Misty Hills 1.2

Your browser lacks required capabilities. Please upgrade it or switch to another to continue.

Loading…

You have travelled a long way to get back home, now all that remains is to board the rusty old funiculare past the Misty Hills, and hope for the best. A little money, some chunky canned tuna and an old blade are the only things in your leather bag, simptoms of a rather long and treacherous journey through the Archipelago. You only victory was acquiring a couple of novelty dice, snuggly kept in their custom belt pouch. Descending the tired old steps to the base of the hill, you just miss the tram as the familiar shadowy shape disappears upwards into the mists. An Ancient Operator walks up to you. "Half an hour until the next one, sorry." he whispers through his sore throat. "There is some tea over by the abandoned well if you are interested. Take your time, tram's not going anywhere". He trods back to the chugging machinery that powers the tram. [[Approach to the Ancient Operator->Talk to the Ancient Operator]] [[Go to the Abandoned Well]] [[Take a walk through the Dew Kissed Forest]]

<<set $copper to random(1,6)>> <<set $conductorPlay to 0>> <<set $conductorLoss to 0>> <<set $conductorHappy to true>> <<set $machineConductor to 0>> <<set $conductorMeet to 0>> <<set $tuna to true>> <<set $clothes to true>> <<set $cat to false>> <<set $coral to false>> <<set $sword to true>> <<set $dice to true>> <<set $time to 0>> <<set $demonPlaying to 0>> <<set $teaTime to 0>> <<set $teapourerCharity to 0>> <<set $conductorFriend to false>> <<set $petCat to 0>> <<set $catClearing to false>> <<set $demonFrustrated to false>> <<set $drink to false>> <<set $goodStuff to 0>> <<set $plate to false>> <<set $coral to false>> <<set $rope to false>> <<set $wellCoin to 1>> <<set $catFlee to false>> <<set $ropeTied to false>> <<set $mushroom to true>> <<set $rockBottom to false>> <<set $bitterTea to 0>>

Time:<<if $time ==0>> 11:00 <<elseif $time ==1>> 11:01 <<elseif $time ==2>> 11:02 <<elseif $time ==3>> 11:03 <<elseif $time ==4>> 11:04 <<elseif $time ==5>> 11:05 <<elseif $time ==6>> 11:06 <<elseif $time ==7>> 11:07 <<elseif $time ==8>> 11:08 <<elseif $time ==9>> 11:09 <<elseif $time ==10>> 11:10 <<elseif $time ==11>> 11:11 <<elseif $time ==12>> 11:12 <<elseif $time ==13>> 11:13 <<elseif $time ==14>> 11:14 <<elseif $time ==15>> 11:15 <<elseif $time ==16>> 11:16 <<elseif $time ==17>> 11:17 <<elseif $time ==18>> 11:18 <<elseif $time ==19>> 11:19 <<elseif $time ==20>> 11:20 <<elseif $time ==21>> 11:21 <<elseif $time ==22>> 11:22 <<elseif $time ==23>> 11:23 <<elseif $time ==24>> 11:24 <<elseif $time ==25>> 11:25 <<elseif $time ==26>> 11:26 <<elseif $time ==27>> 11:27 <<elseif $time ==28>> 11:28 <<elseif $time ==29>> 11:29 <<elseif $time ==30>> 11:30 <<elseif $time ==31>> 11:31 <<elseif $time ==32>> 11:32 <<elseif $time ==33>> 11:33 <<elseif $time ==150>> ---- <</if>> Copper: $copper Bag: <<if $coral ==true>>Blue Coral Shortsword<<elseif $sword == true>>Shortsword <<elseif $sword == false>>Ruined Shortsword <</if>> <<if $tuna == true>>Canned Tuna<<else>> Empty Can<</if>> <<if $plate ==true>>Urchin Plate<<elseif $clothes ==true>>Travelling Clothes <<elseif $clothes == false>>Tattered Clothes<</if>> Gambling Dice <<if $rope ==true>>Spider Silk Rope<</if>> <<if $cat ==true>> Siamese Cat<</if>> <<if $drink ==true>> Champagne Bottle<</if>> <<if $guitar ==true>> Arraquian Guitar<</if>>

His face is like an crusty bread, hard and cracked. You can barely see him behind all that intricate machinery. The only sign he is still there is the ocassional exhausted sigh. [[Examine the machinery closely]] [[Leave him to his work->Tram Clearing]] [[Try to get his attention]]

A Gentle Teapourer has set up a cozy stall right next to the crumbled well at the center of this otherwise mossy remnant of a village. Perfumed steam rises from her mishmash of pots and cups. A hint of cherries and smoked cinnamon prickles your nose. The only other soul here is a Yellow Teethed Merchant, whose face sharpens into a deadly entrepreneurial smile as they see you approaching. [[Approach the Gentle Teapourer]] [[Approach the Yellow Teethed Merchant]] <<if $ropeTied==false>>[[Approach the Well]]<<else>>[[Approach the Well->Approach the Well 2]]<</if>> [[Return to the Tram Clearing ->Tram Clearing]]

The lush and colorful foillage of the Inner Archipelago is weighed down by thick dollops of dew, each awaiting their time to graciously fall to the ground. The air is thick with moisture, but fresh. Your journey up to this point has been a series of demoralizing treks through unnatural woods and swamps. For the first time, the local fauna seems content to let you continue your existence. <<if $catFlee ==true or $cat==true>><<else>><</if>><<if $catClearing == false>>[[Bask in the sounds of the forest]]<<else>>[[Go back to the Cat->Follow the meowing]]<</if>> [[Return to the Tram Clearing ->Tram Clearing]]

This jumble of cogs and springs is seeped with deep diesel smell. A hundred tiny levers dot what you assume is the main panel, amidst the bushes and moss that cover it. It purrs softly. <<if $machineConductor == 0>> "Don't touch it. Too complex for you, traveller." The Ancient Operator snickers. <<else>> The Ancient Operator waves his calloused hands to you, before diving back into the machine. <</if>> [[Try to get his attention]] [[Leave him to his work->Tram Clearing]] <<if $machineConductor == 0>>[[Touch the machinery]]<</if>>

