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Waiting for Ezabell to return and go around the room to take the newly installed patrons their orders, you finish prepping your station. While you are lucky Roscoe has done most of the work before you arrived —as he would usually do so in the morning—, there are still a handful of items to clear out from the counter. Like your boss’s apron forgotten on the bar. <<day1actionopen>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>You crouch down and look for your tip jar under the counter. Hidden behind some awkwardly placed pots and other containers, you spot a small —and frankly quite basic— wooden box. //Better this than an actual jar…// Unlike its glass counterpart —prone to breakage during the inevitable tavern fights—, this small chest is sturdy enough to stand strong, even when stepped over by a large individual. With a slit at the top big enough to insert a few coins and a rubbery plug on its bottom to help you retrieve its content, this tip ‘jar’ was the first thing you bought with your first earnings. As you pick it up, you hear a rattling sound. <ol> <li> <<link "Open the box and see what’s hidden inside." `passage()`>><<set $text=2, $goal to true>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Set your tip jar on the counter." `passage()`>><<set $text=3, $jar to true, $JAR to "Out">><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 2>><<set $gold +=3>>You turn the box around, letting it rattle again, and remove the rubbery plug. Shaking it again, 3 shiny coins land on your hand. You knew there was not going to be much in the container —you had to dip quite heavily into it to pay your rent yesterday—, but you expected the amount to be much higher than 3 measly coins. You sigh, disappointed. //297 to go before I can <<if $adventure>>pay the fee<<elseif $tavern>>own this place<<else>>buy that box<</if>>… // Filling this small ‘jar’ with 300 coins total may prove to be a challenge, but there is no reason for you not to manage in the next two weeks, when <<if $adventure>>the Registration reaches its final day of the period<<elseif $tavern>>the sale of the tavern becomes final<<else>>the travelling merchant passes through the doors<</if>>. After all, it is the Fuller Season: the time of the year when the tavern is bursting with people, leaving you with little idle time. <<day1jara>> <<case 3>>You put the box aside on the counter, visible enough for patron to be guilted into dropping a few extra coins inside —//it does work!//— but close enough to grab it at a moment’s notice. There is always a risk when leaving the box in the open like this that some greedy hands would try to snatch your hard earned money. It happened to you once before, though you were lucky only to lose a handful of coins then. <<day1jarb>> <<case 4>><<set $added to true>><<d1jarroscoe>>You let Roscoe’s coin<<if !$T1bad or !$T2bad>>s<</if>> fall through the slip on top of the box and cheerily listen to the clinking sound when <<if !$T1bad or !$T2bad>>they reach<<else>>it reaches<</if>> the bottom. <<day1jarc>> <<default>>Even if you could gain more coins by setting your tip jar out, you’d rather not run the risk of seeing its content snatched away. //Not when so much is at stake…// You take the box and hide it back where you found it, behind some awkwardly placed jars. <<day1jard>> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>Reaching the far side of the bar, you grab the messily balled-up piece of cloth that is Roscoe’s apron. As usual, your boss left his garment on the counter, just inches away from its spot, hanging on a hook on the wall. This was not the first time he would leave his stuff in the middle of the away —you have lost count of the amount of times you reminded him to put it away—, and this would most likely be the last. As you hang the apron on its designated hook, you hear something fall just below. Looking down, you see a crudely folded note and a <<if!$T1bad or !$T2bad>>coin<<else>>handful of coins<</if>>. You pick them up. <<case 2>><<set $tnote to true, $Note to true>>You open the note and read your boss’s recognisable but messy handwriting: <center>//Here, $name, A little something to help you reach your goal… R-//</center> //When did he…// You are pretty certain Roscoe would not have been able to scribble these few words without you noticing earlier. Even while you were carefully mixing his drinks, you still had an eye on him. It would have been impossible for you to miss the sight of your boss doing anything but waiting for your concoction to be served. Realising he must have readied all this before you arrived, you feel your eyes water. You pocket the note./* <<if recall("Coin") is false>>//Oh!// You gasp when you realise the coin<<if recall("T1bad") isnot true or recall("T2bad") isnot true>>s<</if>> you put back in Roscoe’s apron <<if recall("T1bad") isnot true or recall("T2bad") isnot true>>were<<else>>was<</if>> meant for you. //He’s going to be mad if I don’t take them…// With a trembling hand, you hesitate whether to still take the coins for yourself.<<else>>After reading Roscoe’s awkward but kind words, you decide to keep the note as a keepsake.<</if>> */ <<case 3>><<set $tnote to true, $Note to false>>//Unlike Ezabell, I am not the nosey kind//, you tell yourself as your shaking hand put the folded note back in your boss’s apron without taking a peek. While Roscoe made you tending of his apron your business, it is not yours to look into his affairs just because you could. And on the off chance this was meant for you, you are pretty certain your boss would prefer to put this note into your hand himself./* Even after reading the note, you do not feel comfortable keeping it. What if… he did not want me to read it now? Afraid of seeing Roscoe’s wrath, you stash the paper back where you found it, hoping he would not notice any crease you may have added in the process.*/ <<case 4>><<set $tcoin to true, $Coin to true>>//Oooh, shiny…// <<if !$tnote>>Not caring whether these coin<<if !$T1bad or !$T2bad>>s<</if>> <<if !$T1bad or !$T2bad>>were<<else>>was<</if>> meant for you, you decide to pocket the change. You are pretty sure <<if $T1bad or $T2bad>><<set $gold++>>this one coin<<elseif $T1good && $T2good>><<set $gold +=5>>those five coins<<else>><<set $gold +=3>>those three coins<</if>> won’t be missed by your boss, and you could use whatever you find for your goal. //It’s not what he pays me that will take me very far…// You slide the change into <<if hasVisited("Day 1 Tip Jar")>>the tip jar<<else>>your pocket<</if>>.<<else>> Having just read Roscoe’s note, you feel confident that pocketing this little change would be what he wanted. After all, why would he leave this note and <<if !$T1bad or !$T2bad>>this one coin<<elseif $T1good && $T2good>>those five coins<<else>>those three coins<</if>> unconsciously in his bundled apron, knowing you would put it away? //There is no way he did not want me to have it now… //You slide the change into <<if hasVisited("Day 1 Tip Jar")>>the tip jar<<else>>your pocket<</if>>.<</if>> <<default>><<set $tcoin to true, $Coin to false>>//I should probably leave it alone…// Not wanting any issue with your boss, in case <<if !$T1bad or !$T2bad>>these coins were<<else>>this coin was<</if>> not meant for you —//that paper means nothing!//—, you tuck them back where <<if !$T1bad or !$T2bad>>they<<else>>it<</if>> fell from: the pocket of Roscoe’s apron. <</switch>><<day1apron>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>Though he graciously prepped all the ingredients you will need today, without you asking, Roscoe still left a mess behind him. This was not unlike him to leave you the sticky job, especially when you would take your place behind the bar before he would start cleaning his station. Today, it was the leftover citruses and sticky knives on the dirty cutting board. With an annoyed sigh, you pick up the board, throw away the forgotten pieces of fruit, before dumping it in the sink along with the knives. Scrubbing them clean, wiping them off, and putting them back where they belong, you swear your boss’s name under your breath. <<day1actionopen>> <<case 2>>Though the counter is still pretty clean, you pass your wet towel over it one more time. //For good measure…// You end up finding some forgotten glasses, forgotten by your boss you are sure, on one side of the bar and some new addition further aside by the formerly sleepy patrons. You dump them all in the soapy sink to soak. <<day1actionopen>> <<default>>While you have no obligation to do so, you still anticipate Ezabell coming out of the back room requesting a shot of coffee before she starts working, as she would do every morning. It was not unusual for her ‘request’ to fall on deaf ears, either because you would be too busy to prepare a mug for her or you just… didn’t feel like it. //It’s not like it is that hard to make one…// You take two mugs from below the counter and fill them up with the steaming dark liquid. You set Ezabell’s mug on the counter while you slowly sip on yours, ready to start the rush waiting for you. <<day1actionopen>><</switch>>As you feel you’ve done all you could before starting this morning’s rush, Ezabell reappears, slamming the door of the back room open. She now adorns a similar apron to yours. You send her a confused glare, as you cannot understand why it would take her this long to wrap a small piece of cloth around her hips. //Hell… I cleaned the whole freakin’ bar!// She only sticks her tongue out in response. <<if $d1coffee>>&emsp;“Oooh, coffee!” she exclaims, grabbing the mug greedily. “You didn’t have to, sweetie. Aaaah,” she smiles as she inhales the liquid. “That’s the stuff…” She reaches over the counter to pick up a notebook, making sure not to spill the coveted liquid in her mug, before moving to one of the waiting tables. Even with her hand filled, she would jump from one table to the other, scribbling down orders left and right , under the impressed eyes of the sitting patrons. As swift as she left the bar, she soon comes back with a list of drinks for you to make. &emsp;“Order’s up!” <<else>>&emsp;“No coffee?” she asks, disappointed. &emsp;“Ya didn’t ask?” &emsp;“But, I—…” she sighs. “Never mind, $name… I’ll make myself a cup later.” She reaches over the counter to pick up a notebook before sluggishly moving to one of the waiting tables. With a bored look on her face, she walks from one table to the other, rolling her eyes impatiently when the patrons would take too long to choose a drink. Still, she soon comes back with a list of drink for you to make. &emsp;“Order’s up!” <</if>><ul><li><<link "Mix some drinks!" "Frenzy Start">><<day1removeaction>><</link>></li></ul><<if settings.textanim>><<fadein 3s>>//Uugh…//<</fadein>><<else>><<timed 3s>>//Uugh…//<</timed>><</if>><<timed 4s>><<if settings.textanim>><<goto "A1">><<else>><<goto "A1N">><</if>><</timed>>//Uugh…//<<timed 4s>><<goto "A2">><</timed>>//Uugh…//<<timed 1s>><<goto "A2">><</timed>>You slam your hand on your face, to cover your flickering eyes from the uncomfortable bright light. The unusually uncomfortable bright light. <<if settings.textanim>><span class="drunk">//Can someone turn down the light?//</span><<else>>//Can someone turn down the light?//<</if>> <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "A3">><</link>>Aside from a low grunt, no words —no intelligible ones, at least— pass your lips. You try again, hoping to form a comprehensible sentence and get some kind of reaction —any kind— from your vicinity. Though your efforts are commendable, silence is your only company. Still, you do not yet despair from your condition. Instead, you rouse yourself into acting on your behalf, even if blinded and quite alone. Waving your free hand around, you hope to find some sort of light switch to flick or some candle to extinguish, as a way to relieve your fragile glossy organs from this hellish torture. <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "A4">><</link>></center>However, as much as you rummage within sight —or touch in your case, yours still being out of commission—, your fingers only manage to grasp the immaterial and worthless element that is air. Worse still, all this faffing about made little difference to your current constitution: the bright light has not dimmed even one bit, and your eyesight has only improved insignificantly. Annoyed by the turn of things —still blinded and still quite alone—, you grunt, again, with all the fiery passion of a sleepy drunk told to free their seat. //Where… where am I?// With the environmental brightness still behaving inconsiderately with your eyes, and having found nothing recognisable under your touch, you decide to let your other senses run free instead. You take a long breath and listen. A soft wind is rustling the branches of trees and bushes nearby. Birds are swooping to pick at their dinner or chirp above you. You take a few blind steps forward and hear gravel moving under your shoe. You freeze at the sound. //Out-outside?// Unsure about your obvious suspicion, you raise your hand to your eyebrows and tentatively open your eyes. With the light still shining strongly, you are forced to squint as you try to find in the sea of blurriness before you a clearer and recognisable shape. As you move your head side to side, shifting your sight from a hazy shape to the next —making you slightly nauseous in passage—, you try to concentrate as best as you can. Still, you only see waves of shades of green pushed by the wind and crashing against one another. //What am I doing outside? Why would I even be outside?// Some hours ago, your body was comfortably nested in between your bed sheets as you most anticipatively waited for Sandman to grace your room with their presence. A few hours ago, your mind was drifting in the arms of Morphea towards some wonderful and magical lands. Moments ago, you were crossing some ethereal landscapes and saving some helpless creatures. A moment ago, you were conversing with a strange voice in the darkest cave your dream ever brought you, about topics as peculiar as your interlocutor was —//didn’t It mention it was not a dream?//—. Yet, now, you are outside. <ul><li><<link '//How could I already be—//'>><<if settings.textanim>><<goto "A5">><<else>><<goto "A5N">><</if>><</link>></li></ul><div class="shake">THUD!<<timed 2.5s>><<goto "A6">><</timed>></div>THUD!<<timed 2s>><<goto "A6">><</timed>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>The shock stuns you and sends your body swinging before eventually it falls backwards, with your behind first hitting the ground. Your head spins for a while, until things around you settle and slowly get clearer. While you feel relieved to see your sight coming back to its former self, your forehead throbs from the pain. In your quest to learn where you were, looking for answers, you utterly failed to notice the wooden sign in your path. The wooden sign hanging right above you. Massaging your sore forehead, you look up and gasp. //No way!// Chained to an iron support nailed to a rustic building, hangs a sign you’ve seen many times before —every day for the past few months, to be exact—; the most rudimental sign you’d probably ever come across, with its most basic aged wood and only four simple words burn onto it ages ago. Yet, that sign had become eponymous with the welcoming ambiance of its establishment and the warm embrace of its service. Far and wide, travellers learned of this name and the reliability of that establishment’s undertakings. Many would even attach a long detour to their journey just to make a quick stop and enjoy a drink or two. From loners to large groups, weaklings to giants, young to old, the building welcomed many people and gladly took their coins in exchange for refreshments and bites. <ul><li><<link '//I just… can’t believe it…//' `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<default>>While it is not unusual for you to let your mind daydream and your feet carry you to your place of work, this was the first time you had no recollection of doing so —or even getting out of bed!—. Somehow, you unconsciously managed to leave your abode completely dressed, to walk the same gravel road you would ever day, and to reach the same quaint little establishment where you served drinks day-in and day-out; all without a scratch —if you ignore the bump on your forehead, that is—! With your ruminations about your sudden appearance before your place of work occupying all your thoughts, you barely notice the small window opening above you. The loud voice escaping it, however, you could not miss it. &emsp;“ <<= $name.toUpperCase()>> ! … How many times do I have to tell you to not knock the sign?” The sheer volume of the sound not only dissipates your thoughts, but shakes your whole body. You feel it jumping to your feet. &emsp;“I don’t understand why you think it brings you luck…” the voice through the window continues its loud mumbling. “That’s just bollocks…” You clear yourself of the loose gravel on your pants and look up at the handing panel. Your hand retraces the words on the wood: <center>''The Thick Table Tavern''</center>\ <ol> <li><<link "Knock on the sign for good measure." "A6K">><<set $knock to "Yes", $knocktotal to 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Leave the sign alone and enter the tavern." "A7">><<set $knock to "No", $knocktotal to 0>><</link>></li> </ol> <</switch>>Though it annoyed the voice behind the window greatly, knocking the sign had become a daily ritual for you. Forking away from the gravel road towards the rustic building, you would send the sign swinging before entering the tavern. Though you were constantly reminded to leave it alone, you firmly believed this mundane gesture brought you luck. //No… More than luck… Riches!