The Captain

EXT. DAY - ALLEY The GUARD CAPTAIN (50) is holding PC with their back up against a stone wall. PC's hands are cuffed behind their back. The Captain's right hand is gripping PC's jaw, while his left is resting on the grip of his SHEATHED DAGGER. TWO GUARDS are standing at the entrance to the alley, their backs turned toward the Captain and PC, OUTSIDE OF EARSHOT. The Captain glances back at the two guards, confirming they're far enough. [[CONTINUE->HOLE 1]]

CAPTAIN "I don't know your face." The Captain lets go of the PC's jaw. CAPTAIN "And there's not much I don't know." [[CONTINUE->HOLE 2]]

CAPTAIN "So either me, my pals, and the esteemed residents of the jailhouse get to know your face a whole lot better... Or we cut a deal, here and now." [[1. "What do you want?"->Sweet smell]] [[2. "Here and now? You short on time?"->Playing with fire]] [[3. "I don't deal with guards."->Prison is close]]

CAPTAIN "I want you to appreciate the sweet smell of freedom." CAPTAIN "But before you breathe it in, I want you to sniff something out." CAPTAIN "Do you know the tunnel district?" [[1. "I know it."->HOLE 3 TRUE]] [[2. "Never heard of it." ->HOLE 3 LIE]] [[3. "I'm not your bloodhound." ->Prison is close]]

The Captain raises an eyebrow in amazement. CAPTAIN "... Do we cut a deal, or do we cut the crap and take you in?" [[1. "Alright, alright. What do you want?" ->Sweet smell]] [[2. (CHARISMA - SUCCESS) "You've been short on time for a while now, haven't you?"->ChaSuc2]] [[2. (CHARISMA - FAILURE) "You've been short on time for a while now, haven't you?"->ENDChaFail]] [[3. "Just take me in." ->Prison is close]]

The Captain opens his eyes wide, half smiling. CAPTAIN "Alright..." The half smile disappears. CAPTAIN "I'm only going to ask once. Do you want to go to jail?" [[1. "What's this deal you mentioned?"->Reconsider Jail.]] [[2. "Did I stutter?" ->Prison is closer]]

CAPTAIN "The tunnel district is a rat's nest on the far side of the river. You'll fit right in. Once you're there, look for trouble and you'll find your new home." The Captain gives the PC a devilish look. CAPTAIN "The Hole." [[1. "Charming. What's the Hole?" ->HOLE 5]] [[2. "What do you want there?" ->HOLE 6]]

The Captain takes a moment to examine PC's face before backing off completely, giving PC some breathing room. CAPTAIN "I don't know if you're telling the truth. I like that." [[CONTINUE->HOLE 4 TRUE]]

The Captain takes a moment to examine PC's face before backing off completely, giving PC some breathing room. CAPTAIN "I can't tell if you're lying. That's good." [[CONTINUE->HOLE 4 LIE]]

CAPTAIN "A name like that doesn't leave much to the imagination. You'll find out soon enough." [[CONTINUE->HOLE 6]]

CAPTAIN "I want you to get real chummy with the regulars there. Hell, break a few noses if you need to. Find out who's in charge. Make them fond of you. Make them want to keep you around." [[CONTINUE->HOLE 7]]

CAPTAIN "But, let's not get ahead of ourselves. To get to the Hole, you'll need to outrun "Law & Order" over there... The Captain subtly nods towards the two guards at the alley's entrance. CAPTAIN "... And we need to make sure you're seen doing just that." [[CONTINUE->HOLE 8]]

CAPTAIN "I hope you have your running boots on." [[1."Alright. I'll do it."->Swear1Durham]] [[2."You'd sic the guards on me?"->SICGUARD]] [[3."What's stopping me from skipping town?"->TOWNSKIP]] [[4."I'll pass." ->ENDSOLITARYPRISON]]

The Captain takes a step forward, dominantly squaring off against PC. CAPTAIN "I'll find you. And I won't take you to jail." The Captain takes a step back. CAPTAIN "This is the deal. You take it or you leave it." [[1. "Alright. I'll do it."->Swear1]] [[2. "You'd sic the guards on me?"->TOWNSKIP 2]] [[3. "I'll leave it. Take me in and be done with it." ->ENDSOLITARYPRISON]]

