DBD: Unraveled

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<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Choose your Gender</h2><hr></div> //Choose your <span class="gold">Gender</span>. This is the gender characters throughout the story will regard you as. This affects certain <span class="gold">nicknames</span>, <span class="gold">dialogues</span>, and <span class="gold">mentions</span>. This choice ''__does not__'' affect physical attributes.// [[Male|Choose Pronouns][$Gender to "male"; $Gender_Ref to "new guy"]]\ [[Female|Choose Pronouns][$Gender to "female"; $Gender_Ref to "new girl"]]\ [[Non-binary|Choose Pronouns][$Gender to "non-binary"; $Gender_Ref to "newbie"]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Input Your __First__ Name</h2><hr></div> <div style="text-align: center;">\ <<textbox "$PlayerName" "">> </div>\ [[Continue|Continue2]]

<div style="text-align: center;">\ <<if $PlayerName is "" or $PlayerName is " " or $PlayerName is " " or $PlayerName is " " or $PlayerName is " " or $PlayerName is " " or $PlayerName is " " or $PlayerName is " " or $PlayerName is " ">>\ Go back and input a name. [[Back|Continue1]] <<else>>\ Your name is $PlayerName? [[Yes|Sexuality][$PortraitPreview to true]]\ [[No|Continue1][$PlayerName to ""]] <</if>> \ </div>\

<<fadein 5s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Chapter 1</h2><hr><h1>Shadows</h1></div> <<audio start_music fadeout>>\ <center><img src="images/other/divider.png" /></center> <<audio start_music fadeout>>\ <span class="highlight">You walk along</span> a narrow, worn path shrouded by twisted, black trees. Dark mist clings to the earth, curling around your boots, while the brittle crunch of dead leaves underfoot breaks the eerie silence. The biting cold gnaws at every exposed inch of skin, and a shiver prickles down your spine. You bury your hands deep in your pockets, your breath curling in faint wisps against the night air. Half an hour ago, you left the safety of the campfire to join Claudette, the //botanist//, on this foraging trip. She carries herself timidly beside you. She has blemish-free dark skin, with long, thick dreadlocks packed into a hair tie and cascading down her back. She’s striking—slender, with delicate features softened by large, round eyes and lips that quiver slightly every time she speaks. The blue frames of her reading glasses sit perched on her nose, catching faint glints of moonlight. A straw basket rests securely under her arm, brimming with an array of roots, herbs, and brightly colored berries. //“We’re looking for medicinal plants,”// she explained before you left camp. //“And we might find tea leaves while we’re out.”// She gave an impromptu description of what to look for, and then you began your trek. So far, you’ve had no luck; you’ve picked more weeds than desirable plants, and she kindly corrects you each time you reach out for another. You’re sure she regrets dragging you along now. But when she went around camp asking for volunteers, you were the only one who stood up. Why? [[You wanted to get away from camp.|Pg.2][$Choice to 1; $Social -=5]]\ [[You wanted to help.|Pg.2][$Choice to 2; $Social +=5; $Kindness +=5; $Reputation +=5; $Selflessness +=5; $Corruption -=5]]\ [[You wanted to get something out of it.|Pg.2][$Choice to 3; $Kindness -=5; $Selflessness -=5; $Corruption +=5]]\ <</fadein>>\ <<notify 5s>>◈ //Welcome to The Fog, $PlayerName.//<</notify>>\

//Audio// <<cacheaudio "start_music" "audio/music/flashback-58.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "link_click" "audio/click.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "checking_bags" "audio/Checking Bags 3.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "turn_page" "audio/turn page.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "turn_page2" "audio/turn page 2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "turn_page3" "audio/turn page 3.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "turn_page4" "audio/turn page 4.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "turn_page5" "audio/turn page 5.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "turn_page6" "audio/turn page 6.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "turn_page7" "audio/turn page 7.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "turn_page8" "audio/turn page 8.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "turn_page9" "audio/turn page 9.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "character_page_music" "audio/music/i-am-sad-and-melancholic-ig-version-loop-02-7316.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "story_bgm" "audio/music/die-zwei-geschwister-elongation-14085.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "dream_sequence_bgm" "audio/music/tension-113661.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "status-page_bgm_purity" "audio/music/cinematic-ambient-piano-118668.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "status-page_bgm_corruption" "audio/music/bensound-ofeliasdream.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "status-page_bgm_neutral" "audio/music/bensound-betterdays.mp3">> var musicTracks = ["start_music", "character-page-music", "story_bgm", "dream_sequence_bgm", "status-page_bgm_purity", "status-page_bgm_corruption", "status-page_bgm_neutral"]; <<set $Choice1 to false>> <<set $Choice2 to false>> <<set $Choice3 to false>> <<set $Choice4 to false>> <<set $Choice5 to false>> <<set $Choice6 to false>> //Stat Tracking:// <<set $CrowsKilled to 0>> <<set $PeopleKilled to 0>> <<set $PeopleSaved to 0>> <<set $EchoesFound to 0>> <<set $MarksFound to 0>> <<set $TapesHeard to 0>> <<set $KillersPunished to 0>> <<set $TimesDied to 0>> <<set $SexualContent to "">> <<set $PortraitBlock to true>> <<set $Choice to 0>> <<set $Skirt to false>> <<set $Pants to true>> //Setting Arrays//\ <<set $Inventory to []>> <<set $Trophies to []>> <<set $Hairstyle_Options to ["Long Straight", "Long Wavy", "Long Kinky Hair", "Straight Ponytail", "Short Straight", "medium-length w/bangs", "Custom Hair Request 2", "Afro Hair", "Custom Hair 4", "Edgy Bangs", "Edgy Short", "Buns", "Sideswept", "Coily Short", "Bob", "Mohawk", "Side Braid"]>> <<set $Collar_Options to ["Clothes1", "Clothes2", "Clothes3", "Clothes4", "Clothes5", ""]>> <<set $SkinTone_Options to ["pale", "fair", "tan", "brown", "dark"]>> <<set $EyeColor_Options to ["dark brown", "brown", "hazel", "green", "blue", "red", "purple", "grey"]>> <<set $HairColor_Options to ["black", "dark brown", "brown", "dirty blonde", "blonde", "pink", "purple", "blue", "green", "orange", "red", "white"]>> <<set $Eyebrow_Options to ["Brows 1", "Brows 2", "Brows 3", "Brows 4", "Brows 5", "Brows 6", ""]>> <<set $LipstickColor_Options to ["red", "dark red", "brown", "dark brown", "purple", "blue", "purple", "blue", "black", "nude", ""]>> <<set $BeanieColor_Options to ["black", "red", "pink", "brown", "orange", "yellow", "green", "blue", "purple", "white"]>> <<set $BodyType_Options to ["feminine", "masculine"]>> <<set $ChokerType_Options to ["Choker_Plain", "Choker_Heart", ""]>> <<set $ChokerColor_Options to ["red", "black", "dark brown", "brown", "pink", "purple", "blue", "green", "white", ""]>> <<set $BangsColor_Options to ["black", "dark brown", "brown", "dirty blonde", "blonde", "pink", "purple", "blue", "green", "orange", "red", "white"]>> <<set $Eyeshadow_Options to ["red", "yellow", "orange", "pink", "white", "black", "brown", "green", "blue", "purple", ""]>> <<set $Blush_Options to ["Blush1", "Blush2", "Blush3", ""]>> <<set $HeartShapedGlasses to false>> //Setting icons to inventory variables.// <<set $red_book to '[img[images/icons/red_book.png][red_book]]'>> <<set $jam to '[img[images/icons/jam.png][jam]]'>> <<set $mc_journal to '[img[images/icons/mc_journal.png][Journal]]'>> <<set $cookie to '[img[images/icons/cookie.png][cookie]]'>> <<set $pen to '[img[images/icons/pen.png][pen]]'>> <<set $bandages to '[img[images/icons/bandages.png][bandages]]'>> <<set $scissors to '[img[images/icons/scissors.png][scissors]]'>> <<set $dannys_boots to '[img[images/icons/dannys_boots.png][dannys boots]]'>> <<set $goodie_basket to '[img[images/icons/goodiebasket.png][goodie basket]]'>> <<set $axe to '[img[images/icons/axe.png][axe]]'>> <<set $knife to '[img[images/icons/knife.png][knife]]'>> <<set $lighter to '[img[images/icons/lighter.png][lighter]]'>> <<set $camera to '[img[images/icons/camera.png][camera]]'>> <<set $cave_journal to '[img[images/icons/cave_journal.png][cave journal]]'>> <<set $cigarette to '[img[images/icons/cigarette.png][cigarette]]'>> <<set $firstaidkit to '[img[images/icons/firstaidkit.png][firstaidkit]]'>> <<set $flashlight to '[img[images/icons/flashlight.png][flashlight]]'>> <<set $rose to '[img[images/icons/rose.png][rose]]'>> <<set $teddy_bear to '[img[images/icons/teddy_bear.png][teddy bear]]'>> <<set $walkie_talkie to '[img[images/icons/walkie_talkie.png][walkie talkie]]'>> <<set $hammer to '[img[images/icons/hammer.png][hammer]]'>> <<set $franks_jacket to '[img[images/icons/franks_jacket.png][franks jacket]]'>> <<set $jar_of_fireflies to '[img[images/icons/jaroffireflies.png][jar of fireflies]]'>> <<set $unknown_tonic to '[img[images/icons/unknown_tonic.png][unknown tonic]]'>> <<set $dead_rabbit to '[img[images/icons/dead_rabbit.png][dead_rabbit]]'>> <<set $cassette_tape to '[img[images/icons/cassette_tape.png][cassette tape]]'>> <<set $tape_recorder to '[img[images/icons/tape_recorder.png][tape recorder]]'>> <<set $invitation to '[img[images/icons/invitation.png][invitation]]'>> <<set $heart_locket to '[img[images/icons/heart_locket.png][heart locket]]'>> <<set $flower_crown to '[img[images/icons/flower_crown.png][flower crown]]'>> <<set $susies_friendship_bracelet to '[img[images/icons/susies_friendship_bracelet.png][susies friendship bracelet]]'>> <<set $julies_mixtape_set to '[img[images/icons/julies_mixtape_set.png][julies mixtape set]]'>> <<set $bogus_the_rat to '[img[images/icons/bogus_the_rat.png][bogus_the_rat]]'>> <<set $crows_gifts to '[img[images/icons/crows_gifts.png][crows_gifts]]'>> <<set $oil_lamp to '[img[images/icons/oil_lamp.png][oil_lamp]]'>> <<set $shaving_razor to '[img[images/icons/shaving_razor.png][shaving_razor]]'>> <<set $claudettes_lavender_oil to '[img[images/icons/claudettes_lavender_oil.png][lavender_oil]]'>> <<set $nashas_bag to '[img[images/icons/nashas_bag.png][nashas_bag]]'>> <<set $wedding_band to '[img[images/icons/wedding_band.png][wedding_band]]'>> //Setting icons to Trophy Badges variables.// <<set $trophy_romancedbastion to '[img[images/trophies/romancedbastion.png][trophy_romancedbastion]]'>> <<set $trophy_completedchapter1 to '[img[images/trophies/completedchapter1.png][trophy_completedchapter1]]'>> //Setting Emoticon Icons// <<set $agreeableIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/agreeable.png]]'>> <<set $antisocialIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/antisocial.png]]'>> <<set $angryIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/icon.png]]'>> <<set $attackIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/attack.png]]'>> <<set $disagreeableIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/disagreeable.png]]'>> <<set $emotionalIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/emotional.png]]'>> <<set $flirtIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/flirt.png]]'>> <<set $happyIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/happy.png]]'>> <<set $humorIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/humor.png]]'>> <<set $intelligenceIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/intelligence.png]]'>> <<set $lyingIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/lying.png]]'>> <<set $neutralIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/neutral.png]]'>> <<set $perceptionIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/perception.png]]'>> <<set $questioningIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/questioning.png]]'>> <<set $sadIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/sad.png]]'>> <<set $silenceIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/silence.png]]'>> <<set $socialIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/social.png]]'>> <<set $goodIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/good.png]]'>> <<set $badIcon to '[img[images/emoticons/bad.png]]'>> //Setting Hud array, and images and links to the Hud variables.// <<set $Hud to []>> <<set $campfire_hud to '[img[images/other/campfire_hud.png][campfire_hud]]'>> <<set $the_fog_hud to '[img[images/other/the_fog_hud.png][the_fog_hud]]'>> <<set $foghaven_hud to '[img[images/other/foghaven_hud.png][foghaven_hud]]'>> <<set $return to ''>> <<set $Quote to " ">> //Character Page// <<set $CharacterComplete to false>> <<set $Injured to false>> <<set $PlayerGender to " ">> <<set $PlayerBodyType to " ">> <<set $PlayerName to " ">> <<set $Hairstyle to "unset">> <<set $HairColor to " ">> <<set $HairLength to " ">> <<set $HairType to " ">> <<set $Height to " ">> <<set $SkinTone to " ">> <<set $EyeColor to " ">> <<set $Glasses to false>> <<set $Freckles to false>> <<set $Piercings to false>> <<set $Lipstick to " ">> <<set $FullFaceMakeup to false>> <<set $Beanie to false>> <<set $Goth to false>> <<set $Blush to false>>\ <<set $Collar to "Clothes1">> //Journal Unlocks// <<set $First_Mark to false>> <<set $First_Echo to false>> <<set $First_Vision to false>> <<set $First_Memory to false>> <<set $MetShade to false>> <<set $NamedBastion to false>> //MC Traits// <<set $Emotion to 50>> <<set $Social to 50>> <<set $Honesty to 50>> <<set $Selflessnessness to 50>> <<set $Seriousnessness to 50>> <<set $Humor to 50>> <<set $Kindness to 50>> <<set $Optimism to 50>> <<set $Bravery to 50>> <<set $Intelligence to 50>> <<set $PottyMouth to 50>> <<set $Corruption to 50>> <<set $Reputation to 50>> <<set $CrowName to " ">> //Meeting Characters// <<set $Met_Dwight to false>> <<set $Met_Ace to false>> <<set $Met_Yui to false>> <<set $Met_Zarina to false>> <<set $Met_Felix to false>> <<set $Met_Elodie to false>> <<set $Met_YunJin to false>> <<set $Met_Mikaela to false>> //Affinity// <<set $BastionAffinity to 0>> <<set $JakeAffinity to 0>> <<set $MegAffinity to 0>> <<set $ClaudetteAffinity to 0>> <<set $DwightAffinity to 0>> <<set $NeaAffinity to 0>> <<set $FengMinAffinity to 0>> <<set $DavidAffinity to 0>> <<set $KateAffinity to 0>> <<set $AdamAffinity to 0>> <<set $JeffAffinity to 0>> <<set $YuiAffinity to 0>> <<set $FelixAffinity to 0>> <<set $ElodieAffinity to 0>> <<set $YunJinAffinity to 0>> <<set $FrankAffinity to 0>> <<set $GhostfaceAffinity to 0>> <<set $Relationship to "Single">> //Entries// <<set $WandererEntry_1 to true>> <<set $WandererEntry_2 to false>> <<set $WandererEntry_3 to false>> <<set $WandererEntry_4 to false>> <<set $WandererEntry_5 to false>> <<set $WandererEntry_6 to false>> <<set $EntityEntry_1 to false>> <<set $EntityEntry_2 to false>> <<set $EntityEntry_3 to false>> <<set $EntityEntry_4 to false>> <<set $BastionEntry_1 to false>> <<set $BastionEntry_2 to false>> <<set $BastionEntry_3 to false>> <<set $BastionEntry_4 to false>> <<set $BastionEntry_5 to false>> <<set $BastionEntry_6 to false>> //Chapters// <<set $Chapter1Complete to false>> <<set $Chapter2Complete to false>> <<set $Chapter3Complete to false>> <<set $Chapter4Complete to false>> <<set $Chapter5Complete to false>> <<set $Chapter6Complete to false>> <<set $Chapter7Complete to false>> <<set $Chapter8Complete to false>> <<set $Chapter9Complete to false>> <<set $Chapter10Complete to false>> <<set $Chapter11Complete to false>> <<set $Chapter12Complete to false>> //Skills// <<set $Strength to 0>> <<set $Athletics to 0>> <<set $Endurance to 0>> <<set $Dexterity to 0>> <<set $RangedWeapons to 0>> <<set $MeleeWeapons to 0>> <<set $Persuasion to 0>> <<set $Intimidation to 0>> <<set $Perception to 0>> <<set $Stealth to 0>>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Confirm Gender</h2><hr></div> //You've set your <span class="gold">Gender</span> to <span class="gold">$Gender</span>, and your <span class="gold">Preferred Pronouns</span> to <span class="gold"><<she>>/<<her>></span>. Accept and continue?// [[Accept|Choose Body Type]]\ [[Undo|Begin][$Gender to ""; $PreferredPronouns to ""]]

<center>\ <<Avatar>></center>\ <div style="text-align: center;">\ <span class="gold">$PlayerName</span>, <<she>>/<<her>>. <center>You are attracted to <span class="gold"><<Sexuality>></span>.</center> This is your character portrait. You can alter your character's appearance on the <span class="gold">Character Page,</span> where you'll find many more cosmetic items to choose from. [[Continue|Set Quote][$CharacterComplete to true]]\ [[Redo|Begin][$BodyType to ""; $SkinTone to ""; $HairStyle to ""; $BangsColor to ""; $HairLength to ""; $HairType to ""; $HairColor to ""; $EyeColor to ""; $Eyebrows to ""; $Height to ""; $Lipstick to ""; $Glasses to false; $Freckles to false; $Beanie to false; $Piercings to false; $Hajib to false; $Sexuality to ""]] </div>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Select a hair color.</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <<Avatar>> <span title="Black"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Black.png][Hair Type][$HairColor to "black"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Dark Brown"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Dark Brown.png][Hair Type][$HairColor to "dark brown"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Brown"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Brown.png][Hair Type][$HairColor to "brown"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Dirty Blonde"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Dirty Blonde.png][Hair Type][$HairColor to "dirty blonde"]]</div></span> <span title="Blonde"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Blonde.png][Hair Type][$HairColor to "blonde"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Pink"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Pink.png][Hair Type][$HairColor to "pink"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Purple"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Purple.png][Hair Type][$HairColor to "purple"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Blue"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Blue.png][Hair Type][$HairColor to "blue"]]</div></span> <span title="Green"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Green.png][Hair Type][$HairColor to "green"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Orange"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Orange.png][Hair Type][$HairColor to "orange"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Red"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Red.png][Hair Type][$HairColor to "red"]]</div></span>\ <span title="White"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_White.png][Hair Type][$HairColor to "white"]]</div></span> [[Undo|Skin Tone][$SkinTone to ""]] </center>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Select a hairstyle.</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <<Avatar>> <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Long Straight Hair_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "Long Straight"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Long Wavy Hair_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "wavy"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "Long Wavy"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Long Kinky Hair_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "kinky"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "Long Kinky Hair"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Straight Ponytail_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "Straight Ponytail"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Curly Ponytail_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "wavy"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "Wavy Ponytail"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Short Hair_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "short"; $HairStyle to "Short Straight"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Short Bangs_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairStyle to "medium-length w/bangs"; $HairLength to "mid-length"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Custom Hair Request 2_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairStyle to "Custom Hair Request 2"; $HairLength to "mid-length"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Afro Hair_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "kinky"; $HairStyle to "Afro Hair"; $HairLength to "mid-length"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Buzzcut_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to ""; $HairStyle to "Buzzcut"; $HairLength to "shaved"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Custom Hair 4_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairStyle to "minibob"; $HairLength to "mid-length"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Edgy Bangs_Mannequin.png][Choose Bangs Start][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "Edgy Bangs"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Edgy Short_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "Messy"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Buns_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "Buns"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Fuzzy-Buns_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "curly"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "Fuzzy Buns"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bob_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "Bob"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Sideswept_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "short"; $HairStyle to "Sideswept"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Short Coily_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "coily"; $HairLength to "short"; $HairStyle to "Coily Short"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Mohawk_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "short"; $HairStyle to "Mohawk"]]</div> <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Side Braid_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "Side Braid"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Mohawk2_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "short"; $HairStyle to "Mohawk 2"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH3_mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "NH3"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH4_mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "NH4"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH10_mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "NH10"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH8_mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "NH8"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH12_mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "short"; $HairStyle to "NH12"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH13_mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "NH13"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH2_mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "NH2"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH5_mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "NH5"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH6_mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "NH6"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH7_mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "NH7"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH9_mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "curly"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "NH9"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH11_mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "NH11"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH1_mannequin.png][Eye Color][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "NH1"]]</div>\ [[Undo|Hair Color][$HairColor to ""]] </center>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Set Your General Height</h2><hr></div> [[Short|Freckles][$Height to "short"]]\ [[Average|Freckles][$Height to "average"]]\ [[Tall|Freckles][$Height to "tall"]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Select a skin tone.</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <<if $BodyType is "feminine">>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Fem-Face_Pale.png][Hair Color][$SkinTone to "pale"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Fem-Fem_Base-Fair.png][Hair Color][$SkinTone to "fair"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Fem-Face_Olive.png][Hair Color][$SkinTone to "olive"]]</div> <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Fem-Face_Tan.png][Hair Color][$SkinTone to "tan"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Fem-Face_Brown.png][Hair Color][$SkinTone to "brown"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Fem-Face_Dark.png][Hair Color][$SkinTone to "dark"]]</div>\ <<elseif $BodyType is "masculine">>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Male-Base_Pale.png][Hair Color][$SkinTone to "pale"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Male-Base_Fair.png][Hair Color][$SkinTone to "fair"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Male-Base_Olive.png][Hair Color][$SkinTone to "olive"]]</div> <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Male-Base_Tan.png][Hair Color][$SkinTone to "tan"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Male-Base_Brown.png][Hair Color][$SkinTone to "brown"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Male-Base_Dark.png][Hair Color][$SkinTone to "dark"]]</div>\ <</if>>\ [[Undo|Choose Body Type][$BodyType to ""]] </center>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Select your eye color.</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <<Avatar>> <<if $BodyType is "feminine">>\ <span title="Dark Brown"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Dark Brown Eyes_Mannequin.png][Set Eyebrows][$EyeColor to "dark brown"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Brown"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Brown Eyes_Mannequin.png][Set Eyebrows][$EyeColor to "brown"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Hazel"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hazel Eyes_Mannequin.png][Set Eyebrows][$EyeColor to "hazel"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Green"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Green Eyes_Mannequin.png][Set Eyebrows][$EyeColor to "green"]]</div></span> <span title="Blue"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Blue Eyes_Mannequin.png][Set Eyebrows][$EyeColor to "blue"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Purple"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Purple Eyes_Mannequin.png][Set Eyebrows][$EyeColor to "violet"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Red"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Red Eyes_Mannequin.png][Set Eyebrows][$EyeColor to "scarlet"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Grey"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Gray Eyes_Mannequin.png][Set Eyebrows][$EyeColor to "silver"]]</div></span>\ \ \ <<elseif $BodyType is "masculine">>\ <span title="Dark Brown"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Dark Brown Eyes_Male Mannequin.png][Set Eyebrows][$EyeColor to "dark brown"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Brown"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Brown Eyes_Male Mannequin.png][Set Eyebrows][$EyeColor to "brown"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Hazel"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hazel Eyes_Male Mannequin.png][Set Eyebrows][$EyeColor to "hazel"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Green"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Green Eyes_Male Mannequin.png][Set Eyebrows][$EyeColor to "green"]]</div></span> <span title="Blue"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Blue Eyes_Male Mannequin.png][Set Eyebrows][$EyeColor to "blue"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Purple"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Purple Eyes_Male Mannequin.png][Set Eyebrows][$EyeColor to "violet"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Red"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Red Eyes_Male Mannequin.png][Set Eyebrows][$EyeColor to "scarlet"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Grey"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Gray Eyes_Male Mannequin.png][Set Eyebrows][$EyeColor to "silver"]]</div></span>\ <</if>>\ [[Undo|Hair Type][$HairType to ""; $HairStyle to ""; $HairLength to ""; $BangsColor to ""]] </center>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Do you wear glasses?</h2><hr></div> [[Yes|Continue1][$Glasses to true; $ReadingGlasses to true]]\ [[No|Continue1][$Glasses to false]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio character_page_music volume 0 fadeto 0.5 loop>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Credits</h2><hr></div> <center> !!!Game written and developed by <span class="gold">''Xiibii''</span> ∗ ∗ ∗ Survivor portrait pieces created by: <span class="gold">''MalibuDarby''</span> (AKA. ''VexedEnigma''/''PixelJustice.'') Additional portrait pieces created by: <span class="gold">''Xiibii''</span> !!!Art Splash Art by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fan_endey/"><span class="gold">Fan Endey</span></a> --- <a href="https://twitter.com/KingAsmodeusArt">KingAsmodeusArt</a> Icons created by <span class="gold">Xiibii</span> Banner art and Status Page art by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fan_endey/"><span class="gold">Fan Endey</span></a> --- <a href="https://twitter.com/KingAsmodeusArt">KingAsmodeusArt</a> !!!Music "Unholy Spirit" by <span class="gold">''Karl Casey''</span> @ White Bat Audio "Better Days" and "Ofelia's Dream" by https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music "Cinematic Ambient Piano" by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/lexin_music-28841948/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=118668">Aleksey Chistilin</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=118668">Pixabay</a> "Die Zwei Geschwister" by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/samuelfrancisjohnson-1207793/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=14085">Samuel F. Johanns</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=14085">Pixabay</a> "Shards of a Dream" by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/mokuseinomaguro-22235665/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=7486">Dimitri Kovalchuk</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=7486">Pixabay</a> "I Am Sad and Melancholic" and "Lost Ambient Lofi" by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/lexin_music-28841948/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=118668">Aleksey Chistilin</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=118668">Pixabay</a> !!!SFX Sound effects from ''https://www.zapsplat.com'' !!!Script Notify.js and Fading Macro Set by <span class="gold">''Chapel''</span> <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.20 loop>><</link>> </center> \ <<notify 5s>>This page is a work in progress.<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Do you have freckles?</h2><hr></div> [[Yes|Set Glasses][$Freckles to true]]\ [[No|Set Glasses][$Freckles to false]]

<<audio character_page_music volume 0.25 loop play>>\ <center>\ <<if $CharacterComplete is true>><span class="wanderer">The Wanderer</span><</if>>\ <<Avatar>>\ <<if $CharacterComplete is true>>\ <span class="gold">''$PlayerName''</span>, <<she>>/<<her>> <<if $Quote is "">>\ <<else>>\ //“$Quote”// <</if>>\ <<if $WandererEntry_1 is true>>\ //This poor <<girl>> is the newest soul to be claimed by the fog, ''thrust'' into a relentless game of cat and mouse that has devoured countless souls before <<her>>. This place will eat <<her>> alive if <<she>> let<<if $PreferredPronouns is "female" or $PreferredPronouns is "male">>s<</if>> it. But as <<she>> stand<<if $PreferredPronouns is "female" or $PreferredPronouns is "male">>s<</if>> amidst the darkness, something stirs in the shadows. A voice calls to <<her>>. ''“$PlayerName,”'' it calls. And it speaks words that fill <<her>> with a sense of ''hope'' and ''purpose''. “You aren’t like the rest,” it says. And for the first time, the fog around <<her>> seems to lift ever so slightly. A purpose. A path forward. A chance to change ''everything''.//<</if>> <<if $Corruption gt 100>><<set $Corruption to 100>><<else>><</if>><<percent_stat $Corruption "Corruption">> <div class='zoom'>[img[images/other/customize.png][Customize]]</div>\ <div class='zoom'>[img[images/other/status.png][Status Page]]</div> <</if>>\ <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.20 loop>><</link>> </center>\ \ <<set $Beanie to false>>\ <<set $Cap to false>>\

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio character_page_music volume 0 fadeto 0.5 loop>>\ <div style="text-align: center;">\ /*//Achievements unlocked throughout the game by reaching certain milestones or completing secret challenges. Click the Trophy for more details.// Trophies are earned upon COMPLETION of their respective chapters.*/ <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.20 loop>><</link>> \ \ </div>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> <img src="images/other/thecabininthewoods.png" /> Beyond where the wall stood, a two-story cabin stands in ruin, its wooden frame sagging beneath years of decay. Its planks are dulled to a lifeless gray, their edges warped and splintered. Vines coil up the walls like creeping fingers, burrowing into cracks, while a thick layer of moss smothers the roof and eaves. The air here feels stagnant—too still for comfort. This place has been abandoned for a long time, it would seem. Claudette lingers beside you, staring at the cabin with wide, fascinated eyes. She doesn’t speak until you step forward, and then— “What are you doing?” she squeaks, alarmed. “I’m checking it out,” you reply. She fidgets, adjusting the bridge of her glasses. “But… but we shouldn’t—I mean, we’ve never found //anything// like this before,” she blurts, her words tumbling out in a rush. “It could be dangerous, or… We should go get the others,” she suggests. “We shouldn’t go in there.” [[Reassure her.|Pg.6][$Choice to 1; $Kindness +=5; $ClaudetteAffinity +=5]]\ [[Then I'll go alone.|Pg.6][$Choice to 2; $Bravery +=5]]\ [[Want to hold my hand? (Teasing)|Pg.6][$Choice to 3; $Humor +=5; $Seriousnessness -=5]]\ [[Don't be a pussy.|Pg.6][$Choice to 4; $CalledClaudetteAPussy to true; $Kindness -=10; $PottyMouth +=10; $ClaudetteAffinity -=10; $BastionAffinity -=5]]

<div class="papertext">''Journal'' Write down __everything__. Don't let it be forgotten. [[Personal Logs]] [[Dreams]] [[Campers]] [[Killers]] [[Enigmas]] [[What's Next?]] <<if $Chapter1Complete is true>>[[Visions]]<</if>> <<if $Chapter2Complete is true>>[[Lost Souls]]<</if>> <<if $Chapter3Complete is true>>[[Marks]]<</if>> <<if $Chapter3Complete is true>>[[Echoes]]<</if>> <<if $Chapter5Complete is true>>[[Fog Residents]]<</if>> <<if $First_Memory is true>>[[Memories]]<</if>> <<if $Learned_TheImperiatti is true>>[[The Imperiatti]]<</if>> <<if $Learned_TheBlackVale is true>>[[The Black Vale]]<</if>> <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.20 loop>><</link>> </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Campers'' It seems these people are barely holding on to what they have left... Will the same happen to me? [[Jake]] [[Claudette]] [[Meg]] [[Nea]] [[Ace]] [[Feng Min]] [[David]] [[Bill]] [[Kate]] [[Page 2|Campers Page 2]] [[Back|Journal]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.20 loop>><</link>> </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Killers'' Our tormentors. Maybe they take some sick pleasure in killing, or maybe they're operating under someone's thumb -- the ''Entity's'' thumb. Regardless, they're relentless, and they'll stop at nothing to throw our sorry asses on those hooks. [[The Trapper]] [[The Hillbilly]] [[The Huntress]] [[The Hag]] [[The Nurse]] <<if $Met_TheDoctor is true>>[[The Doctor]]<</if>> <<if $Met_TheClown is true>>[[The Clown]]<</if>> <<if $Met_TheWraith is true>>[[The Wraith]]<</if>>\ <<if $Met_Ghostface is true>>[[Page 2|Killers Page 2]]<</if>> [[Back|Journal]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.20 loop>><</link>> </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Marks'' Breadcrumbs. These will get me one step closer to the truth--to the way __out__. [[Nothing Yet.]] <<if $Chapter4Complete is true>>[[Brass Case Lighter]]<</if>> [[Back|Journal]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Echoes'' Crude copies of things consumed by The Fog... [[Lonely Cabin in the Woods...]] [[Back|Journal]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Enigmas'' The Fog is home to some very strange shit, and none of it can be explained. [[The Entity]] [[Snitches|The Crows]] [[Hooks]] <<if $Chapter1Complete is true>><<if $MetShade is true and $NamedBastion is false>>[[The Shade]] <<elseif $MetShade is true and $NamedBastion is true>>[[Bastion|The Shade]]<</if>><</if>> <<if $MetTheChild is true>>[[The Child]]<</if>> [[Back|Journal]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Jake'' <<if $Sexuality is "bisexual" or $Sexuality is "androsexual">>\ <<if $BrokeUp_Jake is true>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/Void.png" />\ <<else>>\ <<if $JakeAffinity gte 100>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/100.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 95>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/95.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 90>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/90.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 85>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/85.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 80>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/80.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 75>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/75.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 70>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/70.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 65>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/65.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 60>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/60.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 55>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/55.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 50>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/50.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 45>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/45.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 40>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/40.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 35>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/35.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 30>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/30.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 25>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/25.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 20>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/20.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 15>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/15.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 10>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/10.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 5>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/5.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity gte 0>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/0.png" /> <<elseif $JakeAffinity lt 0>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/0.png" /> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ Jake is... shy. That's the best word to describe him; ''shy.'' He doesn't like to talk, and he likes the rest of us way less... He's not a people-person, that's for sure... Or maybe he's not a //me// person. I rarely see the guy, and when I do, he's sulking against a tree or glaring at the fire. I can't really blame him. This place is second to Hell, and there's no way out. I'm pretty pissed about it, too. [[He's a Carpenter]] <<if $Chapter4Complete is true>>[[Glass half empty.]]<</if>> [[Back|Campers]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Meg'' She's a runner, she's a track star... Meg likes to run, but doesn't everyone these days? Lucky her, she came into the fog with an advantage. She can leave //anyone// in the dust, even the killers -- it's true, I've seen it firsthand. But she seems like a team player, which is more than I can say for some of the others... When someone needs help, Meg usually comes running. [[Back|Campers]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Claudette'' <<if $Sexuality is "bisexual" or $Sexuality is "gynosexual">>\ <<if $BrokeUp_Claudette is true>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/Void.png" />\ <<else>>\ <<if $ClaudetteAffinity gte 100>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/100.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 95>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/95.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 90>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/90.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 85>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/85.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 80>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/80.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 75>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/75.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 70>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/70.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 65>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/65.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 60>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/60.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 55>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/55.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 50>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/50.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 45>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/45.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 40>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/40.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 35>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/35.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 30>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/30.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 25>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/25.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 20>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/20.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 15>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/15.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 10>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/10.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 5>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/5.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity gte 0>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/0.png" /> <<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity lt 0>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/0.png" /> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ ==Flower girl.== Botanist. She //really// likes plants. When she's not moping around camp like the rest of us, she's digging up some funky roots or poking at the beetles and grubs beneath the logs around the fire. The young woman keeps mostly to herself. She's hardly said two words to me, and we've never held eye contact for more than three seconds. Nevertheless, she’s kind enough and doesn't bother me. I don't think she bothers anyone, actually... [[Healer?]] [[Back|Campers]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Dwight'' <<if $Sexuality is "bisexual" or $Sexuality is "androsexual">>\ <<if $BrokeUp_Dwight is true>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/Void.png" />\ <<else>>\ <<if $DwightAffinity gte 100>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/100.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 95>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/95.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 90>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/90.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 85>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/85.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 80>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/80.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 75>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/75.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 70>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/70.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 65>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/65.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 60>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/60.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 55>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/55.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 50>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/50.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 45>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/45.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 40>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/40.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 35>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/35.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 30>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/30.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 25>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/25.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 20>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/20.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 15>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/15.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 10>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/10.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 5>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/5.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity gte 0>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/0.png" /> <<elseif $DwightAffinity lt 0>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/0.png" /> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ I //officially// met Dwight tonight. The meek guy with the crooked frames, messed hair, and the grimy shirt and tie. He reminisced about his past life, and told me how he misses his previous job as a desk jockey. He definitely looks the part of a pencil pusher, and he seems the type to keep his head down and do what he's told. <<if $PushedDwight is true>><<if $RemorsePushedDwight is false>>The guy probably hates me after that last trial. I threw him to the wolves, and I'm sure he won't be letting that go anytime soon... But it was him or me, alright? I wasn't going to take the fall for some guy I just met. Sorry, Dwight.<<elseif $RemorsePushedDwight is "">>The guy probably hates me after that last trial. I threw him to the wolves, and I'm sure he won't be letting that go anytime soon... But it was him or me, alright? I wasn't going to take the fall for some guy I just met. Sorry Dwight.<<else>>And I threw him to the wolves in that trial. When the killer came at us, I just... I //panicked//, and I did the only thing I could think of to save my own skin. I feel terrible about it, but Dwight claims he won't hold it against me... We'll see.<</if>><<else>>And I think we're on good terms... I took a bullet for him tonight at the expense of a concussion and an awful headache. He's grateful for what I did, and, at the very least, I think I made a new ally.<</if>> <<if $DwightEntry2 is true>>[[Staples and Fax]]<</if>> [[Back|Campers]] </div>\

<div class="papertext"><<if $NamedBastion is true>>==The Shade== ''Bastion''<<else>>''The Shade''<</if>> <<if $Sexuality is "bisexual" or $Sexuality is "androsexual">>\ <<if $BrokeUp_Bastion is true>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/Void.png" />\ <<else>>\ <<if $BastionAffinity gte 200>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/100.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 200>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/95.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 190>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/90.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 180>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/85.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 170>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/80.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 160>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/75.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 150>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/70.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 140>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/65.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 130>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/60.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 120>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/55.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 110>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/50.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 100>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/45.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 90>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/40.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 80>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/35.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 70>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/30.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 60>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/25.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 50>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/20.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 40>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/15.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 30>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/10.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 20>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/5.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity gte 10>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/0.png" /> <<elseif $BastionAffinity lt 10>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/0.png" /> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ I don't know what that thing was, but it seemed so real, didn't it? It sure as hell ''felt'' real, when it almost suffocated me. I don't know where it came from, or what it wants from me, but I hope to never see it again. Things are bad enough having these trials and the killers to deal with; I don't need the shadows hunting me down... <<if $Chapter2Complete is true>>[[He came back.]]<</if>> <<if $Chapter2Complete is true>>[[Guardian]]<</if>> <<if $Chapter3Complete is true>>[[His name is Bastion.]]<</if>> <<if $Chapter4Complete is true>>[[I don't know...]]<</if>> <<if $Chapter6Complete is true and $LockerBuddyBastion is true>>[[Locker Buddy]]<</if>> [[Back|Enigmas]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.20 loop>><</link>> </div>\

<div class="papertext">''The Entity'' Nobody knows what this thing is, or where it came from, or what it wants. And nothing is more terrifying than the unknown, especially if that unknown traps you in an unending cycle of torture and death... [[Speculation]] <<if $EntityEntry1 is true>> <</if>> <<if $EntityEntry2 is true>> <</if>> [[Back|Enigmas]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Visions'' I saw something... What was that? [[Strangers]] <<if $Chapter4Complete is true>>[[Something In The Dark]]<</if>> <<if $Chapter5Complete is true>>[[Old Leather]]<</if>> [[Back|Journal]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Memories'' These aren't my memories. [[Descending]] [[Back|Journal]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Something in the Dark'' That lighter I found gave me some sort of... //vision//. It was like pure, jolting energy, then I was... someone else, some''place'' else. I was a man in a dark tunnel--or some cave system--descending deeper down in search of something. In search of ''what'', I don't know. But he seemed determined to find it... Whatever he went looking for down there might be important. I need to find that cave. [[Back|Visions]] </div>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Set a profile quote (Optional)</h2><hr></div> <div style="text-align: center;">\ <<textbox "$Quote" "">> </div>\ [[Begin|Page 1][$WandererEntry1 to true]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Style Hair</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Long Straight Hair_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "Long Straight"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Long Wavy Hair_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "wavy"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "Long Wavy"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Long Kinky Hair_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "kinky"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "Long Kinky Hair"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Straight Ponytail_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "Straight Ponytail"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Curly Ponytail_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "wavy"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "Wavy Ponytail"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Short Hair_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "short"; $HairStyle to "Short Straight"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Short Bangs_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairStyle to "medium-length w/bangs"; $HairLength to "mid-length"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Custom Hair Request 2_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairStyle to "Custom Hair Request 2"; $HairLength to "mid-length"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Afro Hair_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "kinky"; $HairStyle to "Afro Hair"; $HairLength to "mid-length"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Buzzcut_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to ""; $HairStyle to "Buzzcut"; $HairLength to "shaved"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Custom Hair 4_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairStyle to "minibob"; $HairLength to "mid-length"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Edgy Bangs_Mannequin.png][Choose Bangs][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "Edgy Bangs"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Edgy Short_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "Messy"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Buns_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "Buns"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Fuzzy-Buns_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "curly"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "Fuzzy Buns"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bob_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "Bob"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Sideswept_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "short"; $HairStyle to "Sideswept"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Short Coily_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "coily"; $HairLength to "short"; $HairStyle to "Coily Short"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Mohawk_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "short"; $HairStyle to "Mohawk"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Side Braid_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "Side Braid"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Mohawk2_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "short"; $HairStyle to "Mohawk 2"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH3_mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "NH3"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH4_mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "NH4"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH10_mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "NH10"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH8_mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "NH8"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH12_mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "short"; $HairStyle to "NH12"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH13_mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "NH13"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH2_mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "NH2"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH5_mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "NH5"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH6_mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "NH6"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH7_mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "NH7"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH9_mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "curly"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "NH9"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH11_mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "mid-length"; $HairStyle to "NH11"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/NH1_mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $HairLength to "long"; $HairStyle to "NH1"]]</div>\ <<if $JelloWhore_Hair is true>><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/JelloWhore Hair_Mannequin.png][Character][$HairType to "straight"; $Hairlength to ""; $HairStyle to "JelloWhore_Hair"]]</div><</if>> [[Back|Customize]] </center>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Apply Lipstick</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Nude Lipstick_Mannequin.png][Character][$Lipstick to "nude"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Red Lipstick_Mannequin.png][Character][$Lipstick to "red"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Dark Red Lipstick_Mannequin.png][Character][$Lipstick to "dark red"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Brown Lipstick_Mannequin.png][Character][$Lipstick to "brown"]]</div> <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Dark Brown Lipstick_Mannequin.png][Character][$Lipstick to "dark brown"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Purple Lipstick_Mannequin.png][Character][$Lipstick to "purple"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Blue Lipstick_Mannequin.png][Character][$Lipstick to "blue"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Black Lipstick_Mannequin.png][Character][$Lipstick to "black"]]</div> [[Remove Lipstick|Character][$Lipstick to " "]] [[Back|Customize]] </center>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Headwear Color</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <<if $BaseballCap is true>>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Black Cap_Mannequin.png][Character][$CapColor to "black"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to true]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Red Cap_Mannequin.png][Character][$CapColor to "red"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to true]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Pink Cap_Mannequin.png][Character][$CapColor to "pink"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to true]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Brown Cap_Mannequin.png][Character][$CapColor to "brown"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to true]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Orange Cap_Mannequin.png][Character][$CapColor to "orange"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to true]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Yellow Cap_Mannequin.png][Character][$CapColor to "yellow"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to true]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Green Cap_Mannequin.png][Character][$CapColor to "green"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to true]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Blue Cap_Mannequin.png][Character][$CapColor to "blue"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to true]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Purple Cap_Mannequin.png][Character][$CapColor to "purple"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to true]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/White Cap_Mannequin.png][Character][$CapColor to "white"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to true]]</div> <<if $Biggest_Fan is true>>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Biggest-Fan_Hat_Mannequin.png][Character][$CapColor to "tally"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to true]]</div><</if>>\ <<elseif $Beanie is true>>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Black Beanie_Mannequin.png][Character][$BeanieColor to "black"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to false]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Red Beanie_Mannequin.png][Character][$BeanieColor to "red"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to false]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Pink Beanie_Mannequin.png][Character][$BeanieColor to "pink"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to false]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Brown Beanie_Mannequin.png][Character][$BeanieColor to "brown"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to false]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Orange Beanie_Mannequin.png][Character][$BeanieColor to "orange"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to false]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Yellow Beanie_Mannequin.png][Character][$BeanieColor to "yellow"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to false]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Green Beanie_Mannequin.png][Character][$BeanieColor to "green"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to false]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Blue Beanie_Mannequin.png][Character][$BeanieColor to "blue"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to false]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Purple Beanie_Mannequin.png][Character][$BeanieColor to "purple"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to false]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/White Beanie_Mannequin.png][Character][$BeanieColor to "white"; $Beanie to true; $Cap to false]]</div> <</if>>\ </center>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Glasses</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Reading Glasses_Mannequin.png][Character][$ReadingGlasses to true; $Glasses to true; $HeartShapedGlasses to false]]</div> <<if $Popular is true>><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Heart Glasses_Mannequin.png][Character][$HeartShapedGlasses to true; $Glasses to true; $ReadingGlasses to false]]</div><</if>> [[Remove Glasses|Character][$Glasses to false; $HeartShapedGlasses to false]]\ [[Back|Customize]] </center>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Piercings</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Right Earring_Top_Mannequin.png][Character][$Earring_Top_Right to true; $Piercings to true]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Left Earring_Top_Mannequin.png][Character][$Earring_Top_Left to true; $Piercings to true]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Right Earring_Bottom_Mannequin.png][Character][$Earring_Bottom_Right to true; $Piercings to true]]</div> <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Left Earring_Bottom_Mannequin.png][Character][$Earring_Bottom_Left to true; $Piercings to true]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Nose Ring_Right_Mannequin.png][Character][$NoseRing_Right to true; $NoseRing_Left to false; $Piercings to true]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Nose Ring_Left_Mannequin.png][Character][$NoseRing_Left to true; $NoseRing_Right to false; $Piercings to true]]</div> [[Remove Piercings|Character][$NoseRing_Right to false; $NoseRing_Left to false; $Earring_Top_Right to false; $Earring_Top_Left to false; $Earring_Bottom_Right to false; $Earring_Bottom_Left to false; $Piercings to false]] [[Back|Customize]] </center>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Customize</h2><hr></div> <center>\ /*<div class="zoom">[img[images/customize_choices/headwear.png][Headwear]]</div>*/\ <div class="zoom">[img[images/customize_choices/glasses.png][Glasses]]</div>\ <div class="zoom">[img[images/customize_choices/piercings.png][Piercings]]</div>\ <div class="zoom">[img[images/customize_choices/hair.png][Style Hair]]</div>\ <div class="zoom">[img[images/customize_choices/haircolor.png][Change Hair Color]]</div>\ <div class="zoom">[img[images/customize_choices/eyebrows.png][Eyebrows]]</div>\ <div class="zoom">[img[images/customize_choices/eyeshadow.png][Eyeshadow]]</div>\ <div class="zoom">[img[images/customize_choices/blush.png][Blush]]</div>\ <div class="zoom">[img[images/customize_choices/lipstick.png][Apply Lipstick]]</div>\ <div class="zoom">[img[images/customize_choices/extras.png][Extras]]</div>\ <div class="zoom">[img[images/customize_choices/choker.png][Choker]]</div>\ <div class="zoom">[img[images/customize_choices/collar.png][Collar]]</div> <div class="zoom">[img[images/customize_choices/skirtpants.png][Lower-Body Garments]]</div>\ <div class="zoom">[img[images/customize_choices/bodytype.png][Change Body Type]]</div>\ <div class="zoom">[img[images/other/sexualcontent.png][Sexual Content]]</div> <div class="zoom">[img[images/customize_choices/pronouns.png][Change Pronouns]]</div>\ <div class="zoom">[img[images/customize_choices/quote.png][Change Character Quote]]</div> <div class="zoom">[img[images/customize_choices/gender.png][Change Gender]]</div> <div class="zoom">[img[images/customize_choices/redeem.png][Redeem Code]]</div> [[Back|Character]] </center>\

<div class="papertext">''Item Log'' Items scavenged from the fog... Some have stories. <<print $Inventory.join(" ")>> <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.20 loop>><</link>> </div>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Hair Color</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <span title="Black"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Black.png][Character][$HairColor to "black"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Dark Brown"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Dark Brown.png][Character][$HairColor to "dark brown"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Brown"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Brown.png][Character][$HairColor to "brown"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Dirty Blonde"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Dirty Blonde.png][Character][$HairColor to "dirty blonde"]]</div></span> <span title="Blonde"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Blonde.png][Character][$HairColor to "blonde"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Pink"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Pink.png][Character][$HairColor to "pink"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Purple"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Purple.png][Character][$HairColor to "purple"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Blue"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Blue.png][Character][$HairColor to "blue"]]</div></span> <span title="Green"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Green.png][Character][$HairColor to "green"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Orange"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Orange.png][Character][$HairColor to "orange"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Red"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Red.png][Character][$HairColor to "red"]]</div></span>\ <span title="White"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_White.png][Character][$HairColor to "white"]]</div></span> <span title="Black and Red Gradient"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Gradient1.png][Character][$HairColor to "black and red"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Black and Turquoise Gradient"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Gradient2.png][Character][$HairColor to "black and turquoise"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Black and Purple Gradient"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Gradient3.png][Character][$HairColor to "black and purple"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Black and Pink Gradient"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Gradient4.png][Character][$HairColor to "black and pink"]]</div></span> <span title="Black and Orange Gradient"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Gradient5.png][Character][$HairColor to "black and orange"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Black and White Gradient"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Gradient6.png][Character][$HairColor to "black and white"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Black and Green Gradient"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Gradient7.png][Character][$HairColor to "black and green"]]</div></span>\ <span title="Strawberry Blonde Gradient"><div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Hair Strand_Gradient8.png][Character][$HairColor to "strawberry blonde"]]</div></span> [[Back|Customize]] </center>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Extras</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/band-aid_cosmetic_mannequin.png][Character][$bandaid_1 to true]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/band-aid_cosmetic_mannequin2.png][Character][$bandaid_2 to true]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/red_hood_mannequin.png][Character][$redhood to true; $Beanie to false; $Cap to false]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/mole-left_mannequin.png][Character][$mole_left to true]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/mole-right_mannequin.png][Character][$mole_right to true]]</div>\ <<if $PulledASneakyOnYa is true>>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/thief_mask_mannequin.png][Character][$thief_mask to true]]</div>\<</if>> <<if $ScarredTheClown is true>>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Clown Makeup_Mannequin.png][Character][$FullFaceMakeup to true; $ClownMakeup to true; $ViolatedMakeup to false; $BeatUpMakeup to false; $Eyeshadow to false]]</div>\ <</if>>\ <<if $RomancedBastion is true>>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Violated Makeup_Mannequin.png][Character][$FullFaceMakeup to true; $ViolatedMakeup to true; $ClownMakeup to false; $BeatUpMakeup to false; $Eyeshadow to false]]</div>\ <</if>>\ <<if $FranksRevenge is true>>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Beat-Up_Makeup_Mannequin.png][Character][$FullFaceMakeup to true; $BeatUpMakeup to true; $ClownMakeup to false; $ViolatedMakeup to false; $Eyeshadow to false]]</div> <</if>> <<if $Met_Redacted is true>>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/bandages_mannequin.png][Character][$bandages_cosmetic to true; $Piercings to false; $Beanie to false; $BaseballCap to false]]</div> <</if>>\ [[Remove Extras|Character][$FullFaceMakeup to false; $bandages_cosmetic to false; $bandaid_1 to false; $bandaid_2 to false; $redhood to false; $thief_mask to false; $mole_left to false; $mole_right to false;]] [[Back|Customize]] </center>\

<div class="papertext"> ''David'' <<if $Sexuality is "bisexual" or $Sexuality is "androsexual">>\ <<if $BrokeUp_David is true>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/Void.png" />\ <<else>>\ <<if $DavidAffinity gte 100>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/100.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 95>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/95.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 90>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/90.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 85>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/85.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 80>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/80.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 75>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/75.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 70>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/70.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 65>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/65.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 60>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/60.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 55>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/55.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 50>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/50.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 45>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/45.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 40>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/40.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 35>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/35.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 30>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/30.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 25>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/25.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 20>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/20.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 15>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/15.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 10>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/10.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 5>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/5.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity gte 0>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/0.png" /> <<elseif $DavidAffinity lt 0>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/0.png" /> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ David's big, scary, and he has more muscle and testosterone than anyone knows what to do with. Plus, the guy's as loud as he is jacked, and when he's not bloodying his knuckles on tree bark or lugging logs around camp like he's training for the //Olympics//, he's going on some useless tirade. David's the only guy here that I've seen try to fight a killer. He's confident, that's for sure... Or maybe he's more brawn than brains. I don't know much else about him yet, but I'd hate to get on his bad side. [[Rugby Star]] [[Back|Campers]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Fog Residents'' There are people out here in the fog? Where did they come from? What horrors have they seen? [[Lydia]] <<if $FoundCrow is true>><<link `$CrowName` "$CrowName">><</link>><</if>>\ <<if $Met_Hodgson is true>>[[Hodgson]]<</if>> <<if $Met_Harriet is true>>[[Harriet]]<</if>> [[Back|Journal]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Lost Souls'' Victims of a hell so terrible, it erased everything they were. But fragments remain, and they tell these lost souls' stories. [[Bryce]] [[Back|Journal]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Bryce'' Bryce used to be someone like me -- another camper, trapped here in the fog, and yearning desperately for an escape... But I guess he never found it, and... the fog ''changed'' him. Now he's something else entirely; something I don't fully understand -- a shadow of his former self, with strange abilities and ''insane'' power. He's the shade that's been glued to my back from the moment <<if $LookedDownstairs is false>>I picked up that old journal in the woods.<<else>>he gave me that old journal in the woods.<</if>> He's still here somehow, and he still wants out. I'll do everything in my power to make sure I don't end up like him. [[Back|Lost Souls]] </div>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Blush</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Blush 1_Mannequin.png][Character][$Blush1 to true; $Blush2 to false; $Blush3 to false]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Blush 2_Mannequin.png][Character][$Blush2 to true; $Blush1 to false; $Blush3 to false]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Blush 3_Mannequin.png][Character][$Blush3 to true; $Blush2 to false; $Blush1 to false]]</div> [[Remove Blush|Character][$Blush1 to false; $Blush2 to false; $Blush3 to false]] [[Back|Customize]] </center>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Style Hijab</h2><hr></div> <center>\ [img[images/sprite pieces/Red Hijab_Mannequin.png][Character][$HijabColor to "red"]]\ [img[images/sprite pieces/Orange Hijab_Mannequin.png][Character][$HijabColor to "orange"]]\ [img[images/sprite pieces/Yellow Hijab_Mannequin.png][Character][$HijabColor to "yellow"]]\ [img[images/sprite pieces/Green Hijab_Mannequin.png][Character][$HijabColor to "green"]]\ [img[images/sprite pieces/Blue Hijab_Mannequin.png][Character][$HijabColor to "blue"]]\ [img[images/sprite pieces/Purple Hijab_Mannequin.png][Character][$HijabColor to "purple"]]\ [img[images/sprite pieces/Pink Hijab_Mannequin.png][Character][$HijabColor to "pink"]]\ [img[images/sprite pieces/Brown Hijab_Mannequin.png][Character][$HijabColor to "brown"]]\ [img[images/sprite pieces/Dark Brown Hijab_Mannequin.png][Character][$HijabColor to "dark brown"]]\ [img[images/sprite pieces/White Hijab_Mannequin.png][Character][$HijabColor to "white"]]\ [img[images/sprite pieces/Black Hijab_Mannequin.png][Character][$HijabColor to "black"]] [[Back|Customize]] </center>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Redeem</h2><hr></div> <div style="text-align: center;">\ //Redeem avatar cosmetics with secret codes.// <<textbox "$Code" "">> </div>\ <center>\ [[Validate Code]] [[Back|Customize]]\ <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.15 loop>><</link>> </center>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Validating Code</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <nobr> <<if $Code is "JelloWhore">><img src="images/sprite pieces/JelloWhore Hair_Mannequin.png" /><<notify 5s>>Unlocked a new Hairstyle.<</notify>><<set $JelloWhore_Hair to true>><<set $Code to "">><</if>><<if $Code is "IBuyMerch">><img src="images/sprite pieces/Biggest-Fan_Hat_Mannequin.png" /><<set $Biggest_Fan to true>><<set $Code to "">><<notify 5s>>Unlocked a new Hat.<</notify>><</if>><<if $Code is "ILoveYou">><img src="images/sprite pieces/Heart Glasses_Mannequin.png" /><<set $Popular to true>><<set $Code to "">><<notify 5s>>Unlocked new Glasses.<</notify>><</if>><<if $Code is "Pulled A Sneaky On Ya">><img src="images/sprite pieces/thief_mask_mannequin.png" /><<notify 5s>>Unlocked a new Extra item.<</notify>><<set $PulledASneakyOnYa to true>><<set $Code to "">><</if>></nobr> [[Back|Redeem Code]] [[Customize]] </center>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Eyeshadow</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Eyeshadow_Red_Mannequin.png][Character][$Eyeshadow to "red"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Eyeshadow_Brown_Mannequin.png][Character][$Eyeshadow to "brown"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Eyeshadow_Orange_Mannequin.png][Character][$Eyeshadow to "orange"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Eyeshadow_Yellow_Mannequin.png][Character][$Eyeshadow to "yellow"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Eyeshadow_Green_Mannequin.png][Character][$Eyeshadow to "green"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Eyeshadow_Blue_Mannequin.png][Character][$Eyeshadow to "blue"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Eyeshadow_Purple_Mannequin.png][Character][$Eyeshadow to "purple"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Eyeshadow_Pink_Mannequin.png][Character][$Eyeshadow to "pink"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Eyeshadow_White_Mannequin.png][Character][$Eyeshadow to "white"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Eyeshadow_Black_Mannequin.png][Character][$Eyeshadow to "black"]]</div> [[Remove Eyeshadow|Character][$Eyeshadow to ""]]\ [[Back|Customize]] </center>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Eyebrows</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Custom Brows 1_Mannequin.png][Character][$Eyebrows to "Brows 1"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Custom Brows 2_Mannequin.png][Character][$Eyebrows to "Brows 2"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Custom Brows 3_Mannequin.png][Character][$Eyebrows to "Brows 3"]]</div> <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Custom Brows 4_Mannequin.png][Character][$Eyebrows to "Brows 4"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Custom Brows 5_Mannequin.png][Character][$Eyebrows to "Brows 5"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Custom Brows 6_Mannequin.png][Character][$Eyebrows to "Brows 6"]]</div> [[Remove Eyebrows|Character][$Eyebrows to ""]] [[Back|Customize]] </center>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Customize Bangs</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Black_Mannequin.png][Character][$BangsColor to "black"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Dark Brown_Mannequin.png][Character][$BangsColor to "dark brown"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Brown_Mannequin.png][Character][$BangsColor to "brown"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Dirty Blonde_Mannequin.png][Character][$BangsColor to "dirty blonde"]]</div> <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Blonde_Mannequin.png][Character][$BangsColor to "blonde"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Orange_Mannequin.png][Character][$BangsColor to "orange"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Pink_Mannequin.png][Character][$BangsColor to "pink"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Red_Mannequin.png][Character][$BangsColor to "red"]]</div> <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Purple_Mannequin.png][Character][$BangsColor to "purple"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Blue_Mannequin.png][Character][$BangsColor to "blue"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Green_Mannequin.png][Character][$BangsColor to "green"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_White_Mannequin.png][Character][$BangsColor to "white"]]</div>\ </center>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Choker</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Plain_Mannequin.png][Choker Color][$Choker to true; $Choker_Plain to true; $Choker_Heart to false]]</div> <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Heart_Mannequin.png][Choker Color][$Choker to true; $Choker_Heart to true; $Choker_Plain to false]]</div> [[Remove Choker|Character][$Choker to false]] [[Back|Customize]] </center>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Customize Choker</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <<if $Choker_Plain is true>>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Plain_Black_Mannequin.png][Character][$ChokerColor to "black"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Plain_Dark Brown_Mannequin.png][Character][$ChokerColor to "dark brown"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Plain_Brown_Mannequin.png][Character][$ChokerColor to "brown"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Plain_Red_Mannequin.png][Character][$ChokerColor to "red"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Plain_Pink_Mannequin.png][Character][$ChokerColor to "pink"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Plain_Purple_Mannequin.png][Character][$ChokerColor to "purple"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Plain_Blue_Mannequin.png][Character][$ChokerColor to "blue"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Plain_Green_Mannequin.png][Character][$ChokerColor to "green"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Plain_White_Mannequin.png][Character][$ChokerColor to "white"]]</div>\ <<elseif $Choker_Heart is true>>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Heart_Black_Mannequin.png][Character][$ChokerColor to "black"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Heart_Dark Brown_Mannequin.png][Character][$ChokerColor to "dark brown"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Heart_Brown_Mannequin.png][Character][$ChokerColor to "brown"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Heart_Red_Mannequin.png][Character][$ChokerColor to "red"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Heart_Pink_Mannequin.png][Character][$ChokerColor to "pink"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Heart_Purple_Mannequin.png][Character][$ChokerColor to "purple"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Heart_Blue_Mannequin.png][Character][$ChokerColor to "blue"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Heart_Green_Mannequin.png][Character][$ChokerColor to "green"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Choker_Heart_White_Mannequin.png][Character][$ChokerColor to "white"]]</div>\ <</if>>\ </center>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Select your eyebrows</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <<Avatar>> <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Custom Brows 1_Mannequin.png][Set Lipstick][$Eyebrows to "Brows 1"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Custom Brows 2_Mannequin.png][Set Lipstick][$Eyebrows to "Brows 2"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Custom Brows 3_Mannequin.png][Set Lipstick][$Eyebrows to "Brows 3"]]</div> <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Custom Brows 4_Mannequin.png][Set Lipstick][$Eyebrows to "Brows 4"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Custom Brows 5_Mannequin.png][Set Lipstick][$Eyebrows to "Brows 5"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Custom Brows 6_Mannequin.png][Set Lipstick][$Eyebrows to "Brows 6"]]</div>\ [[Undo|Eye Color][$EyeColor to ""]] </center>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Apply lipstick?</h2><hr></div>\ <center>\ <<Avatar>> <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Nude Lipstick_Mannequin.png][Height][$Lipstick to "nude"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Red Lipstick_Mannequin.png][Height][$Lipstick to "red"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Dark Red Lipstick_Mannequin.png][Height][$Lipstick to "dark red"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Brown Lipstick_Mannequin.png][Height][$Lipstick to "brown"]]</div> <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Dark Brown Lipstick_Mannequin.png][Height][$Lipstick to "dark brown"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Purple Lipstick_Mannequin.png][Height][$Lipstick to "purple"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Blue Lipstick_Mannequin.png][Height][$Lipstick to "blue"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Black Lipstick_Mannequin.png][Height][$Lipstick to "black"]]</div>\ [[No Lipstick|Height][$Lipstick to false]] [[Undo|Set Eyebrows][$Eyebrows to ""]] </center>\

Double-click this passage to edit it.

