PathStory (en-US) Version- 1.2.1

<H3>PathStory (2017)</h3> Language: English (en-US) Current Version: 1.2.1 License: Freeware Development System: Twine 2.1.3 Forgiveness Rating: ProbablySimple <center>A twine game for Seekers who haven't yet found their way into the three groups of P.S.</center> <center>To begin: [[START GAME|START]]</center>

You find yourself in the center of the [main quad]<main|(click: ?main)[(append: ?main)[$st[, where [[crossroads]] meet among copious topiaries. You stand within a magic circle made of stone that seems to quiver beneath your feet, as if possessed by an alternate history.]]] (set: $st to (transition: "dissolve") + (transition-time: 2s))

Before you stands a building of time-worn brick, half-hidden in drapes of majestic ivy. Railed limestone stairs lead up to an inviting [door]<door|.(click: ?door)[(append: ?door)[$st[. Philosophers and Social Scientists... Philologists and Scriveners... Myriad feet must have passed through this threshold. Though there's much to marvel at, you are overcome with an intensity that moves you forward, as if some beneficent siren is drawing you inside, [[further in|library1]]. [[<< back|crossroads]]]]] (set: $st to (transition: "dissolve") + (transition-time: 2s))

You can just barely see it between the trees on the far end of the green: a small brick building with books in the window and an outdoor patio where blue-and-white umbrellas provide patrons with comfortable shade. It makes you want to wander, nose first, [[towards the inviting smell of roasting coffeebeans|coffee1]]. Or perhaps it's not for you. [[<< back|crossroads]]

Towering above the clouds, a stone monolith of immeasurable height. Music emanates softly from porous stone bricks, lulling you [forth]<forth| (click: ?forth)[(append: ?forth)[$st[. A polyphony of sounds. You get the feeling that playwrights and sculptors find their muses in this building. Do you dare [[venture in|tower1]]? [[<< back|crossroads]]]]] (set: $st to (transition: "dissolve") + (transition-time: 2s))

You discover rows of high-tech laboratories just West of here. Greenhouses appear atop some, smokestacks on [others]<others| (click: ?others)[(append: ?others)[$st[. You try to get a closer look. Physicists and Statiticians in white lab coats [[enter through an automated glass door|lab1]] [[<< back|crossroads]]]]] (set: $st to (transition: "dissolve") + (transition-time: 2s))

A room of gnarled wood and dust-ridden shelves. A stone stairwell leads up to the [[STACKS]] and down to the [[B-LEVEL]].

You sit on the patio, enjoying your caffeinated beverage. There are so many possibilities out there, groups that you might join. But maybe what you need is a life of quiet contemplation. For now, maybe you'll grab a book to read or find a game to play. <center>END OF GAME</center>

A modern cafe with royal blue walls and red cushioned chairs. Nearby, a twisting spire leads up some eleven stories up. Luckily, there appears to be an [[elevator]] as well.

You discover a glass atrium full of natural light, a collaborative space that opens up into quantum possibilities. Scientists bustle up the [[stairs|botany lab]] and into [[elevators|elevator1]] towards their respective labs.

Plentiful stacks. Rows and rows of them. Almost too many to count. Press on (link-goto: "forward", (either: "snake book", "owl book", "squirrel book"))?

It's [[dark|get lamp]]. A [[computer terminal]] glows faintly with blue light.

You press on. A [book]<book| catches your eye on the [shelf.]<shelf| (click: ?book)[(append: ?shelf)[ It's a (either: "new", "light", "hefty", "heavy", "moth-worn", "water-logged", "glossy") (either: "scroll", "tome", "codex", "lexicon", "tablet") from (either: "the distant past", "an archaeological dig site", "the ruins of a lost city", "a glass bottle that was washed ashore"). Attempting to read it(either: " causes some of its pages to tear off.", " causes its pages to crumble.", " releases a swarm of spores that light up nearby books.", " causes ominous green orbs to eminate from its pages.", ", I see that it's about ancient history.", " is difficult, although there are some pictures.", ", I see that it's about philosophy.", ", I see that it's about poetry.", ", I see that it's about critical theory.", ", I see that it's about media theory.") Should I [[take it|take snake]] or (link-goto: "keep walking", (either: "snake book", "owl book", "squirrel book"))?]]

