Moonlight in Bloomingdale

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/MKEDlYN.png" style="max-width:100%;"> [[Start Game]]

There is a grassy field filled with trees but not much else. Only a dirt road that you are camped near, with a sign pointing in (link-reveal:"two directions.")[ To the left is "Bloomingdale", to the right, “The Capital”. It doesn’t help you much, it took over a month to make it here on foot from The Capital. Luckily, you have been here in the past, and it's not too much [[further. ->a long time.]] ]

Next to where you sit is your [[jacket->Jacket]] that you had rolled up and used as a pillow. You are camped underneath a large tree, leaning against it is your (link-reveal:"scythe.")[ Scythe A two-handed weapon with a large, sharp, curved blade attached to a long black handle. [[The Hunter's Order->The Hunter's Order]] initially resisted this weapon choice as it isn't one of the assigned Hunter's weapon. At least they seemed to come around when you finished your apprenticeship, even settling on your code name, "Reaper". [[You better get moving.]]]

The longer you walk along the road to Bloomingdale, the more on edge you are feeling about what you are walking into. This happens with every case but it just seems like these are happening more (link-reveal:"frequently. ")[ It’s feeling all too familiar but then this one has something (link-reveal:"more to it.")[ Hours pass as you travel, deep in thought, you must be getting close now. [[You review the case file. ->You should review the case file.]]] ]

(b4r:"solid","none")+(b4r-colour:(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.3),(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.3),(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.25),(hsl:0,0,1,0.3))[Case #1046 Town: Bloomingdale Client: Jill Assigned to: Reaper Information: The Hunter’s Order received a letter from a “Jill” who is asking assistance with strange happenings within her town. She explains that there have been disappearances of residents every month. There have been no murders reported from Bloomingdale, but the timing seems to line up with the killings in previous cases linked to full moon events. It is likely that a demon has turned a resident of the town into a monster. It is still unknown of the identity and motive of the demon/s.] (link-reveal:"You shuffle to the next page")[ (b4r:"solid","none")+(b4r-colour:(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.3),(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.3),(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.25),(hsl:0,0,1,0.3))[Letter from Jill To whom it may concern, I understand that your group deal with things that are out of the ordinary. I am the town florist, and I am noticing fewer people in town square all the time. I know there is something going on. Another one disappeared two nights ago. I don’t think he left town; he wouldn’t have. People are disappearing every single month now. I have brought it up with the council members, but they just shrug me off. They aren’t taking me seriously. There are rumours going around town about a monster. I am so scared. I could have sworn I heard something the other night, but I can’t be sure. Please, send somebody to Bloomingdale, even if I'm wrong, I must know what is going on. Kind regards, [[Jill->Gate]]]]

You enter through the gate, it is (link-reveal:"quiet.")[ Too quiet for the middle of the (link-reveal:"day.")[ The residential streets are filled with large apartment buildings, there is a sign that is pointing straight ahead. (after:5s)[“Town Square”. As you continue down the cobblestone path, the quietness (link-reveal:"lifts.")[ The sounds of the crowd are growing. You reach an arch way at the end of the path; it is the entrance to the [[town square.]] ]]] ]

The town is lively, there’s got to be a hundred people here. In the centre of the square, a beautifully crafted fountain, with townspeople happily perched on the side of it, hands in the water. On the outer are large shops and (link-reveal:"tiny stalls.")[ Children are chasing each other and laughing. This doesn’t look anything like (link-reveal:"you expected.")[ You notice a man giving you a dagger-like stare, almost like you don’t belong here, but you are kind of (link-reveal:"used to that.")[ In the distance you spot a wooden stand with writing above saying “Flowers”, and a woman standing nearby. Where to begin your investigation? [[The children]] [[Man that is watching you]] (text-colour:red)[(if:visits >= 3)[[Woman near flower stall]]]]]]

You see a group of children running around and laughing, until one bumps right into you and falls to the ground. “I’m sorry sir, don’t feed me to the monster” the boy exclaimed, half-jokingly. [[“Who told you there was a monster in town? Have you seen it?”]]

As you walk toward the man, he turns to face you directly. He looks you up and down, as if to size you up, “You’re the hunter she sent for aren’t you?” [["And who are you?"]]

