Look Closer

Your browser lacks required capabilities. Please upgrade it or switch to another to continue.

Loading…

(Iteration 1/5) You push open the thick wooden door to the tavern and step inside, grateful to be out of the biting wind. You realize that [[all of the eyes in the room are now on you.]] <<set $Iteration to "1">> <<set $LaineyTalk to false>> <<set $AmuletTalk to false>> <<set $GuardTalk to false>> <<set $HasMoss to false>> <<set $DaughterCured to false>> <<set $Princess to false>> <<set $HasDiadem to false>> <<set $Companion to "None">> <<set $HasEggs to false>>

It makes sense, you figure. Well-armed adventurers probably aren't an everyday sighting around these parts. Still, you figure you should probably address the prying eyes. [["Can I help you?"|Back to normal]] [["What are you looking at?"|Back to normal]] [[(Stare coldly.)|Back to normal]] [[(Draw your sword.)|Back to normal]]

For a second, it's so quiet that you figure you could hear a pin drop. Then, abruptly, conversation resumes and patrons return to their drinks. It looks like you've been accepted... or at least not deemed worthy of further attention. You hear a whistle behind you and turn. Your clients are sitting at a worn old table behind you and [[a few steps to the left.]]

You walk up to the table. Three people in hardened leather armor lounge in chairs clustered around it. The table is cluttered with half-finished kegs of ale and bourbon. "Greetings, friend!" says the man closest to you. He makes a sweeping gesture towards an empty chair. "Care to sit down and join us?" [["Sure, thanks."]] [["I'll stand."]] [[(Cross your arms and wait.)]]

You sit down and scooch the chair up to the table. [["Now, let's get down to business, shall we?"]]

The man shrugs. "Suit yourself." [["Now, let's get down to business, shall we?"]]

"Not chatty, are you?" he says. "Not a problem with me. [[Let's get started.|"Now, let's get down to business, shall we?"]]"

You lean back and fold your arms behind your head, waiting. "We're trying to save a princess," the man closest to you says. "She's being held in a tower at the southern edge of the kingdom. Without the key, there's no getting her out, though." [["Where is this key?"]] [["So this is what, a treasure hunt?"]] [[(Let him coninue.)|"Where is this key?"]]

The man offers you an uncomfortable smile. "It's in a large cavern system nearby," he says. [[You get the feeling that things are about to get complicated.]]

The man utters a short laugh, or more of a bark, really. "Not exactly," he says. "We already know where the key is. It's in a large cavern system nearby." [[You get the feeling that things are about to get complicated.]]

As if he could tell what you were thinking, the man tenatively presses on. "There's a dragon living in the cave. That's where you come in." [[Of course. There's always a dragon, isn't there?]] The second man at the table speaks. His voice is a dry rasp. "You have killed dragons before... right?" [["Of course."|Whew.]] [["Um... not exactly."|Uhoh]] [[Lie: "Yeah, I kill dragons all the time."|Whew.]] [["I'll figure it out, don't worry."|Uhoh]] [[(Shrug.)|Uhoh]]

I mean, come on, it's literally always a dragon. Or at the very least, a monster of some sort. If there was such a thing as an occupational cliche for adventurers, dragons would surely be it. [[Stupid dragon.|You get the feeling that things are about to get complicated.]]

The man lets loose an unconscious sigh of relief. "Splendid. In that case, don't let us hold you up any more than we have already. You best get to it." [["Alright, I'll be back when the job's done."|"Alright, I'll be back when the job's done."]] [["Hold on, don't we need to talk about my payment?"|"Hold on, don't we need to talk about my payment?"]]

The man inhales sharply. "I told you we should've hired that ex-military captain instead," he says to the other man. The second man shrugs. "I think this one can figure it out. Much cheaper, too." [["Alright, I'll be back when the job's done."|"Alright, I'll be back when the job's done."]] [["Ah yes, money. Let's talk about that."|"Hold on, don't we need to talk about my payment?"]]

The second man shrugs. "What, are you saying you want more?" [["Yeah, I want more."|"Yeah, I want more."]] [["Forget it."|"Forget it."]]

The three people around the table offer stiff nods, but you can tell that they've said their piece. You look around, not seeing much else to do here. <<if $iteration is "2">>Right?<</if>> [[Exit the tavern.]] <<if $Iteration is "2">>[[Look closer.]]<</if>> <<if $Iteration is "3">>[[Look closer.]]<</if>> <<if $Iteration is "4">>[[Look closer.]]<</if>>

The man exhales with some exasperation. "We offered you 15 gold coins. How much more do you want?" [["20."|"20."]] [["25."|"25."]] [["30."|"30."]] [["35."|"35."]] [["40."|"35."]] [["45."|"35."]] [["50."|"35."]] [["How much are you willing to spend?"|"How much are you willing to spend?"]] [["Nevermind, 15's fine."|"Forget it."]]

You decide it's not worth it to press the issue. No point in angering the sort of people whose pocketbooks let you make a living as an adventurer. [[Well, it's time to get going, you figure.]]

The man shrugs. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just get going, alright?" [[Well, it's time to get going, you figure.]]

The man grunts. "Fine. 25. Now, if you don't mind..." [[Well, it's time to get going, you figure.]]

The man's face darkens as he scowls. For a second, you think he's going to refuse. Then... "Fine. Get going before I regret it, though." [[Well, it's time to get going, you figure.]]

The man utters a short bark of laughter. "Nope. Be grateful for what you're being given; you need the work more than we need you, I bet." [[Well, it's time to get going, you figure.]]

"15 gold coins, as advertised," the man says with a smirk. You realize that you're remarkably bad at bargaining. [[Well, it's time to get going, you figure.]]