// You raise your hand toward the hanging sign, ready to give it a good knocking, when the voice grumbles once more through the window. &emsp;“I can see you, $name. Don’t you dare! You know what will happen if you do.” Not caring about the threats, or believing that they would matter little at the end of the day, you knock thrice on the wood. &emsp;“I swear to—” the voice fumes. “Ugh… I will deduct it, again, from your tips!” For good measure, you knock once more before reaching for the door. &emsp;“ <<= $name.toUpperCase()>> !” <ul><li><<link "Enter the tavern." "A7">><</link>></li></ul>You push the heavy door and cross its frame. As expected from this sort of establishment, the tavern is a simple but warm place. In the centre of the room sits an open fire, encircled by a couple of benches —prime spots during the cold months, or when a boar is roasting—. Around the pit, a handful more tables and their subsequent seating are arranged in a very eccentric fashion, awkwardly thrown around the room and with little thought for the moving staff. Even with this early hour —you think it is still pretty early—, you can see a couple of patrons sitting around, some already half-asleep next to a pitcher or two of beer. In a corner, you find Filessandro, the town’s bard, grumbling as he tries to tune his lute. <<if $knock isnot true>>&emsp;“How nice of you to join us!” the voice laughs. “A few more minutes and I was ready to alert the guards.”<<else>>&emsp;“Do we need to have this conversation again, $name?” the voice grumbles. “One of these days, it will fall on your feet because of your antics.”<</if>> You roll your eyes as you make your way towards the bar. Roscoe, your boss, stands behind it, cleaning a glass. This sight always struck you. Having this tall, bulky, horned man handling such precious and fragile items with such care seemed almost unnatural. With his wide shoulders and powerful arms, you would have placed him behind an anvil or slaying a beast rather than serving drunks for a few coins. Roscoe puts the glass back on the counter, wipes his hands on his apron, and throws you the cleaning towel he had been using. You put it on your shoulder, grab your own apron from behind the bar and take your place beside him. You take the next dirty dish and plunge it into the warm soapy water. Next to you, Roscoe takes out some citruses and a knife. &emsp;“So… $name…” your boss thrust the polished metal into the fruit. “Don’t you have something to tell me?” You freeze. You hear your heartbeat through your temples, matching the tempo of Roscoe’s chopping. Your boss always had a way with words, only needing a few to destabilise his interlocutor. It was either his words or how he handled sharp objects that made people more than willing to comply with his requests. You knew he had a kind heart behind his strong façade, but it nevertheless made you uneasy. &emsp;“I-i… Err… I d-don’t…” &emsp;“Come on, $name,” his knife chops down. “You know you can tell me anything…” <ol> <li><<link "Tell Roscoe about your strange morning." "A8">><<set $Adream to true>><</link>></li> <li><<link "There’s nothing to tell… [Stay silent]." "A8">><</link>></li> </ol><<if $Adream>>You sigh, defeated. You know you could hide nothing from this man. As much as you tried —and you tried plenty—, Roscoe always managed to find the truth, one way or another. It was utterly useless to stay silent, as he would eventually pry your secrets out of you. And so, as best as you can, you retell your morning’s little adventures: the strange collections of dreams, your descent towards dark caverns, your peculiar meeting and subsequent conversation with that faceless voice, as well as the unanswered questions that ensued, and, finally, your sudden awakening in the middle of the road on your way to work. In the end, you spare no details in your retelling, not even your embarrassing fall in front of the tavern. &emsp;“I… see,” Roscoe says in his hand, following the awkward silence that marked the end of your story. “//That//… Err… was quite the night you had… You might want to see someone for your… sleepwalking?” &emsp;“But I don’t think I was sleeping, boss!” you retort. “The voice said so!” &emsp;“Are you really going to believe a voice in your head, $name? Do you really think it is a smart idea?” &emsp;“I… No…” you mumble. &emsp;“Anyway… That wasn’t really what I was hoping to hear from you.” &emsp;“Oh?” &emsp;“I mean, I am glad you felt like sharing //that// with me, but… err…” he passes his hand through his hair before diving it in his apron. “I wanted to talk to you about… //this//.” And with this last work, his hand extracts a piece of paper from the apron, one you recognise almost immediately. <<else>>Having little to share with your boss, you decide that the best course of action would be to stay silent and continue your work. You wouldn’t know what to tell him, anyway. It was not like you were close enough to talk about strange dreams. &emsp;“Do I have to pull it out of you?” Roscoe sighs and puts down his knife. “You know I would much prefer learning about these things from you directly… Do you know how bad it feels to find out like this?” Your throat turns as dry as the deserts, while your hands soak in the soapy water. Though you can imagine his hurt face in your mind, you still avoid looking in his direction. You are not quite sure what you forgot to say to him, but you can’t help feeling extremely guilty. As you try your best to concentrate on cleaning the dirty dishes, you hear some ruffling next to you. Curious, you let your eyes wander discreetly. Roscoe takes out a sheet of paper from his apron. Your heart sinks. //It can’t be…// &emsp;“I really wished you would tell me those things beforehand, $name. It would have made this whole conversation a lot less…” he waves his hands instead of finishing this sentence. With his hands moving about, you catch a glimpse of the paper he is still holding. <</if>>//Oh, no… He found out about…// <ol> <li><<link '//…the adventuring guild registration flyer.//' "A9">><<set $adventure to true>><</link>></li> <li> <<link '//…the sale listing for the tavern.//' "A9">><<set $tavern to true>><</link>></li> <li> <<link '//…the advertisement cut-out for the new ‘Bartending Box 3000’.//' "A9">><<set $bartender to true>><</link>></li> </ol>&emsp;“How… Where did you find this?” you almost yell, trying to snatch the paper from him. &emsp;“How could I not find it when you left it in plain sight on the table in the back room, $name?” He shakes his head. “Really, it’s like you were asking for me to see this,” he waves the paper <<if !$Adream>>again<</if>>. “Why didn’t you tell me about it? I could—” &emsp;“Just… just forget about,” you cut him off. “It was just a dumb idea, ok?” &emsp;“A dumb idea?! My <<lad>>… When has having dreams ever been a ‘dumb’ idea?” &emsp;“Don’t use your fingers to make quotes,” you say, embarrassed. &emsp;“Isn’t ‘what’ the youth does ‘now’?” &emsp;“No, we— Never mind,” you sigh. “I don’t even know why I took the paper, anyway.” Roscoe pats you on the back with as much gentleness as his arm can give, considering his strength. Your lungs hurt a little, but not as much as the first time he tried to pat you on the back. You were so unprepared; it felt as if the slap was sending you over the bar —you were sore for days—. <ul><li><<link "Finish cleaning the dishes." "A10">><</link>></li></ul><<if $adventure>>&emsp;“So… you want to be an adventurer… Bully for you, my <<lad>>!” he cheers. &emsp;“Err… Thank—” &emsp;“Though… I never really pegged you as someone to venture on their own… And joining the adventuring guild,” he winces at the mention. “They’re not—” he sees your worried face. “Never you mind that, my <<lad>>!” &emsp;“What… what were ya going to say?” &emsp;“I’m sure it will be fine!” Roscoe slaps your back again. “Adventuring, eh?” &emsp;“Yeah… Err… I’ve always been floored by all the adventurers coming around, telling their stories… Ya have no idea how many times I’ve wanted to just lea—” You stop, realising the words about to leave your mouth. “I mean…” &emsp;“Oh, I get it, kid. The thrill of the unknown… We all get it… It’s not like our valley gets much excitement, anyway!” &emsp;“I… Ya… Ya’re not mad?” &emsp;“What? No! Why would I be mad, $name?” &emsp;“ ‘Cause I’ll be leaving soon…” Your face sombers. “I hope…” &emsp;“You hope?” the man puts a hand on your shoulder. “What do you mean, you hope? Are you going or not?” Seeing your unwillingness to answer, he continues: “What aren’t you telling me, $name?” &emsp;“The… the adventuring guild fee…” &emsp;“Oh… //That//.” Roscoe grimaces. “Well? How far along are you with it?” &emsp;“Not… not very far,” you admit, lowering your head in shame. “I hoped to join the next registration call in a few weeks, but I don’t know if I’ll make it in time…” &emsp;“Don’t sell yourself short, my <<lad>>. With the Fuller Season having just started, and your mixing skills, I am sure you’ll catch up with your goal!” Roscoe slaps your back one more time. &emsp;“Ah… Thanks… Thanks, boss.” <<elseif $tavern>>&emsp;“So… you want to buy the tavern from under me, eh?” &emsp;“Under— No, no!” you shake your hands. “I just—” &emsp;“I am just pulling your leg, <<lad>>!” he laughs heartily, punching your arm. “It’s not like I wouldn’t have found out before I handed the keys over… Still, I didn’t know you were interested in taking over.” &emsp;“I’ve enjoyed working here ever since I set foot inside, boss!” &emsp;“Glad to hear it!” &emsp;“And… since ya’re going to retire soon… I wanted to be sure I still had a job after ya left…” &emsp;“So, you thought the easiest way of securing your job was just… to own the place?” &emsp;“It made sense in my head,” you shrug. &emsp;“Ah… The youth,” Roscoe shakes his head, almost disapprovingly. “Out of all the people I imagined handing over the reins… I never once thought of you as a contender, to be honest.” &emsp;“Thanks… I guess?” &emsp;“Don’t make that face, $name. Try to see it from my perspective, here. I didn’t even know you were interested in doing anything… more with this place. Or with your life!” &emsp;“Ya don’t think I can do it?” you bark back. &emsp;“Oh, I don’t doubt you could manage it just fine,” he scoffs, “at the end… After all, I trained you. It would speak volume about my teachings…” He pauses. “Well? How much did you save so far? This place ain’t cheap, you know…” &emsp;“Err…” you lower your head, almost ashamed. “Not as far as I hoped…” &emsp;“My <<lad>>… You’re lucky I will still be around for a few more weeks then! I’m sure that will be enough time for you to raise the rest you’d need… I mean, with the Fuller Season still in full swings and your mixing skills, it shouldn’t be that hard!” Roscoe slaps your back. &emsp;“Thanks for the vote of confidence, boss?” <<else>>&emsp;“So… You want a shiny new toy, eh?” &emsp;“It’s not a toy—” &emsp;“Woah, woah, my <<lad>>! Don’t think I don’t understand the appeal, there! I bought one just like that one when I was in your place. ‘Twas the 500 one then…” &emsp;“The 500… //Ya// bought //the// Bartending Box 500?!” you ask, without a shred of sarcasm. &emsp;“Of course I did! And so did every so-called bartender in the region! You wouldn’t even think of serving drinks without one of those then. Gosh… I can’t believe they are still making those…” he mumbles, nostalgically. “I haven’t seen an advertisement for it in so long… I thought they’d stopped…” &emsp;“Why didn’t I know about that?” &emsp;“You never asked,” Roscoe shrugs. &emsp;“Do… do ya still have the box? You know, if it is still intact, ya could get—” &emsp;“My <<lad>>, even if I still had it all, I wouldn’t even think of getting rid of it!” &emsp;“So… ya have nothing left, haven’t ya?” &emsp;“Hmm… Maybe…” He looks around the bar. “Ha!” he claps his hands. “You know that shaker over there?” He nods in the direction. “It was from //that// box.” &emsp;“Wait… No… Really?” You take the shaker and, with stars in your eyes, scour for every scratch and dent it received over the years, looking at it as if it were an ancient artefact. “So, ya’re telling me… I have been using utensils from the Bartending Box 500 all this time?!” &emsp;“Well… yes. Yes, you have. They really do last a lifetime —that was their tag-line, then—.” &emsp;“Oh. My. Gosh. I… This is so surreal… Ever since I’ve started mixing drinks, I’ve dreamt of owning a Bartending Box… How did I not realise I’ve been using a vintage shaker all this time?!” &emsp;“Eh… They change the design every version or so…” He pauses. “So… You really want this box, huh?” &emsp;“Ya have no idea how bad I want my hands on it… They said they’ve optimised every utensil to the maximum possible point. The new grater grates with 20% more efficiency, now! And, and the strainer removes any unwanted elements. And the measurer will just stop alcohol flowing when full!” &emsp;“Hmm… Didn’t they say the same thing for the BB750?” &emsp;“Oh, no! The grater was only 5% more efficient that the last one. And they had issues with spilling with most utensils. No, the 3000 is the best on the market. Nothing will ever top that!” &emsp;“Hahaha… It said the same thing when I bought the 500… Ah, to be young again,” he sighs. “So… How much have you saved so far?” &emsp;“Err… Not much,” you admit, ashamed. &emsp;“Lucky for you, my <<lad>>, the travelling merchant shouldn’t be back for a few more weeks. With the Fuller Season in full swings and your mixing skills, I am sure that will be more than ample time for you!” &emsp;“Thanks, boss!” <</if>>&emsp;“No problem, kid!” Roscoe finishes cutting the citruses before dumping the slices and peels in pots and putting away his knife. &emsp;“Say… why don’t you make me a drink before I go relax?” &emsp;“Didn’t we… just open?” &emsp;“Do you… still want to keep your job to pay for your extravagant dream?” &emsp;“Sure do! What do you want, boss?” "How about a ‘Rusty Anchor’?" <ol> <li> <<link "Make the drink!" "Tutorial One">><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Propose to make a different drink." "A10M">><</link>></li> </ol>&emsp;“How about something different? Maybe an… ‘Any Port in a Storm’?” &emsp;“Really, $name?” Roscoe frowns at you, disappointed. “ ‘Any Port in a Storm’? That weak of a drink?” &emsp;“It is just morning, boss. And we just opened… Wouldn’t a sweet treat—” &emsp;“I would drink //that// as a child, kid! It’s not a sweet treat, it’s a sugary nightmare. Now… stop swindling me with your basic choice and get me a ‘Rusty Anchor’!” <ul><li> <<link "Make the drink!" "Tutorial One">><</link>></li></ul><<if !$text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>''Ah! There you are, little Earthling…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<default>>''You are an Earthling, are you not?'' <ol><li><<link [[Who’s asking?|PV1a]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li><<link [[Is this a dream?|PV2a]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li><<link [[Yeah, I am a human.|P2]]>><<set $race to "human">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li><<link [[Can’t ya tell I am human?|PV9]]>><<set $race to "human">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li><<link 'Nah, I’m not a //human//.' "RacePopup">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ol> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>''I see… <<a>> $race, huh… <<stereotype>>'' <<link "Hey! Not cool!" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 2>>''It should be fine… I think…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<default>>''…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "P3">><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>''No matter! A task must be completed here. Shall we continue?'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 2>>''…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 3>>''I’ll take this as a yes.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 4>>''How should I call you, little <<= $race.toUpperFirst()>>?'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 5>>''…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<default>>''You do have a name, do you not?'' <ol><li><<link [[Who are ya? |PV1b]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li><<link [[Am I dreaming? |PV2b]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li><<link [[Yeah, my name is…|P4]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li><<link [[Nah, I don’t have a name.|PV3]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ol> <</switch>><<textboxPlus "//My name is…// " "$name" `{placeholder: "Enter Name here…", autofocus: true}`>> <<button "Confirm" "P5">><</button>>''I see… $name… How… lovely.'' <ol><li>[[Is… is this a dream?|PV2c]]</li> <li><<if recall("Pwatcher") isnot true>>[[Humph… Who are ya to say that?|P6]]<<else>>[[Humph… It’s better than Watcher.|PV10]]<</if>></li></ol><<if !$text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>''That is not important right now.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 2>>''But you can call me Watcher.'' <ol><li><<link [[Watcher… ya sound like a creep. What are ya, a Peepin’ Tom? |PV4]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li><<link [[Watcher… are ya some sort of Guardian Angel? |PV11]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Watcher… Nice to meet ya?" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ol> <<default>>''Yes, yes. Nice to meet you too.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "P7">><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>''Now, let’s see… It says here you are //25//. Is that correct?'' <ol><li><<link [[Yeah.|P8]]>><<set $age to 25>><</link>></li> <li>[[Nah. |AgePopup]]</li> <li>[[Why do ya care? |PV8]]</li></ol><<if !$text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>''<<if $age isnot 25>>I see… They really should be keeping those records in shape<<else>>At least, you can trust the records…<</if>>'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 2>>''Let’s continue…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 3>>''…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 4>>''Gender?'' <ol> <li><<link "Bloke" `passage()`>><<set $gender to "man", $text++>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Sheila" `passage()`>><<set $gender to "woman", $text++>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Whatev'r" `passage()`>><<set $gender to "nb", $text++>><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 5>>''Noted.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 6>>''…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 7>>''A Bartender?!'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 8>>''Out of all creatures roaming this realm, //They// assigned me to a Bartender?!'