Long Legged Larry

Long Legged Larry is quite an average man. |links0>[\ (link: "more about Larry...")[(replace: ?links0)[ Not very small. |links>[\ (link: "more...")[(replace: ?links)[ Not very tall. |links1>[\ (link: "more...")[(replace: ?links1)[ Sometimes he can be a little bit silly. He certainly didn’t have long legs (actually his name is just Larry) ]]]\ ]]]\ ]]] [[continue|Walk in Bog]]

One day, Larry got up very early and went for a walk in the [[bog]]. He thought about how amazing spider’s webs are, and how they give the landscape a soft silky feeling. [[carry on walking the usual way|Stuck in hole]] [[wander over to the fairy fort]]

Ah! Walking in a bog is so relaxing. |links0>[\ (link: "Suddenly...")[(replace: ?links0)[Suddenly, Larry's foot slips into a hole. Oh dear! He pulls his foot out of the gloopy sloopy sludgey boghole. But it didn't come out! |links>[\ (link: "Pull harder")[(replace: ?links)[ He pulls harder. |links1>[\ (link: "Check if that worked")[(replace: ?links1)[ It still hasn't come out. |links2>[\ (link: "Pull even harder")[(replace: ?links2)[ He bends down low, grabs his knee, leans backwards and shouts "c'mon Betsy!" as he gives the most almighty tug. But nothing happens. He is definitely stuck in the bog! ]]]]]]]]] [[Look for somebody to help|Call Paidin]] ]]]

Larry looks across the bog and sees Paidín Murphy cutting turf. He can tell it's Paidín by the way his trousers are almost falling down |links>[\ (link: "Shout to Paidín")[(replace: ?links)[ 'Paidín! Paidín! Give us a hand here, will ye?' 'Ah, Larry, what's goin' on with ye?' Paidín shouted |links1>[(link: "he's as deaf as a post!")[(replace: ?links1)[ 'I'm stuck Paidín, I'm stuck!' Larry shouted back 'You're a duck?' Shouted Paidín. 'I think you're a bit cuck-oo' he said quietly to himself |links2>[(link: "he's as deaf as two posts!")[(replace: ?links2)[ 'No, I'm ssstttuuuccckkk' Larry screamed with his eyes closed. [[continue|Paidín helps]] ]]] ]]] ]]] [[Research Paidín|Paidín]] (set: $LarrySaveStep to (passage:)'s name)

Mary is just finished loading her huge cart with turf - she is going to pull the cart up the mountain with a big chain. She reluctantly makes her way to the gathering crowd. 'Don't worry Larry, Mary is here. She has the strength of ten men!' said Paidín. [[continue|Mary help]] [[Research Mary|Mary]] [[check how Larry is doing]] (set: $lastPassage to (passage:)'s name) (set: $LarrySaveStep to (passage:)'s name)

'I know what to do' said Mary. She takes out her Nokia 6310 and calls her teammates in the [[rugby team]]. 'Once the 14 lads get here, it'll be almost like having another one of me here' she says. [[continue|rugby team help]] (set: $rugbyteam to true)

(if: $hasSuspenders is true)[ An hour later, 14 strong men are tied to Paidín's right arm and Mary is tied to his left arm. Larry holds on tight to Paidín’s amazing suspenders as they all give the most ginormous heave. |links>[\ (link: "Surely, that's done it?")[(replace: ?links)[Still not a budge. [[Encourage Paidín and Mary to do some real creative problem-solving|ask Mary]] ]]] ](else:)[ Oh no! Just when the rugby team are about to free Larry, Paidín's trousers fall down again. You should have researched Paidín a little more scientifically, but maybe just [[have a quick look at him now|suspenders]] ] (set: $lastPassage to (passage:)'s name)

'Michilín, would it be coming over here that ye'd be?' Shouted Paidín. |links>[\ (link: "Check if Michilín is coming")[(replace: ?links)[ 'Ah well now' said Michilín, 'I would not'. Michilín Mór and Rosy the big strong horse were really looking forward to this walk. 'Ah, shure 'tis a grand day for it' said Larry, as he pulled out his pipe. |links1>[\ (link: "Nudge Paidín to check the sky for clouds")[(replace: ?links1)['Indeed it is a grand day!' said Paidín, and he wondered who could help pull Larry out. ]]] [[Research pipe smoking with Larry|Smoke a pipe with Larry]] [[Call Mary]] ]]]

'I have an idea.' said Mary, as she reaches for her phone again. 'Hello [[Kate]]... Oh, that sounds nice. Is it [[Barry's or Lyon's?]] ...Ah, yes, I prefer that one myself too! ...oh, shure lookit now, this country would be dead long ago if it wasn't for the marietta biscuits...' Paidín and Larry look at each other - they aren't sure what Mary is planning. [[continue|Kate chat continue]] [[check how Larry is doing]] (set: $lastPassage to "Kate chat continue") (set: $LarrySaveStep to (passage:)'s name)

Soon, the 55 members of the [[local knitting club|Knitting Club]] arrive in a very large bus, ready for action. Now things get a little complicated here... [[continue|knitters help2]]

But Larry's leg is still stuck. Clickety clack clickety clack go the needles, driving and driving and driving. For each clickety clack they each pull even harder. |links>[\ (link: "continue")[(replace: ?links)[ But there is not a budge from Larry's leg. Clickety clack clickety clack... What on earth would they do? [[call Seán]] [[More tea?|more tea]] ]]]

Little [[Seán]] Murphy had been watching everything for a few minutes. He knew what to do, even though he wasn't even seven years old. Kids know everything! 'Dad? Dad? Dad?' said Seán 'Yes Seán' said [[his Dad|Seán's Dad]], who was very tired from spending all day on the bog getting turf for the winter |links>[\ (link: "continue")[(replace: ?links)[ 'Are tractors really strong?' 'Yes' |links1>[(link: "'Dad?'")[(replace: ?links1)['Dad?' 'Yes Seán?' |links2>[(link: "'Dad...'")[(replace: ?links2)['Dad...' 'Yes Seán?' 'Dad ...are Tractors stronger than Mary?' 'Stronger than Mary? Oh, now that's a hard one Seán. I don't think so!' |links3>[(link: "'Dad?'")[(replace: ?links3)['Dad?' 'Yes Seán' 'Is our tractor stronger than Mary?' [[Assess Tractor|assess tractor]] [[Just give it a go|big bud arrive]] ]]] ]]]]]] ]]] (set: $LarrySaveStep to (passage:)'s name)

'Well now Seán,’ said his Dad proudly, ‘Our tractor is a bit more than a tractor really. Our [[Big Bud]] machine is not really an (text-style: 'smear')[ordinary tractor - it's a huge and powerful machine, and amazing feat of...'] [[Interrupt Dad]] [[Let Dad daydream]] (set: $lastPassage to (passage:)'s name)

Seán and his Dad switch off the engine and climb down from [[Big Bud]]. 'Would it be a helping hand you'd be wanting there?' said Seáns Dad 'Ah no, we're ok' said Kate 'Ok' said Seán's Dad, and he starts climbing back into Big Bud. |links>[\ [[Stand by and see what happens|Larry sinks]] (link: "Interrupt the adults")[(replace: ?links)['But Kate', said Seán 'we could use Big Bud to help pull Larry out!' |links2>[(link: "wow!")[(replace: ?links2)[ Everyone's jaws dropped! What a great idea! (if: $hasChain is true )[\ It's lucky Mary brought her chain with her! |links1>[\ (link: "continue")[(replace: ?links1)[ Within 5 minutes they had the huge steel chain tied to the back of Big Bud. Kate held Seán's hand, and Seán held on to the huge chain. Seán's Dad climbed into Big Bud. [[Help start the massive engine]] ]]] ](else:)[\ If only we had a chain... oh dear, we have no way to make use of this amazing machine... [[continue|Larry sinks]] ] ]]] ]]] (set: $lastPassage to (passage:)'s name)