<div class="papertext">''The Imperiatti'' <<if $ImperiattiEntry1 is true>> <</if>> <<if $ImperiattiEntry2 is true>> <</if>> <<if $ImperiatiiEntry3 is true>> <</if>> [[Back|Journal]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''The Black Vale'' <<if $BlackValeEntry1 is true>> <</if>> <<if $BlackValeEntry2 is true>> <</if>> <<if $BlackValeEntry3 is true>> <</if>> [[Back|Journal]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''The Trapper'' A coal-stained man with a jagged machete and a gnarly mask. His leathery skin is fractured with gashes and cuts, and metal hooks barb his shoulders. He looks tortured... but by what? It doesn't matter... He's a killer all the same, and a pretty nasty one at that. He utilizes those rusty bear traps to trap and kill us. The first time one bit into my leg, I was glad to be tossed onto a hook and killed. The damn thing hurt like hell, and there was no escaping in that bloody state. I need to be careful when I face this one. Those traps could be anywhere. [[Chuckles, Miner, Trapper...]] [[Back|Killers]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''The Hillbilly'' He would be the ''second''; the second madman I've encountered here in this awful place. I was sitting at the fire one moment, then standing amidst a dense cornfield the next. While I pushed blindly through the tall stalks, I heard something in the distance - the sound of an engine revving up, a furious roar... Then, before I had even a moment to react, something tore through the corn and cut me down. While I lay moaning and bleeding from a horrible, jagged wound slashed across my chest, I gazed up at a man with a gnarled face and a twisted back. He wielded a mallet and a clunky chainsaw. His clothes were worse for wear: a pair of old blue jeans and a shredded, muddy muscle shirt. Through a foggy haze, as he slung me over his shoulder and marched through the corn, I had only one thought: //"I must be in hillbilly country."// [[Spun Him]] <<if $HillbillyEntry_2 is true>>[[Victim of Circumstance]]<</if>> [[Back|Killers]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''The Huntress'' Big, angry woman with a nasty attitude and an even nastier pitching arm. 'Don't like this one. She's got killer aim, cracks skulls like piñatas, and she hums a maddening lullaby nonstop. My first trial against her, I didn't even know what hit me. I heard the humming one moment, and the next I was laid out in the dirt with a hatchet jutting out my back -- sniped by a hunky woman in a rabbit mask... Still, I've seen stranger things in the fog. [[Back|Killers]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''The Doctor'' Total mad man. Not right in the head. Though, to be fair, I don't think any of these killers are. At first glance, I mistook him for ''Frankenstein's monster.'' The guy had some odd contraption on his head and slammed a weighty, zapping mace against his palm. He was only one of two horrible surprises today, but I'll touch on the other one next. The Doc' has //magic.// He shoots lightning from his fingertips, and while it's not even the craziest thing I've seen here, it's definitely one of the worst. His "shock therapy" had me seeing things, and it made my skin crawl. It terrifies me knowing I'll have to face him again down the road... <<if $Chapter21Complete is true>>[[He's a Shrink]]<</if>> [[Back|Killers]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Personal Logs'' (It's not a diary.) [[Notebook]] [[What's With That Fog?]] [[My First]] [[Time]] [[Death]] [[Escape Heals Us]] [[Bones?]] [[Generator Repair Notes]] [[Awesome Hole]] [[We Have Weapons!]] [[I Had a Bad Dream]] [[Page 2|Personal Logs Page 2]] [[Back|Journal]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.20 loop>><</link>> </div>\

<div class="papertext">''My first'' I didn’t believe them at first; when they’d told about the trials and what would happen. I thought it was all a part of some sick joke. ==Or is it I didn’t want to believe them?== When I first got here, everyone had looked at me as if I were an abandoned dog on the street, a poor thing someplace it didn’t belong; something to pity, or someone to point at and go, “I feel bad for <<her>>.” Just a few had come forward to warn me, and they all said the same thing: “You won’t survive your first trial.” ‘Just part of that joke,’ I thought. And I almost laughed when they’d called it a “game.” But they were right. I had my first trial tonight. I’ve never played a game so horrible. [[Back|Personal Logs]] </div>\

<<fadein 4s>>\ <<audio story_bgm volume 0 fadeto 0.3 loop>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>//Is this a dream?//</h2><hr></div> <img src="images/other/beginnings.png" /> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> //Ice-cold black sand trickles through your fingers. A thick haze clings to the air, stifling, damp, as you squint up at the twilight sky dotted by glimmering stars. Your nostrils burn with the acrid sting of smoke carried by a whipping breeze. After gathering the strength to move, you turn your head toward the sea. Choppy waves lap violently at the obsidian shore. Beyond the horizon stretches an abyss, vast and black as coal, as if you're someplace far away from the rest of the world. You brace yourself to rise, but your knees buckle and drop you like a sack. Something burdens you, something ''heavy''. Flashes of lightning illuminate the outline of rocky cliff walls and jagged slopes that encircle you like a beast’s jaws. Thunder rumbles overhead, and the earth trembles. A shuddering breath slips past your lips. A storm is coming.// [[Begin][$UpdatedSave2 to true]] <</fadein>> <<if $Inventory.includes('$pen') or $Inventory.includes('mc_journal')>><<else>><<set $Inventory.push("$pen")>>\ <<set $Inventory.push("$mc_journal")>> <</if>>\

<<audio story_bgm fadeout>>\ <<audio dream_sequence_bgm volume 0 fadeto 0.2 loop>>\ <<fadein 4s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>//Who is she?//</h2><hr></div> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider_black.png" /></center> //<span class="highlight-dream">You gaze through</span> the endless dark, alone. Something lingers in the void, unseen but suffocatingly close. The air is sharp, biting into your skin, and you clutch your arms around yourself, bracing against the numbing cold. Each breath is shallow, trembling, the sound of it too loud in the unnatural stillness. Even your heartbeat pounds like a drum against the silence. Then—something breaks through. A voice, faint and distant, murmuring through the void. A woman’s voice. //“Bastion?”// You strain to listen, lips parting. “Hello?” You call out—but your voice doesn't carry. It's swallowed up by the black. Suddenly, a scream pierces the air from nowhere and everywhere at once, making you jump. You flinch back in terror when it’s followed by a gut-wrenching ''“BASTION!”'' Flames burst to life in front of you. The heat lashes at your face, and you throw up an arm, shielding your eyes as the fire roars higher. The screams rise with it, ragged and hoarse, cutting through the air with agony. Blinking through the haze of heat and smoke, you catch sight of a dark figure, kneeling at the heart of the inferno. She reaches for you, both arms outstretched, fingers curling in desperation. [[Reach for her.|Dream Sequence 2.1][$Choice to 1; $Bravery +=5; $Selflessness +=5; $Corruption -=5; $ReachedForNasha to true]]\ [[Get away from her.|Dream Sequence 2.1][$Choice to 2; $Bravery -=5; $Selflessness -=5; $Corruption +=5; $ReachedForNasha to false]] <</fadein>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Choose Body Type</h2><hr></div> <div style="text-align: center;">\ //This will set your body type and determine certain anatomical attributes.// <center>\ //Masculine Body Type.// <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Male-Base_Fair.png][Skin Tone][$BodyType to "masculine"]]</div> //Feminine Body Type.// <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Fem-Fem_Base-Fair.png][Skin Tone][$BodyType to "feminine"]]</div>\ </center> </div>\

<div class="papertext">''The Wraith'' I encountered a new killer tonight—one the others call //“the Wraith.”// He rings a bell and becomes //totally// invisible. How the hell are you supposed to hide from something you can't see? But the oddest part? When he had me cornered, weapon raised and ready to strike, he just… stopped. //Completely// frozen.<<if $StudiedTheWraith is true>> It felt like something //else// was at play, then. Like something was... ''controlling'' him.<</if>> I don't know what to make of it. Guess it's just something else to wrack my brain about later... [[Back|Killers]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Time'' I've been keeping track of time by marking tallies in the dirt in front of my tent. It's the //only// way to track time here since the sun never comes up and the moon never changes positions. I have nothing better to do anyway. When I sit by the fire, I count each second on my breath. Those seconds turn into minutes, which become hours tallied on the ground. When I returned from a trial tonight, I found the dirt scuffed and the tallies ruined. Did someone accidentally walk over them or was it intentional? I could ask around, but... I don't like the way the others still look at me. [[Back|Personal Logs]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Bones?'' Found a pile of bones in a trial. A neatly assembled cone kept together with twine. It housed a little bundle of lit candles. As I grew nearer to them, I felt an odd chill... So, naturally, I stomped it into bits and pieces. Which was, and I can't stress this enough, a ''very'' bad idea. That burly woman wearing the bloody bunny mask charged over and buried a hatchet between my shoulder blades. She was humming contentedly as she tossed me on a hook and marched off. Note to self: __Don't__ touch the bones. [[Back|Personal Logs]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''The Hag'' <strike>What the hell was that?</strike> Where do I start? Scrawny little she-devil covered in sticks and mud, with beady black eyes, sharp teeth, and even sharper claws. I'm not kidding when I say she took a bite out of me -- clamped down on my hand when I tried to block her blows, and she ripped off two digits. Chewed and swallowed them up right in front of me. Everything that came after that is a blur, and I'm glad. [[Watch Your Step]] [[Back|Killers]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Bill'' I just met an old man at the campfire. His name is Bill. Guy must be in his late sixties or early seventies, which was the wild part -- an old man, ''here?'' I dread the day I run into some poor kid around the fire... I sat and chatted with Bill for a while. He told me about his old tours, the Vietnam war, his bum knee... And, get this -- the ''zombie apocalypse.'' It was right about then and there I got to thinking the poor guy was suffering dementia. But I considered all the other shit I've already seen out here, and then a zombie apocalypse didn't seem too far-fetched. So then we had a chat about these horrible things called ''Tanks'', and ''Witches'', and ''Boomers'', and... and I'm betting it's dementia. When the combined smoke from the fire and Bill's lit cigarette started easy-baking my lungs, I stood up to go. Muttered something along the lines of "I hate smoke," and the old man chuckled. Huh. [[Back|Campers]] </div>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Headwear</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Baseball Cap_Mannequin.png][Hat Color][$BaseballCap to true; $Beanie to false; $bandages_cosmetic to false; $redhood to false]]</div> <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Beanie_Mannequin.png][Hat Color][$Beanie to true; $BaseballCap to false; $bandages_cosmetic to false; $redhood to false]]</div> [[Remove Headwear|Character][$Beanie to false; $Cap to false]] [[Back|Customize]] </center>\

<div class="papertext">''Nea'' Nea's a fast cat with a knack for always landing on her feet, and occasionally pissing off someone around camp... I don't know the how's or why's, but whenever there's an argument, I wager she's the root cause of it. She starts trouble when she's bored. Bored, or just restless. I can't blame her for it. What's there to do around camp except moan and feel sorry for yourself? Some excitement's better than none. [[Back|Campers]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Kate'' <<if $Sexuality is "bisexual" or $Sexuality is "gynosexual">>\ <<if $BrokeUp_Kate is true>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/Void.png" />\ <<else>>\ <<if $KateAffinity gte 100>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/100.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 95>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/95.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 90>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/90.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 85>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/85.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 80>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/80.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 75>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/75.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 70>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/70.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 65>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/65.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 60>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/60.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 55>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/55.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 50>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/50.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 45>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/45.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 40>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/40.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 35>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/35.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 30>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/30.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 25>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/25.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 20>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/20.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 15>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/15.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 10>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/10.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 5>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/5.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity gte 0>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/0.png" /> <<elseif $KateAffinity lt 0>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/0.png" /> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ I thought I must've been dreaming when I awoke to hear a song in the distance. I crawled out of my tent and a calming melody drew me to the campfire, where I found a woman sitting on the log strumming an acoustic guitar in her lap... I felt compelled to sit and listen. Some five or so minutes later, she looked up and jumped at the sight of me. Then she gave me her name, the sweetest smile, and she played another tune. Forgot I was in a hell for a moment there. 'Would've stuck around longer, but the fog came and whisked me away. <<if $KateEntry2 is true>>[[Lullaby]]<</if>> [[Back|Campers]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Ace'' A betting man with bad luck... That's not a good combo. Sure, he swears up and down that there's no one luckier in the fog, but if that were so true, would he be stranded here like the rest of us? I don't know what to think about the guy yet. Haven't chatted with him enough to form a solid opinion. But still, he doesn't look at me dirty, and he hasn't left my ass for dead in a trial yet, so... Ace is all right. [[Back|Campers]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Feng Min'' Gamer girl. A competitive one, too. She used to run with an E-sports team called the "Laser Bears," I think. They were big-time... Or at least, that's what I've been told -- she brags about her old //triumphs// like she won a medal in the Olypmics. Of course, I can only take her word for it. Additionally, she brings her competitive nature into the trials. But //Min// only plays solo. If she was a team-player before, she's not anymore. She doesn't tag-team gens', and she's always the first out the gates once they're powered. I can't trust her to watch my back. [[Back|Campers]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Adam'' Adam's a teacher. 'Heard he used to teach in Japan. That totally explains his cool and calm demeanor, not to mention his patience. I remember he was one of the first to sit down with me and really explain the in's and out's of those generators... And he loaned me this pen, can't forget that (he'll get it back eventually.) [[Back|Campers Page 2]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Jane'' Jane used to host a talk show, or something... I only overheard her and Ace discussing a segment she covered once. Divorce was a main topic. Person A broke Person B's heart, but there was a still ''flame'' between them, so they weren't //actually// ready to call it quits and go their separate ways... A story of love, deceit, and maybe a rekindling... I wonder how that concluded. Did they get back together? Was there a happy ending? ... I'm getting off topic. Jane's kind, outspoken, and she frequently makes rounds to check in on everybody around the fire. It's just to see how we're doing, from time to time... It's a good thing //someone// is, and lucky she's so good at it. If she's ever so inclined after we get out of here, she'd make a great therapist. [[Back|Campers Page 2]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Yui'' <<if $Sexuality is "bisexual" or $Sexuality is "gynosexual">>\ <<if $BrokeUp_Yui is true>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/Void.png" />\ <<else>>\ <<if $YuiAffinity gte 100>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/100.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 95>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/95.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 90>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/90.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 85>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/85.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 80>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/80.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 75>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/75.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 70>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/70.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 65>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/65.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 60>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/60.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 55>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/55.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 50>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/50.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 45>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/45.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 40>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/40.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 35>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/35.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 30>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/30.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 25>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/25.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 20>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/20.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 15>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/15.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 10>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/10.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 5>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/5.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity gte 0>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/0.png" /> <<elseif $YuiAffinity lt 0>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/0.png" /> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ [[Back|Campers Page 2]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Felix'' <<if $Sexuality is "bisexual" or $Sexuality is "androsexual">>\ <<if $BrokeUp_Felix is true>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/Void.png" />\ <<else>>\ <<if $FelixAffinity gte 100>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/100.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 95>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/95.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 90>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/90.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 85>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/85.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 80>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/80.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 75>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/75.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 70>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/70.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 65>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/65.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 60>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/60.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 55>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/55.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 50>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/50.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 45>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/45.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 40>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/40.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 35>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/35.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 30>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/30.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 25>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/25.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 20>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/20.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 15>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/15.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 10>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/10.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 5>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/5.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity gte 0>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/0.png" /> <<elseif $FelixAffinity lt 0>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/0.png" /> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ Met Felix face-to-face for the first time tonight. I don't know much about him, but one thing I ''do'' know is that he's a __threat__ now. The guy saw what happened between me and that killer. He saw //something// come to my aid and ''kill'' the bastard. And it's only a matter of time until he tells someone. What if the others take it the wrong way? What if they think I'm //in// on this somehow? I hope this doesn't lead to any more problems... Damn it, Felix. [[Back|Campers Page 2]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Elodie'' <<if $Sexuality is "bisexual" or $Sexuality is "gynosexual">>\ <<if $BrokeUp_Elodie is true>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/Void.png" />\ <<else>>\ <<if $ElodieAffinity gte 100>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/100.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 95>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/95.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 90>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/90.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 85>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/85.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 80>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/80.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 75>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/75.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 70>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/70.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 65>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/65.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 60>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/60.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 55>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/55.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 50>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/50.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 45>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/45.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 40>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/40.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 35>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/35.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 30>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/30.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 25>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/25.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 20>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/20.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 15>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/15.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 10>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/10.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 5>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/5.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity gte 0>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/0.png" /> <<elseif $ElodieAffinity lt 0>>\ <img src="images/romance bar/0.png" /> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ [[Back|Campers Page 2]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''YunJin'' [[Back|Campers Page 2]] </div>\

<div class="papertext"><center>''$CrowName'' <img src="images/other/babycrow.png" /> //I don't have many nice things out here in the fog, but $CrowName is one of them. I would ''kill'' for this baby crow.// [[Back|Fog Residents]] </center>\ </div>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Collar Wear</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Clothes1_Mannequin.png][Character][$Collar to "Clothes1"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Clothes2_Mannequin.png][Character][$Collar to "Clothes2"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Clothes3_Mannequin.png][Character][$Collar to "Clothes3"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Clothes4_Mannequin.png][Character][$Collar to "Clothes4"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Clothes5_Mannequin.png][Character][$Collar to "Clothes5"]]</div> [[Remove Collar|Character][$Collar to ""]] [[Back|Customize]] </center>\

<div class="papertext">''I had a bad dream.'' Lately, I’ve been having bad dreams. I'm sure //everyone// here does, but these feel… different. I struggle to remember the details, but every time, I wake up with a god-awful headache and an aching pain in my chest. It feels like someone took a hammer to my skull and dropped an anvil on my ribs. In this last one, I … I didn’t get to finish this last entry. A trial came and went, and… I don’t remember anything at all. [[Back|Personal Logs]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Dreams'' I dream too much... [[The Beach]] [[Someone's Calling Me]] [[Milkman]] <<if $Chapter1Complete is true>>[[The Dark Place]]<</if>> <<if $Dream2Complete is true>>[[Bastion, Bastion...]]<</if>> <<if $Dream3Complete is true>>[[Spiraling]]<</if>> [[Back|Journal]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.20 loop>><</link>> </div>

<div class="papertext">''The Beach'' I've decided to start documenting every bizarre dream I have. Not the //normal// bizarre dreams, but the... different ones. For this first entry, I'll recount the one I had last night. I was standing on a beach with shores of black sand and choppy, angry waves. I couldn't move, so I stared out at the water. The black horizon seemed to be coming closer, like it was swallowing up the edge of the world... That's it. [[Back|Dreams]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Someone's Calling Me'' I was sitting in a dark ==room== space. When I extended my arms, I felt nothing. When I spoke, no sound came out. I heard ==someone== something call to me in the dark. "$PlayerName," it called softly, "$PlayerName." [[Back|Dreams]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''The Milkman'' ==Hillbilly wearing a milkman uniform. He clonked me on the head with a bottle, and it shattered. Milk splashed everywhere. I began lapping it up, and== This one's actually... a bit ''too'' weird, isn't it? Never mind. [[Back|Dreams]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''The Nurse'' These killers have their quirks, but this one can teleport. Didn't we have it bad enough? We have the angry hillbilly with a chainsaw, the burly rabbit woman, a muddy litle hob, and ''now'' I discover the ==bitch== that can TELEPORT. What's next? A gun-toting killer? [[Back|Killers]] </div>\

<div class="papertext"><<if $Teamed_Ghostface is true>>==The Ghost Face== ''Danny''<<else>>''The Ghost Face''<</if>> [[Back|Killers]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Death'' Death is normal here. Just another part of this endless game... The killers stick us on those hooks, the claws pierce our flesh, and we die, our corpses lifted away into a hungry, ravenous maw above. It's happened to me more times than I can count. And death is... violent. When we die, we pass through this... this //void//, I think. It's cold and dark, and no matter how loudly we might try to scream, nothing comes out. That's where it weaves our broken bodies back together before depositing us back at the campfire to do it all again. Death is what made us ''cherish'' life before, when we only had the __one__. And it made us think twice before making choices, and it made us consider the consequences. Now? There's no telling what we'll become... [[Back|Personal Logs]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Generator Repair Notes'' ==Touch the red wires to the other red wires.== __No__. No. Bad call. ==Touch red to blue. Yellow to black.== Scratch that too. Damn thing blasted the brows off my face. I need to figure this out. ... ==Red to black. Yellow to blue. Pull the switch. Repeat until something pops.== ... Scratch last entry. Damn it. ... Yoinked a white wire out of a machine tonight. ''That's'' new. And it totally screws my other notes. Damn it. [[Back|Personal Logs]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">The Shade> ''He came back.'' He came back tonight. 'Got me out of that trial alive, then took me to that odd place again. I don't know how, but I know the ''why''. The gist: This //thing// used to be human, and he wants to get out as bad I do. He told me all about how "special" I was, and how I'm //singlehandedly// the key to getting out of this place. Then he extended an offer to me... And maybe it was poor judgement, but I struck a deal with him -- he protects me, and I use my "all-seeing eye" to dig up some clues. This won't be a walk in the park, but I'm willing to do whatever I have to if it means getting the hell out of here. <<if $Chapter2Complete is true>>[[Next Entry|Guardian]]<</if>> [[Previous Entry|The Shade]] [[Back|The Shade]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">Bastion> ''His name is Bastion.'' He let me name him, and the first thing that popped into my head was "Bastion." It's from that nightmare that I had... I don't know how fitting it is, but I didn't want to give it too much thought. Bastion... His name is Bastion. <<if $Chapter4Complete is true>>[[Next Entry|I don't know...]]<</if>> <<if $Chapter2Complete is true>>[[Previous Entry|Guardian]]<</if>> [[Back|The Shade]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Notebook'' I found this notebook in the woods near camp. The binding is a bit worn and the pages are dirty, but it's otherwise in good condition. I asked around, and a kind man by the fire gave me a pen. (I caught his name while I was at it -- Adam.) I'll use this notebook to document everything I find. ==Or just scribble out of boredom.== [[Back|Personal Logs]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''What's with that fog?'' Tonight, I crept away from the campfire despite warnings from the others. I had to see what was out there; had to see if everything I've been told was true. I walked for what felt like hours, but I never found a thing. Just the tall dead trees, prickly brush, and that dark fog. It was freezing and my feet had started to hurt, so I turned back. But here's the strange part: when I turned back, I made it to the campfire in an //instant//, as if I’d never left. When Meg, another camper, asked me what I found, I told her, "Nothing." She wasn't surprised; I'm sure they've all taken that walk before. And we all come to the same conclusion: there's nothing out there. [[Back|Personal Logs]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">The Entity> ''Speculation'' I've heard speculation around camp. Just whispers and ideas thrown around by the others... They suggest that this entity does all this for fun... It's just an idea, but ''what if?'' Something this malicious, I wouldn't be surprised if this all was just an eldritch god's favorite pastime. [[Back|The Entity]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Hooks... Why?'' I wonder why the killers throw us on those hooks. It's to appease this __entity__, obviously, but why? Is it some sort of... ritual sacrifice? A gift to a higher power? When we're hooked, those terrible claws descend upon us like birds of prey... We're impaled and killed. After, we wake up here at the campfire, always. I know it's all connected somehow, but I struggle to wrap my head around it. <<if $HooksEntry1 is true>>[[Veins]]<</if>> [[Back|Enigmas]] </div>\

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<div class="papertext">''Bastion, Bastion...'' I was in the dark... And I heard a woman calling someone's name--"Bastion," she called, over and over... And then I saw her, engulfed in flames. She extended a hand to me, begging for help. <<if $ReachedForNasha is true>>And I //tried// to help her, but the flames burned me. When I recoiled, she grabbed my arm and pulled me in. And... it felt so ''real''.<<else>>But I didn't help her... I didn't even try. I could feel the heat from the flames on my skin, and I feared it would burn me too. So I stood back and I watched her burn. When I couldn't stand to hear her screams any longer, I turned around and walked away.<</if>> [[Back|Dreams]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Awesome Hole'' Not as dirty as it sounds -- I found a strange hatch in a trial tonight. I was the last one left, and the thing swung open right in front of me. Dark fog emanated from within, but with that killer hot on my tail, I didn't think twice before hopping inside. I passed through some dark void, then before I knew it, I was standing before the campfire, completely unscathed... Interesting. <<if $HatchEntry1 is true>>[[Vigo's Work]]<</if>> [[Back|Personal Logs]] </div>\

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<div class="papertext">Bastion> ''Locker Buddy'' Those lockers are roomy, but not so much when you have a brawny, eight-foot tall //demon// sharing the space with you. Wait, did I say sharing? I mean he squeezed inside without word or warning. He had me smushed up against the wall and fighting for my life to catch a breath. We were tangled together like Christmas lights, and I'm just grateful he put his claws away. He's ... He's breathing down my neck as I write this. Hello Bastion. [[Previous Entry|I don't know...]] [[Back|The Shade]] </div>\

<<fadein 5s>><div class="chapterHead"><h2>//Lost and wandering, seeking light...//</h2><hr></div> <img src="images/intermissions/intermissionpage1.png" /> [[Next Chapter|Chapter 2]] \ \ <<set $Chapter1Complete to true>>\ <<set $MetShade to true>>\ <<notify 10s>>◈ ''New Journal Entries Unlocked:'' Enigmas> ''The Shade'' Visions> ''Strangers'' Dreams> ''The Dark Place'' ''Updated Journal Entry:'' Jake> ''He's a Carpenter.'' <</notify>>\ \ <<if $Trophies.includes("$trophy_completedchapter1")>><<else>><<set $Trophies.push("$trophy_completedchapter1")>><</if>>\ \ <</fadein>>\

<div class="papertext">Killers> ''Page 2'' <<if $Met_Ghostface is true and $Teamed_Ghostface is false>>[[The Ghost Face]]<<elseif $Met_Ghostface is true and $Teamed_Ghostface is true>>[[Danny|The Ghost Face]]<</if>> <<if $Met_Legion is true>>[[Legion]]<</if>> [[Back|Killers]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.15 loop>><</link>> </div>\

<div class="papertext">The Hillbilly> ''Spun Him'' I spun that funny-looking guy with the chainsaw today. When he ran up on me, I didn't have much choice. Hit the breaks, jerked to the side, and I ''just'' narrowely dodged those spinning blades... 'Course, he got me anyway. He swung around and struck me on the back of the head with that hefty mallet. Hooked twice. Killed. Woke up here with a headache not five minutes ago. <<if $HillbillyEntry_2 is true>>[[Next Entry|Victim of Circumstance]]<</if>> [[Previous Entry|The Hillbilly]] [[Back|Killers]] </div>\

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<div class="papertext">The Trapper> ''Chuckles, Miner, Trapper...'' So this guy goes by a few names around camp... Meg calls him ''Chuckles.'' Jake calls him "The Miner." And David has some pretty colorful names for the guy, too. But does it really matter what we call these things? They aren't human anymore, are they? [[Previous Entry|The Trapper]] <<if $TrapperEntry2 is true>>[[Next Entry|Tortured Soul]]<</if>> [[Back|Killers]] </div>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Change Character Quote</h2><hr></div> <div style="text-align: center;">\ <<textbox "$Quote" "">> </div>\ [[Accept|Character]]\ [[Back|Character]]

/*Nicknames*/ <<widget "lamb">><<if $Gender is "male">>mate<<elseif $Gender is "female">>lamb<<elseif $Gender is "non-binary">>mate<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "Wanderer">><<if $BastionAffinity gte 50>>$PlayerName<<else>>Wanderer<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "YuiNN">><<if $YuiAffinity gte 50>>Trouble<<else>>$PlayerName<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "JakeNN">><<if $JakeAffinity gte 50>>Cornball<<else>>$PlayerName<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "KateNN">><<if $KateAffinity gte 50>>B.W<<else>>$PlayerName<</if>><</widget>> /*Sexuality*/ <<widget "Sexuality">><<if $Sexuality is "gynosexual">>women<<elseif $Sexuality is "androsexual">>men<<elseif $Sexuality is "bisexual">>men and women<<elseif $Sexuality is "asexual">>no one<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "Girl">><<if $Gender is "male">>Guy<<elseif $Gender is "female">>Girl<<elseif $Gender is "non-binary">>Camper<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "girl">><<if $Gender is "male">>guy<<elseif $Gender is "female">>girl<<elseif $Gender is "non-binary">>camper<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "Woman">><<if $Gender is "male">>Man<<elseif $Gender is "female">>Woman<<elseif $Gender is "non-binary">>Person<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "woman">><<if $Gender is "male">>man<<elseif $Gender is "female">>woman<<elseif $Gender is "non-binary">>person<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "she">><<if $PreferredPronouns is "male">>he<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "female">>she<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>they<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "her">><<if $PreferredPronouns is "male">>him<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "female">>her<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>them<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "hers">>\<<if $PreferredPronouns is "male">>his<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "female">>hers<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>theirs<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "herPOSSESSIVE">><<if $PreferredPronouns is "male">>his<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "female">>her<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>their<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "shehas">><<if $PreferredPronouns is "male">>he's<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "female">>she's<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>they've<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "sheis">><<if $PreferredPronouns is "male">>he's<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "female">>she's<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>they're<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "shewill">><<if $PreferredPronouns is "male">>he'll<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "female">>she'll<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>they'll<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "shehad">><<if $PreferredPronouns is "male">>he'd<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "female">>she'd<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>they'd<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "herself">><<if $PreferredPronouns is "male">>himself<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "female">>herself<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>themself<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "She">><<if $PreferredPronouns is "male">>He<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "female">>She<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>They<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "Her">><<if $PreferredPronouns is "male">>Him<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "female">>Her<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>Them<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "Hers">><<if $PreferredPronouns is "male">>His<<elseif $GenPreferredPronounsder is "female">>Hers<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>Theirs<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "HerPOSSESSIVE">><<if $PreferredPronouns is "male">>His<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "female">>Her<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>Their<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "Shehas">><<if $PreferredPronouns is "male">>He's<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "female">>She's<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>They've<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "Sheis">><<if $PreferredPronouns is "male">>He's<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "female">>She's<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>They're<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "Shewill">><<if $PreferredPronouns is "male">>He'll<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "female">>She'll<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>They'll<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "Shehad">><<if $PreferredPronouns is "male">>He'd<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "female">>She'd<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>They'd<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "Herself">><<if $PreferredPronouns is "male">>Himself<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "female">>Herself<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>Themself<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "turnPage">> <<switch random(1, 9)>> <<case 1>><<audio "turn_page" play>> <<case 2>><<audio "turn_page2" play>> <<case 3>><<audio "turn_page3" play>> <<case 4>><<audio "turn_page4" play>> <<case 5>><<audio "turn_page5" play>> <<case 6>><<audio "turn_page6" play>> <<case 7>><<audio "turn_page7" play>> <<case 8>><<audio "turn_page8" play>> <<case 9>><<audio "turn_page9" play>> <</switch>> <</widget>> <<widget "hairColor">><<if $HairColor is "black">>raven-haired<<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">><<if $Gender is "male" or $Gender is "non-binary">>brunet<<else>>brunette<</if>><<elseif $HairColor is "brown">><<if $Gender is "male" or $Gender is "non-binary">>brunet<<else>>brunette<</if>><<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">><<if $Gender is "male" or $Gender is "non-binary">>dirty-blond<<else>>dirty-blonde<</if>><<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">>blondie<<elseif $HairColor is "pink">>pink-haired<<elseif $HairColor is "purple">>violet-haired<<elseif $HairColor is "blue">>blue-haired<<elseif $HairColor is "green">>green-haired<<elseif $HairColor is "orange">>redhead<<elseif $HairColor is "red">>redhead<<elseif $HairColor is "white">>snow-haired<<elseif $HairColor is "black and red" or "black and turqoise" or "black and green" or "black and pink" or "black and orange" or "black and white" or "black and purple" or "black and green" or "strawberry blonde">>rainbow-haired<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "Morality">><<if $Corruption lte 40>>No matter what horrors the fog subjects you to, you're a good <<woman>> with integrity, virtuous and ethical. Hold on to that light, or this place will take it from you.<<elseif $Corruption gte 60>>You've made questionable decisions that may have harmed others... Has this place corrupted your soul? Or was that darkness already there? You've lost your light... But it's not too late to find it again.<<else>>You're a decent <<woman>> who walks the fine line between right and wrong. Often, you make decisions that neither harm nor benefit others. But that light in your soul can be snuffed in an instant; be wary of the shadows that threaten to fall across you.<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "Personality">><<if $Kindness gte 75>>You're kind toward others, and that kindness is greatly appreciated.<<if $Seriousnessness gte 75 and $Seriousnessness gt $Humor>> Although, you're very serious, which often makes you hard to approach.<<elseif $Humor gte 75 and $Humor gt $Seriousnessness>> Plus, your lighthearted personality makes you easy to approach.<</if>><<elseif $Kindness lte 25>>You're not very kind to your fellow sufferers. Where's the love?<<if $Seriousnessness gte 75 and $Seriousnessness gt $Humor>> And on top of that, you're very serious, which often makes you much harder to approach.<<elseif $Humor gte 75 and $Humor gt $Seriousnessness>> And on top of that, your lighthearted personality makes you much harder to approach. People wonder how someone so mean could be so jovial...<</if>><<else>>There's not much to say about your social conduct around the campfire, as you've hardly had the chance to express yourself among the grim and weary.<<if $Seriousnessness gte 75 and $Seriousnessness gt $Humor>> And you're very serious, which often makes you hard to approach.<<elseif $Humor gte 75 and $Humor gt $Seriousnessness>> But your lighthearted personality makes you easy to approach.<</if>><</if>><</widget>> <<widget "Bravery">><<if $Bravery gte 75>>you're a brave soul, and you face the horrors and the dangers head-on.<<elseif $Bravery lte 25>>you're cowardly. How do you expect to find the answers when you jump at your own shadow? There's not an ounce of courage in your blood.<<else>>you don't run head-on into danger, but you don't cower before it.<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "Emotion">><<if $Emotion gte 75>>This place is terrible, and it weighs heavily upon you. You're very emotional at times, and there's no stopping the floodgates once they're going.<<elseif $Emotion lte 25>>While this place may be terrible, you don't let it get to you, and you don't shed tears over it. Your emotions are under lock and key.<<else>>You're not an emotional person. You don't suppress what you're feeling, but you don't often let it show either. You keep as cool-headed as you can, and you ''feel'' when it matters.<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "percent_stat">> <div class="percentBar"> <<= '<div class="percentLeftBg" style="width:'+$args[0]+'%"> </div>'>> <div class="percentBarText">$args[1] $args[0]%</div> </div> <</widget>>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Change your Pronouns</h2><hr></div> //Choose your preferred <span class="gold">Pronouns</span>. This choice affects dialogues throughout the story when you are being referred to.// [[She/her|Character][$PreferredPronouns to "female"]]\ [[He/him|Character][$PreferredPronouns to "male"]]\ [[They/them|Character][$PreferredPronouns to "non-binary"]] [[Back|Character]]

<div class="papertext">Campers> ''Page 2'' [[Jeff]] [[Adam]] [[Jane]] [[Zarina]] <<if $Met_Dwight is true>>[[Dwight]]<</if>> <<if $Met_Felix is true>>[[Felix]]<</if>> <<if $Met_Yui is true>>[[Yui]]<</if>> <<if $Met_Elodie is true>>[[Élodie]]<</if>> <<if $Met_YunJin is true>>[[Yun-Jin]]<</if>> [[Back|Campers]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.15 loop>><</link>> </div>\

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<div class="papertext">Claudette> ''Healer?'' She's a botanist, which makes her the camp-appointed healer, I guess. I've seen her grinding up roots and herbs that she brings back to camp, and she mixes them up into tinctures and ointments to pack into those medkits. Now I know who to run to if I get a boo-boo. [[Previous Entry|Claudette]] [[Back|Campers]] </div>\

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<div class="papertext">David> ''Rugby Star'' We have a star athlete in our midst, and I'm not talking about Meg. Apparently David used to be some big-shot rugby player back in the UK. But emphasis on ''used'' to be. The word around camp is he left it all behind to muscle for some bad dogs on the streets... But that's just what I heard. [[Previous Entry|David]] [[Back|Campers]] </div>\

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<div class="papertext">The Hag> ''Watch Your Step'' I stepped on a mark carved in the dirt and got the nastiest scare of my life. That rotten ''hag'' exploded out of the ground and tore my throat out with her teeth. I already felt myself slipping when she hefted me onto a hook. __Watch your step.__ [[Previous Entry|The Hag]] [[Back|Killers]] </div>\

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<div class="papertext">''Jeff'' A metalhead with some ''serious'' artistic talent. He sat by me once, and I peeked over his shoulder and saw his sketchbook filled with these awesome designs. Was he a tattooist before all of this? I tried to ask, but all I got was something muttered along the lines of "Doesn't matter," and he moved to the other end of the log... Shy guy? Well, if we ever get out of here and I'm itching for some ink, I know who to go to. [[Back|Campers Page 2]] </div>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Change Character Name</h2><hr></div> <div style="text-align: center;">\ <<textbox "$PlayerName" "">> </div>\ [[Accept|Character]] [[Back|Character]]

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<div class="papertext">''The Clown'' A big, mean bastard wearing a dirty clown getup. He collects fingers from his victims and strings them on a keychain. And unlike the majority of other killers, he’s a talker, although he didn’t have anything meaningful to say. Bastion did a number on him, and I'm hoping that's the last I see of the cruel carny. [[Back|Killers]] </div>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> //<center>“I know there’s a way out.”</center> The world around you suddenly shifts and changes in the blink of an eye, causing you to exhale a sharp gasp. Darkness swallows you whole, and then you find yourself outside, in the dead of night amidst the dense woods, and smothered by a warm radiance. You hear flames crackling behind you, but when you try to turn around and discern your surroundings, you realize that you’re not in control. You’re not ''yourself''. As the body you inhabit turns around, you find yourself surrounded by strangers. They sit on logs around a campfire, their unfamiliar faces illuminated by the flickering, pale glow. You count just over a dozen people right off the bat, but more are gathered nearby. Their disheveled appearance, worn clothes, and tired eyes catch your attention. When you speak, it’s not your voice that comes out. “Ah know there’s a way out,” says a gruff male voice with an underlying Scottish accent. Though his tone conveys confidence, his subsequent words are tainted by uncertainty: “Th-there ''has'' to be a way out,” he says. “If something brought us here, it can send us back.” You—the speaker—raise your arm and wave around a hardcover, red book. “I found writings out there,” he continues, against your will. “A journal from a woman named ''Nasha''. She wrote about an escape from this place—” “Just some horseshit scribbled by a woman who lost her goddamn mind!” A man shouts. You turn your head to locate him. A man with a mean face, messy blonde hair, and sunken dark eyes stands beneath a tree close by. He sneers at you—or whoever it is you’ve become—saying, “And you’ll end up just like her if you don’t stop raving.” “But she found something. She ''knew'' something! And for all we know, she could’ve gotten out!” A woman’s soft voice follows. You find her sitting on a nearby log. She has white skin, a thin face, and oily brown hair draped over her shoulders. Heavy bags tug at her weary brown eyes, and the sadness pouring from them is almost contagious. “Or maybe she’s dead. ''Truly'' dead.” She balls her fidgeting hands into fists as her lips draw into a fine line. “Don’t do this to us, Bryce. Don’t give us hope like this; not again.” Your brows furrow and you grip the book tightly, the pressure turning your knuckles white. “There’s a way out,” the man’s voice says unconvincingly. “I know there’s a way out. We just need to… to find… If we can just…” He trails off, and you hang your head. The other campers scrutinize him where you stand. “There has to be a way out,” he repeats, his voice wavering. “There’s a way out…”// //[[Continue...|Followup.1]]

<div class="papertext">''Strangers'' I don't know how to explain what I saw. It ''wasn't'' a dream, because I was wide awake. And whatever that was, it felt so //real//, like I was actually there. They were strangers... A bunch of people I've never seen before, all gathered around the campfire. And I ''swear'' it was the same campfire, surrounded by the same trees in the same clearing. But... it must've been in the past, right? But how? What ''was'' that? And why did I see it when I opened that damn book? This is insane... I can't tell anyone about this, not yet--not until I understand what I saw. [[Back|Visions]] </div>\

<div class="papertext"><<if $NamedBastion is true>>Bastion<<else>>The Shade<</if>>> ''Guardian.'' He's keeping up his end of the bargain, and doing a pretty good job so far. The other night I faced that dreadful nurse, and as soon as she //poofed// on me, he took her out. She didn't even get a swing off before those claws came and tore her apart. Not gonna lie... I'm feeling //pretty// untouchable. But that doesn't mean I'll be letting my guard down around him anytime soon. He's too unpredictable and strange... <<if $Chapter3Complete is true>>[[Next Entry|His name is Bastion.]]<</if>> [[Previous Entry|He came back.]] [[Back|The Shade]] </div>\

<div class="papertext"><center>''Strange Red Book'' <img src="images/icons/red_book.png" /></center> <<if $LookedDownstairs is true>>The strange book retrieved from that dilapidated cabin in the woods. The ''thing'' that trapped me in that closet gave it to me... <<if $Chapter1Complete is true>>When I looked through it, I //saw// something, like a... a vision. What is this?<</if>><<else>>The strange red book retrieved from that dilapidated cabin in the woods. There's no cover or name on the spine, and when I picked it up, I //saw// something, like a... a vision. What is this?<</if>> <center><<if $Chapter2Complete is true>>[[It's a Clue]]<</if>> [[Back|Inventory]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.15 loop>><</link>></center> </div>\

<div class="papertext"><center>''Lydia's Strawberry Jam'' <img src="images/icons/jam.png" /></center> Lydia's homemade strawberry jam. Sweet, and it goes great on her flaky biscuits. Although, I can't help but wonder where she gets the fresh strawberries... <center>[[Back|Inventory]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.15 loop>><</link>></center> </div>\

<div class="papertext"><center>''Tape Recorder'' <img src="images/icons/tape_recorder.png" /></center> A tape recorder I scrounged from that strange office building. I can use this to listen to old tapes. <<if $BryceTape1 is true>>[[Bryce Lost Tape #1]]<</if>> <center>[[Back|Inventory]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.15 loop>><</link>></center> </div>\

<div class="papertext"><center>''Bryce Lost Tape #1'' <img src="images/icons/cassette_tape.png" /> //"I, uh... Ah found this old recorder in some shed in the woods, and ah figured ah'd pop a tape in and try to collect my thoughts... And there's... There's a lot to say. This place? As terrible as it is, I don't think it's Hell. I know I wasn't a ''saint'' before all o' this, but I don't think my last stop would be this shitehole. And some o' the others around camp are good people. This place is something else entirely; something ''worse''. And ah won't quit until ah've figured it out." . . . Doesn't sound like he knew what he was doing... But this is just his first tape -- I'll try to find the others, and maybe piece something together along the way. [[Back|tape recorder]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.15 loop>><</link>></center> </div>\

<div class="papertext"><center>''Roll of Bandages'' <img src="images/icons/bandages.png" /></center> For when I have boo-boos that I can't just slap a band-aid on. Supplies like this can be pretty sparse and hard to come by. <center>[[Back|Inventory]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.15 loop>><</link>></center> </div>\

<div class="papertext"><center>''Bogus the Rat'' <img src="images/icons/bogus_the_rat.png" /></center> Bogus, you sneaky little <<if $Pottymouth gte 25>>fucker<<else>>rat<</if>> -- how the hell did you get in my bag? <center>[[Back|Inventory]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.15 loop>><</link>></center> </div>\

<div class="papertext"><center>''Adam's Pen'' <img src="images/icons/pen.png" /></center> Adam loaned me this pen a while ago. I'll make sure to get it back to him... eventually. <center>[[Back|Inventory]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.15 loop>><</link>></center> </div>\

<<set $Inventory.push("$red_book")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$jam")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$cookie")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$bandages")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$scissors")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$dannys_boots")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$goodie_basket")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$axe")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$knife")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$lighter")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$camera")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$cave_journal")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$cigarette")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$firstaidkit")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$flashlight")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$rose")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$teddy_bear")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$walkie_talkie")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$hammer")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$franks_jacket")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$jar_of_fireflies")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$unknown_tonic")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$dead_rabbit")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$cassette_tape")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$tape_recorder")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$invitation")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$heart_locket")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$flower_crown")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$susies_friendship_bracelet")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$julies_mixtape_set")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$bogus_the_rat")>> <<set $Inventory.push("$crows_gifts")>>

<div class="papertext"><center>''Flashlight'' <img src="images/icons/flashlight.png" /></center> A flashlight I scavenged from a trial. Though dim and running on empty, it's brighter than my lighter and much more useful. Clicky-clicky. <center>[[Back|Inventory]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.15 loop>><</link>></center> </div>\

<div class="papertext"><center>''Brass Case Lighter'' <img src="images/icons/lighter.png" /></center> A lighter I found in the woods. Bastion says it's a //mark//. It's great for if I need some light in a pinch -- //not// so great when I need a ''lot'' of light. <center>[[Back|Inventory]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.15 loop>><</link>></center> </div>\

<div class="papertext"><center>''Gifts from $CrowName'' <img src="images/icons/crows_gifts.png" /></center> Items collected by $CrowName and brought to me as... gifts? I don't know, but I love him ''and'' his wee bits of trash. I will treasure them dearly. <center>[[Back|Inventory]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.15 loop>><</link>></center> </div>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Trophy> Completed Chapter 1</h2><hr></div> <center>\ <img src="images/trophies/completedchapter1.png" /> You completed Chapter 1. Good luck on the rest of your journey, //<<Wanderer>>.// [[Back|Trophies]] </center>\

<div class="papertext">Jake> ''He's a carpenter.'' <<if $Chapter1Complete is true>>==David says Jake's a carpenter -- or, he //used// to be one, I mean. But if he can toss together four walls and a roof, why the hell are we all sleeping in these ratty ol' tents?== Jake is __not__ a carpenter.<<else>>David says Jake's a carpenter -- or, he //used// to be one, I mean. But if he can toss together four walls and a roof, why the hell are we all sleeping in these ratty ol' tents?<</if>> [[Previous Entry|Jake]] <<if $Chapter4Complete is true>>[[Next Entry|Glass half empty.]]<</if>> [[Back|Campers]] </div>\

<center>\ <<if $CharacterComplete is true>>\ <a class="link-internal ui-close" data-passage="Journal">Journal</a>\ <a class="link-internal ui-close" data-passage="Character">Character</a>\ <a class="link-internal ui-close" data-passage="Inventory">Inventory</a> <</if>>\ <a class="link-internal ui-close" data-passage="Latest News">Latest News</a>\ <a class="link-internal ui-close" data-passage="Help Page">Help Page</a>\ <a class="link-internal ui-close" data-passage="Credits">Credits</a>\ </center>\ <<link "Fullscreen">><<run Fullscreen.toggle()>><</link>>\ <a class="link-internal ui-close" data-passage="Fan Art">Fan Art</a> \ \ <nav id="menu" role="navigation">\ <ul id="menu-core">\ <li id="menu-item-saves">\ <a onclick="SugarCube.UI.saves();" tabindex="0">Saves</a></li> <li id="menu-item-restart">\ <a onclick="SugarCube.UI.restart();" tabindex="0">Restart</a></li> <li id="menu-item-settings"><a onclick="SugarCube.UI.settings();" tabindex="0">Settings</a></li> </ul>\ </nav>\ <a href="https://xiibiibby.tumblr.com/">Say hello on Tumblr!</a>\ <a href="https://ko-fi.com/xiibii">Support me on Ko-Fi!</a>

<<audio start_music loop play>>\ [[New Game|Sexual Content Warning]] <nav id="menu" role="navigation">\ <ul id="menu-core">\ <li id="menu-item-saves">\ <a onclick="SugarCube.UI.saves();" tabindex="0">Load Game</a></li></ul></nav>\ <<set $Beanie to false>>\ <<set $Cap to false>>\

<<if tags().includes('journal') or tags().includes('credits') or tags().includes('dream') or tags().includes('customize-page') or tags().includes('status-page') or tags().includes('noreturn') or tags().includes('start-page') or tags().includes('choice-hub') or tags().includes('visited')>> <<else>>\ <div class="menuButtonWrapper"><div class="menuButton"><<button "+">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Menu", "menu"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Menu").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</button>></div></div> <</if>> \ \ \ <<if tags().includes('start-page')>> <div class="fullscreenButtonWrapper"><div class="fullscreenButton"><<button "Fullscreen">><<run Fullscreen.toggle()>> <</button>></div></div> <</if>>\ \ \ <<if tags().includes('start-page') or tags().includes ('journal') or tags().includes ('inventory') or tags().includes ('customize-page') or tags().includes ('character-page') or tags().includes ('dream') or tags().includes ('status-page') or tags().includes ('customize-page') or tags().includes ('menu') or tags().includes ('main-customize-page') or tags().includes ('fanart-page')>><<else>> <div class="historyButton"><div class="backWrapper"><div id="historyStyling"><div class="zoom"><<button [img[images/other/backButton.png]]>><<run Engine.backward()>><</button>></div></div></div></div> <div class="historyButton"><div class="forwardWrapper"><div id="historyStyling"><div class="zoom"><<button [img[images/other/forwardButton.png]]>><<run Engine.forward()>><</button>></div></div></div></div> <</if>>

<img src="images/other/personality.png" /> //<<Personality>> <<Emotion>> As far as courage goes, <<Bravery>> <img src="images/other/your_disposition.png" /> <<Morality>> [[Back|Character]]\ <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><</link>>

<div class="papertext">''We Have Weapons!'' There are //hatchets// in the lockers. They aren't there usually, but I noticed them tonight during a trial against that Huntress. Hatchets = weapons. So I wondered, 'Why the hell aren't we using those to fight back?' Well, I answered that myself. Turns out, we can't carry the damn things. I got curious and bold during a chase, so I grabbed one. Only held onto it for ten seconds, ''tops'', before it just vanished. Poof! The Huntress wasn't too happy to see me messing with her toys, so you can guess what happened next. ... We can't fight back. [[Back|Personal Logs]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''What's Next?'' /*This page (without links) will list the MC's current goals, in the order that they are aquired.*/\ •Return Adam's pen. ==•Figure out how to repair those damn generators.== (Impossible.) <<if $Chapter2Complete is true and $Chapter3Complete is true>>==•Find some clues.==<<elseif $Chapter2Complete is true>>•Find some clues.<</if>> <<if $Chapter3Complete is true>>•Locate the (real) cabin in the woods.<</if>> <<if $Chapter4Complete is true>>•Go cave diving.<</if>> [[Back|Journal]] </div>\

Testing Full Customization. [[Good Morality|Status Page][$Corruption to $Corruption -100]] [[Bad Morality|Status Page][$Corruption to $Corruption +100]] [[Emotional|Status Page][$Emotion to $Emotion +100]] [[Hardened|Status Page][$Hardened to $Hardened +100]] [[Kind Personality|Status Page][$Kindness to $Kindness +100]] [[Mean Personality|Status Page][$Mean to $Mean +100]] [[Brave|Status Page][$Bravery to $Bravery +100]] [[Cowardly|Status Page][ to +100]] [[Silly|Status Page][$Humor to $Humor +100]] [[Serious|Status Page][$Seriousness to $Seriousness +100]] [[Change Name]] [[Masculine|Character][$BodyType to "masculine"]]\ [[Feminine|Character][$BodyType to "feminine"]] [[Pale Skin|Character][$SkinTone to "pale"]]\ [[Fair Skin|Character][$SkinTone to "fair"]]\ [[Tan Skin|Character][$SkinTone to "tan"]]\ [[Olive Skin|Character][$SkinTone to "olive"]]\ [[Brown Skin|Character][$SkinTone to "brown"]]\ [[Dark Skin|Character][$SkinTone to "dark"]] [[Dark Brown Eyes|Character][$EyeColor to "dark brown"]]\ [[Brown Eyes|Character][$EyeColor to "brown"]]\ [[Hazel Eyes|Character][$EyeColor to "hazel"]]\ [[Green Eyes|Character][$EyeColor to "green"]]\ [[Blue Eyes|Character][$EyeColor to "blue"]]\ [[Red Eyes|Character][$EyeColor to "scarlet"]]\ [[Purple Eyes|Character][$EyeColor to "violet"]]\ [[Gray Eyes|Character][$EyeColor to "silver"]]\ [[Remove Eyes|Character][$EyeColor to ""]] [[Freckles On|Character][$Freckles to true]]\ [[Freckles Off|Character][$Freckles to false]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Lower-Body Garments</h2><hr></div> //This option sets what lower-body garments your character will be referenced wearing throughout the game. It is set to <span class="gold">pants</span> by default. You are currently wearing <span class="gold"><<if $Skirt is true>>a skirt<<else>>pants<</if>>.</span>// [[Skirt|Customize][$Skirt to true; $Pants to false;]]\ [[Pants|Customize][$Pants to true; $Skirt to false;]] [[Back|Customize]]

<div class="papertext">''Zarina'' News reporter, I think? Or was it a journalist? I don't know, but whatever the case, her line of work must've had her asking a lot of questions, because the first thing she did when we met was grill me about my name, religion, nationality, //etc, etc...// I can't even begin to guess why, but after all the questions stopped coming, she introduced herself and we had a normal chat about day to day life here in the fog. Generators, the killers, //death//... Y'know, the ''new'' norm. [[Back|Campers Page 2]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''They're Calling Me a Punk'' I recall overhearing a couple of the others around the bonfire one night calling me a ''punk.'' They were talking all hush-hush and occasionally shooting looks my way, but then they got //real// quiet when they caught me staring right back. Who were they calling a punk? It was me, right? What, is it because my hair's $HairColor? Or maybe it's the choker... I don't know what all the fuss is about, but maybe they're trying to lot me in with Nea... I //swear// I'm not a troublemaker. <<if $TraitMean gt $TraitKind and $Corruption gt $Purity>>... Okay, maybe I'm a //bit// of a troublemaker.<</if>> [[Back|Personal Logs]] </div>\ \ <<set $Punk to true>>\

<div class="papertext">Personal Logs> ''Page 2'' <<if $HairColor is "red" or $HairColor is "blue" or $HairColor is "green" or $HairColor is "pink" or $HairColor is "purple" or $HairColor is "black and red" or $HairColor is "black and turqoise" or $HairColor is "black and purple" or $HairColor is "black and green" or $HairColor is "black and pink" or $HairColor is "black and orange">><<if $Piercings is true>><<if $Choker is true>>[[They're Calling Me a Punk]]<</if>><</if>><</if>> [[I Need Someone to Talk To]] <<if $Chapter2Complete is true>>[[No Privacy.]]<</if>> [[Back|Personal Logs]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.20 loop>><</link>> </div>\

<div class="papertext">''I Need Someone to Talk To'' Gets so quiet here... Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but when your only company's the same dozen or so faces day in and day out, things feel so... //glum.// 'Sometimes wish I had someone to talk to. And I know I could probably squeeze a conversation outta ''someone'' at the campfire, but no one wants forced small talk. You know how kids have those imaginary friends? I wish I had one -- someone who's always there and willing to listen. Y'know, just a shoulder to cry on //whenever//. 'Might make my indefinite stay here a little less lonely. [[Back|Personal Logs]] </div>\

<<fadein 5s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Chapter 2</h2><hr><h1>Madness</h1></div> <<audio start_music fadeout>>\ <center><img src="images/other/divider.png" /></center> //<span class="highlight">Léry’s Memorial Institute.</span>// The decrepit old sign outside the doors is the first clue. The manor-turned-hospital is run-down, with dimly lit, winding halls and shrouded rooms. Supposedly, there's an atrium in the center where sick experiments were conducted. It's your first time entering the place, having only picked up bits and pieces of the lore from idle prattle around the campfire. You creep through the doors and stop in a run-down reception area, feeling a terrible shiver run down your spine. The nearby lights flicker and buzz, jolting your nerves even further. Looking left and right, you see two lengthy halls shrouded in darkness. Straight ahead, behind a front counter, another corridor leads deeper into the sinister building. //Another day, another trial...// You anticipate this one will go about as well as your last--which is to say it’ll be a ''nightmare''. You take two steps past a bench when you hear something erupt in the distance, like crackling thunder, followed immediately by an ear-piercing shriek. You halt as a fearful gasp leaps to your throat and your skin breaks out in goosebumps. //Relax//, you coax yourself. //Get moving.// You calm your breathing and your nerves before you proceed down a flickering hall. [[Continue...|Pg.23]] <</fadein>>\ <<notify 4s>>◈ //Autosaved.//<</notify>>\ <<set $RemorsePushedDwight to "">>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Customize Bangs</h2><hr></div>\ <center>\ <<Avatar>> <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Black_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$BangsColor to "black"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Dark Brown_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$BangsColor to "dark brown"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Brown_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$BangsColor to "brown"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Dirty Blonde_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$BangsColor to "dirty blonde"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Blonde_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$BangsColor to "blonde"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Orange_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$BangsColor to "orange"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Pink_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$BangsColor to "pink"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Red_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$BangsColor to "red"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Purple_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$BangsColor to "purple"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Blue_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$BangsColor to "blue"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_Green_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$BangsColor to "green"]]</div>\ <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Bangs_White_Mannequin.png][Eye Color][$BangsColor to "white"]]</div>\ </center>

<<widget "Avatar">> <div style="position: relative; width: 144px; height: 144px; padding: 5px; border: 0px solid grey"> <<if $SkinTone is "pale">> <<if $BodyType is "feminine">> <img class="fembase-pale" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "masculine">> <img class="mascbase-pale" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $Freckles is true>> <img class="freckles-pale" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $Lipstick is "red">> <img class="redlipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "dark red">> <img class="darkredlipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "brown">> <img class="brownlipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "dark brown">> <img class="darkbrownlipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "purple">> <img class="purplelipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "blue">> <img class="bluelipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "black">> <img class="blacklipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "nude">> <img class="nudelipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $SkinTone is "fair">> <<if $BodyType is "feminine">> <img class="fembase-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "masculine">> <img class="mascbase-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $Freckles is true>> <img class="freckles-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $Lipstick is "red">> <img class="redlipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "dark red">> <img class="darkredlipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "brown">> <img class="brownlipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "dark brown">> <img class="darkbrownlipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "purple">> <img class="purplelipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "blue">> <img class="bluelipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "black">> <img class="blacklipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "nude">> <img class="nudelipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $SkinTone is "olive">> <<if $BodyType is "feminine">> <img class="fembase-olive" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "masculine">> <img class="mascbase-olive" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $Freckles is true>> <img class="freckles-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $Lipstick is "red">> <img class="redlipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "dark red">> <img class="darkredlipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "brown">> <img class="brownlipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "dark brown">> <img class="darkbrownlipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "purple">> <img class="purplelipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "blue">> <img class="bluelipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "black">> <img class="blacklipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "nude">> <img class="nudelipstick-olive" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $SkinTone is "tan">> <<if $BodyType is "feminine">> <img class="fembase-tan" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "masculine">> <img class="mascbase-tan" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $Freckles is true>> <img class="freckles-tan" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $Lipstick is "red">> <img class="redlipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "dark red">> <img class="darkredlipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "brown">> <img class="brownlipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "dark brown">> <img class="darkbrownlipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "purple">> <img class="purplelipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "blue">> <img class="bluelipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "black">> <img class="blacklipstick-fair" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "nude">> <img class="nudelipstick-tan" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $SkinTone is "brown">> <<if $BodyType is "feminine">> <img class="fembase-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "masculine">> <img class="mascbase-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $Freckles is true>> <img class="freckles-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $Lipstick is "red">> <img class="redlipstick-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "dark red">> <img class="darkredlipstick-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "brown">> <img class="brownlipstick-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "dark brown">> <img class="darkbrownlipstick-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "purple">> <img class="purplelipstick-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "blue">> <img class="bluelipstick-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "black">> <img class="blacklipstick-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "nude">> <img class="nudelipstick-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $SkinTone is "dark">> <<if $BodyType is "feminine">>\ <img class="fembase-dark" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "masculine">> <img class="mascbase-dark" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $Freckles is true>> <img class="freckles-dark" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $Lipstick is "red">> <img class="redlipstick-dark" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "dark red">> <img class="darkredlipstick-dark" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "brown">> <img class="brownlipstick-dark" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "dark brown">> <img class="darkbrownlipstick-dark" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "purple">> <img class="purplelipstick-dark" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "blue">> <img class="bluelipstick-dark" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "black">> <img class="blacklipstick-dark" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Lipstick is "nude">> <img class="nudelipstick-dark" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> /*Beauty marks*/ <<if $mole_left is true>> <<if $SkinTone is "brown" or $SkinTone is "dark">> <img src="images/sprite pieces/mole-left_dark.png" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img src="images/sprite pieces/mole-left.png" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $mole_right is true>> <<if $SkinTone is "brown" or $SkinTone is "dark">> <img src="images/sprite pieces/mole-right_dark.png" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img src="images/sprite pieces/mole-right.png" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "Buzzcut">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <img class="buzzcut-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="buzzcut-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="buzzcut-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="buzzcut-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="buzzcut-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="buzzcut-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="buzzcut-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="buzzcut-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="buzzcut-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="buzzcut-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="buzzcut-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="buzzcut-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="buzzcut-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="buzzcut-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="buzzcut-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="buzzcut-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="buzzcut-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="buzzcut-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="buzzcut-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="buzzcut-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $bloody_face is true>> <<if $SkinTone is "dark">> <img src="images/sprite pieces/bloody_face_dark.png" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img src="images/sprite pieces/bloody_face.png" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $Eyebrows is "Brows 1">> <img class="eyebrows-1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Eyebrows is "Brows 2">>\ <<if $BodyType is "masculine">>\ <img src="images/sprite pieces/Eyebrows 2_Male.png" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "feminine">>\ <img class="eyebrows-2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>>\ <<elseif $Eyebrows is "Brows 3">>\ <img class="eyebrows-3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Eyebrows is "Brows 4">>\ <img class="eyebrows-4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Eyebrows is "Brows 5">>\ <img class="eyebrows-5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Eyebrows is "Brows 6">>\ <img class="eyebrows-6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $EyeColor is "dark brown">> <<if $BodyType is "feminine">>\ <img class="femeyes-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "masculine">>\ <img class="masceyes-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>>\ <<elseif $EyeColor is "brown">>\ <<if $BodyType is "feminine">>\ <img class="femeyes-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "masculine">>\ <img class="masceyes-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>>\ <<elseif $EyeColor is "hazel">>\ <<if $BodyType is "feminine">>\ <img class="femeyes-hazel" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "masculine">>\ <img class="masceyes-hazel" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>>\ <<elseif $EyeColor is "green">>\ <<if $BodyType is "feminine">>\ <img class="femeyes-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "masculine">>\ <img class="masceyes-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>>\ <<elseif $EyeColor is "blue">>\ <<if $BodyType is "feminine">>\ <img class="femeyes-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "masculine">>\ <img class="masceyes-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>>\ <<elseif $EyeColor is "violet">>\ <<if $BodyType is "feminine">>\ <img class="femeyes-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "masculine">>\ <img class="masceyes-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>>\ <<elseif $EyeColor is "scarlet">>\ <<if $BodyType is "feminine">>\ <img class="femeyes-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "masculine">>\ <img class="masceyes-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>>\ <<elseif $EyeColor is "silver">>\ <<if $BodyType is "feminine">>\ <img class="femeyes-grey" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "masculine">>\ <img class="masceyes-grey" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $Eyeshadow is "black">> <<if $BodyType is "masculine">> <img class="masceyeshadow-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "feminine">> <img class="femeyeshadow-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $Eyeshadow is "brown">>\ <<if $BodyType is "masculine">> <img class="masceyeshadow-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "feminine">> <img class="femeyeshadow-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $Eyeshadow is "red">>\ <<if $BodyType is "masculine">> <img class="masceyeshadow-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "feminine">> <img class="femeyeshadow-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $Eyeshadow is "pink">>\ <<if $BodyType is "masculine">> <img class="masceyeshadow-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "feminine">> <img class="femeyeshadow-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $Eyeshadow is "purple">>\ <<if $BodyType is "masculine">> <img class="masceyeshadow-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "feminine">> <img class="femeyeshadow-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $Eyeshadow is "orange">>\ <<if $BodyType is "masculine">> <img class="masceyeshadow-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "feminine">> <img class="femeyeshadow-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $Eyeshadow is "yellow">>\ <<if $BodyType is "masculine">> <img class="masceyeshadow-yellow" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "feminine">> <img class="femeyeshadow-yellow" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $Eyeshadow is "green">>\ <<if $BodyType is "masculine">> <img class="masceyeshadow-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "feminine">> <img class="femeyeshadow-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $Eyeshadow is "blue">>\ <<if $BodyType is "masculine">> <img class="masceyeshadow-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "feminine">> <img class="femeyeshadow-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $Eyeshadow is "white">>\ <<if $BodyType is "masculine">> <img class="masceyeshadow-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BodyType is "feminine">> <img class="femeyeshadow-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $Blush1 is true>>\ <<if $SkinTone is "pale" or $SkinTone is "fair" or $SkinTone is "tan" or $SkinTone is "olive">>\ <img class="blush-light" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $SkinTone is "brown">>\ <img class="blush-mid" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $SkinTone is "dark">>\ <img class="blush-dark" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>>\ <<elseif $Blush2 is true>>\ <<if $SkinTone is "pale" or $SkinTone is "fair" or $SkinTone is "tan" or $SkinTone is "olive">>\ <img class="blush2-light" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $SkinTone is "brown">>\ <img class="blush2-mid" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $SkinTone is "dark">>\ <img class="blush2-dark" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>>\ <<elseif $Blush3 is true>>\ <<if $SkinTone is "pale" or $SkinTone is "fair" or $SkinTone is "tan" or $SkinTone is "olive">>\ <img class="blush3-light" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $SkinTone is "brown">>\ <img class="blush3-mid" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $SkinTone is "dark">>\ <img class="blush3-mid" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<if $bruised_face is true>>\ <<if $SkinTone is "pale" or $SkinTone is "fair" or $SkinTone is "tan" or $SkinTone is "olive">> <img src="images/sprite pieces/bruised_face.png" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $SkinTone is "brown" or $SkinTone is "dark">> <img src="images/sprite pieces/bruised_face_dark.png" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $FullFaceMakeup is true>> <<if $ClownMakeup is true>> <img src="images/sprite pieces/Clown Makeup.png" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $ViolatedMakeup is true>> <img src="images/sprite pieces/Violated Face Makeup_Dark.png" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $thief_mask is true>>\ <img src="images/sprite pieces/thief_mask.png" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "Short Straight">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <img class="pixiecut-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="pixiecut-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="pixiecut-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="pixiecut-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="pixiecut-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="pixiecut-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="pixiecut-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="pixiecut-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="pixiecut-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="pixiecut-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="pixiecut-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="pixiecut-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="pixiecut-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="pixiecut-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="pixiecut-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="pixiecut-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="pixiecut-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="pixiecut-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="pixiecut-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="pixiecut-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "Sideswept">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <img class="sideswept-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="sideswept-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="sideswept-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="sideswept-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="sideswept-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="sideswept-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="sideswept-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="sideswept-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="sideswept-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="sideswept-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="sideswept-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="sideswept-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="sideswept-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="sideswept-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="sideswept-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="sideswept-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="sideswept-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="sideswept-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="sideswept-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="sideswept-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "Messy">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="messy-beanie-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="messy-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "Fuzzy Buns">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <img class="fuzzybuns-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="fuzzybuns-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="fuzzybuns-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="fuzzybuns-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="fuzzybuns-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="fuzzybuns-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="fuzzybuns-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="fuzzybuns-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="fuzzybuns-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="fuzzybuns-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="fuzzybuns-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="fuzzybuns-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="fuzzybuns-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="fuzzybuns-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="fuzzybuns-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="fuzzybuns-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="fuzzybuns-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="fuzzybuns-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="fuzzybuns-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="fuzzybuns-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "Mohawk">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <img class="mohawk-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="mohawk-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="mohawk-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="mohawk-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="mohawk-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="mohawk-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="mohawk-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="mohawk-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="mohawk-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="mohawk-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="mohawk-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="mohawk-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="mohawk-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="mohawk-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="mohawk-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="mohawk-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="mohawk-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="mohawk-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="mohawk-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="mohawk-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "Coily Short">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <img class="naturalshort-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="naturalshort-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="naturalshort-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="naturalshort-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="naturalshort-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="naturalshort-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="naturalshort-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="naturalshort-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="naturalshort-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="naturalshort-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="naturalshort-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="naturalshort-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="naturalshort-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="naturalshort-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="naturalshort-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="naturalshort-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="naturalshort-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="naturalshort-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="naturalshort-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="naturalshort-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "Mohawk 2">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <img class="undercut-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="undercut-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="undercut-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="undercut-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="undercut-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="undercut-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="undercut-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="undercut-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="undercut-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="undercut-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="undercut-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="undercut-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="undercut-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="undercut-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="undercut-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="undercut-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="undercut-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="undercut-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="undercut-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="undercut-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "Afro Hair">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="afro-beanie-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="afro-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $bandages_cosmetic is true>>\ <img scr="images/sprite pieces/bandages_cosmetic.png" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "Edgy Bangs">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="edgybangs-beanie-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="edgybangs-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> /* Hair Extensions for Edgy Bangs */ <<if $HairStyle is "Edgy Bangs">> <<if $BangsColor is "black">> <img class="bangs-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BangsColor is "dark brown">> <img class="bangs-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BangsColor is "brown">> <img class="bangs-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BangsColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="bangs-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BangsColor is "blonde">> <img class="bangs-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BangsColor is "pink">> <img class="bangs-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BangsColor is "purple">> <img class="bangs-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BangsColor is "blue">> <img class="bangs-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BangsColor is "green">> <img class="bangs-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BangsColor is "orange">> <img class="bangs-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BangsColor is "red">> <img class="bangs-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BangsColor is "white">> <img class="bangs-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>>\ <<if $HairStyle is "Buns">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <img class="spacebuns-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="spacebuns-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="spacebuns-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="spacebuns-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="spacebuns-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="spacebuns-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="spacebuns-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="spacebuns-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="spacebuns-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="spacebuns-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="spacebuns-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="spacebuns-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="spacebuns-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="spacebuns-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="spacebuns-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="spacebuns-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="spacebuns-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="spacebuns-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="spacebuns-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="spacebuns-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "Wavy Ponytail">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="wavyponytail-beanie-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="wavyponytail-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "Custom Hair Request 2">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <img class="toocool-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="toocool-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="toocool-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="toocool-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="toocool-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="toocool-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="toocool-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="toocool-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="toocool-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="toocool-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="toocool-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="toocool-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="toocool-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="toocool-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="toocool-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="toocool-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="toocool-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="toocool-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="toocool-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="toocool-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "JelloWhore_Hair">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="jellowhore-beanie-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="jellowhore-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "Straight Ponytail">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <img class="straightponytail-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="straightponytail-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="straightponytail-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="straightponytail-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="straightponytail-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="straightponytail-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="straightponytail-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="straightponytail-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="straightponytail-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="straightponytail-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="straightponytail-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="straightponytail-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="straightponytail-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="straightponytail-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="straightponytail-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="straightponytail-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="straightponytail-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="straightponytail-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="straightponytail-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="straightponytail-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "Long Kinky Hair">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="naturalhair-beanie-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="naturalhair-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $Piercings is true>> <<if $Earring_Top_Left is true>>\ <img class="earringtop-left" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "medium-length w/bangs">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="emohair-beanie-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="emohair-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "Side Braid">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <img class="sidebraid-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="sidebraid-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="sidebraid-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="sidebraid-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="sidebraid-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="sidebraid-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="sidebraid-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="sidebraid-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="sidebraid-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="sidebraid-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="sidebraid-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="sidebraid-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="sidebraid-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="sidebraid-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="sidebraid-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="sidebraid-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="sidebraid-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="sidebraid-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="sidebraid-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="sidebraid-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $Piercings is true>> <<if $Earring_Top_Right is true>>\ <img class="earringtop-right" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "Long Straight">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longstraight-beanie-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longstraight-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "minibob">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <img class="minibob-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="minibob-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="minibob-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="minibob-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="minibob-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="minibob-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="minibob-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="minibob-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="minibob-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="minibob-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="minibob-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="minibob-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="minibob-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="minibob-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="minibob-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="minibob-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="minibob-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="minibob-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="minibob-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="minibob-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "Long Wavy">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longwavy-beanie-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longwavy-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $bandaid_1 is true>> <img src="images/sprite pieces/band-aid_cosmetic.png" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $bandaid_2 is true>> <img src="images/sprite pieces/band-aid_cosmetic2.png" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $Glasses is true>>\ <<if $ReadingGlasses is true>>\ <img class="glasses-reading" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HeartShapedGlasses is true>>\ <img class="glasses-heart" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>>\ <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "Bob">> <<if $HairColor is "black">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-dirtyblonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <<if $Beanie is true>> <img class="longbob-beanie-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<else>> <img class="longbob-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $Piercings is true>>\ <<if $NoseRing_Left is true>>\ <img class="nosering-left" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $NoseRing_Right is true>>\ <img class="nosering-right" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $Earring_Bottom_Left is true>>\ <img class="earringbottom-left" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <<if $Earring_Bottom_Right is true>>\ <img class="earringbottom-right" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $Hijab is true>>\ <<if $HijabColor is "red">>\ <img class="hijab-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HijabColor is "orange">>\ <img class="hijab-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HijabColor is "yellow">>\ <img class="hijab-Yellow" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HijabColor is "green">>\ <img class="hijab-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HijabColor is "blue">>\ <img class="hijab-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HijabColor is "purple">>\ <img class="hijab-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HijabColor is "pink">>\ <img class="hijab-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HijabColor is "brown">>\ <img class="hijab-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HijabColor is "dark brown">>\ <img class="hijab-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HijabColor is "white">>\ <img class="hijab-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HijabColor is "black">>\ <img class="hijab-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<if $Beanie is true>>\ <<if $BeanieColor is "red">>\ <img class="beanie-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BeanieColor is "orange">>\ <img class="beanie-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BeanieColor is "yellow">>\ <img class="beanie-yellow" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BeanieColor is "green">>\ <img class="beanie-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BeanieColor is "blue">>\ <img class="beanie-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BeanieColor is "purple">>\ <img class="beanie-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BeanieColor is "pink">>\ <img class="beanie-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BeanieColor is "brown">>\ <img class="beanie-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BeanieColor is "white">>\ <img class="beanie-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $BeanieColor is "black">>\ <img class="beanie-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>>\ \ \ <<if $Cap is true>> <<if $CapColor is "red">>\ <img class="baseballcap-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $CapColor is "orange">>\ <img class="baseballcap-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $CapColor is "yellow">>\ <img class="baseballcap-yellow" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $CapColor is "green">>\ <img class="baseballcap-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $CapColor is "blue">>\ <img class="baseballcap-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $CapColor is "purple">>\ <img class="baseballcap-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $CapColor is "pink">>\ <img class="baseballcap-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $CapColor is "brown">>\ <img class="baseballcap-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $CapColor is "white">>\ <img class="baseballcap-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $CapColor is "black">>\ <img class="baseballcap-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $CapColor is "tally">>\ <img class="baseballcap-dbd" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>>\ <</if>> <<if $Choker is true>>\ <<if $Choker_Plain is true>>\ <<if $ChokerColor is "red">>\ <img class="plainchoker-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $ChokerColor is "dark brown">>\ <img class="plainchoker-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $ChokerColor is "green">>\ <img class="plainchoker-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $ChokerColor is "blue">>\ <img class="plainchoker-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $ChokerColor is "purple">>\ <img class="plainchoker-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $ChokerColor is "pink">>\ <img class="plainchoker-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $ChokerColor is "brown">>\ <img class="plainchoker-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $ChokerColor is "white">>\ <img class="plainchoker-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $ChokerColor is "black">>\ <img class="plainchoker-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>>\ <<elseif $Choker_Heart is true>>\ <<if $ChokerColor is "red">>\ <img class="heartchoker-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $ChokerColor is "dark brown">>\ <img class="heartchoker-darkbrown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $ChokerColor is "green">>\ <img class="heartchoker-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $ChokerColor is "blue">>\ <img class="heartchoker-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $ChokerColor is "purple">>\ <img class="heartchoker-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $ChokerColor is "pink">>\ <img class="heartchoker-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $ChokerColor is "brown">>\ <img class="heartchoker-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $ChokerColor is "white">>\ <img class="heartchoker-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $ChokerColor is "black">>\ <img class="heartchoker-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<if $Collar is "Clothes1">>\ <img class="collars-1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Collar is "Clothes2">>\ <img class="collars-2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Collar is "Clothes3">>\ <img class="collars-3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Collar is "Clothes4">>\ <img class="collars-4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $Collar is "Clothes5">>\ <img class="collars-5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>>\ <<if $HairStyle is "NH1">> <<if $HairColor is "blueBlack">> <img class="NH1-blueBlack" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="NH1-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="NH1-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="NH1-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="NH1-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="NH1-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="NH1-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="NH1-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black">> <img class="NH1-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="NH1-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH1-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="NH1-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="NH1-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="NH1-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="NH1-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="NH1-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="NH1-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="NH1-dark_brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="NH1-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="NH1-dirty_blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="NH1-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH1-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "NH2">> <<if $HairColor is "blueBlack">> <img class="NH2-blueBlack" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="NH2-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="NH2-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="NH2-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="NH2-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="NH2-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="NH2-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="NH2-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black">> <img class="NH2-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="NH2-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH2-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="NH2-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="NH2-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="NH2-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="NH2-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="NH2-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="NH2-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="NH2-dark_brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="NH2-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="NH2-dirty_blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="NH2-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH2-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "NH3">> <<if $HairColor is "blueBlack">> <img class="NH3-blueBlack" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="NH3-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="NH3-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="NH3-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="NH3-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="NH3-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="NH3-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="NH3-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black">> <img class="NH3-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="NH3-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH3-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="NH3-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="NH3-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="NH3-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="NH3-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="NH3-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="NH3-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="NH3-dark_brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="NH3-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="NH3-dirty_blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="NH3-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH3-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "NH4">> <<if $HairColor is "blueBlack">> <img class="NH4-blueBlack" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="NH4-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="NH4-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="NH4-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="NH4-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="NH4-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="NH4-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="NH4-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black">> <img class="NH4-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="NH4-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH4-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="NH4-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="NH4-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="NH4-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="NH4-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="NH4-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="NH4-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="NH4-dark_brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="NH4-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="NH4-dirty_blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="NH4-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH4-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "NH5">> <<if $HairColor is "blueBlack">> <img class="NH5-blueBlack" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="NH5-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="NH5-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="NH5-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="NH5-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="NH5-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="NH5-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="NH5-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black">> <img class="NH5-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="NH5-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH5-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="NH5-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="NH5-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="NH5-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="NH5-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="NH5-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="NH5-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="NH5-dark_brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="NH5-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="NH5-dirty_blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="NH5-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH5-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "NH6">> <<if $HairColor is "blueBlack">> <img class="NH6-blueBlack" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="NH6-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="NH6-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="NH6-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="NH6-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="NH6-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="NH6-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="NH6-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black">> <img class="NH6-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="NH6-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH6-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="NH6-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="NH6-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="NH6-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="NH6-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="NH6-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="NH6-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="NH6-dark_brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="NH6-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="NH6-dirty_blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="NH6-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH6-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "NH7">> <<if $HairColor is "blueBlack">> <img class="NH7-blueBlack" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="NH7-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="NH7-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="NH7-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="NH7-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="NH7-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="NH7-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="NH7-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black">> <img class="NH7-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="NH7-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH7-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="NH7-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="NH7-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="NH7-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="NH7-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="NH7-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="NH7-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="NH7-dark_brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="NH7-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="NH7-dirty_blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="NH7-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH7-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "NH8">> <<if $HairColor is "blueBlack">> <img class="NH8-blueBlack" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="NH8-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="NH8-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="NH8-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="NH8-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="NH8-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="NH8-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="NH8-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black">> <img class="NH8-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="NH8-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH8-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="NH8-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="NH8-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="NH8-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="NH8-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="NH8-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="NH8-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="NH8-dark_brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="NH8-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="NH8-dirty_blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="NH8-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH8-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "NH9">> <<if $HairColor is "blueBlack">> <img class="NH9-blueBlack" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="NH9-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="NH9-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="NH9-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="NH9-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="NH9-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="NH9-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="NH9-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black">> <img class="NH9-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="NH9-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH9-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="NH9-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="NH9-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="NH9-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="NH9-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="NH9-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="NH9-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="NH9-dark_brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="NH9-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="NH9-dirty_blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="NH9-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH9-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "NH10">> <<if $HairColor is "blueBlack">> <img class="NH10-blueBlack" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="NH10-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="NH10-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="NH10-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="NH10-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="NH10-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="NH10-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="NH10-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black">> <img class="NH10-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="NH10-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH10-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="NH10-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="NH10-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="NH10-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="NH10-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="NH10-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="NH10-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="NH10-dark_brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="NH10-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="NH10-dirty_blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="NH10-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH10-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "NH11">> <<if $HairColor is "blueBlack">> <img class="NH11-blueBlack" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="NH11-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="NH11-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="NH11-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="NH11-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="NH11-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="NH11-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="NH11-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black">> <img class="NH11-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="NH11-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH11-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="NH11-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="NH11-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="NH11-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="NH11-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="NH11-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="NH11-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="NH11-dark_brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="NH11-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="NH11-dirty_blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="NH11-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH11-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "NH12">> <<if $HairColor is "blueBlack">> <img class="NH12-blueBlack" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="NH12-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="NH12-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="NH12-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="NH12-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="NH12-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="NH12-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="NH12-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black">> <img class="NH12-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="NH12-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH12-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="NH12-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="NH12-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="NH12-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="NH12-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="NH12-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="NH12-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="NH12-dark_brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="NH12-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="NH12-dirty_blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="NH12-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH12-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $HairStyle is "NH13">> <<if $HairColor is "blueBlack">> <img class="NH13-blueBlack" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and green">> <img class="NH13-gradient7" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and orange">> <img class="NH13-gradient5" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "strawberry blonde">> <img class="NH13-gradient8" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and purple">> <img class="NH13-gradient3" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and red">> <img class="NH13-gradient1" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and turquoise">> <img class="NH13-gradient2" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and white">> <img class="NH13-gradient6" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black">> <img class="NH13-black" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "brown">> <img class="NH13-brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH13-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blonde">> <img class="NH13-blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "black and pink">> <img class="NH13-gradient4" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "pink">> <img class="NH13-pink" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "green">> <img class="NH13-green" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "red">> <img class="NH13-red" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "white">> <img class="NH13-white" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dark brown">> <img class="NH13-dark_brown" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "orange">> <img class="NH13-orange" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "dirty blonde">> <img class="NH13-dirty_blonde" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "purple">> <img class="NH13-purple" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <<elseif $HairColor is "blue">> <img class="NH13-blue" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $redhood is true>>\ <img src="images/sprite pieces/red_hood.png" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> <img src="images/sprite pieces/frame_border.png" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 146px; height: 146px"> /*Portrait block goes here.*/ <<if $PortraitBlock is true>>\ <img src="images/other/blank space.png" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 144px; height: 144px"> <</if>> </div>\ <</widget>>

