A Simple Visual Novel Format for Twine //A Twine Writer// “So this is how you format a visual novel in twine?” //S. A. Welland// “Yes, it's very simple. Just use html to refer to your character portrait art, as written in the example at the bottom of this passage.” //A Twine Writer// “And I can do anything I want with this?” //S. A. Welland// “Yes, you don't even have to credit me for the use of this template unless you want to. If you choose to use background art as I did in //Asher//, simply register it in your story stylesheet, and refer to it in each passage with a tag, as in the example in this passage.”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="portraitLeft.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="portraitRight.jpg"></div>clothing counts as paet of a person. humans have been wearing clothing for centuries, ti is an extension of their idenity.maybe show the queen in the beginning of the party, but she goes upstairs. player will view her as the goal of the night - DONE could hvae her in the courtyard, greeting guests1)all set up, no punchlinern its in temple, maybe sooner, partyYou piddle into being. (click-replace: "You piddle into being.")[Bursts of meaning, waveforms oscillating around some malleable truth - sounds, scents, colours, alight on your tongue. A low hum - beginning in the vacous cavity at your centre and growing] (click-replace: "growing")[growing radially outwards gives you shape. Thoughts arise (click-replace: "arise")[arise and fall, some stickier than others. You are dimly aware of a lengthening of your periphery, tendrils emerging and snaking outwards. (click-replace: "outwards.")[outwards. Something blocks your way and herein you learn the hermetic seal of The Other. It is - Matter. Rough, tightly bound together matter, blocks the flow of your probing tendrils. A tugging at your core hints at your possible agency. Purpose. Want. Is this what it's all going to be about? //What do you know?// [[//Capture bound matter.//->firstrock]]]]]You have become lizard. Experience grows paradoxically more richer and limited at the same time. The lizard licks an eyeball. Content, it makes no effort to move. //What do you know?// [[Capture owl ->bird fail]], [[Capture cloud ->cloud]], [[Capture banana leaf ->leafagain]]. You have become cloud. Briefly. For the vessel cannot hold you, being mostly vapor itself. Falling out of the sky, you feel a dulling in your boundary, your essence dissipating in the absence of a vessel to contain it. //Quick, What do you know?// [[Capture owl ->bird fail]], [[Capture lizard ->lizard]], [[Capture banana leaf->leafagain]].You attempt to capture the owl. You do not know the owl. You are flung back, essence dissipating in the absence of a vessel. //What do you know?// [[Capture lizard ->lizard]], [[Capture Cloud ->cloud]], [[Capture banana leaf ->leafagain]]. //TWIN 1// Forsooth, your attempt at slinking away was so unnoteworthy it was then noteworthy. //UNREMARKABLE MAN// Smack your lips never more! I am not the thief! //TWIN 1// Oh! (click-replace: "Oh!")[Oh! //TWIN 2// I am the thief. //UNREMARKABLE MAN// That revelation has shattered my knee caps. //TWIN 2// Forsooth, I have killed the King. I have stolen his last breath, nay, the last of all his bodily functions. //TWIN 1// How? His royal knight still stands at attention. //TWIN 2// I would never touch the royal pe- (click-replace: "I would never touch the royal pe-")[I would never touch the royal pe- //TWIN 1// I meant, how did you sneak past the guard stationed at his chamber? Perchance. //UNREMARKABLE MAN// Because I am the guard. All three villager gasp, clutching at their chests. You have created a secret: (click-replace: "You have created a secret: ")[You have created a secret: Three villagers in strange garb discuss how they killed the king. //TWIN 1// [[Okay. Let's go. ->ent2]] ]]] You attempt to capture the villager. You do not know the villager. You fail. You are flung back into empty air. Screams puncture the night sky as the villagers take in your other wordly form. Before midnight you are caught and bound in a sacred gourd. Baba never claims you as his own, for why would he when that would out him as a fraud. Eons pass in the gourd, perception without sensation.You have become mango tree. You feel the interconnectedness off all mango trees in a 5km radius. You hear the villagers talk as the cart rumbles past you (click-replace: "past you")[past you. The cow chews cud as it pads along. //KIRAN// So I was hoping we could workshop something I've been working on. The twins cast each other a series of expressions, starting in comtemplative and ending in disgust. They cross their arms, facing the third villager. //TWIN 1// Kiran, this is garbage... His voices peters out, the cart turning around a bend. //What do you know?// [[Capture next mango tree ->mango2]] ] You have become cow. //KIRAN// Or a steamy public bath scene- //TWIN 2// The kingdom has spoken Kiran, theatre is out and daring feats of magic are in. //KIRAN// The King enjoys them - //TWIN 1// He endures them. Besides, when's the last time you saw the King at one of the parties? //TWIN 2// Months. I wonder what he's cooking up. //TWIN 1// Bite your tongue. You trot along, chewing the wad of grass proves distracting at times. The dull thud of your vessel's hooves on dirt suddenly changes to the clack of hooves on stone. With the sun long sedated under the blanket of the horizon, the dark is punctured by torches, orange orbs igniting the air around them. A palace [[emerges -> palace1]], like a ship cresting a wave. Around you villagers engage in conversation. You begin to understand how humans use tone to convey and mask their intentions, the difference between sincerity and jest, inquiry and diversion, truth and play. You hear snippets of three conversations nearby, from villagers huddled together in little groups. //OVERDRESSED WOMAN// Where's the High Priestess? She said to bring my son wearing a snail as a hat and she'd bless him... And elsewhere- (click-replace: "And elsewhere-")[And elsewhere- //POMPOUS MAN// He's wearing the same rock as me isn't he? He wants to be me so bad. And elsewhere still- (click-replace: "still-")[still- //WHISPERING PERSON// Have you heard? //What do you know?// [[Capture bag of overdressed woman ->high priestess rumor]], [[Capture bag of pompous man ->loner rumor]], [[Capture bag of whispering person. ->secret society]] ]]You have become bag. The villager carrying you climbs the stairs. As soon as they hit the top stair a guard grabs you and dumps you into a large earth pot, plunging you into darkness and cutting off all sensory input. Here you will remain till the conclusion of the party. Midnight comes and goes and you fail your primary objective. At day break you report your failure to Baba and you are made unborn, with the same meagre gravitas you came into this world.You have become bag. You can hear the words wielded by your wearer more clearly now //POMPOUS MAN// He's wearing the same rock as me isn't he? He wants to be me so bad. //UNIMPRESSED MAN// Is that a rock? Could be wood. //POMPOUS MAN// Ugh screams new money. //UNIMPRESSED MAN// Must the Queen insist on inviting the whole kingdom every time? I mean, I am harldy to enjoy the same sort of soireé as the snake charmer. //POMPOUS MAN// Still, it is the revelry of the season. //UNIMPRESSED MAN// Every month? //POMPOUS MAN// Shush. Wouldn't want a palace worker overhearing us and having us disinvited. I am not keen to be the only villagers at home for the evening. //UNIMPRESSED MAN// You would not be the only one. I've heard rumors there is someone who never attends... The duo fall silent, providing no more soil to toil. You have created a secret - (click-replace: "You have created a secret -")[You have created a secret - Only one villager does not attend the Queen's parties!! //What do you know?// [[Capture bag of whispering person ->secret society]], [[Capture bag of overdressed woman ->high priestess rumor]], [[Remain ->bagremain]] ]You have become bag. //OVERDRESSED WOMAN// Where's the High Priestess? She said to bring my son wearing a snail as a hat and she'd bless him. //SNOOTY WOMAN// Bless that slimy little thing? //OVERDRESSED WOMAN// No fool, she'd bless my son. //SNOOTY WOMAN// I did mean him. //OVERDRESSED WOMAN// She must be chasing after you-know who again. //SNOOTY WOMAN// Ah, so that rumor is true? //OVERDRESSED WOMAN// Shh. Not here. They fall silent You have created a secret - (click-replace: "You have created a secret -")[You have created a secret - The High Priestess is chasing after someone. //What do you know?// [[Capture bag of whispering person ->secret society]], [[Capture bag of pompous man ->loner rumor]], [[Remain ->bagremain]] ]You have become bag. //WHISPERING PERSON// Have you heard? //WHISPERING WOMAN// Yes. Heard about what? //WHISPERING PERSON// How can I know we speak of the same thing? //WHISPERING WOMAN// Give me a clue //WHISPERING PERSON// Give me the password first //WHISPERING WOMAN// How can i know which thing you want the password to? //WHISPERING PERSON// Are there multiple things with passwords? //WHISPERING WOMAN// If you are speaking of something other than what I know the password to then yes. //WHISPERING PERSON// Hm. Give me the password and i shall know //WHISPERING WOMAN// What if you don't actually know the password and I am just revealing to you the password now //WHISPERING PERSON// Come on mom- //WHISPERING WOMAN// It is a very exclusive society. //WHISPERING PERSON// So there is a society //WHISPERING WOMAN// Shhh... you don't know whose listening The duo falls silent You have created a secret - (click-replace: "You have created a secret -")[You have created a secret - Does a shadowy secret society sit seclustered? Secretly? //What do you know?// [[Capture bag of overdressed woman ->high priestess rumor]], [[Capture bag of pompous man ->loner rumor]], [[Remain ->bagremain]] ]You dilly dally. Finally, stimulation again, a trio of villagers walk towards you. //SCHEMING MAN// Alright gadahe (donkeys), taking bets now on how Princess Agni will ruin the party this time... //What do you know?// [[Capture bag of scheming man ->schemingman]] You have become Princess Agni. You gloat, your first successfull capture of a human being, your first pilfered intelligent body. You've grown up so fast. So what if it was only possible because she was so intoxicated she was departing from human and more approaching a pickle? Abruptly, (click-replace: "Abruptly,")[Abruptly, a tremor takes hold of you. The giddy shakes of being somewhere you're not supposed to be. And then- (click-replace: "then-")[then- The world collects into a swirling vortex. You try to walk forward but find each step veering off to the side until you're leant heavily against a wall, your sari catching on gilded pillars as you drag your shoulder along it. Is this how all humans perceive? You vaguely register the Knight asking permission to frisk your vessel. //PRINCESS AGNI// Easy there tiger. I've got nothing on me, just here to look pretty - oops. The knight pulls what looks like a rudimentary firework out of the fabric of your sari. A giggle emanates in your chest, bubbling up your throat. Hiccup. [[You walk through the doors. ->ballroom]] ]]//BANSHEE SCREAM// "Kutta!" !!Dog!! //AGNI// //Fuck it's the cops.// You reel back, almost jumping out of your vessel from shock. You just heard agni's thoughts. The shaky giddiness grows. !!EXPLAIN U CAN MAKE DIALOGUE CHOICES!! //AGNI// Hello Princess. A young woman, similar in appearance to your current vessel albeit slightly older, marches down the corridor, her aklets clinking sharply with each step. Her expression is unlike the others you've been accustomed to being greeted by in this vessel. She is unimpressed. Your vessel curtseys, nearly falling over in the process. //GAURI// Look at the state of you, you look like the front end of a bullock cart. Where have you been? //AGNI// [[* ->prerevelry]]I was at Lungs Tavern for the pre-revelry. [[* ->crush]]Aw, did you miss me so sister? Did you wish to make our faces together and talk about our crushes? You attempt to capture Princess Gauri. While you know her enough to capture, her guard is up. You are flung back. Luckily the princesses are too distracted to notice your phantasm. What do you know? [[Capture Princess Agni->capture agni again]]Something about being grappled with has made your vessel feel even more inebriated. The sudden thudding of metal on stone threatens to rattle your organs loose. A knight rounds the corner at high speed, (click-replace: "rounds the corner at high speed")[rounds the corner at high speed, failing to slow his momentum, he slams into the opposite wall, grunting in pain. He looks as though his armor is a couple sizes too big and much more tarnished than the other Knights'. The princesses freeze, watching the knight attempt to straighten his helmet. //UNNAMED KNIGHT// Princesses, uh, princess-i? Agni straightens up when she hears the knight's voice. //UNNAMED KNIGHT// I heard wails, has an animal infiltrated the castle? Or is an assailant upon you? Oh Gods, an animal assailant - //GAURI// Gods' sake Mazboot, keep your grimey nose out of it. //AGNI// [[*->Mazenter]] Thank the lands you're here officer. Seize her. [[*->Mazenter]] How rude. Isn't she foul? ]You have become Princess Gauri. You feel achingly mortal. There is a great stillness to this vessel. Where you were used to the incessent movement in other living vessels, you realise this one is holding her breath. //GAURI// //Oh shona (gold), why must you find me so.// Her internal voice is airy, lilting. The sound of a gently rising symphony, with no indentifiable source, fills the air. Your vessel watches Mazboot reach for your hair, he seems more capable from this point of view. //GAURI// //Caught in your gaze I am a calcum improvisation barely pulled together. Moulded not towards interminable summit but instead twisted into shape out of mere happenstance. Your formiddable soul dwarfs mine.// The tip of Mazboot's tongue sticks out as he hunches over, focusing on untangling Gauri's hair. //GAURI// //Is it happenstance that has you rescuing me now as well? Or perhaps were your sweet giant ears trained for the dulcet tones of my distress? // Pain shoots through your vessel's scalp as Mazboot tugs the wrong way. //GAURI// Ack! You oaf! You hear the muffled voice of Agni as though from the bottom of a well, for Gauri does not care to pay her any attention. [[Lights back on Mazboot. ->gaurithoughts2]] You have become Princess Agni. //AGNI// [[* ->agniqueen]]Goodbye dear sister, enjoy your evening being dreadful. [[* ->agniqueen2]]Hey Mazboot, you knights are trained in espionage right? You should find out where she slinks off to early every morning. You climb several staircases, employing great effort to calm yourself. Alighting upon the top floor, you pad down carpeted hallways, heading to an ornate door guarded by two Knights. They open the door for you. (click-replace: "They open the door for you.")