Before (transition: "dissolve")[[[You|You Ocean]]] lies an ocean of liquid, white web, boiling upon itself without heat.
What do (transition: "dissolve")[You] do?
(transition: "dissolve")[[[>CONSUME THE OCEAN|CONSUME THE OCEAN]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[[[>TRAVERSE THE OCEAN|TRAVERSE THE OCEAN]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[[[>ATTACK THE OCEAN|ATTACK THE OCEAN]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[[[>FLEE THE OCEAN|FLEE THE OCEAN]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big>] feel like you're bleeding.
(transition: "dissolve")[You] can't tell where.
(transition: "dissolve")[You're] barefoot.
(transition: "dissolve")[You] don't know[ why.]<why|
(click: ?why)[...<br><br>(transition: "dissolve")[(link-reveal: "You did have a name once.")[<br><br>(transition: "dissolve")[It's gone [[now.|Ocean of White]]]]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[You] plunge (transition: "dissolve")[Your] head into the ocean of stringy threads and begin drinking.
[[Deep, greedy gulps.|CONSUME THE OCEAN 2]]
...(transition: "dissolve")[You] grit your teeth, sucking what air (transition: "dissolve")[You] can into (transition: "dissolve")[Your] lungs before diving into (link-reveal: "the stringy fluid.")[<br><br>Kneeling in the...'water', you feel its feathery threads (link-reveal: "coiling around your limbs.")[<br>They [[burn.|ATTACK THE OCEAN 2]]]]
(if: $voidSoaked is 1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You] claw at the murk, gasping - the Web filling (transition: "dissolve")[Your] screaming lungs even as its threads squeeze (transition: "dissolve")[You] tighter. Eventually, (transition: "dissolve")[You] struggle to the surface and find yourself nearly kissing the pale, dry land.<br>](transition: "dissolve")[You] race, stumbling, in the opposite direction.<br><br>What were (transition: "dissolve")[You] *thinking* coming (link-reveal: "here?")[<br><br>(transition: "dissolve")[You] can almost feel His eyes [drilling into your back.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[He's seen [(transition: "dissolve")[You].]<c2|]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[You've come all this way only to have Him ''see'' [[You.|Miles]]]]
Soft, feathery threads grip at (transition: "dissolve")[Your] legs as (transition: "dissolve")[You] wade into the ocean.
The stringy fluid barely reaches to (transition: "dissolve")[Your] kneecaps, but moving forward is getting harder, and harder, and harder, <small>and harder, [[and harder...|TRAVERSE THE OCEAN 2]]</small>
(transition: "dissolve")[[[The scene changes.|Prophet 2]]]
It feels like (transition: "dissolve")[You've] traveled for [[miles.|Miles]]
When (transition: "dissolve")[You] look back, (transition: "dissolve")[You] can't see the shore. Whatever it was (transition: "dissolve")[You] came from, it's gone. Swallowed by the Web. (link-reveal: "Just like everything else that comes here.")[<br><br>(transition: "dissolve")[You] understand that (link-reveal: "now.")[<br><br>(transition: "dissolve")[A shadow passes below the fragile white sponge separating (transition: "dissolve")[You] from [[the leagues of inky black lying just beneath your feet.|Final Miles]]]]]
[[//''Crap.''//|Prophet]]
(transition: "dissolve")[You] drive (transition: "dissolve")[Your] fists into the trembling white sponge forming the floor of this ocean. For what seems like hours, (transition: "dissolve")[You] continue to pound craters into the one thing separating (transition: "dissolve")[You] from the leagues of inky black lying just beneath (transition: "dissolve")[Your] feet.
(transition: "dissolve")[You] (link-reveal: "<i>ignorant fool.</i>")[<br><br>(transition: "dissolve")[You] punch through the fragile outer layer and [plunge]<c1| into [the void]<c2|.]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>ATTACK THE VOID|CONSUME THE OCEAN ALT]]]<br>(transition: "dissolve")[[[>FLEE THE VOID|FLEE THE OCEAN]]]]
(click-append: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[, the white from above and the black from below melding into a toxic grey around (transition: "dissolve")[Your] flailing body]]
(set: $voidSoaked to 1)
(transition: "dissolve")[The Web Fills [[You.|CONSUME THE OCEAN 3]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[You] claw at the murk, gasping - the Web flooding into (transition: "dissolve")[Your] screaming lungs even as its threads squeeze (transition: "dissolve")[You] [tighter.]<c1|
(click: ?c1)[Still (transition: "dissolve")[You] [[fight.|CONSUME THE OCEAN ALT 2]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[The Web Fills [[You.|CONSUME THE OCEAN 5]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[The Web Fills [[You.|CONSUME THE OCEAN 4]]]
Before (transition: "dissolve")[You] lies a dry valley of white sponge. A thousand webs fold into each other to create a single porous quilt stretching into the horizon.
What do (transition: "dissolve")[You] do?
(transition: "dissolve")[[[>TRAVERSE THE VALLEY|CONSUME THE OCEAN 6 TRAVERSE]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[[[>ATTACK THE VALLEY|CONSUME THE OCEAN 6 ATTACK]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[[[>FLEE THE VALLEY|CONSUME THE OCEAN 6 FLEE]]]
(set: $voidSoaked to 1)
(transition: "dissolve")[<big>The Web</big> Does Not ''Wish'' To [Go.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big> Do Not [Go.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big> Do Not Wish To Remember What You Did [[Instead|Prophet]][...]<c3|]]
(click-replace: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[...But You Do.]]
(transition: "dissolve")[<big>The Web</big> Does Not ''Wish'' To [Attack.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big> Do Not [Attack.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big> Do Not Wish To Remember What You Did [[Instead|Prophet]][...]<c3|]]
(click-replace: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[...But You Do.]]
(transition: "dissolve")[<big>The Web</big> Does Not ''Wish'' To [Flee.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big> Do Not [Flee.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big> Do Not Wish To Remember What You Did [[Instead|Prophet]][...]<c3|]]
(click-replace: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[...But You Do.]]
(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big>] are Eric, [sole]<cAlt1| Prophet of [Zimforth the Spider.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>The Spider God.</big>]<br>The last deity not to be consumed or slain by Its [ambitious brethren.]<c2|](click-append: ?c2)[ A dubious honor, considering [''It'']<c3| did most of the killing.]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big>] perform the ceremonies The Spider God demands[,]<cAlt2| teach Its followers, and wear the [[uniform|You Prophet Uniform]] required by (transition: "dissolve")[Your] office.]
(click: ?cAlt2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Sometimes, You find Yourself looking in the mirror, and wonder if Zimforth will let You grow old. Age. Die.<br>It needs (transition: "dissolve")[You] - [doesn't It?]<cAlt3|]]
(click: ?cAlt3)[(transition: "dissolve")[You're balding.]]
(click-append: ?cAlt1)[ surviving]
(transition: "dissolve")[The Web Fills [[You.|CONSUME THE OCEAN ALT 3]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big>] wear a billowing cloak made from spider webs, [passed down from on high.]<c1| [A gift from Zimforth Itself.]<c2| (click: ?c2)[Unfortunately, this means some of the web *creators* [stuck around.]<c3|](click: ?c1)[<br><br>((transition: "dissolve")[You] wove it together (transition: "dissolve")[Yourself] on a weekend - shortly after (transition: "dissolve")[You] woke up one morning to find every surface in (transition: "dissolve")[Your] room covered in tiny, eight-legged horrors.)]