<<audio story_bgm fadeout>>\ <<audio dream_sequence_bgm volume 0 fadeto 0.2 loop>>\ <<fadein 4s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>//This feels too real...//</h2><hr></div> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider_black.png" /></center> //<span class="highlight-dream">You find yourself</span> kneeling in the pale glow of an unseen spotlight, surrounded by dense, staticky darkness. The cold is so biting that your skin feels brittle like glass, as though it might shatter at the slightest touch. Each breath escapes in condensed white clouds, swirling briefly before vanishing into the air. As you glance left and right, your eyes strain against the blackness, but there’s nothing to anchor you—no walls, no horizon, no sense of direction. The air is heavy, stifling, and the chill seeps into your bones. You push yourself to your feet, the uneven ground beneath you shifting. You stagger, struggling to find balance. Then you feel a sensation like ice crawling up your spine. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up as faint whispers ripple through the silence. “$PlayerName,” the voices murmur, brushing against your ears like ghostly fingertips. “What are you afraid of?”// [[Spiders.|Dream Sequence 1.2][$Choice to 1; $Fear to "spiders"]]\ [[Being vulnerable.|Dream Sequence 1.2][$Choice to 2; $Fear to "vulnerability"]]\ [[The dark.|Dream Sequence 1.2][$Choice to 3; $Fear to "the dark"]]\ [[Death.|Dream Sequence 1.2][$Choice to 4; $Fear to "death"]]\ [[Nothing.|Dream Sequence 1.2][$Choice to 5; $Fear to "nothing"; $Bravery +=15]] <</fadein>>\

<div class="papertext">''The Dark Place'' I found myself in that dark place again. The place that reeks of death, where it's so cold that my skin feels like it will shatter like glass, and where my screams and shouts hardly make a sound. But this time, I wasn't alone. The voices returned, asking me what I was afraid of. I answered, ''$Fear.'' Whose whispers are these? Why do they call to me in my sleep? What do they mean? [[Back|Dreams]] </div>\

<<if tags().includes('start-page')>><<else>><<audio start_music stop>><</if>>\ \ \ \ <<if tags().includes('menu') or tags().includes('dream') or tags().includes('journal') or tags().includes('noreturn') or tags().includes('start-page')>><<audio story_bgm fadeout>><<else>><<audio story_bgm volume 0.3 loop play>><</if>>\ \ \ \ <<if tags().includes('journal')>><<audio character_page_music volume 0.25 loop play>><</if>>\ \ \ <<if tags().includes('journal')>><<turnPage>><</if>>\ \ \ \ \ \ \ /* CAPPING RELATIONSHIPS & OTHER */ <<if $Corruption gt 100>><<set $Corruption to 100>><<elseif $Corruption lt 0>><<set $Corruption to 0>><</if>>\ \ <<if $BastionAffinity gt 200>><<set $BastionAffinity to 200>><<elseif $BastionAffinity lt 0>><<set $BastionAffinity to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $JakeAffinity gt 100>><<set $JakeAffinity to 100>><<elseif $JakeAffinity lt 0>><<set $JakeAffinity to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $ClaudeteAffinity gt 100>><<set $ClaudetteAffinity to 100>><<elseif $ClaudetteAffinity lt 0>><<set $ClaudetteAffinity to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $DwightAffinity gt 100>><<set $DwightAffinity to 100>><<elseif $DwightAffinity lt 0>><<set $DwightAffinity to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $DavidAffinity gt 100>><<set $DavidAffinity to 100>><<elseif $DavidAffinity lt 0>><<set $DavidAffinity to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $YuiAffinity gt 100>><<set $YuiAffinity to 100>><<elseif $YuiAffinity lt 0>><<set $YuiAffinity to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $KateAffinity gt 100>><<set $KateAffinity to 100>><<elseif $KateAffinity lt 0>><<set $KateAffinity to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $FelixAffinity gt 100>><<set $FelixAffinity to 100>><<elseif $FelixAffinity lt 0>><<set $FelixAffinity to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $ElodieAffinity gt 100>><<set $ElodieAffinity to 100>><<elseif $ElodieAffinity lt 0>><<set $ElodieAffinity to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $DannyAffinity gt 100>><<set $DannyAffinity to 100>><<elseif $DannyAffinity lt 0>><<set $DannyAffinity to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $FrankAffinity gt 100>><<set $FrankAffinity to 100>><<elseif $FrankAffinity lt 0>><<set $FrankAffinity to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $JulieAffinity gt 100>><<set $JulieAffinity to 100>><<elseif $JulieAffinity lt 0>><<set $JulieAffinity to 0>><</if>>\ \ \ \ \ /* CAPPING CHARACTER TRAITS */ <<if $Reputation gt 100>><<set $Reputation to 100>><<elseif $Reputation lt 0>><<set $Reputation to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $Emotion gt 100>><<set $Emotion to 100>><<elseif $Emotion lt 0>><<set $Emotion to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $Social gt 100>><<set $Social to 100>><<elseif $Social lt 0>><<set $Social to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $Honesty gt 100>><<set $Honesty to 100>><<elseif $Emotion lt 0>><<set $Emotion to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $Selflessness gt 100>><<set $Selflessness to 100>><<elseif $Selflessness lt 0>><<set $Selflessness to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $Humor gt 100>><<set $Humor to 100>><<elseif $Humor lt 0>><<set $Humor to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $Kindness gt 100>><<set $Kindness to 100>><<elseif $Kindness lt 0>><<set $Kindness to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $Optimism gt 100>><<set $Optimism to 100>><<elseif $Optimism lt 0>><<set $Optimism to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $Bravery gt 100>><<set $Bravery to 100>><<elseif $Bravery lt 0>><<set $Bravery to 0>><</if>>\ <<if $Intelligence gt 100>><<set $Intelligence to 100>><<elseif $Intelligence lt 0>><<set $Intelligence to 0>><</if>>\ \ \ \ \ \ \ <<if tags().includes('Jake')>><<addclass "body" "Jake">><<else>><</if>> <<if tags().includes('Claudette')>><<addclass "body" "Claudette">><<else>><</if>> <<if tags().includes('Yui')>><<addclass "body" "Yui">><<else>><</if>> <<if tags().includes('Kate')>><<addclass "body" "Kate">><<else>><</if>> <<if tags().includes('David')>><<addclass "body" "David">><<else>><</if>> <<if tags().includes('Dwight')>><<addclass "body" "Dwight">><<else>><</if>> <<if tags().includes('Elodie')>><<addclass "body" "Elodie">><<else>><</if>> <<if tags().includes('Felix')>><<addclass "body" "Felix">><<else>><</if>> <<if tags().includes('Bastion')>><<addclass "body" "Bastion">><<else>><</if>> <<if tags().includes('Ghostface')>><<addclass "body" "Ghostface">><<else>><</if>> <<if tags().includes('campers')>><<addclass "body" "campers">><<else>><</if>> <<if tags().includes('snitches')>><<addclass "body" "snitches">><<else>><</if>> <<if tags().includes('inventory')>><<addclass "body" "inventory">><<else>><</if>>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> Not long after he leaves, a trickling river of dread runs down your spine. You shudder and subconsciously draw your hand to your chest. Echoes of the dark, burning sensation from your dream still weigh upon you, and you struggle to catch your breath as the ill feelings fade. What does it all mean? Were you really dreaming, or is there something far more sinister at work here? Maybe there’s no point in racking your brains about it… This place is //dark// and //strange//, and if there’s one thing it excels at, it’s getting inside your head. But you won’t let it in—you ''can’t'' if you want to maintain your sanity. Reluctantly, you lay back down and release a sigh. //It was just a dream,// you reassure yourself. That’s it; a terrible nightmare brought on by the fog, and ''nothing'' more. But then… why does that terrible pain linger? [[Continue...|Intermission 1][$Chapter1Complete to true]]

<div class="papertext">''Snitches'' There's a lot of crows here--not just around the campfire, where they perch in the trees and observe us, but in the trials, too. I noticed this the other night at the hillbilly's farm. There were many scattered around the trial grounds, just sitting there, waiting, watching... That's not normal, is it? Sometimes, when we get too close, they take off like bats out of hell, crowing as loud as they can. Do these avian <<if $Pottymouth gte 20>>assholes<<else>>bastards<</if>> work with the killers? It sounds silly, but the others around camp warned me about the crows... I'm beginning to believe it. [[Back|Enigmas]] </div>\

<<fadein 5s>><div class="chapterHead"><h2>//Through endless dark, and endless night...//</h2><hr></div> <img src="images/intermissions/intermissionpage2.png" /> [[Next Chapter|Dream Sequence 2]]\ \ \ <<set $Chapter2Complete to true>>\ <<set $Met_Dwight to true>>\ <<set $Met_TheDoctor to true>>\ <<notify 10s>>''New Journal Entries Unlocked:'' The Shade> ''He Came Back'' Campers> ''Dwight'' Killers> ''The Doctor'' Lost Souls> ''Bryce'' Strange Red Book> ''It's a Clue'' ''Updated Journal Entries:'' ''What's Next?'' <</notify>>\ \ <<if $Trophies.includes("$trophy_completedchapter2")>><<else>><<set $Trophies.push("$trophy_completedchapter2")>><</if>>\ \ <</fadein>>\

<div class="papertext">''Escape Heals Us'' We get pretty beat up in those trials, but I've noticed something -- //escaping// heals us. Whether we were poked, stabbed, gored, or beat up, we heal completely the moment we step foot outside of the gates. That's a relief and a half; I'd actually rather die than have to drag my ass back to camp with my guts hanging out every time I escaped... [[Back|Personal Logs]] </div>\

<<audio dream_sequence_bgm fadeout>>\ <<fadein 5s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Chapter 3</h2><hr><h1>Small Steps</h1></div> <center><img src="images/other/divider.png" /></center> <span class="highlight">A bottle</span> whistles through the air and smashes against a tree branch just ahead, bursting into a swirling pink cloud of toxic fumes. You duck instinctively, your heart pounding as you sprint beneath the noxious haze. The “Clown” is right behind you, his thunderous footfalls and wheezing breaths growing louder. He’s faster than he looks—nimble, despite his rotund form. His gleaming black eyes shine with glee, and his grotesque painted grin stretches from ear to ear. In one hand, he clutches a butterfly knife that glints in the moonlight, while his other shakes another bottle of his poisonous concoctions. He’ll be breathing down your neck very soon if you don’t lose him. And then after, you’ll be //lucky// to see a hook… Because judging from the look on the Clown’s face, it seems he has //other// intentions. You lock your sights on the log cabin ahead. //The Huntress’ abode,// nestled among the canopy of gnarled trees and the scattered remnants of mishapen huts. A light drizzle soaks the trial grounds and turns the earth slick beneath your feet, but you press on despite it. Before you can reach the cabin, a bottle strikes the back of your head and shatters, releasing a cloud of poison gas that engulfs you. You stagger and cough violently as your vision becomes hazy. The acrid fumes claw at your lungs. When your vision blurs and your legs falter, you stumble and cling to a nearby tree for balance. The Clown is right on top of you, shaking another bottle and letting out a boisterous laugh that makes his round gut bounce. “Just my rotten luck... The fresh meat’s //fast,”// he croaks. “You gave me a run for my money, you lil' //fucker…//” You turn to him, eyes wide with horror. Up close, he’s even more grotesque. A keyring hangs from a loop on his belt, decorated with severed fingers of varying colors and sizes—some rotted and discolored, others fresh, their flesh still vibrant and red. The sight churns your stomach, and disgust twists your expression. The Clown's painted lips curl with glee. “Don’t worry, <<if $Gender is "female">>sweetheart<<else>>sweet thing<</if>>,” he sneers, his voice dripping with mockery. “I’ll be adding one a’ yours to the collection soon enough.” He swiftly advances. [[Stall him!|Pg.45.1][$Choice to 1]]\ [[Fight back!|Pg.45.1][$Choice to 2; $Bravery +=10; $BastionAffinity +=5]] <<notify 4s>>◈ ''New Journal Entry Unlocked:'' Dreams> ''Bastion, Bastion...''<</notify>>\ <</fadein>>\

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<div class="papertext">''It's a Clue'' The Shade referred to this as a "mark," essentially a clue. It belonged to a man named Bryce. And that vision I saw when I skimmed the pages? That was Bryce's //memory//. I don't yet fully understand the significance of this, but I'll hold onto it. [[Previous Entry|red_book]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.15 loop>><</link>> </div>\

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<div class="chapterHead"><h2>//Who is she?//</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ //You reach for her. But when the flames lick your fingertips, they burn hot, as if they were ''real''. Hissing, you jerk away. The burning woman’s screams pierce your heart, but you're powerless to help her. “I’m sorry,” you mouth, barely forming the words. “I—I can’t help you. I can’t—” Before you can act, she lunges forward, her blackened fingers seizing your throat in a crushing grip. You choke and lurch away, scrambling to free yourself. But no matter how hard you try, you can’t escape. Holding tight to you, she drags you screaming into the inferno, and they eat you ''alive''. No sound comes out when you howl at the void. Clutched by the burning woman and unable to break away, you burn together. And then you ''fade'' together.//\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ //Despite the burning woman's cries, you distance yourself from the raging inferno. “I can’t help you,” you mouth. And you don’t. You don’t even ''try''. Instead, you watch the flames eat her alive as you retreat to a safer distance.The air fills with her agony, her howls curdling into something worse—''rage.'' Through the rising smoke, you meet her gaze. Or what’s left of it. Hollow sockets bore into you, weeping blood and ash, screaming accusations you can ''feel'' in your chest. You can't hold her gaze. You look away. Her howls echo throughout the void, and they follow you no matter how far you walk in the opposite direction. Soon, the last echo fades. Soon, so will you.//\ <</if>> [[Continue...|Chapter 3][$Dream2Complete to true]]

<<fadein 5s>><div class="chapterHead"><h2>//A Wanderer roams throughout <<herPOSSESSIVE>> plight.//</h2><hr></div> <img src="images/intermissions/intermissionpage3.png" /> <<if $UpdatedSave2 is true>>[[Next Chapter|Dream Sequence 3]]<<else>>You are trying to play with an ''outdated save file''. Please <span class="gold">Restart</span> and create a new character to proceed past this point. <li id="menu-item-restart"><a onclick="SugarCube.UI.restart();" tabindex="0">Restart</a></li> <span class="inactive">[[Next Chapter|Dream Sequence 3]]</span><</if>> \ \ <<set $Met_TheClown to true>>\ <<set $Chapter3Complete to true>>\ <<notify 10s>>◈ ''New Journal Entries Unlocked:'' Killers> ''The Clown'' Echoes> ''Lonely Cabin in the Woods'' Marks> ''Nothing Yet.'' ''Updated Journal Entries:'' ''What's Next?'' <</notify>>\ \ <<if $Trophies.includes("$trophy_completedchapter3")>><<else>><<set $Trophies.push("$trophy_completedchapter3")>><</if>>\ \ <</fadein>>\

<div class="papertext">''Old Leather'' (about seeing the vision where they find Bryce's jacket.) [[Back|Visions]] </div>\

<div class="papertext"><center>''Kitchen Knife'' <img src="images/icons/knife.png" /></center> A rusty kitchen knife. The blade has seen better days, but it'll get the job done. <center>[[Back|Inventory]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.15 loop>><</link>></center> </div>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Help Page</h2><hr></div> <center>//This page goes over certain aspects of the game in depth.//</center> <center>\ !!The <span class="gold">//Character Page//</span> <img src="images/help-page/characterex.png" width="100%" /></center> The <span class="gold">Character Page</span> highlights your character and links to the <span class="gold">Status</span> page and <span class="gold">Customization</span> page. On the Character Page, you'll see your player-character <span class="gold">Avatar</span> at the top, your <span class="gold">Character Summary</span> below that, and the <span class="gold">Corruption Bar</span> beneath them both. <center>\ <img src="images/help-page/corruptionbarex.png" width="100%" /></center> The <span class="gold">Corruption Bar</span> indicates your character's alignment and morality. Morality is tracked throughout the game and determined by the choices you make. The more the bar is filled up with the <span class="gold">gold</span> color, the higher your <span class="gold">Corruption</span>. This status contributes to various factors throughout the game, such as, and not limited to: character relationships, autonomous dialogue, and your Game Ending. <center>\ !!<span class="gold">//Relationships and Romance//</span> <img src="images/help-page/relationshipsex.png" width="100%" /></center> <span class="gold">Relationships</span> can be forged with characters throughout the game based on how you communicate and represent yourself to these characters. <span class="gold">Romantic Relationships</span> are tracked with variable points in the background called "Affinity Points." These points can be gained or lost depending on the choices you make around the respective characters. Only certain characters in the game can be Romanced. Characters whose pages have a visible <span class="gold">Romance Meter</span> can be romanced. These characters are known as <span class="gold">Love Interests</span>. While possible to amass Affinity Points with multiple Love Interests at a time, only __one__ Love Interest can become your <span class="gold">Significant Other</span> by the end of the game. Affinity Points can be lost if a Love Interest witnesses you flirting with another character, or carrying out other actions they don't like. Love Interests will express their own interest in you throughout the game via dialogue or special actions. //*You can ''<span class="gold">only</span>'' flirt with Love Interests that align with your chosen sexuality. The option won't present itself otherwise.// <span class="gold">Affinity Points</span> for each Love Interest cap at 100 points. In one very special case, //The Shade's// Affinity Points cap at 200. Point gain and loss with certain characters are represented on-screen with <span class="gold">Notifications.</span> These Notifications display as follows: <center><img src="images/help-page/affinity.png" width="100%" /> Their respective values are: <span class="gold">5, 10, 15,</span> and, <span class="gold">-5, -10, -15.</span></center> <center>\ !!<span class="gold">//Intermission Pages//</span> <img src="images/help-page/intermissionex.png" width="100%" /></center> <span class="gold">Intermission pages</span> are placed between chapters. They inform the player via pop-up notifications of new and updated <span class="gold">Journal</span> pages. <center>\ !!<span class="gold">//Status Page//</span> <img src="images/help-page/statusex.png" width="100%" /></center> Your character <span class="gold">Status Page</span> describes your character's changing personality and alignment, and updates automatically throughout the story based on decisions you make. <center>\ !!<span class="gold">//Redeem Page//</span> <img src="images/help-page/redeemex.png" width="100%" /></center> On the Customize page, you'll find a <span class="gold">Redeem</span> tab. Here, you can redeem codes to unlock new customization items for your character. These items aren't purely cosmetic; some will offer new choices in-game, or change character reactions toward you at certain points throughout the story. Codes can be found in the <span class="gold">devlogs</span> on the game's itch.io page, OR on the <span class="gold">Latest News</span> page here in-game. (For the sole purpose of encouraging people to read my updates :D) //Have any additional questions that weren't answered here? Feel free to ask me in the comments on the game's page :)// <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.20 loop>><</link>>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Change Body Type</h2><hr></div> <div style="text-align: center;">\ //This will set your body type and determine certain anatomical attributes.// <center>\ //Masculine Body Type.// <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Male-Base_Fair.png][Character][$BodyType to "masculine"]]</div> //Feminine Body Type.// <div class="zoompiece">[img[images/sprite pieces/Fem-Fem_Base-Fair.png][Character][$BodyType to "feminine"]]</div>\ [[Back|Customize]] </center>\ </div>\

<<fadein 3s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> After slipping through the exit gate and leaving the horrors of the trial behind, you let out a breath you didn’t realize you were holding. The fog stretches out before you, but you force yourself to walk steadily toward camp. The faint glow of the campfire is far off, barely a pinprick in the distance through the haze. For now, you enjoy the peace and quiet, and allow your nerves a chance to settle. But, of course, the peace doesn't last. The air shifts beside you, becoming cooler and joined by the acrid scent of smoke. From the corner of your eye, you catch a swirl of dark mist pooling at your side, curling upward like a living thing before your shadowy //companion// appears within it without so much a sound. The dark mist dissipates at his feet. You side-eye him, noticing how his pearly grin gleams in the pale moonlight. He’s relaxed, //smug// even, his claws idly twitching at his sides. His voice rich with satisfaction, he says, //“The jester popped like a ''grape'' when I finished with him.”// You grimace at the vivid image he conjures in your head. [[You're sick.|46.1][$Choice to 1; $BastionAffinity -=5; $Seriousness +=5; $Humor -=5; $Emotion +=5]]\ [[Was he full of confetti?|46.1][$Choice to 2; $Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5; $BastionAffinity +=5]]\ [[Thank you.|46.1][$Choice to 3; $BastionAffinity +=10]]\ <</fadein>>\

<div class="papertext">''No Privacy.'' That //Shade// won't leave me the hell alone. Ever since striking that deal with him, he's been breathing down my neck and lurking in the shadows just //watching// me. I wake up sometimes and notice a tall shadow fallen over my tent... Other times, I'll be walking through the woods to camp and I see him blending into the backdrop! He's a total creep. [[Back|Personal Logs]] </div>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> The fog thins as the campsite comes into view. The Shade, or rather, //Bastion//, disappears as you approach the bonfire. When you arrive, you hear Nea amid a discussion with David and Jeff, who share a log adjacent to the fire, and Meg, who's limbering-up beside a tree. When you catch your name slipping past Nea's lips, you realize //you're// the subject of her tall tales. “--and <<she>> <<if $PreferredPronouns is "female" or $PreferredPronouns is "male">>wasn't<<elseif $PreferredPronouns is "non-binary">>weren't<</if>> hooked, not even ''once'',” she says. “<<She>> must've ran the hell out of that clown, because I cranked that last gen' out with no problem. It's like the porky prick just //vanished//.” David notices you and elbows Jeff in the side, alerting Nea and Meg to your presence. Nea looks at you over her shoulder with an impish smirk and says, "That was our second trial together, $PlayerName, and it was just as easy as the last. Either you're the camp's new //star athlete// or you're the luckiest son of a bitch in the fog." “I've never been so lucky in the ring,” Jeff comments when he pulls his head out of his sketchbook. David guffaws. “It's all those extra kilos you're luggin' around!” he barks, playfully slapping Jeff's gut. Jeff swats him off, scoffing. "Which is it, huh?" Nea asks, approaching you with her arms crossed over her chest, a playfully accusing look on her face. "Are you lucky, or are you //lightning fast// and challenging Red for her mantle?" Meg quickly scans your form before furrowing her brow. "Are you trying to knock me down a peg or two, fresh meat?" [[It's just luck.|C29.1][$Humor -=5]]\ [[You know it.|C29.2][$Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ [[My guardian angel.|C29.3][$Honesty +=5; $ToldCampAboutBastion to true;]]\ [[Say nothing.|C29.4][$Social -=5]] <<set $NamedBastion to true>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “It's just luck,” you say. “That's some damn good luck,” Nea replies, scoffing. She turns back toward the bonfire while you find a seat on a vacant log opposite of David and Jeff. But as you sit down, you glimpse movement in the shadows through the billowing smoke, and your breath catches at the sight of //Bastion's// tall, dark form looming at the edge of camp. Your heart leaps to your throat as you half expect the others to see him and scream. But... it seems no one notices. In fact, it's like he's not there at all. No one reacts to his presence, or so much as even //glances// his way. Are you the only one who can see him? Why? //How?// Your mind is a flurry of questions, only faltering when Bastion grins widely and taps his wrist. //“Tick-tock,”// he rasps, still grinning. Realizing what he means, you huff. After all, he's only here because of your arrangement; an arrangement that entails you carrying out your newfound duty as a "pathfinder". If there are any answers to be found in the fog, it's ''you'' who must find them. When you stand up and walk away, you grab the others' attention. Nea calls after you, causing you to hesitate. “Going somewhere?” she asks. “Out,” you reply. Nea's brow furrows. “Out? Like... out //there?// In the fog? For //what?//” [[A quiet walk.|C30.1][$Honesty -=5; $QuietWalk to true]]\ [[Searching for answers.|C30.3][$Honesty +=5; $SearchingFor_Answers to true]]\ [[None of your business.|C30.2][$Kindness -=5; $Social -=5; $Reputation -=5; $MegAffinity -=5; $DavidAffinity -5; $NeaAffinity -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “You know it,” you jest. Meg squints skeptically while Nea lets out a laugh. “You worried, Red? <<Sheis>> well on <<herPOSSESSIVE>> way to taking top spot as 'fastest in the fog'...” Nea turns back toward the bonfire while you find a seat on a vacant log opposite of David and Jeff. But as you sit down, you glimpse movement in the shadows through the billowing smoke, and your breath catches at the sight of //Bastion's// tall, dark form looming at the edge of camp. Your heart leaps to your throat as you half expect the others to see him and scream. But... it seems no one notices. In fact, it's like he's not there at all. No one reacts to his presence, or so much as even //glances// his way. Are you the only one who can see him? Why? //How?// Your mind is a flurry of questions, only faltering when Bastion grins widely and taps his wrist. //“Tick-tock,”// he rasps, still grinning. Realizing what he means, you huff. After all, he's only here because of your arrangement; an arrangement that entails you carrying out your newfound duty as a "pathfinder". If there are any answers to be found in the fog, it's ''you'' who must find them. When you stand up and walk away, you grab the others' attention. Nea calls after you, causing you to hesitate. “Going somewhere?” she asks. “Out,” you reply. Nea's brow furrows. “Out? Like... out //there?// In the fog? For //what?//” [[A quiet walk.|C30.1][$Honesty -=5; $QuietWalk to true]]\ [[Searching for answers.|C30.3][$Honesty +=5; $SearchingFor_Answers to true]]\ [[None of your business.|C30.2][$Kindness -=5; $Social -=5; $Reputation -=5; $MegAffinity -=5; $DavidAffinity -5; $NeaAffinity -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “My //guardian angel// protects me from the killers,” you admit with a toying tone. <<if $ToldCampAboutTheShade is true>>“Your guardian angel...?” Meg says skeptically. “That same thing you mentioned before? The thing that took The Doctor?” You nod. <</if>>\ After a moment of silence, during which each of them exchange funny glances, Nea smirks. “Is your guardian angel hot?” She cracks up laughing while you roll your eyes. You knew they wouldn't believe you; it's a hard sell. After all the time they’ve spent in this hell, how could they believe that //you// have special privileges and protection, when no one else does? “No; //really//,” Nea says, snickering. “Are they hot? Can I get a piece of the action?” [[I'm done talking.|C31.2][$Social -=5]]\ [[He's meh.|C31.1][$Social +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ <<if $BastionAffinity gte 30>><<if $Sexuality is "androsexual" or $Sexuality is "bisexual">>[[He's tall, dark, and handsome...|C31.3][$BastionAffinity +=5; $CalledBastionHandsome to true; $Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5; $Social +=5]]<<else>><span class = "inactive">[[He's tall, dark, and handsome... (Requires: Different Sexuality & Bastion Affinity 30+)|C31.3]]</span><</if>><</if>>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> Having nothing to say to them, you take a seat on a vacant log across from David and Jeff. Nea scoffs and dismissively flourishes her arm. "You're no //fun//, fresh meat.” As you sit down, you glimpse movement in the shadows through the billowing smoke, and your breath catches at the sight of //Bastion's// tall, dark form looming at the edge of camp. Your heart leaps to your throat as you half expect the others to see him and scream. But... it seems no one notices. In fact, it's like he's not there at all. No one reacts to his presence, or so much as even //glances// his way. Are you the only one who can see him? Why? //How?// Your mind is a flurry of questions, only faltering when Bastion grins widely and taps his wrist. //“Tick-tock,”// he rasps, still grinning. Realizing what he means, you huff. After all, he's only here because of your arrangement; an arrangement that entails you carrying out your newfound duty as a "pathfinder". If there are any answers to be found in the fog, it's ''you'' who must find them. When you stand up and walk away, you grab the others' attention. Nea calls after you, causing you to hesitate. “Going somewhere?” she asks. “Out,” you reply. Nea's brow furrows. “Out? Like... out //there?// In the fog? For //what?//” [[A quiet walk.|C30.1][$Honesty -=5; $QuietWalk to true]]\ [[Searching for answers.|C30.3][$Honesty +=5; $SearchingFor_Answers to true]]\ [[None of your business.|C30.2][$Kindness -=5; $Social -=5; $Reputation -=5; $MegAffinity -=5; $DavidAffinity -5; $NeaAffinity -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “That's none of your business.” Nea's brow furrows. “Hey, lose the attiude. We're asking because we're //concerned//. No one just strolls out into the fog all willy-nilly for nothing--not unless they've got a //death wish//.” “There's nothing out there,” you argue. “--That we //know// of,” Nea snaps back. “You and Claud found a cabin out there just the other night. Who knows what else there could be?” She makes a few good points. //However--// You glance toward Bastion. He taps his foot, expressioning twisting into something shrewd. Clearing your throat, you turn around and keep walking. “I won't know until I look,” you add. You barely get a few steps before Nea jogs up beside you. “Fine,” she hufss, “Guess I'll tag along.” She beckons meg with a broad wave. “Join us, Red! Maybe you and the newbie here can race.” Meg saunters over, rolling her shoulders, a slow smirk creeping onto her face. You open your mouth to object, but David cuts you off when he stands up abruptly, barking, “Oi! I can't let you <<if $Gender is "female">>ladies<<else>>lot<</if>> go out there on your own.” He rolls his neck, cracking his knuckles as he strides toward the group. “If you're all so hellbent on faffin' around out there, then I guess I'm taggin' on.” [[Fine. Join me.|C32.1][$Chapter3_Alone to false; $Social +=5]]\ [[I'm going alone.|C32.2][$Chapter3_Alone to true; $Social -=5]] <<notify 4s>>◈ Nobody liked that.<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Taking a walk,” you tell them. “Just getting away from camp for a while.” “There's a reason we don't all just go prancing through the fog,” Meg replies with a raised eyebrow. “No one knows what's out there. It could be dangerous.” “Or //not//,” you suggest. Sighing, you add, “I just want a breath of fresh air, and--” “We're //outside//,” Nea interrupts, scoffing. “It doesn't get any fresher than this! And no one runs the risk of finding trouble around camp; not like going out there does.” She makes a few good points. //However--// You glance toward Bastion. He taps his foot, expressioning twisting into something shrewd. Clearing your throat, you turn around and keep walking. “I won't know until I look,” you add. You barely get a few steps before Nea jogs up beside you. “Fine,” she hufss, “Guess I'll tag along.” She beckons meg with a broad wave. “Join us, Red! Maybe you and the newbie here can race.” Meg saunters over, rolling her shoulders, a slow smirk creeping onto her face. You open your mouth to object, but David cuts you off when he stands up abruptly, barking, “Oi! I can't let you <<if $Gender is "female">>ladies<<else>>lot<</if>> go out there on your own.” He rolls his neck, cracking his knuckles as he strides toward the group. “If you're all so hellbent on faffin' around out there, then I guess I'm taggin' on.” [[Fine. Join me.|C32.1][$Chapter3_Alone to false; $Social +=5]]\ [[I'm going alone.|C32.2][$Chapter3_Alone to true; $Social -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “I'm searching for answers,” you submit outright. Nea scoffs. “Answers? Answers to //what//?” “Everything,” you say. Meg sighs heavily. “You aren't the first to go out there looking for the //holy grail,// you know that, right? You won't find anything.” “I found that cabin in the woods, didn't I?” you reply pointedly. “Well-- //Yeah,// but...” She trails off while an uncertain expression crosses her face. Nea draws your attention. “You could find trouble, too,” she argues. They make a few good points. //However--// You glance toward Bastion. He taps his foot, expressioning twisting into something shrewd. Clearing your throat, you turn around and keep walking. “I won't know until I look,” you add. You barely get a few steps before Nea jogs up beside you. “Fine,” she hufss, “Guess I'll tag along.” She beckons meg with a broad wave. “Join us, Red! Maybe you and the newbie here can race.” Meg saunters over, rolling her shoulders, a slow smirk creeping onto her face. You open your mouth to object, but David cuts you off when he stands up abruptly, barking, “Oi! I can't let you <<if $Gender is "female">>ladies<<else>>lot<</if>> go out there on your own.” He rolls his neck, cracking his knuckles as he strides toward the group. “If you're all so hellbent on faffin' around out there, then I guess I'm taggin' on.” [[Fine. Join me.|C32.1][$Chapter3_Alone to false; $Social +=5]]\ [[I'm going alone.|C32.2][$Chapter3_Alone to true; $Social -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “I think we're done talking.” Nea huffs. “You're no fun,” she mutters, turning back toward the bonfire while you find a seat on a vacant log opposite of David and Jeff. But as you sit down, you glimpse movement in the shadows through the billowing smoke, and your breath catches at the sight of //Bastion's// tall, dark form looming at the edge of camp. Your heart leaps to your throat as you half expect the others to see him and scream. But... it seems no one notices. In fact, it's like he's not there at all. No one reacts to his startling presence, or so much as even //glances// his way. Are you the only one who can see him? Why? //How?// Your mind is a flurry of questions, only faltering when Bastion grins widely and taps his wrist. //“Tick-tock,”// he rasps, still grinning. Realizing what he means, you huff. After all, he's only here because of your arrangement; an arrangement that entails you carrying out your newfound duty as a "pathfinder". If there are any answers to be found in the fog, it's ''you'' who must find them. When you stand up and walk away, you grab the others' attention. Nea calls after you, causing you to hesitate. “Going somewhere?” she asks. “Out,” you reply. Nea's brow furrows. “Out? Like... out //there?// In the fog? For //what?//” [[A quiet walk.|C30.1][$Honesty -=5; $QuietWalk to true]]\ [[Searching for answers.|C30.3][$Honesty +=5; $SearchingFor_Answers to true]]\ [[None of your business.|C30.2][$Kindness -=5; $Social -=5; $Reputation -=5; $MegAffinity -=5; $DavidAffinity -5; $NeaAffinity -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “He's //meh,//” you reply, with tilted motion of your hand. Nea pouts. “Aw, really? That sucks.” She turns back toward the bonfire, snickering while you find a seat on a vacant log opposite of David and Jeff. But as you sit down, you glimpse movement in the shadows through the billowing smoke, and your breath catches at the sight of //Bastion's// tall, dark form looming at the edge of camp. Your heart leaps to your throat as you half expect the others to see him and scream. But... it seems no one notices. In fact, it's like he's not there at all. No one reacts to his startling presence, or so much as even //glances// his way. Are you the only one who can see him? Why? //How?// Your mind is a flurry of questions, only faltering when Bastion grins widely and taps his wrist. //“Tick-tock,”// he rasps, still grinning. Realizing what he means, you huff. After all, he's only here because of your arrangement; an arrangement that entails you carrying out your newfound duty as a "pathfinder". If there are any answers to be found in the fog, it's ''you'' who must find them. When you stand up and walk away, you grab the others' attention. Nea calls after you, causing you to hesitate. “Going somewhere?” she asks. “Out,” you reply. Nea's brow furrows. “Out? Like... out //there?// In the fog? For //what?//” [[A quiet walk.|C30.1][$Honesty -=5; $QuietWalk to true]]\ [[Searching for answers.|C30.3][$Honesty +=5; $SearchingFor_Answers to true]]\ [[None of your business.|C30.2][$Kindness -=5; $Social -=5; $Reputation -=5; $MegAffinity -=5; $DavidAffinity -5; $NeaAffinity -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “He's tall, dark, and handsome,” you reply, smirking. Nea's eyes glimmer with amusement. “Oh, //really?// Man, some <<if $Gender is "female">>girls<<elseif $Gender is "male">>guys<<elseif $Gender is "non-binary">>people<</if>> get all the luck...” David barks with laughter. “Oi, if you need a guardian angel, I'm right here. I might not be as //tall, dark, or handsome//, but I've got everythin' else goin' for me.” Nea snorts. “The only thing you've got is a bad attitude and an ugly mug.” They exchange playfully dirty looks while you find a seat on a vacant log opposite of David and Jeff. But as you sit down, you glimpse movement in the shadows through the billowing smoke, and your breath catches at the sight of //Bastion's// tall, dark form looming at the edge of camp. Your heart leaps to your throat as you half expect the others to see him and scream. But... it seems no one notices. In fact, it's like he's not there at all. No one reacts to his startling presence, or so much as even //glances// his way. Are you the only one who can see him? Why? //How?// Your mind is a flurry of questions, only faltering when Bastion grins widely and taps his wrist. //“Tick-tock,”// he rasps, still grinning. Realizing what he means, you huff. After all, he's only here because of your arrangement; an arrangement that entails you carrying out your newfound duty as a "pathfinder". If there are any answers to be found in the fog, it's ''you'' who must find them. When you stand up and walk away, you grab the others' attention. Nea calls after you, causing you to hesitate. “Going somewhere?” she asks. “Out,” you reply. Nea's brow furrows. “Out? Like... out //there?// In the fog? For //what?//” [[A quiet walk.|C30.1][$Honesty -=5; $QuietWalk to true]]\ [[Searching for answers.|C30.3][$Honesty +=5; $SearchingFor_Answers to true]]\ [[None of your business.|C30.2][$Kindness -=5; $Social -=5; $Reputation -=5; $MegAffinity -=5; $DavidAffinity -5; $NeaAffinity -=5]] <<notify 4s>>◈ Bastion liked that.<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You sigh, rubbing the back of your neck before relenting. “Fine.” Your tone is half-exasperation, half-resignation. <<if $Humor gte 55>>“Let's all go on a field trip through the Fog…”<<else>>“I guess I wouldn’t mind the company.”<</if>> David and Meg join you as Nea grins like she just won a bet. “Smart move, kid.” She plants a hand on her hip, cocking her head slightly. “The Fog's all //kinds// of messed up. We don’t know what we might run into out there...” Meg lets out a slow breath, rolling her shoulders until they pop. “It’s usually nothing,” she admits. “We've been around long enough to know that.” She casts a glance toward the swirling fog ahead. “But... you never know.” Nea claps you on the back—firm enough to jolt you forward a step. “Then let’s go get into some trouble, yeah?” Turning from the glow of the campfire, you step into the Fog. The air thickens instantly, damp and cool against your skin, muffling the world behind you. David keeps pace beside you, guarded. “Whatever’s out here,” he mutters, “we’ll be ready for it.” [[Continue...|Pg.48.NotAlone]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if $Kindness lt 45>>“I'm going __alone__,” you assert firmly. “I dont need an entourage tailing me into the woods because you're a little //worried.// I've gone into the Fog on my own before, and this time is no different.” Nea exhales sharply through her nose, clearly done trying to convince you. With a dramatic flick of her wrist, she turns on her heel. “Whatever,” she mutters, already striding back toward the bonfire. “Just don’t come crying to us when you run into trouble…” Meg and David pass you uncertain looks before they return to their respective spots by the fire.<<else>>“I'll be fine on my own,” you assert firmly. “I've gone into the fog alone before, and this time is no different.” Nea exhales sharply through her nose, clearly done trying to convince you. With a dramatic flick of her wrist, she turns on her heel. “Damn, you're stubborn,” she says, sighing. “But fine. We'll let you go on your little //danger quest// alone.” Meg and David pass you uncertain looks before they return to their respective spots by the fire.<</if>> With your solitude secured, you turn away from the glow of the campfire and step into the fog. The air thickens instantly, damp and cool against your skin, muffling the world behind you. [[Continue...|Pg.48.Alone]]

<<fadein 3s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <img src="images/other/thewoods.png"/> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> Traversing the fog can make even the boldest feel overwhelmed and terrified by its unseen vastness. The rustling leaves and snapping twigs, along with the otherwise deafening silence, have you feeling exposed. Your senses are on high alert as the frigid temperature of the mist stings your cheeks. Your eyes strain to make sense of the shadows, but the black fog is impenetrable. You’re grateful for the moonlight that breaks through the dark clouds, and even more grateful for the company. Although a sense of unease lingers like a bad rash, it's mitigated by your companions. Meg and Nea walk to your left, and David lumbers to your right. It's been ten minutes of silence, suddenly broken by Nea. “Oh, boy,” she mutters with dry enthusiasm. “I'm glad we left our //cozy little campfire// behind in favor of the creepy, dark woods...” <<if $Kindness lt 45>>“''You'' wanted to come, remember? I didn't drag you out here by the ankles...”<<else>>“You volunteered //yourself// as a chaperone, remember?”<</if>> Nea snorts. “Yeah, I know. And I’m regretting every second of it.” She chatters her teeth and hugs herself tightly. “So, how about that race?” she asks, glancing between you and Meg. “You wanna show us what you’ve got, newbie?” “We’ll have none of that,” says David. “We stay close together, just in case.” “Bah,” exclaims Nea. “You should’ve kept your brawny ass at camp… Shit, ''I'' would’ve stayed behind if I’d known you’d be barking orders at us…” “Better safe than sorry,” Meg interjects. Nea blows a raspberry. Meg rolls her eyes and turns to you. “So, do you think we’ll find anything out here? Claud told me all about that cabin you guys found…” <<if $ToldClaudette is true>>[['"Everything?"'|C33.1]]<</if>>\ [['"I think so."'|C33.2][$Optimism +=5]]\ [['"Nope."'|C33.3][$Optimism -=5]] <<notify 4s>>◈ Autosaved.<</notify>>\ <</fadein>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if $Pottymouth gte 15>>“Shit,”<<else>>“Damn,”<</if>> you breathe, your heart steadily relaxing. “You need to quit doing that," you scold him, turning right around to keep walking. “All that //popping in// and scaring the hell out of me...” Bastion laughs. //“And ''you'' need to be more vigilant, Wanderer”// he retorts. //“Especially out here in the fog. There's no telling who--or ''what''--could be following you through the dark...”// You raise an eyebrow and say, “Wanderer?” //“It's what you are,”// says Bastion, grinning. //“A wanderer scouring the wayward fog for answers... It's a fitting moniker, I believe.//” Shortly after, he adds, //“And coming out here alone, ''Wanderer''? That's just ''begging'' for trouble...”// [['"I like trouble."'|C34.1.Alone][$Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ [['"I was expecting you."'|C34.2.Alone][$Humor -=5]]\ [['"I don\'t want company."'|C34.3.Alone][$Social -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Hello to you, too,” you say, clutching your fast-beating heart and turning right around to keep walking. “Would it //hurt// to announce yourself? You don't need to pop up like a ghost and scare the boots off me...” Bastion chuckles. //“I apologize, Wanderer. But you need to be more vigilant out here in the fog. There's no telling who--or ''what''--could be following you through the dark...”// You raise an eyebrow and say, “Wanderer?” //“It's what you are,”// says Bastion, grinning. //“A wanderer scouring the wayward fog for answers... It's a fitting moniker, I believe.//” Shortly after, he adds, //“And coming out here alone, ''Wanderer''? That's just ''begging'' for trouble...”// [['"I like trouble."'|C34.1.Alone][$Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ [['"I was expecting you."'|C34.2.Alone][$Humor -=5]]\ [['"I don\'t want company."'|C34.3.Alone][$Social -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> Getting straight to the point, you ask, "What do you want?" and then continue walking. //“The very same things ''you'' do, Wanderer,”// Bastion says. //“I'm here with you to ensure you stay on course.”// You raise an eyebrow and say, “Wanderer?” //“It's what you are,”// says Bastion, grinning. //“A wanderer scouring the wayward fog for answers... It's a fitting moniker, I believe.//” Shortly after, he adds, //“And coming out here alone, ''Wanderer''? That's just ''begging'' for trouble...”// [['"I like trouble."'|C34.1.Alone][$Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ [['"I was expecting you."'|C34.2.Alone][$Humor -=5]]\ [['"I don\'t want company."'|C34.3.Alone][$Social -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You don't give him the satisfaction of your fright, and you say nothing in response. Shaking your head, you turn right around and keep walking. He tails you, chuckling. //“Brave of you to come out here on your own, Wanderer... I thought I'd drop in and provide some ''company''.”// You raise an eyebrow and say, “Wanderer?” //“It's what you are,”// says Bastion, grinning. //“A wanderer scouring the wayward fog for answers... It's a fitting moniker, I believe.//” Shortly after, he adds, //“And coming out here alone, ''Wanderer''? That's just ''begging'' for trouble...”// [['"I like trouble."'|C34.1.Alone][$Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ [['"I was expecting you."'|C34.2.Alone][$Humor -=5]]\ [['"I don\'t want company."'|C34.3.Alone][$Social -=5]]

<<fadein 3s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <img src="images/other/thewoods.png"/> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> Traversing the fog alone can make even the boldest feel overwhelmed and terrified by its unseen vastness. The rustling leaves and snapping twigs, along with the otherwise deafening silence, have you feeling exposed. Your senses are on high alert as the frigid temperature of the mist stings your cheeks. Your eyes strain to make sense of the shadows, but the black fog is impenetrable. You’re grateful for the moonlight that breaks through the dark clouds. As you continue forward, a sense of unease lingers like a bad rash. It feels like you’re being watched from everywhere at once. The sensation is relentless, hanging over you for ten long, agonizing minutes. And then—just by chance—you glance over your shoulder. A dark shape moves within the Fog behind you. Your breath snags. Your body jolts violently as you stumble to a stop, a sharp gasp tearing from your throat. Your heart pounds as you clutch your chest, your mind racing— Bastion. He stands there, motionless, watching. His grin stretches wide, gleaming in the moonlight like something carved from bone. //“About ''time'' you noticed.”// [['"Don\'t do that."'|C33.1.Alone][$Kindness -=5; $Seriousness +=5; $Humor -=5]]\ [['"Hello to you, too."'|C33.2.Alone][$Seriousness -=5;]]\ [['"What do you want?"'|C33.3.Alone][$Seriousness +=5; $Humor -=5]]\ [[Ignore him.|C33.4.Alone][$Social -=5]] <<notify 4s>>◈ Autosaved.<</notify>>\ <</fadein>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “I like trouble,” you reply coolly. “Brings some excitement to the usual mundane nights around here...” //“It might bring more trouble than you can handle,”// Bastion replies, grinning. “Which is why //you're// here,” you remind him. //“Indeed,”// he says, chuckling. //“And I will be here a ''while'', <<Wanderer>>, until you find all the answers. I suppose you better get ''used'' to having me around...”// [['"Sounds like hell."'|C35.1.Alone][$BastionAffinity -=5; $Kindness -=5]]\ [['"Fine by me."'|C35.2.Alone][$BastionAffinity +=5]]\ <<if $Sexuality is "androsexual" or $Sexuality is "bisexual">>\ <<link "“I don't mind.” $flirtIcon">><<set $BastionAffinity +=5>><<set $Social +=5>><<goto "C35.3.Alone">><</link>>\ <<else>><span class = "inactive"><<link "“I don't mind.” $flirtIcon">><<<goto "C35.3.Alone">><</link>></span><</if>>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “I was expecting you to show up,” you say knowingly. //“Then you're beginning to understand how this works,”// replies Bastion, grinning. //“The sooner you get used to me, the ''better.'' Because we might be here a while, <<Wanderer>>...”// [['"Sounds like hell."'|C35.1.Alone][$BastionAffinity -=5; $Kindness -=5]]\ [['"Fine by me."'|C35.2.Alone][$BastionAffinity +=5]]\ <<if $Sexuality is "androsexual" or $Sexuality is "bisexual">>\ <<link "“I don't mind.” $flirtIcon">><<set $BastionAffinity +=5>><<set $Social +=5>><<goto "C35.3.Alone">><</link>>\ <<else>><span class = "inactive"><<link "“I don't mind.” $flirtIcon">><<<goto "C35.3.Alone">><</link>></span><</if>>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “I don't want company,” you say firmly. //“But you ''need'' it,”// says Bastion. //“And as your ward, it's my job to watch over you.”// “Yeah, but that doesn't mean you need to breathing down my neck. You can do your thing from the shadows, like you usually do.” Bastion chuckles and sighs. //“Better get used to me,”// he says. //“Because we might be here a ''while'', <<Wanderer>>...”// [['"Sounds like hell."'|C35.1.Alone][$BastionAffinity -=5; $Kindness -=5]]\ [['"Fine by me."'|C35.2.Alone][$BastionAffinity +=5]]\

<<audio story_bgm fadeout>>\ <<audio dream_sequence_bgm volume 0 fadeto 0.2 loop>>\ <<fadein 4s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>//Terror//</h2><hr></div> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider_black.png" /></center> //<span class="highlight-dream">Your knees scrape</span> against rough, cold stone as you descend into the dark. A spiraling staircase looms around you, its bricked walls only partially lit by dim, golden light shed by torch sconces. Their feeble flames cast flickering shadows all around you, and it’s just enough to illuminate your descent, but not enough to banish the cold seeping into your bones. You’re not yourself. Parched, ragged moans tumble from your lips—a sound unfamiliar. It’s <<if $Gender is "female">>a different<<else>><</if>> woman’s voice. Two pale hands clamp down on your biceps, their charcoal-black nails digging into your skin like claws. Your head droops, too heavy to lift, your neck a fragile thread struggling to hold the weight. Awareness comes in fragments. You realize you’re in someone else’s body, in a different place at a different time. It’s much like that vivid memory you had before, of ''Bryce.'' A hoarse whisper scratches its way out of your throat. “Please,” her voice—''your voice''—rasps, barely audible over the crackling torches. “I’m not your enemy.” The words ripple through the darkness, fading into the abyss, unanswered. The silence presses in, heavy and suffocating. The hands gripping you tighten, nails sinking ''deeper'' into your flesh. Pain blossoms in sharp, stinging waves, and a strangled cry claws its way out of your throat. [[Try to struggle free.|Dream Sequence 3.1][$Choice to 1; $Bravery +=5]]\ [[Examine your surroundings.|Dream Sequence 3.1][$Choice to 2; $Intelligence +=5; $NoticedSymbols to true]]\ [[Plead again.|Dream Sequence 3.1][$Choice to 3; $Bravery -=5]] <</fadein>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if visited() eq 1>>\ <<if $HeartShapedGlasses is true and $CalledBastionHandsome is true>>“That doesn't sound so bad,” you say, a coy smirk tugging at your lips. You flick your shades up and gaze upon his form before adding, “You've kept your word so far, and you're not bad company. Not to mention the free eye candy...” Bastion laughs heartily. //“Eye candy? ''Me?'' Oh, $PlayerName... I think those ''adorable'' shades may be impairing your vision.”// “//Hey//, go easy on yourself! Sure, your face--or, //lack of//--could use a little work, and those chompers are pretty gnarly, but your //body's// nice. Plus, the height's a bonus...” //“You ''flatter'' me, <<Wanderer>>,”// Bastion says with a chuckle. //“You must ''want'' something.”// “Only your attention,” you reply, smiling. Bastion's grin perks up. //“You have it.”//\ <<else>>\ “I don't mind,” you say, a smile tugging at the corner of your lips. “I'll be honest; the //unsettling grin//, //dreadful claws//, and //morbid sense of humor// are glowing red flags, but I think I can look past all that. I mean, you've kept your word so far, and you're not //terrible// company.” Bastion lets out a husky laugh. //“Ah,”// he sighs. <<if $BastionAffinity gte 35>>//“The feeling's ''mutual'', <<Wanderer>>.”//<</if>> <</if>>\ <<link "Ask about his claws. $questioningIcon">><<set $Choice1 to true>><<goto "C36.1.Alone">><</link>>\ <<link "Ask about his grin. $questioningIcon">><<set $Choice2 to true>><<goto "C36.2.Alone">><</link>>\ <<link "“What do you do for fun?” $questioningIcon">><<set $Choice3 to true>><<goto "C36.3.Alone">><</link>>\ [[Continue...|Page 28.Alone][$Choice1 to false; $Choice2 to false; $Choice3 to false]]\ \ \ \ \ \ <<notify 4s>>◈ Bastion liked that.<</notify>>\ <<elseif visited() lte 3>>\ You might have time for more questions... <<if $Choice1 is false>><<link "Ask about his claws. $questioningIcon">><<set $Choice1 to true>><<goto "C36.1.Alone">><</link>><</if>>\ <<if $Choice2 is false>><<link "Ask about his grin. $questioningIcon">><<set $Choice2 to true>><<goto "C36.2.Alone">><</link>><</if>>\ <<if $Choice3 is false>><<link "“What do you do for fun?” $questioningIcon">><<set $Choice3 to true>><<goto "C36.3.Alone">><</link>>\<</if>>\ [[Continue...|Page 28.Alone][$Choice1 to false; $Choice2 to false; $Choice3 to false]]\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif visited() eq 4>>\ You've satisfied your curiosities for now; you have no more questions for Bastion. [[Continue...|Page 28.Alone][$Choice1 to false; $Choice2 to false; $Choice3 to false]] <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if visited() eq 1>>\ “As long as you continue making yourself useful, that's fine by me.” //“I'll do my very best to uphold my end of the bargain, <<Wanderer>>, as long as ''you'' uphold ''yours''.”// <<link "Ask about his claws. $questioningIcon">><<set $Choice1 to true>><<goto "C36.1.1.Alone">><</link>>\ <<link "Ask about his grin. $questioningIcon">><<set $Choice2 to true>><<goto "C36.3.3.Alone">><</link>>\ <<link "“What do you do for fun?” $questioningIcon">><<set $Choice3 to true>><<goto "C36.3.Alone">><</link>>\ [[Continue.|Page 28.Alone][$Choice1 to false; $Choice2 to false; $Choice3 to false]]\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif visited() lte 3>>\ You might have time for more questions... <<if $Choice1 is false>><<link "Ask about his claws. $questioningIcon">><<set $Choice1 to true>><<goto "C36.1.1.Alone">><</link>><</if>>\ <<if $Choice2 is false>><<link "Ask about his grin. $questioningIcon">><<set $Choice2 to true>><<goto "C36.3.3.Alone">><</link>><</if>>\ <<if $Choice3 is false>><<link "“What do you do for fun?” $questioningIcon">><<set $Choice3 to true>><<goto "C36.3.Alone">><</link>>\<</if>>\ [[Continue.|Page 28.Alone][$Choice1 to false; $Choice2 to false; $Choice3 to false]]\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif visited() eq 4>>\ You've satisfied your curiosities for now; you have no more questions for Bastion. [[Continue|Page 28.Alone][$Choice1 to false; $Choice2 to false; $Choice3 to false]] <</if>>\

