A Western

<center><img src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/cf3d6193-5002-4f5d-8ca7-abb8cfe3a880/american-west-arch-canyon-sunrise_square.jpg" width="500" height="300"></center> The sun beats down on you as you walk across the barren plains. If only you had a horse still...but that poor beast died days ago. You lick your lips, feeling the cracked skin flake off as your dry tongue swipes across it. And the sun, this goddamned sun...relentless. Reaching down for your waterskin, you find it exactly as it was when you last checked...empty. [[Get angry]] [[Stay calm]] (set: $waterskin to 1) (set: $kharma to 0) (set: $ammo to 12) (set: $money to 10)

"Fuck!" Angrily, you throw your waterskin as far as you can. It rattles across the dusty ground as you throw with all your might, falling to your knees in the process. You breathe heavily. [[Continue on]] (set: $waterskin to it -1)

Taking a moment to calm yourself, you drop the waterskin, letting it fall to your side as you take a deep breath. [[Continue on]]

Continuing down the road, hours pass. The sun rises in the sky, brutal waves of heat bearing down relentlessly as your pace slows. Dimly, somewhere in the back of your mind, you know that if you don't get water, you will die. Weakly, you dig into your pouch and pull out: [[A small letter]] [[A folded letter]]

You pull out a small letter, the address long since faded on the envelope. You open it. //Dear Mr. West, It is with regret that I am to inform you of your discharge from service as Captain of Company G, 93rd New York Infantry... // [[This is the wrong letter]]

Shakily, you reach back into your pouch, placing the small letter back where you pulled it from. You fumble around inside pouch until you pull out [[A folded letter]]

A message is scrawled across its surface. //John, I'm sorry to be reaching out like this, but I don't know who else to go to. My husband has been missing for nearly two months, now. No one I ask seems to be taking this seriously - they tell me he left me for another woman. But that's not the [[Dominic]] that I know. I think he's in trouble. Before he disappeared, he had received a letter from [[Colonel Jackson]],asking him to come visit him in [[Fellwood]]. He didn't tell me much more after that, but I knew he was hiding something. I just don't know what it is. He seemed worried, John. Scared. I know it isn't much to go on, but please, do it for Dom. I think something bad has happened and I...I just need to know. I can pay you, of course, fifty dollars now and fifty upon return. It's all I have. God bless and safe travels. Sincerely yours, [[Margaret Santiago]]// [[Fold letter up]]

Colonel Jackson...my old CO. He was listed K.I.A. after Blackmarsh. Return to [[A folded letter]]

Never heard of this place before...ain't on any of the maps either. Must be one of those new mining towns or something. They pop up like worms in a rainstorm. Return to [[A folded letter]]

You carefully fold the letter back up, placing it within your pouch, and continue on your way. For hours you travel, stumbling down the road. Your feet feel blistered and swollen as your march. The sun is beginning to crest down as the sky becomes painted with shades of reds, oranges, blues, and purples. Ahead of you, you see, lies a fork in the road. The beginnings of a valley start where the paths diverge. [[Take the left path, above the valley]] [[Take the center path, through the valley]]

I remember Margaret Santiago. A determined and quite intellegent woman, she seemed to be the only one of us who ever had their shit togther. I remember when she first caught Dominics' eye, their wedding...haven't heard from her much recently, not after we all came back from the war. Return to [[A folded letter]]

It's been years since I've seen Dominic Santiago. After our discharge, we, well, went our separate ways. Last I heard he was living upstate with wife, but I haven’t heard from him personally since...I guess it was his wedding. Damn. Return to [[A folded letter]]

|LeftPath>[Entrance to the Hills] Going left, above the valley, you find yourself in the barren hills. In a few hours, night will fall. [[Keep traveling]] [[Find a place to rest]] [[Explore]]

|CenterPath>[The Center Path] Heading straight forward, you delve through the main road that cuts through the valley. Huge rockfaces rise on either side of you, blocking any way but forward. Wearily, you continue on your way. [[Continue Forward]] [[Explore the Valley]] [[Find a place to rest nearby]]

You push through the barren hills, legs burning from the exertion. You see the sun beginning to set as night creeps in. Somewhere in the distance, you hear a howl of some animal out in the plains. [[Keep going]] [[Find a place to rest]] [[Explore]]

You find a small outcropping of rocks that form at least a mediocre shelter for the night. [[Cook dinner]] [[Go to sleep]]

(if:visits is 1)[You enter the barren hills, searching for anything of use or value while you are there. You smell it first...the smell of cooking meat. Your stomach growls at the thought of fresh meat. Crawling over the hill, you see a small campsite. A wagon is parked a little off the trail, and two figures are sitting down, enjoying a meal. [[Observe the people]] [[Ask for food]] [[Steal the food]] [[Keep traveling]] ] (if:visits is >= 2)[Seems you've already explored the area. [[Keep traveling]] ]

Groaning with exertion, you push yourself to continue through the night. Cool winds blow through the hills as you squint at your map through the light of the moon and stars. Your vision is getting blurry as you being to sway on your feet. In the distance, you hear another howl. It feels closer. (set: $time to 1) Something about being out at night is off putting. You feel...a [[strange sensation]] tingle in the back of your head. In the distance, you think you see something, though. Small, flickering somethings...lights! If the map is right, it should be the town. [[Go towards the lights]] [[Explore the sensation]] [[Explore the howling]] [[Find a place to rest]]

It's...like the feeling where someone is looking at you... [[Keep going]]

You continue on towards the lights, swaying along the hilly path. Your eyes begin to flutter, trying to stay awake. You feel that sensation in the back of your head getting [[stronger]]...

