Aros

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The waves crash on the shore as your ship approaches the harbour. You can see the spires of the cathedral through the mist, and feel a wash of relief. Finally, solid ground under your feet again. At this point, the idea of a job is just a bonus. Your ship bumps gently against the dock, and your father and brothers leap out with the ropes. As you help unpack, the general air of optimism is infectuous. Usually longer-term work was almost impossible to get, and an agreement with a local theatre is almost unheard of for a circus troupe like you. [[Next]] /% Initialization %/ <<set $woodslat = 56.15428>> <<set $woodslong = 10.21206>> <<set $doorwaylat = 56.15581>> <<set $doorwaylong = 10.21069>> <<set $graveyardlat = 56.15836>> <<set $graveyardlong = 10.21304>> <<set $flyingattacklat = 56.15721>> <<set $flyingattacklong = 10.21171>> <<set $beggarlat = 56.15801>> <<set $beggarlong = 10.20846>> <<set $churchlat = 56.15696>> <<set $churchlong = 10.21029>> <<set $theatrelat = 56.15591>> <<set $theatrelong = 10.21108>> <<cacheaudio "intro" "intro.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "creepy" "creepy.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "serene" "serene.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "victory" "victory.mp3">> <<audio "intro" loop play>>

As you work, you fall into a kind of rhythmn of lifting, carrying and setting down. There is something relaxing about this. The wind rustles through the nearby copse of trees, and you think you might like it here. [[But then...]]

A man storms out from the trees onto the beach front, shouting and waving his arms. "You can't stop here!" he says. Your father puts down the bolt of cloth he is holding, and walks towards him, his hands spread placatingly. "What's wrong?" he says. [["What's wrong?"]]

"WHAT'S WRONG?! You're trespassing, that's what's wrong!" The man's head is very red. You family looks at each other. "But we have an agreement with the local theatre," says your mother. "We are supposed to meet them here," says your brother. [[The man stares.]]

"There must be some mistake," he says, calmer now. "You'll have to find somewhere else to perform." "But the next place big enough is a week's travel down the coast," says your father. "Please, at least let us talk to the theatre people." "I'm afraid not," says the man. You notice your brother looking at you. [[Next->You notice your brother looking at you.]]

The man is standing between you, but he doesn't notice your brother making faces, and he certainly can't see you. Your brother looks at you, then an the copse of trees. [[You understand->You get it.]] [[You don't understand->You don't get it.]]

You nod, and slowly, stealthily, make your way towards the forest. The man seems to sense something, and starts to turn around, so your brother kicks over a barrel and howls in pain. In the ensuing confusion, you slip away towards the trees. [[Next->Trees]]

You frown at him, shaking your head. What does he want. "Go and find the theatre people," he mouths. "We'll distract him." [[You understand->You get it.]]

Under the trees, the air is different. It no longer smells of salt, and the sound of gulls dies away. But there is something eerie about it too. Then something rustles. [[Investigate]] [[Keep walking]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "creepy" loop play>>

WALK AWAY FROM THE DOCK TOWARDS THE TREES ON YOUR RIGHT KEEPING THE RIVER ON YOUR LEFT SIDE <<if approxEqual($Location.latitude, $woodslat) and approxEqual($Location.longitude, $woodslong)>> <<goto "You reach the trees">> <</if>> <<timed 1s>> <<goto "Trees">> <</timed>> [[(If you're certain you are in the right spot and it's still showing this screen click here)->You reach the trees]]

You are less fearful than you would expect in such a creepy place, so you wander through the undergrowth until you stumble into a clearing. In the middle of the clearing is a cage, suspended from two trees. In the cage, there is a shadow, and only glowing eyes can be seen. [[Step closer]] [[Turn around and leave->Keep walking]]

You leave behind the quiet strangeness of the trees and emerge on the cobbled streets of Aros. There are very few people about, and the ones that are around seem to stick to the shadows. Occasionally, they glance anxiously at the sky. No one pays you any attention. [[Ask someone for directions to the theatre]] [[Try and find it yourself]]

Drawn by some fascination, you go closer. The shadow in the cage retreats; from here, it doesn't look so terrifying. It hisses at you, and it almost sounds like it's speaking. You lean towards the cage... [[Next->Elves]]

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," says a voice. You turn around, and fight the urge to rub your eyes. Standing in front of you are two creatures. They are as tall as children, but their faces are not the slightest bit childlike. "That's an evil spirit," says one. "We are saving the town," says the other. Their voices are identical. The spirit hisses desperately. [["It seems harmless."]] [["Okay, I'll leave."->Keep walking]]

