(color: #e61919)[Midstory presents]
---
(align: "==><==")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/VKZmgFA.png" width="400" height="400">
>[[PLAY]]< >[[CODE]]<]
---
(set: $jewel to false)(set: $pw to false)(set: $try to false)(set: $jewelName to "strange pin")(set: $password to "aaaaa")(set: $rank to "none")(set: $quiet to false)(set: $reply to "test")(set: $actors to false)(set:$endLight to false)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/kT3DFYb.png" width="300" height="300">]
[It's late.] (set: $try to false)
(event: when time > 1s)[You're on the edge of an empty parking lot in downtown Toledo.]
(event: when time > 2s)[It's quiet. Even the low whoosh of the highway seems to be thinning.]
(event: when time > 3s)[No one else is outside. You can see the faint red of a lone car's brake lights in the distance.
The car turns and vanishes.]
(event: when time > 4s)[Now there's really nobody around.
>>[[NEXT]]] [The rain keeps getting heavier.]
[>>do nothing]
(click-replace: "do nothing")[
You stand in the downpour.
It's pouring and you're freezing.
>>do nothing again]
(click-replace: "do nothing again")[
Your clothes are already drenched. You can barely feel your fingers and it's getting harder to focus...
This was a bad idea...
>>still do nothing]
(click-replace: "still do nothing")[
You're barely conscious.
This was a very bad idea...
>>[[last chance->cold damp]]]
[>>[[get to shelter->recess]] ](align: "==><==")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/cFAmdzO.png" width="400" height="400">]
(event: when time > 1s)[You scramble into the arched doorway of the creepy building.]
(event: when time > 3s)[Cold and soaked, you look back out toward the street. With the streetlights out, you can barely see anything. The rain is almost deafening.]
(event: when time > 5s)[You pause a moment to catch your breath](event: when time > 8s)[ when you hear a voice behind you:]
(event: when time > 9s)[(color:"cyan")["Good evening, sir."]]
(event: when time > 11s)[[[Who is there?->Password]]
[[Good evening.->Password]]
[[say nothing->Password]]](event: when time> 2s)[(align: "==><==")[++++++++++++
the VESTIBULE
++++++++++++
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/9jGrMhL.png" width="100" height="200" alt="torch1">]]
(event: when time> 3s)[You stand in a luxurious entry room. From what looks like a giant candlestick, a torch bathes the room in a cozy glow.]
(event: when time> 5s)[In the dim firelight, you catch flashes of the room's full splendor: carved wood panels, an enameled relief of something, symbols and emblems, a fancy crest.
(align: "==><==")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/iEHrrLG.png" width="200" height="165" alt="crestBorder" >]]
(event: when time> 6s)[You're so absorbed by the space, you initially fail to notice a man standing just feet from you.]
(event: when time> 7s)[(align: "==>")[(colour: "cyan")[Sir?]]
[[NEXT->Corridor]]](align: "==><==")[++++++++
the AUDITORIUM
+++++++++]
You enter the grand, two-story AUDITORIUM.
People in flambouyant constume move around the room carrying strange props and objects. It looks like they're setting up the room for an event.
The room doesn't seem anywhere near ready yet.
>>check [[BACKSTAGE->Backstage]]?](align: "==><==")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/SyXElvT.png" width="88" height="200">]
(event: when time> .5s)[A man stands awkwardly, frozen halfway through a gesture of invitation.]
(event: when time> 1.5s)[He wears a flashy uniform of some kind with dark fabric and shiny buttons. Your eye is drawn to his strange headgear-- a tall hat with topped by a long feather plume.]
(event: when time> 3s)[Studying the feathers, you notice a second set close behind. You trace the plume to its wearer--another man in matching uniform.
(align:"==>")[(color: "cyan")[...Sir? Is something the matter?]]]
(event: when time> 6s)[You step forward, but pause again-- the floor doesn't feel how you'd anticipated. You look down.](click-append: "You look down.")[(align: "==><==")[
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/2jp5eQU.png" width="400" height="280">]
[You're on a fancy rug with a [[crest design->Corridor1]].]](align:"==><==")[Backstage, the AUDITORIUM]
---
(set: $actors to true)[>A theater troupe in fanciful Greco-Roman costume rushes around. It looks like they're preparing for a performance.
You overhear a conversation between two actors.
(color:"brown")[Have you seen DIONYSIUS' ROBES?]
(event:when time>2s)[(color:"maroon")[Were they not in the WARDROBE?]]
(event:when time>3.5s)[(color:"brown")[Of course I already searched the WARDROBE...]](event:when time>3.5s)[(color:"brown")[... I think... ?]]
(event:when time>5s)[[[CHECK WARDROBE->wardrobe]]]]
(align: "==><==")[the ALTAR
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/BXglDVK.png" width="400" height="400">
]
[A solemn, triangular altar, made of engraved hardwood. You don't know exactly what it means or how it is used, but it has an aura of seriousness. It seems to infuse its surroundings with gravity.]
(if: $rank is "gc")[[[start the RITUAL->ritualSeq1]]?](else:)[
[return to [[Auditorium]]]
[start the RITUAL](click-append: "start the RITUAL")[
[[You're ready->ritualSeq1]]?]
](if: (passage:)'s name is "BAG")[<!--Do Nothing-->](else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "noBag")[<!--Do Nothing-->](else:)[<>------------------------------------------------<>
>>[[BAG]]
<>------------------------------------------------<>](else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "move")[<>------------------------------------------------<>
>>[[BAG]] >>[[MOVE]]
<>------------------------------------------------<>][in your bag:]
(if: $jewel is true)[(display: "jewel")]
(if: $sword is true)[(display: "sword")]
(if: $regalia is true)[(display: "regalia")]
(if: $pw is true)[>> password: (color: "red")[damon]]
(link-goto: "CLOSE BAG", (history:)'s last)
[(event: when time > 1s)[It's really late...]
(event: when time > 1s)[What time is it?]
(event: when time > 3s)[Your phone is in your BAG.
<>------------------------------------------------<>
(if:$try is true)[>>[[BAG->bag tutorial2]]](else:)[>>[[BAG->bag tutorial]]]
<>------------------------------------------------<>]](event: when time > 1s)[There's a pause.]
(event: when time > 4s)["The password, sir?"]
(event: when time > 6s)[
[[Password? What password?->guess]]]
[in your bag:
>> phone](click-append: "phone")[
out of battery...
>>[[CLOSE BAG->noBattery]]][(event: when time >2s)["Very good, sir."
You hear locks unlatch.](event: when time >4s)[
The door creaks a open a few inches. It's dark inside, but you can feel warm air leak from within into the night.](event: when time >6s)[
"Welcome to TOLEDO, Sir."
(set: $rank to "gc")
[[ENTER->anteroom pass]]]
] (set: $jewelname to "strange pin")
(colour: #19e5e6)["I'm sorry sir, but that just won't do.
If you cannot provide a valid PASSWORD, I'm afraid I must to ask you to vacate the premises."]
[You look back towards the street. The rain has gotten even worse. You feel colder just listening to it.]
(colour: #19e5e6)["Sir, I have tried to be reasonable, but it seems reason has no effect on you. Be advised that this is your final warning to vacate the entryway. If you fail to comply, I shall be forced to remove you myse--"]
[[the voice pauses...->vestibuleI]](set: $jewel to (confirm: "keep STRANGE PIN?"))
(if: $jewel is true)[
You put the STRANGE PIN in your BAG](else:)[You leave the STRANGE PIN where you found it]
[
[[NEXT->lights]]]
(event: when time >4s)[<>------------------------------------------------<>
>>BAG (empty) >>MOVE (N/A)
<>------------------------------------------------<>](set: $phone to false)
[Your phone's dead.
You put your phone in your pocket.]
(event: when time > 1s)[A breeze is picking up. It's bringing icy air.]
(event: when time > 2s)[It's getting cold. You start to shiver.]
(event: when time > 3s)[Try moving to stay warm?]
[<>------------------------------------------------<>
>>BAG (empty) ](event: when time > 4s)[>>MOVE]
(click-append: "MOVE")[
you move:
>>[[down the street->downStreet]]]
[<>------------------------------------------------<>]
[Moving warms you up a bit. You keep going until you reach an intersection.]
(event: when time > 1s)[As you begin to cross, you notice the old, stone building on the opposite corner.](click-append:"on the opposite corner.")[
[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/6kAgXAo.png" width="300" height="200">]
Seems it's been empty a long time. At street level, it's so boarded up you can't tell where wall ends and window begins. Something is carved into a huge stone:](click-append:"carved into a huge stone:")[(align:"==><==")[(text-style: "outline")[
189_]][(align:"==>")[ ...but the last digit is covered in vines.]
It's creepy.] ](click-append: "It's creepy.")[
A cold raindrop hits your face. You're ready to turn back when something catches your eye:](click-append:"catches your eye:")[
something tiny glimmers under a streetlight across the road. You can't help but inch closer.](click-append:"inch closer.")[
Stepping into the orange light, you're close enough now to see it's barely larger than a quarter... but you still can't quite tell what it is...](click-append:"can't quite tell what it is...")[
take a [[closer look?->getpin]]]
(event: when time >4s)[<>------------------------------------------------<>
>>BAG (empty) >>MOVE (N/A)
<>------------------------------------------------<>](align: "==><==")[++++++++++++
the VESTIBULE
++++++++++++]
(event:when time>1s)[(align: "==><==")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/9jGrMhL.png" width="200" height="400" alt="torch1">]
You stand in a luxurious vestibule. From its perch atop what looks like a giant candlestick, a torch bathes the room in a cozy glow.]
(event:when time>3s)[In the dim firelight, you catch only flashes of the room's full splendor: carved wood panels, an enameled relief of something, symbols and emblems.
(align: "==><==")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/iEHrrLG.png" width="400" height="330" alt="crestBorder" >]
You're so absorbed by the space, you initially fail to notice the men standing just feet from you.](click-append:"feet from you.")[
(colour: "cyan")[AHEM, sir, welcome to [[TOLEDO->ap2]].]]
(set: $out to (confirm: "The rain is pouring and you're freezing...
are you sure?"))
