Loominary

Your name is Medusa and you [[are one of the gorgon sisters of Sarpedon. -> Born into it]] [[are a virgin priestess of Athena. -> Praise Athena]]

Along with your sisters Stheno and Euryale, you lived peacefully among the flora and fauna of Sarpedon. Men would often come to try and defeat you and your sisters, but together you were invincible. Stheno's brass claws were sharpened on the armor of man. Euryale's cry could bring anyone quickly to pain and madness. And with your eyes of stone, [[you could stop any fool in their tracks. -> Dominion]] <% var wordcount = 68; var timeStart = new Date().getTime(); $(function () { 'use strict'; $('#link').one('click', function () { var timeEnd = new Date().getTime(); var total = ((timeEnd - timeStart) / 1000) / 60; var avg = wordcount / total; s.totalReadSpeed += avg; s.times++; console.log("Total of reading speeds: ",s.totalReadSpeed,"; Total sum of read speeds taken: ",s.times); s.avgReadSpeed = s.totalReadSpeed / s.times; story.show(' Dominion'); }); }); %>

Ever since you were young, you have been a worshiper at the altar of Athena. You have devoted your body and soul to her, and for that you make the men of Athens jealous. You are beautiful. Every day, men from all over the city come and ask you to be their paramour. [[You tell them of your promise to Athena and decline. -> Pious]] [[You laugh in their face and boast about your beauty. -> sass]] <% var wordcount = 73; var timeStart = new Date().getTime(); $(function () { 'use strict'; $('.readSpeed').one('click', function () { var timeEnd = new Date().getTime(); var total = ((timeEnd - timeStart) / 1000) / 60; var avg = wordcount / total; s.totalReadSpeed += avg; s.times++; console.log("Total of reading speeds: ",s.totalReadSpeed,"; Total sum of read speeds taken: ",s.times); s.avgReadSpeed = s.totalReadSpeed / s.times; }); }); %>

With your mother and father watching over you from the depths of the sea, humans would whisper your name in fear in the safety of their homes. [[For a long time, no one dared to touch you. -> Perseus]] <% s.athenaReaction = "dominion" %> <% var wordcount = 20; var timeStart = new Date().getTime(); $(function () { 'use strict'; $('#link').one('click', function () { var timeEnd = new Date().getTime(); var total = ((timeEnd - timeStart) / 1000) / 60; var avg = wordcount / total; s.totalReadSpeed += avg; s.times++; console.log("Total of reading speeds: ",s.totalReadSpeed,"; Total sum of read speeds taken: ",s.times); s.avgReadSpeed = s.totalReadSpeed / s.times; story.show(' Perseus'); }); }); %>

Your name is Perseus and in order to appease King Polydectes, you have set out in search for the gorgon Medusa. You have been wandering across the world, trying to find her, for days. With each one that passes, you begin to fear that even if you found her, you will surely die. <% if (s.athenaReaction == "anger") { %> [[On a quiet night you pray to the gods for guidance. -> Abomination]] <% } if (s.athenaReaction == "mercy") { %> [[On a quiet night you pray to the gods for guidance. -> Out of Misery]] <% } if (s.athenaReaction == "dominion") { %> [[On a quiet night you pray to the gods for guidance. -> A Warning]] <% } %>

Most of the men try to gently coerce you, but you stand firm in your devotion. Some will concede and simply ask you to pray for them. Others will come every day to try and convince you otherwise. Many will get angry and grab you, but your sisters are often there to push these men away. For as long as you can remember, things have been this way, but you stand strong. Though you haven't been called on directly, you know that Athena is proud of you. [[And with that thought, you can live peacefully. -> Poseidon the asshole]] <% var wordcount = 95; var timeStart = new Date().getTime(); $(function () { 'use strict'; $('.readSpeed').one('click', function () { var timeEnd = new Date().getTime(); var total = ((timeEnd - timeStart) / 1000) / 60; var avg = wordcount / total; s.totalReadSpeed += avg; s.times++; console.log("Total of reading speeds: ",s.totalReadSpeed,"; Total sum of read speeds taken: ",s.times); s.avgReadSpeed = s.totalReadSpeed / s.times; story.show(' Poseidon the asshole'); }); }); %>

You can't help but be filled with glee as men come one after another to try and take your hand. You laugh at them all, saying that you are the epitome of beauty and as such they can never have you. You couldn't help but shiver when men praised your looks knowing that they would never have you. Many times you would talk to the heavens saying that not even the gods could touch you. You would often wonder what it would be like to have this temple in your honor instead of Athena's. People would give offerings to your beauty daily. [[How wonderful that would be. -> Poseidon the asshole]] <% var wordcount = 107; var timeStart = new Date().getTime(); $(function () { 'use strict'; $('.readSpeed').one('click', function () { var timeEnd = new Date().getTime(); var total = ((timeEnd - timeStart) / 1000) / 60; var avg = wordcount / total; s.totalReadSpeed += avg; s.times++; console.log("Total of reading speeds: ",s.totalReadSpeed,"; Total sum of read speeds taken: ",s.times); s.avgReadSpeed = s.totalReadSpeed / s.times; story.show(' Poseidon the asshole'); }); }); %>

Those who covet you come from many places, but none are more powerful or troublesome than the god from the sea. Poseidon finds you irresistable. He has come to the temple more than once, seeking you out. Each time, you have rebuffed him with grace, even though a small part of you remains curious about his offers. At each denial, Poseidon has smiled and left, but once you caught the flash of something in his eyes before he turned away. Something tells you that [[<span class="readSpeed" id="bright-green-blue" style="background-image:linear-gradient(to right, #76C454, #13A3B3, #76C454); color:transparent; background-clip: text;-webkit-background-clip: text;font-weight:bold;">he wants you and he will do anything to have you. -> The confrontation]] <% var wordcount = 95; var timeStart = new Date().getTime(); $(function () { 'use strict'; $('.readSpeed').one('click', function () { var timeEnd = new Date().getTime(); var total = ((timeEnd - timeStart) / 1000) / 60; var avg = wordcount / total; s.totalReadSpeed += avg; s.times++; console.log("Total of reading speeds: ",s.totalReadSpeed,"; Total sum of read speeds taken: ",s.times); s.avgReadSpeed = s.totalReadSpeed / s.times; story.show(' The confrontation'); }); }); %>

One night, everything changes. Most of the others have gone to sleep, but you stayed up to tend to the offerings. Torches flicker around you and cast long shadows as you rest a pile of burning herbs on the ground in front of Athena's statue. You kneel before her presence and begin to [[meditate.</style>-> The Scene]] <% var wordcount = 54; var timeStart = new Date().getTime(); $(function () { 'use strict'; $('.readSpeed').one('click', function () { var timeEnd = new Date().getTime(); var total = ((timeEnd - timeStart) / 1000) / 60; var avg = wordcount / total; s.totalReadSpeed += avg; s.times++; console.log("Total of reading speeds: ",s.totalReadSpeed,"; Total sum of read speeds taken: ",s.times); s.avgReadSpeed = s.totalReadSpeed / s.times; story.show(' The Scene'); }); }); %>

Deep into your vigil, you suddenly hear echoing footsteps. You whip your head around. A dark shadow cast by an enormous figure blocks the doorway. You rise in greeting even as your stomach churns with unease. "Welcome," you say as smile at them. "What brings a traveler here at such an hour of the night?" When a deep voice says "You," you realize who it is. Poseidon. [[Begin to blush, feeling flattered. -> Flirtatious]] [[<span class="readSpeed" id="bright-green-blue" style="background-image:linear-gradient(to right, #76C454, #13A3B3, #76C454); color:transparent; background-clip: text;-webkit-background-clip: text;font-weight:bold;">Demand that he leave the temple. -> The Escalation]] <% s.athenaReaction = "mercy" %>

