*comment Copyright 2010 by Dan Fabulich. *comment *comment Dan Fabulich licenses this file to you under the *comment ChoiceScript License, Version 1.0 (the "License"); you may *comment not use this file except in compliance with the License. *comment You may obtain a copy of the License at *comment *comment http://www.choiceofgames.com/LICENSE-1.0.txt *comment *comment See the License for the specific language governing *comment permissions and limitations under the License. *comment *comment Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, *comment software distributed under the License is distributed on an *comment "AS IS" BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, *comment either express or implied. "Next applicant, Kemina Mangeo, please come with me" You let out a deep breath, recounting the events of the past hour. You and Jem made your way to registration almost an hour ago, sprinting so fast you almost didn't realize when the two of you collided directly into a helpful registration clerk who wrote down your names for the applicants database, and directed you two into lines for the first trial, the registration interview. You and Jem were put into seperate lines however, so you quickly said your goodbyes, wished eachother good luck, and went into registration. You were whisked into an ornate building that looked about five times the size of the entire ship you'd spent the last 8 months of your life in. Ten other applicants (this seems to be what they refer to the people entering the recruitment tournament) followed. You arrive in what appeared to be a reception office, met by a man in golden robes, the signature costume of the G.R.I.M. island guard, who asks you all to take a seat and wait. Where do you sit? *choice #In a chair in the farthest corner, away from the rest of the crowd. I'm far too nervous to talk to anyone right now, and even if I wasn't, I'm not much of a talker anyways. *set confidence -5 *set introverted +10 *goto meetingFrost #On one of the couches where the other applicants have started to congregate. Meeting some new people is the perfect way to get my mind off of how anxious I am. *set confidence -5 *set introverted -10 You sit in one of the chairs, immediately a boy looking to be in his late teens or early twenties, around your age, sits down next to you. He has messy blonde hair, looking windblown, like he just walked through a tornado. His eyes are sky blue. At first glance he might look brawny and intimidating, with his athletic build and a tatoo on each of his muscular arms(A cloud on his left, a swirl tattoo snaking around his right), but his carefree expression and youthful face give the opposite impression, making him look happy and childlike. His entire face looks as if he was born to smile, two slight dimples appering when he does. He turns to you. "This is so amazing isn't it? Getting a chance to join the G.R.I.M? I still can't believe I'm lucky enough to do this. *choice #"I agree. This whole experience is so unreal" *set Skylar +10 "I know, right?! And did you see the view on the way in, this entire island is brilliant!" *label TalkingWithSkylar *choice #"I wish had the chance!" You say, "But I had to hurry to get here." *set Skylar +15 *set old_life -5 "You have to see it. It's terrific!" The boy says passionately. "The water's so peaceful, and the buildings here are breathtaking! I could live my whole life here." He says contentedly. "I'm Skylar, by the way." *set MetSkylar true *choice #"Maybe after this we could explore the island together, Skylar." *set Skylar +15 *set old_life -5 A smile spreads across Skylar's face, as easily and naturally as butter on warm bread. "Sounds amazing." He says. *goto interview #"I'm ${firstname}," you say. *set Skylar +10 Nice to meet you,${firstname}. He says, smiling. "I hope to see you on the other side." *goto interview #"I'm Jem." I lie. I don't like this guy enough to be on a first name basis with him. *set Skylar -5 *set honesty -5 Nice to meet you, Jem. He says, smiling. "I hope to see you on the other side." *goto interview #"Not really interested in the sights," You say, "I'm more amazed by the turnout. Did you see how many people are here?" *set confidence-5 *set Skylar +10 "I know!" The boy agrees. "I didn't realize there were this many people in all of existence! Let alone in this competition!" *choice #"I know right? It's terrifying." *set confidence -5 *goto YouAreNervous #"I know right? It's exciting!" *set confidence +10 *set Skylar +10 "I couldn't agree more." The boy says excitedly. "I'm Skylar" He says, his muscular arm outstretched. *set MetSkylar true "${firstname}." You reply, shaking his