(if: $out is true)[
You blacked out.
This was a very, very bad idea...
>>NEXT](click-goto: "NEXT", "fainted")
(if: $out is false)[
>>[[take refuge in the doorway->recess]]](align: "==><==")[The Grand Staircase]
---
(if: $rank is "gc")[(goto: "landing1")](else-if: $rank is "knight")[You follow OUTER GUARD up the first flight of stairs in silence. As you two round the second floor landing, you notice a captioned image on the wall:
(align:"==><==")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/j8H5xVh.png" width="220" height="400">
" F R I E N D S H I P "]
You continue up the next flight. On the third floor landing, there's another image on the wall:
(align:"==><==")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/Smmx2bo.png" width="220" height="400">
" C H A R I T Y "]
OUTER GUARD turns to enter a dimly lit hallway. You can hear movement and conversation further down. Suddenly, OUTER GUARD pauses, scrunches his brow pensively, turns around and starts up the next flight of stairs.
(color:"cyan")[Actually, let's keep going-- there's business we must attend to before the RITUAL. ]
>>[[follow OUTER GUARD upstairs->upperRoom4]]](else:)[ ---- ERROR ---- ](if: $quiet is true)[You inch your way down the ruined hallway. You try steadying yourself on walls, but most are gutted or decomposed.
[(event: when time> 2s)[You continue until you reach the once splendid STAIRCASE. It's rotted and half-collapsed. It creaks ominously. You descend carefully...]]
(event: when time> 4s)[The power's still out but the rain has stopped. On the second floor landing, your foot kicks something into a beam of moonlight.
It's an old paintbrush. There's a 1970 copyright date on what's left of its label.]
>>[[continue down->anteroomEnd]].](else:)[(align: "==><==")[++++++++
3RD FLOOR HALLWAY
++++++++]
You take the corridor to the [[Auditorium]]](align: "==><==")[4TH FLOOR HALLWAY]
(set: $quiet to true)
(event: when time> 1s)[Without the lantern, you can't see down the hall. A bit of Light leaks through the gap under the STUDY door.]
(event: when time> 3s)[You go:
>>down the stairs to the third floor.
>>back into the [[STUDY->study]]
](click-append: "third floor.")[
You try to inch down the hallway, but it's too dark to navigate safely.
](else:)[ ---- ERROR ----
[[restart->StoryInit]]?](event: when time >4s)[
...](click-replace:"...")[
[[ready to wake up?->wake up]]](alert: "ITEM FOUND!")
[>STRANGE PIN<
>It's a thin, metallic triangle. There are smaller images in the triangle. Maybe a shield? There's also some tiny writing, but it's too hard to see in this light. You can make out three letters engraved on the vertices the triangle:
"F C B"
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/YPz8VAM.png" width="300" height="300" alt="strangePin1">]
[[EXIT->storm]](event: when time>2s)[
Sir?]
(event: when time>6s)[
...Sir? Can you hear me, sir?
>>[[NEXT->awake]]]
[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/KhJrmgm.png" width="300" height="300">]
(event: when time >2s)[...the power goes out.]
(event: when time >4s)[The orange of the streetlights dies.] (event: when time >5s)[In an instant, the clouds go from reflectors to curtains.](event: when time >6s)[ There are no stars, no moon to light the night sky.](event: when time >7s)[ No headlights on the road, either.] (event: when time >8.5s)[
As your eyes adjust to the gloom, it begins to rain harder.
For a serene moment, you stand in the dark [[intersection]].](set: $password to (prompt:"password?", ""))
(if: $password is "damon")[[[Another pause...->welcome]]](else:)[There's another pause.](click-goto: "another pause", "passwordII")(set: $rank to "gc")
(color:"pink")[Can you hear me?]
[You nod your head groggily. This speaker gasps audibly]
(color:"pink")[Brothers, he's with us! ATTENDANT, find the officers. And where is Brother Dr. Cooper?]
[You hear A flurry of footsteps on hardwood. Your head is throbbing. Another voice replies, but you can't hear it clearly.]
(color:"pink")[Is Cooper here-- the physician, yes--
This takes precedence! Find him-- wait, make sure he knows the GRAND CHANCELLOR's sitting upright and responsive, but hasn't said a word.]
[A door slams and aggravates your headache further. You wince in pain. The voice notices]
(color:"pink")[Ah, sir! Apologies for the ruckus. How are you feeling, brother?]
[Before you can respond, several men burst into the room]
(color:"pink")[Brother Dr. Cooper! The GRAND CHANCELLOR is over here. Yes, they found him collapsed on Ontario Street. ]
(color:"orange")[I can take it from here, CHANCELLOR-COMMANDER, thank you.
[[NEXT->healthCheck]]]
(if: $jewel is true)[You hear an unfamiliar voice.
You wake up with blurry vision and a splitting headache.
You're in an uncomfortable bed in a room you don't recognize.
[[NEXT->gc1]] ]
(if: $jewel is false)[You hear an unfamiliar voice.
(event: when time > 2s)[You wake up on an uncomfortable surface.]
(event: when time > 4s)[You're disoriented and your vision is blurry.]
(event: when time > 6s)[You stagger to your feet and rub your eyes. Your vision starts to return.
[[NEXT->awake2]] ]](if: $jewelname is "strange pin")[>>STRANGE PIN
>Small, metallic triangle. Engraved with symbols too tiny to read in this light; on its vertices, the letters "F C B"
[[use STRANGE PIN->vestibuleII]]?
](else-if: $jewelname is "jewel")[>>JEWEL
(align:"==><==")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/YPz8VAM.png" width="100" height="100">]
Small ornament worn like a lapel pin. Design corresponds to wearer's membership, rank and role in the Knights of Pythias.
[[CLOSE BAG->recess2]]?][You follow OUTER GUARD up the next flight of stairs.]
(event: when time >1s)[On the fourth floor landing, there's a third image on the wall:]
(event: when time >2s)[(align:"==><==")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/4Qn1Y5i.png" width="220" height="400">
" B E N E V O L E N C E "]]
(event: when time >5s)[OUTER GUARD leads you down another dim corridor. You hear voices down the hall, though far fewer than downstairs.](click-append:"downstairs.")[
You and OUTER GUARD come to a closed door with an ornate handle. Through a gap under the door, slivers of light and conversation spill into the hall.
OUTER GUARD knocks loudly. A voice inside replies:
"[[Enter->study]]."]
(if: $rank is "gc")[INNER GUARD picks up a triangle-shaped lantern you hadn't noticed beside the base of the stairs.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/kFeoolX.png" width="400" height="400">
(color: "purple")[Watch the stairs, sir. They're surprisingly steep](click-append: "steep")[
You start ascending the stairs with caution and INNER GUARD climbs quickly. He starts explaining something about a room and a "RITUAL".
You're preoccupied with not falling down the steps, so most of it goes over your head.
As you reach the second floor landing, the GUARD rounds a corner and starts up the next flight.](click-append:"next flight.")[ The lantern's glow dims and you realize there are no lights on. For a moment, you're in near total darkness. You hurry around the corner and catch up to the GUARD. He's still talking about the RITUAL.](click-append:"still talking about the RITUAL.")[
(color: "purple")[...and we've got a spare, so it's no trouble at all. Otherwise, all should be in order. The RITUAL should commence in no more than ten minutes.
This way, sir.]
On the third floor, INNER GUARD turns down an [[arched hallway->Hall3f]].]]
(else-if: $rank is "knight")[There's a triangle-shaped lantern you hadn't noticed at the base of the stairs. OUTER GUARD picks it up.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/kFeoolX.png" width="400" height="400">
(color: "cyan")[This way, and careful on the steps.]
You start up the surprisingly steep [[StaircaseUP]].](event: when time> 1s)[(align: "==><==")[++++++++++++
the STUDY
++++++++++++]]
(if: $quiet is true)[(event: when time> 2s)[You find STUDY door's wrought iron knob.
It's unlocked. You turn the knob and enter the STUDY.]](click-append: "enter the STUDY.")[
The elegantly furnished room-- the strange portraits, the ornamented walls, the desk, the fire, the uniformed men, the CHANCELLOR-COMMANDER...](click-append: "...")[
(text-style:"bold")[gone.](click-append: "gone.")[
The room is utterly desolate.
The walls are alternately bare or mutilated. Someone has torn lengths of copper wire through the crumbling plaster. (click-append: "crumbling plaster.")[
Where the fireplace once glowed, the ceiling sags half-collapsed onto the mantlepiece.
The floor is strewn with broken glass-- and an assortment of rocks.
A sliver of moonlight shines through the smashed window.
You look back into the hallway.
It's completely decayed, too. But now, you're able to see by moonlight peeking through holes in the decomposing roof.
>head down the now deserted 3rd floor
[[NEXT->Hall3f]] ] ]
](else:)[(event: when time> 4s)[You enter an elegantly furnished study. An odd image containing five portraits hangs on an ornamented wall:
(align:"==><==")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/Ehk2A8v.jpg" width="400" height="640">
"Justus H. RATHBONE, Founder of the Order,
and the
Initial Four Members"]
[A group of uniformed men stands in a loose semicircle around a cozy fireplace. Their outfits are like the GUARDS' but flashier.
OUTER GUARD begins greeting the uniformed men. From OUTER GUARD's deferrential tone, you gather that these men are his superior officers.
A man with a grey beard approaches the GUARD with urgency.
[[NEXT->studyII]]]]][...]
(event: when time >3s)["I'm sorry, sir. That's incorrect.
Without the semi-annual PASSWORD, I cannot grant you entry.]
(event: when time >4s)[[[guess PASSWORD again->guessII]]?
[[ask to enter nicely->vestibule0]]
[[demand entry->vestibule0]]
[leave]](click-append:"leave")[
the rain is icy cold and you're already freezing.
[[leave anyway->fainted]].]