You turn and flee through the door into the heart of the temple. You do your best to outrun him, using your knowledge of the temple's layout to your advantage, but it's useless. Posieden seems to always be just a few steps behind you, no matter what turn you take. As you round a corner, you feel a hand grip your wrist and yank you backwards. While you try to regain your balance, [[Posieden catches you and pins you down. -> The Scene 2]] <% s.fightStyle = "home advantage" %>

You look for something close to you, a set of small bowls and coin offerings, and start to throw them at Posieden. His eyes become dark like a storm. With every bowl you throw, you swear you see a crack of lightning in his eyes. [[He advances towards you and pins you the the ground. -> The Scene 2]] <% s.fightStyle = "stones turned" %>

You try to remain calm as you back away and tell Posieden that he can't have you. "I am a priestess of Athena," you say, "and I will not to commit to any potential suitor." Your voice shakes. He only laughs as he walks towards you and pins you to the wall. "I am not bound by the laws of man," he says. [["If there is something I want, I will take it." -> The Scene 2]] <% s.fightStyle = "forsaken" %>

Every single sound echoes in your ears as one of his hands pins your arms above your head. Your voice feels stuck in your throat as his hands claw their way between your legs and tear them apart. His hands are cold and clammy as they carress your arms, your breasts, [[ your inner thighs. -> The Scene 3]]

Posiedon only laughs as you ball your fists and try to fight. You beat his chest weakly, then manage to slap him across the face. He stops, but before you can slap him again he physically pins you down. <% if (s.athenaReaction == "anger") { %> His movements become even more violent and your scream echoes [[throughout the temple. -> Athena's Anger 2]] <% } if (s.athenaReaction == "mercy") { %> His movements become even more violent and your scream echoes [[throughout the temple. -> Athena's Mercy 2]] <% } %>

Your voice echoes around the temple as you plead to both Athena and Posiedon to let this end. You turn back to your assaulter as he laughs in your face. "Keep screaming like that and I'll finish quickly, just like you want." [[You begin to sob. -> Athena's Mercy 2]]

A splitting pain comes from the very top of your head. You grab at it only find clumps of hair falling into your hands. You can hear hissing and rattling above you as your skin begins to crack. You look at your hands. Your nails become long and sharp. You can see yourself hardening into scales. You scream and close your eyes in pain as snakes fall from your head and caress your cheeks. When you open your eyes again, the pillars of the temple have been replaced with an overgrown garden. In the distance you can hear the sea crashing onto land. You curl into your self. Your hair calms down to a quiet hiss as their tongues lap at your tears. [[You have never felt so alone. -> Perseus]]

A loud crack fills your ears at lightning strikes right in front of you. The light and heat give way to the figures of a man and woman. The man floats a few feet above the ground, the woman walks toward you in full armor. The woman speaks: "I know of the task you must complete, and I am here to aid you." She places a helm on your head and a sword in your hand as she continues to speak. "A while ago, someone insulted my honor by using my temple as her personal chambers. I gave her a just punishment, yet now she entices men [[in a different way." -> Abomination 2]]

A gentle hand touches your shoulder. You whip around to see a man and woman standing behind you. You recognize them as Hermes the messenger and Athena the goddess of war. You kneel before them. "There is no need for that Perseus, it is I who must beg for your help." Athena lifts your chin so that you raise to your feet. Hermes kneels down before you, gently slipping off your sandals and replacing them with his. "A long time ago, I tried to protect a young woman from ever getting hurt again," says Athena. "But instead I have made her suffer [[an unimaginable fate." -> Out of Misery 2]]

As you land in her garden, you can't help but feel a shiver run down your spine as you look at all the stone figures around you. Some are in the middle of attack. Some have their hands up, with faces frozen in terror. Many of the statues, you notice, have their limbs broken off. Where arms and legs once were, you can see the details of muscle and bone. As you continue through the garden, you suddenly hear the hiss of hundreds of snakes behind you. You lift the shield up to look at its reflection and see a hideous woman; her skin is scales, her eyes are black with yellow slits, and every tendril of her hair has been replaced with snakes who are snapping in your direction. <% if (s.fightStyle == "home advantage") { %> [[The battle begins. -> Home Advantage]] <% } if (s.fightStyle == "stones turned") { %> [[The battle begins. -> Stones Turned]] <% } if (s.fightStyle == "forsaken") { %> [[The battle begins. -> Forsaken]] <% } %>

One night, you awake startled. A brilliant glow floods the sky above you, and all around you can hear the faint giggling of women. From that glowing sky, Hermes, the messenger of the gods, floats down. His brilliance is blinding. The giggling gets louder behind you, and when you turn around you see beautiful young women dancing around a tall female figure. She holds a [[sword and shield in hand. -> A warning 2]]

You watch the habits of the three sisters for several days waiting for a good opportunity to strike. On the third day, you realize, that in the afternoon the sisters like to retire to a small grotto on the south east side of the island. [[You know that this is the best opportunity to strike. -> The Slumber 2]]

<center>Thanks for playing!</center> <center>You will be redirected to the homepage in a few moments...</center> <center>Please take this time to cut all shuttles free from the loom, leaving 2-inch tails. These tails will be tied off when the scarf is complete. </center> Credits Narrative Designer: Brittany Williams Lead Programmer: Sarah Hendricks Loom and story concept: Dr. Josh McCoy & Dr. Anne Sullivan Loominary is an open-source project that can be found at https://github.com/sarahhendricks/Loominary <script>creditSequence("#credits")</script>

You try to advance towards her but stumble on the statues that fell to the ground and the broken off limbs. You're barely able to dodge as she tries to claw at your face. You elbow her chest causing her to cry out. Suddenly everything goes quiet. The hiss off her hair is gone, and as you look around you realize she is nowhere to be found. You turn around, shield raised high and start to look around the garden for the monster. The time you spend in that garden seems endless as you pace around ready to strike. You start to wonder if she's run of to another part of the island when what feels like a hundred needles pierce your skin. [[You wonder if Athena truly prepared you for this. -> Home Advantage 2]]

You advance backwards towards the creature, but as you get close, a stone arm is hurled at your back and crumbles. You are stunned for a moment but the monster continues to pick up stone limbs from the ground and hurl them in your direction as she advances. You quickly pick yourself back up and fly into the air. She continues to throw apendages at you but they all fall back down on her, making her dodge her own attacks. [[You see an opening. -> Stones Turned 2]]

What happens next you are not prepared for. Medusa collapses to the ground, prostrate. The snakes of her hair become docile and almost look at you pleadingly. She begins to speak. "I don't want to fight anymore. I don't want to live like this anymore. I will turn my back and close my eyes. Please, just make it stop." This gives you pause. You ask her why now, and why you. "At first I thought this was a blessing, that I would finally be left alone. But I'm sick of these men who try to conquer me. I'm sick of having my revenge. If I'm going to end it, I want it to be on my terms." [[You agree to her terms and she turns her back to you. -> Forsaken 2]]

When he enters you, a hot searing pain blooms from your groin. Your voice finally breaks free, a low and long pained groan spills from your lips as he thrusts. His ego makes him think you are enjoying this, and he gives you a tender kiss [[ like a lover. -> The Scene 4]]

You can't see anymore. Your tears make the temple a blur. His soft grunts are all you can hear now. The dull burning ache between your legs is all you can feel. All you want is for this to be over. [[In a fit of desperation, you fight with everything you have. -> Athena's Anger]] [[You rear your head back and beg Poseidon and Athena for mercy. ->Athena's Mercy]]

