*sm_save 0 | false | Start of Outbound [b]Outbound to Adventure[/b] You walk beside Oferi as she makes her way down the path to the village surrounding the castle. Your lantern-home creaks softly as it sways in time with your steps. Oferi had fetched a small travel satchel from her room before leaving the castle. She also now has an impressive broad sword as long as a spear strapped across her back in a sturdy leather scabbard. It would drag on the ground if she were any shorter than six foot tall. You, of course, can carry nothing that the curse might consider clothing and that unfortunately includes a pack of any sort. "You'll need supplies, I'm sure, but I suppose you won't be able to carry them. I have a bit of space in my pack that I'll lend you, but it won't fit much at all." Oferi stops and drops two copper coins into your hand, careful not to touch you. She points to a shack beside the path. "Best get what you need from that general store." You walk inside the shack. The young man behind the counter is still setting up the shop for the day when you enter. He pauses to stare at you for a long while before shaking himself out of it. "Ah, can I help you find something, ${mistermiss}? Some, ah, something to wear?" There isn't much of a selection — especially for as little as two copper coins. *CHOICE #Purchase perfumed soap *SET purchase "soap" *GOTO afterpurchase #Purchase extra lantern fuel *SET purchase "fuel" *GOTO afterpurchase #Purchase hard candy *SET purchase "candy" *GOTO afterpurchase #Don't buy anything *SET purchase "none" You leave the shop without purchasing anything and return the copper coins to Oferi. She shrugs in response. *GOTO headout *LABEL afterpurchase *IF (purchase="soap") [i]Well, you never know when you're going to want to wash up. Hopefully often.[/i] *IF (purchase="fuel") [i]Keep the light burning. They say that about lighthouses and a lantern is like a small lighthouse, right?[/i] *IF (purchase="candy") [i]Everyone knows that you have to keep the kid inside you fed or ${heshe}'ll eventually throw a tantrum.[/i] "Here you are," the shopkeep says, holding out your purchase in simple brown wrapping paper. You take it from his hand, careful not to touch him lest you destroy his work glove and perhaps much more, and leave your payment on the counter. He sweeps up the coins and watches you leave. "Come again soon!" he shouts after you. Once out of the shop, Oferi takes your parcel, packs it away, and starts through the village again. *LABEL headout The dawn hasn't quite broken yet but townspeople are already starting to mill along the dirt paths. Many stop and stare at you as you pass and some let slip whispered comments or surprised utterances. "Curiousity is an annoying trait," Oferi says, shrugging, "but where would we be without it?" The strapping elf woman makes her way through the village, down some alleyways, and finally slips into a run-down tavern after beckoning you to follow her inside. *PAGE_BREAK The inside of the tavern is shadowy and laden with the smell of old wood, candle fat, and cheap booze. Goosebumps break out on your skin and you're not convinced it's just due to the chill inside. It's far quieter and emptier than you'd expect a tavern to be but it is, after all, very early morning. Thankfully, due to the sheer darkness, none of the few patrons seem to have noticed the naked young ${manwoman} standing in their midst. Oferi looks around the tavern and smiles. She says, "We got the pick of the litter, tenderfoot." You look around the tavern yourself. There's nothing but early-morning drunks in here. And a washed-up looking knight. And a kid with a rifle. These are mercenaries? *PAGE_BREAK "That dwarf in the corner is [b]Art[/b]. He is a belching dwarf — well, they call themselves dragon dwarves but everyone calls them belching dwarves. They breathe fire. That pretty woman in the ugly green robe beside him is [b]Tekoa[/b]. She's all about knives and bombs and daggers and she's damn impressive with any of them. Alone over there, dressed in the colorful rags, is [b]Finnur[/b]. He's a druid and a decent scrapper besides. Quiet kid, but very competant." Oferi gestures towards the other side of the room. "That hulking man in the dented plate armor is [b]Kerwain[/b] - former royal knight, massive bore, and all-around magnificent swordsman. That goblin with the impressive rack flirting with him is [b]Ghinty[/b]. She's a lover first and mage second. Lastly we have [b]Lish[/b], the small one there with the shoulderguards and stockings: inexperienced, generally confused, and an amazing shot with both bullet and arrow." Oferi looks around for a few moments but then shakes her head. "Nobody else in here worth a damn," she says, "but we can take three of any of the ones I pointed out and I'm confident we'll have no trouble on this errand. I'll let you decide." *LABEL askagain *CHOICE #Ask about Art, the belching dwarf You ask about [b]Art[/b], the belching dwarf. "Art is truly loyal, which is obviously rare in a mercenary. He doesn't use any weapons but his fire and his fists. That's plenty enough, I assure you. I've never seen him lose a fight, even blind drunk. He's ornery, sure, and full of bravado, but he has a big heart." Oferi nods