Far beneath the blue trees and orange mountains you find yourself sitting on a stump. One that looks dark brown and burnt to a crisp. Standing, you see your covered in battered bright white cloth that almost blinds you. Looking around you there isn't much to see aside from an opening through the trees with fog ahead and large White Gates behind you.
[[Jog towards the fog->fog]]
[[Walk over to the White Gates->White Gates]] A striking pain hits you on your back by your shoulders as you stand. Walking to the trees you crawl through the opening. Feeling the dew from the fog on your hands, and the sap on the branches that you walk past. You continue to walk through the dense fog for what seems like ages.
[[Continue trudging through the trees->ages]]
[[Crawl back through to the clearing->Stump]] **White Gates**
You walk to the white gates at the edge of the purple clearning. As you stand at the gates you see the gold trim that is patterened across the white marble bars. (text-style: "rumble")[As you grasp the gate to go through, wounds under your shoulder start to throb. Voices and words flash before you!]
(text-style: "blurrier")+(text-style: "fade-in-out")[
[al ksdjfa sjdklfds fjk dj f ldjflk dsjf ajfkldsjf. kdjf kadsjfd js lkfjdsa fjdfjds alfjd!!]]
It's almost as if the forest has no end. Nevertheless you trudge on. Climbing through leaves, dead trees, and puddles to the small light up ahead. From the looks of it no one's traveled through this forest for some t!me. Finding your way to an exit(mouseover: "t!me")[(go-to: "t!me")] of two trees that form a doorway.
(if: $magic is true)+(text-style: "shadow")[Pulling yourself through the vines that had originally covered the grave stone of the magician a miraculous [[Portal]] is displayed at the foot of the doorway ahead.]
[[Climb through the branches and enter the doorway->Doorway]]
[[Go back to the clearing->fog]] (text-style: "expand")[Here in lies
Bartholomew X. Windhelm.
A loving Father, brother, son,
and magician.
A helping hand whenever help was needed.]
(set: $magic to true)
[[Walk through a hidden Path->Walk through a hidden path]]Finally escaping the musky air of the forest sunlight begins to warm your face, allowing you to relax your entire body for a brief moment. A road entrenched in the bright purple grass can be seen going in two opposite directions.
As you begin to take your first step onto the road, you trip an fall when you hear a voice,(transition: "shudder")["HEY DUMBLEWEED!!"] Tripping over yourself you look up to see a scraggly old man in different colored cloths leaning up against a thick oak tree on the other side of the road.
(text-style: "italic")["Well I'll be", said the old man. "I dere haven't seen a fella like you crawl outta a wee bit tree I have. This don road's here dengeros! Whatch yer doin comin ere fo!?"]
[[Tell the old traveler your story->Explanation]]
[[Stay silent->Old Travelers convo]]
[[Ask for location->Laugh]]As you step forward, the blue leaves around you begin to swarm into a whirlwind. All the different shades of blue leaves begin to form a railing, connecting deep into a large green cloud. As you grasp the railing, the cloud disperses to green chasm to a place unknown. You clinch the railing, intrigued an frightened at what you see.
[[Begin walking into the portal->Dark Swamp]] Seeing the cracked black stone grave of the old magician makes you feel uneasy. You see a wand materialize atop of the gravestone. A large amethyst at the top, with the hilt being made out of a lightly stained oak. You grab the wand, bow at the foot of the grave, and move on. You felt your heart beat a little slower looking at the grave.
Did you know him? Have you seen a wand such as this before? No, how could you. The grave looked so old and worn. As did the wand for that matter. Yet, you still can't shake this feeling that a connection was there. As you walk away your wounds on your back begin to throb ever so slightly.
Maybe something to worry about later, right now you have to get back to that doorway you saw.
[[Travel back to the doorway->Tree Door]]
[[t!me<-Back to magician's grave]](if: $magic is true)+(text-style: "shadow")[Pulling yourself through the vines that had originally covered the grave stone of the magician a miraculous Portal is displayed at the foot of the doorway ahead. The choice is yours now. Go through the portal, or continuing to venture through the doorway beyond.]
