,,,,It's a sunny day as you hike below the trees in the rugged mountains. You're going on one of those "make your own trail" hikes, and so far it's been going well. It's incredible what you can find off of trails. Just look [[there->see cave]]!
(set: $gold_taken to false)
(set: $indecisive to false)
(set: $tried_to_leave to false)
(set: $ire to 1)
(set: $on_ground to false)
(set: $deer_offered to false)
(set: $looked_around to false)
(set: $apologized to false)
(set: $introduced to false)
(set: $compliment to false)
(set: $important to false)
(set: $ask_about_hourglass to false)
(set: $ask_about_sword to false)
(set: $ask_about_painting to false)
(set: $what_like to false)
(set: $scold to false)
(set: $worried to false)
(set: $knows_about_hourglass to false)
(if:visits is 2)[(set: $knows_about_hourglass to true)]A cave! You almost didn't see it, the entrance blends into the stone around it. What's even more unbelievable about it is that it's HUGE! You could fit a double decker bus inside. Who knows what you could find [[inside->enter cave]].
Or you maybe you've had enough hiking for today and deside to [[go home instead->Ending 0/6]].The cave continues for some time. Its impressive size doesn't get any smaller as it does. The floor is surprisingly flat inside.
It's getting pretty dark.
[[Take out your flashlight->flashlight]].
[[Leave->Ending 0/6]].Not the adventurous type I guess. Aw well.
(if:$knows_about_hourglass is true)[But you already knew what awaited you inside, didn't you?]
(if:$knows_about_hourglass is false)[''Ending 0/6: Lame Ending''](else:)[''Ending 6/6: An Uneventful Hike'']The beam of light illuminates the cave a good ways ahead of you, and you think you see an even larger section of cave up ahead of you.
Continuing toward it, you can't believe your eyes! Gold! Piles of gold, and... are those jewels!? The floor is covered in piles of it!
[[Start filling your backpack->take gold]].
[[Look around some more->look around]].
[[Go back->seriously?]].(set: $gold_taken to true)
(set: $ire to it + 1)
You take off your backpack and start dumping handfulls of gold and jewels into the bag.
(live: 2s)[(stop:) One handfull.]
(live: 4s)[(stop:) Two handfulls.]
(live: 6s)[(stop:) Three handfulls.]
(live: 8s)[(stop:) While you were busy stuffing your bag, the other inhabitant of the cave has been closing in, you hear a growl [[//''behind you''//->conversation starts]].]You look around some more, shining your flashlight around the walls and ceiling of the cave. You notice that the walls in this part of the cave dont seem normal. They're covered in deep gashes, bigger than your arm, as if something dug it out with ''giant claws.''
[[Take some gold and get out ASAP!->take gold]]
[[Forget the gold, I gotta get out of here!->try to leave]]Seriously? You find a fortune of treasure and your first thought is to leave?
[[Yes->Ending 0/6]].
[[Actually, I changed my mind->Indecisive]].(set: $indecisive to true)
While you were busy being indecisive, the other inhabitant of the cave has been closing in, you feel a strong gust of wind [[//''behind you''//->conversation starts]].A giant dragon, with dark red scales, 4 massive claws, arched wings, and glaring golden eyes looks down at you, blocking the exit to the cave.
(if:visits is 1)[It opens its jaws, but rather than snapping down on you, it says:
(if:$gold_taken is true)["Little thief! You think you can take what is mine and get away with it!?"]
(if:$tried_to_leave is true)["Already leaving? But you've only just arrived for dinner."]
(if:$indecisive is true)["And what brings this little morsel to my lair?"]]
(if:(visits is 3) and ($ire > 0))["I grow impatient little morsel."
(set: $ire to it + 1)]
(if:$ire > 9)["I have had enough of this conversation! You have proven yourself nothing more than a troublesome annoyance, and it is time I be rid of you!"
(if:$on_ground is true)[[You are still on the ground!->Ending 1]]
(if:$on_ground is false)[[[Run for it!->Ending 1]]
(if:$knows_about_hourglass is true)[[Run for the hourglass!->back in time]]
(if:$looked_around is true)[[Run for the sword!->fight]]
]
]
(if:$ire < 10)[
(if:$on_ground is true)[[Try to stand up.->Try to stand]]
(if:$on_ground is false)[[Try to run around it.->Try to run]]
[[Say something.->conversation]]
[[Look for something around you that might help.->look for help]]
[[Beg it let you go.->beg]]
(if:($looked_around is true)and($on_ground is false))[[[Make a break for the sword->fight]]]
(if:($looked_around is true)and($on_ground is true))[[[Make a break for the sword->non fight]]]
](set: $tried_to_leave to true)
[[Try to sneak out.->tried sneaking]]
[[Book it!->book it]]You slowly and quietly start backing up, keeping you eyes open, but you bump into something [[//''behind you''//->conversation starts]].(set: $on_ground to true)
Without wasting any time, you turn and book it back the way you came.
