What's the Word on Magic?

Guards found the body just before dawn. That's what you hear from your balcony, at least. You can see the [[commotion->2]] from here. Bustle all around the castle gates.

The crowd looks like mostly clergy and civil servants. You figure the peasants either don't know what happened, or they don't care. You might not work for the church or hold political office, but you've never been apathetic to their workings either. You know the big man's going to summon you; might as well get a head [[start->3]].

You wait another moment. You're finally getting to enjoy the new place. And then this had to happen. Whatever's going on down in the city, you get the feeling it's going to drag you down into it, like a [[maelstrom->4]] of flesh and blood.

Curiosity gets the best of you. You leave the [[library->4.1]] and head into the [[street->5]].

Tomes line your shelves, not a single one of them dusty. Your bed is tucked off to one side, enclosed on all sides by the accumulated knowledge of generations. //[[You cannot read now, the body is waiting!->4]]//

Rickshaws bounce along uneven roads. The rickshaws and roads are good companions, both poorly maintained and pushing their capacities. Your library sits in the center of the town proper. Various storefronts and crafters are opening shop for the day. To your left, the brick roads and buildings sink into dusty dirt paths crisscrossing farmland. Decrepit wooden huts populate the liminal space between the urban and rural. The fields stretch out farther than the eye can see. To your right, the palace gates [[loom->6]].

The [[body->6.1]] still lies crumpled in front of the gates. [[Guards->6.2]] crowd around it, forming a wall to hold back the [[onlookers->6.3]]. This won't be a problem. The guards know [[who you are->7]].

You can't make out much, besides the fact that it ain't moving. All the stampeding feet in your line of sight make sure you can't know anything else. [[Back->6]]

The guards wear their regular fatigues and hold ceremonial halberds. You recognize their faces dimly, simply by virtue of having seen them at their posts each day.But it doesn't matter if you know them. They'll know you. [[Back->6]]

The onlookers are mostly those who work in town. People who have a trade or a craft. You recognize the physician. The ragged clothing and putrid smell of slum-dwellers is notably absent. Maybe they don't know yet. [[Back->6]]

(text-colour:yellow)["Jethro Jambon,"] you say, flashing the engraved wooden tablet that signifies your legitimacy. A guard breaks formation and motions you through the palace gates. He doesn't hesitate. You smirk. Knowledge really is power. "[[He->8]] will be relieved to see you, I'm sure."

The gate opens with a whistle. You walk through. The courtyard is a garden of the dead. Stone figures, heroes to people long gone, strike action poses for eternity. You recognize a few from your books, like the rag-draped shape of Vulkrum the Younger with her signature halberd clutched between two thorny gauntlets. The man you're looking for is standing at the far end of the courtyard, his palace towering behind him. The contrast makes his profile somewhat less impressive than it might otherwise appear. He's the man through which all power in the city flows, the high pillow in Zemi Karaya. The Young Tyrant, people call him, or sometimes the peasants say Golden Worm. It all gets the point across, but he's the stickler type. You call him as he likes, bowing a little with the words, [["Gerent Zheng."->9]]

"You may rise," says Zheng. He's dressed to the nines in soft fabrics and precious metals. "You know why you're here." > [["Yeah."->"Yeah"]] > [["Remind me."->"Remind me."]]

The Gerent nods his head. "And why is that?" > [["The stiff out by the gates."->Body]] > [["Uhhh..."->"Remind me."]]

The Gerent's eyes narrow, looking you up and down. "You're Zemi Karaya's librarian. That means you know more than anyone else in this city, and everyone knows it. Now in case you're forgetting, here's our arrangement: I fund your research and let you keep that library, and you render your services to the throne. As the stiff might indicate, I'll be wanting some services rendered. Any questions?" > [["Who's the stiff?"->Body]] > [["How'd he die?"->CoD]] > [["Who are your suspects?"->Suspects]]

"That's Leland Highbinder," says the Gerent in a voice like crushed ice, "He was my chamberlain. Managed affairs like bankrolling my court and the clergy. Good at it too. Damn shame to see him gone." > [["How'd he die?"->CoD]] > [["Who are your suspects?"->Suspects]] (if:$Suspects is "1")[(if:(history: where its name contains "Body")'s length >= 1)[(if:(history: where its name contains "CoD")'s length >= 1)[(if:(history: where its name contains "Suspects")'s length >= 1)[> [["Thank you, Gerent. I'll be going now."->EndOfStart]]]]]]

"That's what we don't understand," The Gerent bites his lip. "You won't believe this, but you'll see it's plainly true." The Gerent takes a breath before spitting it out. "It's [[magic->CoD2]]."

(set: $gerentcod to "1")(set: $magicdeath to "1")He's right. You don't believe it. Everybody knows Zemi Karaya's a dead zone. You like it that way. No magic keeps things simple. You tell him so. "Look for yourself," says the Gerent, "You may examine the body once we're done here. Do you have any more questions?" > [["Who's the stiff?"->Body]] > [["Who are your suspects?"->Suspects]] (if:$Suspects is "1")[(if:(history: where its name contains "Body")'s length >= 1)[(if:(history: where its name contains "CoD")'s length >= 1)[(if:(history: where its name contains "Suspects")'s length >= 1)[> [["Thank you, Gerent. I'll be going now."->EndOfStart]]]]]]

(if:(history: where its name contains "Body")'s length >= 1)["There are more than I'd like. Could be [[insurgents->Suspect1]]. Maybe the [[clergy->Suspect2]] have a hand in it. Could be Leland's wife, [[Cecilia->Suspect3]] — or one of his [[servants->Suspect4]]. [[Councillor Milford->Suspect5]] also has motive enough to do the deed. And then there's the trouble that leads me to suspect (if:(history: where its name contains "CoD")'s length is 0)[[[witchery->CoD.1]]](if:(history: where its name contains "CoD")'s length >= 1)[[[witchery->Suspect6]]], however unlikely." Gerent Zheng rolls his head back, and his thick dark locks splash behind broad shoulders. The sky is still smeared with morning fog. "Of course, you won't tell anyone I mentioned these names."(set: $Suspects to "1")](if:(history: where its name contains "Body")'s length is 0)["I could tell you, but I think it'll make more sense once you know who has been killed." ] > [["Who's the stiff?"->Body]] > [["How did he die?"->CoD]] (if:$Suspects is "1")[(if:(history: where its name contains "Body")'s length >= 1)[(if:(history: where its name contains "CoD")'s length >= 1)[(if:(history: where its name contains "Suspects")'s length >= 1)[> [["Thank you, Gerent. I'll be going now."->EndOfStart]]]]]]

(text-colour:yellow)["Insurgents, Gerent?"] "I am not blind to the unrest in my kingdom. The situation grows dire on the periphery, and it bleeds inward. I feel certain there are those in Zemi Karaya who would have me dead. Leland's an obvious target too, and less protected. But why Leland specifically? And how would rebels pull this off? > [["The other suspects?"->Suspects]] > [["Where can I find these insurgents?"->Suspect1.1]]

