Untitled Story

<html><link rel="stylesheet" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=tangerine"></html> (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[ (enchant:?passage,(text-colour:(hsl:0,0,1,0.25))+(bg:black)) (text-style:"blurrier") [(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[huh?->blur1]]] ]]

<img src="FullView.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> |B>[blurry figure.] \(click-append:?B)+(t8n:'dissolve')[Test] (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Blah] ] [[Help me get home->next]]

<img src="Blur3.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> <img src="Blur2.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> <img src="Blur1.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[ (text-colour:(hsl:0,0,1,0.25))[ (text-style:"blur")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")+(t8n-time:1.3s)[[what's happening?->blurreveal]]] (text-style:"blur")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")+(t8n-time:1.3s)[[where am I?->blurreveal]]] (text-style:"blur")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")+(t8n-time:1.3s)[[what's going on?->blurreveal]]] ]]]

<img src="FullView.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[ You awaken to a large, windswept desert. The dry winds snatch at you and send glittering waves of sand cascading off of the |A>[dunes.] \(click-append:?A)+(t8n:'dissolve')[ You turn away from the figure towards the towering dune behind you, but you can’t seem to make it very far. The wind pushes you back with a startling force as soon as you try to take a step in that direction.] In the distance you see a |B>[blurry figure.] It could be a cactus or tree, but the sand whipping around you makes it hard to tell. \(click-append:?B)+(t8n:'dissolve')[ As you take a few, stumbling steps towards the figure, you find yourself overpowered by the wind. You feel as though you are being pulled towards the figure- the force so strong it knocks the breath out of you. ] [[>->Introductions]] ] ]

<img src="desert_1.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[ It’s not a tree or a cactus, it’s a person! She appears to ha-]] Is there someone there? (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[ Oh, she must see you! She whips out a staff menacingly. ]] |B>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[I’m right here]]] \(click-append:?B)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[She scans the desert, seeming to look right through you. ]] Thou makest a fool of me? Or are thou not of the |D>[flesh?] ] \(click-append:?D)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Not of the flesh? I guess I do feel pretty [[fleshy->intro2]] [[ghostly->intro2]] [[sandy->intro2]] ]] ] |E>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Hello?]]] \(click-append:?E)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ I hear you, sirrah, but mine eyes are filled with naught but sands (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Sirrah? Naught? Sounds like a bad fantasy movie from the 80s… ]] ] |F>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Who are you?]]] \(click-append:?F)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[She looks startled at this. ]] I am Alimon, of the 7 cities. (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Cities? All I see is [[sand->intro3]] [[sky->intro3]] [[Scrubby little bushes->intro3]] ]] ] |G>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[What is this place?]]] \(click-append:?G)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ Are thee lost? This is the waste, ycelpt Termin. This is a sacred desert to us. Rightly so, as it appears to play host to spirits such as [[yourself.->intro2]] ]

(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[ Strangely, after talking to her, you don’t feel the wind or the sand on your skin. You don’t feel the weight of your body press against the dirt. Everytime she moves, you are pulled with her. ]] What doest thou require of me? My time is limited and flies as quickly as the sands… (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5 )[ [[Help me get home->home]] [[I don't feel right...->right]] [[I want to follow you->follow]] ]]

We are many months journey from where I hail, and from most gentle country. [[>->intro2]]

There is no time to dally, and there are no places to stay near to us. Come, accompany me to mine task, then we shall see thee safely on thy way. (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[[[>->Seeing some sights]]] ]

Are thee recently a spirit, then? Come with me to the heart of this sacred land, and perhaps we shall find thine answer. (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[[[>->Seeing some sights]]] ]

I would be glad of the company. (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[[[>->Seeing some sights]]] ]

<img src="talker.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5) [As you walk through the desert, Alimon tells you of many things. She tells of [[Strange plants->plants]] [[Creatures->animals]] [[Her homeland->homeland]] [[The stars->stars]] ] ]

<img src="plant.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[ Like the flowing jackdaw, a plant whose roots spread over miles and miles of the land, storing fresh water throughout the harsh environment. ]] |E>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Can you drink the water?]]] \(click-append:?E)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ Only if it still has life in it! Tis a horrid drink if the plant on top has rotted away- stagnant and pungent. ] |A>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Why is the actual plant so small?]]] \(click-append:?A)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ It needs little sun in this desert- what little pops up gathers it’s fill in the sun’s grace. ] |B>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Where does it get the water from?]]] \(click-append:?B)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ The air, for the soil is dry as a bone. Thou may disbelieve me, but it rains quite often in the winter seasons. ] (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[[[>->The worm]]] ]

