The Secret of Witch Island

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<<nobr>> <<if not $player. has('shiny key')>> <<linkreplace 'Pick up the shiny key.'>> You wipe the key off. Turns it's real shiny. Wow, I totally see what magpies are all about. Shiny stuff > non-shiny stuff. <<pickup '$player' 'shiny key'>> <</linkreplace>> <<else>> "This is where I found that "shiny key." Good times! <</if>> <</nobr>> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - It's a house. There's a locked bedroom. You're snooping so of course you want to snoop into the bedroom. "That's where the action happens," you say to yourself. And look at that! There's a Turtle chilling on the couch. [[Why don't we chat this turt up?|Turtle-1A]] /% check for an item %/ <<if $player. has('shiny key')>> [[Let yourself into the bedroom|Bedroom]]. <<else>> <</if>> [[Go to Garden|Garden]] - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - <<inventory '$player' ', '>> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - /% check for an item %/ <<if $playermind. has('Evidence')>> [[Ask Mr. Turtle about this note where Mr. Scorpion is planning your funeral|Turtle-2A]]. <<else>> Yep, I have nothing else to say right now. Maybe if you find something, I can comment on it! <</if>> /% check for an item %/ <<if $playermind. has('Motive')>> [[Tell Mr. Turtle that Mr. Scorpion's going to murk him!|Turtle-3A]]. <<else>> <</if>>

<<set $seconds to 40>>

<span id="countdown">''__You will lose the race in $seconds seconds!__''</span> <<silently>> <<repeat 1s>> <<set $seconds to $seconds - 1>> <<if $seconds gt 0>> <<replace "#countdown">>''__You will lose the race in $seconds seconds!__''<</replace>> <<else>> <<replace "#countdown">><</replace>> <<goto "Time Out">> <<stop>> <</if>> <</repeat>> <</silently>>

<<if $footrace is false>>Oh nooo! [[You lost the race...|FOOT RACE 008 LOSE RACE]] <<elseif $footrace is true>> //Doh!// You ran out of time and have lost. No Thimbleberry for you! //[[Restart the race.|RACE RESTART 000]]// <</if>>

\<<widget typewriter>> \  \ <span id="typewriter"></span> \  \ <<set _textArrayLength to 0>> \  \ <<repeat 90ms second>> \  \ <<if _textArrayLength gte $args[0].length>> \ <<stop>> \ <<else>> \  \ <<append "#typewriter">>$args[0][_textArrayLength]<</append>> \  \ <<set _textArrayLength++>> \ <</if>> \ <</repeat>> \<</widget>>

<div style='font-size: 180%;'> ''Witch Island'' </div>\ ---- ^^From Haggar's Tome of Cascadium Knowledge Vol. 35^^

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- Charleston looks up from his dozing state. "Did you do it? Did you get 'em all?" <<if $berry is 5>>[[''Read 'em and weep, Charleston. We got all five Thimbleberries!''|CHUCK BYE 001]]<<elseif $berry is 0 or 1 or 2 or 3 or 4>> [[''Not yet, Charleston. But soon. Very soon!''|TOWN 001]]<</if>>

!![[Yara's Tent|TENT DESCRIPTION]] ---- You and Kojo step inside the tent to find Yara sitting cross legged, reading from a musty spellbook. "So you've come to ask for my help?" she says with a gap toothed smile. "Just to lay all my tarot cards on the table, getting answers from me may as well be __cheating__. Half the fun of life is the struggle!" "Now then... Are you //sure// you want my help?" * [[''Yes, Kojo and I are really stumped. We have no self respect and need help finding those Thimbleberries.''|YARA 101]] * [[''On second thought, I think we can find them on our own.''|YARA 102]]

!![[Cascadium Town|TOWN DESCRIPTION]] ---- You and Kojo stand in your island's quaint main street. Yara's tent of divination stands a little crooked. [[''Maybe we should check in with her?|YARA 100]] [[''Let's see if we've collected enough Thimbleberries to impress Charleston.''|CHUCK BYE 000]] //From here, you can explore the rest of the island. Where do you want to go?// * [[Travel to the Forest Road.|FOREST ROAD 000]] * [[Travel to the Race Track.|RACE TRACK 000]] * [[Travel to the Rock Wall.|ROCK WALL 000]] * [[Travel to your Family Home.|FAMILY HOME 100]] ---- <<if $berry is 1>> You have $berry Thimbleberry. <<elseif $berry is 0 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5>> You have $berry Thimbleberries. <</if>>

!![[Forest Road|FOREST ROAD DESCRIPTION]] ---- You and Kojo are on a scenic path winding its way through the forest, leading to the top of the island's tallest mountain. <<if $sap is false>> "Hey, Zuri. Want to climb a tree for old time's sake?" [[''Way ahead of you!'' you shout, already beginning to climb.|GET SAP 000]] <<elseif $sap is true>> Before Kojo can even ask, you say, "We are //not// climbing any more trees! It made our hands all sappy, remember?" <</if>>\ <<if $scrollwheel is false>><<elseif $scrollwheel is true>><br> "Hey, Zuri. Didn't Salana say that we should use the ''__SCROLL WHEEL__'' here? She mentioned exploring //downwards?// I wonder what she meant by that..."<br><</if>> [[''Come on, Kojo. Let's head over to Balthazar's Tower.''|TOWER 100]] //From here, you can explore the rest of the island. Where do you want to go?// * [[Travel to the Race Track.|RACE TRACK 000]] * [[Travel to the Rock Wall.|ROCK WALL 000]] * [[Travel to Town.|TOWN 001]] * [[Travel to your Family Home.|FAMILY HOME 100]] ---- <<if $berry is 1>> You have $berry Thimbleberry. <<elseif $berry is 0 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5>> You have $berry Thimbleberries. <</if>> <<if $strawscroll is false>> "I don't know what you're expecting to find here, Zuri. Obviously there's nothing except the natural beauty of the outdoor world." "I mean, don't get me wrong. There is nothing more precious than the splendor of our natural world, but we can't spend all day hiking." "Seriously? You're still looking? That's it, my dude. I'm hiking back up. You can waste the rest of the day looking on your own!" "Hey, Zuri? Sorry about ditching you. It's been a stressful week, and I think it's getting to me more than I thought. This time, I'll help you look." [[''Hey, Kojo. Is that what I think it is?''|FOREST ROAD 001]] <<elseif $strawscroll is true>> "Hey, Zuri? Remember when we found that Royal Thimbleberry here? Good times, right? No need to keep searching though." <</if>>

!![[Race Track|RACE TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- You and Kojo arrive at the "The Bends," a long narrow beach known for its twisting turns. Salana tinkers on her gleaming steam engine nearby. It smells like exhaust and a very recent engine fire. <<if $saltalk == 0>> [[Talk with Salana.|SAL 001]]<</if>>\ <<if $saltalk == 1>> [[Talk with Salana.|SAL 100]]<</if>>\ <<if $saltalk == 2>> [[Talk with Salana.|SAL 200]]<</if>>\ //From here, you can explore the rest of the island. Where do you want to go?// * [[Travel to the Forest Road.|FOREST ROAD 000]] * [[Travel to the Rock Wall.|ROCK WALL 000]] * [[Travel to Town.|TOWN 001]] * [[Travel to your Family Home.|FAMILY HOME 100]] ---- <<if $berry is 1>> You have $berry Thimbleberry. <<elseif $berry is 0 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5>> You have $berry Thimbleberries. <</if>>

!![[Rock Wall|ROCK WALL DESCRIPTION]] ---- You and Kojo arrive at the rock wall located just outside of town where islanders come to relax and scale the enchanted cliffs. <<nobr>><<if $strawclimb is false>> You would wax philisophic about all the lazy afternoons you've spent here, but -- //UGH!// You can't hear yourself think over the sound of Kristoffer bragging about his latest send. You'd ignore him, but... <br><br> "Hey, Zuri. Is that a Royal Thimbleberry in his climbing bag?!" //[[Looks like we'll have to talk to him after all...|CLIMB 000]]//<<elseif $strawclimb is true>> Kristoffer throws himself at the Devil's Chimney, trying again and again to get it. You and Kojo both try not to smile everytime he whiffs, harmlessly tumbling into the sea below. <</if>> <br><br> <<if $key is false>> You and Kojo notice something SHINING from the ground. [[''Let's investigate!''|KEY GET 000]]<<elseif $key is true>>"This is where we found that rusty key, remember?"<</if>><</nobr>><br><br>Nearby is stone path leading to the island's cemetary. [[Head over to the island's Grave Yard.|GRAVE YARD 000]] //From here, you can explore the rest of the island. Where do you want to go?// * [[Travel to the Forest Road.|FOREST ROAD 000]] * [[Travel to the Race Track.|RACE TRACK 000]] * [[Travel to Town.|TOWN 001]] * [[Travel to your Family Home.|FAMILY HOME 100]] ---- <<if $berry is 1>> You have $berry Thimbleberry. <<elseif $berry is 0 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5>> You have $berry Thimbleberries. <</if>>

!![[Yara's Tent|TENT DESCRIPTION]] ---- She splays her cards before you. Maybe it's a trick of the light, but it's like the images //move.// "Now, where are you feeling stuck?" * [[''What are we supposed to do at the Grave Yard?''|YARA GRAVE]] * [[''Is there a berry on the Forest Road or what?''|YARA ROAD]] * [[''How do we beat Kristoffer?''|YARA CLIMB]] * [[''Where do we find steam engines to race Salana?''|YARA RACE]] * [[''How do we get into Balthazar's tower?''|YARA TOWER]] [[Return to Yara's tent.|YARA 100]]

!![[Yara's Tent|TENT DESCRIPTION]] ---- Yara cackles. "You two have fun. And tell your friends to support local businesses, especially mine!" //[[Tell her you will and head back into town.|TOWN 001]]//

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- "Yoohoo," you shout. "Anybody home?" "We're in here!" waves your mom and dad, still preparing for your party. <<if $strawghost is false>>[[Talk with your parents.|PARENTS 000]] <<elseif $strawghost is true>> [[Talk with your parents.|PARENTS 100]] <</if>> //From here, you can explore the rest of the island. Where do you want to go?// * [[Travel to the Forest Road.|FOREST ROAD 000]] * [[Travel to the Race Track.|RACE TRACK 000]] * [[Travel to the Rock Wall.|ROCK WALL 000]] * [[Travel to Town.|TOWN 001]] ---- <<if $berry is 1>> You have $berry Thimbleberry. <<elseif $berry is 0 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5>> You have $berry Thimbleberries. <</if>>

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- Your mother looks at you in surprise, hastily hiding the special cake she's still baking. "I thought you two were off to enjoy your last day on the island?" "Actually, there's been a change of plan. You wouldn't happen to have any Royal Thimbleberries?" you ask. Kojo jumps in, "Charleston's taking us to Witch Island provided we find him an arbitrary number of berries." Your mother seemingly malfucntions. "You're, what-- Your last day-- Do you have any idea how dangerous-- Of all the fool things..." Your father scratches his beard. "You know, your grandfather was partial to those berries..." * [[''Uh, what does that have to do with anything?''|PARENTS 002]] * [[''I know, Dad. I miss him too.''|PARENTS 002]]

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- Your father fixes you with a serious look. "Why don't you two visit the cemetary? I know it's a sombre note for your last day, but it's good to see the whole family, even the ones who went on before you." "Honey, why should they do that?" asks your mom. "I know he wasn't always the friendliest old kook in the roost, but he's still watching out for us, especially with the things that matter. And I can tell you think this Witch Spire's real important." "Witch Tower," corrects Kojo. * [[''I don't know, Dad.''|PARENTS 003]] * [[''What do you want me to do exactly?''|PARENTS 003]]

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- "Just go sit with him for a minute. //A solid minute.// And don't go running off, clicking everything! Just sit by his resting place and //wait.//" "Clicking everything?" Kojo looks to you, confused. "We don't do that, do we?" Your father goes back to peeling potatoes. "If you two sit out there long enough, who knows what'll happen?" "Now that your father's finished," interjects your mom, "Here's ten, count 'em, //ten reasons// why you shouldn't go to 'Twitch Island!' " //[[Patiently listen to your mother make her case, thank her, than resume the search.|FAMILY HOME 100]]//

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- "Dad, Dad!" you shout. "You'll never guess what //your// dad showed us." You hold up the Thimbleberry. Your mother is flabbergasted. Your father expresses his amazement, as you all wonder about the mystery of life and the things to come after. [[Return.|FAMILY HOME 100]]

!![[Grave Yard|GRAVE YARD TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- Overlooking the churning sea below, the cemetary is peaceful, quiet. You and Kojo are the only ones there. You come upon the headstone for your grandfather. "Here lies Bartleby Zabrowski. Gone, but not forgotten." You only knew your grandfather a short while. He was thoroughly old fashioned. He loved to pull your leg, make up tall tales that he could never keep straight. He taught you and Kojo how to play seven card stud and //then// taught you how to cheat at seven card stud. You sit a while, wondering what it would have been like to know him earlier in life... [[Return to Rock Wall.|ROCK WALL 000]] ---- <<if $berry is 1>> You have $berry Thimbleberry. <<elseif $berry is 0 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5>> You have $berry Thimbleberries. <</if>> <<if $strawghost is false>> <<timed 50s>> The wind suddenly quiets. <</timed>>\ <<timed 55s>> "Uh, Zuri?" <</timed>>\ <<timed 60s>> "I don't want to freak you out, but..." <</timed>>\ <<timed 63s>> //"I think there's someone behind us."// <</timed>>\ <<timed 67s>> <div style='font-size: 150%;'> ''<span class="glitchy" data-text="Zuri!">Zuri!</span>'' </div>\ <</timed>>\ <<timed 70s>> <div style='font-size: 300%;'> ''<span class="glitchy" data-text="Zuri!">Zuri!</span>'' </div>\ <</timed>>\ <<timed 73s>> <div style='font-size: 1000%;'> ''<span class="glitchy" data-text="ZURI!">''ZURI!''</span>'' </div>\ <</timed>>\ <<timed 75s>> [[You involuntarily scream as loud as you can!|GRAVE YARD 001]] <</timed>> <<elseif $strawghost is true>> You wait a while, but it seems your grandpa's ghost isn't going to reappear for the time being. <</if>>

GLITCH TEST <div style='font-size: 250%;'> ''<span class="glitchy" data-text="Zuri!">Zuri!</span>'' </div>\

!![[Grave Yard|GRAVE YARD TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- You whip around and find yourself in front of none other than the ghost of... "Hey, Zuri! It's your old man's //old man!//" Yep. It's your grandfather, Bartleby Zabrowski. You look on, stupified and terrified. Kojo's latched himself onto you, mouth agape. "Sorry for jumping out at you. I always wanted to scare someone like that, and you gotta admit, it was mighty funny!" He bursts into his all too familiar wheezing laughter. * [[''I, uh...''|GRAVE YARD 002]] * [[''Huh?''|GRAVE YARD 002]] * [[''Screaming is a very normal reaction to whatever this is!''|GRAVE YARD 002]]

!![[Grave Yard|GRAVE YARD TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- "Yes, yes. You're right. As usual, I took things just a little too far." Still stuck onto you, Kojo hoarsely whispers, "What is going on?" Your grandpa straightens, his form shimmering in the midday light. "I know I was an old coot back when I was still kicking, but I wanted to see you off. Not everyone on my side's got the luxury of making this trip, but this island's got that good //old magic,// so I'd be a fool not to make use of it." Kojo waves an arm, going right through Bartleby. "I have a lot of questions about how this whole process works..." "Call me old fashioned, but I'll leave the specifics out. Not everything's meant to be known in the here and now," your grandfather says. Suddenly his form wavers, coming apart at the seams. [[''Wait, Grandpa!''|GRAVE YARD 003]]

