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<center><h1>Into The Dark</h1></center>
<img src="Images/Torch.png" width="300px" height= "300px"/>
<div class="prologue">[[Prologue]]</div>//Character Stats//
<<set $pHealth to 50>>
<<set $strength to 5>>
<<set $dex to 5>>
<<set $armourName to "Leather">>
<<set $armourValue to 2>>
<<set $weapon to "Steel Longsword">>
<<set $damage to 8>>
<<set $MKilled to 0>>
<<set $SCollect to 0>>
<<set $Ending to 0>>
//Base Inventory//
<<set $silver to 10>>
<<set $fur to 0>>
<<set $torches to 2>>
<<set $gauze to 1>>
<<set $paste to 0>>
<<set $robes to 0>>
//Overall Loot//
<<set $lockedBoxes to 0>>
//Toreal Dungeon Fighting 1//
//Store Stock//
<<set $torchesTStock to 5>>
<<set $gauzeTStock to 2>>
//NPC Information//
<<set $girlTTalk to false>>
<<set $crierTTalk to false>>
<<set $armNecklace to false>>
<<set $logger to false>>
<<set $logInspect to false>>
//Loot Check//
<<set $fSearched5 to false>>
<<set $fSearched6 to false>>
<<set $tRemainsSearched to 0>>
<<set $goldTLocket to false>>
//Wolf Stats//
<<set $wolfDex to 4>>
<<set $wolfAttack to 4>>
//Ghoul Stats//
<<set $ghoulDex to 6>>
<<set $ghoulAttack to 9>>
//Mayazar & Dungeon Castle//
//StoreStock//
<<set $mVisit to false>>
<<set $torchesMStock to 5>>
<<set $gauzeMStock to 3>>
<<set $pasteMStock to 2>>
//Cultist Stats//
<<set $cultDex to 4>>
<<set $cultAttack to 7>>
//Cult Leader Stats//
<<set $cultLDex to 9>>
<<set $cultLAttack to 6>>
//Loot Check-Keep//
<<set $greenBand to false>>
<<set $ksearched5 to false>>
<<set $ksearched6 to false>>
//Fjorna//
<<set $BSmithAttack to 9>>
<<set $BSmithDex to 7>>
//Peasant Stats//
<<set $peasantDex to 4>>
<<set $peasantAttack to 4>>
//Soldier Stats//
<<set $soldierDex to 7>>
<<set $SoldierAttack to 7>>
<<set $soldierDB to 5>>
<<set $soldierAT to 6>>
//Music//
<<cacheaudio "mainsong" "Sounds/Safe.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "dungeonsong" "Sounds/Dungeon.mp3">>
<center><h1>Prologue</h1></center>
Welcome to "Into The Dark", an Interactive Fiction inspired by the dark and terrifying tales of medieval times. Take control of monster hunter & mercenary Jacobi Kozlov, and delve into the dangerous and unknown.
There is a good chance you will die, but don't worry. Just use the save feature in the sidebar at any point in the story you feel like, but be aware that only one save file is available at any time.
Good luck, and enjoy the story.
<span class="link">
[[And So It Begins...->Chapter 1:The Hunt]]
</span>
Music by:
Main Song:
Hitctrl, 2017, "RPG_Ambient_2", //OpenGameArt//, audio download, accessed 18 September 2017, https://opengameart.org/content/rpgambient2
DungeonSong:
Alexander Zhelanov, 2015, "Dark Ambient", //OpenGameArt//, audio download, accessed 18 September 2017, https://opengameart.org/content/dark-ambient-0
<center><h1>Chapter 1:The Hunt</h1></center>
<img src="Images/Dead Tree.png" width="200px" height= "200px"/>
[[Continue|Jacobi Kozlov]]
<<audio mainsong loop volume 0 fadeoverto 15 0.5>> <center><h1>Chapter 2:The Mountain Pass</h1></center>
<img src="Images/Mountains.png" width="200px" height= "200px"/>
<div class="prologue">[[The Ride Back]]</div>
<center><h1>Chapter 3:True Colours</h1></center>
<img src="Images/Crown.png" width="200px" height= "200px"/>
<div class="prologue">[[Contemplation]]</div>
Jacobi stared back at the stone walls of the city Mayazar. A hulking grey fortress standing as the capital of Magia, it was a walled city known to all inhabitants as impenatrable. //For safety and comfort is the greatest treasure of the weaklings of this city,// thought Jacobi as he guided his horse South and away from the city.
Ahead of him lay a 2 day's ride toward the small village of Toreal, where word of a beast hunting in the woods had attacked villagers. The long ride there gave Jacobi time to think how he had been practically forced into [[this situation.|Mayazar]]
<center> <h1>Mayazar City - Guard Barracks</h1> </center>
<center> <h4>Two Days Earlier</h4></center>
Jacobi stared at the entrance of the guard barracks of Mayazar. Unlike the city walls the building did not strike fear into the heart, but rather seaped opulence from every opening.
Every window was spotless, the walls wiped clean and the redwood door appeared almost new.
//Mustn't be much crime here if these lazy pigs can afford time to clean this much,// thought Jacobi, as he [[opened the door.|Inside the Barracks]]The inside of the barracks was as spotless as the outside. Long dining tables stretched across the inside of the bottom floor along the Jacobi's left hand side, enough seats to fit a hundred men at least.
The Captain of The Guard's office was down a hall to the right of the entrance, where Jacobi would find the man who would send him on this godforsaken mission.
<center>[[Walk down the hallway|Door]]</center>
Jacobi walked up to the room marked "Captain" with very little resistance. The few guards he did see barely even recognised his existence.
A life of luxury had apprently given the men inside the walls a feeling of false security. If they knew what dwell outside the walls their would be very different perhaps.
Jacobi stood in front of the Captain's office.
[[Knock on the door|Knocked]]
[[Turn knob and enter|Turn The Knob]]
Jacobi confidently turned the knob and entered the room without warning. He was not a man of patience nor civility. Inside was William Archer -a large, plump man who was captain of all city guards south of the palace-peacefully snoring away, unaware of the fact he might have visitors.
Underneath his chin and slobber, there were papers containing military orders sprawled across the desk. Jacobi quickly glanced over them, reading:
''Southern Supp...............uption''
''..stern Insurre.........tle Plan''
''Mountain Cas...............''
The sleeping giant's body covered some of the writing, making it difficult to read without disturbing him, and with that he awoke.
Flustered he looked at Jacobi, who held a sinister grin across his face, and quickly stuffed the papers into a drawer.
"They said I should be expecting a guest but not this bloody early," he proclaimed, as though it would excuse his nap.
[[Listen to what he has to say.|William's Office]]
Jacobi knocked on the door only to hear a slight mumbline, and decided if someone was in there, then he might as well head in.
As he entered the room he heard a slight shuffling and movement, as though someone was hastily reorganising something. The man behind the desk in the room was William Archer, a large, plump man who was in charge of all city Guards south of the central palace.
[[Listen to what he has to say.|William's Office]]"So you're Jacobi Kozlov ey,", he snorted, his cheeks bouncing with every syllable.
"We've heard of you around here you around here you know.Even all the way down here in the South."
<<click "Is that so?">>
<<replace "#output">>
"Oh yeah," smirked William. "Kozlov the Great. The Silver Shadow." Referring to Jacobi's unusually white hair.
"There isn't a guardsman here who hasn't heard the stories of the one-eyed monster killer. And there isn't a man here who hasn't heard of his fall from grace. Leaving your post in the middle of a battle."
"Disgraceful', he finished, practically spitting the word onto Jacobi's feet.
True, he may have left in the War of The Red, but there were more important things at stake.
<</replace>>
<</click>>
<span id="output"></span>
[["What's the job?"|The Forest Brief P1]] Jacobi grunted at the man, wishing to get it over with.
"Yeah he said you wouldn't be easy to work with either,"stated William, as he passed a rolled parchment to Jacobi.
The parchment was stilled sealed, with the royal insignia of the Twinning family of Mayazar stamped into the wax.
"Your Orders", said William
<<click ""From high up?"">>
<<replace "#output">>
"It's for the best that I don't say, I'm sure you understand." he said with a sly grin.
<</replace>>
<</click>>
<span id="output"></span>
[[Listen to William|The Forest Brief P2]]"In short, we need you to head South, apparently there's some beast terrorizing the village of Toreal and it's causing some headaches for Mayazar's carpenters"
The village of Toreal was indeed important for any woodworker in Mayazar, as the surroudning forests were cut down a millenia ago to make way for the city. Nowadays, almost all wood supplies were carted from Toreal due to the forest it was built next to.
The situation began to unfold before Jacobi's eyes. Those higher up needed the issue resolved before the supply chain came to a grinding halt.
Bringing in an outside force such as himself meant there was no threat to their own forces, and no word would spread about the situation, whether Jacobi was succesful or not. //Suspicious,// he thought.
//Suspicious or not, the Gold will make things a lot better if I can do this quickly//
[[Take Orders|Weapon]]----
Backpack
----
Silver Pieces: $silver
Torches : $torches
Gauze: $gauze
Medicinal Paste: $paste
<<nobr>>
<<if $lockedBoxes gt 0>>
<<print "Locked Boxes: $lockedBoxes">><br>
<<endif>>
<<if $goldTLocket is true>>
<<print "1 x Gold Pendant">><br>
<<endif>>
<<if $armNecklace is true>>
<<print "1 x Green Gem Neckalce">><br>
<<endif>>
<<if $fur gte 1>>
<<print "Furs: $fur">> <br>
<<endif>>
<<if $robe gte 1>>
<<print "Cultist Robes: $robe">>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
----
Equipment Stats
----
Weapon: $weapon
Base Damage: $damage
Armour: $armourName
Armour Value: $armourValue
----
Character Stats
----
Strength: $strength
Dexterity: $dex
<<nobr>>
<<if $greenBand is false>>
Current Health: $pHealth / 50<br>
<<else>>
Current Health: $pHealth / 70<br>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
----
<<back[Leave_Inventory]>>"Now I was also informed to take stock of your weaponry," sighed William, who began to jot down all of Jacobi's visible equipment.
"Just to make sure if you find something out there, you don't try and take what belongs to his Majesty Sir Twinning," a sly grin running across his greasy face.
"I see you've left your weapons with the horse. What are you carrying with you?
[[Dwarven Great Axe|Great Axe 1]]
[[Steel LongSword|Steel LongSword 1]]
[[Twin Kukri Blades|Kukri Blades 1]]
I'm carrying a $weapon.
<<set $damage to 8>>
"Good balanced sword ey? Hope you're quick with that thing, from what I hear the beast is damn fast"
"Anyway, you had better get going." He yawned, clearly wanting to return his slothlike, resting state.
Jacobi turned to exit the office before William quickly blurted out,
"And don't expect payment without bringing back the damn thing's skull."
[[The Journey Ahead]]I'm carrying a $weapon.
<<silently>>
<<set $damage to 6>>
<<set $dex to $dex+2>>
<<set $strength to $strength-1>>
<</silently>>
"Good, you'll probably need something fast to fight this thing. Word is nodoby's even gotten a good look at the damn beast."
"Anyway, you had better get going." He yawned, clearly wanting to return his slothlike, resting state.
Jacobi turned to exit the office before William quickly blurted out,
"And don't expect payment without bringing back the damn thing's skull."
[[The Journey Ahead]]I'm carrying a $weapon.
<<silently>>
<<set $damage to 10>>
<<set $dex to $dex-1>>
<<set $strength to $strength+1>>
<</silently>>
"Good, one quick chop to the neck oughta do it with the damn beast."
"Anyway, you had better get going." He yawned, clearly wanting to return his slothlike, resting state.
Jacobi turned to exit the office before William quickly blurted out,
"And don't expect payment without bringing back the damn thing's skull."
[[The Journey Ahead]]The sound of Jacobi's gear shuffling and his horse steadily trotting along was all that could he could hear for most of the journey South. //Quiet, like a graveyard this area is,// he pondered to himself. The fields south of Mayazar were indeed a killing ground. During revolutions of past times many battles had been fought here, and ancient grudges from southern Lords and men had been born and died here.
These days however, Jacobi should have been able to see trade wagons coming from the South, but not one had passed him in the 2 days of travel it took to get to Toreal.
//Problems seem to be getting worse in Toreal than what William was letting on,// he thought, as the desolate village began to come into view.
[[Check Inventory|Supplies]]
[[Toreal]]
<<silently>>
<<set $forestMap to false>>
<<set $locketquest to false>>
<<set $torchesTStock to 5>>
<<set $gauzeTStock to 2>>
<<set $tavernVisit to false>>
<<set $storeVisit to 0>>
<<set $drunkGuard to false>>
<</silently>>
As Jacobi entered Toreal he quickly began to look around and try to take stock of the situation. Around town, villagers seemed to look frightened or downtrodden. //They might have something they can tell me,// he thought to himself.
The logging camp to East of town appeared abandoned. //The threat of whatever was in the woods must scared the men off,// he surmised.
In the centre of town was the tavern and the general goods store, and they too looked as if they had not had customers in a while.
//Or perhaps I could just get this over with and head into the damn forest. I'm sure to find whatever's out there sooner or later.//
[[Walk Around Town|Villagers]]
[[Logging Camp]]
[[Tavern]]
[[Store]]
[[Check Inventory|Supplies]]
[[Go To Forest's Edge|Forest's Edge]]
<<audio dungeonsong stop>>
Toreal's tavern had seen better days. Just across the road from the Inn it sat quietly. Drunks still wandered to and fro along it's balcony and boardwalk, looking towards brighter days away from here. Jacobi walked inside and approached the bar, eager to drown his thirst from the long ride.
<<if $drunkGuard is false>>
Looking around he sees an off-duty guard lieing along the bar, mumbling and cursing to himself.
//He might have some information for me.//
[[Off-Duty Guard]]
<<endif>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $tavernVisit is false>>
[[Barkeep]]
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
[[Check Inventory|Supplies]]
[[Toreal]]
The logging camp was empty of any workers, as quiet as the rest of the dying town. The camp mainly consisted of large saws and the benchs on which they lay, with workstations for holding buiding and work plans scattered throughout the camp.<<if $logger is false>> In the centre was a large, hand-cranked machine for cutting through larger logs with ease. //Quite advanced for such a small place,// thought Jacobi.<<else>> In the centre lay the machine that would have once cut through the widest logs, now in pieces and scattered throughout the camp.<<endif>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $logger is false>>
[[Inspect Machine]]
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $logInspect is false>>
[[Search Logging Camp]]
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
[[Inspect Work Stations]]
[[Check Inventory|Supplies]]
[[Toreal]]
<<nobr>>
<<if $Twalk eq 1>>
Jacobi parked his horse next to the Tavern and began walking through the town, in hope of finding someone with useful information.
<<else>>
Jacobi returned to prowling the streets of Toreal. Perhaps there was someone else here who could help him.
<<endif>>
<<if $girlTTalked is false>>
Walking around, he found a few people who may have had answers for him. A young woman, visibly crying in the street first drew his attention. As did the Town Crier further down the road, calling the daily events to anyone left in the town who would listen.
<<else>>
Walking around he saw the young woman, Miranda, her eyes begging him to find her husband. The Town Crier still called the days events, ignoring the fact there was barely anyone in town who would leave their homes to listen.
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
[[Town Crier]]
[[Young Woman]]
[[Check Inventory|Supplies]]
[[Return|Toreal][$Twalk to $Twalk+1]]<<set $storeVisit to $storeVisit+1>>
<<if $storeVisit lte 1>>
Jacobi headed towards the local store, just east of the Inn down the road. The town had fallen into disrepair these last few months, and it was showing. Gardens overgrown, vagrants in the streets, and hardly a word among what few commonfolk roamed the street. The silence was almost tangible, a physical thing clinging to the town, strangling the life out of it.Upon arriving at the store, the small bell above it's door signally the arrival of a customer rang out, cutting through the silence like a blade.
<<else>>
The store was still quiet, with the old man sitting behind the counter, reading a small book.
<<endif>>
[[Purchase Items]]
[[Talk To Shopkeep]]
[[Toreal]]
<<silently>>
<<set $positionX to 1>>
<<set $positionY to 1>>
<<set $attackNumber to 0>>
<<set $torchlight to 0>>
<</silently>>
Jacobi stood at what appeared to be a commonly used road into the woods.Stumps surrounded the entrance from work by the towns logging workers. Further in, the trail twisted off into the depths of the woods, the canopy above seeming to block out light from everywhere but the entrance. Vines and branches twisted out towards Jacobi, as though inviting him in.
<<nobr>>
<<if $forestMap is true>>
//Let's hope I've got eveything I need for whatever this beast is.//
<<else>>
//Without a map this is going to be difficult to find the damn thing. I could go forward, but maybe someone in town might have something that can help.//
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<if $torches gt 0>>
<<set $torchlight to 10>>
//Torchlight should keep the beasts at bay, but I've heard pelts from this area can catch a fine price.//
[[Light a torch and enter the Woods|The Dark Woods][$torches to $torches-1]]
<<else>>
//Torchlight should keep the beasts at bay, but I've heard pelts from this area can catch a fine price.//
[[Enter The Forest without a torch|The Dark Woods][$torchlight to 0]]
<<endif>>
[[Check Inventory|Supplies]]
[[Return to Town|Toreal]]
<<audio mainsong volume 0.6 fadeout>>
<<audio dungeonsong loop volume 0 fadeoverto 10 0.5>>
<<silently>>
<<set $aMapArray to
[[0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0],
[0,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,0,0,0,0],
[0,0,0,1,0,0,0,1,1,6,0,0],
[0,0,1,1,1,1,1,1,0,0,0,0],
[0,1,1,1,0,1,0,0,0,0,0,0],
[0,1,0,1,0,1,0,0,0,1,1,0],
[0,1,0,4,0,1,1,1,2,1,3,0],
[0,1,0,1,0,0,0,0,0,0,1,0],
[0,5,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,0],
[0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0]]>>
<</silently>>
Jacobi approached the Town Crier as he expelled the daily news to anyone who would listen, leaning against a nearby fence and taking in what he had to say. A few vagrants sat nearby, barely taking in a word.
He talked of recent events in the town; marriages, births, supply chain news and information from Mayazar, and recent deaths in the town.
It was a long list of deaths.
[[Villagers]]<<if $girlTTalk is false>>
Jacobi eyed the young woman, a frail girl with wispy brown hair and appeared to be only in her early twenties. As Jacobi moved closer he could see the fear and distress in her eyes, clearly the town's recent events had taken a toll on her.
Whereas most villagers Jacobi had seen upon enetering Toreal were sunken and depressed, this woman was shaken to her core. //This one might know more about the beast than the rest of these dull-eyed cowards.//
[[Talk to The Girl|Miranda]]
<<else>>
Miranda sits in the streets by her home, staring longingly towards the forest, a mix of fear and hope resting in her eyes.
[[Talk to Miranda|Miranda]]
<<endif>>
[[Villagers][$Twalk to $Twalk+1]]While inspecting the work stations Jacob came across a map of the nearby forest. It showed the paths the men had used to cart the logs out of the area and back to their campsite. In the South Eastern area a clearing had been marked with multiple warnings.
"Warning!"
"Stay away!"
"Danger!"
"Beast!"
//So these men found the damn thing already. I wonder how much of them lost their lives before someone had the common sense to send a professional.// Jacobi's fists clenched. Too many innocent lives had been lost here.
[[Return to main Logging Camp Area|Logging Camp]]
<<set $forestMap to true>>
The logging camp appeared deserted. Tools and wood axes were scattered around the worksite, and it seemed as though no one had worked here for some time. The place was still in working order by the looks of things, but it seemed as though dust had slowly begun to settle here.
//How long has this been going on?// wondered Jacobi.
//If this is the largest wood supply of the Kingdom why is the King only now dealing with this situation?//
Such questions were worth asking another time.
Among the camp were a few torches left behind by some of the men, oil covered cloth wrapped around a thick piece of wood.
//I'l probably be needing these soon,// sighed Jacobi as a collected them
+2 Torches
<<silently>>
<<set $torches to $torches+2>>
<</silently>>
<<set $logInspect to true>>
[[Logging Camp]]Jacobi waited for the guard to regain some form of consciousness before questioning him, getting an ale while waiting. After a few short minutes he awoke and began rising from his seat. Jacobi quickly finished his drink before speaking to him.
"Friend please sit down," Jacobi said, putting ona fake smile, to trick poor the drunkard. "The night's barely begun. An ale for the Guardsmen," he said, flipping the barkeep a copper piece. The guardsman face brightened up upon hearing of a free drink, and he sat down again, still quite groggy from his previous bout.
But right before the first drop of liquor touched his lips he stopped, and stared at Jacobi.
"Wait a minute!" he yelled, swaying. "I know you, the famous Killer Kozlov, they called you. But that was before you ran from the fight."
The guardsmen stood up and stumbled his way out of the bar, "Filthy bloody Kozlov", he muttered.
"The whole city was burning and you have the nerve to run off. I lost my family when those bastards invaded!! You think I didn't want to leave to save them too?!"he continued to yell as he walked out into the streets to find a place to sleep.
<<set $drunkGuard to true>>
[[Tavern]]"An ale, please, I've had a long trip," called Jacobi to the barkeep, placing a copper piece on the counter. The barkeep brought a large wooden mug over to Jacobi, filled with a thick brown brew that smelled of pine and liqour. After he tooke a sip the barkeep began to speak,
"So you're here for whatever's in these woods ey?" he said, casually leaning against the back wall.
"What tells you that?" asked Jacobi, drinking from the mug.
"The armour, the weapon on your horse," he nodded towards the post across the street where Jacobi had left his horse tied. "And o'course, that look in your eye. Like you've seen battle and you know it's coming again soon." He said, edging ever closer with every word.
Jacobi shot a cold glance in his direction, and took a few steps back.
"Listen, i've lost a lot of good customers to whatever is in there. I hear it's got claws like blades and the eyes of a demon. Say you are going in, you're probably going to need these."
The barkeep searches beneath the counter for a short moment, until revealing a small pouch. He hands it Jacobi, inside is 2 rolls of gauze and a small jar of medicinal paste, the kind that was used in the war and developed by Mayazar's top alcehmists.
On the front, is a faded symbol showing a banner with a black tower, the symbol for the elite guards of Mayazar.
"Where did you come across this?" pried Jacobi.
"I've been around a lot longer than you, Monster hunter," the old man smirked, and returned to cleaning his jugs.
