TurnThePageSavethePrincess

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<div id="bergediv"> <img src="owlimg.jpg" alt="owl" id="owl"> <h2 id="berge">A Berge Assignment</h2> </div> [[Turn the page|Next2]]

<div id="devpage"> <h1 id="devteam">BarberShop.Net</h1> </div> [[Turn the page|Title Page]]

<div id="title"> <h1 id="gametitle"> <Turn the Page> </Save the Princess> </h1> </div> [[Your story begins here!|Begin your adventure]]

::Narrator In the city of Laerberge where the crows walk and coin flies begins our story. Laerberge has grown to be a prominent city becoming a hub for many trade items and goods. This, of course, brings much coin and all the things that come with having coin to spare. There are many shops and stalls and places to spend your money. The many ale houses are spread out to make good night of tavern hopping. However, the one you frequent often is the St. Petersberge Ale House. The tavern keep has an owl curse and his family has long used parts of the ale house to home various owls as a way to fend of the curse's horrible side effects. It is quite the experience to see a tavern doing tavernly things with owls all over the place. But, anyway, my apologies, I just love those little fellows. The real reason you come here is because of the princess. Her love for the owls draws her here often. There was a time when things were not in your favor. You were in troubled times and be hasseled by <span id="bully">Worderf</span>. His father is in the king's court which allows him to be preposterous in his behaviors. On one day in particular, Worderf had it in for you. He and his following corner you in the alleyway. After teasing and a few slaps, Worderf's bullying became more aggressive. [[Next|bully]]

::Narrator As he began to punch and kick, the sight of the blood from your nose further fed his rage. Luckily for you, the princess had taken notice. She often would be caught looking at you before quickly darting her eyes away. Though you had never spoken much up to that point, you surely would after this day. She rammed herself into Worderf, knocking him into the open window shutter. He collapsed while grabbing his face. There was blood coming from his nose was in no shortage. Though he told his fellows to get her, they quickly reminded him of who she was. Worderf had no choice but to tuck his tail. You were not surprised by her actions as the lovely princess had one of the kindest hearts. This was known in the city as well as she was most loved. [[Next|Taken]]

::Narrator Her recent disappearance has left Laerberge quite upset. The king has offered an enourmous bounty along with a notable nobility title and land that comes with it. The city takes notice of this as the king is the reason Laerberge has become so succesful. When he became king, Laerberge was on it last threads. Within a year of becoming king, he not only made the city safer but a sought after trading post. The trading post allowed for expansion and more coin. Coin buys great armies and also keeps people happy. However, this was not all accomplished behind the doors of the palace. No, no. He walked the streets with a confidence and the air around him almost glistened, even on gloomy days. There were times after large harvest where he would bring tables of food and hide coins underneath the plates. The people loved him. Since her disappearance though, Laerberge feels lost. He hasn't left the keep in days. The city is beginning to wonder the worst. [[Turn the Page|Hero]]

::Narrator The city needs a hero. The last place the princess was seen was near the old keep of the previous king. The place has became a regular stop for unscrupulous types of folk. This doesn't bode well. You feel it in your bones though. Whether it be [[love]]. Maybe a chance at [[redemption]], to save her as she once saved you. Or maybe the idea of the coin and [[status]] intrigues you more.

::Narrator I always enjoy a good story of redemption. I'm interested to see where this goes. (set: $motivation to 3) [[Turn the page|Tavern Keep]]

::Narrator Of course. It is hard to turn down the good life. Those satin sheets are an execellent choice by the way. (set: $motivation to 1) [[Turn the page|Tavern Keep]]

::Narrator My, my. We have ourselves a romantic story brewing. I'm interested to see this happily ever after. (set: $motivation to 2) [[Turn the Page|Tavern Keep]]

::Narrator You know that to be able to fulfill the reward, you must let the tavern keep know. This is also a good thing to do. Wouldn't won't to go on an adventure without someone knowing our whereabouts. ::Tavern Keep What'll you be havin'? [[Tell him you want to save the princess]] [[Tell him you want some ale]] [[Ask him what he knows about the princess situation]] [[Ask if you can pet an owl]]

::Narrator The tavern keep drops the glass he was cleaning and begins laughing. He leans over continuing to laugh, slaps his knee and begins to straighten back up. ::Tavern Keep O my mate, you and the rest of the drub 'round here. I tell you what, here. ::Narrator He reaches under the bar and brings a cookie up extending it towards you. ::Tavern Keep 'nything else I 'an do for ya? [[Tell him you want some ale to go along with your cookie|Tell him you want some ale]] [[Tell him you are serious and ask what he knows about the princess situation|Ask him what he knows about the princess situation]] [[Ask if you can pet an owl]]

