Who Wants to Hire the Big Bad Wolf?

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[#Who Wants to Hire the Big Bad Wolf? [[Start]] [[How to Play]] [[Author's Commentary]] [[Credits]]]

//Hello Jacob, Unfortunately, after reviewing your application, you were not selected to move on in the hiring process. While I understand this might be disappointing news, I would like to thank you for taking the time to apply. All the best, [[The Butcher->UGH]]// (if:$commentary is true)[AC: Can you tell that I have received my fair share of rejection letters during my job hunt? But hey, we keep on persevering!]

Ugh, that makes this my third rejection this week. I can now officially say that I've been turned away by the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker. [[And nobody even likes that guy!->months]]

I've been looking for a new job for months now but nobody seems to want me. I can't say that I'm too surprised though. [[After all, who would want to hire the Big Bad Wolf?->ready]]

Tossing the letter into a pile with the other ones, I down the last dregs of my morning coffee before readying myself for a trip into town. Stepping into the bathroom, I take a second to look myself over in the mirror. Big ears... big eyes... big hands... and even bigger teeth. So this is how others see me... [[a terrifying monster. ->scary]] [[a sexy beast. ->sexy]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: First choices are always important in games. I wanted this choice to set the tone of the game while also giving the player permission to have fun and be a bit silly!]

I suppose it doesn't help that all the late nights I've been spending on my computer have left me with bloodshot eyes and a bad case of resting bitch face. //Maybe I should start wearing cute little bows//, I think as I throw on some clothes and [[head out the door.->town]]

I wolf whistle at my reflection as I flex my way through a series of sexy poses. Damn, I look good! //Maybe my problem is that I look too intimidatingly hot//, I think as I throw on some clothes and [[head out the door.->town]]

A quick walk through the woods later, I find myself walking up to the job board in the town square. I hope it has some jobs I can actually recognize this time. Last week, I saw a posting for an assistant technical haberdasher. [[What does that even mean?->empty]] [[Didn't stop me from applying though. ->empty]]

Standing before it, I look down and see that the job board is completely filled with [[nothing.->really empty]]

(link-reveal:"Like absolutely nothing.")[= (link-reveal:"No job posts.")[= (link-reveal:"No flyers.")[= (link-reveal:"Not even a single damn Help Wanted sign. ")[= [[I bang my head against the board in frustration.->fairy]]

"Excuse me!" comes a high-pitched voice from behind me. I turn to see a little blue fairy sweating up a storm as she struggles to carry a stack of posters in her arms while flying. "You're blocking the board," she says. [["Whoops, sorry about that..."->posting1]] [["I'll move when I want to..."->posting2]] [[//Growl menacingly//->posting3]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: All three choices serve to move the conversation along, but are another opportunity for the player to decide what sort of personality and voice they want the Big Bad Wolf to have!]

"Sure you are," the fairy scoffs as she flies past me and up to the board. [[How rude!->rude]] [[What a bitch!->rude]]

"Then do you mind moving your hairy ass now?" the fairy says as she flies past me and up to the board. [[How rude!->rude]] [[What a bitch!->rude]]

"Yeah, yeah. You're very menacing," the fairy scoffs as she flies past me and up to the board. [[How rude!->rude]] [[What a bitch!->rude]]

A fire burns in my belly, months of frustration threatening to boil over. Eyeing the fairy in front of me, I think I might have just found the perfect chance to let off some steam. [[Let her have it. ->let her have it]] [[Let it go.->let it go]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: In a game about being the Big Bad Wolf, it is important to give the player chances to be both big and bad.]

I take a few deep breaths and calm myself down. I don't think an outburst like this will do me any favours in my job hunt. Taking a paper out of her pile, the fairy affixes it to the job board with a dab of glitter glue before flying off in storm of pixie dust. [[I take a good look at it and see...->internship]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: With this choice, players can get the hint that maybe being a responsible adult can help you out with your job hunt. Or at least that it might be a bit of a bad idea to assault your potential future co-worker.]

