Carrion

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<<silently>> <<set $charactersmet to 0>> <<set $kind to 0>> <<set $pod to 0>> <<set $honest to 0>> <<set $mcquiet to 0>> <<set $rude to 0>> <<set $touch to 0>> <</silently>> <hr> @@.center; !''Carrion'' @@ <hr> @@.center; Welcome to Carrion! Before you begin there are some warnings for content included in this game listed [[here->warnings]] Please read these! (IMPORTANT: there are uncovered breasts in character portraits, to cover them up please turn on the setting "censor"!) In this game you will have several customization choices, such as your gender, species, appearence, and you will also have many choices throughout the game to affect the story. There are 5 romancable characters, 2 female, 1 male, 1 non-binary, and 1 of your choice! Speaking of that choice: What gender will your best friend be? <<listbox "$abegender" autoselect>> <<option "Male" M>> <<option "Female" F>> <<option "Non-binary" NB>> <</listbox>> And the big question: What species of merperson are you? <label><<radiobutton "$mcfish" "nurse shark">> Nurse Shark</label> <label><<radiobutton "$mcfish" "tiger shark">> Tiger Shark</label> <label><<radiobutton "$mcfish" "common octopus">> Common Octopus</label> <label><<radiobutton "$mcfish" "blue ring octopus">> Blue Ring Octopus</label> <label><<radiobutton "$mcfish" "lionfish">> Lionfish</label> [[Next Page->custompage2]]

*[[Characters]] *[[Credits]]

Minor characters. maybe

@@.center; These are only written about, unless stated otherwise! @@ Blood. Cuss words. Mentions of child abuse. Dismissal of abuse by family member. Physical and mental bullying. Shirtless characters in all character portraits, regardless of gender. (Toggable in settings) Horror, depending on what scares you (Obscenely large creatures, cults). Death of minor characters and MC depending on the route. Gore Cult manipulation. [[Back->Title]]

<<silently>>\ <<if $abegender is "M">> <<set $AThey to "He">> <<set $Athey to "he">> <<set $ATheir to "His">> <<set $Atheir to "his">> <<set $AThem to "Him">> <<set $Athem to "him">> <<set $ATheyre to "He's">> <<set $Atheyre to "he's">> <<set $ATheirself to "Himself">> <<set $Atheirself to "himself">> <<set $ATheirs to "His">> <<set $Atheirs to "his">> <<set $AMale to "Male">> <<set $Amale to "male">> <<set $AChild to "Boy">> <<set $Achild to "boy">> <<set $AMan to "Man">> <<set $Aman to "man">> <<set $ASir to "Sir">> <<set $Asir to "sir">> <<set $AGuy to "Guy">> <<set $Aguy to "guy">> <<set $Aheis to "he is">> <<set $AHeis to "He is">> <<set $Aishe to "is he">> <<set $AIshe to "Is he">> <<set $AName to "Abraham">> <<set $ANickname to "Abe">> <<set $Aplural to "false">> <<elseif $abegender is "F">> <<set $AThey to "She">> <<set $Athey to "she">> <<set $ATheir to "Her">> <<set $Atheir to "her">> <<set $AThem to "Her">> <<set $Athem to "her">> <<set $ATheyre to "She's">> <<set $Atheyre to "she's">> <<set $ATheirself to "Herself">> <<set $Atheirself to "herself">> <<set $ATheirs to "Hers">> <<set $Atheirs to "hers">> <<set $AMale to "Female">> <<set $Amale to "female">> <<set $AChild to "Girl">> <<set $Achild to "girl">> <<set $AMan to "Woman">> <<set $Aman to "woman">> <<set $ASir to "Miss">> <<set $Asir to "miss">> <<set $AGuy to "Girl">> <<set $Aguy to "girl">> <<set $Aheis to "she is">> <<set $AHeis to "She is">> <<set $Aishe to "is she">> <<set $AIshe to "Is she">> <<set $AName to "Abigail">> <<set $ANickname to "Abi">> <<set $Aplural to "false">> <<elseif $abegender is "NB">> <<set $AThey to "They">> <<set $Athey to "they">> <<set $ATheir to "Their">> <<set $Atheir to "their">> <<set $AThem to "Them">> <<set $Athem to "them">> <<set $ATheyre to "They're">> <<set $Atheyre to "they're">> <<set $ATheirself to "Theirself">> <<set $Atheirself to "theirself">> <<set $ATheirs to "Theirs">> <<set $Atheirs to "theirs">> <<set $AMale to "Non-binary">> <<set $Amale to "non-binary">> <<set $AChild to "Child">> <<set $Achild to "child">> <<set $AMan to "Person">> <<set $Aman to "person">> <<set $ASir to "Mx">> <<set $Asir to "mx">> <<set $AGuy to "Person">> <<set $Aguy to "person">> <<set $Aheis to "they are">> <<set $AHeis to "They are">> <<set $Aishe to "are they">> <<set $AIshe to "Are they">> <<set $AName to "Aubrey">> <<set $ANickname to "Aubs">> <<set $Aplural to "true">> <</if>>\ <</silently>>\ !!!What is your name? <<textbox "$mcnamefirst""">><<textbox "$mcnamelast""">> ^^First name | Last name^^ !!!What words are used to refer to you? <<listbox "$mcreferwords" autoselect>> <<option "Man, boy, male, sir." 'man'>> <<option "Woman, girl, female, miss." 'woman'>> <<option "Person, child, Mx." 'person'>> <</listbox>>\ !!!What are your pronouns? <<listbox "$mcpronouns" autoselect>> <<option "He/him">> <<option "She/her">> <<option "They/them">> <</listbox>>\ !!!Are you transgender? <<listbox "$mctrans" autoselect>> <<option "Yes, I was born male." yesM>> <<option "Yes, I was born female." yesF>> <<option "No">> <</listbox>>\ !!!Do you have top-surgery scars? <<listbox "$mctopscars" autoselect>> <<option "Yes">> <<option "No">> <</listbox>>\ !!!Are you touch adverse? ^^(Don't want characters to touch you.)^^ <<listbox "$touch" autoselect>> <<option "Yes" 0>> <<option "No" 1>> <</listbox>>\ !!!Do you have heterochromia? ^^(Having two different colored eyes.)^^ <<listbox "$mcheterochromia" autoselect>> <<option "Yes">> <<option "No">> <</listbox>>\ !!!What type of hair do you have? <<listbox "$mchairtype">> <<option "Bald" bald>> <<option "Straight" straight>> <<option "Wavy" wavy>> <<option "Curly" curly>> <<option "Coily" coily>> <<option "Box braids" 'box braids'>> <<option "Dreadlocks" dreadlocks>> <</listbox>>\ !!!Do you have facial hair? <<listbox "$facialhair">> <<option "None">> <<option "Stubble" stubble>> <<option "Short beard" 'short beard'>> <<option "Medium beard" 'medium length beard'>> <<option "Long Beard" 'long beard'>> <</listbox>> [[Next page->custompage3]]

<<silently>>\ <<if $mcpronouns is "He/him">> <<set $They to "He">> <<set $they to "he">> <<set $Their to "His">> <<set $their to "his">> <<set $Them to "Him">> <<set $them to "him">> <<set $Theyre to "He's">> <<set $theyre to "he's">> <<set $Theirself to "Himself">> <<set $theirself to "himself">> <<set $Theirs to "His">> <<set $theirs to "his">> <<set $theyare to "he is">> <<set $Theyare to "He is">> <<set $arethey to "is he">> <<set $Arethey to "Is he">> <<set $mcplural to "false">> <<elseif $mcpronouns is "She/her">> <<set $They to "She">> <<set $they to "she">> <<set $Their to "Her">> <<set $their to "her">> <<set $Them to "Her">> <<set $them to "her">> <<set $Theyre to "She's">> <<set $theyre to "she's">> <<set $Theirself to "Herself">> <<set $theirself to "herself">> <<set $Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $theirs to "hers">> <<set $theyare to "she is">> <<set $Theyare to "She is">> <<set $arethey to "is she">> <<set $Arethey to "Is she">> <<set $mcplural to "false">> <<elseif $mcpronouns is "They/them">> <<set $They to "They">> <<set $they to "they">> <<set $Their to "Their">> <<set $their to "their">> <<set $Them to "Them">> <<set $them to "them">> <<set $Theyre to "They're">> <<set $theyre to "they're">> <<set $Theirself to "Theirself">> <<set $theirself to "theirself">> <<set $Theirs to "Theirs">> <<set $theirs to "theirs">> <<set $theyare to "they are">> <<set $Theyare to "They are">> <<set $arethey to "are they">> <<set $Arethey to "Are they">> <<set $mcplural to "true">> <</if>> <<if $mcreferwords is "man">> <<set $Male to "Male">> <<set $male to "male">> <<set $Child to "Boy">> <<set $child to "boy">> <<set $Man to "Man">> <<set $man to "man">> <<set $Sir to "Sir">> <<set $sir to "sir">> <<set $Guy to "Guy">> <<set $guy to "guy">> <<set $grandchild to "grandson">> <<set $Grandchild to "Grandson">> <<elseif $mcreferwords is "woman">> <<set $Male to "Female">> <<set $male to "female">> <<set $Child to "Girl">> <<set $child to "girl">> <<set $Man to "Woman">> <<set $man to "woman">> <<set $Sir to "Miss">> <<set $sir to "miss">> <<set $Guy to "Girl">> <<set $guy to "girl">> <<set $grandchild to "granddaughter">> <<set $Grandchild to "Granddaughter">> <<elseif $mcreferwords is "person">> <<set $Male to "Non-binary">> <<set $male to "non-binary">> <<set $Child to "Child">> <<set $child to "child">> <<set $Man to "Person">> <<set $man to "person">> <<set $Sir to "Mx">> <<set $sir to "mx">> <<set $Guy to "Person">> <<set $guy to "person">> <<set $grandchild to "grandchild">> <<set $Grandchild to "Grandchild">> <</if>> <<if $mchairtype is "bald" and $facialhair is "None">> <<set $hair to "hairless">> <<elseif $mchairtype is "box braids" or $mchairtype is "dreadlocks">>> <<set $hair to "B">> <<else>> <<set $hair to "notB">> <</if>> <</silently>>\ !!!What is your skin color? <<listbox "$mcskincolor">> <<option "Pale" pale>> <<option "Light" light>> <<option "Beige" beige>> <<option "Tan" tan>> <<option "Olive" olive>> <<option "Light Brown" 'light brown'>> <<option "Medium Brown" 'medium brown'>> <<option "Deep Brown" 'deep brown'>> <<option "Dark Brown" 'dark brown'>> <</listbox>> <<if $mchairtype is "bald" and $facialhair is "None">>\ !!!==What length is your hair?== ^^Option unavailable^^ <<elseif $mchairtype isnot "bald">>\ !!!What length is your hair? <<if $mchairtype is "box braids" or $mchairtype is "dreadlocks">>\ <<listbox "$mchairlength">> <<option "Short" short>> <<option "Chin length" 'chin length'>> <<option "Shoulder length" 'shoulder length'>> <<option "Waist length" 'waist length'>> <<option "Past the waist" 'very long'>> <</listbox>>\ <<elseif $mchairtype isnot "box braids" and $mchairtype isnot "dreadlocks">>\ <<listbox "$mchairlength">> <<option "Buzzcut" buzzcut>> <<option "Cropped" cropped>> <<option "Short" short>> <<option "Chin length" 'chin length'>> <<option "Shoulder length" 'shoulder length'>> <<option "Waist length" 'waist length'>> <<option "Past the waist" 'very long'>> <</listbox>> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<if $mchairtype is "bald" and $facialhair is "None">>\ !!!==What color is your hair== ^^Option unavailable^^ <<else>>\ !!!What color is your hair? <<listbox "$mchaircolor" autoselect>> <<option "White" 'white'>> <<option "Grey" 'grey'>> <<option "Ash blonde" 'ash blonde'>> <<option "Golden blonde" 'golden blonde'>> <<option "Dirty blonde" 'dirty blonde'>> <<option "Light brown" 'light brown'>> <<option "Brown" 'brown'>> <<option "Dark brown" 'dark brown'>> <<option "Black" 'black'>> <<option "Ginger" 'ginger'>> <<option "Light Green" 'light green'>> <<option "Green" 'green'>> <<option "Dark Green" 'dark green'>> <<option "Light Red" 'light red'>> <<option "Red" 'red'>> <<option "Dark Red" 'dark red'>> <<option "Light Blue" 'light blue'>> <<option "Blue" 'blue'>> <<option "Dark Blue" 'dark blue'>> <<option "Light Purple" 'light purple'>> <<option "Purple" 'purple'>> <<option "Dark Purple" 'dark purple'>> <</listbox>> <</if>> <<if $mcfish is "tiger shark">> [[Next Page->tiger shark pg]] <<elseif $mcfish is "nurse shark">> [[Next Page->nurse shark pg]] <<elseif $mcfish is "common octopus">> [[Next Page->common octopus pg]] <<elseif $mcfish is "blue ring octopus">> [[Next Page->blue ring octopus pg]] <<elseif $mcfish is "lionfish">> [[Next Page->lionfish pg]] <</if>>

<<if $mchairtype is "bald">> !!!==What hairstyle do you have?== ^^Option unavailable^^ <<elseif $mchairtype isnot "bald">> !!!What hairstyle do you have? <<if $mchairtype is "box braids" or $mchairtype is "dreadlocks">>\ <<if $mchairlength is "buzzcut">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "cropped">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "short">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "chin length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Short Ponytail" 'short ponytail'>> <<option "Short Braided Ponytail" 'short braided ponytail'>> <<option "Short Pigtails" 'short pigtails'>> <<option "Short Braid" 'short braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "shoulder length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Ponytail" 'ponytail'>> <<option "Braided Ponytail" 'braided ponytail'>> <<option "Pigtails" pigtails>> <<option "Braid" braid>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "waist length" or $mchairlength is "very long">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Long Ponytail" 'long ponytail'>> <<option "Long Braided Ponytail" 'long braided ponytail'>> <<option "Long Pigtails" 'long pigtails'>> <<option "Long Braid" 'long braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>>\ <</if>>\ <<elseif $mchairtype isnot "box braids" and $mchairtype isnot "dreadlocks">>\ <<if $mchairlength is "buzzcut">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "cropped">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "short">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "chin length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Short Ponytail" 'short ponytail'>> <<option "Short Braided Ponytail" 'short braided ponytail'>> <<option "Short Pigtails" 'short pigtails'>> <<option "Short Braid" 'short braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "shoulder length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Ponytail" 'ponytail'>> <<option "Braided Ponytail" 'braided ponytail'>> <<option "Pigtails" pigtails>> <<option "Braid" braid>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "waist length" or $mchairlength is "very long">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Long Ponytail" 'long ponytail'>> <<option "Long Braided Ponytail" 'long braided ponytail'>> <<option "Long Pigtails" 'long pigtails'>> <<option "Long Braid" 'long braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ !!!What eye color do you have? <<listbox "$mceyecolor1" autoselect>> <<option "Crimson" 'red'>> <<option "Pink" 'pink'>> <<option "Pale blue" 'pale blue'>> <<option "Blue" 'blue'>> <<option "Deep Blue" 'deep blue'>> <<option "Pale Green" 'pale green'>> <<option "Green" 'green'>> <<option "Dark Green" 'dark green'>> <<option "Light Brown" 'light brown'>> <<option "Brown" 'brown'>> <<option "Dark brown" 'dark brown'>> <<option "Black" 'black'>> <<option "Grey" 'grey'>> <<option "Hazel" 'hazel'>> <<option "Amber" 'amber'>> <<option "Orange" orange>> <<option "Lavender" 'lavender'>> <<option "Purple" 'purple'>> <<option "Pale Yellow" 'pale yellow'>> <<option "Gold" 'gold'>> <</listbox>> <<if $mcheterochromia is "Yes">>\ !!!What is the color of your other eye? <<listbox "$mceyecolor2" autoselect>> <<option "Red" 'red'>> <<option "Pink" 'pink'>> <<option "Pale blue" 'pale blue'>> <<option "Blue" 'blue'>> <<option "Deep Blue" 'deep blue'>> <<option "Pale Green" 'pale green'>> <<option "Green" 'green'>> <<option "Dark Green" 'dark green'>> <<option "Light Brown" 'light brown'>> <<option "Brown" 'brown'>> <<option "Dark brown" 'dark brown'>> <<option "Black" 'black'>> <<option "Grey" 'grey'>> <<option "Hazel" 'hazel'>> <<option "Amber" 'amber'>> <<option "Orange" orange>> <<option "Lavender" 'lavender'>> <<option "Purple" 'purple'>> <<option "Pale Yellow" 'pale yellow'>> <<option "Gold" 'gold'>> <</listbox>> <</if>>\ !!!What color are your scales? <<listbox "$mcbodycolorupper" autoselect>> <<option "White" white>> <<option "Light Gray" 'light gray'>> <<option "Gray" gray>> <<option "Dark Gray" 'dark gray'>> <<option "Pale Blue" 'pale blue'>> <<option "Blue" blue>> <<option "Dark Blue" 'dark blue'>> <<option "Black" black>> <<option "Light Brown" 'light brown'>> <</listbox>> !!!What color is your underbelly? <<listbox "$mcbodycolorunder" autoselect>> <<option "White" white>> <<option "Pale Gold" 'pale gold'>> <</listbox>> !!!What color are your stripes? <<listbox "$mctigerstripes" autoselect>> <<option "White" white>> <<option "Gray" gray>> <<option "Dark Gray" 'dark gray'>> <<option "Blue" blue>> <<option "Dark Blue" 'dark blue'>> <<option "Brown" brown>> <<option "Dark Brown" 'dark brown'>> <<option "Black" black>> <</listbox>> !!!How big are you? <<listbox "$mcsize" autoselect>> <<option "Small, 16 ft" '16'>> <<option "Medium, 18 ft" '18'>> <<option "Large, 21 ft" '21'>> <</listbox>> [[Summary]]

