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Having fallen into some pitfall trap, you rub your head as you blink blearily up towards the slowly closing 'ceiling'. What trouble. You can vaguely hear your thieving friend Snitch shouting that you shouldn't let your torch go out.
Quickly! You grab at the torch and let out a quiet sigh of relief. It should last you however long you need to search a way out of this place, and back to your friend. Magical flames are quite wonderous afterall.
You reach for your weapon...
* A longsword crafted of the finest steel you could afford, your [[sword|longsword][$weapon to "sword"]] will serve you well in these underground passages.
* A staff of mystical powers, intended for healing and whacking alike, you will probably use your [[staff|staff][$weapon to "staff"]] for the latter more than the former.
* A magical tome with arcane runes inscribed within, what powers will you wrought forth from your [[magic tome|tome][$weapon to "tome"]]?You feel a wave of cool ease with the hilt firmly in your hand. There may not be many female knights in armour in the land, but you cut the figure of a fine knight indeed.
As a semi-trained quasi-professional knight, you count yourself lucky people call you by your name and title properly: ''Knightess Diane''. Besides, it wasn't //your// fault that the first room you stayed at in the local taven was right next to a bunch of thieving gypsies. Though it was certainly a hard lesson in learning how to sleep with one eye open, certainly...
[[But you must continue onwards.|Paths][$gender to "1"]]You grasp the long staff wearily. It has scarcely left your side since you were ordained at the local convent--what shame it would bring upon the cardinal there, if you were to have lost it from a simple fall!
Then again, your father might have understood. He always did say you were one of the clumsier sons that have come into his humble abode to serve the valley and farmlands surrounding it. "''Brother Darien'' is clumsy, but he means well." He'd say.
[[But you must continue onwards.|Paths][$gender to "2"]]As you get to your feet, you look around. There are three paths available to you: left, straight, and right.
You cautiously rub the back of your head, careful not to dislodge your $weapon. What had your friend told you about these catacombs? The way out is...
* Left, left, straight, and a right.
Or...
* Right, left, straight, right, left, and a left.
The slippery thief also sought to scare you, this you were sure. Saying you'd be lost forever if you forgot their instructions.
So which way should you go?
[[Left|goal][$treasure to "0"]]
[[Straight|goal][$treasure to "0"]]
[[Right|goal][$treasure to "0"]]The pages are heavy with power, and you feel a shudder passing through you. The wind? Hardly, but the multiple voices within your book. Calling to you, asking you to join them in your search for knowledge...
The first of lessons that your sagely mentor had been to discard the barest of identities, and your new name ''Pathfinder Aconite''. Magic calls for naught but a sharp focus and a strong will, to avoid being overtaken by the powers that are slightly beyond one's ken. It has been so long, you do not remember if you are a man or a woman--it really makes no difference either way. A corpse is a corpse, once dead.
[[But you must continue onwards.|Paths][$gender to "0"]]As you begin your mysterious journey, the glint of the jade bracelet around your wrist dances from your torch-light. It is the current bane of your existence, and the reason why a number of your memories have become less than satisfactory.
You don't remember anything about your lover. And it is strange to think of your ex-lover<<if $goal eq 1>>, as your affection has now been claimed by the young lord Richard<<elseif $goal eq 2>> as your affection has now been charmed by the lovely Lily<</if>>.
[[Left|leftt-2]]
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|straightb]]Your thoughts drift away from you as you venture into the catacombs, you feel an eerie wind. The walls seem to stretch onwards, mould and unspeakable slime dripping off the cold stone. It is certainly cold, but you knew you were ill-equipped for this venture before you stepped into the ruins of this manse.
On and on, your leather boots make scarce sound. Puddles on the earthwrought floor are few and far between.
There must be some sort of magical darkness ahead of you, as your torch can barely light your way...
<<if $treasure eq 1>>[[How deep does this underground passage go?|Bad2]]<<else>>[[How deep does this underground passage go?|Bad1]]<</if>>Wandering on and on, the wind grows in sudden force and your torch goes out. The sound of howls and claws echo all around you as the darkness persists.
You cast aside your torch, and ready your $weapon to attack blindly. Your heart thumps quickly, and the sense that you've done wrong in your path-choosing comes to mind...
''//Bad Ending - Lost Forevermore//''
//<<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>> had fallen into the dreaded catacombs, a labyrinth of horrors, and so never returned to meet <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> wily thief-friend Snitch. Some say it was 'par the course,' for <<if $gender eq 0>>one<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> should know better than to venture into a vengeful spirit's home. The shadows of monsters that lurk within foretell a danger that could not justify searching the abandoned manse, for the <<if $goal eq 0>>room of treasures<<elseif $goal eq 1>>lordling Richard<<elseif $goal eq 2>>gentle Lily<</if>>...//
<<if $treasure eq 0>><<if $goal eq 0>>[[Try again?|gold]]<<elseif $goal eq 1>>[[Try again?|prince]]<<elseif $goal eq 2>>[[Try again?|fgirl]]<</if>><<elseif $treasure eq 2>>[[Try again?|rightex-1]]<</if>>
[[Credits|credits]]<<if $treasure eq 0>>As you begin your mysterious journey, the glint of the jade amulet around your wrist dances from your torch-light. It is the current bane of your existence, and the reason why a number of your memories have become less than satisfactory.
After all, You don't remember anything about your lover.<</if>>
But no matter, you try to turn your thoughts towards <<if $goal eq 0>>your friend Snitch<<elseif $goal eq 1>>the young lord<<elseif $goal eq 2>>the young farmgirl<</if>> instead. <<if $treasure eq 2>>Treasure or no treasure, it wasn't worth your life to risk. And you were woefully unprepared to attempt dismantling any sort of trap that door might've held for you.<</if>>
[[Left|leftex-2]]
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|straightb]]''But wait!''
Why are you in this manse in the first place? Was it for...
[[The rooms of treasures.|gold][$goal to "0"]]
[[The lordling Richard.|prince][$goal to "1"]]
[[Or farmgirl Lily.|fgirl][$goal to "2"]]Snatched away by a rather large birdman, so the last sightings of terrified townspeople told you as much. Yes, you are woefully ill-prepared to mount a rescue mission for her but...well, that bridge will be crossed when you get there, won't it?
[[Left|leftt-1]]
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|rightex-1][$treasure to "0"]]The elder son of the Marquess Cantervalley, he'll be the liege you should swear allegiance towards. Living in his lands is requires some duty of pay to be...paid.
That he was last seen at the entrance of the manse is unfortunate, but what can you do? There had been rumours of this place long before the catacombs were suddenly apparent to you.
Onwards then!
[[Left|leftt-1]]
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|rightex-1][$treasure to "0"]]Too true. Living a near penniless existence has been sub-satisfactory. Snitch followed you into the manse to look for gold for <<if $gender eq 0>>themselves<<elseif $gender eq 1>>herself<<elseif $gender eq 2>>himself<</if>> anyway. Spells to regenerate one's lost hand don't grow on trees, after all.
[[Left|leftt-1]]
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|rightex-1][$treasure to "0"]]True enough. And gold coins are quite shiny besides! They could also buy you a memory potion to replenish what you had once forgotten--if you wanted to.
<<if $goal eq 0>>And of course you'd mean to help Snitch. What sort of friend and adventuring partner would you be if you didn't help <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>>?<<elseif $goal eq 5>>A fairly well-off lordling and the money which ensures a stable life, is that not perfect by itself?<<elseif $goal eq 8>>Surely the old farmer, with a wealth in harvest that challenges the wealth of the Marquess Cantervalley, would reward you richly for your service? It's worth a shot anyway.<</if>> Now do you go in, or do you search for the exit?
[[Enter the treasure room.|troom2][$treasure to "1"]]
[[Nah, I've changed my mind on grabbing the gold.|rightex-1][$treasure to "2"]]Ah. He is quite handsome in that prissy eduated way. Neatly trimmed beard, hair the colour of russet wood, and a sharp gaze that allowed little discussion. He was--//is//--a discerning man, with a quirk of a smile--and the son of a marquis no less.
Not to mention the bathsalts and other lotions from faraway lands, thanks to the local merchants' journies. Smelling nice meant there was no rot on his physical person, yes?
<<if $goal eq 3>>A man such as he would not have a penniless partner, this much is certain to you. Moreover, it would be a scandalous rumour if the locals thought you wished for his hand because of his wealth.<<elseif $goal eq 7>>He has chosen this one village-girl before the others--in a way--smitten with affection. He simply wants her to be safe, safe and by his side naturally. And you can raise your own reputation in his eyes, if you are the rescuer!<</if>> Now do you go in, or do you search for the exit?
[[Enter the treasure room.|troom2][$treasure to "1"]]
[[Nah, I've changed my mind on grabbing the gold.|rightex-1][$treasure to "2"]]Truly, she is a goddess of nature among mere mortals. Kind, generous, and witty. Always there with good cheer, and just as ready with that lovely smile... She reminds you of the sea. Her long hair a cerulean blue, sea green eyes, and little freckles scattered upon her fair olive-tanned skin like sand.
<<if $goal eq 4>>Her father, farmer Lloyd, is a hard-working man. Nothing less than the wealth of a dragon would impress him to give away his only daughter! Such is apparent to you.<<elseif $goal eq 6>>She deserves someone who is hard-working, someone who can appreciate her for simply being her. She needs to be protected at all costs, and...and Richard is none of those things. Only you understood her on that level of love...<</if>>Now do you go in, or do you search for the exit?
[[Enter the treasure room.|troom2][$treasure to "1"]]
[[Nah, I've changed my mind on grabbing the gold.|rightex-1][$treasure to "2"]]Their face blurry, the moments faded, but the deep sense of happiness that strikes your heart cannot be removed by any magic<<if $gender eq 0>>--and you were certain to research the like of it.
Emotions are tedious and without merit. There is nothing about them that can bring any good. It ruins magic. Makes it unstable and prone to disastrous effects. Yet still, you'd be lying if you said you did not miss that feeling of temporary mortal happiness<</if>>.
You wondered, just when your bracelet had changed. And just when you had met your soul mate.
[[Left|straightb]]
[[Straight|straightt-3]]
[[Right|straightb]]<<if $treasure eq 2>>Your steps echo as you find yourself lost in thought. No puddles to step in here, apparently.
Your eyes drawn to the glints of seagreen, specks of reflection from torchlight bouncing off your soul mate bangle. If rumours are to be believed, Snitch's soul mate would wear <<if $gender eq 0>>their's<<elseif $gender eq 1>>hers<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> on the same wrist as you. <<if $gender eq 0>>Their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>His<</if>> hand-stump is on the <<if $gender eq 0>>right<<elseif $gender eq 1>>left<<elseif $gender eq 2>>left<</if>>, after all.
A shudder runs through you. It isn't right, what some people do for their 'soul mate.'<<elseif $treasure eq 0>>//Their face blurry, the moments faded, but the deep sense of happiness that strikes your heart cannot be removed by any magic<<if $gender eq 0>>--and you were certain to research the like of it.
Emotions are tedious and without merit. There is nothing about them that can bring any good. It ruins magic. Makes it unstable and prone to disastrous effects. Yet still, you'd be lying if you said you did not miss that feeling of temporary mortal happiness<</if>>.// <</if>>
<<if $goal eq 1>>The lordling Richard will be a fair man to woo. You've been smitten with him since meeting the young man. <<if $gender eq 0>>Few others showed interest in your studies prior to him.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Sure, you've beaten his arse several times around the courtyard, but his heart is in the right place. Learning to fight, in order to fight by one's soldiers, is an admirable if foolish ambition.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>His heart is pious, and his smile kind. Much more than his father, though the Marquess Cantervalley be blessed, his own rule sullied by scattered raids and paranoid delusions.<</if>><<elseif $goal eq 2>>You turn your thoughts to the poor innocent girl who'd been kidnapped. Yes, there were plenty of monsters that dared venture into the townspace, though less and less since the Marquess Cantervalley had a barracks built and made to protect the peace. <<if $gender eq 0>>Your elder in the pursuit of magic had been enticed to help, given the fair lodgings available. And you were but an apprentice when you first met the lovely Lily.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>When the days grew long and your day's drills finished, you'd be sharpening your sword or buffing your armour, and she'd be there. Quick to offer a shy smile and a few treats of cheese curds from her father's farm.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Lily has a voice of an angel, and the heart of a saint.
If you had to name the moment in which she 'seduced' you, you would not be able to help but think of the time illness struck like lighting in her village. She worked tirelessly with your brothers and sisters to nurse the sick and dying, with little regard for her own health. She is endearing.<</if>><<elseif $treasure eq 1>>Your steps echo as you find yourself lost in thought. No puddles to step in here, apparently.