<<fadein 4s>>\ <center><div class="chapterHead"><h2>//Sexual Content//</h2><hr></div> //This interactive fiction features some instances of sexual themes. This sexual content is ''optional''. You can enable or disable it now, and it can later be toggled on or off on the <span class="gold">Customize</span> page.//</center> <center><div class='zoom'>[img[images/other/Enable.png][Prologue][$SexualContent to "enabled"]]</div>\ <div class='zoom'>[img[images/other/Disable.png][Prologue][$SexualContent to "disabled"]]</div></center> <</fadein>>\

<center><<audio character_page_music volume 0.25 loop play>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>//Sexual Content//</h2><hr></div> //Enable or disable sexual content here. Sexual content is currently <span class="gold">$SexualContent</span>.// <<if $SexualContent is "disabled">><span class="disabled"><div class='zoom'>[img[images/other/Enable.png][Sexual Content][$SexualContent to "enabled"]]</div></span><<else>><div class='zoom'>[img[images/other/Enable.png][Sexual Content][$SexualContent to "enabled"]]</div><</if>>\ <<if $SexualContent is "enabled">><span class="disabled"><div class='zoom'>[img[images/other/Disable.png][Sexual Content][$SexualContent to "disabled"]]</div></span><<else>><div class='zoom'>[img[images/other/Disable.png][Sexual Content][$SexualContent to "disabled"]]</div><</if>>\ [[Back|Character]]</center>

<<fadein 3s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> For ten long minutes, silence clings to the air. You glance around, unsure how far you should go—or even in //which direction.// With no guiding hand, uncertainty coils tight in your chest. You don’t want to be out here all night, wandering aimlessly, but you have no compass. Your gaze drifts over your shoulder, landing on Bastion. He follows silently, his pitch form a shadow against the mist. Finally, you break the silence. “Where do I go from here?” you ask. “Do you have any pointers, or…?” Bastion grins. //“As I’ve told you, <<Wanderer,>>”// he begins, //“I am ''blind'' to the fog. But ''you'' can see everything—if only you put your mind to it.”// You sigh, irritated. “Don’t riddle me, Bastion.” He chuckles, then sighs. //“The way forward isn't something you find; it’s something you ''feel''. You should feel ''drawn'' to the Marks outlying the realms, ''called'' to them. ''A pull''…”// His grin curves. //“Tell me—what do you feel?”// [[Nothing.|C37.1.Alone][$Seriousness +=5; $Humor -=5]]\ [[An itch.|C37.2.Alone][$Seriousness -=5; $Humor -=5]]\ [[Cold.|C37.3.Alone][$Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ <</fadein>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice2 is true>>“And, about your claws...”<<else>>“So, about your claws...”<</if>> you begin, motioning toward the grotesque, spidery limbs that arch from his back. They twitch faintly, almost as if they’re alive, their jagged edges glinting in the moonlight. “What are those exactly? Do they… serve a purpose?” Bastion tilts his head, his grin twitching. //“They are an unfortunate consequence of the fog's ''corruption'',”// he says, his voice a low rumble. //“Born from it, they are not entirely ''mine''—but they ''obey'' me... Most of the time.”// A faint chuckle escapes him as one claw flexes erratically, curling outward before retreating. //“Erratic though they may be, I’ve learned to make use of them. They serve many purposes now, <<Wanderer>>.”// You shift uneasily under his blank gaze.“And… do they hurt?” The question is out before you can stop yourself, but curiosity burns through your caution. His grin widens. //“Only in the ''best'' way.”// A claw twitches as if reacting to his words, its sharp point scraping the ground behind him. Your gaze flickers to it, then back to him. “That //doesn't// exactly answer my question.” He barks with laughter. //“Pain and pleasure come hand in hand, <<Wanderer>>. It’s a lesson the fog has ''taught'' me—one you might learn ''yourself'', in time.”// He leans down slightly, his grin stretching impossibly wider. //“…But they can be ''gentle''.”// Your pulse quickens as one claw curls toward you, stopping just shy of your shoulder. It lingers there, the sharp tip almost brushing your skin. //“Care to ''test'' them?”// he teases, his tone playful. You take a step back instinctively, your breath catching in your throat. “You know what? I think I’ll pass.” Bastion laughs again, clearly amused. //“Wise,”// he says, retracting his claws. //“But should you change your mind, well... ''You need only ask.''”// [[Ah.|C35.3.Alone]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice1 is true>>“And the unsettling grin?” you ask, <<else>>“About the unsettling grin...” you begin, <</if>>hesitating slightly as his predatory smile turns toward you. His grin seems to widen at your words, if that’s even possible. //“What of it?// he asks. //“Does it ''bother'' you?”//. His voice is smooth, with a teasing lilt. “It’s… well… //unsettling,”// you admit. “Are you always //happy,// or is it just stuck that way?” He chuckles. //“It’s ''supposed'' to make me more approachable—think of it as a ''mask'', <<Wanderer>>.”// He leans toward you slightly, lowering his voice. //“Does it not work?”// You scoff nervously, shaking your head. “If it’s a mask, then what are you hiding behind it?” you challenge, tilting your head to meet his gaze—or at least where his gaze //should// be. For a fraction of a second, the grin falters, replaced by a blank, unreadable expression. The shift is so brief you almost wonder if you imagined it. //“Only ''good'' things,”// Bastion answers, his tone light. You arch a brow, unconvinced. “Good things? I'm not buying it.” His grin returns, wider and sharper than before. //“It's all a matter of ''perspective'',”// he muses. //“But perhaps it’s better if you ''don’t'' find out...”// You scoff. “Well, if you’re trying to make yourself more //approachable//, you might want to reconsider the whole //sinister grin// thing.” Bastion laughs. //“Ah, but here you are, still speaking to me... Perhaps it’s working better than you think.”// “I’m just curious.” Bastion tilts his head, his grin becoming playful. //“Curiosity is a ''dangerous'' thing...”// It //sure// is. Maybe you should change the subject... [[Moving on|C35.3.Alone]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Everything...?” you say hesitantly. Nea slaps your shoulder. “//Everything,//” she says. “And all about that <<if $LookedDownstairs is true>>creep that supposedly locked you in a closet.<<elseif $LookedDownstairs is false>>creepy bastard you //think// you saw upstairs.<</if>>” <<if $Kindness lt 45>>“I know what I saw,” you affirm. “I didn't imagine it, and I don't need the rest of you looking at me like I'm crazy, either.”<<else>>“I know it's hard to believe, but I know what I saw. It was real--I can't //prove// it, but I don't need you guys looking at me like I'm crazy.”<</if>> “We're not saying you're crazy,” says Meg. “But we've never seen anything like that out here in the fog... You usually find creepy shit like that in the trial grounds.” “Aye,” David pipes up. “And let's hope it stays that way. Trouble's the last thing we need out here...” [[Continue...|Continue 7]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “I think so,” you reply. “There’s gotta be more out here than just some decrepit old cabin…” “You think, or you //hope//?” Nea says, raising an eyebrow. “I swear, we’ve scoured these woods a thousand times, and we’ve never found anything. Occasionally, we come across scraps or random toolboxes, but that’s it.” <<if $Humor gte 55>>“//Only// a thousand times? Did you try a thousand-and-one times?” you ask teasingly.<<else>>“You must not have looked hard enough,” you reply.<</if>> Nea scoffs. “Right… Well, unless you have some sort of secret treasure map that the rest of us don’t, I’m not holding my breath.” <<if $Optimism gte 55>>“It doesn't hurt to keep your head up, Nea.”<<else>>“We'll see.”<</if>> [[Continue|Continue 7]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Nope,” you reply. //“Really?”// says Nea, her brow heavily furrowed. <<if $SearchingFor_Answers is true>>“But that's the whole reason we're out here! You said you wanted to find 'answers.'” “Just because I want to doesn't mean we will,” you reply pointedly. Nea scoffs. "Damn, Debbie Downer. I'm starting to wish I had stayed at the campfire..."<<elseif $QuietWalk is true>>"Huh," she adds, "so you actually came out here for a quiet stroll through the woods..." “Gotta get away from camp once in a while to clear my head, y'know?” Nea grunts.<<else>>“Hmph... I just think you're being //sneaky//. But it's none of our business, right?” She turns away and crossly folds her arms.<</if>> [[Continue...|Continue 7]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> David garners your attention with a grunt. When you turn to him, you meet a steely gaze. “While we're on the subject of camp gossip, //I// hear that you ran a trial with Dwight the other night...” Nea scoffs. “Yeah, I think we've all heard. It's all Dwight's been able to talk about lately.” She slaps you on the back. <<if $PushedDwight is true>>“Sorry, new-blood, but //Dwighty boy// ratted on ya. Told us ''all'' about how you used him as a meat shield to save your own __skin__.” “I'm sure it wasn't malicious,” Meg says, frowning. “We've all done the same thing; admit it.” Sneering, Nea replies, “It's one thing to leave someone behind, but it's a whole other to throw 'em to the wolves.” She looks at you again. “Don't even //think// about trying that shit with us,” she says. “//If// we run into trouble out here, we'll handle it __together__.” [['"Every man for himself."'|C34.1][$Corruption +=5; $Reputation -=5; $Kindness -=5; $MegAffinity -=5; $NeaAffinity -=5; $DavidAffinity -=5]]\ [['"Got it."'|C34.2]]\ [[Say nothing.|C34.3][$Social -=5; $NeaAffinity -=5]]\ <<elseif $PushedDwight is false>>“He told us all about how you came to his rescue like a knight in shining armor. You threw yourself in harm's way for him and took a beating, too.” Meg smiles slightly. “That's cool of you, $Gender_Ref. There aren't many people here who would do the same in that position...” New nickers. “Yeah. And with the way Dwight's been raving about you, it almost sounds like he's //in love.// Be careful, though--he might develop a crush and start following you around like a lost puppy...” David shoulders you. “In any case, good on you. But we won't be having any a' that //self-sacrifice// out here. If we find trouble, we'll handle it __together__.” [['"Understood."'|Continue 8]] <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “It's every <<woman>> for <<herself>> out here,” you say. “I wasn't about to put my life on the line for some stranger I just met.” “Hey, that ‘stranger’ might very well have your life in his hands one day,” Nea says, sneering. “You're in the same boat as the rest of us, and you need to start being a team player. If you don't have anyone's back, they won't have yours.” “We can't fault <<her>> for looking out for <<herself>>,” says Meg. “We've all been in the same position before, and it's never easy throwing someone else to the wolves. We shouldn't hold grudges here.” Nea scoffs. "Yeah, well, it wouldn't hurt to show some remorse..." She stares daggers through you before turning away and crossing her arms. David and Meg remain quiet, and a heavy silence falls over your group. [[Continue|Continue 8]] <<notify 4s>>◈ Nobody liked that.<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if $RemorsePushedDwight is true>>“I know,” you reply, frowning. “I didn't push him to be //cruel//. I was looking out for myself.” “I hear you; we've all been in the same position before, and it's never easy throwing someone else to the wolves,” says Meg understandingly. “You shouldn't beat yourself up over it. We--//most of us//--don't hold grudges here.” Nea scoffs. “Yeah. And lucky you, Dwight's a softie.”<<else>>“Yeah, yeah, I got it. But I shouldn't have to explain myself,” you say, frowning. “When it came down to it, it was //him// or //me//; end of story.” “It's just something to keep in mind,” mutters Nea. “It doesn't have to be 'kill or be killed'; we can do better.” “And I ''will'',” you firmly say.<</if>> [[Continue...|Continue 8]]

<<fadein 3s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> For ten long minutes, silence clings to the air. You glance around, unsure how far you should go—or even in //which direction.// With no guiding hand, uncertainty coils tight in your chest. You don’t want to be out here all night, wandering aimlessly, but you have no compass. After glancing between the other three, you increase your pace and surely and //discreetly// distance yourself from them. Your lead invites Bastion to your side, where he materializes in a dark cloud with a warm chuckle. //“I ''knew'' it was only a matter of time until you beckoned me...”// “Where do I go from here?” you ask. “Do you have any pointers, or…?” Bastion grins. //“As I’ve told you, <<Wanderer,>>”// he begins, //“I am ''blind'' to the fog. But ''you'' can see everything—if only you put your mind to it.”// You sigh, irritated. “Don’t riddle me, Bastion.” He chuckles, then sighs. //“The way forward isn't something you find; it’s something you ''feel''. You should feel ''drawn'' to the Marks outlying the realms, ''called'' to them. ''A pull''…”// His grin curves. //“Tell me—what do you feel?”// [[Nothing.|C35.1][$Seriousness +=5; $Humor -=5]]\ [[An itch.|C35.2][$Seriousness -=5; $Humor -=5]]\ [[Cold.|C35.3][$Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ <</fadein>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You have nothing to say in response to her aggressive accusations. Your silence puts a sneer on her face. “Cat got your tongue?” scoffs Nea. “This isn't something that just //goes away// if you ignore it. And if you ever want to stand with the rest of us, you need to be a team player.” “Nea, come on; drop it,” Meg says, sighing. “Whatever <<her>> reasons, we shouldn't nag <<her>> for it. We've all done the same thing in <<her>> position before, whether you want to admit it or not.” Nea scoffs. “Yeah, well, it wouldn't hurt to show some remorse… Or to ''say'' something, at the very least.” She turns away, crossing her arms. David side-eyes you and comments, “<<She>> might just be the quiet type. We have a couple of those already…” “Yeah, and we can do without one more,” Nea mutters. [[Continue...|Continue 8]] <<notify 4s>>◈ Nea didn't like that.<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Nothing,” you answer. “I don't feel ''anything''.” //“You need to focus, <<Wanderer>>. I never said these answers would come easily.”// “I'm ''trying'',” you insist. “But I don't know what I'm doing, and I don't exactly have a //map// laid out in front of me... When you offered me guidance, I assumed you meant it //literally//. But it feels like I'm the only one holding the reins.” //“You're the only one who ''can'',”// Bastion replies. //“But don't fret; small steps,”// he says, laying a hand on your shoulder. //“I never said it would be easy, but I believe you'll find the way.”// You swipe his hand off your shoulder. “Why does it //suspiciously// feel like I'm carrying all the weight?” //“You carry a substanial amount. But I can carry a part of that burden with you,”// Bastion says, grinning. “Can you start //now?//” Bastion vanishes with a chuckle. As soon as he’s gone, Nea charges past you, exclaiming, “Hey! I think we’ve struck gold!” You look ahead, puzzled, to find a wall of black fog around a bend of shrubs and trees. Coming to a stop beside the others, you join Nea before it and scoff. Nea keeps her distance from the dark barrier. She elbows you in the side and says, “Do your thing.” [['"Huh?"'|C36.1][$Seriousness -=5]]\ [[Touch the wall.|C36.2][$Bravery +=5]]\ [['"Careful."'|C36.3][$Seriousness +=5; $Humor -=5]]\ <<if $Gender is "male">>[['"Ladies first."'|C36.4][$Reputation -=5; $Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]<</if>>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Uh... an itch?” you say with uncertainty. “Like, this //really// annoying itch that's been crawling up my back for the past five minutes...” <<if $Fear is "spiders">>//“''That's'' because you have a __spider__ on your back.”// Your eyes go wide, and you let out a shriek while haphazardly flailing your arms and swiping up and down your back. No //fuzzy little friend// goes flying off of you--not that you can see. Bastion's warm chuckle puts a frown on your face. “//Really?//” you say, annoyed. Still nickering at your expense, he replies, //“I can't help myself sometimes.”//<<else>>//“Hmm... I don't think that's relevent, <<Wanderer>>. The pull should come from ''within''; it should be innate and telling.”//<</if>> You sigh heavily. “I wish I knew what I was doing... I don't exactly have a map laid out in front of me. And when you offered me guidance, I assumed you meant it //literally//. But it feels like I'm the only one holding the reins.” //“You're the only one who ''can'',”// Bastion replies. //“But don't fret; small steps,”// he says, laying a hand on your shoulder. //“I never said it would be easy, but I believe you'll find the way.”// You swipe his hand off your shoulder. “Why does it //suspiciously// feel like I'm carrying all the weight?” //“You carry a substanial amount. But I can carry a part of that burden with you,”// Bastion says, grinning. “Can you start //now?//” Bastion vanishes with a chuckle. As soon as he's gone, Nea charges past you, exclaiming, “Hey! I think we've struck gold!” You look ahead, puzzled, to find a wall of black fog around a bend of shrubs and trees. Coming to a stop beside the others, you join Nea before it and scoff. Nea keeps her distance from the dark barrier. She elbows you in the side and says, “Do your thing.” [['"Huh?"'|C36.1][$Seriousness -=5]]\ [[Touch the wall.|C36.2][$Bravery +=5]]\ [['"Careful."'|C36.3][$Seriousness +=5; $Humor -=5]]\ <<if $Gender is "male">>[['"Ladies first."'|C36.4][$Reputation -=5; $Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]<</if>>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Cold,” you reply. “//Really// cold. Man, what I'd give to just //turn back// and sit by the campfire...” //“You'll never have anything done at that rate,”// Bastion says with a chuckle. //“Focus, <<Wanderer>>--the sooner we find a ''Mark'', the sooner you'll rest.”// “I know,” you reply, sighing. “But I don't know what I'm doing, and I don't exactly have a map laid out in front of me... When you offered me guidance, I assumed you meant it //literally//. But it feels like I'm the only one holding the reins.” //“You're the only one who ''can'',”// Bastion replies. //“But don't fret; small steps,”// he says, laying a hand on your shoulder. //“I never said it would be easy, but I believe you'll find the way.”// You swipe his hand off your shoulder. “Why does it //suspiciously// feel like I'm carrying all the weight?” //“You carry a substanial amount. But I can carry a part of that burden with you,”// Bastion says, grinning. “Can you carry //me//, too? My legs are killing me...” Bastion vanishes with a hearty laugh. As soon as he's gone, Nea charges past you, exclaiming, “Hey! I think we've struck gold!” You look ahead, puzzled, to find a wall of black fog around a bend of shrubs and trees. Coming to a stop beside the others, you join Nea before it and scoff. Nea keeps her distance from the dark barrier. She elbows you in the side and says, “Do your thing.” [['"Huh?"'|C36.1][$Seriousness -=5]]\ [[Touch the wall.|C36.2][$Bravery +=5]]\ [['"Careful."'|C36.3][$Seriousness +=5; $Humor -=5]]\ <<if $Gender is "male">>[['"Ladies first."'|C36.4][$Reputation -=5; $Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]<</if>>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Huh?” you say, raising an eyebrow. “Why don’t //you// touch it?” Nea scoffs. “Because it has to be you, right? Claud told us that the //last time// you ran into something like this, you touched it, and it ''vanished''. I don’t know what the hell it is, and I’m not touchin’ it.” “Just poke it real quick,” Meg insists, nudging you lightly. “If something weird happens, we’ll run.” “You mean //you’ll// run and leave the rest of us in the dust, right?” says Nea, snickering. “We’ll be //fine//,” says David, firmly planting his hands on his hips. He looks at you. “Go on, then.” You face around to gaze upon the imposing black barrier. Much like the one before, it reaches high beyond the canopy and to the left and right as far as you can see. Swallowing thickly, you reach forward and graze its misty surface, shuddering at its frigid touch. Momentarily after, the fog wall thins and collapses, making your companions jump away in fright. As the black mist disperses at your feet, you gaze at what lies ahead. [[Continue...|Pg.49.NotAlone]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You take a step toward the imposing black barrier while your companions cautiously step back. Much like the one before it, it reaches high beyond the canopy and to the left and right as far as you can see. Reaching out, you graze its misty surface, shuddering at its frigid touch. Momentarily after, the fog wall thins and collapses, making your companions jump away in fright. As the black mist disperses at your feet, you gaze at what lies ahead. [[Continue|Pg.49.NotAlone]] <<notify 4s>>◈ //You're brave...//<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “We should be careful,” you warn. “We can't go running half-cocked at every strange thing we find out here.” “//You're// the one who said we'd have nothing to worry about,” Nea replies pointedly. “And we already agreed that if we run into trouble, we'll handle it together.” “It doesn't hurt to be extra careful,” Meg says. Nea blows a raspberry. “Just touch the damn fog so we can see what happens.” You face around to gaze upon the imposing black barrier. Much like the one before, it reaches high beyond the canopy and to the left and right as far as you can see. Swallowing thickly, you reach forward and graze its misty surface, shuddering at its frigid touch. Momentarily after, the fog wall thins and collapses, making your companions jump away in fright. As the black mist disperses at your feet, you gaze at what lies ahead. [[Continue...|Pg.49.NotAlone]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Ladies first,” you say, stepping back and glancing between Nea and Meg. Nea scoffs. “You're //kidding//, right?” “Hey, I'm just as freaked out by it as //you// are,” you say, shuddering. “You first.” Nea rolls her eyes and gives you a shove forward. “Don't pussy out on us already, new-blood.” You pout and face around to gaze upon the imposing black barrier. Much like the one before, it's reaches high beyond the canopy and to the left and right as far as you can see. Swallowing thickly, you reach forward and graze its misty surface, shuddering at its frigid touch. Momentarily after, the fog wall thins and collapses, making your companions jump away in fright. As the black mist disperses at your feet, you gaze at what lies ahead. [[Continue|Pg.49.NotAlone]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if visited() eq 1>>\ <img src="images/other/foghaven.png" /> Before you is a wooden cabin, its exterior blending with the dark trees around it. The walls are aged, covered in thick, leafy vines and tarnished with damage. The windows are shuttered tight, and the porch is rickety and old. A rocking chair sways with the faint breeze that brushes past. Nea steps up to gawk at the sight. “Is this the cabin you and Claud found?” “No,” you answer, puzzled. “But it’s very similar.” “Well, what are we waiting for?” she asks. “Let’s get in there and see what there is to see.” David almost bowls you over when approaching the hovel. “Aye,” he says eagerly in agreement. “We didn’t come all this way for nothing. We might even find some tools around camp to work with!” Meg follows him. <<if $ToldClaudette is true>>“We should be careful,” she says. “We don’t want to run into trouble like $PlayerName did before.”<<else>>“I doubt it. Claud and $PlayerName said they didn’t find anything in that last place…”<</if>> “There’s no harm in havin’ a quick look,” says David. He and Nea race up the porch steps. You follow them, wavering when Bastion appears beside you. //“You’re improving,”// he says encouragingly, with a broad grin. //“''This'' one came easy.”// “What is this place?” you ask. //“A ''haven,''”// he answers. //“Your ''predecessor'' had come to this place before... You might still find some of his belongings, unless the fog has already taken them.”// When you step inside the cabin, Bastion vanishes as quickly as he came. Immediately, you feel a chill run down your spine. The air is musty and thick, and the only light comes from the full moon peeking in through the gaps in the shutters. You pause in the doorway to peruse the room: a small circular table with two chairs pushed against the left wall, beneath a shelf stacked with empty jars. Straight ahead, a fireplace and barren hearth. Right of you, a staircase and a door beneath it. And, curiously, a large hole in the wall near the front door. Nea walks through a dark doorway opposite you, while Meg heads upstairs alone with caution. David explores the room beneath the stairs. [[Follow Nea.|C37.1][$Choice1 to true]]\ [[Upstairs after Meg.|C37.2][$Choice2 to true]]\ [[Join David.|Continue 9][$Choice1 to false; $Choice2 to false]]\ <<elseif visited() lt 6>>\ <<if $Choice2 is true>>You walk downstairs and return to the main room.<<elseif $Choice1 is true>>You return to the main room.<</if>> [[Follow Nea.|C37.1][$Choice1 to true]]\ [[Upstairs after Meg.|C37.2][$Choice2 to true]]\ [[Join David.|Continue 9][$Choice1 to false; $Choice2 to false]]\ <<elseif visited() gte 6>>\ You're wasting time; you should check in on David. [[Join David.|Continue 9][$Choice1 to false; $Choice2 to false]]\ <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Latest News</h2><hr></div> !!<span class="gold">Most Recent Change Log:</span> <span class="gold">NEW CHAPTER!!!</span> It's been a hot minute, //sheesh.// But I've finally got a new chapter for y'all! :D Along with some minor and //not-so-minor// changes: • <span class="gold">Added more flavor text</span> to previous chapters. • <span class="gold">Added additional dialogues</span> and interactions with Bastion in previous chapters. • <span class="gold">I've made some big changes</span> behind the scenes, which will unfortunately require you to create a new Character and save file in order to continue playing without issues--sorry! • <span class="gold">Replaced BG art and theme</span> of the Status Page, yet again. I'm sorry… I just can't help myself, y'all. <span class="gold">PLEASE do not load a previous saved game!!</span> Because of the changes I've made behind the scenes, those playthroughs will NOT function correctly moving forward. You MUST create a new character. Again, I'm sorry for the inconvenience. But hey, this'll give you a chance to run through again and check out the changes :D (And to help me squash some new bugs…) And that's all! I hope you all enjoy this new chapter! :D Let me know if you have any problems! XOXO //<span class="gold">Sidenote:</span> Would you kindly leave a rating and review on the game and tell me what you think? Feedback is very welcome here! I'm always trying to improve :>// <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.20 loop>><</link>>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if visited() eq 1>>\ You follow Nea through the doorway on the opposite end of the room, entering a kitchen. It's a rustic spot, darker than the main room and sharing the same hardwood flooring. You see a single shuttered window besides a back door, stacks of firewood pressed beside it, a long row of white cupboards, and a wood stove beside a metal basin. Nea's buried in a cabinet near the back wall. She hears your footsteps and looks over her shoulder. “Nothing but cobwebs and dust bunnies,” she mutters. You have a look around, scoping out the basin and stove before yanking open a creaky drawer. Small bugs scatter out of sight, and your eyes widen at a rusted kitchen knife. “Found something,” you say, brandishing the blade and giving it a few swings. Nea turns around, surprised. “Huh; I //swear// I already checked there...” You hand off the blade for her to examine. “Sweet find,” she says. “But you'll never get it into a trial. Still, it might be useful around camp...” She hands it back and steps away. You tuck the knife into your backpack and leave the room. [[Continue searching|Pg.49.NotAlone]]\ <<set $Inventory.push("$knife")>>\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Item Added to Inventory: ''Kitchen Knife''<</notify>>\ <<elseif visited() eq 2>>\ You re-enter the kitchen, perhaps hoping to find something you might've missed the first time. But as you stop in the center of the room, you catch Nea's eye again. “Nothing new,” she says. “And I'm being //really// thorough this time.” You turn right around and leave the kitchen. [[Continue searching|Pg.49.NotAlone]]\ <<elseif visited() gt 2>>\ You re-enter the kitchen again, doubtful anything new has come up. When Nea sees you, she shakes her head and continues looking. [[Continue searching|Pg.49.NotAlone]]\ <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if visited() eq 1>>\ You head upstairs after Meg and check around the vacant rooms. The first door on the right is a bathroom, mostly empty aside from a large metal tub in the center, and barren wooden shelves on the walls. You pocket a razor you find on a shelf, then you move on. The second door on the left side of the hall is a small broom closet overflowing with tarnished sheets. The door on the right, near the back end of the hall, is a bedroom. You push through the parted door and find Meg on her hands and knees searching under a large, quilted bed. She looks at you over her shoulder, sighing. “Hey. Haven't found anything yet... And it's not looking good.” “I'll have a look around,” you say. “Knock yourself out.” You turn slowly on your heels. It's a cozy room, with a tall vanity on the far wall, a large, curtained window behind the bed, and shelves topped with unlit candles. The bed looks comfortable, but that wooden frame has seen better days, and the quilt is dirty. Meg sees you eyeing it. “I know what you're thinking, but //trust me// when I say we shouldn't drag this damn thing back to camp; we'd have bedbugs in our sleeping bags in no time...” “Noted.” Upon further inspection, there's nothing else of interest. You turn around and leave the room. [[Continue searching|Pg.49.NotAlone]]\ <<set $Inventory.push("$shaving_razor")>>\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Item Added to Inventory: ''Razor''<</notify>>\ <<elseif visited() gte 2>>\ You go back upstairs and scour the bathroom and closet, but you find nothing else of interest. [[Continue searching|Pg.49.NotAlone]] <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You push through the door beneath the stairs, surprised to find David tearing through the drawers of an old desk. It's a dark, antiquated desk made of fine wood, with a tacky brown chair pushed against it. It sits beneath a bare window, centered between two tall, empty bookshelves. A vintage red rug covers the floor underfoot. Stepping forward, the floor groans beneath you. David looks back and scoffs. “You can't be sneakin' up on me like that, <<lamb>>. Almost spun around and socked you one.” “Sorry,” you apologize. “You find anything in here?” David sighs. “Not a bloody thing,” he mutters. He kicks a drawer shut and turns to you, folding his arms. “What do you make of this place?” [[This is sad.|C38.1][$Emotion +=5]]\ [[This is creepy.|C38.2][$Bravery -=5]]\ [[This is a waste of time.|C38.3][$Seriousness +=5; $Humor -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> David exits the study first, and you follow closely behind. But as you take a step forward, the floor groans heavily underfoot. Pausing, you crease your brow and listen. Then—without a second to react—the floor //gives//. A sharp crack splinters through the air as the boards collapse beneath you. Your stomach lurches, your body tilting forward into the sudden void— You shout, cut off with an //'oof!'// as David snags you around the waist and yanks you backward. Landing upon him, you both crash to the floor in the main room. <<if $Pottymouth gte 15>>“Shit!” you swear.<<else>>“Shoot!” you exclaim.<</if>> You puzzle at the gaping hole in the floor. A massive chunk of floorboards is missing, and everything that furnished the study--the desk, the rug, the shelves--is gone, swallowed up by the abyss. You almost went with it. [[Thank David.|C39.1][$DavidAffinity +=5; $Kindness +=5]]\ [['"What the fuck?"'|C39.2][$Pottymouth +=5]]\ [[Pick yourself up.|C39.3][$Social -=5]]

<div class="papertext"><center>''Razor'' <img src="images/icons/shaving_razor.png" /></center> Haven't seen one of these in a while; the blades look rusted, and there are tiny brown hairs stuck between them, but I'm sure I'll make use of it if I get desperate enough. Wish I'd found some shaving cream to go along with it, though -- no one likes razor burn. <center>[[Back|Inventory]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.15 loop>><</link>></center> </div>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> The others leave ahead of you. But as you take a step after them, a sharp pain jolts up your spine, making you cry out and stagger forward. When you shut your eyes and reopen them, you're someplace else. //[[Who am I?|Page 29.NotAlone]]//

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You jolt back to reality with a gasp. The others are gone, but you hear their faint voices outside. Nea calls to you, “Hey, new-blood! Are you coming or what?” You gather your bearings and approach the main door, but waver at the sight of the hole in the wall. You had passed it up without a thought before, but now you wonder if Bryce’s bag could be inside. You came here looking for answers and you won’t pass them up. Hesitantly, you reach into the dark hole. At first, you feel nothing, but then your knuckles brush against something soft. Upon further inspection, you realize it’s a cloth strap. You curl your fingers around it and tug. A brown shoulder bag comes out, and your chest flutters with excitement. But it’s short-lived—you realize, with despondence, that the bag is empty. You even flip it over and give it a good shake, but only dust comes out. //“An Echo,”// Bastion says over your shoulder, making you jump. You turn to him. “What do you mean?” //“This place, and that bag, are ''Echoes,''”// he reiterates. //“Crude copies of what was ''once'' there, or still may be. The fog maintains the images of these things, but not to the full extent; it has faded anything that was once inside that bag, as it does to everything not born in this place.”// [[Disappointed.|C40.1]]\ [['"Is this what drew me in?"'|C40.2]]\ [['"Where\'s the real thing?"'|C40.3]] <<notify 4s>>◈ //He's gone.//<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> //The room is lit up with an orange glow from the flames that burn brightly in the fireplace. A warm vanilla aroma comforts your senses. You're in the main room, you realize, but it's not ''really'' you; someone ''else'' is in control, same as before. The body that isn’t yours moves across the room and enters the study. It’s furnished again, and the abyss is gone. Candles are lit atop the desk, bathing the room in warmth. “It’s something,” a foreign voice murmurs; it's ''Bryce's'' voice. You draw a chair from the desk and sit down. A satchel comes off over your head and is laid at your feet. You rifle through its contents and retrieve a book. A very ''familiar'' book--the very same one you saw Bryce with before. You flip through the book with a pen in hand. And try as you might, you can’t process any of the scribbles or passages written across the pages. Bryce finally lands on a blank page, and you lift the pen to write. “Bryce?” comes a man's voice from outside, making you pause. You look over your shoulder and swear under your breath. “Damnit,” Bryce curses. Shutting the book, you leave the study. After crossing the main room, you push aside an empty photo frame on the wall to reveal a gaping, dark hole; the same one you noticed when entering the cabin. Bryce crams the satchel inside--book and all--and you nudge the painting back into place. “William,” Bryce calls, sighing as he stamps toward the front door. “Ah told ye not to come out here--”// [[Continue...|Continue 12]] <<notify 4s>>◈ //You're Bryce.//<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “It's sad,” you reply, frowning. “This used to be someone's //home//, and now it's just... It's nothing. And whoever lived here, well... I just hope they're someplace better off.” “Aye,” says David, tipping his head. “But I think anywhere's better than here, <<lamb>>.” “Yeah...” He flourishes his arm dismissively toward the desk. “Nothin' here,” he says. “We should call it and head on back to camp, before we find any trouble.” [[Agreed.|Continue 10]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “It's creepy<<if $Pottymouth gte 15>> as shit<</if>>,” you reply. “Cozy ol' cabin in the middle of the //deep, dark woods?// It doesn't get any creepier than this. I'm on edge just being here.” “Aye,” says David, chuckling. “Reminds me of the //Rabbit's// shack in the forest. But still, I have half a mind to strip it and take some pieces back to camp; might make something of it...” He flourishes his arm dismissively toward the desk. “Nothin' here,” he says. “We should call it and head on back to camp, before we find any trouble.” [[Agreed.|Continue 10]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Coming in here was a waste of time,” you say. “Well, I could've told you that,” David replies, snorting. “Coming way out here was //your// idea, <<lamb>>.” He flourishes his arm dismissively toward the desk. “Nothin' here,” he says. “We should call it and head on back to camp, before we find any trouble.” [[Agreed.|Continue 10]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You face around to David. “Thank you. If you hadn't grabbed me--” You stop short, swallowing. “Thanks.” David nods. “Yeah,” he breathes, his brow furrowed. “Lucky I snagged ya when I did.” He picks himself up and lends you a hand. When you're on your feet, you both study the abyss with puzzled expressions. An awful, rancid stench emanates from the darkness below, making your stomach flip. It smells like disease and death… Feeling nauseated, you step away, just as you hear the others come running. “What the hell was that noise?!” Nea asks, coming up behind you with Meg. When they spot the massive black hole in the floor, they gawk. “Did-- Was that always there?” asks Meg. “The damn thing just appeared,” David says, turning to face them. “Floor fell away right from under us.” “Where the hell does it go?” says Nea, stepping forward for a closer look. She carefully kneels at the edge and peers within the blackness. Her nose scrunches up. “It reeks like hell; and I doubt it's a cellar--//way// too deep for that...” “We should get the hell out of here,” Meg says, “and head straight back to camp; nothing good comes from snooping around the fog.” Your companions back away. David nudges your arm. “Let's go, <<lamb>>.” [[Time to go.|Continue 11]] <<notify 4s>>◈ David liked that.<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “What the fuck?” you murmur, as you gaze upon the abyss. An awful, rancid stench emanates from the darkness below, making your stomach flip. It smells like disease and death… Feeling nauseated, you pick yourself up and step away. David's right behind you, scoffing. “That's an //understatement//,” he utters. You hear the others come running. “What the hell was that noise?!” Nea asks, coming up behind you with Meg. When they spot the massive black hole in the floor, they gawk. “Did-- Was that always there?” asks Meg. “The damn thing just appeared,” David says, turning to face them. “Floor fell away right from under us.” “Where the hell does it go?” says Nea, stepping forward for a closer look. She carefully kneels at the edge and peers within the blackness. Her nose scrunches up. “It reeks like hell; and I doubt it's a cellar--//way// too deep for that...” “We should get the hell out of here,” Meg says, “and head straight back to camp; nothing good comes from snooping around the fog.” Your companions back away. David nudges your arm. “Let's go, <<lamb>>.” [[Time to go.|Continue 11][$Choice1 to false; $Choice2 to false; $Choice3 to false]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You pick yourself up, gazing upon the abyss with a puzzled expression. An awful, rancid stench emanates from the darkness below, making your stomach flip. It smells like disease and death… Feeling nauseated, you step away. David's right behind you, scoffing. “What the hell was that noise?!” Nea asks, coming up behind you with Meg. When they spot the massive black hole in the floor, they gawk. “Did-- Was that always there?” asks Meg. “The damn thing just appeared,” David says, turning to face them. “Floor fell away right from under us.” “Where the hell does it go?” says Nea, stepping forward for a closer look. She carefully kneels at the edge and peers within the blackness. Her nose scrunches up. “It reeks like hell; and I doubt it's a cellar--//way// too deep for that...” “We should get the hell out of here,” Meg says, “and head straight back to camp; nothing good comes from snooping around the fog.” Your companions back away. David nudges your arm. “Let's go, <<lamb>>.” [[Time to go.|Continue 11][$Choice1 to false; $Choice2 to false; $Choice3 to false]]

<div class="papertext">''Lonely Cabin in the Woods...'' The cabin in the woods was an //Echo//, which explains why the floor gave way beneath me; it's deteriorating. The Fog ‘’consumes’’ Echoes, so it’ll disappear soon. However, if it's a copy, then the original must still exist somewhere, right? Bastion told me that Bryce had stayed there, and I saw a memory that confirms this claim. But, unfortunately, there was nothing left to find, as all of Bryce's belongings were gone. If I'm lucky, I might find the real cabin and Bryce's possessions in the process. Until then, the search continues. [[Back|Echoes]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">''Nothing Yet.'' I haven't found anything concrete yet--just Echoes. Supposedly, ''Marks'' will guide me to the truth, but they may be in short supply here... [[Back|Marks]] </div>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if $Pottymouth gte 15>>“Well, //shit,//” you mutter. “That fucking sucks.”<<else>>“That's disappointing,” you say, frowning.<</if>> //“Things ''fade'', <<Wanderer>>. There's nothing you can do about it. But you ''can'' continue searching. Should you keep your head up, you'll find the right Marks along the way...”// “Right,” you reply, dropping the bag. “I'll try that.” [[Continue...|Continue 13]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Is this what drew me here?” You ask. “This bag?” //“Echoes, Marks--they're all the same, <<Wanderer>>. Others like you interacted with these things in the past, and now they guide you back. There's no guarantee they'll have substance, but you should ''always'' follow the pull. There's no telling where it will guide you...”// “Right,” you reply, dropping the bag. “But I hope my next find leans a little more on the //useful// side.” [[Continue...|Continue 13]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “If this is a copy, then where's the real thing?” You ask. //“It could be ''anywhere'',”// says Bastion. //“Or gone--consumed. But if it ''is'' still out there, you might soon sense it. Until then, you're left with its Echoes.”// “Right,” you reply, dropping the bag. [[Continue|Continue 13]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> Footsteps come up the porch, and the screen door's thrown wide open. Bastion swiftly vanishes as Nea pokes her head inside, her lips drawn in a line. “$PlayerName, c'mon; we wanna get the hell out of these creepy ass woods.” “Coming,” you say. You step toward the door, pausing when you make out a faint... //trilling// sound from within the wall. Nea hears it too, judging by the way her brow furrows. You stop and listen, and the trilling becomes quieter as you hear something akin to claws on wood. Nea meets your eyes for only a second before a small, dark shape bursts out of the hole in the wall. You're struck with enough force that sends you sprawling across the floor with a grunt. Nea startles and shouts, and you lay your wide eyes upon the mangy little creature. It's a shadowy mutt, about the size of a cat, with a shaggy coat as black as coals, four piercing red eyes upon its narrow, canine face, and rows of teeth as sharp as daggers. It stands on four legs, and has needle-like spines running down its back. The snarling little bastard stands between you and the door. [[Run!|C41.1][$Bravery -=5]]\ [[Fight.|C41.2][$Bravery +=5; $DavidAffinity +=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You spin around and run. The little beast chases you through the kitchen and out the back door. You hear the others shouting far behind. Unfortunately, you don't get very far before the monster catches up and sinks its teeth into your shoulder. You stagger forward and crash to the ground, clawing at it in vain as it tears into your neck. Blood rushes up your throat and you let out a garbled cry. But the attack is brief. Something cracks nearby and the beast is suddenly wrested off of you. Through hazy vision, you see obsidian claws protruding from the earth, gripping the little monster. They twist and turn, snapping limbs and bones, and tearing black flesh. Then the howling monster is yanked into the abyss. You collapse on your back with a gargled groan as Bastion appears nearby. He's but a shadow against the foggy backdrop. Looking upon your mangled form, he sighs heavily. //“Moving targets, <<Wanderer>>--they're harder to hit.”// You hear shouting. The others rush through the fog, their faces contorted in fear. When they lay eyes upon you, their expressions become //horrified//. David's already tearing his shirt off and ripping it into smithereens. “<<She>> won't make it back like this,” he says. “We've gotta take care of those bloody wounds--” He kneels beside you and wraps a long strip of cloth around your neck, applying a painful amount of pressure to your gushing wound. He's just a blurry shape. “That fucking ''thing'' came out of the //wall,//” Nea says shakily. “Damnit!” she swears. “Fuck this place! I ''knew'' we should've stayed at camp--” “Nea, not helping!” Meg replies, kneeling at your side. “We need to get <<her>> back to camp ''now'', or-or--” “Then let’s get <<her>> back, then!” David barks. He lifts you into his arms and shoulders past Nea. You gargle up blood and squeeze his bicep. Meg’s panicky voice, becoming distant, shouts, “David, I think <<sheis>> slipping—!” “<<Shewill>> be fine!” David snaps. Tremors wrack your body as the pain becomes intense, and the light becomes blinding. David’s pace quickens, but you close your eyes and release slow, shuddering breaths. Bastion’s voice rings clear in your mind. //“Don’t worry, <<Wanderer>>,”// he purrs. //“You’ll be back… ''Death is not an escape.''”// One final breath escapes your quivering lips, and you welcome the encroaching darkness… [[Continue...|Continue 14.Died][$TimesDied +=1; $Chapter3_Survived to false]] <<notify 4s>>◈ //''Coward...''//<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if $Inventory.includes('$knife')>>You fumble your knife out of your bag just as the creature lunges forward. It sinks its teeth into your arm, ripping and tearing before you slash it across the muzzle and its eyes, then finally bury your blade in its throat. Its attack wavers, and its grunts and growls become gargled with blood. “DAVID!" Nea shouts, backing against the wall. He comes barging in alongside Meg, and both look upon the creature with wide eyes. You rip your knife free and fling out your arm, throwing the little beast off and sending it careening across the room with a high pitched whine. It hits the floor and scrambles to its paws, hacking up globs of spittle and dark ooze. Meg grabs your arm and tugs you to your feet. “David!” she exclaims. When the creature makes another lunge for you, David brings his heel upon its skull with a sickening crunch. The beast falls quiet, becoming still in a growing pool of its own blood. Silence engulfs the cabin. “Fuckin' //hell//!” David swears. He lifts his foot out of the bloody muck, grimacing as he scrapes his heel on the floor to remove brains and gore. Nea releases a pent-up breath. “What the //fuck// is that thing?” “Your guess is as good as mine,” you say, cradling your bloody arm. David notices your injuries and rips his shirt off to tear it into thin strips. Stepping toward you, he takes your arm and firmly dresses your wounds. “It's time we go,” he says firmly. “There's nothing good waiting for us out here.” “Damn right,” says Meg, scoffing. She glances at the dead creature before backpedaling toward the door. “The others back at camp won't be happy hearing about this. As if things weren't bad enough, with those damn trials to worry about...” David wraps up your arm and gives your shoulder a pat. “We'll get you proper care back at camp, <<lamb>>.” You nod and follow the others out the door. Looking back at the cabin as it fades behind you, your body shudders. [[Continue|Continue 14.Alive][$Chapter3Survived to true]] <<if $Trophies.includes("$trophy_completedchapter2")>><<else>><<set $Trophies.push("$trophy_completedchapter2")>><</if>>\ <<notify 4s>>◈ //You show ''promise.''//<</notify>>\ <<else>>The creature lunges forward and sinks its teeth into your arm, ripping and tearing as you scream, despite how you futiley try to fend it off. You thrash and throw your arm, but it doesn't give. Then, swiftly, it releases you, only to clamp its jaws on your neck. You let out a gargled cry as blood rushes up your throat. “DAVID!” Nea screams, staggering against the wall with fear on her face. David comes barging in alongside Meg, and both look upon the scene with wide eyes. “Fuckin' hell!” David swears, rushing forward. He snags the beast's nape, cursing sharply as he wrests it off of you. Its needle-like fur tears his hands, and he only has a grip on it for a moment before it squirms free and hits the floor. Snarling, it turns its vicious eyes to you again. But as it lunges, David brings his heel upon its skull with a sickening crunch. The beast falls quiet, becoming still in a growing pool of its own blood. Meg breathes sharply and rushes to your side. “Shit!” she exclaims, boggling at your gruesome wounds. You can hardly make her out through your spotty vision. “We-We need to get <<her>> back to camp!” she shouts. David's already tearing his shirt off and ripping it into smithereens. “<<She>> won't make it back like this,” he says. “We've gotta take care of those bloody wounds--” He kneels beside you and wraps a long strip of cloth around your neck, applying a painful amount of pressure to your gushing wound. He's just a blurry shape. “That fucking ''thing'' came out of the //wall,//” Nea says shakily. “Damnit!” she swears. “Fuck this place! I ''knew'' we should've stayed at camp--” “Nea, not helping!” Meg replies. “We need to get <<her>> back to camp ''now'', or-or--” “Then let’s get <<her>> back, then!” David barks. He lifts you into his arms and shoulders past Meg toward the door. You gargle up blood and squeeze his bicep. Meg’s panicky voice, becoming distant, shouts, “David, I think <<sheis>> slipping—!” “<<Shewill>> be fine!” David snaps. Tremors wrack your body as the pain becomes intense, and the light becomes blinding. David’s pace quickens, but you close your eyes and release slow, shuddering breaths. Bastion’s voice rings clear in your mind. //“Don’t worry, <<Wanderer>>,”// he purrs. //“You’ll be back… ''Death is not an escape.''”// One final breath escapes your quivering lips, and you welcome the encroaching darkness… [[Continue...|Continue 14.Died][$TimesDied +=1; $Chapter3_Survived to false]] <<notify 4s>>◈ //Brave, but ''foolish''...//<</notify>>\ <</if>>\

<<fadein 3s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <img src="images/other/thepreserved.png" /> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> You open your eyes and gaze upon a starry night sky. You lay on your back in ice-cold water, surrounded by dense, white fog in //Bastion’s realm//. And, thankfully, your body’s in one piece. Sitting up, you wince and groan. “Ah.<<if $Pottymouth gte 20>> Fuck me…” //“Is that an ''invitation?''”//<<else>>” //“Sleep well?”//<</if>> You startle and notice Bastion’s dark form looming behind you. He shakes his head and sighs. //“I take my eyes off of you for ''one'' second and you wind up dead…”// [['"Your fault."'|C42.1][$BastionAffinity -=5; $Kindness -=5]]\ [['"Why am I here?"'|C42.2]] <<if $Inventory.includesAll("$shaving_razor", "$knife")>><<set $Inventory.delete("$shaving_razor", "$knife")>><<notify 4s>>Items lost: >''Kitchen Knife'' >''Razor''<</notify>>\ <<elseif $Inventory.includes("$shaving_razor")>><<set $Inventory.delete("$shaving_razor")>><<notify 4s>>Item lost: >''Razor''<</notify>>\ <<elseif $Inventory.includes("$knife")>><<<<set $Inventory.delete("$knife")>><<notify 4s>>Item lost: >''Kitchen Knife''<</notify>>\ <</if>>\ <</fadein>>\

