,,,{(set: $yourName to (prompt: "What's your first name again?", ""))(if: $yourName is "")[//(Nice try. You're getting a name.)//(set: $yourName to "Linbeck")]}
Your name is "$yourName".
[[Right... That's it.->Choose Weapon]] As soon as you remember your name, three pillars shoot up from the ink-like floor. On them you see three different objects.
(click: "objects.")[(show: ?truth)](hidden:)|truth>[
(color: blue)[A shield.]
(color: red)[A pair of gauntlets.]
(color: purple)[and A staff.]
]
They sit on the pillars, as if impatiently waiting for you to go towards one of them. Which object do you walk towards?
(click: "objects.")[(show: ?truth)](hidden:)|truth>[
(text-colour: blue)[[[Shuffle towards the Shield.-> CHOOSE SHIELD]]]
(text-color: red)[[[March towards the pair of gauntlets.-> CHOOSE GAUNT]]]
(color: purple)[[[Wander towards the staff.-> CHOOSE STAFF]]]
]
(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 65s)[[[...Huh?->Bad End]]](enchant: ?page, (background: "#2458ab"))(enchant: ?link, (text-color: "#00b1f2"))(set: $mentor to "Merrick")(set: $sage to "Margaret")(set: $staff to "Jara")(set: $queen to "Queen Nora")(set: $gauntlet to "Ferrum")(set: $weapon to "shield")You cautiously shuffle towards the shield and strap it to your arm.
You examine it. There's a full moon engraved on the front, and there's a large sapphire embedded in the middle.
The shield isn't as heavy as it looks, and you instantly feel safe when you're holding it.
Your heart skips a beat and you jump up in shock when you notice that other two pillars are slowly being engulfed by the same murky substance the floor is made of. They shoot into the ground, taking their items with them.
A great light shines from the shield and completely blinds you, overloading your senses and bringing your dream to an abrupt end.
[["Wake up."-> AwakenSH]](enchant: ?page, (background: "#4f0d0d"))(set: $mentor to "Mom")(set: $general to "Merrick")(set: $shield to "Vella")(set: $sage to "Margaret")(set: $staff to "Jara")(set: $weapon to "gauntlets")You bravely march towards the pair of gauntlets and slip them onto your hands.
You take a look at your new gloves. They're both a brilliant red color, and a sun symbol is engraved on the palms.
The knuckles of these gauntlets are tipped with sharp-looking rubies. You tap your fists together, and the knuckles collide with an audible ***TINK!***
You are snapped back to attention when you notice that other two pillars are slowly being engulfed by the same murky substance the floor is made of. They shoot into the ground, taking their items with them.
A great light shines from the gauntlets and completely blinds you, overloading your senses and bringing your dream to an abrupt end.
[["Wake up."-> AwakenG]](enchant: ?page, (background: #3f1e4a))(set: $mentor to "Margaret")(set: $general to "Merrick")(set: $shield to "Vella")(set: $queen to "Queen Nora")(set: $gauntlet to "Ferrum")(set: $weapon to "staff")You wander towards the staff and hold it in your hands.
You examine the staff and find that there's a tiny star engraved into the violet pearl at the top of it.
Your hands vibrate the longer you hold the staff, and you feel like there's some sort of energy bulding up in your palms.
You barely notice that the other two pillars are slowly engulfed by the same murky substance the floor is made of. They shoot into the ground, taking their items with them.
A great light shines from the staff and completely blinds you, overloading your senses and bringing your dream to an abrupt end.
[["Wake up."->AwakenST]](enchant: ?page, (text-colour: black) + (background: white))
"$yourName! Wake up my child!"
A shrill, motherly voice wakes you from your sleep. You notice your surrouindigs. Everything looks very regal and expensive and your bed is incredibly soft.
You remember that you are Highborne $yourName, the next in line to the Mach Kingdom throne. You get dressed in your finest garb and greet the warm morning sun.
You walk out into the impressive Castle Mach. The hall is massive and there are victory banners adorning the walls. You walk into the dining hall to [[meet your mother.->Meeting Mentors G]](enchant: ?page, (background: "#000f29"))(enchant: ?link, (text-color: "#00b1f2"))
"Hey! $yourName! are you dozing off in the middle of briefing again!?"
The gruff voice shocks your system. You nearly fall out of your chair as you take in your surroundings. You look outside. It's still nearly midnight.
