.->Scene 3.3c]]] (if: $emmeline > 0)[ "I'd like to speak with Ms Xiniwe," I breathed. Samir heard me. "So would I." [["Let's assist her in hauling it back into place—that way we can both escape public notice."->Scene 3.3a]] [["I'll see if I can convince her to come with me into a more secluded area." ->Scene 3.3b]] [["That machine will need repairing. Let's volunteer together, so neither of us are noticed."->Scene 3.3c]]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(if: $iron > 0)[(set: $xiniwe to 1)(if: $emmeline < 1)[Emmeline and I joined several others cheerfully hauling the quiescent machine back into position. It was even bigger when I stood next to it, and it wasn't easy to get it moving. I was grateful for my enhanced strength. Emmeline gave me a smile and let go of her section so she could move next to the inventor, where the two brilliant women quickly fell into a conversation that was cut off all too soon as the exhibit was restored to order.](if: $emmeline > 0)[Samir and I joined several others cheerfully hauling the quiescent machine back into position. It was even bigger when I stood next to it, and it wasn't easy to get it moving. I was grateful for my enhanced strength. Samir gave me a smile and I took the hint moved closer to Ms Xiniwe. We quickly fell into a conversation that was cut off all too soon as the exhibit was restored to order. But Ms Xiniwe knew who I was, and she gave me a careful nod. Our paths were sure to cross again soon.] ] (if: $iron < 1)[I joined several others cheerfully hauling the quiescent machine back into position. It was even bigger when I stood next to it, and I soon realised I wasn't any use at all. I moved away silently, and made my way to the next meeting place.] (if: $scene2 < 1)[ [[Training Montage<-"We need a training montage!"]]] (if: $scene4 < 1)[ [[We have to get away from them!!<-"We have to get away from the security team!]]] [[Her Royal Majesty<-"Queen Victoria is about to arrive!"]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(if: $gold > 0)[(set: $xiniwe to 1)I approached Ms Xiniwe as she supervised the return of her machine into its proper place. "That's a beautiful machine," I said. "Hm?" she said. "Your machine is fantastic," I said. "Oh," she said. "Yes." "Are you able to take a moment to speak to my associate? She wants to meet you." She looked at me properly for a moment. "A woman who likes to meet inventors, but can't afford to draw attention to herself?" "Yes," I said, "exactly." "I would love to meet Miss Muchamore, whenever and wherever is convenient for her," she said with a sly smile. Once her machine was settled, I led her to our next meeting place, guessing correctly that the others would be there early, waiting for us. It was a delight to watch my new and old friends in conversation.] (if: $gold < 1)[I approached Ms Xiniwe as she supervised the return of her machine into its proper place. "That's a beautiful machine," I said. "Hm?" she said. "Your machine is fantastic," I said. "Oh," she said. "Yes." "Are you able to take a moment to speak to my associate? She wants to meet you." She looked at me properly for a moment. "I'm sorry, but I'm simply too busy at present." I left her to join the others, knowing I lacked the magical charm that only gold could give.] (if: $scene2 < 1)[ [[Training Montage<-"We need a training montage!"]]] (if: $scene4 < 1)[ [[We have to get away from them!!<-"We have to get away from the security team!]]] [[Her Royal Majesty<-"Queen Victoria is about to arrive!"]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(if: $silver > 0)[(set: $xiniwe to 1)Ms Xiniwe looked ready to swoon at the scale of the disaster in front of her, so I moved to take care of the machine. It was clear at once that the blades could be retracted, so I wound them up into their highest position and engaged the reverse gear, sending the machine smoothly back into its place. Ms Xiniwe snapped out of her reverie and joined me, and I saw her face brighten in surprised delight as she realised I knew my way around machines. I brought her with me to meet the others.] (if: $silver < 1)[Ms Xiniwe looked ready to swoon at the scale of the disaster in front of her, so I moved to take care of the machine. It was clear at once that the blades were a major hazard, and I didn't have the first idea of what to do. Mourning my lack of both magically activated silver and a modicum of mechanical skill, I walked to the next meeting place without a new introduction.] (if: $scene2 < 1)[ [[Training Montage<-"We need a training montage!"]]] (if: $scene4 < 1)[ [[We have to get away from them!!<-"We have to get away from the security team!]]] [[Her Royal Majesty<-"Queen Victoria is about to arrive!"]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

There was a good sharp poker resting against the balcony wall. It was still shiny with newness instead of wearing the thick black charcoal layer of a proper tool, but that suited me fine. (set: $aluminium to 2) I gripped the handle and took a few practice swings. It wasn't balanced anything like a sword, and I adjusted my stance to compensate for the point-heavy weapon. For a poker, it made a pretty good sword. It felt good in my hand, and the excess weight only made my muscles sing with the effort of making it work for me instead of against me. The curly-haired leader of the security team squared up to me, grabbing a length of wood. He smiled slightly, and I knew he knew he was no match for me. On the other hand, his friends were behind him while mine were elsewhere. I ignored everything I knew about sword fighting and smashed my poker on his club with all the force I could muster. It shattered! My enemy jumped back—but his friends immediately swarmed forwards. [[Talk your way out.->Scene 4.3a]] [[Time to drop the poker and punch your way out.->Scene 4.3b]] [[Improvise a contraption to help you soar away!->Scene 4.3c]] [[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

I raised my fists in a bluff I felt sure they'd answer. (set: $silver to 2) Mr Lalor himself squared up to me, clenching both his fists: one flesh, one metal. I noticed scars on the skin of his knuckles from past battles. Worse yet, his friends were behind him while mine were elsewhere. As he moved to take a swing at me, I moved... sideways. I grabbed the safety value closest to me and pulled the handle to one side, sending a jet of scalding steam right at Mr Lalor! Mr Lalor jumped back, but his friends immediately swarmed forwards. [[Talk your way out.->Scene 4.3a]] [[Time to drop the poker and punch your way out.->Scene 4.3b]] [[Improvise a contraption to help you soar away!->Scene 4.3c]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

"Hey! Britain!" I said loudly. "Are you going to arrest me? What's the charge? Is it because I don't have the proper British accent? Is it because I support the rights of all Australians, not just those who hail from the United Kingdom?" (set: $gold to 2) The Chinese couple immediately turned to see what happened. They muttered to one another, and eyed the security team in an unfriendly manner. All around them, the rest of the crowd shifted position, growing angry. Mr Lalor stepped forward, and I knew he was about to reveal who he was: the hero of Eureka; railwayman, Irishman, and supposed ally to democratic principles. The tide could easily turn in his favour. [[Quietly ask the security team to let you leave.->Scene 4.3a]] [[Time to drop the poker and punch your way out.->Scene 4.3b]] [[Improvise a contraption to help you soar away!->Scene 4.3c]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

I lowered my voice and approached my enemy with my hands spread in the universal gesture of peace. My heart beat at a frantic pace, and my mouth was dry, but I did my best to speak calmly. "None of us want innocent bystanders hurt," I said. "This is a gentleman's disagreement." "Will you always remain so chivalrous?" asked the eldest member of the security team. (if: $gold > 0)[ "Yes, and I trust you'll do the same. I've caused no harm today. You have no reason to impede my progress." The curly-headed man nodded, and stepped back. The others followed his lead, although I felt the professor's eyes on my back until I was out of sight.](if: $gold < 1)[ "Will you?" The professor controlled his anger with an effort, and the lady mechanic of the security team laid her hand on a large wrench hanging on her belt. So much for my charm! I fled, barely escaping their grasp. Someday I'd have to get myself some activated gold, or I'd never be able to convince the wealthy to trust me.] I returned to the latest rendezvous point and reported my impressions to the others. (if: $scene2 < 1)[ [[Training Montage<-"We need a training montage!"]]] (if: $scene3 < 1)[ [["Do you hear something?"->Do you hear something??]]] [[Her Royal Majesty<-"Queen Victoria is about to arrive!"]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(if: $iron > 0)[I didn't like my odds, but at least I had the element of surprise—and a trick or two up my sleeve. Before they could grab me, I punched their curly-headed leader in the face, sending him flying backwards. He tripped over their steam-powered dog and crashed into the professor, sending both men sprawling. Three down. Two to go. The lady mechanic had a wrench at the ready, and Mr Lalor had both his fists clenched: one flesh, and one iron. I grabbed Mr Lalor's metal arm and used it as a lever to swing his body sideways into his companion. Iron hit iron, and I leaped over the fallen and fled, running full-pelt until I was out of sight.](if: $iron < 1)[I didn't like my odds, but at least I had the element of surprise. Before they could grab me, I punched their curly-headed leader in the face. He reeled but recovered fast, kicking my legs out from under me. The lady mechanic struck me a fierce blow on one arm, and I yelped in pain. So much for the element of surprise. I scrambled past the professor and regained my feet just in time to escape the steel grip of Mr Lalor's iron fist.] After that, I made my way more carefully to the rendezvous point where I reported all that had happened to the others. (if: $scene2 < 1)[ [[Training Montage<-"We need a training montage!"]]] (if: $scene3 < 1)[ [["Do you hear something?"->Do you hear something??]]] [[Her Royal Majesty<-"Queen Victoria is about to arrive!"]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