<<fadein 3s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> Your party soon arrives at the campfire, currently--and //only//--occupied by Kate. She sits on a log beside the flames, strumming her guitar on her lap. Meg utters something about finding a medkit and rushes off. When Kate notices your presence and looks upon your bloody, cradled arm, her eyes widen. “Wh-- What happened?” she asks, setting aside her instrument and standing. “There was something out there,” says Nea, shuddering. “Some evil little //fucker// with mangy fur and sharp teeth; it attacked $PlayerName.” Kate approaches you quickly, reaching for your arm. She examines the tacky job David did and bites her lip. “We've never had injuries like this in camp before,” she murmurs. “The Fog usually does all the healing.” “After escaping //trials//,” says Nea. “But there ''was'' no trial--we went out into the fog and came back with this.” Meg returns with a small medkit. She has a seat by the fire and beckons you over. “Well, we have what we need to take care of it. It's not too bad; could've been worse.” “Yeah, that fucking thing could've killed <<her>>,” Nea mutters. “//Might've//, if <<lamb>> hadn't stabbed the bloody hell outta it,” says David. Kate glances between the four of you with narrow eyes. “Whose idea even was it to go way out there?” she asks. “None of us know what’s out that way, and you were just //beggin’// for trouble!” [[Take the blame.|C45.1.Alive][$Kindness +=5; $Honesty +=5; $KateAffinity +=5]]\ [[Shift the blame.|C45.2.Alive][$Kindness -=5; $Honesty -=5; $KateAffinity -=5; $NeaAffinity -=5; $MegAffinity -=5; $DavidAffinity -=5]]\ [[Say nothing.|C45.3.Alive][$Social -=5]] <</fadein>>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if $Kindness lt 40>>“This is //your// fault,” you say, scowling. “You're supposed to ''protect'' me, not watch some evil little mutant tear my throat out.”<<else>>“I thought you were supposed to protect me,” you say. “Where were you?”<</if>> //“I can't account for every misshap out in The Fog, <<Wanderer>>,”// says Bastion. //“But there are terrible things out here that ''will'' come after you; being the pathfinder has made you a target for many malicious entities throughout the Dark Realms. And these things can sense you, as well as __you__ can sense __them__. The best thing we can both do is be more vigilant.”// [['"Why are they after me?"'|C43.1]]\ [['"You should have warned me."'|C43.2]]\ [['"Perfect."' (Sarcasm)|C43.3][$Seriousness -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Why am I here?” you ask, puzzled. “What happened?” //“You died, <<Wanderer>>,”// says Bastion. //“Normally, your body would be repaired by The Entity and deposited at the campfire, but ''I'' brought you here instead.”// He tips his head and folds his arms behind his back. //“There are terrible things out here that ''will'' come after you; being the pathfinder has made you a target for many malicious entities throughout the Dark Realms. And these things can sense you, as well as __you__ can sense __them__. The best thing we can both do is be more vigilant.”// [['"Why are they after me?"'|C43.1]]\ [['"You should have warned me."'|C43.2]]\ [['"Perfect."' (Sarcasm)|C43.3][$Seriousness -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Why are they after me?” //“Their motives are a mystery,”// Bastion says. //“But one thing is for certain: they will deter your quest for answers as best they can.”// <<if $Humor gt $Seriousness>>“Oh, boy. And here I was hoping it'd be a walk in the park... That'll teach me.”<<else>>“I knew this wouldn't be easy. But I was sure hoping it would be...”<</if>> //“You might not have found the answers you sought after, but this is a step in the right direction,”// says Bastion. //“You are becoming more attuned to The Fog, and the way that it functions. Your journey won't be an easy one, <<Wanderer>>, but you will need to be brave and enduring. Because if you're ''not'', you will fade.”// [[I'll do my best.|C44.1][$Optimism +=5; $BastionAffinity +=5]]\ [[I know.|C44.2][$Kindness -=5]]\ [[Gee, thanks.|C44.3][$Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “You knew the dangers and didn't think to warn me?” //“Would it have made a difference?”// Bastion asks, tilting his head. //“There are ''risks'' to venturing out into the Dark Realms. But they are risks you must take if you are to find the answers you seek.”// You scoff. “Still, it would've been nice to know my life would be in danger coming out here...” Hanging your head, you sigh. Bastion grunts behind you. //“You might not have found the answers you sought after, but this is a step in the right direction,”// he says. //“You are becoming more attuned to The Fog, and the way that it functions. Your journey won't be an easy one, <<Wanderer>>, but you will need to be brave and enduring. Because if you're ''not'', you will fade.”// [[I'll do my best.|C44.1][$Optimism +=5; $BastionAffinity +=5]]\ [[I know.|C44.2][$Kindness -=5]]\ [[Gee, thanks.|C44.3][$Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Oh, that's just //perfect,//” you gripe. “So that little gremlin isn't even the worst of it? Is there anything //else// I should know about? Evil //monkeys// in the trees, or crazy old women with frying pans?” //“<<Wanderer>>--”// “Should I keep an eye out for //aliens// while I'm at it? Or possessed //trees?//” //“<<Wanderer>>,”// Bastion repeats. //“You might not have found the answers you sought after, but this is a step in the right direction. You are becoming more attuned to The Fog, and the way that it functions. Your journey won't be an easy one, but you will need to be brave and enduring. Because if you're ''not'', you will fade.”// [[I'll do my best.|C44.1][$Optimism +=5; $BastionAffinity +=5]]\ [[I know.|C44.2][$Kindness -=5]]\ [[Gee, thanks.|C44.3][$Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Then I'll do my best,” you say. “Staying trapped here is the ''last'' thing I want, and if I really am the //last hope//, I'll figure this out.” Bastion flashes you a fanged grin. //“I admire your confidence, <<Wanderer>>.”// You get to your feet and nod. “You can send me back now.” [[Continue...|Continue 15.Died]] <<notify 4s>>◈ Bastion liked that.<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “I know that,” you say bitterly. “And I don't need you reminding me of it every ten minutes.” Getting to your feet, you hang your head and expel a heavy sigh. “I'm ready to go. I don't want to hang around here any longer than necessary...” [[Continue|Continue 15.Died]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Gee, thanks for the //vote of confidence//,” you say, sighing. “Just what I needed; the threat of impending doom hanging over my head twenty-four seven...” Getting to your feet, you mutter, “My first journey into the fog, and I come out dead and with nothing to show for it. I'm off to a //great// start...” <<if $BastionAffinity gte 30>>Bastion appears directly in front of you with a broad grin stretching from ear to ear. //“I think someone needs a ''hug'',”// he purrs. You scoff. “Yeah... //no//. But you can send me back now.”<<else>>//“I think you're doing just fine,”// Bastion reassures you, grinning. //“Chin up, <<Wanderer>>.”// You grunt. “I'm ready to go back.”<</if>> [[Continue...|Continue 15.Died]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You materialize at the campfire, startling those around it: Meg, Nea, David, and Kate. Meg quits pacing, her worried gaze meeting yours. “Thank God,” she breathes. “We weren't sure you'd actually //come// back. No one's ever-- No one's ever //died// out there before; not outside the trials.” Nea sits on a log nearby. She lifts her glum gaze and scoffs. “Scared the hell out of us,” she says. “We've never seen anything like that before.” David lingers nearby, still shirtless. He looks at you, scolding, “Oi! No more taking day-trips away from camp, aye? There’re things out there ‘can’t wait to dig their grubby claws into us.” “You //think?//” says Nea, scoffing. “That damn thing didn't hesitate to take a bite out of <<her>>.” Kate sets aside her guitar. “They told me all that happened,” she says, approaching you quickly. She throws her arms around your shoulders briefly before pulling back to look you up and down. “Now, this place is as close to hell as any. Whose idea was it to go out that way?” She turns to face the other three. “None of us know what’s out there, and you were just //beggin’// for trouble!” [[Take the blame.|C45.1][$Kindness +=5; $Honesty +=5; $KateAffinity +=5]]\ [[Shift the blame.|C45.2][$Kindness -=5; $Honesty -=5; $KateAffinity -=5; $NeaAffinity -=5; $MegAffinity -=5; $DavidAffinity -=5]]\ [[Say nothing.|C45.3][$Social -=5;]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “There's no one to blame but me,” you say. “Going out there was my idea, and I definitely paid the price.” Kate faces you again, frowning. “Oh? Don't say that; no one could've known what was out there. But at least now we know we've gotta be extra careful.” “Hey, we warned <<her>> before we left,” says Nea. “But new-blood <<if $QuietWalk is true>>wanted to stretch <<herPOSSESSIVE>> legs a little...<<elseif $SearchingFor_Answers is true>>wanted to //'find some answers'// -- whatever the hell that means.<<else>>was hellbent on going out there.<</if>>” “You don't need to be pointing the finger at <<her>>,” Kate says, frowning. “What's done is done.” She retakes her seat and grabs her guitar. Meg's worried expression meets your eyes before she casts her furrowed gaze at the campfire. “Well, we learned one thing tonight,” she utters. “We can die out there; outside the trials... __Nowhere__ is safe.” [[Continue...|Continue 16.Died]] <<notify 4s>>◈ Kate liked that.<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You say nothing and instead have a seat by the fire. Kate sighs. “Well, I suppose it doesn't matter... What's done is done, and there's no use in arguing about it.” She retakes her seat and grabs her guitar. Meg's furrowed expression meets your eyes before she casts her gaze at the campfire. “Well, we learned one thing tonight,” she utters. “We can die out there; outside the trials... __Nowhere__ is safe.” [[Continue|Continue 16.Died]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “If anyone's to blame, it's //them//,” you say, flicking your chin toward the others. “They all just stood by while that thing mauled me to death.” Nea shoots to her feet, scoffing. “There's no ''way'' you're trying to put that on us,” she says, sneering. “Going out there was //your// idea! We warned you about the potential dangers, and you just said 'fuck it'.” “We don't need to be screamin' at each other,” Kate interjects. “What's done is __done__; now let's leave it at that.” She retakes her seat and grabs her guitar. Meg's furrowed expression meets your eyes before she casts her gaze at the campfire. “Well, we learned one thing tonight,” she utters. “We can die out there; outside the trials... __Nowhere__ is safe.” [[Continue...|Continue 16.Died]] <<notify 4s>>◈ Nobody liked that.<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> It falls deathly quiet. You find a seat by the fire and sigh. Kate strums her guitar again, and you become lost in your thoughts as you stare at the flickering flames. If Bastion's right--and he's been right about everything else so far--then your job doesn't get any easier. It'll get harder, and you need to be strong enough to endure whatever else the fog throws at you. Bastion said you should take small steps. Small steps, and you'll find your answers... Surely, you will -- you have to. [[Continue...|Intermission 3]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “There's no one to blame but me,” you say. “Going out there was my idea, and I definitely paid the price.” Meg's a bit too rough with your arm; you wince, and she murmurs her apologies. Kate frowns at you. “Oh? Don't say that; no one could've known what was out there. But at least now we know we've gotta be extra careful.” “Hey, we warned <<her>> before we left,” says Nea. “But new-blood <<if $QuietWalk is true>>wanted to stretch <<herPOSSESSIVE>> legs a little...<<elseif $SearchingFor_Answers is true>>wanted to //'find some answers'// -- whatever the hell that means.<<else>>was hellbent on going out there.<</if>>” “You don't need to be pointing the finger at <<her>>,” Kate says, frowning. “What's done is done.” She retakes her seat and grabs her guitar. Meg finishes tending your arm and sets aside the remaining supplies. Her worried expression falls on the campfire as a heavy sigh departs her lips. “Well, we learned one thing tonight,” she utters. “There's danger in the fog, even outside the trials... __Nowhere__ is safe.” [[Continue...|Continue 15.Alive]] <<notify 4s>>◈ Kate liked that.<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “If anyone's to blame, it's //them//,” you say, flicking your chin toward the others. “As much noise as they were making, I'm not surprised something found us. I would've been better off on my own.” Nea shoots to her feet, scoffing. “There's no ''way'' you're trying to put that on us,” she says, sneering. “Going out there was //your// idea! We warned you about the potential dangers, and you just said 'fuck it'.” “We don't need to be screamin' at each other,” Kate interjects. “What's done is __done__; now let's leave it at that.” She retakes her seat and grabs her guitar. Meg finishes tending your arm and sets aside the remaining supplies. Her worried expression falls on the campfire as a heavy sigh departs her lips. “Well, we learned one thing tonight,” she utters. “There's danger in the fog, even outside the trials... __Nowhere__ is safe.” [[Continue|Continue 15.Alive]] <<notify 4s>>Nobody liked that.<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You say nothing and instead have a seat by the fire. Kate sighs. “Well, I suppose it doesn't matter... What's done is done, and there's no use in arguing about it.” She retakes her seat and grabs her guitar. Meg finishes tending your arm and sets aside the remaining supplies. Her worried expression falls on the campfire as a heavy sigh departs her lips. “Well, we learned one thing tonight,” she utters. “There's danger in the fog, even outside the trials... __Nowhere__ is safe.” [[Continue...|Continue 15.Alive]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Sexuality</h2><hr></div> <center>You are attracted to...</center> [[Men|Character Sheet][$Sexuality to "androsexual"]]\ [[Women|Character Sheet][$Sexuality to "gynosexual"]]\ [[Men and Women|Character Sheet][$Sexuality to "bisexual"]]\ [[No one|Character Sheet][$Sexuality to "asexual"]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You can't stand the silence; it's deafening. After a minute, you get up and walk away, leaving behind the campfire to retreat to your own personal refuge... <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> <img src="images/other/yourtent.png" /> Arriving at your campsite, fatigue sets in. You heave your bag off your shoulder and grimace in pain; your arm hurts terribly. Meg did a bang-up job, but you could use a couple of aspirin and some sleep... After climbing into your tent and plopping on your back, you close your eyes for some much needed rest. [[Continue...|Continue 16.Alive]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <img src="images/other/thepreserved.png"/> But a good night's rest isn't in the cards--suddenly, your body is submerged in ice-cold water. You hiss sharply and open your eyes to gaze upon a starry night sky. You're not on your bedroll, but rather, laying in a frigid lake, surrounded by dense, white fog. //Bastion's realm//, you realize. Sitting up, you sigh. “<<if $Humor gte 60>>We can have these little //get-togethers// back at my place, y'know...<<else>>You can't do this whenever you please.<</if>>” //“I thought we should meet,”// says Bastion. You look up and spot his dark form looming behind you. He grins from ear to ear. //“Rough night... But you made it out in one piece... ''mostly.''”// [['"Your fault."'|C42.1.Alive][$BastionAffinity -=5; $Kindness -=5]]\ [['"Why am I here?"'|C42.2.Alive]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if $Kindness lt 40>>“That's //your// fault,” you say, scowling. “You're supposed to ''protect'' me, not watch some evil little mutant mangle my arm.”<<else>>“I thought you were supposed to protect me,” you say. “What took you so long to step in?”<</if>> //“I can't account for every misshap out in The Fog, <<Wanderer>>,”// says Bastion. //“But there are terrible things out here that ''will'' come after you; being the pathfinder has made you a target for many malicious entities throughout the Dark Realms. And these things can sense you, as well as __you__ can sense __them__. The best thing we can both do is be more vigilant.”// [['"Why are they after me?"'|C43.1.Alive]]\ [['"You should have warned me."'|C43.2.Alive]]\ [['"Perfect."' (Sarcasm)|C43.3.Alive][$Seriousness -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Why am I here?” you ask, puzzled. “What do you want?” //“I believe there's much to ''discuss.''”// He tips his head and folds his arms behind his back. //“There are terrible things out here that ''will'' come after you; being the pathfinder has made you a target for many malicious entities throughout the Dark Realms. And these things can sense you, as well as __you__ can sense __them__. We both need to be more vigilant, <<Wanderer>>.”// [['"Why are they after me?"'|C43.1.Alive]]\ [['"You should have warned me."'|C43.2.Alive]]\ [['"Perfect."' (Sarcasm)|C43.3.Alive][$Seriousness -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Why are they after me?” //“Their motives are a mystery,”// Bastion says. //“But one thing is for certain: they will deter your quest for answers as best they can.”// <<if $Humor gt $Seriousness>>“Oh, boy. And here I was hoping it'd be a walk in the park... That'll teach me.”<<else>>“I knew this wouldn't be easy. But I was sure hoping it would be...”<</if>> //“You might not have found the answers you sought after, but this is a step in the right direction,”// says Bastion. //“You are becoming more attuned to The Fog, and the way that it functions. Your journey won't be an easy one, <<Wanderer>>, but you will need to be brave and enduring. Because if you're ''not'', you will fade.”// [['"I\'ll do my best."'|C44.1.Alive][$Optimism +=5; $BastionAffinity +=5]]\ [['"I know that."'|C44.2.Alive][$Kindness -=5]]\ [['"Gee, thanks."'|C44.3.Alive][$Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “You knew the dangers and didn't think to warn me?” //“Would it have made a difference?”// Bastion asks, tilting his head. //“There are ''risks'' to venturing out into the Dark Realms. But they are risks you must take if you are to find the answers you seek.”// You scoff. “Still, it would've been nice to know my life would be in danger coming out here...” Hanging your head, you sigh. Bastion grunts behind you. //“You might not have found the answers you sought after, but this is a step in the right direction,”// he says. //“You are becoming more attuned to The Fog, and the way that it functions. Your journey won't be an easy one, <<Wanderer>>, but you will need to be brave and enduring. Because if you're ''not'', you will fade.”// [['"I\'ll do my best."'|C44.1.Alive][$Optimism +=5; $BastionAffinity +=5]]\ [['"I know that."'|C44.2.Alive][$Kindness -=5]]\ [['"Gee, thanks."'|C44.3.Alive][$Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Oh, that's just //perfect,//” you gripe. “Is there anything //else// I should know about? Evil //monkeys// in the trees, or crazy old women with frying pans?” //“<<Wanderer>>--”// “Should I keep an eye out for //aliens// while I'm at it? Or possessed //trees?//” //“<<Wanderer>>,”// Bastion repeats. //“You might not have found the answers you sought after, but this is a step in the right direction. You are becoming more attuned to The Fog, and the way that it functions. Your journey won't be an easy one, but you will need to be brave and enduring. Because if you're ''not'', you will fade.”// [['"I\'ll do my best."'|C44.1.Alive][$Optimism +=5; $BastionAffinity +=5]]\ [['"I know that."'|C44.2.Alive][$Kindness -=5]]\ [['"Gee, thanks."'|C44.3.Alive][$Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Then I'll do my best,” you say. “Staying trapped here is the ''last'' thing I want, and if I really am the //last hope//, I'll figure this out.” Bastion flashes you a fanged grin. //“I admire your confidence, <<Wanderer>>.”// You get to your feet and nod. “You can send me back now. I want to get some sleep.” [[Continue...|Continue 17.Alive]] <<notify 4s>>◈ Bastion liked that.<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “I know that,” you say bitterly. “And I don't need you reminding me of it every ten minutes.” Getting to your feet, you hang your head and expel a heavy sigh. “Send me back. I want to get some shut-eye...” [[Continue|Continue 17.Alive]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Gee, thanks for the //vote of confidence//,” you say, sighing. “Just what I needed; the threat of impending doom hanging over my head twenty-four seven...” Getting to your feet, you mutter, “My first journey into the fog, and I come out with nothing to show for it. I'm off to a //great// start...” <<if $BastionAffinity gte 30>>Bastion appears directly in front of you with a broad grin stretching from ear to ear. //“I think someone needs a ''hug'',”// he purrs. You scoff. “Yeah, //no//. But you can send me back now.”<<else>>//“I think you're doing just fine,”// Bastion reassures you, grinning. //“Chin up, <<Wanderer>>.”// You grunt. “I'm ready to go back.”<</if>> [[Continue...|Continue 17.Alive]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> //“Sleep ''well'', <<Wanderer>>. You'll need all the rest you can get.”// With those departing words, you're whisked from Bastion's realm and returned to your campsite. You climb into your tent and collapse with a sigh. If Bastion's right--and he's been right about everything else so far--then your job doesn't get any easier. It'll get harder, and you need to be strong enough to endure whatever else the fog throws at you. Bastion said you should take small steps. Small steps, and you'll find your answers... Surely, you will -- you have to. [[Continue...|Intermission 3]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Sounds like hell,” you mutter. “If I'd known we'd be glued at the hip, I might've reconsidered making this deal with you...” Bastion lets out an irksome laugh. //“Unfortunate, <<Wanderer>>. But it's far too late for regrets...”// “Unfortunate, indeed,” you mutter and sigh. [[Continue...|Page 28.Alone]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Nothing,” you answer. “I don't feel ''anything''.” //“You need to focus, <<Wanderer>>. I never said these answers would come easily.”// “I'm ''trying'',” you insist. “But I don't know what I'm doing, and I don't exactly have a //map// laid out in front of me... When you offered me guidance, I assumed you meant it //literally//. But it feels like I'm the only one holding the reins.” //“You're the only one who ''can'',”// Bastion replies. //“But don't fret; small steps,”// he says, laying a hand on your shoulder. //“I never said it would be easy, but I believe you'll find the way.”// You swipe his hand off your shoulder. “Why does it //suspiciously// feel like I'm carrying all the weight?” //“You carry a substantial amount. But I can carry a part of that burden with you,”// Bastion says, grinning. “Can you start //now?//” Bastion chuckles. You roll your eyes at him and look ahead, puzzled to find a wall of black fog around a bend of shrubs and trees. Coming to a stop before it, you scoff. “Never mind,” you say, gazing upon the vast wall. “I think I may be on the right track, after all...” Bastion rests a hand on your shoulder and gives you a push forward. //“Proceed, <<Wanderer>>.”// [['"Huh?"'|C38.1.Alone][$Seriousness -=5]]\ [[Touch the wall.|C38.2.Alone][$Bravery +=5]]\ [['"Don't push me."'|C38.3.Alone][$Seriousness +=5; $Humor -=5]]\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Uh... an itch?” you say with uncertainty. “Like, this //really// annoying itch that's been crawling up my back for the past five minutes...” <<if $Fear is "spiders">>//“''That's'' because you have a __spider__ on your back.”// Your eyes go wide, and you let out a shriek while haphazardly flailing your arms and swiping up and down your back. No //fuzzy little friend// goes flying off of you--not that you can see. Bastion's warm chuckle puts a frown on your face. “//Really?//” you say, annoyed. Still nickering at your expense, he replies, //“I can't help myself sometimes.”//<<else>>//“Hmm... I don't think that's relevent, <<Wanderer>>. The pull should come from ''within''; it should be innate and telling.”//<</if>> You sigh heavily. “I wish I knew what I was doing... I don't exactly have a map laid out in front of me. And when you offered me guidance, I assumed you meant it //literally//. But it feels like I'm the only one holding the reins.” //“You're the only one who ''can'',”// Bastion replies. //“But don't fret; small steps,”// he says, laying a hand on your shoulder. //“I never said it would be easy, but I believe you'll find the way.”// You swipe his hand off your shoulder. “Why does it //suspiciously// feel like I'm carrying all the weight?” //“You carry a substantial amount. But I can carry a part of that burden with you,”// Bastion says, grinning. “Can you start //now?//” Bastion chuckles. You roll your eyes at him and look ahead, puzzled to find a wall of black fog around a bend of shrubs and trees. Coming to a stop before it, you scoff. “Never mind,” you say, gazing upon the vast wall. “I think I may be on the right track, after all...” Bastion rests a hand on your shoulder and gives you a push forward. //“Proceed, <<Wanderer>>.”// [['"Huh?"'|C38.1.Alone][$Seriousness -=5]]\ [[Touch the wall.|C38.2.Alone][$Bravery +=5]]\ [['"Don't push me."'|C38.3.Alone][$Seriousness +=5; $Humor -=5]]\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Cold,” you reply. “//Really// cold. Man, what I'd give to just //turn back// and sit by the campfire...” //“You'll never have anything done at that rate,”// Bastion says with a chuckle. //“Focus, <<Wanderer>>--the sooner we find a ''Mark'', the sooner you'll rest.”// “I know,” you reply, sighing. “But I don't know what I'm doing, and I don't exactly have a map laid out in front of me... When you offered me guidance, I assumed you meant it //literally//. But it feels like I'm the only one holding the reins.” //“You're the only one who ''can'',”// Bastion replies. //“But don't fret; small steps,”// he says, laying a hand on your shoulder. //“I never said it would be easy, but I believe you'll find the way.”// You swipe his hand off your shoulder. “Why does it //suspiciously// feel like I'm carrying all the weight?” //“You carry a substantial amount. But I can carry a part of that burden with you,”// Bastion says, grinning. “Can you carry //me//, too? My legs are killing me...” Bastion laughs heartily. You blow a raspberry at him and look ahead, puzzled to find a wall of black fog around a bend of shrubs and trees. Coming to a stop before it, you scoff. “Never mind,” you say, gazing upon the vast wall. “I think I may be on the right track, after all...” Bastion rests a hand on your shoulder and gives you a push forward. //“Proceed, <<Wanderer>>.”// [['"Huh?"'|C38.1.Alone][$Seriousness -=5]]\ [[Touch the wall.|C38.2.Alone][$Bravery +=5]]\ [['"Don't push me."'|C38.3.Alone][$Seriousness +=5; $Humor -=5]]\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Huh?” you say, raising an eyebrow. “Why don't //you// proceed?” //“Has to be ''you'', <<Wanderer>>.”// “But--” You fall quiet and sigh. “Of course it does...” Facing around, you gaze upon the imposing black barrier. Much like the one before, it's reaches high beyond the canopy, and to the left and right as far as you can see. Swallowing thickly, you reach forward and graze its misty surface, shuddering at its frigid touch. Momentarily after, the fog wall thins and collapses. As the black mist disperses at your feet, you gaze at what lies ahead. [[Continue...|Page 29.Alone]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You take a step toward the imposing black barrier. Much like the one before, it's reaches high beyond the canopy, and to the left and right as far as you can see. Reaching out, you graze its misty surface, shuddering at its frigid touch. Momentarily after, the fog wall thins and collapses. As the black mist disperses at your feet, you gaze at what lies ahead. [[Continue|Page 29.Alone]] <<notify 4s>>◈ //You're brave...//<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Don't push me,” you sternly say. “I won't go running half-cocked at every strange thing I find out here. I'm being //careful.//” //“You have ''me'', <<Wanderer>>,”// says Bastion, grinningly. //“You can afford to be a ''little'' reckless.”// “I'd rather not,” you say. Facing around, you gaze upon the imposing black barrier. Much like the one before, it's reaches high beyond the canopy, and to the left and right as far as you can see. You reach forward and graze its misty surface, shuddering at its frigid touch. Momentarily after, the fog wall thins and collapses. As the black mist disperses at your feet, you gaze at what lies ahead. [[Continue...|Page 29.Alone]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if visited() eq 1>>\ <img src="images/other/foghaven.png" /> Before you is a wooden cabin, its exterior blending with the dark trees around it. The walls are aged, covered in thick, leafy vines and tarnished with damage. The windows are shuttered tight, and the porch is rickety and old. A rocking chair sways with the faint breeze that brushes past. It's not the same cabin as before, but very similiar to it. Bastion grunts approvingly beside you. //“You’re improving,”// he says encouragingly, with a broad grin. //“''This'' one came easy.”// “What is this place?” you ask. //“A ''haven,''”// he answers. //“Your ''predecessor'' had come to this place before... You might still find some of his belongings, unless the fog has already taken them.”// You enter the cabin, immediately feeling a chill run down your spine. The air is musty and thick, and the only light comes from the full moon peeking in through the gaps in the shutters. You pause in the doorway to peruse the room: a small circular table with two chairs pushed against the wall on your left, beneath a shelf stacked with empty jars. Straight ahead, a fireplace and barren hearth, and a dark doorway beside it. Right of you, a staircase and a door beneath it. And, curiously, a large hole in the wall near the front door. [[Search the dark room.|C39.1.Alone][$Choice1 to true]]\ [[Search the top floor.|C39.2.Alone][$Choice2 to true]]\ [[Search the room beneath the stairs.|Continue 9.Alone][$Choice1 to false; $Choice2 to false]]\ <<elseif visited() lt 6>>\ <<if $Choice2 is true>>You walk downstairs and return to the main room.<<elseif $Choice1 is true>>You return to the main room.<</if>> [[Search the dark room.|C39.1.Alone][$Choice1 to true]]\ [[Search the top floor.|C39.2.Alone][$Choice2 to true]]\ [[Search the room beneath the stairs.|Continue 9.Alone][$Choice1 to false; $Choice2 to false]]\ <<elseif visited() gte 6>>\ //“You're wasting time, <<Wanderer>>,”// says Bastion disapprovingly, although he maintains his unsettling grin. //“Have you searched the room beneath the stairs?”// [[Check out the room beneath the stairs.|Continue 9.Alone][$Choice1 to false; $Choice2 to false]]\ <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if visited() eq 1>>\ You go through the doorway on the opposite end of the room, entering a kitchen. It's a rustic spot, darker than the main room and sharing the same hardwood flooring. You see a single shuttered window besides a back door, stacks of firewood pressed beside it, a long row of white cupboards, and a wood stove beside a metal basin. You have a look around, scoping out the basin and stove before one-by-one going through each creaky drawer. Opening one near the back-end of the kitchen, small bugs scatter out of sight, and your eyes widen at a rusted kitchen knife. “Nice,” you say, brandishing the blade and giving it a few swings. //“Think you'll be ''needing'' that?”// asks Bastion, startling you. You turn to him, shrugging. “Better safe than sorry.” Tucking the knife into your backpack, you leave the room. [[Continue searching|Page 29.Alone]]\ <<set $Inventory.push("$knife")>>\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Item Added to Inventory: ''Kitchen Knife''<</notify>>\ <<elseif visited() eq 2>>\ You re-enter the kitchen, perhaps hoping to find something you might've missed the first time. But as you stop in the center of the room, Bastion appears beside you. //“There's nothing more to be found,”// he says. //“You were very ''thorough'', <<Wanderer>>.”// You turn right around and leave the kitchen. [[Continue searching|Page 29.Alone]]\ <<elseif visited() gt 2>>\ You re-enter the kitchen again, doubtful anything new has come up. Bastion appears beside you again, shaking his head and sighing. [[Continue searching|Page 29.Alone]]\ <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if visited() eq 1>>\ You head upstairs and check around the vacant rooms. The first door on the right is a bathroom, mostly empty aside from a large metal tub in the center, and barren wooden shelves on the walls. You pocket a razor you find on a shelf, then you move on. The second door on the left side of the hall is a small broom closet overflowing with tarnished sheets. The door on the right, near the back end of the hall, is a bedroom. You push through the parted door and pause. It's a cozy bedroom, with a tall vanity on the far wall, a curtained window behind a large, quilted bed, and shelves topped with unlit candles. The bed looks comfortable, but that wooden frame has seen better days, and the quilt is dirty. Bastion appears over your shoulder, making you jump. //“Looks ''cozy'',”// he says, grinning. <<if $SexualContent is "enabled">>//“I imagine someone had a good time in that... Or still ''might.''”// <<if $BastionAffinity gte 40>><<if $Sexuality is "bisexual" or $Sexuality is "androsexual">>“Maybe.”<</if>><</if>><</if>> Upon further inspection, there's nothing else of interest. You turn around and leave the room. [[Continue searching|Page 29.Alone]]\ <<set $Inventory.push("$shaving_razor")>>\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Item Added to Inventory: ''Razor''<</notify>>\ <<elseif visited() gte 2>>\ You go back upstairs and scour the bathroom and closet, but you find nothing else of interest. [[Continue searching|Page 29.Alone]]\ <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You push through the door beneath the stairs, entering a dusty old study. There's a dark, antiquated desk made of fine wood, with a tacky brown chair pushed against it. It sits beneath a bare window, centered between two tall, empty bookshelves. A vintage red rug covers the floor underfoot. Stepping forward, the floor groans beneath you. Bastion appears at your side. //“Bryce spent a good portion of his time in here,”// he says. //“Look around. You might find his personal effects...”// After tearing through the desk and scouring the shelves, nothing comes up. You kick a drawer shut with your foot and sigh. “Nothing,” you say. Bastion grunts. Following a minute of silence, he folds his arms behind his back and tips his head. //“What do you think of this place, <<Wanderer>>? Do you ''feel'' anything?”// [[This is sad.|C40.1.Alone][$Emotion +=5]]\ [[This is creepy.|C40.2.Alone][$Bravery -=5]]\ [[This is a waste of time.|C40.3.Alone][$Seriousness +=5; $Humor -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “It's sad,” you reply, frowning. “This used to be someone's //home//, and now it's just... It's nothing. And whoever lived here, well... I just hope they're someplace better off.” Bastion chuckles dryly. //“You misunderstand,”// he says. //“I mean to ask if you feel anything else? Another ''pull'', perhaps? The Fog wouldn't have guided you here unless there was something of importance...”// “Oh,” you say, frowning. “Well, no. I don't feel anything else.” Bastion grunts. //“Then I suppose it's time we move on.”// [[Agreed.|Continue 10.Alone]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “It's creepy<<if $Pottymouth gte 15>> as shit<</if>>,” you reply. “Cozy ol' cabin in the middle of the //deep, dark woods?// It doesn't get any creepier than this. I'm on edge just being here.” Bastion chuckles dryly. //“You misunderstand,”// he says. //“I mean to ask if you feel anything else? Another ''pull'', perhaps? The Fog wouldn't have guided you here unless there was something of importance...”// “Oh,” you say, frowning. “Well, no. I don't feel anything else.” Bastion grunts. //“Then I suppose it's time we move on.”// [[Agreed.|Continue 10.Alone]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “I think coming in here was a waste of time,” you say. Bastion chuckles dryly. //“You misunderstand,”// he says. //“I mean to ask if you feel anything else? Another ''pull'', perhaps? The Fog wouldn't have guided you here unless there was something of importance...”// “Oh,” you say, frowning. “Well, no. I don't feel anything else.” Bastion grunts. //“Then I suppose it's time we move on.”// [[Agreed.|Continue 10.Alone]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> Bastion exits the study first, stooping low beneath the doorframe with you following closely behind. But as you take a step forward, the floor groans heavily underfoot. Pausing, you crease your brow and listen. Then—without a second to react—the floor //gives//. A sharp crack splinters through the air as the boards collapse beneath you. Your stomach lurches, your body tilting forward into the sudden void— You shout in panic, cut off with an //'oof!'// as Bastion snags you around the waist with a spindly claw and yanks you backward. You stumble and crash to the floor at his feet. <<if $Pottymouth gte 15>>“Shit!” you swear.<<else>>“Shoot!” you exclaim.<</if>> You puzzle at the gaping hole in the floor. A massive chunk of floorboards is missing, and everything that furnished the study--the desk, the rug, the shelves--is gone, swallowed up by the abyss. You almost went with it. [[Thank Bastion.|C41.1.Alone][$BastionAffinity +=5; $Kindness +=5]]\ [['"What the fuck?"'|C41.2.Alone][$Pottymouth +=5]]\ [[Pick yourself up.|C41.3.Alone][$Social -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You look upward at Bastion. “Thank you. If you hadn't grabbed me--” You stop short, swallowing. “Thanks.” Bastion purrs. //“Of course, <<Wanderer>>.”// He wraps a claw around your waist and tugs you to your feet. Then you study the abyss with puzzled eyes. An awful, rancid stench emanates from the darkness below, making your stomach flip. It smells like disease and death… Feeling nauseated, you step away. //“It's a ''void patch'',”// Bastion informs you. //“The Fog is taking this place; ''consuming'' it. Watch your step...”// “I think I've seen enough,” you say. But as you turn around, a sharp pain jolts up your spine, making you cry out and stagger forward. When you shut your eyes and reopen them, you're someplace else. //[[Who am I?|Page 30.Alone]]// <<notify 4s>>◈ Bastion liked that.<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You jolt back to reality with a gasp. Bastion looks upon you silently, with his head dipped to one side. //“Ready to go?”// he asks. You gather your bearings and approach the main door, but waver at the sight of the hole in the wall. You had passed it up without a thought before, but now you wonder if Bryce’s bag could be inside. You came here looking for answers and you won’t pass them up. Hesitantly, you reach into the dark hole. At first, you feel nothing, but then your knuckles brush against something soft. Upon further inspection, you realize it’s a cloth strap. You curl your fingers around it and tug. A brown shoulder bag comes out, and your chest flutters with excitement. But it’s short-lived—you realize, with despondence, that the bag is empty. You even flip it over and give it a good shake, but only dust comes out. //“An Echo,”// Bastion says over your shoulder. You turn to him. “What do you mean?” //“This place, and that bag, are ''Echoes,''”// he reiterates. //“Crude copies of what was ''once'' there, or still may be. The fog maintains the images of these things, but not to the full extent; it has faded anything that was once inside that bag, as it does to everything not born in this place.”// [[Disappointed.|C42.1.Alone]]\ [['"Is this what drew me in?"'|C42.2.Alone]]\ [['"Where\'s the real thing?"'|C42.3.Alone]] <<notify 4s>>//He's gone.//<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You step toward the door, pausing when you make out a faint… //trilling// sound from within the wall. Bastion hears it too, judging by the way he tilts his head. You stop and listen, and the trilling becomes quieter as you hear something akin to claws on wood. After a moment, a small, dark shape bursts out of the hole in the wall, striking you with enough force to send you sprawling across the floor with a grunt. When you recover, you lay your wide eyes upon the mangy little creature. It’s a shadowy mutt, about the size of a cat, with a shaggy coat as black as coals, four piercing red eyes upon its narrow, canine face, and rows of teeth as sharp as daggers. It stands on four legs, and has needle-like spines running down its back. The snarling little bastard stands between you and the door. It bares its teeth, leans back on its haunches, then launches itself at you with a grotesque growl. But it’s instantly stuck through by one of Bastion’s claws and impaled like a kebab. Your breath catches in your throat. Bastion raises the squirming monster for a closer look. //“Unfortunate little thing,”// he remarks with a dry chuckle. He flings it across the room, where it hits a wall and falls to the floor, quiet and becoming still in a growing pool of its own blood. //“Ah… Should we be going now, <<Wanderer>>?”// [[Yes. Absolutely.|Continue 13.Alone][$Chapter3_Survived to true]]

<<fadein 3s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <img src="images/other/yourtent.png"/> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> You make your trek back to camp alone, as Bastion vanished soon after you left the cabin behind, without even a word. When you arrive at your personal refuge, you toss your backpack on the ground and climb into your tent for some much-needed rest. While reflecting on the night's finds--as meager as they were--fatigue lulls you to sleep... [[Continue...|Continue 14.Alone]] <</fadein>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <img src="images/other/thepreserved.png"/> But a good night's rest isn't in the cards--suddenly, your body is submerged in icy cold water. You hiss sharply and open your eyes to gaze upon a starry night sky. You're not on your bedroll, but rather, laying in a frigid lake, surrounded by dense, white fog. //Bastion's realm//, you recognize. Sitting up, you sigh. “<<if $Humor gt $Seriousness>>We can have these little //get-togethers// back at my place, y'know...<<else>>You can't do this whenever you please.<</if>>” //“I presumed you would have questions,”// says Bastion. You look up and notice his dark form looming behind you. He grins from ear to ear. //“We had an ''exciting'' night, after all.”// [['"We did."'|Continue 15.Alone]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “We did,” you say. “And I'm assuming you can tell me more about that ''thing'' that tried to //attack// me.” Bastion tips his head and folds his arms behind his back. //“There are terrible things out here that ''will'' come after you; being the pathfinder has made you a target for many malicious entities throughout the Dark Realms. And these things can sense you, as well as __you__ can sense __them__. We both need to be vigilant, <<Wanderer>>.”// [['"Why are they after me?"'|C43.1.Alone]]\ [['"You should have warned me."'|C43.2.Alone]]\ [['"Perfect."' (Sarcasm)|C43.3.Alone][$Seriousness -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Why are they after me?” //“Their motives are a mystery,”// Bastion says. //“But one thing is for certain: they will deter your quest for answers as best they can.”// <<if $Humor gt $Seriousness>>“Oh, boy. And here I was hoping it'd be a walk in the park.”<<else>>“I knew this wouldn't be easy. But I was sure hoping it would be.”<</if>> //“You might not have found the answers you sought after, but this is a step in the right direction,”// says Bastion. //“You are becoming more attuned to The Fog, and the way that it functions. Your journey won't be an easy one, <<Wanderer>>, but you will need to be brave and enduring. Because if you're ''not'', you will fade.”// [[I'll do my best.|C44.1.Alone][$Optimism +=5; $BastionAffinity +=5]]\ [[I know.|C44.2.Alone][$Kindness -=5]]\ [[Gee, thanks.|C44.3.Alone][$Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “You knew the dangers and didn't think to warn me?” //“Would it have made a difference?”// Bastion asks, tilting his head. //“There are ''risks'' to venturing out into the Dark Realms. But they are risks you must take if you are to find the answers you seek.”// You scoff. “Still, it would've been nice to know my life would be in potentional danger going out there...” Hanging your head, you sigh. Bastion grunts behind you. //“You might not have found the answers you sought after, but this is a step in the right direction,”// he says. //“You are becoming more attuned to The Fog, and the way that it functions. Your journey won't be an easy one, <<Wanderer>>, but you will need to be brave and enduring. Because if you're ''not'', you will fade.”// [[I'll do my best.|C44.1.Alone][$Optimism +=5; $BastionAffinity +=5]]\ [[I know.|C44.2.Alone][$Kindness -=5]]\ [[Gee, thanks.|C44.3.Alone][$Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Oh, that's just //perfect,//” you gripe. “So that little gremlin isn't even the worst of it? Is there anything //else// I should know about? Evil //monkeys// in the trees, or crazy old women with frying pans?” //“<<Wanderer>>--”// “Should I keep an eye out for //aliens// while I'm at it? Or possessed //trees?//” //“<<Wanderer>>,”// Bastion repeats. //“You might not have found the answers you sought after, but this is a step in the right direction. You are becoming more attuned to The Fog, and the way that it functions. Your journey won't be an easy one, but you will need to be brave and enduring. Because if you're ''not'', you will fade.”// [[I'll do my best.|C44.1.Alone][$Optimism +=5; $BastionAffinity +=5]]\ [[I know.|C44.2.Alone][$Kindness -=5]]\ [[Gee, thanks.|C44.3.Alone][$Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Then I'll do my best,” you say. “Staying trapped here is the ''last'' thing I want, and if I really am the //last hope//, I'll figure this out.” Bastion flashes you a fanged grin. //“I admire your confidence, <<Wanderer>>.”// You get to your feet and nod. “You can send me back now.” [[Continue...|Continue 16.Alone]] <<notify 4s>>◈ Bastion liked that.<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> “Gee, thanks for the //vote of confidence//,” you say, sighing. “Just what I needed; the threat of impending doom hanging over my head twenty-four seven...” Getting to your feet, you mutter, “My first journey into the fog, and I come out with nothing to show for it. I'm off to a //great// start...” <<if $BastionAffinity gte 30>>Bastion appears directly in front of you with a broad grin stretching from ear to ear. //“I think someone needs a ''hug'',”// he purrs. You scoff. “Yeah... //no//. But you can send me back now.”<<else>>//“I think you're doing just fine,”// Bastion reassures you, grinning. //“Chin up, <<Wanderer>>.”// You grunt. “I'm ready to go back.”<</if>> [[Continue...|Continue 16.Alone]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice1 is true>>“And the unsettling grin?” you ask, <<else>>“About the unsettling grin...” you begin, <</if>>hesitating slightly as his predatory smile turns toward you. His grin seems to widen at your words, if that’s even possible. //“What of it?// he asks. //“Does it ''bother'' you?”//. His voice is smooth, with a teasing lilt. “It’s… well… //unsettling,”// you admit. “Are you always //happy,// or is it just stuck that way?” He chuckles. //“It’s ''supposed'' to make me more approachable—think of it as a ''mask'', <<Wanderer>>.”// He leans toward you slightly, lowering his voice. //“Does it not work?”// You scoff nervously, shaking your head. “If it’s a mask, then what are you hiding behind it?” you challenge, tilting your head to meet his gaze—or at least where his gaze //should// be. For a fraction of a second, the grin falters, replaced by a blank, unreadable expression. The shift is so brief you almost wonder if you imagined it. //“Only ''good'' things,”// Bastion answers, his tone light. You arch a brow, unconvinced. “Good things? I'm not buying it.” Bastion’s grin returns, wider and sharper than before. //“It's all a matter of ''perspective'',”// he muses. //“But perhaps it’s better if you ''don’t'' find out...”// You scoff. “Well, if you’re trying to make yourself more //approachable//, you might want to reconsider the whole //sinister grin// thing.” Bastion laughs. //“Ah, but here you are, still speaking to me... Perhaps it’s working better than you think.”// “I’m just curious.” Bastion tilts his head, his grin becoming playful. //“Curiosity is a dangerous thing...”// It //sure// is. Maybe you should change the subject... [[Moving on|C35.2.Alone]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>//Terror//</h2><hr></div> //<<if $Choice eq 1>>\ You muster every ounce of waning strength, thrashing and twisting against their iron grip. For a ''fleeting'' moment, one arm slips free, and you stumble forward—but one of your captors yanks you back, their nails tearing at your skin as they hiss, ''“Don’t resist.”''\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ Shouldering the pain, you scan the dark stairwell. The bricks are etched with deep grooves, carvings—unrecognizable ''symbols'' that seem to shimmer gold and pulse under the torchlight. You don’t understand what you’re looking at. Whatever they are, could they mean something?\ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ “Please,” you croak, your voice breaking. “I’m not… I’m not your—” A low and gutteral growl cuts you off. “It doesn’t ''matter'' what you are now,” one captor speaks, his voice hushed. “You’re tainted. ''Corrupt.'' You must ''die.''”\ <</if>> Sweat beads on your skin, mingling with the blood from your cuts. Goosebumps rise along your arms and the back of your nape as your body trembles uncontrollably. The heart you now share with this strange woman beats so violently it feels like it might shatter her ribs—or your ''own''. With each step down, the foul stench of rot intensifies, stinging your nostrils and turning your stomach. Fear rides along your spine, courses through you. Dread seeps into every nerve. You want to fight back, to do ''something'', but your body remains trapped in hers, just as helpless as she is. Each whimper and cry is scratchy in your throat. You know that wherever they’re taking you, you won’t return from. Deeper and deeper you descend into the darkness, into the shadowy, stone maw. And soon, all that’s left is smothering ''silence''.// [[Continue...|Chapter 4][$Dream3Complete to true]]

<div class="papertext"><center>''Wedding Band'' <img src="images/icons/wedding_band.png" /></center> A simple, silver wedding band found in the outer reaches of the fog. As far as I know, no one around camp is missing an engagement ring, so this must've belonged to some other poor soul... <center>[[Back|Inventory]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "character_page_music" fadeout>><<audio "story_bgm" volume 0 fadeto 0.15 loop>><</link>></center> </div>\

<<fadein 5s>><div class="chapterHead"><h2>//In search of the path that feels right....//</h2><hr></div> <img src="images/intermissions/intermissionpage4.png" /> <<link "Next Chapter">>\ <<set $eyeball to '[img[images/icons/eyeball.png][eyeball]]'>> <<set $wanderers_mask to '[img[images/icons/mask.png][wanderers_mask]]'>> <<set $rope to '[img[images/icons/rope.png][rope]]'>> <<set $bloodyribbon to '[img[images/icons/bloody_ribbon.png][bloody ribbon]]'>> <<set $boltcutters to '[img[images/icons/boltcutters.png][boltcutters]]'>>\ <<set $Beanie to false>>\ <<set $Cap to false>>\ <<goto "Chapter 5">><</link>> \ \ <<set $Chapter4Complete to true>>\ <<notify 10s>>◈ ''New Journal Entries Unlocked:'' Dreams> ''Spiraling'' Campers> ''Felix'' Killers> ''The Wraith'' Marks> ''Brass Case Lighter'' Bastion> ''I don't know...'' Jake> ''Glass half empty.'' ''Updated Journal Entries:'' ''What's Next?'' <</notify>>\ \ <<set $Met_TheWraith to true>>\ \ <<if $Trophies.includes("$trophy_completedchapter4")>><<else>><<set $Trophies.push("$trophy_completedchapter4")>><</if>>\ \ <</fadein>>\ \ <<set $Beanie to false>>\ <<set $Cap to false>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ You needed to get away from camp. If you hadn’t left, you’d still be moping around the fire like the others, dreading the next trial and then the next one after that. Sometimes it's too much to sit there like a fugitive on death row, wondering when your next trial will come and who will be your glorified executioner. Sure, coming out here doesn’t negate the odds of your name being drawn from the hat, but at least you have something else to occupy your mind. Maybe you'll even have something to show for it when you get back to camp.\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You wanted to help. It didn’t sit right with you for Claudette to walk off into the deep, dark woods all by herself to bring back herbs and tea for the others. So you stood up, raised your hand, and said, //“I’ll go.”// While you’re no //botanist// yourself, you know Claudette’s just grateful for your company. No one knows what’s out here, and no one wants to face that unknown by themselves.\ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ You're just hoping to get something out of it. You didn’t leave the campfire so far behind and venture into the wayward woods and the fog for //nothing.// If coming out here guarantees a reward, you don't mind playing //scavenger hunt// with the local riff-raff.\ <</if>> Claudette startles you as she softly clears her throat. When you look at her, she shifts her eyes and squeezes her basket in her arms. “Tha… Thank you,” she stammers with a soft French accent. “I-I never thanked you for coming out here with me. But I appreciate it.” [[No problem.|Pg.3][$Choice to 1; $Kindness +=5]]\ [[Do you always come out here alone?|Pg.3][$Choice to 2]]\ [[I hope it's worth it.|Pg.3][$Choice to 3; $Selflessnessness -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “No problem,” you reply.<<if $Selflessnessness gt 50>> “Anything I can do to help.” "Oh-Oh," Claudette says. “Th-Thank you, again.”<<elseif $Selflessnessness eq 50>>“I needed to get out of camp, anyway…” “Oh?” Claudette says. “I-I get that… Camp can feel so stuffy, sometimes.”<<elseif $Selflessnessness lt 50>> “As long as we go back with something to show for it,” you murmur in addition. “Oh?” Claudette says. “I-I hope we do. I’d hate to drag you out here for nothing…”<</if>>\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “Do you usually come out here alone?” you ask. She dips her head. “Ah… Yes,” she answers. “No one wants to leave camp to //wander// the woods… And-And I don’t blame them,” she adds quickly. “We-We don’t know what’s out here, besides the cold and the tall, looming trees…” She glances nervously at the passing trees and their shadows before pushing up the bridge of her glasses. “The campfire is __safe__.”\ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ “I hope it’s worth it,” you mutter. “I didn’t come out here to pick daisies and freeze my ass off…” Claudette murmurs beside you, “Oh-Oh… I-I hope so, too.”\ <</if>> As her words trail off, the conversation dwindles into an uneasy silence. Relief washes over you—no need to endure the unpleasantness of forced small talk—but it’s fleeting. In its place comes a gnawing sense of discomfort, a //chill// creeping along your spine like icy fingers. The air feels heavier, thick with something //unseen// but ''oppressive.'' The hairs on the back of your neck rise, and your mouth turns dry. Something’s wrong. Something’s… //off.// Your eyes dart across the woods, scanning the gnarled black trees and the shadows that weave between them. Even the beaten path ahead seems darker. Suddenly, you stop. Claudette stumbles to a stop beside you, clutching her basket so tightly her knuckles turn white. Her wide, fearful eyes dart to you. “What’s wrong?” she whispers, her voice trembling. She glances nervously around, her body tense, poised to bolt at the first sign of danger. [[I don't know.|Pg.4][$Choice to 1]]\ [[Tell her it's nothing.|Pg.4][$Choice to 2; $Honestyy -=5]]\ [[Say nothing.|Pg.4][$Choice to 3; $Social -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “I don’t know,” you reply. “Did you feel that, just now? That… That chill? That //creepy-crawly// feeling on your skin?” Claudette furrows her eyebrows. “I-I don’t think so,” she replies, shivering. “But it-it //is// cold out here—” “I’m not talking about the //cold//, it was… It was— Never mind,” you mutter with a sigh. “I don’t know,” you echo. “Maybe it’s just the cold…”\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “It’s nothing,” you tell her, too unsure of yourself to provide a better answer. “Just the jitters, or... whatever." She purses her lips, unconvinced. You wish you knew what to say.\ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ You say nothing, too unsure of yourself to provide an answer. Claudette nudges you to continue, but you have nothing for her. She purses her lips and stitches her brow.\ <</if>> You continue forward, driven to press on, but you come to a halt once again just a minute later. When the mist thins, a thick, black wall of swirling fog comes into view, obstructing your path. It extends to the left and right as far as the eye can see, and it towers high, taller than the twisted black trees. Claudette pips beside you, surprised. “Wha—? I-I’ve never seen anything like this.” “Neither have I,” you murmur, confused. But then, you haven’t been here for very long… With Claudette close behind, you approach the dark barrier. Reaching out, you run your fingers along the wall’s surface. It crackles with static and feels frigid to the touch. As you delve deeper, the wall bursts like a bubble and dissolves before your eyes. The fog collapses and spills out around you in a wave before dispersing into thin, inky threads. [[Continue...|Pg.5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “I think we’ll be fine without a //cavalry//, Claudette,” you say, offering a reassuring nod. “It’s abandoned, and we’re far from the trial grounds. Besides,” you add, tilting your head toward the structure, “if we walk away now, we might never find it again.” Claudette chews on your words, her expression shifting between hesitance, fear, and consideration. Her fingers twist together, thumbs brushing nervously as she exhales. “I don’t know…” she murmurs. You rest a hand on her shoulder, giving a light, comforting squeeze. “We'll be gone at the //first// sign of trouble.” She stiffens under your touch, her posture locking up as her gaze drops to the ground. A flicker of doubt shadows her face before she tucks a loose dreadlock behind her ear. “I… I suppose a look wouldn’t hurt,” she concedes softly. “But we'll be quick?” “We’ll be quick,” you affirm.\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Claudette liked that.<</notify>>\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “Then I’ll go alone,” you say, matter-of-fact. “You can stay back or head back to camp without me.” Claudette stiffens. “I can’t let you go in there by yourself!” Her voice pitches higher, edged with anxiety. She fidgets, hands twitching at her sides before one darts up to tap her chin in quick, nervous movements. “If—if you run into //trouble//—” "--I'll get out," you cut in. "You don't need to worry about me, I'll be alright." She doesn’t look convinced. Her foot taps the dirt, her lips pressing into a thin line before she finally exhales. “Fine,” she concedes. “I'll... I'll join you. But we __leave__ if we run into trouble.” “We leave if there's trouble,” you echo in agreement.\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 4>>\ “Oh, come on. Don’t be a //pussy//,” you scoff, rolling your eyes. “It’s just an old cabin. The ''boogeyman'' isn’t gonna be waiting inside for us.” Claudette’s expression hardens instantly. You’ve struck a nerve. She lifts her chin, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. “We don’t //know// what we’ll find,” she snaps, her face becoming flushed. “You can go inside. I'll wait for you out here.” You shrug, turning toward the cabin. “Suit yourself,” you mutter, dismissive.\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Claudette //really// didn't like that.<</notify>>\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ “Wanna hold my hand?” you tease, nudging her arm. “Might make you feel better…” Claudette scrunches her nose, but the faintest flush dusts her cheeks. “I-I don’t think… we…” Her voice stumbles out until she catches the smirk twitching at the corner of your lips. Her expression shifts. “Oh,” she mutters. “You’re messing with me.” You grin. “//C’mon,// Claud. We’ll be in and out.” You extend a hand to her. She hesitates, her gaze flickering between you and the looming cabin. Her fingers twitch, fidgeting at her sides as she mulls it over. Fear, reluctance, consideration—all written on her face. Finally, she exhales and nods, barely above a whisper. “Okay.” A pause. Then, quieter still: “But we—we don’t, uh… we don’t need to hold hands.” “Aw. Bummer.”\ <</if>> [[Continue...|Pg.7]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> <<if $CalledClaudetteAPussy is true>>\ As you ascend the front steps, they creak and groan underfoot. The door hangs open on its hinges, covered in cracks and moss. You gently push it open and it comes to a squealing halt, allowing moonlight to flood the cabin. Peering inside, you murmur, “Nothing.” The cabin is sparsely furnished. The main room is empty, and on the far wall, you see a door and an entryway leading into a kitchen. To the left, two windows are covered in plain brown curtains tattered with holes, while to the right, a staircase leads to the second floor. Each step is covered in a thick layer of dust. The whole place reeks of mildew and damp wood. It’s clear that whoever lived here before is long gone. You take a step forward, pausing as a chill courses the length of your spine. Then something faint, like a whisper, tickles your ears, and a prickly sensation ghosts the nape of your neck. The staircase suddenly seems very inviting…\ <<else>>\ As you ascend the porch steps, they creak and groan underfoot. Claudette jumps in fright when one cracks beneath her. You look at her reassuringly, then you face the door, which hangs open on its rusty hinges. Cracks and moss cover the surface of the wood. You gently push it open and it comes to a squealing halt, allowing moonlight to flood the cabin. You peer inside. Claudette peeks over your shoulder. “It’s empty,” she says, surprised. The cabin is sparsely furnished. The main room is empty, and on the far wall, you see a door and an entryway leading into a kitchen. To the left, two windows are covered in plain brown curtains tattered with holes, while to the right, a staircase leads to the second floor. Each step is covered in a thick layer of dust. The whole place reeks of mildew and damp wood. It’s clear that whoever lived here before is long gone. You take a step forward, pausing as a chill courses the length of your spine. Then something faint, like a whisper, tickles your ears, and a prickly sensation ghosts the nape of your neck. The staircase suddenly seems very inviting…<</if>> [[Search downstairs.|Pg.8][$Choice to 1; $LookedDownstairs to true; $BastionAffinity -=5]]\ [[Search upstairs.|Pg.8][$Choice to 2; $LookedDownstairs to false; $BastionAffinity +=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ <<if $CalledClaudetteAPussy is true>>\ After a fruitless search through the kitchen’s empty cupboards and drawers, you pause in front of a closed door. It looks unassuming—likely just an empty broom closet. When you turn the knob, it creaks open with a low whine, and a cloud of dusty air bursts free, stinging your throat and making you cough. You waft away the musty cloud, squinting into the dark. And… it’s empty. Except for a thick layer of dust and a few battered cardboard boxes on the top shelf, there’s nothing. Still, driven by curiosity, you step inside, rising on your tiptoes to reach the boxes. Your fingers graze the edge of the shelf when, without warning, the door violently slams shut behind you with a deafening //''BANG!''//. The darkness swallows you whole. Your heart leaps to your throat as you whirl around, wild-eyed. “Wh—?” you manage, but the words die on your lips when a large, icy hand clamps over your mouth, silencing your voice. You jerk and thrash, swinging blindly at the darkness, and another hand catches your wrists with a bruising grip, yanking your arms above your head. <<if $Beanie is true>>Cold breath brushes the back of your neck, reeking of ash and decay.<<else>>Cold breath ghosts your scalp, thick with the stench of ash and decay.<</if>> You shudder, unable to move, unable to escape. A voice, low and husky, and dripping with a sickly sweetness coils around your ears like smoke. //“Don’t be a ''pussy''.”// You let out a muffled noise against the hand covering your mouth, trying to scream, but the grip tightens, silencing you further. Your attacker chuckles, a sound chock-full of amusement. He’s behind you. Close. //Too// close. Whoever—or //whatever//—he is, his presence reeks of poison. You buck and kick, desperate to break free, but his grip is unyielding. //“You felt the pull,”// he murmurs, voice like velvet laced with venom. //“And yet you sniffed the other way…”// You cry out against his palm, a panicked, unintelligible sound. “Mmmph?!” He only chuckles, amused. //“I’ll throw you a bone,”// he says, mockingly gentle. //“Just this ''once''.”// Something cold and firm presses against your chest. Then, as suddenly as he appeared, the intruder is //gone.// The hands release you—your wrists, your jaw—and you stagger back as the door violently swings open. You stumble out and crash hard onto the kitchen floor.\ <<else>>\ "I'll look around down here," you tell Claudette. "And I'll check upstairs," she replies. She peels away and cautiously climbs the stairs. As soon as she's left your sight, you hear the second floor creaking and groaning, and her shuffling footsteps above you. After a fruitless search through the kitchen’s empty cupboards and drawers, you pause in front of a closed door. It looks unassuming—likely just an empty broom closet. When you turn the knob, it creaks open with a low whine, and a cloud of dusty air bursts free, stinging your throat and making you cough. You waft away the musty cloud, squinting into the dark room. And… it’s empty. Except for a thick layer of dust and a few battered cardboard boxes on the top shelf, there’s nothing. Still, driven by curiosity, you step inside, rising on your tiptoes to reach the boxes. Your fingers graze the edge of the shelf when, without warning, the door violently slams shut behind you with a deafening //''BANG!''//. The darkness swallows you whole. Your heart leaps to your throat as you whirl around, wild-eyed. “Cla--” you manage, but the name dies on your lips when a large, icy hand clamps over your mouth, silencing your voice. You jerk and thrash, swinging blindly at the darkness, and another hand catches your wrists with a bruising grip, yanking your arms above your head. <<if $Beanie is true>>Cold breath brushes the back of your neck, reeking of ash and decay.<<else>>Cold breath ghosts your scalp, thick with the stench of ash and decay.<</if>> You shudder, unable to move, unable to escape. A voice, low and husky, and dripping with a sickly sweetness coils around your ears like smoke. //“Don't call your little friend... Three's a ''crowd.''”// You let out a muffled noise against the hand covering your mouth, trying to scream, but the grip tightens, silencing you further. Your attacker chuckles, a sound chock-full of amusement. //“Shh,”// he purrs. He’s behind you. Close. //Too// close. Whoever—or //whatever//—he is, his presence reeks of poison. You buck and kick, desperate to break free, but his grip is unyielding. //“You felt the pull,”// he murmurs, voice like velvet laced with venom. //“And yet you sniffed the other way…”// You cry out against his palm, a panicked, unintelligible sound. “Mmmph?!” He only chuckles, amused. //“I’ll throw you a bone,”// he says gently. //“Just this ''once''.”// Something cold and firm presses against your chest. Then, as suddenly as he appeared, the intruder is //gone.// The hands release you—your wrists, your jaw—and you stagger back as the door violently swings open. You stumble out and crash hard onto the kitchen floor.\ <</if>> [[Continue...|Pg.9]]\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ <<if $CalledClaudetteAPussy is true>>\ You can’t resist following your gut feeling. As you climb the stairs, you opt not to drag your hand on the splintery banister. The walls are dotted with empty picture frames as you ascend. You can only wonder whose home this was before it was ripped from the world. At the top of the stairs, you survey your surroundings. Straight ahead is a hallway with three doors: two on the left side, one on the right, and a curtained window at the far end. The first room on the right is a bust—it’s completely empty, save for some rat droppings in the corner. Branches and sticks are stacked high in the second room. And then to the final room… You push the door open and stop. The first and only thing that catches your eye is a hardcover book lying on the floor, dead center. The cover is red and blank, and as with everything else inside the cabin, it’s layered in dust. You approach, then lean down and take the book in your hands. Upon turning it over, you furrow your brows. There’s no title on the cover, no writing on the back or spine… And when you flip it open, all the pages are blank. Actually, all but ''one''. You flip to the first page and pause. There’s a single line messily scrawled in black ink across the center of the page. You thumb over it. //[["I know there's a way out."]]// <<else>>\ You can't resist following your gut feeling. So, "I'll look upstairs," you tell Claudette. "Okay," she says behind you. “I’ll check around down here.” As you climb the stairs, you opt not to drag your hand on the splintery banister. The walls are dotted with empty picture frames as you ascend. You can only wonder whose home this was before it was ripped from the world. At the top of the stairs, you glance back and hear Claudette shuffling about the room below. You turn around and survey your surroundings. Straight ahead is a hallway with three doors: two on the left side, one on the right, and a curtained window at the far end. The first room on the right is a bust—it’s completely empty, save for some rat droppings in the corner. Branches and sticks are stacked high in the second room. And then to the final room… You push the door open and stop. The first and only thing that catches your eye is a hardcover book lying on the floor, dead center. The cover is red and blank, and as with everything else inside the cabin, it’s layered in dust. You approach, then lean down and take the book in your hands. Upon turning it over, you furrow your brows. There’s no title on the cover, no writing on the back or spine… And when you flip it open, all the pages are blank. Actually, all but ''one''. You flip to the first page and pause. There’s a single line messily scrawled in black ink across the center of the page. You thumb over it. //[["I know there's a way out."]]// <</if>>\ <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> <<if $CalledClaudetteAPussy is true>>\ Your body crashes to the ground. Immediately, you scrutinize the shadows in the closet. But… it’s empty. There’s no //stranger// in the dark, no one, ''nothing''. You boggle at the empty space. The only evidence of the strange event is a book on your lap: a red, hardcover book with a blank cover—no name, no title… You swear up and down that there was someone, or some''thing'' in there with you. However, it’s gone now, whatever it was, and you have no proof that it was ever really there. Maybe it wasn’t. Maybe you imagined it… //Maybe// this place is taking a toll on you. Still gripping the spine of the strange book, you stand up. Once you’re back at camp, you’ll skim through it… But for now, you’re just going to get out of here. [[Continue|Pg.10][$EchoesFound +=1]] <<else>>\ Your body crashes to the ground at Claudette’s feet. She jumps away, startled, and she peers down at you with large eyes. “Wh—Are-are you okay?” she asks. “What was that noise?” The first thing you do is look into the closet. It’s empty. There’s no //stranger// in the dark, no one, ''nothing''. You boggle at the space, puzzled. The only evidence of the strange event is a book on your lap: a red, hardcover book with a blank cover, and no name, no title… Claudette shakes your shoulder. “$PlayerName,” she says. “What happened?” @@#options.2;\ \ <<link "Don't tell her.">>\ <<replace "#options.2">>\ You don’t tell her. You wouldn't even know where to begin or how to explain the strange occurrence without coming off as insane. You swear up and down that there was someone, or some''thing'' in there with you, but it’s gone now, whatever it was, and you have no proof that it was ever really there. Maybe it wasn’t. Maybe you imagined it… //Maybe// this place is taking a toll on you. Still gripping the spine of the strange book, you stand up. “It was nothing,” you say, keeping your voice steady. “I just… I got locked in the closet. The door shut on me and wouldn’t open.” Claudette looks unsure. You nudge her. “Let’s head back to camp.” She doesn’t argue. You follow her out of the kitchen and across the main room to the front door. You’ll skim through this book when you get back to camp… [[Continue|Pg.10][$EchoesFound +=1]] <</replace>>\ <</link>>\ <<link "Tell her.">>\ <<replace "#options.2">>\ “There was… There was something in there,” you stammer. “I entered the closet, and it shut the door on me and… I-I don’t know,” you say. “I don’t know… But it was in there with me a second ago, and now it’s gone.” “I didn’t hear anyone else,” Claudette says nervously. “And-And you just came out alone—” “Yeah, but I ''wasn’t'' alone, I //swear.// There was something in there with me.” “Well… maybe… Maybe we should get back to camp,” she suggests uneasily. “And we can tell the others, and—” “Forget it,” you mutter. You knew she wouldn’t believe you. No point in her going back to camp and prattling about your delusions. “Let’s just get the hell out of here.” Still gripping the spine of the strange book, you stand up. You’ll look through the damn thing when you get back to camp… Claudette hurries out of the kitchen and across the main room to the front door. You follow, eager to get away. [[Continue|Pg.10][$EchoesFound +=1]] <<set $ToldClaudette to true>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> \ @@\ <</if>>\

<<fadein 3s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> The trip back to camp is uneventful. The cabin faded into the fog as soon as you left the clearing, swallowed up like it was never there. The chances of finding it again are slim to none. //Meg//, another camper, had warned you about that. It’s always shifting and changing, and if you find something, you won’t find it again. It’s something the others have figured out during their time here, trying to make sense of everything. A //labyrinth//, they called it. And, //“Don’t try to understand,”// they said. //“We sure don’t.”// As you draw closer, the flickering light of the campfire dances against the dark backdrop of the forest. The warmth of the flames and the smoky aroma of burning wood envelop you as you arrive with Claudette in tow. The campfire sits in a clearing among dark, looming trees. It glows softly, illuminated by the bonfire, and complemented by the light of the full moon that always hangs above. As you enter the clearing, you briefly grab the attention of a few others gathered around the fire. //Jane// and //Adam// sit together on a log, with //Bill// hunched over at the other end with a cigarette perched between his lips. //David// paces in front of them like a restless guard dog. Claudette passes you by in silence, situating herself by the fire as she sets her basket down. You say nothing as you find a seat on a vacant log nearby. Embers drift into the midnight sky like fireflies. With a solemn expression, you watch the dancing flames. If you were anywhere else, you might find comfort in their glow and warmth, but you ''know'' better. You understand that this is only a temporary escape from the cycle and the games: run, hide, die, revive, repeat—the routine never ends. You always make it back to the campfire by the end of the night, only to be whisked away at random once again. What comfort can be had in knowing that? You hood your eyes and settle in for some sleep. David grunts nearby, and you brace yourself for what’s to come. [[Continue...|Pg.11]] <<if $Inventory.includes('$red_book')>><<else>><<set $Inventory.push("$red_book")>><<notify 5s>>◈ Item Added to Inventory: ''Strange Red Book''<</notify>><</if>>\ <</fadein>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> You blink, and it’s over. You’re in the cabin again, in the cold and the dark, frozen stiff and still clutching the book's spine. Confused, you take a shallow breath and furrow your brow. "What—?" It felt shockingly real, like you were actually //there.// You could feel the heat from the flames and the cold of the surrounding fog pricking at your skin like static... but it's over now. You raise the book and stare hard at its blank cover. This… //This might be worth keeping.// You turn to leave the room but collide with something solid. It’s not a wall. You stagger back, heart pounding, and look up to see a towering figure looming over you. It isn’t human. Its skin is pitch black, absorbing the moonlight around it and giving it an almost shadowy silhouette. It stands with an imposing stature, easily twice your height, its form rippling with sinewy, corded muscles. Long, pointed claws jut out from its back, ending in blade-like tips. They arch like grotesque skeletal wings, each one lined with jagged edges that look as if they could cleave through solid stone. Its chest is broad, and black claws jut from its sides, forming a cage around its torso like an outer ribcage. Their sharp tips pierce the sternum, leaving it unclear whether they’re meant to protect what lies beneath or //destroy// it. Dark fog seeps from the punctures, spilling into the air in thick, curling tendrils. It's clearly masculine, but lacking certain parts, and hardly human enough to warrant seeing it as more than a monstrous shade projecting a guise. Its arms hang low and long, fingers drawn out into ungodly claws that twitch. You raise your gaze to its head, dread washing over you. Where a face should be, there’s only smooth, featureless darkness, save for the two horn-like protrusions that curl from the sides of its skull, tapering into razor-sharp points. Then, to your disgust: a maw splits open across its black visage, revealing two rows of sharp, glistening white teeth. The mouth stretches unnaturally wide, the grin spreading from where its eyes should be, to the sides of its head. It grins at you, the teeth gleaming in the light. The air around you grows heavier, reeking with the scent of decay and something ancient. Your breath falters when the man-thing slowly raises one hand. He tilts his head to the side in a gesture that’s both curious and unsettlingly casual. Then, in a smooth, deep voice that sends a shiver down your spine, he speaks. //“Hello.”// You— [[Remain Calm.|Followup.2][$Choice to 1; $Panicked to false; $Bravery +=5; $BastionAffinity +=5;]]\ [[Panic!|Followup.2][$Choice to 2; $Panicked to true; $Bravery -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ <<if $CalledClaudetteAPussy is true>>\ You don't scream or shout, and you don't even try to run away. Maybe fear paralyzes you and prevents you from reacting. Or maybe it’s just //curiosity//. Regardless of the reason, you don't move, speak, or react in any way. You gape at the toothy, grinning maw of the strange, dark humanoid, and it startles you when it tilts its head to the side and chuckles. Its voice is husky, warm, and honeyed. <<if $Height is "short">>//“Unusually bold for your ''size'', $PlayerName,”// it says, your name rolling off its tongue with a gravelly purr. //“And brave ones are few and far between.”//<<else>>//“A bold one… Those are few and far between.”//<</if>> Dark mist spews from its maw when it speaks. A slimy, serpentine black tongue darts across its incisors. That action alone almost shatters your calm façade, and you can’t help but wonder if it’s a tic of the odd shade’s character, //or a hungry threat.// You swallow past the lump in your throat. “What are you?” you ask, your voice barely above a whisper. To that, its terrible grin broadens. //“A ''friend.''”// “$PlayerName?” calls Claudette. You glance over your shoulder at the shuttered window, but only for a moment. Turning back around, you discover that the shade is __gone__. Gone without a trace, as if it had never actually existed… And maybe it didn't. As real as it seemed, //maybe// it’s just the fog playing tricks on you. Maybe this place is taking a toll. Claudette calls for you again from outside, more urgently and worriedly. You collect yourself and meet her in the front yard to begin your trek back to camp together. You’ll rack your brain and skim through this strange book later, only once you’ve put this place far behind you… [[Continue|Pg.10][$EchoesFound +=1]]\ <<else>>\ You don't scream or shout, and you don't even try to run away. Maybe fear paralyzes you and prevents you from reacting. Or maybe it’s just //curiosity//. Regardless of the reason, you don't move, speak, or react in any way. You gape at the toothy, grinning maw of the strange, dark humanoid, and it startles you when it tilts its head to the side and chuckles. Its voice is husky, warm, and honeyed. <<if $Height is "short">>\//“Unusually bold for your ''size'', $PlayerName,”// it says, your name rolling off its tongue with a gravelly purr. //“And brave ones are few and far between.”//<<else>>//“A bold one… Those are few and far between.”//<</if>> Dark mist spews from its maw when it speaks. A slimy, serpentine black tongue darts across its incisors. That action alone almost shatters your calm façade, and you can’t help but wonder if it’s a tic of the odd shade’s character, //or a hungry threat.// You swallow past the lump in your throat. “What are you?” you ask, your voice barely above a whisper. To that, its terrible grin broadens. //“A ''friend.''”// “$PlayerName?” You snap your gaze to the parted door, spotting Claudette as she pokes her head inside the room. She only has your attention for a moment, but when you look back, you’re surprised to find that the shade is __gone__. Gone completely without a trace, as if it never actually existed. You look puzzled. “$PlayerName?” Claudette repeats with more concern. You turn toward her again. She pushes through the door. “I-I didn’t find any-anything downstairs,” she says. “Only empty boxes and dust… dust bunnies.” She settles and clasps her hands, then she tilts her head as she studies your perplexed face. “Did you find anything?” Her eyes flit toward the book you clutch. @@#options.3;\ \ <<link "Tell her.">>\ <<replace "#options.3">>\ “There was—I-I saw—” You stop yourself, fumbling over the right words to say. “There was //something// in here, just a moment ago,” you explain. “I picked up this //book//, and then some weird… ''thing'' showed up! And it spoke to me!” “I didn’t hear anyone else,” Claudette says nervously. “Yeah, but I ''wasn’t'' alone, I //swear.// It was here just a moment ago, but it left as soon as you showed up.” “Well… maybe… Maybe we should get back to camp,” she suggests uneasily. “And we can tell the others, and—” “Forget it,” you mutter. You knew she wouldn’t believe you. No point in her going back to camp and prattling about your delusions. “Let’s just get the hell out of here.” Still gripping the spine of the strange book, you head for the door. You’ll wrack your brain and skim through the damn thing when you get back to camp. Claudette follows closely in tow, and you soon put the cabin far behind you… [[Continue...|Pg.10][$EchoesFound +=1]] <<set $ToldClaudette to true>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>>\ <<link "Don’t tell her.">>\ <<replace "#options.3">>\ You decide against telling her. You wouldn’t even know where to begin or how to explain the strange occurrence without coming off as insane. You swear up and down that there was someone, or some''thing'' in here with you. However, it’s gone now, whatever it was, and you have no proof that it was ever really there. Maybe it wasn’t. Maybe you imagined it… //Maybe// this place is taking a toll on you. “No,” you say. “I-I mean, I found //this//, but—” You wave around the book before tucking it under your arm. “—nothing else,” you say quickly, and release a breathy sigh. “Uh… Are we ready to go?” Claudette nods. With that, you both leave the room, and the cabin, and you begin your trek back to the campfire. You’ll wrack your brain and skim through this strange book later, but only once you’ve put this place behind you… [[Continue...|Pg.10][$EchoesFound +=1]] <</replace>>\ <</link>> \ @@\ <</if>>\ <<notify 4s>>◈ The Shade liked that.<</notify>>\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ <<if $CalledClaudetteAPussy is true>>\ You let out a frightened shriek, then stagger backward in your panic. Your heel catches on an upturned floorboard, and you stumble and crash to the ground with a heavy thud. <<if $Glasses is true>>Your glasses fly off your face and clatter nearby, and you lose the book in your blunder.<<else>>You lose the book in your blunder.<</if>> “$PlayerName?” calls Claudette. You glance over your shoulder toward the shuttered window, but only for a moment. Turning back around, you find that the shade is __gone__. Gone without a trace, as if it never actually existed… And maybe it didn’t. As real as it seemed, //maybe// it’s just the fog playing tricks on you. Maybe this place is taking a toll. Claudette calls for you again from outside, more urgently and worriedly. You collect yourself with a fast-beating heart, <<if $Glasses is true>>gather your book and your glasses<<else>>gather the book<</if>>, and you meet her in the front yard to begin your trek back to camp together. You’ll rack your brain and skim through this strange book later, only once you’ve put this place far behind you… [[Continue...|Pg.10][$EchoesFound +=1]] <<else>>\ You let out a frightened shriek, then stagger backward in your panic. Your heel catches on an upturned floorboard, and you stumble and crash to the ground with a heavy thud. <<if $Glasses is true>>Your glasses fly off your face and clatter nearby, and you lose the book in your blunder.<<else>>You lose the book in your blunder.<</if>> When you recover with a painful groan, you look up and find that the shade is __gone__. “$PlayerName?” comes Claudette’s worried voice from the hall. She pushes through the door with large eyes and pursed lips. “What happened?” You blink at her before reaching out to retake the book. Whatever that thing was, it’s gone… You look puzzled. Maybe it was never really there… //Maybe// it’s just the fog playing tricks on you. “$PlayerName?” Claudette repeats, more concerned. You swallow. @@#options.4;\ \ <<link "Tell her.">>\ <<replace "#options.4">>\ “There was—I-I saw—” You stop yourself, fumbling over the right words to say. “There was //something// in here, just a moment ago,” you explain. “I picked up this //book//, and then some weird… ''thing'' showed up! And it spoke to me!” “I didn’t hear anyone else,” Claudette says nervously. “Yeah, but I ''wasn’t'' alone, I //swear.// It was here just a moment ago, but it left as soon as you showed up.” “Well… maybe… Maybe we should get back to camp,” she suggests uneasily. “And we can tell the others, and—” “Forget it,” you mutter. You knew she wouldn’t believe you. No point in her going back to camp and prattling about your delusions. “Let’s just get the hell out of here.” <<if $Glasses is true>>You scan the floor to find your glasses, then you put them on your face before heading for the door, while still gripping the spine of the strange book.<<else>>Still gripping the spine of the strange book, you head for the door.<</if>> You’ll wrack your brain and skim through the damn thing when you get back to camp. Until then, you’re putting this place far behind you… [[Continue...|Pg.10][$EchoesFound +=1]] <<set $ToldClaudette to true>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>>\ <<link "Don’t tell her.">>\ <<replace "#options.4">>\ You decide against telling her. You wouldn’t even know where to begin or how to explain the strange occurrence without coming off as insane. You swear up and down that there was someone, or some''thing'' in here with you. However, it’s gone now, whatever it was, and you have no proof that it was ever really there. Maybe it wasn’t. Maybe you imagined it… //Maybe// this place is taking a toll on you. “No,” you say. “I-I mean, I found //this//, but—” You wave around the book before tucking it under your arm. “—nothing else,” you say quickly, and release a breathy sigh. “Uh… Are we ready to go?” Claudette gives a nod<<if $Glasses is true>>, and she plucks your glasses off the floor and hands them over. After replacing them on your face, <<else>>. And with that, <</if>>you both leave the room, and the cabin, and you begin your trek back to the campfire. You’ll wrack your brain and skim through this strange book later, but only once you’ve put this place far behind you… [[Continue...|Pg.10][$EchoesFound +=1]] <</replace>>\ <</link>> \ @@\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> “Could’ve ‘ad it done by now,” David says, with his choppy English accent, and addressing no one in particular. He’s an imposing man with a muscular and rugged appearance. His nose is crooked, and his hair is styled in a rough black undercut. He has a perpetually furrowed brow, and his knuckles are always bloody and scabbed over, as if he's just gotten out of a bare-knuckle brawl somewhere. “If the lot of you weren’t faffing about, and always pissin’ and moanin’ over yourselves, we could’ve ‘ad it done,” David adds. //“David,”// Jane warns. “Is all I’m saying,” he says, scoffing. “Why’re we settlin’ down in those poor tents when we could prop up some shanties, aye?” He directs his furrowed gaze toward //Jake//, who you only now realize is hidden in the shadow of a tall tree with his arms across his chest. His raven locks almost obscure the annoyed look fixed on his face. You don’t know much, if anything at all, about Jake. You’ve seen him around camp from time to time, often lurking in the shadows and glaring at the fire. But he’s an attractive man with shoulder-length, jet-black hair that falls naturally around his face. He has a well-defined jawline and dark, almond-shaped eyes that always seem to be set in an intense glare. “You’re a carpenter, ain’t you?” David asks. “Why the hell aren’t you making yourself useful?” “I’m not a carpenter,” Jake denies plainly. “Sure you are,” David says. “So why ‘aven’t you used all your know-how to build us somethin’, huh? I’m sure you’re tired a’ sleepin’ on the ground wit’ all the grubs and shit, too!” “I’m ''not'' a goddamn carpenter,” Jake asserts. “If you want something built, you do it yourself.” He fixes a hard look at the bonfire, and he says nothing more. David huffs dismissively. “Some good you are, lad. If we want anythin’ done around 'ere, we’ve all got to get off our arses and make it happen. The way //I// see it is—” He doesn’t get to finish his sentence. He’s whisked away in a haze of embers and dark mist. No one jumps at his sudden disappearance; they’ve seen it all before, hundreds of times. The camp falls into silence, briefly, until broken by the old war veteran. “Thought he’d never shut up,” Bill gruffs across the fire, while chewing on the butt of his cigarette. He sighs heavily and hunches forward. Then it’s quiet again. Although David’s frequent tirades may be obnoxious, he was keeping the camp alive. Distractions are desperately craved here because they help everyone to forget your grim circumstances, even if for just fleeting moments. But, fleeting moment subsided, you wallow in the silence and hang your head, just like everyone else. [[Continue...|Pg.12]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> “Maybe he has a point,” Jane murmurs. She pulls your attention when she raises her head. “Our time could be better spent doing something more productive. We could build up here,” she suggests. “If we all worked together—” “What’s stopping you?” Jake challenges, peering through his veil of hair with a quirked brow. “Get up and do it.” Jane stares at him with a pointed gaze. “We all need to work together,” she insists. “But nobody wants to stand up and make a change.” “We //can’t,// Jane,” Adam says sensibly, gesturing with his hand. “How would we cut down the trees? How would we get them back to camp? How do we saw them apart, or hammer them together? We aren’t physically capable, and those toolboxes of random nuts and bolts won’t help us build homes. I’m all for the idea, but it’s not practical.” Jane flicks her wrist dismissively, scanning the faces around the campfire. “Bill?” she tries, but receives no reply. “Claudette?” she tries agan, but Claudette doesn’t even glance her way. Then she turns to //you//. “What do you think? Maybe a fresh perspective might change some minds around here.” [[I agree.|Pg.13][$Choice to 1; $JaneAffinity +=5; $Optimism +=5]]\ [[I disagree.|Pg.13][$Choice to 2; $Optimism -=5]]\ [[I don't care.|Pg.13][$Choice to 3; $JaneAffinity -=5; $Kindness -=5]]\ [[Let's make a suggestion box. (Sarcastic)|Pg.13][$Choice to 4; $Humor +=5; $Seriousnessness -=5; $AdamAffinity +=5]]\ [[Say nothing|Pg.13][$Choice to 5; $Social -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “I agree,” you say. “If we band together, we might be able to build something for ourselves here. It definitely might improve quality of life, and not to mention the morale boost would be great, also.” Jane exclaims, “Finally!” with a breath of relief. “Someone who sees the glass half full.” //“But,”// you continue, making her pause. “We don’t exactly have the means right now, do we? When we do, I’ll be happy to lend a hand. But until then…” “Ah,” Jane sighs. “Until then, we do nothing but wallow. That’s what it always comes down to at the end of the day…” She hunches forward and casts her gaze to her feet. “Still, at least someone’s looking up.” Minutes pass in silence. When you can’t bear its suffocating weight any longer, you get up and leave.\ <<notify 5s>>◈ Jane liked that.<</notify>>\ <<set $OfferedToHelpBuildShacks to true>>\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “I disagree,” you say. “Adam’s right. We just don’t have the means to make it happen. Not the manpower, nor the tools, nor, frankly, the //energy//. We’re fighting for our lives every day, Jane. We need to choose our battles wisely. And besides”—You swing your arm in an arc—“We already have everything we need. We have //tents//, and this //fire//, and I think we should be glad for that. We can’t afford luxuries.” It’s not what she wanted to hear, but she can’t argue with your pragmatic reasoning. With a dismissive shrug, she leans forward and casts her gaze to her feet. “You’re right,” she mutters. “Ah, I resent that you’re right…” Minutes pass in silence. When you can’t bear its suffocating weight any longer, you get up and leave.\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ “I don’t care,” you reply. “If you want to break your back trying to build a shanty, go right ahead. But I won’t be a part of it. ‘Have enough worries as it is…” You don’t make any friends with your cynical response. Jane flicks her wrist dismissively and turns her nose up at you. “Just what we needed," she mutters. "Another //pessimist.// You haven’t been here for nearly as long as the rest of us... But I can’t make you change your mind.” Minutes pass in silence. When you can’t bear its suffocating weight any longer, you get up and leave.\ <<notify 5s>>◈ Jane didn't like that.<</notify>>\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 4>>\ With an impish smile tugging on your lips, you lean forward and prop your elbow on your lap. “Why don’t we make a //suggestion box?”// Already, Jane rolls her eyes. You slap your knee. “//C’mon//, I’m being serious here. We can put a little box on a pedestal, then scrawl down a list of demands for the //Entity.// While we’re at it, why not petition for a //salad bar?// Or a //hot tub?// I, for one, could go for a nice, long soak…” “You’re not funny,” Jane mutters. “And here I thought I was.” Jane hunches forward and breathes a sigh while casting her gaze to her feet. “Never mind,” she says. “Never mind…” And, “I quite like the idea,” Adam murmurs. He gives a partial smile, which wavers and vanishes after a moment. Minutes pass in silence. When you can’t bear its suffocating weight any longer, you get up and leave.\ <<notify 5s>>◈ Adam liked that.<</notify>>\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 5>>\ You say nothing in response, which elicits a breathy sigh from Jane. She hunches forward while casting her gaze to her feet. “We got another quiet one,” she murmurs, sounding discouraged. “Never mind. Never mind it all…”\ Minutes pass in silence. When you can’t bear its suffocating weight any longer, you get up and leave.\ <</if>> [[Continue...|Pg.14]]