"Oy! Eyes over here Captain."
(click: "Eyes over here Captain.")[(show: ?truth)]
(hidden:)|truth>[You swing your head and lock eyes with your favorite mess of a brown and silver beard. You finally remember who you are.
You're Captain $yourName, one of the most respected soldiers in the Mach Kingdom. The man playfully scolding you is General $mentor, the leader of the Mach Army.
"You fully awake now?" General chuckles. "It's a miracle the goddesses have let you keep going for this long. I'm sorry for calling you so late in the night, but I promise, this is very [[important matter.->Important Matters.]]"] (enchant: ?page, (text-colour: black) + (background: white))You slowly wake up with your head buried in a mass of papers. In front of you sits a large stack of books.
Three quick and heavy knocks at your bedroom door jolt you more awake then before. A gruff and tired old voice calls out:
"$yourName! are you in there? Hurry and get dressed!"
You quickly do as the voice asks and [[get ready for the day->Meeting Mentors ST]], as you try to remember what you were dreaming about.
You find yourself in a large black void. The floor below you looks like ink, and walking feels like you're trudging through mud.
You don't remember getting here, and for some reason you can't find any way out. You're a little panicked.
You try to remember basic things about yourself.
Do you have siblings? Parents? Where are you from? Why are you here?
...[[What's your name? ->Name]] (enchant: ?page, (background: #3f1e4a))As you walk out of your dimly lit room into the foyer, you remember who you are. Your name is $yourName, a mage in training. Your teacher, $mentor, took you in when you were young in order to teach you magic.
A thin hand snaps its fingers in your face a couple of times. You lock eyes with $mentor. Her hair is as silver and unkempt as ever, and her glasses sit at the very edge of her pointed nose.
"Stop zoning out on me kid. I told you not to stay up too late last night. 'Her Majesty', my sister, sent one of her messenger fools here last night. She wants me to bring my best apprentice to Castle Mach."
(click: "my sister")[(show: ?truth)]
(hidden:)|truth>[//($mentor never talked about her sister much, and you didn't dare to ask why. You suspected over the years that something had happened for there to be this much bad blood between her and the queen.)//]
"And since you're my only apprentice, We have to go and meet her. [[Get your things ready->Leave to Castle]]. We leave soon."(enchant: ?page, (background: #3f1e4a))You and $mentor arrive at Castle Mach. You are greeted by an entire crowd of the kingdom's troops, and they part to allow you through.
In the throne room, there is a large man clad in armor. Someone else timidly stands behind him. On the throne sits Queen Nora, as Highborne $gauntlet stands next to her.
(click: "Highborne")[(show: ?truth)]
(hidden:)|truth>[//("The Highborne" is the title given to the next in line to the Mach throne. You've only seen $gauntlet in person a few times before.)//]
Bow to the Queen.(click-replace: "Bow to the Queen.")[You instinctively take a knee and lower your head to $queen. The armored man and the person behind him do the same. $mentor scoffs and glares at the queen. $queen raises an eyebrow at your teacher. You feel your face turn red in embarrassment.
"Thank you for coming, Sage $mentor, General $general." Queen Nora says gently. "It's good to see both my brother and sister in the same place again."
General $general speaks up.
"Agreed. We haven't done this since we were young. But unfortunately, we need to discuss [[more pressing matters.->Briefing ST/SH]]"](if: $weapon is "staff")[(enchant: ?page, (background: #3f1e4a))] (if: $weapon is "shield")[(enchant: ?page, (background: #2458ab))(enchant: ?link, (text-color: #00b1f2))]"Of course Merry. You see, Matchlund, our sister province to the north is planning to invade us on the morrow. After they took my love away from me, I tried to be the bigger queen and avoid a battle as much as I could, but it seems that they want to take advantage of my charity. I will not stand for it."
The room fell silent at the mention of the late Queen June Li. $mentor looked sorry for the widowing Queen.
"That is why I called you all here. I know that we have all been training the best that the new generation has to offer. Tomorrow we will go to arms and attack Matchlund's troops."
"But first, I believe some [[introductions->Introductions]] are in order."(if: $weapon is "staff")[(enchant: ?page, (background: "#3f1e4a"))$mentor breaks her silence and speaks first, introducing you to everyone.
"This apprentice of yours looks lost. Kind of like you, sister!" General $general chuckles. $mentor glares at him, unamused. He takes this as his cue to introduce the person behind him. "Marge, this is $shield, my right hand and captain of the Mach Forces."
