(set: $time += 2)
(if: $time is 10)[
(if: $previousLoc is "forestRing")[You pace around a bit.
](else:)[There's enough room in the forest to see any movement between the trees. There's a constant buzzing of insects intermixed with rummaging of the small creatures of the forest.]
You turn around, looking at the different routes to take. The forest seems to go on towards the North East, but breaks into a clearing in the North and around a river to the West. The Breach still looms behind you, and the mountain sides on the edges of the valley, past the forest, almost seem to be closing in.
As you turn your head back, you catch a glimpse of movement. Tracking the shadow, you see it land in the ring of trees just beyond you. You catch a glimpse of a blue eye before the shadow dashes towards you.
Before you turn to run, you see the six-foot long mass of matted fur and clawed arms slam through the underbrush.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'forestRing')
[[Run towards the clearing->Clearing]]
[[Run over to the river->River]]
[[Escape in the forest to the North East->Forest Ring Left]]
[[Run back to the Breach->Base]]
[[Attempt to lose the beast in these woods->Forest Ring]]
](else-if: $time is 14)[
(if: $previousLoc is "forestRing")[You pace around a bit.
](else:)[There's enough room in the forest to see any movement between the trees. There's a constant buzzing of insects intermixed with rummaging of the small creatures of the forest.]
You turn around, looking at the different routes to take. The forest seems to go on towards the North East, but breaks into a clearing in the North and around a river to the West. The Breach still looms behind you, and the mountain sides on the edges of the valley, past the forest, almost seem to be closing in.
As you turn your head back, you catch a glimpse of movement. Tracking the shadow, you see it land in the ring of trees just beyond you. You catch a glimpse of a blue eye before the shadow dashes towards you.
Before you turn to run, you see the six-foot long mass of matted fur and clawed arms slam through the underbrush.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'forestRing')
[[Run towards the clearing->Death]]
[[Run over to the river->Death]]
[[Escape in the forest to the North East->Death]]
[[Run back to the Breach->Death]]
[[Attempt to lose the beast in these woods->Forest Ring]]
](else-if: $time is 16)[
(if: $previousLoc is 'forestRing')[You manage to evade the monster and scramble up a tree. You see it stalk the area, but it gives up. After a bit, yo climb back down and pace around a bit ro re-gain your bearings.]
(if: $previousLoc is "forestRing")[You pace around a bit.
](else:)[There's enough room in the forest to see any movement between the trees. There's a constant buzzing of insects intermixed with rummaging of the small creatures of the forest.]
You turn around, looking at the different routes to take. The forest seems to go on towards the North East, but breaks into a clearing in the North and around a river to the West. The Breach still looms behind you, and the mountain sides on the edges of the valley, past the forest, almost seem to be closing in.
You see a red glow in the horizon. The sun is rising.
As you turn your head back, you catch a glimpse of movement. Tracking the shadow, you see it land in the ring of trees just beyond you. You catch a glimpse of a blue eye before the shadow dashes towards you.
Before you turn to run, you see the six-foot long mass of matted fur and clawed arms slam through the underbrush.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'forestRing')
[[Run towards the clearing->Clearing]]
[[Run over to the river->River]]
[[Escape in the forest to the North East->Forest Ring Left]]
[[Run back to the Breach->Base]]
[[Attempt to lose the beast in these woods->Forest Ring]]
](else-if: $time is 18)[
(if: $previousLoc is 'forestRing')[You manage to evade the monster and scramble up a tree. You see it stalk the area, but it gives up. After a bit, yo climb back down and pace around a bit ro re-gain your bearings.]
There's enough room in the forest to see any movement between the trees. Despite the buzzing of insects and rummaging of small creatures, this area seems calm.
The forest seems to go on towards the North East, but breaks into a clearing in the North and around a river to the West. The Breach still looms behind you, and the mountain sides on the edges of the valley, past the forest, almost seem to be closing in.
The sun's just cleared the horizon. It's dawn.
You decide to:
(set: $previousLoc = 'forestRing')
[[Move towards the clearing->Clearing]]
[[Walk towards the river marked on your map->River]]
[[Explore towards the North East->Forest Ring Left]]
[[Return to the Breach->Base]]
[[Stay here for some time->Forest Ring]]
](else-if: $time is 20)[
(if: $previousLoc is 'forestRing')[You manage to evade the monster and scramble up a tree. You see it stalk the area, but it gives up. After a bit, yo climb back down and pace around a bit ro re-gain your bearings.]
There's enough room in the forest to see any movement between the trees. There's a constant buzzing of insects intermixed with rummaging of the small creatures of the forest.
You turn around, looking at the different routes to take. The forest seems to go on towards the North East, but breaks into a clearing in the North and around a river to the West. The Breach still looms behind you, and the mountain sides on the edges of the valley, past the forest, almost seem to be closing in.
As you turn your head back, you catch a glimpse of movement. Tracking the shadow, you see it land in the ring of trees just beyond you. You catch a glimpse of a blue eye before the shadow dashes towards you.
Before you turn to run, you see the six-foot long mass of matted fur and clawed arms slam through the underbrush.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'forestRing')
[[Run towards the clearing->Death]]
[[Run over to the river->Death]]
[[Escape in the forest to the North East->Death]]
[[Run back to the Breach->Base]]
[[Attempt to lose the beast in these woods->Death]]
](else-if: $time is 22)[
There's enough room in the forest to see any movement between the trees. There's a constant buzzing of insects intermixed with rummaging of the small creatures of the forest.
You turn around, looking at the different routes to take. The forest seems to go on towards the North East, but breaks into a clearing in the North and around a river to the West. The Breach still looms behind you, and the mountain sides on the edges of the valley, past the forest, almost seem to be closing in.
As you turn your head back, you catch a glimpse of movement. Tracking the shadow, you see it land in the ring of trees just beyond you. You catch a glimpse of a blue eye before the shadow dashes towards you.
Before you turn to run, you see the six-foot long mass of matted fur and clawed arms slam through the underbrush.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'forestRing')
[[Run towards the clearing->Death]]
[[Run over to the river->Death]]
[[Escape in the forest to the North East->Death]]
[[Run back to the Breach->Death]]
[[Attempt to lose the beast in these woods->Death]]
]
(else:)[
(if: $previousLoc is "forestRing")[
(if: $time is 12)[You manage to evade the monster and scramble up a tree. You see it stalk the area, but it gives up. After a bit, yo climb back down and pace around a bit ro re-gain your bearings.]](else:)[
There's enough room in the forest to see any movement between the trees. Despite the buzzing of insects and rummaging of small creatures, this area seems calm. ]
The forest seems to go on towards the North East, but breaks into a clearing in the North and around a river to the West. The Breach still looms behind you, and the mountain sides on the edges of the valley, past the forest, almost seem to be closing in.
You decide to:
(set: $previousLoc = 'forestRing')
[[Move towards the clearing->Clearing]]
[[Walk towards the river marked on your map->River]]
[[Explore towards the North East->Forest Ring Left]]
[[Return to the Breach->Base]]
[[Stay here for some time->Forest Ring]]
]
(set: $time += 2)
You walk into a large clearing. The trees have been knocked aside, evidently uprooted some time ago. Shrubs and rocks have been flattened or pushed to form a ring of sorts.
(if: $time is 10)[
A large spiraled boulder sits towards the northern part of the clearing. Beyond it, a path continues. To the west and south, the forest continues in an unbroken fashion. Towards the east, you see a river.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'clearing')
[[Travel North->Death]]
[[Travel South->Forest Ring]]
[[Travel West->Forest Ring Left]]
[[Travel East->River]]
[[Wait here->Clearing]]
](else-if: $time is 12)[
(if: $previousLoc is 'clearing')[Odd, you could have sworn there was a boulder here.]
