Larkin

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To add a new achievement, copy: <<link 'achievement link'>> <<run Dialog.setup("Achievement Name", "ach"); //"Achievement Name" is the title that will appear at the top of the dialog box (leave 'ach', that's a css class) Dialog.wiki(Story.get("achievement-name").processText()); //"achievement-name" refers to the name of the passage which contains the text that will appear in the dialog box Dialog.open();>> <</link>> To have them appear as they're achieved, enclose all of the above in an if statement.

<<link 'achievement link'>> <<run Dialog.setup("Achievement Name", "ach"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("achievement-name").processText()); Dialog.open();>> <</link>> / <<link 'achievement link'>> <<run Dialog.setup("Achievement Name", "ach"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("achievement-name").processText()); Dialog.open();>> <</link>> / <<link 'achievement link'>> <<run Dialog.setup("Achievement Name", "ach"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("achievement-name").processText()); Dialog.open();>> <</link>> / <<link 'achievement link'>> <<run Dialog.setup("Achievement Name", "ach"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("achievement-name").processText()); Dialog.open();>> <</link>> / <<link 'achievement link'>> <<run Dialog.setup("Achievement Name", "ach"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("achievement-name").processText()); Dialog.open();>> <</link>> / <<link 'achievement link'>> <<run Dialog.setup("Achievement Name", "ach"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("achievement-name").processText()); Dialog.open();>> <</link>> <<link '<h3>Return to Game</h3>' $return>><</link>>

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//LARKIN// is a text-based role-playing game, heavily inspired by TTRPGs. It is a game reliant on player choice and the consequences of those decisions. A vampire-western, this game is rated 18+ for blood and gore, depictions of fantasy violence, sexual themes, drug and alcohol usage and depictions of addiction. For a full list of content warnings, click [[here. | cw]] Or access the content warnings anytime in the GAME MENU. <<link 'NEXT' '2'>><</link>>

<h1>Content Warnings</h1> - <strong>Blood & Gore</strong> - <strong>Fantasy Violence</strong> - <strong>Body Horror</strong> - <strong>Religious Trauma</strong>, Discussions of Christianity, Depictions of Christian Church Services, Depictions of Christian and Catholic adjacent cults - <strong>Mental Illness</strong> Anxiety, Panic Attactions - <strong>Depictions of Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms</strong> Disordered Eating, Self-Harm - <strong>Alcohol Usage and Abuse </strong> Substance Abuse, Smoking - <strong>Guns</strong> - <strong>Depicitons of Unhealthy Relationships</strong> Tumultuous Parent/Child Relationships - <strong>Drowning</strong> - <strong>Death</strong> Mentions of death, Cemetaries, Depictions of Funeral Services <div class='middle'>[[PROCEED | 2]]</div>

In //LARKIN// you'll be stepping into the shoes of the <strong>MAIN CHARACTER</strong>. While you, the player, have some influence over the choices and decisions they make, as well as some part of who they are--you are merely a stowaway on their journey. An outsider, with more insight than most. It is their journey to begin, just as it is their journey to end. <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'>[[PROCEED. | acegender]]</div>

In Larkin, you'll come across many characters, some friends, some foes, and some--//if you play your cards right//--could turn out to be something more. Three of those characters, <strong>//ACE ZHANG//</strong>, <strong>//HOLLIS//</strong> and <strong>//MONTERO MOREAU//</strong> you may choose the genders of. <<liveblock>>In your world state, <strong>ACE</strong> identifies as $agender and uses $ahe / $ahim pronouns.<</liveblock>> //[PLEASE SELECT ACE'S GENDER AND PRONOUNS]// <<nobr>> <div id="genders"> <div class="gender"> <img src="./images/ace-m.png"> <<link "Samuel 'Ace' Zhang">><<set $agender to "male">><<set $ahe to "he">><<set $ahim to "him">><<set $ahis to "his">><<set $ahis_plural to "his">><<set $aman to "man">><<set $ahimself to "himself">><<update>><</link>> <label>He/Him</label> </div> <div class="gender"> <img src="./images/ace-f.png"> <<link "Samantha 'Ace' Zhang">><<set $agender to "female">><<set $ahe to "she">><<set $ahim to "her">><<set $ahis to "her">><<set $ahis_plural to "hers">><<set $aman to "woman">><<set $ahimself to "herself">><<update>><</link>> <label>She/Her</label> </div> <div class="gender"> <img src="./images/ace-nb.png"> <<link "Sam 'Ace' Zhang">><<set $agender to "non-binary">><<set $ahe to "they">><<set $ahim to "them">><<set $ahis to "their">><<set $ahis_plural to "theirs">><<set $aman to "person">><<set $ahimself to "themself">><<update>><</link>> <label>They/Them</label> </div> </div> <</nobr>> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'>[[NEXT | hollisgender]]</div></div>

In Larkin, you'll come across many characters, some friends, some foes, and some--//if you play your cards right//--could turn out to be something more. Three of those characters, <strong>//ACE ZHANG//</strong>, <strong>//HOLLIS//</strong> and <strong>//MONTERO MOREAU//</strong> you may choose the genders of. <<liveblock>>In your world state, <strong>HOLLIS</strong> identifies as $hgender and uses $h_he / $h_him pronouns.<</liveblock>> //[PLEASE SELECT HOLLIS' GENDER AND PRONOUNS]// <<nobr>> <div id="genders"> <div class="gender"> <img src="./images/hollis-m.png"> <<link "Brother Andrew Hollis">><<set $hgender to "male">><<set $h_he to "he">><<set $h_him to "him">><<set $h_his to "his">><<set $h_his_plural to "his">><<set $hman to "man">><<set $h_himself to "himself">><<update>><</link>> <label>He/Him</label> </div> <div class="gender"> <img src="./images/hollis-f.png"> <<link "Sister Shiobhan Hollis">><<set $hgender to "female">><<set $h_he to "she">><<set $h_him to "her">><<set $h_his to "her">><<set $h_his_plural to "hers">><<set $hman to "woman">><<set $h_himself to "herself">><<update>><</link>> <label>She/Her</label> </div> <div class="gender"> <img src="./images/hollis-nb.png"> <<link "Lieutenant Ezra Hollis">><<set $hgender to "non-binary">><<set $h_he to "they">><<set $h_him to "them">><<set $h_his to "their">><<set $h_his_plural to "theirs">><<set $h_man to "person">><<set $h_himself to "themself">><<update>><</link>> <label>They/Them</label> </div> </div> <</nobr>> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'>[[NEXT | montgender]]</div>

In Larkin, you'll come across many characters, some friends, some foes, and some--//if you play your cards right//--could turn out to be something more. Three of those characters, <strong>//ACE ZHANG//</strong>, <strong>//HOLLIS//</strong> and <strong>//MONTERO MOREAU//</strong> you may choose the genders of. <<liveblock>>In your world state, <strong>MONTERO</strong> identifies as $mgender and uses $mhe / $mhim pronouns.<</liveblock>> //[PLEASE SELECT MONTERO'S GENDER AND PRONOUNS]// <<nobr>> <div id="genders"> <div class="gender"> <img src="./images/mont1.png"> <<link "Male">><<set $mgender to "male">><<set $mhe to "he">><<set $mhim to "him">><<set $mhis to "his">><<set $mhis_plural to "his">><<set $m_man to "man">><<set $mhimself to "himself">><<update>><</link>> <label>He/Him</label> </div> <div class="gender"> <img src="./images/mont2.png"> <<link "Female">><<set $mgender to "female">><<set $mhe to "she">><<set $mhim to "her">><<set $mhis to "her">><<set $mhis_plural to "hers">><<set $m_man to "woman">><<set $mhimself to "herself">><<update>><</link>> <label>She/Her</label> </div> <div class="gender"> <img src="./images/mont3.png"> <<link "Non-Binary">><<set $mgender to "non-binary">><<set $mhe to "they">><<set $mhim to "them">><<set $mhis to "their">><<set $mhis_plural to "theirs">><<set $m_man to "person">><<set $mhimself to "themself">><<update>><</link>> <label>They/Them</label> </div> </div> <</nobr>> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'>[[NEXT | character_gender]]</div>

<h1>Select your character's gender</h1> <<liveblock>>In your world state, <strong>THE MAIN CHARACTER</strong> identifies as <strong>$gender</strong> and will be referred to as //Wyatt's// <strong>$son</strong>, as a <strong>$man</strong> in the present and a <strong>$boy</strong> in the past.<</liveblock>> <<nobr>> <div id="genders"> <div class="gender"> <img src="./images/genderm.png"> <<link "Male">><<set $gender to 'male'>><<set $son to 'son'>><<set $man to 'man'>><<set $boy to 'boy'>><<update>><</link>> </div> <div class="gender"> <img src="./images/genderf.png"> <<link "Female">><<set $gender to 'female'>><<set $son to 'daughter'>><<set $man to 'woman'>><<set $boy to 'girl'>><<update>><</link>> </div> <div class="gender"> <img src="./images/gendernb.png"> <<link "Non-Binary">><<set $gender to "non-binary">><<set $son to 'kid'>><<set $man to 'person'>><<set $boy to 'child'>><<update>><</link>> </div> </div> <</nobr>> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'>[[NEXT | pronouns]]</div>

<h1>Your character uses the pronouns <<liveblock>> $he / $him / $his / $his_plural <</liveblock>></h1> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <h2><i class='material-icons' style='font-size:32px;'>arrow_forwards</i><<link "He/Him">><<set $he to "he">><<set $him to "him">><<set $his to "his">><<set $his_plural to "his">><<update>><</link>></h2> <h2><i class='material-icons' style='font-size:32px;'>arrow_forwards</i><<link "She/Her">><<set $he to "she">><<set $him to "her">><<set $his to "her">><<set $his_plural to "hers">><<update>><</link>></h2> <h2><i class='material-icons' style='font-size:32px;'>arrow_forwards</i><<link "They/Them">><<set $he to "they">><<set $him to "them">><<set $his to "their">><<set $his_plural to "theirs">><<update>><</link>></h2> <h2><i class='material-icons' style='font-size:32px;'>arrow_forwards</i><<link "Xe/Xem">><<set $he to "xe">><<set $him to "xem">><<set $his to "xir">><<set $his_plural to "xirs">><<update>><</link>></h2> <h2><i class='material-icons' style='font-size:32px;'>arrow_forwards</i><<link "Ze/Zir">><<set $he to "ze">><<set $him to "zir">><<set $his to "zir">><<set $his_plural to "zirs">><<update>><</link>></h2> <h2><i class='material-icons' style='font-size:32px;'>arrow_forwards</i>[[My Character Uses Different Pronouns. | pronouncustom]]</h2> </div> <<if $tutorials is true>>[[NEXT | classtutorials]]<<elseif $tutorials is false>>[[NEXT | class]]<</if>>

<div class='left'> Are your character's pronouns singular or plural? </div> <table> <tr> <<set $pronounsp=['singular', 'plural']>> <th><<radiobutton '$pronounsp' 'singular' style='color: #551211;'>>singular</th> <th><<radiobutton '$pronounsp' 'plural'>>plural</th> </tr> </table> <div class='left'> Nomantive Example: //<strong>He</strong> went to the general store.// <<textbox '$he' 'he'>> Accusative Example: //I saw <strong>him</strong> at the saloon.// <<textbox '$him' 'him'>> Pronominal Posessive Example: //<strong>Their</strong> horse is tired.// <<textbox '$his' 'their'>> Predicative Possesive Example: //The pistol over there is <strong>hers</strong>// <<textbox '$his_plural' 'hers'>> Reflexive Example: //The woman wanted to go <strong>herself</strong>// <<textbox '$himself' 'herself'>> </div> [[Confirm Pronouns | pronouncheck]]

Your character's pronouns are <strong>$he / $him / $his / $his_plural / $himself </strong>, correct? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons'>arrow_forwards</i>[[Yes | class]] <i class='material-icons'>arrow_forwards</i>[[No | pronouncustom]] </div>

<h1>CHOOSE YOUR CLASS</h1> <strong>CLASSES</strong> are what help shape your characters worldview. They help determine $his skills, introduce lore into $his background, open up new avenues for roleplaying and accomplishing $his goals. Click on each class to learn more about them. <<nobr>> <div id='genders'> <div class='gender'> <img src='./images/conartist.png'> <<link 'CON ARTIST' 'conartist'>><</link>> </div> <div class= 'gender'> <img src='./images/outlaw.png'> <<link 'OUTLAW' 'outlaw'>><</link>> </div> <div class='gender'> <img src='./images/healer.png'> <<link 'HEALER' 'healer'>><</link>> </div> </div> <</nobr>> <<nobr>> <div id ='genders'> <div class='gender'> <img src='./images/thief.png'> <<link 'THIEF' 'thief'>><</link>> </div> <div class='gender'> <img src='./images/gambler.png'> <<link 'GAMBLER' 'gambler'>><</link>> </div> <div class='gender'> <img src='./images/showman.png'> <<link 'SHOWMAN' 'showman'>><</link>> </div> </div> <</nobr>> <<nobr>> <div id='genders'> <div class='gender'> <img src='./images/slayer.png'> <<link 'SLAYER' 'slayer'>><</link>> </div> </div> <</nobr>>

<h1>CON-ARTIST</h1> <div class="shop-gallery"> <div class="class-selectors"> <a><img src="./images/conartist.png" style="height: 20em; border: 3px solid; border-radius: 25% 10%;"></a> </div> </div> <div class='middle'> "//Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."// - Matthew 7:15</div> <div class='middle'> You're the product of two of the greatest scammers to ever grace the ground of North America. Raised by the cult, led by the so-called "prophet", Gregory Abrams and later mentored by his snake-oil salesman of a grandson, Wyatt Abrams, you know how to scheme. Whether it's cheating at poker, selling magical cure-alls, or positioning yourself as the $man in charge, you've always got something in your back pocket when it comes to getting rich quick.</div> <div class='middle'>PROFICIENCIES: //Pesuasion, Hand-to-Hand//</div> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<link 'CHOOSE THIS CLASS' 'stats'>><<set $class to 'conartist'>><<set $athleticism to 1>><<set $dex to 2>><<set $insight to 4>><<set $int to 4>><<set $luck to 4>><<set $charm to 6>><</link>></div></div> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<if $tutorials is true>>[[BACK | classtutorials]]<<elseif $tutorials is false>>[[BACK | class]]<</if>></div></div>

<h1>OUTLAW</h1> <div class="shop-gallery"> <div class="class-selectors"> <a><img src="./images/outlaw.png" style="height: 20em; border: 3px solid; border-radius: 25% 10%;"></a> </div> </div> <div class='middle'>"//But I'm not gonna let 'em catch me, no Not gonna let 'em catch the midnight rider//" - The Allman Brothers Band</div> <div class='middle'>The cruel nature of the world has hardened you against it, and part of you is grateful. It was the universe's way of taking care of you, ensuring that you'd make it this far. It's never been much of a question of whether you enjoy what you do, take pleasure in the harm you cause, it's more that you've always known that this is what you have to do--there was never any choice here, not for you, anyways. Wyatt, your mentor, likes to turn a blind eye to your misdeeds, to pretend like he's better. But you know the truth. You and him? You're two sides of the same coin. </div> <div class='middle'>PROFICIENCIES: //Intimidation, Rifles//</div> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<link 'CHOOSE THIS CLASS' 'stats'>><<set $class to 'outlaw'>><<set $athleticism to 6>><<set $dex to 4>><<set $insight to 4>><<set $int to 1>><<set $luck to 2>><<set $charm to 4>><</link>></div></div> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<if $tutorials is true>>[[BACK | classtutorials]]<<elseif $tutorials is false>>[[BACK | class]]<</if>></div></div>

<h1>HEALER</h1> <div class="shop-gallery"> <div class="class-selectors"> <a><img src="./images/healer.png" style="height: 20em; border: 3px solid; border-radius: 25% 10%;"></a> </div> </div> <div class='middle'>"//Come what may afterwards, an education secured is an advantage gained - a priceless advantage"// - Charlotte Brontë</div> <div class='middle'>You've spent your formative years teaching yourself in the schools of science and medicine, and you've gotten yourself considerably far, despite no formal training. In your twenty-seven years you've set broken bones, stitched closed open wounds, cured coughs, and hell, even helped deliver a baby or two. Though your education is far from traditional, it is one of great experience. You are a $man of science, and despite the chaotic nature of the world around you, science has always gotten you through.</div> <div class='middle'>PROFICIENCIES: //Medicine, Investigation//</div> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<link 'CHOOSE THIS CLASS' 'stats'>><<set $class to 'healer'>><<set $athleticism to 2>><<set $dex to 2>><<set $insight to 6>><<set $insight to 6>><<set $int to 6>><<set $luck to 2>><<set $charm to 3>><</link>></div></div> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<if $tutorials is true>>[[BACK | classtutorials]]<<elseif $tutorials is false>>[[BACK | class]]<</if>></div></div>

<h1>THIEF</h1> <div class="shop-gallery"> <div class="class-selectors"> <a><img src="./images/thief.png" style="height: 20em; border: 3px solid; border-radius: 25% 10%;"></a> </div> </div> <div class='middle'>"//First, you stole my heart That was the easy part Don't ever tell me that crime don't pay//" - Chris Stapleton</div> <div class='middle'>Wyatt likes to say you've got sticky fingers, but really, who could blame you, when the people around you make thievery so easy? You're a survivor, you always have been, always will be and you're not afraid to take what is rightfully yours (anything, that is, which you can get your grubby little hands on.) Maybe it's wrong to be so materialistic, to be motivated by money the way you are, but, hell, when you've lost all you've ever had to claim as your own, when you've come so far from nothing, anything seems like everything. <div class='middle'>PROFICIENCIES: //Stealth, Agility//</div> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<link 'CHOOSE THIS CLASS' 'stats'>><<set $class to 'thief'>><<set $athleticism to 3>><<set $dex to 7>><<set $insight to 3>><<set $int to 2>><<set $luck to 3>><<set $charm to 3>><</link>></div></div> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<if $tutorials is true>>[[BACK | classtutorials]]<<elseif $tutorials is false>>[[BACK | class]]<</if>></div></div>

<h1>GAMBLER</h1> <div class="shop-gallery"> <div class="class-selectors"> <a><img src="./images/gambler.png" style="height: 20em; border: 3px solid; border-radius: 25% 10%;"></a> </div> </div> <div class='middle'>"//You've got to know when to hold 'em Know when to fold 'em Know when to walk away And know when to run"// - Kenny Rogers</div> <div class='middle'>You've been counting cards since you were eleven years old. Your mentor, Wyatt Abrams, ensured that was a skill instilled within you. In your years since your days of being the unasumming kid at the card table, helping Wyatt cheat his way through the casino, you've expanded in to pool hustling, rigging bets on fights and of course, kicking ass at poker. You'd say your risk-assessment skills are fair, but then you'd be playing modest. Hard as life seems to get sometimes, you've always managed to get yourself a pair of aces.</div> <div class='middle'>PROFICIENCIES: //Lying, Pistols//</div> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<link 'CHOOSE THIS CLASS' 'stats'>><<set $class to 'gambler'>><<set $athleticism to 2>><<set $dex to 2>><<set $insight to 5>><<set $int to 2>><<set $luck to 7>><<set $charm to 3>><</link>></div></div> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<if $tutorials is true>>[[BACK | classtutorials]]<<elseif $tutorials is false>>[[BACK | class]]<</if>></div></div>

<h1>SHOWMAN</h1> <div class="shop-gallery"> <div class="class-selectors"> <a><img src="./images/showman.png" style="height: 20em; border: 3px solid; border-radius: 25% 10%;"></a> </div> </div> <div class='middle'>"//Oh, you know I'm still afraid I'm still crazy and I'm still scared But if I make it to the stage I'll show you what it means To be spared, to be spared//" - Florence + The Machine</div> <div class='middle'>In the days of old, they might have called you a bard, but then again, tragic comedy that your life seems to be, maybe jester is more appropriate. You're a performer, you know how to make use of a spotlight--and you've never minded attention either. Your musical prowess expands beyond your use of voice, but extends to the piano and the strings, you're something of a savant in that realm, plus you know your way around a good joke--and you've made fair share of coin showing off those talents. Wyatt, your mentor, the man who raised you, thinks your skills are much to delicate for your line of work, but you know how to turn a song, a joke, any sort of entertainment or attention, deadly. <div class='middle'>PROFICIENCIES: //Allure, History//</div> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<link 'CHOOSE THIS CLASS' 'stats'>><<set $class to 'showman'>><<set $athleticism to 2>><<set $dex to 4>><<set $insight to 4>><<set $int to 2>><<set $luck to 2>><<set $charm to 7>><</link>></div></div> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<if $tutorials is true>>[[BACK | classtutorials]]<<elseif $tutorials is false>>[[BACK | class]]<</if>></div></div>

<h1>SLAYER</h1> <div class="shop-gallery"> <div class="class-selectors"> <a><img src="./images/slayer.png" style="height: 20em; border: 3px solid; border-radius: 25% 10%;"></a> </div> </div> <div class='middle'>"//you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.//" - Exodus 21:23-25</div> <div class='middle'>Something was taken from you long ago. There's no getting it back, but there is settling the score. Gregory Abrams, he was the one that started it, playing a game he knew he couldn't win--no good deed goes unpunished, after all. You're simply doing what he couldn't. Any vampire, monster, beast, whatever the hell they want to call themselves, you don't much care, it's your duty, your sacred oath, if you believe in things like that, to put an end to the terror they reign upon those who walk the earth. <div class='middle'>PROFICIENCIES: //Vampiric Knowledge, Stake and Dagger Wielding//</div> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<link 'CHOOSE THIS CLASS' 'stats'>><<set $class to 'slayer'>><<set $athleticism to 6>><<set $dex to 3>><<set $insight to 3>><<set $int to 6>><<set $luck to 2>><<set $charm to 1>><</link>></div></div> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<if $tutorials is true>>[[BACK | classtutorials]]<<elseif $tutorials is false>>[[BACK | class]]<</if>></div></div>

<h1>CHARACTER STATS</h1> Throughout //LARKIN// you'll be met with different choices and options, some of which depend on skillchecks, reliant on the following skills. To learn more about each trait listed below, click them. Below is the suggested stats build for your class, <strong>$class</strong> for roleplaying purposes. Feel free, however, to adjust your characters stats to make them more relevant to the character you're playing. <<nobr>><<liveblock>> <div class='stats-border'> <<link 'Charm:'>> <<run Dialog.setup("Charm", "codex-entry");Dialog.wiki(Story.get("charm-codex").processText());Dialog.open();>> <</link>> <<if $charm gt 1>> <<link "⬅">> <<set $charm-->> <<set $totalpts++>> <<update>> <</link>> <<else>>⬅ <</if>> $charm <<if $totalpts gt 0>> <<link '➡'>> <<set $charm++>> <<set $totalpts-->> <<update>> <</link>> <<else>>➡ <</if>> <br> <<link 'Athleticism:'>> <<run Dialog.setup("Athleticism", "codex-entry");Dialog.wiki(Story.get("athl-codex").processText());Dialog.open();>> <</link>> <<if $athleticism gt 1>> <<link "⬅">> <<set $athleticism-->> <<set $totalpts++>> <<update>> <</link>> <<else>>⬅ <</if>> $athleticism <<if $totalpts gt 0>> <<link '➡'>> <<set $athleticism++>> <<set $totalpts-->> <<update>> <</link>> <<else>>➡ <</if>> <br> <<link 'Dexterity:'>> <<run Dialog.setup("Dexterity", "codex-entry");Dialog.wiki(Story.get("dex-codex").processText());Dialog.open();>> <</link>> <<if $dex gt 1>> <<link "⬅">> <<set $dex-->> <<set $totalpts++>> <<update>> <</link>> <<else>>⬅ <</if>> $dex <<if $totalpts gt 0>> <<link '➡'>> <<set $dex++>> <<set $totalpts-->> <<update>> <</link>> <<else>>➡ <</if>> <br> <<link 'Insight:'>> <<run Dialog.setup("Insight", "codex-entry");Dialog.wiki(Story.get("insight-codex").processText());Dialog.open();>> <</link>> <<if $insight gt 1>> <<link "⬅">> <<set $insight-->> <<set $totalpts++>> <<update>> <</link>> <<else>>⬅ <</if>> $insight <<if $totalpts gt 0>> <<link '➡'>> <<set $insight++>> <<set $totalpts-->> <<update>> <</link>> <<else>>➡ <</if>> <br> <<link 'Intelligence:'>> <<run Dialog.setup("Intelligence", "codex-entry");Dialog.wiki(Story.get("int-codex").processText());Dialog.open();>> <</link>> <<if $int gt 1>> <<link "⬅">> <<set $int-->> <<set $totalpts++>> <<update>> <</link>> <<else>>⬅ <</if>> $int <<if $totalpts gt 0>> <<link '➡'>> <<set $int++>> <<set $totalpts-->> <<update>> <</link>> <<else>>➡ <</if>> <br> <<link 'Luck:'>> <<run Dialog.setup("Luck", "codex-entry");Dialog.wiki(Story.get("luck-codex").processText());Dialog.open();>> <</link>> <<if $luck gt 1>> <<link "⬅">> <<set $luck-->> <<set $totalpts++>> <<update>> <</link>> <<else>>⬅ <</if>> $luck <<if $totalpts gt 0>> <<link '➡'>> <<set $luck++>> <<set $totalpts-->> <<update>> <</link>> <<else>>➡ <</if>> <br> </div> Points Remaining: $totalpts<br> <</liveblock>><</nobr>> <<liveblock>><<if $totalpts is 0>><h1>[[NEXT | background]]</h1><</if>><</liveblock>>

<h1>CHOOSE YOUR ORIGIN</h1> <strong>ORIGINS</strong> determine your character's personal history in relation to the <strong>ABRAMS FAMILY</strong> it changes $his perspective on certain issues relevant to the world of Larkin and unlocks additional dialogue. Click on each origin to learn more about them. <<nobr>> <div id='genders'> <div class='gender'> <img src='./images/orphan.png'> <<link 'ORPHAN' 'orphan'>><</link>> </div> <div class= 'gender'> <img src='./images/farmer.png'> <<link 'FARMER' 'farmer'>><</link>> </div> <div class='gender'> <img src='./images/elder.png'> <<link 'ELDER' 'elder'>><</link>> </div> </div> <</nobr>> <<nobr>> <div id='genders'> <div class='gender'> <img src='./images/disciple.png'> <<link 'DISCIPLE' 'disciple'>><</link>> </div> </div> <</nobr>>

<h1>ORPHAN</h1> <div class="shop-gallery"> <div class="class-selectors"> <a><img src="./images/orphan.png" style="height: 20em; border: 3px solid; border-radius: 25% 10%;"></a> </div> </div> <div class='middle'>You never knew your parents, and the streets were as kind to you as anything else. So when the <strong>ABRAMS FAMILY</strong> came through your town, promising food, comfort, and a purpose--you were eager to join. <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<link 'CHOOSE THIS BACKGROUND' 'cc'>><<set $background to 'orphan'>><</link>></div></div> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<if $tutorials is true>>[[BACK | backgroundtutorials]]<<elseif $tutorials is false>>[[BACK | background]]<</if>></div></div>

<h1>FARMER</h1> <div class="shop-gallery"> <div class="class-selectors"> <a><img src="./images/farmer.png" style="height: 20em; border: 3px solid; border-radius: 25% 10%;"></a> </div> </div> <div class='middle'>Eldest child of a set of Farmers, your father joined the <strong>ABRAMS FAMILY</strong> after a coven of vampires attacked your farm, killing some of your animals and two of your youngest siblings. Racked with grief, your father was determined that the rest of his children be saved and brought up as some of the <strong>LORD'S CHOSEN</strong>, soldiers in the <strong>FATHER PROPHET'S</strong> holy army. <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<link 'CHOOSE THIS BACKGROUND' 'cc'>><<set $background to 'farmer'>><</link>></div></div> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<if $tutorials is true>>[[BACK | backgroundtutorials]]<<elseif $tutorials is false>>[[BACK | background]]<</if>></div></div>

<h1>ELDER</h1> <div class="shop-gallery"> <div class="class-selectors"> <a><img src="./images/elder.png" style="height: 20em; border: 3px solid; border-radius: 25% 10%;"></a> </div> </div> <div class='middle'>You'd been lucky, you suppose. Granted the fortune of being born to one of the Elder Branches of the Abrams Family, you'd grown up in one of the Abrams family strongholds, afforded the privilege of a permanent home, whereas most Abrams children didn't have so much of a tent to call their own. You are the only child of Delilah and Victor Abrams, Delilah being the granddaughter one <strong>ISSAC ABRAMS</strong> elder brother to the <strong>FATHER PROPHET, GREGORY ABRAMS,</strong> leader and founder of the Abrams Family. <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<link 'CHOOSE THIS BACKGROUND' 'cc'>><<set $background to 'elder'>><</link>></div></div> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<if $tutorials is true>>[[BACK | backgroundtutorials]]<<elseif $tutorials is false>>[[BACK | background]]<</if>></div></div>

<h1>DISCIPLE</h1> <div class="shop-gallery"> <div class="class-selectors"> <a><img src="./images/disciple.png" style="height: 20em; border: 3px solid; border-radius: 25% 10%;"></a> </div> </div> <div class='middle'>You are the youngest child of <strong>JOHN LAZARUS ABRAMS</strong>, the Vampire Hunter charged with leading the <strong>BRANCH of JOHN</strong>, a low ranking sect of the <strong>ABRAMS FAMILY</strong>. Your birth was something of a scandal amongst the Family, being born to John's young wife, whom he married just a month before you were born--and just two short weeks after his first wife, Abigail, had died. An average member of the Family, you grew up under the harsh rule of both your strict biological father, and your religious one, <strong>GREGORY ABRAMS, THE FATHER PROPHET</strong> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<link 'CHOOSE THIS BACKGROUND' 'cc'>><<set $background to 'disciple'>><</link>></div></div> <div class='middle'><div class='menu-choices'><<if $tutorials is true>>[[BACK | backgroundtutorials]]<<elseif $tutorials is false>>[[BACK | background]]<</if>></div></div>

<h1>SELECT YOUR CHARACTER'S SKINTONE</h1> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <<set $skintone=['black', 'neutral beige', 'cool brown', 'deep brown', 'fair', 'light brown', 'medium brown', 'light olive', 'deep olive', 'medium olive', 'pale', 'tan', 'warm brown', 'warm beige', 'cool beige']>> <<radiobutton '$skintone' 'black'>><strong>black</strong> <<radiobutton '$skintone' 'neutral beige'>><strong>neutral beige</strong> <<radiobutton '$skintone' 'cool brown'>><strong>cool brown</strong> <<radiobutton '$skintone' 'deep brown'>><strong>deep brown</strong> <<radiobutton '$skintone' 'fair'>><strong>fair</strong> <<radiobutton '$skintone' 'light brown'>><strong>light brown</strong> <<radiobutton '$skintone' 'medium brown'>><strong>medium brown</strong> <<radiobutton '$skintone' 'light olive'>><strong>light olive</strong> <<radiobutton '$skintone' 'deep olive'>><strong>deep olive</strong> <<radiobutton '$skintone' 'medium olive'>><strong>medium olive</strong> <<radiobutton '$skintone' 'pale'>><strong>pale</strong> <<radiobutton '$skintone' 'tan'>><strong>tan</strong> <<radiobutton '$skintone' 'warm brown'>><strong>warm brown</strong> <<radiobutton '$skintone' 'warm beige'>><strong>warm beige</strong> <<radiobutton '$skintone' 'cool beige'>><strong>cool beige</strong> </div> <div class='middle'>[[NEXT | haircolor]]</div>

<h1>SELECT YOUR CHARACTER'S HAIR COLOR</h1> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <table> <tr> <<set $haircolor=['black', 'brown', 'blonde', 'red', 'gray']>> <th><<radiobutton '$haircolor' 'black'>>black</th> <th><<radiobutton '$haircolor' 'brown'>>brown</th> <th><<radiobutton '$haircolor' 'blonde'>>blonde</th> </tr> <tr> <th><<radiobutton '$haircolor' 'red'>>red</th> <th><<radiobutton '$haircolor' 'gray'>>gray</th> </tr> </table> </div> <div class='middle'>[[NEXT | eyecolor]]</div>

<h1>SELECT YOUR CHARACTER'S EYE COLOR</h1> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <table> <tr> <<set $eyecolor=['black', 'brown', 'blue', 'green', 'gray', 'hazel']>> <th><<radiobutton '$eyecolor' 'black'>>black</th> <th><<radiobutton '$eyecolor' 'brown'>>brown</th> <th><<radiobutton '$eyecolor' 'green'>>green</th> </tr> <tr> <th><<radiobutton '$eyecolor' 'gray'>>gray</th> <th><<radiobutton '$eyecolor' 'hazel'>>hazel</th> <th><<radiobutton '$eyecolor' 'blue'>>blue</th> </tr> </table> </div> <div class='middle'>[[NEXT | episodeone]]</div>

To add opposed stat bars: <div class="traits"> <span class="left label">Left label</span>  <div class="bars"> <<= '<div class="left-bar" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>'>>  </div> <span class="right label">Right label</span>  </div>

<div class="info-page"> <div class="column"><div><h3>Physical Appearance</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div><h3>Family Branch & Background</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div><h3>Morals & Beliefs</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div><h3>Skills & Tactics</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div class="return"><<link '<h3>Return to Game</h3>' $return>><</link>></div> </div> <div class="column"><div><h3>Personality</h3> <div class="traits"> <span class="left label">Virtuous</span> <div class="bars"> <<= '<div class="left-bar" style="width:' + $virtuous + '%;"></div>'>> </div> <span class="right label">Dishonourable</span> </div> <div class="traits"> <span class="left label">Peaceful</span> <div class="bars"> <<= '<div class="left-bar" style="width:' + $peaceful + '%;"></div>'>> </div> <span class="right label">Aggressive</span> </div> <div class="traits"> <span class="left label">Light-hearted</span> <div class="bars"> <<= '<div class="left-bar" style="width:' + $lighthearted + '%;"></div>'>> </div> <span class="right label">Serious</span> </div> <div class="traits"> <span class="left label">Trusting</span> <div class="bars"> <<= '<div class="left-bar" style="width:' + $trusting + '%;"></div>'>> </div> <span class="right label">Skeptical</span> </div> <div class="traits"> <span class="left label">Humble</span> <div class="bars"> <<= '<div class="left-bar" style="width:' + $humble + '%;"></div>'>> </div> <span class="right label">Arrogant</span> </div> <div class="traits"> <span class="left label">Compassionate</span> <div class="bars"> <<= '<div class="left-bar" style="width:' + $compassionate + '%;"></div>'>> </div> <span class="right label">Indifferent</span> </div> <div class="traits"> <span class="left label">Forward</span> <div class="bars"> <<= '<div class="left-bar" style="width:' + $forward + '%;"></div>'>> </div> <span class="right label">Reserved</span> </div>  <div><h3>Other Stats</h3> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Variable</div>  <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Variable</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Variable</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Variable</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div>  </div> </div> </div> </div>

To add a new GROUP of codex entries, copy: <<link "<h2>Group Name</h2>">>  <<run openPage('divID')>>  <</link>> into the div with the ID 'tabs'. Then copy: <div id="divID" class="codex-cat">  <<link 'codex link'>> <<run Dialog.setup("Codex Entry", "codex-entry"); // "Codex Entry" is the title of the dialog box that will pop up; 'codex-entry' is the class (css thing, don't change this) Dialog.wiki(Story.get("codex-entry").processText()); //"codex-entry" here refers to the passage which contains the text contained in the popup. Each entry requires a unique passage. Dialog.open();>> <</link>>  </div>

<div id="tabs"> <<link "<h2>Events & World</h2>">> <<run openPage('cat-one')>>  <</link>> <<link "<h2>Factions & Groups</h2>">> <<run openPage('cat-two')>> <</link>> <<link "<h2>Characters</h2>">> <<run openPage('cat-three')>> <</link>>  </div> <div id="cat-one" class="codex-cat"> <<if $codex_one is true>><<link 'Saint Laurent'>> <<run Dialog.setup("Saint Laurent", "codex-entry");Dialog.wiki(Story.get("codex-one").processText());Dialog.open();>><</link>> /<</if>> <<if $codex_four is true>><<link 'Vampires'>><<run Dialog.setup("Codex Entry", "codex-entry");Dialog.wiki(Story.get("codex-four").processText());Dialog.open();>> <</link>> / <</if>> </div> <div id="cat-two" class="codex-cat"> <<if $codex_two is true>><<link 'Abrams Silver Rings'>> <<run Dialog.setup("Abrams Silver Rings", "codex-entry");Dialog.wiki(Story.get("codex-two").processText());Dialog.open();>><</link>> / <</if>> </div> <div id="cat-three" class="codex-cat"> <<if $codex_three is true>><<link 'WYATT ABRAMS'>> <<run Dialog.setup("Wyatt Abrams", "codex-entry");Dialog.wiki(Story.get("codex-three").processText());Dialog.open();>><</link>><</if>> </div> <<link '<h3>Return to Game</h3>' $return>><</link>>

Example codex entry passage. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis.

