A cool wind blows over the mountainside as you walk alongside the trail. Passing you is a convoy of wagons and carriages loaded with produce, rolls of silk, and stacks of meat.
The setting sun is bright red and the sky is a blaze or orange yellow as the sun sinks. The sparse, short, green grass flutters in waves as the wind howls.
Your armor creaks as you walk, the weathered chestplate littered with dings and deep scratches and bits of rust. The chainmail kilt is filled with holes, and several of the rings attaching it to your thick leather belt have snapped off. A massive great axe is slung over your right shoulder, the blade nicked and dull. The sunlight glints off your long grey snout as you cast a glance over the scenery.
A thousand meters at the end of the dirt trail, in the shadow of the mountain peak, is a town with wooden houses and several large brick buildings with black smoke pouring out of metal chimney stacks. The layout of the town inclines as it approaches the rockface.
After a few minutes a horn from one of the carriages blasts and the heavy, metal gates creak open, allowing you and the convoy to enter.
As the carriages and wagons travel along dirt road, you peel off and get in a line leading to a man seated at bench with the other escorts. Once you reach him, he scratches out a name with a feather pen. "Name," he asks.
[["Gaist Greyskin."->pay]]
(set: $money to 0)"Halt!"
Before you can get ten steps, three men in matching leather jerkins point large halberds at your face. They look hostile, but also extremely nervous.
You keep still, with your hand still gripping the handle of your axe.
Behind them, a man in matching armor, but decorated with a fur lined collar, approaches you with his hands on his hips. He chews his cud and spits on the ground before stopping behind the man in the middle. "Well well well, what have we here? All right, freak, how the hell did you get in here?" he says.
[[Threaten him.->dead gate]]
[[Say nothing.->play dumb]]
[[Play nice.->smart]]Having a halberd pointed at your face sours your mood pretty quick. Forget finding a blacksmith tonight, you need a pick me up. There's nothing better than agreeable company. Considering the sheriff's response to your presence, it's probably not wise to pick up girls while in armor. Better find an inn and dress in something less threatening.
Walking along the street, everywhere you turn, people give you looks and step out of your path. At least until you get into the crowd where people from the convoy are disembarking.
Your stomach growls, so you stop at a street vendor selling grilled kebabs. When you reach into your pocket though, your money sack isn't there. Spinning around, you spy a small child with pale blonde hair clutching something to her chest. "Hey, you!" you shout. She startles and tries to bolt. Grabbing at her, you tear her sleeve off, but she maneuvers through the crowd.
[[Shout for help.->ignored]]
[[Try to follow after her.->blocked]]
(set: $path to "inn")It's a good bet if this is how the local guards react to your presence, the rest of the town isn't going to be much better. You better find a blacksmith ASAP.
Heading toward the center of town, everywhere you turn, people give you looks and step out of your path. At least until you arrive at the collection of smithies. Guards, merchants and other mercenaries congregate here. Looking for a smithy with armor on the sign, you wade through the crowd.
Eventually you find one. His back is turned as he hammers on his anvil.
"Excuse me, sir, but I need to get my armor fixed."
He keeps hammering. "Five silver pieces base fee, more depending on how much work it needs."
When you reach into your pocket, your money sack isn't there. Spinning around, you spy a small child with pale blonde hair clutching something to her chest as she walks away. "Hey, you!" you shout.
She startles and tries to bolt. Grabbing at her, you tear her sleeve off, but she breaks away and slips into a narrow alley.
[[Call for help.->ignored]]
[[Chase after her.->too big]]
(set: $path to "smith")All you get is a few questioning looks from some of the crowd, but nobody does anything. The guards just laugh. You look at the piece of cloth you tore off her sleeve. It's old, dirty and tattered.
[[Sniff the cloth.->pursuit]]The crowd is too thick, and trying to push through them is like wading hip deep in mud. You look at the piece of cloth you tore off her sleeve. It's old, dirty and tattered.
[[Sniff the cloth.->pursuit]]The piece of cloth holds a strong scent to it. Pushing your way out of the crowd, you follow the scent of the girl. After a few twists and turns through back alleys, you spy the filthy urchin from around a corner. She walks into a doorway covered by a piece of cloth.
Creeping up to the door, you push the cloth aside and force your way in. Inside, light peers in from a hole in the roof. The kid with your money squeaks and kicks as you pick her up by the collar of her oversized shirt.
She kicks at you and grabs at your hand, dropping your money in the process. You reach down with your free hand and pick it up, stuffing it back into your pocket.
As your eyes adjust, you can make out three other children huddling in a dark corner of the dilapidated house. You take a close look at the struggling girl.