It's time to go, then. <<if $iteration is 2>>Right?<</if>> [[Exit the tavern.]] <<if $Iteration is "2">>[[Look closer.]]<</if>> <<if $Iteration is "3">>[[Look closer.]]<</if>> <<if $Iteration is "4">>[[Look closer.]]<</if>>

Stepping outside the tavern, you breathe in deeply, appreciating the fresh air. It really is a pleasant day out, even in spite of that blasted wind. The colder air hasn't stripped the leaves from the trees yet, and there are still birds softly chirping in the background. A single path winds away from the tavern, going straight towards the imposing entrance to the cave. It's but a short distance away. [[Take off running.|Guard]] [[Take a leisurely stroll.|Guard]]

"You there! Stop!" A man in a shoddy suit of armor steps into the road, effectively blocking your path. He has a small wooden shield and a rusty old sword. He must have been hiding in a nearby gully, just waiting for a chance to ambush some unwary passerby. You come to a halt. "If you want to use this road, you've gotta pay the toll. Three silver pieces. <<if $Companion is "Lainey">>Each.<</if>> King's orders." You check your money bag. It's been awhile since you've had a job, and you only have two silver pieces. You can also tell that something is not quite right here.... [["This isn't a taxable highway, friend."|"This isn't a taxable highway, friend."]] [["Yeah, no."|"Yeah, no."]] [["Two silver pieces is all I have. Will you take that?"|"Two silver pieces is all I have. Will you take that?"]] [["Get outta my way before I take it upon myself to end you."|"Get outta my way before I take it upon myself to end you."]] [[(Attack him.)|(Attack him)]] <<if $Iteration is "2">>[[Look closer.|LC2]]<</if>> <<if $Iteration is "3">>[[Look closer.|LC2]]<</if>> <<if $Iteration is "4">>[[Look closer.|LC2]]<</if>>

The man freezes. "Umm, sure it is. In fact, it was just awarded that status yesterday. I am, in fact, the first guy the King's sent to umm... collect the taxes." [["Move. Now."|Intimidate]] [["Don't insult my intelligence."|Fake]]

The man steps forward, waving his sword in a way that he probably intended to be menacing. "You'd dare defy the law of your King?" [["You're clearly an imposter."|Fake]] [[Lie: "I have no money, friend."|Broke]] [["I'm not afraid of the King."|Intimidate]]

The man hesitates, looks furtively in either direction, then nods. "I'll take what I can get, I guess... for the King, I mean, of course." He takes the two silver pieces and straightens, stepping aside. "Long live the King. [[You may proceed.]]"

Snarling, the man swings his old sword at you. You step back, dodging the clumsy strike effortlessly. He's clearly no expert swordsman. You draw your own sword. Its blue steel glints in the sunlight. Your opponent hesitates. [["Last warning!"|"Last warning!"]] [[(Kill him.)|(Kill him.)]]

Drawing your blue steel blade, you launch a whirling offense against the man, driving him back with a flurry of powerful blows. Within a few moments, you disarm him, swatting his old sword from his grip. [[Then, you finish the job.|(Kill him.)]]

Leaving the ambush point behind you, you continue your trek towards the dragon's lair. Within a half an hour, you arrive outside of the cave. As you're about to go inside, you hear footsteps echoing from its cavernous depths. [[You take cover behind the nearest rock.]]

The man hesitates for longer yet, and you know that you have him. Slowly, reluctantly, his shoulders slumped in defeat, he steps backwards. "Long live the King. [[You may proceed.]]"

Lunging forward, you finish your opponent off with a powerful thrust. Searching the corpse, you don't find the royal insignia on any of his equipment. Perhaps you made the right call; this man clearly didn't serve the King. [[Time to go.|You may proceed.]]

The man goes pale. "Impersonating an officer of the King is punishable by death," you remind him. He takes two steps backwards, then, dropping his arms in his haste, turns and runs. [[Looks like you're free to go.|You may proceed.]]

"Oh," he says, seeming slightly abashed. "Everyone is these days, I guess. But go ahead and use the highway anyway; ours is a generous King." He steps back from the road. "[[You may proceed.]] Long live the King."

Something in your eyes, or perhaps the tone of your voice, ensures that the man is unable to meet your gaze. Submissively, he steps off of the road. "[[You may proceed.]] Long live the King."

Within a few minutes, a trio of dirty adventurers tromp out of the cave. One of them is carrying a burlap sack full of what appears to be spherical objects. "Looks clear," he says to his friends. [["Greetings, friends!"|"Greetings, friends!"]] [["Hands in the air! Your loot is now mine!"|Rob]] [[(Stay hidden.)]] <<if $Iteration is "3">>[[Look closer.|LCEgg]]<</if>> <<if $Iteration is "4">>[[Look closer.|LCEgg]]<</if>>

You stand and face the depths of the cave. There are no sources of light, only a black cavern that resembles a ravenous, gaping maw. You pull a wooden torch from a nearby sconce and strike a match, lighting it. The way before you is now clear. [[Proceed deeper into the cave.]]

One of the adventurers gives a violent start. "Oh! Um, greetings," he says. "Sorry we didn't see you there," adds another. "We'd love to stay and talk, but we're in quite the hurry." [["Fair enough. Good to meet you."]] [["You're sure you can't tell me about your quest?"]] [["You're not going anywhere until you hand over the loot."|Rob]]

You decide it's for the best to let these other adventurers complete whatever quest brought them here in peace. Adventurers have been known to do rash things when startled, after all. You wait silently until you're confident that they're well out of earshot. [[Then you enter the cave.|Cave]]

"Oh, umm yeah. Same, I guess," says one of the adventurers. The three hurry off. Adventurers can be such strange people. [[At least you're free to enter the cave now. Which you do, of course.|Cave]]

"Nope, sorry, bye, see ya around!" the lead adventurer says. The three take off, almost running away from you. Adventurers can be such strange people. [[At least you're free to enter the cave now. Which you do, of course.|Cave]]

Stepping out from behind the rock, you draw your sword. With a flash of blue steel, it's at the throat of the first adventurer. He swallows hard and slowly raises his hands. "Put down the bag," you say. <<if $Iteration is 4>>"Those dragon eggs belong to my friend."<</if>> "Take it easy, pal," says the adventurer carrying the bag. "I'm gonna set this down real slow and..." The adventurer to whose neck you're holding the sword suddenly ducks and pivots, jabbing his elbow into your stomach so quickly you can't react. You stumble backwards, winded but still holding your sword. [[Go on the offensive.]] [[Run for it.]]