<<fadein 4s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> <img src="images/other/yourtent.png" /> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> Your tent’s a short walk from the campfire, along a beaten path and resting on the fringe just before the denser barrier of dark fog that blankets the territory beyond it. It’s one of many tents scattered randomly throughout the woods, with origins that remain unknown to you all. But here, where you have next to nothing except the clothes on your back, and the pathetic stockpile of items you’ve scrounged from the trials and beyond, you take what’s given. Upon arriving at your personal refuge, you crawl into your weathered green tent and sit on your bedroll. As you recall your find from that cabin, you take out the odd red book from your backpack. <<if $LookedDownstairs is true>>After stroking its spine, you flip it open and boggle to find that all the pages are //blank//. Actually, all but __one.__ You toss to the first page and pause. There’s a single line, messily scrawled in black ink across the center of the page. You thumb over it. //[["I know there’s a way out."]]// <<else>>\ While sorting through your muddled thoughts, you idly stroke the spine. What you saw in the cabin seemed real, //incredibly// real. And that… ''thing'' seemed just as real. But it wasn’t. It //couldn’t// have been. No one else has ever reported anything like that — not outside the trials, anyway. That’s where you find the monsters, the //killers//. So what are the odds you’d be the first to meet one in the fog? With a sigh, you put your thoughts to rest. After setting the book away, you flop on your back. The //Entity// might seize you into another trial soon… It’s been a while since your last one, and you want to get as much rest as you can in the meantime. You shut your eyes. [[Continue...|Dream Sequence 1]] <</if>>\ <</fadein>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> You blink, and it’s over. You're back in your tent, sitting motionless on your bedroll, still clutching the book's spine. Confused, you take a shallow breath and furrow your brow. "What—?" It felt shockingly real, like you were truly //there.// You could feel the heat from the flames and the cold of the surrounding fog pricking at your skin like static... but it's over now. You raise the book and stare hard at its blank cover. This… //This might be worth keeping.// But now you're left with your muddled thoughts. What happened in that cabin was //incredibly// real. You're not going insane; something locked you in that closet and gave you this damn book. But no one’s ever reported anything like this, not outside the trials, anyway. That’s where every strange happening occurs… So what does this all mean? With a sigh, you put your thoughts to rest. After setting the book aside, you lie back. The Entity might soon pull you into another trial. It's been a while since your last one, and you want to get as much rest as possible before then. You close your eyes. [[Continue|Dream Sequence 1]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>//This feels too real...//</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ //You don't know who's asking, but you feel compelled to answer. "Spiders," you say, imagining their creepy-crawly legs and the sensation they leave behind as they tread upon your skin. Then you envision their many terrible eyes, black and beady, gleaming with malice. You swallow a hard lump in your throat and repeat, "Spiders.” “Spiders?” the voices echo. “''Even'' the harmless ones?” “Even the harmless ones,” you reaffirm. “It doesn’t matter. Big or small, venomous or not, they all terrify me, and I don’t know why.” “They’re more terrified of ''you'', than you are of ''them''.” “I’ve heard that a hundred times before, but it's never changed anything.” “Adapt or ''fade'',” the voices murmur. “Be not the prey ensnared in the spider’s web… Be ''brave'', and escape its narrow threads.”\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ //You don't know who's asking, but you feel compelled to answer. "Being vulnerable," you say. You imagine yourself in the open, defenseless, afraid, not knowing what threats might lurk around every corner, and being unable to deter them. The thought makes you sweat. "Being vulnerable," you repeat. “Being vulnerable?” the voices echo. “And do you feel vulnerable now?” “Yes. And I have from the moment I arrived here.” “That feeling won’t go away,” they murmur. “You will feel exposed, and powerless, and weak until you fade here.” “And there’s nothing I can do?” “''Embrace'' those thoughts which terrify you,” they say, “and you will be vulnerable ''no more.''”\ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ //You don’t know who’s asking, but you’re compelled to answer. “The dark,” you say. Like ''here'' and now, where you stand surrounded on all sides by pitch black. You don't know what's hiding out there, or what threats could be lurking nearby, watching you. It makes your hairs stand up. “The dark scares me,” you affirm. “The dark?” the voices echo, followed by a chorus of shrill, discordant laughter. “You’ll find ''much'' of that here…” “I know,” you say. “And it terrifies me.” “As it should,” the voices murmur. “But will you live in its shadow, afraid, ''forever?''”\ <<elseif $Choice eq 4>>\ //You don’t know who’s asking, but you’re compelled to answer. “Death,” you say. The ''stench'' of it, the sight of decay, the feeling of slipping away, and ''especially'' the constant threat of it which looms overhead like a dark cloud. It puts a pit in your stomach. “Death,” you repeat. “Death?” the voices echo, followed by a chorus of shrill, discordant laughter. “Ah... This place will eat you ''alive''. Death will follow you around every corner, and it will follow you to sleep, and through your waking dreams… Your fear will ''ruin'' you.” “I know,” you say. “But what can I do?” “''Accept'' death for that which it is,” they respond. “And what is it?” you ask. “''Rebirth.''”\ <<elseif $Choice eq 5>>\ //You don't know who's asking, but you feel compelled to answer. "Nothing," you say, and you mean it. After the hell you've been through, how could you fear anything now? You've faced ''killers'', ''death'', and the fear of the unknown, but you're still here, still standing. "Nothing," you repeat. A shrill laugh nearby makes you jump. You spin around, wildly scoping the darkness for its source, but there isn't one. “$PlayerName,” you hear. “''Everyone'' is afraid of something.” “Not me,” you reaffirm. “--Not ''yet.'' But we will watch, and we will ''wait'', and we will see if you brave the horror as boldly as you claim you will.”\ <</if>> [[Continue...|Pg.15]]

<<audio dream_sequence_bgm fadeout>>\ <<audio story_bgm volume 0 fadeto 0.3 loop>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> <<fadein 4s>> <img src="images/other/thepreserved.png" /> You wake with a jolt, your breath hitching as your senses adjust. Above you, a black void stretches endlessly, freckled with shimmering stars. You’re not in your tent. The warmth of your bedroll is gone, replaced by the numbing sting of icy water lapping against your back. Your breath clouds in the frigid air as you exhale shakily, confusion riddling your face. Sitting up slowly, you take in your surroundings. The water is extremely clear, mirroring the twinkling sky above. A thick white mist blankets its surface, creeping outward and becoming so dense you can't see through it. The farther you gaze, the more disorienting it becomes—this place is an infinite void with no discernible horizon. A violent shiver races down your spine. “What… is this?” you whisper, your words hanging in the silence before fading out of pitch. You rise unsteadily to your feet, the water swirling around your ankles. And you only take two steps forward before freezing entirely. <<if $LookedDownstairs is true>>At first, you almost miss it. But when you realize the sight straight ahead, your blood runs cold and goosebumps stipple your skin. A dark head emerges above the water’s surface, revealing a featureless visage. Where a face ''should'' be, there’s only smooth, featureless darkness, save for the two horn-like protrusions that curl from the sides of its skull, tapering into razor-sharp points. To your horror and disgust, a maw splits open across its face, revealing two rows of sharp, glistening white teeth. The mouth stretches unnaturally wide, the grin spreading from where its eyes should be, to the sides of its head. You gasp in shock, stumbling backward and crashing into the shallow water. The entity—//whatever it may be//—begins to move. As the creature rises from the shimmering pool, its unsettling form becomes more apparent. It isn’t human. Its skin is pitch black, absorbing the light around it and giving it an almost shadowy silhouette. It stands with an imposing stature, easily twice your height, its form rippling with sinewy, corded muscles. Long, pointed claws jut out from its back, ending in blade-like tips. They arch like grotesque skeletal wings, each one lined with jagged edges that look as if they could cleave through solid stone. Its chest is broad, and black claws jut from its sides, forming a cage around its torso like an outer ribcage. Their sharp tips pierce the sternum, leaving it unclear whether they’re meant to protect what lies beneath or //destroy// it. Dark fog seeps from the punctures, spilling into the air in thick, curling tendrils. It's clearly masculine, but lacking certain //parts//, and hardly human enough to warrant seeing it as more than a monstrous shade projecting a guise. Its arms hang low and long, fingers drawn out into ungodly claws that twitch. As it rises and takes lengthy strides towards you, its lumbering, pitch-black silhouette contrasts sharply against the misty white fog. Once you find your voice, you babble and choke, crawling away inch by inch as the shade steadily approaches. It must find it an amusing display, because a deep chuckle escapes its warm, husky voice—the voice you recognize from the broom closet. A shiver runs down your spine. Finally, the shade halts directly above you, and you cower beneath its imposing presence. With sickening cracks and pops, large obsidian claws sprout from its back, extending outward and twitching—they share a frightening resemblance to the //Entity’s// dreadful claws.\ <<else>>\ A familiar, dark head pokes above the surface of the water, with a grinning, gnarly maw that gleams in the moonlight. That's the awful shade from the cabin, if you're not mistaken... //and it's watching you.// You gasp sharply, startle, and trip backward over your feet before crashing solidly into the shallow water. The being--whatever it is--moves. As it rises and approaches you with one lengthy stride at a time, you realize it stands well over two meters in height. Its lumbering, pitch-black form silhouettes against the misty white behind it with stark contrast. When you find your voice, you babble and choke, crawling away bit by bit as the shade draws closer. You must be an amusing display because it //chuckles.// Finally, it draws to a stop directly above you as you cower beneath it. With sickening cracks and pops, large, obsidian claws grow from its back, which extend outward and twitch like living things. They share a frightening resemblance to the //Entity's// terrible claws.\ <</if>> [[Run!|Pg.16][$Choice to 1; $Bravery -=5; $BastionAffinity -=5]]\ [[Stand your ground.|Pg.16][$Choice to 2; $BastionAffinity +=5; $Bravery +=5]]\ <<if $Panicked is false or $Bravery gte 55>>[[Say hello.|Pg.16][$Choice to 3; $BastionAffinity +=5; $Bravery +=5]]<<else>><span class = "inactive">[[Say hello. (Requires: Bravery 55+)|Pg.16][$Choice to 3]]</span><</if>> <</fadein>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ Fear takes hold, and you scramble to your feet and run. But before you can get away, something catches you by the collar and jerks you backwards, lifting you off your feet. You land on your back with a splash, grimacing as you look up at the gleaming maw of the dark specter. <<if $LookedDownstairs is false>><<if $Panicked is true>>//“I’m sorry to startle you again,”// he says with a smoky chuckle. A reek of ashes and death comes off his frigid breath. //“But you’re a skittish one, aren’t you? That’s fine… I can work with that.”//<<else>>//“You didn’t startle this easily before,”// he says with a chuckle. A reek of ashes and death comes off his frigid breath. //“Though, perhaps now it’s more warranted.”//<</if>><<else>>//“I’m sorry to startle you again,”// he says with a smoky chuckle. A reek of ashes and death comes off his frigid breath. //“But ''here'' I thought meeting face to face might’ve eased that fear…”//<</if>> He kneels above you, and as you try to scramble away, the shadow presses a heavy hand flat against your chest, just above your thundering heart, pinning you down. You release a quivering breath and demand, "Get-Get //off//--" //“Shh, shh, shh,”// the shade coos, with a sickeningly sweet tone. //“Entertain me, only for a ''moment'',”// he says.\ <<notify 4s>>◈ The Shade didn't like that.<</notify>>\ [[Continue...|Pg.19]]\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You get back on your feet and stand tall and steady, despite the uneasy feeling crawling under your skin and the thunderous beating of your heart. The shadow man-thing hums. <<if $Panicked is true>>//“No ''scream'' this time? My, how bold you’ve become since our last visit…”<<else>>//“You're not running and screaming at the ''wretched'' sight of me? Well, aren’t you bold?”// it says with a chuckle. //“Very bold indeed…”//<</if>> It begins to circle slowly around you, as if intensely scrutinizing you. To keep it in sight, you swivel on your heels. [[What are you?|Pg.17][$Choice to 1]]\ [[Am I dreaming?|Pg.17][$Choice to 2]]\ [[What do you want?|Pg.17][$Choice to 3; $Bravery +=5;]]\ <<notify 4s>>◈ The Shade liked that.<</notify>>\ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ “Uh... Hi,” you murmur past the lump in your throat. The shadow man-thing tilts its head and grins more wryly. <<if $Panicked is true>>//“Hi?”// it echoes, followed by a chuckle. //“My, how ''bold'' you've become since our last visit...”<<else>>//“Well, aren’t you ''bold''?”// it says with a chuckle. //“Very bold indeed…”//<</if>> It begins to circle slowly around you, as if intensely scrutinizing you. To keep it in sight, you swivel on your heels. [[What are you?|Pg.17][$Choice to 1]]\ [[Am I dreaming?|Pg.17][$Choice to 2]]\ [[What do you want?|Pg.17][$Choice to 3; $Bravery +=5;]]\ <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “What are you?” you ask. “Are you… Are you one of //them?”// Your question elicits a chuckle from the shade. //“I’m no ''killer'',”// he assures you, grinning. However, you don’t quite believe him. When he reads the tension on your furrowed brow and tight lips, his grin grows even broader. //“You don’t believe me?”// “How can I?” //“Well... I suppose you ''can't.''”// The shade stops directly in front of you, and he reaches out to cup your chin in his icy hand.\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “What is this?” you ask. “Am I dreaming?” //“Depends,”// the shade says with a chuckle. //“Would that make me the ''man'' of your ''dreams?''”// You scoff at the outrageous reply. The shade stops directly in front of you, grinning. //“Call this whatever you want,”// it says. Then it reaches out to cup your chin in its icy hand. <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ “What do you want?” you ask. //“You think I ''want'' something from you?”// “I ''think'' I wouldn’t be here otherwise,” you reply, knitting your brow. “Wherever //here// is.” //“''Here'' is a refuge,”// the shade says, grinning. //“And I only want you to entertain a moment with me.”// He stops directly in front of you, and he reaches out to cup your chin in his icy hand. <</if>>\ [[Let him.|Pg.18][$Choice to 1]]\ [[Slap his hand away.|Pg.18][$Choice to 2; $BastionAffinity +=10; $Bravery +=10]]\ <<if $HeartShapedGlasses is true>><<if $Sexuality is "androsexual" or $Sexuality is "bisexual">>\ <<link "“Like what you see?” $flirtIcon">><<set $Choice to 3>><<set $BastionAffinity += 5>><<set $Social +=5>><<set $Humor +=5>><<set $Seriousness -=5>><<goto "Pg.18">><</link>>\ <<else>><span class="inactive"><<link "“Like what you see?” $flirtIcon">><<goto "Pg.18">></span><</if>><</if>>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ You don’t fight him when he turns your head from side to side, nor when he traces your bottom lip with his talon. He seems to be examining you… But why? Upon mustering up the courage to speak, you ask, “What are you doing?” The shade’s grin grows wider. //“Trying to determine if you’re brave, or just ''submissive.''”// You make a face that evokes a hearty laugh from him. //“Ah,”// he sighs. //“But that’s not why we’re here.”// Suddenly, without warning, one of his twitchy, spidery appendages strikes you, sending you crashing backwards. You land on your back with a splash, grimacing as the creature takes one knee above you. Before you can scramble away, it pins you down with a heavy hand on your chest.\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You slap his hand away. “''Don’t'' you touch me,” you command. “I don’t know who, or //what// you are, or what ''any'' of this is, but I won’t be a part of it.” //“$PlayerName!”// The shade erupts with a hearty laugh. //“Ah, there’s a ''fire'' in you… ''I like that.''”// Suddenly, without warning, one of his twitchy, spidery appendages strikes you, sending you crashing backwards. You land on your back with a splash, grimacing as the creature takes one knee above you. Before you can scramble away, it pins you down with a heavy hand on your chest.\ <<notify 4s>>◈ The Shade //really// liked that.<</notify>>\ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ During the shadowy specter’s uncouth inspection, you indulge in one of your own… For a //sleep paralysis demon,// he’s not too shabby… Slim pickings here in the fog, and you’re not even entirely convinced that this is //real//. Your disbelief has you feeling extremely bold, and //way// too inclined to shoot your shot at the enigmatic visitor. “Like what you see?” you ask, with a stupid little smirk playing at your lips. The shade chuckles and traces your bottom lip with his talon. //“You’re a <<if $Gender is "non-binary" or $Gender is "female">>''pretty''<<else>>''handsome''<</if>> little thing, but that’s not why we’re here…”// You quirk an eyebrow. Then suddenly, without warning, one of his twitchy, spidery appendages strikes you, sending you crashing backwards. You land on your back with a splash, grimacing as the creature takes one knee above you. Before you can scramble away, it pins you down with a heavy hand on your chest. “Hey-hey!” you exclaim. “I think you might be moving too fast for me—”\ <<notify 4s>>◈ The Shade liked that.<</notify>>\ <</if>>\ [[Continue|Pg.19]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> You squirm and kick like a wild mule, but it's no use. An intense pressure begins to build up inside your chest. You fight harder beneath the shadowy entity, but he remains indifferent to your struggle. //“Still warm,”// he murmurs. //“But the fog will soon change that… We will need to work ''fast.''”// His eerie grin doesn't waver for a second, even when he speaks. You try to protest, but the strange pressure inside your chest rises and becomes unbearably painful and tight, choking you into silence. You stifle a cry but continue struggling. “Wh-What are you doing to me?” you strain to ask. He ignores you. To make matters worse, and furthering your discomfort, his clawed extremities move in around you and explore your body. They trace your limbs, pluck at your fabrics, and the spines barbing them scratch and tickle your skin. Through the pain, you only manage a strained whine. The shade acknowledges your discomfort just for a moment. //“Forgive me,”// he chuckles. //“These twisted things have a mind of their own…”// Desperately, you try to fight back, to struggle free, to do ''anything'', but you can’t. //“Don’t fight me,”// your tormentor says. //“I only want to see what I’m working with. It’ll just be a moment,”// he reassures you. //“Only a ''moment''.”// He opens his jaws, and an acrid, dark cloud seeps from the void behind his teeth. You try not to breathe it in, but it's too late. It burns your throat as you inhale, causing you to cough, wheeze, and choke. The pressure soon becomes overwhelming, stealing the air from your lungs. You struggle to breathe as the pressure steadily increases. It hurts like hell. A prickly sensation expands in your chest and claws up your insides. You gasp, desperate for air. You can’t breathe. //[[Can’t… breathe—|Pg.20]]//

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> “<span class="blurry">—ey!</span>... HEY!” A rush of oxygen fills your lungs as you wake up gasping for breath. Your senses come back all at once, and you feel warm hands gripping your shoulders. You open your eyes and see Jake hovering above you. His handsome features, partially obscured by loose black tresses, are twisted with concern. “Hey, $Gender_Ref,” he says. “You all right?” A calm settles over your thundering heart, and the hairs on the back of your neck begin to relax. You’re in your tent, lying on your bedroll… You breathe a sigh of relief. [['"I\'m fine."'|Pg.21][$Choice to 1; $JakeAffinity +=5; $Bravery +=5]]\ [['"No, I\'m not."'|Pg.21][$Choice to 2; $Emotion +=5; $Bravery -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Shadows</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “I’m… I’m fine,” you rasp. You sit up slowly and <<if $Beanie is true>>toss off your hat to rake your hand through your scalp.<<else>>rake your hand through your scalp.<</if>> Sweat drips from your brow and trickles down your cheek, and your skin feels icy to the touch. Jake scoffs as he leans back on his haunches. “You’re //fine//?” he says. “Then what the hell was all that a minute ago?” “A nightmare,” you reply shakily. “It was a nightmare.” “Some nightmare,” he mutters. “‘Was passing by when I heard you //choking//.” “I’m fine now,” you say firmly. A frown creases his forehead, but he says nothing. He turns around to leave, but pauses and meets your eyes over his shoulder. “You haven’t been here for very long, right? I’ve only just started seeing you around camp… And I don’t think I got your name.” “$PlayerName,” you impart. “Jake,” he replies, extending a hand. When you shake it, he flinches at your frigid touch. Finally, he withdraws and turns away. “See you around,” he murmurs, before he parts the tent flap and vanishes into the night.\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Jake liked that.<</notify>>\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “No, I'm //not//,” you rasp. You sit up slowly and <<if $Beanie is true>>toss off your hat to rake your hand through your scalp.<<else>>rake your hand through your scalp.<</if>> Sweat drips from your brow and trickles down your cheek, and your skin feels icy to the touch. "I-I was just... choking, and-and I couldn't breathe--" Jake scoffs as he leans back on his haunches. "What, is it... is it //sleep apnea?// You an asthmatic? What the hell was that?" “I-I don't know,” you reply shakily. “A nightmare, //but--//"<<if $ToldClaudette is true>> you sputter into silence. He won't believe anything you tell him... Hell, //Claudette// didn't believe you, back at the cabin when you tried to explain what had happened. There's no way to describe this without him thinking you're insane... "It was just a nightmare," you say. "Just a nightmare."<<else>> you sputter into silence, not knowing how you'd explain it. "I think it was just a nightmare, but... but it felt so //real//, and I ''swear'' I couldn't breathe."<</if>> "Right..." Jake murmurs. It's clear he doesn't know what else to say. A frown creases his forehead. He turns around to leave, but pauses and meets your eyes over his shoulder. “You haven’t been here for very long, right? I’ve only just started seeing you around camp… And I don’t think I got your name.” “$PlayerName,” you mutter. “Jake,” he replies. Finally, he withdraws and turns away. “See you around,” he murmurs, before he parts the tent flap and vanishes into the night. <</if>>\ [[Continue...|Pg.22]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> Slinking along the corridors in search of a generator, you pass scattered gurneys and hospital trays. This place is a winding maze of shadowed rooms. You fear that if you're not careful, you'll bump face-first into the tormentor chosen for this trial. Almost every part of you longs for a place to curl up and hide. If you could tuck yourself into a corner and hold out until the trial ended, you would. But it’s not so simple… Trials are tough games to play, and even tougher to win. If you hid away, you’d surely doom yourself and your allies. The fear is crippling, but you’re resolved to play this game and you’ll do all that you can to escape. As you push steadily along the corridor, you hug the wall. The beady black eyes of a crow perched on a windowsill gleam as you approach. You swat your hands and send it fluttering off, then crouch behind a utility cart. Darkness covers the hall ahead. Jitters make you fidgety and uneasy. //Move, move, move!// The voice in your head urges. //Fix the generators and get out,// it insists. It’s become your mantra, what you say to yourself when your legs feel like jelly and your heart threatens to beat right out of your chest. You repeat it often, though fear is mostly what drives you forward. //Fix the generators and get out.// You keep down the hall. As you approach another corner, you brace yourself before turning. But even that doesn’t keep your heart from leaping to your throat when you collide with //Dwight.// He jumps away with a startled gasp. “A-Ah, sorry,” he whispers apologetically. He smooths back his messed black hair and exhales sharply. You slap your hand over your thundering heart with a relieved breath. Although you don't know him well, he's a familiar face in this nightmare. You sometimes see him around camp, hunched over a log and staring at the fire with a thousand-yard stare. He's tall and thin, with a pale complexion that's often soiled by dirt and blood, and crooked black glasses frame his wide eyes. He's soft around the edges; a wimpy man, and it shows in his demeanor. He walks with his head bowed, chews his nails down to stubs, and when there's nothing left to chew, he picks at his scalp and rubs the back of his neck. Dwight, the //wimp//--it may seem a harsh critique of the man, but it's all you've gathered without ever having met him face to face. His name came to you from the others. [[Apologize.|Pg.24][$Choice to 1; $Kindness +=5]]\ [[Snap at him.|Pg.24][$Choice to 2; $Kindness -=5; $Social -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “My bad,” you apologize. “Didn’t mean to scare you.” "We both jumped," Dwight replies with a hint of humor. Nervously, he rubs the nape of his neck before gesturing over his shoulder. "You're looking for a generator, right? There's one back this way." You follow him down the hall and into a dark room. As your eyes adjust to the dim light, you see rows of shower stalls with dripping heads and muck stains on the tiles. Overhead, a single light buzzes. In the corner sits a generator, and you join Dwight beside it. Dwight plucks at two wires, murmuring, “This place is a maze. You never know who or //what// you’ll find turning a corner…” “Just figured that out firsthand,” you reply. Dwight grunts. Occasionally, his eyes flicker over his shoulder before settling on you. “You’re, uh… //new//, right?” You nod. “I thought so… I-I guess I wasn’t around when you popped in, whenever that was… People just show up sometimes, y’know? And there are never any //real// introductions—” A spurt of oil jets out of the generator and gets him right in the eye. He swears under his breath and pulls his greasy hands out of the machine. “Ah, well, I’m //Dwight//,” he says with an exasperated sigh while lifting his shirt to wipe his face. “Camp idiot.” “$PlayerName,” you return. Dwight plucks his glasses off to clean the lenses on his pant leg. “Glad we got that out of the way. It’s always… awkward. Like right now, //it’s//…” He trails off and puts his glasses on his face. As his brows furrow, he asks, “How, uh… How are you doing so far?”\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “//Watch it//,” you hiss. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” “Sorry, //sorry//,” Dwight repeats with a sigh. Nervously, he rubs the nape of his neck. “I-I heard someone over here and figured I’d, uh… check it out…” His lips draw into a firm line before he gestures over his shoulder. “You’re looking for a generator, right? There’s one back this way.” You follow him down the hall and into a dark room. As your eyes adjust to the dim light, you see rows of shower stalls with dripping heads and muck stains on the tiles. Overhead, a single light buzzes. In the corner sits a generator, and you join Dwight beside it. Dwight plucks at two wires, murmuring, “This place is a maze. You never know who or //what// you’ll find turning a corner…” “Just figured that out firsthand,” you reply. Dwight grunts. Occasionally, his eyes flicker over his shoulder before settling on you. “You’re, uh… //new//, right?” You nod. “I thought so… I-I guess I wasn’t around when you popped in, whenever that was… People just show up sometimes, y’know? And there are never any //real// introductions—” A spurt of oil jets out of the generator and gets him right in the eye. He swears under his breath and pulls his greasy hands out of the machine. “Ah, well, I’m //Dwight//,” he says with an exasperated sigh while lifting his shirt to wipe his face. “Camp idiot.” “$PlayerName,” you return. Dwight plucks his glasses off to clean the lenses on his pant leg. “Glad we got that out of the way. It’s always… awkward. Like right now, //it’s//…” He trails off and puts his glasses on his face. As his brows furrow, he asks, “How, uh… How are you doing so far?” <</if>>\ [['"I\'m fine."'|Pg.25][$Choice to 1; $Emotion -=5; $Humor -=5; $Seriousness +=5]]\ [['"Not great."'|Pg.25][$Choice to 2; $Honesty +=5; $Emotion +=5; $Humor -=5; $Seriousness +=5]]\ [["Doing great!" (Sarcastic)|Pg.25][$Choice to 3; $Kindness -=5; $DwightAffinity -=5]]\ [['"We don\'t need to talk."'|Pg.25][$Choice to 4; $Seriousness +=5; $Humor -=5; $Social -=5; $DwightAffinity -=5]]\ [['"I could go for a hot shower."'|Pg.25][$Choice to 5; $Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5; $DwightAffinity +=5]]\ [[Say nothing.|Pg.25][$Choice to 6; $Social -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “I’m fine,” you say. “Coping, same as everyone else…” “That’s about as good as it gets,” Dwight mutters. He pulls a switch on the generator and furrows his brow when something pops. Continuing to work, he maintains a focused expression. “I guess you’re handling it well. I-I mean, better than //most//,” he murmurs. “But if you’re still trying to wrap your head around //this// and //that//, I could give you some pointers; I used to host seminars back at the office.” You nod in agreement. Silence descends, and for two minutes, you work side by side as the generator makes some noise--clanging and pumping--as you continue the repairs. Dwight sweeps his arm across his slick forehead before eyeing you again. “I, uh… I worked in accounting,” he says. “I filed paperwork and ran fax up and down the halls to my blowhard boss. The pay was lousy, and the AC unit wasn’t running half the time, but I’d give anything to be back there now, hunched over a desk and sweating like a pig…” He frowns. “This place really makes you miss the little things.”\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “Not great,” you say. “//Here?// Playing these messed-up games and having to look over my shoulder for ''killers'' every night? Not great…” Dwight’s brow wrinkles. “I’m, er… I’m sorry,” he apologizes. “It was a stupid question… Really stupid, uh… //stupid question.//” He pulls a switch on the generator and furrows his brow when something pops. Continuing to work, he maintains a focused expression. “I don’t know if it makes you feel any better, but we all feel the same way,” he murmurs. “And if you’re still trying to wrap your head around //this// and //that//, I could give you some pointers; I used to host seminars back at the office.” You nod in agreement. Silence descends, and for two minutes, you work side by side as the generator makes some noise--clanging and pumping--as you continue the repairs. Dwight sweeps his arm across his slick forehead before eyeing you again. “I, uh… I worked in accounting,” he says. “I filed paperwork and ran fax up and down the halls to my blowhard boss. The pay was lousy, and the AC unit wasn’t running half the time, but I’d give anything to be back there now, hunched over a desk and sweating like a pig…” He frowns. “This place really makes you miss the little things.”\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ “Oh, I’m doing //great!//” you exclaim in a bitter, sarcastic tone. “What’s //not// to like about this place? Spending time in the great outdoors, free team-building exercises—oh, and having to look over my shoulder for ''killers'' every night! I’m __great__. Just peachy.” Dwight’s brow wrinkles. “I-I’m, er… I’m sorry,” he apologizes. “It was a stupid question… Really stupid, uh… //stupid question.//” He pulls a switch on the generator and furrows his brow when something pops. Continuing to work, he maintains a focused expression. “We all feel the same way,” he murmurs. “Some of us are just better at hiding it… And if you’re still trying to wrap your head around //this// and //that//, I could give you some pointers; I used to host seminars back at the office.” You nod in agreement. Silence descends, and for two minutes, you work side by side as the generator makes some noise--clanging and pumping--as you continue the repairs. Dwight sweeps his arm across his slick forehead before eyeing you again. “I, uh… I worked in accounting,” he says. “I filed paperwork and ran fax up and down the halls to my blowhard boss. The pay was lousy, and the AC unit wasn’t running half the time, but I’d give anything to be back there now, hunched over a desk and sweating like a pig…” He frowns. “This place really makes you miss the little things.”\ \ \ \ <<notify 4s>>◈ Dwight didn't like that.<</notify>>\ <<elseif $Choice eq 4>>\ “We don’t need to talk,” you say. “We should focus on this generator.” Dwight’s brow wrinkles. “Right,” he says. “We should, uh… focus.” He pulls a switch on the generator and furrows his brow when something pops. Continuing to work, he maintains a focused expression, although he glances frequently at you. “Y’know,” he says, contrary to your request, “if you’re still trying to wrap your head around //this// and //that//, I could give you some pointers; I used to host seminars back at the office.” You don’t respond, hoping that he’ll keep quiet. It’s awkward small talk you don’t want. And so the silence persists, and for two minutes, you work side by side while the generator makes some noise--clanging and pumping--as you continue the repairs. Dwight sweeps his arm across his slick forehead before eyeing you again. “I, uh… I worked in accounting,” he says. “I filed paperwork and ran fax up and down the halls to my blowhard boss. The pay was lousy, and the AC unit wasn’t running half the time, but I’d give anything to be back there now, hunched over a desk and sweating like a pig…” He frowns. “This place really makes you miss the little things.”\ \ \ \ <<notify 4s>>◈ Dwight didn't like that.<</notify>>\ <<elseif $Choice eq 6>>\ You say nothing. Dwight’s brow wrinkles and he waits silently for a minute before clearing his throat and murmuring, “Uh… //O…kay//…” He pulls a switch on the generator and furrows his brow when something pops. Continuing to work, he maintains a focused expression, although he glances frequently at you. “Y’know,” he says, contrary to your silence, “if you’re still trying to wrap your head around //this// and //that//, I could give you some pointers; I used to host seminars back at the office.” You don’t respond. You nod in agreement. Silence descends, and for two minutes, you work side by side as the generator makes some noise--clanging and pumping--as you continue the repairs. Dwight sweeps his arm across his slick forehead before eyeing you again. “I, uh… I worked in accounting,” he says. “I filed paperwork and ran fax up and down the halls to my blowhard boss. The pay was lousy, and the AC unit wasn’t running half the time, but I’d give anything to be back there now, hunched over a desk and sweating like a pig…” He frowns. “This place really makes you miss the little things.”\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 5>>\ “Killers and evil Eldritch entities aside, I could ''really'' go for a hot shower,” you say with a slanted smile. “And I'd //kill// for a bar of soap.” Dwight lets out a laugh. “Same here,” he says, before quickly adding, “Not the, er, //killing// part, but... yeah. I think we could all use a hot shower...” He pulls a switch on the generator and furrows his brow when something pops. Continuing to work, he maintains a focused expression. “It's great that you're handling it so well,” he says. “But if you’re still trying to wrap your head around //this// and //that//, I could give you some pointers; I used to host seminars back at the office.” You nod in agreement. Silence descends, and for two minutes, you work side by side as the generator makes some noise--clanging and pumping--as you continue the repairs. Dwight sweeps his arm across his slick forehead before eyeing you again. “I, uh… I worked in accounting,” he says. “I filed paperwork and ran fax up and down the halls to my blowhard boss. The pay was lousy, and the AC unit wasn’t running half the time, but I’d give anything to be back there now, hunched over a desk and sweating like a pig…” He frowns. “This place really makes you miss the little things.”\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Dwight liked that.<</notify>>\ <</if>>\ [['"I hear you."'|Pg.26][$Choice to 1; $Social +=5; $DwightAffinity +=5]]\ [['"That sounds like hell."'|Pg.26][$Choice to 2; $Optimism -=5]]\ [['"We\'ll get it back."'|Pg.26][$Choice to 3; $Optimism +=5; $DwightAffinity +=5]]\ [[Say nothing.|Pg.26][$Choice to 4; $Social -=5;]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “I hear you,” you reply. “Out of the frying pan and into the fire… This place makes every bad day in the past seem like a fond memory.” The shrill call of a crow nearby makes you tense. Silence follows, causing your hairs to stand up and your stomach to tighten. Cold sweat dampens your brow. "I can see why you'd miss it." “Yeah… And this isn’t something you get used to, believe me.” You raise a brow. “How long have you been here?” Dwight scoffs. “Me? Well—” He taps his chin with a greasy finger as he considers his answer. “Uh… I… I-I can’t really say.” His face develops an uncertain look. “It’s hard to keep track of time here… But it feels like… like //forever.//” Gloom shadows his brow as he hangs his head. “I can’t remember the last time I woke up and dressed for work… The last thing I remember is… //is—”// He stops short with a dismissive wave. “It, uh… It doesn’t matter. All that matters is we repair these generators and get out. I can’t wait to get back to camp and sit by the fire…”\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “That sounds like hell,” you say scoffingly. “Sitting behind a desk all day, wasting away your life filing paperwork for some rich asshole who pays you nickels and dimes?” The shrill call of a crow nearby makes you tense. Silence follows, causing your hairs to stand up and your stomach to tighten. Cold sweat dampens your brow. “Sounds like hell.” “I’ll take nickels and dimes over this place any day,” Dwight replies grimly. “When you've been here for as long as I have, you’ll understand.” You raise a brow. “How long have you been here?” Dwight scoffs. “Me? Well—” He taps his chin with a greasy finger as he considers his answer. “Uh… I… I-I can’t really say, actually.” His face develops an uncertain look. “It’s hard to keep track of time here… But it feels like… like //forever.//” Gloom shadows his brow as he hangs his head. “I can’t remember the last time I woke up and dressed for work… The last thing I remember is… //is—”// He stops short with a dismissive wave. “It, uh… It doesn’t matter. All that matters is we repair these generators and get out. I can’t wait to get back to camp and sit by the fire…”\ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ “We’ll get it back, Dwight,” you say. “We’ll get it //all// back—the good days, the bad days, ''all'' of it. This hell can’t last forever.” The shrill call of a crow nearby makes you tense. Silence follows, causing your hairs to stand up and your stomach to tighten. Cold sweat dampens your brow. “Hopefully…” A small, wavering smile tugs at Dwight’s lips. “I hope so,” he says. “It’s what I’ve been saying around camp, but… but when you’ve been here for as long I have, people just stop listening.” You raise a brow. “How long have you been here?” Dwight scoffs. “Me? Well—” He taps his chin with a greasy finger as he considers his answer. “Uh… I… I-I can’t really say, actually.” His face develops an uncertain look. “It’s hard to keep track of time here… But it feels like… like //forever.//” Gloom shadows his brow as he hangs his head. “I can’t remember the last time I woke up and dressed for work… The last thing I remember is… //is—”// He stops short with a dismissive wave. “It, uh… It doesn’t matter. All that matters is we repair these generators and get out. I can’t wait to get back to camp and sit by the fire…” \ <<notify 4s>>Dwight liked that.<</notify>>\ <<elseif $Choice eq 4>>\ This isn’t a topic you feel warrants a response. So you say nothing and keep at the repairs. The shrill call of a crow nearby makes you tense. Silence follows, causing your hairs to stand up and your stomach to tighten. Cold sweat dampens your brow. There’s no time for chit-chat — you want to finish this generator. Dwight mutters beside you. “I get that you don’t want to talk. It makes sense, I-I guess. But it doesn’t hurt to //mingle// with your fellow captives. When you’ve been here for as long as I have, it’s good to have, uh… friends. Makes it easier…” You raise a brow. “How long have you been here?” Dwight scoffs. “Me? Well—” He taps his chin with a greasy finger as he considers his answer. “Uh… I… I-I can’t really say, actually.” His face develops an uncertain look. “It’s hard to keep track of time here… But it feels like… like //forever.//” Gloom shadows his brow as he hangs his head. “I can’t remember the last time I woke up and dressed for work… The last thing I remember is… //is—”// He stops short with a dismissive wave. “It, uh… It doesn’t matter. All that matters is we repair these generators and get out. I can’t wait to get back to camp and sit by the fire…” <</if>>\ [[Continue...|Pg.27]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> You work diligently on the generator for two more minutes. It's making a lot of noise now, whirring and popping as its pistons pump at an increasingly fast pace. Dwight must be doing something right because you certainly aren't. It’ll roar to life any second now, and when it does, you bet the killer will beeline it straight this way. A layer of sweat collects on your brow. //Click! Bang! Pop!// Dwight pulls a switch. The machine rattles and whirs. //Almost there,// you think. //We finish this, and then—// You hear that sound again—the sound of crackling thunder. Suddenly, electrical currents zip across the wet tiles underfoot, and the generator erupts in your face, spewing a dirty cloud of hot oil, sparks, and gas. With a shout, you recoil and clutch your singed brows. As you land on your side, you tremble and groan in pain. Static prickles your arms with goosebumps, and your skin feels as if it’s on fire. Dwight’s panicked voice is barely audible over your thundering heartbeat. “$PlayerName!” he shouts. You blink at his bleary shape as he grasps your arm and tugs you to your feet. Stumbling, you crash into him. He wraps an arm around your middle to steady you. “It’s the //Doctor,//” he warns, panicked. “We n-need to—” He’s silenced by a string of shrill laughter. Your gaze snaps to the other side of the showers, where you behold the sight of a tall, imposing man clad in a grimy lab coat. His dark, mangled face is strapped with an odd metal contraption that pries open his maddened eyes and toothy grin. He brandishes a spiked metal shaft that crackles with electricity. You gawk at the terrible man as he lets out a giddy laugh. The killer’s upon you fast — his mace swings through the air, and you have only seconds to react. [[Push Dwight in the way.|Pg.28][$Choice to 1; $PushedDwight to true; $DwightAffinity -=10; $Corruption +=5; $Selflessness -=10; $Bravery -=5; $Reputation -=5; $MegAffinity -=5; $NeaAffinity -=5; $DavidAffinity -=5; $KateAffinity -=5; $ClaudetteAffinity -=5]]\ [[Take the hit.|Pg.28][$Choice to 2; $PushedDwight to false; $DwightAffinity +=10; $Corruption -=5; $Selflessness +=10; $Bravery +=5; $bloody_face to true; $Reputation +=5; $MegAffinity +=5; $NeaAffinity +=5; $DavidAffinity +=5; $KateAffinity +=5; $ClaudetteAffinity +=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ Without a second thought, you act to save yourself. You shove Dwight in the way, using him as a shield as the mace comes down. The sound of metal striking bone is awful, similar to that of a watermelon smashing on concrete. Warm blood splatters across your horror-etched face as you stagger away. Wailing in pain, Dwight stumbles and hits the ground hard, groaning and grasping his bashed head. There's so much blood flowing through his dark hair and clenched fingers, trickling down his face and neck in scarlet streams. He gasps and moans. You back away from him, shaken, before looking upon the Doctor once more. With a wicked gleam in his eyes, the madman pounds his bloody weapon against his palm. The way he tilts his head and grins clearly conveys his unspoken words. //You're next.//\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You don't hesitate to act when it comes to protecting Dwight. As the mace descends, you throw yourself into harm's way. The consequences are immediate and //severe.// As metal strikes bone, it makes an awful squelch, similar to that of a watermelon smashing on concrete. Searing pain explodes through your skull, stealing your breath as a sickening crack echoes in your ears. Your stomach churns violently at the sound, and a broken cry tears from your throat as you stagger backward, grasping your head as you hit the ground //hard.// "$PlayerName!" Dwight shouts. It's followed by the Doctor's wry chuckles, and the sound of him pounding his palm with his bloody mace. Then you hear fast footfalls moving away. Through a cloudy haze, Dwight's shape vanishes out of sight. Warm blood flows from your scalp and trickles down your face; you taste it on your tongue. //Get up,// the voice inside urges. //He'll kill you--''get up.''// Adrenaline courses through your veins. You feel a surge of strength and lift yourself off the ground as the Doctor's shadow falls over you. You stagger forward before looking back at the mad killer. He tilts his head and grins—a look that clearly conveys his unspoken words. //You have a head start.// <</if>>\ [[Run!|Pg.29]] <<notify 4s>>◈ Dwight will remember that.<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> <<if $PushedDwight is true>>Filled with terror and adrenaline, you sprint out of the showers and race down the hall. You don't need to look back to know that the crazed doctor is chasing after you and quickly gaining ground. You path around trays, hospital beds, and overturned carts. Each obstacle slows you down, allowing the madman on your flank to get closer and closer. His eery, manic laughter sends a shiver up your spine. You realize he's within striking distance as his menacing stature shadows your form. He winds back his arm, his mace swishes through the air, but //then--//\ <<else>>\ Your wobbly legs carry you out of the showers and ungracefully down the hall, despite the pain. You don't have to look back to know that the mad doctor is in pursuit and gaining fast. Your path winds around trays, hospital beds, and overturned carts. Combined with your injury, each obstacle slows you down, allowing the madman on your flank to get closer and closer. His eery, manic laughter sends a shiver up your spine. You realize he's within striking distance as his menacing stature shadows your form. He winds back his arm, his mace swishes through the air, but //then--//\ <</if>>\ [[A pallet!|Pg.30]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> You dart between a stone pillar and a cart, then slam down a pallet. You’re saved by a //hair// as fifty pounds of solid wooden planks stun the Doctor. He lets out a nervous giggle as his knees buckle, but you don't wait for him to recover. You race into a nearby room, where you crouch in the shadow of a tilted vending machine in the corner. You hear splintering wood in the hall, then moments pass before you make out the Doctor’s heavy footfalls coming this way. As he enters the room in search of you, you slap a hand over your mouth and remain deathly silent. Your skin prickles, and your body jerks and shudders, but you hold on. The tension in the air grows thicker by the second. Finally, the Doctor's overwhelming presence wanes, and his footsteps fade down the corridor. You release a pent-up breath. <<if $PushedDwight is true>>\ Just moments after he’s left, your adrenaline wears off, and you’re left with the fatigue and remorse of your actions. You heave a sigh and take your face in your hands. Dry blood flakes off beneath your fingers — blood that’s not yours. You grimace. Amid your sorrow, a familiar, husky voice gives you a start. //“You threw that poor man to the ''wolves''… I didn’t think you’d have that in you.”//\ <<else>>\ Just moments after he’s left, your adrenaline wears off, and you’re left with fatigue and the agonizing pain of your battered skull. You lurch forward with a hissing sigh, grasping your head in both hands. <<if $Beanie is true>>You toss your hat and feel around your scalp to determine the damage.<<set $Beanie to false>><<set $Cap to false>><<elseif $redhood is true>>You drop your hood and feel around your scalp to determine the damage.<<set $redhood to false>><<set $Collar to "Clothes3">><<else>>You feel around your scalp to determine the damage.<</if>> But it’s to your utter horror and surprise, that you feel //another// hand on your head, and cold fingers treading your bloody scalp. //“Aw,”// comes a familiar, husky voice. //“You ''sweet thing''… To throw yourself in harm’s way for that man?”//\ <</if>> [[Continue...|Pg.31]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> You whirl around, your eyes wide with shock, to find the monstrous shade from your dream standing before you. At first, he’s barely more than a ripple in the corner’s shadow, his form blending seamlessly into the darkness. But then, his grin catches the flickering lights, wide and gleaming like a crescent moon. It's impossible to miss. <<if $PushedDwight is true>>\ Instinctively, you retreat a step as he begins to emerge from the shadows. He lets out a wry chuckle before he speaks. //“You ''heartless'' little thing, you.”// Your breath catches in your throat. This can’t be real—it was all in your head. Just a //nightmare,// nothing more. Even what happened in that cabin, you’d convinced yourself it was some figment of your imagination. But here he is, as vivid and tangible as he was before. There’s no denying it now. He’s back. And he’s ''real.'' [['"It was him or me."'|Pg.32][$Choice to 1; $Kindness -=5; $Selflessness -=5; $Emotion -=5; $RemorsePushedDwight to false]]\ [["I didn't want to." (Remorseful)|Pg.32][$Choice to 2; $Emotion +=5; $RemorsePushedDwight to true]]\ <<if $Bravery lt 50>>[['"Don\'t hurt me!"'|Pg.32][$Choice to 3; $Bravery -=5; $BastionAffinity -=5]]<</if>>\ [['"What do you want?"'|Pg.32][$Choice to 4; $Bravery +=5; $Seriousness +=5; $Intelligence +=5; $Humor -=5]]\ [[Rain check.|Pg.32][$Choice to 5; $Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ [[Ignore.|Pg.32][$Choice to 6; $Bravery +=5; $BastionAffinity -=10; $Social -=5]] <<else>>\ Instinctively, you retreat a step as he begins to emerge from the shadows. He lets out a wry chuckle as his slimy tongue curls past his teeth to lap at your blood on his talons. //“You must ''want'' something from him.”// Your breath catches in your throat. This can’t be real—it was all in your head. Just a //nightmare,// nothing more. Even what happened in that cabin, you’d convinced yourself it was some figment of your imagination. But here he is, as vivid and tangible as he was before. There’s no denying it now. He’s back. And he’s ''real.'' [['"I\'m a good person."'|Pg.32][$Choice to 7; $Selflessness +=5; $Selfish -=5; $Kindness +=5]]\ <<if $Bravery>>[['"Don\'t hurt me!"'|Pg.32][$Choice to 3; $Bravery -=5; $BastionAffinity -=5]]<</if>>\ [['"What do you want?"'|Pg.32][$Choice to 4; $Bravery +=5; $Seriousness +=5; $Intelligence +=5; $Humor -=5]]\ [[Rain check.|Pg.32][$Choice to 5; $Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ [[Ignore.|Pg.32][$Choice to 6; $Bravery +=5; $BastionAffinity -=10; $Social -=5]] <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “It was him, or //me//,” you say defensively. “Someone had to take the fall.” //“And why ''wasn’t'' it you?”// the Shade asks, grinning. //“Cowardice? Or does your life hold more value than his?”// The question puts a hard look on your face and leaves you silent for a minute. You scoff. “He’ll live,” you say. “Even if he ''dies'', he’ll live.” //“Whatever makes it easier to swallow.”// You shake your head dismissively. “What do you want from me?” The Shade chuckles and approaches you with long strides. //“I only want your cooperation.”// Then he vanishes, only briefly. A tall shadow falls over you, and you feel his hands on your shoulders, and his frigid breath tickling your ear. //“Time may be endless here in the Dark Realms, but yours is ''tick, tick, ticking away…''”// You shake loose and distance yourself from him. “What does that mean?” //“It means you need to ''cooperate,''”// the Shade says. //“You’re trying to shut me out, but you need to let me ''in.''”//\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “I-I didn’t want to,” you say shakily. “I didn’t want to hurt him… But if I //hadn’t//—.” //“—It would have been ''you'' sprawled out on the tiles in a growing pool of your own blood,”// the Shade interrupts, grinning. //“And you didn’t want that… It was self-preservation, $PlayerName.”// That does very little to ease the heavy feeling on your heart. You hang your head and dab sweat and blood from your brow with your palms. “What do you want from me?” you ask. The Shade chuckles and approaches you with long strides. //“I only want your cooperation.”// Then he vanishes, only briefly. A tall shadow falls over you, and you feel his hands on your shoulders, and his frigid breath tickling your ear. //“Time may be endless here in the Dark Realms, but yours is ''tick, tick, ticking away…''”// You shake loose and distance yourself from him. “What does that mean?” //“It means you need to ''cooperate,''”// the Shade says. //“You’re trying to shut me out, but you need to let me ''in.''”//\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ Has he come to suffocate you again? Or to inflict a worse punishment, with his gnarly teeth and claws? The fear makes your blood run ice-cold. You trip over yourself in retreat, and as you crash to the floor, wide-eyed in terror, you plead, “Don’t hurt me… Please don’t hurt me.” The Shade erupts with dry laughter. //“Oh, you ''poor thing'',”// he chortles, as he approaches you with long strides. You tremble while he gets down on one knee and extends a hand. //“I wouldn’t ''dream'' of it,”// he says, grinning. You blink at him, too stunned and afraid to move. Eventually, he rescinds his offer and clicks his tongue. //“A shy one,”// he murmurs. You shudder. “What do you want from me?” you ask. //“I only want your cooperation,”// he replies. Then he vanishes, only briefly. A tall shadow falls over you, and you feel his hands on your shoulders, and his frigid breath tickling your ear. //“Time may be endless here in the Dark Realms, but yours is ''tick, tick, ticking away…''”// You shake loose and jerk upright to distance yourself from him. “What does that mean?” //“It means you need to ''cooperate,''”// the Shade says, as he rises to his full height. //“You’re trying to shut me out, but you need to let me ''in.''”//\ \ \ \ <<notify 4s>>◈ The Shade didn't like that.<</notify>>\ <<elseif $Choice eq 4>>\ You cut straight to the point. “What do you want from me?” you ask. “Why did you come back?” The Shade chuckles. //“Have somewhere to be? Why the ''rush''?”// He approaches you with long strides. //“I only want your cooperation.”// Then he vanishes, only briefly. A tall shadow falls over you, and you feel his hands on your shoulders, and his frigid breath tickling your ear. //“Time may be endless here in the Dark Realms, but yours is ''tick, tick, ticking away…''”// You shake loose and distance yourself from him. “What does that mean?” //“It means you need to ''cooperate,''”// the Shade says. //“You’re trying to shut me out, but you need to let me ''in.''”//\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 5>>\ “Can I get a rain check on //whatever// this is?” you ask wittingly. <<if $PushedDwight is true>>“It’s just a bad time.”<<else>>“It’s just a //really// bad time.”<</if>> The Shade chuckles. //“Aw, I know,”// he says, while approaching you with long strides. //“But this can’t wait… See, I only want your cooperation.”// Then he vanishes, only briefly. A tall shadow falls over you, and you feel his hands on your shoulders, and his frigid breath tickling your ear. //“Time may be endless here in the Dark Realms, but yours is ''tick, tick, ticking away…''”// You shake loose and distance yourself from him. “What does that mean?” //“It means you need to ''cooperate,''”// the Shade says. //“You’re trying to shut me out, but you need to let me ''in.''”//\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 6>>\ You spin around and head for the door, only getting two steps before the Shade suddenly appears in a cloudy black haze in front of you. As you retreat, he chuckles. //“$PlayerName,”// he says, //“won’t you hear me out?”// You walk past him, thwarted again, as he places a firm hand on your shoulder. //“I only want your cooperation,”// he coaxes, while drumming his talons on your collar. When you shrug him off, an obsidian claw extends from behind his back and grabs your waist. He tugs you closer, holding you captive while he plucks your chin between his thumb and forefinger. //“Stubborn thing, aren’t you?”// he says, chuckling. <<if $PushedDwight is true>><<else>>He uses his thumb to smear a line of blood across your cheek. <</if>>//“There’s no time for that here,”// he warns. //“While these Dark Realms are absolute, you’re on ''borrowed time'', and your clock is ''tick, tick, ticking away…”''// “What does that mean?” you ask, scowling. //“It means you need to ''cooperate,''”// the Shade says. //“You’re trying to shut me out, but you need to let me ''in.''”//\ \ \ \ <<notify 4s>>◈ The Shade //really// didn't like that.<</notify>>\ <<elseif $Choice eq 7>>\ “I’m a good person,” you say. “And I wouldn’t throw someone else to the wolves to save my own skin.” //“Why not?”// The Shade asks. //“He may die, but he’ll always turn up at the campfire at the end of the night… Why not save yourself the ''trouble?''”// “It’s not who I am,” you declare firmly. The Shade’s grin perks up. //“We’ll see.”// He chuckles at the scowling face you make, then he sighs. //“I’m not here to challenge your ethics,”// he says. //“I only want your cooperation.”// Then he vanishes, only briefly. A tall shadow falls over you, and you feel his hands on your shoulders, and his frigid breath tickling your ear. //“Time may be endless here in the Dark Realms, but yours is ''tick, tick, ticking away…''”// You shake loose and distance yourself from him. “What does that mean?” //“It means you need to ''cooperate,''”// the Shade says. //“You’re trying to shut me out, but you need to let me ''in.''”//\ <</if>>\ The unsettling grin that spans across his otherwise blank face makes your skin crawl. You wonder why you still humor his presence, as despite the overwhelming evidence thus far, a greater part of you refuses to accept this is real. //It can’t be,// says the voice in your head. //It ''isn’t''.// Slowly, you back away. “No,” you say. “You’re not real… ''None'' of this is real.” //“$PlayerName,”// the Shade purrs, with a voice sultry and sweet. //“Don’t walk away from me.”// Though his voice is honeyed, it sounds like he isn’t giving you a choice. You spin around and march out of the room. “Stay away from me,” you command. “Stay away.” But his lingering dark presence follows you out into the hall, and his gravelly voice rings clear in your ears. //''“$PlayerName…”''// [[Continue...|Pg.33]]

<<fadein 3s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> You walk briskly down the hall without faltering or looking back. //Repair the generators and get out,// the voices in your head insist. As you survey each twist and turn, you become increasingly desperate as chills run down your spine. “Come on,” you murmur. “Where are—?” A scream to your left makes you jump. You come to a standstill beneath a flickering light as your skin prickles with dread. You peer down a shadowed corridor but see nothing. //Keep moving.// You turn around and step forward. Another scream pierces the hall, and a gasp leaps from your throat. <<if $Fear is "spiders">>Out of the darkness straight ahead, you see teeny black specks moving across the tiles. You realize what they are only when they’re mere paces away—a black wave of creepy-crawly spiders washing toward you. When you backpedal in terror, you lose your footing and fall to the ground. The spiders swarm you faster than you can react, racing along your arms and <<if $Skirt is true>>crawling beneath your skirt.<<else>>climbing up your pant legs.<</if>> You gasp and choke in fear, writhing and swiping up and down your limbs, but it’s no use. You’re powerless to stop them as they blanket your skin. Your torment continues until rough hands grab your shoulders and jostle you from your waking dream.<<elseif $Fear is "vulnerability">>Suddenly, the surrounding walls collapse and vanish, and the flickering bulbs become spotlights centered on your person. With large, fearful eyes, you swivel on your heels. Then, to your terror, blackened hands break from the earth at your feet and seize you. Clinging to your ankles, they completely pull your legs out from under you. You crash on your back, writhing as they grip your wrists, and rip and tear at your clothes. No matter how hard you try, you can’t escape. Terrified and helpless to do anything about it, you can only scream and shout until rough hands grab your shoulders and jostle you from your waking dream.<<elseif $Fear is "the dark">>The darkness shrouding the hall suddenly animates, like a living thing as it grows denser and draws nearer. You back away from the swirling shadows, but its black tendrils crawl along the tiles and reach toward you. Panic contorts your face—“Back,” you say, as though this darkness will obey your command. Yet it crawls ever closer, and so close that it feels //suffocating.// There's something hiding in that darkness; you know it. But you can't see what's concealed, and the terror of the unknown makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. You spin around to make a hasty retreat, but you discover that the shadows have spread all around you. You stand in the dim light of flickering bulbs above your head, cornered. Your blood runs ice cold, but you’re spared from the encroaching darkness as rough hands suddenly grab your shoulders and jostle you from your waking dream.<<elseif $Fear is "death">>Out of the darkness straight ahead, you hear a thudding sound, preceded by a raspy moan. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up. You take one step backwards, and your heel catches. As you stumble, you crash to the ground. Something cushions your fall—something soft, that reeks of decay. And when you gaze upon the thing beneath you, your stomach does a flip. A stinking, maggot-crawling corpse of some unidentifiable person. Their rotting skin sags, their sockets and ears ooze, and coagulated blood pools up around them. A choked sound escapes your lips as you retreat in terror. The decaying corpse stirs. Cloudy, grey eyes peer upon you, alive, yet dead. Toothy jaws click, and spittle and brown muck trickle down its chin. //“Soon,”// it husks. //“''Soon.''”// The horror that puts knots in your stomach is ceased, as hands suddenly grab your shoulders and jostle you from your waking dream.<<elseif $Fear is "nothing">>Out of the darkness straight ahead, you hear a throaty whisper. //“<<Sheis>> brave…”// To your right, another indistinguishable voice—//“How long will <<she>> last?”// You shut your eyes and swivel your head. “Not real,” you murmur. “It’s not real—” //“It is,”// comes another murmuring voice from your left, so close that it makes your hairs stand up. //“Does that scare you?”// they ask. //“The possibility of these terrors coming to life?”// “It’s not real,” you repeat under your breath. “It’s not real.” //“Sing your mantra like a hymn,”// the voices say in unison. //“Whatever it takes to keep the fear at bay… Hold on to that brave face, or we’ll ''rip'' it off.”// A ghostly breath tickles your nape. You spin around, wide-eyed as you seek its source, but there’s nothing there; nothing at all. And suddenly, rough hands grab your shoulders and jostle you from your waking dream.<</if>>\ [[Continue|Pg.34]] <<notify 4s>>◈ //Autosaved.//<</notify>>\ <</fadein>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> The terror and the screams and the voices wash away, and you're still standing in the same spot you were before it came. //“Adverse effects of the Doctor’s treatment,”// a male voice husks in your ear. You jerk your head to gaze at the //Shade//, as he stoops over you with a nasty grin. “//''Careful'',”// he says, chuckling, while drumming his fingers on your shoulder. //''“It will pick you apart.”''// “I told you to stay away,” you command as you back up. “You’re not //real—”// //“I can assure you I’m not a part of your twisted delusions,”// he replies. //“But you have nothing to fear… At least, not from ''me''.”// Cold sweat trickles from your brow. You sweep your arm across your forehead. “No… This isn’t—” A wave of nausea makes you feel weak, and your vision flashes white. Stumbling, you catch yourself against a medical trolley. Static prickles your arms and the back of your neck. “No, no, ''no'',” you repeat breathlessly. “None of this… is…” //“Control yourself, $PlayerName,”// says the Shade. //“It’s the Doctor’s therapy at work, nothing more.”// You spin around and bark at him. “Get away from me!” Chuckling, he withdraws into a shadowy room. <<if $PushedDwight is true>>Seconds after, a male scream cuts the air.<<else>>Seconds after, a <<girl>>‘s scream cuts the air.<</if>> It came from down that corridor on your right. [[Follow it|Pg.35.1][$FollowedTheScream to true; $Bravery +=5]]\ [[Avoid it.|Pg.35.2][$Bravery -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> The screams lead you through the halls, to an open area filled with bright, flickering lights. You come to a stop to gawk at the strange sights before you—many monitors, suspended above the floor and spinning in circles, as they’re attached to some mechanical contraption that clicks and whirs. Each screen plays a black-and-white sequence of disturbing imagery and audio, ranging from blood and gore to the dark and bizarre. On your right is a staircase that leads to a second floor overlooking this area. This must be the //atrium,// where the Doctor, or other disturbed individuals, enacted terrible experiments and tests on unwilling subjects… It chills your blood just thinking about it. As you back away eager to leave, you notice something across the room that causes you to pause: hanging limp from a meat hook is <<if $PushedDwight is true>>//Dwight.// The rusty hook protrudes from his shoulder, and it’s as painful as you’d expect, if his raspy groans and feeble attempts to escape are anything to go by. Suddenly, the Entity’s claws assail him, and he uses his waning strength to keep them at bay. His face strains as he suddenly catches sight of you. “H-Help,” he calls hoarsely. You cross the room and unhook the poor man. He stumbles before catching himself. “We need to go,” he urges while clasping a hand over his bloody wound. “He’s-He’s on his way.” Dwight staggers past you. When you turn to follow, your body shudders violently. You lurch and crash against a hospital bed, grasping your head and groaning. Your cranium itches and you struggle to catch your breath. After that, your vision becomes foggy. You can barely see Dwight’s form in front of you. “Come on,” he insists, panicked, as he takes your shoulder. “We-We need to—” His touch //burns//. You rear away from him with a shout. Then the next moment, you’re ice-cold. Your madness intensifies, and a terrible cacophony of noise mutes the rest of the room. Even when you muffle your ears and cage your head, you can’t shut out the screams, the moans, and the whispers. Everything itches and crawls. “Stop,” you command through gritted teeth. “Stop it.” The screams grow louder, and the itch you can’t scratch becomes unbearable. Through your hazy vision, you watch Dwight swiftly depart. “Please—” Your own voice is no longer audible. The last of your control ebbs away, leaving only a thin veil between you and insanity, which shatters completely as a scream rips from your throat. You crash to your knees, where you remain for only a moment before you feel a hand roughly grabbing your bicep. When you look up, you expect to see Dwight again, but instead, you find //The Doctor.// He looks upon you with piercing, silver eyes, and a wicked grin. “There you are,” he says. “We need to get you on the //operating table.//” [[Continue...|Pg.36.1]] <<set $UnhookedDwight to true>>\ <<else>>//you.// You’re terrified as you gaze upon the mirror image of yourself: a <<woman>> with $HairColor hair, dull, $EyeColor eyes, and sallow, $SkinTone skin. There’s no life behind <<herPOSSESSIVE>> eyes—there’s nothing at all. But a raspy voice escapes <<herPOSSESSIVE>> lips: //“Help me,”// <<she>> moan<<if $PreferredPronouns is "female" or $PreferredPronouns is "male">>s<</if>>. You stumble away with your face screwed up in fear. And you watch as, suddenly, the Entity’s claws assail <<her>>. Though <<she>> fight<<if $PreferredPronouns is "male" or $PreferredPronouns is "female">>s<</if>> back for as long as <<she>> can, <<she>> lose<<if $PreferredPronouns is "male" or $PreferredPronouns is "female">>s<</if>> the battle, and <<sheis>> gored through by the terrible, spidery legs. <<HerPOSSESSIVE>> body is lifted away into the Maw. //It's not real//, you remind yourself. If anything that shade told you is true, then it's just the madness of the Doctor's twisted therapy taking hold. You won't believe otherwise--for the sake of your sanity, you ''wont''. When you turn away to make a hasty departure, your body shudders violently. You lurch and crash against a hospital bed, grasping your head and groaning. Your cranium itches and you struggle to catch your breath. After that, your vision becomes foggy. You can barely see your own hands right in front of you. Then a terrible cacophony of noise mutes the rest of the room. Even when you muffle your ears and cage your head, you can’t shut out the screams, the moans, and the whispers. Everything itches and crawls. “Stop,” you command through gritted teeth. “Stop it.” The screams grow louder, and the itch you can’t scratch becomes unbearable. “Please—” Your own voice is no longer audible. The last of your control ebbs away, leaving only a thin veil between you and insanity, which shatters completely as a scream rips from your throat. You crash to your knees, where you remain for only a moment before you feel a hand roughly grabbing your bicep. When you look up, you expect to see the Shade again, but instead, you find //the Doctor.// He looks upon you with piercing, silver eyes, and a wicked grin. “There you are,” he says. “We need to get you on the //operating table.//” [[Continue...|Pg.36.1]] <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> You refuse to follow; it’s just more trouble, isn’t it? Already facing such terror and your own mind turning against you, that’s the last thing you need. You stagger the other way, putting the hoarse screams behind you. Soon, they fade entirely, and you make your way through the winding corridors and rooms until you come across a generator sitting in a hallway beneath a skylight. You fall to your knees at its side and work away. Oh, but it’s difficult to concentrate, with your hands so clammy and trembling, and your senses abuzz. One moment you’re cold, the next you’re on fire. And there’s an itching sensation on the inside of your cranium that won’t go away. Your whole body jerks and shudders, and you struggle to catch your breath. After that, your vision becomes foggy. You can barely see your hands in front of you — what wires are you holding? Where’s the switch? ''Boom!'' The generator erupts in your face. Your madness intensifies as you rear away with a shout. Even when you muffle your ears and cage your head, you can’t shut out the screams, the moans, and the whispers. Everything itches and crawls. “Stop,” you command through gritted teeth. “Stop it.” The screams grow louder, and the itch you can’t scratch becomes unbearable. “Please—” Your own voice is no longer audible. The last of your control ebbs away, leaving only a thin veil between you and insanity, which shatters completely as a scream rips from your throat. You crash to your knees, where you remain for only a moment before you feel a hand roughly grabbing your bicep. When you look up, you expect to see that shade again, but instead, you find //the Doctor.// He looks upon you with piercing, silver eyes, and a wicked grin. “There you are,” he says. “It's time for your //checkup.//” [[Continue|Pg.36.2]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> Despite your attempts to break free, the Doctor holds on tightly to your arm. He hauls you to your feet, chuckling, and he forcibly slams you onto the hospital bed behind you. He’s quick to strap leather restraints across your chest and legs. You squint at the blinding lights above you, never pausing in your struggle. “Let me go,” you command, panicking. “Let //me—”// “Oh, //hush//,” the mad Doctor says, sounding amused. He grasps your jaw and turns your head from side to side. <<if $PushedDwight is false>>“Tsk, tsk, tsk,” he sighs, dragging his thumb through the blood that trickles down your face. “I don’t like to hurt my new //patients// before I’ve had a look at them, first… What a shame you were feeling so ''brave'', before.” He relinquishes your jaw. “Surely your mind is compromised… You’re no good to me now.” A spike of fear sends your heart racing. “What does that mean?” “Hazard a guess,” the Doctor replies wryly. He suddenly brandishes his electrical mace, and he beats his palm twice. “Next time,” he says, “I’ll keep your body //intact//.” He draws back his arm. You can only shut your eyes and brace yourself for the follow-up, but… it never comes. A crack cuts through the air like a whip, and warm droplets spatter across your face. You open your eyes to see a puzzling scene. Spiny, black claws sprouted from the ground and protruded from the Doctor’s chest. A twisted laugh escapes his jaws, but the look on his face suggests he’s as surprised as you are. In under a second, the ground splits and breaks beneath him, and he’s swallowed whole; abducted into a crackling abyss that smolders with heat, and stinks of death. The scar in the earth heals, and the Doctor's __gone__. Then there’s silence. You’re paralyzed, eyes wide and mouth gaping in shock. Fresh blood—the Doctor’s blood—oozes down your face. You’re only torn out of your trance when you hear the roar of the exit gates powering up across the hospital. [[Continue...|Pg.38]] <<else>>“Let’s have a look at you,” he murmurs, scrutinizing every inch of your face. “Hm… A clean bill of health. On the //outside//, that is. But surely there’s more to discover beneath the surface.” [['"I don\'t need a checkup."'|Pg.37.1][$Choice to 1; $Bravery +=5; $Emotion -=5]]\ [['"Are you qualified?"'|Pg.37.1][$Choice to 2; $Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5; $Bravery +=5]]\ [[Plead for mercy.|Pg.37.1][$Choice to 3; $Bravery -=5; $Emotion +=5]] <</if>>\

