The sun rises over the green woodland, birds singing and leaves rustling outside of the cabin. Relaxed in the embrace of your bed, you sleepily open your eyes and sit up. A ceramic cup and tea kettle float into the bedroom and await your command.
[[take the tea]]
[[decline]]You gently nod to the kettle and tea slowly pours into the cup. Pleased that the magic you bought worked, you get up, wash up, and prepare to leave your cabin.
[[put on armor]]You slowly wave away at the magical ceramics and they give a courteous clink before floating back into the kitchen. Pleased that the magic you bought works after all, you wash up and prepare to leave the cabin.
[[put on armor]](if: $begin is false)[The metal plates clatter quietly as you dress into the armor. You tighten the leather straps and notice the rust and dents on the cuirass. Visiting the armorsmith might be a good idea. You sling on your webbing and check its pouches.
[[open the door]] ](if: $fail1 is true)[The metal plates clatter quietly as you dress into the armor and webbing.
[[go to the knight's tavern|enter the knight's tavern]] ](if: $fail2 is true)[The metal plates clatter quietly as you dress into the armor and webbing.
[[go to the knight's tavern|take 2]]](if: $fail3 is true)[The metal plates clatter quietly as you dress into the armor and webbing.
[[go to the knight's tavern|take 3]]]A scroll wrapped in a golden ribbon lays on the ground in front of the door, beckoning you to [[read it]]."My dearest knight of Sentunoan Academy,
It fills my heart with utmost pleasure to see you on your next step towards greatness. I congratulate you again for completing your training, proving your worth as a valuable member of this kingdom. Your achievements in chivalry and combat demonstrate the best of us and inspire the next generation of knights. With your honor, courage, and wits, no challenge will stand against you, no storm will bring you down, and no beast will stop your beacon of light into darkness. A figure such as you deserves a long and happy life, upon grasping your //sword of dreams//.
Before you go to the kingdom walls and begin your quest, head to the nearest knight's tavern to receive your //blood compass//. Find a weapon shop to receive a sword. You may also want to visit the armorsmith for new armor (//meadow elderberries//).
Good luck! Our prayers are with you!
Sir Draxis Caveyner"
[[close scroll]]You open the book.
"All would-be-knights train for their entire youth to search for their //sword of dreams//, a holy blade of inconceivable power. Such weapons only appear outside of the kingdom's walls and no swordsmith has been able to replicate their power. Legends say that when knights die their souls take the form of these noble instruments. Without them, knights cannot defeat //exalted beasts// nor can they achieve true happiness."
[[turn page|page two of sword of dreams]]You roll up the scroll and pack it into your back pouch. As you walk down the road, you reach an [[intersection]].(if: $armorshop is false)[You enter the armorsmith's shop. A woman wearing an apron and goggles hammers at a glowing metal sheet over an anvil and looks up. She back at the plate and continues her rhythm.
"Your cuirass sure has been through hell," she notes. "Not to mention the shoulder plates."
[[ask for new armor]]](if: $armorshop is true)[The armorsmith seems to be gone.
[[leave|intersection]]](if: $weaponshop is false)[You enter the weapon shop. An arachnidian (man-sized spider) tinkers away at what looks like a heavy repeating crossbow. His eight eyes meet your measly two eyes.
"Grrrrrreetings, warrior," the weapons master vocalizes through his chelicerae.
"I sssuspect you seek a weapon before the //cursed blade//?"
[[yes]]
[[cursed blade?]]](if: $weaponshop is true)[You enter the weaponshop. The weapons master pays no attention to you.
(if: $crossbow is false)[ [[What are you making?]]]
[[back|intersection]]](if: $tavern is false)[You enter the knight's tavern. Behind the counter stands an immense, burly man gentleman with a bushy beard and a headband, flashing a smile towards you.
"Welcome, fellow knight! What can I help you with?"
[[a blood compass]]
[[a drink]]](if: $tavern is true)[You enter the knight's tavern.
"Welcome back, fellow knight! What do you need?"
[[a drink]]]You walk towards the intersection which splits towards multiple destinations.
[[knight's tavern]]
[[armorsmith's shop]]
[[weapon shop]]
[[kingdom walls]]"Ah, I had a feeling you would ask," the bartender exclaims, his voice booming in the room.
"Can you lend me your [[favorite thumb]], fellow knight?"(if: $tavern is false)[The bartender raises an eyebrow and smiles.
"Oh? My drinks are too strong for you, fellow knight."
[[ask again]]
[[back|ask]]](if: $tavern is true)[The bartender raises an eyebrow and smiles.
"Oh? My drinks are too strong for you, fellow knight."
[[ask again]]
[[leave|intersection]]](if: $wall is false)[You walk to the kingdom walls. A guardsman and an armored arachnidian chat before noticing your arrival. The guardsman waves and the arachnidian politely twitches one of her pedipalps.
"Hello, fellow knight!" says the guardsman. "All knights must be inspected before going their own way. [[May we?]]"](if: $wall is true)[You walk to the kingdom walls.
"Hello, again, fellow knight! Ready for a new [[inspection|May we?]]?"]You walk into the forest, a land ruled under trees and filled with the songs of birds. It reminds you of your cozy cabin which brings you ease with every step you take. You look down at your [[blood compass]].You walk out to the valley, a vast field of bright green grass. A calm river, snaking through the grassy land, flows besides the dirt path. Fluffy clouds sail through a bright blue sky. Blades of grass pulse in waves with the breeze, seemingly pointing towards your next //sword of dreams//. You check your [[blood compass|blood compass 2]].You enter a bunker half submerged into the earth, filled with shelves upon shelves of books.
[[sword of dreams]]
[[cloud magic]]
[[exalted beasts]]
[[the arachnidians]]
[[leave|intersection 4]] You open the book.
"Powered using amethyst crystals and mage spells, cloud magic is an object-manipulation tool used for hands-free application on simple tasks. The discovery of amethyst deposits encouraged the kingdom to expand its territories in order to directly obtain this resource. With the help of mage spells, such sorcery enables a broad variety of activities (ie. tea brewing, heavy-lifting, rechambering weapons, etc)."
[[turn page|page 2 of cloud magic]]You open the book.
"Not much is known about //exalted beasts//, or //monsters of darkness// as the arachnidians say, due to the their savage dispositions towards all species, particularly humans. We do not know what they eat or why they are so hostile. What we do know is that such foul creatures, smokelike clouds with glowing red eyes in their natural form, seem to possess the ability to shapeshift to any terrestrial organism, but only for one day at a time."
[[turn page|turn to page 2 of exalted beasts]]You enter a familiar steel gate, white walls decorated with red tips and edges. The vast emptiness of the outdoor halls invokes loneliness within you.