(set: $password to (prompt:"password?", ""))
(if: $password is "damon")[[Yet another pause...->welcome]](else:)[[[Yet another pause.->vestibule0]]](if: (passage:)'s tags contains "4f")[4F (MAP)](click-replace: "4F (MAP)")[|.....PLAN.of.4TH.FLOOR..............h = [[hallway->Hall4f]]
|....................................g = [[grand staircase->StaircaseUP]]
|..+--+...+---------------+..........s = [[study]]
|..|gg|\..|????sssssssssss|\.........f = fire escape
|..|gg+--f+????----+ssssss|\.........# = [[auditorium stairs->Auditorium]]
|..|gghhhhhhhhhhhhh|ssssss|\.........b = balcony
|..|rrrrrrrrrrr|h|bbbbbbbb|\..............................|
|..|rrrrrrrrrrr+-|.......b|\...Pythian.Castle,.Toledo,.OH.|
|..|rrrrrrrrrrrrr|bbbbbbb#|\..............................|
|..+----------------------+\.......BACON.&.HUBER,.1890....|
|...\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\...Architects,.Toledo.est.1886|
+---------------------------------------------------------+](else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "3f")[|.....PLAN.of.3RD.FLOOR...............h = [[hallway->Hall3f]]
|.....................................g = [[grand staircase->StaircaseUP]]
|..+--+...+---------------+...........o = offices
|..|gg|\..|????ooooooooooo|\..........? = ????
|..|gg+---+????ooooooooooo|\..........B = [[Backstage]]
|..|gghhhhhhhhh+----------|\..........A = [[Auditorium]]
|..|rrrrrrrrr|h|B|AAAAAAAA|\..............................|
|..|---------|h|B|AAAAAAAA|\...Pythian.Castle,.Toledo,.OH.|
|..|rrrrrrrrrhh|B|AAAAAAA?|\..............................|
|..+----------------------+\.......BACON.&.HUBER,.1890....|
|...\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\...Architects,.Toledo.est.1886|
+---------------------------------------------------------+](else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "2f")[|.....PLAN.of.2ND.FL/
|................../
|..+--+...+-------/
|..|gg|\..|???????/
|..|gg+---+??????/
|..|gg??????????/
|..|????????????/
|..|????????????/](else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "1f")[|.....PLAN.of.1ST.FLOOR...............g = [[grand sta->StaircaseUP]]/
|.....................................? = ??????? /
|..+--+...+---------------+...........v = [[vestibu->vestibule0]]/
|..|gg|...|rrrrrrrrrrrrrrr|...........r = retail /
|..|gg+---+rrrrrrrrrrrrrrr|...................../
|..|gg|???????????????????|....Pythian.Castle,.Tol/
|..|vv|rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr|....................../
|..|vv|rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr|........BACON.&.HU/
|..|vv|rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr|....Architec/
|..+..+-------------------+........../]
(else:)[<!--Do Nothing-->]
[[study]]
[[StaircaseUP]]
[[archives]](if: $benefits is false)[Lodge archives, offices of the KEEPER-OF-RECORDS-AND-SEAL; meeting, member, and financial documentation
[[look in the desk->desk]]
[[look in the file cabinets->recordsMenu]]
[[look in the stacks->library]]
[[EXIT->Hall5f]]]
(if: $benefits is true)[As you step away from the file cabinets, a man dressed in full parade uniform and white gloves rushes into the room.
He notices the INSURANCE documents still in your hands.
"Ah! Very good! My sincerest thanks, sir."
He takes the papers and scans them quickly. He mumbles something as his eyes dart across the text.
"Yes, right. All seems to be in order, then. Yes."
He folds the papers neatly and slides them into a spotless envelope with a gentle sigh.
"Right. I'll get these to the family. And I suppose you'll be [[needing these->funeralI]], then.](if: $jewel is true)[The RITUAL [[begins->ritualSeq1B]].](else:)[(goto: "forbidden")](if: $rank is "can")[You stand at the entrance to the room.
Esquire, ere you leave this room in quest of further knowledge of our mysteries, I ask of you a pledge that you will not improperly reveal anything that you may see or heat tonight.
Do you make this pledge?
]
(if: $rank is "knight")[---- ERROR ----]
(else-if: $rank is "gc")[
]
[>Ritual is about to begin,
men in hoodwinks gather, phone buzzes
[The RITUAL is set to begin. You approach the door. INNER GUARD is watching the portal, scanning entrants for something.
You are about to enter the AUDITORIUM](event: when time>2s)[ when the GUARD grabs your shoulder.
(color:"purple")[Your JEWEL, sir.]
You freeze and your expression betrays that you don't have one. INNER GUARD looks profoundly disappointed.]
(event: when time>4s)[(color:"purple")[I see. Then you leave me no choice:
As INNER GUARD of this LODGE, I banish you from the chamber.]
INNER GUARD blocks the way into the room. You hear another voice echo through the AUDITORIUM and INNER GUARD replies.
(color:"purple")[Yes, MASTER-AT-ARMS, sir. Sealing the Chamber.]]
(event: when time>6s)[INNER GUARD steps into the room and begins to close the door. He turns and gives you a parting look.
(color:"purple")[Good night, sir.]
[As he turns to leave, you
>> [[reply good night->forbidden2]]
>> [[protest->forbidden2]]
>> [[say nothing->forbidden2]].]
]Double-click this passage to edit it.(align: "==><==")[.F--|--C.
..\-\+/-/..
....\-|-/....
......\B/......
The Records of TOLEDO LODGE, Lodge No. 20,
of Toledo in the county of Lucas, Supreme Domain of Ohio, founded A.D.1890,
dutifully maintained and verified
by the lawfully elected
KEEPER-OF-RECORDS-AND-SEAL]
[<|>Master Log of Meetings and Lodge Business](click-append: "Meetings and Lodge Business")[
<>>Record of High Offices, Their Holders, Dates of Service and Good Works Accomplished
<>>>>Appointive Officers
<>>>>Elective Officers
<>>Minutes and Notes](click-append: "Minutes and Notes")[
<>>>>by decade:
<>>>>>>>>1890-1899
<>>>>>>>>1900-1909
<>>>>>>>>1900-1919
<>>>>>>>>1920-192_
<>>>>>>>>(file empty)
<>>>>>>>>(file empty)
<>>>>>>>>(file empty)
<>>>>>>>>(file empty)
<>>>>>>>>(file empty)
<>>>>>>>>(file empty)]
[<|>Master Record of Lodge Membership](click-append: "Membership")[
<>>Active Member Roll and Lodge Census (incl. ranks and offices held, past and present)
<>>Inactive Member Roll (incl. deceased and those in poor standing but not otherwise formally disciplined)
<>>Probation, Suspension and Expulsion Rolls]
[<|>Master Record of Lodge Finances and Financial Statements](click-append: "Financial Statements")[
<>>Financial Summaries (biennial)
<>>Dues & Revenues
<>>Budgets, Annual and Monthly
<>>Relief Committee](click-append: "Relief Committee")[
<>>>>Benefits](click-append: "Benefits")[
<>>>>>>>>Disability
<>>>>>>>>[[Insurance]]
<>>>>>>>>Funerary
<>>>>>>>>Miscellaneous]
[<|>Master Log of Business Relating to the Pythian Sisters](click-append: "Pythian Sisters")[
(locked)]
[<|>Documents concerning the "Castle" of TOLEDO LODGE](click-append: "TOLEDO LODGE")[
<>>Deed
<>>[[Architectural and Structural Plans of the Building->Blueprints]]]
[[EXIT->archives]] (align: "==><==")[Reference Library of Lodge No. 20]
[>Pythian essentials
>Complete Manual
]
[[EXIT->archives]] (set:$benefits to true)
(align: "==><==")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/V2oUltD.png" width="400" height="400" alt="fcb_insurance">]
(alert: "ITEM FOUND!")[>>Proof of Life Insurance Benefits
>Documents confirming:
>>>>the deceased's good standing in his Lodge
>>>>terms and amounts of stipends for deceased's widow and/or children.
(before commercial life insurance plans were widely available, many fraternal orders like the Knights of Pythias provided life and disability protections to established due-paying members and their families.]
[[EXIT->archives]][>begin Pythian Funeral ceremony dialog (abridged), find the bereaved and confirm benefits
[[funeralII]][>ceremony continues, concludes]
[As the oration concludes, the AUDITORIUM falls silent. Suddenly, you feel a buzz in your pocket.
>Instinctively, you reach for your phone. It's screen lights up, and it's too bright--almost blinding. It's a severe weather alert for Lucas County. Battery level: 1%.
You reduce brightness settings and close your phone.
>As the light of your screen leaves, you find yourself suddenly in darkness;
You can barely see at first, but your eyes adjust gradually:
You're standing alone in the ruins of the [[abandoned Pythian Castle auditorium->endSeq]].]
(set: $quiet to true)
(event: when time> 1s)[It's late and you're cold.]
(event: when time> 2.5s)[It seems the power is still out but the rain has stopped. Moonlight shines through breaks in the clouds.]
(event: when time> 4s)[With what little light enters through holes in the roof and un-boarded windows, you retrace your steps through the barely navigable ruins of the building.
You move to the [[3RD FLOOR HALL->Hall3f]]. ]
(event: when time> 1s)[you descend the last flight of stairs and enter the ruins of the VESTIBULE.]
(event: when time> 2.5s)[The wood carvings and emblems are gone, though outlines are still faintly visible.]
(event: when time> 4s)[across the room, the CASTLE DOOR is standing open.
[[proceed to the arched DOORWAY->doorwayEnd]].]
(event: when time> 1s)[You pause for a moment in the arched doorway.]
(event: when time> 2.5s)[As you look back into the gutted ruins of the VESTIBULE, you can see through the entire structure and out the windows on the opposite side.]
(event: when time> 4s)[After a final serene moment, you turn and walk out through the arch.](click-append:"through the arch.")[
For just a moment, there's a rush of warm air against your back. And then it's gone. ](click-append:"And then it's gone.")[
Your feet reach sidewalk and you hear the door close gently behind you.
(set:$endLight to false)
>>[[NEXT->end game]].]
(color:"orange")[Good evening, GRAND CHANCELLOR. It's an honor to meet you, though I wish it had been under different circumstances. I'm brother Dr. Cooper and I'm going to ask you a series of questions.
Are you ready to begin?]
