Assassin of Kings

You are the headmaster of Telos, a thieves guild located in the sewers of Cathros, the capital of the kingdom of Davos. You've made a decent life for yourself, slowly working your way to the top until no one is above you but the king. Recently though, things have been tough. Everywhere you look, poverty and plague fills your eye. Soldiers march down the streets, maintaining marshal law. A soldier turns his head, and you think he spots you. You pull your hood closer to your face. [[You hurry down a back alley.]]

There is no other choice. His careless spending and lavish lifestyle has drained this kingdom. Incise the tumor, and the body lives. Memories come flooding back, back to the beginning. You didn’t always have this home. Before, home was always moving, always in fear of discovery. So many lives lost against the law. That was to be expected, but the new king doesn’t even care. Now, you feel comfortable. But what right do you have to profit off the misery and despair the new king has brought? A kingdom’s fight against the criminal forces is to be expected, but the new king doesn’t even care. The new king doesn’t fight. He doesn’t do anything… [[It's that gluttonous advisor]]

[Ending 0] There is nothing to be done. You can’t save this kingdom. No one can. You make plans to leave on a boat the next thing in the morning. Pack up your ill gotten gains. Escape before the world crumbles. The tyrant continues to abuse his power, until the people had enough. A civil war starts, with no winners. Eventually, both sides are weak enough for the bordering country of Atlas to invade. They ravage the land, until there is nothing left but a scar on the earth. END [Back to the beginning->Start up]]

He whispers in the kings ear, telling lies and weaving mistrust among his other advisors, all the while the real enemies lie beyond the border. But he’s dug in deep. You'll never get to him. The king on the other hand... You need a master assassin. Only one person is right for the job. You turn a corner into the doors that unfold from the walls hiding the entrance to your hideout. The hideout is nothing much, but it’s home. You think living in the sewers would be horrendous but the smell isn’t that strong and the ventilation from up above keeps the air fresh. Sitting on your desk, is a cloaked figure. He knows you've been searching for him. [["The Assassin of Kings, I presume?"->Meet with the assassin]]

He speaks in a a raspy voice. Underneath his hood you can just make out the deep scars on his face. "You want me to kill the king. This is no easy task. For this, I will need a heafty sum of denars, and I'll need to be sure the country doesn't fall to chaos. [[Chaos?]]

Soldiers are starting to look for you. You may have to go to a new hideout. The messengers have returned with two letters. One has the regal seal of the military garrison, the other has a makeshift seal made of candlewax. [[Open the regal seal]] [[Open the makeshift seal]]

You arrive at the tavern at the meeting time in some inconspicuous clothing. Someone taps you on the shoulder and you turn around. A face wrapped in bandages takes your arm and guides you to a door behind the tavern counterand sits you down at round table. Two people come out of the shadows of the room and sit down as well. The woman unraveled the bandages around her face, revealing a deep ugly scar across her right eye. "Let's make this quick. You help us, we help you. Eliminate some targets for us and we'll forgive your past crimes when we take over the keep." The resistance is desperate. They will accept your help no matter what. They won't tolerate your thievery in the future, and you will surely be put on the guillotine if they survive. However, rejecting their offer may make it harder to work with them in the future. [[I can't risk them revealing my plans|->Reject their terms]] [[I can help them, but not in the way they want|->Accept their terms]]

(set: $choseM to true) You go to the bastion with a cloak and dagger. You can't miss this opportunity, no matter the risk. Commander Garth stands with his hands behind his back, looking over the wall. "Headmaster. Welcome. My terms are simple. I am in control of the king's guard. I will give you an opening for your assassin to kill the king. In exchange, you give me full control over the military. Whatever contacts you have, whoever you need to kill to get me to the top, do it. What do you say?" You respond. "I need you to keep the peace between the noble families after the king's death." You stumble. "...And I will kill whoever you need to". As the headmaster of the thieves guild, dealing in death is secondary only to thievery. But is this really how you want to end the King's tyrrany? [[Yes, this is the only way to win. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few->Succeed to convince the military leader to help you]] [[No, the ends don't justify the means->Fail to convince the military leader]]

(set: $M to 0) "This was a mistake". Commander Garth's face turns read. "Are you really going to pass on this opportunity? There will never be another chance like this. You walk away in silence. Sounds of objects being thrown and angry shouts are heard behind you. //Better leave before he changes his mind about letting me go// You hurry into a sewer opening. You couldn't convince him in the end. [[Back to the hideout]]