Her hair and clothes are equally filthy. She's skinny as hell, and her fingernails are cracked and uneven. The other children aren't much better. In fact they look worse.
[[Leave.->jerk]]
[[Give her 2 silvers.->normal]]
[[Give her 5 silvers.->good guy]]You set the girl down and she rushes over to the other children, huddling them together.
You snort through your nostrils and walk out. This is their problem, not yours.
(set: $deed to "jerk")
(if: $path is "smith")[ [[Return to the smithies.->smith2]]]
(if: $path is "inn")[ [[Go back to looking for an inn.->inn2]]]
(else:)[ [[Go find an inn.->inn2]]]
(else:)[ [[Go find a smithy.->smith2]]]You set the girl down. "Hey, kid," you say and take her hand.
She turns her head and whimpers.
Reaching into your pocket, you pull two silvers out of the sack and place them in her hand.
She peers up at you as you pat her on the head.
"Don't steal anything else today."
(set: $deed to "good")
(if: $path is "smith")[ [[Return to the smithies.->smith2]]]
(if: $path is "inn")[ [[Go back to looking for an inn.->inn2]]]
(else:)[ [[Go find an inn.->inn2]]]
(else:)[ [[Go find a smithy.->smith2]]]You set the girl down. "Hey, kid," you say and take her hand.
She turns her head and whimpers.
Reaching into your pocket, you pull five silvers out of the sack and place them in her hand.
She peers up at you as you pat her on the head.
"Don't steal anything else today."
As you turn to leave, she speaks up again. "Are you really a monster man?"
You don't turn around. "Yes... I am."
(set: $deed to "kind")
(if: $path is "smith")[ [[Return to the smithies.->smith2]]]
(if: $path is "inn")[ [[Go back to looking for an inn.->inn2]]]
(else:)[ [[Go find an inn.->inn2]]]
(else:)[ [[Go find a smithy.->smith2]]]You try to move sideways through the alley, but your tail gets in the way.
You look at the piece of cloth you tore off her sleeve. It's old, dirty and tattered.
[[Sniff the cloth.->pursuit]]You knock away all three halberds with the back of your hand and shoot the sheriff a death glare. "You got a problem, you sawed off midget?
The sheriff cracks a crooked smile. "You just made my day," he says and blows the whistle hanging from his neck. Within seconds a dozen more guards appear.
Your skin may be tough, but it isn't strong enough to resist a dozen sharp halberds.
You're dead.
[[Restart->Start]]You just tilt your head at him and narrow your eyes the slightest bit.
"What? You don't speak Common? Grrrr roar, gyaooo." He continues to make animal noises at you, drawing smiles from the other three. "You hear that, boys? That's lizard for, 'I want you the hell out of this town in three days. So go shed, or lay an egg, or whatever it is lizard's do, and get out. If we catch you in the city limits after that we're gonna turn you into a wall trophy."
The guards lower their weapons and walk off with the sheriff.
[[Find an inn.->thief1]]
[[Find a blacksmith.->thief2]]"Through the gate. Same as the rest of the convoy and its escort. Is there a problem, sheriff? I don't think I've committed any crimes as of yet," you say.
He puts on an amused smile and looks around for a moment. "I guess we need to remind the gate watch they're supposed to be keeping monsters out of town, not letting them prance in here."
"I was hired as part of the convoy's escort. If you think I'm lying, you can ask the personnel officer. He's right over there," you say, jerking your thumb behind you.
"I think I will," he says and swaggers out of view.
After a minute you look over your left shoulder to see him standing by the bench, the personnel officer giving him a tired look and waving him off.
The sheriff comes to a stop behind you. "All right, lizard. What you say checks out, but I'm gonna let you off with a warning. I want you out of this town by the next payday. Some big coal tycoon is coming, and you're not gonna ruin the view with your ugly mug."
[[Find an inn.->thief1]]
[[Find a blacksmith.->thief2]](if: $sword is true)[The blacksmith is happy.]\
(else:)[The blacksmith doesn't know who you are.]
(if: $deed is "bad")[Were a jerk.]\
(else:)[You are impartial.]
(if: $deed is "kind")[The girl who swiped your wallet and her friends drop you your axe from the rooftop.]Leaving the dilapidated house behind, you (if: $path is "smith")[head back to the blacksmith you spoke with earlier.] (else-if: $path is "inn")[decide to find a blacksmith before anything else happens.]
Finding your back to the blacksmith, you place your sack on the counter. "Right, 5 silvers plus additional costs?" you say and place the coins on the rough wood.