::Narrator Is it really a good idea to drink before going to save the princess? This would make you slow, dull your senses, and make silly decisions.' How do you think she is going to react if she is rescued by a drunkard? ....I just don't get you young people sometimes..... Anyway, if it's ale you ask for... ::Tavern Keep Now, ya know I ain' givin' ya no such thing. Ye mother 'bout took me arm off las' time I did that... [[Fine, ask him what he knows about the princess situation|Ask him what he knows about the princess situation]]

::Narrator O goody, I want to know some grubby details too! ::Tavern Keep 're ye serious? (if: $motivation is 1) [[[Come on, I need this. My family needs this. The nobility and land would make us right for generations. This is my chance. I can save her. I just need to know more about what is going on. What am I up against?|TavernKeepTells]]] (if: $motivation is 2) [[[You know I have always had a thing for her. The time she saved me from ol Worderf rememeber? This can be my chance to tell her.|TavernKeepTells]]] (if: $motivation is 3) [[[Yes. I owe her this. She saved me once remember, when Worderf attacked me in the alley. I can be her knight in shining armor.|TavernKeepTells]]]

::Narrator Now that is obsurd. If you were to actually pat an owl, I would no longer be your friend. I want to myself. However, petting an owl doesn't get us very far in our adventure. What if it attacks you? The princess going to save you again, huh? ::Tavern Keep Yeah mate, just be careful and pet Mercy. She is a sweet one. ::Narrator Why I.... I am upset. What in the name of petting an owl has to do with rescuing the princess? You know, the sweet one who saved your life that time and here you are petting a damn owl. Well, whatever. If this is how you choose to spend your time, pet it once for me and let me know when you are ready to continue....I'll just be over here.. twiddling my thumbs...you know, a good use of my time. (set: $owl to 1) [[Turn the page|You pet the owl]]

::Tavern Keep 'onestly, things don't look good mate'. Her bein' nex' to the ol keep. There are some rough, mean folk out that way. I did hear a rumor that she ran away. Don' believe it though, why would she do somethin' like that? [[Ran away?]] [[Insist he continue]]

::Narrator You finished? I hope that was everything you had hoped for. I don't know why in....Whatever. Just take a deep breath. Okay, since you are ready to continue our story. :Narrator You pet Mercy the owl. (Rolls eyes) ::Tavern Keep Ain' she 'ovely? Somethin' on ye min'? [[Tell him you want to save the princess]] [[Tell him you want some ale]] [[Ask him what he knows about the princess situation]]

::Tavern Keep Yeah mate'. Some one, believe it was Peter, told me the king isn't all he seems. But, Peter, he's crazy. The man cancelled all the debt I owed him. It's hard to believe someone who is as devoted as he has bad secrets. I mean, everyone does. 'm sure his skeletons in the closet have gold to spend, don' ya think? [[Agree]] [[Ask if there is anything else]]

::Narrator Oooo, some detective work.. ::Tavern Keep Some one, believe it was Peter, told me the king isn't all he seems. But, Peter, he's crazy. The man cancelled all the debt I owed him. It's hard to believe someone who is as devoted as he has bad secrets. I mean, everyone does. 'm sure his skeletons in the closet have gold to spend, don' ya think? [[Agree]] [[Ask if there is anything else]]

::Narrator Interesting. The Tavern Keep has a friend of yours for a long time. His tavern is well respected and he always has a great deal of information about the going on's in the world. Now, where did I put my popcorn? ::Tavern Keep I think she got los' picking flowers. 'hat's what I hope. I'd hate to see wha' happens if somethin' 'errible happen to her. You think ye can get her back? [[I do]] [[Maybe]] [[I don't know, but I have to try]]

::Narrator Yes. It is always go to ask for things. ::Tavern Keep 'ell ye what. Between ye and me, I think 'heres a little somethin' odd goin' on. She gots no reason to wonder off and not come back. I think ye are the right person fer the job. Ye can't fin' out what happen'd less ye find her. ::Narrator He gives you a wink and resumes cleaning the glass. But this is interesting. He seems to think there is more to this than meets they eye. O my, I do love a good mystery. [[Turn the page|Beginning]]

::Narrator That's the idea. Get that can do attitude on and let's save this princess! ::Tavern Keep 'member she had to save your life once. If she is in deep, it'll be worse than ol Worderf. But, I think ye is the right 'erson fer the job. She 'lways seemed to have a thing fer ye. Just do me a favor and be careful. If ye make me be the one to tell ye mums something happened to ye, it'll be both of us in the ground. [[Turn the page|Beginning]]