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 9>>''How predictable of //Them//… Giving me the most whimsical assignments…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 10>>''…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<default>>''No matter. I’ll make do with you… That’ll show them!'' <ol><li> <<link 'Who’s //They//?' "PV5">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[Make do with me?! Rude!|PV6]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[What’s all this about?|PV7]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li><<link [[Oo-ok…|P9]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ol> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>''Now… My dear Bartender… Before I release you from the arms of Morpheus…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 2>>''Do good. Do evil. Do neither. But know what I will be watching.'' <<link "Wait… what?" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 3>>''Awaken in three…'' <<link "Wait!" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 4>>''…two…'' <<link "Don’t leave yet!" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<default>><<run forget("Pwatcher"), forget("Pdream"), forget("Pthey"), forget("Prude"), forget("Pasgt")>><<fadeout 500ms 1.5s>>''…one…''<</fadeout>><<timed 2.5s>>SNAP<<timed 1.5s>><<unset $text>><<goto "A0">><</timed>><</timed>> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>''Why, I am! Now… Are you an Earthling?'' <ol><<if recall("Pdream") isnot true>><li> <<link [[Is this a dream?|PV2a]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <li> <<link [[Yeah, I am a human. |P2]]>><<set $race to "human">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[Can’t ya tell I am human? |PV9]]>><<set $race to "human">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link 'Nah, I’m not a //human//.' "RacePopup">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "I don’t know ya… who are ya?" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ol> <<case 2>><<run memorize("Pwatcher", true)>>''You Earthling should not concern yourself with such matter.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 3>>''Oh, don’t grumble. Yes, I can hear you. Even on this plane.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 4>>''If you must know… you can call me Watcher.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<default>>''Now… Please don’t make me repeat myself.'' <ol><<if recall("Pdream") isnot true>><li> <<link [[Is this a dream? |PV2a]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <li> <<link "[Sigh] Yeah, I am a human." "P2">><<set $race to "human">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[Can’t ya tell I am human? |PV9]]>><<set $race to "human">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link 'Nah, I’m not a //human//.' "RacePopup">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ol> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>''It is of no concern to you. Now… Tell me your name.'' <ol><<if recall("Pdream") isnot true>><li> <<link [[Am I dreaming?|PV2b]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <li> <<link [[My name is…|P4]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[I don’t have a name.|PV3]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I won’t tell ya my name until ya tell me yours." `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ol> <<case 2>><<run memorize("Pwatcher", true)>>''Oh! A stubborn one on our hands, have we?'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 3>>''We don’t have time for this… you can call me Watcher.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<default>>''Now… Please don’t make me repeat myself.'' <ol><li> <<link "[Sigh] My name is…" "P4">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[I don’t have a name. |PV3]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ol> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<run memorize("Pdream", true)>>''You could say that, yes.'' <<link "Wait… AM I DEAD?" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 2>>''What?! No! I would not be assigned to you otherwise.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 3>>''No, you are in a middle plane.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 4>>''You are not dreaming, but you are not completely awake either. '' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 5>>''Now… Are you an Earthling?'' <ol><<if recall("Pwatcher") isnot true>><li> <<link [[Who’s asking? |PV1a]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <li> <<link [[Yeah, I am a human. |P2]]>><<set $race to "human">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[Can’t ya tell I am human? |PV9]]>><<set $race to "human">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link 'Nah, I’m not a //human//.' "RacePopup" >><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "How can we talk if I’m not awake, mate?" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ol> <<case 6>>''It is… complicated to explain. And, frankly, we do not have time for this.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<default>>''Now… Please don’t make me repeat myself.'' <ol><<if recall("Pwatcher") isnot true>><li> <<link [[Who’s asking? |PV1a]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <li> <<link "[Sigh] Yeah, I am a human." "P2">><<set $race to "human">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[Can’t ya tell I am human? |PV9]]>><<set $race to "human">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link 'Nah, I’m not a //human//.' "RacePopup" >><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ol> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<run memorize("Pdream", true)>>''You could say that, yes.'' <<link "Wait… AM I DEAD?" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 2>>''What?! No! I would not be assigned to you otherwise.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 3>>''No, you are in a middle plane.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 4>>''You are not dreaming, but you are not completely awake either. '' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 5>>''Now… Do you have a name, little <<= $race.toUpperFirst()>>?'' <ol><<if recall("Pwatcher") isnot true>><li> <<link [[Who are ya? |PV1b]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <li> <<link [[Yeah, my name is… |P4]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[Nah, I don’t have a name. |PV3]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link"How can we talk if I’m not awake, mate?" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ol> <<case 6>>''It is… complicated to explain. And, frankly, we do not have time for this.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<default>>''Now… Please don’t make me repeat myself.'' <ol><<if recall("Pwatcher") isnot true>><li> <<link [[Who are ya? |PV1b]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <li> <<link "[Sigh] Yeah, my name is…" "P4">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[Nah, I don’t have a name. |PV3]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ol> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<run memorize("Pdream", true)>>''In a way… yes. You could say it is a dream.'' <<link "Wait… AM I DEAD?" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 2>>''What?! No! I would not be assigned to you otherwise.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 3>>''No, you are in a middle plane.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<default>>''You are not dreaming, but you are not completely awake either. '' <<if recall("Pwatcher") isnot true>><<link [[Right… So… Who are ya? |P6]]>><<unset $text>><</link>><<else>><<link [[Oo-ok… |P7]]>><<unset $text>><</link>><</if>> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<run memorize("Pdream", true)>>''In a way… yes. You could say you are dreaming.'' <<link "Wait… AM I DEAD?" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 2>>''What?! No! I would not be assigned to you otherwise.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 3>>''No, you are in a middle plane.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 4>>''You are not dreaming, but you are not completely awake either.'' <<link "Then why didn’t it… " `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 5>>''Your mind is too small to comprehend, little <<= $race.toUpperFirst()>>.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<default>>''And we have no time to waste.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "P7">><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>''You… do not… have a… name?'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 2>>''Are you pulling my leg?'' <ol><li> <<link [[Yes. My name is… |P4]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li><<link "No. I do not have a name. " `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ol> <<case 3>>''How… can you not… have a name?'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 4>>''I am certain it is customary in your world to refer to someone by a chosen name…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 5>>''Why don’t you have one?'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 6>>''Actually… Don’t answer that. We don’t have time for it.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 7>>''Do you want me to give you one?'' <ol><li> <<link [[Yes… please? |PV3a]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li><<link "No." `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ol> <<case 8>>''Then… what should I call you?'' <ol><li> <<link "Nothing." `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> <li><<link [[You should call me… |PV3b]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ol> <<case 9>>''Decided to be uncooperative, have we…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 10>>''If that is the game you want to play, I shall call you… <<RANDOM>>'' <ol><li> <<link "Fine." `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> <li><<link [[Actually, I’d rather you call me…|PV3b]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ol> <<default>>''Fine. Good. Let’s go back to the matter at hand.'' <<if recall("Pwatcher") isnot true>><<link [[Right… Who are ya?|P6]]>><<unset $text>><</link>><<else>><<link [[Fine.|P7]]>><<unset $text>><</link>><</if>> <</switch>>Then… I shall name you <<RANDOM>>. <<if recall("Pwatcher") isnot true>>[[Right… And who are ya?|P6]]<<else>>[[Fine.|P7]]<</if>><<textboxPlus "//…call me…// " "$name" `{placeholder: "Enter Name here…", autofocus: true}`>> <<button "Confirm" "P5">><</button>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>''Hmm… You’re a feisty one, aren’t you…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 2>>''Good! This assignment will be more fun if you are…'' <ol><li> <<link "I’ll show ya feisty, mate! [Try to punch your interlocutor]" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[Still… why are you watching me, you sicko? |PV4b]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ol> <<case 3>>''This… won’t work here, little <<= $race.toUpperFirst()>>. But I commend you for trying.'' <ol><li> <<link "Why didn’t this hurt ya?" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[Am I… dreaming? |PV2d]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ol> <<case 4>>''Your mind is too small to comprehend, little <<= $race.toUpperFirst()>>. '' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<default>>''And we have no time to waste.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "P7">><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>''Because you were assigned to me.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "P7">><</link>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<run memorize("Pthey", true)>>''…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 2>>''No one you need to concern yourself about.'' <ol><li> <<link "Are they… evil?" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> <<if recall("Pasgt") isnot true>><li><<link [[What’s all this about? |PV7]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <li> <<link [[Oo-ok… |P9]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ol> <<case 3>>''Good… Evil… In the grand scheme of this world, moral judgement has little importance.'' <<link "So… they are evil." `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 4>>''Worldly creatures such as yourself cannot comprehend what they are. '' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<default>>''It is pointless for me to try to explain it to you.'' <ol><<if recall("Pasgt") isnot true>><li> <<link [[Fine… What’s this assignment of yours all about? |PV7]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <li> <<link [[Oook… |P9]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ol> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<run memorize("Prude", true)>>''…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 2>>''You’d say the same thing if you were in my place, little Bartender.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<default>>''It’s not like I have a choice in the matter either! They decided for me!'' <ol><<if recall("Pthey") isnot true>><li> <<link [[Who’s They? |PV5]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if recall("Pasgt") isnot true>><li> <<link [[What’s all this about? |PV7]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <li> <<link [[Oo-ok… |P9]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ol> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<run memorize("Pasgt", true)>>''Nothing that concerns y—'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 2>>''…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 3>>''Well… It does concern you. You are the centre of it all. '' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 4>>''But you don’t need to worry about that now.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<default>>''All will be revealed in due time.'' <ol><<if recall("Pthey") isnot true>><li> <<link [[Who’s They? |PV5]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if recall("Prude") isnot true>><li><<link [[Make do with me?! Rude! |PV6]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <li><<link [[Oo-ok… |P9]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ol> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>''Because I like the records to be in order. '' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 2>>''To ensure my work is in par with the requirements, I must have all relevant information at hand.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<default>>''Now… Are you 25?'' <ol><li> <<link [[Yeah. |P8]]>><<set $age to 25>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[Nah. |AgePopup]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ol> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>''All you worldly creatures look the same to me, little Earthling.'' <<link "How? We are all so different!" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 2>>''How do you Earthling say this again?'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 3>>''…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<default>>''Po-tay-to, po-tah-to.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "P3">><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>''You little sh—'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 2>>''…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<default>>''That… that’s fine. Let us go back to the matter at hand, shall we?'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "P7">><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>''Sure… Let us go with that.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "P7">><<unset $text>><</link>>''What is your race, then?'' <label><<radiobutton "$race" "batfolk" checked>> A Batfolk.</label> <label><<radiobutton "$race" "caniifolk">> A Caniifolk.</label> <label><<radiobutton "$race" "centaur">> A Centaur.</label> <label><<radiobutton "$race" "dwarf">> A Dwarf.</label> <label><<radiobutton "$race" "elf">> An Elf.</label> <label><<radiobutton "$race" "felinaefolk">> A Felinaefolk.</label> <label><<radiobutton "$race" "goblin">> A Goblin.</label> <label><<radiobutton "$race" "hobbit">> An Hobbit.</label> <label><<radiobutton "$race" "lizardfolk">> A Lizardfolk.</label> <label><<radiobutton "$race" "minotaur">> An Minotaur.</label> <label><<radiobutton "$race" "orc">> An Orc.</label> <label><<radiobutton "$race" "troll">> A Troll.</label> <label><<radiobutton "$race" "human">> Actually, I’m a human.