"That's right," he says. As he turns around his eyes go wide, and he flings his hammer at you, which you doge just barely. "Get out of here, you freak!" He grabs the coins and chucks them into your face. "Take your blood money sod off! I don't sell to murdering monster!"
You gather up your money and stuff them into your pocket. Leaving the angry smith behind, you try the others, but none of them are willing to work for a "monster" either.
You try another section of town of the smithy. Same deal, same words. No flying hammers, though.
It's getting late, and the shops are closing up. As you leave, someone taps you on the arm. It's an older man with a balding head. "Oi. I'm closed for the night, but I don't mind selling to you. Come see me in the morning. If you need a place to stay, there's a place on the west side of town called the Silent Muse."
[[Give him a nod. "Thank you."->inn2.3]]Leaving the dilapidated house behind, you (if: $path is "inn")[you go back to looking for a place to stay.](else-if: $path is "smith")[you decide you've had enough and go look for an inn instead.] Every inn you go to is either full, or they turn you away. Apparently no one wants to cater to a "monster."
After the last place throws you out, an old man that you know from the convoy stumbles out. "Ey, *hiccup* if you need a place to stay, go to the *hiccup* Silent Muse. It's not the best around, but they don't turn away someone with good coin *hiccup*. It's on the west side'a town."
You give him a nod and head off. By the time you find it, there's barely any sunlight left, and the temperature's dropped. There's a green sign with a woman playing a harp, and "Silent Muse" in matching green letters painted over the door. You slip your sandals on and enter.
There's only a few people at the tables in the common room, there's a warm fire blazing. They all give you surprised looks, but don't get up. There's no one at the front desk. You ring the bell, and go to warm yourself by the fire.
After a minute, the receptionist comes back. "Can I help you?"
[["How much for a room?"->inn3]]He hands you a burlap pouch. "Thirty silvers. Thank you for your hard work," he says with tired practice.
You jingle the sack in your hand and pocket it before heading to a bulletin board with a map of the town next to it. (link: "There's an inscription of the town history next to the map.")[(goto-url: "https://matthewschnell.wixsite.com/coalshire/history")] You need to find a place to sleep, as well as find a blacksmith who will repair your gear.
[[Look for an inn.->halt]]
[[Head to the red light district.->halt]]
[[Head for the metalworking section of town.->halt]]"8 silvers a night, breakfast included."
"That's ridiculous! For that kind of money you should feed me 3 square meals and sing me to sleep!"
All of the patrons look at you.
"Keep your voice down. If you don't like it, find somewhere else," he says with a dispassionate look on his face.
You growl at him in your throat, but pull your wallet and pay him. It's not like you have a choice.
"Your room is upstairs, all the way in the back."
[[Head up the stairs.->room]]By the time you find it, there's barely any sunlight left, and the temperature's dropped. There's a green sign with a woman playing a harp, and "Silent Muse" in matching green letters painted over the door. You slip your sandals on and enter.
There's only a few people at the tables in the common room, there's a warm fire blazing. They all give you surprised looks, but don't get up. There's no one at the front desk. You ring the bell, and go to warm yourself by the fire.
After a minute, the receptionist comes back. "Can I help you?"
[["How much for a room?"->inn3]]You go down to the common room and stand by the fire until your clothes are warm. Breakfast is being served on a long table in old copper trays. Eggs, hash browns, ham, and a pitcher of milk or water is all that's available. You load up your plate, fill a glass of water, and chow down. The food is bland and unsatisfying, but filling.
Now that you're full, you go back upstairs. You put your cuirass and bracers on. Your pauldrons and kilt, you carry over your shoulder.
[[Go back to the smithies.->back to smith]]The air is still chilly, but it's dry and the sun is out. You make your way back to the smith who offered to sell to you. He's already dealing with someone when you find him.
He doesn't wave, but he does keep looking to the side. Looking past him, you can see an alley. It probably leads to his back door.
(if: $deed is "kind")[ [[Check out the alley.->backdoorS]]]
(else:)[ [[Check out the back alley.->backdoor]]]The alley is deserted. The ground is littered with bits and pieces of metal and other junk. Looking to your right, there's a door leading to the smith's shop.
You grab a seat behind a dumpster and wait for the smith. You startle when something taps you on the shoulder. Looking to your left, you see the girl who swiped your wallet. "Gah! What do you want!?"
She backs up a half step and just stares at you for a few minute. She points to the smith's shop. "Liar."
"Huh?"
She looks at the ground, glancing at you now and then, and uses the ball of her right foot to play with a stick. "Crook. He makes promises to mon—... people like you, but never keeps them."