'Ah, why didn't you say you were stuck!' shouted Paidín, and he made his way over to Larry He grabs onto Larry's arm and pulls and pulls... |links0>[(link: "until...")[(replace: ?links0)[Larry's leg will not budge. Paidín sees Mary on the other side of the bog and takes a deep breath to call her. |links>[(link: "Just then...")[(replace: ?links)[Just then, Michilín Mór ó Shea walks past with Rosy the massive Clydesdale horse. Rosy is so strong, you can see her muscles from 5 miles away. [[Call Michilín Mór]]]]] [[Research Paidín|Paidín]] [[Call Mary]] (set: $LarrySaveStep to (passage:)'s name) ]]]

So Mary grabs Paidín's arm and Paidín grabs Larry's arm. 'One...two...three!' And they all give the most almighty tug until Larry's leg... |links>[\ (link: "surely that's done it?")[(replace: ?links)[...stays exactly where it is. Not one bit did it budge! They try and try again but it will not move. [[Encourage Paidín and Mary to problem solve|ask Mary]] ]]]

Ah shure, some tea is great for a bit of rest! And the ham sandwich just works wonders with it! Would you like [[Barry's or Lyon's?]]? [[Aaahhh that was a lovely break, now let's get back to work!|knitters continue]] [[Maybe just one more cup...|Larry sinks]] (set: $counter to 15) You have |amount>[$counter] seconds left on your tea break! (live: 1s)[ (set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Larry sinks")] (replace: ?amount)[$counter] ] (set: $lastPassage to (passage:)'s name)

'What'll we do Mary?' asks Paidín. 'Oh, I don't know now Paidín' said Mary. Hmmm... [[Remind Mary It'll be dark soon, she better bring in her turf|Mary turf]] (if: $rugbyteam is true)[ [[call Kate]] ](else:)[ [[call rugby team]] ] [[check how Larry is doing]]

(text-style: 'smear')[Just yesterday, Rosy was out in the west field in the beautiful hills. Pure dew droplets sat on the freshest blades of green grass. The stone walls which were built by the strong hands of an Ireland long gone, carefully sheltered the dewdrops from the breeze. |links0>[(link: "In the distance...")[(replace: ?links0)[In the distance, shadows of |links1>[(link: "little fluffy clouds")[(replace: ?links1)[little fluffy clouds (Rosy's favourite song by the Orb!)] ]] drifted over the calm Atlantic ocean, which crawled up to meet the rugged mountains. A man could be seen rowing his currach across the gentle waves, powering home to a warm turf fire in his thatched cottage. As Rosy surveyed the scene, she smiled quietly to herself - a whole three acres of perfect fresh grass, and just Rosy. She ate and ate and ate, enjoying every single bite. Even when her huge belly was full, she ate a bit more. The best day E-V-E-R! ]]] (link-goto: "back", $lastPassage) ]

(text-style: 'shudder')[Now, [[Rosy]]'s belly was feeling a little bit funny, but she didn't mind as she was busy day-dreaming some [[horse dreams]] 'Michilín!' shouted Paidín, 'We're having an awful struggle here, perhaps Rosy could help us?' |links0>[(link: "surely this time?")[(replace: ?links0)[ 'Oh, you're right' said Michilín. 'I never thought of that!' 'There you go now Rosy' said Michilín as he brought Rosy over beside Larry. Rosy knew exactly what to do. She shook her head, dug her feet in, and... [[relaxed and started dreaming|Larry sinks]] [[tensed her muscles and got ready to pull|Rosy Helps]] ]]] ] (set: $lastPassage to (passage:)'s name)

(size: 3)+(transition: 'shudder')[BOOM!] (after: 2s)[(transition: 'shudder')+(t8n-time: 0.5s)[ Rosy let off the BIGGEST fart you have ever heard in your life. All the gas from a field full of grass, exploding in a split second. The clickety clack stopped suddenly as 100 knitting needles flew up in the air in a cloud of brown dust. The wind blew right through Larry, Paidín, Mary, the rugby team, the knitting club, over Seán's head, then flew into Big Bud. It lifted them all at least three foot in the air.] [[continue|Larry Free]] ]

All of them. Including Larry. |links>[\ (link: "continue")[(replace: ?links)[ Including Larry! He was free! His leg was out! |links1>[\ (link: "continue")[(replace: ?links1)[ Rosy didn't feel so funny any more either! [[continue|long leg]] ]] ] ]] ]

Larry was absolutely delighted. He stood up. |links>[\ (link: "continue")[(replace: ?links)[ And then he fell over. With all that pulling, his leg was (text-style: 'expand')[COMPLETELY STRETCHED]. It was way longer than his other leg. |links1>[\ (link: "continue")[(replace: ?links1)[ Little Seán knew exactly what to do again. Do you know what Seán’s next idea was? [[Seán's idea]] ]]] ]]]

‘It’s ok Larry’, said Seán. ‘We’ll just call you Long Legged Larry’. And that’s where ''Long Legged Larry'' got his name! |links>[\ (link: "continue")[(replace: ?links)[ What happened next might surprise you! |links2>[\ (link: "CHAPTER TWO")[(replace: ?links2)[ Well... we haven't written chapter two yet ...but you can always [[START OVER|START]] ]]] ]]]

DOUBLEY DOUBLE [[walking on kerb]]

(text-colour:(hsl:90,0.8039,0.5,0.6))[//(headphones recommended)//] Hello there. Ireland is such a lovely magical place. So many characters ...like [[LARRY]] { (set: $location to "Ballyhadara") (set: $lastPassage to "START") (set: $hasChain to false) (set: $hasTeabags to false) (set: $hasSuspenders to false) (set: $hasChalice to false) (set: $hasOak to false) (set: $hasMap to false) (set: $mapChecks to 0) (set: $hasSock to false) (set: $rugbyteam to false) (set: $hasTimeDevice to false) (set: $timeMovement to 1) (set: $whyCount = 0) (set: $snorkelTrained to false) (set: $LarryUnderground to false) (set: $MHcheck to 0) (set: $LarrySaveStep to "START") (set: $firstFort to true) (set: $researchEnv to false) (set: $researchPeople to false) (set: $researchTime to false) (set: $researchCephlapod to false) }

[[stuck in drain]]

[[call Kate2]]

[[CHAPTER THREE]]

NEVER GO FISHING [[fishing shop]]

[[fishing]]

[[hook ear]]

[[hear china]]

hearing all the way to china? [[CHAPTER FOUR]]

RIGHT RIGHT RIGHT saw [[coin in drain]]

[[caught arm]]

[[call for help]]

[[help impact]]

[[dragging knuckles]]

[[boxing]]

[[world champion]]

[[Pedro from Cuba]]

[[return home]]

[[EPILOGUE]]

epilogue [[THE END]]

You look closely at Mary. You suspect she was born around 1962, and you can see by her stature that she single-handedly removed all the rocks from every field on the remote island she grew up on ...and built 10 foot walls that will weather any storm. |links>[\ (link: "Look even closer..er")[(replace: ?links)[ You note the various "$location Wrestling Champion" badges on her worn collar, but there's too many years to count. Her enormous size surprises you, considering she is just 5ft tall and weighs 45kg. You are impressed with how she seamlessly mixes imperial and metric measurement systems. ]]] (if: $hasChain is true )[\ Mary already picked up the heavy chain - it is amazing how she carries it so easily! ](else:)[\ You notice Mary's chain lying on the ground and [[encourage her to pick it up|chain]] ] [[back|Call Mary]] [[move on|Mary help]]

