<<if $PlayerHealth eq 0>>\n<<set $combatsequencecomplete = "no">>\nYou attempt to make a move, but the swordmaster is far to quick for you. Knocking your weapon aside with ease, he kicks your legs out from under you and you fall to the ground.\n\n"Not good enough!" he shouts. "You think I can let you out into the world with moves like that? You'll be dead in a week."\n\nThe instructor picks you up and returns you to your quarters. \n"Come back tomorrow. We shall make a warrior of you yet."\n\n[[You sleep, despite bruises and aching bones. At dawn, you return to the practise yard.|Swordmaster]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $InstructorHealth eq 0>>\nClearly at the end of his stamina, the aging swordmaster makes a final attempt to disarm you. You avoid the attack with ease, and counter with a lightning riposte, forcing your opponent to drop his weapon.\n\nSwiftly kicking it aside, you point the tip of your blade into your instructors windpipe.\n\nA single drop of blood rolls down his neck. He smiles.\n\n"I yield...Knight."\n\n[[Victory is yours.|Victory]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $PlayerHealth gte 1 and $InstructorHealth gte 1>>\n\nYour health is <<print $PlayerHealth>>\nYour opponents health is <<print $InstructorHealth>>\n<<endif>>\n\n<<if $combatsequencecomplete eq "yes">>\n"Good!" your instructor roars! "Don't let up! Keep fighting!"\n<<endif>>\n<<if $PlayerHealth gte 1 and $InstructorHealth gte 1>>\nThe swordmaster leaps forward in a straight line, drawing back his weapon but keeping the pommel close to his ear.\n\n\n[[Cut!|Cut1]]\n[[Thrust!|Thrust1]]\n[[Parry!|Parry1]]\n<<endif>>\n\n\n\n\n

<<if $PlayerHealth eq 0>>\nYou attempt to make a move, but the swordmaster is far to quick for you. Knocking your weapon aside with ease, he kicks your legs out from under you and you fall to the ground.\n\n"Not good enough!" he shouts. "You think I can let you out into the world with moves like that? You'll be dead in a week."\n\nThe instructor picks you up and returns you to your quarters. \n"Come back tomorrow. We shall make a warrior of you yet."\n\n[[You sleep, despite bruises and aching bones. At dawn, you return to the practise yard.|Swordmaster]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $InstructorHealth eq 0>>\nClearly at the end of his stamina, the aging swordmaster makes a final attempt to disarm you. You avoid the attack with ease, and counter with a lightning riposte, forcing your opponent to drop his weapon.\n\nSwiftly kicking it aside, you point the tip of your blade into your instructors windpipe.\n\nA single drop of blood rolls down his neck. He smiles.\n\n"I yield...Knight."\n\n[[Victory is yours.|Victory]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $PlayerHealth gte 1 and $InstructorHealth gte 1>>\n\nYour health is <<print $PlayerHealth>>\nYour opponents health is <<print $InstructorHealth>>\n\nMoving forward to attack, you notice the triumphant gleam in your opponents eye. Swiftly changing tack, you roll to the left, the sun on your back. Turning to face you, your instructor is momentarily dazzled by the glare.\n\nA moment is all you need.\n\nYou dart forward, cutting in a diagonal arc, knocking your opponent's blade aside.\n\nWithout thinking, you swing your head forward and connect its fore with the bridge of the instructor's nose.\n\nYou feel a crunch, and your eyes water in sympathy.\n<<set $combatsequencecomplete = "yes">>\n<<set $InstructorHealth = ($InstructorHealth - 1)>>\n<<if $InstructorHealth gte 1>>\nYour opponents health is now <<print $InstructorHealth>>\n<<else>>Your opponent's health is now depleted. Time to finish the job!<<endif>>\n\n[[Continue the duel|BeginCombat]]\n\n<<endif>>

A Twine based combat system prototype.