You snap your head in the direction of his shop, but when you turn back to the girl, she's gone.
[[Leave.->move on]]
[[Wait for the smith.->dummy]]The alley is deserted. The ground is littered with bits and pieces of metal and other junk. Looking to your right, there's a door leading to the smith's shop.
[[Grab a seat behind a dumpster and wait for the smith.->dummy]]
You decide to take the girl's advice and leave.
A breeze from the east blows through the alley, carrying the smell of freshly baked bread. It's enough to make your mouth water.
[[Keep looking through the smithies.->stonewall]]
[[Follow your nose.->scent]]Several minutes later, the smith comes out. "Hey. Sorry for the wait, but it's not wise for me to be seen speaking with you. No offense, but I have to live here."
"None taken. Just about everything I have needs fixing. I brought my armor with me, that's the most important thing. I also have a great axe and a knife."
"The armor I can do something about, but my whetstone just broke and I'm waiting for a new one."
"Just the armor then. I've only got 2 days in town. Can you fix it by then? What I've got here is everything."
"2 days, huh?" He rubs his chin for a few moments before running the tip of his finger over his right ear. "Tell you what, you give me 15 silvers up front, and I promise I can fix it all by the time you leave."
[[Accept his offer.->sucker]]
[[Turn him down.->no fool]]You give him a nod and get up. You take your kilt into his shop and set it down on his workbench.
You turn back to the smith. "Are you sure you can fix all of this in time?"
"Sure can!" he says and runs the tip of his finger over his ear again. He offers you his hand.
[[Take his hand.->game over 1]]
[[Think again.->no fool]]You change your mind about this guy, and grab your armor off the table. "Um... maybe give me some time to think about it." You go out the backdoor.
He follows you out. "Wha!? What do you mean 'no'!? You think you're going to find anyone else willing to sell to you, monster!? Go then, and don't come back!"
A breeze from the east blows through the alley, carrying the smell of freshly baked bread. It's enough to make your mouth water.
[[Keep looking through the smithies.->stonewall]]
[[Follow your nose.->scent]]You take off your bracers and cuirass and set them down next to the kilt. With your armor secured, you leave the shop in good faith. time to go find someone to fix your weapons... and pick up girls!
However, when you return 3 days later, you find your armor in no better condition than when you left it. He apologizes, saying he had to put it on hold due to other customers. He refuses to refund your money, but he does return your armor.
You weren't able to get your armor fixed.
GAME OVER
(Set: $deed to "sucker")Double-click this passage to edit it.
[[Reconsider.->no bite]]No matter where you look, it's the same story. No one's willing to sell to a monster. Looking here any longer is foolish.
Another breeze carrying the same scent hits you. You've been looking for a while now. Maybe it's time to go get some food.
[[Follow that scent!->scent]]
(set: $path to "dummy")Your nose doesn't fail, and you arrive at a lively section of town. There's cafés and food vendors manning booths along the street. {(if: $path is "dummy") [You spent so much time searching your guts are grumbling.] (else:) [The smell of the bakery and all the other places selling food is enough to make you hungry.]}
The smell is coming from a café. There's a sign above the door. "The Flaky Biscuit."
Behind the building, you can see a pillar of black smoke.
[[Grab a bite.->bakery1]]A bell rings when you open the door. "Just a second!" calls a voice.
The place is almost empty, save for a girl behind the counter. She's stocking the shelves with what you assume is fresh bread.
She's got her brown hair done in a long braid that reaches her lower back. You figure she must be a cutey, and when she turns around you ''know'' she's a cutey.
"Ah! Um... c-can I help you?"
[[Lean forward take it all in.->bakery2]]As you approach, you can smell iron being smelted. TheA variety of baked deliciousness assaults your nose, and you slap the table; making her jump a bit. "I knew it! That heavenly smell was coming from here wasn't it? I caught it by the smithy and had to follow it! It all smells so good, though! Can you recommend something?"
She blinks at you, and stares. After a few seconds she smiles at you. "Oh, of course! My personal favorite are our cheese biscuits."
"I'll take three!"
"I'll just be a minute."
[[Take a seat.->bakery3]]You set your armor down on the floor and grab a seat at a booth. The place is deserted, despite having a cute girl behind the counter and a shelf full of fresh bread. In a minute she comes and places a plate with the biscuits in front of you. "Here you are. M-My name is Brenda by the way."
"Thank you, Brenda. I'm Gaist. Gaist Greyskin."
"Nice to meet you, mister Gaist."
You break a biscuit in half, spread some soft butter on it and toss it into your mouth. It's moist, flaky and cheesy, and it makes your mouth water. It almost melts in your mouth. "Mmmmh, this is delicious. How can your place be empty when your food is this good?"