You take a moment to look around, the darkness seeming to envelope you...like an overwhelming presence. You haven't felt a presence like this since Blackmarsh. [[Go towards the lights]]

(if:$food is 4)[You take the food from your pouch and cook it over the open flame. You are no longer starving (set:$starvation to 0) (set:$food to -1) ] (if:$food < 1)[You have no food to cook with. Your stomach growls (set:$starvation to it+ 1)] [[Go to sleep]]

You awaken in the morning, bleary eyed but rested. You gather your things and pack up the camp. [[Continue Traveling]]

Seems to be a man and a woman, simple travelers by the look of it. Their wagon seems to be lightly packed. The man and woman seem to be in conversation as the man bends down towards her and puts a hand on her stomach, rubbing gently. You also notice a rifle in the back of the wagon. [[Explore]]

You exit your hiding spot and begin making your way down towards the travelers. As you approach, the man stands up and faces you. "Can I help you, stranger?" [["Yes, can you please spare some food?"]] [[Steal their food]]

You exit the small bushes you were hiding behind, sneaking up to the small campsite. You place a hand on your revolver as you get near the camp. [[Shoot them]] [[Intimidate]]

"Sorry, stranger, but we've only got enough for ourselves. You best head in towards town if you're hungry" [[Very well]] [[Steal their food]]

You pull your revolver out of its holster with lightening speed, pointing at the man and woman in front of you. You see the man step back with a look of shock as he begins to go towards the wagon. [[All I want is your food...no one needs to get hurt]] [[Shoot them]] (set: $counter to 5) You have |amount>[$counter] seconds left! (live: 1s)[ (set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Shoot them")] (replace: ?amount)[$counter] ]

You pull your gun out and loudly shout "[[All I want is your food...no one needs to get hurt]]"

The man looks ot the woman, before turning back to face you. "Okay, take it! Just please, let us go!" [[Shoot them]] [[Let them go]]

You open fire, clouds of smoke billowing from your revolver as the bodies of the man and woman slump to the ground, dead. You holster your revolver and dig through their belongings. You find $5 and some food and water rations. Enough to get you to town. [[Find a place to rest]] [[Keep traveling]] (set: $food to +4) (set: $waterskin to +1) (set: $ammo to it - 6) (set: $kharma to -2) (set: $money to 15)

You nod, flicking your gun off towards the hills. Wordlessly they get up and run over the hills, leaving you there with their things. You find $5, their rifle in the back of the wagon, and some rations that'll get you to town at least. [[Find a place to rest]] [[Keep traveling]] (set: $food to +4) (set: $waterskin to 1) (set: $ammo to 14) (set: $kharma to -1) (set: $witnesses to 2) (set: $money to 15)

You awaken in your small camp as the greyish blue hues of morning greet you. Groggily, you pack up camp and and [[Head towards town]].

(text-style:"blur","expand","shudder")[[So much stronger than before]]

Your vision blurs as you hit the ground, the static overwhelming your mind. You blink once...twice...and close your eyes. [[Continue]]

(set:$wound to 1) You awaken off the side of the road, stripped of all your belongings. A nasty [[gash]] runs across your back - thats new. You can feel it burning as it rubs against your shirt. You head is killing you. You stand, looking out, and see the entrance to the town standing before you. Got no choice but to [[Head towards town]]. (set: $waterskin to 0) (set: $kharma to 0) (set: $ammo to 0) (Set: $food to 0) (set: $money to 0)

You push on through the valley, cutting through the rock outcroppings. The sun is beginning to set behind the rock faces. Your blistered feet propel you forward. [[Keep going]] [[Explore the Valley]] [[Find a place to rest]]

You take some time to look around the well-worn path in the valley. After traveling for about thirty minutes, you hear something. Something fast. Taking some time to look, you find yourself in front of a rushing river. To your left, you see a small fisherman's shack built along the river. (if:(history: where its name contains "Explore the Valley")'s length is 2)[You return to the entrance to the valley] [[Drink from the river]] [[Explore fisherman's hut]] [[Continue Forward]]

Between the narrow walls of the valley as the sun sets, you set up a small camp to wait out the night. [[Continue]]

You kneel down on the bank of the river, gulping the cool water down your parched throat. [[Fill waterskin]] [[Explore fisherman's hut]] [[Continue Forward]]

You make your way to the run-down hut, which sits on the bank of this river that cuts through the valley. [[Knock on the door]] [[Explore outside]] [[Explore the Valley]]

(if:visits is 1)[You walk up to the door and rap on it sharply three times. As you bring your hand up to knock again, the door opens slightly and you see a small, wrinkled old man who squints up at you through the light of the sun. In a surprisingly squealing voice, he says: "Oh boy, a visitor! It's been a while since I've had one of those..." [["Which way to Fellwood?"]] [["Who are you?"]] ] (if:visits is >=2)[You knock on the door, which is met with the sound of deep snoring. Old bastard must be asleep. [[Explore the Valley]] ]

You walk around the hut, looking around for anything of value. You find some stacks of wood, old fishing equipment, animal pelts, and an old crate. [[Examine pelts]] [[Examine crate]] [[Explore the Valley]] [[Explore fisherman's hut]]

"To Fellwood, huh? Oh, if you're heading that way, just follow the river! But be careful...lots of strange happenings". [["What do you mean?"]]

"Me? Me?" He begins laughing which sends him into a coughing fit at the same time. He goes on for an uncomfortable amount of time before his fit ends. "I'm Boe" [["Just Boe?"]] [["You from here?"]]

"People walking around who ain't people no more, is what I mean. Oh! And the coyotes. Don't trust 'em when they talk to ya. It's usually a bad sign". [["You're crazy (leave)"]] [["Okay, I'll watch out"]]

"Crazy?!" The fisherman begins to lagh as you say that. He falls into a violent coughing fit in between bits of laughter. "Oh, I'm not the crazy one", he continues, still coughing and laughing, hacking up phlem as he does. What a nutcase. You leave the hut. [[Explore the Valley]]

"You better! Last one who came through here heeded Old Boe's words, and look where he ended up!" [["Where did he end up?]] Leave to [[Explore the Valley]]

He stops his laughing as a more serious look crawls across his face. "Well, no one is just their name, boy" You nod. [["You from here?"]]

