Perseus, The Slayer of Beasts

A boy looks back at me from the mirror of a muddy puddle. My once pure, pre-pubescent face is covered in abrasions and filth. Long black hair is now soiled thatch after a downpour. I am panting, an exhausted child struggling to get to his feet. A harsh hand pulls me from the frame of the watery reflection. In a voice that rumbles like Zeus's lighting, "Is it too hard boy? Feel sorry for yourself? [[This is just the beginning.->Introducing the Goat]]"

I was one of many lined up shoulder-to-shoulder near the Lion's Gate. All of us were battered from the mock-combat exercise. Despite our aches and cramps, the goat-faced man howls... "What do we do when our enemies retreat? Tell me Mycenaeans!" Collectively, as trained we chant, **(text-colour:red)["Chase them! Chase them! Chase them down kill!"]** in cadence with our steps. A renewed sense of willpower overcomes us as we embark on the [[run->Running]].

Our second wind does not last long. We all hobble along, yearning for the day's end. "When I am done with you, you will embrace struggle. Do not feel sorry for yourself, feel sorry for your adversaries, whom you will crush!" The goat-faced man barks, without any fatigue in his voice. We straightened our backs and tilted our heads high. Harsh, but [[encouraging->First Lesson]] was the goat-faced man.

After bathing in the stream, we were told to wait in the barracks. The other boys quip about the instructor and complain about the training conditions; which was understandable. I sat alone. I always found conversation difficult. The goat-faced-man comes in, we stand at attention. "Carry on," he continues in. He scans the room of young boys chatting amongst eachother. I am seated in my bunk, he approaches. He sits in an empty bunk across from me. Up close, I can see full veins throughout the man's arms and exposed shoulders. Scars from slashes and burns are visible all over. His knuckles look permanenly swollen. "I am the Lokhagos of this training regiment, my name is Euthymios. You do not have to address me as sir during this talk. Why do you isolate yourself boy?" I respond... (set: $nervous to true)(set: $embarass to true)(set: $social to true) [["I am too nervous..."->What for?]] [["What if I embarass myself..."->You Will]] [["Why be social anyway..."->It's Important!]]

"And you always will be nervous." I feel a sense of discouragement, he continues, "If you do not at least try. Keep trying to talk to people. Many make the mistake of taking the first step without continuing to walk. This is true in all aspects of life at which you can improve. Listen to me boy, let nothing discourage you from building yourself." (set: $nervous to false) I suppose I will [[heed his advice->Anything else?]].

"You will embarrass yourself. Think I have not boy? All learners begin as fools, and if we accept this reality, we will continue to embarrass ourself on the path to mastery." (set: $embarass to false) The reality sinks in... Yet... I can see that embarrassment is a small price to pay for mastery. I should apply this to all I do. "Thank you, I understand si- Euthymios" [[He asks...->Anything else?]]

"Speech is the gift of mankind. It is a skill used for leadership, learning, healthy small talk within your troop, and the art of seduction! Practice speaking, but you should worry not about that last one just yet. Wars are won by great communicators." I see the value in speaking then, maybe it is more important than I thought. (set: $social to false) [[Euthymios asks...->Anything else?]]

"Anything else?" \ $nervous[[["I am too nervous..."->What for?]]] $embarass[[["What if I embarass myself..."->You Will]]] $social[[["Why be social anyway..."->It's Important!]]] [["No I understand now."->Go Play]] \

"Good. What is your name boy?". "I am Perseus." I say, and he grins. "Perhaps you are destined to be a great slayer of beasts then? Live up to the name." He rises from the bunk and gestures for me to [[go socialize->Speaking]].

You insert yourself into a conversation. The other boys invite you welcomingly and you are soon over your fear. One boy talks about how he will conquer for Mycenae. Another talks about how he will slay a thousand Hittites before he dies. I wonder what kind of man I will become. We all go to bed, we will need the sleep to [[prepare for this week->Training]]. (set: $firstTrain to true) (set: $easy to true) (set: $medium to true) (set: $hard to true)

(if: $firstTrain is true)[We boys run around a pit of gravel. The teenage group is in the pits sparring. I wanted to be big like them. They cycled out with us to run the perimeter and it was our turn. I look around for a sparring partner for this week.] (else:)[Which sparring partner should I pick this week?] \ $easy[[[I choose a boy I know I can beat.->Easy]]] $medium[[[I choose one who will challenge me.->Medium]]] $hard[[[I choose to challenge the strongest.->Hard]]] \

The next few days are a breeze. I usually fell my partner within seconds. However, I see no improvement. Euthymios sees it too. He says, "Challenge yourself." (set: $firstTrain to false) (set: $easy to false) I take his [[advice->Training]].

