Hollow Revival

"What?! That's mean!" the teenager says. $q["Well, duh? Don't you know who you're talking to?"] The boy looks confused, and Quent seems to realize something. $q["Oh, right."] Quent sighs. $q["Listen, kid... there's no point in seeking approval from people who are never gonna accept you, and there's no point in trying to help them, either. No matter what you do, it'll never be good enough for them. They'll never appreciate you. So just... keep to yourself. That's the only way to not bring yourself down."] As he says this, Quent seems uncharacteristically earnest. "But," the kid says, "even if they don't appreciate it... I still want to help them. I don't want this town to be in danger." Quent stares at the kid for a moment. Then, with a scoff and a shrug, he turns away and says, $q["Well, if you //want// to suffer, I won't stop you. But you're basically a lost cause; they're not gonna listen."] $p["I think we should help him,"] Porter says. $p["If we can just find some evidence, they'll have to believe him."] [["I think so too."|Quent Quest 9]] [["It might be a lost cause, but we should still try to help."|Quent Quest 9]]

$e["Huh? How's that even work? Like, did he fire you or something?"] Eri questions Cyril. $c["I realized the numerous atrocities Reynold was using his followers to perform, and wanted a chance to reform myself by aiding $name and Porter. I've vowed to stop Reynold no matter what, not a single life should be sacrificed for his cause..."] //As Cyril explains the details to Eri, you notice her expression stiffen.// $e["Ugh, this is making my head hurt... but basically you're not working for that Reynold guy anymore, and don't wanna go back?"] $c["Correct,"] Cyril affirms. $e["Alright, then I hope you don't mind me coming along then, I *really* wanna see how strong the guy who's making these things is,"] Eri says, clenching her fist. [["Welcome to the team!"]]

$c["Understood. Please don't worry about us, I'll be sure we all survive this encounter,"] Cyril says with a calm confidence. $q["Yeah that's great and all, but GET HER OFF ME CYRIL!!"] Quent screams. //You hope they're able to handle this, as you'll need all your focus on this battle first.// [[Engage|Engage Eri Quest]]

$e["Ew, gross. Even if I did have one, most of the ones I have encountered I socked them so hard they never dared to even approach me again. So uh... I got nothing."] //Eri then also points to Cyril.// $e["Besides, working in an evil cult sounds much more interesting than listening to me tell y'all about the amount of nutcracks I've done to people who've tried to hit on me."] [["That's a good point. What was it like working for Reynold, Cyril?"]]

//You turn back to the others.// $c["W-We're alive *cough cough* $name, don't worry..."] you can feel Cyril forcing these words out despite their condition. //Quent on the other hand seems to be out cold, which only leaves...// [[Eri...?]]

$e["I AM, PERFECTLY CALM!"] Eri screams with eyes like that of an apex predator. //You realize that reasoning with her isn't going to work in this current situation.// $c["$name... please let me handle Eri, focus on dealing with the homunculus before worrying about us."] //Cyril steels themselves to face Eri's onslaught as you and Porter deal with the homunculus.// [[Engage Eri Quest]]

//Eri had knocked over a whole tree, and was staring daggers at both Cyril and Quent, before walking off in a hurry.// //You look to both Quent and Cyril who seem to be at a loss.// [[Continue|Continue on your way]]

$e["Can it. This one's mine."] Eri says coldly and walking towards the homunculus. //As she does, you see a knife fly past her head and directly at the homunculus.// $q["Hey, cool it. Look, I'm not here to get friendly with any of you guys either, but even I know when I'm being an ass to everyone else,"] Quent proclaims directly at Eri. $q["So how about you take a minute, and sit this one ou-"] //But before Quent can even finish his sentence, he's sent flying into a tree, not by the monster, but **our** monster.// $e["*sigh* Quent... you really need to learn when to keep your mouth shut... okay?"] //Eri's gaze is fully locked on Quent, but the homunculus is still a grave threat too.// [["Eri, calm down!"]] [["Cyril, try to calm her down, Porter and I can handle this"]]

//But before you could even give everyone a signal, Eri immediately rushes in and clobbers the homunculus directly on its head.// [["Eri? You okay?"]]

//With a thumbs up, Eri races towards the homunculi and attempts to save as many of Ragar's citizens as she can.// //You are now alone to face the two cultists and pray Eri can return in time.// [[Give it your best shot|Battle transition with same HP values as before]]

//Cullen goes through the window and unlocks the front door from the inside.// "Where to first?" (display: "Stealth Nav")

$e["You three have a safe trip ya hear?"] "And please come visit us as much as you'd like," Lili says with a bow. //You nod and wave Eri and Lili goodbye.// $e["Thanks for everything guys! I could never ask for a better group of dumbasses than you lot!"] "Eri! Langauge, please." $e["Sorry, sorry Lili, don't be mad again please!"] [[Continue|Cyril Finale 1]]

"Oh she never told you?" //The old woman looks like she is trying to find the right words, then shakes her head.// "Heh, it's best if she tells you herself. That girl has much more going on than you could ever imagine. I've taken care of her for long enough to know," she says with a cheery smile. //You thank the old woman for the information.// [[Head North]]

$p["You know, that's a great idea. I'm sure Cyril would love to help, too. Sorry for the distraction, everyone. I'll be off now. Detective Porter is on the case!"] [[Follow Vyn to his house]]

$e["Well hunting stray critters ain't too hard y'know, I grew up doing this sorta thing day in and out back in Ragar *hup*"] she says, leaping to her feet. $e["But for starters, the name's Eri, I'm a wandering brawler, nice to meet you,"] Eri says with a confident grin. //Porter hands her some leftover bread, and Eri quickly scarfs it down.// $p["How long have you been out here?"] $e["Mmmm, that hit the spot, now as for your question mister..."] $p["Porter,"] says Porter. $e["Portie gotcha, let's see... one... two... think I've at least been out and about for at least a week at most,"] Eri says. $e["These weird fleshy guys splatter everywhere when I punch 'em ya see, WAAAAY too addicting for me to pass up so I eventually collapsed here from exhaustion."] [["That's insane."]]

$e["Thought I made it blatantly obvious. I'm no good in teams. I'm quick to anger and Quent in particular pissed me off the most."] $e["So leave me alone. Get back on your journey, I'll find Reynold eventually..." ] //Eri goes quiet with a stern look on her face as she continues to crush more homunculi.// [["That can't be the only reason."]]

$e["Sure. Let's go with that. Ugh, just thinking back on it gets my blood boiled,"] Eri says, gritting her teeth while completely obliterating another homunculus. //She blows some of the hair that got in front of her eyes like an angry bull.// $e["Look, just give it up okay? I'm not going back, there's your reason. Now go."] [["That can't be the only reason."]]

$q["I think you're right about that,"] Quent says. $q["Let's write down the translation here."] //You spend some time translating until you have a full,// (link-reveal:"//readable letter://")[= SIR REYNOLD, I WRITE TO YOU REGARDING OUR PREVIOUS DISCUSSION. MORE AND MORE ADVENTURERS ARE FEELING AGGRIEVED BY OUR LITTLE "FAMILY." IT WOULD BE EASY TO SAY I AM GOING ON A QUEST TO DEFEAT YOU, JUST TO LEAD MORE FUTURE SACRIFICES STRAIGHT INTO YOUR ARMS. WITH THE NUMBER OF PROACTIVE QUEST-TAKERS WE'RE SEEING THESE DAYS, I AM CONFIDENT THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO SUPPLY AN ABUNDANT AMOUNT OF FUEL TO OUR LORD. MAY HE BRING US PEACE AND POWER. YOURS TRULY, VYN LIER "This... is proper evidence! Oh my gosh!" [["This is great! Let's get back to the Adventurer's Guild right away."|Go to Adventurer's Guild]]

//You find a secluded door at the end of the hall.// //thump thump// $p["The door is locked huh, hey Quent try and see if you-"] $e["Comin' through!"] //Eri bashes the door down with a strong tackle.// $p["Nevermind, I guess."] $q["Let's see what he's hiding."] [[Examine Reynold's room]]

$q["Definitely follow him."] (display:"Following him")

$q["Stalking is a favorite pastime of mine."] (display:"Following him")

//You all enter the room. The door closes behind you as the purple light that was illuminating the room slowly fades, revealing one man in a purple cloak.// "So, you are the ones who've been interfering with my plans," says Reynold with a cold gaze. [["We're here to stop you."]]

$q["Don't have to tell me twice, but if I die I'm haunting all of you."] //Quent vanishes into the shadows, and observes from the doorway.// $q["Heh. Seems like we finally found him."] [[''Is everyone ready?"']]

"It doesn't mean anything when you read it backwards either," Cullen says. [["It's an Atbash cipher."]]

//You chime in, introducing yourself, again, to a now conscious Lili as Eri's travel companion. Porter and Cyril do the same, and Cyril apologizes on behalf of the cult's actions.// "It's great to know that Eri had such trustworthy companions on her journey, I'm hoping she didn't cause you all too much trouble," Lili says politely. //You all try to hide that remark with a smile, but Eri seems to be the weakest link in this lie.// "Sister." //Suddenly Lili's tone goes cold.// $e["Yes, Lili?"] Eri says as she straightens her posture. //You've never heard Eri *yelp* before.// "What did you do?" $e["..."] [["We'll see ourselves out."]]

//The elderly lady gives a small giggle.// "Most of the kids 'round here could never keep up with her antics, so it often led to her butting heads with them. Thankfully her younger sister was always around to ensure nothing ever got too extreme." [["Her sister?"]]

$e["Yep, this is my little sis alright. Wish you two could meet each other proper, but this'll have to do,"] Eri says with a nod. //You look to the unconscious white-haired girl, and give a small bow introducing yourself as one of Eri's traveling companions. You then leave Eri for the night to stay at her sister's side.// //Faintly you can Eri whisper something, but leave to ensure they're undisturbed.// $e["I promise. I promise to wake you up Lili, you're not the only family I have left anymore, but I still want you to wake up for me."] [[Find a place to stay for the night]]

$e["Least I could do for you holding them off like that, but MAN were they annoying to deal with."] //Eri breathes a sigh of relief before helping her neighbors repair the damages they've suffered from the attack.// //After a few hours night falls, and Eri invites you to her home where you find the elderly lady and a girl laying on the bed.// $e["Granny Elba, how's Lili's condition?"] //From what you gathered, seems that Miss Elba is this town's medical expert, in addition to being Eri and Lili's guardian.// "Still the same I'm afraid, color has returned to her skin at the very least." [["So this is Lili?"]]

$e["*sigh* You really are a moron. The lot of you are."] Eri cracks a smile. $e["If we make it out of this I'll tell you the real reason, but I still have no intention of heading back to the party yet."] [[Battle 3 remaining Homunculi|Transition to battle with 3 remaining Homunculi]]

$q["Well Mx. former cult worker, the floor's yours."] Quent then moves his arms as if to guide Cyril to a stage. $c["*sigh* If I must... let's see... most of us cultists had to follow rather strict rules, so the amount of... *interesting* fellows were few and far between. But that being said there were many who took those teachings to heart quite literally."] $c["There was even one follower who nearly chopped off his tongue just because he had his supper much later than we were instructed to,"] says Cyril. $c["Perhaps most surprising part is the types of people we've encountered thus far. I've yet to see anyone from the main guard force or vanguard at any of the bases."] $q["So what, were these some buffed up baboons? Sounds like they got lost if they couldn't even find the place they're supposed to be protecting. You don't look it, but I wouldn't be surprised if you were one originally considering how you blindly followed him,"] Quent says, sarcastically poking at Cyril’s former cult life. $c["Oh please, I wasn't some mindless brute swinging swords around!"] //Eri seems somewhat displeased by the current state of affairs.// $c["I was devoted follower, and a fool."] $q["Oh~! So you're just a scrawny idiot then!"] Quent quickly goes on the offensive. $c["Better than being all muscles, no brains,"] Cyril fires back. //*thud*// [["Eri...?"]]

$e["Eh, it's nothing new to me. Anyways, I'm tryna find the guy that's been conjuring up these things for a better challenge,"] says Eri, with a serious look in her eyes. $q["Then you're in the same boat as us then, these three here are looking to stop Reynold,"] Quent says unenergetically. $q["I'm just here to tag along really since I don't got anything else better to do."] $e["So Reynold 's the name huh..."] Eri says quietly. $e["Then, mind if I join you lot?"] $q["Well, that's $name's call,"] as Quent points towards you. $q["Plus you might wanna reconsider since we have a *former* criminal, besides me, here too,"] pointing next to Cyril. [["Cyril was formerly working for Reynold."]]

$e["Ah, wait!"] "Now now Eri, you're going to tell me exactly what you did, okay?" Lili says with a cold smile. //While Lili presented all her words in a calm tone, you could tell that the fire that burns inside Eri must be genetic.// //The sounds of Lili's shouting could be heard even from the outside, seems she truly is the "older sister" of the two.// //Before heading off on your separate ways, Eri and Lili greet you at the gate.// "Again I apologize for any trouble Eri has caused you." $c["It's really fine Miss Lili. Putting a stop to Reynold has lifted my spirits more than ever before, so I intend to use this new motivation to help those in need."] [["Guess we'll be off then."]]