<<if $mchairtype is "bald">> !!!==What hairstyle do you have?== ^^Option unavailable^^ <<elseif $mchairtype isnot "bald">> !!!What hairstyle do you have? <<if $mchairtype is "box braids" or $mchairtype is "dreadlocks">>\ <<if $mchairlength is "buzzcut">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "cropped">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "short">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "chin length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Short Ponytail" 'short ponytail'>> <<option "Short Braided Ponytail" 'short braided ponytail'>> <<option "Short Pigtails" 'short pigtails'>> <<option "Short Braid" 'short braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "shoulder length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Ponytail" 'ponytail'>> <<option "Braided Ponytail" 'braided ponytail'>> <<option "Pigtails" pigtails>> <<option "Braid" braid>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "waist length" or $mchairlength is "very long">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Long Ponytail" 'long ponytail'>> <<option "Long Braided Ponytail" 'long braided ponytail'>> <<option "Long Pigtails" 'long pigtails'>> <<option "Long Braid" 'long braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>>\ <</if>>\ <<elseif $mchairtype isnot "box braids" and $mchairtype isnot "dreadlocks">>\ <<if $mchairlength is "buzzcut">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "cropped">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "short">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "chin length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Short Ponytail" 'short ponytail'>> <<option "Short Braided Ponytail" 'short braided ponytail'>> <<option "Short Pigtails" 'short pigtails'>> <<option "Short Braid" 'short braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "shoulder length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Ponytail" 'ponytail'>> <<option "Braided Ponytail" 'braided ponytail'>> <<option "Pigtails" pigtails>> <<option "Braid" braid>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "waist length" or $mchairlength is "very long">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Long Ponytail" 'long ponytail'>> <<option "Long Braided Ponytail" 'long braided ponytail'>> <<option "Long Pigtails" 'long pigtails'>> <<option "Long Braid" 'long braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ !!!What eye color do you have? <<listbox "$mceyecolor1" autoselect>> <<option "Red" 'red'>> <<option "Pink" 'pink'>> <<option "Pale blue" 'pale blue'>> <<option "Blue" 'blue'>> <<option "Deep Blue" 'deep blue'>> <<option "Pale Green" 'pale green'>> <<option "Green" 'green'>> <<option "Dark Green" 'dark green'>> <<option "Light Brown" 'light brown'>> <<option "Brown" 'brown'>> <<option "Dark brown" 'dark brown'>> <<option "Black" 'black'>> <<option "Grey" 'grey'>> <<option "Hazel" 'hazel'>> <<option "Amber" 'amber'>> <<option "Orange" orange>> <<option "Lavender" 'lavender'>> <<option "Purple" 'purple'>> <<option "Pale Yellow" 'pale yellow'>> <<option "Gold" 'gold'>> <</listbox>> <<if $mcheterochromia is "Yes">>\ !!!What is the color of your other eye? <<listbox "$mceyecolor2" autoselect>> <<option "Red" 'red'>> <<option "Pink" 'pink'>> <<option "Pale blue" 'pale blue'>> <<option "Blue" 'blue'>> <<option "Deep Blue" 'deep blue'>> <<option "Pale Green" 'pale green'>> <<option "Green" 'green'>> <<option "Dark Green" 'dark green'>> <<option "Light Brown" 'light brown'>> <<option "Brown" 'brown'>> <<option "Dark brown" 'dark brown'>> <<option "Black" 'black'>> <<option "Grey" 'grey'>> <<option "Hazel" 'hazel'>> <<option "Amber" 'amber'>> <<option "Orange" orange>> <<option "Lavender" 'lavender'>> <<option "Purple" 'purple'>> <<option "Pale Yellow" 'pale yellow'>> <<option "Gold" 'gold'>> <</listbox>> <</if>>\ !!!What color are your scales? <<listbox "$mcbodycolorupper" autoselect>> <<option "White" 'white'>> <<option "Light Gold" 'light gold'>> <<option "Gold" gold>> <<option "Dark Gold" 'dark gold'>> <<option "Light Brown" 'light brown'>> <<option "Brown" brown>> <<option "Dark Brown" 'dark brown'>> <<option "Beige" beige>> <</listbox>> !!!What color is your underbelly? <<listbox "$mcbodycolorunder" autoselect>> <<option "White" white>> <<option "Light Yellow" 'light yellow'>> <</listbox>> !!!How big are you? <<listbox "$mcsize" autoselect>> <<option "Small, 15 ft" '15'>> <<option "Medium, 17 ft" '17'>> <<option "Large, 19 ft" '19'>> <</listbox>> [[Summary]]

<<if $mchairtype is "bald">>\ !!!==What hairstyle do you have?== ^^Option unavailable^^ <<elseif $mchairtype isnot "bald">>\ !!!What hairstyle do you have? <<if $mchairtype is "box braids" or $mchairtype is "dreadlocks">>\ <<if $mchairlength is "buzzcut">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "cropped">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "short">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "chin length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Short Ponytail" 'short ponytail'>> <<option "Short Braided Ponytail" 'short braided ponytail'>> <<option "Short Pigtails" 'short pigtails'>> <<option "Short Braid" 'short braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "shoulder length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Ponytail" 'ponytail'>> <<option "Braided Ponytail" 'braided ponytail'>> <<option "Pigtails" pigtails>> <<option "Braid" braid>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "waist length" or $mchairlength is "very long">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Long Ponytail" 'long ponytail'>> <<option "Long Braided Ponytail" 'long braided ponytail'>> <<option "Long Pigtails" 'long pigtails'>> <<option "Long Braid" 'long braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>>\ <</if>>\ <<elseif $mchairtype isnot "box braids" and $mchairtype isnot "dreadlocks">>\ <<if $mchairlength is "buzzcut">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "cropped">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "short">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "chin length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Short Ponytail" 'short ponytail'>> <<option "Short Braided Ponytail" 'short braided ponytail'>> <<option "Short Pigtails" 'short pigtails'>> <<option "Short Braid" 'short braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "shoulder length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Ponytail" 'ponytail'>> <<option "Braided Ponytail" 'braided ponytail'>> <<option "Pigtails" pigtails>> <<option "Braid" braid>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "waist length" or $mchairlength is "very long">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Long Ponytail" 'long ponytail'>> <<option "Long Braided Ponytail" 'long braided ponytail'>> <<option "Long Pigtails" 'long pigtails'>> <<option "Long Braid" 'long braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ !!!What eye color do you have? <<listbox "$mceyecolor1" autoselect>> <<option "Red" 'red'>> <<option "Pink" 'pink'>> <<option "Pale blue" 'pale blue'>> <<option "Blue" 'blue'>> <<option "Deep Blue" 'deep blue'>> <<option "Pale Green" 'pale green'>> <<option "Green" 'green'>> <<option "Dark Green" 'dark green'>> <<option "Light Brown" 'light brown'>> <<option "Brown" 'brown'>> <<option "Dark brown" 'dark brown'>> <<option "Black" 'black'>> <<option "Grey" 'grey'>> <<option "Hazel" 'hazel'>> <<option "Amber" 'amber'>> <<option "Lavender" 'lavender'>> <<option "Purple" 'purple'>> <<option "Pale Yellow" 'pale yellow'>> <<option "Gold" 'gold'>> <</listbox>>\ <<if $mcheterochromia is "Yes">> !!!What is the color of your other eye? <<listbox "$mceyecolor2" autoselect>> <<option "Red" 'red'>> <<option "Pink" 'pink'>> <<option "Pale blue" 'pale blue'>> <<option "Blue" 'blue'>> <<option "Deep Blue" 'deep blue'>> <<option "Pale Green" 'pale green'>> <<option "Green" 'green'>> <<option "Dark Green" 'dark green'>> <<option "Light Brown" 'light brown'>> <<option "Brown" 'brown'>> <<option "Dark brown" 'dark brown'>> <<option "Black" 'black'>> <<option "Grey" 'grey'>> <<option "Hazel" 'hazel'>> <<option "Amber" 'amber'>> <<option "Lavender" 'lavender'>> <<option "Purple" 'purple'>> <<option "Pale Yellow" 'pale yellow'>> <<option "Gold" 'gold'>> <</listbox>>\ <</if>>\ !!!What color is most of your tentacles? <<listbox "$mcbodycolor" autoselect>> <<option "White" white>> <<option "Light Brown" 'light brown'>> <<option "Brown" 'brown'>> <<option "Dark Brown" 'dark brown'>> <<option "Black" 'black'>> <<option "Light Yellow" 'light yellow'>> <<option "Yellow" 'yellow'>> <<option "Dark Yellow" 'dark yellow'>> <<option "Light Green" 'light green'>> <<option "Green" 'green'>> <<option "Dark Green" 'dark green'>> <<option "Light Orange" 'light orange'>> <<option "Orange" 'orange'>> <<option "Dark Orange" 'dark orange'>> <<option "Light Red" 'light red'>> <<option "Red" 'red'>> <<option "Dark Red" 'dark red'>> <<option "Light Blue" 'light blue'>> <<option "Blue" 'blue'>> <<option "Dark Blue" 'dark blue'>> <<option "Light Purple" 'light purple'>> <<option "Purple" 'purple'>> <<option "Dark Purple" 'dark purple'>> <</listbox>>\ !!!What color are your patterns? <<listbox "$mcbodypatterncolor" autoselect>> <<option "None, I don't have any patterns" 'same'>> <<option "White" white>> <<option "Light Brown" 'light brown'>> <<option "Brown" 'brown'>> <<option "Dark Brown" 'dark brown'>> <<option "Light Yellow" 'light yellow'>> <<option "Yellow" 'yellow'>> <<option "Dark Yellow" 'dark yellow'>> <<option "Light Green" 'light green'>> <<option "Green" 'green'>> <<option "Dark Green" 'dark green'>> <<option "Light Orange" 'light orange'>> <<option "Orange" 'orange'>> <<option "Dark Orange" 'dark orange'>> <<option "Light Red" 'light red'>> <<option "Red" 'red'>> <<option "Dark Red" 'dark red'>> <<option "Light Blue" 'light blue'>> <<option "Blue" 'blue'>> <<option "Dark Blue" 'dark blue'>> <<option "Light Purple" 'light purple'>> <<option "Purple" 'purple'>> <<option "Dark Purple" 'dark purple'>> <</listbox>>\ !!!How big are you? <<listbox "$mcsize" autoselect>> <<option "Small, 6 ft" '6'>> <<option "Medium, 8 ft" '8'>> <<option "Large, 9 ft" '9'>> <</listbox>>\ [[Summary]]

<<if $mchairtype is "bald">> !!!==What hairstyle do you have?== ^^Option unavailable^^ <<elseif $mchairtype isnot "bald">> !!!What hairstyle do you have? <<if $mchairtype is "box braids" or $mchairtype is "dreadlocks">>\ <<if $mchairlength is "buzzcut">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "cropped">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "short">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "chin length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Short Ponytail" 'short ponytail'>> <<option "Short Braided Ponytail" 'short braided ponytail'>> <<option "Short Pigtails" 'short pigtails'>> <<option "Short Braid" 'short braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "shoulder length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Ponytail" 'ponytail'>> <<option "Braided Ponytail" 'braided ponytail'>> <<option "Pigtails" pigtails>> <<option "Braid" braid>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "waist length" or $mchairlength is "very long">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Long Ponytail" 'long ponytail'>> <<option "Long Braided Ponytail" 'long braided ponytail'>> <<option "Long Pigtails" 'long pigtails'>> <<option "Long Braid" 'long braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>>\ <</if>>\ <<elseif $mchairtype isnot "box braids" and $mchairtype isnot "dreadlocks">>\ <<if $mchairlength is "buzzcut">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "cropped">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "short">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "chin length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Short Ponytail" 'short ponytail'>> <<option "Short Braided Ponytail" 'short braided ponytail'>> <<option "Short Pigtails" 'short pigtails'>> <<option "Short Braid" 'short braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "shoulder length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Ponytail" 'ponytail'>> <<option "Braided Ponytail" 'braided ponytail'>> <<option "Pigtails" pigtails>> <<option "Braid" braid>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "waist length" or $mchairlength is "very long">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Long Ponytail" 'long ponytail'>> <<option "Long Braided Ponytail" 'long braided ponytail'>> <<option "Long Pigtails" 'long pigtails'>> <<option "Long Braid" 'long braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ !!!What eye color do you have? <<listbox "$mceyecolor1" autoselect>> <<option "Red" 'red'>> <<option "Pink" 'pink'>> <<option "Pale blue" 'pale blue'>> <<option "Blue" 'blue'>> <<option "Deep Blue" 'deep blue'>> <<option "Pale Green" 'pale green'>> <<option "Green" 'green'>> <<option "Dark Green" 'dark green'>> <<option "Light Brown" 'light brown'>> <<option "Brown" 'brown'>> <<option "Dark brown" 'dark brown'>> <<option "Black" 'black'>> <<option "Grey" 'grey'>> <<option "Hazel" 'hazel'>> <<option "Amber" 'amber'>> <<option "Orange" orange>> <<option "Lavender" 'lavender'>> <<option "Purple" 'purple'>> <<option "Pale Yellow" 'pale yellow'>> <<option "Gold" 'gold'>> <</listbox>> <<if $mcheterochromia is "Yes">>\ !!!What is the color of your other eye? <<listbox "$mceyecolor2" autoselect>> <<option "Red" 'red'>> <<option "Pink" 'pink'>> <<option "Pale blue" 'pale blue'>> <<option "Blue" 'blue'>> <<option "Deep Blue" 'deep blue'>> <<option "Pale Green" 'pale green'>> <<option "Green" 'green'>> <<option "Dark Green" 'dark green'>> <<option "Light Brown" 'light brown'>> <<option "Brown" 'brown'>> <<option "Dark brown" 'dark brown'>> <<option "Black" 'black'>> <<option "Grey" 'grey'>> <<option "Hazel" 'hazel'>> <<option "Amber" 'amber'>> <<option "Orange" orange>> <<option "Lavender" 'lavender'>> <<option "Purple" 'purple'>> <<option "Pale Yellow" 'pale yellow'>> <<option "Gold" 'gold'>> <</listbox>> <</if>>\ !!!What color is most of your tentacles? <<listbox "$mcbodycolor" autoselect>> <<option "White" white>> <<option "Light Brown" 'light brown'>> <<option "Brown" 'brown'>> <<option "Dark Brown" 'dark brown'>> <<option "Light Yellow" 'light yellow'>> <<option "Yellow" 'yellow'>> <<option "Dark Yellow" 'dark yellow'>> <<option "Light Green" 'light green'>> <<option "Green" 'green'>> <<option "Dark Green" 'dark green'>> <<option "Light Orange" 'light orange'>> <<option "Orange" 'orange'>> <<option "Dark Orange" 'dark orange'>> <<option "Light Red" 'light red'>> <<option "Red" 'red'>> <<option "Dark Red" 'dark red'>> <<option "Light Blue" 'light blue'>> <<option "Blue" 'blue'>> <<option "Dark Blue" 'dark blue'>> <<option "Light Purple" 'light purple'>> <<option "Purple" 'purple'>> <<option "Dark Purple" 'dark purple'>> <</listbox>>\ !!!What color are your patterns? <<listbox "$mcbodypatterncolor" autoselect>> <<option "None, I don't have any patterns" 'same'>> <<option "White" white>> <<option "Light Brown" 'light brown'>> <<option "Brown" 'brown'>> <<option "Dark Brown" 'dark brown'>> <<option "Light Yellow" 'light yellow'>> <<option "Yellow" 'yellow'>> <<option "Dark Yellow" 'dark yellow'>> <<option "Light Green" 'light green'>> <<option "Green" 'green'>> <<option "Dark Green" 'dark green'>> <<option "Light Orange" 'light orange'>> <<option "Orange" 'orange'>> <<option "Dark Orange" 'dark orange'>> <<option "Light Red" 'light red'>> <<option "Red" 'red'>> <<option "Dark Red" 'dark red'>> <<option "Light Blue" 'light blue'>> <<option "Blue" 'blue'>> <<option "Dark Blue" 'dark blue'>> <<option "Light Purple" 'light purple'>> <<option "Purple" 'purple'>> <<option "Dark Purple" 'dark purple'>> <</listbox>>\ ^^Note, you will turn yellow with blue rings when threatened, the above choices don't affect this.^^ !!!How big are you? <<listbox "$mcsize" autoselect>> <<option "Small, 4 ft" '4'>> <<option "Medium, 5 ft" '5'>> <<option "Large, 6 ft" '6'>> <</listbox>>\ [[Summary]]