CAPTAIN "It has to look real. Otherwise, my men run their mouths off at some whorehouse or other, the rumor sprouts wings, and... You get the idea." The Captain smiles a weary smile at PC. CAPTAIN "I'm being considerate here." [[1. "Alright. I'll do it." ->Swear1]] [[2. (INTELLIGENCE) (SUCCESS) "I'd hate to see inconsiderate."->INTSUC]] [[2. (INTELLIGENCE) (FAILURE) "I'd hate to see inconsiderate."->INTFAIL]] [[3. "What's stopping me from skipping town?"->SICGUARD 2]] [[4. "Just take me in."->ENDSOLITARYPRISON]]

The Captain expertly twists PC's body around, grabbing them by the manacles as he leans into PC, pressing their chest against the stone wall. CAPTAIN "Swear on it." [[1. "Alright, I swear!" ->Swear2]] [[2. "... What?!" ->SwearFlav]] [[3. "Never!" ->ENDRejectSwear]]

Disappointment washes over the Captain's face. He sighs and shrugs. CAPTAIN "So you don't want to go the Hole?" He whistles to the two guards and they walk over. CAPTAIN "This one's too much hassle." The two guards look at each other. They know what's coming. CAPTAIN "Take 'em to the Pit." The two guards both grab PC and drag them out of the alley. The Captain stays behind, looking at the stone wall, lost in thought. //TO BE CONTINUED//

The Captain cracks a wry smile, leaning into PC. He's got both hands on PC's manacles. CAPTAIN "Good. Get yourself over this wall and head south. The guards won't follow you across the bridge." [[CONTINUE->Swear3]]

CAPTAIN "The gods hate a liar. Swear on it!" [[1. "Alright, I swear."->Swear2]] [[2. "Never!"->ENDRejectSwear]]

Shaking his head, as if waking from a drunken stupour, the Captain ruefully closes his eyes. CAPTAIN "...And I thought it was your lucky day." He steps away from PC and whistles to the two guards. They walk over. CAPTAIN "This one's too much hassle." The two guards look at each other. They know what's coming. CAPTAIN "Take 'em to the Pit." The two guards both grab PC and drag them out of the alley. The Captain stays behind, looking at the stone wall, lost in thought. //TO BE CONTINUED//

//Click//. One manacle unlocked. CAPTAIN "Infiltrate the Hole, keep busy, and I'll find you when the time's right. I'd wish you luck, but it's your lucky day, anyway." [[CONTINUE->Swear4]]

//Click//. The other manacle unlocked. CAPTAIN "And if you hear anything about Lavender Durham, sniff him out." [[CONTINUE->Swear5]]

The Captain takes a step back. PC turns to face him, hands free. CAPTAIN "Now hit me and get going!" [[1. Hit him in the face. ->Swear6]] [[2. (DEXTERITY) (SUCCESS) Grab his dagger and stab him. ->DaggerStabStand]] [[2. (DEXTERITY) (FAILURE) Grab his dagger and stab him. ->DaggerStabStandFail]] [[3. Scale the wall and run away. ->RunSoon]] [[4. "... Lavender Durham?" ->DurhamFlav]]

CAPTAIN "... To hell with your questions!" The Captain headbutts the wall next to PC, knocking himself to the ground. The two guards at the entrance to the alley take notice, and start rushing toward the Captain and PC. [[CONTINUE->Swear7]]

The PC punches the Captain in the face, knocking him to the ground. The two guards at the entrance to the alley take notice, and start rushing toward the Captain and PC. CAPTAIN "You stinking bastard!" [[1. Scale the wall and run away. ->ENDSwearFinal]] [[2. (DEXTERITY) (SUCCESS) Grab his dagger and stab him. ->ENDDaggerstabProne]] [[2. (DEXTERITY) (FAILURE) Grab his dagger and stab him. ->DaggerstabProneFail]] [[3. "He set me up!" ->ENDGuardDiplomacy]]