<<if $conductorFriend==false>> You wave and you cough. Eventually the diminutive man comes out of the machinery, his dirty overalls glistening with fresh oil. "Tea's that way" The Ancient Operator says while pointing to the well. "Unless you wanna play, I don't wanna talk". [[Ask about the tram's schedule->Tram Question]] [[Play?]] <<else>> Before you can try anything, the Ancient Operator jump into view. "Need anything, traveller?" He's actually got a smile on his face for a change.<<if $conductorPlay ==0>> Want to play a game?"<</if>> [[Ask about the tram's schedule->Tram Question]] <<if $conductorPlay ==0>> [[Game?->Play?]] <<elseif $conductorPlay==1 and $copper>0>>[[Play some dice->Play]] <<elseif $copper ==0>> <<linkreplace "Play some dice">> "Maybe when you get some copper, traveller"<</linkreplace>><</if>> <</if>>

The mists roll gently downards through the rails of the tram, but no shadowy shape descends from the hills. There is still time. <<if $conductorHappy == true>>[[Approach the Ancient Operator->Talk to the Ancient Operator]]<</if>> [[Go to the Abandoned Well]] <<if $cat==true or $catFlee==true>>[[Take a walk through the Dew Kissed Forest->Dew Forest 2]]<<else>>[[Take a walk through the Dew Kissed Forest]]<</if>> <<if $cat ==true and $petCat ==0>> <<linkreplace "Pet the cat">> He purrs gently.<</linkreplace>> <<set $petCat +=1>> <<elseif $cat==true and $petCat==1>> <<linkreplace "Pet the cat">> He rolls on his back, offering his belly to you.<</linkreplace>><<set $petCat +=1>> <<elseif $cat==true and $petCat==2>> <<linkreplace "Pet the cat">> He coils around your leg, gently vibrating.<</linkreplace>><<set $petCat +=1>> <<elseif $cat==true and $petCat>2>> <<linkreplace "Pet the cat">> You sit down and he immediatelly curls up on your lap. Sweet bliss.<</linkreplace>><</if>> <<if $drink ==true and $goodStuff ==0>><<linkreplace "Drink some Champagne">> The cork pops and you take a sip. //Bubbly//.<</linkreplace>> <<set $goodStuff +=1>> <<elseif $drink ==true and $goodStuff <3>><<linkreplace "Drink some more Champagne">> Zhat hjit zhe spot.<</linkreplace>><<set $goodStuff+=1>> <<elseif $drink == true and $goodStuff ==3>>[[Finish the bottle][$drink to false]]<</if>>

You look for the section of the machine less likelly to rip a finger off your hand. Despite the noise and movement, it is surprisingly cold to the touch, almost like an unprotected hand on ice. Beign so close to the machinery you can also see its geometrically patterned black metal, which covers the entire jumble of metal before you. "Carbide". The Ancient Operator stands right next to you, their eyes a mix of fatherly disappointment and general concern. "Works on mist my baby does." He extends his hand to the machine, shying away from touching it. "There's no fixing it in case something happens. Nobody smart enough to figure it out, really. Shame." His voice is soft and distant. "I will ask you kindly now, since your parents clearly did not educate you." "Please. Do. Not. Touch. The. Machine." <<if $machineConductor == 0>>[[Baby?->Her?][$machineConductor +=1]]<</if>> [[Touch it][$conductorHappy to false]] [[Step away->Tram Clearing]]

"I just send them up. Schedule's above my paygrade" He crosses his arms and looks upwards to the mists. "But if I'm being honest, the thing just goes when it wants. Runs like clockwork that beauty, Im just here to keep her heart beating." He is lost in happy memories, his mouth contemplates a smile. <<if $machineConductor == 0>>[[Her?][$machineConductor +=1]]<</if>> [[Leave him alone->Tram Clearing]]

He eyes your dice pouch. "Azar, traveller. You even got the dice. I'd recognize a pouch like that anywhere. What do you say?" The Ancient Operator<<if visited("Play?")==1>> smiles for the first time<<else>> smiles widely<</if>>, the jingle of copper in his pocket. <<if $conductorPlay==0 && $copper>0>>[[Play]]<<else>><<linkreplace "Play">> "You are going to need copper to play, though"<</linkreplace>><</if>> [[Ask about the rules of Azar][$conductorPlay to 1]] [[Inquire about the tram ->Tram Question]] [[Leave him alone ->Tram Clearing]]

He takes out a folding table and a couple of wooden chairs. Faster than you can think, a game is set up: two ten sided dice and single copper in the middle of the shabby table. You thrown in your lot and draw your dice. The game begins.<<set $copper -=1>> Pick a target number: [[7->Rolling][$TN to 7]] [[8->Rolling][$TN to 8]] [[9->Rolling][$TN to 9]] [[10->Rolling][$TN to 10]] [[11->Rolling][$TN to 11]] [[12->Rolling][$TN to 12]] [[13->Rolling][$TN to 13]] [[14->Rolling][$TN to 14]] [[15->Rolling][$TN to 15]] <<set $pot to 2>>

You roll the dice: <<set $DR to random(2, 20)>> $DR <<if $DR == $TN or $DR == 20>> You win! <<set $copper += 2>> [[Take your winnings!]] <<elseif $DR < 7>> You add another copper to the pot! <<if $copper == 0>> But you don't have any... [[Game Over]]<<else>> <<set $pot += 1>> <<set $copper -= 1>> <</if>> [[Opponent's Turn]] <<elseif $DR > 15>> You take a copper from the pot! <<if $pot == 1>> [[Take your winnings!]] <<else>><<set $pot -= 1>> <<set $copper +=1>> [[Opponent's Turn]] <</if>> <<else>> The new Target Number is $DR! <<set $TN to $DR>> [[Opponent's Turn]] <</if>> Current Pot: $pot

<<if $conductorLoss <=3>> "Begginer's luck!" This is the most excited you have ever seen the Ancient Operator. "Again!"<<set $conductorLoss +=1>> <<set $conductorPlay to 1>> [[Accept ->Rematch]] [[Refuse]] <<else>> "I'm done for now, traveller. Go rob someone else." He picks up his improvised gaming setup and goes back to his machinery. [[Examine the machinery closely]] [[Leave him alone ->Tram Clearing]] <</if>>

