Gambling with Fate

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As the riddle ends and the elder reviews the poet's scripts, Carlisle annouces the winner of the riddle off. <<if $right is 2>> "The Barrow's and company" Securing the win for the first round gives you hope that you will be able to succeed in the tournament [[CARDS]] <<set $win to 1>> <</if>> <<if $right is 1>> "The children" Losing the first round has you a little worried, but since there are two other contests, you still have some hope [[CARDS]] <<set $win to 0>> <</if>>

As the riddle ends and the elder reviews the poet's scripts, Carlisle annouces the winner of the riddle off <<if $right is 2>> "The Barrow's and company" Securing the win for the first round gives you hope that you will be able to succeed in the tournament [[CARDS]] <<set $win to 1>> <</if>> <<if $right is 1>> "The children" Losing the first round has you a little worried, but since there are two other contests, you still have some hope [[CARDS]] <<set $win to 0>> <</if>>

"And then the strength of the skies bears me wide over the people. My bangles then" [["Loudly jangle, jingling---brightly singing"]] or [["Quietly rest, clinking---dimly weeping"]] <<set $right to 0>> <<set $wrong to true>>

"When I am not resting upon the flood or the fold---" [["A easing familiar"]] or [["A faring stranger"]] <<if $wrong is false>><<set $right to 2>> <</if>> <<if $wrong is true>><<set $right to 1>> <</if>> <<set $wrong to false>>

"When I am not resting upon the flood or the fold---" [["A easing familiar"]] or [["A faring stranger"]] <<if $wrong is false>><<set $right to 1>> <</if>> <<if $wrong is true>><<set $right to 0>> <</if>> <<set $wrong to true>>

<<if $win is 1>>The elder presents a card game by the name of Cribbidge, explaining that you will be the dealer to set out five cards for yourself and five cards for the siblings In doing so, the cards are <<if $churchmorale is true>>[[...In Your Favor]] <</if>> <<if $churchmorale is false>>[[...Not In Your Favor]] <</if>> <</if>><<if $win is 0>>The elder presents a card game by the name of Cribbidge, explaining that the you and children will be the dealer to set out five cards for yourself and five cards for the siblings In doing so, the cards are <<if $churchmorale is true>>[[...In Your Favor]] <</if>> <<if $churchmorale is false>>[[...Not In Your Favor]] <</if>> <</if>>

For the final contest in the tournament, the elder presents a dice game called Passage that is to be played with three dice You and the children are given a set of three and the siblings are given a set of three, all are instructed to roll the dice <<if $cool is true>>You roll doublets of five, amounting to ten exactly and you passeth, however, the siblings roll doublets of six also allowing them to passeth [[--Next Roll--]]<</if>><<if $cool is false>>You roll doublets of three, amounting to six and you loseth. Luckily the siblings also roll a loseth turn with doublets of four [[__Next Roll__]] <</if>>

<<if $win is 1>> In receiving your first loss, you feel less prepared for the next task at hand but still feel determined to secure the tournament's end [[--DICE--]] <</if>><<if $win is 0>>After losing two of the challenges, you feel extremely unprepared and worried about your fate, steeling yourself for whatever task follows cards In your preparations, you barely register the announcement where Carlisle says "The siblings have won! Congratulations!" [[--LOSE TOURNAMENT--]]<</if>>

Once the game of Passage concludes, you realize that with only one win, you have lost the tournament And to confirm this fact, Carlisle speaks "The Barrow's have won! Congratulations!" [[--LOSE TOURNAMENT--]]

Unfortunately you have lost the tournament, now you and the children have been cast out of the town. Banished. Which also means you have lost the game. However, in future releases you will be able to continue your journey to reestablish yourself and enlighten the town.

Winning the previous round, you are able to deal another four cards for yourself with the children and four cards for the siblings, placing them face down again When it is time to flip each of the cards over and <<if $churchmorale is true>>you have a double Pair-Royal. This means your turn had amounted to twelve points while the siblings' hand had only amounted to eight points [[--WIN CARDS--]] <</if>> <<if $churchmorale is false>>you have a Sequence of Five and a Pair. This means your turn had amounted to seven points while the siblings' hand had amounted to eight points [[\Next Hand\]] <</if>>

With no clear winner at the end of the first round, the elder has you with the children roll again as the siblings do the same <<if $cool is true>>You roll doublets of six, amounting to twelve and you passeth. On the other hand, the siblings roll doublets of two causing them to loseth [[--WIN DICE--]] <</if>><<if $cool is false>>You roll doublets of five, amounting to ten exactly and you passeth, however, the siblings roll doublets of six also allowing them to passeth [[\Next Roll\]] <</if>>

"My clothing quiet when I tread the earth, or inhabit my lair, or rile the waters." [[Eventimes they leave me under animal fleetings, this absence of yours and the low seas--]] or [[Sometimes they heave me over human dwellings, this tackle of mine and the high breeze--]]

Dawn breaks on the new day, signaling that it is indeed tomorrow and you are excited yet pensive about the events that are to come You have not been involved in a tournament before and considering your opponent will be the magical siblings, you are a little concerned about facing them As you walk to the town square, the children look joyous, causing some of your tension to subside. You wonder if they are the slightest bit worried about facing their former brethren but you do not want to bring that thought to their forefront While walking with Loca, you are instructed to follow the children as they emerge from various places throughout the town. This has you questioning whether they are trying to psyche the competition or if they that is what they normally do. You choose to... [[Ask Loca]] or [[Get On With the Games.]]

<<if $win is 1>>set $win to 2>> After winning two of the challenges, you feel prepared for whatever is next, focusing yourself on what task follows cards In your preparations, you barely register the announcement where Carlisle says "The children and company have won. Congratulations." [[--WIN TOURNAMENT--]]<</if>><<if $win is 0>>set $win to 1>> In receiving the first win, you feel more prepared for the next task at hand but put in a bit more focus to secure the tournament's end [[--DICE--]]<</if>>

After winning two of the challenges, you realize that you have just won the tournament Excited and fully aware when the announecement is revealed and Carlisle says "The children and company have won. Congratulations." [[--WIN TOURNAMENT--]]

CONGRATULATIONS ON WINNING THE TOURNAMENT YOU HAVE ALSO WON THE GAME YOU ARE NOW CROWNED GOBLIN KING

With the cards in your favor, you are able to deal another four cards for yourself with the children and four cards for the siblings. This time the cards are not to be looked at, but placed face down When it is time to flip each of the cards over and <<if $churchmorale is true>>you have a Pair-Royal and a Pair. This means your turn had amounted to eight points while the siblings' hand had only amounted to four points [[--Next Hand--]] <</if>> <<if $churchmorale is false>>you have two Pairs. This means your turn had amounted to four points while the sibilings' hand had amounted to eight points [[__Next Hand__]] <</if>>

With the cards in not your favor, the siblings deal another four cards for yourself with the children and four cards for themselves. This time the cards are not to be looked at, but placed face down When it is time to flip each of the cards over and <<if $churchmorale is true>>you have a Pair-Royal and a Pair. This means your turn had amounted to eight points while the childrens' hand had only amounted to four points [[--Next Hand--]] <</if>><<if $churchmorale is false>>you have two Pairs. This means your turn had amounted to four points while the childrens' hand had amounted to eight points [[__Next Hand__]] <</if>>

Before stepping away, the physican explains that another attendee had personally witnessed the encounter and when they return the attendee introduces themselves as they prepare to relay the account Now alone with the single attendee and physician, they report your arrival and describe the gruesome sight of your form being carried into the church. Their tale includes three passerby who discovered your body, mostly believing you were dead with the extent of your injuries and your unconscious state With this disturbing yet intriguing information, you choose to...[[Ask About the Passerby.]]

Despite the eagerness in your request, the physician advises that you should stay and recover as head injuries are much more severe than they let on The prescribed time for your recuperation is two days to ensure that you are fully healed and are prepared for your continued journey While listening to the medicinal counsel you cannot help but feel a longing towards your impending departure, and begin to mull over your options. On one hand, waiting two days would solidify peak working capacity. However, in waiting the two days you may lose out on precious time within your journey. You choose to... <<if $BuildRapport is true>>[[Wait the Two Days]]<<elseif $BuildRapport is false>>[[Wait the Two Days]] or [[Insist on Leaving]]<</if>>

Walking towards the path, you keep your eyes shielded until you reach the forest coverage that blocks out the harsh rays of the sun Continuing down the cobblestone path, your body begins to feel sluggish and the pounding beneath your crown does nothing to improve your ambulatory concentration Pushing through a sudden wave exhaustion, you are able to travel a little ways down the path before stars dance at the corners of your vision. You pause, slowly losing sight of the pavement and your body feels cold and light as the ground approaches at a snail's pace <<>>[[CONTINUE]] <<>>[[.CONTINUE.]]<<>> <<set $Join to false>>

As you open the doors, you are immediately met with the blinding and triggering brightness of the sun, forcing you to stumble backward briefly. Looking back towards the room, you notice that the attendees are no longer worried about bringing you back inside Shielding your eyes from the sun, hoping to lessen its effects on your headache, you squint at your surroundings and notice you are encompassed by a sparse forest with a paved but narrow pathway splitting its greenery Making out these details, you surmise that the path is promising of civilization beyond while the forest enclosing it piques your curiousity. You choose to..[[.Follow the Path]] or [[Explore the Forest.]] <<set $Pitfall to false>> <<set $Left to true>>

With this new knowledge of the brothers, your trust in them is reestablished and you feel more comfortable being in their presence <<if $gender is "Maiden">>Amongst this semblance of familiarity, there is another emotion lying beneath. One that you have not considered to have on your journey for two men, let alone one Pushing aside these budding feelings, you are still confused as to why they needed you in the first place and you voice that thought <<elseif $gender is "Mister">>However, you are still confused as to why they needed you in the first place and you voice that thought<</if>> Despite being the youngest, IsaBella seems to have the answers you seek and explains that the trio wanted to connect with you and request your aid in taking down the faction of children You are perplexed by this ask, wondering why taking the children down is the only option. You choose to... [[Voice Concerns]] or [[Offer Alternative]]

Taking a moment to compose yourself and summon the strength to produce words, you speak slowly "Children, do you have the slightest idea as to how I ended here?" When you finish speaking, the children burst into laughter as if you had told them the funniest joke in the world. However, one of them steps closer to you, looking no older than twelve and responds playfully "We are the ones who strung you about... why who would be so gullible as to sleep in a forest" Off-put and moderately insulted by their jovial admission, you choose to... [[Ask to Get Down]] or [[Try to Get Down]] <<set $.Talk to true>>

Ignoring the warning flags in your clouded mind, you listen to the physician's advice and decide to stay the two days required for complete recovery While in this bed-ridden state, you start to wonder how you will spend your two days now that you are awake and aware. As you contemplate this thought, the attendees disperse and the physician begins to annouce their leave and you choose to... [[Build Rapport]] or [[Rest.]]

