[[Royal Responsibilty: Start ->Introduction]]
[[About ]]
By fate, you've found yourself to have been born into the royal family, and have inherited the title and responsibility of "King".
Unfortunately, the rest of the whole royal family have passed on due to unforeseen complications and ailments that plague royalty throughout history due to their feeble attempts to keep the royal bloodline pure. Miraculously, you yourself dont seem to succumb to any of the illness that took away your beloved family at such a young age.
All of the wealth, power, advisors, debt, and responsibility that your late father had once held, has now passed unto you...
For your safety, you have been advised that it was in your best interest to learn the way of the sword if you ever found yourself in a situation that called for your hand….
Luckily, the late king’s most trusted friend and commander of the king's royal guard—Merek, made it his duty to protect you at all costs. He has instructed and taught you to the best of his knowledge to make you proficient in the use of the sword.
Although you are young and inexperienced, an era of peace has graced your reign, and no resistance nor threat targeted you or your people. You have made small mistakes in judgement before, but Merek cleaned up after your blunders.
Now you rule over the kingdom and its people for the foreseeable future. From the royal castle itself, to the outskirts of known civilization, with your voice perceived as law.
However, another being has challenged your kingship...and its voice is accompanied not with words, but with fire...
[[Wend F'rward ->Act 1]]Created by Matthew Castaneda
an Interative Fiction Project created at Azusa Pacific University
based on the Aesop fable [["Belling the Cat"]]The Mice once called a meeting to decide on a plan to free themselves of their enemy, the Cat. At least they wished to find some way of knowing when she was coming, so they might have time to run away. Indeed, something had to be done, for they lived in such constant fear of her claws that they hardly dared stir from their dens by night or day.Many plans were discussed, but none of them was thought good enough. At last a very young Mouse got up and said:"I have a plan that seems very simple, but I know it will be successful. All we have to do is to hang a bell about the Cat's neck. When we hear the bell ringing we will know immediately that our enemy is coming." All the Mice were much surprised that they had not thought of such a plan before. But in the midst of the rejoicing over their good fortune, an old Mouse arose and said:"I will say that the plan of the young Mouse is very good. But let me ask one question: Who will bell the Cat?"One day…
As the sun began to settle into the horizon, a huge silhouette encompassed the land…
A huge winged beast that took the form of death itself—A DRAGON!
Thought to long be extinct, the winged serpent bellowed and began to rain down its deadly orange fire unto everything in sight.
The orange and pink hues of the dusk skyline were becoming masked by the smoke and soot originating from the carnage below.
Its flames consume homes and buildings, while illuminating the growing darkness of the night. Steadily, the fires approached the castle, as if taunting your power to cease its gluttony.
Suddenly the door to your quarters bursted open with a large *THUD*, quickly capturing your horrified attention. It was Merek, who then blurted out:
“My liege! What are your Orders?”
[[Sendeth in the arch'rs to shooteth the beast!->Send in the archers to shoot the beast!]]
[[Sendeth the guards to esc'rt the citizens to safety!->Send the guards to escort the citizens to safety!]]
[[Receiveth me to safety]]Your aggressive approach in dealing with the situation yielded results…
The beast had stopped focusing fire on the unarmed population, and instead focused on the archers and those manning harpoons nested on the castle walls…
Merek suddenly grabbed your arm and swiftly escorted you to safety once he noted the beast's swift attention to the premises.
A battle began to ensue at your doorstep for the duration of 1,000 of your frantic heartbeats, and then silence…
Taking some damage, the beast retreated after being peppered with arrows into its leathery wings.
A quick end to the surprise attack, with minimal casualties.
[[Wend F'rward->The counter attack]]Your passive yet compassionate approach in dealing with the situation yielded some results….
A considerable amount of your people had been escorted to safety, and were relocated into the castle thick walls.
However...
Many of those caught out in the fray were scorched, and the dragon was still free to do as it pleased. It was undisturbed from any reprisal from the kingdom's guardians, and continued it’s unholy rampage.
More lives and structures were lost in this moment of time.
Eventually, either out of sheer boredom or fatigue, the lizard retreated to its lair.
A horrific end to the surprise attack with moderate casualties.
[[Wend F'rward->Aftermath]]
The call for revenge was the message of the surviving populace.
With many skilled with the sword still among the living, a successful counter attack seems very plausible.
How will you heed the outcry for retaliation?
Send the knights and any volunteers to the beast's lair, led by your captain, on the mission to slay the fire breathing foe while you govern in their absence? Or, test your mettle and oversee the attack, while leaving the kingdom in the hands of your captain and his guards?
[[Stayeth->Stay]]
[[Accompany]]
Trusting your friend and his men to complete their quest, you retreat to the safety of the castle walls.
With ample guards still by your side, law and order was still able to be maintained.
