Congratulations

Hello and welcome! You are a triangle. What’s your personality like? [[A: I'm well-balanced.->Equilateral]] [[ B: I like to stand out.->Isosceles]] [[ C: I’m the edgy sort.->Scalene]]

'' Congratulations'', you were born an Equilateral Triangle! [[Next->Hooray, you're Different]]

''Congratulations'', you were born an Isosceles Triangle! [[Next->Hooray, you're Different]]

''Congratulations'', you were born a Scalene Triangle! //(Specifically, a right-angle Scalene for the purposes of this narrative.)// [[Next->Hooray, you're Different]]

You live in a world of Rectangles and Squares. The other Rectangles and Squares stare at you sometimes. Occasionally they shun you because you’re clearly a deviant. But sometimes they show pity for your poor, un-quadrilateral state. You can’t help the way you were born. [[Next->Job Board 1]]

Today, you are looking for a job. You are going to have to figure out how to get anyone to hire you. Here’s what’s on the job board today: [[1. Construction->Construction]] [[2. Retail->Retail]] [[3. Call Center->Call Center]]

You show up for the interview. The recruiter looks you up and down. “You’re missing a couple corners there, pal. We don’t hire cripples.” How do you respond? [[“I'm more balanced than I look.”->I'm more balanced than I look]] [[“You ever heard of a fulcrum?”->Fulcrum]] [[“I'm not a cripple, screw you!”->Screw you]]

You show up for the interview. The recruiter looks you up and down. “You look a bit odd… Did you lose your corners in an accident?” How do you respond? [[A: “No, I was born this way.”->I was born this way]] [[B: “Excuse me?”->Excuse me?]] [[C: “Yep, it was super tragic.”->Just tragic]]

You show up for the interview. The recruiter looks you up and down. “Can you use a computer?” How do you respond? [[A: “Of course.”->Of course]] [[B: “I’m great at it, actually.”->I'm great at it!]] [[C: “Use a what now? Just kidding. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”->Just kidding]]

You try to impress the foreman by becoming a fulcrum on which to balance things. This works until the load crushes your point. Your head is now bent and crooked, and it hurts! Your insurance does not cover your injury. [[Sigh, back to the job board.->Job Board 2]] [[Go Home->Home]]

You try to adapt to the job by balancing on your point in order to balance loads, but become critically injured. Your head is now bent and crooked, and it hurts! Your insurance does not cover you. [[Sigh, back to the job board.->Job Board 2]] [[Go Home->Home]]

You are not hired because you have a 'bad' attitude. As if standing up for yourself was a //bad// thing. [[Sigh, back to the job board.->Job Board 2]] [[Go Home->Home]]

After a long day of failure, you go home to find out that: [[1. The landlord is raising the rent AGAIN by three digits. You can’t afford this apartment anymore.->Landlord]] [[2. Vinny the Sharp is waiting for you in your living room. He wants that debt repaid now.->Vinny]] [[3. You invested all your money into crypto, and now Dogecoin has nose dived, and the warehouse where your precious NFTs were kept was blown up by terrorists.->Crypto]]

You try to sell product using charisma, but people are put off by your hideous, non-quadrilateral appearance. The boss reluctantly lets you go. You feel like it’s your own fault for being like this. [[Sigh, back to the job board.->Job Board 2]] [[Go Home->Home]]

The boss tries to apologize, but continues to offend you further. [[You decide to give it a chance anyway.->Give it a chance]] [[You leave the interview in disgust.->Bail on the interview]]

he boss hires you as a diversity hire, but people are put off by your hideous, non-quadrilateral appearance. The boss reluctantly lets you go. You leave feeling discriminated against. [[Job Board->Job Board 2]] [[Go Home->Home]]

Customers are put off by your hideous, non-quadrilateral appearance. The boss reluctantly lets you go. You’re still disgusted and offended. [[Job Board->Job Board 2]] [[Go Home->Home]]

Man, screw these //shapist// assholes. [[Job Board->Job Board 2]] [[Go Home->Home]]

You’re hired, but it turns out you don’t quite understand Square problems as well as you thought you did. Your Triangle-shaped solutions confuse the Squares. Eventually you are let go. [[Job Board->Job Board 2]] [[Go Home->Home]]

You’re hired, but your Triangle-shaped suggestions don’t seem to fix Square problems. You receive many angry negative reviews, and are eventually let go. [[Job Board->Job Board 2]] [[Go Home->Home]]

You are hired anyway, but it turns out you don’t get along with other Squares as well as you thought you did. You end up pissing off a lot of Square customers, and are eventually let go. [[Job Board->Job Board 2]] [[Go Home->Home]]

You end up selling all your stuff. Your beloved furniture, books, everything, including your laptop. All you have is your phone and the clothes on your back. And soon even your apartment is gone, you’re out on the street. [[One last check on the Job Board.->The Last Job]]

He threatens you with a knife. “You’ve still got corners left,” he mutters, eyeing your grotesque, triangular shape. “I can shave ‘em off nice and easy if you don’t get that money to me by tomorrow.” [[One last check on the Job Board.->The Last Job]]

You are beyond broke. Your actual money and invisible money is just gone, up in smoke. In two weeks, you’re out on the street. [[One last check on the Job Board.->The Last Job]]

You need to make money fast. You decide to try the job board again, but this time there is one more ad at the bottom of the list: (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[''WANTED: '' Janitor. Remote location. Bed and Board provided. Holiday bonuses.] It’s not a glamorous job, but it’s honest work and they provide a place to stay, plus meals. Not like you’ve got much of a choice. [[GOTO: Camp Axis, Blodwulf Covert, RR 12->Camp Axis]]

The bus drops you off at the head of RR12, but refuses to drive into the woods. You’re left to follow the chalky gravel road deep into the forest, but the walk is much longer than you anticipated. Night falls before you arrive. The woods are unusually silent. You arrive at a gate built into a medieval-looking palisade wall that stretches off into the darkness. You are greeted by a grizzled-looking Square smoking a cigarette. He holds up an oil lamp so he can squint at you through the bars of the iron gate. “What’re you here for?” he grunts. [[“I’m here about the ad on the job board, back in town?”->Welcome]] [[“I’m your new janitor.”->Welcome]] [[“I’m here to clean up the joint, brah.”->Welcome]]

The Square grunts and spits off to the side. “Gonna get the supe,” he mutters, and then turns away, his boots crunching on the gravel into the darkness. He returns later with another Square. She looks ecstatic when she sees you. “Thank you for waking me, Mackie," she says, waving to the gate guard. "Oh! Oh my, look at you!" she then exclaims. "Oh, praise Lumo, what luck! Please, let them in!” says the new Square. “So sorry to keep you waiting. My name is Mary.” [[Good evening, Mary. Sorry, I'm a bit tired.->Aaand we're in]] [[Howdy! Thanks for not staring at my busted head.->Aaand we're in]] [[Ssup?->Aaand we're in]]

Mary smiles and shows you to your lodgings. Your dorm is the same as everyone else’s apparently. It’s a cozy little room with a bed, a dresser, a chair, and a little mirror on the wall . The only thing that’s concerning are the bars on the window. And the communal bathroom, but there are several stalls and the space is clean. [[It’s late, time to sleep.->Dream 1]] [[Ask Mary some questions.->Ask Mary]]

You sleep well! But your dreams are a bit strange. Something about ripples and strange shapes that don’t make any sense…. [[Time to wake up.->Morning 1]]

“All will be revealed in the morning,” Mary assures you. “I’ll come by to pick you up for breakfast.” [[It’s late, time to sleep.->Dream 1]]

You’re woken up by a knocking on the door. You get up to find Mary waiting on the other side. “Good morning! May I come in?” [[Sure, I guess.->A gift]] [[Uh, just a moment…->A quick check]]

Mary presents you with a box. “I have a gift for you,” she says. “Please open it!” In the box is a hat of a strange shape. She helps you put it on. “It fits perfectly!” You look at yourself in the mirror. The hat has two corners on it that make you look like a Square. “The community here is a bit sensitive towards newcomers, so it’d be best not to distract everyone,” Mary explains. “You’re not quite one of us yet, but once you’re inducted, you’ll be more able to walk freely.” That hits a bit strangely, but Mary seems so eager and happy to have you on board, and it’s been so long since anyone’s been nice to you, that you’re willing to overlook it… for now. You put on the hat, and it feels weird seeing yourself as a Square for once. “There you go! You’ll blend in perfectly. Let’s go!” [[To the Mess Hall->Mess Hall 1]]

You check yourself in the mirror. Yep, still a hideously deformed Triangle. Ah well, Mary didn’t seem horrified by your appearance before, but it was dark out. Maybe she’ll freak out once she sees you in the daylight. [[Time to greet the day->A gift]]