!![[Grave Yard|GRAVE YARD TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- He reappears with a laugh. "You can't get rid of me that easily. Now the real reason why I'm here, I happen to know of a //certain plant// that you may find very interesting." "Wait, wait. You came all this way to help us pick berries?" Kojo asks. "I figure we can spend a little time together while we're at it too. I'd love to hear what I've been missing. Tell me true: has your father lost his hair yet? Because if he lasted longer than I did, I'm going to haunt his ugly mug until I scare it right off 'im!" * [[''Not to worry. His hair's been in the grave practically longer than you.''|GRAVE YARD 004A]] * [[''You best get to scaring him. I've seen lions with smaller manes than him.''|GRAVE YARD 004B]]

!![[Grave Yard|GRAVE YARD TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $berry to $berry + 1>><<set $strawghost to true>>Your grandfather howls, fritizing in and out of existence with shaking belly laughter. //The three of you spend the afternoon looking for Royal Thimbleberries. Turns out your grandfather's "special spot" has already been picked clean. You talk and joke together along the way, catching up like you used to all those years ago.// //After a lot of searching, you do in fact find one nestled out in the trees beyond.// //As soon as you pick it, your grandfather begins to fade away for one final time.// "I'm proud of who you are growing up to be. I'll be seeing you soon. //But not too soon!//" //And just like that, he's gone.// ''__You got a Royal Thimbleberry! Thanks, gramps!__'' //[[Return to Grave Yard.|GRAVE YARD 000]]// <<if $strawghost is true and $strawtext is true and $strawscroll is true and $strawrace is true and $strawclimb is true>>"Also, Zuri? __We did it, we got all five Thimbleberries!__ Quick, let's go tell Charleston!"<</if>>

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $mead to false>>You and Kojo hold up all five Royal Thimbleberries. //Sha-bam! // Charleston wiggles back and forth, finally getting enough momentum to flip onto his stomach with a mighty-- <div style='font-size: 300%;'> ''WHOOMP!'' </div>\ With a sudden and surprisingly dainty -- CHOMP! -- he eats them all. "Did you see that, Zuri?” * [[''Who knew Charleston was so cute!''|CHUCK BYE 002]] * [[''I thought he was going to savor them?''|CHUCK BYE 002]] * [[''Did you feel his weird little tongue?''|CHUCK BYE 002]]

"It's Kojo and Zuri!" yells Salana, wrapping an arm around Kojo. "How's my girlfriend doing?" "Ugh. Terrible. This energy converter's giving me the worst time. It's almost like this tractor wasn't meant to be converted into a steam engine and then crash into the surf at high speeds." She gives Kojo side eye, looking between the two of you. "How's your day going?" "Fantastic!" Kojo jumps in. "We're headed to Witch Island, actually. Hoping to finally scratch that off the old bucket list." "Let me guess whose idea //that// was..." she says. [[''I know it's a long shot, but any chance you could help us find some Alpine Thimbleberries?''|SALANA 001]]

Salana doesn't even look up from the underside of her engine. "Well? Did you two goofs find some wheels?" <<if $car is false>> * [[''We haven't found anything. Where even could we find a vehicle on such short notice?|SALANA 101]] <<elseif $car is true>> * [[''Actually I think we have...''|SALANA 102]] <</if>>

<<if $strawrace is false>> Salana gets up from working on her machine, massaging the small of her back. "The doctor says I've got the spine of a seventy year old woman." [[''Hi, Salana.''|SALANA 000]] <<elseif $strawrace is true>> Salana tunes up her machine from your previous race. "Good luck finding the rest of your berries," she says. "I'll try and see you both off before you go." "Oh, you'll //try?//" asks Kojo. She grunts, busying herself with the machine. [[Return to Race Track.|RACE TRACK 000]]<</if>>

<<set $scrollwheel to true>>"I might be able to help you with that, actually. I think I saw one hiking the other day?" "Which trail," you ask. "Rock Creek? Dipper Gulch Falls?" "It was Forest Road, I think. The one leading to Balthazar's tower. But here's the thing, it was way off path. And I mean, way, //way// off path. I wound up going down, down, down further than I thought possible?" "What were you doing over there?" asks Kojo. "Just working through some stuff. Lot of complicated feelings lately." she says, making eyes at him. Kojo stares away, suddenly fascinated by the crashing sea nearby. "Anyways, you'll need this if you're going to find it." **__You got a... Scroll Wheel? Huh?__** [[''Uh, thanks?''|SALANA 002]]

"And that's not all she says, guess what I have?" She proudly brandishes a... ''ripe Alpine Thimbleberry!'' "Whoa, whoa -- Salana! That is what I'm talking about." Kojo reaches for it, but she wrenches it away. "Not so fast. If you want this, I want a rematch of our race from last year." "A rematch?" you ask. "Didn't you beat us?" "Heck yeah, I did. And soon as you two find some wheels, I'll do it again!" "Salana..." pleads Kojo. "We don't have time for that. We're in the middle of an important mission!" "You race me for it, or you two are land locked." You and Kojo try arguing with her, but she gets back to tinkering with her engine. //There will be no convincing her.// [[''Let's think Kojo, maybe we can find a pair of wheels.|RACE TRACK 000]]

"What happened to the cars you used last year?" Kojo groans. "You mean the ones you //trounced// us with?" "Yeah, they worked great," she laughs. "Check in with Balthazar in that weird place of his up past the forest road. Didn't he help you build them ?" [[''Fine, fine. We'll check in with him...''|RACE TRACK 000]]

Salanana pops out from under her vehicle. "Well, look at that! You two ready to crash and burn, or what?" "Oh, it is so on, girly friend," says Kojo. [[''Actually, maybe you two could race without me?''|RACE 000]]

<<set $RACEA to false>> <<set $RACEB to false>> <<set $RACEC to false>>"Without you?" laughs Salana. "The only chance you've got to win is if the two of you work together." Kojo pulls you aside. "This won't be like last time. We'll get her for sure." {{{*BURRRK!* *BURRRK!* *BURRRK!*}}} Your stomach growls in anxiety. //Clearly it knows something you don't.// [[''Aw, jeez. Oh man. I don't know...''|RACE 001]]

!![[Forest Road|FOREST ROAD DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $strawscroll to true>><<set $berry to $berry + 1>>Kojo stares in shock. "I can't believe it. We actually found..." //PLUCK!// ''__Yowza! You got a Royal Thimbleberry!__'' "I guess I was very wrong to spend the whole walk down here doubting this would work... We still cool?" [[''Of course we're cool. Now let's get back to hunting down the rest of these.''|FOREST ROAD 000]] <<if $strawghost is true and $strawtext is true and $strawscroll is true and $strawrace is true and $strawclimb is true>>"Also, Zuri? __We did it, we got all five Thimbleberries!__ Quick, let's go tell Charleston!"<</if>>

!![[Outside Balthazar's Tower|EXT BATTY TOWER DESCRIPTION]] ---- You and Kojo stand in front of Balthazar's Tower on the Island's highest mountain. From this vantage, you can see Cascadium Town below and you can just make out the silhouette of Witch Island's mysterious spire out at sea. <<nobr>><<if $key is false>> [[You try the door to Balthazar's Tower.|TOWER 101]] <<elseif $key is true>> [[''Hey, Kojo. Should we try using this key we found?''|TOWER INT 000]] <</if>><</nobr>> [[Return to the Forest Road.|FOREST ROAD 000]] ---- <<if $berry is 1>> You have $berry Thimbleberry. <<elseif $berry is 0 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5>> You have $berry Thimbleberries. <</if>>

!![[Rock Wall|ROCK WALL DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $key to true>>Walking over, you and Kojo find a rusty metal key below one of the rock walls. "Anybody drop a key?" you ask. You get only headshakes and shrugs. "Score!" exclaims Kojo. "Since we found this, we're entitled by law to whatever it opens." ''__You pocket the key, hiding it from an already scheming Kojo.__'' //[[Return to Rock Wall.|ROCK WALL 000]]//

!![[Balthazar's Tower|INT BATTY TOWER DESCRIPTION]] ---- You and Kojo let yourself into Balthazar's messy tower home. You step gingerly around the clutter of the house. You've learned not to touch anything: you never know when something will spring to explosive life. <<nobr>><<if $strawtext is false>> [[''Let's go see what Batty's up to upstairs.''|BAT 000]]<<elseif $strawtext is true>> [[''Let's see if Batty's got anything else to say.''|BATTY 100]] <</if>> <br><br> <<if $car is false>> [[''Hey, Kojo. Let's check up on our old steam engines.''|STEAM ENGINE GET]]<<elseif $car is true>> "Hopefully Balthazar won't mind that we took back our racing engines," says Kojo. <</if>><</nobr>> [[Return outside.|TOWER 100]] ---- <<if $berry is 1>> You have $berry Thimbleberry. <<elseif $berry is 0 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5>> You have $berry Thimbleberries. <</if>>

!![[Balthazar's Tower|INT BATTY TOWER DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $car to true>>Coming into the storage room, you first have to move aside Balthazar's stacks of untranslated historical texts and cracked information discs. Finally, you unearth your old racing engines. Kojo gives a steering wheel an appraising turn. "Here's hoping they don't crash and burn like //last time//." While you're suddenly stricken with horrific flashbacks, an excited Kojo wheels them out of the house. ''__You got your racing engines! Here's hoping they don't lead to your untimely demise...__'' //[[Return.|TOWER INT 000]]//

!![[Balthazar's Tower|INT BATTY TOWER DESCRIPTION]] ---- You and Kojo poke your head upstairs, but Balthazar is too busy looking into the prism. In fact, he's done a complete about face turn, humming and tapping his foot to the tune. “I don't understand the words,” he says. “But it is the most catchy tune!” //Clearly he isn't going to be anymore help.// [[Return downstairs.|TOWER INT 000]]

!![[Balthazar's Tower|INT BATTY TOWER DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<if $playeranswer is $riddleanswer>>"Rick... Astley." Balthazar shudders. “That dance,” you say. “So hypnotic...” “I wonder why he croons and gyrates,” Kojo wonders. Balthazar breathes a relieved sigh. "Now that I know his name, I can feel my spirit returning to my body. Let us save the scholarship for another time, hmm? Now, what are you two doing here on your last day?" //[[Give Balthazar the rundown about Witch Island.|BAT 004]]// <<else>>"No, no. That simply cannot be! Look again, I beg of you. Make sure to capitalize both his first //and// last name!" [[''That's an oddly specific request, but it's cool. Let me try again!''|BAT 003]] <</if>>

//Before you know it, you're behind the wheel of your racing engine. It hisses at you, coughing a cloud of steam into your face.// "Kojo, what did I let you talk me into?" Kojo piles into his car. "As long as no one dies, this'll be fun!" Salana idles over in her engine. "We're racing down the Bends. The first one to cross the line drawn into the sand at the end of the island gets the prize. If you fall too far behind and "run outta time," you forfeit." "Pssh." jokes Kojo. "Maybe that'll happen to you!" [[You give an audible -- GULP!|RACE 001A]]

"Zuri, that's part of the fun!" "Seriously, Kojo? You're supposed to be on my side! [[Quick, think of another excuse!|RACE 001A]] <<set $RACEA to true>>

"Most careful driver? Please, I want you to have something to remember me by." Kojo rubs his chin, "You //do// make especially strong memories when fight or flight mode is triggered..." [[That isn't the kind of memory I want to make!|RACE 001A]] <<set $RACEB to true>>

"These berries are way out of season, Zuri. You two are going to need all the help you can get." "She's right, Zuri. We kinda need it..." [[UGH! There's got to be another way out of this...|RACE 001A]] <<set $RACEC to true>>

<<include "Timer">> ---- You and Kojo peel out, kicking up sand as you zoom after Salana. "Come on, Zuri! No time to lose!" [[Pick up the pace!|RACE SEQ 001]]

Salana revs her engine. Compared to the anemic wheeze of yours, Salana's car sounds like a roaring dragon readying to devour a helpless village. "Any last words?" <<if $RACEA is false>>* [[''What if one of us gets gravely injured in one of these death traps?''|RACE 002A]] <<elseif $RACEA is true>> <</if>> <<if $RACEB is false>>* [[''Maybe we should have a contest to see who can be the most careful driver?''|RACE 002B]]<<elseif $RACEB is true>> <</if>> <<if $RACEC is false>>* [[''Maybe we could find one of those berries somewhere else?''|RACE 002C]]<<elseif $RACEC is true>> <</if>> <<if $RACEA is true and $RACEB is true and $RACEC is true>>Fed up, you put your foot down. "I don't want to do it, I'll refuse! //I don't want to die!//" "Don't stress about it, Zuri. We got this in the--" ''VROOOM!'' Salana jumpstarts her car, speeding away! "See ya later, slow pokes!" "What happened to a countdown?" shouts Kojo. Kojo stars his engine, chasing after. With a scream, you follow in a far-too-fast jittering style, and just like that... [[IT'S RACE TIME, BABY!|RACE SEQ 000]]<</if>>

<<set $seconds to 90>>The race will begin again in... <<timed 1.5s>> 3... <</timed>> <<timed 3s>> 2... <</timed>> <<timed 4.5s>> 1... <</timed>> <<timed 6s>> [[RACE ON, BABY!|RACE SEQ 000]] <</timed>>

<<include "Timer">> ---- VROOM! You and Kojo are bumper-to-bumper with Salana. She shouts, "I'll lose you on this upcoming left turn!" [[No time for witty banter, go, go, go!|RACE SEQ 002]]

<<include "Timer">> ---- You break out ahead of Kojo, but still trail Salana. Kojo shouts, "Batty made some tune ups since our nearly lethal loss last time! I think he added in a ''NITRO?''" [[Don't think. Keep driving!|RACE SEQ 003]]

<<include "Timer">> ---- Suddenly you come to a... FORK IN THE BEACH ROAD! QUICK! //Which way do you turn?// * [[TURN LEFT!|RACE SEQ 005]] * [[TURN RIGHT!|RACE SEQ 004A]] * [[PANIC AND HIT THE BRAKES|RACE SEQ 004B]]

<<set $N1 to false>> <<set $N2 to false>> <<set $N3 to false>><<include "Timer">> ---- "You doing okay, buddy?" asks Kojo? ''"We're about HALFWAY through the race!"'' [[''More than okay -- WATCH THIS!''|RACE SEQ 005A]]

<<include "Timer">> ---- <div style='font-size: 300%;'> ''SPLASH!''</div> <<timed 2s>> Your engine flies headlong into the surf! //You made the wrong turn!//<</timed>> <<timed 3s>> You surprise yourself by... //LAUGHING!//<</timed>> <<timed 4s>> "This is AWESOME!"<</timed>> <<timed 5s>> You floor it. [[''And now I'm going to win it all!''|RACE SEQ 005]]<</timed>>

<<include "Timer">> ---- You SLAM the brakes, giving you the critical moment to realize... <<timed 2s>> "Ah, of course. It's a //left// turn." [[No time to waste. Let's go, go, go!|RACE SEQ 005]]<</timed>>

