You sit at your post on the old dock. The sky is dark, as it always has been, and the air is (link-replace: "salty.") [rich with the teasing aroma of sea salt.]
You aren't sure how long it took, but your wounds have finally healed. After your stay in the hospital, the government left you with (link-replace: "a job.") [an ungodly bill.]
At least you can pay off your (link-reveal: "debt. ") [1000 silver. A daunting task, standing between you and freedom.]
Dockwatch, however, is an important job. There is a reason they picked [[*you.*|Character Creation]]
(set: $Money to 0)
(set: $Blessing to 0)
(set: $Curse to 0)Your skills are ''important.'' They served you in the past, and they will serve you here.
You were a(n) (cycling-link: bind $background, "explorer", "noble", "historian", "smuggler"), born in (cycling-link: bind $land, "Imperia", "Solum", "Infrir").
[[//Proceed.//|Creation check]]remember to put these somewhere...
(set: $background to "explorer")
(set: $land to "Imperia")
(set: $Money to 0)
(set: $Captainname to "the Captain")
(set: Ship1Appeal to 0)
(set: Crew1Appeal to 0)
{
(if: $land is "Imperia")[You hail from Imperia, the impenetrable city of stone, its laws just as ''imposing'' as its architecture.]
(if: $land is "Solum") [You've traveled far from Solum, a small and ''strange'' island home to the Amphrae.]
(if: $land is "Infrir")[You were born in Infrir, an island turned massive oil rig, known best for its rampant pollution and ''financial inequity.'']
}
{
(if: $background is "explorer")[You left home to explore the seas, and you were chosen for your ''experience'' and ''nautical'' knowledge.]
(if: $background is "noble")[You left home to see what else the sea had to offer, financing your trip with your own savings. It is a shame then, that they were all lost in the accident. At least you still have your ''noble demeanor,'' it got you a job after all.]
(if: $background is "historian")[You left home to travel the seas, looking for knowledge to bring back to the University. Perhaps what you have ''learned'' in your travels will help you here. At least the government appreciated your work.]
(if: $background is "smuggler")[You're lucky that, when you skipped town, your bounty didn't come with you. However, your ''experience'' in the criminal underworld did. You made sure to tell the government that you had previous experience as a Watchman instead.]
}
[[//This is me.//|Day1]]
[[//No, this isn't right...//|Character Creation]]You are posted in a small wood shack at the very end of the port. Inside the shack is your stool, a manual, and a rusty machine. It has two functions- opening the port and signalling the police.
[[//Pick up and skim the Watchman's manual.//|Manual]]
[[//Proceed.//|Day1Start]]Dockwatch
The Watchmen are essential for maintaining the safety and security of this city. Thus, it is crucial that all Watchmen take their job very seriously.
It is the job of the Watchmen to inspect incoming ships and their cargo. One must check all contents of the ''cargo hold'' and make sure there is nothing ''illegal'' stored inside.
This includes:
-Any packages of goods lacking the official Exporters Seal
-Unmarked Silver
-Humans lacking an Alliance Passport
-Controlled substances
-Amphrae bones, skin, organs, or flesh
-Human product
-Any live nonhumans or atypical fish
If any of the listed illegal content are found, immediately report it and DO NOT allow the ship passage. Otherwise, let the ship pass as soon as possible.
Correctly reporting any violations will result in an appropriate bonus.
NOTE THAT FAILING TO REPORT ILLEGAL CONTENT OR INTENTIONALLY WITHHOLDING INFORMATION FROM THE GUARD CAN RESULT IN A FINE OR JAILTIME.
[[//Return.//|Day1]]Its a fairly average day. Docked ships are loaded with boxes of strange mixtures and fuels and foods to be exported to the neighboring cities. Among the sound of the waves is the idle chatter of sailors, the creaking of wood, and the gurgling caws of red-eyed gulls.
[[//A ship slowly approaches the port.//|Ship1Intro]]A decently-fashioned schooner stops just before the iron gate. You exit your post as the crew lowers a wooden bridge to the dock. The captain slowly steps off the boat and approaches you.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/vhjZ6D4.png" height="300">
He wears a formal, traditional captain's outfit and sports a white, well-kept beard. Upon seeing you he tips his hat.