As you approach the flower stall, you notice that it contains no flowers. It is completely empty. Standing nearby is a woman, looks to be in her late thirties. She appears to be fidgeting, gazing around the town square and back to the (link-reveal:"flower stall.")[ As you get near, she (link-reveal:"locks eyes with you.")[ She turns her face of worry to a slight smile, “You aren’t from around here, are you?” [[“Are you Jill?”]] [[“Do you know where I might find the florist?”]]]]

“We’ve never seen it before, but we hear growls and screams some nights during the full moons. It must be a monster, or it’s just Dr Stein doing experiments again” [[“Who is Dr. Stein?”]]

“Umm, he’s the smart guy that lives in the building over there.” He points toward an apartment building outside of the town square. The kid scurries back to his group of friends and erupts back into laughter. [[Return to analysing the Town Square ->town square.]]

The man gives a smile, “You can call me Flint, I’m a member of the council. What you’ve heard is correct. There is something going on in the town and it could use one with your skills.” [[“So there is a monster?”]] [[“What do you know?”]]

Flint looks around and leans toward you with his hand cupping the outside of his mouth. “Not here, you never know who from the council is listening, they have spies everywhere.” He stands upright again and has a look of realisation. “They are meeting at Town Hall shortly, you will find out more then, but don’t be seen, they won't trust a hunter.” Flint hurries away from the town square. [[Return to analysing the Town Square ->town square.]]

Flint looks around and leans toward you with his hand cupping the outside of his mouth. “Not here, you never know who from the council is listening, they have spies everywhere.” He stands upright again and has a look of realisation. “They are meeting at town hall shortly, you will find out more then, but don’t be seen, they won't trust a hunter.” Flint hurries away from the town square. [[Return to analysing the Town Square ->town square.]]

“Jill the florist? I’m afraid you won’t find her here. You see, she left town about a month ago. Only left that note pinned to her store saying she was exploring opportunities elsewhere. A bit strange if you ask me, not even a goodbye or anything.” The woman, looked puzzled. [[“Do you know her well?”]] [[“Has there been any monster sightings in town?”]]

“Well enough, I suppose. She was usually out here every day selling her flowers. I enjoyed buying them every week.” The woman looked disappointed, “Now there isn’t a florist in Bloomingdale. Such a shame.” [[“Did she say anything before she up and left?”]] [[“Has there been many people leaving town lately?”]]

“Monster sightings? Ha. I hope you haven’t been listening to children’s tales. I should know, one of those kids running around over there is mine, I hear enough of his nonsense at home.” She points at the children chasing each other near the fountain. [[“Does he talk about this often?”]] [[“You don’t believe in monsters?”]]

“She didn’t really say anything, I could tell something was troubling her, though. Probably because of that argument she had with the council. You don’t see that every day. I think she wanted a change of scenery after that. I think she will be back someday; Bloomingdale is her home,” it was as if she was trying to convince herself. [[“What was the argument about?”]]

“Now that I think about it, yes there has. Seems like almost every month people are leaving. To pursue work I’d say. They were all unemployed, you see. All except for Jill, actually. Just as well, they didn’t offer much to the town, and from what I hear, the council were glad to be rid of them.” It almost seemed like she was glad too. [[“They don’t like unemployed people?”]]

“I’m not sure on the details, but I heard Dr. Stein’s name come up.” Her face lit up “He’s the town brainiac, a scientist. He’s one of the smartest and nicest people you’d ever meet, not to mention handsome, so it’s strange that they were getting heated about him of all people. You can find his lab and home just north of here.” [["Thank you for your time"]]

The shops are beginning to close for the day. The sun will be setting soon. You pace toward the fountain at the heart of the town square, trying to piece together the (link-reveal:"information you have gathered.")[ Until a lady’s voice catches your attention nearby, “Thank you, Dr. Stein, enjoy.” You turn to see a tall slender man with black hair and a white (link-reveal:"lab coat.")[ “I appreciate it, remember to stay indoors tonight, it’s a full moon after all.” He replies, with a bright smile on his face, before gazing at his watch and hurrying down the (link-reveal:"street.")[ You watch him until you see him stop to [[enter an apartment building.]]]]]

“Well, that’s obvious, if you are an adult, you should be pulling your weight and contributing to the town. Just look at what Dr. Stein offers the town with this research and work ethic, we need more people like him. Come to think of it, Jill did seem quite cold and distant to him of late.” She said, with a sudden realisation. [["Thank you for your time"]]

“All those kids like to make up stuff like the council will feed you to the monsters if they don’t be good. I’m not complaining though, they seem to be behaving more, But I'm not sure where they got that council stuff from” The woman has a slight chuckle. [[“Do the kids mention anything else?”]]