"We assure you, it is not," say the elves in sync. "Now leave." Your feet seem to take on a life of their own, as you walk away from the clearing, and towards the edge of the forest. [[Next->Keep walking]]

A harried-looking man points you towards the theatre. [[Walk to theatre]]

You wander around aimlessly, until you reach a side street. You head up towards the theatre, your shoes clacking on the cobblestones. [[Next->Old woman]]

WALK TO THE THEATRE ON THE MAIN SQUARE TO YOUR LEFT <<if approxEqual($Location.latitude, $doorwaylat) and approxEqual($Location.longitude, $doorwaylong)>> <<goto "Old woman">> <</if>> <<timed 1s>> <<goto "Walk to theatre">> <</timed>> [[(If you're certain you are in the right spot and it's still showing this screen click here)->Old woman]]

<img src="hag.png" alt="Old woman"/> A door bursts open, and an old woman almost leaps out, grabbing your arm. "What are you doing??" she screeches at you, as she drags you towards her doorway. [[Let her pull you]] [[Resist]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "intro" loop play>>

<img src="hag.png" alt="Old woman"/> Too surprised to react, you let the old bat drag you as far as her doorway. She glares at you from under wispy grey hair. "You don't look that stupid, child, but you obviously are." She looks you up and down. "Circus folk. Figures." You are confused, and say as much. "The city is in terrible danger. You can't just walk around in the middle of the street. Get out while you can!" [[Ask what's wrong]] [[Leave]]

<img src="hag.png" alt="Old woman"/> "Oh, for goodness sake, I am trying to help you!" she says, but lets go of your arm to retreat to her doorway. [[Next->old woman2]]

<img src="hag.png" alt="Old woman"/> "No one knows, but it's as if we lost some kind of mystical protection. There have been dark creatures circling, and people have been disappearing. You should really leave." [[Leave]] [[Refuse]]

You decide to head straight for the theatre. No more of this strangeness, after all, you and your family need to eat. [[Next->BadEnding]]

<img src="hag.png" alt="Old woman"/> She glares at you from under wispy grey hair. "You don't look that stupid, child, but you obviously are." She looks you up and down. "Circus folk. Figures." You are confused, and say as much. "The city is in terrible danger. You can't just walk around in the middle of the street. Get out while you can!" [[Ask what's wrong]] [[Leave]]

<img src="hag.png" alt="Old woman"/> You think of the low supplies and your family's dissapointed faces, and explain your situation. The old woman frowns at you. "Brave and stupid, eh? Very well. I can send word to the theatre to open their doors to you - they've been shut to everyone these past few days - but first, you have to do something for me." [[Next->mission1]]

<img src="hag.png" alt="Old woman"/> "Go to the graveyard up north, and speak with Holy Nicolaus. You'll find him at his gravestone. As one of our most revered saints, he will know what is wrong in the city." [[Next->Old woman3]]

You thank the old woman, and set out. [[Next->Instructionsgraveyard]]

FIND THE GRAVEYARD TO THE NORTH NEAR THE SEA [[(If you're certain you are in the right spot and it's still showing this screen click here)->Encounter]] <<if approxEqual($Location.latitude, $flyingattacklat) and approxEqual($Location.longitude, $flyingattacklong)>> <<goto "Encounter">> <</if>> <<timed 1s>> <<goto "Instructionsgraveyard">> <</timed>>

Something screams above you, and there is the sounds of leathery wings flapping. Run! [[Next->St. Niels1]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "creepy" loop play>>

RUN TO GRAVEYARD [[(If you're certain you are in the right spot and it's still showing this screen click here)->St.Niels2]] <<if approxEqual($Location.latitude, $graveyardlat) and approxEqual($Location.longitude, $graveyardlong)>> <<goto "St.Niels2">> <</if>> <<timed 1s>> <<goto "St. Niels1">> <</timed>>

You arrive at the grave site, panicked and out of breath. As soon as you step onto the grass, however, a sense of peace envelops you. You approach the cross of Holy Nicolaus. The burial site is empty. [[Next->St.Niels3]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "serene" loop play>>

<img src="ghost.png" alt="Ghost"/> Someone clears their throat behind you. "Good day," says the ghost in a soft voice. "What can I do for you?" [[Leave]] [[Explain the situation]]