A room you recognize catches your attention.
[[knock|enter sir dc room]]
[[leave|intersection 4]]"The reign of the kingdom owes its existence to the knights who wielded these //noble instruments//. They have protected villagers from foreign threats and ensured centuries of peace since the Battle at the First Academy.
[[turn page|page three of sword of dreams]]"No knight has failed more than three attempts to obtain the //sword of dreams//, for the //sword//, at this point, joins the heavens to await a more suitable bearer. It is of utmost importance that all knights wield their //sword of dreams// to deter enemies of the kingdom and maintain order among the villages."
[[close book|library]]"Arachnidians are also aware of the benefits of cloud magic and have been able to produce such spells limited to them. This incentivized the kingdom to integrate many arachnidians during its development stage, owing its construction to the coexistence and cooperation between arachnidians and humans."
[[turn page|page 3 of cloud magic]]"New cloud magic spells are being discovered each year. The possibilities are seemingly endless."
[[close book|library]]"The only means of truly killing an //exalted beast// is by using a //sword of dreams//. In the event that this happens, the //monster// will appear to expand and burst into a burning, tar-like ooze. It is unclear if these //creatures// understand their vulnerability to //swords of dreams//; none have directly attacked the kingdom since the Battle at the First Academy. Although reports of //exalted beasts// following new knights are common, instances of such monsters preventing new knights from obtaining their //swords// are extremely *rare."
[[turn page|turn to page 3 of exalted beasts]]"*the studies cannot account for the number of reports not received by the court and the recorded instances of //exalted beasts// killing new knights may be underestimated"
[[close book|library]](if: $tavern is false)[The bartender continues to grin.
"You can't handle my drinks. They're too strong for you."
[[ask again|ask for drink 2]]
[[back|ask]]](if: $tavern is true)[The bartender continues to grin.
"You can't handle my drinks. They're too strong for you."
[[ask again|ask for drink 2]]
[[leave|intersection]]](if: $tavern is false)["What do you need?"
[[a blood compass]]
[[a drink]]](if: $tavern is true)[ [[a drink]]
[[leave|exit the tavern]]](if: $tavern is false)[The bartender's expression doesn't change, but you can feel a hint of enjoyment in his eyes.
"My drinks would kill you, fellow knight! You can't handle my drinks! You better go to a tavern that sells juice!"
At this point, it would be pointless to ask again.
[[ask again|ask for a drink 3]]
[[back|ask]]](if: $tavern is true)[The bartender's expression doesn't change, but you can feel a hint of enjoyment in his eyes.
"My drinks would kill you, fellow knight! You can't handle my drinks! You better go to a tavern that sells juice!"
At this point, it would be pointless to ask again.
[[ask again|ask for a drink 3]]
[[leave|intersection]]](if: $tavern is false)[The bartender leans further over the counter and you really get an idea of just how enormous this man is. Eclipsing the candle light, he speaks to you, quieter yet with the same energy.
"You don't know what you ask, fellow knight. My drinks would kill an exalted beast, let alone a man. You need a tavern that sells juice-"
He leans closer.
"-because my drinks are too strong."
[[alright that's enough|ask]]](if: $tavern is true)[The bartender leans further over the counter and you really get an idea of just how enormous this man is. Eclipsing the candle light, he speaks to you, quieter yet with the same energy.
"You don't know what you ask, fellow knight. My drinks would kill an exalted beast, let alone a man. You need a tavern that sells juice-"
He leans closer.
"-because my drinks are too strong."
[[leave|intersection]]]The bartender gently grabs your wrist with one hand. You hear a drawer slide open and watch a blood compass, gold and lined with tiny ruby gems around the lid, and compass needle float to the counter. He picks up the needle and pricks your thumb, leaving a drop of blood on the tip. You hear a gentle click when the bartender joins the needle to its vessel and then see it sit in front of you. Slowly, the needle turns to a specific [[direction]].The bartender looks up.
"This //blood compass// now has a charged needle," he says.
"The needle will point to your //sword of dreams//, the greatest weapon any knight can hold," he exclaims proudly.
[[leave the knight's tavern]]"Good luck, fellow knight!" the bartender announces.
"I look forward to your exploits!"
(link: "open the door")[(set: $compass1 to true)(goto: "intersection")]
(set: $tavern to true)The armorsmith lifts up her goggles and wipes her forehead before crossing her arms. Judging from her eyes, she does not sleep too well.
"Well, let me see your [[academy letter]]."You hand her the letter Sir Draxis sent you. She scans it, pauses to glance at you, then back to the letter.
"//Meadow elderberries//," she mumbles.
"Everything checks out. I'll grab you a set and exchange it with..."
She furrows her eyebrows ever so slightly. The wear and tear on your armor really seems to bother her.
"[[...whatever you've got left on you]]."Surely your armor doesn't look that bad? Or maybe it does. For all you know, you are not an armorsmith.
You nod your head in approval and she gives you back the letter. The armorsmith goes to a room behind her counter.
"Where are my //meadow elderberries//...ah."
After the rustling and clatter she returns with a set of armor and places it on her counter.
"Changing rooms are [[right over there]]," she points.Her armor set fits you like a glove. You hand her the armor you once wore in the academy. Those scratches and dents look much more obvious now that you think about it.
The armorsmith notices your attention to your old armor and smiles.
"I hope you find your //sword of dreams// that you trained so much for in that academy. No knight should be roaming without one."
[[leave the armorsmith's shop]]"Safe travels," the armorsmith says before putting her goggles back on and heading over to her anvil.
"Darn I forgot about that," she mumbles, looking at the now lukewarm metal sheet.
[[open the door|intersection]]
(set: $armorshop to true)The weapons master shuffles his eight legs as he turns around, opens a hatchdoor, and descends into his basement. A part of you wonders if he has ever tangled his legs before.
After a few minutes he climbs back up with a longsword.
"A suitable weapon for a knight on the start of his grrrrreatest undertaking. Lord forbid that this happens, but shhhhould you lose your //sword of dreams// this will serve as a backup."
[[take the sword]]The weapons master clicks his teeth apologetically.
"Please forgivve my speech. gggrrrrI believe humans call it the //ssssword of dreams//?
[[yes]]If spiders could smile, this was probably the closest that you've seen. The weapons master goes back to his project and picks up his tools to start working again.
[[leave the weapon shop]]He seems too focused on the crossbow to speak and you have to commend him for his efforts.
[[open the door|intersection]]
(set: $weaponshop to true)You open the book.