"Yes!" The Ancient Conductor slams the diminute table, sending his winnings flying. He hums a jolly little song and does a little dance, while hunched over the muddied coins. "Wanna go again? I'm feeling //especially// lucky right now!" <<set $conductorPlay to 1>> <<if $copper>0>>[[Rematch]]<<else>><<linkreplace "Rematch">> "Maybe when you've got some copper."<</linkreplace>><</if>> [[Refuse]]

They roll the dice: <<set $DR to random(2, 20)>> $DR <<if $DR == $TN or $DR == 20>> They win... [[Game Over]] <<elseif $DR < 7>> They add another copper to the pot! <<set $pot += 1>> [[Your Turn->Rolling]] <<elseif $DR > 15>> They take a copper from the pot! <<if $pot == 1>> [[Game Over]] <<else>><<set $pot -= 1>> [[Your Turn->Rolling]] <</if>> <<else>> The new Target Number is $DR! <<set $TN to $DR>> [[Your Turn->Rolling]] <</if>> Current Pot: $pot

You thrown in your lot and draw your dice. The game begins.<<set $copper -= 1>> Pick a target number: [[7->Rolling][$TN to 7]] [[8->Rolling][$TN to 8]] [[9->Rolling][$TN to 9]] [[10->Rolling][$TN to 10]] [[11->Rolling][$TN to 11]] [[12->Rolling][$TN to 12]] [[13->Rolling][$TN to 13]] [[14->Rolling][$TN to 14]] [[15->Rolling][$TN to 15]] <<set $pot to 2>>

"I thought you were different from the others, traveller" the Ancient Operator laments as he puts away his improvised gambling table and returns to his growling machine. [[Examine the machinery closely]] [[Leave him alone ->Tram Clearing]]

The Gentle Teapourer is carefully sorting through a series of leaves, her ears gently reacting to the sounds of the boiling kettle. When she raises her head you are able to see her impossibly wrinkly, yet exquisetly moist, face. <<if $teaTime == 0>>A smile cuts through the folds in her cheeks. She gestures to a small wooden box in front of you, it reads "1 copper for tea". She eagerly awaits your next move. <<else>>"How about another cup of tea, traveller?" The wooden box jingles on her hand.<</if>> <<if $copper >= 1>>[[Pay 1 copper][$teaTime to 1]]<</if>> <<if $teapourerCharity==0>>[[Say you have no money]]<<else>><<linkreplace "Say you have no money">> "Not running a charity here, traveller"<</linkreplace>><</if>> [[Inquire about the Well]] [[Step Away->Go to the Abandoned Well]]

<<if $demonFrustrated==false>>"Welcome all to the travelling emporium!" HE GESTURES WILDLY, LIKE ONLY A TRUE SALESMEN OF ENTREPENEURIAL ACCUMEN WOULD. "Can I interest you in some of my wares, oh weary traveller?" HE BOWS. SUCH HUMILITY! SUCH LOVE FOR THE POOR! BEHOLD, THE HERALD OF THE FREE MARKET. [[Peruse his wondrous wares!]] [[What are you doing?]] [[Back away, slowly ->Go to the Abandoned Well]] <<else>>OH, IT'S //YOU//. GREAT. "Hey, back for more, are you?" <<if $coral ==true and $plate ==true and $guitar ==true and $rope ==true>><<linkreplace "Peruse his wondrous wares!">> NO WARES REMAIN. YOUR CAPITALISTIC ACCUMEN IS ENVIABLE.<</linkreplace>><<else>>[[Peruse his wondrous wares!]]<</if>> [[Talk to the Demon]] [[Leave->Go to the Abandoned Well]] <</if>>

You close your eyes. You can hear the dew drops falling, a satisfying plop in the wet dirt below. The air is gentle and cool, a true blessing from the woods. The fragrant smell of wet dirt delicately touches your nostrils. The weariness of your travels starts to fade as the breeze plays with the folds of your clothes, refreshing your sweat stained skin. [[Concentrate further]] [[Go Back ->Tram Clearing]]

You feel your body disappearing for a moment, just your counciousness drifting in its meaty cage. Then you start feeling everything, every inch of your body, from your head to your toes, you can feel the fabric of your garments touching your skin in excruciating detail. The sounds of the forest amplify, you can hear the gentle rustle of the dirt below your feet, the millions of living things going about their microscopic business. You hear... a cat? [[Wait, what?]] [[Ignore it, focus on the roots, on the heart of the forest. Be one with us]]

The Dew Kissed Woods weren't as safe as you thought. Breaking you focus you see dangerously sharp roots moving away from your legs, like squirming snakes. The meowing continues, its pain now clear to your ears. [[Follow the meowing][$catClearing to true]] [[Go Back ->Tram Clearing]]

Such mundane concerns are now beyond you. We reach into your feet, out gentle roots embrancing you. They pierce your flesh. We taste your ambrosial blood. You can feel everything now, we are one, the roots are now an extension of the forest. We cannot let you go now, however. After all, you don't want to, right? There is nothing here, yet everything is here. No worries, no more endless travels. You came here to wait, so wait with us. No more pain, no more suffering. No more lying awake because of coin. Because of love. Because of simply existing. That is too tiresome, isnt't it? Let it all out, lay yourself out to the forest. No choices left, only unity. Peace. [[Stay]] [[Meow!]]

Years later, a lone traveller would comment on the beauty of the wooden statue he found, deep in the dew kissed forest. For a moment the traveller would be jealous of the statue's gentle visage, the purest and most sincere smile. He would think it painfully reminded him of the smile he saw in his dreams, where he saw himself in the way he desired the most. Happy. They decided to stop for a moment and bask in the sound of the forest. <<set $time to 150>> [[FIN]]

Snap. You could have it all. You fall over, breaking away from the roots coiling around your ankles. They quickly retreat under the earth. <<if $plate ==false>><<set $clothes to false>>Blood drips from your legs, but the injuries are far from serious. Your clothes however, are far from pristine now.<</if>> The meowing is getting louder. [[Go back->Tram Clearing]] [[Follow the meowing][$catClearing to true]]