(if: $hasSuspenders is true )[\ You already assessed Paidín - his memory is terrible though and he just repeats himself every time! ](else:)[\ You scientifically assess Paidín, although it is distracting when his trousers are falling down. ] |links>[\ (link: "Analyze Paidín...")[(replace: ?links)[He's a bit of a handyman - you can tell by the crack of his butt-cheeks that he's a builder AND a plumber - a very rare combination! He's also an engineer and scientist and he loves interior design, cooking, and making playgrounds. A great man to have around the place, despite the cotton wool in his ears! ]]] (if: $hasSuspenders is true )[\ In the past, he used to get an awful slagging about his trousers falling down. These days, he's pretty hot in the most trendy suspenders in $location! [[continue with trendy Paidín|Paidín helps]] ](else:)[\ Unfortunately, his brilliance is masked by his trousers falling down all the time. If only he had some suspenders. [[Help Paidín|suspenders]] [[Continue with naked-butt-Paidín|Paidín helps]] ] (set: $lastPassage to (passage:)'s name)

Kate was the world speed knitting champion in 1976. She would still be world champion today, but she's too busy knitting and drinking tea to bother competing. She once knitted a pair of sunglasses with her left hand and a trendy bikini with her right hand, while playing tennis... on a pogo stick! [[back|call Kate]]

The $location Rugby team never won a match until Mary joined. With Mary on board, they have been all-Ireland club champions every year for the last thirteen years. They don't play in these fancy European competitions sponsored by huge drinks companies, as they don't like foreign sports. [[continue|rugby team help]]

Since the early middle ages, battles have waged in Ireland about which tea is best. Barrys tea is the preferred tipple in most southern areas, while Lyons has prevailed in the north and west. It is believed the destruction of celtic and pagan history and the "cleansing" of the country with a new religion by Saint Patrick was a primary cause for the proliferation of Lyons tea, while the pre-christian goddess Brigit fought to retain the Barrys traditions. (if: $hasTeabags is true)[Ah! Barrys - yer only man! You feel a little less anxious now that you've fetched the teabags from the car (but you won't be drinking that Lyons muck!)] (else:)[Being a wise Barrys drinker, you have some of both types of teabags back in the car. In the interests of potential conflict resolution, you might |getTeabags>[(link: "fetch them")[(replace: ?getTeabags)[ (set: $hasTeabags to true) fetch them. Ah! Barrys - yer only man! You feel a little less anxious now that you've fetched the teabags from the car (but you won't be drinking that Lyons muck!) ]]] ] |aboutPatrick>[(link: "Research Saint Patrick")[(replace: ?aboutPatrick)[ Many believe St Patrick drove snakes out of Ireland, but he was actually a Lyons man. He used his considerable resources to drive Barrys out of Ireland, and his sociopathic nature was instrumental in destroying ancient legends and traditions, while desecrating prehistoric monuments across the land. He had dramatic success for many centuries, although that success has waned in recent times as scandals around his drinking and nefarious behaviour have come to light. ]]] |aboutBrigit>[(link: "Research Brigit")[(replace: ?aboutBrigit)[ Brigit was really into her Barrys tea. She was a legendary strong woman in pre-christian celtic Ireland, rising to prominence and power in a male dominated society, but always working selfishly for the benefit of her community and people. A true Goddess. It is believed she was a daughter of [[Dagda]]. Unfortunately, St. Patrick was a bit of a jerk - he destroyed her traditions, appropriated her name and replaced her legend with a pathetic cross-weaving "St Brigid", while almost eradicating Barrys tea from history.]]] (link-goto: "continue", $lastPassage)

The $location Knitting Club are a funny bunch, they would have you in stitches with all their jokes. They have coined many internationally recognised terms, like "frogging" |links0>[\ (link: "(frogging?)")[(replace: ?links0)[(yah, it was when Bridie un-knitted a pair of legwarmers in mid air while jumping over Susan who was holding six kettles full of boiling water).]]] One time, they knitted the entire village of $location in sparkley pink wool - even the traffic lights (there were a lot of car crashes that day!). [[Oisín and Sheila]] were probably their wackiest members, but [[Moira and Bridget]] were very scientific. [[continue|knitters help2]] [[check how Larry is doing]] (set: $knitResearch to true)

Seán was only six years old, but he knew how to ask questions. His favourite question, since he was three years old, was "Why?" [[why?]] [[back|call Seán]] (set: $whyCount = 0)

Big Bud 747 is a massive tractor first built in 1977. It has a 16 cylinder 16V92T diesel engine which gives it 1100 horsepower, and it is 28 feet long and 20 feet wide. Each wheel is 8 foot tall! Did I tell you it weighs about 95,000 lbs? That's heavier than your granny's pinkie! It even has air conditioning and an AM radio! MENTAL!!! (link-goto: "back", $lastPassage)

Sean's dad could have been a musician and poet. He could have written elaborate stories, and he could have been the president of Ireland, but he didn't do any of those things. |about1>[(link: "He worked...")[(replace: ?about1)[He worked hard on the farm and dreamt of all the things he didn't do. He came up with excuses and reasons why he didn't do things - too old, too late, could have done it last year, too tired, nobody would want that, and more endless reasons.]]] It's a pity he wasn't as wise as you, |about2>[(link: "knowing...")[(replace: ?about2)[knowing that you have one life and you better act now, bravely just doing what you want to do.]]] (link: 'continue')[ (goto: (history:)'s last) ]

(text-style: 'shudder')[Clydesdale horses are bigger and stronger than most other horses, but Rosy is the strongest Clydesdale horse ever! Although Clydesdale horses usually live for only 25 years, Michilín Mór remembers Rosy working hard almost 70 years ago. Because she worked so hard, nobody minded if she went off for some [[horse dreams]] occasionally. Some say Clydesdale horses were bred in Scotland for heavy work, but who knows what happened to the horse from the story of Oisín and Tír na Nóg? That's right! Nobody knows! Can you guess? [[okay|Call Rosy]] (set: $lastPassage to (passage:)'s name) ]

The knitters set up tables with lovely hot flasks of tea, scones and jam, sponge cakes, cream buns and loads of other yummy stuff. They had a great view of all around them and made sure everything was absolutely perfect before sitting down on their precision engineered knitted camping chairs. 'We're ready now' they all said, after 30 minutes. [[continue|knitter start]] (text-colour:(hsl:0,0,0.5333,0.55))[ (if: $knitResearch is true)[] (else:)[ Step back and research [[Knitting Club]] ] ]

Oisín and Sheila O'Shaughnessy were some of the most famous knitters in $location Knitting Club after they knitted the longest and strongest and wrongest scarf ever. The scarf stretched from their house all the way to the village, and they used it as a slide to get to the shop quickly. It was made with snot and earwax coloured wool - nobody knew why! (link: 'back')[ (goto: (history:)'s last) ]