"Resembling man-sized spiders, arachnidians are sentient organisms, native to this realm. Archaeological studies suggest that they have lived here for thousands of years. Their adaptability can be attributed to their high intelligence, comparable to that of a human. Through manipulation of pedipalps, teeth, and chelicerae, arachnidians can achieve speech."
[[turn page|turn to page 2 of the arachnidians]]A page seems to be ripped out of this book.
[[turn page|turn to page 3 of the arachnidians]]"The Starlight Massacre was an atrocity committed by the arachnidians. Two months after the Battle at the First Academy, three battalions of arachnidian infantrymen marched into the western sector of the kingdom. They killed five hundred villagers, including women and children. Before the Court could discipline the arachnidians, they had already deserted. Royal decree would deny the Right to farm, the Right to petition, and the Right to become capital residents for all arachnidians after the fateful incident."
[[close book|library]]The needle seems to follow the trail as if keeping you on a written path, literally showing you the way as if it were a person giving directions. Eventually, the needle points to the [[left]].You cannot quite explain it, but, for some reason, the air feels cold and chills run down your spine.
You also notice the birds have [[stopped singing]].THE END
[[PLAY AGAIN|start]]
(set: $tavern to false)
(set: $armorshop to false)
(set: $weaponshop to false)
(set: $compass1 to false)
(set: $compass2 to false)
(set: $compass3 to false)
(set: $wall to false)
(set: $crossbow to false)
(set: $begin to false)
(set: $fail1 to false)
(set: $fail2 to false)
(set: $fail3 to false)
(set: $tavern2 to false)
(set: $armorshop2 to false)
(set: $weaponshop2 to false)
(set: $lostsword to false)
(set: $armorshop3 to false)
(set: $weaponshop3 to false)
(set: $spitfire to false)
(set: $usesword to false)
(set: $usespitfire to false)Suddenly, a griffin snatches the blade out of nowhere. The blowback of the creature's wings actually knocks you off your feet, causing you to land on your [[back]].
(set: $compass1 to false)[[Well this sucks.]]You look at your blood compass. At first it appears to follow where the sword has gone, but suddenly every muscle in your body feels heavy and you fall to your hands and knees. As quickly as the blast of weakness, your strength returns to you as though [[nothing had happened]]."Back so soon?" the bartender asks.
His cheerful expression slowly twists with concern.
"Wait, where is your //sword of dreams//?"
[[explain]]
(set: $begin to false)
(set: $fail1 to false)You tell him about the griffin. He scratches his head and frowns, though he's not mad at you.
"Well...that's a first, [[uh...]]""I'm gonna be honest with you, I don't know what I'm supposed to do or what I would do if I were you, but..."
He continues to scratch his head and looks around to make sure no one pays attention to your conversation.
"[[Here]], uh, let me see your blood compass."You hand him the blood compass and he holds it, scratching his chin with his other hand.
"If the legends are true, then the //sword// you were supposed to get is gone, but will be reborn somewhere else."
He [[turns his eyes to you]], slightly frustrated and impressed at the same time.As far as the needle tells you, you are on the right track. Geese fly over head, strangely in the same direction and start to land. You guess that your sword is over [[there]].You guessed correctly. The geese you saw earlier mingle around the same glow of the heavenly blade, on a meadow in a short dip in land. As you get closer, the geese slowly waddle away, presenting the //sword of dreams// in front of you.
[[claim the sword of dreams]]
[[that's a funny looking goose]]The funny looking goose suddenly hisses at you. You unsheath your sword but before you can do anything the goose swallows the //sword of dreams// and flaps [[away]].
[[throw your sword at it]]
(set: $compass2 to false)[[okay...]]"You've got to be kidding me." The bartender with widened eyes of fury.
"What the hell happened?"
[[explain|explain again]]
(set: $fail2 to false)At first, the bartenders gave a deep sigh in disappointment. Then, he furrowed his eyebrows when he sees your arm.
His mouth opens, but doesn't make a sound, struggling to find the right words. He tries again, "What did you get yourself into this time?"
[[explain|explain 3]]
(set: $fail3 to false){
(set: $tavern to false)
(set: $armorshop to false)
(set: $weaponshop to false)
(set: $compass1 to false)
(set: $compass2 to false)
(set: $compass3 to false)
(set: $wall to false)
(set: $crossbow to false)
(set: $begin to false)
(set: $fail1 to false)
(set: $fail2 to false)
(set: $fail3 to false)
(set: $tavern2 to false)
(set: $armorshop2 to false)
(set: $weaponshop2 to false)
(set: $lostsword to false)
(set: $armorshop3 to false)
(set: $weaponshop3 to false)
(set: $spitfire to false)
(set: $usesword to false)
(set: $usespitfire to false)
}"So long, fellow knight!"
[[open the door|intersection]]The weapons master continues tapping his tools on his project.
"rrrrrrrthe //Court// rrrequested that I make a new instrument of defenssse."
He looks up to meet your eyes.
"Perhaps the kingdom needs more than [[swords]], yes?"(set: $wall to true)The guardman and arachnidian standby and look at you.
(if: $tavern is true)["//Blood compass//...](if: $tavern is false)["No blood compass..."]
(if: $armorshop is true)[...armor seems good...](if: $armorshop is false)[...armor's a mess...]
(if: $weaponshop is true)[...armed and ready...](if: $weaponshop is false)[...huh, no weapon...]
(if: ($tavern is true) and ($armorshop is true) and ($weaponshop is true) and ($compass1 is true))["Everything checks out! Now, if we can look at your [[compass...]]"](else:)["Well, royal decree won't let you go until you have everything. Maybe next time, fellow knight!"
[[back|intersection]]](if: $compass1 is true)[The guardsman looks at the //blood compass//.
"Head to the [[forest]]. No doubt your //sword of dreams// is there for you. Good luck, fellow knight!"](if: $compass2 is true)[The guardsman looks at the //blood compass//.
"Head to the [[valley]]. Your //sword of dreams// will be around there. Good luck, fellow knight!"](if: $compass3 is true)[The guardsman looks at the //blood compass//.
"Head to the [[mountains]]. Your //sword of dreams// has to be there. Good luck, fellow knight!"]His teeth start clicking, a thought brewing in his head.
"If my paperrrsss are correct, the //repeating crossbow// sshhould work as planned. Come back soon, and I will let you test this weapon."
[[leave|intersection]]
(set: $crossbow to true)Past the bushes and undergrowth, a lake shines in front of you. Only, its not the lake, but your //sword of dreams//, hovering over the edge of the water. The instrument of justice and honor that you spent years in the academy to prepare for. Leaves rustle and whisper as the wind flows through, gently pushing you towards the blade.