<<if $mchairtype is "bald">>\ !!!==What hairstyle do you have?== ^^Option unavailable^^ <<elseif $mchairtype isnot "bald">>\ !!!What hairstyle do you have? <<if $mchairtype is "box braids" or $mchairtype is "dreadlocks">>\ <<if $mchairlength is "buzzcut">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "cropped">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "short">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "chin length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Short Ponytail" 'short ponytail'>> <<option "Short Braided Ponytail" 'short braided ponytail'>> <<option "Short Pigtails" 'short pigtails'>> <<option "Short Braid" 'short braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "shoulder length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Ponytail" 'ponytail'>> <<option "Braided Ponytail" 'braided ponytail'>> <<option "Pigtails" pigtails>> <<option "Braid" braid>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "waist length" or $mchairlength is "very long">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Long Ponytail" 'long ponytail'>> <<option "Long Braided Ponytail" 'long braided ponytail'>> <<option "Long Pigtails" 'long pigtails'>> <<option "Long Braid" 'long braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>>\ <</if>>\ <<elseif $mchairtype isnot "box braids" and $mchairtype isnot "dreadlocks">>\ <<if $mchairlength is "buzzcut">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "cropped">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "short">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "chin length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Short Ponytail" 'short ponytail'>> <<option "Short Braided Ponytail" 'short braided ponytail'>> <<option "Short Pigtails" 'short pigtails'>> <<option "Short Braid" 'short braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "shoulder length">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Ponytail" 'ponytail'>> <<option "Braided Ponytail" 'braided ponytail'>> <<option "Pigtails" pigtails>> <<option "Braid" braid>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $mchairlength is "waist length" or $mchairlength is "very long">>\ <<listbox "$mchairstyle">> <<option "Long Ponytail" 'long ponytail'>> <<option "Long Braided Ponytail" 'long braided ponytail'>> <<option "Long Pigtails" 'long pigtails'>> <<option "Long Braid" 'long braid'>> <<option "Low Bun" 'low bun'>> <<option "High bun" 'high bun'>> <<option "Afro" 'afro'>> <<option "Unstyled" unstyled>> <</listbox>> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ !!!What eye color do you have? <<listbox "$mceyecolor1" autoselect>> <<option "Red" 'red'>> <<option "Pink" 'pink'>> <<option "Pale blue" 'pale blue'>> <<option "Blue" 'blue'>> <<option "Deep Blue" 'deep blue'>> <<option "Pale Green" 'pale green'>> <<option "Green" 'green'>> <<option "Dark Green" 'dark green'>> <<option "Light Brown" 'light brown'>> <<option "Brown" 'brown'>> <<option "Dark brown" 'dark brown'>> <<option "Black" 'black'>> <<option "Grey" 'grey'>> <<option "Hazel" 'hazel'>> <<option "Amber" 'amber'>> <<option "Orange" orange>> <<option "Lavender" 'lavender'>> <<option "Purple" 'purple'>> <<option "Pale Yellow" 'pale yellow'>> <<option "Gold" 'gold'>> <</listbox>> <<if $mcheterochromia is "Yes">>\ !!!What is the color of your other eye? <<listbox "$mceyecolor2" autoselect>> <<option "Red" 'red'>> <<option "Pink" 'pink'>> <<option "Pale blue" 'pale blue'>> <<option "Blue" 'blue'>> <<option "Deep Blue" 'deep blue'>> <<option "Pale Green" 'pale green'>> <<option "Green" 'green'>> <<option "Dark Green" 'dark green'>> <<option "Light Brown" 'light brown'>> <<option "Brown" 'brown'>> <<option "Dark brown" 'dark brown'>> <<option "Black" 'black'>> <<option "Grey" 'grey'>> <<option "Hazel" 'hazel'>> <<option "Amber" 'amber'>> <<option "Orange" orange>> <<option "Lavender" 'lavender'>> <<option "Purple" 'purple'>> <<option "Pale Yellow" 'pale yellow'>> <<option "Gold" 'gold'>> <</listbox>> <</if>>\ !!!What is the main color of your scales? <<listbox "$mcbodylionmain" autoselect>> <<option "White" white>> <<option "Light Gold" 'light gold'>> <<option "Gold" 'gold'>> <<option "Dark Gold" 'dark gold'>> <<option "Light Red" 'light red'>> <<option "Red" 'red'>> <<option "Dark Red" 'dark red'>> <<option "Maroon" 'maroon'>> <</listbox>> !!!What color are your large stripes? <<listbox "$mcbodylionstripes1" autoselect>> <<option "White" 'white'>> <<option "Light Gold" 'light gold'>> <<option "Gold" 'gold'>> <<option "Dark Gold" 'dark gold'>> <<option "Light Red" 'light red'>> <<option "Red" 'red'>> <<option "Dark Red" 'dark red'>> <<option "Maroon" 'maroon'>> <<option "No color difference" 'same2'>> <</listbox>> !!!What color are your smaller stripes? <<listbox "$mcbodylionstripes2" autoselect>> <<option "White" 'white'>> <<option "Light Gold" 'light gold'>> <<option "Gold" 'gold'>> <<option "Dark Gold" 'dark gold'>> <<option "Light Red" light red>> <<option "Red" 'red'>> <<option "Dark Red" 'dark red'>> <<option "Maroon" 'maroon'>> <<option "Same as larger stripes" 'same1'>> <<option "No color difference" 'same3'>> <</listbox>> !!!How big are you? <<listbox "$mcsize" autoselect>> <<option "Small, 7 ft" '7'>> <<option "Medium, 8 ft" '8'>> <<option "Large, 9 ft" '9'>> <</listbox>> [[Summary]]

<<silently>>\ <<if $mcfish is "blue ring octopus">> <<set $mcpoison to 5>> <<elseif $mcfish is "lionfish">> <<set $mcpoison to 2>> <<else>> <<set $mcpoison to 0>> <</if>> <<if $mcfish is "tiger shark" or $mcfish is "nurse shark">><<if $mcbodycolorupper is "white">><<set $mcwhite to true>><<else>><<set $mcwhite to false>><</if>><<elseif $mcfish is "lionfish">><<if ($mcbodylionmain is "white" and $mcbodylionstripes1 is "same2") and ($mcbodylionstripes2 is "same1" or $mcbodylionstripes2 is "same3")>> <<set $mcwhite to true>><<else>><<set $mcwhite to false>><</if>><<elseif $mcfish is "common octopus" or "blue ring octopus">><<if $mcbodycolor is "white" and $mcbodypatterncolor is "same">> <<set $mcwhite to true>><<else>><<set $mcwhite to false>><</if>><</if>> <</silently>>\ Hello, $mcnamefirst $mcnamelast.<<if $mcheterochromia is "Yes">> Your left eye is a brilliant $mceyecolor1, and your right is a stunning $mceyecolor2. <<elseif $mcheterochromia is "No">> Your eyes are a stunning $mceyecolor1.<</if>> You are a $man and use $mcpronouns pronouns, and you have $mcskincolor colored skin. <<if $mchairtype is "bald" and $facialhair is "None">> You don't have any hair, as you are bald. <</if>><<if $mchairtype is "bald" and $facialhair isnot "None">> You don't have any hair on your scalp, but you do have <<if $facialhair is "stubble">>some $facialhair.<<elseif $facialhair isnot "stubble">>a $facialhair. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<if $hair is "B" and $mchairtype isnot "bald">>\<<if $facialhair is "None">>\<<if $mchairstyle is "unstyled">>\ You have $mchairlength, $mchaircolor, $mchairtype that aren't styled in any way. <<else>>\<<if $mchairstyle isnot "short pigtails" and $mchairstyle isnot "pigtails" and $mchairstyle isnot "long pigtails">>\ You have $mchairlength, $mchaircolor, $mchairtype that are styled into a $mchairstyle.<<else>>\ You have $mchairlength, $mchaircolor, $mchairtype that are styled into $mchairstyle. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<elseif $facialhair isnot "None">>\<<if $mchairstyle is "unstyled">>\<<if $facialhair is "stubble">>\ You have $mchairlength, $mchaircolor, $mchairtype that aren't styled in any way as well as some $facialhair.<<elseif $facialhair isnot "None" and $facialhair isnot "stubble">>\ You have $mchairlength, $mchaircolor, $mchairtype that aren't styled in any way as well as a $facialhair. <<else>>\ <<if $mchairstyle isnot "short pigtails" and $mchairstyle isnot "pigtails" and $mchairstyle isnot "long pigtails">>\<<if $facialhair is "stubble">>\ You have $mchairlength, $mchaircolor, $mchairtype that are styled into a $mchairstyle, as well as some $facialhair. <<elseif $facialhair isnot "None" and $facialhair isnot "stubble">>\ You have $mchairlength, $mchaircolor, $mchairtype that are styled into a $mchairstyle as well as a $facialhair. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<else>>\<<if $facialhair is "stubble">>\ You have $mchairlength, $mchaircolor, $mchairtype that are styled into $mchairstyle as well as some $facialhair. <<elseif $facialhair isnot "None" and $facialhair isnot "stubble">>\ You have $mchairlength, $mchaircolor, $mchairtype that are styled into $mchairstyle as well as a $facialhair.<</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<if $hair is "notB" and $mchairtype isnot "bald">>\<<if $facialhair is "None">>\<<if $mchairstyle is "unstyled">>\ You have $mchairtype, $mchairlength, $mchaircolor hair that isn't styled in any way.<<else>>\<<if $mchairstyle isnot "short pigtails" and $mchairstyle isnot "pigtails" and $mchairstyle isnot "long pigtails">>\ You have $mchairtype, $mchairlength, $mchaircolor hair that is styled into a $mchairstyle.<<else>>\ You have $mchairtype, $mchairlength, $mchaircolor hair that is styled into $mchairstyle. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<elseif $facialhair isnot "None">>\<<if $mchairstyle is "unstyled">>\<<if $facialhair is "stubble">>\ You have $mchairtype, $mchairlength, $mchaircolor hair that isn't styled in any way as well as some $facialhair.<<elseif $facialhair isnot "None" and $facialhair isnot "stubble">>\ You have $mchairtype, $mchairlength, $mchaircolor hair that isn't styled in any way as well as a $facialhair. <<else>>\ <<if $mchairstyle isnot "short pigtails" and $mchairstyle isnot "pigtails" and $mchairstyle isnot "long pigtails">>\<<if $facialhair is "stubble">>\ You have $mchairtype, $mchairlength, $mchaircolor hair that is styled into a $mchairstyle. as well as some $facialhair.<<elseif $facialhair isnot "None" and $facialhair isnot "stubble">>\ You have $mchairtype, $mchairlength, $mchaircolor hair that is styled into a $mchairstyle as well as a $facialhair. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<else>>\<<if $facialhair is "stubble">>\ You have $mchairtype, $mchairlength, $mchaircolor hair that is styled into $mchairstyle as well as some $facialhair.<<elseif $facialhair isnot "None" and $facialhair isnot "stubble">>\ You have $mchairtype, $mchairlength, $mchaircolor hair that is styled into $mchairstyle as well as a $facialhair. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ You are a $mcfish who has<<if $mcfish is "tiger shark">>\ a $mcbodycolorupper colored body with a $mcbodycolorunder underbelly. You have faded $mctigerstripes stripes along the topside of your tail. <<elseif $mcfish is "nurse shark">>\ a $mcbodycolorupper colored body with<<if $mcbodycolorunder is "same">>\out any difference between your underbelly and your topside. <<else>>\ a $mcbodycolorunder underbelly.<</if>>\<<elseif $mcfish is "lionfish">>\ a $mcbodylionmain colored tail with <<if $mcbodylionstripes1 isnot "same2" and $mcbodylionstripes2 is "same1">>\ very large $mcbodylionstripes1 stripes arching along your tail. <<elseif ($mcbodylionstripes1 is "same2" and $mcbodylionstripes2 is "same1") or ($mcbodylionstripes1 is "same2" and $mcbodylionstripes2 is "same3")>>\ no visible stripes. <<elseif $mcbodylionstripes1 isnot "same2" and $mcbodylionstripes2 is "same3">>\ $mcbodylionstripes1 stripes trailing along your tail. <<elseif ($mcbodylionstripes1 is "same2") and ($mcbodylionstripes2 isnot "same1" or $mcbodylionstripes2 isnot "same3")>>\ small $mcbodylionstripes2 stripes arching along your tail. <<elseif ($mcbodylionstripes1 isnot "same2") and ($mcbodylionstripes2 isnot "same3" and $mcbodylionstripes2 isnot "same1")>>\ big $mcbodylionstripes1 stripes trailing along your tail broken up by smaller $mcbodylionstripes2 stripes. <</if>>\<<elseif $mcfish is "common octopus">>\ $mcbodycolor colored tentacles<<if $mcbodypatterncolor is "same">>\.<<else>>\ with a $mcbodypatterncolor pattern on them.<</if>>\<<elseif $mcfish is "blue ring octopus">>\ $mcbodycolor colored tentacles<<if $mcbodypatterncolor is "same">>.<<else>> with a $mcbodypatterncolor pattern on them.<</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<if $mcfish is "tiger shark">><<if $mcsize is "16">>You are small for your species at $mcsize feet.<<elseif $mcsize is "18">>You are normal sized for your species at $mcsize feet.<<elseif $mcsize is "21">>You are large for your species at $mcsize feet.<</if>> <<elseif $mcfish is "nurse shark">>\ <<if $mcsize is "15">>You are small for your species at $mcsize feet.<<elseif $mcsize is "17">>You are normal sized for your species at $mcsize feet.<<elseif $mcsize is "19">>You are large for your species at $mcsize feet.<</if>> <<elseif $mcfish is "lionfish">>\ <<if $mcsize is "7">>You are small for your species at $mcsize feet.<<elseif $mcsize is "8">>You are normal sized for your species at $mcsize feet.<<elseif $mcsize is "9">>You are large for your species at $mcsize feet.<</if>> <<elseif $mcfish is "common octopus">>\ <<if $mcsize is "6">>You are small for your species at $mcsize feet.<<if $mcsize is "8">>You are normal sized for your species at $mcsize feet.<<elseif $mcsize is "9">>You are large for your species at $mcsize feet.<</if>> <<elseif $mcfish is "blue ring octopus">>\ <<if $mcsize is "4">>You are small for your species at $mcsize feet.<<if $mcsize is "5">>You are normal sized for your species at $mcsize feet.<<if $mcsize is "6">>You are large for your species at $mcsize feet. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<if $mctrans is "yesM" or $mctrans is "yesF">> You are transgender<<elseif $mctrans is "No">> You are cisgender<</if>><<if $mctopscars is "Yes">> with top surgery scars on your chest. <<elseif $mctopscars is "No">>.<</if>> Does this sound right? [[Yes->passage1]] [[No->Title]]

