=><=
//CrazedNovelist Games//
//Presents//
//Dark Shapes: Final Encounter//
[[Start->Choose Your Weapon.]]
Jim smiles as you stand before him. It's a crooked smile, an expression you haven't seen before. He crosses one leg over the other as he leans against the railing. He lights a cigarette and puts it in his mouth.
He then reaches from his gun which has been wedged between his pants and waist on his back. The gun is black with a silver handle. You've seen it in a vision of one of the victim's deaths. There's no denying it. He waves it in the air as he approaches.
A seagull flies overhead.
"It's so nice of you to stop by. What brings you all the way down here?"
(link: "Intimidate.") [(Set: $Bravery to 5)(Go-to: "Pull out your gun.")]
(link: "Stand down.") [(Set: $Intelligence to 5)(Go-to: "Put your hands up.")]You pull your gun out and steady it on him as he continues toward you. Jim grins devilishly.
"You won't shoot me. Put the gun down and I promise I won't hurt you."
His footsteps resonate as he walks and he meanders amongst metal shipping crates. Thunder rolls from some distance away. You keep your eyes steady on him.
"I called the cops on my way here. Backup will be here soon."
(Link: "Fire a warning shot.")[(Set: $Bravery to it + 5)(set: $GlockBullets to it - 1)(set: $ColtBullets to it -1)(Go-to:"Fire a warning shot.")]
(Link: "Compliment.")[(Set: $Cunning to it + 5)(Go-to: "Compliment.")]
(Link: "Investigate.")[(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(Go-to: "Investigate.")]
Jim puts the gun away. You lower yours too as he gets closer. A wind sweeps over you and you shudder from the damp air.
Jim puffs on his cigarette.
"So, you've come to catch me in the act, huh? Well, you're too late. Her body is already out to sea."
Your heart breaks at the terrible truth.
"The cops are on their way. I called them before I arrived."
Jim nods.
"You know, I've always been fond of you. But you never reciprocated my feelings. Why is that?"
(Link: "Lie.") [(Set: $Cunning to it + 5)(Go-To: "Lie.")]
(Link: "Tell the truth.") [(Set: $Bravery to it + 5)(Go-To: "Tell the truth.")]
(Link: "Inquire.") [(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(Go-To: "Inquire.")]You fire a bullet just inches from Jim's feet. He raises his gun and fires back. With a quickness, you lunge behind several metal crates as several more shots come your way.
"You think you're better than me!? You think you're going to get away!?"
He gets closer to you. You spot his long shadow cast by one of the dock lights. Your breath is heavy. You hear the click of Jim's gun as he cocks it.
"Come on, don't waste my time. I have things to do."
You take a deep breath as he approaches your hiding spot.
(Link: "Move towards the other crates out of the way.")[(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(Go-to: "Move towards the other crates out of the way.")]
(Link: "Fire again.")[(Set: $Bravery to it + 5)(set: $ColtBullets to it - 3) (Set: $GlockBullets to it - 3)(Go-to: "Fire again.")]
(Link: "Concentrate.")[(Set: $Power to 5)(Go-to: "Concentrate.")]
"I'm impressed that you've eluded me all this time."
Jim smirks ever so slightly and boldy raises his gun into the air.
"I'm impressed with myself as well, but now that you're here, let's put an end to all the games. If you want me, you'll have to kill me. Or, I'll kill you."
Jim fires several bullets. You throw yourself to the ground. His laughter resounds over the rapping of bullets hitting wood.
(link: "Look around.") [(Set: $Cunning to it + 5) (go-to: "Look around.")]
(link: "Reach.") [(Set: $Bravery to it + 5)(Set: $GlockBullets to it -3)(Set: $ColtBullets to it - 3)(go-to: "Grab your gun. Return fire.")]"I've always had feelings for you."
Jim chuckles at the comment as he continues forward. Something inside you causes you to stiffen. You begin to back away.
"Oh, where do you think you're going? You think you can just come down here and lie to me? I've been eyeing you for years, but you never gave me the time of day. Perhaps it was your rejection that lead me do all these killings? Is that what you came down here to find out?"
Your hands are unsteady. Your heart is pounding.
And Jim's expression stiffens and he raises his gun.
(Link: "Reason with him.")[(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(Go-to: "Reason.")]
(Link: "Stretch the truth.")[(Set: $Cunning to it + 5)(Go-to: "Stretch.")]