I looked desperately around myself, seeing nothing but heavy locomotive engines in every direction... and a silk cover on one exhibit, where the inventor had hidden his or her device while wandering around to see the rest. Silk. Smoke. Steam. I kicked up the power on the engine closest to me, making the security team back up in confusion. The ground floor wasn't so very far away, and copper wasn't as hard as iron. I just needed to slow my fall a little. The silk made a shushing noise as I pulled it off the unattended engine, and the owner shouted in anger and ran my way. I threw the sheet of silk over the exposed steam valve where my favourite engine would normally feed power to its wheels. Here in the Great Exhibition, it had to remain stationary. The silk puffed out at once, catching and holding the steam. I saw the steam already condensing inside its silk bubble, but held my nerve and hoped for the best. When my improvised balloon felt ready to tug itself out of my hands I drew the corners together into a mass of silk and ran with it to the balcony, hurling myself balloon-first into the air. For a moment, the muscles in my arms strained as the force of gravity lost its fight against my steam-filled balloon. Then scalding water ran down my hands, and the balloon quickly lost what little steam it had managed to contain. I fell. (if: $aluminium > 0)[ My knees and back and ankles shrieked as I landed on the metal floor, but I lived! I was alive, and unharmed, and the crowd cheered at the supposed show. (if: $aluminium < 2)[ Thank goodness for the weight-neutralising magic of aluminium! ]](if: $aluminium < 1)[ My knees and back and ankles crumpled as I landed on the metal floor, and for a moment I lay stunned. The crowd laughed at me and I limped away, glad I wasn't more severely injured.] I used a circular route to reach the rendezvous point where the others were already gathered. Once I'd made a full report, we were ready for our next challenge. (if: $scene2 < 1)[ [[Training Montage<-"We need a training montage!"]]] (if: $scene3 < 1)[ [["Do you hear something?"->Do you hear something??]]] [[Her Royal Majesty<-"Queen Victoria is about to arrive!"]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0872.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0872.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

The crowd stood open-mouthed, enthralled by the music coming from all directions. It filled the air with swooping elegance and the glorious power of the horns. Her Royal Majesty was coming. I stood on a balcony and watched from above as she walked inside, preceded and flanked by her attendants. She was smaller than I expected, and looked older than her forty-odd years. As I watched, she waved to the crowd of onlookers, turning her head to take us all in. When she lifted her eyes to the balconies, I felt as if she was looking directly at me. The steadiness of that gaze made her seem ancient; timeless rather than old. <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-10-48-30-am.png?w=1000" width="500" height="700" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-10-48-30-am.png"> There was something in her dark hair. A spider! She flicked it off with a single quick motion, and it scuttled right back towards her, disappearing under the hem of her skirts. The professorial type from her security detail cried out in anguish and rushed towards her. She executed a fast double-step and moved backwards, letting [[the professor]] see the spider she'd crushed. <audio src="http://gaschamber.hestfamily.com/tfc/sound/misc/endgame.wav" autoplay>[[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(if: $emmeline < 1)["This nation does not belong to you," came Emmeline's voice, magnified to piercing clarity by a copper speaking tube that combined magic with a connection to a vat of acid.](if: $emmeline > 0)["This nation does not belong to you," I called out, enjoying the amplification given to my voice by a combination of activated copper and a vat of acid.] "It does not belong to any of us, but to every person living here. For better or worse, I am no longer a British subject but an Australian one. As an Australian, I see you for what you are: A visitor, nothing more. Go back to your own land and rule your own kingdom, because we no longer belong to you." Her Royal Majesty purpled with rage, and I suddenly realised that my excellent view of the scene exposed me in turn. Queen Victoria scanned the room with a gaze sharper than steel, and her eyes fell on me. I stepped back instinctively, realising too late that I'd given away my guilt. Her husband followed her gaze, and stiffened in fury. "There!" she said, shaking her arm to temporarily dislodge some dozen or more spiders. Unfortunately for us, she had quickly realised the spiders were no more than a nuisance. "Guards!" In seconds, there were people running towards me up and down stairs and even through the copper corridors that I'd hoped would assist me in making good my escape. The day was technically a success, in that Her Royal Majesty's security team had failed to stop our attack on her dignity. But I was about to pay the price for our defiance. Unless, that is, I could figure out a way to use my skills to escape. [[Appeal to the crowd.]] [[Use your mechanical skill to protect yourself.]] [[Fight the guards hand to hand.]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

"Does she own you?" I cried out at the top of my lungs. "Is this her land... or yours?" The crowd paused for a heart-stopping moment, and then a wave of sound thundered throughout the enormous building, reverberating from the copper and glass in a terrifying cacophony. I didn't know what they were saying, but it didn't matter. They were with me. (if: $xiniwe > 0)[Ms Xiniwe stared out over the crowd with me, entranced. ] Her Royal Majesty's closest companions were still heavily engaged in plucking an endless array of mechanical spiders from Queen Victoria without mishandling her, so they didn't see what I saw: Waves of people moving like one giant monster, back and forth. One sea; without love or hate or compassion. Powerful and destructive. They moved against the unusually fine copper columns, beating, beating. And the columns moved. A single pane of glass from the copper-checkered ceiling slipped from its place and fell, smashing to bits in the fountain. None of the roof's glass and copper squares were secured! They held each other upright in a perfect geodesic pattern... and the pattern was broken. The Great Exhibition was going to fall! It was designed for an exhibition, not a mob! This would not be a simple escape. More lives than my own were in danger, and the crowd-pleasing magic of my tin wouldn't be enough to save the day on its own. [[Use your empathy to calm the crowd.]] [[Remove sections of the building's ceiling before it collapses.]] [[Repair the damage—fast!]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

There was an ornithopter exhibit near me, and someone had been repairing a ruptured wing just before Her Royal Majesty arrived. Their electricity-powered hammer was still there, arguably a more innovative device than the ornithopter itself. (if: $silver > 0)[ I grabbed it and ran for the tunnel entrance where the closest guards were about to attack me. The hammer was a marvellous thing, melting together the seams of the door as if by magic. I found the lightest caress of the hammer was more effective than beating away at the door in terror. I was aware of many eyes watching what I was doing. But it worked. The doors sealed shut, protecting me from the guards. I heard them banging on the doors. And I heard the crowd cheering—for me.](if: $silver < 1)[ I grabbed it and ran for the tunnel entrance where the closest guards were about to attack me. As fast as I could, I beat against the seam around the door, hoping the electrical hammer would seal it shut. For a moment I thought it would work... and then the guards broke through!(if: $xiniwe > 0)[ Ms Xiniwe moved to stand in front of me, buying me a few precious seconds.] I backed away, and quickly found my back against the balcony railing as the guards advanced. Turning, I faced the open air.] The crowd paused for a heart-stopping moment, and then a wave of sound thundered throughout the enormous building, reverberating from the copper and glass in a terrifying cacophony. I didn't know what they were saying, but it didn't matter. Her Royal Majesty's closest companions were still heavily engaged in plucking an endless array of mechanical spiders from Queen Victoria without mishandling her, and so they didn't see what I saw: Waves of people moving like one giant monster, back and forth. One sea; without love or hate or compassion. Powerful and destructive. They moved against the unusually fine copper columns, beating, beating. And the columns moved. A single pane of glass from the copper-chequered ceiling slipped from its place and fell, smashing to bits in the fountain. None of the roof's glass and copper squares were secured! They held each other upright in a perfect geodesic pattern... and the pattern was broken. The Great Exhibition was going to fall! It was designed for an exhibition, not a mob! This would not be a simple escape. More lives than my own were in danger, and the crowd-pleasing magic of my tin wouldn't be enough to save the day on its own. [[Use your empathy to calm the crowd.]] [[Remove sections of the building's ceiling before it collapses.]] [[Repair the damage—fast!]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

"Out!" I yelled, hoping against hope that I was quick enough and sounded sure enough to grab and hold people's attention. "Get out!" (if: $lead > 0)[ I sensed that they wanted someone to tell them what to do. Someone who appeared to be in control, and who was specific in their instructions. "Evacuate!" I yelled into the silence. "Quick march!" I grabbed a wrench from the exhibit beside me and raced to the closest copper service corridor, beating it in a fast rhythm that echoed all around the Great Exhibition as people gradually realised their danger and made for the exits. I watched the way the crowd moved, and I knew that I'd gotten the timing of my rhythm exactly right: somewhere between a walk and a run that kept people moving steadily without trampling or delays. There was still a space around Her Royal Majesty, although it was impossible to tell if it was because of respect for her position or a healthy dislike of the mechanical spiders still flocking towards her. (if: $emmeline > 0)[ Samir and Matilda made temporary repairs to the building to buy a few precious minutes. ](if: $emmeline < 1)[ Emmeline made temporary repairs to the building, buying a few precious seconds.] Soon the Great Exhibition was empty enough that the remaining people ran pell-mell for the exits. I followed their lead at once, escaping moments before the structure fell in upon itself with (if: $samantha > 0)[[[an enormous crash->SamGood]]](if: $doctor > 0)[[[an enormous crash->drGood]]](if: $patrick > 0)[[[an enormous crash->PatGood]]](if: $matilda > 0)[[[an enormous crash->MatildaGood]]](if: $emmeline > 0)[[[an enormous crash->EmGood]]].](if: $lead < 1)["Evacuate!" I yelled, feeling my voice grow shrill. The crowd milled about. Some looked up at me. Some moved towards the exit. (if: $emmeline > 0)[ Samantha and Matilda made temporary repairs to the structure, buying a few precious minutes. ](if: $emmeline < 1)[ Emmeline made temporary repairs to the structure, buying a few precious minutes.] It wasn't enough! "Evacuate this structure at once!" Queen Victoria's voice wasn't magnified by magical means, but it cut through the silence like a sword. "This way." She walked briskly to the closest exit, ignoring the dozens of spiders still wriggling all over her. The crowd followed, funnelling out through the doors as if they'd been trained by a drill sergeant. Soon the Great Exhibition was empty enough that the remaining people were able to run pell-mell for the exits. I followed their lead at once, escaping moments before the structure fell in upon itself with (if: $samantha > 0)[[[an enormous crash->SamBad]]](if: $doctor > 0)[[[an enormous crash->drBad]]](if: $patrick > 0)[[[an enormous crash->PatBad]]](if: $matilda > 0)[[[an enormous crash->MatildaBad]]](if: $emmeline > 0)[[[an enormous crash->EmBad]]].][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