My partner and I trade blows all week. Each of us have marks from bludgeoning eachother with wooden weaponry. We both [[improve->Training]] greatly. (set: $medium to false)

(if: $medium is false)[It was an arduous week, but my partner and I learn a lot from eachother. I know what is important in combat now. I must keep my shield up, strike swift, and stay composed. I keep training with the best partners for a few more years of training. When our voices deepen and our shoulders broaden, we are sent on a [[task->Task]].](else:)[I was toyed with all week... I was not ready for this one. I cannot improve this way. Next week I need to [[change something up->Training]].]

We stand in formation just outside the walls. Helios rides too close today for all this heavy armor. Euthymios emerges from the Lion's Gate. He is grayer than I remember him in my youth, yet, he retains his Herculean physique. "You will accompany an exprienced Mycenaean hoplite and journey into the countryside. You will survive without the comforts of home. Your guide will teach you important warrior lessons. [[Fall out->Rucking]]."

The weight of the armor, my sword, shield, and my pack make each step feel impossible. I somehow keep marching, my legs cramp and my boots tear the skin of my heels. The hoplite speaks after a few thousand paces. "Perseus, my name is Linus. Adapt to this feeling. Marching is what soldiers do most. We camp here for the night, hope you enjoy sleeping in dirt." I set down my pack and set up a small half-shelter of brush and ferns. Linus begins the fire and I drag decayed logs for us to [[sit->Lessons]] on.

"Before we can get rest, I was instructed teach certain life lessons. As a warrior you must have focus. Focus on yourself; what you can control. Do not let distractions stray you from the path. People in particular can be distracting with their negative thoughts and appetites for pleasure. Maintain your mind, body, and skill. Consistently train and get better, this is true for all skills. As a warrior you are either fit and focused, or some fat carcass in the Aegean Sea. I knew men that would still be alive if they could hold the weight of their shield up for a few more moments. Be mindful of hygiene and maintain your equipment. As for your mind, your thoughts shape your reality, never see yourself as a victim to your own emotion. The battlefield is the last place to be without self-control. So never be impatient, wait for your opportunity! You will learn this tommorow Perseus." This was much to take in... But I say, "Yes sir, I understand." "There are more lessons where that came from, for now, we eat and rest." I clean myself and my equipment. Afterwards we eat some onion, bread, and cheese. These are common Greek campaign foods. We then go to [[sleep->WAKEUP]].

I sleep quite well after that ruck march. In my slumber, something comes into my tent in the earliest hours of the morning! I must act! [[Kick and fight!->KickFight]] [[Crawl away to get my sword!->Crawl!]]

You kick a man in the hip and he stumbles down! You then dive for your sword and stand. You advance but then realize it is Linus! "Lin- Uhh sir?!?" He chuckles merrily, "Good! You fought me off and you're still alive. You are vulnerable when reaching for your sword. It's early, best time to get things done. Being up earlier gives you an advantage over your enemy. Let's hunt some boar." Linus tosses me his spear. "The boar will charge you. When he is five paces away, you thrust hard at its shoulder region. That is where its vitals are. You will feel anxiety and a great force, stay calm. This is where you learn self-control. Let's [[go->Hunting]]."

I feel an impending doom, the man is close and I was sure he was going to stab me, but he taps my cuirass with his sword. "Dead, next time fight back immediately instead of crawling. You are vulnerable when reaching for your sword. Anyway it's early, best time to get things done. Being up earlier gives you an advantage over your enemy. Let's hunt some boar." Linus tosses me his spear. I was relieved I was not being murdered in my sleep. "The boar will charge you. When he is five paces away, you thrust hard at its shoulder region. That is where its vitals are. You will feel great anxiety and a great impact force, stay calm. This is where you learn self-control. Let's [[go->Hunting]]."

The boar is an ugly monster, warted and snarling behind the brush, as if it is hiding its vileness. The beast is cornered at the crest of a hill. It turns toward us, at least twenty paces away. I feel a lump in my throat and I start to shake. (set: $paces to "fifteen") (set: $messUp to false) "Deep, slow breaths" Linus says. I ready myself, spear pointed. It begins to charge, I [[wait->Wait]].