(Link: "Sneak.")[(Set: $Bravery to it + 5)(Go-to: "Sneak.")]"There was something I couldn't pinpoint. And now, I know that you're a danger to someone like me."
"I admit to everything," says Jim. "I killed all those people because I recognize who I am. There's nothing more to say on that front, I suppose. I applaud you for your honesty."
Jim claps.
"Well, you've found me. What are you going to do now?"
(link: "Warn.") [(Set: $Bravery to it + 5) (go-to: "Warn.")]
(link: "Leverage.") [(Set: $Cunning to it + 5) (go-to: "Leverage.")]
"I'm not sure. Why do you think so?"
Jim sits on an old barrell and puts his gun behind him. He takes on the stance of an everyday storyteller as you so desperately want to hear more about his crimes. You'd gotten proof, but to hear from the killer was much different.
"Whether you believe it or not, I used to be one of the good guys. I was the best P.I. this town had ever seen, but I grew tired of following orders and constantly bickering with the mayor.
"So, one day I finally snapped. And Angela, the first girl who ever betrayed me, ended up dead on my kitchen floor. I was so shocked with what I had done, but it was too late. There wasn't anything or anyone to stop me after the first."
(link: "Threaten.") [(Set: $Bravery to it +5) (go-to: "Threaten.")]
(link: "Study".) [(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5) (go-to: "Study.")]
(link: "Recall.") [(set: $Power to it + 5) (go-to: "Recall.")]Startled, you run towards the warehouses. Seconds later, you hear Jim running after you. Several shots are fired, but miraculously, they miss you.
You continue down the docks and stumble upon three vacant warehouses. You hide in one of them, hoping to lose Jim.
(link: "Warehouse 902.")[(Set: $Power to it + 5)(Set: $Bravery to it +5)(go-to: "Warehouse 902B.")]
(link: "Warehouse 903.")[(Set: $Cunning to it + 5)(go-to: "Warehouse 903B.")]
(link: "Warehouse 904.")[(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(go-to: "Warehouse 904B.")]You fire several bullets. One of them strikes Jim. He slinks off into the darkness. You run after him.
The sound of his running leads you to a warehouse front on the western side of the docks. Jim must have hidden one of them, but you're not sure which one.
(link: "Warehouse 902.")[(Set: $Power to it + 5)(Set: $Bravery to it +5)(go-to: "Warehouse 902A.")]
(link: "Warehouse 903.")[(Set: $Cunning to it + 5)(go-to: "Warehouse 903A.")]
(link: "Warehouse 904.")[(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(go-to: "Warehouse 904A.")] As you focus on the power within you, time seems almost meaningless. Every movement seems stopped as an energy fills you up. You shake uncontrollably as Jim approaches your crate, not from being nervous or afraid, but from something else entirely.
"I can smell your perfume," he says as he approaches. His boots create a dull thud.
He steps ever closer to you. You're panicked again, unsure of what do do next.
(Link: "Focus.") [(Set: $Power to it + 5) (Go-to: "FocusA.")]
(Link: "Move towards the other crates out of the way.")[(Set: $Cunning to it + 5)(Go-to: "Move towards the other crates out of the way.")]
"Please, stop this. Stop all these killings. I don't need to know why you did it."
Jim chuckles, unconvinced by the effort you're making. He raises his gun up to you.
(link: "Step back.")[(set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(go-to: "Step back.")]
(link: "Step forward.") [(set: $Cunning to it + 5) (go-to: "Step forward.")]
(link: "Draw your gun.") [(Set: $Bravery to it + 5) (Go-to: "Match his movement.")]"Maybe you did kill all those women over me. You saw a smart detective and knew you had to have me, but you couldn't. I'm the reason you killed those women. I'm the reason that you've become like this."
"Perhaps," says Jim coyly. "Maybe I am just a homicidal maniac and I get my jollies killing innocent people. I don't think you'll live long enough to get the real answer."
A chill rises up your spine.
(link: "Reveal.")[(Set: $Bravery to it + 5)(go-to: "Reveal.")]
(link: "Protect yourself.")[(Set: $Cunning to it + 5)(go-to: "Protect yourself.")]
(link: "Turn around.")[(set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(go-to: "Turn around.")]
You reach for your gun slowly. Your hands are still shaky.
Jim catches sight of what you're about to do. In response, he unloads his gun. In the excitement of lunging onto the ground, you lose grip of your gun. Three bullets strike where you had just been standing.