[>>[[I'm ready->check1]].](alert: "ITEM FOUND!")[>>GRAND CHANCELLOR'S REGALIA
Elaborate, military-styled parade uniform. Includes dark gray jacket and trousers with shiny silver buttons, a leather belt with an ornate metal buckle, and a black cap with embroidery & shiny thread
[[EXIT->gcStudy]]](set: $gcreg to (confirm: "don GRAND CHANCELLOR'S REGALIA?"))
(if: $gcreg is true)[(set: $rank to "gc")
You don the GRAND CHANCELLOR'S REGALIA. ](else:)[You leave the GRAND CHANCELLOR'S REGALIA on the chair]
[You stand alone in the STUDY, enjoying the quiet and the warmth of the fireplace.
(event:when time>4s)[After a few minutes, a GUARD calls from the hall.]
(event:when time>6s)[(color:"cyan")[GRAND CHANCELLOR, Sir, they're ready for you.]
[[EXIT STUDY->gcHall]].]
]You step into the hallway. It's surprisingly dark.
(event: when time > 2s)[You can only see at all because of someone's smashed a hole through a wooden board over covering the window to your left.]
(event: when time > 4s)[There's no sign of the GUARD-- or anyone else. From what little you can see, the hall looks like it's been abandoned a long time.]
(event: when time > 6s)[As you stand in the hall, something above you begins to creak.]
(event: when time > 8s)[The creak steadily grows to a groan](click-append: "groan")[and then a deafening roar.
Suddenly, the hall is bathed in moonlight.](click-append: "in moonlight.")[
A huge section of roof collapses, and the cascade of debris takes the floor down with it.
It seems the entire building is cratering.
[[NEXT->gcHall2]]
](alert: "ITEM FOUND!")[>>DIONYSIUS' ROBES
>Ornate costume for staging the Legend of Damon and Pythias. Dionysius is the despot ruler of Syracuse and the principle antagonist of the parable.
[[NEXT->wardrobeII]]](set: $robes to (confirm: "don DIONYSIUS' ROBES?"))
(if: $robes is true)[
You don DIONYSIUS' ROBES.
You feel the spirit of the Syracusan Tryant flowing through you.
[[NEXT->dialogPrep]]](else:)[
You want to leave DIONYSIUS' ROBES in the WARDROBE. They weren't yours anyway.](click-append:"They weren't yours anyway.")[
But you find yourself unable to resist them.
You don DIONYSIUS' ROBES.
You feel the spirit of the Syracusan Tryant flowing through you.
[[NEXT->dialogPrep]]][>You emerge from the WARDROBE. There's a flurry of movement backstage and you hear voices in the AUDITORIUM.
Somebody shouts authoritatively:
"Places! Places, people!
Soldiers, spears up! PYTHIAS at stage right!
Where is my DIONYSIUS?"
Someone abruptly pulls you to a raised platform on the stage.
"Stop--there! Splendid!
DAMON with soldiers at stage l--Marvelous!]
[[NEXT->dialog]]
[Curtains up in...]
(event: when time>2s)[5]
(event: when time>3s)[4]
(event: when time>4s)[3]
(event: when time>5s)[2]
(event: when time>6s)[1]
(event: when time>7s)[[[...->action]]][the curtains part. A narrator somewhere is already speaking]
(event: when time > 2s)["...pages, knights, brothers--
to teach the beautiful lesson of friendship between DAMON and PYTHIAS, Brother Rathbone composed a RITUAL which, for beauty and perspicuity of language, cannot be surpassed.]
(event: when time > 4s)[In service of the RITUAL's lesson, we present to you the dialog the dialog that inspired our RITUAL: the Dialog between DIONYSIUS, DAMON, and PYTHIAS."]
(event: when time > 5s)[Silence engulfs the dark auditorium.]
(event: when time > 6s)[The stagelight's glare is almost blinding. You look to the actors onstage. ]
(event: when time > 7s)[To your horror, you realize that they are all looking at you.]
(event: when time > 8s)[
>[[wing it->actionII]]
>[[line?->actionII]]
>[[panic->ENDaction]]
>[[do nothing->ENDaction]].](event: when time > 1s)[You're suddenly flooded with confidence. ]
(event: when time > 2s)[A strange, entoxicating power courses through your veins. ]
(event: when time > 3s)[The AUDITORIUM is transfixed.
ACTORS watch you with awe.
The ROBES, baggy and awkward, suddenly feel as if they were made for you-- and you for them.]
(event: when time > 4s)[You don't feel like DIONYSIUS:](event: when time > 6s)[you are [[DIONYSIUS->actionII2]].][>You stand there on the platform, completely motionless.
A thick bead of sweat begins to pool on your brow, but you dare not move to wipe it.
The ACTORS look to you expectantly.
Nothing moves. All is still--except the huge drop of sweat sliding unceremoniously down your nose. In the drop seems to hang the fate of the entire world.
Suddenly, you're startled by a buzzing sensation in your pocket.
>Instinctively, you reach for your phone.Your head turns and the bead of sweat falls to the floor.
It's screen lights up, and it's too bright--almost like the stage lights.
It's a severe weather alert for Lucas County. Battery level: 1%.
You reduce brightness settings and close your phone.
>As the light of your screen leaves, you find yourself suddenly in darkness;
You can barely see at first, but your eyes adjust gradually:
You're standing alone on the stage in the ruins of the Pythian Castle's [[abandoned auditorium->endSeq]].](event: when time> 0.5s)[(align: "==><==")[++++++++++++
the PALACE
++++++++++++
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/SDXMhgC.png" width="300" height="300">]]
(event: when time> 2s)[It's just before sunrise. The early morning air is cool. The breeze is gentle. The pastel sky dances on the executioner's blade.]
(event: when time > 3s)[With booming voice, you begin to speak:](event: when time > 4s)[(color: "red")[
Jupiter Olympus! What do I see? DAMON returns!]]
(event: when time > 4.5s)[DAMON approaches:]
(event: when time > 5s)[(color: "blue")[Yes, it is DAMON. I left my dungeon to pay my vows to Heaven, settle my affairs and bid my family farewell. Now I am satisfied and can [[die in peace->actionIII2]].]](if:$endLight is true)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/kT3DFYb.png" width="300" height="300">](else-if:$endLight is false)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/KhJrmgm.png" width="300" height="300">]
[Thank you for playing.
For more stories, visit [[Midstory.org->midstoryLink]]
(align:"==>")[[[play again?->StoryInit]]]]
[Lost in the Pythian Castle
a game by Stefan Binion
with help from Alex Lim
May, 2020](set: $maps is true)
(alert: "ITEM FOUND!")
[>>CASTLE BLUEPRINTS
>Plan for the Pythian Castle, created by Toledo architects Norval B. Bacon & Thomas F. Huber. Pulling the BLUEPRINTS from their spot in the cabinet, you accidentally tear the fragile pages. You shut the cabinet and cram the papers into your BAG.
These should make navigating the CASTLE easier.
>> slink out of the [[ARCHIVES->Hall3f]]](set: $rank to "knight")
[You take the $jewelname out of your BAG and hold it in your palm.
As you examine the strange metallic object, the voices abruptly fall silent.]
(event: when time> 2s)[(colour: #7f19e6)[Isn't that...]]
(event: when time> 3s)[(colour: #19e5e6)[It couldn't possibly...]]
(event: when time> 4s)[(colour: #7f19e6)[What else, then?]]
(event: when time> 5s)[(colour: #19e5e6)[Have you ever found an OFFICER ignorant of the SEMI-ANNUAL PASSWORD? Brother, it just doesn't add up. Something's off...]]
(event: when time> 8s)[(colour: #7f19e6)[It is one thing to turn away a drunken stranger, but leaving an OFFICER in the cold?! Open the door this instant!]]
(event: when time> 10s)[ [Heavy locks click and the door creaks open just enough to enter. It's dark inside, but you can feel warm air inside leaking into the night.]
(colour: #7f19e6)[Forgive our earlier indiscretion, brother. Please come in.]
[>>[[Enter->vestibuleII.5]]
>>Leave](click-append: "Leave")[
the rain is icy cold and you're already freezing.
[[leave anyway?->fainted]].]
][You step through the doorway.
It's a bit warmer inside, but too dark to see anything. You pause a few feet past the threshold.
You turn to look back outside. You barely catch a last flimpse of the dim city outside when the door closes.
In the darkness, you hear heavy locks click.
The voice from the door returns, closer now--just a few feet behind you.]
(colour:"cyan")["Sir?"]
[You close your eyes, turn around and [[open your eyes-->can2]].]
(align: "==><==")[++++++++++++++++
the VESTIBULE
++++++++++++++++]
[You stand in the luxurious vestibule. A torch bathes the room in a cozy glow. A foot or two in front of you, OUTER GUARD holds his triangular lantern. His expression is solemn.]
(color:"cyan")[Welcome, CANDIDATE. This way.]
[He turns and walks slowly to the staircase. You follow him up the first flight of stairs. At the second floor landing, he pauses.
OUTER GUARD Holds raises his lantern, illuminating the image on the wall:
(align:"==><==")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/j8H5xVh.png" width="220" height="400">
" F R I E N D S H I P "]]
(color:"cyan")[Friendship. The cornerstone of our order, it encompasses and embodies the fundamental duties of our brothers. We strive to avoid anger and dissension, to work together in the spirit of fraternity, and to exemplify the friendship of Damon and Pythias.
Friendship is our first virtue.]
[OUTER GUARD continues up the staircase.]
[[[NEXT->can3]]][As you reach the third floor landing, OUTER GUARD pauses again.
OUTER GUARD Holds raises his lantern to another image on the wall:
(align:"==><==")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/Smmx2bo.png" width="220" height="400">
" C H A R I T Y "]
(color:"cyan")[Charity. The lesson of our order's Second Rank. DIONYSIUS, enlightened by the example of DAMON and PYTHIAS, recognized his own error. DAMON and PYTHIAS, recognizing the fallibility of all men, forgave him and held no grudge. Ascending to the Second Rank, you swore an oath of charity:
"in my dealings with men, I will endeavor to be careful, cautious and prudent; and for the frailties of others I will exercise the same charity I would ask for myself."