Your eyes drawn to the glints of seagreen, specks of reflection from torchlight bouncing off your soul mate bangle. If rumours are to be believed, Snitch's soul mate would wear <<if $gender eq 0>>their's<<elseif $gender eq 1>>hers<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> on the same wrist as you. <<if $gender eq 0>>Their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>His<</if>> hand-stump is on the <<if $gender eq 0>>right<<elseif $gender eq 1>>left<<elseif $gender eq 2>>left<</if>>, after all.
A shudder runs through you. It isn't right, what some people do for their 'soul mate.'<</if>>
[[Left|straightb]]
[[Straight|straightex-3]]
[[Right|straightb]]//A soft breeze floats by, fingers tangle in your <<if $gender eq 1>>long brown locks<<elseif $gender eq 2>>short and coarse dark hairs<<elseif $gender eq 0>>turquoise mane<</if>>, their lips are heated and seem incessant in kissing you.//
//As you press your <<if $gender eq 0>>lean body<<elseif $gender eq 1>>toned and muscled curves<<elseif $gender eq 2>>thin and wiry planes<</if>> against their body, they freeze in your arms. You pulled back from them, a question upon your lips.//
//Their next kiss wipes most-everything from your mind, and you wake up alone in the plains-field. The lake of grass frustrating you, as you try to feel their lost-warmth beside you...//
[[Left|straightb]]
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|troom1]]You shake your head of the memories, finding yourself at a door with a plaque. The plate reads: 'TREASURE'. Might it be a trap? But if it were not...well, a room full of treasure is a room full of treasure. But do you need it?
<<if $goal eq 0>>Surely you can't go wrong with gold. Not to mention those debts you have, they'd disappear in moments. But perhaps there is a reason for wanting the great wealth?
[[To woo Richard of course|prince2][$goal to "3"]]
[[A secure fortune, in order to propose to Lily|fgirl2]]
[[The gold pieces call to me!|gold2]]
[[Nah, I've changed my mind on grabbing the gold.|rightex-1][$treasure to "2"]]<<elseif $goal eq 1>>Your liege-to-be requires rescue yes, but is that why you want to rescue him? Surely there might be another reason...
[[I have some affection for him.|prince2]]
[[His wealth is a good security blanket.|gold2][$goal to "5"]]
[[I need to keep him from taking Lily away.|fgirl2]]
[[Nah, I've changed my mind on grabbing the gold.|rightex-1][$treasure to "2"]]<<elseif $goal eq 2>>Remember, the poor Lily was snatched away by a rather large birdman, so the last sightings of terrified townspeople told you as much. Yes, you are woefully ill-prepared to mount a rescue mission for her but...
[[Her gentle smile has captured my heart.|fgirl2]]
[[Lordling Richard has chosen her as his bride.|prince2][$goal to "7"]]
[[Her father's farm would suffer without her help.|gold2]]
[[Nah, I've changed my mind on grabbing the gold.|rightex-1][$treasure to "2"]]<</if>>The door before you swings easily, you almost scoff at the lack of resistance. And Snitch was telling you how well-guarded this room would be, the nerve!
But my, what a sight indeed.
The stereotypical imaginings of a treasure room, with the piles and piles of gold coins stacked nearly as high as the ceiling--were before your very eyes. Here and there were scattered chests, open to reveal their many fabulous jewels and other magical items. Where would you begin?
<<if $gender eq 0>>As a scholar foremost, your eyes scan quickly for scrolls and tomes. Books of ancient knowledge that needn't be scavaneged by other adventurers because, well, ''YOU'' were already here and could take them yourself! This would be quite helpful indeed.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Sheathing your sword and dashing forward, your greaves clatter against the various shiny objects within the room. But against the far-wall, there is a weapons rack. You'd be able to carry only one weapon, but a bastard sword meant business. Large and unwieldy, requiring two hands--but the damage you'd make: you could destroy someone with it!<<elseif $gender eq 2>>The wealth before you is indication of a greedy monster, or a band of brigands. It would not be right to take any of it...and you'd be lying if it wasn't tempting.<</if>>
But you are, however--not without brains--and grab a sachel full of gems and jewelry. They look quite fine, and are sure to fetch a good price at the market. <<if $goal eq 0>>For good measure, you snatch another purseful of valuables. Lest Snitch tease you later for your one-track mind.<</if>>
[[Time to leave.|rightex-7][$lily to "0"]]<<if $treasure eq 2>>//It was late, and Snitch found you trying to use one of the darkened alleyways as a 'shortcut' home. Your sense of direction, being terrible, meant you didn't realize you had been traveling in the opposite direction of homeward.//
//<<if $gender eq 0>>They<<elseif $gender eq 1>>She<<elseif $gender eq 2>>He<</if>> was trying to rob you, but hesitated upon seeing your bangle. Funny, since that was the first thing <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> grasped and tried to slip off your wrist. A <<if $gender eq 0>>flash of magic<<elseif $gender eq 1>>headbutt<<elseif $gender eq 2>>quick punch to the jaw<</if>> stunned <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>> and allowed you to pin <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>> against the wall.//
//That the two of you ended up walking to the nearest healer, along with you lecturing <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>> about thievery. Well. It wasn't here or there. You took note of <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> stump of a wrist, and commented that justice had been served before. <<if $gender eq 0>>They<<elseif $gender eq 1>>She<<elseif $gender eq 2>>He<</if>> dryly replied it was an act of mercy after that blasted bangle of <<if $gender eq 0>>their's<<elseif $gender eq 1>>hers<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> was stolen.//
//"It could have been my life." And those words continue to chill your bones to today.//<<elseif $treasure eq 0>><<if $goal eq 0>>//A soft breeze floats by, fingers tangle in your <<if $gender eq 1>>long brown locks<<elseif $gender eq 2>>short and coarse dark hairs<<elseif $gender eq 0>>turquoise mane<</if>>, their lips are heated and seem incessant in kissing you.//
//As you press your <<if $gender eq 0>>lean body<<elseif $gender eq 1>>toned and muscled curves<<elseif $gender eq 2>>thin and wiry planes<</if>> against their body, they freeze in your arms. You pulled back from them, a question upon your lips.//
//Their next kiss wipes most-everything from your mind, and you wake up alone in the plains-field. The lake of grass frustrating you, as you try to feel their lost-warmth beside you...//<</if>><</if>><<if $goal eq 1>>//It had been a long day of <<if $gender eq 0>>copying texts from recently unearthed scrolls to the new books you and your elder were making<<elseif $gender eq 1>>destroying the training dummies in barracks<<elseif $gender eq 2>>gathering and trimming the Father's garden, behind the manor<</if>>. The lordling comes up to you, offering a drink of water and for you to join him for a meal 'soon.' <<if $gender eq 0>>You had been too surprised to properly respond, and muttered your acceptance.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>You arched an eyebrow at him, and gave him a resounding 'Aye.'<<elseif $gender eq 2>>You stammered that you'd have chores to do, but you'd be ready for such an honour.<</if>>//
//A few days later, you find yourself <<if $gender eq 0>>in something of a daze, wondering just why the young lord would request for your singular presence at the local tavern. With him. Alone<<elseif $gender eq 1>>in the barrack's canteen, eying his manservant who held a magic-box of some sort. He kept pulling out various fatty and delicate foods, placing them onto the grimy table--along with a stiffy expression that told you he thought such a spread was wasted on 'the rabble'<<elseif $gender eq 2>>no less anxious than when he requested your presence. You resolutely looked into his brown eyes, not wanting him to find you rude whatsoever<</if>>.//
//"You're special." He told you.//<<elseif $goal eq 2>>You think back to what the townspeople had been saying.
//"This great big bird just swooped out of the air and plucked her from the fields!"//
//"Farmer Lloyd's girl done got snatched by a monster, dunno what. Me eyes ain't workin' right."//
//"I think the monster knew magic. It was there in a second and I blinked to see 'im gone with lil' Lily!"//
And so on, and so on... <<if $gender eq 0>>What ignorant fools. None of their eyes were working properly, if you had to say anything about it.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>You couldn't help rolling your eyes at them, but the cowardly behaviour of the townspeople was one reason why the Marquess Cantervalley had the barracks built and mercenaries move in. Drunken sellswords with weapon experience tended to cause more trouble than the monsters did.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>You pulled at your collar and continued forward, hoping for the best for the dear girl.<</if>><<elseif $treasure eq 1>>//It was late, and Snitch found you trying to use one of the darkened alleyways as a 'shortcut' home. Your sense of direction, being terrible, meant you didn't realize you had been traveling in the opposite direction of homeward.//
//<<if $gender eq 0>>They<<elseif $gender eq 1>>She<<elseif $gender eq 2>>He<</if>> was trying to rob you, but hesitated upon seeing your bangle. Funny, since that was the first thing <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> grasped and tried to slip off your wrist. A <<if $gender eq 0>>flash of magic<<elseif $gender eq 1>>headbutt<<elseif $gender eq 2>>quick punch to the jaw<</if>> stunned <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>> and allowed you to pin <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>> against the wall.//
//That the two of you ended up walking to the nearest healer, along with you lecturing <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>> about thievery. Well. It wasn't here or there. You took note of <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> stump of a wrist, and commented that justice had been served before. <<if $gender eq 0>>They<<elseif $gender eq 1>>She<<elseif $gender eq 2>>He<</if>> dryly replied it was an act of mercy after that blasted bangle of <<if $gender eq 0>>their's<<elseif $gender eq 1>>hers<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> was stolen.//
//"It could have been my life." And those words continue to chill your bones to today.//<</if>>
[[Left|straightb]]
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|rightex-4]]<<if $treasure eq 2>>The dull weight of guilt begins to pull at your shoulders, and you turn your head to look back for a moment. Even if you decided against taking the gold and jewels for yourself, the least you could've done was to try the TREASURE room for your friend. Sure, you could lie to <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>> about finding anything of interest in the catacombs. But that wouldn't be right<<if $gender eq 1>>, you were disgusted that the idea of lying even came to your mind<<elseif $gender eq 0>>, and it would go against the vows you've taken<</if>>.
You resolve to return to the catacombs with Snitch later. It is not as though the way is swamped with monsters, or any other such danger. The two of you would be able to carry more treasure between the two of you anyway. And <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> could disarm any booby traps around the door.<</if>><<if $treasure eq 0>>You shake your head at the memories that won't leave you alone. They are lost. Though the bangle around your wrist would beg differently. It had been charmed, the Marquess Cantervalley had ensured everyone in his land would have one. Not out of generosity, but for the matter of 'true happiness.'
The bracelet appears to be nothing more than a wrist accessory of plain metal, at first. But once one meets their soul mate--as you and your lover had--it changes. It transforms into a far more precious bangle, as though carved out of precious stone from far off-lands.
"What the fuck is a soulmate anyway?" You murmur to yourself, wryly remembering how often you parroted the very phrase to your lover. How important would they be if they wanted you to never remember anything about them?<</if>> <<if $goal eq 1>>You feel your cheeks flush without good reason, that lordling's meeting had amounted to nothing. He made general inquery towards your <<if $gender eq 0>>research, that you were doing for his father<<elseif $gender eq 1>>thoughts on the unity of the barracks' forces. If they couldn't work together, they'd be a sore sight against a real threat<<elseif $gender eq 2>>home at the donated manor, was it sturdy and other architectural features that you didn't care to learn, but now know<</if>>. He also asked you if you believed in the soul mate bracelet, and seemed disappointed when you said you had already met your soul mate. You <<if $gender eq 0>>neglected to mention<<elseif $gender eq 1>>did not mention<<elseif $gender eq 2>>avoided the subject<</if>> what happened to your [[soul mate|thief]].
It'd be better to not dwell on that sort of tragedy. You find phantom pains affecting you about the matter, every now and then.<<elseif $goal eq 2>>As your trek continues dragging on, you wonder if she'd be in the manse above. Or...in the catacombs below, where you are. It was possible.
You start to feel lonely, and quicken your step.<</if>><<if $treasure eq 1>>The dull weight of guilt begins to pull at your shoulders, and you turn your head to look back for a moment. Even if you decided against taking the gold and jewels for yourself, the least you could've done was to try the TREASURE room for your friend. Sure, you could lie to <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>> about finding anything of interest in the catacombs. But that wouldn't be right<<if $gender eq 1>>, you were disgusted that the idea of lying even came to your mind<<elseif $gender eq 0>>, and it would go against the vows you've taken<</if>>.
You resolve to return to the catacombs with Snitch later. It is not as though the way is swamped with monsters, or any other such danger. The two of you would be able to carry more treasure between the two of you anyway. And <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> could disarm any booby traps around the door.<</if>><<if $treasure eq 0>>You shake your head at the memories that won't leave you alone. They are lost. Though the bangle around your wrist would beg differently. It had been charmed, the Marquess Cantervalley had ensured everyone in his land would have one. Not out of generosity, but for the matter of 'true happiness.'
The bracelet appears to be nothing more than a wrist accessory of plain metal, at first. But once one meets their soul mate--as you and your lover had--it changes. It transforms into a far more precious bangle, as though carved out of precious stone from far off-lands.