</label> <<button "Confirm" "P2">><</button>>''What is your age, then?'' <<numboxr "$age" 25 18 1000>><</numboxr>> <<button "Confirm" "P8">><</button>>You tentatively push the drink towards Roscoe, now sitting on the other side of the bar. He brings the glass to his lips and takes a sip from it, swirling the liquid around in his mouth. After a minute that feels like an eternity, <<if $result is 3>><<set $T1good to true>>your boss finally smirks and drinks again from the chalice, chugging the rest of the content. When the glass is empty, he slams it on the bar. &emsp;“Aaahhh…” he exclaims, satisfied. “That hits the spot.” &emsp;“Glad to hear it!” &emsp;“Mmhh…” he looks at the window. “You know what? It’s still early…” &emsp;“Yes… we just opened…” &emsp;“I think I still have some time for another,” he pushes the glass towards you. &emsp;“Ya want another ‘Rusty Anchor’? Already?” &emsp;“Mmhh… You’re right. Maybe I should ask for something else.” &emsp;“That’s not—” &emsp;“How about you make me a ‘Troubled Waters’?” <ol> <li><<link "Make the drink." "Tutorial Two">><</link>></li> <li><<link "Propose another drink." "TR1O">><<set $text=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Refuse to make the drink." "TR1O">><<set $text=2>><</link>></li> </ol> <<elseif $result is 2>><<set $T1ok to true>>your boss furrows his brows as his tongue clicks in his mouth. He looks at you before going back to his drink, as if he was hesitating telling you something. This was usually not a good sign. &emsp;“So?” you finally ask, unwilling to wait indefinitely for his feedback. “How is it?” &emsp;“It’s… fine. Just… fine.” &emsp;“Just fine?” &emsp;“Yes, just fine. It is drinkable, mind you.” &emsp;“But, it’s not great…” you say, disappointed. &emsp;“It is not,” Roscoe shakes his head. “I think you forgot something.” Still, your boss graciously finishes his drink and pushes the empty glass towards you. He looks at the menu behind you and adds: &emsp;“Might be a good time to try one of the recent additions, don’t you think?” &emsp;“Ya mean…” &emsp;“… a ‘Troubled Waters’, yes.” <ol> <li><<link "Make the drink." "Tutorial Two">><</link>></li> <li><<link "Propose another drink." "TR1O">><<set $text=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Refuse to make the drink." "TR1O">><<set $text=2>><</link>></li> </ol> <<else>><<set $T1bad to true>>you see your boss wince as he reluctantly swallows the drink. He puts the glass down on the counter and fidgets with the rim with his finger. &emsp;“Err… My <<lad>>, that’s not… quite right. I think you missed something. A lot of things, actually.” &emsp;“Missed something?” you scoff. “Are ya sure?” &emsp;“Of course, I am! You don’t manage a tavern if you don’t know how drinks should be made!” &emsp;“Then what did I do wrong, then?” you ask, tauntingly. &emsp;“Have a sip,” he only answer, pushing the barely touched glass towards you. “This is really unlike you, $name…” You take the glass to your lips, dreading finding how correct Roscoe was with his assessment. What he said was true, it is unlike you to serve less than stellar drinks to customers. How shameful you feel to have done so to him, your boss. With the liquid touching your taste buds, you try your best to avoid hurling it all. Without ceremony, you dump the liquid in the sink. &emsp;“Don’t ever serve this kind of… mixture to the customers.” &emsp;“No… boss. Sorry, boss.” Following a short uncomfortable silence, Roscoe knocks on the bar and says: &emsp;“Give me something to wash my mouth with, will ya? Maybe a ‘Trouble Waters’ would to the trick.” <ol> <li><<link "Make the drink." "Tutorial Two">><</link>></li> <li><<link "Propose another drink." "TR1O">><<set $text=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Remake the ‘Rusty Anchor’ for your boss." "TR1O">><<set $text=3>><</link>></li> </ol> <</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>&emsp;“Are ya sure it is a good idea, boss?” &emsp;“Why wouldn’t it be?” &emsp;“Ya know… ya and gin…” &emsp;“What?” He frowns. “I //never// had problems with drinking gin!” &emsp;“But… The other day, ya said you had an issue with… I thought…” &emsp;“Why are bartenders so nosey,” he sighs. “I have an issue with //Jean//, the headmistress of the school where my granddaughter goes to.” &emsp;“//Oh!//” &emsp;“Will you make me my drink now?” <ol> <li><<link "Make the drink." "Tutorial Two">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li><<if $result gte 2>><<link "Refuse to make the drink." `passage()`>><<set $text=2>><</link>><<else>><<link "Remake the ‘Rusty Anchor’ instead." `passage()`>><<set $text=3>><</link>><</if>></li> </ol> <<case 2>><<set $TRefuse to true>>&emsp;“I think one is enough already, boss… It’s still early.” &emsp;“Early bird gets the worm, early Roscoe takes the glas-co!” &emsp;“The //what//?” &emsp;“The glas-co!” He looks at you, proud of himself. “You know… a drink? No? Come on, my <<lad>>! You’ve never heard of the glas-co?” &emsp;“No,” you shake your head. &emsp;“Oh, the youth. So innocent. So ignorant…” Roscoe sighs. “Makes me want to have another drink.” &emsp;“You won’t take no for an answer, will ya?” &emsp;“Nope,” he laughs. <ul><li><<link "Make the drink." "Tutorial Two">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <<default>>&emsp;“How… how about I remake that one instead?” you point at the now-empty glass. “As a clean slate?” &emsp;“I would rather have a new drink as a clean slate, my <<lad>>.” &emsp;“But I can make it better, I swear!” &emsp;“I am //sure// you could,” Roscoe says, half-heartedly. “But I don’t think I could taste //that// drink again. Not for a while, at least…” &emsp;“Oh…” &emsp;“Yeah…” <ul><li><<link "Make a ‘Troubled Waters’." "Tutorial Two">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>>You slide the mixture towards Roscoe, who takes it <<if !$T1bad>>gladly<<else>>with apprehension<</if>>. Like the first time around, he takes a sip from it and lets the liquid sit on his tongue for a moment. <<if $result is 3>><<set $T2good to true>><<if $T1good>>Once more<<else>>Unlike last time<</if>>, your boss smirks, before happily sipping his drink. &emsp;“This is <<if $T1good>>even<<else>>much<</if>> better than the last one, $name. Good job!” &emsp;“Thanks, boss.” &emsp;“I should have probably asked you to make this one the first time around, shouldn’t I?” he chuckles. “Norah is not going to be happy, isn’t she?” <<if $TRefuse>>&emsp;“I did warn ya,” you shrug. “But ya never listen to me.” &emsp;“You sound just like her,” he sighs. “Just like when I’ll get there…” <<else>>&emsp;“Why do ya keep drinking if ya know she doesn’t like it?” &emsp;“That’s what she’ll ask as well,” he sighs. “When I get there…” <</if>> Still, he finishes his glass, leaving not even a drop. He lets the chalice hanging over the bar, knowing that the moment he puts it down on the counter, he would need to move on with his day. This was not the first time you saw someone delaying the inevitable, you’ve done it many times before. And so did many patrons who came around for a drink, only leaving after the tenth. This was not even the first time you saw your boss in this predicament. It had become more and more recurrent in the past weeks —you even suspect he slept in the back room some nights—. <ol> <li><<link "Take the glass from his hand but say nothing." "TR2G">><<set $text=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Gently nudge him to leave. Drinking his sorrows away would not be the smartest idea." "TR2G">><<set $text=2>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Push him to leave. The longer he stays at the bar, the less likely someone will order a drink." "TR2G">><<set $text=3>><</link>></li> </ol> <<elseif $result is 2>><<set $T2ok to true>><<if $T1ok>>Once more<<else>>Unlike last time<</if>>, your boss clicks his tongue in his mouth, before taking another sip. &emsp;“Well, that’s not too bad.” &emsp;“Not //too// bad?” you say. “But—” He raises his hand to stop you and continues to drink. &emsp;“Yes… I was right. Something’s missing. Or…” He takes another sip. “Did you add something extra instead?” &emsp;“Ya… can’t tell?” &emsp;“My <<lad>>, this isn’t my second drink of the day, here.” &emsp;“But we just opened.” &emsp;“And?” You frown, at a loss for words. This wasn’t the first time you’d seen your boss having drunk his weight in alcohol before the day even began. Sure, he could handle it just fine —alcohol had surprisingly little effect on him—, but he used it to avoid doing things. Like going home for the night. &emsp;“Ya slept in the back room again, didn’t ya?” you say, begrudgingly. &emsp;“Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t,” he mumbles before drinking again. &emsp;“That’s not fair! How come ya get to do it, but I can’t even sit back there for more than five minutes?” &emsp;“Because I can do whatever I want with my tavern,” Roscoe smirks. “And because we’re too busy to not have someone behind the bar for so long!” <ol> <li><<link "Complain about your long hours. All this work shouldn’t fall on your shoulders alone." "TR2O">><<set $text=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Grumble about the drink recipe. You know the drink you made was fine." "TR2O">><<set $text=2>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Say nothing and take his glass away." "TR2O">><<set $text=3>><</link>></li> </ol> <<else>><<set $T2bad to true>><<if $T1bad>>Once more<<else>>Unlike last time<</if>>, your boss sneers as he reluctantly swallows the sip. He pushes <<if $T1bad>>again<</if>> the drink aside. <<if $TRefuse>>&emsp;“I should have listened to you when you didn’t want to make another drink. This… this is…” He grimaces instead of finishing his sentence.<<elseif !$T1bad>>&emsp;“I should have not asked for another drink… The last one was perfect to end this on a good note. This…” He grimaces. “…might even ruin my day.”<<else>> &emsp;“I should have known after the last drink. Asking for another one was… not smart. This is…” He pretends to puke.<</if>> &emsp;“Come on, boss. It can’t be that bad!” &emsp;“Oh, my <<lad>>… It is worse than bad…” &emsp;“But—” &emsp;“Did you try to… experiment, here? Why would you want to change the recipe?” &emsp;“I—” &emsp;“Don’t tell me you thought you could make it better,” he shakes his head. “The recipe was fine as is. There was no need for your ‘fancy’ tricks. Honestly…” He looks at the glass, disgusted. “I really hope you don’t serve this kind of drinks to the customers…” &emsp;“I would nev—” &emsp;“Or I might need to reconsider your place in his establishment.” <ol> <li><<link "Promise him this was just a mistake. One you won’t make again." "TR2B">><<set $text=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Admit you wanted to experiment, but agree it was a mistake." "TR2B">><<set $text=2>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Say nothing and take the glass away." "TR2B">><<set $text=3>><</link>></li> </ol> <</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>Instead of trying to push him to move on with his day, knowing how utterly futile it would be, you silently take his glass from his hands and start cleaning it. There was no talking with him, especially when he would purposefully avoid doing the things he would be supposed to. Like going to see Norah. A strong and hairy arm stretches out over the counter and towards your side of the bar, as if reaching for something. Something it is not supposed to grab. “Ya’re really think I would pretend not to see that?” you ask without looking up. “I’m just stretching here.” “I will tattle to Norah, mate.” “Hrmph…” The arm retracts as fast as it came about. <<case 2>>&emsp;“Maybe…” you start, trying —and failing— to take the glass from his hand, “the fresh air will do ya some good?” “I’m not even drunk, $name.” “Doesn’t matter. Could help ya clear your mind?” you shrug. “Or your breath…” Roscoe breathes into his hand and winces. Still, instead of following your advice, he stays on his seat, toying with his glass. Knowing there is little you can do to change your boss’s mind, you let him be and finish your cleaning up. That is until his arm stretches out over the counter and towards your side of the bar, as if reaching for something. “We both know this is not a good idea, boss,” you say without looking up. “Drinking your sorrows away won’t work. Norah will still be mad.” “But another glass of //Liquid Courage//—” “…will only make your breath stink more. Come on, boss. Better face her wrath sooner rather than later.” “Hrmph…” You take the empty glass from his hands and nod towards the door. <<default>>&emsp;“I think it is about time,” you start, taking the glass from his hand, “ya freed your seat, don’t ya think?” “Why? I don’t have anywhere to be.” He looks around the room and snorts. “And it’s not like there’s a lot of people to come bother you.” “Boss… we’ve had this discussion before. Even if the tavern only has a few customers… If ya’re at the bar, no one’s asking for a drink!” “No one?” he scoffs, insulted. “I’ll have you know plenty of ‘em come asking for a drink when I pour them, you little twerp!” “They only do when ya are standing on //this// side,” you exclaim, showing the space behind the bar. “Not when ya’re sitting on //that// one! I am telling ya, ya are bad for business!” “Oh, bollocks. Just let me enjoy my tavern, will ya?” You throw your hands in the air, ready to give up. There was one thing everyone could agree on when it came to Roscoe: he was a stubborn man. That and his penchant for alcohol, as you notice his arm stretching out toward your side of the bar. “I will tattle to Norah, mate.” “Hrmph…” The arm retracts as fast as it came about. <</switch>> “Fine,” Roscoe grumbles, getting himself to his feet. “I’m going, I’m going.” “Mmh-hhm…” <<if $T1good>>&emsp;“Well… It’s safe to say that…” He finally leaves his seat. “//I can leave//… Ugh… this place in your hands without worries.”<<else>>&emsp;“Well… I don’t think I will need to worry too much when… //Ugh//,” he finally leaves his seat. “… I leave.”<</if>> “Goodbye, boss.” “I’ll see you in a few hours…” he takes a few steps towards the door. “…before closing…” “Good. Bye. Boss.” “Be good, $name,” he takes a few more, only reaching the centre of the room. “Do I need to ask Filessandro to start playing?” “No! No, there’s no need. See, I’m at the door already!” “Have a good chat with Norah!” The door slams behind Roscoe, shaking the building just slightly. <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Ezabell Intro">><<unset $text>><</link>></center><<switch $text>><<case 1>>&emsp;“Well… Maybe ya should hire more people, boss,” you retort. “It’s not fair that I am all alone behind the bar all day long!” <<if $adventure>>&emsp;“Why do you care?” Roscoe shrugs. “You’ll be gone gallivanting with the Adventuring Guild soon, anyway.” “Because I am already breaking my back now!” you protest. “It’s the Fuller Season, dammit! I can’t do it all just by myself! Can’t ya hire some part-timers?” “Oh, stop your complaining, $name. You’re going to make banks for the Guild fee! And you’ve got Ezabell to help.” <<elseif $bartender>>&emsp;“I thought you wanted to hone your skills,” Roscoe shrugs, “so you’d feel worthy of that ‘fancy’ bartending box of yours —and actually buy it—. This should be great practice for you!” “I didn’t ask to man your tavern alone —not for what ya pay me, anyway—!” you protest. “This was not part of the deal, boss! Ya promised me ya’d get some part-timers before the Fuller Season would start. I shouldn’t have to have all this work fall on my shoulders just because ya can’t bother finding someone!” “Hey, there! You got Ezabell to help!” <<else>>&emsp;“Why should I bother hiring some poor souls just to let them go in a few weeks?” Roscoe shrugs. “I couldn’t guarantee they’d still have a job under the new owner.” “Even…” your throat tightens. “Even mine?” “Err…” he scratches the back of his neck. “I’m sure you’ll manage to buy the tavern from me, my <<lad>>. You shouldn’t need to worry.” “But what if I… don’t?” “But what if you do?” You bite your lips. You were only joking earlier when you said you’d wanted to buy the tavern for job security. You had hoped Roscoe would give the new owner a few good words about you and your skills, so you wouldn’t have to look for a position elsewhere. “I mean… with the Fuller Season, unless you mess up a lot with the customers, you shouldn’t have any problems getting the fund to buy the place. And then, you can run it however you want to!” “Right… Well, then, I won’t let my employees scramble by themselves when it’s busy. I’ll actually make sure there’s enough help around!” “Hey, $name! You do have help! Don’t forget about Ezabell!” <</if>>&emsp;“The waitress?” you scoff. “How is she going to help me mix drinks when she is already busy running around the room?” “I’m sure you’ll figure it you,” Roscoe winks at you as he gets up from his seat. “You’ve done it before, I know you can do it again!” “That’s not helping, boss.” “Well, tough tities, my <<lad>>, cause you’re gonna be alone today!” “Boss!” The man, however, does not listen to you, jumping away from the bar and skipping to the door. He playfully —or teasingly— waves at you before slamming the door behind him. <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Ezabell Intro">><<unset $text>><</link>></center> <<case 2>>&emsp;“How can he say //that// about my drink?” you grumble under your breath. “//That’s not too bad//?! I know I didn’t make any mistake there… What I made was better than ‘//that’s not too bad//’!” “Did you say something?” Roscoe asks, absent-mindedly. “N-no…” He shrugs and goes back to his drink, while you ruminate about the quality of your concoction. “I can’t have made a mistake, right? That’s not possible. I followed the recipe to the letter… I think? No… No, the recipe //must// be wrong, then!” “What was that?” “N-nothing…” “Really?” “Yes…” “Are you sure?” “Pretty s-sure…” “Because I heard something about my recipe being wrong. A recipe I spent hours working on. One I not only tested many times, but made you taste it as well. And you approved it too! Or… have you forgotten about that?” “I-I didn’t.” “Then why would you badmouth my recipe?” “I… err… didn’t?” “Uh-huh… Right…” He holds his glass in front of his face. “Well, it’s a shame for that one, my <<lad>>,” he swirls the last of the liquid around, “you were so close to getting it this time…” “Damn you and your taste buds,” you mumble. “Always finding the smallest thing.” Roscoe shrugs and finishes the last of his drink. He puts the glass on the counted and leaves his seat. Before reaching the door, he turns back to say: “You know… If you put as much effort into making drinks as you do complaining… I wouldn’t need to test you like this…” And with this, he leaves the tavern and you, frowning. <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Ezabell Intro">><<unset $text>><</link>></center> <<default>>Your pleads having been brushed off so swiftly and with little concern, you remain silent. No matter how much of an issue you could make out of the situation, you know you have no power against the man —and not just because of his size—. Throwing yourself into lengthy discussions about the fairness of your employment conditions or the strikingly high expectations level your boss seems to have for you —you know your drink was much better than he made it out to be— would achieve absolutely nothing. Roscoe was known to be a stubborn man and very set in his way. “Huh… No rebuttal?” Roscoe teases, poking your arm. “No complaining?” Even if there is much you could say in return —there is a lot you know that he would not like you to tell the world—, you pretend not to hear him. Though you feel soreness in your arm, you try your best not to flinch and keep your head down, focusing instead on cleaning up the mixing utensils. Your boss knows how to push people’s buttons with much ease, but you won’t fall for his tricks! //Not today, Satan! Not today!