//Eri looks surprised by for a moment as you're running, but she lets out a chuckle.// $e["Pfft. Hahaha! You drive a bargain you know that? Fine, guess I'll come back, gotta apologize to Quent and Cyril anyway since they definitely took the brunt of my little tantrum."] //Upon your arrival you see destroyed homes and many homunculi carrying citizens away. At the center of it all there are two Cultist Summoners.// "Let's hurry off with as many as we can before those two can arrive," says the taller summoner. "Quit rushing me! These bigger guys are already tough to control as is, Master Reynold is the only one who can do this easily," replied the wider summoner. [[Engage]]

"I could care less if you're here to stop me, I just want you to be gone. I have more important matters to attend to," Reynold says, unimpressed. $q["I didn't take you for a coward. What with all these minions and monsters you command, surely you don't think us measly people could stop you now."] $e["Yeah, I ain't leaving till I get my sister back to normal. So don't run with your tail between your legs just yet!"] //Seems the trash talking has had some effect on him.// [["You're insecure. Amassing power to fill the void that was left behind when your title was stripped."]]

//As you walk, Porter's face lights up.// $p["Hey, Eri,"] Porter turns towards her. $e["Hm?] $p["How strong *are you* exactly?"] $e["About~ orge level strength I guess?"] $p["You think you could move a boulder ten times your size?"] $e["Probably. That almost sounds too easy, not gonna lie."] //Realizing what Porter was implying, Quent gives Porter a pat on the back and says,// $q["Well, I think we found our out guys."] [[Continue|Party Conflict]]

$p["Hey, you know I'm not one to abandon a mystery,"] Porter says. $p["I just wanted to investigate too. Seems my lack of stealth got in the way, though."] "I don't want to be rude since your whole group was very nice to me, but maybe you shouldn't tag along? It'll probably blow our cover... Sorry..." Cullen explains. [["Hey, why don't you investigate the cult itself some more?"]]

$e["Ah right, figure I might need to introduce myself first... *hup*"] she says, leaping to her feet. $e["Name's Eri, I'm a wandering brawler from Ragar, nice to meet you,"] Eri says with a confident grin. //Porter hands her some leftover bread, and Eri quickly scarfs it down.// $p["How long have you been out here?"] $e["Mmmm, that hit the spot, now as for your question mister..."] $p["Porter,"] says Porter. $e["Portie gotcha, let's see... one... two... think I've at least been out and about for at least a week at most,"] Eri says. $e["These weird fleshy guys splatter everywhere when I punch 'em ya see, WAAAAY too addicting for me to pass up so I eventually collapsed here from exhaustion."] [["That's insane."]]

$c["Perhaps. This painting seems to be of Reynold when he was still among the nobility, but as you can see he dashed out nearly everyone apart from himself."] $q["So what? He kept it so he could stare at it through the night, 'vowing his revenge on all who wronged him'? Seems kinda petty, or not even petty enough."] $p["But what if I do this..."] //Porter walks over and rotates the painting on the wall. Suddenly a passageway opens.// $p["Works everytime."] [[Follow staircase]]

//A sharp, fleshy tendril grows out of Reynold's finger, but thankfully Cyril was able to use magic to guard you from it.// $e["Wow, you really are a freak of nature,"] says Eri. "Seems I've misjudged you all. Very well, as you wish. You will become sacrifices for my master after I stain these walls with your blood!" [[Engage Reynold|Reynold Boss Fight]]

$p["Ready whenever you guys are."] $c["We'll stop him for good."] $q["It's been a fun ride guys, so let's not die here."] $e["Alright, let's make sure he pays!"] [["Let's stop Reynold."]]

//While you're talking, Vyn's front door opens, and he comes walking out.// $q["Ah, great timing,"] Quent says. $q["Now we sneak in."] //After waiting for Vyn to fully leave the area, you decide to take action.// [[Check if the windows are locked]]

//Your prayers are swiftly interrupted.// //***SNOOOOOOREEEE***// //It appears the corpse is snoring.// [[Poke Corpse]] [[Shout in its ear]]

//You all act very interested in a poster hanging on the bulletin board, and then in something another block down, and so on. You keep yourselves in the tracks of Vyn without following closely behind.// (display:"Funny barrel moment")

//You and Porter managed to fend it off, but Porter collapses to the ground.// $p["Argh! Guess I took more damage then I thought I did, ow!"] Porter says, trying to keep his usual demeanor afloat. //It seems that one of the attacks sprained his ankle, but there's also three more party members to worry about too.// [["Eri! Cyril! Quent!"]]

$q["You're gonna have to be more specific than that. Which thing am I apologizing for?"] "Hey... you don't have to make him apologize--it's fine," Cullen says quietly. [["You told Cullen that no one likes him."|Poor Cullen]] [["You called Cullen weak."|Poor Cullen]]

//The town is still trying to rebuild some of the homes and facilities that were destroyed during the cultist attack, but otherwise it looks like Ragar is full of life and thriving.// //Eri then directs everyone to her home, and Elba can be seen sitting in her chair once again.// $e["So Granny Elba? How is she?"] //Eri waits in anticipation.// $e["Well, I'm happy to report that Lili has awoken. She isn't ready to head outside yet however due to the lack of physical activity her body has missed."] //You can see Eri nearly break out into tears, but refusing to do so as she enters her home.// [[Go inside]]

//You begin asking around to see if any of the residents here saw Eri pass by. None have said they saw her come back after leaving two weeks ago.// //An elderly lady then calls out to you among your various conversations with the residents.// "That old girl Eri, what's she done this time?" [[Explain the situation]]

(set: $party to (a: $player)) (go-to:"ECombat2")

//A few days after the defeat of Reynold and Rethner, you, Porter, Cyril and Eri all gather together and discuss your plans now that the kingdom is no longer in chaos.// $e["Well I think you all know what I'm gonna say, but I'm headin' home. If y'all wanna tag along to see where I grew up I don't mind, the walk isn't too far out from here at least."] //No one protests the thought, and so you all decide to see Eri off at Ragar.// [[Arrival]]

//Traveling to Ragar, you find a motionless body on the side of the road.// Porter seems to be the first among you to notice. $p["Huh? Guys, is that a corpse?"] //Upon closer inspection, it certainly looks like a corpse.// $p["So gruesome..."] $q["Pfft, big deal. I've seen plenty of dead bodies in my line of work, this may as well just be another one,"] Quent replies in a mocking tone. //The body in question is covered in a thick layer of purple blood, soaking the corpse from head to toe in a purplish green shade.// $c["Still though, we should pay our respects and hope their soul reaches the afterlife,"] Cyril interjects. //You each take a knee next to be body... as does Quent eventually.// [[//***Snoring***//]]

//Eri mentioned that she was from Ragar, so you decide to look for her there.// //Upon your arrival, you find a small lumber town with log cabins galore and a massive oak tree at the town's center.// [[Ask around]]

{(display: "Enemy")(display: "CLog")(display: "CYou")}

{<div id="log"> (if: $log is "player")[It is your turn.] (elseif: $log is "atk")[$name used $atk and dealt $atkdmg damage to $eName!] (elseif: $log is "party")[$pName used $atk and dealt $atkdmg damage to $eName!] (elseif: $log is "enemy")[$eName attacked (print: $characters's ($party's $attacked)'s name) and dealt $eATK damage!(if: $cyrilRanAway is not true)[<br>The figure from before is not attacking.]] (elseif: $log is "noMP")[Not enough MP!] (elseif: $log is "yell")[One of the cultists shouts at the figure from before. ‘Don’t just stand there, brat!’] (elseif: $log is "run")[$eName attacked (print: $characters's ($party's $attacked)'s name) and dealt $eATK damage!<br>The figure from before ran away.] </div>}

You lose. [[Try again|Intro Fight]]

{<div id="you">(display:"Stats") (if: ($eHP <= 0.5 * $eMaxHP) and ($cyrilYelledAt is not true))[ (link: "Continue")[ (set: $log to "yell") (set: $cyrilYelledAt to true) (goto: "CCombat") ] ] (else-if: $turn is 1)[ <span> (link: "Sword Slash")[ (set: $atkdmg to $characters's 1st's attacks's 1st's dmg) (set: $atkdmg to (random: it - 1, it + 1)) (set: $eHP to it - $atkdmg) (set: $atk to "Sword Slash") (set: $turn to it + 1) (set: $log to "atk") (goto: "CCombat")] </span> <span> (if: $characters's 1st's mp >= 3)[ (link: "Magic")[ (set: $atkdmg to $characters's 1st's attacks's 2nd's dmg) (set: $eHP to it - $atkdmg) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to it - 3) (set: $atk to "Magic") (set: $turn to it + 1) (set: $log to "atk") (goto: "CCombat") ]] (else:)[ (link: "Magic")[ (set: $log to "noMP") (goto: "CCombat") ]]] </span> (else-if: $turn > $party's length)[ (link: "Continue")[ (if: $cyrilYelledAt and ($cyrilRanAway is not true))[ (set: $log to "run") (set: $cyrilRanAway to true)] (else:)[ (set: $log to "enemy")] (set: $turn to 1) (set: $turnNo to it + 1) (set: $attacked to (random: 1, $party's length)) (set: $characters's ($party's $attacked)'s hp to (max: 0, it - $eATK)) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to (min: it + 1, $maxMP)) (goto: "CCombat")] ] (else:)[ (link: "Continue")[ (set: $log to "party") (set: $pName to $characters's ($party's $turn)'s name) (set: $attack to (random: 1, $characters's ($party's $turn)'s attacks's length)) (set: $atk to $characters's ($party's $turn)'s attacks's $attack's name) (set: $atkdmg to $characters's ($party's $turn)'s attacks's $attack's dmg) (set: $atkdmg to (random: it - 1, it + 1)) (set: $eHP to it - $atkdmg) (set: $turn to it + 1) (goto: "CCombat")] ] (if: $characters's 1st's hp < 1)[(goto: "CLose")] (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (if: $characters's _member's hp < 1)[ (set: $party to it - (a: _member))]] (if: $eHP < 1)[(goto: "First Mini Boss Win")] </div>}

//You check the windows on the sides of the house, and they appear to be locked.// $q["We should just break the windows,"] Quent says, leaning against the wall of the house. [[Pick up stone]]

{(display: "Enemy")(display: "Log")(display: "You")}

//In this nearly endless battle, the summoners have taken some hits, but their summons keep blocking any definitive strikes.// //Suddenly more homunculi appear and gather the remaining residents in a hurry, including the elder woman from earlier.// $e["Gah... hey can I leave this to you? They took Granny Elba, and now I'm starting to really get pissed off about how long this has been going on..."] [["Go save her Eri!"]]

//The rest of the walk was completely silent, with an air so dense that it could be cut.// //But suddenly:// "GRRRRROOOOORGH" //A giant homunculus appears from the forest, and it looks much tougher than most you've faced before.// [["Everyone get ready to fi-"]]

//You've spent some time resting and helping with some efforts to start fixing things in the area since your return from Ragar. You've just finished cleaning up some rubble, when Cyril approaches you. Contrary from their usually neurotic state, they are maybe the most calm you've ever seen them.// $c["I... I just wanted to thank you, $name. I know I've said it so many times before, but I just wanted to say it one last time."] (link-reveal: "\"What do you mean, one last time?\"")[ $c["I am leaving the city quite soon. In fact, I'll be leaving right after we finish talking here. The Guild was kind enough to give me a wagon and horses to travel with, along with some provisions and such."] (link-reveal: "\"Oh, I see...\"")[ $c["I never thought about what I'd do after we won. Half of me didn't think we were going to win in the first place, and the other half was so focused on just getting through each day that I never thought about the future."] [["I get that. Everything happened so fast." |Cyril Finale END]]]]

$c["I've decided,"] they say, $c["to use the gifts that Vitalis has given me to help others wherever I can. I'll be like a traveling doctor, except one that doesn't just sell snake oil and fake potions."] //They chuckle when they say this. It's maybe the first time you've seen them laugh like that.// $c["My family will be coming with me, so they can redeem themselves as well. They will understand, in time, but it will be a hard process."] //That usual anxiousness that Cyril carries with them returns.// $c["$name, you gave me a second chance that I frankly, did not deserve. I owe you so much, and I'll never forget what you've done for me."] (link-reveal: "\"You did most of the changing yourself, Cyril. We just helped you along the way.\"")[ //Surprisingly, Cyril gives you a hug, though they then pull back very quickly. They regain their composure, and look at you with eyes filled with determination.// $c["Well, this time, I hope I'll see you again. Farewell, $name."] //Cyril walks off, and gets into the driver's seat of a wagon that you now notice was a few yards away. You see their family in the back, still tied to each other with their arms and legs bound. The wagon begins to roll away, as Cyril waves back to you one last time.// [[Continue|Porter Finale 1]]]

//You and Porter arrive at the Glade. Now that you're here, you can clearly see why his powers have been dampened. The Glade seems to have been taken over by figures in robes. You don't recognize them, but they have spread ritual symbols throughout the Glade, as well as a large circle in the center. There seems to be two robed figures, as well as a larger version of the monster you fought.// (link-reveal: "\"Well that doesn't look good...\"")[ $p["I can't believe this,"] Porter says. $p["Whoever they are, they've covered the Glade with those dark symbols. They've warped it into something horrible..."] [["Let's keep observing, maybe we can get some more information."|Cyril Intro 2 - Observing]]]