[They open the door for you. The Queen is seated in front of a mirror, Agni seated cross legged at her feet. The Queen is combing her fingers through her daughters hair, giggling as she narrates a story. A handmaiden by her side snickers as well. They all look up as you enter. //QUEEN// Ah, care to join us, Angel? //GAURI// Damn myself for still being suprised at the bond they share. [[* ->gqueen]]The revelry is well under way mother. I think your presence would be better suited downstairs. [[* ->gqueen]] I merely wished to inform you some villagers are quarrelling. ]Agni sweeps away, throwing one last retort over her shoulder - "Hey Mazboot, you knights are trained in espionage right? You should find out where she slinks off to early every morning." You have created a secret - (click-replace: "You have created a secret -")[You have created a secret - Princess Gauri sneaks off somewhere in the early mornings. Your vessel lunges towards her. Falling short, you land on your knees, shaking a fist at Agni's retreating form. You watch her misjudge the width of a doorway, drunkenly flouncing straight into the doorframe. Mazboot clears his throat. //MAZBOOT// "May I ask for your hand Gau- Princess?" Your vessel reels in shock. //GAURI// //Could it be? Could it truly be? Do the saints fawn before me, for him to so blatantly ask for my hand to take a turn around the ballroom? Is it by some twisted thread in the tapestry of our tale that he has toppled for my tempestuous temptations?// [[* ->GM2]]What? You can barely pull together a decent walk and you expect me to believe you dance? [[* ->GM2]]Are you suffering from consumption? Dance with you? Don't be ridiculous. ]Your vessel's eyes widen, surprised with herself. //GAURI// //Sorry? Sorry?! Sorry-// //MAZBOOT// Sorry? You straighten up, self conciously touching your ear. //GAURI// [[* ->GM4]]Ahem. What for? [[* ->GM4]]Yes ... sorry. For being an awful stink. Within seconds you are extracted from your vessel and bound into a sacred gourd. Before midnight you are caught and bound in a sacred gourd. Baba never claims you as his own, for why would he when that would out him as a fraud. Eons pass in the gourd, perception without sensation.You watch Mazboot walk away. You feel a stirring of regret. He is interceped by a Knight rounding the corner. //KNIGHT BALBIR// Mazboot, some guests are going bananas - Oh, hello Princess. //MAZBOOT// What's going on Balbir? //KNIGHT BALBIR// They demand to know where the King is, claiming they have livestock disputes - chickens. Mazboot speaks to you over his shoulder. //MAZBOOT// I suggest you inform the Queen, princess. Your vessel mutely nods her head and turns to leave, heading to the royal chamber. //What do you know?// [[Capture Mazboot, ->knights (maz)]] [[Remain. ->follow gauri to queen]] You follow the knight across the ballroom, gait hampered by your vessel's oversized armor. Villagers thump you on the back as you pass. //KNIGHT BALBIR// Trouble slaying the dragon, Mazboot? You notice the peculiarities to this vessel. Whereas others seem to rarely say what they are thinking, this one bypasses all filters. //MAZBOOT// [[* ->maz2]]Who do you mean? [[* ->maz2]]Always. What dragon? The two men throw irritated glances at you. //ADITH// No offence buddy, but we've already been through this with one knight. //RAJ// Quite. Where is the royal highness? For the first time mazboot does not consider vocalising what is on his mind. //MAZBOOT// //I have no clue// [[* ->fight3]]The King is occupied. [[* ->fight3]]It is a sensitive matter and I am not at liberty to disclose that. raj smirks. Raj scoffs exagerratedly. //RAJ// Why am I not surprised the knight would ask for your side of the story first? He address the crowd. //RAJ// When it comes down to it, the palace workers will favor each other. You have created a secret - (click-replace: "You have created a secret -")[You have created a secret - Palace workers side with the royal family in times of conflict. //MAZBOOT// [[* ->fight2]]No, that's not it at all. I just - I would like to hear both sides of the story. [[* ->fight2]]Simmer down. Employ some caution before throwing around an allegation like that. ]//ADITH// Isn't it obvious? Adith looks down pointedly. You notice for the first time that he is cradling a chicken in his arms. The chicken is wearing a wire crown, jewelry dangling from it. //MAZBOOT// [[* ->fight5]]Er - no? [[* ->fight5]]Of course. You have become Adith. The urge to set up a joke with no punchline gnaws at you. //MAZBOOT// Where did you get the chicken Adith? A memory flashes through your vessel's brain,(click-replace: "flashes through your vessel's brain,")[flashes through your vessel's brain, so vivid you know he has revisited it many times. //Crouched low to the ground, your vessel is attempting to put a chicken into a hat, squaking and yelping as he is scratched raw. Feathers hanging thickly in the air, hair matted to his forehead, he bemoans his failure and abandons the quest. After a considerable time spent sulking, he spots a chicken climbing into the hat, entirely of her own volition. A divine miracle. The sun parts the clouds, casting a spotlight onto the duo.// //ADITH// [[* ->adith2]]She found me. She came to me. She chose me. [[* ->adith2]] I dunno, I must've bought her with the rest of my chickens. ]You attempt to capture Raj. While you know a great deal about Raj, due to his defensive state his boundary remains impenetrable. You are flung back, naked before so many eyes. Screams puncture the night sky as the villagers take in your other wordly form. Before midnight you are caught and bound in a sacred gourd. Baba never claims you as his own, for why would he when that would out him as a fraud. Eons pass in the gourd, perception without sensation.Your vessel draws himself up to his full height, helmet slipping down over his eyes in the process. //MAZBOOT// [[* ->mazdispute2]]Alright, let's start at the beginning. Raj first. [[* ->mazdispute2]]Let's start with you Keerthan. You have become chicken. //FOXY// [[* ->chicken2]]Cluck [[* ->chicken2]]Buck-awk Your vessel descends to the lower floor, a skip in his step as he greets the other palace workers- advisors, gardeners, cooks, handmaidens, and your fellow court jesters, Anjali (your vessel's sister) and Kiran. The corridor is a bustle of energy and rushing bodies, the teeming underbelly of the party. Your vessel approaches a room reserved for the handmaidens. It seems a meeting is underway. //ADITH// [[* ->ADITHCAUGHT]]Ho ho ladies, didn't know the circus was in town. What is this ... the uh ... the beautiful ladies show? [[* ->ADITHCAUGHT]]Anyone want to see a magic trick? I promise it's not the one where my pants disappear, again. You have become Mazboot. You march with purpose to the royal chambers, clunky footsteps ringing out as you climb several stone staircases. Alighting upon the top floor, you pad down carpeted hallways, heading to an ornate door guarded by Knight Balbir. He opens the door for you. The Queen is seated by her desk, pouring over sheets of paper. A handmaiden is leant over the desk, whispering something to her. //QUEEN// Yes Mazboot? Do you require - oh, a chicken. //MAZBOOT// Yes your highness, there is the small matter of an ownership dispute over this chicken. //What do you know?// [[Capture Queen, ->queen fail]] [[Remain ->chicken chaos]]You attempt to capture the Queen. While you know a great deal about the Queen, her boundary is impenetrable for her guard is up. You are flung back. Screams fill the room as they take in your other wordly form. Before midnight you are caught and bound in a sacred gourd. Baba never claims you as his own, for why would he when that would out him as a fraud. Eons pass in the gourd, perception without sensation.The Queen opens her arms, wishing to hold the chicken. You approach the Queen. The handmaiden steps forward as you do, curiously watching you. (click-replace: "curiously watching you.")[curiously watching you. In a moment not wholly impossible to predict, (click-replace: "In a moment not wholly impossible to predict,")[In a moment not wholly impossible to predict, the chicken suddenly goes berserk, flapping it's wings and clawing at anything within reach. Squaks and feathers fill the air. Your vessel attempts to catch hold of the chicken, but only spooks it further. It flies into the handmaiden's face, claws catching on her sari. The Queen screams, her composure shattered. You sense a collapse in her boundary. What do you know? [[Capture Queen->queen capture]] ]]You have become the Queen //QUEEN// //AAHHHH!// [[* ->queen2]]AHHHH! [[* ->queen2]]Bleeding Gods, AAAHHH! You have become Knight Balbir. Your vessel stares at a speck on the distant wall, almost sage like in his ability to keep the formualtion of any single thought at bay. The Queen sweeps away, joined by the haindmaiden, whispering to each other. This would be the perfect time to [[contact Baba. ->contactbaba]] Your vessel politely bends her head and sweeps down the hallway. As you near the handmaiden, she takes your hand, leaning close to whisper in your ear. Abruptly, she pauses and places a firm hand on your cheek, turning you to face her, eerily still. She looks deep into your eyes. //HANDMAIDEN// I see you. [[CAUGHT. ->handmaiden caught]]You are yanked back into being. Your roiling mass is once again greeted by tightly bound matter. //What do you know?// [[Capture rock ->riverstone]] You have become Monk Rishaun. You expect to feel the lightness of childhood. Yet, you are met with the feeling of innocence lost, already. Your vessel steps into the temple. Every surface is intricate stonework - depicting deities and animals, contorted into emphatic poses, relaying a self evident story. The tall woman from the palace, the one Daksha was hiding from, is seated in the centre of the temple, hands in mudra position on her lap. Kneeling before her are three villagers, spines curved, foreheads touching the stone floor. //ARYA// High priestess, you called for me? The tall woman beckons him forward. //HIGH PRIESTESS// Yes, this child requires a man of medicine. His gut ails him. The High priestess guides one of the men into a laying down position, while the other two remain kneeling. Your vessel glides through the temple, fetching bowls filled with powder, each carrying a distinctly strange scent. You place them reverently into Arya's hands and guide him [[towards the sick man.]] Daksha turns, her face an inch away from Yuva's. //DAKSHA// Fuck off, Yuva. //YUVA// Don't you tire of playing everyones fantasy? Daksha rolls her eyes, walking away. //YUVA// You deny that? Just mine then? A man slams into you, sending your vessel to the floor. You miss what daksha says but you catch the High Priestess' expression faltering. Your vessel begins ambling towards the bathroom, out of earshot of the conversation. Daksha nearly trips over a drunk man sprawled on the ground. Yuva glares at the man and pushes her sandalled foot into his belly, pushing a burp out of him. //BLOATED MAN// Thanks, High Priestess. //What do you know?// [[Capture Bloated Man. ->bloatedman]] You have become Knight Balbir. The sloshing of liquid fills your ears, the sound of your vessel gulping down mouthfulls of ale is deafening. You notice Daksha and Yuva passing your table. //DAKSHA// I told you - gurgle gurgle - irresponsible, irredeemable, gurgle gurgle- frankly, a bitc- gurgle gurgle Your vessel thumps the empty goblet to the table, victorious. //YUVA// Must we drudge up ancient history? Your vessel picks up another goblet, other fist raised in the air as he begins downing it and thereby drowning out all else. //What do you know?// [[Capture Raj. ->raj capture bar]]You have become Raj. Daksha walks up to your vessel, a pleading look in her eyes. //DAKSHA// Didn't you wish to speak to me Raj? About a private matter? //RAJ// [[* ->rajbar1]] Er ... yes. [[* ->rajbar2]] Nope. You look strained Daksha. Take the night off, you can talk to your friend. You attempt to capture Yuva, the High Priestess. While you know her enough to capture, her guard is up. You are flung back. A cacophony of screams and startled belching fills the tavern as the villagers take in your other wordly form. Before midnight you are caught and bound in a sacred gourd. Baba never claims you as his own, for why would he when that would out him as a fraud. Eons pass in the gourd, perception without sensation. You have become Daksha. A whirlwind of emotions churns your innards. Your vessel tugs on a cord and a hanging lightbulb feebly lights the dark little store room. The High Priestess's face appears carefully neutral. //Daksha// [[* ->daksha1]]Why are you looming, hounding me? [[* ->daksha1]]Is this a play? What's the scheme? You have become Yuva. Your essence buckles, struggling against some resistance. You tentatively press against it's interiority. You will have to vacate this vessel soon, before the High Priestess regains her slip in composure. //YUVA// [[*-> yuva2]]Is this what you want? Playing pleasure games and rotting our souls? [[*-> yuva2]]At some point we must face each other. It shall be a painful exercise in prostration and candor, and maybe one or both of us shall walk away at its conclusion. But it's better than this. You have become rock. Before you is the Mazboot residence. You search for objects that look ripe for capturing. A flower pot in an open window sill, a wind chime in another open window, and a letter wedged in the mail slot of the door all seem prime prospects from which to enter the dwelling. //What do you know?// [[Capture flower pot,->flower]] [[Capture letter,->letter]] [[Capture wind chimes. ->windchimes]] You have become Princess Gauri The cat suddenly springs back, claws out, spine curving severely, hissing spittle at you. //GAURI// [[* ->mazhouse1.1]]Shh! What is the matter with you? Down kitty! [[* ->mazhouse1.2]]Shh... come now, Subbu... I'm sorry it's been so long since I visited. You are wrestled through space and time, rippling into being on the temple steps. The open doors reveal the temple is empty save for Arya, the blind monk. His back is turned to you. //What do you know?