Lighting quick, the PC pulls out the Captain's dagger and stabs the Captain in the neck. Bleeding out, the bewildered Captain stares at PC. The two guards at the alley's entrance take notice and start hurrying toward the PC, weapons drawn. A nagging sensation pulls at the inner corners of PC's mind. It is... strong. [[1. Attack the guards. ->ENDDaggerStabStandAttack]] [[2. Scale the wall and run away.->ENDDaggerStabStandScale]]

PC scales the wall and hits the ground running. The Captain's swears are lost in the echo of the bustling city. Unbeknownst to the PC, the Captain later finds himself scrutinized for losing a 'collar' so easily. Rumors grow, and they sprout wings... //TO BE CONTINUED//

CAPTAIN "You stinking bastard!" [[1. Scale the wall and run away. ->ENDSwearFinal]] [[2. DEX) (SUCCESS) Grab his dagger and stab him. ->ENDDaggerstabProne]] [[2. DEX) (FAILURE) Grab his dagger and stab him. ->DaggerstabProneFail]] [[3. "He set me up!" ->ENDGuardDiplomacy]]

PC scales the wall and hits the ground running. The sprinting footsteps of their pursuers are close behind. //TO BE CONTINUED//

Lighting quick, the PC pulls out the Captain's dagger and stabs him in the neck. Bleeding out, the bewildered Captain stares at the PC. A nagging sensation pulls at the inner corners of PC's mind. It is... strong. The two guards are too close for the PC to escape. Fueled by bloodlust, the PC charges them, dagger in hand. But, that nagging sensation grows. And grows. It speaks. ??? "... Oathbreaker..." //TO BE CONTINUED//

The guards don't stop to talk, and they charge the PC. The PC is forced to defend themself, or be slain. //TO BE CONTINUED//

CAPTAIN "I see we're cutting the bullshit. You're out of time." The Captain turns away from the PC. He whistles for the two guards, and they drag the PC towards the jailhouse. //TO BE CONTINUED//

CAPTAIN "..." The Captain shakes his head and blinks a few times, as if trying to regain his senses after a nap. He looks at PC, warily. CAPTAIN "Why do I suddenly feel like I do know you?" [[1. "I get that a lot. I'd rather talk about the deal." ->BAIL OR JAIL]] [[2. (CHARISMA - SUCCESS) "Because you've been waiting for me." ->ChaSuc3]] [[2. (CHARISMA - FAILURE) "Because you've been waiting for me." ->ENDChaFail2]] [[3. "Just take me in." ->Prison is close]]

The Captain's eyes come alive, as if he's heard something he'd been waiting to hear for a lifetime... Or seen someone he'd misremebered from a half-forgotten dream. CAPTAIN "By the Gavel..." He takes a closer look at PC and takes a step back. CAPTAIN "The Council acts?" [[1. "That is why I am here." ->ChaSuc4]] [[2. "No wonder they say only idiots become guards. So gullible..." ->ENDTeeth Crushed]]

The Captain's eyes open wide with shock, as he realizes he almost fell for it. He regains his composure momentarily, though. CAPTAIN ... So? [[1. "Tell me about this deal." ->Sweet smell2]] [[2. "Take me to jail."->Prisonononon]]

The Captain's face turns red with fury. His flying right fist connects with PC's face, sending PC flying down into the mud, spitting blood. The Captain turns away from the PC. He whistles for the two guards, and they drag the PC towards the jailhouse. //TO BE CONTINUED//

CAPTAIN "Pardon my hesitation. I had long lost hope in an answer." The Captain suddenly presses PC against the stone wall. CAPTAIN "You claim to be sent! Swear that you're here to help me!" [[1. "I swear." ->ChaSuc5]] [[2. "What?" -> ChaWhat]] [[3. "Never!" ->ENDChaSwearNever]]

CAPTAIN "The gods hate a liar. Swear on it!" [[1. "I swear." ->ChaSuc5]] [[2. "Never!" ->ENDChaSwearNever]]