To the best of your ability, you have kept that oath. To join in our order, you must remain faithful to it.
Charity is our second virtue.]
[OUTER GUARD turns and continues to the fourth floor.]
[[[NEXT->can4]]](color: "gold")[I know the man's integrity and fidelity. I knew he'd be far more anxious to keep faith with me than to save himself.]
(event: when time> 1.5s)[(color: "gold")[For myself, I wish his family had kept him home.]]
(event: when time> 3s)[(color: "gold")[Had his life been preserved, he'd have lived as a benefactor to his family, Syracuse and the world. Under such circumstances, I should die without regret.]](click-append:"die without regret.")[(color:"white")[
You hear his words, though you don't need them. His unflinching eyes said all and more.
A pang of insecurity radiates through the core of your being.
[[NEXT->actionIV2]] ]]
(align:"==><==")[(color: "red")[(event:when time>2s)[What do I see?]
(event:when time>4s)[What do I hear?]
(event:when time>6s)[I've known nothing of virtue.
]
(event:when time>8s)[I've passed my life
[[without love->actionV2]]]
]](set:$crater to true)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/kT3DFYb.png" width="300" height="300">]
(event: when time > 2s)[Empty parking lot](event: when time > 2.5s)[, Downtown Toledo.]
(event: when time > 3s)[No one outside.]
(event: when time > 4s)[brake lights in the distance](event: when time >5s)[ vanish.]
(event: when time > 6s)[nobody.]
(event: when time > 8s)[You feel like you've been here before](event: when time > 9s)[...](click-append:"been here before...")[
You've been [[here...->blackout]]
]
(set:$crater to true)[Tears stream down your face.](event:when time>1s)[
You couldn't say if they're tears of anguish of joy.]
(event:when time>2.5s)[ You move to embrace your friends.]
(event:when time>4s)[ You collapse into their arms. DAMON and PYTHIAS catch you and gently lower you to the edge of your platform.]
(event:when time>5.5s)[ The three of you sit together and wait for daybreak.]
(event:when time>7s)[ As the first rays of sunlight roll over the horizon, they [[turn to you->actionVI2]].](if: (passage:)'s tags contains "code")[(display: "levelCodeLib")][You reply:]
(color:"#E94F64")[(dropdown: bind $reply, "...", "say nothing", "all is forgiven")]
[[CONFIRM->corridor3]].
(if: $reply is "..." or "say nothing")[(set: $rank to "gc")You stand there in silence. The two men follow suit.
(event: when time> 2s)[For a tense, awkward moment, the three of you stand there.]
(event: when time> 4s)[Self-declared "INNER GUARD" holds his apologetic pose, head bowed, hat in hand.]
(event: when time> 6s)[The other man--"OUTER GUARD"--looks vaguely sorry, but mostly just confused.]
(event: when time> 7s)[>[[NEXT->corridor3gc]] ]](else-if: $reply is "all is forgiven")[(set: $rank to "knight")You forgive the GUARDS.
(event: when time> 2s)[(color: "purple")[Thank you for understanding, sir.]]
(event: when time> 4s)[The bowed INNER GUARD raises his head and readjusts his headwear. He ushers you partwar into the vestibule.]
(event: when time> 4s)[(color: "purple")[OUTER GUARD, please escort our brother here the rest of the way. I'll keep watch.]]
(event: when time> 6s)[OUTER GUARD moves towards the staircase across the room and looks back at you expectantly.]
(event: when time> 7s)[(color: "cyan")[Sir?]
You follow OUTER GUARD to the [[landing->landing1]].]](else:)[-- ERROR --](event: when time> .5s)[After an uncomfortably long time, the bowed man finally begins to raise his head.](event: when time> 1.5s)[ After readjusting his headgear, he slowly opens his eyes.](click-append:"opens his eyes.")[
Suddenly, he becomes tense.](click-append:"becomes tense.")[
His eyes are fixed on the little triangular "JEWEL" still in your open palm. His mouth opens as if to speak, but [[no words come->corridor3gc2]].](align: "==><==")[EXPLORATION MODE
(alpha 0.1)]
(set: $expl to (prompt:"EXPLORATION MODE
enter four-digit code to disable story elements", ""))
(if: $expl is "18691890")[>STORY MODE DISABLED
>>[[start exploring the Castle->explMenu]]]
(align: "==><==")[LOCKED (access code required)]
(align: "==>")[>>[[back to MAIN MENU->StoryInit]]] [(info here) ]
[[MAIN MENU->StoryInit]] (set: $maps is true)
[[EXIT EXPLORE MODE->StoryInit]] (if: $fof is "...")[(set: $fof to "do nothing")](if: $fof is "do nothing")[You just stand there.
(event: when time >1s)[(color: "purple")[GUARD:
(event: when time >2s)[PRESENT!](event: when time >3s)[CARRY!]
(event: when time >4s)[GRAND HONORS!]]]
(event: when time >4.5s)[GUARDS snap into an odd pose: the sword arm bends, raising the hilt of the blade a few inches from the holder's face. The left hand rests over the heart, chest puffed out.
<img src= "https://i.imgur.com/ryhB5Va.png" width="80" height="200">]
(event: when time >5.5s)[They hold the pose a few seconds.]
(event: when time >7s)[(color: "purple")[GUARD: RETURN!]
GUARDS [[sheathe their swords->corridor3v32]].]](else-if: $fof is "fight")[You clench your fists and prepare to rush the GUARDS. As you start to lunge forward, you feel the rug slip on the hardwood beneath.
(color: "purple")[Careful, sir! Wouldn't want to--]
The rug shoots out behind you and you flail forward. The floor is approaching your face rapidly
(color: "purple")[--fall]
([[thump->fainted]]).](else-if: $fof is "run")[You sprint into the room. Somehow, you make it past the GUARDS. As you near the staircase on the opposite side, you turn back. Curiously, they aren't chasing you.
(color: "purple")[Sir, wait! Watch out for the--]
You feel a rug slip on the hardwood beneath. The rug shoots out behind you and you flail forward. The floor is approaching your face rapidly
(color: "purple")[--rug]
([[thump->fainted]]).](else-if: $fof is "I'd like to speak with your manager")[Inexplicably, you decide the best course of action is to say:
"I'd like to speak with your manager."
The GUARDS pause.
Suddenly, they burst into laughter. After a few seconds of uncontrollable cackling, INNER GUARD regains the ability to speak.
(color: "purple")[Oh, Brother VICE-CHANCELLOR, ever the humorist! Even for you that was too much! And to think, I feared you were genuinely incensed. A moment ago, it looked as if you were ready to strike us!
Apologies, again, brother-- that we did not recognize you at the archway. ]
>>[[NEXT->landing1]].](else:)[- - ERROR - -
([[restart game?->StoryInit]])](align:"==><==")[SECOND FLOOR MAIN HALLWAY]
(set: $maps to true)
[//hall test](align:"==><==")[FIRST FLOOR MAIN HALLWAY]
(set: $maps to true)
[//hall 1 test](align: "==><==")[RECORDS of the FIVE SUBORDINATE LODGES]
[>>Toledo, Lodge [[No. 20->records]]
>> Charles Sumner, Lodge No. 137
>> Lucas, Lodge No. 148
>> Concord, Lodge No. 149
>> Harrison, Lodge No. 181](mouseover-append: "No. 137")[ LOCKED ]
(mouseover-append: "No. 148")[ LOCKED ]
(mouseover-append: "No. 149")[ LOCKED ]
(mouseover-append: "No. 181")[ LOCKED ] (event: when time>1s)[Looks like this is it.]
(event: when time>3s)[The adrenaline hits. Your heart thumps faster and the seconds widen. For a fraction of a fraction of a moment, the room pours into you.]
(event: when time>5s)[You fixate on odd details:](event: when time>5.5s)[ the uneven hairs of OUTER GUARD's moustache;](event: when time>6s)[ the silver cross on INNER GUARD'S leather gauntlets;](event: when time>7s)[ the dark metal of their hats](event: when time>8s)[-- hats?](event: when time>8.5s)[ Helmets?](event: when time>9.5s)[ Neither word [[feels quite right->c3v22]].](set: $fof to "...")
[You're unphased.
>[[NEXT->corridor3v3]]](set: $pw to true)(alert: "ITEM FOUND!")
[>PASSWORD
>An angrily-jotted note on ripped newspaper, handed to you by the CHANCELLOR-COMMANDER himself.
The password is:
(color: "red")[damon]]
[You tuck the PASSWORD into your BAG.
[[BACK->studyIII]]](align:"==>")[(color: "pink")[The GRAND CHANCELLOR has arrived?]]
(event: when time> 1s)[(color: "cyan")[No, s--]]
(event: when time> 2s)[(align:"==>")[(color: "pink")[Any word from Columbus?]]]
(event: when time> 3s)[(color: "cyan")[Well, no, CHANCELLOR-COMMANDER, but a KNIGHT has committed a punishable infrac--]]
(event: when time> 4s)[(align:"==>")[(color: "pink")[Does it pertain to the GRAND CHANCELLOR's visit?]]]
(event: when time> 5s)[(color: "cyan")[Again, no, but--]]
(event: when time> 6s)[(align:"==>")[(color: "pink")[GUARD, tonight of all nights--]]]
(event: when time> 7s)[(color: "cyan")[Sir, an inducted, JEWEL-holding KNIGHT has forgotten the SEMI-ANNUAL PASSWORD. This is highly irreg-]]
(event: when time> 8s)[(align:"==>")[(color: "pink")[And he has his JEWEL?]]]
(event: when time> 9s)[(color: "cyan")[Yes, b--]
CHANCELLOR-COMMANDER's patience is visibly thinning.]
(event: when time> 10s)[(align:"==>")[(color: "pink")[Then give him the PASSWORD!]]]
(event: when time> 11s)[(color: "cyan")[But sir, I am not authoriz--]]
(event: when time> 11.5s)[(align:"==>")[(color: "pink")[JUPITER OLYMPUS! Fine! Here!]]]
(event: when time> 12s)[CHANCELLOR-COMMANDER stomps over to a nearby desk. He grabs a newspaper and rips off part of a page. He scrawls something the scrap of paper and shoves it into your palm.