A path continues to the north. To the west and south, the forest continues in an unbroken fashion. Towards the east, you see a river.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'clearing')
[[Travel North->Deep Forest]]
[[Travel South->Forest Ring]]
[[Travel West->Forest Ring Left]]
[[Travel East->River]]
[[Wait here->Clearing]]
](else-if: $time is 14)[
A large spiraled boulder sits in the center of the clearing. (if: $previousLoc = 'clearing')[Odd, you could have sworn it was somewhere else.] A path continues deeper into the northen woods. To the west and south, the forest continues in an unbroken fashion. Towards the east, you see a river.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'clearing')
[[Travel North->Death]]
[[Travel South->Death]]
[[Travel West->Death]]
[[Travel East->Death]]
[[Wait here->Clearing]]
](else-if: $time is 16)[
(if: $previousLoc is 'clearing')[You wait for a bit, looking around. Odd, you could have sworn it was somewhere else. ]A large spiraled boulder sits towards the western side of the clearing. A path continues to the north. To the west and south, the forest continues in an unbroken fashion. Towards the east, you see a river.
You see a red glow in the horizon. The sun is rising.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'clearing')
[[Travel North->Deep Forest]]
[[Travel South->Forest Ring]]
[[Travel West->Death]]
[[Travel East->River]]
[[Wait here->Death]]
](else-if: $time is 18)[
(if: $previousLoc is 'clearing')[Odd, you could have sworn that boulder was somewhere else. ]A large spiraled boulder sits towards the western side of the clearing. A path continues to the north. To the west and south, the forest continues in an unbroken fashion. Towards the east, you see a river.
The sun's just cleared the horizon. It's dawn.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'clearing')
[[Travel North->Deep Forest]]
[[Travel South->Forest Ring]]
[[Travel West->Forest Ring Left]]
[[Travel East->River]]
[[Wait here->Death]]
](else:)[
You notice a large spiraled boulder in the center of the clearing. As you enter, you hear a deep rumble. With a start, you notice the boulder moving, a black, slime-like material oozing from the sides. You see limbs form from the mass, and the surprisingly skeletal shaped limps bare the weight of the full stone. It rotates towards you, cutting off any avenue of escape. You trip as you back up, stumbling towards the ground. As you fall, it rises, standing on it's rear limbs, a pale imitation of human legs. You notice the creature has a face, as if someone stretched human faces over a two-foot long oval. It's jaw hangs loose, and it lets out a scream.
You scramble to your feet, unable to look away. At the creature's center, a pulsing mass sits, as if a smaller animal were trapped inside. Before you can react, one of the pulses rips away from the creature, the tarry tendril grabbing you with surprising speed. Before you can comprehend the feeling, you're ripped from the ground and pulled back from the creature.
The last thing you see is the creature's elongated face as the whole beast falls over, crushing you against the ground.
(set: $previousLoc = 'death');
[[Death]]
]
(set: $previousLoc = 'clearing')(set: $time += 2)
(if: $time is 10)[
You come across a small river, maybe 18 feet wide and dark enough to not see the bottom. The trees are dense on one side, with a fallen, seemingly ancient log wedged against a rock provides a bridge to the other side. You see what appears to be tunnels dug into the mountain across the bank. You feel uneasy, as the forest won't stop watching you, but can't place a reason why.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'river')
[[Go deeper into the forest->Deep Forest]]
[[Go towards the clearing in the west->Clearing]]
[[Go towards the forest in the south->Forest Ring]]
[[Cross the river toward the tunnels->Tunnels]]
[[Wait out the time here ->River]]
](else-if: $time is 12)[
((if: $previousLoc is 'river')[You walk down the riverbed and back. ](else:)[
You come across a small river, maybe 18 feet wide and dark enough to not see the bottom. The trees are dense on one side, with a fallen, seemingly ancient log wedged against a rock provides a bridge to the other side.] You see what appears to be tunnels dug into the mountain across the bank. You feel uneasy, as the forest won't stop watching you, but can't place a reason why.
Before you can place the feeling, you hear something rushing through the water. As you back away, a fleshy mass rockets out from the river. You duck under it, and it crashes just beyond you. Turning to look, you see the beast in more detail. Its top is covered in brown and green scales, with its underside made of a pink flesh. Its two heads snap at you, each exposing three rows of serrated, jagged, pink-stained teeth. Its pair of tails slowly slide behind it as the beast rotates towards you. Each of its four limbs ends in a sharp angle towards a circular webbed foot. It starts to move towards you, pushing you back to the water.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'river')
[[Escape deeper into the Northern forest->Deep Forest]]
[[Get around it and run towards the clearing->Clearing]]
[[Escape towards the Southern forest->Death]]
[[Head into the tunnels->Death]]
[[Evade it on the river bank->Death]]
](else-if: $time is 14)[
You come across a small river, maybe 18 feet wide and dark enough to not see the bottom. The trees are dense on one side, with a fallen, seemingly ancient log wedged against a rock provides a bridge to the other side. You see what appears to be tunnels dug into the mountain across the bank. You feel uneasy, as the forest won't stop watching you, but can't place a reason why.
Before you can place the feeling, you hear something rushing through the water. As you back away, a fleshy mass rockets out from the river. You duck under it, and it crashes just beyond you. Turning to look, you see the beast in more detail. Its top is covered in brown and green scales, with its underside made of a pink flesh. Its two heads snap at you, each exposing three rows of serrated, jagged, pink-stained teeth. Its pair of tails slowly slide behind it as the beast rotates towards you. Each of its four limbs ends in a sharp angle towards a circular webbed foot. It starts to move towards you, pushing you back to the water.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'river')
[[Escape deeper into the Northern forest->Death]]
[[Get around it and run towards the clearing->Death]]
[[Escape towards the Southern forest->Forest Ring]]
[[Head into the tunnels->Tunnels]]
[[Evade it on the river bank->Death]]
](else-if: $time is 16)[
You come across a small river, maybe 18 feet wide and dark enough to not see the bottom. The trees are dense on one side, with a fallen, seemingly ancient log wedged against a rock provides a bridge to the other side. You see what appears to be tunnels dug into the mountain across the bank. You feel uneasy, as the forest won't stop watching you, but can't place a reason why.
You see a red glow in the horizon. The sun is rising.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'river')
[[Go deeper into the forest->Deep Forest]]
[[Go towards the clearing in the west->Clearing]]
[[Go towards the forest in the south->Forest Ring]]
[[Cross the river toward the tunnels->Tunnels]]
[[Wait out the time here ->River]]
](else-if: $time is 18)[
((if: $previousLoc is 'river')[You walk down the riverbed and back. ](else:)[
You come across a small river, maybe 18 feet wide and dark enough to not see the bottom. The trees are dense on one side, with a fallen, seemingly ancient log wedged against a rock provides a bridge to the other side.]
You see what appears to be tunnels dug into the mountain across the bank. You feel uneasy, as the forest won't stop watching you, but can't place a reason why.
The sun's just cleared the horizon. It's dawn.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'river')
[[Go deeper into the forest->Deep Forest]]
[[Go towards the clearing in the west->Clearing]]
[[Go towards the forest in the south->Forest Ring]]
[[Cross the river toward the tunnels->Tunnels]]
[[Wait out the time here ->River]]
](else-if: $time is 20)[
((if: $previousLoc is 'river')[You walk down the riverbed and back. ](else:)[
You come across a small river, maybe 18 feet wide and dark enough to not see the bottom. The trees are dense on one side, with a fallen, seemingly ancient log wedged against a rock provides a bridge to the other side.]