and adds, "He's a solid choice for the quest." *GOTO askagain #Ask about Tekoa, the roguish woman You ask about [b]Tekoa[/b], the roguish woman. "More buxom than average but don't worry, she's not as out of shape as that ugly robe makes her look," Oferi says. "She's as quick as she is curvy. I've heard she sees differently than we do but I don't know exactly what the rumor means. Never asked. I've been out on an errand only once with her before. She was calm, calculating, and relentless. She's a murder machine. But quite friendly besides." *GOTO askagain #Ask about Finnur, the rag-wearing druid You ask about [b]Finnur[/b], the rag-wearing druid "Young, shy, very pretty, and exactly my type." Oferi sighs. "And, like a lot of pretty men, not at all interested in women. But, of course, that doesn't matter. What matters is that he's a talented druid. He can keep us fed, healed, and in good spirits for the journey. He's also an agile fighter." Oferi adds in a mutter, "Though he won't dare wrestle me, the saucy little bastard." *GOTO askagain #Ask about Kerwain, the disgraced knight You ask about [b]Kerwain[/b], the disgraced knight. "Classically-trained king's guard — an extraordinary honor for a north-born man. He's strong, brave, handsome, and [i]oh so boring[/i]. Even the reason for his discharge from the king's men is dull: he was grandstanding after a jousting match and knocked a table over on a spectator's daughter. She was fine and he was fired - of course that was really because he's a north-born oaf and the offended father was a fourth-generation noble. He's peerless with a sword and shield but unfortunately still burdened by all that honor and chivalry nonsense." *GOTO askagain #Ask about Ghinty, the goblin mage You ask about [b]Ghinty[/b], the goblin mage Oferi smiles. "Never a dull moment with Ghinty aboard. She's chock-full of fireballs and lightening bolts. A little wild, yes, but not someone you want to ever be on the opposing side of the field from you. And, if you give her half a chance, she'll get in your pants." Oferi looks over at you and smirks. "Figuratively speaking for you, of course." *GOTO askagain #Ask about Lish, the crackshot kid You ask about [b]Lish[/b], the crackshot kid "Just came of age a few months ago but she's already got the well-earned reputation as the kingdom's number one crackshot. She hasn't lost a contest or challenge yet. Right now she's playing the mercenary game for experience but I've no doubt she'll drift into the shadows once she's comfortable with murder. Also of note, she's a boy. Physically, anyway. Most of us elf folk understand that gender of the mind and gender of the body are distinct entities, but I've never seen a human commit to the concept so genuinely as Lish." *GOTO askagain #Done asking about the mercenary candidates *GOTO askdone *LABEL askdone *TEMP talkedlish false *TEMP lishdiscuss false *TEMP artdiscuss false *TEMP talkedwyverna false *TEMP talkedtekoa false *TEMP talkedfinnur false *TEMP talkedkerwain false *TEMP talkedghinty false *TEMP wyvernareaction "" *TEMP wyvernamad false *TEMP forcerecruit true *TEMP plusone 0 "Made your decisions? Good. Now off you go and talk to them. If an attractive young naked ${manwoman} can't recruit a few adventurers to ${hisher} cause then I say damn the cause." Oferi laughs. "But, truly, go on. You may as well be put to use." *IF (dig_oferi > 45) *SET forcerecruit false Oferi adds, "If you fail to convince one that you really want to come along I will convince them myself." *LABEL recruitmore *SET plusone recruits+2 [b]CURRENT PARTY: ${plusone} of 5[/b] *LINE_BREAK You, [i]A Naked Nobody[/i] *LINE_BREAK Oferi, [i]Guard-Captain[/i] *IF Art *LINE_BREAK Art, [i]Dragon Dwarf[/i] *IF lish *LINE_BREAK Lish, [i]Crackshot Ranger[/i] *IF tekoa *LINE_BREAK Tekoa, [i]Rogue Bombardier[/i] *IF finnur *LINE_BREAK Finnur, [i]Scrapper Druid[/i] *IF kerwain *LINE_BREAK Kerwain, [i]Shield Knight[/i] *IF ghinty *LINE_BREAK Ghinty, [i]Wild Mage[/i] *if wyverna *LINE_BREAK Wyverna, [i]Cunning Tactician[/i] *CHOICE *IF (art=false) #Approach Art, the belching dwarf *IF (wyverna=true) Art smiles as you approach. "Quite the trick, ${ladlass}, to get Wyverna enlisted so quickly. For my part, you'll have victory or my final breath!" *GOTO takeart *IF (artdiscuss) "Well, I take it you've given my offer some thought?" *GOTO artchoice *IF (gender="female") Art's thick eyebrows raise as you approach. You halt in in front of him and he grins, showing off large pearly teeth. "Are you a gift, ${ladlass}, or do you simply have a taste for handsome half-men such as myself?" You explain that your nudity is due to a curse and not a come-on. He is clearly disappointed but still gives you his attention. After you explain your need for mercenaries for the quest given by the duchess, Art grumbles something about his sort of luck. *IF (gender="male") or (gender="nonbinary") Art's thick eyebrows raise as you approach. You halt in in front of him and his thick lips form into a frown. "Ah, thanks ${ladlass}, but I'm not interested in what you've to offer." You explain that your nudity is due to a curse and not a come-on. He is clearly relieved and gives you his attention. After you explain your need for mercenaries for