::Narrator Way to be exuding the confidence there. With that kind of attitude, we can save her and rule the world....Anyway, it is your story. :Tavern Keep I think ye is the right 'erson fer the job. She 'lways seemed to have a thing fer ye. Just do me a favor and be careful. If ye make me be the one to tell ye mums something happened to ye, it'll be both of us in the ground. [[Turn the page|Beginning]]

::Narrator Cautious. A great way to be, but the princess needs someone with some confidence. Who knows what has happened to her? (wink) ::Tavern Keep I think ye is the right 'erson fer the job. She 'lways seemed to have a thing fer ye. Just do me a favor and be careful. If ye make me be the one to tell ye mums something happened to ye, it'll be both of us in the ground. [[Turn the page|Beginning]]

::Narrator Sadly, this is where we part. I have found my popcorn and prefer to watch. (if: $owl is 1) [Honestly, you are on your own because you pet the owl. This mortally wounded me. I would wish you luck in your story but life is complete now that you have pet the aviary extradinarious.] The fun thing is you now get to choose [[right|Rightpath]] through the farmland or [[left|Wetlands]] through the wetlands.

As the small hours of the day come and go, you enjoy gazing out across Lake Odstrašenie and admiring the serene beauty of the moon reflected upon the water. You are so caught with your contemplative meditation that you only notice too late that there is something stirring the water and moving towards you at an inhuman pace. As adrenaline kicks in, you can either [[retreat further into land]] or [[prepare yourself for battle]].

You waste no time sticking by the shore of the lake any longer, and rush back and away from the water just as the newly made waves make their way over. However, you are unable to make it far enough before the creature emerges from the lake with a superhuman leap and lands at your feet. You have no choice but to [[engage the creature in battle]].

You hurriedly rummage through your bag for your [[sword]] / [[bow]].

You pull out your trusty sword. Whatever this thing is, it's bound to get close to you all too soon. Thankfully, you manage to retrieve it in time. As the creature emerges from the water and attempts to attack you, you manage to slash at one of its most vulnerable spots while only receiving minor damage in return. The creature is determined to continue its barrage, but the wound you left has clearly incapacitated it. Instead, it retreats back into the waters of the lake as you breathe a sigh of relief. After a brief respite, you decide to [[continue towards the other side of the lake]].

You pull out your bow and a pair of arrows. Best to take whatever this thing is down before it gets to you. However, as you equip and arrow and begin aiming it towards whatever that thing in the lake is, you find that it already is charging towards you. The bow may not have been the best idea in close quarters, and you [[fall prey to creature's deadly charge|allow yourself to be murdered]].

The bad news is that it's too late to reach for the weapons in your bag. Whatever this thing is, it charges at you at full speed as you have nowhere to turn. There is not much you can do about it, besides [[attempting to dodge out of the way]] or [[bracing for impact]].

You attempt to dodge the incoming attack. However, you misjudge the unbelievable speed of this creature. It still hits you partly, and the wound it leaves is severe but survivable. It's time to [[retaliate]] / [[run away]]!

You brace for impact, getting ready to take this thing head on. The creature hits you with unbelievable force, and you are helpless in preventing it from mortally wounding you. You have no choice but to [[bleed out to death]].

You have bled out to death. You are now dead. You have [[died|game over]].

Now is the perfect opportunity for you to retaliate. However, you still do not have any weapons at hand. Do you choose to [[pull out your sword]], [[grab your bow]], or forget all of that and [[use your bare hands]] instead?

Your chance to show off the flight in your fight-or-flight repertoire. Turning around, you sprint as fast as your legs can take you in the opposite direction of the creature. As you exhaust your legs, footwear, and fatigue, you can still hear it chasing you. You have ran far enough that you see the wetlands in the distance. You can make it if you choose too. [[yell out for help]] [[give up]] [[Run to the wetlands|Wetlands]]

You let out a scream that takes you back all the way to your childhood years. It's not pleasant to hear. Luckily, someone nearby hears you. They yell back, "Over here!". You decide to [[head towards them]] / [[ignore the offer for help]].

You decide it's not worth the workout and give up this foolish escape. The creature gets to you and proceeds to murder you. You have no choice but to [[allow yourself to be murdered]].

You have been murdered, and consequently died. You are now [[dead|game over]].

GAME OVER

You head towards the welcoming voices as the creature remains close behind you. As you come upon a main road, you find yourself in the presence of three inebriated farmers on their way back from the local inn. They spot the creature at your back and manage to shoo it away thanks to their overwhelming numbers. It appears to retreat back towards the waters of the lake. You thank the farmers, and decide to offer them [[a sweetroll from your bag]] / [[a handful of coins]] as reward for their assistance.