(click: ?c3)[Occasionally, they'll crawl through the ruffles of the cloak's collar and bite (transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big>] on the neck, ending a message to the faithful [early.]<c4|]
(click: ?c4)[There's also a completely unnecessary spider-themed breastplate, and a <big>[[*really nice* hat.|Prophet 2]]</big>]
Before (transition: "dissolve")[[[You|You Prophet]]] lies an ocean of white robes. Bowed heads, bent knees, and [muttered prayers]<c1| for mercy. (click: ?c1)[<br>Babbling.]
A stream of words erupts from (transition: "dissolve")[Your] mouth. (transition: "dissolve")[You] can't tell whether you're receiving ''`'something'`'' or making it up anymore, but that doesn't matter.
[It's (weekday:).]<c2|
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[Zimforth Speaks.|Prophet 3]]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[The Web Fills [[You.|CONSUME THE OCEAN ALT 4]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[The Web Fills [[You.|Prophet]]]
(transition: "dissolve")["In the beginning was [the Web.]<c1|"]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")["In Zimforth was the Web created, and [without Zimforth is nothing made.]<c2|"]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")["And Zimforth the Spider God, Lord of Desperation, in all Its [merciful, ]<m1| (click-append: ?m1)[[uh, ]<m2|] (click-append: ?m2)[[Majesty, ]<m3|] (click-append: ?m3)[(transition: "dissolve")[declared the Web to be [good.]<c3|"] ] ] ]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[You] have a [captive audience.]<c4|]
(click: ?c4)[What do (transition: "dissolve")[You] [<big>do?</big>]<c5|]
(click: ?c5)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>CONTINUE THE MESSAGE|CONTINUE THE MESSAGE]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[[[>DENY THE MESSAGE|DENY THE MESSAGE]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[[[>FLEE THE MESSAGE|FLEE THE MESSAGE]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[[[>ATTACK THE CROWD|ATTACK THE CROWD]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[[[<br>>PUN|PUN THE MESSAGE]]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[<big>"Out of thread we are born, and [in threads]<d1| [we shall return.]<c1|"</big>](click: ?d1)[<br><br>((transition: "dissolve")[Your] audience knows this statement isn't [figurative.]<d2|)<br>](click: ?d2)[<br>(Only Zimforth knows how many of them made the poor choice of following the [shrieks.]<d3|)<br>](click-append: ?d3)[ Seeing the shrouded bodies.]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>"Thus, it is in the Web that we [find solace.]<c2|"</big>]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>"In returning, we find rest. It traps as much as it frees. [Our souls are held forevermore.]<c3|"</big>]]
(click: ?c3)[<h3>(transition: "dissolve")[[[>AMEN.|CONTINUE THE MESSAGE 2]]]</h3>]
(transition: "dissolve")["(transition: "dissolve")[You] [know what?]<c1|"]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")["[No.]<c2|"]]
(click: ?c2)["I'm not doing this for [[another second.|DENY THE MESSAGE 2]]"]
All at once, (transition: "dissolve")[You're] overcome with an intense feeling of [panic.]<c1|
(click: ?c1)[Who are [these people?]<c2|] (click: ?c2)[Why are they hanging on [(transition: "dissolve")[Your] every word?]<c3|]
(click: ?c3)[Why are (transition: "dissolve")[You] speaking for a god that [[hates You?|FLEE THE MESSAGE 2]]]
Something in (transition: "dissolve")[You] [breaks all at once]<c1| - as if some cruel force abitrarily flipped the last switch holding (transition: "dissolve")[Your] anxieties at bay.
(click: ?c1)[Flinging (transition: "dissolve")[Your] arms open, (transition: "dissolve")[You] knock aside (transition: "dissolve")[Your] battered wooden pulpit, and [accidentally]<c2| send a small cloud of spiders from (transition: "dissolve")[Your] sleeves into the [[horrified throng.|ATTACK THE CROWD 2]]]
(click-replace: ?c2)[ ["accidentally"]<c3|]
(click-replace: ?c3)[ [accidentally?]<c4|]
(click-replace: ?c4)[]
"[Heh, ]<p1| (click: ?p1)[[you know, it's funny,]<p2| ] (click: ?p2)[we'd be in a very different position [if The Spider God...]<p3|](click-append: ?p3)[[*EIGHTed* ]<p4|] (click: ?p4)[[the Web.]<p5|"]
(click: ?p5)[[<big>...</big>]<p6|]
(click: ?p6)["[You know.]<p7|"]
(click: ?p7)["[Hate.]<p8|"]
(click: ?p8)["[Eight.]<p9|"]
(click: ?p9)["You know, because spiders have [''*eight legs.*'']<p10|"]
(click: ?p10)["[EIGHT]<p11|ed."]
(click: ?p11)["[HATE]<p12|d."]
(click: ?p12)[[ (either: "The audience is not amused.", "The silence is deafening.", "The audience isn't sure how to respond to that.", "The audience looks on in stunned silence.")]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[[[>PUN HARDER|PUN THE MESSAGE 2]]
(if: $punAbort is 0)[[[>ABORT ABORT|Punication]]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[You] step off of the web-encrusted podium, (link-reveal: "arms outstretched.")[ (transition: "dissolve")[You] begin moving towards the [retreating crowd...]<c1|](click-append: ?c1)[ (transition: "dissolve")[and, with [no warning,]<a1|] (click-append: ?a1)[ (transition: "dissolve")[punch (transition: "dissolve")[Yourself] [in the face.]<c2|]]]
(click: ?c2)[Suddenly, (transition: "dissolve")[You're] raining blows on (transition: "dissolve")[Yourself]. Are (transition: "dissolve")[You] laughing? Crying? Why are (transition: "dissolve")[Your] Spider Deacons edging towards the door at the back of the [cramped, stuffy room]<d1|? Why do they look panicked? Why is the door [locked]<d2|? Why are people [screaming]<d3|?
Are (transition: "dissolve")[You] bleeding? [Does it matter?]<c3|]
(click: ?c3)[Words drip from (transition: "dissolve")[Your] bloodied mouth as (transition: "dissolve")[You] ease (transition: "dissolve")[Your] left fist out of [(transition: "dissolve")[Your]]<c4| [jaw.]<c5|]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[You] think (transition: "dissolve")[You] may be missing a tooth.]
(click: ?c5)[<br><big>"[I,]<i1|](click: ?i1)[ [I'm,]<i2|](click: ?i2)[ [I'm unworthy.]<i3|]
(click: ?i3)[[And scared.]<i4|]
(click: ?i4)[And scared of being unworthy [and...]<c6|"</big>]
(click-append: ?c6)[[and...]<c7|]
(click: ?c7)[(transition: "dissolve")[You] begin [[nodding.|ATTACK THE CROWD 3]]]
(click-append: ?d1)[ (Zimforth demands nothing less)]
(click-append: ?d2)[ (Zimforth demands nothing less)]
(click-append: ?d3)[ (Zimforth demands nothing less)]
(transition: "dissolve")["(link-reveal: "None,")[ (transition: "dissolve")[none of us (link-reveal: "are...")[(transition: "dissolve")[are [[worthy.|ATTACK THE CROWD 4]]"]]]]]
Ever so slowly, (transition: "dissolve")[You] lift your head, and (transition: "dissolve")[[[sink Your fist into the flesh of the man standing closest to You.|ATTACK THE CROWD 5]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[It's actually quite satisfying, once [[You|You Prophet Attack]] get past the sight of teeth flying from [screaming gums.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[Men, women, and crying, confused children. Faces, ribs, and limbs raised in hopes of mercy or self defense. Nothing is safe from [(transition: "dissolve")[Your] onslaught.]<c2|]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Maybe it was the years of fear. The countless pointless ceremonies and sleepless nights, knowing that no matter what (transition: "dissolve")[You] did, The Spider God might still decide to murder [everyone in the room.]<c3|]](click: ?c3)[<br>(transition: "dissolve")[Everyone except for [You.]<c4|]]
(click: ?c4)[It was always (transition: "dissolve")[You]. The Spider God's special toy. His only *surviving* prophet.
