Linear Flux

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Linear Flux is an IF (interactive fiction) where you, the reader, find yourself taken by a time bureau as to prevent your actions from having brought a catastrophic change to your time. It is rated 18+ for violence, time relevant bigotry, sexual themes. Its a work of fiction that uses our earth as a loose base, so while there will possibly be refference to places on earth, all characters and events are purely fictional and any resemblence is purely coinsidental. (Ex. While places such as Egypt, sourthern parts of America and Europe are mentioned, places within those areas will have fictional names, and the history from those places will be inspired by the past but in no way written with accuracy for the past in mind.) [[Start Game]] [[Tw List]] [[Links]]

Thank you for checking out the trigger warning list, if there are any you feel I missed out on mentioning that you noticed in the story, contact me via my tumblr and I'll be sure to look into it! The common triggers found in the story as of are; -Sexual themes (possible to fade to black and skippable moments when MC is included.) -Violence (typical to time periods) -Past mentioned abuse (verbal, physcial) -Consensual harm -Fighting -War -Mentions of death and illness -Clear hierarchy roles -Injuries (past and present ones, including descriptions of injury happening, I will attempt to not make this too graphic.) -Blood -Suggestive themes, language -References to rituals -Depression -Past trauma -Alcohol comsumption Other triggers found based on origins are as follows: Warrior: -Gore -Acts of violence (By and against the MC) -Sexual themes (Slight Nudity, non sexual.) -Past abuse (witnessing not recieving.) -Other possible triggers in regards to killing, acts of war and PTSD. -Animal deaths (natural/nature based/hunting) -Drowning (referenced only) Poet: -Rioting -Injuries recieved from people with power (guards, officers of the law.) -Injustices against those of lower standing in society. -Police brutality (physical harm) -Violence fitting to the time period and situation. Inventor: -Gore in result of work injuries -Dismemberment of limbs (Accidental) -Illness resulting in death by loved one -Verbal abuse -Depression -Fire and Explosions -Workplace accidents Assassin: -Assassinantion as a proffesion (with all that entails) -Amnesia -Memory gaps from MC -Sexual themes (Unskippable, sexual mentions/advances on seduction route.) -Manipulation -Seduction (THIS IS SEDUCTION, NOT FLIRTY FLIRTY, LIKE FULL ON SEXUAL THEMES.] [[Start Game]]

My tumblr is: https://www.tumblr.com/goblinplant And you should be able to find most if not all character profiles there, also feel free to ask me questions in regards to the characters, scenarios you either found strange or any faulty coding on my end! [[Start Game]] [[To Trigger warning list|Tw List]]

There is a suffocating cold around you, one that slowly drags your limbs down, one that seeps the energy from your very being. You are falling, and have been for long enough to lose all sense of direction. There is no up or down to grasp within your hands, just the sickening heavy weight in your stomach, one you'd get when missing a step whilst walking down the stairs. The type to promise an eternal fall as the ground slips out from under you. //"This is the one?"// Soft, that's the only way to describe the voice penetrating through the thick nothingness around you. Like a thin sliver of light that creeps through a window, in a promise of a new day. Soft in the only way hope can be. Yet dampened by what feels like wool, stuffed tightly around your head, blinding your eyes and covering your ears. No, wool feels too soft, this is more as if you've found your senses tangled in heavy cloth, weighed down by water, ''suffocating you''. [["Who are you?"]]

It's as if a string is pulled. Tight. Taught. Gripping your arms from separate directions. Much like being pulled apart by refusing to let go of a weight far too heavy to hold by oneself. You are pulled upright, with the ferocious velocity of a rock careening of a cliff. Leaving a dull throb to settle deep within your skull, nesting and burrowing deep like a mouse seeking shelter from the coming winter. "''No…''" the voice beckons. [["Who… were you?"|Character origin select]] <<set $stoic to 0>> <<set $light to 0>> <<set $introvert to 0>> <<set $extrovert to 0>> <<set $kind to 0>> <<set $cruel to 0>> <<set $gentle to 0>> <<set $violent to 0>> <<set $charming to 0>> <<set $bashful to 0>> <<set $prag to 0>> <<set $ideal to 0>> <<set $flirtshy to 0>> <<set $flirtbold to 0>> <<set $warrior to false>> <<set $poet to false>> <<set $inventor to false>> <<set $assassin to false>> <<set $choice to 0>> <<set $touchadverse to 0>>

<h1>Linear Flux</h1> [[Start Game|Introduction]]

The question surrounds you, equally as suffocating as the dark, sending a flood of unease through your already exhausted body. You can't recall, the memory fuzzy around the edges, trapped like a moth perilously caught inside a lantern's glass prison, somewhere deep within, while still feeling close enough to taste. But then, the faint memory flutters free, with wings tattered from trashing against its cage, yet strong enough to sweep up pieces of a life lived. Your last day? Last moments perhaps? So ordinary. So, very, dull. [[As a warrior, part of you had wished for fanfare, loud and unforgiving. A proud death, one fitting for a knight.]] [[As a poet you had perhaps romanticised your end, wishing for something softer, gentler and something more... well just more.]] [[As an inventor, there was always a risk, but you had accepted those, but you don't remember any bright lights, deafening sounds or wrong moves.]] [[As an assassin, death was a companion, you walked the thin line of it daily, but you didn't think you deserved something like what happened, something so… Bland.|temp]]

The shadows contort to your shape, twisting themselves to your limbs and torso. Like a shirt drenched in the waters of le Canal Agité. Leaving a muddiness scratching at your skin while dragging you down towards the depths. Is this the punishment for your crimes? From not being able to recall yourself or your past? Would it always leave you with a heaviness in your chest? A rock lodged itself within your ribs with all too sharp edges. <<cycle "$personalitytrait" autoselect>> <<option "It left you humble, and with a sadness you wished you didn't have to give to others. (Gentle)" gentle>> <<option "It made you furious, but no matter how bad you wished to recall the past. It seemed to always escape you in the end. (Violent)" violent>> <<option "That heaviness steered you. Onto what path? You couldn't say. Not that you felt it mattered in the end regardless. (Stoic)" stoic>> <<option "You wished to be able to reach out, to seek someone to aid you with the weight. But to show it to anyone was a terrifying thought better kept hidden. (Bashful)" bashful>> <<option "With enough showmanship you could hide it, avoid thinking about it by replacing the feeling with that of joy and companionship instead. (Extrovert)" extrovert>> <</cycle>> The combined weight suffocates you, working in tandem to agonisingly hold onto your every breath. But once it lets air in again, your lungs blossom outwards, with a ruthless feeling of agony. Blooming from the corners of your sight is your hand, helplessly gripping at the air, like a kitten trying to regain its grip on the branch it fumbled. And like a small mercy, as the rest of the picture fades in, a vintage wine glass is delicately placed within your grasping hand. And though the design is dated, it somehow grounds you back to the moment. A soiree and [[a fizzling wine that sends small droplets onto your skin.]] <<set $assassin to true>> <<set $empress to 20>>

The darkness grows colder, creeping in from the edges to claw up your legs, then your arms. You had killed in your past, the blood on your hands harder to remove than that on your blade. It was ingrained on you, it gave you purpose, made you count. <<cycle "$personalitytrait" autoselect>> <<option "You tried to not let that define you, you wished to be more than the cruelty you had to enact. (Gentle)"gentle>> <<option "There was a sense of pride you took, in the fear you could muster from your enemies, and sometimes, the fear you saw in your comrades. (Violent)"violent>> <<option "It was simply how things were and you weren't one to question, or change that. (Stoic)"stoic>> <<option "Being Knight Commander was at times a blessing, rather than being approached, most kept their distance from you. (Bashful)"bashful>> <<option "You loved it, well, not the killing, nor the blood, but what it made you, a hero. Someone people glanced at with envy and adoration. (Extrovert)"extrovert>> <</cycle>> Painfully slow, the void around you begins to shift, previously distant shapes forming into those of tall barren trees, their limbs stretching far and high as they surround you. The cold settles, and with a stuttering breath, you let out a [[cloud of steam.]] <<set $warrior to true>> <<set $zaraiah to 0>> <<set $alabaster to 0>> <<set $kingqueen to 0>>

Your breath joins the trailing plumes of steam, originating from the cup in your hands. It brings a momentary small comfort from the stark cold of the encampment you sit in, being the only sorce of heat for miles, besides that of the crackling fire at your feet. The flames fight to remain lit in the midst of the heavy snow lazily falling around it. Small embers crackling and floating up, to disappear into the dusk air with a sense of reluctance, or perhaps with an attempt at valourantly stopping the flakes currently suffocating it. You bend down and pick up the last remaining log, tossing it on top of the remaining charred firewood with the hopes it would set ablaze too. With your movement one of your fellow travellers glances up at you from behind their cup, giving you a tired smile on the edge of weariness, their body seated on a log, much like you find yourself. Their name is Zaraiah, and they're one of the royal spymasters scouts. Having joined the guard four years ago, and only just settling into their new role of scout. And while you've known them for longer than most, the air around them always seemed tense when you were present. You had at first chalked it up to them having found you intimidating, yet that theory was quickly dashed with how often they seemed to seek you out. Now with having known them for three years came the acceptance that this wouldn't change, and for some reason you were not privy to, they would continue to act that way. "I have to say" They start, their voice soft with the accent commonly found in Aspel, yet with a heavy underlying dialect found in its northern counterpart, Narinth, weighing down the tone. "This has to be the worst drink I've ever had." Before you have the chance to respond, they continue, theatrically swirling the liquid around in an attempt to ease the mood, almost spilling the precious warmth liquid over the rim. "I personally find the hint of sawdust a nice touch though, very nice of <<cycle "$royalgender" autoselect>> <<option her>> <<option his>> <</cycle>> Highness to give us the finest blend." [[With a laugh you respond, "Mahogany perhaps?"|The reverie][$light+=5,$kind+=5,$choice=1,$zaraiah+=10]] [[Something cuts sharp within you, and with a snarl you respond, "Watch it."|The reverie][$cruel+=5,$violent+=5,$choice=2,$zaraiah-=5]] [[The only thing leaving you is a soft hum, just to acknowledge you heard them.|The reverie][$stoic+=5,$gentle+=5,$choice=3,$zaraiah+=5]] [[You attempt to form your lips into a smile, yet the result is closer to a grimace.|The reverie][$bashful+=5,$introvert+=5,$choice=4,$zaraiah+=10]] <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">> <<set $gentle+=5,$kind+=5>> <<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">> <<set $violent+=5,$cruel+=5>> <<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">> <<set $stoic+=5,$prag+=5>> <<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">> <<set $introvert+=5,$bashful+=5>> <<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">> <<set $extrovert+=5,$light+=5>> <</if>>

Around you, the creeping dark takes new form, indescribable in a way only a migraine could attempt to. Pulsing, loud and unforgiving against your temples, summoned by a crack of lightning against your eyes. Like a wave of a thousand unsaid words, unable to be poured onto paper and instead finding solace in trying to break through your skull with fist wracked in anguish. Anguish handed to instead be yours to feel. Never before have you felt this. Speechless. And it's a terrifying thing. <<cycle $personalitytrait autoselect>> <<option "You had always hoped that your words could change things. A gentle nudge to empower the powerless. (Gentle)" gentle>> <<option "Years of going unheard had twisted something inside. Turned ink into blood. (Violent)" violent>> <<option "For what little your words do, you are only one in this fight. Will that be enough? (Stoic)" stoic>> <<option "But perhaps a blessing? To finally become one with the shadows again, instead of the frontlines. (Bashful)" bashful>> <<option "If not for your words, would anyone care? You do not wish to find out. (Extrovert)" extrovert>> <</cycle>> The void sighs with you, a breath released to flutter off like a wounded butterfly. Each flap of its wings being enough to deafen a tyrant. Your hands have grown numb from where you have wrung them, a soothing motion that has engulfed [[you.]] <<set $poet to true>> <<set $dufreie to 0>> <<set $bruno to 0>>

The void warbles, resonating out an echo that distorts the darkness. Sending out small sparks of light that blossom into a familiar image. Tall white walls with wooden beams, large parchment sketches pinned on them. And a rounded window, open to let the bright summer in. A brilliant mind, residing in your head, one filled with ideas both magical and foolish. You dream, so you cancreate, and create so you can keep dreaming. With the knowledge and hope that creations crafted from your very hands could bring wonder. <<cycle "$personalitytrait" autoselect>> <<option "You have long dreamed for your inner machinations to be able to aid, to be bringing good into this life. (Gentle)" gentle>> <<option "Many beakers gave broken at your hand, parchments torn and endless nights spent in a maddened haze, lined with anger. You are a genius, but never smart enough. That. makes you indescribably angry. (Violent)" violent>> <<option "It's maddening, how dull something so exciting gets after years of it. You should be rejoicing, in the freedom of being able to do what you love. Yet you feel nothing. Nothing but indifference. (Stoic)" stoic>> <<option "Being praised for your brain always made you feel uncomfortable, too seen. Thankfully living far outside the city has left you with few guests. (Bashful)" bashful>> <<option "Those that have seen into your mind lack the understanding to grasp how brilliantly bright you are, but the way they look at you with reverence more than makes up for that. (Extrovert)" extrovert>> <</cycle>> Your chest feels heavy, with anticipation and worry. And not even the faint breeze of the summer wind can ease the gnawing fear. Though the soft fur under your hand and the purr beginning to fade into your consciousness does a [[better job.]] <<set $inventor to true>> <<set $vin to 0>>

<<if $choice is 1>> A laugh bubbles out from your lips, and with a playful smile you respond. "Ah, Mahogany perhaps? Or maybe it's pine, a very fine choice of wood chips I have to say." Zaraiahs expression brightens, and they seem to sit a bit straighter with the relief of having successfully lifted the atmosphere. "Hells, do ya think we could make our own? Might be better than this." You let out a hum as you scratch your neck, looking down into the dark liquid in your cup, you could, if you had the right tools. "'Fraid I ain't the most knowledgeable in the tree department, any attempt I'd make would surely wind up poisoning the lot of us." As if summoned, the third member of your party decides to make themself known. <<elseif $choice is 2>> From deep within you feel something beginning to snap, a finely threaded cord of decorum finally being pulled apart at its frayed middle. "Watch it, Zaraiah." You snarl, grip tightening around the travel-worn cup. The scout sinks in on themself, their apparent gusto disappearing alongside their smile. "I- I didn't mean to offend, I'm sure $royaltitle $royalname gave us the best $royalheshe could." With a hesitant pause, Zaraiah quickly adds. "Besides, I was only messing, the tea is fine, good even, absolutely divine…" "Just be quiet." You huff, a cloud of fog curling up from your lips, trailing upwards to disappear into the fading light and bringing with it the mood to speak. Though it seems, few good things are willing to last. <<elseif $choice is 3>> You softly hum, a barely there response, before bringing the cup back to your lips, and taking a sip. It wasn't too bad, flavourless, yes, but other than that? It was warm, and that was enough. Zaraiah waits for a moment, before lowering their cup, promptly shutting their mouth to stare at you. "Not even a smile? A scoff? Perhaps a chuckle?" With a heavy sigh, and a large fog cloud from their lips, an ungloved hand comes to push away their hair from where it's settled on their forehead, the other danling the cup from the handle with only two fingers. "It was a good joke too." The silence of the woods around you begins to settle, and only faintly can you hear Zaraiah whisper out a soft "Wasted." <<elseif $choice is 4>> A wave of heat rushes through you and settles on your cheeks, and along with it you just barely succeed in wrangling your expression into a faint smile. But by the reaction Zaraiah makes, the face you must be making is closer to that of a grimacing animal than a human. Thankfully, some small mercy is found, with how Zaraiah chooses to ignore that part, and instead focuses on dipping their hazel eyes down into what dregs remain in their cup. "Ah, well, it's not too bad. Tastes like home. At the very least." This time they don't expect an answer, letting the night remain silent for a few moments more. <</if>> The small reverie is shattered, all by a shrill voice grumbling from one of the tents, quickly followed by the flaps being thrown open. All to make room for a lanky man to worm his way out, doing it in a matter far from convenient, his colorful garb already standing out vividly against the dull and cold backdrop of the winter woods. At his emergence Zaraiah lets out a small noise, half a muffled scream, half a choked off groan, and without having to look, you can already tell they have rolled their eyes All at the expense of a fool, this fool in particular, one called Alabaster, who had merrily bounced up alongside the two of you five suns ago, with a heavily wrapped backpack over his shoulders, its contents already spilling out in a trail leading to where he must have [[started his journey.]]