// [[Capture Arya.]] I love cats (click-replace: "love")[But I love dogs better]Bursts of meaning, waveforms oscillating around some malleable truth - sounds, scents, colours, alight on your tongue. A low hum - beginning in the vacous cavity at your centre and growing radially outwards gives you shape. Thoughts arise and fall, some stickier than others. You are dimly aware of a lengthening of your periphery, tendrils emerging and snaking outwards. Something blocks your way and herein you learn the hermetic seal of The Other. It is - Matter. Rough, tightly bound together matter, blocks the flow of your probing tendrils. A tugging at your core hints at your possible agency. Purpose. Want. Is this what it's all going to be about? What do you know? Capture bound matter. You have become rock. Huh, so that's the sign to evoke it. A voice booms into your ears - er, your porous shell. HSGAJ DKSLALGHA DHUM You cock your metaphorical head. Pixels pollinate, dots of colour, so closely packed they weave into each other, forming a monochrome tapestry - light, seesawing in large wavelengths, creating blue - the sky. Eventually the syllables barraging your ears seem less random, taking on meaning. Voice: -and if you ever EVER dare to stupidly give in to that particular temptation then you shall be flung into the infinite hell, recursive mirrors doubling in on themselves, stretching on to the ever widening maw of eternity. So just don't do that one thing and we shall be fine and dandy. Any questions? You imagine your rock shell stoically expressionless. The strong and silent type. Voice: Fantastic. Now, let me see what is the first vessel you've captured. Come, show Baba. Silence. Impenetrable silence. Until - Drop. Drop. Drop. Dewdrops hanging off a supple young leaf, high above your rock-head, begin to drop to the ground. What is this new feeling? Voice: Hellooo? Deva? You begin to feel the presence of an order among your ordinary state of being. The sky, once merely an image, fractures abstractly. Your mind ascribes words like now-sky, then-sky, later-sky. What is this sensation? A build up, climbing steadily with no summit in sight, ringing with each step up that spiral staircase, ringing for you - spectator. Drop. Drop. Drop. Seconds. Pass. Voice: Servant deva? Hellooo? This damned connection, I knew I shouldn't have bought their roaming plan. Time. Voice: - oh wait. You've captured a rock vessel haven't you. Holy cow, why do they keep assigning me the new born servants... Nevermind Baba, you'll have to make do. Can't find another blue whale to harness now can we... Gods DAMN IT- In and out, in and out, that's it Baba, the deva will learn, in and out, in - You could take a moment to turn yourself in and out while the voice collects themselves - Voice: Yoo hoo, deva-kins. Oops, nevermind. Tuning back in. Voice: Look around. What do you know? The leaf above your head sways, beguiling, beckoning. It wants you so bad - maybe you're getting lonely. What do you know? Capture leaf You vacate the rock vessel, moving towards the leaf. Aware that an external eye, Baba, is watching you now, you self conciously attempt to capture the leaf. Space coils out, impossibly infinite, and then abruptly snaps shut in on itself. Perspective shifts. You have become banana leaf. Immediately, your vessel breathes in deeply, the stomata greedily pulling in air. High above ground, hanging off the stem of a large tree, swooping downwards - wait is that the sky again? A blue expanse, swaths of tissue papers clouds rippling across it. BABA: You've captured a banana leaf. Okay. I can work with this. The voice emanates from a ripple in the sky, or rather, from the reflection of the sky in the lake. BABA: You have just been born, deva. Congratulations. Not that you did anything to deserve it. But I will now tell you your purpose. Sigh. Again. You watch the pond surface. You register two circles and a line drawn out under them - a face. BABA: I am Baba, a fortune teller and your master. If you look within yourself, and you don't have to look that far for you are quite shallow still, you will feel a thrumming urge to obey my will. Don't get twisted up, there's nothing too illicit about our partnership, or rather, your slave-dom. We're going to have some fun. It's not all chains and shackles, think of us as tittering school girls, twirling our phone cords and giggling over what that tart, Rhea, said at lunch. You realise you are not merely prescribed the role of witness. You flex every muscle in your leaf body, trying to move. Unnngghhh. Nothing happens. A limp breeze lifts the tip of the leaf - a false victory. BABA: As a deva you possess the ability to capture vessels. While that may sound deliciously god like, you honestly are little more than a listening device. My creepy little voyeur you. Anyway, the more you know a vessel, the easier it is to capture. The lower the lifeform, the easier it is to capture. Like the leaf whose perspective you are occupying currently. Comfy in there? Go on, put your feet up, I'm going to tell you a little story. The surface of the pond ripples, colours refracting and tessellating. Your mind begins ascribing the image form - the aerial view of a human settlement, nestled in a valley. BABA: Kingdom Chaitanya. Your birthplace. The King, in his wiseness, has hired my services as a fortune teller. I'm quite the celebrity you see. Baba's eyebrows move into an indulgent expression. BABA: I've been promised a big bounty in exchange for a revelation that will shake his dusty royal bones. It is of course impossible to divine an unwritten future, so I employ devas such as yourself to be my little recon scouts, infiltrating and eavesdropping, gleaning sordid secrets. In one months time I shall descend upon this valley and by then I expect you to know the underbelly of this kingdom intimately. Move from vessel to vessel, learn the secrets of the kingdom and be ready to receive me by the next full moon. But first, to prove you're up to snuff, snoop out one big secret and report to me by midnight. Baba's eyebrows stitch with insecurity. BABA: What? Think it's unfair that you're doing all the work and I flounce my way in at the end, calling myself a fortune teller? Tough luck. Anyway, don't pretend you're not going to enjoy the peep show. If you have any questions, contact me. Worry not about the mortals for only you shall be able to hear and see me. Oh, but don't be too liberal with it, I have some important uhm- meetings. You have two chances to contact me. Now skedaddle, you're an extradimensional enitity, I can't spell everything out for you. The pond surface stills, the deceptively flat reflection of the full moon taking Baba's place. The tugging at your core increases - a building sense of purpose Primary Objective: One big secret Secondary Objective: Leads on other secrets What do you know? Know more Woods surround the pond, dense. An owl lurking behind you blinks globular eyes, drawing up it's wings in prepartion of flight. A lizard chirps in the undergowth. A cloud passes over the moon, its vast body stretching to the east, from where you can hear the low murmer of multiple voices. What do you know? Capture Owl, Capture Tree, Capture Lizard, Know more You reach into the depths of the banana leaf, searching it's memories. One summer ago a worm burrowed into this very branch and made a home. The branch sheltered the worm family through several generations. This morning the owl ate them. The owl likes worms. You have become rock. Huh, so that's the sign to evoke it. A voice booms (click-replace: "booms")[booms into your ears - er, your porous shell. //VOICE// HSGAJ DKSLALGHA DHUM You cock your metaphorical head. Pixels pollinate, dots of colour, so closely packed they weave into each other, forming a monochrome tapestry - light, seesawing in large wavelengths, creating (click-replace: "creating")[creating blue - the sky. Eventually the syllables barraging your ears seem less random, [[taking on meaning. -> firstbaba]] ]]//VOICE// -and if you ever EVER dare to stupidly give in to that particular temptation then you shall be flung into the infinite hell, recursive mirrors doubling in on themselves, stretching on to the ever widening maw of eternity. So just don't do that one thing and we shall be fine and dandy. Any questions? You imagine your rock shell stoically expressionless. The strong and silent type. //VOICE// Fantastic. Now, let me see what is the first vessel you've captured. Come, show Baba. Silence. Impenetrable silence. Until - Drop. Drop. [[Drop.->secondbaba]] Voice: - oh wait. You've captured a rock vessel haven't you. Holy cow, why do they keep assigning me the new born servants... Nevermind Baba, you'll have to make do. Can't find another blue whale to harness now can we... Gods DAMN IT- In and out, in and out, that's it Baba, the deva will learn, in and out, in - You could take a moment to turn yourself in and out while the voice collects themselves - Voice: Yoo hoo, deva-kins. Oops, nevermind. Tuning back in. Voice: Look around. What do you know? The leaf above your head sways, beguiling, beckoning. It wants you so bad - maybe you're getting lonely. //What do you know?// [[Capture leaf]] You vacate the rock vessel, moving towards the leaf. Aware that an external eye, Baba, is watching you now, you self conciously attempt to capture the leaf. Space coils out, impossibly infinite, and then abruptly snaps shut in on itself. Perspective shifts. You have become banana leaf. Immediately, your vessel breathes in deeply, the stomata greedily pulling in air. High above ground, hanging off the stem of a large tree, swooping downwards - wait is that the sky again? A blue expanse, swaths of tissue papers clouds rippling across it. BABA: You've captured a banana leaf. Okay. I can work with this. The voice emanates from a ripple in the sky, or rather, from the reflection of the sky in the lake.Dewdrops hanging off a supple young leaf, high above your rock-head, begin to drop to the ground. What is this new feeling? //VOICE// Hellooo? Deva? You begin to feel the presence of an order among your ordinary state of being. The sky, once merely an image, fractures abstractly. Your mind ascribes words like now-sky, then-sky, later-sky. What is this sensation? A build up, climbing steadily with no summit in sight, ringing with each step up that spiral staircase, ringing for you - spectator. Drop. Drop. Drop. Seconds. Pass. (click-replace: "Pass.")[Pass. //VOICE// Servant deva? Hellooo? This damned connection, I knew I shouldn't have bought their roaming plan. Time. //VOICE// - oh wait. You've captured a rock vessel haven't you. Holy cow, why do they keep assigning me the new born servants... Nevermind Baba, you'll have to make do. Can't find another blue whale to harness now can we... Gods DAMN IT- In and out, in and out, that's it Baba, the deva will learn, in and out, in - You could take a moment to turn yourself inside out while the voice collects themselves - //VOICE// Yoo hoo, deva-kins. Oops, nevermind. [[Tuning back in. ->3baba]] ]//VOICE// Look around. What do you know? The leaf above your head sways, beguiling, beckoning. It wants you so bad - maybe you're getting lonely. //What do you know?// [[Capture leaf->leaf]]You vacate the rock vessel, moving towards the leaf. Aware that an external eye, Baba, is watching you now, you self conciously attempt to capture the leaf. Space coils out, impossibly infinite, and then abruptly snaps shut in on itself. Perspective shifts. You have become banana leaf. (click-replace: "banana leaf.")[banana leaf. Immediately, your vessel breathes in deeply, the stomata greedily pulling in air. High above ground, hanging off the stem of a large tree, swooping downwards - wait is that the sky again? A blue expanse, swaths of tissue papers clouds rippling across it. //VOICE// You've captured a banana leaf. Okay. I can work with this. The voice emanates from a ripple in the sky, or rather, from the reflection of the sky in the lake. //VOICE// You have just been born, deva. Congratulations. Not that you did anything to deserve it. But I will now tell you your purpose. Sigh. Again. You watch the pond surface. You register two circles and a line drawn out under them - a face. //VOICE// [[I am Baba->4baba]] ]//BABA// I am Baba, a fortune teller and your master. If you look within yourself, and you don't have to look that far for you are quite shallow still, you will feel a thrumming urge to obey my will. Don't get twisted up, there's nothing too illicit about our partnership, or rather, your slave-dom. We're going to have some fun. It's not all chains and shackles, think of us as tittering school girls, twirling our phone cords and giggling over what that tart, Rhea, said at lunch. You realise you are not merely prescribed the role of witness. You flex every muscle in your leaf body, trying to move. (click-replace: "trying to move.")[trying to move. Unnngghhh. Nothing happens. A limp breeze lifts the tip of the leaf - a false victory. //BABA// As a deva you possess the ability to capture vessels. While that may sound deliciously god like, you honestly are little more than a listening device. My creepy little voyeur you. Anyway, the more you know a vessel, the easier it is to capture. The lower the lifeform, the easier it is to capture. Like the leaf whose perspective you are occupying currently. Comfy in there? Go on, [[put your feet up ->5baba]], I'm going to tell you a little story. ] The surface of the pond ripples, colours refracting and tessellating. Your mind begins ascribing the image form - (click-replace: "form -")[form - the aerial view of a human settlement, nestled in a valley. //BABA// Kingdom Chaitanya. Your birthplace. The King, in his wiseness, has hired my services as a fortune teller. I'm quite the celebrity you see. Baba's eyebrows move into an indulgent expression. //BABA// I've been promised a big bounty in exchange for a revelation that will shake his dusty royal bones. It is of course impossible to divine an unwritten future, so I employ devas such as yourself to be my little recon scouts, infiltrating and eavesdropping, gleaning sordid secrets. In one months time I shall descend upon this valley and by then I expect you to know the underbelly of this kingdom intimately. Move from vessel to vessel, learn the secrets of the kingdom and be ready to receive me by the next full moon. But first, (click-replace: "But first,")[ But first, to prove you're up to snuff, snoop out one big secret and report to me by midnight. [[Baba's eyebrows stitch with insecurity. ->6baba]]]]//BABA// What? Think it's unfair that you're doing all the work and I flounce my way in at the end, calling myself a fortune teller? Tough luck. Anyway, don't pretend you're not going to enjoy the peep show. Just before midnight, contact me. Worry not about the mortals for only you shall be able to hear and see me. Now skedaddle, you're an extradimensional enitity, I can't spell everything out for you. The pond surface stills, the deceptively flat reflection of the full moon taking Baba's place. The tugging at your core increases - a building sense of purpose Primary Objective: One big secret Secondary Objective: Leads on other secrets //What do you know?