"I was looking for that, you know..." You turn around to find some kind of scholar with a handy satchel leaning against the opposite shelf. Her glasses do that anime glint thing. [[Hand over the book|hand snake]] [[Throw the book and run!|run1]]

"Hey! I was looking everywhere for that!" You turn around to find some kind of scientist in a long lab coat standing at attention. [[Hand over the book|hand owl]] [[Throw the book and run!|run2]]

"Oh cool! You found it! I was looking everywhere for that." You turn around to find some kind of artist in a stylish beanie winking hello. [[Hand over the book|hand squirrel]] [[Throw the book and run!|run3]]

> get lamp That's better. The [[computer terminal]] still glows faintly with blue light.

"Thank you, it looks like we have parallel scholarly taste." You nod, shyly. "Perhaps we can read together. Tell me, have you heard anything about the Serpents? We're looking for new members. We have literary scholars, philosophers, linguists, even creative physicists in our ranks. I think you'd fit right in." You smile, curiously. "If you're interested, I can show you the [[APPLICATION|https://parablesoftheparasite.wordpress.com/serpents-2/]]. But for now, let's find a nice long table and see what this ancient tome can teach us."

"Thank you, it looks like we have parallel scholarly taste." You nod, shyly. "Perhaps we can read together. Tell me, have you heard anything about the Owls? We're looking for new members. I think you'd fit right in." You smile, curiously. "If you're interested, I can teach you more. [[Follow me|owlend1]]."

"Thank you, it looks like we have parallel scholarly taste." You nod, shyly. "Perhaps we can read together. Tell me, have you heard anything about the Squirrels? We're looking for new members. I think you'd fit right in." You smile, curiously. "If you're interested, I can teach you more. [[Follow me|squirrelend1]]."

"Don't throw that! I need it for my research!" Angry hisses. You escape down to the [[B-LEVEL]].

"Don't throw things! You could hurt someone!" Disgruntled screeching. You escape down to the [[B-LEVEL]].

"Haha, okay! Bye now!" Quirky chittering. You escape down to the [[B-LEVEL]].

Do you press a button? [[(9)|f2]] [[(LL)|f1]] [[<< back|tower1]]

Ding! The elevator lets out on the Lower Level. By the door is what appears to be a stray cart of filmmaking equipment. Do you [[get out|f1a]] or press the [[button|elevator]] again?

Ding! The elevator lets out on the Performance Penthouse. Nearby, orchestral music flows out from under a glossy wooden door. Do you [[get out|f2a]] or press the [[button|elevator]] again?

You follow the scientist out of the Library to the tune of shared theories and the tapping of feet on linoleum. "There?" You ask, pointing West towards rows and rows of hi-tech labs. The scientist nods. "The moon will be out soon and a few of us are going to assemble a galileoscope to look at it. You're welcome to join us. If not, then perhaps another time?" The scientist slips you an <a href="https://parablesoftheparasite.wordpress.com/owls-2/">APPLICATION</a> to join the Owls. <center>END OF GAME</center>

You follow the artist out of the Library and scurry back across the quad, exchanging both story and song. "There?" You ask, pointing South towards a lofty tower. The artist nods. "Our friend's play is tonight! You should come! But if you're too busy, then maybe another time?" The artist slips you an <a href="https://parablesoftheparasite.wordpress.com/squirrels-2/">APPLICATION</a> to join the Squirrels. <center>END OF GAME</center>

You approach the cart just as its owner returns. "Hi there! Interested in lighting design?" [[Why yes, I am.|f1b]] [[Certainly.|f1b]] [[Ho-ho! How ever did you know?|f1b]]

You step out of the elevator and head towards the wooden door, which you realize is propped slightly open, allowing you to peer inside. A big band is playing a blues number and there's a crowd. You stay a while. As your eyes skirt around the room, you notice that someone else in the audience has caught your gaze. They beckon you over with a friendly wave. Do you [[enter|f2b]]? [[<< back|elevator]]

You open your mouth but before you can answer "yes" or "no," someone in a beanie is handing you light plates and showing off her kaleidoscopic array of colored gels. [[Thank you for showing me these gels.|f1c]] [[I am appreciative. Many thanks.|f1c]] [[Honestly I'm just not that into lighting design.|f1c]]

Before you can answer, another artist enters the scene (metaphorically though you're starting to think this might be literal too). "Oh no. Is she showing off her gels again?" The artist turns to the lighting designer, scolding: "You do this with all the potential recruits." [[It's actually really cool.... Wait, what was that about recruits?|f1d]] [[I'm not really interested in lighting but I do really love filmmaking.|f1e]]

You tell the second artist that it's cool and that you're actually really interested in lighting design. "Oh, that's awesome then! I was so worried that the excitement was unrequited. Tell me, have you heard anything about the Squirrel sect? We're looking for new members. I think you'd fit right in." You smile, curiously. "If you're interested, I can teach you more. [[Follow me|squirrelend2]]."