<<if $warrior is true>>

<<if $choice is 1>> The fool, clearly not dismayed by your silence, crosses a leg over his lap, leaving his foot to idly bounce dangerously close to your outer thigh, the smile that was less sincere moments ago, now fully genuine. <<elseif $choice is 2>> Not having expected room to be made, you can almost see the jester have to change plans midway down, having to drastically alter his movement to still wind up precariously close to you, leg almost pressed against yours. Though if his smug expression is one to go off of, this is exactly how he had planned to sit, whether you moved or not. <<elseif $choice is 3>> He tuts at you, shaking his head and creating a small cacophony of jingles as he does. Still he places himself right next to you, just close enough to leech the heat from your body. Which he gladly does if the content smile on his lips is anything to go by. <</if>> "I see our little bird has flown." Greying brown locks nod in the direction Zaraiah left in, from where they peek out from under his cap, the bells attached creating a soft contrast to the woods wintery silence. This is followed by Alabaster dramatically letting out a sigh, hunching over, faking a sob. "I fear my heart will break at how cruelly they treat me…" <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">>You can't help but to feel for him, being a jester could only add to the hardships of relationships, couldn't it? And while he seems to joke it away, as a fool would, there is an underlying sense of solitude about him. <<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">>Already can you feel his voice grate at your ears, worse than the ringing right after cannonfire. Around the cup handle, your grip tightens but the sturdiness holds, leaving a dull ache in your hand. <<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">>Only letting out a small noise, you focus on instead taking another sip from your cup, savoring the waning warmth for as long as you can until it too is taken by the night. <<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">>You tense, from either his proximity or his casual banter, instantly unsure what you are intended to say, instead simply lowering your gaze and head. Focusing intently on the cup you bring to cradle in between your hands, the grain is smooth, probably maple, or maybe walnut. <<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">>You let out a small laugh, eyes crinkling at the corner as you look at the man, in all his colourful glory. It was nice. To not be treated differently on account of your title for once, but you know that if Zaraiah had stayed, the act from Alabaster would have doubled. <</if>> "What ever shall Alabaster do? Trapped here, in the wild with a cruel bird akin to a harpy and a knight commander with the etiquette of a beast?" He turns his head fully to face you, almost resting fully on the knees of the man, leaving him bent in half. Then as if taken by sudden thought, the fool rises to sit up straight, giving his chin a tap, then two whilst scanning you with eyes so dark, that if not for the fire would appear fully black. Repeating the motion with his gloved left hand, his right one has started to, in a very noticeable manner, 'sneak' closer to your side. [[You stay still, eyebrows raised, touch has never bothered you much. (Not touch adverse)|namew][$touchadverse=1]] [[You flinch back at first, though calm yourself enough to tolerate his touch. (You are touch adverse to strangers, but not to those you feel safe with.)|namew][$touchadverse=2]] [[You instinctively move further to the side, body tensing drastically.(You are touch adverse.)|namew][$touchadverse=3]]

<<if $touchadverse is 1>> His finger comes to barely press against your side, before he shoots his hand back with a loud gasp, falling backwards with a thud, what little snow that had fallen since you and Zaraiah shovelled not enough to break his fall. "Oh but this beast is pure! What a golden heart you have, commander, with warmth bringing me to my very…" He pauses. "Back." <<elseif $touchadverse is 2>> His finger pauses just an inch from your side, before he springs back, falling onto the ground where remnants from shovelling along the freshly fallen snow does little to dampen his fall. "Oh commander! You must be quite the knight! With the impenetrable shield around you! Fine I yield, I shall not attempt to tame you, beast!" <<elseif $touchadverse is 3>> With a swift move his hand instead joins the other, covering his face as he lets out a small shout, falling back onto the ground with a thud, the remnants of attempted shovelled and freshly fallen snow, not being enough to cushion him. "Oh and what a beast indeed! So ferocious with its sharp teeth and claws, enough to frighten even me!" <</if>> He then, with agility not often found in someone his age, somersaults backwards, using the momentum to spring back on his legs. Nailing the landing with his hands on his hips as he leans forwards. Some of his long wavy hair having come loose in the act, swaying gently as it catches the snowflakes in the air. "But alas, this beast has a name, does it not?" With a sing-song voice he skips over the log, scuttling over to the empty seat left by Zaraiah, accidentally kicking some snow into the dying fire as he passes it to sit. "Regale me, beast, lest I call you so forever more." [[The realisation hits you, he's always called you 'Commander.'|name choice]]

<<if $warrior is true>> <h2>Female name Suggestions:</h2><<radiobutton "$name" "Florence">> Florence <<radiobutton "$name" "Niamh">> Niamh <<radiobutton "$name" "Genevieve">> Genevieve <<radiobutton "$name" "Merry">> Merry <<radiobutton "$name" "Adelaide">> Adelaide <h2>Male name Suggestions:</h2><<radiobutton "$name" "Reiner">> Reiner <<radiobutton "$name" "Cuthburt">> Clive <<radiobutton "$name" "Gunther">> Gunther <<radiobutton "$name" "Alaric">> Alaric <<radiobutton "$name" "Luther">> Luther <h2>Non-Binary name Suggestions:</h2><<radiobutton "$name" "Florian">> Florian <<radiobutton "$name" "Avery">> Avery <<radiobutton "$name" "Justice">> Justice <<radiobutton "$name" "Sage">> Sage <<radiobutton "$name" "Wren">> Wren [[Alabaster eagerly awaits your answer]] <<elseif $poet is true>> <h2>Female name Suggestions:</h2><<radiobutton "$name" "Esme">> Esme <<radiobutton "$name" "Felicette">> Felicette <<radiobutton "$name" "Wyona">> Winona <<radiobutton "$name" "Claire">> Claire <<radiobutton "$name" "Giselle">> Giselle <h2>Male name Suggestions:</h2><<radiobutton "$name" "Ambrose">> Ambrose <<radiobutton "$name" "Cecil">> Cecil <<radiobutton "$name" "Silas">> Silas <<radiobutton "$name" "Daryll">> Daryll <<radiobutton "$name" "Germaine">> Germaine <h2>Non-Binary name Suggestions:</h2><<radiobutton "$name" "Louie">> Louie <<radiobutton "$name" "Clancy">> Clancy <<radiobutton "$name" "Amber">> Amber <<radiobutton "$name" "Harper">> Harper <<radiobutton "$name" "Sterling">> Starling [[But in front of it lays the words 'In Memoriam.']] <<elseif $inventor is true>> <h2>Female name Suggestions:</h2><<radiobutton "$name" "Francesca">> Francesca <<radiobutton "$name" "Elena">> Elena <<radiobutton "$name" "Caterina">> Caterina <<radiobutton "$name" "Giorga">> Giorgia <<radiobutton "$name" "Angeline">> Angeline <h2>Male name Suggestions:</h2><<radiobutton "$name" "Dario">> Dario <<radiobutton "$name" "Tiago">> Tiago <<radiobutton "$name" "Lorenz">> Lorenz <<radiobutton "$name" "Valerio">> Valerio <<radiobutton "$name" "Giovanni">> Giovanni <h2>Non-Binary name Suggestions:</h2><<radiobutton "$name" "Achille">> Achille <<radiobutton "$name" "Lucian">> Lucian <<radiobutton "$name" "Basir">> Basir <<radiobutton "$name" "Alessi">> Alessi <<radiobutton "$name" "Finch">> Finch <<timed 60s>> <<radiobutton "$name" "Clark's nutcracker">> Clark's nutcracker <</timed>> <<if $vinname is "Vienna">><<if $touchadverse is 1>>[[Vienna stops right in front of you, and at the response, boops your nose.|onwards]]<<elseif $touchadverse is 2>>[[She pauses right before you, and after making sure you are okay with it, boops your nose.|onwards]]<<elseif $touchadverse is 3>>[[She stops herself right in front of you, before miming booping your nose.|onwards]]<</if>><<elseif $vinname is "Vincenzo">><<if $touchadverse is 1>>[[Vincenzo stops right in front of you, and at the response, boops your nose.|onwards]]<<elseif $touchadverse is 2>>[[He pauses right before you, and after making sure you are okay with it, boops your nose.|onwards]]<<elseif $touchadverse is 3>>[[He stops himself right in front of you, before miming booping your nose.|onwards]]<</if>><</if>> <<elseif $assassin is true>> Yet your true name was... <h2>Female name Suggestions:</h2><<radiobutton "$name" "Cierra">> Cierra <<radiobutton "$name" "Uraka">> Uraka <<radiobutton "$name" "Isolde">> Isolde <<radiobutton "$name" "Leone">> Leone <<radiobutton "$name" "Priyanka">> Priyanka <h2>Male name Suggestions:</h2><<radiobutton "$name" "Tiberius">> Tiberius <<radiobutton "$name" "Madds">> Madds <<radiobutton "$name" "River">> River <<radiobutton "$name" "Payton">> Payton <<radiobutton "$name" "Quintus">> Quintus <h2>Non-Binary name Suggestions:</h2><<radiobutton "$name" "Ghost">> Ghost <<radiobutton "$name" "Zenith">> Zenith <<radiobutton "$name" "Marcelle">> Marius <<radiobutton "$name" "Archon">> Archon <<radiobutton "$name" "Magpie">> Magpie <<if $assassintype is "Stealth">>[[A name few have ever had the privilege to known. At times you hardly know it yourself.|A name few have ever known. Then again, at times it feels like you barely know it yourself.stealth]] <<elseif $assassintype is "Seduction">>[[A name few have ever had the privilege to known. At times you hardly know it yourself.|A name few have ever known. Then again, at times it feels like you barely know it yourself.seduction]] <<elseif $assassintype is "Brutalist">>[[A name few have ever had the privilege to known. At times you hardly know it yourself.|A name few have ever known. Then again, at times it feels like you barely know it yourself.brutalist]] <</if>> <</if>>[[Select your own name]]

<<if $warrior is true>> <<textbox "$name" Beast>> [[Alabaster eagerly awaits your answer]] <<elseif $poet is true>> <<textbox "$name" Nightingale>> [[But in front of it lays the words 'In Memoriam.']] <<elseif $inventor is true>><<if <<textbox "$name" "Dear Heart">> <<if $vinname is "Vienna">><<if $touchadverse is 1>>[[Vienna stops right in front of you, and at the response, boops your nose.|onwards]]<<elseif $touchadverse is 2>>[[She pauses right before you, and after making sure you are okay with it, boops your nose.|onwards]]<<elseif $touchadverse is 3>>[[She stops herself right in front of you, before miming booping your nose.|onwards]]<</if>><<elseif $vinname is "Vincenzo">><<if $touchadverse is 1>>[[Vincenzo stops right in front of you, and at the response, boops your nose.|onwards]]<<elseif $touchadverse is 2>>[[He pauses right before you, and after making sure you are okay with it, boops your nose.|onwards]]<<elseif $touchadverse is 3>>[[He stops himself right in front of you, before miming booping your nose.|onwards]]<</if>><</if>> <<elseif $assassin is true>> <<textbox "$name" "Blade of the Empire">> <<if $assassintype is "Stealth">>[[A name few have ever had the privilege to known. At times you hardly know it yourself.|A name few have ever known. Then again, at times it feels like you barely know it yourself.stealth]] <<elseif $assassintype is "Seduction">>[[A name few have ever had the privilege to known. At times you hardly know it yourself.|A name few have ever known. Then again, at times it feels like you barely know it yourself.seduction]] <<elseif $assassintype is "Brutalist">>[[A name few have ever had the privilege to known. At times you hardly know it yourself.|A name few have ever known. Then again, at times it feels like you barely know it yourself.brutalist]] <</if>> <</if>>

<<if $alabaster is 5>>With a flourish, Alabaster touches his chest and bows, with little success sitting down, looking more like one gripped with a sudden stomach ache. "Ah yes! Of course, the beast, our knight commander does have a name! $name! Very fitting I'd say!" <<elseif $alabaster gte 10>>After you give him your name he lets out a tiny laugh. "Twas only a merry jest, $name, it would be impossible to forget you." With some found warmth in his eyes he gives you a more sincere smile, one usually only found once the role of Alabaster would retire, and the man behind it, Thomson, would show. <<elseif $alabaster lt 0>>Before you have even gotten half your name out, Alabaster lets out a hum, crossing his leg over the other with a look of disinterest. "I see. $name." With a creeping grin he shrugs, tilting his head back to let out a chuckle, one with very little humour behind it. "Alas I think beast fits you more." <</if>> "$name." He hums out, one leg kicking out at a log sticking out from the fire pit, creating a bundle of sparks that trickle into the air. <<if $alabaster is 5>>"I suppose $name fits a commander more than a beast." <<elseif $alabaster gte 10>>"I always found $name to be so valiant, it suits you well." <<elseif $alabaster lt 0>>"Has a ring to it, like that of tyrants." <</if>> For a moment he lets silence engulf you both, seeming content in simply warming up by the fire, even though its flame has dulled. You sigh, putting the cup down next to it, hoping it will bring some heat to the drink by the time you would return to it. And with a final nod, get up to look for [[firewood.]]