<<include "Timer">> ---- //OH DANG!// You're going too fast! //QUICK!// ''SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TO DO A COOL... POWER SLIDE!'' ---- ---- ---- AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH! ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- //AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHH!// ---- ---- ---- //*deep breath*// ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- //AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!// ---- ---- ---- [[AWESOME, NAILED IT!|RACE SEQ 007]]

<<include "Timer">> ---- "Get behind me," shouts Kojo. "Ride in my slip stream!" [[''I don't think we're going fast enough for that to work, but -- WHY NOT?''|RACE SEQ 008]]

<<include "Timer">> ---- You speed ahead, now you're neck and neck with Salana. She shouts, "I thought you would have chickened out by now!" [[Show her the speed demon you have become. GO, GO!|RACE SEQ 008A]]

<<set $N1 to false>> <<set $N2 to false>> <<set $N3 to false>> <<include "Timer">> ---- Salana slows, matching your pace. "Hey, Zuri. Have you and Kojo had a chance to //really// talk?" * [[''Huh?'' Slow down, ask a follow up question.|RACE SEQ 009A]] * //[[No, this is definitely a trick. Keep going!|RACE SEQ 009B]]//

Just as you're about to pull ahead... <<timed 2s>>//A family of ducks is crossing the road!// ''OH NO!'' <</timed>> <<timed 3s>><div style='font-size: 300%;'> ''"SCREECH!"''</div> <</timed>> <<timed 4s>>You, Kojo, and Salana all brake in time. //Whew!// <</timed>> <<timed 6s>>The race is put on pause as you wait for them to finish crossing. <</timed>> <<timed 9s>> The drama of the race is momentarily forgotten, watching the ducks' wittle baby waddles. <</timed>> <<timed 12s>> The last one is straggling. Everyone cheers him on, "C'mon, li'l guy! You can do it."<</timed>> <<timed 15s>> <<include "Timer">> ---- Finally, they're all out of the road. //Whew!// [[RACE ON! JAM THE GAS!|RACE SEQ 009]] <</timed>>

<<include "Timer">> ---- Kojo shouts from behind, "What are you waiting for?" //"Use Batty's NITRO BOOST!"// ''QUICK!'' Press switches __three,__ __five,__ and __nine!__ * [[Switch #1|FALSEA]] * [[Switch #2|FALSEA]] * [[Switch #3|N1]] * [[Switch #4|FALSEA]] * [[Switch #5|N2]] * [[Switch #6|FALSEA]] * [[Switch #7|FALSEA]] * [[Switch #8|FALSEA]] * [[Switch #9|N3]] * [[Switch #10|FALSEA]] <<if $N1 is true and $N2 is true and $N3 is true>> <div style='font-size: 500%;'> __''[[Use the nitro boost!|RACE SEQ 011]]''__ </div> <</if>>

<<include "Timer">> ---- <div style='font-size: 500%;'> ''ZOOM!'' </div> Your car speeds ahead! But is it enough? The finish is in sight. //This is it...!// [[GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO!|REC END 000]]

''The race is over!'' ---- <div style='font-size: 500%;'> __''//SWOOSH!//''__ </div> You cross the finish line in a blaze of sand, glory, and teeth grinding terror! Your vehicle shudders to a stop, instantly falling apart in a cloud of debris and smoking power crystals. You roll out of the way, checking yourself for any snap, breakage or loss of bone. To your surprise... //[[''I didn't die!''|REC END 000A]]//

<<include "Timer">> ---- Oops! You hit the wrong button. Try again! <<timed 2.5s>> [[Go back to pressing those buttons!|RACE SEQ 010]] <</timed>>

<<include "Timer">><<set $N1 to true>> ---- [[ENGINE POWERING UP!|RACE SEQ 010]]

<<include "Timer">><<set $N2 to true>> ---- [[Your seat rattles. Something's about to happen...|RACE SEQ 010]]

<<include "Timer">><<set $N3 to true>> ---- [[''I really hope this doesn't kill me...''|RACE SEQ 010]]

<<include "Timer">> ---- You see through Salana's ploy, but it may not matter! She speeds ahead of you, approaching the finish line. [[''There's only one way to catch up to her...''|RACE SEQ 010]]

<<include "Timer">> ---- "Ha! I can't believe you fell for that!" She speeds off, covering you in a cloud of smoke. //It takes you a second to recover.// <<timed 3s>> __Whew, now you're recovered!__ [[''There's only one way to catch up to her now...''|RACE SEQ 010]] <</timed>>

<<include "Timer">> ---- //You punch the accelerator!// Your vehicle speeds ahead... at the worst possible time! [[Up ahead is a dangerously NARROW TURN!|RACE SEQ 006]]

''The race is over!'' ---- <<set $strawrace to true>><<set $berry to $berry + 1>>"Well, here you two go. You earned it fair and square." ''__You got a Royal Thimbleberry and bragging rights for beating Salana! It's hard to say which is sweeter.__'' "I'll see you two at the party tonight." she says, already getting back to work on her steam engine. [[''All right, onward and upward.''|RACE TRACK 000]] <<if $strawghost is true and $strawtext is true and $strawscroll is true and $strawrace is true and $strawclimb is true>>"Also, Zuri? __We did it, we got all five Thimbleberries!__ Quick, let's go tell Charleston!"<</if>> <<set $saltalk = 2>>

!![[Yara's Tent|TENT DESCRIPTION]] ---- Yara peers into a crystal ball, tapping it a couple times to make sure the signal is coming through loud and clear. "Go the grave yard and wait a FULL MINUTE. Don't do anything, literally just stare at the screen. The powers that be tell me it's actually fifty-five seconds, but it'll //feel// like a full minute. Something'll happen, and bada-bing-bada-bada-bada: Thimbleberry." [[''Sounds great, thanks!''|YARA 101]]

!![[Yara's Tent|TENT DESCRIPTION]] ---- Yara chugs her tea, then checks the pattern of the leaves in the bottom of the mug. "Ooh, this is a tricky one! When you get to the Forest Road, use the scroll wheel on your computer (whatever that is) and scroll all the way, and I mean ALL THE WAY to the bottom of the page." She stares at her tea leaves in confusion. "Honestly, this last piece of advice doesn't make a lot of sense to me, but I hope it helps." [[''Scroll wheels? Computers? You're speaking Fanglethron to me, but I'll give it a try.''|YARA 101]]

!![[Yara's Tent|TENT DESCRIPTION]] ---- Yara pulls a bag of bones. Reaching in, she tosses them up into the air and lets them clatter to the floor in a jumbled pile. "Hee, hee!" she laughs. "Hypothetically you can do this challenge without my help, but if you want a sure fire way to win: you'll have to cheat. On the Forest Road, you and Kojo will feel the urge to climb a tree. Kojo will make an extremely predictable joke, your hands will get all sappy, and you can use //that// to beat Kristoffer." Yara cleans up the bones with a sigh. "I don't support cheating, but then again -- you are already asking for my help." [[''Ugh, don't remind me!''|YARA 101]]

!![[Yara's Tent|TENT DESCRIPTION]] ---- Yara grabs your palm, reading the contours and lines therein. "Hmm, hmm." she says. "Your steam engines are up in Balthazar's Tower. To get there, you'll need a key that you'll find at the climbing wall." "As for the race itself," she continues. "Just go fast. The first turn is a __left__ and don't stop for anything. Except the ducks." [[''Makes sense, thanks!''|YARA 101]]

!![[Yara's Tent|TENT DESCRIPTION]] ---- Yara grabs her sleeved tarot deck. She does a few pile shuffles, explaining in painstaking detail why this technique gives you preferred randomness and is gentler on her cards compared to traditional shuffling. That done, she flips a few cards over: the burning sun, the two platonic friends, the buy one get one free coupon. "The key to Balthazar's Tower is in the dirt near the climbing wall." She flips over another card revealing the form of a smiling demon. "Also, the answer to the riddle is //Rick Astley.//" [[''Wow, you are really good at this fortune telling thing!''|YARA 101]]

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $krisbye to true>> As you walk up, Kristoffer puffs up his chest. "I climbed Devil's Chimney twice after you guys left." "Okay." you say. "So you didn't have any heartfelt goodbye message or--" "And it was so easy! A baby could do it!" he continues. [[''See ya, Kris.''|CHUCK BYE 003]]

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $salbye to true>> Salana is halfway up a ladder, hanging up a sign that simply reads "good riddance." She gives you both an incredulous look. “What are you waiting for? Go explore your rinky dink island already!” [[''Okay, okay! We're going! Shesh.''|CHUCK BYE 003]]

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $battybye to true>><<set $mead to true>>"My brave young students," expounds Batty. "You two be safe. And bring me back a little something? It has been a long time since I've gotten a new sample to research." He hands you a burlap sack with a //wink//. Inside you and Kojo find a couple honeyed meads. [[''Thanks for this exceedingly EMPTY sack,'' you shout to nobody in particular.|CHUCK BYE 003]]

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $parentsbye to true>><<if $cake is false>>Seeing you come over, your mother puts you in a boa constrictor style hug. "If you see anything dangerous, just run. And hurry on back, okay?” "Don't worry," you say. "I still need to pack, remember?" Your father laughs, "I already started for you." //[[Hug them both. Tell them you'll help after you make it back.|CHUCK BYE 003]]//<<elseif $cake is true>> Seeing you come over, your mother tries hiding the "surprise" cake from you. "I already know it's raspberry chocolate," you begin before she interrupts you with a choke hold hug. "If you see anything dangerous, just run. And //how did you know about the cake?!//" she shouts. Your father laughs. "That's Zuri's favorite flavor. What else would we have made?" //[[Say that you love them and can't wait to stuff your face when you get back.|CHUCK BYE 003]]// <</if>>

!![[Witch Island|WITCH ISLAND DESCRIPTION]] ---- You and Kojo are in the base room of the structure. Glass capsules line the wall filled with sea plant life that you've never seen before. Tables are littered with machines made of glass and metal, their purposes unclear. Flat glass prisms lie cracked and dormant, although a few still flicker. A wooden shelf practically overflows with books. "What do you think all this stuff is, Zuri?" "Whoever knew for sure is probably long gone by now...” you wonder. //Where do you want to explore?// * [[Look at the plants.|PLANT 000]] * [[Investigate the metal machines.|MICROSCOPE 000]] * [[Check out the books.|BOOKS 000]] From the corner you see a staircase. //[[Continue to second floor.|WITCH TOWER 002]]//

!![[Witch Island|WITCH ISLAND DESCRIPTION]] ---- You and Kojo make your way up to the second floor. Here you see the recognizable traits of a living quarters filled with dusty bed frames. On the walls are faded images, too precise to be done with ink brush. Nearby, you find what must be a kitchen attached to a large common room. The furniture here is well worn. One particular item strikes your fancy: a long necked and stringed object with a hole in the middle. //Where do you want to explore?// * [[Stare at images on the wall.|IMAGES 000]] * [[Pull open drawers in kitchen.|KITCHEN 000]] * [[Investigate stringed object.|STRINGED OBJECT 000]] Kojo finds another staircase. "Looks like there's one more floor left." //[[Return to the first floor.|WITCH TOWER 001]]// //[[Move to the third floor.|WITCH TOWER 003]]//

!![[Witch Island|WITCH ISLAND DESCRIPTION]] ---- The third floor is surrounded by windows on all sides. At the center stands an enormous casing looking like the glass you put around a lantern's flame. //Where do you want to explore?// * [[Inspect glass casing in center of room.|LIGHT 000]] * [[Look outside.|VIEW 000]] Kojo finds a ladder leading higher still. "You want to see what's up at the very top?" //[[Return to the second floor.|WITCH TOWER 002]]// //[[Climb up. (You will not be able to return).|END 000]]//

<div align='center' style='font-size: 250%;'>\ <<typewriter "The Secret of Witch Island">> \ </div> <<timed 4s>> <div align='center' style='font-size: 150%;'>\ A narrative adventure by Ian Rickett \ </div> <</timed>> <<timed 6s>> <div align='center' style='font-size: 100%;'>\ //Thanks for playing!// </div> <</timed>>

!![[Witch Island|WITCH ISLAND DESCRIPTION]] ---- You and Kojo press your noses against the glass, watching the plants wave in what must be some kind of artificial current. "They look like some of the algae the fishermen see out near the reef. This one has the coloring of Dragon’s Fire, but I've never seen formations like this." "Maybe they're plants from millennia ago," you wonder. Watching the plants sway is oddly relaxing, like each container holds a miniature ocean world. //[[Return.|WITCH TOWER 001]]//

!![[Witch Island|WITCH ISLAND DESCRIPTION]] ---- While you're nervous to approach, Kojo gets right up close, looking at the contraption. Noting its central shaft pointing to a scrap of dried vegetation, he looks through the object's pinhole and suddenly YELPS. "Zuri, look, look!" Through this mysterious machine, you can see into the very essence of the miniscule vegetation below. You observe a vibrant fractal landscape filled with repeating shapes and otherworldly colors. You and Kojo lose a few minutes looking at your fingers, placing other things in the curious object's viewing plane. //[[Return.|WITCH TOWER 001]]//

!![[Witch Island|WITCH ISLAND DESCRIPTION]] ---- You and Kojo flip pages in the least molded over books you can find. Unable to speak or read the written text, you're left to guess their intent and purpose. Kojo thumbs through one filled with hand drawn writing, columns and rows. It seems to be a book of records. Another one is printed on finer paper. Here the text is precise, impeccable. Periodically there are photos, but the subject matter is always of beasts and creatures. Some sections of text are nicked and colored over in yellow, perhaps these were especially important to the readers? //[[Return.|WITCH TOWER 001]]//

!![[Witch Island|WITCH ISLAND DESCRIPTION]] ---- The faded images show people not unlike yourself. They wear strange garb, but the poses are familiar: friends or maybe families clasping one another by the arm, standing in front of scenic backgrounds. They are always happy, smiling. Another variety of image shows these people in more pedestrian locations. Their living spaces, at a dining table, posing with their beast companions. You notice that the subjects here pull more natural expressions, the lighting and composition frequently askew. You wonder aloud, "I wonder why the artist captured these images before the subjects were ready to pose?" "They all look so happy," Kojo wonders. "I wonder what happened to them?" //[[Return.|WITCH TOWER 002]]//

!![[Witch Island|WITCH ISLAND DESCRIPTION]] ---- Kojo holds his nose, inspecting one of the molded over cartons of food. "How much would I have to pay you to eat that?" "There isn't enough money in all the world," you explain. "Really? There is no monetary amount you would eat that for?" You ignore him. Despite the bizarre nature of the rest of the tower, here everything seems oddly recognizable. Anyone on the island would feel at home with this layout. //[[Return.|WITCH TOWER 002]]//

!![[Witch Island|WITCH ISLAND DESCRIPTION]] ---- You and Kojo inch toward the object. Kojo acts first grabbing it, struggling to find a way to grip the oblong shape. He lays it on its back, the hole facing upwards. He plucks a few of the strings. //@@.shudder;TWANG! TWEEEE! PRRAAAANG!@@// "Don't you get it?" laughs Kojo. "It's like I'm that man-creature, Rick Astley?" "I think you've got a while until you master it..." you say. //[[Return.|WITCH TOWER 002]]//

!![[Witch Island|WITCH ISLAND DESCRIPTION]] ---- The object is a cracked glass cube housing a rusted out central chamber. "Looks like some kind of light," wonders Kojo. "Must have been something back when it worked," you theorize. "You probably could have seen this thing for leagues." "Can you imagine how annoying that must have been for the people who lived on our island? Always having a light shining in your eyes?" //[[Return.|WITCH TOWER 003]]//