“Oh, I believe in monsters, but they aren’t prowling about in Bloomingdale. The council made sure to put those rumours to bed.” [[“The council had to actually address the rumours?”]]

“Only that we must stay inside on the full moon, not sure why. It’s because of what Dr. Stein was talking about in his research, some celestial thing happening now. It’s all mumbo jumbo to me, but the kids have turned it into some story about a monster prowling the streets.” The woman said with disbelief on her face. [["Thank you for your time"]]

“Well, they had to. People were making up all sorts of things because of Dr. Stein’s research announcement. Was about staying indoors on the nights of a full moon, some celestial event or something or rather. I don’t know the details, but he’s the smartest and nicest man in town, so I’ve no reason to doubt him.” [["Thank you for your time"]]

You feel that the council are hiding something. Stein seems to know something about this as well. Either way, (link-reveal:"Jill is gone.")[ You won’t have time to follow both leads. You must choose wisely, your decision may affect how this unfolds. (after:7s)[ (text-colour:red)[[[Go to Town Hall ->Go to town hall (Council Path)]] [[Go to Stein’s Residence ->Go to Stein’s residence (Stein Path)]]] ] ]

As night begins to fall, the crowd quickly disperses back to their homes. You get friendly reminders from residents as they are leaving to (link-reveal:"start getting indoors.")[ However, you have a meeting to attend at Town Hall. While standing near the entrance, the sound of muffled voices can be heard inside. [[Quietly go inside and stick to the shadows]] [[Climb onto the roof and make your way above their meeting room]]]

As night begins to fall, the crowd quickly disperses back to their homes. You get friendly reminders from residents as they are leaving to (link-reveal:"start getting indoors.")[ You have business at Stein’s residence to take care of though. As you walk into the main entrance to the apartment building, you notice a (link-reveal:"quietness.")[ To the right is a (link-reveal:"sign.")[ Dr. Stein lives on the second floor. You slowly climb the stairs and spot the door to his home. [[You start to loudly bang on the door with your fist.]] [[You quietly check to see if the door is unlocked.]]]]]

You work your way into position as quiet as you can. The voices are getting clearer. You spot an opening and are able to view (link-reveal:"the inside.")[ You slightly poke your head in to listen to the conversation. The room consists of a large round table with members of the council sitting around. You count 14 of them. (link-reveal:"Flint is nowhere in sight.")[ “So, we are sure Flint is the next sacrifice?” (link-reveal:"one man exclaims.")[ “We have no choice, I like the boy, but he’s been blabbing stuff to the hunter. You know he’s here to kill the monster, right?” (link-reveal:"Confirms a senior member.")[ “Is that such a bad thing? Maybe things can go back to the way they were before?” (link-reveal:"inquires another.")[ “No, the work Dr. Stein does for the town is too valuable. It’s better to have him around. Besides, we already sacrificed the flower girl for nearly exposing him. We should be directing our attention (link-reveal:"to the hunter.")[ “If he finds nothing, then he won't trouble us, people are just ‘leaving town’ after all. Flint was adamant that he didn't tell him anything and he’s already being tied up at the town square as we speak. We can dispose of the hunter ourselves if need be.” The senior member replied, [[arrogantly. ->CouncilPath]][ ]] ] ]]]]

You work your way into position as quiet as you can. The voices are getting clearer. You spot an opening and can view (link-reveal:"the inside.")[ You slightly poke your head in to listen to the conversation. The room consists of a large round table with members of the council sitting around. You count 14 of them. (link-reveal:"Flint is nowhere in sight.")[ “So, we are sure Flint is the next sacrifice?” (link-reveal:"one man exclaims.")[ “We have no choice, I like the boy, but he’s been blabbing stuff to the hunter. You know he’s here to kill the monster, right?” (link-reveal:"Confirms a senior member.")[ “Is that such a bad thing? Maybe things can go back to the way they were before?” (link-reveal:"inquires another.")[ “No, the work Dr. Stein does for the town is too valuable. It’s better to have him around. Besides, we already sacrificed the flower girl for nearly exposing him. We should be directing our attention (link-reveal:"to the hunter.")[ “If he finds nothing, then he won't trouble us, people are just ‘leaving town’ after all. Flint was adamant that he didn't tell him anything and he’s already being tied up at the town square as we speak. We can dispose of the hunter ourselves if need be.” The senior member replied, [[arrogantly. ->CouncilPath]][ ]] ] ]]]]