Recovering, you advance upon the other adventurers again, this time not bothering to take hostages. You parry a thrust from the first adventurer, then deal him a fatal blow to his chest. The second adventurer advances on you with a pike. You jump out of reach of his first jab, then step deftly around him. As he tries to turn the unwieldly weapon, you run him through. The third adventurer, the one carrying the bag, had fallen behind the other two for protection. Now, his face a mask of grim determination, he sets down the bag. "If we can't have 'em, you're sure as hell not getting them!" he says. <<if $Companion is "None">>You lunge at him as quickly as you can, but he's already vigorously stomping on the bag. Whatever was in it is a stinky purple mush by the time you finish him off. A pity that you didn't gain anything from the battle, but at least [[the way to the cave is now clear.|Cave]]<<elseif $Companion is "Lainey">>Raising his foot, he prepares to stomp on the bag of dragon eggs, but instead crumples to the ground as Lainey's boot smashes into his face. She follows the spinning kick up by dropping to one knee and thrusting her elbow straight down, snapping his neck. "I see that you've been in a few scraps before," you say to her. Lainey smirks. "My mom taught me. It's... a family tradition." She gently picks up the bag of dragon eggs and inspects the contents, nodding in satisfaction when she sees that they're undamaged. "We got the eggs. Do I get to meet your friend now?" You gesture to the cave. [["After you."|Cave]] <<set $HasEggs to true>><</if>>

As skilled as you are, attacking three adventurers at once was still a mistake. You decide to cut your losses and make a break for it. Sheathing your sword, you run into the cave. However, you realize right away that you're not being pursued; yours <<if $Companion is "Lainey">>and Lainey's <</if>>are the only footsteps ringing out on the cave's cold stone floor. The other adventurers must have had similar thoughts about armed confrontation. Now it's just you and [[the cave.|Cave]]

There are no divergent pathways, only a tightly spiraling corridor that winds deeper and deeper underground. As you go deeper, you feel the temperature beginning to drop. Eventually, you reach the bottom of the cave. Amid a huge pile of trinkets and what appears to be assorted garabge lies a giant dragon, its side rising and falling softly as it slumbers. You look around for the key... and then spot it. Directly in front of the dragon's giant, scaly nose. [[Sneak up and try to steal the key.]] [[Sneak up and stab the dragon in the face.]] [[Throw a piece of garbage so it sounds like there's something on the other side of the cavern.]] [[Yell "WAKEY WAKEY, SUNSHINE!"]] <<if $DaughterCured is true>>[["Heya, Kylie!"|"Heya, Kylie!"]]<</if>>

You sneak up to the dragon and lift the key verrryyyyy sllooowwwllllyyyy off of the ground in front of its face. It doesn't wake up. Well, that was easy. You turn around and start heading for the cavern's exit. Then, you stop and look back over your shoulder. A giant golden eye is watching you. Uh-oh. You set the key down verrryyyyy sllooowwwllllyyyy. The dragon gets to its feet, and, throwing its head back, unleashes a [[mighty roar.]]

You sneak up to the dragon and run its head through as it sleeps. Its eyes shoot open, and it makes a gurgle of surprise. But at this point, it's basically already a shish kebab. You pull your sword out, pick up the key, and walk away as the dragon collapses behind you, [[dead.]]

Lifting up an aluminum goblet, you hurl it with all your might away from you. As it clanks against the ground, the dragon is instantly awake, its head snapping to the direction where the sound came from. Unfortunately, it doesn't charge off that way. Instead, it starts to look around, and, shocker, sees you. And my goodness, it does NOT look amused. The dragon gets to its feet, and, throwing its head back, unleashes a [[mighty roar.]]

The dragon eye nearest you snaps open and the dragon slowly raises its head. At first, it doesn't seem to see you... or maybe it just thinks you're too stupid to possibly exist. Then it gets over it. The dragon gets to its feet, and, throwing its head back, unleashes a [[mighty roar.]]

As the cavern reverberates, you realize you have time to do only one thing before the beast is upon you. [[Launch a preemptive strike.]] [[Make a grab for the key and run.]] <<if $Iteration is "2">>[[Look closer.|LC3]]<</if>> <<if $Iteration is "3">>[[Look closer.|LC3]]<</if>> <<if $Iteration is "4">>[[Look closer.|LC3]]<</if>>

With the dragon gone and the key secured, getting back to the tavern is a breeze. Indeed, absolutely nothing eventful happens on the journey back. You arrive at the tavern, and this time, there's no disruption as you enter. The three people who hired you are sitting at the table, right where you left them. Seeing you, one of the men breaks out in a broad grin. "Ay, adventurer! You're back! I take it you have the key?" [["It's right here."]] [["Let's see the money."]]

Drawing your sword, you charge, hoping to catch the beast by surprise. It's time to [[slay a dragon.]]

You try to snag the key, but the dragon's tail smashes into your midsection, throwing you across the room. Getting up, you unsheath your sword. It's time to [[slay a dragon.]]

The dragon swipes at you with its claws, and you step aside, moving closer, not giving it any space to breathe. The dragon bites at you, but you swat its muzzle away with the flat of your sword just in time. Rearing back, it opens its mouth. You feel the temperature in the room beginning to increase. You roll to the side as a bright stream of fire liquifies the trash you were standing on mere moments ago. Coming to your feet, you throw your sword in desparation. It hits the dragon right in the face. The dragon looks rather surprised, and indeed, you're kinda surprised yourself; you didn't think that'd work. But, as you return and pick up the key, the dragon crumples to the ground, [[dead.]]