"Not from here, no, but also not from there. I came with the river", he says, looking out to the rushing water. "Oh, the River..." He grows quiet. [["You're crazy (leave)"]] [["Well, that doesn't tell me much"]]

"I don't know, but I didn't find 'em in the river! So must've gotten somewhere". [["Who are you?"]] [[Explore the Valley]]

Coyote pelts, it seems. Though they are bigger than any coyote you've seen. [[Explore outside]]

You open the crate, peering into the box. Inside you find an old shovel with fresh dirt on it, a well-worn pair of boots, and 50 yards of rope. (set: $rope to +1) [[Explore outside]]

(if:$waterskin is 1)[You refill your waterskin.] (if:$waterskin < 1)[You don't have a waterskin...] [[Explore fisherman's hut]] [[Drink from the river]] [[Explore the Valley]]

After another few hours of travel, you find yourself outside the entrance of town. A rickety sign that hangs over a lonely gate reads (text-style:"bold","upside-down","sway")[Fellwood] Past the sign and gate, you see a medium sized town - mostly just a main street with some buildings and houses. The street seems relativley empty - odd for this time of day. [[Town Square]]

(if:$drunk < 5)[You make your way through town. The few people in the street eye you up and down as you make your way to the center square. They seem to be decorating for some event. At the town square, now, you can see the entirety of the town. (if:$starvation is 1)[Your stomach growls - you will need to find food soon.] (set:$keyring to 0) [[Go to the bar]] [[Go to the General store]] [[Look at Clocktower]] (if:$wound is 1)[[Doctors Office]] ] (if:$drunk is 5)[You stumble out the bar, the bright afternoon sun glaring angrily in your eyes. The world swirls around you. (text-style:"italic","expand")[west...] A voice, on the wind. It's all around you. [[Follow the call]] ]

(if:visits is 1)[To your left, from where you came in, you heard sounds of conversation, and laughter. A bar, thank god. You walk up to it, brushing off some of the dirt and dust accumulated from traveling, and enter through the open door. The bar goes quiet for a moment as you enter as all the eyes in the bar look towards you before getting back to their conversations. Pretty empty. The pianoman in the corner picks back up, too, and all is back to normal.] (if:visits >= 2)[You re-enter the bar. The patrons take less of an interest in you this time around.] [[Speak to the Bartender]] [[Speak to the patrons]] Go back to the [[Town Square]]

You walk over to the run down little general store, //The White Fawn Traders//, and enter through the half open door. A middle aged woman with wild red hair sits behind the desk. She smiles as you enter. "Hi! I'm Ruth. Let me know of if you need anything." The store itself seems to be in the middle of either packing up or unpacking - boxes lay piled by the semi-empty shelves. [[Speak to Store Owner]] [[Explore store]]

(if:visits is 1)[You walk up to the bar, grabbing a stool and waving the bartender down. He comes over, drying a glass as he does. "How can I help you, stranger?" [[What can you tell me about this town?]] [[Do you know a man by the name of Dominic?]] [[Double shot of whiskey]] [[Food, please]] (set:$drunk to 0) ] (if:visits >= 2)[You walk back up to the bar, waving down the bartender "You again, huh?" [[What can you tell me about this town?]] [[Do you know a man by the name of Dominic?]] [[Double shot of whiskey]] [[Food, please]] ][[Town Square]]

You look out to the patrons in the bar. [[Speak to some miners]] (if:(history: where its name contains "\"Don't believe so?\"")'s length >= 1)[[Speak to Micah]]

He looks over to you. "Interested in the [[facts]], or the [[rumors]]?

The bartender looks confused for a moment before looking back to you. "I think...hmm. No, I don't believe so. Don't sound like anyone I know". [["Don't believe so?"]] [["Well, thanks anyway"]]

(if:$money >= 1)[He nods. "You got it, chief. That'll be $1". He goes behind the bar and slides a shotglass your way. (set:$money to it -1) (set:$drunk to it+1) [[Drain Glass]] ] (if:$money < 1)["Sorry chief, but you ain't got no cash". [[Speak to the Bartender]] ]

(if:$drunk is 1)[Burns like a sunovabitch [[Speak to the Bartender]] Another [[Double shot of whiskey]] ] (if:$drunk is 2)[(text-style:"blurrier")[Tastes like bad memories] [[Speak to the Bartender]] Another [[Double shot of whiskey]] ](if:$drunk is 3)[(text-style:"blurrier","shudder")[I did what I thought was right...what I knew was right] [[Speak to the Bartender]] Another [[Double shot of whiskey]] ] (if:$drunk is 4)[(text-style:"blurrier","shudder")[I can't forget that day...] [[Speak to the Bartender]] Another [[Double shot of whiskey]] ] (if:$drunk >= 5)[(text-style:"blurrier","shudder") [It's best if I...*hicupp*...if I don't think] [[Town Square]] ]

He sets the glass down and looks over to you. "Aye, I don't recall anyone by that name. Don't get many visitors in town. If anyone would know, its Micah". He points across the bar to a table in the back of the room where a middle aged man in a fine pinstripe suit is sitting, surrounded by plumes of smoke puffed out from a large cigar. You nod as he walks back to his duties. [[Speak to the Bartender]] [[Speak to the patrons]]

The bartender nods and walks away. [[Speak to the Bartender]]

"Well, the town was founded five years ago today, in fact! You may have noticed the people celebrating. We've had the best festival each year we've celebrated - definetly don't want to miss that tonight". He pauses. "The festival always takes place at midnight. Wouldn't want to be late. [[rumors]] [[Do you know a man by the name of Dominic?]]

(if:visits is 1)["I hear that Ruth, the general store manager, has been thinking of moving back East. Rather rude, I think. Us small town folk work better working together, if you get my meaning". "Anything else I can help you with?" [[rumors]] [[Do you know a man by the name of Dominic?]] [[Double shot of whiskey]] ] (If:visits is >= 2)["Sad to say our Sheriff doesn't get much work these days. Not too much crime in these parts(if:$witnesses is 2)[, though apparently some travelers got robbed on the road in - nasty buisness, that is [[A robbery, huh?]]] [[Do you know a man by the name of Dominic?]] [[Double shot of whiskey]] ]

"Well, of course it doesn't", he says with a crusty smile. "That’s the part you figure out! A name, a location, a time...these things have power, you know". [["Yeah, sure"]]

"You doubt now, boy, but you'll see" ...he trails off, looking towards the sky. "Better get moving, boy. Night is fast approaching". With that, he heads back inside, leaving you with your thoughts. [[Explore the Valley]]