// “You are no fun, $name… Spoiling the little pleasures in life.” “Anything else ya need, boss?” you ask, coyly. Roscoe pushes his now-empty glass to your side of the bar and lays his head on the counter, before sighing loudly. He stares at you for a long while, hoping to get a reaction, only to be sorely disappointed when he finds you looking unbothered. Having lost his sparring partner, Roscoe begrudgingly leaves his seat and crosses the room. “See you in a few hours, $name. Don’t burn the place down while I’m gone!” “Thank ya for your patronage! We hope to see ya again,” you respond, giving your best smile. “You little twerp!” he yells, slamming the tavern’s door behind him. <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Ezabell Intro">><<unset $text>><</link>></center> <</switch>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>&emsp;“I… I didn’t try to experiment with it,” you protest. “I swear! I would never dream of messing around with your recipes.” “Then—” “I…” you bite your tongue and look at your feet. “I just made a mistake…” “$name… There’s mistake and there’s mixing so vile you wouldn’t—… Ugh… This wasn’t just //a// mistake. You completely screwed the pooch there! //This//,” he points at the barely touched glass, “cannot even be called a ‘Troubled Waters’… or a cocktail for that matter!” “I’m sorry, ok? I messed up.” “Yeah, you did! Big time, my <<lad>>!” Roscoe looks at the glass, before looking back at you, disappointed. “I don’t even understand how you managed… How? How could you end up with… //this//?” “I don’t—” “Is the recipe too complicated for you? I don’t know how it could be, though…” “No, it’s—” “Did I not show you the steps correctly before?” “No, you—” “Did you not read the labels on the bottles? And, even then, they all look different enough!” “Err—” “Then how?” He sighs loudly. “I really hope this was just a one off…” “I nev—” “… and that you’ll never serve any customer something this… foul.” Roscoe pushes the drink further to your side, looking disgusted at its content. You know he is disappointed in you, but sure not as disappointed as you are in yourself. No apology will make up for the fact that you butchered a drink so simple, even a brain-dead barbarian could mix it! <<case 2>>&emsp;“I…” You look down, embarrassed. “Ya’re right… I wanted to experiment with the drink.” “Why? Why would you even do that? I already spent hours working on this drink… And you tried every version before I settled on this one. You even agreed it was the best. Why would you want to try to change it?” “Because… I thought I—” “You thought you could make it better! //Unbelievable//.” “I’m sorry, ok? I thought it would work this ti—” You slap your hand to your mouth. “This time?!” Roscoe looks at you, bewildered. “How many times have you tried your little //experiments// before?” “Just a f—” “How many of them have you served to the c—” “None! Never!” You shake your hands, before wincing as your brain recalls a memory. “You have!?” “Well… Maybe to a friend or two…” “ <<= $name.toUpperCase()>> !” “I didn’t make them pay! And… I paid for using the ingredients behind the bar…” Roscoe crosses his arms, his eyes piercing yours and his nostrils flaring with anger. Not a word escapes his lips, though you know there is much he could yell at you. Not a sound is heard in the tavern. You just want to make yourself as small as possible and disappear. <<case 3>>With little left to say, you silently take the barely touched glass from the counter and throw away its content. You don’t even bother tasting your ‘mistake’, the foul smell alone says it all. Roscoe was right to call you out like that. You can’t even blame him for lashing out this way. He played ball by letting the nasty liquid linger on his tongue longer than he probably should have, considering his delicate his palate is, just to humour you. //Why would he keep it in his mouth if it was so bad?// Roscoe’s palate was like no other: he could tell with only a sip whether a drink was balanced or whether the mixer had added even one drop of an ingredient too many. If your boss told you a drink was bad, you knew better not to believe him. Still, you could not understand why he did not spit it all out as soon as the liquid touched his tongue. //Was… was it actually not as bad as it made it out to be?// <<if !$T1bad>>You could protest and demand explanations, especially since your first mix passed his standards <<if $T1ok>>—well, barely—<</if>>, but you find yourself without the heart to do so. You know Roscoe would end up asking more questions, to get to the root of the issue and find where you could have gone wrong. Still, no answer would satisfy him. Saying anything would be like digging your own grave.<<else>>You don’t even entertain the idea of protesting or demanding explanations. Having somehow failed both your attempts at mixing those two simple drinks, this test of his only resulted in giving you quite the blow to your ego. Not only that, but it has surely devalued your image in your boss’s eyes. Complaining about your fate would be like digging yourself further into a hole.<</if>> “I really hope this was a one-time mistake, my <<lad>>…” Roscoe lets out a long, sad sigh, before looking out the window. <</switch>> “Hrmph…” Roscoe finally utters. “Why did I have to head out today, of all days? I can’t imagine leaving you to handle the tavern all by yourself. Not anymore…” He taps on the bar, lingering on his seat a bit longer. “What if I come back to find the register…” He sighs. “All //this//,” he shakes his hands above the counter, where his glasses used to be, “did not really reassure me, you know?” “I know… I’m sorr—” “You better not mess up further, $name.” “I won’t. I promise, boss.” With this, Roscoe reluctantly leaves his seat and crosses the rooms. He nods at Filessandro, points towards the bar, and returns the bard’s acknowledgement before slamming the tavern’s door behind him. //Shit…// <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Ezabell Intro">><<unset $text>><</link>></center>Soon after your boss’s departure, the door swings again. &emsp;“G’day! Welcome to The Th— Oh. It’s just //ya//.” &emsp;“Well, nice to see you too, $name!” A cheery young-ish woman crosses the room, with her slit skirt revealing more of her legs when swinging her hips with every step. There was nothing unattractive about her, from her short attire to her corset propping up her already buxom bosoms, from her flowing red curls pushed to the back by a kerchief —save for a few rebelling strands and her fringe, accentuating the beauty in her face— to her large chest —yes, it bears repeating—. There was a reason Roscoe hired her in the first place, and it was not to relieve some workload from your hands. &emsp;“Gone for //that// look again, I see?” you snicker. &emsp;“I could say the same thing to you, $name… I mean, look at you… You look //terrible//,” her crystal-like laugh rings in the room. “How’s your head?” <ol> <li><<link "“Haven’t had any complaints yet.” [Wink]" "ET1">><<set $text=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "“My head’s fine.” [Shrug]" "ET1">><<set $text=2>><</link>></li> <li><<link "“How did you already hear about that?”" "ET1">><<set $text=3>><</link>></li> </ol><<switch $text>><<case 1>>&emsp;“Oh, you!” she flicks her wrist. &emsp;“Oh, me!” you respond in a similar fashion. “How’s //your// head?” &emsp;“Not as busy as it could be,” she sighs, a bit disappointed. “I thought the Fuller Season would bring fresher heads around, but nothing’s been that interesting.” &emsp;“Hey… don’t ya worry. It just started, and we’ll be more than busy soon enough. Well… ya’ll be.” &emsp;“Oh, you!” she flicks her wrist again. <<case 2>> “Err… Good, good,” she says, a bit confused by your response. &emsp;“How are ya?” &emsp;“Fine… fine. Err… Nice weather, we’re having?” &emsp;“Mmh…” you look past the window. “It’s alright, I guess.” &emsp;“Right…” <<default>>&emsp;“About what?” she asks, a bit confused. “Who did you—” &emsp;“Who? … //Oh!// Oh, no,” you shake your hands. “No, I didn’t—” &emsp;“Then, what’s //that//, $name?” she asks coyly. &emsp;“Never… Mind ya own business, Ezabell.” &emsp;“Come on, $name! What happened with your head that was definitely not—” &emsp;“I walked into the sign this morning, ok?” you cut her off. “I just… was not all there… and I walked right into it.” &emsp;“You didn’t!?” she retains a laugh. &emsp;“I did,” you confirm shamefully. &emsp;“Oh, $name…”</pre> <</switch>> Ezabell props herself to sit on the counter and swings her legs, looking bored. You are not surprised to see her that way: it is still quite early and the few patrons still around seem to need none of your attention. Even then, she’d always wait to be ready until the last possible moment, which used to infuriate you to no end. She turns to you and a strange smile creeps on her face. &emsp;“Say, $name… I saw the boss leaving, just now. He looked a bit… out of sorts. Is everything ok?” <ol> <li><<link 'Mention your little discussion with Roscoe about the <<if $adventure>>flier<<elseif $tavern>>sale listing<<else>>ad cut-out<</if>>.' "ET2">><<set $text=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link 'Tell Ezabell about Roscoe’s little mixing test and how you <<if $T2bad>>utterly failed<<elseif $T2good>>aced it<<else>>did alright<</if>>' "ET2">><<set $text=2>><</link>></li> <li><<link 'You can’t think of why he wouldn’t be his chipper self since he’s not working today.' "ET2">><<set $text=3>><</link>></li> </ol><<switch $text>><<case 1>>&emsp;“He… he bust my ass about… err…” you scratch the back of your neck. &emsp;“…the <<if $adventure>>flierAdventuring Guild Registration Flyer<<elseif $tavern>>Sale Listing for the tavern<<else>>Ad for the Bartending Box 3000<</if>>.” &emsp;“Yes… Wait? How did ya know about that?” &emsp;“How could I not?! You left it lying in plain sight back there, $name,” she points to the back room door. “You should really learn to put your stuff away, it’s already a mess in there. Or maybe learn to hide things better.” &emsp;“But-but—” &emsp;“No, butts. Not where you’re concerned,” she laughs. &emsp;“… So… Ya’re not mad about it?” &emsp;“About what? Your wish to <<if $adventure>>be a reckless bum in heavy armour<<elseif $tavern>>ruin a totally fine business<<else>>own some fancy, useless toys<</if>>?” &emsp;“Hey!” &emsp;“Bah… If that makes you happy, my little lamb,” she pinches your cheek, “I’ll be more than happy for you. Buuuut…” &emsp;“Yeah?” &emsp;“You<<if $adventure>>’ll send me some souvenirs from your travels<<elseif $tavern>>won’t fire me when you take over<<else>>will still let me taste your new creations<</if>>, right?” &emsp;“Of course,<span id="choice"> <ol> <li><<link "I will.”">><<replace "#choice">><<if $tavern>>&emsp;“Boo! You spoilsport,” she mocks you, jumping down the bar.<<else>>&emsp;“Thanks, sweetie,” she blows you a kiss before jumping down the bar.<</if>>She turns towards the door opening again, and sighs. “Already? I thought I had more time before…” she points at the new rush of patrons finding their seat. &emsp;“No rest for the wicked, eh?” &emsp;“None indeed,” she says, pushing the door to the back room. “I’ll be right back.” <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Day 1 Start">><<unset $text>><</link>></center> <</replace>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I won’t.”">><<replace "#choice">><<if $tavern>>&emsp;“Thanks, sweetie,” she blows you a kiss before jumping down the bar.<<else>>&emsp;“Boo! You spoilsport,” she mocks you, jumping down the bar.<</if>>She turns towards the door opening again, and sighs. “Already? I thought I had more time before…” she points at the new rush of patrons finding their seat. &emsp;“No rest for the wicked, eh?” &emsp;“None indeed,” she says, pushing the door to the back room. “I’ll be right back.” <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Day 1 Start">><<unset $text>><</link>></center> <</replace>><</link>></li> </ol></span> <<case 2>>&emsp;“He… he tricked me into one of his little stupid tests.” &emsp;“And you…” she waves her hand impatiently. &emsp;“…<<if $T2bad>>Utterly failed!<<elseif $T2good>>Aced it, of course!<<else>>Did fine.<</if>>” <<if $T2bad>>&emsp;“Oh, sweetie…” she pats your shoulder. “Did he ask you to make one his impossible drinks, again?” Seeing you looking down, she continues: “He did, didn’t he? Damned it, Roscoe,” she raises her fist. “You—” Her face twitches. “Waaait a minute… $name…” &emsp;“Err…” &emsp;“What did he ask you to make?” &emsp;“Oh, you know…” you mumble. &emsp;“$name?” &emsp;“A rustankor an’ a toubwat’r,” you try to mumble as intelligibly as possible. &emsp;“A what?” &emsp;“A Rusty Anchor and A Troubled Water,” you finally admit. &emsp;“Are you joking? Are you //actually// joking here?” &emsp;“No…” &emsp;“How… How could you mess those up? Even I know how to make them!” &emsp;“I dunno…” &emsp;“Well… That’d explain his mood then,” she smirks. “Heh… Maybe the boss should make //me// the bartender here,” she sticks her tongue out. &emsp;“Yeah, yeah… Try surviving a rush wave first. Then, we’ll talk.” &emsp;“Speaking of…” she turns towards the door opening again. “Here’s the first rush of the day.” She jumps from the counter before reaching the door of the back room. &emsp;“Be right back!” <<elseif $T2good>>&emsp;“Of course, you did!” she punches your arm playfully. “How could you not! You’re the best bartender around.” &emsp;“Ah…” you blush. “Th-thanks, Ezabell.” &emsp;“Aww…” she pinches your cheeks. “Look at you, not handling compliments. Sho cute!” &emsp;“Stoppit,” you try to brush her hands away. She lets your cheeks go, laughing. &emsp;“That’s not funny!” &emsp;“I beg to differ, sweetie,” she continues to chuckle. Swiftly, her face freezes and she frowns. “Wait… if you aced his test… why would the boss… What did you do, $name?” &emsp;“What?! Why are you assuming I did something?” &emsp;“Because, you always do! Yesterday,” she starts counting her fingers, “it was with the—” &emsp;“I didn’t do anything today, Ezabell!” &emsp;“Then why would Roscoe pull a face like //that//?” her face falls, mimicking the one she saw earlier. &emsp;“How should I know? I don’t read minds!” &emsp;“Come on, $name. You spend the most time with him. There must be //something//. Think!” &emsp;“I dunno,” you shrug. “It’s not like we share everything about our lives when we’re around each other.” &emsp;“Right,” she snorts. “He had to find out about your little secret through a flyer you forgot.” &emsp;“You don’t need to remind me, Ezabell… I feel bad enough!” &emsp;“I bet…” She bites her nails, mumbling about Roscoe’s mysterious mood. “Did he say something about where he was going?” &emsp;“I ain’t his secr— Oh… Right… I think he was going to see Norah…” &emsp;“Yeah…” she grimaces. “That’d do it,” she jumps from the bar. “No wonder he asked you to mix him a few drinks. Though, knowing Norah, that was probably not his smartest idea.”<<if $TRefuse>> &emsp;“I tried to tell him…” <</if>> As the door opens once more, Ezabell turns towards the sound and sighs at the sight of patrons entering the tavern. &emsp;“Well… Here we go again…” She walks to the back room. “Be right back!” <<else>>&emsp;“Better luck next time, sweetie,” she pats your back. “I’m sure you’ll beat his little game… eventually.” &emsp;“Yeah… Thanks, Ezabell.” &emsp;“No problem,” she smiles brightly. “Happy to help!” &emsp;“Ya didn—” &emsp;“But if you did fine… why would Roscoe pull //that// face?” her face falls, mimicking the one she saw earlier. &emsp;“I dunno… He’s petty enough to take my ‘failures’ as his…” &emsp;“That’s not being petty, $name,” she rolls her eyes. “That’s just being insecure… And the boss is not an insecure man!” &emsp;“Whatev’r it is, I don’t care.” &emsp;“Well, I do,” she jumps from the counter and walks away from the bar. &emsp;“Don’t snoop around in his things again…” &emsp;“Hey! It’s not snooping if the things I’m looking through are not hidden.” &emsp;“Ezabell!” &emsp;“You can’t stop me, even if you tried,” she winks. “And—” The sound of the tavern door opening interrupts her taunting. “Well… Never mind that for now… I’ll be right back,” she almost yells as she disappears into the back room. <</if>><center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Day 1 Start">><<unset $text>><</link>></center> <<default>>&emsp;“I dunno,” you shrug. “He was fine when he was still there… I guess…” &emsp;“You guess?!” &emsp;“Well, yeah… I ain’t a mind reader, Ezabell.” &emsp;“Hrmph… Useless, as usual. Really, $name, you got to ask people how they are. Who knows what awful thing—” &emsp;“Nah, mate. Ya should stop being nosey and mind your own business.” &emsp;“But, what if—” &emsp;“I’m sure Roscoe’s fine. Don’t make mountains out of molehills.” &emsp;“Come on, $name. Aren’t you cu—” &emsp;“Ezabell. This is just a normal day like every other before, and every other after. Today’s just a regular Nadrolth like any other Nadrolth…” The waitress pulls a face, disappointed. You pat her shoulder out of sympathy, even if you don’t share her liking for gossiping. &emsp;“Wait… Doesn’t he go somewhere every Nadrolth?” &emsp;“I dunno… Maybe?” &emsp;“I’m sure he does! I’m pretty sure he did last week… and he pulled the same face then, too!” &emsp;“I guess…” &emsp;“Didn’t he mention going to see someone? Argh…. What was the name again? It sounded feminine… and started with a N… Nadine? Noelle? Nina?” A flash crosses both your minds. &emsp;“Norah!” you both exclaim. &emsp;“Woof… yeah…” Ezabell grimaces. “That’ll do it. I would also be pulling that face if I had to see her.” &emsp;“Ya happy, now? Can we get on with our work?” you say, nodding at the tavern door opening again. &emsp;“Ugh… Is it already time?” she jumps from the counter. “Can’t they be even more early…” She pushes the door to the back room. “Be right back, I guess…” <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Day 1 Start">><<unset $text>><</link>></center> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>Before you even push the tavern’s door, a strange scent titillates your nostrils. Not strange like worrying you might be in sudden danger, but strange compared to how the tavern usually smells. Instead of sweat and leftover beer on old wood, which still tends to be quite faint during this time of day, the most wonderful symphony of aroma delights your nose. In a blink of an eye, you find yourself inside the building, as if by magic. //Food magic!