+2 Gauze
+1 Medicinal Paste
<<nobr>>
<<set $gauze to $gauze+2>>
<<set $paste to $paste +1>>
<<set $tavernVisit to true>>
<</nobr>>
[[Tavern]]<<display "Woods Map System">>
<<if $pHealth lte 10>>
[[Return to Town|Toreal]]
<<endif>>Jacobi approached the old man behind the counter serving as the shop keeper. The old man would've stood barelu 5 feet high if he weren't sitting down, and was covered in wrinkles, older than Jacobi by a great many years. His face was shrouded by his thick, curly, dry beard and he still held a good amount of hair on his head.
"New in town are ya?" creaked the old man before Jacobi had a chance to speak.
"Ye-," Jacobi began,
"Well you'll be wanting to get out quick, they say there's something in them woods that ain't right."
"Well that's what I'm here about," replied Jacobi, "You could say I'm interested in whatever is out there."
"Well," started the old man, "It ain't human, but it looks like one, so the folk at the logging camp been saying. 'Course they all left town now, too dangerous for 'em out there.Other 'en that not much to say about it, 'cept that no one been in there and come back in one piece lately."
He paused.
"Now are you gonna buy some'in or are ya just wasting my time?"
[[Store]]Jacobi searches through the stores' wares and finds supplies that may be useful in the forest. The old man gives him the prices:
Money
----
$silver Silver Pieces
----
Items for Sale
----
//Torches//
In stock: $torchesTStock
Cost: 1 SP ea
<<if ($torchesTStock gt 0) and ($silver gte 1)>>
[[Purchase|Buy Torches 1]]
<<endif>>
//Gauze//
In Stock: $gauzeTStock
Cost: 3 SP ea
<<if ($gauzeTStock gt 0) and ($silver gte 3)>>
[[Purchase|Buy Gauze 1]]
<<endif>>
----
[[Supplies]]
[[Finish Shopping|Store]]<<display "Player Health 1">>
<<display "Torchlight">>
<<nobr>>
<<if ($gauze gt 0) and ($pHealth lt 50)>>
<br>[[Use Gauze(Heal 5pts)|Gauze 1][$gauze to $gauze-1]]
<<endif>>
<<if ($paste gt 0) and ($pHealth lt 50)>>
<br>[[Use Medicinal Paste(Heal 10pts)|Paste 1][$paste to $paste-1]]
<<endif>>
<<if ($torchlight lt 10) and ($torches gte 1)>>
<br>[[Light a Torch]]
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $forestMap is true>>
<<display "ALocation">>
<<endif>>
<<silently>>
<<if $torchlight gt 0>>
<<set $torchlight to $torchlight-1>>
<<endif>>
<</silently>>
<<silently>>
<<if $attackNumber lte 0>>
<<if $torchlight lte 0>>
<<set $attackNumber to 5>>
<<elseif $torchlight gt 0>>
<<set $attackNumber to 15>>
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<</silently>>
<</nobr>>
<<set $attackNumber -=1>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $Wolfchance to Math.round(Math.random() * $attackNumber)>>
<<if $Wolfchance eq 1>>
<<display Wolf>>
<<else>>
<<if $aMapArray[$positionY-1][$positionX] is 1>>
[[North]]|
<<endif>>
<<if $aMapArray[$positionY-1][$positionX] is 4>>
Along one of the forest's paths, Jacobi came across a man's corpse. Upon further inspection, he seemed to have recently died and was a member of the nearby village.
[[Search Remains][$positionY -= 1]]
<<endif>>
<<if $aMapArray[$positionY-1][$positionX] is 3>>
A small opening to a glade lay ahead of Jacobi, surrounded by bushes in which he felt he could stay hidden in.<br>
[[Stealthily Approach The Lair]]<br>
<<endif>>
<<if $aMapArray[$positionY][$positionX+1] is 1>>
[[East]]|
<<elseif $aMapArray[$positionY][$positionX+1] is 2>>
Jacobi came to the entrance of the monster's lair, an opening to a glade within the forest.<br>
[[Approach The Lair]]<br>
<<endif>>
<<if $aMapArray[$positionY][$positionX+1] is 6>>
<<if $fSearched6 is false>>
Jacobi came to the end of one of the forest's path. //Dammit all, I don't have time to get lost,// he thought. But there, at the base of a dying tree, was a shine buried in a mound of dirt. //Well, well, well. What do we have here?//<br>
[[Search Buried Mound|Buried Mound 2]]<br>
<<else>>
//I've already searched this place. Nothing else to find here.//
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<<if $aMapArray[$positionY+1][$positionX] is 5>>
<<if $fSearched5 is false>>
Jacobi came to a bend in the forest's path, and began to feel lost. But there, at the base of a dying tree, was a shine buried in a mound of dirt. //Well, well, well. What do we have here?//<br>
[[Search Buried Mound|Buried Mound 1][$positionY += 1]]
<<else>>
//I've already searched this place. Nothing else to find here.//
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<<if $aMapArray[$positionY+1][$positionX] is 1>>
[[South]]|
<<elseif $aMapArray[$positionY+1][$positionX] is 4>>
Along one of the forest's paths, Jacobi came across a man's corpse. Upon further inspection, he seemed to have recently died and was a member of the nearby village.<br>
[[Search Remains][$positionY += 1]]<br>
<<endif>>
<<if $aMapArray[$positionY][$positionX-1] is 1>>
[[West]]|
<<elseif $aMapArray[$positionY][$positionX-1] is 5>>
<<if $fSearched5 is false>>
Jacobi came to the end of one of the forest's path. //Dammit all, I don't have time to get lost,// he thought. But there, at the base of a dying tree, was a shine buried in a mound of dirt. //Well, well, well. What do we have here?//<br>
[[Search Buried Mound|Buried Mound 1]]<br>
<<else>>
//I've already searched this place. Nothing else to find here.//
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<if $Wolfchance neq 1>>
[[Check Inventory|Supplies]]
<<endif>>
Player Health
-----
<<print $pHealth>> / 50
-----<<set $positionX -= 1>>
<<display "Woods Map System">><<set $positionY -= 1>>
<<display "Woods Map System">><span id="WoodsMap">
<<nobr>>
<<for $i to 0; $i lt $aMapArray.length;$i++>>
<<for $k to 0; $k lt $aMapArray[$i].length; $k++>>
<<if $k eq $positionX and $i eq $positionY>>
<<print "J">>
<<elseif $aMapArray[$i][$k] eq 1>>
<<print ".">>
<<elseif $aMapArray[$i][$k] eq 0>>
<<print "#">>
<<elseif $aMapArray[$i][$k] eq 2>>
<<print "O">>
<<elseif $aMapArray[$i][$k] eq 3>>
<<print "!">>
<<elseif $aMapArray[$i][$k] eq 4>>
<<print "X">>
<<elseif $aMapArray[$i][$k] eq 5>>
<<print "x">>
<<elseif $aMapArray[$i][$k] eq 6>>
<<print "x">>
<</if>>
<</for>>
<<print "<br>">>
<</for>>
<</nobr>>
</span>
-----
Location:
* X: <<print $positionX>>
* Y: <<print $positionY>>
-----<<set $positionX += 1>>
<<display "Woods Map System">><<set $positionY += 1>>
<<display "Woods Map System">><<set $positionX += 1>>
Jacobi edged towards where the logging camp map had noted the "Danger" area. As he moved through the forest path he suddenly approached the clearing the map had marked. The thick canopy of trees had broken here, and Jacobi could see it was almost nightfall, and that his torches would still be useful for walk back to Toreal.
In the center of the clearing was a small lake,with dirt and algae turning it to a foul brown colour. He scanned the clearing more thoroughly, drawing his $weapon.
//The beast is here alright, I can smell the blood in the air,// he thought, edging slowly into the clearing.
And then, in the corner of his eye he spotted it. A sharp movement in the underbrush, disturbing the leaves and cracking twigs as it darted about. And then, as though it's rustling were a warning, it leapt from behind the trees and bushes.
As it ran towards him Jacobi had mere seconds to recognise his enemy. A monsterous Ghoul. Born into the world from the darkest depths of humanity they thirsted for human flesh. Generations of cannibalism and depravity and turned what should have been human into an insane, hungery and deranged beast wanting nothing more than to rip the flesh from living creatures.
It stood a good seven feet tall, even with a hunch, and on ecah hand had three long nails as sharp as blades and covered in sickly, dry blood. It's dark hair was tattered and in knots and it's face was covered in sores and cuts. It's mouth was wide open and Jacobi could see it's razor sharp teeth as it launched itself towards him.
With ony seconds to react, Jacobi...
[[Dodges The Ghoul|Dodge Ghoul]]
[[Blocks the Ghoul|Block Ghoul]]
<<set $ghoulHealth to 40>><<set $positionY -= 1>>
<<if $forestMap is true>>
Jacobi approached an entrance to the clearing marked on his map. Here, he could see the whole clearing. He knew he would find the beast here and kept himself hidden in the small alcove he had arrived at, hding between the trees and bushes.
<<else>>
Jacobi approached a clearing from it's southern side. Taking a step further he instantly had a feeling of dread, as though he were crossing a threshhold into dangerous territory. Stopping fast, he hid himself behind a set of trees and bushes, examining the clearing he had arrived at.
<<endif>>
The thick canopy of trees had broken here, and Jacobi could see it was almost nightfall, and that his torches would still be useful for walk back to Toreal.
In the center of the clearing was a small lake,with dirt and algae turning it to a foul brown colour. He scanned the clearing more thoroughly, drawing his $weapon.
//The beast is here alright, I can smell the blood in the air,// he thought, waiting patiently for the beast to show itself.
And then, in the corner of his eye he spotted it. A sharp movement in the underbrush, disturbing the leaves and cracking twigs as it darted about. And then, as though it's rustling were a warning, it crept from behind the trees and bushes.
As it slowly crawled towards the lake to drink the foul water, Jacobi began to recognise his enemy. A monsterous Ghoul. Born into the world from the darkest depths of humanity they thirsted for human flesh. Generations of cannibalism and depravity and turned what should have been human into an insane, hungry and deranged beast wanting nothing more than to rip the flesh from living creatures.
It stood a good seven feet tall, even with a hunch, and on each hand had three long nails as sharp as blades and covered in sickly, dry blood. It's dark hair was tattered and in knots and it's face was covered in sores and cuts. It's mouth was wide open and Jacobi could see it's razor sharp teeth as it lapped slowly from the water.
Jacobi raised his weapon and prepared to attack the monster without warning.
[[Sneak up and Attack The Ghoul from behind|Sneak Attack]]
<<set $ghoulHealth to 40>><<silently>>
<<set $tRemainsSearched to $tRemainsSearched+1>>
<</silently>>
<<if $tRemainsSearched lte 1>>
Jacobi approached what seemed to be the remains of another poor soul who had entered the woods. His body had been twisted and mangled by the beast, his face barely beyond recognition to any who might know him. Along his back were three large wounds running along his spine, as though he was cut deep by multiple attackers. But Jacobi knew these marks well, and Jacobi knew the beast he hunted would not go down easy.
//Damn Ghouls, and if one's hunting this close to a village then it's no surprise the townsfolk are scared out of their minds.//
<<if $girlTTalk is true>>
Jacobi looked closer at the body and saw a glint of gold clutched in the man's cold, dead hands. He pried the piece from the corpse's fingers, and saw it was a small locket, engraved inside were Wedding vowes, masterfully crafted with exact precision.
On the back it read, "For Miranda and Timothy."
//Poor girl,// thought Jacobi as he pocketed the locket. He pulled out his map and marked the location of the body.
//Let's hope he gets a proper burial once im done here.//
+ 1 Gold Pendant
<<else>>
In the mans cold, dead hands, Jacobi spied a glint of gold. Prying the small chunk from the corpses' fingertips Jacoi found a golden locket with the words "For Miranda and Timothy" engraved on it.
//This might fetch a nice price,// he though as he pocketed the item.
//Poor bastard, I'll make sure I'll get the damn ghoul lad.//
+1 Gold Pendant
<<endif>>
And with that, Jacobi returned to searching the woods
<<set $goldTLocket to true>>
<<else>>
Jacobi approached the corpse in the woods. He had already searched this poor soul and knew nothing good would come from a second look, and moved on with his hunt.
<<endif>>
[[Return to Searching Forest|The Dark Woods]]
Searching the mound Jacobi finds a small, cloth pouch tied up with a piece of twine. It looks as though it's been here for a long time, the pouch barely still holding together.
Unravelling the twine, Jacobi finds a small handful of silver pieces.
+10 Silver Coins
<<set $SCollect to $SCollect+10>>
<<set $silver to $silver+10>>
[[Return to Searching Forest|The Dark Woods][$fSearched5 to true]]
A wolf jumps out from the undergrowth, barring its fangs at Jacobi. It hungers for his blood.
<<silently>><<set $wolfHealth to 10>><</silently>>
[[Fight The Wolf]]
<<if $pHealth gt 10>>
[[Run Away]]
<<elseif $pHealth lte 10>>
[[Run While you Still Can|Retreat]]
<<endif>>
The Wolf Lunges toward Jacobi, a hungering looks dwells within its eyes.
<<silently>>
<<set $dodgeVal to 2>>
<</silently>>
[[Block]]
[[Dodge]]
Jacobi attempts to dodge the incoming attack.
<<nobr>>
<<set $Dmg to random($wolfAttack,11)>>
<<set $speed to random($wolfDex,9)>>
<<if $speed lte ($dodgeVal+$dex)>>
<<print "Jacobi dodges the incoming, barely evading the wolf's fangs.">>
<<else>>
<<set $Dmg to ($Dmg-$armourValue)>>
<<print "The wolf bites into Jacobi, dealing $Dmg points of damage.">>
<<set $pHealth to ($pHealth-$Dmg)>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<if $pHealth gt 0>>
<<display "Player Health 1">>
Jacobi uses this chance to launch a counterattack.
[[Fight Back|Attack]]
<<else>>
Jacobi lies dead in the woods at the feet of a hungry wolf. It is not long beofre his corpse becomes food for the maggots once the wolf has had it's fill.
Load a save file or restart the game from the sidebar.
<---
<<endif>><<silently>>
<<set $speed to random($wolfDex,10)>>
<<set $pSpeed to random($dex,$dex+6)>>
<<set $Dmg to random($damage,$damage+5)>>
<</silently>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $pSpeed gte $speed>>
Jacobi lands a blow on the foul beast.<<silently>><<if $wolfHealth gt 0>> It howls in pain in response, blood gushing from the wound. It locks eyes with Jacobi and prepares to attack again.<<endif>><</silently>>
<<set $wolfHealth to $wolfHealth-$Dmg>>
<<if $wolfHealth lt 0>>
<<set $wolfHealth to 0>>
<<endif>>
//($Dmg points of damage dealt)//
<<else>>
The Beast dodges just out of range of Jacobi's attacks, preparing to pounce once more.
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<if $wolfHealth gt 0>>
Wolf Health
----
$wolfHealth / 10
----
<<display "Player Health 1">>
[[Dodge]]
[[Block]]
<<if $pHealth lte 10>>
//This damn thing is getting the better of me.//
[[Run back to Town|Retreat]]
<<endif>>
<<elseif $wolfHealth lte 0>>
The wolf is defeated and lies dead and motionless at Jacobi's feet.
//There's likely to be more of these damn wolves out here. Better keep on my toes.//
<<if $torchlight gt 0>>
+ 1 Fur
<<set $fur to $fur+1>>
<<else>>
+ 2 Furs
<<set $fur to $fur+2>>
<<endif>>
[[Continue Searching the forest|The Dark Woods]]
<<set $MKilled to $MKilled+1>>
<<endif>>
Jacobi raises his $weapon to block the incoming attack.
<<nobr>>
<<set $Dmg to random($wolfAttack,11)>>
<<if $Dmg lte ($strength+$armourValue)>>
<<print "Jacobi blocks the incoming attack, taking no damage.">>
<<else>>
<<set $Dmg to $Dmg-($strength+$armourValue)>>
<<print "The wolf cuts through Jacobi's defenses, dealing $Dmg points of damage.">>
<<set $pHealth to ($pHealth-$Dmg)>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<if $pHealth gt 0>>
<<display "Player Health 1">>
Jacobi uses this chance to launch a counterattack.
[[Fight Back|Attack]]
<<else>>
Jacobi lies dead in the woods at the feet of a hungry wolf. It is not long beofre his corpse becomes food for the maggots once the wolf has had it's fill.
Load a save file or restart the game from the sidebar.
<---
<<endif>>Jacobi retreats from the forest to fight another day.
//Lets hope the Inn in Toreal is still open for business. Looks like I mighte need to stay the night.//
[[Head to The Inn]]
<<audio dungeonsong volume 0.6 fadeout>>
<<audio mainsong loop volume 0 fadeoverto 15 0.5>> After a long night's rest and recovery at the Inn, Jacobi heads out into the Town.
//Maybe I need to prepare a bit more before I head in there again,// he grumbled to himself.
[[Toreal]]
<<set $pHealth to 50>>----
Torchlight: $torchlight / 10
----<<if $fSearched6 is false>>
Searching the mound Jacobi finds a small, ornate wooden box with a lock on the front. It still looks new, as though someone hid it recently.
//Trying to hide something from the monster maybe,// thought Jacobi as he examined the box. It's edges were lined with silver with small feet protruding from each corner on it's base. It clearly belonged to someone with expensive taste, none of the villagers could even afford the box let alone what might be inside. Jacobi put the box into his rucksack.
//Something to look at once I get out of here,//he thought.
+1 Locked Box
<<silently>>
<<set $lockedBoxes to $lockedBoxes+1>>
<</silently>>
<<else>>
There's nothing left to find here
<<endif>>
[[Return to Searching Forest|The Dark Woods][$fSearched6 to true]]
<<if $girlTTalk is false>>
As Jacobi approached the young woman she lifted her head towards her. Her shirt & face were sopping wet with tears and she seemed to blubbering, trying to speak through her sadness. She could tell why Jacobi was here in a heartbeat, for in a small town like this there was no one else but the guards who wore armour and carried weapons.
When she realized Jacobi was walking towards her she quickly pulled herself to her feet, leaning on a stone fence next to her pool of tears and sadness.
"You're h-here for whatever's in those w-w-woods. Aren't you?!" she called, barely getting the words out between tears and pointing towards the woods. Her body was trembling with what seemed like a mix of hate and sadness.
Jacobi stopped a few feet in front of her, and began his questioning.
"That's correct lass," he stated plainly, not wanting to add emotion and set this woman off on another bout of crying.
"If you're g-going in there then, I have something to ask of you", she blurted out. "And I c-can make it worth your while"
[[Listen to the woman|Side Quest-Toreal]]
<<else>>
Jacobi saw Miranda on the streets, still crying and waiting for a husband that would never come home. //I promised to find his corpse for her. Better put this thing to rest and let her get on with her life.//
<<endif>>
[[Leave her be]]<<set $girlTTalk to true>>
//If she wants me to go in there, there's a good chance she might know something about the woods,// thought Jacobi.
"Alright then, you have my attention," he stated plainly again. The ride here had been long and Jacobi had little time to waste on the babblings of a mad woman, but a few minutes here would be of little consequence.
"A few days ago my.. my.. husband went into those woods, s-said if nobody was going to kill that th-thing then he would have to do it h-himself," she cried. Tears pouring form her eyes at the mention of her husband.
"He gathered a few men from around town, and they went into the w-woods on a hunt. I begged him not to go, I pleaded with him to stay and wait for more guards from Mayazar," she screamed, collapsing to the ground in a heap, distressed.
Quietly she contniued, "He didn't make it back that night, or the night after. I know he's dead in there and I have nothing left of him."
She went silent momentarily, still struggling to face the reality of her situation.
"If you can find his body, he'll have a locket with an engraving on him, a gift to him from my father on our wedding night. Inside was written our names, and it's the only thing we had that was truly our own, a symbol of what our lives would have been t-together." She couldn't hold it in any more, and more tears began to flow down her face.
"Listen," said Jacobi, kneeling down to look her in the eye.
"Uh..," he began.
"M-Miranda," she replied.
"Well, Miranda, my name's Jacobi Kozlov, and yes I am here to kill whatever's hiding in the woods. I'll try and find this locket for you, but I expect payment."
There was no sympathy in his voice, he stated it all factually, but as soon as Jacobi had finished speaking she leapt from the ground.
"Thankyou, th-thankyou," she cried, "I promise you, you will be paid in full."
And with that she walked inside a house she was next to, smiling at Jacobi as she did so.
[[Walk The Streets|Villagers]]<<if $girlTTalk is false>>
The ride here had been long and Jacobi had little time to waste on the babblings of a mad woman, and he had his problems to deal with. Toreal's guards could deal with whatever the poor woman wanted, not him.
<<else>>
Jacobi leavse Miranda to her pool of tears. No help would come from talking to her without her husband's wedding locket.
<<endif>>
[[Walk The Streets|Villagers]]Jacobi raises prepares to block the incoming attack from the ghoul.
<<silently>>
<<set $Dmg to random($ghoulAttack,12)>>
<</silently>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $Dmg lte ($strength+$armourValue)>>
<<print "Jacobi blocks the incoming swipe from the ghoul, taking no damage.">>
<<else>>
<<set $Dmg to $Dmg-($strength+$armourValue)>>
<<print "The Ghoul cuts through Jacobi's defenses, dealing $Dmg points of damage.">>
<<set $pHealth to ($pHealth-$Dmg)>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<display "Player Health 1">>
<<if $pHealth gt 0>>
Jacobi uses this chance to launch a counterattack.
[[Fight Back|Attack The Ghoul]]
<<else>>
Jacobi lies dieing in the woods at the feet of the ghoul. Before his eyes close for the final time he catches a glimpse of the ghoul carving open his intenstines and devouring his innards. A bright hot pain rushes through his body one final time before death consumes him.
Load a save file or restart the game from the sidebar.
<---
<<endif>><<silently>>
<<set $Dmg to random($ghoulAttack,12)>>
<<set $speed to random($ghoulDex,11)>>
<</silently>>
<<if $speed lte ($dodgeVal+$dex)>>
<<print "Jacobi dodges the incoming, barely missing the Ghoul's sharpened claws.">>
<<else>>
<<set $Dmg to ($Dmg-$armourValue)>>
<<print "The Ghoul claws at Jacobi, dealing $Dmg points of damage.">>
<<set $pHealth to ($pHealth-$Dmg)>>
<<endif>>
<<display "Player Health 1">>
<<if $pHealth gt 0>>
Jacobi uses this chance to launch a counterattack.
[[Fight Back|Attack The Ghoul]]
<<else>>
Jacobi lies dieing in the woods at the feet of the ghoul. Before his eyes close for the final time he catches a glimpse of the ghoul carving open his intenstines and devouring his innards. A bright hot pain rushes through his body one final time before death consumes him.