You pass through dozens, no, //hundreds// of wooden statues. Each has been overtaken by the forest and are at differentes degrees of moss takeover, but they all share the same feature: smiling faces. Every single one of these humanoid trees has a deep smile of gratification carved on their faces, looking at it makes you instinctively draw a smile too. Pushing through the increasing number of statues you see your target, a scrawny siamese cat, stuck in the loving embrace of a vaguely human tree. He desperately tries to claw his way out, to no avail. <<if $sword ==true>>[[Attempt to break him free->Break him free][$sword to false]]<<else>><<linkreplace "Attempt to break him free">> Your hands are too weak and the cat too wild.<</linkreplace>><</if>> <<if $tuna == true and $sword ==true>>[[Attempt to calm him down with some tuna]]<<elseif $tuna ==true and $sword == false>> <<linkreplace "Attempt to calm him down with some tuna">> You lack a blade to open the can.<</linkreplace>><<elseif $tuna == false>> <<linkreplace "Attempt to calm him down">> He does not let you near him. His stomach growls.<</linkreplace>><</if>> [[Go Back->Tram Clearing]]

Thank you for playing! Restarting the game will allow you to experience your time in the Misty Hills once again. <<set $time to 150>>

The cat shakes violently as you attempt to break him free from the tree with your blade, leaving awful gashes in your hands. Your ears have never before been cursed by such wretched screeching. Eventually, after what seems like an eternity, the cat is free and immediatelly bolts down the woods. The creature's struggle ruined your blade, bending and dulling it. What an awful, awful cat. <<set $catFlee to true>> [[Go Back ->Tram Clearing]]

You take out the last can of tuna you brought and quickly open it with your sword, immediatelly sedating the cat with its salty smell. The furry beign in front of you purrs gently, kneading invisible bread in the air while patiently waiting. Offering some of the tuna, you take the opportunity to slowly try squeezing him out of the branch he's stuck in. Once freed, he falls to the ground purring as if nothing happened. The tuna is gone, but the cat doesn't seem like its going away anytime soon. <<set $tuna to false>> <<set $cat to true>> [[Go Back->Tram Clearing]]

As soon as she hears the rattle of copper on wood, he smile broadens even further, letting you peek into her jet black teeth. She sets out a ceramic cup, green with moss, in front of you. She takes the kettle and pours a fragant dark liquid in, heat rising to meet your curious nostrils. Cherries at the back of your nose. Your eyes water, from both smell and memory. You can almost taste the deep cinnamon on your tongue, anticipating the numbness that will come. This is the work os an artist. "Milk?" The Gentle Teapourer interrupts your daydreaming. [[Accept]] [[Refuse->Refuse Milk]] <<set $copper -=1>>

"People think it special" she shrugs. "Too much garbage down there now, if you ask me." Her hands instinctivelly go for a bunch of leaves, she puts them into her mouth and munches, pensively looking at the well. <<if $copper == 0>> She turns to you. "if you have no coin, might as well try your luck though." A hearty laugh. [[Go back->Go to the Abandoned Well]] <<else>> "Tea?" [[Pay 1 copper]] [[Go back->Go to the Abandoned Well]] <</if>>

Milk flows into your tea. Her smile deepens. <<if $cat == true>> Noticing your now purring furry friend, she produces a shallow plate for him and lets a single strand of milk fill it. The cat purring resounds deeply as it drinks. Her teeth are showing, in a childish smile of fascination. <</if>> She cleans the table and faster than you can follow, offers a pot with sugar to you. [[Accept -> Accept Sugar]] [[Refuse -> Refuse Sugar]]

"Ah I see" She puts the milk away with one hand, and offers sugar with the other. Her quiet blue eyes study you carefully. <<set $bitterTea +=1>> [[Accept->Accept Sugar]] [[Refuse->Refuse Sugar]]

"Oh, have one on me then." She drops a coin in her wooden box. She eyes you curiously, chin resting on her crossed fingers. <<set $teapourerCharity to 1>> [[Wait][$teaTime to 1]]

She nods grimly. Her lips, or what you think are her lips, curl into a respecting smile. <<set $bitterTea +=1>> [[Drink the tea]]

She drops a single sugar cube into the steaming teacup. Tension in the air. You can hear the tea calling ot you. [[Drink the tea]]

She nods, closing her eyes and judging you. Her chin is now beign held by one bony hand, as she eagerly awaits your next move. [[Drink the tea]]

Her eyes open, pushin against her many folds. She is genuinely surprised. She now peers into your tea. <<set $bitterTea +=1>> [[Drink the tea]]

<<if $bitterTea ==2>> Bitter darkness. A punch of the purest tea. You black out for a second. Its like all the weariness you carried from your trip has dissipated, in one fell gulp. Your teeth are stained and your soul forever marked by the deep profile of taste you experienced. Worth it. [[Look up]] <<elseif $bitterTea ==1>> The perfect balance. It goes down so smooth you barely feel it. The warmth it emanates hugs you, dissipating your aches with its heat. It is as if a part of you long lost, has finally been found. This is the feeling you will turn to in the darkest of nights, in the saddest of thoughts. [[Look up]] <<elseif $bitterTea ==0>> Such flavor. Sugar empowers it, like nothing else. Milk does not dillute it: the tea is enhaced by the fat. Such science. The childhood wonder of discovery and the sheer joy of life have returned to you, even if a fleeting moment. Your taste buds are now primed to seek other potent mixtures such as this. [[Look up]] <</if>>

The Gentle Teapourer is laughing deeply. <<set $bittertea to 0>> <<set $sweettea to 0>> "Always fun to see what you travellers make of it" She wipes a tear away. "Drink deep and do come again!" <<if $cat == true>> "And bring him with you, ok?" She pats his butt. He purrs.<</if>> [[Inquire about the Well]] [[Step away->Go to the Abandoned Well]]

<<if $coral ==true and $plate ==true and $guitar ==true and $rope ==true>>YOU HAVE DONE THE UNTHINKABLE: YOU HAVE ATTAINED ALL MATERIAL POSSESSIONS AVAILABLE AT THIS HUMBLE SHOP. "Don't got anything else, traveller. Sorry." HE SAYS, AS HE COUNTS THE ENDLESS STREAM OF COINS THAT POUR FROM HIS REFINED PURSE! SUCH CAPITAL, SUCH MAJESTY. [[Leave the Yellow Teethed Merchant to his coppers->Go to the Abandoned Well]] <<else>>BEHOLD TREASURES FROM ALL OVER THE ARCHIPELAGO, FROM BEFORE, NOW AND THEN! "Got some new stuff recently." HE MOVES HIS MIGHTY ARMS SO AS TO METAPHORICALLY BARE HIS ENTREPRENEURIAL SOUL TO YOU. <<if $rope ==true>>--SOLD OUT--<<else>>[[Look at the Bundle of Spider Silk Rope]]<</if>> <<if $coral ==true>>--SOLD OUT--<<else>>[[Look at the Coral Sword]]<</if>> <<if $plate ==true>>--SOLD OUT--<<else>>[[Look at the Urchin Plate]]<</if>> <</if>>

"What do you mean?" HE QUESTIONS THE FEEBLE MORTAL BEFORE HIM. [[That!]] [[Ignore it, check out his wares ->Peruse his wondrous wares!]]