<img src="bugs.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[ Like the many glittering beetles she shows you under the rocks, and in holes. They provide many beautiful dyes, and the lustrous shells are often used as jewelry. ]] |E>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Why don’t you have any jewelry?]]] \(click-append:?E)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ Hah! Twould simply melt off of me, in these lands. And I have little need to dazzle now. ] |A>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[You don’t have gems or shiny rocks to use?]]] \(click-append:?A)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ For sure, and in great measure. Such great quantities that a beautiful carapace is in much more demand ] |B>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Can you eat them?]]] \(click-append:?B)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ I’m sure you could, but why, pray tell, would you want to? ] (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[[[>->The worm]]] ]

(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[ <img src="stars.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> She tells you of the constellations, and the stories they hold, such as ]] |E>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[The 12-fingered cat]]] \(click-append:?E)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ <img src="cat.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> |A>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[You know, we have cats in my world too. They don’t usually have 12 fingers.]]] \(click-append:?A)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ I cannot claim to have seen many of the like in mine, either! But that is why it is emblazoned in the heavens, because it is extraordinary. ] |B>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[I’m more of a dog person myself.]]] \(click-append:?B)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ Truly, I think a dog does not hold enough mystery to be immortalized in the heavens. ] |D>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[That seems creepy.]]] \(click-append:?D)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ Haha! Tis true, I would surely panic if I beheld the beast. ] ] |F>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[The Twisted Lovers]]] \(click-append:?F)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ <img src="lovers.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> |G>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Do you think they're happy together?]]] \(click-append:?G)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ In their own way, I suppose. It’s hard to love someone all the time, and even harder if you cannot be parted. ] |H>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[They should break up]]] \(click-append:?H)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ In truth? I think they are twisted together in heart and spirit as well as form. ] |I>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Do you have someone at home? A lover of your own?]]] \(click-append:?I)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ Hah! Nay….nay. I ran out of time for such things. ] ] |J>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[The Mapmaker and the Bottle]]] \(click-append:?J)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ <img src="map.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> |K>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Will he ever find his way home?]]] \(click-append:?K)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ In truth? I picture him the wandering sort. I think he hast not a true home any longer. ] |L>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Who sent the bottle?]]] \(click-append:?L)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ The gods, I am sure! They are oft the cause of great tales. ] |M>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Is there a map of this desert?]]] \(click-append:?M)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ None save the one in mine own mind. ] ] (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[[[>->The worm]]] ]

<img src="desertDraft.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[ She talks of the 7 great cities, spanning under the mountains you can just barely see in the distance. Her eyes grow soft as she tells of her sisters, the beautiful gardens, and days spent reading in the fungal trees. ]] |E>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[How many sisters did you have?]]] \(click-append:?E)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ 7! Including myself. One for each city. My father was fairly drowning in girls. I was the second eldest-Am the second eldest. ] |A>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[How did the garden grow underground?]]] \(click-append:?A)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ Our cities are far advanced beyond what you see here. Lights as dazzling as the sun give warmth and growth to our gardens. ] |B>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[What do you like to read?]]] \(click-append:?B)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ Anything that tells of beasts! The old tales of yore that remind us of what these lands used to be teeming with. ] (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[[[>->The worm]]] ]

(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)+(text-style:"rumble")[Alimon suddenly quiets, holding up her hand.] ] (text-style:"rumble")[Hark! Doest thou feel the vibrations in the sand?] |E>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[I can't feel anything, remember?]]] \(click-append:?E)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ Ach, true, grant me pardon! ] |F>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[I think I can see the sand move over there…]]] \(click-append:?F)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ Over yonder? Yes, tis the sure sign of movement! ] |G>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Why? Are we in danger?]]] \(click-append:?G)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ No, but we must move with alacrity. ] (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[[[>->wormHunt]]] ]

(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Alimon sprints toward the slight movement in the sand, but it quickly outpaces her. You are dragged along behind her, the dunes moving in a blur.] ] Ach! We have lost it for now…. |E>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[What is it??]]] \(click-append:?E)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ It is the wyrm. A great beast of yore, one that swims under the surface of the earth. ] |F>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[What are we doing with it??]]] \(click-append:?F)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ We must catch it and connect with it so we can enter the inner chambers. ] |G>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Why do we need it??]]] \(click-append:?G)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ It provides us energy, powers our entire cities with the untained magic in its maw. ] (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[[[>->Hunt2]]] ]