Over breakfast, Mary talks about the commune. “We all work together to live quiet, simple lives,” she says. “By the hand of Lumo, we all strive to better ourselves in order to achieve personal ascendance into enhanced wellbeing.” [[You think that’s weird, but hey, free breakfast.->The tour]]

Mary then takes you on a tour of the compound. You see that it’s a friendly community of everyone pitching together on a communal farm. No one gives you a double take, no one gives you longer-than-comfortable stare. Maybe it’s the hat, no one thinks you’re anything except a fellow Square. Then again… they’re all wearing hats, too. It’s hard to tell who’s a Square and who isn’t. [[Weird...->Threes]]

You also notice that everything is done in batches of threes -- apparently 3 is a lucky number, which is why Mary was so ecstatic to meet you. You joke rather self-deprecatingly that you wish 3 was your own lucky number. Mary pauses, and turns to you. "Why are you here?" [[I'm just there to do the job.->Why are you here]] [[Who, me? Oh, just trying out something new.->Why are you here]] [[Trust me, I didn't have a choice.->Why are you here]]

"Jokes aside," you say, "I'm just here to do the job." Mary smiles as you both stroll along the cheery central square of the communal camp. "I hope you can find some happiness here," she begins, "as you will be away from strange looks and judgmental stares. So long as you keep your hat on, of course. Once people get to know you, they will realize they love the person under the facade, and that appearances mean little when it comes to character." [[Feeling a bit abashed at the unprompted kindness-- and it’s rare when people don’t greet you with questions about your appearance -- you thank her for being nice to you. ->Thank you]] [[Feeling a bit taken aback by her frankness, you smile and thank her for being nice to you.->Thank you]]

Mary asks you what your hopes and dreams are. [[I’d like to be normal someday.->Normal]] [[I’m happy as I am!->Normal]] [[I hate everyone. I want everyone to be like //me//, for a change.->Only one]]

“Oh, but there ARE others like you! And you’re all special. Lumo says you are.” [[Okay, so who’s Lumo?->Who's Lumo]] [[I’m not special, I’m different.->I'm different]] [[I’m a deformed mess and I can’t function like a normal person. How is THAT special??->I'm different]]

“Oh, don’t say that! You’re special! Lumo says you are.” [[Okay, so who’s Lumo?->Who's Lumo]] [[I’m not special, I’m different.->I'm different]] [[I’m a deformed mess and I can’t function like a normal person. How is THAT special??->I'm different]]

“Our many-angled God of Balance, by whose tenets we abide,” Mary replies. “Don’t worry, you’ll get to know it during your stay here. Everyone here works to better themselves, and I’m sure you’ll want to join us too!” [[I’m just here as a janitor..->Just a janitor]] [[Uhh, I dunno about that…->I dunno about that]] [[You want me to join your cult?->Join cult]]

“Your differences are to be celebrated. Everyone here is doing their best at being different. Just like me!” [[You look like a Square to me, how are you different?->I want to be more]] [[I’m just here as a janitor..->Just a janitor]] [[Uhh, I dunno about that…->I dunno about that]] [[Excuse me?!->Celebrated]]

“We all started out wanting to clean out the detritus of our lives. And now we’ve moved on from cleaning to actually living.” [[Huh?->Huh]] [[Ohhh, it’s a //metaphor//.->Metaphor]]

“Cult is a strong word, but… yes, our lives do revolve around giving praise and receiving gifts from our Many-Angled saviour. Would you like to meet Lumo?” [[Right now??->Right now?]] [[Maybe later, this is a lot to take in right now.->This is a lot]]

“That’s okay, this is your first day here. Just… y’know, go with the flow. You’re free to wander anywhere you like on the compound! Just ask anyone if you have questions.” [[I have SO many questions.->So many questions]] [[Uh, okay. I guess.->This is a lot]]

Mary laughs. “Yes, something like that. It’ll all make sense eventually.” [[Tell me more about Lumo.->Lumo is]] [[Oh, okay.->I dunno about that]]

“A figure of speech! Don’t worry about it.” [[Oh, okay.->I dunno about that]]

“Of course you do! What do you have in mind?” [[Can you tell me more about Lumo?->Lumo is]] [[Can you tell me more about this cult?->Join cult]]

“Of course. By the way, I do have some tasks for you today, if you’re up to it?” [[Sure, okay.]] [[Wait, I've got questions.->So many questions]]

Mary laughs. “Not right this instant! It takes time and patience to find Lumo in oneself.” [[I still have questions.->So many questions]] [[This is a lot to take in.->This is a lot]]

Mary unrolls the list of daily chores. They’re pretty basic-- clean the communal bathrooms, replace supplies, make note of re-orders, sweep and tidy the common rooms, rake the leaves and pick up trash, and then burn the trash in the designated firepits. Everyone is very helpful, and it’s actually kinda nice when people so willingly help you out with your chores. You find yourself helping them back, which also feels nice. By nightfall you’re bushed. You take off your Square-passing hat, shower, and are asleep by the time you hit the pillow. [[Zzzzz....->Dream 2]]

That night, your dreams float right to the surface. (b4r:"dashed","none","none")+(b4r-colour:white)[ (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[A Form is descending from the heavens, but it warps and changes shape in bewildering and incomprehensible cycles as it lands before you. “In the beginning,” the Shape tells you, “there was the Point and the Line. All other Forms were inconceivable. When the Second Form descended, the point became a line, and the line became a Square. But the //Triangle// was seen as an aberration, a deformity, an irregularity to be shunned or destroyed lest it upset consistency. Let it be known that society was not changed through consistency, but by deviation from the norm. Let the Third Form descend and change the world once more.”]] (b4r:"dashed","none","none")+(b4r-colour:white)[ The words are still ringing through your head when you awaken. It seems you’ve woken too early-- the sky is still dark out, though dawn glows on the horizon.] [[Arise!->Morning 2]]

The next morning, you find an envelope slid under the door. Inside the envelope is a list of your usual chores, and a handwritten note from Mary. [[Read Mary's note.->Mary's note]] [[Read the ToDo list.->ToDo list]]

“I desire to be more than just a Square," says Mary. "Howso?" you ask, curious. “Surely you’ve thought the same thing?" she says. "Why was I born like this? Am I merely the sum of my sides? Or is there more to me than my corners?" [[Huh?->Huh]] [[Oh… I guess you really do understand my situation.->My situation]]

“Not everyone here was born a Square. I’ll take you to meet someone…" [[Right now??->Right now?]] [[Maybe later, this is a lot to take in right now.->This is a lot]]

“Lumo came to us in a dream. We are but ripples in the fabric of reality. Our true shapes are not what we perceive -- we exist in all dimensions. But in order to access the other aspects of ourselves, we must exercise our minds to accept the truth, so that we may recognize it when we see it. Comprehension of the divine shape is what we seek.” [[So… what is the shape of the divine??->Contemplate]]

"Contemplate with us, and you will see.” [[You want me to join your cult?->Join cult]]

“Celebrated?" you retort, as your temper peaks. "I can’t find a job just because I’m a freak! I can’t do normal things because of how I’m shaped. Everyone looks at me weird, and people either pity me or think I’m disgusting. What’s to celebrate?!” “I’m sorry…" Mary says, wilting a little. "I didn’t mean it like that. Just because you don’t fit into quadrilateral-normative society doesn’t mean you’re not a functional and competent person in your own right.” [[Oh... well. I guess...->Forgive her]] [[No, I'm pissed off now.->No idea]]

You’re tired, but you forgive her for being a little blind to your situation. “Y’know what, nevermind. Is there anything… janitorial I can do here, or was the job ad just a trick to get people to join?” Mary looks a little hurt. "Yes, I have some chores for you to do." [[Get to work.->Sure, okay.]]

"You have no idea how hard it is to live like I do," you growl at her. "Everything that’s easy for you, you take for granted! I have to work twice as hard as everyone else for no reason, besides the fact that I’ve got one less corner than anyone else." Mary withdraws, looking embarrassed. “You are more than just a shape. You’re a person, too.” [[You’re offended and grumpy now. “I should go, I don’t belong here.”->Give up]] [[Forgive her]].