As soon as he ends and lets go of you, a tremor passes through the temple. From its pedestal, the statue of Athena steps down and turns to you crumpled on the floor. Her voice booms inside the temple. "You dare to commit such sacriledge in my place of worship?" You point to Poseidon, trying to explain that you didn't want any of this to happen. You beg for her forgiveness but it falls on deaf ears. [["Silence. You will be punished for your crime," Athena says. -> Transformation]]

As Poseidon leaves satisfied, you hear the faint shift of fabric behind you. A gentle hand lifts up your chin and wipes away your tears. A radiant glow tells you this is no ordinary woman. "My poor child. To have such a thing done to you." Athena coos while stroking your hair. You begin to sob into her embrace. [["I will make it so nothing like this ever happens to you again." -> Transformation]]

It is Athena. "I know of your dangerous task, warrior," she says. She hands you the sword and shield, while the glowing Hermes takes off his sandals and puts them on your feet. "Use Hermes' shoes to fly to the lair of the gorgons. Use my mirror sheild so that you do not look directly at them. Use the sword to do the deed. And use this helm so that they may not see you." With that, Athena takes the helmet from her head. The nymphs gather around and kiss it, making it sparkle. You kneel before the gods and thank them for the gifts. Athena places the helmet on your head. You rise. [[And with their blessing, you fly to Sarpedon. -> The Slumber]]

"Many of my best heroes have gone to try and kill her without success. You will be the one to change that." After she speaks she hands you the shield. Her companion, Hermes, lands on the ground and hands you his sandals. "With these items, you can end this," Athena says, eyes flashing. "I want her dead." [[You thank Athena for her blessings and fly off to Sarpedon. -> The fight]]

As if out of thin air, Athena materializes a sword, shield, and helm. She places the helm on your head and you seem to vanish. The sword in your hand is sharp and the shield is reflective and sturdy. As Hermes finishes lacing the sandles, you begin to gently float in the air. Athena looks up at you. "Please, be the angel of mercy I could not be." [[With a solemn nod you float into the sky, and off to Sarpedon. -> The fight]]

You wait until you can hear the soft snores of all three gorgons and tiptoe backwards into the grotto. You quietly pass Euryale and then Steno before reaching Medusa in the very back of the grotto. Confirming her eyes are closed, you turn around and strike swiftly. Her head falls to the ground with a thud that echoes through the small cave. It instantly wakes the sisters up and screech at finding their youngest sister [[ without her head. -> The Slumber 3]]

They stalk around the cave trying to find who murdered their sister. With the helm granting you invisibility, you start to walk out of the cave as quickly as possible. The sound of a thousand snakes clang in your ears and make your heart race, but you eventually find the entrance and float off into the sky. [[With the sisters' cries at your back, you return to the King. ->The end]]

As the monster dodges a stone head she tried to throw in the air, you come hurtling back to the ground. Before she can even look up at you, you swing your sword at her neck. A messy diagonal cut sends her head tumbling to the ground while her hands try to claw at you. The snakes on her head writhe around for a moment before their hisses subside and they droop, dead. Your carefully take her head and place it in a small bag you prepared. [[You look one last time at the bodies of the frozen around you before flying off with your prize. ->The end]]

Without thinking, you turn around to look at your assailant and scream as you look upon Medusa. Her locks of "hair" drip poison from their mouths as you feel yourself freeze in fear. She glares at you, her stare making your heart stop. From your peripheral you can see your arms becoming gray. A hiss rolls from her tongue, "No one will ever hurt me again. No one!" It's the last thing you hear as your senses stop working and you feel your lungs become solid. [[You are now just another vanquished statue. ->The end]]

You take a small step towards her and lift your sword. You apologize for what you're about to do. "No," She says. "You are my hero. Thank you." The blow is swift and her head falls to the ground. You lift her head up and observe it. Her eyes are closed as if she was sleeping, and you can tell that at some point she was beautiful. [[You put her head in a bag and pray for her before flying off to continue your mission. ->The end]]

<center>Loominary</center> <center>[[Tutorial->Tutorial]]</center> <center>[[Medusa's Laugh->Medusa's Laugh]]</center> <center>[[Oedipus' Fate->Oedipus]]</center>

A white fog swirls about you... In the distance, you hear a trickle of water... You are shapeless... without form... Before you is a loom, distant memories make it seem familiar. The vertical lines of thread, the warp, are already wound tight. An object in the middle has the thread of the warp entwined between it's bars: This is the reed. It stands high in the loom, held by the higher of the two rungs. To the side is a stick, the shuttle, with cutouts in the sides. It is wound with a grey thread. [[You place the shuttle on top of the threads->Observe the shuttle]] and contemplate it.

The fountain overflows with cool, sparkling water. Its splashes help drown out your thoughts, and gentle bubbles of sweet perfume float through the air. On the ground is the golden cup. Etchings decorate its rim. As you pull it close to you, you can see that they are depictions of the journey you have just returned from. You smile at the drawing of a figure strangling a snake. [[Dip the cup in the water.->Dip the cup in the water.]] [[Dip your fingers in the water.->Dip your fingers in the water.]]

Up, up, up go the walls, disappearing into the misty clouds. You feal tears begin to prick your eyes. They easily overflow the corners and roll down your face. You shouldn't be here. You've failed. You don't deserve to grace these halls. Plip. Plip. Plip plip. Your face crumples as the sobs overtake you. You sink to your knees. The clouds turn dark and begin to rain. You cry out into the hall. Suddenly, starting anew doesn't seem so bad. [[Begin your journey.->The end]]

The water dances around your feet as you peer through the arch. The room you are in is raised above the ground, and the water flows out like a sheet to the land beneath it. There is lush greenery as far as the eye can see. A manicured, yet distinctly wild, garden touches the high walls that you stand on. Trees are bright green with a hint of gold. Birds chirp in the distance, and you are overcome with a wave of nostalgia. It is late summer, and you are nowhere near home. [[Begin your journey.->The end]]

You know this room all too well. It is the Hall of Sacrifice, where you were bequeathed your last, and only, quest. It is too painful to remain here. You exit through the grand double arches You grew up in this palace, high among the clouds. Your father, Zeus, has reined here for millenia. You, on the other hand, have just returned after centuries away, far away, after traveling to more lands than you can remember in pursuit of accomplishing the task you were set out with. A desert, a rainforrest, a tundra. Each sear into your brain with the power of Hephaestus' iron. [[Walk out to the balcony. ->Peek outside, through the arches.]]

The fog has cleared. You are in a room. The tile floor is cool beneath your feet. Tall arches reach above you, disappearing into the misty heavens. A fountain is before you, its clear waters overflowing its basins and flowing out the open arches where sunlight streams in. Beside the fountain, on the ground, is a golden cup. What will you do? [[Approach the fountain.->Approach the fountain.]] [[Gaze upwards to the clouds.->Gaze upwards to the clouds.]] [[Peek outside, through the arches.->Peek outside, through the arches.]] [[Turn around and walk away.->Turn around and walk away.]]