$p["I guess you're right... but we'll have to be careful."] //Porter lets go of your shoulder, and you walk up to Cyril.// [["We'll do what we can to help you. Thanks for healing my friend."|Cyril Intro END]] [["We're going to give you one chance. We'll help you with this Count Reynold, but if you even hint at backstabbing us, we'll make you regret it."|Cyril Intro END]]

//You watch from the bushes. They appear to be setting up for a sort of ceremony, as there are several magical artifacts in the ritual circle. There also looks to be a cave at the other side of the Glade, but you can't see inside.// $p["What's the plan? You could probably take those guys we can see, but if there are more in the cave-"] [[*SNAP*|Cyril Intro 3 - Cyril Appears]]

//You both turn around in a flash as you suddenly see another figure in the brush behind you. They have curly brown hair, pale skin, and have a noticeable scar above their right eye that still looks a bit fresh. They are wearing the same robes as the others. However, they appear just as shocked to see you as you are to see them. You and Porter both rush to get your weapons, but the person suddenly drops down and puts their hands up. They speak in a hushed tone, but with a great sense of urgency.// $c["Wait, don't! You'll let them know you're here!"] (link-reveal: "//Porter appears confused...//")[ $p["What do you care? You're with them, aren't you?"] $c["...Yes, but it's... complicated,"] the figure says, unsure of their words. [["Get to the point!"|Cyril Intro 4 - Get Away]]]

$c["It doesn't matter who I am,"] they continue, $c["you need to leave. You really shouldn't mess with them, trust me..."] //You and Porter are surprised by the fact that they are not only not hostile towards you, but also to want to help you?// (link-reveal: "\"Just what is going on here?\"")[ $c["I can't tell you that. You don't want to get involved though."] //They stand back up.// $c["I need to get back before they start getting suspicious. Hopefully, we won't meet again."] //The figure walks off.// [["That was definitely... interesting."|Cyril Intro 5 - Go Time]]]

//Porter nods, and is just as confused as you are.// $p["Just who was that? They seemed oddly helpful."] (link-reveal: "\"I'm not sure, but we can't just leave, there's something bad going on here.\"")[ $p["You're right. Though, I'm not sure how exactly we should go about this. Do you have any ideas?"] [["I think we both prefer a more direct approach, wouldn't you say?"|Cyril Intro 6 - Before Combat]] [["Let's try to sneak in."|Cyril Intro 5.5 - Before Combat]]]

$p["My specialty,"] he whispers sarcastically. //You try to be as quiet as you can as you move through the bushes around the edge of the clearing.// $p["Wow, these monster things get even grosser when they grow up."] His eyes are fixed on the activity in the Glade, not on his footsteps, and he trips on a root. [["Uh oh."|Cyril Intro 6.5 Before Combat]]

//Porter gives you a grin, and charges out of the bushes. You follow right behind him, and the person you talked to before turns as they hear your footsteps. When they see you both, they seem to be filled with surprise and sadness. The other two cultists and the monster push past the figure, preparing to fight, and one shouts towards you.// "You are stepping on sacred ground! We shall not let you get away with something so heinous!" //Porter grits his teeth with anger.// $p["I could say the same thing!"] [[Fight Begins!|Intro Fight]]

"What was that?" //The figure from before seems to be filled with surprise and sadness as the other two cultists and the monster push past them, preparing to fight. One shouts towards you.// "You are stepping on sacred ground! We shall not let you get away with something so heinous!" //Porter grits his teeth with anger.// $p["I could say the same thing!"] [[Fight Begins!|Intro Fight]]

//You and Porter have emerged the winners, but it wasn't perfect. Porter took a big hit for you, and he doesn't look very good.// $p["Heh, I'll be fine. Just need to get some good rest in..."] //Porter stumbles as he finishes his sentence.// (link-reveal: "\"Porter!\"")[ //You rush to his side, and he appears to be in bad shape.// $c["Wait... I can help."] [["Who said that?"|Cyril Intro 8 - "I can help"]]]

//You look up, and see the figure that first approached you in the woods before. They look extremely nervous, but are slowly walking towards you. You point your sword at them, but they pull out a pendant from beneath their robes. It's that of a deity of healing, Vitalis.// $c["He'll die of blood loss before you make it to any town nearby if it isn't treated now. I can help him, if you'll trust me. Please, I don't want him to die because of me..."] (link-reveal: "\"Fine, but if you try anything, you're done for.\"")[ //You let them approach, and with a flash of divine light, Porter's wound mends itself. It isn't completely healed, but it isn't putting him in mortal danger anymore. He gets to his feet, and stares at the figure.// $p["Who are you? What's your game here? You helped us, but you seemed like you were with the other guys in robes."] [[Explanation|Cyril Intro 9 - Explanation]]]

//The figure begins fidgeting with their pendant out of nervousness.// $c["My name is Cyril... I am, or was, with those people you fought. We... they, were members of a cult headed by Count Reynold. He's sent his cultists across the area to collect magical artifacts and even people to sacrifice to... something. I fell for their words about how they would make me someone important, but now I've seen all the pain and suffering they've caused. Plus, now that I've been given the blessing of Vitalis, I can be a force of positive change."] //Cyril looks up at both of you with a odd look of determination in their eyes.// $c["You both seem like strong adventurers, and you're clearly opposed to the cult. Please, I beg of you, help me take them down. I need to make up for what I've done. Plus, my family is still in the cult. I need to help them escape it too."] //Porter turns you around so that Cyril can't read your lips, and speaks in a hushed tone.// $p["Are we seriously going to trust them? We barely know anything about them."] [["I agree, but they seem honest. Plus, they did save your life just now..."|Cyril Intro 10 - One Chance]] [["As long as we keep an eye on them, I think it's worth a shot. Plus, they could give us valuable information."|Cyril Intro 10 - One Chance]]

$c["O-of course, thank you! If you get hurt, I'll fix you up quick! Let me show you how to destroy all of these symbols and the circle."] //Over the next several hours, Cyril helps you clear the Glade of the cult's influence, destroying their ritual circle and symbols. The more you clear out, the better Porter seems to look, and by the end, he seems like he's back to his old self.// [["It's getting late, isn't it?"|Quent Intro 1 - Heading Back]]

$levelUp[LEVEL UP] { (set: $characters's 1st's maxHP to 40) (set: $characters's $porter's maxHP to 35) (set: $characters's $cyril's maxHP to 40) (set: $characters's $quent's maxHP to 42) (set: $characters's $eri's maxHP to 45) (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (set: $characters's _member's hp to $characters's _member's maxHP)] (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 1st's dmg to 30) (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 32) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 1st's dmg to 36) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 39) (set: $characters's $cyril's attacks's 1st's dmg to 28) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 1st's dmg to 34) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 34) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 3rd's dmg to 37) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 1st's dmg to 37) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 41)} [[Continue|Cyril Quest END]]

(set: $eMaxHP to 250) (set: $eHP to $eMaxHP) (set: $eATK to 10) (set: $eName to "Cyril's Family") (set: $party to (a: $player, $porter, $cyril, $quent, $eri)) (set: $turn to 1)  (set: $turnNo to 1) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to $characters's 1st's maxMP) (set: $characters's 1st's maxHP to 30) (set: $characters's $porter's maxHP to 25) (set: $characters's $cyril's maxHP to 30) (set: $characters's $quent's maxHP to 32) (set: $characters's $eri's maxHP to 35) (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (set: $characters's _member's hp to $characters's _member's maxHP)] (set: $characters's $porter's attacks to (a: (dm: "name", "Magic Blast", "dmg", 12), (dm: "name", "Magic Entangle", "dmg", 15))) (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 1st's dmg to 15) (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 17) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 1st's dmg to 21) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 24) (set: $characters's $cyril's attacks's 1st's dmg to 13) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 1st's dmg to 19) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 19) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 3rd's dmg to 22) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 1st's dmg to 22) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 26) (set: $exitPoint to "Cyril Mini boss Fight End") (set: $enterPoint to "Cyril Mini-boss Fight") (goto: "Combat")

//With Eri's immense strength, the way to the headquarters opens, as she crushes the boulder into gravel with a single punch.// //The party arrives at the hideout. It's located in the cellar of a large shack in the woods. Quent has his ear to the door, while Cyril is peering through the keyhole.// $q["I can't hear anything in there. I'd say that we try to find a better way-"] //Cyril suddenly pulls back from the keyhole and turns to Quent.// $c["Get the door open, Quent. Quickly."] //Quent is hesitant.// $q["What's so urgent? And who said you of all people could order me around?"] [["What did you see, Cyril?"|Cyril Quest 2 - Open it]]

//They ignore your question. Cyril has that same look of determination that they had in their eyes back when you and Porter first met them. This time, however, it's pointed at Quent.// $c["Please, Quent. I just need this door opened, now."] $e["What's the deal, Cyr,"] Eri says, leaning in from the back of the group. $e["What's got you so panicky?"] //You turn to Porter and whisper to him.// (link-reveal: "\"This is making me nervous, Cyril is acting strange.\"")[ //Porter whispers back with a similarly worried look on his face.// $p["You're right, this doesn't look good. Let's be ready in case it's a trap."] //You turn back to Cyril, who is still staring at Quent.// $c["Everything will be obvious in a second, if you just *get the door open*, Quent."] $q["Fine, fine, but if you're screwing us over..."] Quent grumbles as he picks the lock with ease. [["Cyril, let's be careful-"|Cyril Quest 3 - Enter]]]

//Cyril once again ignores you, and storms into the room. Porter tries to grab their robes as they walk by, but they're just out of reach. Knowing that whatever cover you had is blown, the rest of you follow behind Cyril. The musty basement you now see appears to have been a wine cellar at one point, as several shelves and casks lay empty or broken. Some of the sections of the basement have been repurposed as cells, and you see several figures in some of them. You look to the other side of the room, and see a group of three cultists that seem to be having a meeting. Each has curly brown hair and pale skin.// (link-reveal: "\"Cyril, wait!\"")[ //Cyril continues to approach them, and the cultists spring to their feet and draw their weapons as they notice people approaching. However, they seem to relax slightly upon seeing Cyril. One of the figures, who has a masculine appearance, speaks.// "So you have decided to show your face, my child." [["What the hell is going on, Cyril?"|Cyril Quest 4 - Their Family]] [["Still waiting on an explanation here!"|Cyril Quest 4 - Their Family]]]

//Another one of the figures, slightly shorter than the first, also walks forward a bit.// "You have made us so worried, Cyril. When we heard about what happened at the Glade, and then the other stories..." //Porter steps behind Cyril.// $p["When we first found you, Cyril, you told us that you were going to be looking for your family."] //Cyril looks back at the group, and motions towards the cultists.// $c["Indeed. Now I've found them. This is my father, mother, and brother."] //They turn back to their family.// $c["And now I wish to save them, as you did for me before."] [["That... actually does explain a lot."|Cyril Quest 5 - Saving?]]

//Cyril's brother, who had been in the back until now, speaks up.// "What do you mean 'saving', Cyril? Have you truly betrayed us?" $c["I have not betrayed you, brother. I simply opened my eyes to the harm that the cult has been causing everywhere it goes. I intend on helping put a stop to it."] //Cyril's father seems to get angry when they say this.// "So the rumors were true," he says. "Gallivanting around with the influence of Vitalis--just look at what you've done to your robes! How could you turn away from the people that gave you everything?" $c["The cult gave me nothing! All it has done is given me so many reasons to despise the person it made me become. You have no idea how hard it has been to face the consequences of my... our actions. All of the people we killed, all of the homes destroyed..."] [["Cyril's right. All any of you do is hurt people."|Cyril Quest 6 - Cannot go back]]

"Silence!" Cyril's father snaps at you. "I will not be reprimanded by an outsider in front of my entire family!" //Cyril's mother takes a step towards them, as if to try to comfort Cyril, who seems to be on the brink of tears.// "Cyril, my dear. You have clearly been through a lot. But it's not too late to turn back. Reynold will forgive you, as long as you renew your loyalty. We will always take you back. We are your family." //Cyril looks back at the group, and in that moment, you can see the temptation to just give in cross their face. The rest of the group notices it too, as everyone tenses up in that same moment.// $e["Don't let them get to ya, Cyr,"] Eri says. (link-reveal: "\"They're just trying to get in your head.\"")[ $p["You've grown a lot, Cyril. Don't let all of that go to waste,"] Porter says. $q["It'd be too much of a pain to take care of you now, I guess,"] Quent sighs, though you sense a bit more compassion in his voice than he's letting on. [["Make the right choice, I know you can do it..."|Cyril Quest 7 - Reaffirm choice]] [["Please, Cyril."|Cyril Quest 7 - Reaffirm choice]]]