"Watchman," he greets with a brief nod, "you may proceed."
[[//Board the ship.//|Ship1BoardNeutral]]
[[//"Yes, sir."//|Ship1BoardFormal]]
[[//"I don't need your permission."//|Ship1BoardAggro]]The wooden plank creaks as you board the ship. The small crew only offers you a passing glance.
[[//Step below the deck.//|Cargo1]]
[[//Speak to the crew.//|Crew1]]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/vhjZ6D4.png" height="300">
The captain chuckles.
"Please, call me George."
(set: $Captainname to "George")
(set: $Ship1Appeal to it +1)
[[//Board George's ship.//|Ship1BoardNeutral]]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZYFctr5.png" height="300">
The Captain squints at you and huffs, but says nothing.
(set: $Ship1Appeal to it -1)
[[//Board the ship.//|Ship1BoardNeutral]]You step down into the cargo hold, which shares the same scents and temperature as a greenhouse. Crates of mosses, fungi, dirt, and more are strewn about in scattered piles. The engine room sits adjacent, letting hot air waft into the hold. A single lit Tak candle hangs from the ceiling in a metal dish.
[[//Inspect the engine room.//|EngineRoom1]]
{
(link-replace: "//Inpsect the candle.//") [
A candle made of Tak- a thick, clay like substance. It is a rare and decently valuable material, more efficient than candlewax and coal.
(if: $land is "Solum") [The candle was probably made in Solum- thats where most of the Alliance gets its Tak. ]
(if: $background is "historian") [You can also tell that it is the source of humidity. After all, this sort of environment is required for transporting natural goods like those found in Solum without risking spoilage.]
]
}
[[//Inspect the crates.//|Crates1]]You approach a member of the crew. His hair is messy from the wind, and his previously white shirt is stained with oil. He looks at you doubtfully.
{
(if: $land is "Infrir") [
[[//"You look like you've been through hell, pal. You just come back from Infrir?"//|Crew1ResponseGood]]]
(else-if: $background is "smuggler")
[[[//"You look like you've been through hell, pal. You just come back from Infrir?"//|Crew1ResponseGood]]]
(else:)[[[//"What kind of cargo are you importing?"//|Crew1ResponseNeutral]]]
}"Nah, just been workin' in the engine room. Since you're gonna ask, we just have some junk from Solum. I don't get it, but I guess it sells well."
He chuckles and shakes his head.
"You're right though, Inferir is a hellhole."
He isn't wrong.
(set: $Crew1Appeal to it +1)
[[//Proceed to the cargo hold.//|Cargo1]]"You have eyes, dontcha? Piss off and go do your own job."
[[//You suppose it was worth a try.//|Cargo1]]The room is cramped and hot. The walls are lined with thick metal pipes, and large barrels of oil sit neatly lined on the edges of the room. The once polished wood floor is stained with oil. The heat of the room helps in part to keep the cargo hold warm.
[[//Return.//|Cargo1]]You meticulously check the crates, inspecting their contents and making sure each was marked with an official lable. Text stamped on the side reveals their contents- algea, moss, soil, among other things.
[[//Open the algae crate.//|Algae]]
[[//Open the moss crate.//|Moss]]
[[//Open the soil crate.//|Soil]]
[[//Leave.//|Finish1]]The crate has its seal. Inside are various bottles of a deep purple algea, floating in stained jars. Its a fairly decent haul.
{
(if: $land is "Solum") [This species is native to Solum, and is notoriously difficult to collect, especially in such large numbers.]
(if: $background is "historian") [You've seen this species used at the University, your colleagues wondering if it could be used for medical purposes. Given how dangerous the sea is, it certainly would be nice.]
(if: $background is "smuggler" or "noble") [You swear you've seen someone dry and smoke this stuff before. Or maybe stirred it into their drink? It wasn't uncommon for people to look for creative ways to get high. You couldn't blame them, not when the sea could be so dreary.]
(if: $background is "explorer") [You've seen other people shipping this stuff before. For what they were worth they were small and light, not taking up too much cargo space. But they were a pain to keep in good condition.]
}
[[//Return.//|Crates1]]The crate has its seal. Inside it's packed with sheets of dewy moss. Clearly they required a bit of upkeep- someone must have been occasionally watering it.