// While the scent dissipates —well, while you get accustomed to it—, you notice your boss standing in front of the bar; the latter being covered with pots and plates and the former screaming at the cook standing aside. &emsp;“What the actual hell, Brom?!” &emsp;“Hrmph…” &emsp;“A sm— In what world is //this// just a small lunch? This is enough to feed… hundreds, at least! It’s not a lunch, it’s a banquet up in here! A feast fit for kings!” &emsp;“//Hrmph//.” &emsp;“And lunch?!” Roscoe ignores his response. “Lunch is not for another couple of hours! All this,” he motions at the dishes on the counter, “will be spoiled by the time lunch comes! This is a complete waste, Brom!” &emsp;“Hrmph!” &emsp;“Why shouldn’t I be angry? You wasted days, maybe weeks, worth of produce! And for what?! For what, Brom?” &emsp;“Hrmph…” the cook rolls his eyes. &emsp;“We can’t store it all! There is //definitely// not enough space in the cellar. What are we—” &emsp;“Hrmph?” &emsp;“BROM!” &emsp;“Ohh, free food!” Ezabell suddenly exclaims next to you, making you jump a little. &emsp;“HRMPH!” the cook takes off his apron and throws it on the ground before leaving the tavern. &emsp;“Where are you going, Brom?” Roscoe follows him outside. “I am not done talking to you!” You follow them with your eyes, wincing when your boss slams the door behind him. &emsp;“Err… Do ya know what’s happening here, Ez?” &emsp;“Brom’s in the doghouse,” she picks a bite from one of the plate. &emsp;“Did ya talk to—” &emsp;“$name, $name, $name…” she shakes her head. “You sweet little innocent child. I don’t need people telling me their worries to know what is going on. Especially in this town.” &emsp;“So, how—” &emsp;“Brom is Emilia’s grandma’s butcher’s cousin’s former teacher’s neighbour,” she answers, ticking an imaginary list with every new individual. “And you know Emilia. She’s a—” &emsp;“—worse gossip that ya are,” you grimace. &emsp;“And that’s just the half of it. Brom messed up big time at home. I heard there was a full blow fight in his house. Stuff was thrown too.” &emsp;“Did he…?” &emsp;“Brom?! This sweetheart of a man?” She shakes her head. “His in-laws, however… They’re a piece of work.” <ol> <li><<link "“So… what do we do with that?” you point at the full bar." `passage()`>><<set $response=1, $text++>><</link>></li> <li><<link "“So… had breakfast yet?” you hand her a plate." `passage()`>><<set $response=2, $text++>><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 2>><<if $response is 1>>&emsp;“I don’t know what the boss will want to do with it, but I’m sure he won’t notice if we took a plate or two,” she winks at you and hands you a plate. &emsp;“Do ya think it’s smart?” &emsp;“Hey! I missed breakfast to be on time today! I’d rather not have to deal with people on an empty stomach.” &emsp;“And food spoils…” you add, accepting the plate as well. &emsp;“Exactly! The boss //did// say this feast was a waste, anyway.” <<else>>&emsp;“$name…” she smiles mischievously, accepting the plate. “It’s like you can read my mind!” &emsp;“We shouldn’t let this food go to waste…” &emsp;“Indeed, not when it smells this good.” &emsp;“Ya heard the boss, too. There’s not enough space to store it all, anyway.” &emsp;“It would be a shame to throw it all away,” she nods in agreement. <</if>> Unfortunately for you, as your fork hovers over a scrumptious-looking boar stew, the tavern’s door slams open, with Roscoe pulling Brom inside by the ear, like you would a naughty child. &emsp;“Look,” Roscoe releases him. “I don’t care if you come here because you need a place to cool off, or for whatever other reason either. I don’t need to know, nor do I even need a head’s up if you stay the night. At the end of the day, I consider this place as much as another home for you as it is mine.” &emsp;“Hrmph…” &emsp;“But! Not only do I //not// appreciate you raiding the pantry to deal with whatever that was —I think I am gracious enough to give you free rein of the kitchen for your little experiments—, I //really// dislike you just running out in the middle of our conversation!” &emsp;“Hrmph,” the cook rolls his eyes. &emsp;“No, Brom. That’s just rude! I am entitled to an explanation for this,” he motions towards the bar, where both you and Ezabell are standing still, plates still in hands. &emsp;“Hrmph!” Brom points at Ezabell. “//Hrmph//?” &emsp;“She brought her own drinks and did not touch a single bottle on the shelves. That’s not the same!” &emsp;“//Wait… why didn’t ya tell me you had a party?//” you whisper at the waitress. &emsp;“//Ssh… This is getting good.//” &emsp;“Hrmph. //Hrmph!//” he points again. &emsp;“What do—” Roscoe turns around. “What do you think //you// are doing with those plates?” <ol> <li><<link "Say nothing." `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> <li><<link "“Going to have some breakfast, boss.”" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> <li><<link "“We wanted to try the food, boss.”" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 3>>&emsp;“Have breakfast?” Ezabell answers for the both of you. &emsp;“//Ezabell!//” &emsp;“What?! It’s already there! And it’s not like we should waste the food.” &emsp;“Yeah, boss. Ya even said //that//!” Roscoe sighs, the way he would when one of you would use his own word against him, with some annoyance and defeat. He pinches the bridge of his nose and groans. &emsp;“You can’t eat all of //that//!” &emsp;“Try us,” Ezabell grins. &emsp;“Ez… The boss’s right. Even for us, that’s too much. I don’t want to work with a stomach ache…” &emsp;“So, what’s your solution, then, $name?” she snaps at you. “Throwing it all away?” &emsp;“We could take the leftovers home?” &emsp;“Hrmph…” Brom shakes his head. &emsp;“How do you always manage to create the strangest dishes, Brom?” Roscoe asks, bewildered. “A dish that can’t be consumed outside of the tavern? Really?!” &emsp;“Hrmph…” &emsp;“How is this going to help us?!” &emsp;“Ya’d need a whole town to come and eat it all…” The bickering stops, and three faces turn to you, looking incredulous. <ul><li><<link '//Why are they looking at me funny?//' `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 4>>&emsp;“What? Did I say something funny?” &emsp;“Just… Repeat what you said,” Roscoe demands. &emsp;“Ya would need a whole town to come and eat it all?” &emsp;“That //could// work…” he mumbles. “$name! My <<lad>>! You are truly a genius!” &emsp;“//Whaaat…//” &emsp;“But there’s no town close enough to arrive—” Ezabell starts. “//Oh//! You’re thinking of the village.” &emsp;“Ok!” Roscoe claps his hands. “There is no time to lose! Brom!” &emsp;“Hrmph?” &emsp;“Bring in the large table on the back and put in on top of the brazier.” &emsp;“//Hrmph//…” &emsp;“//Obviously//, you put the fire out first! Oh, and one more thing…” Roscoe motions him to come closer and whispers in the cook’s ear. The man frowns, then pleads, before lowering his head and relenting to the request. You see him disappear into the back of the tavern. &emsp;“Ezabell!” &emsp;“Yes, boss?” &emsp;“Get the tablecloth from the attic!” &emsp;“That red one? Didn’t $name burn a side—” &emsp;“No, there should be a green one somewhere up there. Get //that// one instead.” &emsp;“Aye!” the waitress salutes Roscoe and turns her heels. &emsp;“And $name… you magnificent bastard!” &emsp;“Yeah?” &emsp;“Add this on the menu,” he points at the wall behind you. “//For every two drinks ordered, get a free plate for the buffet!//” &emsp;“Err… Do ya think that will work, boss?” &emsp;“My <<lad>>, if there is one thing the village is known for, aside from eating way too much, is that we are cheap as hell! Don’t worry, they will come flocking.” &emsp;“Not if they don’t know about it…” &emsp;“Well, that’s //my// job!” Roscoe winks at you as takes out a pile of papers from a drawer by the counter and switches it from a different one on the bar. He then puts on his hat, before reaching for the door again. &emsp;“Are ya coming back to help us, boss?” The man pretends not to hear you and leaves the tavern. //Dammit!// <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Morning TIP JAR">><<set $story to "brom">><</link>></center> <</switch>>Even if Roscoe never explicitly mentioned it —thought surely it was implied—, Brom, Ezabell and you transfer the many, many dishes on the added and dusted table in the middle of the room. When you explained to them what Roscoe had planned, they groaned. It was once thing to expect the village to drop by here and there to chip away at the mountain of food, another to create a fake ‘deal’ to excite the incomers. You all realise how shitty the day would end up being. Still, the three of you continued your laborious preparation: the feast needed to be set for the voracious patrons, while you required a cleared counter to mix the many, many, expected drinks in the next few hours. At the end of it all, the ordeal taxes all of you more than you’d imagine. //And we are expected to spend our day in an endless rush?!// &emsp;“Hrmph,” Brom grunts, having heard footsteps coming closer. &emsp;“I’ll make some coffee for ya,” you sigh. “Ez?” The waitress stands still, paling by the second, her eyes fixed on the door. You press her shoulder and shake her gently. &emsp;“Ez… Are ya ok?” &emsp;“I… I just need a moment.” &emsp;“They gonna be coming in soon.” &emsp;“I know.” &emsp;“Do ya want a bite before they raid the buffet?” &emsp;“That… that’d probably be a good idea,” she smiles at you, before plucking a few bites from the table. &emsp;“Hrmph!” the cook points at the door, already opening. &emsp;“//Shit//,” Ezabell swears before stuffing her mouth with her harvest. “Itch goh timeh!” she tries to say. <ul><li> <<link "Get behind the bar to mix some drinks!" "Frenzy Start">><</link>></li></ul>As you set the last order on the counter, you quickly scan the room. While the tavern is buzzing with people swarming around the free buffet, the rush of orders has already started to calm down. //For now…// The thought echoes into your mind. As Roscoe promised, the news of a scrumptious free buffet has reached the ears of many of the villagers, who flocked diligently to the tavern. There are many you recognise. Only a few have arrived, so far, and you expect most, if not all, faces to show up at one point or another to grab a drink and a plate. &emsp;“Fuckin’ hell,” Ezabell swears under her breath. “If I hear one more asking for a plate without ordering, I swear I will take Gladis out of the office.” &emsp;“I admire ya, Ez. Ya have the patience of a Saint.” &emsp;“Only because I know I will get paid well today.” &emsp;“Hazard pay?” &emsp;“Hazard pay,” she nods. The door opens again and another large group of villagers floods the room. &emsp;“Fuckin’ hell,” you both say in harmony. <ul><li> <<link "Get ready for another rush!" "Frenzy Start">><</link>></li></ul>By the time the sun passes its culmination point, your arms feel sore from the constant shaking and bottle pouring. You are not quite sure how long you will last before your body fully breaks down and refuses to move. Yet, you are not surprised by the crazy amount of drinks you had to mix so far. Roscoe had intended for the whole village to drop by and chip away at the feast Brom spent all night creating. //I should have kept my mouth shut…// &emsp;“Why the long face, $name?” Ezabell asks, dropping some empty glasses. &emsp;“When will it sto-op…” &emsp;“When we’re dead,” she says, snarkily. “And don’t complain. This is //great// for you!” &emsp;“What?! No. I feel sore all over… how can it be great for me? What do ya mean?” &emsp;“Don’t you need the money for your little ‘project’?” &emsp;“Don’t say it like it’s a dirty thing, Ez…” &emsp;“Aren’t I right?” &emsp;“Yeah… but I don’t think the cost is worth it.” &emsp;“You can always choose to go home if you don’t think so,” she shrugs. &emsp;“And get scolded by the boss, like Brom this morning? Are ya mental?” &emsp;“It’s always an option. //One I am seriously considering//…” &emsp;“I am not suicidal, Ez.” &emsp;“Suit yourself.” She picks up her empty tray and goes around the room to gather some more empty glasses and write down a few more orders. As you clean the dirty glasses she left before, you keep thinking about the liquid each and every one of them still held just moments ago. Each more intricate and complicated than the last. With the promise of a free and fancy meal, some of the villagers decided to splurge a little more than usual and order cocktails they usually avoided —whether it be because of the price or the company—. This extravagant meal gave many of them an excuse to throw all their internal restrictions out the window and do what they truly wanted for once. //Why couldn’t they all order something basic, like a glass of wine?// Your lamentations over your arduous conditions are soon interrupted by another group of people swarming into the room. <ul><li> <<link '//When will it end?//' "Frenzy Start">><</link>></li></ul><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>Slowly but surely, the tavern empties. The last of the villagers congregate around the last of the remains of the buffet like vultures, with some stuffing their pockets or bags with leftovers. When confronted by Brom —who just came to warn them of the particularity of the food—, they claimed to be in their right: they bought a drink, claiming to have a non-existent receipt —the tavern never bothered to make those for patrons, as long as they paid their dues— to prove the fact. Bewildered, Brom left, shaking his head. What a waste… &emsp;“Oh lordy, it’s finally over,” Ezabell slumps on a stool behind the bar, extending her arms on the counter. “I am //beat//!” &emsp;“I hope I //never// have to do this a gain…” &emsp;“Even if it could fill your little tip jar much faster?” &emsp;“My screaming joints don’t think it’s worth the pain.” &emsp;“Hrmph…” &emsp;“//Ya// are not allowed to complain!” &emsp;“Don’t be a dick, $name. Today’s been harsh enough.” &emsp;“I am not! And you’re not being harsh enough with //him// either, Ez. Did ya manage to have a break at all today? What about our mandated lunch pause? Did ya have any time to eat something or drink more than a sip?” &emsp;“I…” &emsp;“Ya didn’t and neither did I!” You turn to the cook, seething and exhausted. “And ya’re the one to blame! Ya’re the one who brought us into this mess and //we//,” you point to the waitress and then to your chest, “had to deal with the consequences!” &emsp;“//Hrmph//…” &emsp;“And? Sorry’s not gonna cut it, mate. Ya didn’t even leave the kitchen since the first rush, this morning! Do ya know how useful ya could have been on the floor with Ez, or behind the bar with me?” The cook lowers his head, on the verge of tears. //Fuck… fuck, fuck, fuck…// <ul> <li><<linkappend "You need to apologise to the cook. He is not the only one to blame here. Your boss really didn’t help the situation you’ve been in all day.">> <<replace "#1">><li><<linkappend "Or don’t. You would not be aching everywhere if he hadn’t cooked the whole pantry for no good reason.">> <<replace "#2">><li><<linkappend "But maybe you should apologise. He’s clearly having a hard time. And you haven’t seen him leave the kitchen until now. There must be something the cook is hiding.">> <<replace "#3">><li><<linkappend "Still, neither you nor Ezabell deserved to go through this, no matter the excuse.">> <<replace "#4">><li><<linkappend "Yet, she seemed to be on Brom’s side. Does she know something I don’t?">> <<replace "#5">><li><<link "[Sigh] You lose either way." `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li><</replace>><</linkappend>></li><</replace>><</linkappend>></li><</replace>><</linkappend>></li><</replace>><</linkappend>></li><</replace>><</linkappend>></li> <span id="1"></span> <span id="2"></span> <span id="3"></span> <span id="4"></span> <span id="5"></span> </ul> <<case 2>>&emsp;“Hrmph…” the cook grunts, wiping his face. “Hrmph.” &emsp;“I know, sweetie,” Ezabell pats his shoulder. “Thank you for that.” &emsp;“But—” &emsp;“Shut it, $name,” she snaps at you. “Today’s been long enough, and we’re all on edge, and exhausted, and angry. You’ve said your peace. Brom ap—” &emsp;“I don’t have to acce—” &emsp;“—Brom apologised,” she repeats forcefully. “And frankly, I am over this whole thing already. I just want to be paid, go home and sleep.” &emsp;“So, ya’re gonna just sweep everything under the rug?!” &emsp;“Yes. I am.” Seeing you ready to retort, she gestures you to zip it. “If you’re still angry, direct it at the right person. You know, the one who bailed on us this morning?” &emsp;“But Br—” you point at the cook. &emsp;“Hrmph!” &emsp;“Oh, I’ll get to //him// when he gets here,” you shout. “Ya can be su—” The tavern’s door swings open and a large horned man enters, rubbing his hands piggishly. He has a content grin on his face, the one you would get after… //well…// having a lovely and chill afternoon. The sight boils your blood. &emsp;“Speaking of the devil,” the waitress rolls her eyes. &emsp;“My little lambs,” Roscoe exclaims, arms wide open. “What a day, eh?” His eyes catch something, and he turns towards the buffet. “Oh, well done! The table is almost empty. //They// really liked your food, didn’t they, Brom?” &emsp;“Hrmph,” the cook grunts, barely audibly. &emsp;“Good thing there is still just enough for me to try it,” the boss grabs a plate. “After the day I’ve had, you can’t imagine how famished I am!” &emsp;“//Oh, no//…” Ezabell whispers, looking at you, worried. <ul><li><<link '//Why is she swinging like that?//'>><<unset $text>><<if settings.textanim>><<goto "BD End2">><<else>><<goto "BD End2N">><</if>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>><div class="shake">THUD!<<timed 2.5s>><<goto "BD End3">><</timed>></div>THUD!<<timed 2s>><<goto "BD End3">><</timed>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>&emsp;“$name?” //Ugh…// &emsp;“$name?!” //… Ugh…// &emsp;“Can you hear me, my <<lad>>?” //Why is my face hurting…// &emsp;“<<= $name.toUpperCase()>>?” <ul><li><<link '//What’s happening?