[[Enter the unknown portal->Portal]]
[[Stay the path and jump over the portal to the doorway->Doorway]] You begin to tell the old man your story, laying down in the purple grass explaining your lack of knowledge about yourself, the world, the portal, and the tall white church you had seen upon waking.
Sitting down an conversing the old man never spoke a word. His piercing grey eyes intently staring on you while you talk, almost with a goal of hearing every detail.
When you finish summarizing what is essentially your life, the old man leans off his tree, takes a big stretch, and plops to the ground.
Expecting the man to give some emotion, good or bad, he instead gives you advice with a nonchalant attitude.(text-style: "italic")[Travel down dis ere rood till ya git to a brisky san doon. You'll know whatya be seekin. Ya won't be given safety if you go dis otter way behind me. I've seen tykes like you come round these parts. Ya destiny is what ya choose.]
[[Travel down the suggested path->Sand Dunes]]
[[Ignore the ol mans advice and head south->Dark Swamp]]
[[Ask where you are->Laugh]](text-style: "italic")[I members my grand times in Bagdad. The lassies there, warm crisp air in mornin. I wasn't loved by many fellas dere you git. One night a lad came to me in a dream, sayin, "Your forchin is in Cairo; go dere n seek it." So I nipped it ta Cairo. I flocked dere after dark and crept inta a mosque, tryin notta be suspicious.
As my dadhe would ave it, some dem thieves bow roll in duh mosque travelin through ta snatch a home next by. Darn bois gone woke up the owners, an not to long called for help.
Chief of dem peacekeepers and his gunnies come in expeting ta fight. Dem dumb robbers escaped, but when da peacekeepers came in da mosque dey found me just came in an nab me!
They laid hold of me and beat me with palm rods until I nearly dead ta the bone, then threw me in jail.]
But nough said bout that.
[[Tell the old traveler your story->Explanation]]
[[Ask for location->Laugh]]The ol geezer, making a dark grin that would likely scare anyone out of their skin, takes one long look at you and laughs heavily.
(text-style: "italic")[ Aww shheesshh, c'mon now boy don't be askin dem dumb ere questions! Dis here is a world unknown. Unknown to the people inhabit it that is.]
[[Tell the old traveler your story->Explanation]]
[[Stay silent->Old Travelers convo]]As you walk down the path the grass arounds starts to fade. Purple grass soon starts to wither, with sand starting to replace it. The farther you go, the more you realize that your headed into the sand dunes.
When you started your journey across the winding dunes of sand, the sky was clear blue glass. Now, as you stagger toward mountains growing no bigger despite three days of walking, that blue glass is marred by flecks of swirling ash…vultures waiting for their next meal…
A landscape of sand, flat, harsh sunlight with the wind whistling behind you made yourself reminisce about the cool air of the clearing. At this point it's only become a mere dream.
[[Drudge onward->Ruins]]
Walking for what seemed like only minutes you followed the road to a bent weeping willow tree. And while all trees such as the one you stared at gave an eerie feeling, followed by a chill down your spine, this one was different. The tree was, just like the forest you were surrounded by when you woke up, another door. Most likely leading to somewhere that has long been forgotten by beast and human alike.
Stepping through the tree, with the wood closing the doorway behind you, you saw the murky swamp that laid before you. Dripping trees with black trunks, rotting vegetation, scummy water, reeds, and frogs spanned the dark swamp that you had arrived at. A despicable sight that not even Lucifer would care to enjoy. Seeing how there was no way back you had no choice but to travel through the swamp.
Getting further and further in you walk upon the large pool of water that engulfed the swamp itself. Before each step, you probe the water with a small stick by your foot. The murky water kept everything from view, both dangerous and benign. Thinking to yourself," a sudden burst of air bubbles could be a submerged tree settling, or the rancid breath of a creature on the hunt."
After analyzing the swamp you notice a few things. First, a large boulder cradled by two trees was set near the middle of the dead water. And while one might not be so interested in a boulder alone, it would seem that a dim light faintly glowed behind the rock. Second, there was what seemed to be a few rocks that could be used to travel to the middle of the swamp. Which appeared to be actual rocks given the testing you did earlier, but also hoping it wasn't a nasty beast. Seeing how there was no way of turning back, or at least no reason to at this point, it might be best to investigate.