"It's because our coffee pot broke. Food is good, but what's a café without coffee in the morning? I sent it to Harold to fix it. He should have it fixed by now, but I haven't seen him in days. It's odd, because he used to come almost every day."
[["Is he busier than normal?"->bakery5.2]]You break a biscuit in half, spread some soft butter on it and toss it into your mouth. It's moist, flaky and cheesy, and it makes your mouth water. It almost melts in your mouth. "Mmmmh, this is delicious. How can your place be empty when your food is this good?"
"It's because our coffee pot broke. Food is good, but what's a café without coffee in the morning? I sent it to Harold to fix it. He should have it fixed by now, but I haven't seen him in days. It's odd, because he used to come almost every day."
"I don't know. I haven't had any time to see him, and I can't leave the shop unattended, we're going to get the lunch crowd soon."
"I don't know. I haven't had any time to see him, and I can't leave the shop unattended, we're going to get the lunch crowd soon."
"What does he usually order?"
"Chocolate croissants."
"I'll take six to go. While I'm at it, how about I ask if your coffee pot is fixed?"
"Would you really!? Thank you so much! I'll get you a basket." She runs back behind the counter and fills a basket with your order."
You toss the remining biscuits into our mouth, and go to the counter. "How much do I owe you?"
"50 coppers... but 40 for you, since you're doing me a favor. Hee hee. I didn't know that monsters could appreciate baked goods, or be so... nice."
[[Pay her and take the basket.->encounter]]You follow the smoke trail and it leads you through through the red light district. You take some time to have a look around, and get familiar with the place.
One large building in particular has a sign that reads: "Genevieve's Playpen" in pink, cursive letters. A brunette with flowing brown hair and eyes, a heavy, but low cut, red dress comes out of the building.
[[Go holler at her!->Daria1]]This one is too cute! Business can wait. You jog up to the brunette, armor still slung over your shoulder, and basket in hand. "Hey there, little lady, what's your name?"
Her eyes turn to dinner plates when she looks at you. She holds her up against her chest and she takes a few steps back. "Um... D-Daria."
"Well then, Daria, looking for some company?"
"I uh... I... I'm... going to get food! Yes, I missed breakfast this morning, so... maybe later?"
"You bet! I'll see you, Daria."
[[Back to business.->delivery]]Making plans with a cute girl has put a spring in your step as you resume your course to the source of smoke.
When you arrive, the street is almost deserted. Only a few people about. The buildings are in poor repair, and some of them have holes in the walls.
You step inside the smithy's place. There's no one at the counter, but you can hear someone hammering on an anvil. You ring the bell hanging on the edge of the roof and head into the back.
Inside is a dwarf hammering away on a red hot sword.
[["Are you Harold?"->ignore]]
[["Gaist. Gaist Greyskin, at your service. What's your name, master dwarf?"->greeting]]The dwarf doesn't look at you or stop. "Give me your name, and I shall give you mine, lad."
[["Gaist. Gaist Greyskin."->greeting]]
(set: $path to "improper")The dwarf puts his hammer down and turns to you. He gives you a bow. "Harold steadyhand, at your service."
"I've got a delivery of chocolate croissants from Brenda, Harold," you say, holding up the basket.
"Mercy me I'm starving! Set'em down on the bench lad, I'll be just a moment." He goes to a water pump and washes his hands.
There's finely made weapons of dwarvish design all over the wall. On a separate bench lie pieces of armor. Some are still half made, but the others are polished and look like they would fit as a man's second skin.
As you admire his handiwork, he digs right in. "Bless you laddy, I didn't realize the time till you came."
[["Is Brenda's coffee pot ready?"->coffee]]
The dwarf smacks his head with the palm of his hand, and says something in dwarvish as he disappears behind a corner. A helmet goes flying across the room and crashes into the wall, followed by another, and then another. Each one is followed by what you assume to be more curses.
"Here!" he comes out holding copper pot with a spout. "I had the blasted thing fixed, but then I got to work on a set of armor and my mind failed."
You take the pot and examine it. "Brenda will be happy to see this."
"Aye, and I'm sure you'll be happy to get that armor fixed, or my eyes fail me. Come on, off with it."
[[Remove your armor.->deal]]"Bah!" he says with a wave of his hand. "All those amateurs belong to that foolish guild. I'll not have anyone tell me what metals I can use or who I sell them to. And all those ridiculous rules and taxes... bloody thieves!"
He stuffs a croissant into his mouth and stares at you a moment. "I'd best have a look at that armor, if that cuirass you wear is any sign. Come on, get'em off."