<img src="ghost.png" alt="Ghost"/> The ghost of the saint listens solemnly, nodding. "It is as I feared," he said. "The good woman is right, we are missing our protection. I can help you, but first I need you to do something for me. When you leave my final resting place, follow the road back towards the Cathedral, and give a coin to the first beggar you see. I am sad that I can no longer tend to the poor the way I used to, and you would be doing me a great service." You nod, still kind of flabbergasted that you spoke to a ghost, and leave the graveyard again. As you are back on the street however, you find yourself wondering what to do. [[Go straight to the theatre->Leave]] [[Find the beggar]]

FOLLOW THE PATH DESCRIBED BY THE SAINT TO A DOORSTEP ON ROSEGADE [[(If you're certain you are in the right spot and it's still showing this screen click here)->Beggar]] <<if approxEqual($Location.latitude, $beggarlat) and approxEqual($Location.longitude, $beggarlong)>> <<goto "Beggar">> <</if>> <<timed 1s>> <<goto "Find the beggar">> <</timed>>

"Spare some change?" You barely noticed the bundle of rags on the side of the street in the shadows, but when it stirs and speaks, you realise it is a person. You hold out the coin and the man - now you see it is a man, with kind but sad eyes - takes it gratefully. [[Next->Beggar1]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "intro" loop play>>

"You are too kind, my child." The beggar beckons you closer. "But you aren't really, are you. You were sent by Nicolaus." [[Admit it.]] [[Lie]]

You nod, and the beggar sighs. "Well, at least you're honest. And you don't look like you're from around here, so who knows, maybe you are more charitable than the locals." He sits up. "Nicolaus cannot help the city, he is of the past. I am the present, dark and grimy as it is. You are a possible future. Will you help?" [[Help]] [[Leave]]

The beggar peers at you, and then hands back the coin. "Keep it," he says, sadly. "You need it more than me." [[Leave]]

You nod. What else can you do? Your family needs the work. The beggar brightens. "I think that my old friend Nicolaus must have had a reason to send you to me. He knows more than he can let on, with the veil and all. But I suspect it has to do with my daughter." [[Your daughter?]]

"Yes. She has signed up to join the Navy, very suddenly. She would not tell me why, but I suspect it had to do with a young fellow she was in love with. I don't know what happened between them, but she seems like she is...somehow less, now. A pale shadow of the wonderful vibrant person she used to be. I begged her not to go - the Navy is dangerous, and you spend decades away - but her mind is made up. After all, what could I possibly offer her here? ... Go and talk to her. If you are lucky, she will not have shipped out yet. She'll probably be at the Cathedral, with the other sailors." [[Take your leave]]

You wander back towards the main square, your mind spinning. What does a beggar's daughter have to do with the city being in danger? This might just be a waste of time, while your family waits for you. But what if the old woman, the ghost and the beggar are right? [[Continue to the cathedral to find the sailor girl.]] [[Leave]]

WALK BACK TO THE MAIN SQUARE AND TO THE DOORS OF THE CATHEDRAL [[(If you're certain you are in the right spot and it's still showing this screen click here)->Sailor girl]] <<if approxEqual($Location.latitude, $churchlat, 0.001) and approxEqual($Location.longitude, $churchlong, 0.001)>> <<goto "Sailor girl">> <</if>> <<timed 1s>> <<goto "Continue to the cathedral to find the sailor girl.">> <</timed>>

The cathedral is crowded with sailors, many of whom had their heads bowed in prayer. You look around. [[Next->Sailor girl1]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "serene" loop play>>

<img src="sailor.png" alt="Sailor"/> You know the beggar's daughter as soon as you see her. She is dressed in her Navy outfit, but pale and withdrawn, standing a little apart from the rest. The young woman is lighting a candle, staring deeply into the flame. You approach her. [[Next->Sailorgirl2]]

<img src="sailor.png" alt="Sailor"/> You greet her, but she only stares at you. There is something wrong with her eyes, as if she is looking at you from a long way away. You hesitate, but then gather your courage and speak. "Your father sent me. He says you were unhappily in love, and thinks your unhappiness is somehow connected to the danger to the city. [[Next->Your father thinks that your unhappiness is connected to the danger to the city.]]