Located along the mouth of the Mississippi, the port city of Saint Laurent does not boast the grandiosity of its neighbors like New Orleans or the political importance of Baton Rouge, but something entirely different. Founded by Catholic missionary Claude-Alaine Laurent and his young wife Adeline in the mid-1730s, Saint Laurent was originally intended to be a haven of piety in the new French colony. In the hundred years since, however, Louisiana’s third largest city has morphed into something much more hedonistic. With an economy built partially on trade thanks to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, the silhouette of Saint Laurent is defined by towering cathedrals and regal churches, effectively overshadowing the bars, casinos and brothels that bolster the other half of the city’s financial infrastructure. Today, Saint Laurent is often touted as a sort of modern Gomorrha, known for vice, decadency and self-indulgence despite its religious roots. With this, of course, also comes a prominent criminal underworld--smugglers, murderers and thieves all seek refuge along the streets of Saint Laurent. Survival in a place such as this is based upon one’s ability to navigate the cut-throat nature of the city. There’s a saying in Saint Laurent: //“In the swamp you either sink or swim, but there’s no accounting for the snakes trying to pull you under.” //

//“But the serpent was crafty. Angry at the <strong>LORD God,</strong> for cursing him so, he hatched a plan. Just as the <strong>LORD God</strong> had done before, the serpent waited until Adam had fallen into a deep sleep and stole from him a rib. And from this rib sprung a mirrored man, poisoned by the sins of Adam, left hollow and unwhole in his creation. For this mirrored man would plague Adam and Eve, carrying the same enmity for Woman and her offspring, cursed upon the serpent. It is he who would walk the earth alone, and when he tried to eat from the same crops which man fostered, he would grow ill. The same would follow when he tried to consume fish or livestock. For this was another curse, laid upon him by God and Adam and the Serpent his creator. He could only gain sustenance from that of the Flesh of Man and the Blood of Woman.”// -- Genesis 3:25-32, The Abrams Family Bible

In the latter years of the Abrams Family’s existence, an effort was made to make its hunters less distinguishable amongst the ever growing and diversifying population of Vampire Hunters in the United States. Long gone were the days of uniforms and long hair with untrimmed beards of the typical Abrams Soldier. Now, they're dressed in layman’s clothing, with hairstyles fashionable for the era. Amidst this sudden assimilation, Hunters kept two identifiers on their person if not to remind them of their mission--then to tip off their fellow Abrams Hunters. The first of which were their silver daggers--weapons as much as status symbols, Abrams hunters carried them in ornate sheaths on the back of their belts. The second being their silver family rings. Both items melted down from the vault of Abrams Family silver, the Hunter’s ring was unique to each Abram’s Soldier and a signifier of adulthood--a trophy awarded to them when they passed their apprentice trials and made the full transition into an adult hunter, ready to serve the <strong>FATHER PROPHET. </strong>

//"<strong>WYATT ABRAMS</strong>, (eleven-years, Elder) has shown great promise throughout his apprenticeship under his brother EZEKIEL ABRAMS, (twenty-eight years, Elder). The summer saw him down ten of those afflicted all on his own! Just two shy of his father’s record, the year he made his debut to the hunting world. First-hand witnesses to the Father Prophet’s fifth Grandson admit him to be formidable for his age (and for those interested, a safe place to put one’s stock in -- as we all know all of the Elder Branches sons are.) Though his short stature may make some of our stingier brothers wary, be assured that what Wyatt lacks in height, he makes up for in bulk. Not only that, it seems that this one of the Lord’s Chosen boasts both brains and brawn, as he’s rumored to be quite skilled in trap making. Elder Ezekiel implemented a tool of his apprentice’s design that ended slowly the existences of two separate monsters, (at the same time!) Overall, we’re excited to see what’s to come of Brother Wyatt throughout the year he’s to Come of Age. In the Father Prophet’s Name, our Prayers are with you son!"// -- An 1851 excerpt from //Hunter’s Heart,// an unauthorized trade magazine passed amongst Abrams Family Hunters. This particular article came from their special debut issue, ranking hunting apprentices as they came of age.

You're running. Or, more accurately, you're being chased. Each of your movements is echoed by the sounds of more footsteps behind you, but you know better than to give into the urge to look back and see just how close they've gotten. Admittedly, things have gotten a little out of hand. <<nobr>> For one, you're tiring. Which is never a good thing, not really, but //especially// not now, considering your current company and just how much you've managed to piss them off. Your muscles are sore from the chase, your legs practically gelatin as they carry you through the streets. <<if $athleticism gte 3>> It's been a long fight, one that you're not sure you can keep up with for much longer. <<elseif $athleticism lt 3>> It's been a long while since you've really had to work at a fight like this, and given how hard you're panting, it's showing.<br> <br> Christ, you're out of shape.<br> <br> All in all, it's been a long chase, one you're not sure you can keep up with for much longer.<</if>> <</nobr>> The sun should be coming up any minute now, and if it was any day but today, that would be a blessing. Were it not, of course, for the heavy clouds that currently cover the sky, unleashing a downpour on the city below it. A fact that, all in all, is more of a mixed bag than anything else. Heavier in cons than pros for you, of course, but hey, what's that saying about <<if $insight gte 5>> looking a gift horse in the mouth? <<elseif $insight lt 5>> punching a gift horse in the mouth?<</if>> At the very least, the rain is masking your smell. The weather is dredging up all the odors of sewage and human filth that the city has to offer, which is indeed a blessing, considering that your sweat and adrenaline output are both making you quite distinguishable to your followers' noses. The added noise around you however, the smattering of the rain against the cobblestone, well, it's helping to single out your sounds from the ones around you, making your movements easier for them to hear. The streets are empty this early and if you're to be counting almost-blessings granted to you this morning, this would be your second after the rain. It's always easier to navigate without the watchful glares and overall mass of the general populace. Sure, that's another bonus--but this too, comes with a caveat. At the present moment, you're in the short limbo that exists between when the last of the city's party guests and drunkards have returned home and when the working populace will have arisen, ready to start their day like any other. Another hour or so and these streets will be crowded with people and wagons and horses. All living, breathing obstacles--in total, making your job harder than it already is, effectively putting you in a race against the clock. <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[You hate Saint Laurent. | 0.2]]</div>

<<set $codex_one to true>><<notify>>Codex Entry: //Saint Laurent// Unlocked!<</notify>>You hate the swamp. You hate the way the wet heat clings to the back of your neck. You hate that you gave into Wyatt's wishes to come here. You wanted somewhere dry–the northeast is nice this time of year–but //no//, you gave into him like you always do. <strong><<cycle '$wyattopinion' autoselect>><<option "Because you're a sucker.">><<option "Because Wyatt's Wyatt and you're you, and that's how these things always work out.">><<option "You wish you could make yourself stand up to him. At least, in a way that's meaningful.">><<update>><</cycle>></strong> Above all else, however, what you hate most about this city is <strong><<cycle '$stlaurentopinion' autoselect>><<option "the way it crawling with these damn things.">><<option "how much this place has managed to catch you off guard.">><<option "no, you had it right the first time. It's the heat that you hate. Definitely the heat.">><<update>><</cycle>></strong> But now is not the time to wallow in your own hatred. That can wait. Provided, of course, you can survive this encounter; to make matters even worse, you're terribly lost. You're lost, and you're a goddamn fool. Maybe this is what you deserve. Usually, you make it a point to know your environment better than this. Part of coming to a new place meant familiarizing yourself with it, memorizing the streets and back-alleys, the places the locals spend their time, the little detours that only those who're up to no good are aware of. Knowing one's surroundings is often the difference between life and death for someone like you. Wyatt was the one who taught you that. You just wish he'd take heed of his own advice; crotchety as he is in his old age, he's grown impatient. His nagging had been grating on your nerves lately, complaints urging you to get some work done so that the two of you could take advantage of all that the southern haven of sin had to offer. Nevermind the fact that Wyatt was well aware that St. Laurent was the last place you wanted to be this time of year. On this, you caved to him as well. Skipped out on your habitual days of map memorization and exploration in favor of putting your nose to the grindstone, moving into the more active parts of your trip here. A month later, you still regret it. You've spent the early hours of the morning playing prey to predators you were supposed to be hunting. Throwing yourself into unfamiliar territory, running aimlessly throughout the city, trying to throw them off your tail just long enough to flip the situation and gain the advantage. And given how that plan's seemed to work out so far, suffice to say, things could be going better. It doesn't pay to dwell on the could be's or the supposed to's, however. And besides, right now, you need to focus. The alley you're currently running through splits off ahead and as it stands, you're headed straight for a wall. You need to pick which way you're going and you need to pick //fast//. You make a split second decision. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Go left. | 0.left]] <<if $athleticism gte 4>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Go up. | 0.up]]<</if>> </div>

You're in good enough shape that you can trust yourself to scale the building ahead of you, bouncing between the wall's corners to move up the brick building. It's by some luck that you only have to catch yourself once or twice on the wet brickwork. Somewhat foolishly, you elected to start climbing without any real estimation over exactly how high you'd have to go, but it's with some luck that you find the building is only two stories. By the time you reach the top, your clothes are soaked through even further, palms stinging with scrapes from the building's bricks. You roll yourself over the roof's ledge and curse, having exhausted yourself with this small bit of vertical motion. What curse falls from your lips? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“Fuck,” you breathe out, the word choked out of your mouth like a cough. | 0.up_2][$curse to 'fuck']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“Shit,” the word scrapes the space between your teeth, coming out like a hiss. | 0.up_2][$curse to 'shit']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“Lord above,” the word is violent, exiled from your lips like an outcast. | 0.up_2][$curse to 'Lord above']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Something else, a different curse falls from your lips. | up_curse_selection]] </div>

What curse falls from your lips? <<textbox '$curse' 'shit'>> <div class='choices-emphasis'> [[Next. | curse_check_up]] </div>

Your go-to curse is //$curse// right? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>check_circle</i>[[Yes | 0.up_2]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>cancel</i>[[No | up_curse_selection]] </div>

<<set $lefthand to 'injured'>>You force yourself upwards and onto your feet. The realization hits that by taking this fight to the rooftops, you've given your pursuers something of an advantage with their heightened senses and the lack of any real cover for you, but your hope here is that you can simply outrun them… A hope that's quickly dashed when something latches onto your ankle, tripping you and sending you rolling sideways along the slanted roof. “<<curse>>!” You catch yourself along one of the gutters, fingers just barely holding onto the metal pipework when one of them looms over you. Teeth on full display in a menacing grin, Rutherford Moreau looks down upon you with a certain glimmer in his eye that tells you he's hungry; that you're most likely his intended breakfast. He wants you dead, and well, why wouldn't he? You and Wyatt–your hunting partner–have spent the better half of a month tracking down and killing the long-list of his coven mates that had been wreaking havoc in this city for God only knows how long until you showed up. This is your prey. Though, right now the situation seems to be flipped on its head as he traps your fingers beneath the toes of one of his leather boots, his impossibly wide grin growing somehow wider as you hiss out in pain under the weight of his foot. This is a Vampire, and you, a Vampire Hunter. However pathetic you may seem at the present moment, that can't erase your years of expertise. Hanging there, dangling from the roof, some sense of doom takes shape over you. Silently… <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[sending your last prayers to a God you've long denied belief in. | roof-react-1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[cursing Wyatt for bringing you here. | roof-react-2]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[saying your prayers, like the devoted follower of God you are. | roof-react-3]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[worrying about Wyatt--what's' he going to do if you can't make it out of this? | roof-react-4]] <<if $luck lte 4>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[cursing your damned bad luck. | roof-react-5]]<</if>> </div>

Prayers are reserved for times of strife, the last resort in your Vampire-fighting-tool kit. You're about halfway through some misremembered version of Gregory Abrams' warped Lord's Prayer,<<include 'roof-reaction-conclusion'>>

Your heart is pounding through your chest as vile, angry, downright hateful thoughts race through your mind. All aimed at one Wyatt Abrams. You hope he somehow senses this, wherever he is now, probably safe in your shared room back at the inn--snug as a bug all tucked away, sleeping through these early hours of the morning. You're halfway through a fantasy of just what you'd say to Wyatt were you ever to see him again <<include 'roof-reaction-conclusion'>>

Your eyes are squeezed shut tight as you run through the Lord's Prayer, both versions you know because, $curse, at this point you're desperate, and in your desperation some old Gregory Abrams talking points are starting to make more and more sense. You're about halfway through the warped, Abrams version <<include 'roof-reaction-conclusion'>>

It's sickening, really, that of all people, //he// is where your last thoughts lie. But honestly, it's //you// and it's //him.// Could your last thoughts be about anyone else? Somewhere, deep into your string of worries about what the old man will do without you, is <<include 'roof-reaction-conclusion'>>

You hate to pull the //'why me?'// card and start feeling sorry for yourself, but if there was ever a time… you suppose now would be it. Somewhere through your deep pit of self-sorrow, is <<include 'roof-reaction-conclusion'>>

when, in one swift motion, Rutherford grabs you by the wrist and hauls you over the side of the building, throwing you against the roof in a tumble that gives you some sort of distance between you and him. Despite the aching, quite possibly broken digits on the hand he just stepped on and the throbbing pain pulsing through your side, you reach for your weapon, ready to fight. <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON | up_weapon_selection]]</div>

<div class='middle'>CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON...</div><<set $roll to random(1,20)>> <<nobr>> <div id='genders'> <div class='gender'> <img src='./images/crossbow.png'> <<link 'CROSSBOW' 'roof_crossbow'>><<set $primaryweapon to 'crossbow'>><<set $secondaryweapon to 'daggers'>><</link>> </div> <div class= 'gender'> <img src='./images/pistols.png'> <<link 'PISTOL' 'roof_pistol'>><<set $primaryweapon to 'pistol'>><<set $secondaryweapon to 'daggers'>><</link>> </div> <div class='gender'> <img src='./images/rifles.png'> <<link 'RIFLE' 'roof_rifle'>><<set $primaryweapon to 'rifle'>><<set $secondaryweapon to 'daggers'>><</link>> </div> </div> <</nobr>> <<nobr>> <div id='genders'> <div class='gender'> <img src='./images/daggers.png'> <<link 'DAGGERS' 'roof_daggers'>><<set $primaryweapon to 'daggers'>><<set $secondaryweapon to 'pistol'>><</link>> </div> <div class= 'gender'> <img src='./images/slayer.png'> <<link 'STAKES' 'roof_stakes'>><<set $primaryweapon to 'stake'>><<set $secondaryweapon to 'pistol'>><</link>> </div> <div class='gender'> <img src='./images/fists.png'> <<link 'FISTS' 'roof_fists'>><<set $primaryweapon to 'fists'>><<set $secondaryweapon to 'pistol'>><</link>> </div> </div> <</nobr>>

Slung across your back is where you keep your crossbow, resting between your shoulder blades. You can feel the long body of your bow against your spine, the trigger digging lightly into the leather of your coat. The way you pull it forward is almost mechanical, sliding it free into your palms, something made slightly difficult by the pulsing ache in your fingers. Automatically does your hand go to where your quiver hangs from your belt, resting against your thigh. You pull forth a silver-tipped bolt, loading it into the bow and cranking hard against the lever. Rutherford smiles ahead of you, completely calm in that way a lot of them like to compose themselves. When you were younger, first starting out as an apprentice, this demeanor of theirs–that vampiric coolness–it used to unsettle you. Now, though? It just pisses you off. You run through your shooting ritual, something you have to do even with him this close. A sharp inhale through your nose, you spread your feet. With fingers steady against the trigger, you twitch them upwards and release an exhale as the whole thing jolts with the firing of the bolt. <<nobr>> <<if $dex gte 4>> <<if $roll gte 5>> <<include 'roof_crossbow_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 5>> <<include 'roof_crossbow_fail'>> <</if>> <<elseif $dex lt 4>> <<if $roll gte 15>> <<include 'roof_crosssbow_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 15>> <<include 'roof_crossbow_fail'>> <</if>> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<<set $bolts -= 1>> A small sense of ease rolls through you as you watch the bolt cut through the air, eliciting a soft //whizzing// noise as it moves and catches the Vampire where you took aim at his heart, the same place you've always been instructed to stake them. His head sinks back with the contact, chin flattening against his throat so that he looks almost cartoonish in appearance, no doubt in some great amount of pain. Rutherford wraps both hands around the shaft, pulling violently at it in an effort to free it from his chest, all to no avail. He falls to his knees, letting out a soft string of coughs that bring forth some of that terrible black ooze which Vampires like to call their blood. It seems you've punctured a lung as well. You've effectively downed him and without too much of a fight. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>shopping_bag</i>[[Loot his corpse. | roof_loot]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Keep running. | roof_run]] </div>

<<set $bolts -= 2>> Dread fills your belly as you watch the bolt cut through the air, eliciting a soft //whizzing// noise as the arrow catches the vampire hard in the shoulder, throwing him back a good foot. You've missed your intended target, his heart, the same place you've always been instructed to stake them. You're quick to load your next bolt though, not allowing him any room to gain an advantage. He's tough, that's the one thing you have to give to Rutherford Moreau. Despite the bolt that's pierced clean through his left shoulder, he keeps charging towards you at full speed. The silver that's pierced his skin must burn. Hell, you know it's doing a lot more than burning–it's melting his flesh from the inside out and yet he keeps charging ahead, angry, like a wounded animal backed against a wall. You hate wasting ammo–which usually wouldn't be a problem with the crossbow if you're willing to pull the spare bolts free from corpses all-covered in blood and viscera, but you're in something of a rush here. You shoot the next one into his stomach, sending him toppling over and effectively downing him. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>shopping_bag</i>[[Loot his corpse. | roof_loot]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Keep running. | roof_run]] </div>

Pulling free your weapon with the nimble fingers on your good hand, you move fast through your shooting ritual as seconds slow down into what feels like minutes. This is something that's become muscle memory, the way you breathe in when you cock back the hammer, the exhale on the trigger-pull and the little jolt with the fire. When you were younger and much less sure of yourself, you'd let your whole body be forced back by the push of the gun, but now that you're older and years separate you from your youth in Appalachia, you stand firm against the weapon's fire. In total, you're down to twelve bullets--//scratch that//--eleven, now that you're firing; Your silver-lined reserve of bullets having been eaten through in the previous fight. <<nobr>> <<if $dex gte 4>> <<if $roll gte 5>> <<include 'roof_pistol_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 5>> <<include 'roof_pistol_fail'>> <</if>> <<elseif $dex lt 4>> <<if $roll gte 15>> <<include 'roof_pistol_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 15>> <<include 'roof_pistol_fail'>> <</if>> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<<set $bullets -= 1>> You fire from the hip, it's all you can afford to do with him this close, some jolt of relief coursing through you with the expelling of the bullet. The round hits him square in the chest, right through the heart–where you've always been taught to stake them. You stand back a moment, relief flooding through you. You've effectively downed him and without too much of a fight. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>shopping_bag</i>[[Loot his corpse. | roof_loot]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Keep running. | roof_run]] </div>

<<set $bullets -= 3>> Your fingers are quick--Wyatt's made sure of that--but that's no accounting for your aim. Usually, you're better than this, quick and steady, but with adrenaline pumping through you, anxiety and rage churning deep in your stomach, the shot isn't what it could be. But then again, that's just your luck. The bullet lands clean in his shoulder, tearing through his coat, lodging itself deep within his flesh. Despite this though, he keeps moving. Part of you has to give him credit. The silver slug that's implanted itself in his flesh must burn and yet he keeps charging ahead towards you, angry, wounded, like an animal backed into a corner. It's barely a thought as you cock back at the hammer, loading your next round and firing another shot, this one landing somewhere in his stomach, and a third deep in his thigh, downing him for good. This was messy, and downright wasteful in terms of bullets, but screw it. You've had a rough night. Messy or not, you've emerged the victor, for now. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>shopping_bag</i>[[Loot his corpse. | roof_loot]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Keep running. | roof_run]] </div>

Strapped to your back is where you keep your rifle, pressed flush against your spine. You can feel the long body of the weapon as it digs into the spot just between your shoulder blades. <<if $class is 'outlaw' or $class is 'slayer' or $class is 'gambler' or $class is 'thief' or $class is 'conartist' or $class is 'healer'>> If you were a different person, somebody who could afford to appreciate the delicate aspects of life, you might even describe your next movements as flowing, flowery even. The motion carries a certain ripple to it that's almost dance-like as you pull your weapon free and line up the shot. <<elseif $class is 'showman'>>Your next movements are a dance of flowing motion, rippling effortlessly as you pull your weapon free from your back and line up the shot.<</if>> You run through your shooting ritual, something you still have to do, even with him this close. A sharp inhale through your nose, you spread your feet as your arms move forward in a jittery motion, quelling the excitement that comes with the adrenaline jolt of readying yourself to fire. The softest hints of a memory scratch against your mind as you do this, of your clothes being soaked much like they are now, of a cold mountain wind beating hard against your face and chilling your bones, of your stomach growling with hunger. In terms of ammunition, you're left with twelve cartridges--//scratch that//--eleven cartridges, now that you're firing; your silver-lined reserves having been eaten through in the previous fight. <<nobr>> <<if $dex gte 4>> <<if $roll gte 5>> <<include 'roof_rifle_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 5>> <<include 'roof_rifle_fail'>> <</if>> <<elseif $dex lt 4>> <<if $roll gte 15>> <<include 'roof_rifle_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 15>> <<include 'roof_rifle_fail'>> <</if>> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<<set $bullets -= 1>> Lifting your finger against the trigger, the weapon fires and a small sense of ease cuts through you as the round flies through the air and strikes the Vampire square in the chest, directly through the heart, right where you've always been instructed to stake them. You stand back a moment, marveling at your aim because, truth be told, you needed a win. You've effectively downed him, and without too much of a fight. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>shopping_bag</i>[[Loot his corpse. | roof_loot]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Keep running. | roof_run]] </div>

<<set $bullets -= 1>> Your stomach drops when the realization hits that you've only managed to strike him in the shoulder. And sure, the sheer force of the bullet colliding with his rancid flesh does manage to throw him back a few feet, but he's still coming at you. He's coming at you //fast.// Part of you has to give him credit. You know that the silver round you've just lodged in his shoulder must burn and yet, he keeps charging ahead towards you, angry, wounded, like an animal backed into a corner. Adrenaline makes it too hard for you to use your fingers, to pull back and reload, to even keep your arms steady enough to line up a clear shot. So when he comes charging forth, you do the only thing you can think of and swing hard with the butt of your rifle against his face. The first hit lands square against his nose, stunning him as he steps back, dazed. But you don't give him much time to recover, bringing your weapon up and down once more and then again, and again, until you've beaten him into a bloody pulp, sending him hard to the ground. By now you've regained some control of yourself, allowing you to pull upwards on the trigger, firing a single round into his skull, leaving you the victor in this fight. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>shopping_bag</i>[[Loot his corpse. | roof_loot]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Keep running. | roof_run]] </div>

Strapped to the back of your belt is your pair of silver-daggers in their horizontal sheaths. They're old, certainly older than you, older even than Wyatt. These things are heirlooms. You know some sick Abrams collectors out there would pay quite the pretty penny to get their hands on them, but these aren't something you could ever part with. You wrap your hands tightly around the leather grips, fingers still sore from Rutherford's boot, you unsheath your blades at your sides and taking in a deep breath before you decide to charge. <<nobr>> <<if $athleticism gte 4>> <<if $roll gte 5>> <<include 'roof_daggers_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 5>> <<include 'roof_daggers_fail'>> <</if>> <<elseif $athleticism lt 4>> <<if $roll gte 15>> <<include 'roof_daggers_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 15>> <<include 'roof_daggers_fail'>> <</if>> <</if>> <</nobr>>

You advance on him, swiping out first with your left hand and getting in a clean splice across his chest. He hisses out in pain, bringing about all too familiar imagery of a snake to your mind when you decide to jab forward with your right dagger, though, this is something he anticipates, making sure to duck just before you manage to make contact. The miss leaves you off balance, enough so that it allows for him to get a quick jab with his fist to your stomach in, expelling all the air from your lungs in one fell swoop. Not taking lightly to the misstep, you decide to press on him, aiming for his arm when comes he back in for another punch. You force the tip of the knife hard enough against his flesh that it dips into the skin, sending him screaming in pain as the other end of the dagger makes its way clean through to the other end of his bicep. It's an awful sight, an awful //sensation// really, to feel your blade cut clean through his flesh like that. But your own discomfort is something you have to ignore, even with the mild burns surfacing against your skin, the blood rising from his wound in black pools of ooze, hot enough to blister your flesh. You use the new grip you have on him with your dagger to your advantage, swinging him around--the big lug of a man he is--you're afraid with the great mass of his body and the speed at which you're spinning him you'll tear clean through his arm, dismembering him. But, luckily for you, or him, you suppose, your fears come to pass without lobbing his arm off. Instead, you get a better angle on him. allowing you enough room to plant your other dagger clean through his heart. He lets out a gasp as your knife plunges deep into his chest, sending you wincing. <<if $class is 'showman' or $class is 'conartist' or $class is 'healer' or $class is 'thief' or $class is 'gambler' or $class is 'outlaw'>> You lower him to the ground, gently, certainly more gentle than he deserves, especially after what he did to your hand and the sucker punch to the gut, but even still, you afford him this small act of kindness. <<elseif $class is 'slayer'>>It's without any sympathy that you let him fall off your knife, his body colliding against the floor with a solid //thump.//<</if>> With the Vampire felled, you've been left the victor of this fight. <<include 'roof-end'>>

You swipe out first with your left hand, getting in a clean splice across this chest. He hisses out in pain, bringing about the all too familiar imagery of a snake to your mind when you decide to jab forward with your right dagger, something he anticipates, ducking just before you manage to make contact. The miss leaves you off balance, enough so that it allows for him to get a quick jab in with his fist against your stomach, expelling all the air from your lungs in one fell swoop. It's hard for you to recover from the punch to the gut, the wind forced from your body in a pathetic little wheeze that you're sure he gets a kick out of because he's come back for more, hitting you hard in the stomach a second time before grabbing at your shoulders and pushing you downwards. At the very least, you can take solace in the fact that your landing isn't the worst of the night. Colliding hard against the wet roof on your ass, you're quick to tumble out of the Vampire's direct path, moving to get back on your feet in a position that leaves you upwards and staring at his back. You've been granted an opportunity. You best not waste it. Charging at thim, your daggers at the ready, time seems to slow around you as your blade finally makes contact with his back, knifing him through the heart. He lets out a cry when you plunge the dagger in him that almost leaves him sounding...confused? As if he were shocked by even the suggestion that he could have lost. <<if $class is 'showman' or $class is 'conartist' or $class is 'healer' or $class is 'thief' or $class is 'gambler' or $class is 'outlaw'>> Regardless of your projected hubris, you decide to be gentle with him in his last moments, catching his body as it grows limp against your weapon and lowering him to the ground, gently, certainly more gentle than he deserves, especially after what he did to your hand and the sucker punch to the gut, but even still, you afford him this small act of kindness. <<elseif $class is 'slayer'>> It's without any sympathy that you let him fall off your knife, his body colliding against the floor with a solid //thump.//<</if>> With the Vampire felled, you've been left the victor of this fight. <<include 'roof-end'>>

You've won the day, it seems. But should you be so quick to move on? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>shopping_bag</i>[[Loot his corpse. | roof_loot]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Keep running. | roof_run]] </div>