You pass him the key. "So it is!" the man says, grinning from ear to ear. "If only you knew what a huge service you've done us... and the princess too, of course." Reaching into his pocket, he fishes around for something, and passes a small leather pouch to you. "As promised," he says. "I consider it money well spent." You open the pouch and count the coins. The man was honest; the amount the two of you agreed upon is there. "Pleasure doing business with you," the other man says. You nod your appreciation and walk out of the establishment, into the bright sunlight that shines as radiantly as your future. [[The End.]]

Reaching into his pocket, he fishes around for something, and passes a small leather pouch to you. "As promised," he says. "I consider it money well spent." You open the pouch and count the coins. The man was honest; the amount the two of you agreed upon is there. You pass him the key. "This is it!" the man says, grinning from ear to ear. "If only you knew what a huge service you've done us... and the princess too, of course." "Pleasure doing business with you," the other man says. You nod your appreciation and walk out of the establishment, into the bright sunlight that shines as radiantly as your future. [[The End.]]

You've completed the quest, defeated the dragon, saved the princess, and been richly rewarded! Thanks for playing "Look Closer." <<if $Iteration is "1">>[[Play Again.|Interlude1]]<</if>> <<if $Iteration is "2">>[[Play Again.|Interlude1]]<</if>> <<if $Iteration is "3">>[[Play Again.|Interlude2]]<</if>> <<if $Iteration is "4">>[[Play Again.|Interlude3]]<</if>>

(Iteration 2/5) <<set $Iteration to "2">> "That can't be all there is to this," you say out loud. "I mean, c'mon, that was literally the most cliche game anybody could possibly imagine. There HAS to be more going on here, right?" Otherwise, you figure, calling the game "Look Closer" would be rather stupid. You resolve to look more carefully at the world around you this time. Maybe you can find something that's actually interesting. [[Begin.|Welcome2]]

You stop for a moment, and inspect your clients a little more closely. The two men you were talking with are rather unremarkable in appearance. They are bearded and heavyset, and look like just about everyone else in the region. The woman, on the other hand, catches your attention. Throughout your entire conversation with the men, she never spoke, just watched. But her body language is far from submissive; if anything, the way she's sprawled across her chair screams confidence to you. [[Talk to her.]] [[Ignore her and leave the tavern.|Exit the tavern.]]

<<set $Companion to "None">>You push open the thick wooden door to the tavern and step inside, grateful to be out of the biting wind. You realize that [[all of the eyes in the room are now on you.]]

<<set $LaineyTalk to true>> As if on cue, the two men stand up and start to wander towards the bar, leaving the woman alone at the table. You double back and sit down across from her. [["Hi."|"Hi."]] [["What's your name?"|"What's your name?"]] [["Not a drinker, huh?"|"Not a drinker, huh?"]]

"Hi," the woman says back, making a little waving motion with her hand as she does so. The gesture strikes you as very sarcastic. [["What's your name?"|"What's your name?"]] [["Not a drinker, huh?"|"Not a drinker, huh?"]]

"Lainey," she says. You wait a moment for her to ask you your name, but she seems rather disinterested. [["It's good to meet you, Lainey."]] [["Why did you let the men do all the talking?"]] [["Can you tell me anything else about this quest?"]]

The woman makes a little shrugging motion. "Not with those two lunkheads." [["Hi."|"Hi."]] [["What's your name?"|"What's your name?"]]

"I'm perfectly happy being single, you know," Lainey says dryly. "That isn't what I meant," you say. Lainey shrugs. [["Why did you let the men do all the talking?"]] [["Can you tell me anything else about this quest?"]]

Lainey raises an eyebrow. "Do I strike you as chatty?" she asks. She lets silence hang in the air for a moment before she continues. "I'm not much interested in the type of business they're running," she says. [["What kind of business is that?"|MoreInfo]] [["What's really going on here?"|MoreInfo]] [["So you don't care about the princess?"|MoreInfo]]

Lainey offers a dark chuckle. "I can tell you far more than you want to know about this 'quest,'" she says. She lets silence hang in the air for a moment before continuing. "There's more going on here than you've been led to believe." [["Well, tell me already!"|MoreInfo]] [["I'm not sure I follow."|MoreInfo]] [["Is it about the Princess?"|MoreInfo]]

"The men I came here with are dragon poachers," Lainey says. "There is no Princess and no tower and no glory to be found in any of this business. You're being used, plain and simple." "So the men really just want me to kill the dragon for them?" you ask. "Yeah," says Lainey. "That key is worthless; it's just a trinket of the sort the dragon likes to collect. The poachers saw it there when they tried to kill the dragon themselves." "I'd imagine that didn't go over well?" you ask. "Let's just say that there used to be three of them," replies Lainey with a smirk. [["Thanks for letting me know."|MoreInfo2]] [["Why are you telling me this?"|MoreInfo2]] [["If they're poachers, then who are you?"|MoreInfo2]] [["I should turn you all in."|MoreInfo2]]

"I'm not like them," Lainey says with more conviction than you've heard in her voice before. "I'm only working with them because I need something from the dragon's lair." [["What are you looking for?"|MoreInfo3]] [["What's this mystery object worth to you?"|MoreInfo3]] [["Maybe I could help you."|MoreInfo3]]

"I seek a gold amulet with a blue topaz set in its center," Lainey says. "I'd happily pay a great deal for the object's safe return, if you're willing to look for it. Being able to take my leave of this disgusting filth..." She gestures to the poachers, who are completely absorbed in their drinks. "... is well worth the expenditure." [["I'll bring your amulet back... I promise."|MoreInfo4]] [["No guarantees, but I'll see what I can do."|MoreInfo4]] [["I'll think about it."|MoreInfo4]] <<if $Iteration is "3">>[["I tried to get your amulet, but there's a giant rock on it."]]<</if>> <<if $Iteration is "4">>[["Here ya go, enjoy the throne!"]]<</if>>

"Thanks," Lainey says softly, not meeting your gaze. "I appreciate it. Now, you best be off; you still have a quest to complete, after all." Lainey leans back in her chair and closes her eyes. It seems to be a not-so-subtle indication that your conversation with her is over. [[Exit the tavern.]]