$shield stands tall behind the general.
"I imagine you all know Highborne $gauntlet." Says the Queen. "Brother, sister, you'll be happy to know that the Highborn is trained in the way of the gauntlets, like I was."
$mentor and $general roll their eyes.]
(else-if: $weapon is "shield")[(enchant: ?page, (background: "#2458ab"))(enchant: ?link, (text-color: "#00b1f2"))$mentor proudly introduces you to the room. You feel your face turn red.
"Good to see you again Young $yourName," says the Queen. "$gauntlet often tells me how lonely weapons training has become without you. It seems your playmate misses you!"
$gauntlet's expression stays as stoic as usual, yet the color of the Highborne's face becomes firey with embarassment. You stifle a laugh.
"I hope your captain's humor isn't as terrible as yours is, $mentor." Sage $sage says this with a smirk on her face.
"Ha ha," General $mentor says dryly. "And what about your mess of cloth and confusion over there?"
"This is $staff, my greatest apprentice." Sage $sage says matter-of-factly. "Day in and day out, we have studied arcane texts in order to achieve greater magical abilities."
$staff is looking around the throne room aimlessly.]
(else-if: $weapon is "gauntlets")[(enchant: ?page, (background: "#4f0d0d"))$mentor kisses you on the forehead and coyly shows you off to your aunt and uncle.
"My, it's been a while, hasn't it young Highborne?" Uncle says jokingly. You see him practically everyday, and everyday he says the same thing.
"I'd like you to meet $shield, my right hand and captain of the Mach Forces."
$shield stands tall behind the general.
"You get bigger and bigger every time I see you. I can tell you already have the makings of a phenomenal ruler $yourName." Aunt $sage says this truthfully, without a hint of scorn in her voice, unlike when she speaks with $mentor. You smile at her.
"This is $staff, my greatest apprentice. Day in and day out, we have studied arcane texts in order to achieve greater magical abilities."
$staff looks a little lost.]
{}
Just then, the castle walls (text-style: "rumble")[quake] violently. You can hear explosions coming from the outside and the faint cries of guards. Everyone in the throne room goes out to [[investigate.->Attack]](enchant: ?page, (background: "#4f0d0d"))"Good Morning Love."
A woman kisses you on your forehead, the same way she's done every morning for as long as you can remember. It's your mother, Queen Nora. The cooks bring in breakfast and you and $mentor start to eat.
"$yourName, are you prepared for the meeting today? Your Uncle and Auntie are coming to visit. We must plan for tomorrow." $mentor said this with a grave tone.
You knew the plan.
(click: "the plan.")[(show: ?truth)]
(hidden:)|truth>[(//Matchlund, the sister province to the north is planning to invade Castle Mach tomorrow. The last time they did, they took your mother, and the love of $mentor's life, Queen June Li. $mentor plans to take action this time.)//]
[[Continue.->Aunt and Uncle]](enchant: ?page, (background: "#4f0d0d"))In the throne room, your uncle, General $general comes in with his right hand, Captain $shield trailing right behind him. You see them both often, since they lead Castle Mach's forces.
Not too long after, Aunt $sage comes in with her apprentice, who wanders in looking lost.
Everyone in the the throne room bows to you and $mentor, except for Aunt $sage, who glares at her. You suddenly remember why you dont see her that often.
$mentor explains the situation to everyone in the room.
(click: "the situation")[(show: ?truth)]
(hidden:)|truth>["...That is why I called you all here. I know that we have all been training the best that the new generation has to offer. Tomorrow we will go to arms and attack Matchlund's Troops. But first, I believe some [[introductions->Introductions]] are in order."]You worry too much about where you are and what's happening. All three pillars sink into the murky floor, taking their items with them.
You wander the dark for what seems like an eternity, wondering if you'll ever find a way out...
[[Play again?->Beginnings]](if: $weapon is "gauntlets")[(enchant: ?page, (background: "#4f0d0d"))](else-if: $weapon is "staff")[(enchant: ?page, (background: "#3f1e4a"))](else-if: $weapon is "shield")[(enchant: ?page, (background: "#2458ab"))(enchant: ?link, (text-color: "#00b1f2"))]Outside, the Mach and Matchlund troops violently clash. Cannons roar and let cannonballs (text-style: "shudder")[crash] into the side of Mach Castle.