You express that you're just not that into lighting design, but you do want to learn more about filmmaking. "Oh." The lighting designer quiets down a bit. "I'm sorry about that. I just get excited about gels. Anyway, nice meeting you!" She wheels her cart off leaving you with the other artist. "Tell me, have you heard anything about the Squirrel sect? We're looking for new members. And with your interest in filmmaking, I think you'd fit right in." You smile, curiously. "If you're interested, I can teach you more. And I can show you our DSLR cameras... [[Follow me|squirrelend2]]!"

You walk to the media center, exchanging favorite movies and soundtracks with each other along the way. You weave in and out of mixing suites, peering into rooms where groups of screenwriters have convened to workshop their prototype scripts. Being here fills you with creative ambition. After the tour, the artist turns to you. "You're welcome to join me for coffee upstairs in the cafe. Oh, and before I forget, you might want to consider this." The artist hands you an <a href="https://parablesoftheparasite.wordpress.com/squirrels-2/">APPLICATION</a> to join the Squirrels. <center>END OF GAME</center>

You head inside and take a seat next to them. You sit quietly and listen to the tunes. The blues band plays on, a G.D Booker song that you recognize from your childhood. After the song ends: "Hello, friend. Do you play anything?" [[Yes|f2c]] [[No|f2d]]

You nod your head. "You should go play!" [[I'd rather just listen.|f2d]]

You say that you prefer to listen. You absorb the music and tell your new friend that Booker was never recorded professionally. His music is a hybrid of Big Bill Broonzy and Sun Ra. He could throw down classic blues any time he wanted (he's known for his dry lyrics, especially about the relationship between the city and the country). But he also experimented with the electric guitar and electric sounds. Some of his work is beyond experimental. As if he were inspired by something from another world that had seized him, possessed him.... You realize you've been talking for a long time and trail off, shyly. You apologize for going on for too long. "Not at all," your friend says. "Say, have you ever heard of the Squirrels?" [[No, what is that?|squirrelend3]]

You follow a friendly-looking face up the stairs and past a café where a group of biotechnologists are grabbing a quick snack before a lab meeting. They look totally engrossed in [[their conversation]]. The botany lab is just [[down the hall]].

You step into the elevator. It's not so much cramped as it is snug. Some cosmologists are [[talking]] in the corner. Someone pushes the [[4th floor]] button.

Your shoes make squeaky sounds as you stride across the linoleum tiling. There's the [[door|look around]] to the botany lab.

You hear "The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell" and tune out. [[<< back |botany lab]]

The elevator opens up to the 4th floor. The botany lab is just [[down the hall|down the hall]].

It's a debate about B-modes. Both sides are polarized. Do you [[keep listening|pun2]]? [[<< back|4th floor]]

More people enter. Now it's a conversation about electrons. Everyone's getting excited. Do you [[keep listening|pun3]]? [[<< back|4th floor]]

The elevator lurches. Now the discourse is about the conditions of the early universe. It's getting heated. Do you [[keep listening|pun5]]? [[<< back|4th floor]]

Some people leave. It's a debate about ions. The atmosphere is charged. Do you [[keep listening|pun4]]? [[<< back|4th floor]]

Some people get on. A few leave. A counterargument is made about entropy. Do you [[keep listening|pun6]]? [[<< back|4th floor]]

Some time passes... Do you [[keep listening|pun7]]? [[<< back|4th floor]]

It seems like both sides have reached equilibrium on an answer. Do you [[keep listening|pun8]]? [[<< back|4th floor]]

Everyone gets out and a new crowd gets in. They're talking about experiments at absolute zero. (It's OK.) Do you [[keep listening|pun9]]? [[<< back|4th floor]]

Now it's a conversation about lab work. I guess all the other topics Argonne. Do you [[keep listening|pun10]]? [[<< back|4th floor]]

Someone from the first conversation gets back on the elevator. [[Uh-oh...]]