[[claim the sword of dreams]]
[[admire it just a little longer]]The first thought in your head compels you to pull out you sword.
Right as you place your hand on the sword's hilt, you see [[it]].A black cloud hovers over a tree, far away, two ruby eyes piercing your [[soul]].Before you can pull out your sword, the cloud morphs into a large raven, eyes still glowing, and flies away.
At this moment, you realize what you had just faced, but before you know it, a calm breeze brushes your face and birds resume [[chirping]].Why didn't the //exalted beast// attack?
Your memory reminds you of your quest and you check your //blood compass// and head to where the needle [[points]].Checking your blood compass again, you notice the needle has surrendered to the force of gravity, not really pointing in any direction in particular. You also realize the back of your cuirass doesn't quite feel right.
[[go to the knight's tavern]]
[[head home]]
(set: $fail1 to true)
(set: $begin to true)You walk back to the kingdom walls, where the guards meet you with confused expressions. They do not ask questions, but they seem to know you did not get your //sword of dreams//. Content that you at least have no wounds, they kindly wave to you.
You see the [[knight's tavern|enter the knight's tavern]] ahead of you.You walk back to the kingdom walls, where the guards meet you with confused expressions. They do not ask questions, but they seem to know you did not get your //sword of dreams//. Content that you at least have no wounds, they kindly wave to you.
You see your [[cabin]] ahead of you."You realize how important the //sword of dreams// is right? The only thing that has kept this kingdom alive for centuries? The reason //exalted beasts// don't roam the streets?"
He pauses to take a deep breath.
"Let's try [[again]]."The compass starts levitating, lid opening and needle floating out. The bartender pinches the needle and carries it with him.
He walks away to grab a cloth and soaks it. The cloth now wet, he carefully rubs the dried blood off of the [[needle]].Like the first time, he pricks your thumb and clicks the needle back into the compass.
Your //blood compass// is [[ready]]."Well, you best be on your way. A knight without a //sword of dreams// is no knight at all!"
[[leave|intersection 2]]
(set: $compass2 to true)
(set: $tavern2 to true)You walk towards the intersection which splits towards multiple destinations.
[[knight's tavern|tavern 2]]
[[armorsmith's shop|armorshop 2]]
[[weapon shop|weaponshop 2]]
[[kingdom walls|kingdom walls 2]]"What are you doing, fellow knight? This is not where the //sword// is!"
[[leave|intersection 2]]You enter the armorshop. The armorsmith leans on her chair, smoking a pipe.
(if: $armorshop2 is false)["You've come rather soon. Most knights go off fighting //exalted beasts//."
[[ask her to check your cuirass]] ](if: $armorshop2 is true)["I don't think I can help you with anything, right now. I think you got better things to do."
[[leave|intersection 2]] ](if: $weaponshop2 is false)[The weapons master looks up and stops his usual noise.
"nnnNo //blade//?"
[[shake your head]]](if: $weaponshop2 is true)[The weapons master pays no attention to you.
[[leave|intersection 2]] ][[eat]]
[[sleep]]You head to the basement and pull out some cold ham and goat cheese. The delicate meat breaks in your teeth and the sharp cheese melts along with it.
[[go to the knight's tavern|enter the knight's tavern]]
[[sleep]]You undress and sink into your covers. The cushion of your pillow and the embrace of your blanket weaken your muscles and your eyelids become [[heavy|start]]."How curious...," the weapons master replies.
"Well, the //crossbow// isss not ready, yet. Do come back another time."
[[leave|intersection 2]]
(set: $weaponshop2 to true)"The cuirass again?" she remarks with a tired smile.
"Alright, lemme [[see...]]"She gets on her feet and turns you to inspect the armor.
"Okay...whoa! Who did this?"
[[explain|explain 2]]You tell her about the griffin.
"Last I checked, griffin's don't live around these parts," she says with doubt.
"Whatever, I'll get you a [[new one]]."The armorsmith turns to enter the room behind the counter, but stops herself.
"//Meadow elderberries//, right?"
[[yes|armorshop yes]]
[[no|armorshop no]]She heads into the room and you hear rustling and clatter. Pretty soon, she returns to you with a new [[cuirass]]."Are you sure?" she asks.
"I could have sworn it was. Lemme see your [[academy letter|letter 2]]."Alright, go get that //sword// before something bad happens to you."
She heads back to her chair to continue smoking.
[[leave|intersection 2]]
(set: $armorshop2 to true)You hand her the letter and she reads it.
The armorsmith looks up to you, frowning slightly. She cannot tell if you lied to her or just [[forgot|armorshop yes]].The guardman and arachnidian standby and look at you, slightly more awkward than the first time.
"There's the //blood compass//...
(if: $armorshop2 is true)[...armor looks good...](if: $armorshop2 is false)[...what's with the cuirass..?]
...you've got your sword...
(if: $armorshop2 is true)["Everything checks out! Now, if we can look at your [[compass...]]"](else:)["Well, royal decree won't let you go until you have everything. Maybe next time, fellow knight!"
[[back|intersection 2]]]"Hello, again, fellow knight!"
The guards realize you really did not get your //sword of dreams// and will be getting a new one.
"Uh, ready for a new [[inspection|May we 2]]?"You look at your blood compass. Like the last time, it appears to follow where the sword has gone, but suddenly every muscle in your body feels weak and you fall to your hands and knees. As quickly as the blast of weakness, your strength returns to you.
[[the bartender won't be happy about this]][[go to the knight's tavern|go to the knight's tavern 2]]
[[head home|home 2]]
(set: $fail2 to true)
(set: $begin to true)You swiftly thrust the iron blade at the goose. It strikes the goose through its chest, but suddenly a brilliant flash of light and blue fire explodes from the not-so-funny looking [[goose|okay...]].
At least you still know how to throw swords since you left the academy.
(set: $lostsword to true)You walk back to the kingdom walls, where the guards meet you with confused expressions. They do not ask questions, but they seem to know you did not get your //sword of dreams//, again. Content that you at least have no wounds, they kindly and awkwardly wave to you.
You see your [[cabin|cabin 2]] ahead of you.[[eat|eat 2]]
[[sleep|sleep 2]]You head to the basement and pull out a pie. The sweet and tender slices mush and crumble in your mouth.
[[go to the knight's tavern|take 2]]
[[sleep|sleep 2]]You undress and sink into your covers. The cushion of your pillow and the embrace of your blanket weaken your muscles and your eyelids become [[heavy|start]].You tell him about the goose.
"Seriously?! A lousy goose //ate// your //sword of dreams//? What in God's name are they teaching you guys in those academies?"