As the closest guards ran from the copper corridors I ran to meet them. I punched the first in the face before the second had time to emerge. The second guard was quicker, pulling a gun on me before I had time to attack her. I twisted into her rather than away, head-butting her in the face so her nose smashed. Her blood wet my hair, and I grabbed her wrist and twisted until her weapon fell to the ground. And fired. The crowd gasped as one, and in that huge intake of breath the smash and creak of broken, twisting metal stood out as the warning it was. Necks craned upwards, seeing the thin heights of the central column begin to collapse from its highest, thinnest point. A single pane of glass from the copper-checkered ceiling slipped from its place and fell, smashing to bits in the fountain. None of the roof's glass and copper squares were secured! They held each other upright in a perfect geodesic pattern... and the pattern was broken. The Great Exhibition was going to fall! The innovative design wasn't designed to withstand gunfire!(if: $xiniwe > 0)[ "Oh no," Ms Xiniwe said. "Oh no oh no oh no!"] This would not be a simple escape. More lives than my own were in danger, and the crowd-pleasing magic of my tin wouldn't be enough to save the day on its own. [[Use your empathy to calm the crowd.]] [[Remove sections of the building's ceiling before it collapses.]] [[Repair the damage—fast!]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

I didn't have time to be safe. Or smart. I shed my belongings and climbed up the wall, ignoring everything except the next supporting strut that was likely to take my weight.(if: $aluminium > 0)[(if: $aluminium < 2)[ I felt the delicacy of the metal under my fingers, and silently thanked the activated aluminium that neutralised my weight, allowing me to climb all the way to the ceiling.]](if: $aluminium > 1)[ I was grateful I'd carefully examined the entire structure, so I could plot my course safely.](if: $aluminium < 1)[ The fragile metal struts bent and broke under me, and I fell helplessly back to my balcony. I was lucky I hadn't gotten farther, and fallen to my death.] The ceiling of the Great Exhibition was a checkered pattern of copper and glass squares, and I wasn't sure which would be more destructive when it fell. (if: $aluminium < 1)[ There was nothing I could do. I moved to flee, and realised the stairs were crammed with people.](if: $aluminium > 0)[ The roof was pitched sharply enough that I felt confident any panels I managed to loosen would slide down and away. There was a large tin shed hidden behind the main Exhibition building's Western side, so as I pulled panels away I threw them in that direction. They slid away just like I'd planned, but with a most horrific screeching of metal on metal. I worked from the highest, most vulnerable part of the ceiling, trusting my life to the thin metal supports. I forced myself not to think. I just pulled out the custom-fitted pieces one by one and threw them aside. My muscles ached and the roof squealed as if in sympathy. I risked a glance downwards, and was encouraged to see that the building was almost half empty. Something twisted, and the metal skeleton of the roof bent and snapped. I worked harder, ignoring the pieces I was unable to remove and throwing the others recklessly towards the west, balancing on the bending frame and trying not to think about what I was doing. A whole section of frame popped, and glass and copper panels fell to the ground below. The distance was so far I didn't hear them fall, but I saw where they gouged jagged holes into the metal floor, terrifying the remaining people. My feet slipped as more of the frame bent and broke. I'd done all I could, and I had to get down! I raced across the copper frame and shimmied down a wall, passing balcony after balcony with strange and wondrous exhibits that would soon be crushed to scrap metal. The floor caught me as I fell sprawling, then jumped to my feet and chased the last stragglers out the door moments before the structure fell in upon itself with (if: $samantha > 0)[[[an enormous crash->SamGood]]](if: $doctor > 0)[[[an enormous crash->drGood]]](if: $patrick > 0)[[[an enormous crash->PatGood]]](if: $matilda > 0)[[[an enormous crash->MatildaGood]]](if: $emmeline > 0)[[[an enormous crash->EmGood]]].](if: $aluminium < 1)["Hurry up!" I yelled, feeling my voice grow shrill. The crowd milled about. Some looked up at me. Some moved towards the exit. (if: $emmeline > 0)[ Samir was making temporary repairs to buy a few precious minutes, and Matilda was attempting to hurry people out the doors. ](if: $emmeline < 1)[ Emmeline was attempting to hurry people out the doors.] It wasn't enough! "Evacuate this structure at once!" Queen Victoria's voice wasn't magnified by magical means, but it cut through the silence like a sword. "This way." She walked briskly to the closest exit, ignoring the dozens of spiders still wriggling all over her. The crowd followed, funnelling out through the doors as if they'd been trained by a drill sergeant. Soon the Great Exhibition was sufficiently empty that the remaining people were able to run pell-mell for the exits, and I followed their lead at once, escaping moments before the structure fell in upon itself with (if: $samantha > 0)[[[an enormous crash->SamBad]]](if: $doctor > 0)[[[an enormous crash->drBad]]](if: $patrick > 0)[[[an enormous crash->PatBad]]](if: $matilda > 0)[[[an enormous crash->MatildaBad]]](if: $emmeline > 0)[[[an enormous crash->EmBad]]].][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

I tuned out the crowd and focused on the damage to the structure, tracing the pattern of columns in the air with my hands to get a sense of where the building would break first. It was a complicated structure, but the true danger came from above, where I felt sure the glass and copper roof would soon fall in, killing anyone still below. People were already starting to flee, but they wouldn't be fast enough. A baby screamed. What I needed was an industrial crane, a crew of expert blacksmiths, and a week of cautious testing and repairs. (if: $brass > 0)[(if: $brass< 2)[ I had a small piece of magically activated brass, and I had myself.] A broken ornithopter lay beside me. Except it wasn't broken at all. I could smell the burnt stink of the new metal partially repairing the wing, and it would hold. There was an electricity-powered hammer lying beside it; arguably a more innovative device than the ornithopter itself. I hauled the ornithopter to the launching ramp, and shoved it into the air, leaping inside just as it reached the tipping point, and compensating for the weaker wing with the controls. It quivered and flapped and moaned, and together we flew higher, quickly reaching the point where the ceiling's intricate framework had bent, loosening a single glass panel that had left every other panel imperfectly supported. "There, there," I said to the frame, trying desperately not to actually crash into it, but to wedge the hammer diagonally across the open square. It creaked agonisingly, but held. It wouldn't hold for long since it was a single line of support where a full square was needed. Below me, the entire Great Exhibition emptied. I landed awkwardly and raced for the exit, finding the sudden emptiness more terrifying than any security team. I chased the last stragglers out the door moments before the structure fell in upon itself with (if: $samantha > 0)[[[an enormous crash->SamGood]]](if: $doctor > 0)[[[an enormous crash->drGood]]](if: $patrick > 0)[[[an enormous crash->PatGood]]](if: $matilda > 0)[[[an enormous crash->MatildaGood]]](if: $emmeline > 0)[[[an enormous crash->EmGood]]].](if: $silver < 1)[A broken ornithopter lay beside me. Except it wasn't broken at all. I could smell the burnt stink of the new metal partially repairing the wing, and hoped it would hold. The electricity-powered hammer used to repair it was still there, arguably a more innovative device than the ornithopter itself. It wasn't strong enough to fix the roof supports, so I left it where it was. I hauled the ornithopter to the launching ramp, and shoved it into the air, leaping inside just as it reached the tipping point. It was immediately obvious that I'd made a terrible mistake. I plummeted to the ground with a scream, and emerged from the flying machine with one arm hanging uselessly at my side, and blood from my own forehead obscuring my vision. The crowd milled about. Some looked at me. Some moved towards the exit. (if: $emmeline > 0)[ Samir was making temporary repairs to buy a few precious minutes, and Matilda was removing whole sections of the roof before they fell. ](if: $emmeline < 1)[ Emmeline was making temporary repairs to the roof, buying a few precious seconds.] It wasn't enough! "Evacuate this structure at once!" Queen Victoria's voice wasn't magnified by magical means, but it cut through the silence like a sword. "This way." She walked briskly to the closest exit, ignoring the dozens of spiders still wriggling all over her. The crowd followed, funnelling out through the doors as if they'd been trained by a drill sergeant. Soon the Great Exhibition was sufficiently empty that the remaining people were able to run pell-mell for the exits, and I followed their lead at once, escaping moments before the structure fell in upon itself with (if: $samantha > 0)[[[an enormous crash->SamBad]]](if: $doctor > 0)[[[an enormous crash->drBad]]](if: $patrick > 0)[[[an enormous crash->PatBad]]](if: $matilda > 0)[[[an enormous crash->MatildaBad]]](if: $emmeline > 0)[[[an enormous crash->EmBad]]].][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

In order from most to least common: ''Tin'' increases a character's popularity with the lower classes. ''Lead'' is the metal of artists and public speakers, increasing empathy and passion. ''Copper/Brass'' heightens sensory awareness, and seems to deliberately assist criminals in manipulating their marks. ''Iron/Steel'' enhances strength, and is beloved by laborers. ''Silver'' is the magical assistant to doctors and mechanics, and can even bind flesh to metal. It increases mechanical skill. ''Gold'' makes its wearer more charming, and is favoured by the upper classes (probably because the lower classes can't afford it). ''Aluminium'' is very rare but it neutralises the weight of the wearer, making them unusually graceful, coordinated, and fast. Local police have protested against the underground aluminium-fragment market, blaming the tiny pieces of magically activated metal for the rise in catburglars and successful pickpockets (and for the embarrassing way so many criminals escape their pursuers). The sidebar indicates with italics which magical metals you possess. When your choices demonstrate a skill equivalent to one of the magics, that item is also highlighted. It is likely that you will double up at least once, which changes the text sometimes but doesn't change your abilities for tests. You can come back to this page at any time using the title link in the sidebar. You possess these magics: (if: $tin < 1)[//No magics yet.//](if: $tin > 0)[Tin ](if: $lead > 0)[Lead ](if: $brass > 0)[Brass ](if: $iron > 0)[Iron ](if: $silver > 0)[Silver ](if: $gold > 0)[Gold ](if: $aluminium > 0)[Aluminium][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/14441003_1103254636455568_7353877870407600335_n2.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="150" alt="14441003_1103254636455568_7353877870407600335_n1.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