He always enjoyed torturing (transition: "dissolve")[You] the most, and (transition: "dissolve")[You] hated Him for it. Even as (transition: "dissolve")[You] begged, and thanked Him for [His ''mercy.'']<c5|]
(click: ?c5)[Maybe that's why (transition: "dissolve")[You] have strength now. Even as the tears flowing down (transition: "dissolve")[Your] face blur (transition: "dissolve")[Your] vision, and (transition: "dissolve")[Your] soul groans and creaks and *cracks* inside, (transition: "dissolve")[You] [Break Them.]<c6|]
(click: ?c6)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[You Break Them All.|DRAMATIC ENTRANCE]]]]
(set: $youAttack to 1)
(transition: "dissolve")[Suddenly, the door of the building [explodes inward.]<d1|] (if: $youFlee is 0)[(click: ?d1)[(transition: "dissolve")[It slams into the [carved wall]<b1| (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[bearing the Spider God and his Mark]] behind (transition: "dissolve")[You], and [snaps into half-rotted pieces.]<c1|]]](if: $youFlee is 1)[(click: ?d1)[(transition: "dissolve")[It sends You flying, Your back slamming into [the cold stone floor.]<c1|]]]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[A figure stands in [the shattered doorway.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[It's practically [coated in the Web]<c3|(if: $voidSoaked is 1)[, outside and in].]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[You] stare into the void behind its eyes and feel the Web [staring back at (transition: "dissolve")[You].]<c4|]]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[You've never been [[more scared in your life.|DRAMATIC ENTRANCE 2]]]]
"[Speaking of the Web, ]<p2|(click: ?p2)[I think [I may be...]<p3|](click-append: ?p3)[[*losing my thread.*]<p4|"]
(click: ?p4)[[<big>...</big>]<p6|]
(click: ?p6)["[Thread.]<p7|"]
(click: ?p7)["[You know - thread!]<p8|"]
(click: ?p8)["[Because spiders,]<p9|"]
(click: ?p9)["Because spiders make their webs out of [''*thread?*'']<p10|"]
(click: ?p10)["Right? [Yeah?]<p12|"]
(click: ?p12)[[ (either: "The audience is beginning to doubt Your sanity.", "The audience is getting uncomfortable.", "The audience continues to look on in stunned silence.")]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[[[>PUN HARDER|PUN THE MESSAGE 3]]
(if: $punAbort is 0)[[[>ABORT ABORT|Punication 2]]]]
"[I, uh, ]<p1| (click: ?p1)[[um...]<p2| ]
(click: ?p2)[You know, I think Zimforth [shaves]<d1|! Yeah! I think [*Zimforth shaves!*]<d2|]
(click: ?d2)[After all, [how else will It get...]<p3|](click-append: ?p3)[[*SILKy* smooth.]<p5|"]
(click: ?p5)[[<big>...</big>]<p6|]
(click: ?p6)["Because spider webs are, [um,]<p8|"]
(click: ?p8)["[Made of silk?]<p9|"]
(click: ?p9)["Silk uh, thread, to reference my [previous point...]<p10|"]
(click: ?p10)["[`*`*cough*`*`]<p12|"]
(click: ?p12)[[ (either: "The audience is audibly groaning.", "You spot the Spider Deacons sitting at the back of the room shaking their heads in disgust.", "You hear a small child crying somewhere in the back of the room.")]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[[[>PUN YET HARDER|PUN THE MESSAGE 4]]
(if: $punAbort is 0)[[[>ABORT ABORT|Punication 3]]]]
(click-append: ?d1)[ (a sizable portion of the crowd gasps at this statement)]
"Being completely serious, [I feel Zimforth is often misunderstood.]<p1| (click: ?p1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Rumors that The Spider God is a cruel, malicious, tyrannical deity with no sense of decency or morality are [utterly false.]<p2|]]
(click: ?p2)[When you look at this incredible figure from [all sides...]<p3|](click-append: ?p3)[the argument simply doesn't [*have legs*.]<p4|"]
(click: ?p4)[[<big>...</big>]<p6|]
(click: ?p6)["[Spiders have legs.]<p7|"]
(click: ?p7)["[...]<p10|"]
(click: ?p10)["[...]<p11|"]
(click: ?p11)["[Heh.]<p12|"]
(click: ?p12)[[ (either: "The room fills with boos, hisses, and assorted exclamations too strong to mention.", "They didn't think it could get worse. It did.<br><br>Puns can <i>always</i> get worse.")]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[[[>SET PHASERS TO 'PUN'|PUN THE MESSAGE 5]]
(if: $punAbort is 0)[[[>ABORT ABORT|Punication 4]]]]
"Listen! [Please!]<a1| (click: ?a1)[(transition: "dissolve")[*EYE* understand you all [might not like puns.]<p1|]] (click: ?p1)[(transition: "dissolve")[*EYE*'m doing [my best,]<p2|]] (click: ?p2)[(transition: "dissolve")[and if *EYE* could do it all over again, *EYE*'d [definitely take your concerns into account...]<p3|]](click-append: ?p3)[<br><br>(transition: "dissolve")[All in favor of ending spider puns, [please say *EY*--]<p12|"]]
(click: ?p12)[[ (either: "You literally just killed someone. That guy. Right there. Third from the right in the front row.", "You can see Your formerly-meek audience searching for possible weapons on the floor.", "The audience is literally crying for mercy. <i>Think of the children.</i>", "The eyes of Your audience are dead. Cold. Consumed by hatred.")]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[[[>PUN HARDER DANGIT|DRAMATIC ENTRANCE]]
(if: $punAbort is 0)[[[>ABORT ABORT|Punication 5]]]]
(set: $youPun to 1)
(transition: "dissolve")[Let me make this [very clear.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You don't ''choose'' [the pun life.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Through arcane celestial rites we're only now beginning to understand, it chooses [*you.*]<c3|]]
(click: ?c3)[Puns infest your brain, corrupt your imagination, and corrode your taste. They claw their way from the depths of your soul, and burst from your fertile mind unasked for. Dad Jokes flow from your insensible lips, regardless of your will or desire. [You can't help yourself.]<c4|]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[People like us - [we don't *get* to turn back.]<c5|]]
(click: ?c5)[[I'm sorry.]<c6|]
(click: ?c6)[(transition: "dissolve")[But there's [PUNothing we can do.]<c7|]]
(set: $punAbort to 1)
(click: ?c7)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>ACCEPT YOUR FATE|PUN THE MESSAGE 2]]]
[>"Wait, 'Punothing?' That isn't even a pun!"]<c8|]
(click-replace: ?c8)[>"Wait, Punothing? That isn't even a--"<br><br>I JUST TOLD YOU - I CAN'T HELP MYSELF.]