You see what appears to be tunnels dug into the mountain across the bank. You feel uneasy, as the forest won't stop watching you, but can't place a reason why.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'river')
[[Go deeper into the forest->Deep Forest]]
[[Go towards the clearing in the west->Clearing]]
[[Go towards the forest in the south->Forest Ring]]
[[Cross the river toward the tunnels->Tunnels]]
[[Wait out the time here ->River]]
](else-if: $time is 22)[
((if: $previousLoc is 'river')[You walk down the riverbed and back. ](else:)[
You come across a small river, maybe 18 feet wide and dark enough to not see the bottom. The trees are dense on one side, with a fallen, seemingly ancient log wedged against a rock provides a bridge to the other side.]
You see what appears to be tunnels dug into the mountain across the bank. You feel uneasy, as the forest won't stop watching you, but can't place a reason why.
Before you can place the feeling, you hear something rushing through the water. As you back away, a fleshy mass rockets out from the river. You duck under it, and it crashes just beyond you. Turning to look, you see the beast in more detail. It's top is covered in brown and green scales, with it's underside made of a pink flesh. It's two heads snap at you, each exposing three rows of serrated, jagged, pink-stained teeth. It's pair of tails slowly slide behind it as the beast rotates towards you. Each of it's four limbs ends in a sharp angle towards a circular webbed foot. It starts to move towards you, pushing you back to the water.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'river')
[[Escape deeper into the Northern forest->Death]]
[[Get around it and run towards the clearing->Death]]
[[Escape towards the Southern forest->Death]]
[[Head into the tunnels->Death]]
[[Evade it on the river bank->Death]]
](else:)[]
(set: $time += 2)
(if: $time is 10)[
You enter one of the less dense parts of the forest. There's plenty of space to move around, and it doesn't feel nearly so claustrophobic. Even the insects have gone quiet. A large rock off to the side looks like a good place to rest.
To the West, there looks to be a natural ramp laeding into the mountains. In the Southeast, you can see more of the lighter forest. Eastward, there looks to be a clearing, and denser forest is all that lays to the North.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'forestRingLeft')
[[Climb up towards the mountains->Mountains]]
[[Go southeast->Forest Ring]]
[[Head towards the clearing->Clearing]]
[[Move deeper into the forest->Deep Forest]]
](else-if: $time is 12)[
You enter one of the less dense parts of the forest. There's plenty of space to move around, and it doesn't feel nearly so claustrophobic. Even the insects have gone quiet. A large rock off to the side looks like a good place to rest. Looking closer, you see one of your fellow recruits slumped against it. They seem dead, but you can't tell what killed them.
To the West, there looks to be a natural ramp leading into the mountains. In the Southeast, you can see more of the lighter forest. Eastward, there looks to be a clearing, and denser forest is all that lays to the North.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'forestRingLeft')
[[Climb up towards the mountains->Mountains]]
[[Go southeast->Forest Ring]]
[[Head towards the clearing->Clearing]]
[[Move deeper into the forest->Deep Forest]]
[[Investigate the body->Death]]
](else-if: $time is 14)[
(if: $previousLoc is 'forestRingLeft')[](else:)[
You enter one of the less dense parts of the forest. There's plenty of space to move around, and it doesn't feel nearly so claustrophobic. Even the insects have gone quiet. A large rock off to the side looks like a good place to rest. Looking closer, you see one of your fellow recruits slumped against it. ]
He seems dead, but you can't tell what killed him.
To the West, there looks to be a natural ramp leading into the mountains. In the Southeast, you can see more of the lighter forest. Eastward, there looks to be a clearing, and denser forest is all that lays to the North.
Moving closer to the body, you attempt to see the cause of death. There's no appearance of wounds beside a singular scar going from his left forehead to the right of his jaw. Not a deep enough wound. You reach out, and attempt to move the body to it's back. Surprisingly, his eyes open, and you step back. He attempts to stand, his legs shaking. You can see muscles pull around his mouth, but he says nothing.
Instictively, you step back as he keeps lumbering forward.
With a strain, his mouth opens, and he says one word, "Run," before falling over, still.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'forestRingLeft')
[[Climb up towards the mountains->Mountains]]
[[Go southeast->Forest Ring]]
[[Head towards the clearing->Clearing]]
[[Move deeper into the forest->Deep Forest]]
[[Investigate the body->Death]]
](else-if: $time is 16)[
(if: $previousLoc is 'forestRingLeft')[You move closer, investigating the body.
To the West, there looks to be a natural ramp leading into the mountains. In the Southeast, you can see more of the lighter forest. Eastward, there looks to be a clearing, and denser forest is all that lays to the North.
You see a red glow in the horizon. The sun is rising.
You step up to the body again, curious. As you move forward, a branch snaps underfoot. His head moves in response. Or more accuratley, his face. The flesh crawls across the skull, before settling, staring at you. The empty sockets reveal the sinew and bone beneath, and the toothless mouth twists into an eldritch gin.
Before you can step back, the flesh peels off the body, crawling towards you like a tapeworm writhing for a new host.
](else:)[
You enter one of the less dense parts of the forest. There's plenty of space to move around, and it doesn't feel nearly so claustrophobic. Even the insects have gone quiet. A large rock off to the side looks like a good place to rest. A body lays on the ground in the center, face-down.
He seems dead, but you can't tell what killed him.
To the West, there looks to be a natural ramp leding into the mountains. In the Southeast, you can see more of the lighter forest. Eastward, there looks to be a clearing, and denser forest is all that lays to the North.
You step up to the body, curious. As you move forward, a branch snaps underfoot. Or more accuratley, his face. The flesh crawls across the skull, before settling, staring at you. The empty sockets reveal the sinew and bone beneath, and the toothless mouth twists into an eldritch gin.
Before you can step back, the flesh peels off the body, crawling towards you like a tapeworm writhing for a new host.
]
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'forestRingLeft')
[[Climb up towards the mountains->Mountains]]
[[Go southeast->Forest Ring]]
[[Head towards the clearing->Clearing]]
[[Move deeper into the forest->Deep Forest]]
[[Stay in the clearing->Death]]
](else-if: $time is 18)[
You enter one of the less dense parts of the forest. There's plenty of space to move around, and it doesn't feel nearly so claustrophobic. Even the insects have gone quiet. A large rock off to the side looks like a good place to rest. A body lays on the ground in the center, face-down.
He seems dead, but you can't tell what killed him.
To the West, there looks to be a natural ramp leading into the mountains. In the Southeast, you can see more of the lighter forest. Eastward, there looks to be a clearing, and denser forest is all that lays to the North.
[The sun's just cleared the horizon. It's dawn.
You step up to the body. The man's face seems to have crawled across his skull. The empty sockets stare at you, revealing the sinew and bone beneath, and the toothless mouth twists into an eldritch gin.
Before you can step back, the flesh peels off the body, crawling towards you like a tapeworm writhing for a new host.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'forestRingLeft')
[[Climb up towards the mountains->Mountains]]
[[Go southeast->Forest Ring]]
[[Head towards the clearing->Clearing]]
[[Move deeper into the forest->Deep Forest]]
[[Stay in the clearing->Death]]
](else-if: $time is 20)[
You enter one of the less dense parts of the forest. There's plenty of space to move around, and it doesn't feel nearly so claustrophobic. Even the insects have gone quiet. A large rock off to the side looks like a good place to rest. A body lays on the ground in the center, face-down.
He seems dead, but you can't tell what killed him.
To the West, there looks to be a natural ramp laeding into the mountains. In the Southeast, you can see more of the lighter forest. Eastward, there looks to be a clearing, and denser forest is all that lays to the North.
You step up to the body. The man's face seems to have crawled across his skull. The empty sockets stare at you, revealing the sinew and bone beneath, and the toothless mouth twists into an eldritch gin.