A monstrous grin spreads across my face as I let myself indulge in my bad habits. Licking my teeth, I open wide as I... (set:$disapproval to it+1) [[swallow her whole!->eat fairy]] [[huff and puff and blow her all away!->blow fairy]]

My jaws snap shut around her as I eat her in an instant. She tastes of candy floss and derision. Picking her wings out from between my teeth, I notice her pile of papers has scattered all over the ground. [[Picking one up, I take a good look at it and see...->internship]]

A gale force wind howls out of my mouth, sending the fairy blasting off into the distance. Her papers scatter all around me, falling to the ground like snow. [[Picking one up, I take a good look at it and see...->internship]]

//AN OPEN CALL FOR AN IN OFFICE INTERN The fairy godmother is looking for an in office intern to assist her with her duties in helping the princesses of the land. Prospective applicants should be well organized, have a keen eye for detail, and excellent communication skills. Please present yourself at the Fairy Godmother's office with a copy of your resume in hand. [[All applicants welcome.->this is it]]// (if:$commentary is true)[AC: Can you tell that I've also read way too many job postings? This also serves as hint for the player as to what the Fairy Godmother will be looking for in an applicant and what sort of decisions might work best.]

This is it! The opportunity of a lifetime! The Fairy Godmother is one of the best employers out there! If I can get this internship, I'd be set for life! Any job I wanted afterwards would be mine! I have to get this internship, [[no matter what. ->no way]]

But wait! I'm still the Big Bad Wolf! There's no way she'd even think about hiring me... [[Unless she didn't know it was me in the first place!->disguise]]

I race back home as fast as I can, opening up my closet and searching through my collection of elaborate costumes for the perfect disguise. What? Every wolf needs a hobby! Looking through my options, I throw on a (cycling-link: bind $disguise,"curly fake moustache", "gentleman's top hat", "heavy trench coat", "pair of nerdy glasses", "white powdered wig"). [[It's perfect!->Mirror]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: The whimsy of the disguises helps build the game's lighthearted vibes while also providing another opportunity for the player to make a meaningful choice!]

(if: $disguise is "curly fake moustache")[(goto:"moustache")] (if: $disguise is "gentleman's top hat")[(goto:"hat")] (if: $disguise is "heavy trench coat")[(goto:"coat")] (if: $disguise is "pair of nerdy glasses")[(goto:"glasses")] (if: $disguise is "white powdered wig")[(goto:"wig")]

Looking back through my options, I throw on a (cycling-link: bind $disguise,"curly fake moustache", "gentleman's top hat", "heavy trench coat", "pair of nerdy glasses", "white powdered wig"). [[Now this is the one!->Mirror]]

Looking in the mirror, I can tell that the thick curls of the fake handlebar moustache help hide my lupine muzzle perfectly. But is this the sort of look that screams "world's best intern"? [[Of course it is!->Next]] [[Maybe let's try something else...->change disguise]]

With my disguise in place, I grab a copy of my resume and race out the door towards the Fairy Godmother's office. [[This internship is mine!->enter office]]

Looking in the mirror, I can tell that the wide body and long sleeves of the trench coat help hide my lupine physique perfectly. But is this the sort of look that screams "world's best intern"? [[Of course it is!->Next]] [[Maybe let's try something else...->change disguise]]

Looking in the mirror, I can tell that the tall body and thick brim of the top hat help hide my lupine ears perfectly. But is this the sort of look that screams "world's best intern"? [[Of course it is!->Next]] [[Maybe let's try something else...->change disguise]]

Looking in the mirror, I can tell that the thick lenses of the nerdy glasses help hide my lupine eyes perfectly. But is this the sort of look that screams "world's best intern"? [[Of course it is!->Next]] [[Maybe let's try something else...->change disguise]]

Looking in the mirror, I can tell that the thick locks of the white powdered wig help hide my matted fur perfectly. But is this the sort of look that screams "world's best intern"? [[Of course it is!->Next]] [[Maybe let's try something else...->change disguise]]

The Fairy Godmother's office is a busy workplace filled with more cubicles than there should be in a single-story building like this. Packs of frazzled fairies zoom from one meeting room to the other leaving sheets of loose-leaf paper in their wake. An elf and a hobgoblin stand by the water cooler, discussing Prince Charming's cameo in last night's episode of Succession. At a wide desk in front of me sits a giant troll, who looks up from her massive agenda to give me the most tired of glances. "What are you here for?" she asks. [["Hello there! My name is Jacob T. Wolfe and I..."->hello]] [["I'm here for the internship."->for the internship]] [[//Hold out a copy of the job posting.//->hold out copy]] (if:$commentary is true)[Again, dialogue choices make great opportunities for players to establish personality with their Big Bad Wolf.]