Prounouns for Abe. $abegender $AThey $Athey $ATheir $Atheir $AThem $Athem $ATheyre $Atheyre $ATheirself $Atheirself $ATheirs $Atheirs $AMale $Amale $AChild $Achild $AMan $Aman $ASir $Asir $AGuy $Aguy $Aheis $AHeis $Aishe $AIshe $AName $ANickname pronouns ofr mc $They $they $Their $their $Them $them $Theyre $theyre $Theirself $theirself $Theirs $theirs $theyare $Theyare $arethey $Arethey $Male $male $Child $child $Man $man $Sir $sir $Guy $guy $grandchild mc descriptions $hairless $mcnamefirst $mcnamelast $mcheterochromia $mcpronouns $mchairtype $facialhair $mcfish $mcskincolor $mchairlength $mchaircolor $mchairstyle $mceyecolor1 $mceyecolor2 $mcbodylionmain $mcbodylionstripes1 $mcbodylionstripes2 $mcsize $mcbodycolorupper $mcbodycolorunder $mctigerstripes mc personalitly $kind $charisma $mccombat $mcquiet $charactersmet $rude $honest $mcpoison $mcwhite

<<silently>>\ <<set $charactersmet to 1>>\ <</silently>>\ You chuckle while watching $AName, your best friend, swim through coral like it was the first time $Athey had ever seen it. You two were swimming about the coral reef that was nearby your settlement in order to relax, something $ANickname insisted upon since you’ve been working so much. It felt like you were <<if $mcfish is "nurse shark" or $mcfish is "tiger shark">>pups<<else>>guppies<</if>> again, chasing $AName around the coral and rocky outcroppings. [[You were happy to spend time with your crush.->Alove1]] [[You were happy to spend time with your best friend.->Abff1]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $Aattraction to 2>> <<set $mcAattraction to 5>> <<set $Afriendship to 5>> <</silently>>\ You blushed while you quietly watched $AName duck and weave through coral, sunlight illuminating $Atheir beautiful features. $AThey squealed after a few seconds, turning with a smile on $Atheir face, “C’mere, I just found a $mcfish and it looks just like you!” “Oh, really?” You ask while swimming over, coral brushing against your <<if $mcfish is "lionfish" or ($mcfish is "tiger shark" or $mcfish is "nurse shark")>> scales. <<else>> skin. <</if>>Peeking into the alcove $ANickname was in front of revealed a $mcfish that, indeed, looked like you. It even had the same coloration as you. “Oh wow, that’s cool.” The $mcfish turned to spot the both of you, <<if $mcfish isnot "tiger shark" and $mcfish isnot "nurse shark">> rushed to hide and wiggled into a crack just big enough for it to slip through, <<else>> it approached you before seemingly noticing you looked like it, nudging your side before swimming off. <</if>> <<if $mcfish is "nurse shark" or $mcfish is "tiger shark">>“Huh, I’m surprised it didn’t go after you.” You chuckled. Sharks have a weird obsession with $ANickname, just like you. <<else>>“Aw man, off it goes...” $AName sighed disappointedly. You felt the same, what a rude $mcfish. Sure you eat them, but come on. It could've stayed around longer. <</if>> You both explored more afterwards, finding your favorite cave from when you were kids. It still had all the carvings in the walls and stockpiles of random things you thought were cool. It felt nice to lay down on the plant growth together and look up at the sun stained water above you through a hole in the ceiling. You put your arms behind your head, the warmth and comfort making you tired. Your eyes were starting to drift closed when $ANickname suddenly spoke up. “I wonder what it’d be like to live on the land...” You look back at $Athem and roll your eyes, you've had this conversation with $Athem many times, so there's no point in repeating that... [[You think it’d be pretty cool.->Alove2]] [[You think all you’d be able to do is flop around.->Alove2.1]] [[You think it's a stupid idea, there's nothing interesting on land anyways.->Alove2.2]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $Aattraction to 0.5>> <<set $mcAattraction to 0>> <<set $Afriendship to 5>> <</silently>>\ You watch $ANickname swim about for a while, chuckling when $Athey<<if $Aplural is "true">> get<<else>> gets<</if>> scared by schools of fish $Athey didn't see. A warm, content feeling blooms in your chest. You startle when $ANickname randomly squealed, turning with a smile on $Atheir face, “C’mere, I just found a $mcfish and it looks just like you!” “Oh, really?” You ask while swimming over, coral brushing against your <<if $mcfish is "lionfish" or $mcfish is "tiger shark" or $mcfish is "nurse shark">> scales. <<else>> skin. <</if>>Peeking into the alcove $ANickname was in front of revealed a $mcfish that, indeed, looked like you. It even had the same coloration as you. “Oh wow, that’s cool.” The $mcfish turned to spot the both of you, <<if $mcfish isnot "tiger shark" and $mcfish isnot "nurse shark">> rushed to hide and wiggled into a crack just big enough for it to slip through.<<else>> it approached you before seemingly noticing you looked like it, nudging your side before swimming off. <</if>> <<if $mcfish is "nurse shark" or $mcfish is "tiger shark">>“Huh, I’m surprised it didn’t go after you.” You chuckled. Sharks have a weird obsession with $ANickname, just like you. <<else>>“Aw man, off it goes...” $AName sighed disappointedly. You felt the same, what a rude $mcfish. Sure you eat them, but come on. It could've stayed around longer. <</if>> You both explored more afterwards, finding your favorite cave from when you were kids. It still had all the carvings in the walls and stockpiles of random things you thought were cool. It felt nice to lay down on the plant growth together and look up at the sun stained water above you through a hole in the ceiling. You put your arms behind your head, the warmth and comfort making you tired. Your eyes were starting to drift closed when $ANickname suddenly spoke up. “I wonder what it’d be like to live on the land...” You look back at $Athem and roll your eyes, you've had this conversation with $Athem many times, so there's no point in repeating that... [[You think it’d be pretty cool.->Abff2]] [[You think all you’d be able to do is flop around.->Abff2.1]] [[You think it's a stupid idea, there's nothing interesting on land anyways.->Abff2.2]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $Aattraction +=0.5>> <<set $Afriendship +=1>> <</silently>>\ "It'd be so fun!" $ANickname sighed wistfully, "Getting to see new things and animals we never get to see from the sandbars. What do you think is out there, maybe there's some land-mers who've been hiding from us." "Hmmm, I think that the animals there would be like crabs, maybe birds without wings, and the land-mers would look like us but less... fish." You theorized, hands gesturing uselessly through the water to illustrate your ideas. "Oh, oh! Maybe they have hair, but, everywhere. That would be funny!" $AName chimed in, tail beating languidly against the sand and vegetation. You start giggling at the thought of really hairy mers with bird legs instead of tails, crawling around like some superspeed crab. $ANickname starts snickering with you until the two of you are full-blown laughing. Eventually you stop when your lungs are struggling to pull in water. You lay there in comfortable silence, a warm feeling swirling in your chest. You were glad to get to do this with $ANickname again. Moments like these made you appreciate the time you got to spend with $ANickname, bantering until you had to eventually get back to work. [["You wished you didn't have a job so you could spend more time with " +$ANickname+ " ."->Alove2.4]] [['You loved ' +$ANickname+ ' but you also understood that you needed to do your job, it was a delicate balance.'->Alove2.3]]

“I know, I know.” $AThey chuckled, “But seriously, think about it! We could wander around and have, like, crab legs or something so we could move! Y’know, find some cool animals that don’t come to the sandbars, or maybe some secret society of land-mers!” You snort, "Maybe, and then they'd all go 'Ooo! Yummy clownfish!' And I'd be left to pick up your little $ANickname bits and cry." $AThey <<if $abegender isnot "NB">>pouts <<else>>pout <</if>> at you and then sticks $Atheir tongue out at you. "Well you'll still get an adventure and a story to tell, so hah! Checkmate, $mcnamefirst." You chuckle, "I don't think that's how that works, but sure, okay. Maybe five billion years in the future they'll pull you out of the grave and say 'Go old $Aman, go!' and you'll finally experience land dwelling." $AName dramatically sighs, "That's what you think..." You both fall into comfortable silence. Moments like these made you appreciate the time you got to spend with $ANickname, bantering until you had to eventually get back to work. [["You wished you didn't have a job so you could spend more time with " +$ANickname+ " ."->Alove2.4]] [['You loved ' +$ANickname+ ' but you also understood that you needed to do your job, it was a delicate balance.'->Alove2.3]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $Aattraction -=0.5>> <<set $Afriendship -=0.5>> <</silently>>\ “I know, I know.” $AThey chuckled, “But seriously, think about it! We could wander around and have, like, crab legs or something so we could move! Y’know, find some cool animals that don’t come to the sandbars, or maybe some secret society of land-mers!” You just shake your head, “I don’t think there’d be a secret society, $ANickname. We would’ve seen them by now.” $AThey <<if $abegender isnot "NB">>pouts <<else>> pout <</if>>at you and then sticks $Atheir tongue out at you. "You don't have to be such a downer, y'know." $AThey say, speaking slurred by the tongue still hanging out of $Atheir mouth. "I'm just being realistic." You reply, sticking your tongue out back at $Athem. $AThey blow a raspberry before the both of you start laughing, stopping once your ribs hurt. You go back to laying in silence, comfortable enough that you feel drowsy again. [["You wished you didn't have a job so you could spend more time with " +$ANickname+ "."->Alove2.4]] [['You loved ' +$ANickname+ ' but you also understood that you needed to do your job, it was a delicate balance.'->Alove2.3]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $Afriendship +=0.5>> <</silently>>\ You'd skip your work sometimes to hangout with $AName, $Athey <<if $abegender isnot "NB">> would scold <<else>>scold <</if>> you for it but $Athey <<if $abegender isnot "NB">> doesn't<<else>> don't<</if>> snitch. This time you didn't have to skip, the work coordinators allowing you and $AName to have a break, hence why you're both swimming in the reef. You feel a little guilty over skimping out on your responsibilities but it's a good season for fishing, so you aren't hurting anyone. [[Plus you're really good at it, so you catch a good haul no matter what.->A3.1]] [[You're okay at fishing, so you still bring in an alright amount->A3.2]] [[You're horrible at fishing, it's starting to be noticable in the pitiful amounts you bring back. You should probably get a different job.->A3.3]]

<<silently>>\ <<if $mcAattraction is 5>> <<set $Aattraction +=0.5>>\ <<set $Afriendship -=0.5>>\ <<else>> <<set $Afriendship -=0.5>>\ <</if>> <</silently>>\ You had a duty to feed your pod, and you don't disregard it even for $AName. Luckily $Athey <<if $abegender isnot "NB">> understands <<else>> understand<</if>> this and doesn't bother you until you're done working, where you actually have the time to interact with $Athem. You're grateful for the respect $AName has for your work. Right now your on a few weeks break, the work coordinators deciding you needed it [[To take some time to yourself, you're a really good fisher and they didn't want you overworking yourself.->A3.1]] [[To take some time for yourself and possibly improve your skills, you're okay at fishing and there's room for improvement.->A3.2]] [[To improve your skills, as you're terrible at fishing.->A3.3]]

@@.center; !<<if $charactersmet gte 3>> [[⇦->Characters]] [[⇨->Aria]] <<else>> [[⇦->Characters]]⇨ <</if>> @@ <<if $charactersmet gte 2>> <a><img src='https://i.postimg.cc/JnqRLpfL/Alistair.png' border='0' alt='Alistair holding some blue glowing plankton while floating in the deep sea.'/></a> <<else>> You have not met this character yet :). <</if>> Name: Alistair Nickname: Ali Species: Deepsea Skate Gender: Male Pronouns: He/Him Size: 9' tall, from tail to head. Romance level: <<if $Aliattraction lte 0>>Alistair has no attraction to you.<<elseif $Aliattraction eq 0.5>>There's a little spark, something Alistair hasn't noticed. <<elseif $Aliattraction eq 1>>There's a budding romance between the two of you, something Alistair is embarrassed about. <<elseif $Aliattraction eq 1.5 or $Aliattraction eq 2>>Alistair is beginning to think about a life with you. <<elseif $Aliattraction eq 2.5 or $Aliattraction eq 3>>Alistair thinks of you as his crush. <<elseif $Aliattraction eq 3.5 or $Aliattraction eq 4>>Alistair is in love with you, and wants to be with you. <<elseif $Aliattraction eq 4.5 or $Aliattraction eq 5>>Alistair is madly in love with you. <<elseif $Aliattraction gte 6>>Alistair is obsessed with you. <</if>> Friendship level: <<if $Alifriendship lte 0>>Alistair doesn't know who you are really,<<elseif $Alifriendship is 0.5>>He's starting to warm up to you.<<elseif $Alifriendship is 1>>You two aren't the best of friends, but Alistair can trust you some.<<elseif $Alifriendship is 1.5 or $Alifriendship is 2>>Alistair trusts you, and believes you two are close friends.<<elseif $Alifriendship is 2.5 or $Alifriendship is 3>>Alistair trusts you, and believes you two are close friends. <<elseif $Alifriendship is 3.5 or $Alifriendship is 4>>You two are best friends!<<elseif $Alifriendship is 4.5>>Alistair considers you his closest friend in the whole world! <<elseif $Alifriendship gte 5>>Alistair trusts and loves you with all his heart, and considers you his best friend <3! <</if>>

@@.center; !<<if $charactersmet gte 4>> [[⇦->Alistair]] [[⇨->Sheila]] <<else>> ⇦⇨ <</if>> @@ <<if $charactersmet gte 3>> <a><img src='https://i.postimg.cc/sfT3H0PP/morganresized6.png' border='0' alt='Aria laying on a seabed.'/></a> <<else>> You have not met this character yet :). <</if>> Name: Aria Nickname: Ari Species: Ghost Shark Gender: Female Pronouns: She/Her Size: 9' 2" tall, from tail fin to head. Romance level: <<if $Ariattraction lte 0>>Aria thinks you're cute, but otherwise has no other feelings for you.<<elseif $Ariattraction eq 0.5>>There's a little spark, something Aria has taken note of. <<elseif $Ariattraction eq 1>>There's a budding romance between the two of you, which makes Aria excited. <<elseif $Ariattraction eq 1.5 or $Ariattraction eq 2>>Aria wants a life with you in it. <<elseif $Ariattraction eq 2.5 or $Ariattraction eq 3>>Aria thinks of you as her crush. <<elseif $Ariattraction eq 3.5 or $Ariattraction eq 4>>Aria is in love with you, and wants to be with you. <<elseif $Ariattraction eq 4.5 or $Ariattraction eq 5>>Aria is madly in love with you. <<elseif $Ariattraction gte 6>>Aria is obsessed with you. <</if>> Friendship level: <<if $Arifriendship lte 0>>Aria doesn't know who you are really.<<elseif $Arifriendship is 0.5>>She's getting used to you being around.<<elseif $Arifriendship is 1>>You two aren't the best of friends, but Aria thinks there's something to be had within the friendship.<<elseif $Arifriendship is 1.5 or $Arifriendship is 2>>Aria likes being around you, and believes you two are close friends.<<elseif $Arifriendship is 2.5 or $Arifriendship is 3>>Aria likes being around you, and believes you two are close friends. <<elseif $Arifriendship is 3.5 or $Arifriendship is 4>>You two are best friends!<<elseif $Arifriendship is 4.5>>Aria considers you her closest friend in the whole world! <<elseif $Arifriendship gte 5>>Aria loves you with all her heart, and considers you her best friend <3! <</if>>

@@.center; !<<if $charactersmet gte 5>> [[⇦->Aria]] [[⇨->Morgan]] <<else>> ⇦⇨ <</if>> @@ <<if $charactersmet gte 4>> <<if settings.Censor>> <a><img src='https://i.postimg.cc/sD1sk9Kk/Sheila2.png' border='0' alt='Sheila with a seaweed wrap around her chest, holding a spear and smiling tiumphantly.'/></a> <<elseif settings.Censor isnot true>> <a><img src='https://i.postimg.cc/x1zYCfwg/Sheila.png' border='0' alt='Sheila holding a spear and smiling tiumphantly.'/></a> <<else>> You have not met this character yet :). <</if>> <</if>> Name: Sheila Shrimpiro Nickname: Seashell Species: Pink Shrimp (Northern) Gender: Demi Girl Pronouns: She/They Size: 3' tall, from tail tip to head. Romance level: <<if $Sattraction lte 0>>Shelia sees you as an obstacle.<<elseif $Sattraction eq 0.5>>There's a little interest, something Sheila has taken note of. <<elseif $Sattraction eq 1>>There's a budding romance between the two of you, which makes Sheila full of dread. <<elseif $Sattraction eq 1.5 or $Sattraction eq 2>>Sheila wants a life with you in it, unfortunately. <<elseif $Sattraction eq 2.5 or $Sattraction eq 3>>Sheila thinks of you as her crush. <<elseif $Sattraction eq 3.5 or $Sattraction eq 4>>Sheila is in love with you, and wants to be with you. <<elseif $Sattraction eq 4.5 or $Sattraction eq 5>>Sheila is madly in love with you. <<elseif $Sattraction gte 6>>Sheila is obsessed with you. <</if>> Friendship level: <<if $Sfriendship lte 0>>Sheila doesn't know who you are really.<<elseif $Sfriendship is 0.5>>She sees you as an annoyance.<<elseif $Sfriendship is 1>>You two aren't the best of friends, but Sheila is becoming closer to you.<<elseif $Sfriendship is 1.5 or $Sfriendship is 2>>Sheila likes being around you, and knows you two are close friends.<<elseif $Sfriendship is 2.5 or $Sfriendship is 3>>Sheila likes being around you, and knows you two are close friends. <<elseif $Sfriendship is 3.5 or $Sfriendship is 4>>You two are best friends!<<elseif $Sfriendship is 4.5>>You're Sheila's closest friend in the whole world! <<elseif $Sfriendship gte 5>>Sheila loves you with all her heart and will protect you no matter what, and considers you her best friend <3! <</if>>