(transition: "dissolve")[Let me make this [very clear.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You don't ''choose'' [the pun life.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Through arcane celestial rites we're only now beginning to understand, it chooses [*you.*]<c3|]]
(click: ?c3)[Puns infest your brain, corrupt your imagination, and corrode your taste. They claw their way from the depths of your soul, and burst from your fertile mind unasked for. Dad Jokes flow from your insensible lips, regardless of your will or desire. [You can't help yourself.]<c4|]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[People like us - [we don't *get* to turn back.]<c5|]]
(click: ?c5)[[I'm sorry.]<c6|]
(click: ?c6)[(transition: "dissolve")[But there's [PUNothing we can do.]<c7|]]
(set: $punAbort to 1)
(click: ?c7)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>ACCEPT YOUR FATE|PUN THE MESSAGE 3]]]
[>"Wait, 'Punothing?' That isn't even a pun!"]<c8|]
(click-replace: ?c8)[>"Wait, Punothing? That isn't even a--"<br><br>I JUST TOLD YOU - I CAN'T HELP MYSELF.]
(transition: "dissolve")[Let me make this [very clear.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You don't ''choose'' [the pun life.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Through arcane celestial rites we're only now beginning to understand, it chooses [*you.*]<c3|]]
(click: ?c3)[Puns infest your brain, corrupt your imagination, and corrode your taste. They claw their way from the depths of your soul, and burst from your fertile mind unasked for. Dad Jokes flow from your insensible lips, regardless of your will or desire. [You can't help yourself.]<c4|]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[People like us - [we don't *get* to turn back.]<c5|]]
(click: ?c5)[[I'm sorry.]<c6|]
(click: ?c6)[(transition: "dissolve")[But there's [PUNothing we can do.]<c7|]]
(set: $punAbort to 1)
(click: ?c7)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>ACCEPT YOUR FATE|PUN THE MESSAGE 4]]]
[>"Wait, 'Punothing?' That isn't even a pun!"]<c8|]
(click-replace: ?c8)[>"Wait, Punothing? That isn't even a--"<br><br>I JUST TOLD YOU - I CAN'T HELP MYSELF.]
(transition: "dissolve")[Let me make this [very clear.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You don't ''choose'' [the pun life.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Through arcane celestial rites we're only now beginning to understand, it chooses [*you.*]<c3|]]
(click: ?c3)[Puns infest your brain, corrupt your imagination, and corrode your taste. They claw their way from the depths of your soul, and burst from your fertile mind unasked for. Dad Jokes flow from your insensible lips, regardless of your will or desire. [You can't help yourself.]<c4|]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[People like us - [we don't *get* to turn back.]<c5|]]
(click: ?c5)[[I'm sorry.]<c6|]
(click: ?c6)[(transition: "dissolve")[But there's [PUNothing we can do.]<c7|]]
(set: $punAbort to 1)
(click: ?c7)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>ACCEPT YOUR FATE|PUN THE MESSAGE 5]]]
[>"Wait, 'Punothing?' That isn't even a pun!"]<c8|]
(click-replace: ?c8)[>"Wait, Punothing? That isn't even a--"<br><br>I JUST TOLD YOU - I CAN'T HELP MYSELF.]
(transition: "dissolve")[Let me make this [very clear.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You don't ''choose'' [the pun life.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Through arcane celestial rites we're only now beginning to understand, it chooses [*you.*]<c3|]]
(click: ?c3)[Puns infest your brain, corrupt your imagination, and corrode your taste. They claw their way from the depths of your soul, and burst from your fertile mind unasked for. Dad Jokes flow from your insensible lips, regardless of your will or desire. [You can't help yourself.]<c4|]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[People like us - [we don't *get* to turn back.]<c5|]]
(click: ?c5)[[I'm sorry.]<c6|]
(click: ?c6)[(transition: "dissolve")[But there's [PUNothing we can do.]<c7|]]
(set: $punAbort to 1)
(click: ?c7)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>ACCEPT YOUR FATE|DRAMATIC ENTRANCE]]]
[>"Wait, 'Punothing?' That isn't even a pun!"]<c8|]
(click-replace: ?c8)[>"Wait, Punothing? That isn't even a--"<br><br>I JUST TOLD YOU - I CAN'T HELP MYSELF.]
(transition: "dissolve")[Maybe it was the years of fear. The countless pointless ceremonies and sleepless nights, knowing that no matter what (transition: "dissolve")[You] did, The Spider God might still decide to murder [everyone in the room.]<c3|](click: ?c3)[<br>(transition: "dissolve")[Everyone except for [You.]<c4|]]
(click: ?c4)[It was always (transition: "dissolve")[You]. The Spider God's special toy. His only *surviving* prophet.
He always enjoyed torturing (transition: "dissolve")[You] the most, and (transition: "dissolve")[You] hated Him for it. Even as (transition: "dissolve")[You] begged, and thanked Him for [His ''mercy.'']<c5|]
(click: ?c5)[Maybe that's why (transition: "dissolve")[You're] running, now. Past waves of confused, pitying faces towards a door you [[already know is locked from the outside.|FLEE THE MESSAGE 3]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[[<big>"Help!"</big>]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You] [claw]<c2| at the door,] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[splinters working their way beneath (transition: "dissolve")[Your] fingernails as (transition: "dissolve")[You] [scream.]<c3|]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>"Somebody [help me!]<c4|"</big>]]
(click: ?c4)[<big>"[Someone!]<c5|"</big>]
(click: ?c5)[<big>"[Anyone!]<c6|"</big>]
(click: ?c6)[(transition: "dissolve")[You're] pounding the door, now. (transition: "dissolve")[You] can see the webs surrounding it vibrating. Dust rains down from the frame. But [nothing is changing.]<c7|]
(click: ?c7)[(transition: "dissolve")[You've] beaten your knuckles [to a pulp.]<c8|]
(click: ?c8)[(transition: "dissolve")[You] [[keep going.|FLEE THE MESSAGE 4]]]
(transition: "dissolve")["[Someone...]<c1|"]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You're] [sinking]<c2| to (transition: "dissolve")[Your] knees.]
<big>(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")["[Help me, ]<h1|]] (click: ?h1)[[please, ]<h2|]
(click: ?h2)[[GOD]<h3|]
(click: ?h3)[[PLEASE.]<h4|"]</big>
(click: ?h4)[(transition: "dissolve")[[...]<c3|]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")["I [[don't want this.|FLEE THE MESSAGE 6]]"]]
(transition: "dissolve")[[<big>"COME ON."</big>]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You] whirl around to face your congregation, to somehow win their support, to [*break this door*...]<c2|](click-append: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[and instantly see there's no help to be found in [the dull eyes facing you.]<c3|]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[You] can't [blame them.]<c4|] (click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[They've seen the bodies. Felt the sheer terror radiating from this place [after a message gone wrong.]<c5|]]
(click: ?c5)[(transition: "dissolve")[They know not to help someone [fleeing The Spider God.]<c6|]]
(click: ?c6)[(transition: "dissolve")[Even if it's their [[Prophet.|FLEE THE MESSAGE 5]]]]
(transition: "dissolve")["I don't...want...[[this.|FLEE THE MESSAGE 8]]"]
(transition: "dissolve")["<small>[[Please...|DRAMATIC ENTRANCE]]</small>"]
(set: $youFlee to 1)
(transition: "dissolve")[You're] [[crying.|FLEE THE MESSAGE 7]]
<big>(transition: "dissolve")["(transition: "dissolve")[You] see, the Web isn't just [a..]<d1|] (click-append: ?d1)[[a,]<d2|] (click-append: ?d2)[ [a uh,]<d3|] (click-append: ?d3)[ well [a *web.*]<c1|"]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")["It's, [an ocean.]<c2|"]]</big>
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[You] can see the audience [is]<d4| [skeptical.]<c3|](click: ?d4)[<br><br>((transition: "dissolve")[You] would feel the same, if (transition: "dissolve")[You] had been on the receiving end of these doctrinal shots in the dark.)]