“Wait! Do you really mean to go?” Mary pleads. You turn away to head back to your dorm. “I shouldn’t have come here. I’m out," you mutter. "Please give us a chance... I'd like to make it up to you, if I can?" Mary offers. [[Forgive her]]. [[Nah, fam. This place is bogus, time to bail.->Bail]]

You say goodbye to Mary and head back to your dorm. You just wanna get outta here asap. Not wasting any time, you head back to your dorm and throw your backpack together. [[Leave out the front gate->Leave properly]] [[Sneak out unseen->Sneak out]]

Mary writes: “I’m busy today, sorry I can’t show you around myself! Good luck! See you tomorrow.” [[Read the ToDo list.->ToDo list]]

The usual tasks are on there, except for two: [[1. Clean and polish the instruments in the Ritual Room.->Ritual Room 1]] [[2. Go see if Ramsey needs help in the mess hall kitchen.->Help Ramsey]]

You’re not sure where that is, so after you’ve dressed, donned your hat, and had breakfast in the mess hall, you ask your table mates. They lead you to a small hut near the center of the compound, where you meet an elderly Square who minds the place. The elder Square merely nods when he sees you, and beckons for you to enter. He then wordlessly directs you into the sealed-off Ritual Room, and gives you a bucket of water, soap, rags, and polishing cloths. [[Talk to the old Square.->Talk to the old Square]] [[Get to work.->Get to work]]

You head to the kitchens. The head chef, Ramsey, is puzzling over a new recipe. “Hmm… ha’n’t duen this ain inna wheel. Iverythin mun’ be parfit,” he says, frowning at the recipe card. “Aw need thee t‘ procure the aisles and the provendey fra’ the beldam. Be certain that she says the wards abuen them afore she yield the propitiations.” You’re not entirely certain what he means, but you //think// you get the gist. [[Who, or, uh… what is the beldam?->Beldam]] [[Where can I find them?]] [[Okay, I guess?]]

The old Square mumbles something unintelligible and merely hobbles away. [[Get to work.->Get to work]]

The Ritual Room has all the trappings of a cult space. There’s a grim-looking central altar, and the area is surrounded by stone pillars and metal braziers. The braziers are empty and there is a triangle-shaped altar covered by a cloth. You notice the shallow grooves that run along the cement floor in a pattern all around it. [[Investigate the pattern.->Pattern]] [[Investigate the altar.->Altar]]

You follow the pattern. It is of a Triangle superimposed upon a Square, with its points sticking out outside of the Square border. Hmmm. [[Investigate the altar.->Altar]] [[Finish up here.]]

Beneath the cloth is a clear stone surface, shaped like an equilateral triangle. It is otherwise featureless, lacking design or stylization. You give the stone a cleaning anyway -- the dust comes off rust-coloured on your cleaning rags. [[Investigate the pattern.->Pattern]] [[Finish up here.]]

You tidy up the place, replace the cloth when you’re done, and then head out of the room. The elder Square gives you a knowing nod, and then gestures for you to go away. [[2. Go see if Ramsey needs help in the mess hall kitchen.->Help Ramsey]] [[Nope, I'm done.]]

“Aye, thee dinnet knaw the crone? Shay’s a reet deel, Ah tell thee. Take thee this and dinnet give the aad dyem nowt else til she cowp wi’ thee the day’s darg.” Ramsey gives you a little rolled up paper scroll sealed with a swab of wax. [[Where can I find them?]] [[Okay, I guess?]]

“Sorteet awt. Ax thaw neighbours.” [[Who, or, uh… what is the beldam?->Beldam]] [[Okay, I guess?]]

“Hadaway noo, and dun fummel et.” Ramsey gives you a little rolled up paper scroll sealed with a swab of wax. [[Time to go ‘ax thaw neighbours’.->Ax tha neighbours]]

You head out into the main village and ask around for the ‘beldam’. Someone points you out to an isolated little thatch cottage on the edges of the compound. [[Examine the cottage.->Cottage]] [[Knock on the door.->Knock]]

The cottage is different from the rest of the houses in that it’s not a prefab. This house really does have a thick, thatch rooftop, and the walls are made up of fieldstone covered in ivy. You get the feeling that this little house was here first, and that the compound just sprung up nearby. [[Knock on the door.->Knock]]

A voice answers from within. “Enter, young Form.” [[Examine the cottage.->Cottage]] [[Head on in.]]

You nudge your way into the dark little cottage. The space is mostly kitchen, you realize as your sight adjusts to the darkness, and in the center is what looks like an old wooden butter churn. The place smells a bit odd, but maybe it’s because of all the spices and herbs hanging upside down to dry from the ceiling rafters. The crone, a wizened old Square who is also wearing the cult hat, is shuffling towards you with a large wooden bowl covered in a cloth. “Have thee remittance?” she asks. [[Me? Not really.]] [[Oh, you mean this?]]

The Square crone squints at you. “The chef has no recompense for the oils and provender?” [[The wha? OH! Oh, sorry. You mean this?->Oh, you mean this?]]

You produce the little scroll of paper sealed with wax. [[Give it to her.]]

Satisfied, you offer her the scroll. The old crone accepts it with a nod, and gives you the bowl. The bowl is oddly heavy and smells like minty herbs, like Tiger Balm or Icyhot. [[Ask about Ramsey.]] [[Ask her about the ‘wards’.]] [[To the mess hall again.]]

“He’s me son. He knaws the ways.” [[He called you ‘the beldam’? What is that?]] [[Give her the scroll->Give it to her.]] [[Ask her about the ‘wards’.]]

“The wards hath been spooken.” [[Give her the scroll->Give it to her.]] [[Ask about Ramsey.]] [[He called you ‘the beldam’? What is that?]]

“Cheeky brat! Aa’ll cob ‘im round the lugs when I sees ‘im.” [[Give her the scroll->Give it to her.]] [[Ask her about the ‘wards’.]]

Ramsey is waiting for you when you return. “Och, reet quick. That’ll be et, thank.” "What’s in the bowl?" you ask. “Provendey,” Ramsay grunts. "What’s that?" “Mind yeer oon noo.” "What’s the recipe for?" “Big thing beelden on tomorra, duen under banisty. Tis feer aggin’ one’s arrages t’acom meir able ar sommat. Nowt me business, and ne’er sit thane.” "Hah?" “Howway noo, fyul, I’m busy.” [[Cool, see ya.->Finish up your chores]]

You check your To-do list again. [[1. Clean and polish the instruments in the Ritual Room.->Ritual Room 1]] [[Nope, I'm done.]]

“I want you to understand what it is we’re doing here, by seeing it for yourself. It is a //transcendental// experience. Please, won’t you come?” [[Well… I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to take a look.->Wouldn't hurt]] [[No thanks. I don’t think I fit in here, really…->No thanks]]

“Oh… are you sure? I was really hoping I could show you the point of all… this!” Mary gestures to the compound at large. [[Honestly, everything here is a bit confusing. You’re all very nice, but this isn’t really my style.->Nah fam]] [[Well… I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to take a look.->Wouldn't hurt]]

“Exactly! Come to the Ritual Room at dawn tomorrow. I’ll make it up to you afterwards!” Mary beams happily. [[Aw, you’ve convinced me. Thank you for including me on your special day.->Convinced me]] [[No thanks. I changed my mind.->No thanks]]

“I understand. I’m sorry you can’t stay. Will you be leaving soon?” [[First thing tomorrow.]] [[Tonight, if I can.]]

Mary looks upset. “That’s when my ceremony begins. Would you consider staying for me, before you go?” [[Well... maybe just for you...->Wouldn't hurt]] [[Sorry, I can't stay here any longer.->Pack up and go]]

Mary looks upset. “I… I guess I can see you on your way, then. I’ll tell old Mackie at the front gate that you’ll be going.” [[Bail]]

“It would mean the world to me. Thanks! See you soon.” Mary waves, and trots off on some other errand in the commune. You’re curious about what this special initiation is going to involve. You still have chores left to do though, so you tackle them one by one until sundown. After dinner, you crash into bed. [[Zzzz....->Dream 4]]

“Oh, he must be preparing the feast! It’ll be very special.” [[What's the occasion?]]

"It’s my initiation tomorrow!" says Mary. "I’ll be joining the Secret Council, and I’d like to invite you to observe as a witness.” [[Me? But you just met me!->Just met me]] [[No thanks. I don’t think I fit in here, really…->No thanks]]

That morning, you get dressed, don your weird cult hat, and head out to the messhall for breakfast. There are only leftovers this early in the morning, so you cram down a roll and a cup of tea before heading over to the Ritual Room. When you arrive at the squat little hut, you are greeted by a sentry Square standing guard. “For Mary?” he asks. You nod. “Gotta search ya,” he says, and frisks you briefly before handing you a robe. “For the ceremony,” he adds, and he helps wrap it around you. The robe is a light muslin fabric that matches your hat. The guard then lets you into the hut. [[Head on in]]

You say goodbye to Mary and her weird zealotry. You feel a bit bad for letting Mary down, but you can't afford to get dragged into this. Anyway, you’re determined to get out of here before stuff gets too strange. This whole place is too weird and friendly anyway. You’ll try your luck back in the city again. You head back to your dorm to pack your things before bed. [[Zzzz...->Dream 3]]

Mary and Mackie are waiting for you at the front gate. Mary smiles sadly at you, and hands you a small item wrapped in a handkerchief. [[Accept the gift.]] [[Refuse the gift.]]