<img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/stuffandnonsense-cover2.png?w=1500" width="580" height="580" alt="stuffandnonsense-cover2"> [[Begin the Story->Stuff and Nonsense]] or [[Credits & Notes]] (set: $inv to (a:))(set: $gold to 0) (if: $scene5 > 0)[(set: $scene5 to 0)(link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)]

''Beta Testers:'' {Andrew Schultz, Arno von Borries, Art, Ben Crispin, Bonnie, Chris Banks, Emma, Julian Fleetwood, Louisette, Mason, Mike, Natalie, Phil Minchin, Sianah, Tristan, Val, Will.} No beta testers were turned into mindless automatons in the making of this game. ''Felicity Banks:'' [email protected] Other interactive fiction (including three more magical steampunk stories): <a href='http://ifdb.tads.org/search?searchbar=Felicity+banks&searchGo.x=0&searchGo.y=0' target='_blank'>IFDB</a> //Heart of Brass// novel featuring Emmeline (print or digital): <a href='https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Brass-Antipodean-Queen-Book-ebook/dp/B01J58E7RE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1474853953&sr=8-3&keywords=heart+of+brass' target='_blank'>Amazon</a> or <a href='http://odysseybooks.com.au/titles/9781922200587/' target='_blank'>Odyssey Books</a> [[Recommended Reading Order]] ''Historical Notes:'' {The picture used for Matilda is not an Aboriginal Australian woman, and "Matilda" is not a Aboriginal name. Some Aboriginal nations have taboos against using the names or images of the dead, so I used a non-Aboriginal name and image.} {I've also taken the liberty of leaving out historically-accurate racism and sexism in order to let people freely play a range of characters without having their choices restricted as a result.} <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-8-28-27-am.png?w=1000" width="500" height="580" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-24-at-4-21-56-pm.png"> The least believable aspects of my steampunk (that is, alternate Victorian era) stories are usually the most historically accurate. Mechanical limbs? Labor-saving contraptions that were quite obviously both deadly and insane? Escaped criminals raising an army to gain independence from Britain? Aboriginal people adopting bushrangers into their nation? Political activists transported as convicts to Australia? Wealthy immigrants? Female inventors? Bizarre and beautiful buildings with fatal flaws? Well-known lesbian couples? Women dressed as men? Men dressed as women? Escaped convicts re-entering society as respected citizens? The 1854 battle between corrupt British forces and a multicultural mix of gold miners? Queen Victoria's epic romance with her handsome and technology-obsessed German consort? Charles Dickens's fascination with Australia? Peter Lalor's missing arm, and his abrupt change from democratic rebel to wealthy and conservative politician? All real. ''Cover Art:'' Photographer: Jody Cherry (<a href='http://www.facebook.com/Exp0sureStudi0s' target='_blank'>''Exposure Studios''</a>) Hair & Make-up: Jody Cherry (Cherrish Hair & Make-up Artistry) Model: Amelia Brown Cropped square and text added: Felicity Banks The clockwork spider featured in the sidebar was built by Justin Gershenson-Gates at ''A Mechanical Mind''. <a href='https://www.facebook.com/amechanicalmind/'_blank'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.etsy.com/shop/amechanicalmind/'_blank'>Etsy</a> Pocketwatch image: Felicity Banks Roller Skate images: <a href='http://www.wikipedia.org' target='_blank'>Wikipedia</a> Peter Lalor image: <a href='http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/explore-history/rebels-outlaws/' target='_blank'>State Library of Victoria</a> Prince Albert image: <a href='https://www.royalcollection.org.uk' target='_blank'>Royal Collection Trust</a> All other images are historical pictures from <a href='http://www.bmimages.com/index.asp' target='_blank'>The British Museum</a> or <a href='https://www.flickr.com/photos/britishlibrary' target='_blank'>The British Library</a>. [[Return-> ]]

I wandered open-mouthed around the exhibits, finding a quarter-striking pocketwatch, a herd of live kangaroos eating grass from visitors' hands, a steel notebook, a wheelcutter, a reversible omnibus, and so much more. <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-25-at-9-18-52-pm.png?w=1000" width="650" height="600" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-25-at-9-00-44-pm"; img-position: center> Climbing the stairs to the second level, I found an entire gallery devoted to the latest locomotive designs. Some of the larger models ran on a track from the grand entrance to the Flora & Fauna gallery, taking passengers back and forth. <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-25-at-8-35-54-pm1.png?w=496&h=308&crop=1" width=750" height="580" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-25-at-8-35-54-pm1.png"> People that preferred smaller wheels rented an array of roller skate designs in order to fall over more efficiently. <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-10-11-17-am.png?w=1000" width="800" height="500" alt="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-10-11-17-am.png"> I stood for an hour watching the terrifying machinations of a contraption that shaved sixty men at a time, as well as oiling their hair via a series of automated combs. No-one died, but several men staggered away dripping shaving foam and clutching their lacerated cheeks. Who could ask for more? <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-25-at-8-43-25-pm.png?w=1500" width="800" height="580" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-25-at-8-43-25-pm.png"> I wanted to live in [[the Great Exhibition->Stuff and Nonsense]] forever.[[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0875.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0875.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(if: $emmeline < 1)[It's been clear for some time that Emmeline has been getting a crew together, and I'm one of her inner circle. She still hasn't said exactly what the plan is, but there certainly is one. Well... almost certainly. (set: $brass to 1)(set: $gold to 1)(set: $aluminium to 1)(set: $matilda to 1) It's bound to involve Her Royal Majesty somehow, which is sure to be a hanging offence. I'm ready to risk my life, and Emmeline knows it. We're gathered in one of the smaller side halls of the Great Exhibition, where Australia's most famous gold nugget is on display. Emmeline doesn't seem to notice that she's gently stroking the glass case with one hand. Above her, several tin whirligigs circle; part of the elaborate security measures organised by peons of the British royal guard. "We've all got jobs to do," says Emmeline, "and I recommend you expand your skill set by..."](if:($emmeline > 0))[You've been getting a crew together for some time, and you're happy with your inner circle. They don't know your plan yet, but they will soon. It's simple enough that surely, this time, nothing will go wrong. Since the plan involves Her Royal Majesty, it's a hanging offence. You're ready to lay down your life, and so is every member of your crew. You've gathered your people in one of the smaller side halls of the Great Exhibition, where Australia's most famous gold nugget is on display. Patrick doesn't seem to notice that he hasn't taken his eyes off the "Welcome" nugget since you entered the room. Nor has little Samantha, but she's just a child and it's very, very shiny. Several tin whirligigs circle above you; part of the elaborate security measures organised by peons of the British royal guard. (set: $xiniwe to 0) "We've all got jobs to do," you tell your group. "I'd like some practice..."] [[Distracting the security guards.->Distract the security guards]] [[Finding some weapons, since we weren't allowed our own guns.->Improvise weapons]] [[Sneaking our mechanical spiders into various exhibits.->Sneak into the maintenance corridors]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0873.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0873.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(if: $emmeline < 1)[It's been clear for some time that Emmeline has been getting a crew together, and I'm one of her inner circle. She still hasn't said exactly what the plan is, but there certainly is one. Well... almost certainly. (set: $silver to 1)(set: $aluminium to 1)(set: $gold to 1)(set: $doctor to 1) It's bound to involve Her Royal Majesty somehow, which is sure to be a hanging offence. I'm ready to risk my life, and Emmeline knows it. We're gathered in one of the smaller side halls of the Great Exhibition, where Australia's most famous gold nugget is on display. Emmeline doesn't seem to notice that she's gently stroking the glass case with one hand. Above her, several tin whirligigs circle; part of the elaborate security measures organised by peons of the British royal guard. "We've all got jobs to do," says Emmeline, "and I recommend you expand your skill set by..."](if:($emmeline > 0))[You've been getting a crew together for some time, and you're happy with your inner circle. They don't know your plan yet, but they will soon. It's simple enough that surely, this time, nothing will go wrong. Since the plan involves Her Royal Majesty, it's a hanging offence. You're ready to lay down your life, and so is every member of your crew. You've gathered your people in one of the smaller side halls of the Great Exhibition, where Australia's most famous gold nugget is on display. Patrick doesn't seem to notice that he hasn't taken his eyes off the "Welcome" nugget since you entered the room. Nor has little Samantha, but she's just a child and it's very, very shiny. Several tin whirligigs circle above you; part of the elaborate security measures organised by peons of the British royal guard. (set: $xiniwe to 0) "We've all got jobs to do," you tell your group. "I'd like some practice..."] [[Distracting the security guards.->Distract the security guards]] [[Finding some weapons, since we weren't allowed our own guns.->Improvise weapons]] [[Sneaking our mechanical spiders into various exhibits.->Sneak into the maintenance corridors]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0873.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0873.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(if: $emmeline < 1)[It's been clear for some time that Emmeline has been getting a crew together, and I'm one of her inner circle. She still hasn't said exactly what the plan is, but there certainly is one. Well... almost certainly. (set: $silver to 1)(set: $aluminium to 1)(set: $brass to 1)(set: $samantha to 1) It's bound to involve Her Royal Majesty somehow, which is sure to be a hanging offence. I'm ready to risk my life, and Emmeline knows it. We're gathered in one of the smaller side halls of the Great Exhibition, where Australia's most famous gold nugget is on display. Emmeline doesn't seem to notice that she's gently stroking the glass case with one hand. Above her, several tin whirligigs circle; part of the elaborate security measures organised by peons of the British royal guard. "We've all got jobs to do," says Emmeline, "and I recommend you expand your skill set by..."](if:($emmeline > 0))[You've been getting a crew together for some time, and you're happy with your inner circle. They don't know your plan yet, but they will soon. It's simple enough that surely, this time, nothing will go wrong. Since the plan involves Her Royal Majesty, it's a hanging offence. You're ready to lay down your life, and so is every member of your crew. You've gathered your people in one of the smaller side halls of the Great Exhibition, where Australia's most famous gold nugget is on display. Patrick doesn't seem to notice that he hasn't taken his eyes off the "Welcome" nugget since you entered the room. Nor has little Samantha, but she's just a child and it's very, very shiny. Several tin whirligigs circle above you; part of the elaborate security measures organised by peons of the British royal guard. (set: $xiniwe to 0) "We've all got jobs to do," you tell your group. "I'd like some practice..."] [[Distracting the security guards.->Distract the security guards]] [[Finding some weapons, since we weren't allowed our own guns.->Improvise weapons]] [[Sneaking our mechanical spiders into various exhibits.->Sneak into the maintenance corridors]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0873.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0873.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

