Welcome to Zynbol, traveler! It's been quite a journey to get here but you're sure it'll all be worth it. You recall what you know about the country.
The language is supposed to be famously difficult, the government of Zynbol forbids any outside documentation of their language, including online. Because of this, you're gonna have to things together yourself.
Thinking about it now, you have no clue how you'll be able to communicate with the locals. Ah, it'll be fine!
[[Get off the plane.->Scenario 0.1]]You exit the plane and enter the airport proper. It's quite a busy place, with a lot of hubbub. Immediately, you notice your fellow passengers gather into a collection of lines at a checkpoint that heads off into the rest of the airport. Most seem to be native Zynbolin and know what they're doing. You make the connection and head over.
After some time, you hand the passport to the officer, stand up straight, and smile. The officer, with a bald head and shaggy beard, looks at their computer for a while. Suddenly, they wave you through. You sigh with relief.
[[Time to head forward!->Scenario 0.2]]What a stressful experience! But it was also an important learning experience. You decide to pay a lot more attention to your surroundings from now on and pull out a pen and paper from your bag, in case any clues for future interactions present themselves.
Speaking of, it seems like a practice in language comprehension is coming sooner than you would like. Ahead of you, about 30 feet or so, looks to be a bog-standard security checkpoint just like the ones back home.
[[Walk towards the security checkpoint.->Scenario 0.3]]Approaching the security checkpoint, your keen eye picks out something. An officer in the line adjacent to the one you are heading to is questioning a man, gesturing to his bag. The man takes something out.
[[You wonder what that was about.->Scenario 1.1]]While walking to the checkpoint, you recall everything that you could scrounge up about Zyn. First, they have the peculiar ability to communicate in symbols. Also, they have a different number system, although it's still base 10. Keeping this in mind will be of great help when you encounter some of these symbols and can connect them to words or phrases that you understand.
You know that the guard at the checkpoint might ask some questions, so gathering context clues would be useful. Perhaps going backward might help? Or you could head straight to the security checkpoint and save some time.
//''Are you ready?
''//
[[Proceed.->Scenario 1.0]]
[[Go Back. ->Scenario 1.0.1]] You get in line, waiting as your fellow passengers filter through. Finally, you've reached the checkpoint proper. The security guard speaks...something.
<center><img src = "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/507c51_14466c2e22fd4a7690c8a652facaeb04~mv2.png"></center>
Of course, you don't understand but the tone is inquisitive. In front of them are two buttons: one orange and one green. They gesture toward the buttons and you have the bright idea that they represent responses. Now, how to reply...
<center><img src = "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/507c51_93e335e4fa8b4d4a89217eb6f90752e3~mv2.png"></center>
Click the Green Button.
(click-replace: "Click the Green Button.")[No, that doesn't seem right...][[Click the Orange Button.->Scenario 1.2]]You press the button and nod your head, flashing your brightest smile. As far as you've seen, body language is a common tongue between you and your Zynbol fellows.
They retrieve your bag and place it in front of you. The officer gestures to the bag and speaks in Zyn. You don't understand but you remember the man taking something out of his bag! Seems the problem is an item in your carry-on.
<center><img src = "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/507c51_d846d2dea7604f82868dea16888ba302~mv2.png"></center>
[[Take water bottle out of bag.->Scenario 1.3.1]]
[[Take toothpaste out of bag.->Scenario 1.3.2]]
[[Take battery out of bag.->Scenario 1.3.3]]The security guard seems confused and shakes his head. Alright, no worries, you've got this.
[[Put item back into bag.->Scenario 1.2]]
Surely this is it! Alas, the security guard shakes his head and sweat drips from your brow. You've got this, you've got this!
[[Put item back into bag.->Scenario 1.2]]
The security guard gestures for you to place them down, then promptly throws them into a trash bin. The rapport that you thought you built with this guy came crashing down in an instant! Whatever, you've always hated airport security anyways. He calls the next person over and you take it as your cue to leave.
[[Hopefully batteries are cheap here.->Scenario 2.0]]
You stumble out of the security checkpoint, feeling like that was much harder than it needed to be. Now you're covered in nervous sweat and you can swear that the security is laughing behind your back. Moving through the airport, you reach the recreational area. People are milling about with their wallets open. Your stomach grumbles, seems like it wants payment for its troubles.
[[Look for a place to eat at.->Scenario 2.1.1]]Heading into the area, you smell something nice! Turning your head in its direction, you see three different shops arrayed next to each other. Hopefully you can find something to eat.
