The King is Dead

The king is dead. You are his trusted friend and general, or at least you were before... you know... Anyways, in his will he has designated you as the arbiter of royal succession, meaning you must chose which of his 4 children shall inherit the throne. You have recieved a royal summons to meet the candidates and make your decision [[I accept this noble duty.->Arrival]] [[I refuse.->Ruin]]

You arrive at the palace, which rests atop a hill overlooking the city. Its guilded gates stand tall, with two men guarding the entrance and more overlooking the ramparts of the surrounding wall. [[Head inside->PalaceGrounds]] [[Survey the city->Survey]]

The royal family is left to squabble for power, resulting in a long and bloody war that leaves the kingdom and its people in ruin. [[Restart->Intro]]

After showing the guards your scroll of royal summons, you enter the palace grounds and find yourself in the midst of a lush garden. Flowers: Vibrant reds, deep violets, soft pinks, and bright yellows are all meticulously placed in rows of alternating patterns. Each flower leans in the proper direction a flower should, each hedge is trimmed with precision, and each color is found in exactly equal measure. Before you a path extends to a set of smaller yet more ornate double doors that lead inside the palace proper. In front stands a slender woman. [[Approach the woman->EvelynIntro]]

The carriage ride from your mansion was relatively quiet. Just the usual bustle of the midday market. But as you look out to the very edges of the city, you see smoke rising into the sky and many buildings in disrepair. [[Head inside->PalaceGrounds]]

(set:$EvelynMet to true) The woman is slim and tall, almost as tall as you. Her jet black hair is tied back into a neat yet beautiful bun, and contrasts with her pale skin. She wears a form fitting royal blue dress, matching elbow length gloves, and simple gold earings. She smiles the practiced smile of a noble woman and extends her hand to you. "My name is Evelyn, pleased to finally make your acquaintance Ludwahl, my father has told me many stories of your escapades." [[kiss her hand "The pleasure is mine."->HandKiss]] [[shake her hand "The pleasure is mine."->HandShake]]

She laughs "You are much more a gentleman than in father's stories" [["I've been retired for a while now."->Retired]] [["Your father always did oversell my brutishness."->Exaggeration]]

She maintains her doll-like smile "Well it is getting late and you must be tired from your journey. Would you like to be shown to your quarters? Or would you like to explore the palace? I'd give you a tour but I have some business that needs tending to." [[Quarters->EntranceQuarters]] [[Explore the palace->Explore]]

"Well I'm glad that you have changed, the world has enough generals." She smiles a perfect smile. "Well it is getting late and you must be tired from your journey. Would you like to be shown to your quarters? Or would you like to explore the palace? I'd give you a tour but I have some business that needs tending to." [[Quarters->EntranceQuarters]] [[Explore the palace->Explore]]

"well he did have a tendency to exaggerate" She smiles a perfect smile. "Well it is getting late and you must be tired from your journey. Would you like to be shown to your quarters? Or would you like to explore the palace? I'd give you a tour but I have some business that needs tending to." [[Quarters->EntranceQuarters]] [[Explore the palace->Explore]]

Evelyn opens the door behind her and signals for you to follow her inside. Inside you are greeted by a wide open hall. Orange evening light streams through the ceiling high windows. Blue banners emblazoned with the royal family's crest hang from the rafters. Tapestries and paintings cover the marble walls. You see several doors and halls leading off to other areas, but before you get a chance to examine further, your attention is drawn back to Evelyn, who is now accompanied by a maid. "This is Alice; she will show you to your room. If you have any questions or requests regarding house keeping, you may ask her" Alice curtsies "Right this way sir" [[Follow->QuartersDoor]]

(set:$drink to false) (if:$Night is false) [ Golden light streams through the ceiling high windows. Blue banners emblazoned with the royal family's crest hang from the rafters. Tapestries and paintings cover the marble walls. A maid sweeps the floor. [[Throne Room->ThroneRoom]] [[War Chamber->WarChamber]] [[Office]] [[Balcony]] [[Garden]] [[Approach the maid->MaidHello]] (if:$QuartersFound is true) [[[Quarters]]] ](else:) [ Silver moonlight streams through the ceiling high windows. Blue banners emblazoned with the royal family's crest hang from the rafters. Tapestries and paintings cover the marble walls. A maid sweeps the floor. [[Throne Room->ThroneRoom]] [[War Chamber->WarChamber]] [[Office]] [[Balcony]] [[Garden]] [[Approach the maid->MaidHello]] (if:$QuartersFound is true) [[[Quarters]]] ]

A tall gold throne stands proudly at the far end of the hall. A blue carpet extends down the hall and up onto the seat of the throne. Banners hang from the ceiling and statues and busts of past rulers fill the space between the windows lining the walls. [[Gather the royal family and its advisors to make your decision->Sure]] [[Main Hall->MainHall]]