Losing the previous round, the children deal another four cards for yourself with the siblings and four cards for themselves, placing them face down for the final time When it is time to flip each of the cards over and <<if $churchmorale is true>>you have a Sequences of Five. This means your turn had amounted to five points while the childrens' hand had only amounted to four points [[WIN CARDS]] <<elseif $churchmorale is false>>you have a Pair-Royal and a Knave Knoddy. This means your turn had amounted to seven points while the childrens' hand had amounted to fourteen points [[LOSE CARDS]]<</if>> <<if $win is 1>>set $win to 2 <<elseif $win is 0>>set $win to 1<</if>>

At the end of the second round, the winner is still undecided and the elder has you with the siblings roll for the final time as the children do the same <<if $cool is true>>You roll doublets of six, amounting to twelve and you passeth. On the other hand, the children roll doublets of two causing them to loseth [[WIN DICE]] <</if>> <<if $cool is false>>You roll doublets of four, amounting to only eight and you loseth, however, the children roll doublets of five allowing them to passeth [[LOSE DICE]] <</if>>

As the riddle ends and the elder reviews the poet's scripts, Carlisle annouces the winner of the riddle off <<if $right gt 1>> "The children and company" Securing the win for the first round gives you hope that you will be able to succeed in the tournament [[--CARDS--]] <<set $win to 1>> <</if>> <<if $right lt 2>> "The Barrow's" Losing the first round has you a little worried, but since there are two other contests, you still have some hope [[--CARDS--]] <<set $win to 0>> <</if>>

Seeming pleased with your answer, the attendee acknowledges your acceptance and ventures to the back of the church before returning with a small vial and a equally small pouch "In the stead of your state, the head physician suggests that you take one vial now and the other from this pouch tomorrow morning. Follow these instructions and you should revert to your former working order with minimal discomfort. I wish you well on your journey and I hope you find what you are searching for" After taking the first vial, you tie the pouch to your <<if $gender is "Maiden">>skirts <<elseif $gender is "Mister">>trousers<</if>> and bid the attendee good day, from there you choose to... [[Leave]] <<set $medicine to true>>

"Fine?... I suppose" You are in fact not fine due to the injuries sustained during your journey to wherever you are at the moment. However, your pain and discomfort is largely outweighed by your uncertainty of the situation "Who are you... three?" Discerning that there are three people in the room, you seek their identity in hopes of learning more and the quiet voice speaks up in an introduction "Greetings, I am IsaBella, that one is Leo, and the other is Kellan—my brethren! We did rescue thee from the hilltop and brought you to the church and now we have rescued thee once again!" Stunned by the energy of the IsaBella child, you choose to... [[Introduce Yourself]] or [[Look to the Brothers]]

Seeming reluctant to divulge this information, Kellan remains silent while Leo speaks up "I suppose that means I should follow... I alter sound by way of illusion. This gift is used to influence the mindset of others, take for example, imitating the sound of the ocean to bring about serenity within an individual" Hearing the explanation of Leo's abilities makes you eager to know what Kellan's might be, however, his hesitance in relaying the extent of his magical nature brings about feelings of concern. You choose to... [[Ask Kellan]] or <<if $Follow is true>>[[Move On.]] <<elseif $Follow is false>> [[Move On]]<</if>> <<set $Powers to true>>

The attendee recounts your arrival, describing the gruesome sight of your form being carried into the church. Their tale includes three passerby who discovered your body, mostly believing you were dead with the extent of your injuries and your unconscious state Fortunately for you, the attendee speaking had personally witnessed the encounter and assisted in addressing your wounds. You choose to... [[Ask About Injuries]] or [[Ask About the Passerby]]

The physican steps back to introduce one of the attendees as they personally witnessed the encounter, motioning for the rest of the attendees to resume their duties <<if $gender is "Maiden">>Now alone with the single attendee and physician, they recount your arrival and describe the gruesome sight of your form being carried into the church. You immediately become entranced by their tale, whether that be from the manner of their speech or their appearance, only gathering that three passerby discovered your body Refocusing your mind to the topic at hand, you choose to... [[Ask About the Passerby]]<<elseif $gender is "Mister">>Now alone with the single attendee and physician, they recount your arrival and describe the gruesome sight of your form being carried into the church. Their tale includes the three passerby who discovered your body, mostly believing you were dead with the extent of your injuries and your unconscious state During the retelling, you can't help but frequently glance at the physician while absorbing this new and intriguing information and you choose to... [[Ask About the Passerby.]] <</if>>

"Thou was delivered unto us covered in blood, most of which we found was not yours as thy flesh bore no cleaving wounds to speak thereof. However, beneath that crimson veil your body was battered, covered with bruises betwixt the hues of red and purple so you had not gone long before help arrived" The attendee continues to detail your condition, providing more explanation as to why your memory is impaired. You choose to... [[Ask About Location]] or [[Ask to Leave]] <<set $Injuries to true>>

At your request, the head physician continues to speak "Upon your arrival, our examination revealed the emergence of several bruises and your unconciousness sustained for three days, highly indicative of a severe head injury" From that succinct description, you speculate that the physician is withholding information, which justifies your previous wariness. Unable to pinpoint what they are withholding, you feel conflicted by the possibilities. You choose to... [[Inquire Further]] or [[Ask to Leave,]] <<set $Push to false>>

"You were delivered to us covered in blood, most of which we found was not yours as there were not any lacerations indicating so. Beneath the blood, your body was battered and covered with bruises betwixt the hues of red and purple, therefore you had not gone long before help arrived" With the attendee detailing the extent of your injuries, you are provided a better explanation as to why your memory is impaired. Although your state of health elicits many concerns, you are still interested in the travelers that brought you here and the information they may have. You choose to... [[Ask to Leave]]

Considering your condition, the attendee thoroughly relays your whereabouts, stating that you are being housed in a church where many townsfolk are also aided due to a series of accidents befalling their town You feel conflicted with this news, deciding whether you want to find out what is going on within the town or leave the church to see for yourself. You choose to... [[Ask About the Accidents]] or [[Ask to Leave]]

As much as learning about their magical abilities is new and exciting, your original goal of finding out how you were injured and why you are here in the first place takes precedence Voicing your curiousities, you ask the siblings about your state when they rescued you and if IsaBella's vision had any further details that might help your understanding Hearing your astonished puzzlement, it is actually Kellan that speaks up to tell you about the rescue "We are not aware of how you were attacked but we can provide the who... they are a rogue sector of children in town. They do not participate in normal mischief, opting to resort to more violent and morbid means" "Do you not wish to provide more Kellan?" Intrigued by IsaBella's addition to Kellan's statement, you choose to... [[Listen to Kellan]] or [[Ask About the Children]]

<<if $Kellan is false>>Wanting to collect all facets of the truth and understand why the twins had an affilliation with the children, you ask them about their past At your request, Leo details the adventures he and his brother had with the children, weaving in their flagrant abuse of power to enhance the so-called pranks. However, he assures you that they had left those wrongdoings for seven years now as they turned over a new leaf from the time their sister was born, further providing that they did not want to bring her into the cruelty of the shenanigans<<elseif $Kellan is true>>Wanting to collect all facets of the truth and understand why the twins had an affilliation with the children, you ask them about their past At your request, Leo takes over for Kellan, detailing the adventures he and his brother had with the children. Weaving in their blatant abuse of power to enhance the so-called pranks. However, you are assured that they had left those wrongdoings for seven years now as they turned over a new leaf from the time their sister was born, further providing that they did not want to bring her into the cruelty of the shenanigans<</if>> <<if $gender is "Maiden">>Listening to Leo's tale, you develop a new appreciation for the brothers, a slight feeling of worriment overcoming you and you choose to..[[.Move On]]<<elseif $gender is "Mister">>Listening to Leo's tale you begin to appreciate where the brothers are coming from and you choose to..[[.Move On]] <</if>>

"Oh it's terrible... small fires have broken out, townsfolk have been strung up by their feet, and there are mutiple counts of those subjected to pitfalls. Many of the victims are also stricken with the strangest of delusions... they believe children were the cause of these mishaps, ridiculous isn't it?" While listening to the descriptions, your desire to find out more supercedes your concern for your health. You choose to... [[Ask to Leave]] <<set $Accidents to true>>

Seeming to pick up his twin's aversion to the conversation, Leo continues the explanation with a less enthusiastic tone "This group of children started out as a simple gathering, where harmless pranks were conducted and as time followed the course of years, these pranks became more elaborate and dangerous to others... we are privy to this information because we were affiliated with them" At this admission, you are equal parts shocked and wary, not sure if you should continue to trust them or at least stay to hear them out. You choose to...[[Ask About Their Past]] or [[Leave Them]] <<set $Kellan to false>>

"They were a youthful company of three: two being brothers alike in age and with them a young maiden. An unusual bunch they were, carrying you in a covered cart with no handles... but with the amount of injured housed here, curiousity is the least of our concerns" Having been intrigued by the attendees story, it becomes abundantly clear that you should find the travelers in hopes they can reveal more about your situation and further help regain the lost pieces of your memory. However, the extent of your injuries is also a pressing topic as the soreness and aches are plaguing your mind. You choose to... [[Ask to Leave]] or [[Ask About Injuries.]] <<set $Passerby to true>>

"They were a youthful company of three: two being brothers alike in age and with them a young maiden. An unusual bunch they were, carrying you in a covered cart with no handles... but with the amount of injured housed here, oddities are the least of our concerns" <<if $BuildRapport is true>> <<if $gender is "Maiden">> As you listen to the attendee, you are not sure if the content of their tale or the manner in which they speak fascinates you most but you now have a goal in mind. That being to find the travelers in hopes of revealing more about your story and further be the start of regaining your memory However the bodyaches and residual pounding within your skull are a constant reminder of your battered physical state and you choose to..[[.Rest]] or [[Talk with Attendee]]<<elseif $gender is "Mister">>Fascinated by the attendee's story, your newest goal is to find these travelers in hopes they can reveal more about your situation and further be the the start of regaining your memory However the bodyaches and residual pounding within your skull, are a constant reminder of your physical state and you choose to..[[.Rest]] or [[Talk with Physician]] <</if>> <</if>><<if $BuildRapport is false>>Fascinated by the attendee's story, your newest goal is to find these travelers in hopes they can reveal more about your situation and further be the the start of regaining your memory. However the bodyaches and residual pounding within your skull, are a constant reminder of your physical state and you choose to...[[Ask to Leave]] <</if>> <<set $flirtA to false>> <<set $flirtB to false>>

Something about Kellan's demeanor incites a cynical feeling and you continue your line of questioning to gain the details of how and why they rescued you Instead of Kellan replying to your inquisitions, IsaBella picks up the conversation and explains that she saw you coming before both rescues and that's how her brothers were able to save you Absolutely flabbergasted by the concept of her seeing your actions before they happened, you choose to... [[Continue Listening]] or [[Ask Her Brothers]]

Visibly shocked, you turn to Leo and Kellan to ask about your area of confusion "What is intended by her speech?" Leo responds in a slightly enthusiastic but short manner, "Foresight" "Would you care to elaborate?" "She has glimpses of what is yet to come, the future" Although his answer does explain what she can do, you are still confused as to how she came into this ability. You choose to... [[Inquire About Their Background]]

"And what of you, what gift have you been bestowed?" He looks as if he is debating on answering the question but ultimately decides to speak "I alter sight by way of illusion. Much akin to Leo, my abilities change the mindset of individuals, on another hand, they are used to deceive... I suppose by way of fate or destiny, we were granted these 'gifts' as if they were two sides of a coin" As you continue to listen to Kellan, you are in awe of each of their abilities and your mind begins to race with the possibilities of what they could do. However, the tone of his voice concerns you, as if there were some hidden bleakness behind his reluctance. You choose to... [[Ask About Their Past]] <<set $Kellan to true>>

"Loca, what is meant by this dispersed formation?" "It is simply fun... we only wish to have fun" The honest and almost solemn answer makes something click, that truly is it. These children have only ever wanted to enjoy life and spread their cheer to others, they just don't know how to anymore Your realization propels you forward with new vigor as you participate in the formation, preparing to... [[Get On With the Games.]]