You observe the way the thread has been woven around the shuttle, over and under. To the side, you see more shuttles, each wound with a different color. A nagging thought in your head tells you to never tangle the threads of the shuttles. You take the shuttle of the grey thread in your hands, and [[pull it through the gap ->first grey line]] made by the reed. <img src="GIFs/First_Line_Shuttle_large.gif"><img src="GIFs/First_Line_Side_Shuttle_large.gif">

The air begins to sparkle and shimmer around you. A feeling of soothing pleasantness perfumes the air. You are calm. You are at peace. The line of thread lies loosely between the warp, the tail close to you and the shuttle close to the reed, so that the thread appears diagonal within the warp. You lift the reed, with it's entwined threads or the warp, off its perch and towards yourself, pushing your line of thread as close to you as possible. The thread now lies horizontal. It does not pull the vertical strings tightly towards the center, but it does not lie limply either. The thread is straight and true. <img src="GIFs/First_Line_Reed_org.gif" > <img src="GIFs/First_Line_Side_Reed_large.gif" > You put the reed on its lower rung, changing the height of the warp threads. [[You pull the shuttle through the gap made by the reed.->learn tabby weave]]

Again, a sense of peace. Now the diagonal goes the other way. This is done so that there's enough thread to go over and under the lines of the weft without pulling the first lines too tightly. You lift the reed from its lower position and again pull it towards you, pushing your new thread so that it lies right next to your earlier one. <img src="GIFs/Using_Reed_large.gif" > This, is the Tabby Weave, the most basic technique for weaving. You lift the reed back to its high position and [[pass the shuttle through again. ->learn warp overexposure]]

The reed also doubles as a beater, beating down the horizontal threads and helping to keep them nice and close together. Your early attempts always showed the vertical threads, because you pulled the horizontal yarn too tightly. You learned over time that keeping your horizontal threads fairly loose would cover most of the vertical ones. But in the short term, you just chose pretty vertical threads. You look up and see the [[fog beginning to clear, ->fog beginning to clear]] and after changing the reed height, you pull your shuttle through.

You can begin to make out the tile floor beneath you, but the fog is still too dense to see farther ahead. You look to the side, and see another shuttle, this one with wound with a thread that shifts between pink, purple, and blue. You take it up and [[pass it through the gap->first dawn line]].

A sense of joy fills you. The mist begins to turn pale purple, and the air becomes warm. The sun begins to pierce [[through the fog and turn it pink,->pierce through the fog]] as you weave with the pink-purple-blue again.

Four lines of grey, two lines of the colors of dawn. The beginnings of a masterpiece. But now, what will you choose? [[Weave with the dawn colors.->Weave with the dawn.]] [[Weave with the grey.->Weave with the grey.]]

More peace. You have not been at peace for a long time. It is odd to feel it now, with so much happening. The fog lifts a bit more, and you [[weave as you wait. ->You are in a room.]]

More joy. You have not felt joy in a long time. It is odd to feel it now, with so much happening. The fog lifts a bit more, and you [[weave as you wait. ->You are in a room.]]

You fill the cup with the fountain's water and take a sip. Your parched throat is soothed, and you feel life force rushing into your veins. You are ready. [[Begin your journey.->The end]]

The water begins to swirl about your fingers. A purple ink seems to spread out from your hand, and within moments the color of the water has enitrely changed. It is a deep purple, with a flash of something every so often. As you peer closer, you can see a watery reflection of galaxies below the surface. Of course. The Rememberance Basin. You plunge your head in the water, and immediately you can see for eons across the stars. For a moment your breath has frozen in your lungs. Then, the chilled waters surround the rest of your body. You are among the stars. [[Begin your journey.->The end]]

As your hand reaches to pick up the shuttle once more, an old hand lays itself on yours. You look up to see an old man whose face is kind but tired. In his eyes you can see centuries, you can see snakes, you can see gods fighting among men. [["Please," he begins. "A great tragedy is going to befall Thebes. I need your help to stop it." -> Task]]

Tiresias nods back at you and waves his staff in the air. A cloud forms and you can hear the faint sound of a baby crying. He turns back to you. "I will take you to crucial moments in the life of Oedipus. It is up to you to make decisions that will change his destiny." [[You nod, and you both turn to the clouds. -> Begin quest]]

Laius looks into the bundle of cloth one more time before turning away. "Take it away. I will pray to the gods for mercy another day." The king sweeps out of the room, back stiff and pace a bit faster than it should be. The shepherd looks at tiny Oedipus, voice sweet and eyes curious, and knows he cannot follow the orders of the king and queen. [[He decides to save the boy.->He decides to save the boy]]

<% if (s.talkToParents == true) { s.abandon = false; %> "Let me see him. Let me see my son one last time." Laius reaches for the bundle in the shepherd's arms and cradles it close to his chest. The small boy in his arms coos and tries to grab at his beard. The king smiles sweetly at the boy and gently pinches his cheek. The shepherd takes the opportunity to speak. "Surely a great king like you can raise a noble son." Laius looks to the shepherd, tears in his eyes and a smile on his face. "Perhaps you are right." He looks down at Oedipus who beams back up at him. [["I don't want to lose my son," he whispers. ->Completed story]] <% } else { %> Though you try to let the seed of doubt blossom, all it seems to do is make the king feel a sense of dread and guilt. You feel a hand on your shoulder. "I don't think it will work this time around, my friend," Tiresias says. "The words of the oracle are too fresh in his mind. We must find another way. Something else, something small, must change first in Oedipus' story, but that change could be at the very end of his tale for all we know." There is only one direction you can take now. [[Abandon the baby. ->Abandon]] <% } %>

The shepherd, knowing a friend that could give Oedipus shelter, journeys to the neighboring city Corinth to meet them. After greetings and pleseantries, the shepherd tells his friend of young Oedipus and asks if they can provide him shelter. [[His friend agrees. ->grows up]]

The friend of the shepherd, after taking the boy in, decides to see the king and queen of Corinth. There have been whispers in the city that Queen Merope has had a difficult time birthing an heir. They are kind, and will surely take in a child in need. [[And as predicted, they adopt the child as their own. ->And as predicted, they adopt the child as their own.]]

The clouds dissapate and you see the royal court. Dozens of people are gathered, talking and drinking together. On a large long table there is a sprawling feast with the most delectable food. A voice snaps you out of your hungry gaze. "What did you say?" Oedipus looks to the cluster of people near him. While the dinner being held by the court is boisterous, he was still able to overhear the conversation of the city's wealthiest artisans. "Oh, we were just discussing how well you have grown, dear Oedipus," one man says. "You are truly the vision for this city," says another, but Oedipus shakes his head. "You said something else. Do not be afraid my countrymen, please speak freely," Oedipus pleads as he draws close to the group. [[They give each other weary glances. ->They give each other weary glances.]]

After a day's travel, Oedipus finaly arrives at the temple of the oracle. His mind is swimming with confusion and fear. His heart dances like fire in the wind. He cautiously enters the temple. Ribbons of smoke wrap around his body as he moves closer to the priestess. Stone lions stand guard at her side as she sits on a stone throne, wraped fine cloth. Her words flow from her mouth like a sigh. "Hello Oedipus. It seems too soon for you to come to me, and yet you're right on time." "Pythia, I thank you for allowing me your prescence." Oedipus kneels before the priestess and presents his offerings to the gods. "I have heard the whispers and gossip of my countrymen, but I need to know the truth. Tell me about my family." [["And it shall be done," Pythia says. ->Oracle tells prophecy]]

Pythia's eyes roll to the back of her head as the smoke from the small chasm beneath her feet wraps itself in her robes. From a vase nearby she picks up a laurel branch and stirs the smoke. The sound of a distant battle, the screams of woman, and the crying of a child echo from the chasm. In the smoke the figure of a creature appears for a moment, then vanishes. "Something truly terrible has revealed itself," says Pythia, her eyes still white. "Just as I told your father all those years ago, the gods have cursed you. You will end the life of your own father and marry your mother after the deed is done." Oedipus is shocked into silence as the oracle comes back from her trance. [["I am sorry to say, but this is the fate for you and your blood." Pythia caresses the smoke in slow circles. ->Oedipus misunderstands]]

Oedipus leaves the temple in a daze. It isn't until he breathes in fresh air that he realizes the gravity of what the oracle has told him. He sits on the stairs of the temple and starts to think. "The poor boy has just heard something astonishing." Tiresias looks to you and then the loom. "His thoughts are a mess, you may be able to sway him." [[It might be best to leave this city. ->Leaves for neighboring kingdom]] [[Stay and talk to the king and queen - surely they can help. ->Stays & decides own fate]]