"I don't care what your name is," she says as she tosses a visitor's pass down towards me. "The boss lady's office is down the hall to your left. Wait outside until she's done chewing out the last guy." I pick the lanyard off the ground and hang it around my hairy neck. [["Thanks, I guess..."->waiting room]] [["Nice speaking with you!"->waiting room]] [[//Grunt noncommittally.//->waiting room]]

"Of course you are," she says as she tosses a visitor's pass down towards me. "The boss lady's office is down the hall to your left. Wait outside until she's done chewing out the last guy." I pick the lanyard off the ground and hang it around my hairy neck. [["Thanks, I guess..."->waiting room]] [["Nice speaking with you!"->waiting room]] [[//Grunt noncommittally.//->waiting room]]

The receptionist wordlessly takes the paper from my hand, exchanging it for a visitor's pass that she tosses down towards me. "The boss lady's office is down the hall to your left. Wait outside until she's done chewing out the last guy." I pick the lanyard off the ground and hang it around my hairy neck. [["Thanks, I guess..."->waiting room]] [["Nice speaking with you!"->waiting room]] [[//Grunt noncommittally.//->waiting room]]

At the end of the hall stands a big stained-glass door depicting a beautiful fairy turning a pauper into a princess. Cinderella. The Fairy Godmother's first big job. [[A classic.->frog]] [[Kind of overrated.->frog]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: This choice is another opportunity for players establish their own voice through the character. Is it the most important decision for the player to make in the game? Probably not. Is it fun to let the player call Cinderella overrated? Heck yeah it is!]

The door flies open as a green frog in a crown is unceremoniously tossed out by a magic hand, landing at my feet with a wet splat. "Are you here for the internship too?" he croaks from the floor. [[Nod.->nod]] [[Shake my head.->shake head]] [[Squash him.->squash frog]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: The Frog Prince was such a fun character to throw in here. He helps expand the world of this fairy tale setting beyond that of the Big Bad Wolf and the Fairy Godmother while also providing an excellent example to the player of what will happen to them if they mess up! The player here also gets another chance to play into the fantasy of being the Big Bad Wolf and a fairy tale villain should they so choose. There is never a bad time to give your players the chance to be bad here.]

"Well in that case, you may as well turn and leave now because I'm pretty sure I killed it in there," he confidently says, peeling himself off the floor. "Really?" I ask. "Oh absolutely! She's going to be thinking about me for ages," he says, limping away down the hall. [[Looks like there's going to be some stiff competition.->come in]]

"Well good thing you aren't, because I'm pretty sure I killed it in there," he confidently says, peeling himself off the floor. "Really?" I ask. "Oh absolutely! She's going to be thinking about me for ages," he says, limping away down the hall. [[Looks like there's going to be some stiff competition.->come in]]

I crush the frog beneath my foot with a heavy stomp. His body squishes into a wet paste that stains both the carpet and my feet green. (set:$suspicion to it+1) [[That's one less applicant I'll be competing against!->come in]]

From behind the stained glass door, a powerful voice booms down the hall. "NEXT!" The door silently opens. [[Looks like its my time to shine. ->enter]]

Stepping through the doorway, my nose is immediately met with an onslaught of sugar, spice, and expensive perfume. A tall fairy in a glittering gown sits behind an ornate desk. Her silver hair is styled into a chic updo that could only be accomplished through sheer determination and a shitload of magic. Looking up from the papers in front of her, she gives me a smile that could strike fear into a terrifying monster. [[Or in this case, a big bad wolf. ->Greeting]]

(if: $disguise is "curly fake moustache")[(goto:"fairy moustache")] (if: $disguise is "gentleman's top hat")[(goto:"fairy hat")] (if: $disguise is "heavy trench coat")[(goto:"fairy coat")] (if: $disguise is "pair of nerdy glasses")[(goto:"fairy glasses")] (if: $disguise is "white powdered wig")[(goto:"fairy wig")]

(set: $disguise to "curly fake moustache") (set: $disapproval to 1) (set: $suspicion to 1) (set: $commentary to false) { (track: 'background', 'loop', true) (track: 'background', 'playwhenpossible') }

"My, what a lovely top hat you have," says the Fairy Godmother as I hand her my resume. [[Thank her for kind words.->fairy hat thank]] [[Lie about the brand to impress her.->fairy hat lie]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: Here is a nice little moment of reactivity where the player's choice of disguise is acknowledged by the game. This helps reinforce the idea that your choices do matter!]

"Thank you ma'am," I say, hoping to win her over with humility. "So you agree. You think your top hat is lovely?" she asks. "...Yes?" I stutter. "Interesting," she says disapprovingly. [[She scribbles something down on the notepad in front of her.->apologies]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: It was important to me that the player's first interaction with the Fairy Godmother should immediately put them on the defensive. This reinforces how competitive this internship is and how difficult this interview is going to be. It also established the Fairy Godmother's habit of scribbling on her notepad when the player does something wrong.]