The bartender pauses and notices the silence and the other knights staring at [[you]].The bartender releases an exasperated sigh and leans in.
"Are you even trying? Is your code of honor a joke to you? Did you not remember anything about what I told you last time?"
He gestures you to [[give your blood compass]] for him to recharge it.Like the last time, he pricks your thumb and clicks the needle back into the compass. He gives you back your //blood compass//.
"If you don't get your //sword// this time..."
He throws his hands up and raises his eyebrows.
"...I don't even know if it's worth calling you a 'knight.'"
[[leave|intersection 3]]
(set: $compass3 to true)You walk towards the intersection which splits towards multiple destinations.
[[knight's tavern|tavern 3]]
[[armorsmith's shop|armorshop 3]]
[[weapon shop|weaponshop 3]]
[[kingdom walls|kingdom walls 3]]"I'm not helping you until you get that //sword//," the bartender asserts with arms crossed.
[[leave|intersection 3]]You enter the armorshop. The armorsmith hammers on a glowing helmet.
(if: $armorshop3 is false)["Welcome back," she responds.
"Any luck with your //sword of dreams//?"
[[explain|explain to armorsmith]] ](if: $armorshop3 is true)["Hey, uh...I can't give you anything if you don't have that //sword//."
[[leave|intersection 3]] ](if: $weaponshop3 is false)[You enter the weaponshop.
"rrrrrPerfect timing!" the weapons master remarks.
"The //crossbow// is complete and needs someone of your talents to test it."
[[test the weapon]]
[[refuse to test the weapon]]
(if: $lostsword is true)[ [[ask for a new sword]]]](if: $weaponshop3 is true)[You enter the weaponshop. The weapons master reads a large book.
(if: $lostsword is true)[ [[ask for a new sword]]]
(if: $spitfire is false)[ [[test the weapon]]]
[[leave|intersection 3]] ]"Greetings, fellow knight!"
The guards recognize you and shift uncomfortably.
"So...[[inspection|May we 3]]?"You walk back to the kingdom walls, where the guards meet you with confused expressions. They do not ask questions, but they seem to know you did not get your //sword of dreams//, again. Content that you at least have no wounds, they kindly and awkwardly wave to you.
You see the [[knight's tavern|take 2]] ahead of you.You tell her about the goose.
The armorsmith takes off her goggles and squints her eyes, disbelief consuming her face.
"Well, to be honest, I don't see the point in you being a knight if you can't get a //sword// with that [[luck]].""Nothin I can do for you, sorry," she says as her hammer floats back to her hand and returns to hammering.
"Stupid knight," the armorsmith mumbles and puts her goggles back on.
[[leave|intersection 3]]
(set: $armorshop3 to true)The weapons master unhinges the //crossbow// from its clamps and holds it gingerly.
"rrrrI have named it the //spitfire//. It holdsss 20 arrows in this case, fired with the pull of this triggerrr. The string is laced with enchanted silk and powerrrred by cloud magic. rrrrAll it needs now, is a human touch to prove itsss [[potential]].""Pity," the arachnidian says.
"No matter, I will ask someone else. What do you need?"
(if: $lostsword is true)[ [[ask for a new sword]]]
[[on second thought, test the crossbow|test the weapon]]
[[nothing]]"No //cursed blade//?" the weapons master asks.
"How curious..."
He turns around, lifts the trapdoor, and enters the room underneath.
Quickly, he returns with a new [[sword]]."Verrry, well," the weapons master said.
"Then our business is over, for now."
[[leave|intersection 3]]
(set: $weaponshop3 to true)"Do take more care."
The weapons master starts to read a large book.
[[leave|intersection 3]]
(set: $lostsword to false)
(set: $weaponshop3 to true)The weapons master gets out of his seat and takes you outside to the back of the weaponshop, a large field with targets and dummies. Part of this field has a [[range]]."rrrrTry the //spitfire// on the range" he says.
[[fire the spitfire]]You aim the crossbow at an archery target. Upon pulling the trigger, arrows steadily and fiercely whiz precisely towards wherever the //spitfire// was pointed.
The weapons master, though he has no human facial expressions, seems pleased with the performance of his creation.
"rrrNo doubt the Court will approve of this model. I have seen enough."
He hands you [[special pouches]], each with wooden cases of arrows, for your [[webbing]].The pouches of high-quality leather are slightly bigger than those of your [[webbing]]."rrrrrThis //spitfire// is yours. Your test provessss that my sketches are valid, so making anotherrrr will not be difficult. I hope it serrrrves you well."
He scuttles back into his shop. You make a note to give him something in return someday.
[[leave|intersection 3]]
(set: $spitfire to true)
(set: $weaponshop3 to true)The guardman and arachnidian standby and inspect you.
["Another //blood compass//...]
[...armor seems good...]
(if: $spitfire is true)[...now that's a cool crossbow...](if: $spitfire is false)[...not sure if that sword is really helping you...]
(if: $spitfire is true)["Everything checks out! Now, if we can look at your [[compass...]]"](else:)["Well, royal decree won't let you go until you have everything. Maybe next time, fellow knight!"
[[back|intersection 3]]]Steep grey slopes and snowy peaks penetrating the clouds dominate the landscape with bushes spotted throughout. The path, more treacherous than any of the previous trails, forces you to watch your footing. But you do not grow tired; training had served you [[well]].Despite the well-armored gauntlets, your fingers start to feel numb. Thinking of something to fidget with, you remember your [[blood compass|compass 3]].The right way seems to follow this path. And then you feel [[it|exalted beast returns]], again.The shiver. The chills. And this time, slight fear.
[[unsheathe sword]]
[[wield spitfire]](set: $usesword to true)Winds begin to howl. The same black cloud, much closer this time, glares at you with glowing red eyes. It morphs into an enormous black wolf and charges at you, eyes flaming.
[[slice]]
[[dodge]](set: $usespitfire to true)Winds begin to howl. The same black cloud, much closer this time, glares at you with glowing red eyes. It morphs into an enormous black wolf and charges at you, eyes flaming.
[[fire]]
[[dodge]]You fire a few arrows at the wolf's face. Smoke, instead of blood, flows from your hits. The wolf recoils and growls but throws its claws at you.
[[fire|fire 2]]
[[dodge|dodge 2]]You side somersault to the right. The wolf plants its paws into the earth to brake.
(if: $usesword is true)[ [[slice]]](if: $usespitfire is true)[ [[fire]]]You swing your sword at the wolf's face. Smoke, instead of blood, flows from your cut. The wolf recoils and growls but throws its claws at you.
[[parry]]
[[dodge|dodge 2]]You block the wolf's swing. The wolf lunges to bite you.