<img src="sailor.png" alt="Sailor"/> She blinks. "I gave him my heart," she says, slowly. "I took it from my chest and handed it to him. And the next time I saw him, he had it no more." [[Who?]] [[Leave]]

<img src="sailor.png" alt="Sailor"/> "I can't remember his name. Strange, seeing how much I think I loved him. He is an actor. He just gave my heart to someone else. So I am leaving." [["Don't leave yet. I want to help you"]] [[Thank her and leave->Leave]]

<img src="sailor.png" alt="Sailor"/> "You can't help me." The girl turns away to stare at the candle. No more words can rouse her. [[Leave the cathedral]]

Feeling numb, you walk around the cathedral to the theatre. Strangely, the thought of work no longer makes you happy. It is as if whatever is afflicting the girl has rubbed off on you, making your heart heavy. But despite this, you knock on the doors of the theatre. [[Next->Theatre1]]

<img src="actor.png" alt="Actor"/> The door opens a crack, and a balding man in stage makeup peers out. "Yes? Oh, right. The old bat mentioned you were coming. Well, come in, come in." [[Next->Theatre2]]

<img src="actor.png" alt="Actor"/> The theatre inside is glamourous, but quiet and a bit eerie, like the rest of the town. The man leads you to the auditorium, where several people are on stage, and a multitude more are milling among the seats, arguing. The old actor flaps his hands, frowning. "So, what exactly is the case? The old lady wasn't terribly clear." You explain the situation, and his face grows longer and longer. "I sympathise," he says, and your heart sinks. "But we can't afford to try any avantgarde things at the moment. The situation being what it is, we're best off sticking to classics." You try to argue about the contract, but the old actor remains adamant. As you turn to leave, your eye is drawn to a handsome young actor down by the orchestra pit. [[Go to the actor]] [[Leave->BadEnding2]]

<img src="actor.png" alt="Actor"/> You gather your courage and cut it. "Has anyone every given you their heart?" The actor and the masked man stare at you, their eyes pinning you in place. [[Next->Theatre4.1]]

<img src="actor.png" alt="Actor"/> Your eyes meet. "Look away!" The man hisses, and your eyes snap down to the ground. "Why did you ask that question? No, don't look at my face, whatever you do!" [[The fate of the city may depend upon it.]] [[Why can't I look at your face?]]

<img src="actor.png" alt="Actor"/> The man sighs. "I feared as much. I was such a fool, and now I and everyone else must pay dearly for it. My poor beloved, so ill served by me." [[What happened?]] [[Why can't I look at your face?]]

<img src="actor.png" alt="Actor"/> "Because I am cursed, by those very devils. Believe me, you do not wish to know." [[What now?]] [[What happened?]]

<img src="actor.png" alt="Actor"/> "I was once an actor too. Like him, I thought I could have any one I wanted. But she was special, and I didn't realise...well, I thought I would use her heart for something more important. My success. It served me right, to bargain with devils." [[Devils?]] [[Why can't I look at your face?]]

<img src="actor.png" alt="Actor"/> "Now I live out my days as a freak." [[But we need to do something]]

<img src="actor.png" alt="Actor"/> "Yes, creatures in the forest. Little devils. They wanted a heart to ensnare something, and I did not think twice." [[I know what to do, come with me.]] [[You are alone with this.]]

<img src="actor.png" alt="Actor"/> "Do what? Find those devils? Make them return the maiden's heart?" [[Devils?->Devils?]]

<img src="actor.png" alt="Actor"/> You order the masked man to fetch his former beloved from the Cathedral and to meet you in the forest clearing. He doesn't ask you which one, but merely nods, further affirming your suspicion. You leave the theatre and run back towards the forest. [[Next->Edge of Aros]]

You shake your head, and back away. This is simply too strange, you need to leave. [[Leave->BadEnding2]]

WALK BACK TO THE COPSE OF TREES NEAR THE DOCKS [[(If you're certain you are in the right spot and it's still showing this screen click here)->Back in the forest]] <<if approxEqual($Location.latitude, $woodslat) and approxEqual($Location.longitude, $woodslong)>> <<goto "Back in the forest">> <</if>> <<timed 1s>> <<goto "Edge of Aros">> <</timed>>

Back in the forest, you run back to the spot where you last saw the creatures and their cage. You find what you think it the clearing, but it is empty. You look at the treetops, and see that some of the branches are snapped from where the cage was suspended before, so you are on the right track. [[Wait in the clearing]] [[Jeer]] [[Keep searching]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "creepy" loop play>>

You sit down on a rock to wait. [[Next->Finale]]

You start singing the rudest song you can think of, and when that doesn't work, you do some cartwheels. Still nothing. [[Keep going]] [[Next->Finale]]

You wander around in circles, but always seem to wind up in the same clearing. It is very frustrating. [[Next->Finale]]