But before you can get far, something massive drops from the wall right above the exit, and you slam into it, bouncing off and falling to the ground. You [[look up->conversation starts]].(if:$ire > 1)[(if:visits is 1)[As you try to stand, the dragon brings its claw down and pins you to the ground.
"I think I like you there," it snarls.](else:)[You are still pinned under the dragon's claw. You struggle to pull yourself out, but to no avail as the dragon simply watches.
(set: $ire to it + 1)]
(link-goto: "Try something else.", (history:)'s last)]
(if:$ire < 2)[The dragon watches as you stand back up.
(set: $on_ground to false)
(link-goto: "You are now standing.", (history:)'s last)](set: $on_ground to true)
(set: $ire to it + 1)
You try to run around the dragon, but it was far faster than you, and a swift bat from its tail sends you down to the ground.
(link-goto: "Try something else.", (history:)'s last)(if: $ire < 10)[
What would you like to say to him?
(if:$apologized is false)[[apologize->apologize]]
(if:$introduced is false)[[Introduce yourself->introductions]]
(if:$what_like is false)[[Ask what being a dragon is like.->what like]]
(if:$looked_around is true)[
(if:$ask_about_hourglass is false)[[Ask about the magical looking hourglass.->hourglass]]
(if:$ask_about_sword is false)[[Ask about the gilded sword.->sword]]
(if:$ask_about_painting is false)[[Ask about painting of itself.->Ask about painting.]]]
(if:$important is false)[[(lie) Say you're a very important person, and others will come looking for you if you dont return.->lie]]
(if:$compliment is false)[[Compliment it.->compliment him]]
(if:$scold is false)[[Ask how many humans the dragon has killed->scold]]
(if:$worried is false)[[Ask if the dragon is going to kill you.->worried]]
[[Ask if you can leave.->ask to leave]]
[[Yell at the dragon to let you leave->yell]]
[[Do something other than talk.->conversation starts]]
(if:($apologized is true) and ($introduced is true) and ($what_like is true) and ($ire < -4))[[Have a conversation.->the conversation]]
](else:)[[[The dragon has started snarling at you.->conversation starts]]]
(set: $looked_around to true)
You look around for something that might help you.
In the treasure piles close to you, you notice a large and ornate hourglass with sand magicly swirling around the bottom of it.
You also spot a gold hilted sword with gemstones shining down the side of its blade.
Finally, you notice a painting that shows what appears to be the dragon before you; sitting with a peaceful expression as it looks at the painter.
[[And that looks like everything.->conversation starts]](set: $ire to it + 1)
You beg the dragon to let you go. tears stream down your face.
The dragon frowns, then asks, "And what will you give me if I let you go?"
[[Offer it gold.->gold offered]]
[[Offer it a sacrifice in your place.->sacrifice offered]]
[[Offer it your life.->life offered.]]
[[On second thought...->conversation starts]]"And where would you get this gold?"
[[Steal from others->offer stealing]]
[[(Lie) You have some at home->lie]]
[[Can I offer something else?->beg]]The dragon seems intruiged.
"What kind of sacrifice?"
[[A different human.->human sacrifice]]
[[The best dear you can hunt.->deer]]The dragon's brows raise in surprise.
"You would offer your life in service to me in exchange for your survival?"
[[Yes.->ending 4]]
(link-goto: "Actually...", (history:)'s last)The dragon lifts its head.
"I accept your service."
(live: 3s)[(stop:) For the rest of your days, you work as the dragon's servant in its lair.]
(live: 7s)[(stop:) You dust its treasure, polish its scales, cook its food, and are never permitted outside.]
(live: 11s)[(stop:) But hey, at least you're alive. And you'll have plenty of time for conversations with the dragon.]
(live: 15s)[(stop:)''Ending 4/6: The Servant''](set: $ire to it + 2)
The dragon glares again.
"And how could I possibly trust you to that when you cannot even help yourself from betraying your own kind?"
(link-goto: "Try something else.", (history:)'s last)(set: $ire to it + 2)
The dragon growls deep and menacing in its throat.
"You dare lie to me? Do you think I cannot tell?"
(link-goto: "I'm sorry!", (history:)'s last)The dragon sneers.