However, in the attack...many crops and livestock were lost in the flames. Food shortages and crime was beginning to become more rampant during the growing unrest.
You decide that the best short term solution is to distribute the food reserves of the royal castle and halt taxation until the heroes return home.
[[Wend F'rward->Halt taxes]]After the vicious attack, many of the surviving citizens called to end the beast's life at once before it returns in the imminent future.
Their call for the dragon to be put to the sword can’t go with acknowledgment.
As an outcry for you lead with strength and for revenge to be taken, you are left with few options...
Either send the remnants of your soldiers and volunteers who are still recovering from the onslaught to follow the beast to its lair and kill it while you govern the kingdom in their absence...
or ride with the coalition and lead them yourself into harm's way.
[[Accompany->Accompany]]
[[Stayeth->stood]]After two days have gone by since you’ve sent the attack party, hope was lost for the possibility of any survivors.
As more sorrow grew from the realization that the attack was a failure, more anger swelled in their hearts. Many more families, including yours, were striped from the face of the earth.
In your grief and sorrow at the loss of Merek, another threat was arising from the ashes...
Anarchists and opportunists took advantage of the uneasy situation and fanned the flames of an uprising.
With hardly any loyal subjects left to defend your well being—let alone the name of the crown, a coup was surely coming.
Your mismanagement may have cost you everyhting…
[[Wend F'rward->unsuccessful attack]]As night descended upon the broken kingdom…the usurpers gathered with torches and daggers outside the castle walls…
These people saw you as nothing but a coward who would rather send people to their demise than to put your own life at risk in order to legitimize your status as their ruler and protector.
Based on your actions, you have no choice but to flee with your life.
With the throne abandoned, many fought to claim the your once respected title.
Now an outcast, you would go down in history as “The Exile”, who failed to lead and ran in times of need.
And...the region would be terrorized every now and again from the great lizard roaming the sky.
[[Wend F'rward->Ending 2]]
Your story has now finished, with the outcome of an "exile"
[[Returneth to main menu->Start Screen]] Reports of heavy casualties and the absence of your commander made you fear for the worst.
Sorrow was the mutual feeling everyone felt in this moment.
With the loss of your friend and many citizens, the grief was taking a toll on your psyche, and your remaining subjects noticed.
The deed has been done, and many lives were lost.
By taking responsibility of your actions and showing compassion, you have established yourself as worthy enough to remain king.
Although you may not put yourself directly into harm's way and make plenty of mistakes, you demonstrated you can make good intentional decisions and care for the general well being of your people.
As such you are somewhat respected and are still able to keep your title as “King”.
[[Wend F'rward->Ending 1 ]]In an effort to prove yourself to your people, you have declared that you will join the attacking party and personally avenge those lost from the attack.
It has been centuries since a king was seen willing to face danger head on and risk their mortality for the safety of the kingdom, they will not forget your efforts.
The trip will be long and dangerous…and filled with many risks.
Knowing this, the best of your men and your men will accompany you, while you leave Merek in charge while you are gone, much to his protest.
With the safety of the kingdom ensured and the travel party ready…you set off on the journey of vengeance with 35 horsemen and 5 travel wagons.
[[Wend F'rward->Plains ]]This harsh course of action has led to more unrest, and has stretched your forces to its breaking point to maintain order.
This “peace” will not last long.
As the day was nearing its end, the remaining knights have returned home...
[[Wend F'rward->A horrible fate]]Buying supplies for your people seemed to be the best choice of action and completely worth nearly every coin of gold from the royal treasury.
However, you didn’t anticipate the length of time it would take for the supplies to reach the kingdom.
The days leading up to the arrival of the bought food and livestock were grueling, as many beginning to starve.
Not wanting anymore suffering to befall upon your people, you shared your food reserves and personal livestock to ease the strife.
Your gesture was seen to be made in good faith, as it did help the community get by.
As many days came and went, finally the knights have returned.
[[Wend F'rward->The return]] Your charitable and noble efforts have eased the people, but you are left with hardly any riches nor luxuries yourself.
Humbling yourself in the service of your people has further grown their trust in you.
[[Wend F'rward->The return]] Reports of heavy casualties and the absence of your commander made you fear for the worst.
The deed has been done, but at a terrible cost, the loss of your trusted friend and many loyal subjects.
With an exhausted and battered armed force, coupled with the growing grief and anger within the people. Blame and hatred was shifted towards your judgment and actions.
No rational thinking was present at this moment, and the populace have decided they do not need a king who sends others to their demise and keeps a tight grip on its citizens.
With no loyal guards and words falling on deaf ears, you’ve instantly lost your position and was cast out. A king reduced to the status of a commoner.