"What the fuck is a soulmate anyway?" You murmur to yourself, wryly remembering how often you parroted the very phrase to your lover. How important would they be if they wanted you to never remember anything about them?<</if>>
[[Left|leftex-5]]
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|straightb]]There is something though, that bothers you. [[Snitch|thief]] has been by your side ever since the memories faded away. You have felt an instant kinship to <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>>, <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> ever-present grin, <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> cheery demeanor and scathing remarks were a few things that made <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>> such good company with you.
<<if $goal eq 1>>Whatever you felt with the lordling Richard did not compare to how you felt about Snitch.<<elseif $goal eq 2>>Whatever you felt with the famrgirl Lily did not compare to how you felt about Snitch.<</if>>
[[Left|leftex-6]]
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|straightb]]Your torchlight reveals the foot of a staircase. And you try lifting your torch higher to see what the steps could reveal to you.
<<if $lily eq 1>>[[A familiar voice calls just beyond the stairs.|Snitch3]]<<elseif $lily eq 0>>[[A sweet voice calls just beyond the stairs.|Snitch2]]<<else>>[[A voice calls just beyond the stairs.|Snitch1]]<</if>><<if $treasure eq 1>><<if $goal eq 1>>"<<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>?" You blinked, seeing the lordling at the staircase landing with Snitch. Just what were the odds?
"Milord! You are safe." You ask a silent question towards your friendly thief, had <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> found Richard? "Is everything alright?"
"I'm perfectly fine. I was just explaining to, ah, ser Snitch here that I was here on my daily walk." His daily walk, was it?
"That's quite a fair distance from the town, milord." You force a smile, and are slightly vexed by his responding chuckle. <<if $sm eq 1>>"Shall I escort you back?"
//''Best Ending - Heartful Pursuit''//
//Upon the death of the Marquess Cantervalley, Richard took up the mantle of his father's lordship. By his side is <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>, who <<if $gender eq 0>>helped build his province through education and learning programs.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>ensured that his province would be protected from all manners of banditry trouble and the occasional monster.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>guided his decisions in being a compassionate and charitable lord.<</if>> The pair <<if $gender eq 0>>took in an orphan<<elseif $gender eq 1>>had two children<<elseif $gender eq 2>>took in many orphans<</if>> to raise, and did so with the wisdom and love that they could muster.//
//They are happy with one another, though they know that they were not soul-mates, as the late Marquess Cantervalley had wished for his heir.//<<else>>"Shall I escort you back?"
//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//It appeared that, while the lordling Richard was amused by <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>'s antics, there was no desire to pursue anything more than a friendship. Such was Snitch's delight when <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> heard of the news.//<</if>><<elseif $goal eq 0>>Climbing up the steps, Snitch gives you a toothy grin as <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> meets you halfway. "The lord Richard is already on his way back to town, with the girl on his horse. And now you've made it out. Are you alright?"
"//You// were supposed to be watching the traps." Your <<if $gender eq 0>>nose wrinkles at the feel of slime slobbering onto the edges of your robes<<elseif $gender eq 1>>chest heaves, the staircase higher than you'd given it credit for. Your armour, in few pieces as it may have been, were weighing upon your shoulders<<elseif $gender eq 2>>staff bangs against the steps, and you carefully lift it to avoid knocking into the old brickwork<</if>>. "Hey, Snitch?"
"Yes? Does <<if $gender eq 0>>the sage<<elseif $gender eq 1>>milady<<elseif $gender eq 2>>milord<</if>> need something from me?" You can hear the grin in <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> voice.
<<if $sm eq 1>>"Do you love me?"
Your eyes dart over to the thief, taking note of their suddenly too-pale skin. You hold your breath, and wait...
//''Best Ending - Heartful Pursuit''//
//Though <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>> was furious at having <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> memories forcibly removed. After a lenghty discussion and with time, <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> came to forgive the thief. Though their shared memories remain fantastically dream-like, the pair promise to make new ones together.<<if $goal eq 0>>The treasure<<elseif $goal eq 1>>The lordling Richard<<elseif $goal eq 2>>The farmgirl Lily<</if>> forgotten and made someone else's dungeon-quest.//<<else>>"How much can you carry?"
//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//<<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>, having found <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> way out of the catacombs and <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> friend Snitch, <<if $treasure eq 0>>leave the manse to go on their own adventures elsewhere<<elseif $treasure eq 2>>and try--together--to tackle the TREASURE room that the <<if $gender eq 0>>pathfinder<<elseif $gender eq 1>>knightess<<elseif $gender eq 2>>brother<</if>> had found earlier that day<</if>>.//<</if>><</if>><<if $goal eq 2>>Climbing up the steps, Snitch gives you a toothy grin as <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> meets you halfway. "You've made it out. Are you alright?"
"//You// were supposed to be watching the traps." Your <<if $gender eq 0>>nose wrinkles at the feel of slime slobbering onto the edges of your robes<<elseif $gender eq 1>>chest heaves, the staircase higher than you'd given it credit for. Your armour, in few pieces as it may have been, were weighing upon your shoulders<<elseif $gender eq 2>>staff bangs against the steps, and you carefully lift it to avoid knocking into the old brickwork<</if>>.
"I see you've missed me." <<if $gender eq 0>>They<<elseif $gender eq 1>>She<<elseif $gender eq 2>>He<</if>> snickers. "By the way, m'lord Richard has rescued the farmgirl, I passed them both on my way here."
"Wonderful." You huffed, a scowl itching on. <<if $goal eq 0>>No treasure and no monetary compensation.<<elseif $goal eq 1>>So much for finding and rescuing the lordling.<<elseif $goal eq 2>>So much for rescuing the lovely Lily from the monsters in this dungeon.<</if>> "This has been a complete waste of time."
//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//<<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>, having found <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> way out of the catacombs and <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> friend Snitch, <<if $treasure eq 0>>leave the manse to go on their own adventures elsewhere<<elseif $treasure eq 2>>and try--together--to tackle the TREASURE room that the <<if $gender eq 0>>pathfinder<<elseif $gender eq 1>>knightess<<elseif $gender eq 2>>brother<</if>> had found earlier that day<</if>>.//<</if>><<elseif $treasure eq 2>><<if $goal eq 3>>"<<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>?" You blinked, seeing the lordling at the staircase landing with Snitch. Just what were the odds?
"Milord! You are safe." You ask a silent question towards your friendly thief, had <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> found Richard? "Is everything alright?"
"I'm perfectly fine. I was just explaining to, ah, ser Snitch here that I was here on my daily walk." His daily walk, was it?
"That's quite a fair distance from the town, milord." You force a smile, and are slightly vexed by his responding chuckle. <<if $sm eq 1>>"Shall I escort you back?"
//''Best Ending - Heartful Pursuit''//
//Upon the death of the Marquess Cantervalley, Richard took up the mantle of his father's lordship. By his side is <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>, who <<if $gender eq 0>>helped build his province through education and learning programs.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>ensured that his province would be protected from all manners of banditry trouble and the occasional monster.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>guided his decisions in being a compassionate and charitable lord.<</if>> The pair <<if $gender eq 0>>took in an orphan<<elseif $gender eq 1>>had two children<<elseif $gender eq 2>>took in many orphans<</if>> to raise, and did so with the wisdom and love that they could muster.//
//They are happy with one another, though they know that they were not soul-mates, as the late Marquess Cantervalley had wished for his heir.//<<else>>"Shall I escort you back?"
//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//It appeared that, while the lordling Richard was amused by <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>'s antics, there was no desire to pursue anything more than a friendship. Such was Snitch's delight when <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> heard of the news.//<</if>><<elseif $goal eq 0>>Climbing up the steps, Snitch gives you a toothy grin as <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> meets you halfway. "The lord Richard is already on his way back to town, with the girl on his horse. And now you've made it out. Are you alright?"
"//You// were supposed to be watching the traps." Your <<if $gender eq 0>>nose wrinkles at the feel of slime slobbering onto the edges of your robes<<elseif $gender eq 1>>chest heaves, the staircase higher than you'd given it credit for. Your armour, in few pieces as it may have been, were weighing upon your shoulders<<elseif $gender eq 2>>staff bangs against the steps, and you carefully lift it to avoid knocking into the old brickwork<</if>>. "Hey, Snitch?"
"Yes? Does <<if $gender eq 0>>the sage<<elseif $gender eq 1>>milady<<elseif $gender eq 2>>milord<</if>> need something from me?" You can hear the grin in <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> voice.
<<if $sm eq 1>>"Do you love me?"
Your eyes dart over to the thief, taking note of their suddenly too-pale skin. You hold your breath, and wait...
//''Best Ending - Heartful Pursuit''//
//Though <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>> was furious at having <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> memories forcibly removed. After a lenghty discussion and with time, <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> came to forgive the thief. Though their shared memories remain fantastically dream-like, the pair promise to make new ones together.<<if $goal eq 0>>The treasure<<elseif $goal eq 1>>The lordling Richard<<elseif $goal eq 2>>The farmgirl Lily<</if>> forgotten and made someone else's dungeon-quest.//<<else>>"How much can you carry?"
//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//<<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>, having found <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> way out of the catacombs and <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> friend Snitch, <<if $treasure eq 0>>leave the manse to go on their own adventures elsewhere<<elseif $treasure eq 2>>and try--together--to tackle the TREASURE room that the <<if $gender eq 0>>pathfinder<<elseif $gender eq 1>>knightess<<elseif $gender eq 2>>brother<</if>> had found earlier that day<</if>>.//<</if>><<elseif $goal eq 2>>Climbing up the steps, Snitch gives you a toothy grin as <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> meets you halfway. "You've made it out. Are you alright?"
"//You// were supposed to be watching the traps." Your <<if $gender eq 0>>nose wrinkles at the feel of slime slobbering onto the edges of your robes<<elseif $gender eq 1>>chest heaves, the staircase higher than you'd given it credit for. Your armour, in few pieces as it may have been, were weighing upon your shoulders<<elseif $gender eq 2>>staff bangs against the steps, and you carefully lift it to avoid knocking into the old brickwork<</if>>.
"I see you've missed me." <<if $gender eq 0>>They<<elseif $gender eq 1>>She<<elseif $gender eq 2>>He<</if>> snickers. "By the way, m'lord Richard has rescued the farmgirl, I passed them both on my way here."
"Wonderful." You huffed, a scowl itching on. <<if $goal eq 0>>No treasure and no monetary compensation.<<elseif $goal eq 1>>So much for finding and rescuing the lordling.<<elseif $goal eq 2>>So much for rescuing the lovely Lily from the monsters in this dungeon.<</if>> "This has been a complete waste of time."
//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//<<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>, having found <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> way out of the catacombs and <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> friend Snitch, <<if $treasure eq 0>>leave the manse to go on their own adventures elsewhere<<elseif $treasure eq 2>>and try--together--to tackle the TREASURE room that the <<if $gender eq 0>>pathfinder<<elseif $gender eq 1>>knightess<<elseif $gender eq 2>>brother<</if>> had found earlier that day<</if>>.//<<elseif $goal eq 4>>"Would you even try to make sense of it?" You call out to Snitch ahead of you, "It's a maze down there."
"And yet, milord Richard and the lovely lass found their way out before you did." The thief is smirking at you, and you felt an angry flush rise to your cheeks.
"Oh shut up."
//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//All's well that ends well: no treasure, no daring rescues--just one's path looking out of a labyrinth of corridors. You did, however, resolve to find that treasure room again--if only for Snitch's sake alone.//<</if>><</if>>
[[Credits|credits]]//''Coded and scripted by''//
//Janet To//
//''Inspired in part by a Hunger Games fanfiction:''//
//http://archiveofourown.org/works/2220870/chapters/4870947 //
[ //Wherein the idea of soul mates don't end up terribly well, but there's a very real and human response, and cynicalness compared to the 'placed in your lap' romance one might expect from a narrative about soul mates.// ]
//''Approaching the concept of soul-mates somewhat-rationally by reading a xkcd.com article:''//
//https://what-if.xkcd.com/9/ //
//''[[Path Choices]]''//
//Super Mario RPG: Waltz of the Forest, a fan animation by Kirbopher (2011, the previous version was hosted on Newgrounds.com in 2007)/Christopher Niosi (YouTube channel) https://youtu.be/k_q9y5vSIrw //
//''[[Acknowledgements]]''//"<<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>?" You blinked, seeing the lordling at the staircase landing with Snitch. Just what were the odds?
"Milord! You are safe." You ask a silent question towards your friendly thief, had <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> found Richard? "Is everything alright?"
"I'm perfectly fine. I was just explaining to, ah, ser Snitch here that I was here on my daily walk." His daily walk, was it?
<<if $goal eq 0>>Chatting for a bit longer, you soon bid the man good-bye and turn to your friend. "I believe you should start groveling at my feet, my dearest Snitch."