the quest given by the duchess, Art grumbles something about his sort of luck. "I'll join your cause but only if you put me in charge of the other mercenaries." He holds up his thick finger. "Or if you're able to get Wyverna to enlist!" *SET artdiscuss true *LABEL artchoice *FAKE_CHOICE #"Okay, I agree to put you in charge of the other mercenaries." "Excellent. I'll gather my supplies and meet you outside the tavern." *SET recruits +1 *SET art true *SET maleinparty true *SET artincharge true *GOTO recruitreroll #"Who is this Wyverna person?" "She's an angel from elsewhere, my ${boygirl}, and I truly enjoy her company. There, behind the curtain, you'll find the strange and wonderful lass known as Wyverna." Art sighs - though it sounds more like a rumble from a dwarf. "Enlist her and you'll get the best of me, ${ladlass}! Oh, but be careful - she is easy to offend, my new friend. Even a stray thought can betray you when speaking to an angel!" *GOTO artchoice #"I'll think about your offer." Art nods and says, "Aye, you do that." He returns to swilling ale. *GOTO recruitreroll *IF (tekoa=false) #Approach Tekoa, the roguish woman *IF (talkedtekoa) You approach Tekoa again and explain that you would like her to join your adventuring party on the quest from the duchess. *IF not(talkedtekoa) *SET talkedtekoa true An eyepatch covers one of her eyes. The other eye glares at you but there's a slight smile on her lips. "What're you about?" she asks. *IF (naive) You say, "Um, I'm about eighteen. Getting close to nineteen." She laughs. "What a sweetheart! But I'd figure eighteen's old enough to know how to dress yourself, right? You got a story or is that out with the laundry as well?" *IF (snarky) You say, "I'm somewhere between too expensive and [i]way[/i] too expensive." "Well, I do like a ${boygirl} who knows ${hisher} worth." She chuckles. "But I'm guessing you didn't sashay all this way just to tell me you're too pricey for me, did ya?" *IF (bitter) You say, "I'm [i]about[/i] to offer you a job." "Well, let's hear it then. What makes your job so damned irresistible?" *IF (lively) "Drinking and dancing and rough-housing is what I'm about! I [i]think.[/i] I have to try it first." She laughs. "I suppose this is the best place to start, but I have a feeling that's not why you're really here, is it?" You explain the quest given to you by the duchess to save her beau from an evil curse and return him to her. She looks bored and, at the end, yawns. *IF (ghinty=false) and (lish=false) "Nah, I don't think so." She shakes her head. "If there were some excitement, maybe. Tell you what, you get Ghinty or Lish to come and I'll go too. They're decent entertainment." *IF (ghinty) or (lish) "All right. Why not! Let's make a mess of things." *GOTO taketekoa *IF (recruits=3) *GOTO recruitdone *GOTO recruitmore *IF (finnur=false) #Approach Finnur, the rag-wearing druid Finnur's face is shadowed under a broad hood but his eyes are eerily bright in that darkness. They scrutinize your every move as you approach. *IF (talkedfinnur) "I've not changed my mind," Finnur says. "My murderous days are done." *GOTO takefinnur *IF not(talkedfinnur) *SET talkedfinnur true "Hail, young ${mistermiss}. Have you come for the coin I owe?" *FAKE_CHOICE *IF (bitter) #"Yes. Cough it up." "Only remember: an association begun on a lie is cast off without waste. Now tell me what you'd have of me." #"I've come to hire you." "Describe to me this errand you would have me accomplish." *IF (snarky) or (lively) #"Well, I don't have anywhere to put it. So... nope." "Alas, we all are restrained by contrivances." *IF (naive) #"I've heard you're a druid of remarkable talent and I've come to enlist your help on a quest." Finnur lets out an odd, purring sound. "Of such finespun flattery I do approve. Regale me with your offer, if you would." You explain the quest given to you by the duchess to save her beau from an evil curse and return him to her. He seems to pay careful attention but only looks away and sits in silence for several long minutes. *IF (snarky) or (bitter) You say, "Lost you there, huh? Need me to use smaller words?" *IF (naive) You say, "Shall I give you some time to consider the offer, sir?" *IF (lively) You say, "Look if you need some incentive maybe I can get Oferi to show you her boobs, yeah? Or maybe you wanna see my ${bet}? Because, you know, you already can." "I won't kill," he says. "Perhaps there is no atonement for a murderer — reformed or no — but I've lost my taste for it. If you accept the condition that I will not kill, then I will aid you in your quest." *GOTO takefinnur *IF (recruits=3) *GOTO recruitdone *GOTO recruitmore *IF (kerwain=false) #Approach Kerwain, the disgraced knight *IF not(talkedkerwain) *SET talkedkerwain true Kerwain turns your direction as you approach him. His gaze stays steady on your eyes. His puckered eyebrows and the trembling smile at the edge of his lips betrays a strain of concentration. "Greetings," he says, his lips barely moving. He patiently waits for you to speak. You explain the quest given to you by the duchess to save her beau from an evil curse and return him to her. You ask if he would be interested in joining your party in this quest. "I understand," he says, "but, may