Before you can step back, the flesh peels off the body, crawling towards you like a tapeworm writhing for a new host.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'forestRingLeft')
[[Climb up towards the mountains->Death]]
[[Go southeast->Forest Ring]]
[[Head towards the clearing->Death]]
[[Move deeper into the forest->Death]]
[[Stay in the clearing->Death]]
](else-if: $time is 22)[
You enter one of the less dense parts of the forest. There's plenty of space to move around, and it doesn't feel nearly so claustrophobic. Even the insects have gone quiet. A large rock off to the side looks like a good place to rest. A body lays on the ground in the center, face-down.
He seems dead, but you can't tell what killed him.
To the West, there looks to be a natural ramp laeding into the mountains. In the Southeast, you can see more of the lighter forest. Eastward, there looks to be a clearing, and denser forest is all that lays to the North.
You step up to the body. The man's face seems to have crawled across his skull. The empty sockets stare at you, revealing the sinew and bone beneath, and the toothless mouth twists into an eldritch gin.
Before you can step back, the flesh peels off the body, crawling towards you like a tapeworm writhing for a new host.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'forestRingLeft')
[[Climb up towards the mountains->Death]]
[[Go southeast->Death]]
[[Head towards the clearing->Death]]
[[Move deeper into the forest->Death]]
[[Stay in the clearing->Death]]
](else:)[
[[Mountains]]
[[Forest Ring]]
[[Clearing]]
[[Deep Forest]]
[[Stay here for some time->Forest Ring Left]] ]
(set: $time += 2)
(if: $time is 10)[
inaccessible
](else-if: $time is 12)[
The forest is at its deepest here, and its difficult to move without bumping into another trunk. Debris snaps underfoot, a mixture of frail bones and detritus. The leaves keep tickling your neck while the snaggled branches scratch at your clothes and pack. You catch glimpses of the moonlight through the canopy above you, and it doesn't appear thick. As you keep going, the branches snap - it doesn't seem like things have the time to grow strong here. The space not occupied by the twisted woods is taken up by rocks and boulders.
You hear a call from another recruit somewhere in the woods, but there's a crash, and the noise stops. You get the feeling you shouldn't venture deeper.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'deepForest')
[[Explore to the Southwest->Forest Ring Left]]
[[Explore to the Southeast->River]]
[[Go towards the South->Clearing]]
[[Investigate a large pile of rocks->Cave in]]
[[Stay here for a time->Deep Forest]]
](else-if: $time is 14)[
(if: $previousLoc is 'deepForest')[You wander around for a bit, but ultimatley decide not to venture deeper.](else:)[The forest is at its deepest here, and its difficult to move without bumping into another trunk. Debris snaps underfoot, a mixture of frail bones and detritus. The leaves keep tickling your neck while the snaggled branches scratch at your clothes and pack. You catch glimpses of the moonlight through the canopy above you, and it doesn't appear thick. As you keep going, the branches snap - it doesn't seem like things have the time to grow strong here. The space not occupied by the twisted woods is taken up by rocks and boulders.]
Looking up, you see a few stars seemed to stop shining. Just as you realize the abscence forms a winged silhouette, it comes crashing towards you with a screech. The pitch-black creature shatters branches as it dives, and you just manage to sidestep its path. The beast rights itself and turns, and a pair of green eyes break the obsidian figure. Two arms ending with talons reflect the limiting light. Its onyx wings stretch out, and the beast flings itself forward.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'deepForest')
[[Escape to the Southwest->Forest Ring Left]]
[[Roll under it and run to the Southeast->Death]]
[[Run towards the South->Death]]
[[Dive towards the large pile of rocks->Death]]
[[Evade it in the dense forest->Death]]
](else-if: $time is 16)[
The forest is at its deepest here, and its difficult to move without bumping into another trunk. Debris snaps underfoot, a mixture of frail bones and detritus. The leaves keep tickling your neck while the snaggled branches scratch at your clothes and pack. You catch glimpses of the moonlight through the canopy above you, and it doesn't appear thick. As you keep going, the branches snap - it doesn't seem like things have the time to grow strong here. The space not occupied by the twisted woods is taken up by rocks and boulders.
You see a red glow in the horizon. The sun is rising.
Looking up, you see a few of the dimmed stars have seemed to stop shining. Just as you realize the abscence forms a winged silhouette, it comes crashing towards you with a screech. The pitch-black creature shatters branches as it dives, and you just manage to sidestep its path. The beast rights itself and turns, and a pair of green eyes break the obsidian figure. Two arms ending with talons reflect the limiting light. Its onyx wings stretch out, and the beast flings itself forward.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'deepForest')
[[Escape to the Southwest->Death]]
[[Roll under it and run to the Southeast->Death]]
[[Run towards the South->Clearing]]
[[Dive towards the large pile of rocks->Death]]
[[Evade it in the dense forest->Death]]
](else-if: $time is 18)[
The forest is at its deepest here, and its difficult to move without bumping into another trunk. Debris snaps underfoot, a mixture of frail bones and detritus. The leaves keep tickling your neck while the snaggled branches scratch at your clothes and pack. You catch glimpses of the moonlight through the canopy above you, and it doesn't appear thick. As you keep going, the branches snap - it doesn't seem like things have the time to grow strong here. The space not occupied by the twisted woods is taken up by rocks and boulders.
The sun's just cleared the horizon. It's dawn.
Looking up, you see a shadow move over the sky. Just as you realize the form of a winged silhouette, it comes crashing towards you with a screech. The pitch-black creature shatters branches as it dives, and you just manage to sidestep its path. The beast rights itself and turns, and a pair of green eyes break the obsidian figure. Two arms ending with talons reflect the limiting light. Its onyx wings stretch out, and the beast flings itself forward.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'deepForest')
[[Escape to the Southwest->Death]]
[[Roll under it and run to the Southeast river->River]]
[[Run towards the South->Death]]
[[Dive towards the large pile of rocks->Death]]
[[Evade it in the dense forest->Death]]
](else-if: $time is 20)[
The forest is at its deepest here, and its difficult to move without bumping into another trunk. Debris snaps underfoot, a mixture of frail bones and detritus. The leaves keep tickling your neck while the snaggled branches scratch at your clothes and pack. You catch glimpses of the moonlight through the canopy above you, and it doesn't appear thick. As you keep going, the branches snap - it doesn't seem like things have the time to grow strong here. The space not occupied by the twisted woods is taken up by rocks and boulders.
The sun's just cleared the horizon. Its dawn.
Looking up, you see a shadow move over the sky. Just as you realize the form of a winged silhouette, it comes crashing towards you with a screech.
The sun's just cleared the horizon. Its dawn.
Looking up, you see a shadow move over the sky. Just as you realize the form of a winged silhouette, it comes crashing towards you with a screech.
The pitch-black creature shatters branches as it dives, and you just manage to sidestep its path. The beast rights itself and turns, and a pair of green eyes break the obsidian figure. Two arms ending with talons reflect the limiting light. It's onyx wings stretch out, and the beast flings itself forward.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'deepForest')
[[Escape to the Southwest->Death]]
[[Roll under it and run to the Southeast river->Death]]
[[Run towards the South->Death]]
[[Dive towards the large pile of rocks->Death]]
[[Evade it in the dense forest->Death]]
](else-if: $time is 22)[
The forest is at its deepest here, and its difficult to move without bumping into another trunk. Debris snaps underfoot, a mixture of frail bones and detritus. The leaves keep tickling your neck while the snaggled branches scratch at your clothes and pack. You catch glimpses of the moonlight through the canopy above you, and it doesn't appear thick. As you keep going, the branches snap - it doesn't seem like things have the time to grow strong here. The space not occupied by the twisted woods is taken up by rocks and boulders.