The Captain nods respectfully as if to a long lost brother-in-arms, grabs PC by the manacles and starts dragging them along. CAPTAIN "There's no time." As they pass the two guards, the Captain nods at them. They stay put, eyeing each other, not quite understanding what's going on. The Captain takes PC south into the bustling streets, and they are far from the two guards when he speaks again. CAPTAIN "Most attempts at infiltration were futile. My single informant has been silent for over a month. However, I have kept an eye on their movement this side of the river." [[CONTINUE->ChaSuc6]]

Shaking his head, as if waking from a drunken stupour, the Captain ruefully closes his eyes. CAPTAIN "...Ain't you something?" His flying right fist connects with PC's face, sending PC flying down into the mud, spitting blood. The Captain turns away from the PC. He whistles for the two guards, and they drag the PC towards the jailhouse. //TO BE CONTINUED//

EXT. DAY - SLUMS The Captain leads PC through side alleys until they reach a derelict building in a neighborhood next to the river. They enter the building, climb up two flights of steps and come to a broken window overlooking an inner courtyard. Down below, a BAND OF SHADY CHARACTERS holds vigil. They are speaking in a tongue the PC does not understand. If there were an illustration accompanying the thesaurus entry for "black market operation" - this scene would definitely be it. The Captain speaks quietly, kneeling close to the PC. CAPTAIN "The source is foreign. They're bringing it in through the old sewers under the river." As the Captain continues looking through the hole in the window, it is obvious by the PC's facial expression that they have no clue what is going on. [[CONTINUE->ChaSuc7]]

CAPTAIN "This city's inconsiderate. I bend the law a bjt in order to put scum behind bars. You in or you out?" [[1. "Alright, I'll do it." ->Swear1]] [[2. (INTELLIGENCE) (SUCCESS) "Do 'Law & Order' approve of your methods?" ->INTSUC2]] [[2. (INTELLIGENCE) (FAILURE) "Do 'Law & Order' approve of your methods?" ->INTFAIL2]] [[3. "Spare me the sermon. Just take me in."->ENDSOLITARYPRISON]]

CAPTAIN "We've still got time for that." CAPTAIN "Are you in or out?" [[1. "Alright. I'll do it." ->Swear1]] [[2. "Just take me to jail." ->ENDSOLITARYPRISON]]

The Captain takes a step forward, dominantly squaring off against PC. CAPTAIN "I'll find you. And I won't take you to jail." The Captain takes a step back. CAPTAIN "This is the deal. You take it or you leave it." [[1. "Alright. I'll do it."->Swear1]] [[2. "I'll leave it. Take me in and be done with it." ->ENDSOLITARYPRISON]]

CAPTAIN "If you know that rat's den, then I'm sure you'll know your new home." The Captain gives the PC a devilish look. CAPTAIN "The Hole." [[1. "Charming. What's the Hole?" ->HOLE 5]] [[2. "I know it. What do you want there?"->HOLE 6]]

Expertly, the Captain catches PC in a wristlock. Resistance will only add injury to insult. Also, a nagging sensation pulls at the inner corners of PC's mind. It is... strong. CAPTAIN "I thought we had a deal." The two guards at the alley's entrance take notice and hurry towards the grappling duo. [[1. Surrender. ->ENDDaggerStabStandFailSurrender]] [[2. Resist. ->ENDDaggerStabStandFailResist]]

Expertly, the Captain catches PC in a wristlock. Resistance will only add injury to insult. Also, a nagging sensation pulls at the inner corners of PC's mind. It is... strong. CAPTAIN "I thought we had a deal!" The two guards are closing in. [[1. Surrender. ->ENDDaggerStabProneFailSurrender]] [[2. Resist. ->ENDDaggerStabProneFailResist]]

The guards charge the PC. Fueled by bloodlust, the PC rushes to meet them, bloodied dagger in hand. But, that nagging sensation grows. And grows. It speaks. ??? "... Oathbreaker..." //TO BE CONTINUED//

PC scales the wall and hits the ground running. The sprinting footsteps of their pursuers are close behind. But, that nagging sensation grows. And grows. It speaks. ??? "... Oathbreaker..." //TO BE CONTINUED//