Load a save file or restart the game from the sidebar.
<---
<<endif>><<silently>>
<<set $speed to random($ghoulDex,11)>>
<<set $pSpeed to random($dex,$dex+6)>>
<<set $Dmg to random($damage,$damage+5)>>
<</silently>>
<<if $pSpeed gte $speed>>
<<silently>>
<<set $ghoulHealth to $ghoulHealth-$Dmg>>
<</silently>>
<<nobr>><<if $ghoulHealth gt 0>>Jacobi lands a blow on the foul beast, dealing $Dmg points of damage.. It screams and howsl in pain in response, blood gushing from the wound. It's blood red eyes lock with Jacobi and prepares to attack again.<<endif>><</nobr>>
<<else>>
The Beast dodges just out of range of Jacobi's attacks, preparing to pounce once more.
<<endif>>
<<if $ghoulHealth gt 0>>
Ghoul Health
----
$ghoulHealth / 40
----
[[Dodge Ghoul]]
[[Block Ghoul]]
<<if $pHealth lte 10>>
//This damn thing is getting the better of me If I don't end this soon I'll be a dead man.//
<<endif>>
<<elseif $ghoulHealth lte 0>>
Jacobi lands a decisive blow on the beast, stabbing it through it's chest with his mighty $weapon. The Ghoul hangs off of his blades, it's dead weight pushing it's body down onto the blade.
Jacobi wiped the blood from his face, unsure if it were his own or the monster's, and slumped to the ground for a brief respite. The beast was dead, and now he could return for his reward as William had promised.
//Fat bastard had better have my gold,// he thought, pushing the ghoul off of his $weapon.
After a few short moments of heavy breathing, he began the unpleasant task of removing the beast's head. For without it, he would have no proof of a successful encounter.
<<silently>>
<<audio dungeonsong volume 0.6 fadeout>>
<<audio mainsong loop volume 0 fadeoverto 15 0.5>>
<</silently>>
[[Search the Clearing|Clearing]]
[[Return to Toreal|Toreal P2]]
<<set $MKilled to $MKilled+1>>
<<endif>>
Without hesitation, Jacobi leapt from his hiding place and plunged his $weapon into the Ghoul's back. It howled in pain and shock, swiping at it's sides and trying to locate it's newfound enemy. Jacobi swiftly puled the $weapon from it's back and leapt away, preparing for swift and brutal combat.
<<silently>>
<<set $Dmg to random($damage+2,$damage+5)>>
<<set $ghoulHealth to $ghoulHealth-($Dmg)>>
<</silently>>
($Dmg points of damage dealt)
Ghoul Health
----
$ghoulHealth / 40
----
[[Dodge Ghoul]]
[[Block Ghoul]]Jacobi returned to Town during the night. The people of Toreal didn't know it yet, but their problems in the woods had coem to and end and. hopefully, life would return to normal around here. With the Ghoul's head hanging from his belt in a small hessian sack, he slowly <<silently>><<if $pHealth lt 50>>limped<<else>> walked<<endif>><</silently>> his way toward the local Inn.
It had been a long expedition, and the beast had put up an admirable fight; but training and skill would always beat out fierce animal ferocity.
//Time to get some rest,// thought Jacobi, as Toreal's Inn came into sight from the edge of the woods. It would be a long ride back to Mayazar in the morning.
[[The Next Day]]
Jacobi marched briskly through the town, searching for Miranda. He knew she would be near the Inn but how far he was unsure of. As he turned the corner onto the main street he saw her there. In the building she was crying next to he spotted her in the window. Crying profusely, and tieing a knot in a thick rope.
Jacobi's stomach instantly leapt into his throat.//Stupid girl is going to hang herself!// he thought. Rushing towards the front door he reached it within seconds and quickly went to bashing the lock in.
At the first sound of a crash against the door he could hear her screaming,
"Don't come in! Please, just leave me alone!"
Her crying still audible through her yells.
"Dammit, you fool! It's Jacobi! I found your husband's locket now just open the bloody door!"
And with that final yell the door's lock gave way, and Jacobi tumbled into the room just in time to see Miranda place the noose around her neck. Their eyes locked for only a second before she kicked the chair out from underneath her. She began to kick and choke, tears still falling from her eyes, a sthough she would still be in agony even after death.
With only moments to react, Jacobi rushed forward into the room. Pulling out his $weapon he slashed across the rope holding up her choking, convulsing corpse. The rope gave way to the sharpened blade almost instantly, dropping Miranda to the ground.
She breathed, and Jacobi let out a sigh of relief. He sat down on the floor and held up her head, resting it upon his leg.
"I have something for you, you daft girl," he said, shaking, as he pulled the gold pendant from his back pocket.
"If you've got this then I don't see any reason to go looking for him, understand?" he said, staring at the rope still hanging loosely around Miranda's neck.
She stared at the locket for a long time, before finally letting out another bout of tears. But these were different, they were tears of joy, and in between Jacobi could hear he whispering "Thankyou..".
She slowly pulled the rope from around her neck. and then removed a small necklace whic held a green gem inside gold caging.
She stifles her tears, "Timothy once said this necklae would keep me safe if he were never here," she said, wiping tears from her eyes. "But now I have him back," she forced out, blubbering over the wedding pendant she held in her other hand.
"Take it," she said, handing the green necklace to Jacobi, "As your reward. you certainly need it more then I do."
And with that she stood up, threw the rope into her dead fireplace and hugged Jacobi.
"Good luck, my friend", she said, holding him for a few moments longer.
As Jacobi left Miranda's abode he placed the green necklace around his neck. The gem felt warm and comforting against his skin, promising safety and warmth, and have Jacobi a small spark of hope that his future would be just a little brighter with it.
+1 Green Gem Necklace
[[Return to Mayazar]]
<<set $armourValue to $armourValue+1>>
<<set $goldTLocket to false>>Jacobi jumped up onto his horse and prepared for the journey back to Mayazar. It had been a long ride here and a longer stay, or at least to him, it felt like it. He turned his steed towards the exit of town and kicked.
//Time to get my reward//
[[Chapter 2:The Mountain Pass]]Jacobi searches the clearing, looking for any scraps of humanity the ghoul may have held on to. Looking around he found a small hovel made into the base of a half-uprooted tree. The tree's large, thick roots acted as walls for what this thing might have called a home. Branches and twigs were piled around the edges in an attempt to camoflage it's home from predators and prey, while inside lay a bed of leaves the ghoul would have used for sleep.
Searching the hovel, Jacobi found few items of interest. Rusted and blood covered armour and swords lay scattered within. Practically all of which seemed useless and broken. Upon searching further, Jacobi found a small pouch hidden within a breastplate, alongside a small note. Th note itself was illegible, stained with blood and crumbled beyond recognition. However, along the top Jacobi spied the mark of King Twinning.
//It appears im not the only fool he's sent out into these woods,// he thought as he unraveled the sack, revealing a small handful of coins.
//Ha, and he only gave these bastards silver. Seems if you want something done right, then offer up some gold. Mine had better be waiting for me.//
Among the armour and weapons he also found a small locked box. A trinket of some kind, small enough to fit into the palm of his hand. Jacobi put this into his sack to inspect later.
+15 Silver Pieces
+1 Locked Box
[[Return to Toreal|Toreal P2]]
<<set $lockedBoxes to $lockedBoxes+1>>
<<set $silver to $silver+15>>
<<set $SCollect to $SCollect+15>>Jacobi stops for a moment to apply a gauze wrap to a wound.
(Healed 5 points of damage)
<<silently>>
<<set $pHealth to $pHealth+5>>
<<if $pHealth gt 50>>
<<set $pHealth to 50>>
<<endif>>
<</silently>>
<<display "Player Health 1">>
<<return[Continue]>>Jacobi stops for a moment to apply medicinal paste to a bad wound //Argh, this stuff takes me back to the war,// he thought, grimacing from the stinging pain.
(Healed 10 points of damage)
<<silently>>
<<set $pHealth to $pHealth+10>>
<<if $pHealth gt 50>>
<<set $pHealth to 50>>
<<endif>>
<</silently>>
<<display "Player Health 1">>
<<return[Continue]>><<set $gauzeTStock to $gauzeTStock-1>>
<<set $gauze to $gauze+1>>
<<set $silver to $silver-3>>
Jacobi purchases a roll of gauze for 3 silver pieces, just in case.
<<return[Continue_Shopping]>><<set $torchesTStock to $torchesTStock-1>>
<<set $silver to $silver-1>>
<<set $torches to $torches+1>>
Jacobi purchases a torch for one silver piece for the journey ahead.
<<return[Continue_Shopping]>>Jacobi prepared his horse for the ride back to Mayazar, strapping down his rucksack and sleeping roll to the saddle. The Ghoul's head was now stowed safely in a black leather pouch, hanging towards the front of his horse. He had kept it wrapped in the hessian sack to avoid blood leaking through his gear, and to not scare any villagers who would tread to closely.
<<if ($girlTTalk is true) and ($goldTLocket is true)>>
Opening his rucksack, Jacobi pulled out the small golden locket he had found on what he presumed to be the corpse of Miranda's husband. He recalled she said she would reward him greatly if he returned it to her.
[[Find Miranda]]
<<else>>
Around the town he heard somewhat of a commotion, with a few of the villager walking towards the edge of the forest. //News must travel fast here, they must be seeing if it's safe now,//he thought.
But as his eyes followed the crowd he saw that his work in the night was not the cause of the crowd, but rather a young woman.
There, at the edge of the forest, on one of the thickest branches of a dieing tree, hung the woman Jacobi had seen crying in the streets not a day before. Whispers of "She's with her husband now.." and "At least they didn't leave each other behind.." could be heard throughout the crowd.
//Lover's till the end, huh,// thought Jacobi, reminding himself of his own love life. And the consequences it carried.
<<endif>>
[[Return to Mayazar]]The guardhouse was just as impeccable as it had been when Jacobi had left just a short time ago. Outside was a short, scruffy lad in a loose fitting uniform who was wiping down the windows. Typical guard behaviour meant having the new recruits do the dirty work while the old-timers sat around waiting for something to happen.
This was because Mayazar was not a city of crime or poverty. The general populace was happy thanks to the ruling King's work with the local guilds and trading houses. The King was a man who wanted perfection throughout his country, and seemed to stop at nothing to ensure this. The image of him passed through Jacobi's mind as he entered the GuardHouse, //I just hope he doesn't try and recruit me again after he sees all the "good work" I've been doing.//
[[Collect Reward]]<<silently>>
<<set $eavesdrop to false>>
<</silently>>
Inside, the GuardHouse was still impeccably clean, a fact that was quickly starting to annoy Jacobi as these men clearly had nothing to do; all the while he had spent the last few days doing work that ten of them couldn't accomplish. He made his way towards William's office, hoping he wasn't asleep again.
He arrived at the office to find William in a small meeting of sorts with some of the guards. He was speaking in a hushed tone, and Jacobi thought that whatever they were discussing might be worth listening to.
[[Eavesdrop]]
[[Wait for his men to Leave|Talk to William]]<<if $eavesdrop is true>>
Jacobi kept himself hidden until the Guards left before entering William's office. //They've got enough to worry about without looking for me,// he thought, smiling. He opened the door to the office, hearing William shout out as he did so, "Oh what the hell do you wa- OH! Jacobi," he said, clealy startled by his arrival, "We didn't expect you for another few days." William was clearly flustered, and would have been morse so if he knew Jacobi was listening earlier.
"Aye, it was difficult but nothing I couldn't handle," replied Jacobi, clearly acting smug.
He regained his demeanour of authority after a few short stutters and breaths, and continued.
<<else>>
Jacobi waited to enter Willaim's office. //Whatever they're talking about it can bloody wait,// impatiently tapping his foot as he stoof outside the door. Shortly after arriving however, two Guards exited the office and looked at Jacobi like they had seen a Ghost,
"Uh, William," the shorter of the two began, before Jacobi barged past them, clearly wanting a quick resolution.
"Ah you've returned," said William, almost as though he was asking a question, not quite believing that Jacobi was still alive.
"Nothing I couldn't handle", replied Jacobi quickly.
<<endif>>
"Well since this little expedition of ours has moved along a bit faster than I thought, I suppose you had ought to go and collect your reward. But of course you won't be able to enter the Royal Chambers with that thing hanging off yer belt." he motioned towards the leather sack around Jacobi's waist, which was just now starting to show signs of fresh blood stains and leakage from the hessian bag within.
"The Royal Chambers?" Jacobi asked, "You're telling me Edward bloody Twinning has my gold?" Jacobi sighed audibly, and William snickered at his reaction.
"Oh come now," said William, holding back a laugh, "I'm told you two go back a long time. His father had you join before the war, right?
But I'm sure you two will have plenty of time to catch up, for now just pass me whatever's in there and I'll send word to prepare your payment."
Jacobi reached into his leather sack and reefed out the hessian sack holding the head within it, throwing it to William in one fluid motion.
"Better be worth it," Jacobi said , nodding to the Ghoul's rotting skull.
And with that, he began making his way towards the center of Mayzar. Towards the Palace.
[[Talk to King Twinning]]Jacobi approached the palace entrance on horseback, it's gargantuan stone walls and imposing wooden gates reminded him of the entrance to Mayazar, as though the cities defense had been built from the palace's design. It was a smart move for the kingdom centuries ago, the great walls for the palace and city acted as a tieredsystem of defense, keeping royalty alive while the civilians died for their king.
The walls ran a perfect circle in the centre of Mayzar, protected on all sides with guards at every gate. As he arrived at the gate, Jacobi dismounted his horse and stated his business.
"He's expecting you, Monster Hunter," he said, spitting as he stated Jacobi's unofficial title. The man clearly knew of his exploits, and his betrayal years ago. The only reason his head was still attatched was becase the King needed him, or more specifically, needed someone with his set of skills.
[[Enter the Palace Walls|Mayazar Palace]]
<<if $accepted is true>>
Jacobi left through the front gates, collecting his $weapon as he passed by the guards. //One more job and then I can go home, and right now she needs me more than ever,// he thought to himself, mounting his horse and heading to the Northern Side of town. His mind raced with thoughts of home.
<<else>>
Jacobi left through the fronts gates in a rush, snatching his $weapon from the guards on his way out. //This bastard thinks he'll get away with threatening her, let alone me. I'll slit his bloody throat if he ever comes near her.// He rode off towards the Northern edge of town, his bags still empty of Gold and his mind filled with thoughts of home.
<<endif>>
Before going to the Northern Market square, Jacobi felt it was worth visiting an old acquantaince at a local smithy. //If the King wants me killing bloody cultists, im going to need some better armour than leather.//
[[Visit Smithy|Armour Acquisitions]]"Don't you dare bring her into this," Jacobi responded, seething and reaching for a weapon that wasn't at his hips in his blinding rage.
The King let out a hearty laugh that cut deep into Jacobi, building his rage even further.
"I knew she would bring out that fire in you," he said, finally turning to look Jacobi in the eye.
"Jacobi, it is because of her that you will do it. And if you don't, well, do I really need to force you into this? I'd rather not see your body dragged through the streets."He said, standing up from his chair and begnning to hobble towards the door.
"I expect you to return within a week."
[[Refuse Again]]
[[Prepare for the Journey]]<<if $mVisit is false>>
Jacobi found a small goods store nearby the central marketplace of Northern Mayzar. As he entered, a fragrance of honey and flowers flowed into his nostrils, and inside he found the source. A young woman with flowing blonde hair was attending to the stores wares, taking down item counts with a quill and parchment. As Jacobi entered she turned to face him, freckles dotted along her cheeks.
"Good day sir, how can I help?"
<<endif>>
Jacobi returned to the storefront, the scent of honey from the young woman still wafting through the air.
[[Purchase Supplies|Mayazar Stock][$mVisit to true]]
[[Check Inventory|Supplies][$mVisit to true]]
[[Mayazar City Centre][$mVisit to true]]
Jacobi approached the Smithy, dismounting and parking his horse along the road. Mayazar had been booming lately, and people were flocking to the streets to sell and buy wares with local traders. All around townsfolk could be seen talking, shopping and walking the streets, a sight Jacobi welcomed after the desolate affair in Toreal.
Walking down the street he approached the Smithy belonging to his old friend, Elias Joachim. The man had trained Jacobi in his earlier years and led his troupe to battle many years ago, but Elias' true passion was for the crafting of weaponry and armour. As he walked into the open aired front section of the Smith he could smell the burning steel and coals of the fire, and it brought back pleasant memories of his youth training at Elias' orginal forge in the roaming green planes just northwest of Mayazar.
However, his thoughts were disrupted by the coarse, scratchy yell of "My word, if it isn't the Great Monster Hunter, Jacobi himself. Come here you mad devil!". Elias put his hammer down and hobbled over towards Jacobi, picking him up in a squeezing hug with his enourmous, tree-trunk like arms.
"Elias, I can't- breathe, you old fool," squaked Jacobi, surprised by his old mentor's youthful strength and eagerness to recieve him.
"Well I can guess you're not here on a personal visit," Elias said as he dropped Jacobi on the dirt with an audible thud.
Jacobi coughed, and regained his footing, "Unfortunately not old friend," he said clasping Elias' soot covered hands. "I've got a job to do, and sadly this old armour won't do. Any chance of helping an old friend out?"
Elias laughed, a booming sound echoing throughout the Smithy. "Old friend? My boy I think you're the only friend I've got left after these last few years of strife. I tell you what, leave that leather gear here and come back here just before sundown, and I'll have something wonderful for you."
"Thankyou, Elias. You don't know how much your kindness will help here."
Jacobi gave Elias a knowing look, as if trying to tell him something was wrong, and the fight ahead of him was strange, and would be difficult indeed.
<<silently>>
<<set $strength to $strength+2>>
<<set $dex to $dex+2>>
<<set $armourValue to $armourValue+1>>
<<set $armourName to "Steel-Padded Leather">>
<</silently>>
[[Mayazar City Centre]]
<<set $alchVisit to false>>
<<set $boxVisit to false>>
<<set $mVisit to false>>Jacobi's Twin Kukri Blades had seen a great deal of battle, but the enemies he killed with them barely saw it coming. Found in the Great Jungles across the sea, Jacobi had to pry the weapons from the cold, dead hands of a native during an expedition long ago and they had sevred him well since.
The lightweight construction and sharp edge on them allowed Jacobi to move swiftly throughout the battlefield, precisely cutting his opponents apart piece by piece. Wielding them felt like carrying nothing and let Jacobi dodge and move through his enemies with ease. Although not as damaging as a sword or an axe, the speed and grace the weapons afforded made all the difference.
[[Kukri Blades][$weapon to "Twin Kukri Blades"]]
[[Choose a Different Weapon|Weapon]]Jacobi's trusted longsword had served him well over the years. Passed down to him from his childless, blacksmith uncle, Jacobi had kept it safe and it in turn did the same for him. It was evenly balanced and made from a fine steel that could pierce almost any armour and still allowed him to move quickly on the battlefield. Jacobi preferred to use it two-handed, as his skills allowed him to block and parry with ease, and without a shield he could move much more freely.
[[Steel LongSword][$weapon to "Steel LongSword"]]
[[Choose a Different Weapon|Weapon]]Jacobi thought back to his days fighting the red orc horde with his trusty BattleAxe. Forged by ancient Dwarven smiths, he had found it in a expedition into the mountains long ago when he still worked as a member of Lord Twinning's military forces.
The handle was made of thick oak wood and the head was double-sided, forged from iron deep within the mountains. The weapon was heavy enough and large enough to act as a strong shield against attackers and could fell beasts with a single swing. But the axe was heavy as well, and that strength came at a cost to Jacobi's speed.
[[Great Axe][$weapon to "Dwarven Great Axe"]]
[[Choose a Different Weapon|Weapon]]Visiting the city centre Jacobi found some opportunities to gatehr information while waiting for Elias to finish his armour.
[[Mayazar Shop]]
[[Visit Alchemist]]
[[Head North to Castle Ruins|Leave Mayazar]]
[[Check Supplies|Supplies]]
Jacobi edged closer to the door to hear what the men were discussing, and heard William haflway through briefing them.
"...and if he makes it back, keep an eye out. Should be a few more days with the reports I've heard about this thing, if he even gets back."
A thud, //Fat bastard must've just dropped in his chair, and are they talking about me?// thought Jacobi.
"Anyway, we've got new orders from high up and it seems we're due for another search. Remember, any items or notes seeming to be of suspicious or magical nature are to be confiscated and their owner's brought to the stockades. Dismissed."
At that Jacobi quickly snuck away from the office door, waiting for William's men to leave before taking in his severed Ghoul head for payment. //Poor bastards would've probably wet themselves,// he snickered.
[[Talk to William]]
<<set $eavesdrop to true>><<if $alchVisit is false>>
//The local alchemist might know something about what's up North if it involves the dark arts. Twining sure as hell isn't giving em any information, might as well find it myself,// thought Jacobi, striding towards the bright green potion sign hanging in the main street of Mayazar.
Upon entering he found that there were other cutsomers here also, and decided to wait to speak to the Alchemist. Looking around he saw a great deal of concoctions with labels such as //"Insta-Growth","Light in a Jar"//, and //"Weapon Rejuvinator"//.
<<if $lockedBoxes gte 1>>
But among all things he saw in the shop, one sign caught his eye, and it read "We Dispell Magic Locks". Below the sign pictured a small Box with a glwoing lock on the front and it reminded him of the small Boxes he had found in the forest at Toreal. //Perhaps there's more mages in the country than expected. I can't imagine what one was doing all the way out there.//
<<endif>>
While he was looking at the signs and waiting patiently he heard a light male voice call out. "Sir, do you require any assistance?"
<<else>>
"Ah back again so soon, Sir?" called the mild mannered alchemist, his smile everpresent on along his face. "How may I be of assistance?"
<<endif>>
[[Talk to Alchemist about Cultists|Talk to Alchemist]]
<<nobr>>
<<if $lockedBoxes gte 1>>
[[Ask about Magic Locks|Lock Boxes]]
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
[[Mayazar City Centre]]
[[Check Inventory|Supplies]]
<<set $alchVisit to true>>Jacobi made his way towards the Northern Gates, riding swiftly through them past the blissfully ignorant guardsmen who stood watch. It would be a long ride to the castle and the King had given him a week to do it.