Strapped against your chest in a leather band that stretches across your body, you keep your wooden stakes. Some might say three is overkill, but what can you say? You've always prided yourself on being prepared–and besides, these things tend to grow dull after their first use–and it's not exactly as if the world is short on wood to be carved into stakes. Pulling one free with your good hand, you square your shoulders, bending slightly at the knee. You'll wait for him to come to you. <<nobr>> <<if $athleticism gte 4>> <<if $roll gte 5>> <<include 'roof_stake_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 5>> <<include 'roof_stake_fail'>> <</if>> <<elseif $athleticism lt 4>> <<if $roll gte 15>> <<include 'roof_stake_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 15>> <<include 'roof_stake_fail'>> <</if>> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<<set $stakes -= 1>> Through all of Wyatt's lessons, this is quite possibly the thing that stuck with you the most; though maybe that's just the nature of your relationship with each other. Being stubborn, pig-headed, whatever you want to call it–you know when and how to stand firm. You know what they say: give an inch and they'll take a mile. So when the freight train of a Vampire charging straight for you almost collides against your body, his jaw snapping just inches from your flesh, you hold your breath, waiting until the absolute //last// second, to dodge out of the way. It's a precise movement, calculated in nature–and just crazy enough to work. Stepping aside, you watch him collide with the roof's ledge, his stomach crashing hard into the stone railing. He lets out a scream of frustration, ready to turn around and tear your throat out, but for him, at least, it's too late. You're already upon him. It's with a guttural howl from somewhere deep in your belly that you plunge the stake down into his back from above, both hands gripping hard to the stake's shaft as you let its point collide with the spot on his back that lies just over his heart. Already leaning over the ledge it doesn't take much for you to push the corpse over the side of the building, and part of you wonders if you should regret that–if you were someone of the right mind for it, Vampires are often a great place to redistribute some wealth into deserving, empty pockets. And who's more deserving than you? No matter. Now's not the time for material fantasies, not with a horde of other Vampires on your tail. You need to keep running. <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[NEXT | roof_run]]</div>

Through all of Wyatt's lessons, this is quite possibly the thing that stuck with you the most; though maybe that's just the nature of your relationship with each other. Being stubborn, pig-headed, whatever you want to call it–you know when and how to stand firm. You know what they say: give an inch and they'll take a mile. So when the freight train of a Vampire charging straight for you almost collides against your body, his jaw snapping just inches from your flesh, you hold your breath, waiting until the absolute //last// second to move away–only you're too slow. His body collides hard with yours, expelling all the air from your lungs in one big gust sending you into a flurry of coughs as your body hits the ground. He's got you pinned at the shoulders, stradling you as he hovers just over you, his breath hot as it hits your cheeks. You're squirming beneath him, hands pinned at your sides you kick out at him in a panic, your legs moving rapidly until somewhere along the way your knee collides with his stomach, catching him off guard enough for you to weasel your way out from beneath his grasp. He rolls over on his back, hissing out in pain and while you wish you could take the opportunity to catch your breath, to regain some of the oxygen lost just moments earlier–you know this is your opportunity to strike. Launching yourself at him, you lift the stake above your head ready to plunge it downwards when he catches you at the wrist, gripping your arm with such a force that you know it'll bruise. Pain shoots through your upper arm as surely he's crushing the bone. You do the only thing you can think of and spit at him, something he recoils at, catching him off guard and freeing you from his grasp. The jolt that courses through his body as the tip of the stake makes contact with his heart turns your stomach. Plunging something sharp into another's flesh is never pleasant, made even less so by the black ooze that spurts from the wound, boiling hot and splattering against your flesh, sending small blisters as it makes contact. The Vampire chokes out something, blood gargling hot in his throat, you think he's trying to say something to you, but it's nothing you can make out. You've emerged the victor of this fight. But should you be so quick to move on? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>shopping_bag</i>[[Loot his corpse. | roof_loot]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Keep running. | roof_run]] </div>

You peel off your jacket, maybe a little more violently than you need to, but ah, what the hell. You're annoyed. Left in just your shirt, you roll the sleeves up to your elbows and take on a fighting stance, spreading yourself at the knees and putting up your fists, you nod at him, offering Rutherford Moreau a challenge: //come at me.// You let him charge at you first, leaving you on the defense, but that's fine, no, that's //good.// Defense has always been your strong suit. Your mentor, the man who taught you how to fight like this–crotchety and drunk as he is, has always upheld himself with at least a //few// morals. One of those being that fact that when you get into a bar fight, you're never to be the one who throws the first punch, or at least, you're never to be seen throwing it, anyways. Hunting, now hunting's a different game. You're sure Wyatt would be a bit disappointed that you weren't going for a direct strike here, but you've decided to offer Mister Moreau a little grace here tonight. Let him come to you. And Lord, does he come. Fast and terrifying with his mouth open and his teeth bared, ready to take a chunk out of you. You don't hesitate to throw a punch hard against his nose, sending him staggering backwards. You winch a little at the contact because, //<<curse>>// does that hurt more than you were expecting, you can feel the metal of your rings indenting themselves in your knuckles with the collision but you can't afford to focus on little injuries like that. There'll be plenty of time to tend to your boo-boos later. <<nobr>> <<if $athleticism gte 4>> <<if $roll gte 5>> <<icnlude 'roof_fists_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 5>> <<include 'roof_fists_fail'>> <</if>> <<elseif $athleticism lt 4>> <<if $roll gte 15>> <<include 'roof_fists_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 15>> <<include 'roof_fists_fail'>> <</if>> <</if>> <</nobr>>

Thrown back some feet with your punch, you notice the instant slurry of black blood oozing from one of his nostrils as he snaps his head back straight to look at you, his eyes narrowing. It seems all you've managed to do is piss him off. This time, you don't let him take the charge, instead, within seconds you're upon him, throwing hit after hit towards him, barely giving him room to breathe with each collision your knuckles makes against his flesh. You're cursing as you do it, some guttural noise from somewhere deep in your belly explodes outside your mouth as you bloody your hands with thick black ooze, small burns sizzling hot into blisters along your fingers with each time you make contact. Your head's pounding, your heart beating so fast that you can feel it in your tongue. He's gone still long before you stop, your hands blackened and stinging, no doubt starting to swell. Your chest rises and falls rapidly and maybe there's even a slight wheeze to the way the air flushes out of your system. It's only the fact that you've exhausted yourself with this that told you that you were finished. You've won the day, it seems. But there are still more Vampires after you.Do you risk taking a gander at what Mister Moreau has to offer? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>shopping_bag</i>[[Loot his corpse. | roof_loot]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Keep running. | roof_run]] </div>

You're about to throw another punch, to send your fist colliding with his jaw when he catches you by the wrist, pulling you downwards and throwing a punch of his own towards your face. Your head snaps back with the contact, pain blossoming bright through your face as tears gather in your eyes–he's gotten you in the jaw–hard enough that you think he's knocked a tooth or two loose. Hocking a small pile of spit out in front of you, you find your suspicions are confirmed–bright red blood looking up at you from it's mix with the saliva. Oh, now he's pissed you off. You're back on your feet before he can make another move, your panting hard, shoulders rising and falling, you'd like to scream as you charge his way. Throwing hit after hit towards him, barely giving him room to breathe with each collision your knuckles makes against his flesh. You're cursing as you do it, some guttural noise from somewhere deep in your belly explodes outside your mouth as you bloody your hands with thick black ooze, small burns sizzling hot into blisters along your fingers with each time you make contact. Your head's pounding, your heart beating so fast that you can feel it in your tongue. He's gone still long before you stop, your hands blackened and stinging, no doubt starting to swell. Your chest rises and falls rapidly and maybe there's even a slight wheeze to the way the air flushes out of your system. It's only the fact that you've exhausted yourself with this that told you that you were finished. You've won the day, it seems. But there are still more Vampires after you. Do you risk taking a gander at what Mister Moreau has to offer? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>shopping_bag</i>[[Loot his corpse. | roof_loot]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Keep running. | roof_run]] </div>

Your heart is pounding hard enough that you can feel each of its pulses in your throat between your short pants of breath. You move to his corpse slowly, carefully sifting through his pockets to avoid the pooling dark blood you know to be blistering hot. If even a splash made contact with your skin, you'd regret it for weeks to come. Through it all you don't find much, <<if $primaryweapon is 'crossbow'>>after pulling free your bolt<<if $bolts is 10>>s<</if>>, none of the jewelry or the fine clothing Vampires–or particularly the Moreau's–like to tote around. You're about to give up and keep running, fully aware that Rutherford here isn't the only one after you, when a small lump in his right breast pocket catches your attention. Pulling the object free you find that it's a brown leather wallet, with not one, not two, but ten crisp dollar bills folded inside. It seems you've hit the jackpot. Stuffing your prize in your pockets, you pick up the chase. On the other side of the building lies much more familiar pastures and you keep running until you've found you know exactly where you are. <<include 'ourladyofassumption'>>

There's no time for any materialistic sifting–no, not with the others so close. You pick up the chase. On the other side of the building lies much more familiar pastures and you keep running until you've found yourself somewhere you know. <<include 'ourladyofassumption'>>

The alley opens up into a market square that's been made desolate by the hour, stalls left vacant or shuttered tight. The maze of stands provides a perfect bit of obstacle work for you to weave through. Well, it //would// were it not for the fact that something hits you. Straight to the back of the knees in their best football tackle, something has collided against you with such a force that it sends you flying through the air. You curse, but it comes out more like a scream, surprise jolting your system. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“Fuck!” The obscenity flies from your lips like a prayer. | alley_fight][$curse to 'fuck']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“Shit!” The word comes out like a hiss, trapped between clenched teeth. | alley_fight][$curse to 'shit']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“Lord Above!” The curse is stiff sounding as it falls from your mouth in a cry. | alley_fight][$curse to 'lord above']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Another word is shouted out, from somewhere deep in your throat. | left_curse]] </div>

What curse falls from your lips? <<textbox '$curse' 'shit'>> <div class='choices-emphasis'> [[Next. | curse_check_left]] </div>

Your go-to curse is //$curse// right? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>check_circle</i>[[Yes | alley_fight]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>cancel</i>[[No | left_curse]] </div>

<<set $arminjury1 to true>>You brace yourself against the fall, letting yourself roll into it, just as you've always been taught to. But either you're flying too fast or you've hit the ground too hard, because you've moved further than you intended and the impact has torn at the sleeve of your coat and shirt, skinning the surface of your bicep. Within seconds, you feel the sharp stinging sensation of blood rising in trickles along your torn flesh. Well then. There goes your head start. Something like panic rises in your throat, bitter-tasting. You bite against your tongue and swallow it down. Now is not the time. You force yourself to your feet, taking what mere precious seconds the beast ahead has allowed you to ready yourself. You spread your knees, squaring your shoulders; you do what you can to make yourself look big--that's the advice Wyatt gave you once upon a time for encountering bears. You've found that fighting these things isn't much different. These things, after all, can be just as ferocious as the mighty bear. Maybe even worse. For these things, are <<link 'VAMPIRES'>><<set $codex_four to true>><<notify>>Codex Entry //Vampires// Unlocked!<</notify>><</link>>. The one in front of you calls herself Moira. A member of the Moreau Coven, she has every reason to want you dead. And, well, why shouldn't she? You and Wyatt--your hunting partner--have spent the better half of a month tracking down and killing the long-list of her coven mates that had been wreaking havoc in this city for God only knows how long until you came along. You are a Vampire Hunter. At the moment, a rather pathetic looking one, but it's been an off night for you. Pathetic or not, that can't take away your years of experience. In front of you, the Vampire hisses, some gurgled sound that comes out like a war cry. She's hungry, she's pissed, but most importantly for you, //she's hurt.// The front of her white blouse has been darkened with the disgusting black ooze Vampires call blood. Small blessings. <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[You steel yourself for the incoming fight. | weaponselection_market]]</div>

<div class='middle'>CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON...</div><<set $roll to random(1,20)>> <<nobr>> <div id='genders'> <div class='gender'> <img src='./images/crossbow.png'> <<link 'CROSSBOW' 'market_crossbow'>><<set $primaryweapon to 'crossbow'>><<set $secondaryweapon to 'daggers'>><</link>> </div> <div class= 'gender'> <img src='./images/pistols.png'> <<link 'PISTOL' 'market_pistol'>><<set $primaryweapon to 'pistol'>><<set $secondaryweapon to 'daggers'>><</link>> </div> <div class='gender'> <img src='./images/rifles.png'> <<link 'RIFLE' 'market_rifle'>><<set $primaryweapon to 'rifle'>><<set $secondaryweapon to 'daggers'>><</link>> </div> </div> <</nobr>> <<nobr>> <div id='genders'> <div class='gender'> <img src='./images/daggers.png'> <<link 'DAGGERS' 'market_daggers'>><<set $primaryweapon to 'daggers'>><<set $secondaryweapon to 'pistol'>><</link>> </div> <div class= 'gender'> <img src='./images/slayer.png'> <<link 'STAKES' 'market_stakes'>><<set $primaryweapon to 'stake'>><<set $secondaryweapon to 'pistol'>><</link>> </div> <div class='gender'> <img src='./images/fists.png'> <<link 'FISTS' 'market_fists'>><<set $primaryweapon to 'fists'>><<set $secondaryweapon to 'pistol'>><</link>> </div> </div> <</nobr>>

Slung across your back is where you keep your crossbow, resting between your shoulder blades. You can feel the long body of your bow against your spine, the trigger digging lightly into the leather of your coat. The way you pull it forward is almost mechanical, sliding it free into your palms. Automatically does your hand go to where your quiver hangs from your belt, resting against your thigh. You pull forth a silver-tipped bolt, loading it into the bow and cranking hard against the lever. She shrieks ahead of you as you run through your shooting ritual, something you still have to do, even with her this close. A sharp inhale through your nose, you spread your feet. With fingers steady against the trigger, you twitch them upwards and release an exhale as the whole thing jolts with the firing of the bolt. <<nobr>> <<if $dex gte 4>> <<if $roll gte 5>> <<include 'market_crossbow_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 5>> <<include 'market_crossbow_fail'>> <</if>> <<elseif $dex lt 4>> <<if $roll gte 15>> <<include 'market_crossbow_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 15>> <<include 'market_crossbow_fail'>> <</if>> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<<set $bolts -= 1>> A small sense of ease rolls through you as you watch the bolt cut through the air, eliciting a soft //whizzing// noise as it moves and catches the vampire straight through the chest, right into the heart--the same place you've always been instructed to stake them. She staggers back at the contact of the bolt, a sharp wheeze tearing through her as she clutches at the shaft of the arrow. She tries to yank back at it, but with the wound to her stomach, she's grown weak, and the pain must be too much to bear and she gives up, falling to her knees. You've effectively downed her, and without too much of a fight. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Loot her corpse. | market_loot][$attemptedbite to true]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[No, you're not about to lose whatever advantage you've just gained by busying yourself with material things. | market_run]]</div>

<<set $bolts -= 2>> Dread fills your belly as you watch the bolt cut through the air, eliciting a soft //whizzing// noise as the bolt catches the vampire hard in the shoulder, throwing her back a good foot. You've missed your intended target--her heart, the same place you've always been instructed to stake them. You're quick to load your next bolt though, not allowing her any breathing room. Despite the arrow to the shoulder, she keeps moving, and part of you has to give her credit. The silver that's pierced her skin must burn–hell, it must be doing a lot more than burning, it's melting her flesh from the inside, and yet she keeps charging ahead. Angry, like a wounded animal back into a corner. The next shot fires hard into her thigh and with the hit she topples over, setting you at ease. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Loot her corpse. | market_loot][$attemptedbite to true]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[No, you're not about to lose whatever advantage you've just gained by busying yourself with material things. | market_run]] </div>

Pulling free your weapon with the nimble fingers on your good hand, you move fast through your shooting ritual as seconds slow down into what feels like minutes. This is something that's become muscle memory, the way you breathe in when you cock back the hammer, the exhale on the trigger-pull and the little jolt with the fire. When you were younger and much less sure of yourself, you'd let your whole body be forced back by the push of the gun, but now that you're older and years separate you from your youth in Appalachia, you stand firm against the weapon's fire. In total, you're down to twelve bullets--//scratch that//--eleven, now that you're firing; Your silver-lined reserve of bullets having been eaten through in the previous fight. <<if $dex gte 4>> <<if $roll gte 5>> <<include 'market_pistol_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 5>> <<include 'market_pistol_fail'>> <</if>> <<elseif $dex lt 4>> <<if $roll gte 15>> <<include 'market_pistol_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 15>> <<include 'market_pistol_fail'>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<set $bullets -= 1>>You fire from the hip--it's all you can afford to do with her this close. The bullet hits her square in the chest, right through her heart--a little lucky you suppose. You stand back a moment, marveling at your aim because the fact is, you needed a win. You've effectively downed her, and without too much of a fight. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Loot her corpse. | market_loot][$attemptedbite to true]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[No, you're not about to lose whatever advantage you've just gained by busying yourself with material things. | market_run]] </div>

<<set $bullets -= 3>> Your fingers are quick--Wyatt's made sure of that--but that's no accounting for your aim. Usually, you're better than this, quick and steady, but with adrenaline pumping through you, anxiety and rage churning deep in your stomach, the shot isn't what it could be. The bullet lands clean in her shoulder, tearing through her blood-soaked blouse, lodging itself in there deep. Despite this though, she keeps moving, and part of you has to give her credit. The silver slug that's implanted itself in his flesh must burn and yet she keeps charging ahead towards you, angry, wounded, like an animal backed into a corner. It's barely a thought as you cock back at the hammer, loading your next round and firing another shot, this one landing somewhere in her stomach, and a third deep in her thigh, downing her for good. This was messy, and downright wasteful in terms of bullets, but screw it. You've had a rough night. Messy or not, you've emerged the victor, for now. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Loot her corpse. | market_loot][$attemptedbite to true]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[No, you're not about to lose whatever advantage you've just gained by busying yourself with material things. | market_run]] </div>

Strapped to your back is where you keep your rifle, pressed flush against your spine. You can feel the long body of the weapon as it digs into the spot just between your shoulder blades. <<if $class is 'outlaw' or $class is 'slayer' or $class is 'gambler' or $class is 'thief' or $class is 'conartist' or $class is 'healer'>> If you were a different person, somebody who could afford to appreciate the delicate aspects of life, you might even describe your next movements as flowing, flowery even. The motion carries a certain ripple to it that's almost dance-like as you pull your weapon free and line up the shot. <<elseif $class is 'showman'>>Your next movements are a dance of flowing motion, rippling effortlessly as you pull your weapon free from your back and line up the shot.<</if>> You run through your shooting ritual, something you still have to do, even with her this close. A sharp inhale through your nose, you spread your feet as your arms move forward in a jittery motion, quelling the excitement that comes with the adrenaline jolt of readying yourself to fire. The softest hints of a memory scratch against your mind as you do this, of your clothes being soaked much like they are now, of a cold mountain wind beating hard against your face and chilling your bones, of your stomach growling with hunger. In terms of ammunition, you're left with twelve cartridges--//scratch that//--eleven cartridges, now that you're firing; your silver-lined reserves having been eaten through in the previous fight. <<nobr>> <<if $dex gte 4>> <<if $roll gte 5>> <<include 'market_rifle_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 5>> <<include 'market_rifle_pass'>> <</if>> <<elseif $dex lt 4>> <<if $roll gte 15>> <<include 'market_rifle_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 15>> <<include 'market_rifle_pass'>> <</if>> <</if>> <</nobr>>

Lifting your finger against the trigger, the weapon fires and a small sense of ease cuts through you as the round flies through the air and strikes the Vampire square in the chest. Wounded already, the shot to the heart is too much for her to take, and she drops down to her knees, falling slowly, rather mechanically. You stand back a moment, marveling at your aim, because the fact is, you needed a win. You've effectively downed her, and without too much of a fight. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Loot her corpse. | market_loot][$attemptedbite to true]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[No, you're not about to lose whatever advantage you've just gained by busying yourself with material things. | market_run]] </div>

<<set $bullets -= 2>> Your stomach drops when the realization hits that you've only managed to strike her in the shoulder. And sure, the sheer force of the bullet colliding with her rancid flesh does manage to throw her back a few feet, but she's still coming at you. She's coming at you //fast.// Part of you has to give her credit. You know that the silver round you've just lodged in her shoulder must burn and yet, she keeps charging ahead towards you, angry, wounded, like an animal backed into a corner. Adrenaline makes it too hard for you to use your fingers, to pull back and reload, to even keep your arms steady enough to line up a clear shot. So when she comes charging forth, you do the only thing you can think of and swing hard with the butt of your rifle against her face. The first hit lands square against her nose, stunning her as she steps back, dazed. But you don't give her much time to recover, bringing your weapon up and down once more and then again, and again, until you've beaten her into a bloody pulp, sending her hard to the ground. By now you've regained some control of yourself, allowing you to pull upwards on the trigger, firing a single round into her skull, leaving you the victor in this fight. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Loot her corpse. | market_loot][$attemptedbite to true]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[No, you're not about to lose whatever advantage you've just gained by busying yourself with material things. | market_run]] </div>

Strapped to the back of your belt is your pair of silver-daggers in their horizontal sheaths. They're old, certainly older than you, older even than Wyatt. These things are heirlooms. You know some sick Abrams collectors out there would pay quite the pretty penny to get their hands on them, but these aren't something you could ever part with. You wrap your hands tightly around the leather grips, you unsheath your blades at your sides and taking in a deep breath before you decide to charge. <<nobr>> <<if $athleticism gte 4>> <<if $roll gte 5>> <<include 'market_daggers_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 5>> <<include 'market_daggers_fail'>> <</if>> <<elseif $athleticism lt 4>> <<if $roll gte 15>> <<include 'market_daggers_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 15>> <<include 'market_daggers_fail'>> <</if>> <</if>> <</nobr>>

You advance on her, swiping out first with your left hand and getting in a clean splice across her chest. She hisses out in pain, bringing about all too familiar imagery of a snake to your mind when you decide to jab forward with your right dagger, though, this is something she anticipates, making sure to duck just before you manage to make contact. The miss leaves you off balance, enough so that it allows for her to get a quick jab with his fist to your stomach in, expelling all the air from your lungs in one fell swoop. Not taking lightly to the misstep, you decide to press on her, aiming for her arm when she comes back in for another punch. You force the tip of the knife hard enough against her flesh that it dips into the skin, sending her screaming in pain as the other end of the dagger makes its way clean through to the other end of her bicep. It's an awful sight, an awful //sensation// really, to feel your blade cut clean through her flesh like that. But your own discomfort is something you have to ignore, even with the mild burns surfacing against your skin, the blood rising from her wound in black pools of ooze, hot enough to blister your flesh. You use the new grip you have on her with your dagger to your advantage, swinging him around--the big lug of a man he is--you're afraid with the speed at which you're spinning her you'll tear clean through her arm, dismembering her. But, luckily for you, or her, you suppose, your fears come to pass without lopping her arm off. Instead, you get a better angle on her, allowing you enough room to plant your other dagger clean through her heart. She lets out a gasp as your knife plunges deep into her chest, sending you wincing. <<if $class is 'showman' or $class is 'conartist' or $class is 'healer' or $class is 'thief' or $class is 'gambler' or $class is 'outlaw'>> You lower her to the ground, gently, certainly more gentle than she deserves, especially after what she did, throwing you to the ground, but even still, you afford her this small act of kindness. <<elseif $class is 'slayer'>>It's without any sympathy that you let her fall off your knife, her body colliding against the floor with a solid //thump.//<</if>> With the Vampire felled, you've been left the victor of this fight. <<include 'market_daggers_end'>>

You swipe out first with your left hand, getting in a clean splice across her chest. She hisses out in pain, bringing about the all too familiar imagery of a snake to your mind when you decide to jab forward with your right dagger, something she anticipates, ducking just before you manage to make contact. The miss leaves you off balance, enough so that it allows for her to get a quick jab in with her fist against your stomach, expelling all the air from your lungs in one fell swoop. It's hard for you to recover from the punch to the gut, the wind forced from your body in a pathetic little wheeze that you're sure she gets a kick out of because she's come back for more, hitting you hard in the stomach a second time before grabbing at your shoulders and pushing you downwards. At the very least, you can take solace in the fact that your landing isn't the worst of the night. Colliding hard against the wet ground on your ass, you're quick to tumble out of the Vampire's direct path, moving to get back on your feet in a position that leaves you upwards and staring at her back. You've been granted an opportunity. You best not waste it. Charging at her, your daggers at the ready, time seems to slow around you as your blade finally makes contact with her back, knifing her through the heart. She lets out a cry when you plunge the dagger in her and it's this awful sort of shriek/<<if $class is 'showman' or $class is 'conartist' or $class is 'healer' or $class is 'thief' or $class is 'gambler' or $class is 'outlaw'>> Regardless of You decide to be gentle with her in her last moments, catching her body as it grows limp against your weapon and lowering her to the ground, gently, certainly more gentle than she deserves, especially after the sucker punch to the gut, but even still, you afford her this small act of kindness. <<elseif $class is 'slayer'>> It's without any sympathy that you let her fall off your knife, her body colliding against the ground with a solid //thump.//<</if>> With the Vampire felled, you've been left the victor of this fight. <<include 'market_daggers_end'>>

You've won the day, it seems. But should you be so quick to move on? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>shopping_bag</i>[[Loot her corpse. | market_loot]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Keep running. | market_run]] </div>

Strapped against your chest in a leather band that stretches across your body, you keep your wooden stakes. Some might say three is overkill, but what can you say? You've always prided yourself on being prepared–and besides, these things tend to grow dull after their first use–and it's not exactly as if the world is short on wood to be carved into stakes. Pulling one free and you square your shoulders, bending slightly at the knee. You'll wait for her to come to you. <<nobr>> <<if $athleticism gte 4>> <<if $roll gte 5>> <<include 'market_stake_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 5>> <<include 'market_stake_fail'>> <</if>> <<elseif $athleticism lt 4>> <<if $roll gte 15>> <<include 'market_stake_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 15>> <<include 'market_stake_fail'>> <</if>> <</if>> <</nobr>>

Through all of Wyatt's lessons, this is quite possibly the thing that stuck with you the most; though maybe that's just the nature of your relationship with each other. Being stubborn, pig-headed, whatever you want to call it–you know when and how to stand firm. You know what they say: give an inch and they'll take a mile. So when the freight train of a Vampire charging straight for you almost collides against your body, her jaw snapping just inches from your flesh, you hold your breath, waiting until the absolute //last// second to move away–only you're too slow. Her body collides hard with yours, expelling all the air from your lungs in one big gust sending you into a flurry of coughs as your body hits the ground. She's got you pinned at the shoulders, stradling you as she hovers just over you, her breath hot as it hits your cheeks. You're squirming beneath her, hands pinned at your sides you kick out at her in a panic, your legs moving rapidly until somewhere along the way your knee collides with her stomach, catching her off guard enough for you to weasel your way out from beneath her grasp. She rolls over on her back, hissing out in pain and while you wish you could take the opportunity to catch your breath, to regain some of the oxygen lost just moments earlier–you know this is your opportunity to strike. Launching yourself at her, you lift the stake above your head ready to plunge it downwards when she catches you at the wrist, gripping your arm with such a force that you know it'll bruise. Pain shoots through your upper arm as surely he's crushing the bone. You do the only thing you can think of and spit at her, something she recoils at, catching him off guard and freeing you from his grasp. The jolt that courses through his body as the tip of the stake makes contact with her heart turns your stomach. Plunging something sharp into another's flesh is never pleasant, made even less so by the black ooze that spurts from the wound, boiling hot and splattering against your flesh, sending small blisters as it makes contact. The Vampire chokes out something, blood gargling hot in her throat, you think she's trying to say something to you, but it's nothing you can make out. You've emerged the victor of this fight. But should you be so quick to move on? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>shopping_bag</i>[[Loot her corpse. | market_loot]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Keep running. | market_run]] </div>

You peel off your jacket, maybe a little more violently than you need to, but ah, what the hell. You're annoyed. Left in just your shirt, you roll the sleeves up to your elbows and take on a fighting stance, spreading yourself at the knees and putting up your fists, you nod at him, offering Moira Moreau a challenge: //come at me.// You let her charge at you first, leaving you on the defense, but that's fine, no, that's //good.// Defense has always been your strong suit. Your mentor, the man who taught you how to fight like this–crotchety and drunk as he is, has always upheld himself with at least a //few// morals. One of those being that fact that when you get into a bar fight, you're never to be the one who throws the first punch, or at least, you're never to be seen throwing it, anyways. Hunting, now hunting's a different game. You're sure Wyatt would be a bit disappointed that you weren't going for a direct strike here, but you've decided to offer Miss Moreau a little grace here tonight. Let her come to you. And Lord, does she come. Fast and terrifying with her mouth open and her teeth bared, ready to take a chunk out of you. You don't hesitate to throw a punch hard against her nose, sending her staggering backwards. You winch a little at the contact because, //<<curse>>// does that hurt more than you were expecting, you can feel the metal of your rings indenting themselves in your knuckles with the collision but you can't afford to focus on little injuries like that. There'll be plenty of time to tend to your boo-boos later. <<nobr>> <<if $athleticism gte 4>> <<if $roll gte 5>> <<include 'market_fists_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 5>> <<include 'market_fists_fail'>> <</if>> <<elseif $athleticism lt 4>> <<if $roll gte 15>> <<include 'market_fists_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 15>> <<include 'market_fists_fail'>> <</if>> <</if>> <</nobr>>

Thrown back some feet with your punch, you notice the instant slurry of black blood oozing from one of her nostrils as she snaps her head back straight to look at you, her eyes narrowing. It seems all you've managed to do is piss her off. This time, you don't let her take the charge, instead, within seconds you're upon her, throwing hit after hit towards her, barely giving him room to breathe with each collision your knuckles make against her flesh. You're cursing as you do it, some guttural noise from somewhere deep in your belly explodes outside your mouth as you bloody your hands with thick black ooze, small burns sizzling hot into blisters along your fingers with each time you make contact. Your head's pounding, your heart beating so fast that you can feel it in your tongue. She's gone still long before you stop, your hands blackened and stinging, no doubt starting to swell. Your chest rises and falls rapidly and maybe there's even a slight wheeze to the way the air flushes out of your system. It's only the fact that you've exhausted yourself with this that told you that you were finished. You've won the day, it seems. But there are still more Vampires after you. Do you risk taking a gander at what Miss Moreau has to offer? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>shopping_bag</i>[[Loot her corpse. | market_loot]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Keep running. | market_run]] </div>

You're about to throw another punch, to send your fist colliding with her jaw when she catches you by the wrist, pulling you downwards and throwing a punch of her own towards your face. Your head snaps back with the contact, pain blossoming bright through your face as tears gather in your eyes–she's gotten you in the jaw–hard enough that you think he's knocked a tooth or two loose. Hocking a small pile of spit out in front of you, you find your suspicions are confirmed–bright red blood looking up at you from its mix with the saliva. Oh, now she's pissed you off. You're back on your feet before he can make another move, your panting hard, shoulders rising and falling, you'd like to scream as you charge her way. Throwing hit after hit towards her, barely giving her room to breathe with each collision your knuckles makes against her flesh. You're cursing as you do it, some guttural noise from somewhere deep in your belly explodes outside your mouth as you bloody your hands with thick black ooze, small burns sizzling hot into blisters along your fingers with each time you make contact. Your head's pounding, your heart beating so fast that you can feel it in your tongue. She's gone still long before you stop, your hands blackened and stinging, no doubt starting to swell. Your chest rises and falls rapidly and maybe there's even a slight wheeze to the way the air flushes out of your system. It's only the fact that you've exhausted yourself with this that told you that you were finished. You've won the day, it seems. But there are still more Vampires after you. Do you risk taking a gander at what Miss Moreau has to offer? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>shopping_bag</i>[[Loot her corpse. | market_loot]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Keep running. | market_run]] </div>