The Ancient Operator flushes. "I swear its nothing like that! You travellers and your sharp ears, can't a worker have a good relationship with his workplace?" He turns his back to you, his movements a pantomine of his former self. [[Assure him it's a genuine question]] [[Leave him alone->Tram Clearing]] <<if $conductorPlay==1 and $copper>0>>[[Change subject with a game->Play]]<<elseif $copper==0>><<linkreplace "Change subject with a game">> "Maybe when you got some copper, traveller"<</linkreplace>><</if>>

ANYTHING THAT HAS BEEN SHARPENED LONG ENOUGH CAN BECOME A SWORD, AS YOU CAN ATTEST TO THE MAGIC OF THE CORAL SWORD. "It's just sharp coral, really. But can be pretty handy" SUCH STRATEGY! YOU CANNOT STAND AGAINST HIS BARGAINS. "5 copper." <<if $copper>=4>>[[Buy the Coral Sword][$copper-=4]]<<else>><<linkreplace "Buy it">> A BIT LACKING IN COPPER, ARE WE?<</linkreplace>><</if>> <<linkreplace "Haggle">> NOT GONNA HAPPEN.<</linkreplace>> [[Peruse his other wondrous wares!->Peruse his wondrous wares!]] [[Step away->Go to the Abandoned Well]]

FORGED WITH AUTHENTIC GIANT SEA URCHIN NEEDLES, THIS BLACK PLATE IS CERTAIN TO PROTECT YOU FROM HARM, COVERING YOU FROM HEAD TO TOE! "Be careful with that one, I pricked my finger once and it hurt for weeks." SUCH IS THE PROTECTIVE POWER OF THE URCHIN PLATE! "7 copper." <<if $copper>=7>>[[Buy the Urchin Plate][$copper-=7]]<<else>><<linkreplace "Buy it">> A BIT LACKING IN COPPER, ARE WE?<</linkreplace>><</if>> <<linkreplace "Haggle">> NO.<</linkreplace>> [[Peruse his other wondrous wares!->Peruse his wondrous wares!]] [[Step away->Go to the Abandoned Well]]

LISTEN HERE YOU DIRTY LITTLE TRAVELLER, ENOUGH WITH THE QUESTIONING. SOON YOU WILL BE GONE UP THE MISTS, NO NEED TO RUIN A PERFECTLY GOOD THING, RIGHT? "Who are you talking to?" [[Inquire further]] [[Warn the merchant]] [[Peruse his wondrous wares!]]

YOU KNOW WHAT IS UP MY DEAREST MORTAL! I'M A DEMON, PLAIN AND SIMPLE, JUST TRYING TO HAVE A LAUGH. BUT IT SEEMS MY PRESENCE IS NO LONGER DESIRED HERE. YOU HURT NO ONE, BUT THEY ALWAYS WANT TO EXORCISE YOU, WANT YOU GONE. [[Ask about its body]] [[Apologise]] [[Warn the merchant]]

"Demon? What are you talking about? Mother was right, uncivilized people and their primitive beliefs are going to ruin the world." YEAH, TRY NOT DOING THAT NEXT TIME. OUR FRIEND IN COMMON IS A BIT SLOW. MUST BE ALL THAT FREE MARKET GARBAGE HE READS BEFORE GOING TO BED. <<linkreplace"Ask about the Free Market">> WE ARE MOST CERTAINLY NOT GOING TO TALK ABOUT //THAT//.<</linkreplace>> [[Apologise]]

OH, IS THAT SOME EMPATHY I SMELL? RARE STUFF WITH YOU FLESHY PEEPS, RARER THAN THESE PRICELESS WARES, AM I RIGHT? SO BACK TO BUSINESS LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED, WHAT DO YOU SAY? THE LITTLE GUY GET INTO //SUCH// A BAD MOOD WHEN PEOPLE IGNORE HIM FOR TOO LONG. "Hello?" [[Concede and peruse his wares->Peruse his wondrous wares!]] [[Refocus on the demon at hand]]

STOP IT. I SWEAR YOU WILL REGRET THIS. LET'S GO BACK TO THE MERCHANT THING, PLEASE. [[Ignore the warning]] [[Concede and peruse his wares->Peruse his wondrous wares!]]

FINE, YOU WIN! I'M NOT //THAT// BIG OF A DEAL IN DEMONIC TERMS. THIS PATHETIC HUMAN IS ALL THAT I COULD THETHER MYSELF TO. HAPPY NOW? THE BIG BAD DEMON MADE A POOR LIFE DECISION, AND IS NOW PERPETUALLY BOUND TO A HUMAN WHOSE MIND CANNOT COMPREHENED, LET ALONE //ACKNOWLEDGE//, THE BIG AWFUL INTERPLANAR CREATURE INSIDE HIM. YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO LIVE LIKE THIS? HUMANS DON'T EVEN FEAR ME ANYMORE! NO MORE FEAR, MEANS NO MORE MAGICAL POWERS. BEST I CAN DO NOWADAYS IS A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE. PATHETIC. [[Champagne?]] [[Leave before they notice->Go to the Abandoned Well][$demonFrustrated to true]]