He stuffs another one into his gob and struts over to you. He grabs your hands and turns them, looking at your gauntlets, the plates are about to fall off. "Good grief, boy, what have you been doing? Wrestling behemoths? Best get your armor off so I can have a proper look."
Apparently this dwarf is a mind reader too. You get armor off and set the pieces down on his bench. He looks over each piece, turning them this way and that.
"Huh, your armor's rather rubbish isn't it? Still it shouldn't be a problem. When do you need it fixed by?"
"Tomorrow. And I have an axe that needs sharpening, and a knife that's seen some damage."
"All that by tomorrow eh. I'll have to put a rush on it, so it'll be extra. I figure... 8 or 10 silvers should cover it. I'll need to have a look at your weapons before I can say for certain."
[[Return too Brenda's place.->drop]]With your armor secured, and Brenda's pot in hand, you head back to the café. It feels good to be walking through town without your armor. People still give you looks as you pass, but that glint of fear is gone now.
As you near the café, you can smell a lot more people now.
[[Enter through the backdoor.->drop off]]You head into the alley behind the café and knock on the door. After a minute, Brenda leans her head out and smiles when she sees her pot. "He fixed it!?"
You nod. "Mhm! He forgot to bring it back after starting a new project. If I were you, I'd give him a good scolding the next time I saw him."
She giggles. "I just might do that. Thank you so much, Gaist."
You give her a nod, "No problem. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to see to business before I can see to pleasure."
"Come back for more biscuits!" she says, waving you off. "And a cup of coffee!"
[[Head South.->hooker1]]
[[Head West.->daria2]]Heading south leads you to a main road. Perched on the corner of the street is a blonde woman in a red dress with a cigarette holder. Now that you've found someone to take care of your armor, it's time to have some fun.
You jog up to her. "Good morning, miss. You looking for some company?"
She gives you an impassive stair as she pops the cigarette out of the holder. She sticks another one in and looks at you. "Got a light?"
"Uhhhh, not right now, no."
"Huh," is all she says before walking away.
[[Head back to the inn.->collect]]Heading West leads you back to the street populated by vendors. Daria's across the street. She must've had breakfast by now, so you jog up to her. "Hello again, Daria. How was breakfast?"
She startles and turns around. "O-Oh, it was good, thank you."
You put your hand to the wall behind her and lean in. "So, if you're not busy, how about finding someplace where we can... "talk?"
She adjusts her shawl and clears her throat. "Oh, I'm sorry, I would but I'm already waiting for another... gentleman. Maybe next time."
You give her a nod. "You bet! Maybe I'll see you later then."
[[Head back to the inn.->collect]]Heading back to the Silent Muse, you go upstairs to your room. Before you grab your axe off the floor, you wonder if you shouldn't change into something better, or just take your lighter.
(set: $item to "suit") (set: $item to "lighter")[ [[Change.->weapons]]]
(set: $item to "lighter")[ [[Just take your light.->weapons]]]The sun starts making the slow descent to the horizon as you make your way back to Harold's place. Once you arrive, you set your axe and knife on the bench.
"Let's see now. By my beard, what have you done to the blade!?"
You rub the back of your neck. "Uhh... fight stone golems?"
He shakes his head at you, then he picks up the knife. "Hmmm."
"What's wrong?"
"The damage to this knife is worse than it looks." He holds it up. On the flat of the blade is a deep cut. "See how deep that is? I'd almost have to reforge it. More than that, I can't make the window you gave me if you want me to fix your knife as well."
[["Nobody else will sell to me."->referral]]He stares at you in silence for a solid minute, stroking his beard before his eyes widen. "I know! You should see Anand. He runs a smith on the other side of town. He's not bad for a human. He might be able to help."
You roll your eyes at this. "All right, thank you."
[["Back to the other side of town again..."->west]]By the time you reach the West side of town, the sun is low in the sky. It's not dusk yet, but it soon will be.
Harold gave you directions but they're rubbish. Fortunately, you can smell molten steel on the wind. You're close.
Eventually you find it. Behind an iron fence, an old man with a silvery head of hair works at a sharpening wheel. Sparks fly as his foot pumps the wheel.
[[Approach him.->denial]]"Excuse me, are you Kiran Anand?"
"Who's asking?" he says, examining the blade.
"Gaist. Gaist Greyskin."
"And what do you want, Gaist Greyskin?"
"Harold said that you weren't bad for a human, and that you might be able to help me. I have a knife that's in bad shape."
"So buy a new one. It would be cheaper."