You move to the corpse, still warm as life slowly drains from her body.<<if $primaryweapon is 'crossbow'>><<if $bolts is 11>> You move first to pull free your bolt. These things aren't exactly cheap, silver plated tips and all, so the fact that you can reuse them time and time again is something of a plus. <<elseif $bolts is 10>>You move first to pull your bolts free. These things aren't exactly cheap, silver-plated tips and all, so the fact that you can reuse them time and time again is something of a plus.<</if>> Just one of the many reasons you're grateful that when it was time to have Wyatt train you on a weapon, you stuck to your roots and picked the crossbow--even if he'd insisted you'd be better off with a rifle or a gun. Replacing the vacancy in your quiver, you look over the rest of her--careful to avoid direct contact with the thick black liquid oozing from her wounds. The blood is hot to the touch, hot enough that you know from past experience, it'll burn your skin if it makes contact with your bare skin..<</if>>Her clothes have been ruined by the blood flowing from her wounds–you know there's no saving her nice white blouse or the fancy trousers she wears, but you can take the necklace wrapped flush against her neck. Hanging from a fine velvet are three red gemstones–rubies, you guess–or perhaps garnet. Either way, the color scheme is oh so terribly fitting, given her species' predilection for human blood. Vampires are nothing if not predictable. Snatching the necklace off her, you pocket the jewelry and prepare to pick up the chase when something hard crashes into you. “<<curse>>,” you groan as you're slammed against a brick wall. For the second time tonight, you've been caught off guard. God, you're losing your touch. This one is a man--or at least, he disguises himself as one. Timothee Moreau has you by your neck, pinning you against the wall with his forearm, bearing his teeth at you. He's one of the more repulsive Vampires you've faced--his set of teeth having grown out long and grotesque. They're //big//, much bigger than any human's should be. Long and spirelike, they stick out in every direction like needles. He doesn't say much, merely growls, but with a mouth full of chompers like that you're not sure you could understand him even if he did speak. Having you pinned, helplessly against the wall, his face moves to the spot between your neck and shoulder, his breath hot enough that you can feel it through your clothes. He readjusts himself, removing the hand from your throat and down to your arms, freeing your airways and sending you sputtering in a flurry of coughs. He digs his claws into your bicep–you're certain in an effort to keep you still–deep enough that you know if you make it through this, it'll scar. You've pissed him off and you know he's determined to make this as slow and painful as possible for you, if not for the fact that you've spent the night trying to kill him and his coven, but also because of the name you carry. You're an Abrams. God knows that little factoid has never gained you any favors with the Vampire crowd. It looks like this might be the end for you. Silently… <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[you're sending your last prayers to a God you've long denied belief in. | bite-react-1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>dark_mode</i>[[you're repulsed that this beast has gotten so close to you--let alone the fact that you've given it the opportunity to feed on you. | bite-react-2]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[you're cursing Wyatt for bringing you here. | bite-react-3]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[you're saying your prayers, like the devoted follower of God you are. | bite-react-4]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Silently? No. Screw that. You're screaming your head off, throwing every curse in the book at this asshole on top of you. | bite-react-5]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[you're worrying about Wyatt--what he's going to do now that you're gone. | bite-react-6]] </div>

You feel his teeth grazing against your flesh, savoring the moment before he clamps down and gets his first taste of blood. You're not making it easy for him, though, struggling, moving your arms in frantic motions and kicking out. About a quarter of the way through some warped version of the Lord's Prayer, do you finally manage to get an arm free. <<include 'bite_conclusion'>>

Throughout this whole ordeal, you can feel his teeth grazing against your flesh, savoring the moment before he clamps down and gets his first taste of blood. You're not making it easy for him, though, struggling, moving your arms in frantic motions and kicking out. You need to get him off of you, get this disgusting leech away from your veins. You're close to retching, whether out of disgust or some awful reaction to his proximity--you don't know--when you finally manage to get an arm free. <<include 'bite_conclusion'>>

Your eyes are squeezed shut tight as you run through the Lord's Prayer, both the versions you know, because, $curse, at this point you're desperate and in your desperation some old Gregory Abrams talking points are starting to make more and more sense. You're about halfway through the warped, Abrams version when you finally manage to get an arm free. <<include 'bite_conclusion'>>

You refuse to go out quietly. Who needs dignity anyways? You're screaming your throat raw, sure the inside of your throat has begun to bleed when finally, you manage to break an arm free. <<include 'bite_conclusion'>>

You bring your right hand upwards, shaking all the way and press your fingers down hard against his skull. From there the <strong><<link 'SILVER RINGS'>><<set $codex_two to true>><<notify>>Codex Entry: //Hunter's Tools// Unlocked!<</notify>><</link>></strong> that adorn each of your fingers warps the flesh of his cheek, sending it bubbling as if he'd been burned. Listening carefully, you think you can hear the soft sounds of sizzling coming from where you've grabbed him, like hot bacon in a pan. The vampire lurches back at the contact, freeing you from his grasp and sending you down to the ground. You want to lie there a second, to clasp a hand over where he'd been ready to bite and just seethe for a few moments, but you know you can't. You're going to have to fight. And as it seems, in close quarters is the way it'll have to be. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons'>arrow_forward</i>[[Improvise a weapon. | timothee-improvised][$roll to random(1,20)]] <<if $primaryweapon is 'fists' or $primaryweapon is 'daggers' or $primaryweapon is 'stake'>><i class='material-icons'>arrow_forward</i>[[You're shooting this asshole with the gun at your hip. | timothee_pistol][$roll to random(1,20)]]<<elseif $primaryweapon is 'crossbow' or $primaryweapon is 'pistol' or $primaryweapon is 'rifle'>><i class='material-icons'>arrow_forward</i>[[You reach for your daggers along the back of your belt. | timothee_daggers][$roll to random(1,20)]]<</if>> </div>

You've always been taught to use your environment to your advantage. You glance around your current surroundings, looking for something, //anything// that might be of use. The empty market doesn't have much to offer, wooden stalls that you suppose you could break a piece off of to fight with but truthfully, you know that'll take too much time. You're starting to lose hope for anything when you spot it: a small pile of bricks just within reach. You grab one from the top of the pile and launch it at Timothee in your best attempt at replicating a fastball pitch. <<nobr>> <<if $athleticism gte 5>> <<if $roll gte 5>> <<include 'timothee_improvised_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 5>> <<include 'timothee_improvised_fail'>> <</if>> <<elseif $athleticism lt 5>> <<if $roll gte 15>> <<include 'timothee_improvised_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 15>> <<include 'timothee_improvised_fail'>> <</if>> <</if>> <</nobr>>

The brick, slick with rain, flies from your fingers in Timothee's direction. You grind down hard at your teeth while you watch as it collides with his skull. It's almost as if time slows down to account for the severity of your actions, seconds turning to minutes as you witness the slow impact of the brick against his face. First it strikes against his right temple, throwing his head back and sending it spinning. He doesn't have time to stagger back with his feet, as instead, his entire body is thrown downwards in a flurry of black ooze splattering in all directions. The collision must have been hard enough to render him immobile, because very suddenly has he gone still. Maybe not the most traditional way of taking down a vampire, but--hell, you've always been a little nonconventional, but you send a stake through his heart just to be sure. <<include 'timothee-end'>>

The brick, slick with rain, flies from your fingers in Timothee's direction, but misses him by mere inches. //<<curse>>//. You're quick to get your hands on another one of the loose bricks, arming yourself with the cement block and charging at him. Throwing your brick arm down behind you, you begin the process of winding up as you move towards him, your arm extends fully above your head before bringing your hand down to collide forcefully with his skull. He puts a hand up in an effort to lessen the blow but it's much too late as the brick impacts against his head in a flurry of black ooze, some of it splashing against your hands, sending small burns across your skin. You let out a soft hiss between clenched teeth at the sensation but otherwise ignore it, already bringing your hand back to slam against him once more. Somehow through the intense brain damage, Timothee musters enough strength to swipe out at you, his claws catching you on the underside of your arm and against part of your chest. The wounds aren't deep--merely superficial, you suspect, but hell, if that isn't a lot of blood. You cry out, as he's managed to scratch the arm that holds the brick but you don't hesitate to bring it back down against him--once more, then twice, then a third until he moves no more, and even then, you put a stake through his heart just to be extra sure. <<include 'timothee-end'>>

You've won the day, it seems. But there are still more Vampires after you. Looting the corpse of your last enemy saw you almost bitten. Do you risk taking a gander at what Timothee has to offer? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>shopping_bag</i>[[Screw it. Take his shit. | loot-tim]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[No. You need to run. | run-tim]] </div>

Strapped to the back of your belt is your pair of silver-daggers in their horizontal sheaths. They're old, certainly older than you, older even than Wyatt. These things are heirlooms. You know some sick Abrams collectors out there would pay quite the pretty penny to get their hands on them, but these aren't something you could ever part with. You wrap your hands tightly around the leather grips, fingers still sore from Rutherford's boot, you unsheath your blades at your sides and taking in a deep breath before you decide to charge. <<nobr>> <<if $athleticism gte 4>> <<if $roll gte 5>> <<include 'timothee_daggers_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 5>> <<include 'timothee_daggers_fail'>> <</if>> <<elseif $athleticism lt 4>> <<if $roll gte 15>> <<include 'timothee_daggers_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 15>> <<include 'timothee_daggers_fail'>> <</if>> <</if>> <</nobr>>

You advance on him, swiping out first with your left hand and getting in a clean splice across his chest. He hisses out in pain, bringing about all too familiar imagery of a snake to your mind when you decide to jab forward with your right dagger, though, this is something he anticipates, making sure to duck just before you manage to make contact. The miss leaves you off balance, enough so that it allows for him to get a quick jab with his fist to your stomach in, expelling all the air from your lungs in one fell swoop. Not taking lightly to the misstep, you decide to press on him, aiming for his arm when comes he back in for another punch. You force the tip of the knife hard enough against his flesh that it dips into the skin, sending him screaming in pain as the other end of the dagger makes its way clean through to the other end of his bicep. It's an awful sight, an awful //sensation// really, to feel your blade cut clean through his flesh like that. But your own discomfort is something you have to ignore, even with the mild burns surfacing against your skin, the blood rising from his wound in black pools of ooze, hot enough to blister your flesh. You use the new grip you have on him with your dagger to your advantage, swinging him around--the big lug of a man he is--you're afraid with the speed at which you're spinning him you'll tear clean through his arm, dismembering him. But, luckily for you, or him, you suppose, your fears come to pass without lopping his arm off. Instead, you get a better angle on him. allowing you enough room to plant your other dagger clean through his heart. He lets out a gasp as your knife plunges deep into his chest, sending you wincing. <<if $class is 'showman' or $class is 'conartist' or $class is 'healer' or $class is 'thief' or $class is 'gambler' or $class is 'outlaw'>> You lower him to the ground, gently, certainly more gentle than he deserves, especially after what he did to your hand and the sucker punch to the gut, but even still, you afford him this small act of kindness. <<elseif $class is 'slayer'>>It's without any sympathy that you let him fall off your knife, his body colliding against the floor with a solid //thump.//<</if>> With the Vampire felled, you've been left the victor of this fight. <<include 'tim_daggers_end'>>

Pulling free your weapon with the nimble fingers on your good hand, you move fast through your shooting ritual as seconds slow down into what feels like minutes. This is something that's become muscle memory, the way you breathe in when you cock back the hammer, the exhale on the trigger-pull and the little jolt with the fire. When you were younger and much less sure of yourself, you'd let your whole body be forced back by the push of the gun, but now that you're older and years separate you from your youth in Appalachia, you stand firm against the weapon's fire. In total, you're down to twelve bullets--//scratch that//--eleven, now that you're firing; Your silver-lined reserve of bullets having been eaten through in the previous fight. <<nobr>> <<if $dex gte 4>> <<if $roll gte 5>> <<include 'tim_pistol_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 5>> <<include 'tim_pistol_fail'>> <</if>> <<elseif $dex lt 4>> <<if $roll gte 15>> <<include 'tim_pistol_pass'>> <<elseif $roll lt 15>> <<include 'tim_pistol_fail'>> <</if>> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<<set $bullets -= 1>> You fire from the hip, it's all you can afford to do with him this close, some jolt of relief coursing through you with the expelling of the bullet. The round hits him square in the chest, right through the heart–where you've always been taught to stake them. You stand back a moment, relief flooding through you. You've won the day, it seems. But there are still more Vampires after you. Looting the corpse of your last enemy saw you almost bitten. Do you risk taking a gander at what Timothee has to offer? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>shopping_bag</i>[[Screw it. Take his shit. | loot-tim]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[No. You need to run. | run-tim]] </div>

<<set $bullets -= 3>> Your fingers are quick--Wyatt's made sure of that--but that's no accounting for your aim. Usually, you're better than this, quick and steady, but with adrenaline pumping through you, anxiety and rage churning deep in your stomach, the shot isn't what it could be. But then again, that's just your luck. The bullet lands clean in his shoulder, tearing through his coat, lodging itself deep within his flesh. Despite this though, he keeps moving. Part of you has to give him credit. The silver slug that's implanted itself in his flesh must burn and yet he keeps charging ahead towards you, angry, wounded, like an animal backed into a corner. It's barely a thought as you cock back at the hammer, loading your next round and firing another shot, this one landing somewhere in his stomach, and a third deep in his thigh, downing him for good. This was messy, and downright wasteful in terms of bullets, but screw it. You've had a rough night. Messy or not, you've emerged the victor, for now. You've won the day, it seems. But there are still more Vampires after you. Looting the corpse of your last enemy saw you almost bitten. Do you risk taking a gander at what Timothee has to offer? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>shopping_bag</i>[[Screw it. Take his shit. | loot-tim]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[No. You need to run. | run-tim]] </div>

<<set $money += 5>>You search his pockets, finding a money clip containing five folded dollar bills, an absolute find--surely enough compensation for your troubles. Stashing the money away in your pocket, you pick up on your chase, leaving the square. <<include 'run-tim'>>

Outside the square lies much more familiar pastures, and you keep running until you've found the one place you know will be open this early. Not necessarily your first choice of refuge, no, far from it actually, but beggars can't be choosers. <<include 'ourladyofassumption'>>

You don't have time to stop--no, not with the others so close. Outside the square lies much more familiar pastures, and you keep running until you've found the one place you know will be open this early. Not necessarily your first choice of refuge, no, far from it actually, but beggars can't be choosers. <<include 'ourladyofassumption'>>

<<set $montero to true>>Our Lady of the Assumption is one of Saint Laurent's more notable landmarks. A grand cathedral at the center of the city, it was built to be modeled after the majestic churches of Rome, complete with stone columns and a massive dome at its center. The church remains open nearly twenty-four seven, save for the few hours a week they close down for cleaning, encouraging the many sinners of Saint Laurent to come and make their amends with the Lord. You enter the church through one of the smaller side doors, taking residence in one of the balconies above the rows upon rows of pews below. You cringe as you make your way up the staircase, trailing rainwater <<if $bite is true>>and streaks of blood<</if>>, punctuated by the thick squelching noises of your boots that echo throughout the empty stone building. This is a desperate move and you know it; especially you being you, and this place being well, this //place//. But maybe you shouldn't be so hard on yourself. It's not exactly like you were flush on options for hiding spots. The best thing you can do now is wait them out, let the streets fill and the rain fall and come back at it again tonight once you've gotten some sleep and regrouped. Wyatt will be pissed, of course, that you didn't get this done in one night but with the shit you've been through this morning, he's lucky you don't chew him out for sending you in as blind as you were. He should get off his ass for once and come take care of this himself. For now, all you can do is wait. You need to focus on your breathing, trying to steady your heartbeat. You grip hard at the intricate spokes in the balcony's railing, letting air pass through your lips in a thin stream. Until very suddenly does the loud sound of gunfire give you pause. Confusion morphs your mouth into a grimace and you keep low as you rush to one of the church's long windows to see what's happening outside, looking for the source of the gunfire. Of all the Vampires you've encountered in your almost twenty years as a hunter--you've found that most aren't ones for weaponry. Much more dramatic is it to tear at their victim's throats with nothing but their teeth over the simplistic barbarism of a gun or a blade. Which can only mean one thing: you have friends. Well, maybe not //friends// per say, the Abrams name hasn't exactly made you many allies amongst the Vampire hunting crowd either, but it's something. At the very least, you're not alone anymore. You watch through the stained glass as three figures chase after two of your Vampire pursuers, firing their guns at them as they charge on towards the church. Dropping down even further when you hear the grand cathedral doors creak open, listening as footsteps echo throughout the otherwise empty church. “You sure $he came through here?” One of them asks, before they're shushed by their partner. “//Quiet,//” the other Vampire hisses out in a voice you're all too familiar with. Montero Moreau, second in command to the Moreau coven's sovereign matriarch, the esteemed Lady Daphné Moreau. Something like fear runs through you, chased with a small dance of excitement. It seems the Moreau's have finally taken notice of your handiwork. Ah. Now it all makes sense--your hunters outside--the upper echelon of the Moreau's hierarchy is notoriously reclusive, the fact that Daphné's sent her favorite little toy soldier after you means she's pissed. It's not like Montero--Saint Laurent royalty--taking to the streets is an everyday occurrence. Montero, you're sure, has a pretty price placed on $mhis head by the Guild. Any hunter, rogue or otherwise, would be a fool to throw away an opportunity like this. You suppose you're one of those fools though. After all, you've never done this for the money. Your hands move towards your weapon as you ease your way back to the balcony's edge, peeking through the intricately carved gaps in the railing, trying to get a glimpse at the pair of Vampires as they circle their way through the church. The church is lit by the soft gray beams peering through the tall windows from the sky outside paired with the small specks of light offered by the various dying candles placed throughout the chapel. If you considered yourself an admirer of these things, you'd say it was a shame that the Moreau's don't often find themselves in churches. The lighting alone turns their Adonis-like features into something almost statue-esque, beauty that could only be crafted by the hands of man. Keeping to $mhis masquerade form--the beautiful human features that are designed to put Vampire's victims at ease, that help them blend in with their environments--Montero swaggers $mhis way down the main aisle of the church, $mhis eyes sharp as $mhe scans each of the pews in search of you. $mhis black hair is done up big, kept in long twists that reach down $mhis back bouncing with each of $mhis movements, decorated with small bits of metal jewelry that makes $mhim jingle as $mhe <<if $mhe is 'they'>>walk<<elseif $mhe is 'he' or $mhe is 'she'>>>walks.<</if>> You'd say that the jewelry is maybe a bit excessive--but then again, you wouldn't expect much less from a Vampire, let alone a Moreau. For them, there's no sacrificing finery for stealth, not when the goal is to be noticed. $mhis deep brown skin reflects the slight glimmer of the candles around $mhim, giving off a slight glowing quality. Montero's companion is a little more boring, but no less dazzling. Big and broad shouldered, he's characterized by the big golden curls that litter his head, though unlike his partner, he's dressed in a simpler attire that makes him stick out against the immaculately dressed Montero. In terms of bulk he'd have the other Vampire beat, but remains a good half-foot shorter than Montero's lithe figure. “Montero, there's no time for your games now. In case you weren't aware, we've got quite the little company of men after us and I'd rather not--” “Did I not just get done telling you to be quiet?” Montero asks, cutting him off. The other Vampire clicks his tongue then, the sound echoing throughout the church as he approaches Montero in apparent rush of confidence. “Oh, come now, //Mont//, we both know you're out of practice here.” The blonde Vampire starts to circle Montero, throwing his hand up nonchalantly as he glances over his shoulder at the Vampire leader. “Let's face it, love, you've gotten lazy. All those meals brought to your feet. It's a wonder you've even remembered the basics of catching your dinner.” He stops then, placing his finger inches from the tip of Montero's nose before tapping at it and announcing in a sing-song voice: “Your Maman's spoiled you, Montero.” Crossing $mhis arms, Montero shows no outwards display of annoyance, aside from the slight flare of $mhis nostrils as he looks upon the other Vampire. “Tell me, do you think yourself special Alistaire?” Montero asks, tilting $mhis head to the side as he looks upon the other Vampire. “A bit,” Alistaire replies, retrieving his hand and stepping away. He throws himself into one of the pews then, kicking up his feet along the top of the bench in front of him. “But I get the sense that you aren't referring to my razor sharp wit or my dashing smile?” Montero moves to the set of pews in front of Alistaire, pushing his boots off the bench with the tip of $mhis finger--$mhis nails kept long and painted black, leaving them to resemble talons. $mhe continues on with $mhis musings without so much as acknowledging Alistaire's remarks. “You know, Alistiare, one has to wonder, how long it might take for our sweet Madame to get wind of the fact that her newest plaything is stepping out on her?” Alistaire goes stiff, switching positions so that he's very suddenly sitting upwards, his posture rigid. “You don't know what you're talking about.” “Don't I?” Montero asks, gripping the top of the bench with both hands and leaning forward into Alistaire's small window of space. “Cause I've been where you've been, //love//. And if there's one thing I know about my //Maman//, it's that she doesn't share.” Though you can't see Alistaire's face, from the reaction it elicits out of Montero--a wicked grin--you think it's safe to assume he's terrified. “How do you know about Florence?” Alistaire asks. Montero rolls $mhis lips into a thin line as $mhe lets out a sympathetic sounding hum. “Oh, love, I didn't. Not until you just confirmed it. Pretty name though.” There's a solid beat of silence where things seem to settle in between the two of them, until Alistaire very quickly gets to his feet, bearing his claws and taking a swing at Montero. His would-be victim merely laughs, however, catching Alistaire by the wrist mid-air. “Now, that wasn't very nice, was it, Al?” What happens next is fast with movements made quicker than your eyes can perceive, Montero lunges upon $mhis opponent, splitting open Alistaire's throat and leaving him a bloody mess in the main aisle of the cathedral. You watch as the Moreau leader tilts his head over his victim in a motion that reminds you of a curious cat. $mhe shifts at his jaw for a moment, before kissing $mhis teeth and smiling upwards, towards the balcony. “You can keep a secret, now can't you, Abrams?” $mhe asks, $mhis voice carrying through the church's stoney interior. “Don't think I've forgotten about you.” Oh. Shit. Montero's gaze snaps away from you then as the cathedral doors burst open once more and very suddenly <<if $mhe is 'he' or $mhe is 'she'>>$mhe's<<elseif $mhe is 'they'>>they've<</if>> run off, deeper into the cathedral leaving $mhis dead friend at the mercy of their pursuers. Footsteps fill the air as three men burst into the church, the sounds of their movement quickly replaced by a loud guffaw of laughter. “Seems like Montero's done half the job for us,” one of the men says. He speaks with an accent common on the Bayou, words flowing from his mouth in a rhythm that's almost musical, similar in nature to the way Montero and his companion spoke. With this flow of words there's no doubt that these men are from around here, though that leaves you suspicious. House LeBeau is among the most ruthless of killers and criminals that all the houses of the Hunter's Guild has to offer. Of course, it would be too much to hope that whoever else is after the Moreaus would be some rogue trappers with no associations. You ease your way towards the balcony's stairwell, footsteps light as you listen to the men speak. “Why would Montero kill one of $mhis own?” Another one of the men asks. You can almost hear the eye-roll in the third man's answer. “You know how ruthless these things are. Knowing the Moreau's and their politics, probably some petty inter-politicking.” “Would you two old biddies quit your gossiping?” The first man yells at the other two. “Abrams'll be in here somewhere, you're lucky $he don't just pop right out and kill us now.” If you weren't paying attention before the mention of your name certainly catches it now. You curl yourself inwards, crouched down at the top of the stairs, straining your ears to see what else they have to say about you. “What's got you so sure about that?” One of the gossiping biddies asks. “//Because,// ding-bat, look around you. We're in a church. There's no other reason for them leeches to willingly subject themselves to a place of worship otherwise. Trust me. Abrams is in here.” So it wasn't the Moreau's they were chasing after all. They're looking for you. The only question now is…why? Your history with the Hunter's Guild is a complicated one. The twenty-three houses, originally, the four, founding houses, had their come-up just as the reigning time of the Abrams Family was winding down. Maybe it's some bitter part of you, a piece of deep-set loyalty you were never able to shake that makes you think that if it hadn't have been for the fact that Gregory Abrams and the rest of your kin were all slaughtered back in 'eighty-three, the Guild would be nothing more than a bunch of assholes playing Van Helsing. Once upon a time, your path intersected with the Guild's more than you'd like. You did some things in California that you'd imagine most people would want you to pay for. But most people aren't the Guild, whose cruel corporate nature had you assuming that your brief influence over their operations was nothing more than a short business expense that would be more expensive to chase after than to let go. Seems you might have been wrong. You prepare yourself for a fight. You've got an advantage, them not knowing where you are and all, but the fact is you're outnumbered. You could just try and sneak out the way you came in, but it's risky if caught, you'd of course, be giving up your position. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Make a run for it. | cathedral-run][$church to 'run']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Stay and fight. You need to know more. | cathedral-fight]] </div>

You decide to make a run for it. You're tired and with the Vamps taken care of, at least for the moment, you'd rather not put yourself through another fight if it can be avoided. You slip down the stone staircase, silent and swift, using the deep shadows of the cathedral to your advantage. The men continue to talk amongst themselves, searching the church for you, just as the two Vampires had done moments earlier. If anything can be said about these men, it's that the gossiping old biddies comment was far from inaccurate. Shouting precious information back and forth as they look beneath pews and inside the confessionals for you. You hold your breath as you move through the church, sifting through their conversations for anything particularly valuable. They're after you. That much you've already figured out. Though it's a little bit of a surprise to hear that they want Wyatt too--he's always done his best to keep some degree of separation between himself and the Guild, but you suppose maybe you shouldn't be too shocked. Wyatt has never been short on people wanting him dead. From their conversations you also glean that there's some sort of money on your heads. Briefly, does the thought cross your mind wondering exactly how much it's worth to them to see you dead. Surely, the head of the //great// Wyatt Abrams on a pike would be worth a pretty penny. You'd be lucky to rake in a couple bucks for your raggedy corpse. But those are bitter thoughts for another time. <<include 'church-leave'>>

You're down to <<if $primaryweapon is 'crossbow'>>$bolts of bolts <<elseif $primaryweapon is 'rifle'>>$bullets of rounds<<elseif $primaryweapon is 'pistol' or $primaryweapon is 'stake' or $primaryweapon is 'daggers' or $primaryweapon is 'fists'>>$bullets of bullets for the pistol you keep at your side<</if>>, so you need to make these shots count. The leader, or at least who you sense to be the most aggressive of the trio with all the name calling, is a man of about six-feet. He's wide, all bulk and fat that might make it difficult to go against. It would be wise to handle him first. Although, he does seem to be the most knowledgeable of the three. It could be good to save him for last and do some interrogation. As far as the other two, you've got who you'd label as the runt of the litter. Carrying a pistol on his hip that is much too big for him and scrawny enough that you think the wrong gust of wind could carry him away. He wouldn't be hard to pick off, but you also think you could scare some information out of him fairly easily. The final Guild associate is at least a little dopey looking. Maybe it's the misplaced doe-eyes paired with the big bald head, quite possibly it's the giant elephant ears that seem to jut out in opposite directions. Either way, you seem to doubt that he knows much, but that could just be from the obvious questions he's asking. He's not worth wasting your time on. <<if $primaryweapon is 'crossbow' or $primaryweapon is 'rifle'>>Your weapon is built for range and as long as they stay down there, you could very easily take them out from your vantage point. <<elseif $primaryweapon is 'pistol' or $primaryweapon is 'stake' or $primaryweapon is 'fists' or $primaryweapon is 'daggers'>>You've got a good vantage point and the element of surprise on your side. This could work out well for you, if you're careful about it.<</if>> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Kill the leader, interrogate the runt. | runt-interro][$prologuekill to 'leader']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Kill the runt, interrogate the leader. | leader-interro][$prologuekill to 'runt']] </div>

<<set $church to 'runt'>>Take the biggest threat out first. That's the wise move here. <<include 'murder-contemplation'>>

<<set $church to 'leader'>>It makes sense that you'd want to get rid of the easy target first. An extra man in a fight can be the difference between life and death for someone like you. <<include 'murder-contemplation'>>

This is your element. What you've been trained to do. Will you regret it though? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Killing Vamps is one thing, but taking a human life? That's a whole nother level. But even still. It's a necessary one. | killerop-1][$murderopinion to 1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Fuck no. These assholes wouldn't piss on you if you were on fire. | killerop-2][$killeropinion to 2]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[If they were innocent, sure. You'd feel wrong about this. Probably couldn't even get yourself to do it. But you know better with these scumbags than to feel sorry. | killerop-3][$killeropinion to 3]] </div>

Just because this is what you've been brought up to be--a killer--doesn't mean you have to relish in it. You're not sick. Well, at least, not in that specific way. <<if $prologuekill is 'leader'>><<include 'runt-interro-2'>><<elseif $prologuekill is 'runt'>><<include 'leader-interro-2'>><</if>>

You know from experience that these sacks of shit would take nothing short of joy in watching you and yours suffer. Why should you show them any mercy? Any hesitation? <<if $prologuekill is 'leader'>><<include 'runt-interro-2'>><<elseif $prologuekill is 'runt'>><<include 'leader-interro-2'>><</if>>

You have a conscience after all. Wyatt did manage to instill some morals in you. Morals that tell you these assholes--these Guild members--whatever choices they've made that have led them here--and they certainly weren't good ones--not moral ones, at least, are not good people. Good people wouldn't be after you. You should know. You are not a good person. <<if $prologuekill is 'leader'>><<include 'runt-interro-2'>><<elseif $prologuekill is 'runt'>><<include 'leader-interro-2'>><</if>>

<<nobr>> <<if $primaryweapon is 'rifle'>> It's the same process as before, easier this time you think, without the added pressure of your enemy being in such close quarters. You can force yourself to relax.<br> <br> Inhale.<br> <br> Trigger pull.<br> <br> Exhale. <<elseif $primaryweapon is 'crossbow'>> It's the same process as before, easier this time you think, without the added pressure of your enemy being in such close quarters. You can force yourself to relax.<br> <br> Inhale.<br> <br> Lift the trigger.<br> <br> Exhale. <<elseif $primaryweapon is 'pistol' or $primaryweapon is 'stake' or $primaryweapon is 'fists' or $primaryweapon is 'daggers'>> You use both your hands for this, creeping up in the balcony, you stretch your arms out in front of you taking aim with an inhale, closing your eyes for a brief moment before opening your eyes and pulling the trigger on the exhale. <</if>> <</nobr>> You never like to watch the <<if $primaryweapon is 'pistol' or $primaryweapon is 'rifle' or $primaryweapon is 'stake' or $primaryweapon is 'daggers' or $primaryweapon is 'fists'>>bullet<<set $bullets -= 1>><<elseif $primaryweapon is 'crossbow'>><<set $bolts -= 1>>bolt<</if>> as it hits. You flinch when it makes contact with the leader's head, hearing the solid thump of his body as it hits the floor and then an, “Oh, shit! <<he>>'s here!” From one of his friends. You're quick to switch positions, running to the stairs as you hear the other two men scramble for their guns, firing indiscriminately up at the balcony. Dopey having the same idea about the stairs, he panics when he sees you at the top. Quick to try and get with you with his pistol, but evidently, not quick enough. It's without hesitation that you fire two <<if $primaryweapon is 'pistol' or $primaryweapon is 'rifle' or $primaryweapon is 'stake' or $primaryweapon is 'daggers' or $primaryweapon is 'fists'>><<set $bullets -= 2>>bullets<<elseif $primaryweapon is 'crossbow'>><<set $bolts -= 2>>bolts<</if>>into his chest, throwing his body hard down towards the ground. You make eye contact with the runt, who, in an act of fear or desperation (you're not quite sure of which) has dropped his pistol down to his side. You know the look he gives you though, reminiscent of a deer that's been caught by a hunter: eyes wide, body frozen, ready to bolt. You raise your weapon. “Don't run.” <<nobr>> <<if $luck lt 4>> And of course, because that's just your luck--he does.<br> <br> Stupidly, he completely drops his pistol, abandoning it in favor of sprinting to the nearest door.<br> <br> <<if $primaryweapon is 'crossbow' or $primaryweapon is 'rifle'>>Slinging your weapon over your shoulders,<<elseif $primaryweapon is 'pistol' or $primaryweapon is 'stake' or $primaryweapon is 'fists' or $primaryweapon is 'daggers'>>Placing your weapon back at your hip,<</if>> you run after him, chasing him out the church doors and finding that in the short time since you entered the cathedral the streets have started to crowd. <<curse>>.<br> <br> God. You hate how hard everyone is making you work for it today.<br> <br> You're lucky that the runt is tall. Otherwise, you think you'd have lost him by now, pushing your way through the crowd, you watch for his bobbing head and the stupid looking green newsboy cap he wears, making him look probably five years younger than he actually is.<br> <br> The path he takes is almost a backwards map of the chase you ran earlier this morning–and part of you does have to admit, it feels nice to be the predator after spending all morning playing prey.<br> <br> The runt leads you <<if $chaseroute is 'left'>>through the market you passed through earlier,<<elseif $chaseroute is 'up'>>to an outdoor market,<</if>> slowly being opened by the various vendors and shopkeepers.<br> <br> Somewhere ahead of you a cart, filled to the brim with fruit, rolls out in the middle of your path and you know what he's going to do before he does. Cursing under your breath you watch as the runt shoves the cart and the woman pushing it downwards, sending a slew of oranges and peaches down in your path.<br> <br> <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[JUMP! | runt-interro-chase]]</div> <<elseif $luck gte 4>> Maybe it's a blessing that he drops his gun and looks to you with his hands up.<br> <br> “Good,” you say, lifting your gun and pointing to one of the pews. “Sit down.”<br> <br> Without hesitation, the runt moves to the nearest bench, his hands shaking slightly as he looks at you with wide eyes.<br> <br> “What do the LeBeaus want with me?” Seems like as good a place as any to start.<br> <br> “The bounty! The bounty--just please--don't hurt me,” he says. He's speaking into his palms, his voice quivering.<br> <br> You were right. This //is// easy.<br> <br> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“What bounty?” | runt-interro-church1][$interrocounter += 1]]<br> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“Who put the hit out?” | runt-interro-church2][$interrocounter += 1]]<br> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“How much?” | runt-interro-church3][$interrocounter += 1]] </div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