"Dearest?" <<if $gender eq 0>>They<<elseif $gender eq 1>>She<<elseif $gender eq 2>>He<</if>> snorts in merriment, and questions you with <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> eyes. "Whyever for?"
You raise your full purse, and watch the thief's eyes double in size.
//''Best Ending - Heartful Pursuit''//
//With the treasure, it turns out the few precious gems were quite valuable--harkered after by the Marquess Cantervalley even. And soon enough, Snitch had <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender 2>>his<</if>> hand back--and sworn grattitude towards you for as long as you both shall live.
And some day, <<if $gender eq 0>>they'll<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she'll<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he'll<</if>> be able to pay you back, so the oath goes.//<</if>><<if $goal eq 1>><<if $sm eq 1>>"Would you need me to escort you back, milord?" You offer to him.
//''Best Ending - Heartful Pursuit''//
//Upon the death of the Marquess Cantervalley, Richard took up the mantle of his father's lordship. By his side is <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>, who <<if $gender eq 0>>helped build his province through education and learning programs.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>ensured that his province would be protected from all manners of banditry trouble and the occasional monster.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>guided his decisions in being a compassionate and charitable lord.<</if>>
//Snitch, wily thief that <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> is, had disappeared shortly after <<if $gender eq 0>>Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Darien<</if>>'s commitment oaths towards <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> love, the steadfast lordling.//
//The pair <<if $gender eq 0>>took in an orphan<<elseif $gender eq 1>>had two children<<elseif $gender eq 2>>took in many orphans<</if>> to raise, and did so with the wisdom and love that they could muster. They are happy with one another, though they know that they were not soul-mates, as the late Marquess Catnervalley had wished for his heir.//<<elseif $sm eq 0>>"So ah, what happened to Lily, <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother<</if>>?" Snitch reminded.
Your features are a ghastly white until you realize that <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> is laughing at you!
"She's been found by our noble marquess-to-be here, about--say an hour ago, milord?" You wince, you had forgotten she was, about and in the area.
The lordling takes leave of the two of you, and you both embark on a separate quest. Snitch has enough sense not to inquire about your foul mood.
//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//All's well that ends well, <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightes Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>> found the man of <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> affections blissfully walking away. He'd rescued his 'princess', so there was no need for <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>>to pursue him. <<if $gender eq 0>>They<<elseif $gender eq 1>>She<<elseif $gender eq 2>>He<</if>> says it's for the best.//
//There were too many expectations of a marquess' <<if $gender eq 0>>partner<<elseif $gender eq 1>>wife<<elseif $gender eq 2>>husband<</if>> anyway.//<</if>><</if>><<if $goal eq 2>>"Where ah, is the lovely lady?" You look at the two, each in turn, "Did either of you find her?"
"Not quite, <<if $gender eq 0>>oh great mage<<elseif $gender eq 1>>great knightess<<elseif $gender eq 2>>dear brother." Snitch had a devilish glint in <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> eye. "She's been found lip-locked with some<<if $gender eq 0>>one<<elseif $gender eq 1>> greenhorn lad<<elseif $gender eq 2>> shy lass<</if>> in her father's barn."
"Farmer Lloyd must be furious." And you were equal parts relieved and disappointed. You hadn't ended up saving the girl of your dreams after all.
//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//While the <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>> had been unable to fulfill <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> intended goal, the farmgirl is safe. That's really what matters, for <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>>.//
//The fact that <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> found disappointment in the matter of romance is another story to be told, at another time.//<</if>><</if>><<if $goal eq 3>><<if $sm eq 1>>"Would you need me to escort you back, milord?" You offer to him. "Your manservant seems to be not-by-your-side."
"That he isn't, but Maxwell can't be with me //always//, he's his own silly fantasies to claim."
//''Best Ending - Heartful Pursuit''//
//Maxwell's soulmate is Lily, and he had his lord's blessings to leave his service and wed her. They are happy, or should be happy: the young lord had confidently assured his <<if $gender eq 0>>partner Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>wife Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>husband Darien<</if>> that happiness is what one makes of life. Soul mate or no soul mate.//
//Snitch, wily thief that <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> is, had disappeared shortly after <<if $gender eq 0>>Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Darien<</if>>'s commitment oaths towards <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> love, the steadfast lordling.//
//Upon the death of the Marquess Cantervalley, Richard took up the mantle of his father's lordship. After a "proper raid" of the manse and it's pitiful dungeon, as suggested by <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>, the wealth of Marquess Cantervalley grew so great that he was able to lend aid to the capital of the empire itself.//
//The pair <<if $gender eq 0>>took in an orphan<<elseif $gender eq 1>>had two children<<elseif $gender eq 2>>took in many orphans<</if>> to raise, and did so with the wisdom and love that they could muster. They are happy with one another, though they know that they were not soul-mates, as the late Marquess Catnervalley had wished for his heir.//<<elseif $sm eq 0>>"So ah, what happened to Lily, <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother<</if>>?" Snitch reminded.
Your features are a ghastly white until you realize that <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> is laughing at you!
"She's been found by our neighbour Farmer Lloyd, in his barns. She'd been making wild tales about her disappearance, the townsfolk are all amused at her antics."
Groaning, you hurriedly excuse yourself from the lord's presence. You weren't sure what you were angrier at, the silly farmgirl, or Snitch for making you a fool in front of the lordling.
//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//All's well that ends well, <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightes Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>> found the man of <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> affections showing no interest towards <<if $gender eq 0>>themselves<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>>.//
//<<if $gender eq 0>>They<<elseif $gender eq 1>>She<<elseif $gender eq 2>>He<</if>> says it's for the best. That there were too many expectations of a marquess' <<if $gender eq 0>>partner<<elseif $gender eq 1>>wife<<elseif $gender eq 2>>husband<</if>> anyway. Snitch never seemed to quite believe <<if $gender eq 0>>the Pathfinder<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>>, but let the matter drop in favour of their own adventures together.//<</if>><<elseif $goal eq 4>>"Have either of you seen Lily? Rescued her?" You asked the two earnestly. You certainly didn't expect Snitch to start stiffling <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> laughter.
"You mean the girl found lip-locked to some<<if $gender eq 0>>one<<elseif $gender eq 1>> greenhorn lad<<elseif $gender eq 2>> shy lass<</if>> in her father's barn?" Your heart sank as the thief continued, "She's quite safe. Very safe even!"
//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//Unable to rescue the girl of <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> affections, <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>> found difficulty in approaching the spoken-for farmgirl and quietly let <<if $gender eq 0>>their infatuation<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her affection<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his love<</if>> of the girl die off. There'd be someone else for <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>>, after all...<<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> soul mate was still out there, in the world.//
//Somewhere.//<<elseif $goal eq 5>><<if $sm eq 1>>You smile at the young lord Richard, and offer to escort him back to his castle. It didn't look like Maxwell was anywhere to be seen, after all.
//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//When the Marquess Cantervalley passed on to the next life, his son took on his inheritance and had the <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite as the advisor by his side<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane as the captain of his guard and standing army<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien as the spirital guide by his side<</if>>. A working partnership, even Snitch had been promoted to the Marquess' spy--for little reason other than a close friendship with the <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother<</if>>.//
//There is nothing to complain about in this ending, surely.//<<elseif $sm eq 0>>You smile at the young lord Richard, but find that you have no other words to say. You had what you needed.
//''Best Ending - Heartful Pursuit''//
//<<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>> pulled Snitch aside and out of town later that night. Explaining that it had not been very noble of <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>> to attempt seducing the marquess-to-be with the intention of taking his fortune. The thief, while having a good chuckle at the idea, agreed that it is far more satisfying to earn one's treasures with <<if $gender eq 0>>one's<<elseif $gender eq 1>>a lady's<<elseif $gender eq 2>>a man's<</if>> own hands than with something stupid like love.//
//Taking off into the night, the pair go on to hunt bounties of monsters and explore other dungeons. They had each other and gold, what more could they want?//<<elseif $goal eq 6>>"Have either of you seen the farmgirl?"
//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//To the <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother<</if>>'s surprise, Lily had been safe all along in the arms of lord Richard's manservant--her soul mate. With her safe and, presumably, well-provided for, the <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>> set her out of mind and eventually came to leave the glen. With Snitch right by <<if $gender 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender 2>>his<</if>> side.//<<elseif $goal eq 7>>Opting to ignore your lack of productive questing below, you rush over to Snitch's side and whisper as quietly as possible: "Where's the girl?"
"Found in her father's barn, making children, so the rumour-mill goes."
The reply made you wince, but you suppose Richard wouldn't want such an easy slag in his castle.
//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//To most of the town's surprise, the wedding before the harvest season began was of the son of Marquess Cantervalley and the daughter of Farmer Lloyd. Written off as a stry of 'love conquers all,' the pair had been given skeptical looks by all--including <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>.//
//It seemed true that a heart can break a number of times, but instead of a gut-wrenching pain, there had been an urgent and furious sense of annoyance bothering the <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knighess<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother<</if>>...//<<elseif $goal eq 8>>"I have a proposal for you, milord." And you smile, though it didn't quite reach your eyes."
//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//Having neither rescued the farmgirl, nor saved the lordling Cantervalley from monsters--it seemed the least that could be expected of <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>> was, well, being laughed out of the glen. At least Snitch was by <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> side. A friendship is better than a lovers' relationship anyway.//<</if>><</if>>
[[Credits|credits]]You were searching for Lily out of the goodness of your heart. What did it matter if you were probably going to be torn to shreds by the talons of that wicked bird-monster that took her captive? <<if $gender eq 0>>There are but few disadvantages to being a Pathfinder, that being you required a meatshield to wring forth your devastating magicks.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>With your bastard sword in hand, you'd have to admit that maybe the two-hander wasn't such a great idea. If there had been any bucklers or shields in the treasure room, you could attack and defend at the same time.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>You murmur a quiet prayer, hoping the gods will bless you with the luck of the monster being elsewhere as you mount this rescue mission.<</if>>
Though it would all be for naught if you couldn't find her first. You hope you are on the right path... Quietly, you strain your ears to listen for...for something. //Anything// could be down here, waiting to strike at you.<<if $goal eq 6>>The coins in your purse <<if $gender eq 2>>and satchel<</if>>jingle by your side. <<if $gender eq 1>>Your greaves gently clack against your shins, and your gauntlets clasp and unclasp around your new sword.<</if>><<elseif $goal eq 8>>The coins in your purse <<if $gender eq 2>>and satchel<</if>>jingle by your side. <<if $gender eq 1>>Your greaves gently clack against your shins, and your gauntlets clasp and unclasp around your new sword.<</if>><<elseif $goal eq 7>>And just what were the odds that this bird-creature would steal the lordling's soul mate?<</if>>
[[Left|leftl-2]]
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|straightb]]Clambering up the steps together, you let yourself sigh in relief once you spotted the familiar thief. "Snitch! There you are."
"Ah, and here is our conquering <<if $gender eq 0>>sage<<elseif $gender eq 1>>heroine<<elseif $gender eq 2>>hero<</if>>! Well done, well done." <<if $gender eq 0>>They<<elseif $gender eq 1>>She<<elseif $gender eq 2>>He<</if>> places a hand on the breast, leaning back in some show of theatrics. "I feared the worst, that some monster had gobbled both of you whole!"
"Amusing. A regular comedy." You remark dryly at <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>>. "And the lord Richard?"
"Already returned to the castle with his manservant. You've taken your time down there."
You pointedly ignore the wriggling eyebrows, the suggestive tone. And offer to escort Lily back to her father's farm.