[[Wend F'rward->Ending 2]] Your story is now finished, and your actions have made the general public see you as just an "Average king,” for you have shown that you would only govern from the safety of the castle walls…
END.
[[Returneth to main menu->Start Screen]] “Escort me to safety” you yell out.
“But the peopl—” Merek began to retort.
Quickly silencing him, you bark “My safety outweighs the people, carry out your duty to serve me!”
Realizing his error to question you, he called his men and escorted you to the safety of the inner castle, leaving the populace to fend for themselves.
Additionally, many of your guards perished as they failed to retreat into the castle once Merek gave out your order during the confusion of the attack.
[[Wend F'rward->Retreat]]Once the draconian monster fled the scene and the screams died out, you emerge from your castle to assess the smoldering ashes of your kingdom.
Survivors of the attack were quick to realize that no royal forces were sent out to aid them during the dragons onslaught, leading many to criticize your actions.
Reflecting from their accusations of your poor judgement, you say:
[[“I don’t apologizeth f'r mine own actions, f'r mine own safety wast the pri'rity. ”->Selfish]]
[[“my cowardice did cost many liveth. I am truly s'rry f'r i has't did fail thee all. ”->Apology]]You disregard the remaining survivors words and instead ponder on how to rebuild from here.
You decide it was best to course of action to ration the remaining supplies that were not set ablaze, and enforce curfews to quell the growing crime and unrest that trailed the attack..
Additionally, you’ve sent your friend Merek and the best remaining forces to slay the dragon, for you believe that he and his fighting force are capable of completing such a task.
With just enough guards to enforce these new laws, you carry with the your plan.
[[Wend F'rward->Ration and curfew]]By sincerely acknowledging your rash judgement to be the wrong course of action, and accepting the justified criticism, your apology carried some weight to the hearts of the surviving people.
Although your words won't bring back those lost to the flames, at least you've have eased some tension.
There is a desire to prove your worth to your battered people, and there is still time to do so.
[[Wend F'rward->Aftermath]]After placing all of your faith into your friend and his forces' capability to destroy the beast, you are left with the responsibility of managing the aftermath of the dragon's wake.
Fortunately, you still have some good faith with the people based on your actions so far. Thanks to this, there haven’t been many outbreaks of crime, and law and order was still achievable.
Food and supplies have been tough however, with the fields and livestock torched; and many working peasants injured, it won't be long until no one would remain.
The growing scarcity of these vital goods that your people need to survive are continuing to become dwindle with each passing second.
Action must be taken.
But what to do?
Should I send one of my advisors as a representative to buy goods from distant kingdoms and hope the supplies come in time?
Or hope for the best, and anticipate the return of Merek and his warriors?
[[Sendeth an advis'r->trade]]
[[Desire f'r the most wondrous->mismanagement ]] Leaving the safety of the castle’s walls felt so unreal…
To have always been sheltered from the harsh realities of the outside world, from its freezing nights and blistering hot days. No longer having the lavish luxuries of the castle and its servants at my every whim, and having to ration my meals to prolong its lifespan was humbling to say the least.
Out here in the world I’m a nobody to all but these men who have vowed to serve me, till they no longer dwell among the living.
Out here, leading this posse along the road from the castle entrance to the placid biome I see everyday in the distance when looking out my royal chambers…it’s odd.
The biome that currently holds us is the vast plains that were expanded to build my fragile slice of civilization.
As the vibrant meadow plains seem to disappear and the once occasional deep green trees seem to grow in occurrence, a pillar of grey smoke caught my attention as we neared a cluster of small hills the trail ran through..
The smoke seems to be originating from atop the largest of the hills…
I was not alone in noticing the man made phenomenon as one of the men yelled out “BANDITS!”
Before I could respond, an arrow whizzed by my side—then another and another.
It was an ambush!
[[Wend F'rward->proceed]]As you approached the thick, jade, and lush vegetation that will soon encompass you from both sides shortly, you contemplate if you made the right choice…
Choosing between the wellbeing of the men, or the success of the mission…
It was no easy decision, and as the ‘King,” you must make these difficult choices.
As night was beginning to fall upon you, and the absence of the denizens calls were no longer apparent throughout the brush, you felt a certain unease of this place.
As camp was being set up, with a warm fire lit, and everyone was readying themselves for a well deserved restful sleep in their tents, goosebumps shot up my body once I heard it.
A sickening howl suddenly boomed throughout the camp.
Anyone who was asleep before was surely up and readying their weapons.
Then I saw it! Bright piercing eyes stared at me from the shrubs that were paired soft but vicious growling. It appeared to be a large rabid animal, as tall as 10 feet.
Then miraculously, and quite chillingly, it disappeared into the forest once it saw everyone rise up to meet the threat.
It looked like it was a horrid opportunist, looking for a quick bite, but there were no injured among us.