Moira and Bridget worked for twenty years with NASA's most famous engineers like Mae C. Jemison. Moira thought that Margaret Hamilton's code for the Apollo mission was a bit small. |links1>[(link: "They designed...")[(replace: ?links1)[They designed and knitted the lining for all spacesuits worn by astronauts since 1985. |links2>[(link: "In 1997,")[(replace: ?links2)[In 1997, when a black hole was created by the $location supercollider, they knitted the physics-defying containment field which saved the village (...and the planet ...and the universe!) ]]] ]]] |about3>[(link: "check out Moira's house")[(replace: ?about3)[ You sneak into Moira's house and snoop around. The walls are covered with hexadecimal and binary coded knitting patterns. You see a few items of interest [[Look under purple teapot|get time device]] (if: $hasSock is true)[ |links4>[(link: "Discard sock")[(replace: ?links4)[You unzip your pocket and try to throw away the sock, but it sticks to your hand. Eeeeww! Gross! You scrape it off your hand and just leave it in your pocket.]]] ] (else:)[ |links4a>[(link: "pick up sock")[(replace: ?links4a)[ You pick up the sock, but wait... It's a dirty smelly sock! You see big toenail clippings sticking out of it! OMG! This sock REALLY stinks - you can hardly breathe now that you disturbed it!!! |links4b>[[[give it a big sniff|Good night]] (link: "drop the sock and back away quickly")[(replace: ?links4b) [You drop the sock but there's still a cheesy smell on your fingers - you try to ignore it (set: $hasSock to false)]] (link: "stick it in your pocket")[(replace: ?links4b)[ You shove the sock in your pocket and zip it up to keep the smell in. Your fingers feel a bit sticky now. (set: $hasSock to true) |links4c>[(link: "Discard sock")[(replace: ?links4c)[You unzip your pocket and try to throw away the sock, but it sticks to your hand. Eeeeww! Gross! You scrape it off your hand and just leave it in your pocket.]]] ]]] ]]] ] |links5>[(link: "fix messy cushions on couch")[(replace: ?links5)[ Oh there's nothing worse than messy cushions on a couch! You carefully fluff them all up and organise them neatly, so everything looks lovely and tidy. I guess you couldn't have known that Moira was one cushion away from finally figuring out [[chaos theory]] (link: "put the cushions back before something bad happens")[(replace: ?links5)[Phew, the cushions are back exactly as they were now - that was close!] ]]]] [[continue|knitters help2]] ]]]

'But Daaaad...' 'Yes Seán?' 'Daaaaad ...is it stronger than Mary?' asked Seán 'Well, it would be close' said his Dad, 'but maybe... just maybe...'. And Seán's Dad's eyes glazed over as he (text-style: 'smear')[thought of the glory of the shining trophy that he won for [[bog snorkeling]] when he was younger, and he was thinking that maybe...] |links>[\ [[Let Dad waffle on|Let Dad daydream]] (link: "Interrupt Dad")[(replace: ?links)['Dad!?' 'Yes. Seán.' 'Could we use our tractor to help get Larry's leg out of that hole?' 'That's a great idea Seán! It was getting very difficult driving around all those ladies with their knitting anyway'. He turned the steering wheel again to avoid squishing Maureen, who was nearly finished her 5th Aran jumper. [[continue|big bud arrive]] ]] ]

(text-style: 'shudder')[ Big Bud's engine roars and screams. It is so loud... but the clickety clack noise of knitting needles is even louder. They all pull and pull, but nothing. Nothing! Paidín, Mary, the rugby team, the knitting club, Seán and Big Bud... |links0>[(link: "this will definitely work!")[(replace: ?links0)[ and still not a budge from Larry's leg. But did they give up? |links>[\ [[Yes|Good night]] (link: "No")[(replace: ?links)[ You bet they didn't! They pull as fast and as hard as clickety clack for hours and hours. They were still pulling when Michilín Mór walked past again with Rosy the Clydesdale horse. [[Call Rosy]] ]]] ]]] ] (set: $LarrySaveStep to (passage:)'s name)

#Oh No! With no sense of urgency, there's no way to get plain old Larry out - things are not looking good! His strength wanes slowly as the dark of night creeps in. The freezing weather causes him to gradually lose consciousness. (if: $MHcheck >= 8 )[Luckily, you've provided emotional support $MHcheck times, so he remains calm as the bog slowly pulls him down to dark murky depths]\ (else:)[Without enough emotional support, he flails in panic and the movement causes him to sink faster into the dark murky depths.] He may never be seen again, but you can be sure he will be very well preserved! [[Back to start and Try again|START]] [[give up|Good night]] [[Never give up]] (set: $LarryUnderground to true)

THE END All good stories must end some time. When some people get to the end, they might... [[START OVER|START]] (text-colour:(hsl:0,0,1,0.75))[ (if: $notFirstTry is true)[Hint: { (set: $failcount to it+1) (if: $failcount is 2)[Seriously though, save Larry!] (else-if: $failcount is 3)[Maybe you should do some research next time?] (else-if: $failcount < 6)[Ok, do some research but don't get distracted too much from actually saving Larry] (else-if: $failcount < 7)[You're going to need everyone you can find to help save Larry] (else-if: $failcount < 8)[I've no idea what you're doing! Maybe just minimise the tea breaks and get on with the job?] (else-if: $failcount < 10)[When religion doesn't help, you should stick to the science] (else-if: $failcount < 11)[There's probably not much point swimming around to save Larry if you don't have a time travelling device - nobody is going to wait around that long - there's turf to be brought in.] (else-if: $failcount < 12)[You don't have to time travel if you make the right choices first time... but if you have a time travelling device it could be useful] (else-if: $failcount < 13)[If you pause time, there's a chance you could pause yourself and be stuck for all eternity] (else-if: $failcount < 14)[I'm guessing now, but I suspect -1 on a time travelling device is probably a setting to return to the recent past] (else-if: $failcount < 15)[I'm not sure that to say... maybe a magic map would work under water?] (else:)[Wow! $failcount tries and you still haven't saved Larry! Maybe just stay focused on the task - research characters, pick up things, don't get distracted with daydreams and make sure Rosy doesn't relax... I don't have time to give you any more hints... seriously!!] } (if: $distantFuture is true)[ Ah, I see you've been to the distant future - that's fun but you didn't save Larry. It's well established in time travelling circles that going too far into the future is irreversible as the potential permutations of reality are incalculable] (if: $hasChain is false and $failcount > 3)[ PS: Why don't you have a chain yet?] ] (else:) [ (set: $failcount to 1) (set: $notFirstTry to true) You haven't earned any hints yet] ] (text-style: 'smear')[//All audio and images by Brendan Tuite, unless otherwise credited on image// ]

(text-style: 'smear')[Why back in... ] Oh no! We've forgotten about Larry!!! [[continue|Larry sinks]]

Larry leans his elbow on his knee as his hand helps his lips caress the worn pipe bit. He got a new stummel for it only a month ago, and it has been a pleasure since. |links>[(link: "The flame...")[(replace: ?links)[The flame approaches the pipe weed and you see the yellow glow. The sweet smell of pipe weed quickly wafts through the air to you. (text-style: 'blur')[A sense of calm comes over you, |links1>[(link: "it could be...")[(replace: ?links1)[it could be a good time to [[check how Larry is doing]], but there's also a niggling feeling that maybe you should [[Call Mary]] But all you really want to do is just relax here and [[do more smokey research|smoke another pipe with Larry]]] ]]] ]]]

Mary picks up the heavy chain and wraps it around her shoulder - that might come in handy! It looks like high quality Sheffield Steel, so that's reassuring in an age of low grade unreliable steel flooding the market. [[back|Mary]] [[continue|Mary help]] (set: $hasChain to true)

It is fortuitous that your primary occupation is a suspender salesperson! |links>[(link: "Show Paidín your products")[(replace: ?links)[ Amongst your selection of premium suspenders sits a brilliant pink pair with purple unicorns, rainbows and sparkles. Paidín jumps for joy and buys them off you immediately. <img class="fit-picture" src="images\suspenders.png" alt="Pink suspenders with purple unicorns, rainbows and sparkles"> You didn't even need to highlight the benefits of the super strong "no fail" feature. (link-goto: "continue", $lastPassage) ]]] (set: $hasSuspenders to true)

Dagda was a king, a druid and a god. One of the Tuatha Dé Danann, legend suggests he was... Seriously!? Larry is stuck in a cold bog and all you can do is read stuff about Irish legends? There is a time for that, but now is clearly not the time! [[continue|Larry sinks]]