(if: $emmeline < 1)[It's been clear for some time that Emmeline has been getting a crew together, and I'm one of her inner circle. She still hasn't said exactly what the plan is, but there certainly is one. Well... almost certainly. (set: $patrick to 1)(set: $iron to 1)(set: $lead to 1)(set: $brass to 1) It's bound to involve Her Royal Majesty somehow, which is sure to be a hanging offence. I'm ready to risk my life, and Emmeline knows it. We're gathered in one of the smaller side halls of the Great Exhibition, where Australia's most famous gold nugget is on display. Emmeline doesn't seem to notice that she's gently stroking the glass case with one hand. Above her, several tin whirligigs circle; part of the elaborate security measures organised by peons of the British royal guard. "We've all got jobs to do," says Emmeline, "and I recommend you expand your skill set by..."](if:($emmeline > 0))[You've been getting a crew together for some time, and you're happy with your inner circle. They don't know your plan yet, but they will soon. It's simple enough that surely, this time, nothing will go wrong. Since the plan involves Her Royal Majesty, it's a hanging offence. You're ready to lay down your life, and so is every member of your crew. You've gathered your people in one of the smaller side halls of the Great Exhibition, where Australia's most famous gold nugget is on display. Patrick doesn't seem to notice that he hasn't taken his eyes off the "Welcome" nugget since you entered the room. Nor has little Samantha, but she's just a child and it's very, very shiny. Several tin whirligigs circle above you; part of the elaborate security measures organised by peons of the British royal guard. (set: $xiniwe to 0) "We've all got jobs to do," you tell your group. "I'd like some practice..."] [[Distracting the security guards.->Distract the security guards]] [[Finding some weapons, since we weren't allowed our own guns.->Improvise weapons]] [[Sneaking our mechanical spiders into various exhibits.->Sneak into the maintenance corridors]][[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0873.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0873.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

There are five scenes altogether. The three scenes in the middle can be played in any order. You can skip one or two of the middle scenes. ''*''In the opening scene, all your choices will succeed, and will add to your abilities if you lack them. ''*''In [[Training Montage]], [[Do you hear something??]], and [[We have to get away from them!!]] the first choice is also a freebie, but the second choice is a test. ''*''In the final scene, the choices from [["What is the meaning of this!"]] onwards are both tests. The final choice determines success or failure. ''*''You require empathy (lead) to calm the crowd. ''*''You require mechanical skill (silver) to repair the structure (temporarily). ''*''You require unusual grace (aluminium) to remove sections of the ceiling. All [[characters->Characters]] possess at least one of these [[metals->Magical Metals]] at the beginning of the game. <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-10-31-40-am.png?w=1000" width="800" height="500" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-10-31-40-am.png"> [[Return to the beginning->Stuff and Nonsense]], or to [[Queen Victoria's entrance->"What is the meaning of this!"]], or revisit the [[Exhibits]] or the [[Credits & Notes]].

He clasped both her hands, making his true identity clear in an instant: Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, husband to Her Royal Majesty. She blushed at the outrageous display of public affection, but gave him a tiny smile as he released her hands. <img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/2f/7d/6b/2f7d6b414ab3bc426972040afa615d65.jpg" width="580" height="880" alt="2f7d6b414ab3bc426972040afa615d65.jpg"> And then the rest of the spiders converged upon them, falling from above and wriggling through minuscule gaps in the floor. Their tiny metal feet clinked and clattered as they appeared from crevices and cracks in exhibits, in the copper walls, and even from the hair and clothing of passers-by. (if: $emmeline > 0)[ This was my moment: a moment to prove the frailty of the queen by making her look foolish in front of thousands of her citizens. I wondered if it would merely alienate the people of Victoria. I wondered if my friends and I would all be hanged for our insolence.](if: $emmeline < 1)[ This was Emmeline's moment: a moment to prove the frailty of the queen by making her look foolish in front of thousands of her citizens. I wondered if it would merely alienate the people of Victoria. I wondered if my friends and I would all be hanged for our insolence.] [["What is the meaning of this!"]] shouted the queen, blazing with incandescent rage. [[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

1. ''Choices: And Their Souls Were Eaten:'' An interactive serial story set in 1838 Europe, released on <a href='https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.com.tinmangames.choices&hl=en' target='_blank'>Google Play</a> or <a href='https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/choices-and-the-sun-went-out/id1004909104?mt=8'>the app store</a> by Tin Man Games during 2016-2017. I like to pretend the player character is Emmeline’s relative. Spoiler danger: Low. The magic system is evolving in this story, so some discoveries are old news to readers of the other stories. This is 100% safe to read. 2. ''Heart of Brass:'' A young adult steampunk novel set mainly in 1854 Australia. Available in print or digital formats throughout the world via <a href='https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Brass-Antipodean-Queen-Book-ebook/dp/B01J58E7RE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1474853953&sr=8-3&keywords=heart+of+brass' target='_blank'>Amazon</a> or <a href='http://odysseybooks.com.au/titles/9781922200587/' target='_blank'>Odyssey Books</a>. Spoiler danger: Low. This is Emmeline's origin story (and the origin story of many others), and is 100% safe to read. It's likely the novel will eventually become a trilogy entitled //The Antipodean Queen Series//. 3. ''After the Flag Fell:'' A printable interactive story that won the 2015 Windhammer Prize. That version is free <a href='http://www.arborell.com/aftertheflagfell.pdf'target='_blank'>here</a>, and an updated version is included with all editions of Heart of Brass. //After the Flag Fell// is set in 1854 Australia, and the player character is the historical figure Peter Lalor. Spoiler danger: High. The story takes place immediately after the climax of //Heart of Brass//. 4. ''Stuff and Nonsense:'' A free interactive Twine game set in Australia in 1860. Spoiler danger: Medium. The characters of Emmeline, Patrick, and Matilda have changed since the beginning of //Heart of Brass//. 5. ''Attack of the Clockwork Army:'' An interactive ChoiceScript story that takes place in the 1860s, mainly in Australia. It allows you to play as one of Emmeline’s siblings if you wish, or as an original character in a slightly different and spoiler-minimised reality. Available <a href='https://www.choiceofgames.com/user-contributed/attack-of-the-clockwork-army/#utm_medium=web&utm_source=ourgames'>here</a> as an app for any device, or it can be read on your browser. Spoiler danger: High. The characters of Emmeline, Patrick, and Matilda have changed since the beginning of //Heart of Brass//, and although it's possible to play in an alternate reality there is at least one medium-level revelation that remains obvious. Each story stands independent of the rest. You can read one, several, or all of them. If you want to know about new releases and/or public appearances (restricted to Australia at present, and usually ACT/NSW), email [email protected] with the subject line "Mailing List". [[Return to title page-> ]]

After a breathless eternity I stood on the slope of a nearby hillside, gaping at the jagged ruin of glass, copper, and steel. Well-drilled servants erected Her Royal Majesty's travelling pavilion at the foot of the hill and she immediately disappeared inside. Thanks to my magical brass, I distinctly heard her shrieking in disgust and literally ripping off her clothes the second she was out of the public eye. Even Queen Victoria was flustered by mechanical spiders clinging to her underskirts. Some minutes later, I saw Mr Lalor himself escorting Emmeline into the tent's receiving room, holding her arm securely in his iron hand. She was caught! We were done for! I knew I should scamper if I wanted to keep my neck. Somehow I couldn't do it. Instead I found myself creeping around the tent to eavesdrop. I wished I could steal my guardian away from under the steely gaze of an angry monarch, but there wasn't enough magic in the world. Emmeline's fate had found her. Queen Victoria's prince appeared suddenly from another compartment in the pavilion, and he grabbed me by the ear. "You committed treason today," he said, furious enough that his German accent was stronger than ever. "How dare you attack your queen!" "We didn't hurt her!" I squeaked, terrified. He held me at arm's length, scowling, and then lifted his voice: "What shall I do with this dalcop, Your Royal Majesty?" I heard Emmeline break every protocol to interrupt the royal couple with a desperate plea on my behalf. For a horrible moment I thought I'd [[gotten her killed->SamGoodPt2]].[[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