"You would so readilly throw another of your kind to the jaws of death just to save yourself? You are the worst of your kind; I have no further interest in this conversation."
[[No wait!->Ending 1]](if:$deer_offered is false)[(set: $ire to it - 1)
(set: $deer_offered to true)
The dragon looks up thoughtfully.
"I will consider it, but I am not yet completely convinced."](else:)[(set: $ire to it + 1)
The dragon rolls its eyes.
"You have already offered me that. I have no interest in more."
]
[[In that case...->conversation starts]]Before you can run, before you can say anything else, the dragon opens its maw and snaps it down at you. Its razor sharp teeth punch through your body as you scream. It lifts you off the ground, and with one more decisive ''//SNAP//'', you are dinner.
The dragon licks its jaws, then returns to its slumber with a slightly fuller belly.
''Ending 1/6: Dinner''You run for the hourglass, remembering what the dragon had said about its magic. You're sure you haven't been here for an hour yet, its your only chance now!
"I wont let you get away that easy!" the dragon roars. Following the roar, you feal the air grow warmer as a cloud of fire rushes toward you!
You reach the hourglass and flip it as fast as you can!
The flames engulf you!
[[*->Begin]]You run as fast as you can in the sword's direction. Already, you can hear the dragon clawing after you with snarling jaws.
You reach the sword, and pry it out of the treasure pile, pointing it toward the dragon to protect yourself.
The dragon looks down at you with amusement. "Do you really believe you can slay me?"
[[I have no other choice.->Ending 2]]The dragon laughs, a terrifying sight under the circumstances. Then it rears back its head, and opens its jaws toward you with a billowing cloud of fire.
The fire engulfs you and you scream as every part of you burns to a crisp.
The pain didn't last long.
''Ending 2/6: Well Done''(set: $ire to it - 1)
(set: $apologized to true)
You apologize for tresspassing in the dragon's lair, explaining you didn't know this was its home.
(if: $gold_taken is true)[You also apologize for trying to take its treasure, dumping it back out of your bag.]
(if: $ire < 2)[The dragon smiles, "I graciously accept your apology."]
(if: $ire > 1)[The dragon's lip curls into something like a smirk. "I have not yet decided if I will forgive you."]
[[Maybe you should say something else.->conversation]](set: $ire to it - 1)
(set: $introduced to true)
You introduce yourself, telling the dragon your name, your age, and where you're from.
(if: $ire < 2)[The dragon politely nods to you.]
(if: $ire > 1)[The dragon squints, scrutinizing you.]
Then it introduces itself in return, stating its name is Hyrophil, it is thousands of years old, and remarks that you are standing in its home.
[[Maybe you should say something else.->conversation]](set: $ire to it - 1)
(set: $what_like to true)
(if: $ire < 2)[The dragon looks up thoughtfully.]
(if: $ire > 1)[The dragon seems like it debates whether it should answer.]
"It is to be the most powerful thing that has ever walked the Earth. This power makes you near invincible, and you have the freedom to do as you please. But this power comes at a cost, a cost you humans ensure we pay. Hardly a dragon exists that has not had to kill a human at some time or another, or be killed by the human instead. Your kind fear us for our power, and you tend to strike out against the things you fear. Many dragons are in hiding now, so more often than anything else, it is lonely. Someone to have a conversation with is a rarity."
[[Maybe you should say something else.->conversation]](set: $knows_about_hourglass to true)
(set: $ask_about_hourglass to true)
(if: $ire < 2)[The dragon looks at the hourglass, "That hourglass holds a powerful enchantment. If turned on its head, it allows the turner to go back in time one hour. You may not think an hour is much, but you would be amazed how much can go badly in just one hour."]
(if: $ire > 1)[The dragon shakes its head. "I will not tell you any of my hoard's secrets."]
[[Maybe you should say something else.->conversation]](set: $ask_about_sword to true)
(set: $ire to it + 1)
(if: $ire < 2)[The dragon looks at the sword, "There's nothing special about it, it's just a very expensive sword. I was given it by a king who was a fraid of dragons, and thought to buy his protection even though he was never in danger."]
(if: $ire > 1)[The dragon glares at the sword. "Another remnant from a fearful human now deceased."]
[[Maybe you should say something else.->conversation]](set: $ask_about_painting to true)
(set: $ire to it - 5)
(if: $ire < 2)[The dragon looks at the painting, you see a tear form in its eye. "That was a gift from someone who meant much to me. Her name was Luaren. Human lives are so fleeting."]
(if: $ire > 1)[The dragon looks at the painting, and seems conflicted as its gaze shifts back and forth between it and you. It lets out a small rumble as it looks away from either. "I know what she would have wanted me to do."]