//"Surely you wouldn't leave the royal grounds without me!" His voice echoed with how empty the outer barracks were in the morning. The sun was just barely over the outer walls roofed edges, glimmering sunlight reflecting of the frost and snow collected on the tiles. "You two are quite lucky I managed to get my beauty sleep! Otherwise, I fear this journey would have been one of horror, and not the joyous moment we should be preparing for."// With a fast glance your way, Zaraiah stands and with a frown mouths out the word 'Sorry' towards you, before scuttling away towards the treeline, all whilst loudly exclaiming. "Oh well, I'll be going now chief, to check on those suspicious… trees… you mentioned." Muttering out a string of words including 'horses','woodland monsters' and 'tall thin men with daggers'. Leaving you now alone. Alone besides the approaching fool. Who had an hour prior proclaimed he was going to rest, yet could somehow still be found fully adorned with the outlandish outfit he decided to travel in. And considering the state of the garb, he was either changing into identical ones when alone, or he had somehow found a magical solution to avoid all the dirt and grime traveling amassed. Luckily for you, up until this point, you found yourself with little cause or need to find out which one, seeing as you all had separate tents. Usually placed far enough from each other to avoid any mishaps. "Oh, Commander-" The fool paused mid sing-song, eyes drawn to the empty spot across from you, a small frown tugging at his painted lips. Before he eventually regains his pep. [[You pay him little mind, even as he dramatically drapes himself over the log you currently sit on.|Bird][$stoic+=5,$gentle+=5, $choice=1,$alabaster+=10]] [[You greet him with a smile, making room for him as he drapes himself over the log you sit on.|Bird][$kind+=5,$extrovert+=5,$choice=2,$alabaster+=5]] [[You let out something close to a growl as he drapes himself over your log, making the fool hesitate.|Bird][$cruel+=5,$violent+=5,$choice=3,$alabaster-=5]] <<if $royalgender is "her">> <<set $royalheshe to "she">><<set $royalhimher to "her">><<set $royalhisher to "her">><<set $royalhishers to "hers">><<set $royaltitle to "Queen">><<set $royalHeShe to "She">><<set $royalHimHer to "Her">><<set $royalHisHer to "Her">><<set $royalHisHers to "Hers">><<set $royalname to "Amelia">><<set $royalself to "herself">><<set $royalSelf to "Herself">> <<elseif $royalgender is "his">><<set $royalheshe to "he">><<set $royalhimher to "him">><<set $royalhisher to "his">><<set $royalhishers to "his">><<set $royaltitle to "King">><<set $royalHeShe to "He">><<set $royalHimHer to "Him">><<set $royalHisHer to "His">><<set $royalHisHers to "His">><<set $royalname to "Amadeus">><<set $royalself to "himself">><<set $royalSelf to "Himself">> <</if>>

Though you don't get far before interrupted, seeing how as you pass by a thick pine, Zaraiah shuffles out, lowering a carving knife to their side before hurriedly fumbling out; "Is the demented old man still there?" They glance behind you, eyes squinted with a look of pure disdain. One that only grows as they seem to catch a glimpse of him, though even in the dim light, doing so must be a struggle. "Don't understand how you can stand him, I would have…" they pause, weighing over their words before abashedly looking down at their gloved hand. Between the gloved fingers lays a small figurine, the carving jagged on the edges, but you can easily tell it resembles a <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">>unicorn.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">>dragon.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">>griffin.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">>stag.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">>salamander. <</if>>"Well, I wouldn't have done anything I suppose…" They twist the creature in their hand, bringing up the knife to hack at the mane, before abruptly turning it and digging into the bottom. They huff out a breath, sending a cloud of steam from their lips. "You are a very patient <<cycle "$gender" autoselect>> <<option man>> <<option woman>> <<option person>><</cycle>>, commander." The huffed out laugh that leaves you causes Zaraiah to frown, glaring at you from beneath their curly bangs. "Hardy har har." They mutter, tone soft even through their [[apparent annoyance.]]

"You are though." They stop their witling and with a sharp throw tosses the figure to you. "Patient, I mean. I want to be like that too." Zaraiah moves past you, stopping to look back for a moment, their green eyes unsure as they trail from your and onto scanning the treeline of evergreens. The surroundings leave a terrible camouflage for anyone brave enough to hide amongst them. But with the pace nightfall has begun to settle, even the barren trees could hide a manner of beasts. "If yer headed out for wood, just be careful, I got this weird feeling about tonight." [[You nod, there's no reason to not be on guard, even if in the middle of some barren woods.|Even][$prag+=5,$gentle+=5,$choice=1]] [[You send them a teasing look, which earns you a pinecone thrown at your face.|Even][$light+=5,$loud+=5,$choice=2]] [[You smile and nod, waving the small figurine at them.|Even][$kind+=5,$charming+=5,$choice=3]] [[You don't respond, instead already halfway into the woods.|Even][$stoic+=5,$quiet+=5,$choice=4]] [[Your brows furrow, and you find yourself suddenly more alert.|Even][$bashful+=5,$ideal+=5,$choice=5]] <<if $gender is "man">><<set $heshe to "he">><<set $Heshe to "He">><<set $himher to "him">><<set $Himher to "Him">><<set $hisher to "his">><<set $Hisher to "His">><<set $hishers to "his">><<set $Hishers to "His">><<set $self to "himself">><<set $Self to "Himself">> <<elseif $gender is "woman">><<set $heshe to "she">><<set $Heshe to "She">><<set $himher to "her">><<set $Himher to "Her">><<set $hisher to "her">><<set $Hisher to "Her">><<set $hishers to "hers">><<set $Hishers to "Hers">><<set $self to "herself">><<set $Self to "Herself">> <<elseif $gender is "person">><<set $heshe to "they">><<set $Heshe to "They">><<set $himher to "them">><<set $Himher to "Them">><<set $hisher to "their">><<set $Hisher to "Their">><<set $hishers to "theirs">><<set $Hishers to "Theirs">><<set $self to "themself">><<set $Self to "Themself">> <</if>>

"Nightingale!" A sharp voice reverberates from your left, and you can't help but to snap your head towards it, blinking to take in the room. The walls are tall but worn, the wood gnarled, in the ceiling hangs a lonesome oil lamp, tied by its handle to a frayed old rope, a safety hazard. Yet that is not what catches your attention, no, it's instead the lanky man currently frowning at you as if you had personally insulted his mother. "I am listening, Bruno." You huff, the numbness subsiding as it instead trickles up your arms. "I was just…reminiscing." Bruno meticulously eyes you, his eyes almost dulled in the faint light, instead of their normal warm brown. "We don't have time for you," he motions at your head with his left hand, his right arm lying still at his side with not as much as a twitch. "Doing that. Not today, ya hear Nightingale?" He brings his hand up to brush over his stubble, scratching at it as he goes over to the table in front of you, eyes scanning over the hastily done scribbles atop of the map laid out. "This has to work, a last hurrah…" He whispers, hand coming down to rest over the bold lettering in the corner, covering up the city name. 'Roideric'. [[You furrow your brows at him, a quizzical smile on your lips "Last Hurrah? The fight is far from over, Bruno."|He nods][$ideal+=5,$kind+=5,$choice=1,$bruno+=5]] [[The last protest had cost you both, having lost the leader of one of your rebel groups. "A last Hurrah, until the next one."|He nods][$stoic+=5,$prag+=5,$choice=2,$bruno+=5]] [[You bring your fist down onto the table, bringing his attention straight to you. "If it doesn't work, we try again!"|He nods][$violent+=5,$cruel+=5,$choice=3,$bruno-=5]] [["You know, years ago, this old man told me something-" You can already see some of the tension drain from him.|He nods][$light+=5$charming+=5,$choice=4,$bruno+=10]] <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">> <<set $gentle+=5,$kind+=5>> <<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">> <<set $violent+=5,$cruel+=5>> <<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">> <<set $stoic+=5,$prag+=5>> <<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">> <<set $introvert+=5,$bashful+=5>> <<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">> <<set $extrovert+=5,$light+=5>> <</if>>

Miette contently lets you stroke at her long fur, the thick white and brown tufts easily spreading through your fingers. She has spread herself over your lap, a perfect spot for how the sun shines and warms her. The day is ideal, the sky vast and endless without the slightest of clouds. The sun cooled by the occasional breeze that flutters by, sending the leaves to ripple in waves outside your window. For over a month, you have been toiling away, day and night. A restless endeavor, all under dim candle light. Though, you prefer to use oil lamps. The invention was a clever tool to use, one your father Raphael had picked up years ago on his travels to Cathay. Though oil was harder to put out than that of simple wax candles, something you learned rather quickly after a tumble into a table during a rather late night. <<cycle "$namev" autoselect>> <<option Vincenzo>> <<option Vienna>><</cycle>> had been furious, which was understandable, considering most of the damage wound up being to a rather exquisite [[oil painting.]] <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">> <<set $gentle+=5,$kind+=5>> <<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">> <<set $violent+=5,$cruel+=5>> <<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">> <<set $stoic+=5,$prag+=5>> <<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">> <<set $introvert+=5,$bashful+=5>> <<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">> <<set $extrovert+=5,$light+=5>> <</if>>

<<if $choice is 1>>With a somber nod you look away from them, this time standing a bit taller than before. Taken with the usual sense of duty that you had up until now managed to escape since leaving the castle. <<elseif $choice is 2>>A laugh bubbles out from you, as you reflexively slap the improvised projectile from the air. "Yeah, sorry, I appreciate it." Unable to keep your tone free from the previous laughter, Zaraiah threatens to throw another cone at you, causing you to let out a small yelp. "I yield!" <<elseif $choice is 3>>The <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">>unicorn<<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">>dragon<<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">>griffin<<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">>stag<<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">>salamander <</if>> isn't technically carved in a position to be able to wave, but seeing as Zaraiah lets out a large exhale of mist from their mouth, and accompanies that with a roll of their eyes, you like to think the image was well received. <<elseif $choice is 4>>Without having even as much as looked back as they spoke, you have taken several steps into the cold woods, the snow under your feet being the only sound. "Bastard…" Zaraiah scoffs, and whilst the words are harsh, their tone is anything but, as they too start moving away from you, and back to the clearing. <<elseif $choice is 5>>Almost instinctively you pause, carefully stuffing the figurine in a pouch attached to your belt. "How'd you mean?" "Hm? Oh, nothing, I just get the frights by the dark, don't mind me." Something lies in that, perhaps a hint of the truth, or perhaps- ah, comfort, to make you feel better. <</if>> Regardless of Zaraiahs warning, the next couple of minutes you have with remote light, are dull and uneventful, the growing collection of halved branches and dry //enough// sticks hanging lazily under your arm. At first your surroundings had been hard to travers, the usual fallen tree hidden by snow enough to send you stumbling, but eventually it had eased out into walkable ground. The moon was the only light now, and it cast an eeriness over the icy ground, reflecting the blue tinted light up to then illuminate that around you. The only faintly glowing hope being that of the still going fire you could just barely make out in the distance. With a huff you pick up another stick, twisting it in your hand until stuffing it under amongst the rest. [[Then you look back up again.]]

Where you had expected to see the dim firelight, you instead see nothing of the sort. The tall dark trees reveal nothing akin to warmth from where you stand. "What on earth…" You mutter, furrowing your brows. Surely you had just gotten turned around, or perhaps the fire had finally died, you just had to wait a moment, get your bearings. You close your eyes, taking a deep sharp breath that stings all the way down to your lungs. Slowly opening your eyes again you see it, the still dim light still flickering in the distance. You must have gotten turned around, seeing as it's a bit off from where you had thought it would be, thankfully to some ingrained instinct you had avoided trekking too far from the clearing, otherwise, well, you might not have found it at all and you would rather avoid the embarrassment of having to shout for Zaraiah in the middle of the woods, or worse, for Alabaster. You are a Commander, not a simple recruit, with a weak stomach and mind, you would never hear the end of it. [[You, albeit a bit shaken, start towards the light.]]

The way back is simpler, less perilous than the midst of the woods, which by this time of the year found itself rarely walked, only by hunters, or fools… And Knight Commanders looking for firewood to keep $self, Zaraiah and Alabaster warm. It takes less than a few minutes to finally reach it, and now standing at the outskirts of it you heave out a sigh of relief, letting the large bundle of wood down with a dampened thud. <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">>You stretch your fingers, the cold having settled into your bones as you were away. You bring your hand up to your lips and bite the leather gloves, pulling it off to huff out warmth, it brings you a small escape from the cold.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">>With a kick at the gathered wood you pull off your gloves, angrily rubbing the cold away the best you can, while keeping your leather mitts safe between your torso and elbow. "Colder than- hells I don't know…"<<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">>Pulling off your gloves is not the smartest idea, but seeing the state of the fire, you'll need to use your hands to relight it. Not having a better place to put the mitts, you put them between your teeth, trying to ignore the heavy layering of tastes resting on the leather.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">>The fire is abandoned, and you hope you didn't just wake your companions from dropping the wood so carelessly. 'The last I need is another altercation from Alabaster' You think as you remove your gloves, stuffing them under your armpit as you walk towards the dying campfire.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">>Part of you feels disappointed, seeing how you find yourself alone, you had wished for at least a couple more minutes with the others before going to sleep. Although, you notice while pulling off your glove using your teeth, it seems you got the short end of the straw, and was proclaimed first shift in staying watch for the night. Typical Alabaster. Though Zaraiah? Well, you can't very much imagine them not bringing it up with you first.<</if>> [["-commander!"|zaraiah]]

You freeze, and suddenly the cold surrounding you feels warmer than the ice keeping you still. <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">> From your mouth falls your leather gloves, <<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">>From your mouth falls your leather gloves, <<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">>From your mouth falls your leather gloves, <<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">>Still, as frozen as you feel, from your under arm slips your leather gloves, <<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">>Still, as frozen as you feel, from your under arm slips your leather gloves, <</if>>hitting the ground with a barely audible sound that still somehow throbs in your ears. Zaraiah, a voice so very unique, with its mixed accents all cocooned into one distinct voice. Sounding so very far from you, further than from behind a tents fabric. "Commander! $name!" It echoes out, ricocheting against every tree surrounding you in the clearing with a metallic sound. The one arrows make against armour, that lets you know you are alive still, the sound that warns you that you are in danger. Then you do something you should have done before, you look around. The tall trees surrounding you look wrong, too aged, as if the bark wishes to fall off in agony. Your, no, not yours. ''The'' tents sag unnaturally, as if they had been draped like cloth over boulders. It starts from the corner of your eyes, a faint buzzing noise, that then spreads into your ears, nose and mouth. //Like drowning.// You can't move, the snow from around your feet creeping up to claw at your legs, like a fox looking for purchase after it trusted ice that was too thin. "Commander!" It feels closer, yet so very far away. When did you… you find yourself on your knees. "-ilks ylt wipo..!coss lbb!" Suddenly the cold begins to thaw, being replaced by a pleasant warmth, so very welcoming. "-ylt ilks cos sl sltrd sdoj- btrg ibb!" Until it isn't. No it burns, in the worst way, the way only warmth does after you've been cold for too long. "Qslm es, qdes!" With numbness, that protects you for just long enough, until you realise you are ''burning.'' [["COMMANDER!"|character customisation]]

<<if $choice is 1>>With a smile you softly ask him. "Last Hurrah?" Your voice trails into a gentle laugh, one he can't help but to smile at, albeit one that seems to be weighed down. "The fight is far from over, Bruno. We have to keep on, cause if we don't, who will?" Carefully, as if scared to frighten him, you move to his side, not looking away from him until the very last moment to join his gaze upon the parchment. <<elseif $choice is 2>>With a newfound heaviness you look at the map. When you had first gotten yours, years ago, it was bland, pristine, but now, it was perfect, customised just like how Brunos was. It held the ideals of justice in its very fibers, put there by you, and people like you, all putting a piece of themself into every plan, every action. Of course it would hurt, when one's plan was the cause of death, but it was a pain you and the others had to embrace, because it meant progress. It had to. "A last Hurrah." You say, making the man look over at you. "Until the next one." It earns you a scoff, one lined with laughter at what he must think of as a joke. You must have said something funny, but what you cannot deduce. <<elseif $choice is 3>>"If it doesn't work, we try again!" You spit at him. The amount of loss you had wound up facing after the last riot was a heavy one, but it only strengthened your cause, the one for justice. How someone that started this could simply choose to give up almost blinded you with rage. "Though it would seem you have already given up!" You follow it with, clenching your hand tightly. Bruno tenses, his wiry arm like a maw, ready to snap. "I fought this war long before you knew how to speak!" "Then act like you'll be the one to finish it!" <<elseif $choice is 4>>"You know, years ago, there was this old man, who told me something." You start, seeing the tension drain from him with each word. "I had just started with the rebellion and got caught hanging up posters around the town." Bruno lets out a chortle, crossing his arm over his chest, gazing over at you with fondness practically oozing from his expression. "Funnily enough when I got to my cell, there was another person there. And once I told him what happened he said 'Well, you better finish the job once you get out.' And I think right now, that is a good thing to uphold too." <</if>> "Aye, got it." He lets out a wobbly breath, focusing his attention back to the table. "This is the plan, right there-" He points his wrinkled hand to the map, right on an alleyway. <<if $bruno is 5>> "Humphrey road. Practically abandoned." He pauses, finger shaking slightly to where it points. He brings his hand back against his chest, curling it up into a fist there. "But…" He clears his throat and takes a deep breath. "But that is good, no officers up until Hoxfolly from north of it." <<elseif $bruno gte 10>>"Humphrey road, it…" With a shaky exhale he brings his hand to his chest, clenching it into a fist. "I-" He looks over to you, hesitating for a moment. His lips part again as if to add something to it, though he shuts his mouth closed, teeth clacking together. "It's mostly abandoned, only new officers bother with that road, seeing as the district is rather poor. So, do be cautious." Bruno then continues, nodding to another area. "It leads to Hoxfolly, and most of the area north of it is rarely guarded, even less so patrolled. Only the occasional bluehound." <<elseif $bruno lt 0>>"Hoxfolly road, the street is abandoned by patrols, and has been for the greater part of this year." He moves his finger to a road two streets across. "All this area is practically free rein for us. The patrols are nonexistent." "No patrol is nonexistent, Bruno." "Ah, clever. I suppose the occasional new idealistic officer might show." He gives you a smile. <</if>> "We can send more scouts if needed, of course." He moves his hand to his side, stuffing it into his coat pocket, bringing out a worn keyring that he holds out to you. "Third key, the one with the green leaf, the package should be in the marked crate." [[You reach out and take the keys, not bothering to avoid skin contact. (You are not touch adverse)|keys][$touchadverse=1]] [[With a momentary pause you glance at the keys, until eventually you take them from his hand, your fingers touching for a split second.|keys][$touchadverse=2]] [[You take the keys from him with care, avoiding touching his hand to the best of your ability.|keys][$touchadverse=3]]