[[parry|parry 2]]
[[dodge|dodge 3]]You jump to the side and the claws barely miss you. The wolf lunges to bite you.
(if: $usesword is true)[ [[parry|parry 2]]
[[slice|slice 2]]
[[dodge|dodge 3]]](if: $usespitfire is true)[ [[fire|fire 3]]
[[dodge|dodge 4]] ]You swing your sword, again. Smoke releases from the cut, but this time the wolf does not react and bites into your arm.
[[stab]]Though more arrows pierce the wolf's skull, its paw pummels your head, knocking you to the ground. The wolf lunges to bite you.
[[roll]]
[[parry|parry 3]]You jump to the side and the mouth barely misses you.
[[stab]]You grasp the sword by its hilt and blade, forcing the wolf to lock its teeth onto the blade. Smoke spews out of the wolf's mouth, but the wolf continues to resist your block.
[[shake the sword out]]
[[kick]](if: $usesword is true)[You launch your foot into the wolf's belly. The wolf flinches and lets go of your sword.
[[stab]]](if: $usespitfire is true)[You launch your foot into the wolf's belly. The wolf flinches and lets go of the spitfire.
[[unload arrow case]] ]You shake the sword out of its teeth. Even more smoke spews from the wolf's mouth, causing it to flinch.
[[stab]]You pierce the sword into the wolf's neck, smoke ejecting out of the cut. The wolf draws back, limps backwards, and runs away.
[[check blood compass]]You fire the spitfire, again. Smoke releases from the hits, but this time the wolf does not react and bites into your arm.
[[unload arrow case]]You roll to the side, but the wolf's jaws clamp down on your arm.
[[unload arrow case]] Holding the spitfire like a staff, you force the wolf to lock its teeth onto the crossbow itself.
[[shake the spitfire out]]
[[kick]]You jump to the side and the mouth barely misses you.
[[fire]]You fire the remaining 14 arrows into the wolf's chest, smoke ejecting out of every hit. The wolf draws back, limps backwards, and runs away.
[[check blood compass]]You try to shake the spitfire out, but the teeth remains locked on it.
[[kick]]The //blood compass// points towards three large boulders. A faint glow resides behind [[them]].[[claim the sword of dreams|sword of dreams new]]You grasp the hilt of the white and holy blade. Warmth courses through your body and your fingers no longer feel numb.
Complete with your task, you turn around to head [[back|back to the kingdom]].The wolf, weak and losing life, lays whimpering before you.
[[kill it]]
[[spare it]]THE END
[[PLAY AGAIN|start]]
(set: $tavern to false)
(set: $armorshop to false)
(set: $weaponshop to false)
(set: $compass1 to false)
(set: $compass2 to false)
(set: $compass3 to false)
(set: $wall to false)
(set: $crossbow to false)
(set: $begin to false)
(set: $fail1 to false)
(set: $fail2 to false)
(set: $fail3 to false)
(set: $tavern2 to false)
(set: $armorshop2 to false)
(set: $weaponshop2 to false)
(set: $lostsword to false)
(set: $armorshop3 to false)
(set: $weaponshop3 to false)
(set: $spitfire to false)
(set: $usesword to false)
(set: $usespitfire to false)A smile grows across the wolf's face from ear to ear. The red glow in its eyes shine brighter than ever. Something blurs in front of you.
Your forearm falls off, [[blood pouring onto the dirt]].Intense pain pulses through your entire body. You scream in agony as the wolf slowly gets back on its feet, kicks the //sword of dreams// away, and prepares to [[finish you]].Out of nowhere, hundreds of arrows cover the wolf's entire front of its body. The beast shrieks in torment, and limps out of sight.
[[help]]"rrrrrDon't worrry. You're sssafe now."
[[pass out]][[...]]Your eyes slowly open to a ceiling coated with silk. Two people argue to each other in a language you cannot understand.
Except, they are not people. They are [[arachnidians]]."rrrrRest well, knight?" an arachnidian in armor asks.
You notice your arm has stopped bleeding, covered in spider silk mixture.
[[where am I?]]"You occupy one of many chamberrrrsss of the rrrrrevolution."
[[who are you?]]
[[why did you save me?]]
[[revolution?]](set: $whoareyou to true)"I ammm an agent of the crusade. One who ssseeks to take back the land the kingdom had wrongly stolen from us. One who seeks to free our brethren from the chains of the kingdom."
(if: ($whoareyou is true) and ($whysave is true) and ($revolution is true))[ [[what do you want from me?]]](if: $whysave is false)[ [[why did you save me?]]]
(if: $revolution is false)[ [[crusade?|revolution?]]](set: $whysave to true)"rrrrrYou have good heart. Willing to spare a //monster of darkness// is a true act of //honor//. We could not bear to watch you die after such a noble decision."
(if: ($whoareyou is true) and ($whysave is true) and ($revolution is true))[ [[what do you want from me?]]](if: $whoareyou is false)[ [[who are you?]]]
(if: $revolution is false)[ [[what revolution?|revolution?]]](set: $revolution to true)"For centuriesss, humans expanded their rrrreaches into our sacred lands, rrrrrrtheir unsatiable greed for resourcesss taking our homes and our people into their shackles. rrrrrIs it not enough reason to rrrrightfully reclaim what is lost?"
(if: ($whoareyou is true) and ($whysave is true) and ($revolution is true))[ [[what do you want from me?]]](if: $whoareyou is false)[ [[who are you?]]]
(if: $whysave is false)[ [[why did you save me?]]]{
(set: $whoareyou to false)
(set: $whysave to false)
(set: $revolution to false)
(set: $joincause to false)
}"rrrrWe simply ask for your talents, to contribute to our cause. We understand that thisssss may come as a surprise and may feel unfair to be placed in such a position. But should you accept, we will acquaint you with the human ssssympathizers and //welcome you with open arms//, as you humans say it. Should you choose to refuse, rrrrrwe promise to escort you back to your home."
The arachnidian rebel pauses.
"rrrDo you accept?"
[[yes|join the resistance]]
[[no|remain loyal to the kingdom]]"rrrrAre you certain? It is unwissssse to decide too quickly."
[[yes, join the cause|join the cause]]
[[no, defend the kingdom|defend the kingdom]]"rrrrAre you certain? It is unwissssse to decide too quickly."
[[yes, join the cause|join the cause]]
[[no, defend the kingdom|defend the kingdom]](if: $joincause is false)[The arachnidian rebel clicks in delight.
"rrrrVery good! I hope you are pleassssed with this chamber; it is where you will rest. I will acquaint you with an associate-"
She pauses. "-and an arm."
She scuttles away.
]
You can't help but think about the [[weapons master]].