"It's Valenciaga," I say, hoping to impress. "No it isn't," she says coolly. "Valenciaga hats have a red underside to the brim." She scribbles something down on the notepad in front of her. [["The devil is in the details," she says disapprovingly. ->apologies]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: It was important to me that the player's first interaction with the Fairy Godmother should immediately put them on the defensive. This reinforces how competitive this internship is and how difficult this interview is going to be. It also established the Fairy Godmother's habit of scribbling on her notepad when the player does something wrong.]

"My, what a lovely moustache you have," says the Fairy Godmother as I hand her my resume. [[Thank her for kind words.->fairy moustache thank]] [[Lie about your groomer to impress her.->fairy moustache lie]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: Here is a nice little moment of reactivity where the player's choice of disguise is acknowledged by the game. This helps reinforce the idea that your choices do matter!]

"Thank you ma'am," I say, hoping to win her over with humility. "So you agree. You think your moustache is lovely?" she asks. "...Yes?" I stutter. "Interesting," she says disapprovingly. [[She scribbles something down on the notepad in front of her.->apologies]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: It was important to me that the player's first interaction with the Fairy Godmother should immediately put them on the defensive. This reinforces how competitive this internship is and how difficult this interview is going to be. It also established the Fairy Godmother's habit of scribbling on her notepad when the player does something wrong.]

"It was styled for me by Tess Rona," I say, hoping to impress. "Isn't she a dog stylist?" she asks coolly. My heart skips a beat. "She uhhh styled it for me as a favor," I say in a panic. She scribbles something down on the notepad in front of her. [["Interesting," she says disapprovingly. ->apologies]] (set:$suspicion to it+1) (if:$commentary is true)[AC: It was important to me that the player's first interaction with the Fairy Godmother should immediately put them on the defensive. This reinforces how competitive this internship is and how difficult this interview is going to be. It also established the Fairy Godmother's habit of scribbling on her notepad when the player does something wrong.]

"My, what a lovely trench coat you are wearing," says the Fairy Godmother as I hand her my resume. [[Thank her for kind words.->fairy coat thank]] [[Lie about the brand to impress her.->fairy coat lie]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: Here is a nice little moment of reactivity where the player's choice of disguise is acknowledged by the game. This helps reinforce the idea that your choices do matter!]

"Thank you ma'am," I say, hoping to win her over with humility. "So you agree. You think your trench coat is lovely?" she asks. "...Yes?" I stutter. "Interesting," she says disapprovingly. [[She scribbles something down on the notepad in front of her.->apologies]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: It was important to me that the player's first interaction with the Fairy Godmother should immediately put them on the defensive. This reinforces how competitive this internship is and how difficult this interview is going to be. It also established the Fairy Godmother's habit of scribbling on her notepad when the player does something wrong.]

"It's Mooglare," I say, hoping to impress. "No it isn't," she says coolly. "Mooglare coats have silver buttons. Yours are tin." She scribbles something down on the notepad in front of her. [["The devil is in the details," she says disapprovingly. ->apologies]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: It was important to me that the player's first interaction with the Fairy Godmother should immediately put them on the defensive. This reinforces how competitive this internship is and how difficult this interview is going to be. It also established the Fairy Godmother's habit of scribbling on her notepad when the player does something wrong.]

"My, what a lovely pair of glasses you have," says the Fairy Godmother as I hand her my resume. [[Thank her for kind words.->fairy glasses thank]] [[Lie about the brand to impress her.->fairy glasses lie]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: Here is a nice little moment of reactivity where the player's choice of disguise is acknowledged by the game. This helps reinforce the idea that your choices do matter!]

"My, what a lovely head of hair you have," says the Fairy Godmother as I hand her my resume. [[Thank her for kind words.->fairy wig thank]] [[Lie about your stylist to impress her..->fairy wig lie]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: Here is a nice little moment of reactivity where the player's choice of disguise is acknowledged by the game. This helps reinforce the idea that your choices do matter!]

"Thank you ma'am," I say, hoping to win her over with humility. "So you agree. You think your glasses are lovely?" she asks. "...Yes?" I stutter. "Interesting," she says disapprovingly. [[She scribbles something down on the notepad in front of her.->apologies]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: It was important to me that the player's first interaction with the Fairy Godmother should immediately put them on the defensive. This reinforces how competitive this internship is and how difficult this interview is going to be. It also established the Fairy Godmother's habit of scribbling on her notepad when the player does something wrong.]