hand. "I hope to see you on the other side, ${firstname}." *goto interview #"I was actually thinking unreal as in 'like a nightmare' " I say. *set Skylar -5 *set old_life +5 *goto YouAreNervous #"I don't know. I kinda feel like I was always meant for this" *set old_life -5 *set confidence +10 *set Skylar +5 "I wish I had your confidence, friend." He says admiringly. "I'm Skylar, by the way. What's your name?" "${firstname}" You respond. "Nice to meet you, ${firstname}. I hope to see you on the other side." *set MetSkylar true *goto interview #"I think being here might be a big mistake" *set confidence -10 *set old_life +10 *label YouAreNervous "That's just your nerves talking, don't let them win." The boy says dismissively. "Use them to your advantage. After all, you're never more alert than when you're afraid. He extends a muscular arm out, his hand open. "I'm Skylar" *set MetSkylar true *choice #"${firstname}." I reply. Skylar nods, smiling. "I'll see you on the other side, ${name}. *set Skylar+10 *goto interview #"What makes you think you have any idea what I'm feeling?" I snap. "I'm sorry." Skylar says, hurt. "I was just trying to help." "I don't need your help. Just leave me alone!" You shout. Making quite the scene as other applicants start to watch. "Okay, I'm sorry" Skylar walks away, dejected. *set Skylar -5 *goto interview #"How are you so calm about all this?" I ask. *set Skylar +15 Skylar smirks, amused. "To be honest, I'm terrified." He confesses. "But if I let anxiety consume me, then my nerves win. And I've come too far to let that happen." He says, his chiseled, boyish face hardening into that of a man who's been through too much. "I know the feeling," You reply, thinking back to how much it took for you to get here. "For what it's worth. I hope you make it through." Skylar says. How do you respond. *choice #"Thanks, you too." I say, and I mean it. I genuinely like Skylar. *set Skylar +10 *set introverted -10 *set honesty +5 *goto interview #"Thanks, you too." I say. I'm not quite sure if I like Skylar enough to be his friend, but I could definitely use an ally if I move on. *set Skylar +5 *set introverted-5 *goto interview #"Wish I could say the same, but you not making it through means one less competitor for me." *set confidence +5 *set Skylar -5 *goto interview #"I hope you do to" I lie. I've decided I don't really like Skylar, but it's better to have him think we're friends. *set honesty -10 *set Skylar -10 *goto interview #I say nothing, simply nodding. *set introverted +5 "Not much of a talker, eh?" The boy asks. "Or maybe your saving your voice for the interview? Either way, that's just fine. I can easily talk enough for the both of us." He continues. "So what do you think of this island? This is my first time here, actually." *choice #Okay, this is getting annoying. I get up and walk away. *set introverted +10 You spend the next few minutes away from the chatty boy, blissfully alone. *goto interview #Okay, I give in, I'll talk to him. "Mine too." I say *set Skylar +5 The boy grins. "So you do speak! That's a relief. I thought I was going to sit here talking to a brick wall for the next few minutes! Did you see the view on the way in? Or any of the local sights? I swear, this place is amazing! *goto TalkingWithSkylar #I stand against the wall, scoping out the people around me, I need to size up the competition without getting bogged down in chitchat. *set confidence +5 *set introverted +5 *label meetingFrost Suddenly you feel the air next to you turn cooler, you notice one of the applicants has taken a seat on the floor next to you, a girl with wavy, bright white hair, reminding you of a flurry of snow. Her eyes are a brilliant blue, and her skin is so pale that it takes you a moment to even distinguish where her snow-white hair stops and her porcelain skin begins. Her outfit resembles that of one of the city guards you met earlier, the same sleek, agile design, as if it was made for an archer. Unlike the guard's outfit however, this girl's is a silvery white, the color of a sheet of thick ice. Her head rests one her arms, the edges of a diamond shaped tattoo on her forearm peeking out from under her chin. She looks down at the floor for a moment, then seeming to notice your gaze, her head turns to face you. How do you respond? *choice #"Hi!" I say, smiling politely. "I'm ${firstname}, what's your name?" *set introverted -5 *set Frost +5 "Frost" the girl responds. *set MetFrost true What do you say next? *choice #"Are you the reason the room just got so cold?" *set honesty +5 "Oh, sorry about that" the girls says shyly, "it happens when I get nervous. I'm not great around crowds, or new