//Bastard,// thought Jacobi. //I'll have his head if even touches my Cassy. Too weak to even walk and he threatens her life as if it weren't already in danger.//
Jacobi's thoughts of hate and protection of his family drove him onwards through the night, barely resting as rode beneath the starry sky. The road North was more well kept than the one towards Toreal. Paved with brick for what seemed like endless miles, the road was commonly used by the armies of Mayazar sent through the the Northern Keep of Salazhar and was one maintained to reflect this. These days, however, the road had fallen into disreppair, and the longer Jacobi rode, the more broken road he saw.
Riding through the night Jacobi stopped only to rest when his horse finally gave in and stopped, refusing to ride any longer and gasping for air. It was time to rest.Dismounting, Jcaobi led his mount away and found a small stream, a few hundred feet few away from the road. He set up a sleeping roll and began to prepare a fire for the night.
[[Sleep for The Night]]
[[Check Surroundings]]
[[Check Inventory|Supplies]]
<<set $ringGStock to 1>>
<<set $mapGStock to 1>>
<<set $gauzeGStock to 2>>
<<set $northMap to false>>
The Palace was built from solid stone centuries ago, and although history made no mention of it, Jacobi was almost certain that many people would've died building it. It's towers reaching endlessly towards the sky, threatening to topple into the city at any given moment, while the castles's walls held firm over years of assault by neighouring countries. Burns, bloodstains and cracks lined the lower walls, a testament to the structures agelessness. An onlooker may see these and assume the walls were ready to crumble, but those who had seen inside knew the slabs used to build the walls were as thick as on oxen cart, and would not be crumbling any time soon.
Jacobi entered the Palace through the main hall, and found a guard waiting to take his weapons in the halls' antechamber.
//Just do what he wants and get out of here Jacobi,// he thought to himself, unhitching his $weapon from his belt. Entering the main hall he spotted a man at the far end, beholding one of the great tapestries of history that ran around the hall's walls. Upon stepping foot inside however, the man turned around, and Jacobi saw that it was King Twinning. And it seemed as though he had been waiting for him.
[[Talk with the King|Edward Twinning]]
"If it isn't the renowned Monster Hunter, Jacobi Kozlov," he said, hobbling towards Jacobi. Although the man was younger by a good 10 years, he had not aged well. Years of stress and war had taken their toll on the man's body and he now walked with a cane, but he was still strong. He had been known to cut a men's head off with one swing from his blade, and still kept a good healthy glow about him. But his bones had become brittle over time.
"My Lord Sir Edward Twinning," Jacobi replied, bowing with both respect and annoyance. //Just let me out of here dammit,// he thought.
As he stepped closer Jacobi got a better look at the man. Although he moved with a slow pace his face still looked like that of a young man, his healthy family lineage showing in his withered state. His dark hair still flowed down over his shoulders, as thick and luscious as it had been when the man took the throne.
"They tell me you killed the beast in Toreal's forest. A Ghoul they say. I've seen one of those up front before, when my alchemists brought one in to study. I believe it was you who bought it in so many years ago."
Jacobi winced at the memory, thinking back to how long he had become bedridden after facing the canibalistic abomination.
"Aye, that was me," replied Jacobi, "And now I've come to collect my rewards, with your blessing my King." Jacobi bowed, almost retching as the words left his mouth, never having been one to appreciate the polite and courteous language of noblemen.
"Yes I do believe you are owed," responded the King, "But I have something else you may be interested in as well."
//It never ends with these people,// sighed Jacobi.
[[Hear What He has to Say]]
Jacobi reatreated from the beast, losing torchlight during his escape.
<<silently>>
<<if $torchLight gt 0>>
<<set $torchLight to $torchlight-2>>
<<endif>>
<</silently>>
<<display Torchlight>>
//Good thing I got out of there when I did, but I can't keep running. I need to kill whatever's in here if I ever want to leave this place.//
[[Continue Exploring|The Dark Woods]]<<silently>>
<<set $accepted to false>>
<</silently>>
The King waved his hand and motioned for Jacobi to follow him to one of the tapestries lining the wall. Pictured on it was a mountain fortress, covered in armed soldiers. It depicted a battle from the King's glory days, when he and 200 men held the fortress against an oncoming horde of undead. The Fight of Life, many called it, before the Necromancer behind the evil deeds was finally captured and beheaded in the centre of Mayazar
"The great Northern Keep of Salazhar," said Edward, reminsicing in his glory days, "We held it long enough for my father's army to arrive, I remember the scolding he gave me afterwards, warning me not to put my life at risk like that again."
He paused for a moment, the man clearly respected his history, glancing around at the other tapestries around the room. It was common knowledge that King Twinning wanted to be remembered as a great king, if not the greatest that Mayazar had ever seen. He held history books and tapestries covering every one of the exploits and conquerings completed during his and his family's reign, and nothing would stop him from seeing his dream through until the end.
Continuing, he stated "It's been many years since that time, and the men in the north have become weak. I've recieved word that cultists have attacked once more from beyond the mountains, and I'd rather not risk an uprising in my lifetime."
He turned and began walking toward a chair at the hall's immensely long table. Taking his time to sit, he continued after saying "I need someone to go there and sort this out, someone I know can handle this task. Someone like you Jacobi. I know you were promised Gold and that you could leave to attend to your own business, but I need you up North. Route out the one behind this and I will double what you were promised, and we can forget about that unpleasentness in the war."
He paused for a moment as Jacobi considered his options.
"You know, the more Gold you have, the more medicine you can get for Cassandra", he said calmly, looking away from Jacobi. Although he couldn't see it, Jacobi knew the King was smiling at his misfortune.
[[Refuse His Offer]]
[[Accept His Offer|Prepare for the Journey][$accepted to true]]At the mention of her wares the old woman becomes ecstatic. She dropped her bag to the ground and opened the top section revealing an intricate system of a small fold-out wooden bench. She began placing items on it from other pouches as though she were at the markets of Mayazar, presenting his stock to cutomers
----
Silver: $silver
----
Items for Sale
----
//Gauze//
In Stock: $gauzeGStock
Cost: 2 SP ea
<<if ($gauzeGStock gt 0) and ($silver gte 2)>>
[[Purchase|Buy Gauze 3]]
<<endif>>
<<if $ringGStock gt 0>>
//Strange Ring//
The ring seems to blur on the table and after a short while becomes difficult to look at.
Cost: 10 SP
<<if ($ringGStock gt 0) and ($silver gte 10)>>
[[Purchase|Buy Ring]]
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<<if $mapGStock gt 0>>
//Map of Salazhar//
The old woman says she got the map in a trade from a desparate guardsman, trying to get enough silver to escape the Kingdom of Mayzar
Cost: 2 SP
<<if ($mapGStock gt 0) and ($silver gte 2)>>
[[Purchase|Buy Map]]
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
[[Check Supplies|Supplies]]
[[Leave Gypsy]]"So long as no beasts are here, I am fine resting on my own." Jacobi said. He didn't trust the old woman, for who would be out here on a night like this.
//I'm here,// the thought came to him as he wondered all this. But still, her rucksack appeard strange, and reminsicient of the ones he had heard of in stories of Gypsys in his days of youth. He began walking towards his horse when he heard,
"The dark magicks of the North will take you, but perhaps you may struggle on yet." The woman knew where he was going it seemed. //Surely anybody heading this way is going to the Northern Keep.//
[[Ignore The Old Woman|Ignore 2]]
[[Talk to the Old Woman]]Although his mentors had warned him of gypsy ways he, Jacobi had heard stories of their strange trinkets helping those in times of need. ALthough these stories were few and far between, and he had heard more bad than good, Jacobi decided to humour the old woman. Sitting down ona rock nearby the stream he said "Alright then what do you want?"
"Ah for a warrior such as yourself only the finest wares will do
[[Gypsy Wares]]
[[Leave Gypsy]]Jacobi had heard enought cryptic nonsense to last a lifetime, and returned to his camp, leaving the old woman to meditate.Before leaving he heard one final yell from her,
"You will need all the help you can, Monster Hunter."
//A gypsy how knows too much, that is for certain,// he thought.
[[Leave woman|Leave Gypsy]]
[[Talk to the Old Woman]]
It seemed the guards were clearing the area in search of something specific. Upon closer inspection, he found they were searching for magic trinkets and baubles left by defeated cultists. Some men were eyeing off rings and necklaces, unsure if any of them held any real power.
Lookin around, Jacobi found a destroyed hut that appeared untouched by the looting guards. //If there's something here that can help me I'd better have a look around,// he thought, as he began to heave debris away from the crushed structure.
<<if $strength gte 7>>
Moving aside a heavy wooden beam, Jacobi uncovered the corpsse of a small family, mother and child huddled together in fear. The faces were twisted in a look of terror in their final moments, and thier bodies were crushed beneath the heavy ceiling. Jacobi was repulsed by what he saw, stepping back for a moment.
Upon closer inspection however, he saw that the mother was wearing a small green armband that appeared to glow as he moved closer to it. //Cultists they were not, but someone gave them this,// he thought, slowly pulling the armband off of the mangled corpse. It was cold to the touch, like holding a chunk of snow in his hands, despite the fact it was still Summer. He put it around his own arm and instantly felt better, healthier almost.//A trinket for a loved one I suppose. I'll do my best to remember this gift,// he thought, leaving the bodies where they lay.
(+1 Green Ice Armband)
(+20 Max Health)
<<set $pHealth to 70>>
<<set $greenBand to true>>
<<else>>
The pile of debris became too much for Jacobi, his old bones givig way under the pressure of the wooden beams and stones. //I'm wasting time searching here anyway. I need to get into that castle//
<<endif>>
<<set $hovelSearch to true>>
[[Return to Outpost|Outpost]]Before he left, Jacobi returned to Elias' forge at sundown, as they had agreed. He arrived to find Elias punding his hammer away at his anvil, and knocked on a wooden beam to get his attention.
Elias continued to work, but spoke."Sorry my boy, have to work late these days to keep a roof here. But luckily I had time, and your armour is ready." He waved his hammer to the side of the Smithy and Jacobi followed it's direction.
On the table against the wall lay a full suit of steel plated leather armour. "It's the best I could do on short notice. The steel should add some protection for you. And since when did you use such heavy leather? I can't imagine you moving very freely in that thing. Anyway I cut away some of the uneccessary pieces around your inner though and arms. It should be a great deal lighter now."
Elias continued to hammer away against his anvil, making a blade for a LongSword by what Jacobi could tell.
"Now get going, you wouldn't have needed that in a hurry if you didn't have somewhere you needed to be."
"Thankyou old friend," Jacobi whispered, and sunk away from the Smithy. The forge's light still bright enough to see as he arrived at the Northern Gate of Mayazar.
[[On The Road]]Jacobi approached where the bulk of the remainig forces rested. A makeshift barracks had been prepared within an assortment of tents and what still remained of the village outside the Keep. A group of 5 men sat around a campfire, discussing their next plan of attack. Jacobi eded closer to listen in on their conversation.
"What the hell were those things?", one man asked. "They're not even human anymore!"
"They still bleed like one," another said in response "And whatever those growths-", "Tentacles, Jim," one interrupted. "Yes tentacles, whatever. It seems to be slowing them down, all that extra weight."
"And that //extra weight// is what got Robert killed. It crushed him! I don't think I'll sleep right ever again after all this."
The men went quiet as they contemplated their friend's, and possibly their own, untimely death.
//Slow but strong ey, good to know. Just like the orcs of old, this should be interesting,// thought Jacobi as he walked away. He had heard all he needed.
[[Look around Outpost|Outpost]]The quartermaster shows Jacobi his wares, warning they will cost extra as supplies are low and in high demand for the gurdsmen
----
Silver: $silver
----
Items for Sale
----
//Gauze//
In Stock: $gauzeKStock
Cost: 3 SP ea
<<if ($gauzeKStock gt 0) and ($silver gte 3)>>
[[Purchase|Buy Gauze 4]]
<<endif>>
//Torches//
In stock : $torchesKStock
Cost: 2 SP ea
<<if ($torchesKStock gt 0) and ($silver gte 2)>>
[[Purchase|Buy Torches 4]]
<<endif>>
<<if ($northMap is false) and ($keepMap is false)>>
//Map of Salazhar Keep//
The quartermaster says he's not too fond of parting with a map for the area, with so many enemies around they might find something useful with it. The price is steep.
Cost: 5Sp
<<if $silver gte 5>>
[[Purchase Map]]
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<<if $fur gte 1>>
Sell
----
Furs: $fur
----
The quartermaster see Jacobi has wolf fur with him and offers a trade. The northern Keep had a reputation for being cold at the mountain peaks, and any extra warmth was more than welcome.
[[Sell Furs for 3SP Each|Sell Furs]]
<<endif>>
[[Check Supplies|Supplies]]
[[Return|Speak to QuarterMaster]]"No. Not again."
A silence fell throughout the hall, borken only by the sounds of King Twinning's cane tapping against the floor as he turned to face Jacobi. Fire welled up behined his eyes and Jacobi could see that his demeanor had changed. He now stood tall, without a hunch, and looked as though he barely needed the walking stick.
"I don't think you understand, Monster Hunter. This is a direct order from your //King.// Disobey me again and yours will not be the only body we drag through the streets. Your beautiful Cassandra will be there with you."
At the sound of her name Jacobi became tense, wishing he had a sword just to cut the bastard down.
"One week, now leave my sight." And with that, the King turned and began to leave
[[Refuse Again!]]
[[Prepare for the Journey]]<<if $boxVisit is false>>
"I see that you dispell magic locks here," said Jacobi, reaching into hs bag and searching for the chests he found in Toreal.
"Yes, that we do sir," began the young man behind the counter, smiling happily as he spoke,"and for only a small fee of a single silver piece for each lock. Of course if it's anything more advanced than that of the Mage's guild of the palace I will need to see some form of identification." He stood there still as a rock with his grin as Jacobi produced his <<if $lockedBoxes gt 1>>boxes<<else>>box<<endif>> for the man to examine.
"Ah yes," began the young man" bringing out a pair of spectacles and exmaining it closely, "Seems to be something rather ameteaur here, I'd say the work of a first year trainee perhaps. Anyway," he put his glasses away, "we work on a Don't ask Don't tell policiy when it comes to where these came from specifically, so all I ask is you pay me and I can begin dispelling <<if $lockedBoxes gt 1>>these locks<<else>>this lock<<endif>>.
<<else>>
"I've got another box for you to work on." stated Jacobi, pulling out another small lockbox from his pack.
"Of course sir, remember, payment upfront," replied the smiling young man.
<<endif>>
<<if $silver gte 1>>
[[Dispel Lock (Cost 1 Silver Piece)|Dispel Lock][$silver to $silver-1]]
<<endif>>
[[Return|Visit Alchemist]]
[[Check Inventory|Supplies]]"I was hoping someone like yourself in the business of magic could help answer a few questions." Jacobi began.
"WHat kind of questions?" replied the young man, the smile slowly fading from his face as he saw Jacobi's serious look emenating towards him.
"It's about the some of the darker disciplines appearing around the realm. Maybe you've heard of them, perhaps something comeing from the North?" Jacobi questioned, clearly prying for information that could tell him what he would be up against.
"You have to be kidding me," said the young man, his face now empty of any emotion but hate and annoyance. He sighed.
"If you're asking about the cult that sprang up a few months back, those guys are the real deal. I mean, a lot of the more powerful magics are safeguarded by Mayazar's Mage guild, but when fanatics get their hands on a even a piece of that things go wrong fast. I've had people in here talking about their deformities and extra limbs and all kinds of crazy stories. Wouldn't have believed it until I saw some Guardsmen coming back from the North. Screaming bloody mary as they wer dragged off to the palace."
Jacobi felt somehwat stunned, //Boy, this kid's got a big mouth on him.//
His smile came back to his face, "But is there anything else I can help you with sir?"
[[Store|Visit Alchemist]]<<set $lockedBoxes to $lockedBoxes-1>>
The young man began speaking a short verse that consisted of words and sounds that seemed gibberish to Jacobi. As he did so the Lock on the small box began to open on it's own. from Inside the Box, the young man pulled out:
<<set $boxChance to random(1,2)>>
<<if $boxChance is 1>>
A woolen pouch holding 10 Silver Pieces
(+10 Silver Pieces)
<<silently>>
<<set $silver to $silver+10>>
<<set $SCollect to $SCollect+10>>
<</silently>>
<<elseif $boxChance is 2>>
A small pouch holding a collection of gauze and coins.
(+5 Silver Pieces)
(+2 Gauze)
<<silently>>
<<set $silver to $silver+5>>
<<set $SCollect to $SCollect+5>>
<<set $gauze to $gauze+2>>
<</silently>>
<<endif>>
<<if $lockedBoxes gte 1 && $silver gt 0>>
[[Dispel Lock (Cost 1 Silver Piece)|Dispel Lock][$silver to $silver-1]]
<<else>>
"Looks like thats the last of them," said Jacobi as he collected his goods.
<<endif>>
[[Return to shop|Visit Alchemist]]
[[Check Inventory|Supplies]]"Just after some basic supplies," said Jacobi, as he kindly as he was able.
"Let me see what I have", she replied, leading Jacobi towards the store's front counter.
Money
----
$silver Silver Pieces
----
Items for Sale
----
//Torches//
In stock: $torchesMStock
Cost: 1 SP ea
<<if ($torchesMStock gt 0) and ($silver gte 1)>>
[[Purchase|Buy Torches 2]]
<<endif>>
//Gauze//
In Stock: $gauzeMStock
Cost: 2 SP ea
<<if ($gauzeMStock gt 0) and ($silver gte 2)>>
[[Purchase|Buy Gauze 2]]
<<endif>>
//Medicinal Paste//
In Stock: $pasteMStock
Cost : 3 SP ea
<<if ($gauzeMStock gt 0) and ($silver gte 3)>>
[[Purchase|Buy Paste 2]]
<<endif>>
----
[[Supplies]]
[[Store|Mayazar Shop]]<<set $pasteMStock to $pasteMStock-1>>
<<set $silver to $silver-3>>
<<set $paste to $paste+1>>
Jacobi purchases a jar of medicinal paste for 3 silver pieces.
<<return[Continue_Shopping]>><<set $gauzeMStock to $gauzeMStock-1>>
<<set $silver to $silver-2>>
<<set $gauze to $gauze+1>>
Jacobi purchases a roll of gauze for 2 silver pieces, just in case.
<<return[Continue_Shopping]>><<set $torchesMStock to $torchesMStock-1>>
<<set $silver to $silver-1>>
<<set $torches to $torches+1>>
Jacobi purchases a torch for one silver piece for the journey ahead.
<<return[Continue_Shopping]>>Jacobi walked around the small stream, checking his surroundings for evidence of animals or bandits.
Walking west alon the stream however, he came across an elderly woman meditating in the moonlight. Her haid was fraed and knotted in many places and she appeard to have been away from civilization for a long time. Beside her rest a large pack covered in twine and sticks; Jacobi couldn't make out any more in the pal light of the moon.
As he took a step closer the old woman opened her eyes and instantly locked them with Jacobi's single eye, appearing to stare directly into his soul. "Come, sit with me hardened one. You appear to need the rest."
[[Ignore the Old Woman|Ignore 1]]
[[Talk to the Old Woman]]Jacobi rested for the night, dreaming of the day he and his wife could finally have peace. His small cottage in the open fields seemed like a paradise in his mind and a haven from the evils of the world. But he did not rest long.
As the first rays of sunlight broke past the northen mountains it was not the light that woke im, but rather a scurrying in the nearby bushes. Jumping to his feet and quickly grabbing his $weapon he dropped into a defensive stance, readying himself for an attack.
It was then he heard a distinctly feminine yelp and the scurrying stopped. Slowly, he inched his way towards the bushes. "Whoever you are, come out and I promise no harm will come to you," said Jacobi, tightening his grip on his weapon's handle.
At this command, however, the bushes moved once more, and a small elderly woman slowly edged her way out in the clearing he had made his camp for the night. It was obvious to Jacobi she was a gypsy woman, a travelling saleswoman and purveyour of magic trinkets. But the elder of his youth always warned him of their kind, cheats as they were all known to be.
On her back she held a large pack; straw and twigs piled on top of her sack of snake oil, false truths and trinkets. Jacobi sighed, "Leave me before I change my mind on killing you, damn gypsy."
"But sir," she said, a smile widening across her face and a mishcevious look stirring in her eyes "You're ehading North, to the place of danger. Dark energies swirl and the cult dances through the night. I can see it in your eye, the way it darts to and fro across the mountain range."
Her voice was shrill and high pitched, seemingly as wildly worded as her hair, tattered in knots and frays and quite unsightly. The woman had not seen civilization in a long time, Jacobi surmised.
"If I am it's of no business to you," Jacobi said. He sheathed his $weapon and began packing his sleeping roll and equipping his armour, paying no more attention to the old hag.
"But sir what I hold here is what you need. They would be no match for the baubles I hold, if used in the proper hands.
[[Talk to the Old Woman]]
[[Ride to Salazhar Keep|Leave Gypsy]]
<<if $outpost is false>>
Arriving at the outpost, Jacobi felt an intense feeling of stress and tension throughout the camp so tighly he could have cleaved through it. All the mean still wore their armour, with some having even passed out near the edges still wearing theirs.
Nearby, some guards searched through a destroyed wreckage of a cottage, and upon further inspection Jacobi saw that an entire small village had been practically toppled around them.//Damn these bastards must be strong. What the hell have I gotten myself into.//
In the centre of the camp was Salazhar Quartermaster and head of supplies. He lookd tired and wated away, as though a breeze would take him if he let go of his table.//He might be of use,// Jacobi thought, tieing his horse to a nearby hitching post. //I might even be able to track some of the cultists around here before I go in if I get a chance.//
As he entered the camp he was greeted by the man in charge, a frail redheaded man who held a pile of parchments with order from high up. As he approached Jacobi, Jacobi pulled out the orders he had been given by the King and handed it to the man. Upon reading he quickly closed his mouth of whatever he was about to say, and left Jacobi to go about his business.
<<else>>
Jacobi looked around the outpost, eyeing off the weary men and wondering how long it would be before they decided to turn tail and run. The only ones holding the group together was the QuarterMaster, and the not-so-confident captain.
<<endif>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $hovelSearch is false>>
[[Investigate Nearby Structure|Search Hovels]]
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $cultTrack is false>>
[[Search for Tracks|Cultist Tracks]]
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
[[Listen to Guards]]
[[Speak to QuarterMaster]]
[[Check Supplies|Supplies]]
[[Speak with Guard Captain before entering Northern Keep|Keep Entrance]]
<<audio dungeonsong stop>>
Jacobi left the old woman with her wares, eager to continue his journey and return to the King in a timely manner.