<<if $PlayerHealth eq 0>>\nYou attempt to make a move, but the swordmaster is far to quick for you. Knocking your weapon aside with ease, he kicks your legs out from under you and you fall to the ground.\n\n"Not good enough!" he shouts. "You think I can let you out into the world with moves like that? You'll be dead in a week."\n\nThe instructor picks you up and returns you to your quarters. \n"Come back tomorrow. We shall make a warrior of you yet."\n\n[[You sleep, despite bruises and aching bones. At dawn, you return to the practise yard.|Swordmaster]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $InstructorHealth eq 0>>\nClearly at the end of his stamina, the aging swordmaster makes a final attempt to disarm you. You avoid the attack with ease, and counter with a lightning riposte, forcing your opponent to drop his weapon.\n\nSwiftly kicking it aside, you point the tip of your blade into your instructors windpipe.\n\nA single drop of blood rolls down his neck. He smiles.\n\n"I yield...Knight."\n\n[[Victory is yours.|Victory]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $PlayerHealth gte 1 and $InstructorHealth gte 1>>\n\nYour health is <<print $PlayerHealth>>\nYour opponents health is <<print $InstructorHealth>>\n\nThe instructor cuts in a downward arc, launching himself forward with the energy stored in his back leg. Having not realised this until too late, you send a counter cut skywards.\n\nThe sound of your blades clashing rings out across the practice yard, turning heads from the other students.\n\nShifting into a balanced defensive stance, your instructor holds his blade crossways to himself, and seems to be waiting for you to attack.\n\n[[Cut!|Cut3]]\n[[Thrust!|Thrust3]]\n[[Parry!|Parry3]]\n<<endif>>\n\n

<<print $PlayerHealth>>\n\n[[again!|HealthRemoveTest]]

<<if $PlayerHealth eq 0>>\nYou attempt to make a move, but the swordmaster is far to quick for you. Knocking your weapon aside with ease, he kicks your legs out from under you and you fall to the ground.\n\n"Not good enough!" he shouts. "You think I can let you out into the world with moves like that? You'll be dead in a week."\n\nThe instructor picks you up and returns you to your quarters. \n"Come back tomorrow. We shall make a warrior of you yet."\n\n[[You sleep, despite bruises and aching bones. At dawn, you return to the practise yard.|Swordmaster]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $InstructorHealth eq 0>>\nClearly at the end of his stamina, the aging swordmaster makes a final attempt to disarm you. You avoid the attack with ease, and counter with a lightning riposte, forcing your opponent to drop his weapon.\n\nSwiftly kicking it aside, you point the tip of your blade into your instructors windpipe.\n\nA single drop of blood rolls down his neck. He smiles.\n\n"I yield...Knight."\n\n[[Victory is yours.|Victory]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $PlayerHealth gte 1 and $InstructorHealth gte 1>>\n\nYour health is <<print $PlayerHealth>>\nYour opponents health is now <<print $InstructorHealth>>\n\nYou smoothly parry your opponents blade, and send a lightning fast retort at his exposed side, nicking his ribs.\n<<set $InstructorHealth = ($InstructorHealth - 1)>>\n<<if $InstructorHealth gte 1>>\nYour opponents health is now <<print $InstructorHealth>>\n<<else>>Your opponent's health is now depleted. Time to finish the job!<<endif>>\n\nPutting all his weight on his back leg, the swordsman holds his weapon two handed above his head, and inches towards you.\n\n[[Cut!|Cut2]]\n[[Thrust!|Thrust2]]\n[[Parry!|Parry2]]\n<<endif>>\n\n

<<if $PlayerHealth eq 0>>\nYou attempt to make a move, but the swordmaster is far to quick for you. Knocking your weapon aside with ease, he kicks your legs out from under you and you fall to the ground.\n\n"Not good enough!" he shouts. "You think I can let you out into the world with moves like that? You'll be dead in a week."\n\nThe instructor picks you up and returns you to your quarters. \n"Come back tomorrow. We shall make a warrior of you yet."\n\n[[You sleep, despite bruises and aching bones. At dawn, you return to the practise yard.|Swordmaster]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $InstructorHealth eq 0>>\nClearly at the end of his stamina, the aging swordmaster makes a final attempt to disarm you. You avoid the attack with ease, and counter with a lightning riposte, forcing your opponent to drop his weapon.\n\nSwiftly kicking it aside, you point the tip of your blade into your instructors windpipe.\n\nA single drop of blood rolls down his neck. He smiles.\n\n"I yield...Knight."\n\n[[Victory is yours.|Victory]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $PlayerHealth gte 1 and $InstructorHealth gte 1>>\n\nYour health is <<print $PlayerHealth>>\nYour opponents health is <<print $InstructorHealth>>\n\nThe instructor cuts in a downward arc, launching himself forward with the energy stored in his back leg. You attempt to parry the attack, but such is the power of the blow you cannot completely turn the attack.\n\nYou manage to avoid the blade, but your weapon is knocked aside as a result. Taking advantage, the swordmaster lashes out with a gauntleted fist at your exposed temple.\n\nStars briefly flash across your vision.\n<<set $PlayerHealth = ($PlayerHealth - 1)>>\n<<if $PlayerHealth gte 1>>\nYour health is now <<print $PlayerHealth>>\n<<else>> Your health is now depleted. This is not looking good. <<endif>>\n\nShifting into a balanced defensive stance, your instructor holds his blade crossways to himself, and seems to be waiting for you to attack.\n\n[[Cut!|Cut3]]\n[[Thrust!|Thrust3]]\n[[Parry!|Parry3]]\n<<endif>>\n