One unlucky fellow had the privilege to remain on lookout duty for the duration of the whole, in case the beast were to ever return.
[[Wend F'rward->Mountain range ]]At last, you and your men reach the great lake, with the forest on the other side of its bank.
Unfortunately, the only way across is by boat, so more time is needed to construct basic rafts to be used to cross the lake.
Luckily, there are enough trees around on your side of the lake to perform such a task.
You instruct your men to begin building the rafts.
But time is of the essence, so you have a choice to make.
Hastily build the rafts and speed up the journey, or wait it out and build the rafts slowly.
[[Festinate->Fast]]
[[Sloweth->slow ]]In my haste I ordered the men to,
[[“CIRCLE BEHIND AND RETREAT TO THE NEAREST HILL!”]]
[[“TAKE COVER BEHIND THE WAGONS AND HOLD YOUR GROUND!”]]My men circled me and we rushed out of the kill zone, taking shelter behind one of the hillsides.
In this retreat, one man was hit but not mortally wounded.
We regrouped successfully
But now in this quick moment of space I had to act. Either fight off the attackers and push into the forest that leads into the mountains, or backtrack miles to follow the river up to the mountains, costing possibly days to do so in this detour.
[[We square!->We fight!]]
[[We retreat->We retreat]]Deciding to hold our ground, a bloody fight ensued…
As we were safe from their archers, who luckily had no fire arrows, many horses trotted up to our position to breach our makeshift defense.
I had to fight on my own as my men were busy dealing with their own deathmatch.
My opponent was not wearing any heavy armor like me, but rather used leather armor which helped his speed. Armed with a warhammer, it looked mean enough to puncture my heavy set of protection.
Unsheathing my sword I took a stance as Merek taught me, and prepared for the worst.
[[Striketh high->Strike high]]
[[Striketh low->Strike low]]Deciding to hold our ground, a bloody fight ensued…
As we were safe from their archers, who luckily had no fire arrows, many horses trotted up to our position to breach our makeshift defense.
I had to fight on my own as my men were busy dealing with their own deathmatch.
My opponent was not wearing any heavy armor like me, but rather used leather armor which helped his speed. Armed with a warhammer, it looked mean enough to puncture my heavy set of protection.
Unsheathing my sword I took a stance as Merek taught me, and prepared for the worst.
[[Striketh high->Strike high]]
[[Striketh low->Strike low]]Deciding that it was best to not engage a needless fight and save lives, you fully retreat and backtrack towards a river you had passed earlier on the trip.
After much time, you eventually find the river and begin to follow it upstream towards a known great lake.
An additional day was taken to take this path, eating away at your food reserves.
[[Wend F'rward->Large Lake]]Striking high, my blow was blocked due to going against gravity in my heavy armor, lowering my attack speed, and it was met with reprisal, landing a hit to my upper chest.
Winded I was taken aback, but not giving up.
I recover as fast I can and ready myself.
[[Striketh midway->Strike mid way]]
[[Striketh low->strike low]]Striking low I was able to hit his legs and cripple him, with gravity assisting my attack.
Stumbling and falling onto his back, I,
[[Thrust'd mine own blade into his t'rso->Thrusted my blade into his torso]]
[[Slash'd at his headeth->Slashed at his head]]Striking mid way, I was able to cut into the brutes chest, but it wasn’t enough to put him down for the count.
He roared in pain and grunted as he swung his hammer towards me.
I began to evade by,
[[Jumpeth backeth->Lunging backwards]]
[[Sidesteppeth->Sidestepping]]Striking low I was able to hit his legs and cripple him, with gravity assisting my attack.
Stumbling and falling onto his back, I
[[Thrust'd mine own blade into his t'rso->Thrusted my blade into his torso]]
[[Slash'd at his headeth->Slashed at his head]]By lunging backwards I lost my balance and was unable to recover in time before the bandit could attack again.
I was struck again into my chest, this time, it barely breached my armor.
I thought I was done for, but one of my men rushed to my aid and quickly dispatched the bandit as he towered over me, who was preparing for the death blow.
[[Wend F'rward->Saved]]By sidestepping I was able to retain my balance and quickly counter attack.
As he laid before me in a bowed position from swinging I quickly
[[Did thrust the sw'rd into his backeth->Thrust the sword into his back]]
[[Did swing to his headeth->Swung to his head]]My blade pierced through his torso, and with a scream, he was no more.
[[Wend F'rward->dead]]The bandit was then decapitated, whose body now laid lifeless on the ground before me.
Victory was mine.
[[Wend F'rward->dead]]My blade pierced through his torso, and with a scream, he was no more.
[[Wend F'rward->dead]]The bandit was then dispatched, whose body now laid lifeless on the ground before me after my quick slash at his neck.
Victory was mine.