It’s probably for the best to dodge the formalities, the tears, the awkward goodbyes. You leave the weird Square-headed hat behind. You crawl out beneath the palisade walls through a culvert you spotted behind the Crone's cottage. All you have to do now is circle round the palisade walls to the road again, and leave through the woods. It's dark out, so finding your way around isn't as easy as you thought it'd be. You managed to find the chalky path. You //think// this is the one that leads back to the main road. You have time to think, now that you're on your way. The dreams were strange, weren't they? Just as you ponder, you hear something in the trees! [[Stop and listen]] [[Keep walking]]

You head to the front gate without the hat that disguises your pointy head. As you walk through the commune, people stare at you now. Some gasp, some smile and nod at you. Oddly, the nods and expressions are rather approving rather than disgusted or offended. [[Head out through the front gate.->Front gate]]

You head to the front gate, still in your hat. People smile and wave to you along the way. They have no idea. [[Head out through the front gate.->Front gate]]

Everyone was nice to you, the best you could do was leave properly. [[Leave the hat behind.]] [[Wear the hat out and take it off after you’ve exited the gates.->Leave the hat on]]

You unwrap it. It’s a small, bone-handled knife. You meet Mary’s gaze. She doesn’t smile. “Good luck, my friend.” Mackie lets you out. (b4r:"dotted","none","none")+(b4r-colour:white)[ You have time to think, now that you're on your way. The dreams were strange, weren't they? Just as you ponder, you hear something in the trees!] [[Stop and listen]] [[Keep walking]]

“Well… if you want,” Mary sighs, and takes the gift back. “Good luck, my friend.” Mackie lets you out. (b4r:"dotted","none","none")+(b4r-colour:white)[ You have time to think, now that you're on your way. The dreams were strange, weren't they? Just as you ponder, you hear something in the trees!] [[Stop and listen->Stop and listen 2]] [[Keep walking->Keep walking 2]]

That night, you dream again. (b4r:"dotted","none","none")+(b4r-colour:white)[ A Shape descends from above, rotating strangely. It is simultaneously both a Triangle and a Square. It is... actually four Triangles and a Square. It is, and then it isn't. You can't understand how it's moving. It unfolds for you to see all of its sides at once, its lines and points spreading out like an angel's wings. It is both horrifying and fascinating to watch. "Young Form," the Shape says. "Perceive me as I am: I am Lumo."] [[What are you?->What are you 3]]

Maybe it's just some forest animal. You don't know much about the woods, especially around twilight. You keep walking, maybe you'll scare it away. Suddenly there's a sharp THWAP and something smacks into your backback, penetrating through the canvas and straight into your shoulder. FUCK THAT HURTS Panic seizes you!! [[Fight!->Fight injured]] [[Flee!->Flee injured]]

Maybe it's just some forest animal. You don't know much about the woods, especially around twilight. Sure enough, you can hear rustling further out in the woods. You're being hunted. [[Take cover]] [[Fight!->Fight armed]] [[Flee!]]

Fuelled by fear, you suddenly burst out into a sprint, pelting down the chalk road as fast as you can! Immediately you can hear the whistle of more projectiles whipping past you -- //whip//, //whap//, and finally the crack of a gunshot rolling in the air behind you. You hear the heavy crash and crackle of someone gaining speed through the brush just before they tackle you to the ground! [[Fight!->Fight injured & armed]] [[Surrender!]]

You whirl around, fists at the ready-- A burly Square lunges at you from the side of the road, tackling you into the bushes on the opposite side. The Square has a knife! But you have one too. You whip out the knife Mary gave you. The Square doesn't see it in time-- he pushes himself onto it just as he attempts to use his weight to pin you down. The blood is hot as it spills out over the hilt of the knife, onto your taut hand. The Square pushes himself off you and tries to climb to his feet, but he staggers and falls to the forest floor. You also try to scramble to your feet, but a gunshot rings out! [[Hunker down]] [[Run]]

You've hunkered down against a tree, using a bush for cover. The twilight is just enough for you to spot a silhouette ghosting through the trees across the road. You can hear more of them. One of them is going to walk past you -- you can't tell if they're sneaking up or if they haven't seen you yet. [[Stay put]] [[Fight!->Fight armed]] [[Flee!]]

You hold your breath as you stay very still, willing yourself to blend in with your environment, relying on the poor lighting to disguise your silhoeutte. A burly Square stalks past you, unable to see your shape in the half-dark. [[Attack him with Mary's knife]] [[Hold fast]]

"Wait, stop!!" you shout, just as you catch the gleam of a blade in your assailant's hand. [[Lie to save your life]] [[Beg for mercy]]

Maybe it's just some forest animal. Sure enough, you can hear rustling further out in the woods. You're being hunted. [[Take cover]] [[Fight!->Fight armed]] [[Flee!]]

You whirl around, fists at the ready-- A burly Square lunges at you from the side of the road, tackling you into the bushes on the opposite side. You scuffle with the Square, but the arrow in your shoulder hinders your movement. The Square has a knife! But you have one too. You whip out the knife Mary gave you. The Square doesn't see it in time-- he pushes himself onto it just as he attempts to use his weight to pin you down. The blood is hot as it spills out over the hilt of the knife, onto your taut hand. The Square pushes himself off you and tries to climb to his feet, but he staggers and falls to the forest floor. You also try to scramble to your feet, but a gunshot rings out! [[Hunker down]] [[Run]]

You lay still where you are, hoping the enemy doesn't see you in the murky twilight. Too bad-- they definitely see you. Another gunshot cracks into the air, and something rips through your body. Agony seizes your muscles where the bullet buried itself into you, and then gradually the world fades... [[YOU DIED]]

Gasping for breath, you fling yourself up to your feet and take off running into the woods, hurdling over sticks and shrubs as more gunshots fire into the air. It's too dark to see the short cliff -- the land abruptly stops beneath your feet, and you go careening down the hill, slamming into every tree along the way. You are breathless and battered by the time you come to a rolling stop halfway into a freezing creek. [[Hunker down]] [[Hide]]

Death is a lot brighter than you thought it'd be. Sort of a hazy blue, for some reason. A Shape descends from above, rotating strangely. You realize, after watching for a time, that all these shapes-- how it changes from one Triangle to two to three to four, and then becomes a Square, that all these shapes are Lumo. All the faces of Lumo turn to you. [[Let the Third Form descend and change the world once more.]] [[Save me, Lumo.]]

You think you've broken something, but adrenaline is your god now. Splashing about in the icy water, it takes you a few tries to clamber back up to your feet and limp into what looks like a conveniently-located hide covered in ghillie netting. You collapse within it, and wait. Voices echo in the distance. And soon, you fade off into the distance too... [[Bleeding out]]

It's hard to think when pain is screaming alarms all over your body. The arrow broke off in your shoulder in the first scuffle, and you think you're bleeding out. It hurts to move. Your leg is twisted at a weird angle. You wonder if it's too late to start praying to any god that will listen. Hell, even //Lumo// would be fine. [[Pray to Lumo]] [[No god can help me now->YOU DIED]]

You whirl around, fists at the ready-- A burly Square lunges at you from the side of the road, tackling you into the bushes on the opposite side. You scuffle with the Square, but the arrow in your shoulder hinders your movement. The Square has a knife! And you don't. The knife is plunged into your neck. You manage to choke on your own blood before the sudden drop in blood pressure causes you to pass out. [[YOU DIED]]

Through your haze of suffering, you imagine that a faint light is passing overhead. You stare blearily as something blurs into your line of sight. You can't make out what it is. A Shape descends from above, rotating strangely. You realize, after watching for a time, that all these shapes-- how it changes from one Triangle to two to three to four, and then becomes a Square, that all these shapes are Lumo. All the faces of Lumo turn to you. [[Save me, Lumo.]]