(Link: "Concentrate.")[(Set: $Power to 5)(Go-to: "FocusB.")]
(link: "Dive for your gun.") [(set: $Bravery to it + 5)(Set: $GlockBullets to it - 3) (Set: $ColtBullets to it - 3) (go-to: "Grab your gun. Return fire.")]Jim reaches you and stares you in the eye as he raises his gun. A great concussive force of power erupts from you and sends Jim up into the air. He lands with a hard thud. You rise and run off towards the warehouses.
He screams, "That //''magic''// of yours doesn't scare me!"
As you run, you can hear his feet pounding on the wooden planks of the docks. You find yourself standing amongst three abandoned warehouses at the egde of the docks.
(link: "Warehouse 902.")[(Set: $Power to it + 5)(Set: $Bravery to it +5)(go-to: "Warehouse 902B.")]
(link: "Warehouse 903.")[(Set: $Cunning to it + 5)(go-to: "Warehouse 903B.")]
(link: "Warehouse 904.")[(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(go-to: "Warehouse 904B.")]As you enter Warehouse #902, you cling on to the faint noise of footsteps as Jim, wounded, meanders through old wooden crates and unused equipment. With your gun at the ready, you continue along the dark path. You hear a whimper escape from Jim some distance away.
"I can hear you."
The overhead lights pave the way for you to follow the blood trail, little droplets that have escaped from Jim's gunshot wound.
You contemplate your next move.
(link: "Offer help.") [(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(go-to: "Offer help.")]
(if: $Bravery >= 15)[ (link:"Blow out the lights.")[(set: $GlockBullets to it -2)(set: $ColtBullets to it -2)(go-to: "Blow out the lights.")]]
(if: $Power is >= 15) [[Close your eyes.]]
(if: $Power is >= 20) [[Call the spirits.]]You have the faint inclination that you have //''miscalculated''// Jim's movements. The place is filled with old shipping crates.
Jim is most likely not in this warehouse, but he is probably nearby.
[[Try another warehouse.->Try another warehouseA.]]
(if: $Cunning is >= 15) [[Lure him.]]Warehouse #904 is an well-lit empty space. There doesn't seem to be any sign of Jim, but you can't be too sure. You keep your gun at the ready just in case.
[[Try another warehouse.->Try another warehouseA.]]
(link: "Draw him out.") [(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5) (set: $GlockBullets to it - 2) (set: $ColtBullets to it -2) (go-to: "Startle.")] A spirit erupts from within and wraps its spectral self around Jim, holding him in time. As the police sirens approach. You slink off into the darkness, knowing that having to explain this phenomenon would be impossible.
Jim's eyes follow you as you slink off into the darkness. An army of officers grabs Jim and hauls him off into a police van.
//''Case closed.''//You arrive at the first boat in your sight only to find that it is locked. You won't be able to enter it in a quick fashion.
[[Try another boat.]]
(if: $ColtBullets >= 0) + (if: $GlockBullets >= 0) [[Break the lock.]]
(if: $Crowbar is true) [[Pry open the door.]]
(set: $Bravery to it + 5)
(Set: $Power to it + 5)You have an odd feeling as you approach the third boat, but you're unsure of what that feeling is. As you keep your gun at the ready, you think for a short time what your next move should be.
[[Try another boat.]]
(if: $Bravery >= 15) [[Double back.]]
(if: $Power >= 10) [[Listen.]]
(if: $Power >=20) [[Call the spirits.]]
(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5)
(Set: $Power to it + 5)Boat #2 is open and you enter it quite easily. You meander in the darkness of it and await for the right moment to go back outside. You have a sense of uneasiness as you await for a murderer to find you or for you to find him.
[[Try another boat.]]
(if: $Intelligence >= 15) [[Hide.]]
(Set: $Cunning to it + 5)For a moment you ruminate over the friendship that you and Jim had, of all the laughter and kindess share between the two of you. Your heart aches to see what he has become. In a lot of ways, you feel betrayed.
All this time, searching for a murderer and you never imagined it might be a former friend, someone to whom you had looked up to. You take several seconds before answering him.
"I thought it would be best if I took you in. Friend or no, you can't get away with these murders. Those women deserve justice."
[[Flashback...->Recall.]]Tired of conversation, you decide to take some action. You aim your gun firmly at his heart. You know there will only be one chance for you to bring all those innocent women justice. But you've never taken a life in all the time you've been a private investigator.