FIRST OF ALL, IM NOT AN "IT", IF YOU CARE, TRY "THEIR BODY" NEXT TIME. BACK TO YOUR QUESTION: NO BODY NEEDED HERE. SEE, THIS IS WHY I DON'T LIKE MESSING WITH MERCHANTS, AND ESPECIALLY MORTALS LIKE YOU! ITS ALL MATERIAL AND LOGICAL WITH YOU. WHERE'S THE SPIRIT, THE MAGIC, SUSPENSION OF DESBELIEF? THE GOOD STUFF, YOU KNOW? <<if $clothes == false>> NOT THAT YOU ARE UNWISE TO THE MORE MYSTERIOUS PARTS OF OUR WORLD, RIGHT? TOOK A LITTLE STROLL ON THE WOODS HAVE YOU NOT? AFTER EXPERIENCES LIKE THAT, YOU SHOULDN'T REALLY BE BOTHERED BY ANOTHER BODYLESS DEMONIC ENTITY. <</if>> CAN WE PLEASE GO BACK TO THE WHOLE MERCHANT THING NOW? [[Concede and peruse his wares->Peruse his wondrous wares!]] [[Apologise for the questions->Apologise]] [[Warn the merchant]]

<<set $time to State.turns % 100>> <<if $time == 30>> <<goto[[The Tram Has Arrived]]>> <</if>>

From the mists it descends, first a shadow, then iron. The brakes screech from the lack of oil and the whole carriage shakes for a moment. It stops right next to the Ancient Operator, who gently carresses it before turning to you. <<if $conductorFriend ==true>>"Good travels my friend." He goes for a hug, surprisingly warm considering his frail body. "If you ever come back, tea's on me." He say as he pats your back. <<else>>"Hurry up or you are going to miss it //again//, traveller."<</if>> [[Board the Tram]]

You don't see it, but the sharp pain in your wrist and the earthy taste of mud in your mouth, seem to indicate the Ancient Operator was faster than you. "Get out!" He pushes you further in the ground. <<set $conductorHappy to false>> "You come back here before the tram arrives and you are climbing the hills on foot." He walks away, never looking back. [[Go to the Abandoned Well]] [[Take a walk through the Dew Kissed Forest]]

He stops and turns around, head furrowed in his chest. "Met a lady here, long ago. Made a promise." His feelings spill like water through a clogged filter. "Long gone, too. Old stuff.". The words come out in gauche rhytmn, with far too much silence in between. "She loved this machine. The only way I can love her now is by taking care of it." A hint of a smile. Laughter bursts out. "My, do you just go around making people pour their hearts out? Awful little habit." "Thanks." <<set $conductorFriend to true>> [[Leave him be->Tram Clearing]] <<if $conductorPlay==1 and copper>0>>[[Break the ice with some dice->Play]] <<elseif $copper==0>> <<linkreplace "Break the ice with some dice">> "Maybe when you got some copper, traveller"<</linkreplace>><</if>>

She sets out a ceramic cup, green with moss, in front of you. She takes the kettle and pours a fragant dark liquid in, heat rising to meet your curious nostrils. Cherries at the back of your nose. Your eyes water, from both smell and memory. You can almost taste the deep cinnamon on your tongue, anticipating the numbness that will come. This is the work os an artist. "Milk?" The Gentle Teapourer interrupts your daydreaming. [[Accept]] [[Refuse->Refuse Milk]]

"Simple stuff, really" A wry smile crosses his face. "Throw a coin to participate. First player picks a number between 2 and 20. That is the target number" He raises his right hand and spins a coin across his knuckes. "We then roll our dice, 2 ten sided dice. Little sketchy, but I didn't make this up. If you roll the target number or 20, you get the pot." He stretches his back. A loud crack. "If you roll below 7, you have to add another coin to the pot. If you above 15, you take a coin from the pot. Run out of money and you are out." He anxiously rubs his hands together. <<if $conductorPlay==0 && $copper>0>>[[Play]]<<else>><<linkreplace "Play">> "Like I said, you are going to need money"<</linkreplace>><</if>> [[Inquire about the tram ->Tram Question]] [[Leave him alone ->Tram Clearing]]

WAIT, YOU WANT SOME? IT'S BEEN SO LONG SINCE I DID ANY MAGIC! UP FOR A DRINK THEN? [[Accept the Drink][$drink to true]] [[Refuse the Drink]]

NO, SERIOUSLY. YOU LEFT ME TALKING ALL BY MYSELF, AS I WAS POURING OUT MY HEART TO YOU, LAYING BARE ALL MY SUFFERING. NO MORE, YOU HAVE IRREVERSIBLY RUINED MY DAY. [[Look at the merchandise ->Peruse his wondrous wares!]] [[Leave->Go to the Abandoned Well]]

The merchant seems to turn off for a moment, the white of his eyes clearly visible. Mere moments later, a humongous bottle of champagne pops into existance at your feet. OUR MUTUAL ACQUAINTANCE IS GOING TO NEED A MINUTE TO RECUPERATE, HIS BODY IS NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE. BUT PLEASE, DO GO AHEAD AND ENJOY IT. [[Leave->Go to the Abandoned Well]]

FINE. YOU REALLY JUST OUT TO ANNOY ME, HUH? IT WOULD BE IN YOUR BEST INTEREST IF YOU LEFT. "Are you ignoring me?"

You down the rest of this delicious golden liquid in one fell gulp. Your head spins for a second before beign cushioned by the hard, cold floor. Demonic Champagne packs quite the punch. [[Close your eyes]]

Still spinning. [[Wait->champagne trouble]]

//Still// spining. Standing up now could severely worsen you situation, not to mention further tarnish your reputation. [[Wait->champagne trouble 2]]

You finally feel the effects of the champagne subsiding, the bitter taste of alcohol in your mouth and the empty bottle beside you are a sour reminder of the effects of demonic alcohol. Your head will //hurt// tomorrow. [[Stand up->Tram Clearing]]

YOUR EYES DECEIVE YOU, FOR THE FIGURE BEFORE YOU DOES NOT SQUIRM WHEN RECALLING HIS PERILOUS ADVENTURES INSIDE A GIANT SPIDER NEST THAT ONE TIME. "This is some good stuff! Never frays, never tears, spider silk for days!" SUCH POETRY! "3 copper." <<if $copper>=3>>[[Buy a bundle of Spider Silk Rope][$copper-=3]]<<else>><<linkreplace "Buy it">> IT SEEMS YOU HAVE CAUGHT A CASE OF THE EMPTY WALLET DISEASE.<</linkreplace>><</if>> <<linkreplace "Haggle">> WE DON'T DO THAT HERE.<</linkreplace>> [[Peruse his other wondrous wares!->Peruse his wondrous wares!]] [[Step away->Go to the Abandoned Well]]