After a breathless eternity I stood on the slope of a nearby hillside, gaping at the jagged ruin of glass, copper, and steel. Well-drilled servants erected Her Royal Majesty's travelling pavilion at the foot of the hill and she immediately disappeared inside. Thanks to my magical brass, I distinctly heard her shrieking in disgust and literally ripping off her clothes the second she was out of the public eye. Even Queen Victoria was flustered by mechanical spiders clinging to her underskirts. Some minutes later, I saw Mr Lalor himself escorting Emmeline into the tent's receiving room, holding her arm securely in his iron hand. She was caught! We were done for! I knew I should scamper if I wanted to keep my neck. Somehow I couldn't do it. Instead I found myself creeping around the tent to eavesdrop. I wished I could steal my guardian away from under the steely gaze of an angry monarch, but there wasn't enough magic in the world. Emmeline's fate had found her. Queen Victoria's prince appeared suddenly from another compartment in the pavilion, and he grabbed me by the ear. "You committed treason today," he said, furious enough that his German accent was stronger than ever. "How dare you attack your queen!" "We didn't hurt her!" I squeaked, terrified. He held me at arm's length, scowling, and then lifted his voice: "What shall I do with this dalcop, Your Royal Majesty?" I heard Emmeline break every protocol to interrupt the royal couple with a desperate plea on my behalf. For a horrible moment I thought I'd [[gotten her killed->SamBadPt2]].[[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

After a breathless eternity I stood on the slope of a nearby hillside, gaping at the jagged ruin of glass, copper, and steel. Well-drilled servants erected Her Royal Majesty's travelling pavilion at the foot of the hill and she immediately disappeared inside. I was close enough to hear her shrieks of disgust the second she was out of the public eye. Even Queen Victoria was flustered by mechanical spiders clinging to her underskirts. Some minutes later, I saw Mr Lalor himself escorting Emmeline into the tent's receiving room, holding her arm securely in his iron hand. She was caught! We were done for! I knew I should flee if I wanted to keep my neck. Somehow I couldn't do it. Instead I found myself lurking around the tent, confident that Matilda would be unable to resist the chance to annoy Her Royal Highness further. I wished I could steal my patron away from under the steely gaze of an angry monarch, but I wasn't a natural criminal. Luckily, I knew several. Moments later, I spotted Matilda and Patrick making their way through the crowd. They froze in terror as little Samir was also dragged into the tent to face Queen Victoria's fury. I wanted to dismiss the child as a sentimental fool, but I was still in danger myself. We all were. For a horrible moment I thought [[Emmeline and Samir were doomed->DrGoodPt2]].[[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

After a breathless eternity I stood on the slope of a nearby hillside, gaping at the jagged ruin of glass, copper, and steel. Well-drilled servants erected Her Royal Majesty's travelling pavilion at the foot of the hill and she immediately disappeared inside. I was close enough to hear her shrieks of disgust the second she was out of the public eye. Even Queen Victoria was flustered by mechanical spiders clinging to her underskirts. Some minutes later, I saw Mr Lalor himself escorting Emmeline into the tent's receiving room, holding her arm securely in his iron hand. She was caught! We were done for! I knew I should flee if I wanted to keep my neck. Somehow I couldn't do it. Instead I found myself lurking around the tent, confident that Matilda would be unable to resist the chance to annoy Her Royal Highness further. I wished I could steal my patron away from under the steely gaze of an angry monarch, but I wasn't a natural criminal. Luckily, I knew several. Moments later, I spotted Matilda and Patrick making their way through the crowd. They froze in terror as little Samir was also dragged into the tent to face Queen Victoria's fury. I wanted to dismiss the child as a sentimental fool, but I was still in danger myself. We all were. For a horrible moment I thought [[Emmeline and Samir were doomed->DrBadPt2]].[[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

After a breathless eternity I stood on the slope of a nearby hillside, gaping at the jagged ruin of glass, copper, and steel. Well-drilled servants erected Her Royal Majesty's travelling pavilion at the foot of the hill and she immediately disappeared inside. Thanks to my magical brass, I distinctly heard her shrieking in disgust and literally ripping off her clothes the second she was out of the public eye. Even Queen Victoria was flustered by mechanical spiders clinging to her underskirts. I had no idea where Emmeline and Matilda and the others had gone, but there were dozens of wailing children and elderly women bleeding and dazed with shock. I gathered an entourage of lost children and moved from one injured person to another, binding minor gashes and physically carrying some of the weakest wounded people to their carriages. Matilda grabbed me, and I spun around to see her uninjured but trembling with distess. My adopted sister was never upset... unless Emmeline was hurt. "They took Emmeline," she said. "She's in the queen's pavilion." I entrusted the children to one another's care and hurried down the hill with Matilda, not knowing what we could possibly do when we arrived at Her Royal Majesty's tent. I racked my brain but lost all ability to think when I saw little Samir dragged inside as well. For a horrible moment I thought [[Emmeline and Samir were both doomed->PatGoodPt2]].[[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

After a breathless eternity I stood on the slope of a nearby hillside, gaping at the jagged ruin of glass, copper, and steel. Well-drilled servants erected Her Royal Majesty's travelling pavilion at the foot of the hill and she immediately disappeared inside. Thanks to my magical brass, I distinctly heard her shrieking in disgust and literally ripping off her clothes the second she was out of the public eye. Even Queen Victoria was flustered by mechanical spiders clinging to her underskirts. I had no idea where Emmeline and Matilda and the others had gone, but there were dozens of wailing children and elderly women bleeding and dazed with shock. I gathered an entourage of lost children and moved from one injured person to another, binding minor gashes and physically carrying some of the weakest wounded people to their carriages. Matilda grabbed me, and I spun around to see her uninjured but trembling with distess. My adopted sister was never upset... unless Emmeline was hurt. "They took Emmeline," she said. "She's in the queen's pavilion." I entrusted the children to one another's care and hurried down the hill with Matilda, not knowing what we could possibly do when we arrived at Her Royal Majesty's tent. I racked my brain but lost all ability to think when I saw little Samir dragged inside as well. For a horrible moment I thought [[Emmeline and Samir were both doomed->PatBadPt2]].[[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

After a breathless eternity I stood on the slope of a nearby hillside, gaping at the jagged ruin of glass, copper, and steel. Well-drilled servants erected Her Royal Majesty's travelling pavilion at the foot of the hill and she immediately disappeared inside. Thanks to my magical brass, I distinctly heard her shrieking in disgust and literally ripping off her clothes the second she was out of the public eye. Even Queen Victoria was flustered by mechanical spiders clinging to her underskirts. I had no idea where Emmeline and the others had gone, and I searched the crowd frantically until I found Patrick calmly bandaging an old man's bleeding leg. He'd somehow rounded up a dozen lost children, some of whom were older than Samir. Typical Patrick... but no Emmeline. Then I glanced down the hill and saw Mr Lalor marching Emmeline into Her Royal Majesty's tent. She was caught! I grabbed Patrick, babbling something frantic enough that he left the dangling bandage and immediately told the children to look after themselves. We hurried towards the queen's tent, not knowing what we could possibly do when we arrived. As we drew closer I saw little Samir dragged inside as well. [[Emmeline and Samir were both doomed->MatildaGoodPt2]].[[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

After a breathless eternity I stood on the slope of a nearby hillside, gaping at the jagged ruin of glass, copper, and steel. Well-drilled servants erected Her Royal Majesty's travelling pavilion at the foot of the hill and she immediately disappeared inside. Thanks to my magical brass, I distinctly heard her shrieking in disgust and literally ripping off her clothes the second she was out of the public eye. Even Queen Victoria was flustered by mechanical spiders clinging to her underskirts. I had no idea where Emmeline and the others had gone, and I searched the crowd frantically until I found Patrick calmly bandaging an old man's bleeding leg. He'd somehow rounded up a dozen lost children, some of whom were older than Samir. Typical Patrick... but no Emmeline. Then I glanced down the hill and saw Mr Lalor marching Emmeline into Her Royal Majesty's tent. She was caught! I grabbed Patrick, babbling something frantic enough that he left the dangling bandage and immediately told the children to look after themselves. We hurried towards the queen's tent, not knowing what we could possibly do when we arrived. As we drew closer I saw little Samir dragged inside as well. [[Emmeline and Samir were both doomed->MatildaBadPt2]].[[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

After a breathless eternity I stood on the slope of a nearby hillside, gaping at the jagged ruin of glass, copper, and steel. The crowd around me was as good as a disguise, so I let myself stare. Well-drilled servants erected Her Royal Majesty's travelling pavilion at the foot of the hill and she immediately disappeared inside. Thanks to my magical brass, I distinctly heard her shrieking in disgust and literally ripping off her clothes the second she was out of the public eye. Even Queen Victoria was flustered by mechanical spiders clinging to her underskirts. I was smirking to myself when an iron hand clamped on my arm. Mr Lalor! I struggled, but I couldn't break free. He waited, patient and inexorable, until I gave up. "Please," I said. "For old time's sake..." He flinched and shook his head, leading me to the queen's pavilion. For an absurd moment, I wondered if I would be encountering her in the nude. Of course the tent had several rooms, and Her Royal Majesty's women were attending her. She emerged in full regalia and glared at me. Somewhere, somehow, I heard Samir squeak in terror. Then I heard the German-accented voice of Prince Albert from the other side of the pavilion wall asking, "What shall I do with this dalcop, Your Royal Majesty?" He had Samir! I'd led an innocent child to the gallows! It was against protocol to speak and I knew it, but I was unable to stay silent. I fell to my knees and begged for Samir's life. The queen's face was a mask. Her husband escorted Samir inside and had him stand beside me. I bowed my head, empty of words, knowing [[I'd killed my adopted son->EmGoodPt2]].[[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