It is $paces paces away, I... [[Wait.->wait]] [[Thrust!->thrust]]

(if: $paces is "five")[I skewer the monster but it still lifts me into the air, spear in hand. It charges me back ten more paces until it succumbs to its wound and I fall onto the hard gravel. Linus [[helps me up->Feedback]].](if: $paces is "ten")[(set: $messUp to true)(set: $paces to "five")You miss your timing and it knocks you, Linus makes sure you are not gored. You [[stand->Wait]]!](if: $paces is "fifteen")[(set: $messUp to true)(set: $paces to "five")You miss your timing and it knocks you, Linus makes sure you are not gored. You [[stand->Wait]]!]

(if: $paces is "five")[(set: $messUp to true)You are attacked by the foul thing! Linus makes sure you do not get harmed, you [[stand->Wait]].](else:)[It comes [[closer->Wait]]...] (if: $paces is "ten")[(set: $paces to "five")] (if: $paces is "fifteen")[(set: $paces to "ten")]

(if: $messUp is true)[Linus confronts me within arm's length "I said five paces! Are you trying to be killed by a fucking boar?!" He grumbles to himself then exhales deeply, so do I. I look around awkardly. "Good job killing it at least. Remember, a warrior must focus and remain calm. Let us [[dine->Yummy]]."](else:)["Yes! Your first time went perfect, usually they mess up. There are great things in store for you, Perseus, the Slayer of Beasts! You demonstrated the focus of a true warrior. Let us [[dine->Yummy]]."]

"This was an impressive kill$messUp[, regardless of how you performed]. This one must be the weight of two men. You keep the hide as a trophy. Perseus the Slayer of Beasts, like that title?" Linus asked. "Yes sir!" We quartered the animal and cooked its savory pork belly with salt. The delishous fat of it, accompanied with a crispy crunch put warmth in our souls. With a half full mouth, Linus says, "Remember, not too much, we do not want to be fat like this pig, eh?" "Yes sir. I will use what I learned and [[become a true warrior->The Path]]."

In a puddle I see a man looking back at me. Strong, with a face that exudes stoicism. I am not the pup I once was. I reminisce on my training, all the friends I made and Linus with the boar. By the gods that hog was tasty. My fellow Hoplites still call me Perseus, the Slayer of Beasts, thanks to Linus. He is retired now, living with his wife and sons. Anyway, there is no time for these distractions now... We march for war against the invading forces: The Hititte. [[I march on.->Campaign]]

Gaia was unforgiving to us soldiers. She carved the hills of Greece ruggedly. The stony ground twisted our ankles. A scout from ahead rushes over a ridge to our unit's Lokhagos. "Sir! A band of Hittites, pillaging a farm nearby!" Our Lokhagos says, "Let us repel them!" We [[go->Shieldwall]].

The strange-looking men approach, as do we. Our numbers are similar, but with the malformed terrain no one knows for certain. Men from both sides shout threats and antagonize eachother. We slam shields and stab away at eachother, the loud screeches from blades colliding deafened my ears. Clustered together, the heat of men made breathing difficult. The man in front of me made the mistake of attempting a heroic blow, leaving himself wide open. I quickly jab my spear at his throat. His armor saved him from the pierce, but the force crushed his windpipe and snapped my spear. He was felled, poor fool... The battle dragged on until only the strong remained. The ground was muddied and so were we. There were broken spears, shattered shields, and bodies all over. The fog was so thick that it is as if we already were in the underworld, our own version of it at least. The Lokhagos bled out and we hoplites were the only ones left. [[A huge Hittite approaches...->Monster]]

What a monster he was... A large, mustached man at least two head's height taller than myself. Much stronger by far. Yet I stay composed. The boar was larger, hopefully this one is just as dumb. Men stop fighting and watch. This was their commander, and they wanted to see a spectacle. So I thought I should [[give it to them->Slay it!]].