<center><img src = "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/507c51_bbab6184b7d444fdb939c0200fa94afa~mv2.png"></center>
[[Go to the shop on the left.->Scenario 2.2.1]]
[[Go to the shop in the middle.->Scenario 2.2.2]]
[[Go to the shop on the right.->Scenario 2.2.3]]
[[Keep exploring to the right.->Scenario 2.1.2]]You head to the right of these shops, looking for more options. You find an area that might have what you're looking for.
<center><img src = "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/507c51_e71102bfe13f43b99bc3398c3580bab3~mv2.png"></center>
[[Go to the shop on the left.->Scenario 2.2.4]]
[[Go to the shop on the right.->Scenario 2.2.5]]
[[Go back to the other shops.->Scenario 2.1.1]]You enter and you smell the aroma of Zynbol flowers. Beautiful colors and strangely appetizing smells, but not what you're looking for.
[[Go back.->Scenario 2.1.1]]You instantly recognize the smell and atmosphere. A Zynbol cafe! The smells are simply divine and the vibes seem to be good. You almost want to sit down and relax for a moment, but your stomach grumbles again. It needs satisfaction, not stimulation. You note the spot though, you'll definitely return.
[[Go back.->Scenario 2.1.1]]The sound of clicking machinery... click click click...
People are perusing glass cases filled with displays of extravagent watches. There are clocks all around the shop, clicking away. You'd love to see the time, but you want to eat more.
[[Go back.->Scenario 2.1.1]]Quiet chatter and the sound of clearing tables. Yes! This is what you're looking for. Your stomach grumbles in affirmation.
You signal to a woman dressed in a uniform. She sighs and gestures to an empty table nearby. You sit down and rub your hands in anticipation! Oh, this will be great!
[[Proceed.->Scenario 2.3]]Two stout men talk behind an information counter.
You notice a pile of maps on the counter.
Pick up a map.
(click-replace: "Pick up a map.")[You pick up the map and put it in your pocket. This might come in handy for navigating the airport later.](set: $map to true)[[Go back.->Scenario 2.1.2]]
The waitress hands you a small menu with a jumble of symbols. No pictures, unfortunately. You look carefully at the menu.
<center><img src = "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/507c51_849f7018870346a699ddb832057ec141~mv2.png"></center>
Your stomach is demanding, and it's craving something ''warm'' to eat and ''energizing'' to drink.
The waiter is tapping their foot impatiently, you want to tell her to relax. You make an 'eating' gesture, and they motion to the first part of the menu.
For food you order:
(link: "The first option.")[(set: $food to 1)(goto: "Scenario 2.4")]
(link: "The second option.")[(set: $food to 2)(goto: "Scenario 2.4")]
(link: "The third option.")[(set: $food to 3)(goto: "Scenario 2.4")]
(link: "The fourth option.")[(set: $food to 4)(goto: "Scenario 2.4")]
You gesture again, drinking air. The waiter places your attention on the second half of the menu.
<center><img src = "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/507c51_849f7018870346a699ddb832057ec141~mv2.png"></center>
For the drink you order:
(link: "The first option.")[(set: $drink to 1)(goto: "Scenario 2.5")]
(link: "The second option.")[(set: $drink to 2)(goto: "Scenario 2.5")]
(link: "The third option.")[(set: $drink to 3)(goto: "Scenario 2.5")]
(link: "The fourth option.")[(set: $drink to 4)(goto: "Scenario 2.5")]
Finishing your meal, the waitress gives you the check. You stop her and give out Zynbol coins one-by-one until she smiles in satisfaction. You're pretty sure you were cheated.
Suddenly, the fruit of your bladder's labours begins to make itself known. You gotta find a bathroom, pronto! You gesture wildly to the waitress, and her smile turns into a frown. She points to the corner of the restaurant.
[[Start running.->Scenario 3.1]]Two rooms present themselves in front of you. You force yourself to stop and consider:
<center><img src = "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/507c51_b995e491f64f41a1b42b84f9b199432f~mv2.png"></center>
[[Go through the left door.->Scenario 3.2.1]]
[[Go through the right door.->Scenario 3.2.2]]
With a sigh of relief, you open the door and find an...indoor pool. It looks quite luxurious, actually.
This is definitely not a bathroom, and now you're doubting whether or not you're even in a restaurant. No time to think! You're about to dye the poolwater yellow.
[[Go back.->Scenario 3.1]]You burst in the room! You see...a toilet! Thankfully unoccupied. You relieve yourself.
[[Return to airport.->Scenario 4.0]]You proceed towards the exit, following an old couple that you recognized from being on your flight. You exit the airport and notice a bus stop with buses coming and going.
[[Go there.->Scenario 4.1]]
You glance furtitively at the bus schedule, trying to scan for information. You need to reach your hotel and take a shower. You're not liking how your pits smell. You notice a yellow car parked nearby with a person smoking leaning against it. The telltale sign of a taxicab!