(set: $M to 1) (set: $connections to $connections + 1) "I'll do whatever it takes to end the King." You respond, but you don't feel good saying it. You shake his hand. Garth is grinning. "You won't regret this. I will send a messenger of who I want gone." You do this for a living, but some thing doesn't sit well with you. [[Back to the hideout]]

(set: $R to 0) "Still sloppy. I can't have you interferring with my plot. You're children playing soldier." A bouncer to the tavern gets in your way, and it looks like there will be trouble. You planned for this in advance. You p A fight breaks out in the tavern and you sneak out in thunch not the bouncer but a patron facing away. He punches the bartender but misses, hitting another patron. You slip past the resulting chaos, leaving the members of the Resistance befuddled. [[Back to the hideout]]

(set: $R to 1) (set: $connections to $connections + 1) "You can't win like this. I won't kill for you, but I will cooperate with you. I can teach you to hide yourselves and fight. I will supply you with money for weapons and arms. (set: $resistancePower to true) They confer amongst themselves and ultimately to decide to shake on it. [[Back to the hideout]]

You get back to the hideout without any further trouble. (if: $choseM)[A messenger informs you that the Resistance rescind their offer of cooperation, knowing that you met with Commander Garth](else: )[A messenger informs you that the Commander has knowledge of your meeting with the Resistance and will not be meeting with you this week] The Assassin of Kings appears in front of you. [[Talk to the Assassin]]

(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Week 2](stop:)] (live: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[]](stop:)] (live: 3s)[(goto: "Countryside hidout")]

"Headmaster, I think we all know what you're doing. Plotting to kill the king is treason. But I won't tell. Not even the king. This weekend is the 10th anniversary of the King's reign, and there will be a meeting of the nobles. I would like to personally invite you to this ceremonious occassion. Hand to the King, Advisor Zephyr. It would be wise to move the hideout... [[Next week->Week 2]]

(set: $choseC to true) You ride your horse to a prominent village in the south with a massive church, dedicated to the worship of Salen. The church leader is waving to you in ceremonial clothing, accompanied by a knight in armor. "Welcome to Anceshire! I've been expecting you. My name is Eqori." His grin makes you uneasy. Anybody willing to meet with Telos is undoubtedly corrupt and power-hungry. That's good for you, and maybe good for the rest of the country. [[Ask him what he wants]]

The coastal city of River Song is a crucial trade city. It managed to remain generally autonomous after the King expanded the kingdom's borders to encompass it. However, the heavy tax burden the new King demands is taking its toll, as the streets look dirty and the people in rags. You meet with the trade guild representative at the city entrance. The man, whose is named Conrad, is dressed quite nicely, although not too fancily to attract attention. He leads you to the courtyard of a mansion. "You had a look at the city. What did you think?", he asks. [[It's beginning to look like the capital]]

(set: $C to 1) (set: $connections to $connections + 1) "I will send my messengers and reach out to my contacts. Everyone will be worshipping Salen. You would be wise to keep your end of the bargain." You ride your horse back to the hideout. //It will turn out fine this time.// (set: $churchPower to true) (live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[But it didn't last time, did it?](stop:)] [[Back to the hideout->Back to the hideout week 2]]

(set: $C to 0) You respond, "I'm wise to your tricks. You think I haven't been through this before? You want power, and you'll take it at the cost of lives." You move to leave, and a knight gets in your way, with his sword still in his scabbard. With quick reflexes, you knock him to the ground and disarm him. "I'll be taking this". With your hand on his sword, you mount your horse and hurry away. [[Back to the hideout->Back to the hideout week 2]]

(set: $T to 0) You decline, and Conrad understands. It's one of the more ammicable partings, but what can you expect. He tried to make a deal with the devil, and the devil declined. It must come as a relief. [[Back to the hideout->Back to the hideout week 2]]

(set: $T to 1) (set: $connections to $connections + 1) (set: $tradePower to true) You sign the agreemant and shake on it. You reveal your trade routes and he reveals theirs. Conrad grins, and waves to you goodbye as you ride back home. A strange feeling of pride washes over you. But it doesn't last. There's no time to relax. [[Back to the hideout->Back to the hideout week 2]]