// [[Know more. ->forest]]Woods surround the pond, dense. An owl lurking behind you blinks globular eyes, drawing up it's wings in prepartion of flight. A lizard chirps in the undergowth. A cloud passes over the moon, its vast body stretching to the east, from where you can hear the low murmer of multiple voices. //What do you know?// [[Capture Owl ->bird fail]], [[Capture Lizard ->lizard]], [[Capture Cloud ->cloud]], [[Know more. ->moreowl]]You reach into the depths of the banana leaf, searching it's memories. One summer ago a worm burrowed into this very branch and made a home. The branch sheltered the worm family through several generations. This morning the owl ate them. The owl likes worms. //What do you know?// [[Capture owl ->birdpass]], [[Capture lizard ->lizardpass]], [[Capture Cloud ->cloudpass]].You have become banana leaf. //What do you know?// [[Capture Owl ->bird fail]], [[Capture Lizard ->lizard]], [[Capture Cloud ->cloud]], [[Know more. ->moreowl]]You have become owl. Just in time, as the owl takes to the sky, flying towards the sound of rising voices. You relish your first taste of agency, however secondhand and stolen the taste may be. Three villagers gather by a wooden cart, a cow hitched to it. Two humans look like copies of each other. The owl alights upon a tree nearby, [[curious. ->entertainers]] You have become lizard. Experience grows paradoxically more richer and limited at the same time. The lizard licks an eyeball. Content, it makes no effort to move. //What do you know?// [[Capture owl ->birdpass]], [[Capture cloud ->cloudpass]], [[Capture banana leaf ->leafpass]]. You have become cloud. Briefly. For the vessel cannot hold you, being mostly vapor itself. Falling out of the sky, you feel a dulling in your boundary, your essence dissipating in the absence of a vessel to contain it. //Quick, What do you know?// [[Capture owl ->birdpass]], [[Capture lizard ->lizardpass]], [[Capture banana leaf ->leafpass]].You have become banana leaf. //What do you know?// [[Capture Owl ->birdpass]], [[Capture Lizard ->lizardpass]], [[Capture Cloud ->cloudpass]].//TWIN 1// Okay. Let's go. //UNREMARKABLE MAN// Wait, can't we go over another couple pages- //TWIN 1// No Kiran, we haven't even rehearsed the dissappearing routine yet and we're running late. You realise the Unremarkable Man is named Kiran. //TWIN 2// Gods I hope the booze isn't all gone already. //TWIN 1// Better for us if everyone's drunk. The twins climb into the cow drawn cart. Kiran sputters out sounds of protest and then hangs his head, his chin touching his chest. They pull him up by his arm pits and the cart begins peeling away. Quick, they're leaving. The owl watches them leave, head empty. //What do you know?// [[Capture Twin 1 ->entfail]], [[Capture Twin 2 ->entfail]], [[Capture Kiran ->entfail]], [[Know More ->moremango]] The cart goes down a path lined by mango trees. The owl regularly indulges in pulling worms out of these trees. The mangos are sweet. //What do you know?// [[Capture Twin 1 ->entfail]], [[Capture Twin 2 ->entfail]], [[Capture Kiran ->entfail]], [[Capture mango tree ->mango tree]]You have become mango tree //TWIN 2// We can't perform this. If we do, the Queen may never invite us to perform at another royal party. //KIRAN// No, no, come on, we're so close. I can feel it, there's something to the story, maybe if we play with the perspective- Kiran takes out sheets of paper, ruffling through them. One of the twins reaches forward and scratches the cow behind it's ear. It lets out an appreciative snort. //What do you know?// [[Capture cow ->cow]]It's facade is elaborate stone work, carved into intricate mandalas. Something about the repepeating structures in the mandalas feels familiar to you, itching at something fundamental. The courtyard is littered with villagers in fancy dress. Imposing knights stand on guard, frisking villagers and confiscating any posessions. You notice several villager's carrying bags, handing them off to a knight at the castle doors as they enter. They are accompanied by handmaidens who watch the entrants with practiced eyes. The trio disembark and immediately rush up the castle stairs. The doors open (click-replace: "open")[open and your vision fills with white light, your vessel taking a second to adjust. Just inside the doors is a woman, a crown perched high on her head, catching torch light and flinging it every which way. The trio bow to her as they enter, the doors shutting once more. Your vessel flits it's tail. You doubt a cow is on the guest list. A man strides past you with unnecessary aplomb, clearly on his way to the palace doors. //What do you know?// [[Capture bag of man approaching palace ->bag fail]], [[Remain ->palace courtyard]] ]The villager carrying you climbs the stairs. As soon as they hit the top stair a guard grabs you and dumps you into a large earth pot, plunging you into darkness and cutting off all sensory input. Here you will remain till the conclusion of the party. Midnight comes and goes and you fail your primary objective. At day break you report your failure to Baba and you are made unborn, with the same meagre gravitas you came into this world.You have become bag. //SCHEMING MAN// Alright gadahe (donkeys), taking bets now on how Princess Agni will ruin the party this time... //AMUSED WOMAN// Is it too easy to say by being wasted? //SCHEMING MAN// Come now, that's hardly in question. Daksha? //DAKSHA// I'll take those odds. //AMUSED WOMAN// Hehe, of course you would Daksha. //SCHEMING MAN// Any bets on when Daksha wouldn't give into placing a bad bet? !!You have created a secret - Dakhsa has a penchant for gambling.!! //AMUSED WOMAN// Daksha would serve Agni herself and forgotten she'd already bet against it. //DAKSHA// The booze must always flow at my tavern. Besides, it's impossible to say no to the princess - oh, there she is now. (click-replace: "now.")[now. You notice a young woman, Princess Agni, stumbling through the crowd. Her gait is lopslided, both her smile and the crown on her head at risk of slipping off her person. She drunkenly high fives several villagers. //SCHEMING MAN// Her sister, Princess Gauri, however ... I delight in denying her anything. //AMUSED WOMAN// She does get so worked up. Hey, it's been awhile since we played Piss Off the Princess. Princess Agni approaches and drapes an arm over Daksha's shoulder. //AMUSED WOMAN// Careful now... The group begins walking up to the castle doors. //SCHEMING MAN// The high priestess has eyes everywhere. //PRINCESS AGNI// Shhhh fish-man. Why do you speak in these... The princess waves a hand in the air. //PRINCESS AGNI// These ... words. just say what you mean and mean what you drink. The group reaches the castle steps. What do you know? [[Capture Daksha, ->entfail]] [[Capture Princess Agni ->capture agni enter palace]], [[Remain. ->bag fail2]] ]The party goers wind themselves across the ballroom. They grasp hands, creating human chains that snake in figure 8's, skirts twirling and fabric flowing. Daksha suddenly whirls around, holding her hand up to her face. Your vessel leans around Daksha, in an attempt to see what aroused that reaction. (click-replace: "see what aroused that reaction.")[see what aroused that reaction. A tall woman sprouts from a gaggle of tittering villagers, all attempting to catch her attention. Her gaze however is fixed on the back of Daksha's head. You catch the woman's eye and her smile takes on a conspiratorial look. She raises a finger, points at Daksha and then curls it inward - beckoning. Daksha leans into your eyeline, blocking out the woman. Your vessel makes a scandalised expression. //AGNI// What's going on? //DAKSHA// Nothing. Who ever knows? //AGNI// Are you at odds with the High Priestess again? //DAKSHA// No. //AGNI// How fun. Looks like she's being swarmed by the farmers, I can dismiss them - //DAKSHA// I heard she's under orders to purify you the first chance she gets. //AGNI// Purify me? //DAKSHA// Mhm. Queen Devi wants you cleansed. //AGNI// I am not haunted by any phantoms- //DAKSHA// Not phantoms. Spirits. Daksha mimics drinking from a bottle. Your vessel bounds away, (click-replace: "bounds away,")[bounds away, flouncing around a pillar and and up stone steps. A tingling sensation fills your body. Warmth blossoming in your chest and rushing through you veins. Mirth. Your vessel enjoys this. [[Running. ->fight w gauri]] ]]You nudge the thought to the forefront, blaring it out the speakers in your vessel's mind. Your vessel utters the words of your choosing. True agency. You tighten your grip on your vessel. Princess Gauri clears her throat. She visibly suppresses a retort. //GAURI// Why do I bother with you still? You do not care at all for your role as host of the revelry. //AGNI// [[* ->idiot]]I promise you I care a great deal to be the life of the revelry instead. [[* ->feudalism]]And you? How exactly does bullying the knights figure into your role as host? You nudge the thought to the forefront, blaring it out the speakers in your vessel's mind. Your vessel utters the words of your choosing. True agency. You tighten your grip on your vessel. Princess Gauri falters. //GAURI// I- I'm sure I don't know what you mean. I am much too busy with my duties for silly, fanciful ... I've spent the better part of the evening negotiating dis - uh, discursive - um, discourse - Your vessel watches her splutter, confounded. //AGNI// [[*->prerevelry]]This is strange ... if you've misplaced yourself you should insult me, that usually works for you. [[*->prerevelry]] Does your tongue escape you? Oh! Have you been holding out on me? Are you on an ascender? //GAURI// Please. Shaming them for yielding to feudal dominion in a post-barter economy is hardly bullying. //AGNI// [[* ->idiot]]You're a princess. You are feudalism. [[* ->idiot]]Would you like a drink?//GAURI// You are the village idiot. //AGNI// //I should burp in her face. I wonder if I can manage a big one.// Your vessel leans forward, burping an immodest belch in Gauri's face. Gauri jerks forward, grabbing your vessel by the hair. Arcs of lighting, sensation drawn to a frenzied pitch you've never felt before, zips through your body. Pain. The sisters shriek and grapple, pulling flowers and ornaments out of each other's hair. //What do you know?// [[Capture Gauri ->gauri fail]], [[Remain. ->remain in agni]] You have become Princess Agni Something about being grappled with has made your vessel feel even more inebriated. The sudden thudding of metal on stone threatens to rattle your organs loose. A knight rounds the corner at high speed, (click-replace: "rounds the corner at high speed,")[rounds the corner at high speed, failing to slow his momentum, he slams into the opposite wall, grunting in pain. He looks as though his armor is a couple sizes too big and much more tarnished than the other Knights'. The princesses freeze, watching the knight attempt to straighten his helmet. //UNNAMED KNIGHT// Princesses, uh, princess-i? Agni straightens up when she hears the knight's voice. //UNNAMED KNIGHT// I heard wails, has an animal infiltrated the castle? Or is an assailant upon you? Oh Gods, an animal assailant - //GAURI// Gods' sake Mazboot, keep your grimey nose out of it. //AGNI// [[*->Mazenter]] Thank the lands you're here officer. Seize her. [[*->Mazenter]] How rude. Isn't she foul? ]Gauri jabs an elbow into your ribs. //MAZBOOT// Gauri? The knight finally straightens his helmet, taking in the jumble of limbs - the two princesses a disarray, hair caught in each other's hands and jewelry. //GAURI// Gods, it's Princess Gauri to you. Holy cow, can your mind grasp any memory or have you taken that many hits to the gourd? //AGNI// [[*->Mazenter2]]Could you cease yelling in my face sister. You reek of cabbage. [[*->Mazenter2]] Don't listen to her. You know she still thinks the earth is flat right? Gauri shoves your vessel in the chest, sending you nearly to the floor. However, as her hair is caught in your bangles, she yanks you sharply back to her, yelping. You catch a dichotomy in Mazboot - he rolls his eyes but smiles to himself as he steps forward. He hesitantly reaches to untangle Gauri's hair. //MAZBOOT// Easy there, try not to be skittish. //GAURI// Don't talk to me like a damned donkey. You notice Princess Gauri's demeanor change. A loosening in her periphery. //What do you know?// [[Capture Princess Gauri ->gauri capture success]] //GAURI// //Oh dear Mazboot, forgive my accursed, blighted self, damned to rhapsodise only at the secluded altar in my mind. How long must I put up this facade? How long shall I pine and skulk down corridors in this waking world, praying, longing for the day you may return my affections?// You have created a secret - (click-replace: "You have created a secret -")[You have created a secret - Princess Gauri is in love with the knight, Mazboot the Second You gaze tenderly at Mazboot, helmet slipping down over his eyes. //GAURI// //Folly. Madness and folly. How dare I indulge in such flights of fancy? How dare I imagine you to hold anything short of contempt for me when I torture you so-// Mazboot's hand brushes your cheek. You flush, head emptying. //AGNI// Blah blah blah. Blah? //GAURI// [[* ->gaurithoughts3]]Hmm ... sure [[* ->gaurithoughts3]]Yeah ... no ... ]//GAURI// //Oh Shona, my love, my goose, what terrible force has wrought our fable to be one so tragic? All we have are these stolen moments, these perversions of classical moonlight trysts.// Agni steps back and you realise that you are no longer entangled together. //AGNI// Thanks Mazboot. Gods, that nearly sobered me up. //MAZBOOT// Of course Agni. I have something else that may help. Mazboot pulls a flask out of a concealed pocket, handing it to a delighted Agni. //GAURI// //How charitable you are. How you descend like the sun itself upon even such meager a being such as my sister.