<<if $goal eq 0>><<if $treasure eq 1>>//''Best Ending - Heartful Pursuit''//
//For all <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> jests and japes, Snitch's mouth had widened like a gluttonous beast when told the treasure <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>> had retrieved from the depths of the dungeon were for <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>>.//
//Soon after, the two friends leave the town. Both with their both hands, clasped and holding onto each other dearly.//<<elseif $treasure eq 2>>''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//Returning Lily to her father's house had been <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>'s intention from the beginning of the impromptu quest. However, their friendship remained strong, to the pleasure of Snitch, and nothing ever came of that time they walked with each other in the catacombs underneath the monster-infested manse.//<</if>><</if>><<if $goal eq 2>><<if $sm eq 1>>//''Best Ending - Heartful Pursuit''//
//Farmer Lloyd sped through a number of emotions that day, when the <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>> returned his daughter to his home--in order to ask for her hand in <<if $gender eq 0>>partnership<<else>>marriage<</if>>. Nevertheless, the old man was not blind to the affection the two had for one another, and gave them his blessings. Snitch disappeared shortly after the oath-swearing ceremony, without a trace of where <<if $gender eq 0>>they'd<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she'd<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he'd<</if>> gone.//
//In time, <<if $gender eq 0>>Aconite retired from their studies, ending their calling with magic in order to fully devote themselves to being Lily's life-partner<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Diane was promoted to captain of the barracks, though she did not let that get in the way of her time with her wife<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Darien left his Father's manor, in order to live with his wife as a simple man<</if>>. They lived together in peace, in a small cottage at the edge of the town. They have <<if $gender eq 0>>one adopted child<<elseif $gender eq 1>>a few adopted children<<elseif $gender eq 2>>a brood of children<</if>>, and raise them with the love that they can give them. They know that they are not soul mates, but they've tackled life's adversities nonetheless to capture their own happiness together.//<<else>>//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//Returning Lily to her father's house had been <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>'s intention from the beginning of the impromptu quest. However, their friendship remained strong, and she wed her soul mate. That's a happy ending, isn't it?//<</if>><</if>><<if $goal eq 4>><<if $treasure eq 1>><<if $sm eq 1>>//''Best Ending - Heartful Pursuit''//
//Farmer Lloyd sped through a number of emotions that day, when the <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>> returned his daughter to his home--in order to ask for her hand in <<if $gender eq 0>>partnership<<else>>marriage<</if>>. Nevertheless, the old man was not blind to the affection the two had for one another, and gave them his blessings. Snitch disappeared shortly after the oath-swearing ceremony, without a trace of where <<if $gender eq 0>>they'd<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she'd<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he'd<</if>> gone.//
//In time, <<if $gender eq 0>>Aconite retired from their studies, ending their calling with magic in order to fully devote themselves to being Lily's life-partner<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Diane was promoted to captain of the barracks, though she did not let that get in the way of her time with her wife<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Darien left his Father's manor, in order to live with his wife as a simple man<</if>>. They lived together in peace, in a small cottage at the edge of the town. They have <<if $gender eq 0>>one adopted child<<elseif $gender eq 1>>a few adopted children<<elseif $gender eq 2>>a brood of children<</if>>, and raise them with the love that they can give them (along with that of a doting grandfather). They know that they are not soul mates, but they've tackled life's adversities nonetheless to capture their own happiness together.//<<else>>//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//Even with the windfall lining <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>'s purse, there was no amount of gold which could sway Farmer Lloyd's mind. Without his blessing, the dismissed suitor took off with the thief Snitch one night and never looked back.//<</if>><<elseif $treasure eq 2>><<if $sm eq 1>>//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//With no gold in hand, but a heart full of love, <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>> implored Farmer Lloyd for his sole daughter's hand. And was refused. <<if $gender eq 0>>They<<elseif $gender eq 1>>She<<elseif $gender eq 2>>He<</if>> and Lily remained friends even after she wed her soul mate, the manservant of the new Marquess Cantervalley.//<<else>>//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//After escorting the farmgirl home, the sense of disappointment racked the <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother<</if>> internally. Nevertheless, more adventures were to be had between Snich and <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>>.//<</if>><</if>><</if>><<if $goal eq 6>><<if $sm eq 1>>//''Best Ending - Heartful Pursuit''//
//The girl rescued and thus persuaded (somewhat) against marrying the next Marquess of Cantervalley, that left the young Richard little to do, but take on <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite as an advisor<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane as military counsellor<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien as spiritual guidance<</if>> in his court. That <<if $gender eq 0>>Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Darien<</if>> continued to act in the "interests" of the marquess is well within expected parameters.//<<else>>//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//The damsel in distress rescued, the prince asurred in his safety, and treasure to be removed at-a-later-date. It seems this story has come to a happy ending, though the <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother<</if>> was a mite sour when the wedding band sounded the oath-swearing between Lily and Richard of Cantervalley.//<</if>><</if>><<if $goal eq 8>><<if $treasure eq 1>>//''Best Ending - Heartful Pursuit''//
//Being of ability to provide for Lily proved a worthy use of time in taking plundered treasure. <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>, though knowing full well that <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> was not Lily's soul mate, took their <<if $gender eq 0>>partnership<<else>>marriage<</if>> with no less seriousness. They loved one another for the rest of their days, along with the <<if $gender eq 0>>child<<else>>children<</if>> that they raised.//<<elseif $treasure eq 2>>//''Good Ending - Friendly Reunion''//
//Penniless, but with a determination to match the fiery Lily, Farmer Lloyd used every resource he could to keep the two separate. Maybe it was filial obligation, but the girl broke it off. Leaving the <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightess<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother<</if>> to respect her wishes and leave the matter be. Friendship is hardly an overrated relationship, after all.//<</if>><</if>>
[[Credits|credits]]Your steps echo around the walls, and you couldn't help being a mite annoyed. All the walls looked the same: the brickwork, the slime, the slight dampness of underground moisture. <<if $gender eq 0>>Heck, some plantlife would spruce up the place, but you had to admit: it wasn't very likely with the lack of sunlight in the area. <</if>>Your torchlight does little to ease whatever your imagination is cooking up. <<if $gender eq 2>>Case in point, that time you were asked to retrieve a cask of wine without help in the Father's house. It was times like those, such as exploring his basement, that you recalled how lucky you were that the small manner had been donated to the cause by the Lord Cantervalley.<</if>>
Your mind begins to drift, and you wonder if Snitch has found the entrance into the catacombs yet. No one knew how big this manse was, not since the last caretaker passed away about two decades ago and the monsters moved in about <<if $gender eq 0>>a quarter of a century<<elseif $gender eq 1>>twenty-five years<<elseif $gender eq 2>>a score and five years<</if>> ago. You hoped for the best, it would be better to have your partner around if you were going to engage in a fight. <<if $goal eq 4>>You wonder what Snich would say if <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> were with you now. Off rescuing a damsel in distress, <<if $gender eq 1>>like the knightess you were,<<elseif $gender eq 2>>like the knight in shining armour you weren't,<</if>> from terrifying monsters far beyond the horrors that one could imagine. You were fairly certain Snitch would give you that //look//. The one that said <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> wanted to support you, but thought your decision was stupid and bound to hurt you somehow.
But where did //that// thought come from anyway? You try to shake the thought out.<<elseif $goal eq 6>>You look down, briefly, to check on the treasure you had gathered. Maybe you should double-back? How much would be enough to buy a bride away from her intended groom? Would it be enough for farmer Lloyd? Or--as the likelier case--enough for the lord Cantervalley? <<if $gender eq 0>>It was moments like these that you curse your weakness, wanting another person by your side. Your elder would be disappointed in you, they said as much.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Running away was still an option, pay off the townguards and the local spy that Lord Cantervalley thought no one knew about.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>You swallow, realizing it probably //won't// be enough. You share your rooms with your brothers and sisters, but that sort of thing isn't expected of married folk. You'd need a space for your martial bed, and children besides.
Perhaps you should return later on, with Snitch's help. He'd be able to help you gather more of that treasure and moving it out of this dungeon.<</if>><<elseif $goal eq 7>>Of course, your mind continues to wander and a traitorous thought comes to mind: what if the bracelets lied? Certainly, you were //told// that they change from ordinary metal bangles to carved precious stone, upon that first chance meeting with one's soul mate. <<if $gender eq 0>>You yourself never saw much need to trace the charm, research the magicks behind it. It'd have been a waste of time, for one such as you. <</if>>The Lord Cantervalley claimed it was for the happiness of his subjects, but was it?
You glance down at the jade bangle around your <<if $gender eq 0>>left<<elseif $gender eq 1>>right<<elseif $gender eq 2>>right<</if>> wrist. What if Lily and lordling Richard weren't soul mates? It was possible...to be faked.<<elseif $goal eq 8>>You wondered if you could change Lily's mind about who her soul mate is.<</if>>
[[Left|straightb]]
[[Straight|straightl-3]]
[[Right|straightb]]There is an energy in the air that gives you pause. Slowly, you draw your $weapon
You cast aside your torch, and ready your $weapon to attack blindly. Your heart thumps quickly, and the sense that you've done wrong in your path-choosing comes to mind.
The light goes out as a piercing screech assaults your ears. You struggle to stay upright despite the sound, and feel your lungs grow short of breath. The walls close in and the unmistakeable sound of claws on stone echoes all around you...
''//Bad Ending - Lost Forevermore//''
//<<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Knightress Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>> had fallen into the dreaded catacombs, a labyrinth of horrors, and so never returned to meet <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> wily thief-friend Snitch. Nothing could be recovered of the body, though villagers there-after claim to still hear the distorted screams of the <<if $gender eq 0>>pathfinder<<elseif $gender eq 1>>knightress<<elseif $gender eq 2>>priest<</if>>...//
<<if $treasure eq 1>><<if $goal eq 1>>[[Try again?|troom2]]<<elseif $goal eq 3>>[[Try again?|troom2]]<<elseif $goal eq 5>>[[Try again?|troom2]]
<<else>>[[Try again?|troom2]]<</if>><<elseif $treasure eq 0>>[[Try again?|troom2]]<<elseif $treasure eq 2>>[[Try again?|troom2]]<</if>>
[[Credits|credits]]If you close your eyes--not that you actually do--you could just see her. <<if $gender eq 0>>Her mouth open as she reads silently, tracing the words in her eyes. She said she wasn't very good with her letters, but you told her that it didn't matter. What else was a mage like you to do, a Pathfinder who didn't educate was a disgrace to those who say they wish to learn all they can.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>She was drawing water at the town's well, and hadn't yet noticed you. You took a moment to watch, her willowy arms strong from farm-work. Sure, her brothers made better wrestlers, but you had no doubt she'd be able to hold her own against any drunkard on the street. Not that she should, you huff, not if you were around.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>A child upon her knee, the younger brother or neighbour's child--you weren't too sure--and was rocking him gently. You felt your cheeks flush and your breath leave you. You'd almost forgotten why you were visiting farmer Lloyd, though you were soon reminded by the weight in your arms. You'd been delivering some poultices and medicinal herbs, for...for something.<</if>>
Her hair reminded you of the waves. <<if $goal eq 2>>It'd flow in the wind, move with a fluidity like water. You didn't consider yourself a poet, <<if $gender eq 0>>but you've read many of them to understand your elder better<<elseif $gender eq 1>>but for her, you'd write long sonnets and limmericks and other poem-y sounding things<<elseif $gender eq 2>>but sweet-nothings came forth like a fountain when you were with her<</if>>.
You are aware of your heavy attraction to her, but it is not as though you two don't have a relationship: that of <<if $gender eq 0>>tutor and pupil<<elseif $gender eq 1>>protector and villager<<elseif $gender eq 2>>two souls looking to heal the community<</if>>. But all relationships start small, before growing into something greater. A name, a greeting, shared moments, growing affection and...
But what if she wanted her soul mate over you?<<elseif $goal eq 4>>To be married to her would be bliss, <<if $gender eq 0>>so you hope. Having a partner to hold in the lonely night, it is an unwanted and unnecessary desire, certainly: but you cannot stop your heart from desiring what it wants.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she'd be a quaint wife, and you'd be able to take her beyond this provincial town that she'd grown up in. Adventures in far-off lands by the sea, with daring sword-fights--and rescue the unfortunate from their troubles. At the very least, one could dream.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>but you should stop yourself before you go into another daydream. Else the shadows will overtake you.<</if>><<elseif $goal eq 6>>She wasn't meant to be at the side of lordling, holding court--even a small one, in this province owned by Lord Cantervalley. <<if $gender eq 0>>While she has been tutored by you, from time to time, it did not mean she'd have the capability to manage the Cantervalley estate.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Lordling Richard would need a genteel woman, not a strong one with coarse hands from hard work.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>A gentle girl like her would be too simple for the matters of a lord's wife. And her heart would break if she were to simply be a broodmare for his heirs--as you were certain he'd treat her to be.<</if>><<elseif $goal eq 7>>You think of your own enchanted bangle, does hers match his? The jade around your wrist could very well match her eyes. Maybe. It looks different in torchlight<<if $gender eq 0>>, but this is expected: light reflects differently on objects depending on the environment, and the source of light impacts the matter as well. Magical torchlight and natural sunlight are completely different<</if>>.
What if she isn't his match?
What if she //is// his match?<<elseif $goal eq 8>>For a moment, you wonder ludicrously if she is your soul mate. If she made you forget the sweet summer from two years past. It is, of course, impossible: she did not and does not have the means to purchase a forgetting potion. And you hadn't come to her town until shortly after you forgot your soul mate, where she'd been all her life. You used to live <<if $gender eq 0>>two valleys and a river away<<elseif $gender eq 1>>in the provincial town of Bisheps<</elseif $gender eq 2>>to the west, over the mountain of Ridgeback<</if>>.