'...yes, in the bog... no... we're all right for tea at the moment... well I'm not sure about knitting, but perhaps you could... oh.. yes... yes... uhuh... yes... ah shure... yes... that many?... ahem... oh...', Mary continued |links0>[\ (link: "continue")[(replace: ?links0)[ and on it goes for forty seven and a half minutes. |links1>[(link: "until...")[(replace: ?links1)[ bye... bye... bye... yes.. bye now... |links2>[(link: "bye...")[(replace: ?links2)[bye... bye.. yes... ok... |links3>[(link: "Oh I know!")[(replace: ?links3)[Oh I know! oh really... bye... |links4>[(link: "Oh yes, bye...")[(replace: ?links4)[Oh yes, bye... bye... |links5>[(link: "bye bye...")[(replace: ?links5)[bye bye |links6>[(link: "bye...")[(replace: ?links6)[bye...]]] ]]]]]]]]]]]] ]]] [[teach Mary how to hang up a phone|knitters help1]] (set: $lastpassage to (passage:)'s name) ]]]

Oisín and Sheila use a single piece of wool to tie themselves to the rugby team (who are tied to Paidín's right arm) |links>[\ (link: "ok")[(replace: ?links)[Moira and Bridget use their custom engineered high-tensile scarves to tie themselves to Mary (who is tied to Paidín's left arm), |links1>[\ (link: "ok")[(replace: ?links1)[and Kate, the fastest knitter of all, ties herself to Shiela and Bridget. |links2>[\ (link: "eh, that's confusing... wait... ah, ok")[(replace: ?links2)[ Larry holds on to Paidín's unicorn princess suspenders and they all get ready to pull. But there was something else to do first! [[The knitting club had to get ready|knitter setup]] ]]] ]]] ]]]

'I'm ready too!' said Larry, who was getting just a little bit cold. |links>[\ (link: "clickety clack...")[(replace: ?links)[ To the clickety clack clickety clack sound of one hundred knitting needles, everyone gives the most almighty tug. Clickety clack clickety clack clickety clack... the knitting is like a train, driving them onwards, giving everyone energy. Larry is sure something happened. [[Oh I'm tired - anyone for a cup of tea?|have a cup of tea]] [[We have to save Larry - keep knitting everyone!|knitters continue]] ]]] (set: $LarrySaveStep to (passage:)'s name)

(text-style: 'smear')[ There's a huge cloud of smoke and you both forget what it was you were doing.] (text-style: 'blurrier')[ You fall asleep and can't even hear what Paidín and Michilín Mór are saying. [[continue|Larry sinks]] ]

More tea? Seriously? [[continue|Larry sinks]]

Bogs in Ireland are beautiful - so many lovely flowers and wildlife. Even the spiders are beautiful, and their webs are absolutely amazing. (link: 'back')[ (goto: (history:)'s last) ] <img src="images\bogwebs.jpg" align="center" alt="Cobwebs in Girley Bog (BT, 2013)">

You climb up and turn the key as Seán's dad stares into the horizon. [[continue|engine start]] [[check how Larry is doing]]

Oh, so now you want to save Larry? It would be so much easier if you got him out before he sank! Maybe you could just [[throw a lifebouy into the boghole]]? (if: $snorkelTrained is true)[Although don't forget you've become a proficient bog snorkeler, so you could gear up again and [[dive in to save Larry]]] (else:)[Unfortunately, you haven't been trained in bog snorkelling, but you could always strip down to your knickers and [[dive in to save Larry]]] |checkmap>[Check the map] (mouseover-replace: ?checkmap)[(display: "check the map")] |checktime>[Change Time] (mouseover-replace: ?checktime)[(display: "change time")]

The world bog snorkelling championship was first held in 1985, after somebody in Wales came up with the idea in a pub in 1976. The competitors have to swim over 100metres using just their flippers. Some people compete on bicycles! [[Try bog snorkelling]] [[Yeuch! No way!|Interrupt Dad]]

You grab Sean's dad's snorkel gear from Big Bud. |links>[\ [[look in and decide it's just not for you|bog snorkeling]] (link: "Gear up")[(replace: ?links)[ You squeeze into the skintight togs, flipper up, and get the snorkel and googles in position. |links2>[\ (link: "Dive in")[(replace: ?links2)[ You consider diving in, but it's much more sensible to just slide in with a schloopy sound... eeewww... gross! You've become a good Bog Snorkler, but unfortunately [[you forgot about Larry!|Larry sinks]] ]]] ]]] (set: $snorkelTrained to true)

(set: $MHcheck to it + 1) (if: $MHcheck <= 3 )[\ You look Larry in the eye and ask him how he's doing. (if: $MHcheck is 1 )[You get the usual "grand" response so he must be fine, so you carry on with the logistics]\ (else-if: $MHcheck is 2 )[He sticks with the "grand" response, but you see some uncertainty in his eyes. You carry on with the logistics]\ (else:) [He says "grand" again but you know it means he doesn't feel comfortable talking. You reassure him that you'll help him]\ ]\ (else-if: $MHcheck <= 5 ) [\ You position yourself beside Larry to avoid eye contact and ask him how he's doing. (if: $MHcheck is 4 )[You still get a "grand" but you sense that he's thinking about labeling his emotions]\ (else:)[Your attentive and caring nature elicits dramatic progress as Larry gets in touch with his emotions and responds "Ah shure, lookit, things could be better, to be sure"]\ ]\ (else:) [\ From your position beside Larry, you follow his line of sight and have a conversation about the scene before you. (if: $MHcheck is 6 )[You casually relate the view to life's challenges and Larry opens up a little about how he's feeling. He's a little anxious about his current predicament but seems in good spirits]\ (else-if: $MHcheck is 7 )[You gain a little more insight into the causes of his anxiety, and you have a think about how to help him]\ (else:)[Your constant support and open conversational style help Larry to feel more secure and less anxious about his situation, and his underlying positive disposition looks like it will see him through any challenge.]\ ]\ (link: 'back')[ (goto: (history:)'s last) ]

=><= (text-colour:grey)[//LONG LEGGED LARRY//] { (if: (passage:)'s tags contains "Intro")[ <audio autoplay loop> <source src= "audio/ambiencepleasant.wav" type="audio/wav"> </audio>] (else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "Magic")[ <audio src= "audio/ambiencemagic.wav" autoplay loop></audio>] (else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "Dream")[ <audio src= "audio/ambiencemagic.wav" autoplay loop></audio>] (else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "Knit")[ <audio autoplay loop> <source src= "audio/knit.wav" type="audio/wav"> </audio>] (else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "KnitEngine")[ <audio autoplay loop> <source src= "audio/knitengine.wav" type="audio/wav"> </audio>] (else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "Celtic")[ <audio src= "audio/ambienceceltic.wav" autoplay loop></audio>] (else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "Science")[ <audio src= "audio/ambiencescience.wav" autoplay loop></audio>] (else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "Rosyhelp")[ <audio src= "audio/ambiencefart.wav" autoplay></audio>] (else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "Future1")[ <audio src= "audio/ambiencefuture1.wav" autoplay></audio>] (else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "Futurenear")[ <audio src= "audio/ambiencedesolate.wav" autoplay></audio>] (else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "Distantpast")[ <audio src= "audio/ambiencedesolate.wav" autoplay></audio>] (else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "Future")[ <audio src= "audio/ambiencefuture.wav" autoplay loop></audio>] (else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "Underground")[ <audio src= "audio/underwater.wav" autoplay></audio>] (else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "Bogslurp")[ <audio src= "audio/ambiencebog.wav" autoplay></audio>] (else:)[ <audio src= "audio/ambiencepleasant.wav" autoplay loop></audio>] }

Pure darkness surrounds you. The chances of finding Larry are slim. You take a deep breath and [[go deeper]] [[swim in well planned circles]]

You swim down deep into the boghole and search for Larry [[swim in descending spirals|swim spiral]] [[swim in diagonal lines|swim diagonal]]

You swim around, but there's nothing there but darkness. Should you [[go deeper]], [[swim in bigger circles]] or [[get more air]]?