<big>(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")["The Web *is* an [ocean.]<c4|"]]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")["It's [just...]<d5|]](click-append: ?d5)[(transition: "dissolve")[a [[strange one.|CONTINUE THE MESSAGE 3]]"]]</big>
<big>(transition: "dissolve")["It's ''the'' sea of [possibility.]<d1|"]
(click: ?d1)[(transition: "dissolve")["The start [and,]<d3|]] (click: ?d3)[*end* of [everything.]<c1|"]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")["It's, [it's...]<d4|]] (click-append: ?d4)[(transition: "dissolve")[it's untouched by mortal [eyes or hands.]<c2|"]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")["Zimforth dwells there, consuming and creating all of creation, all at the same time, [[forever.|CONTINUE THE MESSAGE 4]]"]]</big>
<big>(transition: "dissolve")["The Web was - is, [[beautiful...]<c1|]<d2|"]</big> (click: ?d2)[<br><br>(transition: "dissolve")[((transition: "dissolve")[Your] wife. The First Spider Prophet)]]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[You] stare, eyes cast downward, into the worn wood of (transition: "dissolve")[Your] pulpit. Carving marks into its surface with a fingernail, (transition: "dissolve")[You] force (transition: "dissolve")[Yourself] to [[>CONTINUE.]<c2|]<d3|]](click: ?d3)[<br><br>(transition: "dissolve")[(She was always so much better at this than (transition: "dissolve")[You] were.)]]
<big>(click: ?c2)[[[`*`*sigh*`*`]<c3|]<d4|]</big>(click: ?d4)[<br><br>(transition: "dissolve")[(She believed.)]]
<big>(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")["The Web is, honestly, [[terrifying.]<c4|]<d5|"]]</big>(click: ?d5)[<br><br>(transition: "dissolve")[(She's gone, now.)]]
<big>(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")["[...]<c5|"]]</big>
(click: ?c5)[Someone in [the audience]<c6| [coughs]<a1|.]
(click-append: ?a1)[, and promptly begins choking on spiders, webs filling their gasping throat]
<big>(click: ?c6)[(transition: "dissolve")["And should it not be terrifying?! Should it not be beautiful? The Web is simply another reflection of The [[Spider God's...]<c7|]<d6|"]](click-append: ?c7)[(transition: "dissolve")[almighty wisdom.]]</big>
(click: ?d6)[(transition: "dissolve")[((transition: "dissolve")[You] [[''*coward.*''|DRAMATIC ENTRANCE]])]]
(set: $youCoward to 1)
(transition: "dissolve")[You] move the battered wooden pulpit off the web-encrusted podium to step into [[the crowd.]<d1|]<c1|
(click: ?d1)[(transition: "dissolve")[They flinch at (transition: "dissolve")[Your] approach.<br>]]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")["No more!" (transition: "dissolve")[You] shout, [voice squeaking ever so slightly.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")["NO MORE will I preach this ''monster's'' [li--]<c3|"]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "shudder")[[[<h1>''CONSIDER YOUR NEXT WORDS *VERY* CAREFULLY''</h1>|DENY THE MESSAGE 3]]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[You] can only stare in helpless silence as (transition: "dissolve")[Your] congregation, and the roof over (transition: "dissolve")[Your] heads, vanish in [blinding, dark-blue smoke.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[A formless shadow fills the sky above (transition: "dissolve")[You] as a Voice [claws through the back of (transition: "dissolve")[Your] brain.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[It emerges in [[the depths of Your howling skull.|DENY THE MESSAGE 4]]]]
(transition: "shudder")[<h1>[''HOW LONG HAVE YOU *SERVED* ME'']<y1|</h1>]
(click: ?y1)[(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[You] [can't speak.]<c1|]]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "shudder")[<h1>[''HOW *LONG* HAVE I LEFT YOU TO YOUR OWN DEVICES'']<y2|</h1>]]
(click: ?y2)[(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[You] [can't think.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "shudder")[<h1>[''HOW MANY DID I MURDER BY *YOUR* HAND'']<y3|</h1>]]
(click: ?y3)[(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[You] [can't breathe.]<c3|]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "shudder")[<h1>[''HOW LONG HAVE YOU SAID ABSOLUTELY *NOTHING*'']<y4|</h1>]]
(click: ?y4)[(transition: "shudder")[Oh [god.]<c4|]]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "shudder")[<h1>[''HOW LONG HAVE YOU GLADLY *COVERED* YOUR HANDS IN MY BLOOD'']<y5|</h1>]]
(click: ?y5)[(transition: "shudder")[[[My God.|DENY THE MESSAGE 5]]]]
(transition: "shudder")[<h1>[''I'M GOING TO ASK YOU A *SINGLE* QUESTION'']<c1|</h1>]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "shudder")[<h1>[''AND I WANT YOU TO THINK VERY, *VERY* CAREFULLY BEFORE ANSWERING'']<c2|</h1>]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "shudder")[<h1>[''WHAT, *EXACTLY* DO YOU INTEND TO DO NEXT'']<c3|</h1>]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[
[[>DENY THE SPIDER GOD|DENY THE MESSAGE DENY]]
[[>RECANT, RECANT FOR THE LOVE OF <big>GOD</big>|DENY THE MESSAGE RECANT]]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[You] can feel His immense smile [spreading across the sky.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "shudder")[<h1>[''...'']<c2|</h1>]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "shudder")[<h1>[''*GOOD*'']<c3|</h1>]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "shudder")[<h1>[[''YES, VERY GOOD *FOR YOU*''|DENY THE MESSAGE 6]]</h1>]]
(set: $denySpider to 1)
(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[You] can feel His immense smile [spreading across the sky.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "shudder")[<h1>[''...'']<c2|</h1>]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "shudder")[<h1>[''*GOOD*'']<c3|</h1>]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "shudder")[<h1>[[''YES, VERY GOOD *FOR YOU*''|DENY THE MESSAGE 6]]</h1>]]
(set: $acceptSpider to 1)
Suddenly, (transition: "dissolve")[You're] where (transition: "dissolve")[You] were before, hearing (transition: "dissolve")[Your] words again as if [for the first time.]<c1|
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")["No more!" (transition: "dissolve")[You] shout, [voice squeaking ever so slightly.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")["NO MORE will I preach this ''monster's [lies!]<c3|''"]]
(click: ?c3)[(if: $denySpider is 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["No more will [I...]<i1|](click: ?i1)[(transition: "dissolve")[[I...]<i2|](click: ?i2)[(transition: "dissolve")[cause ''you'' to live in fear for [*my* cowardice.]<i3|"]](click: ?i3)[<br><br>(transition: "dissolve")[<big>[["This is the last day we serve The Spider God."|DENY THE MESSAGE 7]]</big>]]]](if: $acceptSpider is 1)[(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[You] choke back the rest of what (transition: "dissolve")[You] were planning to say. [It simply isn't worth it.]<c4|]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>It's [(weekday:).]<c5|</big>]]
(click: ?c5)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>[[Zimforth speaks again.|DENY THE MESSAGE 7]]</big>]]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[It starts [in (transition: "dissolve")[Your] gut.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[The strange, restless gurgling.