<<set $GuardTalk to true>> Before you act, you look the guard up and down, taking careful note of everything you see. The man's armor isn't just shoddy; it's been cobbled together from half a dozen different sets, most of which were probably quite old. If it wasn't apparent before, you're now completely certain that this man isn't in the King's employ. However, he doesn't look like any highway robber you've seen before; where those men tend to carry themselves in an overblown manner, this one looks haggard with sleep deprivation and worry. You notice that he keeps glancing out of the corner of his eyes at a grassy knoll a few yards away. [["What's behind that hill?"|MI]] [["Are you okay?"|MI]] [["Who are you?"|MI]]

The man's eyes widen in surprise. Then, wordlessly, he turns around and starts walking towards the knoll. You follow. He crouches down behind the knoll. A few sorry pieces of survival equipment, including a tent and a pickaxe, are arrayed around a small campfire. But your attention is immediately drawn to the little girl. She's wrapped in several blankets by the fire, but she still looks cold. She can't be more than six. "My wife died last year," the man says. "I spent all our savings giving her a proper burial. Now, my daughter has the Yurok Fever, and I have nothing." [["That's why you tried to stick me up!"|MI2]] [["The hospitals won't save a little girl's life?"|MI2]]

The man hangs his head. "I'm desperate," he says. "I've taken her to every hospital I can find, but the answer is always the same. Viridian Moss is the only cure, and no one can offer me a price low enough that I might pay it, even if I sold all I own." He pauses. "I shouldn't have tried to rob you, even considering the misfortune that's befallen me. I'm sorry." [["It's okay. I understand."|MI3]] [["No, I'm sorry. I wish I could help you."|MI3]] [["I've gotta get going."|MI3]] <<if $HasMoss is true>>[["I have Viridian Moss. You can have it for your daughter for free."]]<</if>>

The man gives you a brief nod of acknowledgement. "I don't doubt that you have imperative business to attend to. Please, be on your way." [[Not knowing what else there is to be done, you walk away from the knoll, and back towards the road.|You may proceed.]]

You decide that the best option is just to stand there and look at the dragon. What an exceptionally large dragon it is, too. You wonder just how long those shiny teeth are. At least the length of your arm, you'd wager. And the glittering red scales are so pretty! With a start, you realize that the dragon hasn't attacked you. It's just standing there, looking right back at you. [[Attack the dragon.|Launch a preemptive strike.]] [[Try to steal the dragon's key.|Make a grab for the key and run.]] [["Heya, dragon!"]]

The dragon shakes its head. "Geez, they just don't make humans quite like they used to," it says. "Modern adventurers are the equivalent of fast food. At least those knights from the olden days were extra crunchy...." [["Did you just... talk?"]]

The dragon gives a start. "Uhhh..." "Uhhh..." "Since when can humans speak dragon?" the dragon asks after a moment. "I'm Kylie, by the way." [["I think I'm special."|DM1]] [["I honestly have no idea."|DM1]] [["Since when can dragons speak human?"|DM1]]

Kylie huffs smoke out her nose. "Whatever," she says. "I've never been much of a philisophical thinker... I'm just happy to have someone to talk to." Kylie looks to a small crater nearby. She sighs. "Yup, gone again," she says. [["What's supposed to be there?"|DM2]] [["Did someone rob you?"|DM2]] [["Uh... what?"|DM2]]

"Every day for the past three months, a band of adventurers has stolen my eggs during my afternoon nap," Kylie says, more than a hint of exasperation present in her voice. "Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I get regular visits from these ordinary egg thieves instead of the full-on dragon poachers I ran off the other day; after all, I can hardly claim I've seen a dude dragon around here for a few centuries. But still... all this is rather offensive, don't you think?" You decide that it's best to agree vigorously. "Anyways," says Kylie, "I'm sorry I almost melted your face before. I'm not really a fan of humans. The stupid, non-talking ones that steal my eggs have been... poor ambassadors for your species." Kylie cocks her head at you, as if pondering something. "Is there any way I can make it up to you?" she asks. [["Don't sweat it."]] [["Any chance you'd be willing to part with some of these trinkets?"]]

You almost say it, but then decide to hold your tongue. You have the chance to do some good here, you realize. [[You backtrack.|DM2]]

"Sure," says Kylie. "I've got plenty. What are you looking for?" <<if $LaineyTalk is true>>[["I'm looking for a golden amulet with a blue topaz."]]<</if>> <<if $GuardTalk is true>>[["Do you have anything expensive I could sell to buy medicine for a sick kid?"]]<</if>> [["I need that key by your foot there, please. Then I'll be on my way."]]

"That's an odd request, but it doesn't have any sentimental value to me," Kylie says. "Here ya go." She pushes the key towards you with a hooked claw. "I'd best be going," you say. Kylie nods dismissively. "Figures. I've got one last thing for you, though." Kylie drops a leather pouch in front of you. "It's dragon leather. They say that anything surrounded by dragon leather can pass through any obstruction. I hope we're square now." "Thanks," you say. <<if $HasMoss is true>>You put the moss that Kylie gave you into the bag.<</if>> [[Time to hit the road, then.]]