[[Wend F'rward->dead]]With minor injuries and a dance with death, one of the men then informed me of the casualties.
7 men are now gone, and two are wounded.
Horror began to grip my soul, as I learned this terrible truth.
The silver lining was that all of the bandits have either fled or fallen in the skirmish, and the route was now safe for the time being.
Now left with 28 men, with 2 injured, I must make a choice…
Send the 2 injured back home accompanied by 2 more for safety, or push onward…
[[Sendeth those folk backeth!->Send them back]]
[[Onward!->Onward]]I thanked the soldier for saving my life.
He responded,
“I was just doing my duty for the king”.
The battle was won, but the toll was not yet known to me.
[[Wend F'rward->dead]]The safety of my men was my priority, so I sent the two back home with 2 more to accompany them. As I wished them farewell, we continued towards the forest, the last area before reaching the mountain range the dragon resides in.
Now down to just 24 men the risk of losing the big battle seems to be a likely outcome.
[[Wend F'rward->The Forest]]Assuring yourself that the mission was far more important than your men, and with the prospect that they may recover as the journey progresses, you and your men head out into the forest to continue your quest.
But you ponder on the thought, if this was the right course of action?
[[Wend F'rward->the forest]]With still 24 men under your leadership, you were finally able to escape the forest, and were at the base of the mountain range.
The road to this hellish landscape was a hard and frightening experience to say the least, but you’ve finally arrived at the doorstep of the dragon’s residence.
However, there are many trails that lead up to the main mountain cave that holds the biggest challenge of your life. Now choosing the right pathway is essential as getting lost here would spell out doom for you and your men.
The best two options look to be a long winding pathway to the summit, and a short, steep pathway. What should you choose?
[[The longeth pathway->Long pathway]]
[[The sh'rt pathway->Short pathway]]
Choosing between the wellbeing of the men, or the success of the mission…was no easy task, and as the ‘King,” you must make these difficult decisions.
As night was beginning to fall upon us, and the absence of the denizens calls were no longer apparent throughout the brush, I felt a certain unease of this place.
As camp was being set up, with a warm fire lit, and everyone was readying themselves for a well deserved restful sleep in their tents, goosebumps shot up my body once I heard it.
A sickening howl suddenly boomed throughout the camp.
Anyone who was asleep before was surely up and readying their weapons.
Then I saw it! Bright piercing eyes stared at me from the shrubs that were paired soft but vicious growling. It appeared to be a large rabid animal, as tall as 10 feet.
Then miraculously, and quite chillingly, it disappeared into the forest once it saw everyone rise up to meet the threat.
It looked like it was a horrid opportunist, looking for a quick bite, and it set its gaze on the injured men laying near the campfire…
[[Wend F'rward->go]]To your horror, the beast slowly emerged from the bushes…
It looked like a huge werewolf. It had a large muscular physique, with long claws, black fur coating all but its chest and belly, and needle like teeth matched with a devilish maw and bloodthirsty eyes.
It began transitioning from its bipedal stance to all fours, you realized that it was going to charge.
But before you could warn the men, it snarled and with blinding speed, it snatched both of the men like ragdolls into the bushes in a blink of an eye
Their wails and screams of agony echoed the forest as it slowly trailed off into the deeper confines of the forest.
You were so fixated on the men it took, you failed to see another man slumped over near the campfire; he had been deeply sliced across the chest and laid motionless.
With another body sure to attract more of the monsters, the others had already placed it by the bushes away from the camp, and sure enough it was gone once you looked at it again.
Everyone but you was up on guard duty to ensure everyone's safety…
[[Wend F'rward->mountan range]]With 23 men under your leadership, you were finally able to escape the forest, and were at the base of the mountain range.
The road to this hellish landscape was a hard and frightening experience to say the least, but you’ve finally arrived at the doorstep of the dragon’s residence.
However, there are many trails that lead up to the main mountain cave that holds the biggest challenge of your life. Now choosing the right pathway is essential as getting lost here would spell out doom for you and your men.
The best two options look to be a long winding pathway to the summit, and a short, steep pathway. What should you choose?
[[The longeth pathway->The long pathway]]
[[the sh'rt pathway->The short pathway]]
The long pathway was the safest bet, and the climb was mind numbingly slow and painful.
The snow began to lick at your face and felt like it was freezing your body's most exposed extremities.
After an hour of climbing, you’ve reached the summit, and the dragon's lair laid before you.
This is the final battle…
With 24 men, you enter the cavern.
[[Ent'r the beast's lair->Enter the lair]]Choosing the fastest pathway to the lair was reasonable, as it lessened the risk of the dragon leaving the area before you could slay it.