//' `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 2>>You slowly open your eyes and see three anxious faces hovering above your head. Ezabell shakes her head, Roscoe frowns, and Brom… //Sweetest Brom…// bawls his eyes out. They each take turns to sigh in relief when they see you to be coming back to your senses. //Ow…// You grab your painful chin and wince. //Why… How… //You send an inquisitive glance at your co-workers. &emsp;“You fell face first on the ground,” Ezabell answers first, handing you a pack of ice. “Quite sudden too. Almost gave Brom a heart attack.” &emsp;“Hrmph,” the cook wipes away his tears. &emsp;“Sorry, Brom,” you mumble. “Didn’t mean to scare ya…” &emsp;“You should be sorry, my <<lad>>! Don’t you—” &emsp;“//Oh, shut it//,” Ezabell snaps at him. “You,” she pokes him, “are the reason we all feel crappy right now. You,” she pokes him again, “left us to do your,” //poke//, “job! Don’t blame $name for passing out when you are the cause of it all!” &emsp;“Me?! What have I don’t wrong here?” Roscoe scoffs. “I solved a real conundrum for us to—” &emsp;“$name gave you the solution.” &emsp;“But //I// implemented.” &emsp;“Yeah…” you try to prop yourself up, aided by the waitress. “But that’s literally your job, boss. //Ya shouldn’t expect an applause for just doing your job//. That’s what ya always say.” &emsp;“So what, then? I shouldn’t have gone outside and tell the village about the feast?” &emsp;“//Hrmph//,” Brom rolls his eyes. &emsp;“I am not behaving like a child! I am asking a really serious question, here.” <ul><li><<link '//He took his time on purpose, didn’t he…//' `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 3>>&emsp;“Did ya really need the whole day to warn people? It’s not like the village is really big or that there are a lot of us there.” &emsp;“Err…” &emsp;“And why didn’t ya just tell the Gossiping Grannies at the square? Ya know they spread every crumb of information like wildfire!” &emsp;“That would have taken you like… five-ten minutes, tops?” &emsp;“I think you are greatly underestimating it, Ezabell.” &emsp;“Ya could have been back to help us around, instead of letting us to drown in this sinkhole…” &emsp;“That’s not—” &emsp;“HRMPH!” &emsp;“He did do it so he wouldn’t have to deal with the village himself!” Ezabell gasps. &emsp;“//How are ya surprised?//” you whisper to her. “//This is what he always does…//” &emsp;“//Fine//! You caught me,” Roscoe throws his hands into the air. “I didn’t want to deal with those vultures. Happy?” &emsp;“Not really, boss…” the waitress grimaces. &emsp;“Yeah, that was really a //cunt// move, boss.” &emsp;“I’m sorry, alright?” &emsp;“//Hrmph//.” &emsp;“Yeah… That won’t cut it, boss. You //really// owe us.” &emsp;“Really //owe// us,” Ezabell rubs her fingers greedily. &emsp;“Not just that,” you push her hand down. &emsp;“What do you want me to do, //then//? I can’t magically turn back time.” You, Ezabell and Brom exchange a few glances and whispers, to get in agreement about retribution. &emsp;“Hrmph!” Brom finally exclaims. Ezabell and you share an excited glance. <ul><li><<link '//Oh yes! That will do it!//' `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 4>>&emsp;“No, Brom! No!” Roscoe raises his hands. “Don’t make me do //that//. Anything but //that//!” &emsp;“But //that// is just what ya deserve it, boss.” &emsp;“Look at it,” he motions around. “It’s such a mess!” &emsp;“//Perfect//!” Ezabell grins, sadistically. Roscoe looks at the three of you, pouting like a child, before a defeated look covers his face when faced by three unbudging minds. &emsp;“I can assume none of you will stay to help?” You all shake your heads. &emsp;“Not even you, Brom? You star—” &emsp;“Don’t you even dare. Not after what you made him do!” &emsp;“//What did he//—” you try to ask. &emsp;“He repented enough, boss. You made sure of that this morning, didn’t you?” &emsp;“Ugh… Fine… You’re all off the hook with cleaning and closing the tavern tonight.” <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Evening">><</link>></center> <</switch>>//Tick, tick, tick… tock.// &emsp;“And the Hazard Pay?” &emsp;“What Ha—” &emsp;“Don’t test me, boss,” Ezabell snipes. &emsp;“Come on, Ezabell. I’m already getting loss—” &emsp;“//Bull-shite//,” you swear, still holding that pack of ice against your chin. &emsp;“And I could have made all of us walk out at lunch and put down a complaint with the Union for the little stunt you did, boss.” &emsp;“Little stunt?” &emsp;“Creating a ‘promotional’ event at the last minute without concern for your employees’ well-being during the whole ordeal and dipping out so you wouldn’t have to help us.” &emsp;“I already—” &emsp;“Doesn’t change the fact… or the law!” &emsp;“And don’t think we didn’t notice ya changed the menus before ya left.” &emsp;“I did not do such thing!” &emsp;“//Hrmph//?” Brom holds up the said item. &emsp;“Yeah, boss. Those //are// the seasonal menus. The ones ya put out during the holidays. The ones with the higher prices.” &emsp;“And? There’s a bottom line I need to—” &emsp;“I’m sure the tax man would //love// to learn about that little scam. Don’t ya think, boss?” &emsp;“Really, $name? Trying to blackmail me?” &emsp;“Hrmph!” Brom points at your chin. //Silence…// &emsp;“Oh, fine… You win.” //Tick, tick, tick… Tock.// &emsp;“Sheesh… and here I thought I was the boss.” <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Total">><<unset $text, $story>><</link>></center><<if $knock is "Yes">>You push the tavern’s door open and are greeted by a grumbling man at the bar. Roscoe shoots you a dark glare that you shrug off, as you did with his previous comment. You know he’ll get over it quickly.<<else>>You push the tavern’s door open and are greeted by your Boss sitting by the bar, reading his newspaper. Noticing your presence, Roscoe folds the papers, puts it under his arm and leaves his seat.<</if>> <<set _tally to random(1,6)>><<switch _tally>><<case 1>>&emsp;“Ah! Good! You’re here. I can finally stop babysitting the place.” &emsp;“It’s your place, boss… How can ya be babysitting your baby?” &emsp;“Hmph… you sound like my ex-wife.” &emsp;“But it’s—” &emsp;“Anyway!” He grabs his hat. “You’re in charge until I come back later. Have fun!” <<case 2>>&emsp;“Ah! $name, you made it just in time. I have to go.” &emsp;“Where?” &emsp;“Somewhere.” &emsp;“But… where?” &emsp;“Are you becoming like Ezabell? I don’t need two nosey employees here. One is enough already!” &emsp;“I don’t really care what ya do boss. But if there’s an emergency, it’d be nice if we could find ya quick.” &emsp;“Don’t worry. I’ll know about it before //you// do, my <<lad>>.” <<case 3>>&emsp;“Right, my <<lad>>, before I leave you the keys to the castle—” &emsp;“Are ya leaving us alone again?” &emsp;“Oh, it will be //fine//. You manage so far. What are you going to do? Torch the place?” &emsp;“Not me, but Brom could.” &emsp;“Speaking of Brom —//this was what I wanted to tell you//—, don’t let him spit the roast today.” &emsp;“Why?” &emsp;“Doesn’t matter. Just don’t let him.” &emsp;“Fine.” <<case 4>>&emsp;“Good to see you this early, my <<lad>>. At least, you arrive on time.” &emsp;“Ezabell’s not here, huh?” &emsp;“She is not,” he sounds exasperated. &emsp;“I dunno why you expect anything else, boss. She arrives at the time you tell her to start working.” &emsp;“But she should be coming earlier and be ready for when—” &emsp;“Ya’re gonna get in trouble with the Union again, boss. Ya know the rules.” &emsp;“But it’s not—” &emsp;“If ya’re not happy, ya can always hire someone else.” &emsp;“And lose all this business?! I am not stupid enough to do that, $name.” <<case 5>>&emsp;“Good to see you this early, my <<lad>>. I wasn’t expecting you—” &emsp;“Shh,” you bring your finger to your lips. “Too loud.” &emsp;“Oh, you poor lamb,” his voice increases its volume. “Did you have too much to drink last night?” &emsp;“//Bo-oss//…” you growl. &emsp;“Fine, fine,” he grabs his hat. “I’ll let you recover in peace.” <<case 6>>&emsp;“//Finally//! I was starting to worry, $name.” &emsp;“But I’m not even late!” &emsp;“Oh, no. I wasn’t worrying about you. I thought I might not make it in time to the races.” &emsp;“Ya should really stop bet—” &emsp;“My //granddaughter// has a competition today. She is running the mile.” &emsp;“Ah… err… tell her to break a leg?” &emsp;“$name! What an awful thing to say to a runner!” &emsp;“But it doesn’t—” <</switch>> And with that, Roscoe swings the door open and disappears. <ul><li><<link '//Unbelievable//…' "MOR CT Main">><</link>></li></ul><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<set $clean to random(1,2)>>Leaving you to your own devices, you are ‘tasked’ to ready the tavern before it opens —tasked may be the wrong word here, but you still should ready you bar nonetheless—. Though the opening time is approaching, you still have some time to prep your station before patrons come bursting in. <<morcleaningchoice>> <<case 2>>When you feel content with the work you’ve done and ready to start the day, you take a seat on a stool behind the bar and just… wait. Wait for the patrons to push the heavy tavern door and find a seat. Wait for them to peruse the menu and make their choice. Wait for Ezabell to put down their order and pass it on to you. //So much waiting until I can make a drink…// &emsp;“<<=$name.toUpperCase()>>!” Ezabell shouts. &emsp;“Huh?” &emsp;“I have some orders waiting for you.” <ul><li><<link "Let’s go!" "Frenzy Start">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 3>><<set _random to random(1,4)>>Putting the percolator on the fire, you wonder why this simple task made all the difference with your colleagues. It really took you very little effort to set it up and brew a handful of grains. Still, a warm fresh mug of coffee has always been met with smiles or twinkles in the eyes. <<switch _random>><<case 1>>//Brom, especially.// The poor man saw his nights lacking sleep, having some rowdy toddlers at home unwilling to stay in bed, even in the wee hours of the morning. Those kids never needed coffee to stay up.<<case 2>>//Roscoe, strangely…// The man was always in the tavern before you arrived. You often expected him to have had at least a cup of two before you set it all up. But he always seems grateful when you hand him a cup.<<case 3>>//Ezabell, always.// The woman ran on many things, and coffee was surely the most prevalent one. It would make her jittery by the end of the day, if she had a cup too many. But the morning offering was always more than welcome.<<case 4>>//Filessandro, somehow…// You never pegged the man as enjoying the dark brew. He would always grimace or sticking his tongue out in disgust after taking a sip. Yet, he would accept a cup every time you proposed him one. In winter, he would keep it in his hands until the liquid turned cold.<</switch>> <<morcleaningchoice>> <<case 4>><<set _random to random(1,6)>><<switch _random>><<case 1>>Even if you cleaned the counter the night before, you pass your wet towel over it again. You never know what happened since you did it last. //For all I know, Ez decided to…// You shudder. You don’t really want to think about what she could have done.<<case 2>>Though you are sure you cleaned the counter last night, you decide to pass your wet towel over the wood once more. You can’t be too cautious with surfaces serving food and drinks. And it is never a good look to have a bar dirty and sticky.<<case 3>>As if pulled by strings, your hand grabs a wet towel and passes it over the counter. You know there is no real need for it, as you are certain you cleaned it the night before. But you can’t help yourself. Your hand seems to have a mind of its own.<<case 4>>You look for a wet towel to pass over the counter, but can’t seem to find them. Not in their usual spot by the sink, or in the drawer where you keep the clean and dry ones. You look behind the bar, on the shelves, under the counter, tearing apart all the neat and organised stations.<<case 5>>&emsp;“What’cha doin’ there, $name?” Ezabell asks, peering over the counter. “Lost something?” &emsp;“Yeah, the—” &emsp;“—your—” &emsp;“—wet towels, Ez,” you say loudly. “Have ya seen them?” &emsp;“Towels?” she pokes her lips, thinking. “Oh, yeah! Roscoe left for the cleaners, with them.” &emsp;“When?!” &emsp;“Like a few minutes ago?” &emsp;“And he couldn’t warn me?” you grumble. “What am I gonna do now?” &emsp;“I think there are a few old ones in the back.” &emsp;“Fine…”<<case 6>>&emsp;“Move.” &emsp;“Mmh?” &emsp;“Move, Ez. Get down.” &emsp;“Why?” &emsp;“I need to clean the counter.” &emsp;“Looks clean to me,” she shrugs. &emsp;“Are ya the one making and serving drinks on this? Nah, ya’re not. Ya can’t understand. So, move.” &emsp;“Fine, you grumpy old coot,” she relents, jumping from the counter.<</switch>> <<morcleaningchoice>> <<case 5>><<set _random1 to random(1,4), _random2 to random(1,5)>>Before doing any peeling or cutting, you gather up your ingredients and utensils.<<switch _random1>><<case 1>>You could ask Brom to do it for you, but his rough cuts would never fly in a patron’s glass. You wouldn’t even dream of serving a drink with less-than-perfectly-cut lemon slices or twist-less peels.<<case 2>>You check your knives and decide to sharpen their edges just a little. It is important to you that your utensils are properly cared for and used. You don’t even lend them to Roscoe when he pops behind the bar.<<case 3>>You feel a few fruits and check for spots. It is not uncommon for you to find some less than desirable ones. Still, you don’t throw them out. You know you can crush them into juices later.<<case 4>>You are tempted to ask Roscoe for help, just so you wouldn’t have to do all this work by yourself. But you stop yourself at the last moment, remembering the mess he always leaves behind.<</switch>> Taking out a few <<switch _random2>><<case 1>>lemons and limes, you roll them gently on the cutting board before peeling a few of them, slicing a few others, and juicing the rest. You add your cuts to some easily accessible pots.<<case 2>>cucumbers, you rinse them quickly before slicing some into rondelle-cuts and others into long strips. You drop into a pot and put it aside.<<case 3>>handfuls of berries, you clean the whole picking, rinsing away the last of the dirt, and slice a few of them. You add them to some bowls.<<case 4>>apples and pears, you rub them in a towel before slicing them, eating in the process the unusable bits. You slide them off from the cutting board into a bowl.<<case 5>>herbs and spices, you brush them off and stuff them into pots.<</switch>> <<morcleaningchoice>> <<case 6>>You sigh at the mess before you, trying to push down the rage you feel towards your boss. As usual, Roscoe left a whole mess behind him, messing around with <<print either("citruses", "cucumbers", "berries", "pome fruits", "herbs")>>. It was nice of him to help out and prepare them for you, but you would have much preferred doing it yourself. More so when you knew you would not make as big of a mess as he would. With an annoyed mumble, you pick up the board, throw away the forgotten degradable detritus, before dumping the piece of wood in the sink along with the knives. Scrubbing them clean, wiping them off, and putting them back where they belong, you swear your boss’s name under your breath. <<morcleaningchoice>> <<default>>Is there anything else you’d like to do? <<morcleaningchoice>> <</switch>><<set _random to random(1,2), _random1 to random(1,4)>><<switch _random>><<case 1>>Looking around, you are disappointed to find some still dirty glasses on the counter. You are certain nothing in this area was unclean when you left the tavern last night. Yet, those glasses still stand before you, with dried gunk stuck on them. //For the love of Baxter!// <<switch _random1>><<case 1>>Picking up a glass with a red lipstick print on it, you have a revelation of who had left this mess behind for you to take care of. //Ezabell!// You curse her name. //Couldn’t she just… clean it herself?// While the two of you would sometime share a drink after the last patron left, it was not uncommon for her to have a few more after you left.<<case 2>>Sniffing a couple of small shot glasses, you realise who left this mess behind. The person— //Scratch that…// persons enjoyed a very special drink together last night. One that was not available for any patron, as it did not sit on the shelf behind the bar. No, it was a very special bottle hidden somewhere in Roscoe’s office, only brought out for one special occasion: the End of the Month Review. Ezabell and Roscoe would spar and drink themselves to sleep. //Huh… Why isn’t she here…//<<case 3>>Putting the glasses in the soapy, warm water in the sink, you soon realise, as the water browns, who left you to deal with this mess. //BROM!// The cook would sometime swipe a few cups and hide them in the kitchen for ‘cooking purposes’. //Ugh… disgusting…//<<case 4>>After sniffing one of the glass, you know exactly who dared leaving a mess on your counter. //Roscoe…// The man would often spend his nights in the tavern drinking some expensive whiskey to enjoy some peace and quiet, or a cheap vodka when going through his books. Often he would stay here because he just… did not want to go home.<</switch>> <<case 2>>While you are disappointed to find some dirty glasses scattered around the bar, you still count your blessings. //Could have been spread over the whole tavern…// It happened a few times since you started working here, often because Roscoe would have a party, sometimes because Ezabell would have one —the last one //always// ended in a bigger mess—. Still, while you pick up the glasses and dump them in the warm and soapy water of the sink, you wonder who could have been the culprit and who would have to chastise for leaving you to handle this mess. <<switch _random1>><<case 1>>Ezabell always seems like the most obvious person to blame. Whether she would have an impromptu party or just enjoy some drinks at the end of the day, she would also ‘forget’ to clean after herself. //Do I have to talk to her again about manners? Ugh…//<<case 2>>Roscoe would probably fit the bill, here. Knowing him, he must have taken a glass to enjoy in his office, left for a moment, passed by the bar and poured himself a new one, having forgotten he still had one on his desk. //And that’s how you get a pile of dirty whiskey glasses on the counter…//<<case 3>>Brom would not be a bad choice. As he would arrive early to start on his stews —whatever else he does back there…—, it was not uncommon for him to take a few of your glasses to help measure his ingredients. //Or just use them as a ladle to taste the stuff…//<<case 4>>//Could it be… me?// Though you’d like to believe to have done your chores fully before leaving the tavern the night before, you sometimes forget a few items here and there. Things you’d tell yourself to do at a later time and just… forgetting about them altogether…<</switch>> <</switch>><<morcleaningchoice>><<if !