He rode for another full day, stopping only to give his horse food and drink. He arrived at the Southern edge of Salazahr Keep at Sundown, and spotted a small camp on the outskirts flying King Twinning's flag.
//The Guardsmen who were kicke dout of their own home, I'd guess,// he thought as he rode towards the fire.
[[Ride to Outpost|Outpost]]
<<set $outpost to false>>
<<set $gauzeKStock to 3>>
<<set $torchesKStock to 3>>
<<set $mapKStock to true>>
<<set $hovelSearch to false>>
<<set $cultTrack to false>>
<<set $robe to false>>
<<set $retreatK to false>>
<<set $keepMap to false>>The old woman hands Jacobi the ring, and as he placed it on his finger he swore he could feel a faint whirring. His fingers tingled as he ran them along it's edge, quickly feeling out every scratch along it.
"This one will bring you good luck," she said, smiling through broken and crooked teeth.
Jacobi purchased the strange ring for 10 silver pieces, already feeling faster, lighter even, as he put it on.
<<return[Continue_Shopping]>>
<<set $ringGStock to 0>>
<<set $dex to $dex+1>>
<<set $silver to $silver-10>><<set $gauzeGStock to $gauzeGStock-1>>
<<set $silver to $silver-2>>
<<set $gauze to $gauze+1>>
Jacobi purchases a roll of gauze for 2 silver pieces, just in case.
<<return[Continue_Shopping]>>Jacobi purchased the map of Salazhar Keep from the old woman for 2 silver pieces, knowing it would be useful in his journey ahead.
<<return[Continue_Shopping]>>
<<set $mapGStock to $mapGStock-1>>
<<set $siler to $silver-2>>
<<set $northMap to true>><<if $retreatK is false>>
Jacobi approached the commanding officer of the goutpost.
"You boys have any plan of how to get in there?" he asked nonchalantly, as if they had a plan at all.
"Well sir,"stammered the red-headed lad. His leadership role was clearly unexpected, probably past on to him due to the last captain having died within the Keep. "The letter from the King clearly states you are to enter with our help, and we do have a strategy."
"Go on," queried Jacobi, becoming interested in what the young mna had to say.
"Once nightfall hits we are to take a ladder to one of the lower windows. There, a small well-armed team will infiltrate the Keep. The cultists have no real military strategy, so we don't expect heavy resistance. They believe their magic to be all-powerful and unstoppable, but the men here will change their view." As he began talking, he lost his stutter and had become entranced by his own military prowess. //Maybe this kid is a good leader,// thought Jacobi.
"Here, we will need someone to get to the lever which controls the main gate, if we can get that open our forces should be able to pour through and deal with whatever is left"
"And I'm to get to that lever, correct?" asked Jacobi.
"Unfortunately, yes. You're the most skilled fighter here and the King's letter states you are to be the vanguard."
//Of course it does, bloody bastard.//
<<if $robe is true>>
"If its all the same to you, I have another way in. If we co-ordinate attacks your men can keep the bulk of their forces busy while I find the lever." Jacobi said, thinking of the hidden entrance he had seen the cultists use earlier.
The commander's face dropped, "Ah, I s-suppose so, but you had better find that lever or we'll be pulling out as soon as possible."
"Of course, sir," Jacobi said, with a mocking salute.
<<endif>>
<<else>>
Jacobi made his way towards the group of men preparing for another attack. The commander ran him through the plan again of sneaking in under the cover of darkness.
//Let's hope we can kill the bastards this time,// he thought, making his way towards the entance.
<<endif>>
[[Check Inventory|Supplies]]
[[Wait For Nightfall|Nightfall]]
<<nobr>>
<<if $robe is false>>
<<set $positionX to 1>>
<<set $positionY to 4>>
<<elseif $robe is true>>
<<set $positionX to 6>>
<<set $positionY to 1>>
<<endif>>
<<set $attackNumber to 0>>
<<set $torchlight to 0>>
<</nobr>>
<<silently>>
<<set $bMapArray to
[[0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0],
[0,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,0],
[0,1,0,0,0,0,1,0,0,5,1,0],
[0,1,0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0,1,0],
[0,1,1,1,1,1,1,6,1,1,1,0],
[0,1,0,1,0,0,1,0,3,0,0,0],
[0,1,0,1,0,0,1,2,1,0,0,0],
[0,1,0,1,0,0,1,0,0,0,0,0],
[0,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,4,0],
[0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0]]>>
<</silently>>
<<display "Player Health 2">>
<<display "Torchlight">>
<<nobr>>
<<if $greenBand is false>>
<<if ($gauze gt 0) && ($pHealth lt 50)>>
<br>[[Use Gauze(Heal 5pts)|Gauze 2][$gauze to $gauze-1]]
<<endif>>
<<if ($paste gt 0) && ($pHealth lt 50)>>
<br>[[Use Medicinal Paste(Heal 10pts)|Paste 2][$paste to $paste-1]]
<<endif>>
<<elseif $greenBand is true>>
<<if ($gauze gt 0) && ($pHealth lt 70)>>
<br>[[Use Gauze(Heal 5pts)|Gauze 2][$gauze to $gauze-1]]
<<endif>>
<<if ($paste gt 0) && ($pHealth lt 70)>>
<br>[[Use Medicinal Paste(Heal 10pts)|Paste 2][$paste to $paste-1]]
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<if ($torchlight lt 10) and ($torches gte 1)>>
[[Light a Torch|Light a Torch 2]]
<<endif>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $northMap is true>>
<<display "BLocation">>
<<endif>>
<<silently>>
<<if $torchlight gt 0>>
<<set $torchlight to $torchlight-1>>
<<endif>>
<</silently>>
<<silently>>
<<if $attackNumber lte 0>>
<<if $torchlight lte 0>>
<<set $attackNumber to 5>>
<<else>>
<<set $attackNumber to 12>>
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<<set $attackNumber -=1>>
<<set $Cultchance to Math.round(Math.random() * $attackNumber)>>
<</silently>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $Cultchance eq 1>>
<<display Cultist>>
<<else>>
<<if $bMapArray[$positionY-1][$positionX] is 1>>
[[North|North2]]|
<<endif>>
<<if $bMapArray[$positionY+1][$positionX] is 1>>
[[South|South2]]|
<<endif>>
<<if $bMapArray[$positionY][$positionX+1] is 1>>
[[East|East2]]|
<<elseif $bMapArray[$positionY][$positionX+1] is 2>>
[[Approach The Altar and Attack]]
<<endif>>
<<if $bMapArray[$positionY][$positionX-1] is 1>>
[[West|West2]]
<<endif>>
<<if $bMapArray[$positionY+1][$positionX] is 3>>
<br>Jacobi had found where the leader of the cultists was, and according to the plan, it seemed they were protecting the mechanism that opened the gates. Jacobi slowly crept forward, hiding in the shadows of the corridor he entered from. The room before him was once the great Hall of the Keep. Now, the cultists had desecrated it with abhorent scriptures and imagery of sacrfice and ungodly creations.
[[Stealthily Approach The Altar and Attack]]|
<<endif>>
<<if $bMapArray[$positionY][$positionX+1] is 4>>
<<if $ksearched6 is false>>
<br>As Jacobi came to the end of a hallway, he spotted a corpse to his left which was neither a guard or a cultist. Instead, it was an inncocent priest, sent here to spread the good word of whatever God it was that he had decided to serve. //This is no place for the holy, let alone the unholy,// surmised Jacobi. In his hands he held a small sack, clutched tightly against his chest.
[[Search Priest Remains|Priest Remains]]
<<else>>
//Iv'e already pilfered the priest's corpse. Nothing else to find here.//
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<<if $bMapArray[$positionY][$positionX-1] is 5>>
<<if $ksearched5 is false>>
<br>Walking through the great halls, Jacobi came across a deceased guard, his body battered and broken by the cultists twisted and perverse magic. //Poor bastard,// thought Jacobi, //Let's hope he has some help for the living.//
[[Search Guards Remains|Guards Remains]]
<<else>>
//Iv'e already taken all this guard had to offer. Nothing else to find here.//
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<<if $bMapArray[$positionY+1][$positionX] is 5>>
<<if $ksearched5 is false>>
<br>Walking through the great halls, Jacobi came across a deceased guard, his body battered and broken by the cultists twisted and perverse magic. //Poor bastard,// thought Jacobi, //Let's hope he has some help for the living.//
[[Search Guards Remains|Guards Remains]]
<<else>>
//Iv'e already searched this place. Nothing else to find here.//
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<<if $bMapArray[$positionY][$positionX+1] is 6>>
<br>Approaching a crossroads within the Keep, Jacobi found that the way to the east had been blocked. Debris from a recent battle had fallen from the roof, creating a hole above and filling the hallway with bricks and ruins.
//Looks like I'll have to find another way around.//
<<endif>>
<<if $bMapArray[$positionY+1][$positionX] is 2>>
<br>Up ahead, shrouded in darkness and surrounded by strange flickering lights lay a large stone makeshift altar, clearly carried in by some of the cultists. The intel from the guards suggested that this area was where the door mechanism was housed, and as Jacobi peered into the darkness he could see a large lever behind the altar. Standing in front of it was a large hooded figure covered in jewelery and glistening armour, chanting strange words above the altar.
//This must be the one running the show, better deal with them before I open the gates,// Jacobi thought.<br>
[[Approach The Altar and Attack]]
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<<if $Cultchance neq 1>>
<br>[[Check Inventory|Supplies]]
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<span id="NorthMap">
<<nobr>>
<<for $i to 0; $i lt $bMapArray.length;$i++>>
<<for $k to 0; $k lt $bMapArray[$i].length; $k++>>
<<if $k eq $positionX and $i eq $positionY>>
<<print "J">>
<<elseif $bMapArray[$i][$k] eq 1>>
<<print ".">>
<<elseif $bMapArray[$i][$k] eq 0>>
<<print "#">>
<<elseif $bMapArray[$i][$k] eq 2>>
<<print "S">>
<<elseif $bMapArray[$i][$k] eq 3>>
<<print "!">>
<<elseif $bMapArray[$i][$k] eq 4>>
<<print "x">>
<<elseif $bMapArray[$i][$k] eq 5>>
<<print "x">>
<<elseif $bMapArray[$i][$k] eq 6>>
<<print "B">>
<</if>>
<</for>>
<<print "<br>">>
<</for>>
<</nobr>>
</span>
-----
Location:
* X: <<print $positionX>>
* Y: <<print $positionY>>
-----Jacobi stops for a moment to apply a gauze wrap to a wound.
(Healed 5 points of damage)
<<nobr>>
<<if $greenBand is false>>
<<set $pHealth to $pHealth+5>>
<<if $pHealth gt 50>>
<<set $pHealth to 50>>
<<endif>>
<<else>>
<<set $pHealth to $pHealth+5>>
<<if $pHealth gt 70>>
<<set $pHealth to 70>>
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<display "Player Health 1">>
<<return[Return_to_Keep]>>Jacobi stops for a moment to apply medicinal paste to a bad wound.
(Healed 10 points of damage)
<<nobr>>
<<if $greenBand if false>>
<<set $pHealth to $pHealth+10>>
<<if $pHealth gt 50>>
<<set $pHealth to 50>>
<<endif>>
<<else>>
<<set $pHealth to $pHealth+10>>
<<if $pHealth gt 70>>
<<set $pHealth to 70>>
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<display "Player Health 1">>
<<return[Return_to_Keep]>><<set $positionX += 1>>
<<display "Keep Map System">><<set $positionY += 1>>
<<display "Keep Map System">><<set $positionX -= 1>>
<<display "Keep Map System">><<set $positionY -= 1>>
<<display "Keep Map System">>The gurdsmen seemed to be well prepared for the untimely assualt on the Keep.Supplied were stren about his mangled corpse, crushed and twisted as it was by the cultists hands. //The dead have no use for these,// he thought, rifling through the pile.
+1 Medicinal Paste
+1 Torch
<<silently>>
<<set $torches to $torches+1>>
<<set $paste to $paste+1>>
<<set $ksearched5 to true>>
<</silently>>
[[Continue Searching|Salazhar Keep]]
In the centre of the room, just mere feet from Jacobi's entrance, stood what Jacobi assumed to be their leader, wearing a barely touched robe adorned with jewelry and thick armour plating.On the altar lay a guardsman, bound and gagged attempting to plead for his life as the cultists chanted their foul language. Next to them sat the lever mechanism for openeing the gate.
//No way around it, it seems. I guess it's time to cut the head from the snake,// Jacobi thought, slowly unsheathing his $weapon as to not make a sound.
[[Sneak Attack Cult Leader]]
<<set $cultLHealth to 50>>The hooded figure was the only one here, their henchman sent to fight the attacking Guardsman at the front of the Keep. And with their backk turned and facing their Altar, Jacobi saw his chance to strike.
As Jacobi approached behind the altar, drawing his weapon, he began to make out what was on the altar before the hooded figure. Lieing there, bound and gagged, was a frightened Guardsman, attempting to plead for his life before the madman. Jacobi quickly rushed forward to attack before the man was killed, and gave away his position in attempting to do so.
Drawing his weapon as the figure turned he struck without hesitation, but whoever he was fighting, they were fast too. A glancing blow meant to sever the spine was barely dodged, and the robe was caught and ripped on Jacobi's $weapon, revealing the one beneath.
A young woman with hair in tatters and knots, scriptures burnt across one side of her face and further down her neck. There was blood dripping from the side of her head, clearly Jacobi's attack had still wounded her, though to do the degree of his liking. The robe still hid more of her aberrations, but as she moved away from Jacobi, preparing for combat, he could something slowly slide out of a sleeve from the robe.
A long tentacle, covered in bloodred spikes and the colour of bruised flesh slithered out. Thought not as thick and gruesome as those of the ones Jacobi fouught before, it looked far deadlier and faster. As it moved, she began to wave it around herself, and like a whip deisgned for brutal combat she snapped her arm forward and flung it towards Jacobi.
[[Dodge Attack|Dodge Cult Leader]]
[[Block Attack|Block Cult Leader]]
<<set $cultLHealth to 50>><<display "Keep Map System">>
<<if $pHealth lte 10>>
[[Retreat to Outpost|Retreat2]]
<<endif>><<silently>>
<<set $speed to random($cultDex,11)>>
<<set $pSpeed to random($dex,$dex+6)>>
<<set $Dmg to random($damage,$damage+5)>>
<</silently>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $pSpeed gte $speed>>
Jacobi cuts into the hideous creation of dark magic.<<nobr>><<if $cultHealth gt 0>> The man screams in pain in response, blood gushing from the wound. He locks eyes with Jacobi and prepares to send his monstrous appendage swiping again.<<endif>><</nobr>>
<<set $cultHealth to $cultHealth-$Dmg>>
<<if $cultHealth lt 0>>
<<set $cultHealth to 0>>
<<endif>>
//($Dmg points of damage dealt)//
<<else>>
The Cultist dodges just out of range of Jacobi's attacks, preparing to attack once more.
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<if $cultHealth gt 0>>
Cultist Health
----
$cultHealth / 20
----
<<display "Player Health 2">>
[[Dodge Cultist|Dodge2]]
[[Block Cultist|Block2]]
<<if $pHealth lte 10>>
//This monstrosity is going to kill me if I don't get out of here.//
[[Run back to Camp|Retreat2]]
<<endif>>
<<elseif $cultHealth lte 0>>
The man is defeated and lies dead and motionless at Jacobi's feet. His monstrous tentacle waves around in defience of his death before finally ceasing to struggle.
//There's one of these bastards around every corner here, better stay ready.//
<<nobr>>
<<if $torchlight gt 0>>
+ 1 Cultist Robes
<<set $robes to $robes+1>>
<<else>>
+ 1 Cultist Robe <br>
+ 1 Roll of Gauze <br>
<<set $robes to $robes+1>>
<<set $gauze to $gauze+1>>
<<endif>>
<br>[[Continue Searching the Keep|Salazhar Keep]]
<<set $MKilled to $MKilled+1>>
<</nobr>>
<<endif>>Jacobi attempts to dodge the incoming attack from the writhing madman.
<<nobr>>
<<set $Dmg to random($cultAttack,13)>>
<<set $speed to random($cultDex,13)>>
<<if $speed lte ($dodgeVal+$dex)>>
<<print "Jacobi dodges the incoming, barely evading the crushing tentacle monstrosity.">>
<<else>>
<<set $Dmg to ($Dmg-$armourValue)>>
<<print "The cultist's tentacles smashes into Jacobi , dealing $Dmg points of damage.">>
<<set $pHealth to ($pHealth-$Dmg)>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<if $pHealth gt 0>>
<<display "Player Health 2">>
Jacobi uses this chance to launch a counterattack.
[[Fight Back|Attack2]]
<<else>>
Jacobi lies dead in the Northern Keep, the cultists tentacle groping his lifeless corpse, sucking the last essence of his being away for it's hideous power.
Load a save file or restart the game from the sidebar.
<---
<<endif>>
Jacobi raises his weapons to block the incoming attack.
<<nobr>>
<<set $Dmg to random($cultAttack,13)>>
<<if $Dmg lte ($strength+$armourValue)>>
<<print "Jacobi blocks the incoming attack, taking no damage.">>
<<else>>
<<set $Dmg to $Dmg-($strength+$armourValue)>>
<<print "The cultist smashes into Jacobi's defenses, dealing $Dmg points of damage.">>
<<set $pHealth to ($pHealth-$Dmg)>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<if $pHealth gt 0>>
<<display "Player Health 2">>
Jacobi uses this chance to launch a counterattack.
[[Fight Back|Attack2]]
<<else>>
Jacobi lies dead in the Northern Keep, the cultists tentacle groping his lifeless corpse, sucking the last essence of his being away for it's hideous power.
Load a save file or restart the game from the sidebar.
<---
<<endif>>Jacobi makes a fast retreat back to the guard outpost. Heaidng to hospice tent, he has his wounds checked over and healed by a middling caster. The man says he'll be ready to move again in a matter of hours.
//Good, I'm running out of time as it is,// thought Jacobi.
[[Rest and Recover|Outpost]]
<<audio dungeonsong volume 0.6 fadeout>>
<<audio mainsong loop volume 0 fadeoverto 15 0.5>>
<<set $retreatK to true>>
<<if $greenBand is false>>
<<set $pHealth to 50>>
<<elseif $greenBand is true>>
<<set $pHealth to 70>>
<<endif>>A cultist sneaks through the darkness towards Jacobi, his discoloured, red eyes seeping through the inky blackness. Before he has a chance to attack, a bruised, purple tentacle flys out beneath the robe of the insidious being, striking at Jacobi. A shrill laugh echoes down the corridors, signalling the others.
[[Dodge|Dodge2]]
[[Block|Block2]]
<<set $cultHealth to 20>>
[[Retreat to Camp|Retreat2]]
<<set $gauzeKStock to $gauzeKStock-1>>
<<set $silver to $silver-2>>
<<set $gauze to $gauze+1>>
Jacobi purchases a roll of gauze for 2 silver pieces for the journey ahead.
<<return[Continue_Shopping]>><<set $torchesKStock to $torchesKStock-1>>
<<set $silver to $silver-2>>
<<set $torches to $torches+1>>
Jacobi purchases a torch for one silver piece the journey ahead.
<<return[Continue_Shopping]>>
The Quartermaster loked tired, weary, barely able to stand. As Jacobi approached he muttered "Reinforcements from Mayzar, about time. What do you need sir?", his voice droned and he spoke with a slow, country accent.
[[Purchase Supplies From QuarterMaster]]
[[Look around Outpost|Outpost]]<<if $greenBand is false>>
Player Health
-----
<<print $pHealth>> / 50
-----
<<elseif $greenBand is true>>
Player Health
----
<<print $pHealth>> / 70
<<endif>>//Some reconnaissance would be handy, I'm not fighting wolves this time but men. And though they may be powerful, men make mistakes,// thought Jacobi as he ventured closer to the Great Keep, keeping an eye on the ground for any tracks. As he got closer to the Keep he darted between piles of rubble, debris and boulders in order to keep himself hidden. Up ahead, however, he spotted footprints in the dirt, with the distinct waving marks of a long cloak following behind them.
//I've found you now you bastards,// he surmised, following the tacks carefully.
<<if $dex gte 7>>
As Jacobi followed the tracks he came across his prey, two cultists keeping watch out side of the keep, against a seemingly flat wall.Their dark purple robes an afront to the royal colours, hiding their disfigured and hideous faces. As he was still a good hundred meters away Jacobi was forced to wait in hiding and watch their actions.After a short while, one of the two, what Jacobi assumed to be men, whispered to the other. The second nodded in response as the first walked away and towards the wall. With his position Jacobi could see everything and still remain hidden behind a set bushes and debris.
The cultist had pressed against the wall, revealing a narrow passage to within the hold, //They must have used the old Guard's escape routes to get in, but how the hell did know about that? Either way, now I kno where they've been getting in//, he asked himself as the first skulked away, the passageway closing behind him.
//If I want to get at least one of them then now's my chance.//
[[Ambush Cultist]]
[[Return to OutPost|Outpost]]
<<else>>
As Jacobi followed the tracks he came across his prey, two cultists keeping watch out side of the keep, against a seemingly flat wall.Their dark purple robes an afront to the royal colours, hiding their disfigured and hideous faces. However, as he edged his way forward his footing came loose, slipping slightly and knocking gravel away.
At the sound of his mistep the cultists perked up, a red glow from beneath their hoods staring towards Jacobi's hiding place. He remained still for a moment, only to hear theor footsteps head in the other direction, followed by a loud 'clunking' sound as stone scrapped against stone for only a moment.
//I supposed this effort has been in vain, Shit,// Jacobi angrily thought, punching the rock of which he had hid behind.
[[Return to Outpost|Outpost]]
<<endif>>
<<set $cultTrack to true>>Jacobi waited for a few minutes before siezing an opportunity to attack. The cultist turned to survey a different area of the mountain range, and as he did so, Jacobi struck. Sprinting from his rock at full speed, the cultist had little time to react before Jacobi plunged his $weapon through the madman's neck. Re and black blood oozed from the wound, like pus from a sore. The smell was wretched and unlike anything Jacobi had smelled before, and he had killed many things in his time.
//Whatever they've done to themselves, it can't be healthy,//he thought, wiping the blood from his blade. As he did so, a thought came to him.
//If I take this man's robe and use their hidden entrance, I may be able to get through their defenses more easily.//
And with that Jacobi removed the robe from the cultist. Beneath these however, was a sight Jacobi wished he had not seen. The man's body was covered in scars with scriptures burnt across his flesh. Small tentacle like tendrils protruded along his arms and legs, as though a foul beast was being born within his sickly flesh.