people." *goto freindlyFrost #"Are you nervous?" *set Frost +5 The girl seems to deflate slightly. "Is it that obvious?" she asks, not giving you a chance to respond before continuing "I hoped that once I got here the nerves would dissapear, but with all these people and the amout of time they make us wait, if anything, they've gotten worse. I'm officially terrified for my interview." *goto Frostisnervous #nothing, I'm too nervous to about the interview to keep up any conversation, much less mindless chitchat *set Frost -5 *set confidence-5 *set introverted +5 The girl offers nothing else in the way of conversation, you spend the next few minutes in silence. *goto interview #"Not in the mood to mingle?" I say, gesturing to the crowd of applicants sitting togehter on the couches. *set introverted -5 *set Frost +10 The girl shakes her head. "I'm not great with crowds, or meeting new people." She says. *label freindlyFrost *choice #"Me neither" I admit. *set introvert +10 *set Frost +5 *set honesty +5 The girl nods, relieved. "Glad I'm not the only one. What's your name?" She asks. "I'm ${firstname}, and you?" "Frost." The girl replies, smiling. "Nice to meet you." You respond. "You too." she says. *set MetFrost true *goto interview #"Me neither" I lie, trying to be polite. *set honesty -5 *set introverted -10 *set Frost +5 The girl nods, relieved. "Glad I'm not the only one. What's your name?" She asks? "I'm ${firstname}, and you?" "Frost." The girl replies, smiling. "Nice to meet you." You respond. "You too." she says. *set MetFrost true *goto interview #"You're doing fine with me" I say, smiling *set Frost +10 *set introverted -5 The girl smiles. "Thanks." She says. "I'm so nervous to be here, the GRIM are so powerful, it's scary to think that they'll be judging us." She admits. *label Frostisnervous *choice #"I'm scared too," I admit "there's nothing wrong with that. Actually in a situation as big and life-changing as this, I think it's healthy even. All we can do is keep going, and not let our nerves control us." *set confidence -5 *set honesty +10 *set Frost +10 "You're right." She says, smiling faintly. "I just hope I can make it through." "Maybe I'll see you on the other side" You say. "Maybe you will" she replies. *if (MetFrost=false) "My name's Frost." her pale hand reaches out toward you. "I'm ${firstname}" You respond, shaking her hand. *set MetFrost true *goto interview *else *goto interview #"There's nothing to worry about" I say, trying to comfort her. "I'm sure the interview will be a piece of cake" *set confidence +5 *set Frost -5 "I hope you're right" She says. *if(MetFrost=false) "What's your name? You ask. "Frost," She replies. "And you?" "${firstname}" You respond. "Nice to meet you." *set MetFrost true *goto interview *else *goto interview #"There's nothing to worry about" I say, hoping my voice doesn't betray that I'm lying. "I'm sure the interview will be a peice of cake. I mean, no one's ever heard of someone getting eliminated in the interview portion, right?" *set Frost -5 *set honesty -5 "I hope you're right." She replies. *if(MetFrost=false) "What's your name? You ask. "Frost," She replies. "And you?" "${firstname}" You respond. "Nice to meet you." *set MetFrost true *goto interview *else *goto interview #"What are you looking at" I say sharply, I'm not here to make friends, and something about this girl creeps me out. *set introverted +5 The girl jumps a bit, startled by your response, and then quickly gets up to sit somewhere else. You spend the next few minutes alone. #I say nothing, quickly averting my gaze. *set introverted +10 *set Frost +2 The girls says nothing, burying her head back in her arms. You spend a few minutes in silence. *label interview "Next applicant, ${firstname} ${lastname}, please come with me." A woman in a clerk outfit calls from the doorway. You take a deep breath, it's your turn for the registration interview. *page_break You follow the woman through a narrow hallway into a small, well lit room. In the middle of the room is a single desk, an ornate wooden chair on either side. The clerk takes a seat in her desk chair, motioning for you to take a seat in the chair opposite her. "Alright, let's get started shall we?" The woman says briskly. "Let's see here, first question, what country are you from? (Note: this will have a direct impact on what magic powers are available for you to choose from later) *choice #"The Stone Kingdom" I say, remembering my honorable homeland, and it's patron [i] Dive [/i], Segoroth, the stone knight, the god of Stone, discipline, and honor. *set home_country "Stone Kingdom" *goto tattoos #"The Water Republic" I say, remembering my