[[Begin hopping off the rocks in the direction of the boulder->Alchemy]]
With the piping hot air still swirling around you, allowing you to oddly smell your own sweat and body odor, you come upon large columns that have seen better days. Taking no more than a few steps forward and you the ground starts to rumble beneath you...
[[Continue->Earthworm Beast]]As the rumbling of the ground continued to shake, a large dark shadow swept swiftly over you. As you arc your head up to see the source of the overcast, you see it. A humongous papery scaly skinned beast starts to tower over the ruins around you as if trying to grasp at the sky above.
The monstrosity emerges from the depths of the world. You see that it is a strong tea, twig colored bloblike creature. One that seems to also have some thickness to it as you look further down its lengthy body.
Hoping to yourself that it has already had it's meal today.
Flat piercing marks cover much of it's round bulging body, as if from all the different places its been or the fights its had. Looking down at you with it's blood-red glassy feverish eyes it knew you were prey. Bearing twisted, snaggle-tooth teeth at you. Forcing harsh breaths through its mouth as it widened, only to show gooey saliva. You break into a side step, avoiding the monsters attack.
(if: $divinity is true)+(if: $magic is true)+(text-style: "smear")[H-hhelp, please. . .]
(if: $divinity is true)+(if: $magic is true)[What and where is this voice?
Has time stopped? I can't feel anything. The hot sun shooting it's rays on the boiling hot sand, the menacing beast that yearns for my blood.]
(if: $divinity is true)+(if: $magic is true)+(text-style: "smear")[ It is alright. I am the one you seek in this land. The one that can free you of your locked self. The one that can open the gates.]
(if: $divinity is true)+(if: $magic is true)[Why are you speaking to me?]
(if: $divinity is true)+(if: $magic is true)+(text-style: "smear")[You are the only one that can save me in this beast. You can choose to run. Run far away from this desolate place, an I shall still remain here. Or you can save me, an I shall show you love and grace. I shall show you the love and grace that is the truth. The truth about yourself. The choice is yours.]
Yet, even with what stood before you, it was at this moment that you knew you couldn't back down. Your destiny was tied with this beast. That, you knew. Within moments the large beast began to come down for it's first attack. Launching it's entire upper torso where you stood. Without even stopping to think your reflexes kicked in, side-stepping away from where the monster aimed to swallow you whole.
(if: $divinity is true)[[[Strike a death blow using the orb->Holiness]]]
(if: $magic is true)[[[Strike a death blow using the wand->Purgatory]]]
As you continuously test your balance hopping from rock to rock, you manage to get the island that lay in the middle of the swamp. As you take some time to catch your breath you notice, that pain is back. Trying to grasp at your wounds under your shoulders a sharp pain fills you...
(transition: "pulse")[ Your vision blurs as you drop to your knees. The pain poking through every vein as it travels from your back.]
(text-style: "expand")["WHY IS THIS HAPPENING! HOW DID THESE WOUNDS COME TO BE!"]
.
.
.
.
You awaken to find yourself curled up on the foot of the island in the swamp. Dazed from your painful episode you gather yourself, take a breather, and stand up.
[[Walk to inspect the boulder->Lost weapon]]
As you grab at the boulder cradled by the two trees, you begin to climb over it. Looking over you notice the source of the dim light you had spotted earlier! A bright golden orb dimmly flashes inside the crusty old tree branches atop the mud.
Absolute wonder radiates across your face. As you grab the ord, you feel a sense of warmth and ecstasy incase you. Closing your eyes, you start to (text-style: "fade-in-out")[ fade out as you teleport to another unknown location.]
(set: $divinity to true)
(mouseover: "fade out as you teleport to another unknown location")[(go-to: "Sand dunes")]Opening your eyes you see you have been teleported to a desert. One that, for some reason, you believe once was a flourishing city. With an everlasting group of people who's only wish was to enjoy every ounce of pleasure imaginable. Even so, you try to push the memory out of your mind, pocket the gold orb, and begin finding your way in the vast sandy ocean.
When you started your journey across the winding dunes of sand, the sky was clear blue glass. Now, as you stagger toward mountains growing no bigger despite three days of walking, that blue glass is marred by flecks of swirling ash…vultures waiting for their next meal…
A landscape of sand, flat, harsh sunlight with the wind whistling behind you made yourself reminisce about the cool air of the clearing. At this point it's only become a mere dream.