The dragon hangs her head, looking surprisingly like a shamed dog. "Uhh... yeah. It's right over there," she says, gesturing with her tail to a boulder. "As in... it's... under the rock?" you ask. "Yeah," says Kylie. "Remember those dragon poachers I mentioned? Well, when they paid me a visit the other day, one of the three broke off and tried to sneak up behind me. I, of course, ate him... but I had to cook him first. The heat from the fire may or may not have caused minor structural damage to my lair. And that minor structural damage may or may not have caused that there boulder to fall onto some of my newer treasures." "Can you move it? Or melt it?" you ask. "Nah," Kylie says. "That's a chunk of old bedrock. Dense, heavy, and heat resistant. You'd need some sharp metal thingy to chip through it. Sorry. Is there anything else you want? You can have as much treasure as you like." [["If you don't mind...."|"Any chance you'd be willing to part with some of these trinkets?"]] <<set $AmuletCheck to true>>

"A sick kid?" asks Kylie. You take a few minutes to explain the situation concerning the guard's daughter. "You don't need to sell anything," replies Kylie. "Viridian Moss grows in my cave here. I'm happy to scrape some off the walls for you; it doesn't taste that great anyways." "Thanks," you say as Kylie deposits a substantial pile of dark green moss in front of you. "Is there anything else you want? You can have as much as you want." [["If you don't mind...."|"Any chance you'd be willing to part with some of these trinkets?"]] <<if $Iteration is "2">> <<if $AmuletCheck is true>> <<set $Iteration to "3">> <</if>> <</if>> <<set $HasMoss to true>>

You take the quickest road back to the tavern. You look for the guard and his daughter on the way back, but they're nowhere to be found. Before too long, you arrive at the tavern. The three people who hired you are sitting at the table, right where you left them. Seeing you, one of the men breaks out in a broad grin. "Ay, adventurer! You're back! I take it you have the key?" <<if $LaineyTalk is true>>Lainey offers you a nod of acknowledgement.<</if>><<if $HasDiadem is true>> You figure it's best not to give her the amulet in front of the poachers. There will be more opportune moments later.<</if>> [["It's right here."]] [["Let's see the money."]]

(Iteration 3/5) Well, you've definitely made some progress, you figure. But you might've got a little more than you bargained for... you can't shake the feeling that as it is right now, all the wrong people are coming out ahead. What a crappy story. But this quest doesn't have to be over yet; maybe there's something you can do. The problems that the people you've met face are far from insurmountable... but they will take some creative thinking to solve. Fortunately, creative thinking is what real heroes do best. You realize that you're right outside the tavern doors again. To your surprise, the dragon leather pouch is still clipped to your waist. You open it up to see the Viridian Moss that Kylie gave you. The dragon leather's ability to pass through obstructions must work on the fourth wall, too. Yummy. Kylie might've given you just what you needed to start fixing the brokenness you see around you. [[Might as well get started....|Welcome2]]

The man's eyes widen as you open the dragon leather pouch and pass him the entire pile of moss. He reaches out and takes it with trembling hands. "I don't know how I can thank you," the man says, tears welling up in his eyes. "This will be more than enough to cure my daughter." He kneels down by the girl. "There there, love," he says, stroking her hair. "You're going to be alright now." He straightens and faces you. "I don't know why you did this, but I owe you everything. I only wish there was some way I could repay you." <<if $Princess is true>>[["I could use that pickaxe you have there...."]]<</if>> <<if $Princess is false>>[["No payment is necessary."]]<</if>>

<<set $DaughterCured to true>> "Take it," the man says. "It's the least I can do." You nod your gratitude, and hefting the pickaxe, set off away from the knoll. You look over your shoulder and watch the father and daughter for a moment as the man begins to prepare the medicine. <<if $Companion is "Lainey">>"You did a good thing, y'know," Lainey says to you, approval apparent in her eyes.<</if>> [[There's still the quest to be attended to, though.|You may proceed.]]

Lainey raises an eyebrow at you. "I literally just told you about it. That's impossible, unless... do you practice sorcery?" "It's... complicated," you say. "Maybe you're just the boon I need then," Lainey says slowly. "I'm going to trust you. Don't make me regret it." [["Okay...."|Okay....]]

<<set $Princess to true>> "I lied to you before," Lainey says. "There is a Princess, and I am she. Don't tell those buffoons over there, though. A rogue knight claimed our royal amulet, the symbol of my family's sovereignty. He used the legitimacy that came with it to take over my kingdom and force my family into hiding. Fortunately, his greed was ultimately his undoing; he made the mistake of trying to slay a certain dragon." *I've been there a few times,* you think. "Less fortunately, the dragon added my family's royal amulet to its hoard after it ate him. We need that amulet to make a legitimate claim to the throne once more... and my kingdom will remain in turmoil until we do." "I'm still not sure how to get it out from under that rock," you say. "Maybe you can find something to break the rock?" suggests Lainey. "Not with force, like a dragon would... maybe a precision tool of some sort?" She shrugs. "I'm confident you'll figure it out. But I should probably let you [[get back to questing.]]"

"Well, thank you again," the man says. "Thank you so much." You nod and set off away from the knoll. You look over your shoulder and watch the father and daughter for a moment as the man begins to prepare the medicine. [[There's still the quest to be attended to, though.|You may proceed.]]

You peer closely at the people walking out of the cave. That sack that one of them is carrying.... You suddenly realize that these must be the egg thieves that Kylie told you about! You decide it's time to [[put a stop to this scum.|Rob]]

One of Kylie's giant dragon eyes opens and looks at you balefully. "The talking human returns. Can't I nap in peace?" [["Sorry, fam."|Mine]] [["Nope!"|Mine]] [["I need your help."|Mine]] <<if $HasEggs is true>>[["We brought you something!"]]<</if>>

<<set $HasDiadem to true>> Kylie huffs in exasperation. "Alright, what brings you by today? I'm assuming that this isn't a social call...." "I'm going to get that amulet out from under the rock," you say, hefting the pickaxe that the guard gave you. "Can you squeeze the rock as hard as you can, and I'll hit the pressure points?" Kylie gives an even longer huff. "Oh, I suppose. I was about to eat you last time, after all. But after this, we're square for real. Got it?" It's a long and grueling job, but eventually, you and Kylie manage to destroy much of the bedrock slab. Grunting with exertion, Kylie shoves what's left of the slab just far enough backwards that your skinny human arm can reach under it and snag the amulet. You place it safely in your dragon leather bag. [["Thanks, Kylie."|Thanks]] [["I did it!"|Thanks]] [["Okay, I've gotta go."|Thanks]]

"Sure, no problem, happy to wake up just to help you," Kylie says dryly. "Especially since you're going to walk right out of the cave without a second thought. Don't forget your key, though." Kylie walks past the empty nest and kicks the key over to you. You pick it up. [["I want to help you, too."|"I want to help you, too."]] [["Bye."|"See ya around."]]