The sun's just cleared the horizon. It's dawn.
Looking up, you see a shadow move over the sky. Just as you realize the form of a winged silhouette, it comes crashing towards you with a screech. The pitch-black creature shatters branches as it dives, and you just manage to sidestep it's path. The beast rights itself and turns, and a pair of green eyes break the obsidian figure. Two arms ending with talons reflect the limiting light. It's onyx wings stretch out, and the beast flings itself forward.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'deepForest')
[[Escape to the Southwest->Death]]
[[Roll under it and run to the Southeast river->Death]]
[[Run towards the South->Death]]
[[Dive towards the large pile of rocks->Death]]
[[Evade it in the dense forest->Death]]
](else:)[]
(if: $time is 10)[
inaccessible
](else-if: $time is 12)[
(if: $previoussLoc is 'deepForest')[
Investigating the rocks, you see a tight tunnel, maybe four feet tall, curving into the Earth. You climb in, shuffle sliding your way down into an opening, maybe ten feet tall.
](else:)[You duck under the ceiling, crawling forward into an opening.]
It smells like waste, rodents, and rotten food. Looking into the corner with your lantern, you can just make out a pile of bones in the shadows. Whatever cleaned them to a stark white doesn't appear to be here, just the rats scurrying from your light. As you pass your lantern over the walls, you see that the rock's been covered in holes, small, burrowing claw marks evident all around. Turning around, you see one massive hole behind you - about the same width as the other tunnel leading towards the surface. An archway made from collapsed stone sits opposite the cave - wind blowing from that direction implies another way out.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'caveIn')
[[Go towards the wind->Tunnels]]
[[Climb to the surface->Deep Forest]]
](else-if: $time is 14)[
(if: $previoussLoc is 'deepForest')[
Investigating the rocks, you see a tight tunnel, maybe four feet tall, curving into the Earth. You climb in, shuffle sliding your way down into an opening, maybe ten feet tall.
](else:)[You duck under the ceiling, crawling forward into an opening.]
It smells like waste, rodents, and rotten food. Looking into the corner with your lantern, you can just make out a pile of bones in the shadows. Whatever cleaned them to a stark white doesn't appear to be here, just the rats scurrying from your light. As you pass your lantern over the walls, you see that the rock's been covered in holes, small, burrowing claw marks evident all around. Turning around, you see one massive hole behind you - about the same width as the other tunnel leading towards the surface. An archway made from collapsed stone sits opposite the cave - wind blowing from that direction implies another way out.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'caveIn')
[[Go towards the wind->Tunnels]]
[[Climb to the surface->Deep Forest]]
](else-if: $time is 20)[
(if: $previoussLoc is 'deepForest')[
Investigating the rocks, you see a tight tunnel, maybe four feet tall, curving into the Earth. You climb in, shuffle sliding your way down into an opening, maybe ten feet tall.
](else:)[You duck under the ceiling, crawling forward into an opening.]
It smells like waste, rodents, and rotten food. Looking into the corner with your lantern, you can just make out a pile of bones in the shadows. Whatever cleaned them to a stark white doesn't appear to be here, just the rats scurrying from your light. As you pass your lantern over the walls, you see that the rock's been covered in holes, small, burrowing claw marks evident all around. Turning around, you see one massive hole behind you - about the same width as the other tunnel leading towards the surface. An archway made from collapsed stone sits opposite the cave - wind blowing from that direction implies another way out.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'caveIn')
[[Go towards the wind->Tunnels]]
[[Climb to the surface->Deep Forest]]
](else-if: $time is 22)[
(if: $previoussLoc is 'deepForest')[
Investigating the rocks, you see a tight tunnel, maybe four feet tall, curving into the Earth. You climb in, shuffle sliding your way down into an opening, maybe ten feet tall.
](else:)[You duck under the ceiling, crawling forward into an opening.]
It smells like waste, rodents, and rotten food. Looking into the corner with your lantern, you can just make out a pile of bones in the shadows. Whatever cleaned them to a stark white doesn't appear to be here, just the rats scurrying from your light. As you pass your lantern over the walls, you see that the rock's been covered in holes, small, burrowing claw marks evident all around. Turning around, you see one massive hole behind you - about the same width as the other tunnel leading towards the surface. An archway made from collapsed stone sits opposite the cave - wind blowing from that direction implies another way out.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'caveIn')
[[Go towards the wind->Tunnels]]
[[Climb to the surface->Deep Forest]]
](else:)[(if: $previoussLoc is 'deepForest')[
Investigating the rocks, you see a tight tunnel, maybe four feet tall, curving into the Earth. You climb in, shuffle sliding your way down into an opening, maybe ten feet tall.
](else:)[You duck under the ceiling, crawling forward into an opening.]
It smells like waste, rodents, and rotten food. Looking into the corner with your lantern, you can just make out a pile of bones in the shadows. Whatever cleaned them to a stark white doesn't appear to be here, just the rats scurrying from your light. As you pass your lantern over the walls, you see that the rock's been covered in holes, small, burrowing claw marks evident all around. Turning around, you see one massive hole behind you - about the same width as the other tunnel leading towards the surface. (if: $time is 12)You see sunlight from the surface. It's dawn.
An archway made from collapsed stone sits opposite the cave - wind blowing from that direction implies another way out.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'caveIn')
[[Go towards the wind->Tunnels]]
[[Climb to the surface->Deep Forest]]
]
(set: $time += 2)
(if: $time is 10)[
inaccessible
[[Stay here->Tunnels]]
](else-if: $time is 12)[
You enter a large opening, wind rushing through it towards a collapsed archway in the rear of the cave. At the front, the wide opening provides shelter from outside, but you can't see too far to the sides without venturing out. You make out a river with a fallen tree acting as a bridge outside.
You swing your lantern around the cave, looking for any details. You notice a network of small holes dug through the walls, claw marks evident on the outside. You then notice a large hole, about three feet in diameter. As you lean forward, you see a mass of red, beaded eyes open.
It rushes forward, and you just manage to step to the side as it tumbles out of the hole. What greets you is a mass of rats, rolling over each other as they each grapple for purchase on the stone of the cave. The pack forms a two-foot tall, semi-spherical pile of fur, claws, and teeth. You can't see the center for the amount of rodents each crawling for purchase to see the outside. After a momement, the swarm rights itself, orienting towards you, the chittering and scratchign unbearable. It starts moving towards you, a collection of tiny, picked bones dropping behind it. Despite the tangle of flesh, it shows a remarkable level of coordination, and starts pursuing you as you step backwards.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'tunnels')
[[Leave the caves->River]]
[[Try to escape it by venturing deeper into the tunnels->Death]]
[[Evade it here->Death]]
](else-if: $time is 14)[
You enter a large opening, wind rushing through it towards a collapsed archway in the rear of the cave. At the front, the wide opening provides shelter from outside, but you can't see too far to the sides without venturing out. You make out a river with a fallen tree acting as a bridge outside.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'tunnels')
[[Leave the caves->River]]
[[Venture deeper->Cave in]]
[[Stay here->Tunnels]]
](else-if: $time is 16)[
((if: $previousLoc is 'tunnels')[You sit for a bit inside the tunnels. ](else:)[You enter a large opening, wind rushing through it towards a collapsed archway in the rear of the cave.] At the front of the cave, the wide opening provides shelter from outside, but you can't see too far to the sides without venturing out. You make out a river with a fallen tree acting as a bridge outside.
You see a red glow in the horizon. The sun is rising.
You swing your lantern around the cave, looking for any details. You notice a network of small holes dug through the walls, claw marks evident on the outside. You then notice a large hole, about three feet in diameter. As you lean forward, you see a mass of red, beaded eyes open.