{
(if: $background is "noble")[You've heard rumors that Solum moss was a great exfoliator. Perhaps it was something you'd have to try once you got this horrible debt repaid.]
(if: $background is "explorer")[From what you've heard, it apparently works decently for first aid, able to soak up blood without infecting the wound. Or at least, thats what people say.]
}
[[//Return.//|Crates1]]The crate has its seal. You go to open it, but before you can question why someone would store soil in a crate, you realize that the thing is sealed shut. The usual latch mechanism has a heavy padlock still stuck to it. It is protocol to leave everything unlocked before inspection.
[[//Inspect the box further.//|SBox]]
[[//Address the captain.//|SCaptain]]
[[//Leave and report the locked crate to the authorities.//|FinishQuick]]
[[//Return.//|Crates1]]You're tired. And clearly, the crew is too. Nothing was suspicious enough to worry over. Besides, everyone just wants to go home.
[[//Trust the crew and let them through.//|FinishNeutral]]
[[//Double check the cargo.//|Crates1]]The box itself is plain, showing no signs of damage. It is, by your estimation, about four to five feet long, two feet wide, and two feet deep. On the side facing away from you is a scribbled string of characters.
{
(if: $land is "Solum") [Upon further inspection, you recognize the characters as Fribbit, the language of the Amphrae. It reads, roughly, 'May your (cycling-link: "soul", "heart") be (cycling-link: "free", "safe"). Let the (cycling-link: "Land", "Fish", "Mother") keep your (cycling-link: "bones", "flesh", "heart") safe from the (cycling-link: "demons", "thieves", "leeches") of the Sea. I must move on, but with my (cycling-link: "grief", "love", "memories") I promise to better the (cycling-link: "land", "family", "heart") in your memory.]
(set: $ReadBox to true)
}
[[//Return.//|Soil]]You decide its best to the Captain, as he is the one with the most authority here.
You carefully step up the old rickety stairs, cross the deck and step off the ship. The captain, who was idly watching the incoming waves, turns his attention to you.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/vhjZ6D4.png" height="300">
"Everything in order, Watchman?"
[[//"One of your crates is locked, protocol requries all incoming cargo to be unlocked and ready for inspection."//|NeutralQuestion1]]
[[//"Care to explain why one of your crates is locked? Hiding things from Watchmen is a jailable offense."//|AggroQuestion1]]
(if: $ReadBox is true and $land is "Solum")[[[//"I noticed the inscription on the 'soil' crate. Thats an Amphrae dirge, isn't it?"//|FribbitQuestion1]]]You offer the captain a brief goodbye, and once he is back on the ship and the bridge is pulled up, you return to your station and raise the barricade. The crew scrambles to pull the anchor and get the ship in motion, and the captain casts you a brief glance before returning to his post.
[[Proceed.]] <img src="https://i.imgur.com/vhjZ6D4.png" height="300">
"Eh? The box of dirt? Sorry about that, bought it that way from a market back in Solum. That dirt is rich with Tak, they're very protective over the stuff. Its pricy- and highly flammable. You'd think that after making such a purchase I'd remember to ask the merchant to give me the key!"
The captain chuckles, then sighs.
"Unsure if thats my age or the sea madness. I'll be taking it to a locksmith soon as we dock. My bad for causing the worry."
[[//"I understand. Just make sure to file your cargo report."//|RelaxedLeave]]
[[//"Its still required that I inspect every piece of cargo. If you can't open it I'll have to take it away for inspection."//|CaptainWorry]]
(if: $land is "Imperia")[[[//"You better open that box old man, else I'll be opening it with my boot."//|CaptainPanic]]]
(if: $background is "smuggler")[[[//"Sounds exactly like something a smuggler would say. What are you ''really'' hiding in there, gramps?"//|CaptainSmuggler]]]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/vhjZ6D4.png" height="300">
The captain frowns.
"Yes, I do understand this. And I must sincerely apologize for the mistake. I am, unfortunately, without the key to that crate. Forgot to ask the merchant to hand it over when I bought the stuff- its soil mixed with Tak. Expensive. And flammable."