// [[* ->gaurithoughts4.1]]Don't encourage her, she already smells like a musty basement. [[* ->swig]]Give me that. Agni ignores you, pocketing the flask. //MAZBOOT// Oh, Agni, the Queen has called for you. She is in the royal chambers. //AGNI// Is my father there? //MAZBOOT// Perhaps. I can only be sure that she is in the company of a handmaiden. //AGNI// Very well, I shall scurry off to my mother like a good housepet. Agni turns to leave. //What do you know?// [[Capture Agni ->follow agni to queen]], [[Remain. ->gauri and maz]]You take a big swig from the flask, emptying it. You wink at Agni, rejoicing in her annoyed glare. A funny feeling is birthed in your chest. //MAZBOOT// Oh Agni, the Queen has called for you. She is in the royal chambers. //AGNI// Is my father there? //MAZBOOT// Perhaps. I can only be sure that she is in the company of a handmaiden. //AGNI// Very well, I shall scurry off to my mother like a good housepet. Agni turns to leave. //What do you know?// [[Capture Agni ->follow agni to queen]], [[Remain. ->gauri and maz]]Gauri lunges towards you, catching empty air as your vessel flounces away. You climb several staircases, humming an improvised tune, exagerratedly curtseying to palace workers who insist you stop curtseying. Alighting upon the top floor, you pad down carpeted hallways, heading to an ornate door guarded by two Knights. They open the door for you. (click-replace: "They open the door for you.")[They open the door for you. A knight is knelt by the Queen, whispering something into her ear. He straightens hastily as your vessel enters, backing away as a handmaiden takes his place, braiding flowers into the Queen's hair. //QUEEN// Angel, there you are. The Queen opens her arms and folds you into a hug. Sheets of papers lay open in her lap - a list of names, several of which you recognise. She shields them from your view. You straighten and bend your head in greeting to the handmaidens. They watch you closely. [[* ->agniqueen3]]Are you not joining the party mother? [[* ->agniqueen3]]Where is father? ]You have created a secret - (click-replace: "You have created a secret -")[You have created a secret - Princess Gauri sneaks off somewhere in the early morning. Gauri lunges towards you, catching empty air as your vessel flounces away. You climb several staircases, humming an improvised tune, exagerratedly curtseying to palace workers who insist you stop curtseying. Alighting upon the top floor, you pad down carpeted hallways, heading to an ornate door guarded by two Knights. They open the door for you. (click-replace: "They open the door for you.")[They open the door for you. A knight is knelt by Queen Devi, whispering something into her ear. He straightens hastily as your vessel enters, backing away as a handmaiden takes his place, braiding flowers into the Queen's hair. //QUEEN// Angel, there you are. The Queen opens her arms and folds you into a hug. Sheets of papers lay open in her lap - a list of names, several of which you recognise. She shields them from your view. You straighten and bend your head in greeting to the handmaidens. They watch you closely. [[* ->agniqueen3]]Are you not joining the party mother? [[* ->agniqueen3]]Where is father? ]A handmaiden abruptly steps forward. She places a firm hand on your cheek, turning you to face her, eerily still. She looks deep into your eyes. //HANDMAIDEN// I see you. [[CAUGHT. ->handmaiden caught]]Mazboot blinks, arm outstretched to you. You realise he was offering you a hand to get up off the floor. Heat fills your cheeks. Your vessel scrambles to her feet, hautily ignoring his outstretched hand as he politely ignores you misinterpreting his courtesy. //GAURI// //Great lands, you acursed wretched little thing Gauri. Why must you spew such filth? Oh, how I wish I had the strength to by own self with you Mazboot. Oh, how sorry I am.// [[* ->GM3]]Trot along then. [[* ->GM3]]Don't you have to go sit outside a door or something? Mazboot furrows his eyebrows, annoyed. He lowers his head in sign of goodbye and turns on his heel. An ugly feelings buillds in you, colonising your gut. Guilt. //GAURI// [[* ->nice to maz]]Wait - I'm sorry. [[* ->mean to maz]] ...The queen waves a hand through the air. //QUEEN// All in due time. Your hair looks an awful mess, come let me take my hand through it. You approach the Queen, about to drop to the floor beside Agni when the handmaiden abruptly steps forward. (click-replace: "abruptly steps forward.")[abruptly steps forward. She places a firm hand on your cheek, turning you to face her, eerily still. She looks deep into your eyes. //HANDMAIDEN// I see you. [[CAUGHT. ->handmaiden caught]] ]TELL BABA baout handmaiden Mazboot raises an eyebrow and then does something that wholly confounds your vessel. He bites back a smile. (click-replace: "He bites back a smile.")[He bites back a smile. You take a step back in alarm.(click-replace: "step back in alarm.")[step back in alarm. Your movement tears (click-replace: "tears")[tears a surprised laugh out of Mazboot. You look at each other, so pleasantly nonplussed you're not sure how to act. //GAURI// //Curious. Do i deceive myself or was that not a strange dance between us just then? This shall be ripe fodder for my nightly descent into madness.// The moment is broken (click-replace: "broken")[broken by a Knight rounding the corner. //KNIGHT BALBIR// Mazboot, some guests are going bananas - Oh, hello Princess. //MAZBOOT// What's going on Balbir? //KNIGHT BALBIR// They demand to know where the King is, claiming they have livestock disputes - chickens. Mazboot turns to you, lowering his head in goodbye. //MAZBOOT// I shall take your leave Gau- Princess. //GAURI// //Oh how dashing, how noble, how brave of you to thrust yourself into the fray, unheeding of what perils may lie in the savage ... uh ... discussion of chickens. A martyr, my hero.// [[* ->GM5]]Yes, of course. I have several duties to return to as well. [[* ->GMSURPRISE]] Do be careful. ]]]]Mazboot bites back another smile and turns to leave. Your vessel turns the other way, intending to go find her mother in the royal chamber. //What do you know?// [[Capture Mazboot, ->knights (maz)]] [[Remain. ->follow gauri to queen]] Both knights eyebrows shoot up their head. //GAURI// //What on earth?! Why did I say that?// Your vessel swiftly spins around, intending to go find her mother in the royal chamber. //What do you know?// [[Capture Mazboot, ->knights (maz)]] [[Remain. ->follow gauri to queen]] //KNIGHT BALBIR// Haha, Princess Gauri, of course. She looked quite red, must've been furious. //MAZBOOT// [[* ->maz3]]Did she? I don't think she was angry. [[* ->maz4]]She's not so bad. //KNIGHT BALBIR// Impossible, she's always angry. If you unscrewed her head you'd see her organs boiling. And the stolen souls of little children. //MAZBOOT// [[* ->maz5]]That's a bit much. Being the heir to the throne puts a lot on your shoulders. I don't envy her position. [[* ->maz5]]Everyone tries to rile her up too. Give her a break.//KNIGHT BALBIR// "Not so bad"? She's the worst, ready to spew sulphur at the slightest poke. //MAZBOOT// [[* ->maz5]]Being the heir to the throne puts a lot on your shoulders. I don't envy her position. [[* ->maz5]]Everyone tries to rile her up too. Give her a break.The knight shakes his head. //KNIGHT BALBIR// You're a saint Mazboot. You should join Arya at the temple. In fact, with how you talk about the princess you sound blinder than he is. And he's actually blind. [[* ->vilager fight]]Your vessel steps out into a small courtyard. A group of villagers are talking heatedly. You recognise the two at the centre, one of the Twins from earlier and the Scheming Man. Mazboot attempts drawing attention to himself. //MAZBOOT// Alright, alright, let's settle down. //RAJ// I wouldn't expect a court jester to understand. Or even be able to read. //ADITH// Oh that's low, Raj. Reaaal classy coming from someone who makes a living off getting people wasted. Oh wait, do you even still own Lungs Tavern? //RAJ// Watch it Adith. You have created a secret - (click-replace: "You have created a secret -")[You have created a secret - Unclear ownership rights over Lungs Tavern. Your vessel pushes through the crowd. //MAZBOOT// [[* ->both]]That's enough, break it up. [[* ->adith]]Adith, tell me what's going on. ]//RAJ// I don't suppose your mother would know? A couple people in the crowd giggle while the rest cock their heads in confusion. Mazboot mirrors them, helmet slipping over his eyes. //MAZBOOT// [[* ->fight4]]My mother has been away on an a trading expedition with my father for a fortnight. How could she possibly know? Tell me, what is the problem. [[* ->fight4]]My mother has been retired from knighthood for years now. I am trained in villager conflict resolution, relay to me the dispute.Raj looks at you irritatedly. Adith intervenes. //ADITH// No offence buddy, but we've already been through this with one knight. //RAJ// Quite. Where is the royal highness? For the first time mazboot does not consider vocalising what is on his mind. //MAZBOOT// //I have no clue// [[* ->fight3]]The King is occupied. [[* ->fight3]]It is a sensitive matter and I am not at liberty to disclose that. raj smirks. Your vessel blinks, confused. Raj puffs up his chest, finger puncturing the air. //RAJ// That is my chicken. //ADITH// Then how could I be holding it. //RAJ// Because you stole it. Obviously. //MAZBOOT// [[* ->fight6]]Did you steal it Adith? [[* ->fight6]]Why is it wearing jewelry? //ADITH// Her name is Foxy. And she is my partner. //RAJ// Oh Lands, animal abuse. //ADITH// For my act. Gadahe. (donkey) //RAJ// Well Mazboot? Raj crosses his arms and faces you, as resolute and immovable as a monolith. //What do you know?// [[Capture Adith, ->adith dispute]] [[Capture Raj, ->raj dispute]], [[Capture Chicken,->chicken dispute]] [[Remain. ->maz dispute]]//MAZBOOT// Right. But where did you buy her from? //ADITH// [[* ->adith3]]Aryaman. The chicken man. [[* ->adith3]]The hermit fellow. //RAJ// Aha! I bought her from Aryaman. //ADITH// What d'you mean "aha"? I said his name first. //RAJ// You fool, I specifically bought that chicken for it is trained. //ADITH// Trained for what? You don't do magic. //RAJ// I'm under no sufferance to tell you my private affairs. //ADITH// Because you haven't thought of a lie yet- Mazboot bangs his chest plate, wincing from the impact. //MAZBOOT// Alright! Ow - Alright, this problem is easily solved. We shall ask the chicken man- er, Aryaman. The two men snort. //ADITH// [[* ->adith4]]Good luck with that. [[* ->adith4]]It would be easier to find a fart in a storm. //MAZBOOT// I know he is quite the hermit ... but he shall have to make an exception for a knight of the king's guard. //RAJ// False. He doesn't even deign to attend the Queen's parties. Have you not noticed? You have created a secret - (click-replace: "You have created a secret -")[You have created a secret - Aryaman does not attend the Queen's parties. Whispers erupt in the crowd, all speculating on the chicken man's strange elusiveness. //ADITH// //I never liked him.// [[* ->adith5]]Everyone's been talking about it. Some of the rumors should be of special concern to you, as a knight of the king's guard. [[* ->adith5]]Bless his suspicious heart for ushering my sweet Foxy into this world. ]The whispers rise. Maboot bangs his chest plate again, suppressing a wince. //MAZBOOT// That's enough! I will not tolerate the festering of gossip. I will take the chicken for now and oversee the investigaion. Mazboot takes the chicken out of your vessel's arms as you blow a kiss to it, promising a swift reunion. Mazboot walks back into the palace. (click-replace: "Mazboot walks back into the palace.")[ Your vessel trails him for a bit before veering off, heading down a staircase, intending to go to the palace workers quarters. //What do you know?// [[Capture Mazboot, ->maz to queens room]] [[Remain. ->palace workers quarters]] ]A handmaiden rises to shut the door in your face. Abruptly, she pauses and places a firm hand on your cheek, turning you to face her, eerily still. She looks deep into your eyes. //HANDMAIDEN// I see you. [[CAUGHT. ->handmaiden caught]]Both men begin speaking at the same time, insisting their own narrative is the true one. //What do you know?// [[Capture Adith, ->adith dispute]] [[Capture Raj, ->raj dispute]], [[Capture Chicken,->chicken dispute]]Adith looks down at you worriedly. //ADITH// Did you hear that? She's never made that sound before. //FOXY// [[* ->chicken3]]Cluck [[* ->chicken3]]Buck-awk The arguing resumes. You search the memories of the chicken. (click-replace: "You search the memories of the chicken")[They began approximately ten seconds ago. //What do you know?// [[Capture Adith, ->adith dispute]] [[Capture Raj, ->raj dispute]], [[Capture Mazboot. ->maz dispute]] ]Your vessel ducks under the desk, watching Mazboot and the handmaiden wrestle with the chicken. //QUEEN// //Disastrous, oh Great Lands.// [[* ->queen3]]Try to stay still dear! [[* ->queen3]]Grab the little shit! The handmaiden runs around the room, headful of chicken. //QUEEN// //Shall I take this as divine providence? Him bringing me a rampaging chicken just as I was looking through the list of Knights for suspects?// [[* ->queen4]]Play dead, child! [[* ->queen4]]Whack it with a goblet! //QUEEN// //Or perhaps, do I have it twisted up? Would my husbands bastard child and secret heir to the kingdom never be involved in such an embarassing affair?// You have created a secret - (click-replace: "You have created a secret -")[You have created a secret - The King may have a bastard child, heir to the kingdom. Your vessel makes a dart for the doors, slipping out and shutting them behind her. (click-replace: "shutting them behind her.")[ You rearrange your sari, smiling sagaciously at Knight Balbir. He glances at the door, concerned by the screams emanating from within. //KNIGHT BALBIR// It is nearing midnight your Highness, the guests await your address. A handmaiden stands at the end of the hallway, waiting to escort the Queen. //What do you know?