(if:$Night is false)[Banners and ornate weapons line the cold stone hall. A table stretches the length of the hall, laden with a map of the kingdom and the surrounding territories. Toy soldiers made of marble form ranks on the imaginary battlefield. A man stands with his hands clasped behind his back, staring out the single massive window that illuminates the room. His black hair is trimmed short and neat. His body fills his pristine blue uniform well and its freshly pressed collar compliments his square jaw. [[Approach Darius->Darius]] [[Main Hall->MainHall]] ](else:)[The war chamber is empty [[Main Hall->MainHall]]]

(if:$Night is false)[Evelyn is busy right now [[Peek through the keyhole->EvelyneKeyhole]] [[Main Hall->MainHall]] ](else:)[The door to Evelyn's office is closed. Candle light flickers from beneath the door [[Knock->EvelynKnock]] [[Main Hall->MainHall]]]

(if:$Night is false)[The balcony provides the greatest view of the kingdom you have ever seen. Beyond the stone railing, past the lush palace garden immediately below, you can see hundreds of houses sprawling into a tangled mess, many falling into disrepair as your gaze travels closer to the horizon. Beyond the city you can see yellow hills, although they are somewhat obscurred by the smoke rising into the sky, which draws your focus back to the slums of the city where the recent destruction has been most severe. Standing on the balcony is a girl, or rather, a young woman, perhaps in her eighteenth or nineteenth year. Her hair is untied, and flows down to her mid back, its darkness contrasting starkly with her fine linen shirt. She wears a long, decidedly common, skirt dyed in the same royal blue that paints the banners in the main hall, and sandals made of hemp. Her eyes are locked on the destruction at the edge of the city. [[Approach Sophia->Sophia]] [[Main Hall->MainHall]] ](else:)[The balcony is empty [[Main Hall->MainHall]]]

(if:$Night is false) [Flowers: Vibrant reds, deep violets, soft pinks, and bright yellows are all meticulously placed in rows of alternating patterns. Each flower leans in the proper direction a flower should, each hedge is trimmed with precision, and each color is found in exactly equal measure. The flower beds all have an even amount of soil, the benches are clean and not an inch out of place, and even the tool shed seems to stand with a sort of pride. poking out above the flowers and shrubberies is a head of perfectly coifed black hair. Upon closer inspecion, you see the body it belongs to is wearing attire that is entirely too noble to be worn by a gardener. The only pieces of garden appropriate clothing the man seems to be wearing are the thick gloves on his hands. He squats trimming bushes and watering flowers. [[Approach Edward->Edward]] [[Main Hall->MainHall]] (if:$hasTrowel is true) [[[Show Edward the trowel->EdwardConfession]]] ](else:)[(text-colour:blue)[''[[Flowers:->hm]] Vibrant reds, [[deep violets->hm]], soft pinks, and [[bright yellows->hm]] are all [[meticulously placed->hm]] in [[rows->hm]] of [[alternating patterns.->hm]] Each [[flower->hm]] leans in the [[proper direction->hm]] a flower should, each [[hedge->hedge]] is trimmed with [[precision->hm]], and each [[color->hm]] is found in exactly [[equal measure.->hm]] The [[flower beds->hm]] all have an even amount of [[soil,->hm]] the [[benches->hm]] are clean and not an inch [[out of place,->hm]] and even the [[tool shed->toolShed]] seems to [[stand->hm]] with a sort of [[pride.->hm]]''] [[Main Hall->MainHall]]]

(set: $AliceMet to true) She leads you down a long hallway, stopping outside a thick wooden door. "This is your room. Is there anything else you need?" [["No thank you" head inside->Quarters]] [["A drink sent to my room please"->Drink]] [["Do you enjoy working here?"->MaidDialogue]]

(set: $QuartersFound to true) You can see by the flickering candlelight that your room is small and plain. You have a bed, a desk, and a wardrobe. Dancing shadows cover the stone windowless walls. (if:$drink is true)[after you spend a moment examining your room, A servant returns with a dink. It is cold and sweet] [[Wait until night->Night]] [[Sleep]] [[Main Hall->MainHall]]

(if:$AliceAsked is false) [Her previously professional composure falters for a moment at your sudden question but is quickly regained "Yes I enjoy my job quite a bit, the pay is the best a servant could ask for." [["How about the masters?"->MaidIntroDialogue]] [["How are the working conditions?"->WorkingConditions]] (set: $AliceAsked to true)] (else:) [She curtsies "What can I do for you sir?" [["How are your working conditions?"->WorkingConditions]] (if:$EvelynMet is true)[[["What do you think about lady Evelyn?"->MaidEvelyn1]]] (if:$DariusMet is true)[[["What do you think about sir Darius?"->MaidDarius1]]] (if:$SophiaMet is true)[[["What do you think about lady Sophia?"->MaidSophia1]]] (if:$EdwardMet is true)[[["What do you think about sir Edward?"->MaidEdward1]]] (if:$QuartersFound is false)[[["Well I should be going" Head into your room->Quarters]]] (else:)[[["Well I should be going."->MainHall]]] ]