Through some miracle of footwork you manage to avoid most of the fruit that spills at your feet, hopping over the upturned cart and past the poor vendor as she curses out at you in her Louisiana French. You're close to the runt now, evidently, closer than he'd like because very suddenly does he start screaming, crying for help, and boy--does he get it. Christ. This morning just keeps getting better. Somewhere to the right of you just ahead, mounted high and mighty on their steads is a pair of Saint Laurent police officers, decked out in their bright blue uniforms and even stupider little hats, they clock you as the offender almost immediately. Normally, this would just annoy you. Piss you off if it was a really bad day. Being an Abrams, you've never been a fan of cops, and they've never been too keen on you either. Wyatt's always been insistent that you keep wary of law enforcement. His long held the belief that most--if not all--officers of the law, whether that be regular cops, sheriffs, marshalls, or hell, even those Pinkerton pricks, are nothing but little men trying to make themselves feel big and they'll do anything to hold onto that feeling. Wyatt wanted that to scare you, though, in the end, all it really achieved was making you hate them. Again, aggravation would be the normal reaction for you upon seeing these two--were it not--of course, for the fact that you just fled a murder scene. Corrupt as the cops in Saint Laurent may be, even they'd have to pay attention to something like that. Right now you have a choice to make. Either you keep running, chase after this asshole in the hopes that you can also outrun a pair of horses (you can't) or you can talk to these pigs and maybe try and flip the situation. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You're not working with cops. Keep running. | runt-interro-chase-a]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Fuck it. Could your situation really get any worse? | runt-interro-chase-b]] </div>

No. On top of everything else today, the last thing you're dealing with are cops. Already exhausted, you push yourself further, harder, like your life depends on it--because in this moment it quite likely does. You run past the two officers, ignoring their silly little whistles and their orders for you to stop. You get yourself a grip on the back of the runts jacket and pull him deep into the crowds that surround you, thankful for the filling streets, as with your captives mouth covered, you manage to disappear into the swells of people around you, allowing the pair of officers to lose track of you both--riding right past you even as the runt squeals beneath your palm. <<include 'alley-interro'>>

It's the first thing you can think to do in order to flip the situation ahead of you. “Officers help!” You scream out in the most pathetic sounding voice you can muster, knowing full well that they'll do no such thing. “That man stole my money clip!” When the runt scream argues with you from just ahead, insisting that //no,// actually it's you who was chasing //him// the officers almost seem relieved that they don't have to involve themselves. No doubt figuring you two for some sort of domestic dispute that they're all too eager to ignore. Keeping pace, you and the runt are allowed to disappear into the crowds around you. <<include 'alley-interro'>>

That's the one thing you can appreciate about Saint Laurent. People keep their heads down and to themselves. So, it's no surprise that of the handful of folks that spot you drag your new friend into the alleyway, no one says anything. You throw him down hard, swinging him by the back of his coat so that he slams into the red brick wall. You've just turned this into an interrogation. “What do the LeBeaus want with me?” You ask. Seems like as good a place as any to start. “The bounty! The bounty--just please--don't hurt me,” he says, throwing his hands up in front of him, as if to shield himself from any pain you might inflict his way. You were right. This //is// easy. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“What bounty?” | runt-interro-alley1][$interrocounter += 1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“Who put the hit out?” | runt-interro-alley2][$interrocounter += 1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“How much?” | runt-interro-alley3][$interrocounter += 1]] </div>

“You don't know?” He asks, his voice incredulous, as very suddenly he grows angry. “Why the fuck did you kill my friends then?” You grimace, clenching your teeth together hard. You suppose that may have been something of an oversight on your part. “You were Guild associates looking for me with weapons drawn. Was I just supposed to assume you were looking for a chat?” You've always been a little bit of a shoot first, ask questions later kind of <<if $man is 'man'>>guy<<elseif $man is 'woman'>>gal<<elseif $man is 'person'>>person<</if>>, and in this case, you're glad for it too. “Now. Bounty. Elaborate on that.” Your stomach drops, your mind drifting to Puerto Palma, as panic sets deeper in. You wonder briefly if this is because of //$ahim.// Honestly, you wouldn't blame $ahis mom, or hell, even $ahis sister if she fell into it against $ahis original wishes. If anybody else did to Ace Zhang what you did to $ahim, you'd pay a pretty price to see that person dead too. You doubt he knows anything, but you decide to press anyway. “Hell if I know anything,” the runt replies, his voice squeaky. “All I know is that the Guild's been paid to hunt you and Wyatt Abrams down. Somebody wants you dead.” “Wyatt too?” You repeat. You suppose it makes sense. The two of you have always been something of a package deal. But Wyatt being involved does open some doors. The old timer's been around a hell of a lot longer than you, with a lot more years of hunting with the Family to make enemies of his own. You suppose that complicates things. “<<curse>>.” <<nobr>> <<if $interrocounter lt 3>> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-alley1')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“What bounty?” | runt-interro-alley1][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-alley2')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“Who put the hit out?” | runt-interro-alley2][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-alley3')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“How much?” | runt-interro-alley3][$interrocounter += 1]]<</if>> </div> <<elseif $interrocounter gte 3>> <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[NEXT | alley-wrapup]]</div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

Above all else, the Hunter's Guild is an enterprise, corporate as can be. They don't make things personal, meaning even if you'd pissed them off enough to want you dead, which you know you most certainly have, capital is much too precious for them to supply their own reward. Meaning, the money had to come from an outside source. Somebody is paying them to kill you. Or at least, to try. “I have no idea,” the runt answers, shaking his head. “I swear it.” <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't believe him. | runt-interro-alley-LIE]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[He's probably telling the truth. | runt-interro-alley-truth]] </div>

Taking your hand, you entwine your fingers in his hair and pull back on it before pressing his face hard against the brick wall. You lower your own face then so that it's just inches from his. “Are you lying to me?” You ask him in a harsh whisper, and it's just enough that you feel the perspiration coming off him seep into his blonde curls and drip against your palm. You resist the urge to snatch your hand back and wipe the sweat off on your jeans. Instead, you pull harder on his hair. “No, no,” he whimpers, trying to shake his head, forgetting the vice grip you hold on his blonde locks, wincing when he moves too far in one direction and causes strain against his scalp. “I'm not lying--I swear it--on my ma's grave, I don't know anything.” “You're certain?” You ask, tugging again. “Cause that would be a real nasty thing, lying on your dead mama's grave.” “I'm certain!” He all but cries out and you release him with a sigh. He's already squealed for you this muh, you doubt he's too eager to keep any other secrets. <<nobr>> <<if $interrocounter lt 3>> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-alley1')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“What bounty?” | runt-interro-alley1][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-alley2')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“Who put the hit out?” | runt-interro-alley2][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-alley3')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“How much?” | runt-interro-alley3][$interrocounter += 1]]<</if>> </div> <<elseif $interrocounter gte 3>> <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[NEXT | alley-wrapup]]</div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

He's told you this much so far, you think you've scared him enough that he wouldn't be trying to hide anything else. <<nobr>> <<if $interrocounter lt 3>> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-alley1')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“What bounty?” | runt-interro-alley1][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-alley2')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“Who put the hit out?” | runt-interro-alley2][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-alley3')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“How much?” | runt-interro-alley3][$interrocounter += 1]]<</if>> </div> <<elseif $interrocounter gte 3>> <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[NEXT | alley-wrapup]]</div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

“What?” he asks, stunned almost, as if he's been slapped. “How much?” You repeat, growing impatient. “How much, what?” He echoes back at you, his voice shaking. You take in a breath, snapping your eyes shut for a moment before answering. Alright. You're annoyed. You pull on his collar so that his face is inches from yours. “How much money are they offering you for my head?” Your annunciation is exaggerated, with more than a little of your own spit landing across his cheeks with the question. Maybe if he wasn't trying to kill you just a few moments before, you'd feel bad about it. Oh well. “Five,” he answers. “Five thousand.” Your jaw hangs open a little. Five-thousand dollars? <<if hasVisited('runt-interro-alley1')>>For you and Wyatt?<<elseif not hasVisited('runt-interro-alley1')>>For you?<</if>> You knew there were people in the Guild who wanted you dead--you just had no idea how badly. Part of you wonders now if some of them //did// pony up their own funds for your reward. Jesus Christ <<nobr>> <<if hasVisited('runt-interro-alley1')>>“So you're telling me somebody's out there willing to pay you twenty-five hundred United States silver dollars, just for me?”<br> <br> “No, no,” the runt shakes his head violently. “Five thousand for each of you.”<<elseif not hasVisited('runt-interro-alley1')>>“So you're telling me somebody's out there willing to pay you twenty-five hundred United States silver dollars, just for me?”<br> <br> He nods, eyes wide with panic. “I'm telling you, that's God's honest truth.” <</if>> <</nobr>> Your hands go slack, suddenly you lose your grip on him. Your fingers grow numb as this processes through your mind. Five thousand dollars. For you. Alone. Good God. You're fucked. No, actually, you're beyond fucked. You're bent over two-fold, hog-tied with a gag in your mouth. But the only question is who with that kind of money wants you dead badly enough to pay up like that? <<nobr>><<if hasVisited('runt-interro-alley1')>>Definitely not Misses Zhang, certainly not Sadie. Unless, of course, one of them learned how to shit bricks of gold in the time since you've seen them last. Spades though--she might have some connections--and she treated Ace as practically one of her own. You suppose you wouldn't put it past her…<</if>><</nobr>> The easy answer, however, would be the government. Obviously. Finish the job they started by wiping out the Family twenty-years ago, but why wouldn't they put it through more official avenues? Wouldn't it just be easier to post you both as wanted criminals, send the Marshalls after you, or hell, if they were feeling particularly cruel, just off load a bunch of Pinkertons on you both to make it look like you killed yourselves. Why involve the Guild? <<nobr>> <<if $interrocounter lt 3>> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-alley1')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“What bounty?” | runt-interro-alley1][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-alley2')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“Who put the hit out?” | runt-interro-alley2][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-alley3')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“How much?” | runt-interro-alley3][$interrocounter += 1]]<</if>> </div> <<elseif $interrocounter gte 3>> <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[NEXT | alley-wrapup]]</div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

With that--you think you've gotten all there is you can get out of him, everything relevant anyways. Only question now is, what are you going to do with him? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[He was hunting you. For money. He doesn't get to walk away from this alive. | alley-kill]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You got what you needed out of him. Let him go. | alley-mercy]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't want to kill the poor kid, but still--he deserves to get his ass kicked a little for coming after you. | alley-compromise]] </div>

<<nobr>> <<if $murderopinion is 1>>He's left you with no other choice here. You let him go now and he'll just run squeal to the rest of the LeBeaus, let them know that he's seen you. That you killed his friends. All letting him go will do is send more people after you. <br> <br> No. This is something you have to do. <<elseif $murderopinion is 2>>This little shit was trying to kill you. He doesn't get to walk away from that with his life. No way in hell. <<elseif $murderopinion is 3>>If anything you might be doing this city a service by taking another low life Guild asshole out of it. You look at this as a balancing of scales. <</if>> <</nobr>> You make it quick, an easier death than his friends got. A quick slashing of his throat and it's over with. <<include 'alley-leave'>>

There's no sense in more killing. You may be often ruthless, but you're not all together heartless. “Alright,” you say, easing back on how you crowd over him. “I'm done with you.” He seems too afraid to move. “That's it?” “That's it,” you affirm. “So--what now?” He asks, eyeing you with caution. He's hesitant. “You can go, “ you say and he starts to move away before you stop him, grabbing tight at his shirt collar. “But if I hear that any of this gets back to the Guild, I'm coming after you.” “Oh--okay,” he's stuttering. “I mean, of course not, they--they won't hear a word.” He shakes beneath your fingertips, with relief you're tempted to think. “Good,” You say, before pulling him close once more. “And get a real job, would you? Make that dead mama proud.” “Yes, <<if $man is 'man'>>sir<<elseif $man is 'woman'>>ma'am<<elseif $man is 'person'>>of course.”<</if>> He's nodding furiously. And with that, you let him go. <<include 'alley-leave'>>

You don't feel like spilling any more blood--not today, at least. But this guy was just trying to kill you a short half an hour ago. “Alright,” you say, leaning away from him. “I'm done with you.” “You are?” He asks. He's shaking. “Uh-huh,” you nod, offering him a pat on the shoulder. “But that don't mean the two of us are square, pal. You were just trying to kill me. Remember?” “I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry,” He's thrown his folded hands together in front of him, offering them up to you like a prayer, pleading. “No, no,” you hold up a hand. “No need to apologize. What's done is done. But that of course, leaves us at an impasse.” “And that means?” He asks. “Well, my friend. You have a decision to make. Right or left?” “What?” He asks, his eyes wide like saucers. You repeat yourself, calm. “Right or left?” He's hesitant, swallowing once, then twice, before offering up an answer. “Left.” You nod, moving quickly, before he can really register what's happening, you get a good grip on the upper part of his left arm, grabbing his wrist with your free hand, you push down against his forearm, bending it back until the whole thing snaps with a terrible crack. He screams. “Alright,” you say, patting your hands together, as if to dust them off. “Now we're square.” <<include 'alley-leave'>>

<<set $interrocounter += 1>>“You don't know?” He asks, his voice incredulous, as very suddenly he grows angry, lifting his head from his hands to look at you. It's then that you notice how red they've gotten. He's crying. “Why the fuck did you kill my friends then?” You grimace, clenching your teeth together hard. You suppose that may have been something of an oversight on your part. “You were Guild associates looking for me with weapons drawn. Was I just supposed to assume you were looking for a chat?” You suppose you've always been a little bit of a shoot first, ask questions later kind of <<if $man is 'man'>>guy<<elseif $man is 'woman'>>gal<<elseif $man is 'person'>>person<</if>> And in this case, you're glad for it too. “Now. Bounty. Elaborate on that.” The anger in his expression drops, morphing back into something like fear. “The high houses have come together and put a bounty on your head.” Your stomach drops, your mind drifting to Puerto Palma, as panic seems to set deeper in. You wonder briefly if this is because of $ahim. Honestly, you wouldn't blame $ahis mom, or hell, even $ahis sister if she fell into it against $ahis original wishes. If anybody else did to Ace Zhang what you did to $ahim, you'd pay a pretty price to see that person dead too. You doubt he knows anything, but you decide to press anyway. “Hell if I know anything,” the runt replies, his voice squeaky. “All I know is that the Guild's been paid to hunt you and Wyatt Abrams down. Somebody wants you dead.” “Wyatt too?” You repeat. You suppose it makes sense. The two of you have always been something of a package deal. But Wyatt being involved does open some doors. The old timer's been around a hell of a lot longer than you, with a lot more years of hunting with the Family to make enemies of his own. You suppose that complicates things. “<<curse>>.” <<nobr>> <<if $interrocounter lt 3>> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-church1')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“What bounty?” | runt-interro-church1][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-church2')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“Who put the hit out?” | runt-interro-church2][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-church3')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“How much?” | runt-interro-church3][$interrocounter += 1]]<</if>> </div> <<elseif $interrocounter gte 3>> <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[NEXT | church-wrapup]]</div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

Above all else, the Hunter's Guild is an enterprise, corporate as can be. They don't make things personal, meaning even if you'd pissed them off enough to want you dead, which you know you most certainly have, capital is much too precious for them to supply their own reward. Meaning, the money had to come from an outside source. Somebody is paying them to kill you. Or at least, to try. “I have no idea,” the runt answers, shaking his head. “I swear it.” <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't believe him. | runt-interro-church-LIE]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[He's probably telling the truth. | runt-interro-church-truth]] </div>

You take your hand, entwining his fingers in his hair and pull back on it before slamming his head down hard along the seat of the pew. You lower your own face then so that it's just inches from his. “Are you lying to me?” You ask him in a harsh whisper, and it's just enough that you feel the perspiration coming off him seep into his blonde curls and drip against your palm. You resist the urge to snatch your hand back and wipe the sweat off on your jeans. Instead, you pull harder on his hair. “No, no,” he whimpers, trying to shake his head, forgetting the vice grip you hold on his blonde locks, wincing when he moves too far in one direction and causes strain against his scalp. “I'm not lying--I swear it--on my ma's grave, I don't know anything.” “You're certain?” You ask, tugging again. “Cause that would be a real nasty thing, lying on your dead mama's grave.” “I'm certain!” He all but cries out and you release him with a sigh. He's already squealed for you this muh, you doubt he's too eager to keep any other secrets. <<nobr>> <<if $interrocounter lt 3>> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-church1')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“What bounty?” | runt-interro-church1][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-church2')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“Who put the hit out?” | runt-interro-church2][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-church3')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“How much?” | runt-interro-church3][$interrocounter += 1]]<</if>> </div> <<elseif $interrocounter gte 3>> <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[NEXT | church-wrapup]]</div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

He's told you this much so far, you think you've scared him enough that he wouldn't be trying to hide anything else. <<nobr>> <<if $interrocounter lt 3>> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-church1')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“What bounty?” | runt-interro-church1][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-church2')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“Who put the hit out?” | runt-interro-church2][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-church3')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“How much?” | runt-interro-church3][$interrocounter += 1]]<</if>> </div> <<elseif $interrocounter gte 3>> <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[NEXT | church-wrapup]]</div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

“What?” he asks, stunned almost, as if he's been slapped. “How much?” You repeat, growing impatient. “How much, what?” He echoes back at you, his voice shaking. You take in a breath, snapping your eyes shut for a moment before answering. Alright. You're annoyed. You pull on his collar so that his face is inches from yours. “How much fucking money are they offering you for my head?” Your annunciation is exaggerated, with more than a little of your own spit landing across his cheeks with the question. Maybe if he wasn't trying to kill you just a few moments before, you'd feel bad about it. But screw it. Oh well. “Five,” he answers. “Five thousand.” Your jaw hands open a little. Five-thousand dollars? <<if hasVisited('runt-interro-church1')>>For you and Wyatt?<<elseif not hasVisited('runt-interro-church1')>>For you?<</if>> You knew there were people in the Guild who wanted you dead--you just had no idea how badly. Part of you wonders now if some of them //did// pony up their own funds for your reward. Jesus Christ <<nobr>> <<if hasVisited('runt-interro-church1')>>“So you're telling me somebody's out there willing to pay you twenty-five hundred United States silver dollars, just for me?”<br> <br> “No, no,” the runt shakes his head violently. “Five thousand for each of you.”<<elseif not hasVisited('runt-interro-church1')>>“So you're telling me somebody's out there willing to pay you twenty-five hundred United States silver dollars, just for me?”<br> <br> He nods, eyes wide with panic. “I'm telling you, that's God's honest truth.” <</if>> <</nobr>> Your hands go slack, suddenly you lose your grip on him. Your fingers grow numb as this processes through your mind. Five thousand dollars. For you. Alone. Good God. You're fucked. No, actually, you're beyond fucked. You're bent over two-fold, hog-tied with a gag in your mouth. But the only question is who with that kind of money wants you dead badly enough to pay up like that? <<nobr>><<if hasVisited('runt-interro-church1')>>Definitely not Misses Zhang, certainly not Sadie. Unless, of course, one of them learned how to shit bricks of gold in the time since you've seen them last. Spades though--she might have some connections--and she treated Ace as practically one of her own. You suppose you wouldn't put it past her…<</if>><</nobr>> The easy answer, however, would be the government. Obviously. Finish the job they started by wiping out the Family twenty-years ago, but why wouldn't they put it through more official avenues? Wouldn't it just be easier to post you both as wanted criminals, send the Marshalls after you, or hell, if they were feeling particularly cruel, just off load a bunch of Pinkertons on you both to make it look like you killed yourselves. Why involve the Guild? <<nobr>> <<if $interrocounter lt 3>> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-church1')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“What bounty?” | runt-interro-church1][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-church2')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“Who put the hit out?” | runt-interro-church2][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('runt-interro-church3')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“How much?” | runt-interro-church3][$interrocounter += 1]]<</if>> </div> <<elseif $interrocounter gte 3>> <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[NEXT | church-wrapup]]</div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

With that--you think you've gotten all there is you can get out of him, everything relevant anyways. Only question now is, what are you going to do with him? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons'>arrow_forward</i>[[He was hunting you. For money. He doesn't get to walk away from this alive. | church-kill]] <i class='material-icons'>arrow_forward</i>[[You got what you needed out of him. Let him go. | church-mercy]] <i class='material-icons'>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't want to kill the poor kid, but still--he deserves to get his ass kicked a little for coming after you. | church-compromise]] </div>

You scan the room to find the leader, finding that his big square face has gone a tinge of red that you can recognize even in the low light of the church. Oh. It seems you've pissed him off. He runs to the edge of the stairs, looking up at you and panting hard. You fire your weapon at him indiscriminately, all but giving up on your hopes of interrogation though, still aiming for some of the less lethal areas on his body as he charges out at you. Your efforts though seem to be nothing more than a waste of ammo, though, because very suddenly is the Guild leader upon you, and you've been forced into action. Trapped upon the balcony as this man blocks the only exit. He comes at you swinging. Weapon forgotten at his hip in his blind rage, it seems this man aims to kill you with his bare hands. <<nobr>> <<if $athleticism gte 4>>His fist misses you by a mere few inches, sending you ducking and tumbling. You roll past him and spring back to your feet, now facing his back.<br> <br> He may have forgotten his weapon, but you sure as shit haven't forgotten yours.<br> <br> Maybe it's not the most honorable thing to do, shooting a man with his back to you. But, ah, screw it. What else can you do? With nimble fingers you fire into the back of his knee, sending him screaming as he drops down on it, smearing blood all over the ground with it.<br><<elseif $athleticism lt 4>>His fist collides hard with your face in a cross hit that has you seeing stars. Pain blossoming through the right side of your face, your head is sent snapping back, which leaves you stumbling backwards until the insides of your knees have hit the edge of a pew, throwing you downwards ass backwards into the bench.<br> <br> You can feel your right eye swelling, the lids growing fat as they begin to pinch shut. Truthfully, you'd like to just sit here a moment, throw your head in your hands and try to rub away the dulled ache in your slowly swelling eye. But you can't. Not as this man--this man who very clearly wants you dead, looms over you.<br> <br> He makes to grab at you, reaching for your throat with both hands, but you avoid his grasp, just barely, demonstrated in a feat of your own flexibility, you roll just out of reach to the otherside of the bench, launching to your feet and readjusting your grip on your weapon.<br> <br> Wrapped in his own rage, he may have forgotten his own weapon, but you sure as shit haven't forgotten yours.<br> <br> Your aim affected by your blurring vision, you fire at him, hoping it'll hit, somewhere, anywhere, as you load another bolt into your bow, round into the chamber, only to be rewarded by the sound of a scream.<br> <br> Got him.<br> <br> Through tear filled eyes, you find that you've got him through the knee and he's dropped down to the floor, hissing out in agony.<</if>> <</nobr>> Weapon held high as you make your slow approach, ou remain cautious, but determined to get answers out of him. “What do the LeBeaus want with me?” You ask and he tries to turn around, you jab at him hard in the back though, with your weapon. “Turn back around,” you say and he ignores you, still twisting to face you. “I said turn around,” despite your protests, however, he completes the shift, looking you dead in the eyes. “Well ain't that cute,” he says, struggling through the pain of his injuries to talk to you, but even still, there's a certain taunting edge to his tone. “Little baby Abrams, all grown up.” Your brows knit together, looking down at him from behind your weapon. You hate when the old hunters behave like they know you. 'Baby Abrams,' is a line you've heard far too many times before. Growing up in the hunting world you've alway earned yourself the reputation as the little kid the great Wyatt Abrams used to like to tote around. Something about the fact that all the other Abrams apprentices were dead that made you a rarity. An anomaly in the realm of Vampire hunting. Even though you haven't been a little kid for about a decade, it seems you'll always be Baby Abrams to these assholes. You ignore the patronization and jab your weapon into his chest. “Answer the question.” “Well there, //kiddo//,” the man says, cracking a smile, no doubt, some small amount of satisfaction in the fact that he's using one of Wyatt's many nicknames for you. “I'm surprised, you haven't heard. You and your Daddy's ears to the ground the way you usually keep them.” Alright. You're getting annoyed. “Don't think I won't shoot the other knee, asshole.” You press your gun against his shirt and he laughs. “Oh-hoh, //kiddo//, I've got no doubt you would.” “Why are you after me?” You repeat. “You really don't know, do you?” He asks, offering you a shit-eating grin. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Alright. You've had enough. Shoot the other knee. | church-shoot]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[No. You can't lose your cool just yet. | church-interro]] </div>

He wants to fuck with you? Treat you like a little kid? Fine. You'll behave like a little kid. You work fast. Quicker than he can react, at least. You fire into the back of his other knee. He screams. You try not to be filled with a sick sense of satisfaction. “Next one goes through your eye,” you speak through gritted teeth. “Now. What. Do. The. LeBeau's. Want. With. Me.” “A bounty!” He cries out, throwing his head back in agony. You've effectively ruined his ability to get up and walk away. Captive audience. “What bounty?” you ask and he cries out, no longer able to endure the twisted position he put himself in to look at you, dropping instead down on all fours, his palms to the floor. “The whole of the Guild,” he says, his voice splitting in two. “Fuck--god damnit--you piece of shit--I can't fucking walk!” He's moaning now, all but sobbing. Someone put a Guild bounty on your head? Your chest tightens, mind racing. That certainly opens the door for some follow up questions. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“How much?” | leader-interro1][$interrocounter += 1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“Who put the hit out?” | leader-interro2][$interrocounter += 1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i> [[“The bounty. Tell me more.” | leader-interro3][$interrocounter += 1]] </div>

Well, maybe not enough to shoot him, but, oh, what the hell. You can still knock him around. You're sick of him looking at you. <<if $primaryweapon is 'crossbow' or $primaryweapon is 'rifle'>>You slam hard into this back with the butt of your $primaryweapon, sending him down on his hands with a curse. “What do the LeBeaus want with me?”<<elseif $primaryweapon is 'pistol' or $primaryweapon is 'stake' or $primaryweapon is 'daggers' or $primaryweapon is 'fists'>>You whip the side of your pistol against his face, sending him down on his palms with a curse. “What do the LeBeaus want with me?” <</if>> “There's a bounty out on you,” he says through gritted teeth. “The whole of the Guild chasing after you for a payday.” <<curse>>. Someone put a Guild bounty on your head? Your chest tightens, mind racing. That certainly opens the door for some follow up questions. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“How much?” | leader-interro1][$interrocounter += 1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“Who put the hit out?” | leader-interro2][$interrocounter += 1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i> [[“The bounty. Tell me more.” | leader-interro3][$interrocounter += 1]] </div>

At that, he starts to laugh again, smiling down at the floor. After a long moment when he doesn't stop, you nudge him with your weapon. “Oh, it's nothing, just taking a little joy in the fact that even if you kill me now, you my friend, are royally fucked.” Well, that's certainly reassuring. “How much?” you repeat and his grin widens. “You don't wanna know.” “Tell me,” you're talking through your teeth. <<if not hasVisited('leader-interro3')>>“Five thousand for you dead,” he says it and that damned shit-eating grin widens further.<<elseif hasVisited('leader-interro3')>>“Five-thousand for each of you dead,” he says it and that damned shit-eating grin widens further.<</if>> Your mouth grows dry with the intake of that information. Five thousand United States dollars? For you? You're about to open your mouth to say something more, ask another question you haven't quite finished formulating when he laughs again. “Oh, pal, but that's not all,” he continues, his face practically split in two as he looks up at you. “They're putting out seven and a half for Wyatt--alive.” A chill runs down your spine. What do these people want with Wyatt alive? “Take it they don't care about me still walking around if they've got five grand on my head?” Maybe you're stupid for feeling bitter about it, jealous that they'd want more for Wyatt alive than you dead, but it's a feeling you can't smother. He laughs again. God, you are starting to hate that sound. “Oh, no, //not at all.// They're offering ten for you.” Ten. Ten thousand dollars? Holy hell. Good God. Sweet baby Jesus. You almost drop your weapons with the realization that he was right. You are fucked. <<nobr>> <<if $interrocounter lt 3>> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <<if not hasVisited('leader-interro1')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“How much?” | leader-interro1][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('leader-interro2')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“Who put the hit out?” | leader-interro2][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('leader-interro3')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i> [[“The bounty. Tell me more.” | leader-interro3][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> </div> <<elseif $interrocounter gte 3>> <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[NEXT | leader-wrapup]]</div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<<nobr>> <<if not hasVisited('leader-interro3')>>Above all else the Hunter's Guild is an enterprise, corporate as can be. They don't make things personal, well, at least, not usually. Meaning even if you pissed them off enough to want you dead--which you know you have--capital is much too precious for them to supply their own reward, meaning the money had to come from an outside source. Somebody is paying them to kill you. Or at least to try.<br> <br> He laughs again and you fight the urge to cringe. The sound is grating on your nerves.<br> <br> “Anonymous benefactor,” he answers once his last round of chuckles is over. “Somebody out there wants you Baby Abrams. They want you bad.”<<elseif hasVisited('leader-interro3')>>He laughs again and you fight the urge to cringe. The sound is grating on your nerves.<br> <br> “Anonymous benefactor,” he answers once his last round of chuckles is over. “Somebody out there wants you Baby Abrams. They want you bad.”<</if>> <</nobr>> <<nobr>> <<if $interrocounter lt 3>> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <<if not hasVisited('leader-interro1')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“How much?” | leader-interro1][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('leader-interro2')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“Who put the hit out?” | leader-interro2][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('leader-interro3')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i> [[“The bounty. Tell me more.” | leader-interro3][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> </div> <<elseif $interrocounter gte 3>> <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[NEXT | leader-wrapup]]</div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

“Executive order, coming down from the top,” he answers and your stomach drops. Your mind drifts to Puerto Palma, as panic setting deeper in. You wonder briefly if this is because of $ahim. Honestly, you wouldn't blame $ahis mom, or hell, even $ahis sister if she fell into it against $ahis original wishes. If anybody else did to Ace Zhang what you did to $ahim, you'd pay a pretty price to see that person dead too. “Why? What do the top dogs care about me for?” You know you've pissed off some Guild folks in California, sure, but for this to be coming down from the high houses of the Hunting Guild--that's a whole nother level of bad. “Oh, //kiddo,//” he says, using that stupid name again. “They don't. Somebody very rich has offered them //alot// of money to bring you and Wyatt Abrams in.” “Wyatt, too?” You repeat and you suppose it makes sense. The two of you have always been something of a package deal. But, Wyatt being involved does open some doors. The old timer's been around a hell of a lot longer than you, with plenty more years of hunting with the Family to make enemies of his own. You suppose that complicates things. “<<curse>>.” <<nobr>> <<if $interrocounter lt 3>> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <<if not hasVisited('leader-interro1')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“How much?” | leader-interro1][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('leader-interro2')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i>[[“Who put the hit out?” | leader-interro2][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> <<if not hasVisited('leader-interro3')>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>help</i> [[“The bounty. Tell me more.” | leader-interro3][$interrocounter += 1]]<br><</if>> </div> <<elseif $interrocounter gte 3>> <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[NEXT | leader-wrapup]]</div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

With that stunning wave of realizations over with, you think you've gotten everything you can out of this asshole. The only question now is what to do with him. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Leave him alive. | leader-mercy]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Kill him. | leader-kill]] </div>

Screw it. As much as you think this guy is an asshole, there's no reason to spill any more blood. You do give him a swift kick to the back though, your small amount of recompense for putting up with him for so long. He cries out, cursing after you as you run down the stairs. Leaving him alive may be something you live to regret, but you don't have to contemplate that now. <<include 'church-leave'>>

There's no question in the fact that you can't leave this man alive. You decide to get it over with quickly. He tries to react as you draw your blade, but your movements are quicker than his. He fights you on it, grabbing him by the hair and pulling back, leaving his throat exposed. You slice through the skin there, splattering blood on the white marble of the church floor. <<include 'church-leave'>>

You run outside the church, finding that the streets have crowded in the time since you left them. <<include 'streets-no-bite'>>

You leave the alley, back out into crowded streets. <<include 'streets-no-bite'>>