You bust into the room and leap onto the round table. There is a look of shock on all the council members. [[“I heard everything”]] [[“You aren’t getting away with this”]] (set: $CouncilB to true)

You make it back to the street out the front of the town hall. Your blood is boiling from what you heard during the (link-reveal:"council meeting.")[ However, your job is to help people and slay beasts. Finding Flint is the priority. You better hurry. [[Make your way to town square.]]] (set: $CouncilA to true)

The council members look to each other, their shock transitions to seriousness (link-reveal:"to anger.")[ “I don’t care what you heard, you won’t be leaving this room alive,” (link-reveal:"yelled the senior council member.")[ The threat doesn’t phase you; you have dealt with much worse than a bunch of pen pushers. One stands up and locks the door, barricading you inside with the (link-reveal:"14 council members.")[ They begin to pull out weapons such as daggers, hammers and anything they can get their hands on. [[Prepare to defend yourself]] [[You slay every single council member]] ]]]

You are back on the street rushing back in the direction of the (link-reveal:"town square.")[ It is completely nighttime now, and the full moon is shining bright. You hear growling and a mans screams in the distance. You rush as fast as you can and (link-reveal:"have made it back.")[ You have found (link-reveal:"Flint.")[ (link-reveal:"Dead.")[ His lifeless body lying in a pool of blood. If only you had left the town hall sooner, you may have been able to save him. No monster in sight, he must have heard you coming. [[Continue.]]]]] ]

You notice the full moon is out, it is completely nighttime. You are (link-reveal:"running out of time.")[ You reach the town square and notice a body lying on the ground. You have found (link-reveal:"Flint.")[(link-reveal:" Alive")[, but unconscious. His wrists and legs are bound to keep him in place. (link-reveal:"You cut the binds and wake him up.")[ “Oh my god, thank you. You saved me, I will never forget this.” Flint looks visibly shaken. [[You help him to his feet.]] ] ]] ]

Then in the distance, coming from Stein’s residence. A loud crash, followed by a roar. It seems like he’s out. Flint’s starting to get freaked out. [[“It’s time for you to get out of here Flint.”]] [["Wanna help slay this thing?"]]

Flint nods his head with a look of gratitude and scurries away from the town square, avoiding the direction of the town hall as well. [[Continue.]]

You feel a presence within the town square. It is dark, only lit by the (link-reveal:"moonlight.")[ Bloomingdale is eerily quiet. Only the sound of water splashing in the (link-reveal:"fountain.")[ Now, heavy breathing close by. Suddenly a crash to your right, Jill's flower stand crumbles, but there is (link-reveal:"nobody in sight.")[ As you turn back to the opposite direction, you hear loud footsteps rushing toward you, a shadowy figure leaps out of the darkness, narrowly [[missing you.]] ]]]

The door opens with the force you have applied. It wasn’t even closed properly. You poke your head in and Stein is nowhere to be seen. You can see notes and paper all over the desks, tables and floor from the doorway. You step inside and have a look around. Immediately you notice his desk with an open [[diary.->Diary1]] To the right, is a coffee table with a [[note.->Note1]] (if:visits is 3)[ [[You step away from his documents.]]]

The door opens with the force you have applied. It wasn’t even closed properly. You poke your head in, and Stein is nowhere to be seen. You can see notes and paper all over the desks, tables and floor from the doorway. You step inside and have a look around. Immediately you notice his desk with an open [[diary.->Diary]] To the right, is a coffee table with a [[note.->Note]] (if:visits is 3)[ [[You step away from his documents.]]]

You hear a faint scream from the other room, or beyond, it’s hard to tell. You slowly walk toward the (link-reveal:"dark room.")[ You spot a lab bench inside with a vial of liquid, and needles nearby. You know you don’t have a lot of time, if Stein isn’t here, he could be out there already, and Flint could be a dead man. What you do next will undoubtedly affect how things progress. (after:7s)[ (text-colour:red)[[[Leave Stein’s home to find Flint. ->Leave Stein’s home to find Flint. (Stein Path A)]] [[Go inside the room and investigate the vial. ->Go inside the room and investigate the vial. (Stein Path B)]]]]]