>>[[CHECK PAPER->CCpassword]]]Double-click this passage to edit it.(align:"==>")[(color: "pink")[PASSWORD. Remember it.]]
(event: when time> 2s)[He turns back to the GUARD]
(event: when time> 4s)[(align:"==>")[(color: "pink")[Are we done here?]]]
(event: when time> 5s)[(color: "cyan")[Sir--]]
(event: when time> 6s)[A vein bulges from the CHANCELLOR-COMMANDER's increasingly red forehead.]
(event: when time> 8s)[(align:"==>")[(color: "pink")[ Y E S ?]]]
(event: when time> 9s)[He looks like an overripe tomato. OUTER GUARD pauses]
(event: when time> 12s)[(color: "cyan")[I... ah...
...yes, sir. That's all.]]
(event: when time> 13s)[(align:"==>")[(color: "pink")[Wonderful.]
[The COMMANDER stomps off to his desk.]
[[NEXT->Hall4k]]]][OUTER GUARD leads you out of the room and gently closes the door. He sighs.
(event: when time> 1s)[(color: "cyan")[Just... don't forget the PASSWORD anymore, okay?]]
(event: when time> 2.5s)[OUTER GUARD grabs the triangle lantern and starts back down the corridor.](event: when time> 4s)[ Halfway down the hall, he turns back to you.]
(event: when time> 6s)[(color: "cyan")[And, brother... ]]
(event: when time> 8s)[(color: "cyan")[never forget what it means to be a KNIGHT]]
(event: when time> 11s)[(color: "cyan")[and don't let it become something else.]]
(event: when time> 14s)[He turns away and continues to the staircase. As he starts down the stairs, the light of the lantern fades. You watch until it disappears.]
(event: when time> 15s)[You stand alone in the [[dark hall->Hall4f]].]](align: "==><==")[++++ HEALTH CHECK ++++]
----
(set: $loc to (prompt:"1. In which city are we at present?", ""))
(if:$loc is "toledo")[(set:$loc to "Toledo")](else-if:$loc is "TOLEDO")[(set:$loc to "Toledo")]
(if: $loc is "Toledo")[(color:"orange")[Yes, that's correct!]
>>[[next question->check2]]](else:)[A look of intense concern begins to spread across the doctor's face, but he's able to stifle it.
(color:"orange")[No, sir, I'm afraid we're in the city of Toledo. But that's alright-- let's try another.]
>>[[next question->check2b]]] (align: "==><==")[++++ HEALTH CHECK ++++]
----
(set: $states to (prompt:"2. How many states are there in the United States of America?", ""))
(if: $states is "48")[(color:"orange")[Yes, that's correct!]
>>[[next question->check3]]](else:)[A look of intense concern begins to spread across the doctor's face, but he's able to stifle it.
(color:"orange")[Incorrect, sir. I'm afraid there are 48 states admitted to the Union. Let's try another.]
>>[[next question->check3b]]](align: "==><==")[++++ HEALTH CHECK ++++]
---
(set: $pres to (prompt:"3. What is the surname of the current President of the United States?", ""))
(if:$pres is "harding" or "Harding")[(color:"orange")[Correct again, sir! What a relief!]
>>[[NEXT->gcHealthy]]](else:)[A look of concern begins to spread across the doctor's face, but he manages to stifle it.
(color:"orange")[No, sir, I'm afraid that's incorrect. But that's alright-- let's try another.]
>>[[next question->check4b]]] (align: "==><==")[++++ HEALTH CHECK ++++]
----
(set: $states to (prompt:"2. How many states are there in the United States of America?", ""))
(if: $states is "48")[(color:"orange")[Yes, that's correct!]
>>[[next question->check3b]]](else:)[The doctor's pale face betrays a mounting unease
(color:"orange")[No, sir, I'm afraid there are 48 states admitted to the Union. Let's try another]
>>[[next question->check3b]] ](align: "==><==")[++++ HEALTH CHECK ++++]
----
(set: $pres to (prompt:"3. What is the surname of the current President of the United States?", ""))
(if:$pres is "harding" or "Harding")[(color:"orange")[Correct, sir! What a relief!]
>>[[next->gcHealthy]]](else:)[Dr. Cooper is unable to conceal his horror.
(color:"orange")[No, sir, I'm afraid that's incorrect. But perhaps we should try another.]
>>[[next question->check4b]]] (color:"orange")[CHANCELLOR-COMMANDER, in my professional opinion, it seems the GRAND CHANCELLOR is fine-- just a bit shaken up after a fall in the rain, but now good as new.]
(event:when time>2s)[(color:"pink")[GRAND CHANCELLOR, sir, I hate to impose, but the RITUAL is set to begin any minute now. Would you mind getting into your REGALIA?]]
(event:when time>4s)[He gestures to a little heap of soggy clothes on a chair nearby.]
(event:when time>6s)[(align:"==>")[(color:"orange")[We'll give you the room to get changed. Come out when you're ready, sir.]]
(event:when time>8s)[(color:"white")[The two men leave and shut the door.]
>>[[NEXT->gcregalia]] ]](align: "==><==")[++++ HEALTH CHECK ++++]
----
(set: $yr to (prompt:"4. What year is it?", ""))
(if: $yr is "1923")[(color:"orange")[Correct, sir! That's quite a relief!]
>>[[next question->gcHealthy]]](else:)[Dr. Cooper looks panicked.
[(color:"orange")[... I--]](event: when time>4s)[(color:"orange")[ erm...]](event: when time>5s)[(color:"orange")[
GRAND CHANCELLOR, please wait here a moment. CHANCELLOR-COMMANDER, could we speak privately?]](click-append:"speak privately?")[
(align:"==>")[(color:"pink")[JUPITER OLYMPUS! What have they done to him?!]]](click-append:"done to him?!")[
Dr. Cooper grabs the CHANCELLOR-COMMANDER and leads him out of the room.
The uniformed men have all fallen silent-- and are all staring at you. Their expressions range from stunned to horrified.](click-append:"stunned to horrified.")[
Snippets of conversation spill in from the [[hall->check4b2]].]][Suddenly, Cooper and the CHANCELLOR-COMMANDER burst back into the room.]
(event:when time>2s)[(color:"pink")[ --and by the SUPREME BEING, Man! How could he forget Harding?! The man's an OHIOAN and a PYTHIAN!]]
(event:when time>3s)[(align:"==>")[(color:"orange")[Lower your voice, brother! If we excite him, the RITUAL is off. All he needs to do is read the lines and follow the instructions in the manual. Just get him into his REGALIA and out of this room.]]]
(event:when time>4s)[(color:"pink")[GRAND CHANCELLOR, sir, we need you to get into your REGALIA.]]
(event:when time>5s)[He gestures to a little heap of soggy clothes on a chair nearby.]
(event:when time>6s)[(align:"==>")[(color:"orange")[We'll give you the room to get changed. Come out when you're ready, sir.]]
The two men leave and shut the door.
>>[[NEXT->gcregalia]] ]
{(live: 3s)[
(<img src="https://i.imgur.com/CknIFId.png" width="164" height="400">) (stop:)
]}
---
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/CknIFId.png" width="164" height="400">](event: when time > 3s)[(replace: "<img src="https://i.imgur.com/CknIFId.png" width="164" height="400">")<img src="https://i.imgur.com/d4FJhqG.png" width="164" height="400">[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/kT3DFYb.png" width="300" height="300">]
[Just outside the streetlight's reach, you look up at the low clouds.]
(event: when time >3s)[[[Suddenly...->blackout]]][There's another voice:]
(event: when time> 2s)[(colour: #7f19e6)["Goodness, brother, let the poor fellow in! It's pouring out there and he looks completely drenched! Open the door!"]]
(event: when time> 4s)[(colour: #19e5e6)["That would constitute an infraction most unconscionable. I cannot! Duty commands and honor forbids it!"]]
(event: when time> 6s)[(colour: #7f19e6)[And when were you tasked with the noble duty of casting out strangers in need?]]
(event: when time> 7s)[(colour: #19e5e6)[It's a bit of rain and the streetcar's around the corner. He'll be fine.]]
(event: when time> 8s)[(colour: #7f19e6)[It's a tempest! Look on our doorstep: the miserable creature is barely conscious!]
(event: when time> 9s)[(colour: #19e5e6)[I swore an oath and intend to keep it. To shirk duty whenever it demands harshness will spell nothing less than the decay of the entire ORDER?]]
(event: when time> 10s)[(colour: #7f19e6)['F C B', brother! 'F C B' ! On this of all nights you would do well to remember our letters. Have they lost all meaning to you?!] ]
(event: when time> 11s)[The two continue to argue. You stand in the doorway.
>>do nothing
>>leave](click-append:"leave")[
the rain is icy cold and you're already freezing. You can't bring yourself to leave the archway. (if: $jewel is false)[
[[leave anyway->cold damp]]?]]
(click-append:"do nothing")[
The two voices continue to argue behind the door. You're cold and exhausted. You feel your strength fading fast...]](set: $rank to "gc")
[OUTER and INNER GUARD stand before you in full regalia, swords drawn.]
(event: when time >2s)[(color:"purple")[GRAND HONORS!]]
(event: when time >3s)[The GUARDS snap into an odd pose: the sword arm bends, raising the hilt of the blade a few inches from the holder's face; left hand on heart, chest puffed out.
[<img src= "https://i.imgur.com/ryhB5Va.png" width="80" height="200">]]
(event: when time >6s)[They hold the pose a few seconds before sheathing their swords. INNER GUARD rushes forward and aggressively shakes your hand.](click-append: "aggressively shakes your hand.")[
(color:"purple")[GRAND CHANCELLOR, it is truly an honor, sir! We're thrilled to have you join us. The RITUAL is set to begin shortly. Allow me to conduct you to the other OFFICERS of our humble Lodge.]
[INNER GUARD ushers you through the vestibule
[[NEXT->StaircaseUP]] ]
][You step through the doorway.]
(event: when time> 2s)[It's warmer inside, but too dark to see anything. You pause a few feet past the threshold. It's nearly pitch black and there's no sign of a light inside.]