!![[Witch Island|WITCH ISLAND DESCRIPTION]] ---- You and Kojo peer out the windows. Something about the surface of the glass obstructs your view. "Too bad we can't get a good look," sighs Kojo. "It's probably beautiful out there." //[[Return.|WITCH TOWER 003]]//

<div style='font-size: 170%;'> ''Docks'' </div>\ ---- //^^Despite Cascadia's modest landmass, the island has an extensive wharf where individuals jostle and connive for the best dock allotments which are a matter of familial and ill placed pride.^^// “Hm, I'm not seeing Chaleston hanging out on his rock in the sun?" you say. “He's probably swimming around, doing giant Hammerhead Turtle things," says Kojo. "Let's use that summoning spell he taught us.” You wave your arms, articulating the spell into the depths of the sea beyond. //Work your magic! Enter “Charleston” into the magical spell box below.//

<div style='font-size: 170%;'> ''[[Docks|DOCKS DESCRIPTION]]'' </div>\ ---- “Hm, I'm not seeing Chaleston hanging out on his rock in the sun?" you say. “He's probably swimming around, doing giant Hammerhead Turtle things," says Kojo. "Let's use that summoning spell he taught us.” You wave your arms, articulating the spell into the depths of the sea beyond. //Work your magic! Enter “Charleston” into the magical spell box below.// [[Continue.|SAMPLE PAGE SANS DESCRIPTION]]

Despite Cascadia's modest landmass, the island has an extensive wharf where individuals jostle and connive for the best dock allotments which are a matter of familial and ill placed pride. [[Return|SAMPLE PAGE SANS DESCRIPTION]]

<<newinventory '$player'>> <div align='center' style='font-size: 250%;'>\ <<typewriter "The Secret of Witch Island">> \ </div> <<timed 3s>> <div align='center' style='font-size: 150%;'>\ A narrative adventure by Ian Rickett \ </div> <</timed>> <<timed 5s>> <div align='center' style='font-size: 100%;'>\ [[Click here to begin.|INTRO 000]] \ </div> <</timed>>

... “Hey, Zuri?” ...... “Zuri, don't tell me you're sleeping.” ............ //deep breath// ... “ZURI GET YOUR LAZY BONES OUT OF BED!” * [[''Huh, wha?''|INTRO 001A]] * [[''Noooo! I was in the middle of the best dream...''|INTRO 001B]] * [[''AAAAGGGHHH!''|INTRO 001C]]

!![[Zuri's Room (click here to learn about your surroundings)|ZURI'S ROOM]] ---- Groggily, you snap awake in bed at your family home. Half asleep, you stick your head out the window to see your best friend Kojo and his girlfriend Salana standing outside your window below. “Nice bed head, Zuri!” laughs Salana. “Don't listen to her, your hair game's on point,” says Kojo. “More importantly – we got you a little morning pick me up.” He holds out a box of baked goods. “You better hurry down before Kojo eats them all,” says Salana. * [[''Aw, thanks you two. That is so sweet.''|INTRO 002A]] * [[''If you take even one bite, that's it, Kojo! Our Friendship is officially over!''|INTRO 002B]]

!![[Zuri's Room (click here to learn about your surroundings)|ZURI'S ROOM]] ---- Groggily, you snap awake in bed at your family home. Half asleep, you stick your head out the window to see your best friend Kojo and his girlfriend Salana standing outside your window below. “Sorry we woke you, Zuri, but life is the best dream of them all," says Salana. “Also, sha-bam! //Treats!//” shouts Kojo, holding up a box of baked goods. “You better hurry down before Kojo eats them all,” says Salana. * [[''Aw, thanks you two. That is so sweet.''|INTRO 002A]] * [[''If you take even one bite, that's it, Kojo! Our Friendship is officially over!''|INTRO 002B]]

!![[Zuri's Room (click here to learn about your surroundings)|ZURI'S ROOM]] ---- Groggily, you snap awake in bed at your family home. Half asleep, you stick your head out the window to see your best friend Kojo and his girlfriend Salana standing outside your window below. “Don't be scared, Zuri. It's just us!” calls Salana. “And as an apology for scaring you awake... sha-bam! //Treats!//” Kojo holds up a box of baked goods. “You better hurry down before Kojo eats them all,” says Salana. * [[''Aw, thanks you two! That is so sweet!''|INTRO 002A]] * [[''If you take even one bite, that's it, Kojo! Our Friendship is officially over!''|INTRO 002B]]

!!Zabrowski Home ---- //Your family home is an “A frame” cabin made of pine and cedar. Your father made all the furniture himself and your mother upholstered everything in bright, homespun fabrics. Your parents complain the home's a little on the small side, but it's never bothered you once.// <<return>>

!![[Zuri's Room (click here to learn about your surroundings)|ZURI'S ROOM]] ---- “Thank me,” shouts Salana. “I was the one who paid.” “But it's still a gift from both of us,” insists Kojo. "Thanks, __Salana__. I'll be right down," you say. //Scroll to the bottom of the page to walk downstairs.// <div>//''STOMP! STOMP!''//</div> <div style="text-align: center;">//''STOMP! STOMP!''//</div> <div style="text-align: right;">//''STOMP! STOMP!''//</div> //[[Whew! This house has so many steps...|INTRO 003]]//

!![[Zuri's Room (click here to learn about your surroundings)|ZURI'S ROOM]] ---- “Some risks are worth taking!” cries Kojo. He's about to go in for a bite but Salana stops him short. "Thanks, Salana. I'll be right down," you say. //Scroll to the bottom of the page to walk downstairs.// <div>//''STOMP! STOMP!''//</div> <div style="text-align: center;">//''STOMP! STOMP!''//</div> <div style="text-align: right;">//''STOMP! STOMP!''//</div> //[[Whew! This house has so many steps...|INTRO 003]]//

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- Coming downstairs, you find your father peeling what feels like an entire garden's worth of carrots. Your mother looks up from a dog eared recipe book, shielding the page from you. “I never thought I'd see the day,” says your father. “Our child stirs!” “Hilarious, Dad,” you say. “I'm headed out, and don't worry. I'll finish packing tonight.” “Just be back by nightfall,” says your mother. “The whole island's getting ready for you and Kojo's goodbye party.” * [[''More importantly, what kind of cake are you making?''|INTRO 004A]] * [[''Really? And here I thought you'd be upset that I hadn't finished packing.''|INTRO 004B]] * [[''How funny would it be if Kojo and I skipped?''|INTRO 004C]]

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $cake to true>>“Bup, bup, bup!” interrupts your mother. “Wait until tonight. Surprise cakes are the best.” You feign agreeing while taking a sneak peek. It's raspberry chocolate. //Your favorite!// //[[Head outside.|INTRO 005]]//

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $cake to false>>“Your father and I want your last memories of us to be pleasant, so I vowed not to nag you about it,” says your mom. “You've got nothing to worry about,” you say. “All my memories with you are pleasant." Your mother rolls her eyes, shooing you away. //[[Head outside.|INTRO 005]]//

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $cake to false>>“If you even think of doing that, I'm not helping you pack tonight,” scolds your mom. “Just kidding, I'd never THINK of doing that,” you say. “Have I ever said how much I love you?” Your mother rolls her eyes, shooing you away. //[[Head outside.|INTRO 005]]//

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- “There he is,” cries Kojo. “Only you could sleep in on a day like this.” “More importantly, let me at those baked goods!” you cry. “We got your favorite,” says Salana holding out a spiced apple tart. You messily devour it in three bites. The experience is... * [[Exquisite.|INTRO 006]] * [[Next to heavenly.|INTRO 006]] * [[You close your eyes, ready for the cold embrace of death.|INTRO 006]]

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- “So baked goods aside, how are you feeling about leaving tomorrow to study magic on the Mainland?” asks Salana. “Give me a rating,” says Kojo. “Excitement level on a scale from one to ten.” You wipe off the tart's glaze that somehow got on your nose. “I hate assigning numbers to complex emotions, but I am... * [[''Psyched!''|INTRO 007]] * [[''Pumped!''|INTRO 007]] * [[''Horrified. Horrified that it isn't time to go yet!''|INTRO 007]]

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- “What about you, Kojo? Are you ready, or //are you ready?!// ” you ask. “Pssh. You have no idea!” exclaims Kojo. Salana turns to leave. “Not to ditch you guys, but my steam engine is in serious need of re-enchantment. It nearly blew a gasket at yesterday's race.” Kojo pouts. “C'mon, Sal. Don't you want to hang with Zuri and your very attractive boyfriend on our last day?” “You two should have some time before the party tonight. I don't want to get in the way.” * [[''What do we need time for? Kojo and I will be classmates for the next four years!''|INTRO 008A]] * [[''Maybe a couple of soon-to-be magical experts could help you with those enchantments?''|INTRO 008B]] * [[''You sure? Isn't this your guys' last day together too?''|INTRO 008C]]

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- “You two should say goodbye to everything here, maybe do a whole sentimental tour of the island,” says Salana. You wrinkle your brow. “Pass.” “Yeah, that sounds boring and emotionally challenging,” complains Kojo. “See you at the party,” says Salana, leaving with a wave. Watching her go, you wonder aloud, “You and Salana seem pretty relaxed with the whole, 'us leaving for school on the Mainland for an indeterminate amount of time' thing.” “You know Salana,” says Kojo. “Always looking forward, never back. The same can't be said of me because I just realized what we should do today.” * [[''Find a way to out climb Kristoffer?''|INTRO 009A]] * [[''Eat one of everything from the good bakery?''|INTRO 009B]] * [[''Practice all our spells, so we won't embarrass ourselves when we meet a master spell caster?''|INTRO 009C]]

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- Salana breaks out in wheezing, earnest laughter. “You think I'd let you or //Kojo// touch my engine?” “Okay, we get it.” Kojo grumbles. A snort laughing Salana leaves with a wave. Watching her go, you wonder aloud, “You and Salana seem pretty relaxed with the whole, 'us leaving for school on the Mainland for an indeterminate amount of time' thing.” “You know Salana,” says Kojo. “Always looking forward, never back. The same can't be said of me because I just realized what we should do today.” * [[''Find a way to out climb Kristoffer?''|INTRO 009A]] * [[''Eat one of everything from the good bakery?''|INTRO 009B]] * [[''Practice all our spells, so we won't embarrass ourselves when we meet a master spell caster?''|INTRO 009C]]

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- “We spent all day together yesterday, which was honestly a little much,” says Salana. “Hey!” cries Kojo. “I had a //lovely// time...” Salana pats his face, “Don't worry, I'll see you at the party. You're not getting rid of me that easily.” She exits with a wave. Watching her go, you wonder, “You and Salana seem pretty relaxed with the whole, 'us leaving for school on the Mainland for an indeterminate amount of time' thing.” “You know Salana,” says Kojo. “Always looking forward, never back. The same can't be said of me because I just realized what we should do today.” * [[''Find a way to out climb Kristoffer?''|INTRO 009A]] * [[''Eat one of everything from the good bakery?''|INTRO 009B]] * [[''Practice all our spells, so we won't embarrass ourselves when we meet a master spell caster?''|INTRO 009C]]

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- Kojo shakes his head. “If I don't see him again, that'll be too soon.” He fights off a shudder. “C'mon, Zuri. What's the thing we always talked about but never actually did?” “Oh, dang!” you exclaim. [[''Let's explore...''|INTRO 010AA]]

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- “I mean, we've already got a head start. But no. What's the thing we always talked about but never actually did?” “Oh, dang!” you exclaim. [[''Let's explore...''|INTRO 010AA]]

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- “Pssh, those Mainlanders can't hold a magic candle to us.” says Kojo. “Here's hoping,” you sigh. “C'mon, Zuri. What's the thing we always talked about but never actually did?” “Oh, dang!” you exclaim. [[''Let's explore...''|INTRO 010AA]]

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- Your mind races, excited. “Since it's our last day on the island, we finally have the emotional ammunition to guilt Charleston into ferrying us over.” Kojo nods, “wanna foot race to the docks? First one to the beach wins.” “Let me stretch these hammies first,” you say. //[[Continue to race explanation.|INTRO 011]]//

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- //In a race, you must quickly CLICK THROUGH PASSAGES to get to the end of the sequence before the TIMER at the top of the page RUNS OUT.// //If you fail to do so, you will LOSE the race.// //You'll want to move fast -- but BE CAREFUL! You must also read the text to FOLLOW SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.// //Make sense?// [[Yah-huh! Watch me unleash my speed demon potential!|INTRO 012]]

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- “Okay, Zuri. On your marks...” <<timed 1.5s>> “Get set...” <</timed>> <<timed 3s>> Kojo already takes off running. <</timed>> <<timed 4.5s>> “You're such a cheater!” you yell chasing after. <</timed>> <<timed 6s>> //[[Begin the race!|FOOT RACE 000]]// <</timed>>

<<include "Timer">> ---- <<set $footrace to false>>Your feet pound the pavement, catching up to Kojo easily. [[Go, go, go!|FOOT RACE 001]]

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- //<div style='font-size: 500%;'>[[WITCH...|INTRO 010AB]]</div>//

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- //<div style='font-size: 750%;'>[[...Island|INTRO 010AC]]</div>//

!![[Zabrowski Home|HOME DESCRIPTION]] ---- //<div style='font-size: 800%;'>[[...BABY! WOOOOO!|INTRO 010]]</div>//

<<include "Timer">> ---- “You better watch out for Ms. Jemisin's fence ahead,” says Kojo. “We're too big to fit through the hole anymore!” [[Save you breath, keep running!|FOOT RACE 002]]

<<include "Timer">> ---- You and Kojo round the corner, sprinting through backyards. [[Duck under hanging laundry -- keep going!|FOOT RACE 003]]

<<include "Timer">> ---- You come up to Ms. Jemisin's fence. QUICK! What do you do? * [[Take the long way around.|FOOT RACE 004A]] * [[Jump through hole in fence.|FOOT RACE 004B]]

<<include "Timer">> ---- “Aw, man!” complains Kojo. “And here I was hoping you'd get stuck in that fence...” [[Make him eat your dust.|FOOT RACE 005]]

<<include "Timer">> ---- <div style='font-size: 200%;'>''BOOM!''</div> //You get stuck in Ms. Jemisin's fence! Oh no!// <<timed 2s>>Kojo runs around the fence, “I told you we're too big to fit!”<</timed>> <<timed 4s>>Wriggle free, run to catch up!<</timed>> <<timed 4s>>[[Sprint, sprint, sprint!|FOOT RACE 005]]<</timed>>

<<include "Timer">> ---- You and Kojo dodge around patio furniture, you're neck and neck! You hop over tasteful chairs, tables, and matching dining sets. [[Go, go, go!|FOOT RACE 006]]

<<include "Timer">> ---- OH NO! The Crenshaws put up a WALL around their garden! Kojo's taking the slow way around... But you have a better idea -- You'll cast a spell to MAGICALLY JUMP the fence! //QUICK! Select the incantation for “REALLIUS BIGGUS JUMPUS.”// * //[[Jumpus Reallius Biggus|FOOT RACE 006A]]// * //[[Reallius Jumups Biggus|FOOT RACE 006A]]// * //[[Biggus Jumpus Reallius|FOOT RACE 006A]]// * //[[Reallius Biggus Jumpus|FOOT RACE 007]]// * //[[Biggus Reallius Jumpus|FOOT RACE 006A]]//