//Cyril closes their eyes and takes a deep breath, and then looks at you all with a thankful smile. They then look back to their family.// $c["Mother, father, brother. I will never return to the cult. The next time I see Reynold, it will be when my friends and I are ready to defeat him. I can't let you continue your actions here. You must've seen the pain you have been causing!"] //The whole groups seems to let out a sigh of relief.// (link-reveal: "\"Thank goodness...\"")[ "They act against Reynold's wishes, and do not embrace his will," Cyril's brother says. "At this point, they should know what happens if they do not join us." $c["That doesn't justify what we have done,"] Cyril yells, seeming to become more desperate. $c["The threat of violence and the power to harm does not make what we do right!"] //Cyril's father steels his face, and raises his blade.// "If you will not return to us, Cyril, then you are just another obstacle in our way. You're too late anyway, Reynold's plans are already well underway. The city shall be the first to witness him!" //Cyril's shoulders slump, and they let out a defeated exhale.// $c["Please, friends, do not kill them. If we must fight, then just knock them out."] [[Engage|Cyril Mini-boss Fight]]]

//As the dust settles in the cellar, Cyril's family is unconscious, and Cyril looks both physically and emotionally exhausted from the entire experience.// $c["I guess we will bind them so they can't get away... why couldn't they just listen to me?"] //Porter walks up to Cyril and pats them on the shoulder.// $p["I know that must've been difficult, Cyril. But you did the right thing. I'm glad that we can trust you more now, if I can speak for the rest of the group."] //Eri nods in agreement, while Quent shrugs his shoulders, giving what is as close to an agreement as he'll give.// (link-reveal: "\"You had us all nervous for a while, but now I understand. You're a good person for even trying to help them, Cyril.\"")[ $c["Thank you, everyone. That means a lot to me. I'll help them see, I swear."] //You bind the cultists' hands and free the prisoners in the cellar. The three prisoners are the Maxwell family Porter had heard about before, and they thank you immensly for your help.// [["Your father mentioned that Reynold's plans are in motion. We need to figure what's going on with that, quickly."|Reynold Quest 1]]]

{(display: "EEnemy")(display: "ELog")(display: "EYou")}

{(display: "EEnemy")(display: "ELog")(display: "EYou2")}

<div id="enemy">$eName: (print: '<progress class="hp" value="' + (text: $eHP) + '" min="0" max="' + (text: $eMaxHP) + '"></progress>') $eHP / $eMaxHP HP </div>

{<div id="you">(display:"Stats") (if: $turn is 1)[ <span> (link: "Sword Slash")[ (set: $atkdmg to $characters's 1st's attacks's 1st's dmg) (set: $atkdmg to (random: it - 1, it + 1)) (set: $eHP to it - $atkdmg) (set: $atk to "Sword Slash") (set: $turn to it + 1) (set: $log to "atk") (goto: "ECombat")] </span> <span> (if: $characters's 1st's mp >= 3)[ (link: "Magic")[ (set: $atkdmg to $characters's 1st's attacks's 2nd's dmg) (set: $eHP to it - $atkdmg) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to it - 3) (set: $atk to "Magic") (set: $turn to it + 1) (set: $log to "atk") (goto: "ECombat") ]] (else:)[ (link: "Magic")[ (set: $log to "noMP") (goto: "ECombat") ]]] </span> (else-if: $turn > $party's length)[ (link: "Continue")[ (set: $log to "enemy") (set: $turn to 1) (set: $turnNo to it + 1) (set: $attacked to (random: 1, $party's length)) (set: $characters's ($party's $attacked)'s hp to (max: 0, it - $eATK)) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to (min: it + 1, $maxMP)) (goto: "ECombat")] ] (else:)[ (link: "Continue")[ (set: $log to "party") (set: $pName to $characters's ($party's $turn)'s name) (set: $attack to (random: 1, $characters's ($party's $turn)'s attacks's length)) (set: $atk to $characters's ($party's $turn)'s attacks's $attack's name) (set: $atkdmg to $characters's ($party's $turn)'s attacks's $attack's dmg) (set: $atkdmg to (random: it - 1, it + 1)) (set: $eHP to it - $atkdmg) (set: $turn to it + 1) (goto: "ECombat")] ] (if: $characters's 1st's hp < 0.5 * $characters's 1st's maxHP)[ (go-to: "Commotion") ] (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (if: $characters's _member's hp < 1)[ (set: $party to it - (a: _member))]] (if: $eHP < 1)[(goto: "Tired")] </div>}

{<div id="you">(display:"Stats") (if: $turn is 1)[ (if: $characters's 1st's hp < 2)[ (link: "Tired")[(goto: "Tired")]] (else:)[ <span> (link: "Sword Slash")[ (set: $atkdmg to $characters's 1st's attacks's 1st's dmg) (set: $atkdmg to (random: it - 1, it + 1)) (set: $eHP to it - $atkdmg) (set: $atk to "Sword Slash") (set: $turn to it + 1) (set: $log to "atk") (goto: "ECombat2")] </span> <span> (if: $characters's 1st's mp >= 3)[ (link: "Magic")[ (set: $atkdmg to $characters's 1st's attacks's 2nd's dmg) (set: $eHP to it - $atkdmg) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to it - 3) (set: $atk to "Magic") (set: $turn to it + 1) (set: $log to "atk") (goto: "ECombat2") ]] (else:)[ (link: "Magic")[ (set: $log to "noMP") (goto: "ECombat2") ]]]] </span> (else-if: $turn > $party's length)[ (link: "Continue")[ (set: $log to "enemy") (set: $turn to 1) (set: $turnNo to it + 1) (set: $attacked to (random: 1, $party's length)) (set: $characters's ($party's $attacked)'s hp to (max: 0, it - $eATK)) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to (min: it + 1, $maxMP)) (goto: "ECombat2")] ] (else:)[ (link: "Continue")[ (set: $log to "party") (set: $pName to $characters's ($party's $turn)'s name) (set: $attack to (random: 1, $characters's ($party's $turn)'s attacks's length)) (set: $atk to $characters's ($party's $turn)'s attacks's $attack's name) (set: $atkdmg to $characters's ($party's $turn)'s attacks's $attack's dmg) (set: $atkdmg to (random: it - 1, it + 1)) (set: $eHP to it - $atkdmg) (set: $turn to it + 1) (goto: "ECombat2")] ] (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (if: $characters's _member's hp < 1)[ (set: $party to it - (a: _member))]] (if: $eHP < 1)[(goto: "Tired")] </div>}

<div id="enemy">$eName: (print: '<progress class="hp" value="' + (text: $eHP) + '" min="0" max="' + (text: $eMaxHP) + '"></progress>') $eHP / $eMaxHP HP </div>

$e["HEY WHAT DO YOU MORONS THINK YOU'RE DOING TO MY HOME?!"] Eri charges in. //Her attack however was blocked by a wall of numerous lesser homunculi.// $e["The hell? These guys aren't normally this hard to squash."] //Confused, Eri readies herself again for combat, and you and the two summoners stand to face one another.// $e["Yo, 'Oh Great Hero $name', since I'm feeling generous today how about you take the first swing this time round, also to make up for my rampage from earlier."] //Eri looks at you with a confident grin.// [[Engage Combat]]

(set: $eMaxHP to 220) (set: $eHP to $eMaxHP) (set: $eATK to 4) (set: $eName to "Duo of Summoner Cultists") (set: $party to (a: $player, $eri)) (set: $turn to 1)  (set: $turnNo to 1) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to $characters's 1st's maxMP) {(set: $characters's 1st's maxHP to 20) (set: $characters's $porter's maxHP to 15) (set: $characters's $cyril's maxHP to 17) (set: $characters's $quent's maxHP to 19) (set: $characters's $eri's maxHP to 23) (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (set: $characters's _member's hp to $characters's _member's maxHP)] (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 1st's dmg to 1) (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 3) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 1st's dmg to 16) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 19) (set: $characters's $cyril's attacks's 1st's dmg to 8) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 1st's dmg to 14) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 14) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 3rd's dmg to 17) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 1st's dmg to 7) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 11) } (goto: "ECombat")

(set: $eMaxHP to 60) (set: $eHP to $eMaxHP) (set: $eATK to 9) (set: $eName to "Greater Homunculus") (set: $party to (a: $player, $porter)) (set: $turn to 1)  (set: $turnNo to 1) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to $characters's 1st's maxMP) {(set: $characters's 1st's maxHP to 20) (set: $characters's $porter's maxHP to 15) (set: $characters's $cyril's maxHP to 17) (set: $characters's $quent's maxHP to 19) (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (set: $characters's _member's hp to $characters's _member's maxHP)] (set: $characters's $porter's attacks to (a: (dm: "name", "Magic Blast", "dmg", 12), (dm: "name", "Magic Entangle", "dmg", 15))) (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 1st's dmg to 10) (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 12) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 1st's dmg to 16) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 19) (set: $characters's $cyril's attacks's 1st's dmg to 8) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 1st's dmg to 14) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 14) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 3rd's dmg to 17) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 1st's dmg to 17) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 21) } (set: $exitPoint to "Aftermath") (set: $enterPoint to "Engage Eri Quest") (goto: "Combat")

(set: $eMaxHP to 1200) (set: $eHP to $eMaxHP) (set: $eATK to 15) (set: $eName to "Rethner") (set: $log to "none") (set: $party to (a: $player, $porter, $cyril, $quent, $eri)) (set: $turn to 1)  (set: $turnNo to 1) (set: $characters's 1st's maxMP to 10 (set: $characters's 1st's mp to $characters's 1st's maxMP) (set: $characters's 1st's maxHP to 40) (set: $characters's $porter's maxHP to 35) (set: $characters's $cyril's maxHP to 40) (set: $characters's $quent's maxHP to 42) (set: $characters's $eri's maxHP to 45) (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (set: $characters's _member's hp to $characters's _member's maxHP)] (set: $characters's $porter's attacks to (a: (dm: "name", "Magic Blast", "dmg", 12), (dm: "name", "Magic Entangle", "dmg", 15))) (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 1st's dmg to 30) (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 32) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 1st's dmg to 36) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 39) (set: $characters's $cyril's attacks's 1st's dmg to 28) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 1st's dmg to 34) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 34) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 3rd's dmg to 37) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 1st's dmg to 37) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 41) (set: $exitPoint to "Victory") (set: $enterPoint to "Engage Rethner") (goto: "Combat")

(set: $eMaxHP to 1000) (set: $eHP to $eMaxHP) (set: $eATK to 15) (set: $eName to "Reynold") (set: $party to (a: $player, $porter, $cyril, $quent, $eri)) (set: $turn to 1)  (set: $turnNo to 1) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to $characters's 1st's maxMP) (set: $characters's 1st's maxHP to 40) (set: $characters's $porter's maxHP to 35) (set: $characters's $cyril's maxHP to 40) (set: $characters's $quent's maxHP to 42) (set: $characters's $eri's maxHP to 45) (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (set: $characters's _member's hp to $characters's _member's maxHP)] (set: $characters's $porter's attacks to (a: (dm: "name", "Magic Blast", "dmg", 12), (dm: "name", "Magic Entangle", "dmg", 15))) (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 1st's dmg to 30) (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 32) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 1st's dmg to 36) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 39) (set: $characters's $cyril's attacks's 1st's dmg to 28) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 1st's dmg to 34) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 34) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 3rd's dmg to 37) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 1st's dmg to 37) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 41) (set: $exitPoint to "Reynold Boss Fight Intermission 2") (set: $enterPoint to "Engage Reynold's second stage") (goto: "Combat")

$e["It's my sister."] //That confident and energetic look Eri gave was gone in a flash.// $e["Right now, she's in a coma, and it's all Reynold's fault."] $e["We'd come here to admire the beautiful flowers, or let out our frustrations. Lili's younger than me, but at times it felt like she was the older sister instead of me..."] //She put her head to her knees and punches the ground hard, getting rid of the last of the homunculi with a shockwave.// $e["But that idiot! She tried saving some people that got kidnapped from our town one night. I noticed she was missing and thought they'd taken Lili too. Instead, I found her nearly lifeless. Seems like they wanted to set an example out of her instead of just taking another victim..."] //Eri seemed like such a strong-willed person, but now she looked like a child who scraped their knee, with tears flowing down her face.// [[The scent of flames fill the air.]]

$e["..."] //Saying nothing, she immediately picks herself up and wipes off the dust on her clothes, walking past you and saying,// $e["Thanks, but I quit. See you 'round, never..."] //Dumbfounded it seems that Eri has decided to leave your party...// [["You guys should rest, I'm going after Eri."|Begin Eri's Loyalty Quest]]

//Nothing seems out of the ordinary, but the orientation of the room is off somehow...// $e["Hope this guy does the secret passageway behind the bookshelf gimmick!"] //Eri throws a large bookshelf down to the floor in a loud *thud*, but unfortunately no passage.// $e["Darn,"] she says with slight disappointment. $p["If not the bookshelf, oh! Let's try the bed then."] //Confidently Porter asks Eri to try the bed next, but results in the same turn of events. Nothing.// $q["He really must've been keeping this hidden if the two most obvious places gave us no dice."] //You notice Cyril taking interest at one of the walls.// [["You find something Cyril?"]]

//You inform the elderly woman that Eri was a party member of yours who recently broke off from the group. The woman ponders for a moment, then says:// "I see... I've known her for a while now, she used to always get into fights with the kids here when she was younger. Whenever she got upset, her sister would take her to the clearing just north of here. They'd sit there for hours admiring the beautiful flowers those dears..." [["Her sister?"]] [["So she was a troublemaker?"]]