You swim in descending spirals to cover more ground. As the bog gets gloopier, your hand touches something firm... (if: $hasChalice is false)[It feels like a cup (set: $hasChalice to true)] (else:) [It's just some bog oak that's been there for 10,000 years (set: $hasOak to true)] You grab it and... [[get more air]] [[keep swimming]]

You found something a bit like a body. It seems to have jewellery on it. [[brush it off]] [[check to see if it's Larry]] [[get more air before investigating|get more air]] [[Take jewellery]]

After you recover from the fright, you hear a low moaning sound. It seems a little scary, but then you hear a faint voice saying [["aye"|Find Larry]]

You brush it off and swim deeper and deeper What was that thing we needed to do? [[check|run out of air]]

You poke it in the eye to check if it's Larry, and you hear a muffled squelch through the water. eeeewww! |links>[\ (link: "Is it?")[(replace: ?links)[Nah, it's something very old. It does look a bit like you, but you ignore it and [[continue to swim in diagonal lines|swim diagonal]] ]]]

As you sink down, you feel something like a foot rub off your back, but it's too late. You [[run out of air|Good night]]

Your head emerges from the gloopy bog like a mud monster. |links>[\ [[Take a deep breath]] (link: "Check for mud before taking a breath")[(replace: ?links)[ You blow out your snorkel to clear it before taking a few deep breaths. Right then, what next? |links1>[\ (link: "wipe your eyes")[(replace: ?links1)[\ (if: $hasChalice is true)[Wow! that cup in your hand looks like an ornate chalice thousands of years old - way better than the Ardagh Chalice!] (if: $hasOak is true)[...and that Oak branch looks like it could defend against an Orc invasion... if you were a dwarf maybe]\ (if: $hasChalice is false and $hasOak is false)[Not much to see here]\ ]]] [[Dive in again|go deeper]] [[Give up and get out|Good night]] ]]]

(text-style: 'smear')[You stop fighting all the challenges and just relax. You're not sure what happened to Larry, or anybody else, but it doesn't really matter right now. You close your eyes gently and let the lovely feeling of sleep wash over you. Good night. [[THE END]] ]

You grab the jewellery, but [[something grabs your hand!|hand grab]]

You take a huge breath, but all you get is mud. You can't breathe mud! You think of solving the problem, but then you just [[relax|Good night]]

You've found Larry! You drag him back up to the surface and climb out quickly. You bend down and |links>[\ (link: "pull him out")[(replace: ?links)[pull him out. Oh no! His leg is still stuck!! But you've been in that hole for nearly two days now, everyone is gone home Oh well, we better go to bed now and try again tomorrow - [[Good night]] |checktime>[Change Time] (mouseover-replace: ?checktime)[(display: "change time")] ]]]

You throw a lifebouy into the boghole, but it just sits there, floating. (link: 'back')[ (goto: (history:)'s last) ]

You keep swimming, but what was that thing humans need to survive? Can't remember? Oh well, use some air from your snorkel and [[swim in well planned circles]] or [[swim aimlessly|run out of air]]

You swim around in bigger circles, and you occassionally see pieces of bog muck that seem familiar. You [[keep swimming in circles|swim in well planned circles]]

You lift up the teapot and see a strange and complicated device. It is relatively small and seems to fit your hand comfortably. It has a little dial. |links0>[\ (link: "leave it there")[ (goto: (history:)'s last) ] (link: "pick it up")[(replace: ?links0)[ You pick up the device and study it carefully. It appears to be a time travelling device, with limited controls. (set: $hasTimeDevice to true) |checktime>[Change Time] (mouseover-replace: ?checktime)[(display: "change time")] ]]]

=><= (text-colour:grey)[ ]

Larry remembers all the stories of [[fairy forts]], and how silly people got stuck walking in circles for days. He was never here for the sunrise before. The sunrise on a spring equinox is always amazing. [[continue|init falling]] <img src="images\sunrise_equinox.jpg" align="center" alt="Equinox sunrise LoughCrew, Meath">

(text-style: 'smear')[As he gets closer he sees the man leaning against a farm gate chewing a piece of grass. He stands silently with his eyes hidden under his peaked cap. He doesn't respond to Larry's approach or greetings. |links0>[ (link: "ask for directions") [(replace: ?links0)[ Larry asks for directions and the man springs into animated excitement with detailed directions... |checkdirection>[check directions] (mouseover-replace: ?checkdirection)[(display: "directions")] |links1>[(link: "ignore his directions")[(replace: ?links1)[ [Larry ignores the man's directions because he knows better. He walks around for hours before he sees another man at a familiar looking gate. He asks for directions again... ] |checkdirection1>[check directions] (mouseover-replace: ?checkdirection1)[(display: "directions")] ]]] [[follow his directions]] ]]] ]

(text-style: 'smear')[As he walks, Larry slowly makes sense of the directions, but he's at the sea before he figures it out. He's not sure what to do |choices>[[turn back]<opta| [continue to follow the directions]<opta| (click: ?opta)[(replace: ?choices)[It's so long ago now, he's not sure what the directions were. He reaches a hawthorne tree - it seems familiar. |choices1>[[turn left]<optb| [follow the directions]<optb| (click: ?optb)[(replace: ?choices1)[Larry reaches a gate and hops over it spritely five times. His feet hit the road and he sees a fairy fort in the distance |links0>[(link: "wander over to the fairy fort")[(replace: ?links0)[ The sun is nearly up now, so it's not quite so blinding as he approaches the strangely familiar fairy fort. He feels another dizzy spell coming on... (set: $firstFort to false) [[sit and wait for dawn|start falling]] [[power on ahead|falls up]] ]]] ] ]] ] ]] ]

(text-style: 'smear')[Larry falls forever again and everything turns upside down... is he falling up?] He's back in his familiar bog - those fairy forts really are crazy things! He [[continues on his walk|Stuck in hole]]

Fairy forts are the remains of circular forts, hillforts or prehistoric dwellings in Ireland. |aboutArch>[(link: "Crazy archeologists believe...")[(replace: ?aboutArch)[Crazy archeologists believe they were built by humans, and the folklore about supernatural things can't be believed.]]] |aboutSens>[(link: "Sensible People...")[(replace: ?aboutSens)[Sensible people appreciate that it would be impossible for humans to build nearly 40,000 forts all over Ireland!]]] |aboutAny>[(link: "Anybody...")[(replace: ?aboutAny)[Anybody who's anybody knows somebody who knows somebody who told nobody about getting stuck in a fairy fort overnight (usually on a Saturday night).]]] (link: 'back')[ (goto: (history:)'s last) ]

You pick up the sock, but wait... It's a dirty smelly sock! You see big toenail clippings sticking out of it! OMG! This sock REALLY stinks - you can hardly breathe now that you disturbed it!!! |links1>[ [[drop the sock and back away quickly|Moira and Bridget]] [[give it a big sniff|Good night]] (link: "stick it in your pocket")[(replace: ?links1)[ You shove the sock in your pocket and zip it up to keep the smell in. Your fingers feel a bit sticky now, but you [[continue looking around Moira's house|Moira and Bridget]] (set: $hasSock to true) ]]]

Chaos theory, in mechanics and mathematics, the study of apparently random or unpredictable behaviour in systems governed by deterministic laws. A more accurate term, deterministic chaos, suggests a paradox because it connects two notions that are familiar and commonly regarded as incompatible. |links1>[(link: "eh... that makes no sense...")[(replace: ?links1)[ That means Moira liked to see if the messy couch changes the way she sat, but the importance of cushions was grossly underestimated |links2>[(link: "Your interference...")[(replace: ?links2)[ Your interference has caused a cascade of unexpected but logical impacts, which casts you into an [[unexpected place|distant future]] ]]] ]]]