(text-colour:yellow)["The clergy, Gerent?"] "The Chiastic Church is our closest ally. As a result, it is perhaps our greatest threat. The power they derive from faith is key to maintaining our nation's stability. Without it, we are left with only the more primitive forms of power: blade and coin. "Highbinder's death tips the balance in their favor. The Church clergy could make their moves now, while we scramble to clean up this mess. Of course, this is far from a complete theory. If it is the clergy, who specifically did the deed? Who is in on the plot? And how did those supposedly peace-loving monks manage to kill a protected man like Leland Highbinder?" > [["The other suspects?"->Suspects]] > [["Where can I find the clergy?"->Suspect2.1]]

(text-colour:yellow)["The wife, Gerent?"] "A logical choice. But is Cecilia Highbinder capable of murder? It's a thought I've been rolling over in my head since the body was found. She's positioned perfectly for the deed, and of course she has an estate to gain. But I can't see it — she's not that sort. You'll know what I mean when you meet her." > [["The other suspects?"->Suspects]] > [["Where can I find Cecilia Highbinder?"->Suspect3.1]]

(text-colour:yellow)["Highbinder's servants, Gerent?"] "I don't know any of them personally, but they're all potential suspects given their proximity to Leland. Even without their own motives, they might have been paid off by another party to do the deed. They merit investigation regardless." > [["The other suspects?"->Suspects]] > [["Where can I find Highbinder's servants?"->Suspect4.1]]

(set: $milford to "1")(text-colour:yellow)["Councillor Milford, Gerent?"] "Yes, Councillor Odile Milford. A man with something to gain. The life of a councillor is plenty luxurious, but old Odile's never been satisfied. He's next in line for Leland's title as Chamberlain, and he's the type of man to be keenly aware of that fact." > [["The other suspects?"->Suspects]] > [["Where can I find Councillor Milford?"->Suspect5.1]]

(text-colour:yellow)["Witches, Gerent?"] "The only way to make sense of our magic problem, near as I can tell. There are other magic wielders, of course, but the witches are the only ones with camps near Zemi Karaya. But this solution is no more clear-cut than any other. Still we must ask why the witches would kill Leland; to my knowledge, they have nothing to gain from it. And, perhaps most importantly, we must ask how a witch could wield fatal magical power in the heart of a dead zone. These are questions I leave to you, detective." > [["The other suspects?"->Suspects]] > [["Where can I find these witches?"->Suspect6.1]]

"Are you sure there's nothing else you'd like to ask? An investigation like this, a man like you should take all the information he can get." > [["Now that I think about it. . ."->EndOfStart1]] > [["No, that will be all."->EndOfStart2]]

"How should I know?" Gerent Zheng lets out a hearty roar. "If I knew where the rebels might be hiding, they would cease to be a problem. You're the detective; I don't fund that library of yours for nothing. Check the poor areas of the city, especially the pubs around the slums. That's your best bet." > [["Who were all the suspects again?"->Suspects]] > [["Thank you, Gerent. I'll be going now."->EndOfStart]]

"You can always find clergy members in their monastery. It's not far from here. Go out the gate, turn right, and walk for five minutes. It's the building with all the spires. I'm sure you know it." > [["Who were all the suspects again?"->Suspects]] > [["Thank you, Gerent. I'll be going now."->EndOfStart]]

(set: $ccinformed to "1")"Cecilia will be at the Highbinder house, I imagine. It's just north of here. Don't worry — I'll make sure to have someone give her the news before you arrive. If word hasn't traveled already." > [["Who were all the suspects again?"->Suspects]] > [["Thank you, Gerent. I'll be going now."->EndOfStart]]

"At Highbinder's house. Obviously. Unless one of them did the deed and fled, but that would only confirm their guilt, and everyone knows the extent of my reach. No. If they're smart, they'll still be attending the Highbinder estate and going about business as usual." > [["Who were all the suspects again?"->Suspects]] > [["Thank you, Gerent. I'll be going now."->EndOfStart]]

"Ordinarily, you could find him here at the palace. This is where both he and Highbinder would come to work every day. Today, though, I sent a courier to his home with a message to take the day off. If he's innocent, this is a protective measure to keep him safe from whoever or whatever killed Highbinder. If he's guilty, then I've paralyzed his political manuevering for a day and bought you some time. If you want to talk to him, come back to the palace tomorrow." > [["Who were all the suspects again?"->Suspects]] > [["Thank you, Gerent. I'll be going now."->EndOfStart]]

(text-colour:yellow)["Witches, Gerent?"] "Ah, I understand why that would surprise you. I have not yet told you how Highbinder died." The Gerent bites his lip. "You won't believe this, but you'll see it's plainly true." The Gerent takes a breath before spitting it out. "It's [[magic->CoD.1.1]] that did him in."

"If they are present in Zemi Karaya, the witches are likely trying to blend in. You might find them in any corner of the city. I advise you not to leave the city in search of them; you'd be a dead man upon crossing the perimeter of Zemi Karaya's magical nullification. Keep your search within our borders. I can't point you to anywhere in particular, but keep an eye out. The witches have a certain air about them; you'd know it if you find it." > [["Who were all the suspects again?"->Suspects]] > [["Thank you, Gerent. I'll be going now."->EndOfStart]]

Gerent Zheng is right. You don't believe it. Everybody knows Zemi Karaya's a dead zone. You like it that way. No magic keeps things simple. You tell him so. "Look for yourself," says the Gerent, "You may examine the body once we're done here. Do you have any more questions?" > [["The other suspects?"->Suspects]] > [[Ask about the witches again.->Suspect6]]

"Yes?" > [["Tell me again about the body."->Body]] > [["Tell me again about the cause of death."->CoD]] > [["Tell me again about the suspects."->Suspects]] > [["Nevermind."->EndOfStart]]

(set: $prologue to "1")(if:visits is 1)["Fortune smile upon you, Detective." The Gerent waves an arm, and a guard escorts you back to the palace gates. The crowd around the body has dissipated, the scene secured by more guards. ]You've been released into Zemi Karaya's heart, where winding paved arteries lead out into the city's rotting extremities.(if:visits >= 2)[ The days wear on.](if:visits is 1)[ You look up into the sky, where the white sun hasn't quite reached its zenith. For a farmer who begins their toil before the crack of dawn, the day is halfway over. For a semi-nocturnal bookworm detective, it has just begun.] > [[Examine the body.->Palace gates day 1 body]] > [[Go to the Highbinder estate.->Highbinder Estate intro]] > [[Go to the monastery.->Monasteryintro]] > [[Go to the palace courtyard.->palacecourtyard]] > [[Go to the slums.->Slums]] > [[Return to the library.->library]]

Now that the crowd's gone, you can see the body more clearly. The guards have thrown a blanket over it. Probably they don't want the dead man's identity getting out, though surely they know it's too late for that. (text-colour:yellow)["Jambon,"] you say, flashing the badge again. The guards step aside and watch you (if:$magicdeath is "1")[[[lift the dank veil of a blanket->lift]]](if:$magicdeath is not "1")[[[lift the dank veil of a blanket->liftalt]]].