You turn around to leave but as you get to the front door, you hear a roar from the other room and a (link-reveal:"smash inside.")[ You turn back around and see the lab bench fly across the room, smashing the lights and destroying the vial that was on top. It is (link-reveal:"dark now.")[ You see a shadowy figure run past and jump through the window and into the street. You follow, but he is nowhere to be found once you get outside. You must find Flint. [[You run to town square.]]] ] (set: $SteinA to true)

You walk slowly towards the vial; it has a [[note->note2]] next to it. You wonder if this could work, you’ve never seen something like this, but Stein is supposedly a smart guy. [[You grab the vial and put it into your pocket.]] (set: $SteinB to true)

You notice the full moon is out, it is completely nighttime. You are (link-reveal:"running out of time.")[ You reach the town square and notice a body lying in on the ground. You have found (link-reveal:"Flint.")[(link-reveal:" Alive, ")[but unconscious. His wrists and legs are bound to keep him in place. (link-reveal:"You cut the binds and manage to wake him up.")[ “Oh my god, thank you. You saved me, I will never forget this.” Flint looks visibly shaken. [[You help him to his feet. ]] ]]]]

Then in the distance, coming from the rooftop. A loud crash, followed by a roar. It seems like he’s hungry. Flint’s starting to get freaked out. [[“It’s time for you to get out of here, Flint.” ]] [["Wanna help slay this thing?" ->Slay]]

Flint nods his head with a look of gratitude and scurries away from the town square, avoiding the direction of the town hall as well. [[Continue.]]

Suddenly the door shuts behind you, you are (link-reveal:"locked in.")[ A smash of a window rings out from the room you were in previously. Followed by a roar. You need to get out of here. [[You take out your scythe and smash through the door.]] ]

There is a massive hole in the side of the apartment. Whatever it is, it's big. (link-reveal:"Jump through the hole and onto the street.")[ The beast has a head start on you but you are making your way towards the (link-reveal:"town square.")[ You hear growling and a scream in the distance. You rush as fast as you can and (link-reveal:"have made it back.")[ You have found (link-reveal:"Flint.")[(link-reveal:" Dead.")[ His lifeless body lying in a pool of blood. If only you had left Stein’s residence sooner, you may have been able to save him. No monster in sight though, he must have heard me coming. [[Continue.]]] ]] ]]

Your instincts saved you this time. You look toward the figure, as it walks out of the shadows and (link-reveal:"into the moonlight.")[ He is massive, must be 10 foot tall. However, your suspicions have been confirmed, this is the [[exact same type of monster->Monster]] from the other cases. The beast lets out a deadly roar and begins to charge at you. How will you react? [[Stand your ground and attack head on.]] [[Use a fancy move to get behind and swing for his back.]] [[Step toward Stein and swing low.]]]

You decide to stand your ground and wait for him to get close. The beast lunges forward and you swing your scythe (link-reveal:"directly at him.")[ However, the beast is way too agile and dodges past your attack, swiping his large claw toward you. You immediately feel a great deal of pain throughout your body as his nails rip a wound down your back, inflicting (link-reveal:"significant damage.")[ Blood is flowing out of your wound, and you are already feeling light-headed. One more wrong move and you are done for. The beast turns to you again and prepares for another charge attack. [[Use a fancy move to get behind and swing for his back.]] [[Step toward Stein and swing low.]]]]

The beast charges, you run toward him as well to seemingly attack directly. At the last possible second, you duck and slide underneath his legs, popping up behind him to deliver a perfect strike to (link-reveal:"his back.")[ However, your arms begin to shake from the force, and you see the blade of your scythe completely shatter against his tough armour-like skin on his back. Before you can react, the beast spins around and (link-reveal:"impales you in your chest with his claw.")[ You are stunned. The beast brings you close and stares directly into your eyes, just before grabbing inside your wound with his other claw and ripping you to pieces. [[Everything has turned pitch black]]]]