"Hey, I noticed you from before. Have you been here this whole time?" [[Tell the truth]] [[Lie your dirty liar pants off]]

You explain that you've totally been eavesdropping in on elevator talk for the better half of the morning. [[Await sanctions|candor]] [[Hope for the best|candor]]

Surprisingly, the scientist isn't mad. "I've totally been there. I missed half my lab section once, just listening to professors talking about cosmic dust. Really! It's more interesting than it sounds." A sigh of relief. You introduce yourself. "Tell me..." They continue, "have you heard anything about the Owls? We're looking for new members. I think you'd fit right in." You smile, curiously. "If you're interested, you should take this." They hand you an <a href="https://parablesoftheparasite.wordpress.com/owls-2/">APPLICATION</a>. "Let's talk soon?" <center>END OF GAME</center>

You lie obviously. The scientist catches on. "There's nothing to be embarassed about. I've totally been there. One time, I missed half my lab section, just listening to professors talk about cosmic dust. Well, it's more interesting than it sounds." A sigh of relief. You introduce yourself. "Tell me..." They continue, "have you heard anything about the Owls? We're looking for new members. I think you'd fit right in." You smile, curiously. "If you're interested, you should take this." They hand you an <a href="https://parablesoftheparasite.wordpress.com/owls-2/">APPLICATION</a>. "Let's talk soon?" <center>END OF GAME</center>

You approach the terminal. It's the start screen for a game called Colossal Cave Adventure. Do you <a href="http://www.amc.com/shows/halt-and-catch-fire/exclusives/colossal-cave-adventure">play it</a> or go [[back upstairs|STACKS]]?

You head behind the far stack of plants to find a scientist crouched against a hydroponic pod with an open notebook. The scientist greets you warmly, "Have you come to listen to my poems?" [[Sure, why not!|bot2]] [[No, this is a lab for plants.|bot3]]

Inside are rows of hydroponic plants aligned in vertical stacks. Along the perimeter neon pink lights carve out the shapes of flowering vines. You're so overwhelmed by the spectacle that you almost don't realize you're not alone in the room. "Hello?" A voice pipes up from behind a rows of plants. [[Examine the source of the voice|bot1]] [[Leave |botfail]]

You express your interest in the scientist's poetry. "I'm so glad! I was scared no one would show up to my reading, but I'm glad someone got my memo." [[What memo?]]

You leave the lab and head back to the center of the quad. [[Next >>|START]]

"You're right. Sorry for goofing off during my lab shift." The scientist stands upright and gets back to work, "So are you interested in any STEM fields?" [[Yes.]] [[It's not really my thing...]]

What memo?, you ask. "Oh. Maybe I shouldn't be telling you this, but I'm a member of a secret... Actually, just take this as thanks for showing interest in my writing." The scientist hands you a handmade zine of poems as well as an <a href="https://parablesoftheparasite.wordpress.com/squirrels-2/">APPLICATION</a> form to join the Squirrels. <center>END OF GAME</center>

It's not really your thing. "Huh. Then what are you doing in a lab?" They ask curiously. [[Talk about the history and philosophy of science|botsnake]] [[Talk about your appreciation for the aesthetics of plants|botsquir]]

You excitedly share your interests in the sciences and the scientist returns your enthusiasm. "Tell me..." They continue, "have you heard anything about the Owls? They're looking for new members and I think you'd fit right in." You smile, curiously. "If you're interested, you should take this." They hand you an <a href="https://parablesoftheparasite.wordpress.com/owls-2/">APPLICATION</a>. "Hopefully I'll see you around." <center>END OF GAME</center>

You excitedly share your interest in the history and philosophy of science and medicine with the scientist (who returns your enthusiasm). "Tell me..." The scientist continues, "have you heard anything about the Serpents? They're looking for new members and I think you'd fit right in." You smile, curiously. "If you're interested, you should take this." They hand you an <a href="https://parablesoftheparasite.wordpress.com/serpents-2/">APPLICATION</a>. "Hopefully I'll see you around." <center>END OF GAME</center>

You excitedly share your enthusiasm for the aesthetics of plants. "Tell me..." The scientist inquires, "have you heard anything about the Squirrels? They're looking for new members and I think you'd fit right in." You smile, curiously. "If you're interested, you should take this." They hand you an <a href="https://parablesoftheparasite.wordpress.com/squirrels-2/">APPLICATION</a>. "Hopefully I'll see you around." <center>END OF GAME</center>

"Follow me..." You walk together out the door and up the stairs to the top floor of the Tower. Your new friend turns to you. "You know so much about music and you have a creative mind. You might want to consider this." Your new friend hands you an <a href="https://parablesoftheparasite.wordpress.com/squirrels-2/">APPLICATION</a> to join the Squirrels. <center>END OF GAME</center>