It spins gracefully down the well, before reaching the bottom with a satisfying //clink//. <<set $wellCoin +=1>> "We actually don't do that here, traveller. No wishes to be found here" The Gentle Teapourer laughs at your disregard for money. [[Climb down]] [[Step Back->Go to the Abandoned Well]]

Its roots have dug to deep into the Well's walls, for as much as you try to pull it out, it simply will not come out. The sprout before you silently mocks your attempts to excise it. [[Keep going down]] [[Climb back up ->Approach the Well]] [[Try to remove it again]] <<if $sword ==true or $coral==true>>[[Use your blade to cut the mushroom free][$sword ==false]]<</if>> <<set $mushroom to true>>

At this level the most prevalent feature of the well is a escavated hole in the wall, from which wet metallic sounds pour out. The hole is large enough for you to fit your arm into, but deep enough you cannot see the origin of the sound. <<choice[[Stick your hand in]]>> [[Keep going down->The Bottom]] [[Climb back up ->Climb down]]

This old and rough hole in the earth stretches not too deeply, the sun partially illuminates the bottom. The smell of long forgotten foodstuff sticks to the stone innards of the Well, accompanied by the occasional plip and plop of //something// down below. <<if $rope ==true>>[[Tie your rope->Use Rope to climb down]]<<else>>[[Climb down]]<</if>> <<if $copper >0>>[[Throw a coin down the well][$copper-=1]]<<else>><<linkreplace "Throw a coin down the well">> You will need at least a copper for that.<</linkreplace>><</if>> [[Step Back->Go to the Abandoned Well]]

The blade cuts into the mushroom's flesh, offering some resistance and letting out a satisfying squishy sound. However, your ears are quick to pick up the sizzling sound of the mycelae flesh dissolving your blade, but your hands are too slow to react. The mushrooms remains standing, stoic and uncaring, while your sword lies destroyed in your hands. [[Keep going down]] [[Climb back up ->Approach the Well]] [[Try to remove it again, with anger now->Try to remove it again]]

You grip the mushroom firmly. It cannot escape your grasp. You pull on it will your might, its flesh stretching far beyond what you thought possible. You hear both the fibers of its body tearing and your veins pulsating in your hear. Then your hand slips. And you fall. <<if $rockBottom ==true>>[[Rock bottom->Rock Bottom 1.2]]<<else>>[[Rock bottom]]<</if>>

THAT WAS A STEAL, CONSIDER YOURSELF LUCKY! "Nice." <<set $rope to true>> SUCH MAJESTY, SUCH PANACHE. [[Step away->Go to the Abandoned Well]] [[Peruse //even more// wondrous wares!->Peruse his wondrous wares!]]

THAT WAS A STEAL, CONSIDER YOURSELF LUCKY! "Nice." <<set $coral to true>> SUCH MAJESTY, SUCH PANACHE. [[Step away->Go to the Abandoned Well]] [[Peruse //even more// wondrous wares!->Peruse his wondrous wares!]]

THAT WAS A STEAL, CONSIDER YOURSELF LUCKY! "Nice." <<set $plate to true>> SUCH MAJESTY, SUCH PANACHE. [[Step away->Go to the Abandoned Well]] [[Peruse //even more// wondrous wares!->Peruse his wondrous wares!]]

The impact of your head felt like a hammer being brought down on an innocent watermelon, although not as graphic. You can feel your limp body and slow rise and fall of your breathing, but your synapses don't seem to do much. <<set $rockBottom to true>> [[Try to move]]

This seems to be the source of the decayig smell you smelled at the top of the well: banana peels, flesh of tangerines, leaves, flowers, cans and staggering amount of plastic wrappers. All of them in varying stages of decomposition. The only thing of note here is a moldy bird plushy sticking out of the trash. These are quite popular among the youth of the Second City, resembling the local toucan. [[Search the garbage]] [[Climb back up->Keep going down]]

You attempt to move your toes, but all you manage is to make your head hurt even more. It throbs so badly you can hardly concentrate on anything but the pain itself. Slowly, your perception of time waxes. How long have you been here? Still, no response from your bod. Your brain keeps struggling with its synapses. [[...]]

Everything is still dark and your head still hurts. Is this it? All for a stupid mushroom? [[...->splash]]

So, this is it. Or so you begin to think, before a literal bucket of cold water splashed on your head, jumpstarting your return to the living. You can barely make out the Gentle Teapourer sillhoute, your vision still much blurred from the fall. "Try to be more careful next time. They say tea is good for headaches, traveller." Without seeing her face, you can feel a wry smile coming from her. [[Stand up->The Bottom]]

After riffling throught the trash your hands find the cold touch of copper. $wellCoin copper, to be exact. Not your proudest moment. <<set $copper to $copper+$wellCoin>><<set $wellCoin to 0>> [[Climb back up->Keep going down]]

<<if $plate ==true>>With the confidence only a full plate armor such as yours warrants, you stick your hand into the hole. Your arm goes almost as deep as your shoulder, before your gloves brush against something spiky and angry. Reaching even further your hands reach the metallic sound your heard earlier: a handfull of copper hidden deep within the hole. Quickly, you pull your arm back, with 5 copper in your fist and an angry sea urchin stuck to your plated gloves. <<set $copper +=5>> <<set $urchin to true>> [[Keep going down->The Bottom]] [[Climb back up ->Climb down]]<<else>> Your arm goes almost as deep as your shoulder, before your hands touch something. Which in this case were the prickly needles of an angry sea urchin. Pain surges through you hand, quickly racing upwards through your arm. Begore you can react, the creature's poison locks up all your muscles. And you fall. <<set $urchin to true>> <<if $rockBottom ==true>>[[Rock bottom->Rock Bottom 1.2]]<<else>>[[Rock bottom]]<</if>><</if>>

You step into the metal carriage, crashing down on one of the many empty wooden seats. <<if $cat ==true>>The cat you rescued from the Dew Kissed Forest is happily circling around your lap, looking for the perfect spot to lie down. His little engine starts the moment you touch him, its tail coiling around your arm.<<else>> No one else is here, you seem to be the only passenger onboard.<</if>> Less than a minute after you sit down, the Tram starts moving. Metal screeching and the rhytmic drumming of its misteryous engines, announce the beggining of your ascent. The mists around you grow dense, draping the entire carriage and blurring your vision of the forest. Through the Misty Hills you go, onwards to the Second City. [[FIN]]