You arrive at the countryside hideout without further trouble. A note is left at your desk by one of your messengers. (if: $M is 1)["This is Commander Garth. We need your help to kindly kill this political opponent. Get it done, or you won't have your opening." You start to think the deal was a bad idea. You want that opening for the assassin, and he knows it. [[Send a message saying you will do it]] [[Tell him no. He won't work with you anymore, but it's better than following his every whim.]] ] (elseif: $R is 1)["Thank you for sending your support for the Resistance. Our bases have been undetected, and the training is going well. I believe we made the right choice in contacting you. - Norah of the Resistance" (set: $R to 2) [[Take a walk]] ]

It reads, "Dear Headmaster, I hope you are having a wonderful vacation. I've found your hideout. It doesn't smell too good, but again, the impoverished never do. I know of your plans. You're going about it in a roundabout fashion. Let's be more direct. Meet with me. I can get you where you want to be. Hand of the King, Advisor Zephyr P.S How's the countryside? The meeting is obviously a trap. But more importantly, he somehow found you. You don't like it, but you have to head back to the capital to prepare... [[Head back to Cathros->Week 3]]

(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Week 3](stop:)] (live: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[]](stop:)] (live: 3s)[(goto: "City hideout")]

(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Week 1](stop:)] (live: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[]](stop:)] (live: 3s)[(goto: "Sewer hideout")]

(set: $choseF to true) (set: $R to $R - 1) (set: $metWithGalant to true) The foreign emissary of Galant approaches you in a dark alleyway, dressed modestly in a plain green cloak and a tunic. She wears a wooden mask with a demonic expression carved into it. "The Queen of Galant sends her regards, headmaster of Telos", she says. "This deal comes with no preconditions. I will kill the king. In exchange, you leave the continent with a heavy sum of denars. Do not interfere and you will live." It's the easy way out, but its smart. You wanted the king dead, you can have it, if you only care about yourself. All you have done has led to this. But what is it that you are fighting for? [[No, you haven't done this for yourself. You've done this for the kingdom, for the people.->Fail to convince foreign emissary]] [[Relent, you have lived your life a coward, but a smart coward.->Ending 1: Succeed to convince foreign emissary]]

The Scholarly Association is located in a pristine white building with a large courtyard. The woman you meet in the garden is named Priscilla. She speaks in a proper voice, "I despise everything you do, but for the good of the kingdom, we are willing to work with you." Despite her dislike of you, you feel the scholars' support is a good idea in the long run. It would be wise to include them in your plans. [[Accept their help. You'll need it for the reformation of this kingdom->Get help from the scholars]] [[Their support won't matter. I have too many connections, and the Advisor is hot on my tail.->Decline their offer]]

You return to your hideout without further trouble. A note is left at your desk by one of your messengers. [[Read the note->Consequences]]

(set: $F to 0) (set: $metWithGalant to true) "I don't need your help. I can do this on my own." They want me gone. If they know you're a risk then you know you have a chance to succeed. You haven't come all this way for nothing. "You'll regret this..." she hissed. [[Leave]]

Ending 1:The masked woman kept her word. The king is dead, but the kingdom never recovered. The Galant spies managed to infiltrate the Resistance with your absence. The Advisor and the garrison cooperated with the downfall of the kingdom, but the citizens still fought back. Thousands of people died to chase a futile dream of a better life. As for you, you set sail to the Eastern islands, where you will stay for the rest of your life. You lived an unsatisfying existence, full of regret and sadness. Your choice haunts you until your death. END [[Back to the beginning->Start up]]

[[Fail to gain the support of the military leader]] [[Agree to the military's support, but at what cost?]]

[[Agree to the church's support, but at what cost?]] [[Fail to gain the support of the church]]

(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Assassin of Kings](stop:)] (live: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[]](stop:)] [[Start->Beginning]] (set: $M to 0) (set: $R to 0) (set: $C to 0) (set: $T to 0) (set: $F to 0) (set: $S to 0) (set: $A to 0) (set: $choseM to false) (set: $choseC to false) (set: $choseF to false) (set: $connections to 0) (set: $slumHideout to false) (set: $garrison to false) (set: $resistanceHideout to false) (set: $norahDies to false) (set: $militaryPower to false) (set: $tradePower to false) (set: $churchPower to false) (set: $metWithGalant to false) (set: $resistancePower to false) (set: $scholarsPower to false) (set: $norahSurvives to false) [Back to the beginning->Start up]]