//Time to leave, I'll return here at sundown,// Jacobi thought, dragging the corpse into hiding within a set of bushes.
(Cultist Robe found!)
(Hidden entrance found!)
[[Return to Outpost|Outpost]]
<<set $robe to true>>
<<set $cultTrack to true>>In the small twine pouch, Jacobi found a few silver coins and a roll of gauze. //Either he was getting out for his own sake or trying tohelp the others. Doesn't matter anyway, poor bastard's dead now.//
Jacobi collected the supplies and moved on
(+5 Silver Coins)
(+1 Roll of Gauze)
<<silently>>
<<set $silver to $silver+5>>
<<set $gauze to $gauze+1>>
<<set $ksearched6 to true>>
<<set $SCollect to $SCollect+5>>
<</silently>>
[[Continue Searching|Salazhar Keep]]Jacobi sells the man all the furs he collected from the wolves in Toreal.
//About time I made some money for my work,// he thought.
Furs Sold
----
$fur
----
(-$fur Furs from Inventory)
<<silently>>
<<set $FurSilver to ($fur*3)>>
<<set $silver to $silver+$FurSilver>>
<<set $SCollect to $SCollect+$FurSilver>>
<</silently>>
(+$FurSilver Silver Pieces)
[[Purchase Supplies|Purchase Supplies From QuarterMaster][$fur to 0]]Jacobi attempts to leap out of the way of incoming attack.
<<nobr>>
<<set $Dmg to random($cultLAttack,14)>>
<<set $speed to random($cultLDex,16)>>
<<if $speed lte ($dodgeVal+$dex)>>
<<print "Jacobi dodges the incoming attack, barely missing the whipping tentacle mosntrosity.">>
<<else>>
<<set $Dmg to ($Dmg-$armourValue)>>
<<print "The cultist smashes Jacobi, dealing $Dmg points of damage.">>
<<set $pHealth to ($pHealth-$Dmg)>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<display "Player Health 2">>
<<if $pHealth gt 0>>
Jacobi uses this chance to launch a counterattack.
[[Fight Back|Attack Cult Leader]]
<<else>>
Jacobi lies dead in the Northern Keep, the cultists tentacle groping his lifeless corpse, sucking the last essence of his being away for it's hideous power.
Load a save file or restart the game from the sidebar.
<---
<<endif>>Jacobi raises prepares to block the incoming attack from the hideous creation.
<<silently>>
<<set $Dmg to random($cultLAttack,15)>>
<</silently>>
<<if $Dmg lte ($strength+$armourValue)>>
<<print "Jacobi blocks the incoming swipe from the cultists tantacled arm, taking no damage.">>
<<else>>
<<set $Dmg to $Dmg-($strength+$armourValue)>>
<<print "The Cult Leader cuts through Jacobi's defenses with the writhing tentacle, dealing $Dmg points of damage.">>
<<set $pHealth to ($pHealth-$Dmg)>>
<<endif>>
<<display "Player Health 2">>
<<if $pHealth gt 0>>
Jacobi uses this chance to launch a counterattack.
[[Fight Back|Attack Cult Leader]]
<<else>>
Jacobi lies dead in the Northern Keep, the cultists tentacle groping his lifeless corpse, sucking the last essence of his being away for it's hideous power.
Load a save file or restart the game from the sidebar.
<---
<<endif>><<silently>>
<<set $speed to random($cultLDex,14)>>
<<set $pSpeed to random($dex,$dex+6)>>
<<set $Dmg to random($damage,$damage+5)>>
<</silently>>
<<if $pSpeed gte $speed>>
<<silently>>
<<set $cultLHealth to $cultLHealth-$Dmg>>
<</silently>>
<<nobr>><<if $cultLHealth gt 0>>Jacobi lands a blow on the magic monstrosity. She screams in pain, blood gushing from the wound. Her glowing red eyes lock with Jacobi and she prepares to strike with the tentacle once more.<<endif>><</nobr>>
//($Dmg points of damage dealt)//
<<nobr>>
<<set $cultLHealth to $cultLHealth-$Dmg>>
<<if $cultLHealth lt 0>>
<<set $cultLHealth to 0>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<else>>
The cultists leaps just out of range of Jacobi's attacks, preparing to pounce once more.
<<endif>>
<<if $cultLHealth gt 0>>
Cult Leader Health
----
$cultLHealth / 50
----
<<if $pHealth lte 10>>
//This monster is getting the better of me If I don't end this soon I'll be a dead man.//
<<endif>>
[[Dodge Cult Leader]]
[[Block Cult Leader]]
<<elseif $cultLHealth lte 0>>
<<set $cultLHealth to 0>>
Jacobi lands a decisive blow on the cultist, slicing at her neck with his $weapon. She drops to her knees, clawing at he throat and gasping for air, the tentacle beneath her robe writhing uncontrollably and smashing against the makeshift altar. After a few short moments she stopped moving, with a final twitching of her fingers signalling her death.
After a moment of brief respite, Jacobi limped towards the main gate's control mechanism, a lever attached to a series of cogs and pulleys.
//Here goes nothing//, he thought, as he grabbed the handle and groaned, pulling it towards himself and into position. After a moment, he heard a groaning sound as the cogs began to move, and the sound of stone scrapping against metal rang out through the Keep's halls.
As with all his kills, he began the process of removing the target's head for collection, and placed it in his rucksack.
<<silently>>
<<audio dungeonsong volume 0.6 fadeout>>
<<audio mainsong loop volume 0 fadeoverto 15 0.5>>
<</silently>>
[[Return to the OutPost|Outpost P2]]
<<set $MKilled to $MKilled+1>>
<<endif>>
Nightfall comes after a short wait, and Jacobi leaves with the men to assault the keep. Reaching the entrance, they raise a ladder and begin climbing in through a small window.
<<if $robe is true>>
Jacobi dons the cultist's robe he found earlier, and heads towards the secret entrance.
<<if $torches gte 1>>
<<set $torchlight to 10>>
[[Light a Torch and Enter the Keep|Salazhar Keep][$torches to $torches-1]]
<<else>>
[[Enter The Keep without a Torch|Salazhar Keep][$torchlight to 0]]
<<endif>>
<<else>>
<<if $torches gte 1>>
<<set $torchlight to 10>>
[[Light a Torch and enter with the Guardsman|Salazhar Keep][$torches to $torches-1]]
<<else>>
[[Enter without a Torch|Salazhar Keep][$torchlight to 0]]
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<<if $greenBand is false>>
<<set $pHealth to 50>>
<<elseif $greenBand is true>>
<<set $pHealth to 70>>
<<endif>>
<<audio mainsong volume 0.6 fadeout>>
<<audio dungeonsong loop volume 0 fadeoverto 10 0.5>> As he entered his the room eyesight began to adjust to the darkness and saw the after his first step inside, saw that the cultist had seen him. Leaping forward over the altar he struck without hesitation, piercing into the cultist's side, but not without repurcusions.
As he had leapt threw the air the cultist had whippe something out of their- no, //her//- robe sleeve, and had cut across Jacobi.
<<set $cultLHealth to 45>>
Cult Leader Health
----
$cultLHealth /50
----
<<display "Player Health 2">>
[[Dodge Attack|Dodge Cult Leader]]
[[Block Attack|Block Cult Leader]]<<set $keepMap to true>>
<<set $northMap to true>>
<<set $silver to $silver-5>>
Jacobi reluctantly takes the map for 5 silver pieces.
<<return[Continue_Shopping]>>Jacobi began his return to the outpost, sneaking out through side halls as the main force assualted the cultists. //Without their leader they should have no messiah to turn to, and will hopefully fall quickly if these men know how to fight//, he thought as he reached window looking out towards Mayazar.
He paused for a moment as he looked at the hulking city, looking bloated and ready to fall apart from where he stood.
"I'll get you for this Twinning," he said, his words dying out as the night breeze took them. "Threaten my woman again and you're a dead man." He said, and leaped out of the window to the ground below.
[[Report to the Commander]]
<<set $gemSet to false>>Jacobi arrived back at the camp, where the inviting sound of battle could be faintly heard, echoing through the Keep's halls. Approaching his horse, he removed the the bloody head of the cultist leader from his sack and placed in his leather satchel. His pack was already beginning to smell from the blood it left behind.
//Time to get my Gold and get the hell out of this country,// he thought, as he tightend the straps of his saddle, ensuring a safe ride back. Mounting the horse he though ot himself, //I hear the beaches of Lyandria are good this time of year. Perhaps we can live in peace there.//
But his thoughts of a brighter future were cut short, and as he was about to leave the Outpost, the young commander began running to catch up to him.
"Jacobi!," he yelled with urgency, quickly running out of breath.
//Does this have no end?// he asked himself, bringing the horse to a stop. The commander stopped for a moment to catch his breath as he caught Jacobi. The night air was still cold and thinning, and he would need a moment.
"A messenger arrived," he gasped, "from the capital. Says he n-needs to speak with you immediately. King's Orders." He poined towards the centre of camp near the fire. There stood a relatively regal looking knight, and upon closer inspection Jacobi realized it was none other than a memebr of the elite King's Guard. //Whatever it is he isn't kidding around sending one of his personal guards. But I'm done with all this, whatever he wants, I've paid my dues to the King. Best go tell him to sodd off.//
Jacobi dismounted leaving his horse at the edge of camp. The Quartermaster was waving for him to come and speak, an uplifted look in his eyes.
[[Talk to Quartermaster]]
[[Talk to Messenger]]Jacobi puts flame to a new torch. The light gives promises of hope, of safety.
(Torchlight set to 10)
(-1 Torch from Inventory)
<<nobr>>
<<set $torchlight to 10>>
<<set $torches to $torches-1>>
<</nobr>>
<<return[Continue]>>Jacobi puts flame to a new torch. The light gives promises of hope, of safety.
(Torchlight set to 10)
(-1 Torch from Inventory)
<<nobr>>
<<set $torchlight to 10>>
<<set $torches to $torches-1>>
<</nobr>>
<<return[Return]>><<set $positionX += 1>>
<<display "Village Map System">><<set $positionY += 1>>
<<display "Village Map System">><<display "Player Health 3">>
<<if ($gauze gt 0) and ($pHealth lt 50)>>
[[Use Gauze(Heal 5pts)|Gauze 3][$gauze to $gauze-1]]
<<endif>>
<<if ($paste gt 0) and ($pHealth lt 50)>>
[[Use Medicinal Paste(Heal 10pts)|Paste 3][$paste to $paste-1]]
<<endif>>
<<nobr>>
<<display "CLocation">>
<<if $attackNumber lte 0>>
<<set $attackNumber to 15>>
<<endif>>
<<if $villageFight is true>>
<<set $attackNumber -=1>>
<<set $Villagechance to Math.round(Math.random() * $attackNumber)>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $Villagechance eq 1>>
<<display Peasant>>
<<else>>
<<if $cMapArray[$positionY-1][$positionX] is 1>>
[[North|North3]]|
<<elseif $cMapArray[$positionY-1][$positionX] is 2>>
[[Escape Through the Smithy]]|
<<endif>>
<<if $cMapArray[$positionY+1][$positionX] is 1>>
[[South|South3]]|
<<endif>>
<<if $cMapArray[$positionY][$positionX+1] is 1>>
[[East|East3]]|
<<endif>>
<<if $cMapArray[$positionY][$positionX-1] is 1>>
[[West|West3]]
<<endif>>
<<if ($cMapArray[$positionY-1][$positionX] is 3) && ($houseBurnt gte 0)>>
Jacobi approached the villager's house, already regretting what would come next.
<br>[[Burn It Down][$cMapArray[$positionY-1][$positionX] to 0]]
<<endif>>
<<if ($cMapArray[$positionY-1][$positionX] is 4) && ($houseBurnt gte 1)>>
Jacobi stood in front of another Villager's house. The torch ready at his belt waiting to be lit.
<br>[[Burn The Heretics][$cMapArray[$positionY-1][$positionX] to 0]]
<<endif>>
<<if ($cMapArray[$positionY+1][$positionX] is 5) && ($houseBurnt gte 1)>>
<br>Jacobi stood at a house marked on his map. His mind drifted to thoughts of Cassandra as he looked at the unlit torch.
<br>[[BURN THEM ALL!][$cMapArray[$positionY+1][$positionX] to 0]]
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<<if $Villagechance neq 1>>
<br>[[Check Supplies|Supplies]]
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<set $positionY -= 1>>
<<display "Village Map System">><<set $positionX -= 1>>
<<display "Village Map System">><<if $greenBand is false>>
Player Health
-----
<<print $pHealth>> / 50
-----
<<elseif $greenBand is true>>
Player Health
----
<<print $pHealth>> / 70
<<endif>><span id="VillageMap">
<<nobr>>
<<for $i to 0; $i lt $cMapArray.length;$i++>>
<<for $k to 0; $k lt $cMapArray[$i].length; $k++>>
<<if $k eq $positionX and $i eq $positionY>>
<<print "J">>
<<elseif $cMapArray[$i][$k] eq 1>>
<<print ".">>
<<elseif $cMapArray[$i][$k] eq 0>>
<<print "#">>
<<elseif $cMapArray[$i][$k] eq 2>>
<<print "!">>
<<elseif $cMapArray[$i][$k] eq 3>>
<<print "X">>
<<elseif $cMapArray[$i][$k] eq 4>>
<<print "X">>
<<elseif $cMapArray[$i][$k] eq 5>>
<<print "X">>
<</if>>
<</for>>
<<print "<br>">>
<</for>>
<</nobr>>
</span>
-----
Location:
* X: <<print $positionX>>
* Y: <<print $positionY>>
-----<<if $gemSet is true>>
Jacobi waitedby his horse for a few minutes, dreading any message sent by King Twinning, and waited fr the Quartermaster to complete the fitting of his new gem. As he had prmoised, it was only a few short minutes before the man was finished with Jacobi's $weapon.
Examining it, Jacobi saw he placed the gem in the weapon's hilt, holding it in place with a small iron band he quickly modified and clamped around the hilt. It now seemed to glow softly, and the blade shined brightly in the moonlight, aching to be used.
<<endif>>
Jacobi approached the King's Guard messenger slowly, dreading whatever message Twinning had sent for him.
The man was wearing full plate steel armour, lined with golden edging, and had a regal look about him, standing tall and proud while others around him hunched around the fire. As Jacobi approached , the man reached to his belt, pulling out a sealed scroll. "A message for Ser Jacobi Kozlov, from his lordhsip King Twinning. I've also been instructed to ensure your return to the capital."
The man spoke quickly and with purpose, confident in his mission from the King.
Jacobi took the letter from his hand and broke the wax seal with a dull hunting knife.
[[Read Letter]]As Jacobi walked towards the Quartermaster, the man quickly apprached, with a spring in his step.
"So you got that gate open ey," he said, the drawl still thick in his voice, reachig Jacobi. "We've been trying for the last week and a half to route these cultist bastards, and no luck. But you, good sir, you cleaved through their forces like they were nothing."
Jacobi began to smile coyly, it had been a while since anyone had actually thanked him for his work.
"The men have had a difficult time since being forcefully removed from what might as well have been their home. A morale boost certainly is in order." he continued, glancing towards the Keep, the first of the Guardsmen now beginning to walk out after the battle.
Many of them that Jacobi had seen were holding the robes, or parts of, belonging to the cultists, as if they were trophies of their kills. Some had even taing them to tieing them to poles as a warning flag for others that would try to take the keep. "Ah yes a morale boost indeed," said the Quartermaster, watching the men as Jacobi was.
"And I believe you found a great deal of those robes in there as well, did you not?" he asked, gleefully.
"The fabric was a good material, and I was hoping I might make some coin from them. Unless you have a better offer?" asked Jacobi. He could see where the Quartermaster was going with his little spiel and hoped a bit of friendly negotiation would do the trick.
"Well, depends on how many you have. Let me look at my stores and I'll see what I can trade you."
[[Follow Quartermaster to Store|Trade Robes]]
[[Check Inventory|Supplies]]
[[Talk to Messenger]]Unrolling the letter, Jacobi's heat sank into his stomach as he began to read.
//Ser Jacobi Kozlov,//
//If you are alive to read this then I assume you have rid the northern Keep of cultist scum. As per our arragement you are to recieve 500 gold pieces for your service to the realm upon your return. But now I must demand you complete one final task for me, should you wish a peaceful future. The King's Guard, Ser Joren Fletcher, I have sent with this letter is to escort you to the Eastern fishing village Fjorna, just a day's ride from Salazhar Keep.//
//Reports sent by carrier pidgeon from our Northern Allies suggest that although many of the cultists escaped to the Keep, men were seen leaving their forces and taking ships to sail around the mountains. As Fjorna is the first village past this mountain range, military experts believe that the town could now very well be infested with these scum.//
//We are to take no chances with these people, and by order of the myself, King Edward Twinning, I demand you go to this village and root out any possible cultist infestation. Burn it to the ground and leave no soul alive, for the infection of the cultist's madness spreads fast and we cannot risk an uprising from within our lands.//
//Burn the village to the ground, and destroy the infestation. Should you refuse this order, you will be branded an an enemy of the realm. You, and the ones you love, will be drawn and quartered in the streets. Complete this task, and you will be free to live out your final days in peace.//
//His Greatness,//
//King Edward Twinnig III//
[[Chapter 3:True Colours]]He threw the torch onto the hut's thatch roof, and almost immediately it was ablaze. As he walked off, the confused sounds of the villagers could be heard. Before their screams overtook that too.
(-1 Torch)
<<set $villageFight to true>>
[[Continue Onwards|Fjorna Village]]
<<set $houseBurnt to $houseBurnt+1>>
<<set $torches to $torches-1>>Jacobi came to the next house he had chosen to be burned. Having this one a good distance from the first meant it would take them longer to put it out. And it was one step closer to the Smithy. //I'll get to you soon Cassandra,// he thought, throwing a torch through the hut's open window. Screams could be heard inside as the innocents bagn to run for their lives.
(-1 Torch)
[[Continue Onwards|Fjorna Village]]
<<set $houseBurnt to $houseBurnt+1>>
<<set $torches to $torches-1>>
//One final hut before leaving through the Smithy. The smoke should almost be thick enough for my escape,// thought Jacobi, lighting a final torch and throwing it at the hut's front door. The fire took shortly after, blocking in any who might still have been inside.
//And all this time, all these deaths and not a single cultist. Twinning you idiot,// he thought heading briskly towards the Smithy.
(-1 Torch)
[[Continue Onwards|Fjorna Village]]
<<set $houseBurnt to $houseBurnt+1>>
<<set $torches to $torches-1>>
<<set $pEncounter to random(1,5)>>
<<if $pEncounter eq 2>>
"Why do you do this to us?" yelled a voice behind Jacobi. He turned, and saw a middle-aged man running at him with a pitchfork.
//If he can fight, then he can die,// thought Jacobi, drawing his $weapon.
[[Attack|Attack Peasant]]
<<set $peasantHealth to 10>>
<<elseif $pEncounter eq 3>>
"My home, you bastard bandits!" Yelled a villager, rounding a corner in front of Jacobi. He held a shovel in his hand, charging at Jacobi with an enraged look in his eye, tears flowing all the same.
//You don't deserve this,// he thought, preparing to strike.
[[Attack|Attack Peasant]]
<<set $peasantHealth to 10>>
<<elseif $pEncounter eq 4>>
"Y-you monster," heard Jacobi from beside him. A young man wielding a sword, shaking and staring Jacobi down was standing between two buldings.
//No survivors,// thought Jacobi, preparing his blade for another senselss kill.
[[Attack|Attack Peasant]]
<<set $peasantHealth to 10>>
<<endif>><<silently>>
<<set $speed to random($peasantDex,11)>>
<<set $pSpeed to random($dex,$dex+6)>>
<<set $Dmg to random($damage,$damage+5)>>
<</silently>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $pSpeed gte $speed>>
<<set $peasantHealth to $peasantHealth-$Dmg>>
Jacobi cuts into the innocent, blood gushing from the wound.<<if $peasantHealth gt 0>>He stands and prepares to fight on, despite the wound.<<endif>>
<<if $peasantHealth lt 0>>
<<set $peasantHealth to 0>>
<<endif>>
//($Dmg points of damage dealt)//
<<else>>
The villager barely escapes Jacobi's attacks, and prepared to strike at him again.
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<if $peasantHealth gt 0>>
Peasant Health
----
$peasantHealth / 10
----
<<display "Player Health 3">>
[[Dodge Peasant|Dodge Peasant]]
[[Block Peasant|Block Peasant]]
<<elseif $peasantHealth lte 0>>
The villager lies dead at Jacobi's feet. //Why didn't you run you idiot,//he thought continuing on with mission.
[[Finish The Job|Fjorna Village]]
<<endif>>
Jacobi attempts to dodge the incoming attack from the writhing madman.
<<nobr>>
<<set $Dmg to random($peasantAttack,11)>>
<<set $speed to random($peasantDex,10)>>
<<if $speed lte ($dodgeVal+$dex)>>
<<print "Jacobi dodges the attack, hardly even trying to fight the man.">>
<<else>>
<<set $Dmg to ($Dmg-$armourValue)>>
<<print "The peasant strikes Jacobi's armour, barely piercing into his flesh dealing $Dmg points of damage.">>
<<set $pHealth to ($pHealth-$Dmg)>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<if $pHealth gt 0>>
<<display "Player Health 3">>
Jacobi uses this chance to launch a counterattack.
[[Fight Back|Attack Peasant]]
<<else>>
Jacobi's body lay in Fjorna village as the flames took hold. A renowned monster hunter killed at the hands of a lowly peasant.
Load a save file or restart the game from the sidebar.
<---
<<endif>>Jacobi raises his weapons to block the incoming attack.
<<nobr>>
<<set $Dmg to random($peasantAttack,12)>>
<<if $Dmg lte ($strength+$armourValue)>>
<<print "Jacobi parrys the weak peasant's attack with ease.">>
<<else>>
<<set $Dmg to $Dmg-($strength+$armourValue)>>
<<print "The peasant cuts through Jacobi's defense, barely piercing his armour and dealing $Dmg points of damage.">>
<<set $pHealth to ($pHealth-$Dmg)>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<if $pHealth gt 0>>
<<display "Player Health 3">>
Jacobi uses this chance to launch a counterattack.
[[Fight Back|Attack Peasant]]
<<else>>
Jacobi's body lay in Fjorna village as the flames took hold. A renowned monster hunter killed at the hands of a lowly peasant.
Load a save file or restart the game from the sidebar.