For some reason, you decide to ignore the offer for help. Instead, you continue to run while the creature is hot on your trail. Eventually, you tire out completely. The creature catches up to you. You have no choice but to [[allow yourself to be murdered]].

You drop your bag and hurriedly reach for your sword inside as the creature prepares another charge. Thankfully, you manage to retrieve it in time. As the creature attempts to attack you once again, you manage to slash at one of its most vulnerable spots while only receiving minor damage in return. The creature wants to continue its barrage, but the wound you left clearly has incapacitated it. Instead, it retreats back into the waters of the lake as you breathe a sigh of relief. After a brief respite, you decide to [[carry on towards the other side of the lake]].

You quickly drop your bag and retrieve your bow out of it. As you equip an arrow and begin aiming it towards the creature, you find that it already is charging your way once again. The bow may not have been the best idea in close quarters, and you [[fall prey to creature's deadly charge|allow yourself to be murdered]].

You attempt to go hand-to-hand against the creature. However, when you go for a punch, your hand hits its seemingly impenetrable exterior and breaks completely. The creature charges at you again while you squirm in pain. You are defenseless to its deadly attack and [[fall to it|allow yourself to be murdered]].

You decide to reward them with a sweetroll you had stored in your bag. The sweetroll had been intended for the princess you will be saving, but you decide this to be a worthy use for it instead. The farmers wish you fair travels, and you [[continue your journey towards the other side of the lake]].

You decide to reward them with a handful of coins you had saved up for the journey. The sweetroll had been intended for the princess you will be saving, and so it must be conserved. The farmers wish you fair travels, and you [[continue on your journey towards the other side of the lake]].

As dawn shines its first light upon the horizon, you finally make it to the other side of Lake Odstrašenie as you had planned. You find a great, tall tower standing by the edge of the lake, overlooking its now peaceful waters. This must be where the princess is being kept. You rejoice at having reached your destination after the volatile encounter earlier, but there is still work to be done. To get to the princess, you must get to the top of the tower. This can either be done by [[scaling the tower|scale the tower]] or [[entering it and taking the stairs]]. What do you do?

As dawn shines its first light upon the horizon, you finally make it to the other side of Lake Odstrašenie as you had planned. You find a great, tall tower standing by the edge of the lake, overlooking its now peaceful waters. This must be where the princess is being kept. You rejoice at having reached your destination after the volatile encounter earlier, but there is still work to be done. You can either [[scale the tower]] or [[enter it and take the stairs|by entering it and taking the stairs]]. What do you do?

As you scale the tower on your way to the top, you realize that the wound you received from the creature earlier is hindering you significantly. Halfway to the top, your strength fails as pain overcomes your senses and you [[lose your grip]].

In light of the wound you suffered earlier, you decide that the best course of action is to enter the tower and take the stairs. The old-fashioned way. As you reach the top, you find yourself in a large room where the princess is sleeping soundly on a bed by the window. However, you also notice the humongous cyclops standing between you and her. He's hard to miss, to be sure. Once again, you look to your bag. Your [[sword|sword 2]] and [[bow|bow 2]] await your calling.

You fall backwards from the tower and straight to an instant death as the ground greets you from below. As close as you were, death turned out to be [[your undoing|game over]].

You grab your sword, and decide to charge at the cyclops, full of sound and fury. However, you underestimate both his size and his alterness, and by the time you attempt to land your first blow, he is ready to guard against your attack. Instead, he strikes at you with a vicious closed fist, and leaves your entrails completely battered. You should have [[seen this coming|allow yourself to be murdered]].

You retrieve your trusty bow and an arrow. After all, you'll only need one if your aim is true. You pull the string back and let your arrow fly right into the one eye of the hibernating cyclops. The damage leaves it completely blind, and he is now at your mercy. Time to finish him off [[with your sword]] / [[with your bow]].

Your bow's done its job. It's time to bring out the sword and end this. The cyclops is flailing around the room in a state of complete panic. You approach it cautiously, and manage to get to it before it knocks down any objects of significant size in the room. With the sharp end of your sword, you deal the cyclops its final blow. It falls on the floor with a loud thump. As you turn your attention towards the princess, you find that she is oddly still asleep even after all that commotion. You [[approach the bed to check on her]].

You grab another arrow from the quiver and attempt to end the cyclops's life. However, you find him flailing wildly around the room in a state of complete panic. Your arrow misses. The cyclops begins knocking down objects small and large within the room, and one of them is a bookcase of considerable stature. It falls onto the bed of the princess, who oddly enough is still asleep within it. Now, [[she shall never wake up|game over]].