<<if $touchadverse is 1>>Bruno offers you a nod, and as soon as your hands touch, a small flinch goes through him. He recoils slightly, before tossing the keys at you instead. "We are well past getting some, aren't we? Some luck." He mutters, shoving his hand into his coat pocket. "And this will bring us just that." <<elseif $touchadverse is 2>>Seemingly an outsider to your inner struggle, Bruno does little but wait until you reach out. The faintest widening of his eyes accompanied with him almost dropping the keys as he recoils his hand back. "Shit sorry." He mutters, tossing the keys at you instead once composed enough. <<elseif $touchadverse is 3>>"Wait." He suddenly says, moving the keys away to place them on the table instead. "There." Seeing as he too has some issues with touch, it doesn't surprise you. <</if>> "Oh and if you see that copper 'o yours, what's <<cycle "$dufreiegender" autoselect>> <<option his>> <<option her>> <</cycle>> face… no matter, tell the bastard I am still owed money for last time." The copper in question, has for the bigger part of two years been your <<cycle "$dufreiero" autoselect>> <<option partner>> <<option friend>> <</cycle>>. Which was never the plan to [[begin with.]]

Surprisingly it was not as flammable in its paint form, and had simply discoloured most of it until it reached the canvas, which had itself puttered on with far more excitement and vigor. Though the fact you had simply watched as the painting had engulfed in flame without intervening was something that was far less well received than you imagined it would be. You had received the cold treatment for a week after, which made for some uncomfortable moments, seeing at the house was only so big. As you idly let your mind wander, Miette had grown tired, taking the time to leap from your lap and onto the untidy desk. Almost sending a mountain of parchment toppling over and onto the wooden floor. Softly, you let out a sigh, leaning further back into your chair. Taking the time to glance out and into the garden. The barest hint of spring remained, in clusters of flowers that circled the apple trees, yet your attention fell elsewhere. To the small clearing in the middle. Where upon layers of fabric, tools were scattered, amongst them a slim contraption. Its shape tubular, but flatted, with room on the inside to spread out one's legs.You had named that part the coffin, mainly due to the shape, but also since you had gained the idea after seeing coffins in town. The wheels a thin but sturdy imported bamboo. But the mightiest thing of all? Its wings. They spread out to be twice the length of the coffin, the outer tips bent upwards. Like a sparrow's wings you had designed the inner parts to be adjustable with a tiny crank on the outside of the seat. And the back of the invention had a series of fabric coated in beeswax for rigidity, also movable, but this time with an adjustable foot pedal. A later addition to it had been a piece inspired by floating lanterns. A rounded, layered, thin paper dome attached by rods to the coffin. By using fire you had discovered that given enough warm air, the dome could begin to levitate. [[In theory, that should be able to give enough lift to glide.|fly][$prag+=5,$stoic+=5,$choice=1]] [[Even though you had tested it before on a smaller scale, you can't help but to worry.|fly][$bashful+=5,$introvert+=5,$choice=2]] [[The amount of tests you have already undergone has you momentarily tensing with anger, it had to work.|fly][$violent+=5,$cruel+=5,$choice=3]] [[With the help you had gotten with it, it would be a delight, not just for you, to see it work.|fly][$charming+=5,$kind+=5,$choice=4]] <<if $namev is "Vienna">><<set $vinheshe to "she">><<set $vinhimher to "her">><<set $vinhisher to "her">><<set $vinhishers to "hers">><<set $vinHeShe to "She">><<set $vinHimHer to "Her">><<set $vinHisHer to "Her">><<set $vinHisHers to "Hers">><<set $vinname to "Vienna">><<set $vinself to "herself">><<set $vinSelf to "Herself">> <<elseif $namev is "Vincenzo">><<set $vinheshe to "he">><<set $vinhimher to "him">><<set $vinhisher to "his">><<set $vinhishers to "his">><<set $vinHeShe to "He">><<set $vinHimHer to "Him">><<set $vinHisHer to "His">><<set $vinHisHers to "His">><<set $vinname to "Vincenzo">><<set $vinself to "himself">><<set $vinSelf to "Himself">> <</if>>

<<if $choice is 1>>You had run the calculations in your head several times, and done small tests for months. Small scale gliders sent from your roof, window, door. Day, dusk, dawn, night. There was a moment when a glider simply floated off, so you added bags of sand to the side of the coffin, and realised that the warm air needed to be able to vent out elsewhere to avoid simply… Well a long and quite possibly painful fall to the ground. <<elseif $choice is 2>>There had been tests, of course, you had made small models to try from your window, which then turned to you trying it from a safer height from the front door. Most of them did well, the only problem was the landing. You figured they would need a pilot, ergo, yourself in this case. //"All in the name of science."// Though you hoped that it wouldn't be your life on the line. <<elseif $choice is 3>>Failures are just as valuable as successes, but… If you had to wack another prototype out of a tree or fish one out of the river again. You'd explode. If not from anger, you'd find some other way. To succeed, that is, not to explode. <<elseif $choice is 4>>$vinname had helped with the sketches, $vinhisher hands making gentle strokes over parchment well into the night as you blurted out your ideas in the dim light of a candle. Miette had helped too, in her own way, but mostly by batting off the small scale models of the glider you had made. Which in turn had helped with knowing what to make stronger, and which areas were most likely to break in case of a bad landing. <</if>> Regardless, at this point you had gotten ready mentally, you hoped. For actually embarking on this huge leap. Almost automatically, you pushed yourself back from the table. Tentatively getting up to stand with your hands mindlessly trailing over the grain, a hint of a frown washing over your features. Then with hurried steps you found yourself walking towards the bookcase near the doorway. The entire shelving was covered in a structured mess, starting from the varied amounts of scrolls wound up and tied at the very top. Away from wandering paws. //"You are a mad <<cycle "$gender" autoselect>> <<option man>> <<option woman>> <<option person>> <</cycle>>!"// Is what you had been told when voicing your idea to the townsfolk. And hells, maybe you were. But if only those mad enough to try ever get somewhere. So [[mad you were.]]

Tracing your fingers over the back of several books you came to a stop at the gilded back of many, closing your eyes to fully experience the feeling. The smooth glide occasionally stopped with a duller texture of newer purchased ones. You could find yourself lost for hours in them, in the sonnets and poems written with rushed hope of wishing to capture a moment in its exact emotion. "Oh, greetings to you, Miss Miette." A soft melodic voice chimes from the doorway, where Miette has made herself busy with butting her head against the leg of $vinname. $vinHeshe lets out a huffed laugh before bending down, letting the cat change course to eagerly rub her cheek to the offered hand presented to her. "I know, I was gone all morning, how terribly rude of me." $vinname coos, $vinhisher pale hand disappearing into the thick fur. Miette lets out a faint 'mrrp' before scurrying away <<if $namev is "Vienna">>around Viennas flowing skirt, causing the fabric to gently sway along with the movement, even more so as she stands to let out a soft laugh. The melody behind it as enchanting as the owner.<<elseif $namev is "Vincenzo">>between Vincenzo's legs, causing the man to almost stumble backwards. His hand shooting out to grasp the wooden doorway with a small yelp, the shout soon replaced with a clanging musical laughter, that akin to carillon bells sounding.<</if>> Playful eyes turning to watch the furball run down the hall now made accessible to her. "She takes after you, you know." Slowly standing back up, $vinheshe takes a couple leisurely steps towards the desk, using the momentum to jump up and take a seat. <<if $vinheshe is "he">>His honeyed eyes looking over your for a moment, as if trying to take in all of your features at once, yet with a crinkle of his nose, he lets out a sigh. Clearly having given up on that task.<<elseif $vinheshe is "she">>Her honey glazed eyes looking over you as if trying to file away your features for later use. Though with a small pout on her rosy lips, she seemingly gives up, brushing her long caramel-blonde locks behind her ear in attempted nonchalance at doing so.<</if>> Soon those eyes travel to the sound of scuttling and something falling over down the hall. Making you look out just in time to see the fluffy tail bound down the first set of stairs. The remnants of a large potted plant flung over the tiled floor just above. Your <<cycle $vinro autoselect>> <<option partner>> <<option friend>> <<option assistant>> <</cycle>> instantly find $vinself on $vinhisher feet. "Unbelievable! I just bought us that! She does it on purpose to spite me!" Though clearly bothered, there is little $vinheshe can do to keep the laughter out of $vinhisher voice. [["I have no words." You mutter, before eventually letting out a chuckle yourself.|name][$kind+=5,$light+=5,$vin+=10,$choice=1]] [[There is nothing that manages to escape your lips but an exhausted sigh, then a careful chuckle.|name][$gentle+=5,$bashful+=5,$vin+=5,$choice=2]] [['Breathe, just breathe.'You feel the anger bristling at your fingers, but try to control it.|name][$violent+=5,$cruel+=5,$vin-=5,$choice=3]] [["Well, at least now you have a reason to try that gold technique from Japan." You offer, nodding towards the shards..|name][$prag+=5,$stoic+=5,$vin+=10,$choice=4]] [["Ah well, never quite liked the colour anyways." You tease.|name][$charming+=5,$ideal+=5,$vin+=5,$choice=5]] <<if $gender is "man">><<set $heshe to "he">><<set $Heshe to "He">><<set $himher to "him">><<set $Himher to "Him">><<set $hisher to "his">><<set $Hisher to "His">><<set $hishers to "his">><<set $Hishers to "His">><<set $self to "himself">><<set $Self to "Himself">> <<elseif $gender is "woman">><<set $heshe to "she">><<set $Heshe to "She">><<set $himher to "her">><<set $Himher to "Her">><<set $hisher to "her">><<set $Hisher to "Her">><<set $hishers to "hers">><<set $Hishers to "Hers">><<set $self to "herself">><<set $Self to "Herself">> <<elseif $gender is "person">><<set $heshe to "they">><<set $Heshe to "They">><<set $himher to "them">><<set $Himher to "Them">><<set $hisher to "their">><<set $Hisher to "Their">><<set $hishers to "theirs">><<set $Hishers to "Theirs">><<set $self to "themself">><<set $Self to "Themself">> <</if>>

A interactive fiction sci-fi history game.

Linear Flux

<ul> <li>Banner assets <a href="https://www.canva.com/">Canva</a></li> <li>Fonts <a href="https://fonts.google.com/">Google fonts</a></li> </ul>

<<script>> var passages = document.getElementById("passages"); passages.scrollTop = 0; <</script>>  <<if tags().includes("title")>> <<elseif tags().includes("credits")>><h1>Credits</h1> <<elseif tags().includes("character")>> <h1>Character</h1> <<elseif tags().includes("codex")>> <h1>Codex</h1> <</if>>

<<link "Character" "Character">><</link>> <<link "Codex" "Codex">><</link>> <<link "Credits" "Credits">><</link>> <<link "Back">><<if tags().includes("game-info")>><<goto $return>><<else>><<run Engine.backward()>><</if>><</link>>

Made in SugarCube 2.34.1.

<h2>Character Page</h2> Origins: <<if $assassin is true>>Assassin<<elseif $warrior is true>>Warrior<<elseif $poet is true>>Poet<<elseif $inventor is true>>Inventor<</if>> Name: $name <<if $assassin is true>>Unknown<<elseif $warrior is true>>Aukley<<elseif $poet is true>>Desrosiers<<elseif $Inventor is true>>De Riva<</if>> Past trait: <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">>Gentle<<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">>Aggressive<<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">>Stoic<<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">>Introverted<<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">>Extroverted Gender:<<if $gender is "man">>Man<<elseif $gender is "lad">>Man<<elseif $gender is "woman">>Woman<<elseif $gender is "lass">>Woman<<elseif $gender is "person">>Non-binary<<elseif $gender is "bud">>Non-binary<</if>> <<if $warrior is true>>Warrior type: $warriortype<<elseif $poet is true>>Poet type: $poetbtype<<elseif $inventor is true>>Inventor type: $inventortype<<elseif $assassin is true>>Assassin Type: $assassintype<</if>>