$levelUp[LEVEL UP]{ (set: $characters's 1st's maxHP to 30) (set: $characters's $porter's maxHP to 25) (set: $characters's $cyril's maxHP to 30) (set: $characters's $quent's maxHP to 32) (set: $characters's $eri's maxHP to 35) (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (set: $characters's _member's hp to $characters's _member's maxHP)] (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 1st's dmg to 15) (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 17) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 1st's dmg to 21) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 24) (set: $characters's $cyril's attacks's 1st's dmg to 13) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 1st's dmg to 19) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 19) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 3rd's dmg to 22) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 1st's dmg to 22) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 26) } //You and Eri head back to Hubbard and reunite with your friends. After some apologies, you're ready to seek out the cultist headquarters.// [["Here's that boulder."|Cyril Quest 1]]

//The two cultists have fallen, leaving only the large homunculus.// $p[“I don’t need magic to be useful.”] Porter charges at the bear-sized flesh monster. One of its spear-like tentacles contorts and follows him as he leaps onto the back of its neck. The monster pierces its own head, harming Porter as well. (link-reveal:"Finish it off")[= //You win!// $levelUp[LEVEL UP] {(set: $party to it + (a: $cyril)) (set: $characters's 1st's maxHP to 15) (set: $characters's $porter's maxHP to 10) (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (set: $characters's _member's hp to $characters's _member's maxHP)] (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 1st's dmg to 6) (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 8) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks to (a: (dm: "name", "Magic Blast", "dmg", 12))) } [[Continue|Cyril Intro 7 - Post-combat]]

$q["Do we have any idea where this guy is?"] "He should be leaving right about... //now//," Cullen says. Sure enough, a man leaves the building. "That's the guy," Cullen says. "Vyn Lier." $q["What do you already know about him?"] "He's highly suspicious, always sneaking around to secret meetings. I dunno, something is just off." [["Let's follow him to get more concrete information."]] [["Let's stalk him."]]

(if: $arrived is not true)[//You arrive at the man's house and watch him go inside.// (set: $arrived to true)]\ \ [[Knock on the door]] [[Look through the windows]] [[Wait for him to leave]]

//The passage echos with the sounds of your footsteps as you're guided by the light of torches.// //Ahead, you hear more muttering, almost like an incantation.// [["Quent, mind checking it out?"]]

//Discretely, the three of you try to follow him without causing alarm.// [[Act natural]] [[Keep glancing around nervously]]

//Suddenly, you hear a crash from behind you. Looking at its source, you see a barrel knocked over on the ground. Porter's head pops up from behind the barrel.// $p["Oops."] [["What are you doing here?"]]

//Sitting in the bed you see Lili awake and smiling towards your group.// $e["Lili! You're finally awake Lili, I thought I'd never be able to see you like this again."] //Eri quickly rushes to embrace her sister, letting out all her pent up tears.// "Eri, you're crushing me! I know you missed me lots, but you must keep your strength in check before you break someone's back," says Lili weakly. //The comment immediately makes Eri loosen up her bear hug, before again looking at her sister.// "*sigh* You really are a hopeless mess without me, aren't you sister?" Lili says with a smile. [["She wasn't completely hopeless."]]

//After arriving, you meet up with the rest of your party.// $p["How did it go?"] Porter asks with evident enthusiasm. (link-reveal:"\"Great, we got the evidence we needed! How were things with you two?\"")[= Cyril answers first. $c["Well, when Porter left for a bit, it was quite uncomfortable being here in the guild by myself... I didn't quite feel like I... //belonged// here. Luckily, though, I was able to dye my robes."] //As they say this, you notice that their robes have new symbols drawn onto them, dissassociating them with Reynold's cult.// [["Ooh, I like the new look."|Quent Quest Wrapup 1]] [["Sorry to hear that you were uncomfortable."|Quent Quest Wrapup 1]]

//The bedroom is a pretty standard bedroom with not much of note.// [[Open bedside drawer]] [[Leave bedroom|Stealth Nav]]

//You enter the library. On a table, there is one book laid out with a bookmark in it.// [[Observe bookmark]] [[Leave library|Stealth Nav]]

(if: $seenLetter is not true)[//In the study, there is a desk and chair. On the desk is an envelope next to a small piece of paper. The paper appears to be blank.//](else:)[//In the study, there is a desk and chair. On the desk is an envelope next to a small piece of paper. On the paper, there are a bunch of jumbled letters written.//] {(if:$UV is true)[ [[Shine UV light on paper]]<br> (if:$cipher is true and $seenLetter is true)[ [["Read it backwards?"]]<br> [["It's an Atbash cipher."]]<br> ] ] [[Leave study|Stealth Nav]] }

$p["I should be thanking you."] He looks down and wipes his eyes. He straightens his posture and hits the base of his staff into the ground. $p["Enough of this mushy stuff! $name, don't forget to visit! You better not make me wait too long, 'cause we've got lots more mysteries to uncover."] *He holds his arms out, gesturing for a hug. You step forward and feel your foot get caught on something. You stumble and see a magical tangled vine recede back into the grass.* $p["Haha! Later, $name!"] He's already several paces away. Porter looks back to wave good-bye and stumbles a bit himself. His grin is easy to see, despite the distance. $p["Shut up!"] he laughs and continues to head back to Alnhome. **THE END**

$q["That's a //great// idea! Oh, all this foot traffic over here? Yeah, just ignore that. This is totally normal for them; it's a trend to pick the locks of your own homes over in these parts. Seriously, we should do it."] "You know you can just tell us if something's a bad idea, right?" Cullen says. $q["Sorry. Bad habit."] "Anyway, while you were arguing, I actually found a small open window in the back." [["Go through!"]]

//You find a path enshroudend by dozens of colorful flowers that illuminate the lush vegetation.// //Ahead you hear the sounds of struggling, and wet flesh exploding.// [[That's gotta be Eri]]

(set: $eMaxHP to 25) (set: $eHP to $eMaxHP) (set: $eATK to 4) (set: $eName to "Group of Cultists") (set: $party to (a: $player, $porter)) (set: $turn to 1)  (set: $turnNo to 1) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to $characters's 1st's maxMP) (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (set: $characters's _member's hp to $characters's _member's maxHP)] (set: $cyrilYelledAt to false) (goto: "CCombat")

He gives you a surprised look, then smiles even wider somehow. $p["I thought you were too big for Alnhome!"] [["Shouldn't they get to see their new hero, $name the Great?"|Porter END 1]] [["I just wanna make sure you haven't burned it to the ground by the next time I visit."|Porter END 1]]

//You look at all the citizens of Hubbard around you, checking for people watching you and wondering if they've caught on to what you're doing.// $q["God, you are bad at this,"] Quent proclaims. $q["Why are you here again? Did you want us to fail, if you're acting so unnatural already?"] (display:"Funny barrel moment")

$q["Did you want to get beaten up? Kinda weird, but I don't judge. Seriously though, we are not doing that,"] Quent says. (display:"Follow Vyn to his house")

//You crouch down and try to peek over the window frame.// //You can see Vyn walking around in his house. Better not let //him// see //you! (display:"Follow Vyn to his house")

You lose. (link-goto:"Try again", $enterPoint)

//The bookmark reads, "The //key// to everything is accepting that sometimes life feels backwards."//(set:$cipher to true) "Interesting...?" Cullen sounds confused. $q["Hm..."] [[Leave library|Stealth Nav]]

(if:$UV is true)[//The drawer is now empty.//](else:)[//Inside the drawer is a UV light.// [[Take UV light]]] [[Leave bedroom|Stealth Nav]]

(set: $eMaxHP to 20) (set: $eHP to $eMaxHP) (set: $eATK to 3) (set: $eName to "Lesser Homunculus") (set: $party to (a: $player, $porter)) (set: $turn to 1)  (set: $turnNo to 1) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to $characters's 1st's maxMP) (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (set: $characters's _member's hp to $characters's _member's maxHP)] (goto: "P_Combat")

{(display: "P_Enemy")(display: "P_Log")(display: "P_You")}

<div id="enemy">$eName: (print: '<progress class="hp" value="' + (text: $eHP) + '" min="0" max="' + (text: $eMaxHP) + '"></progress>') $eHP / $eMaxHP HP </div>

{<div id="log"> (if: $log is "player")[It is your turn.] (elseif: $log is "atk")[$name used $atk and dealt $atkdmg damage to $eName!] (elseif: $log is "pATK1")[Porter used $atk and dealt $atkdmg damage to $eName!<br>"Ugh... My magic is so weak now..."] (elseif: $log is "party")[Porter used $atk and dealt $atkdmg damage to $eName!] (elseif: $log is "enemy")[$eName attacked (print: $characters's ($party's $attacked)'s name) and dealt $eATK damage.] (elseif: $log is "noMP")[Not enough MP! It is still your turn.] </div>}

You lose. [[Try again|PReady]]

You win! [[Continue|Porter's Quest END]]

{=<div id="you">(display:"Stats") {(if: $turn is 1)[ <span> (link: "Sword Slash")[ (set: $atkdmg to $characters's 1st's attacks's 1st's dmg) (set: $atkdmg to (random: it - 1, it + 1)) (set: $eHP to it - $atkdmg) (set: $atk to "Sword Slash") (set: $turn to it + 1) (set: $log to "atk") (goto: "P_Combat")] </span> <span> (if: $characters's 1st's mp >= 3)[ (link: "Magic")[ (set: $atkdmg to $characters's 1st's attacks's 2nd's dmg) (set: $eHP to it - $atkdmg) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to it - 3) (set: $atk to "Magic") (set: $turn to it + 1) (set: $log to "atk") (goto: "P_Combat") ]] (else:)[ (link: "Magic")[ (set: $log to "noMP") (goto: "P_Combat") ]]] </span>  (else-if: $turn > $party's length)[ (link: "Continue")[ (set: $log to "enemy") (set: $turn to 1) (set: $turnNo to it + 1) (set: $attacked to (random: 1, $party's length)) (set: $characters's ($party's $attacked)'s hp to (max: 0, it - $eATK)) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to (min: it + 1, $maxMP)) (goto: "P_Combat")] ] (else:)[ (link: "Continue")[ (if: $turnNo is 1)[ (set: $atkdmg to 1) (set: $atk to $characters's $turn's attacks's 1st's name) (set: $log to "pATK1") ] (else:) [ (set: $atkdmg to (random: 2,3)) (set: $atk to $characters's $turn's attacks's 2nd's name) (set: $log to "party") ] (set: $eHP to it - $atkdmg) (set: $turn to it + 1) (goto: "P_Combat")] ] (if: ($characters's 1st's hp <1) and $turn is 1)[(goto: "P_Lose")] (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (if: $characters's _member's hp < 1)[ (set: $party to it - (a: _member))] ] (if: $eHP < 1)[(goto: "P_Win")] </div>}

//You find yourselves chatting about on the road.// $p["So then I said, 'That's rich coming from someone living in a busted up barrel,' right to his face!"] Porter says. $e["That guy sounds like a troll for sure. Short, overweight, weird ears? There's just no way..."] $p["Right?! But the crazy part is he was a human drunkard!"] Porter exclaims with his arms spread. $q["Big deal, so what if you found a drunk in an alleyway. I bet we have some more interesting people we could talk about here,"] Quent says as he glances to Cyril. [["That's a good point. What was it like working for Reynold, Cyril?"]] [["Eri your turn to tell us about a weirdo."]]

//You pick up a stone to throw at the window.// $q["...Wait. Are you dumb? If we do that, we'll definitely cause a scene. Why would you trust a guy like me?"] (link-reveal:"\"You told us to do it? And you're supposed to be helping us?\"")[= $q["Ugh... you're supposed to implicitly distrust me! Why do you gotta go and make things difficult…?”] (link-reveal:"\"I'm the one making things difficult?\"")[= [[Have Quent pick the lock]]

//It jumps to life.// (text-colour:red)["WHO'SA WHERE'S THE? Gah, WHO WOKE ME UP?"] the former corpse shouts at you and your party. //All of you are shocked at the revelation, except for Quent who has a mischievous smirk.// $c["Quent, you knew this person wasn't dead!?"] Cyril says, immediately eyeing Quent's smirk. $q["Hm? Oh yeah, didn't think it was that important. You all seemed way into it, so I just played along,"] Quent puts bluntly. $e[“BWAAHAHAHAHA!! I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU DUMBASSES THOUGHT I WAS DEAD!! Ah… haha… *phew*, anyway you got any food on ya?”] the non-corpse lady says. //This mysterious lady, upon shaking off some of the blood on her, has long velvet red hair, and a set of spiked knuckles attached to her shorts.// [["Who are you?"]] [["How are you alive?"]]