You approach the princess as she looking out of the window. She turns to you. (if: $motivation is 1) [Why are you here?] (if: $motivation is 2) [I knew you would come!] (if: $motivation is 3) [Are you my knight in shining armor?] [[Turn the page|ending1]]

As dawn shines its first light upon the horizon, you finally make it to the other side of Lake Odstrašenie as you had planned. You find a great, tall tower standing by the edge of the lake, overlooking its now peaceful waters. This must be where the princess is being kept. You rejoice at having reached your destination after the volatile encounter earlier, but there is still work to be done. To get to the princess, you must get to the top of the tower. This can either be done by [[scaling the tower|scale the tower]] or [[by entering it and taking the stairs]]. What do you do?

You surmise that the princess is asleep under a spell of some sorts, but you do hear her whispering a single word repeatedly through her slumber. As you begin to shake her, she begins to open her eyes before making eye contact with you. (if: $motivation is 1) [Why are you here?] (if: $motivation is 2) [I knew you would come!] (if: $motivation is 3) [Are you my knight in shining armor?] [[Turn the page|ending1]]

As dawn shines its first light upon the horizon, you finally make it to the other side of Lake Odstrašenie as you had planned. You find a great, tall tower standing by the edge of the lake, overlooking its now peaceful waters. This must be where the princess is being kept. You rejoice at having reached your destination after the volatile encounter earlier, but there is still work to be done. You can either [[try to scale the tower]] or [[enter it instead and take the stairs]]. What do you do?

Double-click this passage to edit it.

You decide to scale the tower. Luckily, the damage you suffered from the battle earlier is insignificant enough not to encumber you. You make it to the top of the tower unscathed. As you peer into the window, you see a large room with a cyclops asleep by the stairs. Sure enough, the princess is sound asleep as well in a bed right by your window. If you're careful enough, you think you can [[grab her without awaking the cyclops]]. Alternatively, you can choose to [[take care of the cyclops first]].

You stealthily make your way into the room through the window. As you attempt to gently awaken the princess, you find that she is under a spell of some sort. The only thing she does is whisper one word repeatedly. "Hungry." The princess is hungry, and food she shall have. As you turn around to look in your bag for nourishment, you notice that the cyclops is no longer in his spot. Instead, you find him towering over you. [[This will not end well|allow yourself to be murdered]].

You decide that the best course of action is to get the cyclops out of the way first. Carefully, you make your way into the tower through the window and prepare for an ambush. Grabbing your bag, you rifle through it for your [[sword|sword 4]] / [[bow|bow 4]].

You grab your sword and sneak towards the cyclops. He appears to remain fast asleep as you approach his head. With a brilliant move, you turn the hilt of your sword face-down, and plunge the end of the blade right into the eye of the cyclops. The damage leaves it completely blind, and he is now at your mercy. Time to finish him off with [[your sword]] / [[your bow]].

You reach for you bow and a handful of arrows. The cyclops has his back turned to you, so you have no way of aiming for his eye as you would have liked to ideally. Instead, you decide that the back of his head will be suitable enough. You pull your bowstring back and let an arrow fly. It hits the back of his head dead-on, but appears to break in half as the skin seems to be impenetrable. The cyclops comes to life in record time, and you barely have time to draw another arrow before it reaches you. Your second arrow is meant for its eye, but his swift motion gives him enough leeway for your arrow not to be on target. It skirts by his face as the cyclops rushes you head first. The damage you take from his attack is unimaginable. One hit and [[you're a goner|allow yourself to be murdered]].

No reason not to stick with the sword. It's time to end this. The cyclops is flailing around the room in a state of complete panic. You approach it cautiously, and manage to get to it before it knocks down any objects of significant size in the room. With the sharp end of your sword, you deal the cyclops its final blow. It falls on the floor with a loud thump. As you turn your attention towards the princess, you find that she is oddly still asleep even after all that commotion. You [[approach the bed in order to check on her]].

You drop your sword and pull out the bow instead. With an arrow from your quiver, you attempt to end the cyclops's life. However, you find him flailing wildly around the room in a state of complete panic. Your arrow misses. The cyclops begins knocking down objects small and large within the room, and one of them is a bookcase of considerable stature. It falls onto the bed of the princess, who oddly enough is still asleep within it. Now, [[she shall never wake up|game over]].