It rushes forward, and you just manage to step to the side as it tumbles out of the hole. What greets you is a mass of rats, rolling over each other as they each grapple for purchase on the stone of the cave. The pack forms a two-foot tall, semi-spherical pile of fur, claws, and teeth. You can't see the center for the amount of rodents each crawling for purchase to see the outside. After a momement, the swarm rights itself, orienting towards you, the chittering and scratchign unbearable. It starts moving towards you, a collection of tiny, picked bones dropping behind it. Despite the tangle of flesh, it shows a remarkable level of coordination, and starts pursuing you as you step backwards.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'tunnels')
[[Leave the caves->Death]]
[[Try to escape it by venturing deeper into the tunnels->Cave in]]
[[Evade it here->Death]]
](else-if: $time is 18)[
You enter a large opening, wind rushing through it towards a collapsed archway in the rear of the cave. At the front, the wide opening provides shelter from outside, but you can't see too far to the sides without venturing out. You make out a river with a fallen tree acting as a bridge outside.
You see the sun's just cleared the horizon. It's dawn.
You swing your lantern around the cave, looking for any details. You notice a network of small holes dug through the walls, claw marks evident on the outside. You then notice a large hole, about three feet in diameter. As you lean forward, you see a mass of red, beaded eyes open.
It rushes forward, and you just manage to step to the side as it tumbles out of the hole. What greets you is a mass of rats, rolling over each other as they each grapple for purchase on the stone of the cave. The pack forms a two-foot tall, semi-spherical pile of fur, claws, and teeth. You can't see the center for the amount of rodents each crawling for purchase to see the outside. After a momement, the swarm rights itself, orienting towards you, the chittering and scratchign unbearable. It starts moving towards you, a collection of tiny, picked bones dropping behind it. Despite the tangle of flesh, it shows a remarkable level of coordination, and starts pursuing you as you step backwards.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'tunnels')
[[Leave the caves->Death]]
[[Try to escape it by venturing deeper into the tunnels->Cave in]]
[[Evade it here->Death]]
]
(else-if: $time is 20)[
You enter a large opening, wind rushing through it towards a collapsed archway in the rear of the cave. At the front, the wide opening provides shelter from outside, but you can't see too far to the sides without venturing out. You make out a river with a fallen tree acting as a bridge outside.
You swing your lantern around the cave, looking for any details. You notice a network of small holes dug through the walls, claw marks evident on the outside. You then notice a large hole, about three feet in diameter. As you lean forward, you see a mass of red, beaded eyes open.
It rushes forward, and you just manage to step to the side as it tumbles out of the hole. What greets you is a mass of rats, rolling over each other as they each grapple for purchase on the stone of the cave. The pack forms a two-foot tall, semi-spherical pile of fur, claws, and teeth. You can't see the center for the amount of rodents each crawling for purchase to see the outside. After a momement, the swarm rights itself, orienting towards you, the chittering and scratchign unbearable. It starts moving towards you, a collection of tiny, picked bones dropping behind it. Despite the tangle of flesh, it shows a remarkable level of coordination, and starts pursuing you as you step backwards.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'tunnels')
[[Leave the caves->River]]
[[Try to escape it by venturing deeper into the tunnels->Cave in]]
[[Evade it here->Death]]
](else-if: $time is 22)[
You enter a large opening, wind rushing through it towards a collapsed archway in the rear of the cave. At the front, the wide opening provides shelter from outside, but you can't see too far to the sides without venturing out. You make out a river with a fallen tree acting as a bridge outside.
You swing your lantern around the cave, looking for any details. You notice a network of small holes dug through the walls, claw marks evident on the outside. You then notice a large hole, about three feet in diameter. As you lean forward, you see a mass of red, beaded eyes open.
It rushes forward, and you just manage to step to the side as it tumbles out of the hole. What greets you is a mass of rats, rolling over each other as they each grapple for purchase on the stone of the cave. The pack forms a two-foot tall, semi-spherical pile of fur, claws, and teeth. You can't see the center for the amount of rodents each crawling for purchase to see the outside. After a momement, the swarm rights itself, orienting towards you, the chittering and scratchign unbearable. It starts moving towards you, a collection of tiny, picked bones dropping behind it. Despite the tangle of flesh, it shows a remarkable level of coordination, and starts pursuing you as you step backwards.
Do you:
(set: $previousLoc = 'tunnels')
[[Leave the caves->Death]]
[[Try to escape it by venturing deeper into the tunnels->Death]]
[[Evade it here->Death]]
](else:)[]
(set: $previousLoc = 'tunnels')(set: $time += 2)
(if: $time is 10)[
inaccesible
](else-if: $time is 12)[
You enter the mountain, into a large cavern. Stalactites cover the ceiling, hanging on by the grace of the Three. Two paths lead deeper - one up a steep path, and one down a rock wall. Or you could just back out to the Forest.
A faint voice echoes in your ear, telling you to descend deeper into the cave. It claws at you, pulling you in that direction.
(set: $previousLoc = 'mountains')
[[Ascend->Climb]]
[[Descend->Descent]]
[[Leave the cave->Death]]
[[Stay here in the cavern->Mountains]]
](else-if: $time is 14)[
(if: $previousLoc is 'mountains')[You stay inside the cavern for a bit. The voice fades in and out, always telling you to move.](else:)[
You enter the mountain, into a large cavern. Stalactites cover the ceiling, hanging on by the grace of the Three. ]Two paths lead deeper - one up a steep path, and one down a rock wall. Or you could just back out to the Forest.
You hear another recruit call out from the path downwards. She's yelling for help.
(set: $previousLoc = 'mountains')
[[Ascend->Death]]
[[Descend->Descent]]
[[Leave the cave->Forest Ring Left]]
[[Stay here in the cavern->Mountains]]
](else-if: $time is 16)[
(if: $previousLoc is 'mountains')[You stay inside the cavern for a bit. The voice fades in and out, always telling you to move.](else:)[
You enter the mountain, into a large cavern. Stalactites cover the ceiling, hanging on by the grace of the Three. ]Two paths lead deeper - one up a steep path, and one down a rock wall. Or you could just back out to the Forest.
You see a red glow in the horizon. The sun is rising.
You hear another recruit call out, saying they heard you come in. They tell you to stay and wait for them to come down from the path.
(set: $previousLoc = 'mountains')
[[Ascend->Death]]
[[Descend->Descent]]
[[Leave the cave->Forest Ring Left]]
[[Stay here in the cavern->Death]]
](else-if: $time is 18)[
You enter the mountain, into a large cavern. Stalactites cover the ceiling, hanging on by the grace of the Three. Two paths lead deeper - one up a steep path, and one down a rock wall. Or you could just back out to the Forest.
The sun's just cleared the horizon. It's dawn.
A faint voice echoes in your ear, telling you to climb higher into the mountain. It claws at you, pulling you in that direction.
(set: $previousLoc = 'mountains')
[[Ascend->Death]]
[[Descend->Descent]]
[[Leave the cave->Forest Ring Left]]
[[Stay here in the cavern->Mountains]]
](else-if: $time is 20)[
(if: $previousLoc is 'mountains')[You stay inside the cavern for a bit. The voice fades in and out, always telling you to move.](else:)[
You enter the mountain, into a large cavern. Stalactites cover the ceiling, hanging on by the grace of the Three. ]Two paths lead deeper - one up a steep path, and one down a rock wall. Or you could just back out to the Forest.
A faint voice echoes in your ear, telling you to climb higher into the mountain. It claws at you, pulling you in that direction.