You may be a better judge than I, fair sprite. Which way did the beastie travel, do you judge? (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[ (t8n-depart:"shudder")[[To the left->Left]] (t8n-depart:"shudder")[[To the right->Right]] [[Straight ahead->center]] [[I don’t know! I really don’t know. You pick.->dunno]] ]

(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[You walk for a good while, in silence. Alimon seems lost in thought, her brows furrowed slightly.]] Hark! We have made the wrong move! (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[She points into the distance, where you see a flash of pink flesh emerge, miles away. ]] We must not tarry! (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[She cries, breaking into a sprint. You run on for a long while, until Alimon is wheezing with exhaustion. ]] (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[[[>->caught]]] ]

(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[You walk for a good while, in silence. Alimon seems lost in thought, her brows furrowed slightly. ] (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)+(text-style:"rumble")[Suddenly, you can see the sand vibrate beneath you. The ground rumbles mightily, and a pink, fleshy mass erupts from the earth!] <img src="wyrm.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> Tally ho! We have found our charge! (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[She cries, breaking into a sprint.]] (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[[[>->caught]]] ]

Ach, don’t be distressed, fair one. I have no ill intent. We shall set our mark north. (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[You walk for a good while, in silence. Alimon seems lost in thought, her brows furrowed slightly.]] (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)+(text-style:"rumble")[Suddenly, you can see the sand vibrate beneath you. The ground rumbles mightily, and a pink, fleshy mass erupts from the earth!] <img src="wyrm.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> Tally ho! We have found our charge! (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[She cries, breaking into a sprint.]] (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[[[>->caught]]] ]

(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)+(text-style:"shudder")[Catching up with the creature, Alimon stretches out her hand and strokes the pale, scarred skin. She starts yelling something, but it’s lost in the rumble of the ground around you. ] (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)+(text-style:"rumble")[Gradually, the beast slows, and Alimon finally catches her breath. Sand bursts around you and you finally see the whole creature- and it takes your breath away. ] (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[ [[It’s disgusting->gross]] [[It's beautiful ->beauty]] [[It's terrifying->gross]] [[It's kind of sad-looking->pity]] ]

Maybe so, but we must muster our courage, inglorious as this is. (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[She mutters, grimly.]] (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[[[>->pant]]]

(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[Alimon turns, surprised.] Thou sayest truly? You think it beautiful? (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[She seems struck by this. ] (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[[[>->pant]]]

Aye, that it is. We do not harm the beast, however, it is in a deep slumber. (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[[[>->pant]]]

(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[You approach the panting mass, and can only imagine what it’s hot breath must smell like. Alimon grimaces unpleasantly, stroking the beast's hyde gently as she approaches the front.]] We are here. Finally. The beast is usually hard to catch, but I am more out of shape now! (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[ Alimon steps inside the gaping mouth, pausing slightly at the entrance to stroke the beast once more. Darkness descends as the mouth closes behind you. ]] (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[[[>->inside]]]

(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[The darkness doesn’t last very long, however. A soft yellow light blooms in front of you, one ball of light slightly pulsing. The cavernous maw fills with light, hundreds of spheres illuminating the curved teeth. ] <img src="light.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[[[>->inside2]]]

<img src="light2.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> We have at last reached our end, our quest is finally achieved. Come, spirit, let me show thee why we came. (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Untying a bag at her waist, she slowly approaches one of the orbs. It drifts lazily into her hand, and she quickly whisks it into the bag. While she works, you ask]] |B>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[What are these lights?]]] \(click-append:?B)+(t8n:'dissolve')[This is our energy. The sun’s light, at the palm of one’s hand. An entire block is sustained for many moons on a single one.] |A>[(font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Where do the lights come from?]]] \(click-append:?A)+(t8n:'dissolve')[They are produced by the fungus as it feeds on the beast. She explains, gesturing to the pale, chalky tubes jutting out from the sides.] |C>[(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[Are we stuck in here?] ] \(click-append:?C)+(t8n:'dissolve')[All I must do is yell, and the maw will open once more, startled!] |D>[(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[Does this…hurt it?]] \(click-append:?D)+(t8n:'dissolve')[Nay, not if you hunt well and graciously. If thou were to use spears or rifles, the beast would be in much pain. As it is, we are merely calming it to slumber.] (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[[[>->inside3]]]