I inquire as to your state of undress, young ${manwoman}?" *IF (naive) You say, "I am a victim of an enchantment that allows me no attire." "Oh? What rotten magics sorcerors weave to encumber a young soul with such disconcertion!" *IF (snarky) or (bitter) You say, "Long story short: cursed naked." "A curse? A vile curse! It is maddening that we must endure such atrocity from rotten magics." *IF (lively) You say, "People wear clothes to cover up flaws. I just don't have any." [i]*wink*[/i] "I don't believe [i]humility[/i] is a flaw." He frowns. "But to each ${hisher} own, I suppose." Kerwain takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. "I will join you on your quest, young ${manwoman}, on the unconditional requirement that I am given the task of your personal defense." He opens his eyes and nods. "If I am to join your party, I am to join as your chaparone and your sentinel. I will ensure your health, protect your chastity, and defend your honor at all costs! What say you?" *FAKE_CHOICE #"Okay." "Excellent," Kerwain says. *GOTO takekerwain #"I need your sword, good sir, but I am not in need of your chivalry." *IF naive *SET arrpee +10 "Truly?" Kerwain sighs. "Then good luck on your quest, young ${manwoman}. I shall await a more honorable opportunity." *GOTO recruitreroll #"Ay, that's a keen offer! But I'm rather partial to bungling things up on my own." *IF lively or snarky *SET arrpee +10 Kerwain nods. "Then good luck on your quest, young ${manwoman}. I shall await a more honorable opportunity." *GOTO recruitreroll #"No deal, weirdo." *IF bitter *SET arrpee +10 *SET dig_kerwain %-20 Kerwain grunts. "Well! Good luck on your quest, young ${manwoman}. I pray mayhaps you'll acquire some [i]manners[/i] along the way." *GOTO recruitreroll *IF (talkedkerwain) "Are you here to ask my wardenship?" Kerwain asks, eyes level and lips pressed tight. *FAKE_CHOICE #"Okay, you can be my personal guard." *GOTO takekerwain #"No." *GOTO recruitreroll *IF (recruits=3) *GOTO recruitdone *GOTO recruitmore *IF (ghinty=false) #Approach Ghinty, the goblin mage *IF not(talkedghinty) "Heyo! There's adventure in your eyes, ${boygirl}," the goblin shouts and points a finger at you as you approach. "I'll take the job! Usual fee, of course." *SET talkedghinty true *GOTO takeghinty *IF (talkedghinty) "You again with the adventure-eyes!" The goblin smiles and wiggles her eyebrows. "Come to fix your mistake and [i]hire[/i] for [i]fire[/i]?" *GOTO takeghinty *IF (recruits=3) *GOTO recruitdone *GOTO recruitmore *IF (lish=false) #Approach Lish, the crackshot kid *IF not(talkedlish) Lish is short — perhaps four and a half feet — and slender as well. She wears steel armguards and shoulderguards over a short beige tunic with gold trim. Brown stockings extend just over her knee-caps, which are each protected by a steel kneepad. A hairband holds her shoulder-length auburn hair from spilling over her ridiculously adorable face. A long-rifle is slung over back and a musket hangs from a leather belt loose on her slim hip. *IF (distinction="shorter") She smiles as you stop in front of her. "Hey!" she says. "It's not often I meet a ${manwoman} for the first time naked and less often we're about the same height." She laughs and reaches to touch your shoulder but you shy away. *IF not(distinction="shorter") She smiles as you stop in front of her. "Hey!" she says. "It's not often I meet a ${manwoman} for the first time naked." She laughs and reaches to touch your shoulder but you shy away. You quickly explain your curse to alleviate her confusion and then go on to discuss your appointed quest. *SET talkedlish true *IF (gender="male") or (gender="nonbinary") "Mercenary business!" She looks you up and down and smiles. "Yep, I accept your proposal, if only for the view!" *GOTO takelish *IF (maleinparty) *IF (lishdiscuss) "Hey again! Your party looks balanced. I accept your proposal!" *GOTO takelish *IF not(lishdiscuss) "Mercenary business! Hmm! Your party looks balanced. I accept your proposal!" *GOTO takelish *IF (gender="female") and not(maleinparty) "Mercenary business! Yep, I do fancy it, but I'm not easy. Us ladies crave male companionship, don't we? And I'm not shy about it! Kerwain would do nicely but any hardy man is fine in a pinch. Have one aboard and I'm in!" She winks at you then turns back to her ale. *SET lishdiscuss true *GOTO recruitreroll *IF (recruits=3) *GOTO recruitdone *GOTO recruitmore *IF ((wyverna=false) and (artdiscuss=true)) and (wyvernamad=false) #Approach Wyverna, the woman behind the curtain *IF (talkedwyverna) *GOTO takewyverna *IF not(talkedwyverna) "Who are you? What are you doing in za den?" the shadowy figure demands with a boyish voice and a thick, flowery accent. As your eyes adjust to the dark, you see a lithe elf woman perhaps just over five feet tall reclining in a plush chair. Her knee-high bulky armor boots are propped up on a small table in front of her. A pair of red silk stockings cover her legs from there to mid-thigh, after which her tanned flesh is bare to the waist except for a small leather skirt. At her waist is a thick belt supporting armored plates at the sides of her legs, as if to give the impression of fullness to her slender hips. Her chest looks