After a breathless eternity I stood on the slope of a nearby hillside, gaping at the jagged ruin of glass, copper, and steel. The crowd around me was as good as a disguise, so I let myself stare. Well-drilled servants erected Her Royal Majesty's travelling pavilion at the foot of the hill and she immediately disappeared inside. Thanks to my magical brass, I distinctly heard her shrieking in disgust and literally ripping off her clothes the second she was out of the public eye. Even Queen Victoria was flustered by mechanical spiders clinging to her underskirts. I was smirking to myself when an iron hand clamped on my arm. Mr Lalor! I struggled, but I couldn't break free. He waited, patient and inexorable, until I gave up. "Please," I said. "For old time's sake..." He flinched and shook his head, leading me to the queen's pavilion. For an absurd moment, I wondered if I would be encountering her in the nude. Of course the tent had several rooms, and Her Royal Majesty's women were attending her. She emerged in full regalia and glared at me. Somewhere, somehow, I heard Samir squeak in terror. Then I heard the German-accented voice of Prince Albert from the other side of the pavilion wall asking, "What shall I do with this dalcop, Your Royal Majesty?" He had Samir! I'd led an innocent child to the gallows! It was against protocol to speak and I knew it, but I was unable to stay silent. I fell to my knees and begged for Samir's life. The queen's face was a mask. Her husband escorted Samir inside and had him stand beside me. I bowed my head, empty of words, knowing [[I'd killed my adopted son->EmBadPt2]].[[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

Then the queen spoke. "Have her beaten and let her go," she said, and then spoke directly to Emmeline. "You could have harmed me, and you didn't. When the exhibition building failed and put people in danger, you forgot your rebellion and helped them. For that, you are granted mercy... once." "Thank you, Your Royal Majesty," said Emmeline. Prince Albert escorted me inside to witness Emmeline's beating at the hands of a pair of footmen who took it in turns to hit her with springy birch branches torn from the trees outside. Emmeline wept, clinging to the pavilion's central column for support, but she didn't let herself cry out. "Now get out of my sight," said the prince, and retired to tend to his queen. Emmeline and I left the area with uncommon rapidity, expecting to be called back at any moment. She leant heavily on me, trying and failing to hide her pain. Patrick and Matilda spotted us and ran to support Emmeline. "Don't worry," said Matilda. "Doctor Normal's bought us a carriage to get out of here. You won't need to walk for long." When we were thoroughly lost in the remaining crowd, we turned back to watch the queen's entourage pack up her tent and drive off in a long string of decorated carriages. We had defied Her Royal Majesty, and survived. The story was far from over. THE END <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png?w=500" width="350" height="320" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png"> [[Return to the beginning-> ]], or to [[Queen Victoria's entrance->"What is the meaning of this!"]], or visit the [[Exhibits]] or the [[Credits & Notes]]. [[Detailed Walkthrough & Mechanics]] [[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

Then the queen spoke: "Arrest the boy as well." I was sick with horror but I didn't attempt to escape. We had set out to humiliate Queen Victoria and popularise our own cause, and we'd caused a ruckus that could have killed thousands of innocent people. Her Royal Majesty had saved them. Prince Albert escorted me inside and Mr Lalor attached heavy iron chains to my legs. Emmeline was already weighted down with her own shackles, pale with terror and grief. The royal couple left, and the pavilion was disassembled around us. Soon we stood exposed to the jeers and spitting of the crowd. Mr Lalor, Mr Dickens, and the lady mechanic shielded us from the crowd as well as they could while they escorted us to a carriage set aside to transport us to Bearbrass Gaol. I should have scampered when I had the chance. As we climbed the steps I glimpsed Patrick and Matilda in the crowd, hurrying away from us. When I stepped inside, someone entered the opposite door and threw an enormous hessian sack over my head. They grabbed my waist and yanked me from the carriage with magic-enhanced strength. "Emmeline!" I squeaked. "It's me," Matilda hissed through the loose weave. "Shut your sauce-box." I heard Patrick whispering to Emmeline, and the answering clank of her chains—then the whinny of a nearby horse. Matilda gave me a good hard shake, sending me and my irons to the bottom of the sack, where one of my new ankle bracelets smashed into my forehead. Matilda and Patrick threw Emmeline and I over the horse's back like so much scrap metal, and led the horse away. I heard distant shouts as our escape was discovered, but we got away. For the moment. Emmeline had turned me into a wanted criminal. I needed to have a long, hard think about whether I should continue to follow her. THE END <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png?w=500" width="350" height="320" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png"> [[Return to the beginning-> ]], or to [[Queen Victoria's entrance->"What is the meaning of this!"]], or visit the [[Exhibits]] or the [[Credits & Notes]]. [[Detailed Walkthrough & Mechanics]] [[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

I grabbed my two allies, shaking them out of their frozen grief. "Get Emmeline and Samir," I said. "Bundle them in a pair of sacks if you have to. I'll arrange a carriage." "She's dead," said Matilda, displaying a rare and inconvenient fragility. "Nonsense!" I said. "All of Bearbrass is in an uproar. This is the perfect time for your kind of mischief." She nodded, and Patrick was already glancing around for ideas. I left them, and found a carriage with a driver waiting. Trusting in my gold to make me instantly likeable, I greeted him in a friendly manner and exchanged names. His name didn't matter, and mine was a lie. I took out my tiny piece of aluminium from its hidden pocket. "Do you know what this is?" His eyes widened. I untied my entire purse and dropped the aluminium inside, making sure the driver had a good look at all the gold I carried with me. "Yours," I said. "Mine?" "You're going to lend me your carriage." "I am?" With my most charming smile I assured him my friends and I would only need it for a couple of hours. He glanced up the hill, wondering where his master might be, and how severely he'd be punished. Then he took my bag of gold and activated aluminium, and made ready the horses. Patrick and Matilda walked along the road looking for me, leading Emmeline and Samir. Emmeline was pale and limping, and the back of her dress was soaked with her blood. But she was free. We loaded up the carriage, drew the shutters, and left the crowd and queen behind. When we were safely on our way I looked back to watch the queen's entourage drive off in a long string of decorated carriages. We had defied Her Royal Majesty, and survived. The story was far from over. THE END <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png?w=500" width="350" height="320" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png"> [[Return to the beginning-> ]], or to [[Queen Victoria's entrance->"What is the meaning of this!"]], or visit the [[Exhibits]] or the [[Credits & Notes]]. [[Detailed Walkthrough & Mechanics]] [[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

I grabbed my two allies, shaking them out of their frozen grief. "Get Emmeline and Samir," I said. "Bundle them in a pair of sacks if you have to. I'll arrange a carriage." "She's dead," said Matilda, displaying a rare and inconvenient fragility. "Nonsense!" I said. "All of Bearbrass is in an uproar. This is the perfect time for your kind of mischief." She nodded, and Patrick was already glancing around for ideas. I left them, and found a carriage with a driver waiting. Trusting in my gold to make me instantly likeable, I greeted him in a friendly manner and exchanged names. His name didn't matter, and mine was a lie. I took out my tiny piece of aluminium from its hidden pocket. "Do you know what this is?" His eyes widened. I untied my entire purse and dropped the aluminium inside, making sure the driver had a good look at all the gold I carried with me. "Yours," I said. "Mine?" "You're going to lend me your carriage." He snapped out of it. "You're one of them," he said. "Aren't you? The rebels that just made our entire nation look like dangerously incompetent fools in front of Her Royal Majesty?" I hesitated. "One of... who?" He shook his head fiercely, and refused to speak to me any more. I didn't have any luck elsewhere, but I soon found Patrick and Matilda walking along the road looking for me. They led a horse that was obviously a police mount, with two wriggling and clanking sacks upon its back. No-one was pursuing them yet, so we removed Emmeline and Samir from their sacks and walked on, leaving the horse behind to find its owner once more, or get stolen by someone else. It was a long walk through an exhausted crowd. Emmeline was uncharacteristically silent, and Samir had a deep cut on his forehead. I heard shouting as our escape was discovered, but we kept our heads down and kept walking. They didn't find us. Emmeline had turned me into a wanted criminal. I needed to have a long, hard think about whether I should continue to follow her. THE END <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png?w=500" width="350" height="320" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png"> [[Return to the beginning-> ]], or to [[Queen Victoria's entrance->"What is the meaning of this!"]], or visit the [[Exhibits]] or the [[Credits & Notes]]. [[Detailed Walkthrough & Mechanics]] [[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

Then Doctor Normal grabbed us, shaking us until we focused on him. "Get Emmeline and Samir," he said. "Bundle them in a pair of sacks if you have to. I'll arrange a carriage." "She's dead," said Matilda, looking ready to swoon. Matilda never swooned. "Nonsense!" said Doctor Normal. "All of Bearbrass is in an uproar. This is the perfect time for your kind of mischief." He was right. Matilda and I left him, and I realised I was automatically heading for a lovely grey stallion. It was a police horse, but its owner had her hands full helping people. I even recognised one of the lost children from before, and was pleased to see him in good hands. I whispered compliments to the horse, and it sniffed my shoulder in return. Before I knew it, we'd left her owner behind. "Patrick!" Matilda whispered. "Are you seeing this?" I turned and saw Emmeline and Samir walking towards us. They were alone. Emmeline was pale and limping, and the back of her dress was soaked with her blood. She'd been beaten. But she was free. We gathered them up and my new horse carried them away from the horror of the broken exhibition. No-one had lost their life. Not this time. When we were safely on our way I looked back to watch the queen's entourage drive off in a long string of decorated carriages. We had defied Her Royal Majesty, and survived. The story was far from over. THE END <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png?w=500" width="350" height="320" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png"> [[Return to the beginning-> ]], or to [[Queen Victoria's entrance->"What is the meaning of this!"]], or visit the [[Exhibits]] or the [[Credits & Notes]]. [[Detailed Walkthrough & Mechanics]] [[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