Everyone is shocked. General Merrick is the first to speak.
(click: "General Merrick is the first to speak.")[(show: ?truth)]
(hidden:)|truth>["This can't be. Our scouts told us that the invasion was supposed to be tomorrow at sundown!"
Margaret looks on in disbelief.
"That must have been false information to catch us off guard."
The Queen, determined, gives the order.
(click: "the order.")[(show: ?truth)]
(hidden:)|truth>["What's done is done. You all need to go out and protect the kingdom immediately."
It takes a moment, but everyone agrees and gets [[ready for battle.->Battle]] ]](if: $weapon is "staff")
[(enchant: ?page, (background: "#3f1e4a"))You and $mentor take to the towers and cast all sorts of spells in order to ward off the Matchlund forces.
You feel something envelop your hands in a warm glow, and you look down to find that you're now holding the staff from your dream. Some soldiers try to climb the tower to take you down, but Highborne $gauntlet strikes the ground with powerful gauntlets just right in order to shake the ground and throw them off.
You find a big open spot to cast a spell.
Focus...
(click-replace: "Focus...")[The sky dims. Shooting stars fall to the ground, demolishing enemy soldiers in their path.
You're a little weak, not realizing how much that spell would've taken out of you. Just then, a cannonball (text-style: "rumble")[rams] into the tower that $mentor is casting spells on. The tower starts to crumble.
You know that a fall from that height will certainly kill her. The debris from the crumbling tower is also about to bury Highborne $gauntlet. You have to think quickly and decide who to save with the last bit of your strength.
[[Save $mentor.->SageSave]]
[[Save $gauntlet.->GauntSave]]
]]
(if: $weapon is "gauntlets")
[(enchant: ?page, (background: "#4f0d0d"))$mentor sends you off with a kiss and a "good luck", and you join Uncle $general and his forces.
(click: "join Uncle Merrick and his forces.")[(show: ?truth)](hidden:)|truth>[You feel something envelop your hands in a warm glow, and you look down to find the gauntlets from your dream are now in your hands. You throw firey punches through crowds of troops with what feels like more power than you could ever imagine.
A group of men grab hold of you and try to take you down, but Captain $shield comes in with a powerful shield to blow them all away. You thank Captain $shield and quickly move on.
In the commotion, The enemy soldiers overpower both Uncle $general and Captain $shield on opposite sides of the battlefield. They are both taking a beating from the soldiers, and they're about to be cut down by swords. There's only enough time to rush to one side and help.
[[Save General $general.->GeneralSave]]
[[Save $shield.->ShieldSave]]
]]
(if: $weapon is "shield")[(enchant: ?page, (background: "#2458ab"))(enchant: ?link, (text-color: "#00b1f2")) General $mentor dashes out to the battlefield in order to command his troops. You follow close behind.
You feel something envelop your arm in a warm glow, and you look down to find that you're now bearing the shield from your dream.
As you're following General $mentor, you hear a frightening (text-color: yellow)+(text-style: "shudder")[**KRACKOOM!**] You look back and see a fried Matchlund soldier, and $staff looking very pleased. It seems the apprentice called forth a thunder spell to protect you. You thank $staff.
Up ahead, you see a group of Mach and Matchlund soldiers facing off. You know and have trained with most of the people in the scuffle. They're outnumbered, but if you leave $staff, there is nothing to protect the mage.
[[Protect $staff.->StaffSave]]
[[Protect your fellow soldiers.->SoldierSave]]](enchant: ?page, (background: "#3f1e4a"))You cast a net around $mentor and let her fall gently to the ground. The debris completely buries Highborne $gauntlet.
$mentor gets up and frantically throws the debris over her, calling out for her nephew.
You breathe a sigh of relief that you were able to save at least one person today. Your vision slowly starts to fade, and before you know it, [[everything's gone dark.->SageEnd]](enchant: ?page, (background: "#3f1e4a"))You use the last of your strength to cast a protective bubble around Highborne $gauntlet. $mentor falls to the ground and you avert your eyes, knowing what's to come.
The last thing you hear is the Highborne crying out for $mentor.
Your vision slowly starts to fade, and before you know it, [[everything's gone dark.->GauntEnd]](enchant: ?page, (background: "#4f0d0d"))You rush with all of your strength towards Uncle $general and thrust your arm towards the ground, pushing away all of the enemy troops with a powerful shockwave. You help Uncle to his feet and turn around to get Captain $shield.