<<if $PlayerHealth eq 0>>\nYou attempt to make a move, but the swordmaster is far to quick for you. Knocking your weapon aside with ease, he kicks your legs out from under you and you fall to the ground.\n\n"Not good enough!" he shouts. "You think I can let you out into the world with moves like that? You'll be dead in a week."\n\nThe instructor picks you up and returns you to your quarters. \n"Come back tomorrow. We shall make a warrior of you yet."\n\n[[You sleep, despite bruises and aching bones. At dawn, you return to the practise yard.|Swordmaster]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $InstructorHealth eq 0>>\nClearly at the end of his stamina, the aging swordmaster makes a final attempt to disarm you. You avoid the attack with ease, and counter with a lightning riposte, forcing your opponent to drop his weapon.\n\nSwiftly kicking it aside, you point the tip of your blade into your instructors windpipe.\n\nA single drop of blood rolls down his neck. He smiles.\n\n"I yield...Knight."\n\n[[Victory is yours.|Victory]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $PlayerHealth gte 1 and $InstructorHealth gte 1>>\n\nYour health is <<print $PlayerHealth>>\nYour opponents health is <<print $InstructorHealth>>\n\nYou both end up in a defensive position. Circling warily, your opponent makes a few cautious blows and you respond in kind - but neither of you can break the other's defense.\n<<set $combatsequencecomplete = "yes">>\n\n[[Continue the duel|BeginCombat]]\n\n<<endif>>\n

<<if $PlayerHealth eq 0>>\nYou attempt to make a move, but the swordmaster is far to quick for you. Knocking your weapon aside with ease, he kicks your legs out from under you and you fall to the ground.\n\n"Not good enough!" he shouts. "You think I can let you out into the world with moves like that? You'll be dead in a week."\n\nThe instructor picks you up and returns you to your quarters. \n"Come back tomorrow. We shall make a warrior of you yet."\n\n[[You sleep, despite bruises and aching bones. At dawn, you return to the practise yard.|Swordmaster]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $InstructorHealth eq 0>>\nClearly at the end of his stamina, the aging swordmaster makes a final attempt to disarm you. You avoid the attack with ease, and counter with a lightning riposte, forcing your opponent to drop his weapon.\n\nSwiftly kicking it aside, you point the tip of your blade into your instructors windpipe.\n\nA single drop of blood rolls down his neck. He smiles.\n\n"I yield...Knight."\n\n[[Victory is yours.|Victory]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $PlayerHealth gte 1 and $InstructorHealth gte 1>>\n\nYour health is <<print $PlayerHealth>>\nYour opponents health is <<print $InstructorHealth>>\n\nYou leap at your opponent in kind, putting all your strength into a powerful thrust. Both attacks, similar in execution, are unsuccessful. The swordmaster pirouettes away.\n\nPutting all his weight on his back leg, the swordsman holds his weapon two handed above his head, and inches towards you.\n\n[[Cut!|Cut2]]\n[[Thrust!|Thrust2]]\n[[Parry!|Parry2]]\n<<endif>>\n\n\n

<<if $PlayerHealth eq 0>>\nYou attempt to make a move, but the swordmaster is far to quick for you. Knocking your weapon aside with ease, he kicks your legs out from under you and you fall to the ground.\n\n"Not good enough!" he shouts. "You think I can let you out into the world with moves like that? You'll be dead in a week."\n\nThe instructor picks you up and returns you to your quarters. \n"Come back tomorrow. We shall make a warrior of you yet."\n\n[[You sleep, despite bruises and aching bones. At dawn, you return to the practise yard.|Swordmaster]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $InstructorHealth eq 0>>\nClearly at the end of his stamina, the aging swordmaster makes a final attempt to disarm you. You avoid the attack with ease, and counter with a lightning riposte, forcing your opponent to drop his weapon.\n\nSwiftly kicking it aside, you point the tip of your blade into your instructors windpipe.\n\nA single drop of blood rolls down his neck. He smiles.\n\n"I yield...Knight."\n\n[[Victory is yours.|Victory]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $PlayerHealth gte 1 and $InstructorHealth gte 1>>\n\nYour health is <<print $PlayerHealth>>\nYour opponents health is <<print $InstructorHealth>>\n\nYou power forward, attempting to break the instructors guard with a powerful thrust. This turns out to be a mistake, as the wily old man easily parrys your attack, taking the opportunity to kick at your exposed knee.\n\nYou feel a crunch, and your eyes water.\n<<set $combatsequencecomplete = "yes">>\n<<set $PlayerHealth = ($PlayerHealth - 1)>>\n<<if $PlayerHealth gte 1>>\nYour health is now <<print $PlayerHealth>>\n<<else>> Your health is now depleted. This is not looking good. <<endif>>\n\n[[Continue the duel|BeginCombat]]\n\n<<endif>>