"Please," you pant, "have mercy! L-look, I'm a Triangle, see? I'm one of Lumo's chosen!" "Nothing personal," the big Square grunts. "But we've be told to send you to Lumo sooner than later. Praise be to Lumo." He plunges his knife into your neck. You manage to choke on your own blood before the sudden drop in blood pressure causes you to pass out. [[YOU DIED]]

You wait until the big Square has his back fully turned to you before you lunge at him, knife in hand. You land a stab good and hard into his back, and he lets out a ragged gasp, flailing in surprise. [[Stab him until he stops moving->Stab]] [[Run for it]]

You stay silent enough that the burly Square walks right past you. You wait until he's crossed the road... [[Sneak away]] [[Stay]]

You latch onto the Big Square's back and stab him repeatedly in the spine until he collapses. You're covered in blood. [[Sneak away]] [[Run for it]]

Gasping for breath, you fling yourself up to your feet and take off running into the woods, hurdling over sticks and shrubs as gunshots fire into the air. It's too dark to see the short cliff -- the land abruptly stops beneath your feet, and you go careening down the hill, slamming into every tree along the way. You are breathless and battered by the time you come to a rolling stop halfway into a freezing creek. [[Hunker down]] [[Hide]]

"I'm on a secret mission for Mary!" you blurt out. "She gave me mission parameters! It's in my pocket!" "Didn't hear about no mission," the Big Square grunts. "We was just told to kill ya." "That's just the cover story," you pant. "You've got to believe me!" The Big Square gestures. "Hands up. Gonna search your pockets." [[Stick your hands up]] [[Draw Mary's knife from your pocket]]

The Big Square spots you moving before you can get the knife out of your pocket. He stabs you in the neck. You manage to choke on your own blood before the sudden drop in blood pressure causes you to pass out. [[YOU DIED]]

Trembling, you raise your hands above your head as the Big Square pats your pockets. He finds the knife. "Nice try," the Big Square sighs. [[Kick him in the fork]] [[Beg for mercy]]

Eff this. You slam your foot right up in between the Big Square's legs, causing him to wheeze and collapse to his knees. [[Run]] [[Stab him]]

You whip out the knife Mary gave you and stab it into the Big Square's shoulder. The Big Square bellows in pain and tries to take a swipe your legs. He catches you by the knee and you fall backwards, right onto your wounded shoulder. The impact snaps the arrow in half. The pain is blinding. [[Kick him]] [[Beg for mercy]]

You slam your foot right up in between the Big Square's legs, causing him to wheeze and collapse to his knees. You scrabble back up to your feet. [[Grab his weapon]] [[Fork him]] [[Run->Run 2]]

You do your best to slink away from the road, moving as quietly as you can through the bracken. Every now and then you have to stop and wait until the distance noises fade. You are forced to move so, so slowly. It is daylight by the time you fumble your way out of the woods. You're no longer on the chalk road, but you can see the highway now. You have to cross an entire field and climb the wire fence, out in the open. [[Make a break for it]] [[Crawl across the field like WW2 trenchman]]

You know there's more than one Square hunting you. Where are the others...? You'll camp here all day if you have to. All night. Eventually, your patience is rewarded. The rustle and snap of the perusing stalkers fades off into the distance. [[Sneak away]] [[Run for it]]

Exhausted and giddy, you throw caution to the wind as you break out into a jog across the grassy field. Freedom is so damn close! If you could just get to the road and hitch a ride... You feel the bullet rip through your chest before you even hear the gunshot. [[YOU DIED]]

You're literally out of the woods, but figuratively, not yet. You drop to your knees and elbows and slowly, painstakingly crawl your way over the field, using the tall grass for cover. You have to move slowly so as not to disturb the grass too much. At ground level, the field makes the distance feel thousands of miles away. It takes an hour to cross, but you make it. You hide in the ditch until you hear a car approaching. [[Run out to flag it down]] [[Crawl onto the road like you're wounded]]

You burst out of the ditch like a startled pheasant. The driver of the car slams straight into you. [[YOU DIED]]

The car slows to a stop when it spots you worming across the road. The driver exits the vehicle, looking terribly concerned. "I'm being followed," you pant, as the driver crouches down next to you. "Please take me to the nearest police station!" You then realize that the driver of the car is none other than Mackie, the grizzled old gate guard. "Nothing personal," Mackie grunts, as he sets his gun against your forehead. //BLAM// [[YOU DIED]]

Lumo's gaze seems to look away and focus on you at the same time. "I see your state and I am filled with compassion. I offer two gifts, but you may only choose one." [[Be reborn as a Square.]] [[Be reborn as a Triangle.]]

Finally. You have a chance at being normal. You get to be born on equal footing with everyone else now! "I want to be a Square," you say. "Very well, young Form. Let it be known that Lumo was compassionate to all Forms." [[Go into the light...]]

You have to think on it a bit. "I thought I hated being a Triangle," you finally admit. "But it's not myself I should hate. It's other Squares. Definitely other Squares. I still want to be me, y'know? I am a Triangle. And always will be." "Very well, young Form," says Lumo. "Let it be known that Lumo is compassionate to all Forms." [[Go into the light...->Intro]]

''Congratulations! '' You were born a Square! You live in a world of Triangles. THE END [[Back to start->Intro]]

You are then ushered into the hut, where the braziers are now filled with hot coals. The room feels hot as a result, and not just because it’s full of people. Other Squares in muslin robes are congregated around and between the wooden pillars, lingering just outside of the sealing circle. The cloth has been removed from the central altar you polished just the other day. Some of the Squares nod when they see you. "Oh gosh, good morning!" they greet. “So you’re the one Mary wanted,” says one. “She’s been very kind,” you confess. [[So what’s this ceremony about?]]

“Didn’t she tell you?” "No?" “She’s accepted to join the Secret Council, which calls for a very special but difficult initiation ritual.” "Difficult? How?" You're a little worried now, for Mary's sake. “The initiation is a deep commitment to alignment," the elder Squares explain. "One must walk parallel with Lumo in order to be accepted to the Council. She must shed her former identity in order to embrace her divine self.” "Oh, so one of those ‘born again’ things?" you say. “Birth is a terrible and sacred thing to behold.” You don't like how that sounds. [[Examine the room]] [[Chill til the party starts->Chill]]

The Ritual Room looks entirely different with the braziers lit. The triangular-shaped altar bothers you a //lot//. Why is it shaped like that?? You look down at the grooves in the floor. A Triangle superimposed upon a Square, with its points sticking out outside of the Square border. After staring at it for a moment, you realize you're looking at //six// triangles, not just one... Is that supposed to mean anything...? [[Oh, it's starting->Chill]]

Something about this whole thing still doesn’t feel right, but everyone’s just so upbeat and friendly that you can’t put your finger on it. Finally, the elder Square you met here the other day hobbles into the circle, and raises his wooden staff. Everyone falls silent, and withdraws to stand in a perfect arrangement along the rim. The elder Square says something unintelligible, his voice wheezing like a harmonica, before shuffling back to allow the entrance of more folks in robes into the room. [[There's Mary!]]

Mary enters the Ritual Room, sans hat, wearing a white robe. She beams when she sees everyone’s faces in the room. Flanking her are two more sentry Squares, and behind her, a rather unusual-looking Square made to look taller because her cult hat is taller than the rest. “All ye present to Witness, remove thine headress,” the tall Square commands. Everyone removes their hats. You then double take at everyone around you in shock. [[What am I seeing...?!]]

Everyone here is a Triangle, but… not a //real// Triangle. There are scars where these Squares have cut off their two top corners in order to look like Triangles. Some of the scars look surgical, others are more ragged. You then realize all eyes are on //you//. Your heartbeat is suddenly in your throat. The urge to fight or flee flutters in your chest. [[Stay for Mary]] [[Something bad is gonna go down. Run!!->You run.]]

The ceremony continues. Mary kneels before the altar. The tall Square raises her hands. “Before Lumo we show devotion through great sacrifice. In order to understand the Mystery of Zed, our sister Mary has elected to cast aside her illusions to gain perspective. Mary, today you will walk parallel with Lumo.” Mary is helped up onto the triangular altar, where she lays down, face up. A thin cloth is draped over her face, and the guards hold her down on either side. A long, sinister scrape echoes in the chamber as the Tall Square draws a red-hot sword from one of the braziers, and stands at the head of the altar. [[You suddenly understand why the altar is shaped like that.]]

“Wait, stop!” you shout. [[You can’t help but watch in horror. ->Horror]] [[You can’t help but watch in fascination.->Fascination]]

Too late-- the sword comes down. Mary shrieks as the blade slices through her head, shearing off one of her corners. The amputated corner hits the floor with a wet thud. [[You scream.]] [[You run.]] [[You stay to witness.]]

Your scream goes unheeded as the Tall Square swiftly slices off another corner off Mary’s head. The corner lands on the floor and bounces a bit before coming to a wet stop. One of the cultists behind you clutches your elbow. [[Fight!]] [[Hold fast!->You stay to witness.]]

Horror wells up inside you until it surfaces as panic. Some survival instinct has you wheeling around and bolting for the door, racing past the startled guard outside. You tear off your hat and robes as you go. //This is fucked!! This is so seriously fucked!!// [[Head back to your dorm]] [[Run to the front gates->Front gates 3]] [[Escape out the back->Out back 3]]

With your breath caught in your throat, you can’t help but watch as the Tall Square swiftly slices another corner off Mary’s head. Mary screams and flails, but the guards pin her down. The Crone Square suddenly shuffles up out of nowhere, and gently picks up Mary’s shorn corners and places them into a basket. Mary continues to howl and cry. The guards keep her held down as the Tall Square now wraps Mary’s head with bandages. “BEAR WITNESS!” the Tall Square bellows. “MARY WALKS PARALLEL!” “Mary walks parallel!” the other cultists chant, in unison. //Mary walks parallel! Mary walks parallel! Mary walks parallel!// [[You can't bring yourself to chant with them.]]