Thanks for playing! This branch is under construction and coming soon! > (link-undo:"Back.")

You arrive at the estate quickly, despite being on foot. It's only a couple of city blocks away from the palace, etched into the heart of Zemi Karaya. (if:visits >= 2)[The route here from the palace is all bustling avenues.] (if:visits is 1)[The route between the estate and palace is all bustling major roadways, making Highbinder's murder along this way all the more confounding. How did he manage to get nailed on a public walk that took you all of ten minutes at a casual pace? There's something funny about the whole setup.] The location of the sprawling home serves to drill deeper its display of wealth. In an area where a peasant couldn't afford a broom closet to sleep in, Highbinder managed to lay claim to an entire street corner. Grotesque, but effective. A stone stoop leads up to an oversized double-door entrance. > [[Knock on the door.->Highbinder front door]] > [[Survey the area.->SurveyEstates]](if:$milfordhouse is "1")[> [[Go to the Milford Estate.->MilfordEstate]] ] > [[Go back to the palace.->EndOfStart2]]

Heading west, it's not long before you see the monastery. Spires reach upwards as if to stab at the blue void above.(if:(history: where its name contains "Suspect2.1")'s length >= 1)[ Gerent Zheng was right — you can't miss it.] The great wide doors are always open, leading into the [[church->Monasteryintro2]].

Thanks for playing! This branch is under construction and coming soon! > (link-undo:"Back.")

(set: $lelandsearch to "1")A quick glance behind you says the guards aren't paying attention. You work fast, shuffling your hands around the stiff's sides(if:$pocketwatch is "1")[. There's nothing there.](if:$pocketwatch is not "1")[ until you feel something solid buried in a pocket. It's cool and smooth to the touch. You pull it out, let the chain dangle around your wrist. It's a (text-colour:orange)[silver pocketwatch].](if:$lockeddoorinfo is "1")[ If Leland had carried the key to his study, it's no longer on him.] (if:$pocketwatch is not "1")[> [[Take the pocketwatch.->pockettake]] > [[Leave the pocketwatch.->pocketleave]]](if:$pocketwatch is "1")[[[> Talk to a guard.->TalktoGuard]] [[> Leave the body.->EndOfStart2]]]

(text-colour:yellow)["Hey, guard?"] Only one of them seems to hear you. She turns around, stands next to the body with you. You recognize her, a veteran on Zheng's force. She spits, presumably an an effort to cycle the mouldering air from her mouth. The droplets hit dirt dangerously close to the body. "What do you want to know?" > [["Find anything on the body?"->ttg1]] > [["Who found the body?"->ttg2]] > [["Any other leads yet?"->ttg3]] > [["Thanks, that's all I got."->ttg4]]

(set: $observedcod to "1")(set: $highbinderold to "1")Gnats bristle and buzz around at the sudden movement, orbiting your head, then finding refuge again in the blanket and the late Highbinder's head of greying hair. The body looks normal still — almost; it's at that point when the bugs are just start to gather like impatient children waiting for supper. Just below the collarbone is where it stops looking normal. A black circle of charred flesh covers most of the dead man's chest. And there they are, plain as day: ethereal blue flecks floating up from the body only to dissipate in midday sunlight. You've heard it called the gunsmoke of spells. [[> Search the body.->Palace gates day 1 search]] [[> Talk to a guard.->TalktoGuard]] [[> Leave the body.->EndOfStart2]]

(set: $pocketwatch to "1")What could it hurt? You shove the round hunk of metal into your own pocket. The way that metal gleamed in the sunlight. . . you're pretty sure it's genuine silver. No doubt Highbinder was loaded, being the man who kept the Gerent's finances running smoothly. The watch would've just been a drop in the bucket for him. Well, he didn't need it anymore anyway. You can look at it as a bonus for the job, considering Gerent Zheng doesn't pay in coin. He lets you keep the library, no payments needed; in exchange, you're on permanent retainer. You reckon it's a better deal than most folks get. And then there are always little perks along the way, like your new time-teller. Who knows, maybe it'll even help you figure out the case. > [[Talk to a guard.->TalktoGuard]] > [[Leave the body.->EndOfStart2]]

Better not to risk it. Let the evidence go through the right channels. Maybe the pocketwatch is nothing, but you can let the Gerent's cops figure that out. There are bigger fish to fry, and you're the one he's expecting to fry 'em. > [[Talk to a guard.->TalktoGuard]] > [[Leave the body.->EndOfStart2]]

"Nothing worth noting. Just what you'd expect, you know, jewelry and the like. No hidden weapons, secret letters, anything curious like that. We're done here, far as I'm concerned. I hope they tell the family soon, that way they can get the body out of here. I'm done standing here and letting those tiny beasts pick at me." She swats a gnat at nose level. The insects seem to have grown denser even since your arrival. > [["Where will they take the body?"->ttg1 2]] > [["Mind if I circle back?"->ttg5]] > [["Thanks, that's all I got."->ttg4]]

"There's no telling. Such a public spot, seems like everybody found him all at once. Every bystander we've talked to says the same thing: there was a crowd around the body already when they got here. It's a safe bet he died before sun-up, otherwise there would be witnesses to the killing itself. As it stands right now, we've got a whole lot of people telling us a whole lot of nothing." > [["Mind if I circle back?"->ttg5]] > [["Thanks, that's all I got."->ttg4]]

"Nothing yet. I've been stuck here watching the body all day, haven't had any time to snoop around. There's the magic mark, obviously. And then there's the stories going around about rebels turning to the occult. Hard to take seriously, though." She chuckles a little. "Rebel talk is classic fearmongering. Zemi Karaya has never seen a real threat of insurgency, isolated terrorist acts aside. But hey, I'll keep an eye out for clues and let you know if anything interesting comes up. I know how important pleasing the Gerent is to you." > [["Care to repeat that?"->ttg3 2]] > [["Mind if I circle back?"->ttg5]] > [["Thanks, that's all I got."->ttg4]]

"Let me know if you need anything else. I'll keep an eye out," says the guard, returning to her post. > [[Search the body.->Palace gates day 1 search]] > [[Leave the scene.->EndOfStart2]]

"Sure. What do you want to know?" > [["Find anything on the body?"->ttg1]] > [["Who found the body?"->ttg2]] > [["Any other leads yet?"->ttg3]] > [["Thanks, that's all I got."->ttg4]]

"Most dead end up at the monastery. That's where the family goes to clean the body, get it all spruced up for the ceremonies. Course there's the folks who can't afford that, but I got a feeling this man's kin don't have that problem." > [["Mind if I circle back?"->ttg5]] > [["Thanks, that's all I got."->ttg4]]