Like constipation, or [falling in love.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[The scratchy, bubbly feeling rises into (transition: "dissolve")[Your] throat, and [nests in the back of (transition: "dissolve")[Your] esophagus.]<c3|]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[But (transition: "dissolve")[You're] not in love, [are]<d1| [(transition: "dissolve")[You]?]<c4|]](click: ?d1)[<br><br>(Those days died with The First Spider Prophet.)]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[You] aren't [constipated, either.]<c5|]]
(click: ?c5)[(transition: "dissolve")[No, it's [[*just spiders.*|DENY THE MESSAGE 8]]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[[Spiders.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Spiders emerging from every orifice of (transition: "dissolve")[Your] body, and [making a few new ones as well.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Tiny armies marching through (transition: "dissolve")[Your] struggling jaws, [shredding (transition: "dissolve")[Your] teeth and gums.]<c3|]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[Your] eyes, nostrils, and lungs burn with [the webbed hordes.]<c4|]]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[You] try to cry out, but the spiders [swallow the sound.]<c5|]]
(click: ?c5)[(transition: "dissolve")[They chew through (transition: "dissolve")[Your] fragile skin, making holes where (transition: "dissolve")[Your] belly-button, fingernails, and left nipple [used to be.]<c6|]]
(click: ?c6)[(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[Your] body is a faucet, and these disgusting creatures of a foul, malicious god are the liquid [pouring out.]<c7|]]
(click: ?c7)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>[[You|You Prophet Deny]] can feel His immense smile [spreading across the sky...]<d1|</big>]]
(click: ?d1)[(transition: "dissolve")[<small>([[Marissa...|DRAMATIC ENTRANCE]])</small>]]
(set: $youDevoured to 1)
(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big>] are Eric, [sole]<cAlt1| Prophet of [Zimforth the Spider.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>The Spider God.</big>]<br>The last deity not to be consumed or slain by Its [ambitious brethren.]<c2|](click-append: ?c2)[ A dubious honor, considering [''It'']<c3| did most of the killing.]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big>] perform the ceremonies The Spider God [demands,]<cAlt2| teach Its followers, and wear the uniform required by (transition: "dissolve")[Your] office.]
(click: ?cAlt2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Sometimes, You find Yourself looking in the mirror, and wonder if Zimforth will let You grow old. Age. Die.<br>It needs (transition: "dissolve")[You] - [doesn't It?]<cAlt3|]]
(click: ?cAlt3)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[You're balding.|ATTACK THE CROWD 5 ALT]]]]
(click-append: ?cAlt1)[ surviving]
(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big>] are Eric, [sole]<cAlt1| Prophet of [Zimforth the Spider.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>The Spider God.</big>]<br>The last deity not to be consumed or slain by Its [ambitious brethren.]<c2|](click-append: ?c2)[ A dubious honor, considering [''It'']<c3| did most of the killing.]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big>] perform the ceremonies The Spider God [demands,]<cAlt2| teach Its followers, and wear the uniform required by (transition: "dissolve")[Your] office.]
(click: ?cAlt2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Sometimes, You find Yourself looking in the mirror, and wonder if Zimforth will let You grow old. Age. Die.<br>It needs (transition: "dissolve")[You] - [doesn't It?]<cAlt3|]]
(click: ?cAlt3)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[You're balding.|DENY THE MESSAGE 8 ALT]]]]
(click-append: ?cAlt1)[ surviving]
(transition: "dissolve")[And (transition: "dissolve")[You] know why (transition: "dissolve")[You're] scared, [don't You?]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[It's because You *know* that (transition: "dissolve")[You] aren't the hero of [[this story.]<d1|]<c3|]]
(click: ?d1)[(transition: "dissolve")[The figure in the doorway is.]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[And the moment life streams back into their empty eyes, (transition: "dissolve")[*you*], Eric, will be left [[helpless.|DRAMATIC ENTRANCE 3]]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[Just like [yesterday.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[And the day [before that.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[And the day [before that...]<c3|]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[...and [[every day before today.|DRAMATIC ENTRANCE 4]]]]
[[Goodbye, Eric.|DRAMATIC ENTRANCE 5]]
(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You did have a name, [once.]<c1|</big>]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[<h2>[[It's gone now.|DRAMATIC ENTRANCE 6]]</h3>]]
(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[You] stand in the shattered doorway of [a small, dank building]<c1|.]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[You] blink hard. Glance down at [(transition: "dissolve")[Your] palms.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[You] clench (transition: "dissolve")[Your] fists and dig (transition: "dissolve")[Your] nails [into (transition: "dissolve")[Your] hands.]<c3|]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[You] make sure [(transition: "dissolve")[You] are still here.]<c4|]]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[You are.|DRAMATIC ENTRANCE 7]]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[In the middle of a(if: $youPun is 1)[n increasingly-agitated and mutinous audience,](if: $youCoward is 1)[n organized congregation clothed in white,] (if: $youDevoured is 1)[growing mound of stinging spiders,](if: $youFlee is 1)[stunned crowd of worshippers, and splinters of wood,](if: $youAttack is 1)[pile of bodies and robes spattered red with blood,] is [The Spider Prophet.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[He begs (transition: "dissolve")[You] for mercy behind [the glazed void of his eyes]<c2|(if: $voidSoaked is 1)[, The Web throbbing at the edge of (transition: "dissolve")[Your] own vision].]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[...What will [(transition: "dissolve")[You] do with him?]<c3|]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>SAVE THE SPIDER PROPHET|DRAMATIC SAVE]]
[[>KILL THE SPIDER PROPHET|DRAMATIC KILL]]
[[>LEAVE THE SPIDER PROPHET|DRAMATIC LEAVE]]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[There are [many ways to save a person.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Many require kindness, and subtlety. Timing, and [patience...]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[...A few situations require a rougher hand. So called 'tough love' to [bring one back to their senses.]<c3|]]
(click: ?c3)[This is one of those [[times.|DRAMATIC SAVE 2]]]
(if: $voidSoaked is 1)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>The Web</big> Does Not ''Wish'' To [Kill The Prophet.]<c2|]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>The Web</big> [Fills You...]<d1|]](click: ?d1)[And <big>It</big> ''Wishes'' To See The Prophet [*Suffer.*]<c3|]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>The Web<big> Forces (transition: "dissolve")[Your] Feet To The Floor. One In Front Of The Other, In Front Of The Other, Until (transition: "dissolve")[You] Reach [Its Target.]<c4|]]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big> [Extend Your Fingers.]<d2|]] (click: ?d2)[<big>(transition: "dissolve")[You]</big> Grip His Tiny Throat[(if: $youDevoured is 1)[, Spiders Covering (transition: "dissolve")[Your] Hands](if: $youAttack is 0)[, Blows From The Congregation Raining On (transition: "dissolve")[Your] Unfeeling Back]...]<c5|]
(click: ?c5)[(transition: "dissolve")[...And <h2>[Sque]<s1|[e]<s2|[e]<s3|[e]<s4|[e]<s5|[e]<s6|[e]<s7|[e]<s8|[e]<s9|[e]<s10|[z]<s11|[e]<s12|[[...|Death of the Prophet]]<h2>]]
(click: ?s1)[And Squeeze.](click: ?s2)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s3)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s4)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s5)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s6)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s7)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s8)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s9)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s10)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s11)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s12)[<br>And Squeeze.]](if: $voidSoaked is 0)[(transition: "dissolve")[You don't spend any more time on the pathetic creature than [(transition: "dissolve")[You] have to.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Striding across the floor with calm, powerful steps, (transition: "dissolve")[You] deliver one solid blow to his Adam's apple - just enough to send him into [gasping convulsions.]<c2|(if: $youDevoured is 1)[ Spiders race out of his prone body, leaving him cold and heaving.]]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[The next attack hits his ribcage, and fractures it with [[a sickening crunch.]<d1|]<c3|]] (click: ?d1)[Anyone conscious enough to see what's going to happen next takes the opportunity to flee.]