Panic overtakes you as you whirl around and slam your elbow into the face of the Square behind you. Your sleeves flail as you bolt for the exit, past the guard, and out into the community square beyond. You tear off your hat and robes as you go. //This is fucked!! This is so seriously fucked!!// [[Head back to your dorm]] [[Head to the front gates]] [[Escape out the back]]

You slam the door behind you, trapping yourself in your dorm for now. There's no lock on the door. Without thinking, you immediately throw your stuff into your backpack and rip off the stupid cultist hat. You don't have any weapons. You search the messhall for a knife, but all you can find are forks, spoons, and blunt butter knives. Fine, a fork will have to do. You've got to get out of here. [[Head to the front gates]] [[Escape out the back]]

The grizzled old Square is guarding the front gate when you get there. You try to look calm as you ask him to let you out. He doesn't ask questions, but he eyes you suspiciously as you stroll on out. (b4r:"dashed","none","none")+(b4r-colour:white)[ An hour later on foot, you have time to think, now that you're on your way. Shit. Maybe you shouldn't have left Mary behind. Maybe you should have stayed and seen it through. Or at least lingered long enough to see if Mary was going to be okay. Too late now, though. Just as you ponder, you hear something in the trees!] [[Stop and listen->Stop and listen 3]] [[Keep walking->Keep Walking 3]]

You crawl out beneath the palisade walls through a culvert you spotted behind the Crone's cottage. All you have to do now is circle round the palisade walls to the road again, and leave through the woods. It's dark out, so finding your way around isn't as easy as you thought it'd be. You managed to find the chalky path. You //think// this is the one that leads back to the main road. (b4r:"dashed","none","none")+(b4r-colour:white)[ An hour later on foot, you have time to think, now that you're on your way. Shit. Maybe you shouldn't have left Mary behind. Maybe you should have stayed and seen it through. Or at least lingered long enough to see if Mary was going to be okay. Too late now, though. Just as you ponder, you hear something in the trees!] [[Stop and listen->Stop and listen 3]] [[Keep walking->Keep Walking 3]]

You’re still in shock as you find yourself in the messhall afterwards, holding a plate of hors d'oeuvres in stunned silence as the other cultists chat with you. Their words filter into one ear and out the other as they quietly discuss the weather and the quality of the food. [[I should get out of this madhouse->Madhouse]] [[What do these people want from me…?]]

You eye the other Squares, who have all donned their hats-that-make-them-look-like-normal-Squares. They //know// you’re a Triangle now. Do they… do they worship you now…? Or at least, your kind?? [[Uh, hey, so um. About this… this Triangle thing…->Triangle thing]] [[You’re all insane, you know that?->Insane]]

Maybe it's just some forest animal. Sure enough, you can hear rustling further out in the woods. You're being hunted. [[Take cover->Take cover 2]] [[Fight!->Fight armed 2]] [[Flee!]]

Maybe it's just some forest animal. You don't know much about the woods. You keep walking, maybe you'll scare it away. Suddenly something ZINGS past your ear so fast and loud that it startles you. A crack of a gunshot echoes a nanosecond later, followed by a blooming pain in the curve of your ear. Panic seizes you!! [[Fight!->Fight with fork]] [[Flee!->Flee injured2]]

You whirl around, fists at the ready-- A burly Square lunges at you from the side of the road, tackling you into the bushes on the opposite side. The Square has a knife! And you have... a fork. By some miracle, as the Square stabs down at you with his knife, you attempt to parry and actually manage to catch the blade between the prongs of the fork. With a twist of your wrist, you've disarmed the Square. The Big Square immediately headbutts you, //WHACK//. [[Stab him with the fork->Fork stab]] [[Beg for mercy]]

"Wait, stop!!" you shout, just as you catch the gleam of a blade in your assailant's hand. [[Lie to save your life->Lie]] [[Beg for mercy]]

Blindly, you thrust the fork up at your attacker-- The prongs sink into the Big Square's jugular. The blood is hot as it spills out over the hilt of the fork, onto your taut hand. The Square pushes himself off you and tries to climb to his feet, but he staggers and falls to the forest floor. You also try to scramble to your feet, but a gunshot rings out! [[Hunker down]] [[Run->Run 2]]

You think you've broken something, but adrenaline keeps the immediate pain at bay. Splashing about in the icy water, it takes you a few tries to clamber back up to your feet and limp into what looks like a conveniently-located hide covered in ghillie netting. You collapse within it, and wait. Voices echo in the distance. And soon, you fade off into the distance too... [[Rest->Rest]]

It's hard to think when pain is screaming alarms all over your body. It hurts to move. Your leg is twisted at a weird angle. You wonder if it's too late to start praying to any god that will listen. Hell, even //Lumo// would be fine. [[Pray to Lumo]] [[No god can help me now->YOU DIED]]

"I'm on a secret mission for Mary!" you blurt out. "She gave me mission parameters!" "Didn't hear about no mission," the Big Square grunts. "We was just told to kill ya." "That's just the cover story," you pant. "You've got to believe me! The proof is in my pocket!" The Big Square gestures. "Hands up. Gonna search your pockets." [[Stick your hands up->Hands up]] [[Draw fork from your pocket]]

The Big Square spots you moving before you can get the fork out of your pocket. He stabs you in the neck. You manage to choke on your own blood before the sudden drop in blood pressure causes you to pass out. [[YOU DIED]]

The Square has a knife! But you have one too. You whip out the knife Mary gave you. The Square doesn't see it in time-- he pushes himself onto it just as he attempts to use his weight to pin you down. The blood is hot as it spills out over the hilt of the knife, onto your taut hand. The Square pushes himself off you and tries to climb to his feet, but he staggers and falls to the forest floor. You also try to scramble to your feet, but a gunshot rings out! [[Hunker down]] [[Run]]

You've hunkered down against a tree, using a bush for cover. The dawning twilight is just enough for you to spot a silhouette ghosting through the trees across the road. You can hear more of them. One of them is going to walk past you -- you can't tell if they're sneaking up or if they haven't seen you yet. [[Stay put->Stay put 2]] [[Fight!->Fight armed]] [[Flee!]]

You wait until the big Square has his back fully turned to you before you lunge at him, fork in hand. You land a stab good and hard into the side of his neck, and he lets out a ragged gurgle, flailing in surprise. But the tines of the fork aren't sharp enough to go that deep. The Square whirls around and punches the daylights out of you. [[Stab him with the fork again->Fork stab]] [[Beg for mercy]]

The Square has a knife! And you have... a fork. By some miracle, as the Square stabs down at you with his knife, you attempt to parry and actually manage to catch the blade between the prongs of the fork. With a twist of your wrist, you've disarmed the Square. The Big Square immediately headbutts you, //WHACK//. [[Stab him with the fork->Fork stab]] [[Beg for mercy]]

Trembling, you raise your hands above your head as the Big Square pats your pockets. He finds the fork. "Nice try," the Big Square sighs. [[Kick him in the nay nays->Kick him]] [[Beg for mercy]]

Blindly, you thrust the fork up at your attacker-- The prongs sink into the Big Square's jugular. The blood is hot as it spills out over the hilt of the knife, onto your taut hand. The Square collapses. [[Grab his knife]] [[Run->Run 2]]

You swiftly wrest the knife out of his dead hand. [[Hunker down]] [[Run->Run 2]]

You swiftly wrest the knife out of his hand. [[Stab him with his own knife]] [[Fork him]] [[Run->Run 2]]

You stab the Square right in the face. Again and again. The blood is hot as it spills out over the hilt of the knife, onto your taut hand. The Square collapses. [[Hunker down]] [[Run->Run 2]]

The secretly ‘triangular’ Squares all look at you, smiling. “You’re already halfway there,” says one of them. “Has Lumo spoken to you yet?” [[Of course not! Lumo’s some fake god you made up because you all hate yourselves! Get over it!!->Get over it]] [[Has Lumo spoken to //you//?->Spoken to you]] [[Yes, actually.]]