<center><img src = "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/507c51_a9759dbfc5fc40e8925d71b7dfea5a58~mv2.png"></center>
(link: "Go forward.")[(set: $travel to 1)(goto: "Scenario 4.2.1")]
(link: "Go left.")[(set: $travel to 2)(goto: "Scenario 4.2.1")]
(link: "Go back.")[(set: $travel to 3)(goto: "Scenario 4.2.1")]
(link: "Go right.")[(set: $travel to 4)(goto: "Scenario 4.2.2")]
(if: $map is True)[[Look at map.->Scenario 4.MAP]]
You look at the brochure you took from the information center, maybe this will give you some useful information. You try to soak in every detail.
<center><img src = "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/507c51_65fcd8d80a224eb49687ae00605d9681~mv2.png"></center>
[[Go back.->Scenario 4.1]]You are about to board the bus when you realize there is a fee. you squint and look at the sign near the bus driver. It contains symbols similar to the ones on the menu at the 'restaurant.' Money! Time to bring out your wallet once more.
<center><img src = "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/507c51_a2a8c9f9efa44bf1bdf50335a0489835~mv2.png"></center>
The bus driver taps his foot impatiently.
[[Pay two silver coins and one bronze coin.->Scenario 4.3.1]]
[[Pay three silver coins and four bronze coins.->Scenario 4.3.1]]
[[Pay four silver coins and one bronze coin.->Scenario 4.3.2]]
[[Pour all of your coins into the slot.->Scenario 4.3.3]]
You head to the taxicab and the driver looks to you expectantly and you open your mouth to tell them where to go...You realize that neither of you two can understand the other. You head back, leaving the driver to shake their head.
[[Go back.->Scenario 4.1]]The bus driver gives you a look and speaks harshly to you in Zyn. In a panic, you stuff all your money into the slot and scurry to the back of the bus. You hear the other passengers snicker and sneer. You try not to listen.
(link: "Proceed.")
[(if: $travel is 1)[(goto: "Scenario 4.4.1")]
(else-if: $travel is 2)[(goto: "Scenario 4.4.2")]
(else-if: $travel is 3)[(goto: "Scenario 4.4.3")]
]The bus driver does not even glance over and you move to the back of the bus. it is a smooth ride till you arrive at your destination.
(link: "Proceed.")
[(if: $travel is 1)[(goto: "Scenario 4.4.1")]
(else-if: $travel is 2)[(goto: "Scenario 4.4.2")]
(else-if: $travel is 3)[(goto: "Scenario 4.4.3")]
]The bus driver gives you a funny look, but does not say a word. Moving to the back of the bus, you chuckle wisely as you understand that, once again, you've been cheated.
(link: "Proceed.")
[(if: $travel is 1)[(goto: "Scenario 4.4.1")]
(else-if: $travel is 2)(goto: "Scenario 4.4.2")
(else-if: $travel is 3)[(goto: "Scenario 4.4.3")]
]Sunshine, sand, and the crashing waves of the ocean... this is definitely the wrong place. You gesture to the bus driver and, taking pity on you, he lets you on for no fee.
[[Listen to the waves as you head back to the bus stop.->Scenario 4.1]]You see a clearing in a wooded forest with wooden benches and bonfires. A family is celebrating a birthday and children are laughing. Their joy echoes off of the trees. You are definitely in the wrong place. You sigh and step back on the bus. The driver barks at you but you just sit in the back and wait for the bus to go back to the airport.
[[Go back.->Scenario 4.1]]You look out expectantly. You're in the city, check! It's a nice-looking street, check! And....you see your hotel! The outside looks just like the pictures. You excitedly exit the bus.
[[Go inside, the rest of your trip awaits.->Scenario 5.0]]You step into the lobby. Immediately, a fragrance slithers into your nose like a welcome ray of sunshine. You feel like you're flying. You head to the central desk, where people look to be checking in.
[[Proceed to check-in.->Scenario 5.1]]You wait until you've reached the receptionist. Without looking up from their screen, they ask you a question. Uh oh, looks like your journey isn't done just yet. What should you say?
<center><img src = "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/507c51_dc1970ecd95d4e56b0665439618a2db6~mv2.png"></center>
(link: "Respond with name.")[(set: $hotelresponse1 to 1)(go-to: "Scenario 5.2.1")]
(link: "Show photo ID.")[(set: $hotelresponse1 to 2)(go-to: "Scenario 5.2.2")]
(link: "Hand over credit card.")[(set: $hotelresponse1 to 3)(go-to: "Scenario 5.2.2")]
The receptionist nods and types away. You wait for a moment, looking around. Before you get too lost in your thoughts the receptionist asks another question.