Nevertheless, Jim doesn't seem to feel pity for your ambilvalence. He pulls out his gun with no hesitation. He presses his finger firmly on the trigger.
"Whatever happens here," he says. "No regrets."
(link: "Run.") [(set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(go-to: "Run.")]
(link: "Tackle.") [(Set: $Bravery to it + 5) (go-to: "Tackle.")]
(link: "Think.") [(set: $Power to it + 5) (go-to: "Think.")]A barrage of bullets are fired your way, but you duck behind several crates to avoid the shots. You take a deep breath as you focus on what to do next.
You notice the ships docked some distance away. In a panic, you run off towards the //''boats''//. You decide, perhaps, it's best to hide in one of them to fool Jim while backup makes it way to you.
(link: "Boat 1.")[(set: $Bravery to it + 5)(Set: $Power to it + 5)(go-to: "Boat 1.")]
(link: "Boat 2.")[(Set: $Cunning to it + 5)(go-to: "Boat 2.")]
(link: "Boat 3.")[(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(go-to: "Boat 3.")] You keep your stance solid, leaving no room for error. You press Jim on the murders.
"I still can't believe all this time I've been friends with a murderer. You even offered to help me find the killer. Why?"
Jim snickers.
"Why not? Why not play the game while I could? Surely you saw me at that convenience store outside of town and behind your house that one night? I've been following you for months and you didn't do or say anything."
You grin. No need to respond.
Jim keeps his gun on you.
(link: "Fire a warning shot.") [(Set: $Bravery to it + 5) (set: $ColtBullets to it - 1) (set: $GlockBullets to it - 1)(go-to: "Fire a warning shot.")]
(link: "Run.")[(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(go-to: "Run.")]With the rain subsiding, and the fog finally clearing, you find yourself face to face with the masked figure, the man who has committed over five murders right here in town. His back is to you, so you step lightly, but the unstable wooden planks that make up the dock flooring is weak, and your steps creak in the dead silence of the night.
The masked man turns to you and crosses his arms. You breathe heavily against the cold of the air. He stands in dark clothing and lifts his mask to show you that he's //''Jim''//, your old friend and former lover.
A jagged line runs down the length of his right cheek, a claw mark given to him by a victim. You have seen the vision of that murder, of the woman who tried to fight back, but couldn't.
Jim's blond hair seems dull in the nighttime and his charming good looks no longer delight you. You see the devil standing before you. You shudder as a cold wind sweeps past you.
The spirits that had become a part of you had warned you about him before, but you had never imagined that Jim might be the killer, but you had had some suspicions.
[[Continue...]] With its black handle and silver barrell, of course your favorite is your Colt Anaconda 44.
(Set: $ColtBullets to 6)
(display: "Inventory Colt")
[[Arrive on the scene.]]
Just like the one from your rookie days. You eye the Glock 22 with much infatuation. It is your favorite, after all.
(Set: $GlockBullets to 10)
(display: "Inventory Glock")
[[Arrive on the scene.]]
You hold your gun steady on him as he eyes you.
"Why'd you kill all those people?"
He takes a deep breath and crosses his arms haughtily.
"Why not? I got bored I guess."
You grit your teeth.
(link: "Investigate Further.") [(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5) (Go-to: "Investigate Further.")]
(link: "Fire a warning shot.") [(Set: $GlockBullets to it -1) (Set: $ColtBullets to it - 1) (go-to: "Fire a warning shot.")]A voice speaks to you in a low whisper and says, //"This way."//
You've never experienced anything so powerful before. A new clarity comes before you and you know, going forward, that the spirits will guide you to safety. Their revenge will be had.
[[Acknowledge.->Warehouse 903B.]]
(set: $Power to it + 5)You keep your eye on Jim as he recounts the details of his first murder. A part of you starts to gain an understanding of what a terrible life Jim has had over the years.
You start to regret ever having been involved with him. A part of you is glad to have avoided the same fate as those other women, but the other part of you wonders if you could have quelled the homicidal urges living within him.
You know he must be stopped.
(link: "Take down.") [(Set: $Bravery to it + 5)(Go-to: "Pull out your gun.")]
(link: "Dig deeper.") [(set: $Cunning to it + 5)(go-to: "Investigate.")]The memory of Jim's first victim floods your mind. You recall all the grisly photos of the corpse and the unusual markings upon the body. It's somewhat curious how it came to this point.