Oedipus' guilt only strengthens as he sneaks around his home trying to gather provisions. He takes a small pouch of gold, some bits of food, and a walking stick for his journey. He is just about to leave when he remembers his sword. His father gifted it to him when he was a young boy and it has been his companion ever since. Oedipus takes it and fastens it to his side. When the road isn't so kind, it will remind him why he left in the first place. [[When it is dark, he leaves a note on his bed saying goodbye to his parents and leaves. ->Arrives at crossroads]]

<% if (s.killLaius == false) { s.talkToParents = true; %> Oedipus breathes deeply the late afternoon air and stands. His mother taught him to be kind. His father taught him to be brave. He will not let their wisdom go to waste. He starts walking off towards corinth. Their kingdom. His kingdom. [[He will decide his own fate. ->Talk with parents]] <% } else { %> As much as the nagging feeling in his heart tells him that everything will be fine if he just goes to his family, Oedipus is still scared. To betray his loved ones in such horrible ways makes bile rise in his throat. "It doesn't seem to have worked this time either." Tiresias shakes his head slowly. You sense the panic within Oedipus' heart. "He fears he will be lead down a terrible path to harm his loved ones," Tiresias says. "Very few have the strength to face that." You sigh. Tiresias pats your shoulder comfortingly. "Slow and steady, my friend. It takes a lot to change fate, especially with the gods so entrenched in their ways. A smaller change elsewhere in the story, perhaps, will allow us to make this change another time." You gaze at the vision. Oedipus runs back to Corinth. He can't stay here. He has to protect them. [[He'll leave immediately. ->Leaves for neighboring kingdom]] <% } %>

<% if (s.talkToParents == false) { %> It takes Oedipus two days to gain substantial distance from Corinth as he waffles in his decision. For every three kilometers the prince travels, he turns around and travels one back. But the knocking of the sword against his body reminds him of why he left, and he turns around once again and moves on. On the third day, he is slowly marching away from the city, choking the grip of the sword when he wants to turn back. He looks back often, but does not walk back towards his home. On the fourth and fifth days, the pain in his heart lifts a little. He is able to move well outside of the boundries of Corinth. <% } %> It is while Oedipus is traveling through Phocis that he comes to a crossroads. The left goes to the oracle, the right to Daulis, and straight through to Thebes. The path to Corinth sits behind him, long and winding. The sound of horses catches his attention. Oedipus shades his eyes against the harsh sun and sees [[what appears to be two guards and a chariot. ->Gets into argument]]

He stares at the men, sizing them up for a few moments, before the man driving the chariot squares his shoulders. "I am sure you are aware of who you are standing in front of. Make way, your insolence will not be tolerated!" the driver bellows at Oedipus. The man in the chariot behind him looks on. Oedipus frowns. "Surely, my countrymen, we can cross paths without strife," he says. "I also have influence beyond this area, and I am insulted at your choice of words." He makes his stance wider as he stares down the driver. The soliders next to the chariot seem to be growing restless. The driver grips his whip a bit tighter. [[But it may just be easier to let them pass. ->does not kill the men]] [[Oedipus is young, he can easily take these men on. ->kills the men]]

<% /*This is a fight scene. Boy howdy is there some fighting in this part right here. Dirt is kicked up, names are called, swords clash. It's not pretty, and surely inappropriate for most audiences. So let us move on to the next event shall we? */ %> Oedipus rips his sword from its sheath and lunges at the man in the charriot. He's about to swing at the noble's head when the vision freezes. You turn to Tiresias. There are tears rolling down his cheeks. "I am sorry," he murmurs. "Laius and I were friends. I know this story, but to see him come to such an end yet again..." He gently dabs at his eyes with the end of his robes. The clouds swirl. When they clear, you see Oedipus standing, breathing heavy and covered in blood. He is surrounded by the bodies of the soldiers, the driver, and the man in the back of the chariot. He rips a piece of cloth from the noble's robes and uses it to wipe his face and clean his sword. [[Justice served, he turns and heads for Thebes. ->meet sphynx at city limit]]

<% if (s.goToFuneral == true) { %> "I was only doing a bit of sight-seeing gentlemen. I didn't wish to cross anyone today." Oedipus steps to the side of the chariot and the men pass. Oedipus and the well-dressed man's eyes meet. The man nods at him. "I wish you safe travels young man," he says. "And for you the same," Oedipus nods back. <% s.killLaius = false %> [[They continue on their respective journeys. ->meet sphynx at city limit]] <% } else { %> Oedipus silently moves out of the way and the procession begins to trudge past him. The man in the back of the chariot looks at the prince, takes the driver's whip, and lashes Oedipus below his left eye. "Remember your place next time," the well-dressed man says. [[Oedipus' vision clouds with red. ->kills the men]] <% } %>

The path to Thebes takes him through a mountainous area. Oedipus' knees tremble as he climbs over the rocks. He's running low on water, and he has more cuts and scrapes than he has ever had before. Oedipus climbs to the top of a rocky hill, and he can finally see the city of Thebes. It glitters in the warm afternoon light. A movement at the base of the hill catches Oedipus' eye. In a small cave, Oedipus sees something strange. Surrounded by bones, this thing seems to have the body of a lion and the head of a woman. The feathers on its wings ruffle as it licks the deep red off of its paws. When Oedipus draws closer, it stops, looks at him, and begins to speak. "Welcome, traveler. I am the Sphynx. If you wish to pass you must answer my riddle." Its voice is calming, which makes Oedipus' heart race. "And if I don't?" he asks. His hand tightens on his sword. "You die," the spynx says simply. It grins, and Oedipus realizes that the red coating its paws and lips is blood. [[Oedipus nods. Anything to get away from another fight. -> The Riddle]]

"What? You..." The monster's face spasms into a grimace and lets out a low moan. Oedipus steps back from the creature, back towards the road. "But how?" the creature cries. "No one has answered my riddle correctly. I have destroyed hundreds of men with them! How could you have defeated me? No!" The Sphynx lunges at Oedipus. He braces himself. Just before impact, the creature rears up and flies high into the air. Oedipus watches it with his sword ready. It flys into the distance before it quickly dives down. Too quickly. You hear a crash, folllowed by a faint cry from an animal. [[Oedipus stands dumbfounded for a moment, before sheathing his sword and continuing on his journey. ->Sphynx destroys itself]]

"My my, that is definitely not the correct answer. I'm afraid this is my win." The Sphynx walks over to Oedipus licking its lips. "No wait, please! I can try again! I-" Just as the Sphynx pounces, the vision comes to a halt. "Riddles are tricky," Tiresias says. "Unfortunately for you, the gods love them. We must get this right to move Oedipus forward." Tiresias waves his cane and the clouds swirl. [[You are taken back to where Oedipus must answer the riddle. -> The Riddle]]

When Oedipus enters the city of Thebes, it is in chaos. A man on horseback trots through the town yelling the news. <% if (s.killLaius == true) { %> "A highway man has slain our great King Laius!" <% } else { %> "The Sphynx has taken its life, and with it our king's!" <% } %> Whispers and cries swirl around Oedipus as he walks further into the city. Confusion and sorrow pour off the people, and he feels he must do something. He decides to stay in the city for awhile. He stays at an inn close by to learn of any news happening within the royal family. In the days since the death of Laius, his brother Creon has taken over as temporary king. But since Queen Jocasta has not birthed an heir, they will need to find a suitor that can carry on the family line. They also talk of the man who defeated the Sphynx and finally brought its tyranny to an end. Some of the citizens realize that the description of the Sphynx's killer and Oedipus' image match. They immediately take him to see Creon. [[The royal family throws him a feast in celebration. -> Crowning the Sphynx Killer]]