After what seems like an enternity, someone crashes through the underbrush into the clearing. It is the young man, still wearing his mask, and the pale, unresponsive girl, dressed in her sailor uniform. The moment they arrive, the ground starts to shake. [[Next->Finale2]]

You tell jokes, flash your knickers, and even make one or two "Your Mama" jokes. No reaction. [[Keep going->Jeer]] [[Next->Finale]]

With a roar, a tear appears between the trees where the cage was hanging. A bright light, too bright to even look at, streams out and envelops the girl. She gasps, and the colour floods back into her cheeks. There are screams of anger from the other side of the tear, but all you can see is blackness. Then, a small dot of light approaches through the dark, growing larger and larger until it reaches the rip in the fabric of reality. It emerges and takes form before gently grasping the edges of the tear, and pulling them together, sealing them. [[Next->Finale3]]

The figure turns to observe you. <img src="genius.png" alt="Genius"/> "I am the spirit of this city," it says, and its voice is pure gold. "I was ensnared by those elves when they used the pure heart of this girl to lure me outside Aros. I thank you for freeing me." [[Next->Finale4]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "intro" loop play>>

<img src="genius.png" alt="Genius"/> "Now I must return to drive out the darkness again. You have my thanks, human children." The spirit becomes a beam of light again, and floats away towards the city. [[Next->Finale5]]

<img src="sailor.png" alt="Sailor"/> The young man faces the woman, his face unreadable beneath his mask. "Tara, can you find it in yourself to forgive me?" "Yes," said the woman, her voice strong and clear again. "But I will not stay with you. I will travel with the Navy, as I planned. I want to see the world, and have adventures, and not be bound here in one place. I forgive you, but I will not forget. Farewell. And farewell to you, stranger. Without you, I would have been doomed to live out my life as a shadow. I will not forget." She walks away, her head held high. [[Next->Finale6]]

<img src="actor.png" alt="Actor"/> The actor hangs his head. "What will I do now? I can no longer act, and I cannot bear the sight of this city any more." [["You'll think of something, I am sure."->"You'll think of something, I am sure."]] [["Come with us."->"Come with us".]]

<img src="actor.png" alt="Actor"/> The actors nods, sadly. "Yes, I will find my way, no doubt. I deserved my curse." He retreats towards Aros. [[Head down to the docks]]

<img src="actor.png" alt="Actor"/> The actor brightens. "Do you mean that? But what will I do? Actually, it doesn't matter. I will be pleased with any work you offer me." [[Head down to the docks]]

The waves are still crashing on the shore, and your family is already more than half-packed. Your mother fusses over you, and your brother shoots you a look. You shake your head, unable to explain everything which has happened. You load everything into the ship. As you cast off, the sailors shout to one another in excitement. The city has been encased in a warm golden glow, and very faintly, you can hear the sound of singing. The End [[Credits]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "victory" play>>

Urban Nebula Productions. We hope you enjoyed our game! Post feedback and experiences to our urbannebulaaros@gmail.com or using #MagicAros Writing by Julie K. Walker Software by Troels P. Jessen @Kairyuka kairyuka@live.dk Art by Wulfric Walker Original music by Roc Nathan Special thanks to Tara Copplestone

It turns out the old woman was as good as her word, and the actors let you in. But as it turns out, the contract your family held with them was faulty, and the old actor-turned accountant is more than happy to use a loophole to wriggle out of it. As you leave, the door of the theatre slams shut behind you with a very final bang. [[Next->BadEnding2]]

Nothing stops you on your way back to the docks, and your family is already fully loaded again by the time you reach them. Your parents fuss over you, as they had no idea where you were. When your brother raises an eyebrow, you shake your head, and he kicks a barrel in frustration. As you pull away from the harbour, sailors exclaim and point at the city. There is a dark cloud drawing over it supernaturally fast, and by the time you are out to see, Aros is no longer visible. Could you have prevented this? Now you'll never know. <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "intro" play>> - The End - [[Credits]]

<img src="actor.png" alt="Actor"/> You walk over to the actor, who is holding court to a group of others by the stage. Then you notice another man standing behind him, his face covered with a mask. The masked man turns his head to watch you approach, while the handsome actor ignores you. [[Next->Theatre4]]

<img src="actor.png" alt="Actor"/> Then the beautiful actor laughs, breaking the spell. "Countless people. Men and women alike. I stand upon the stage, and all the world falls at my feet." The people who stand around him, hanging on his every word,laugh obligingly. The actor turns away and begins walking, his entourage in tow. You have ceased to exist for him. The masked man remains behind. [[Next->Theatre5]]