He turn to you. "Aye, some jackass in a mask robbed em blind at gunpoint. Shame if you ask me. Imagine if things had gone south, though" [[Change the subject]]

[[Do you know a man by the name of Dominic?]] [[Double shot of whiskey]] [[Speak to the patrons]]

(if:visits is 1)[You approch a table of dirty men, appearing to be miners based on their equipment and clothing. One of them, a large, burly man, looks up as you approach. "What do you want?"] (if:visits >= 2)[Without even looking up, you hear the miner ask "the hell do you want now?"] [[Information]] [[Nothing]]

"Information, huh?", he says. He puts down his glass, really looking at you for the first time. "And who's asking?". [["John West"]] [["No one important"]]

"Well, fuck off then", he says as you leave. [[Speak to the patrons]] [[Speak to the Bartender]] [[Town Square]]

"Well met, West. I'm Krieg. What do you want to know?" [[Has a Dominic passed through here?]] [[Any rumors?]]

"Then I have nothing important to say'' [["John West"]] [[Speak to the patrons]]

(if:visits is 1)[It seems to be noon] (if:visits is 2)[Still noon...this thing might be broken] (if:visits >= 3)[Yeah...it's broken] [[Town Square]]

You've had wounds before but this...this fucking hurts. [[Continue]]

A faded caduceus, painted on a wooden sign, hangs in front of the small doctors office. You enter, a small bell signaling your arrival. A small, bug eyed man stands behind the counter. "[[Can you tend to my wound?]]"

"Dominic? Nah, I don't recognize that name. But maybe Ruth would, down at the general store". [[Thanks]]

"I don't gossip". [[Has a Dominic passed through here?]]

You approach Micah. He looks up to you with a bemused look on his face. "You look lost, friend. Please, take a seat, and tell me how Micah can help you today". [[Have you seen a man named Dominic come into town recently?]]

"Yeah, well, don't mention it". He looks away and goes back to his drink. [[Town Square]] [[Speak to the patrons]] [[Speak to the Bartender]]

You see he leans back into his chair and smiles. "Ah, a bounty hunter, maybe? Lost lover? Old friend? Leave it to Micah to find them". Another puff from his cigar, straight into your face. "Dominic...the name rings a bell, for sure..." [[You know where he is?]] [[Just tell me already]]

He looks up to you from the magazine he was reading, setting it down. "Sure, I can take a look. Come with me". He begins to head down the halllway towards the back of the office. [[Follow the doctor]] [[Inspect the waiting room]]

You follow him down the hall, leading to a small room on the left side. There, he inspects your wound. Your grimace as he prods it. "How'd this happen to you?" [[I don't remember]] [[I remember...]]

As the doctor leaves, you have a second to yourself. What would you like to examine? [[The desk]] [[The floorboards]] [[The drawers]] (set: $counter to 3) You have |amount>[$counter] seconds left! (live: 1s)[ (set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Unable")] (replace: ?amount)[$counter] ]

"Ah, well it looks nasty. Whatever bit you seems pretty agressive". He begins to sew up the wound. [[I'm new to town. Any useful information?]] [[I was bit?]] [[You know a Dominic, by any chance?]]

[[No, you don't]]

That's right...[[I don't remember]]

"I'd stay away from the sherrif. Seems to not like visitors" [[Why's that?]] [[Change subject]]

"Yeah, seems as though something big gotcha. I'm surprised you don't recall...maybe shock repressed them". He seems to lose his train of thought for a minute. "Oh, sorry. Trailed off. What were we talking about? [[Change subject]]

You see a faint bit of recognition flicker behind his spectacles. "Sounds familiar...are you a friend of his?" [[Something like that]]

"Cause visitors mess with his perfect little town", he said as he patched the wound. "Crime doesn't happen often here, so he tends to watch visitors very closely. Him and the mayor both". [[What is this mayor like?]] [[Change subject]]

The doctor continues to patch you up. [[I was bit?]] [[You know a Dominic, by any chance?]] [[I'm new to town. Any useful information?]]

He hesitates. "Well, the mayor is...he's a great man. Just a little...strange". [[How so?]]

"I...I don't know. Forget about it". [[Change subject]]

You see he sets down his tools and wipes his brow. "All done", he says. He begins to pack up his things. "You're all set". [[Tell me where I can find Dom]]

You see he pauses ever so slightly as you say this. He looks over his shoulder at you. "I...I'm afraid I don't know. I think I was mistaken..." (if:$ammunition is >= 1)[[Ready revolver]] (if:$list is 1)[[I saw his name on the list]] [[I've come a long way for this, doctor]]

"I know, yes, but not here. Let us speak later, friend. Meet me by Big Oak outside of town - we can speak there." With that he kicked his feet up on the table, took a long drag off his cigar, and placed his hands behind his head. "So? Why are you still here?" [[Exit to Town Square]]

On the desk you see a list of patients that week. (set:$list to 1) // Deborah Wallack Stephen Jackson Ruth Holly Franklin Krieg Dominic Santiago // [[Follow the doctor]]

You see, wedged between the floorboards, a medal. You quickly grab it. [[Follow the doctor]]

Looking briefly through the drawers, you see a key ring. Quickly, you snag it. (set:$keyring to 1) [[Follow the doctor]]

Too indecisive, you are unable to take the time to look. [[Follow the doctor]] [[Town Square]]

You see a look of fear come over his face as he sees you ready your weapon. "You...uhhh...", he trails off. [[You'll answer my questions]] [[I'll find my own answers (shoot him)]]

"And I don't need to hear it! Go, get out! Before anyone notices!" [[He's my friend, doc! Now tell me what you know! (threaten him)]] Fine. [[Exit to Town Square]]

"Why, yes, of course!. He...he told me not to tell anyone he was here]] [[Why?]]