(set: $drink to false) (set: $AliceMet to false) (set: $AliceAsked to false) (set: $EvelynMet to false) (set: $DariusMet to false) (set: $SophiaMet to false) (set: $EdwardMet to false) (set: $RichardMet to false) (set: $Night to false) (set: $QuartersFound to false) (set: $hasTrowel to false)

"It will be sent right away sir" She quickly curtsies and leaves (set:$drink to true) [[Head inside->Quarters]]

"Who do you mean?" (if:$EvelynMet is true)[[["What do you think about lady Evelyn?"->MaidEvelyn1]]] (if:$DariusMet is true)[[["What do you think about sir Darius?"->MaidDarius1]]] (if:$SophiaMet is true)[[["What do you think about lady Sophia?"->MaidSophia1]]] (if:$EdwardMet is true)[[["What do you think about sir Edward?"->MaidEdward1]]]

She tucks her hair behind her ear "Oh the working conditions are good. The castle is very big but there are lots of servants to help" [[How about the masters?->MaidIntroDialogue]]

(set: $AliceMet to true) "Lady Evelyn is always friendly with the servants and treats us well. I think she knows the servants better than anyone in the castle, even when the king was still with us. If I have a problem, I can trust that I can bring it to Evelyn." [["I see"->MaidDialogue]]

(set: $AliceMet to true) "Sir Darius is very... cordial. He does not speak to or acknowledge the servants much." [["I see"->MaidDialogue]]

(set: $AliceMet to true) "Lady Sophia is one of the few masters I've had that I feel I can call my friend." Her eyes widen. "I'm sorry, I've said something terribly rude. All the masters I've had have been wonderful." [["I see"->MaidDialogue]]

(set: $AliceMet to true) "Sir Edward is very kind. He is somewhat strange, and keeps to himself mostly, but I think that's just his way. When we've spoken he seemed to be a very warm person." [["I see"->MaidDialogue]]

(set:$DariusMet to true) "Ah Ludwahl, I'm glad you are here. You may not remember me, but I look back fondly on the days that Edward and I would terrorize your war camp. Father would always yell at us, but you told him 'Some harmless fun is good for morale', though I know you let us run free just to get on his nerves. [["Darius... why you've grown quite a lot!"->DariusGrown]] [["My condolences for your father"->DariusCondolence]]

He laughs and rests a hand on your shoulder "Well it //has// been what... 20 years? Surely much has changed since then..." "Anyways, we have much to discuss regarding recent events" [["My condolences regarding your father."->DariusCondolence]] [["What condition is the kingdom in?"->DariusSituation]]

"It's okay, truly. For the last few years he wasn't... himself. Although I wish I could have spent more time with him before he was taken from us, at least now he is free of his own mind..." He pauses, looking out the window. "The hardest part is how we proceed from here. As you are aware, the kingdom is in a precarious situation." [["Please tell me how you see our situation."->DariusSituation]] [["What do you mean he wasn't himself?"->DariusFather]]

"Perhaps you are unaware, I hear you've been living in the countryside for a while now. A few poor harvests combined with rampant immigration from the south has resulted in a starving populace. There are more mouths to feed and less food to do it with, not to mention the damge the immigrants have done to our economy. Recently, the conflict has been escalating, the people riot and steal food right out of bakeries. The city guard is doing what it can to handle the riots, but without the military or leadership from the monarch, there is only so much they can do." [["How do you think the riots should be dealt with?"->DariusRiots]] [["Were you king, how would you solve the immigration problem?"->DariusImmigration]]

"..." [["How do you think the riots should be dealt with?"->DariusRiots]] [["Were you king, how would you solve the immigration problem?"->DariusImmigration]] [["Thank you for speaking with me, I must be going now."->DariusGoodbye]]

"He had grown complacent. No, perhaps that is the wrong word. Maybe it was madness, maybe it was senility, maybe some twisted combination of the two. Or perhaps he had just grown tired of ruling. Regardless, one thing is clear: during the last 3-4 years of his reign he refused to do anything. Never mobilized the army, never passed new policies, never utilized the royal stockpiles. He simply sat back with a goblet of wine while our kingdom burned." [[Kingdome Buring?->DariusSituation]] [["Yes, about the kindom burning...->DariusQuestions]]