[[//"...fine. Fill out your cargo report and alert the port guards of this. Otherwise you'll be hearing from the authorities."//|RelaxedLeave]]
[[//"Would you prefer I had your cargo confiscated?"//|CaptainWorry]]
(if: $land is "Imperia")[[[//"You better open that box old man, else I'll be opening it with my boot."//|CaptainPanic]]]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/zVjqveE.png" height="300">
The captain's eyes widen.
"You... you're from Solum?"
He pauses, his gaze flicking to the ground.
"...Yes. I... Its difficult to explain."
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small key.
"It'd be easier if I showed you."
[[//"Lead the way."//|CrateUnlock]]You exit the cargo room, saying nothing to the crew as you pass by to address the captain. You nod, telling him he's good to go. He smiles and boards the ship.
Rather than raise the barricade, you alert the authorities. Some ships try to escape when they hear the alarms sound, but they all fail. No ship can pull up the anchor, pull out of port, and flee fast enough. Especially not with the Warships posted in a sharp semicircle around the port. The captain however doesn't bother with trying to escape. The authorities are quick to board his vessle and aprehend both him and the crew. The captain doesn't look at you.
The captain is later arrested for transporting an Amphrae carcass. You are awarded a 100 silver bonus.
(set: $Money to it + 100)
[[Proceed.]] <img src="https://i.imgur.com/vhjZ6D4.png" height="300">
Though it is difficult to tell if he is smiling, the captain sounds appreciative.
"Can do. Sorry again about the mistake. I'll notify the port guards of my blunder, and the cargo report will be the first thing I do after we dock."
"Thank you for understanding."
[[//"Can do."//|FinishNeutral]]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/vRnL39L.png" height="300">
The captain bites his lip, looking away. He is clearly conflicted, but he knows his place, and he knows the law. Certainly the authorities are scarier than you.
After a moment, he removes a key from his pocket.
"I'm... sorry for lying to you, Watchman. I just... it's... hard to explain. It would be easier to show you."
[[//"Lead the way.//|CrateUnlock]]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/zVjqveE.png" height="300">
The captain, clearly startled by your response, pauses and shuffles his feet. Past the brim of his hat and his bushy eyebrows, you see a glint of panic in his eyes.
"Must you really pester a grieving old man? I promise the contents of that crate aren't going to hurt anyone. I'm not going to sell it. You... you wouldn't understand. But... I beg of you, let me take it into port. Please. Its... its all I have left..."
[[//"Tell me what's inside."//|CrateTruth]]
[[//"Its too late for that."//|FinishReport]]
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/zVjqveE.png" height="300">
The captain is taken aback by your comment. Once his surprise wears off, it is easy to tell that he's offended.
"Smuggling? Never! I-" he pauses, and takes a breath to calm himself.
"I can assure you this is nothing of the sort. What I am transporting I do not plan on selling. You're right, its not just soil or Tak. And... I'm sorry. This is just very ''very'' important to me."
He sticks a hand into his coat, fishing for something, and pulls out a small pouch. With a huff he pulls out a gold token, worth fifty silver.
"Please, for your trouble, just take this and let us pass."
[[//Take the bribe.//|Bribe]]
[[//Take the bribe and alert the authorities anyway.//|BribeEvil]]
[[//"Sorry gramps, I need to know what's inside that crate. Rules are rules."//|CrateTruth]]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/vRnL39L.png" height="300">
With a sigh, the Captain pulls out a small key from his pocket.
"Its... difficult to explain. It would be easier for me to show you."
"And I'm... sorry for lying to you, Watchman.
[[//"Lead the way."//|CrateUnlock]]
[[//Take the key by force.//|TakeKey]]"No, please! I beg of you!"
The captain begs for sympathy, but recieves none. He can only watch, powerless, as you return to your post.
Rather than raise the barricade, you alert the authorities. Some ships try to escape when they hear the alarms sound, but they all fail. No ship can pull up the anchor, pull out of port, and flee fast enough. Especially not with the Warships posted in a sharp semicircle around the port. The captain however doesn't bother with trying to escape. The authorities are quick to board his vessle and aprehend both him and the crew. The captain doesn't look at you.
The captain is later arrested for transporting an Amphrae carcass. You are awarded a 100 silver bonus.
(set: $Money to it + 100)
[[Proceed.]] The crew watch you warily as the captain leads you back down into the damp, musty cargo hold. The captain remains quiet as he slowly kneels beside the crate, unlocking the old latch. He stills a moment, taking a deep breath, before opening the crate.