The victim's //''spirit''// gropes you at the edge of the other world and you know she blesses you with her power. Howevever, it takes time to build up such energy. It's best to //''bide your time''//.
(link: "Continue...") [(set: $Power to it + 5) (go-to: "Think.")]You scramble across the floor while Jim takes a moment to gather himself. The gun is nowhere in sight, however, you find a crowbar nearby. You clutch.
"Lost your gun I see," says Jim.
You hide as he walks towards you.
(link: "Run.") [(set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(go-to: "Run.")]
(link: "Attack.") [(set: $Bravery to it +5) (go-to: "Attack.")]
(Set: $Crowbar to true)You dive to the floor and grab your gun with a quickness. You fire three bullets in Jim's direction, but, unfortunately, Jim does not get hit. He returns fire. You roll and duck behind several crates. Your heart begins to pound as he approaches.
You slink off into the darkness with Jim's foosteps coming up behind you. You hide one of three warehouses up ahead.
[[Warehouse 902.->Warehouse 902B.]]
[[Warehouse 903.->Warehouse 903B.]]
[[Warehouse 904.->Warehouse 904B.]]
Jim is relentless in his approach. Afraid he might fire his gun at you, you consider your options, unsure of which path to take.
(link: "Pull out your gun.")[(Set: $Bravery to it + 5)(go-to: "Pull out your gun.")]
(link: "Fire a warning shot.")[(Set: $Bravery to it + 5)(go-to: "Fire a warning shot.")]You're no longer afraid of Jim and you know what you must do.
(link: "Threaten him.") [(Set: $Bravery to it + 5) (go-to: "Warn.")]Jim faces you with that look and you know you have but one choice to make in order to survive.
(Link: "Fire a warning shot.")[(Set: $Bravery to it + 5)(set: $GlockBullets to it - 1)(set: $ColtBullets to it -1)(Go-to:"Fire a warning shot.")]Hoping to distract Jim long enough, you begin to divulge details of the case, things that Jim probably didn't already know.
"I was on to you for some time. But I couldn't believe what I was seeing. The //''gypsy''// was right to warn me all those months ago. She knew the truth even before I did. I regret not understanding the gravity of what she said or how to finally solve this mystery. Her knowledge of magic is what lead me to you."
"You were always superstitious," says Jim. "That woman deserved what she got, trying to spoil my plans."
Jim keeps his gun aimed at you.
(link: "Step back.")[(set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(go-to: "Step back.")]
(link: "Step forward.") [(set: $Cunning to it + 5) (go-to: "Step forward.")]
(link: "Draw your gun.") [(Set: $Bravery to it + 5) (Go-to: "Match his movement.")]In order to protect yourself, you reveal your //''gun''//. Jim does not blink or move in any different way. He smirks at you as he cocks his gun.
(link: "Make a break for it.")[(Set: $Cunning to it + 5)(go-to: "Run.")]
(link: "Don't back down.")[(Set: $Bravery to it + 5)(go-to: "Match his movement.")]
You turn around as if to give up your threat to bring Jim down. He loosens his hold on his gun. At this opportunity, you make your move.
(link: "Fight back.")[(set: $Bravery to it + 5)(go-to: "Tackle.")]A barrage of bullets are fired in your direction, but you duck behind several crates to avoid the shot. You take a deep breath as you focus on what to do next.
You notice the boats docked some distance away. In a panic, you run off towards them. You decide it's best to hide in one of them to fool Jim while backup makes it way to you.
(link: "Boat 1.")[(set: $Bravery to it + 5)(Set: $Power to it + 5)(go-to: "Boat 1.")]
(link: "Boat 2.")[(Set: $Cunning to it + 5)(go-to: "Boat 2.")]
(link: "Boat 3.")[(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(go-to: "Boat 3.")] In a rage, you tackle Jim from where he stands. He screams as your body collides with his.
"Ugh!"
The two of you wrestle for some time before Jim is able to kick you off of him. Your head hits the floor with a hard thud and you're disoriented for some time.
You come to and decide to pursue Jim. To the west you spot docked boats where he might be able to hide. To the east, you see several vacant warehouses.
You follow your instincts.
[[Boats.]]