The ‘Squares’ look all taken aback for a moment. Then: “Surely you hate yourself as well?” [[Now that you mention it, I used to, until I met you sad sacks. I’m outta here. ->Might be time to leave.]] [[So that’s why you all mutilated yourselves?->Mutilated]]

The ‘Squares’ all smile. “Lumo speaks only to those of Three Points. Only those who have sacrificed have heard Lumo speak.” [["Okay, but what did it //say//?" you insist.->Okay, but]] [[So that’s why you all mutilated yourselves?->Mutilated]] [[Lumo sounds kinda //shapeist// if you ask me.->Shapeist]]

[[Head back to your dorm]] [[Head to the front gates]] [[Escape out the back]]

“Yes. We all seek to hear God.” 'Lumo speaks only to those who have shed their illusions." You stare at them as if able to see their self-chosen amputations of their Square corners, in their vain attempts to look like Triangles. A dull, simmering anger grows within you. "You hate us, and yet you want to look like us," you seethe. "You think that having three corners lets you hear God?!" The Elders stare back dispassionately. You're only just getting started. "You talk about shedding illusions-- what about YOU?! You think cutting off your corners makes you a Triangle?!" You slam the plate of hors d'ouevres onto the messhall floor, //PLANNG//. [[I'm outta here.->Madhouse]]

“You don’t know what gifts you were born with.” You stare at them. "You think you know me better than I do?" [[You people have never been out in the real world, have you?->Real world]] [[I can tell what you guys //weren’t// born with.->Weren't born with]]

"You people have never been out in the real world, have you?" you mutter. "You have no idea what it’s like trying live in a world where everyone hates you just because you were born different. And here you are, shucking off your privilege and acting like you’re better for it?? Who do you think you are?!" "We all came from the real world," one of the elder 'Squares' tells you. "But that’s not the reality that matters. Transcendence is the only solution to our limited mortality -- our understanding goes so much further than mere existence.” [[‘Mere existence?’ The hell are you talking about?! That’s garbage.->Garbage]] [[Easy to say when you’re not struggling to make a living.->Living]] [[Okay, boomer.->Boomer]]

The un-Squares merely smile, as though they know something you don’t. Then you realize… there IS something you know that they don’t. "So wait... what exactly does Lumo tell you?" you ask. The Elder Squares all nod knowingly. "Lumo promises fulfillment." "Lumo preaches Triangularity." "Lumo promises everlasting life to those who practice the virtues of the Trinity." You stare at them. [[What do you mean by all that?]] [[In the beginning, there was the Point and the Line.->Point and Line]] [[You're all liars.]]

"You think you can just blow off real life by living here in a commune in a funny hat, pretending to be Triangles?" you scold them. "You want to be a Triangle? Try living my life instead! Then you'll see what //actual// life is like as a Triangle!" The Elders just look at you pityingly. As if they feel //sorry// for you. THESE guys. Who cut off their own corners to look like YOU. That just pisses you off even more. [[You slam the plate of hors d'ouevres onto the messhall floor, //PLANNG//.->Slam]] [[Gve up on these idiots.->Okay, you've got me there.]]

You try to appeal to their rational nature. "Look... living as a Triangle in a Square world isn't easy," you explain, patiently. "Everything is designed for Squares. Clothes, furniture, jobs, buildings. Squares look at me funny, like I'm deformed. They feel sorry for me, just for being born. Can you even comprehend what that's like? To have people look at you like you like don't belong? Like you're not a fellow Shape just like they are?" You give a pleading look to the Elders. The Elders try to look sympathetic, but you can tell by their eyes that they don't understand. Or care. THESE guys. Who cut off their own corners to look like YOU. You wonder if you're the one who should be feeling sorry for //them// instead. [[Time to wake up these assholes with a bang.->Slam]] [[Give up on these idiots.->Okay, you've got me there.]]

You don't think it's even worth it to talk to these chumps. They're so far up their own asses that nothing will penetrate their damaged skulls. [[Might be time to leave.]]

The smiles fall from their faces. "You've read from the Book of Zed!" they accuse, baffled and offended. [[What book?]] [[Lumo doesn't speak to you at all, does it?]]

"Lumo spoke to me about the Point and the Line," you explain carefully. "About how we're all Second Forms, and that only the descent of the Third Form will change the world. Does your Book of Zed not say anything about that??" The expressions on the faces of the Elders ranges from curiousity, amazement, and annoyance. "You don't know of the Three Virtues," one of them says, loftily. "Lumo isn't about virtue," you argue. "It's about--" [[Revolution]] [[Individuality]]

The smiles all turn sour. "Don't think you have the advantage of your birth," one of them mutters. "You don't yet understand the Virtues of the Three." Your rage starts to build. "You hate us, and yet you want to look like us," you seethe. "You think that having three corners lets you hear God?!" The Elders stare back dispassionately. [[You slam the plate of hors d'ouevres onto the messhall floor, //PLANNG//.->Slam]] [[Might be time to leave. ->Madhouse]]

"That is privileged Council information!" the Elders retort. "No one but Council members may lay eyes upon the pages of the book of Zed," another one mutters. "Who //are// you?" One of the scarred Elders turns and begins heading towards one of the Messhall guards. [[Might be time to leave.]] [[Lumo doesn't speak to you at all, does it?]]

You mumble something and merely pass on the plate of hors d'oeuvres as you turn away from the group, seeking the exit. [[I'm outta here.->Madhouse]]

You slam the plate of hors d'ouevres onto the messhall floor, //PLANNG// "You're ALL insane," you declare. [[I'm outta here.->Madhouse]]

"Lumo spoke to me of individuality. Pretending to be Triangles doesn't change who you are!" The Elders exchange glances with one another. "It is the //beginning// of change," says one. "Devotion to Lumo demands sacrifice." "I don't see how cutting off your corners to look like Triangles will help you understand the Mystery of Zed," you insist. The Elders give you a patient Look. "You've been here for naught three days, and already you preach to us?" says one of them. [[Okay, you've got me there.]] [[Your ideals shouldn't make you hurt yourselves or demand the suffering of others.->Suffering]]

"Lumo spoke to me of revolution. It is deviation from the norm that changes the world. Cutting off your corners doesn't change anything! It doesn't change who you are!" The Elders exchange glances with one another. "It is the beginning of change," says one. "Devotion to Lumo demands sacrifice." "Look, if you wanna chop off your corners, go ahead, but don't ask the others to follow your example," you insist. The Elders give you a patient Look. "You've been here for naught three days, and already you preach to us?" says one of them. [[Okay, you've got me there.]] [[Your ideals shouldn't make you hurt yourselves or demand the suffering of others.->Suffering]]

"You make people believe in horseshit so you can feel like you're all in on the same secret," you say, exasperatedly. "Wearing these dumb hats and pretending to be Triangles pretending to be Squares? What IS that?? I can tell Lumo doesn't speak to //any// of you. You wouldn't make up all these weird excuses about sacrifice if you understood what Lumo was about." The Elders continue to stare down their noses at you. [[Might be time to leave.]]

You sigh. "I don't think I really fit in here," you confess. "You can all play pretend at being Triangles, but I don't think that's going to get you very far." [[Might be time to leave.]]

"I am the Third Form," says Lumo. "I am a polygon. I am called the Pyramid." The incomprehensible Shape gently touches to the ground. The very ground itself warps to accommodate its form. You still can't quite parse what you're looking at. "Young Form," Lumo says. "Let it be known that wisdom is not found in three points as a Triangle, but in three //dimensions//. My followers do not yet comprehend this tenet." Lumo folds its lines and points back together, reforming its many corners. [[I don't understand.]] [[Who are your people?]] [[What are you preaching?]]

"All who seek the know the Mystery of Zed shall be as my followers," says Lumo. "My tenets are facts, not virtues. But I, Lumo, am still a person with hopes and dreams. I wish to guide all Second Forms into the third dimension. But that begins with perspective." [[How do I do that?]] [[What are you preaching?]]

“In the beginning,” Lumo tells you, “there was the Point and the Line. All other Forms were inconceivable. When the Second Form descended, the point became a line, and the line became a Square. But the //Triangle// was seen as an aberration, a deformity, an irregularity to be shunned or destroyed lest it upset consistency. Let it be known that society was not changed through consistency, but by deviation from the norm. Let the Third Form descend and change the world once more.” [[Oh, I remember now.]]

[[Who are your people?]] [[What are you preaching?]]

"The world will change when Second Forms discover the Mystery of Zed." [[What is the Mystery of Zed?]] [[How do I do that?]]

"Contemplation," says Lumo. "It begins first with the mirror." Lumo turns a little, and again you don't quite understand how it does that -- Lumo is a Triangle, then two Triangles, and when it rotates again, suddenly it is a Square, and then back to a Triangle again. You are baffled by what you see. "Contemplate your form in the mirror. Does that form of you live on inside yourself? That is where the Mystery of Zed begins." [[Can't you just tell me what it is?]] [[This just sounds like psychology.]]

"Second Forms comprehend the first Axes, Ex and Why," Lumo explains. "But the third Axis, Zed, is inaccessible to them. To grok Zed, one must rise above oneself." [[How do I do that?]]