[[//...//|Carcass]]In one swift motion you snatch the key from his hands. His eyes dart up to you, and for a moment he's stunned. It is only after you drop the key in your pocket that he reacts.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/zVjqveE.png" height="300">
"Wh- now hold on a moment! There's no need to be unreasonable! You, you can't just-"
His hands move up stopping just below his ribcage as he debates what he should do with them. Shaking slightly, he lowers his arms, his hands balled as he stiffens.
''"Fine.'' You know whats in that crate? The love of my life. She's ''dead.'' Her only wish was to visit this place some day, despite its ''wretched'' leadership. She- she... oh, gods, she was so wonderful..."
The captain can't stand to look at you.
[[//"...I, I'm sorry."//|ReturnKey]]
[[//Say nothing and return the key.//|ReturnKey]]
[[//"If it means so much to you, maybe I can sell the key back to you, and we can forget this ever happened."//|BribeKey]]
[[//"The import of human remains is illegal, you know."//|Legality]]
[[//Say your farewells and report the illegal cargo.//|FinishReport]]After some consideration, you take the coin. The captain smiles.
"I'm glad you have reason, Watchman. I am grateful for your understanding."
He tips his cap to you, and with after a brief farewall boards the ship. Once the bridge is up and the crew are at their posts, you raise the barricade, and the ship slowly moves into port.
Though you may never know what the old man was transporting, you're at least 50 silver closer to your goal.
(set: $Money to it + 50)
[[Proceed.]] After some consideration, you take the coin. The captain smiles.
"I'm glad you have reason, Watchman. I am grateful for your understanding."
He tips his cap to you, and with after a brief farewall boards the ship.
Rather than raise the barricade, you alert the authorities. Some ships try to escape when they hear the alarms sound, but they all fail. No ship can pull up the anchor, pull out of port, and flee fast enough. Especially not with the Warships posted in a sharp semicircle around the port. The captain however doesn't bother with trying to escape. The authorities are quick to board his vessle and aprehend both him and the crew. The captain doesn't look at you.
The captain is later arrested for transporting an Amphrae carcass. You are awarded a 100 silver bonus.
(set: $Money to it + 150)
Despite popular belief, there is no sympathy among fellow criminals.
(set: $Curse to it +1)
[[Proceed.]] <img src="https://i.imgur.com/ix5m9jc.png" width="500" height="300">
As soon as the crate is opened a salty, mildew-y stench fills the room. Inside is a curled up Amphrae carcass, its arms and knees pulled to its chest in order to make it fit. Its large, amphibian eyes have been removed, replaced with blue-green glass orbs. The captain slowly removes his cap.
"She was so beautiful... oh, gods..."
[[//"...why do you have this?"//|Truth]]
[[//"You realize transporting anything but Amphrae blood is illegal, right?"//|LegalityAmphrae]]
[[//"..."//|Truth]]
(if: $ReadBox is true and $land is "Solum")[[[//"...I'm sorry for your loss..."//|Grief]]]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/vRnL39L.png" height="300">
You can just barely catch a glimpse of his bleary eyes under the brim of his hat. After a moment, you reach out, offering the key back to him. Slowly, he takes it.
"Now... will you leave us be?"
His gruff tone only partially hides the crack in his voice.
[[//"...you may go."//|FinishNeutral]]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZYFctr5.png" height="300">
The captain pauses, staring at you, before lowering his head and hissing through grit teeth.
''"Damn you..."''
He reaches into his coat, begrudglingly pulling out a small pouch and fetching two gold coins- each worth 100 silver. You take the money, and return the key.
(set: $Money to it + 100)
(set: $Curse to it + 1)
"Are we done here?"
[[//"Move along."//|FinishNeutral]]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZYFctr5.png" height="300">
The captain pauses, offended by your statement.
"She's an Amphrae," he growls, then wipes at his eyes with the back of his sleeve.
[[//"Well then, transporting anything but Amphrae blood is illegal."//|LegalityAmphrae]]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/vRnL39L.png" height="300">
The captain takes a moment to breathe, wiping his nose with the back of his sleeve.
"She... all she wanted was to visit this place. Its, its so hard to get an Amphrae a passport, e-even if you're, m-married. I just... couldn't get one in time..."