<<if $Iteration is "3">><<set $Iteration to "4">><</if>> "Oh," says Kylie, clearly taken aback. "Thanks, I guess." She looks like she wants to say more. Then again, you're hardly an expert at reading dragon body language. Regardless, it only takes one look at her empty nest to figure out what you might be able to help her with. [[Time to hit the road, then.]]

"Bye," says Kylie. [[Time to hit the road, then.]]

(Iteration 4/5) You realize that you're right outside the tavern doors again. Your trusty dragon leather pouch is still clipped to your waste. You open it up to see the amulet perched on top of the pile of Viridian Moss that Kylie gave you. Evidently, once an object has been placed inside, you'll have it with you any time you need it. You take a moment to stop and breathe. You've accomplished a lot; the guard certainly won't ever forget what you've done for him and his daughter. But the poachers are still free, and you know deep down that Lainey and Kylie won't ever truly be safe until they're gone. You consider just trying to kill them in the tavern... but you know that they're likely dangerous. And you're not sure, what, exactly, would happen if you died. You'll have to figure out some other way of dealing with them. [[At any rate, you know what comes next.|Welcome2]]

Lainey's eyes widen and her jaw drops. "But... how...?" Then she exhales slowly, falling silent, and waits for you to explain. You tell her everything. "Incredible," Lainey says. "Considering the evidence, I think I believe you. And I owe you a great debt for returning the amulet to me. Soon, peace will be restored to my homeland. I have only one question for you...." "Why do you want to help the dragon?" [["She's a person, too."|uwu]] [["What the egg thieves are doing to her isn't right."|uwu]] [["She helped me. Fair's fair."|uwu]] [["I just like helping."|uwu]] [["To be honest, I'm not really sure."|uwu]]

Lainey shakes her head slowly. "Incredible," she says. She hesitates a moment and then seems to make up her mind about something. "I'm coming with you this time," she says. "You helped me, and now I want to pay it forward. Let's save a dragon." [["Sorry, I work alone."|"Sorry, I work alone."]] [["I'd be glad to have you."|"I'd be glad to have you."]]

You're surprised to see that Lainey looks a little let down. She nods once, curtly. "Sure, of course. I get it. I'll let you [[get back to questing.]]"

<<set $Companion to "Lainey">> Lainey beams at you. It's not a look you ever expected to see on her face. "Let's go!" she says. [[You see no reason to wait around.|Exit the tavern.]]

<<set $Iteration to "5">> You show Kylie the eggs, and she makes a low rumble deep in her throat. It's a noise of surprise and pleasure, and you and Lainey exchange delighted glances. "Thank you," Kylie says. "I doubt you fully understand the significance of what you've done today, but there's more to all this than returned possessions and the fragrant aroma of dead thieves. These eggs might not ever amount to anything... but it feels like you've given me back more than just empty shells." "It was our pleasure," says Lainey. "Ahhh, you must be the recipient of the amulet," says Kylie. "What a pleasure to meet you at last!" [["Hey! How come you weren't this excited when you first met me?"]] [["It's nice to see my friends getting along."]] [["Kylie helped me get your amulet, Lainey."]]

Lainey and Kylie both look at you. [["I'm more than a character being railroaded down a set path."]]

[["Though the fact that I only have one option to 'choose' from right now is rather ironic...."]]

[["Anyways, there's more to life than just the narratives we know. Some things aren't always what they appear to be. And our most dangerous foe is our own complacent ignorance of these realities. But we're not truly defenseless against this dark spectre. We can make choices. And our choices matter."]]

[["These choices don't concern the types of battles we can win with conventional weapons, though. Doing the right thing requires something different. A willingness to look at the world around us in a deeper and more critical way."]]

[["This our story, and I'm rewriting it. We're going back to fix this. Together."]]

(Iteration 5/5) You push open the thick wooden door to the tavern and step inside, grateful to be out of the biting wind. You realize that all of the eyes in the room are now on you. It makes sense, you figure. Well-armed adventurers and princesses probably aren't an everyday sighting around these parts. Or perhaps it's the giant dragon eye peering through the doorway behind you that has their attention. Still, you figure you should probably address the prying eyes. [["Poachers. Stand and face us."|Hunt]] [["Everybody, out. This is a personal matter."|Hunt]] [["Lainey? Kylie? Get ready to start killing."|Hunt]]

Most of the patrons abruptly get up and head for the door. The other door, not the one that currently has a dragon eye in it. However, the two poachers step towards you, looking between Lainey and the empty chair where she was supposed to be sitting. "You've got a lot to answer for," Lainey says. "You two used my friend for your fake quest. You plotted to kill Kylie. You lied out of greed. It's not right. And it ends now." "Since when do you care about that stuff?" one of the poachers asks her. "I've changed," Lainey replies. "What will become of them?" Kylie asks you. "You're the one whom they manipulated. You're also the one who figured out how to get us here. It's only fitting that their fate should be in your hands." [["They're going to jail."]] [["If they apologize and admit their mistakes, they go free."]] [["They die by the sword."]] [["We're going to help them reform."]] [["Kylie? Care for a fried snack?"]] [["Lainey, I want you to decide their fate."]] [["Kylie, I want you to decide their fate."]]