// [[Capture Knight, ->report to baba end part 1]] [[Remain. ->queen caught by handmaiden]] ]]The floor gleams, reflecting a mosaic in the ceiling. An area of the floor begins emitting a soft luminescence. The tesserae of the mosaic begin begin shuffling around each other, forming the image of Baba, laughing to someone out of view. You expect the Knight to notice but he merely purses his lips to creat the facade of a higher cheekbones. //BABA// Hehe stop, haha, you're impossible haha, I //said//, you're impossible, you! Hehehe Baba's face swims into view, eyes bloodshoot and drooping, his smile sedate. //BABA// Oh it's you is it. Well? what's got you looking so pinched. Voices laugh in the background on Baba's end and he flips a lock of hair over his shoulder magnanimously. //BABA// I kid, I kid. I'm a trickster hehe. Spit it out deva, what have you found? Can't you see I have good company. Which rumor have you identified as the most sordid? [[*-> secretfail]]Three villagers in strange garb discuss how they killed the king. [[*-> secretfail]]Only one villager does not attend the Queen's parties [[*-> secretfail]]The High Priestess is chasing after someone. [[*-> secretfail]]Does a shadowy secret society sit seclustered? Secretly? [[*-> secretfail]]Princess Gauri is in love with the knight, Mazboot the Second [[*-> secretfail]]Princess Gauri sneaks off somewhere in the early mornings. [[*-> secretfail]]Unclear ownership rights over Lungs Tavern. [[*-> secretfail]]Palace workers side with the royal family in times of conflict. [[*-> endpart1]]The King may have a bastard child, heir to the kingdom contact baba 1st and second timeYou have become riverstone. The sound of running water reaches you first. Then, Baba's voice, more strung out than last night's. //BABA// Ugghh. Never bumping potion drops again. My acursed head ... argh. Baba's voice floats through the air. Hundred of shoots of bamboo spring from the earth, climbing high overhead. You realise you are a smooth round river stone, one of many in the stream, forming a path to a stone structure ahead. //BABA// Change of scenery, this is the Temple. The greatest impediment and bane of my existence in any target- uh, I mean, kingdom - are sadhus, priests, saints, babas, monks, or whatever the charlatans fancy calling themselves. So, first order of the day, go check out the competition. And if you find them impressive, take care to remember that the souls truly touched by the divine are the least vocal in their self campaigning. Oh! And, you should also notice it takes less effort to capture vessels now. With the exception, of course, of highly guarded individuals. Go on then. Shoo. Argh ... Preeti, bring me the headache soother ... no, the other, less sharp rock ... //What do you know?// [[Capture riverstone ->riverstone2]] You move ahead by one river stone. Couple more to go. //What do you know?// [[Capture riverstone ->riverstone3]] You move ahead by one river stone. Voices trickle through the air. //What do you know?// [[Capture riverstone ->riverstone4]] You move ahead by one river stone. The voices rise, and with them the appearance of two sandaled feet - two monks emerge into view, seated on the steps of the temple. //MONK RISHAUN// Have you heard, Arya? His voice is high pitched, betraying his young pre-adolescent age. //MONK ARYA// All I can do is hear. //MONK RISHAUN// Very funny. You can smell too. You smell right now in fact. The two monks laugh. //MONK ARYA// Go on Rishaun. Share with me what sordid stories you've overhead in the fountain square today. //MONK RISHAUN// Pestilence. Arya gasps, head minutely turning in the other monk's direction, ear angled more [[attentively.]] You have become flower pot. A clawed paw swipes at you with vengeace. Your vessel topples to the floor, shattering. Two globular eyes appear from the recesses of the window. A territorial cat. The cat can sense you. Your essence threatens to dissipate, the shards of the flower pot too meagre to hold you. //What do you know?// [[Capture letter,->letter1]] [[Capture wind chimes. ->windchimes1]], [[Retreat, Capture rock. ->remainrock]]You have become letter. Sharp teeth puncture through every layer of your vessel, several times. The toothy maw pierces and shreds through your flimsy paper vessel, reducing you to kindling. The boundary holding you weakens, turning into little more than plant fibres barely woven together. //What do you know?// [[Capture flower pot,->flower2]] [[Capture wind chimes, ->windchimes2]] [[Retreat, Capture rock. ->remainrock]]You have become wind chimes. An angry feline yowl, ripped from the throat of a hellbeast, followed by the sharp clank of metal on metal. You fall to the floor with a great clattering, resounding sonorously. A cat looms over you, perched on the window sill, tail swishing, taunting, daring you to try again. //What do you know?// [[Capture flower pot,->flower3]] [[Capture letter,->letter3]] [[Retreat, Capture rock. ->remainrock]]You have become letter. Sharp teeth puncture through every layer of your vessel, several times. The toothy maw pierces and shreds through your flimsy paper vessel, reducing you to kindling. The boundary holding you weakens, turning into little more than plant fibres barely woven together. //What do you know?// [[Capture wind chimes, ->windchimes1.1]] [[Capture rock. ->remainrock]] You have become wind chimes. An angry feline yowl, ripped from the throat of a hellbeast, followed by the sharp clank of metal on metal. You fall to the floor with a great clattering, resounding sonorously. A cat looms over you, perched on the window sill, tail swishing, taunting, daring you to try again. //What do you know?// [[Capture letter,->letter1.1]] [[Capture rock. ->remainrock]] You have become wind chimes. An angry feline yowl, ripped from the throat of a hellbeast, followed by the sharp clank of metal on metal. You fall to the floor with a great clattering, resounding sonorously. A cat looms over you, perched on the window sill, tail swishing, taunting, daring you to try again. //What do you know?// [[Capture rock. ->remainrock]] You have become letter. Sharp teeth puncture through every layer of your vessel, several times. The toothy maw pierces and shreds through your flimsy paper vessel, reducing you to kindling. The boundary holding you weakens, turning into little more than plant fibres barely woven together. //What do you know?// [[Capture rock. ->remainrock]] You have become flower pot. A clawed paw swipes at you with vengeace. Your vessel topples to the floor, shattering. Two globular eyes appear from the recesses of the window. A territorial cat. The cat can sense you. Your essence threatens to dissipate, the shards of the flower pot too meagre to hold you. //What do you know?// [[Capture wind chimes, ->windchimes2.1]] [[Capture rock. ->remainrock]] You have become wind chimes. An angry feline yowl, ripped from the throat of a hellbeast, followed by the sharp clank of metal on metal. You fall to the floor with a great clattering, resounding sonorously. A cat looms over you, perched on the window sill, tail swishing, taunting, daring you to try again. //What do you know?// [[Capture flower pot,->flower2.1]][[Capture rock. ->remainrock]] You have become wind chimes. An angry feline yowl, ripped from the throat of a hellbeast, followed by the sharp clank of metal on metal. You fall to the floor with a great clattering, resounding sonorously. A cat looms over you, perched on the window sill, tail swishing, taunting, daring you to try again. //What do you know?// [[Capture rock. ->remainrock]] You have become flower pot. A clawed paw swipes at you with vengeace. Your vessel topples to the floor, shattering. Two globular eyes appear from the recesses of the window. A territorial cat. The cat can sense you. Your essence threatens to dissipate, the shards of the flower pot too meagre to hold you. //What do you know?// [[Capture rock. ->remainrock]] You have become flower pot. A clawed paw swipes at you with vengeace. Your vessel topples to the floor, shattering. Two globular eyes appear from the recesses of the window. A territorial cat. The cat can sense you. Your essence threatens to dissipate, the shards of the flower pot too meagre to hold you. //What do you know?// [[Capture letter,->letter3.1]] [[Capture rock. ->remainrock]] You have become letter. Sharp teeth puncture through every layer of your vessel, several times. The toothy maw pierces and shreds through your flimsy paper vessel, reducing you to kindling. The boundary holding you weakens, turning into little more than plant fibres barely woven together. //What do you know?// [[Capture flower pot,->flower3.1]] [[Capture rock. ->remainrock]] You have become flower pot. A clawed paw swipes at you with vengeace. Your vessel topples to the floor, shattering. Two globular eyes appear from the recesses of the window. A territorial cat. The cat can sense you. Your essence threatens to dissipate, the shards of the flower pot too meagre to hold you. //What do you know?// [[Capture rock. ->remainrock]] You have become letter. Sharp teeth puncture through every layer of your vessel, several times. The toothy maw pierces and shreds through your flimsy paper vessel, reducing you to kindling. The boundary holding you weakens, turning into little more than plant fibres barely woven together. //What do you know?// [[Capture rock. ->remainrock]] You have become rock. You stew in annoyance. The cat watches you from a windowsil, nose upturned in haughty victory. You imagine a slight mist rising from the rock as you seethe. An unpleasant hum floats through the air. The clink of anklets precedes Princess Gauri's arrival. (click-replace: "arrival.")[arrival. She approaches the house, attempting at affecting non chalance yet glancing around surreptitiously. The cat jumps down from the windowsil, weaving its body around the princess' shins, clearly familiar with her, purring. //GAURI// Shh, keep that purring low, yes? The cat purrs softer. Gauri slots a key into the door and unlocks it, slipping inside. //What do you know?// [[Capture Princess Gauri, ->enter in gauri]] ]Your vessel playfully pushes her nose into the cat's fur and then springs to her feet, looking around the house. //GAURI// //Mid century medieval, ghastly. That rug is definitely ... a choice. Oh they've redone the kitchen, how lovely.// You walk into a bedroom. (click-replace: "You walk into a bedroom.")[You walk into a bedroom. It appears unused, boxes of books and armor crowding the bed. Crude drawings of cows and stick figures in battle are taped to the walls. //GAURI// //Oh Shona, the cruel hand of time has graced me this one repreive. The room of your childhood, from where spawned the boyish avatar in which you first ushered the dawn into my days, this room remains untouched.// Your vessel approaches the boxes. //GAURI// // Fault me not for intruding into this sacred place, for I shall always grant you safe passge to what I hold most sacred ...// Your vessel presses a timid hand to her core, flushing red. //GAURI// //My mind.// Your vessel begins rooting through the room, digging through drawers and boxes and fawning over objects she finds. Nosy little thing isn't she? Such privation of privacy, you would never. [[You pull a letter out of the depths of a box. ->loveletter]] ]Your vessel croutches to the cat's level, hand outstretched, the head of a baby lizard delicately held in the centre. The cat cautiously inches forward, intermittently hissing, sensing you in Gauri's body. Animal instincts winning out, it settles into a crouch, gingerly taking the lizard head into it's mouth. The crunch of little bones. //GAURI// [[* ->mazhouse2]]The ol' push and pull huh. If I was a better woman that wouldn't work on me. [[* ->mazhouse2]]Dramatic kitty. We have something in common you and I. !!You have created a secret - Princess Gauri used to frequent the Mazboots' residence!! Your vessel croutches to the cat's level, hand outstretched, the head of a baby lizard delicately held in the centre. The cat cautiously inches forward, intermittently hissing, sensing you in Gauri's body. Animal instincts winning out, it settles into a crouch, gingerly taking the lizard head into it's mouth. The crunch of little bones. //GAURI// [[* ->mazhouse2]]The ol' push and pull huh. If I was a better woman that wouldn't work on me. [[* ->mazhouse2]]Dramatic kitty. We have something in common you and I. Your vessel playfully pushes her nose into the cat's fur and then springs to her feet, looking around the house. gauri thoughts: Mid century medieval, ghastly. That rug is definitely ... a choice. Oh they've redone the kitchen, how lovely. You walk into a bedroom. It appears unused, boxes of books and armor crowding the bed. Crude drawings of cows and stick figures in battle are taped to the walls. gauri thoughts: Oh Shona, the cruel hand of time has graced me this one repreive. The room of your childhood, from where spawned the boyish avatar in which you first ushered the dawn into my days, this room remains untouched. Your vessel approaches the boxes. gauri: Fault me not for intruding into this sacred place, for I shall always grant you safe passge to what I hold most sacred ... Your vessel presses a timid hand to her core, flushing red. g thoughts: My mind. Your vessel begins rooting through the room, digging through drawers and boxes and fawning over objects she finds. Nosy little thing isn't she? Such privation of privacy, you would never. Love letters g thoughts: This scrawl looks familiar ... is it yours Shona? the letter: To mine most true, my grumpy poo Your vessel reels in shock. g thoughts: Could it be? letter: Shall I recount the things I adore the most about thee? Your vessel twirls around, letter clutched to her chest. g thoughts: Maz dearest, you have penned me a love letter, how glorious! I didn't know you knew how to write. letter: Thy wails, thy nightly moonlit crones, calling out to me. g thoughts: My Mazboot, a poet yet. He loves the way I send him my dinner order. letter: Thy close cropped locks, hair like crabgrass, but most of all, that supple a- g thought: He loves my hair, cropped close like crabgrass - wait. You pour over the letter once more. g thought: I don't have short hair. gauri drops to her knees. g thought: Snuffed out. Just like that. This love letter is meant is promised to another. Hands trembling, you read the rest of the letter. The walls rise up, interminably high. letter: My puppy poo, my Dania. g thought: Oh! Oh ... this letter is addressed to Mazboot's mother! Shona, my everlasting love we are joined once more, you have not written this - unless ... could it be? No, gods no Gauri, before you blunder into another misunderstadning finish reading the letter. Letter: P.S. do you really intend to marry that mazboot lad after all? g thought: Oh! Oh! gauri rejoices, twirling around the room once more. g thought: Oh Shona, you have not penned this sordid missive, I see now! Your mother had an affair! Unfortunate for Mazboot senior but gone are all the impetus to our tryst now! You have created a secret - Dania Mazboot had an affair. The cat enters the room, yowling. Your vessel startles, shaken from her hermetic seal to the world outside her fantasies. You fly into action, pocketing the letters and rushing out the room, only to see the handle of the front door turning.//GAURI// //This scrawl looks familiar ... deeply familiar ... is it yours Shona?