@@.center; !<<if $charactersmet gte 1>> [[⇦->Sheila]] <<else>> ⇦ <</if>> @@ <<if $charactersmet gte 5>> <a><img src='https://i.postimg.cc/mDbG8Qt6/Morganredone.png' border='0' alt='Morgan peeking out a hole in the carrion with a concerned look on their face.'/></a> <<else>> You have not met this character yet :). <</if>> Name: Morgan Nickname: None Species: Blood Eel Gender: Non-Binary Pronouns: They/Them, He/Him rarely. Size: 16' 7" tall, from tail tip to head. Romance level: <<if $Mattraction lte 0>>Morgan isn't sure about you.<<elseif $Mattraction eq 0.5>>There's a little interest, something they haven't noticed. <<elseif $Mattraction eq 1>>There's a budding romance between the two of you, which makes Morgan a bit worried for you. <<elseif $Mattraction eq 1.5 or $Mattraction eq 2>>Morgan hopes for a life with you in it. <<elseif $Mattraction eq 2.5 or $Mattraction eq 3>>Morgan thinks of you as his crush. <<elseif $Mattraction eq 3.5 or $Mattraction eq 4>>Morgan is in love with you, and wants to be with you. <<elseif $Mattraction eq 4.5 or $Mattraction eq 5>>Morgan is madly in love with you. <<elseif $Mattraction gte 6>>Morgan is obsessed with you. <</if>> Friendship level: <<if $Mfriendship lte 0>>Morgan doesn't know who you are really.<<elseif $Mfriendship is 0.5>>They are unsure about you.<<elseif $Mfriendship is 1>>You two aren't the best of friends, but Morgan is becoming closer to you.<<elseif $Mfriendship is 1.5 or $Mfriendship is 2>>Morgan likes being around you, and they hope you two are close friends.<<elseif $Mfriendship is 2.5 or $Mfriendship is 3>>Morgan likes being around you, and they hope you two are close friends. <<elseif $Mfriendship is 3.5 or $Mfriendship is 4>>You two are best friends!<<elseif $Mfriendship is 4.5>>You're Morgan's closest friend in the whole world! (oof) <<elseif $Mfriendship gte 5>>Morgan loves you with all their heart and will protect you no matter what, and considers you their best friend <3! <</if>>

@@.center; !<<if $charactersmet gte 2>> [[⇨->Alistair]] <<else>> ⇨ <</if>> @@ <<if $charactersmet gte 1>> <<if $abegender is "M">> <a><img src='https://i.postimg.cc/QxMdXrNn/Abe-Mresizedjpg1.png' border='0' alt='Abe gently holding a clownfish.'/></a> <<elseif $abegender is "NB">> <a><img src='https://i.postimg.cc/YCG2WfW6/Abe-NBresizedjpg2.jpg' border='0' alt='Aubrey gently holding a clownfish.'/></a> <<elseif $abegender is "F">> <<if settings.Censor>> <a><img src='https://i.postimg.cc/L8c9BYtr/Abe-Fcensored.png' border='0' alt='Abigail gently holding a clownfish.'/></a> <<elseif settings.Censor isnot true>> <a><img src='https://i.postimg.cc/q72kmJQg/Abe-Fresizedjpg.png' border='0' alt='Abigail gently holding a clownfish.'/></a> <</if>> <<elseif $charactersmet is 0>> You have not met this character yet :). <</if>> <</if>> <<if $charactersmet gte 1>> Name: $AName Nickname: $ANickname Species: Ocellaris clownfish Gender: $AMale Pronouns: $AThey/$AThem Size: 4' 3" tall, from tail fin to head. Romance level: <<if $Aattraction lte 0>>$ANickname has no attraction to you.<<elseif $Aattraction eq 0.5>>There's a little spark, something $ANickname hasn't noticed. <<elseif $Aattraction eq 1>>There's a budding romance between the two of you, something $ANickname hasn't noticed. <<elseif $Aattraction eq 1.5 or $Aattraction eq 2>>$ANickname is beginning to consider you as a potential partner. <<elseif $Aattraction eq 2.5 or $Aattraction eq 3>>$ANickname thinks of you as $Atheir crush. <<elseif $Aattraction eq 3.5 or $Aattraction eq 4>>$ANickname is in love with you, and wants to be with you. <<elseif $Aattraction eq 4.5 or $Aattraction eq 5>>$ANickname is madly in love with you. <<elseif $Aattraction gte 6>>$ANickname is obsessed with you. <</if>> Friendship level: <<if $Afriendship lte 0>>$AName hates you, and doesn't think highly of you. You best be nicer to $Athem!<<elseif $Afriendship is 0.5>>There's some resentment held against you by $AName.<<elseif $Afriendship is 1>>You two aren't the best of friends, but $ANickname doesn't hold any resentment against you.<<elseif $Afriendship is 1.5 or $Afriendship is 2>>$ANickname considers you a close friend, but you aren't at the best friend level just yet. Keep trying!<<elseif $Afriendship is 2.5 or $Afriendship is 3>>$ANickname considers you a close friend, but you aren't at the best friend level just yet. Keep trying! <<elseif $Afriendship is 3.5 or $Afriendship is 4>>You two are best friends!<<elseif $Afriendship is 4.5>>$ANickname considers you $Atheir bestest friend in the whole world! <<elseif $Afriendship gte 5>> $ANickname loves you with all $Atheir heart, and considers you $Atheir best friend :) <</if>> <<elseif $charactersmet is 0>> No info available! <</if>>

<<silently>>\ <<set $Afriendship += 1>> <</silently>>\ "It'd be so fun!" $ANickname sighed wistfully, "Getting to see new things and animals we never get to see from the sandbars. What do you think is out there, maybe there's some land-mers who've been hiding from us?" "Hmmm, I think that the animals there would be like crabs, maybe birds without wings, and the land-mers would look like us but less... fish." You theorized, hands gesturing uselessly through the water to illustrate your ideas. "Oh, oh! Maybe they have hair, but, everywhere. That would be funny!" $AName chimed in, tail beating languidly against the sand and vegetation. You start giggling at the thought of really hairy mers with bird legs instead of tails, crawling around like some superspeed crab. $ANickname starts snickering with you until the two of you are full-blown laughing. Eventually you stop when your lungs are struggling to pull in water. You lay there in comfortable silence, a warm feeling swirling in your chest. You were glad to get to do this with $ANickname again. Moments like these made you appreciate the time you got to spend with $ANickname, bantering until you had to eventually get back to work. [["You wished you didn't have a job so you could spend more time with " +$ANickname+ "."->Alove2.4]] [['You loved spending time with ' +$ANickname+ ' but you also understood that you needed to do your job, it was a delicate balance.'->Alove2.3]]

“I know, I know.” $AThey chuckled, “But seriously, think about it! We could wander around and have, like, crab legs or something so we could move! Y’know, find some cool animals that don’t come to the sandbars, or maybe some secret society of land-mers!” You snort, "Maybe, and then they'd all go 'Ooo! Yummy clownfish!' And I'd be left to pick up your little $ANickname bits and cry." $AThey <<if $abegender isnot "NB">>pouts <<else>>pout <</if>>at you and then sticks $Atheir tongue out at you. "Well you'll still get an adventure and a story to tell, so hah! Checkmate, $mcnamefirst." You chuckle, "I don't think that's how that works, but sure, okay. Maybe five billion years in the future they'll pull you out of the grave and say 'Go old $Aman, go!' and you'll finally experience land dwelling." $AName dramatically sighs, "That's what you think..." You both fall into comfortable silence. Moments like these made you appreciate the time you got to spend with $ANickname, bantering until you had to eventually get back to work. [["You wished you didn't have a job so you could spend more time with " +$ANickname+ "."->Alove2.4]] [['You loved spending time with ' +$ANickname+ ' but you also understood that you needed to do your job, it was a delicate balance.'->Alove2.3]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $Afriendship -=0.5>> <</silently>>\ “I know, I know.” $AThey chuckled, “But seriously, think about it! We could wander around and have, like, crab legs or something so we could move! Y’know, find some cool animals that don’t come to the sandbars, or maybe some secret society of land-mers!” You just shake your head, “I don’t think there’d be a secret society, $ANickname. We would’ve seen them by now.” $AThey <<if $abegender isnot "NB">>pouts<<else>> pout <</if>>at you and then sticks $Atheir tongue out at you. "You don't have to be such a downer, y'know." $AThey say, speaking slurred by the tongue still hanging out of $Atheir mouth. "I'm just being realistic." You reply, sticking your tongue out back at $Athem. $AThey blow a raspberry before the both of you start laughing, stopping once your ribs hurt. You go back to laying in silence, comfortable enough that you feel drowsy again. [["You wished you didn't have a job so you could spend more time with " +$ANickname+ " ."->Alove2.4]] [['You loved spending time with ' +$ANickname+ ' but you also understood that you needed to do your job, it was a delicate balance.'->Alove2.3]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $mccombat to 3>> <<set $mcfishing to 5>> <</silently>>\ You're about to start another round of banter when a strangled noise interrupts you. You and $ANickname make eye contact, the both of your thoughts clearly shown in the other's eyes. "What the fuck was that?" "I don't know, should we-" "We need to go check it out!" $ANickname interrupts you, finishing what you were going to say. [["No we don't, we need to stay away and tell the pod. It could be dangerous."->Pod1]] [[We should ignore it, it can't be anything good.->earlyend1]] [["Okay, sure. What's the worst that could happen?"->A4]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $mccombat to 2>> <<set $mcfishing to 3>> <</silently>>\ You're about to start another round of banter when a strangled noise interrupts you. You and $ANickname make eye contact, the both of your thoughts clearly shown in the other's eyes. "What the fuck was that?" "I don't know, should we-" "We need to go check it out!" $ANickname interrupts you, finishing what you were going to say. [["No we don't, we need to stay away and tell the pod. It could be dangerous."->Pod1]] [["We should ignore it, it can't be anything good."->earlyend1]] [["Okay, sure. What's the worst that could happen?"->A4]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $mccombat to 1>> <<set $mcfishing to 1>> <</silently>>\ You're about to start another round of banter when a strangled noise interrupts you. You and $ANickname make eye contact, the both of your thoughts clearly shown in the other's eyes. "What the fuck was that?" "I don't know, should we-" "We need to go check it out!" $ANickname interrupts you, finishing what you were going to say. [[No we don't, we need to stay away and tell the pod. It could be dangerous.->Pod1]] [[We should ignore it, it can't be anything good.->earlyend1]] [[Okay, sure. What's the worst that could happen?->A4]]

<<silently>>\ <<if $mcAattraction is 5>> <<set $Aattraction +=1>> <<set $Afriendship -=0.5>> <<else>> <<set $Afriendship -=0.5>> <</if>> <<set $pod to 1>> <</silently>>\ "We shouldn't go looking for what just made that noise, we could get hurt." You sternly tell $ANickname. If it turns out to be something bad you'd rather not be involved. That risk outweighs the chance of it being good. "What?? What if someone's hurt, or it's a dying fish we could bring back to the pod?" $AName shoots back, face contorted with worry. "Then we'll tell the pod about this, they can send a fighter or scout to see what's up and we'll stay safe. How does that sound?" You soothe, the compromise seeming to settle $ANickname's nerves. "I- Hm. Alright, fine. But if it turns out to be important and not dangerous I hold the right to say 'told you so'." $AName says, voice lilting up into amusement at the end. "Yeah, yeah." You chuckle, rolling your eyes, "let's get going, the sooner we tell the pod the sooner this can be over." You push yourself off of the vegetation and stretch, back popping while $ANickname does the same. You both creep quietly out of the cave, glancing around for any danger that could come after you both. You see nothing, it's safe for now. [[You go to where your pod lives->Pod2]]

"We shouldn't go looking for what just made that noise, we could get hurt." You sternly tell $ANickname. If it turns out to be something bad you'd rather not be involved. That risk outweighs the chance of it being good. "What?? What if someone's hurt, or it's a dying fish we could bring back to the pod?" $AName shoots back, face contorted with worry. "It'll be okay, someone else will probably deal with it if we don't. We should go, staying here is risky." You say, trying to be soothing. $AName doesn't look very convinced but you can see $Atheir resolve cracking. "Are you sure?" $AThey nervously asked. [[You are.->earlyend2]] [[You aren't, but you're too stubborn to give in now.->earlyend3]] [[You aren't, you want to see what it was that made the noise.->A4.1.1]]

<<silently>>\ <<if $mcAattraction is 5>> <<set $Aattraction +=1>> <<set $Afriendship +=1>> <<else>> <<set $Afriendship +=1>> <</if>> <<set $charactersmet +=1>> <</silently>>\ "Alright then, let's," $Athey paused to groan and stretch as $Athey leaned up, "go then." You nod in response and also sit up, back popping as you stretch out your <<if $mcfish isnot "blue ring octopus" and $mcfish isnot "common octopus">> tail and fins. <<else>> tentacles. <</if>> You both creep out of the cave, peering towards the direction the noise came from before slowly swimming over. You see what caused the noise pretty soon. There's what looks like a small manta ray hiding near some rocks, <<if $mcfish is "tiger shark" or $mcfish is "nurse shark">> there's the smell of blood in the water alongside it visually clouding up from wounds on the ray. <<else>> there's clouds of blood drifting up from obvious wounds on the ray's back. <</if>> You shift closer only to realize that it wasn't a ray, the animal, but was a ray, a //mer//. Their head was just hidden in the rocks, dark blue fluffy hair matted against a pale body. "Hello, are you okay?" $ANickname asked before you could. The response you got was a little saddening, the mer frantically curling on on themselves and shimmying to allow more sand to cover them. No doubt it got into their wounds. [[Hey, it's okay, we aren't going to hurt you.->A4.1]] [[Stay silent->A41.2]]

You enter your territory, the colorful flashes of members of your pod flitting about greeting you. You spot the captain of the scouting team pretty easily, his grand size due to being a great white always making him stand out, as well as his golden "watch" looped around his waist. "Elias!" You call out to him, grabbing his attention. He quickly swims over to the both of you, face confused. "What're you doing back so early, you were supposed to... Whatever. What do you need?" He asks, settling down on a nearby bench carved into the soft rocks the pod's territory contains. "We heard a weird noise, kinda like a scream, and $mcnamefirst suggested to come to you rather than check it out on our own." $ANickname piped up. "Ah, I see. You would've been fine, but I'll send someone to check it out." Elias said, floating up from the bench and already turning to leave. "Wait, what do you mean by we would've been- aaand he's gone. That was weird." $ANickname says, arm falling down to $Atheir side instead of reaching towards Elias. "Yeah." You agree, what did he even mean? Regardless, you didn't want you nor $ANickname going back into the reef, and it was late enough to justify going home. So head back home you did, you and $AName parting ways to go to your respective homes. Slipping into your home- a light sand cave near the surface of the sea- gave you relief, feeling any previous tension leave your frame. You have free time now that you normally use fishing, what do you do with it? [[Take a nap->Pod3.1]] [[Eat something->Pod3.2]]

You settle in to take a nap, curling up on the soft sand of your bed and drifting off to sleep. It's a peaceful nap, no dreams while you comfortably lay there. Until you're woken abruptly by the sound of a crowd. You sluggishly blink before pushing yourself up off of the sand, yawning. You swim to the entrance of your cave, able to see the crowd that woke you up. They're situated at the infirmary. Uh oh, that can't be good. [[Approach the crowd.->Pod4]]