(click: ?c3)[The wet, labored sound of his breathing tells (transition: "dissolve")[You] [[You've punctured a lung.|DRAMATIC KILL 2]]]]
(if: $voidSoaked is 1)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>The Web</big> Does Not ''Wish'' To [Go.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big> [Do Not Go.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>The Web</big> [Fills You...]<d1|]](click: ?d1)[And <big>It</big> ''Wishes'' To See The Prophet [*Suffer.*]<c3|]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>The Web<big> Forces (transition: "dissolve")[Your] Feet To The Floor. One In Front Of The Other, In Front Of The Other, Until (transition: "dissolve")[You] Reach [Its Target.]<c4|]]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big> [Extend Your Fingers.]<d2|]] (click: ?d2)[<big>(transition: "dissolve")[You]</big> Grip His Tiny Throat[(if: $youDevoured is 1)[, Spiders Covering (transition: "dissolve")[Your] Hands](if: $youAttack is 0)[, Blows From The Congregation Raining On (transition: "dissolve")[Your] Unfeeling Back]...]<c5|]
(click: ?c5)[(transition: "dissolve")[...And <h2>[Sque]<s1|[e]<s2|[e]<s3|[e]<s4|[e]<s5|[e]<s6|[e]<s7|[e]<s8|[e]<s9|[e]<s10|[z]<s11|[e]<s12|[[...|Death of the Prophet]]<h2>]]
(click: ?s1)[And Squeeze.](click: ?s2)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s3)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s4)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s5)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s6)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s7)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s8)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s9)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s10)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s11)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s12)[<br>And Squeeze.]](if: $voidSoaked is 0)[(transition: "dissolve")[Why did (transition: "dissolve")[You] [choose to leave?]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Maybe (transition: "dissolve")[You] did it just to see [if (transition: "dissolve")[You] could.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Maybe it was [his condition.]<c3|]]
(click: ?c3)[Maybe [he wasn't worthy]<c4| of salvation *or* death.]
(click: ?c4)[You were him once, [after all.]<c5|]
(click: ?c5)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[Wouldn't You know?|DRAMATIC LEAVE 2]]]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[Before (transition: "dissolve")[[[You|You Ending]]] lies an ocean of liquid, white web, boiling upon itself without heat. (if: $prophetSave is 1)[Beside (transition: "dissolve")[You] stands Eric, silently absorbing the reality of something he had only [preached of.]<c1|]]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")["I wasn't making it up," he says under his breath.
"It *IS* an ocean."]]
(transition: "dissolve")[You stride across the floor with calm, confident steps, pausing only to avoid [a(if: $youCoward is 1)[n especially large arachnid lazily hanging from the ceiling] (if: $youFlee is 1)[curious bystander reaching out to touch your Web-soaked skin](if: $youPun is 1)[particularly upset worshiper silently grinding their teeth](if: $youDevoured is 1)[particularly active group of arachnids](if: $youAttack is 1)[fallen body or sprawled limb].]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Taking a single look at his (if: $youCoward is 0)[unfortunate ](if: $youCoward is 1)[]situation, (transition: "dissolve")[You] pull your fist [as far as (transition: "dissolve")[You] can behind (transition: "dissolve")[Your] shoulder,]<d1|]] (click: ?d1)[(transition: "shudder")[and send it crunching into the bridge of [his nose.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(if: $youAttack is 0)[(transition: "dissolve")[It only takes the crowd a moment to realize (transition: "dissolve")[Your] attack is the least of their problems, and [race out of the now-open building.]<c3|]](if: $youAttack is 1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Even the spiders decide to take leave of the scene, now, racing in a strange single-file line [out the open doorway.]<c3|]](if: $youDevoured is 1)[(transition: "dissolve")[<br>The last of the spiders filling his organs scurry out of his prone body, leaving him cold and still.]]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[(transition: "dissolve")[You] stand over him with an expression somewhere between [pity, understanding, and anger.]<c4|]]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[[...]<c5|]]
(click: ?c5)[(transition: "dissolve")[<small>"[[Are you going to kill me?|DRAMATIC SAVE 3]]"</small>]]
(transition: "dissolve")[<small>"I deserve it, `*`*cough*`*` [you know?]<c1|"</small>]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Tears streak down his face. It looks like he's aged decades in only [seconds.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[<small>"I don't belong *here*. On this world. With [that...]<d1|"</small>]] (click: ?d1)[He glances at the Mark of The Spider God carved into [the wall.]<d2|]
(click: ?d2)[(transition: "dissolve")[<small>"...with that *thing*. Watching over me. Controlling what I do. [What I sa--]<c3|"</small>]]
(click: ?c3)[<small>"You know [what?]<d3|</small>] (click: ?d3)[<small>That's uh, [a lie.]<c4|"</small>]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[<small>"I chose. I did bad, bad things. And I kept doing them and I regret it and I ''hate myself'' but [I. *Chose*.]<c5|"</small>]]
(click: ?c5)[(transition: "dissolve")[He looks at You with wide, [frightened green eyes.]<c6|]]
(click: ?c6)[<small>"Are you happy with, [[your choice?|DRAMATIC SAVE 4]]"<small>]
(transition: "dissolve")[<h3>[[>SAVE THE SPIDER PROPHET|DRAMATIC SAVE 5]]
[[>KILL THE SPIDER PROPHET|DRAMATIC SAVE TURN]]</h3>]
(if: $voidSoaked is 1)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>The Web</big> Does Not ''Wish'' [To Save Him.]<c2|]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>The Web</big> [Fills You...]<d1|]](click: ?d1)[And <big>It</big> ''Wishes'' To See The Prophet [*Suffer.*]<c3|]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big> [Extend Your Fingers.]<d2|]] (click: ?d2)[<big>(transition: "dissolve")[You]</big> Grip His Tiny Throat[(if: $youDevoured is 1)[, Spiders Covering (transition: "dissolve")[Your] Hands]...]<c5|]
(click: ?c5)[(transition: "dissolve")[...And <h2>[Sque]<s1|[e]<s2|[e]<s3|[e]<s4|[e]<s5|[e]<s6|[e]<s7|[e]<s8|[e]<s9|[e]<s10|[z]<s11|[e]<s12|[[...|Death of the Prophet]]<h2>]]
(click: ?s1)[And Squeeze.](click: ?s2)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s3)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s4)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s5)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s6)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s7)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s8)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s9)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s10)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s11)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s12)[<br>And Squeeze.]](if: $voidSoaked is 0)[(transition: "dissolve")[You don't need words to communicate your thoughts - just [[an extended hand.|DRAMATIC SAVE 6]]]]
(if: $voidSoaked is 1)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>The Web</big> Does Not ''Wish'' To [Kill The Prophet.]<c2|]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>The Web</big> [Fills You...]<d1|]](click: ?d1)[And <big>It</big> ''Wishes'' To See The Prophet [*Suffer.*]<c4|]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>You</big> [Extend Your Fingers.]<d2|]] (click: ?d2)[<big>(transition: "dissolve")[You]</big> Grip His Tiny Throat[(if: $youDevoured is 1)[, Spiders Covering (transition: "dissolve")[Your] Hands]...]<c5|]
(click: ?c5)[(transition: "dissolve")[...And <h2>[Sque]<s1|[e]<s2|[e]<s3|[e]<s4|[e]<s5|[e]<s6|[e]<s7|[e]<s8|[e]<s9|[e]<s10|[z]<s11|[e]<s12|[[...|Death of the Prophet]]<h2>]]