"I would send the military to establish order. I believe there is enough food to go around right now, the people simply are not used to rationing; the military would help redistribute food amongst the workers. As for the thugs who have been breaking and burning our city, they must be made an example of. They would receive trials of course, but I am sure there is ample evidence of their crimes, and such crimes would warrant harsh punishment." [["What if the people resist the military?"->DariusResistance]] [["I see."->DariusQuestions]]

I would increase the presence of our army at the southern border to prevent more Gallarians from getting in. Of course we would also have to remove any that already live here. Then our citizens can begin reclaiming their farm land. [["I see."->DariusQuestions]]

"Any such resistance can be quickly quelled at the point of a sword, though I hope it does not come to that." [["I see."->DariusQuestions]]

"Of course, it is good to see you again after all this time" [[leave->MainHall]]

(set: $EdwardMet to true) As you approach, he does not turn away from the tending of his flowers. [[...->EdwardWait]] [["Ummmm hello?->EdwardHello]]

Not wanting to interrupt his work, you wait for him to notice your presence. He finishes his work and stands to face you. "Oh ludwahl, so good to see you again." He smiles and extends a gloved hand to you [[Shake his hand->EdwardHandshake]]

"Oh!" Startled, he turns to look at you. "Oh Ludwahl, didn't see you there" he laughs He smiles and extends a gloved hand to you [[Shake his hand->EdwardHandshake]]

"I'm so sorry we had to call you out of your retirement like this. It would have been so much easier if father had just left the kingdom to Darius like everyone was expecting. He truly has left us with one last curse. [["My condolences about your father."->EdwardCondolence]] [["Curse?"->EdwardCurse]]

"Oh it's alright, he was positively mad by the end. Honestly, whoever killed him did us all a favor, including father himself. He would just stare out over the balcony while the city burned. Sophia would plead with him to help the people but he just laughed... Of course there was also his incessant roaming of the castle at odd hours. I found him wandering in the garden well past midnight on several occasions. My guess is the man was still trapped in that body somewhere, suffering... [["Killed?"->EdwardKilled]] [["Why is the city burning?"->EdwardBurning]]

"Oh don't you think it's dreadful? Not only is it completely unprecedented to have a former general decide the next ruler, rather than the usual rules of inheritance, but this process has also delayed the taking of action, and the stopping of the horrible violence that has been happening lately. Besides, I imagine you can't be all too happy about making an enemy of the candidates who aren't chosen." "Of course" he quickly adds "I would never hold it against you. All my life I've been expecting Darius to take the throne anyway." [[back->EdwardHandshake]]

"Yes, none of my siblings have told you yet?" "He was found in the early hours of the morning with a stab wound in his chest. Some people speculate it was an assassin from Gallar. I don't think that's very likely. We haven't touched Gallar in years, and many of their citizens seek refuge in our kingdom from the rampant mercinaries and bandits that roam unchecked within their borders. [["Then who do you think killed the king?"->EdwardKingKiller]]

"You haven't heard? Oh I suppose you've been living the quiet life for some time now." "There have been poor havests a couple seasons in a row now; the people are starving. Hungry mobs roam the streets, smashing in store windows looking for food. Some of them are out for blood, looking for someone to blame. [["Who do you think is to blame?"->EdwardBlame]] [["How would you end the riots."->EdwardSolution]]

"Oh I don't know... I've been more concerned about what happens next rather than bringing his killer to justice. Although, if I had to guess, I would say it was someone who loathes immigrants. Many are angry with the way father has allowed so many Gallarians into our country. It would make sense to assassinate him expecting that Darius would replace him, who has already publicly stated his opinion on immigrants." (link:"Which is?")["Oh you'll have to ask Darius about that, he can tell you much more than I can"] (link:"Do you think the killer could be Darius?")["What!? Of course not! Darius is my dear brother, he has always been good to me. I could never accuse him of such a thing. Besides, Darius is too honest, not to mention too proud."] [["What do you think about the Garllarians?"->EdwardImmigrants]]

"I think they are human beings seeking refuge from a difficult world. We should be glad to house them within our borders. The sudden spike in population may have some adverse effects, but it should be the royal family's job to help mitigate those effects, while keeping the positive ones. [["Adverse effects?"->EdwardAdverse]] [["Positive effects?"->EdwardPositive]]

"Well we don't have enough housing for all of the immigrants, so the cost of housing has spiked. Those who cannot afford housing have been forced to sleep in the mud, which in turn has helped propigate disease." "Labor is also cheaper as there are more workers, meaning workers get paid less. Given that food is already scarce right now, purchasing food as become difficult for many of the city's workers. [["What about the positive effects?"->EdwardPositive]] [["I have some more questions for you."->EdwardQuestions]] [["I have to go, thank you for speaking with me."->EdwardGoodbye]]