You shoot the doctor, his body hitting the floor with a dull thud. You step over him on your way out. "Worthless", you say to yourself as you leave. [[Exit to Town Square]]

The doctor takes a deep breath, and says" "He said he was looking for someone...a colonel or something. He came to me in the night - with a smiliar wound as you have. As he was getting ready to leave, the Sherriff and Mayor stormed in - claimed he was a criminal and threatened to toss me in jail with him if I told anyone...and, well, no one wants to be in the jail." [["Why not?"]] Okay - [[Exit to Town Square]]

(if: $treeperspective is 0)[It is now dusk - the sun is rapidly setting in the sky. The street is a little busier now, with people setting up strange looking decorations and painting sigils on the walls. ] (if: $treeperspective is 1)[You awake at the base of the tree with the gnarled branches. Taking a moment to gather yourself, you shake yourself out of your drunken slumber. The sun has set - (after: 2s)[//how long was I asleep?// - and night is beginning to fall. You make your way to the town square, the feelings of the dream slowly becoming more faint.](after: 6s)[-//it wasn't a dream// -The street is a little busier now, with people setting up strange looking decorations and painting sigils on the walls.] ] [[Sheriff Office]] [[Leave town]] (if:(history: where its name contains "Speak to Micah")'s length >= 1)[[Go to the Big Oak]]

Using the keys, you enter the Sheriff’s office. Inside, you find an empty building. The cells are empty, the desk is unmanned, and there seems to be no one here. [[Investigate the room]] [[Exit to Town Square]]

You see his face pales for a moment, then he sighs. "You...looked? Why would you...oh, nevermind. Okay...he was here, yes, but he told me not to tell anyone. Would be safer that way". [[Why?]]

You stand up quickly, cornering the doctor and towering over him. He cowers, slightly "He...he told me not to tell anyone!" [[Why?]]

You wearily make your way through the night, following the sound of the howling cries. They lead you far from your original path, diverging into the endless plains. (after:2s)[The howling, it sounds closer. ] (after:5s)[It surrounds you] (after:10s)[ [[They're behind you]]]

You spin around, staggering back as you see a pack of coyotes growling at you. Slowly, the largest of the pack struts towards you. It slowly raises itself on its hindlegs, bones creaking as its appearance changes into the vague form of a humanoid as it rushes you. You feel strong arms grasp you, pulling to the ground as the coyotes begin to surround you, piling on top of you...ripping into you. [[The End]]

He takes another puff from his cigar. "What's your rush friend? We've got all the time in the day. But yeah, I know of him, but we can't speak here. Meet me by the Big Oak outside of town...we can speak there." With that he kicked his feet up on the table, took a long drag off his cigar, and placed his hands behind his head. "So? Why are you still here"? [[Exit to Town Square]]

You find the town's sheriff office, a small, squat building right off the main street. You try for the door, but find it locked. Dammit. (if:$keyring is "1")[Wait! You reach into your pouch, pulling out the ring of keys you grabbed from the doctor’s office. After trying three different keys, you find one that //clicks// right into place. [[Enter]] ] [[Force open]] [[Exit to Town Square]]

You approach the counter of the store. The woman looks to you and says, "Pardon the mess - we are in the process of moving. But, please, let me know if I can help you in any way!". [[Do you know a man named Dominic?]] [[I'd like to buy something]] [[Any rumors around town?]]

Walking around, you see several items for sale. Ammunition - $5 Rations - $2 Incense - $1 Holy Cross - $1 Pentacle - $3 Crowbar - $5 Herb bundle - $2 [[Speak to Store Owner]]

You make your way away from their small camp. [[Keep traveling]] (set:$kharma to it +1)

(If:$money is >= 1)["Sure thing, fella", the bartender says. He goes behind the bar and comes back with a bowl of steaming stew. (set:$money to it-2) (set:$starvation to it-1) You begin to eat. ] (if:$money is 0)["Sorry, looks like you're out of money."] [[Speak to the Bartender]]

You see she blinks for a second before looking back to you. "I don't know why, but that name sounds so familiar..." [["Think Harder"]] [["He must've came through a month ago"]]

"Well, what can I get for ya?" [[Ammunition - $5]] [[Rations - $2]] [[Incense - $1]] [[Holy Cross - $1]] [[Pentacle - $3]] [[Crowbar- $5]] [[Herb bundle - $2]] [[Speak to Store Owner]]

"Any rumors?" she repeats. She takes a moment to think to herself. "Well, to be candid, this place gives me the creeps. That's why I'm packing up shop". [["How do you mean?"]]

(if:$money >= 5)["Very well, let me get that!" (set:$ammunitiion to it +4) (set:$money to it -5) ] (if:$money < 5)["You don't have enough"] [[Speak to Store Owner]]

(if:$money >= 2)["Very well, let me get that!" (set:$food to it +4) (set:$money to it -2) ] (if:$money < 2)["You don't have enough"] [[Speak to Store Owner]]

(if:$money >= 1)["Very well, let me get that!" (set:$incense to 4) (set:$money to it -1) ] (if:$money < 1)["You don't have enough"] [[Speak to Store Owner]]

(if:$money >= 1)[Very well, let me get that! (set:$cross to it 1) (set:$money to it -1) ] (if:$money < 1)["You don't have enough"] [[Speak to Store Owner]]

(if:$money >= 3)[Very well, let me get that! (set:$pentacle to it 1) (set:$money to it -3) ] (if:$money < 3)["You don't have enough."] [[Speak to Store Owner]]

(if:$money >= 5)[Very well, let me get that! (set:$crowbar to it 1) (set:$money to it -5) [[Speak to Store Owner]] ] (if:$money < 5)["Sorry, you don't have enough" [[Speak to Store Owner]] ]

(if:$money > 2)["Very well, let me get that!" (set:$medicinalherbs to it +4) (set:$money to it -2 [[Speak to Store Owner]] ] ) (if:$money < 2)["You don't seem to have enough." [[Speak to Store Owner]] ]

"Hmm...I don't remember exactly..." [["He must've came through a month ago"]]

"A month ago, eh? Well, I do remember there was a bit of commotion a month ago. Some traveler got arrested - don't know what for though." [["Where is this traveler now?"]] [["Who would know?"]]

