The Lost Key

A small wooden cabin stands ahead. Smoke rises from the chimney. [[Knock softly]] [[Knock loudly (costs 3 coins)]] [[Return to clearing]]

The river sparkles in the sunlight. You see something shiny. [[Reach into water]] [[Ignore it]] [[Sit by the river]]

The forest grows darker. You see a coyote watching you. [[Follow the coyote]] [[Climb a tree]] [[Wander deeper into the forest]] [[Return to clearing]]

You check carefully. You still have $coins coins. A note reads: *Follow your gut* [[Return to clearing]]

No answer. The wind howls as you beign to wonder if anyone is inside. [[Knock loudly (costs 3 coins)]] [[Return to clearing]]

(if: $coins >= 3)[ (set: $coins to $coins - 3) (set: $luck to $luck + 1) You now have $coins coins. An old man opens the door. "Looking for something?" he asks. [[Ask about the Lost Key]] [[Leave politely]] ] (if: $coins < 3)[ You don’t have enough coins. [[Return to clearing]] ]

You stand once more in the clearing. What now? [[Walk toward the cabin]] [[Follow the river]] [[Explore the trees]]

He smiles. "The key chooses those who are lucky." Your luck is $luck. (if: $luck > 1)[ He hands you a golden key. [[Golden Key Ending]] ] (else:)[ "He voices that you are not ready." [[Walk away from cabin]] ]

You begin to wander the forest hoping you can find some more coins. [[Wander deeper into the forest]]

The man gives you the Lost Key. A doorway of light opens. **You found your way to what looks like home.** THE END.

You thank him and step away. Kindness matters. [[Return to clearing]]

(set: $luck to $luck + 1) You pull out a silver coin. Your luck increases to $luck. [[Keep walking along river]]

You ignore the object. Sometimes curiosity changes fate. [[Keep walking along river]]

You rest peacefully. You feel calmer. (set: $luck to $luck + 1) Luck is now $luck. [[Keep walking along river]]

You find a stone door in a hill. It has a keyhole. [[Try to open it]] [[Return to clearing]]

(if: $luck >= 2)[ A golden key appears in your hand. The door slowly opens. [[Secret Garden Ending]] ] (else:)[ Nothing happens. Maybe you need more luck. [[Return to clearing]] ]

The stone door opens slowly. Inside is a glowing fruitful garden. Birds sing & rejoice. Flowers shine. ''*Maybe this was meant to be home all along.*'' THE END.

You climb high above the forest. You see smoke from the cabin and shine from the river. (set: $luck to $luck + 1) Luck is now $luck. [[Climb down]]

The coyote leads you to a hidden chest. [[Open the chest]] [[Leave it alone]]

(set: $coins to $coins + 5) Inside are 5 coins! You now have $coins coins. [[Return to clearing]]

You walk away. Sometimes caution is wise. [[Return to clearing]]

You safely return to the ground. [[Return to clearing]]

You walk deeper and deeper. The trees begin to look the same. The light fades. [[Keep walking]] [[Turn back]]

Nothing happens. The wind grows colder. You wander too far from the path. [[Try to head Back]] [[Lost in the Forest Ending]]

You wander too long. The forest becomes silent it feels like you are the only thing alive here. You are lost and alone hopefully help comes soon. You may need it. THE END.

You suddenly realize you no longer recognize the path. [[Lost in the Forest Ending]]

You don't see the point in walking more you decide to safely go back to the clearing. [[Return to clearing]]

(set: $coins to 5) (set: $luck to 0) You wake up in a forest clearing. It is (either:"a bright sunny morning.", "a foggy and quiet afternoon.", "a chilly evening with orange leaves falling.") You have $coins coins. A wooden sign reads: **Welcome, Traveler.** Find the *Lost Key* to return home. [[Walk toward the cabin]] [[Follow the river]] [[Explore the trees]] [[Check your pockets]]

You notice a soft glow between the trees. As you get closer, you find an old lantern hanging from a branch. It flickers gently. (set: $luck to $luck + 1) Your luck increases to $luck. A voice whispers: *“Light reveals what darkness hides.”* [[Blow out the lantern]] [[Take the lantern]]

The forest goes silent. The glow disappears. You suddenly feel uneasy and your gut is telling you to get out of this area. [[Lost in the Forest Ending]]

You take the lantern. It glows brighter in your hand. (set: $coins to $coins + 2) Inside the lantern base, you find 2 hidden coins! You now have $coins coins. [[Return to clearing]]