"Having a new influx of wokers means that labor is cheaper. This also means it is easier to get more work done, as merchants, craftsmen, and farmers can all hire extra workers. The cost of goods goes down as well, since the goods should be in more abundance, although that doesn't seem to be the case regarding food right now." "Additionally, many skilled craftsmen and artisans bring their culture and craft with them when they come here, allowing us to enjoy new and interesting things that we otherwise might not have. [["What about the negative effects?"->EdwardAdverse]] [["I have some more questions for you."->EdwardQuestions]] [["I have to go, thank you for speaking with me."->EdwardGoodbye]]

"Blame? God I suppose. We can't blame humans for the poor weather that's been ruining our harvests. Only thing we can do now is try to solve the problem." [["How would you solve the problem."->EdwardSolution]]

"I would utilize the royal stockpile; stores of grain that could help get our people to the next harvest. Hopefully the weather will be better by then." [["I have additional questions."->EdwardQuestions]] [["I have to go, thank you for speaking with me."->EdwardGoodbye]]

"What would you like to know?" [["Who do you think is to blame for the riots?"->EdwardBlame]] [["You mentioned your father had been killed?"->EdwardKilled]] [["Why is the city burning?"->EdwardBurning]] [["What do you think about the Garllarians?"->EdwardImmigrants]] [["I have to go, thank you for speaking with me."->EdwardGoodbye]]

"It has been my pleasure" [[leave->MainHall]]

(set: $SophiaMet to true) Unflinching at your approach, she does not turn to look at you. [["Hello Sophia."->SophiaHello]]

"Hello Ludwahl." (after:4s)[She sighs] (after:7s)["Well there's no point wasting time with pleasantries, we both know why you are here. What would like to discuss with me?"] (after:7s) [ [["What do you think about the state of the kingdom?"->SophiaKingdom]] [["I wanted to offer my condolences for your father."->SophiaCondolence]] [["You are very... direct."->SophiaDirect]] ]

"The kingdom is in a sorry state. The people starve to death when there is surely enough to eat for everyone. They riot out of hunger yes, but also out of righteous fury. They have been living with injustice for far to long and they have had enough, which is a scary thing." [["Why do the people starve then?"->SophiaStarve"]]

"My father was a monster, I am glad to be rid of him." (link:"How so?")["How so? Well I'm certain you are personally familiar with how he conquered the surrounding lands and 'civilized' the peoples therein. Or perhaps you've heard of the grand parties he threw, even while his people starved in the street. Maybe he's told you of his infidelity to his wife. He was certainly different in the last few years of his regrettable existance, perhaps he was even mad. But make no mistake, he had always been a villain. Though I'm sure all of this will be lost on you, given you aided him in his 'glorious' conquest." [["I retired early because I regretted that conquest."->SophiaRegret]] ]

"I see no point in the politicking of my siblings. You will speak to me out of obligation, you will choose Darius or maybe even Edward, and that will be that" [["Why wouldn't I choose you?"->SophiaChoose]] [["I would like to hear your thoughts at the very least."->SophiaQuestions]]

"I see... perhaps I was too quick to pass judgement"(unfinished) [["Could I hear your thoughts on a few issues?"->SophiaQuestions]]

Isn't it obvious? I am a woman, not to mention I am too young. (unfinished) [["I would like to hear your thoughts at the very least."->SophiaQuestions]]

"What would you like to know?" [["How do you see the state of the kingdom?"->SophiaKingdom]] (if:(history: where it is "EdwardCondolence")'s length >= 1)[[["Who do you suspect killed your father?"->SophiaKiller]]] [["I should be going, Thank you for speaking with me."->SophiaGoodbye]]

"They stave because their noble lords can't be bothered to share their massive stores of grain. They have piles and piles of food, more than they could ever know what to do with, simply rotting in a cellar while their laborers bellies ache." [["So the nobles are at fault?"->SophiaBlame]]

"The nobles are but a symptom of a plagued system. It is a ruler's duty to keep the foot of the rich off the throats of the poor. Truly, my father and his predecessors are at fault." [["What is your solution?"->SophiaSolution]]

"Retribution. With the aid of the military I would lead the people in an uprising against the noble houses, taking back the grain the people rightfully sowed. When that is done I would topple the crown. No longer shall each citizen have their fate decided by a single insane man, out of touch with the struggles of farmers and craftsmen." [["What will this uprising cost?"->SophiaCost]] [["What system shall take its place? Who will rule?"->SophiaRule]]

"It will surely be bloody, lives will be lost. The nobility will cling to its pathetic way of life with all of its considerable might. However, the potential deaths are nothing compared to the thousands dead to starvation over the decades of exploitation from the Lords. The cost will be worth it." [["And who will rule when it is done?->SophiaRule]] [["I have more questions."->SophiaQuestions]]