<---
<<endif>>
Jacobi stopped for a moment to apply a gauze wrap to a wound.
(Healed 5 points of damage)
<<nobr>>
<<if $greenBand is false>>
<<set $pHealth to $pHealth+5>>
<<if $pHealth gt 50>>
<<set $pHealth to 50>>
<<endif>>
<<else>>
<<set $pHealth to $pHealth+5>>
<<if $pHealth gt 70>>
<<set $pHealth to 70>>
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<display "Player Health 1">>
<<return[Finish_The_Job]>>Jacobi stops for a moment to apply medicinal paste to a bad wound.
(Healed 10 points of damage)
<<nobr>>
<<if $greenBand if false>>
<<set $pHealth to $pHealth+10>>
<<if $pHealth gt 50>>
<<set $pHealth to 50>>
<<endif>>
<<else>>
<<set $pHealth to $pHealth+10>>
<<if $pHealth gt 70>>
<<set $pHealth to 70>>
<<endif>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<display "Player Health 1">>
<<return[Finish_The_Job]>>Jacobi reached the Smithy, knocking down a lantern hanging at the front porch to and lighting another fire to cover his escape. As he ran through the soot covered Smithy a sudden thought struck him. //Why is there still a lantern on h-//.
His thought was cut short by a large hammer racing towards his face in the darkness, barely missing him as he moved out of the way. Looking up, he saw the garguantan man wielding it. Clealy the local blacksmith of the town, covered in soot from his work and the raging fires.
"Fucking bandits, why? Why here!? WHY!!" hey yelled, swinging down with his hammer once more.
[[Dodge|Dodge Blacksmith]]
[[Block|Block Blacksmith]]
<<set $BSmithHealth to 45>>Jacobi attempts to leap out of the way of incoming attack.
<<nobr>>
<<set $Dmg to random($BSmithAttack,16)>>
<<set $speed to random($BSmithDex,11)>>
<<if $speed lte ($dodgeVal+$dex)>>
<<print "Jacobi dodges the incoming attack, barely missing the hefty, swinging hammer.">>
<<else>>
<<set $Dmg to ($Dmg-$armourValue)>>
<<print "The blacksmith smashes Jacobi, dealing $Dmg points of damage.">>
<<set $pHealth to ($pHealth-$Dmg)>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<display "Player Health 2">>
<<if $pHealth gt 0>>
Jacobi uses this chance to launch a counterattack.
[[Fight Back|Attack Blacksmith]]
<<else>>
Jacobi lies dead in the Fjorna smithy, his corpse taking to flame with all the other innocents.
Load a save file or restart the game from the sidebar.
<---
<<endif>><<silently>>
<<set $speed to random($BSmithDex,10)>>
<<set $pSpeed to random($dex,$dex+6)>>
<<set $Dmg to random($damage,$damage+5)>>
<</silently>>
<<if $pSpeed gte $speed>>
<<silently>>
<<set $BSmithHealth to $BSmithHealth-$Dmg>>
<</silently>>
<<nobr>><<if $cultLHealth gt 0>>Jacobi lands a blow on the man's side, ctting past his defenses. Screaming in pain he shoves Jacobi back into the Smithy, preparing to strike again.<<endif>><</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $cultLHealth to $cultLHealth-$Dmg>>
<<if $BsmithHealth lt 0>>
<<set $BsmithHealth to 0>>
<<endif>>
//($Dmg points of damage dealt)//
<</nobr>>
<<else>>
The Blacksmith blocks Jacobi's attack, his massive size and hammer keeping upright againtsthe flurry of attacks.
<<endif>>
<<if $BSmithHealth gt 0>>
Blacmsith Health
----
$BSmithHealth / 45
----
<<if $pHealth lte 10>>
//This poor bastard just wants me dead. And rightly so, but not until I get her back.//
<<endif>>
[[Dodge Blacksmith]]
[[Block Blacksmith]]
<<elseif $BSmithHealth lte 0>>
<<set $BSithHealth to 0>>
Jacobi landed a blow on the big man, severing his spinal cord at the neck with a final strike. He immediately collapsed to the ground, blood seeping from his wounds. For a moment he twitched, before the last of his life drained from him.
Jacobi paid him no mind and ran for the back of the Smithy. The flames had begun to burn brightly and the screams of the villagers were all he could hear. Looking to the hillside, he spotted Ser Joren, watching over the madness.
//Good riddance you bastard, I'll be getting back long before you do,// he thought as he rode away from the village, the smoke covering his escape.
//I'm coming, Cassandra.//
<<silently>>
<<audio dungeonsong volume 0.6 fadeout>>
<<audio mainsong loop volume 0 fadeoverto 15 0.5>>
<</silently>>
[[Head For Mayazar]]
<<endif>>
Jacobi raises prepares to block the incoming attack from the blacksmith.
<<silently>>
<<set $Dmg to random($BSmithAttack,16)>>
<</silently>>
<<if $Dmg lte ($strength+$armourValue)>>
<<print "Jacobi blocks the incoming hit, his weapon reverberating from the force of the hammer.">>
<<else>>
<<set $Dmg to $Dmg-($strength+$armourValue)>>
<<print "The Blacksmith smashes into Jacobi with his hammer, dealing $Dmg points of damage.">>
<<set $pHealth to ($pHealth-$Dmg)>>
<<endif>>
<<display "Player Health 3">>
<<if $pHealth gt 0>>
Jacobi uses this chance to launch a counterattack.
[[Fight Back|Attack Blacksmith]]
<<else>>
Jacobi lies dead in the Fjorna smithy, his corpse taking to flame with all the other innocents.
Start a new game?
Load a save file or restart the game from the sidebar.
<---
<<endif>>
<<display "Village Map System">>
The quartermaster began rummaging through crates of supplies, pulling out items to trade with Jacobi.
"Ah here we go, these seem like a good trade," he said, placing an asortment of goods on the table.
Trade Robes
----
<<nobr>>
<<if ($robes gte 1)>>
1 Cultist Robe: 1xTorch<br>
[[Trade|Robes for Torch]]
<<elseif ($robes gte 3)>>
3 Cultist Robes: 2x Roll of Gauze<br>
[[Trade|Robes for Gauze]]
<<elseif ($robes gte 5)>>
5 Cultist Robes: 2x Medicinal Paste<br>
[[Trade|Robes for Paste]]
<<elseif $robes gte 6>>
6 Cultist Robes: Runic Weapon Gem<br>
[[Trade|Robes for Gem]]
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
----
[[Talk to Messenger]]Jacobi tradeded the few robes he had found in the Keep for a fresh roll of Gauze. "Pleasure doing business with you," he said, returning to his horse.
(+1 Roll of Gauze)
<<set $gauze to $gauze+1>>
<<set $robes to 0>>
He looked back into the camp.
The messenger was still patiently waiting by the campfire.
[[Talk to Messenger]]Jacobi tradeded the few robes he had found in the Keep for a fresh supply of medicinal paste. "Pleasure doing business with you," he said, returning to his horse.
(+2 Roll of Gauze)
<<set $paste to $paste+2>>
<<set $robes to 0>>
He looked back into the camp.
The messenger was still patiently waiting by the campfire.
[[Talk to Messenger]]Jacobi picked up a small, roughly cut gem that the quartermaster had placed on the table. "I'll give you that if you've got a pile of those robes for me. Was a gem issued to the late commander by the Mages Guild of Mayazar. Sharpens any blade it does, but it'll take a few minutes to fit it to your blade." The man seemed almost reluctant to part with it.
It was a red gem, that seemed to sparkle and dimmer constantly in the moonlight. It's red tinge made it look os though blood were running through it, and on one side was a small symbolm remisicent of dwarven runes Jacobi had seen in his youth.
"I'll take it," said Jacobi suddenly, dropping a pile of robes onto the table from his rucksack. The qaurtermaster's face paled when he saw them, and he suddenly realized just how dangerous Jacobi truly was.
"I'll be back in a minute, make sure you fit that thing fast," he said, and made his way towards the King's messenger, patiently waiting by the fire.
[[Talk to Messenger]]
<<set $gemSet to true>>
<<set $damage to $damage+1>>
<<set $robes to 0>>After speaking with the commander to organize his sleeping arrangements, Jacobi walked out towards the Keep, now silent after the battle, to brood over his current affairs. The night breeze fell through the valley from over the mountain peaks, and was all that could be heard as the remaining men in the outpost slept.
//I can do what he wants and leave, but knowing that bastard of a King I don't think ther will ever be an end to this,// the wind whipping around his hair and leather straps. The empty night was the only peace he had found in a long while.
He stared out towards the edge of camp at Ser Joren's tent, just outside of the Outpost's barrier.//If he doesn't want people to realize a King's Guard was sent here then why didn't Twinning just send a messenger?// he thought, a realization striking him immediately after.
//He's going to kill me when I finish Twinning's dirty work,// the thought ringing out in his mind like a church bell, all too obvious.
//Either I take my chances and do what the King wants for Cassandra, or I can escape home and get her the hell out before it's too late.//
[[Sleep For The Night|Sleep]]
[[Escape in the Night|Escape]]
<<set $deadJ to false>>Awaking, Jacobi had little time to prepare for the journey, being rudely awoken by Ser Joren just before sunrise. They left without speaking to a single soldier, their job here was done and the men had a Keep to rebuild.
The ride southwest to Fjorna was slow, Ser Joren keeping his horse at a slow trot to make sure they didn't arrive at Fjorna too early. Jacobi was checking his supplies, making sure he had enough torches for what was to come.
//Can I really kill innocent people, just to appease this mad bastard King?// he throught, as the horses carried on towards their destination.Soon they would arrive at the outskirts of Fjorna, and prepare for the night.
[[Ride for Fjorna|Fjorna Outskirts]]Jacobi decided that he had was done with working for the King. He began to collect his thoughts and make his way towards his horse. It was time to leave for good.
//Once I do this there's no going back. I'll need to get to home, a full's day ride west and probably with no sleep, If I'm to get Cassandra out of here safely. Maybe we can go west to Singrial, I've heard of healing maic arising there. Could be all the help she needs.//
As he began preparing his mount for the ride a thought occured to him.
//If I leave Ser Joren here then I won't make it a day before more men are sent after me.//
He looked over at the man's tent, and saw no movement nor candlelight. He was clearly already asleep, resting afer his long ride to the Outpost.
He felt the weight of his $weapon at his belt, and asked himself if he could kill a sleeping, defenseless man.
[[Kill Ser Joren]]
[[Escape|Escape2]]
//He's willing to kill a whole innocent village for that prick of a King. He deserves a shit death,// Jacobi thought, creeping towards the tent. His hand rested on the hilt of his $weapon, preparing to draw it at the first sign of movement.
The rest of the camp was already asleep, and as Ser Joren had decided to set up his tent outside of the perimeter, the darkness hid the area from any potential onlookers. It was the best chance Jacobi would have to kill the man and escape the clucthes of King Twinning.
As he approached the tent, Jacobi slowed his movement and breathing down in order to hide his presence. No mistakes were to be made here if he wanted to get out safely.
[[Open The Tent]]//No matter what this man plans to do or has done, I can't kill someone in their sleep,// Jacobi thought, taking his hand off of his $weapon. //But I need to leave. Now,// he thought, mounting his horse and preparing for the tiring ride ahead.
[[Ride for Home]]Jacobi and Ser Joren arrived at their destination in the mid-afternoon, a rocky outcrop on a hill overlooking the small fishing village of Fjorna and the sea on which it sat. From here the whole village could be seen, what little of it there was.
Barely a dozen houses were scattered about the shoreline, two of which were clearly boathouses and another the town's smithy. All the others merely seemed to be housing for the townsfolk, small crops and farm animals penned hapazardly around the houses.
"Take a good look down there," said Ser Joren, dismountin his horse and thudding to the ground. His horse breathed a sigh of relief at the loss of weight from Joren's thick armour.
"You'll need to know your way around for tonight."
//That's right,// thought Jacobi. //This town won't exist after tonight of Twinnig gets what he wants.// They began setting up camp, and a thought continued to twitch in Jacobi's mind.
//Will he really kill me when I'm done here. I could risk getting him first, but then it will look suspicious if I return without him.// He began to prepare the campfire, sparking at twigs with his tinderbox.
//If I go in there, I could perhaps escape in the chaos without being seen. But a good deal of people will die.// His mind turned to Cassandra.
//They can all die so long as she lives.// He stood up and look over the town once more, scanning for an escape route.
//There, the horses hitched behind the Smithy. If I leave through there I can escape home and get Cassandra back.//
//Or kill ser Joren and end this madness now.//
[[Burn The Village]]
[[Attack Ser Joren]]Ser Joren's tent was made of a thick leather pelt, thrown over wooden poles and tightened with thick twine connected to small metal spikes in the ground. The capital spared no expense on it's military's equipment. Jacobi slowly ran his hand inside the tent's small opening at the front, being careful not to make any sound as he did so.
<<if $dex gte 8>>
[[Kill Ser Joren|A Knife in The Dark]]
<<else>>
[[Kill Ser Joren|A Fight to the Death]]
<<endif>>The ride home for Jacobi was long and gruelling, having not slept the night before. The only thing keeping his eyes open and his mind clear was the thought of keep Cassandra safe and leaving the country with her, alive.
Journeying west, Jacobi passed the cobblestone road heading North out of Mayazar and glanced towards the great city. More and more it began to look as if it were going to burst out of its enourmous walls. Filled with the hidden corruption of the royalty that Jacobi had the displeasure of experiencing, as it was.
The city stayed in his sights for a short while as he travelled across the countryside, riding through plains and forests to get home as fast as he could. As Jacobi exited through another grove of trees, his idyllic cottage came into view, and he breathed a sigh of relief for the first time in weeks.
[[Go Home]]Jacobi rode along the small plain just below his house, sitting atop a small hill as it were. It was the sort of place Jacobi had always wished of retiring to. A quiet cottage surrounded by glades of trees, and enough farming land to keep him and Cassandra content until the end of their days. But it seemed that end was fast approaching for Jacobi, his actions quite possibly costing him his happy future.
He appraoched the hitching post just outside of his cottage, and imediately saw that something wasn't right. The front door was hanging wide open, and mud and dirt had been smeared all across the front porch, as though a struggle of some sort had taken place here.
Quickly Jacobi ran inside, and his worse fears were confirmed. His home had been ransacked; cupboards lay wide open and empty, his food stores had been emptied, and Cassandra was no where to be seen.
He ran to the bedroom, looking frantically for his beloved wife. Still no where to be found. On the bedside table however, next to small vials and pouches holding a variety of his wife's medications, was a small, folded note.
On the front, was the wax seal of King Edward Twinning The III.
[[Read Note]]Slowly drawing his $weapon, Jacobi stodd over the sleeping man, preparing for what would come next. Ser Joren's breathes were heavy, and he had fallen into a deep slumber. Only a large disruption would wake him.
Jacobi placed his weapon over the man's throat, and with one quick motion, sliced his neck open. Immediately he awoke, clawing at his neck and gasping for air, blood spurting from his neck and flying out of his coughing mouth. His hand clutched at Jacobi's boot as the life drained form his body, eyes widening in horror as he stared his attacker in the eye. A moment later, his body lay cold and motionless.
Jacobi sheathed his $weapon and made a quiet escape from the Outpost.
[[Head for Home|Go Home]]
<<set $deadJ to true>>As he entered the tent, Jacobi slowly drew his blade, and a quiet sliding sound of the weapon against his sheath came with it. This slight sound, barely audible outside the tent, seemed to be heard by Ser Joren, as he began to turn in his sleep, slowly awakening.
//Shit!// thought Jacobi,//Now's my only chance!// He lunged towards the man the moment Joren's eyes opened, and struck for the man's neck.
It appeared the man was more well trained than Jacobi thought, as although he hd no time to reach for a weapon, Joren lunged out with his hands, grabbing onto Jacobi's <<if $weapon is "Twin Kukri Blades">>blades<<else>> blade and hilt.<<endif>>
Blood quickly began to poor from the man's hand as he attempted to push Jacobi off of him, driving the $weapon deeper into his flesh.
"Kill me and your wife is as good as dead!" he yelled out, both trying to stop Jacobi and signal for help in the same breathe.
But Jacobi didn't stop. Pushing deeper into Joren's hands, slowly cutting at his tendons, Jacobi said to him, "Anyone who threatens her, they're as good as dead." And with his final word he pushed hard against Joren's hands, finally slicing through the man's limbs and plunging his $weapon into his chest.
With his final breathes, Joren gasped out a warning.
"He's going to k-kill her and you. Run h-home and y-you'll see....".
Jacobi wiped the man's blood from his blade, he didn't have any time to waste. Twinning's men would be looking for Joren soon, and his body would surely be found come morning.
[[Head for Home|Go Home]]
<<set $deadJ to true>>Jacobi tore open the note. Of course no one but the King would use her as blackmail. And without her medication she would most likely die within a week, but of course he knew that. She had contracted a sickness years ago when a roaming orc band attacked nearby lands, spreading their disease and filth as they went.
It had hit her strong, and Jacobi had worked hard to get enough supplies to ensure it did not engulf her. The final job in Toreal from William was supposed to be his final expedition, as the gold he had been promised would have more than enough to get her proper medical attention from a sactioned Alchemist.
Opening the note, he read:
//If you are reading this, then you have failed to follow my orders, and the town of Fjorna still stands. Infested with cult scum in every nook and cranny. Return to Mayazar without completing this task or you will find your wife's head impaled at the city gates.//
//You have little medical supplies left, Monster Hunter. Do this, and you may yet live.//
//King Edward Twinning III//
Jacobi, crumpled the note in his hands.
//Twinning dies tonight.//
[[Prepare to Assault Mayazar|Preparation]]Jacobi spent the night preparing himself for what was to come. If King Twinning had Cassandra, then it would be a difficult fight getting to him.<<if $deadJ is true>>//And surely by the time I get there he'll know that I've killed Ser Joren, so he knows I'm coming,//Jacobi thought, checking over his medical supplies.<<endif>>
He began rummaging through his drawers and cupboards, looking for anything that he could use to get into Mayazar undetected. Searching, he remembered he had never gotten rid of his old Guard uniform from his younger days, and frantically searched for it. Hidden beneath his bed and under false floorboards, Jacobi pulled out an old wooden box.
Opening it revelaed a dusty uniform, dirty and creased from years of neglect. Beside it lay a standard issue, hooded, leather rain Jacket, and a pin for his years of service. //Never thought I would be wearing this around Mayazar again,// he thought, pulling out the old clothes and brushing the dust from them.
//So long as I wear these and keep my head down, I could almost get into the Great Hall of the palace without being seen.//
<<if $sleep is false>> //But for now, I don't think I'll be of any use to Cassandra unless I get some sleep.//
Jacobi packed his rucksack for the day to come, and lay his head down on his bed. He could still faintly smell lilacs, Cassandra's favourite flower, as he drifted off to sleep.
[[Sleep|Ride for Mayazar]]
<<else>>
Jacobi packed the clothes into his rucksak, and prepared himself for the Journey ahead.
[[Ride for Mayazar]]
<<endif>>The ride to Mayzar took barely half a day, as Jacobi's parents had been sure to build the home he now owned quite close to civilization. Stopping at a rocky outcrop just outside of the city, Jacobi felt it wise to wait for nightfall before entering the city.
//I'm already recognizable, but with this uniform, the rain jacket and the darkness, I shouldn't be bothered by anyone until I reach the palace gates, and even then I doubt they'll stop me if I show them my service pin.//He grinned, never did Jacobi think his work as a city Guard would help him in his life afterwards. He had only held onto the clothes at Cassandra's request, saying how she was so proud of his distinguished work within their ranks.
His mind returned to the task at hand after the thought of Cassandra crossed his mind.
//Time to get moving,// he thought, as the sun began to drop below the horizon.
[[Enter Mayazar]]
<<if $deadj is true>>
Having little trouble entering Mayazar with his disguise, Jacobi headed directly for the Palace, for with Joren dead King Twinning would suspect something was wrong soon.
<<else>>
Jacobi entered Mayazar with little trouble using his disguise, flashing his pin of service t any who tried to question him. Joren would soon be returning to Mayazar, so time was of the essence to enter the Palace and escape with Cassandra.
<<endif>>
Reaching the Palace gates, Jacobi confidently rode through the entrance. A guard, however, stopped him in his tracks.
"The Palace is closed to visitors at the moment, return in the morning if you have business here."
"I'm here to deliver an urgent message to the King regarding the Cultist uprising of Salazhar. It's worse than we thought and the men require immediate reinforcements," resonded Jacobi, lieing through his teeth with authority in his voice.
"Shit, that bad huh," responded the guard. At that point, the second guard at the gates piped up, grabbing the one speaking to Jacobi.
"You idiot! Don't you see his pin?! Let him through, he's a higher rank than our captain even." He pushed his friend to the side.
"I apologize sir, go right ahead," he said, moving aside for Jacobi.
//Idiots,// thought Jacobi hitching his horse near the main entrance to the palace.
[[Enter Palace]]
[[Check Inventory|Supplies]]
<<set $sneak to true>>Jacobi snatched the torches from Joren's hand.
"Let's just get this over with," he said, and began walking towards the town. As darkness fell he reached the a house on the edge, and struck flame to his torch. Soon the village would be ablaze, and he would have no need for them anymore.
[[Burn It Down|Fjorna Village]]
[[Check Inventory|Supplies]]
<<set $torches to $torches+3>>
<<silently>>
<<set $positionX to 1>>
<<set $positionY to 5>>
<<set $houseBurnt to 0>>
<<set $cMapArray to
[[0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0],
[0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,2,0],
[0,0,0,3,0,0,0,4,0,0,1,0],
[0,0,0,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,0],
[0,0,0,1,0,0,0,1,0,0,1,0],
[0,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,0],
[0,0,0,1,0,0,0,1,0,0,1,0],
[0,0,0,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,0],
[0,0,0,0,0,0,0,5,0,0,0,0],
[0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0]]>>
<</silently>>
<<set $villageFight to false>>
<<set $villageMap to true>>
<<if $greenBand is false>>
<<set $pHealth to 50>>
<<elseif $greenBand is true>>
<<set $pHealth to 70>>
<<endif>>
<<audio mainsong volume 0.6 fadeout>>
<<audio dungeonsong loop volume 0 fadeoverto 10 0.5>> Jacobi had made up his mind. Killing this man was only his way out to safety. He waited for nightfall, when his intentions could be hidden by the pale moonlight. Waiting around the campfire, Ser Joren arose at the first sign of darkness, and went to gather supplies from his horse's pack.