<<if $mccombat >= 2>>\ You search your storage until you find a suitable fish, one you caught for yourself this morning. <<else>>\ You search your storage until you find a suitable fish, one $AName caught for you earlier this morning. <</if>>\ You start to slice it up using your knife, an expensive pass down from your grandfather, and arrange it with some seaweed you picked from the community garden and dug in. The taste was satisfying, fish bones crunching under your <<if $mcfish isnot "common octopus" and $mcfish isnot "blue ring octopus">>sharp teeth.<<else>>beak. <</if>>\ It takes a while for you to notice the clamor outside, but as soon as you do you glance out the entrance, seeing people gathering near the infirmary. Someone must've gotten hurt pretty badly for this much crowding to occur. [[Go see what the commotion is about->Pod4]] [[Stay home->Pod3.3]]

<<if $Passagemarker is 0>>You're sure whatever that was would be a danger for anyone to check out. You end up never telling anyone about it, even with the weird looks you got from Elias, the captain of the scouting team. You weren't sure what that was about. $ANickname kept giving you sad looks on the way home, but $Athey eventually dropped it. It remained just between the two of you, something you never brought up again. Not for the embarrassment or fear of the moment, but rather because the two of you simply forgot. Elias never stopped treating the two of you weirdly after that, giving you more breaks than before in a way that seemed like he really didn't want you working with him at all. <<elseif $Passagemarker is 1>>\ You end up not visiting the mer, even after $AName did. You never had the time or didn't feel like it. Eventually the mer was discharged and began to live in your community. He was really strange, clearly from the deeper seas with his wide eyes and dark coloration of his fins. You avoided him best you could, in case he held resentment against you for not finding him earlier. Elias began acting weird with you once he witnessed you avoiding the deep sea skate, giving you breaks from your duties often. <</if>> It was on one of those breaks that it happened. You were hanging out with $AName, not having stopped even after all the years past.<<if $mcAattraction gte 3>> You even confessed to $ANickname, which $Athey enthusiastically reciprocated. <<else>> You both had grown closer over the years, to the point where the village kept thinking you were dating each other. It was rather annoying.<</if>> The water around you started to tremble, when a piercing groaning noise rang out, so loud you felt like your ear drums were going to burst. You frantically covered your ears with your hands, instinctively squinting. You could still see enough to recognize that $ANickname was doing the same. The shaking of the water got worse and the groaning increased in volume, somehow, as you could barely see //something// rise from the far ocean. It was grotesque, red flesh revealed as sand and rocks poured off of its back. Your eyes opened with terror. It was //massive//, towering over everything as a flailing limb distantly smashed into the sea floor. Then the screaming started as the ground lifted beneath you, rumbling echoing out. You realized the scream was coming from the village, before suddenly the ground erupted. It revealed a red mass, coming straight for you and $AName. You grabbed $Athem, but not soon enough to avoid impact. You felt like you were on fire, painfully flung //out of the water// and into the air for what felt like an eternity, more pain flaring up your spine when you impacted the surface of the water. You could feel your consciousness fading, but you kept your desperate grip on $AName. Even though you could tell $Athey <<if $Aplural is "true">>were<<else>>was<</if>> already gone, $Atheir body mangled from being hit. Your eyes closed against your will. You didn't want to go. But you couldn't hold on, and you slipped into the darkness' gentle embrace.

You swim closer, curiously eyeing the crowd. They're all chattering about something. You find Elias floating around the crowd with a weird look on his face. As you get closer you realize that the crowd must be made of the entire settlement, because there's a lot of mers. "$mcnamefirst." "Elias." You greet back. "There's an unknown mer in the infirmary, they're saying they're injured." Elias informed you, voice flat. Though, not as flat as he probably would like, as you can still detect a hint of worry in his tone. "Oh stars, that's horrible." You reply. "Yeah, you better run along now. No need to add more bodies to the crowd." Suddenly you have an idea. You're kind of curious about the new mer, and you know that $ANickname will be too. Your grandma works as one of the doctors at the infirmary, and you bet you could ask her about the new patient. You say good bye to Elias and swim off. With your mind made up you slip into a secret entrance, <<if $mcfish is ("nurse shark" or "tiger shark") or $mcfish is "lionfish">> being mindful of your fins.<<elseif $mcfish is "common octopus" or $mcfish is "blue ring octopus">> pulling your tentacles together.<</if>> You find your grandma pretty quickly, she's doing scribe duty in her office, where the tunnel leads to. She startles when she spots you, <<if $mcfish is "common octopus" or $mcfish is "blue ring octopus">> colors spiraling through her tentacles in delight. <<elseif $mcfish is ("nurse shark" or "tiger shark") or $mcfish is "lionfish">> tail flicking in delight. <</if>> "My dear! It's so good to see you, have you been eating enough?" She hurriedly said, swimming over to you<<if $touch is 1>> and pulling you into a hug, intertwining <<if $mcfish is ("nurse shark" or "tiger shark") or $mcfish is "lionfish">> your tails. <<elseif $mcfish is "common octopus" or $mcfish is "blue ring octopus">> your tentacles.<</if>><<else>>, gleefully looking at you with a wide smile on her face.<</if>> You roll your eyes fondly at her enthusiasm. [[How have things been?->Pod4.5]] [[What's going on with the new patient of yours?->Pod4.55]] [[I'm happy to see you too, Grandma->Pod4.1]]

<<set $kind += 1>>\ <<if $touch is 1>>She smiled at you and tightened the hug momentarily before pulling back slightly.<<else>>"I'm glad you're happy, dear." Your Grandma said.<</if>> [[How have things been?->Pod4.5]] [[What's going on with the new patient of yours?->Pod4.55]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $honest -=0.5>>\ <<set $kind +=0.5>>\ <<set $charactersmet +=1>> <<set $Alifriendship = 0>> <</silently>>\ "Things are going good, sweetheart. There hasn't been much trouble, well, excluding the new patient." Grandma said contentedly<<if $touch is 1>> before releasing you from the hug.<<else>>.<</if>> "That's great, Grandma. So, the new patient is counted as trouble?" You prod. "Yes, he's... very strange. Very malnourished, covered in injuries, you name it." She answered. You felt your heart sink, that poor mer. You're glad he has help from the infirmary staff. "That's awful." You sadly croon. "Do you want to visit him, I know you and $AName must be very curious." She asked. You nodded. She held out a wrinkled hand wordlessly, and you took it. She pulled you through the tunnels until you arrived at a smaller cave. There was a mer laying on a seaweed bed. He had dark blue hair, light blue fins and a whip like tail. <<if $mcsize lte 7>>Although your Grandma said he was small, he's still bigger than you.<<elseif $mcsize eq 8 or $mcsize eq 9>>They're about the same size as you. <<elseif $mcsize gte 10>>Like your Grandma said, he's very small, smaller than you.<</if>> His eyes snap open when your Grandma clears her throat, darting towards you. [[They're a beautiful icy green, something that makes you want to flush.->Pod5]] [[They an interesting icy green, and are very wide.->Pod5.1]]

<<set $honest +=1>>\ <<set $charactersmet +=1>>\ "I heard about a new mer being in your guys' custody?" You hesitantly ask. "Oh, yes! Him. I do suppose it's weird to have a new mer around, so everyone is bound to be curious." Your Grandma mused. "He's a very skittish boy, or well, man, I guess. He's small for a skate, a little malnourished. But he's around your age, and I have a feeling you two and $AName will all get along! Here, I do suppose he should learn a bit more about where he is, and I know someone who will be perfect for him to talk to." She winked at you after the last bit. She held out a wrinkled hand wordlessly, and you took it. She pulled you through the tunnels until you arrived at a smaller cave. There was a mer laying on a seaweed bed. He had dark blue hair, light blue fins and a whip like tail. <<if $mcsize lte 7>>Although your Grandma said he was small, he's still bigger than you.<<elseif $mcsize eq 8 or $mcsize eq 9>>He's about the same size as you. <<elseif $mcsize gte 10>>Like your Grandma said, he's very small, smaller than you.<</if>> His eyes snap open when your Grandma clears her throat, darting towards you. [[They're a beautiful icy green, something that makes you want to flush.->Pod5]] [[They are an interesting icy green, and are very wide.->Pod5.1]]

You think whatever that was would be a danger for anyone to check out. You end up never telling anyone about it, even with the weird looks you got from Elias, the captain of the scouting team. You weren't sure what that was about. $ANickname kept giving you sad looks on the way home, almost breaking your resolve, but $Athey eventually dropped it. It remained just between the two of you, something you never brought up again. Not for the embarrassment or fear of the moment, but rather because the two of you simply forgot. Elias never stopped treating the two of you weirdly after that, giving you more breaks than before in a way that seemed like he really didn't want you working with him at all. It was on one of those breaks that it happened. You were hanging out with $AName, not having stopped even after all the years past.<<if $mcAattraction gte 3>> You even confessed to $ANickname, which $Athey enthusiastically reciprocated. <<else>> You both had grown closer over the years, to the point where the village kept thinking you were dating each other. It was rather annoying.<</if>> The water around you started to tremble, when a piercing groaning noise rang out, so loud you felt like your ear drums were going to burst. You frantically covered your ears with your hands, instinctively squinting. You could still see enough to recognize that $ANickname was doing the same. The shaking of the water got worse and the groaning increased in volume, somehow, as you could barely see //something// rise from the far ocean. It was grotesque, red flesh revealed as sand and rocks poured off of its back. Your eyes opened with terror. It was //massive//, towering over everything as a flailing limb distantly smashed into the sea floor. Then the screaming started as the ground lifted beneath you, rumbling echoing out. You realized the scream was coming from the village, before suddenly the ground erupted. It revealed a red mass, coming straight for you and $AName. You grabbed $Athem, but not soon enough to avoid impact. You felt like you were on fire, painfully flung //out of the water// and into the air for what felt like an eternity, more pain flaring up your spine when you impacted the surface of the water. You could feel your consciousness fading, but you kept your desperate grip on $AName. Even though you could tell $Athey <<if $Aplural is "true">>were<<else>>was<</if>> already gone, $Atheir body mangled from being hit. Your eyes closed against your will. You didn't want to go. But you couldn't hold on, and you slipped into the darkness' gentle embrace.

"Actually..." You start, hesitating, "let's go check it out. Maybe you're right." You say, twisting your hands together in a nervous habit you've had since you were a little kid. "Thank you $mcnamefirst!" $ANickname says, $Atheir face lighting up with a <<if $mcAattraction gte 3>> beautiful smile that made your heart melt and face flush. <<else>> smile that lit up the cove. <</if>> "No problem, $ANickname." [["You nod at "+ $Athem+"."->A4]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $Alifriendship = 0.5>> <<set $Aliattraction = 0>> <<set $kind += 1>> <</silently>>\ "Hey, it's okay..." You say gently, holding out your hands like the ray could even see you. "We just want to help you... we aren't going to hurt you." You make sure to talk quietly, lest you startle the ray. They're small, almost small enough to be a child. <<if $mcsize lte 7>>But they're still bigger than you.<<elseif $mcsize eq 8 or $mcsize eq 9>>They're about the same size as you. <<elseif $mcsize gte 10>>They're smaller than you, just making them look more pitiful.<</if>> "$mcnamefirst! We need to get them help!" $ANickname hissed into your ear. "I know!" You hiss back. The mer whimpers. "Hey, me and my buddy here are going to get you help and medical attention, okay? We'll be right back!" $ANickname says, letting out a croon, hands twitching like $Athey <<if $Aplural is "false">>wants<<else>>want<</if>> to take the ray, or now you realize after some scrutiny of their body shape, the skate with $Athem to the pod. You can see the skate's body visibly relax at the croon and you feel something in your heart break. They have to be a child or severely neglected by their community for them to have that much reaction to the sound. [[You want to stay with them.->A4.2]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $Aliattraction = 0>> <<set $Alifriendship = 0>> <<set $mcquiet += 0.5>> <<set $kind -= 0.5>> <</silently>>\ You quietly watch as $ANickname gently talked to the mer, trying to coax them out of the ground. They seemed a little receptive, especially whenever $Athey made instinctive croons and coos. They're very small for a manta ray, enough to be a child. But as you look closer you realize they aren't a manta ray, and rather are a skate. No wonder they're small, <<if $mcsize lte 7>>although they're still bigger than you.<<elseif $mcsize eq 8 or $mcsize eq 9>>even though they're about the same size as you. <<elseif $mcsize gte 10>>smaller than you, making them look more pitiful.<</if>> "$mcnamefirst! We need to get them help!" $ANickname hissed into your ear. You nod at $Athem in agreement. Glancing back at the mysterious mer, they don't seem to be doing well. There's more blood clouding the water<<if $mcfish is 'nurse shark' or $mcfish is 'tiger shark'>> and the scent of blood is cloying.<<else>>.<</if>> "Hey, me and my buddy here are going to get you help and medical attention, okay? We'll be right back!" $ANickname says, letting out a croon, hands twitching like $Athey <<if $Aplural is "false">>wants<<else>>want<</if>> to take the skate with $Athem to the pod. [[You want to stay with them.->A4.2]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $Alifriendship +=0.5>> <<set $kind +=1>> <</silently>>\ "I'll stay and watch over them. Go get help." You calmly tell $AName, drifiting down to sit on the sand near the mer. Once $ANickname leaves, you start rambling to the mer softly about what your life is like, in the hopes of letting them know that you weren't here to hurt them and rather were just wanting to help. Slowly, over the course of a few minutes, the mer peeked their face out from where they had hidden it to watch you. Their face was shaped like an adult's, they actually looked to be around your age. So maybe not a child, especially since they looked gaunt as well, which could be a cause of their size. [[You thought their eyes were a beautiful icy green, something that made you flush a little.->A4.4]] [[They had interesting eyes, a piercing icy green.->A4.5]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $mcAliattraction to 0>> <</silently>>\ "Hello there, what's your name?" You smiled. "A-Alistair... what's yours?" They, or he with how deep their voice was, asked hesitantly. "I'm $mcnamefirst, I use $mcpronouns pronouns. The $Aman with me earlier was my friend, $AName." You say happily. "Oh, I use, um, he/him pronouns. Your friend, $AName, said $Athey <<if $Aplural is "false">>was<<else>>were<</if>> getting help, right?" He asked uncertainly. "Yeah, not sure what's taking $Athem so long, but I'm sure $Athey will come back soon." You say, looking behind you like $ANickname will magically come back. And funnily enough, you spot $Athem in the distance, followed by what looks to be some of the scout team. "Would you look at that, here $Athey <<if $Aplural is "false">>comes.<<else>>come.<</if>>" $AThey <<if $Aplural is "false">>approaches<<else>>approach<</if>> the two of you. "I'm back, and with help!" $AThey assert tiredly, chest heaving. $AThey must've swam fast to get back here. "Took you long enough." You tease. "//You// try swimming a long distance real fast, let's see how you handle it!" $ANickname shoots back, also in a light tone. While you and $ANickname bicker, the leader of your community, Elias, emerges from the small group of scouts and gently picks up Alistair, muttering reassurances. "Thank you two for alerting us about this mer, we'll make sure he gets taken care of and healed up." Elias says in his monotone voice. You nod silently, and watch with $ANickname as the scout group leaves, Alistair in Elias's arms, the great white much bigger than him, making him look small. You turn to $ANickname who is also watching them leave. "New friend?" "New friend." He agrees with a smile. [[A few days later.]]

<<silently>>\ <<if $mcAattraction lte 0>> <<set $mcAliattraction to 5>> <<set $Aliattraction to 0.5>> <<else>> <<set $mcAattraction to 2.5>> <<set $mcAliattraction to 2.5>> <<set $Aliattraction to 0.5>> <</if>> <</silently>>\ "Hello there, what's your name?" You smiled. "A-Alistair... what's yours?" They, or he with how deep their voice was, asked hesitantly. "I'm $mcnamefirst, I use $mcpronouns pronouns. The $Aman with me earlier was my friend, $AName." You say happily. They were talking to you! "Oh, I use, um, he/him pronouns. Your friend, $AName, said $Athey <<if $Aplural is "false">>was<<else>>were<</if>> getting help, right?" He asked uncertainly. "Yeah, not sure what's taking $Athem so long, but I'm sure $Athey will come back soon." You say, looking behind you like $ANickname will magically come back. And funnily enough, you spot $Athem in the distance, followed by what looks to be some of the scout team. "Would you look at that, here $Athey <<if $Aplural is "false">>comes.<<else>>come.<</if>>" $AThey <<if $Aplural is "false">>approaches<<else>>approach<</if>> the two of you. "I'm back, and with help!" $AThey assert tiredly, chest heaving. $AThey must've swam fast to get back here. "Took you long enough." You tease. "//You// try swimming a long distance real fast, let's see how you handle it!" $ANickname shoots back, also in a light tone. While you and $ANickname bicker, the leader of your community, Elias, emerges from the small group of scouts and gently picks up Alistair, muttering reassurances. "Thank you two for alerting us about this mer, we'll make sure he gets taken care of and healed up." Elias says in his monotone voice. You nod silently, and watch with $ANickname as the scout group leaves, Alistair in Elias's arms, the great white much bigger than him, making him look small. You turn to $ANickname who is also watching them leave. "New friend?" "New friend." He agrees with a smile. [[A few days later.]]