<<fadein 3s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> With the killer gone and the gates open, escape was assured. <<if $FollowedTheScream is true>>You struggled out of the leather restraints as the Collapse of the trial grounds ticked down, then you made your way to the nearest gate.<<if $PushedDwight is false>> Once you stepped foot out the door, your wounds healed, and you could put that trial and its terrors behind you.<<else>> Once you stepped foot out the door, you were relieved in knowing you could put that trial and its terrors behind you.<</if>><<else>>You made your way to the nearest gate, and once you stepped foot out the door<<if $PushedDwight is false>> your wounds healed, and you could put that trial and its terrors behind you. <<else>> you were relieved in knowing you could put that trial and its terrors behind you.<</if>><</if>> Following Meg, Ace, and Dwight through the fog, you emerge at the campfire. Its warmth soothes the goosebumps on your arms. Feng Min, sitting on a log with her legs crossed, looks back and forth between you all. “A four-out?” she asks. “What can we say? It was an easy run,” Ace says smugly, while strolling toward the fire with a skip in his step. “Faced the Doc’, but I didn’t even see the bastard once! Pure luck! I //knew// I still had it…” Meg props herself against a nearby tree with her arms folded. Her forehead creases. “I saw him passing through the atrium, but that was it… Then it’s like he just vanished.” “Hey, let’s take it as a win!” Ace exclaims, while having a seat. “How often do we get to breeze through trials like that, huh?” “We saw him,” Dwight pipes up out of the blue. You look at him as he flicks his chin in your general direction. “We did,” he says. <<if $PushedDwight is false>>“He chased <<her>> down, but I don’t think he ever caught <<her>>… <<She>> must’ve ran him.” Feng Min scoffs. “A //newbie//, running a killer? I’ll believe it when I see it.”<<else>>“He found us on a generator together, then he, uh… caught me. The last time I saw him was after he hooked me and marched off.”<</if>> Everyone looks to you for comment. [[“Beats me.” (Lie)|Pg.39][$Choice to 1; $Honesty -=5]]\ [['“Maybe he took a vacation.”'|Pg.39][$Choice to 2; $Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ [['"Something took him."'|Pg.39][$Choice to 3; $Honesty +=5; $ToldCampAboutTheShade to true; $Reputation -=5]]\ [[Say nothing.|Pg.39][$Choice to 4; $Social -=5]] <<set $bloody_face to false>>\ <<notify 4s>>◈ //Autosaved.//<</notify>>\ <</fadein>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> Despite your attempts to break free, the Doctor holds on tightly to your arm, and he pins you to the floor. You never pause in your struggle. “Let me go,” you command, writhing. “Let //me—”// “Oh, //hush//,” the mad Doctor says, sounding amused. He presses his knee on your gut to hold you down, and he grasps your jaw to turn your head from side to side. <<if $PushedDwight is false>>“Tsk, tsk, tsk,” he sighs, dragging his thumb through the blood that trickles down your face. “I don’t like to hurt my new //patients// before I’ve had a look at them, first… What a shame you were feeling so ''brave'', before.” He relinquishes your jaw. “Surely your mind is compromised… You’re no good to me now.” A spike of fear sends your heart racing. “What does that mean?” “Hazard a guess,” the Doctor replies wryly. He pulls away, only to brandish his electrical mace. “Next time,” he says, “I’ll keep your body //intact//.” He draws back his arm. You can only shut your eyes and brace yourself for the follow-up, but… it never comes. A crack cuts through the air like a whip, and warm droplets spatter across your face and body. You open your eyes to see a puzzling scene. Spiny, black claws sprouted from the ground and protruded from the Doctor’s chest. A twisted laugh escapes his jaws, but the look on his face suggests he’s as surprised as you are. He’s wrested off of you, and the ground splits and breaks beneath him. He’s swallowed whole, abducted into a crackling abyss that smolders with heat, and stinks of death. The scar in the earth heals, and the Doctor’s __gone__. Then there’s silence. You’re paralyzed, eyes wide and mouth gaping in shock. Fresh blood—the Doctor’s blood—oozes down your face. You’re only torn out of your trance when you hear the roar of the exit gates powering up across the hospital. [[Continue...|Pg.38]] <<else>>“Let’s have a look at you,” he murmurs, scrutinizing every inch of your face. “Hm… A clean bill of health. On the //outside//, that is. But surely there’s more to discover beneath the surface.” [['"I don\'t need a checkup."'|Pg.37.2][$Choice to 1; $Bravery +=5; $Emotion -=5]]\ [['"Are you qualified?"'|Pg.37.2][$Choice to 2; $Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5; $Bravery +=5]]\ [[Plead for mercy.|Pg.37.2][$Choice to 3; $Bravery -=5; $Emotion +=5]] <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “I don’t need a ''checkup'',” you protest through gritted teeth. “Doctor’s //orders//,” he replies. Although, his expression suggests he has more in mind than a routine checkup. But //what// it is exactly, you can’t even begin to guess. Or is it that you don’t want to? Your stomach turns over at the possibilities. He jabs his thumb into your mouth out of nowhere. You gag—it tastes like dirt, sweat, and blood. Despite your muffled protests, he pokes around your gums and teeth. Once you’ve had enough, you bite his digit hard enough to break skin.\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “Are you a qualified medical professional?” you jest, steadying your voice to mask the fear. “''Over''qualified,” the Doctor replies, grinning widely. “And I’ll demonstrate in just a //moment//.” He jabs his thumb into your mouth out of nowhere. You gag—it tastes like dirt, sweat, and blood. "H--!//mmph//--HEY!" you object. Despite your muffled protests, he pokes around your gums and teeth. Once you’ve had enough, you bite his digit hard enough to break skin.\ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ “P-Please don’t,” you implore. “You-You don’t have to kill anyone,” you add. Until today, you hadn’t even known these killers were capable of communication. But in knowing it now, maybe they can be swayed or reasoned with. You //need// to try if it gives you a chance of getting out of this nasty situation. But, “I won’t kill you,” the Doctor says. “Not ''yet''—my newest patients always receive a //checkup//, first.” “Huh?” He says nothing, but his expression suggests he has more in mind than a routine checkup. But //what// it is exactly, you can’t even begin to guess. Or is it that you don’t want to? Your stomach turns over at the possibilities. He jabs his thumb into your mouth out of nowhere. You gag—it tastes like dirt, sweat, and blood. Despite your muffled protests, he pokes around your gums and teeth. Once you’ve had enough, you bite his digit hard enough to break skin.\ <</if>> As the bitter, coppery taste of blood splashes across your tongue, the Doctor guffaws. “A raucous patient!” he exclaims with a giddy laugh. “You’re proving to be ''trouble'',” he says. “I’ll need to sedate you.” He grabs a syringe off a tray nearby, and he taps its clear contents with his forefinger. You repeatedly test the strength of your restraints as the needle draws closer. But in knowing it’s no use, you shut your eyes and lock your jaws in fearful anticipation of what’s coming. And… it never comes. A crack cuts through the air like a whip, and warm droplets spatter across your face. You open your eyes to a puzzling scene. Spiny, black claws sprouted from the ground and protruded from the Doctor’s chest. A twisted laugh escapes his jaws, but the look on his face suggests he’s as surprised as you are. In under a second, the ground splits and breaks beneath him, and he’s swallowed whole, abducted into a crackling abyss that smolders with heat, and stinks of death. The scar in the earth heals, and the Doctor’s __gone__. Then there’s silence. You’re paralyzed, eyes wide and mouth gaping in shock. Fresh blood—the //Doctor’s// blood—oozes down your face. You’re only torn out of your trance when you hear the blare of the exit gates powering up across the hospital. [[Continue...|Pg.38]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “I don’t need a ''checkup'',” you protest through gritted teeth. “Doctor’s //orders//,” he replies. Although, his expression suggests he has more in mind than a routine checkup. But //what// it is exactly, you can’t even begin to guess. Or is it that you don’t want to? Your stomach turns over at the possibilities. He jabs his thumb into your mouth out of nowhere. You gag—it tastes like dirt, sweat, and blood. Despite your muffled protests, he pokes around your gums and teeth. Once you’ve had enough, you bite his digit hard enough to break skin.\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “Are you a qualified medical professional?” you jest, steadying your voice to mask the fear. “''Over''qualified,” the Doctor replies, grinning widely. “And I’ll demonstrate in just a //moment//.” He jabs his thumb into your mouth out of nowhere. You gag—it tastes like dirt, sweat, and blood. "H--!//mmph//--HEY!" you object. Despite your muffled protests, he pokes around your gums and teeth. Once you’ve had enough, you bite his digit hard enough to break skin.\ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ “P-Please don’t,” you implore. “You-You don’t have to kill anyone,” you add. Until today, you hadn’t even known these killers were capable of communication. But in knowing it now, maybe they can be swayed or reasoned with. You //need// to try if it gives you a chance of getting out of this nasty situation. But, “I won’t kill you,” the Doctor says. “Not ''yet''—my newest patients always receive a //checkup//, first.” “Huh?” He says nothing, but his expression suggests he has more in mind than a routine checkup. But //what// it is exactly, you can’t even begin to guess. Or is it that you don’t want to? Your stomach turns over at the possibilities. He jabs his thumb into your mouth out of nowhere. You gag—it tastes like dirt, sweat, and blood. Despite your muffled protests, he pokes around your gums and teeth. Once you’ve had enough, you bite his digit hard enough to break skin.\ <</if>> As the bitter, coppery taste of blood splashes across your tongue, the Doctor guffaws. “A raucous patient!” he exclaims with a giddy laugh. “You’re proving to be ''trouble'',” he says. “I’ll need to sedate you.” He brandishes a syringe from his coat pocket, and he taps its clear contents with his forefinger. You repeatedly buck and squirm beneath him as the needle draws closer. But in knowing it’s no use, you shut your eyes and lock your jaws in fearful anticipation of what’s coming. And… it never comes. A crack cuts through the air like a whip, and warm droplets spatter across your face and body. You open your eyes to a puzzling scene. Spiny, black claws sprouted from the ground and protruded from the Doctor’s chest. A twisted laugh escapes his jaws, but the look on his face suggests he’s as surprised as you are. He’s wrested off of you, and the ground splits and breaks beneath him. He’s swallowed whole, abducted into a crackling abyss that smolders with heat, and stinks of death. The scar in the earth heals, and the Doctor’s __gone__. Then there’s silence. You’re paralyzed, eyes wide and mouth gaping in shock. Fresh blood—the //Doctor’s// blood—oozes down your face. You’re only torn out of your trance when you hear the roar of the exit gates powering up across the hospital. [[Continue...|Pg.38]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “Beats me,” you say. Even though you’re safe and sound at the campfire, your heart still races after the events of that trial. It’s impossible to make sense of what happened. It was an anomaly, wasn’t it? The ''killers'' run those games. It’s not the other way around. Yet, something took the Doctor, and in doing so, it //protected// you… You won’t tell the others yet. Not until you understand — it would lead to more questions without answers. Ace flourishes his arms, suddenly stirring you from your muddled thoughts. “Who cares about the //how's// and //why's//? Let’s just take a good thing and be glad, huh?” Everyone falls into silence. //That’s the end of that.//\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “Maybe he took a //vacation//,” you suggest. "Killers need a break once in a while too, right?" Your response is met with blank stares, //as expected//. You're only using humor to mask your uncertainty, anyway. Even though you’re safe and sound at the campfire, your heart still races after the events of that trial. It’s impossible to make sense of what happened. It was an anomaly, wasn’t it? The ''killers'' run those games. It’s not the other way around. Yet, something took the Doctor, and in doing so, it //protected// you… You won’t tell the others yet. Not until you understand — it would lead to more questions without answers. Ace flourishes his arms, suddenly stirring you from your muddled thoughts. “Who cares about the //hows// and //whys//? Let’s just take a good thing and be glad, huh? If the Doc’s on vacation, let’s wish him a damn good time! There’s one less big-baddie out there gunnin’ it for us.” Everyone falls into silence. //That’s the end of that.//\ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ Even though you’re safe and sound at the campfire, your heart still races after the events of that trial. It’s impossible to make sense of what happened. It was an anomaly, wasn’t it? The ''killers'' run those games. It’s not the other way around. Yet, something took the Doctor, and in doing so, it //protected// you… You’re still wracking your brain over it, but maybe if they know what you saw, you can figure it out together. “Something //took// him,” you reply. “I don’t know what it was, but there were //claws//, and //smoke//, and embers, and… and…” You trail off as you notice how the others watch you with puzzled expressions. “Something… took him?” Meg says incredulously. “What, you mean like… like the //Entity?//” She cautiously whispers the last word. Ace quirks a brow. “You’re telling us the //Entity// took the Doc’?” “Well… maybe,” you reply. “Like I said, I don’t ''know'' what it was, so your guess is as good as mine. I’m just telling you what I saw.” “Right,” Feng Min murmurs. They all exchange looks. You huff and wave dismissively. “You asked, and I answered, okay?” Everyone falls into silence. //That’s the end of that.//\ <<elseif $Choice eq 4>>\ You say nothing to them. Even though you’re safe and sound at the campfire, your heart still races after the events of that trial. It’s impossible to make sense of what happened. It was an anomaly, wasn’t it? The ''killers'' run those games. It’s not the other way around. Yet, something took the Doctor, and in doing so, it //protected// you… You won’t tell the others yet. Not until you understand — it would lead to more questions without answers. Ace flourishes his arms, suddenly stirring you from your muddled thoughts. “Who cares about the //hows// and //whys//? Let’s just take a good thing and be glad, huh? We don’t need to bombard the new <<girl>> with questions—I mean, just look at <<her>>! ‘Looks like <<shehas>> seen a ghost…” You catch a few looks before everyone falls into silence. //That’s the end of that.//\ <</if>> It’s tempting to stay and sit by the fire, but you need to be alone to make sense of what you saw. You walk through camp to make your departure, but you’re stopped when Dwight calls after you, “$PlayerName.” You turn around as he walks up. When he speaks, he keeps his voice low and shadows his face. <<if $PushedDwight is true>>“I’m not trying to be a //nagging Nancy// or anything, but what you, uh… what you did in that trial was pretty awful. //I get it//, someone was going down, but treating people the way you did me will only make you more enemies… And don’t we have enough of those already?” <<if $RemorsePushedDwight is true>>You crease your brows. “I’m sorry,” you apologize. “Really, I am. I feel terrible about it, but when it happened, it all happened so //fast//, and—” You stop short and sigh. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to hurt anyone.” “I-I know,” Dwight replies. “I mean, it’s not the //first// time someone used my face as a shield, and I bet it won’t be the last…” He scoffs. “Well, at least you’re sorry… Some people aren’t.” After awkwardly scratching his nape, he gives a half-hearted shrug. “We’re all right,” he says. “I don’t hold grudges… It was, uh… nice meeting you, anyway.” He turns around and walks away. Seeing no other reason to stick around, you depart. [[Continue...|Pg.40]]<<elseif $RemorsePushedDwight is false>>You sigh. “I’m tired of having to defend myself,” you mutter. “Listen, it was you or me, right? It wasn’t //malicious//, and I didn’t do it for kicks. Like you said, someone was going down, and I decided it wouldn’t be ''me''. Sorry if I hurt your feelings, Dwight.” He frowns and messes with his tie. “You’re not here to make friends—got it,” he mutters. “It’s just a, uh… a friendly piece of advice,” he says as he backs away. “Do whatever you want with it.” Then he turns around and walks away. Seeing no other reason to stick around, you depart. [[Continue...|Pg.40]]<<else>>“I know,” you reply. “I’m sorry it came down to that.” “Yeah,” Dwight utters. “And-And I’m not trying to //shame// you or anything, it’s just, uh… just some friendly advice,” he says. Then he backs up, clearing his throat. “But I don’t hold grudges, so… we’re all right,” he says. “It was, uh… nice meeting you.” “You too.” Dwight nods before walking away. Seeing no other reason to stick around, you depart. [[Continue...|Pg.40]]<</if>><<else>>“I wanted to, //erm…// to thank you,” he says. “For… //you know?// It’s just, not many people would do that for somebody.” “Don’t mention it,” you reply. “Yeah, uh… Hey, if you ever need anything, or… or //anything// at all, you can come to me,” he says. “Scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours, you know?” “You don't owe me anything, Dwight,” you reply. “Well, //yeah//, but... Gotta repay you somehow, right?” [['"All right."'|Pg.39.2][$Choice to 1]]\ <<if $Sexuality is "bisexual" or $Sexuality is "androsexual">>\ <<link "“I might take you up on that offer.” $flirtIcon">><<set $DwightAffinity += 5>><<set $Choice to 2>><<set $BastionAffinity -= 5>><<goto "Pg.39.2">><</link>><<else>><span class = "inactive"><<link "“I might take you up on that offer.” $flirtIcon (Requires: Different Sexuality)">><<goto "Pg.39.2">></span><</if>><</if>>\

<<fadein 4s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> <img src="images/other/yourtent.png" /> You pace back and forth on the dirt plot in front of your tent, with your head bowed and your arms folded across your chest. When you replay that scene in your head, you can still hear the moment those claws burst from the earth and tore into the Doctor. You replay his maniacal laugh as they ripped him apart and dragged his remnants down to ''hell''—or, what you //perceive// to be hell. You don’t know what’s down there, in that furious, burning void of smoke and rot. But that’s the closest comparison you can make based on what you’ve learned so far. //Is he gone?// you wonder. //Gone for good?// It’s impossible to know unless you face him again in a trial yet to come. And if he is truly gone, then how? //Why?// “That’s the big question,” you murmur. “Why?” You can only speculate so much on your own; there’s no point in racking your brain all night. Feeling stressed, tired, and still in shock, you're ready to call it a night. As you turn around to climb into your tent, the world changes in the blink of an eye. The woods are gone. In their place, a vast, endless void and a misty white haze. You find yourself standing in ankle-deep, frigid water beneath a twinkling, dark sky. It's so cold that goosebumps prick your arms, and every breath you exhale forms a puffy white cloud. //Ah.// You recognize this place—how could you not? //“Do you still believe I’m a figment of your demented imagination?”// A tremor shakes your body as you recognize the familiar voice that rings over your shoulder. Turning around, you face the Shade. He towers above you, with his arms folded behind his back, and a nasty, uninviting grin on his face. //“You can’t avoid me forever, $PlayerName.”// [['"I guess not."'|Pg.41][$Choice to 1; $Bravery +=5]]\ [['"Fuck off."'|Pg.41][$Choice to 2; $Pottymouth +=10; $Kindness -=5; $BastionAffinity -=5]]\ [[Rain check?|Pg.41][$Choice to 3; $Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5; $Bravery +=5]] <</fadein>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ "All right," you say. "Yup, right," Dwight replies, clearing his throat. “It’s been… //nice//," he says. “Nice, uh... meeting you.” A friendly smile creases his lips. "You too." After nodding and dipping his head, Dwight turns around and walks away. And with that, you depart.\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You could watch this man trip and stumble over his words for //hours.// He’s sweet… You’re partial to his company and his shy-guy demeanor. So, “I might take you up on that offer,” you flirt. Maybe it’s your sweet smile, or the coy tone of your voice, but it //totally// disarms him—his face blossoms cherry-red, and, for a moment, his mouth gapes open and shut, but nothing comes out beyond incomprehensible babble. He evades your gaze while fumbling with his tie and giving a soft laugh. “Oh,” he says. “I-I mean… Sure. Anything, //anytime//, uh…” He clears his throat. “It’s been… //great//,” he says, wiping sweat off his brow and straightening his collar before finally meeting your eyes again. “Great, uh… Great meeting you.” A slanted smile graces his lips. “Nice meeting you too, Dwight,” you reply. After nodding and dipping his head, he turns around and walks away. You watch him trip over his own feet before he finds a spot by the fire. With that, you depart.\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Dwight liked that.<</notify>>\ <</if>> [[Continue...|Pg.40]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “Yeah, I guess not,” you murmur with wrinkled brows. The Shade’s blank stare follows you as you walk a few feet through the mist, your eyes wandering to peruse its vastness. “And I don’t //know// what to believe anymore,” you say. “I don’t know what’s real and what’s not.” //“You must think you’ve gone ''mad'',”// the Shade replies with a chuckle and a sigh. //“But it’s too soon for that,”// he says. //“You’re still plenty sane… You wouldn’t be of any ''use'' to me, otherwise.”//\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “You seriously need to ''fuck off'',” you say in a biting tone. “I’m not in the mood.” The Shade erupts with dry laughter, adding to your irritation. //“Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed…”// he says. “No, //someone//'s just been through hell, and ''//someone’s//'' dying to get some fucking rest without having a //sleep paralysis demon// getting in the way.” //“Aw,”// the Shade purrs. //“I’m not quite done with you yet, so you’ll have to forgive me. But believe me when I say I have no ill will toward you.”// You scoff. His blank stare follows you as you walk a few feet through the mist, your eyes wandering to peruse its vastness. “I don’t //know// what to believe anymore,” you say. “I don’t know what’s real and what’s not.” //“You must think you’ve gone ''mad'',”// the Shade replies with a chuckle and a sigh. //“But it’s too soon for that,”// he says. //“You’re still plenty sane… You wouldn’t be of any ''use'' to me, otherwise.”//\ \ \ \ <<notify 4s>>◈ The Shade didn't like that.<</notify>>\ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ “Rain check? I’ve had a //really// long night, and I am just ''dying'' to shut my eyes and catch some winks.” //“You’ll have your rest after this,”// the Shade replies. “Damn.” His blank stare follows you as you walk a few feet through the mist, your eyes wandering to peruse its vastness. “Honestly, I don’t know what to believe anymore,” you mutter. “I don’t know what’s real and what’s not.” //“You must think you’ve gone ''mad'',”// the Shade replies with a chuckle and a sigh. //“But it’s too soon for that,”// he says. //“You’re still plenty sane… You wouldn’t be of any ''use'' to me, otherwise.”//\ <</if>> [[Continue...|Pg.42]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> You turn to face him. “You’re //using// me? For what? What the hell do you want?” //“I thought I made it very clear,”// the Shade replies. He walks to your blind side, and when you turn to him, he’s gone. You look left and right, up and down, and then you feel his hand on your shoulder and his breath on your neck. //“Your cooperation,”// he says. //“Without it, we’re both lost here.”// “Explain,” you demand, facing him again. “Just tell me what you want--what you ''are.''” //“Of course,”// the Shade replies grinningly. He comes around to your front again, and he plucks your chin with a sharp talon. //“We are one and the ''same'',”// he says. //“And we want the same things.”// “And that is…?” //“We want ''out''.”// He chuckles at the puzzled expression on your face. //“Don’t tell me you’ve never considered escaping these shackles? It’s not as implausible as you might think, $PlayerName… You and I—''together''—we can escape this wicked purgatory.”// Escape? Just the thought of it makes your heart flutter. “How?” you ask. “And… and why do YOU want out?” //“This place is a ''cage,''”// the Shade growls. //“But you’re the ''key''.”// He cracks a grin. //“I was like you once… An assembly of flesh and bones that hungered for answers and respite… But this place ''twisted'' me.”// His lips curl back in a snarl, allowing unknown black fluid to dribble down his chin. He’s losing his poise, as clear in the way his voice trembles in unstifled rage. //“The black fog ''corrupts'',”// he spits. //“It takes… It stripped me of everything I was and left my fragments to fester in this cold shell.”// He squeezes your jaw painfully tight. But noticing the terror that flashes in your eyes, and the way your face screws up in pain, he backs off with a chuckle, withdrawing to compose himself again. //“I want out,”// he says with a shrewd grin. //“And as does every poor soul that touches the fog.”// Your forehead wrinkles as you furrow your brows. “So you’re saying… You’re saying you were //human//?” You want to scoff, because the idea of this thing having been like you at some point is frightening—just the possibility that this place can turn normal people into monsters, and in knowing that it could very well happen to ''you''. [['"I don\'t believe it."'|Pg.43]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> “I don’t believe it,” you say. “I ''won’t''. If what you’re telling me is true, then—” //“It’s nothing ''but'' the truth, $PlayerName,”// the Shade says. //“This place will do unto you, as it did to me.”// You scoff. “It’s too unreal,” you murmur. “I’m imagining all this. Maybe it’s the Doctor’s therapy… Maybe I’m //dreaming//—” <<if $BastionAffinity gte 20 and $SexualContent is "enabled">>\ //“I could pinch you,”// he offers. Then, with a naughty chuckle, he suggests, //“Or, why not take it a step further? We can make this wet ''dream'' even wetter.”// He slightly tips his head, and although he lacks eyes, you know he’s perusing your person like you’re a cut of meat at the deli. [['"Not interested."'|Pg.43.2][$Choice to 1; $BastionAffinity -=5]]\ [['"Back off."'|Pg.43.2][$Choice to 2; $Kindness -=5; $BastionAffinity -=5]]\ <<if $Sexuality is "bisexual" or $Sexuality is "androsexual">>\ <<link "“Tempting.” $flirtIcon">><<set $BastionAffinity += 5>><<set $Choice to 3>><<goto "Pg.43.2">><</link>><<else>><span class = "inactive"><<link "“Tempting.” $flirtIcon">><<goto "Pg.43.2">><</link>></span><</if>>\ \ \ <<else>>A mischievous grin spreads across his face. //“I could pinch you,”// he offers. You really doubt it’d be enough. “Let’s say this is real… Why //me?”// you ask. “Why didn’t you choose someone else? All those people around the campfire, the star athletes, and medics, and //war heroes//… And yet you chose //me.// Why?” //“It can be no one else,”// the Shade replies. //“As I said, you’re the ''key''. You’re… special.”// He grins. //“The others here, including myself, are blind to the twists and turns… But ''you'' have a unique connection to the fog, $PlayerName. You can navigate this place—you’re drawn toward the light in the ever-changing dark corners of the realms. You proved it when you recovered the first ''mark.'' It was left behind by another like you, in days past.”// You quirk an eyebrow. “A mark?” you say. “You mean the book I found in that old cabin? It hardly—” You stop short as you recall that vision you had. “When I looked through it, I saw something… A vision,” you say. //“A ''memory'',”// the Shade clarifies. //“And it belonged to the last man who carried out this quest for answers.”// “Bryce,” you say. “His name was Bryce… What happened to him?” //“Gone,”// says the Shade. //“Twisted, and corrupted, and consumed by the Maw.”// For just a second, you notice his unsettling grin waver, and his long, pointed ears flicking back on his head. It lasts //only// for a second, but it’s a revelation that sends chills down your spine. “It was ''you'',” you murmur. “''He'' was ''you'', wasn’t he?” The Shade doesn’t answer outright. //“This place ruins people,”// he says, and that’s all. But you know the answer, and a part of you feels for him. A greater part is terrified by the notion. //“Spare yourself the suffering, $PlayerName,”// says the Shade. //“You can find the answers before your time runs out… And I will be your guidance and protection.”// “Protection?” you say. “How—” Another revelation makes you pause, and suddenly, everything he’s said becomes valid, and //very// real. It crashes into you and leaves you slack-jawed. “In the trial… //You// stopped the Doctor?” His lips curl into a wider grin. You respond with-- [[Gratitude.|Pg.44][$Choice to 1; $Kindness -=5; $BastionAffinity +=5]]\ [[Anger.|Pg.44][$Choice to 2; $Kindness -=5]] <</if>>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “Not interested,” you tell him flatly. //“A shame,”// he replies, although he still wears that impish grin.\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You reject his advances with a snappy, “Back off.” //“Suit yourself,”// he replies. He feigns disappointment in his tone, but still wears an impish grin.\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ You look him up and down before biting your lip and sucking in a breath. “Tempting,” you say. “But I think it’ll take more than that to convince me…” To this, the Shade chuckles. //“I can be very ''convincing'',”// he says with a disarming grin. “A good time’s not enough to sway me,” you reply. //“A shame.”// A shame, indeed.\ <<notify 4s>>◈ The Shade liked that.<</notify>>\ <</if>> Moving on. “Let’s say this is real… Why //me?”// you ask. “Why didn’t you choose someone else? All those people around the campfire, the star athletes, and medics, and //war heroes//… And yet you chose //me.// Why?” //“It can be no one else,”// the Shade replies. //“As I said, you’re the ''key''. You’re… special.”// He grins. //“The others here, including myself, are blind to the twists and turns… But ''you'' have a unique connection to the fog, $PlayerName. You can navigate this place—you’re drawn toward the light in the ever-changing dark corners of the realms. You proved it when you recovered the first ''mark.'' It was left behind by another like you, in days past.”// You quirk an eyebrow. “A mark?” you say. “You mean the book I found in that old cabin? It hardly—” You stop short as you recall that vision you had. “When I looked through it, I saw something… A vision,” you say. //“A ''memory'',”// the Shade clarifies. //“And it belonged to the last man who carried out this quest for answers.”// “Bryce,” you say. “His name was Bryce… What happened to him?” //“Gone,”// says the Shade. //“Twisted, and corrupted, and consumed by the Maw.”// For just a second, you notice his unsettling grin waver, and his long, pointed ears flicking back on his head. It lasts //only// for a second, but it’s a revelation that sends chills down your spine. “It was ''you'',” you murmur. “''He'' was ''you'', wasn’t he?” The Shade doesn’t answer outright. //“This place ruins people,”// he says, and that’s all. But you know the answer, and a part of you feels for him. A greater part is terrified by the notion. //“Spare yourself the suffering, $PlayerName,”// says the Shade. //“You can find the answers before your time runs out… And I will be your guidance and protection.”// “Protection?” you say. “How—” Another revelation makes you pause, and suddenly, everything he’s said becomes valid, and //very// real. It crashes into you and leaves you slack-jawed. “In the trial… //You// stopped the Doctor?” His lips curl into a wider grin. You respond with-- [[Gratitude.|Pg.44][$Choice to 1; $Kindness -=5; $BastionAffinity +=5]]\ [[Anger.|Pg.44][$Choice to 2; $Kindness -=5; $BastionAffinity -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ Your features soften. “I… I guess I should be thanking you, then,” you say. “He was going to kill me. He //would’ve//, if you hadn’t—” Your mind flashes with vivid images of the Doctor’s gruesome demise: the gnarled flesh, jutting, broken bones, and his maniacal laughter—you grimace and shut your eyes. “Thank you,” you say. //“Don’t thank me,”// says the Shade. //“Consider everything I’ve told you, and decide what happens ''next.''”// He lays a hand on your shoulder, grinning. //“Are we to escape this torment ''together''?”// His touch sends a shiver up your spine. “I don’t know,” you murmur.\ \ \ \ <<notify 4s>>◈ The Shade liked that.<</notify>>\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ Your features harden. “So… So you could’ve stepped in at //any// time? Why didn’t you step in sooner? You could've //done// something while I ran around like a looney.<<if $PushedDwight is false>> ''And'' you watched the Doctor crack my skull open.<</if>>” //“You told me to stay away,”// says the Shade, with a sly grin. You sneer at him. He chuckles. //“Don’t let this cloud your judgement, $PlayerName. Consider everything I’ve told you, and decide what happens ''next.''”// He lays a hand on your shoulder, grinning. //“Are we to escape this torment ''together''?”// His touch sends a shiver up your spine. You breathe through your nose and mutter, “I don’t know.” <<notify 4s>>The Shade didn't like that.<</notify>>\ <</if>> There’s no denying that you want to get out of here. It’s a desire shared by the others, too. This place is //hell//, and if you ever want to see the light of day upon a true world again, this would seem your best bet. If it’s true, you being the //chosen one//, then aren’t you obligated to step up? What else do you have left to lose, anyway? It’s only a matter of time until the fog ruins you, like it did to him. You can’t imagine a more dreadful fate. //This could be it,// you convince yourself. This could be the ''only'' way. You won’t play these games forever. “Okay,” you say. “I’m in.” The Shade is visibly pleased. His grin widens tenfold, and his rows of gleaming teeth put a knot in your stomach. //“You’re a smart one,”// he says, and he extends his hand to you. //“We have a deal?”// [[Shake his hand.|Pg.45][$Choice to 1; $BastionAffinity +=5; $ShookBastionsHand to true]]\ [[Don't.|Pg.45][$Choice to 2; $BastionAffinity -=5; $ShookBastionsHand to false]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Madness</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ With your mind made up, you shake his hand. “We have a deal.” The Shade hisses with pleasure. //“We’ll do grand things together, ''$PlayerName,''”// he promises, your name rolling off his tongue with a purr. //“Escape is ''right'' around the corner.”//\ <<notify 4s>>The Shade liked that.<</notify>>\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You glance at his hand before resolutely shunning the gesture. “We have a deal,” you say. The Shade hisses in displeasure while withdrawing his hand. A surly smirk tugs at his lips. //“Escape is right around the corner,”// he murmurs.\ <</if>> He turns away and retreats into the mist. Before going for good, he tosses you another gleaming grin over his shoulder. //“Soon,”// he says. And then he’s gone, fading into the whiteness and out of sight like a ghostly specter. No sooner has he left than do your surroundings suddenly return to their original state. The mist and the icy pool are swept away as the world spins violently around you. You’re in the woods again, under a muggy, dark sky, and standing in front of your tent, reeling from whiplash. Your stomach flips twice before you regain your bearings. The air is not as cold as it was moments ago, but your skin still prickles, and your limbs tingle. Though the Shade answered many of your questions, you wonder about the peculiarities of that place and his presence there. However, those are questions you'll ponder another time. For now, you just want to lie down and forget about your troubles and newly imposed responsibilities, even if only for a short while. As you turn around, you feel an itchy sensation on your hand. You gaze upon it, stunned to find inky black threads crawling between your fingers. The bizarre sight lasts only a moment before they disappear, but the sensation remains. //Another question for another day//, you decide. You crawl into your tent and lie on your bedroll. As you’re drifting off to sleep with eyes half-lidded, you can’t help but wonder if you just struck a deal with a //devil//. [[Continue...|Intermission 2][$Chapter2Complete to true; $KillerPunished +=1]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> You may regret asking, but curiosity gets the better of you... “What do you do for //fun//, Bastion?” you ask, casting a sidelong look at him. “In your //free time//, I mean, when you're not babysitting me?” His grin widens, sharp and gleaming in the moonlight. //“Fun?”// he echoes, as if it's a foreign concept. //“Curious question... Tell me, what exactly qualifies as ‘fun’?”// “Well,” you say, shrugging, “anything that helps you pass the time. Something that distracts you from all the //doom// and //gloom//... Or something you like to do, I guess.” Bastion hums thoughtfully. //“Fun... Oh, <<Wanderer>>,”// he trails off, chuckling. //“I don't suppose you'll like my idea of ''fun...''”// “Well, when you put it like that, //no.// Maybe not. But let me guess--//tormenting me// is your idea of fun, right?” He chuckles deeply. //“I ''am'' partial to that, yes.”// “And //that's// what I thought,” you mutter, rolling your eyes. //“But I am partial to... ''other'' things,”// he adds, purring. //“Of which you might find more... ''pleasing.''”// His sultry tone of voice throws you off. Maybe you should steer clear of this topic... [[Because you don't even want to know|C35.2.Alone]]

<<audio dream_sequence_bgm fadeout>>\ <<fadein 5s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Chapter 4</h2><hr><h1>Discretion</h1></div> <center><img src="images/other/divider.png" /></center> <span class="highlight">You awaken</span> not in reality, but in another dream, ripped from one nightmare and plunged headfirst into another. The world twists and folds away, leaving you adrift in an endless void. You find yourself on your back, naked, a cold, viscous surface beneath you clinging to your skin. The black pool ripples faintly, chilling your frame. The quiet and stillness presses down on you like a weight, and you sense something's off—a malign presence hanging nearby, watching, waiting. Out of the silence, a voice breaks through, smooth and familiar, carrying a thread of humor that lightens the tension. //“Bad ''dream,'' Wanderer?”// Your breath catches, and your chest tightens. It’s Bastion. How do you react to his presence? [[With caution.|Pg.50][$Choice to 1; $Intelligence +=5]]\ [[Seek comfort.|Pg.50][$Choice to 2; $Bravery -=5; $BastionAffinity +=5]]\ [[Demand answers.|Pg.50][$Choice to 3]]\ <</fadein>>\

<div class="papertext">''Spiraling...'' I had another one of those dreams last night. Or maybe it wasn’t a dream at all—who knows anymore? This time, I wasn’t myself. I was in someone //else’s// body, a woman’s, being dragged down this seemingly endless spiral staircase. The walls were stone, lit by torches that didn’t do much except make the shadows look more menacing. I could feel ''everything''—her fear, her pain, her exhaustion—and it was like it was all my //own//. There were these robed people dragging me deeper down I—//she//—begged, //pleaded//, tried to reason with whoever they were, but it didn’t matter. They didn’t ''care''. They said I was “tainted.” “Corrupt.” Like I was some //poison//. <<if $Fear is "vulnerability" and $NoticedSymbols is true>>\ The worst part was feeling so //helpless//. No matter how hard I wanted to fight back, my body—her body—couldn’t do ''anything''. I was //trapped,// and all I could do was wait and see where they were taking me. And there were markings on the walls, strange carvings that glowed with golden light. I don’t know what they were, but they felt... //important// somehow. If I ever see them again, I need to remember. When I woke up, my heart was pounding. Maybe I’m losing it... Or maybe the fog is trying to tell me something. I don’t know. But I have a bad feeling it’s only going to get worse.\ <<elseif $Fear is "vulnerability" and $NoticedSymbols is false>>\ The worst part was feeling so //helpless//. No matter how hard I wanted to fight back, my body—her body—couldn’t do ''anything''. I was //trapped,// and all I could do was wait and see where they were taking me. When I woke up, my heart was pounding. Maybe I’m losing it... Or maybe the fog is trying to tell me something. I don’t know. But I have a bad feeling it’s only going to get worse.\ <<elseif $NoticedSymbols is true>>\ There were markings on the walls, strange carvings that glowed with golden light. I don’t know what they were, but they felt... //important// somehow. If I ever see them again, I need to remember. When I woke up, my heart was pounding. Maybe I’m losing it... Or maybe the fog is trying to tell me something. I don’t know. But I have a bad feeling it’s only going to get worse.\ <<else>>\ When I woke up, my heart was pounding. Maybe I’m losing it... Or maybe the fog is trying to tell me something. I don’t know. But I have a bad feeling it’s only going to get worse.\ <</if>> [[Back|Dreams]] </div>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ You hesitate, your voice trembling. “Yes… it was.” Bastion chuckles softly, the sound echoing throughout the void. //“I could tell,”// he murmurs. //“But I can make it ''better.''”\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “Bastion?” you whisper, your voice barely audible. Relief tinges your tone. “You’re here?” Bastion purrs, his grin audible in his voice. //“Always, <<Wanderer>>.”// You breathe a sigh of relief. “Oh... I thought it was something else.” //“Are you ''scared?”''// Bastion replies, a teasing lilt to his words. //“I can make that all ''better.''”//\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Bastion liked that.<</notify>>\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ “What is this place? What’s going on?” you demand. “Why am I here? Why are //''you''// here?” Bastion only laughs, a sound which grates on your nerves. //“Questions, questions... Don't you ever get tired of asking ''questions?''”// He sounds mildly annoyed. //“Come now, <<Wanderer>>. Why ask questions when we can find... ''other'' ways to occupy our time?”//\ <</if>> From the shadows, you feel the brush of an icy hand against your cheek. The unexpected touch makes you shudder. “Bastion?” you whisper again. The implication in his words sends a thrill—of fear, or something //else//—coursing through you. His presence feels closer now... <<if $SexualContent is "enabled">>\ <<if $Sexuality is "androsexual" or $Sexuality is "bisexual">>\ <<link "Accept his advances. $flirtIcon">><<set $BastionAffinity +=15>><<set $Choice to 1>><<set $Corruption +=5>><<set $NaughtyDream to true>><<goto "Pg.51">><</link>><<else>><span class="inactive"><<link "Accept his advances. $flirtIcon">><<goto "Pg.51">><</link>></span><</if>>\ [[Reject his advances.|Pg.51][$Choice to 2; $Bravery +=5]]\ [["Without protection?" (Humor)|Pg.51][$Choice to 3; $Humor +=5; $BastionAffinity +=5; $Social +=5]]\ <<else>>\ <span class="inactive"><<link "Accept his advances. $flirtIcon (Requires: Enable Sexual Content)">><<goto "Pg.51">><</link>></span>\ [[Reject his advances.|Pg.51][$Choice to 2; $Bravery +=5]]\ [[Without protection? (Humor)|Pg.51][$Choice to 3; $Humor +=5; $BastionAffinity +=5; $Social +=5]]\ <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ You swallow hard, your heart pounding. Against your better judgement, you respond, “What do you have in mind?” Bastion answers with a low chuckle. Then the darkness presses against you, suffocating. Though you see nothing, you suddenly feel him—spindly, spider-like appendages skim your skin. They prick and stroke, ghosting down your legs in a teasing motion that leaves your breath hitching. Before you can process anything, cold, clawed hands grasp your thighs. Your heart pounds as you look down, catching a glint of sharp teeth gleaming in the void between your legs. Bastion’s grin is almost predatory, and //unmistakably// pleased. He fans a frigid puff of air across your inner thigh, putting goosebumps on your arms. You gasp softly, your body tensing reflexively. Bastion’s chuckle reaches your ears through the darkness. //“Don’t be so ''tense,'' $PlayerName. ''Relax;'' I’ll be gentle with you… I won’t leave a single scratch on your lovely, $SkinTone skin…”// His grin sharpens, somehow becoming even more unsettling. //“''Unless you want me to.''”// His voice dips lower, the words oozing with wickedness. Slowly, he rises from the black pool, his lean, oozing form towering over you. The liquid poison clings to his body, dripping and splattering onto your bare skin. Your chest tightens as he moves between your legs, completely shadowing you beneath him. One of the spindly, spider-like claws jutting from his back curls beneath you, hooking around your waist. The motion arches your back into him involuntarily, and Bastion lets out a low, deep purr. You fluster, a hot flush stinging your cheeks. He glides closer, his maw hovering near the crook of your neck. His breath rasps against your skin, carrying a scent of decay and ash. A long, slimy black tongue unfurls past his jaw, squirming against your neck and lashing your skin in an almost tender gesture. A shudder races down your spine as your hands instinctively flatten against his chest. “Bastion…” you murmur his name with uncertainty. Lean muscle flexes beneath your palms. You let your hands linger there, saying nothing else and inviting him to go on. He purrs against your throat, his talons tracing the curvature of your waist to your hips, where they hover. Suddenly, a voice cuts through the darkness, giving you both pause. //<span class="blurrier">“$PlayerName?”</span>// You strain to listen as it comes again, more clearly. //<span class="blurry">“$PlayerName?”</span>// Bastion growls softly against your neck. Slowly, he draws back with a husky chuckle, his sharp teeth grazing your skin. //“''Someone’s'' vying for your attention…”// He plucks your chin delicately between his claws, tilting your face upward as he leans close. His rancid breath brushes your cheek as honeyed words slip past his jaws. //“Another time, Wanderer.”// With that, he unwinds himself from you, his lean frame dissolving back into the dark. A rasping chuckle echoes as he vanishes completely, leaving you alone in the void. Then, without warning, the pool beneath you shifts. The black liquid begins pulling you down. Panic seizes you as you sink deeper, your arms flailing as you futiley reach for something to grab hold of. Soon, the darkness swallows you ''whole''.\ <<notify 4s>>◈ //Bastion ''loved'' that.//<</notify>>\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You turn your head sharply, shaking his hand off your cheek. The slick sensation of his touch lingers, but you remain resolute. “No,” you insist, troubled. “No, just—wake me up. Wake me up, //please.”// Bastion’s movements still, his sharp-tooth grin faltering for the briefest of moments. The void around you seems to quiver with his pause, and for a moment, you fear his reaction. Then, he chuckles softly—a low, rasping sound that’s more unsettling than comforting. //“As you wish, <<Wanderer>>…”// His voice is honeyed with sarcasm. He retracts his hand slowly as he rises to his full height. The spidery claws that had been curling around your waist loosen their grip, retreating into the shadows. Bastion tilts his head, watching you intently. //“''As you wish...''”// Then, without warning, the pool beneath you shifts. The black liquid begins pulling you down. Panic seizes you as you sink deeper, your arms flailing as you futiley reach for something to grab hold of. Soon, the darkness swallows you ''whole''.\ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ You raise an eyebrow, your voice coy. “Without protection, Bastion? //C’mon.//” For a moment, silence hangs in the air. Then, Bastion lets out a hearty laugh, his deep voice echoing through the void. The sound dwindles into a softer chuckle, followed by a drawn-out sigh of disappointment. //“Ah, of course not…”// He leans closer, his sharp grin glinting with mischief. //“So, I suppose we won’t be having any ''fun,'' then?”// You tilt your head slightly, your tone playful. “Not unless you’ve got some rubbers up your sleeve…” Bastion’s smirk grows wider. //“Not tonight.”// Slowly, he begins to withdraw, his spidery claws retreating into the shadows along with him. As he fades back into the darkness, his voice follows, low and honeyed, tinged with a teasing growl. //“You little ''<<if $Gender is "female">>temptress<<else>>tempter<</if>>'', you...”// Then, without warning, the pool beneath you shifts. The black liquid begins pulling you down. Panic overcomes you as you sink deeper, your arms flailing as you futiley reach for something to grab hold of. Soon, the darkness swallows you ''whole''.\ <<notify 4s>>◈ //Bastion liked that.//<</notify>>\ <</if>> [[Continue...|Pg.52]]\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> You wake abruptly, your body slick with cold sweat. Outside your tent, the sound of Jake’s voice reaches you. “Hey, you alive in there? Get up. We’ve got laundry duty.” Still groggy and disoriented, you crawl toward the tent’s flap and push it aside. Jake stands outside, a brown woven basket balanced in his arms, packed to the brim with soiled clothes. You blink at him, still half-asleep. “Eh... Laundry?” <<if $NaughtyDream is true>>Jake opens his mouth to speak, but hesitates, his brow knitted. “Why are you so flushed?” Before you can respond, he shakes his head and gives you a deadpan look.<<else>>Jake gives you a deadpan look.<</if>> “//Everyone// carries their weight around camp, and you’re not exempt, $Gender_Ref. They pulled our names from the hat, so we’ve got laundry duty tonight.” “Oh. Just... Just give me a minute.” You retreat into the tent to gather your bag and scratch an entry into your journal before joining Jake outside. He waits impatiently for you, tapping his foot with a mean expression on his face. “Come on, we don't have all night.” [[We do, actually. (Humor)|Pg.53][$Choice to 1; $Humor +=5]]\ [[Cooperate.|Pg.53][$Choice to 2; $Reputation +=5; $JakeAffinity +=5]]\ [[Drag your feet.|Pg.53][$Choice to 3; $Reputation -=5; $JakeAffinity -=5]]\ [[Give him attitude.|Pg.53][$Choice to 4; $Kindness -=5; $JakeAffinity -=19; $Social -=10]]\ [[Remain silent.|Pg.53][$Choice to 5; $Social -=5]]\ <<notify 4s>>New Journal Entry: Visions> Spiraling<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “Actually, I would argue that we //do.//” you say matter-of-factly, with a shit-eating grin on your face. “In //fact,// I'd say we have an ENDLESS amount of time to wash that funky laundry. What's the rush?” Jake exhales sharply, his jaw tightening. He shifts the basket in his arms as though weighing whether or not to engage. “Can you-- Let's just get this shit done, alright? The sooner we finish, the sooner we can both fuck off back to what we were doing before.” “//Sure, sure...// But you've gotta admit I have a point.” Jake grumbles.\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You nod, letting out a small sigh as you step forward. “Alright, lead the way. Let’s get this done.” Jake studies you for a moment, his expression neutral but softening slightly. He shifts the basket in his arms and nods approvingly. “Glad to see you’re not gonna make this harder than it has to be. Laundry’s bad enough without having to listen to someone bitch about it...” Lowering his voice, he mutters, “Can't stand some of these people...” <<notify 4s>>◈ //Jake liked that.//<</notify>>\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ You groan, your movements slow and reluctant as you join his side. “If I'd known we had chores, I might've pitched my tent in the woods,” you mutter. “//Laundry duty.// What a thrill…” Jake raises an eyebrow, unimpressed by your attitude. He adjusts the basket in his arms, clearly weighing whether or not to argue with you on it. “You're one of //those// people,” he mutters under his breath. Then, “Yeah, it’s not glamorous. But ''everyone’s'' gotta do their part. Shut up, and let’s go,” he says. He starts walking, clearly expecting you to follow. You drag your feet for another moment, exhaling sharply before falling in line behind him. “Bull<<if $Pottymouth gte 55>>shit<<else>>crap<</if>>...” <<notify 4s>>◈ //Jake didn't like that.//<</notify>>\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 4>>\ You cross your arms and shoot Jake a pointed look, your voice sharp with irritation. “Laundry duty? //Really?// Didn’t think we were here to play //house.//” Jake stops in his tracks, turning slowly to face you. His expression is a mix of exasperation and disbelief, his brow furrowing as he shifts the basket in his arms. “We’re here to //survive//, genius. And survival means ''everyone'' does their part.” Stubbornly, you don’t back down. “Sure, because //washing socks// is //definitely// the key to our survival.” Jake exhales sharply, his grip on the basket tightening. “Let me guess—someone else always did the //dirty work// for you. News flash: not here, princess. We EACH wipe our own ass, whether you like it or not.” You scoff at him, folding your arms. But being stubborn won't get you anywhere--and it won't get rid of him, either. So, you concede with a gruff sigh. “Fine. Let's go //do some laundry.//” “I'm glad you're able to pull your head outta your ass,” Jake gruffs. He fixes his hold on the basket and turns around. <<notify 4s>>◈ //Jake //really// didn't like that.//<</notify>>\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 5>>\ You bite your tongue, resisting the urge to respond. Instead, you keep your expression neutral as you fall in line behind Jake. He glances at you briefly, his brow furrowing as though he’s waiting for a complaint or remark. When none comes, he exhales through his nose, nodding slightly to himself before shifting the basket in his arms. “Alright, let’s get moving.” <</if>> [[Continue...|Pg.54]]