//Crack.// PC's wrist goes, and their face spells pain. The Captain holds them long enough for the two guards to re-cuff the PC. One arm useless, they are taken to the jailhouse. But, as PC is being dragged along, that nagging sensation grows. And grows. It speaks. ??? "... Oathbreaker..." //TO BE CONTINUED//

Pushing the nagging sensation aside, the PC goes limp and surrenders to the Captain. The two guards re-cuff PC, and they are taken to the jailhouse. But, as the PC is being dragged along, that nagging sensation grows. And grows. It speaks. ??? "... Oathbreaker..." //TO BE CONTINUED//

Pushing the nagging sensation aside, the PC goes limp and surrenders to the Guard Captain. The two guards re-cuff PC, and they are taken to the jailhouse. But, as PC is being dragged along, that nagging sensation grows. And grows. It speaks. ??? "... Oathbreaker..." //TO BE CONTINUED//

//Crack.// PC's wrist goes, and their face spells pain. The Captain holds them long enough for the two guards to re-cuff PC. One arm useless, they are taken to the jailhouse. But, as PC is being dragged along, that nagging sensation grows. And grows. It speaks. ??? "... Oathbreaker..." //TO BE CONTINUED//

CAPTAIN "... Waiting?" Shaking his head, as if waking from a drunken stupour, the Captain regains his senses. CAPTAIN "...Ain't you something?" His flying right fist connects with PC's face, sending PC flying down into the mud, spitting blood. The Captain turns away from the PC. He whistles for the two guards, and they drag the PC towards the jailhouse. //TO BE CONTINUED//

CAPTAIN "You have a way with words. That's going to be useful." CAPTAIN "Do you know the tunnel district?" [[1. "I know it."->HOLE 3 TRUE]] [[2. "Never heard of it." ->HOLE 3 LIE]] [[3. "I'm not your bloodhound." ->Prison is close]]

CAPTAIN "I'm only going to ask once. Do you want to go to jail?" [[1. "What's this deal you mentioned?"->Reconsider Jail.]] [[2. "Did I stutter?" ->Prison is closer]]

CAPTAIN "Either they do, or it's insubordination." The Captain approaches PC, face to face, and speaks while looking at the ground. CAPTAIN "There are no benevolent magisters, well-wishers, or pixie fairies waiting to descend from the heavens to carry you off to safety. No serendipitous vigilantees cleaning the streets at just the right time." CAPTAIN "You can try ratting me out, but in this city no one likes a squeeler." He looks up at PC. CAPTAIN "If you wanna change something, get on the Council. Until then, you're stuck with my offer. Do we have a deal?" [[1. "We have a deal."->Swear1]] [[2. "I'll wait for the pixies in jail."->ENDSOLITARYPRISON]] //Even though this successful intelligence check didn't give any immediate results, the Captain would later recall that PC was a sharper pencil than most in his drawer, and would use his mind accordingly to further a Council plotline. //

CAPTAIN "Whatever you think you're doing, you ain't thinking hard enough." CAPTAIN "Are you in or out?" [[1. "Alright. I'll do it." ->Swear1]] [[2. "Just take me to jail." ->ENDSOLITARYPRISON]]

CAPTAIN "And we can't stop them. We don't patrol the tunnel district. Hell, we only ever cross the bridge in force." He looks PC dead in the eye, with a hint of sadness. CAPTAIN "They're selling that poison to anybody. And in this town, everybody's buying. Even..." He audibly PUNCHES the wall under the broken window. CAPTAIN "..." He looks aside. CAPTAIN "In all honesty, I can't understand why the Council waited until-" COMMOTION downstairs. A peak through the broken window reveals that the "plotters" have taken notice of the interlopers. FOOTSTEPS on the staircase leading towards the Captain and the PC. [[CONTINUE->ChaSuc8]]