[[Warehouses.]]You recall all the evidence you have against him: the visions of the victims, the suspicious activity, and the following among other things. You wonder how it will feel to finally bring him down. The killings were brutal acts of vengeance and the most disgusting thing you'd ever seen.
Jim's guilt is tantamount at this point. You certainly don't want to lose to him. Your job is to bring him down.
(link: "Focus.") [(set: $Power to it + 5)(go-to: "FocusB.")]The first warehouse you arrive to has a tall ceiling and mice scurry along the floors, but there are no places to hide as the crates that had once made their homes here, are no longer in place.
Something calls you in the wind, and turn and head back out of this warehouse.
[[Try another warehouse.->Try another warehouseB.]]As you ease yourself into warehouse #903, you hear Jim running back to one of other the other warehouses. You take a moment to consider what you need to do next. Hiding, you realize you won't defeat him. But the //''power''// might be able to.
You consider your options.
[[Try another warehouse.->Try another warehouseB.]]
[[Make a run for it.]]
(if: $Power >= 10) [[Close your eyes.]]
(if: $Power >= 15) [[Call the spirits.]]
As you think the farthest warehouse is the safetest, you discover that Jim has already figured out your movement. His shoes thud against the metallic floor of the place as you hide in the darkets corners of the room.
And then, Jim turns on a flashlight and uses it to scan for you. Unfortunately for him, you know very well how to hide.
"I know you're in here!" he screams. But by this point, you've already run out of the place.
[[Try another warehouse.->Try another warehouseB.]]You fire two bullets into the lights above, darkening the room. You hear Jim whimpering in the darkness. You continue forth with your gun at the ready.
(Set: $Bravery to it + 5)
(link: "Confront.")[(Set: $Bravery to it +5)(go-to: "Confront.")]
(link: "Offer help.") [(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(go-to: "Offer help.")]
You find Jim laying on the ground with blood flowing out of his abdomen. With this wound, you claim victory over stopping him.
"Come on. Let's get you to a hospital."
(link: "Enlighten.")[(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(go-to: "Enlighten.")]
(link: "Arrest.")[(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(go-to: "Arrest.")]You try another warehouse. He wasn't in the one you had come from.
[[Warehouse 902->Warehouse 902A.]]
[[Warehouse 903->Warehouse 903A.]]
[[Warehouse 904->Warehouse 904A.]]Sensing Jim is nearby, you yell out into the empty warehouse and listen for movement.
Seconds go by and nothing happens, but then you hear a groan coming from outside. Your turn your head just in time to see Jim entering into Warehouse 902.
[[Pursue.->Warehouse 902A.]]You try another warehouse.
[[Warehouse 902->Warehouse 902B.]]
[[Warehouse 903->Warehouse 903B.]]
[[Warehouse 904->Warehouse 904B.]] You try another boat.
[[Boat 1.]]
[[Boat 2.]]
[[Boat 3.]] You fire two bullets straight up towards the ceiling. There is silence until a giant rat scurries across the legnth of the place. There's no sign of Jim.
[[Try another warehouse.->Try another warehouseA.]] You select a boat.
[[Boat 1.]]
[[Boat 2.]]
[[Boat 3.]]You choose a warehouse.
[[Warehouse 902.->Warehouse 902A.]]
[[Warehouse 903.->Warehouse 903A.]]
[[Warehouse 904.->Warehouse 904A.]] Bullets Remaining: $GlockBullets (if: $GlockBullets is true)[(Print: "Remaining")]Bullets Remaining: $ColtBullets (if: $ColtBullets is true)[(Print: "Remaining")]With your gun, you fire one bullet into the lock. The shot rings true and the bolt is completely destoyed. You enter the dark ship in hopes of hiding from Jim. You're not certain if he heard the gunshot or not.
Your mission at this points becomes keeping away long enough for backup to arrive. Jim is too dangerous to take down yourself.
A cold wind whips past you. An eerie voice speaks to you.
//"So... close..."//
You realize that you've taken the wrong path.
(link: "Head back.")[(set: $Power to it + 5)(go-to: "Boat 3.")]
(set: $GlockBullets to it - 1)
(Set: $ColtBullets to it -1)Under the impression that you've evaded Jim for the time being, you head back towards the other end of the dock in search of him. With your gun at the ready, you keep a close watch on everything around you.
A crate is suddenly knocked off and Jim appears from behind you, having been lying in wait all this time. He fires a few bullets in your direction, so you run back towards your car, hoping that backup will arrive before Jim makes you his next victim.