Goblin Plants

Codex

<<if $choice is 1>>Softly, your fingers fall from the spines of the books, and with a glance towards $vinname you utter. "I have no words." Soon $vinhisher laughter is combined with yours and with a gentleness you shake your head. "I raised her better, I assure you." <<elseif $choice is 2>>Casting your gaze first at $vinname, you let your eyes travel down towards the hallway, noting the saddened state of the pot with a sigh tinged with tiredness. But somehow fueled by the laughter of your $vinro, a faint laugh winds up escaping you. Moving your hand to rest it on your hip. <<elseif $choice is 3>>Your nails catched on the leatherbound spines, leaving a visible mark on the book. Forcing yourself to calm, your brain began to repeat. 'Breathe. Just Breathe.' and so you did, trying to bring your focus back to the present, regardless of the mess you eventually had to clean up. <<elseif $choice is 4>>"Well, in good news, you can now try that new technique." With a pause you wrecked your brain over the country of origin. "The one from…" With a hesitant pause, you trailed your fingers down the spine of the book you landed on. "Oh! Kintsugi! It's a Japanese technique!"With eagerness $vinname claps together $vinhisher hands. Leaving both of you to be momentarily distracted from the state of the vase. "Yes. That one. So in turn, it's actually a positive thing. Isn't it?" Twining your fingers together you give a small content nod. One soon followed by a far more eager one from $vinname. <<elseif $choice is 5>>"Oh well." You begin, eyes finishing their journey back to the <<if $namev is "Vienna">><<if $vinro is "partner">>gorgeous woman currently eying the offending vase. "I think you might find a better one, that may even match your eyes this time." Vienna bubbles out a laugh that soothes over your skin, playfully tossing a stay crumbled paper your way. "My eyes are brown, the-" "Golden. Your eyes are golden, dear." You interrupt, enjoying the way her breath seems to catch, and how she ducks her head down to hide the blush over her cheeks. "Flirt…" She pouts.<<elseif $vinro is "friend">>woman idly swinging her legs from under her skirt. "Perhaps you'll be able to find a vase that is less of a… colour choice." Vienna lets out a soft gasp. "It's the current trend!" "Trends pass dear."<<elseif $vinro is "assisant">>rather colourful assistant propped up on your table. Trying to work out the least offensive way to put it. "I wasn't… too fond of it. Perhaps this time you could get one with colours matching the rest of the house?" With a small laugh she looks at you with crinkled eyes. "So white, cream, eggshell and pale blush?" With an appalled gasp leaving your lips, you instantly clutch your chest. "They are neutral colours! My father loved them, you know!" <</if>><<elseif $namev is "Vincenzo">><<if $vinro is "partner">>handsome man currently eying the vase with malice. "This only gives you a new chance to find a better one, no?" You softly start. "Perhaps one that could match your eyes?" He lets out a chuckle, tilting his head to the side whilst looking at you with warmth. "My eyes are brown, hardly anything special." "Your eyes are golden in the sun, and a deep warm mahogany in the shade, I'd call that special." You almost miss the way he flushes, a barely there flutter of rose over his cheeks as he tries to lower his gaze in time for you to miss it, muttering out. "Flirt." <<elseif $vinro is "friend">>man busying himself with attempting to balance a folded crane on his forefinger. "Perhaps this time you could pick out a vase with less of a colour choice?" Almost the same seconds you've uttered the words is a pointed gaze thrown at you. "If it was up to you, everything in this house would be neutral colours, blacks and greys." "They are safe colours!"You huff out, crossing your arms over your chest. "Yes but so very boring, dearheart."<<elseif $vinro is "assisant">>rather colourful man seated mindlessly on the edge of the desk. "I wasn't too fond of the colour to be honest, rather garish really." Vince looks over at you and tries to cover a laugh behind his hand. "I think we need more colour around here, to liven the place up." <</if>><</if>><</if>> As if suddenly grabbed by thought, $vinname jumps off the desk. "Well, regardless. I would love to get some help with cleaning that up, but firstly you…" With a playful approach, $vinname swirls their finger at you. "Need to sign your blueprints, dear heart." [[You raise your brow at the digit. "I already signed my name."(You are not touch adverse.)|name choice][$touchadverse=1]] [[You pause, tightening your fist at the incoming finger, before easing. "I already signed it."(You are touch adverse but not to those you trust.|name choice][$touchadverse=2]] [[With a step back, that makes you bump into the books towering over the room, you say. "I've already written my name."(You are touch adverse.)|name choice][$touchadverse=3]]

You have reached the current end of the demo! I am working on finishing the assassin route and working on chapter one! You can find me on my tumblr if you have questions or have found any problems! https://www.tumblr.com/goblinplant <<if $warrior is true>> <<elseif $poet is true>> <<elseif $inventor is true>> <<elseif $assassin is true>> <</if>>

<<if $vinname is "Vienna">><<if $vinro is "partner">><<if $touchadverse is 1>>She stops right in front of you, lowering her finger to insead press a gentle kiss on top of your nose. "Thank you for remembering, $name." She utters, pressing another kiss on your cheek. In the back of your brain you idly note that she smells like morning dew and roses, with a hint of oil paint.<<elseif $touchadverse is 2>>Vienna moves to stand within inches of you, holding her hand stagnant in midair. Her eyes searching for any sign of discomfort, and when she finds none, she carefully, as if you'd break, reaches out to press a cold fingertip against your nose. "Thank you." She breathes, sending a waft of rose and morning dew over you, along with a faint wisp of oil paint.<<elseif $touchadverse is 3>>Vienna, knowing you by now, stops herself from touching you, and instead flicks her fingertip in the air an inch or so away from your nose. "Thank you, dearheart." With her movement comes the faint scent of her. That of morning dew on rose petals in the early hours of morning, mixed with the ever present tinge of oil paints.<</if>><<elseif $vinro is "friend">><<if $touchadverse is 1>>Vienna promptly stops herself in front of you, reaching up to press a cold finger against your nose. "Thank you, scatterbrain." She smiles at you, leaving a hint of oil paint in the air around her..<<elseif $touchadverse is 2>>Vienna pauses, as to make sure of your reaction before happily enough booping your nose with the press of a cold finger. "Thank you for remembering, $name." Her hand moves away, leaving a faint remnant of oil paint lingering in the air.<<elseif $touchadverse is 3>>Vienna mindfully refrains from touching you, regardless of how often she seeks the comfort of skin contact, and instead mimes pressing your nose. "Good, thank you!" She smiles, cascading a scent of rose, dew and oil paints over you.<</if>><<elseif $vinro is "assistant">><<if $touchadverse is 1>>Vienna, who you may not find yourself knowing as well as you wished, takes the chance and playfully boops your nose. An unbridled smile appearing on her face, making her laugh out softly. "Thank you, $name." She nods her head towards you, sending the faint smell of oil paints.<<elseif $touchadverse is 2>>Vienna, whom you have never truly been all to close to, seems to take your every move into thought. But seems to settle on hastily pressing a cold finger to your nose, pulling it aside almost as quick as she can. "I- Thank you." She breathes out, sending a breeze of oil paint towards you as she does.<<elseif $touchadverse is 3>>Almost forgetting herself, Vienna goes to mindlessly boop your nose. But in the last moment catches herself, stopping only an inch from you. "Ah." She clears her throat and lowers her hand, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. "Sorry… Oh! And thank you, of course." She nods, making a scent of oil paint waft over you.<</if>><</if>><<elseif $vinname is "Vincenzo">><<if $vinro is "partner">><<if $touchadverse is 1>>He stops himself right before his finger is about to touch you, and instead leans forwards to press a barely there kiss on the tip of your nose, one that soon travels to gently kiss your cheek, then the side of your mouth. "Thank you, $name." The words are spoken with a reverence, that only seem to heighten the scent of sandalwood and oil paint he carries.<<elseif $touchadverse is 2>>Vincenzo isn't a man who hesitates. Unless it comes to you. So for a moment he pauses his hand, and moves it to cup your cheek. Pressing a soft kiss on the bridge of your nose as he does. "Thank you, dearheart, for making my life brighter." He breaths, the scent of oil paint and sandalwood engulfing you.<<elseif $touchadverse is 3>>Vincenzo has always been the one to go for what he wants, with little thought, until you. With you each touch is revered as sacred, a rare and wondrous notion not commonly experienced. Yet he never complains. So his finger pauses, hovering aimlessly an inch from you, before he dramatically moves it to his lips. "How I wish I could show you my gratitude, alas I suppose a simple thank you will do." He exhales, drafting a scent of sandalwood and oil paint across your face. "<</if>><<elseif $vinro is "friend">><<if $touchadverse is 1>>Vincenzo happily approaches you, pressing a cold finger to your nose with a grin. "Thank you, dearheart!" As he pulls away, his sleeves leaves a hint of sandalwood in the air, one mixed with the ever present scent of oil paints the man always seems to carry with him.<<elseif $touchadverse is 2>>Vincenzo pauses for a moment as he now stands in front of you, his finger hovering in the air in front of you. "Thank you, $name." He finally says, hastily pressing his finger against your nose when finished speaking. Leaving you with an aroma of oil paints, and a hint of sandalwood.<<elseif $touchadverse is 3>>Vincenzo dramatically pauses, as if chewing something over, until settling on flicking the air inches from your nose. Sending a waft of oil paints and sandalwood your way. "Thank you, less work for me to attempt a forgery." He grins.<</if>><<elseif $vinro is "assistant">><<if $touchadverse is 1>>Vincenzo, now having fully approached you, leaves no room for hesitation before booping your nose, a stray grin growing as he does. He leaves a smell of oil paints that trail after him. "Thank you."<<elseif $touchadverse is 2>>Vincenzo pauses, glancing you over, before settling on hastily pressing his cold finger against your nose, pulling his hand away with a rushed movement. "Thank you." He nods, leaving a hint of oil paint in the air as he moves back.<<elseif $touchadverse is 3>>Vincenzo hesitates, scanning over your face before settling on simply flicking the air in front of your nose, making a gust of oil paint wash over you. "Thank you."<</if>><</if>><</if>> Taking a step then two, away from you, $vinname clears $vinhisher throat. Swiftly turning on the spot, and with a couple steps towards the desk, $vinname eventually nods once spotting the almost fully covered blueprint, and with a happy nod rolls up the parchment into a scroll. "I shall see that Signor Oakley gets this then, it's just the copy though, right?" $vinHeShe asks, looking to the side towards you and as you give a firm nod, you are greeted with a sweet smile, softened at the edges. "Then I will return within the hour." And with that, $vinname excuses $vinself, the blueprint the two of you had spent what felt like a life on, tucked securely under their arm. Disappearing down the stairs after avoiding the scattered shards of pottery and dirt at the end of the hall. With a heavy sigh, one filled with <<if $personality is "gentle">>sleepless nights <<elseif $personality is "violent">>angry cuts on your fingers<<elseif $personality is "stoic">>hours of double checking equations<<elseif $personality is "bashful">>worriedly wandering the room<<elseif $personality is "extrovert">>going over notes with $vinname<</if>>and many cups of tea, you wander to the hallway. The tile echoing against the rounded ceiling as you step closer to the disaster. [[And so you start the least exciting 30 minutes of your life.|wow]]

Eventually, the hallway returns to normal, the chipped painted glaze free of any dirt or stray pottery piece. You did however get distracted, seeing as half the time, Miette would rocket up the stairs and accost what little piece you had managed to find, first by attempting to bat shards down the stairs, then by her tail sweeping whatever dirt you had piled up back to be strewn across the floor. But for once, your mind had been free of thought. As you get up, your knees click, and then you hear it. At first the ever so faint sound of gravel crunching under feet, then the telltale sound of wheels. Hollowed out wooden wheels you've spent hours around, the sound ingrained in your memory, almost melodic in a way. And with little regard to the dirt you scatter back across the hall, you bound down the stairs with a feeling of… [[Anger, only you are allowed to move your life's work.|oh no][$violent+=5,$cruel+=5,$choice=1]] [[Fear, of all things to possibly be stolen, why did it have to be this?|oh no][$bashful+=5,$introvert+=5,$choice=2]] <<if $vinname is "Vienna">> [[Curiosity, why would anyone but you, and perhaps Vienna know of your work?|oh no][$light+=5,$kind+=5,$choice=3]] <<elseif $vinname is "Vincenzo">>[[Curiosity, why would anyone but you, and perhaps Vincenzo know of your work?|oh no][$light+=5,$kind+=5,$choice=3]]<</if>> [[Unusual worry, something in you is making you feel a sense of emotion you find yourself usually able to suppress.|oh no][$prag+=5,$stoic+=5,$choice=4]] [[Eagerness, if someone is willing to steal from you, that means they have heard of you, and that? Is thrilling.|oh no][$extrovert+=5,$charming+=5,$choice=5]]

<<if $choice is 1>>With all you have you slam the door open, rushing out in your sandals. The sun instantly beats down on you, blinding you momentarily, this only fuels your anger. As you blink away the discomfort with a low growl, all you need is a sign of your life's work still being close to still the inferno blazing in your chest, an inferno almost as strong as the heat rolling off the ground to spread up your legs. <<elseif $choice is 2>>With little regard the door slams open before you, your feet coming to a stop as the sun mercilessly blinds you. Like a deer caught in the hunters' snare, momentarily paralysed. By using your hand as a temporary shield to the unending light, you give yourself only some time to recover, letting your eyes scan down the pathway to the dirt road. The blindness leaves a feeling akin to a moth, perilously fluttering against a flame, sending a fear so all engulfing with its chill grip. A stark contrast to how the heat rippling from the ground seems to lick up your legs like that of a fire trying to catch.<<elseif $choice is 3>>The overwhelming curiosity wins out, deafening the loud thwack of the door hitting against the houses outer wall. And almost as if intentionally, the blinding brightness from the sun steals another of your senses, leaving you with a stumbling step further out onto the gravel path. One of your hands attempts to shield against it, but a bit too late, making you unable to do more than try to blink away the discomfort. The gravel that is under your feet seems to shift for a moment, as if exhaling, sending an undeniable feeling of warmth to ripple and crawl up your legs, as if a small kitten was to try and climb the length of your <<if $gender is "man">>pant legs.<<elseif $gender is "woman">>socks onto your chemise.<<elseif $gender is "person">>trousers.<</if>> <<elseif $choice is 4>>As you throw yourself out into the yard, you can hear the door complain as its wooden frame is swung against the outer wall. All while under your feet the gravel seems to crack and crumble with spewing heat that trails up your unguarded legs, licking at the skin like a flame would. A wave of unnamed fear grips at your throat, even more so as the sun bashes down upon your eyes, sending your surroundings into a blinding white. Imperceptible. It takes you a moment to blink out off to regain your sight, but for that split moment, something primal had engulfed you with a grip so strong it threatened to topple you over. <<elseif $choice is 5>>What little composure you had before is quickly gone once you rush outside. Letting the door hit against the outer wall with a loud thud, the sound dulled by the gripping feeling coalescing in your gut. Almost as if on cue, the sun blinds you with harsh rays, sending a wave of white light to muddle all shapes. It leaves you with only the faint impression of the gravel under your feet, and the crawling heat that climbs up your legs to grip at your skin. The heat is almost enough to send something other than curiosity and eagerness through you, perhaps a saner $gender would have felt some sense of fear.<</if>> As the world fades back in, the sound becomes more pressing, like a tinkling of wind chimes as a siren's call, beckoning you towards your life's work. Except, the sound seems to be echoing to surround you. Spiralling to weave itself through the very fibers of your surroundings and suffocate you. The gravel path is blurred, almost as if viewed through a glass filled with murky water, making every light fan out into that of a shooting star. You shake your head, trying to undo whatever spell has been cast over you. But it does little besides make the melodic ring of wheels and wind chimes a violent and sharp shrill scream. <<if $choice is 1>>You grind your teeth, a sharp hiss escaping from between them.<elseif $choice is 2>>You let out a small whimper, the sound warbling past tightly shut lips.<<elseif $choice is 3>>You let out a gasp, the breath taken right from your lungs.<<elseif $choice is 4>>You try to remain impassive, but there's an involuntary grunt that is breathed out.<<elseif $choice is 5>>You shut your eyes tight, gulping down a large intake of air.<</if>> The sound shifts, uniting with that of voices. Unknown words spoken in rushed whispers as loud as crumbling mountains. "You said you saw <<if $gender is "man">>him<<elseif $gender is "woman">>her<<elseif $gender is "person">>them<</if>> leave!" The heat spreads, like sparks trickling over your skin. "Shit! No.. NO!" Like fireworks igniting. [[And dying with a resolute end.|character customisation]]