You surmise that the princess is asleep under a spell of some sorts, but you do hear her whispering a single word repeatedly through her slumber. "Hungry." The princess is hungry, and food she shall have. You get ahold of your bag and dig through it. Luckily, you brought a sweetroll along just for the occasion. You offer it to the princess, who accepts it with open arms and eyes still closed. As she nibbles on it, you take a moment to rest and be grateful for making it this far without any stumbles. Finally, the princess slowly but surely opens her eyes to behold you by her side. (if: $motivation is 1) [Why are you here?] (if: $motivation is 2) [I knew you would come!] (if: $motivation is 3) [Are you my knight in shining armor?] [[Turn the page|ending1]]

You begin making your way across the farmland, keeping Lake Odstrašenie to your left. Though lacking in trees, this area has plenty of greenery to offer. The farmhouses are quaint and the common men still out at this time greet you without any pretension as you pass. Crossing the rural landscape takes a good while, and you have no doubt that the forest would have gotten you to the other side of the lake faster. This is certainly safer and, so far, uneventful, so you press on. [[Turn the page|press on]].

The wetlands that lie east of the kingdom are not often travelled. To think that you have to tread through the muck here is disgusting. Not that you are unused to such a thing in your trade. What you are unused to is the sky [[growing dark|darkens]] as you step over a much larger than average amphibian.

At first it seemed like the darkening could be just weather, but as you have moved further into the wetlands not just the sky has grown darker. Everything around you is becoming a haze of ever increasing blackness. You are certain you have not partaken in any the famous mushrooms from this area, and that's all the more unsettling. *Did you eat some and not remember? You might be going crazy at this point.* Your wonderings are cut short as you spot a [[robed man|figure]] not thirty feet in front of you.

Hit first ask questions later is a good policy when it comes to no good magicians. You ready your [[fists]]/[[sword|Mightyblade]]/[[bow|twiggystring]] to land the first strike before they can react.

You call out to the figure in the hopes that you won't be attacked by whoever this shady looking fellow is. "Ah, it seems this one won't attack me on sight. What a wonderful change of pace." The figure lowers its hood and you see a withered old man with graying hair step forward. In the same motion the darkness that surrounds you becomes just a little bit less imposing. "You are a hero on a quest to 'rescue the princess' are you not? My name is Exius and I am the court mage of this kingdom. I'm here to assist you on this quest. Please, ask of me what you wish to know." [["Exius? Never heard of you. Who are you exactly?"]] [["Why are you dressed so shadily and are you the one making the swamp dark? It's not helping my image of you."]] [[What are you doing here of all places?"]] [[Is there anything you can tell me that will help on my quest?]]

You do your best to avoid the strange figure in front of you. You are able to [[head back|back]]/[[detour around|around]] them. They seem to have no intent to follow you, but the darkness you are in doesn't seem to abate in the slightest.

You go forward with a practiced prowess in your hands. With a quick jab you attempt to stike the figure with as much force as you can muster. Unfortunately they move much faster than such baggy robes would imply they could. The figure deftly dodges underneath your first blow and jumps clear away of the kick you followed up with. You hear a short low chant as a ball of flame glows hot within the figure's hand. Before you have time to react a [[fireball|burn]] is coming directly at your face.

Your arrow flies straight toward the figure's skull before it seems to bounce off the air around him. *I hate arrow wards* is the last thing to enter your mind before the figure counters with a well aimed [[fireball|burn]].

You take advantage of the figure's lowered guard and charge into them with your blade. You feel the resistance and hear the wet squelch of flesh as you manage to stike them. Even without being able to see their face theur surprise is evident. You [[keep up the attack|again]]/[[step back|dodge]].

The darkness combined with the robed figure sets you on edge. Either you are having one hell of a nightmare, or the two are probably connected. That means he's probably a mage of some sort. Nothing good ever comes from mages. You could [[attack|attack]] the mysterious figure, with all this darkness he probably isn't here to help you out. Despite your misgivings you could [[call out|call-out]] to them and try to talk your way out of getting murdered. Maybe trying to [[avoid]] them is the best way to go about this. Hopefully they don't intend to pursue you.

Your entire body sears with hot flame. You quickly move to dive under the thin layer of water in the wetlands, but alas the water can't put out the magical flame. Through the burning pain suffusing your entire body you can just barely hear an old masculine voice speak. "Well, I suppose this solves the issue of whether or not you could be trusted. A hero attacking an old man without hesitation is no hero." His further mutterings go deaf to your ears as your life [[ends|death]] in a brilliant blaze.

You have died. A life full of adventure tragically cut short.

You press the advantage you have make a few more wild swings to their midsection. Whoever they were did not have much stamina to begin with as two more strikes leaves them a crumpled mess in the water in front of you. You see the form of an old man before you as the darkness begins to fade. They seem to be relatively unadorned asides from a single [[locket]] hanging from their neck.