[[look around]]"rrrrVery well. Your loyalty to the kingdom is respectable. [[Follow me]]."Does the weapons master know about the rebellion? What's his opinion on this? Why is he helping the kingdom build "instruments of defense?" Does this mean the kingdom knows about the [[rebellion|join the cause]]?
(set: $joincause to true)The walls have wooden planks reinforced with arachnidian silk. Other than that, the room has everything an everyday villager would need: bed, closet, chest, and lantern.
"Hello, knight."
You turn to meet the [[voice]].Another arachnidian rebel covers your eyes in a wrap of silk. You cannot see nor can you take it off. At the mercy of the arachnidians, you walk around blindfolded and tugged by your arms for a while.
"Take [[one hundred steps]] forward. Then you can take off the blindfold," a human voice orders.As you begin [[walking]], you hear a small discussion behind you, consisting of harsh sounds and whispering.
"No! We cannot kill the knight! That will only make us look like bad guys!" someone whispered, somewhat out loud.
"Yes...we have no choice now but to plan our invasion..."[[...|meet the guards]]"Hang on, fellow knight!" the voice of the guardsman bellows from a distance.
"Just a [[few more steps]]!"You feel a force of suction pull on the blindfold until it comes off.
The guardsman and arachnidian guard stand stand in front of you.
"[[Are you hurt?]]"The guardsman cautiously pats around your body, then looks at your arm.
"What happened to you? Why is your cast made of spider silk?"
[[go home]]
(set: $fail3 to true)
(set: $begin to true)You see your [[cabin|cabin 3]] ahead of you.[[eat|eat 3]]
[[sleep|sleep 3]]You head to the basement and pull out bread and ham. Your teeth ground up the doughy bread and savory ham.
[[go to the knight's tavern|take 3]]
[[sleep|sleep 3]]You undress and sink into your covers. The cushion of your pillow and the embrace of your blanket weaken your muscles and your eyelids become [[heavy|start]].You tell him about the //exalted beast// and the arachnidian rebels. His eyes widen as you tell your story.
"Damn, that's quite the [[experience]]...""Well, at this rate, I would not try to get another //sword of dreams//. Actually, I don't think you can...
Who was your mentor, again? Sir Caveyner? You might want to [[visit him]], 'cause I'm not sure what to do with you, now."You nod and turn to open the door.
"Fellow knight?"
You turn back to him. The bartender twiddles with his thumbs.
"Sorry for my rudeness earlier...and uh...maybe see if the armorsmith can help you with that arm."
[[leave|intersection 4]]You walk towards the intersection which splits towards multiple destinations.
[[knight's tavern|tavern 4]]
[[armorsmith's shop|armorshop 4]]
[[weapon shop|weaponshop 4]]
[[sentunoan academy]]
[[library]]
[[kingdom walls|kingdom walls 4]]The bartender looks up to you, gives a faint smile and doesn't say anything. He continues wiping the counter.
[[leave|intersection 4]](if: $armorshop4 is false)[You enter the armorshop. The armorsmith snores on her chair.
[[knock]]
[[leave|intersection 4]]](if: $armorshop4 is true)[You enter the armorshop. You cannot find the armorsmith.
[[leave|intersection 4]]]You cannot find the weapons master.
[[leave|intersection 4]]The guards gesture you to go away.
[[leave|intersection 4]](set: $armorshop4 to true)Your knuckles rap on the counter, causing the armorsmith to lazily wake up and rub her eyes.
"Oh, it's you," she continues rubbing her eyes, until she sees your arm.
"Holy crap! What kind of fight did you get into?"
[[explain|explain to armorsmith 2]]{
(set: $tavern4 to false)
(set: $armorshop4 to false)
(set: $weaponshop4 to false)
(set: $academy to false)
(set: $library to false)
}You tell the armorsmith about the //exalted beast// and arachnidian rebels.
"Golly, I can't believe went through that," the armorsmith remarks.
"[[As for the arm...]]"The armorsmith ventures into the room behind the counter, again. After a while longer than usual, she returns.
"Unfortunately, I'm out of stock on replacement limbs. I'll send you a letter if I get one."
[[leave|intersection 4]]
(set: $armorshop4 to true)The door opens between you and a tall middle-aged man covered in medals: Sir Draxis Caveyner.
"What a welcome surprise!" the knight says.
You shake hands.
"Do come [[in]]!"Both of you sit across his desk.
"So what news do you bring me, hm?"
[[I never got my sword of dreams]]
[[I met the arachnidian resistance]]Sir Caveyner looks at you with pity.
"After all those years of training?" He looks to the left wall, plastered in awards and medals.
"That is most unfortunate...I take it you've come here for [[counsel]]?"His expression darkens and he leans in closer.
"What happened while you were with them?"
[[explain|explain to sir dc]]Caveyner scratches his chin.
"Frankly, I am a tad bit disappointed, but I'm glad that you are alright."
He smiles for a moment, before slightly lowering his face.
"I know some who've had it [[worse...]]"You expected him to react in a sour manner, like the bartender did. His composure was something you would expect from such a highly decorated knight.
The senior knight seems to read your thoughts and smiles.
"I have no reason to punish you. Perhaps, you made the [[right decisions]]."Caveyner stands up to look out the window.
"I have always wondered what my life would be like had I not spent years becoming a knight. Is it even worth getting the //sword//? We have tamed the arachnidians. No //exalted beast// climbs the walls to wreak havoc anymore. Without the quest to get this-"
He partially unsheathes his //sword// from the scabbard on his hip, white light pulsing with holy energy from the exposed blade.
"-would I have truly [[lived]]?"He turns to meet your eyes.
"I have spent 45 years preparing for a war that never came. A part of me wonders whether I have wasted 45 years of my life. Surely, there is [[more|means-]] out there than just training..."
He pauses.
"Perhaps you have realized that," he says, following a grin.You tell him about their hospitality and request to join their cause.
Cayvener frowns and rests his fist on his mouth.
"Those savages..."
[[savages?]]Caveyner's expression turns incredibly dark which sends chills down your spine.
"Those //spiders// killed everyone in my family. I care not for the lives of untamed arachnidians, for they do not care about my life."
He pauses, and horror twists his expression.
"If they let you go, that [[means-]]"An explosion erupts from a distance, flinging stone, wooden pieces, and fire into the sky. Caveyner quickly turns his attention to the glowing window. A part of the kingdom wall has been struck.
"[[They're here.]]"TO BE CONTINUEDA woman in armor holds a metal arm. She wraps its leather straps around your partial arm. You guess that the metal arm has some form of cloud magic.