Uncle $general cries out to his right hand, and you both watch helplessly as the Matchlund soldiers strike the Captain's neck with a silver sword.
Just then, a great blue light shines from $shield's shield and floods the battle field. Everyone on the battlefield is temporarily blinded. When your vision returns, there is a circle of Matchlund troops on the ground. $shield is completely unscathed.
It seems like the same shield force that saved you earlier saved Captain $shield. Uncle $general rushes towards his right hand. You are about to follow him when you feel a blunt object strike you in the [[back of the head.->GeneralEnd]](enchant: ?page, (background: "#4f0d0d"))You rush with all of your strength towards Captain $shield and thrust your arm outwards, sending a wave of fire in the direction of the enemy troops. they scatter and you help $shield up. $shield is slightly shaken at having almost died. You decide to give the Captain a moment to breathe and go towards your Uncle.
(click: "go towards your Uncle.")[(show: ?truth)]
(hidden:)|truth>[You punch at the enemy, knocking one soldier down, and frightening another. He cowardly runs away. The one holding the sword stands her ground.
She throws Uncle $general aside, and swings her sword at you instead.
Use your gauntlet to shield yourself.
(click-replace: "Use your gauntlet to shield yourself.")
[Instinctively, you bring your gauntlet up to the blade before it reaches your face. Sparks fly as they both collide. You're shocked that your haphazard attempt at defense actually worked. The enemy notices that you're distracted, and takes the opportunity to shove her sword into your side.
You fall to the ground.
Uncle $general, enraged, strikes down the soldier and rushes to your side. The pain is searing, and it hurts to move. He tells you to brace yourself.
Why?
(click-replace: "Why?")
[You ask why, your voice wavering, but Uncle ignores you and begins counting down.
"3..."
"2..."
[["1..."->ShieldEnd]]]]](enchant: ?page, (background: "#4f0d0d"))You come to a number of hours later in the infirmary. $mentor, Aunt $sage, and Uncle $general are around you. You can tell that the battle has ended.
$mentor hugs you tightly and thanks the goddesses that you're safe. You ask where $shield is and Uncle $general smiles. At that moment, Captain $shield is rushed into the tent surrounded by cheering soldiers.
You, $mentor, Aunt $sage, and Uncle $general gather around the crowd. You hear a few soldiers exclaim praises to the goddesses for their triumphant win against the Matchlund soldiers.
Uncle speaks.
(click: "Uncle speaks.")[(show: ?truth)]
(hidden:)|truth>["Let us congratulate Captain $shield's extraordinary fighting spirit, which single handedly turned the tide of battle!"
The whole tent roars in victory.
"However, Matchlund's troops will not stop here. We will protect this kingdom no matter the cost. The rest of this night will be spent in celebration, but be ready for tomorrow's battle. May the goddesses bless Castle Mach!"
[[Play Again?->Beginnings]]](enchant: ?page, (background: "#4f0d0d"))(text-style: "rumble")+(color: red)["//**SHCUNK!**//"]
Uncle tears the sword out of your side. You scream both in pain and shock as Uncle quickly places a cloth over your wound and puts pressure on it. He looks at the edge of the sword, and he swears under his breath.
"She tipped the blade..." he whispers to himself.
Your heart sinks into your stomach. That Matchlund soldier tipped the blade with poison. Tears well up in your eyes as you realize that you dont have much time left in this world.
"I'm sorry young Highborne. There's nothing I can do."
Uncle tries to act brave for you, but you can tell he's fighting back the urge to cry. You tell him it's alright and ask him to lay you down. You close your eyes and drift off to sleep. The last thing you hear is Uncle $general saying a prayer to the goddesses.
[[Play Again?->Beginnings]](enchant: ?page, (background: "#3f1e4a"))You come to a number of hours later in the infirmary. Both $mentor and $queen are inconsolable at having lost the Highborne. Thier cries echo throughout the infrimary as a few Mach soldiers gloomily bring in a stretcher with a bloody cloth draped over a human-sized outline.
$queen asks the goddesses to trade places with her son.
General $general has red hot tears in his eyes as he speaks to the Mach army.
(click: "speaks to the Mach army.")[(show: ?truth)]
(hidden:)|truth>["We may have won this battle, but at quite a grave cost. I'm sure the royal family, as well as the entire kingdom will miss our Highborn dearly."