You quickly evade to his right side and swipe your scythe at his legs, (link-reveal:"crippling the beast.")[ He turns for another attack but is unable to move due to his injuries, allowing you to attack head on with a slash down his chest. Stein falls to the ground, with his back against the (link-reveal:"fountain.")[ “Please,” he weakly (link-reveal:"begins to speak.")[ “Please, don’t kill me, I don’t want to die. I don’t want to kill people. I can’t help it.” The beast (link-reveal:"coughs up blood.")[ “I can fix this.” What will you do? (text-colour:red)[(if:$CouncilA is true)[[[Kill the beast ->Kill the beast (Council Path A + Stein Path A + B = Hunter ending)]] [[Set free ->Set free (Council path A + B = bad ending)]]] (if:$CouncilB is true)[[[Kill the beast ->Kill the beast (Council Path B = Wrathful ending)]] [[Set free ->Set free (Council path A + B = bad ending)]]] (if:$SteinA is true)[[[Kill the beast ->Kill the beast (Council Path A + Stein Path A + B = Hunter ending)]] [[Trust him ->Trust him (Stein path A = Trustful ending)]]] (if:$SteinB is true)[[[Kill the beast ->Kill the beast (Council Path A + Stein Path A + B = Hunter ending)]] [[Inject him with serum ->Inject him with serum (Stein path B = Bittersweet ending)]]] ] ]]]]

(text-colour:red)[Bad Ending:] Your job was to come to Bloomingdale to destroy the beast responsible for the killings of residents. Now you show mercy and let him go? What sort of hunter are you? You have left town, and the killings continue to happen. Stein becomes more bloodthirsty and rampages through town, unable to control himself, killing families, children, pets, until there is nothing left. Not only have failed your objective, but you have also failed Jill, and you have been banished from The Hunter’s Order as a result. [[Back to Title Screen ->Start]]

(text-colour:cyan)[Trustful Ending:] After hearing Stein beg for his life, with the knowledge you gained from his notes, you decide to take a chance on him. He begins to turn back into his human state and losing his bloodlust. Due to Stein destroying his only vial of serum while he escaped his residence, you decide to stay in Bloomingdale until he can make more. Stein eventually creates the serum and begins injecting himself with it every month. After keeping watch for a few months, there has been no more killings or disappearances in the town. You have solved the investigation without needing to kill a man that is good at heart. The case is now closed. [[Back to Title Screen ->Start]]

(text-colour:green)[Bittersweet Ending: ] After hearing Stein beg for his life, you take the serum out of your pocket and stick the needle into his arm. Stein immediately transforms back into his human state and thanks you. You decide to stay in Bloomindale for a few months to keep watch on the situation. There has been no more killings or disappearances in the town. While you were unable to help Jill or to save Flint that night, you were able to avoid another death of a truly good person, Stein. It seems that not every case must end with the killing of a monster. You have solved the investigation, and the case is now closed. [[Back to Title Screen ->Start]]

(text-colour:navy)[Hunter ending:] After hearing Stein beg for his life, you continue to do your job as a hunter and slay the beast. One big swipe of your scythe and his head falls to the ground. His remains instantly begin to disintegrate. You can rest easy knowing that the threat is no more in Bloomingdale, for now. There was nothing you could do to save Jill, but her death has been avenged. Even though, there are corrupt council members in the town, you feel that everything should be back to normal without the monster influencing their decisions. It’s not your job to care how they run their town, anyway. You have solved the investigation, and the case is now closed. [[Back to Title Screen ->Start]]

(text-colour:orange)[Wrathful ending:] After hearing Stein beg for his life, you continue your job as a hunter and slay the beast. One big swipe of your scythe and his head falls to the ground. You have made the choice to inflict the most amount of bloodshed as possible. You killed all the council members and the monster. They were all involved in Jill’s death, so you feel like they got what they deserved. You can rest easy knowing that the threat is no more in Bloomingdale, for now. But who is to say how the town functions without the order of the council? Only time will tell. You have solved the investigation, and the case is now closed. [[Back to Title Screen ->Start]]

[(text-colour:red)[Death Ending:] You died. Knowing an enemy’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial to being a good hunter. Especially monsters that you have intel on. A hunter’s life depends on making the right moves in a fight, and one wrong move could end it all. Unfortunately, that happened, and you have failed. There is nothing stopping this monster from wreaking havoc on Bloomingdale, unless they send another hunter to clean up your mess. [[Back to Title Screen ->Start]] ]

Your Attire A dark purple, long-sleeved, hooded cloak. It's the only piece of clothing you wear that is not part of the Hunter's gear. The standard gear is just so boring, black and grey, looking all professional. At least this gives you some unique identity. [[Return ->a long time.]]

The Hunter’s Order The group responsible for investigating unusual crimes that are typically caused by monsters, demons or other creatures that must be hunted down and destroyed. [[Return ->a long time.]]