<% if (s.talkToParents != true) { %> Oedipus starts to wonder. Maybe this is the fresh start he needs. Maybe if he stays in Thebes he will never fulfill the prophecy and he will have beaten fate. <% } %> "If you will have me, I would be honored to take you as my wife." Oedipus kisses Jocasta's hands as the crowd cheers. [[They smile at each other, and the feast resumes.->Time passes]]

<% if (s.talkToParents == true) { %> "I'm sorry, this was only meant to be a short trip. I must return to my family in Corinth." Oedipus says, moving his hands away from the queen's. <% } else { %> "While you are a sight to behold, my lady, to take over a whole kingdom so suddenly is too daunting a task." Oedipus says, moving his hands away from the queen's. <% } %> "Nonsense Oedipus," Creon bellows. "You have shown courage and kindness in your time here. We need that type of leadership now more than ever. Isn't that right?" The crowd cheers as Jocasta takes his hand in hers once more. Tiresias shakes his head and turns to you. "Fate has too strong a pull here. I don't think anything could have swayed these events. [["We'll just have to find another opportunity," he says. ->Time passes]]

The clouds swirl and you can see visions of the new king's life. Oedipus is a great ruler, and a great father. He teaches his two sons how to fight and lead men into battle. He dances with his daughters to the music in the courtyard. He showers his wife in gifts and love and she does the same. He gains the respect of Creon and the people. He is happy, but the gods are not. [[They know of his sin, and they will make him pay for it. ->Plague hits city]]

Years after his rise to the throne, the people of Thebes start to slowly die. A sickness the likes they have never seen puts the city in a state of decay. No matter what he does, Oedipus cannot seem to solve the crisis. Pits full of corpses fill quickly. Just like when he first arrived, Oedipus sees the city in chaos. [[After some discussion, he sends Creon to see the oracle. ->send uncle to Oracle]]

When Creon comes back, his face is pale with worry. "The oracle has told me that this sickness is due to the death of King Laius," Creon says as he stands before Oedipus and Jocasta, his voice low. <% if (s.killLaius == false) { %> "Was it not the sphynx that killed the king? Is it not dead?" Oedipus asks. "That I do not know, my lord." Creon answers. <% } else { %> "Was the murderer never brought to justice?" Oedipus asks, incredulous. "No my lord, he was never found." Creon says. <% } %> [["To think one person can cause a whole city to suffer," Oedipus mutters. ->Oedipus curses killer]]

Oedipus stands and yells to the gods: "May a curse be brought down upon the man who caused this suffering! May he feel all the sorrow of my people ten fold!" His voice echoes as he walks away from his throne. At your side you see Tiresias clench his eyes and turn away from the vision, as if it brings him pain. Looking back, you see that Oedipus is now in the courtyard, approaching the same man who stands at your side. Tiresias bows before the king. "Tiresias," Oedipus says. "Thebes is suffering and I need to know how to end it. Please, use your gift from the gods and find out the truth." "Of course my lord," the old man responds. [[The prohpet closes his eyes and a low hum shakes the earth. ->Tiresius reveals truth]]

Tiresias' eyes snap open, and looks to Oedipus in horror. His trembling makes him stutter. "O-oh gods. M-m-my lord I...I don't know how to say this." Oedipus grabs the man's shoulders to steady him. "Please, Tiresias, tell me what the gods have told you." "My king- My king you are not a true Corinthian." <% if (s.talkToParents == true) { %> "I know this Laius, what does this have to do with the plague on Thebes?" Oedipus gently shakes the man. <% } else { %> Oedipus takes a step away from the prophet. "What are you implying Tiresias?" <% } %> [["Sir, I-" Tiresias begins, but he is cut off by the sound of running feet. ->Messenger arrives]]

A messenger bursts into the courtyard, sliding to a stop when he reaches Oedipus' side. "My leige, a message from Corinth. King Polybus has passed away. It happened in his sleep two days ago. Lady Merope knows of your prescence here, and she wishes for you to come back and attend the funeral." Oedipus' mind reels. After everything that's happened, he feels it is his duty to stay in Thebes and fix his kingdom. But this is also the man who raised and loved him. <% if (s.talkToParents == true) { %> Despite not being his blood, Polybus loved him as a true father would. And his adoptive mother could use him at her side. <% } else { %> In the back of his mind, he couldn't help feel some relief. The oracle was wrong. He was nowhere near his father when he died. Maybe seeing his mother in this case would be fine. <% } %> [["Tell her I will go to the funeral," Oedipus says. ->Will go to funeral]] [["Send her my condolences, I have my kingdom to worry about." Oedipus turns back towards Tiresias. ->Won't go to funeral]]

<% s.goToFuneral = true %> "Excellent sir, I will tell Lady Merope immediately. This must be a very difficult decision for you, what with the city in this state and your birth father's death still a mystery," the messenger says. <% if (s.talksToParents == true) { %> [[Oedipus becomes very still. "What did you just say?" he asks. ->Messenger says old king was father]] <% } else { %> [["You just said my father just died in his sleep. Where is the mystery in that?" Oedipus asks. ->Messenger says old king was father]] <% } %>

"I'm sorry to hear that sir, I will tell Lady Merope immediately. Your choice is understandable, what with the city in this state and your birth father's death still a mystery." The messenger says." <% if (s.talksToParents == true) { %> [[Oedipus becomes very still. "What did you just say?" he asks. ->Messenger says old king was father]] <% } else { %> [["You just said my father just died in his sleep. Where is the mystery in that?" Oedipus asks. ->Messenger says old king was father]] <% } %>

From the corner of his eye Oedipus sees Jocasta enter with a few people from the court. The messenger begins to stammer. "Well it is common knowledge, my liege, that the queen and king of Corinth adopted you when you were just a babe. That a shepherd brought you here...From Thebes..." the messenger's voice falters at the end of his sentence. The courtyard is still and silent. Oedipus turns to the old prophet. "Tiresias?" Tiresias breathes deep and turns toward Oedipus. "Both you and your father heard a prophecy from the oracle of Delphi. And when faced with that truth, you both took actions to ensure it never happened. However, those actions simply made sure everything went according to plan." The king looks first at his children, then at Jocasta. As the court whispers around her, the queen's eyes start to bubble with tears. [[Her scream echoes through the courtyard as she flees. ->Jocasta hangs herself]]

The clouds turn thunderous as the uproar continues in the courtyard. "To see this all happen again is devastating." Tiresias trembles as the vision blurs and you see Oedipus run to the Queen's chambers. At first it looks like she's floating. Then Oedipus looks up to see that she has made quick work of the bedding in their chambers. Her head lulls to one side as she hangs by her neck from the bed post. Oedipus collapses, clutching his mother and sobbing into her dress. [[He looks up and grabs the pins in her dress. ->Oedipus stabs his eyes out]]

Just as Oedipus is about the plunge the pin into his eyes, the vision stops. "I'm sorry, I cannot watch it again." Tiresias moves in front of the clouds to talk to you. "We couldn't do it this time, but I stil believe in you. I know that you have the power to make things better." Tiresias gently touches the threads of the loom. <% if (s.talkToParents == true) { %> "You are nearly there," Tiresias says. "I can feel it. The story is already so different in so many ways. Oedipus has become a kind, strong man. Rather than avoiding his fate, he takes responsibility for his own actions." <% } else if (s.killLaius == false) { %> "First, you helped Oedipus to show kindness and compassion to his adopted family, even though he was never able to carry out his plans. Then, you helped him avoid being controlled by his anger and allowed the King Laius to pass by. You are slowly, but surely, changing his fate." <% } else if (s.goToFuneral == true) { %> "In here I feel that you have already set things in motion. You have influenced something in that man's life. The gods have allowed you the small change of Oedipus planning to pay his respects to his deceased adopted father; now, perhaps, you can make a larger change when we go through the story again." <% } %> [[Tiresias moves away from view and the clouds clear once more. ->Oedipus leaves]]