You need to lie low, at least, until tonight when you know for sure where Wyatt will be. It would be too much to hope for that he'd be back at the inn where the two of you have been sharing a room; far too convenient. No, Wyatt won't be there. The both of you are too cheap to rent a second room, so you split your time with the bed. You've always been a nocturnal creature and with your nights most often spent on hunts, it made the most sense that you'd get the room to yourself while Wyatt scammed his way into some pocket change for the two of you throughout the day. Anxiety starts to brush against your senses as you move throughout the streets, your chest tightening, your fingers going numb. <<if $church is 'run'>>There is a hit on your head.<<elseif $church is 'runt'>>There is a hit on your head, worth five-thousand dollars.<<elseif $church is 'leader'>>There is a bounty on your head worth ten-thousand dollars.<</if>> <<curse>>. //<<curse>>//. The whole of the Guild is after you and Wyatt, and very suddenly do you feel breathless, like all the air has left your lungs and you can't get it back fast enough. As if that weren't enough, you've got the Moreau's on your ass too. You stop walking and bend yourself over, hands splayed on your knees as you gasp out for air. Stop. You need to stop. You force your hands into fists, digging your blunt nails into your palms, focusing on the slight pinch there until your breathing becomes easier and you've regained feeling in the tips of your fingers. You hate feeling like this, like you're losing control. You just need to get yourself through until tonight. <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[You need to find Wyatt. | willoughbys]]</div>

<<set $wyattinfo to true>>It would have been stupid to go back to the hotel anyways, not with Montero and every Guild associate in the city so fresh on your tail-that'd be a path directly to you. So instead, you bid your time, wasting the day wandering about the city and lying low. By the time you've reached the rendezvous point, the sky is dark again and the streets are crowded, lessened only somewhat by the rain that continues to fall. As far as places Wyatt's dragged you to over the years--or more accurately, places you've had to drag Wyatt out of, Willoughby's Tavern is hardly the worst you've been to. You can tell the place is new, the oak scent of its wood finishes is still much more prevalent above the smells of stale beer and vomit odors that always tend to haunt these places. Scents that you know well by now, having played such a frequent role in your upbringing. The tavern is crowded tonight and it's obvious why Wyatt chose it as your homebase of sorts, all those weeks ago when you first arrived in the city. A fiddle player and piano man work away on the stage in the bar's corner, closest to where a large hearth warms the building. <<if $class is 'showman'>>Benny and Lou, you know them as--and normally, you'd be up there joining them in song. The tips you split with them have lined your pockets more than once--but with everything going on, you fake sick and tell them that you're losing your voice, that you should be show-ready in a few days, though you doubt you'll be around much longer. <</if>> You look around the wall-to-wall packed crowd, a mixture of tradesmen and business people, a few soldiers scattered about who still wear their uniforms. A good mix, with plenty of semi-deep pockets to skim from. People-pleasers that are all too eager to show off and get a few rounds out of, all fueled by the energy of the crowd or their own naivetè. Hot-heads, too pig-headed and arrogant to realize when they're being hustled. And then, of course, there's the ever present latter group of people who're just plain stupid, eager to believe anything a trusting face tells them. You can see Wyatt from where you stand amidst the crowd. He's gathered a small group around his table, making grand motions with his hands as he no doubt spins some extravagant lie for them--some sob story or another. You watch the way that some of them lean towards him, the way that their eyes remain glued to Wyatt, hanging on to every last word. From their demeanor, you think it's safe to assume that Wyatt's managed to rope in the latter group of people here tonight. You've been doing this long enough to know that he'll be a while, that he'll get pissed if you interrupt him, pull him out of their sphere--even if this is a matter of life and death. Tracking down and slaying Vampires, that may have been you and your hunting partner's calling, sure--it's what you were put on this earth to do--a promise made to the Family you've both lost. But grifting? Well, grifting is Wyatt Abrams' passion. It's a simple truth you learned long ago. Another truth? Better to put a bullet in your back than to interrupt <strong><<link "WYATT ABRAMS">><<set $codex_three to true>><<notify>>Codex Entry //WYATT ABRAMS// Unlocked<</notify>><</link>></strong> when he's working a crowd. <div class='choices-emphasis'><<if $class is 'conartist'>>[[Apparently, you have some time to kill. | w-conartist]]<<elseif $class is 'outlaw'>>[[Apparently, you have some time to kill. | w-outlaw]]<<elseif $class is 'healer'>>[[Apparently, you have some time to kill. | w-healer]]<<elseif $class is 'showman'>>[[Apparently, you have some time to kill. | w-showman]]<<elseif $class is 'thief'>>[[Apparently, you have some time to kill. | w-thief]]<<elseif $class is 'gambler'>>[[Apparently, you have some time to kill. | w-gambler]]<<elseif $class is 'slayer'>>[[Apparently, you have some time to kill. | w-slayer]]<</if>></div>

Naturally, you join him. Lies are always better, much more convincing when it's two people spouting the same story. They feed off one another, reinforcing what the other has to say as the truth. Bullshitting, telling stories, //lying//, this is what you're good at. And you'd be deceiving yourself if you said that had nothing to do with the man who raised you, (however believable that deceit may be.) Wyatt's had you spinning stories alongside him for as long as you can remember, but you like to believe it's your natural talent, your real feel for people as Wyatt calls it, your //charisma// that really gets you places. As you inch closer, you hear that Wyatt's concocted some business venture about land in Arizona. He's trying to convince some poor group of idiots that he's got a stream out there, filled to the brim with silver, as far as the eye can see. The only problem here being the fact that he's supposedly got some poor sick wife at home; who he just can't bear to part with any longer, certainly not long enough to waste any more time panning for silver. Point here being, he needs to get rid of the land fast--and he's willing to sell it for cheap too, anything to get back to the wife. And really, if these people honestly thought about it, wasn't what he was asking for just but a fraction of the fortune the buyer would be making off all that silver in the long run? You've only ever seen Wyatt pull this one off twice, maybe three times if you count that mess back in Florida. Pushing his falsified land claims is a hard enough task, nevermind the fact that it's gold, not silver, that you found in streams and rivers. You think that detail he's just thrown in to see how far he can really push it. You suppose that's just part of the thrill though, seeing how much you can get away with. “Oh, //thank goodness// you're here!” Wyatt says, turning in your direction as you come upon the table. Wyatt wraps an arm around your shoulders and pulls you in close. “Everybody, this here is my very own flesh and blood. Meet my $son.” “Well, $son, meet everybody,” Wyatt says, gesturing between you and the crowd with his free hand. You drag your gaze over the people in front of you, following his finger with your eyes as he points to each person, giving you their names. <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[“Howdy.” | w-conartist2]]</div>

You offer a two-fingered salute to the crowd around you, certain to keep your expression neutral--but still kind, just until you can get a feel for what kind of mood Wyatt's going for here. “Now, I was just telling these folks here all about the troubles we've been having lately, you know, with Ma laid up and all,” Wyatt says. He's thickened his natural accent in what you can only assume to be an extra effort at selling his story. The deep Georgian drawl he's leaned into is soft sounding and slowly spoken, carrying an almost fluid quality to it and to you at least, it sounds like complete and utter //bullshit//. But maybe that's just because you've heard it so many times, because on the other hand, these people, well, they're eating out of the palm of his hand. Wyatt turns to you looking expectant, making it clear that it's your turn to talk. The only question now is: how are you going to play this? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Rich ladies like these can hardly help themselves from giving to a charity case. | w-conartist3a][$barscheme to 1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[What's a little bit of heartbreak to keep the story flowing? | w-conartist3b][$barscheme to 2]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Play up the silver aspect--how you've seen the water run with precious metal. | w-conartist3c]] </div>

“Things have been rough lately, s'true,” you agree and after last night, that part isn't //entirely// a lie. You're careful to mimic Wyatt's accent, slowing your words down in a way that's taken practice. “'Specially now with the babies an' all.” “//Babies?//” One of the women repeats with a gasp. “Oh, //Mister Harrelson!//” She exclaims, calling after one of Wyatt' s pseudonyms. She reaches for his hand suddenly, clasping it between both of hers. “Mister Harrelson, you didn't tell us that there were children wrapped up in all this!” “Oh, yes,” Wyatt agrees, shifting in the woman's grasp in order to take her hand in his. He takes off his hat then, lowering his head before continuing on. “You see, it's just a bit too hard for me to speak on.” “My dear eldest, Pearl, this one's big sister, “ Wyatt continues, nodding his head in your direction. “God rest her soul. She'd just delivered twins, little Phillip and Paul--before she caught that same sickness that's got my wife laid up now. And then, just like that, my poor little girl passed in the night.” “That leaves us to look after the boys,” you pile on, leaning forward, scanning your gaze over the crowd. “Plus the rest of my little siblings //and// the farm all by ourselves while Mama's practically dyin' up in her room.” You feel Wyatt stiffen beside you before he hits your arm with his hat. It's an exaggerated motion, the hit harder than it needed to be.. “Now you watch your tongue!” Wyatt scolds you. “You'll tempt ol' death with words like them.” Under the table you kick at his leg, some small recompense for the hit which he grunts at. “Sorry, Pa,” you mumble then, dipping your head down low as you summon forth a few tears, hoping it's not overkill. “It's just, things have been //so// hard on us.” <<include 'conartist-end'>>

You clear your throat, blinking once or twice to summon forth tears. “It's true,” you choke out, adding a sniffle for good measure. “Things have been the worst I've ever seen them.” “What seems to be the trouble dear?” One of the women asks, placing a hand over your own. “A young thing like yourself--you shouldn't have anything to fret over.” You shake your head solemnly. “Oh, Miss, how I wish that were true. You see, Pops here--he and my Mama finally agreed to let me marry my sweetheart--the Stevens' kid a few farms down when…” you let yourself trail off, adding a certain quiver to your voice. “When, what?” Another one of the women asks. You shake your head and look away, making it a point to wipe away your forced tears. “Oh, it's just too painful for $him to talk about now, I reckon,” Wyatt says, picking up the ball you've dropped him. He lowers his voice. “The whole Stevens clan up and died from what we're suspecting my poor wife's laid up with now.” “//Oh!// You poor thing!” The first woman exclaims, reaching across the table to squeeze at your shoulder. You lean into the touch, offering her a nod of gratitude, your eyes lowered in a feigned sadness. “Such a tragedy,” the woman continues. “Losing the love of your life at such a young age.” <<include 'conartist-end'>>

“Things'd be a hell of a lot easier, if you let me head out to Arizona on my own,” you say, putting on an attitude and sending Wyatt a glare. You adopt the same accent Wyatt's elected to use tonight, but sped it up a little, making it sound younger, //angrier.// Wyatt shakes his head, offering you a stern look. “Now, how many times do I have to have this discussion with you? You're too young going out there all on your lonesome.” “I am //twenty-seven years-old//,” you assert, firming your jaw. “And that's sure as hell old enough to know when my crotchety old father's acting a fool--throwing away a fortune like that.” “Now that's enough out of you!” Wyatt says, before striking your arm with his hat. It's an exaggerated motion and certainly harder than it needed to be. Probably pay back for the crotchety comment. “I won't have you back-talking me in front of all these nice people.” You roll your eyes and turn back to the crowd, making it a point to single out the man in the crowd who seems to be least sold on your whole story. With smooth, combed-back hair and a clean-shaven face, he's wearing a suit that's much too expensive for a place like this. He stands tall, straight-backed as he remains some small ways from the table, his eyes darkened by the scrutinizing glare he directs towards you and Wyatt. “You,” you say, jutting your chin out towards him. “I'm old enough to head out there on my own, don't you think? Especially for such a pay off?” You watch as the man shifts his jaw. He's quiet for a long while until, in a low voice he asks: “What kind of pay off are we talking?” You work hard to suppress the smile that threatens to spread across your lips. You've got him. Throwing your hands forward, you flash your fingers full of silvered rings. All of which are genuine silver, none of them from any so-called silver stream in Arizona, however. “The kinda pay off that gets you these.” There are a few gasps that sound from the crowd around you and a few of the women poke at your hand, examining the jewelry further. The man's brows rise some small amount as he looks down at your fingers with wide eyes. “And all this is from your stream?” The man asks, his voice suddenly gruff. “Why, yes siree,” Wyatt agrees. “And there's a hell of a lot more where that came from, just waitin' to be panned.” You watch as the man across from you swallows before looking between the two of you and the woman beside him. There's another long pause before he answers. <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[“Well then, Mister Harrelson,” he says looking to Wyatt. “I guess we can come to a deal.” | conartist-bar]]</div>

“Oh, //Andy//!” Another one of the women cries, grabbing at the sleeve of a stiff-looking man sitting at the table with you. With smooth, combed-back hair and a clean-shaven face, Andy wears a suit that's much too expensive for a place like this. He stands tall, straight-backed as he remains some small ways away from the table, his eyes darkened by the scrutinizing glare he directs towards you and Wyatt. Andy keeps quiet for a long moment, shifting his jaw back and forth, seeming to grow more frustrated the longer you and Wyatt remain in his presence. “Do you really take us for such imbeciles as to believe such a sob story?” He asks, completely ignoring the women beside him. “Oh, //sir,//” you say, knitting your brows together in false worry. “I know how this all might be soundin' but, I promise you, on my poor <<if $barscheme is 1>>sister's<<elseif $barscheme is 2>>sweetheart's<</if>> soul, we wouldn't make all this tragedy up.” “Yeah,” he replies. “I'm sure you wouldn't.” Andy turns to Wyatt then, looking him up and down. “And what of this silver stream in Arizona? Now, I'm sure I'd finally get out there after weeks of travel only to find nothing but a bunch of red rocks.” Some of the other people in Andy's little party begin to shy away from the table, humming with him in agreement. You're losing them. “Well, I'm right sorry that you feel that way, sir,” Wyatt says, keeping his voice low. “But I do have to ask you something.” You ready yourself as Wyatt grabs at your wrist and thrusts it towards the man across from you, putting your fingers adorned with silver rings on full display. All of which are genuine silver, none of which from any so-called silver stream in Arizona. “Do these look like red rocks to you?” Wyatt asks. There are a few gasps that sound from the crowd around you and some of the women poke at your hand, examining the jewelry further. Andy's brows rise some small amount as he looks down at your fingers with wide eyes. “And all this is from your stream?” He asks, his voice suddenly gruff. “Why, yes siree,” Wyatt agrees. “And there's a hell of a lot more where that came from, just waitin' to be panned.” “Oh, Andy, //please//, we just //have// to help them.” The same woman from before chimes in. Andy swallows then, before looking between the two of you and the woman beside him. There's a long pause before he answers. <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[“Well then, Mister Harrelson,” he says looking to Wyatt. “I guess we can come to a deal.” | conartist-bar]]</div>

Wyatt wastes no time in presenting the doubting Thomas with a fabricated deed, offering him a hand-drawn map of Arizona that highlights just where his so-called stream is located. With quick goodbyes made, the two of you watch as the small posse of rich folk exit the tavern before Wyatt ushers you to the bar. This morning before your little chase through the streets, you had exactly enough coinage to buy a single drink--but thanks to Wyatt's little silver charade, you won't need to worry about funds. At least, not for a little while. Wyatt orders the two of you each a drink, a grin spread wide across his face. Swiftly does the bartender come over and pour you something, handing over the glass into your welcoming hand. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[But you have to be careful, cause more often than not that one drink turns into two, which turns into three… | conartist-alc1][$alcoholism to 1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You can handle yourself around booze. Usually. | conartist-alc2][$alcoholism to 2]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't have any issues when it comes to the bottle. | conartist-alc3][$alcoholism to 3]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't drink. You're sipping on a soda. | conartist-alc4][$alcoholism to 4]] </div>

Wyatt likes to give you shit about the empties you hide away in your rucksack beneath the bed, but honestly, he's one to talk. <<include 'conartist-bar2'>>

It's only when things get bad do you really have to worry about it. Not to say that things are often particularly //good//, but for the most part you've got a handle over it. <<include 'conartist-bar2'>>

At the very least, that's not one of the habits you've picked up from Wyatt over the years. <<include 'conartist-bar2'>>

You've lived with Wyatt long enough to be scared off by the bottle. You're good with the fizzy soda pops the bars sometimes serve, plus you like the little zing of energy they always seem to give you. <<include 'conartist-bar2'>>

“Good job, <strong><<cycle "$kid" autoselect>><<option "kid">><<option "sweetheart">><<option "junior">><<option "sonny">><<option "dearie">><<option "buddy">><<option "pal">><<option "kiddo">><<option "darlin'">><<update>><</cycle>></strong>,” Wyatt says, leaning in close. He holds his glass high in the air in front of you, waiting for a response. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“What can I say?” You hit his glass with your own and take a sip. “I learned from the best.” | conartist-bar3a]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You say nothing, merely clinking your glass against his before taking a drink. | conartist-bar3b]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Ignore the drinks. “Wyatt, we need to talk.” | conartist-bar3c]] </div>

Wyatt smiles into his drink. “Damn right you did.” <<include 'conartist-bar4'>>

<<include 'conartist-bar4'>>

Wyatt rolls his eyes before downing his drink. “Jeez, $kid, can't you ever just, you know, enjoy a moment? I mean hell, I could be lecturing you about how long you took with this last job, but I'm not, now am I? Gotta focus on the pos-i-tives.” He says //positive// in the same way he always does, putting heavy emphasis on each of the syllables of the word. “Yeah, Wyatt,” you say, biting down hard against the inside of your cheek. “You've just got sunshine shooting right out your ass.” <<include 'conartist-bar4'>>

“So,” Wyatt says after a beat. “What the hell happened to you?” You open your mouth to answer then, when Wyatt holds up a finger, stopping you. “And don't give me any bullshit, acting like I can't see the way you're hunched over like that, Jesus, $kid, I mean--you can't even stand up straight. You look like shit.” You snort into your glass, taking another sip. “Is it that obvious?” “Uh-huh,” Wyatt says, nodding. “So, what the hell happened?” “Long story. Doesn't matter. We need to talk.” “Somebody's taken a hit out on us,” you say. <<include 'wyatt-reaction'>>

If Wyatt's gonna make you wait, you might as well make this worth your while. You have more in common with Wyatt than maybe you'd like to admit. But at least you're subtle about it. These people make it too easy, really. Ahead of you lies a few different options in terms of marks. Close to the exit, a soldier stands alone at his table, sipping at a beer. He's hunched over, his hat discarded to the side as he buries his face in his drink. Somewhere to the left of him, a crowd of his fellow soldiers circle around another table, laughing and talking amongst themselves. He's been left isolated for one reason or another—either way it makes for an easy target, if a little bit risky, considering the whole armed military-man aspect. Near the bar a wealthy looking woman sips from her drink, looking uncomfortable and oh so out of place. She's dressed far too nice for an establishment such as this, her hair done up big beneath a sizable hat, decorated with flowers and birds. Beneath her arm lies a rather large purse--where something moves inside. Upon further inspection you find that she's carrying a small dog with her, who to its credit--seems remarkably well behaved for being in such a crowded environment. It always feels good to steal from the rich, but something about robbing this lady almost feels too easy. Lastly in the midst of the crowd is the server, carrying their tray high above their head filled with glasses both empty and full. Around their waist is a belt, carrying a small satchel you can only assume is for tips--and god does it look hefty. Maybe not the most virtuous thing in the world to be stealing from service workers--but it's a dog eat dog world, and you're mighty hungry. Who'll you be going after tonight? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[The soldier | thief-2a]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[The heiress | thief-2b]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[The server | thief-2c]] </div>

You've always enjoyed a challenge, especially one that comes with a little bit of a risk. Hatching a plan, you order yourself a drink from the bar to use as a prop in your little charade. You look down at the glass, tempting yourself a little sip. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[But you have to be careful, cause more often than not that one drink turns into two, which turns into three… | thief-alca1][$alcoholism to 1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You can handle yourself around booze. Usually. | thief-alca2][$alcoholism to 2]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't have any issues when it comes to the bottle. | thief-alca3][$alcoholism to 3]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't drink. You're sipping on a soda | thief-alca4][$alcoholism to 4]] </div>

Wyatt likes to give you shit about the empties you hide away in your rucksack beneath the bed, but honestly, he's one to talk. <<include 'thief-3a'>>

It's only when things get bad do you really have to worry about it. Not to say that things are often particularly //good//, but for the most part you've got a handle over it. <<include 'thief-3a'>>

At the very least, that's not one of the habits you've picked up from Wyatt over the years. <<include 'thief-3a'>>

Carrying your drink high above your head, you maneuver through the crowd over to your soldier friend, sure to keep steady and balanced with it until you find yourself just in front of your mark, where you make a big show of tripping and spilling your drink across the front of the man, falling into his chest. You keep one hand planted on his middle, which you find stiffened beneath your touch. In the confusion, you let your other hand fall to his wrist, finding a watch wrapped about it. //Bingo.// Swiftly, with nimble fingers, you unbutton the snaps on the band, pulling it free and stealthily pocketing it before he notices. “What the hell is wrong with you?” The soldier all but shouts in your ear, but you don't remove yourself from his chest just yet. “Oh shoot,” you mutter, eyeing a cloth on the table beside him. You pick it up, beginning to dab the wet spots on his coat, moving in a pattern of up and down. “Oh shoot,” you repeat. “I'm so //so// sorry sir, I'm so clumsy.” “You sure you're not just drunk?” He asks and you thin your lips into a line. Well, isn't he charming? You move your rag down towards the belt at his waist, snatching forth the blade that sits at his hip, concealing the grab with your opposite hand. “So, so, sorry sir,” you say again, before pushing yourself off him and depositing the rag on the table. The man scoffs. “Yeah, you should be.” You ignore the comment though, and move towards the exit, it's best not to stick around and wait for him to discover what's missing. Outside, you find that the rain has returned, and you take shelter beneath an awning some ways away from the bar to examine your treasure. The watch, you find, is wrapped in a cheap leather band, though there may be some genuine gold in the metal work. The blade on the other hand, is more of the real prize. Plated in precious metals and jewel encrusted, this blade certainly isn't standard military issue. Who the hell did you just rob? The thought is quickly shrugged off though, replaced with a certain giddiness at the idea of what kind of payday the blade will get you. <<include 'thief-end'>>

You've found that out of place rich folk are amongst the easiest to rob. Hatching a plan, you order yourself a drink from the bar to use as a prop in your little charade. You look down at the glass, tempting yourself a little sip. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[But you have to be careful, cause more often than not that one drink turns into two, which turns into three… | thief-alcb1][$alcoholism to 1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You can handle yourself around booze. Usually. | thief-alcb2][$alcoholism to 2]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't have any issues when it comes to the bottle. | thief-alcb3][$alcoholism to 3]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't drink. You're sipping on a soda | thief-alcb4][$alcoholism to 4]] </div>

Wyatt likes to give you shit about the empties you hide away in your rucksack beneath the bed, but honestly, he's one to talk. <<include 'thief-3b'>>

It's only when things get bad do you really have to worry about it. Not to say that things are often particularly //good//, but for the most part you've got a handle over it. <<include 'thief-3b'>>

At the very least, that's not one of the habits you've picked up from Wyatt over the years. <<include 'thief-3b'>>

Carrying your drink high above your head, you maneuver through the crowd over to the woman, sure to keep steady and balanced with it until you find yourself just in front of your mark. Making a big show of tripping and falling, you spill your drink across the woman's front. She shrieks at the splash back, no doubt caught off guard by the sudden spillage. “Oh shoot!” you mutter. “Oh shoot, I'm so so sorry, Miss, is your puppy-dog okay?” The heiress looks up at you from her wet blouse with widened eyes, as if the realization to check on her dog has just dawned over her. In a rush, she places the purse down on the floor beside her and reaches in for the small dog. “Oh you poor, poor baby,” she coos to the dog, and you fight the urge to roll your eyes. The dog itself remains wholly dry--you'd been careful to only splash the woman with your drink. The dog seems fine, despite her owner's anxiety, if a little annoyed with all the fussing. Not wasting any time, you take the opportunity then to snatch up at the puppy-free purse and move towards the exit. Outside, you find that the rain has returned and you take shelter beneath an awning some ways away from the bar to examine your treasure. Sifting through the purse you find that it's of some good quality--which makes sense considering the rich woman's attire. Inside it you find a good lump of cash-- ten dollars--all in crisp bills--something that could sustain you for weeks if you play your cards right. “Holy shit,” you mutter to yourself, not believing your own luck. Your hands shake a little as you grip the small pile of bills, before you quickly fold up the notes and stick it in your shirt pocket, keeping it close to your heart. <<include 'thief-end'>>

Hatching a plan, you order yourself a drink from the bar to use as a prop in your little charade. You look down at the glass, tempting yourself a little sip. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[But you have to be careful, cause more often than not that one drink turns into two, which turns into three… | thief-alcc1][$alcoholism to 1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You can handle yourself around booze. Usually. | thief-alcc2][$alcoholism to 2]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't have any issues when it comes to the bottle. | thief-alcc3][$alcoholism to 3]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't drink. You're sipping on a soda | thief-alcc4][$alcoholism to 4]] </div>

Wyatt likes to give you shit about the empties you hide away in your rucksack beneath the bed, but honestly, he's one to talk. <<include 'thief-3c'>>

It's only when things get bad do you really have to worry about it. Not to say that things are often particularly //good//, but for the most part you've got a handle over it. <<include 'thief-3c'>>

At the very least, that's not one of the habits you've picked up from Wyatt over the years. <<include 'thief-3c'>>

Carrying your drink high above your head, you maneuver through the crowd over to the server, where you make a big show of tripping falling in front of them, spilling the contents of your glass all down their shirt. “What the hell!” They cry out, jumping back in a way that makes the contents of their tray wobble. “Oh, I'm so sorry,” you say, moving one of your hands to the tray in an attempt to help steady the glasses sitting atop it. “I'm so sorry,” you repeat, making sure their attention lies on the shaky glasses, while your other hand moves towards their belt. With quick and nimble fingers, you pull free their coin purse, snatching the bag and throwing it in your pocket. “What is wrong with you?” The server exclaims. You open your mouth to respond, but they cut you off. “You know what, I don't want to know. I'm telling the bartenders you're cut off.” You nod then in an attempt to look apologetic. “I'm so so sorry,” you mutter again, walking back towards the exit. Outside, you find that the rain has returned, and you take shelter beneath an awning some small ways away from the bar to examine your new treasure. Sifting through the coin purse, you find about a dollar and seventy-three cents. Not your greatest find, but you'll take it. <<include 'thief-end'>>

If Wyatt's gonna make you wait, you might as well make this worth your while. These types of places always have some sort of gambling going on. You look around to see if you can find anybody to pocket winnings from. You scan the room, making a few passes over the crowd with your eyes before you spot it: a frosted glass door in the room's far corner. You find that darkness lies on the other side of the window as you move closer, save for the small glow of a few candles highlighting the small amount of movement inside. You twist at the handle, finding--to your surprise--that it remains unlocked, before slipping inside the room to investigate further. Speaking in hushed whispers, five men sit hunched around a table. Behind them stand two more people, backs to the wall with arms crossed, intently watching the scene before them. Guards if you had to guess. Clearly, you've stumbled upon a group of important people. Or at least, a group of people who //think// themselves important. For a brief moment, the possibility that this could be some sort of Guild meet-up passes through your mind, causing a brief wave of panic to wash over you. The anxiety subsides however, once you catch a glimpse of the playing cards being shuffled between the players. The Guild may be famous for their secretive gambling and card tournaments, sure, but never would they hold one as out in the open as this one seems to be. It looks like you've found your game. Approaching the table of men slowly, you stop just short of the crowd, sticking out your hand in a wave. “Well, hello, fellas.” The room's darkness must have shrouded you enough that the sound of your voice gives them all a jolt, each player's attention snapping to you before the guards pull their pistols on you. Well, shit. Okay, so, maybe surprising them wasn't the //best// approach, but hey, you've been in stickier situations. (Not excluding, of course, this morning.) Right, so: guns pointed at your head. “Woah, woah,” you throw your hands up immediately, taking a few steps back. “Look, I don't want any trouble here…” “You seem lost. This is a private game,” a bearded man, seated at the head of the table says. The eyes of the men around the table shift between you and him, watching who'll make the next move. It seems you've found the leader of this little game. “Well in that case,” you say, letting a sheepish grin spread across your face. You spare another glance at the guns pointed toward you. “Whaddya say, fellas? Room for one more?” “You?” The leader chokes out, looking you up and down. “You ever even seen a deck of cards before $boy?” The other men at the table laugh at the remark, but the guards don't relax so easily. With guns still pointed straight for your head, you need to think fast. At the very least, you have a couple options for how to play this. Options are good, right? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“Well,” you say, letting the smile across your face morph into something shy. “I always did wanna learn how to play.” | gambler-2a]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“Cute.” You pull up a chair and squeeze yourself between two of the other players. “So, are we playing, or what?” | gambler-2b]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“Why so defensive?” You ask, one hand on your hip as you use the other to gesture towards the guards. “Afraid some little kid off the street is gonna beat you at your own game?” | gambler-2c]] </div>

A hungry grin spreads across the leader's face, taking your bait and lavishing in the scent of an easy mark. “Well, now, we're nothing if not willing teachers. Ain't that right boys?” The men around him chatter in agreement, clearly as excited about an easy win as their boss. “Only question now is, have you got anything to bet with?” You're careful to let your face drop, making a show of patting your pockets. “Oh, //shoot//,” you mutter, watching as the leader begins losing his patience with each pocket you turn inside out, finding nothing more than lint. “Look, here, kid…if you ain't got nothing to bet…” “//Wait!//” You say finally, continuing on with the charade. You flash your fingers forward into the light, putting the variety of silver rings that adorn your fingers on full display. “How 'bout these? Will they do?” His eyes go bright again at the sight of your jewelry. <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[“Oh, now, those'll do just fine.” | gambler-3]]</div>

It's a bold move and you know it. You're just hoping that this asshole respects bold moves. The men seated around you shift in protest, grumbling collectively as the guards move towards you, sending you tensing, readying yourself for a fight. But the boss sticks a hand up, stopping the guards and silencing his friends. WIth eyes narrowed towards you, he lets out a laugh. “Alright, hotshot,” he says. “What might you be contributing to the pot?” You let out a sigh, relief flowing through you. Confidence regained, you let a smirk tug at your lips. Tilting your head sideways, you splay out your fingers in front of you, putting the variety of silver rings that adorn your fingers on full display. “I'm sure these'll prove to be plenty enough.” The man looks between your fingers, before glancing back to you and then to the rings again. <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[“Well, what are we waiting for boys?” | gambler-3]]</div>

Poking the bear doesn't always play to your advantage, though, you're hoping the risk here will pay off. The man lets out a scoff, clearly unimpressed with the comment. “Hardly.” “So, what are you waiting for then?” You push further. “Deal me in.” He stares at you for a long moment, shifting at his jaw. Deciding if this is worth it. “Street kid even got any money to be playing with?” He asks. “Something even better,” you reply, splaying out your fingers in front of you, putting the variety of silver rings on each of your fingers on full display. He laughs again, eyes flicking between your hand and eyes. “Gonna enjoy taking those from you.” He waves off the guards and nods to the man beside him. <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[“Deal the kid in.” | gambler-3]]</div>

By the time the game's over, you manage to walk away from the grumbling table of men with an old gold wedding band, a full, copper-plated cigarette case and a little pile of money. You're sure to exit the room quickly, not wanting to risk any disputes over a reanalysis of //just// how well you played, finding yourself a spot at the bar and ordering a drink. You look down at the glass once the bartender sends it over, tempting yourself a little sip. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[But you have to be careful, cause more often than not that one drink turns into two, which turns into three… | gambler-alc1][$alcoholism to 1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You can handle yourself around booze. Usually. | gambler-alc2][$alcoholism to 2]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't have any issues when it comes to the bottle. | gambler-alc3][$alcoholism to 3]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't drink. You're sipping on a soda | gambler-alc4][$alcoholism to 4]] </div>

Wyatt likes to give you shit about the empties you hide away in your rucksack beneath the bed, but honestly, he's one to talk. <<include 'gambler-conclusion'>>

At the very least, that's not one of the habits you've picked up from Wyatt over the years. <<include 'gambler-conclusion'>>

If Wyatt's going to make you wait, you might as well make this worth your while. You've always been a little more up front about your wrong-doings than you think Wyatt would prefer. You're a thief. A criminal. An outlaw. You don't see much point in dancing around that fact. Hiding it would just be dishonest. And though Wyatt didn't exactly raise you to be //good// per say, you do pride yourself on your honesty. Your targets are plenty in a place like this and as you study each one, you sip from your drink, leaned up against the bar. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[But you have to be careful, because more often than not that one drink turns into two, which turns into three… | outlaw-alc1][$alcoholism to 1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You can handle yourself around booze. Usually. | outlaw-alc2][$alcoholism to 2]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't have any issues when it comes to the bottle. | outlaw-alc3][$alcoholism to 3]] <i class='material-icons'>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't drink. You're sipping on a soda. | outlaw-alc4][$alcoholism to 4]] </div>