You step back to avoid whatever tricks this mage might have for close combat. You quickly realize your mistake as a [[bolt]] of lightning arcs from his fingers in your direction.

The bolt strikes you dead on, frying you from the inside out. Lightning is very effective when your legs are half underwater. You collapse into the murk and feel your [[life leave you|death]]. In your final moments you can hear the figure's labored breathing stop and a splash as they fall into the dark with you.

You open the locket to reveal a portrait of a middle aged man in mage robes with a young girl riding on his shoulders. The young girl looks vaguely familiar, but why they do escapes your mind at the moment. This locket looks important so you take it with you. You continue on your way out of this godforsaken swamp. (set: $locket to 1) [[Turn the page|onward]]

As you leave the wetlands, you come to a road that passes through the wetlands and leads to the farmlands. You know the old keep to be on the other side of the farmlands. After taking a small breather, you gathering your things and continue your journey. [[Turn the page|Rightpath]]

You double back the way you came, but everything looks the same in this darkness. You travel for what feels like half an hour before you become faced with the [[figure]] once again. It may not be as easy to avoid them as you hoped.

You manage to make your way around the figure, but you are still lost and blind. You eventually come to a cross roads of sorts. In one direction there is a suspiciously [[bright light|light]] and in the other direction is more [[darkness]]. Neither of these paths seem particularly safe.

You head into the strangely bright light. All is fine asides from your retinas being overloaded until you hear a voice in your head. "What is it that you fear? Do you fear [[dying|pain]], [[failure|pain]], [[being unjust|warning]] most of all?" That sounded like your own voice. At this point everything happening might just really be a bad trip.

That light is too suspicious for your tastes. So forward into the dark you go. At this point you can no longer see ten feet in front of you, but you're making progress. *It is a bit strange that I haven't seen any animals since it got all dark.* Your idle wonderings are cut short by a voice in your head that is clearly not your own. "Hero... Why are you on this quest? What is it that you seek, truely?" Whether it is true to your heart or merely a self delusion you know what you are on this quest [[for|normal]].

"I see. I regret to inform you that is precisely what is going to happen to you at this very moment. You are not worthy to continue on this quest any longer." That time it was the voice of an old man and not your own. As you begin to brush it off as the illusions of you own mind you feel pain from every fiber of your being. Your mind begins to [[fade away into nothing|death]].

"I see. Then let us hope you will not in the course of your quest. There is little I can do further at this point. I wish you luck." That voice was not your own, but that of an old man's. Though you see [[your way out|onward]] of the horrible wetland. Hopefully you never have to come back. In the end you are not sure whether that was a hallucination, but there's nothing you can do about that at the moment.

(if: $motivation is 1) ["I see," booms the decrepit old voice in your head. "I cannot fault you for such a desire, but in the end your choices are your own. You are no longer within my domain of influence, so your test ends here. Let us hope your desire brings fortune and not ruin."] (if: $motivation is 2) ["A fine enough wish. Though that is a bit much don't you think? I'm not certain that 'rescuing' someone and them falling for you is how any of this works. At the very least you more than likely have her best interests at heart in this case. That enough leaves me content. Forward young hero, do not delay your quest."] (if: $motivation is 3) ["This is what I like to see in my heroes. A little bit of selflessness goes a long way. I'm certain that you shall uncover the truth in your own time. Go forth hero, and complete your quest with dignity and grace."] That was a cryptic and strange experience. It matters not though, you have finally stumbled out of the wetlands and the darkness is gone. In fact in seems you managed to leave the wetlands a decent while back without your own knowledge. [[You make a mental note to never come back here and continue on with your journey|onward]]

"Why I never. I am the court mage of the kingdom and the once caretaker of the princess. At one point I was the greatest mage of the kingdom, but in my older years I've declined significantly. I mostly deal in illusion spells now, which are surprisingly useful. was chosen to see test if the heroes that embarked to 'rescue the princess' are truely up to the task. Unlike the last three you didn't attack me on sight, so you pass." [[Is there anything you can tell me that will help on my quest?]]

"Well, the robes keep the bugs out firstly. Secondly robes are very comfortable, especially for one as old as I am. Yes, the darkness is me, but that's to keep the wild monsters at bay. They don't like it in the dark. Now that I think about it neither do people. I apologize for whatever fear this may have caused you." [[Is there anything you can tell me that will help on my quest?]]

"Simply enough I like to fish here, and most adventurers come this way eventually. I don't know why, there's a road that cuts through here a few miles south. You're the fourth one this week. Maybe it has something to do with adventurers pride or bravdo. Still, the fact that you are here should be enough to tell you why I'm in the wetlands and not elsewhere." [[Is there anything you can tell me that will help on my quest?]]