The Captain unlocks PC's manacles one at a time. //Click.// One manacle unlocked. CAPTAIN "You know the truth of what goes on here." //Click.// The other manacle unlocked. He pushes PC towards a door behind them. FAIRBANKS "Go, and tell the Council what you've seen. Tell them Captain Fairbanks is no liar!" He pushes PC towards a door behind them. [[1. "It shall be done! By... the Gavel!"->ENDChaSucFinal]] [[2. "I'm afraid there's been a terrible misunderstanding. I'm just... a terrific liar."->CaptainBetrayed]] [[3. (DEXTERITY) (SUCCESS) Grab his dagger and stab him. ->ENDDaggerstabCha]] [[3. (DEXTERITY) (FAILURE) Grab his dagger and stab him. ->DaggerstabChaFail]] [[4. "I will not leave. Together we stand!"->ENDChaSucFinalCombat]]

Lighting quick, the PC pulls out the Captain's dagger and stabs him in the neck. Bleeding out, the bewildered Captain stares at the PC. A nagging sensation pulls at the inner corners of PC's mind. It is... strong. As the goons reach the hallway, they stop, looking at a guard captain bleeding out at the hands of an unknown figure. Could PC be one of their own number? But, that nagging sensation grows. And grows. It speaks. ??? "... Oathbreaker..." //TO BE CONTINUED//

Expertly, the Captain catches PC in a wristlock. Resistance will only add injury to insult. Also, a nagging sensation pulls at the inner corners of PC's mind. It is... strong. FAIRBANKS "What is this treachery?!" The goons reach the hallway and observe the grapple happening before them. [[1. (Surrender) "I-I don't know what came over me!" ->ENDDaggerStabChaFailSurrender]] [[2. (Resist) "You're as naive as a leper in a mineral spring!" ->ENDDaggerStabChaFailResist]]

The Captain's eyes open wider than physically possible. In all the long years since he had been a rookie had he never been duped so completely and so effortlessly. FAIRBANKS "... I... I don't..." He regains his composure as the sound of the goons closes in. FAIRBANKS "... Do what you see fit." [[1. Remain by the Captain's side. ->ENDChaRemain]] [[2. Flee through the door the Captain showed you. ->ENDChaFlee]] [[3. (DEXTERITY) (SUCCESS) Grab his dagger and stab him. ->ENDDaggerstabCha]] [[3. (DEXTERITY) (FAILURE) Grab his dagger and stab him. ->DaggerstabBetrayFailCha]] [[4. Surrender to the goons. ->ENDChaSurrenderGoons]]

The Captain looks at PC, salutes them, and then turns back towards the staircase, where the footsteps are getting closer. He draws his dagger and prepares for mortal combat. The PC escapes the derelict building, knowing not which Council they are supposed to be part of, what criminal activity they were witness to, or whether they will ever see Captain Fairbanks again... //TO BE CONTINUED//

The Captain looks at PC with a surprised, but thankful expression. He takes a KNUCKLEDUSTER out of an inner pocket of his overcoat/jacket, and hands it to PC. They both turn to face the door as the first of the goons rush inside. FAIRBANKS "Well, did you want to live forever?" Captain Fairbanks and the PC charge! //TO BE CONTINUED//

PC surrenders and is thrown aside as the Captain stands to meet the goons attacking them. Soon, he is overwhelmed and probably killed. PC is taken captive and dragged elsewhere. All the while, the nagging in his mind grows, until it speaks. ??? "... Oathbreaker..." //TO BE CONTINUED//

//Crack.// PC's wrist goes, and their face spells pain. They are thrown aside as the Captain stands to meet the goons attacking them. Soon, he is overwhelmed and possibly killed. PC is taken captive and dragged elsewhere. All the while, the nagging in his mind grows, until it speaks. ??? "... Oathbreaker..." //TO BE CONTINUED//

CAPTAIN "Oh, no, no. I heard you just fine." And without breaking stride he delivers a devastating gut punch to PC. CAPTAIN "And now I'm going to make sure you arrive at the jailhouse looking the part." And another punch. One of the guards at the entrance to the alley glances at the Captain and PC, sighs, and returns to looking at the street. [[1. "The... deal..."->ENDThereIsNoDeal]] [[2. (CONSTITUTION) (SUCCESS) "You hit... like a gentle breeze..."->ConSuc1]] [[2. (CONSTITUTION) (FAILURE) "You hit... like a gentle breeze..." ->ConFail1]] [[3. "Uncuff... me... See what... happens..." ->ENDPRISON UNCONSCIOUS]]