"Hey." The guard throws her hands up dismissively. "I didn't mean anything by it. People respect your dedication. Loyalty to Gerent Zheng is an admirable trait, yeah?" [["It is indeed."->ttg3 2 1]] [["Eh, I'm not so sure."->ttg3 2 2]]

"See, that's all I was saying." > [["Okay, okay, let's go back to the real questions."->ttg5]] > [["Thanks, I guess. That's all I got."->ttg4]]

The guard smirks at your answer, tries to conceal it too late. "Interesting, Detective Jambon. Him holding the library over you, that starting to rub you wrong?" > [["How about you stop with these questions. Let's go back."->ttg5]] > [["How do you know so much?"->ttg3 2 2 1]] > [["I guess it is rubbing me wrong. . ."->ttg3 2 2 2]]

"Hate to say it, but everyone around the palace knows. Don't know where it got started, but you know how those things spread. Like butter. Maybe I'm overstepping, but I figured you should know that much." > [["Sure. Let's get back to the real questions."->ttg5]] > [["I figure the same. Thanks, and that's all I got."->ttg4]] > [["You are overstepping, actually."->ttg3 2 2 1 1]]

"Yes?" The guard is intensely curious now. You realize it would be a mistake to talk about this at any greater length. You're already skirting dangerously close to sedition, and just outside the palace gates, no less. Maybe you could trust this woman, but it's not worth risking your life and livelihood to find out. > [["Never mind. I've got more questions."->ttg5]] > [["Forget it. I'll be going now."->ttg4]]

"Okay. Forget I said anything." > [["I've got more questions."->ttg5]] > [["I'll be going now."->ttg4]]

Silence, then a shuffling of muffled footsteps. The door creaks open slowly. (if:$ccinformedfr is not "1")[(if:$ccjethro is not "1")[(if:$ccidentity is 0)[ "Hello?" The words come out of a flaxen-haired woman in her twenties. Her dress is plain but sewn of high-quality fabrics. She doesn't budge from the doorway, instead staring at you waiting for a response.]](if:$ccjethro is not "1")[(if:$ccidentity > 0)[It's Mrs. Highbinder again.]](if:$ccjethro is "1")["Detective," the woman says the word with worry. "You should probably step inside." > [[Follow the woman inside.->ccinteriorintro]] > [["Maybe I'll come back another time, actually. . ."->ccleavealt]] > [["Who are you?"->whoyoucc]] > [["Can I speak to Mrs. Highbinder?"->cchi]]] (if:$ccjethro is not "1")[> [["Who are you?"->whoyoucc]] > [["Can I speak to Mrs. Highbinder?"->cchi]] > [["Mind if I come inside?"->comeinhi]]]](if:$ccinformedfr is "1")[It's Cecilia Highbinder. You follow her [[inside->ccquestionsmain]].]

It seems Highbinder wasn't the only wealthy citizen on the block. Down and across the paved roadway, separated by dozens of much smaller dwellings, another building towers over the rest. Three stories tall, and wide as two normal homes at the base. Ornate rounded windows survey the less fortunate below. It doesn't quite reach the magnitude of Highbinder's place, but it's impressive nonetheless. > [[Knock on Highbinder's door.->Highbinder front door]] > [[Go to the other mansion.->MilfordEstate]]

Up close, the cracks start to appear. It's still a gorgeous home, of course, but now there's little chips in the paint and water damage in the siding like tea stains. Tiny flaws the Highbinder place doesn't have. You can't help thinking it's a shame — the place would be the highlight of any street but this one. The initials O.M. are etched above the door into a plank of golden-brown wood. You recall what Gerent Zheng said before, about a Councillor Milford. (if:$milford is "1")[About Highbinder having a competitor in the court. ](if:$milfordhousecc is "1")[Cecilia spoke of him too, said his house was just down the street. ]An amusing notion passes through your head. > [[Knock on the door.->MilfordEstate2]] > [[Go back down the street.->Highbinder Estate alt]] > [[Go back to the palace.->EndOfStart2]]

The location of the sprawling home serves to drill deeper its display of wealth. In an area where a peasant couldn't afford a broom closet to sleep in, Highbinder managed to lay claim to an entire street corner. Grotesque, but effective. A stone stoop leads up to an oversized double-door entrance. > [[Knock on the door.->Highbinder front door]] > [[Survey the area.->SurveyEstates]] (if:$milfordhouse is "1")[> [[Go to the Milford Estate.->MilfordEstate]] ]> [[Go back to the palace.->EndOfStart2]]

"Go away!" a voice shouts from within. > [["Is this the residence of Councillor Odile Milford?"->MilfordEstate3]] > [[Go away.->estateexitmain]]

(set: $ccidentity to $ccidentity + 1)(if:$ccidentity is 1)["Cecilia Highbinder. And you?" asks the woman.(if:$highbinderold is "1")[ Her youth comes as somewhat of a surprise, when you think back to the dead man's aged body and his greying head of hair.]](if:$ccidentity > 1)["I already told you, didn't I? You're an odd fellow.(if:$ccjethro is not "1")[ What's your name?]"] > [["Nevermind that, let me ask some more questions."->ccquestionsalt]] (if:$ccjethro is not "1")[> [["Jethro Jambon. Detective, librarian, the Gerent's private eye."->ccin]] > [["Mind if I come in?"->comeinattempt]]](if:$ccjethro is "1")[> [["Mind if I come in?"->whoyouccjethroalt]]]

(set: $ccidentity to $ccidentity + 1)(if:$ccidentity is 1)["You're speaking to her now," says the woman. (if:$highbinderold is "1")[Unless she's lying, the woman is Cecilia Highbinder. Her youth comes as somewhat of a surprise, when you think back to the dead man's aged body and his greying head of hair. She continues, now with questions. ]"Is this something to do with my husband? Who are you?"](if:$ccidentity > 1)[The woman raises an eyebrow. "Didn't I tell you already? That's me. Say, I don't think I've gotten your name yet."] > [["Nevermind that, let me ask some more questions."->ccquestionsalt]] (if:$ccjethro is not "1")[> [["Jethro Jambon. Detective, librarian, the Gerent's private eye."->ccin]] > [["Mind if I come in?"->comeinattempt]]](if:$ccjethro is "1")[> [["Mind if I come in?"->whoyouccjethroalt]]]

"That depends, sir. What can I help you with?" > (if:$ccidentity is 0)[[["I'm Jethro Jambon, investigator for the Gerent. It's about Mr. Highbinder."->comeinhi1]]](if:$ccidentity > 0)[[["I'm Jethro Jambon, investigator for the Gerent. It's about your husband."->comeinhi2]]] > [["Who are you?"->whoyoucc]] > [["I'd rather speak with Mrs. Highbinder."->cchi]]