In the vision you see Oedipus, head and eyes wrapped in soaked bandages, with his daughter Antigone in tow. "Come my child. If you must follow me, then do it quickly. Thebes will be better without us." They walk into the distance with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The clouds swirl once again. Tiresias turns to you. "Do not give up on Oedipus. If you believe that this story has a happy ending, then take up your shuttles. You can change his fate." Tiresias smiles at you. "You are free to take a break and come back to this task later - your choices that you have made will remain. Of course, if you would like to try again now, there is no time like the present." What will you do? [[Begin the tale of Oedipus again.->You nod, ready to do what you must because you can]] [[Take a moment to rest. ->Main Menu]]

The man puts his hand to his chest and bows his head. "My name is Tiresias, a prophet gifted visions by the goddess Aphrodite. I have seen many things in my lifetime, and I know that a tragedy like no other is going to put Thebes in harm's way, and destroy a man and his family in the process." Tiresias gently puts his hand on the loom, caressing the yarn on the warp. "But I think you can help me. The gods have given you a gift as well. This loom, these strings, they are not ordinary; the gods have given you these strings of fate. Use them to end the curse of Thebes by helping Oedipus change his destiny." His eyes harden for a moment. "Know that this is not an easy task," he warns. "The gods will not let you change someone's destiny outright, but they will accept small changes to a story over time. If you remain patient and slowly guide the chracters to goodness, I know you can save this man from his predetermined fate." "So? Will you accept this task?" Tiresias looks to you for an answer. [[You refuse; it is too much responsibility. -> Confirm]] [[You nod, ready to do what you must because you can. ->You nod, ready to do what you must because you can]]

Tiresias' eyebrows raise. "Is that really your decision? You are the only person I know of who can help." [[You decline again; you are too tired to take this on right now. ->You confirm your choice]] [[You change your mind. No matter how long it takes, you are ready to help. ->You nod, ready to do what you must because you can]]

Tiresias sighs, his form fading as he speaks. [["Then you are not the person I am looking for," he says. ->Main Menu]]

Tiresias waves his staff once more and the clouds swirl as you see pieces of Oedipus' childhood. Polybus and Merope love Oedipus unconditionally. The Queen is careful to shower her son with love and kindness; while he grows up in luxury, he always makes sure to be humble and help his fellow man. The King teaches him the arts of war and law; his silver tongue and iron sword have made him sure that he could handle himself in any situation. The people of Corinth are delighted by Oedipus. They know that he will end up becoming a great leader for their city, [[despite not being of the royal family's blood. ->chorus says he's adopted]]

The cloud dissipates and you see a man. By his clothes you can tell he is a noble. With him is another man, slightly younger, carrying a long staff in one hand and a bundle in the other. They are speaking to each other as they walk. First the man with the staff says, "King Laius, are you sure this is what you want? This child, Oedipus, was just born and now you are ready to take him from this world? You have already pierced his ankles through so he cannot crawl. Why make this child suffer more?" Then King Laius speaks. "Have you ever known the oracle of Delphi to be wrong? If she has said that this child will kill me and marry his mother, then I will stop it before it even starts." In the king's eyes you can see a bit of doubt in what he is about to do. Maybe you can make the thought grow bigger. [[Abandon the baby.->Abandon]] [[Don't abandon the baby.->Don't abandon]]

The woman turns back to him. "Let me tell you a story, dear," she says as she clasps Oedipus' hand in her own. The story is about Oedipus. Many years ago, she says, he was brought to Corinth from another city. The king and queen, who could not have a child, took him in and raised him as their own. They never told him. "But as you must know, Oedipus," a woman says as she reaches for his hand, "Polybus and Merope love you as if you were their own, as you are their own." Oedipus backs away from the group slowly before turning and running off. He needs to know the truth, but he has doubts that his parents will give it to him. [[He needs to see the oracle. ->Oedipus goes to oracle]]

Welcome to Loominary. This unique gameplay experience will take you through the myths of Medusa, Oedipus, and more. But before you go on your journey, there is one thing you must do... <script>welcomeSequence("#welcome")</script>

<% s.calibrated = false %> Welcome to Shuttle Callibration. Please place the shuttle with the[[ purple-pink-blue yarn ->raspberry-purple]]on top of the loom. <% $(function () { $('#color').click(function () { console.log(s.tags.colors); s.tags.colors.set(s.currentTag, "purple-pink-blue"); console.log(s.tags.colors); }); }); %>

Posieden strides forward, closer. The torches cast his face in a warm glow. He smiles. "I have long thought of you, fair priestess," he says. "No mortal has occupied my mind so much as you. My desire burns for you like no other." You swell with pride. Your beauty is not only a gift from the gods, showing that they favor you, but it outmatches their own divine appearance! "My beauty outshines all of the women in this land, it is true," you say, turning away coyly. "That is why I stay in this temple, awaiting my perfect match. Only a face as beautiful as mine will do." Posieden's hand grabs your arm and spins you around roughly. You stumble and crash into his chest. You feel his hand on your arm slide to your waist as the other cups your face and tilts it upwards. He smirks down at you from his towering height. "Are you saying a god is not good enough for you?" he asks. [[<span class="readSpeed" id="bright-green-blue" style="background-image:linear-gradient(to right, #76C454, #13A3B3, #76C454); color:transparent; background-clip: text;-webkit-background-clip: text;font-weight:bold;">Relax into his embrace. -> The Coupling]] [[Push yourself away from him. -> The Escalation]]

You square your shoulders and drop the smile. "I have told you many times that I am not interested in your offers," you say coldly. "I serve only Athena. You should leave immediately." Poseidon chuckles darkly as he begins to advance towards you. [[<span class="readSpeed" id="bright-green-blue" style="background-image:linear-gradient(to right, #76C454, #13A3B3, #76C454); color:transparent; background-clip: text;-webkit-background-clip: text;font-weight:bold;">You take a few steps backwards, ->You take a few steps backwards]] towards the exit to the inner temple. <% var wordcount = 56; var timeStart = new Date().getTime(); $(function () { 'use strict'; $('.readSpeed').one('click', function () { var timeEnd = new Date().getTime(); var total = ((timeEnd - timeStart) / 1000) / 60; var avg = wordcount / total; s.totalReadSpeed += avg; s.times++; console.log("Total of reading speeds: ",s.totalReadSpeed,"; Total sum of read speeds taken: ",s.times); s.avgReadSpeed = s.totalReadSpeed / s.times; story.show('You take a few steps backwards'); }); }); %>

You slide your hands up the sea god's chest to his shoulders. "I never said that a god wouldn't do," you smirk back at him. You raise a hand to stroke a few locks of his sea-swept hair. "Especially one as handsome as you." He pulls you into a deep, searing kiss. You respond enthusiastically by wrapping your arms behind his neck. You feel as if waves are crashing about inside you, and you let yourself [[be swept out to sea. -> The Ravishing]] <% s.athenaReaction = "anger" %> <% s.fightStyle = "stones turned" %>

Poseidon backs you up against the wall. He grabs the back of your thighs and hoists you up, and you wrap your legs around his waist. When he finally thrusts inside you, there is searing pain. You gasp and try to push him away, but he only chuckles and thrusts again. "Ah, such a beautiful cries that fall from your lips," he says. "Don't worry, fair maiden. I'll be sure to ravish you thoroughly before we're through." "Stop, stop!" you choke out. The pain is unbearable, but he only moves more roughly. "The pain will subside," he says inbetween grunts. He picks up the pace and a high-pitched scream escapes you. You try to wiggle away from him again, but his strength is far greater than yours. You are trapped. [[Tears begin to roll down your face. -> Athena's Anger]]