<<fadein 3s>>\ <div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> You and Jake walk side-by-side through the fog, each carrying a woven basket brimming with clothes soiled in grime and blood. The path to the creek is uneven, its twists and turns barely visible through the fog. Jake leads the way. For a while, the silence between you is awkward, but not //entirely// unpleasant. Then, Jake breaks it. “You always mutter in your sleep like that?” You glance at him, puzzled by the question. He doesn’t look at you, his eyes fixed on the path ahead. “First the choking, and now it’s muttering… Is it a condition?” [[Sure.|Pg.55][$Choice to 1; $Social +=5]]\ [[Why do you care?|Pg.55][$Choice to 2; $Social -=5]]\ [[I don't know.|Pg.55][$Choice to 3; $Honesty +=5; $Intelligence +=5]]\ [[Say nothing.|Pg.55][$Choice to 4; $Social -=5]]\ <</fadein>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ You shrug, adjusting the basket on your hip as you glance at Jake. “Sure. Though, it’s probably just a result of all the //torture// we go through on the daily.” Jake grunts in response, his expression difficult to read. For a moment, you wonder if he’s going to press further, but he keeps his gaze fixed ahead, his voice low. “And does it happen often?” You nod slowly. “Yeah. It started about as soon as I arrived here, and I don’t think it’s going away anytime soon...” Jake lets out a quiet huff. His pace slows slightly, just enough to bring the two of you more evenly side-by-side. “Yeah… that checks out. This place doesn’t exactly do //wonders// for anyone’s mental state.” He glances at you briefly, his tone softening just enough to carry a hint of understanding. “I guess it’s just something you get used to. Or… //try to,// anyway.” [[Lighten the mood with humor.|Pg.55.1][$Choice to 1; $Humor +=5; $JakeAffinity +=5; $Social +=5; $Optimism +=5]]\ [[Show vulnerability.|Pg.55.1][$Choice to 2; $Seriousness +=5; $JakeAffinity +=5; $Emotion +=5; $Optimism -=5]]\ [[Fall silent.|Pg.55.1][$Choice to 3; $Social -=5]]\ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You narrow your eyes slightly, adjusting the basket in your arms. Jake’s question lingers in the air, rubbing you the wrong way. Rather than offering an explanation, you deflect, your voice sharp. “Why do you care?” Jake scoffs softly. “It freaks people out.” You raise an eyebrow, meeting his gaze with a guarded expression. His answer isn’t enough. “It freaks people out? //That's// what you're going with?” “It's the truth.” His words are bitter, but he doesn’t elaborate. The quiet stretches uncomfortably between you. You glance at him again. [[Brush it off with sarcasm.|Pg.55.1][$Choice to 4; $Humor +=5; $Social +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ [[Question him further.|Pg.55.1][$Choice to 5; $Seriousness +=5]]\ [[Keep quiet.|Pg.55.1][$Choice to 6; $Social -=5]]\ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ You adjust your grip on the basket, the rough handle digging into your palm as you glance at Jake. His question lingers in the air, and you take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering. “Not one that I’ve ever heard of. And they only started after I got here.” Jake nods slowly, his expression thoughtful. He doesn’t look at you directly, his focus remaining on the path ahead. “Hasn’t happened to anyone else.” You tilt your head slightly. “Who’s to say it hasn’t? It’s not exactly something people would be eager to talk about around the campfire, right?” Jake grunts, a sound that seems more considerate than dismissive. “Maybe. But if it has, they’re better at hiding it than you are.” [[Continue...|Pg.56]]\ <<elseif $Choice eq 4>>\ You keep your gaze forward, letting Jake’s question hang unanswered in the air. The silence between you grows heavier with each passing moment. Jake glances at you briefly, his brow furrowing as though expecting a response. When none comes, he exhales quietly, his expression unreadable as he shrugs. “Suit yourself.” There's a faint edge in his voice, but he doesn’t press further. His steps quicken slightly, and when he speaks again, his tone is lower. “Guess some things aren’t worth digging into anyway.” [[Continue...|Pg.56]]\ <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ You let out a slow breath as your gaze drifts to the path ahead. Jake’s words linger for a beat too long, the silence settling heavily between you. Then, with a faint smirk playing at your lips, you decide to break the tension. “Great. So I should just pencil in nightmares, sleep-muttering, //and// existential dread as part of my daily routine? //Really// leaning into the full experience, huh?” Jake’s lips twitch at the corner. The faintest chuckle escapes him, dry but genuine. “Pretty much. Welcome to //paradise,// $Gender_Ref.” His tone is laced with sarcasm, but there’s a flicker of amusement in his expression. Emboldened, you push it a step further. “Do I get a welcome basket, or is that asking too much?” Jake lets out another huff. “You’re //holding// it.” You glance at the basket of dirty, bloodied clothes in your arms and snort. “Oh, wow. //Fancy.// Guess I shouldn’t expect any mints on my pillow, either?” Jake shakes his head, but you catch a flicker of amusement in his eyes.\ [[Continue...|Pg.56]]\ <<notify 4s>>◈ //Jake liked that.//<</notify>>\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You let out a slow breath as your gaze drifts to the path ahead. Jake’s words linger for a beat too long, the silence settling heavily between you. And for a moment, you hesitate before speaking. “Getting used to it isn’t exactly easy.” Your voice wavers, but you steady it. “Some nights… it feels like it’ll never end.” Your confession hangs heavily in the air between you. You glance at Jake, unsure how he’ll react, but his expression is unreadable. When he finally speaks, his tone is low and firm. “Yeah.” He pauses briefly, his brow furrowing as though considering his next words carefully. But when he opens his mouth, nothing comes out. [[Continue...|Pg.56]]\ <<notify 4s>>◈ //Jake liked that.//<</notify>>\ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ You let out a slow breath as your gaze drifts to the path ahead. Jake’s words linger for a beat too long, the silence settling heavily between you. And the silence remains, as you can't quite find the words to say next. Jake doesn't seem to mind anyway--or //care,// for that matter. [[Continue...|Pg.56]]\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 4>>\ You let out a slow breath as your gaze drifts to the path ahead. Jake’s words linger for a beat too long, the silence settling heavily between you. Then, with a faint smirk playing at your lips, you glance his way. “Alright, alright... Freaking you out is the //last// thing I'd ever want to do, Jake. What do you take me for, a //monster.//” Jake snorts, though the sound is more of a sharp exhale than a laugh. “You can cut the shit. I'm just giving you a heads-up, before you freak out anyone else.” “Noted. I’ll try to keep all the //creepy <<if $Pottymouth gte 55>>shit<<else>>crap<</if>>// to myself. No promises, though, since I'll be //asleep.//” “You’re a real comedian, huh?” You shrug. “I try.” [[Continue...|Pg.56]]\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 5>>\ You let out a slow breath as your gaze drifts to the path ahead. Jake’s words linger for a beat too long, the silence settling heavily between you. You break it. “I freak people out, huh? What, like... Like I //scare them?”// “It's not ''you'',” Jake says. “It's the //implications//. The possibility that if it's happening to __you__, it could happen to everyone else.” His words sting, but there’s he's just being honest. “And we have enough to worry about as it is,” he adds pointedly. You exhale sharply. “Well, sorry. But it's not something I can control. Believe me, if I could make those nightmares go away, I ''would.''” Jake's features soften slightly, but his guarded tone remains. “Sorry. But I had to ask.” “Satisfied with the answer?” Jake’s lips press into a thin line. “Nope.” [[Continue...|Pg.56]]\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 6>>\ You let out a slow breath as your gaze drifts to the path ahead. Jake’s words linger for a beat too long, the silence settling heavily between you. And the silence remains, as you can't quite find the words to say next. Jake doesn't seem to mind anyway--or //care,// for that matter. [[Continue...|Pg.56]]\ <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <<if $Chapter3_Alone is true>>\ A few minutes pass. Jake breaks the silence again. “I heard you went out there on your own the other night. Did you find anything?”\ <<else>>\ A few minutes pass. Jake breaks the silence again. “I heard you went out there with the others the other night, and something <<if $Chapter3_Survived is true>>attacked<<else>>killed<</if>> you. What did you find?”\ <</if>>\ [[Tell him about the cabin.|Pg.57][$Choice to 1; $Honesty +=5; $ToldJakeAboutCabin to true]]\ [[Tell him about the monster.|Pg.57][$Choice to 2; $Honesty +=5; $ToldJakeAboutMonster to true]]\ [[Tell him nothing.|Pg.57][$Choice to 3; $Honesty -=5; $JakeAffinity -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <<if $Chapter3_Alone is true>>\ <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ You carefully consider your words before answering. “I found a cabin out there,” you submit. “Some empty, run-down place... 'Looked like someone's home. And probably //was,// before... y'know.<<if $Emotion gte 60>> Makes me sad thinking about that... Because if their //home// is here, then where are they?” “Probably someplace better off,” Jake mutters. “Not that it concerns us.”<<else>>”<</if>> “You find anything worth bringing back here?” //“Not// unless you want some rotted wood and tattered curtains.” Jake gruffs. “I think we'll pass... But I don't think you should be taking //field trips// into the fog. There’s shit out there we don’t want to mess with, and shit you shouldn’t risk dragging back to camp.”\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “Some monster or... //something// attacked me,” you submit, shuddering as you recall the surprise attack. Jake gruffs. “I don't think you should be taking //field trips// into the fog, //alone,// especially. There’s shit out there we don’t want to mess with, and shit you shouldn’t risk dragging back to camp.”\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ You carefully consider your response before ultimately deciding not to tell him anything. It's none of his business, and you won't make it his problem, either. But this doesn't sit well with Jake. He gruffs, annoyed. “Hide everything you want. But I don't think you should be taking //field trips// into the fog, //alone,// especially. There’s shit out there we don’t want to mess with, and shit you shouldn’t risk dragging back to camp.”\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Jake didn't like that.<</notify>>\ <</if>> You respond with-- [[Humor.|Pg.58][$Choice to 1; $Humor +=5; $Social +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ [[Attitude.|Pg.58][$Choice to 2; $Seriousness +=5; $Social -=5; $JakeAffinity -=10]]\ [[Agreeability.|Pg.58][$Choice to 3; $JakeAffinity +=5; $Seriousness +=5]]\ [[Nothing.|Pg.58][$Choice to 4; $Social -=5]]\ \ \ \ \ \ <<else>>\ <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ You carefully consider your words before answering. “We found a cabin out there,” you submit. “Some empty, run-down place... 'Looked like someone's home. And probably //was,// before... y'know.” <<if $Emotion gte 60>> “Makes me sad thinking about that... Because if their //home// is here, then where are they?” “Probably someplace better off,” Jake mutters. “Not that it concerns us.”<</if>> “You guys find anything worth bringing back here?” //“Not// unless you want some rotted wood and tattered curtains.” <<if $Chapter3_Survived is false>>\ “And what about the thing that //attacked// you?” Jake asks. “The others said you were mangled by something that came out of the damn wall.” [[Tell him about the monster.|Pg.57.1][$Choice to 1; $Honesty -=5; $JakeAffinity -=5; $ToldJakeAboutMonster to true]]\ [[Don't tell him.|Pg.57.1][$Choice to 2; $Honesty -=5; $JakeAffinity -=5; $ToldJakeAboutMonster to false]]\ <<else>>\ Jake gruffs. “I think we'll pass... But I don't think you should be taking //field trips// into the fog. There’s shit out there we don’t want to mess with, and shit you shouldn’t risk dragging back to camp.” You respond with-- [[Humor.|Pg.58][$Choice to 1; $Humor +=5; $Social +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ [[Attitude.|Pg.58][$Choice to 2; $Seriousness +=5; $Social -=5; $JakeAffinity -=10]]\ [[Agreeability.|Pg.58][$Choice to 3; $JakeAffinity +=5; $Seriousness +=5]]\ [[Nothing.|Pg.58][$Choice to 4; $Social -=5]]\ <</if>>\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “Some monster or... //something// attacked me,” you submit, shuddering as you recall the vicious attack. <<if $Chapter3_Survived is false>> “Tore my throat out and killed me.” Jake narrows his eyes. “What the hell were they thinking, tailing you into fog like that? They should know better... Shit, //you// should know better by now, $Gender_Ref. I don't think you should be taking //field trips// into the fog. There’s shit out there we don’t want to mess with, and shit you shouldn’t risk dragging back to camp.”<<else>> “I managed to kill it.” Jake gruffs. “I don't think you should be taking //field trips// into the fog, //alone,// especially. There’s shit out there we don’t want to mess with, and shit you shouldn’t risk dragging back to camp.”<</if>> You respond with-- [[Humor.|Pg.58][$Choice to 1; $Humor +=5; $Social +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ [[Attitude.|Pg.58][$Choice to 2; $Seriousness +=5; $Social -=5; $JakeAffinity -=10]]\ [[Agreeability.|Pg.58][$Choice to 3; $JakeAffinity +=5; $Seriousness +=5]]\ [[Nothing.|Pg.58][$Choice to 4; $Social -=5]]\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ You carefully consider your response before ultimately deciding not to tell him anything. It's none of his business, and you won't make it his problem, either. But this doesn't sit well with Jake. He gruffs, annoyed. “Hide everything you want. But I don't think you should be taking //field trips// into the fog, //alone,// especially. There’s shit out there we don’t want to mess with, and shit you shouldn’t risk dragging back to camp.” You respond with-- [[Humor.|Pg.58][$Choice to 1; $Humor +=5; $Social +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ [[Attitude.|Pg.58][$Choice to 2; $Seriousness +=5; $Social -=5; $JakeAffinity -=10]]\ [[Agreeability.|Pg.58][$Choice to 3; $JakeAffinity +=5; $Seriousness +=5]]\ [[Nothing.|Pg.58][$Choice to 4; $Social -=5]]\ <<notify 4s>>Jake didn't like that.<</notify>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <<if $Chapter3_Alone is true>>\ <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “Some monster or... //something// attacked me,” you submit, shuddering as you recall the surprise attack. Jake gruffs. “I don't think you should be taking //field trips// into the fog, //alone,// especially. There’s shit out there we don’t want to mess with. And shit you shouldn’t risk dragging back to camp.”\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You decide against sharing the details of that //particular// encounter. A decision which Jake isn't too happy with. He gruffs, annoyed. “Hide everything you want. But I don't think you should be taking //field trips// into the fog, //alone,// especially. There’s shit out there we don’t want to mess with, and shit you shouldn’t risk dragging back to camp.”\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Jake didn't like that.<</notify>>\ <</if>> <<else>>\ <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “Some monster or... //something// attacked me,” you submit, shuddering as you recall the vicious attack. <<if $Chapter3_Survived is false>> “Tore my throat out and killed me.” Jake narrows his eyes. “What the hell were they thinking, tailing you into fog like that? They should know better... Shit, //you// should know better by now, $Gender_Ref. I don't think you should be taking //field trips// into the fog. There’s shit out there we don’t want to mess with, and shit you shouldn’t risk dragging back to camp.”<<else>> “I managed to kill it.” Jake gruffs. “I don't think you should be taking //field trips// into the fog, //alone,// especially. There’s shit out there we don’t want to mess with, and shit you shouldn’t risk dragging back to camp.”<</if>> \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You decide against sharing the details of that //particular// encounter. A decision which Jake isn't too happy with. He gruffs, annoyed. “Hide everything you want. But I don't think you should be taking //field trips// into the fog. There’s shit out there we don’t want to mess with, and shit you shouldn’t risk dragging back to camp.”\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Jake didn't like that.<</notify>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>> You respond with-- [[Humor.|Pg.58][$Choice to 1; $Humor +=5; $Social +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ [[Attitude.|Pg.58][$Choice to 2; $Seriousness +=5; $Social -=5; $JakeAffinity -=10]]\ [[Agreeability.|Pg.58][$Choice to 3; $JakeAffinity +=5; $Seriousness +=5]]\ [[Nothing.|Pg.58][$Choice to 4; $Social -=5]]\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “Thanks for the advice, //dad.// I’ll make sure to take it into //careful// consideration.” “You'd better. Otherwise, the rest of us will end up paying for your little //excursions// into the fog,” “Don't be such a //worry-wart//,” you reply flippantly. “I'm not running out there all gung-ho with a flashing neon sign over my head that says, //'This way to a tasty human buffet!'”// Jake rolls his eyes. “Right...” “No, //really,//” you say. “If I ever run into any more trouble out there, I'll be a good sport and //politely// show it the other way... You don't have to worry about it.” “You're unbelievable,” Jake mutters. “And if you've got at least half a brain up there, you'll take my advice. Because ''trust me'' when I say going out there won't bring you--or //us//--anything but __trouble__. And more trouble is the last thing we need around here. Got it?” “Comprende.” “Good,” he replies. “Now, let's get to the creek and get this shit done.” [[Continue...|Pg.59]]\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You fix Jake with a hard stare. His words rub you the wrong way, and your response comes out sharper than intended. “That doesn’t concern you.” Jake halts mid-step, his shoulders stiffening as he turns to face you. His brow furrows. “It doesn’t //concern// me?” He takes a step closer, sneering. “''Whatever'' you drag out of the fog doesn’t just stop at ''you''. You're putting ALL of us at risk, the //entire// camp. Why should we face the consequences of ''your'' actions?” His voice dips even lower. “You want to play the //lone wolf,// fine. But don’t act like it’s only ''your'' neck on the line.” The air grows thick with tension between you both. Jake doesn't move, challenging your next response. [[Double down.|Pg.58.1][$Choice to 1; $JakeAffinity -=10; $Social -=10; $Kindness -=5; $Bravery +=5; $Reputation -=10; $Seriousness +=5]]\ [[Reason with him.|Pg.58.1][$Choice to 2; $Intelligence +=5]]\ [[Back down, because he's right.|Pg.58.1][$Choice to 3; $Bravery -=5; $Social +=5; $JakeAffinity +=5]] <<notify 4s>>◈ Jake //really// didn't like that.<</notify>>\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ You nod slightly. “You’re right. It was a bad idea, and I shouldn’t have gone out there.” Jake glances at you, his brow lifting slightly in surprise. Before he can speak, you firmly add, “That doesn’t mean I don’t have my //reasons//, but I get it. It was //reckless//, and I’ll think twice before doing it again.” Jake studies you for a moment, his expression softening slightly. “Good. At least someone around here listens.” He pauses before adding in a quieter tone, “And I’m not trying to be an asshole, alright? But we need to put ourselves first--''not'' whatever's out there...” “Noted.” “Good,” he replies. “Now, let's get to the creek and get this shit done.” [[Continue...|Pg.59]]\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Jake liked that.<</notify>>\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 4>>\ You remain silent, your lack of response prompting a scowl to darken Jake’s features. “Silent type, huh?” he snaps, his voice edged with irritation. He scoffs and looks away, fixing his glare on the path ahead. “You don’t get to do that—//march out there,// and put the //rest// of us at risk. We could ''all'' end up paying the price for your little //excursions// into the fog if you aren't careful.” His words hang in the air as he lets the silence stretch between you. It’s clear he’s waiting for a response, some acknowledgment, at the very least, but when none comes, he shakes his head, muttering under his breath. “If you give even a single //damn// about any of us, you’ll keep this in mind,” he says coldly. “But since you want to play the //Silent Sue//, let’s just get to the damn creek and wrap this up.” [[Continue...|Pg.59]]\ <</if>>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ As the Clown closes in, you throw out your hand and shout, “Wait!” He halts. You take a shuddering breath, your trembling lips betraying your fear as you desperately consider your next move. Your mouth gapes open and shut for a solid minute before you come up with a stupid idea. “I… I have a joke,” you say. The Clown snorts. “What makes you think I want to hear it?” “You’re a-a //clown//,” you argue, your voice jittering. “And clowns like jokes, right?” The Clown grunts, spinning his blade by the loop on his pinky finger. He smiles crudely, showing two rows of yellowed teeth. “Make me laugh, and maybe I’ll let ya live.” You don’t believe him, but you’ll buy yourself some time. Swallowing past the lump in your throat, you say— [[Why was the clown so sad?|Pg.45.1.2][$Choice to 1; $Humor +=10; $Seriousness -=5]]\ [[What do you get when you boil a clown?|Pg.45.1.2][$Choice to 2; $Humor +=10; $Seriousness -=5]]\ [[Knock-knock.|Pg.45.1.2][$Choice to 3; $Humor +=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ \ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You’ll fight tooth and nail before letting this portly freak take your //digits.// As the Clown closes in, you grab a hefty rock from the ground and hurl it at his forehead. He catches it, surprising you, then chuckles. “You’ve got one hell of an arm, kid,” he says, tossing the rock twice in the air before dropping it at his feet. “But mine is ''better.''” Before you can scramble away, he lunges forward, his massive hand clamping around your leg like a vice. You twist and kick wildly, landing blows to his shins, but it only seems to fuel his bloodlust. With a grunt, he drops his weight onto you, driving the air from your lungs in a wheezing gasp. His knife flashes in the moonlight as he raises it high, the grin on his face stretching from ear to ear. You squeeze your eyes shut, bracing for the worst—when a deafening ''//CRRRRAAACK!//'' shatters the air. Your eyes fly open to see jagged obsidian claws erupting from the earth around you, tearing through the dirt and ensnaring the Clown’s plump frame. Two claws pierce his gut and chest, the impact forcing a guttural bark of pain from his lips. In an instant, he’s yanked off of you, his protests drowned by a sickening chorus of crunching bones and rending flesh. Blood sprays across your face, hot and sticky, and you recoil with a grimace. Suddenly appearing over the carnage is the //Shade,// his broad grin sharp and eerily //calm//. He chuckles as his claws coil tighter around the Clown’s writhing body. //“You’re a ''scrapper'', $PlayerName,”// he says, his voice rich with amusement. //“But leave all the dirty work to ''me.''”// Another hooked claw bursts from the ground, impaling the Clown’s oozing gut. The killer’s body is lifted high into the air, suspended above a growing puddle of his own blood and gore. You tear your eyes away from the grisly sight, your stomach flipping. “I would—if you were ever //on time,//” you retort, wiping the blood from your face as you stagger to your feet. The Shade lets out a low, rumbling laugh. //“Better late than never,”// he replies. In the distance, the sound of a generator humming to life rings out, followed by the blaring horn of the exit gates powering up. Relief washes over you. Without a second glance, you turn on your heels and depart. Behind you, you hear the most god-awful sounds of rending flesh and splintering bones, accompanied by the Clown’s hoarse, gurgling death rattle. You quicken your pace, unwilling to look back. [[Continue...|Pg.46][$KillersPunished +=1]]\ <<notify 4s>>◈ The Shade liked that.<</notify>>\ <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “Why was the clown so sad?” you say. He stares at you expectantly, waiting for the punchline. But it’s not ''you'' who delivers it. Suddenly, a deafening ''//CRRRRAAACK!//'' shatters the air. Your eyes fly open to see jagged obsidian claws erupting from the earth around you, tearing through the dirt and ensnaring the Clown’s plump frame. Two claws pierce his gut and chest, the impact forcing a guttural bark of pain from his lips. In an instant, he’s yanked off of you, his protests drowned by a sickening chorus of crunching bones and rending flesh. Blood sprays across your face, hot and sticky, and you recoil with a grimace. Suddenly appearing over the carnage is the //Shade,// his broad grin sharp and eerily //calm//. He chuckles as his claws coil tighter around the Clown’s writhing body. //“Because he broke his ''funny'' bone.”// he says, a rich laugh escaping his maw. He turns to you with a chuckle. //“Very ''trite,'' $PlayerName.”// Another hooked claw bursts from the ground, impaling the Clown’s oozing gut. The killer’s body is lifted high into the air, suspended above a growing puddle of his own blood and gore. You tear your eyes away from the grisly sight, your stomach flipping. “Best I could come up with on the top of my head,” you retort, wiping the blood from your face as you stagger to your feet. The Shade lets out a low, rumbling laugh. //“You should work on that,”// he replies. In the distance, the sound of a generator humming to life rings out, followed by the blaring horn of the exit gates powering up. Relief washes over you. Without a second glance, you turn on your heels and depart. Behind you, you hear the most god-awful sounds of rending flesh and splintering bones, accompanied by the Clown’s hoarse, gurgling death rattle. You quicken your pace, unwilling to look back.\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “What do you get when you boil a clown?” you say. He stares at you expectantly, waiting for the punchline. But it’s not ''you'' who delivers it. Suddenly, a deafening ''//CRRRRAAACK!//'' shatters the air. Your eyes fly open to see jagged obsidian claws erupting from the earth around you, tearing through the dirt and ensnaring the Clown’s plump frame. Two claws pierce his gut and chest, the impact forcing a guttural bark of pain from his lips. In an instant, he’s yanked off of you, his protests drowned by a sickening chorus of crunching bones and rending flesh. Blood sprays across your face, hot and sticky, and you recoil with a grimace. Suddenly appearing over the carnage is the //Shade,// his broad grin sharp and eerily //calm//. He chuckles as his claws coil tighter around the Clown’s writhing body. //“''Laughing stock.''”// he says, a rich laugh escaping his maw. He turns to you with a chuckle. //“Very ''trite,'' $PlayerName.”// Another hooked claw bursts from the ground, impaling the Clown’s oozing gut. The killer’s body is lifted high into the air, suspended above a growing puddle of his own blood and gore. You tear your eyes away from the grisly sight, your stomach flipping. “Best I could come up with on the top of my head,” you retort, wiping the blood from your face as you stagger to your feet. The Shade lets out a low, rumbling laugh. //“You should work on that,”// he replies. In the distance, the sound of a generator humming to life rings out, followed by the blaring horn of the exit gates powering up. Relief washes over you. Without a second glance, you turn on your heels and depart. Behind you, you hear the most god-awful sounds of rending flesh and splintering bones, accompanied by the Clown’s hoarse, gurgling death rattle. You quicken your pace, unwilling to look back.\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ “Knock-knock.” you say. The Clown scoffs. “You’re //done//, kid,” he says, then winds back his arm brandishing the blade. You cower before him and shut your eyes tightly, bracing for the worst. But then, a deafening ''//CRRRRAAACK!//'' shatters the air. Your eyes fly open to see jagged obsidian claws erupting from the earth around you, tearing through the dirt and ensnaring the Clown’s plump frame. Two claws pierce his gut and chest, the impact forcing a guttural bark of pain from his lips. In an instant, he’s yanked off of you, his protests drowned by a sickening chorus of crunching bones and rending flesh. Blood sprays across your face, hot and sticky, and you recoil with a grimace. Suddenly appearing over the carnage is the //Shade,// his broad grin sharp and eerily //calm//. He chuckles as his claws coil tighter around the Clown’s writhing body. //“Knock-knock?”// he says, a rich laugh escaping his maw. //“''That’s'' the best you could come up with?”// He turns to you with a broad grin, his shoulders bouncing in amusement. //“Oh, ''$PlayerName…''”// Another hooked claw bursts from the ground, impaling the Clown’s oozing gut. The killer’s body is lifted high into the air, suspended above a growing puddle of his own blood and gore. You tear your eyes away from the grisly sight, your stomach flipping. “Oh, like //you've// never told a dumb joke before,” you retort, wiping the blood from your face as you stagger to your feet. The Shade lets out a low, rumbling laugh. //“None so dumb as ''that,''”// he replies. In the distance, the sound of a generator humming to life rings out, followed by the blaring horn of the exit gates powering up. Relief washes over you. Without a second glance, you turn on your heels and depart. Behind you, you hear the most god-awful sounds of rending flesh and splintering bones, accompanied by the Clown’s hoarse, gurgling death rattle. You quicken your pace, unwilling to look back.\ <</if>> [[Continue...|Pg.46][$KillersPunished +=1]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ Your brow furrows with disgust. “You’re ''sick'',” you insult him. //“I only kill to protect you, $PlayerName, as per our ''arrangement'',”// the Shade replies nonchalantly. “Yeah, but that doesn’t excuse //getting off// on it,” you retort. He chuckles. //“Who said I was getting off on it?”// After a brief pause, his lips curl into a smirk. //“Do I make it too obvious?”// You scoff at him. Then, after a moment, you ask, “What… What //happens// to them when you do that? Where do they go?” His grin curls mischievously. //“They go to the ''time-out corner'',”// he replies, clearly pleased with himself. //“And the especially ''naughty'' ones get a spanking…”// You blink, unsure if he’s joking. His tone suggests he is, but you know your shady companion seems very partial to violence. Still, his answer confirms one of your worst fears. Your brow furrows as you mutter, “So they aren’t really gone… I guess that means I’ll inevitably see those killers again.”\ <<notify 4s>>◈ The Shade didn't like that.<</notify>>\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “Was he full of confetti and party streamers?” you ask with a hint of amusement. The Shade laughs heartily. //“Only the best kind; ''bloody'' party streamers... Had you stayed a little longer, we could have thrown a ''party''.”// “Next time,” you reply. Then, after a moment, you ask, “What… What //happens// to them when you do that? Where do they go?” His grin curls mischievously. //“They go to the ''time-out corner'',”// he replies, clearly pleased with himself. //“And the especially ''naughty'' ones get a spanking…”// You blink, unsure if he’s joking. His tone suggests //he is//, but you know your shady companion seems very partial to violence. Still, his answer confirms one of your worst fears. Your brow furrows as you mutter, “So they aren’t really gone… I guess that means I’ll inevitably see those killers again.”\ <<notify 4s>>◈ The Shade liked that.<</notify>>\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ “Thank you,” you say sincerely. “I wasn’t so sure about our arrangement at first, but… you’ve been doing a great job of keeping me alive. I never imagined I’d find //any// protection here...” The Shade’s grin widens, his sharp teeth glinting as he bows his head courteously. //“Of course, $PlayerName,”// he purrs. //“It’s why I’m here.”// There’s a moment of silence as his words settle in, and then a question nags at the back of your mind. You hesitate before asking, “What… What happens to them when you do that? Where do they go?” His grin curls mischievously. //“They go to the ''time-out corner'',”// he replies, clearly pleased with himself. //“And the especially ''naughty'' ones get a spanking…”// You blink, unsure if he’s joking. His tone suggests he is, but you know your shady companion seems very partial to violence. Still, his answer confirms one of your worst fears. Your brow furrows as you mutter, “So they aren’t really gone… I guess that means I’ll inevitably see those killers again.”\ <<notify 4s>>◈ The Shade //really// liked that.<</notify>>\ <</if>> //“Indeed,”// your company replies. //“And they’re going to be ''thrilled'' to see you again.”// “Great,” you say, and then sigh. “So by protecting me, you’re just painting a bigger target on my back.” //“My protection wouldn’t be warranted if you could protect ''yourself''.”// “How //could// I protect myself against those evil bastards?” //“Your ''friends'' seem fully capable of taking care of themselves,”// the Shade replies. “They’ve all been here for who //knows// how long,” you say. “And I don’t plan on sticking around long enough to become as familiar as they have. We’re working together to accomplish exactly that.” Suddenly, you stop and face him. “And speaking of which… If we’re going to work as a team, I think it’s time for you to give me a name.” //“I don’t possess one,”// the Shade says. “Everyone has a name,” you argue. //“Not ''this'' unfortunate soul,”// he replies. “What about Bryce? That’s your old name, isn’t it?” The Shade’s grin becomes shrewd, and a hostile aura surrounds him. //“Oh, no, no, no… That’s in the ''past, $PlayerName,''”// he says. //“And far, ''far'' behind me now…”// Following a brief pause, his lips curl into a broad grin. //“Why don’t ''you'' choose a new name for me? It can be anything,”// he says. //“Anything at all, and I’ll have it.”// You take a moment to consider. Immediately, some very unflattering names come to mind. But you rack your brains and nothing resonates with you—not until you recall the vivid dream you had. That burning woman called a name… //Bastion,// she called. “Bastion,” you whisper on your tongue. It sounds… right. So, “Bastion,” you repeat, louder for him to hear. “I’ll call you Bastion.” His demeanor changes. His grin wavers and his head tilts to one side. //“Bastion?”// he repeats back at you, as if puzzled. [[It's fitting.|Pg.46.2][$Choice to 1]]\ [[You don't like it?|Pg.46.2][$Choice to 2]]\ [[Bastard was my second choice.|Pg.46.2][$Choice to 3; $Pottymouth +=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Small Steps</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “I think it's fitting," you say, studying him for a moment. “You look like a //Bastion//. And it's the first name that came to mind.” The Shade's wavering grin grows twice as big. //“Of course,”// he says. //“I'll have it then, $PlayerName.”//\ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ His lopsided look tells you that he's not impressed with your pick. “You don't like it?” you ask. “Would you rather I pick a different one...?” //“No, no--it's ''fine,''”// the Shade replies, his grin growing twice as big. //“I'll have it, $PlayerName.”//\ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ “//Bastard// was my second choice,” you inform him snippishly. He laughs. //“Ah,”// he says with a raspy sigh. //“I'll have your ''first'' choice then. Bastion... Hmm. It'll do, $PlayerName. It'll do just ''fine.''”//\ <</if>> [[Continue...|Pg.47]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>You've set your ''Gender'' to ''$Gender.''</h2><hr></div> //Choose your preferred <span class="gold">Pronouns</span>. This choice affects dialogues throughout the story when you are being referred to.// [[She/her|Confirm Gender][$PreferredPronouns to "female"]]\ [[He/him|Confirm Gender][$PreferredPronouns to "male"]]\ [[They/them|Confirm Gender][$PreferredPronouns to "non-binary"]] [[Undo|Begin][$Gender to ""; $Gender_Ref to ""]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Change Gender</h2><hr></div> //Choose your <span class="gold">Gender</span>. This is the gender characters throughout the story will regard you as. This affects certain <span class="gold">nicknames</span>, <span class="gold">dialogues</span>, and <span class="gold">mentions</span>. This choice ''__does not__'' affect physical attributes.// [[Male|Customize][$Gender to "male"; $Gender_Ref to "new guy"]]\ [[Female|Customize][$Gender to "female"; $Gender_Ref to "new girl"]]\ [[Non-binary|Customize][$Gender to "non-binary"; $Gender_Ref to "newbie"]] [[Back|Character]]

<div class="papertext">Bastion> ''I don't know...'' I hate to say it, but this creepy <<if $Pottymouth gte 55>>asshole<<else>>bastard<</if>> might //actually// be growing on me. Well, not in a //friendly// sorta way, but in the way that I'm getting used to his company. I mean, he's always around, so it makes sense that I should, right? <<if $Social gte 60>>And some company's better than //none,// anyway.<<else>>But I'm not exactly partial to anyone's company out here... If I had a say in the matter, I'd much rather be alone.<</if>> But I shouldn't be so harsh... <<if $BastionAffinity gte 50>>I'll //admit// I'm starting to like him.<<else>>He's keeping me alive, y'know?<</if>> But anyhow... Let's see where this <<if $BastionAffinity gte 75>>relationship<<else>>partnership<</if>> goes. <<if $Chapter6Complete is true and $LockerBuddyBastion is true>>[[Next Entry|Locker Buddy]]<</if>> <<if $Chapter3Complete is true>>[[Previous Entry|His name is Bastion.]]<</if>> [[Back|The Shade]] </div>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ Your eyes narrow as you hold Jake's challenging glare. “Who <<if $Pottymouth gte 60>>the hell<</if>> put you in charge? I didn't //ask// for your concern, and I sure <<if $Pottymouth gte 65>>as fuck<</if>> don't need your //permission.//” He scoffs, but you take a step closer, meeting him head-on. “You want to talk about //risk?// Fine. We’re ''all'' living on borrowed time, every single __one__ of us. You can play it safe all you want, but sitting around <<if $Pottymouth gte 65>>doing jack-//shit//<</if>> isn't going to get us out of here.” Jake sneers, but you keep going. “I don’t answer to //you,// or ''anyone'' else in that camp. If I want to go out there, it's my choice. You don’t like it? Too bad.” For a moment, the only sound is the faint rustle of leaves. Jake’s jaw tightens, his knuckles flexing at his sides. He glares holes through you, but you don't even flinch. “Fine,” Jake says finally through gritted teeth. “Do whatever the hell you want.” He brushes past you, his shoulder bumping yours as he storms ahead. “I sure will,” you mutter under your breath.\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Jake //really// didn't like that.<</notify>>\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You hold Jake's glare, allowing your expression to soften slightly. “I’m not trying to put anyone else on the line,” you say. “I only went out there because I felt I //had// to. __Not__ because I want to, not because it’s //fun,// but because sitting around doing nothing __isn’t__ an option.” Jake’s sneer deepens, but you press on before he can interrupt. “You think I don’t know the risks? Because I do.<<if $Chapter3Survived is false>> Hell, I //died// out there.<</if>> But if no one's willing to take that risk, then I think we're all <<if $Pottymouth gte 65>>fucked<<else>>screwed<</if>>.” Jake's shoulders remain tense, but there’s a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. You carefully add, “I understand where you're coming from, Jake. But you should understand why I did what I did. Believe me, I’m not trying to drag anyone down with me.” For a moment, Jake says nothing, his jaw tight. The tension lingers in the air until finally, he exhales sharply, his gaze dropping to the ground for the briefest moment. “Just… keep in mind what I said,” he mutters. “Because if you fuck up, it’s ''all'' of us who’ll pay the price.” Without waiting for a reply, he turns and continues down the path. “Now, let's get to the creek and wrap this up.”\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ Though anger simmers beneath your surface, you force yourself to exhale slowly and soften your expression. “You’re right,” you admit, your voice quieter. “I... I wasn’t thinking about how it affects everyone else.” Jake’s sneer falters, replaced by a flicker of surprise, though his stance remains rigid. “I can //tell,//” he says, his tone still sharp. “But it's good that you're starting to see that.” You nod, swallowing back your pride. “I get it. I //do.// I’m just… trying to figure some things out, Jake. But I’ll be more careful. I’ll think things through next time.” For a moment, Jake doesn’t respond, his intense gaze locked on you, as if trying to gauge your sincerity. Finally, he exhales sharply and looks away, his shoulders relaxing. “Good,” he mutters. “Because whether you like it or not, we’re all in this together. None of us can afford to screw up—not out here.” He turns on his heel and starts walking again. “Now, let's get to the creek and wrap this up.”\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Jake liked that.<</notify>>\ <</if>> [[Continue...|Pg.59]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “What's your favorite--” <<if $JakeAffinity gte 10>>“Don't do that.” You raise an eyebrow, puzzled. “Don't do... what?” “//That,//” says Jake, sighing. “Trying to make //chit-chat// and be friends. We ''can't'' be friends; not here, not __ever__.” “Bold statement. Can I ask //why?”// Jake scoffs. “I thought it was obvious.”\ \ \ <<else>>“I don't want to be your friend. We ''can't'' be friends; not here, not __ever__.” “Bold statement. Can I ask //why?”// Jake scoffs. “I thought it was obvious.”\<</if>> He stops scrubbing a rancid shirt and turns to you with a stark frown on his face. When he speaks, his words have a bitter edge. “I thought it was obvious. What do you think this is? Some private vacation getaway? Take a look around--we're in //hell.// Every night's the same fuckin' routine.” His expression hardens, his tone becoming heavy with frustration. “We’ve all been here a while. And if you thought we’d all be one //big happy family//, you’re ''dead'' wrong. We’re all just a bunch of sad bastards in the same sinking boat.” He exhales sharply, his gaze briefly drifting toward the fog before locking back onto you. “One minute you’re having a friendly chat with these people around the fire, and the next, they’re leaving your ass for dead in a trial. It's a bitter reminder that we’re not friends. We’re //survivors,// each doing what they can to get by.” That's-- <<link "Depressing $neutralIcon">><<set $Choice to 1>><<set $Emotion +=5>><<set $Social +=5>><<goto "Pg.60.1">><</link>>\ <<link "Wrong. $disagreeableIcon">><<set $Choice to 2>><<set $Optimism +=10>><<set $JakeAffinity +=5>><<goto "Pg.60.1">><</link>>\ <<link "Right. $agreeableIcon">><<set $Choice to 3>><<set $Optimism -=10>><<goto "Pg.60.1">><</link>>\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You let the silence settle while you methodically scrub a piece of soiled fabric in the cold, clear water. Jake doesn’t speak either, and you're glad for it. He shifts slightly, adjusting his position as he wrings out a shirt. When he glances at you, his expression is unreadable, his gaze lingering for just a moment before returning to his task at hand. Mutual silence is nice. Well, nicer than the //alternative,// anyway, which would be more forced, awkward small talk. And that's //if// Jake would humor it, which, knowing him, he wouldn't. So, you admire the silence, and you welcome it to remain. [[Continue...|Pg.61]] <</if>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> It's not long until your work is interrupted by a sensation—a tug deep in your chest, faint at first but growing stronger with every passing second. It’s the //pull//, isn't it? That feeling Bastion told you about... You let the damp fabric slip from your fingers as you rise to your feet, your gaze fixed on the surrounding fog. Jake glances up, frowning. “What is it?” he asks, his voice edged with concern. You don’t answer, your focus drawn entirely to the invisible force pulling you forward. Without a word, you begin walking, the sensation guiding your steps. “Hey,” Jake calls after you, irritation creeping into his tone as he abandons the clothes and follows. “Where the hell are you going?” The pull leads you through the fog, weaving between gnarled trees and across sparse trails. The creek’s babble fades into the background as you walk away. Your heart pounds, though whether it’s from the pull or something //else//, you’re not sure. Then, you see a faint glint in the dirt ahead, catching the dim moonlight filtering through the canopy. You kneel, brushing away damp soil to reveal a brass-case lighter. It’s old, its coppery surface tarnished with age and scars, but the moment you touch it, the world around you shifts, and then-- //[[You're in the dark.|Pg.62]]//

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> The trek through the wayward fog leads you to a narrow creek that winds through a clearing like a silver thread. The water babbles softly over smooth, glistening stones. Tall, gnarled trees hang overhead like skeletal hands, casting long shadows across the earth. Jake trudges ahead. When he reaches the creek’s bank, he unceremoniously dumps the basket's contents onto the ground. Kneeling beside the water, he rolls up his sleeves and gets to work. You follow, sitting beside him. The faint scent of moss and stagnant air mingles with the metallic tang of blood as you rifle through the heap of soiled clothes. The fabric feels stiff and tacky under your fingers, stained with smears of blood, dirt, and other unidentifiable fluids. The sight and smell churn your stomach, but you shoulder the nausea, pulling a particularly grimy piece from the pile and dipping it into the creek. The silence is heavy, broken only by the gentle gurgle of the water and the distant rustle of leaves stirred by a weak breeze. The woods are eerily quiet... <<link "Start a conversation.">><<set $Choice to 1>><<set $Social +=5>><<goto "Pg.60">><</link>>\ <<link "Remain quiet.">><<set $Choice to 2>><<set $Social -=5>><<goto "Pg.60">><</link>>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ You pause, glancing at him with a faint frown. “That's a //very// sad way to look at it.” “That's the ''only'' way to look at it,” Jake replies, snorting. “And if you can't see that by now, then I feel sorry for you.” He shakes his head, muttering, “There's no time for being sad, anyway. This place doesn't leave room for it.” You shift your gaze toward the fog, his words leaving a hefty weight on your chest. “Doesn’t mean you have to shut everyone out,” you say softly. Jake huffs. “Maybe. Maybe not. But it’s better not to think about it.”\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “That's wrong, Jake. I'm sorry you feel that way, but it's __wrong__. //Everyone// has it tough. The trials are hard, and they can bring out the absolute ''worst'' in us, but we can't hold that against each other. It's like you said; we're all in the same boat.” Jake opens his mouth to speak, but you cut him off, adding, “And //don't// tell me you've been a saint--I won't believe it.” His jaw visibly tenses and he's quiet for a brief moment. “I haven't been,” he admits. “Like everyone else, I do whatever it takes it to survive. Sometimes that means being a team player. Sometimes it //doesn't.//” He meets your eyes in a flickering glance. “It's easier to watch someone die when you cut your ties... Lessons the blow.” He must see the resolute gleam in your eyes, because he turns away, sighing. “But you must be an //optimist.// You should hold onto that, that... //stupid// hope.” “You should try it too, Jake,” you reply. “No matter how many trials you escape alive, or how many times it eats you up and spits you right out, at the end of the day, we __all__ share that campfire. And the ''one'' thing we have is //each other.//” Your heartfelt speech strikes a chord, but only your own. Jake looks at you like you just told him a joke and botched the punchline. “You've got jokes.” “I'm not joking.” “Hmph.” Jake turns back to the task at hand, muttering, “I've heard that shtick about a hundred times already--from Dwight, Jane, Adam--and they all pitched it way better than you did.” With that, Jake falls silent and your discussion dwindles to a close. You open your mouth to speak, but nothing more comes out. What else could you say? Surely nothing that'll change Jake's mind... Not now, anyway. <<notify 4s>>◈ Jake liked that.<</notify>>\ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ A small part of you wants to argue with him, but when you look deep down, you realize... he's not too far off. “You're... You're right,” you murmur, your brows stitched. “Even if I hate to admit it, you're right.” Jake grunts. “It's a hard pill to swallow, I know. But it's better to get it down sooner than later... Makes everything else a little bit easier.” <</if>> [[Continue...|Pg.61]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> //The world plunges into darkness. A flickering flame from the lighter casts feeble light on stone walls slick with moisture. You’re holding it, or, ''someone'' is, as you quickly realize the arm outstretched in front of you isn't ''yours''. The air reeks of decay, and the sound of distant, inhuman screams echoes through the tunnels you find yourself in. The man whose body you inhabit takes a shaky breath and presses forward, stumbling over loose dirt and stone as he descends deeper into the pit, the lighter trembling in his grip. The screams grow louder, ''closer,'' and then—something moves in the darkness. A shadow, twisted and unnatural, lunges toward you. You gasp and jerk back as a scream tears from your throat. Then--// --You’re thrust back into the fog. “Hey!” Jake’s voice cuts through the haze, snapping you back to reality. You blink rapidly, your breath catching as your surroundings come back into focus. The dark tunnels are gone, and the cold woods surround you. Jake's hands grip your shoulders tightly, steadying you, and his face is //alarmingly// close to yours. His expression is a mix of irritation and genuine concern. <<if $Social gte 65>>“Hey,”<<else>>“What?”<</if>> you rasp. Jake scoffs, his grip loosening before he drops his arms to his sides. He takes a step back, his brow furrowed as he scrutinizes you. “First, I find you babbling in your sleep, and //now// you’re having manic fits. You got a few screws loose, $Gender_Ref?” You sigh, dragging an arm across your face to wipe away the cold sweat clinging to your brow. The question stings, but you shoulder it. “I just— It’s nothing. Just zoned out.” Jake doesn’t look convinced. His eyes narrow slightly, a trace of doubt shadowing his expression. Your gaze drops to the ground, where the lighter rests beside your feet. Its tarnished surface glints faintly in the light. You hesitate for a moment before crouching to pick it up. Thankfully, no more visions assault your senses. You exhale slowly. //Good.// Straightening, you glance back toward Jake. “We can go back now—” But he’s gone. The space where he stood mere moments ago is //empty//, save for thin black tendrils of fog creeping across the earth, and faintly glowing embers which float upward and away. //Taken for a trial.// <<if $Humor gte 65>>You glance back toward the creek. Looks like you’ve gotta finish //all// that laundry on your own.<<else>>Looking back toward the creek, you sigh. //Better get those clothes back to camp...//<</if>> [[Continue...|Pg.63]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> After pocketing the lighter, you take one step forward when a familiar voice reaches your ears. //“Well, well, well... Found that mark all on your ''own'', did you? I'm impressed, <<Wanderer>>.”// You whirl around, startled to find Bastion standing a few steps away. His hazy black form blends almost seamlessly into the fog, but his gleaming grin stands out. A low chuckles rumbles his chest. //“Didn't think you had it in you ''yet.''”// <<if $NaughtyDream is true>>\ The recent memory of that //naughty// dream you had rushes back, heat creeping up your neck and a faint flush spreading across your face. Bastion notices, of course. His grin widens. //“Something the matter?”// he asks innocently. Almost //too// innocently. You clear your throat and turn away, trying to mask the blush on your cheeks. “So, uh... About that-- //Erm...// Were you-- That dream we--//I-I//--had--” You trail off, struggling to piece together your question. Bastion coyly tilts his head to the side, slowly, before responding, //“Dream?”// There’s a hint of curiosity in his words. //“I possess a ''variety'' of abilities, <<Wanderer>>, but I’m no dream walker.”// Something about the way he says it makes your stomach twist, because he sounds so damn //genuine.// ''That's'' the part that gets you. His grin sharpens, his voice dipping into a purr. //“Oh, <<Wanderer>>... You ''dreamt'' of me, then?”// He chuckles softly, vanishing before reappearing behind you. He stoops low and rests both hands on your shoulders before giving you a squeeze. //“Go on--give me all the ''nasty'' details.”// [[Change the subject.|Pg.64]]\ <<link "Tell him. $flirtIcon">><<set $BastionAffinity +=5>><<set $Social +=5>><<set $Honesty +=5>><<goto "Pg.63.1">><</link>>\ \ \ \ \ \ \ <<else>>\ The recent memory of that dream you had rushes back, a nervous flush spreading across your face and the nape of your neck. Bastion notices, of course. //“Something the matter?”// he asks innocently. Almost //too// innocently.\ You clear your throat, leveling him with a sharp look. “Why, uh... Were you-- Were you in my dream?” Bastion coyly tilts his head to the side, slowly, before responding, //“Dream?”// There’s a hint of curiosity in his words. //“I possess a ''variety'' of abilities, <<Wanderer>>, but I’m no dream walker.”// Something about the way he says it makes your stomach twist, because he sounds so damn //genuine.// ''That's'' the part that gets you. But this isn't something you want to discuss with him. [[Change the subject.|Pg.64]] <</if>>\ <<if $Inventory.includes('$lighter')>><<else>><<set $Inventory.push("$lighter")>><<notify 5s>>◈ Item Added to Inventory: ''Brass Case Lighter''<</notify>><</if>>

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> Wanting to change the subject entirely, you rifle the lighter from your pocket and show Bastion. “So, this is a //mark//, right? And that vision I saw when I picked it up--” //“A ''memory'',”// Bastion interrupts knowingly. //“Belonging to a past seeker--someone like you and ''Bryce.'' What did you see?”// “I was... someone else. A man in a dark cave, or-or //tunnel//. I don't know... But he was searching for something when he was attacked. But I don't know if he ever found it...” You shake your head, pocketing the lighter. “The man wasn’t Bryce. I don’t know //who// it was. And I don't know what any of it means.” Bastion tilts his head slightly, his grin never faltering. //“You share a connection with those that came before you,”// he says. //“Bryce was only one of ''many''.”// You glance at him, your brow furrowing. “And these visions and weird dreams are //normal?”// //“Indeed,”// Bastion answers. //“And they might prove useful in locating more marks.”// “Hm.” You hum softly. “Then maybe I should find that cave...” Bastion’s grin widens. //“It's a good place to start, <<Wanderer>>.”// [[Continue...|Pg.65]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> You swallow hard, the weight of his hands on your shoulders making it hard to think straight. The heat on your cheeks intensifies, but you keep your voice steady when you speak. “Okay... Here’s what I remember.” Bastion’s grip tightens slightly, his grin practically //radiating// smugness. His pointed ears perk up like a dog's. //“I'm all ears.”// You hesitate, debating whether to actually humor him, but his cold breath on your nape encourages you to get this over with. “Well,” you begin. “You were… there. You were //very// close. And you might have //said things//, and //did things//, and I—” Your voice catches, your face becoming increasingly red in embarrassment. “It was just… //weirdly// intimate.” Bastion chuckles deeply and fans a cold breath across your cheek. //“Intimate, hmm?”// His hands slide away from your shoulders as he straightens, circling back into your field of view. His words practically drip with amusement. //“Sounds like you had ''fun'', <<Wanderer>>...”// Your face turns red. “Now, hold on. I'm not saying it went //that// far--” //“I'm sure it didn't,”// Bastion replies, chuckling. You glare at him, your embarrassment giving way to frustration. “I’m being __serious__, Bastion. It felt… //real//. ''Too'' real.” He tilts his head again, his expression irritatingly playful. //“And what does that tell you?”// Your brows crease. “I... I don't know. But it's just something I thought you should know in case //you// could tell me.” Bastion shrugs lazily, his grin still firmly in place. //“I'm sorry to say I don't know how, <<Wanderer>>.”// He lets out a raspy laugh, watching you with amusement. //“But by ''all means'', let’s revisit this conversation the next time you find yourself ''dreaming'' of me.”// You groan, rubbing your temples as you turn away from him. “Just-- Forget it. We have other things to discuss.” [[Continue...|Pg.64]] <<notify 4s>>◈ Bastion liked that.<</notify>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> But not //tonight//, as fate would have it. You take a single step forward, and in an instant, the world warps. The fog enshrouds around you, dense and icy, and you’re whisked away before you can so much as blink. A familiar, chilling sensation crawls up your spine as you materialize in a new place. Your boots crunch against gravel as you glance around, taking in your new surroundings. A sinking feeling settles in your gut as your eyes lock onto a flickering neon sign just visible through the haze. “Gas Heaven,” you murmur, your gaze scanning the junkyard littered with crushed cars and debris. “I guess //tomb raiding// will have to wait...” Not that you mind the delay. You’re not exactly //eager// to meet whatever’s lurking inside that cave, wherever it is. You move carefully through the wreckyard, your senses on high alert for the killer. Turning a corner, you spot a generator tucked between a stack of crushed cars and a rusted oil drum. Sighing, you crouch beside it, rolling up your sleeves and getting to work. For a few moments, it's quiet. Then, you feel an odd, prickling sensation at the back of your neck. You glance over your shoulder to find Bastion standing a few steps away, watching you with that same look on his face. [[Ask for help.|Pg.66][$Choice to 1; $Social +=5]]\ [[Insult him.|Pg.66][$Choice to 2; $Kindness -=5; $Social -=5; $Pottymouth +=5; $BastionAffinity +=10]]\ [[Ignore him.|Pg.66][$Choice to 3; $Social -=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ “You could //help,// you know,” you say pointedly, turning around to get back to work. “Maybe come over here and get your hands a little dirty…” Bastion chuckles. //“That’s not the ''dirty work'' I specialize in, <<Wanderer>>. I'm afraid I'd be more of a ''hindrance'' than help...”// “What, your hands too //dainty// for this sorta work or something?” Bastion's grin curls. //“Too ''rough.''”// You shoot him a cross look, but he doesn’t seem fazed. If anything, his grin widens. With a hearty laugh, he vanishes. You roll your eyes, muttering under your breath. <<if $Seriousness gte 70>>“That's what I thought...”<<elseif $Humor gte 70>>“Freaky-ass...”<<else>>“Figures.”<</if>> \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ “You just gonna stand there, asshole?” you insult, turning around to get back to work. “Come make yourself useful.” Bastion barks with laughter. //“What a ''mouth'' on you... Careful, <<Wanderer>>; I'm very ''sensitive'' to name-calling.”// “Didn't know I could make you cry, Bastion...” //“Now, who said anything about making me ''cry?''”// Bastion replies mischieviously, his grin curling. //“No, no, no... Makes me sensitive in... ''other'' ways.”// You shoot him a cross look, but he doesn’t seem fazed. If anything, his grin widens. With a hearty laugh, he vanishes. You roll your eyes, muttering under your breath. <<if $Seriousness gte 70>>“That's what I thought...”<<elseif $Humor gte 70>>“Freaky-ass...”<<else>>“Figures.”<</if>>\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Bastion //really// liked that.<</notify>>\ \ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ You don't even humor his persistent presence, instead choosing to focus on your task at hand. Eventually, his looming presence dissipates altogether, and when you look back, he's gone. <</if>> [[Continue...|Pg.67]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> You toil away at the generator for what feels like an eternity, hardly making any progress. The machine groans under your touch as you tighten a loose wire and twist a bolt into place. Then, out of nowhere, a faint chime rings through the junkyard. A //bell.// You pause, your hands freezing mid-motion as your ears strain. Nothing. Just the clanging noise from the generator and the wind whistling through the wreckage. Strange, but you shake it off and return to work. Maybe it was just your imagination. But the moment you touch the machine, an eerie chill races down your spine. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and a wave of fear courses through you. Your throat tightens, and your heart pounds furiously against your ribs. You know this feeling all too well. //The killer is near.// You wrench your hands free from the machine, your eyes darting wildly as you scan the area. Your instincts scream at you to run and hide, but before you can act, a sharp snap echoes behind you. You whirl around, your breath hitching—and narrowly dodge the arc of a heavy mace as it swings past your head with a //whoosh!// You stumble away, your body slamming against a wall of crushed cars. A killer appear before you, garbed in muddied bandages and a tattered cloak that drapes over his lean frame. His piercing silver eyes glow faintly, locked onto yours with an intensity that freezes you in place. In one hand, he wields the jagged mace, its surface gleaming with blood and rusted with use. In the other hand, a bell dangles, ringing faintly. //He's// new. The killer swings again, and you barely manage to throw yourself out of the way. The mace crashes into the wall of cars behind you with a sickening crunch. Without another thought, you take off running, your breath ragged and your pulse thundering in your ears. <<if $Pottymouth gte 70>>“Where the fuck did //he// come from?!” you shout, glancing back over your shoulder at the killer.<<elseif $Humor gte 70>>“You scared the //hell// outta me, man! Announce yourself next time, huh?!" you shout, glancing back over your shoulder at the killer.<<else>>“Where the hell did //he// come from?” you shout, glancing back over your shoulder at the killer.<</if>> Bastion’s disembodied voice slithers into your ear, calm and amused. //“I believe this one is called the ''Wraith''. That's what your fellow campers have taken to calling him...”// he says smoothly. //“Take him somewhere ''quiet'', <<Wanderer>>, so I can show him a ''good time''.”// [[Got it!|Pg.68]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> You zigzag through the wreck yard, weaving between debris and crushed vehicles, but the killer remains hot on your tail. He sporadically rings his bell, which you realize grants him a //cloaking// ability. That must be how he snuck up on you. Reaching the gas station, you vault through a shattered window. But your foot catches on the sill, and you tumble inside, landing hard on the cold, grimy floor. Your lighter flies out of your pocket and clatters to the ground beside you. The sound of a thrumming generator nearby barely registers over the pounding of your heart. You scramble to your knees, grabbing for the lighter, but the Wraith is already stepping through the window. His silver eyes lock onto you like a predator closing in on its prey. Before you can regain your footing, his large, bandaged hand snatches your ankle, yanking you toward him with ease. The jagged mace in his other hand rises high into the air, poised to strike. And then… he stops. He just stops //completely//, frozen in place. His silver eyes no longer shine with bloodlust, but with... nothing. It's almost as if he's not entirely there. You don’t dare move, your breath caught in your throat as the killer looms over you, utterly still. What do you do now? [[Fight back.|Pg.69][$Choice to 1; $Bravery +=10; $BastionAffinity +=15]]\ [[Call for Bastion!|Pg.69][$Choice to 2; $Bravery -=5; $BastionAffinity +=5]]\ [[Wait.|Pg.69][$Choice to 3; $Bravery +=5; $Intelligence +=5; $StudiedTheWraith to true]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ Your pulse pounds in your ears as you quickly scan the room for a weapon. Your gaze lands on a misshapen shelf lying amidst the rubble, and you snatch it into both hands as you clamber to your feet. Adrenaline overrides your fear. You lunge upward, swinging the shelf like a sword with all your strength, aiming for the Wraith’s head. The jagged edge connects with his skull, and the force behind the strike sends the stunned killer crashing into the wall behind him with a low grunt. When his eyes reopen, the piercing glow returns to them. Whatever had him frozen seems to have passed. Now, he's just ''pissed''. An animalistic growl escapes his throat as he stands upright and brandishes his mace. Before you can react, he swings back and brings it down toward your head. But his blow never lands.\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Bastion //loved// that.<</notify>>\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You scramble from the Wraith's grip as panic swells in your chest. He remains frozen, but who knows how long it'll last? Desperate to get out of here, you shout, “Bastion!” For a moment, nothing happens. Then, with a soft, low chuckle, his voice drips into your ear, smooth and full of //mock// affection. //“I ''like'' when you call my name... Like a helpless ''kitten'' mewing for its mommy.”// His towering form materializes beside you, and you turn to see his grin stretching wide, his gleaming teeth glinting in the moonlight. Bastion crouches low, his face unnervingly close to yours. //“What would you ever do ''without me''?”// he purrs, clearly enjoying himself. Despite his teasing, he delivers on what you called him for. Standing to his full height, he raises a clawed hand and waves it lazily toward the Wraith.\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Bastion liked that.<</notify>>\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ You freeze in place, your grip on the lighter tightening as you force yourself to remain calm. Your breathing slows as you fight the instinct to flee. The Wraith doesn’t move—his silver eyes remain fixed on you, but their glow has dimmed, as if something within him has flickered out. You study him carefully. His mace, once poised to strike, hangs loosely at his side. His entire posture seems almost... //suspended,// like a puppet with its strings cut. You risk shifting your weight slightly, testing whether movement might provoke him. Nothing. He remains ''utterly'' still. This is... unnerving. Taking a risk, you slip your ankle from his grasp and crawl backwards. But in doing so, you bump an empty beer bottle. It slides across the floor with a screeching sound which pierces the silence, and it hits the wall and settles to a halt. Your blood runs cold. And then the Wraith //returns.// The piercing glow returns to his eyes. Whatever had him frozen seems to have passed. He growls animalistically as he brandishes his mace again. Before you can react, he swings back and brings it down toward your head. But his blow never lands.\ <</if>> In an instant, the floor beneath his feet erupts, splintering like glass as spiny, black claws shoot out from the gaping abyss below and pierce him from all angles. The claws seize the Wraith, wrapping around his form with brutal strength. His silver eyes widen, and a guttural, hellish noise tears from his throat, a sound that’s somewhere between a growl and a scream. He struggles, his mace falling uselessly to the ground as he’s dragged downward. The dark tendrils coil tighter, twisting his body in unnatural angles, rending him ''apart''. You watch, frozen in place, as the abyss pulls him under. His figure is consumed piece by piece, swallowed whole by the void until ''nothing'' remains. The last of his inhuman cries echo briefly before being snuffed out entirely. Then, with a sickening crunch, the scar in the ground seals itself, leaving no trace of the brutal scene that just played out. [[Continue...|Pg.70]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> //“''Another'' killer that’s going to be gunning for your head,”// says Bastion, appearing behind you now. He chuckles. //“You’re not making this easy on yourself…”// You finally gather yourself and get back on your feet. “Yeah, I know,” you sigh, brushing the dirt from your knees. You bury your lighter deep in your pocket. “But it’s not like I have any other alt—” The words die in your throat as you turn and freeze. You’re not //alone.// A man stands in front of a locker on the other end of the shop, his figure partially hidden in shadows, but his eyes are wide in shock. They’re locked on you, scrutinizing every //inch// of your face with an intensity that makes your skin prickle. He has neatly combed blonde hair, a sharp jawline, and an expensive, albeit //dirtied,// suit—it’s Felix. You’ve seen him around camp before, always carrying himself with dignity despite living in the same squalor as the rest of you. But now? //Now// he looks like he’s just seen a ghost. <<if $Pottymouth gte 70>>Shit.<<else>>Crap<</if>>. You don’t say a word. Don’t even try to //explain.// Instead, you pivot and vault through the window as if a killer's on your heels. Your boots crunch against the gravel as you quicken your pace, trying to act natural. //Just fix the generators and get out. ''Ignore him'' and get out.// But he won't be ignored. “Hey!” Felix calls after you. You grit your teeth and keep moving, pretending you didn't hear him. But you don’t even make it ten steps before his hand grabs your shoulder, spinning you around. His piercing blue eyes bore into yours as his voice cuts through the tension like a knife. “What the //hell// was that?” He has a thick German accent, and a commanding tone of voice. You shrug off his grip, but he doesn’t relent. He grabs your arm again, this time with more force, and turns you to face him. “Answer me,” he demands. [[Play it cool.|Pg.71][$Choice to 1; $Honesty -=5; $Seriousness -=5]]\ [[Act scared|Pg.71][$Choice to 2; $Honesty -=5; $Emotion +=5]]\ [[Threaten him.|Pg.71][$Choice to 3; $Kindness -=10; $Corruption +=5; $Social -=5; $FelixAffinity -=10]]\ [[Tell him part of the truth.|Pg.71][$Choice to 4; $Honesty +=5; $Social +=5; $FelixAffinity +=5]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <<if $Choice eq 1>>\ You furrow your brows, feigning confusion as you tilt your head at him. “What are you talking about?” you ask. “I didn't see anything.” Felix narrows his eyes, not buying into your bullshit. “Don’t play games with me,” he snaps. “I ''know'' what I saw.” “Then, by all means, tell me what //you// saw.” Frustration leeches into his words. “I-I saw-- I can't even explain it,” he says. “But ''you'' can, can't you? Come on, tell me!” You force a shrug, trying to seem as nonchalant as possible. “I //think// you might be a bit"--You twirl your finger by your head--“loco. Know what I think we should do? Fix up those generators and get outta here so you can have a seat by the fire and //relax.//” You pat him on the back and smile. Felix stares at you for a long, heavy moment before allowing his hand to fall off your arm. He doesn’t seem convinced, just frustrated. But he lets out a sharp exhale and shakes his head. “Go fix your damn generators,” he mutters. He steps back, still watching you with suspicion as you turn and start walking away. The tension in your shoulders remains //long// after you’ve put some distance between you and him. And //something// tells you he's not going to let this go...\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 2>>\ You let out a shaky breath, lowering your eyes to the ground as you take a half-step back. “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you murmur, forcing your voice to tremble. “There was something //there,// okay? Something that //took// the killer. But I didn’t stick around to find out ''what''.” Felix narrows his eyes, not buying into your bullshit. “I heard you ''speaking'' to that //something//,” he snaps. “Don't try to fool me.” You keep up the act, raising your voice higher. “I-I'm not trying to //fool you,//” you scream at it. “You saw it too, right? That was //horrifying.// And I just want to fix those generators and get the hell out of here!” You shake your head, wrapping your arms around yourself as if trying to shield against the memory. “It was so-so... so //gruesome.// You saw all that blood? What //happened// to that killer? Maybe... Maybe it was ''Entity''. And if the Entity does that to the killers, imagine what it'll do to ''us'' if we don't get out of here!” You must //really// be selling it, because Felix’s lips press into a thin line as he searches your face. After a long moment, he exhales sharply and allows his hand to fall off your arm. “Go fix your damn generators,” he mutters. He steps back, still watching you with suspicion as you turn and start walking away. The tension in your shoulders remains //long// after you’ve put some distance between you and him. And //something// tells you he's not going to let this go...\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 3>>\ You yank your arm free, meeting Felix’s piercing gaze with one of your own. “I don’t know what you //think// you saw,” you begin, your tone low, “but you better ''back off.''” Felix’s brows furrow, his expression hardening into something colder. “I don't //think// I saw anything,” he replies. “I ''know'' what I saw.” “Doesn't matter to me either way,” you snap, stepping forward slightly to close the gap between you. “Because it's none of your damn business. So why don’t you turn around and pretend this //little chat// never happened?” Felix doesn’t back down, his jaw tightening as he folds his arms. “If you think that's going to work on me, you’re sorely mistaken,” he says coolly. “But go ahead—keep making //enemies// here. Let’s see how far that gets you.” The tension between you is heavy, but neither of you makes another move. Finally, Felix scoffs and backs off, his posture rigid. But he's still watching you with suspicion as you turn and start walking away. The tension in your shoulders remains //long// after you’ve put some distance between you and him. And //something// tells you he's not going to let this go...\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Felix //really// didn't like that.<</notify>>\ \ \ \ \ \ <<elseif $Choice eq 4>>\ You take a deep breath, weighing your options. Felix doesn't seem the kind of guy you can brush off easily, and the intensity in his eyes tells you he won’t let this go. But there’s no way you’re giving him the full story. “It's... it's a //long story,//” you admit cautiously. “What you saw, it was--” You hesitate, letting the words hang in the air as you carefully avoid saying too much. “I don't know. But it saved my ass, whatever it was.” Felix’s expression doesn’t waver, but his grip on your arm slackens slightly. “From what I witnessed, it would seem //so,//” he says. “But you know nothing of it?” You glance away, feigning unease as you rub the back of your neck. “Not a lot, no. But I won't bite the hand that feeds me,” you say. “I'm just glad it did what it did. But, uh... //maybe// we should finish up those generators and get out of here before it decides to put //our// heads on the chopping block, huh?” Felix studies you for a moment longer, his brows furrowing as if weighing whether to believe you or not. “And that’s all you know?” he asks. You nod, keeping your expression as neutral as possible. “Yeah.” Felix’s lips press into a thin line as he searches your face. After a long moment, he exhales and allows his hand to fall off your arm. “I suppose we should go do that, then,” he mutters. He steps back, still watching you with some suspicion as you turn and start walking away. The tension in your shoulders remains //long// after you’ve put some distance between you and him. And //something// tells you he's not going to let this go so easily...\ <<notify 4s>>◈ Felix liked that.<</notify>>\ <</if>> [[Continue...|Pg.72]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> You move leisurely through the fog beside your companions. Adam walks ahead, and Feng Min strides beside him, smug as ever. “Easiest trial I’ve had in a while…” she says, her voice carrying that self-assured arrogance she always wears. You don’t respond, and neither does Adam. There’s nothing to say. Felix appears and walks briskly past you. But he throws a scrutinizing glance over his shoulder at you. You almost buckle under his steely gaze, but he moves on ahead, soon disappearing in the fog. You slow your pace, letting Feng Min and Adam pull farther ahead. The their figures soon disappear in the haze, same as Felix. When they’re fully out of sight, you stop completely, a heavy sigh slipping from your lips. “Damn it…” Bastion materializes at your side, his lips curled in a teasing grin. //“What your fellow campers know, and ''don’t know'', will hardly make a difference,”// he says smoothly. //“They can’t deter you from making progress.”// You glance up at him with frustration etched into your expression. “Yeah, but I’m not sure I want everyone around camp thinking I’m ''crazy,''” you mutter, rubbing your temples. “//Jake// already thinks I’ve lost my marbles…” Bastion chuckles. //“The man doesn’t even ''know'' what he saw,”// he says as he leans toward you. //“Flip it around. Make ''him'' out to be the madman.”// You huff, rolling your eyes. “I doubt it’ll be that easy,” you reply, kicking at the dirt beneath your boots. “He KNOWS what he saw. He just doesn’t know how to //explain it//. I wouldn’t either if I were in his shoes.” Your voice softens, frustration becoming resignation. “And if he tells anyone else, they might //exile// from me camp…” //“This isn't the dark ages, <<Wanderer>>.”// “Might as well be,” you retort, scoffing. Reluctantly, you begin moving again, Bastion vanishing as you approach the camp. The hum of faint chatter and crackling fire greets you as you step through the fog barrier. Your body stiffens when your eyes land on Felix. He’s standing near the edge of the firelight, speaking in hushed tones with a woman you recognize as //Élodie.// You’ve never spoken to her before, but now both sets of eyes flick to you, their conversation pausing as they exchange glances. Your stomach twists. After swallowing thickly, you look away. Nearby, Feng Min is sprawled on a log, still smug as ever. Adam has settled beside Kate, who’s strumming her guitar and filling the air with a calm melody. The campfire casts warm, flickering light across her face as she hums along. The cozy atmosphere almost feels like a reprieve—//almost.// But with Felix and Élodie watching you like hawks, you won’t stick around. [[Continue...|Pg.73]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> You try to slip through unnoticed, but Kate’s voice lilts into the air as she glances up and spots you. “I hear tell the trial was easy as pie,” she says warmly. “From what I’ve been hearin’ around camp lately, you’ve become something of a good luck charm. I wouldn’t mind runnin’ a trial with you sometime, $Gender_Ref. I have to see it for myself.” Your eyes nervously flicker back toward Felix and Élodie. They’re still watching. You look back toward Kate. <<if $Humor gte 65>>“Careful, Kate. You might jinx me,” you say with a tinge of humor. She laughs, strumming another soft chord. “I’ll be careful,” she says with a wink. “You wanna join us around the fire?”<<elseif $Social gte 65>>“I wouldn't mind that myself, Kate,” you say with a managed smile. “Then it's a //date//,” she replies with a soft laugh. “Bound to happen eventually, anyway... You wanna join us around the fire?”<<elseif $Social lt 40>>You don't come up with a reply. Kate's smile falters, but she keeps it up regardless. “Forgot how quiet you can be... You wanna join us around the fire? We don't need to chat, if it makes ya' more comfortable.”<</if>> “Some other time,” you answer simply, your voice tight. You offer her a small nod before slipping past. Felix and Élodie’s gazes burn into the back of your head as you leave the campfire behind. [[Continue...|Pg.74]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Discretion</h2><hr></div> <img src="images/other/yourtent.png" /> <center><img src="images/other/mini_divider.png" /></center> You pace back and forth in front of your tent, the lighter in your hand clicking open and shut in a repetitive, nervous rhythm. Bastion stands a few feet away, silently watching you with a shit-eating grin on his face. //“I think ''someone's'' overreacting,”// he teases. You shoot him a sidelong glance, your fingers tightening around the lighter. “Maybe,” you admit with a sigh, sounding frustrated. “But if I’m not, then I’m—” //“Fucked?”// Bastion interrupts, his grin widening. You stop pacing, fixing him with a tired stare. <<if $Pottymouth gte 65>>“Yeah,” you breathe. “Fucked,”<<else>>“//Not// the word I would’ve used,” you mutter, rolling the lighter between your fingers. “But yes. Screwed.”<</if>> Silence hangs between you for a moment, only broken by the faint sound of the lighter clicking open and shut. You run your thumb over the casing. “I hope this doesn't bite me in the ass.” [[Continue...|Intermission 4][$Met_Felix to true]]\

<div class="papertext">''Brass Case Lighter'' Found this lighter in the woods and saw a vision when I picked it up. Bastion tells me I need to find the cave its previous owner ventured into. But as far as I know, that guy never made it out... Who's to say //I// will? [[Back|Marks]] </div>\

<div class="papertext">Jake> ''Glass half empty.'' Jake's a //glass half empty// kinda guy. He ''really'' brings me down. Hanging with him is like swinging from a //noose.// It ''sucks'' and I'd really rather __not__. <<if $Optimism gte 65>>But I'll see if I can work on him...<<else>>And I don't think I'll be changing his mind any time soon.<</if>> [[Previous Entry|He's a Carpenter]] [[Back|Campers]] </div>\

<div id="fanart-page">\ <h1 class="page-title">Fanart Gallery</h1> <span class="gold">I thought I'd bring back the old //fan art// section, so you all can see the //lovely// fanart I received in the past! A lot of this is //very// old, so I can't promise you the artists are still going by their original usernames (or are even still active on social media...) But credit where credit's due, and I promise you if I ever go back to Instagram, I will personally //hunt them down// and update these credits.</span>\ <div class="fanart-gallery">  <div class="fanart-item" data-selected="false"> <img src="images/fan-art/audbreyy1.png" alt="Audbreyy" class="fanart-img"> <button class="select-btn" data-passage="Fanart 1">Select</button> </div>  <div class="fanart-item" data-selected="false"> <img src="images/fan-art/audbreyy2.png" alt="Audbreyy" class="fanart-img"> <button class="select-btn" data-passage="Fanart 2">Select</button> </div>  <div class="fanart-item" data-selected="false"> <img src="images/fan-art/audbreyy3.png" alt="Audbreyy" class="fanart-img"> <button class="select-btn" data-passage="Fanart 3">Select</button> </div>  <div class="fanart-item" data-selected="false"> <img src="images/fan-art/audbreyy.png" alt="Audbreyy" class="fanart-img"> <button class="select-btn" data-passage="Fanart 4">Select</button> </div>  <div class="fanart-item" data-selected="false"> <img src="images/fan-art/cvte-death-fanart.png" alt="cvte-death-fanart" class="fanart-img"> <button class="select-btn" data-passage="Fanart 5">Select</button> </div>  <div class="fanart-item" data-selected="false"> <img src="images/fan-art/sir-deathsketches.png" alt="sir-deathsketches" class="fanart-img"> <button class="select-btn" data-passage="Fanart 6">Select</button> </div>  <div class="fanart-item" data-selected="false"> <img src="images/fan-art/jellowhore.png" alt="jellowhore" class="fanart-img"> <button class="select-btn" data-passage="Fanart 7">Select</button> </div> </div> </div> <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>\

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Fan Art</h2><hr><h1>Audbreyy</h1></div> <center><img src="images/fan-art/audbreyy1.png"/> The first //ever// fan art I received for the original fanfic, by <span class="gold">audbreyy</span> on IG. (Fun fact: I had this printed out and framed on my wall the day I got it! And it remains there to this __day__!)</center> [[Back|Fan Art]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Fan Art</h2><hr><h1>Audbreyy</h1></div> <center><img src="images/fan-art/audbreyy2.png"/></center> [[Back|Fan Art]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Fan Art</h2><hr><h1>Audbreyy</h1></div> <center><img src="images/fan-art/audbreyy3.png"/></center> [[Back|Fan Art]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Fan Art</h2><hr><h1>Audbreyy</h1></div> <center><img src="images/fan-art/audbreyy.png"/></center> [[Back|Fan Art]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Fan Art</h2><hr><h1>Cvte-Death</h1></div> <center><img src="images/fan-art/cvte-death-fanart.png"/></center> [[Back|Fan Art]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Fan Art</h2><hr><h1>Sir-Deathsketches</h1></div> <center><img src="images/fan-art/sir-deathsketches.png"/> This one always got a laugh outta me! <3 Fun fact: Bastion's a //whole// foot taller now!</center> [[Back|Fan Art]]

<div class="chapterHead"><h2>Fan Art</h2><hr><h1>JelloWhore</h1></div> <center><img src="images/fan-art/jellowhore.png"/> And this one was drawn by JelloWhore! She was the artist who drew the original banner art for the itch page! For her help, I created a custom cosmetic piece for her, which she shared the code for a while ago. //(Code: <span class="gold">JelloWhore</span>).//</center> [[Back|Fan Art]]