"They're Wentley," I say, hoping to impress. "No they are not," she says coolly. "Wentley glasses have navy frames. Yours are black." She scribbles something down on the notepad in front of her. [["The devil is in the details," she says disapprovingly.->apologies]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: It was important to me that the player's first interaction with the Fairy Godmother should immediately put them on the defensive. This reinforces how competitive this internship is and how difficult this interview is going to be. It also established the Fairy Godmother's habit of scribbling on her notepad when the player does something wrong.]

"Thank you ma'am," I say, hoping to win her over with humility. "So you agree. You think your hair is lovely?" she asks. "...Yes?" I stutter. "Interesting," she says disapprovingly. [[She scribbles something down on the notepad in front of her.->apologies]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: It was important to me that the player's first interaction with the Fairy Godmother should immediately put them on the defensive. This reinforces how competitive this internship is and how difficult this interview is going to be. It also established the Fairy Godmother's habit of scribbling on her notepad when the player does something wrong.]

"It was styled by Tess Rona," I say, hoping to impress. "Isn't she a dog stylist?" she asks coolly. My heart skips a beat. "She uhhh styled it for me as a favor," I say in a panic. She scribbles something down on the notepad in front of her. [["Interesting," she says disapprovingly. ->apologies]] (set:$suspicion to it+1) (if:$commentary is true)[AC: It was important to me that the player's first interaction with the Fairy Godmother should immediately put them on the defensive. This reinforces how competitive this internship is and how difficult this interview is going to be. It also established the Fairy Godmother's habit of scribbling on her notepad when the player does something wrong.]

"I do apologise for the mess with that other applicant," she begins. "He came in here pretending to be a prince when he was really just a frog. I swear I'm up to my head in liars hoping to impress me to land this job." She takes a deep sip of tea from her mug. {(if:(history: where its name contains "let her have it")'s length >= 1)["To make matters worse, one of my fairies has gone missing as well!"]} [["That's awful!"->begin interview]] [["I can't stand liars!"->begin interview2]] [["Hopefully this interview will turn things around!"->begin interview3]]

"It really is. I swear the lengths some people would go to for a job here would astound you," she says. "You'd be surprised," I say with a wolfish grin. "Let's begin with something simple," she says. "What do you know about what we do here?" I should probably talk about her... [[past work.->past]] [[reputation as an employer.->rep]] [[most recent successes.->successes]]

"Well everyone knows about your work with Cinderella," I say. "As an intern, I would love to help continue the legacy of your past successes with the princesses of today." "Ah, Cinderella," says the Fairy Godmother, voice warm with nostalgia. [["An excellent answer."->quiz]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: Because the player's first interaction with the Fairy Gomother is designed to go a bit wrong, it was equally important that their next big decision after this gave them a sense of success and accomplishment. This reinforces that they do in fact have the chance to impress the Fairy Godmther and succeed!]

"Well, everyone knows about your company's reputation for fostering talent and treating your workers well," I say. "You've really built an incredible community among your staff I would love to be a contributing part of it!" "That is very kind of you to say," she says, voice warm and honeyed. [["An excellent answer."->quiz]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: Because the player's first interaction with the Fairy Gomother is designed to go a bit wrong, it was equally important that their next big decision after this gave them a sense of success and accomplishment. This reinforces that they do in fact have the chance to impress the Fairy Godmther and succeed!]

"Well everyone knows about your recent work with princess Arasha of the desert kingdom," I say. "That thing you did with that magic carpet was a stroke of genius! I would love to use my skills to help you make many more successes just like that one!" "Well, what's the point of a carpet if you can't make it fly?" says the Fairy Godmother, letting out a gentle laugh. [["An excellent answer."->quiz]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: Because the player's first interaction with the Fairy Gomother is designed to go a bit wrong, it was equally important that their next big decision after this gave them a sense of success and accomplishment. This reinforces that they do in fact have the chance to impress the Fairy Godmther and succeed!]

"More specifically, though, I am curious if you know what sort of intern we are looking for," she asks. "Well that's easy," I say. My mind races back to the qualities listed on that job posting. "You're looking for someone..." [[interesting. ->wrong]] [[enthusiastic.->wrong]] [[organized.->right]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: This is a reward for attentive players who paid attention to the job posting earlier in the game. It isn't the most difficult question to answer but it still gives the player a sense that engaging with the text is meaningful and important!]