<<include "Timer">> ---- That's not the right spell! //Doh!// It takes you a second to regain your composure... <<timed 3s>>[[Quick, try again!|FOOT RACE 006]]<</timed>>

''The race is over!'' ---- <div style='font-size: 200%;'>''//FWOOMP!//''</div> Channeling the spell, you perform a magic powered jump, clearing the fence to land on the sandy beach beyond! ''Wa-hey! You won the race!'' [[''In your face, Kojo!''|FOOT RACE 008 WIN RACE]]

''The race is over!'' ---- <<set $footracewin to true>>“Huff, huff.” gasps Kojo, coming up behind you. “I'd like you to know that I'm very out of shape and since when is magic allowed?" "The rule explanation at the top didn't expressly disallow it," you counter. Kojo sighs. “At least that's definitely the last race we'll do today.” “I see no reason why that wouldn't be the case,” you agree. //[[Continue to Beach.|CHUCK 000]]//

''The race is over.'' ---- <<set $footracewin to false>>“Boom! I still got it.” laughs a victorious Kojo. “Don't sweat it. This was a small stakes affair with no consequence other than the fact that I will henceforth only respond to, //Mr. Victory.//" “I'm not calling you that,” you say. “It was worth a try," sighs Kojo. "Anyway, now that that's over, we're definitely done with races for the day.” “I see no reason why that wouldn't be the case,” you agree. //[[Continue to Beach.|CHUCK 000]]//

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- You two arrive at the island's main docks. “Hm, I'm not seeing Charleston anywhere?” you say. “Let's use that summoning spell he taught us," says Kojo. You wave your arms, articulating the spell into the depths of the sea beyond... //Work your magic! Enter “Charleston” into the magical spell box below.// <<set $spellanswer to "Charleston">> Exceedingly magical spell box: <<textbox "$playeranswer" "" "spell">> <<set $footrace to true>>

!!Cascadium Beach ---- //Despite Cascadium's modest landmass, the island has an extensive wharf where individuals jostle and connive for the best dock allotments. Many spaces have belonged to certain families for generations and are a matter of personal and ill placed pride.// <<return>>

<<if $playeranswer is $spellanswer>>!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- You put on your best incanting voice. ''@@.shudder;“Charleston... Yo, where you at?”@@'' You look to the sea, but... nothing happens. “Just give it a minute,” says Kojo. "//Sometimes you have to wait for things to happen organically.//” So you wait. <<timed 11s>>//And wait...//<</timed>> <<timed 14s>>“Does it ever bother you,” says Kojo. “That for all the magic in the world, we are still powerless against the march of time itself?”<</timed>> <<timed 18s>>“I like to think of revisiting your memories as a lesser form of time travel,” you say.<</timed>> <<timed 22s>>Kojo's about to respond when...<</timed>> <<timed 23s>><div style='font-size: 500%;'>''//SPLASH!//''</div><</timed>><<timed 24s>>* [[''AAAaaagghhh!! AAAAHHHGG!''|CHUCK 001]] * [[''EUUGGhhh!! GRAAAuuooo!!!!!''|CHUCK 001]] * [[''EEEE!'' *deep breath* ''EEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!''|CHUCK 001]]<</timed>> <<else>>!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- “What was that? His name is "__Charleston__" remember?” [[''Yeah, yeah. Let me try again.''|CHUCK 000]] <</if>>

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- Charleston the enormous Hammerhead Turtle slides onto the beach with a booming laugh. “I should have known it was you two hatchlings! A little seabird told me you two were breaking out of your shells, about to make your first voyage across the sixteen seas.” Regaining your composure, you nod. “The next time you see us, we'll be even wrinklier than //you!//” Kojo pulls seaweed off Chuck's hammerhead. “Before we go, we wanted to call in a favor..." * [[''Any chance you can take us to Witch Island?''|CHUCK 002]] * [[''Could you ferry us to Witch Island, and before you make a joke about *which* island, remember we're on a limited time frame.''|CHUCK 002]]

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- Charleston furls the turtle equivalent of his brow. "What do you want to go there for? That place's a dusty, hollowed out shell." * [[Give him the pitch that it's a chance to fulfill a long thought impossible childhood dream.|CHUCK 003A]] * [[Explain how the island may contain clues to a powerful, ancient magic.|CHUCK 003B]] * [[Admit that you'd rather explore an island than spend the day in nervous excitement waiting for tomorrow.|CHUCK 003C]]

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- <div style='font-size: 300%;'> ''//YAWN!//'' </div>\ Charleston smacks his lips. "I know I should be sympathetic, but I am also very tired." You and Kojo share a look. //Looks like there's only one way out of this...// [[''How about we bribe you?''|CHUCK 004]]

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- Charleston looks unimpressed. "If you're so curious to learn about the world that came before, just ask me! Then again, I spend most of my life underwater, so I mostly have old fish gossip..." You and Kojo share a look. //Looks like there's only one way out of this...// [[''How about we bribe you?''|CHUCK 004]]

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- "I'm not sure how to feel about taking you to another island before you've given this one a proper goodbye. Imagine having //that// on my leathery, old noggin!" You and Kojo share a look. //Looks like there's only one way out of this...// [[''How about we bribe you?''|CHUCK 004]]

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- "I was //just// telling a sea serpent about how much I missed offerings! Back in the day, the people of Cascadium gave me sacrifices of fealty like you wouldn't believe. I was swimming in cured fish, fresh fruit -- //bushels of Royal Thimbleberries?!//” "That's the good stuff," agrees Kojo. "How about this. If you can bring me __seven Royal Thimbleberries,__ I'll carry you two over." * [[''C'mon, Chuck. Is this how you treat your old pals?''|CHUCK 005A]] * [[*crack knuckles* ''How about you do it before Kojo and I get all punchy?''|CHUCK 005B]]

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- “Yeah,” interjects Kojo. “Remember when we helped you out of that scrape with that surly Octopus? Charleston bristles. “If only these worthless appendages could reach my back... Fine, I'll do it for __five__. But that's my lowest offer, absolute bottom of the sea floor." [[''You got yourself a deal!''|CHUCK 006]]

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- Charleston cracks up. “You two? Ha! I'd like to see you try!” “Yeah,” you admit. “That was an entirely empty threat...” //“Or was it?!”// adds Kojo before getting spooked by Charleston's tree trunk sized flippers. "Fine, I'll do it for __five__. But that's my lowest offer, absolute bottom of the sea floor." [[''You got yourself a deal!''|CHUCK 006]]

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- Charleston yawns, satisfied. "It's been an age since I've had the pleasure of those berries. //Mmm!// I can almost taste them now." "If that's the case," says Kojo. "Why not take us now?" “I'll be here when you've got all five. Until then...” Charleston flops onto his shell, relaxing on his favorite rock. [[''So, Kojo, any ideas of how we're supposed to find the Thimbleberries?''|CHUCK 007]]

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- "We'll walk around the island, ask around. People may be feeling charitable." "A few might still be growing wild too," you add. Kojo grins, "it's like a little adventure before we can start the proper one on... //Witch Island."// * [[''You hear that Witch Island? We're coming for you!''|TOWN 001]] * [[''Our seven year old selves would be so proud right now.''|TOWN 001]] * [[''...Okay, that's enough dramatic staring off into the distance. Let's go!''|TOWN 001]] <<set $climbtry to false>> <<set $car to false>> <<set $tower to false>> <<set $key to false>> <<set $sap to false>> <<set $car to false>> <<set $scrollwheel to false>> <<set $sadbun to false>> <<set $house to false>> <<set $strawghost to false>> <<set $strawbun to false>> <<set $strawtext to false>> <<set $strawscroll to false>> <<set $strawrace to false>> <<set $strawclimb to false>> <<newinventory '$player'>> <<set $berry = 0>> <<set $saltalk = 0>>

!!Cascadium Town ---- //You could walk the four and a half paved streets of Cascadium with your eyes closed. The good bakery is closed for the day since they always sell out by mid morning. From the nearby steeple, Father Treisman practices the church marimba in preparations for the weekend service. The restaurateurs and the fish mongers have their daily and always dramatic haggle over the price of Emerald Steelhead and Salted Smelt.// //It's hard to believe you'll soon be gone.// <<return>>

!!Yara's Tent ---- //The ramshackle storefront which doubles as Yara's mobile home is a hoarder's mess of magical artifacts. Something resembling pink pond scum bubbles in a nearby pot. A wind chime clangs and clatters without a breeze. It hurts your brain to think about, but the tent seems //bigger// on the inside than how it looked on the outside...// <<return>>

!!Forest Road ---- //The forest path is lined with Spruces and Fiddlehead Ferns, and you can often spot elk, rabbits, and the occasional fox using the path to travel up and down the island's modest mountain range.// //This is your favorite time to walk this trail because the leaves make that perfect *CRUNCH* as you step over them.// <<return>>

!![[Forest Road|FOREST ROAD DESCRIPTION]] ---- Climbing a nearby tree, you and Kojo soon reach the forest canopy giving a squirrel's eye view of the town below. From here, everything looks so quaint and peaceful. “Blegh,” you say. "I think I swallowed a pine needle." It looks like Kojo's about to say something when you interrupt. “Let's go before things get too sappy.” “Too late,” exclaims Kojo, holding out his hands covered in TREE SAP. * [[''As soon as I said it, I knew this would happen.''|GET SAP 001]] * [[''I'm heading down. You should stay up here to think about what you've done.''|GET SAP 001]]

!![[Forest Road|FOREST ROAD DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $sap to true>>Kojo laughs, "You're just jealous of my incredible sense of humor. Hey, wait -- come back!" You and Kojo soon head back down the tree. Emptying his canteen, Kojo extracts some sap into the bottle. “You never know when this stuff will come in handy. What if we need to make maple syrup?" You try to explain that this is a //Spruce// tree, but it's no use. ''__You didn't ask for this, but whatever! You got some "maple" sap.__'' //[[Return to Forest Road.|FOREST ROAD 000]]

!!Outside Balthazar's Tower ---- //Built by generations past, Balthazar's tower is a stucture of stone and brick that every year bends further and further like a performer taking what must be their final bow.// //Balthazar frequently complains about the distance to town, the tower's drafty and crumbling walls, but he's never once considered actually moving.// <<return>>

!![[Outside Balthazar's Tower|EXT BATTY TOWER DESCRIPTION]] ---- To your surprise, the door is locked. Squinting up to the top floor's windows, you get proof that he's home from the telltale flash of his alchemical solutions. You and Kojo pound on the door, shout for him to let you in, but it's no use. Kojo wrings his hands. "Of all the days for Balthazar to lock himself inside..." "Didn't he talk about losing his spare key last week?" you wonder. "Maybe we could find it and let ourselves in?" //[[Return.|TOWER 100]]//

!!Balthazar's Tower ---- //It's here that Balthazar teaches, I mean *taught* you the laws of magic at work in the universe. You and Kojo learned your first spells here, and the walls are still lovingly pockmarked with those early attempts.// //Balthazar would be the first to admit that he doesn't have all the answers, but he shared all he knew to help you and Kojo on your way.// <<return>>

!![[Balthazar's Tower|INT BATTY TOWER DESCRIPTION]] ---- “Yoohoo, Batty? You know your front door's locked, right?" On the top level, you find your wizened teacher cowering on the floor. Seeing you, he hops up, eyes wild with __terror!__ "What are you two doing here?" “It's actually kind of a long story...” says Kojo, but Balthazar interrupts him. "Did you not think there was a method to my madness? I sealed myself in this tower to protect the town -- //to protect the two of you// from a danger most foul!” * [[''What danger?''|BAT 001A]] * [[''Talk to us, teach. We can help!''|BAT 001B]] * [[''On scale from one to ten, how scared should we be?''|BAT 001C]]

!![[Balthazar's Tower|INT BATTY TOWER DESCRIPTION]] ---- Balthazar shudders. “I foolishly searched for worlds beyond our own, never thinking I'd find this...” “Just tell us what's going on,” pleads Kojo. Balthazar points a quivering finger at a glass prism facedown on a nearby table. //"There."// "What's the big deal? These things never work." Kojo is about to pick it up when -- <div style='font-size: 350%;'> ''"WAIT!"''</div> ^^"This one does."^^ * [[''Whoa, whoa! You got it to work? Way to go, Batty!''|BAT 002A]] * [[''What'd you see? Was it scary?''|BAT 002B]] * [[''Yeah, we have to take a look.''|BAT 002C]]

!![[Balthazar's Tower|INT BATTY TOWER DESCRIPTION]] ---- “The only way you can help is leaving and forgetting you ever came...” “Just tell us what's going on,” pleads Kojo. Balthazar points a quivering finger at a glass prism facedown on a nearby table. //"There."// "What's the big deal? These things never work." Kojo is about to pick it up when -- <div style='font-size: 350%;'> ''"WAIT!"''</div> ^^"This one does."^^ * [[''Whoa, whoa! You got it to work? Way to go, Batty!''|BAT 002A]] * [[''What'd you see? Was it scary?''|BAT 002B]] * [[''Yeah, we have to take a look.''|BAT 002C]]

!![[Balthazar's Tower|INT BATTY TOWER DESCRIPTION]] ---- “Exceedingly! High as you can count and then some more.” “Just tell us what's going on,” pleads Kojo. Balthazar points a quivering finger at a glass prism facedown on a nearby table. //"There."// "What's the big deal? These things never work." Kojo is about to pick it up when -- <div style='font-size: 350%;'> ''"WAIT!"''</div> ^^"This one does."^^ * [[''Whoa, whoa! You got it to work? Way to go, Batty!''|BAT 002A]] * [[''What'd you see? Was it scary?''|BAT 002B]] * [[''Yeah, we have to take a look.''|BAT 002C]]

!![[Balthazar's Tower|INT BATTY TOWER DESCRIPTION]] ---- “The //way to go// should be far, far away! You must leave before you're exposed to the terrors, the horrors therein...” You and Kojo share a look. “Maybe we could take just a quick peek?” you ask. Balthazar shivers. “If you must, do this broken man one favor...” He grips both of your arms tight. “When you look through the glass, you will see a man. He has the voice of a siren, the eyes of a monster! If you can bear to look, __discover his name__. Knowledge is the only way to overcome fear, or I hope for my sake... //madness.// [[''We'll find his name.''|BAT 003]]

!![[Balthazar's Tower|INT BATTY TOWER DESCRIPTION]] ---- “Look at my eyes!” shouts Balthazar. “I know you jokingly call me Batty, but I fear the name now and forever will truly fit...” You and Kojo share a look. “We can't leave you like this. We have to take a look.” Balthazar shivers. “If you must, do this broken man one favor...” He grips both of your arms tight. “When you look through the glass, you will see a man. He has the voice of a siren, the eyes of a monster! If you can bear to look, __discover his name__. Knowledge is the only way to overcome fear, or I hope for my sake... //madness.// [[''We'll find his name.''|BAT 003]]

!![[Balthazar's Tower|INT BATTY TOWER DESCRIPTION]] ---- Balthazar shivers. “If you must, do this broken man one favor...” He grips both of your arms tight. “When you look through the glass, you will see a man. He has the voice of a siren, the eyes of a monster! If you can bear to look, __discover his name__. Knowledge is the only way to overcome fear, or I hope for my sake... //madness.// We'll find his name. [[''We'll find his name.''|BAT 003]]