<img src="light3.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[Soon the light dims as Alimon finishes gathering. The maw is only illuminated by the one or two orbs, suspended too high to reach. ]] |B>[(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[Are there more wyrms out there?]] \(click-append:?B)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ Nay, this is the only one right now. There is always one beast at a time, and only inhabits these lands. (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[Her voice seems strained as she explains. ] ] |D>[(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[ How many people are gatherers, like you?] ] \(click-append:?D)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ Tis only I who serves in this manner. I am not used to company on this job, truth be told. (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[She takes a shuddering breath]] ] |E>[(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[How do you know how to do this?]] \(click-append:?E)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ I…did not need to be taught. All my people know some fragments, but what I did not know before was revealed to me once I stepped foot on the sands. (font:"Roboto")[(text-size:1.5)[ A single tear rolls down her cheek, sparkling in the light of the spheres]] ] (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[[[>->inside4]]]

(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[[[What’s wrong?->inside5]]]

|B>[(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[...]] \(click-append:?B)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ |A>[(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[...]] \(click-append:?A)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ Thou must understand, the wyrm used to be one of mine own folk. Living and walking among the 7 cities, just as I once did. But, ach, the gods have bestowed a gift upon us. 3 generations pass, by my mark. By then the Wyrm has been drained of it’s sacred lifeforce, and a new host must be chosen. |C>[(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[A gift? Doesn’t seem like one to me…]] \(click-append:?C)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ Many gifts from the gods seem like burdens. But this is how are cities are built, on the backs of these great beasties. ] |D>[(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[Drained? Are we draining it?]] \(click-append:?D)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ Nay, spirit. The beast is drained by the fungus that feeds on its flesh, and tires it out. The fungus would still produce fuel if there were none to gather it. ] |E>[(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[How does a new host get chosen?]] \(click-append:?E)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ By the gods, of course. They art the beings who weave the strings of our tales. None of mine people know the reason that one is chosen. Some say purity of soul, others piety, or a stalwart spirit. I…..I… (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[Her voice breaks, and tears fill her eyes.] I know not why I was chosen. I am none of those things, yet the fungus grows inside me even now. ] ] ] (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[[[>->inside6]]]

<img src="fungi.png" alt="a traveler in the desert" style="width:840px;height:600px;"> (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[Opening her mouth wide, she pulls the side of her mouth to show you the small fungi growing on the inside. They are far smaller than the ones you see on the wyrm, and they creep backwards all the way down her throat.] |B>[(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[Oh god…I’m so sorry.]] \(click-append:?B)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ Tis not a fault of your own. Nor mine. It…it isn’t something to be s-sorry about, tis the will of the gods ] |C>[(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[Does it…hurt?]] \(click-append:?C)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ Nay, but I feel myself growing weaker with each passing day. When….when the beast fades, so shall I. ] |A>[(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[There has to be a way to fix this, right? Some way to cure it?]] \(click-append:?A)+(t8n:'dissolve') [ Nay, none that we know. Tis a part of me now. ] (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[[[>->inside7]]]

(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[[[I don’t understand. ->inside8]]] (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[[[I hate this! ->inside8]]] (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[[[Is this how it always is? Always has to be? ->inside8]]]

I…do not understand it, myself. I ask many questions to the stars. Why give us a gift that is equally bound with a curse? Why must we mingle the light with the darkness? Why did it have to be me? I have always admired tales of our renown and valiant heroes, long gone, who laid down everything they had for the good of those they loved. But In truth, I am cloven in twain. One part of me is proud to be chosen, proud to sacrifice for my family, my city. Another part grieves for the life I was owed. I can feel myself fading, I can feel the beast weaken. Every time I return to the wyrm, I know I am looking at an ever-closer reflection. And I am scared. But, [[At least I am not alone->end]]

(font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[She places the last light in the bag and closes it. Darkness envelops you, and you can feel yourself drifting away from Alimont. ] Goodbye, little sprite. I know not if thou werst mine own internal spirit or one sent to me, but I thank thee regardless. Thank you. For being with me at the end. (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[[[Goodbye ->coda]]] (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[[[Good luck ->coda]]] (font:"Roboto")+(text-size:1.5)[[[Don’t go! ->coda]]]