[[Run to the car.->Keep running1.]]A ghastly voice enters your space and say, //"Avenge me..."//
You're not certain of which of Jim's victims it is, but it's a haunting voice and you become even more determined to bring her to justice. After all this time, hopefully, you have learned to harness the spirits' powers.
[[Acknowledge.->Boat 3.]]
(if: $Power >=10) [[Calm Yourself.]]
(if: $Power >=20) [[Call the spirits.]]
(set: $Power to it + 5)There are several metal shipping crates stored in the area, old things left behind long ago. You feel around with your hands for something to lean on to, but you find nothing but the darkness surrounding you.
A door opens and slams and you know that Jim has probably found you. A flashlight flicks on and you realize your sense of space. Jim calls out.
"Last one out is a rotten egg!"
You clutch yourself unsure of what to do next.
(if: $Crowbar is true)[[Throw crowbar.]]
(if: $ColtBullets >= 0) + (if: $GlockBullets >= 0) [[Shoot him.]]
(set: $Intelligence to it + 5)The voices of all the spirits come upon you. All the victims that have been slain by Jim. All those women... Their voices surround you and you feel empowered by their essence.
Time has stopped, it seems, and all pain and sorrow have gone away. The wind begins to howl furiously as the translucent spectral beings come before you, spirits of women of all age.
Jim finds you in the midst of a trance. He fires his gun, but the bullets seem to be ineffective. He screams in the dead of the night.
"//What// are you?"
(set: $Power to it + 5)
(if: $Power is >= 20) [[Defy.]]
(if: $Power is >= 25) [[Summon a spirit.]]
With little to no options left, you find yourself running back towards your car, hoping that back up will arrive just in time. But as you turn the corner, you find yourself face to face with Jim. He's traded his empty gun for a rusty machete he had picked up somewhere.
He approaches you ever slowly. You start to run away. Right on your heels you hear him making his way closer to you.
[[Keep going.->Keep running1.]]
(set: $Cunning to it + 5)
(Set: $Power to it + 5)
(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5)
(Set: $Bravery to it + 5)With Jim hot on your tail, a bullet wound in your chest, you continue towards the car in hopes that the police has made good on their word. You contemplate whether or not help is really coming.
Perhaps this crooked town has been in favor of keeping the murderer alive? Perhaps they like him and his off-brand humor or his affinity of homicidal tendencies?
But the spirits call those fears within you. If the spirits aren't ready, you prepare to stall Jim until they are.
(if: $Cunning >= 15)[[Trip him.]]
(if: $Intelligence >= 15)[[Set a trap.]]
(if: $Bravery >= 15)[[Lie in wait.]]
(if: $Power >= 15) [[Call the spirits.]]
(set: $Cunning to it + 5)
(set: $Intelligence to it + 5)
(set: $Bravery to it + 5)
(set: $Power to it + 5)You try to find something of use to trip Jim, but there is no rope nearby and he approaches too quickly. You think about other options.
[[Other options.->Keep running1.]]
(Set: $Power to it + 5)
(set: $Cunning to it + 5)You tire quickly from running and ponder over setting a trap for Jim, but without much time on your hands, you see it as futile. With a gunshot wound, Jim can easily catch you.
[[Other options.->Keep running1.]]
(Set: $Power to it + 5)
(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5)You're not sure how many bullets are left in your gun or whether or not lying in wait might actually help you. Still you sit very still behind old equipment.
But, you second guess your decision. There are better ways at handling Jim.
[[Other options.->Keep running1.]]
(set: $Power to it + 5)
(set: $Bravery to it + 5)Police sirens fill in all around you, finally. But the trance you have found is powerful and unexplainable.
Jim, frightened by the police, or probaby you, tries to make a break for it, but you speak out.
//"Seize him."//
The spirits, as ghastly beings from another world dressed in tattered clothes and sporting the wounds that caused their deaths, fly over and face him. Jim's eyes widen in panic.
[[Bring them to justice.->Exert your power on him.]]
(set: $Power to it +5)
After weeks of investigating, you have discovered the location of the murderer of five women in town.
While looking at yourself in the mirror, you grab your coat and cell phone. Staring back at you is the weathered face of a P.I. who has worked without pause to apprehend a murderer, and also someone whose belief in the occult has been ignited by the powers of gyspy magic.