//Now's my chance, while his back is turned,// thought Jacobi, slowly rising and following him closely.
"I'm sure you're aware of the woman's situation at the Palace. Correct?", said Ser Joren suddenly, stopping Jacobi in his tracks. //Did he hear me?//
"Excuse me?" responded Jacobi, his mind racing at the mention of a woman, for who else could he be talking about.
Ser Joren turned around, holding three torches in his hand. They had been freshly prepared and the smell of oil was strong. He sighed. "The King has your woman, fool. I've was instructed to wait until we reached here to tell you this. To //make sure// you would behave yourself."
He handed Jacobi the torches. "Time to go," he said, nodding his head towards the village, small groups of people could be seen going home after a hard day's work.
"Best time to go is while they're inside. The shacks tend to light up rather quickly," he said casually.
//Monster,// thought Jacobi.
[[Do as he says|Burn The Village]]
[[Attack Ser Joren|Attack Ser Joren 2]]Jacobi was done with this madness.
He reached down to his belt, and drew his $weapon, lunging at Ser Joren in the same motion. He may have been fast, but Ser Joren couldn't draw his weapon in time, Jacobi's skills and speed had been earned throughout a lifetime of combat, and this man was barely old enough to have served in the wars.
Jacobi landed on top of Ser Joren, pinning him to the ground. His $weapon struck had pierced Joren's arm, as he had raised in an effort to protect him while drawing his sword. He held Jacobi's weight above him, barely resisting the blade slowly breaking through his bones and steel plating.
"You'll hang for this," he strained, still trying to break away from Jacobi's grasp. "Even if you get that bitch back from Twinning, you can't escape Magia!"
"We'll see," responded Jacobi coldly. He leaped off from Joren, the man's arm now barely hanging by a tendon. Before he could even react, Jacobi was in him again, this time swing a blade down onto his neck, splitting his throat open and leaving him gasping for air.
"We'll see."
[[Ride for Mayazar|Head For Mayazar]]
<<set $deadJ to true>><<if $deadJ is false>>
Fjorna was hardly half a day's ride from Mayazar, and with Joren surely to be hot on his trail, Jacobi had no time to lose.
<<else>>
Fjorna was hardly a day's ride from Mayazar, and if Joren didn't return soon then King Twinning would know something was wrong. //I just have to get there and get out quick,// thought Jacobi, thrashing the reins of his horse as hard as he could.
<<endif>>
He arrived at Mayazar around midday, with the sun high in the sky. //If he really does have as his hostage, then there will be hell to pay,// he thought, approaching the city gates.
The guards who had seen him leave for Salazhar were on duty again, and let him through with little trouble.
[[Go to the Palace|Mayazar Palace-Day]]
Entering the Palace Jacobi found it was unnaturally quiet. Empty of the guards that would've held post at the grand doors and halls throughout it. As he moved through the great structure, he heard a muffled shuffling sound, accompanied by the clinking of armour plating, coming from the Great Hall.
Stealthily he moved through the antechamber to the room, and peekd out beyond the doorway. Here he spotted King Twinning, taing his place at the end of the hall's table. Next to him sat the woman Jacobi loved, Cassandra.
Flowing brown hair and smooth, pale skin, she was the image of beauty. Time had taken its toll of course, adding wrinkles to complexion and greyed her hair somewhat, but she beautiful to Jacobi. The only reason he had to live in this world was the love that woman showed him.
But she looked sickly, moreso than when Jacobi had left for Toreal just days ago. Wearing her white nightgown, Jacobi could see she still had not resetd since being taken from the cottage. She had clearly been deprived her daily medicinal treatment, and was shaking, terrified of the men around her and what they would do.
Between them, a small platoon of Guards kept watch, a dozen at least by Jacobi's count. Twinning was motioning for his men to go to the exits, and Jacobi heard his orders.
"If Joren returns with that man, kill him. Jacobi Kozlov is a traitor to the realm. Killer of beats and inncocents alike," he said, glancing at Cassandra at the word "innocents". Startling her she jumped, and tears began to fill her eyes, "He wouldn't, no. He's a good man, just let me wait for him at home and we I can talk to him."
"Sorry my dear but this is for your own protection," replied Twinning slyly. He had clearly been feeding her lies about the situation, and Jacobi was finished with the madness.
//He dies now. Even if I have to kill every one of these guards.//
Drawing his $weapon, Jacobi prepared himself.
[[Enter the Great Hall]]
<<if $greenBand is false>>
<<set $pHealth to 50>>
<<elseif $greenBand is true>>
<<set $pHealth to 70>>
<<endif>>
<<set $GuardAT to 0>>
<<audio mainsong volume 0.6 fadeout>>
<<audio dungeonsong loop volume 0 fadeoverto 10 0.5>> He arrived at the Palace gates, stating that he was returning from a reinforcement expedition at Salazhar Keep to the guards. They had seen him come and go nearly a week ago with William's and teh king's orders, and had no reason to question his business.
Dismounting his horse at the palace entrance he prepared himself for the fight that would surely come. //If Joren was sent to kill me after we finished, then I'm sure he prepared for the man's failure.//
[[Check Inventory|Supplies]]
[[Enter The Palace|Enter Palace]]
Bursting through the door like a great beast, Jacobi took the guardsmen by surprise. Moving fast, he grabbed the closest one who had was still offguard, holding his blade to the man's throat, keeping a hostage for himself.
"Well, well, well. Jacobi, it seems you really are a wretched traitor," said Twinning casually, glancing at Cassandra all the while.
"You leave her be, she has nothing to do with this!" yelled Jacobi, keeping his eyes on the Guardsmen who were slowly surrounding him. He kept his back to the door.
"Oh but she has everything to do with it. Poor Cassandra here is the reason you came bcak to Mayazar in the first place. It's a shame those Cultists infected you with their madness. I was truly disheartened to hear about what you did in Fjorna."
<<if $sneak is true>>
"Oh trust me those people are still alove and well, no thanks to you," replied Jacobi. At this Twinning's face turned, and scowling he responded, "It matters not. Soon you and your sickly wife will no longer be my problem. Kill him."
<<else>>
"At your bloody orders! Don't listen to him Cassy, he's the one who's gone mad here. A whole village, burnt to the ground because you're afriad of a few measly spellcasters. Pathetic."
"Please just calm down my love, and we can talk about this," said Cassandra, scared and breathing in shorts bursts.
"Not until I get you out of here safe and well," said Jacobi, watching the Guardsmen's every movement as he spoke.
"It matters not," said Twinning.
"As an enemy of the state, I hereby sentence you to die. Kill Him."
<<endif>>
And with that order, the men charged at Jacobi, ignoring their comrade he used as a shield.
[[Save Cassandra]]
The Guardsmen charge at Jacobi, piercing through their comrade with their longswords, trying to hit him in the process. He dropped the guardsmen before the blades could reach through him, leaping to the side yet still surrounded in their relentless onslaught.
<<nobr>>
<<if $greenBand is false>>
<<set $pHealth to 50>>
<<elseif $greenBand is true>>
<<set $pHealth to 70>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
[[Fight through the Onslaught|Push Through]]<<silently>>
<<set $speed to random($soldierDex,14)>>
<<set $pSpeed to random($dex,$dex+6)>>
<<set $Dmg to random($damage,$damage+5)>>
<</silently>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $pSpeed gte $speed>>
Jacobi cut into the crowded Guardsmen, swinging wildly and spilling the blood of the nearest KingsGuard.
<<set $soldierAT to $soldierAT-1>>
//($Dmg points of damage dealt)//
<<else>>
Jacobi's attack misses, the crowd of Guards evading his onslaught, continuing to encircle and attack him.
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
King'sGuard Remaining
----
<<print $soldierAT+6>> / 12
----
<<display "Player Health 3">>
<<if ($soldierAT lte 0) && ($soldierDB lte 0)>>
Cutting through the oncoming Guardsmen, Jacobi finally found an opening in their ranks, leading directly to King Twinning.
Holding a knife to Cassandra's throat.
[[Charge King Twinning!]]
<<else>>
[[Dodge KingsGuard]]
[[Block KingsGuard]]
<<endif>>
Approaching the hand-cranked machine, Jacobi saw that it had been some time since its last use. Flakes of rust had begun to form along its edges where sap had pooled, and the ropes and pulleys holding them in place had begun to fray at the edges.
As Jacobi edged closer to see how it operated, he heard a sharp "crack" and saw one of the ropes had finally given way. This caused a domino effect to take place, as other parts of the machine began to give way and fall apart. Jacobi had only seconds to react before one of the saws violently launched itself towards him, being rudely forced out of the contraption.
Barely escaping in time, the blade cut across Jacobi's forearm, the wound spitting blood almost instantaneously.
//Shit I need to wrap this now!// he thought, frantically searching his bad for a roll of gauze. His hand rested on a coarse piece of fabric, and he pulled it out of the bag, revealing a small roll of gauze for the wound. Moving quickly, he wrapped his arm and halted the flow of blood.
Sitting quietly, Jacobi took a moment to regain his breath and let his body recover for a few minutes.
//No wonder this place is empty, the workers must be terrified of that bloody thing.//
<<set $logger to true>>
[[Continue Searching Logging Camp|Logging Camp]]
[[Return to Town|Toreal]]
<<set $gauze to $gauze-1>>
<<if $gauze lt 0>>
<<set $gauze to 0>>
<<endif>>
<<set $logger to true>>"I. Said. No," barked Jacobi, standing proud as Twinning's anger bubbled over. "I did your work, now give me the bloody Gold."
"You never were good at taking orders," replied Twinning, grinding his teeth at Jacobi's insubordination. "So be it," he said, snapping his fingers.
A large imposing figure appeard from the front gates, clad in solid steel armour lined with gold. Clearly a Kings Guard if Jacobi had ever seen one.
"Ser Joren, kill this traitor to the realm," said King Twinning. Jacobi reached for his $weapon, only to realize it was no longer at his belt, but rather at the front gate with the guardsmen.
His face went pale, as the large man charged towards him, sword out and ready to pierce his chest.
//I'm sorry Cassandra,// was the last thought through Jacobi's mind before being run through and impaled. His body was still warm when the King's Guard threw him to the hunting dogs.
Load a save file or restart the game from the sidebar.
<---Jacobi attempts to dodge the incoming attack from the writhing madman.
<<nobr>>
<<set $Dmg to random($SoldierAttack,16)>>
<<set $speed to random($soldierDex,16)>>
<<if $speed lte ($dodgeVal+$dex)>>
<<print "Jacobi dodges the incoming assault, barely evading the multitude of spears and blades coverging upon him.">>
<<set $soldierDB to $soldierDB-1>>
<<else>>
<<set $Dmg to ($Dmg-$armourValue)>>
<<print "The Guardsmen spear into Jacobi as he attempts to evade their attacks, blood beginning to gush from the wound.">>
<<set $pHealth to ($pHealth-$Dmg)>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<if $pHealth gte 1>>
<<display "Player Health 3">>
Jacobi lowered his guarded stance, and prepared to cut into the Guardsmen again.
[[Fight Back!|Push Through]]
<<else>>
Jacobi prepares for one final attack, focusing his attention on King Twinning, hidden behind the crowd of guards.
[[Charge King Twinning|One Final Attack]]
<<endif>>
Jacobi raises his weapons to block the incoming attack.
<<nobr>>
<<set $Dmg to random($SoldierAttack,17)>>
<<if $Dmg lte ($strength+$armourValue)>>
<<nobr>>
<<print "Jacobi blocked the onslaught of attacks, barely holding back the bloodthirsty men.">>
<<set $soldierDB to $soldierDB-1>>
<</nobr>>
<<else>>
<<set $Dmg to $Dmg-($strength+$armourValue)>>
<<print "The King'sGuard combined offense proved too much for Jacobi's defences, cutting past his weaponry.">>
<<set $pHealth to ($pHealth-$Dmg)>>
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
<<if $pHealth gte 1>>
<<display "Player Health 3">>
Jacobi lowered his guarded stance, and prepared to cut into the Guardsmen again.
[[Fight Back!|Push Through]]
<<else>>
Jacobi prepares for one final attack, focusing his attention on King Twinning, hidden behind the crowd of guards.
[[Charge King Twinning|One Final Attack]]
<<endif>>
<<if $pHealth gte 20>>
Moving through the dwindling crowd of guards, Jacobi moved liked a deadly shadow, ducking and weaving through their attacks as they flailed in their attempts to stop him. As he moved closer to the centre of the room, King Twinning's face dropped in terror, as he saw his life begin to flash before his eyes.
Before the King had even a chance to slide the knife at Cassandra's throat, Jacobi was upon him. The King swiftky reached for his cane, revealing a hidden blade within and attempted to thrust it towards Jacobi. In those moments time seemed to slow for the two men, Jacobi's $weapon pierced into Twinning's chest spilling his corrupted blood, jewlery adorning his royal clothing dropping to the ground and ringing out like a bell in the great hall.
Jacobi looked down at the former King, choking on his own blood. Unfortunately Jacobi presumed he would be doing the same soon, as Twinning's rapier had pierced his side, and his only respite was the fact that the guards were still in shock. He looked towards Cassandra, grabbing a handful of the jewlery that had fallen before him. //She must live, even if I don't.//
In one smooth motion he grabbed a handful of the largest gems he could see and threw them towards Cassandra.
"Go! Get to Elias, he can still help you!" he shouted, turning to face the remaining Guardsmen.
"Jacobi!" she began, tears filling her eyes once more.
"I said GO!!" he yelled, turning back to see the woman he loved one last time as she began to run for the Palace Gates
//Now I just need to hold them off,// he thought.
"Come to me cowards!" he yelled, raising his $weapon for his final battle.
<<set $Ending to 1>>
<<else>>
//Jacobi dies killing King Twinning, Cassandra runs to Elias, tears in her eyes as she saw her husband die.//
Jacobi dashed through the crowd of Guardsmen, parrying and evading their attacks as his wounds began to take effect, blood slowly pouring from his body. As he staggered his way towards the center of the room, twinning dropped the knife at Cassandra's throat and reached for his cane with inexplicable speed, revealing a hidden rapier within and thrust it towards Jacobi as the Monster hunter made his approach.
The two men met each other with a single blow. Twinning aiming for Jacobi's already emptying wounds, and Jacobi stabbing his $weapon into the man's chest. They stood for a moment, both held up by the other's blades. Looking past Twinnning and into the eyes of his beloved Cassandra, Jacobi coughed up a message.
"Get, to Elias. He, can help."
And with his final pools of strength, Jacobi flung the King off of his blade and into the nearest Guardsman, armour and jewelry dropping to the floor. As Cassandra ran for the exit, the Guardsmen too shocked by the death of Twinnning to stop her, Jacobi took one final glance at the woman he loved, before his eye closed one final time.
<<set $Ending to 2>>
<<endif>>
[[Epilogue]]Jacobi charges King Twinning, attempting to spear him with weapons. Is cut down by Guards mere inches before reaching him.
Twinning Monologues and then slits Cassandra's throat.
Throws Jacobi's bag of gold in front of him as he laughs, while Jacobi slowly dies.
Jacobi began to feel cornered, surrounded by the slowly encroaching guards and bleeding profusely. His only chance to save Cassandra was to charge through the Guardsmen and kill King Twinning. Continuibg to bloack and evade the guards he waited for an opening, when a gap formed in the Guard's formation.
Using this split second opportunity, Jacobi leaped forward, reaching his weapons out to Twinning's chest, only to be stopped mere inches short by a guardsmens spear, impaling him through his chest. Twinning began to laugh maniacly, pressing his small blade against Cassandra's precious neck.
He stared deeply into Jacobi's eyes and slid the knife, spilling Cassandra's blood to the floor, mixing it with Jacobi's and the dead guards. Still barely breathing, Jacobi's eye followed Cassandra, her body draining of life and collapsing to the floor, his consciousness slowly fading.
"Poor fool," Jacobi heard Twinning say as he began to slide down the guardsmen's spear. "And all for a little bit of gold." His laugh was all that Jacobi could hear as he closed his eyes for one final time.
<<set $Ending to 3>>
[[Epilogue]]
<<silently>>
<<audio dungeonsong volume 0.6 fadeout>>
<<audio mainsong loop volume 0 fadeoverto 15 0.5>>
<</silently>>
<<if $Ending eq 1>>
Cassandra looked out across Tresindar sea, the smoke of Elias' forge blocking some of her view. The evening sun had cast an orange glow across the water and into the nearby village of Alderleaf, where the local alchemists and phsyicians were preparing themselves for the night.
Sitting on a rocking chair on her cottage's small porch, she smiled, as for the first time since Jacobi's sacrfice she finally began to feel at peace. //So this is what you wanted for us,// she thought, a single tear rolling down her face. She rose from the chair and began to walk towards the water, plucking a flower from he small garden as she passed it by.
At the water's edge, a small gravestone lay hidden next to a mound of boulders. It read
//May he rest peacefully, and know no more pain.//
//Jacobi Kozlov//
//Husband, Warrior, Protector.//
She bent down and placed the flower in front of the small memorial, and turned once more to face the calming sea.
//You would've been happy here, my love.//
----
Ending Gained: //A Brighter Future//
----
[[Game Completed]]
<<endif>>
<<if $Ending eq 2>>
Cassandra stared out longingly towards the the Tresindar Sea, smoke from Elias' forge sweeping past her view through her bedside window. The evening sun cast an orange glow across the sea, and up to the small town of Alchemists behind in Alderleaf. She could hear the tapping of her physician's shoes quiten as she walked home for the night, accepting another small payment from Elias for her care of Cassandra.
//I'm sorry Jacobi, first you and now Elias. How long before I am no longer a burden to the ones that love me.// Tears began to roll down her eyes, still to weak to even visit her husband's grave. As the sun dropped below the horizon, the only sounds that could be heard was the lapping of the waves, and the steady banging of Elias' hammer on steel.
----
Ending Gained: //Lover's End//
----
[[Game Completed]]
<<endif>>
<<if $Ending eq 3>>
Edward Twinning climbed the stairwell of the Palace's northern tower, his cane creating a steady tapping rhythm the echoed down thrugh the tower. The corpses left behind in the great hall had been cleaned out days ago but the smell of death still hung in the air.
Reaching the top of the tower he arrived in his game room, animal furs lining the floor and trophies adorning the walls. He made his way towards the balcony, hobbling past Jacobi's $weapon mounted above the fireplace. As he walked out to the balcony he stared across Mayazar, and further out towards the Northern mountains. He spied the smoke rising from the villages at the mountain's base and smiled cunningly.
//You could never stop me, Monster Hunter,// he thought, as he reached for a bottle and began to pour himself a glass of rich, red wine.
----
Ending Gained: //The End of An Era//
----
[[Game Completed]]
<<endif>>Congratulations for completing the text-based game "Into The Dark". Whether you succeeded or failed in your quest, thankyou for making it this far and I hope you enjoyed the experience. Included here is a total report of how many monsters you've defeated, how much silver you collected and what ending you ultimately recieved. Whetehr you found this game to be fun or exhausting, easy or hard, simple or complex, please send in a review or critique about what you thought.
<<if $Ending eq 1>>
Game Completed
----
Monsters Killed: $MKilled
Total silver Collected: $SCollect
Ending Gained: //A Brighter Future//
----
<<elseif $Ending eq 2>>
Final Score
----
Monsters Killed: $MKilled
Total silver Collected: $SCollect
Ending Gained: //Lover's End//
----
<<elseif $Ending eq 3>>
Final Score
----
Monsters Killed: $MKilled
Total silver Collected: $SCollect
Ending Gained: //The End of An Era//
----
<<endif>>
Again, thankyou for playing the text-based game "Into The Dark". I hope you enjoyed the xperience.
Try starting a new game and finding things you might have missed on your first playthrough!
Load a save file or restart the game from the sidebar.
<---
[[Credits]]The ride back to Mayazar had been long and cold, and Jacobi had dreams of resting peacefully in his soft bed at home on the plains.
//Of course, when this is all over, I'll get some much needed sleep,// he thought, his horse steadily trodding towards the imposing city gates of Mayazar.
Jacobi waved ahead, signalling the on-duty guards to allow him to enter, and quickly flashed the King's orders for them to see so he could continues without their harrassment.
//I should go collect my reward from William,// he contemplated, riding towards the centre of town.
[[Go see William|GuardHouse]]Jacobi stood silently for a few short minutes. //Killing innocents,// he thought, his mind empty of all else. //He wants me to kill a whole village. His own citizens, just for the possibility of a few cultists.// He took a seat by the fire, his face dropping from the realization of what he would soon have to do to keep Cassandra safe and alive.
"We'll be leaving at first light," interjected Ser Joren, "Hopefully we'll arrive at Fjorna just before sundown. We'll be able to make camp, and you can complete your task once nightfall comes."
Then it hit him, //He know what the King wants me to do,// all colour quickly draining from Jacobi's face. //This prick's not a messenger. He's a babysitter, here to make sure I burn the village to the ground.//
"I'm guessing you will need some rest, after what you've done here today," said Ser Joren.
"Remember, first light," he said, making his way towards his tent, set up just outside the outpost's perimeter. Like a sheep dog watching it's flock, the man would make sure that Jacobi wouldn't be leaving his watchful eyes.
[[Rest for The Night]]//Written, designed & coded by,//
Byron Kiernan
2017
//Musical Scores//
----
MainSong
----
Reference: Hitctrl, 2017, "RPG_Ambient_2", //OpenGameArt//, audio download, accessed 18 September 2017, https://opengameart.org/content/rpgambient2
Title:
RPG_Ambient_2
Author:
Hitctrl
URL:
https://opengameart.org/content/rpgambient2
License(s):
* CC-BY 3.0 ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode )
Copyright/Attribution Notice:
HitCtrl
----
----
DungeonSong
----
Reference: Alexander Zhelanov, 2015, "Dark Ambient", //OpenGameArt//, audio download, accessed 18 September 2017, https://opengameart.org/content/dark-ambient-0
Title:
Dark Ambient
Author:
Alexandr Zhelanov
URL:
https://opengameart.org/content/dark-ambient-0
License(s):
* CC-BY 3.0 ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode )
Copyright/Attribution Notice:
https://soundcloud.com/alexandr-zhelanov
----------------------------------------
Developed for CQUniversity Digital Media Project 2017 & IF Comp 2017Jacobi tradeded a robe he had found in the Keep for a torch "More use than what that thing'll do me," he said, returning to his horse.
(+1 Torch)
<<set $torches to $torches+1>>
<<set $robes to 0>>
He looked back into the camp.
The messenger was still patiently waiting by the campfire.
[[Talk to Messenger]]