With everyone having a restful night, the climb was manageable, for all but one…
The one guard who watched over everyone in the forest was suddenly lost to the icy winds, with the last evidence of his existence was his final scream as he plummeted to the rugged rocks below. Fatigue got the best of him, and many will miss his absence…
Now with only 23 men, the journey must go on, and eventually you arrive at the mouth of the lair, where the final battle awaits you inside.
[[Ent'r the beast's lair->Enter the lair]]As you travel further into the cave, the more apparent the sound of soft growling became, as it intensified with every step.
The dragon sounds as if it is dead asleep, perhaps it's still recuperating from its last expedition.
You and your men continue to follow the sounds of its slumber to the deepest chamber of the cave.
As you lead your knights into this battle, you begin to think of a battle plan to take down the dragon.
[[Distract the dragon!]]The long pathway was the safest bet, and the climb was mind numbingly slow and painful.
The snow began to nip at your face and felt like it was freezing your body's most exposed extremities.
However, with fatigue plaguing your men, at least 4 perish on the way up.
After an hour of climbing, you’ve reached the summit, and the dragon's lair laid before you.
With 19 men by your side, you enter the cave.
This is the final battle…
[[Ent'r the beast's lair->Enter the beast's lair]]Choosing the fastest pathway to the lair was reasonable, as it lessened the risk of the dragon leaving the area before you could slay it.
But with nearly everyone having a unrestful night, the climb was deadly…
Your men full of fatigue, began to lose their grip on the trek upwards.
11 perish on the way up the steep slope, leaving you with just 12 men.
But, the journey must go on, and eventually you arrive at the mouth of the lair, the final battle awaits you inside.
[[Ent'r the beast's lair->Enter the beast's lair]]As you travel further into the cave, the more apparent the sound of movement became, as it intensified with every step.
The dragon sounded as if it was expecting company!
Despite this, you and your men continue to follow the cavern into the deepest chamber of the cave.
As you lead your knights into this battle, you begin to think of a battle plan to take down the dragon.
[[Wend F'rward->next]]As two more days had passed, the rafts were finally ready.
Everything was loaded onto the rafts, and then they were slowly inching towards the other side of the bank.
It seemed like hours until you’ve reached land again, and once the rafted touched sand, everyone was quick to get off and unload.
Supplies are running down faster after this detour, and the rationing is getting worse.
Hopefully the forest will be an easier area to get through.
[[Wend F'rward->goweth]]With supplies running dangerously low and with how long the journey has taken so far, there isn't much time left to successfully complete the mission.
The risk of the dragon leaving its den to destroy what's left of the kingdom before you arrive is becoming more of a possibility as each second passes.
With the amount of rest the men have gotten from the longer trip, it is possible to leave the forest in one day and head straight to the base of the mountain range.
The risk of heading straight through forest and towards the mountains is that fatigue may become an issue once you arrive, but that is a risk you are willing to make.
[[Wend F'rward->Mountain range ]]With the hastily built rafts, you and your men begin to load everything onto the rafts.
As they were slowly inching towards the other side of the bank, one raft began to break.
All of its contents, people, and horses were dropped into the water, and its supplies were swept away.
The thrashing and attempts of swimming from the horses and 7 knights attracted unwanted attention.
A sea monster rose up from the lake's depths and took the men under, leaving no trace.
Another raft was beginning to fall apart, and those on board were starting to panic.
The monster's attention was brought back to us, and it opened its mouth to reveal its set huge fangs.
It lunged after those trying to escape, but it missed it’s attack.
It still heavily damaged 2 more men with its massive maw. The raft they left was now destroyed, and we all hoped the rest would hold out.
Luckily they did, and everyone was quick to leave the area once landed ashore.
Hopefully, the forest can’t be any worse.
[[Wend F'rward->the forest]]Swiftly cutting through the forest, you and your team begin making your way straight towards the mountains, using up all of your supplies in the process. Ignoring your growing need for food and rest along the way.
After some time has passed, you’ve arrived, at the base of the dreaded mountain…
it is now or never.
But one last obstacle you and your soldiers face is the route to reach the mountain.
You are faced with two options.
A fast and long way up the mountain that looks relatively safe,but takes up the most time.
Or a fast—but steep route that will cut travel time significantly.
What shall your order be?
[[The long pathway!]]
[[The Shortpathway!]]Choosing the safe route once again, you and your men begin to travel up the long route to the mountain cave.
The cold winds and fatigue nearly get the best of you and your men, but you all persevere.
Unfortunately, you are too late…
Halfway through the trip, the mountain starts to rumble.
The dragon has awoken and shoots off into the sky, leaving you and your men stranded and without purpose.
The mission was a failure, and the kingdom back home is all but doomed.
[[Wend F'rward->Ending 6]]Knowing that time is of the essence, you risk the trip using the most steep and dangerous path.
Surprisingly, no men were lost on the way up, it is as if your thoughtfulness has motivated them to continue against all odds!