//"Impossible doesn't mean it'd never happen."// Whispers a half-remembered memory from then. You shudder, and opt to blame the sudden chill on the wind.<</if>>
[[Left|straightb]]
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|rightl-4]]As you turn the corner, you bit back your gasp of surprise and quickly took a few steps back. You had been so lost in your thoughts of that naiad, that you forgot to be suspicious of the tunnels in front of you! <<if $goal eq 4>>The odds of a monster guarding your love were almost perfectly certain since //she was kidnapped by one.// How could you forget that?<<elseif $goal eq 6>>Here's your chance at looking heroic, you'd best not mess this one up.<<elseif $goal eq 7>>You'd be certain to charge the lordling for this extra expense<<if $gender eq 0>>, Pathfinders aren't supposed to take lives needlessly. All life is precious<<elseif $gender eq 1>>, you weren't sure if you could take the creature on by yourself<<elseif $gender eq 2>>, you might be injured in this rescue mission<</if>>. Or maybe...you should quietly leave?<</if>>
Luckily, it doesn't seem like the monster ahead noticed you.
[[Charge forward! I'll save you Lily!|bossbattle][$boss to "3"]]
[[This is my chance to retreat.|rightex-7][$lily to "0"]]<<if $boss eq 0>>Oh...it's just a slime-moulding of a Chimera. False alarm? <<if $gender eq 0>>You find yourself annoyed, there goes the 'great use' of your magicks...<<elseif $gender eq 1>>You find yourself a little disappointed.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>You find yourself relieved that it wasn't a real monster.<</if>>
[[The "monster" is dead.|lily]]<</if>><<if $boss eq 3>>The ferocious form of a three-headed beast greets you. The head of a lion, the head of a ram, and a tail of a snake...it's a //''Chimera''//! Myth tells that the lion-head is capable of breathing out fire like a dragon, and the ram-head dangerous for butting and releasing its miasma breath! The snake has...a venomous bite?
Well no matter! If you defeat the Chimera, you'll be [[remembered|myth]] in tales to come!
Now--what action will you take?!
<<if $gender eq 0>>[[Use your magic to burn the miserable creature!|bosshit][$boss -= 1]]<<elseif $gender eq 1>>[[Slash with your sword!|bosshit][$boss -= 1]]<<elseif $gender eq 2>>[[Knock some sense into its skull!|bosshit][$boss -= 1]]<</if>>
[[Defend.|bossbattle][$boss += 1]]
[[Run away! (Sorry Lily.)|rightex-7][$lily to "0"]]<<elseif $boss eq 2>>Six pairs of eyes watch you with apathy. Did it just heal itself?
Now--what action will you take?!
<<if $gender eq 0>>[[Use your magic to burn the miserable creature!|bosshit][$boss -= 1]]<<elseif $gender eq 1>>[[Slash with your sword!|bosshit][$boss -= 1]]<<elseif $gender eq 2>>[[Knock some sense into its skull!|bosshit][$boss -= 1]]<</if>>
[[Defend.|bossbattle][$boss += 1]]
[[Run away! (Sorry Lily.)|rightex-7][$lily to "0"]]<</if>>Stepping past the 'goop' that was the 'chimera,' you reach forward to open the door that it had been 'guarding.' It swings out and open<<if $treasure eq 1>>, just as easily as the door labelled 'TREASURE' did earlier.<<else>> easily.<</if>> You walk in, with your torch in front of you to cast light into the room.
It appears empty.
And then you get hit on the back of the head with something hard.
Letting out a cry, you turn to ready your <<if $gender eq 0>>magic to blast<<elseif $gender eq 1>>slash at<<elseif $gender eq 2>>swing at<</if>> your assailant. You had enough sense to stop yourself at the scream--//her// scream.
"Oh gods, I'm so sorry <<if $gender eq 0>>Aconite<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Darien<</if>>!" The make-shift club Lily had used clatters to the ground as she tries to see what damange she'd done to the back of your skull. She murmurs a few more apologies, and gently presses her fingers at the fast-growing bump under your <<if $gender eq 0>>turquoise<<elseif $gender eq 1>>long brown<<elseif $gender eq 2>>dark<</if>> locks, drawing them back when you wince in pain.
<<if $goal eq 0>>"You're alright?" She nods.<<elseif $goal eq 2>>You are equal parts angry and smitten with her reaction. Atta girl, not one to take being a hostage seriously. You're glad that the bird-monster that kidnapped her isn't anywhere to be seen.<<elseif $goal eq 4>>"This will make a good story for <<if $gender eq 0>>your father<<elseif $gender eq 1>>our kids<<elseif $gender eq 2>>our children<</if>> later on, won't it?"
Her cheeks flush, but she continues to fuss over you.<<elseif $goal eq 6>>"This is precisely why you'd be a bad match with <<if $gender eq 0>>that<<elseif $gender eq 1>>our<<elseif $gender eq 2>>your<</if>> lordling, Richard." You try to laugh at the situation. "You've too strong an arm for him<<if $gender eq 1>>, you could whip his soldiers into shape<<elseif $gender eq 2>>, you'd be the one beating him about<</if>>!"
Her eyes flash too quickly for you to determine what her response to that was. You cough a little, and rightfully avert your gaze from hers.<<elseif $goal eq 7>>"And here I was, thinking I'd have to rescue you." You tease, "It seems you were well on your way of rescuing yourself."
She huffs, hitting your shoulder to let you know she wasn't happy with your jesting.<</if>>
[[''Let's go.''|rightex-12][$lily to "1"]]<<if $goal eq 1>>A forgetfulness potion does what the label says: it will make the drinker forget whatever the buyer wants <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>> to. In your case? Your soul mate made you forget them. The details of how the potion work are beyond you<<if $gender eq 0>>, tampering with one's memories, when they are the sum of a person, has never bode well with you<</if>>.<<elseif $goal eq 3>>The trouble with these bangles and their enchantments //and// all those tales of happy couples. <<if $gender eq 0>>For one such as you, you know that there are those who have room in their hearts to love and devote themselves to more than one person--and you have heard how those sort go a little mad, trying to recouncile how they are with their one-true-mate.<</if>>
Did magic ever make anyone truly happy, when so many others without the access to it can live happily ever-after anyway?<<else>><<if $gender eq 0>>They have<<elseif $gender eq 1>>She has<<elseif $gender eq 2>>He has<</if>> green eyes, freckles dusted across <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> nose, dark skin that belied <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> wiry frame, and straw-coloured hair cropped close to <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> skull. Jagged scars surround <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> stump of a wrist, where the soulmate bangle should be hanging upon.
<<if $gender eq 0>>They claim<<elseif $gender eq 1>>She claims<<elseif $gender eq 2>>He claims<</if>> that it had been stolen from them one night. A pretty bauble that had been pawned off. You believed <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>>, and why wouldn't you? Other people have lost their lives for evidence of 'soul mates' meeting.<</if>>
<<if $goal eq 0>>You wonder if Snitch would be proud of your treasure-claiming skills. Maybe <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> would have wanted to be witness to it, but it was <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> fault you fell into the trap in the first place.<</if>>
[[But you digress.|leftex-5][$sm to "0"]]
<<if $goal eq 1>>[[But perhaps...|leftex-6][$sm to "1"]]<<else>>[[But perhaps...|leftex-6][$sm to "1"]]<</if>><<if $gender eq 0>>The scrolls of arcane knowledge, safely bundled and tucked away in your pack, will surely provide a good reading to-night.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>You'd like to see who would challenge you to a duel, once you've mastered swinging the badass motherfucking sword you've got in your hands. Your steps are hardly slowed by the extra weight, in part due to your excitement.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>You needn't explain to Father whereupon you came on the treasure. Or rather, maybe you should spin it so as to let him know that you took it from a monster's lair. Though did two wrongs make a right? Justifying the theft of stolen goods seems to be a question of ethics, and you'd rather just follow than question.<</if>> Your torchlight continues to burn, and the scattered light against your jade amulet strikes at your heart. Perhaps you should invest in deeper magics, to restore your lost memories...?<<if $goal eq 1>>You begin to wonder if you'd be able to find the lordling Richard. You found the treasure room, but that was here--down here--in the catacombs. If he wasn't down here, well, he'd surely be in the manse above.
Hopefully there were no other troubles, waiting. You were a bit anxious, after all: you hadn't encountered //any resistance// in this dungeon. It defied common sense.<<elseif $goal eq 3>>It is a little known secret that gold makes the world oscillate<<if $gender eq 0>>, and with this in hand: you'd be a valuable advisor for the next lord Cantervalley. And, with luck, a deep affection inappropriate between a liege and his official.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>. No longer would you be a mere sellsword, but a woman with the means to help the next lord Cantervalley's rule. Only an idiot would say the lady of any lord were unable to manage finances.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>. You haven't quite figured out how to use the gold to convey your affection towards the young lordling. But you've become quite used to taking things one moment at a time.<</if>><<elseif $goal eq 5>>In retrospect: you don't strictly //need// this treasure. Not if you were successful in securing the affections of the lordling. The richest man in the province, or soon to be the richest man in the province.
For a moment you considered getting his inheritance in an express manner. Certainly, the Lord Cantervalley is dying from illness. It's why he had everyone fitted with the enchanted bracelets: he wanted to see his son happy. The more that could be a potential soul mate, the more likely Richard would be guaranteed happiness.
You look to your own bracelet, the jade mocking you. You'd already found your soul mate, but you hadn't the fairy tale life that had been advertised. Maybe it couldn't be helped, since you weren't the inheritor of a Lord.
The social hierarchy left a bad taste in your mouth. Gold really did run the world.<<elseif $goal eq 7>>As you step forward with new purpose, you hoped it wouldn't take too long to find Lily. Given what you knew of her, you hoped that she'd be safe. She had a spitfire personality, and didn't take to being told 'no' easily. A stubborn streak, but certainly...lively at parties?
You hadn't the faintest clue why the lordling Richard is interested in her.<</if>>
[[Left|leftex-8]]
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|straightb]]You will be, won't you? Er, if you vanquish the beast?
You should probably get on vanquishing it though.
[[Back into the fray!|bossbattle]]<<if $boss eq 0>>//You've defeated the Chimera!//
[[It's dissembled into pieces of...jello?|bossbattle]]<<else>>The chimera wobbles, but doesn't appear to move otherwise.
Now--what action will you take?!
<<if $gender eq 0>>[[Use your magic to burn the miserable creature!|bosshit][$boss -= 1]]<<elseif $gender eq 1>>[[Slash with your sword!|bosshit][$boss -= 1]]<<elseif $gender eq 2>>[[Knock some sense into its skull!|bosshit][$boss -= 1]]<</if>>
[[Defend.|bossbattle][$boss += 1]]
[[Run away! (Sorry Lily.)|rightex-7][$lily to "0"]]<</if>>You set your jaw and continue onward. <<if $goal eq 0>>You have what you came for. The thoughts of a soul-mate who had easily discarded you makes your eyes sting. You find yourself angry.
You didn't need them--her--him--//it//. In your life.
You didn't need a soul mate to be happy.
You didn't need love to be happy.<</if>><<if $goal eq 1>>You try to recall what the last sightings of him had been. He rarely went anywhere without his manswervant. The manservant in question, Maxwell, simply said he was at this manse. Great help, //obviously//.
He said the young lord rather liked coming to the manse. Whyeverfor, when the place is infested with monsters--both dangerous and pitiful. And pitiful they can be, the slimes, the giant rats... What sorcerer had decided to <<if $gender eq 0>>expand the size of rats<<elseif $gender eq 1>>giganticize rats<<elseif $gender eq 2>>create monstrously large rats<</if>>, well, <<if $gender eq 0>>stranger things have been done using magic. Like those enchanted soul mate bracelets.<<else>>magic did make people a bit off.<</if>
You think you hear the swish of a tail, and you whirl around. Moving your torch back and forth to try and see around you properly.
There is nothing.
But you take a more cautious approach as you walk...<</if>><</if>><<if $goal eq 3>><<if $treasure eq 1>>You pause, briefly.
For a man who will own the lands in the province and inherit a fairly great amount of wealth. The province itself a rich one<<if $gender eq 0>>, though not of any particular note or importance. It is a middling province, in the grand scheme of the greater empire. Not too important and just important enough<<elseif $gender eq 1>>, and whatever you had in //your// purse--valuable that the items may be--probably wouldn't make a dent against his fortune<<elseif $gender eq 2>>, material riches would never make one happy. Even if what you'd taken wasn't stolen: it wouldn't bring true happiness.
Silently, you reproached yourself and made up your mind to donate the full amount to the Father when you returned to the manor that you call home<</if>>.
Maybe you hadn't thought this through.<</if>><<elseif $goal eq 5>>You're starting to have second thoughts about this.
You were just as capable of making your own fortune, through <<if $gender eq 0>>adventuring ancient ruins and creating magical patents<<elseif $gender eq 1>>collecting bounties and removing monsterous threats from towns in need<<elseif $gender eq 2>>selling your medical knowledge in the form of services, without the Father knowing. Gathering herbs, creating things that can heal--this is what you've been called to do. The profit is not what you desire, not truly, but one cannot subsist on only garden produce year-long. The winter is coming<</if>>.
And soul mates, whoever said they'd guarantee happiness anyway? Or maybe Marquess Cantervalley was a romantic at heart. Rumour says he never knew if his late first wife was his soul mate or not.