"An admirable quality, but one of the ones I am looking for," she says. She scribbles another mark onto her notepad. "I am looking for someone organized," she continues. "Keeping track of all the princesses in need is busy work, as is managing all of the workers under my purview. You can see why organization is incredibly necessary." (set:$disapproval to it +1) [["Of course!"->prove organization]]

"That is correct," she says with a happy smile. "I am looking for someone organized," she continues. "Keeping track of all the princesses in need is busy work, as is managing all of the workers under my purview. You can see why organization is incredibly necessary." [["Of course!"->prove organization]]

"So, with that being said, can you tell me of a time when you had to make great use of your organization skills?" asks the Fairy Godmother. Thinking over my past work, the answer seems pretty clear. "Well you see, I used to work with..." [[the three pigs.->pigs]] [[little red riding hood. ->little red]] [[the shepherd boy.->boy]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: Here we get to pull upon the full mythos of the Big Bad Wolf as a fairy tale villain to really drive home that player fantasy!]

"My work for the three little pigs required excellent organization," I say smoothly. "Oh?" says the Fairy Godmother. "What sort of work did you do for them?" [["Construction."->construction]] [["Insurance."->insurance]] [["Interior Design." ->Interior Design]] [["Demolitions." ->demolitions]]

"My work for little red riding hood and her family required excellent organization," I say smoothly. "Oh?" says the Fairy Godmother. "What sort of work did you do for them?" [["Deliveries."->deliveries]] [["Guide work."->guide]] [["Logging."->logging]] [["Elderly care."->elderly care]]

"My work for shepherd boy and his family required excellent organization," I say smoothly. "Oh?" says the Fairy Godmother. "What sort of work did you do for them?" [["Butchering." ->butchering]] [["Security." ->security]] [["Sales." ->sales]] [["Childcare." ->child care]]

"I worked as a contractor for them, helping them build their three houses," I say confidently. "It took a lot of organization to get the crew together, gather all the different supplies, and keep everything on schedule." "Very good. But didn't their houses break down?" she asks. "I suppose..." I say, sweat running down my back. (set:$disapproval to it+1) [[She scribbles another note down on her paper. ->greatest weakness]]

"I worked as an insurance expert for them, helping them file their claim after their houses came down," I say confidently. "It takes a lot of organization to file all those papers and keep things moving in a timely manner." "I heard their houses came down recently," she says. "From what I heard there wasn't even a single straw of hay left! It must have been quite the effort on your part to sort through the paper work for all three of those houses!" [["I try my best." ->greatest weakness]]

"I worked as an interior designer for them, helping them create their three houses," I say confidently. "It took a lot of organization to get my team together, gather all my supplies and samples, and keep everything moving on schedule." "So were you the one behind that whole straw, sticks, and bricks motif then?" she asks. "I was!" I lie proudly. "And you thought that was a good idea?" she says disapprovingly. (set:$disapproval to it+1) [[She scribbles another note down on her paper. ->greatest weakness]]

"I worked as a demolitions expert for them, helping them tear down their houses," I say confidently. "It took a lot of organization to get the crew together, come up with a solid demolition plan, and keep everything on schedule." "I heard their houses came down recently," she says. "From what I heard there wasn't even a single straw of hay left! You must have done quite an excellent job indeed!" [["I try my best." ->greatest weakness]]

"Now that I know some more about you professionally, I would like to know a bit more about you as a person. Tell me, what would you say is your greatest weakness." They always ask this question in interviews. You'd think I'd have perfected my answer by now, but there are just so many ways to respond. [["I care too much."->care too much]] [["I lack confidence."->lack confidence]] [["I get frustrated easily."->frustrated easily]] [["I tend to be a bit of a lone wolf."->lone wolf]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: A staple question in many interviews that I just could not resist including.]

"I worked as a delivery man for their family, bringing granny baked goods every day" I say confidently. "It took a lot of organization to keep track of my deliveries and make sure everything was kept on a tight schedule." "How sweet of you to do so," she says. "It's great to hear that you are not only organized, but caring too!" [["I try my best." ->greatest weakness]]

"I worked as a forest guide for them, helping little red find her way through the woods," I say confidently. "It took a lot of organization to map out the best routes and keep everyone on a timely schedule." "Very good. But didn't she famously get lost?" she asks. "I suppose..." I say, sweat running down my back. (set:$disapproval to it+1) [[She scribbles another note down on her paper. ->greatest weakness]]

"I worked as a wood cutter alongside the woodsman, chopping trees in the forest as part of the family's logging business" I say confidently. "It took a lot of organization to sort through all the trees and make sure everything was kept on a tight schedule." "That must have been very exciting work" she says. "It's great to hear that you are not only organized, but physically capable as well!" [["I try my best." ->greatest weakness]]

"I worked as a caregiver for their granny, helping ," I say confidently. "It took a lot of organization to keep track of all my tasks and make sure that everything was done on schedule." "Very good but didn't she get eaten not all that long ago? Was that on your watch?" she asks. "I suppose..." I say, sweat running down my back. (set:$disapproval to it+1) [[She scribbles another note down on her paper. ->greatest weakness]]