"The people will rule themselves" [["What will the uprising cost?"->SophiaCost]] [["The people are uneducated, many of them cannot even read. You would suggest these people govern themselves?->SophiaRule2]] [["I have more questions."->SophiaQuestions]]

"The people cannot be corrupt, they will always have their own best interests at heart. Perhaps they have some things to learn about tax codes and maintaining an army, but this is certainly still better than the nonsense we have now." [["I see."->SophiaQuestions]]

"Who? I have no idea. I wish I could have seen it; wish I could have looked him in the eyes as his life slipped away." she spits off the balcony into the garden. "You know they found him just lying there in the bushes early in the morning. They say he had been dead for hours when they found him with that strange wound in his chest." [["Strange wound?"->SophiaWound]] [["I have more questions."->SophiaQuestions]]

Sophia nods silently to you. [[Leave->MainHall]]

You gather the Royal family. Scribes and advisors are present to verify your decree. Who shall be crowned as the new ruler? [[Darius->DariusCrowned]] [[Edward->EdwardCrowned]] [[Sophia->SophiaCrowned]] [[Evelyn->EvelynCrowned]]

Are you certain? There is no turning back once you have decided upon a new ruler. [[I am certain->Decision]] [[Nevermind->ThroneRoom]]

Darius steps forward. You place the crown upon his head... [[End]]

Edward steps forward. You place the crown upon his head... [[End]]

Sophia steps forward. You place the crown upon her head... [[End]]

Evelyn steps forward. You place the crown upon her head... [[End]]

And then you wake up and it was allllll a dreeeaaaaammmmmmm. [["What??? That's such a lame ending. Obviously just a cheap twist done for shock value."->lame]] [["Woooaaahhhhh cool"->cool]]

She leads you into the main hall. "Darius is waiting for you in the war chamber, Sophia and Edward could be anywhere, though Edward is usually tending the garden. If you would like to speak with me, come see me in my office later tonight. If you would like to be shown to your quarters so you can rest, please speak to the maid." [[Continue->MainHall]]

(if:$AliceMet is false) [Upon noticing your approach, she curtsies. [["Would you please show me to my quarters"->QuartersDoor]] [[Nevermind->MainHall]]] (else:) [She curtsies "What can I do for you sir?" [["How are your working conditions?"->WorkingConditions]] (if:$EvelynMet is true)[[["What do you think about lady Evelyn?"->MaidEvelyn1]]] (if:$DariusMet is true)[[["What do you think about sir Darius?"->MaidDarius1]]] (if:$SophiaMet is true)[[["What do you think about lady Sophia?"->MaidSophia1]]] (if:$EdwardMet is true)[[["What do you think about sir Edward?"->MaidEdward1]]] [["Well I should be going"->MainHall]] ]

(set:$drink to false) (set:$Night to true) You take some time to relax in your room It is now night [[...->Quarters]]

(set:$drink to false) (set:$Night to false) You drift off into slumber... Images flash through your mind: crowded streets in disarray. Glass breaking, cries of anguish, men shouting, or maybe it's dogs barking? You can't tell. The sun rises to shine on you in the street, covered in blood. You wake in your chambers. It is now morning. [[Quarters]]

Your narrow field of view reveals Evelyn sitting at her desk with several documents spread out before her [[Leave->MainHall]]

Evelyn answers the door "I have been expecting you, please make yourself comfortable in my office." (link:"Sit down") [ "So... What are you looking for? [["Excuse me?"->EvelyneLook]] ]

"You know." (after:2s)["What are you looking for in a ruler? What qualities do you think makes someone fit to rule?" [["Compassion"->EvelynCompassion]] [["Strong will"->EvelynWill]] [["Intelligence"->EvelynIntelligence]] [["Charisma"->EvelynCharisma]]]

"Of course, compassion is important. Perhaps the next ruler should be someone who takes care of others. Perhaps someone who works closely with the servants of the castle, and manages the caretaking of its facilities." [["you mean... You?->EvelynCompassion2]]

Of course a strong will is important. Perhaps the next ruler should be someone who perseveres in the face of adversity; Someone who, despite the disadvantages life has given them, still does their best to do what's right. Maybe someone who has always been here, making sure the kingdom is on the right track. [["you mean... You?"->EvelynWill2]]

Of course a intelligence is important. Perhaps the next ruler should be someone who has experience writing legislation. Someone who has worked as a scribe in the kings office, or maybe someone who has read all the finest philosophical books the royal library has to offer. [["you mean... You?"->EvelynIntelligence2]]