But you know for certain, that you wouldn't--couldn't--be Richard's.<<elseif $goal eq 7>>The rumour going on at the town well was that they had discovered each other to be soul mates. Which, from what you understood of the enchantment--may have been a compete lie.
From what you were told, the enchanted bracelet changes when you first meet your soul mate.
But you remember other inklings of rumours that have been passed around. The like of soul mates who didn't "realize" they were soul mates until several years of their <<if $gender eq 0>>initial<<elseif $gender eq 1>>first<<elseif $gender eq 2>>initial<</if>> meeting. And there were the pairs, where one soul mate walked over the grave of their soul mate--tragic, but not outside the realm of possibility. And then there were the more unfortunate cases, wherein the soul mates meet too late, and find the mate of their soul married to another person. Yet there were just as many cases of affairs being claimed "true" as they were soul mates. You aren't sure what to make of these stories.
You think back to Snitch's stump, and slow your steps. Yes, claims of meeting one's soul mate can be everywhere and anywhere. If proof was to be determined by the transformed bracelet. It wasn't as though the enchanted bracelets will change to be like each other, as a pair would. (Or maybe they were? You can't speak for personal experience. Obviously.)
The trouble with soul mates, the desire for love--it is such a mess. (You wonder if you expressed that to your soul mate then, and if that is why they thought you didn't want them anymore. You've had odd thoughts such as this cross your mind.)<</if>>
[[Left|straightb]]
[[Straight|straightex-9]]
[[Right|straightb]]<<if $goal eq 0>>You had your treasure in hand, ill-gotten as it may be. Gold wouldn't betray you, gems remain cold in your hand, and you'd be left blessedly alone.
Just like your soul mate wanted.
There was no other way to explain why you were made to forget everything about them. The ache of betrayal a hole deeper than the feeling of abscence.
And it's the stale damp air down here that has made your eyes water, just a little. You've been down here too long.<</if>><<if $goal eq 1>>You feel lonely, with each step you take in these depths.
Maybe it was the lack of sounds from any other creature. You've become more acutely aware of your steps, echoing upon the stone all around you. Your breathing, inhaling air and exhaling breath.
Your heart beating.
For a moment, your mind thinks that the torchlight is going out and flickers. But it is magical, and stays lively so long as you will it.
So long as you do not despair.<</if>><<if $goal eq 3>><<if $treasure eq 1>>Really, just what were you thinking? A man with as much wealth as Richard didn't need //more// of it. No one did, once they reached his level of wealth.
And he wasn't a greedy dastdard either. He really didn't have need or want of it, so...
What were you going to do with this filthy lucre? Use it on yourself? -- That's not half a bad idea actually.
The new problem presented itself: to what could you offer in exchange for his hand in <<if $gender eq 0>>a committed partnership?<<else>>marriage?<</if>>
You had no illusions about it, a man like him //would// need--no, //deserve//--an outward show of affection. Something that would say you think of him, and aren't afraid to show it to the glen and beyond it.<</if>><<if $goal eq 5>>Your eyes drop to that stupid jade bangle around your wrist. Once again, you felt betrayed by a person you cannot remember--and all the heartache that went along with it.
It is a curious magic, you muse. Usually forgetting potions were intended for those so lost in grief or traumatic scars, but the magic is tricky. <<if $gender eq 0>>If the potion-brewer were not careful, the intended drinker would forget what they are to do. Even the simplest of tasks, breathing, blinking, //the heart beating//--all of it could be gone, if the potion were potent enough.
You were no potioneer, but your understanding of the common components of the brew yield you a decent enough analysis. As they say: "time heals all wounds," and the potion works with the same principle of that adage. With each passing day, one's memories are swallowed up by the potion's power, quickly eroded, carefully targeted. Should you count yourself lucky that you were still aware of your lover's presence, even as you forgot the sound of their voice, the silk of their skin, even the colour of their eyes and tresses?
It has been, but a few weeks. For you.<<else>>You could remember glimpses, flashes of great joy--only to be replaced by a hollow sorrow. Can you miss what you've never had? Were all of those moments lost, because of trickery?
You could only suppose that it is so.<</if>><</if>><<if $goal eq 7>>It was such a bloody mess<<if $gender eq 0>>, figuratively speaking<</if>>.
Are they? Will they? Won't they? You just weren't sure anymore. It's not like your own parents were soul mates, the magic hadn't been invented then. Their romance was nothing extraordinary, arranged by the elders of the village, celebrated with a wedding ceremony, both with livelihoods and a stable family life. What more could they ask for?
Maybe you were selfish, for wanting that certainty. For having it and then having it taken away almost just as easily.<</if>><</if>>
[[Left|straightb]]
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|rightex-10]]<<if $goal eq 0>>What are you to do with this empty feeling? You felt like a thief, but without the confidence in that identity like [[Snitch|thief]]. By the gods, you wonder how <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>she<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> manage it, stealing. It's punishable by law, obviously, yet similarly forgiven if one were cautious about their wrong-doing.
You felt a greater admiration for Snitch, at this moment.<<elseif $goal eq 1>>You'll soon find your way out, you were sure. Sooner or later, this wretched nightmare would pass, and you'll find Richard.
He said that you were special.
He needs you.<<elseif $goal eq 3>>A feast, a grand feast would make your intentions known. Not to mention, the generous use of the treasure would showcase charity and well-intention towards the common folk.
No matter what ill rumours there were of the marquess, his love of the people could not be denied.
Your plan is perfect.<<elseif $goal eq 5>>A soft dripping sound came to your ears. Is the exit much further?<<elseif $goal eq 7>>You can't miss what you never had<<if $gender eq 0>>, but maybe it is better this way. To have loved and lost it, even by such means as this<</if>>.
You almost wished that your torch would have the tell-tale crackle of regular fire. It wasn't even hot to the touch, but glowed brightly as though it was.<</if>>
[[Left|leftex-11]]
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|straightb]]<<if $goal eq 0>>There is something though, that bothers you. [[Snitch|thief]] has been by your side ever since the memories faded away. You have felt an instant kinship to <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>>, <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> ever-present grin, <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>> cheery demeanor and scathing remarks were a few things that made <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>him<</if>> such good company with you.<<elseif $goal eq 1>>Was your exploration of this catacomb coming to an end? Finally?
Will you see Richard again?<<elseif $goal eq 3>>But will you be able to enact it? If he is not preoccupied with [[soul mates|thief]] like the current marquess is?<<elseif $goal eq 5>>Maybe it's your imagination, but you think you can see a light just around the corner.<<elseif $goal eq 7>>The silence is no longer deafening. You think you can hear something, something //more//. <<if $gender eq 0>>
In your studies, you've been told time and time again that what you did does not have to matter. When it came down to everything, you are but one very small part of the universe. And that is perfectly fine, that is how things are.
A part of you wonder if it's knowing this, that you had clung onto your soul mate before, all the more, so that you'd have someone just as insignificant but valuable to you.<</if>><</if>>
[[Left|leftex-6]]
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|straightb]]//The "treasure" path is the same as the "treasure room" in Super Mario RPG. Although I did not figure that out for myself until farily recently when I checked GameFAQS.com (apparently I should have considered the direction of where my Mario was facing, and not the directions I saw from my gamer-view). The "exit" path is the suggested "exit the forest" path, also suggested/revealed by GameFAQs.com.//
//The intention was never to make it a true labyrinth, thus the paths ''were'' revealed to the player before the player decides on their first goal. Without the directions given, the player had a 2/3 chance of getting the bad ending after the first split, where the odds were 1/3. Leaving the catacombs a magical construction that has nothing to do with physical space further cemented the bit of fantastical element of the genre, that is, the presence of magic (aka: drawing out the paths according to what's available would screw with the physical space, if it was "real").//
//There ''would'' have be a counter here stating how many times you've gotten lost/collected the Bad Ending. But I couldn't get Twine to add math correctly, so there is no such counter here. Though if you can explain to me how 1+1 = 011 happens, please do.//
[[Credits|credits]]//Thank you to Professor O'Flynn for creating this course! And thank you for playing this game. There may be very few atmospheric elements, though I assure anyone reading this that all (or most) of everything in this self-contained game is designed with a purpose.//
//Remember that every choice you make can influence how you see the world. And that every choice you make is not the "definite" choice you'd have forevermore. How you present yourself is as important as how you pursue your goals.//
//I won't provide any answers on the "soul mate" subject though. That's up to ''you'' to determine.//
//Cheers.//
//Jun-10-17//
//P.S. There were/are too many bugs for the "Lily path", so I apologize for those that really did want to rescue the damsel in distress. I've had to remove the path (does that make it a glitch playthrough? Doubtful.) in order to hand in a "completed game". I feel that I may have complicated the variables some, but if anyone wants to look at the Twine Sugercube code themselves, they're free to piece together the narrative I had planned for her.//
//Further P.S. More world-building details can be found when playing in the perspective of ''Pathfinder Aconite'', as they are of a more analytical mindset than ''Knightess Diane'' and ''Brother Darien''.//
[[Credits|credits]]<<if $goal eq 0>>With treasure in hand and the girl rescued, you couldn't help giving yourself a pat on the back.
But this is a little awkward. You try to think of something to talk about while you walk, lest you both devolve into an awkward silence. "What kidnapped you, put you in that room with, uh, the club?"
"A bird-woman. She looked like a dried corpse, oh--and she //screeched//. So terribly loudly, my ears were ringing when her claws grabbed me up and off the ground." <<if $gender eq 0>>That sounded like a harpy to you.<</if>>
"I see."<<elseif $goal eq 2>>Leaving the room where she had been kept captive, you find a sudden sense of awkwardness. You try to think of something to talk about while you walk, lest you both devolve into an awkward silence. "What kidnapped you, put you in that room with, uh, the club?"
"A bird-woman. She looked like a dried corpse, oh--and she //screeched//. So terribly loudly, my ears were ringing when her claws grabbed me up and off the ground." <<if $gender eq 0>>That sounded like a harpy to you.<</if>>
"I see." You think back to that dulling pain at the back of your head, "Did you beat her off with the club too?"
"No... A large eagle attacked her, and I'd fallen." She pouted her lips, and huffed. "Mind you, I'd have beaten her myself if I could."<<elseif $goal eq 4>>You can think of little reason that farmer Lloyd would deny your gesture of marriage towards his daughter. <<if $gender eq 0>>The concern of a penniless mage not a reasonable excuse to keep the two of you apart.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>That neither of you would be able to provide him with grandchildren, as crude the idea may be, a thing of the past. There were potions and charms which could induce a child between the two of you, and they were safely tested by fool-hearted men and women alike. Not a fertility magic, but some sort of alchemic branch or what have you.
(What, you were no scholar of magic. They were all the same at the end of the day, weren't they?)<<elseif $gender eq 2>>The money that does not go towards the brotherhood could be used to assure farmer Lloyd that you had no intention of providing a poor home to his dear daughter. He only had one, and as a man--for as a brother, you've forgone the vows of chastity. (Not that you've, AHEM, done anything untoward toward any of the villagers--you simply recognize yourself as a sexual being, but you've still morals!)
You cannot imagine a better woman with whom to start a family with.<</if>>
You then realize that you've isolated your future bride in the silence, and quickly clear your throat: "You're safe? Nothing hurt or broken?"
"Yes, I'm fine." She gives you a smile, but you found that it didn't quite reach her eyes.
Why?<<elseif $goal eq 6>>Gold cannot replace another person, <<if $gender eq 0>>yet you find yourself quite confident you'd be able to pay off the lordling. Between one woman and another, there were other ways of ensuring children for a lordship. You simply need to invest in some research before presenting the solution.
The dear Lily could then return home to farmer Lloyd.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>and if bribing the lordling didn't work--you could whisk the farmgirl away. Run off to far-off lands, as those fool-stories she's heard about from traveling minstrels tell.
You may both be on the run, but they could very well be happy together too.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>but you may be able to help secret her away to a convent in the next town. For the girl surely had little choice when told she was to marry the lordling.
The marquess of the land to-be he may be, but it does not give him the right to trample on her rights.<</if>><<elseif $goal eq 8>>It is a common known fact that farmer Lloyd works from before the crack of dawn to well-after sunset, in order to care for his crops. His sons and daughter were under the same schedule, out of love for their father. With the gold you have in your hand, surely hiring extra farmhands would not be amiss, and you'd have the man's blessing in wedding his daughter.
And if he opted to not accept such a thing, well, you could both run away from the Cantervalley townlands, and be happy elsewhere.<</if>>
[[Left|leftex-13]]
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|straightb]]<<if $goal eq 0>>"Wait, you //fell//?" You kept your gasp of surprise as quiet as you could, careful in case something might leap out at the two of you from the shadows. <<if $gender eq 1>>It was hard enough keeping your torch from burning yourself while hefting your new sword in one hand. You kept switching between the two hands.<</if>> "From how far?"