<% var wordcount = 120; var timeExpected = (wordcount / s.avgReadSpeed) * 60 * 1000; console.log('time expected in minutes: ',timeExpected); %> "Fair Medusa, are you telling me I cannot have what I most desire?" Poseidon says. "Your beauty is unmatched amongst the women here. Your eyes are as bright as the stars, your hair golden like fields of grain. A woman as beautiful as you should not be chained to chastity her entire life." The torches cast long shadows on his face, and you can see his eyes glinting in the low light. "My love could sweep you off your feet," he says. "Our passion would set you free." He towers over you and you feel the first stirrings of panic. "Surely you would not refuse the offer of one of the gods?" he says. [[<span id="bright-green-blue" class="fadeout" style="background-image:linear-gradient(to right, #76C454, #13A3B3, #76C454); color:transparent; background-clip: text;-webkit-background-clip: text;font-weight:bold;">Run. -> The catch]] [[Throw the nearest object. -> The toss]] [[Nervously decline. -> The discussion]] <% setTimeout(function() { console.log('Time expected: ', timeExpected); fadeOut('.fadeout'); }, timeExpected); %>

Please place the shuttle with the[[ raspberry-purple yarn ->royal-purple]] on top of the loom. <% $(function () { $('#color').click(function () { console.log(s.tags.colors); s.tags.colors.set(s.currentTag, "raspberry-purple"); console.log(s.tags.colors); }); }); %>

Please place the shuttle with the[[ royal-purple yarn ->silver-grey]]on top of the loom. <% $(function () { $('#color').click(function () { console.log(s.tags.colors); s.tags.colors.set(s.currentTag, "royal-purple"); console.log(s.tags.colors); }); }); %>

Please place the shuttle with the[[ silver-grey yarn ->pine-green]]on top of the loom. <% $(function () { $('#color').click(function () { console.log(s.tags.colors); s.tags.colors.set(s.currentTag, "silver-grey"); console.log(s.tags.colors); }); }); %>

Please place the shuttle with the[[ pine-green yarn ->moss-green]]on top of the loom. <% $(function () { $('#color').click(function () { console.log(s.tags.colors); s.tags.colors.set(s.currentTag, "pine-green"); console.log(s.tags.colors); }); }); %>

Please place the shuttle with the[[ moss-green yarn ->bright-green-blue]]on top of the loom. <% $(function () { $('#color').click(function () { console.log(s.tags.colors); s.tags.colors.set(s.currentTag, "moss-green"); console.log(s.tags.colors); }); }); %>

Please place the shuttle with the [[bright-green-blue yarn ->dirt-brown]] on top of the loom. <% $(function () { $('#color').click(function () { console.log(s.tags.colors); s.tags.colors.set(s.currentTag, "bright-green-blue"); console.log(s.tags.colors); }); }); %>

Please place the shuttle with the[[ dirt-brown yarn ->kelly-green]]on top of the loom. <% $(function () { $('#color').click(function () { console.log(s.tags.colors); s.tags.colors.set(s.currentTag, "dirt-brown"); console.log(s.tags.colors); }); }); %>

Please place the shuttle with the [[bright kelly-green yarn ->royal-blue]]on top of the loom. <% $(function () { $('#color').click(function () { console.log(s.tags.colors); s.tags.colors.set(s.currentTag, "kelly-green"); console.log(s.tags.colors); }); }); %>

Please place the shuttle with the[[ royal-blue yarn ->blood-red]] on top of the loom. <% $(function () { $('#color').click(function () { console.log(s.tags.colors); s.tags.colors.set(s.currentTag, "royal-blue"); console.log(s.tags.colors); }); }); %>

Please place the shuttle with the[[ blood-red yarn ->golden-yellow]]on top of the loom. <% $(function () { $('#color').click(function () { console.log(s.tags.colors); s.tags.colors.set(s.currentTag, "blood-red"); console.log(s.tags.colors); }); }); %>

Please place the shuttle with the [[golden-yellow yarn ->master]]on top of the loom. <% $(function () { $('#color').click(function () { console.log(s.tags.colors); s.tags.colors.set(s.currentTag, "golden-yellow"); console.log(s.tags.colors); }); }); %>

Finally, please place the shuttle with[[ the word "MASTER" ->Main Menu]]on top of the loom. Thank you for calibrating the shuttles! Have fun! <% $(function () { $('#color').click(function () { console.log(s.tags.colors); s.tags.colors.set(s.currentTag, "master"); console.log(s.tags.colors); s.calibrated = true; }); }); %>

<% var question = Math.floor(Math.random() * 5) + 1 %> <% if (question == 1) { %> "What goes on four feet in the morning, two feet at noon, and three feet in the evening?" [["...Is it man?" ->Answer correctly]] [["A...dog?" ->Answer incorrectly]] <% } else if (question == 2) { %> "The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?" [["Definitely trash." ->Answer incorrectly]] [["Surely footsteps." ->Answer correctly]] <% } else if (question == 3) { %> "What is black when you buy it, red when you use it, and gray when you throw it away?" [["Paint, I suppose." ->Answer incorrectly]] [["Charcoal I beleive." ->Answer correctly]] <% } else if (question == 4) { %> "Tall I am young, Short I am old, While with life I glow, Wind is my foe. What am I?" [["A candle." ->Answer correctly]] [["A flower." ->Answer incorrectly]] <% } else if (question == 5) { %> "I am not alive, but I grow; I don't have lungs, but I need air; I don't have a mouth, but water kills me. What am I?" [["Fire... Yes, fire." ->Answer correctly]] [["A song... I'm sure it's a song." ->Answer incorrectly]] <% } %>

"In spite of the tragedy this city has faced, you have given us reason to celebrate," says Creon. "Thank you, my good man. We owe you a great debt." From the gathered crowd someone yells: "Make him the new king! His strength will save our kingdom!" The crowd cheers. Creon and Queen Jocasta look to each other, and then at Oedipus. Jocasta walks to Oedipus and holds his hands. "You have done Thebes a great service, and I would be honored to spend my life with you. Will you become king of this great city?" [[Deny.->deny]] [[Accept.->accept]]

A long talk was had between the royal family of Corinth. The king and queen told Oedipus of his origins. Oedipus told his adoptive parents of the prophecy. And though they were at first taken aback, with the knowledge that Oedipus wasn't their child by blood they were all able to think things through. The king and queen embrace their son. "No matter where you are from, and no matter where you go, you are our child," says Polybus. "We love you unconditionally, and we know you will do the right thing," says Merope. The prince hugs them close, his heart lighter. The clouds swirl again, and you see Oedipus waving to his parents. The image blurs and you can see him walking down a road. "Fate still has a hold on him. We need to push farther," Tiresias says. [[Oedipus travels away from Corinth to wherever the Fates may lead him. ->Arrives at crossroads]]

The clouds swirl around you. You feel tears prick your eyes. You have done it. You have changed Oedipus' fate. Tiresias turns to you, beaming. "I never thought I would see the day," he says. "Finally, finally, Oedipus will be rewarded for the good man he was." He kneels and embraces you. "You saw his potential, and helped change him. You stood against the gods and bargained and have come away the victor." Tears roll down his cheeks as he looks you in the eye. "What was once a tragic tale of a man who could not best fate has now become a legend about changing it," he says. "It is you, the Guide of Fates, that this myth is now about. You have become one of the gods." He embraces you again, and you let yourself be swept into the clouds, [[leaving your loom and the tapestry you have woven behind.->The end]] <% s.goToFuneral = false; s.killLaius = true; s.talkToParents = false; s.abandon = true; %>