!![[Balthazar's Tower|INT BATTY TOWER DESCRIPTION]] ---- “Steel your hearts, my pupils. For you are about to observe an impossible realm, a plane not meant for our fragile minds!” You and Kojo step to the glass prism and... //[[Gaze inside.|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ&ab_channel=RickAstleyVEVO]]// "Name the man you saw before you. His first and last name, if you would! You'll have to type it into this device below. Also, hit "return" when finished.” Name this foul demon: <<textbox "$playeranswer" "" "answer">> <<set $riddleanswer to "Rick Astley">>

!![[Balthazar's Tower|INT BATTY TOWER DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $strawtext to true>><<set $berry to $berry + 1>>Once you've finished explaining, Balthazar agrees to help. "It's the least I can do for my brightest and only students." He reaches into his ice box, proudly giving you an intact Thimbleberry. ''__Yahoo! You got another Thimbleberry!__'' "Now if you'll excuse me, I believe I have recovered my strength enough to study this prism,” says your teacher. You notice Kojo watching Balthazar with a wistful, almost jealous look. //[[Return to the downstairs floor.|TOWER INT 000]]// <<if $strawghost is true and $strawtext is true and $strawscroll is true and $strawrace is true and $strawclimb is true>>"Also, Zuri? __We did it, we got all five Thimbleberries!__ Quick, let's go tell Charleston!"<</if>>

!!Rock Wall ---- //Cascadium's limestone cliffs are weekly enchanted by the stone magicians, creating new formations and rock climbing routes. Since magic is largely performed through gestures, historians believe that climbing began as a method for strengthening the magician's arms but has since thrived as a popular pastime for everyone, magic user or not.// <<return>>

!![[Rock Wall|ROCK WALL DESCRIPTION]] ---- “Sup,” grunts Kristoffer, not paying you any attention. “Any chance we could have your, uh, Thimbleberry?” asks Kojo. "Oh, //this?//" says Kristoffer with a grin. With his impossibly ripped fingers and veiny forearms, he opens wide -- //about to swallow the Thimbleberry whole!// You and Kojo make your best, most rational arguments to stop him. * [[''EEE! Nurr!''|CLIMB 002]] * [[''Don't-- Ahhhh! NUrrr!''|CLIMB 002]] * [[''AAaach! Aaaaah! AaaaHHHH!''|CLIMB 002]]

!![[Rock Wall|ROCK WALL DESCRIPTION]] ---- “What do you two want?” sneers Kristoffer. “Any chance we could have your, uh, Thimbleberry?” you ask. "Oh, //this?//" says Kristoffer with a grin. With his impossibly ripped fingers and veiny forearms, he opens wide -- //about to swallow the Thimbleberry whole!// You and Kojo make your best, most rational arguments to stop him. * [[''EEE! Nurr!''|CLIMB 002]] * [[''Don't-- Ahhhh! NUrrr!''|CLIMB 002]] * [[''AAaach! Aaaaah! AaaaHHHH!''|CLIMB 002]]

!![[Rock Wall|ROCK WALL DESCRIPTION]] ---- "Oh, //this?//" says Kristoffer with a grin. With his impossibly ripped fingers and veiny forearms, he opens wide -- //about to swallow the Thimbleberry whole!// You and Kojo make your best, most rational arguments to stop him. * [[''EEE! Nurr!''|CLIMB 002]] * [[''Don't-- Ahhhh! NUrrr!''|CLIMB 002]] * [[''AAaach! Aaaaah! AaaaHHHH!''|CLIMB 002]]

!![[Rock Wall|ROCK WALL DESCRIPTION]] ---- "I'll tell you what," he laughs, returning the Thimbleberry to his climbing bag. “If one of you climbs Devil's Chimney, it's all yours. And here's the crux: you'll have to do it old school -- //meaning no magic!//” “Aw, what?” you yell. “But magic is a part of our ordinary life! This is an arbitrary limitation that only exists to make it harder!” fumes Kojo. Kristoffer waves his hands, casting a spell to transform a section of the cliff into the route for Devil's Chimney. “You want the berry, you have to follow my rules. Otherwise, I'll probably leave it in my bag to mold over -- just to mess with you!” * [[''Don't give him the satisfaction of seeing us angry, Kojo.''|CLIMB 003A]] * [[''Okay, Kristoffer. We'll play your game.''|CLIMB 003B]] * [[''Prepare to be amazed. I'll sweep Devil's Chimney on the first try!''|CLIMB 003C]]

!![[Rock Wall|ROCK WALL DESCRIPTION]] ---- Kristoffer laughs, “I totally got you guys. You're so mad! “The only thing we're mad about is how easy this is going to be,” you say. “Just watch Zuri nail this climb," shouts Kojo. //[[Continue to climb explanation.|CLIMB 004]]//

!![[Rock Wall|ROCK WALL DESCRIPTION]] ---- “Then hop on that wall and show me what you got. But remember to limber up first, stretching is very important," says Kristoffer. “Just watch Zuri stretch //then// get his climb on!” Kojo shouts. //[[Continue to climb explanation.|CLIMB 004]]//

!![[Rock Wall|ROCK WALL DESCRIPTION]] ---- "Honestly, I'd hate to see that," says Kristoffer in an unexpected moment of vulnerability. "It took me hundreds of tries, but whatever -- it'll take you //thousands!//" Kojo laughs, "Zuri will nail this first try, so get ready to lose your unwarrented sense of superiority!" //[[Continue to climb explanation.|CLIMB 004]]//

!![[Rock Wall|ROCK WALL DESCRIPTION]] ---- //Despite not being allowed to use magic, you're actually a pretty good climber! In fact, you have a FIFTY PERCENT CHANCE of successfully making each move.// //The only problem is that Devil's Chimney is a notoriously difficult route made up of FIVE SECTIONS.// //If you fail, DON'T WORRY! The magically created cloud crash pads will break your fall, allowing you to try as MANY TIMES as needed.// //Even though Kristoffer insisted on not using magic, Kojo may be able to help you IMPROVE your chances of success.// [[Okay, got it. Now, let me at that wall!|CLIMB TEST HONEST 001]] <<set $climbtry to true>>

!![[Devli's Chimney|DEVILS CHIMNEY DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $roll to random(1, 6)>> <<set _roll to either(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)>><<if _roll gte 4>> ''SUCCESS:'' You scramble up the opening moves, easy breezy. [[Keep going!|CLIMB TEST HONEST 002]] <<else>> ''FAIL:'' You slip off the opening hold. Doh! //You had a 50% chance of succeeding on that move.// * [[Try again.|CLIMB TEST HONEST 001]] * [[Talk to Kristoffer.|KRISTOFFER CLIMB TALK]] * [[Talk to Kojo, maybe there's another way to do this?|KOJO CLIMB TALK 000]] <</if>>

!![[Devli's Chimney|DEVILS CHIMNEY DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $roll to random(1, 6)>> <<set _roll to either(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)>><<if _roll gte 4>> ''SUCCESS:'' Using crags in the wall, you gracefully continue your ascent. [[Keep going!|CLIMB TEST HONEST 003]] <<else>> ''FAIL:'' You plummet off the crags. Dang it! //You had a 50% chance of succeeding on that move.// * [[Try again.|CLIMB TEST HONEST 001]] * [[Talk to Kristoffer.|KRISTOFFER CLIMB TALK]] * [[Talk to Kojo, maybe there's another way to do this?|KOJO CLIMB TALK 000]] <</if>>

!![[Devli's Chimney|DEVILS CHIMNEY DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $roll to random(1, 6)>> <<set _roll to either(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)>><<if _roll gte 4>> ''SUCCESS:'' Supported by your foot's oppositional force, you pull yourself higher and higher. [[Keep going!|CLIMB TEST HONEST 004]] <<else>> ''FAIL:'' You miss your footing, tumbling onto the cloud crash pad. Gah! //You had a 50% chance of succeeding on that move.// * [[Try again.|CLIMB TEST HONEST 001]] * [[Talk to Kristoffer.|KRISTOFFER CLIMB TALK]] * [[Talk to Kojo, maybe there's another way to do this?|KOJO CLIMB TALK 000]] <</if>>

!![[Devli's Chimney|DEVILS CHIMNEY DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $roll to random(1, 6)>> <<set _roll to either(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)>><<if _roll gte 4>> ''SUCCESS:'' You nail the crimps. Now you're onto the last move: a dynamic leap for the final hold. [[Keep going!|CLIMB TEST HONEST 005]] <<else>> ''FAIL:'' You miss a crimp, falling on the second to last section! Nooo! //You had a 50% chance of succeeding on that move.// * [[Try again.|CLIMB TEST HONEST 001]] * [[Talk to Kristoffer.|KRISTOFFER CLIMB TALK]] * [[Talk to Kojo, maybe there's another way to do this?|KOJO CLIMB TALK 000]] <</if>>

!![[Devli's Chimney|DEVILS CHIMNEY DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $roll to random(1, 6)>> <<set _roll to either(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)>><<if _roll gte 4>> ''SUCCESS:'' You swing your body up, and hold fast to the last hold, mantling up to the top. Boom, baby! YOU FLIPPING MADE IT! [[Claim your victory!|CLIMB RESULT 000]] <<else>> ''FAIL:'' Noooooooooo! You misssed the FINAL JUMP, falling into the crash pad with a resounding WHOOMF! That's really too bad... //You had a 50% chance of succeeding on that move.// * [[Try again.|CLIMB TEST HONEST 001]] * [[Talk to Kristoffer.|KRISTOFFER CLIMB TALK]] * [[Talk to Kojo, maybe there's another way to do this?|KOJO CLIMB TALK 000]] <</if>>

!![[Devli's Chimney|DEVILS CHIMNEY DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $roll to random(1, 6)>> <<set _roll to (6)>><<if _roll gte 2>> ''SUCCESS:'' Your sap makes quick work of the opening holds. [[Keep going!|CLIMB TEST CHEAT 002]] <<else>> FAIL: You slip off the opening hold. Kristoffer laughs his butt off. //Doh!// * [[Try again.|CLIMB TEST CHEAT 001]] * [[Talk to Kojo.|KOJO CLIMB TALK 000]] * [[Talk to Kristoffer|KRISTOFFER CLIMB TALK]] <</if>>

!![[Devli's Chimney|DEVILS CHIMNEY DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $roll to random(1, 6)>> <<set _roll to (6)>><<if _roll gte 2>> ''SUCCESS:'' You're practically flying up the wall! Kristoffer is starting to look suspicious... [[Keep going!|CLIMB TEST CHEAT 003]] <<else>> FAIL: You slip off the opening hold. Kristoffer laughs his butt off. //Doh!// * [[Try again.|CLIMB TEST CHEAT 001]] * [[Talk to Kojo.|KOJO CLIMB TALK 000]] * [[Talk to Kristoffer|KRISTOFFER CLIMB TALK]] <</if>>

!![[Devli's Chimney|DEVILS CHIMNEY DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $roll to random(1, 6)>> <<set _roll to (6)>><<if _roll gte 2>> ''SUCCESS:'' You put on a show of “struggling” through the route. You do a dramatic and obnoxious GRUNT after every move. [[Keep going!|CLIMB TEST CHEAT 004]] <<else>> FAIL: You slip off the opening hold. Kristoffer laughs his butt off. //Doh!// * [[Try again.|CLIMB TEST CHEAT 001]] * [[Talk to Kojo.|KOJO CLIMB TALK 000]] * [[Talk to Kristoffer|KRISTOFFER CLIMB TALK]] <</if>>

!![[Devli's Chimney|DEVILS CHIMNEY DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $roll to random(1, 6)>> <<set _roll to (6)>><<if _roll gte 2>> ''SUCCESS:'' Everyone on the beach comes to watch you, possibly because you keep going, "GRAAAH!" and "AAAACCK!" Only one move left... [[Keep going!|CLIMB TEST CHEAT 005]] <<else>> FAIL: You slip off the opening hold. Kristoffer laughs his butt off. //Doh!// * [[Try again.|CLIMB TEST CHEAT 001]] * [[Talk to Kojo.|KOJO CLIMB TALK 000]] * [[Talk to Kristoffer|KRISTOFFER CLIMB TALK]] <</if>>

!![[Devli's Chimney|DEVILS CHIMNEY DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $roll to random(1, 6)>> <<set _roll to (6)>><<if _roll gte 2>> ''SUCCESS:'' With a primal scream, you leap and literally STICK the hold! You mantle onto the flat cliff top, pumping your fists in victory, before surreptitiously //unsticking// them. YOU MADE IT! [[Claim your victory!|CLIMB RESULT 000]] <<else>> FAIL: You slip off the opening hold. Kristoffer laughs his butt off. //Doh!// * [[Try again.|CLIMB TEST CHEAT 001]] * [[Talk to Kojo.|KOJO CLIMB TALK 000]] * [[Talk to Kristoffer|KRISTOFFER CLIMB TALK]] <</if>>

!![[Devli's Chimney|DEVILS CHIMNEY DESCRIPTION]] ---- You and Kojo huddle after you keep trying (and failing) to climb the wall. “It's hard watching you fall so much,” complains Kojo. “The worst part is that I'm making myself hoarse cheering you on! What should we do?” * [[''I know we can't use magic, but maybe we can find a way to tip the odds in our favor?''|KOJO CLIMB TALK 001]] * [[''I'm going to keep trying to climb as is.''|CLIMB TEST HONEST 001]] * [[''Let's throw in the towel for now and head back.''|ROCK WALL 000]]

!![[Devli's Chimney|DEVILS CHIMNEY DESCRIPTION]] ---- Kristoffer lowers his shades with a grin. “Honestly, I could watch you fail all day. And I think I will!” //It doesn't look like he's going to be any help.// //[[Who needs him? Keep trying to climb the wall.|CLIMB TEST HONEST 001]]//

!![[Devli's Chimney|DEVILS CHIMNEY DESCRIPTION]] ---- “Ordinarily I don't support cheating...” you begin. “But it's Kristoffer, so it's entirely morally justified. What you got?” <<if $sap is false>>[[''I got nothing. Maybe we don't have the right item yet?''|KOJO CLIMB TALK 000]] <<elseif $sap is true>>[[''I got two words for you: tree sap!''|KOJO CLIMB TALK 002]] <</if>>

!![[Devli's Chimney|DEVILS CHIMNEY DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $strawclimb to true>><<set $berry to $berry + 1>>You leap off the cliff, landing in the sea with a SPLASH! Kojo leads the assembled crowd in a standing ovation. Meanwhile an incensed Kristoffer races to you, inspecting your newly rinsed hands. "Sorry, Kris.” you laugh. “These babies are clean.” “Whatever." he scoffs. "It's not like we haven't //all// done Devil's Chimney. I did it last year, but only after months of practice and diligent strength training, and... UGH! //Just take this already.//" ''__Aw yeah! You got a Royal Thimbleberry! Although now you feel a little bad for Kris...__'' Kristoffer stomps away, already chalking up to climb Devil's Chimney just to prove he can. [[Return to Rock Wall.|ROCK WALL 000]] <<if $strawghost is true and $strawtext is true and $strawscroll is true and $strawrace is true and $strawclimb is true>>"Also, Zuri? __We did it, we got all five Thimbleberries!__ Quick, let's go tell Charleston!"<</if>>

!![[Devli's Chimney|DEVILS CHIMNEY DESCRIPTION]] ---- “You're a genius, Zuri. Just slather this on your fingers, and you can //stick// any move you want!” You coat your fingers with the sticky sap while Kristoffer is too busy admiring his perfect jawline. "Look at that," Kojo says, admiring your fingers. "I bet you're going to be 99% better at climbing!" [[''Here's hoping. Now, let me at that wall!''|CLIMB TEST CHEAT 001]]