"Well, okay. But I'd like to know what this is about." > [["Who are you?"->whoyoucc]] > [["Can I speak to Mrs. Highbinder?"->cchi]] > (if:$ccjethro is not "1")[[["Mind if I come inside?"->comeinhi]]](if:$ccjethro is "1")[[["Mind if I come inside?"->whoyouccjethroalt]]]

(set: $ccjethro to "1")"Oh." The sound is a faint puff of air escaping the woman's chest. "You should probably step inside."(if:$ccidentity > 4)[ Her brow furrows, a puzzled anger glinting in her eyes. "Why didn't you just start with that? Ridiculous behavior, really."]She opens the door and gestures inward. > [[Follow the woman inside.->ccinteriorintro]] > [["Maybe I'll come back another time, actually. . ."->ccleavealt]]

"Now, why would I let you in? I don't even know who you are?" > [["Fine. Jethro Jambon. Detective, librarian, the Gerent's private eye."->ccin]] > [["Have it your way. I'll be going."->ccleave]]

(set: $ccidentity to $ccidentity + 5)"Um. Okay? Goodbye then." > [["Okay, Okay. You win. Name's Jethro Jambon. Detective, librarian, the Gerent's private eye."->ccin]] > [[Walk away.->ccleave1]]

(set: $ccjethro to "1")(set: $ccidentity to $ccidentity + 1)(set: $husband to "1")"What's wrong?" she asks quickly, "I'm his wife, you know." (if:$highbinderold is "1")[Unless she's lying, the woman is Cecilia Highbinder. Her youth comes as somewhat of a surprise, when you think back to the dead man's aged body and his greying head of hair. ]She looks at your face with a squint, like she's noticed something, and she lets out a sound — a faint puff of air escaping her chest. "You should probably step inside." She opens the door and gestures inward. > [[Follow the woman inside.->ccinteriorintro]] > [["Maybe I'll come back another time, actually. . ."->ccleavealt]]

(set: $ccjethro to "1")(set: $husband to "1")"Oh." The sound is a faint puff of air escaping the woman's chest. "You should probably step inside." She opens the door and gestures inward. > [[Follow the woman inside.->ccinteriorintro]] > [["Maybe I'll come back another time, actually. . ."->ccleavealt]]

So much for that. You're back in front of the [[house->Highbinder Estate alt]].

"Well, alright then." She looks puzzled but doesn't ask any questions. > [[Walk away.->ccleave1]] > [["Sorry, I don't know what I'm thinking. I'll come inside. Sorry."->ccinalt]]

"Okay," Mrs. Highbinder forces an awkward smile out. You do the same, trying to come up with a rational explanation for your most recent actions and finding none. Well, you think, maybe you can try to do better from here on out. "I suppose, if you've made up your mind, you can [[come inside->ccinteriorintro]] now."

You're in the foyer now and there's glass everywhere. Glass dishes, glass windows, a glass chandelier. Hopefully the woman will be so transparent. "Now," she says, leading you to a long plushy seat in a room bursting with furniture. Even this, you think, is a subtle display of power. Furnishings are an expensive commodity, which is why your library contains only a desk, bed, and stool. In the scheme of things, you've got high living. Paltry compared to this. She continues, snapping your attention back like a bowstring: "What's this about(if:$husband is "1")[ Leland], detective?" > (if:$husband is "1")[[["His death, ma'am."->toldwife]]](if:$husband is not "1")[[["Leland Highbinder, your husband."->toldwifealt]]] > [["Have any officials come by here today?"->ccofficials]]

"You must be mistaken," she says, "That doesn't make sense. What happened?" > (if:$magicdeath is not "1")[[["I don't know, ma'am."->toldwifecodalt]]](if:$magicdeath is "1")[[[Tell her what happened.->toldwifecod]]]

(set: $husband to "1")"Leland? Leland Highbinder, my husband?" her voice breaks a little. "What about Leland?" > [["I'm here about his death, ma'am."->toldwife]] > [["Have any officials come by here today?"->ccofficials]]

She shakes her head and stares at the carpet. Damn(if:$ccinformed is "1")[ the Gerent and his assurances]. You assumed she would have been informed by now. Now you're stuck with the task no person ever wants to take on. [["Leland's gone, ma'am. I'm sorry for your loss."->toldwife]] [["Your man got whacked."->toldwifealt2]]

(set: $ccpissed to $ccpissed + 1)"What the hell? Is this some kind of cruel joke?" > [["Afraid not, Cecilia. Leland's really dead. As a doornail."->toldwifealt3]] > [["Ah, force of habit. Your husband is gone, though. I'm sorry."->toldwife]]

(set: $ccpissed to $ccpissed + 1)"You're sick," she spits the words with venom, "I don't know why they sent you, but Leland is — was — a good man. Shame on you. And call me Mrs. Highbinder." > [["Do you want to know how he died?"->toldwifealt3alt]] > [["Lady, I'm just doing my job. You don't like it? Blame Gerent Zheng."->toldwifealt4]]

(set: $observedcod to "1")(set: $highbinderold to "1")(set: $magicdeath to "1")Gnats bristle and buzz around at the sudden movement, orbiting your head, then finding refuge again in the blanket and the late Highbinder's head of greying hair. The body looks normal still — almost; it's at that point when the bugs are just start to gather like impatient children waiting for supper. Just below the collarbone is where it stops looking normal. A black circle of charred flesh covers most of the dead man's chest. And there they are, plain as day: ethereal blue flecks floating up from the body only to dissipate in midday sunlight. You've heard it called the gunsmoke of [[spells->liftalt2]].

You don't believe it. Everybody knows Zemi Karaya's a dead zone. You like it that way. No magic keeps things simple. What does it mean when a powerful man like Leland Highbinder can be struck down in the street by a force that shouldn't exist here? It's no wonder Gerent Zheng put you on this case. The murder weapon carries implications that reach well beyond your scope. Time to get working. [[> Search the body.->Palace gates day 1 search]] [[> Talk to a guard.->TalktoGuard]] [[> Leave the body.->EndOfStart2]]

(set: $ccpissed to $ccpissed + 1)"Ok just. . . just tell me how it happened." (text-colour:yellow)["The truth is. . ."] you say, (if:$magicdeath is "1")[(text-colour:yellow)["Leland Highbinder was found outside the palace gates early this morning. A spell did him in."]](if:$magicdeath is not "1")[(text-colour:yellow)["I dunno."]] She dabs at her face. The disbelief is plain. (if:$magicdeath is not "1")[[["You came all the way here to tell me my husband is dead, yet you know nothing else?"->toldwifealt3alt1]]](if:$magicdeath is "1")[[["Magic?"->toldwifealt3alt2]]]

She dabs at her face. The disbelief is plain. (if:$magicdeath is not "1")[["You came all the way here to tell me my husband is dead, yet you know nothing else?"->toldwifealt3alt1]]

(text-colour:yellow)["Leland Highbinder was found outside the palace gates early this morning. A spell did him in."] She dabs at her face. The disbelief is plain. (if:$magicdeath is "1")[[["Magic?"->toldwifealt3alt2]]]