Upon asking for their help, the two men reach down in the pit to pull you out. The task showing no signs of being a struggle as you are quickly deposited on the forest floor As you take a moment to stand up and gather your bearings, <<if $Passerby is true>>you recognize this group as the ones who delivered you to the church, remembering the description of the passerby from the attendee Gathering your limited predispositions on these individuals, you choose to... [[Thank Them]] or [[Question Them.]]<<elseif $Passerby is false>> you are unsure whether you should speak to them, as they they are just travelers who happened to answer your call. You choose to... [[Thank Them]] or [[Question Them.]]<</if>>

Unfazed by the abruptness of your question, the attendee responds with a question of their own "Is there anything in particular you wish to know?" Taking a moment to ponder, you reply with "I'm not entirely sure. What have you not provided that would be deemed important?" <<if $Passerby is true>>Considering your condition, the attendee meticulously relays your whereabouts as a church where many townsfolk are being aided due to a series of accidents befalling the town "And these accidents are horrible...small fires have broken out, villagers have been strung up by their feet and there are mutiple counts of those subjected to pitfalls. Many of the victims are also stricken with the strangest of delusions... they believe children were the cause of these mishaps, ridiculous isn't it?" <</if>> <<if $Injuries is true>>The attendee recounts your arrival, describing the gruesome sight of your form being carried into the church. Their tale includes three passerby who discovered your body, mostly believing you were dead with the extent of your injuries and your unconscious state "They were a youthful company of three: two being brothers alike in age and with them a young maiden. An unusual bunch they were, carrying you in a covered cart with no handles... but with the amount of injured housed here, curiousity is the least of our concerns"<<set $Passerby to true>> <</if>> <<if $BuildRapport is true>>Considering your condition, the attendee meticulously relays your whereabouts as a church where many townsfolk are being aided due to a series of accidents befalling the town "And these accidents are horrible...small fires have broken out, villagers have been strung up by their feet and there are mutiple counts of those subjected to pitfalls. Many of the victims are also stricken with the strangest of delusions... they believe children were the cause of these mishaps, ridiculous isn't it?" <</if>> After listening to the attendee fill you in on the information you were missing, you feel well prepared to face what lies ahead after your needed rest. You choose to..[[.Rest]] <<if $gender is "Maiden">> or [[Talk with Attendee]] <</if>> <<set $flirtA to false>> <<set $flirtB to false>>

"Children, what is the meaning of your formation? Do you live nearby?" "What does the answer provide for you?" <<if $Loca is true>>The snarky comment had sounded from the tallest of the bunch which you recognize as Loca, bolstering your resolve to help the siblings in this tournament and hopefully save the town from the children's chaos. You choose to... [[Get On With the Games]] <<elseif $Loca is false>>The snarky comment had sounded from the tallest of the bunch but you do not recognize the child. This only bolsters your resolve to help the siblings in this tournament and hopefully save the town from the children's chaos. You choose to... [[Get On With the Games]] <</if>>

<<if $cool is true>>"Of course" The one named Loca, instructs a few other children to untie the rope at the base of the tree and you are slowly lowered to the forest floor Once you are grounded, two of the children undo the binds on your hands and feet. Now that you are released you choose to...[[Question Loca]] or [[Flee to the Path]]<</if>><<if $.Talk is true>>With the mood these children have put you in, you are reluctant to ask for their help but it seems to be the only way down Hearing your request, the children continue to laugh and the supposed twelve year old instructs two of the younger ones to untie the rope from the base of the tree This action drops you from your suspended state and your world goes dark [[.CONTINUE.]]<</if>> <<set $Down to true>>

"Of course" The one named Loca, instructs a few other children to help you out of the pit and you are deposited onto the forest floor Now that you are safe and on the ground level, you choose to...[[Question Loca]] or [[Flee to the Path]] <<set $Out to true>>

Despite the eagerness in your request, the attendee advises that you should stay and recover as head injuries are much more severe than they let on The prescribed time for your recuperation is two days to ensure that you are fully healed and are prepared for your continued journey While listening to the medicinal counsel you cannot help but feel a longing towards your impending departure, and begin to mull over your options. On one hand, waiting two days would solidify peak working capacity. However, in waiting the two days you may lose out on precious time within your journey. You choose to...<<if $BuildRapport is true>>[[Wait the Two Days]]<<elseif $BuildRapport is false>>[[Wait the Two Days]] or [[Insist on Leaving]]<</if>>

Suspicion surrounding the physician and attendees overrides the want to delve into your condition's extent, prompting you to ask for an exit Hearing your request, the physician feels obligated to inform you that your head injuries are more severe than they present and advises you to wait a prescribed period of two days Unsure of the authenticity regarding the team of healers, you choose to..[[.Wait the Two Days]] or [[Insist on Leaving.]] <<set $Push to false>>

Rising to your full height, you try to scale the inside walls of the pit, hoping that the soil is sturdy enough to create hand and footholds <<if $Leave is true>> Starting your climb, you are able to create solid enough footholds to reach the top and rest your hands on the surrounding greenery Fortunately, the measures you took at the church allowed you to pull yourself out of the pit. You choose to... [[Continue to Town]] <<elseif $Leave is false>>Starting your climb, you are able to create solid enough footholds to reach the top and rest your hands on the surrounding greenery However, in declining all restorative measures at the church, you do not have the strength to pull yourself out While resting at the top, you see a group of three travelers, two of which are men that look to be the same age and a young girl. You choose to... [[Ask for Help]] or [[Be Suspicious]] <</if>>

Opening your eyes, you wake up in a large room with beds lining the walls as far as you can see. You have a pounding headache and your body is sore in various places, but you cannot seem to remember how you got to where you are. Recalling the events that led up to your unconciousness, your memories only reveal that you had been traveling from your home village in search of others to expand your worldly view. However, that is where your recollection grows hazy, the last thing you remember was a sharp pain to your temple and your vision going dark Coming to these conclusions, you begin to survey the room and see others roaming around, tending to those in beds, you choose to... [[Signal For One of the Attendees]] or [[Find the Nearest Exit]] <<set $Passerby to false>> <<set $Accidents to false>> <<set $Join to false>> <<set $children to false>> <<set $Follow to false>> <<set $Powers to false>> <<set $cool to false>> <<set $churchmorale to false>> <<set $question to false>> <<set $Loca to false>> <<set $BuildRapport to false>> <<set $Push to false>>

<<if $question is true>>Before you contemplate going anywhere with the group, you feel that are still some things that need to be cleared up. <<if $children is true>>"Are the children those you speak of?" "Indeed, they are notorious for eavesdropping as they are for their rascality"<</if>><<if $children is false>>"What dost thou speak of? Who would be so rude as to intrude?" "Have thou not run into them yet... an extremely careful type then. In that case, come with us right away and everything shall be explained"<</if>> As Leo continues to speak, you realize he is providing more reasons to follow them and a promise for information. You choose to... [[Follow Them]] <</if>><<if $question is false>>Despite your lack of ability to pull yourself out of the pit, you are skeptical of the group that had answered your call You think it is odd for a few such as themselves to be in the woods in the first place, especially since the children previously in your presence were not very delightful "Who be you three and why are thou in the forest?" "We could ask the same regarding thyself... why not let us help you from this predicament and we shall answer any of thine questions" Although you still have your suspicions, the man's offer seems reasonable and you choose to... [[Ask for Help]] <</if>>

Butterworth, Philip. “Magic through Sound: Illusion, Deception, and Agreed Pretence.” Medieval English Theatre 21 (1999): 52–65. https://web-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy4.library.arizona.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=0&sid=e33b279c-2cb0-4714-8fb2-0d70685ade20%40redis Carmina Burana - BSB Clm 4660, [S.l.] Kärnten/Steiermark oder Südtirol, um 1230 bis 14. Jh. [BSB-Hss Clm 4660] https://daten.digitale-sammlungen.de/0008/bsb00085130/images/index.html?fip=193.174.98.30&id=00085130&seite=5 Cotton, Charles, 1630-1687. 1674. The Compleat gamester, or, instructions how to play at billiards, trucks, bowls, and chess together with all manner of usual and most gentile games either on cards or dice : To which is added the arts and mysteries of riding, racing, archery, and cock-fighting [Compleat gamester. Instructions how to play at billiards, trucks, bowls, and chess.]. London: , https://ezproxy.library.arizona.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/books/compleat-gamester-instructions-how-play-at/docview/2240945228/se-2 (accessed November 7, 2024). Davis, Alex. ““Game” in The Tale of Gamelyn.” Medium Ævum 85, no. 1 (2016): 97-117. https://www.proquest.com/docview/1822071066?parentSessionId=JaClIX9Z7zjlPPfYbE99BgmAKClbeUVfNjWAjFU6Zzw%3D&pq-origsite=primo&accountid=8360&sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals Engraving. 1464. Graphics. https://jstor.org/stable/community.11664166. Georg Stuchs. De Lusoribus [Of Gamblers]. Page from Sebastian Brant, Stultifera Navis [The Ship of Fools]. circa 1497. Woodcut and letterpress, 99mm, 145mm. <a href="https://www.tepapa.govt.nz">Museum of New Zealand - Te Papa Tongarewa</a>; Collection: Art; Purchased 2009. https://jstor.org/stable/community.27019970. Master ES (German, active 1450–67) (artist). The Garden of Love (Large Plate). c. 1465. Engraving, Plate: 23.5 x 15.8 cm (9 1/4 x 6 1/4 in.); Sheet: 23.8 x 16.5 cm (9 3/8 x 6 1/2 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Collection: PR - Engraving; Department: Prints; Provenance: description: Count Maltzan, Militsch (Lugt supp. 3024a, not stamped); footnotes: None; date: ?-c.1948/50; description: with Richard Zinser, Forest Hills, NY; footnotes: None; date: c. 1948/50; description: Dr. Otto Schäfer, Schweinfurt (Lugt 5881, stamped, verso); footnotes: None; date: c. 1960; description: his auction, Galerie Kornfeld, Bern, no. 207, under lot 19; footnotes: None; date: June, 1992; description: with Helmut H. Rumbler, Frankfurt; footnotes: None; date: 1993; John L. Severance Fund. https://jstor.org/stable/community.24620350. Orme, Nicholas. Medieval Children. New Haven [Conn.] ; London: Yale University Press, 2001. https://archive.org/details/medievalchildren00orme