$q["Oh, that? Psh, I was just trying to help!"] (link-reveal:"\"How is being mean helpful?\"")[= $q["Hey, it works. Maybe not in this specific situation, but it does. Man, I remember back when I was a kid, this one time I made fun of one of the boys for being a weak crybaby, and then he actually did something brave for once out of spite for what I said! Knowing how to make people feel defensive is a powerful skill."] (link-reveal:"\"And how long have you been a bully?\"")[= $q["About as long as anyone else,"] Quent shrugs. [[*Click*]]

He laughs. $p["Well, I'm glad you're joining me. If we run into any baby flesh monsters, I've got it covered."] (link-reveal:"\"We'll see about that.\"")[ Porter's mind is too busy to acknowlege the jab. $p["Oh man! $name back in Alnhome! This is gonna be fun."] As you walk, he can hardly finish a sentence as his mind jumps from one potential mystery to explore to the next even more exciting adventure to embark on. **THE END**]

*Soon after, Porter approaches you.* $p[“This was a blast, $name. Who knew we’d uncover the truth about an ancient shadow god thing!”] It's strange to see someone look off into the distance wistfully while maintaining such a wide grin. $p[“Well anyway, I should head back to Alnhome. I think the community there could use my help. You didn’t give up on me, so maybe I can give them another shot.”] [[“You’re going without me?”|Join Porter]] [[“Thanks for everything, Porter.”|Good-bye END 2]]

*You see a portly young man with sandy hair dressed in muted green and brown robes wave and jog over to you. It's your old friend Porter. The last time you spoke was when you were leaving Alnhome, your hometown. His wide grin quickly fades.* (link-reveal: "\"How's it going, Porter?\"")[ $p["No good."] He looks down at his twisted wooden staff. He taps the opalescent stone at the end of it. $p[“It’s busted. I don’t know what happened, but I intend to find out. You remember the Glade?”] //You do. Porter seemed to possess latent magical abilities ever since he was a kid. It made him an outcast; a lot of the kids in Alnhome didn’t treat him too well either from jealousy or fear. When he first heard about the Glade, a sacred sanctuary in the middle of the woods, Porter was drawn to it. Even if it wasn’t a powerful source of natural magic, he would probably visit it just as much to steal away a moment of peace.// (link-reveal: "*Nod*")[ $p["I think something’s up. I’m gonna head over there and see what I can uncover. But, I’m useless without this thing.”] He half-heartedly swings his staff. $p[“So I’d rather not go alone. You up for an adventure?”] [["Let's do it!"|Porter Quest 1 - Woods]] [["I guess so."|Porter Quest 1 - Woods]]]]

//The Glade is within the woods that cover most of the valley beside Hubbard and Alnhome. You walk along the dirt path that winds through the trees. It’s nice to catch up with Porter, although you haven’t seen him this anxious in a while.// $p[“I wonder if they’re connected…”] he mutters to himself. $p[“Have you heard about the Maxwells?”] You vaguely recognize the name of a family from Alnhome but you haven’t heard any news about them. (link-reveal: "\"No, did something happen?\"")[ $p[“They vanished. People are saying all three of them got kidnapped. I didn’t get a chance to see for myself, but apparently, there was evidence of a struggle in their house. I could care less about Alnhome, but it seems like people are on edge.”] (link-reveal: "\"You mean you *couldn't* care less.\"")[ $p["Whatever!"] For a second, a smile started to emerge from the corner of his mouth. $p[“I think whatever’s messing with me might-”] His eyes go wide and he stops. $p[“What is that?”] [["What?"|Porter Quest 2 - Homunculus]]]]

*It looks like it might be some kind of rabid animal at first. A fleshy purplish grey creature ambles forward, leaving an acidic stain on the moss and dirt it touches. It makes a gurgling sound and lunges at you!* [[Start fight|PReady]]

Party: Player, weakened Porter Opponent(s): Lesser Homunculi Details: Porter tries to use magic and it fails (only does 1hp) Then uses staff for melee attacks (also not doing much dmg) [[Continue|Porter's Quest END]]

Porter collects himself. $p[“Nice job. Ugh, sorry for being dead weight. We really need to fix this.”] It’s hard to tell if it’s anger or determination, but he pushes forward through the forest. $p[“There’s something weird going on, I’m sure of it. People going missing, my magic not working, baby flesh monsters in the woods. I’m not a bad enough detective to say ‘I don’t believe in coincidences’, but I’m just saying the timing is fishy to me.”] He was not a detective by trade, but Porter could not detach himself from a mystery. You have to pick up your pace to keep up with him. [[Continue|Cyril Intro 1 - Glade]]

//When the guild leader sees you with Cullen, he seems surprised.// (link-reveal:"\"Cullen showed us some evidence of possible treason within the guild, and we're pretty concerned.\"")[= "Is that so?" the guild leader asks. //With Cullen having trustworthy backup and the promise of evidence, the guild leader is forced to take the issue seriously. He takes the letter from Cullen, eyes widening soon after.// "This... is Vyn's handwriting." //The guild leader excuses himself, mentioning the need for a formal investigation and a discussion with others in the guild. You can faintly hear the chatter of the guild staff. After some time, the guild concludes that Vyn is a threat. They thank you and your friends, including Cullen. Other adventurers in the guild building, who previously seemed to ignore or avoid Cullen, offer him nods of approval.// [["Nice job, Cullen!"|Quent Quest Lvl Up]]

{(display: "QEnemy")(display: "QLog")(display: "QYou")}

<div id="enemy">$eName: (print: '<progress class="hp" value="' + (text: $eHP) + '" min="0" max="' + (text: $eMaxHP) + '"></progress>') $eHP / $eMaxHP HP </div>

{<div id="log"> (if: $log is "preamble")[The ambusher is targetting Cyril.] (elseif: $log is "player")[It is your turn.] (elseif: $log is "atk")[$name used $atk and dealt $atkdmg damage to $eName!] (elseif: $log is "party")[$pName used $atk and dealt $atkdmg damage to $eName!] (elseif: $log is "enemy")[$eName attacked (print: $characters's ($party's $attacked)'s name) and dealt $eATK damage!] (elseif: $log is "noMP")[Not enough MP!] (elseif: $log is "heal")[Cyril heals you.] </div>}

You lose. [[Try again|Quent fight]]

A swarm of vines emerges from the grass and envelops the man. They wrap around his entire torso and lift him off the ground. $p["That’s enough!"] Porter shouts. You can see the stone at the end of his staff glow vibrantly.{ (set: $characters's $porter's attacks to (a: (dm: "name", "Magic Blast", "dmg", 12), (dm: "name", "Magic Entangle", "dmg", 15))) } [[Continue|Quent Intro 3]]

{<div id="you">(display:"Stats") (if: ($characters's $cyril's hp < 0) or ($eHP < 0))[ (go-to:"QWin")) ] (if: $turn is 1)[ <span> (link: "Sword Slash")[ (set: $atkdmg to $characters's 1st's attacks's 1st's dmg) (set: $atkdmg to (random: it - 1, it + 1)) (set: $eHP to it - $atkdmg) (set: $atk to "Sword Slash") (set: $turn to it + 1) (set: $log to "atk") (goto: "QCombat")] </span> <span> (if: $characters's 1st's mp >= 3)[ (link: "Magic")[ (set: $atkdmg to $characters's 1st's attacks's 2nd's dmg) (set: $eHP to it - $atkdmg) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to it - 3) (set: $atk to "Magic") (set: $turn to it + 1) (set: $log to "atk") (goto: "QCombat") ]] (else:)[ (link: "Magic")[ (set: $log to "noMP") (goto: "QCombat") ]]] </span> (else-if: $turn > $party's length)[ (link: "Continue")[ (set: $log to "enemy") (set: $turn to 1) (set: $turnNo to it + 1) (set: $attacked to 3) (set: $characters's ($party's $attacked)'s hp to (max: 0, it - $eATK)) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to (min: it + 1, $maxMP)) (goto: "QCombat")] ] (else:)[ (link: "Continue")[ (set: $log to "party") (set: $pName to $characters's ($party's $turn)'s name) (set: $attack to (random: 1, $characters's ($party's $turn)'s attacks's length)) (set: $atk to $characters's ($party's $turn)'s attacks's $attack's name) (set: $atkdmg to $characters's ($party's $turn)'s attacks's $attack's dmg) (set: $atkdmg to (random: it - 1, it + 1)) (set: $eHP to it - $atkdmg) (set: $turn to it + 1) (goto: "QCombat")] ] (if: $characters's 1st's hp < 1)[(set: $log to "heal")(set: $characters's 1st's hp to $characters's 1st's maxHP)] (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (if: $characters's _member's hp < 1)[ (set: $party to it - (a: _member))]] (if: $eHP < 1)[(goto: "QWin")] </div>}

$q["Well... I'll be heading back to my hometown now,"] Quent says, sounding a little uncertain--the most uncertain you've ever heard him. (link-reveal:"\"Will you be okay?\"")[= $q["What? Of course. Evil always prevails."] (link-reveal:"\"Seriously. Will you?\"")[= Quent looks at you and sighs. $q["I'm not sure how people will react to their 'public enemy number one' being a hero, but... I guess, if that kid could change how people feel about him... maybe I can too?"] [["So you do care about your town, after all."|Quent Finale 2]]

$q["What? Of course not. They're a bunch of idiots,"] Quent deadpans. He then sighs again. $q["But, I guess if I really want them to trust me, I have to get used to... being a little more... honest? Whatever. They suck, but I guess getting along with them wouldn't be so bad."] $q["Anyways, I'll head out now. And, uh... thanks."] //Quent disappears, leaving you with Porter, Cyril, and Eri.// [[Continue|Begin Eri's Finale]]

$p["Yeah, maybe we should start heading back to town,"] Porter says. $c["That may be for the best,"] Cyril agrees. [["Alright, let's go."|Quent Intro 2 - Emerging]]

//After a while of walking through the woods, you come across a path blocked by a large boulder.// $c["Ah, this is the way to a hideout of the cult's--a mini headquarters, if you will. But it looks like we can no longer enter..."] //By now, nighttime has fallen, as has your energy, so you all decide to set up camp for the night. Just as you finish lighting a bonfire, you see a shadow emerge from the woods. You turn around, towards its source.// (link-reveal: "\"Who's there?\"")[= //A figure steps forward, shrouded by darkness. From the light of the fire, you can make out dark leather armor protecting him, as well as the faint outline of short, scruffy hair.// $q["You, with the robes. You're a member of that cult, aren't you?"] $c["I-"] Cyril begins, but the man cuts them off. $q["How do you get into this base over here? And who's behind all this?"] As he says this, he approaches quickly with a dagger which is now held up to Cyril's neck. [["Well, looks like we won't be resting yet."|Quent fight]]

$c["Stop this, please. I am not with the cult anymore,"] Cyril says. $p["It's true,"] Porter chimes in. $p["We're not trying to hurt anyone. We're trying to //save// people."] $q["Seriously? You're working with a cultist? You do realize they're the ones going around kidnapping people, summoning monsters, and wreaking havoc?"] the man retorts. [["That may be true, but Cyril isn't with them anymore. They're trying to change."|Quent Intro 4]]

$q["Change, huh? Yeah, that's what they all say."] $p["It's true. They helped us clean up the cultists' mess in the nearby Glade, and they even healed me,"] Porter explains. $q["Really? And you just believe it isn't a farce?"] $p["Well, yeah. We want to believe in them and let them prove themselves, with an appropriate amount of caution. Don't you think people can change?"] //Porter releases the man from the vines.// The man is silent for a moment. $q["Maybe,"] he says. $q["But it's just idiotic how people //always// forgive the ones who've //actually// done something wrong, meanwhile a mere rumor is enough to tarnish an innocent's reputation forever."] [["Hm?"|Quent Intro 5]]

$p["I don't really know what you're talking about,"] Porter says, $p["but I believe in Cyril, and I'd also believe in anyone else who wants to be good. Regardless of what other people say about them."] The man is quiet again, before saying, $q["Well, maybe you're not as much of an idiot as I thought. But don't let it go to your head--you'll still be an idiot if the ex-cultist betrays you in the end."] [["//Riiiight.// Well, do you want to join us?"|Quent Intro 6]]

$q["...Join you?"] he scoffs. (link-reveal: "\"You really caught us by surprise back there, and we could probably use someone sneaky.\"")[= $q["And why would I want to join you?"] [["To save the kingdom?"|Quent Intro 7]]

$q["This kingdom's full of idiots and hypocrites. Why would I want to save them?"] $p["Seriously? You don't care about any of the things you were just berating Cyril for?"] Porter questions. $q["Well, uh... That's kinda my thing. I'm a bad guy, didn't you hear?"] (link-reveal:"\"I thought you wanted to stop the cultists?\"")[= $q["My business with them is personal. Nothing noble, like saving people, or whatever."] $c["In a way, it is the same for me,"] Cyril says. $c["I have personal business with the cult. But I would also like to make up for all the destruction I've caused. If all of us have the same goal--to stop the cult--why not work together?"] $q["Aren't you worried I'll betray you? What if I steal everything and run?"] [["Why would you betray us if we're helping you reach your goal?"|Quent Intro 8]]

The man seems to consider this carefully. $q[“(css:"font-size: 15px")[Surely you'll change your mind once all this is over...] Well, whatever. If you’re that desperate for someone stealthy, then I’ll humor you. I guess it could be fun. Just don't try and play all buddy-buddy with me just because you need me. Obviously, someone like me doesn't care about things like camaraderie.”] He walks closer to the group. $q["And you,"] he says, pointing to Cyril, $q["I hate liars. And I hate villains who pretend to be good. So you’d better make up for your crimes before you go calling yourself a hero."] $c["I will. I promise."] [["By the way, we didn't catch your name."|Quent Intro 9]]