"Well, strange noises at night, strange symbols carved into doors...and people going missing, of course. But nobody seems to wnat to talk about that. The mayor has all these secret meetings about them but you're only allowed in if he deems you "fit"...whatever that means." [[Speak to Store Owner]]

"Last I saw, he was taken to the sherrif's office." You nod. "Okay, I'll check it out" [[Exit to Town Square]]

"It was kept relativley quiet - I saw it from outside my window here. The best people to ask would be the mayor or the sherriff." You nod. "Thank you" [[Exit to Town Square]]

You see he hesitates for a moment before heaving a deep sigh. "The mayor and sherriff...they...experiment on the people they arrest. 'Keeping the town clean' they call it, but it's plain terrible. But they send these experiemnts outside the town..." You sit back, taking it all in before you stand up suddenly, brushing past the doctor. "I'll get to the bottom of this" [[Exit to Town Square]]

You shoulder your bags, heading out of town. Whatever the hell was happening here, it wasn't worth spending another minute there. "Sorry, Margaret", you mumble softly to yourself. All around you, in the street, people stare as you leave. Their eyes never leaving you. And you leave the town of Fellwood. [[Years Later]]

Years after your trip to Fellwood, you find yourself sitting in a bar by yourself. A glass of whiskey sits half empty to your left as you read through the newspaper. A particular article catches your eye. //Horror of the West - Town of Fellwood found to be center of horrific experiments// (if: $dom is 0)[You crumple up the newspaper, throwing it into a corner of the empty bar, down your drink, and exit into the night] (if: $dom is 1)[You turn to Dominic, who has been reading over your shoulder. "About time, huh?", he says through clenched teeth. "Never want to think about that place again." You nod, reassuringly. "You won't have to, Dom. That place is far behind us. Now, let's get out of here." He nods, slams his drink, and grabs his coat as he exits with you into the night. ] [[The End]]

Thank you for playing! I hope you enjoyed the game :) You can restart here: [[Enter...John West]]

You sweep through the room, looking high and low. [[Search the desk]] [[Search the cells]]

On the desk, you find a letter. //Mayor Jackson, The traveler we arrested has finally decided to cooperate. You were right - his exposure led to an even better transformation than we had hoped for. He will be ready for the demonstration Best, Sherriff Grovler // [[Search the cells]] [[Exit to Town Square]]

You look through the empty cells, pulling blankets off the beds and looking to the floor. You find a trapdoor in the last cell on the row. [[Enter trapdoor]] [[Search the desk]]

You open the trap door, well-oiled hinges making no sound as you raise the door. Hopping onto the latter, you inch your way down. Beneath the Sheriff’s office, you find yourself in an oddly familiar setting. Metal walls with flickering electric lights hang on the roof - causing shadows to dance across the walls. You continue forward, a sense of dread growing in the pit of your stomach. Not again. Not this again. No, no, no, no, no... [[Continue down]]

You continue down the corridor, finding yourself in a large laboratory. Tubes filled with a horribly familiar liquid line the walls alongside operating tables, each one with a body laid across, covered in a dirty white sheet. At the end of this room, you see a set of double doors, with a sign that says //Operating Room//. [[Investigate the tables]] [[Investigate the liquid]] [[Investigate the Operating Room]]

You rush to his side, quickly undoing his bindings. You shake him, but he remains unconcious. (if:$herbs >= 2)[[Place strong herbs under his nose]] [[Wake him]] [[Carry him]] [[Inspect him]]

You take the herbs from the general store, opening the jar and placing them under his nose. You see his eyes flicker open as the strong smell hits his senses. "John...is that you...?", you see him ask weakly. He tries to sit up, but the straps hold him back "Shush, we need to leave", you say, cutting the straps keeping him down. [[It's time to go]]

You shake him, to no avail. He doesn't even seem to react. [[Carry him]] [[Inspect him]]

You cut the straps holding him down and fling him over your shoulder. You begin to make your way towards the exit. [[Exit the lab]]

Upon inspection, you see Dom's canines enlarged, a small coating of fur covering him. An I.V. runs into his arm, connecting to a dark green liquid. It's just like before...fuck. [[Leave without him]] [[Exit the lab]]

You carry him back up through the sherriffs office, and exit [[Back to the town]]

You fling him over your shoulder and head back up to the sheriff’s office. As you walk, he begins to wake slightly, mumbling to himself. [[Back to the town]]

You leave him down there - unconcious, strapped to the table. [[Exit to Town Square]] [[End their suffering]]

You exit the sheriff’s office, with Dom over your shoulder. The sun has gone down even further, and night has set in - nearly midnight. The town has erected a large stage in the middle of town, which the towns people have surrounded. All eyes are glued to you. On the stage, you see a few people. Three people are kneeling. You see a redheaded woman (if:(history: where its name contains "Go to the General store")'s length is 1)[...Ruth, you remember], a man in a pinstripe suit, and a man you do not recognize. Standing up, walking amongst them, is indeed a face you remember...Colonel Jackson. "West, my boy, you've made it just in time!". (set:$dom to 1) [[Run with Dom]] [["How the fuck are you still alive?"]] [["What the hell is going on here?"]]

You hesitate, looking at all the people trapped down here. "I'm sorry, Dom", you say. [[Burn this fucker down]]

You ransack the lab, sending the vials of liquid crashing down around you. You take some of the oil burning lamps, sending them scattering to the ground, breaking upon impact in a burst of flame. The liquid begins to catch on fire, spreading through the laboratory. You see the figures in the beds begin to wake, howls escaping their lips as they begin to strain against their bonds. [[Run]]

You run from the lab, the sounds of fire and howls echoing from the chamber. You hear a sharp //snap// as the bonds holding the creatures down are broken, and footsteps begin to chase you down the hall. [[Open Fire]] [[Escape]]

As you run, you aim your revolver back towards the creatures chasing you. You fire, hearing their bodies hit the ground with dulls thuds...only to hear their footsteps resume. (after:4s)[I'm fucked] (after:6s)[Holy shit] (after:10s)[I need to [[Escape]] ]

You book it towards the trap door, flinging it open as the creatures draw closer. You emerge back into the sheriff’s office, breathing heavily. [[Barricade the trap door]] [[Escape the office]]

You go to the outskirts of town to the Big Oak, where you find Micah standing beneath the tree. "Okay, so you showed. And Micah is here, a man of his word." [["What do you want to tell me"]] [["So it seems. What's so important you dragged me out here?"]]