Before the physician can leave your bedside, you regain their attention in hopes of alleviating your own suspicions as well as the team of healers Starting with the most pressing topic, you voice your concerns with a sincere request for details on your arrival The sudden change of genuine curiousity causes the physician to soften, their previous wariness seeming to have reduced some when they respond "You were delivered to us covered in blood, most of which we found was not yours as there were not any lacerations indicating so. Beneath the blood, your body was battered and covered with bruises betwixt the hues of red and purple, therefore you had not gone long before help arrived" As the physician continues to detail your condition, their previous escalated trepidation is explained but you are suprised by the cranial injuries they discovered Given the stretch of calm settling, you try to think back to before you woke up and realize that you don't remember anything. You choose to..[[.Ask About Arrival]] <<set $BuildRapport to true>>

<<if $win is 1>>The elder presents a card game by the name of Cribbidge, explaining that you will be the dealer to set out five cards for yourself and five cards for the children. <<elseif $win is 0>>The elder presents a card game by the name of Cribbidge, explaining that the children will be the dealer to set out five cards for yourself and five cards for them <</if>> In doing so, the cards are <<if $churchmorale is true>>[[In Your Favor]] <<elseif $churchmorale is false>>[[Not In Your Favor]] <</if>>

You awake with an intense pressure in your head along with the aching and a numbness in your feet. When you open your eyes, everything seems to be upside down, including the group of children surrounding you. Completely confuzzled by why these children are surrounding you and how you are seemingly upside down, you choose to..[[.Talk to Them]] or [[Try to Get Down]] <<set $children to true>>

"Children, why have you forsaken my path?" With your simple yet direct question, the children's laughter fades out as they begin to speak "" Three gray greedy geese Flying over three green greasy furs; The geese was gray and greedy; The furs was green and greasy"" Their ominous reply comes out in what seems to be a tongue twister, with several of the children falling behind in its recitation. You are now bewildered and slightly frightened by this occurence, you choose to... [[Continue Speaking]] or [[Hope They Leave]]

Determining that there is nothing to assist you with getting out and the pit is too deep to climb out, you call beyond and hope that someone is close by Luckily for you, there are soon fast-approaching footsteps, four of which are heavier than the last pair <<if $Passerby is true>>Once they reach the edge of the pit, you recognize this group as the few who delivered you to the church, as described by the attendee. You choose to... [[Ask for Help]]<<elseif $Passerby is false>>Once they reach the edge of the pit, you see that there are two men who look to be the same in age and young girl traveling with them. You choose to... [[Ask for Help]] <</if>>

Walking towards the next pile in your sights, the ground seems to disappear from beneath you and you fall to into a pit. Unfortunately for you, the pit is pretty deep and you are unsure if you can pull yourself out. However, you do not sustain any injuries from the fall Within the pit, you start to hear handfuls of giggles approaching, the sounds indicative of children among different age ranges. <<if $Accidents is true>>Thinking back to your time in the church, you realize that the victims' statements were not ridiculous and that there are children terrorizing the town. In an attempt to come up with a plan, you choose to... [[Call Out to Them]] or [[Disguise Yourself]]<</if>><<if $Accidents is false>>Finding it odd that there are children out in the forest, you choose to... [[Call Out to Them]] or [[Disguise Yourself]] <</if>> <<set $Pitfall to true>> <<set $children to true>>

"Oh, apologies <<if $gender is "Maiden">> or [[Comfort Kellan]] <</if>>

or [[Comfort Them]]

Speaking truthfully, you answer 'confused' to see how the child would react and what the children's measures are for those who are confused "Curiousity killed the cat you know... however my mind has lost the last part of the proverb?" Hearing the familiar idiom, you reply...<<textbox "$answer" "enter your answer in lowercase" "Proverb">>

Seeing that you are not immediately freaked out, IsaBella proceeds to detail her visions of your arrival and explains that she has had premonitions since she grew a cognitive awareness From her story, you cannot help but wonder if the brothers also have special abilities but you are unsure if they would be willing to divulge what could be secrets. You choose to... [[Inquire About Their Background]]

Pushing aside your budding fears, you respond to the children with hope of appealing to their juvenile nature You speak to them about the trail of treasures, revisiting your previous wonders of their purpose and one child, appearing no older than twelve steps forward "Wast thou not listening to our gathered chant... we are catching those of greed in the forest. The first pile lures in the curious and the others lure in the greedy" "Or the confused!" "Yes thank you, or the confused. So which do you be?" Fascinated by their methods, you want to learn more about these children and their motives. You choose... [[Greedy]] or [[Confused]] <<set $answer to " ">> <<set $correctanswer to "but satisfaction brought it back">>

By the end of your walk, you reach a quaint little home where you are met with the smell of freshly baked goods. There you find a stout woman rolling out dough on the other side of a counter who calls out to the party of travelers "Afternoon children!" "Afternoon Mother" "Hi mommy" From the chorus of responses from the twins and a particularly cheerful reply from IsaBella, you no longer harbor feelings of suspicion or wariness towards the group as you follow them to the back. You choose to...[[Inquire About Background]]

Towards the end of this walk, the trees thin out and the town comes view, allowing you to see a group of three approaching on the path <<if $Passerby is true>>Remembering the description of the passerby from the attendee, you are able to recognize this group as the ones who delivered you to the church. Gathering your limited predispositions on these individuals, you choose to... [[Talk to Them]] or [[Pass Them]]<<elseif $Passerby is false>>As you do not know the identity of this group, you are unsure whether you should speak to them perchance they hold the missing information of your journey or could pose a threat to your being. You choose to... [[Talk to Them]] or [Pass Them]] <</if>> <<set $Pitfall to false>> <<set $thanks to false>> <<set $question to false>>

For the final contest in the tournament, the elder presents a dice game called Passage that is to be played with three dice You and the siblings are given a set of three and the children are given a set of three, all are instructed to roll the dice <<if $cool is true>>You roll doublets of five, amounting to ten exactly and you passeth, however, the children roll doublets of six also allowing them to passeth [[.Next Roll.]]<<elseif $cool is false>>You roll doublets of three, amounting to six and you loseth. Luckily the children also roll a loseth turn with doublets of four [[Next Roll]] <</if>>

Visibly displeased by your answer, the attendee begrudgingly permits you an exit, leaving you with a few parting words "Although I believe your decision to be wreckless and to have no regard for your health, I wish you well on your journey and I hope you find what you are searching for" Still feeling the effects of your splitting headache and the soreness of your wounds, you slowly make your way to the large double doors at the end of the room. You choose to..[[.Leave]]

You crouch down in the pit, making yourself as small as possible and cover yourself with the leaves and moss that had camouflaged the pit in the first place. Hoping that whatever children are approaching the pit will not see you and return to wherever they came from You soon hear a small voice beyond the pit calling towards your location "What hast thou found, Loca?" "Nothing of note, must have been a rabbit" After the brief exchange, you hear the laughter of the children die down and footsteps retreat from your space. Waiting a few moments before making a decision, you choose to... [[Call for Help]] or [[Attempt to Get Out]]

"And then the strength of the skies bears me wide over the people. My bangles then" [[Loudly jangle, jingling---brightly singing]] or [[Quietly rest, clinking---dimly weeping]] <<set $right to 0>> <<set $wrong to true>>

Setting your course for the trees, you take in the green expanse with a new invigoration and are hopeful for what lies ahead. Within the forest, squirrels and rabbits scamper through the bushes and charms fly overhead, with various flora scattering the ground Amazed by the sight, you feel compelled to continue your exploration and in this trek, you start to notice items that look out of place for a forest. Unsure of where they came from or what their purposes are, you choose to... [[Take a Closer Look]] or [[Leave Them Be]]

Venturing into the forest, the foliage shields you from the sun and allows the previous discomfort of its brightness to dwindle. However, as you delve further into the vegetation, the shrill sounds of aerial birds and rustling of nearby critters irritate your headache Unable to take the cacophony of wilderness clamor, you think a rest might benefit you. In searching for a comfortable spot, you notice outlines of items unnatural to the scenery Unsure of where they came from or what their purposes are, you choose to... [[Take a Closer Look]] or [[Lie Down]]

Swinging your legs off the side of the bed and giving no heed to the pounding in your skull, the room starts to spin as soon as your feet touch the floor. This sensation causes you to lean back against the bed for support as you wait for your eyes to refocus Meanwhile, your attempt at leaving the bed had caused a commotion withinin the room, alerting several attendees who are now rushing to your aid. You choose to... [[Let the Attendees Help]] or [[Push Past Them]]

Taking a thoughtful moment to ensure you complete the statement correctly you reply "But satisfaction brought it back" When you finish the phrase, the child smiles, seemingly pleased by your knowledge of the ending "Good <<if $gender is "Mister">>sir<<elseif $gender is "Maiden">>lady<</if>>, I am of those who go by Loca, I am impressed by your wisdom and whimsy. Would you do the honor of joining us?" Resting against the inner wall of the pit, you consider the Loca child's request. Unsure of what the implications could be, you choose to... [[Refuse Loca]] or [[Ask to Get Out]] <<set $childrenmorale to true>> <<set $cool to true>> <<set $Loca to true>>

Not wanting to spend any more time with the children until you have gathered more information, you make your way back to the path in a hurry Looking back, none of the children follow you and you feel more at ease with having put some distance between them. Slowing your pace as you walk towards the path, you choose to...[[Continue to Town]]