(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Week 4: Follow Through](stop:)] (live: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[]](stop:)] (live: 3s)[(goto: "Week 4: Follow through")]

(set: $M to 0) [[UNIMPLEMENTED:Back to hideout week 4]]

(set: M to 2) [[UNIMPLEMENTED:Back to hideout week 4]]

(set $C to 0) [[UNIMPLEMENTED:Back to hideout week 4]]

(set $C to 2) [[UNIMPLEMENTED:Back to hideout week 4]]

(if: $M is 2)[(goto: "Garrison: Final")](elseif: $R is > 0)[(goto: "Resistance hideout: Final")(set: $resistanceHideout to True)](else:)[(goto: "Slum hideout: Final")(set: $slumHideout to True)]

The Resistance storms the castle, and they capture the keep. Strangely, they find the King already dead, with a knife in his back, bedsheets around his neck, at his dinner table [[The king is dead]]

[[Prologue]]

(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Prologue](stop:)] (live: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[]](stop:)] (live: 3s)[(goto: "Norah")]

[[Theocracy/Scholar ending]]

(if: $C + $ is 0)[[Neutral theocracy ending]] (elseif: $T + $F is 1) [[Scholar ending]] (else:)[[Theocracy ending]]

[[Dictator/democracy ending]]

(if: $C + $ is 0)[[Neutral democracy ending]] (elseif: $T + $F is 1) [[Democracy ending]] (else:)[[Military ending]]

[[End]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

"I am not heartless. I have the best interests of the kingdom in mind. I know what happens when a king dies." [[Whatever the cost, I'll pay it. What assurances do you need?]]

"The first thing that happens is the Great Houses will align with one side or the other, fighting for succession. A civil war breaks out. The second thing that happens is a famine. The poor suffer for the noble families. Make alliances with the nobles, trade guilds, anybody willing to fight against the king. You're smarter than me. Figure it out." He looks towards the moonlight shining through a grate. “I’m older now. I know better. I’ll do this last thing before I die. 5 weeks” With that, he seemingly dissapears with a puff of smoke. //But who is willing to help//, you think. //Who would openly go against the king?// You feel backed into a corner. Sending out messengers would carry a great risk of discovery, but there is no other way. It's time to come out of the shadows. 7 weeks to kill the king. [[The next day->Week 1]]

As you walk down the cobbled streets lit by moonlight, you wonder if there is a better way of life, a new way, a new king. Everything wrong with this kingdom can be traced to him. Poverty is no good for the thief. But there's something else. Over the years, your heart has been in conflict. You feel...empathy for those poor souls left starving, for the injustices committed in this land. Overwhelming feelings of dread and anger fill your mind and it becomes hard to breathe. Whispers of a rebellion are in the air. But it’s not enough on its own. There is no other way to save this country. [[You resolve to kill the king]] [[Ending 0: You give up your foolish dream]]

The letter reads, “Headmaster, I have no love for the king. Meet with me and we can discuss my support in the future administration -Commander Garth” You can’t believe it. A high ranking officer in charge of the castle garrison is willing to work with a thief. With his support, the assassination will be unimpeded, and the future of the kingdom will have an army to support it. It sounds too good to be true. Too good… There is a map on the other side of the letter and a bastion circled, along with a date and time. [[Read the other letter|->Sewer hideout]] [[Meet with the military leader]]

It reads, "Dear Headmaster of Telos, We have the same goals. To overthrow the king and ensure our kingdom's prosperity. Meet with us. We can use your help. Norah of the Resistance Scribbled on the back is "Bell & Hammer", a tavern in the impoverished Bronze district of Cathros. You've heard of the Resistance before. 10 years ago, they fought against the Old king and were slaughtered like pigs. Sloppy, However, you haven't heard of this Norah figure before. Maybe she's whipped them into something worth considering. [[Read the other letter->Sewer hideout]] [[Meet with the Resistance]]

The meeting of the nobles ended in flames. A house was burned and there were no survivors. The King issued a statement: no foul play was involved, just an accident. He is grateful his beloved advisor managed to escape. The new hideout is in an abandoned derelict church in the country side. It's nice to get out of the city, but it would be hard to escape if discovered. It's only temporary, although you are paranoid and eager to get back to the city. Two meetings are arranged, but you only have time to travel to one this week. Where do you want to go? [[Travel south to meet with a church leader->Meet with church leader]] [[Travel north to meet with a trade guild ->Meet with trade guild]]

"Religious conflict is always a source of strife in human affairs. The kingdom will need a singular belief to keep itself whole against the darkness that comes with the passing of a king. The bordering country of Galant is looking for an opportunity to strike. I'm not sure if you are versed in church politics. This region, including Galant, is majority Talon. We can change that and unite the people with Salen. Spread Salen's influence, and I will keep the country together. We will all need a god to rely upon when war breaks out." You don't like him. Anyone leader doesn't believe in what they're fighting for is just manipulative. Maybe manipulative is what the people need. [["I don't want instability in the region."]]