"Yes," says the woman, and you notice the moisture gathering in the corners of her eyes. (text-colour:yellow)["The truth is. . ."] you say, (if:$magicdeath is "1")[(text-colour:yellow)["Leland Highbinder was found outside the palace gates early this morning. A spell did him in."]](if:$magicdeath is not "1")[(text-colour:yellow)["I dunno."]] She dabs at her face. The disbelief is plain. (if:$magicdeath is not "1")[[["You came all the way here to tell me my husband is dead, yet you know nothing else?"->toldwifealt3alt1]]](if:$magicdeath is "1")[[["Magic?"->toldwifealt3alt2]]]

(text-colour:yellow)["I'm afraid so."] Mrs. Highbinder takes a deep breath, rolls her shoulders with a sigh. She's keeping her composure, even with the pain that's gotta be tearing at her insides. "Well, I suppose you're here to ask me questions. Get on with it." > [["Did your husband have any enemies?"->ccenemies]] > [["How was your own relationship with Leland?"->ccrelationship]] > [["Can I speak with the servants?"->ccservants]] > [["Could I take a look around the house?"->ccestateinterior]]

(text-colour:yellow)["I know it sounds impossible, but(if:$gerentcod is "1")[ Gerent Zheng told me.](if:$observedcod is "1")[ I saw the blue flecks with my own eyes.] Someone found a way around the dead zone."] Mrs. Highbinder takes a deep breath, rolls her shoulders with a sigh. She's keeping her composure, even with the pain that's gotta be tearing at her insides. "Well, I suppose you're here to ask me questions. Get on with it." > [["Did your husband have any enemies?"->ccenemies]] > [["How was your own relationship with Leland?"->ccrelationship]] > [["Can I speak with the servants?"->ccservants]] > [["Could I take a look around the house?"->ccestateinterior]]

"Of course he had enemies. Anyone important does. You don't get to be the Gerent's right hand without making others angry. And Leland knew that. He wasn't stupid. He had a finger on the city's pulse, he'd always say. If someone was trying to get at him, he would have known about it. Maybe he did." > [["Who were these enemies?"->ccenemies2]] > [["How was your own relationship with Leland?"->ccrelationship]] > [["Can I speak with the servants?"->ccservants]] > [["Thank you for your help."->ccleavefr]]

"I love him. Loved him. Leland is a complicated man, but he's always been good to me. I'll admit, he works too much and lately I've barely seen him, but a man can hardly be blamed for that, can he? What others say, they say because they don't know the real Leland." > [["What do others say?"->ccrelationship2]] > [["Did your husband have any enemies?"->ccenemies]] > [["Can I speak with the servants?"->ccservants]] > [["Thank you for your help."->ccleavefr]]

(set: $baxtermet to "1")Cecilia turns to call into another room. After a couple minutes, a man draped in ragged cloth and dirty leather appears. A patchy straw hat darkens his eyes. "We don't keep a large staff," explains Cecilia, "Not permanently, anyhow. Baxter here gardens and keeps house. He's the only one we've got around right now." > [[Talk to Baxter.->Baxterintro]] > [["Did your husband have any enemies?"->ccenemies]] > [["How was your own relationship with Leland?"->ccrelationship]] > [["Could I take a look around the house?"->ccestateinterior]] > [["Thank you for your help."->ccleavefr]]

"Very welcome, detective. Find whoever did this." > [["One more thing. . ."->ccquestionsmain]] > [[Leave the Highbinder Estate.->estateexitmain]]

"It's just things you hear around, you know? Whispers in the dark, gossip in the market. They say Leland doesn't care for the people. They say he cares only for his position. Well, I know it's all lies. He cares about me, and that's something the monster they've conjured up is incapable of." > [["Mind if I ask some more questions?"->ccquestionsmain]]

Mrs. Highbinder nods and gestures you [[inside->ccinteriorintro]].

"Well," she says, "What else do you want to know?" (if:$lockeddoor is "1")[> [["What's behind the locked door upstairs?"->ccstudy]] ]> [["Did your husband have any enemies?"->ccenemies]] > [["How was your own relationship with Leland?"->ccrelationship]] > [["Can I speak with the servants?"->ccservants]] > [["Could I take a look around the house?"->ccestateinterior]] > [["Thank you for your help."->ccleavefr]]

"Certainly. You're free to go anywhere." > [[Go upstairs.->hiupstairs]] > [[Go into the kitchen.->hikitchen]] > [[Go into the garden.->higarden]] > [["Mind if I ask some more questions?"->ccquestionsmain]]

(set: $milfordhousecc to "1")"He's not popular with the vagrants, for one. He's been trying to clean up this city since I've known him, and naturally that rustles the lazy beggars who don't care if everything crumbles down. It's odd, isn't it? Almost like they enjoy the filth. "And then there's his competition in the palace, Councillor Milford. Nasty man. He lives just down the street from here, if you want to pay him a visit. He's jealous of Leland and I, I think. My husband would know if he were up to anything, though. I'm sure of it." > [["Mind if I ask some more questions?"->ccquestionsmain]]

You move aside with the man Baxter, out of Mrs. Highbinder's hearing range. (if:visits is 1)[Baxter narrows his eyes at you. He seems distrusting.] "I heard what you told my Mistress. What would you like to know, sir?" > [["How did Mr. Highbinder treat you?"->Baxterintro1]] > [["You know anyone who might hurt Mr. Highbinder?"->Baxterintro2]] > [["How did you end up here?"->Baxterintro3]]

There are two doors upstairs. One is open, leading into a bedroom. The hallway you're standing in is narrow compared to the open space of the ground floor. > [[Go into the bedroom.->hibedroom]] > [[Go into the closed room.->histudy]] > [[Go downstairs.->hidownstairs]]

The kitchen is neat, with all the dishes cleaned and organized. A pot of something savory bubbles on low heat.(if:$baxtermet is "1")[ Seems like Baxter does his job well.] > [[Return to Cecilia Highbinder.->cchiinteriorexit]] > [[Go upstairs.->hiupstairs]] > [[Go into the garden.->higarden]]

The garden is vibrant. It blossoms with flowers of every variety you know of and a few you don't. The plant life is maintained perfectly on that narrow line between ordered and unruly.(if:$baxtermet is "1")[ Baxter is talented, it seems.] > [[Return to Cecilia Highbinder.->cchiinteriorexit]] > [[Go upstairs.->hiupstairs]] > [[Go into the kitchen.->hikitchen]]

(set: $baxterinfo to "1")"Master Highbinder was a cruel man. He was into something worse than he'd have anyone believe. What that was, I don't know. It has something to do with the other servants, certainly. They'd come in and work the house for a few weeks or months, he'd yell at 'em and take some swings, and then one day they'd be gone. No one around the city ever heard from them again. I remember a man and woman a few months back, came as a pair deal. Older couple. Never met the kid, but apparently they had one. They disappeared same as the rest. But he always paid me on time. That's something, at least, eh?" > [["How much did Cecilia know about all this?"->Baxterintro11]] > [["Let me ask a different question."->Baxter]]