<<silently>>\ <<if $mcAattraction lte 0>> <<set $mcAliattraction to 5>> <<set $Aliattraction to 0.5>> <<else>> <<set $mcAattraction to 2.5>> <<set $mcAliattraction to 2.5>> <<set $Aliattraction to 0.5>> <</if>> <<set $Alifriendship to 0>> <</silently>>\ You wave at him and crack a smile while your cheeks heat up. He blinks a couple of times before looking away to your Grandma. "Who is that, Dell?" He quietly asked. You're slightly surprised that he knows your Grandma's name, but she must've inserted herself onto the care team for him. "This is my beautiful $grandchild, $mcnamefirst. $They <<if $mcplural is "false">>is<<else>>are<</if>> here to help inform you about the area, and also to give you a friend!" Your Grandma enthusiastically proclaims. "You really don't have to, I-I'm fine-" He stutters before being interrupted by your Grandma. "Nonsense, young man." She nudges you with <<if $mcfish is ("nurse shark" or "tiger shark") or $mcfish is "lionfish">>her tail. <<elseif $mcfish is "common octopus" or $mcfish is "blue ring octopus">>a tentacle.<</if>> "$mcnamefirst here is perfectly willing to help you out, and $they really <<if $mcplural is "false">>is <<else>>are <</if>>a nice young $man." "Well, I'll leave you to it!" Your Grandma says before suddenly flitting out of the room, leaving bubbles in her wake. You blink before turning back to your new acquaintance. "What's your name?" You ask<<if $kind gte 1>> gently.<<elseif $rude gte 0.25>> abruptly.<<else>>.<</if>> <<if $rude gte 0.5>>The mer blinked in surprise. <<else>><</if>>"Alistair, you're $mcnamefirst, right?" You nod at him, and he gives you a wobbly smile. "So, um, what kind of mer are you?" He boldly asks before shying away, murmuring out a "you don't have to answer that..." "I'm a $mcfish. Have you not seen one before?" You ask curiously. <<if $mcfish is "tiger shark" or $mcfish is "nurse shark">>"I've seen sharks before, but not one like you."<<elseif $mcfish is "lionfish">>"I've seen //fish// before, but not one like you."<<else>>"I've seen octopi before, but not one exactly like you."<</if>> He explained, sounding awed. You look down at yourself, spotting your normal <<if $mcfish is "tiger shark">>$mcbodycolorupper colored body, with your $mcbodycolorunder underbelly and $mctigerstripes stripes.<<elseif $mcfish is "nurse shark">>$mcbodycolorupper colored body, with your $mcbodycolorunder underbelly.<<elseif $mcfish is "lionfish">>$mcbodylionmain colored body<<if $mcbodylionstripes1 isnot "same2" and $mcbodylionstripes2 is "same1">> with your very large $mcbodylionstripes1.<<elseif ($mcbodylionstripes1 is "same2" and $mcbodylionstripes2 is "same1") or ($mcbodylionstripes1 is "same2" and $mcbodylionstripes2 is "same3")>> with no stripes.<<elseif $mcbodylionstripes1 isnot "same2" and $mcbodylionstripes2 is "same3">> with your large $mcbodylionstripes1 stripes.<<elseif ($mcbodylionstripes1 is "same2") and ($mcbodylionstripes2 isnot "same1" or $mcbodylionstripes2 isnot "same3")>> with your small $mcbodylionstripes2 stripes.<<elseif ($mcbodylionstripes1 isnot "same2") and ($mcbodylionstripes2 isnot "same3" and $mcbodylionstripes2 isnot "same1")>> with your large $mcbodylionstripes1 stripes and smaller $mcbodylionstripes2 stripes.<</if>><<elseif $mcfish is "common octopus" or $mcfish is "blue ring octopus">>$mcbodycolor colored tentacles<<if $mcbodypatterncolor is "same">>.<<else>> and $mcbodypatterncolor patterns.<</if>><</if>><<if $mcwhite is true>> You get why he sounds breathless, you are a stark white after all, when most aren't.<<elseif $mcwhite is false>> You don't get why he sounds breathless, you have normal coloration.<</if>>"Well, we're common around here, so maybe you'll see another one." You say conversationally. "Maybe..." Alistair hums. "Would you like to meet my friend?" You ask. $ANickname would love to be introduced to Alistair, you just know it. "Uhm... Okay." He answers, sounding unsure of himself. [[Introduce them.->Podvisitskip2]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $mcquiet +=0.5>> <</silently>>\ You stay inside of your cave, not bothering to see what the commotion was about. It eventually dissipates, much to your pleasure. You decide to take a nap, now that you are well fed and satisfied, and it's quiet again. You slowly swim over to your bed made of soft sand and flop down, curling up into your preferred position. You're drifting off when someone begins shaking your shoulder, very incessantly. You annoyedly crack open an eye to see $AName floating in front of you. [[What do you want?->Pod3.4][$rude += 0.5]] [[What's going on?->Pod3.5]] [[Stay quiet, you're still tired.->Pod3.6][$mcquiet += 0.5]]

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Carrion

Credits to Vahnya ✨ on itch.io for their "Twine Template" (https://vahnya.itch.io/twine-template) that I used to design this IF. Credits to my father for bonking my head with a metaphorical stick whenever i fucked up the code and then fixing it for me <3.

<<silently>>\ <<set $Afriendship -= 0.5>> <<set $Amad += 2>> <</silently>>\ $ANickname's face screwed up in a nameless expression before $Athey said, "Elias told me that they found what made that noise. It was a mer." "Oh." You said, surprised. You weren't actually expecting that. "Yeah 'oh', he's injured as well. Thankfully nothing severe, but still $mcnamefirst. We left him to suffer, we swam away!" $AThey whimpered, clearly this was something $Athey'd been stuck on and making $Atheirself upset over. [["Comfort "+$Athem+"."->Pod3.4.1]] [["You stay quiet, letting " +$Athem+" rant to you."->Pod3.4.2][$mcquiet += 0.5]]

<<silently>> <<set $rude -= 0.5>> <<set $mcquiet -= 0.25>> <<set $Amad += 0.5>> <</silently>> "Elias told me that they found what made that noise. It was a mer." $Athey said. "Oh." You said, surprised. You weren't expecting that to be what it was. You felt a little worried now. "Yeah 'oh', he's injured as well. Thankfully nothing severe, but still $mcnamefirst. We left him to suffer, we swam away!" $AThey whimpered, clearly this was something $Athey'd been stuck on and made $Atheirself upset over. [["Comfort "+$Athem+"."->Pod3.4.1]] [["You stay quiet, letting " +$Athem+" rant to you."->Pod3.4.2][$mcquiet += 0.5]]

You blink confusedly at $ANickname once $Athey <<if $Aplural is "false">>stops<<else>>stop<</if>> shaking you.<<if $mcAattraction is 5>> $AThey <<if $Aplural is "true">> stare<<else>> stares<</if>> at you for a few seconds <<else>> $AThey <<if $Aplural is "true">> look<<else>> looks<</if>> at you briefly <</if>>before $Atheir brows furrow slightly. "Wake up, $mcnamefirst, I have news from the scouting team. Elias said they found out what the noise was." $ANickname starts, before glancing behind $Athem and then looking back at you. "What was it?" You ask sleepily, reaching up and rubbing sand out of your eye. "It was a //mer//!" $Athey<<if $Aplural is "true">> hiss<<else>> hissed<</if>> at you. That certainly woke you up, surprise flaring through your mind. You made a curious sound, prompting $AName to continue. "He was injured as well... I feel like a failure, $mcnamefirst. We swam away instead of helping him. What if he'd been dying?!?" $ANickname cried. [["Comfort "+$Athem+"."->Pod3.4.1]] [["Be quiet and let "+$Athem+" continue to talk."->Pod3.4.2][$mcquiet += 0.5]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $Afriendship += 1>> <<if $mcAattraction is 5>> <<set $Aattraction += 0.5>> <<else>> <</if>> <</silently>>\ <<if $touch is 1>> You gently pull $ANickname into a hug, <<if $mcsize gte 7>>cradling $Atheir body to yours in the way you've always hugged, your size difference allowing you to hold $ANickname like a small child.<<elseif $mcsize lte 6>>curling<<if $mcfish is ("nurse shark" or "tiger shark") or $mcfish is "lionfish">> your tails together in the way you've always hugged each other. <<elseif $mcfish is "common octopus" or $mcfish is "blue ring octopus">> your tentacles around $Atheir tail in the way you've always hugged.<</if>> After a few more moments you pull away from the hug, untangling yourself. <</if>><</if>>\ You smile at $ANickname gently, before saying, "Hey, it's okay. Think about this, he wasn't hurt severely, things turned out okay." You comfort $Athem. You feel kind of guilty for refusing to examine what made the noise, but you also felt that if he had been hostile or whatever it was was a danger to you, that you had made the right choice to not chance finding out. "But, what if-" $Athey <<if $Aplural is "true">>start<<else>>starts<</if>> to say, but you cut $Athem off. "Stop, don't think about those. What happened happened, and you don't need to concern yourself with the what-ifs and possibilities when we know that the mer is //safe// now." You assert<<if $touch is 1 and $mcAattraction is 5>>, touching $Atheir cheek carefully while you look into $Atheir beautiful green eyes. $AThey <<if $Aplural is "true">>take<<else>>takes<</if>> in a choked gasp of water.<<else>>.<</if>> [["Take "+$Athem+" to visit the mer right that moment."->PodVisit1]] [[Don't visit the mer.->earlyend2][$Passagemarker to 1]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $Afriendship += 0.5>> <<if $mcAattraction is 5>> <<set $Aattraction += 0.5>> <<else>> <</if>> <</silently>>\ "Hey, how about you take a moment to calm down and we can go and visit the mer, okay?" You suggest to $AName. <<if $touch is 1 and $mcAattraction is 5>>You slide your hand off of $Atheir face.<<else>><</if>> $AThey nod at you hesitantly, taking deep breaths of water at your guidance. Eventually $Atheyre calmed down enough for you to consider bringing out of your cave and to the infirmary. <<if $touch is 1>> You take $Atheir hand in yours and lead them to a small hidden entrance to the infirmary.<<else>>"Follow me, $AName." You say before swimming away, leading $ANickname to a small hidden entrance to the infirmary.<</if>> You know your Grandma will be on the other side of the tunnel, since she had told you a few days prior that she would be on scribe duty and the tunnel led directly to the scribe's office. Sure enough, after you <<if $mcsize gte 15>>squeeze<<else>>swim<</if>> in with $ANickname, you find your Grandma scratching away at a few tablets. "Grandma!" You squeak, her head turning to you with surprise before her face lights up with delight,<<if $mcfish is "common octopus" or $mcfish is "blue ring octopus">> colors spiraling through her tentacles due to her happiness.<<elseif $mcfish is ("nurse shark" or "tiger shark") or $mcfish is "lionfish">> her tail flicking with happiness.<</if>> "$mcnamefirst!" "Oh, and if it isn't $AName!" She croons. $ANickname flushes a little before waving with a muttered, "Hi Mrs.$mcnamelast." $AThey<<if $Aplural is "true">> were<<else>> was<</if>> always flustered by how much your Grandma cared for $Athem. "We want to check in on the new patient, if you'll let us?" You ask as politely as you can. "Sure, dearie! Let me ask him if he's okay with visitors and we'll see what he answers with." Your Grandma replied, stacking up the tablets and placing them gently on a shelf. She quickly swam off and out of the small scribe cave. <<if $mcAattraction is 5 and $touch is 1>>You rubbed your fingers absentmindedly on $ANickname's hand, blushing once you realized what you were doing, but not pulling away.<<elseif $touch is 1 and $mcAattraction isnot 5>>You rubbed your fingers absentmindedly against $ANickname's hand, before realizing what you were doing and stopping.<<else>>You rub your fingers against one another, fiddling with your hands as you wait.<</if>> Eventually, after a few minutes of waiting, your Grandma comes swimming back in with a smile on her face. "He said yes. Hopefully you<<if $abegender is "M" and $mcreferwords is "man">> boys<<elseif $abegender is "F" and $mcreferwords is "woman">> girls<<else>> two<</if>> will have a new friend! He's very shy though, so be gentle." Your grandma enthuses. [[You follow her into a small cave->Podvisit1.1]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $charactersmet to 2>> <</silently>> There lies a mer. He has blue fins arching out from his sides, making him look like a ray. But he's small, <<if $mcsize lte 7>>bigger than you, but still small.<<elseif $mcsize eq 8 or $mcsize eq 9>>about the same size as you.<<elseif $mcsize gte 10>>smaller than you even.<</if>> But his face is shaped like an adult's, and he looks like one. And upon closer inspection, you realize he's actually some sort of skate, and not a really small manta ray. He's looking up at you with wide eyes, not wide in the sense that he's shocked but wide in their natural shape. You look up to check on $ANickname, and see that $Atheir face is twisted in some form of regret and sympathy. Seeing someone who kind of looks like a child in a hospital bed must remind $Athem of $Atheir past illnesses, of which $Athey had a lot. $AName was a sickly child, especially after $Atheir mother's passing. But you aren't here to reminisce, you're here to reassure $ANickname. [[Go on, introduce yourself.->Podvisit1.2][$kind += 0.5]] [["Wait for "+$Athem+" to introduce "+$Atheirself+"."->PodVisit1.3][$mcquiet += 0.5]] [["Introduce "+$Athem+"."->PodVisit1.4][$kind+=0.25]]

<<silently>>\ <<set $Afriendship += 0.5>> <<if $mcAattraction is 5>> <<set $Aattraction += 0.5>> <<else>> <</if>> <</silently>>\ "What if he was dying and we left him there, what if he has already passed away?!? We left a injured mer to die because we were scared. Because //you// were scared!" $AThey sobbed, pulling at $Atheir hair. You blinked with wide eyes at $Athem, you weren't expecting this severe of a reaction. <<if $touch is 1>> You reach out and pull $ANickname into an embrace, <<if $mcsize gte 7>>cradling $Atheir body to yours in the way you've always hugged, your size difference allowing you to hold $ANickname like a small child.<<elseif $mcsize lte 6>>curling<<if $mcfish is ("nurse shark" or "tiger shark") or $mcfish is "lionfish">> your tails together in the way you've always hugged each other. <<elseif $mcfish is "common octopus" or $mcfish is "blue ring octopus">> your tentacles around $Atheir tail in the way you've always hugged.<</if>><</if>> You hold $Athem while $Athey <<if $Aplural is "false">>cries<<else>>cry<</if>>, small hiccups exiting $Atheir body as it shakes. Eventually $Athey <<if $Aplural is "false">>calms<<else>>calm<</if>> down. <<elseif $touch is 0>> You watch as $Athey <<if $Aplural is "false">>cries<<else>>cry<</if>>, small hiccups exiting $Atheir body as it shakes. Eventually $Athey <<if $Aplural is "false">>calms<<else>>calm<</if>> down. <</if>> "Sorry for yelling..." $AThey <<if $Aplural is "false">>mumbles<<else>>mumble<</if>>. $ATheir eyes are red and puffy, and are dull. You wish they weren't. "It's okay." You whisper. It feels disrespectful to raise your voice when $AName was looking this small and vulnerable. <<if $touch is 1 and $mcAattraction is 5>>You reach up, touching $Atheir cheek carefully while you look into $Atheir beautiful green eyes. $AThey <<if $Aplural is "true">>take<<else>>takes<</if>> in a choked gasp of water.<<else>><</if>> [["Take "+$Athem+" to visit the mer right that moment."->PodVisit1]] [[Don't visit the mer.->earlyend2][$Passagemarker to 1]]