He responds, "Don't worry. Galant will see that we are strong with our beliefs. They won't invade. Thousands of lives will be saved, if only we start right now." [[Agree to help spread influence->Succeed to convince the church leader to help]] [[Leave ->Fail to convince the church leader]]

"Before, this city was flourishing. Clean streets, happy people. Now lok at it. The King hates us for our prosperity. I know you are someone that can help with that. I also know you care about the people. You may be an assassin, and I will always remember that, but our interests seem to align." [[What can I do for you?]]

He responds, "Take out the king, and let us handle the rest. Supplies, weapons, armors, we can provide. This kingdom will stand." You look at the paperwork of the agreemant. Connecting his traderoutes to yours will reveal more information to the king, more links to you. However, it would be foolish not to accept. This would prove to be a boon to your plans and allies. [[I won't risk discovery. My plans are solid for now->Fail to convince the trade guild to support you]] [[Accept the terms->Succeed to convince the trade guild to support you]]

He starts, "So, you decided to meet with the (if: $choseC)[church of Salen.](else:)[the trade guild.] Interesting choice. We'll see how it plays out. (if: $choseC)[Be careful to not give them too much power, lest it turn into a theocracy... [["We'll see..."]] ](elseif: $T is 1)[The people will need them when the king dies. The assassin vanishes into thin air. [["We'll see..."]] ] (if: $M is 2)[[Assasin, I have a favor to ask...]]]

There is a letter that one of your messenger has left on your desk. It has the royal seal. [[Read the letter->ADVISOR'S OMNINOUS MESSAGE]]

He talks first, "So, you decided to meet with the (if: $choseM)[commander of the garrison?](else:)[the Resistance?] [[It was a difficult decision]] [[I had no choice. I did what I thought best->It was a difficult decision]]

He responds, (if: $choseM and $M is 1)["I've seen this before. If I succeed, and the king dies, giving a soldier too much power leads to a military dictatorship"](elseif: $R is 1)["Interesting choice. I haven't seen this before. Will it lead to peace, or instability? Only time will tell"](else:)["And you decided to ignore them? You know you only have four weeks left."] (if: $choseM and $M is 1)[[["I will handle it"->I will handle it.]]](elseif: $R is 1)[[["Only time will tell..."->I will handle it.]]](else:)[[["Too many connections will lead the king right to us. They weren't worth the risk.->I will handle it.]]]

And we haven't even discussed the succession of the king. [[I will handle it ->Assassin vanishes]]

"I hope so." The assassin vanishes again in a puff of smoke [[Inspect your desk]]

You head back to your hideout. Another note is left on your desk. [[Read the note->ADVISOR GIVES ANOTHER OMNINOUS MESSAGE]]

You spot a cloaked figure in the distance. Sitting on the boulder is the Assassin of Kings. [[Talk to him]]

(set: $M to 2) You scowl. You don't have any assassins left. They've all either run away or joined the king. There's only one person who will work with you... (set: $militaryPower to true) [[Take a walk]]

(set: m to -1) //I'm done doing his bidding. He's on his own// [[Take a walk]]

"Kill the political opponent? I know. What did I tell you would happen. You're his plaything. Eventually, he'll force you to do something you don't want to do. He'll rise to power and destroy us all. I'll do it, but head my warnings." The assassin vanishes into thin air. [[Go back to the hideout->"We'll see..."]]