You shove the desk on top of the trap door, blocking it as you hear the dull thuds of bodies banging against it. It the barricade seems to be holding. [[Escape the office]]

You exit the office, a dark night sky greeting you. Wisps of smoke rise from the office behind you as you exit. In the center of town, you see a mod of towns people standing, all eyes glued to you. In the center, you see a familiar face. "John, it’s been a while. Glad to see you're still alive", Colonel Jackson says with a smile. [["How the fuck are you still alive?"]] [["What the hell is going on here?"]]

You see he approaches, a smile still sprawled across his face. He never smiled like that before. (after: 2s)["Well, John, I was never really killed. Close to it, for sure, but I wasn't dead. Crawled my way out of that wretched lab in Blackmarsh...and found myself at the mercy of some Confederate scientists.”] (after: 7s)[”They experimented on me...made me more than just a man. So, I bid my time, and killed them all. Founding this cute little town here on top of their little base."] (after: 13s)[[["What the hell is going on here?"]]]

"Well, John, I have found the way to win...truly win. The way to peace, John, is to have a something lurking in the darkness. We unite under duress.” He stops pacing, a troubled look crossing his face. (after: 4s)[“The experiments have been...well, troubled. I have not been able to replicate what happened to me. The others turn out mutilated, if they survive at all. They were monsters of my own creation, loyal to me but unable to think on their own. Incapable without me. I didn’t know what was different! I replicated everything. Everything but one thing, John. They weren’t blessed, like you and I. Like our squad. What we were exposed to that day…”] (after: 10s)[He paused, his eyes locking with yours intensely. “Everyone who was at Blackmarsh that day was blessed - and that makes the experiments even more effective.”] (after: 15s)[ [["You're insane"]] [[Shoot him]]]

"I may be, John, but in a crazy world, men must act in new ways. I am a patriot, and I will preserve this nation. I will heal this broken and divided nation...we can do it together, John. Take the syrum, and join the new Union." [[Accept]] [[Refuse]]

You pull out your revolver and fire twice into the Colonel. You see him buckle and collapse to the ground. You take a moment to lower your gun, staring at the crumpled form of the Colonel. "Wrong choice, John", you hear him say. The crowd from behind him begins to swell as he stands tall once more. The tiny thud of two bullets clattering onto the wooden stage is lost in the chaos. "If you don’t join me, boy, that’s fine. But it’ll be the last thing you ever do.” With that, he lets out a bloodcurdling howl that echoes throughout the town square. Suddenly, there is a shifting from the crowd. You think something is coming – no, it’s the people. The townspeople begin to change - growing fangs and fur; and reaching nearly six and a half feet tall as they approach you. //Fuck// You run, aiming for the end of town as the creatures give chase. Take the [[Center path]] Take the [[Left path]]

You approach him, taking his outstreched hand. He pulls you into a tight embrace. "I knew you'd see reason", he said. You feel a slight prick in the back of your neck as you collapse on the ground... (after:5s)[The light fading from your eyes] (after:7s)[Being dragged down beneath the town] (after:10s)[Becoming something else [[The End]] ]

You slap away his outstreched hand, turing your back to him and beginning to leave. "Dominic made the same mistake", you hear him shout from behind you. You hear the swell of townspeople running towards you, their yells turning into howls as you run into the night. You run for your life, swinging past the gates and out into the plains. (if:$dom is 0)[ [[Left path]] ] [[Center path]]

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(if:$dom is 0)[You run down the center path as the creatures follow close behind you. [[Run for the river]] [[Run faster]] ] (if:$dom is 1)[You and Dominic run down the center path as the creatures follow close behind you. [[Go for the river]] ]

You swing left, following the road up above the valley. You hear them behind you. You run as fast as your legs can carry you. They are fast, impossibly fast. And still... (after: 2s)[Getting closer. So close. [[Hide]] [[Run faster]] ]

You duck behind [[The bushes]] [[The rock outcropping]] (if:$kharma is -2)[ [[Behind the bodies of the couple]] ]

(if:$dom is 0)[You run faster, tyring to out run the creatures. Further...faster...but still... [[They're behind you]] ] (if:$dom is 1)[You and Dominic run faster, trying to distance yourself from the creatures, but Dominic is slow... [[Leave Him]] [[Carry him regardless]] ]

You hide behind the rocks, hoping they move past you. You hear them, the foot steps bounding past your hiding spot...but a few remain. You hear them sniffing, searching. You squeeze further into the bushes, hoping the scent of the foliage throws them off. They leave and you stay put for hours, until the sun comes up. [[Go home]]

You hide behind the rocks, hoping they move past you. You hear them, the foot steps bounding past your hiding spot...but a few remain. You hear them sniffing, searching. "I've found you, west" [[They're behind you]]

You dive between the dead bodies of the couple you gunned down just the other day, hoping the scent of dead flesh will disguise your fear. You see the pack of creatures run past, pausing only slightly before continuing their search. You stay here for hours, until the sun rises in the horizon before you stand up. [[Go home]]

(if:$waterskin is 0)[You wander the plains, trying to get to the next closest town. You have no food, and no water, and quickly find yourself wasting away in the arid heat. You reach for your waterskin You collapse in the desert, in the middle of nowhere, left to the endless wastes. ] (if:$waterskin >= 1)[You wander the plains, trying to get to the next closest town. With your waterskin, your able to preserve your supply of water during your travel, though just barely. You arrive to the nearest town, hopping on a train leading you back to the city. In the next weeks, you arrive back to your little studio apartment, living your life as normal, if only to forget… ] [[The End]]

You run for the river as the creatures gain on you, basically nipping at your heels. ((if:(history: where its name contains "Knock on the door")'s length >= 1)[You see a light, in the distance. The fishermans hut! You run towards it as you see a figure step out of the hut, double barrel shotgun in hand. [[Duck]] ] (if:(history: where its name contains "Knock on the door")'s length is 0)[You run along the river bank, coming across a fishermans hut. You knock on the door, begging to be let in, but no one answers. [[Swim across the river]] ]