modest, if not flat, but a bulky chestpiece makes it impossible to tell. Her arms and shoulders are completely encased in armor. A red scarf hangs from her neck and spills down onto the floor like a thick stream of puddling blood. She's young — well, maybe... it's very hard to tell with elves — but her scowl is nothing if not mature and serious. After quickly explaining that you are the on a quest from the duchess and were referred to her by Art, she shows you her pearly teeth and sharp canines with a large grin. "Ach! I see that Art has still not stopped making con-stand demands of me." She drops her boots from the table and motions for you to take the chair opposite her. You sit down and her bright blue-green eyes flare in the light as she leans across the table towards you. "So you are here to ask to become my atten-dand, ah-no?" In words that start with "H" her pronounciation of that letter is so soft as to barely exist. You think... *FAKE_CHOICE #...that her accent is annoying and quickly becoming intolerable. *SET dig_wyverna %-20 *SET wyvernareaction "irritate" #...her eccentricities don't matter as long as she can do the job. *SET wyvernareaction "disregard" #...it suits her — she sounds as alluring as she looks. *SET dig_wyverna %+10 *SET wyvernareaction "interest" *IF (wyvernareaction="irritate") Wyverna leans back and shakes her head. "I am not interested," she says, "and so it is time for you to leave." *FAKE_CHOICE #"Wait, what do you mean?" "Am I blind? Could I not see za look in your eyes?" She laughs. "You and I would be quick enemies, ah-no? I can hear your agitation!" She taps an armored finger to her temple. *IF (naive) *FAKE_CHOICE #"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to offend you, truly." "Is zat so? You didn't mean to offend me, you only [i]thought[/i] to offend me?" She scoffs. "Thought leads to action. If you do ohzar zan you zink, you are trying to deceive! Now go." #Leave the table *SET wyvernamad true *GOTO recruitreroll *IF (bitter) *FAKE_CHOICE #"Don't be daft! My personal feelings don't matter. I'm offering you a job." "I take into account my personal feelings, not yours!" She smacks the table with her armored fist. "Now leave me be!" #Leave the table *SET wyvernamad true *GOTO recruitreroll *IF (snarky) *FAKE_CHOICE #"Hey, cupcake, if you can read minds, then you gotta know everyone is an ass on the inside, right?" She snorts. "You would be very surprised at za truth. Now go." #Leave the table *SET wyvernamad true *GOTO recruitreroll *IF (lively) *FAKE_CHOICE #"Hold on, we got off on the wrong foot! Let's try the other one." She snorts. "With zat attitude, you will step in manure twice before you curse za horse. Now go." #Leave the table *SET wyvernamad true *GOTO recruitreroll #Leave the table *SET wyvernamad true *GOTO recruitreroll *IF (wyvernareaction="disregard") For apparently no reason, Wyverna smiles and nods. *IF (wyvernareaction="interest") For apparently no reason, Wyverna smiles and arches an eyebrow at you. "Now, as to my question: are you here to ask to become my atten-dand? Because, if you wish my help, you must agree to zat condition. I am a fierce fighter and master tactician." Her eyes narrow and her smile becomes devilish. "I will mind our enemies but you must mind me." *GOTO takewyverna *IF not(forcerecruit) #"Oferi, I need you to convince someone to join us." "Okay, I'll sort it out, tenderfoot. But remember, I'll only do this for you [b]once[/b]. Getting the another two is entirely up to you. Now, which one of these jokers is giving you trouble?" *FAKE_CHOICE *IF not(art) #Art, the belching dwarf *SET art true *SET maleinparty true *SET recruits +1 *SET forcerecruit true *SET dig_art %-10 *IF not(tekoa) #Tekoa, the roguish woman *SET tekoa true *SET recruits +1 *SET forcerecruit true *SET dig_tekoa %-10 *IF not(finnur) #Finnur, the rag-wearing druid *SET finnur true *SET maleinparty true *SET recruits +1 *SET forcerecruit true *SET dig_finnur %-10 *IF not(kerwain) #Kerwain, the disgraced knight *SET kerwain true *SET maleinparty true *SET recruits +1 *SET forcerecruit true *SET dig_kerwain %-10 *IF not(ghinty) #Ghinty, the goblin mage *SET ghinty true *SET recruits +1 *SET forcerecruit true *SET dig_ghinty %-10 *IF not(lish) #Lish, the crackshot kid *SET lish true *SET recruits +1 *SET forcerecruit true *SET dig_lish %-10 *IF not(wyverna) *IF (artdiscuss) #Wyverna, the foreign tactician *GOTO oferiwyverna #"No, wait, I changed my mind. I'll handle it." Oferi nods. "You got it." *GOTO recruitreroll *LABEL oferiwyverna "I didn't know [i]she[/i] was here," Oferi says, scowling. "Look, ${name}, I will convince her to join if you truly wish it - I am a woman of my word - but know that her and I do not... [i]harmonize[/i]. The decision is still yours, I wanted only to warn that her and I aren't exactly on friendly terms." *CHOICE #"Yes, I want Wyverna to join us." Oferi takes a deep breath and then says, "Very well." *SET wyverna true *SET forcerecruit true *SET recruits +1 *SET dig_wyverna %-10 *GOTO recruitreroll #"No, I have changed my mind." Oferi nods. "I think that is wise." *GOTO recruitreroll *LABEL takewyverna "What do you say, zan? Are you to be my atten-dand or no?" *FAKE_CHOICE #"Okay, I will be your