Wyatt likes to give you shit about the empties you hide away in your rucksack beneath the bed, but honestly, he's one to talk. <<include 'outlaw-2'>>

It's only when things get bad do you really have to worry about it. Not to say that things are often particularly //good//, but for the most part you've got a handle over it. <<include 'outlaw-2'>>

At the very least, that's not one of the habits you've picked up from Wyatt over the years. <<include 'outlaw-2'>>

You've lived with Wyatt long enough to be scared off by the bottle. You're good with the fizzy soda pops that the bars sometimes serve, plus you like the little zing of energy they always seem to give you. <<include 'outlaw-2'>>

While there's plenty to choose from in terms of who you'll be robbing this evening, with all the shit you've been put through this morning, you could really use a win. You're focusing now on the easier marks. Your eyes settle on a crowd of drunkards in the far corner of the bar, near the door. It's early in the night but you've already seen one empty the contents of his stomach across another one's shoes. <<if $alc is 1 or $alc is 2>>Part of you feels for him. You've certainly been there before.<</if>> Worse yet, they're loud, rowdy and from the looks of the barkeep, you've been watching out of the corner of your eye, he wants them gone. It'll just be a matter of time before he kicks them out. It seems all you have to do is wait. Draining the rest of your drink, you leave the empty glass behind on the bar, moving towards the drunks carefully; a hunter stalking its prey. You're cautious, not quite ready to make your first move. Instead, you find a place in the shadows of the bar, an advanced position to wait, where you cover the lower half of your face with a bandana. You watch until one of them drops a glass. A woman near them screams, a couple more jump and your eyes shoot to the barkeep, who it seems has finally had enough. “Alright!” Shouts the bartender. “That's enough. I want you out, the whole lot of you! //Now.//” “What?” One of them slurs, stepping forward to approach the bartender. He stumbles a little, almost falling flat on his face as he moves, but by some miracle, he manages to keep upright. “Hank,” one of the men emerges from the crowd and tugs at the aggravator's sleeve, seemingly, remarkably more sober than his friend. “Let's just go--I think you've had enough.” “Well, I'm not leaving,” Hank says, shrugging his friend off, stepping towards the bartender. He places his hands on hips, an action you're sure is more for his own balance than anything else. He inches closer and closer to the barkeep, who has since abandoned the safety of the space behind his taps for the sea of a crowd in front of him. The piano player and fiddler have stopped their music as patrons around the pair hold their breath, waiting to see what happens next. “Out. //Now//,” The bartender says, speaking through his teeth. Hank steps back then, throwing his arm back in clear--albeit, sloppy--movement that gives way to his intentions; he's looking to hit the bartender. A punch that's intercepted by his friend from earlier, stepping in front of him and grabbing his arm once more. “Sorry, sorry, sir,” Hank's friend says, stepping between the two men. He drags Hank's fist downwards, pinning both of his friends arms to his side as he spins Hank around towards the door. “We'll be going now.” “I think that'd be wise,” the bartender replies, watching as the friend rounds up the small gaggle of men and ushers them towards the door. You watch as the group exits and the bar settles down once more, the musicians picking up with their song and the rest of the patrons chatting amongst themselves once more. Internally, you count to thirty before moving towards the door and following the crowd outside. <<nobr> <br> <<if $primaryweapon is 'stake'>>Strapped to the back of your belt is your pair of silver-daggers in their horizontal sheaths. They're old, certainly older than you, older even than Wyatt. These things are heirlooms. You know some sick Abrams collectors out there would pay quite the pretty penny to get their hands on them, but these aren't something you could ever part with.<br> <br> These are monster hunting tools, designed for slaying Vampires. But you suppose they have their other uses too. <</if>> <</nobr>> You pull one of your daggers free as you trail behind the small crowd, hiding it in your sleeve. In total there's five of them. And usually, if you were talking about anyone other than yourself, you'd say that five against one are never pretty odds. But this is you, against a crowd of drunks. If it's unfair to anybody, you'd have to say it's them. You stalk them for a few blocks, until the street lights disappear and the likelihood of any do-gooder interference is minimal. One of them is asking the others if they're quite sure that they've gone the right way, when you're careful to grab at the only sober one and hold a knife to his throat. “Your pockets,” you say, lowering your voice to a tone that's deeper than your natural one, bringing about some gruffness that may or may have taken some inspiration from Wyatt. The sober one is a little stupid, he panics and tries to elbow you in the chest, something your grip his hair harder then, digging the very edge of your knife into his skin, just enough to draw blood. “Empty your pockets,” you repeat. “Throw your shit on the ground and your friend lives.” “Just--just do what he says,” the man in your arms pleads <<if $man is 'man'>>.<<elseif $man is 'woman' or $man is 'person'>> and you roll your eyes. Why do your victims always assume you're a man?<</if>> Stumbling as they sift through their own pockets, you hear the clatter of change as it hits the cobblestone, along with a few metallic clatters and one solid //thump.// “Now turn around,” you say to the crowd at large, “Start walking, count to sixty and your friend'll catch up.” It seems you've scared them enough that they don't have to think twice about scattering, unfortunately for your hostage, in all different directions. Once a minute has passed you push the man in your arms to the ground. “Get out of here,” you say, watching as he picks himself up and actually //thanks// you, before running off. Picking up your new loot, you find about six dollars in change, a few pieces of jewelry and //holy shit//, one of these guys had a gun. A laugh escapes you. It seems they were too drunk to think to use it on you. Pocketing everything, you turn around and move back to the bar. Hopefully Wyatt will be done with his little theatrics soon <<include 'thief-end'>>

You've never killed anyone for hire. Murdering for money wasn't necessarily a line you were prepared to cross. But you could hurt people for a quick buck. It was mostly standing around and looking tough, guarding a couple high-profile criminals ((or rather, people who thought themselves to be high-profile criminals)) Rarely, if ever, did you have to do any bone-breaking or head-smashing. None of it was exactly //honest// work. No, you'd never be that type of person. But it wasn't exactly the same as what Wyatt did either--no your work sat in a gray middle ground distinctly between right and wrong. It'd never be honest, no, but it was something you could sleep with at night. <<include 'slayer-3'>>

You picked up a few jobs getting things over the border across lake Ontario. You and Wyatt had spent a little time in Canada--your early mornings and late evenings spent upon shipping boats sending things back and forth between Toronto and the States. If anyone ever asked you about it, truthfully, you wouldn't have much of anything interesting to share--a lot of it was just common goods the sellers didn't want to pay anything for transporting it across the border. The most exciting adventure had come when the border police chased after the boat you were working on for a mile or two, but even they were placated with a bribe. None of it was exactly //honest// work. No, you'd never be that type of person. But it wasn't exactly the same as what Wyatt did either--no your work sat in a gray middle ground distinctly between right and wrong. It'd never be honest, no, but it was something you could sleep with at night. <<include 'slayer-3'>>

Private investigating is hardly anything different than your prep work for staking vamps. You'd helped find a missing daughter and a bunch of cheating husbands--nothing terribly interesting, but it was the closest thing to honest work you or Wyatt would ever get. <<include 'slayer-3'>>

Nights like this have always meant that you'd sit and wait at the bar, nursing the same drink the whole evening, waiting for some trouble to stir up that you'd have to drag Wyatt's sorry ass out of. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[But you have to be careful, cause more often than not that one drink turns into two, which turns into three… | slayer-alc1][$alcoholism to 1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You can handle yourself around booze. Usually. | slayer-alc2][$alcoholism to 2]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't have any issues when it comes to the bottle. | slayer-alc3][$alcoholism to 3]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't drink. You're sipping on a soda | slayer-alc4][$alcoholism to 4]] </div>

Wyatt likes to give you shit about the empties you hide away in your rucksack beneath the bed, but honestly, he's one to talk. <<include 'slayer-4'>>

It's only when things get bad do you really have to worry about it. Not to say that things are often particularly //good//, but for the most part you've got a handle over it. <<include 'slayer-4'>>

At the very least, that's not one of the habits you've picked up from Wyatt over the years. <<include 'slayer-4'>>

If this were any other night, a big bar like this might even prove to be a good networking opportunity for you. There's always some sort of underworld you could make a pretty penny off of connected to places like these, it's never been too hard to find work if you looked close enough. But thanks to you new Guild friends and the Moreaus, you don't think now is the best time to be looking for new work. So instead, you find yourself at the edge of the bar and plant yourself there, waiting. <<include 'post-scheme-wyatt'>>

Wyatt's always said this part of your life is necessary, the scamming, something you've never been so sure of. In his mind, any money that could be made off hunting work, Guild bounty or otherwise was not money worth taking. But that's fine, you suppose. Hunting has always been your focus, but when it came to making money, you've just always preferred the honesty of medicine. You've made your coin as a traveling healer and there's always something people have to offer in favor of stitching them up or delivering a baby; even if it wasn't money, a hot meal or a place to stay goes a long way. Wyatt's always carried some sense of pride in the fact that you took up medicine--even in your crude, traditional way. He liked to brag that his kid was a //doctor// even though you've never so much as stepped a foot inside a university. If this were any other night, a big bar like this might even prove to be a good networking opportunity for you--there's always somebody in need somewhere, and your prices have always been cheaper than the local doc. But thanks to you new Guild friends and the Moreaus, you don't think now is the best time to be looking for new work. So instead, you find yourself at the edge of the bar and plant yourself there, waiting. Nights like this have always meant that you'd sit and wait at the bar, nursing the same drink the whole evening, waiting for some trouble to stir up that you'd have to drag Wyatt's sorry ass out of. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons'style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[But you have to be careful, cause more often than not that one drink turns into two, which turns into three… | healer-alc1][$alcoholism to 1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You can handle yourself around booze. Usually. | healer-alc2][$alcoholism to 2]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't have any issues when it comes to the bottle. | healer-alc3][$alcoholism to 3]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't drink. You're sipping on a soda | healer-alc4][$alcoholism to 4]] </div>

Wyatt likes to give you shit about the empties you hide away in your rucksack beneath the bed, but honestly, he's one to talk. <<include 'healer-2'>>

It's only when things get bad do you really have to worry about it. Not to say that things are often particularly //good//, but for the most part you've got a handle over it. <<include 'healer-2'>>

At the very least, that's not one of the habits you've picked up from Wyatt over the years. <<include 'healer-2'>>

<<include 'post-scheme-wyatt'>>

Wyatt's always said this part of your life is necessary, the scamming, something you've never been so sure of. In his mind, any money that could be made off hunting work, Guild bounty or otherwise was not money worth taking. But that's fine, you suppose. But even still, you've had arguments about this, where he's accused you of thinking yourself better than the life he could give you--the life of a con-man--just because you never liked to scheme. When the fact is, that couldn't be further from the truth. Hunting has always been your focus, but when it came to making money, you've just always preferred the honesty of a performance. Nights like these you usually take up with the band, belting your little heart out for tips, playing on borrowed instruments. But thanks to you new Guild friends and the Moreaus, you don't think now is the best time to be looking for new work. So instead, you find yourself at the edge of the bar and plant yourself there, waiting, sipping on a drink. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[But you have to be careful, cause more often than not that one drink turns into two, which turns into three… | showman-alc1][$alcoholism to 1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You can handle yourself around booze. Usually. | showman-alc2][$alcoholism to 2]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't have any issues when it comes to the bottle. | showman-alc3][$alcoholism to 3]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[You don't drink. You're sipping on a soda | showman-alc4][$alcoholism to 4]] </div>

Wyatt likes to give you shit about the empties you hide away in your rucksack beneath the bed, but honestly, he's one to talk. <<include 'showman-2'>>

It's only when things get bad do you really have to worry about it. Not to say that things are often particularly //good//, but for the most part you've got a handle over it. <<include 'showman-2'>>

At the very least, that's not one of the habits you've picked up from Wyatt over the years. <<include 'showman-2'>>

<<include 'post-scheme-wyatt'>>

Tonight, it seems most of Wyatt's prospects go over smoothly, all save for the one man in the crowd who gets a little too loud and a little too agitated a little too quickly. Your hands instinctively go to your back where your daggers sit on your belt as you rise out of your seat, ready to jump into whatever scuffle no doubt awaits when you see Wyatt gesture at the man, flashing some of your silver rings you let him borrow. The action seems to settle the man down, leaving him further engaged in Wyatt's act. You look down at your hands then, fingers feeling bare where some of the rings are missing. Usually, a few decorate each of your fingers, but since you lent some to Wyatt last night, only half your usual collection remains on your hands. Not long after the little uproar does Wyatt wrap things over to the bar beside you, feigned relief still painting his face as he exits the confrontation. To most, this expression would seem genuine, you, however, can read it for what it really is: smugness. “Lord above, <<if $son is 'son'>>boy-o<<elseif $son is 'daughter'>>girlie<<elseif $son is 'kid'>>kiddo<</if>> would it kill you to stop looking so miserable for half a minute?” He asks. You throw him a sideways glance, taking another sip of your drink. You're not in the mood. Wyatt nudges your shoulder then. “Oh, c'mon, perk up a bit, would you, <strong><<cycle '$kid' autoselect>><<option 'kid'>><<option 'sweetheart'>><<option 'junior'>><<option 'sonny'>><<option 'dearie'>><<option 'bud'>><<option 'pal'>><<option 'kiddo'>><<option 'darlin'>><<update>><</cycle>></strong>.” <<include 'weneedtotalk'>>

“We need to talk,” you say, unamused. “Ah, hell,” Wyatt groans out, his face dropping. “Don't tell me they got away, //Christ,//--we were so close to wrapping up here--” “No, Wyatt, it's not that. //That's// taken care of--” “Oh?” He asks. “Good then. Took you long enough, considering you were supposed to meet me back here, //last// night.” Wyatt throws you a sidelong glance, taking a sip from his drink. “Besides, this is a time for celebration, <strong><<cycle '$k_iddo' autoselect>><<option 'kiddo'>><<option 'sweetheart'>><<option 'junior'>><<option 'sonny'>><<option 'bud'>><<option 'pal'>><<option 'kid'>><<option 'darlin'>><<update>><</cycle>></strong>.” “You see that man over there?” Wyatt asks, pointing to the one making all the noise earlier. He's going around to the people around him, flashing a fabricated deed that you watched Wyatt hand him earlier. “Well, that man just bought a whole stream of silver.” Wyatt begins to ramble, to rattle off about what an idiot his buyer had been. //Didn' he know that silver had to be mined? This was like taking candy from a baby, honestly.// He pays particular mind to the buyer's wife, who egged on her husband throughout the whole interaction. //She was eating Wyatt's sob story right out of the palm of his hand.// His spiel goes on for a long while, his voice fading into the background as the events of this morning replay in your mind. A ringing's begun carrying through your ears, as your hands start to tingle. You glance down at your drink, noticing the small waves in the liquid created by your shaking palms. “Somebody's taken a hit out on us.” You blurt it out, your head snapping to Wyatt to see that he's lurched back in confusion. You watch him as he tightens his jaw, his eyes searching your face for a long moment. Probably, trying to discern if you're screwing with him or not. He laughs then a moment, his reaction this big, loud thing that startles you. “Who hasn't?” He asks. You shake your head, huffing out a sharp rush of air through your nose. “I'm serious, Wyatt. You need to listen to me this is a big deal--” “Oh, c'mon, $kid, everything's always a big deal with you,” Wyatt says, rolling his eyes. “What have I always told you? You gotta learn to relax every once in a while--not everything is the end of the world.” You tense up. You hate when he tells you to relax. “Wyatt.” “What?” He asks, his voice going up a register. “There were men, Wyatt. They took the Vamp--” you stop yourself, looking around before continuing, sure to mind your language amongst the crowd. “They handled some of your //friends// who were after me. The LeBeaus.” “The LeBeaus?” Wyatt repeats, any trace of joking in his tone gone. “Shit. Well what do they want with us?” <<if $church is 'runt'>>“Well for starters, probably the five grand they got on each of our heads.<<elseif $church is 'leader'>>"Well for starters, probably the ten grand they got on my head. You only got seven."<<elseif $church is 'run'>>"Well for starters, probably the big bucks they got on each of our heads.”<</if>> <<if $church is 'runt'>>Wyatt nearly chokes on his drink. “Five thousand dollars? For little old me? Hell, I might as well turn myself in.”<<elseif $church is 'leader'>>“How the hell'd you get more than me?”<<elseif $church is 'run'>>“What kind of big bucks are we talking here? I might want to turn you in for the pay off.” <</if>> You hit his arm. “//Jack-ass.// This is serious.” “I //am// serious,” Wyatt says, smiling a moment before he lets his face drop. “Shit. It's fine, this is fine. I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding. We can figure this out.” You can't help but doubt him. “That's what you always say.” “And I'm always right, ain't I?” He replies. The two of you are quiet then, watching the crowd and sitting in the realization of just how screwed the two of you are. “So, silver stream huh?” You ask when the quiet between you has become too much to bear. You've only ever seen Wyatt pull that particular scheme off twice, maybe three times if you count that mess back in Florida. Pushing his falsified land claims is a hard enough task, nevermind the fact that it's gold, not silver, that you found in streams and rivers. You think that detail he's just thrown in to see how far he can really push it. You suppose that's just part of the thrill though, seeing how much you can get away with. Wyatt hums in agreement, waving the bartender over for another drink. “Thought we had to be properly desperate for you to pull that one off,” you comment. Wyatt looks at you with a laugh. “Aw, come on now, $kid. I thought you'd have learned by now that we're //always// desperate.” He smirks as you roll your eyes at the comment. The quiet returns between you two then, Wyatt sipping his drink and you twisting at your rings in worry. <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[NEXT | hotel]]</div>

You're sure to exit the room quickly, not wanting to risk any disputes over a reanalysis of //just// how well you'd played and find Wyatt at the bar. “Well,” he says, laughing as you sidle up next to him. “Don't you look like the cat who caught the canary, <<cycle "$kid" autoselect>><<option "kid">><<option "sweetheart">><<option "junior">><<option "sonny">><<option "dearie">><<option "buddy">><<option "pal">><<option "kiddo">><<option "darlin'">><<update>><</cycle>></strong>." “Yeah, well, let's just say my evening's been a lot better than my morning.” “And does that mean big winnings for you tonight <strong><<cycle "$k_iddo" autoselect>><<option "kiddo">><<option "sweetheart">><<option "junior">><<option "sonny">><<option "dearie">><<option "buddy">><<option "pal">><<option "kid">><<option "darlin'">><<update>><</cycle>></strong>?" "Look," you say, ignoring the question. "We need to talk." <<include 'weneedtotalk'>>

It's some time later when the streets have emptied and you've long grown tired of waiting, that Wyatt finally exits Willoughby's. You watch from your position, leaning back against the bar's wall as Wyatt staggers off towards the street, leaning more on his cane than is usually necessary. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“Your leg hurting? Or are you just drunk?” | tend1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“Rough night?” | tend2]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“Headed home so soon?” | tend3]] </div>

You watch as Wyatt jumps a bit before turning to you with a scowl. “Bit of both,” he says, his tone annoyed. “That don't really matter though. Where the hell have you been?” “We need to talk,” you say, ignoring the question. <<include 'wyattangry'>>

Wyatt turns to you, looking you up and down. “Couldn't have been any rougher than yours. Where the hell have you been?” You shrug. “Busy.” “Clearly.” “Look,” you say. “We need to talk.” “//Sure// do,” Wyatt says, his growing irritation with you, evident in his tone of voice. <<include 'wyattangry'>>

Wyatt turns to you with a scowl. “Where the hell have you been?” You roll your eyes. “Only waiting for you to finally drag your ass outta there.” <<include 'wyattangry'>>

“Now you listen to me, <<if $son is 'son'>>//sonny-boy//<<elseif $son is 'daughter'>>//missy//<<elseif $son is 'child'>>//child of mine//<</if>>, you were supposed to meet me here //last night--//” “Yeah, yeah, save me the lecture, old man.” You wave him off. The last thing you have time for right now is one of Wyatt's moods. He shakes his head, clearly annoyed with the comment. “You know, where you got that smart mouth of yours, I'll never know, <strong><<cycle "$kid" autoselect>><<option "kid">><<option "sweetheart">><<option "junior">><<option "sonny">><<option "dearie">><<option "buddy">><<option "pal">><<option "kiddo">><<option "darlin'">><<update>><</cycle>></strong>." You roll your eyes at the comment. "Whatever, Wyatt. Listen, we need to talk. Somebody's taken a hit out on us." He stares at you for a long moment, his brows narrowed, seemingly weighing whether or not you're serious. He scoffs out a laugh then, finally breaking the quiet that's settled over the two of you. "Christ, <strong><<cycle "$k_iddo" autoselect>><<option "kiddo">><<option "sweetheart">><<option "junior">><<option "sonny">><<option "dearie">><<option "buddy">><<option "pal">><<option "kid">><<option "darlin'">><<update>><</cycle>></strong>, s'that what took you so long?" "Yeah, actually," you say, your tone annoyed. "Chased me through half the damn city." Now it's Wyatt's turn to roll his eyes. "Oh, big deal, $kid, I mean who doesn't have our names on a hit list? Just tell me you took care of the job." He turns his back to you then, starting to walk off and leave you behind. "//Lord above,// would you stop being such a stubborn jack-ass and listen to me?" You ask, almost shouting now. But he ignores you, continuing to stumble forward. You shake your head, frustration coursing through you as you rush ahead of him, stopping in his path and blocking the way forward. “You need to listen to me. This is a big deal.” Wyatt shakes his head, clicking his tongue. “Everything's always a big deal with you,” He pushes past you then, much less gracefully than you're sure your Wyatt would prefer, bumping into you with his shoulder as he passes. “What have I always told you? You gotta learn to relax every once in a while--not everything is the end of the world.” “There were men, Wyatt. They took out the Moreaus that were after me. The LeBeaus from what I could gather.” “The LeBeaus?” Wyatt repeats, stopping in his tracks ahead of you. Now that's got his attention. He turns around to face you. “Shit. Well what do they want with us?” <<if $church is 'runt'>>“Well for starters, probably the five grand they got on each of our heads.”<<elseif $church is 'leader'>> “Well for starters, probably the ten grand they got on my head. You only got seven.”<<elseif $church is 'run'>>“Well for starters, probably the big bucks they got on each of our heads.” <</if>> “Shit,” Wyatt breathes. “Yeah, //shit//,” you echo. Wyatt starts to walk off again, struggling as he stumbles along the still-wet cobblestone, his agitated mood seemingly replaced with that of a worried one. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Help him. | tend4]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Ignore it. | tend5]] </div>

You follow quickly behind him, catching his elbow the few times you're sure he'll fall, before he shakes your arm off, insisting that he doesn't need the help. <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[NEXT | hotel]]</div>

You sidle up beside him, watching as your once mighty mentor struggles to continue on. <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[NEXT | hotel]]</div>

“Who hasn't?” He asks. You shake your head, huffing out a sharp rush of air through your nose. “I'm serious, Wyatt. You need to listen to me this is a big deal--” “Oh, c'mon, $kid, everything's always a big deal with you,” Wyatt says, rolling his eyes. “What have I always told you? You gotta learn to relax every once in a while--not everything is the end of the world.” You tense up. You hate when he tells you to relax. “Wyatt.” “What?” He asks, his voice going up a register. “There were men, Wyatt. They took the Vamp--” you stop yourself, looking around before continuing, sure to mind your language amongst the crowd. “They handled some of your //friends// who were after me. The LeBeaus.” “The LeBeaus?” Wyatt repeats, any trace of joking in his tone gone. “Shit. Well what do they want with us?” <<if $church is 'runt'>>“Well for starters, probably the five grand they got on each of our heads.<<elseif $church is 'leader'>>"Well for starters, probably the ten grand they got on my head. You only got seven."<<elseif $church is 'run'>>"Well for starters, probably the big bucks they got on each of our heads.”<</if>> <<if $church is 'runt'>>Wyatt nearly chokes on his drink. “Five thousand dollars? For little old me? Hell, I might as well turn myself in.”<<elseif $church is 'leader'>>“How the hell'd you get more than me?”<<elseif $church is 'run'>>“What kind of big bucks are we talking here? I might want to turn you in for the pay off.” <</if>> You hit his arm. “//Jack-ass.// This is serious.” “I //am// serious,” Wyatt says, smiling a moment before he lets his face drop. “Shit. It's fine, this is fine. I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding. We can figure this out.” You can't help but doubt him. “That's what you always say.” “And I'm always right, ain't I?” He replies. The two of you are quiet then, watching the crowd and sitting in the realization of just how screwed the two of you are. “So, silver stream huh?” You ask when the quiet between you has become too much to bear. You've only ever seen Wyatt pull that particular scheme off twice, maybe three times if you count that mess back in Florida. Pushing his falsified land claims is a hard enough task, nevermind the fact that it's gold, not silver, that you found in streams and rivers. You think that detail he's just thrown in to see how far he can really push it. You suppose that's just part of the thrill though, seeing how much you can get away with. Wyatt hums in agreement, waving the bartender over for another drink. “Thought we had to be properly desperate for you to pull that one off,” you comment. Wyatt looks at you with a laugh. “Aw, come on now, $kid. I thought you'd have learned by now that we're //always// desperate.” He smirks as you roll your eyes at the comment. The quiet returns between you two then, Wyatt sipping his drink and you twisting at your rings in worry. <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[NEXT | hotel]]</div>

The quiet between you two remains well into the rest of the evening as you return to the inn where the two of you have been holed up in since your arrival to Saint Laurent. It's you that finally breaks the silence as you pass through the lobby, all that while later, sick of turning things over in your own head. “We need to make a plan,” you say, opening the door to the stairwell. “Plan?” Wyatt asks on the stairs ahead of you. Your room is on the eleventh floor. “Yeah, Wyatt,” you say. “A //plan.//” “Oh, you know, I'll figure something out,” he replies, shrugging off your concern, suddenly flippant. “Always do.” Your brows narrow as you look up at his back. You hate when he does this, brushes you off like you're still a child. You push yourself up the stairs so you stand on the landing in front of him, blocking his path forward. “No,” you say, your voice firm. This is not something you're going to let Wyatt make up as the two of you go along, not with the Guild involved, not when you're not truly aware of what you're up against. “We need to figure this out, //now.// At least, maybe discuss who could be doing this. I mean, who'd want us dead?” Wyatt gives you a look, one that does all but exclaim aloud: //What a stupid question, $k_iddo//. Because the two of you are both Abrams. Collectively the last two Abrams. Well, at least, officially. Who //doesn't// want you dead? You sigh, taking a step back. “Right, fine. My first thought was the government--finally cashing in on that old check but I don't know…” “Why would they use the Guild?” Wyatt asks, pushing past you and towards the next flight of stairs. “They've got one of the finest armies in the world at their disposal, $kid. Don't make sense to send a bunch of mercenaries after us.” “I don't know, figured it could just be them being the vindictive assholes they always are,” you suggest and Wyatt shakes his head. “No, wouldn't be them. If President Thomas wanted us dead--we'd know it. His Daddy liked to hold a grudge--and I'm sure that trait was passed down.” “Okay,” you say, rounding another corner of stairs, a thought occurring to you. “Well, then think Wyatt. Do we owe anybody money?” This question Wyatt does react to, guffawing out some big dumb-sounding laugh at you that echoes through the stairwell. Because again, //What a dumb, dumb question $kid//. Wyatt Abrams is a con-man. Who hasn't he begged, borrowed and stolen from? “Okay, okay, anyone that, you know, would be pissed enough to turn the Guild loose on us?” You ask and this time, Wyatt sighs. “None that immediately come to mind.” You sigh again then too, some big dramatic sound on your part. “Alright then, I guess. Back to square one. Figuring something out.” <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“Look, I know we're gonna have to leave the city--sure. But then where? I think we should go back up north. Pittsburgh, Buffalo, maybe? Always some sort of work near the border.” | hotel-1]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“We need to go after them, then. At the very least, see who put this hit out. You know, narrow it down.” | hotel-2]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“First things first, we need to put some distance between ourselves and any of the major Guild hubs. But you know them, wherever we go, it'll only be a matter of time before they decide to follow.” | hotel-3]] </div>

“Nah, it's too cold up there,” Wyatt says, waving a dismissive hand beside you. “Wy//att//,” you say his name slowly, this time through your teeth. “I'm being serious.” “And what makes you think I'm not?” He asks, a smile tugging at his lips, something you meet with another hard look. <<include 'topofstairs'>>

“You're right,” Wyatt says, agreeing with you for a change. “We need to investigate,” you say, not giving him the opportunity to change his mind. “Maybe put out some feelers with some of the local families?” Wyatt laughs. “What, you mean the couple of hicks that are too stupid to align themselves with the LeBeaus?” “Well, it'd be better than nothing.” He shakes his head. “Too risky right now.” <<include 'topofstairs'>>

By the time you've reached your floor, Wyatt gives you a look. One that tells you he's holding something back, like he's got something to ask. You're too nervous at the moment to ignore it, so you go ahead and press. “What?” You ask, holding the door open for him to move into your hall. “Nothing.” “Wyatt--don't be holding out on me here. What is it?” He pauses then, stopping where he stands at the edge of the hall and letting out a long sigh. “Look,” he begins, his eyes moving away from you. “The way I see it, you're right--we gotta do something. What that is--at the moment, I don't right know. But otherwise, we're just sitting ducks.” He meets your eyes for a moment, something you catch even in the darkness of the hotel, before his glance darts away. “Look, $kid, you know I hate to ask this, but…” And there it is. “No, you don't,” you correct him, dropping the door shut and storming off ahead of him down the hall. You know all too well where that line of questioning is headed. “You've never hated to ask for anything in your life, Wyatt.” He laughs then behind you, filling the air of the empty hallway and probably stirring away the other guests. You shush him, but he keeps going, letting out this awful bitter sound--your snippy response seemingly removing any gentleness from the question. “What about your little Guild connection back in Puerto Palma?” You stop walking, turning to face him as aggravation builds into a headache at the base of your skull. There had been a long, unspoken agreement between the two of you that your three-year stint in California was on the long list of topics that weren't to be discussed between Abrams. “Eat shit, Wyatt.” “What?” Wyatt lets out another laugh, feigning confusion. “You know I had to ask.” “Don't have to ask when you already know the answer.” You turn back around, headed towards your room. “We both have our secrets,” Wyatt says. “Not like it'd be the first time you kept something from me.” You stop again, once more turning to face him as you send a glare his way. “You really wanna go through secrets and lies right now, Wyatt?” The question comes out bitter, accompanied by a hollow laugh. “Because I'd be more than happy to.” “Fine, fine, I'm not looking to start a fight,” he says, throwing his arms up in resignation. “Let's just get in there and get some sleep. You need it.” You shake your head, anger towards him still coursing through you, causing your fingers to shake when you try to unlock your door. You try to insert the key in the slot once, then twice, each time just missing until Wyatt finally gets annoyed enough to take it from you. “Just let me do it,” he grumbles, snatching the key away. Seamlessly, Wyatt takes the room key and slides it into the lock. He twists at the knob slowly, pushing the door open to step inside. Only, he doesn't get the chance. Faster than you can react, Wyatt is slammed into the wall behind him in a bright blur of motion. Somewhere, someone screams, but you're not sure whether the noise came from your lips or Wyatts. Once your mind has caught up to what's unfolded before you, the realization that you're very suddenly under attack hits, and it hits //hard//. Standing in front of you is one Montero Moreau, pinning Wyatt to the wall by his throat. <<curse>>. Panic surges through you as your eyes trail over the scene ahead of you. Montero, in all $mhis glory, jingling with $mhis jewelry, clothes as immaculate as they were this morning, $mhis hair thrown up in a not a top their head that looks effortless, flawless even. Wyatt on the other hand, red-faced as Montero's hands press further into his throat looks muddled. His brown-gray hair sticking up in all directions, his beard a mess, he squirms beneath the Vampire's grasp. Instantly, do you reach for your daggers on the back of your belt. “//You//, were not who I was hoping for,” Montero says, clicking $mhis tongue. “Well, I'm sorry to disappoint,” Wyatt says through his teeth, remarkably still keeping hold of his voice, despite the pressure to his windpipe. You charge the Vampire from behind, daggers at the ready. You're about to make contact, crossing the small distance the hall offers with your weapons raised, when Montero spins around, dropping Wyatt to the floor and catching you by the wrist. “Now, there you are,” Montero says, a smile spreading wide across $mhis face to reveal two perfectly white, perfectly long canines framing $mhis front row of teeth. “You know , it's a shame we didn't get to chat this morning, Abrams, I've really been looking forward to our first meeting.” <div class='dialogue-choices'> <<if $charm gte 4>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“Hope I've met your expectations?” | hotel-4a]]<<elseif $charm lt 4>><i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“What can I say? I'm shy.” | hotel-4b]]<</if>> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“Quite the honor to be in the presence of the Montero Moreau.” | hotel-4c]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Just shut up and fight. | montero-4]] </div>