"I worked as a butcher, helping slaughter some of their sheep so we could sell their delicious meat at the market," I say confidently. "It took a lot of organization to keep track of which sheep would yield the best meat and which should be left to age a little longer." "That's great to hear," she says. "I do enjoy a good lambchop every now and then, and the shepherds always seem to have the best ones for sale." [["I try my best." ->greatest weakness]]

"I worked in security for the shepherds, keeping watch over their sheep every day," I say confidently. "It took a lot of organization to arrange a rotating guard schedule and a tracking system for all of the sheep." "That's great to hear," she says. "The shepherds are known for their tight security, if perhaps being a bit too alarmist with their efforts." [["I try my best." ->greatest weakness]]

"I used to work in sales for the shepherd's wool," I say confidently. "It took a lot of organization to arrange delivery pipelines and come up with a strong marketing scheme." "How very professional indeed," she says. "It's good to hear that you have a good head for business!" [["I try my best." ->greatest weakness]]

"I used to work in childcare, acting as a tutor and nanny for the little shepherd boy," I say confidently. "It took a lot of organization to arrange a personalized lesson plan for him while assuring he was well taken care of." "Didn't he get eaten alive by a wolf? Did that happen on your watch?" she asks. "I suppose..." I say, sweat running down my back. (set:$disapproval to it+1) [[She scribbles another note down on her paper. ->greatest weakness]]

"Well then, I will be all for today," says the Fairy Godmother. "I believe I've entertained this farce long enough." She snaps her fingers as a wave of glittering magic washes over me, removing my disguise. "Did you really think you could fool me?" she asks. "Pretty much, yeah." A large magic hand appears out of nowhere, grabbing me by the scruff of my neck and [[tossing me out the door. ->Never After]]

"What a pretty answer that means absolutely nothing at all," she says. [[She lifts up her notepad and scratches something down. ->greatest strength]] (set:$disapproval to it+1)

"That is something we can work with," she says. "If I can give a pauper the grace and beauty of a princess, I am sure I can help you build up the confidence of a capable worker." [[She gives me a reassuring smile. ->greatest strength]]

"That's disappointing to hear," she says. "Princesses can be a difficult clientele do handle. We require all of our workers to maintain a professional demeanor at all times, no matter what." (set:$disapproval to it+1) [[She lifts up her notepad and scratches something down. ->greatest strength]]

"On a similar note, what would you say is your greatest strength?" Crap! Who asks for both greatest weakness and greatest strength? It's supposed to be one or the other, not both! Thinking quickly, I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. [["My incredible strength."->strength]] [["My wicked cunning."->cunning]] [["My natural charisma."->charisma]]

"An interesting answer," she says, eyeing up my muscles. (if: $disguise is "heavy trench coat")[I hope my coat is doing its job at hiding most of [[my monstrous physique.->why should I hire you]]](else:)[My monstrous physique may be slipping through the rest of [[my disguise.->why should I hire you]](set:$suspicion to it+1)]

"An interesting answer," she says. "Our work involves thinking up some creative solutions from time to time, so your quick wit will surely come in handy." Is that approval? [[It sounds like approval.->why should I hire you]]

"An interesting answer," she says. "Whoever we hire will require excellent communication skills, so I'm sure we can put that personality of yours to good use." Is that approval? [[It sounds like approval.->why should I hire you]]

(if:$suspicion>3)[(goto:"SUSPICION")]"All right then. This is the final question, so be sure to give it a good think before answering." This is it. Success is so close and yet so far away. "Why should I hire you?" she asks. [["Because I am hungry for this job." ->hungry]] [["Because I am an honest worker." ->honest]] [["Because I am the best at what I do." ->best]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: This is always a bit of weird question to have to answer when it comes up, even though the whole point of an interview really is to show why you are the one for the job above all others. It just perfectly encapsulates the whole interview experience which is why I knew that it had to be the final decision players made in this game.]