<<if $dufreiero is "partner">>You can feel the weight behind his words, the accusation of trusting an officer when most of them are so closely tied to the empire. But this was different, Du Freie held the same amount of dislike for the blue bloods as you did. The trust you two shared was unique, even if Bruno lacked the understanding of it. "I will, if I remember. How much is it this time?" <<elseif $dufreiero is "friend">>Trusting someone so close to the elite was a risky call to make, even more so when they were an officer of the law. But part of you held the belief that Du Freie was different, you two shared contempt for the blue bloods. "How much are you owed?" <</if>> "35 euran." Bruno mutters, moving around the table to unpin the map. The large parchment struggling slightly before fluttering into a roll. "35.. 35?!" You can feel your jaw drop. 35 euran was more than the wage a palace guard would get biweekly, let alone far more than you knew Bruno could afford. <<if $personalitytrait is gentle>>"Bruno…<<if $bruno is 10>>Is there any way I can help?" You start. "Are you in need of the money urgently?" Bruno's brown eyes meet yours momentarily and he lets out a chuckle. "You worry about me too much, Nightingale." Even through the reprimand there's warmth, and his attempt at dissuading your worry falls flat. "Of course I do. We are family." Whatever it was you said has him pausing, his expression turning pained in a manner he can't quite mask. "Aye. Family." He mutters out, mind elsewhere as his grip on the map he was trying to manhandle into the bag begins to unfurl in protest. <<elseif $bruno is 5>>I'll see what I can do, I have some money with me-" "No, no. Don't bother Nightingale. I can handle a few days of waiting." Bruno looks at you from where he is trying to manhandle the scroll, his brown eyes crinkled in amusement, all before a scowl appears at said parchment unfurling slightly in his grip. "Shit…!" <<elseif $bruno lt 0>>I can't promise I will get it all in one go, but I will try." You start, but before you can continue Bruno has raised his hand. "Any of it back would be a blessing." He huffs, a small muttered cuss leaving him as the scroll he had been trying to manhandle into his bag unfurls. <</if>> <<elseif $personalitytrait is violent>>The amount boggles you for a moment more, before you let out a laugh. "Saints be damned… 35 euran? Bruno…!<<<<if $bruno is 10>>You should know well enough not to-" "Save it, I don't need you lecturing me." There's a warning in his tone, but it's heavily drenched in familiarity, a stubborn annoyance that's saved exclusively to you. You and the scroll that begins to unfurl in his hand as he attempts to manhandle it into fitting into his bag. <<elseif $bruno is 5>>How in the hells-" You grit out. Eyes wide as you stare at the older man. "Yes, yes I know! I know!" There's a hint of amusement hidden in there, yet it's somewhat drowned by the aggravation the scroll unfurling in his hand is causing. <<elseif $bruno lt 0>>That's more money than some of us see in a year, and you just-" Anger festers inside your chest. "Oh spare me, you are far from perfect either, Nightingale." There's a snarl in his voice, and it's fully aimed at you. Like sharpened talons of a hawk. Talons that seem more eager to swipe at you rather than keep the map contained as the parchment begins to unfurl.<</if>><<elseif $personality is stoic>>Slowly you close your mouth. <<if $bruno is10>>"I will do my best." You simply wind up saying, standing a bit taller to emphasise the point. This alone makes Bruno chuckle. "Aye? Well, I am honoured that you are on my side with this then." "It is what families do, they aid each other." It was meant as a comfort, but from the way Bruno recoils, you might as well have stabbed his hand with a dagger. Which you might have, seeing as his grip loosens and the map he was trying to manhandle into his bag unfurls.<<elseif $bruno is 5>>"Is it urgent?" He shakes his head. "No, not urgent, I have…" He pauses and glances away for a split moment. "I have other means for money in the works." This alone lets his attention drift, causing the parchment halfway stuffed in his bag to begin to unfurl.<<elseif $bruno lt 0>>"I'll bring it up when I see them." "Aye, thank you." Is all he says to that, barely sparing a glance your way with a resolute nod. "Ah shit…" He whispers as the parchment he had jsut halfway manhandled into his bag begins to protest, unfurling in his grip. <</if>><<elseif $personalitytrait is bashful>>You flounder at the mere price for a moment, doing your best to mentally calculate what all that money could have possibly gone. <<if $bruno is 10>>"Th-That is a lot of money. I hope…" With a pause you glance at him, pursing your lips for a moment. "You aren't in trouble are you?" "No, I am- I am fine." Bruno gives you a small smile, that crinkles his eyes in the corners. "Thank you for worrying." "Always. You are like kin to me." With a pause he looks down at his bag, the half stuffed map beginning to unfurl. "Aye, kin."<<elseif $bruno is 5>>"I would offer you-" You begin, making the older man's attention shift momentarily. Enough for his grip to loosen and the half stuffed map to try and unfurl it's way out of the bag he was trying to manhandle it into. "No need, I have some money coming my way soon." <<elseif $bruno lt 0>>"Oh… That's… Quite the sum." You wind up saying, making the older man pause, then let out a string of expletives as he attempts to keep manhandling the rolled up map into his back from where it had started to unfurl. "That it is, and I do not wish to speak anymore of it." <</if>> <<elseif $personalitytrait is extrovert>>A laugh escapes you, and you struggle to stop it. <<if $bruno is 10>>"What in the everblazing hells did you do that for you fool?" A flicker of amusement washes over him, and he too joins your laugh for a moment, until clearing his throat and straightening his posture. Half stuffed into his bag the rolled map begins to unfurl, unknown to Bruno as he replies. "A lapse of judgement, nothing more." "Well, worry not, I'll be sure to get every coin back to you." He nods, then lets out a loud sigh at the rebelling paper trying to find it's way out.<<elseif $bruno is 5>>"Sorry." You snicker, wiping away a stray tear from your eye, all while the older man has to restart stuffing the map into his bag, seeing as the parchment was beginning to unfurl in protest at the manhandling he was giving it. "It's not that funny." He mutters, frowning at you. Yet you don't miss the way his eyes crinkle fondly at your antics. "I know, I am sorry. I'll help, don't worry." <<elseif $bruno lt 0>>"Well that's unfortunate, you silly old man." With a final snicker you look at him, only to be met with a look of pure disdain. A look that swipes the smile of your face quicker than he could blink. "Aye." Is all he says, lips tightly pressed together. And as if divine intervention, his ire is soon shifted towards the unfurling map trying to find its way out of his bag. "Blasted rats." <</if>><</if>> Bruno gives you one last glance before nodding towards the door, busying himself with trying to wrangle the worn paper back down to properly fit into its constraints. <<if $bruno is 10>>"Love ya, <<cycle $gender autoselect>> <<option lass>><<option lad>><<option bud>><</cycle>>."<<elseif $bruno is 5>>"Take care now, <<cycle $gender autoselect>> <<option lass>><<option lad>><<option bud>><</cycle>>."<<elseif $bruno lt 0>>"Watch yourself out there, <<cycle $gender autoselect>> <<option lass>><<option lad>><<option bud>><</cycle>>."<</if>> "Oh and-" He pauses, finally victorious in packing his things. [["Ah, nevermind."]] <<if $dufreiegender is "her">> <<set $duheshe to "she">><<set $duhimher to "her">><<set $duhisher to "her">><<set $duhishers to "hers">><<set $duHeShe to "She">><<set $duHimHer to "Her">><<set $duHisHer to "Her">><<set $duHisHers to "Hers">><<set $duname to "Edwina">><<set $duself to "herself">><<set $duSelf to "Herself">> <<elseif $dufreiegender is "his">><<set $duheshe to "he">><<set $duhimher to "him">><<set $duhisher to "his">><<set $duhishers to "his">><<set $duHeShe to "He">><<set $duHimHer to "Him">><<set $duHisHer to "His">><<set $duHisHers to "His">><<set $duname to "Edward">><<set $duself to "himself">><<set $duSelf to "Himself">> <</if>>

The normally lively streets of Roiderich seem almost barren as you make your way down one of several cobbled streets. Normally you'd expect to find the occasional early riser or still awake night owl flitting about without a care, yet this morning it seemed like the only company you'd get was from the bugs cowering under your feet. Safely coddled between laid bricks. The meeting had ended around half an hour ago and you think back on it as your hand grazes over the keys in your pocket, feeling for every bump and divot, from years of being carefully handled by Bruno. The ring was usually found at home by the man's side, tied securely to his belt. You take a left turn to start heading down an almost hidden alley, nestled between a large wall of brick houses backsides. Grime and mold growing up the grouted walls like illustrations of things only privy to the artist. In your hand the keys almost feel momentarily heavier, the texture of smooth metal only able to sooth so much of the growing unease within you. Normally 'packages' were left in more populated areas. Afterall who was to notice one stray person that hung behind in a street crowded enough to bring a nobleman's ball to shame? But this shouldn't feel as odd as it did. Yet over your head there's an unforgivable feeling of wrongness, one that only grows as nimble fingers trace and explore metal that is all too… perfect. You stop. Standing with your boots almost dipped into a muddled puddle. [[You hold back the urge to stomp your foot into it, but just barely.|key][$violent+=5,$cruel+=5,$choice=1]] [[You take a large breath and then exhale, trying to release all that energy buzzing under your skin.|key][$gentle+=5,$stoic+=5,$choice=2]] [[With a small flick of your foot you send some of the dirty water to splatter onto the wall, it's enough to make you calm only momentarily.|key][$light+=5,$extrovert+=5,$choice=3]] [[You take a flustered step to the side, giving the puddle a wide berth.|key][$kind+=5,$bashful+=5,$chocie=4]] <<if $gender is "lad">><<set $heshe to "he">><<set $Heshe to "He">><<set $himher to "him">><<set $Himher to "Him">><<set $hisher to "his">><<set $Hisher to "His">><<set $hishers to "his">><<set $Hishers to "His">><<set $self to "himself">><<set $Self to "Himself">><<set $Gender "man">> <<elseif $gender is "lass">><<set $heshe to "she">><<set $Heshe to "She">><<set $himher to "her">><<set $Himher to "Her">><<set $hisher to "her">><<set $Hisher to "Her">><<set $hishers to "hers">><<set $Hishers to "Hers">><<set $self to "herself">><<set $Self to "Herself">><<set $Gender to "woman">> <<elseif $gender is "bud">><<set $heshe to "they">><<set $Heshe to "They">><<set $himher to "them">><<set $Himher to "Them">><<set $hisher to "their">><<set $Hisher to "Their">><<set $hishers to "theirs">><<set $Hishers to "Theirs">><<set $self to "themself">><<set $Self to "Themself">><<set $Gender to "person">> <</if>>

'In Memoriam, $name.' Engraved through the patina and into the copper base. It gives the cursive font of your name an almost fiery look, much like the dying embers left to be snuffed out in a fireplace once the wood outlived its purpose. "Well, well, well." A gruff voice calls out from behind you, making you turn with a <<if $choice is 1>>scowl. Instantly having your hackles raised and for good reason.<<elseif $choice is 2>>concealed frown, standing straighter with brows furrowed. <<elseif $choice is 3>>small smile, though hesitant as you trail your eyes over the owner of the voice.<<elseif $choice is 4>>jolt, hands coming to clutch the keys tighter against your chest.<</if>> "If it isn't $name, the voice of the 'free people'." The owner of the voice takes a step closer, not that it was hard to identify him, though it seems this time he brought a group of lackeys alongside him. Marquis Delaney, a self imposed officer of the blue bloods. A bastard that took intense pleasure in the pain and hardship of the lower class, which is exactly why he practically bought the role of executioner. You know him all too well, seeing as his hand has been the one to strike down upon your people many times with as little remorse as when a cat would pounce on a mouse. "You are a hard $Gender to find." He lets out a small chuckle, letting his icy blue eyes travel over your body, a small smile beginning to grow on his lips only to vanish as a younger officer stumbles over a raised stone from the cobbled street and almost fully into him. "Jaques, do you require assistance? Or is standing above your intellect?" The new recruit recoils to take a few steps back, fumbling to a halt before shaking his head. "No! Sorry- I..Sorry." Jaques voice is quickly overshadowed by another Officer, this one having settled with leaning onto the dirt covered wall with a sleazy smile. "This is the nightingale? Wonder if we can find a way to make $himher sing for us." He finishes by licking over his teeth with a far too sharp smile aimed at you. Eyes glinting dangerously from under a mess of dark hair. <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">>It makes your entire body shiver, which unfortunately for you, seems to be exactly the reaction he wished to pull from you. "Shit… Look at you, already shaking and we haven't even touched ya yet." He takes a step closer before being yanked back sharply by a fourth officer.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">>By your side your fist clenches, and you bare your teeth at him. "Oh feisty, don't worry, I'll teach you how to be nice in no time." He goes to step closer but it yanked back by a fourth officer.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">>You lack a response to give him, which seems to deter him momentarily before his twisted smile comes back with a worrying speed. "Ah, don't worry doll, I'm sure I can coax a few notes out of those lips of yours." He goes to saunter closer, but is sharply pulled back by a fourth officer.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">>You feel your breath run short, and your eyes flit around between them all, unsure who to put your full focus on. "Shit $heshetheyre all shy, I love it." He snickers, about to take a step closer until he's pulled back by a fourth officer.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">>You can't do more than release a held breath in the form of a laugh, looking him up and down before rolling your eyes with disinterest. He stands up straighter and lets out a growl. "Oh yeah? What not good enough for that pretty face of yours?" there's an attempt to take a step forward before being pulled back by a fourth officer.<</if>> "Enough, Francis." Her tone is enough to make the man lower his head in some form of shame before he mutters out a small. "Yes, yes, sorry Nicole." Nicole's eyes travel to pass by Delaney and stop on you. "Let's just arrest $himher. Enough of this peacocking about." This earns a snort from Francis who instantly raises his hands at her and takes a step back as he's gained a glare in his direction. Delaney seems to be barely containing a look of rage, his jaw tightly clamped shut. Though throughout the entire time his eyes have yet to leave you. "I have waited years for this. To get you all alone and defenseless." He inhales through his nose and attempts a smile. "This will be divine." [[You have survived worse things, you can survive this.|ohgosh!][$prag+=5,$stoic,$choice=1]] [[Surely you can find a way to talk your way out of this.|ohgosh!][$extrovert+=5,$charming+=5,$choice=2]] [[There's some sick part of you that is almost looking forward to seeing them bleed.|ohgosh!][$violent+=5,$cruel+=5,$choice=3]] [[You were never one for violence, and that won't change now either.|ohgosh!][$bashful+=5,$gentle+=5,$chocice=4]] [[You can take a few of them down with you, of that you are sure.|ohgosh!][$light+=5,$ideal+=5,$choice=5]]