It looks like you weren’t too late, as the dragon can be heard sleeping from the deepest cavern of the cave.
This is the final showdown, and everything is on the line. You know it, and so do your loyal friends that you have made while enduring this brutal and exhausting campaign to rid the world of this monster that cost everyone back home so much.
You and all your soldiers start to enter the cave…
[[Wend F'rward->the dragons lair]]There it is, right before your eyes, is the culprit of all the death and destruction back at home. The great ebony dragon was sound asleep on its great hoard of gold, with its features being unmistakable for the dragon you've seen burning down the kingdom to ashes.
It's large leathery wings, two great horns protruding from its head, large talons, and it's pitch black scales.
This was the one and only winged devil, and now it was time for it to pay for its crimes against humanity.
Not wasting this golden opportunity to deal a blow to the armored creature, you and your men ready your swords.
Quickly attacking the neck, the swords had more than enough force to pierce the hide of the great dragon, causing it to awake and roar in pain from the attack.
The attack severed its ability to breathe out fire, thanks to the power of your complete attack force.
Before the lizard could recover, you quickly order your men to:
[[“attack the anon expos'd spoteth in its neck”->“Attack the now exposed spot in its neck”]]
[[“regroup and attacketh its wings!”->“Regroup and attack its wings!”]]
Attacking the dragon head on is a very risky move, but with its fire breathing capabilities hindered, it was possible.
Therefore you ready your men to stand their ground and attack the dragon as it began to counter attack your group.
Its massive head and jaws snap at you, forcing you to
[[Evade->Evade]]
[[Counter->Counter]]
There it is, right before your eyes, is the culprit of all the death and destruction back at home. The great ebony dragon was sound asleep on its great hoard of gold, with its features being unmistakable for the dragon you've seen burning down the kingdom to ashes.
It's large leathery wings, two great horns protruding from its head, large talons, and it's pitch black scales.
This was the one and only winged devil, and now it was time for it to pay for its crimes against humanity.
Not wasting this golden opportunity to deal a blow to the armored creature, you and your men ready your swords.
Quickly attacking the neck, the swords had just enough force to pierce the hide of the great dragon, causing it to awake and roar in pain from the attack.
The attack had hindered its ability to breathe out fire, giving you an edge in the fight.
But how should you continue the battle?
[[Headeth on->Head On]]
[[Tactically->Tactically]]As you travel further into the cave, the more apparent the sound of soft growling became, as it intensified with every step.
The dragon sounds as if it is dead asleep, perhaps it's still recuperating from its last expedition.
You and your men continue to follow the sounds of its slumber to the deepest chamber of the cave.
As you lead your knights into this battle, you begin to think of a battle plan to take down the dragon.
[[Wend F'rward->The final fight]]With another combined power attack from you and your soldiers, this was enough to end the beast's life, with the blow to have proved to be too much for the dragon to handle. For ts scales were mangled from the previous attack and offered no protection.
The dragon now laid dead, and the battle ended as swiftly as it started.
With no casualties and bonus gold to take back home, the mission was a huge success.
You are now able to return home as a beloved hero, with no one challenging your rule.
[[Wend F'rward->Ending 3 ]]Attacking its wings to prevent it from escaping has proved useful, for the wings are now a tattered mess and don’t function anymore.
With the power of fire or flight disabled, the great dragon was disabled, but still fighting for its life.
But the sheer amount of your knights were able to quickly push it back into the cave, and leave you to deliver the death blow as it lays weakened and helpless before you.
A quick jab strike at the neck again, the dragon was now slain for good.
No casualties and bonus gold from the dragon's horde, you were welcome back home as a hero and undisputed ruler of the kingdom.
[[Wend F'rward->Ending 3 ]]
And so, you’ve done a spectacular job in this quest!
By coming back with no casualties, with more riches to help prosper your kingdom, and slayed the dragon. This is best you could have done!
You are forever royalty.
END.
[[Returneth to main menu->Start Screen]] There it is, right before your eyes, is the culprit of all the death and destruction back at home. The great ebony dragon was awake and fixed on the caves intruders as they entered its chambers. Sitting on a great hoard of gold, you see it’s whole terrible form.
It had large leathery wings, two great horns protruding from its head, large talons and fangs, and covered in pitch black scales.
This was the one and only winged devil, and now it was time for it to pay for its crimes against humanity.
But this wouldn’t be easy…
With fewer men than you anticipated to use in the fight, the odds were not in your favor.
Just then, the beast opens up the battle encounter by spewing a pillar of fire towards you.
Everyone was able to dodge the attack just in time.
You order your troops to charge into battle, with you following suit…
[[Wend F'rward->go foward]]Half of your forces fell within the first few minutes of the battle, with you taking heavy hits from the beats claws.