[[Trudge Onward->Ruins]]Seeing your chance, you run to strike the creature. Running and the rough walls of the beast you begin punching and scraping at its hide. Was this where the other marks were from you thought? Was that why they were there? But after seeing the beast regain its senses and try to strike again you pull away. A thought suddenly pops in your mind! If it's too strong on the inside, then it must be weak on the inside. It seems there's only one way to end this.
Placing yourself firm into the sand and right below the beast you wait for it to once again regain it's senses. Watching it open it's gigantic circular mouth, you jump just before it can get half of your body, and jump head first into the demonic beast.
(if: $divinity is true)[Grasping at the slimy walls inside the beast, allowing yourself to remain upright, you catch your breath. You made it. Using the orb you had taken from the swamp you pull it out of your pocket, allowing it to illuminate the scummy inside of your predator.]
As you continue to crawl through you find that inside the beast there is a small blonde haired girl locked in black chains inside the beast. . .
(text-style: "smear")[You've chosen to save me then. I am glad. For not only have you recovered the Apple of Eden, but also freed me from this devious beast. Thank you]
Upon speaking it's name the apple begins to float towards the girl in blonde hair. Radiating sweet warm light the bonds of the girl break and the body of the beast disintegrate. The girl grabs your hand and begins to float upward towards the bright sun above with the apple. Higher and higher you go, and you get ever closer to the sun, you see that your wounds on your back begin to sprout wings. Glorious white wings.
**''T H E
E N D''**Seeing your chance, you run to strike the creature. Running and the rough walls of the beast you begin punching and scraping at its hide. Was this where the other marks were from you thought? Was that why they were there? But after seeing the beast regain its senses and try to strike again you pull away. A thought suddenly pops in your mind! If it's too strong on the inside, then it must be weak on the inside. It seems there's only one way to end this.
Placing yourself firm into the sand and right below the beast you wait for it to once again regain it's senses. Watching it open it's gigantic circular mouth, you jump just before it can get half of your body, and jump head first into the demonic beast.
Dripping saliva, and rising gas bubbles plague it's insides. As you crawl through you feel your wounds on your back start to throb. The further and further you go, the more they begin to throb, almost conveying what you are seeking isn't that much further.
As you continue to crawl through you find that inside the beast there is a large (text-style: "shadow")[shadowed cube] halting your path. . .
And as you see it, your wounds on your back begin to grow dark bone-like wings, images and voices flash before you as you continue to crawl towards the object, and. . you take the shadowed cube in your hands, and crush it. Showing your devotion to Lucifer himself, and the demons below for all eternity.
**''T H E
E N D''**
Seeing your chance, you run to strike the creature. Running and the rough walls of the beast you begin punching and scraping at its hide. Was this where the other marks were from you thought? Was that why they were there? But after seeing the beast regain its senses and try to strike again you pull away. A thought suddenly pops in your mind! If it's too strong on the inside, then it must be weak on the inside. It seems there's only one way to end this.
Placing yourself firm into the sand and right below the beast you wait for it to once again regain it's senses. Watching it open it's gigantic circular mouth, you jump just before it can get half of your body, and jump head first into the demonic beast.
(if: $magic is true)[Grasping at the slimy walls inside the beast, allowing yourself to remain upright, you catch your breath. You made it. Using the wand that had originally been Bartholomew's, you pull it out of your pocket, allowing it to illuminate the scummy inside of your predator.]
As you continue to crawl through you find that inside the beast there is a small skull lodged in some cartilage inside the beast. Inside the beast there is a note. . .
(text-style: "emboss")[You've chosen to take up my grandfather's magic. Indeed, if it is your will then you shall have it. Here, a grand spell for you, my warlock.]
//Yours,
Tuleo. Apprentice and grandson to Bartholomew X. Windhelm.
A human amoung gods//
Upon speaking the words of the spell that was written by Tuleo, you freeze the insides of the beast with his wand and break through it's carcass in victory. You continue the tradition that the Windhelm's left in their wake. A normal human, studying and practicing. Lying in wait to challenge the gods, and recruit any humans who find their way in Purgatory.
**''T H E
E N D''**