(event: when time> 4s)[You're starting to get cold feet. You turn to look back outside. You barely catch a last glimpse of the dim city outside when, to your horror, the door closes.]
(event: when time> 6s)[In the darkness, you hear heavy locks click.
Maybe this was a mistake.]
(event: when time> 8s)[The voice from the door returns, closer now--just a few feet behind you.]
(event: when time> 9s)[(color:"cyan")["Sir?"]]
(event: when time> 10s)[You close your eyes and take a deep breath. With what remains of your courage, you turn around and [[open your eyes-->vestibuleIII]].][You reach the fourth floor landing. There's another image:
(align:"==><==")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/4Qn1Y5i.png" width="220" height="400">
" B E N E V O L E N C E "]
(color:"cyan")[To attain the Third Rank of our order, one lesson remains. Benevolence, our third virtue.]
[OUTER GUARD leads you to the the ANTEROOM.]
[[[NEXT->can5]]][ <--ERROR-- >
[[RESTART?-->StoryInit]]]
(set: $try to true)
[(event: when time > 2s)[You're on the edge of an empty parking lot in Downtown Toledo.]
]
(event: when time > 4s)[No one else is outside.]
(event: when time > 6s)[You can see the faint red of brake lights in the distance. ](event: when time > 8s)[The car turns and vanishes.]
(event: when time > 10s)[Now there's really nobody around.]
(event: when time > 12s)[You feel as if you've been here before...
[[NEXT]]][You close your BAG.]
(event: when time >2s)[You look up](click-append: "look up")[ and find yourself in front of an abandoned building's creepy arched doorway.
(align: "==><==")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/cFAmdzO.png" width="400" height="400">]
You don't remember how you got here. Before you can retrace your steps](click-append:"retrace your steps")[, you realize you've been standing in an intense rainstorm.
Your clothes are soaked and you are extremely cold.
Until now, you somehow hadn't noticed...
[[NEXT->recess22]]][The door closes with a decisive boom. You stand in the silent hallway, very much alone.]
(event: when time> 2s)[Suddenly](click-append:"Suddenly")[, you're startled by a buzz in your pocket.
Instinctively, you reach for your phone. The screen lights up. It's bright-- almost blinding. You look anyway.
(event: when time> 4s)[(color:"red")[Battery: 10%.]
Somewhat disappointed, you close your phone. As the light of your screen fades, you find yourself suddenly in near darkness.](click-append: "darkness.")[Once your eyes have readjusted, you look back to the AUDITORIUM door.](click-append: "door.")[.. but instead find an unobstructed view of the abandoned ruins of the [[AUDITORIUM->endSeq]].] ](set: $jewel to true) (set: $jewelname to "jewel")
[in your bag:
>> phone](click-append: "phone")[
out of battery...
(event: when time>2s)[
>> something else]](click-replace: "something else")["jewel"
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/YPz8VAM.png" width="200" height="200">
[[CHECK->jewel]] ]
[CLOSE BAG](click-replace: "CLOSE BAG")[BAG FAILED TO CLOSE][You scramble into the creepy archway.]
(event: when time > 1s)[You pause and catch your breath.]
(event: when time > 3)[Cold, soaked, and exhausted, you look [[out at the street->recess23]].][<img src="https://i.imgur.com/KhJrmgm.png" width="400" height="400">]
(event: when time > 1s)[It's extremely dark. You can barely see anything]
(event: when time > 4s)[It seems the streetlights aren't working](event: when time > 5s)[ ...is the power out?]
(event: when time > 7s)[
You hear a voice behind you:]
(event: when time > 9s)[(color:"cyan")[Good evening, sir.]]
(event: when time > 10s)[>>[[Who is there?->Password]]
>>[[Good evening.->Password]]
>>[[...->Password]]
](set: $code to (prompt:"enter CODE to resume mid-story", ""))
(if: $code is "nomad")[(set: $rank to "gc")(set: $jewel to true)(set: $pw to true)(set: $jewelName to "jewel")(set: $try to false)(set: $quiet to false)
[[load story->check4b2]]
](else-if: $code is "rug")[(set: $rank to "knight")(set: $jewel to true)(set: $pw to false)(set: $jewelName to "jewel")(set: $try to false)(set: $quiet to false)
[[load story->vestibuleIII]]
](else-if: $code is "damon")[(set: $rank to "gc")(set: $jewel to true)(set: $pw to true)(set: $jewelName to "jewel")(set: $try to false)(set: $quiet to false)
[[load story->ap2]]
](else-if: $code is "study")[(set: $rank to "knight")(set: $jewel to true)(set: $pw to false)(set: $jewelName to "jewel")(set: $try to false)(set: $quiet to false)[[load story->study]]
](else-if: $code is "credits")[[[load credits->creditRoll]]](else:)[ ---- CODE not recognized ----
>>[[MAIN MENU->StoryInit]]] (alert: "CODE FOUND!")[(color:"green")[Resume story HERE with CODE:](if: (passage:)'s name is "check4b2")[(color:"red")[nomad]](else-if: (passage:)'s name is "ap2")[(color:"red")[damon]](else-if: (passage:)'s name is "vestibuleIII")[(color:"red")[rug]](else-if: (passage:)'s name is "study")[(color:"red")[study]](else:)[<-- error -->]]
---[As the crater's edge races toward you, you wonder if coming here was a mistake.]
(event: when time>2s)[The floor beneath you gives out.
You're falling](click-append:"You're falling")[...
falling....](click-append:"falling....")[
falling.....](click-append:"falling.....")[
[[...->gcCut]]][The second man suddenly steps forward and removes his hat](click-append:"removes his hat")[(align: "==><==")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/pJhVdYS.png" width="88" height="200">]
(color: "purple")[Sir, let me apologize for OUTER GUARD's conduct. As his superior officer-- and as INNER GUARD of this Lodge-- I take full responsibility and humbly beg your forgiveness.]
(event: when time> 4s)[You try to come up with an appropriate [[reply->corridor2]].]][OUTER GUARD, still thoroughly confused, looks to his distressed comrade](event: when time>1.5s)[ and then to your palm.
As he spots the JEWEL, his eyes widen.]
(event: when time>2.5s)[INNER GUARD suddenly reaches toward his waist-- there's something attached to his [[belt...->corridor3gc3]]]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/FlaOImI.png" width="300" height="300">
(event: when time>2s)[INNER GUARD draws a sword--(event: when time>3s)[ a real sword.]
(event: when time>4s)[Distracted by the feather on his hat, you didn't notice the scabbard at his midriff.
OUTER GUARD, too, draws a sword. It's thin and looks sharp. The grain of its cutting edge glistens in the light.
You feel:
>>[[scared->c3v2]]
>>[[calm->c3v1]]] ]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/2UGzO0F.png" width="300" height="300">
(event: when time>1s)[Torchlight dances on the blades' immaculately polished steel.]
(event: when time>3s)[In the dim firelight, the room really is beautiful.](click-append: "beautiful")[
Exhale.](click-append: "Exhale.")[
It's time.](click-append: "It's time.")[
You're not ready. Then again, is anyone?](click-append: "is anyone?")[
Deep breath.](click-append: "Deep breath.")[
You choose to (color:"#E94F64")[(dropdown: bind $fof, "...", "do nothing", "fight", "run")]
>>[[CONFIRM->corridor3v3]] ][<img src= "https://i.imgur.com/9mhxJo8.png" width="80" height="200">
(color: "purple")[GRAND-CHANCELLOR, the brothers of Lodge No. 20 welcome you to TOLEDO CASTLE. My apologies for failing to recognize you in the archway. GRAND-CHANCELLOR, Lodge No. 20 welcomes you to TOLEDO CASTLE. Now, if you would--this way, and I shall conduct you to the other UNIFORMED OFFICERS]
INNER GUARD gestures for you to come along. You follow him to the staircase across the [[vestibule->landing1]].](if: $jewel is false)[(event: when time >2s)["Very well."](event: when time >4s)[
You hear locks unlatch.
The door creaks a open a few inches. It's dark inside, but you can feel warm air leaking out.] (set: $rank to "can")
"Welcome, brother."
[[ENTER->can1]]](else:)[(event: when time >2s)["Very good, sir."
You hear locks unlatch.](event: when time >4s)[
The door creaks a open a few inches. It's dark inside, but you can feel warm air leak from within into the night.](event: when time >6s)[
"Welcome to TOLEDO, Sir."
(set: $rank to "gc")
[[ENTER->anteroom pass]]]
] (event: when time>4s)[(align:"==><==")[++++++++++
the AUDITORIUM
+++++++++]
]
(event: when time>6.5s)[You're in darkness.]
(event: when time>8s)[Suddenly, moonlight streams in through enormous windows, illuminating the room]
(event: when time>9.5s)[It's the AUDITORIUM, but it looks different.]
(event: when time>11s)[The cavernous space is empty but tidy. No smashed windows or litter.](click-append:"litter.")[
There's tarp over the floor. Metal stepladders are staggered along the walls.
The smell of drying paint hangs [[in the air->actionVII2]].](set:$endLight to true)[You reach the vestibule and run through. At the arched entranceway, you pause.
After taking a moment to catch your breath, you open the door and exit the Castle. As you reach the sidewalk, you notice the rain has stopped and the power has been restored.
You feel relieved.
You momentarily forget the alarm system still blaring behind you. You head down the street at a leisurely pace. From half a block away, you see a police cruiser pull up to the Castle.
Must've got in while the power was out.
[[end game]] ](event:when time>1s)[(color:"pink")[Amnesia?! You can't be serious!] ]
(event:when time>2s)[(align:"==>")[(color:"orange")[Brother, lower your voice-- we can't upset the GRAND CHANCELLOR in his present state--]]]
(event:when time>3s)[The doctor glances into the room and notices you listening in.]
(event:when time>4s)[He forces an unconvincing smile and gingerly closes the door. Heated conversation continue outside, but it's too muffled to follow.
After a few minutes of meticulously avoiding eye contact, the other uniformed men leave the room.
>>[[NEXT->checkf]]
]
(event: when time > 1s)[Words surge to the tip of your tongue. You restrain them for another moment.