The lush and colorful foillage of the Inner Archipelago is weighed down by thick dollops of dew, each awaiting their time to graciously fall to the ground. The air is thick with moisture, but fresh. Your journey up to this point has been a series of demoralizing treks through unnatural woods and swamps. For the first time in a while, the local fauna seems content to let you continue your existence. [[Return to the Tram Clearing ->Tram Clearing]]

You find a piece of metal sticking out from the base of the Well and tie your brand new silk rope there. The Gentle Teapourer lets out a giggle. Reaching the bottom should be much easier now, and safer.<<set $ropeTied to true>> [[Use the rope to quickly reach the bottom->The Bottom 2]] [[Use the rope to descend slowly->Climb down 2]] [[Step back from the Well->Go to the Abandoned Well]]

This old and rough hole in the earth stretches not too deeply, the sun partially illuminates the bottom. The smell of long forgotten foodstuff sticks to the stone innards of the Well, accompanied by the occasional plip and plop of //something// down below. Your silken rope contrasts sharply against the Well's poorly kept aesthetic. [[Use the rope to quickly reach the bottom->The Bottom 2]] [[Use the rope to descend slowly->Climb down 2]] <<if $copper >0>>[[Throw a coin down the well->Throw Coin 2][$copper-=1]]<<else>><<linkreplace "Throw a coin down the well">> You will need at least a copper for that.<</linkreplace>><</if>> [[Step Back->Go to the Abandoned Well]]

It spins gracefully down the well, before reaching the bottom with a satisfying //clink//. <<set $wellCoin +=1>> "We actually don't do that here, traveller. No wishes to be found here" The Gentle Teapourer laughs at your disregard for money. [[Use the rope to quickly reach the bottom->The Bottom 2]] [[Use the rope to descend slowly->Climb down 2]] [[Step Back->Go to the Abandoned Well]]

At this level the most prevalent feature of the well is a escavated hole in the wall, from which wet metallic sounds pour out. The hole is large enough for you to fit your arm into, but deep enough you cannot see the origin of the sound. <<if $urchin==false>><<choice[[Stick your hand in->Stick your hand in 2]]>><<else>><<linkreplace"Stick your hand in">> Not again.<</linkreplace>><</if>> [[Keep going down->The Bottom 2]] [[Climb back up ->Climb down 2]] [[Climb back to the top->Approach the Well 2]]

<<if $plate ==true>>With the confidence only a full plate armor such as yours warrants, you stick your hand into the hole. Your arm goes almost as deep as your shoulder, before your gloves brush against something spiky and angry. Reaching even further your hands reach the metallic sound your heard earlier: a handfull of copper hidden deep within the hole. Quickly, you pull your arm back, with 5 copper in your fist and an angry sea urchin stuck to your plated gloves. <<set $copper +=5>> [[Keep going down->The Bottom 2]] [[Climb back up ->Climb down 2]]<<else>> Your arm goes almost as deep as your shoulder, before your hands touch something. Which in this case were the prickly needles of an angry sea urchin. Pain surges through you hand, quickly racing upwards through your arm. Begore you can react, the creature's poison locks up all your muscles. You try to hold on to the rope, but your hand refuses. And you fall. <<if $rockBottom ==true>>[[Rock bottom->Rock Bottom 1.2]]<<else>>[[Rock bottom->Rock bottom 2]]<</if>><</if>>

Although slippery with lichen, the climb is not particullary tough, as long as you take your time. Climbing a bit, your hand momenteraly brushes against the slimy and //fluffy// flesh of a mushroom. It smells quite sweet and it's shape is not unlike that of an edible fungus you once ate. <<if $mushroom ==false>><<choice[[Harvest the Mushroom->Harvest the Mushroom 2]]>><<else>><<linkreplace"Harvest the Mushroom">>Not again.<</linkreplace>><</if>> [[Keep going down->Keep going down 2]] [[Go to the bottom->The Bottom 2]] [[Climb back up ->Approach the Well 2]]

Everything is still dark and your head still hurts. Is this it? All for a stupid mushroom? [[...->splash 2]]

Its roots have dug to deep into the Well's walls, for as much as you try to pull it out, it simply will not come out. The sprout before you silently mocks your attempts to excise it. [[Keep going down->Keep going down 2]] [[Go to the bottom->The Bottom 2]] [[Climb back up ->Approach the Well 2]] [[Try to remove it again->Try to remove 2]] <<if $sword ==true or $coral==true>>[[Use your blade to cut the mushroom free->Blade mushroom 2][$sword ==false]]<</if>> <<set $mushroom to true>>

The blade cuts into the mushroom's flesh, offering some resistance and letting out a satisfying squishy sound. However, your ears are quick to pick up the sizzling sound of the mycelae flesh dissolving your blade, but your hands are too slow to react. The mushrooms remains standing, stoic and uncaring, while your sword lies destroyed in your hands. [[Keep going down->Keep going down 2]] [[Climb back up ->Approach the Well 2]] [[Try to remove it again, with anger now->Try to remove 2]]

This time, you are not going to wake up. Before your brain can even assimilate the pain, your head is popped open like a watermelon at the bottom of the well. [[...->End Death]]

It takes a couple of days for someone to go down and retrieve your body, by then it is already a hodgepodge of green, grey and blue bulbous flesh. <<if $conductorFriend ==true>> The Ancient Operator is the only one in the clearing that mourns your passing, even if he denies it vehemently. A week later he is back to work, with an even colder attitude than before, his eyes expertly dodging the gaze of anyone attempting to converse with him.<<else>> Somewhere in the Second City, a warm bed awaited for you. Now, only sadness fills the memories related to you.<</if>> <<if $cat==true>>[[...->Death 2]]<<else>>[[FIN]]<</if>> <<set $time to 150>>

Your cat gave the people trying to retrieve your body, one hell of a fight. It also stayed around the well, long after your body had been disposed, hissing at anyone fool enough to climb down the Abandoned Well. The Gentle Teapourer cared for him until she passed. At that time, he simply wandered into the Dew Kissed Forest, an old, sad cat. [[FIN]] <<set $time to 150>>