<<if $question is true>>Deeming IsaBella and her brothers to be of the trustworthy kind, you follow them down the path and into town <<if $gender is "Maiden">>As the few lead you through the bustling streets of midday commotion, there is a comfortable silence that settles between your party. You choose to... [[Continue Walking]] <<elseif $gender is "Mister">>The few lead you through the bustling streets of the midday commotion to a quaint little home Once inside, you are met with the smell of freshly baked goods as the three lead you to the back of their home and into a darkly lit room. You choose to... [[Inquire About Background]] <</if>><</if>> <<if $question is false>>Putting aside your feelings of wariness and suspicion for now, you follow them down the path and into town The few lead you through the bustling streets of the midday commotion to a quaint little home Once inside, you are met with the smell of freshly baked goods as the three lead you to the back of their home and into a darkly lit room. You choose to... [[Inquire About Background]] <</if>> <<set $Follow to true>>

Deciding to stick with the path and deeming it a much safer route, you start your journey towards the unknown in hopes of regaining your lost memories Walking along the path you are surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the forest where woodland creatures roam freely and the melodic songs of birds can be heard. This captivating experience speaks to the wonderment of your person and you decide to [[Explore the Forest]] or [[Continue to Town]]

What do you wish to be called? <<textbox "$name" " " "Gender">>

Please select a Gender: [[Mister][$gender to "Mister"]] or [[Maiden][$gender to "Maiden"]]

With both parties present for the tournament, an elder arises from the crowd and introduces himself as the leader of the town, Carlisle Figuring that it is not the time to ask questions as you need to focus on the tournament's tasks, you listen closely "The tournament will consist of three challenges... riddles, cards, and dice. The winner of this tournament will henceforth be known as Supreme Ruler... //and with hope rid this town of those dreadful children// ...Pardon me, my words were not meant to carry on the wind" Carlisle's miniature slip up eases your nerves and despite not being prepared for these challenges you feel calm [[RIDDLES]] <<set $siblings to true>>

With both parties present for the tournament, an elder arises from the crowd and introduces himself as the leader of the town, Carlisle Figuring that it is not the time to ask questions as you need to focus on the tournament's tasks, you listen closely "The tournament will consist of three challenges... riddles, cards, and dice. The winner of this tournament will henceforth be known as Supreme Ruler //and with hope rid this town of those dreadful children// Pardon me, my words were not meant to carry on the wind" Carlisle's miniature slip up bristles you and despite not being prepared for these challenges you are ready to press forward [[--RIDDLES--]] <<set $children to true>>

<<if $Leave is true>> You stand up from the bed to get a closer look at the travelers and possibly determine your exit strategy During this action, you see a little girl sitting below the foot of bed, recognizing her as the Bella character who had been speaking to Loca earlier Guessing that her name must be short for IsaBella and further her identity, you choose to... [[Introduce Yourself]] <</if>> <<if $Left is true>>Taking no precaution of your injuries, you begin to get up from the bed not sure whether to leave or see the <<if $Join is true>>travelers<<elseif $Join is false>>figures <</if>>clearer As you stand up, the soreness of your body and the pounding in your skull is once again apparent, igniting a rush of exhaustion "Art thou doing well??" a small voice questions The unknown voice surprises you and causes you to plop back down on the bed. Despite being confused and slightly startled by your situation, your injuries are finally at the forefront of your mind and you choose to... [[Answer the Voice]]<</if>>

<<if $gender is "Maiden">>While your is brain momentarily short-circuiting, you start in a manner learned from a comedic play "Hi... I'm <<print $name>>" "Hi <<print $name>>" From the way all the siblings replied in unison, it is clear that your reference was familiar to them and you become more relaxed in their presence. You choose to... [[Ask About Their Background]]<<else if $gender is "Mister">>Trying to lighten the mood, you start in a manner learned from a comedic play "Hi... I'm <<print $name>>" "Hi <<print $name>>" From the way all the siblings replied in unison, it is clear that your reference was familiar to them and you become more relaxed in their presence. You choose to... [[Ask About Their Background]]<</if>>

Although it may not be entirely true, you answer 'greedy' to see how the child would react and what the children's measures are for those who are greedy "How unfortunate... it seems we have a true adult. Time to leave" Leaving you with that stament, the children quickly retreat from their positions around the pit and you are now faced with the task of getting out. You choose to... [[Attempt to Get Out]] or [[Call for Help]]

Thorougly appalled by the nature of the children's rhyme, you sit down within the pit to wait for the children to leave. That is when you hear one of the children call down to you "It is apparent that you are of no fun... let us leave" You continue to listen to their shuffling feet until they are no longer heard and stand up with in the pit Your next objective is to figure out how to get out of your current dilemma, you choose to... [[Call for Help]] or [[Attempt to Get Out]]

With the cards in your favor, you are able to deal another four cards for yourself with the siblings and four cards for the children. This time the cards are not to be looked at, but placed face down When it is time to flip each of the cards over and <<if $churchmorale is true>>you have a Pair-Royal and a Pair. This means your turn had amounted to eight points while the childrens' hand had only amounted to four points [[.Next Hand.]]<<elseif $churchmorale is false>>you have two Pairs. This means your turn had amounted to four points while the childrens' hand had amounted to eight points [[Next Hand]]<</if>>

<<if $question is true>>After following the group to their home, you reiterate your questions on their background and how may be able to help in your journey IsaBella speaks up first, explaining that each of them have a specific magical gift that allow them to do more than the regular person "For myself, I am able to see things before they happen and they come to me in dreams on the previous night. I do not know why these visions, as my mother had described them, started to happen but they have proven to be incredibly helpful" As you listen to her brief description of her abilities, it makes mores sense as to how they could deliver you to the church when you were first injured. Which reminds you of what had caused your injuries in the first place Wanting to to learn more about the brothers' abilities and your incident before the church, you choose to... [[Ask About Abilities]] or [[Ask About Rescue]]<<elseif $question is false>>After following the group to their home, you reiterate your questions on their background and how may be able to help in your journey The girl speaks up first, providing an introduction and explains that each of them have a specific magical gift that allow them to do more than the regular person "Greetings, I am known as IsaBella and I am able to see things before they happen and they come to me in dreams on the previous night. I do not know why these visions, as my mother had described them, started to happen but they have proven to be very helpful" As you listen to the IsaBella girl, it makes it makes mores sense as to how they could deliver you to the church when you were first injured. Which reminds you of what had caused your injuries in the first place Wanting to to learn more about the brothers' abilities and your incident before the church, you choose to... [[Ask About Abilities]] or [[Ask About Rescue]] <</if>>

Seeming reluctant to divulge this information, Kellan remains silent as Leo speaks up "I suppose that means I should follow... I alter sound by way of illusion. This gift is used to influence the mindset of others, take for example, imitating the sound of the ocean to bring about serenity within an individual" <<if $Follow is true>>Hearing the explanation of Leo's abilities makes you eager to know what Kellan's might be, however, his hesitance in relaying the extent of his magical nature brings about feelings of concern. You choose to... [[Ask Kellan]] or [[Move On.]]<<elseif $Follow is false>>Hearing the explanation of Leo's abilities makes you eager to know what Kellan's might be, however, his hesitance in relaying the extent of his magical nature brings about feelings of concern. You choose to... [[Ask Kellan]] or [[Move On]] <</if>>

Even though you are suspicious of the physician and their attendees, the nagging feeling that they are withholding information remains. You are curious of the state you had arrived in that would elicit such precaution from the team of healers In voicing your concerns and a sincere request for details, the physician softens, their previous wariness seeming to have reduced some and they respond in kind "You were delivered to us covered in blood, most of which we found was not yours as there were not any lacerations indicating so. Beneath the blood, your body was battered and covered with bruises betwixt the hues of red and purple, therefore you had not gone long before help arrived" As the physician continues to detail your condition, their previous escalated caution is explained but you are suprised by the cranial injuries they discovered Given the stretch of calm settling, you try to think back to before you woke up and realize that you you cannot recall the events leading up to your unconsciousness. You choose to... [[Ask About Arrival.]]

A look crosses their face with the implication you made a dumb decision, but the attendee acquiesces without strife "If that is what you wish... but as you were pleasant to speak with, I will offer you a remedy that should lessen your pain" Having formulated an opinion of the attendee and the church's methods, you choose to... [[Accept the Medicine]] or [[Decline the Medicine]] <<set $medicine to false>>

Seemingly disappointed with your decision, the physician and attendees reluctantly part to allow you access to the large double doors at the end of the room You slowly rise from the bed, the soreness of your body and the sharp pains of your headache becoming more apparent The process of making your way down the length of the room appears more impossible with each step, however your suspcions drive you forward. You choose to..[[.Leave]]

You briefly introduce yourself to this IsaBella child, not exactly skeptical of her but still apprehensive of the situation Satisfied with your acquaintance, IsaBella begins to ramble on about how you met and that she saw you coming before both rescues and that was how her brothers were able to save you Absolutely flabbergasted by the concept of her seeing your actions before they happened, you choose to... [[Continue Listening]] or [[Ask Her Brothers]]

Just as you make the decision to join the group of children in their ventures, three travelers disrupt the ranks of the youth <<if $Loca is true>>At this disruption, Loca turns to the assumed intruders and appears shocked "Bella" "Mind my tongue... but, where the hell have you been Loca?" While Loca and the Bella character continue conversing, you notice that the other travelers had disappeared from your line of sight and moments later, everything goes dark [[.CONTINUE.]]<<elseif $Loca is false>>At this disruption, the child turns to the assumed intruders and appears shocked "Bella" "Mind my tongue... but, where the hell have you been Loca?" While the child, who you now know to be Loca and the Bella character continue conversing, you notice that the other travelers had disappeared from your line of sight and moments later, everything goes dark [[.CONTINUE.]]<</if>> <<set $Join to true>>

<<if $win is 1>> In receiving your first loss, you feel less prepared for the next task at hand but still feel determined to secure the tournament's end [[DICE]] <<elseif $win is 0>>After losing two of the challenges, you feel extremely unprepared and worried about your fate, steeling yourself for whatever task follows In your preparations, you barely register the announcement where Carlisle says "The children have won. Congratulations." [[LOSE TOURNAMENT]]<</if>>

Once the game of Passage concludes, you realize that with only one win, you have lost the tournament And to confirm this fact, Carlisle speaks "The children have won. Congratulations." [[LOSE TOURNAMENT]]

Unfortunately you have lost the tournament Which also means you have lost the game However, in future releases you will be able to continue your journey to seek retribution for the town once more

As you open the doors, you are immediately met with a forest of sparse trees and a paved narrow trail dividing its greenery. Looking back towards the room, you find that the healing team is waving their farewells <<if $flirtA is true>>One particular attendee that you now know as Auric, gives you a wink and a small smile as you go, adding a little pep to your step before continuing towards the journey ahead<</if>><<if$flirtB is true>>One particular physician that you now know as Aurelia, gives you a small wave and smile as you go, adding a little pep to your step before continuing towards the journey ahead<</if>> After returning their waves, you focus your attention forward. The path seems promising of civilization beyond while the forest surrounding it piques your curiousity. You choose to... [[Follow the Path]] or [[Explore the Forest]] <<set $Leave to true>> <<set $churchmorale to true>> <<set $Push to false>> <<set $Pitfall to false>>