// //LETTER// To mine most true, my grumpy poo Your vessel reels in shock. (click-replace: "Your vessel reels in shock. ")[Your vessel reels in shock. //GAURI// //Could it be?// //LETTER// Shall I recount the things I adore the most about thee? Your vessel twirls around, letter clutched to her chest, freely Speaking out loud. //GAURI// Maz dearest, you have penned me a love letter, how glorious! I didn't know you knew how to write. //LETTER// Thy wails, thy nightly moonlit crones, calling out to me. //GAURI// My Mazboot, a poet yet. He loves the way I send him my dinner order. //LETTER// Thy close cropped locks, hair like crabgrass, but most of all, that supple a- //GAURI// He loves my short hair, like crabgrass - wait. You pour over the letter once more. (click-replace: "You pour over the letter once more.")[You pour over the letter once more. //GAURI// I don't have short hair. Your vessel drops to her knees. //GAURI// Snuffed out. Just like that. This love letter was promised to another. Hands trembling, you read the rest of the letter. The walls rise up, interminably high. //LETTER// Mine most true, my puppy poo, my Dania - boo. //GAURI// Dania? Oh! Oh ... this letter is addressed to your mother! My everlasting love we are entwined once more, you have not written this letter - unless ... could it be? No, gods no Gauri, before you blunder into another misunderstadning finish reading the letter. //LETTER// P.S. do you really intend to marry that Mazboot lad after all? //GAURI// Oh! Oh! Your vessel rejoices, twirling around the room once more. //GAURI// Oh Shona, you have not penned this sordid missive, I see now! Your mother had an affair! Unfortunate for Mazboot senior but gone are all the impetus to our tryst now! You have created a secret - (click-replace: "You have created a secret -")[You have created a secret - Dania Mazboot had an affair. The cat enters the room, yowling. Your vessel startles, shaken from her hermetic seal to the world outside her fantasies. You fly into action, pocketing the letters and rushing out the room, only to see the handle of the front door turning. [[Your vessels jumps onto the bed, scrambling through a window. ->gauricaught]] ]]] Daksha beams. //YUVA// Apologies Raj, could you give me a moment alone with your business partner please? The High Priestess affixes you with a dead eyed stare. Daksha widens her eyes at you, begging. Your vessel pretends to have heard someone call his name and slips behind the bar. //YUVA// As I was saying, the young couple wanted me to bless their union. Apparently I had once preached that fertile flowers bring fertile marriages. You strain to hear them, shooing a woman away when she steps up to order a drink. //YUVA// The air was so thick with pollen every breath felt like a razor. Daksha snorts, starting to move behind the bar. //DAKSHA// Obviously. You're allergic. Yuva exaggeratedly swoons. //YUVA// So you remember. The rumours are true, you still - Daksha whirls on a grinning Yuva. She searches her expression for something specific. Not finding it, her face crumples into anger. Daksha opens and closes her mouth several times. Finally she grabs Yuva by the wrist and drags her into the store room. Your vessel nosily peaks through the narrowing the door. //What do you know?// [[Capture Yuva, ->yuva bar fail]] [[Capture Daksha. ->daksha bar success]]Daksha smiles at you, incensed. Your vessel pretends to have heard someone call his name and slips behind the bar. //YUVA// As I was saying, the young couple wanted me to bless their union. Apparently I had once preached that fertile flowers bring fertile marriages. You strain to hear them, shooing a woman away when she steps up to order a drink. //YUVA// The air was so thick with pollen every breath felt like a razor. Daksha snorts, starting to move behind the bar. //DAKSHA// Obviously. You're allergic. Yuva exaggeratedly swoons. //YUVA// So you remember. The rumours are true, you still - Daksha whirls on a grinning Yuva. She searches her expression for something specific. Not finding it, her face crumples into anger. Daksha opens and closes her mouth several times. Finally, she grabs Yuva by the wrist and drags her into the store room. Your vessel nosily peaks through the narrowing the door. //What do you know?// [[Capture Yuva, ->yuva bar fail]] [[Capture Daksha. ->daksha bar success]]//YUVA// I only want to talk to you - //DAKSHA// [[* ->daksha2]] Talk to me? About what, young married couples and flowers? No, there's something more you want from me. [[* ->daksha3]] I don't ... we don't talk. Much less about young married couples and flowers. Yuva's face softens. //YUVA// This is talking, duck. //DAKSHA// [[* ->daksha4]]No - don't. After all this time you expect to come to me wearing the veil of a kicked puppy and have me believe it? [[* ->daksha4]]Stop. What is it you seek this time? Information? //YUVA// You think me having ulterior motives - //DAKSHA// [[* ->daksha5]]You always have ulterior motives. [[* ->daksha5]] Don't you dare look affronted. //YUVA// You think me having ulterior motives - //DAKSHA// [[* ->daksha5]]You always have ulterior motives. [[* ->daksha5]]Don't you dare look affronted. Yuva laughs - a bitter laugh. //YUVA// Strange you should say that. Are you aware how affected your self righteousness has looked lately? Especially in this light. The High Priestess taps the lightbulb, sending it lightly swinging. The shadow cast by the bulb warps their faces on each swing, altering their expressions, leaving little room to guess at some base, inherently true image of their faces. The moment takes on shaky ground. //YUVA// If I did only want to talk to you about young married couples and flowers, am I not allowed? Your vessel glances away, to a corner where two walls meet the floor. Your vessel mentally anchors herself to the realness of that corner. You feel strange. You cautiously probe down terrible corridors of frightening implications, land bridges erected between isles of souls - connection. You balk at the cliff drop at the edge of pursuing that expansion of perspective. Yuva sighs and opens the door. Light floods the store room, backlighting her. //DAKSHA// [[Reach for Yuva]] [[Let her leave]] You swell, every particle of your being, if you could be said to have divisible particles, lights up. Agency. Not just over what your vessel vocalises but enacting true change upon the world. How great it is (I am). Your vessel reaches out and grabs her wrist. You tangibly feel a splintering in the High Priestess's periphery. What do you know? [[Capture Yuva, ->yuva success]] [[Remain ->dakshaend]]The door swings shut. Your vessel stands in the slim cocoon of light, darkness blanketing her. Five minutes of cold silence passes and then your vessel exits the store room, noise rising and filling her world once more. Your vessel pours herself a large jug of a pale coloured liquid, staring into it's bubbly depths. [[Contact Baba. ->babalungs]]Your vessel disgracefully drops to the ground //GAURI// Oof! //A swift exit, and I slink into the shadows once more.// Just as you manage to get your legs under you and hobble a few steps away, Mazboot rushes out of the house, sword drawn. You both startle at the sight of each other. //MAZBOOT// Oh! Gauri - it's you. //GAURI// //It's always been me.// //MAZBOOT// I heard sounds, I thought you were a large rat. Did you have a fall? Your vessel glares at Mazboot, hunched over like a question mark. //GAURI// No. You attempt walking away and wince at a twinge from your ankle. //MAZBOOT// Are you here to see me? //GAURI// [[* ->mazhouse3]]Of course not. I am ... doing my rounds, watching over my people. I'm off to loom over the markets now. [[* ->mazhouse3]]You flatter yourself. I'm merely passing through. You press your palms together in namaste position. //RISHAUN// [[*->prayer2]]By the light of all moons and suns, [[*->prayer2]]Spirit of the flesh, from where we come.//RISHAUN// [[*->prayer4]]Expel the demon, give this man the runs, [[*->prayer3]]Drive out the demon. So he may find relief near,//RISHAUN// [[*->prayer4]]Purge and clear his sphere. [[*->prayer4]]Purge and end his queers.The villagers look at you falteringly, expecting you to go on. Your vessel bows his head sagaciously. They side eye each other but bow their heads as well. The High Priestess smooths out her smile and begins ushering the villagers out. //THE HIGH PRIESTESS// Thank you for visiting the temple. As usual, we accept donations in cash only ... The three temple workers watch the villager's egeress, palms pressed together in namaste. Once they round the bend of the river, [[the High Priestess shuts the temple doors. ->temple2]] //THE HIGH PRIESTESS// Well, another soul saved from damnation. The three of you snicker. //RISHAUN// [[* ->temple3]]Must I always be the one to spin tales? I can only rhyme "suns" with so many things. [[* ->temple4]]Real funny Arya. I'm tired of coming up with prayers about pooping. //THE HIGH PRIESTESS// Little Rishaun, you play your part well. I do not relish my part of spying on the villagers either. But it is necessary to know which villager attempted to sit on which pointy rock again. //ARYA// Would you rather be blinded so you can play my part? The High Priestess tsks, mumbling "This again" as she walks away. Your vessel grumbles. //RISHAUN// [[* ->temple6]]Surely we can both pretend to traverse the spirit world. [[* ->temple6]]Would I rather be the one conversing with God than making rhymes about poo? Lands, no. //ARYA// It's not always about pooping - //RISHAUN// [[* ->temple3]] It is always about pooping. How many more villagers are going to eat things they found in their shoes? [[* ->temple3]] True, sometimes it's about vomiting.//ARYA// You know the kingdom puts no stock in our sciences. It's a simple issue, grounded in the virtue of humility- anyone so sure of their own narrative must be espousing a false one. They believe in miracles, not diagnostics. Take it as a compliment, they think me a miracle because they expect less of a blind man. Your vessel sighs before helping Arya out the temple, squeezing his arm good naturedly. You have created a secret - (click-replace: "You have created a secret -")[You have created a secret - The temple workers are keen observers and believers in science, operating under the guise of divining the spirit world. //RISHAUN// [[* ->temple7]]Just promise me a big chunk of land when you inherit the temple. [[* ->temple7]]Boo hoo, I'm Arya and I can't see all the cute girls and guys that want me. ]Arya laughs. //HIGH PRIESTESS// Arya? Could you come mind the couldron please, I'm off to Lung's Tavern. Your vessel shares a look with Arya. //RISHAUN// [[*-> temple8]]Uh-oh, should we stop her? [[*-> temple8]]She's running off to see Daksha isn't she? info about secret heir- male, born before gauriArya shrugs his shoulders and walks back into the temple, reed swiping the floor as he goes. Your vessel drops down by the river, dipping bare feet into the stream. This would be an opportune time to [[contact Baba. ->BABATEMPLE]] You attempt to hobble away faster but are impeded by another twinge of pain from your traitorous ankle. Mazboot looks at it pointedly. //MAZBOOT// Come wait inside, you can take the next bullock taxi that comes by. Mazboot takes your vessel's arm. Panic shoots through you, unwilling to sit alone with him for fear of what embarassing thing you are bound to say. //GAURI// [[* ->mazhouse4]]I'm quite alright. Your parents aren't home and I am univited. [[* ->sitrock]]I couldn't possibly impose. I can sit here on this rock. //MAZBOOT// Nonsense. Mother always says to treat you like family. It occurs to you that with the discovery of his mother's affair, Mazboot just shot up the list of suspects of the King's bastard child. He very well could be family. Mazboot guides you into the house despite your protests. //MAZBOOT// Besides, there's rumors of an epidemic. People have been acting strange... The cat stalks towards you and leaps up at you. //MAZBOOT// No, Subbu! Your vessel catches the cat, cradling him as he snuggles into you. //MAZBOOT// Oh ... I guess he remembers you. He's been feral lately, very territorial. Hardly lets anyone in the house. [[You enter the house. ->mazhouse5]] //MAZBOOT// Nonsense. Mother always says to treat you like family. It occurs to you that with the discovery of his mother's affair, Mazboot just shot up the list of suspects of the King's bastard child. He very well could be family. //MAZBOOT// But, if you insist, I shall wait with you. There's rumors of an epidemic. People have been acting strange... He guides your vessel towards a large rock, helping you perch on it. Mazboot kneels, gingerly taking your ankle. Heat rushes through your face. //GAURI// //This simply cannot be happening.// //MAZBOOT// Doesn't look swollen. We could bandage it just to be sure. //GAURI// [[* ->flirt1]] Thank you ... I am indebted to you. [[* ->sibs1]] Family ... Indeed, you are akin to a brother to me. Your vessel perches on a couch. Mazboot kneels, gingerly taking your ankle. Heat rushes through your face. He leaves the door open, in order to see any bullock carts that come by. Yet, the (almost) enclosed space feels more intimate. //GAURI// //This simply cannot be happening.// //MAZBOOT// Doesn't look swollen. We could bandage it just to be sure. //GAURI// [[* ->flirt1]] If you must fuss around ... thank you. [[* ->sibs1]] Family ... Indeed, you are akin to a brother to me. You have become Bloated Man. //YUVA// There was a young couple who came to the temple every day last spring. They made hundreds of garlands of marigolds for my ceremonies, braided jasmines into my hair, and even planted an acre of hibiscus behind the temple. Did you know that? You'd know that if you - //DAKSHA// You said you'd burn my tavern down if you ever saw me again. Daksha ducks under the arm of a waiter and goes on ducking and dodging, trying to get away. Yuva maintains a straight path, the villagers hurrying to move out of her way. //YUVA// He said, she said, me said, who the heck said really... They walk out of earshot once more. Daksha is making a beeline for Raj, at the far end of the bar. You survey the bar for someone close to them. You spot Knight Balbir, chugging from a large goblet. //What do you know?