I cannot let him grab me. He will mangle me for sure. I have to strike deeply only when I see an opening. I have to mind my distance as well. I grip my sword firmly and raise my shield. (set: $nice to false) (set: $init to false) (set: $smart to false) The beast smiles maniacally, then throws his shield at me. I... [[Block it with mine!->Balance]] [[Step aside!->Initiative]]

The force knocks me off balance and slides me back, when I lower my shield I see a meaty mitt reaching for me. I... (set: $init to false) [[Regain my balance and jump away from the grab!->He attacks]] [[Regain my balance and try pushing him away!->Fuck]]

He is still looking where I was, stepping in that direction. I quickly... (set: $init to true) [[Get distance!->He attacks]] [[Stab and move!->Nice!]] [[Try to finish him!->Fuck]]

A safe move, he comes at me again. With a grunt he tries to slash my head, I... [[Block it!->Balance]] [[Dodge it!->Initiative]]

I stab him, my blade slides under his scale armor and peirces his ribcage! It felt deep. He winces in pain, which turns to anger! While clutching his side, he swings at me sloppily! I... (set: $nice to true) [[Slice at his sword arm!->Fuck]] [[Deflect the blow and move!->Smart]]

(if: $nice is true)[(if:$smart is false)[My blade slices through his forearm, yet the force keeps coming. His sword smashes into my cuirass and I fall to my back.] (else:)[He grabs my leg and lifts me and I fall to my back.] He quickly pounces on me despite his wound. Fuck! What I do in these next few seconds determines if I live or die...](if: $init is true and $nice is false)[He sees my hasty blow and deflects it with his vembrace. He grabs my legs, forces me to my back, and climbs on top of me. Fuck! What I do in these next few seconds determines if I live or die...](if: $init is false)[He grabs me by the armor when I try to push him. He raises his sword in the air and slams the pommel down on my shoulder! I hear a crunch and I fall, the pain is overwhelming. He climbs on top of me. Fuck! What I do in these next few seconds determines if I live or die...] (set: $smart to false) [[Reach for my blade!->Death]] [[Gouge his eyes out!->The Upper Hand]] [[Plead for mercy!->Shame]]

Smart! The twisting motion caused him to drop to one knee. As he clutches his rib and groans, I decide to... (set: $smart to true) [[Kick him to his back!->Fuck]] [[An overhead to the cranium!->The Upper Hand]]

(if: $smart is true)[Linus's instruction all those years ago paid off... The blow causes his helmet to fly into the crowd of Hittites! He falls to his back. My chance! I rush in, pull my dagger out. He tries to resist me but to no avail.](else:)[I heed Linus's advice and waste no time reaching for my weapon. With my thumbs still in his sockets, I turn him over to his back as he screams. I take out my dagger, he blindly resists me to no avail.] I (text-colour:red)[stab] and (text-colour:red)[stab] and (text-colour:red)[stab] and (text-colour:red)[(text-style:"rumble")[STAB]]! There is a mixture of mud and blood all over - including on me. I pick my sword up and point it at the frozen Hittites. The unsettling echo of my battle cry sends the Hittites into the rocky hills. [[We are victorious!->Victory]]

In the time it took me to reach for my blade, he shoved his through my heart... In the spirit realm I see my friends mourning my death. I died bravely, yet the name of Perseus the Slayer of Beasts is soon forgotten, like the rest of the dead on that farm. I should have used what Linus taught me all those years ago. Make due with what I have... I descend into the underworld to meet Hades... (text-style:"bold")[(text-colour:red)[Death Ending]] [[Deny this fate!->Fate]]

I became a greek hero from what I did that day. Everyone would come to know me as Perseus, the Slayer of Beasts! (if: $init is true)[My courage made people follow me. I rose to the rank of Starategos by the middle of my career, with my work comlplimented by the Wanax himself.](else:)[Due to my injury, I had to retire. I was unable to lift a shield after that brute destroyed my shoulder. I take great pride teaching the upcoming hoplites lessons taught to me in my youth.] After a while I was able to get a wife, have children, and have all the things I worked so hard for. I still visit the gravestones of Euthymios and Linus. These two men taught me skills that aided me in my success. (text-colour:yellow)[(text-style:"bold")[Victorious Ending!]] [[Deny this fate!->Fate]]

The large Hittite stands, he laughs at my cowardice. They shout and shame me. Our men and I retreat... When I arrive home I become Perseus the Meek. I should have used what I learned in my youth. (if: $init is true)[I serve in the Mycenaean army for the rest of my days, never advancing in rank. The other men constantly remind me of my failure, tormenting me until the end of time...](else:)[I am discharged from the Mycenaean army due to my shoulder injury, I can not longer lift a shield. I am shamed until the end of time...] (text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold")[Shame Ending!]] [[Deny this fate!->Fate]]

This is not the story the Morai had for you. They weave a [[new tale->Slay it!]] for you...