(if: $hasTimeDevice is true)[ You pull the time device out of your pocket. (if: $timeMovement is -1)[It appears to be not set, or it's maybe pointing at 1... it's so confusing!] (else:)[It is set to $timeMovement.] |choices>[[Set to -2]<opta| [Set to -1]<optb| [Set to Zero]<optc| [Set to 2]<optd| [Set to 3]<opte| ] (click: ?opta)[ (set: $timeMovement to -2) (replace: ?choices)[You change the setting to $timeMovement. Time races backwards in a blur, you get dizzy and [[black out]] ] ] (click: ?optb)[ (set: $timeMovement to -1) (replace: ?choices)[You change the setting to $timeMovement and time feels like it's gone backwards. Your memories of the future are erased, so the next logical thing to do would be... (link-goto: $LarrySaveStep)] ] (click: ?optc)[ (set: $timeMovement to 0) (replace: ?choices)[You change the setting to $timeMovement. You pause time - that could be helpful for getting things done while nobody is looking... except this device was created with knitting needles and there's no operator safety bubble, so you've paused yourself.. sigh... [[Start over|START]] ] ] (click: ?optd)[ (set: $timeMovement to 2) (replace: ?choices)[You change the setting to $timeMovement. Time seems to jump forward in a blur, and the little oak trees you remember around the bog are now massive - it's hard to tell what year it is without [[more research|50 years later]]] ] (click: ?opte)[ (set: $timeMovement to 3) (replace: ?choices)[You change the setting to $timeMovement and everything races past as you move uncontrollably into the [[distant future]]] ] ] (else:)[Jee, it'd be handy to have some sort of scientific device to manipulate time]

{ (set: $currDate to (current-date:)) (set: $storyDate to (substring: $currDate, 1,11) + "1" + (substring: $currDate, 12,15)) } You are catapulted uncontrollably into the future. There is nobody around and pieces of paper drift by in the wind. |about1>[(link: "Grab some paper")[(replace: ?about1)[ Interesting, the piece of paper has the date on it... #$storyDate Hmmm... something isn't right there... ]]] |about2>[(link: "Look around")[(replace: ?about2)[ You look around, and there's nothing in particular anywhere. The light does seem a bit strange though. |about3>[(link: "Look up")[(replace: ?about3)[ (go-to: "look up") ]] or (link: "Put on sunglasses")[(replace: ?about3)[ You put on your sunglasses and it helps you to ignore what's happening. There's some strange noises though. |about4>[(link: "Look up")[(replace: ?about4)[(go-to: "look up") ]] or (link: "put on earmuffs")[(replace: ?about4)[You put on ear muffs to block out all sound, but then you start to get strange smells. |about5>[(link: "Look up")[(replace: ?about5)[(go-to: "look up") ]] or (link: "hold your nose")[(replace: ?about5)[You hold your nose and avoid breathing, but then you notice the hairs on the back of your arm standing up. |about6>[(link: "Look up")[(replace: ?about6)[(go-to: "look up") ]] or (link: "ignore all your senses")[(replace: ?about6)[You hold your nose and avoid breathing, but then you notice the hairs on the back of your arm standing up. [[continue|ignore all your senses]] ] ]]] ]]] ]]] ]]] ]] (set: $distantFuture to true)

You wake up beside a huge lake which is almost completely filled with vegetation. Something seems familiar, but maybe it's just the rain? You think you see dark shadows of people in the distance. [[Analyze environment]] [[Study people]] [[Research time]] (set: $researchEnv to false) (set: $researchPeople to false) (set: $researchTime to false)

(set: $researchEnv to true) Hmm... it seems the vegetation is growing rapidly and there are many layers of decaying matter on the ground. Your brilliant scientific mind comes in handy |links0>[(link: "learn more")[(replace: ?links0)[ Is this a story or an encyclopedia? Anyway, you determine that this is a critical moment in a time of bog formation - luckily you remember that lesson in school where a lake gradually fills with vegetation until it becomes a bog. (if: $researchPeople is false)[ [[Study people]] ] (if: $researchTime is false)[ [[Research time]] ] (if: $researchPeople is true and $researchEnv is true and $researchTime is true) [ [[What else can this time device do?|return to your time]] ] ]]]

You move carefully towards the people and then watch them from behind a rock. They are walking funny, like they've got a limp. |links0>[(link: "On closer inspection...")[(replace: ?links0)[On closer inspection, it appears that they each have one leg longer than the other. Your deep analysis notes that the affected leg is not consistently left or right This leads to |links1>[(link: "one logical conclusion...")[(replace: ?links1)[one logical conclusion... ...that the long-leggedness is caused by environmental factors rather than genetic factors. |links2>[(link: "You realise...")[(replace: ?links2)[You realise there is no music streaming service available here, so you get very bored. (if: $researchTime is false)[ [[Research time]] ] (if: $researchEnv is false)[ [[Analyze environment]] ] (if: $researchPeople is true and $researchEnv is true and $researchTime is true) [ [[What else can this time device do?|return to your time]] ] ]]]]]]]]] (set: $researchPeople to true)

You look up to see a some strange blue light above you... |links0>[(link: "Look closer...")[(replace: ?links0)[You notice something moving in the light. (after: 1s)[(transition: 'flicker')+(t8n-time: 4s)[ Do you see it or is it your eyes playing tricks on you?]] (after: 5s)[(transition: "dissolve")+(t8n-time: 9s)[ |links1>[(link: "Look even closer...")[(replace: ?links1)[ (after: 2s)[(transition: "dissolve")+(t8n-time: 9s)[ That really hurts your eyes, but you see shapes resembling worms... or is it snakes... or... |links2>[(link: "Look ridiculously closer...ly...")[(replace: ?links2)[ Oh no! It's... [[AN INVASION!!!|cephalopod invasion]] ]]] ]]] ]]] ]] ]]

A cephlapod invasion!! |about1>[(link: "But wait, what's a cephlapod?")[(replace: ?about1)[ (set: $researchCephlapod to true) According to Oxford languages, "cephalopod" is a noun for "an active predatory mollusc of the large class Cephalopoda, such as an octopus or squid" Wow, there were over 800 species of cephalopod with new ones being identified regularly. The biggest one is the colossal squid at 14 metres - well, I guess it used to be! They are exclusively marine animals it seems, so we can guess that this huge inter-dimensional beast in the sky is probably a newly identified species.]]] |act1>[(link: "run away screaming")[(replace: ?act1)[ You run as fast as you can. Your super high pitch scream can be heard for miles, and you hear another loud sound... sort of like a laser gun and you feel something warm behind you... or maybe it's hot... You turn arou... [[THE END]] ]] or (link: "sneak away quietly")[(replace: ?act1)[ Phew! You get away and hide behind a big rock. Thousands of cephalopods arrive, they set up machines and start harvesting peat from the bog. [[call the army]] |act3>[(link: "call for Rosy")[(replace: ?act3)[You call Rosy, but she's long dead and buried... or probably not actually, she's probably just on holidays. ]]] ]]]

You ignore all your senses, and enjoy the relaxing feeling of isolation. Well, for a little while... ...until something big and smelly and noisy squishes you into a flat pancake. [[THE END]]