(set: $previousLoc = 'mountains')
[[Ascend->Climb]]
[[Descend->Descent]]
[[Leave the cave->Forest Ring Left]]
[[Stay here in the cavern->Mountains]]
](else-if: $time is 22)[
](else:)[
(if: $previousLoc is 'mountains')[You stay inside the cavern for a bit. The voice fades in and out, always telling you to move.](else:)[
You enter the mountain, into a large cavern. Stalactites cover the ceiling, hanging on by the grace of the Three. ]Two paths lead deeper - one up a steep path, and one down a rock wall. Or you could just back out to the Forest.
A faint voice echoes in your ear, telling you to climb higher into the mountain. It claws at you, pulling you in that direction.
(set: $previousLoc = 'mountains')
[[Ascend->Death]]
[[Descend->Death]]
[[Leave the cave->Death]]
[[Stay here in the cavern->Death]]]
[[Forest Ring Left]]
(if: $time is 12)[
You reach as high as the tunnels go. Looking over, you can see over most of the forest, but the further north your gaze carries, the more the trees challenge that. You see a dark figure rise quickly above the treetops, before dropping a human-shaped shape and chasing it down.
Looking around, you see a gravel-filled path leading down. It's steep, but you should be able to manage it. The whispering in your hand has long gone silent.
[[Attempt to descend->Forest Ring Left]]
](else-if: $time is 20)[
You reach as high as the tunnels go. Looking over, you can see over most of the forest, but the further north your gaze carries, the more the trees challenge that. You see a dark figure rise quickly above the treetops, before dropping a human-shaped shape and chasing it down.
Looking around, you see a gravel-filled path leading down. It's steep, but you should be able to manage it. The whispering in your hand has long gone silent.
[[Attempt to descend->Forest Ring Left]]
](else:)[
You reach as high as the tunnels go. Looking over, you can see over most of the forest, but the further north your gaze carries, the more the trees challenge that. You see a dark figure rise quickly above the treetops, before dropping a human-shaped shape and chasing it down.
The whispering in your ear gets stronger. You think of how flying might feel, how you could soar above this place. There's no need to keep playing along, you can be free of this initiation.
[[You leap.->Death]]
]
(set: $previousLoc = 'climb')
(if: $time is 18)[
You climb down the rock wall, taking your time to establish a handhold. The whisper in your mind fades away, and you manage to safely descend. You jump down the last few feet, landing with a thud, before rolling into what feels like a still-warm body. Grasping for your lantern, you notice its mechanism won't work. Stranded in the dark you turn, looking for any way out.
With one arm on the wall, you follow the edge, and come across light. The sun must have risen. Approaching the light, you see a crevice you can barely squeeze through. Looking through it, you can make out the stumps of the cleared woods. A figure dashes in front of the opening.
Do you:
[[Squeeze through the crevice->Base]]
](else:)[
You climb down the rock wall, taking your time to establish a handhold. The whisper in your head grows. All you can think about is wanting to let go. About how tired you are. How it couldn't be that deep.
You let go, fall, and the voice goes quiet.
Before you can think of what you've done, [[you slam into the ground.->Death]]
]
(set: $previousLoc = 'descent')(set: $time += 2)
(if: $time is 20)[
You feel the heat of the sun on your back as you enter the cleared forest. Not wanting to take any chances, you make sure to check your map to avoid any of the monster traps. Looking around, you see about six other recruits around you, all hurrying back to the Breach.
One recruit stands far away from the others, you can tell they stopped at the edge of the traps. She looks over her shoulder at the rest of you, before taking a tenative step forward, past the body of the man who tried running back at dusk. Instead of a whistling bolt, the sound of the gates opening fills the clearing. You and the other recruits hurry towards the Breach, hopeful for the end of this night.
[[You enter the Breach->Live]]
](else-if: $time is 22)[
You enter the cleared woods, tripping over a stump as you stumble alnog. The sun hangs high in the sky. The grinding gears of the gates stops as the walls close. Running across the field, you call out, begging that they let you in.
"Straggler! Stop there" You hear a response and stop, looking towards the tower.
"We can't afford the risk. The initiation is over!" You hear the voice from the start of this hellish night. Before you can argue, you hear the too-familiar whistling of a bolt. The steel tip glistening in the sun is the [[last thing you see.->Death]]
](else:)[
You ignore the warnings and head back to the fort, done with this ritualistic suicide. This wasn't what you were told when coming to the Breach.
Stumbling out of the woods, you see the familiar pitfalls and traps that you'd been told to avoid. As you check your footing, you hear a faint whistle, followed by a heavy thunk as a weight slams into your chest. Stumbling backwards, you see a bolt sticking out from your body. Before you can stammer out a response, you hear another [[bolt flying through the air.->Death]]
(set: $previousLoc = 'base')
]
The rest of the army parted for him to speak. His voice boomed above the murmurs and confusion hanging over you and the recruits.
"I am the Breach's commander and keeper. It and I can only accept and care for those who prove able to survive the dangers we face.
Tonight, you leave these walls. You will not return before the sunrise, or you will be killed. There are no legends or heroes to save you, only yourself. Those who make it back will be welcomed with open arms.
People don't survive here. Only the Breach."
With that, you back away from the wall, the gates already closing. One recruit to your left runs forward, screaming that it isn't fair. A whistle of a crossbow bolt and the thunk of steel hitting flesh silences the cries. Not wanting to join them, the rest of the recruits, you include, take off from the fort.
Carefully avoiding the traps marked on your map for various beasts, you encounter the edge of the chopped wood around the Breach. The only place to go is into the forest. This is the furthest frontier that humans have laid claim to. And you must go beyond it.
[[Enter the Forest's edge->Forest Ring]](set: $time = 6)
(set: $previousLoc = 'base')
When the older Breachmen had mentioned the initiation during the festivities last night, you hadn't expected this. You'd been given a tour of the massive fort now looming behind you - The Breach. A half-legendary structure manned by a volunteer army said to protect Einvorn against the creatures of nightmare from beyond the Maw. The entire fort had been designed to protect against attacks. Three rings of walls protected a towering central keep, and guards constantly watched for attacks, ready to trigger a variety of traps and hazards for any foe.
You just hadn't expected to be on the wrong side of it.
The last meal and celebration ended with night fully settled. Instantly, it felt like you and the other recent arrivals had been rounded up. The pleasnatries were gone, and you were herded like cattle to the third and final gate. Like the others, you received a cloth pack with a canteen of water, a crude map, some food, a sword, and a self-lighting candle managed by some mechanism. Before you could stammer out a question, the gates creaked open, the turning of the massive gears drowning out any thoughts you had. The soldiers you'd just had supper with helped push you out past the wall.
[[One figure stepped forward.->Briefing]]
(if: $previousLoc is 'tunnels')[
You attempt to run, but individual rats and rodents behind you claw, bite, and scratch at your ankles and legs, causing you to lose balance. As you hit the hard floor, the rat king closes in, going after your foot. You attempt to kick, but the foot get stuck in the mass. You feel your boot get shredded, quickly before your foot joins it, as what feels like thousdands of teeth and claws rend flesh from bone. The other rats start crawling over you, biting and scratching, more joining faster than you can knock them away. The mass slowly starts climbing higher your leg, and you pass out from the pain.
](else-if: $previousLoc is 'deepForest')[
You attempt to dodge, but the beast corrects its leap with an extension of its wing, crashing into your side, its talons digging deep gashes into your side, before closing shut. Suspended by your rib cage, it lifts you with powerful, uneven flaps. Just as you reach above the trees, your rib snaps, and you fall free of the flying beast.
You fall to the ground for a few seconds, before slamming into the underbrush. You struggle to stand, attempting to ignore the massive tear in your torso in order to scramble away. But the pain overcomes you, and you fall to the ground and start crawling. The beast lands next to you, cocking its head. With a heavy flap, it jumps atop you, its claws tearing into your back as it prepares to fly again.