"Ah yes, there is. I can't do nearly as much as I would like as I don't want to test my allegiances, but I can offer you one helpful hint. Not everything is as it seems. Illusions exist not only as a form of magic but also as fact of your own mind. What that really means I'll leave you to figure out. You're a smart cookie I think, so I'm sure you've already deciphered the meaning of what I'm telling you. Now off with you, there's a quest to be done." You leave the strange old man behind in the swamp. How had you not heard of the road before? Maybe there is something to that adventurer's pride he mentioned since you didn't even check. But now that you are out you can [[continue|onward]] with your journey.

Drawing your blade from its sheath you dash towards the figure. They are barely able to dodge your flurry of blows, each strike tattering their robes bit by bit. However you are unable to land a single strike upon their form. Their hood falls ever so slightly revealing a gray haired old man with spectacles. In your moment of shock at the speed of the old mage a [[fireball|burn]] is launched from his open palm into your side.

Common sense would tell you that attacking a mage from range is suicide, but your gut is telling you that your bow is the best option you have at the moment. You knock an arrow and loose it directly at the figure. The arrow flies true and strikes nothing as the figure disapates into shadow and you see another figure out of the corner of your eye. It appears that the figure doesn't believe you've seen their true location, so you [[shoot another arrow|shoot]]/[[charge]] at them before they notices.

(if: $motivation is 1) [ [[Why are you here?|statusend]] [[I hope you can walk.|statusend]] ] (if: $motivation is 2) [ [[What happened? Are you okay?|loveend]] [[I hope you are okay, I'm happy to see you.|loveend]] ] (if: $motivation is 3) [ [[You okay?|redemptionpass]] [[How are you?|redemptionpass]] ] (if: $locket is 1)[[[Remember this locket?|locketpassage]]]

::Princess "I'm here because I chose to leave. I can't take things anymore. I won't go back either. You don't know him like I do." [[What are you talking about?|end2]] [[Yes and?|end2]]

::Princess "I'm here because I chose to leave. I can't take things anymore. I won't go back either. You don't know him like I do." She begins to cry as she buries her face in your shoulder. [[Console her|end3]] [[Ask what is wrong?|end3]]

::Princess "I'm here because I chose to leave. I can't take things anymore. I won't go back either. You don't know him like I do." [[What? I don't follow you.|end4]] [[You will have to explain what you mean.|end4]]

The princess looks at the locket and stares for a long moment. Her eyes blink rapidly for a moment, at first in confusion, then in recognition. No words come from her, but her eyes spoke volumes. There was an almost dead quality to them. An understanding of the only way someone could get that locket. Was it disgust, rage, or sadness that she felt? The tear that came from her eye held no answer. [[Turn the page|end5]]

::Princess "I will have no more of his abuse. Every day living in fear. (sniffs) He walks around the city wearing his fake identity but his trueness is nothing but a pitiful man who berates and abuses his daughter." She slides her sleeve up revealing bruises on her upper arm. "So, if you're here to take me back, know that I refuse to go." She straightens up and wipes her face, and looks directly into your eyes. [[Turn the page|ending]]

::Princess "I couldn't take it anymore. Every day living in fear. He walks around in his fake facade. So I left." She slides her sleeve up to reveal multiple bruises. You can tell some are older than others. "Your so called king isn't as gracious as one would think." [[Turn the page|ending]]

::Princess "Your king. I refuse to call him my father anymore. I'm tired of living in fear every day so I left." She slides her sleeve up revealing multiple bruises. It is noticeable that they are at different stages of healing. This didn't happen just once. "He walks the streets and makes people think he is some gracious all giving being. He is no more than a monster." [[Turn the page|ending]]

::Princess "He was the only one who kept me safe..." she said with a trembling voice. "Why? Why did you do this?" Her hands twitched just for a moment before laying flat at her side. "Exius was more of a father than the king ever was! And you! And you!" She burst into tears. The last strand of whatever was holding the princess broke. There wasn't anything you or anyone could do for her. "This is it then." Her hand darted for the dagger at her hip. [[Turn the Page|ending]]

::Narrator There are 2.9 million cases of child abuse reported in America every year. These individuals can be right under our nose, just like our dear princess here. To many, a home is a retreat from the outside world stresses. For these individuals, there is no escape. Many met the criteria to be diagnosed with a psychological disorder. It's easy to miss and most people think that it would never happen to them or someone they know. How do you respond? What do you do? [[Help Her]] [[Ignore her cry for help]] [[Walk away]]

<h1 id="End">The End<h1> <h3>Thank you for playing</h3> <h3>We hope you enjoyed your adventure!</h3>