attendant for the duration of the quest." "Agreed!" Wyverna stands up. "I will meet you outside the tavern after I gazser some supplies for za road." *SET wyverna true *SET recruits +1 *SET attendwyverna true *GOTO recruitreroll #"No, I can't accept that condition." "Very well," Wyverna says, shrugging and returning to lounging in her chair. "I wish you luck." *SET talkedwyverna true *GOTO recruitreroll *LABEL takelish *FAKE_CHOICE #Enlist Lish in your adventuring party Lish nods and says, "Great! I'll meet you and Oferi outside the tavern." *SET recruits +1 *SET lish true *GOTO recruitreroll #Change your mind about enlisting Lish Lish shrugs. "Nope? Well, it's your perogative!" *GOTO recruitreroll *LABEL takeart *FAKE_CHOICE #Enlist Art in your adventuring party "Excellent," Art says, "I'll gather my supplies and meet you outside the tavern." *IF wyverna *SET dig_art %+20 *SET recruits +1 *SET art true *SET maleinparty true *SET artincharge true *GOTO recruitreroll #Change your mind about enlisting Art Art frowns but nods his head. "Aye. Don't fret! I have... other things to do." He turns back to his ale. *GOTO recruitreroll *LABEL taketekoa *FAKE_CHOICE #Enlist Tekoa in your adventuring party "I'll be sure to keep things exciting." Tekoa laughs. "See you outside the tavern, tenderfoot." *SET recruits +1 *SET tekoa true *GOTO recruitreroll #Change your mind about enlisting Tekoa "Oh, turned down, am I? Well, something new every day, they say!" Tekoa turns away. *GOTO recruitreroll *LABEL takeghinty *FAKE_CHOICE #Enlist Ghinty in your adventuring party "Everyone will be shocked when we burn this whole world down!" Ghinty giggles. "Meet you outside, adventure-eyes." *SET recruits +1 *SET ghinty true *GOTO recruitreroll #Change your mind about enlisting Ghinty "A brave mistake, adventure-eyes," Ghinty says. "The world awaits for my fire and thunder!" *GOTO recruitreroll *LABEL takekerwain *FAKE_CHOICE #Enlist Kerwain in your adventuring party Kerwain stands and straightens his steely shoulderpads. "I will gather my accouterments and meet you outside." *SET recruits +1 *SET kerwain true *SET maleinparty true *SET kerwainescort true *GOTO recruitreroll #Change your mind about enlisting Kerwain Kerwain nods. "I will be here if you change your mind, young ${manwoman}." *GOTO recruitreroll *LABEL takefinnur *FAKE_CHOICE #Enlist Finnur in your adventuring party "Very well." Finnur stands and steps around you. "I will meet you outside the tavern." *SET recruits +1 *SET finnur true *SET maleinparty true *SET finnurpacifist true *GOTO recruitreroll #Change your mind about enlisting Finnur "It is for the best," Finnur says. "I would only hinder your progress in this state." *GOTO recruitreroll *LABEL recruitreroll *IF (recruits=3) *GOTO recruitdone *GOTO recruitmore *LABEL recruitdone Your party complete, Oferi motions for you to follow her out. *ACHIEVE ache_fullparty The sun has already taken the horizon and the narrow village streets are crowded with citizens and merchant carts. You remember mornings at the market being like this but since you've been gone trading seems to have spread well beyond the circle of stalls in the middle of town. "Let's get out of here before we draw a crowd," Oferi says. Already several people have stopped their business to gawk at you. A couple of kids playing tag stop and stare, wide-eyed, and break down into titters while pointing to you. *FAKE_CHOICE #"I'd like to go by my... old house. To see if— just to see it." *IF naive *SET arrpee +10 #"Hey, I want to go see what my parents have been up to for the last six years of ignoring their long lost kid, yeah?" *IF snarky or lively *SET arrpee +10 #"I'd like to see if my old home burned down. If not, I'd like to burn it down." *IF bitter *SET arrpee +10 #Say nothing *GOTO nohomeo Oferi shakes her head and says, "No time for that, tenderfoot. If we don't get on our way now we'll be shaking up in the marsh tonight. Trust me, [i]nobody[/i] wants that." She sees the expression on your face and adds, "Look, okay, we just — we can't [i]now[/i]. But I promise, on my honor, that I will take you to your old home — and anywhere else you need to go to get peace — when we get back." She makes a gesture with her fist against her chest. "I swear to you," she says, and then turns away. *LABEL nohomeo Your party has already gathered, joking and rough-housing in the shade at the corner of the tavern. Oferi walks over and speaks to them and they all amble back over to where you are standing. *IF (lish) "We should go by the Perrow bakery before we leave," Lish says. "I've got a 40 copper credit there!" Oferi knits her eyebrows. "And just [i]how[/i] did you get a 40 copper credit there?" Lish gives Oferi a pained smile and a small shrug of her shoulders. "I, uh, I eat lots of pastries." *IF (art) "The wee lass has a point," Art says, "breakfast is the fifth most important meal of that day." *IF not(lish) *IF (art) "We'll need a hardy breakfast before we head out," Art says. "I vote for a quick stop at the bakery." Oferi says, "There's no [i]voting[/i] for anything. I'm in charge of this group." *IF (artincharge) Art holds up his thick, calloused index finger. "But I'm in charge of the mercenaries! Twas a condition of my