<center><img src = "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/507c51_9e8294db55b84039b49993d30540d382~mv2.png"></center>
[[Give photo ID.->Scenario 5.3.1]]
[[Hand over credit card.->Scenario 5.3.2]]The receptionist has a puzzled look. She repeats the question.
<center><img src = "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/507c51_dc1970ecd95d4e56b0665439618a2db6~mv2.png"></center>
[[Respond with name.->Scenario 5.2.1]]
(if: $hotelresponse1 is not 2)[[[Give photo ID.->Scenario 5.2.3]]]\
(else:)[~~Give photo ID.~~]
(if: $hotelresponse1 is not 3)[[[Hand over credit card.->Scenario 5.2.3]]]\
(else:)[~~Hand over credit card.~~]
The receptionist hits a few keys, nods and hands you your room key.
[[Proceed.->Scenario 6.0]]She looks at the credit card and back at her screen. You wait but nothing happens. You get the message and place the credit card back in your wallet.
(link-reveal: "Give photo ID.")[
The receptionist nods and hands you your room key.
[[Proceed.->Scenario 6.0]]
]
As you walk towards the elevator, you glance at your room key. You feel that this will be important.
<center><img src = "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/507c51_24aa7a04796643d3b9c3b3671aef7e0b~mv2.png"></center>
[[Proceed.->Scenario 6.1]]In the elevator, you are presented with a set of buttons. They have markings on them. You glance at your key once again.
<center><img src = "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/507c51_f17be49486ce4df3a8e2086ac644bbbd~mv2.png"></center>
You press the...
[[Bottom right button.->Scenario 6.2.1]]
[[Middle right button.->Scenario 6.2.1]]
[[Top left button.->Scenario 6.2.2]]
[[Top right button.->Scenario 6.2.1]]You look out at the hallway and back at your key. You're not the smartest character on the block but even you can tell that none of the symbols for the rooms match what's on your key.
[[Go back.->Scenario 6.1]]You step out of the elevator and move through the hallway. You look at your key and back at the symbols on each room. It looks like this is the right floor. Now, all you need to do is find the right room.
[[Proceed to your room.->Scenario FINAL]]You find a room with symbols that match the key. Using the key, you manage to open the door. You are greeted with a sizable room with a plush bed and flatscreen TV. You don't take note of anything else as you close and lock the door, jumping to the bed and falling asleep immediately. You need to wake up bright and early tomorrow. It'll be quite the adventure.
<center>''THE END''</center>
Thank you for playing! We hope that this has been an entertaining experience. Please reach out to us on itch.io if you have any tips or critiques. Have a wonderful day! Adios.
(link: "Back to beginning.")[(goto: "Scenario 0.0")]After an awkward silence, the waitress understands that you're finally finished with your order. She hurries away and you wait, stomach moaning in discomfort. After a bit, your drink arrives!
(if: $drink is 1)[Ol' Faithful. Zynbol water makes itself known to you. Clear and clean, it tastes like freedom. Refreshing, but not exactly the energizing drink you desired.](else-if: $drink is 2)[A familiar smell causes your nostrils to flare. Coffee. It's dark and rich and makes you feel like you can climb up a mountain. Exactly what you needed.](else-if: $drink is 3)[Lemonade. Sweet, cold, and refreshing. Not what you wanted but it'll have to do.](else-if: $drink is 4)[A murky liquid is set down on the table. You gingerly take a sip. Eughhh! It's an alcoholic beverage and it packs quite a punch. Woke you up, if nothing else.]
(if: $drink is 4)[[[//~Drink.~//->Scenario 2.6]]](else:)[[[Drink.->Scenario 2.6]]]
You take the final gulp of your drink. You've been waiting for a while, which hasn't been helping your hunger. You're sure that, no matter what they put in front of you, you'll wolf it down. The waitress returns with a platter of your food. Time to see what you ordered!
(if: $food is 1)[A classic fruit salad. You gobble it up and feel your mother's approval. Your stomach still grumbles.](else-if: $food is 2)[Saucy chicken pasta. It definitely isn't Italian, but you lick up the bowl anyway. Delicious.](else-if: $food is 3)[The smells hit you instantly. It's got quite the pungent, fishy flavor and is in a large bowl. Looks like fish soup. Tastes like heaven. This is what traveling is all about.](else-if: $food is 4)[A squished, cold burger slides up to you. In two bites it's gone. You never thought you'd miss McDonalds. If only you could read the menu, then you'd have something nice.]
[[Eat up.->Scenario 3.0]]<center><img src = "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/507c51_04da5fde725a4258b8700be0f88c659b~mv2.png"></center>
Back to the checkpoint!
[[Good luck!->Scenario 1.0]]The receptionist looks a bit frustrated now.
[[Respond with name.->Scenario 5.2.1]]