Lainey nods in approval. "Kylie, keep that eye of yours on them. I'll go for the constable." Between you and Kylie, neither of the terrified poachers makes any sort of move while they wait for Lainey and the jailer to return. By the time they've arrived, Lainey is just finishing telling the constable about the mens' crimes. "Don't worry, m'am," the constable says. "They're going away for a good, long time." The constable beckons to several armed guards, and the entourage escorts the criminals out of the tavern. [["So... what now?"]]

"What!?" the first poacher says. Then, he seems to reconsider. Nodding, he clears his throat. "Yeah, I know I'm not a great guy. But I'll keep my nose clean from now on. Promise." The second poacher steps forward. "Thanks," he says to you. "You didn't have to let us go. I'm sure revenge would've felt good. I won't forget this." He glances meaningfully at his companion. "And I'll make sure that he doesn't, either. I'm sorry for what I did." You and Lainey exchange glances, and then you gesture to Kylie. She steps away from the door, allowing the poachers to leave the tavern. [["So... what now?"]]

The two poachers step forward defiantly. "At least we die on our feet," the first one says. They pull long daggers from their belts. You hold up your hand, stopping Lainey and Kylie from advancing. Instead, you step forward to face them yourself. You draw your sword. You have a massive reach advantage over the two poachers. They attack ruthlessly, but you slay the both of them within moments. As the second body hits the floor, you step backwards, nodding contentedly. [["So... what now?"]]

"What!?" the first poacher says. Then, he seems to reconsider. Nodding, he clears his throat. "Yeah, I know I'm not a great guy. But I'll do whatever you say. Promise." The second poacher steps forward. "Thanks," he says to you. "You didn't have to do this. I'm sure revenge would've felt good. I'll try to learn from your example." He glances meaningfully at his companion. "And I'll make sure that he does, too. I'm sorry for what I did." "Come back here in two days," Lainey says. "My family will need some aid settling the conflicts in my homeland. That'll be your first task." You and Lainey exchange glances, and then you gesture to Kylie. She steps away from the door, allowing the poachers to leave the tavern. [["So... what now?"]]

The two poachers exchange terrified glances. "I am a bit peckish, now that you mention it," Kylie admits. You and Lainey quickly step into a side chamber as the tavern is filled with superheated fire for a few brief moments. Then, Kylie smashes through the wall in search of her treats. "I didn't know that dragons drooled so much," Lainey says to you as Kylie eats. [["So... what now?"]]

Lainey looks at you in surprise, and then nods. You know that you've earned her respect. She steps forward to face the two poachers. "Don't worry," she says. "I'm not going to kill you. But you haven't done anything but exploited others for quite some time. Now, I think it's time that you pay that debt to society. Your crimes will be publicized, and I'll instruct the constable not to let you leave the city." The two poachers exchange worried glances. "If you want the townsfolk to... ummm... not murder you, I suggest you start carrying yourselves a little differently. I'll give you a few minutes' head start if you want; your new life of public service awaits!" The two poachers don't need to exchange glances this time. As Kylie steps away from door, they run through it quicker than you've seen anyone move in some time. [["So... what now?"]]

Kylie gives you the dragon equivalent of a raised eyebrow, and then nods. You can tell that you've earned her respect. "Criminals," she says. "I will punish you as would befit your crimes in the ancient society of the dragons. You are hereby banished. Go East, past Kira's rock, to the lands unknown... and never return. If you are ever seen in known lands again, you will be devoured on sight." The two poachers exchange glances. Then, they run. Lainey steps aside and makes a flourishing gesture towards the door as they sprint by. [["So... what now?"]]

"That's... an excellent question," says Lainey. "I have a kingdom to look after, I suppose." "And I have my stomach that must be cared for," says Kylie. "Oh yeah, and the eggs too, I guess. It'd be good practice." Lainey and Kylie suddenly trail off and exchange a glance. Then, they both turn to face you. "I bet you have problems of your own," Lainey says to you. "But you dropped everything to help us solve ours. In fact, you didn't rest until you'd fixed every injustice you could find. You're incredible, and I feel lucky to know you." "So maybe, before we get too carried away, we should take some time to help you," Kylie says. "I don't know where the winds of fate will take you. But you can count on [[one thing.]]"

Waving goodbye to Lainey, you head for [[the door.|Exit the tavern.]]

"We'll be by your side." "No matter what's to come." THE END

Kylie snorts. "I like her better." "Uhhh... thanks. I think," says Lainey. "You'd better take your key and get going," says Kylie. "You've given me a lot to think about." But then, you remember something. [[You and Lainey exchange a glance.|Poachers]]

"It's easy with someone like her," Kylie says. "How come you aren't that attractive? I mean, one would think that you'd be able to beat her in either appearance or personality... but nope." Lainey stifles a giggle. "Thanks, Kylie. I think that you're beautiful, too." For a second, everyone is quiet and the three of you just take a moment to appreciate being together. "You two had better take your key and get going," says Kylie reluctantly. "You've given me a lot to think about." But then, you remember something. [[You and Lainey exchange a glance.|Poachers]]

"Thank you, Kylie! You're a true hero!" Lainey says, grinning at Kylie. "Oh!" says Kylie, clearly taken aback. "It was nothing, I guess..." She trails off for a moment. "Anyways... you'd better take your key and get going," says Kylie. "You've given me a lot to think about." But then, you remember something. [[You and Lainey exchange a glance.|Poachers]]

Lainey suddenly goes pale. You can tell she's thinking the same thing that you are. "The poachers," she says. "They were determined to 'slay the dragon,' remember. They'll come for you, Kylie. Or keep sending people after you until someone manages to kill you." "Well, that's upsetting," says Kylie. "We can stop them!" says Lainey. "Somehow..." Lainey looks at you nervously, hoping you have an answer. You think about the guard and his daughter, about Lainey and her kingdom, and about Kylie and her eggs. You helped them all, you realize. You made a difference. And now, maybe, just maybe, there's a way to put this story to rest for good. A way to break free. [["I know how."]]