<<if $choice is 1>>It starts as a slight prickle in your skin, the urge to release some form of anger enough to make your body thrum with unused energy. But your hold back, this once settling on watching the slight ripple from a pebble hitting the surface to be enough to cool you down.<<elseif $choice is 2>>The cold air feels foreign and painful as you gulp it down, letting the feeling of the morning settle inside you before you let out a exhale. With it some of the pent up energy that has been buzzing seems to fade out.<<elseif $choice is 3>>As you flick your shoe into it, you instantly regret it, some of the muddy water attempting to find its way into the barely concealed warmth of your dressed foot. Though the regret and feeling of unease both seem to still slightly once the splatter hits the wall with a satisfying sound, leaving a mark similar to watercolours. If watercolours were all muddy and a greyish brown.<<elseif $choice is 4>>It would just add to whatever this coiling feeling as if you added having to clean your shoes to the list. Besides, you'd never live it down if you were to be spotted splashing about in a puddle.<</if>> Years ago when you were <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">>idealistic and young<<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">>impulsive and foolish<<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">>younger and less knowing<<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">>young and far more fumbling<<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">>unabashed and young<</if>>, you might have let the emotion consume you. You were quick to strike and lived with a small voice telling you to go out loudly. But as you grew, you learned. You had seen compatriots fall for the cause and at times change sides when given an offer that had less blood spilled than that the revolution had to offer. Gut feeling became something that was as important as trust. And right now yours was screaming. <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">>With a careful and slow hand you pull the ring of keys from your pocket, the fabric catching on the bits of the metal objects, causing you to tug the last bits out, almost sending the entire piece flying if not for a lucky grip on one of the bows. You fiddle with them until your eyes land on the offending key. The one with a patina leaving it with a sheen of beautiful greens, with a leaf that is engraved in the stem.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">>With a janky motion you rip the keyring out from your pocket, the bits digging into the fabric with enough force to fray a hole into the already worn clothing. With deft hands you twist the ring until you find the key that has been worming it's way into your brain this entire time. A worn key with a sheen of blueish patina covering the metal almost fully, with a engraved leaf on the stem.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">>You shuffle slightly on the spot before pulling the keyring out, letting it weigh down your hand fully before you search through them, landing on the key that had been worryingly present in your mind the entire time you had been walking. The sheen of patina gives it an almost ethereal look as it's lit up by the dim lights of the waking town, a leaf adorns the stem, engraved with care. <<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">>With a haste you pull out the keys, fumbling them at the last moment, making them drop into the muddied puddle at your feet. But it's easy enough to wipe off the offending grime on your coat before looking through them all, stopping by the key Bruno mentioned before. It's coloured by patina and time, with a leaf engraved with a caring and careful hand on the stem.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">>Seeing as your hand was already busying itself with fondling the keys, as it had for most of the walk here, it's not exactly a struggle to unearth the ring from your pocket. Dangling it in front of your face with an inquisitive glance as the keys jangle together in what would be a beautiful melody if not for the feeling nipping at your skin. Eventually, after a half turn of the ring you find the key in question, a patina stained old thing with marks of time covering it. On the stem there's an engraving, that of a small leaf trailing down alongside a vine.<</if>> Though the intricate design is enough to give you reason to gawk, it is what is added that gets your full attention. From a trickling vine that coils around the stem towards the bit there is a recently carved collection of words that sends a shiver to roll through you all the way into your core. It's your [[name.|name choice]]

<<if $choice is 1>>You stuff the keys you had uselessly been holding into your pocket and raise your hands in a calm manner. "Four against one? I know this is how the crown operates but doesn't this seem unfair?" Delaney doesn't react, in fact he barely shifts his gaze from yours, still smiling that borderline psychotic smile of his. Though Nicole shifts where she stands, releasing a breath she had been holding onto. "It doesn't have to end up with a fight, $name. You can just come with us." <<elseif $choice is 2>>With a charming smile you place the keys still in your hand into your pocket, all before raising them into the air as if trying to calm a beast. "Surely a gentleman such as yourself wouldn't be opposed to talking this through?" Delaney barely moves, the only indication he might be willing to hear you out being his eyes squinting slightly. Though it seems that Francis is more eager to speak up on his part. "Fuck did you hear that Nicole?" He looks over at the less than expressive woman with a smug smile. "'Gentleman.' Shit that's… that's hot, haven't been called that in ages…" Nicole gives him a look of dismay before punching his upper arm. "It wasn't even aimed at you, moron." <<elseif $choice is 3>>A wicked smile spreads over your lips as you busy your hands with stuffing the keyring you had been uselessly holding onto into your coat pocket. "I like my odds." Delaney matches your smile with one as equally wicked, his stance readying for any movement on your end. "We… we shouldn't actually hurt $himher…r-right?" The small voice of Jaques cuts through the heavy strung energy in the air, enough to make the smile on the Marquis face falter only slightly. <<elseif $choice is 4>>With a sigh you stuff the keyring you had held onto into your pocket, trying to ground yourself with the added weight pulling on your coat. "I don't want a fight." Delaney scoffs, about to say something but finding himself cut off by the eager voice of Francis. "God $heshetheyre precious. Come on, Lane… You can't really be thinking of ruining that face can you?" <<elseif $choice is 5>>With a playful smile you mindlessly stuff the keyring you had been holding into your coat pocket, all before placing your hands on your hips and looking over the group. "Well, I think I can take a couple of you down with me. I am not one to give up." Delaney barely moves, his face an impassive stone, his gaze attempting to trap you where you stand. "Oh shit, me first please." Francis laughs, his voice hitching at the end when Nicole smacks him on the arm. <</if>>

You blink once, eyes scanning across the drink, watching the bubbles race to the top before exploding in small bursts. Like fireworks. The iced drink accompanied with the hint of autumn in the evening air almost enough to raise goosebumps across your arms. "Thank you." You nod, blinking once again whilst looking up to catch a glimpse of the waiter, a man on the taller side, who had already swooped away to maneuver his way past other party goers, leaving only the colourful visage of his garb to view. Bringing up the drink to your lips you pause, taking a quick whiff of the liquid before trying to hold back from recoiling at the smell that hits you. A foul scent that curls around the air, trying to stick itself to you like a second skin, or like a leather glove soaked in sweat. Your eyes dart around you and once deemed clear the drink is hastily poured out into a nearby flower pot, the soil greedily absorbing the liquid. So there you are left standing, with a glass as empty as the stares of those around you. At least the people smelled better than the smell still lingering in your nostrils. A metallic tang coating even the inside of your mouth. //There's blood under your nails, sticky like taffy that refuses to wash off your hands. The basin at your feet keeps growing redder and redder, yet the blood doesn't fully go away. <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">>Your skin feels raw, and each rough scrub of the sponge makes you want to hurl and scream. If only you could somehow curl in on yourself enough to make the sensation of it go away.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">>The blood is ruining everything, ''you'' ruined everything. Your teeth grit together, and tears burn in your eyes as you keep scrubbing. The sponge bobbing up and down in the water, taunting your poor job at washing up.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">>You dip your hands down again, scrubbing at your skin, trying to pick at the flakes that wouldn't quite budge. At least there is comfort to be found in the repetitive motion, even though it's quickly replaced with another wave of nausea as your hands come out still coated thinly with the colour red.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">>You sniffle, tears burning at your eyes and leaving irritated marks down your cheeks. You dip your hands back in, sending the water sloshing over the edge and onto the dirt marred floor. Quietly you wipe at your cheeks, taking a blubbering breath.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">>You hate it here, you hate everyone here. You hate the way the water does nothing. But most of all, you hate that now everyone will call you a liar. Your hands dunk down into the water again and you scratch at the skin. Trying to make them as clean as you can, but they always come back out the same red.<</if>> // "He'll be here soon." The voice sends you out of your spiral, making your head snap to the side. Somehow, as you had found yourself distracted, one of the minister's guards had found his way to your side. Judas. 'A blade from the empire first, guard second.'A voice reminds you, sounding an awful lot like the Empress of blades, Marcelle Cordellia. The same empire that took you in years ago, after you showed up at the gates with nothing but blood covered clothes, face and hands. <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">>And the heavy weighing head of some stranger's head clutched in your hands, and a look of reverence to accompany it.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">>And a fool's head hanging from your belt, all accompanied with a snarl at anyone what attempted to take it from you.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">>And a man's head idly resting under your arm, eyes as void of emotion that they still tended to be to this very day..<<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">>And a covered head cradled against your chest, all accompanied with a barely concealed wobble of your lower lip.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">>And a head swinging from your right hand accompanied with a smile a tad too unhinged to be ideal.<</if>> [[It's probably for the best that you don't remember who it was you were carrying around.|n][[$kind+=5,$gentle+=5,$choice=1]] [[All you know is that you had so much hate at that moment, it almost drowned you.|n][$violent+=5,$cruel+=5,$choice=2]] [[It left you numb, or maybe you had been numb before that too.|n][$stoic+=5,$prag+=5,$choice=3]] [[You made an entrance with that stunt, one you are still known for.|n][$light+=5,$extrovert+=5,$chocie=4]]

<<if $choice is 1>>Either way, they held great importance to you, they must have to have been carried around for- well, you don't know how long. But long enough that the blood was encrusted into your very skin, and your clothes had to be soaked to be removed. Long enough for the smell to still haunt you at moments you wish it didn't. "I'm glad to hear that, he deserves to have tonight." You nod, watching Judas intently as he stoically stands like a statue next to you. "Everyone is here for him after all."<<elseif $choice is 2>>Whether that hate was for the person you had carried around for, who knows how long, or whether it was for life itself. Well that you don't have the answer for, but by the stars, did you have enough hate to last you a lifetime. Enough that it must have seeped into your very core alongside the blood that had fused the clothes to your very skin. You had to soak in water for an hour before they could remove your tunic. "I will never understand how these nobles can throw a party and not even attend for half of it." You scoff, intently watching as Judas takes position next to you, turning his body as still as a statue, much like one you'd expect to see around the estate. You attempt to fill the moment with swishing around your drink, only to mid motion remember the lack of liquid. You click your tongue and try to ignore the faint upward lift of Judas' lips. <<elseif $choice is 3>>You had been numb the moment you showed up at the gates, and remained numb as you soaked in hot water to be able to peel off the blood encrusted clothes fused to your skin. And when they took that head from your hands? You still felt… Numb. Though the smell will forever haunt you. Part of you felt some worry for the day your shielding of the world would shatter and emotions would rush in to fill every crevice of you, but mostly that feeling was buried deep. "I see." Is all you say in response, wishing you had a drink to busy yourself with instead of being left with a heavy silence between the two of you, and an empty glass hovering uselessly in your hand. From an outside perspective, you would suppose it was almost comedic how fast the two of you regained a statuesque stance. As if a competition to see just who was the most stoic in the moment.<<elseif $choice is 4>>At times you can still hear new recruits speak of it, that small moment in your life that became something so acutely monumental. But at that moment, you don't remember much besides the following fussing about, and how you were rushed to take a heavenly warm soak in a tub that slowly peeled the encrusted clothes from your skin and how the heavy coating smell of decay was covered by that of rosewater and herbs. You still don't know who it was you held, nor what happened to them afterwards. But you do know that even now there are times where the smell of rosewater makes you feel sick. "Great! Not that I am opposed to waiting around a bit longer." You start, giving him a charming smile that falters slightly at just how minimal his reaction to you is. The man remains standing like a statue next to you, though his eyes remain peeled to yours. And that is enough for you to keep going. "I am certain this whole party would have been better if I got to spend it with your delightful company." A faint blush spreads across his pale cheeks, and he looks away to clear his throat, offering you a small simple nod. A win in your book.<</if>> You look down at your glass, mindlessly placing it to balance on the flowerpots edge. And with poorly concealed anticipation the crowd slowly grows more quiet until a simmer of small talk and fussing gets tossed about. All at the entry of a utterly mediocre man, in what must be his 50's, with a mediocre suit in the autumnal fashion colours and a mediocre attempt at doing his hair, and attached to his arm? A woman, Cassidora, who is far out of his league with an expression <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">>of pure boredom, and a hint of something deeper in the smile she has put on for the occasion. Responsibility.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">>of pure boredom, and perhaps a hint of disdain hidden in her blank smile.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">>rivaling yours and Judas' with how blank it is, regardless of the smile she is attempting to put on.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">>of boredom that she is attempting to cover with a demure smile.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">>of utter boredom, one you can relate to, though you would do a better job at the smile. Hers is lacking, but why would that matter? She's merely decoration to the prime minister.<</if>> You can tell how her smile grows slightly, but only momentarily, all while glancing sideways. Straight at a guard who meets her gaze with an equal matching look of pure reverence. Interesting. Yet your focus is drawn back to the man that seems to be taking everyone but her attention. There he was, your [[target.]]

The prime minister of Khazan, Fiodore Clement. Though perhaps a few years ago he would have been considered a good looking man, ex-military, having served under the Queen in the naval troops, came back from the war with more opinions that brain cells and with one leg shorter than what he left with. Though all of that was to his advantage in the start. A respectable white man, with a good family wealth and name. The perfect politician. That was until all that unsolved and unattended hatred began to boil and bubble to the surface. //"He'll find a wife and she will be able to calm him down."// Except she didn't. As if that was her job to begin with. But like most if not all politicians elected by their societal stance alone, they corrupt. A careful movement is made by your side, making your attention divert to yet again be aimed at Judas. "I trust you are the right<<cycle "$gender" autoselect>> <<option man>><<option woman>><<option person>><</cycle>> for this job." He mutters, standing a bit taller on this spot, accentuating his already broad build. [["The best." You say with a smile.|man][$kind+=5,$light+=5,$choice=1]] [["We will see." You nod.|man][$stoic+=5,$gentle+=5,$choice=2]] [["I- I always do my best." You attempt a smile.|man][$bashful+=5,$introvert+=5,$choice=3]] [["Never had any complaints." You wink.|man][$charming+=5,$extrovert+=5,$choice=4]] [["Care to find out?" You snarl at him.|man][$violent+=5,$cruel+=5,$choice=5]]