service." Oferi looks to you and then back to Art. "Fine, Art, but I'm in charge [i]overall[/i]." "Wouldn't have it another way," Art says. *IF (tekoa) "Breakfast at the bakery sounds like a fine idea to me!" Tekoa says. *IF not(tekoa) and not(art) "All right, breakfast first," Oferi says. *IF (ghinty) "Pastries are good energy for magic-making," Ghinty asserts. *IF (wyverna) Wyverna laughs. "Zay are delicious, ah-no? But zay do tend to slow me down, aha!" She pinches at the skin of her bare stomach. *IF (tekoa) "Nonsense!" Tekoa says. "If anything, you could use a bit of cushion, sweetheart." Wyverna scowls. "Do not call me [i]sweetheart[/i]," she says, "and I think you have enough cushion for za both of us." Tekoa laughs. "Why don't we get together sometime and make sure of it?" Wyverna rolls her eyes but you see she is trying hard not to smile. "Okay, look," Oferi says, "we're not all going to the bakery. In case you forgot, our charge is naked and I'd rather not drag ${himher} through town and deal with the attention." *IF (kerwainescort) "I will protect ${himher} with my life," Kerwain says. Oferi sighs. "I don't think that'll be necessary just yet, big guy." He nods and says, "Whenever it is necessary, of course!" "I am hungry," you say, because you are. Quite. "Look, just one of us can go and pick up breakfast," Oferi says. "Who wants to go?" *TEMP numberofrunners 0 *IF (lish) "Since I have credit I'll go pick up the goods and catch up down the road. I'm quick!" *SET numberofrunners +1 *IF (tekoa) "I'll go," Tekoa says. "I know the Perrows and I can get us a decent break on the cost." *SET numberofrunners +1 *IF (ghinty) "I'll do it!" Ghinty says. "I'll just pop over and get the yummies and then pop out to meet you on the road." *SET numberofrunners +1 *IF (finnur) "I'll go," the hooded druid Finnur says. "I'll make haste and meet you down the road." *SET numberofrunners +1 *IF (art) "I suppose I could amble over that way," Art says. *SET numberofrunners +1 *IF (numberofrunners > 1) Oferi says, "Okay, okay, just one of you." She sighs, looking from face to face. "I'm not going to play favorites. I'll let the tenderfoot decide. Who fetches breakfast, ${name}?" *FAKE_CHOICE *IF lish #Lish "Woohoo!" Lish turns and sprints off down a dirt pathway heading deeper into the village. She certainly is quick. *SET whoaway "Lish" *GOTO bakeryrun *IF tekoa #Tekoa "I'm on it!" Tekoa turns and jogs down a dirt pathway leading deeper into the village. She certainly is faster than she looks. *SET whoaway "Tekoa" *GOTO bakeryrun *IF ghinty #Ghinty With a cheery cackle, Ghinty raises her hands, twiddles her fingers, and disappears in a puff of green smoke. *SET whoaway "Ghinty" *GOTO bakeryrun *IF finnur #Finnur Finnur makes an odd gesture and the hem of his raggy robe flutters wildly. Suddenly, he darts off down the dirt road leaving a dusty trail behind him. *SET whoaway "Finnur" *GOTO bakeryrun *IF art #Art "Damn! Should have kept my ruddy mouth shut!" Art grumbles. He turns about and starts marching off down the dirt road leading deeper into the village. *SET whoaway "Art" *GOTO bakeryrun *LABEL bakeryrun More than a few people have gathered around now, including a couple town guards that seem to be having trouble deciding if there's a crime taking place or not. *IF (wyverna) "I suppose zar lives must be oh so very boring, ah-no?" Wyverna says with a chuckle. *IF (finnur) and not(whoaway="Finnur") Finnur sighs. "Welcome is any distraction from the monotony of the mundane." Wyverna frowns. "Zat is what I said." *IF (art) and not(whoaway="Art") "It's quite clear they've never seen such a handsome dwarf before," Art says. *IF (tekoa) "Oh?" Tekoa says, "And where do you see one of those?" "Blast ye, woman," Art grumbles, "ya wouldn't know on account of yer a lady-kisser anyway." *IF (ghinty) and not(whoaway="Ghinty") "Please! I've seen prettier dwarves," Ghinty says. "Ah, wait, no — those were [i]goblins[/i]." Art grunts. "Like it would matter to you, pickleskin. You'll kiss anything with a mouth!" Ghinty laughs. "If it's got a mouth, why would I stop at kissin?" *IF (kerwain) Kerwain sweeps his arm towards the crowd. "Clear out, commoners! About your business!" "Hey!" Oferi shouts, pointing at the town guards. "You two want to do your damned jobs and clear out this herd of pests? Or shall I have you guarding the pigpens for the rest of your lousy lives?" The guards quickly move into action, shouting about 'obstruction of the roadways' and 'unlawful harassment' while manhandling the more stubborn onlookers to move along. *IF (art) and not(whoaway="Art") Art laughs. "Oh but it's always a real joy to have the guard-captain along!" *IF (finnur) and not(whoaway="Finnur") Finnur sighs. "I detest the misuse of authority, Oferi, though I see it's necessity in this case." Oferi pats Finnur on the shoulder, smiling. "Thank you for bearing that guilt for me, friend. It relieves me of having to be ashamed of my actions!" Finnur lets out a soft chuckle. "Okay, that's settled. The rest of us need to get moving." Oferi adjusts the satchel at her waist and the scabbard on her back. "Let's march!" Oferi sets a quick pace down the road out of the village towards the surrounding forest and you and the