!![[Rock Wall|ROCK WALL DESCRIPTION]] ---- "Well, well, well, well, well, //WELL!//" expounds Kristoffer. "Look who decided to grace me with their presence." <<if $climbtry is false>>* [[''Hi, Kristoffer.''|CLIMB 001A]] * [[''Isn't this just the most beautiful day, Kristoffer?''|CLIMB 001B]] * [[''Give us your Thimbleberry!''|CLIMB 001C]] <<elseif $climbtry is true>> [[''Hey, Kristoffer. We're here to try your very easy climbing test again.''|CLIMB 004]] <</if>>

!!Race Track ---- //"The Bends Race Track" goes from the northwest end of the island all the way to its southern most point, making it perfect for the island's steam engine races.// //The island's racing tradition began as several daredevil wizards finished the fall harvest early one year. Rather than plan for the ensuing winter, they spent their time enchanting their slow moving grain harvestors to become slap dash, magic powered steam racers. Despite the island experiencing a particularly bitter winter that year due to their negligence, the races became a popular albeit controversial yearly tradition that continues to draw equal parts love and ire from the whole island.// <<return>>

!![[Race Track|RACE TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<if $strawrace is false>> Salana gets up from working on her machine, massaging the small of her back. "The witch-doc says I've got the spine of a seventy year old woman." [[''What's up, Salana?''|SAL 002]] <<elseif $strawrace is true>> Salana tunes up her machine from your previous race. “Hi Salana,” you say. “Just came back to gloat over that unbelievably sweet victory!” "Good luck finding the rest of your berries," she says, not looking up from her machine. [[Return to Race Track.|RACE TRACK 000]]<</if>>

!![[Race Track|RACE TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- "Well?" asks Salana. "Did you two goofs find some wheels?" <<if $car is false>>[[''We haven't found anything. Where even could we find a vehicle on such short notice?|SAL 005]]<<elseif $car is true>>[[''Check out our sick rides!''|SAL RACE PREP 000]] <</if>>

!![[Race Track|RACE TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- "Ugh. This energy crystal's not wanting to take my enchantments," she complains. "It's almost like this tractor wasn't meant to be converted into a high speed racing vehicle." "That's probably enough small talk," says Kojo. “Not to be rude, but do you have any Thimbleberries, Salana?” you ask. “We need to feed Charleston before he'll ferry us over to Witch Island.” An incredulous Salana looks between the two of you. “//This// is your big plan for your last day?” * [[''Not like we have anything better to do.''|SAL 003]] * [[''It beats counting the hours down until we leave for magic school.''|SAL 003]] * [[''I know that look... you want in!''|SAL 003]]

!![[Race Track|RACE TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $saltalk = 1>><<set $scrollwheel to true>>Salana rolls her eyes. "Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure I saw a Thimbleberry hiking the other day." "Which trail," you ask. "Rock Creek? Dipper Gulch Falls?" "It was Forest Road, the one leading to Balthazar's tower. Here's the thing: it was way off path. And I mean, way, //way// off. I wound up going down, down, down further than I thought possible.” She fishes in her equipment bag, tossing you something. “You'll need this if you're going to find it." ''__You got a... Scroll Wheel? Huh?__'' [[''Uh, thanks?''|SAL 004]]

!![[Race Track|RACE TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- "And that's not all...” she says, brandishing a... //Royal Thimbleberry!// You and Kojo reach for it, but she yanks it back. "Not so fast. If you want this, I want a rematch of our race from last year." "A rematch?" you ask. "But you trounced us!" "Heck yeah, I did. And I want to do it again. Find some wheels, and I'll race you for the berry." <<if $footracewin is true>>"I knew we tempted fate when we said we wouldn't do any more races today..." you sigh. "C'mon, Zuri," says Kojo. "You already won one race today. Just do it again!" You try arguing with Salana to just give you the berry, but she's not having it. <<if $car is false>> [[''But we don't have any vehicles! Where could we even find some on such short notice?''|SAL 005]] <<elseif $car is true>> //[[Show Salana the steam engines from Balthazar's Tower.|SAL RACE PREP 000]]// <</if>> <<elseif $footracewin is false>> "I knew we tempted fate when we said we wouldn't do any more races today..." you sigh. Kojo jumps in explaining, "Zuri's just sad cause we had a foot race earlier, and guess who got crowned //Mr. Victory?//" Ignoring Kojo, you try arguing with Salana to just give you the berry, but she's not having it. <<if $car is false>> [[''But we don't have any vehicles! Where could we even find some on such short notice?''|SAL 005]] <<elseif $car is true>> //[[Show Salana the steam engines from Balthazar's Tower.|SAL RACE PREP 000]]// <</if>><</if>>

!![[Race Track|RACE TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- "What happened to the cars you used last year?" she asks. You groan. "You mean the ones you //destroyed// us with in a race we promised to never speak of again?" Salana nods. “Check in with Balthazar up past the forest road. He helped you build them, right?” [[''Ugh, FINE. Maybe we will!''|RACE TRACK 000]]

!![[Race Track|RACE TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- Salana breaks into a wide grin. "You two ready to crash and burn, or what?" "Ooh, trash talk! Zuri, I'll let you handle this one." * [[''What's your PR? Cause Kojo and I are about to break it!''|SAL RACE PREP 001A]] * [[''I hope your steam engine doesn't catch fire and explode!''|SAL RACE PREP 001B]] * [[''Here's to a cordial and safe competition!''|SAL RACE PREP 001C]]

!![[Race Track|RACE TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- “The only thing you're about to break are your own faces,” laughs Salana. //Before you know it, you and Kojo cast protection spells on your dented engines and hop into your respective driver's seats.// Salana pulls up in her emerald green vehicle, its engine grumbling like a hungry dragon about to devour a peasant village. You and Kojo share a look. //What did we get ourselves into?// “You slow pokes ready, or what?” asks Salana. * [[''Remind me again. How do races work?''|SAL RACE PREP 002A]] * [[''Are you ready for THIS? Let's goooooo!|SAL RACE PREP 003]]

!![[Race Track|RACE TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- “If I find out you sabotaged my vehicle, you'll be traveling to the Mainland in a stretcher.” “Just kidding, kidding!” you cry. //Before you know it, you and Kojo cast protection spells on your dented engines and hop into your respective driver's seats.// Salana pulls up in her emerald green vehicle, its engine grumbling like a hungry dragon about to devour a peasant village. You and Kojo share a look. //What did we get ourselves into?// “You slow pokes ready, or what?” asks Salana. * [[''Remind me again. How do races work?''|SAL RACE PREP 002A]] * [[''Are you ready for THIS? Let's goooooo!|SAL RACE PREP 003]]

!![[Race Track|RACE TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- “Boo!” cries Kojo. “Weak!” //Before you know it, you and Kojo cast protection spells on your dented engines and hop into your respective driver's seats.// Salana pulls up in her emerald green vehicle, its engine grumbling like a hungry dragon about to devour a peasant village. You and Kojo share a look. //What did we get ourselves into?// “You slow pokes ready, or what?” asks Salana. * [[''Remind me again. How do races work?''|SAL RACE PREP 002A]] * [[''Are you ready for THIS? Let's goooooo!|SAL RACE PREP 003]]

!![[Race Track|RACE TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- //In a race, you must quickly CLICK THROUGH PASSAGES to get to the end of the sequence before the TIMER at the top of the page RUNS OUT.// //If you fail to do so, you will LOSE the race.// //You'll want to move fast -- but BE CAREFUL! You must also read the text to FOLLOW SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.// [[''Cool, thanks for reminding me!''|SAL RACE PREP 003]]

!![[Race Track|RACE TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $seconds to 80>>You, Kojo, and Salana rev your magically charged steam engines. <<timed 2s>> On your marks...<</timed>> <<timed 4s>> Get set...<</timed>> <<timed 6s>><div style='font-size: 300%;'>''[[Go!|RACE SEQ 000]]''</div><</timed>>

''The race is over!'' ---- “I never thought I'd see the day," says Salana before tussling Kojo's hair who rolls up in last place. "And where were you?" Kojo shrugs. “I figure if you're going to be mad at someone for beating you, it should definitely be Zuri." //You spend a few minutes cleaning up the ruin left behind by the implosion of your vehicle.// //The three of you make quick work of it, talking and joking like it's just another autumn day. Leaving for the Mainland doesn't even come up once.// [[You want to ask how Kojo and Salana can be so relaxed, but something makes you decide against it.|RACE END 002]]

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $krisbye to false>> <<set $salbye to false>> <<set $battybye to false>> <<set $parentsbye to false>>Charleston licks his beak with a satisfied smile. “Ah, that hit the spot!” From nearby, you spot some familiar faces beginning to prepare for you and Kojo's goodbye party. "You should let them know you're headed out. I'll ferry you over when you're ready," says Charleston, shuffling towards the water. //[[Walk to crowd of party planners.|CHUCK BYE 003]]//

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- “Does anyone need a hand?” you ask the crowd of familiar faces: your parents, Salana, Yara, Balthazar, and a petulant Kristoffer. <<if $dadhair is false>> Your father runs a hand on his slightly reflective bald head. “If you're going to make it to Witch Island before nightfall, you better get a move on.” <<elseif $dadhair is true>> Your father rubs his luxurious mane of hair with pride. “If you're going to make it to Witch Island before nightfall, you better get a move on.” <</if>> “We just wanted to make sure everything's up to snuff,” says Kojo. <<nobr>> <ul> <<if $krisbye is false>> <li>[[''Maybe we should smooth things over with Kristoffer?''|GOODBYE KRIS 000]] </li> <</if>> <<if $salbye is false>> <li>[[''Let's see if Salana's got any hot takes for our trip.''|GOODBYE SALANA 000]] </li> <</if>> <<if $battybye is false>> <li> [[''I'm surprised Balthazar came all this way to help.''|GOODBYE BATTY 000]] </li> <</if>> <<if $parentsbye is false>> <li> [[''Any last minute words of warning, Mom and Dad?''|GOODBYE PARENTS 000]] </li> <</if>> </ul> <</nobr>>//[[Leave for Witch Island.|CHUCK BYE 004]]//

!![[Cascadium Beach|BEACH DESCRIPTION]] ---- “Well, Zuri. This is it. Witch Island, here we come!” You and Kojo give a final wave to everyone, clambering up onto Charleston's shell. The sounds of the island are soon lost to the waves as Charleston begins swimming through open water. //[[Begin journey to Witch Island.|SEA TRAVEL 000]]//

!![[Veridian Sea|VERIDIAN SEA DESCRIPTION]] ---- Charleston uses his powerful flippers to pull you through the roiling waters to Witch Island still several leagues in the distance. You and Kojo cling onto Charleston's back, giddy with excitement watching as the mysterious island and its looming spire come closer and closer into view. “You know how long I've wanted to do this?” says Kojo. “What do you think we'll find?” * [[''A real witch. She'll make us tea and biscuits!''|SEA TRAVEL 001A]] * [[''Beings not of this world. I'm talking aliens, baby!''|SEA TRAVEL 001B]] * [[''Maybe it's Charleston's home filled with his charming wife and adorable Hammerhead kiddos!''|SEA TRAVEL 001C]]

!!Veridian Sea ---- //The Veridian Sea is notoriously unpredictable and wild. Though Cascadium daily sends out ships to fish and harvest kelp; it's never without its dangers. The currents have a mind of their own, and even the most experienced Captain breathes a sigh of relief when returning to port.// <<return>>

!![[Veridian Sea|VERIDIAN SEA DESCRIPTION]] ---- “Ah,” says Kojo. “So //that's// why you think it's called Witch Island.” “Although it's more likely people named it that because it sounded mysterious and kind of spooky,” you admit. “Regardless,” you say. “Even if it's a bust, we still got the entire Mainland to look forward to. What could be better than studying magic at the school that my mom insists is rated number one in the realm?” “And you're not having any doubts about going?” asks Kojo. “You kidding? I've been waiting for this my whole life...” * [[''I want to see the rest of the world. Cascadium's great, but think what else is out there.''|SEA TRAVEL 002A]] * [[''Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to master the elemental force that binds the world together.''|SEA TRAVEL 002B]] * [[''I hear that in second year, they teach you how to shoot fire balls with your mind! Case closed.''|SEA TRAVEL 002C]]

!![[Veridian Sea|VERIDIAN SEA DESCRIPTION]] ---- Kojo laughs. “Something tells me you may be setting yourself up for disappointment with that one.” “Regardless,” you say. “Even if it's a bust, we still got the entire Mainland to look forward to. What could be better than studying magic at the school that my mom insists is rated number one in the realm?” “And you're not having any doubts about going?” asks Kojo. “You kidding? I've been waiting for this my whole life...” * [[''I want to see the rest of the world. Cascadium's great, but think what else is out there.''|SEA TRAVEL 002A]] * [[''Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to master the elemental force that binds the world together.''|SEA TRAVEL 002B]] * [[''I hear that in second year, they teach you how to shoot fire balls with your mind! Case closed.''|SEA TRAVEL 002C]]

!![[Veridian Sea|VERIDIAN SEA DESCRIPTION]] ---- Kojo grins. “I'd love to see Charleston in dad mode.” “Regardless,” you say. “Even if it's a bust, we still got the entire Mainland to look forward to. What could be better than studying magic at the school that my mom insists is rated number one in the realm?” “And you're not having any doubts about going?” asks Kojo. “You kidding? I've been waiting for this my whole life...” * [[''I want to see the rest of the world. Cascadium's great, but think what else is out there.''|SEA TRAVEL 002A]] * [[''Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to master the elemental force that binds the world together.''|SEA TRAVEL 002B]] * [[''I hear that in second year, they teach you how to shoot fire balls with your mind! Case closed.''|SEA TRAVEL 002C]]

!![[Veridian Sea|VERIDIAN SEA DESCRIPTION]] ---- “You talk like everything out there's so much better just because you haven't experienced it yet. But think of everything going on here.” "You mean the same stuff we see everyday?” you ask. “Zuri, we just talked to your grandfather's ghost, we're on the back of a giant turtle spirit. On the Mainland, everything's been modernized and figured out. But out here?” Kojo's eyes are oddly alight. “There's a whole //universe// of things no one's bothered to try and understand. Those contraptions Balthazar's got in his tower, our island's old magic -- Imagine all the discoveries waiting to be found where we already are.” * [[''So?''|SEA TRAVEL 003]] * [[''I don't understand...''|SEA TRAVEL 003]] * [[''What are you trying to say, Kojo?''|SEA TRAVEL 003]]

!![[Veridian Sea|VERIDIAN SEA DESCRIPTION]] ---- “You ever think there's more at work here than what the Mainlanders can teach us about?” Kojo gestures back towards Cascadium. “Just think of all the incredible things that only happen on our island.” "You mean the same stuff we see everyday?” you ask. “Zuri, we just talked to your grandfather's ghost, we're on the back of a giant turtle spirit. On the Mainland, everything's been modernized and figured out. But out here?” Kojo's eyes are oddly alight. “There's a whole //universe// of things no one's bothered to try and understand. Those contraptions Balthazar's got in his tower, our island's old magic -- Imagine all the discoveries waiting to be found where we already are.” * [[''So?''|SEA TRAVEL 003]] * [[''I don't understand...''|SEA TRAVEL 003]] * [[''What are you trying to say, Kojo?''|SEA TRAVEL 003]]