"No sir. Nobody I know. Nobody could hurt him if they wanted to." > [["Not even Mrs. Highbinder?"->baxterintro21]] > [["Not even you?"->Baxterintro22]] > [["Let me ask a different question."->Baxter]] > [["I'll go back to Mrs. Highbinder now."->Baxterintroend]]

"Same way most servants end up in places like this." Baxter gives a bitter chuckle. "I came into this world with nothing, born in the slums south of here. I'm lucky to serve the Highbinders. Otherwise I'd be breaking my back in the farmland or the Golden Worm's new factories." > [["Golden Worm? You dare speak of the Gerent that way?"->Baxterintro31]] > [["Let me ask a different question."->Baxter]]

You return to the living area where Cecilia still sits upright in a plushy chair. > [["Mind if I ask some more questions?"->ccquestionsmain]] > [["Actually, I'm not done with Baxter."->Baxterintro]]

"Sir?" > [["How did Leland treat you?"->Baxterintro1]] > [["You know anyone who might hurt Leland?"->Baxterintro2]] > [["How did you end up here?"->Baxterintro3]] > [["I'll go back to Mrs. Highbinder now."->Baxterintroend]]

"No sir. He's always been real good to her. He treats — er, treated — her like a human, not like he is with others. She really loved him. Mistress Highbinder wouldn't hurt that man if her life depended on it." > [["How does he treat others?"->Baxterintro1]] > [["Let me ask a different question."->Baxter]]

"No sir!" Baxter looks offended at the mere suggestion. "Master Highbinder was not always kind, you understand, but I know better than trying something like that." > [["How do you mean, not always kind?"->Baxterintro1]] > [["Let me ask a different question."->Baxter]]

"Why should I care? It is only people like you and the Highbinders who must hold your tongue, lest you fall. The Gerent doesn't care what people like me say about him. Being ignored has upsides, eh?" > [["Let me ask a different question."->Baxter]]

"Oh, more than she'd let on. But she ignored it because, well, it was an inconvenient sort of thing. She never treated the passing servants like he did, but she never stopped him either. Can't say that's any better." > [["Let me ask a different question."->Baxter]]

You return to the living area where Cecilia still sits upright in a plushy chair. > [["Mind if I ask some more questions?"->ccquestionsmain]] > [["I'll keep searching, if you don't mind."->ccestateinterior]]

(set: $lockeddoorinfo to "1")"Oh, that's Leland's study. He spent hours in there some nights. I can't say what it was he did in there; that wasn't the sort of thing I cared to know. I'd unlock it for you, except Leland always took the key with him."(if:$lelandsearch is "1")[ Odd, considering he had only the pocketwatch when you searched the body.] > [["Mind if I ask some more questions?"->ccquestionsmain]] > [["Thank you for your help."->ccleavefr]]

The bedroom space is mostly filled with a cloud-tuft mattress wrapped in velvet sheets. You fight the urge to plunge into its soft embrace. The walls of the room are decorated with ornate furnishings, but it's otherwise sparse. > [[Go into the closed room.->histudy]] > [[Go downstairs.->hidownstairs]]

(set: $lockeddoor to "1")The door is locked. > [[Go into the bedroom.->hibedroom]] > [[Go downstairs.->hidownstairs]]

From the base of the spiral staircase, you can see into every space on the ground level. It's all washed in the white sunlight pouring from glass windows. > [[Go upstairs.->hiupstairs]] > [[Go into the kitchen.->hikitchen]] > [[Go into the garden.->higarden]] > [[Return to Cecilia Highbinder.->cchiinteriorexit]]

You stride back onto the smooth paved street. > [[Knock on the Highbinder door.->Highbinder front door]] > [[Survey the area.->SurveyEstates]](if:$milfordhouse is "1")[> [[Go to the Milford Estate.->MilfordEstate]] ] > [[Go back to the palace.->EndOfStart2]]

(set: $milfordvisit to "1")(set: $milfordhouse to "1")"Yes! Now go away! I have a full contingent of armed guards who will not hesitate to execute you, should you make an attempt on my life!" > [["This is Detective Jethro Jambon, on orders from Gerent Zheng."->MilfordEstate4]] > [[Go away.->estateexitmain]]

(set: $milfordvisit to "2")"Then you should know the Gerent has ordered that I stay put! Go away!" > [[Go away.->estateexitmain]]

Gerent Zheng still stands where he had before, a violent scar of man in the garden's green tranquility. > [[Speak to him.->palacecourtyard2]]

A man in rich blue robes draped around his narrow frame approaches. A woolish white beard droops past his chest. "Welcome(if:visits >= 2)[ back], son. What has brought you here today, to the Chiastic Church?" > [["I'm here to learn more about your religion."->mi2 1]] > (if:$revdeath is not "1")[[["I'm here to investigate a man's death."->mi2 2]]](if:$revdeath is "1")[[["I have more questions about Chamberlain Highbinder's death."->mi2 2 1]]]

The old man smiles. "It's always a pleasure to find new folks interested in our order. There's not enough spirituality in the world these days. We need more people who feel the yearning in their heart and summon the courage to follow it. Is that why you're here? A gut feeling that there's something more to this world? A deep unsettling at the worship of corporeality, at the disregard for what happens beyond the limits of sense-experience?" > [["Something like that."->mi2 1 1]] > [["Actually, I'm here to investigate a man's death."->mi2 1 2]]

"Unfortunate. Who is the deceased?" > [["The Chamberlain, Leland Highbinder."->mi2 2 1]]

"Excellent. Where would you like to begin?" > [["How does the Church view magic?"->mi2 1 1 1]] > [["What is it that you believe in, beyond this world?"->mi2 1 1 2]] > [["What happens when we die?"->mi2 1 1 3]]

"Perhaps another time, then.(if:$revdeath is not "1")[ Who is the deceased?"] > (if:$revdeath is not "1")[[["The Chamberlain, Leland Highbinder."->mi2 2 1]]][["I have more questions concerning the murder."->mi2 2 1]] > [["I'll be going now, actually."->mi2 1 1 1 2 1]]

(set: $revdeath to "1")(if:visits is 1)["A powerful man indeed. Zemi Karaya will feel his absence. ]Ask your questions, that I may aid you in bringing justice however I can." > [["What role do you serve in the order?"->mi2 2 2 1 1]] > [["Is there any magic that can be used inside a dead zone?"->mi2 2 1 2]] > [["How is the Chiasm's relationship with Gerent Zheng's kingdom?"->mi2 2 1 3]] > [["I need to go now."->mi2 1 1 1 2 1]]

(set: $rev to "1")"I am called Reverend Batdieu. My role is to serve the people as the Chiasm wills it. I keep watch over those who reside in the monastery, and I keep an eye out for those who approach our sacred ground in need. Like yourself." > [["I have more questions."->mi2 2 1]]