You duck as the shotgun fires into the creatures behind you. You hear a strangled howl as the creatures fall, and the rest begin to fall back. "Well, boy, whaddya know, you're back!" the fisherman shouts, still aiming his shotgun towards the retreating creatures. "Come on in, I'll get you situated". [[Go inside]]

You swing across the river, the current dashing you downstream. It is too strong...to powerful to control. You see the outline of teh creatures on the bank, looking but not following. You attempt to stay above the surface... You wake up downstream, the morning sun burning your face as you blurrly awaken. You see a wrinkly old face staring down at you. "Well, boy, that was some swim. Lets get you right as rain." [[Follow the old man]]

You enter his hut as he sits down across from you. "Get some rest, and I'll send you on your way in the morning." [[Sleep]]

You follow the old man down the river to the small hut you had seen the night before. You enter his hut as he sits down across from you. "Here, I made some breakfast. Looks like you're heading out, feel free to take some with you". (Set:$waterskin to it +1) You nod your thanks as you eat. After an hour, you gather your things and head out. [[Go home]]

You awaken as the old man is cooking breakfast. (set:$waterskin to it +1) "You'll need some breakfast, for sure. Take some with you, boy." You nod your thanks as you eat, mind still reeling from the night before. "Seems like you've seen some shit, boy. Take care to not let it drag you down", he says as he eats. You nod once more. After an hour, you gather your things to leave. [[Go home]]

Not even taking a second to question it, you bolt the opposite direction, dragging Dominic with you. You hear the Colonel shout "After them!", but you don't heed it at all as you rush outside of town. In his state, there is only one way to go. [[Center path]] (set:$dom to 1)

You leave him behind as you bolt ahead, the creatures tearing into him like a tidal wave. This gives you enough time to distance yourself, and by the time his creams have stopped, you are [[far enough away]].

You sling him over your shoulders, carrying him. The sounds of the creatures are closer now. [[They're behind you]]

You collapse in a heap, fitful sleep taking you as the sun begins to rise. You awaken, shaken, but alive. [[Go home]]

You and Dominic run for the river as the creatures gain on you, basically nipping at your heels. You see a light, in the distance. A hut! You both run towards it as you see a figure step out of the hut, double barrel shotgun in hand. [[Drop]]

Without a word, you drop to the ground, dragging Dominic down beside you. Two massive blasts ring out, followed by the sound of exploding flesh. "Well, boys, whaddya know, you're back!" the fisherman shouts, still aiming his shotgun towards the retreating creatures. "Come on in, I'll get you all situated". [[Go inside the hut]]

You and Dominic enter the hut, falling asleep by the fire as the fishermn watches over. Safe. Finally. You close your eyes and fall into a deep slumber. [[Epilogue]]

After a few weeks travel, you and Dominic make it back to the city. He hasn't spoken a word nearly the entire time...but he's alive. You take him home, the door flinging open as Margaret stands in the doorway, tears in her eyes. Over the next few months, you continually check in on Dom, his condition getting better slowly over time. As the years pass, though, you never quite forget about Fellwood... [[Years Later]]

You force your way into the office, the door splintering behind you. Inside, you find an empty building. The cells are empty, the desk is unmanned, and there seems to be no one here. [[Investigate the room]] [[Exit to Town Square]]

He takes another long drag of his cigarette. "That you ask too many questions, friend. The whole town knows why you are here - so be wary. Do not trust anyone." [["Where is Dominic?"]] [["So why should I trust you?"]]

"Your friend is here, but is hidden away beneath the sheriff’s office. I think it would be best if you leave town. Nothing good will come of you staying." [[Leave town]] [["I can't leave him"]]

"Under the Sheriff’s office, but I don't think you should go. No good will come from this" [["What do you mean by that?"]] [["I can't leave him"]]

He laughs a little. "I'm over this crazy town. I plan on skipping town as soon as I can. Micah is destined for better things than this." [["Where is Dominic?"]]

"That is commendable, but foolish. Micah would never be so foolish. But, to each their own. He, along with the others, is locked beneath the sheriff’s office. Micah wishes you luck." With that, he heads back towards the town. [[Exit to Town Square]] [[Leave town]]

"I mean you are a fool but you are brave." [["I can't leave him"]]

Staggered, you walk through the empty town square. The world is bright, too bright. It's loud, too loud. And it comes again. (text-style:"italic","expand")[west...] You stand in front of an old, gnarled tree that sits on the bank of the river. A massive trunk, the width of two men abreast, sprouts to the sky. A particular knot in the tree strangely resembles an old man's face. [[Investigate]]

You peer closer at the face, drunkenly reach out to it. Your hand presses against the rough bark, or what should be rough bark. It is smooth and cool to the touch. You try to pull away, but your hand seems to be stuck. You must be imagining it, but the face seems to contort in a strange smile. The eyes open and shine a slow, pulsing green. The world spins as a vertigo sensation takes over, and all fades to black. [[Next]]

//Ages pass us by and yet we remain, still. Our roots, strong. The river, fierce. (after: 3s)[This town grows, expands, decays, and dies, and is born anew. Buildings rot and decay - the people scatter like rats in the sun. They always come back. Soon, they come for us.] (after: 7s)[This wind tells us a strange tale, and the land speaks to us in a strange tongue. They tell us of strange, unnatural things here. Every blade of grass, every grain of sand, every bird on the breeze - they see more than we do. I understand...we understand. Something is wrong.] (after: 13s)[The land speaks, and only the dead or fools bother to listen]// (after: 17s)[ [[Exit to Town Square]] ] (set: $treeperspective to 1)

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You take a look at the operating tables, peering underneath the white cloth. You find people, in vaious stages of transformation. Some grafted with the head of a coyote, others with fur, claws, and fangs. You gently place the cloth back over the body, and proceed back to the center of the room. [[Back->Continue down]]

You walk over to the series of tubes bolted above the operating tables. Greenish grey liquid, bubbling inside the vials, are connected to the tables via long, thin tubes. [[Back->Continue down]]

You push the doors open slowly, careful not to make a sound as you enter. You see, in the center of the room, a lone operating table. There is a body on it. Oh, fuck. There is no way... You see, laid out on the table, Dominic. [[Go to Dominic]]