<<if $cool is true>>Leaving the homestead of the siblings, you travel through the town with the forest being your goal and hope that the children are still somewhere within its greenery Reaching the treeline, you call out for Loca as that is the name of who you thought to be the leader and after several minutes, the children emerge from mutliple hiding spots around you You immediately spot the taller child and explain that you have made the decision to join them. You also inform the children that there is a coup to take down their group and rid the town of their misery business "Thank you for this information and I am glad you have come to see things our way... it is unfortunate that our former bretheren have chosen to forsake us" "Might I suggest a tournament, sir?" You return pleasantries to Loca as one of the other children makes a suggestion, the idea compelling as it could be a way to prevent the siblings from following through with their plan. [[Tournament?]]<<elseif $cool is false>> Leaving the homestead of the siblings, you wander the town with no goals in mind [[Where do you go now?]] <</if>>

In being cautious of the irregular items, you find that there is nothing more in the forest to be explored and make your way back to the path Walking along the path you continue to be surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the forest as you start your journey towards the unknown, hoping to regain your lost memories Towards the end of this walk, the trees thin out and the town comes view, allowing you to see a group of three approaching on the path <<if $Passerby is true>>Remembering the description of the passerby from the attendee, you are able to recognize this group as the ones who delivered you to the church. Gathering your limited predispositions on these individuals, you choose to... [[Talk to Them]] or [[Pass Them]]<</if>><<if $Passerby is false>>As you do not know the identity of this group, you are unsure whether you should speak to them perchance they hold the missing information of your journey or could pose a threat to your being. You choose to... [[Talk to Them]] or [Pass Them]] <</if>>

As you open the doors, you are immediately met with a forest of sparse trees and a paved narrow trail dividing its greenery. Looking back towards the room, you notice that the healing team is no longer concerned with your presence and return to tending the injured Focusing your attention ahead, the path seems promising of civilization beyond while the forest surrounding it piques your curiousity. You choose to... [[Follow the Path]] or [[Explore the Forest]] <<set $Leaves to true>> <<set $Pitfall to false>>

One of the attendees steps forward and introduces themselves as the head physician, cautioning you to lay back down as your injuries are more severe than they appear <<if $gender is "Mister">>As they speak, you don't know if it's the serene composure of the physician or something more that calms your person, but you lie back on the bed as initially instructed Taking a moment to gather your wits, there is an underlying feeling of wariness and you choose to... [[Ask to Leave,]] [[Ask About Injuries,]] or [[Push Past Them]] <<elseif $gender is "Maiden">>Despite their serene composure, there is something off-putting about their demeanor, making you wary of heeding their advice. As you lie back on the bed, you choose to... [[Ask to Leave,]] [[Ask About Injuries,]] or [[Push Past Them]] <</if>>

Kellan seems hesistant to continue the narrative, his voice becoming smaller as he speaks "We were previously affiliated with that group, Leo and I. It is not something we are necessarily proud of, but we thought it to be fun before IsaBella was born" There is an almost wistful look on his face as he recalls their times as one of the children and you choose to... [[Ask About Their Past]] <<set $Kellan to true>>

Needing an explanation from a less bubbly and probably more reliable source, you shift your gaze towards the brothers, hoping for a better narration and answers to your previous questions The one going by the name of Kellan speaks up, "What she meant... we were the ones who brought thee to the church for healing, and that fool spoke in like manner." "Hail" "Silence. And I suppose thou knowest who we are now that Bella hath introduced us. Dost thou have any further questions?" With Kellan's concise response, you are not entirely sure if you should ask anymore questions. You choose to... [[Ask Anyway]] or [[Stay Silent]]

"When I am not resting upon the flood or the fold---" [[A easing familiar]] or [[A faring stranger]] <<if $wrong is false>><<set $right to 2>> <</if>> <<if $wrong is true>><<set $right to 1>> <</if>> <<set $wrong to false>>

You May Now [[Awaken]]

Gathering that Kellan is not going to be disclosing his magic any time soon, you decide to move on with the conversation and try to understand why you are with them Although she is the youngest, IsaBella seems to have the answers you seek and explains that the trio wanted to connect with you and request your aid in their venture to take down the faction of children <<if $cool is true>>You are ambivalent about this ask, wondering why they would want to take down the children when the basis of their motives are limited to having fun. You choose to...[[Refuse Request]] or [[Offer Alternative]]<<elseif $cool is false>>You are quite perplexed by this ask, wondering why they would want your help. You choose to... [[Voice Concerns]] or [[Offer Alternative]] <</if>>

Gathering that Kellan is not going to be disclosing his magic any time soon, you decide to move on with the conversation and try to understand why you are with them Although she is the youngest, IsaBella seems to have the answers you seek and explains that the trio wanted to connect with you and request your aid in their venture to take down the faction of children <<if $Accidents is true>>You are perplexed by this ask, wondering why they would want your help. You choose to... [[Voice Concerns]] or [[Offer Alternative]] <<elseif $Accidents is false>> You are completely baffled by this ask, wondering why they would want your help and why they are trying to take down a group of children. You choose to... [[Refuse Request]] or [[Voice Concerns]] <</if>>

or [[NEXT WEEK]] ~Choosing tomorrow will take you to the shorter version of the game~ Although, it would also prove helpful to gain the support of the town" Agreeing that both sentiments have value acknowledge that both sentiments have value,

Losing the previous round, the children deal another four cards for yourself with the siblings and four cards for themselves, placing them face down again. When it is time to flip each of the cards over and <<if $churchmorale is true>>you have a double Pair-Royal. This means your turn had amounted to twelve points while the childrens' hand had only amounted to eight points. [[WIN CARDS]] <</if>> <<if $churchmorale is false>>you have a Sequence of Five and a Pair. This means your turn had amounted to seven points while the childrens' hand had amounted to eight points. [[LOSE CARDS]] <</if>> (CHANGE to probability)

With no clear winner at the end of the first round, the elder has you with the children roll again as the siblings do the same <<if $cool is true>>You roll doublets of six, amounting to twelve and you passeth. On the other hand, the children roll doublets of two causing them to loseth [[WIN DICE]] <</if>> <<if $cool is false>>You roll doublets of five, amounting to ten exactly and you passeth, however, the children roll doublets of six also allowing them to passeth [[/Next Roll/]] <</if>>

With the cards in not your favor, the children deal another four cards for yourself with the siblings and four cards for themselves. This time the cards are not to be looked at, but placed face down When it is time to flip each of the cards over and<<if $churchmorale is true>>you have a Pair-Royal and a Pair. This means your turn had amounted to eight points while the childrens' hand had only amounted to four points [[.Next Hand.]]<<elseif $churchmorale is false>>you have two Pairs. This means your turn had amounted to four points while the childrens' hand had amounted to eight points [[Next Hand]]<</if>>

Although you recognize the first part of the phrase, you do not know the other half, you were not aware there was another half until now In explaining your lack of knowledge to the child, they interrupt you "You are no fun, we will leave you here... for now, please come find us once you have attained a whimsical sense" Leaving you with that stament, the children quickly retreat from their positions around the pit and you are now faced with the task of getting out. You choose to... [[Attempt to Get Out]] or [[Call for Help]]

Despite the chaos wrought by the children, you cannot condone taking them down entirely as they are still just children. Instead, you offer that they be challenged, allowing for some sort of deal to be made to ensure peace within the town "Pray tell, are you suggesting a tournament?" You confirm Kellan's clarifying question, his suggestion being exactly what you were trying to propose and Leo responds "They would be agreeable to that... it would be best to challenge the children soon to prevent others from falling victim" Feeling more comfortable with the alternative, you decide that the tournament should take place [[TOMORROW]]

Figuring that it would be best to continue heading to town without any disruptions, you pass the group of travelers Despite your best efforts, you do not get very far before the young girl calls out to you with an introduction "Good day! I am called IsaBella and these are my brethren, Leo and Kellan! Twas we who brought thee to the church!" Her abrupt yet positive interjection convinces you to stop and turn around. Considering she recognized you and called out, you feel that you have to interact with the group. You choose to...<<if $Passerby is true>>[[Thank Them]] or [[Question Them.]]<<elseif $Passerby is false>>[[Question Them.]]<</if>>

<<if $answer == $correctanswer>>[[Finish the Statement]]<<elseif $answer != $correctanswer>>[[Not Know]] <</if>>

Disregarding your splitting headache and the soreness of your wounds, you decide to push past the attendees and fight off any of the their attempts to restrain you Miraculously, you are able to recall the lessons in self-defense your former guardian taught you, enabling you to succeed in bypassing them Continuing to run past the attendees, you spot a large double door at the end of the room. You choose to.. [[.Leave]] <<set $Push to true>>

<<if $Down is true>>Pausing to gather your bearings from the pain your stunts had rekindled, you ask Loca a question "What dost thou mean by 'join you'? What are children such as yourself doing in the wilderness?" "We are but ordinary children who enjoy the simple pleasures of tomfoolery and we would like to extend an invitation to be involved in our merriment" The idea of roguishness is amusing, however, the extent of their mischief concerns you considering that just moments ago you were hanging upside down. You choose to... [[Refuse]] or [[Join Them]]<</if>><<if $Out is true>>Gathering that you have received some type of approval for the children to get you out of the pit, you ask Loca a question "What dost thou mean by 'join you'? What are children such as yourself doing in the wilderness?" "We are but ordinary children who enjoy the simple pleasures of tomfoolery and we would like to extend an invitation to be involved in our merriment" The idea of roguishness is amusing, however, the extent of their mischief concerns you considering that just moments ago you were victim to a pitfall. You choose to... [[Refuse Loca]] or [[Join Them]]<</if>> <<set $Loca to true>>

"What dost thou mean by 'back' and 'again'? Who art thou twain?" "You meanest three!" interjects a small voice Trying to process the other voice in the room, the source of the sound jumps up from the floor at the foot of the bed. Leaving you unable to register this sprightly character in a timely manner as she walks over to the side of the bed and introduces herself along with the two figures "Greetings, I am IsaBella, that one is Leo, and the other is Kellan—my brethren! We did rescue thee from the hilltop and brought thou to the church and now we have rescued thee once again!" Stunned by the energy of the IsaBella child, you choose to... [[Introduce Yourself]] or [[Look to the Brothers]]

Curious about their motives and background, you voice your queries At your request for information, IsaBella begins to answer when one of the brothers, Leo interrupts her with a concern. "Should we not take this back to the homestead... it would not be wise to attract meddling ears" This comment immediately quiets IsaBella and the subtle warning raises more questions in your mind, you choose to... [[Follow Them]] or [[Be Suspicious]] <<set $question to true>>