(click: ?s1)[And Squeeze.](click: ?s2)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s3)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s4)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s5)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s6)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s7)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s8)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s9)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s10)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s11)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s12)[<br>And Squeeze.]](if: $voidSoaked is 0)[(transition: "dissolve")[<big>"...No, [I'm not.]<c1|"</big>]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You don't waste any more time on him than (transition: "dissolve")[You] [have to.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[You just place your heel on his throat, [and push.]<c3|]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[Push until the gurgling whimper [[stops.|Death of the Prophet]]]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[On the cobweb-crusted stone floor lies [Eric.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[[The Spider Prophet.]<c2| ]]
(click: ?c2)[The [sad, fearful little man.]<c3|]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[You] use a torch mounted on a nearby wall to [set his body aflame.]<c4|]
(click: ?c4)[He was [(transition: "dissolve")[You], once.]<c5|]
(click: ?c5)[(transition: "dissolve")[And he was, against all odds, [[still alive.|ENDING]]]]
(set: $prophetDie to 1)
(transition: "dissolve")[Whatever the reason, You walk away, leaving both Eric and The Spider God [[far behind you.|DRAMATIC LEAVE 3]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[You [don't stop walking.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Not for rest in an unfamiliar city, or to stop at [another of Zimforth's temples.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Not for rivers, streams, deserts, or <big>[oceans...]<c3|</big>]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[You just, [go on.]<c4|]]
(click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[Forever.|DRAMATIC LEAVE 4]]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[Isn't that [[enough?|ENDING]]]
(set: $youWalk to 1)
(transition: "dissolve")[You've come [[full circle.|ENDING 2]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[You pull him to his feet, supporting his weight [on Your shoulder.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Together, you walk out of the husk of a building into [the failing sunlight.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[This is the last day either of (transition: "dissolve")[You] [[serve the will of The Spider God.|ENDING]]]]
(set: $prophetSave to 1)
(transition: "dissolve")[Crouching atop his body, (transition: "dissolve")[You] grip his thin [throat in Your hands...]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[...and <h2>[Sque]<s1|[e]<s2|[e]<s3|[e]<s4|[e]<s5|[e]<s6|[e]<s7|[e]<s8|[e]<s9|[e]<s10|[z]<s11|[e]<s12|[...]<c2|<h2>]]
(click: ?s1)[And Squeeze.](click: ?s2)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s3)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s4)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s5)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s6)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s7)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s8)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s9)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s10)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s11)[<br>And Squeeze.](click: ?s12)[<br>And Squeeze.]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Squeeze until the glassy, tearful eyes [[go limp.|Death of the Prophet]]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[It's been some years since (transition: "dissolve")[You] met Eric. Since (transition: "dissolve")[You] entered Zimforth's realm with [mortal eyes and hands.]<c1| (if: $voidSoaked is 1)[Since the Web Filled You.]]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Your body is weathered and strong. Your clothing [spare,]<d1| and [utilitarian.]<c2|]](click: ?d1)[<br>(transition: "dissolve")[You're] wearing shoes, this time around.]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Your name is still gone, but [(transition: "dissolve")[You] don't need it anymore.]<c3|]]
(click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[In Your dominant hand is [[a sword.|You Ending 2]]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[Your sword isn't [special.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[It isn't criss-crossed with runes and [enchantments.]<c2|]
(click: ?c2)[It wasn't blessed by a wise woman in [a faraway land.]<c3|]
(click: ?c3)[Or carved from a [fallen star.]<c4|]
(click: ?c4)[It's [[a simple, solid piece of edged steel.|You Ending 3]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[[Simple.]<c1|]
(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[[Solid.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[Human.|You Ending 4]]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[<big>The perfect tool to [[kill a god.|CREDITS]]</big>]
(transition: "dissolve")[<h2>CREDITS:</h2>
''Design, Programming, Writing:''
*Xalavier Nelson Jr.*
''Cover Art:''
*Mom*, who at this point you could say is the Objective Best.
''Testing/Feedback:''
*Jon Cox*
*Daniel West*
*Thomas Jager*
*Elijah Beahm*
*Michael Perrigo*
*Isaac Goscha*
*Joe Yeates*
*Tom Walton*
*Mason Turner*
*Harm-Jan Wiechers*
*Valerie Minnich*
*Elijah Elmasri*
''Special Thanks To:''
[*Mom*]<m1|(click: ?m1)[<br>(Hi, Mom!)]
[*Eric Bailey, AKA @Nintendo_Legend*]<e1|(click: ?e1)[<br>(The real Spider Prophet.)]
[*Steve Martin*]<s1|(click: ?s1)[<br>(You were the first to discover all this game had to offer. Thank you.)]
[*Ted Lee*]<t1|(click: ?t1)[<br>(You're the hero anime deserves, Ted.)]
[*Indie Gamer Chick*]<i1|(click: ?i1)[<br>(You're the best.)]
[*Greg Johnson*]<g1| (click: ?g1)[<br>(Your encouragement and kindness made this possible.)]
[*Disparity Games*]<d2|(click: ?d2)[<br>(You were some of the first developers to believe in me. Thank you.)]
[*Minor Key Games*]<m2|(click: ?m2)[<br>(My Christian game developer inspirations.)]
...and [*You, for playing.*]<y1| (click: ?y1)[<br>(Have I mentioned that You look great today? Because you totally do!)]
[[>CONTINUE|DEDICATION]]]
(transition: "dissolve")[This game is dedicated to [Xalavier Nelson Sr...]<c1|](click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[for challenging me to [do better.]<c2|]]
(click: ?c2)[And [also,]<d1|] (click: ?d1)[[you know,]<d2|] (click: ?d2)[[*making me*]<c3|.]
(click: ?c3)[That [[feels kinda important.|TRUE ENDING]]]
<h1>THE END<h1>
(transition: "dissolve")[<small>([[Marissa...|DRAMATIC ENTRANCE]])</small>]]
Men, women, and crying, confused children. Faces, ribs, and limbs raised in hopes of mercy or self defense. Nothing is safe from [(transition: "dissolve")[Your] onslaught.]<c2|
(click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Maybe it was the years of fear. The countless pointless ceremonies and sleepless nights, knowing that no matter what (transition: "dissolve")[You] did, The Spider God might still decide to murder [everyone in the room.]<c3|]](click: ?c3)[<br>(transition: "dissolve")[Everyone except for [You.]<c4|]]
(click: ?c4)[It was always (transition: "dissolve")[You]. The Spider God's special toy. His only *surviving* prophet.
He always enjoyed torturing (transition: "dissolve")[You] the most, and (transition: "dissolve")[You] hated Him for it. Even as (transition: "dissolve")[You] begged, and thanked Him for [His ''mercy.'']<c5|]
(click: ?c5)[Maybe that's why (transition: "dissolve")[You] have strength now. Even as the tears flowing down (transition: "dissolve")[Your] face blur (transition: "dissolve")[Your] vision, and (transition: "dissolve")[Your] soul groans and creaks and *cracks* inside, (transition: "dissolve")[You] [Break Them.]<c6|]
(click: ?c6)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[You Break Them All.|DRAMATIC ENTRANCE]]]]