Then Doctor Normal grabbed us, shaking us until we focused on him. "Get Emmeline and Samir," he said. "Bundle them in a pair of sacks if you have to. I'll arrange a carriage." "She's dead," said Matilda, looking ready to swoon. Matilda never swooned. "Nonsense!" said Doctor Normal. "All of Bearbrass is in an uproar. This is the perfect time for your kind of mischief." He was right. Matilda and I left him, and I realised I was automatically heading for a lovely grey stallion. It was a police horse, but its owner had her hands full helping people. I even recognised one of the lost children from before, and was pleased to see him in good hands. I whispered compliments to the horse, and it sniffed my shoulder in return. Before I knew it, we'd left her owner behind. "There!" Matilda whispered. "That's the carriage they'll use to transport Emmeline and Samir to a secure location. We steal them before they move, or they're lost." I didn't ask how she knew which carriage to choose. Matilda just knew things. We found sacks large enough to take our friends, and watched and waited until Emmeline and Samir were brought to the road exactly as Matilda had predicted. At just the right moment we snatched our friends from the opposite side of the carriage as they were loaded inside. I threw them awkwardly over my horse's back, and we made a hasty exit. Mr Lalor shouted in rage as he realised what we'd done, but we kept our heads down and kept walking. He didn't find us. Doctor Normal met us on the road, and we helped Emmeline and Samir out of their sacks and into Doctor Normal's carriage. I kissed the horse and let it go. Emmeline was uncharacteristically silent, and Samir had a deep cut on his forehead. We drove away, expecting a hue and cry at any moment. Emmeline had turned me into a high-profile criminal once more, and turned my sister into an outlaw. I needed to have a long, hard think about whether I should continue to follow her. THE END <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png?w=500" width="350" height="320" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png"> [[Return to the beginning-> ]], or to [[Queen Victoria's entrance->"What is the meaning of this!"]], or visit the [[Exhibits]] or the [[Credits & Notes]]. [[Detailed Walkthrough & Mechanics]] [[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

Then Doctor Normal grabbed us, shaking us until we focused on him. "Get Emmeline and Samir," he said. "Bundle them in a pair of sacks if you have to. I'll arrange a carriage." "She's dead," I said aloud. The words sounded as if they came from somewhere else. "Nonsense!" said Doctor Normal. "All of Bearbrass is in an uproar. This is the perfect time for your kind of mischief." He was right. Patrick and I left him, and I scanned the line of carriages on the road below while Patrick stole a horse. I was finding it hard to think, hard to breath, hard to walk. Then, like a vision, I saw Emmeline and Samir walking towards us. They were alone. Emmeline was pale and limping, and the back of her dress was soaked with her blood. She'd been beaten. But she was free. We gathered them up and Patrick's new horse carried them away from the horror of the broken exhibition. No-one had lost their life. Not this time. When we were safely on our way I looked back to watch the queen's entourage drive off in a long string of decorated carriages. We had defied Her Royal Majesty, and survived. The story was far from over. THE END <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png?w=500" width="350" height="320" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png"> [[Return to the beginning-> ]], or to [[Queen Victoria's entrance->"What is the meaning of this!"]], or visit the [[Exhibits]] or the [[Credits & Notes]]. [[Detailed Walkthrough & Mechanics]] [[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

Then Doctor Normal grabbed us, shaking us until we focused on him. "Get Emmeline and Samir," he said. "Bundle them in a pair of sacks if you have to. I'll arrange a carriage." "She's dead," I said aloud. The words sounded as if they came from somewhere else. "Nonsense!" said Doctor Normal. "All of Bearbrass is in an uproar. This is the perfect time for your kind of mischief." He was right. Patrick and I left him, and I scanned the line of carriages on the road below while Patrick stole a horse. I was finding it hard to think, hard to breath, hard to walk. I recognised one of the carriage drivers from the governor's household, and felt sure Mr Lalor would be using that carriage, which meant Emmeline and Samir would soon be inside it. The carriage was simple enough to be practical, but had the kind of quality required of someone in the queen's direct service. Mr Lalor would use it to get his prisoners to a more secure location, and soon. I pointed it out to Patrick at once. We found sacks large enough to take our friends, and made the grab from the opposite side of the carriage at the precise moment they were loaded inside. Patrick threw them over his horse's back, and we made a hasty exit. Mr Lalor shouted in rage as he realised what we'd done, but we kept our heads down and kept walking. He didn't find us. Doctor Normal met us on the road, and we helped Emmeline and Samir out of their sacks and into Doctor Normal's carriage. Patrick said goodbye to his horse, looking pleased with himself. Emmeline was uncharacteristically silent, and Samir had a deep cut on his forehead. We drove away, expecting a hue and cry at any moment. Emmeline had turned us into high-profile criminals once more, and life would be trickier from now on. I needed to have a long, hard think about whether Emmeline's obsession with state independence was going to get us both killed. THE END <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png?w=500" width="350" height="320" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png"> [[Return to the beginning-> ]], or to [[Queen Victoria's entrance->"What is the meaning of this!"]], or visit the [[Exhibits]] or the [[Credits & Notes]]. [[Detailed Walkthrough & Mechanics]] [[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

Then the queen spoke. "Have her beaten and let her go," she said, and then spoke directly to me. "You could have harmed me, and you didn't. When the exhibition building failed and put people in danger, you forgot your rebellion and helped them. For that, you are granted mercy... once." "Thank you, Your Royal Majesty," I said, not quite understanding what she'd said. Prince Albert's footmen tied me to the central column and then brought in branches from outside to beat me. I wept in a mixture of pain at my punishment and relief that it was so light. "Now get out of my sight," said the prince, and retired to tend to his queen. Samir and I left the area with uncommon rapidity, expecting to be called back at any moment. I leant on him, flushed with shame at my weakness. Patrick and Matilda ran to meet us. "Don't worry," said Matilda. "Doctor Normal's bought us a carriage to get out of here. You won't need to walk for long." Their kindness almost undid me, but I gathered my strength and kept hold of the small dignity I had left. My back was hot and sticky with my blood. When we were thoroughly lost in the remaining crowd, we turned back to watch the queen's entourage pack up her tent and drive off in a long string of decorated carriages. We had defied Her Royal Majesty, and survived. The story was far from over. THE END <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png?w=500" width="350" height="320" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png"> [[Return to the beginning-> ]], or to [[Queen Victoria's entrance->"What is the meaning of this!"]], or visit the [[Exhibits]] or the [[Credits & Notes]]. [[Detailed Walkthrough & Mechanics]] [[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)

Then the queen spoke: "Arrest the boy as well." I was sick with horror but I didn't attempt to escape. We had set out to humiliate Queen Victoria and popularise our own cause, and instead we'd caused a ruckus that could have killed thousands of innocent people. Her Royal Majesty had saved them, and I was grateful. Mr Lalor attached heavy iron chains to my legs and to Samir. Poor Samir was a brave child, but he was still a child. His eyes were wide with awe and fear. He should have been in school or at work, not falling in with criminals like me. The royal couple left, and the pavilion was disassembled around us. Soon we stood exposed to the jeers and spitting of the crowd. Mr Lalor, Mr Dickens, and the lady mechanic shielded us from the crowd as well as they could while they escorted us to a carriage that had been set aside to transport us to Bearbrass Gaol. As we drew close I glimpsed Patrick and Matilda in the crowd, hurrying behind the carriage where Mr Lalor wouldn't see them. Samir entered the carriage before me, and I noticed a scuffle in the darkness. I guessed what was happening and quickly stepped inside, gasping as someone threw an enormous hessian sack over my head. They grabbed my waist and yanked me from the carriage with magic-enhanced strength, throwing me off my feet. "Ready to go?" Patrick whispered to me through the loose weave of the sack. I wriggled forwards to aid him, making my manacles clank together. He threw me over a horse's back next to Samir, and led the horse away. I heard Mr Lalor shout in rage as our escape was discovered, but we got away. For the moment. I had turned my closest friends into outlaws. Samir wasn't an adult yet, but he was already a wanted man because of me. I resolved to have a long, hard think about what I really wanted to do with the second chance I'd been given. THE END <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png?w=500" width="350" height="320" alt="screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-11-28-09-pm.png"> [[Return to the beginning-> ]], or to [[Queen Victoria's entrance->"What is the meaning of this!"]], or visit the [[Exhibits]] or the [[Credits & Notes]]. [[Detailed Walkthrough & Mechanics]] [[''Magic & Skills''->Magical Metals]] (if: $tin > 0)[//Tin = Popularity//](if: $tin < 1)[Tin = Popularity] (if: $lead > 0)[//Lead = Empathy//](if: $lead < 1)[Lead = Empathy] (if: $brass > 0)[//Brass = Physiology//](if: $brass < 1)[Brass = Physiology] (if: $iron > 0)[//Iron = Strength//](if: $iron < 1)[Iron = Strength] (if: $silver > 0)[//Silver = Know-how//](if: $silver < 1)[Silver = Know-How] (if: $gold > 0)[//Gold = Charm//](if: $gold < 1)[Gold = Charm] (if: $aluminium > 0)[//Aluminium = Grace//](if: $aluminium < 1)[Aluminium = Grace] <img src="https://felicitybanks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_0870.jpg?w=500" width="200" height="200" alt="img_0870.jpg"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)