$q["It's Quent,"] says Quent, $q["but I'm also called 'criminal', 'villain', 'jerk', and so on..."] //You and the rest of the party introduce yourselves before moving on to discussing your plans. Namely, it'd be a good idea to find a way around that boulder...// $q["I've been waiting around here to see if anyone from the cult would come by and... //remove// the obstacle, but..."] (link-reveal:"\"Are there any ways around it? Any alternate paths?\"")[= $c["There is a cave which may have an exit somewhere past the boulder,"] Cyril explains. $c["I cannot guarantee it will lead anywhere, or even be safe, but it's a possibility."] $q["Ooh, we should //totally// go in there. Caves around here have nothing dangerous at all. And there's probably a bunch of treasure."] From his tone, you can't quite tell whether Quent is being sarcastic or making a serious suggestion. $p["Why would we need treasure right now? I don't think that's our priority,"] Porter says. $p["We should focus on sleuthing out exactly what Reynold is planning."] Quent blinks. $q["...Bingo! We don't need any. Good job, you passed the test! And I was lying about the treasure. We shouldn't go in there. It's highly dangerous."] [["Huh? And why exactly were you 'testing' us?"|Quest Intro 10]]

$p["Anyway, in terms of a plan, maybe for now we should head to the Adventurer's Guild in Hubbard and see if they can do anything about it,"] Porter says. [["Sounds like a good idea."|Quent Quest 1]]

$q["This kingdom is full of people who can't think for themselves. Why //would// I care about them?"] Quent pauses for a moment. $q["But I guess you could say the chicken came before the egg. People were assuming I was a villain before I ever committed a single crime. It's easier to just play the role that everyone wants me to. And it's a role I play well, if I do say so myself."] (link-reveal: "\"What was up with Hubbard?\"")[= $q["People there didn't know me. They don't know my reputation. I guess I wasn't used to people treating me like a normal person. You know, back in Frostholm, I could do anything and people would have the innate understanding that it was motivated by evil. But in Hubbard? There were no expectations. Nada. Zilch. When I was mean, people were //surprised//. Can you imagine? Being surprised that the supreme lord of evil is a little impolite? So it's only natural I'd be acting a little weird. It totally throws off my whole vibe."] (link-reveal: "\"Do you want your town to accept you? Like what happened with Cullen?\"")[= $q["Tch, why would I care what those bozos think of me? Like I said, caring what other people think is for cowards. ...But it //will// be pretty weird if I help save the kingdom or whatever. I'm not sure if they'll be able to believe it. Or what I'll do if they can. We've gone so long with me as the villain, that anything else would just be out of character, you know?"] [["You don't seem too much like a villain to me."|Quent Lore 2]] [["Yeah, that would be pretty weird."|Quent Lore 2]]

$q["Anyway, there's nothing to worry about. You're just wasting your energy by worrying about things that don't matter. If you're not careful, you might waste so much energy that you die in battle. Hey, maybe that was my plan all along."] //You ignore that last bit. His constant insinuations that he might be planning to betray you become less and less believable each time.// $p["Hey,"] Porter chimes in, $p["I know what it's like to be othered by your hometown, too. And Cyril's another villain-turned-hero. So even if you don't want it, we're here for you."] $q["Well,"] says Quent, $q["you're not as dumb as the rest of the kingdom, so I don't mind your company. But don't think that means I'll get all sentimental with you. I'm still rotten to the core, got that?"] (link-reveal: "\"Yeah, yeah.\"")[= //With that resolved, you travel on like normal.// [[Continue|Begin Eri's Introduction]]

//In the morning, you head back to Hubbard and report to the Adventurer's Guild. You are told that their strongest adventurers are out on quests, so you'll have to wait a while before the boulder can be dealt with.// //That being said, the guild leader mentions that you may be able to find some help from the Adventurer's Guild over at Ragar. The town is a bit of a distance from here, so you all decide to stay in Hubbard for a little while just to prepare for the journey.// //In the meantime, you walk around the city, feeling less small than you did yesterday. Having a group to travel with really helps, huh?// [[Rejoice in your newfound allyship|Quent Quest 2]]

$q["Gee, I wonder who should go. Do you guys know anyone who’s sneaky?"] Quent asks disingenuously. $p["So I guess Quent's on the job,"] Porter says. (link-reveal:"\"I'll go, too.\"")[= $p["Aw man, are you making me and Cyril stay behind?"] $c["I don't mind, especially if I can be of help here."] [["I would appreciate it."|Quent Quest 11]]

$q["Alright, so me, $name, and Cullen,"] Quent recounts. $q["We won't get into //any// trouble. See you soon."] $c["Why do I doubt the sincerity of that statement?"] Cyril asks. [[Follow Quent out of the building]]

//As you roam the streets, the people of Hubbard offer your party friendly smiles and polite nods. Accustomed to adventurers coming in and out of the city every day, the people of Hubbard likely perceive any group of travelers as heroic.// $q["Wait, is something-"] Quent, who is glancing around at the city folk, seems concerned about something before cutting himself off. (link-reveal:"\"What's wrong?\"")[= Quent shakes his head and is quick to return to his usual stature. $q["Nah, it's nothing."] (link-reveal:"\"Are you sure?\"")[= Suddenly, Quent laughs. $q["Yeah, I was just trying to freak you guys out. Looks like you fell for it, ahah!”] //You're not sure whether or not to believe that, but you let it go for now.// //As you spend more time in Hubbard, interacting with the locals, you notice that Quent doesn't seem to know how to act.// [[Carry on|Quent Quest 3]]

//You laugh, joke, and tell stories with your fellow party members.// //Quent is quiet.// //When you return to the guild building to lounge around at the bar, Quent approaches the guild leader.// $q["Hey, uh, do you know if anyone from Frostholm's around?"] "Not to my knowledge, no," the guild leader says. $q["Any chance any of 'em will show up any time soon?"] "Not that I'm aware of. Why? You got some business with Frostholm?" $q["Nah, just curious."] Quent begins to walk away. [["Frostholm?"|Quent Quest 4]]

$q["It's where I'm from,"] Quent says. //Before you can continue the conversation, you spot a sulking teenager sitting outside of the guild.// [["Something the matter?"|Quent Quest 5]]

"Hm?" the teenager looks up at you. "Oh. I was just kicked out of the guild building. Again." (link-reveal:"\"Kicked out?\"")[= "Yeah. I have some info on a guild member--he's planning to betray them. I tried telling the guild, but no one here... really trusts me." (link-reveal:"\"Why not?\"")[= "Well, uh... I have sort of a... bad reputation." [["Care to elaborate?"|Quent Quest 6]]

"Well, uh, you see... I've sort of stolen a couple things. But I promise, it's only because my parents and I are peasants! We work so hard for so few coins, and... it's all I can do sometimes, you know?" $q["Heh, the people here probably deserve being stolen from, anyway,"] Quent remarks. //When no one scolds him for his theft, the boy seems to become more comfortable.// "I've been trying to figure out how to get the guild to hear me out," he says. "The guy I have dirt on is a trusted member, too! They just laugh when I try to tell them he's planning something." [["Hm..."|Quent Quest 7]]

$q["Don't bother. No matter what you do, they'll never change their mind about you. When the whole town decides you're the devil, it might as well be gospel."] "But, isn't there any way I can convince them? I know I'm right--they just have to look into it!" $q["Only weaklings try so hard to impress people who've already rejected them. That's probably why no one likes you."] [["Quent..." | Quent Quest 8]] [["..." | Quent Quest 8]]

$q["Seriously?"] Quent says. $q["Well, whatever. Just don't get your hopes up."] "Really? You'll help me find evidence? Are you sure it won't be too much trouble?" $c["Certainly not,"] Cyril says. "Well, if we'll be working together, I should introduce myself. I'm Cullen! Nice to meet you!" [["Nice to meet you, Cullen. That being said, if all of us go to snoop on this guy, we'll definitely be caught."|Quent Quest 10]]

$q["Wow! They really did change their minds about you! I knew you could do it, champ!"] Quent pats the boy on his shoulder. (link-reveal:"\"And how long ago was it that you were saying he shouldn't bother trying?\"")[= $q["I have no idea what you're talking about,"] Quent says with a deceitful grin. [["Anyway, we should be all set to head to Ragar now."|Travel to road]]

$levelUp[LEVEL UP] {(set: $characters's 1st's maxHP to 20) (set: $characters's $porter's maxHP to 15) (set: $characters's $cyril's maxHP to 17) (set: $characters's $quent's maxHP to 19) (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (set: $characters's _member's hp to $characters's _member's maxHP)] (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 1st's dmg to 10) (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 12) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 1st's dmg to 16) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 19) (set: $characters's $cyril's attacks's 1st's dmg to 8) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 1st's dmg to 14) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 14) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 3rd's dmg to 17) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 1st's dmg to 17) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 21) } [[Continue|Quent Quest END]]

$p["Those new robes should make things easier for us, especially when it comes to interacting with guild members. Speaking of which, we have some intel."] (link-reveal:"\"Oh?\"")[= $p["I asked around a bunch, and apparently Reynold's cult centers around some sort of deity named Rethner. We don't know too much beyond that, but we're definitely getting somewhere."] (link-reveal:"\"Your lack of any sort of social apprehension really //can// be useful sometimes.\"")[= $q["Man, you can just go up to people and ask things directly and actually get what you need? ...Well, doing things the easy way is lame anyway."] (link-reveal:"\"Is that why you're a thief?\"")[= "Sorry to break this up," Cullen says, "but could we show the letter to the guild now?" [["For sure!"|Present the Guild with evidence]] [["I suppose."|Present the Guild with evidence]]

(set: $eMaxHP to 30) (set: $eHP to $eMaxHP) (set: $eATK to 5) (set: $eName to "Ambusher") (set: $party to (a: $player, $porter, $cyril)) (set: $turn to 1)  (set: $turnNo to 1) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to $characters's 1st's maxMP) {(set: $characters's 1st's maxHP to 15) (set: $characters's $porter's maxHP to 10) (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (set: $characters's _member's hp to $characters's _member's maxHP)] (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 1st's dmg to 6) (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 8) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks to (a: (dm: "name", "Magic Blast", "dmg", 12))) } (set: $log to "preamble") (goto: "QCombat")

$q["Well, obviously I need to make sure you're committed to this whole 'saving the kingdom' thing."] (link-reveal:"\"I thought you didn't care about that?\"")[= $q["I don't. But, uh... if you're good-hearted then it's easier to betray you later."] He didn't sound very convinced by his own words. [["...Let's just ignore this guy's antics."|Quent Intro END]] [["You're doing a great job betraying us so far. Thanks for the heads up that the cave is dangerous."|Quent Intro END]]

(set: $eMaxHP to 25) (set: $eHP to $eMaxHP) (set: $eATK to 2) (set: $eName to "Lesser Homunculus") (set: $party to (a: $player, $porter)) (set: $turn to 1)  (set: $turnNo to 1) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to $characters's 1st's maxMP) (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (set: $characters's _member's hp to $characters's _member's maxHP)] (set: $enterPoint = "Ready?") (goto: "Combat")

(set: $eMaxHP to 500) (set: $eHP to $eMaxHP) (set: $eATK to 15) (set: $eName to "Reynold") (set: $party to (a: $player, $porter, $cyril, $quent, $eri)) (set: $turn to 1)  (set: $turnNo to 1) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to $characters's 1st's maxMP) (set: $characters's 1st's maxHP to 40) (set: $characters's $porter's maxHP to 35) (set: $characters's $cyril's maxHP to 40) (set: $characters's $quent's maxHP to 42) (set: $characters's $eri's maxHP to 45) (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (set: $characters's _member's hp to $characters's _member's maxHP)] (set: $characters's $porter's attacks to (a: (dm: "name", "Magic Blast", "dmg", 12), (dm: "name", "Magic Entangle", "dmg", 15))) (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 1st's dmg to 30) (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 32) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 1st's dmg to 36) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 39) (set: $characters's $cyril's attacks's 1st's dmg to 28) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 1st's dmg to 34) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 34) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 3rd's dmg to 37) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 1st's dmg to 37) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 41) (set: $exitPoint to "Reynold Boss Fight Intermission") (set: $enterPoint to "Reynold Boss Fight") (goto: "Combat")

"It's not over for me yet," says Reynold. "Rethner, I call upon you to lend me power!" //Right before your eyes, Reynold transforms into a homunculus abomination.// [[Engage Reynold's second stage]]

//A booming voice descends from above, and as a cloudlike form coalesces in front of you, you finally come face to face with the one who's truly behind all this: Rethner.// //Rethner scoffs at the death of Reynold.// "Congratulations for defeating my puppet." [[Engage Rethner]]

$c["Right, I think I know where we have to go."] //Cyril leads the way as the party returns to Hubbard.// $c["Reynold used to be a noble for the city. Back when he was still sane, he lived in the rich-people district. His old house is still there, abandoned. But if I'm right, Reynold might have a reason to un-abandon it."] Porter's eyes dart around, his mind racing. $p["If you were planning something big and you wanted to cause a lotta damage, you'd do it in the middle of the city."] [["Let's find that house, then."|Reynold Quest 2]]

//It isn't too hard to spot. Every house in the neighborhood is kept pristine except for one. The windows are boarded up, and the black paint on its walls is visibly peeling.// $e["Are ya sure this is it?"] Eri asks. $c["Definitely. Let's just hope we're not too late."] //Quent has already opened the front door.// $p["Quent! What are you doing?"] $q["Coast is clear."] He smirks and disappears inside. [["I guess we're going in."|Reynold Quest 3]] [["Let's do this."|Reynold Quest 3]]

//It smells terrible inside. // $e["*gasps* Smells like someone died in here... like, a thousand times over."] $q["Get over it, we're not hired maids, we're here to find and stop Reynold. So quit complaining and let's look around."] //You scour through various rooms, some with circles drawn on the floor, others littered with indecipherable pages.// [[Continue|"Let's check it out."]]