rest of the group follow behind her. *IF (kerwainescort) Kerwain says, "Fear not, ${name}, no harm shall come to you on this journey. You have my solemn oath." *IF (attendwyverna) "Do not forget you are my atten-dand for za duration of zis sojourn," Wyverna reminds you. "I do very much hope you are compe-tand at foot massage." *IF (art) and not(whoaway="Art") "Ah, I can already taste those pastries," Art says, grinning. "So, if you want to know, my friends: they're going to be delicious!" You sigh. You've already done a lot of walking today and it seems that there's much more walking to be done. *TEMP pickedonart false *FAKE_CHOICE #"I apologize ahead of time if I must ask for a rest." *IF naive *SET arrpee +10 *IF (art) and not(whoaway="Art") #"We should take frequent breaks for Art. You know, 'cause his little legs and all." *SET dig_art %-10 *IF snarky *SET arrpee +10 *SET pickedonart true Art grunts. "You won't be thinkin' my legs so wee when I've my boot in yer arse!" *IF not(art) #"I'll need to rest more often than the hirelings. I've lived the pampered life of a prisoner, you know!" *IF snarky *SET arrpee +10 #"If I peter out, you must go on! And carry me with you, of course." *SET social %+10 *IF lively or snarky *SET arrpee +10 #"I've been in that tower my whole life so you can't expect me to march like a mercenary all damn day." *SET synergy %-10 *SET social %-10 *IF bitter *SET arrpee +10 #Don't say anything *GOTO quietone "We don't expect you to have the stamina of a professional," Oferi says. "Just tell us when you're exhausted and we'll rest." *IF art and not(whoaway="Art") "Through the forest heart," Art says, pointing down the hill towards the forest ahead, "and then through the marsh as quickly as we can. With any luck, we'll be at the tunnels by nightfall." Oferi shakes her head. "I doubt we'll make such good time through the forest and marsh, especially with the tenderfoot in the party." *IF (sandals = "peculiar") *IF (heshe = "they") "Bah! They've got sandals," the dwarf argues. "They're not even touching the ground when they step!" *IF not(heshe = "they") "Bah! $!{shehas} got sandals," the dwarf argues. "$!{sheis} not even touching the ground when ${heshe} steps!" *IF (sandals = "plain") "Bah! $!{shehas} got sandals," the dwarf argues, "and they look plenty comfortable!" *IF (sandals = "pretty") or (sandals = "protective") "Bah! $!{shehas} got sandals," the dwarf argues. Oferi looks back at you and shakes her head again. "$!{sheis} not accustomed to enduring a day-long forced march, Art." Art scoffs. "I don't mean any offense," he says, looking to you, "but you better be worth the trouble." *FAKE_CHOICE #"Aww, Art, how cute... you act just as much like a baby as you look." *IF not(pickedonart) Art scowls, shakes his head, and looks away. *SET dig_art %-20 *IF pickedonart "Listen here, ${ladlass}, you keep jabbin' at me and I'm liable to jab back with my fist to yer ruddy face!" *SET dig_art %-20 *IF snarky *SET arrpee +10 #"I'm worth double the trouble! [i]Three times[/i] sometimes." Art chuckles. "I suppose at the very least you're cheery." *SET dig_art %+10 *IF lively *SET arrpee +10 #"I'm sorry for the trouble. I'll do my best." "Well," Art says, "I didn't mean to offend, like I said. Yer best is all we ask. Don't fret it, ${name}." *SET dig_art %+10 *IF naive *SET arrpee +10 #"You're getting paid, aren't you? So stop your blubbering, little man." Art sneers, shakes his head, and looks away. *SET dig_art %-10 *IF bitter *SET arrpee +10 #Stay quiet *IF kerwainescort Kerwain says, "Not to worry, I will carry ${himher} if ${heshe} faulters." "No, you will not," Oferi says over her shoulder. "The wizard said if you touch ${himher} — or ${heshe} touches you — your armor will rot to tatters in moments. A knight is no good to us without his equipment." "I..." Kerwain starts, then drifts into thought, glowering. *IF attendwyverna "Be sure to tell [i]before[/i] you are exhausted," Wyverna says. "I cannot have my atten-dand unable to fulfill ${hisher} duties!" *IF wyverna and not(attendwyverna) "You forced me to come along on zis sojourn," Wyverna says, frowning. "If you do not keep up, I will leave. Simple as zat." Oferi scowls at her. "Then you won't get paid." "I do not care, Auferi. I am not a nanny." *LABEL quietone It isn't long down the road before you reach the edge of the forest. The heat of the quickly rising sun doesn't affect you, given your magical necklace, but you can see the others are already perspiring. Thankfully, it's sure to be shady inside the forest, but... "There will be bandits," Oferi says. She turns to you and smirks. "There's [i]always[/i] bandits." *IF (snarky) You snicker and say, "Well let's just hope a naked ${boygirl}, a burly elf, and a few drunkards can handle a few bandits or we're looking at a mighty short adventure." *IF (lively) "Oh? Well," you say, raising your fist in front of you and shaking it, "I guess they better watch out for us!" *IF (bitter) "Good," you say. "If they don't put us out of our misery then we'll put them out of theirs." *IF (naive) "We should be careful," you say, "but I'm sure with you and our friends we will prevail." Oferi shrugs and steps into the forest, beckoning for everyone to follow. *finish