<<if $PlayerHealth eq 0>>\nYou attempt to make a move, but the swordmaster is far to quick for you. Knocking your weapon aside with ease, he kicks your legs out from under you and you fall to the ground.\n\n"Not good enough!" he shouts. "You think I can let you out into the world with moves like that? You'll be dead in a week."\n\nThe instructor picks you up and returns you to your quarters. \n"Come back tomorrow. We shall make a warrior of you yet."\n\n[[You sleep, despite bruises and aching bones. At dawn, you return to the practise yard.|Swordmaster]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $InstructorHealth eq 0>>\nClearly at the end of his stamina, the aging swordmaster makes a final attempt to disarm you. You avoid the attack with ease, and counter with a lightning riposte, forcing your opponent to drop his weapon.\n\nSwiftly kicking it aside, you point the tip of your blade into your instructors windpipe.\n\nA single drop of blood rolls down his neck. He smiles.\n\n"I yield...Knight."\n\n[[Victory is yours.|Victory]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $PlayerHealth gte 1 and $InstructorHealth gte 1>>\n\nYour health is <<print $PlayerHealth>>\nYour opponents health is <<print $InstructorHealth>>\n\nThe instructor cuts in a downward arc, launching himself forward with the energy stored in his back leg. Easily predicting this, you execute a half turn and thrust with your sword at your opponents midriff.\n\nThe blow is turned by the plate armour worn by the swordmaster, but it was not ineffective. Winded, the swordmaster retreats slightly.\n<<set $InstructorHealth = ($InstructorHealth - 1)>>\n<<if $InstructorHealth gte 1>>\nYour opponents health is now <<print $InstructorHealth>>\n<<else>>Your opponent's health is now depleted. Time to finish the job!<<endif>>\n\nShifting into a balanced defensive stance, your instructor holds his blade crossways to himself, and seems to be waiting for you to attack.\n\n[[Cut!|Cut3]]\n[[Thrust!|Thrust3]]\n[[Parry!|Parry3]]\n<<endif>>\n\n

Welcome to A Warrior's Tale, an attempt to integrate an immersive combat system into a Twine game!\n\nIt is also my first ever Twine game!\n\nYou take the role of a young squire, ready to take their final combat trial and progress to a full Knighthood.\n\nBut first, they must prove to the King's swordmaster they are ready for the burdens of Knighthood...\n\n[[Enter the world of the Warrior!|Swordmaster]]\n

<<if $PlayerHealth eq 0>>\nYou attempt to make a move, but the swordmaster is far to quick for you. Knocking your weapon aside with ease, he kicks your legs out from under you and you fall to the ground.\n\n"Not good enough!" he shouts. "You think I can let you out into the world with moves like that? You'll be dead in a week."\n\nThe instructor picks you up and returns you to your quarters. \n"Come back tomorrow. We shall make a warrior of you yet."\n\n[[You sleep, despite bruises and aching bones. At dawn, you return to the practise yard.|Swordmaster]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $InstructorHealth eq 0>>\nClearly at the end of his stamina, the aging swordmaster makes a final attempt to disarm you. You avoid the attack with ease, and counter with a lightning riposte, forcing your opponent to drop his weapon.\n\nSwiftly kicking it aside, you point the tip of your blade into your instructors windpipe.\n\nA single drop of blood rolls down his neck. He smiles.\n\n"I yield...Knight."\n\n[[Victory is yours.|Victory]]\n<<endif>>\n<<if $PlayerHealth gte 1 and $InstructorHealth gte 1>>\n\nYour health is <<print $PlayerHealth>>\nYour opponents health is <<print $InstructorHealth>>\n\nYou draw your weapon back to slash at your enemy, but you are too slow. The instructors powerful thrust comes in under your guard and impacts upon your mail shirt. Searing pain spreads through your ribs, but the wound is not debilitating nor serious.\n<<set $PlayerHealth = ($PlayerHealth - 1)>>\n<<if $PlayerHealth gte 1>>\nYour health is now <<print $PlayerHealth>>\n<<else>> Your health is now depleted. This is not looking good. <<endif>>\n\nPutting all his weight on his back leg, the swordsman holds his weapon two handed above his head, and inches towards you.\n\n[[Cut!|Cut2]]\n[[Thrust!|Thrust2]]\n[[Parry!|Parry2]]\n<<endif>>\n\n