The Captain lets out a sigh. CAPTAIN "Now..." [[CONTINUE->Sweet smell]]

PC falls unconscious. The Captain grabs them by the hair and looks at them closely, disappointed. He scoffs. CAPTAIN "... Windbag." He whistles for the two guards, and they drag the PC towards the jailhouse. //TO BE CONTINUED//

PC blacks out. CAPTAIN "Very creative." The Captain whistles for the two guards, and they drag the PC towards the jailhouse //TO BE CONTINUED//

The Captain stares at PC, who stares defiantly back. CAPTAIN "Gentle breeze?" He pulls PC's head down and delivers a knee kick into their solar plexus. CAPTAIN "That oughta take the wind out of your sails." The Captain himself is winded after the strikes he delivered. [[1. (CONSTITUTION) (SUCCESS) "Blow... me..."->ConSuc 2]] [[1. (CONSTITUTION) (FAILURE) "Blow... me..." ->ConFail2]] [[2. "Let me... get... a breather..." ->ENDPRISON UNCONSCIOUS]]

The Captain leans in closer. CAPTAIN "It's too late for that." CAPTAIN "Now, go to sleep!" He punches PC again. PC blacks out. The Captain whistles for the two guards, and they drag the PC towards the jailhouse. //TO BE CONTINUED//

PC blacks out. CAPTAIN "You wish..." The Captain whistles for the two guards, and they drag the PC towards the jailhouse //TO BE CONTINUED//

The Captain is puzzled by PC's resilience. And impressed. CAPTAIN "Looks like... you can take some damage." He pulls out a KNUCKLEDUSTER from inside his overcoat/jacket and equips it. One of the two guards at the alley's entrance looks back and sees this. He winces, audibly. The Captain doesn't take notice. CAPTAIN "You'll go to sleep if you know what's good for you." [[1. (CONSTITUTION) (SUCCESS) "Sing me... a lullaby..." ->ConSuc3]] [[1. (CONSTITUTION) (FAILURE) "Sing me... a lullaby..." ->ConFail3]] [[2. "Good... night..." ->ENDPRISON UNCONSCIOUS]]

The Captain delivers a devastating blow to PC's face with the knuckleduster. PC takes it like a champ. The Captain's eyes open wide. He's never seen this sort of constitution. This last punch exhausted even him. CAPTAIN "It's not... every day I see someone... take punishment like you do." He leans in closer to PC's bloodied face. CAPTAIN "You're obviously... used to this. And as you're going to jail..." CAPTAIN "How about we make a... different kind of deal?" [[1. "... I don't deal... with guards..."->ENDConRefuse]] [[2. "... Sure..."->ConDeal]]

PC blacks out. CAPTAIN "..." The Captain is relieved, seeing that PC is just a being of flesh and blood after all. He whistles for the two guards, and they drag the PC towards the jailhouse //TO BE CONTINUED//

A pang of disappointment cross the Captain's face. CAPTAIN "Have it... your way." He whistles for the two guards, and they drag the PC towards the jailhouse.

The Captain lifts PC up so they're face-to-face. They're both breathing pretty heavily. CAPTAIN "This is a society...of laws. And we guards, we must also obey... the laws we are tasked... to enforce." CAPTAIN "Lately, new regulations... have been pushed by the City Council... aimed mostly at what they consider... brutal treatment... of the residents of our jailhouse." [[CONTINUE->ConDeal2]]

CAPTAIN "So... we were ordered to step it down a notch. A few notches, that is. And now... we're no longer in control of what happens... inside." CAPTAIN "If you can dish 'em out like you can take 'em, I'd wager your sentence could be shortened... quite a bit." [[1. "Beating someone up... for free? Count... me in." ->ConDeal3]] [[2. "What if I... join 'em?" ->ConDealDet]] [[3. "Stuff it... and take me in... already. ->ENDConDealRefuse]]

The Captain grabs PC by their hands. CAPTAIN "Swear on it." [[1. "... I swear." ->ENDConDealSwear]] [[2. "... Why?" ->ConDealSwearDet]] [[3. "... Never." ->ENDConDealRefuse]]