You grumble in your throat. "All right, fine. Can you find me a knife made of black steel?"
At that, he puts the knife down and looks at you. He's squinting so much you can't even make out the color of his eyes. "Show me."
[[Draw the knife.->]]You hand him the knife, and he examines it in detail, turning it in his hand. "Is there anything you can do?" You ask.
"Yes. I can fix it. 5 silvers. It will be ready in 3 days."
"3 days!? I have to be out of town by tomorrow!"
"You want a rush? Then it'll be 20 silvers."
"I don't have that!"
"Then you're going to have to wait."
"Come on, can't you cut me some slack?"
"If you can't pay or wait, that's your problem. I have an obligation to my customers."
[[Give up for now.->fun]]This old codger is as stubborn as a fortress gate. Instead of hassling him, you decide it would be better to mull the problem over for a while.
For now, you pocket the knife and head for the red light district. Enough is enough. You're gonna find a girl and have some fun.
By the time you get there, there's barely any light left, and the streets are lit by lamp post. There's barely a soul out, but you're not in the busy part of the district yet.
Luck is on your side, and you find a lady in red leaning against a lamp.
[[Approach her.->hit]]
[[Move on.->hooker2]]"Hey there, looking for something warm tonight?" you ask her.
She looks at you, raises a brow, cocks her head, and bursts out laughing. "What!? With you!? You must be dreaming, honey. Who in their right mind would do it with a monster?"
(set: $path to "coin") [[Show her you coin.->fail]]
[[Move on.->daria3]]Judging by the look on her face, that last one probably would have said no. But you're in the right part of town. A few intersections later, you find another leaning against a small home with a red lamp in the window.
"Evening Miss. Is your home open for business?"
Her only reaction is to shift which foot she puts her weight on.
(set: $path to "coin2") [[Show her you coin.->daria3]]
[[Move on.->daria3]]
(if: $path is "coin")[You show her your coin. "Not for any price."]
This just isn't your night.
(set: $path to "move")[[Move on.->daria3]](if: $path is "coin2")[You show her your money. She gets up and goes inside. You can hear the lock click.]
Moving on from that failure, you continue down the dark, empty road. A cold wind blows through the street, but it carries a familiar scent. "Hm hm, Daria," you hum to yourself.
As you continue, you spy Daria standing in an alley. She's holding her shawl close to her body. This time you stride up to her. "Hey, you. You look like you're about to freeze out here. How about we go inside somewhere and warm up together?"
She startles and backs away. "I-I... I'm sorry!" is all she says before she runs down the dark alley.
[[Move on.->daria4]]Well... so much for that. After you get a few meters down the road, a shrill scream comes out of the alley. It's Daria.
[[Go to her.->rescue]]
[[Ignore her.->game over1]]You run down the alley Daria ran through. When you come to an intersection, you can spy the silhouette of two people struggling and hear her pleading. One of them raises a knife.
You hunch forward and let out a roar loud enough to shake loose bricks in the wall before charging at the pair.
The figure holding the knife pushes her to the ground and turns the knife at you. You grab the blade barehanded with your left hand. With your right, you seize the man by his throat.
[[Kill him.->game over2]]
[[Knock him out.->rescue2]]Even if all the others said no,at least they were direct. The way she lead you on is way more insulting. And hurtful. Whatever happens to her isn't your problem.
The next morning, the sheriff and his posse find and arrest you. Daria was murdered last night, and you're the only one who was seen near where she died. The sheriff has an easy job, and pins the murder on you.
GAME OVERYou raise him off the ground, and smash his skull into the brick wall with a wet crunch. He goes limp and you drop him to the ground.
You turn to Daria and offer your hand. "Are you all right, Daria?"
She looks at the lifeless body of the man and screams bloody murder before getting up and running to the street.
A few minutes later, the sheriff and his posse arrest you for the "brutal murder." An eyewitness and a body is all he needs for the conviction.
GAME OVERTwisting his arm holding the knife around, you push it behind his back and twist until he drops it. You smack his head into the brick wall until he goes limp in your grip.
You feel under his nose. He's still breathing. "Well then," you say and drop him to the ground. You offer your hand to Daria, who sits on the ground gasping in short breaths. "Are you all right, Daria?"
She takes your hand, and you pull her off the dirty ground. She latches onto you and sobs a little, clutching at your robes.
You wrap your arms around her. "Easy, it's okay. You're safe. He's not going to hurt you.
[[Ask her if her if she wants you to take her home.->rescue3]]She nods vigorously.
When you reach the mouth of the alley, the sounds of heavy footsteps comes down the street and two guards are at the mouth of the alley.