"Of course, charisma is important. Perhaps the next ruler should be someone who has experience as a leader. Perhaps someone who is loved by the servants of the castle, or maybe someone who has spent time as a foreign diplomat, soothing the tentions between our kingdom and its would-be enemies." [["you mean... You?"->EvelynCharisma2]]

She smiles a knowing smile "I daresay I //am// the most compassionate of the family. Darius is a meathead, Edward is friendly but too academic, and Sophia is filled with rage. And none of them share the same love I have for the common folk. Why else do you think I've been managing the kingdom all this time?" [["You've been managing the kingdom?"->EvelynManage]] [["Yes I suppose you are quite compassionate."->EvelynHappy]]

"Yes. Father was not of sound mind for quite some time. I had already been in charge of managing the palace for a while, so I stepped up and began managing the kingdom as best I could" [["Well it seems you haven't been doing a great job lately."->EvelynDefence]] [["That is quite impressive."->EvelynHappy]]

She laughs "Oh darling, flattery will get you everywhere" She pauses studying your face. She looks for a moment into your eyes, then traces your jawline, her gaze follows it down to your lips. She- "Well it is getting quite late. I should go to sleep, I've been working all day and there will surely be much work to do tomorrow." [[Leave->EvelynGoodbye]]

"Well my legislative power is severely limited as I don't actually have the kings authority. But believe me, this kingdom owes its survival to my efforts." [["That is quite impressive"->EvelynHappy]]

She smiles a knowing smile "I daresay I //am// quite strong willed. I've spent my whole life slowly gaining political power in order to lead the kingdom into the future. These days I practically manage the kingdom by myself. And I can assure you: doing all this within a man's world has been no small feat. [["You've been managing the kingdom?"->EvelynManage]] [["Yes I suppose you possess quite an impressive will."->EvelynHappy]]

She smiles a knowing smile "I daresay I //am// the most intelligent of the family. Darius is a meathead, Edward is kind but he knows little about the way the world truly works, and Sophia is inexperienced and far too blinded by her ideals. And besides, it takes quite a bit of intelligence to manage a kingdom of this scale for so long. [["You've been managing the kingdom?"->EvelynManage]] [["Yes I suppose you are quite intelligent."->EvelynHappy]]

She smiles a knowing smile "I daresay I //am// the most charismatic of the family. Darius is a meathead, Edward is kind but awkward, and Sophia's rage can be quite off putting. Of course, it has taken more than //just// charm to keep this kingdom on its feet all these years, but the love and support of the castle staff has been invaluable. [["You've been managing the kingdom?"->EvelynManage]] [["Yes I suppose you are quite charming."->EvelynHappy]]

You get up to leave for you quarters When you are halfway out the door she says: "Oh ludwahl... I'm sure you'll make the right decision" you turn to see her smiling at you. She gives you a small wave goodbye. [[Leave->MainHall]]

"Did Edward not mention it to you? The mark in the king's chest most closely resembles a knife wound, but it is strangly curved in a crescent shape, spanning about the width of a hand. I thought perhaps the assassin had simply taken a normal dagger and carved a crescent into him as some sort of calling card, but the coroner assured me that the flesh would be torn more haphazardly if that were the case. All signs point to it being a stab wound, but who carries a blade that is curved along its width rather than its length? Like I said, it is strange." [["I see" back->SophiaQuestions]]

hmmm... [[back->Garden]]

Upon closer inspection, one of the hedges is oddly shaped, as if someone had fallen on it. [[back->Garden]]

(text-colour:blue)[''Within the tool shed you find what you might expect. [[Shovels->hm2]], [[shears->hm2]], [[rakes->hm2]], [[rope->hm2]], a [[bucket of soil->trowel]], [[gloves->hm2]], [[hoes->hm2]], and [[seeds->hm2]].''] [[Back->Garden]]

hmmm... [[Back->toolShed]]

Buried within the soil you find a trowel: a small hand-held shovel like instrument with a curved body for scooping dirt and a sharp tip for cutting through the earth and roots. You can just make out some blood that someone had hastily tried and failed to wipe away, still clinging to the handle of the tool. [[Take the trowel->trowelTake]]

(set: $hasTrowel to true) You take the trowel. [[Return to the garden->Garden]]

You reveal the bloodied instrument to Edward and he looks at you in shock and horror. Then he begins to cry: "I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't have done it. He was my father... I am truly evil..." [["I never even said I suspected you"->EdwardSuspect]] [["I knew it"->EdwardKnew]] [["Why did you murder your father?"->EdwardWhy]]

"Oh... umm..." he laughs nervously before staring at the ground. [["Why did you murder your father?"->EdwardWhy]]

"Was it truly that obvious? Well I suppose it shouldn't be that surprising, I am not really cut out for this sort of thing" [["Why did you murder your father?"->EdwardWhy]]