!![[Veridian Sea|VERIDIAN SEA DESCRIPTION]] ---- “Don't get me wrong,” says Kojo. “That is undeniably cool, but think of all the incredible things that only happen on our island.” "You mean the same stuff we see everyday?” you ask. “Zuri, we just talked to your grandfather's ghost, we're on the back of a giant turtle spirit. On the Mainland, everything's been modernized and figured out. But out here?” Kojo's eyes are oddly alight. “There's a whole //universe// of things no one's bothered to try and understand. Those contraptions Balthazar's got in his tower, our island's old magic -- Imagine all the discoveries waiting to be found where we already are.” * [[''So?''|SEA TRAVEL 003]] * [[''I don't understand...''|SEA TRAVEL 003]] * [[''What are you trying to say, Kojo?''|SEA TRAVEL 003]]

!![[Veridian Sea|VERIDIAN SEA DESCRIPTION]] ---- Kojo stares at the sea, a million miles away. <div style='font-size: 300%;'>\ ''"LAND HO!"''</div>You and Kojo struggle to keep your feet as Charleston slides onto the rocky shore of Witch Island. Kojo quickly jumps off Charleston's back. [[''Hey, wait up!''|SEA TRAVEL 004]]

!![[Veridian Sea|VERIDIAN SEA DESCRIPTION]] ---- But Kojo's already headed off to inspect the island's looming spire. "Uh oh," laughs Charleston. "Did you two get into a fight?" "Not exactly..." you explain. "I'll keep my beak out of it. You surface dwellers are so curious. You only live for a few short seasons but still insist on filling them with such commotion." <div style='font-size: 300%;'>\ ''"HA! HA! HA!"''</div>"I'll see you two back here when it starts to get dark." He waves a flipper, already angling himself back toward the water. //[[Catch up with Kojo.|EXT WITCH ISLAND 000]]//

!![[Witch Island|WITCH ISLAND DESCRIPTION]] ---- You meet up with Kojo who stares at the face of the island's enormous tower. "Kojo, can we hold up a second?" He doesn't meet your eyes. "We don't have a lot of time to explore. We'll talk on the way back, I promise.” Kojo looks to you, desperate. “I just want to see this, to have our adventure like we always wanted.” //You have a lot of things you want to say, but you realize it will have to wait.// Kojo shoots you a thankful grin, pulling open the tower's doors. //[[Head inside.|WITCH TOWER 001]]//

!!Witch Island ---- //Witch Island and its enormous tower of glass and stone has existed as far back as anyone can remember. It's a spot of continual mystery, often featured in local ghost stories. It is said that explorers used to travel here in ages past, but the tides have since turned violent around the island, rendering it inaccessible -- unless you have the help of a friendly Hammerhead Turtle spirit.// <<return>>

!!Witch Island ---- <<set $ROOFA = 0>><<set $ROOFB = 0>><<set $ROOFC = 0>>You and Kojo pull yourselves into the tower's highest room, finding an observation deck complete with seating, a broken telescope, and a lamp that has long since gone out. Looking outside, Kojo gasps. “Talk about this view!" * [[''Kojo, I really don't think we have time to -- Oh, dang!''|END 001]] * [[''D'aw! Look at our wittle island!''|END 001]]

!!Witch Island ---- Looking out from the window, you see Cascadium lit by the setting sun. From this perspective, the island looks like it belongs on the cover for a quaint story book. You can just make out the growing crowd near the beach for your swiftly approaching going away party. "So, uh, Zuri. I've been meaning to tell you something..." Kojo says. "Let me guess," you say. <<nobr>> <ul> <<if $ROOFA == 0>> <li> [[''You're just realizing you're scared of heights?''|END 001A]] </li> <</if>> <<if $ROOFB == 0>> <li> [[''The smell of mildew's getting to you too?''|END 001B]] </li> <</if>> <<if $ROOFC == 0>> <li> [[''You want to borrow my jacket because it is FREEZING up here?''|END 001C]] </li> <</if>> <li> //[[''You're not coming with me to the Mainland. You're staying on Cascadium.''|END 002]]// </li> </ul> <</nobr>>

!!Witch Island ---- <<set $ROOFA = 1>> "Yup, deathly afraid of heights. You know, I spent all day trying to tell you," says Kojo. "I bet that's a real weight off your chest," you joke. //[[Maybe there's something else you should ask...|END 001]]//

!!Witch Island ---- <<set $ROOFB = 1>> "Yes," exclaims Kojo. "Think of all the years that gross mold smell's been building up.” “Good thing we're airing it out before the whole place goes -- KABOOM!" [[''That kind of reminds me...''|END 001]]

!!Witch Island ---- <<set $ROOFC = 1>> "Actually, yeah. That would be great." //You hand over your jacket.// [[*shiver* ''I feel like we were about to say something important...'' *shiver*|END 001]]

!!Witch Island ---- Kojo hesitates, then nods. "I didn't know how to tell you. I kept on thinking I was about to, then something would come up, so I'd make another excuse and put it off." "So you thought up this whole day to make it happen?" you ask. Kojo sighs. "Scale from one to ten. How mad are you at me?" * [[''I'm not mad.''|END 002A]] * [[''I wish you had told me sooner, but I get it. And since I know you'll pressure me into giving you an answer, I'll say two.''|END 002B]] * [[''How long have you known?''|END 002C]]

!!Witch Island ---- “Really?” asks Kojo. “I think I've known for a while,” you admit. “C'mon, you gotta be a little mad." You shake your head, “I know how hard it must have been to decide this.” Kojo shrugs. “It was, and it wasn't. Sure, I could study magic on the Mainland, but who's studying all this old technology, the things going on here way out on the edge of the world? I could spend a lifetime figuring out these ancient contraptions, learning all the secrets right here.” Kojo's eyes alight, already imagining himself doing it. * [[''You sound so confident.''|END 003A]] * [[''I wonder why more people aren't more wanting to study this.''|END 003B]] * [[''So you're making me go to the Mainland all by my lonesome?''|END 003C]]

!!Witch Island ---- “A two?" Kojo laughs. "I'm a three just because you should be way madder.” You shake your head. “I know how hard it must have been to decide this.” He shrugs. “It was, and it wasn't. Sure, I could study magic on the Mainland, but who's studying all this old technology, the things going on here way out on the edge of the world? I could spend a lifetime figuring out these ancient contraptions, learning all the secrets right here.” Kojo's eyes alight, already imagining himself doing it. * [[''You sound so confident.''|END 003A]] * [[''I wonder why more people aren't more wanting to study this.''|END 003B]] * [[''So you're making me go to the Mainland all by my lonesome?''|END 003C]]

!!Witch Island ---- "I've been wavering for a while, but it crystallized a couple days ago." “What cinched it for you?” you ask. “The realm's filled with kids training to become accredited wizards, but besdies Balthazar, no one is studying all this old technology, the things happening way out here on the edge of the world. There's all these incredible machines, a whole history that is just begging to be understood. The realm probably doesn't even realize we need someone who can make sense of it all.” Kojo's eyes alight, already imagining himself doing it. * [[''You sound so confident.''|END 003A]] * [[''I wonder why more people aren't more wanting to study this.''|END 003B]] * [[''So you're making me go to the Mainland all by my lonesome?''|END 003C]]

!!Witch Island ---- "Do I? I must be good at faking it because I am terrified,” Kojo says. “Balthazar and Salana said they'd help, but I don't know...” “I do!” you say. “You'll discover about the people who lived here, maybe you'll make sense of the old magic on our island.” Kojo shrugs. “Sounds like I'll be busy.” “Don't worry,” you say. “It'll be nothing compared to all the wild stuff coming my way at magic school.” Kojo's grin falters. “The only thing I hate is that we promised to do everything together...” [[''So we'll find a way to make it happen.''|END 004]]

!!Witch Island ---- Kojo laughs. “Maybe they know something I don't. Or maybe when people hear about my research, I'll get some help. Salana said she'd pitch in, and I've still got old Batty.” “You're going to learn so much,” you say. “You'll discover about the people who lived here, maybe you'll make sense of the old magic on our island.” Kojo shrugs. “Sounds like I'll be busy.” “Don't worry,” you say. “It'll be nothing compared to all the wild stuff coming my way at magic school.” Kojo's grin falters. “The only thing I hate is that we promised to do everything together...” [[''So we'll find a way to make it happen.''|END 004]]

!!Witch Island ---- “Oh, boo-hoo,” jokes Kojo. “You'll be living it up on the Mainland, exploring a whole new continent. Meeting //new people?// When's the last time we met anyone new?” “That's the trouble with island life,” you agree. Kojo fixes you with a serious look. “I'm not worried about you. You're going to be amazing. You'll have a billion friends, master the elements that bind the world. I can't wait to see it.” Kojo's grin falters. “The only thing I hate is that we promised to do everything together...” [[''So we'll find a way to make it happen.''|END 004]]

!!Witch Island ---- "I'll leave Cascadium for a while, but it's not like I'm leaving forever. Also you are for sure visiting me on the Mainland. I can show you around the school, take you to the good bakery equivalent.” "And you are definitely showing me how to do all the cool, new fangled spells," Kojo says. "As long as you clue me in on all the science you, Salana, and Batty are cooking up in this tower of mildew." "I can't wait for you to bring back some romantic interest that I'll secretly hate but will pretend to love to save the friendship,” says Kojo. “Don't tell me you'd actually do that.” “Come to think of it," says Kojo. "There's a chain of tiny islands a couple thousand leagues from here. Next time, we'll explore a little further out.” * [[''Maybe we can talk Salana into joining.''|END 005A]] * [[''Eh, I'll probably be sick of you by then.''|END 005B]] * [[''Too bad the mildew's already gotten to me, and I'll never reach my twenties.''|END 005C]]

!!Witch Island ---- “She has a thing against heights, so here's hoping the next one's closer to ground,” says Kojo. <<if $mead is true>> You and Kojo break out Balthazar's honeyed mead, talking about your futures and already planning the next big thing. <<elseif $mead is false>> The two of you talk a bit more about your futures, planning out the next big thing. <</if>> //You try to think practically, imagining ways to stay in contact across the oceanic divide.// //Some part of you is worried that your relationship will shift through the distance and separation. You fear that meeting back up will be painful...// [[...Revealing just how far apart you're growing up to be.|END 006]]

!!Witch Island ---- “Not if I'm sick of you first!” laughs Kojo. <<if $mead is true>> You and Kojo break out Balthazar's honeyed mead, talking about your futures and already planning the next big thing. <<elseif $mead is false>> The two of you talk a bit more about your futures, planning out the next big thing. <</if>> //Some part of you is worried that your relationship will shift through the distance and separation. You fear that meeting back up will be painful...// [[...Revealing just how far apart you're growing up to be.|END 006]]

!!Witch Island ---- “How weird is it that I'm kind of into this smell?” asks Kojo. "Exceedingly!" you cough. <<if $mead is true>> You and Kojo break out Balthazar's honeyed mead, talking about your futures and already planning the next big thing. <<elseif $mead is false>> The two of you talk a bit more about your futures, planning out the next big thing. <</if>> //Some part of you is worried that your relationship will shift through the distance and separation. You fear that meeting back up will be painful...// [[...Revealing just how far apart you're growing up to be.|END 006]]

!!Witch Island ---- //But as your conversations with Kojo usually do, you can't help but stray towards the things you always talk about: impossible "what-ifs," theories about the world's past, wondering what everyone back home is doing at this exact moment.// //Charleston soon slides onto the stony beach below, slapping his flippers together. And just like that....// [[It's time to go.|END 007]]

!!Witch Island ---- You and Kojo keep talking, not wasting a moment as you climb down through the tower, and up to an impatient Charleston. "Took you long enough. Your mothers will never let me hear the end of it if I made you late." “Then what are you waiting for,” asks Kojo helping you onto Charleston's back. “Let's get outta here.” And just like that -- Charleston shoves off from the beach, making good time to carry you and Kojo back home. //[[The end.|END TITLE]]//

!!Grave Yard ---- //Bright daffodils, Checkered Lillies, and Grape Hyacinth adorn nearby plots. Pinwheels made of reeds tik-tik-tik in the soft breeze.// //It's not a bad place to rest.// <<return>>

!!Devil's Chimney ---- //Long ago, the powerful Magician Klimas once fell asleep in the middle of a stone shaping spell. Upon waking up, he was shocked to discover he had transformed the cliff wall into a waking nightmare of jagged rock and seemingly unclimbable stone.// //Rather than admit his mistake, Klimas told the town that he had created the hardest route on Cascadium, promising anyone who climbed to the very top a secret reward. To the select few who succeeded, Klimas revealed the true story of the rock wall's accidental creation.// <<return>>

!![[Race Track|RACE TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- Salana is already back at work, trying out new enchantments on her steam engine. "Come back to gloat, huh?" "What? Noooo... that doesn't sound like us." you laugh. She rolls her eyes. "You two better get out of here before I take back that berry." //[[Return.|RACE TRACK 000]]//

!![[Grave Yard|GRAVE YARD TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $berry to $berry + 1>><<set $strawghost to true>><<set $dadhair to false>>Your grandfather howls, fritizing in and out of existence with relieved, full bodied laughter. //The three of you spend the afternoon looking for Royal Thimbleberries. Turns out your grandfather's "special spot" has already been picked clean. You talk and joke together along the way, catching up like you used to all those years ago.// //After a lot of searching, you do in fact find one nestled out in the trees beyond.// //As soon as you pick it, your grandfather begins to fade away for one final time.// "I'm proud of who you are growing up to be. I'll be seeing you soon. //But not too soon!//" //And just like that, he's gone.// ''__You got a Royal Thimbleberry! Thanks, gramps!__'' //[[Return to Grave Yard.|GRAVE YARD 000]]// <<if $strawghost is true and $strawtext is true and $strawscroll is true and $strawrace is true and $strawclimb is true>>"Also, Zuri? __We did it, we got all five Thimbleberries!__ Quick, let's go tell Charleston!"<</if>>

!![[Grave Yard|GRAVE YARD TRACK DESCRIPTION]] ---- <<set $berry to $berry + 1>><<set $strawghost to true>><<set $dadhair to true>>Your grandfather rubs his hands with glee. "Good thing you're clearing out of Cascadium before I get to scaring your father!" //The three of you spend the afternoon looking for Royal Thimbleberries. Turns out your grandfather's "special spot" has already been picked clean. You talk and joke together along the way, catching up like you used to all those years ago.// //After a lot of searching, you do in fact find one nestled out in the trees beyond.// //As soon as you pick it, your grandfather begins to fade away for one final time.// "I'm proud of who you are growing up to be. I'll be seeing you soon. //But not too soon!//" //And just like that, he's gone.// ''__You got a Royal Thimbleberry! Thanks, gramps!__'' //[[Return to Grave Yard.|GRAVE YARD 000]]// <<if $strawghost is true and $strawtext is true and $strawscroll is true and $strawrace is true and $strawclimb is true>>"Also, Zuri? __We did it, we got all five Thimbleberries!__ Quick, let's go tell Charleston!"<</if>>

!!Zuri's Room ---- //Your teeny, tiny room is on the top floor of the house, and the only window is held open by one of Balthazar's books that you always meant to read but now realize you probably never will.// //Scattered around are luggage bags that will need to get filled sometime before tomorrow morning, diagrams for spell casting, and a variety of houseplants that are either thriving beyond their pots or else on death's door.// //It's wild to think by this time tomorrow, you'll already be gone.// <<return>>