Though the woman has since passed, her words still resonate within you:
//''"The only way to defeat a murderer is to put the weight of his victims upon him. You are a born necromancer. In time, they--the spirits, will come to you and obey you. Not because you are a noble person, but because you also want to see them avenged. Once you meet the murderer, they will begin to descend upon you. And then, your energies shall gather and their power will become yours.''"//
Not knowing whether or not if her words are true, and being skeptical, you stop just before heading out. You pick one of the two guns laying on your desk.
[[Colt Anaconda 44]]
[[Glock 22]]
You charge into Jim with the crowbar in hand in hopes to fend him off, but he gets the better of you. He slams you down with one furious blow.
You're disoriented for a few seconds and, in his defense, Jim raises his gun back up to you. To avoid getting shot, you turn and run into the other direction.
(link: "Continue...")[(Set: $Cunning to it + 5)(go-to: "Run.")]With the crowbar you pry open the door of the boat and enter. An eerie silence fils out the room as you rummage about in the darkness.
A cold wind whips past you. An eerie voice speaks to you.
//"So... close..."//
You know now that you've taken the wrong path.
(link: "Head back.")[(set: $Power to it + 5)(go-to: "Boat 3.")]Jim looks back up at you. You lower you hand to help him back up.
"Come on, you're under arrest anyway."
Jim jumps up with a quickness and pushes you hard onto the ground and bolts away.
(link: "Pursue.") [(set: $Bravery to it + 5)(go-to: "Chase.")]Despite Jim's fatigue, there is little chance of you catching him. You consider your options.
(if: $Power is >= 20) [[Call the spirits.]]
(link: "Regroup.")[(Set: $Power to it + 5)(go-to: "Regroup.")]
(Set: $Power to it + 5)Jim says nothing in response, but grabs onto your hand and lets you help him up. He clutches his wound as his heavy breathing echoes around you. The gun he had been carrying is no longer on his person as far as you can tell.
(link: "Arrest.")[(Set: $Intelligence to it + 5)(go-to: "Arrest.")]
(link: "Confront.")[(Set: $Bravery to it +5)(go-to: "Confront.")]"You're under arrest, Jim. You're not going to hurt any more people."
Jim grunts as you reach into your jacket to pull out the handcuffs. And then suddenly, Jim strikes you in the face with his elbow and takes off running, clutching his wound all the while.
"Stop!"
(set: $Power to it +5)
(if: $ColtBullets is >= 0) + (if: $GlockBullets is >= 0) [[Shoot.]]
[[Chase.]]
(if: $Power is >= 20) [[Call the spirits.]]
With darkness taking over, you run quickly behind Jim as he tries to evade you. You call out to him, but he isn't interested in getting caught.
[[Keep running.->Keep running2.]]
(if: $Power >= 20) [[Call the spirits.]]
(set: $Cunning to it + 5)You fire two bullets which narrowly miss Jim as he heads away from you.
[[Chase.]]
(set: $ColtBullets to it - 2)
(Set: $GlockBullets to it -2)
(Set: $Bravery to it + 5)
(Set: $Power to it + 5)You calm your mind and focus on the task at hand. Taking Jim back to the police and putting a murderer behind bars is the most important thing to do.
[[Regain your composure.->Boat 3.]]
(set: $Power to it + 5)You throw the crowbar at Jim as he rounds a corner. It hits him in the leg. He screams out an obscenity and flashes his flashlight in your direction.
He spots you. His eyes become wild like a madman's. He fires his gun and the bullet lands square in your shoulder. Wounded, you bolt out of there.
[[Escape.->Keep running1.]]
(set: $Crowbar to false)
(set: $Cunning to it + 5)Despite the darkness of the place, you fire off two bullets. Neither land on the target. Assisted by his flashlight, Jim fires back and one of those bullets lands in your chest.
You scream out in pain. With all your courage, you spring out of there back towards the docks. You pray that backup has arrived.
[[Get out of there.->Keep running1.]]
(set: $GlockBullets to it - 2)
(Set: $ColtBullets to it - 2)
(set: $Bravery to it + 5)You shake your head. Jim would never understand.
(set: $Power to it + 5)
(if: $Power >= 25) [[Summon a spirit.]]
A spirit calms your chaotic mind as you continue forth in search of Jim. You're not exactly sure what must happen here.
[[Go back.->Keep running2.]]
(if: $Power is >= 20) [[Call the spirits.]]
(set: $Power to it + 5)