Beaten and exhausted, you order your men to
[[“RETREAT AND REGROUP”]]
[[“CONTINUE THE ATTACK”]]Cleverly regrouping and retreating into a large crevice in the cave, your remaining forces ask for a plan.
In this terrible situation you've found yourself in, there is only one option, and at least one will perish even if it works.
The only option left is to lead the dragon into a choke point within the cave, while the rest attack while its movement is confined and restricted.
But who will be the bait?
Should you entrust others to do the job, or shall you do it yourself?
[[Doth t yourself->Do it yourself]]
[[Sendeth one of the knights->Send one of the knights]]
To continue to fight was suicide, and without any plan or new course of action, you all fell in battle…
[[Wend F'rward->Ending 4]]You decide it was for the best that you act as the bait while the remaining troops would attack.
And so, returning to the beasts and getting its attention rather quickly, you lead the dragon to a narrow passageway, where your allies await.
Dodging quick swipes and fireballs, the beasts had fallen for the trap, and it was stuck between the caverns walls as it lunged forward towards you.
Your knights pounced on the monster, rapidly swinging and tearing into the dragon’s back and wings with their swords
But before the dragon would pass away, it prepared one final attack…
It let out a large plume of fire towards you, causing you to
[[Taketh cov'r behind a rocketh->Take cover behind a rock]]
[[Runneth furth'r down the passageway->Run further down the passageway]]Sending one of your men proved to be disastrous, as he was unable to fully lead the dragon to the ambush site, causing the plan to fail and everyone to fall in the battle.
[[Wend F'rward->Ending 4]]Dodging the last attack by taking cover behind a rock, you were able to evade the fire headed your way.
And with that, the troops inflicted enough wounds and hits to the dragon, causing it to thrash and shook violently in an attempt to escape, which led to the cavern to begin to collapse.
You order your men to escape, but not all of them make it.
As rocks and boulders fall onto the dragon, some of the men are hit as well.
The remaining troops run out with you towards the exit, just before the entrance to the cave collapsed, sealing those inside forever.
After a bloody battle you have finished what you've set out to do, but many were lost in the battle and events leading up to the fight.
You and your men retrace your steps to return home, battered and bruised from the fight.
You were welcomed back with praise, but it didn't mask the feeling of dread many expressed as you shared the news of the fallen.
Humbled by your experience, you have returned to your throne while having garnered newfound respect from your citizens,. and continued your rule until the end of your days.
[[Wend F'rward->Ending 5]]Running further down the passageway proved to be futile, as the flames continued to chase you until it reached its target.
You have fallen in battle.
[[Wend F'rward->Ending 4]]You…you have fallen in battle, and the bloodline and the title of king has ended with your passing…
END.
[[Returneth to main menu->Start Screen]] Having completed your quest to slay the dragon that has destroyed much of your kingdom, citizens, and buildings. Many will remember the loyal knights that were destroyed as well during your journey…
You would be still welcomed home as a hero, but the huge loss of life under your leadership will stain your name until the end of your days…
You would not be questioned publicly on your leadership skills, but doubt is still present in some of the peoples hearts; especially within the fallen knights families…
END.
[[Returneth to main menu->Start Screen]] After creating some leverage against the dragon, you decide a tactical approach is best to ensure the safety of your knights.
You and your men make use of the cave’s stalactites and stalagmites, by positioning yourself near them as the dragon attacked.
Each time the dragon attacked, it had to avoid impalement from the structures, giving everyone more openings to land a critical strike on the dragon's neck.
Eventually, enough blows hit their mark, and the dragon was nearing its end.
It frantically let out painful bursts of fire, but it was of no use thanks to the cover the mineral deposits gave.
Tired and beaten, the dragon had met its end, and justice was served.
[[Wend F'rward->Ending 5]] Focusing on dodging the attack you were able to reposition yourself and find an opening angle on its weakened neck.
Without hesitation you attack it, and the action is followed by the rest of your men.
The dragon roars in anger, but the flurry of steel headed towards its head were too much to bear.
Eventually, the dragon's wounds caught up to it, and it was on its last legs.
Bloodied and beaten, the dragon was no more…
[[Wend F'rward->Ending 5]] Without hesitation, you retort with more and more attacks, but they are ineffective as the scales absorbed all the damage.
At least two men have been gravely injured while 3 have been fallen.
The dragon roars and lets out a small fireball that engulfs another troop.
This tactics wasn't working, as you were losing more men than you were inflicting damage on the beast.
You were even beginning to take damage as well.
A new tactic was needed and you had no choice but to call out,
[[“RETREAT AND REGROUP”]]After such a long grueling journey, you have unfortunately failed your mission in slaying the dragon.
The kingdom is now doomed, and all has been lost!
END.
[[Returneth to main menu->Start Screen]]