"That's disappointing to hear," she says. "Our work here is very much a team effort that will require you to reach out across departments for help." [[She lifts up her notepad and scratches something down. ->greatest strength]] (set:$disapproval to it+1) (set:$suspicion to it+1)

"I'm hungry for this internship like no other candidate you've seen and I'm ready to fight tooth and claw for my place here. If I get this internship, you can bet that I will bring everything I have every single day to every single task that is given to me." My heart is in my throat as I wait for her response. Why does every interview feel like an interrogation by the end of it? "What a curious turn of phrase," says the Fairy Godmother. (set:$suspicion to it+1) [[She sets her notepad down onto her desk.->end interview]]

"All day long you've been dealing with a bunch of liars and cheats who have been trying to scheme their way into your good graces. But I am an honest man who is just looking to do his best and make something out of himself." My heart is in my throat as I wait for her response. Why does every interview feel like an interrogation by the end of it? "A very bold answer," says the Fairy Godmother. [[She sets her notepad down onto her desk.->end interview]]

"I am the best applicant you've had all day and you would have to be an absolute fool to turn me away." My heart is in my throat as I wait for her response. Why does every interview feel like an interrogation by the end of it? "A very bold answer," says the Fairy Godmother. [[She sets her notepad down onto her desk.->end interview]]

(if:$suspicion>3)[(goto:"SUSPICION")]"Well, that will be all for today," says the Fairy Godmother. "Whether we decide to move forward with you or not, you should nevertheless receive word from us within the week." The stained glass door magically opens itself, beckoning me to make my exit. As I step out of her office, I can hear the Fairy Godmother say one last thing... (if:$disapproval>3)[[["Thank you for giving us your time."->waiting]]](else:)[[["It has been a pleasure speaking with you."->waiting]]]

[[A day passes...->waiting2]]

[[Then two days...->waiting3]]

[[Then a week...->mail]]

[[A shiny envelope with a glittering blue seal falls through my mail slot. ->mail 2]]

(if:$disapproval>3)[[[It reads...->DISAPPROVAL]]](else:)[[[It reads...->HIRED]]]

//Hello Jacob, After careful consideration, we have selected another candidate for the position and will not be able to offer you the internship. Wishing you all the best with your future endeavors, [[The Fairy Godmother->Never After]]//

//Hello Jacob, It is my sincerest pleasure to tell you that you have been selected as the prime candidate for the internship. Please let us know of your acceptance post haste. Looking forward to seeing you at work, [[The Fairy Godmother->Happily Ever After ]]//

A week later, I am stepping into the office for my first day on the job. Maybe someday they'll catch on about the type of wolf I really am, but by then, I'll have all the job experience I need to get myself any gig that I want! And when that time comes, I'll be living [[happily ever after.->The End]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[// #THE END//] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[[[Play Again?->restart]]] (if:$commentary is true)[AC: Thanks for playing! ]

Damn.... Guess it is back to the job board with me. I shouldn't be too surprised. Afterall, [[who wants to hire the Big Bad Wolf?->The End]]

(set: $disguise to "curly fake moustouche") (set: $disapproval to 1) (set: $suspicion to 1) (goto:"Start")

background: https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/581c1a_dfdc40114883412f9005d1cc71a4c018.mp3,

showControls: false preload: false

"Neither can I. I swear the lengths some people would go to for a job here would astound you," she says. "You'd be surprised," I say with a wolfish grin. "Let's begin with something simple," she says. "What do you know about what we do here?" I should probably talk about her... [[past work.->past]] [[reputation as an employer.->rep]] [[most recent successes.->successes]]

"We can only hope," she says. Her mug clinks against the table. "Let's begin with something simple," she says. "What do you know about what we do here?" I should probably talk about her... [[past work.->past]] [[reputation as an employer.->rep]] [[most recent successes.->successes]]

Welcome to //Who Wants to Hire the Big Bad Wolf?//, an interactive narrative where you can help the Big Bad Wolf find the happily ever after that only employment can provide! In this game, there will come times when you will have to make choices. [[This is a choice!->tutorial]] [[This is another choice!->tutorial]]

Sometimes, you will see choices that look like the one below. (cycling-link: "You can click on this choice", "to get other options", "and see different choices", "before you answer"). [[Continue the tutorial->finish tutorial]]

That's all folks! You are now ready to begin the game! [[Start->Start]]

Think carefully before you make a choice! Some will lead you to success, and others to complete and utter failure. Keep this in mind when [[moving forward.->links]]

Would you like to turn on Author's Commentary? This will provide you with some insights into the author's creative process and design decisions as you play the game. [[Yes->commentary on]] [[No->commentary off]]

Author's Commentary has been turned on. (set: $commentary to true) [[Return to Menu->Title]]

Author's Commentary has been turned off. (set: $commentary to false) [[Return to Menu->Title]]

''Writing:'' Thomas McGuinness ''Programming:'' Thomas McGuinness ''Art:'' Wolf, Canis lupus (1596–1610) by Anselmus Boëtius de Boodt. ''Music:'' "Fox Tale Waltz Part 1 Instrumental" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/