The Captain laughs out loud. CAPTAIN "You're going inside, either way." CAPTAIN "We don't control what goes on inside, but we sure as hell control who goes in... or comes out." [[1. "Alright. I'll... do it."->ConDeal3]] [[2. "Shove it... Take me in." ->ENDConDealRefuse]]

The Captain lets out a sigh of disappointment. CAPTAIN "Have it your way." He whistles for the two guards, and they drag the PC to the jailhouse. //TO BE CONTINUED//

CAPTAIN "Because the gods hate a liar." CAPTAIN "Swear on it!" [[1. "I swear." ->ENDConDealSwear]] [[2. "Never." ->ENDConDealRefuse]]

CAPTAIN "Alright." He whistles for the two guards at the alley's entrance, and then takes a closer look at the bruises he gave the PC. CAPTAIN "You'll be in solitary until you heal up a bit. Then you're going in with the rest of the bunch." CAPTAIN "Remember your oath, and I'll remember my promise." The guards arrive and help the Captain carry the PC. All four walk away to the jailhouse. //TO BE CONTINUED//

As the goons enter the hallway, PC turns towards them, indicating their eagerness to surrender. However, the goons' murderous eyes give off no indication of accepting their surrender. PC is caught in the melee and has to fight in order to survive. Bare-handed and flat-footed, PC's odds don't look good. Still, longshots have been known to find their mark... //TO BE CONTINUED//

PC turns and flees as the first of the goons barge into the derelict hallway. He hears the sounds of struggle. He also feels a nagging sensation pulling at the insides of his soul. The PC knows not which Council they charaded as part of, nor do they know what the Captain was talking about in regards to the criminal activity of the city. They only know they are suddenly, and quite inexplicably, free. If only this nagging sensation... Why won't it stop? As PC exits the derelict building and enters the musty daytime of the slums, a voice speaks in their mind... ??? "... Oathbreaker..." //TO BE CONTINUED//

The PC stands next to the Captain. They both turn to face the stairwell as the first of the goons rush inside. FAIRBANKS "... Let's get this over with." PC and the Captain brace for the incoming charge. //TO BE CONTINUED//

Expertly, the Captain catches PC in a wristlock. Resistance will only add injury to insult. Also, a nagging sensation pulls at the inner corners of PC's mind. It is... strong. FAIRBANKS "... Of all places, I'm to meet my end... here?" The goons reach the hallway and observe the grapple happening before them. [[1. (Surrender) "I-I don't know what came over me!" ->ENDDaggerStabChaFailSurrender]] [[2. (Resist) "Live like a dog, die like one!" ->ENDDaggerStabChaFailResist]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=========XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX======")[THE CAPTAIN by Jan Rešetić [[START->INTRO]]]

The Captain expertly twists PC's body around, grabbing them by the manacles as he leans into PC, pressing their chest against the stone wall. CAPTAIN "Swear on it." [[1. "Alright, I swear!" ->Swear2Durham]] [[2. "... What?!" ->SwearFlavDurham]] [[3. "Never!" ->ENDRejectSwear]]

CAPTAIN "The gods hate a liar. Swear on it!" [[1. "Alright, I swear."->Swear2Durham]] [[2. "Never!"->ENDRejectSwear]]

//Click//. One manacle unlocked. CAPTAIN "Infiltrate the Hole, keep busy, and I'll find you when the time's right. I'd wish you luck, but it's your lucky day, anyway." [[CONTINUE->Swear4Durham]]

//Click//. The other manacle unlocked. CAPTAIN "And if you hear anything about Lavender Durham, sniff him out." [[CONTINUE->Swear5Durham]]

CAPTAIN "... The insider I had in the Hole until he stopped reporting in about a month ago." CAPTAIN "That means I should probably look for him at the bottom of the river." CAPTAIN "Now get out of here!" The Captain headbutts the wall next to PC, knocking himself to the ground. The two guards at the entrance to the alley take notice, and start rushing toward the Captain and PC. [[CONTINUE->Swear7]]