General $general suddenly clenches his fists and explodes in anger.
"Every single last Matchlund soldier will regret the day the goddesses brought them into this world. I want each and every single able-bodied soldier on that field tomorrow at the crack of dawn ready to avenge our noble Highborn. No exceptions! Captain $shield, inform the citizens of our Highborn's passing. The rest of you, please join me in the ceremony to mourn."
The ceremony is full of dread as the entire infirmary sings a ceremonial war song to the goddesses. Drained, you head into the castle to sleep. As you leave, you see the entire royal family huddled together in mourning.
[[Play Again?->Beginnings]]](enchant: ?page, (background: "#3f1e4a"))You come to a number of hours later in the infirmary. Both $queen and General $general are crying softly in the corner at the loss of their sister. You walk over and the General motions for you to join him in embrace. A few Mach soldiers gloomily bring in a stretcher with a bloody cloth draped over a human-sized outline.
Highborne $gauntlet stands on a crate over the Mach army, and without saying a word, somehow lets it known how much the loss of Sage $mentor devestates them. You walk over, and along with Captain $shield all three of you bow your heads in silence. The entire army joins you.
$queen is the first to speak.
(click: "speak")[(show: ?truth)]
(hidden:)|truth>["My subjects... My sister and I did not always see eye to eye, but let it be known that I would've given my life for hers in a heartbeat. I will not let Matchlund take another member of my family away without a fight. We will come together and show them what it means to be a member of the Mach Kingdom. Come back at dawn. I, along with General $general will brief you all on the plan from here on out. Now, please leave and allow me and my family to mourn."
You and the royal family drink to $mentor's memory that night.
[[Play Again?->Beginnings]]](enchant: ?page, (background: "#001230"))(enchant: ?link, (text-color: "#00b1f2"))"My sister has summoned us. Apparently it's quite important, otherwise Norie Wouldn't have summoned Marge either."
(click: "My sister")[(show: ?truth)]
(hidden:)|truth>[//(General $mentor is the youngest born of the Mach royal family, but instead of diplomacy, he elected to fight for the kingdom, becoming the leader of the kingdom's armies. His eldest sister, Nora, is the Mach Matriarch.)//]
"I need you in tip top shape tomorrow if we are to present ourselves to the Queen. You are not to tell any of the other soldiers of this meeting. $queen requested that we keep this a secret until the details have been finalized. That's all for now, good night Captain."
You wish the general a good night, and go to the barracks to [[get some sleep before tomorrow.->Throne Room Walls]](enchant: ?page, (background: "#2458ab"))(enchant: ?link, (text-color: "#00b1f2"))Early the next morning, you and General $mentor arrived at the castle's throne room and ordered the kingdom's troops to stand guard.
You both stand, facing $queen and Highborne $gauntlet. The throne room is awkwardly quiet as it seems that everyone is waiting for something.
(click: "Highborne")[(show: ?truth)]
(hidden:)|truth>[//("The Highborne" is the title given to the next in line to the Mach throne. You and the Highborne were fairly close when you were younger, both training under General $mentor.)//]
Just then, the front doors swing open. In walks an old woman with wild undone gray hair. There is someone stolling in behind her, wearing a baggy cloak and looking lost.
Bow to the Queen.(click-replace: "Bow to the Queen.")[You and General $mentor instinctively take a knee and lower your heads to $queen. The person in the baggy cloak does the same. The only person who doesn't is the old woman. She scowls at the queen. This must be Sage $sage.
(click: "Sage")[(show: ?truth2)]
(hidden:)|truth2>[//("Sage $sage is also a member of the royal family, but she secluded herself in the woods outside the kingdom for many years now. It's not known why she left, but there have been stories told about the feuds between her and $queen.)//]
"Thank you for coming, Sage $sage, General $mentor." $queen says gently. "It's good to see both my brother and sister in the same place again."
General $mentor speaks up.
"Agreed. We haven't done this since we were young. But unfortunately, we need to discuss [[more pressing matters.->Briefing ST/SH]]"](enchant: ?page, (background: "#2458ab"))(enchant: ?link, (text-color: "#00b1f2"))You decide to stay and protect $staff. You realize this might have been the best decision because a couple more soldiers try to strike the both of you down. As they near you, all you can think about is protecting the mage.
Your shield starts shining a brilliant blue...