(event: when time > 2s)[From the platform, you survey your Kingdom of Syracuse. ]
(event: when time > 3s)[Finally, when and only when you are ready, you draw a deep breath, and [[begin to speak->actionIII]].]](color: "red")[But why have you returned? Have you no love of life or dread of death? Why throw away your life this way?]
(event: when time> 1s)[(color: "blue")[Though I've done nothing to deserve my sentence, I cannot break my word-- or let my friend die in my place.]]
(event: when time> 2s)[(color: "red")[So, you've returned solely to save PYTHIAS by sacrificing your own life?]]
(event: when time> 3s)[(color: "blue")[For you, I came to suffer an unjust and cruel penalty too common under tyrants. For PYTHIAS, I'm here out of duty to a true friend]]
(event: when time> 4s)[you stand in silence, surveying DAMON intently. Slowly, you turn to his friend.]
(event: when time> 6s)[(color: "red")[PYTHIAS, had you no fear DAMON would fail to return?]](click-append:"fail to return?")[
(color:"white")[PYTHIAS meets your gaze.](click-append:"meets your gaze.")[
(color:"gold")[Never.]
His certainty is jarring.
[[PYTHIAS continues->actionIV]].] ](color: "red")[Is life such a burden to you that you'd just throw it away?]
(event:when time>2s)[He says something back, but you aren't listening anymore. Watch the eyes.]
(event:when time>4s)[He has made you feel small.](event:when time>5.5s)[
You hate him for it.]
(event:when time>7s)[You can't help but look into his eyes.]
(event:when time>8.5s)[His eyes remind you that hate only proves his power over you](click-append:"over you")[ and you hate him for that, too.
His eyes have stolen hate's wry satisfaction. He's ruining hate. You don't know how to respond except to hate him for that. And you hate him [[for that as well->actionIV3]].][PYTHIAS is wrapping up his rebuttal.]
(event:when time>1s)[(color:"gold")[...where life and liberty can be taken at any moment with a tyrant's nod: it's this kingdom that holds no charm for me.]]
(event:when time>2.5s)[(color: "red")[Very well, then. You shall see DAMON no more. I order you to immediate execution.]]
(event:when time>3.5s)[DAMON rushes to interject.]
(event:when time>4s)[(color: "blue")[Pardon the feelings of a man who has sympathy for his dying friend. Remember, it was I you doomed to death. I've come as promised to redeem my friend. Pray, give me this one consolation in my last hour.]](click-append:"in my last hour.")[
(color: "red")[Men who despise death and defy my Government are not endured in Syracuse--]
[[PYTHIAS interrupts->actionIV4]].](color: "gold")[Cannot virtue be endured in Syracuse? Is it nothing that a man is so faithful that he'd pledge his own life to redeem a friend?]
(event:when time>1s)[(color: "red")[What I cannot endure is that proud, disdainful virtue: virtue which has no dread of death and for which wealth and pleasure have no charm--]]
(event:when time>2.5s)[(color: "gold")[And yet you see that virtue is not insensible to the dictates of Honor, Justice, and Fri--]]
(event:when time>4s)[(color: "red")[Oh! It's useless to parley with such men. Guards, take DAMON to the scaffold. Let us see if PYTHIAS will respect my authority.]](click-append:"authority.")[
(color:"white")[
Your soldiers move to seize DAMON. PYTHIAS shouts.]](click-append:"PYTHIAS shouts.")[
(color: "gold")[WAIT! DAMON returned and submits himself to your displeasure. He's earned your favor and should live. Yet I win your indignation by resigning myself to your power. Please, let me be put to death and let one life atone for both.]
(color:"white")[The crowd is in tears. Even your soldiers are moved.]](click-append:"are moved.")[DAMON launches forward, suddenly distressed.
[(color: "blue")[Hold, DIONYSIUS! DAMON alone offended you. PYTHIAS could not--]]](click-append:"could not--")[
(color:"white")[You can't take it anymore.
[(color: "red")[GRACIOUS HEAVENS !!!!]]
[[[NEXT->actionV]]]]](color: "red")[(align:"==>")[(event:when time>1s)[30 years.]](event:when time>2.5s)[
For 30 years,
I've swayed Sicily and Syracuse.](event:when time>4s)[
I've had wealth](event:when time>4.25s)[
praise](event:when time>4.5s)[
office](event:when time>4.75s)[(text-style:"bold")[
power.]] (event:when time>5.5s)[
None bought real friendship... ](event:when time>6.75s)[
and they can [[never win love->actionV3]].]](color: "red")[(align:"==><==")[(event:when time>1s)[I have had a host of sycophants](event:when time>2s)[
but never a single friend](event:when time>4s)[--
never a friend who deserved the name.]
(event:when time>6s)[
never a single friend.
[[Not one->actionV4]]]
.]
](color: "red")[(event:when time>1s)[Before me stand two who love, trust and confide in one another.](event:when time>2.5s)[
they are happy in one another--](event:when time>4s)[
either would gladly die to save the other.](event:when time>5.5s)[(align:"==>")[
Where am I?]](event:when time>5.5s)[(align:"==><==")[
What am I?]](click-append:"What am I?")[
Utterly wretched and miserable...](click-append:"...")[
and so I [[deserve to be->actionV5]].]
]
(event: when time> 1s)[You fall to your knees.](event: when time> 2.5s)[
The crowd is silent.](event: when time> 4s)[
You feel a gentle hand on your shoulder.]
(event: when time> 6s)[(color: "blue")[DIONYSIUS-- ]]
(event: when time> 8s)[DAMON kneels [[beside you->actionV6]].](color:"blue")[(event: when time> 1s)[if you have never loved, how could you expect to win love?](event: when time> 2.5s)[
With love and respect, you earn love and respect in return.](event: when time> 4s)[
But you loathe and dread all mankind.](event: when time> 6s)[
Is it any wonder they loathe and dread you?]](click-append:"loathe and dread you?")[
(color: "red")[I... I...
DAMON, I--...](click-append:"--...")[
(color: "white")[
A hand falls on your other shoulder.](click-append:"other shoulder.")[
PYTHIAS, too, sits [[at your side->actionV7]].]]](color: "red")[(event:when time>1s)[I freely give you your lives.](event:when time>2s)[ And will--... ](event:when time>3s)[
can you--... ](event: when time> 4s)[
if you would forgive the wrongs I've done you,
could you welcome a third in a friendship so perfect? ](event:when time>6s)[I can offer wealth and fame--] ]
(event:when time>7s)[DAMON stops you](click-append:"DAMON stops you")[
(color: "blue")[We have no wish for your riches, DIONYSIUS.]](click-append:"DIONYSIUS.")[ Wealth would bring us no more happiness than it's [[brought you->actionV8]].](color:"blue")[(event:when time>1s)[As to your other offer](event:when time>2.5s)[
we should be glad of your friendship. ](event:when time>4s)[
But--](event:when time>5s)[
if it's true friendship you desire, you must be true to yourself as to others.
Friendship isn't bought. Nor can it be simply given. Genuine friendship can only be built together.]](click-append:"built together.")[
(color:"white")[Together, DAMON and PYTHIAS help you [[onto your feet->actionV9]].]]
(color:"blue")[DIONYSIUS,(event:when time>1s)[ you could have friends](event:when time>2.5s)[, but without virtue, the desire is a vain longing.]
(event:when time>4s)[For a lifetime, you've given free play to every shallow passion, only sparing a thought to others insofar as they could serve you.]
(event:when time>5.5s)[Without virtue, you will keep only sycophants and vile flatterers.]
(event:when time>6s)[To be loved and esteemed by free and generous souls, learn to [[live as they do.->actionV9.2]]
]]
(color:"blue")[(event: when time>2s)[Friend,](event: when time>4s)[ remember:]]
(color:"yellow")[(event: when time>7s)[It's never too late to change.]]
(event: when time>10s)[
You turn to face them once more, but the sunrise is blinding. ]
(event: when time>14s)[(goto: "actionVII")]
(color:"red")[(event:when time>0.5s)[...
](event:when time>1.5s)[then... would... ]
(event:when time>4s)[would you receive the Tyrant of Syracuse to share in friendship?]
(event:when time>5s)[(color: "blue")[We will.]]
(event:when time>5s)[(color: "gold")[We will.]]
(event:when time>6.5s)[(color: "red")[Be...] ]]
(event:when time>8s)[(color:"white")[You start to choke up. The thunder's long drained from your voice. ]
(event:when time>10s)[It trembles now, [[almost childlike->actionV10.2]]]]
(color:"gold")[(align:"==><==")[(event:when time>1s)[Without love, death comes to us as the King of Terrors.]
(event:when time>4s)[But with love filling your own soul and reciprocated by others,](event:when time>5.5s)[you will learn that death is but an event in life, and not its close.](event:when time>7s)[
To live in hearts that love us [[is not to die->actionV10]].]]](color: "red")[(event:when time>2s)[we](event:when time>4s)[ will be... ](click-append:"be...")[
[[friends?->actionV10.3]]] ]
[
(color: "blue")[(event:when time>2s)[Henceforth](event:when time>4s)[ and forever.]]
(color: "gold")[(event:when time>2s)[Henceforth](event:when time>4s)[ and forever.]]]
(event: when time>8s)[(goto: "actionVI")]You move to the main door out of the AUDITORIUM.
(event: when time>2s)[You push it open] (event: when time>4s)[, and it triggers an alarm.](click-append:"alarm.")[
Instinctively, you run for it. As the security system blares, you dash down the third floor hallway.
A red Emergency Exit sign points you toward the GRAND STAIRCASE and you [[scramble down->endSeqB]] ](goto-url: "https://www.midstory.org")
[one moment, please...
<!--Midstory presents:
Lost in the Pythian Castle
Stefan Binion lol-->](event:when time>1s)[Midstory presents:
]
(event:when time>2.5s)[Lost in the Pythian Castle
](event:when time>4s)[a game by Stefan Binion
](event:when time>5.5s)[with help from Alex Lim
](event:when time>7s)[Patch 4.1: May 1st, 2020
](event:when time>8.5s)[
Thanks for playing!
[[EXIT->StoryInit]] ]