"The Mystery of Zed is a state of being," Lumo explains. "It is the ability to see around yourself, truly, and observe all aspects. Second Forms lack the eyes to see all. But that gateway lies through the mirror. Contemplate this: The mirror reveals truth, but what is that truth?" [[You have no idea either, do you?]] [[This just sounds like psychology.]] [[This is too much, I'm just gonna wake up now.->Wake up]]

"It's a bit of that," Lumo admits. "But is understanding not the goal of psychology as well?" [[Can't you just tell me what it is?]] [[This is too much, I'm just gonna wake up now.->Wake up]]

"To say that the mystery can only be learned through revelation means nothing," Lumo admits. "But that is the only way to know. Contemplate the mirror." [[So once I get it, I get it?]] [[This is too much, I'm just gonna wake up now.->Wake up]]

"Basically," Lumo confirms, with a shrug. "But that's enough for today." [[I'm just gonna wake up now.->Wake up]]

You wake up in your bed, in your dorm. Out of habit, you put on the cultist hat-- but you pause to look at yourself in the mirror. //Contemplate the mirror.// [[Right, I'm supposed to attend Mary's ceremony today.->The Ceremony]]

"I am not without compassion," says Lumo. "Mary will be misled if she stays here. But the real world will hurt her if she is taken out of this place. Ask her what she wants." [[She wants to get to know YOU.]] [[Yeah, I guess I should probably ask her first.->Ask her first]]

"Tell her of the mirror," Lumo suggests. "If she should grok the Mystery of Zed through contemplation of the mirror, she will soon come to lead the group. You could stay to assist her, perhaps. Or you could return to the real world." [[I'll just ask her what she wants, I guess.->Ask her first]]] [[This is too much, I'm just gonna wake up now.->Wake up]]

"Will I remember enough of this to tell her when she wakes up?" "Maybe," says Lumo. "Best if you wake now." [[Wake up]]

"The holy Trinity consists of three virtues: faith, loyalty, and devotion." "By choosing to enlighten ourselves of the burden of Squaredom, we embrace Triangularity, the holy shape." "You'd think you'd know the tenets of Triangularity, being a Triangle yourself." [[As a Triangle myself, I have //never// heard of this.->As a Triangle]] [[Well, I guess those are nice virtues, but... why hurt yourselves over it??->Hurt yourselves]]

"It doesn't understand devotion," one of the Elders whispers to the others. "It doesn't understand the struggle." Ubidden, a sense of fury rises to your head in a dizzying bubble and //pops//. [[You people have never been out in the real world, have you?->Real world]] [[Screw this noise, time to ditch this joint.->Might be time to leave.]]

"What are you even talking about?" you say, trying to keep the incredulity out of your tone. "All this... this mystic stuff about triangularity and holy trinity-- that's just stuff you made up! That has nothing to do with being a Triangle." [[You people have never been out in the real world, have you?->Real world]]

The Elders all nod knowingly, as if they know something. "Of course Lumo would speak to its chosen people," they say. You try not to roll your eyes. But the idea of being the Chosen People of some kind of Triangle god //is// kinda appealing. A shame it doesn't come with perks. "Wait, before I tell you.." you begin... [[What does Lumo tell YOU?->Spoken to you]]

The Elder Squares all nod knowingly. "Lumo promises fulfillment." "Lumo preaches Triangularity." "Lumo promises everlasting life to those who practice the virtues of the Trinity." You stare at them. [[What do you mean by all that?]] [[In the beginning, there was the Point and the Line.->Point and Line]] [[You're all liars.]]

The grizzled old Square, Mackie, is guarding the front gate when you get there. You try to look calm as you ask him to let you out. He doesn't ask questions, but he eyes you suspiciously as you stroll on out. (b4r:"dashed","none","none")+(b4r-colour:white)[ An hour later on foot, you have time to think, now that you're on your way. Shit. Maybe you shouldn't have left Mary behind. Maybe you should have stayed and seen it through. Or at least lingered long enough to see if Mary was going to be okay. Too late now, though. Just as you ponder, you hear something in the trees!] [[Stop and listen->Stop and listen 4]] [[Keep walking->Keep walking 4]]

You crawl out beneath the palisade walls through a culvert you spotted behind the Crone's cottage. All you have to do now is circle round the palisade walls to the road again, and leave through the woods. It's dark out, so finding your way around isn't as easy as you thought it'd be. You managed to find the chalky path. You //think// this is the one that leads back to the main road. You have time to think, now that you're on your way. The dreams were strange, weren't they? Just as you ponder, you hear something in the trees! [[Stop and listen->Stop and listen 4]] [[Keep walking->Keep walking 4]]

Maybe it's just some forest animal. Sure enough, you can hear rustling further out in the woods. You're being hunted. [[Take cover->Take cover 3]] [[Fight!->Fight unarmed 3]] [[Flee!]]

You've hunkered down against a tree, using a bush for cover. The low morning light is just enough for you to spot a silhouette ghosting through the trees across the road. You can hear more of them. One of them is going to walk past you -- you can't tell if they're sneaking up or if they haven't seen you yet. [[Stay put 3]] [[Fight!->Fight unarmed 4]] [[Flee!]]

You whirl around, fists at the ready-- A burly Square lunges at you from the side of the road, tackling you into the bushes on the opposite side. The Square has a knife! And you don't. The knife is plunged into your neck. You manage to choke on your own blood before the sudden drop in blood pressure causes you to pass out. [[YOU DIED]]

You whirl around, fists at the ready-- A burly Square lunges at you from the side of the road, tackling you into the bushes on the opposite side. You scuffle with the Square, but the arrow in your shoulder hinders your movement. The Square has a knife! And you don't. The knife is plunged into your neck. You manage to choke on your own blood before the sudden drop in blood pressure causes you to pass out. [[YOU DIED]]

You stay silent enough that the burly Square walks right past you. You wait until he's crossed the road... [[Sneak away 2]] [[Stay 2]]

You wait until the big Square has his back fully turned to you before you lunge at him. The Square has a knife! And you don't. The knife is plunged into your neck. You manage to choke on your own blood before the sudden drop in blood pressure causes you to pass out. [[YOU DIED]]

You do your best to slink away from the road, moving as quietly as you can through the bracken. Every now and then you have to stop and wait until the distance noises fade. You are forced to move so, so slowly. Eventually you fumble your way out of the woods. You're no longer on the chalk road, but you can see the highway now. You have to cross an entire field and climb the wire fence, out in the open. [[Make a break for it]] [[Crawl across the field like WW2 trenchman]]

You know there's more than one Square hunting you. Where are the others...? You'll camp here all day if you have to. Eventually, your patience is rewarded. The rustle and snap of the perusing stalkers fades off into the distance. [[Sneak away 2]] [[Run for it->Flee unarmed 2]]

"I am the Third Form," says Lumo. "I am a polygon. I am called the Pyramid." The incomprehensible Shape gently touches to the ground. The very ground itself warps to accommodate its form. You still can't quite parse what you're looking at. "Young Form," Lumo says. "Let it be known that wisdom is not found in three points as a Triangle, but in three //dimensions//. My followers do not yet comprehend this tenet." Lumo folds its lines and points back together, reforming its many corners. [[I don't understand.->I don't understand. 2]] [[Who are your people?->Who are your people? 2]] [[What are you preaching?->What are you preaching? 2]]

"The world will change when Second Forms discover the Mystery of Zed." [[What is the Mystery of Zed?->What is the Mystery of Zed? 2]] [[How do I do that?->How do I do that? 2]]

"Second Forms comprehend the first Axes, Ex and Why," Lumo explains. "But the third Axis, Zed, is inaccessible to them. To grok Zed, one must rise above oneself." [[How do I do that?->How do I do that? 2]]

"The Mystery of Zed is a state of being," Lumo explains. "It is the ability to see around yourself, truly, and observe all aspects. Second Forms lack the eyes to see all. But that gateway lies through the mirror. Contemplate this: The mirror reveals truth, but what is that truth?" [[You have no idea either, do you?->You have no idea either, do you? 2]] [[This just sounds like psychology.->Psychology]] [[This is too much, I'm just gonna wake up now.->Wake up 2]]

"To say that the mystery can only be learned through revelation means nothing," Lumo admits. "But that is the only way to know. Contemplate the mirror." [[So once I get it, I get it?->I get it?]] [[This is too much, I'm just gonna wake up now.->Wake up 2]]

"It's a bit of that," Lumo admits. "But is understanding not the goal of psychology as well?" [[Can't you just tell me what it is?->Tell me what it is]] [[This is too much, I'm just gonna wake up now.->Wake up 2]]

It's barely dawn when you awaken. Your stuff is already packed and ready to go. [[Leave out the front gate->Leave properly]] [[Sneak out the back->Sneak out]]

"Basically," Lumo confirms, with a shrug. "But that's enough for today." [[I'm just gonna wake up now.->Wake up 2]]

"Yes," says Lumo. "Are you ready to assume your new form?" [[My what?->Save me, Lumo.]]

Just as you finish up your chores, Mary spots you from across the way and comes bustling up to meet you. “There you are! I wanted to invite you to a special event!" "Oh?" you say. [[What's the occasion?]] [[Does it have anything to do with what Ramsey’s making?->Ramsey's recipe]]