<<if $choice is 1>>A small smile finds itself onto your lips and it blends in with those on the guests around you. Leaving you momentarily feeling less than a killer for hire, instead making you almost feel like one of the members of fine society. "The best."you nod, subtly adding on a "I've been told." at the end for some sense of modesty. Either way it's enough to make the tall man grunt out an affirmative. His body never quite turning to face you, instead keeping itself towards where the prime minister is currently being crowded.<<elseif $choice is 2>>With a sharp nod you keep your eyes towards the prime minister. He is currently being surrounded by several eager people, both men and women, gallivanting themselves in front of him. "We shall see." You wind up saying, if only to fill the temporary void of conversation between you. Either way it's enough to make the broad man next to you grunt out an affirmative, his eyes, much like yours, never quite leaving Fiodore.<<elseif $choice is 3>>You stand taller in the moment, feeling a faint heat spread across your cheeks. "I-" You close your mouth as he glances over towards you, noticing <<if $gender is "woman">>how his eyes briefly fall towards your lips, making his expression soften slightly before hardening again as he flits his gaze back up to meet yours.<<elseif $gender is "man">>how he seems to be struggling to keep his eyes meeting yours, instead of dropping down to glance at your lips.<<elseif $gender is "person">>how his eyes briefly shoot down to glance at your lips before snapping back up to meet your eye once again.<</if>> If you were struggling with words before it has only tripled in difficulty, and you can feel your cheeks blaze. "I always do my best. Sir." You try to ignore the way a smile seems to be forming on his lips in your peripheral. Instead focusing on the crowd currently vying for the attention of the man you were sent to kill. And proudly you can say you maintained focus as the only response to your claim is a firm grunt from Judas.<<elseif $choice is 4>>With a self assured smile you send a wink his way. "Never had any complaints." It's enough to earn a groan. One that seems to have been a long time coming from the man. "I doubt anyone would dare to tell you otherwise." He mutters, eyes staying on the crowd currently surrounding the minister, his body shifting slightly when a man seems to get too comfortable touching Fiodore. He stills once the man is removed.<<elseif $choice is 5>>"Care to find out?" The veiled threat is growled from your throat, and momentarily you wish you had a drink to keep your hands busy. Maybe putting it aside wasn't the best move on your end. "I'll manage." He declines with a sigh, and a lesser man than him would have rolled his eyes. Though his has remained on the prime minister, not once having left his sight. Itäs enough to turn your attention, albeit still fizzling with annoyance, back to the man you are here to kill. Surrounding him is a small menagerie of men and women, all vying to get his attention on this special night.<</if>> Though Fiodore seems more than capable of handling them, his lips moving around words that seem to soothe those around him, putting them at ease whilst also managing to keep a strong aura of authority. The small rumble of conversation that had been hushed at his arrival all seem to slowly bubble back to the same extent it was at before, if not a bit more enthused now that the guest of honour had finally showed. It leaves the garden you all stand in to return to a more festive mood, waiters shuffling about to offer libations to all those in range. An opening is revealed, the initial crowd of stragglers around him having died down to a minimum of a soiree this size. Normally the way you handled business was the same, <<cycle "$assassintype" autoselect>> <<cycle "$assassintype" autoselect>> <<option "you did it with stealth, a cloaked dagger, poisons, a well aimed shot. (Stealth, unfininished)" Stealth>> <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">>Quick, merciful. It's the least you could do for their loved ones, to give them a clear death, not one shrouded behind dramatics. <<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">>Fast, efficient. And each death gave you purpose. It stilled the rage threatening to consume you, for that alone your victim deserved something quick, something kind. Unlike you.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">>Fast, proficient. Done in minutes to give them the peace of dying well, and for you to be able to move on. Brush off the pain and the blood. <<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">>Quick, kind. What you did wasn't pretty, it was cruel, but the small kindness you could offer was that of a, moderately, painless death. For the sake of their families. The ones that loved them. <<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">>Rushed, effective. You were a killer, but you were not fully unkind. There are small mercies, in giving someone a death that's kind enough to be quick. But you still wished for flair, in a bizarre egotistic way…<</if>> <<option "flirtation, a lingering glance, a game of seduction few could deny.(Seduction)" Seduction>> <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">>You make them happy in their final moments. With roles played to perfection, molded into what they needed you to be. Perhaps it is more for you in the end, to be gazed upon like something worth revering, even from dying eyes, with them so far from realizing the one they fell for is no one but a siren. It haunts you the same in the end, regardless of it all.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">>There's such satisfaction in it, the ruse. To have someone at the brink of happiness, like you are the answer to their deepest wishes. And to have the power to rip it from them like the feathers of a dove. You played them well, with teasing sharp remarks strong enough to make even the worst of men blush. So easy in the end, to make them revere you.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">>If even for a moment, it gives you the chance to pretend. You can become a tempest, all flair and emotion in personas you could only dream of ever being in reality. It was like standing on the very edge of a cliff, so close to crash alongside the waves into the rocks and to be formed alongside them into something so unknown to you. Yet it's all you dared, to play the role of someone with far more than you could ever be. To make someone think they finally broke past your walls, to give them the illusion of satisfaction in getting to 'know' you. <<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">>It was nerve wracking to do. But from experience your typical bashfulness played into your favour. It was sick really, how many men and women delighted in you fumbling. They saw you as a lamb, with shaking legs and quivering hands, as one to be protected. That alone could bring you far, the right amount of flustered words, stolen glances and shy laughs. And in the end, that's all it took.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">>The world was your stage, and you played your role well. The delight in playing the flirt whose heart is slowly being stolen by your victim? A role for the ages so easily absorbed. After all, what is more flattering than the belief that someone who has an interest in all has suddenly forgotten everyone but you? <</if>> <<option "with what some would see as bloodthirst."(Brutalist, unfinished)" Brutalist>><<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">>The thrill of the kill, the victory of the hunt. You try to be merciful, to make it as quick as possible for the sake of being true to yourself. But your truth is also to relish in the art of what you do. How to break someone before ending them, to make them want death. You bring them mercy by doing your job, to make you kind for helping them escape their pain. <<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">>You couldn't wish for a better profession. You are the embodiment of death, a sign of the end. You harbor no ill will towards them, not really, in fact you are thankful. If not for the need to kill those deserving, you would be out of your favorite pastime. Slaughtering.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">>Blood, in its purest form temporarily makes you… whole. To be the one to hold all the power, to choose who lives and dies. You can't remember the last time you've felt complete outside of killing. Perhaps it's the fulfillment of the role you have? At least you hope so, the alternative is the cause for the gnawing at your stomach afterwards.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">>Blood, red like the one in your veins. You've spilled enough for a lifetime, or so you keep telling yourself. It's enough to hate the people you kill, but somewhere in the process you've begun to hate who it turns you into. The quiet lamb in the herd suddenly finding itself with sharp fangs as it stands in front of the wolves. At what point are the corpses at your feet no longer those needed but those killed in sick enjoyment? <<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">>It's like a dance, a waltz you get to lead. Sure most dances usually don't end up with half the party dead, but something in you just takes over. Like an instinctual act of self preservation. You aren't a good person, you know that, but when they look at you with such fear as the music begins to fade? Then you certainly don't feel like one.<</if>><</cycle>> This would be no different, the same old act over again. Most of the time yet never even get to know your [[name.|nickname choice]] <<if $gender is "man">><<set $heshe to "he">><<set $Heshe to "He">><<set $himher to "him">><<set $Himher to Him>><<set $hisher to "his">><<set $Hisher to "His">><<set $hishers to "his">><<set $Hishers to "His">><<set $self to "himself">><<set $Self to "Himself">> <<elseif $gender is "woman">><<set $heshe to "she">><<set $Heshe to "She">><<set $himher to "her">><<set $Himher to "Her">><<set $hisher to "her">><<set $Hisher to "Her">><<set $hishers to "hers">><<set $Hishers to "Hers">><<set $self to "herself">><<set $Self to "Herself">> <<elseif $gender is "person">><<set $heshe to "they">><<set $Heshe to "They">><<set $himher to "them">><<set $Himher to "Them">><<set $hisher to "their">><<set $Hisher to "Their">><<set $hishers to "theirs">><<set $Hishers to "Theirs">><<set $self to "themself">><<set $Self to "Themself">> <</if>>

You didn't need a name as an assassin, did you? They called you… <<textbox "$nickname" Brutus>> Perhaps an odd thing to be called, but few questioned it, or you. You kept your true name hidden, [[like a secret in your chest.|name choice]]

Then again, at times it feels like you barely know it yourself- "$nickname." A baritone voice calls out, making <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">>you jump out of your thoughts.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">>your trigger finger twitch idly against your palm.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">>it's way through the fog surrounding your thoughts.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">>you flinch out of your thoughts.<<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">>you put on a delicate smile.<</if>> Shuffling your way is the all too eager Fiodore, having left his entourage and wife behind the moment he spotted you standing to the sidelines. There's almost an unadulterated joy in his step, one that he had lacked when first arriving to the festivities. He stops a few steps in front of you, and less than subtly gives Judas a sharply aimed look, one that sends the broader man away with a small nod and an almost unnoticeable sigh. Though the moment the bodyguard is out of his line of sight, he no longer can contain his emotions, out of sight out of mind. Seeing how a smile that makes him at least 10 years younger appears, leaving you with a suddenly 40 something man all too eager to gain any favor with you. It isn't uncalled for, you made sure the portraits they sent of you were as charming as they could be, while remaining as close to the true thing. However the way the letters had been written was more or less out of your hands, in fact, you had only been given the privilege of scanning over the words briefly before they had been sent. You got to keep your usual alias, $nickname. Which in his responses, according to him, had sounded very 'exotic' and 'exciting'. He had eventually taken to signing himself off as 'Blade'. Other than the occasional input from you was made, how you wished to be painted in his eyes. He had taken to you. In what quickly turned into a rather creepy fascination with you. It had started pretty small, with questions about your likes, dislikes. But it had at some point turned into him painting out a bizarre fantasy including you and him, and spiralled into him telling you about all these things he wished for the two of you to do, not inherently suggestive, but eventually delving into the depths of his depravity. <<if $gender is "man">>You being a man had initially been a bit of an issue, yet he found his own way to twist it into something he'd enjoy. 'I wonder if you will feel like a woman does? I suppose the sounds will be similar, but the taste? How I wish I could sample you from the letters alone, at times I catch myself indulging in trying to catch your scent on the parchment which you write on. Would you allow me to see you in a dress, perhaps? All pretty for me dressed in jewels, skin shining with the sheen of your sweat. You'd let me use you like a woman, wouldn't you, my love?' He had signed that letter off with his usual 'persona' and a smudged stain of what he claimed to be his perfume in the corner. <<elseif $gender is "woman">>It was easy to fall into a playful dance between the two of you, ever more so after your portrait was sent. 'My lady, the sheer beauty you harbour has made me weak to my very core. Many a night I have spent gazing upon your visage in secret, cradling you close to my heart, wishing on end I could taste you from the portrait alone. I can almost envision how you'd feel against me, your sweaty skin against mine. You are a truly thrilling experience, and I haven't fully had you… yet.' All signed off with his 'persona' and what he claimed was a stain of his perfume for you to smell. <<elseif $gender is "person">>At first it had been rather difficult to try and explain your gender identity to him. And you had to unfortunately settle on him referring to you as 'ser' and trying to awkwardly worm around your pronouns. 'My dearest, do forgive me, I have yet to fully grasp the complexities of you. You are truly an enigma, but one I am eager to explore to truly get to know. I have found myself far too often wondering about you, and do forgive my boldness, but I have found myself thinking at length about what you are hiding under your garbs. Perhaps this is why you have kept it a secret? You wish for me to ravish you and find out for myself. You will be a truly delectable gift to unravel.' All signed off with his 'persona' and a stain he claimed to be perfume that you actively avoided touching. <</if>> <<if $personalitytrait is "gentle">>Almost as if having felt your reaction himself, he keeps a small distance between you, though his fingers seem to be eager to reach out and touch from where they obsessively seem to fiddle with his middle coat button. "I am delighted to see you, $nickname." He almost whispers, as if the surrounding crowd didn't do a good enough job at filtering out even the most obnoxious of conversations. <<if $gender is "man">>"Yes… You'll do quite well…" He mutters, lowering his gaze to your lips before his face turns sour as his eyes travel further down. <<elseif $gender is "woman">>"By god…" He breathes out, letting his gaze travel down to your chest. <<elseif $gender is "person">>"Hm… Interesting choice of …" He stops himself, instead letting his eyes scan over your body, trying to linger on places you wish he wouldn't. <</if>> As if on cue his blue eyes snap back up and he leans forwards, reaching out to take your hand in his, leaning his face forwards to press a barely modest kiss onto your cheek. [[You hold back from recoiling, but only barely.(Not touch adverse.)|next scene][$touchadverse=1]] [[It takes everything in you to not recoil from him, you would sooner wish death than this, yet you have little choice. (You are touch adverse to strangers, but not those you trust.)|next scene][$touchadverse=2]] [[You can already feel him, the lingering feeling sticking to you like sticky blood, unwashable. Disgusting. You awkwardly avoid him. (You are touch adverse.)|next scene][$touchadverse=3]]<<elseif $personalitytrait is "violent">>He pauses and takes a purposeful step away from you, thankfully keeping his hands securely at either side of his body. Though from a glance alone you can tell the way his fingers keep fidgeting against the material of his coat, he wishes to reach out. You still your expression to one more fitting, trying to make the burning anger in your eyes turn into something more… heated. And if the way a faint nervous curl of his lips is any indication, you have hit the nail right on the head. "I was worried for a moment, that<<if $gender is "man">> my beautiful lady-Lord… pardon me…<<elseif $gender is "woman">>my ravishing lady<<elseif $gender is "person">>..." he glances over your attire, and his eyebrow ticks with annoyance. "Ser…<</if>> was unhappy to see me. But that isn't the case, now is it?" He lets out a small chuckle before reaching out to take your hand, and from him angling forward, he is going for a kiss too. [[With a drawn in breath through your nose, you steel yourself.(Not touch adverse.)|next scene][$touchadverse=1]] [[A small sound gets stuck in your throat, and you force yourself to still, closing your eyes to instead envision the ways you wish to hurt him.(You are touch adverse to strangers, but not those you trust.)|next scene][$touchadverse=2]] [[You recoil back with a snarl, and at his reaction, quickly fumble for a reasoning.(You are touch adverse.)|next scene][$touchadverse=3]]<<elseif $personalitytrait is "stoic">>He almost seems momentarily hesitant as he stops within arms reach, his eyes scanning over you as if to identify whatever had occupied your thoughts. Lingering far too long to be deemed proper on <<if $gender is "man">>your hips, tsking softly to himself,<<elseif $gender is "woman">>chest, his lips curving into a less than genteel smile,<<elseif $gender is "person">>first your chest, then further down, taking his time to try and find some bizarre answer to a question only he is allowed to know,<</if>> until he glances back up to meet your eyes. It's almost pathetic how he clears his throat as he is met with your almost stone like expression, at least having enough decorum to become embarrassed at being caught ogling you. "Please, allow me." He reaches out, trying to will the faint red on his cheeks away. Instantly you know he's going to try and shake your hand, and by the looks of it, he is going for a kiss as well. [[You remain still, as if nothing but a statue.(Not touch adverse.)|next scene][$touchadverse=1]] [[You feel yourself still, and you desperately hold onto trying to remain as docile as possible, even though your body and mind is recoiling.(You are touch adverse to strangers, but not those you trust.)|next scene][$touchadverse=2]] [[You take a small step back, eyes going slightly wide as you stare at him.(You are touch adverse.)|next scene][$touchadverse=3]]<<elseif $personalitytrait is "bashful">>From the way he has slowed his originally fast pace to a more demure approach, you can only assume he must have caught onto your original flinch at his voice. There's hesitation behind his eyes, yet also something more sinister, delight. It only grows at the faint blush spreading over your cheeks, curse your bashfulness. <<if $gender is "man">>"Aren't you just the sweetest thing." He chuckles, having completely forgone trying to meet your eye in favor of instead giving himself free rein in observing you. "...Pity." He mutters out. <<elseif $gender is "woman">>"Oh, how darling…" He coo's, his delight only spreading as he moves his eyes to fully take you in, inch by inch. "I wonder, my lady, why I fluster you so." <<elseif $gender is "person">>"How precious." He whispers, letting his eyes scan over your face before dropping his gaze to take all of you in. "Shame…" He mutters, after taking in your full form. <</if>>His eyes travel back up to where yours are trying to avoid his and with a final smile he reaches out towards you, leaning in for a kiss. [[You can't help the small sound in your throat, and you close your eyes tightly.(Not touch adverse.)|next scene][$touchadverse=1]] [[A small whimper leaves you, and with a stilled breath you force yourself still.(You are touch adverse to strangers, but not those you trust.)|next scene][$touchadverse=2]] [[You instantly snap back, almost tumbling backwards from his grasp.(You are touch adverse.)|next scene][$touchadverse=3]] <<elseif $personalitytrait is "extrovert">>As if your smile alone had cured him of all that had ever ailed him, he comes to a stop far too close to be deemed proper at first. Letting his oceanic blue eyes scan over you with barely concealed joy. <<if $gender is "man">>"Well aren't you a vision to behold." He nods approvingly as he looks over your outfit, yet your smile seems to bring him back up towards your face. "Not bad." <<elseif $gender is "woman">>He opens his mouth to speak, yet stops himself, instead returning his focus upon your lips. "And what a lady you are, $nickname." <<elseif $gender is "person">>"Well, well well." He says to himself, letting his gaze wander over your form, lingering a bit too long on some parts before returning to your lips. "You certainly know how to keep a man guessing." <</if>> He meets your smile with one of his own, yet you doubt it harbours the same charm you can produce. Then he reaches out and leans in, as if to take your hand and give your cheek a kiss. [[You do your best to keep the same smile as before.(Not touch adverse.)|next scene][$touchadverse=1]] [[You inwardly curse before stealing yourself at his approach.(You are touch adverse to strangers, but not those you trust.)|next scene][$touchadverse=2]] [[With a well maintained smile you chuckle, pulling back just out of his grasp with a glint in your eyes.(You are touch adverse.)|next scene][$touchadverse=3]] <</if>>

(so sorry, this is how far I have gotten with this. theres a lot to write based on past personality traits and such! but i am working on it :D)

(this route is unfinished and only currently has one base type, that being seduction, its also not fully finished, so there might be spelling errors, gramatical issues and such!) [[thats okay!|As an assassin, death was a companion, you walked the thin line of it daily, but you didn't think you deserved something like what happened, something so… Bland.]] [[oh okay, I'll try something else!|Character origin select]]