You call the army (how did you even do that?) and they arrive to fight off the invaders Now, the Irish army isn't very big, but they are noted for their great fighting spirit, like in the |about1>[(link: "Siege of Jadotville")[(replace: ?about1)[Siege of Jadotville //(In September 1961 a small group of only 155 Irish soldiers repelled attacks by an army of 3,000 for five days. They eventually had to surrender after running out of ammunition and water. None of the Irish soldiers died, but they killed 300 attackers and injured another 1,000. The Irish government treated their soldiers really badly afterwards, probably because they had to surrender, and it was 2017 before the Irish government finally honoured them. That was a long time ago though, way before the great octopus slaughter training programmes of 2023.)// ]]] Because the Irish fight so hard, and they have enough water, the battle rages for months |links>[\ (link: "continue")[(replace: ?links)[ The cephalopods seem to be organised into two groups - farmers and soldiers, so they keep harvesting during the battle. The gardai check regularly to make sure the cephalopods have lights on their bicycles. |links1>[\ (link: "continue")[(replace: ?links1)[ At about five minutes to one o'clock on $storyDate, everyone is fighting hard and really looking forward to stopping for lunch - some people had even hurt their pinkies and needed a plaster! There is a sudden commotion amongst the Cephalopods. |links2>[\ (link: "The fighting stops.")[(replace: ?links2)[The fighting stops. The cephalopods gather around something in the middle of the bog. '' They found something strange... it's hard to tell what they found. They pack up all their bog harvesters and quickly [[fly away through the portal in the sky|invaders leave in a rush]]'' ]]] ]]] ]]]

You go over to investigate - It's Larry! They've found Larry's body perfectly preserved, with his pipe in hand. You |about1>[(link: "look at Larry.")[(replace: ?about1)[look at Larry. His right leg is considerably longer than his not right one, almost stretched longer than a huge octapus tentacle - a scary sight! The invaders seem to have been scared by the half octapus man. Maybe they thought they would all turn into humans? |about2>[(link: "continue")[(replace: ?about2)[ Larry has saved the world! A massive statue of Larry the saviour is erected on an old looking mound near the bog. Under the statue, a plaque read: #Long Legged Larry [[THE END]] //(p.s: the statue fell over soon after it was put up!)// ]]] ]]]

{ (set: $currDate to (current-date:)) (set: $storyDate to (substring: $currDate, 1,11) + (substring: $currDate, 12,13)+"7"+(substring: $currDate, 15,15)) } You grab a piece of paper floating in the wind and check the date... It seems like a newspaper article [[read article]] [[visit $location|visit village]] [[Call man in distance]]

Interesting, and article dated $storyDate from the Not$location Morning News... Body found in Bog A body was found in the bog in $location yesterday, believed to be that of Larry of $location who went missing on $currDate. Many believe the disappearance of Larry led to the desolation of the entire village and wider region, which eventually led to the global economic collapse of 2036 and the restablishment of print media as the primary means of communication. Scientists say the body was unusual as one of it's legs was considerably longer than the other. Chief antropologist at the site, Dr Dan Doofa, has indicated that a statue will not be erected in the location as the local government does not have two shillings to rub together. [[continue|check time again]]

It seems $location is deserted. The community just fell apart when they couldn't rescue Larry from the bog. It is strange how things can change the future - it's almost like the cushions on Moira's couch! [[explore the village]] [[read article]]

You explore the village more, but there really is nothing here. (link: 'back')[ (goto: (history:)'s last) ]

The man drifts slowly over. He seems familiar.... It's little Seán! But he's not little now - he's 7'6" tall! He tells you all about how he became the world underwater weightlifting champion! He wanders back into the distance, slightly dazed and seeming quite lost in this new world (link: 'back')[ (goto: (history:)'s last) ]

You think that maybe the time device remembers that it was $currDate before you turned it. You take it out and... |checktime>[Change Time] (mouseover-replace: ?checktime)[(display: "change time")]

Mary lifts up her turf cart and makes her way up the mountain, like a train powering through a pound of butter. It is amazing to watch her strength. But what about Larry? [[Oh dear!|Larry sinks]]

(if: $whyCount >= 3)[[[Because I said so, now stop asking why!!!|Seán]]]\ (else:)[[Because...]] (set: $whyCount = it+1)

[[why?]]

{ (set: $currDate to (current-date:)) (set: $storyDate to "9" + (substring: $currDate, 13,15) + "B.C.") (set: $researchTime to true) } From your scientific calculations and knowledge of bog formation, you surmise the year must be precisely... about 10,000 years ago. |links0>[(link: "Deeper analysis...")[(replace: ?links0) [Deeper analysis of carbon particles on an oak branch helps you pinpoint the date to $storyDate. |links1>[(link: "(hold on a minute!)")[(replace: ?links1) [ (Yes, you are right: 2,000 years minus 10,000 years is somewhere around -8,000 years... but look, we don't have time to go over the minutiae of time travel theory here, especially when you remember your past memory of Larry being stuck in a bog in the future) ]]] (if: $researchPeople is false)[ [[Study people]] ] (if: $researchEnv is false)[ [[Analyze environment]] ] (if: $researchPeople is true and $researchEnv is true and $researchTime is true) [ [[What else can this time device do?|return to your time]] ] ]]]

The desolation in this place gives you the heeby-jeebies, so you pull out the device again... |checktime>[Change Time] (mouseover-replace: ?checktime)[(display: "change time")]

(text-style: 'smear')[He looks into the bright light, but it blinds him and makes him dizzy. He [[feels like he's upside down|start falling]] ]

(text-style: 'smear')[ (if: $firstFort is true)[As he falls down, he hears some strange voices... but he doesn't seem to hit the ground. He just keeps falling... and...] (else:)[ He sits and waits until dawn, but he can't stay awake. He thinks that maybe he has a dream about... ] |links0>[(link: "falling")[(replace: ?links0)[ He lands on a soft pile of lavendar flowers, like in a dream. He doesn't recognise his surroundings. (if: $firstFort is true)[On the ground he sees a map, he picks it up] (else:) [He remembers something about a map and feels paper in his hand] |links1>[(link: "check the map")[(replace: ?links1)[ He unfolds the map and looks carefully, but it doesn't make any sense. There are strange spirals and signs all over it, but it seems all upside down. |links2>[(link: "carry on down this path")[(replace: ?links2)[He continues walking down the path he is on. It seems to go on forever. ]]] |links3>[(link: "look in different directions")[(replace: ?links3)[ Larry sees a silhouette of a small man, barely visible in the distant mist [[walk towards man]] ]]] (set: $hasMap to true) ]]] ]]] ]

(if: $hasMap is true and $LarryUnderground is false)[He unfolds the map and looks carefully, but it doesn't make any sense. There are strange spirals and signs all over it - it seems all upside down (if: $mapChecks > 2)[You've checked it $mapChecks times now - maybe you should try it in a different environment?] ] (if: $hasMap is true and $LarryUnderground is true)[You unfold the map you stole from Larry when he wasn't looking. You look at it carefully, but it doesn't make any sense. There are strange spirals and signs all over it - it seems all upside down But wait... the map got wet and some strange markings appear... they seem to say something about jewellery and to [[swim diagonal]] ] (else-if: $hasMap is false)[Hmm... you don't have a map.] (set: $mapChecks to it+1)

(if: $firstFort is true)[ "Go straight down the path you're on until the fourth gate, but don't count the little gate. Then carry on to the next gate, and hop over that three times. Walk straight for a bit until you come to the third hawthorn tree. You need to make sure you're at the right tree. Turn right and walk right down to the sea, it's a fine wee beach there. Turn around and walk to the hawthorn tree. The path you want to take is on your left. Make sure to follow that path until you get to a gate and hop over that five times. When you're on the road, you're not too far away...and sure you'll see it then."] (else:)["Begorrah, can ye not follow simple directions... listen carefully now... Go straight down the path you're on until the fourth gate, but don't count the little gate. Then carry on to the next gate, and hop over that three times. Walk straight for a bit until you come to the third hawthorn tree. You need to make sure you're at the right tree. Turn right and walk right down to the sea, it's a fine wee beach there. Turn around and walk to the hawthorn tree. The path you want to take is on your left. Make sure to follow that path until you get to a gate and hop over that five times. When you're on the road, you're not too far away...and sure you'll see it then."]