[[Maybe you should say something else.->conversation]](set: $ire to it - 1)
(set: $compliment to true)
You compliment the dragon on its beatifully gleaming scales, saying they are even more beautiful than the treasure in the cave.
The dragon can't help but smile at your observation.
[[Compliment the dragon again.->again]]
[[Maybe you should say something else.->conversation]]You ask the dragon if you can leave.
(if: $ire < 0)[The dragon lets out a drawn out puff of smoke from its nostrils, almost like a sigh. "Very well."
[[Freedom!->Ending 5]]
[[Actually... not just yet.->conversation]]]
(if: $ire > -1)[The dragon lets out a sharp puff of smoke out of its nostrils, like a scoff. "I haven't decided yet."
[[Maybe you should say something else.->conversation]]](transition: "dissolve")[You decide to have a conversation with Hyrophil.]
(live: 3s)[(stop:)(transition: "dissolve")[You talk about some of your favorite things.]]
(live: 6s)[(stop:)(transition: "dissolve")[You talk about what growing up was like.]]
(live: 9s)[(stop:)(transition: "dissolve")[You talk about hardships you've had in life.]]
(live: 12s)[(stop:)(transition: "dissolve")[You share your favorite dreams.]]
(live: 15s)[(stop:)(transition: "dissolve")[You speculate about the future.]]
(live: 18s)[(stop:)(transition: "dissolve")[Hyrophil does the same.]]
(live: 21s)[(stop:)(transition: "dissolve")[You tell each other some of your favorite stories.]]
(live: 24s)[(stop:)(transition: "dissolve")[You talk about your favorite art.]]
(live: 27s)[(stop:)(transition: "dissolve")[You even crack a couple of jokes.]]
(live: 30s)[(stop:)(transition: "dissolve")[You don't know how long you talked with Hyrophil, but when you finally finish, you can't think of a nicer conversation you've ever had. Turns out ancient dragons make for good conversationalists.]]
(live: 39s)[(stop:)(transition: "dissolve")[As you finally leave, you wave goodbye, and say you'll be back to have more conversations in the future.]]
(live: 44s)[(stop:)(transition: "dissolve")[Hyrophil smiles, and says they look forward to it.]]
(live: 47s)[(stop:)(transition: "dissolve")[''True Ending: The Conversation'']]You say you were struck when you first saw it; such a powerful and glorious being. You would never dare to act against it.
The dragon seems receptive to your further compliments.
[[Compliment the dragon again.->again2]]
[[Maybe you should say something else.->conversation]]You say just speaking to it is a privlidge. You've never met anyone who compares.
The dragon begins to languish before you. "Go on."
[[Compliment the dragon more intimately.->again3]]
[[Maybe you should say something else.->conversation]]You come closer to the dragon, caressing its jaw. You say you could stay here forever with it, that you couldn't imagine being anywhere else.
The dragon's tail begins to twirl around you. "That could be arranged," it says softly.
[[Compliment the dragon even more intimately.->Ending 3]]
[[This is getting a little weird...->conversation]]You paint a picture of the two of you revelling the days away, spending the nights in each others company, you tell the dragon you loved it the moment you laid eyes on it.
The dragon purs as it holds you tightly. It doesn't plan on letting you go anytime soon.
Seems you've won it over, but I hope you're ready for the commitment you've just made for yourself; there are going to be a //lot// of nights in your future.
''Ending 3/6: Bard''The dragon steps out of the way, allowing you to leave through the entrance, just like that.
You hastilly make your way out, relief flooding you.
You make a mental note never to hike in these mountains again.
You doubt anyone will believe what happened to you today.
''Ending 5/6: Close Encounter of the Fantasy Kind''(set: $ire to it + 2)
The dragon glowers at your question. Obviously it isn't fond of thinking about it. It says nothing else.
[[Maybe you should say something else.->conversation]](set: $ire to it + 1)
(if: $ire < 2)[The dragon frowns, "Humans are //always// scared."]
(if: $ire > 1)[The dragon's expression doesn't change as it says, "I'm still deciding."]
[[Maybe you should say something else.->conversation]](set: $ire to it + 3)
You shout up at the dragon, demanding it let you leave.
(if: $ire < 2)[The dragon frowns, "You are not making a good impression."]
(if: $ire > 1)[The dragon's expression darkens, "Keep yelling at me and you will regret it."]
[[Maybe you should say something else.->conversation]]You are still on the ground, and cannot run for the sword.
[[I need to do something about that...->conversation starts]]