(click-replace: "Your shield starts shining a brilliant blue...")[You slam your shield close to your chest and a sturdy blue barrier fans out, protecting both you and $staff.]
Charge!
(click-replace: "Charge!")
[You charge through rows of Matchlund troops, knocking them down while $staff follows close behind, throwing various fireballs and shards of ice at the enemy.
You drive off most of the enemy. After what seems like an eternity, the sun has gone down and the battlefield is quiet. You look around. It seems like [[you've won!->StaffEnd]]](enchant: ?page, (background: "#2458ab"))(enchant: ?link, (text-color: "#00b1f2")) $staff assures you that it's ok to go and help your comrades. Their staff is all they need to protect themselves.
You nod in agreement and storm off in anger toward the opposing army. Your vision tunnels and all you can see are the comrades you want to protect.
Your shield starts shining a brilliant blue...
(click-replace: "Your shield starts shining a brilliant blue...")[You thrust your arm outward toward the scuffle, and a blue pressure-like force shoots out from your shield. It passes through the entire group, and surprisingly only knocks away the enemy forces, leaving the Mach army unharmed. They stop for a bit in confusion, and you pass by them, commanding them to follow your lead with the same vigor as General $mentor.
The battle rages on. You command your forces expertly and before you know it, most of Matchlund's troops have been brought down. The remaining soldiers are given the order to retreat.
The entire army cheers, and [[the sun sets on the conquered battle.->SoldierEnd.]]] (enchant: ?page, (background: "#2458ab"))(enchant: ?link, (text-color: "#00b1f2"))You and $staff walk into the the infirmary, ready to celebrate. However, something doesn't seem right.
The royal family is all here, but no one seems to be smiling. You look around the tent and realize that much of the kingdom's army is missing, and many are being treated for their wounds Sage $sage comes over and assesses her aprentice's wounds. She thanks you for protecting $staff.
You walk over to General $mentor, and his usual cheery disposition has faded. You ask what happened.
(click: "You ask what happened.")[(show: ?truth)](hidden:)|truth>["Captain! it's good to see you're alright. Although I can't say the same for the rest of the army. A group of Matchlund's troops overpowered some of our forces, but they didnt stop there. It seems the casualties were too much for us to bear. While we did win the battle, both the Mach and Matchlund armies are almost completely wiped out. We've reached a stalemate."
The Queen chimes in.
"We can only hope that they don't launch another attack on us. The kindgom wouldn't be able to handle it." She then addresses the remains of the army.
(click: "She then addresses the remains of the army.")[(show: ?truth2)](hidden:)|truth2>["Everyone, I commend your hard work and dedication to your kingdom! Rest up as much as possible, for you may need to fight again."
The general tells you that you should rest up too and be prepared in case there is another battle in the morning. You head to the barracks with a pit of uncertainty in your stomach.
[[Play Again?->Beginnings]]]](enchant: ?page, (background: "#000f29"))(enchant: ?link, (text-color: "#00b1f2"))That night, in the barracks, you, General $mentor, and the entire Mach army are celebrating your victory. Even the Highborne is here, and you both catch up on old times, eating and drinking merrily. Suddenly, the door bursts open. Sage $sage runs in, looking unusually panicked. The music stops.
"$mentor! Something's gone terribly wrong! Have you seen $staff!?"
That's right.The last time you saw $staff was on the battlefield. You inform the general of this.
(click: "You inform the general of this.")[(show: ?truth)](hidden:)|truth>["The Matchlund army must've taken your apprentice with them when they retreated." General $mentor says gravely."
Sage $sage's face turns a color you've never seen before, and the air around her sparks and crackles with rage. A nearby barrel is set ablaze.
"I will have their necks for this transgression." she turns the other way and starts to storm into Matchlund. For a second you believe that she could single-handedly take on the entire province. General $mentor stops her.
"I thought you were the rational one, Maggie. Listen, we will get your apprentice back, but we must think for a moment. We can't just rush onto Matchlund soil."
$sage calms down. "Of course. Listen up you lot!" No soldier takes their eyes off her, for fear of being set on fire themselves. "At the crack of dawn, we will storm into Matchlund and take back my apprentice, even if we have to burn the enire place to the ground. Be ready!"
She may as well have been the goddesses themselves. The party ends as quickly as it started, and the entire army scrambles to ready themselves for tomorrow's rescue mission.
[[Play Again?->Beginnings]]]