Montero's smile widens. “Oh, all that and more, Abrams.” <<include 'montero-4'>>

Montero clicks $mhis tongue once more. “Aw, now isn't that precious.” <<include 'montero-4'>>

“Oh, believe me, it's //I// who should be honored. It's not every day you meet the last of a species, especially one as esteemed as the Abrams.” <<include 'montero-4'>>

Gritting your teeth, you swipe towards $mhis stomach with your free hand, just missing contact as Montero lurches back, releasing you from $mhis grasp. “Ah, ah, ah,” Montero chides. “Didn't your father over there tell you that's no way to play nice with others?” There's some distance between you now. Screw it. With a deep breath in, you decide to do something stupid. You just hope it pays off. Running at the Vampire fast and hard, you watch the way $mhis eyes widen in panic before you're bending forward, sending your shoulder colliding with $mhis stomach. In a rush of anger and adrenaline, you throw the Vampire down to the ground with a sharp cry escaping you. You're quick to find yourself on top of $mhim, lifting your daggers high above your head to plunge them into $mhis chest. Only Montero acts quicker than you can, recovering from the sudden blow to the stomach $mhe latch<<if $mhe is 'they'>>es<</if>> around one of your legs with $mhis foot, gripping hard at your shoulders as $mhe pull<<if $mhe is 'they'>>s<</if>> you downwards in a barrel roll, effectively landing $mhimself on top of you. Breathing hard $mhe press<<if $mhe is 'they'>>es<</if>> down on your shoulders, trying to keep you still. Montero runs $mhis hands down your face, pressing the pads of $mhis fingers against your cheeks in a way that his claws just barely graze against your skin. Slowly, $mhe work<<if $mhe is 'they'>>s<</if>> $mhis way down to your throat, dragging $mhis claws downward so slowly that it's almost agonizing, though $mhis touch is gentle enough that it almost tickles. You wish $mhe'd just get it over with—but you know how these things operate. They need to play with their food before they eat it. Something in your belly tightens when you watch the way $mhe breathes in, making a big show of throwing $mhis head back with the inhale. <<mhe>> smiles down at you then, before opening $mhis mouth and clamping $mhis jaw down hard on the spot where your shoulder meets your neck. The pain of a Vampire's bite is like nothing else you've ever experienced. It's as if all the blood in your veins has very suddenly frozen over, solidifying in chunks throughout your capillaries, sending sharp waves of ache; bright, hot, searing pain through every inch of your body. You're not sure how long it's been, how much time has passed with $mhis teeth latched onto your shoulder like an infant feeding off it's mother, when you start convulsing. Large jolts of movement bouncing through each of your limbs in long, painful bursts. You're gritting your teeth, doing what you can to breathe through your nose and not choke on the foam that's started to form at the corners of your mouth, or even worse--a frequent fear of yours in this scenario--you swallow your own tongue. Somewhere along the way you've made your peace, accepted that this is how things end for you--limp on a hotel floor with all of the blood drained from your veins--and you've actually started to look forward to death; to the quiet, to the blackness, to the relief when a gun shot sounds and Montero is thrown off of you. Your arms are shaking then as you maneuver just enough to stick one of your daggers in Montero's flesh. The corners of your vision have gone dark and you'd doubt the blade even made contact were it not for the soft hiss Montero lets out. Before you know it, Wyatt is hovering over you, pointing his pistol towards the Vampire as $mhe retreats down the long hallway, your dagger still sticking out of $mhim somewhere, a trail of black ooze left behind him. “I thought you said you took care of it!” Wyatt scolds, pressing down hard on the spot where Montero had previously sunken $mhis teeth. <div class='choices-emphasis'>[[NEXT | part-two]]</div>

Regina, Louisiana is a quaint little farm town about ten miles from the Texas border. It's an unincorporated community with about thirty residents and is home to a sweet little widow by the name of Misses Gibson, who was generous enough to rent you and Wyatt a room while you made your recovery. Wyatt had rushed you to the first doctor he could find that night. It's by some miracle that both of your blood has always reacted well to each other's veins. As suspicious of the material sciences the Family was, knowledge of blood transfusions among hunters was about as common as the ability to read. Ensuring Wyatt could talk even the most ho-dunk medicine man through the process. The early days of your recovery were spent in that very doctor's basement, violently emptying the contents of your stomach and bowels through both ends. You'd have feared death by dehydration had Wyatt not scolded you every minute to keep drinking, which you'd done—chugging some combinations of broth, water and fruit juices—surely enough to drown. A month and a half later you found yourself in one of Misses Gibson's spare bedrooms, rising early and forcing yourself into light routines of exercise as your body regained the strength stripped from you by one Montero Moreau. Wyatt on the other hand, had been keeping busy. He's always been...well, a little strange when it came to you and your health. You remember one time when you were little, twelve or thirteen, maybe, you had caught the flu or something of the like. You were bedridden, hunting activities paused for the moment, weak enough that you could barely lift your limbs, sick enough that you couldn't keep anything down. Thanks to the fever, you don't remember much from that time—though what does stick out in your memories, is the way Wyatt hovered over you. Acting helpless, except for when he was threatening the doctor with a knife. You'll never forget the way he threatened that doctor—telling that poor man that if you went in the ground, so would he. Maybe your previous estimation of 'strange' was a little too harsh. Afterall, it's not like you wouldn't do the same for him. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[As much as you hate that fact. | regina-1a]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[It's only right. Only fair. | regina-1b]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[There are few things in this world you're sure of. One of them is that Wyatt's always had your back. You'll always have his. | regina-1c]] </div>

Sometimes your loyalty to him makes you feel like a dog, just itching to bite $his master but still much too afraid of where $he 'd get his meal afterwards to even try. <<include 'regina-2'>>

Life is a balancing of scales. You're not sure you'll ever be able to even yours with his. <<include 'regina-2'>>

There are no certainties in this life. But Wyatt is the closest thing you've got to certain. <<include 'regina-2'>>

He'd been in and out of the room these past few days, running what he called errands but you knew to be some sort of illicit activity--a means of getting his hands on cash. The only breaks he'd take in this time would be to hover over you, that was until you'd swat him away—annoyed by his meager attempts at mothering you. The two of you haven't spoken much in the aftermath of the argument you had that night. Something that you know won't be resolved—not truly. Just ignored. The outcome of all your fights. But that doesn't mean you can't hold a grudge. Especially when it comes to bringing //$ahim// up. Through your brief period of recovery, you've spent time working through your own plans. Taking meals with Misses Gibson and forcing yourself to exercise around the farm, doing chores, running laps, determined to get yourself in tip-top fighting shape once more, especially if Montero and the Guild are still after you. You'd been working through some things, trying to figure out what exactly came next for the two of you, when one day, deep into the early weeks of summer, Wyatt returned to Misses Gibson's one evening. He'd burst into your bedroom with some small amount of fanfare, flapping an envelope down in front of you. “What's this?” You ask, picking up the folded paper and turning it over in your hands. “Oh,” Wyatt says, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Only the answer to all our problems.” This is the first real conversation that wasn't about hunting, or the Moreaus, or the Guild or—hell, even your health, in about a month. “Probably, anyways. Go ahead, read it.” Wyatt nods to the paper, standing over your shoulder as you unfold the cream stationary. Inside the envelope is a letter, written in a tight, winding scrawl of words addressed to someone with a name you haven't heard in a very long time. “Preacher Abrams?“ You ask, reading the address line aloud with a pit dropping inside your stomach. In all the years you and Wyatt have traveled together, you've always known Wyatt to do all he could to divorce himself from the Family's name when he was running a grift. In the hunting world , the name //Abrams// isn't something that's thrown around lightly. Even after all these years, your surname still carries some weight—even if that weight tends to do you more harm than good—it's weight nonetheless. The Family's reputation, everything they did and everything that happened to them after, well, it still meant something to people, even if what that meant was just a remnant of what the Abrams Family once was. It got you places or things, and very occasionally did it scare the shit out of people. If nothing else, having the word //Abrams// tacked onto the end of your name gave you some sort of notoriety. And that notoriety, well, it carried over to the real world. The one where monsters are nothing more than scary stories to tell your children. The one where Gregory Abrams and his rag-tag group of followers were nothing more than a cautionary tale about religious fanaticism and what happens when somebody has a problem with the United States Government. Even still, anywhere outside hunting circles, even before the bounty, the Abrams Family name gave you cause to lie low. Attaching the term //'preacher'// to your last name is just a little too reminiscent of everything that went on with the Father Prophet, the legacy and all the troubles that came with it, especially now that you're being chased. ”Just keep reading,“ Wyatt says. You look up towards him, wary, before returning your attention to the paper in front of you. The letter is brief, a job offer for the aforementioned Preacher Abrams. It's somewhere up in Nevada, a place called Larkin, which the writer described to be a quaint little town that'd be happy to welcome the pastor and their family with open arms. ”What the hell is this?“ You ask finally, finished with the letter you look up at Wyatt. ”Well,“ he begins, ”and I know what you're gonna say—“ “You're damn right, you know what I'm gonna say. Wyatt—//Lord above//, I mean are you crazy?“ ”I know, I know,“ he throws a hand up. ”Just, listen to me, alright?” You offer him a look, a stare that's hard and no doubt teeming with worry, but you relent, nodding for him to continue. “See, before this whole...mess, I'd been thinking.” You quirk a brow. “About?” “That we should settle down with things, at least for a little while—especially after—” “Jesus, Wyatt—hasn't that been what this whole month has been? Us settling down with things?” The break here in Regina had been one you'd been forced to take, sure–but it'd been a break nonetheless. Why is he so eager to extend it? Wyatt shakes his head, offering up a scoff. ”Yeah, cause you working yourself to the bone to get in fighting shape every day is us settling down.” “Well what else would you have me do?” You ask, the question coming out like an accusation. “Well, sure as hell not that!” Wyatt fires back, his voice rising. “You don't understand, $kid." ”What's there not to understand?“ Wyatt throws his arms in the air, exasperated, yelling now. “You shouldn't //have// to be doing that!” You roll your eyes. <div class='choices-emphasis'> <<if $gender is 'male'>>[[“Look—” He stops himself. Taking a deep breath before calling out your name. | 0.16A]]<<elseif $gender is 'female'>>[[“Look—” He stops himself. Taking a deep breath before calling out your name. | 0.16B]] <<elseif $gender is 'non-binary'>>[[“Look—” He stops himself. Taking a deep breath before calling out your name. | 0.16C]]<</if>> </div>

<div class='choices-emphasis'>Please select your character's name...</div> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Jason | 0.17][$name to 'Jason']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Teddy | 0.17][$name to 'Teddy']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Johnny | 0.17][$name to 'Johnny']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Thomas | 0.17][$name to 'Thomas']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[José | 0.17][$name to 'José']] <i class='material-icons'>arrow_forward</i>[[Your name is something else... | name_selection]] </div>

<div class='choices-emphasis'>Please select your character's name...</div> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Delilah | 0.17][$name to 'Delilah']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Laurel | 0.17][$name to 'Laurel']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Delores | 0.17][$name to 'Delores']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Lorena | 0.17][$name to 'Lorena']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Daisy | 0.17][$name to 'Daisy']] <i class='material-icons'>arrow_forward</i>[[Your name is something else... | name_selection]] </div>

<div class='choices-emphasis'>Please select your character's name...</div> <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Jamie | 0.17][$name to 'Jamie']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Beck | 0.17][$name to 'Beck']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Jules | 0.17][$name to 'Jules']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Bo | 0.17][$name to 'Bo']] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[Jess | 0.17][$name to 'Jess']] <i class='material-icons'>arrow_forward</i>[[Your name is something else... | name_selection]] </div>

What curse falls from your lips? <<textbox '$name' 'Jess'>> <div class='choices-emphasis'> [[Next. | name_check]] </div>

Your name is <<name>>? <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>check_circle</i>[[Yes | 0.17]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>cancel</i>[[No | name_selection]] </div>

<<name>>,” he says and you flinch. Wyatt never calls you by your first name, it's always been //$kid// this or //$k_iddo// that, never //<<name>>//. You stare at him then, tightening and untightening your jaw, searching his expression. You've known Wyatt long enough to know where this is going. <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“Lord above, this again?” | 0.17a]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“Sure, like all the other times the two of us have settled down?” | 0.17b]] <i class='material-icons' style: font-size: calc(18px - 0.25vw);>arrow_forward</i>[[“You mean it this time?” | 0.17c]] </div>

You turn back to him, rolling your eyes once more. This is a conversation you've had before. “Yeah, $kid,” he says, his gruff voice laced with aggravation. “//This again.”// “Look, Wyatt. If we have to lay low for a while because of all this, then fine. I get that, but,” you look up to the ceiling and let out a sigh. “I'm not playing another game of pretend.” “<<name>>,” he says and there he goes with your damn name again, any anger that had been in his voice previously replaced with pity. “If this is about California--” “This //ain't// about California.” “Alright, alright,“ he says, putting up his hands in defense. “That's fair. I'm sorry.“ ”It's just,“ you pause, trying to find the right words. ”I'm not gonna get stuck playing house again till you get bored with it.“ Wyatt scoffs. ”No, but you see, you wouldn't be! //Playing// that is. Everything'd be one hundred percent legitimate.” You scoff. This is hardly the first time Wyatt has tried something like this. You've taken breaks from the hunting world before, settled down a few items just long enough to get acclimated to a life without all the chaos that came with chasing down Vampires, only for Wyatt to decide it was time to pick back up again once you were anything resembling comfortable. You press your lips together, shifting your jaw. “And how's that?” <<include "letterwrapup">>

This is hardly the first time Wyatt has tried something like this. You've taken breaks from the hunting world before, settled down a few times just long enough to get acclimated to a life without all the chaos that came with chasing down Vampires, only for Wyatt to decide it was time to pick back up again once you were anything that resembled comfortable. "Yeah, <<name>>," He says, and you see him clench his jaw. "And every one of those times we've needed it. We just couldn't make it last." You scoff. "Yeah, 'cause it was the both of us that couldn't make Ohio last." "Now, now, there $k_iddo, think you should hitch up your pants. Really no need to let your asshole hang out like that." You sigh, ignoring the comment. "So how's this gonna be any different then?" <<include "letterwrapup">>

Wyatt's face lights up at the question, the same way it always does when he knows he's suckered some poor fella into hearing out his latest scheme. And it seems right now, you're the sucker. "Because of that," Wyatt says, pointing to the letter you still hold in your hands. You roll your eyes again. "Just 'cause you got yourself some job don't mean it'll change anything." "This one will." "Oh yeah? And tell me, why's that, Wyatt? Don't tell me you've found your way back into the light of the Lord." "Maybe I have," Wyatt says in an earnest voice--or what the cynical voice in the back of your head imagines to be his best attempt at sounding earnest. You take a step back, your mood suddenly sobering as your eyes narrow. "That's not funny, Wyatt." "Ain't nothing to joke about." The pause between you both is heavy, you inhale sharply and press your lips into a thin line. "Hadn't realized that the two of us'd be tasked with starting things up again. Should I see if I could find some of the old books? I'm not quite sure I remember my verses." <div class="choices-emphasis">[[You wait for him to respond, arms crossed, gaze unrelenting. | 0.19]]</div>

Whatever joking once present in your tone has been replaced with complete and utter dismay. You hadn't realized that Wyatt had suddenly grown comfortable with playing at a game that neither of you have taken up in a //very// long time. Regardless of how you feel about previous scams, involving religion--especially given your history--is an entirely different matter. "Look, Wyatt. Scamming people into buying some fake land or hustling a game of pool is one thing, but some sorta prayer healing bullshit--" "Oh, there's no scam or any kinda bullshit to it," Wyatt interrupts, his tone is serious. You scramble for another point against him. "Wyatt, you //hate// religion." "Hate's a strong word there, $kid, and besides. It was never the religion I hated. I think you're getting your terminology confused." "Am I?" You ask. Wyatt rolls his eyes. "I think you and I both know that there is a big difference between the shit my Family was spewing all those years ago and taking care of some chapel out in the desert." <div class='dialogue-choices'> <i class='material-icons'>arrow_forward</i>[[“Do I?” | 0.19a]] <i class='material-icons'>arrow_forward</i>[[You stick your hands out in front of you. “This is a slippery slope, Wyatt. That's all I'm saying here.” | 0.19b]] </div>

"Yes," Wyatt says, his brows furrowed, and voice firm. "You do." <<include "guildproblem">>

"I'm aware of the concept." Wyatt says, eyes narrowed and arms crossed, his voice firm when he adds, "I am //not// my father." <<include "guildproblem">>

"Fine," you say, crossing and uncrossing your arms, feeling like you're fighting a losing battle. "How exactly does this solve our Guild problem–or hell, I mean, what does this mean for us with the Moreaus? You think they won't send somebody to finish the job?” “Not after we chased off Montero,” he says. “I mean–$mhe saw you, you were as good as dead–probably think that's what came about, anyways.” You give him a look, one of disbelief. “Wyatt.” He lurches his head back. “What?” “You and I both know the Moreau's aren't gonna give up that easy. Not till I'm a corpse on their dinner table.” Wyatt waves you off. “This place is in the middle of nowhere. We lay low a little while, till other, //bigger// and shinier bounties pop up–and I'm sure if it's enough to distract the Guild, it'll be enough to distract the Moreaus, at least for a little while. And then, we stay the hell out of Louisiana.” It seems Wyatt has an answer for everything. “That's not a solution,” you argue. He shrugs. “It's better than anything else we've got,” he pauses to study your face. “At the very least, this should give a little while to figure something else out.” You scoff. "And how long would you classify as a 'little while', Wyatt?" "Oh you, know. Couple months, a year. Tops." //"A year?"// Wyatt shrugs then. "Think of it as an extended holiday." You're annoyed, fuming even, when something occurs to you. "And you planned on telling me all this when? Or was the idea just to dump me off somewhere--run off on your own?" Wyatt looks thoroughly unimpressed at the accusation. "I'm telling you now, ain't I?" You lean back on your heels then, turning away from Wyatt and peering out the window. Weighing your options. His plan isn't exactly solid, no. With only half the details lined up it sounds almost crazy, to trek yourself all the way out to the middle of nowhere and hang back to watch Wyatt play preacher. But still, the two of you have gotten farther on less, and shaky as it is, this is better than anything you'd managed to piece together on your own. You could always just leave. The thought surprises you, though, you suppose that's certainly an option--they'd be looking for two of you after all–though you'd have a better chance against the Moreau's with the two of you. The bite on your shoulder proves that. Even still, maybe it's finally time to spread your wings, and set out on your own. You look over at Wyatt then, the sight of him immediately stopping that train of thought. Walking stick discarded to the side, hunched forward the way he is, Wyatt looks tired, older than his years. His hair and beard are both longer than he usually keeps them, gray showing through brown more and more these days, his eyes weighed down by bags. Despite the years, it's like this that he looks like the man who found you all those years ago, the man who trained you, the man who raised you. You inwardly sigh. You could never leave this partnership, at least, not willingly. No matter how much shit he puts you through, whether it's out of guilt or obligation or just some deep-seated fear of being alone, you're stuck with the old man. He's family, after all. "And when would you start?" You ask, trying your damnedest to keep your tone even and your face neutral--to not let him know he's won. Despite your efforts, however, something must've shown through, because Wyatt's face has grown bright again. <div class="choices-emphasis">[[“As soon as we get there.” | 1.0]]</div>

Thank you for playing the first edition of Larkin's Demo! Episode one will be released in completion later this year :) If you liked what you saw, please consider leaving a review or sharing Larkin! For extra content you can subscribe to the Patreon!

<<widget "curse">><<print $curse.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget 'mhe'>><<print $mhe.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget 'he'>><<print $he.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget 'name'>><<print $name.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>>

<<set $episodenumber to 'ONE'>> <<set $partnumber to 'ONE'>> <<set $tutorials to false>> <<set $agender to 'male'>> <<set $ahe to 'he'>> <<set $ahim to 'him'>> <<set $ahis to 'his'>> <<set $hgender to 'male'>> <<set $h_he to 'he'>> <<set $h_him to 'him'>> <<set $h_his to 'his'>> <<set $mgender to 'male'>> <<set $mhe to 'he'>> <<set $mhim to 'him'>> <<set $mhis to 'his'>> <<set $gender to 'male'>> <<set $son to 'son'>> <<set $man to 'man'>> <<set $boy to 'boy'>> <<set $he to 'he'>> <<set $him to 'him'>> <<set $his to 'his'>> <<set $his_plural to 'his'>> <<set $totalpts to 0>> <<set $interrocounter to 0>> <<set $character to false>> <<set $acheivements to false>>

<div class="choices-emphasis">WRITING & PROGRAMMING</div> //Larkin// is written by KC Malik! <div class="tumblr"><a href= "https://larkin-if.tumblr.com/">@larkin-if</a></div> Support the Author on [[Ko-fi | https://ko-fi.com/kcswriting]] or [[Patreon | https://patreon.com/Kcwrite?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&]] <div class="choices-emphasis">ART & UI</div> Larkin's UI designed and coded by [[nyhelilism | "https://nyehilism.itch.io/twine-template"]] Larkin's Side & Topbar art by [[Bree Gilliam | breegilliam.com]] ([[@breegilliamart | https://www.instagram.com/breegilliamart/?hl=en]] on instagram) <div class='choices-emphasis'>EDITORS</div> Ari [[(gwaha) | https://gwaha.tumblr.com]] on tumblr & Sam Malik <div class='choices-emphasis'>CULTURAL & RELIGIOUS CONSULTANTS</div> Martin, Jess & Morgan <div class='choices-emphasis'> [[Become a Patron today! | https://patreon.com/Kcwrite?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator]]</div> <div class="choices-emphasis">ASSETS</div> <a href="https://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/docs/">Sugarcube 2 Documentation</a> <a href="https://github.com/ChapelR/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2">Chapel - Custom Macros</a> <a href="https://github.com/cyrusfirheir/cycy-wrote-custom-macros">Cycy's Custom Macros</a>

<<script>>document.getElementById('p-cont').scrollTop = 0;<</script>>

<div id="interface"> <div id="sidebar" style="width:20vw;"> <div id="navigation" data-passage="navigation"></div> </div> <div id="container"> <div id="header"> <button onclick="collapse()" id="collapse"><span class="material-symbols-outlined material-icons">arrow_left</span></button> <h1 id="game-title">Larkin</h1><div data-passage="Header"></div></div> <div id="menu" data-passage="UIBar"></div> <div id="p-cont"> <div id="passages"></div> </div> </div> </div>

<<button "Restart">><<run UI.restart()>><</button>>

<<if passage() is "character">><h2>Character</h2><<elseif passage() is "codex">><h2>Codex</h2><<elseif passage() is "achievements">><h2>Achievements</h2><<elseif passage() is "relationships">><h2>Relationships</h2><<else>><h2>EPISODE $episodenumber / PART $partnumber</h2><</if>>

<div id="dt-menu"> <<link "saves">> <<run UI.saves()>> <</link>> / <<link "settings">> <<run UI.settings()>> <</link>> /  <<if $character is true>><<link "character" "character">><</link>><</if>> / <<link "relationships" "relationships">><</link>> / <<link "codex" "codex">><</link>> / <<if $acheivements is true>><<link 'achievements' 'achievements'>><</link>><</if>> / <<link "credits">> <<run Dialog.setup("Credits");Dialog.wiki(Story.get("credits").processText());Dialog.open();>> <</link>> </div> <div id="mob-menu"> <<button '<span class="material-icons">arrow_back</span>'>><<run Engine.backward()>><</button>> <<button '<span class="material-icons">menu</span>'>><<run Dialog.setup("Menu");Dialog.wiki(Story.get("mobileUI").processText());Dialog.open();>><</button>> <<button '<span class="material-icons">arrow_forward</span>'>><<run Engine.forward()>><</button>> </div>

\ <<button 'Saves'>><<run UI.saves()>><</button>> <<button 'Settings'>><<run UI.settings()>><</button>> <<button 'Codex' 'codex'>><</button>> <<button 'Credits'>><<run Dialog.setup("Credits");Dialog.wiki(Story.get("credits").processText());Dialog.open();>><</button>>

Template code - copy paste the below into a new passage to create a new page. You will also need to change the variables for each character page I've put in here. If you want these pages to only appear once you've met the characters, just enclose the links in :: relationships in if statements. <div class="info-page"> <div class="column"> <div><h3>Character name</h3></div> <div> <h3>Character Bio</h3> Character bio </div> <div> <h3>Notable Skills & Attributes</h3> Skills summary </div> <div> <h3>Relationship Summary</h3> Relationship summary </div> <div class="return"><<link '<h3>Return</h3>'>><<run Engine.backward()>><</link>></div> </div> <div class="column"> <div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Relationship</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Suspicion</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> </div> </div> </div>

<<if $wyattinfo is true>><<link 'Wyatt Abrams' 'wyatt-codex'>><</link>><</if>> <<if $nashinfo is true>><<link 'Jacob Nash' 'nash-codex'>><</link>><</if>> <<if $roseinfo is true>><<link 'Rose Holloway' 'rose-codex'>><</link>><</if>> <<if $dominicinfo is true>><<link 'Dominic Sokolov' 'dominic-codex'>><</link>><</if>> <<if $cyrusinfo is true>><<link 'Cyrus Sokolov' 'cyrus-codex'>><</link>><</if>> <<if $barnsinfo is true>><<link 'Barns Abrams' 'barns-codex'>><</link>> <<link 'Freddie Echolls' 'freddie-codex'>><</link>> <<link 'Hollis' 'hollis-codex'>><</link>> <<link 'Rose Holloway' 'rose-codex'>><</link>> <<link 'Eli McDevitt' 'eli-codex'>><</link>> <<link 'Jacob Nash' 'nash-codex'>><</link>> <<link 'Claudia Ratliff' 'claudia-codex'>><</link>> <<link 'Cyrus Sokolov' 'cyrus-codex'>><</link>> <<link 'Celina Sokolov' 'celina-codex'>><</link>> <<link 'Dominic Sokolov' 'dominic-codex'>><</link>> <<link 'Ace Zhang' 'ace-codex'>><</link>> <</if>> <<link '<h3>Return to Game</h3>' $return>><</link>>

<div class="info-page"> <div class="column"> <div><h3>Ace Zhang</h3></div> <div> <h3>Character Bio</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Notable Skills & Attributes</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Relationship Summary</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div class="return"><<link '<h3>Return</h3>'>><<run Engine.backward()>><</link>></div> </div> <div class="column"> <div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Relationship</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Suspicion</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> </div> </div> </div>

<div class="info-page"> <div class="column"> <div><h3>Dominic Sokolov</h3></div> <div> <h3>Character Bio</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Notable Skills & Attributes</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Relationship Summary</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div class="return"><<link '<h3>Return</h3>'>><<run Engine.backward()>><</link>></div> </div> <div class="column"> <div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Relationship</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Suspicion</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> </div> </div> </div>

<div class="info-page"> <div class="column"> <div><h3>Celina Sokolov</h3></div> <div> <h3>Character Bio</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Notable Skills & Attributes</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Relationship Summary</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div class="return"><<link '<h3>Return</h3>'>><<run Engine.backward()>><</link>></div> </div> <div class="column"> <div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Relationship</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Suspicion</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> </div> </div> </div>

<div class="info-page"> <div class="column"> <div><h3>Cyrus Sokolov</h3></div> <div> <h3>Character Bio</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Notable Skills & Attributes</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Relationship Summary</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div class="return"><<link '<h3>Return</h3>'>><<run Engine.backward()>><</link>></div> </div> <div class="column"> <div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Relationship</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Suspicion</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> </div> </div> </div>

<div class="info-page"> <div class="column"> <div><h3>Claudia Ratliff</h3></div> <div> <h3>Character Bio</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Notable Skills & Attributes</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Relationship Summary</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div class="return"><<link '<h3>Return</h3>'>><<run Engine.backward()>><</link>></div> </div> <div class="column"> <div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Relationship</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Suspicion</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> </div> </div> </div>

<div class="info-page"> <div class="column"> <div><h3>Jacob Nash</h3></div> <div> <h3>Character Bio</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Notable Skills & Attributes</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Relationship Summary</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div class="return"><<link '<h3>Return</h3>'>><<run Engine.backward()>><</link>></div> </div> <div class="column"> <div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Relationship</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Suspicion</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> </div> </div> </div>

<div class="info-page"> <div class="column"> <div><h3>Eli McDevitt</h3></div> <div> <h3>Character Bio</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Notable Skills & Attributes</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Relationship Summary</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div class="return"><<link '<h3>Return</h3>'>><<run Engine.backward()>><</link>></div> </div> <div class="column"> <div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Relationship</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Suspicion</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> </div> </div> </div>

<div class="info-page"> <div class="column"> <div><h3>Rose Holloway</h3></div> <div> <h3>Character Bio</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Notable Skills & Attributes</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Relationship Summary</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div class="return"><<link '<h3>Return</h3>'>><<run Engine.backward()>><</link>></div> </div> <div class="column"> <div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Relationship</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Suspicion</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> </div> </div> </div>

<div class="info-page"> <div class="column"> <div><h3>Hollis</h3></div> <div> <h3>Character Bio</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Notable Skills & Attributes</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Relationship Summary</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div class="return"><<link '<h3>Return</h3>'>><<run Engine.backward()>><</link>></div> </div> <div class="column"> <div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Relationship</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Suspicion</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> </div> </div> </div>

<div class="info-page"> <div class="column"> <div><h3>Becca Grayson</h3></div> <div> <h3>Character Bio</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Notable Skills & Attributes</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Relationship Summary</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div class="return"><<link '<h3>Return</h3>'>><<run Engine.backward()>><</link>></div> </div> <div class="column"> <div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Relationship</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Suspicion</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> </div> </div> </div>

<div class="info-page"> <div class="column"> <div><h3>Barns Abrams</h3></div> <div> <h3>Character Bio</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Notable Skills & Attributes</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div> <h3>Relationship Summary</h3> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi tempus. Interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Turpis in eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue. Tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque eu. In ante metus dictum at tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus. Nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu. Augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. </div> <div class="return"><<link '<h3>Return</h3>'>><<run Engine.backward()>><</link>></div> </div> <div class="column"> <div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Relationship</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Suspicion</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> </div> </div> </div>

<div class="info-page"> <div class="column"> <div><h3>Wyatt Abrams</h3></div> <h3>Character Bio</h3> WYATT ABRAMSis one of the last great vampire hunters of a dead generation. Fifth grandson to Gregory Abrams I, the FATHER PROPHET and founder of the Abrams Family Cult, Wyatt operates as something of a folk-story character to many hunters and American Vampires alike, whether that be as a hero or a villain. One of the last surviving members of the Abrams Family, and one of the sole survivors of its Elder Branch, Wyatt continued to hunt Vampires long after the ABRAMS FAMILY MASSACRE in 1883, adopting a fellow survivor of the killings as his newest apprentice. Together, the pair have operated as traveling con-men by day and nomadic vampire hunters by night in the years since. </div> <div> <h3>Notable Skills & Attributes</h3> Abrams is an expert hunter and tracker, trained in the Abrams Hunting methods of old. In his younger days, he was a fearsome opponent on the battlefield, in a hunt or otherwise. An expert strategist, rifleman and skilled at dagger-wielding, though, the most dangerous weapon in Wyatt’s arsenal may be his silvertongue. </div> <div> <h3>Relationship Summary</h3> Wyatt is your teacher, your mentor, and after everything, the old man is your adoptive father. While you may not agree on everything, he’s been there for you throughout the years when no one else was. Together, you've been the only thing you've both been able to claim as your own. <<if $switch is true>>While you were uneasy about this new life in Larkin, you're especially uneasy about how Wyatt's been behaving, you //thought// you could trust him.<</if>> </div> <div class="return"><<link '<h3>Return</h3>'>><<run Engine.backward()>><</link>></div> </div> <div class="column"> <div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Relationship</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> <div class="stat-bar"> <div class="label">Suspicion</div> <<= '<div class="sb-fill" style="width:' + $variable + '%;"></div>' >>  </div> </div> </div> </div>