The pain overcomes every other sense as you're once again carried above the trees. But this time, you feel the claws release you intentionally, and as you tumble through the air, you see the beast diving after you.
Managing to look back down, the earth rushes to welcome you with its crushing embrace.
](else-if: $previousLoc is 'river')[
Before you can make a move, the giant reptile rushes forward. You dodge one set of snapping jaws, but the other grabs your leg. Recoiling backwards, you fall into the water, thrashing in the growing foam. Your leg snaps, but you're too focused on the other head attempting to grab hold of your arm. Smashing your lantern into it causes it to back away, but another snap from the head at your leg stuns you with the pain.
You gasp, taking a mouthful of the brimy water. Just as you bring your head to the surface, the first head grabs at your shoulder. With a twist, it drags you with it, and you realize you don't feel your leg anymore. Or anything below the waist. Looking down, you see the foam's turned red, and the second head is devouring your legs. Looking back, you see the one wrapped around your arm bite down again, this time over your head.
](else-if: $previousLoc is 'clearing')[
With a start, you notice the boulder moving, a black, slime-like material oozing from the sides. You see hands form from the mass, clawing at the surrounding ground. From them, surprisingly skeletal arms link back to the center, baring the weight of the full stone. It rotates towards you, cutting off any avenue of escape. You trip as you back up, stumbling towards the ground. As you fall, it rises, standing on its rear limbs, a pale imitation of human legs. You notice the creature has a face, as if someone stretched human faces over a two-foot long oval. Its jaw hangs loose, and it lets out a screech.
You scramble to your feet, unable to look away. At the creature's center, a pulsing mass sits, as if a smaller animal were trapped inside. Before you can react, one of the pulses rips away from the creature, the tarry tendril grabbing you with surprising speed. Before you can comprehend the feeling, you're ripped from the ground and pulled back toward the creature.
The last thing you see is the creature's elongated face as the beast falls over, crushing you between its body and the ground.
](else-if: $previousLoc is 'forestRing')[
You attempt to flee, but the creature crashes into your back before you can make progress, tossing you into the ground. Looking up, you see it circling back in front of you.
It looks like some sort of canine, but its legs are wrong. Instead of normal bends, the elbows point towards you, the forearms forming a right angle with its torso. These...backwards limbs keep its four-foot long form low to the ground. The beast sways back and forth, sizing you up.
You attempt to stand up slowly, and the beast snarls. You freeze, your breath hanging in the air.
It rushes you again, but this time its legs catch your shoulders, keeping it attached as you fall on your back. You scramble for your sword, but don't have the leverage to pry it from your sheath. The beast's jaws crush around your arm. Managing to grab your lantern, you smash it into the creature's head, the flames lapping at its face. You scramble away as the monster recoils and howls, and try to run into the forest. Before you take three steps, another mass slams into your side. You turn to see another one of the monsters, and its jaws close around your jugglar. You try to fight, but each swing gets weaker, until darkness swallows your vision.
](else-if: $previousLoc is 'forestRingLeft')[
As if sensing your intention to move, a tendril of flesh leaps from the body, grabbing your arm. You feel as if your flesh is being torn off by a thousand needles, but fight through the pain to unsheath your sword with your other arm. You cut away the tendril, and the flesh stuck to your arm falls away. Before you can run, another chunk of the creature grabs your sword, ripping it away with a twist and tossing you off balance.
A mass thuds against your torso, knocking you over and tearing at your shirt. The needles don't dig benath your skin, but instead begin to spread over it. Another tendril lands on each feet, the monster slowly enveloping over your body. Out of your eye, you see its old host, now a red mass of half-digested muscle and bone. More and more of your flesh is torn away, but you're left painfully concious of each strip ripped from your body.
Your legs start getting pulled, lifting up and dragging you towards the rock slowly, each time the heel digs into the ground and pulls getting a few inches. Your face is covered by the parasite, your eyes ripped away but you long lost the ability to scream. All you can do is listen at the sound of your flesh getting suckled away.
](else-if: $previousLoc is 'mountains')[
There's a thud behind you. Before you can turn, you feel a prick in your neck and begin to lose feeling in your body. You fall forward, numb. Something grabs your leg, and drags you into one of the crevices in the mountain. You don't feel anything, and only see the rocks on the ground moving as your vision fades away.
](else-if: $previousLoc is 'climb')[
Your struggle is meaningless, the monstor's leg is to strong for you to get any leverage.
It pulls you under its three foot long form before the bottom of its carapace opens up, revealing a fleshy interior. A green mist spews out, and within a moment your flesh starts burning.
The feeling spreads to your eyes and face, and as you scream, it covers your mouth. Your flesh begins to melt away as the creature drags you into a hole in the mountain. It keeps shushing you, growing more and more agitated with your screams. As you lose sight of the rock wall, you almost don't notice that you stopped moving. Your acid burned eyes look up, and another leg pierces your skull.
](else:)[]
Like so many before, your tale ends at the Breach.
[[Start Over->Starting base]] [[Forest Ring Left]]
(if: $time is 12)[
You approach the steep path. It's rough to get a grip on the gravel but you manage to crawl your way forward. After a while, it turns more vertical, and you find yourshelf on an almost shear surface. Pulling upward, you manage to climb all the way, pulling yourself over the wall and looking to see the night's sky.
[[Step forward->Cliff]]
](else-if: $time is 20)[
You approach the steep path. It's rough to get a grip on te gravel but you manage to crawl your way forward. After a while, it turns more vertical, and you find yourshelf on an almost shear surface. Pulling upward, you manage to climb all the way, pulling yourself over the wall and looking to see the night's sky.
[[Step forward->Cliff]]
](else:)[
You approach the steep path. It's rough to get a grip on te gravel but you manage to crawl your way forward. After a while, it turns more vertical, and you find yourshelf on an almost shear surface. Pulling upward, you manage to climb all the way. But before you can pull yourself over the wall, a lance of pain shoots through your right arm.
Looking over, you see a furred leg impaled through your limb. The serrated edge holds you as your left arm lets go from the pain. Screaming out, you're dragged over the edge. A creature with a spider's body, but a distinctly human face greets you. It makes a shushing sound, before the face slumps off, revealing a row of blue eyes and a mass of fangs.
[[You struggle.->Death]]
]
(set: $previousLoc = 'climb')Your initiation is over, and you're accepted as one of the Watchers, a Breachman. You'll serve the Breach in its duty to hold against those horrors you glimpsed from today until your strength fails. Each day, you will train and maintain both yourself and the fort.
You develop fleeting friendships with others, but often see them cut short as bodies return from scouting missions or they meet grueseum fates during one of the repeated beast attacks.
You see countless others put through the initiation, and only a fraction return. The Breach does not grow, but it does not shrink. As you age, you come to realize that nothing has changed. The line has been held, but not advanced. You didn't add to the defence so much as replace the crumbling brick before you.
(either:
"During one of your routine patrols on the outermost ring, a massive pack of the feral werewalkers climb the wall in between your patrols. Seeing the overwhelming numbers, you flee to the guard station as the beasts gain on you.
You died pulling the alarm, your back and body shredded to ribbons as the Breachmen arrive, swiftly assembling a line to hold off the attack in a muscle-memory managed formation.",
"While walking to the armory inside the Breach's inner ring, a stopper comes loose from an Einvorn supply cart, and it hurtles towards you.
Before you can dive away, it crashes into you, carrying you into the wall and severing your spine.
Fleeting in an out of conciousness, you hear whispers of care plans and expendable supplies. You awake struggling for breath, unable to see, only feeling a cushion pressed against your face. Unable to lift your arms, you can only attempt to yell muffled cries as conciousness drifts away one last time.")
[[Start Over->Starting base]]