<<set $PlayerHealth = ($PlayerHealth - 1)>>\n\n[[next|HealthRemoveTest2]]

EnteaGD

A Warrior's Tale

"Do not be afraid," the fencing instructor informs you, "Fear will only result in you making mistakes. And I do not tolerate mistakes."\n\nThe fencing master strides towards you, his weapon pointing at the floor.\n\n"You need to know," he barks, "the fundamentals of swordplay! Cut, thrust and parry!"\n\nHe raises its sword and points it at you.\n\n"You must watch your opponent carefully, their stance, their weight distribution! You must predict their next move! If they thrust, you must parry! If they cut, you must thrust! If they are set on parrying, only a cut will break their defense!"\n\nThe instructor stops moving, and smiles at you encouragingly.\n\n"Well then, Whelp! There is only one way to learn."\n\n<<set $PlayerHealth = 5>>\n<<set $InstructorHealth = 5>>\n\n[[Nod, and drop into a defensive stance.|BeginCombat]]

"Hah!" the instructor laughs. "You think yourself a warrior born?"\n\nThe swordmaster begins to circle around you, the tip of his blade tracing arrythmic circles in the air.\n\n"You'll know then," he murmurs, almost a whisper, "the fundamentals of swordplay. Cut, thrust, parry."\n\nThe trails of his weapon become almost hypnotic.\n\n"You must watch your opponent carefully, and predict their next move! If they thrust, you must parry! If they cut, you must thrust! If they are set on parrying, only a cut will break their defense!"\n\nThe instructor stops moving, his sudden grin more worrying than his harsh grimace.\n\n"Heed me, Whelp! Are you ready?"\n\n<<set $PlayerHealth = 5>>\n<<set $InstructorHealth = 5>>\n\n[[Raise your hand, and taunt the Swordmaster!|BeginCombat]]

Congratulations! You have passed your final trial and are now a Knight of the realm, ready to set forth on a quest of your choosing.\n\nThis was my first ever Twine game, and it is an attempt to incorporate a combat system that rewards careful reading of the text and immersing yourself into the game world I created.\n\nHow do you feel this short prototype did in achieving this goal?\n\nI would love to hear suggestions and feedback for improvement to the system! \n\nIf you would, please go to WWW.ENTEAGD.TUMBLR.COM and leave feedback! I have anonymous messaging enabled, if you wish to remain so.\n\nThank you for playing, and happy gaming!\n\n-EnteaGD

The grizzled fencing instructor looks you over with a critical eye, his aging appearance belying a man still possessed of an impressive strength and speed.\n\n"So!" He barks. "You think you've got what it takes to be a knight?"\n\n[[Confidently draw your sword.|BallsyTutorial]]\n[[Nod uncertainly and cautiously raise your weapon.|UncertainTutorial]]\n[[Bow to the Swordmaster and present arms.|PoliteTutorial]]

"Well, well, well" the instructor smiles. "I am impressed! It seems that chivalry and honour still abound in these uncertain times."\n\nThe swordmaster bows back at you, and smoothly shifts into a defensive stance, his weight on his left leg.\n\n"Good manners, however do not win a duel."\n\nThe instructors voice is smooth, clipped.\n\n"Duels are won with the fundamentals of swordplay. Cut, thrust and parry."\n\nThe aging swordsman affixes you with cold, grey eyes.\n\n"You must watch your opponent carefully, and predict their next move! If they thrust, you must parry! If they cut, you must thrust! If they are set on parrying, only a cut will break their defense!"\n\nThe instructor raises a hand and beckons you to come at him.\n\n"Are you ready, Whelp? Shall we see if your skill matches your conviction?"\n\n<<set $PlayerHealth = 5>>\n<<set $InstructorHealth = 5>>\n\n[[Raise your sword and prepare for a duel!|BeginCombat]]