"I just want to bury her here. Please, no one has to know about this... please let us go..."
[[//"Its alright, your secret is safe with me. You can go in.//"|FinishThankful]]
[[//"...I'm sorry but... its still illegal to bring it- her- inside the city..."//|LegalityAmphrae]]
[[//"I think I've seen enough." Report the cargo.//|FinishReport]]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/vRnL39L.png" height="300">
The captain is unable to hold back a sob.
"She... we've been married for a few years now. She... wanted so badly to visit this place, to visit my family... I just... its so hard for Amphrae to get a passport... I couldn't get one in time. I... oh gods, I failed her..."
[[//"No, you did everything you could. She's in a better place now, and even in the Eversea she can see what you're doing for her... I'm sure its made her happy."//|Relief]]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/vRnL39L.png" height="300">
The captain looks away.
"...I know. But... please... no one has to know about this... She... her only wish was to visit this place. I, I just want to bury her. Please..."
[[//"I'm sorry, but the only thing you'll be able to take in is its blood."//|Blood]]
[[//"...Alright."//|FinishThankful]]
[[//"Laws are laws." Report the cargo.//|FinishReport]]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/vRnL39L.png" height="300">
The captain bites his lip, his hands shaking.
"Must you really do this to us?"
You say nothing as he calls in the crew.
They help to carefully move the crate to the center of the room. The captain kneels beside it, whispering over the corpse before praying. Meanwhile, the crew stand around in silence. Some cast bitter glares at you.
Once the prayer is finished, the captain gets up momentarily to fetch a medical kit. He is unable to keep back tears as he slowly draws syringefulls of blood from the dead Amphrae, depositing the discolored material in a glass bottle. For five long minutes you stand in silence, broken only by his occasional sob.
Once the blood is withdrawn, the crate is resealed. The crew carefully lift and carry the thing up to the deck, with you and the captain in tow. The captain says a final prayer before the crew tosses the crate overboard.
The captain turns to you, his eyes red.
"Are we done here?"
[[//"Yes."//|FinishSad]]You hear the crew comforting the captain and hissing swears in your direction as you leave. Once back at your post, you let the ship through. The captain is no where to be seen as the anchor is lifted, and the crew glares at you as the ship moves into port.
That is the last you see of the captain.
[[Proceed.]]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/zVjqveE.png" height="300">
The captain looks up, clearly surprised by your response.
"Really?"
You nod.
His shaking hands take one of yours.
"Thank you, thank you... You, you don't know how much this means to me. Please, please take this-"
One hand reaches into his pocket, fumbling for something. He pulls out what appears to be a small glass marble, and places it in your hand.
"Thank you," he whispers, "bless you, bless you Watchman..."
(set: $Blessing to it +1)
You say your goodbyes, and as you return to your post and raise the barricade, the captain waves to you. You wave back.
You later recieve an invitation to Leilene O'Ceni's funeral.
[[Proceed.]]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/vRnL39L.png" height="300">
The captain doesn't bother to stifle his sobs.
"Th, thank you... I... I'm sorry that I'm putting you through this, Watchman. Can we... I beg of you, to let us pass. I just wish to bury her..."
[[//"Of course. Your secret is safe with me.//|FinishThankful]]
[[//"...I'm sorry but... the both of us can get in trouble for this... its still illegal to bring her in...//|LegalityAmphrae]](set: $Money to it + 200)
The rest of the day is uneventful. The usual chill in the air grows bitter by the time you leave your post for home.
After getting your daily pay from the government, you find yourself with $Money silver. You've got a long way to go.
{
(if: $Curse > 0)[Your night is restless. Every time you try to fall asleep, you awaken a few minutes later in a cold sweat. Your room is damp and cold. It feels like something is running its teeth up and down the back of your neck. Its breath too is cold.
You wish you felt guilt instead.]
(if: $Blessing > 0)[ You find yourself having a hard time falling asleep that night. The pull the glass marble out of your pocket, and after some investigation, realize its in fact a pearl. The symbol of the SeaMother. A blessing, or maybe something you could sell at a pawn shop. Either way, you're grateful for it.
Maybe things aren't as dreary as you thought.]
}
[[Restart|Start]]