"None that I'm aware of, at least not anymore. If the profane sorcerers had found a way, they would have exploited it well before now." > [["Anymore?"->mi2 2 1 2 1]] > [["So you don't use magic?"->mi2 2 1 2 2]] > [["I have more questions."->mi2 2 1]]

(set: $revmotive to "1")"A matter I would not touch, were I a wise man. I will answer only in the interest of assisting your quest for justice. To put it plainly, we understand the value of what Gerent Zheng has to offer us. We have reach, we have finances, we have stability, and we owe it all to him. Yet I worry. The Gerent's ambition is unfettered by moral principle, and there are those in this monastery who would rather follow in his footsteps than face persecution. They lose sight of why we are here. I believe we must stay firm, no matter the cost." > [["No matter the cost? Including lives?"->mi2 2 1 3 1]] > [["I have more questions."->mi2 2 1]]

(if:visits is 1)[(set: $chiasm to it + 1)]"What you call 'magic' is real. It is empirically observable, and so it is no object of faith. Yet within the mystical forces, we see the divine. It is not 'magic' but holy Manna. It is the link between our world of enfleshment and a world of Mind, unlimited and perfect. Manna comes from heaven, and heaven resides within it." > [["And the magic used to commit atrocities?"->mi2 1 1 1 1]] > [["If Manna is so important, why establish a church inside a dead zone?"->mi2 1 1 1 3]] > [["I have more questions."->mi2 1 1 1 2]]

(if:visits is 1)[(set: $chiasm to it + 1)]"I cannot explain the rest without first speaking of the Great Chiasm — the universe. Causal occurence is not a one-way stream. Happenings are met by their opposite, their complement. The ocean wave surges and recedes, a raveling and unraveling of the self-same essence. This is the pattern of history eternal. > [["Who began these teachings?"->mi2 1 1 2 1]] > [["I have more questions."->mi2 1 1 1 2]]

(if:visits is 1)[(set: $chiasm to it + 1)]"Ah, the question that brings in most of our congregation. The Chiasm provides an answer, though it may not bring the comfort you seek. Existence goes beyond death, yes, but not in this form. We begin as one form, going on to become its reverse and parallel. We are each unique microcosmic chiasms, nestled within the universal Great Chiasm. This is all the knowledge I can bestow." > [["What is all this about the Chiasm?"->mi2 1 1 2]] > [["I have more questions."->mi2 1 1 1 2]]

(if:visits is 1)[(set: $chiasm to it + 1)]"A fair question. I have one for you: suppose a man takes a tree trunk and carves it into a spear. Suppose he kills his brother with that same spear. Do you blame the tree? Manna is an expression of divinity that lies within the natural world; Manna and the tree are just the same, in this sense. Of course, those who pervert the divine destroy more than themselves. They taint what is pure at the same time. They take God's gift and chain it for their own purposes." > [["If Manna is so important, why establish a church inside a dead zone?"->mi2 1 1 1 3]] > [["I have more questions."->mi2 1 1 1 2]]

"What would you like to learn about next?" > [["How does the Church view magic?"->mi2 1 1 1]] > [["What is it that you believe in, beyond this world?"->mi2 1 1 2]] > [["What happens when we die?"->mi2 1 1 3]] > [["I need to go now."->mi2 1 1 1 2 1]]

(if:$rev is not "1")["I understand," the man says, "It's a lot to take in. Come back soon. Should you seek me again, ask for Reverend Batdieu."](if:$rev is "1")["Come back soon. Our doors are always open."](set: $rev to "1")(if:$chiasm is 7)[ The man watches you for a moment, and a smile spreads across his face. "Wait. You have shown remarkable interest in our practices, and so I cannot in good conscience let you leave empty-handed. Take this, one of our most holy texts. (text-colour:orange)[The Scripta Chiasmus]." > [[Take the book->mi2 1 1 1 2 1 1]].] (if:$chiasm is not 7)[ > [[Leave.->EndOfStart2]]]

(if:visits is 1)[(set: $chiasm to it + 1)]"We are not like the witches or warlocks who feed on Manna to survive. We may rejoice within Manna's presence, but we are called to go beyond its reach. Those who dwell in dead zones still deserve salvation, yes?" > [["And the magic used to commit atrocities?"->mi2 1 1 1 1]] > [["I have more questions."->mi2 1 1 1 2]]

(if:visits is 1)[(set: $chiasm to it + 1)]"The great prophet Bahmaar, generations past. She achieved unity with the Manna. She became attuned with the Chiasm's cosmic undulations. Through her connection to all that is, Bahmaar performed miracles. She healed the noble and struck down the vile. She required no ritual to extract Manna; they say she was her own wellspring." > [["What happened to her?"->mi2 1 1 2 1 1]] > [["I have more questions."->mi2 1 1 1 2]]

(if:visits is 1)[(set: $chiasm to it + 1)]"One day, some decades after her arrival, Bahmaar receded from our realm. Yet she is not gone. I have already said the universe echoes itself. Just as the prophet Bahmaar was here at the beginning, so too will she be at the end. She may not return in the same form, or under the same name, but nevertheless, essence perseveres. " > [["I have more questions."->mi2 1 1 1 2]] > [["I need to go now."->mi2 1 1 1 2 1]]

"The great prophet Bahmaar. She entered this world perfectly attuned with Manna, so that her soul generated its own 'magic,' as you call it. Because her power came from within rather than the world around her, she could channel it anywhere. There are no 'dead zones' for she who steps between worlds." > [["Tell me more."->mi2 2 1 2 1 1]] > [["I have other questions."->mi2 2 1]]

"Broadly? The Chiastic Church encourages entwining oneself with Manna. It is our joy and our duty to participate in this world's divine instrumentality. Yet I should be clear in saying that Manna invocation is not a necessary element of our spirituality. Personally? I have lived my whole life here in Zemi Karaya. Rarely have I felt limited by the 'dead zone.' The Chiasm has so much more to offer — Manna is but a sliver of the cosmic pie." [["I have more questions."->mi2 2 1]]

"You would like to hear more about our religion?" > [["Yes."->mi2 1 1]] > [["Not today."->mi2 1 2]]

(set: $chiasm to 1)(set: $chiasmus to "1")You now have (text-colour:orange)[The Scripta Chiasmus]. You can read it in your library. > [[Leave the monastery.->EndOfStart2]]

"If you are suggesting I had something to do with Chamberlain Highbinder's death, you are wrong. I would give my own life to defend our sanctity, but never the life of another." > [["I have more questions."->mi2 2 1]]

"Back again, Detective Jambon?" > [["Tell me again about the body."->Body]] > [["Tell me again about the cause of death."->CoD]] > [["Tell me again about the suspects."->Suspects]] > [["Thank you, Gerent. I'll be going now."->EndOfStart]]