"When I am not resting upon the flood or the fold---" [[A easing familiar]] or [[A faring stranger]] <<if $wrong is false>><<set $right to 1>> <</if>> <<if $wrong is true>><<set $right to 0>> <</if>> <<set $wrong to true>>

"My clothing quiet when I tread the earth, or inhabit my lair, or rile the waters." [["Eventimes they leave me under animal fleetings, this absence of yours and the low seas--"]] or [["Sometimes they heave me over human dwellings, this tackle of mine and the high breeze--"]]

<<if $Loca is true>>After hearing out the child named Loca, you decide that joining their ragtag group may not be the best for your journey and you politely turn the offer down With your refusal, you cannot help but notice a slump in the shoulders from the children as Loca speaks again "Very well, you are free to go. Please return to us if you have changed your mind" Upon those final words, the children begin to disperse until you are left alone in the forest and you choose to...[[Continue to Town]]<<elseif $Loca is false>>Unwilling to entertain their bizzare offer, you turn down the request With your refusal, you cannot help but notice a slump in the shoulders from the children as Loca instructs two children to help you down and speaks again "Very well, you are free to go. Please return to us if you have changed your mind" Upon those final words, the children begin to disperse until you are left alone in the forest and you choose to...[[Continue to Town]]<</if>> <<set $cool to true>>

<<if $Loca is true>>After hearing out the child named Loca, you decide that joining their ragtag group may not be the best for your journey and you politely turn the offer down With your refusal, you cannot help but notice a slump in the shoulders from the children as Loca speaks again "Very well, you are free to go. Please return to us when you have changed your mind" Upon those final words, the children begin to disperse until you are left alone in the forest and you choose to...[[Continue to Town]]<<elseif $Loca is false>>Unwilling to entertain their bizzare offer, you turn down their request With your refusal, you cannot help but notice a slump in the shoulders from the children as Loca instructs two children to help out of the pit and speaks again "Very well, you are free to go. Please return to us when you have changed your mind" Upon those final words, the children begin to disperse until you are left alone in the forest and you choose to...[[Continue to Town]]<</if>>

<<if $cool is true>> Somewhere in your journey, you felt a certain loyalty to the children and you cannot condone taking them down entirely Seeing that the siblings do not have an alternative to their plan as they seem adamant in their goals, you choose to... [[Leave Them]]<<elseif $cool is false>>Although you do not have any loyalty to these children, you cannot condone taking them down entirely Seeing that the siblings do not have an alternative to their plan as they seem adamant in their goals, you choose to... [[Leave Them]] <</if>>

Having found a suitable place to rest, you lay down within the moss-like coverage and close your eyes. As you fall asleep, the overwhelming sounds of the forest are drowned out and the aches of your injuries begin to fade in your loss of consciousness. [[CONTINUE]]

[[Gambling with Fate]] ** Flash Warning: Player Discretion Advised ** <<set $name to " ">> <<set $gender to " ">>

Carefully sitting up in your bed, you wave to one of the attendees and after a few moments, they approach you "You have finally awoken, how fare thee?" "I know not", you answer tenatively "my mind grasps much of naught in this hour" "That is to be expected, you have been asleep for three days and you arrived with the most dire of injuries" With this new information, you choose to... [[Ask About Injuries]], [[Ask About Location]], or [[Ask About Arrival]] <<set $Attendees to true>>

[[Speak to the Twins]] or

Something about Kellan's demeanor cautions you to stay silent, unwilling to ask any further questions and risk disturbing his temper In making this decision, Kellan's mouth quirks up in a somewhat arrogant smirk, but only briefly as IsaBella whips her head towards him in annoyance <<if $gender is "Maiden">>Although Kellan's actions were probably meant to intimidate and possibly belittle, you cannot help but feel some type of way when this expression appeared and prevents you from registering whatever IsaBella says next After a few moments, she regains your attention to give you the okay to speak and you choose to... [[Inquire About Their Background]] or [[Give An Introduction]]<<elseif $gender is "Mister">>"Be not unkind... please" After lightly berating her brother, IsaBella turns back to you and gives you the okay to speak, you choose to... [[Inquire About Their Background]] or [[Introduce Yourself]]<</if>>

Dawn breaks on the new day, signaling that it is indeed tomorrow and you are excited yet pensive about the events that are to come You have not been involved in a tournament before but considering your opponent will be children, you are not concerned about harm befalling you or the siblings As you walk to the town square, the twins look particularly nervous. You wonder if it has something to do with their past with the children, but you think it best not to add to their distress After several minutes of waiting for the children to arrive, they emerge from various places throughout the town. This has you questioning if they still live in town with their parents or had they only arrived for the tournament. You choose to... [[Ask the Children]] or [[Get On With the Games]]

Upon closer inspection of the fabricated materials, you discover that they are an assortment of coins, buckle plates, silver lockets, and gold pendants situated in a pile and in the near distance you spot another pile Deciding whether you are intrigued by the purpose of these piles or wary of them, you choose to... [[Check the Next Pile]] or [[Continue to Town]]

Choosing to be selective about your words, you hesitantly approach them with an introduction and mention that you had just came from the church. Before either of the two brothers speak, the girl speaks up in a lively manner. "Good day! I am called IsaBella and these are my brethren, Leo and Kellan! Twas we who brought thee to the church!" Her positive demeanor enables your feeling of apprehension to subside gradually and you choose to...<<if $Passerby is true>>[[Thank Them]] or [[Question Them.]] <</if>> <<if $Passerby is false>> [[Question Them.]] <</if>>

<<if $BuildRapport is true>>In completing the tale of your arrival, both the attendee and physician announce their leave in order to let you rest but before they could get too far, you call out to the attendee "Yes <<print $name>>?" As the attendee turns back around to face you, you feel a subtle elation when he addresses you by name and are momentarily stunned by the captivating combination A silence stretches on for a brief period as you try to compose yourself, only coming up with the simplest of questions and you choose to... [[Ask His Name]] or [[Shy Away]]<<elseif $BuildRapport is false>>When the attendee finishes relaying the information requested, he announces his leave in order to let you rest But before the attendee has a chance to stray too far from your bedside, you call out to him "Yes <<print $name>>?" As the attendee turns back around to face you, you can't help but notice a slight look of amusement that lights his face in a way that rattles your calm composure A silence stretches on for a brief period as you are momentarily stunned by the way he says your name but once you steady yourself, you manage to think of one simple question and you choose to... [[Ask His Name]] or [[Shy Away]] <</if>> <<set $flirtA to true>>

<<if $BuildRapport is true>>In completing the tale of your arrival, both the attendee and physician announce their leave in order to let you rest but before they could get too far, you call out to the physician "Yes <<print $name>>?" As the physician turns back around to face you, you can't help but feel a subtle elation when she addresses you by name and are momentarily stunned by the captivating combination A silence stretches on for a brief period as you try to compose yourself, only coming up with the simplest of questions and you choose to... [[Ask Her Name]] or [[Shy Away]]<<elseif $BuildRapport is false>>Just as the physician and attendee leave your bedside, you call out to the physician "Yes <<print $name>>?" As the physician turns back around to face you, you can't help but notice a slight look of amusement that lights her face in a way that makes a dent in your calm composure A silence stretches on for a brief period as you are momentarily stunned by the way she says your name but once you steady yourself, you manage to think of one simple question and you choose to... [[Ask Her Name]] or [[Shy Away]]<</if>> <<set $flirtB to true>>

With the knowledge that these were your saviors who brought you to the church, you feel that the most polite way to start off the conversation is by thanking them After pleasantries, you realize they may hold the answers you have been looking for and you choose to... [[Question Them.]] <<set $thanks to true>>

<<if $gender is "Maiden">>With your allotted recovery time having passed, the attendee returns to your beside to formally release you and bid you farewell. Leaving you with a final statement <<if $flirtA is true>>"It seems your time with us has ended. I do hope your journey permits a visit, and I don't just mean the church" Feeling renewed after the two days of much needed rest and your encounter with the attendee, your aches have subsided to a manageable level and the sharp pains in your skull have dissipated completely along with a tempting reason to return. You choose to... [[Leave]]<<elseif $flirtA is false>>"It has been quite delightful attending to you for these past two days, our conversations have been... pleasant, so I wish you well on your journey and I hope you find what you are searching for" Feeling renewed after the two days of much needed rest, your aches have subsided to a manageable level and the sharp pains in your skull have dissipated completely. You choose to... [[Leave]]<</if>> <</if>> <<if $gender is "Mister">>With your allotted recovery time having passed, the physician returns to your beside to formally release you and bid you farewell. Leaving you with a final statement <<if $flirtB is true>>"It seems your time with us has ended. I do hope your journey permits a visit, and I don't just mean the church" Feeling renewed after the two days of much needed rest and your encounter with the physician, your aches have subsided to a manageable level and the sharp pains in your skull have dissipated completely along with a tempting reason to return. You choose to... [[Leave]]<<elseif $flirtB is false>>"It has been quite delightful attending to you for these past two days, our conversations have been... pleasant, so I wish you well on your journey and I hope you find what you are searching for" Feeling renewed after the two days of much needed rest, your aches have subsided to a manageable level and the sharp pains in your skull have dissipated completely. You choose to... [[Leave]]<</if>> <</if>>

With your allotted recovery time having passed, the physician returns to your beside to formally release you and bid you farewell Feeling renewed after the two days of much needed rest, your aches have subsided to a manageable level and the sharp pains in your skull have dissipated completely. But you cannot help but feel that you were missing something, you choose to... [[Leave.]]