"Far enough for another monster to snatch me." Lily seems to take note of your tense shoulders, and offers to take the magic-torch from you. You hand it over.
"What did it look like?"
"I don't remember."
You almost didn't catch her mutter, but that was what you made out. Couldn't remember? What was that about?<<elseif $goal eq 2>>"I'm sure you cou--wait. You //fell//?" You kept your gasp of surprise as quiet as you could, careful in case something might leap out at the two of you from the shadows. <<if $gender eq 1>>It was hard enough keeping your torch from burning yourself while hefting your new sword in one hand. You kept switching between the two hands.<</if>> "From how far?<<if $gender eq 2>> Are you sure you aren't hurt? No whiplash from falling?<</if>>"
"Far enough for another monster to snatch me." Lily seems to take note of your tense shoulders, and offers to take the magic-torch from you. You hand it over.
"What did it look like?"
"It was something big. Something with large wings, and a human face." She scrunched up her nose, showing off her freckles to you. "It talked in rhyme too."
<<if $gender eq 0>>At this point, you couldn't help chuckling. "I'm sure you know what it is. Or was it a she, with rough fur?"
She squints her eyes, frowning a little before gasping out: "A Sphinx!"
<</if>>"A Sphinx, a winged-half woman and half-lion creature." You nodded with a small grin. <<if $gender 0>>With a taste of human flesh, and a mind for games: the Sphinx could be a deadly creature indeed. But easy enough to defeat, if one were smart enough. A half-decent guardian-type monster, though golems were better--in your humble opinion.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Always trouble, they were hard to fight against. A near impenetrable hide with most melee weapons, and she'll refuse to fight until you absolutely get her riddle wrong. Guardians indeed.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>They were reportedly quite beautiful, but very dangerous. Oddly well-read for monsters as well, and you couldn't help wondering how they'd be able to read books with their lion-paws.<</if>> "She saved you?"<<elseif $goal eq 4>>"You're sure?" You press, keeping one eye on the path ahead of you and another eye upon her. <<if $gender eq 2>>"If you are hurt, I can tend to your wounds."<</if>>
"Yes, I've perfect health <<if $gender eq 0>>Pathfinder<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Diane<<elseif $gender eq 2>>Brother Darien<</if>>!" She snaps at you. You didn't know she could do such a thing!
<<if $gender eq 0>>You clear your throat, and make no move to try and understand her. When she was in one of her 'moods', gods, it was difficult to get any sort of answer out of her.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>Your mouth turns into a thin line, and you're tempted to give her a piece of your mind. You worried for her, after all. Can't she see that?<<elseif $gender eq 2>>You chance a fuller gaze towards her, and did your best to keep your thoughts strung together. You open your mouth, meaning to give her another round of questions before closing it. If there really //was// something bothering her, she'd most certainly let you know. She's a grown woman now.<</if>>
You wonder if now would be a good time to mention your <<if $gender eq 0>>sudden windfall<<elseif $gender eq 1>>newfound wealth<<elseif $gender eq 2>>purse, and how to fill hers as well<</if>>. Would she be impressed? You were...not terribly sure.<<elseif $goal eq 6>>You clear your throat, why were you arguing with yourself about whether she wants to marry the spoiled brat of a man or not? She was right here<<if $gender eq 1>>--and perfectly capable of answering your question<<else>> and could answer your question<</if>>. No need to guess about it.
But you lower your next glance towards her, looking for her enchanted bracelet. Her wrist remained shackled with something common looking. It didn't shine very well in the torchlight.
"It's changed." Damn her. She's got good eyes, and you lift yours to meet hers again. "I've met him, my soul mate."
Well that's good. She wouldn't be after your Richard then.
You hope.<<elseif $goal eq 8>>"Lily," You start up, trying to do your best not to smile //too// much. "You've always wanted to travel, right?"
"I'd love to." It was hardly a secret among those in the know. <<if $gender eq 0>>"Tell me about the time you were studying dragon hatchlings, before you came to Cantervalley glen."<<elseif $gender eq 1>>"Tell me about one of your adventures, somewhere far away from here...please?"<<elseif $gender eq 2>>"Tell me about some-place you've read in your books, brother. Somewhere where the skies stretch on forever without clouds and there aren't any monsters around."<</if>>
You let yourself smile a little as you began one such <<if $gender eq 0>>tale<<else>>story<</if>>.<</if>>
[[Left|straightb]]
[[Straight|straightex-14]]
[[Right|straightb]]<<if $goal eq 0>>"Why don't you remember?" You were starting to grow worry, but kept your eyes before you. She might have a strong arm, but she was carrying the torch now. <<if $gender eq 0>>She wouldn't be able to hold that and use the club as a weapon, not with the same force behind it.<<else>>She wouldn't be able to hold both and attack at the same time. It took a certain degree of skill to be a dual-weapon wielder.<</if>>
"It just happened all of a sudden. Everything went dark."
Everything went dark once you took a wrong step and fell into this dungeon. But that was a far cry from falling and then being caught.
You left the subject alone, and continued on in silence.<<elseif $goal eq 2>>"Why don't you remember?" You were starting to grow worry, but kept your eyes before you. She might have a strong arm, but she was carrying the torch now. <<if $gender eq 0>>She wouldn't be able to hold that and use the club as a weapon, not with the same force behind it.<<else>>She wouldn't be able to hold both and attack at the same time. It took a certain degree of skill to be a dual-weapon wielder.<</if>>
"It just happened all of a sudden. Everything went dark."
Everything went dark once you took a wrong step and fell into this dungeon. But that was a far cry from falling and then being caught. "Were you scared? In this silent darkness?"
The wet-smack of your steps and hers along the corridor echo around the two of you. She seems to be thinking about her answer.
"I wasn't, no." Came a quiet admission.
You must have made some noise of acknowledgement, because she then added: "I knew you'd come for me."<<elseif $goal eq 4>>"Do you have the ring?" You blurted out, before scoffing at yourself. <<if $gender eq 0>>You need to explain yourself properly, a ring could mean //anything//.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>A ring, what sort of ring did you mean you daft buffoon.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>A gold ring isn't what one would think if you just say the word 'ring' by itself.<</if>>
Looking over to the girl, you see her look at you expectantly. You cough, and try to compose yourself.
"Wh-What I mean is--have... Have..."
"A ring?" She parrots, a note of surprise in her tone. "What sort of ring?"
<<if $gender eq 0>>"A ring of commitment, gold or otherwise." That was the least, and the most, that you could offer to her. And you wish it could be more...like what the common folk called it. But that is not the path that you are called to will allow for you.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>"A ring to make you mine." There were no other words to describe it, and you were better with your feelings forth-coming anyway.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>"A gold ring, of marriage." You felt your mouth go dry, and tried to sound more confident than you felt. You said it, you proposed! But what would her answer be...<</if>><<elseif $goal eq 6>>"Does ah, Richard know?" You try to pass the time, and were not one bit interested in assauging your own curiosity. Of course not.
Of course you were.
"I don't know. He might, he might not." Oh she's bad, she's very bad.
"He might." You press.
"He might not."
"I've had better daisy-flower fortunes." You <<if $gender eq 1>>sigh dramatically<<else>>sigh<</if>> and chuckle.<<elseif $goal eq 8>>You go into your stories, exaggerating the details, and ensuring whatever sounds you made were kept at the sound of whispers. You smiled, you drank in her attention.
You took this time to distract yourself from the ethical obligations that would come later on.<</if>>
[[Left|straightb]]
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|rightex-15]]<<if $goal eq 0>>"Has anyone caught your eye, in the village?" A pretty girl like her, you wouldn't have been surprised.
"Maybe. Maybe not." She muses, there's a mischevious look in her eyes. "And you? Is there anyone?"
"I wouldn't say there is someone." The words tumbled out before you could give much thought to them. "Sometimes there just isn't anyone for <<if $gender eq 0>>someone<<elseif $gender eq 1>>a lady<<elseif $gender eq 2>>a man<</if>> like me."
"What are soul mates anyway?" You attribute it to the subject matter, but you weren't sure if she was smirking at you.<<elseif $goal eq 2>>"You did?" You felt your breath catch, and made sure to look ahead. Deliberately keeping yourself composed as best you could. "Why?"
There are a quick two steps--hers--before her voice is flitting by your ear: "I may be a regular ol' farmgirl, but I'm not stupid."
"I didn't say you were." Is it right that your heart is suddenly beating so fast? You swallow, hard. "So."
"So."
"You know."
"Who doesn't?" Were you //that// obvious about your affections? <<if $gender eq 0>>You hoped not, the elders would be so disappointed in you.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>She was testing you. But unluckily for her, the mettle of a knight--especially that of a woman--is not so easily contested.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>You wished the ground could just open and swallow you up. If only such spells existed.<</if>><<elseif $goal eq 4>>"Whose?" Gods, this girl was testing you beyond what you could bear.
"Anyone's." Your gaze is assuredly fixed ahead. Not wanting to appear eager or anxious, or both.
"My soul mate's?"
You gasp, and turn your head, just enough--a side-along glance--to her. "You've met <<if $gender eq 0>>them<<else>>him<</if>>?"
"Haven't you?" The bangle felt red-hot, coals of shame around your wrist. <<if $gender eq 0>>You assure yourself that it is no magical effect, but your own addled love-sick mind.<<elseif $gender eq 1>>You wished you had it removed when you had the chance. Maybe you could get one of your training companions to help with it.<<elseif $gender eq 2>>You could almost feel her judgemental thoughts, weighing upon your shoulders. You had a soul mate, and you don't talk about them. Never.<</if>><<elseif $goal eq 6>>You both continue in silence, just a mite longer, before she spoke up again: "He doesn't. He thinks I'm his."
"Oh?" That didn't make sense. The enchantment was instantaneous...wasn't it? <<if $gender eq 0>>
But if there was someone who was always by his side, someone like his manservant. Even if her magic soul mate bangle changed, while he was with her...both of them. But why?<</if>>
"Maxwell." She <<if $gender eq 0>>confirmed your suspicions<<else>>answered your unspoken question<</if>>. "He's my soul mate."
"He'd do well in providing for you." Not as much as the next Marquess of Cantervalley, obviously, but that sort of thing didn't need to be said.
"He could."<<elseif $goal eq 8>>"Wouldn't you like to go? Off to other places?" The promise of //adventure// a siren's call, to a girl like her. You were well aware of it. You only wondered to how well she'd take that idea, and kept a careful eye on her. "No hard seasonal work, just work whatever you could take on."
"A journeyman?"
"A traveler." You try to smile. "You could be anyone, not Lloyd's Lily."
"I thought I was already //your// Lily?"
Gods this girl.<</if>>
[[Left|leftex-16]]
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|straightb]]<<if $goal eq 0>>"That's a good question." And one you've posed to [[Snitch|thief]] whenever <<if $gender eq 0>>they<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>he<</if>> looked wistful about <<if $gender eq 0>>their<<elseif $gender eq 1>>her<<elseif $gender eq 2>>his<</if>>missing hand.
How badly did anyone need a soul mate, when they could live without one?<<elseif $goal eq 2>>"Marry me." You breathed out, voice a whisper. Careful, a bit afraid. The creeping blush just only hidden by the shadddows. Just barely.
"Ask my father."
"Is that what you want?"<<elseif $goal eq 4>>"Does it matter if I have?"
"Does it matter if //I// have?" You sense a wry smile about her lips, "He won't marry me. Not since Richard's taken notice."
Her soul mate won't? But then what would have been the point of... "And if //I// proposed to you?"
"With a ring?"
"With a ring."<<elseif $goal eq 6>>"Would he?" You find yourself soon asking, bothered by your nagging curiosity.
Her silence answers you better than words could. That a soul mate could do such a thing--didn't he know how blessed he was as the soul mate of this fiery girl? Didn't he?
If she believed in it, you were just as sure a good handful of men and women would be after Maxwell. The stupid ones that believed so much of soul mates, attributed so much of their happpiness, to that idea.
You were tempted to pity her situation, but just as sure she wouldn't appreciate it.<<elseif $goal eq 8>>"Are you?"
"Father would be mad if we eloped."
"He'd be mad I want you by my side." You felt a grin break out. "He'd be mad either way."
"He'd be mad either way." Lily nods in agreement. "We should do it."<</if>>
<<if $goal eq 2>>[["Yes." She tells you, as she takes a left turn with you.|leftex-6][$sm to "1"]]
[[Left|leftex-6][$sm to "0"]]<<elseif $goal eq 4>>[[She looked like she might say yes, and you rounded the left corner.|leftex-6][$sm to "1"]]
[[Left|leftex-6][$sm to "0"]]<<elseif $goal eq 8>>[[This might just work out after all.|leftex-6][$sm to "1"]]<<else>>[[Left|leftex-6][$sm to "0"]]<</if>>
[[Straight|straightb]]
[[Right|straightb]]