You look up from the pages and in the distance, there are buildings, surrounded by tall brick walls, with the road leading to a large (link-reveal:"iron gate.")[ You have finally reached Bloomingdale. The town never seemed to be this massive and developed. Then again, it has been over 20 years since you were here last. [[Open gate and enter Bloomingdale]]]

You feel the sunlight shining onto your face as you open your (link-reveal:"eyes.")[ It’s morning already. Smoke rises from the ashes of the (link-reveal:"campfire.")[ Bloomingdale is still half days walk and it's a full moon tonight. You will be cutting this close, will you make it in time? [[Sit up and scan your surroundings]]] ] (set: $CouncilA to false) (set: $CouncilB to false) (set: $SteinA to false) (set: $SteinB to false) (set: $Returned to false)

You have heard enough. You know that what you do will affect what happens next. (text-colour:red)[[[Confront the council ->Confront the council (Council Path B)]] [[Leave quietly and try to find Flint ->Leave quietly and try to find Flint (Council Path A)]]]

You have been backed into a corner and there is no negotiating here. They will (link-reveal:"not be reasoned with.")[ Even knowing what a hunter is capable of, even with the look of terror on some of their faces. They won't (link-reveal:"let you leave.")[ Once the first one charged, you cut him down with one fell swoop. After that, the rest charged and met the same fate. The room is filled with blood and bodies. They gave you no choice. What's done is done, though. [[You unlock the door and leave the horror scene]] ]]

You stare directly at the senior council man, while slowly (link-reveal:"readying your scythe.")[ You don't want to kill humans. But if they (link-reveal:"force your hand....")[ The senior council man rushes toward you, with dagger in hand, "GET HIM!!" Blood splatters across the room. The now headless man falls to the (link-reveal:"floor.")[ The remaining 13 are a mix of shocked, furious and terrified. You lower your scythe, in the hope that they will stop. [[But they won't back down. ->You slay every single council member]]] ]]

(b4r:"solid","none")+(b4r-colour:(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.3),(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.3),(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.25),(hsl:0,0,1,0.3))[(text-colour:yellow)[Diary entry] I hate this, why did this have to happen to me? I don’t want to kill people. Let alone eat them. I love the people in this town, that’s why I’m so nice to everybody. Or is that just the guilt? No. I’m sure I’m a good person. It’s just that when I change, I can’t help myself. The smell of blood is too much. There is no control. If I can make this serum in time of the next full moon, I may be able to prevent more deaths. I can beat this. I have too much to offer to let this become my life. I’m so sorry Jill, hopefully the extract from your flowers can make a difference.] [[Return ->You quietly check to see if the door is unlocked.]]

(b4r:"solid","none")+(b4r-colour:(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.3),(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.3),(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.25),(hsl:0,0,1,0.3))[(text-colour:yellow)[Crumpled Note] Next sacrifice is Flint. He will be in the town centre for you. ] [[Return ->You quietly check to see if the door is unlocked.]]

(b4r:"solid","none")+(b4r-colour:(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.3),(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.3),(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.25),(hsl:0,0,1,0.3))[(text-colour:yellow)[Crumbled Note] Next sacrifice is Flint. He will be in the town centre for you. ] [[Return ->You start to loudly bang on the door with your fist.]]

(b4r:"solid","none")+(b4r-colour:(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.3),(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.3),(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.25),(hsl:0,0,1,0.3))[(text-colour:yellow)[Note] I could only get enough extract from Jills flowers for one vial, do not waste it! I need to know where Jill got those flowers. Why did it have to be her?] [[Almost like he needs to remind himself....->Go inside the room and investigate the vial. (Stein Path B)]]

Flint looks at you weirdly. "ARE YOU CRAZY?" he blurts out, "Look I'm glad you helped me but I'm out of here." [["Thought I would ask" ->“It’s time for you to get out of here, Flint.” ]]

(b4r:"solid","none")+(b4r-colour:(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.3),(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.3),(hsl:270,0.8039,0.5,0.25),(hsl:0,0,1,0.3))[(text-colour:yellow)[Beast Intel] This is a large, strong beast with deadly claws and horns on its head. It usually appears on nights of a full moon when the human host transforms. Don’t let its size fool you, it is incredibly fast and agile, so taking away its strengths is the best strategy to defeat it. On the other hand, its back is just about impenetrable, so don’t even bother going for that. Unless you have a death wish.] [[Return ->missing you.]]

Flint looks at you weirdly. "ARE YOU CRAZY?" he blurts out, "Look I'm glad you helped me but I'm out of here." [["Suit yourself, wimp" ->“It’s time for you to get out of here Flint.”]]