"Yes <<print $name>>, a tournament. Many of which are filled with games and challenges, they are quite fun!" Having the concise yet informative explanation of what a tournament is, you inquire about when the tournament will be and Loca answers "Whenever you wish, it could be [[--TOMORROW--]]

Pushing off the tree with your hands, which are conveniently tied behind your back, you gain enough momentum to swing parallel. Enabling you to start kicking off the tree until you can hang upright and hold onto the rope Despite the intense pressure disipating once you are upright, the strain from your movements have aggravated the aches within your body. However, the children are stunned by your acrobatic feat and one steps forward to speak "Good <<if $gender is "Mister">>sir<<elseif $gender is "Maiden">>lady<</if>>, I go by the name of Loca. You have impressed me with your strength and fortitude. Wouldst thou do the honor of joining us?" As the child speaks, you squint to see them more clearly as you are higher up on the tree and they look to be no older than twelve. Refocusing, their request is blanketed in oddity and you choose to...[[Refuse]] or [[Ask to Get Down]] <<set $childrenmorale to true>> <<set $cool to true>> <<set $Loca to false>>

"Would it not be too harsh to take the children down... can't there be another way that would influence them to stop terrorizing the town?" The siblings go silent, taking a moment to consider your sympathies and think of a better solution, prompting IsaBella to question the group "Could we propose a tournament? That is the typical way disputes are settled, is it not?" "They would be agreeable to that... it would be best to challenge the children soon to prevent others from falling victim" You are glad that the siblings were able to a better outcome, you decide that the tournament should take place [[TOMORROW]]

<<if $win is 2>> After winning two of the challenges, you feel prepared for whatever is next, focusing yourself on what task follows cards In your preparations, you barely register the announcement where Carlisle says "The Barrow's and company have won! Congratulations!" [[WIN TOURNAMENT]]<<elseif $win is 1>> In receiving the first win, you feel more prepared for the next task at hand but put in a bit more focus to secure the tournament's end [[DICE]]<</if>>

After winning two of the challenges, you realize that you have just won the tournament Excited and fully aware when the annoucement is revealed and Carlisle says "The Barrow's and company have won! Congratulations!" [[WIN TOURNAMENT]]

CONGRATULATIONS ON WINNING THE TOURNAMENT YOU HAVE ALSO WON THE GAME YOU ARE NOW CROWNED SUPREME RULER

In deciding to heed the attendee's recommendations, you agree to stay at the church for the two days required for your recovery <<if $BuildRapport is false>>Now that you are bed-ridden, you start to wonder how the next two days will be spent now that you are awake and aware. During your contemplation, the attendee annouces their leave and you choose to...[[Ask for Other Information]] or <<if $gender is "Maiden">>[[Talk to Attendee]]<</if>> <</if>> <<if $BuildRapport is true>>Now that you are bed-ridden, you start to ponder how the next two days will be spent now that you are awake and aware. During your contemplation, the attendee and physician begin to annouce their leave and you choose to...<<if $gender is "Mister">> [[Talk with Physician]]<</if>> or [[.Rest]] <</if>> <<set $flirtA to false>> <<set $flirtB to false>>

With the choices you have made along the way, you are unable to complete the game with its intended goals. Please try again :) [[Awaken]]

Losing the previous round, the siblings deal another four cards for yourself with the children and four cards for themselves, placing them face down for the final time When it is time to flip each of the cards over and <<if $churchmorale is true>>you have a Sequences of Five. This means your turn had amounted to five points while the siblings' hand had only amounted to four points [[--WIN CARDS--]] <</if>><<if $churchmorale is false>>you have a Pair-Royal and a Knave Knoddy. This means your turn had amounted to seven points while the siblings' hand had amounted to fourteen points [[--LOSE CARDS--]] <</if>>

At the end of the second round, the winner is still undecided and the elder has you with the children roll for the final time as the siblings do the same <<if $cool is true>>You roll doublets of six, amounting to twelve and you passeth. On the other hand, the siblings roll doublets of two causing them to loseth [[--WIN DICE--]]<</if>><<if $cool is false>>You roll doublets of four, amounting to only eight and you loseth, however, the siblings roll doublets of five allowing them to passeth [[--LOSE DICE--]]<</if>>

Losing the previous round, the siblings deal another four cards for yourself with the children and four cards for themselves, placing them face down again When it is time to flip each of the cards over and <<if $churchmorale is true>>you have a double Pair-Royal. This means your turn had amounted to twelve points while the siblings' hand had only amounted to eight points [[--WIN CARDS--]] <</if>><<if $churchmorale is false>>you have a Sequence of Five and a Pair. This means your turn had amounted to seven points while the siblings' hand had amounted to eight points [[--LOSE CARDS--]] <</if>>

<<if $Join is true>>As you regain your vision, the smell of freshly baked goods waft into the air and find that you are once again in bed that is not yours. From your seated position, you slowly notice that the two travelers are perched on chairs within the dimly lit room and before you have time to be alarmed, they speak "Welcome back... or rather, not back, but greetings again" "Brother, silence thyself—they were not aware the first time" "Indeed" Confused yet cautioned by the travelers who seem to have a habit of bickering, you choose to... [[Get Up]] or [[Question Them]]<<elseif $Join is false>>The smell of freshly baked goods wafting into the space awakens you and you open your eyes, finding that you are once again in bed that is not yours. Sitting up slowly, you notice that there are two figures perched on chairs within the dimly lit room and before you have time to be alarmed, they speak "Welcome back... or rather, not back, but greetings again" "Brother, silence thyself—they were not aware the first time" "Indeed" Confused yet cautioned by the two figures who seem to have a habit of bickering, you choose to... [[Get Up]] or [[Question Them]]<</if>>

Winning the previous round, you are able to deal another four cards for yourself with the siblings and four cards for the children, placing them face down again When it is time to flip each of the cards over and <<if $churchmorale is true>>you have a double Pair-Royal. This means your turn had amounted to twelve points while the childrens' hand had only amounted to eight points [[WIN CARDS]] <<elseif $churchmorale is false>>you have a Sequence of Five and a Pair. This means your turn had amounted to seven points while the childrens' hand had amounted to eight points [[/Next Hand/]] <</if>> <<if $win is 1>><<set $win to 2>> <<elseif $win is 0>><<set $win to 1>><</if>>

With no clear winner at the end of the first round, the elder has you with the siblings roll again as the children do the same. <<if $cool is true>>You roll doublets of six, amounting to twelve and you passeth. On the other hand, the children roll doublets of two causing them to loseth [[WIN DICE]] <</if>> <<if $cool is false>>You roll doublets of five, amounting to ten exactly and you passeth, however, the children roll doublets of six also allowing them to passeth [[/Next Roll/]] <</if>>

or [[--NEXT WEEK--]] ~Choosing tomorrow will take you to the shorter version of the game~

Summoning the courage to ask that one question, you meet the gaze of the attendee and await his answer "The name is Auric... but my companions call me Ric" His reply comes with a certain boyish expression that causes a fluttery feeling in your stomach, something that brings you a sense of ease and nervousness simultaneously. Collecting your thoughts before deciding on how to respond, you choose to... [[Be Witty]] or [[Be Cordial]] <<set $flirtA to true>>

Before the attendee has time to depart from your beside, you ask for his name, wanting to properly thank the one who had provided you with the most care "The name is Auric... but my companions call me Ric" His reply comes with a certain boyish expression that causes a fluttery feeling in your stomach, something that brings you a sense of ease and nervousness simultaneously. Deciding how to respond, you choose to... [[Be Witty]] or [[Be Cordial]]

Just mustering the courage to ask, your cheeks heat with embarrassment as you voice a small reply "Nevermind" "It is naught of worry, please make me aware if there is anything more you require" <<if $gender is "Maiden">>As you watch the attendee walk further down the church, probably to attend to others, you could swear laughter followed him. Rather then dwelling on that slight humiliation, you choose to..[[.Rest]]<<elseif $gender is "Mister">>Rather than dwelling on your lack of social skills as you watch the physician walk further down the church, probably to attend to others, you choose to..[[.Rest]]<</if>> <<set flirtA to false>> <<set flirtB to false>> <<set $shy to true>>

Summoning the courage to ask that one question, you meet the gaze of the physician and await her answer "The name is Aurelia... but most companions call me Lia" Her reply comes with a bashful expression that gives you a feeling of ease and nervousness at the same time, bringing a slight smile to your face while you decide how to respond. You choose to..[[.Be Witty]] or [[Be Cordial.]] <<set $flirtB to true>>

"Doth that render me a friend?" "Perchance, yet they rarely appear as thou" From his response, you are unsure whether he meant that as a compliment or if he is trying to avoid being friends. Determining whether you want to have clarification or would rather not continue, you choose to... [[Dismiss Him]] or [[Keep Talking]]

Getting over your lapse in repose, you continue with formalities and politely excuse him to deal with your thoughts alone "Well... thank you Auric, your assistance and company has been pleasant but I would like to rest" "Very well <<print $name>>, please make me aware if there is anything more you require" As you watch him walk further down the church, probably to attend to others, you could swear laughter followed him. Rather then dwelling on that possibility, you choose to..[[.Rest]]

Deciding to focus more on your healing, you politely dismiss Auric and he departs promptly, presumably to attend to others within the church Now alone in your bed, you choose to..[[.Rest]] <<set $flirtA to false>>

"What dost thou mean by that?" At your slightly bothered ask, his face softens, realizing that you had taken his statement with a negative connotation "None of my friends look as enchanting" His answer was nothing of what you were expecting, surprising you for the second time in this conversation "Although our time has been lovely, there are others who need attending" With that, you muster a small acknowledgement as Auric departs from your bedside, leaving you with your thoughts and you choose to..[[.Rest]] <<set $flirtA to true>>

"Doth that render me a friend?" "Perchance, yet they rarely appear as thou" From her response, you are unsure whether she meant that as a compliment or if she's nervous. Determining whether you want to have clarification or save her the embarassment, you choose to... [[Dismiss Her]] or [[Keep Talking.]]

Despite the clear fondness in your thoughts, you find it best to continue with formalities and politely release her "Well... thank you Aurelia, your assistance and company has been pleasant but I would like to rest" "Very well <<print $name>>, please let me know if there is anything more you require" As you watch the physician walk further down the church, probably to attend to others, you could swear light giggles followed her. Rather than dwell on the possibilities, you choose to..[[.Rest]] <<set $flirtB to false>>

Figuring that letting her leave is the best course of action to allow you to focus on your healing, you politely dismiss Aurelia and she departs with a tiny wave, presumably to aide others within the church Now alone in your bed, you choose to..[[.Rest]] <<set $flirtB to false>>

"Care to expand?" At your seemingly cool delivery, her face deepens to a shade of pink before answering you "I um... don't possess friends that are nearly as handsome" Her answer mirrors your expectations of a reaction, widening your smile as she continues to speak "Although our time has been lovely, there are others who need attending" With that, you give Aurelia a simple acknowledgement as she departs from your bedside and you choose to..[[.Rest]]

With the atmosphere in the room noticeably lifted, you feel more comfortable with the trio Despite the calm, it seems that Kellan is reluctant to divulge this information and Leo picks up the conversation "I suppose that means I should start... I alter sound by way of illusion. This gift is used to influence the mindset of others, take for example, imitating the sound of the ocean to bring about serenity within an individual" <<if $Follow is true>>Hearing the explanation of Leo's abilities makes you eager to know what Kellan's might be, however, his hesitance in relaying the extent of his magical nature brings about feelings of concern. You choose to... [[Ask Kellan]] or [[Move On.]]<<elseif $Follow is false>>Hearing the explanation of Leo's abilities makes you eager to know what Kellan's might be, however, his hesitance in relaying the extent of his magical nature brings about feelings of concern. You choose to... [[Ask Kellan]] or [[Move On]] <</if>>