beautiful homeland, and the [i] Dive [/i], Votum, the mistress of the sea, goddess of Water, calm, and hidden treasures, who protects your nation from harm. *set home_country "Water Republic" *goto tattoos #"The Fire Empire" I say, remembering my powerful homeland, and it's patron [i] Dive [/i], Agne, the flaming gladiator goddess of Fire, force, and passion. *set home_country "Fire Empire" *goto tattoos #"The Storm Union" I say, remembering my free and autonomous homeland, and it's patron [i] Dive [/i], Vintaccio, the storm centurion Diety of Wind, Lightning, freedom, and focus. *set home_country "Storm Union" *goto tattoos #"The Plant Plains" I say, remembering my humble, yet inviting homeland, and it's patron [i] Dive [/i] Bera, goddess of plantlife, hospitality, agriculture, and patience. *set home_country "Plant Plains" *goto tattoos #"The Animal Tribal Grounds" I say remembering my disorganized, but peaceful, homeland, and it's guardian [i] Dive [/i], Relspura, the mother of wildlife, goddess of animals, companionship, and communication. *set home_country "Animal Tribes" *goto tattoos #"The Shadow Badlands" I say, remembering my lawless and nightmarish homeland. *set home_country "Shadow Badlands" *label tattoos "Right then, and your tattoos?" You smile, flashing back to your 14th birthday. Your remember you parents bringing you to the local Ink Witch's studio. You remember the witch's kind, toothy smile as she explains that the tattoos you choose will serve as the spells you'll use for the rest of your life. You remember her scratchty amused voice. "Right then kiddo, you get 3 tattoos. One on each arm or hand, and one on your back or chest" She says, twirling her wand in her fingers "Just tell me where you want a spell and I'll tell you what I can put there." *label right_arm_tattoos *choice #I point to my right palm "What ones can I put here?" "Excellent location!" The witch exclaims. *if home_country "Animal Tribes" or "Stone Kingdom" "I'm sorry, there are no spells I can put there. Try another location" *goto right_arm_tattoos *if home country "Shadow Badlands" "I can put a spiral tattoo there, allowing you to create and throw orbs of pure darkness from your hand" *choice #"That sounds awesome! I want that!" You say. "Very well" The Witch replies, smiling. And your left arm? *goto left_arm_tattoos #"Hmmm, maybe something else then?" "Okay then, pick a different place on your right arm." *goto right_arm_tattoos *if home_country "Storm Union" "I can put a bolt tattoo there, giving you the ability to prpject small bolts of lightning from your fingers" *choice #"That sounds awesome! I want that!" You say. "Very well" The Witch replies, smiling. And your left arm? *goto left_arm_tattoos #"Hmmm, maybe something else then?" "Okay then, pick a different place on your right arm." *goto right_arm_tattoos *if home_country "Water Republic" "I can put an orb tattoo there, allowing you to shoot a stream of water from your hand." *choice #"That sounds awesome! I want that!" You say. "Very well" The Witch replies, smiling. And your left arm? *goto left_arm_tattoos #"Hmmm, maybe something else then?" "Okay then, pick a different place on your right arm." *goto right_arm_tattoos *if home_country "Fire Empire" "I can put an orb tattoo there, allowing you to shoot fireballs from your hand." *choice #"That sounds awesome! I want that!" You say. "Very well" The Witch replies, smiling. And your left arm? *goto left_arm_tattoos #"Hmmm, maybe something else then?" "Okay then, pick a different place on your right arm." *goto right_arm_tattoos *if home_country "Plant Plains" "I can put a seed tattoo there, allowing you to plant a magical, quick-growing tree, that will obey your every command" *choice #"That sounds awesome! I want that!" You say. "Very well" The Witch replies, smiling. And your left arm? *goto left_arm_tattoos #"Hmmm, maybe something else then?" "Okay then, pick a different place on your right arm." *goto right_arm_tattoos #I point to the back of my right hand "What ones can I put here?" *if home-country "Storm Union" or "Shadow Badlands" "I'm sorry" I dont have any tattoos I can put there. Try somewhere else on your arm." *goto right_arm_tattoo *if home_country "Stone Kingdom" "I can put a fist tattoo there, allowing you to turn your fist to solid stone, three times as big as your normal fist." *choice #"That sounds awesome! I want that!" You say. "Very well" The Witch replies, smiling. And your left arm? *goto left_arm_tattoos #"Hmmm, maybe something else then?" "Okay then, pick a different place on your right arm." *goto right_arm_tattoos *if home_country "Fire Empire" "I can put a fist tattoo there, allowing