(if: $M is 2)[(goto: "Garrison")(set: $garrison to True)](elseif: $R is 2)[(goto: "Resistance hideout")(set: $resistanceHideout to True)](else:)[(goto: "Slum hideout")(set: $slumHideout to True)]

You go back to Cathros to your backup hideout in the slums of the Bronze district. The main hideout is compromised. //It was so convenient too//,you think. The sewers lead everywhere and you can get places hhidden and faster, if you can get over the smell. The slums has all the disadvantages off the sewer without any of the advantages. It smells. It's uncomfortable. But you can call it home, at least for now. For now, it'll do for throwing the Advisor off your scent. Because the slums is near the center of the city, you won't have trouble having meetings people long distance. You can currently meet with the foreign emissary from Galant or meet with the Scholar's Guild. [[Meet with foreign emissary]] [[Meet with scholars]]

The sewers are compromised. Garth gives you refuge in an officer's barracks. //Probably the one I had killed.// You're allies with him. Might as well make use of him. It's at the north corner of the city though, and you won't be able to have a meeting with a potential ally long distances without the sewer system. You can meet with the foreign emissary from Galant. The Scholar's Association is in the South sector of the city, so you won't be able to meet them there. [[Meet with foreign emissary]]

The sewers are compromised. Norah has learned of your troubles and invited you to the Resistance hideout. It's not much, just a large basement and several tunnels in different directions to the surface. If the Advisor hears about this place, it would be hard to get out, but you have no other choice. You can meet with the foreign emissary from Galant or meet with the Scholar's Guild, though the Resistance won't like it if you make allies with the foreigners. [[Meet with foreign emissary]] [[Meet with scholars]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

(if: $M is 2)[It reads, "This is Commander Garth. It's very crucial that you kill this person imediately if you want the opening you need. On the back of the letter is a name. //Norah of the Resistance// [[Accept the mission. You've come this far. The Resistance was doomed to fail anyways->Assassinate Norah]] [[Decline to kill the Resistance leader. You don't need Garth. You'll find your own opening.]] ](elseif: $M is -1)[It reads, "You traitorous pig. I've told the Advisor everything. He's coming for you. -Commander Garth (set: $connections to connections + 1) [[Take a walk to clear your head->Take another walk]] ](elseif: $R is 2 and $T is 1)[It reads, "Headmaster of Telos, we are beginning our final preparations. Thanks to you, we have the training and equipment we need to storm the castle. Please thank Conrad for me. Our prospects of keeping the peace after the castle is taken are high. You're glad to see the preparations are going well. Hopefully, the Resistance won't even need to capture the castle, if things go well. [[Take another walk]] ](elseif: $R is 2)[It reads, "Headmaster of Telos, we are beginning our final preparations. We have the numbers to storm the castle, but we are uncertain if it will be enough to keep the peace. Supplies are running low and there is only equipment for half of our soldiers. You frown, but you can do nothing about it. Lives will be lost. That is inevitable. You wonder if you could have done something but you can't look back at the past. Not when you're this close [[Take another walk]] ](elseif: $R is 1)["Headmaster of Telos, your meeting with the Gallant spy put us all in danger. We understand that you rejected their offer and killed her but you gained nothing and risked everything. We do not have the numbers to storm the castle and we are uncertain if it will be enough to keep the peace. Supplies are running low and there is only equipment for half of our soldiers. We will die for this kingdom. Are you willing to do the same? The message disturbs you. [[Take another walk]] ](else:)["Come to the bloodred fountain at the town square. I'm waiting. -Assassin of Kings ]

You walk the empty streets at the end of the day. Marshall law is still in place, and it's past curfew, but you don't care. You can deal with a couple of wandering soldiers. The fountain in the town square is filled with blood. The Assassin of Kings is waiting. [[Talk to him again]]

(if: $R is -1)["So you killed Norah of the Resistance. That was the only way you haven't tried. Now you're doomed to repeat your past mistakes." [[What are you talking about?]] ](elseif: $M is -2)["So you decided to spare Norah of the Resistance. Maybe you aren't doomed to repeat your mistakes" [[What are you talking about?]] ](else:)["Are you ready?" [[What else can I do?]] ]

(set: $S to 1) (set: $scholarsPower to true) You respond, "We don't have much time. The king's death is coming soon, and I need your help to ensure the kingdom's survival". You include the scholars in your plans. Hours of looking over different documents, different systems. They plan to tear the established government apart and build it up again. A word that you are unfamiliar with appears. //Democracy// [[Back to the hideout: week 3]]

(set: $S to 0) They beg you to reconsider, but you remain firm. //I don't need their help//, you think. //I can do this on my own//. But how did that turn out last time? [[Back to the hideout: week 3]]