One levels his halberd at you. The other one goes to the man on the ground. "Great Scott! This is him! The man in the wanted poster! Billy get the sheriff! And as for you," he says turning to you and Daria. "You want to explain what happened here?"
You explain what happened and ask if you can take Daria back to her home. He agrees and says they'll have questions for her in the morning.
[[Take her home.->brothel]]You take Daria back to the Playpen. You put your sandals on before you climb the stairs and lead Daria inside.
Warm air rushes over you as you guide her inside. Music and laughter rings through the air. Other prostitutes sit, laugh and rink with their clients in the lobby or at the bar.
As your presence registers, the laughter dies in their mouths and the room goes silent.
An angry female voice come from the second floor. "What in tarnation!?" A blonde in an extravagant red dress descends the stairs.
Once the blonde reaches the floor, Daria rushes into her arms. "Aunt Genie," she cries. "Genie" holds her, and glares at you.
[[Explain what happened.->brothel2]]As you explain what happened ''again'' and her glare dissipates into one of surprise. She gives you a look over, and raises her brows when she comes to your feet.
She pulls Daria off of her. "Daria, go upstairs and wash up. Lucille, you help her," she says, handing Daria off to a redhead. "And as for you," she says, taking on a glare again. "Can you sweep?"
[["Sure can!"->brothel3.1]]
[["I'm better at bouncing."->brothel3.2]]
"Good! she says with a slight smile.
She takes you aside and speaks in a low voice. "If you've got anything you brought into town, best go an get it. Way I see it, the least I can do for saving my niece is puttin you up for a night or two. If you need to leave, come and go through the back."
You follow her advice, and head back out into the cold.
The inn keeper at the Silent Muse tries to hit you up for another night, but you tell him to sod off. "Found better, and they serve dinner."
[[Head back.->bed]]Once you're finally back at the Playpen, you've had enough. Walking back and forth in the cold wind in the middle of the night is not your cup of tea.
Genevieve brings you to your room, which is quite warm thanks to the fire. It also smells like Daria.
You set your belongings in the corner and crash on the bed, laying your snout across the pillow.
A few minutes later, Daria walks in a flimsy nightgown. The fire casts a a golden glow over her skin and tresses. She still looks scared. She's trembling all over.
You sit up in the bed. "Hey. Are you feeling better?"
"Yes, thank you."
[[Pat the bed.->sleep]]
[[Pat the bed ♥♥♥.-> ♥♥♥]]"Well then, you better learn to sweep!" she says with a slight smile.
She takes you aside and speaks in a low voice. "If you've got anything you brought into town, best go an get it. Way I see it, the least I can do for saving my niece is puttin you up for a night or two. If you need to leave, come and go through the back."
You follow her advice, and head back out into the cold.
The inn keeper at the Silent Muse tries to hit you up for another night, but you tell him to sod off. "Found better, and they serve dinner."
[[Head back.->bed]]She's got her hands up as she takes a few timid steps toward you. You take her hands into yours. Her hands are freezing, so you wrap your fingers around hers. "Your hands are cold. Are yo ustil lscared, Daria?"
She nods.
"There's no need to be afraid. The guards have that man in custody. Even if he somehow managed to escape, found out where you live, and came here, I'll be right here with you. No one's going to hurt you again tonight."
She nods again. She's not trembling anymore.
You stand up from the bed. Slipping your tail under the covers, you toss them open and pull her close.
She melts into your chest and sighs.
"Come on. Let's go to sleep. It's been a long night." You sweep her off her feet, eliciting a squeak from her. You carry her into bed and pull the covers over you both.
You may not have gotten laid tonight, but this isn't so bad either.Double-click this passage to edit it.Your room contains a bed, a small table, a chair, and a stack of wood for the fireplace. You toss a few in and light it up with the matches above the mantle piece.
You lay your axe against the wall and remove your battered armor. It feels good to have all that weight off. The room is warm now, but as you get into bed you feel a pit in your stomach.
[[Go to sleep.->morning1]]You stir as a bright sun peeks in through the window. Your eyelids are heavy and you turn over. The room has gotten cold, but you can smell a fire downstairs.
Dragging yourself out of bed, you slip on your casual clothes, a pair of loose fitting pants and a heavy robe that's tied closed with a belt.
Before you go you should take something with you.
(set: $item to "knife")[ [[Take your knife.->morning1.1]]]
(set: $item to "suit")[ [[Take your best suit.->morning1.1]]]
(set: $item to "axe")[ [[Take your axe.->morning1.1]]]
(set: $item to "lighter")[ [[Take your lighter.->morning1.1]]]