you to engulf your fist in flame, burning your enemies and leaving yourself unharmed." *choice #"That sounds awesome! I want that!" You say. "Very well" The Witch replies, smiling. And your left arm? *goto left_arm_tattoos #"Hmmm, maybe something else then?" "Okay then, pick a different place on your right arm." *goto right_arm_tattoos *if home_country "Animal Tribes" "I can put a claw tattoo there, allowing you to turn your hand into a ferocious claw to slash at your enemies." *choice #"That sounds awesome! I want that!" You say. "Very well" The Witch replies, smiling. And your left arm? *goto left_arm_tattoos #"Hmmm, maybe something else then?" "Okay then, pick a different place on your right arm." *goto right_arm_tattoos *if home_country "Plant Plains" "I can put spike tattoos there, turning your fist into a bramble of large, tough, thorny vines that damages anyone who touches it" *choice #"That sounds awesome! I want that!" You say. "Very well" The Witch replies, smiling. And your left arm? *goto left_arm_tattoos #"Hmmm, maybe something else then?" "Okay then, pick a different place on your right arm." *goto right_arm_tattoos *if home_country "Water Republic" I can put a droplet tattoo there, turning your hand entirely into water, alowing it to pass straight through solid objects and bring things to you. *choice #"That sounds awesome! I want that!" You say. "Very well" The Witch replies, smiling. And your left arm? *goto left_arm_tattoos #"Hmmm, maybe something else then?" "Okay then, pick a different place on your right arm." *goto right_arm_tattoos #I point to my right forearm "What ones can I put here?" *if home_country "Storm Union" "I can put a spiral tattoo there. It would wrap around your whole forearm, allowing you to project powerful swirling gusts of wind outward" *choice #"That sounds awesome! I want that!" You say. "Very well" The Witch replies, smiling. And your left arm? *goto left_arm_tattoos #"Hmmm, maybe something else then?" "Okay then, pick a different place on your right arm." *goto right_arm_tattoos *if home_country "Plant Plains" "I can put a swirling vine tattoo there, allowing you to shoot strong vines out of your hand" *choice #"That sounds awesome! I want that!" You say. "Very well" The Witch replies, smiling. And your left arm? *goto left_arm_tattoos #"Hmmm, maybe something else then?" "Okay then, pick a different place on your right arm." *goto right_arm_tattoos *if home_country "Fire Empire" "I can put a flame tattoo there, allowing you to shoot short ranged bursts of fire from your arm." *choice #"That sounds awesome! I want that!" You say. "Very well" The Witch replies, smiling. And your left arm? *goto left_arm_tattoos #"Hmmm, maybe something else then?" "Okay then, pick a different place on your right arm." *goto right_arm_tattoos *if home country "Shadow Badlands" I can put a dagger tattoo there, allowing you to summon a blade of pure darkness at any time" *choice #"That sounds awesome! I want that!" You say. "Very well" The Witch replies, smiling. And your left arm? *goto left_arm_tattoos #"Hmmm, maybe something else then?" "Okay then, pick a different place on your right arm." *goto right_arm_tattoos *if home_country "Animal Tribes" I can put a beehive tattooo there, allowing you to summon a swarm of bees *comment bees? to do your bidding." *choice #"That sounds awesome! I want that!" You say. "Very well" The Witch replies, smiling. And your left arm? *goto left_arm_tattoos #"Hmmm, maybe something else then?" "Okay then, pick a different place on your right arm." *goto right_arm_tattoos *if home_country "Stone Kingdom" or "Water Republic" "I'm sorry" I dont have any tattoos I can put there. Try somewhere else on your right arm." *goto right_arm_tattoos #I point to the back of my right forearm "What ones can I put here?" *if home_country "Fire Empire" or "Plant Plains" *if home_country "Stone Kingdom" "I can put a diamond tattoo there, allowing you to create a large pointy stone blade out of your forearm, you can then shoot that blade from your arm." *if home_country "Animal Tribes" "I can put a scale tattoo there, allowing you to turn your arm into hardened scales that can deflect projectiles and protect you from sharp objects." *if home_country "Storm Union" ""I can put a spiral tattoo there. It would wrap around your whole forearm, allowing you to project powerful swirling gusts of wind outward" *if home_country "Water Republic" "I can put spiral tattoo there, wrapping around your arm, allowing you to summon and project outward violent whirlpools. *if home_country "Shadow Badlands" "I can put #I gesture to my whole right arm. "I want a big one!" *goto right_arm tattoos.