(set: $F to -1) The emissary reaches for her side sword but you're faster. With one leap, you close the distance and slash your dagger through the air. A gash appears on her neck. You follow through and stab her in the heart. You hurry down the street, making sure to cover your tracks, but there were surely Gallant spies watching. This was a mistake. [[Back to the hideout: week 3]]

(set: $R to -1) (set: $norahDies to true) No one else is willing to do what you do. You sacrifice everything you stand for, just to get to the king and hope it works out in the end. You need to do this yourself. [[Go to the Resistance hideout]]

(set: $M to -2) What a waste. To follow him all this way, to be talked down to and to kill, all for nothing. But it's better than do his bidding. //Norah, whoever you are, you shall be spared. I hope you're worth it.// [[Take another walk]] (set: $norahSurvives to true)

You've been keeping an eye on the Resistance hideout ever since you got the letter. It wasn't hard to find with the connections you have attained through the years. They don't know what they're doing. They never had a chance. Not with you on the opposite side. [[The deed is done. The Resistance is finished->Take another walk]]

He vanishes with a puff of smoke in the night. [[The next day]]

"Nothing. He vanishes with a puff of smoke into the night. [[The next day]]

You wake up with a lung full of smoke. Coughing, you get up and sprint out the window. Fire is everywhere. The rioting has started, people chanting //down with the King//. It's time. [[Meet with the assassin for the final time]]

Norah wakes you up. You're at the Resistance hideout. "It's time. The people are ready". Outside, you can hear the riots starting. [["I'm ready. Let's storm the castle"->Storm the castle]] [[Meet with the assassin for the final time]]

You wake up to the sound of chanting. Up from the garrison barracks, you can see the fire, the destruction. It's time. [[Meet with the assassin for the final time]]

"Are you ready?" [[What else can I do?->Do it yourself]]

"You can do it yourself." The cloaked figure vanishes in a puff of smoke. You easily get into the castle. How does the king die? [[Poison]] [[Blade]] [[Strangulation]]

You sneak poison into his dinner. The king dies of poison. [[The king is dead]]

You stab the king in the throat and let him bleed out in his pristine white carpet. [[The king is dead]]

You get to the king and strangle him with his own bedsheets. [[The king is dead]]

(if: $militaryPower and $churchPower)[ [[Military theocracy ending]] (if: $norahSurvives and $militaryPower)[ [[Assassin of Kings ending]] ] (if: $churchPower and

(if: $norahDies)[Without their leader, Norah, the Resistance was crushed by the military power of Commander Garth. With your influence, he grew too powerful for the kingdom. A military dictatorship was established, with Garth at the head. ](elseif: $norahSurvives)[You left Norah alive. The Resistance still lives, but in hiding from Commander Garth. With your influence, he grew too powerful for the kingdom. A military dictatorship is established, with Garth at the head. Some still hold out hope, but the Resistance has dwindling supplies and few in numbers.](else:)[You helped the Resistance, and they were grateful. Norah thanks you personally, but not enough to forgive you for your crimes. ] [[Next->Church]]

(if: $churchPower and $scholarsPower)[Eqori, the church leader, kept his word. United under one religion, the kingdom stands strong against the bordering country of Galent. The spread of the church also granted power to Eqori. With Salen as the kingdom's main religion, a theocracy was beginning to form. However, the reform of the government by the Scholar's Association kept the church in check ](elseif: $churchPower)[Eqori, the church leader, kept his word. United under one religion, the kingdom stands strong against the bordering country of Galent. The spread of the church also granted power to Eqori. A theocracy began to form](else:)[The Scholar's Association flourished, with or without your help. A representative democracy was established in place of the king, the first of its kind. The church remains influencial, but not enough to take the kingdom for itself] [[Next->Trade]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

(if: $tradePower)[After the king's death, many thought that the citizens would suffer. But because of your influence and your negotiations with Conrad, leader of the trade guilds, the people were supported. Poverty vanished overtime.](else:)[The people suffered after the king's death. Instability, whispers of war, and years of abuse by the king led to the kingdom in poverty. ] [[Next->You]]

In the end, you weren't forgiven for being the reason behind so much suffering. 'The Assassin of Kings', they call you. You've been through so much. Witnessed kingdoms rise and fall, until you came to Cathros and leached off the people as the headmaster of Telos. Your scarred face still held a grin, even as you were put to the guillotine. The king is dead, you accomplished that much. But you could have done so much more. [[Back to the beginning->Start up]]