// [[Capture Raj, ->raj capture bar]] [[Capture Knight Balbir. ->balbir capture]]//YUVA// Is this what you want? Playing pleasure games and rotting our souls? Your vessel turns her eyes downwards. //YUVA// Maybe it doesn't matter if I shall not be here any longer anyway. Why not just play then? Yuva grabs your vessel's hand and roughly presses a kiss to the palm. The act is one of anger. //YUVA// Fine. Keep your silence, and keep playing hide and seek with me. But don't be surprised when you find yourself lost one day if I stop seeking. [[Abruptly, Yuva leaves. ->Let her leave]] Babas face turns disdainful. //BABA// Is that all you could scrounge up? Tsk ... most disappointing. Very well, clearly you don't have nosey skills necessary needed to extract the secrets of this kingdom. [[Back to the void from whence you came, deva. ->endgame]]Babas face lights up. //BABA// Oh //oh// now that is juicy. Perfect. Well done. Mwahahhah. Okay, go all out, find this heir. Sounds like the kingdom is going to be wasted the rest of the night and I am sure you have found out by now how useless capturing a wasted vessel can be. I'll send you back out at noon, the kingdom should be up and about by then. [[Back to the void.]] GAME OVERBaba's droopy face swims into view, made droopier by the drifting current. You relay your investigation of the templeworkers to Baba. //BABA// Tsk ... charlatans. They make a mockery of the spiritual practice. That's enough faffing about now, head to the village proper and get digging. The High Priestess shall be leaving soon, you can hitch a ride with her cow if you find her curious. Or, I'll ship you to Mazboot's house, the Queen did let slip he's on her list of suspects. I would strongly encourage you to do the latter and prioritise snooping around for the secret heir first. Baba gestures impatiently, hand poised to shuffle your being in the chosen direction. [[Investigate Mazboot]] [[Follow Yuva to Lung's Tavern ->yuvacow]] You are shaken like a rag doll and unceremoniously emptied into the air outside a human dwelling. Your trusty friend, a rock, lounges nearby. //What do you know?// [[Capture rock ->blocked by cat]] You have become cow. The journey to town is unencumbered by anything of interest. Your vessel ambles along, the High Priestess perched delicately on the cart behind you. Passing villagers call out to her, some even rushing up and bending their heads, her out stretched palm ghosting over their crowns. At last, you arrive at [[Lungs Tavern.]]Shaded by towering banana trees, Lung's Tavern resembles a pile of roughly thrown togher rocks. Racous laughter rises from inside. The High Priestess disembarks, greeting someone you recognise - the Amused Woman from the palace courtyard last night. The two woman regard each other with hands politely pressed together in namaste position. //HIGH PRIESTESS// Is she in? The Amused Woman giggles and pushes open the door to the tavern. //What do you know?// [[Capture Amused Woman. ->enterlungs]]You have become Amused Woman. The tavern is a bustle of acitivity. Intoxicated villagers shout across tables, decorum abandoned. Your vessel guides the High Priestess through the throng, smothering a giggle to herself. //AMUSED WOMAN// There she goes ... Taking orders two tables away is Daksha. Yuva approaches her, standing just behind her. A villager bumps into Daksha, drunkenly stepping on her foot. She yowls and swats his shoulder. //YUVA// [[Mrow. ->lungs tavern]] Baba's face appears in the bottom of the glass. //BABA// All done with your joyride? Where to? [[Mazboot's house ->Investigate mazboot]] [[End the day at the Temple ->investigate arya]] Daksha turns her eyes downward. Yuva bristles. //YUVA// [[* ->yuva3]]The Queen is nearing an answer each day and once she does, I cannot be sure I won't be cast out of the kingdom. Sometimes I wonder if that was your intention all along. [[* ->yuva4]]Maybe it doesn't matter if I shall not be here any longer anyway. Why not play frivolous games then? You have created a secret - (click-replace: "You have created a secret -")[You have created a secret - Yuva, the High Priestess, is hiding something from the Queen. Your vessel grabs Daksha's hand and roughly presses a kiss to the palm. The act is one of anger. //YUVA// Fine. Keep your silence, and keep playing hide and seek with me. But don't pretend you won't be shattered one day if I stop seeking. [[Abruptly, Yuva leaves. ->Let her leave]] ]Your vessel grabs Daksha's hand and roughly presses a kiss to the palm. The act is one of anger. //YUVA// Fine. Keep your silence, and keep playing hide and seek with me. But don't be surprised when you find yourself lost one day if I stop seeking. [[Abruptly, Yuva leaves. ->Let her leave]] Your vessel bats her eyelashes at Mazboot. The gesture goes unseen as he is bent over your ankle. //MAZBOOT// Coming to your aid is becoming a daily occurrence now. //GAURI// [[* ->flirt2]]Is that a taunt? [[* ->flirt2]]You are employed by my father, I must keep you busy somehow. Mazboot's eyebrows shoot into his head. His eyes dart up at you, hands frozen while unravelling a roll of cloth. //GAURI// //Strange, I don't remember falling on my head.// //MAZBOOT// Coming to your aid is becoming a daily occurrence now. //GAURI// [[* ->flirt2]]Is that a taunt? [[* ->flirt2]]You are employed by my father, I must keep you busy somehow. You attempt to capture Arya. You are flung back. While this would ordinarily result in you being caught, you breathe a metaphorical sigh of relief, for the monk's blindness prevents him from perceiving you - The sharp crash of metal on stone- (click-replace: "The sharp crash of metal on stone-")[The sharp crash of metal on stone- the golden plate hitting the floor- the sound rings out, bouncing off the walls and bearing back down on you. His eyes wide, pupils dilated, taking in as much light as they can, for the first time they are clearly focused on something. The monk is looking at you. Hands once frozen, they now begin to tremble. You have created a secret - (click-replace: "You have created a secret -")[You have created a secret - Arya, the blind monk, is running a con. He has his sight. He sees //you.// A nebulous cloud, roiling mass of stolen knowledge and pilfered bodies. You wait for him to scream, to entrap you in a sacred gourd himself and doom you to interminable existence in mortal confinement. Instead, a whimper begins in the liar's throat. Might as well. //What do you know?// [[Capture Arya. ->arya2]] ]]You have become Arya, the blind monk. Something is very wrong.(click-replace: "Something is very wrong.")[Something is very wrong. Your vessel takes a startled step back, evidently functioning eyes sweeping the room. He searches for the phantom he saw, anxious to witness it but fearful of finding it. The sensory input through your eyes takes on new meaning, objects come unstuck, losing their relation to one another. You begin to see through another sense organ. A tingling in your forehead, growing. The limitations imposed on perception fall away, opening every door of every corridor conceivable. Twisting, cavernous labyrinths of thought laid bare and prone for your choosing. A larger pattern emerges and then collapses in on itself, again a single cog in a greater design, multiplying and mushrooming. The roiling flesh of the cosmos. You drove him mad. At last he saw it. The last man saw of god was man unseen by god. //What do you know?// [[Everything.]] ]You have become everything. (click-replace: "You have become everything. ")[You have become everything. Monk Rishaun enters the temple, [[calling out to you. ->arya3]] ] (set: $mousename to (prompt: "What is the mouse's name?:", "Mouse's Name")) (print: $mousename) You have become everything.(set: $one to (prompt: "What does Arya say:", "")) //ARYA// (print: $one) [[And then ->1]] You have become everything. //ARYA// (print: $one) (set: $two to (prompt: "What does Rishaun say:", "")) //RISHAUN// (print: $two) [[And then ->2]] You have become everything. //ARYA// (print: $one) //RISHAUN// (print: $two) (set: $three to (prompt: "What does Arya say:", "")) //ARYA// (print: $three) [[And then ->3]] You have become everything. //ARYA// (print: $one) //RISHAUN// (print: $two) //ARYA// (print: $three) (set: $four to (prompt: "What does Rishaun say:", "")) //RISHAUN// (print: $four) [[And then ->4]]You have become everything. //ARYA// (print: $one) //RISHAUN// (print: $two) //ARYA// (print: $three) //RISHAUN// (print: $four) (set: $five to (prompt: "What does Arya say:", "")) //ARYA// (print: $five) [[Bored yet? ->5]] You have become everything. //ARYA// (print: $one) //RISHAUN// (print: $two) //ARYA// (print: $three) //RISHAUN// (print: $four) //ARYA// (print: $five)(set: $six to (prompt: "What does Rishaun say:", "")) //RISHAUN// (print: $six) [[This could go on forever. ->6]]You have become everything. //ARYA// (print: $one) //RISHAUN// (print: $two) //ARYA// (print: $three) //RISHAUN// (print: $four) //ARYA// (print: $five) //RISHAUN// (print: $six)(set: $seven to (prompt: "What does Arya say:", "")) //ARYA// (print: $seven) [[It's no fun to play with yourself.->7]]You have become everything. //ARYA// (print: $one) //RISHAUN// (print: $two) //ARYA// (print: $three) //RISHAUN// (print: $four) //ARYA// (print: $five) //RISHAUN// (print: $six) //ARYA// (print: $seven)(set: $eight to (prompt: "What does Rishaun say:", "")) //RISHAUN// (print: $eight) [[The freedom to do anything you like, how crippling. ->8]]You have become everything. //ARYA// (print: $one) //RISHAUN// (print: $two) //ARYA// (print: $three) //RISHAUN// (print: $four) //ARYA// (print: $five) //RISHAUN// (print: $six) //ARYA// (print: $seven) //RISHAUN// (print: $eight)(set: $nine to (prompt: "What does Arya say:", "")) //ARYA// (print: $ten) [[Where's the surprise? The unknown? ->9]]//What do you know?// [[Nothing.]]You have become You have become everything. //ARYA// (print: $one) //RISHAUN// (print: $two) //ARYA// (print: $three) //RISHAUN// (print: $four) //ARYA// (print: $five) //RISHAUN// (print: $six) //ARYA// (print: $seven) //RISHAUN// (print: $eight) //ARYA// (print: $nine)(set: $ten to (prompt: "What does Rishaun say:", "")) //RISHAUN// (print: $eight) [[Don't you miss it? Not knowing? ->10]][[... ->temple]]//MONK RISHAUN// Or rather, rumors of a pestilence. //MONK ARYA// How many sick? //MONK RISHAUN// None, maybe. //MONK ARYA// What? Are you playing a trick? //MONK RISHAUN// No, no, it confounds me as well. A farmer relayed the rumor to me in the same manner, equally confused. //MONK ARYA// So there are rumors of rumors of an epidemic? Some contagion passing between villagers? Sounds like a riddle. //MONK RISHAUN// Indeed You have created a secret - (click-replace: "You have created a secret -")[You have created a secret - Rumors of rumors of an epidemic. A lilting voice carries on a breeze - calling Arya's name. Arya rises to his feet. He turns and walks into the temple, swiping a long bamboo reed along the floor just in front of his feet. You realise he is the blind monk you heard of earlier. Monk Rishaun rises as well, visibly a young child, no more than 12. //What do you know?// [[Capture Monk Rishaun, ->monk rishaun]] ]He drops to his knees, head lowered, dark hair falling around his face in a curtain. Gently, with affected care, he dips his fingers in the bowls and drags them in sweeping arcs on the stone floor. //ARYA// Obliging cherubims hold up trumpets for our curious passing, us spectators. He begins a low hum, deep in his throat, Arya reaches blindly forward, fingertips finally finding the edge of the man's robes. He leans over the man, hair pooling onto his stomach, hands ghosting over his belly. Arya leans back, sitting on his heels, palms pressed to his eyes. His hum rises until it touches the resonant frequency of the temple, making the space feel alive. Abruptly, (click-replace: "Abruptly,")[Abruptly, he stops humming. He withdraws his hands, coloured powder encircling his eyes like a panda's. //ARYA// The demon Kali has taken up host in your gut. The villagers gasp, hands flying to their mouth. //ARYA// Worry not, I have begun the exorcising process and she shall vacate within a moon cycle at the latest. Monk Rishaun, could you prescribe a draught to usher the exorcism? Your vessel bows his head and walks into the recesses of the temple. You bring back a gourd, liquid sloshing inside it. //MONK RISHAUN// Once a night, following a prayer prescribed by the Monk Rishaun. Your vessel shoots her a look, incensed. She quickly smooths out her expression when the villagers look up at her, eyes wide. The High Priestess covers her smile. //HIGH PRIESTESS// [[*->prayer]]Yes ... ahem. I just need a second ... [[*->prayer]]This utterance will usher easy passage in the lower intestines- uh, the lower planes. Of existence. ] //MAZBOOT// Oh, I am not complaining. Mazboot wraps up your ankle, just in time as a farmer on a bullock cart comes by. Your vessel flags it down. Mazboot helps your vessel hobble over to the taxi. //MAZBOOT// Shall I hoist you up? Mazboot hesitates by your side, hands poised to lift you up onto the bullock taxi. //GAURI// [[* ->flirt3]]If you must ... [[* ->sib2]]I am perfectly capable, thank you. I shall see you at the next //family// function.Mazboots quirks an eyebrow but silently steps back. //GAURI// //I surely must have bonked my head on the way down.// Your vessel clumsily ambles onto the bullock cart, plopping onto the wood. The bullock taxi departs, leaving behind a waving Mazboot. Your vessel looks down to her bandaged ankle. The cloth is adorned with small reflective mirrors. //GAURI// //Another fleeting enocunter. Never more than grasped transitorily, achingly. The tall tree of loss - evergreen. The crosssection of our lives is a slim one ... // You sense a self indulgent ramble coming on. Your time could be better spent elsewhere. [[Contact Baba.]]//GAURI// //Oh, you wicked soul Gauri.// Mazboot nimbly lifts your vessel up onto the taxi, hands quickly leaving your sides once you are seated. The bullock taxi departs, leaving behind a waving Mazboot. Your vessel looks down to her bandaged ankle. The cloth is adorned with small reflective mirrors. //Another fleeting enocunter. Never more than grasped transitorily, achingly. The tall tree of loss - evergreen. The crosssection of our lives is a slim one ... // You sense a self indulgent ramble coming on. Your time could be better spent elsewhere. [[Contact Baba.]]You tap into your connection with the charlatan saint. Baba's face populates the many mirrors in the cloth wrapped around your vessel's ankle. His mouth nearly fills the mirror, open in a wide yawn. //BABA// Good snooping? I'd like you to visit the monks at the temple once again if you're done for the day. Else, the High Priestess should be departing now, to the village proper. [[Follow the High Priestess to Lung's Tavern ->yuvacow]] [[End the day at the Temple ->investigate arya]]