<<silently>> <<set $Afriendship += 0.5>> <<set$Alifriendship += 0.5>> <<if $mcAattraction is 5>> <<set $Aattraction += 0.5>> <<else>> <</if>> <</silently>> <<if $touch is 1>>You nudge $ANickname, startling $Athem. <<else>><</if>> "Go on, introduce yourself!" You <<if $rude gte 0.25>>aggressively <<else>><</if>>hiss at $Athem. That seemed to break $AName's trance and $Athey quickly introduces $Atheirself. "I'm $AName, and this is my friend $mcnamefirst. We were the ones who told the scout team about you..." $AThey trail off before $Atheir lip quivers. "I'm sorry we didn't come check on you! $mcnamefirst was concerned for our safety and said we shouldn't check, and I didn't think to just go on my own." $AThey rambled before bowing down in shame. You feel kind of offended $Athey said that about you, but it was the truth. The mer just blinked at the two of you in shock, before his face burst out into a brilliant blush. "You don't have to apologize! I wouldn't go either." He stammered, waving his arms around slightly, like he was warding off the bad thoughts from $ANickname. $AName perked up immediately, a hopeful look on $Atheir face. "Really?" $Athey <<if $Aplural is "true">>ask<<else>>asks<</if>>, disbelieving. "Yeah, really. It's okay." He smiled before jolting, "Oh my stars, I forgot to introduce myself! I'm Alistair." [[Where are you from?->PodvisitQ1]] [[What happened to you?->PodvisitQ1.1]]

<<silently>> <<set $Afriendship += 0.5>> <<set$Alifriendship += 0.5>> <<if $mcAattraction is 5>> <<set $Aattraction += 0.5>> <<else>> <</if>> <</silently>> You glance at $AName, waiting for $Athem to introduce $Atheirself. It takes $Athem a moment to notice your staring, which causes $Athem to startle before blushing. "Sorry, I'm $AName and this is my friend $mcnamefirst. Me and $them were the ones to alert the scouting team about you... of course we didn't know it was //you// exactly, we thought you were something else, oh stars I'm rambling..." $AThey said, going off on a tangent. $ATheir lip quivers before the mer can say anything. "I'm sorry we didn't come check on you! $mcnamefirst was concerned for our safety and said we shouldn't check, and I didn't think to just go on my own." $AThey rambled before bowing down in shame. You feel kind of offended $Athey said that about you, but it was the truth. "It's okay! Really, I wouldn't have thought it safe to check out either." The mer stutters, before flushing slightly, "I'm Alistair by the way." He adds, seemingly embarrassed about something. $ANickname pops up from $Atheir bow, expression hopeful. "Really? I-I mean, thank you!" $AThey <<if $Aplural is "true">>chirp<<else>>chirps<</if>>. You decide it's time to ask some questions. [[Where are you from?->PodvisitQ1]] [[What happened to you?->PodvisitQ1.1]]

<<silently>> <<set $Alifriendship += 0.5>> <<set $Afriendship += 0.5>> <<if $mcAattraction is 5>> <<set $Aattraction += 0.5>> <<else>> <</if>> <</silently>> After a few awkward seconds where $ANickname doesn't introduce $Atheirself, you decide to step in. "I'm $mcnamefirst, and this is $AName." You introduce yourself. "What's your name?" You add on. "I'm Alistair." He shyly answers. "May I ask why you've decided to visit me?" He hesitantly asks, curling in on himself. You look at $ANickname, who has thankfully snapped out of $Atheir trance. $AThey <<if $Aplural is "true">>catch<<else>>catches<</if>> on to Alistair's discomfort and $Athey <<if $Aplural is "true">>look<<else>>looks<</if>> away nervously before bursting out, "I wanted to apologize! Me and $mcnamefirst were the ones to find you, but we were too scared to check what was actually making a disturbance, and-" "I think he gets it, $ANickname." You cut in. Alistair was looking surprised, straightening out of his curl. He had a light blush, of what you could only assume was embarrassment, dusting his pale face. "You don't n-need to apologize! I would do the same thing, if I were you two..." He quickly explained. $AName deflated, letting out a small, "Oh." $ATheir voice was full of relief. [[Where are you from?->PodvisitQ1]] [[What happened to you?->PodvisitQ1.1]]

<<silently>> <<set $Alifriendship += 0.5>> <</silently>> You wave at him. He blinks a couple of times before looking away to your Grandma. "Who is that, Dell?" He quietly asked. You're slightly surprised that he knows your Grandma's name, but she must've inserted herself onto the care team for him. "This is my beautiful $grandchild, $mcnamefirst. $They <<if $mcplural is "false">>is<<else>>are<</if>> here to help inform you about the area, and also to give you a friend!" Your Grandma enthusiastically proclaims. "You really don't have to, I-I'm fine-" He stutters before being interrupted by your Grandma. "Nonsense, young man." She nudges you with <<if $mcfish is ("nurse shark" or "tiger shark") or $mcfish is "lionfish">>her tail. <<elseif $mcfish is "common octopus" or $mcfish is "blue ring octopus">>a tentacle.<</if>> "$mcnamefirst here is perfectly willing to help you out, and $they really <<if $mcplural is "false">>is <<else>>are <</if>>a nice young $man." "Well, I'll leave you to it!" Your Grandma says before suddenly flitting out of the room, leaving bubbles in her wake. You blink before turning back to your new acquaintance. "What's your name?" You ask<<if $kind gte 1>> gently.<<elseif $rude gte 0.25>> abruptly.<<else>>.<</if>> <<if $rude gte 0.5>>The mer blinked in surprise. <<else>><</if>>"Alistair, you're $mcnamefirst, right?" You nod at him, and he gives you a wobbly smile. "So, um, what kind of mer are you?" He boldly asks before shying away, murmuring out a "you don't have to answer that..." "I'm a $mcfish. Have you not seen one before?" You ask curiously. <<if $mcfish is "tiger shark" or $mcfish is "nurse shark">>"I've seen sharks before, but not one like you."<<elseif $mcfish is "lionfish">>"I've seen //fish// before, but not one like you."<<else>>"I've seen octopi before, but not one exactly like you."<</if>> He explained. You look down at yourself, spotting your normal <<if $mcfish is "tiger shark">>$mcbodycolorupper colored body, with your $mcbodycolorunder underbelly and $mctigerstripes stripes.<<elseif $mcfish is "nurse shark">>$mcbodycolorupper colored body, with your $mcbodycolorunder underbelly.<<elseif $mcfish is "lionfish">>$mcbodylionmain colored body<<if $mcbodylionstripes1 isnot "same2" and $mcbodylionstripes2 is "same1">> with your very large $mcbodylionstripes1.<<elseif ($mcbodylionstripes1 is "same2" and $mcbodylionstripes2 is "same1") or ($mcbodylionstripes1 is "same2" and $mcbodylionstripes2 is "same3")>> with no stripes.<<elseif $mcbodylionstripes1 isnot "same2" and $mcbodylionstripes2 is "same3">> with your large $mcbodylionstripes1 stripes.<<elseif ($mcbodylionstripes1 is "same2") and ($mcbodylionstripes2 isnot "same1" or $mcbodylionstripes2 isnot "same3")>> with your small $mcbodylionstripes2 stripes.<<elseif ($mcbodylionstripes1 isnot "same2") and ($mcbodylionstripes2 isnot "same3" and $mcbodylionstripes2 isnot "same1")>> with your large $mcbodylionstripes1 stripes and smaller $mcbodylionstripes2 stripes.<</if>><<elseif $mcfish is "common octopus" or $mcfish is "blue ring octopus">>$mcbodycolor colored tentacles<<if $mcbodypatterncolor is "same">>.<<else>> and $mcbodypatterncolor patterns.<</if>><</if>><<if $mcwhite is true>> You get why he sounds surprised, you are a stark white after all, when most aren't.<<elseif $mcwhite is false>> You don't get why he sounds surprised, you have normal coloration.<</if>>"Well, we're common around here, so maybe you'll see another one." You say conversationally. "Maybe..." Alistair hums. "Would you like to meet my friend?" You ask. $ANickname would love to be introduced to Alistair, you just know it. "Uhm... Okay." He answers, sounding unsure of himself. [[Introduce them.->Podvisitskip2]]

BY: <a href="https://www.tumblr.com/blog/kinglyoverlord" target="_blank">Kingoverlord</a>

<<silently>> <<set $Alifriendship += 0.5>> <<set $Afriendship += 0.5>> <</silently>> "Oh, uhm, I'm from the Deep Sea. Specifically the Smoke Stacks." He answered, a little less nervous. You haven't met anyone from the Deep Sea, and you've never heard of whatever the 'Smoke Stacks' were. You eye Alistair with curiosity, and can practically sense $ANickname doing the same from behind you. "It's... pretty far from where I'm assuming we are. We //are// close to the Reefs, are we not?" Alistair questioned. "Actually, we'e in the Reefs. not just near it. It takes up a lot of the land over here." $AName answered, smile brightening. Alistair shakily returned it. [[You think he should smile more often, he was pretty cute...->Podvisitskip]] [[He has a pleasant smile, though you don't think you're attracted to him.->Podvisitskip1]]

<<silently>> <<set $Alifriendship = 0>> <<set $Aliattraction = 0>> <<set $Afriendship -= 0.5>> <</silently>> "$mcnamefirst, you can't just say that!" $ANickname hissed at you. Alistair looked really uncomfortable, going back to making himself look smaller. He looked rather nervous, wide eyes darting around like something was going to get him. "I really don't want to talk about it." Alistair asserts, looking you straight in the eyes. You scan his wounds, it looks like he was attacked by sharks from the shapes of the bite marks, though there are some scratches and bruises. [[Why is he trying to hide it? Press him on the topic.->Poduhoh1]] [[He's trying to avoid it, let the topic go.->Podyuhuh1]]

<<silently>> <<set $Alifriendship -= 1>> <<set $Afriendship -= 1>> <<set $rude += 1>> <<set $kind -= 0.5>> <</silently>> "So? You've obviously been attacked by sharks. I don't get why you want to hide it so bad. Unless... you //weren't//?" You prod, a sneer forming on your face. You don't see why he'd hide what caused his injuries unless it was something he shouldn't have been involved in. "W-What?" He asked in a small voice. "$mcnamefirst, stop! What the hell is wrong with you?" $AName shouts, smacking your shoulder. You instinctively growl at $Athem, your <<if $mcheterochromia is "yes">>$mceyecolor1 and $mceyecolor2<<else>>$mceyecolor1<</if>> eyes flashing dangerously. [[Drop it.->Poduhoh2]]

<<silently>> <<set $Afriendship += 0.5>> <<set $kind += 0.5>> <</silently>> You let the question go, he's obviously uncomfortable with it. "Sorry, sensitive question, huh?" You gently prod. "Yeah, It's //really// not something I want to talk to you about." Alistair says, a nervous look in his eyes while they bore into your own. They're kind of creepy, wide and a very pale green that shows he really isn't meant to be near the surface. Actually, is he having trouble seeing? You remember hearing that deep sea fish are adapted to the dark, and it is //very// sunny where you live. But he seems to be able to look you in your own eyes just fine. [[Overall, you think his eyes are cute.->Podvisitskip]] [[Overall, his eyes are interesting.->Podvisitskip1]]

<<silently>> <<set $Alifriendship += 1>> <</silently>> You and $AName start hanging around Alistair more, becoming friends with him. $ANickname encourages the visits, happily coming along when invited. It only takes a week for Alistair to be released from the infirmary, his wounds dressed with instructions on how to take care of them that you help him memorize. One night, while you were celebrating his release, his face turned from happy to a serious expression that didn't suit him. He looked between the two of you. "I hate to ask you guys this, but... I need your help." He stated grimly. [[Next]]

You blink, looking away from $AName's narrowed eyes. You growl lightly under your breath before sighing. "Fine. You don't have to answer that." You really feel like something is going on, but you'll drop it for now. All three of you stare awkwardly at each other, the tension not quite leaving the room. You startle when $AName grabs your arm and pulls you out of the room behind $Athem. $AThey <<if $Aplural is "true">>give<<else>>gives<</if>> you a scolding of a lifetime. You feel a little ashamed, and a little justified. <<if $rude gte 1.25>>You snark back at $Athem a couple of times.<<else>><</if>> Eventually you're free to go, and you stay in your cave for the rest of the night. No, you aren't sulking, you swear. You and $ANickname still hang out, but $Athey also <<if $Aplural is "true">>hang<<else>>hangs<</if>> out with Alistair. [["You and Alistair have made up, and you join "+$AName+" to see him."->Podskip]] [[You still dislike Alistair, and you don't visit him.->earlyend4]]

Days pass and $ANickname keeps trying to convince you to meet with Alistair and give it another try, but you refuse. $Athey always <<if $Aplural is "true">>look<<else>>looks<</if>> so sad when you reject the visit. But you know something is up. And later, you're proven right. $ANickname disappears, as does Alistair. Nobody knows where they went, just that it's highly likely they went together. You //knew//, you //knew// something was wrong. And now your <<if $mcAattraction gte 5>>crush<<else>>best friend<</if>> is missing. $AThey never <<if $Aplural is "true">>return<<else>>returns<</if>>, and you feel a hole in your heart grow. Why did $Athey abandon you? You feel worse when the rumble starts. It starts quietly, then the sound grows louder and //louder// until it's buzzing in your head. Suddenly the ground starts to shift, and something red that smells like blood, oh so much //blood//, comes rocketing out of the ground. It hits you hard, flinging you into the crisp air. You fall down and strike the water, which feels more like rock than the gentle weight you've known all your life. You feel something in you crack, and the next thing you know is //pain//. It hurts, and you're writhing and screaming, which is only making it worse. You slowly lose consciousness, awareness trickling out of your head like your blood is trickling out of your body. You are alone as you die.

<<silently>> <<set $Alifriendship +=0.5>> <<set $Afriendship +=0.5>> <</silently>> Days pass and eventually you cave and visit Alistair again. The conversation is awkward at first, but the longer you talk the better you like him. You apologized for how you behaved while first meeting him, though he still didn't give you any information about what happened to him. You're still wary of him though, and you make sure to keep your guard up. It's only been a week when Alistair is released from the infirmary and approaches you and $ANickname. He looks nervous, more than usual. You narrow your eyes at him with suspicion. "I need your help." He stated grimly. [[Next]]

end of the demo lol >:) absolutely 0 estimates for the next chapter, though I do know I want to make it. This demo was: 20,000 words in total. (including code and things outside of the story.) Lemme get this to exactly 20,000 words heehee

You swim out of the cave and retrieve $ANickname, who seemed to be in the middle of sulking about something. You make sure to clear it with your Grandma that it was okay for $ANickname to visit Alistair, and once you had her go ahead you brought $Athem into the cave. Though $Athey seemed nervous for some reason. "Alistair, I have returned with my bestest buddy in the whole world!" You announce, placing your hands on your hips and smiling triumphantly. "Oh! Uhm, hello there." Alistair awkwardly greeted. "I'm Alistair, though you probably already knew that..." He continued, mumbling the last part. "Hi, I'm $AName. But you can call me $ANickname." $ANickname replied, giving off a false cheer. "You seem sad." Alistair said, gasping and covering his mouth after realizing what he just said. "Oh, I just... Feel really bad about not helping you when we heard you earlier." $ANickname sheepishly said, rubbing the back of $Atheir neck. "It's okay! I wouldn't have helped something making weird noises either!" Alistair quickly comforted. "Really?" $ANickname asked hopefully, $Atheir green eyes practically shining. "Yeah!" Alistair chuckled nervously. The two of them started talking a lot more, $ANickname seeming much more relaxed now. You joined into their conversation, which ended up lasting a lot longer than you thought it did. After a week of visiting Alistair, he was discharged from the infirmary. He had explicit instructions on how to care for his wounds and to not strain himself, and you and $ANickname helped him memorize them. You three were having a small celebration over his release when Alistair's mood turned from happy to serious. "I hate to ask you two this, but... I need your help." He stated grimly. [[Next]]

<<silently>> <<set $Alifriendship += 1>> <</silently>> You and $ANickname visit Alistair in the infirmary with permission from his team of doctors, which includes your Grandma funnily enough, and the three of you get close. Alistair is eventually released about a week after the two of you found him, with strict instructions not to strain himself and how to care for his wounds. The three of you are having a mini party to celebrate his discharge, but Alistair's face gradually turns from happy to something serious. He turns to the two of you, and you both stop what you're doing to pay attention to him. "I hate to ask this of you guys, but... I need your help." He stated grimly. [[Next]]