The woman opens her palms and faces them to your metal arm. A faint glow surrounds your new arm. You try to [[move]] it.You bend your new forearm and fingers. This variant of cloud magic fascinates you, almost reminds you of the //spitfire// rechambering mechanism.
The woman leaves. Perhaps making new friends will have to wait.
[[eat|eat 4]]
[[sleep|sleep 4]]You open the chest and pull out bread and ham. Your teeth ground up the doughy bread and savory ham.
[[sleep|sleep 4]]You undress and sink into your new covers. The cushion of your pillow and the embrace of your blanket weaken your muscles and your eyelids become [[heavy|start 2]].Sunlight fills the room through a circular window near the ceiling. Leaves rustle outside of the room. Relaxed in the embrace of your bed, you sleepily open your eyes and sit up. You realize you miss the tea kettle and mug waiting for you.
[[put on armor|put on armor 2]]The metal plates clatter quietly as you dress into the armor and webbing.
[[leave the room|underground intersection]]Smaller than the intersection you are used to, the large tunnels lead to multiple destinations of their own.
[[armory]]
[[library|library 2]]
[[community chamber]]You enter the armory. An arachnidian armory master tinkers with an armor set (not for a human).
The armory master glances at you then back to the armor.
"Sssorry, human armorrr out of stock, right now."
[[leave|underground intersection]] You enter a chamber filled with shelves and happen upon translated books.
[[cursed blade|sword 2]]
[[cloud magic|cloud 2]]
[[monsters of darkness|beast 2]]
[[the arachnidians|arachnidians 2]]
[[leave|underground intersection]] You enter a chamber as large as a human arena. Hundreds of arachnidians sit and listen to a speaker. You notice a handful of people listening as well.
Unfortunately, all you can make out are [[harsh noises and clicks]].
[[leave|underground intersection]]You open the book. It is not translated.
"Resembling man-sized spiders, arachnidians are sentient organisms, native to this realm. Archaeological studies suggest that they have lived here for thousands of years. Their adaptability can be attributed to their high intelligence, comparable to that of a human. Through manipulation of pedipalps, teeth, and chelicerae, arachnidians can achieve speech."
[[turn page|arachnidians 2 page 2]]You open the book. It is translated.
"All would-be-knights train for their entire youth to search for their //cursed blade//, a weapon of inconceivable power. Such weapons only appear outside of the kingdom's walls and no swordsmith has been able to replicate their power. Legends say that when knights die their souls take the form of these noble instruments. Without them, knights cannot defeat //monsters of darkness// nor can they achieve true happiness."
[[turn page|sword 2 page 2]]You open the book. It is not translated.
"Powered using amethyst crystals and mage spells, cloud magic is an object-manipulation tool used for hands-free application on simple tasks. The discovery of amethyst deposits encouraged the kingdom to expand its territories in order to directly obtain this resource. With the help of mage spells, such sorcery enables a broad variety of activities (ie. tea brewing, heavy-lifting, rechambering weapons, etc)."
[[turn page|cloud 2 page 2]]You open the book. It is translated.
"Not much is known about //monsters of darkness//, or //exalted beasts// as the humans say, due to the their savage dispositions towards all species, particularly humans. We do not know what they eat or why they are so hostile. What we do know is that such foul creatures, smokelike clouds with glowing red eyes in their natural form, seem to possess the ability to shapeshift to any terrestrial organism, but only for one day at a time."
[[turn page|beast 2 page 2]]"The reign of the kingdom owes its existence to the knights who wielded these //instruments//. They have protected villagers from foreign threats and ensured centuries of peace by force since the Battle at the First Academy.
[[turn page|sword 2 page 3]]"No knight has failed more than three attempts to obtain the //cursed blade//, for the //weapon//, at this point, joins the heavens to await a more suitable bearer. It is of utmost importance that all knights wield their //cursed blade// to deter enemies of the kingdom and maintain order among the villages."
[[close book|library 2]]"After the Battle at the First Academy, the kingdom found amethyst deposits in the caves the //exalted beasts// once occupied. Eager to directly own these deposits and produce more cloud magic items, the Court ordered the expansion of territory, much to the dismay of many arachnidians. The Court had already broken a treaty promise not to exert influence into arachnidian homes that were already there. Knights wielding the //sword of dreams//, a symbol of justice, were ordered to purge arachnidians who challenged the expansion.
[[turn page|arachnidians 2 page 3]]This page is partially torn.
"...Royal decree would deny the Right to farm, the Right to petition, and the Right to become capital residents for all arachnidians after the fateful incident."
[[close book|library 2]]"Arachnidians are also aware of the benefits of cloud magic and have been able to produce such spells limited to them. This incentivized the kingdom to integrate many arachnidians during its development stage, owing its construction to the coexistence and cooperation between arachnidians and humans."
[[turn page|cloud 2 page 3]]"New cloud magic spells are being discovered each year. The possibilities are seemingly endless."
[[close book|library 2]]"The only means of truly killing a //monster of darkness// is by using a //cursed blade//. In the event that this happens, the //beast// will appear to swell and burst into a burning, tar-like ooze. It is unclear if these //creatures// understand their vulnerability to //cursed blades//; none have directly attacked the kingdom since the Battle at the First Academy. Although reports of //monsters of darkness// following new knights are common, instances of such beasts preventing new knights from obtaining their //blades// are extremely *rare."
[[turn page|beast 2 page 3]]"*the studies cannot account for the number of reports not received by the court and the recorded instances of //monsters of darkness// killing new knights may be underestimated"
[[close book|library 2]][[More harsh noises and clicks.]][[And more clicks and harsh noises.]][[There's a bit of hissing now.]]All of the arachnidians disperse and climb into the various tunnels surrounding the community chamber. You stop one of the people to [[ask what's going on.]]"We attack tomorrow at dawn," the dull man replied.
[[go back to your chamber]][[16 HOURS LATER]][[...|...2]]It's dark outside, even darker in the shade you lurk. The sun is just beginning to break the sky, but there is still enough darkness to conceal the assault force. Your fingers feel slightly numb from the chill of dawn.
You are organized with the other human fighters before the attack. You look around you.
Hundreds, if not thousands, of arachnidian warriors stand by, ready for the moment to [[strike]].You are in charge of the strike. A horn in one hand and the spitfire in the other you decide when to commence the assault on the kingdom.
[[attack]]
[[look at your comrades]]You blow the horn.
A great fireball hurls into the sky, illuminating the darkness before detonating on one of the walls, flinging stone, wood, and fire to the [[stars]].The other human fighters meet your eyes and nod in approval.
The arachnidians meet yours in anticipation of the horn.
[[attack]]TO BE CONTINUED