//Shining the UV light on the letter, you see the following handwritten text:// HRI IVBMLOW, R DIRGV GL BLF IVTZIWRMT LFI KIVERLFH WRHXFHHRLM. NLIV ZMW NLIV ZWEVMGFIVIH ZIV UVVORMT ZTTIRVEVW YB LFI ORGGOV "UZNROB." RG DLFOW YV VZHB GL HZB R ZN TLRMT LM Z JFVHG GL WVUVZG BLF, QFHG GL OVZW NLIV UFGFIV HZXIRURXVH HGIZRTSG RMGL BLFI ZINH. DRGS GSV MFNYVI LU KILZXGREV JFVHG-GZPVIH DV'IV HVVRMT GSVHV WZBH, R ZN XLMURWVMG GSZG R DROO YV ZYOV GL HFKKOB ZM ZYFMWZMG ZNLFMG LU UFVO GL LFI OLIW. NZB SV YIRMT FH KVZXV ZMW KLDVI. BLFIH GIFOB, EBM ORVI (if: $seenLetter is not true)["Well, uh... it seems like a bunch of meaningless nonsense," Cullen says.](set:$seenLetter to true)\ (if:$cipher is true)[\ [["Read it backwards?"]] [["It's an Atbash cipher."]] ]\ [[Leave study|Stealth Nav]]

//It jumps to life.// $e["OWWW, hey, WHAT THE HELL?! "] the former corpse shouts at you and your party. //All of you are shocked at the revelation, except for Quent who has a mischievous smirk.// $c["Quent, you knew this person wasn't dead!?"] Cyril says, immediately eyeing Quent's smirk. $q["Hm? Oh yeah, didn't think it was that important. You all seemed way into it, so I just played along,"] Quent puts bluntly. $e[“Mm... man I was having a good nap too *yawns*, anyway you got any food on ya?”] the non-corpse lady says. //This mysterious lady, upon shaking off some of the blood on her, has long velvet red hair, and a set of spiked knuckles attached to her shorts.// $p["We have some, but how long were you out here for?"] asks Porter. [["Who are you?"]] [["How are you alive?"]]

*The hustle and bustle of Hubbard was a nice change of pace. You were excited for a fresh start, but fell into your normal routine after a few weeks. They say the city is full of adventurers and drama, but you can’t help but feel lonely. You realize you’ve been staring at the same apple in your hand for a while now.* “You better be buying that. Does it pass inspection?” the shopkeep jokes. (link-reveal: "\"Oh! Yeah, thank you.\"")[ *You pass the woman some change and start to leave the street market.* $p["Hey! $name!"] [[Hm?|Porter Intro]]]

{=  (if: $party's length >= 3)[  (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (set: _member to $characters's _member) <div class="bars", style="width: 15%">  (print: _member's name) <br>  <div style="white-space: nowrap"> (print: '<progress class="hp" value="' + (text: _member's hp) + '" min="0" max="' + (text: _member's maxHP) + '" style="width: 100%;"></progress>') <span class="accent-text">(print: " " + (str: _member's hp) + "/" + (str: _member's maxHP) + " HP")</span> </div>  (if: _member is $characters's 1st)[  <div style="white-space: nowrap;"> (print: '<progress value="' + (text: _member's mp) + '" min="0" max="' + (text: _member's maxMP) + '" style="width: 100%;"></progress>') <span class="accent-text">(print: " " + (str: _member's mp) + "/" + (str: _member's maxMP) + " MP")</span> </div> </div> ] ]] (else:)[  (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (set: _member to $characters's _member) <div class="bars", style="width: 30%">  (print: _member's name) <br>  <div style="white-space: nowrap"> (print: '<progress class="hp" value="' + (text: _member's hp) + '" min="0" max="' + (text: _member's maxHP) + '" style="width: 100%;"></progress>') <span class="accent-text">(print: " " + (str: _member's hp) + "/" + (str: _member's maxHP) + " HP")</span> </div>  (if: _member is $characters's 1st)[  <div style="white-space: nowrap;"> (print: '<progress value="' + (text: _member's mp) + '" min="0" max="' + (text: _member's maxMP) + '" style="width: 100%;"></progress>') <span class="accent-text">(print: " " + (str: _member's mp) + "/" + (str: _member's maxMP) + " MP")</span> </div> </div> ] ]] <br> <br>

[[Go to the study]] [[Go to the library]] [[Go to the bedroom]]

(set:$UV to true)//You take the UV light.// [[Leave bedroom|Stealth Nav]]

//Upon reaching the clearing, you do see a tired Eri surrounded by a large group of homunculi.// (link-reveal: "\"She's reaching her limit, I gotta step in.\"")[ //You make quick work of two weakened homunculi that were flanking her rear.// $e["I didn't ask for your help. I had this handled y'know."] Eri says with a slight agitation in her voice. $e["Why'd you even come? I told you already that I quit, we're donezo got it?"] [["I still wanted to know why."]] [["Is it because of Quent's bad taste in jokes?"]]]

//Eri immediately straightens up and looks in the direction of Ragar.// $e["Shit! They're looking for more sacrifices to take to Reynold, we gotta hurry c'mon."] [["We'll stop Reynold, but only if you promise to beat him to a pulp."]]

//You feel as though the battle has been lasting days at this point, with no end in sight. You find yourself faltering and kneel under exhaustion.// "Looks like we'll be getting special treatment from Master Reynold today, we can tell him that we've taken care of the person who's been interrupting his plans as of late," says the taller summoner. //As they cackle thinking of all the riches they'd get as a reward from Reynold, they didn't account for one thing...// $e["Yo~ heard you guys were talking about special treatment? WELL HERE'S YOURS!"] //Eri had snuck up behind the two cultists and bashed their skulls into each other, knocking them out cold.// [["Thanks Eri."]]

(set: $eMaxHP to 120) (set: $eHP to $eMaxHP) (set: $eATK to 9) (set: $eName to "Trio of Homunculi") (set: $party to (a: $player, $eri)) (set: $turn to 1)  (set: $turnNo to 1) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to $characters's 1st's maxMP) {(set: $characters's 1st's maxHP to 20) (set: $characters's $porter's maxHP to 15) (set: $characters's $cyril's maxHP to 17) (set: $characters's $quent's maxHP to 19) (set: $characters's $eri's maxHP to 23) (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (set: $characters's _member's hp to $characters's _member's maxHP)] (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 1st's dmg to 10) (set: $characters's 1st's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 12) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 1st's dmg to 16) (set: $characters's $porter's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 19) (set: $characters's $cyril's attacks's 1st's dmg to 8) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 1st's dmg to 14) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 14) (set: $characters's $quent's attacks's 3rd's dmg to 17) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 1st's dmg to 17) (set: $characters's $eri's attacks's 2nd's dmg to 21) } (set: $exitPoint to "Eri") (set: $enterPoint to "Transition to battle with 3 remaining Homunculi") (goto: "Combat")

$c["Please, trust me. I only wish to bring us closer to taking down Reynold,"] Cyril pleads. $p["A hideout is bound to be full of useful information,"] Porter points out. $p["I say we check it out."] [[Head toward hideout|Cyril Quest 1]]

//You say your goodbyes to Cullen and the rest of Hubbard and head out towards Ragar.// //On the road, you match pace with Quent, who usually falls behind the others.// (link-reveal:"\"By the way, I was curious about something.\"")[= $q["Hmm? And what would that be?"] Quent asks lazily. (link-reveal:"\"Back in Hubbard you seemed a little off, and Cullen's issue seemed to strike a chord with you.\"")[= $q["//I'm// curious as to why you keep acting oh so concerned about me. You shouldn't care about the feelings of someone like me. Isn't that right?"] (link-reveal:"\"You keep saying things like that, and you also keep bringing up the idea of people misjudging you.\"")[= //Quent says nothing.// [["Do you dislike the kingdom because of how people treat you?"|Quent Lore]] [["Is the whole 'bad guy' thing something that other people pushed onto you?"|Quent Lore]]

//Rethner attempts to escape from being sealed away, but the vengeful spirit of Reynold drags him into another eternity of nothingness.// //You all free the remaining sacrifices.// //Finally, before your eyes, the cult has been defeated. Reynold, and even Rethner, have fallen at your feet.// //You all breathe a sigh of relief, releasing a weight you didn't realize you were carrying.// [[Continue|Quent Finale 1]]

$q["Yeah, we don't want to break in when he's still there. If he's such a busy guy, I'm sure he'll be leaving soon."] //Now that you must wait, you want to find something to occupy yourself with in the meantime.// //You worry that it's a bit awkward between Cullen and Quent, considering what the latter said earlier.// [["Quent, apologize."|Apologize]] [["Quent, could you try and make up for what you said?"|Apologize]]

(go-to:$exitPoint)

{<div id="you">(display:"Stats") (if: $turn is 1)[ <span> (link: "Sword Slash")[ (set: $atkdmg to $characters's 1st's attacks's 1st's dmg) (set: $atkdmg to (random: it - 1, it + 1)) (set: $eHP to it - $atkdmg) (set: $atk to "Sword Slash") (set: $turn to it + 1) (set: $log to "atk") (goto: "Combat")] </span> <span> (if: $characters's 1st's mp >= 3)[ (link: "Magic")[ (set: $atkdmg to $characters's 1st's attacks's 2nd's dmg) (set: $eHP to it - $atkdmg) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to it - 3) (set: $atk to "Magic") (set: $turn to it + 1) (set: $log to "atk") (goto: "Combat") ]] (else:)[ (link: "Magic")[ (set: $log to "noMP") (goto: "Combat") ]]] </span> (else-if: $turn > $party's length)[ (link: "Continue")[ (set: $log to "enemy") (set: $turn to 1) (set: $turnNo to it + 1) (set: $attacked to (random: 1, $party's length)) (set: $characters's ($party's $attacked)'s hp to (max: 0, it - $eATK)) (set: $characters's 1st's mp to (min: it + 1, $maxMP)) (goto: "Combat")] ] (else:)[ (link: "Continue")[ (set: $log to "party") (set: $pName to $characters's ($party's $turn)'s name) (set: $attack to (random: 1, $characters's ($party's $turn)'s attacks's length)) (set: $atk to $characters's ($party's $turn)'s attacks's $attack's name) (set: $atkdmg to $characters's ($party's $turn)'s attacks's $attack's dmg) (set: $atkdmg to (random: it - 1, it + 1)) (set: $eHP to it - $atkdmg) (set: $turn to it + 1) (goto: "Combat")] ] (if: $characters's 1st's hp < 1)[(goto: "Lose")] (for: each _member, ...$party) [ (if: $characters's _member's hp < 1)[ (set: $party to it - (a: _member))]] (if: $eHP < 1)[(goto: "Win")] </div>}

{(set: $name to (prompt: "What is your name?", "Player")) (if:$name is "")[(set: $name to "Player")] (set: $maxHP to 10) (set: $maxMP to 5) (set: $p to (text-color: green)) (set: $c to (text-color: yellow)) (set: $q to (text-color: orange)) (set: $e to (text-color: red)) (set: $reynold to (text-color: "pink")) (set: $rethner to (text-color: purple)) (set: $levelUp to (text-color: green)+(text-style: "smear")+(text-colour: cyan))   (set: $characters to (a: (dm: "name", $name, "maxHP", $maxHP, "hp", $maxHP, "maxMP", $maxMP, "mp", $maxMP, "attacks", (a: (dm: "name", "Sword Slash", "dmg", 5), (dm: "name", "Magic", "dmg", 7))), (dm: "name", "Porter", "maxHP", 8, "hp", 8, "attacks", (a: (dm: "name", "Magic Blast", "dmg", 1), (dm: "name", "a melee attack with his staff", "dmg", 2))), (dm: "name", "Cyril", "maxHP", 12, "hp", 12, "attacks", (a: (dm: "name", "Magic", "dmg", 4))), (dm: "name", "Quent", "maxHP", 14, "hp", 14, "attacks", (a: (dm: "name", "Stab", "dmg", 7), (dm: "name", "Stab", "dmg", 7), (dm: "name", "Sneak Attack", "dmg", 10))), (dm: "name", "Eri", "maxHP", 18, "hp", 18, "attacks", (a: (dm: "name", "Punch", "dmg", 10), (dm: "name", "Tackle", "dmg", 14)))))  (set: $player to 1) (set: $porter to 2) (set: $cyril to 3) (set: $quent to 4) (set: $eri to 5)  (set: $party to (a: $player, $porter))     }