"I don't want to make excuses for my sins, but if you must know... I did it for the good of the kingdom. Of course by now you are aware of the dire situation our kingdom is in, and father refused to help. I knew they only way for the kingdom to recover was for my father to be replaced by a new king. Although, I was not expecting you to come here and choose the next king; I thought Darius would simply inherit the throne. [["You're still hiding something."->EdwardTruth]] [["You've done the kingdom a service, the king was a rotten man."->EdwardForgive]] [["Patricide is wrong, your father may have been a feeble man, incapable of leading the kingdom, but he did not deserve to be murdered."->EdwardCondemn]]

He seems reluctant to speak any more, but your piercing glare pushes him over the edge: "A few nights before my father's death, I head him arguing with Darius. Darius was asking my father to allow him to take over the throne in order to save the kingdom. The argument ended with father shouting that Darius would never inherit the throne, and that he'd give it to another of his children..." [["You assumed he meant you, so you murdered him to take the throne."->EdwardAccuse]]

"Oh thank you for understanding..." "Does this mean you won't have me arrested?" [["We will see when this is all over."->EdwardSee]] [["Your secret is safe with me."->EdwardSafe]]

He avoids your gaze "I'm sorry..." "Does this mean you will have me arrested?" [["We will see when this is over."->EdwardSee]] [["You must stand trial for your crime, once I have chosen a new ruler of course."->EdwardArrest]]

"Yes, I understand" [["Goodbye."->MainHall]]

"Thank you so much" He gives you a nervous smile [["Goodbye."->MainHall]]

"Very well. I am willing to accept the consequences." [["Goodbye"->MainHall]]

"Yes but I did it for the good of the kingdom. My father was preventing our kingdom from progressing, he needed to be removed" [["Yes, but how many years did the kingdom decay before you decided to go through with it? And only once you thought that //you// would be the one in power after."->EdwardPower]] [["True, and who knows how many years this destruction would have continued without your courage."->EdwardForgive]]

"Yes... Well I feared Darius would only exacerbate the situation with his... Militant mindset. I knew I could help this great kingdom if I were to become its king, far more than Darius could." [["You did it to grab power."->EdwardCondemn]] [["you've done this kingdom a service."->EdwardForgive]]

I'm sorry the ending is disappointing to you. Would you like to leave some feedback to tell me how you felt about my stupid game? [["Yes."->feedback]] [["I just want to hear the results of my choice."->results]]

I'm glad you like my choice for the ending. Now: would you like to hear the results of your choice? [["Yes please."->results]]

Please leave your feedback in the text entry box below: (force-input-box:"=XX=","The game is awesome and the developer is very smart.") (after:5s)[[[Done->feedbackDone]]]

That's too bad. I'm sorry to say I can't tell you the results. [["Why not?"->whyResults]]

Thank you for your feedback. Now would you like to hear the results of your choice? [["Yes please."->results]]

Because that would spoil the fun. The point is that //you// have to choose with the given information, and hope that your choice is the best choice. The meaning is in the choosing, not in whatever might be sitting on the end screen. [["So it's all fake???"->fiction]] [["I understand now."->understand]]

Yes it is all fake. You mean to tell me that you didn't know that what you were playing was a fiction? You must have known, with all the logical discrepancies and the contrived nature of the choices you were offered. Of course it's all fake, you've known this whole time. However, does that mean it is any less meaningful? Why did you play my game in the first place? To pretent it was real? I think the world of this game would be a pretty disapointing and painful reality. The choices you made in the game hold real consequences for you, and if you vote, for me as well. The fact the game is "fake" doesn't make that any less true. [["That makes sense to me."->understand]] [["You are wrong and dumb."->dumb]] [["Why can't you tell me the results?"->whyResults]]

Good, with that figured out: are you satisfied with your choice? Do you feel content with the ruler you have chosen? Confident in the knowledge that they were the best option? [[Yes]] [[No]]

Good, then it is done. [[end]]

Why not? [["I still want to know the results of my choice."->tooBad]] [["While I think I picked the best choice with the options I was given, I can't help but feel that all the choices are fundamentally flawed, there was no option that I felt good choosing."->sorry]]

Thank you for playing The King is Dead -By Cameron Beattie

That's too bad, life is often dissappointing [["you spelled 'disappointing' wrong."->end]] [[end]]

Yes, the options we are given are rarely perfect, every decision has a cost. But, I am sure you did your best, you should be proud of the fact that you made a choice. [[end]]

I'm sorry you feel that way, would you care to tell me more? [["All that build up and no payoff. It's just so disappointing."->tooBad]] [["I thought the game was cool at first, but it turns out you are just pretentious."->tooBad]] [["I think the story would have been more impactful if it had remained immersive until the end."->tooBad]]