$Jar>><<set $Jar to true>>You crouch down and look for your tip jar under the counter. Hidden behind some awkwardly placed pots and other containers, you spot a small —and frankly quite basic— wooden box. //Better this than an actual jar… // Unlike its glass counterpart —prone to breakage during the inevitable tavern fights—, this small chest is sturdy enough to stand strong, even when stepped over by a large individual. With a slit at the top big enough to insert a few coins and a rubbery plug on its bottom to help you retrieve its content, this tip ‘jar’ was the first thing you bought with your first earnings. As you pick it up, you hear a rattling sound. <ol> <li> <<link "Open the box and see what’s hidden inside." "MOR Tip Jar FIRST">><<set $case=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Set your tip jar on the counter." "MOR Tip Jar FIRST">><<set $case=2>><</link>></li> </ol> <<else>><<if !$jar>>You crouch behind the bar to look for your ‘tip jar’ under the counter. Still hidden behind some awkwardly placed pots and other containers —//why does it still look awkward? I thought it hid it better yesterday…//—, you spot the small wooden box. As you pick it up, you hear a rattling sound, much louder than before. //Getting closer!// <ol> <li> <<link "Put away the tip jar, you’d rather not risk losing your hard-earned winnings." "MOR TIP JAR 2">><<set $case=1>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Set your tip jar on the counter." "MOR TIP JAR 2">><<set $case=2>><</link>></li> </ol> <<else>>You are about to crouch behind the bar to get your tip jar when you notice the box still standing on the counter. //Did… did I not put it back last night?! //With a trembling hand, you slide the box closer to you and open it. //What… what if… //Your fears are soon found unfounded when your eyes gaze inside the wooden container and see all your treasures still nested inside. //Phew…// <ol> <li> <<link "Put the tip jar back under the counter. This may have been a false alarm, but who knows what could happen today?" "MOR TIP JAR 2">><<set $case=1>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Leave the box on the counter. Hopefully, the patrons will make it rain." "MOR TIP JAR 2">><<set $case=3>><</link>></li> </ol> <</if>><</if>><<switch $case>><<case 1>>You turn the box around, letting it rattle again, and remove the rubbery plug. Shaking it again, $goldtotal shiny coins land on your hand. You knew the amount in there wouldn’t be as high as you’d hoped, even after serving so many drinks the past few days, but you expected the amount to be much higher than $goldtotal measly coins. You sigh, disappointed. //<<print (300-$goldtotal)>> to go before I can <<if $adventure>>pay the fee<<elseif $tavern>>own this place<<else>>buy that box<</if>>… // Filling this small ‘jar’ with GOAL coins total may prove to be a challenge, but there is no reason for you not to manage before <<if $adventure>>the Registration reaches its final day of the period<<elseif $tavern>>the sale of the tavern becomes final<<else>>the travelling merchant passes through the doors<</if>>. After all, it is the Fuller Season: the time of the year when the tavern is bursting with people, leaving you with little idle time. <ol> <li> <<link "Put away the tip jar, you’d rather not risk losing your meagre winnings already." `passage()`>><<set $case=3>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Set your tip jar on the counter." `passage()`>><<set $case=2>><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 2>>You put the box aside on the counter, visible enough for patron to be guilted into dropping a few extra coins inside —//it does work!//— but close enough to grab it at a moment’s notice. There is always a risk when leaving the box in the open like this that some greedy hands would try to snatch your hard earned money. It happened to you once before, though you were lucky only to lose a handful of coins then. <ol> <li> <<link "Hide the tip jar. You’d rather not run the risk, even if you could get more tips out of it." `passage()`>><<set $case=3>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Leave the jar as it is now." "MOR CT Main">><<unset $case>><<set $text to 7, $jar to true, $JAR to "Out">><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 3>>Even if you could gain more coins by setting your tip jar out, you’d rather not run the risk of seeing its content snatched away. //Not when so much is at stake…// You take the box and hide it back where you found it, behind some awkwardly placed jars. <ol> <li> <<link "Set your tip jar on the counter." `passage()`>><<set $case=2>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Leave the jar as it is now." "MOR CT Main">><<unset $case>><<set $text to 7, $jar to false, $JAR to "Hidden">><</link>></li> </ol> <</switch>><<switch $case>><<case 1>>Even with the knowledge of getting more coins with the jar out on the counter, you would prefer not run the risk. You can feel the box becoming heavier every day. Why would I risk all this hard work? You put the box back under the counter, hiding it behind some awkwardly placed jars. <ol> <li> <<link "Set your tip jar on the counter." `passage()`>><<set $case=2>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Leave the jar as it is now." "MOR CT Main">><<unset $case>><<set $text to 7, $jar to false, $JAR to "Hidden">><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 2>>Wanting to reach your goal as quickly as possible, you put the box on the counter and return the jars in their original position. //Damn the risks!// <ol> <li> <<link "Put away the tip jar, you’d rather not risk losing your hard-earned winnings." `passage()`>><<set $case=1>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Leave the jar as it is now." "MOR CT Main">><<unset $case>><<set $text to 7, $jar to true, $JAR to "Out">><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 3>>Wanting to reach your goal as quickly as possible, you leave the box on the counter. //Damn the risks! I need the cash…// <ol> <li> <<link "Put away the tip jar, you’d rather not risk losing your hard-earned winnings." `passage()`>><<set $case=1>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Leave the jar as it is now." "MOR CT Main">><<unset $case>><<set $text to 7, $jar to true, $JAR to "Out">><</link>></li> </ol> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>You push the tavern’s door to find your boss shaking his head, disappointed, at Ezabell. The woman looks pretty haggard, her head resting on the cool counter and covered by a wet cloth. Next to her, you notice a concoction, making you wince. //Roscoe’s hangover miracle ‘cure’.// You’ve had the displeasure of tasting the vile liquid once or twice before, and swore never to make the mistake of coming to work with less than a clear head. &emsp;“Rough night, Ez?” you tease the waitress, having reached the bar. &emsp;“Ugh…” &emsp;“How did ya even get here in that state?” &emsp;“I am stunned at well, $name,” Roscoe says. “She’d usually not even show up.” &emsp;“Did ya see her come in? Or…” &emsp;“$name… If she had drunk down the bar, she’d be sleeping on the table, not slouching at the bar. No, she stumbled in, maybe five minutes before you showed up.” &emsp;“//Ugh//…” Ezabell groans, waving her hand for you and Roscoe to lower your voices. &emsp;“Sooo…” you try to whisper. “What are ya gonna do with her?” &emsp;“Me?! Nothing more. Actually, I’m leaving.” &emsp;“Ya leaving me with this… mess? What if people come rush in? I can’t handle both the room and the bar by myself!” &emsp;“Oh, I’ve already gave her that pick-me-up—” &emsp;“Ya mean that disgusting… thing in her glass? Come on, boss. I don’t want to clean vomit.” &emsp;“Eh,” Roscoe shrugs, picking up his hat on the counter. “She brought it on herself. Just bring her a bucket.” &emsp;“//Bo-oss//…” &emsp;“She’ll be fine after she drinks it,” he nods at the glass. And with these words, Roscoe swiftly reaches the other side of the room and exit the tavern. //For Baxter’s sake… // <ol> <li> <<link "Push Ezabell to drink the ‘concoction’. You can’t handle the tavern on your own." `passage()`>><<set $text ++>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Don’t bother and try to deal with today the best you can by yourself." `passage()`>><<set $text=3>><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 2>>&emsp;“Come on, Ez. Drink it up!” &emsp;“Ugh… smell bad…” she pushes the drink away. &emsp;“I don’t have all day,” you slide the glass back to her. “And I don’t care if ya don’t like it.” &emsp;“… don’t wanna…” &emsp;“Come ooon, Ez. Don’t be a baby. I really need ya. I can’t deal with the tavern by myself.” &emsp;“Mmh,” she groans, hiding her head in her arms. “… ask Fil… my work…” //Why do I always have to deal with shit like this?// You sigh. You are this close to just take off your apron and walk out the door. //Roscoe could have stayed a bit longer…// Still, leaving would be losing on a full day’s wage. And you are not willing to lose that! //Time for threats, I guess…// &emsp;“If ya don’t drink it, I will dump it all on your head.” &emsp;“… no-o…” she grumbles. &emsp;“Oh, yeah. I will. I’ll get out of my way to make another batch. &emsp;“//No-oo//…” &emsp;“I //will// smear it on your hair. And massage it real deep.” &emsp;“Don’t you dare,” she growls, her bloodshot eyes sending you a black glare. &emsp;“And then… I’ll ask Fil—” Before you finish his name, Ezabell springs up, takes the glass and chugs it down in one go —gagging at every gulp, still—. You stare at her, mouth agape. Even you never had the nerve to do what she did. As she puts the glass back on the counter, she lets out a loud and sulphuric burp. &emsp;“All better?” The waitress responds with a smile, fading very quickly when the vile liquid starts to make her hurl. She runs for the bucket and dive head first into it. //Here it is…// Roscoe’s magical cure did not magically make the drinker better. It just purged anything in the drinker’s body, leaving it tired but strangely better. <ul><li> <<link '//Should be done purging in three… two… one…//' "Morning TIP JAR">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <<default>>You roll your eyes, annoyed. You were used to Roscoe leaving you to deal with his mess, but, at least, he paid you to deal with it. As much as you like the waitress, you are not about to make her mess your problem. //It’s Roscoe’s not mine.// You shrug and turn your back to the woman. //If patrons complain, too bad!// &emsp;“Hey, $name,” you hear the bard ask behind the counter. “What’s wrong with Ezabell?” &emsp;“Drunk too much last night.” &emsp;“Are you going to be fine without her help today?” &emsp;“Why? Ya want her job?” &emsp;“Oh, no!” Filessandro shakes his hands. “Gosh, no!” &emsp;“Why are ya asking then?” &emsp;“I just wondered—” &emsp;“…//piss off//…” Ezabell growls. &emsp;“Pis—” the bard takes a step back, offended. “Now, missy!” He shakes his finger. “You shouldn’t cut off p—” &emsp;“…//shush… too loud//…” &emsp;“Oh! Am I too loud?” He asks, his tone increasing with each word. “Does that make you uncomfortable?” &emsp;“//Ugh//…” &emsp;“Such a shame for you,” he smirks. “For I have just finished composing a new ballad. Would you like to hear it?” &emsp;“//No-oo//…” &emsp;“Is that a ‘yes’ I hear? How lucky I am!” Filessandro starts plucking a few notes on his lute. Not more than a couple of notes resonated in the room before Ezabell springs up, takes the glass and chugs it down in one go —gagging at every gulp, still—. You stare at her, mouth agape. Even you never had the nerve to do what she did. As she puts the glass back on the counter, she lets out a loud and sulphuric burp. &emsp;“All better?” The waitress responds with a smile, fading very quickly when the vile liquid starts to make her hurl. She runs for the bucket and dive head first into it. Next to her, Filessandro laughs at her demise. //Here it is…// Roscoe’s magical cure did not magically make the drinker better. It just purged anything in the drinker’s body, leaving it tired but strangely better. <ul><li> <<link '//Should be done purging in three… two… one…//' "Morning TIP JAR">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>You push the tavern’s door to find your boss talking to a bold man at the bar. In a corner of the room, Ezabell wipes some table, bored. When Roscoe finally sees you, <<if $knock is "Yes">>he shoots you a dark glare, which you shrug off. At this point, his threats mean very little to you.<<else>>he smiles and nods at you, before motioning you to man the bar.<</if>> &emsp;“When are you going, Major?” he asks the bold man. &emsp;“In a few days.” &emsp;“Aren’t you even sad to leave?” &emsp;“Why should I be? The work was gruelling, the supervisors unless and uncaring, and the pay very limited.” &emsp;“But you’re going so far away…” &emsp;“And I’ll miss the town… well, I’ll miss the tavern, that’s for sure. I just need to do what’s best for me.” &emsp;“Couldn’t you have powered through a bit longer? Mr Sleethe is supposed to retire soon.” &emsp;“My friend, he was supposed to retire //years// ago. They’ve been promising me his position every year, but never actually made any change.” Major sighs. “I am just tired of waiting.” &emsp;“But—” &emsp;“Stop it, Roscoe. I have made up my mind. You won’t be able to change it.” &emsp;“I just… I don’t want to lose my friend.” &emsp;“I never said I would not visit. And you can always come see me!” &emsp;“But that’s not the same, Major.” &emsp;“I know, buddy.” Roscoe extends his hands to the bold man. &emsp;“It’s been a pleasure knowing you, Major.” &emsp;“Always with the dramatics with you,” the bold man laughs, accepting the hand. “Come on, go. I’ll just stay a bit longer and finish my drink.” &emsp;“I can always stay until—” &emsp;“//Go//, Roscoe. We can still have a drink before I leave.” &emsp;“Are you sure?” The man stares at your boss, annoyed. With his eyes, he tells —no, orders— Roscoe to leave, and leave him to finish his drink in peace. &emsp;“You’ll tell me, if you need anything…” &emsp;“My God, Roscoe. I already have a //mother//.” Your boss opens his mouth before closing it. He takes his hat and moves towards the door. Half-way through the room, he glances back, over his shoulder. Seeing no reaction from his friend, he leaves the tavern dejected. <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></center> <<case 2>>&emsp;“So, $name… When are you leaving this place?” &emsp;“What?” &emsp;“I thought I was clear enough… When are you leaving?” &emsp;“Err… At the end of the day? Like every day?” you answer, confused by the question. &emsp;“No, no, $name. That’s not what I meant. When are you quitting your job?” &emsp;“What?! Why would I do that?” &emsp;“You can be honest with me,” Major tries to reach for your hand. “I //know// Roscoe. As great of a friend he can be, he is also insufferable when he wants to. I’ve heard what he put your through.” &emsp;“Err… I don’t think I—” &emsp;“There’s no need for the niceties, $name. Roscoe’s a dick with his employees. There’s no arguing with that.” &emsp;“Yeah, he can be a bit of a dick. And he’s sometimes irresponsible. But he’s //fine// otherwise.” &emsp;“Really, $name?” &emsp;“Yeah… I’ve had worse.” &emsp;“You don’t sound convinced.” &emsp;“Why do ya care, anyway?” &emsp;“I’m just a concerned patron,” Major takes a sip from his glass. //Bull-shite//. Your eyes narrow on the man. You can recognise someone with a hidden agenda from miles away. //And this man…// This man is clearly hiding something. //Is he trying to fuck over his friend? Why?!// &emsp;“What makes ya concerned?” &emsp;“I’ve been hearing you complain quite a bit about work recently. You and your co-worker, Ezabell.” &emsp;“We always complain about work. Everyone does. So what?” &emsp;“Shouldn’t you find this concerning? Not enjoying your job?” &emsp;“I never said I didn’t enjoy my job! Don’t put words into my mouth, mate.” &emsp;“Wouldn’t you want better working conditions?” &emsp;“What’s this? A Union recruitment thing? Cause ya’re just wasting your time.” &emsp;“Collective barg—” &emsp;“Ezabell already got me in one. Got a card and everything. No need to sell me the //fantasy//. Already got it.” &emsp;“I see…” The man finishes his drink, leaves his seat and waves you goodbye as he exits the tavern without a single word. <ul><li><<link '//Man… Roscoe has the weirdest friends…//' "Morning TIP JAR">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>><<totaltally>><<if $JAR isnot "Out">><<set $JAR to "Hidden">><</if>><style>td {text-align: center;}</style><center><h1>Day $day</h1></center>\ <<nobr>><table sytle="text-align: center;"> <tr><th colspan="4">Drinks Mixed</th></tr> <tr><th>Quality of Drinks</th><td>Amount Done</td><td>Tips Per Drink</td><th>Total Tips</th></tr> <tr><th>Great</th><td>$daycount.great</td><td>4c</td><th><<print $daycount.great*4>></th></tr> <tr><th>Good</th><td>$daycount.good</td><td>2c</td><th><<print $daycount.good*2>></th></tr> <tr><th>Mediocre</th><td>$daycount.meh</td><td>0c</td><th>0</th></tr> <tr><th>Bad</th><td>$daycount.bad</td><td>-1c</td><th>-<<print $daycount.bad>></th></tr> <tr><th>TOTAL</th><td>$daycount.total</td><td></td><th>$total1</th></tr> <tr><th colspan="4">Bonus & Penalties</th></tr> <tr><th>Tip Jar</th><td>$JAR</td><td><<if $JAR is "Out">>5% of total<<else>>null<</if>></td><th><<if $JAR is "Out">>_jarbonus<<else>>0<</if>></th></tr> <tr><th>Luck</th><td><<if $knock is "Yes">>On<<else>>Not on<</if>> your side.</td><td><<if $knock is "Yes">>2% of total<<else>>null<</if>></td><th><<if $knock is "Yes">>_knockbonus<<else>>0<</if>></th></tr> <tr><th>Drinks Restarted</th><td>$daycount.penalty</td><td><<if $penalty gt 0>>-1c<<else>>0<</if>></td><th><<if $penalty gt 0>>-<</if>>$daycount.penalty</th></tr> <tr><th>Sign knocked</th><td>$knock</td><td><<if $knock is "Yes">>-5c<<else>>0<</if>></td><th><<if $knock is "Yes">>-5c<<else>>0<</if>></th></tr> <tr><th>Story NPC tips</th><td></td><td></td><th>$npctip</th></tr> <tr><th colspan="4">Final Total</th></tr> <tr><th colspan="3" style="text-align: right;">TOTAL</th><th><<print $total2>></th></tr> </table><</nobr>><<enddaytotal>> <center><<button "Continue">><<set $day++, $period=0, $penalty=0, $goldtotal += $gold, $result=0, $npctip=0>><<if $gold lt 300>><<if $day lte 14>><<goto "Day Change">><<else>><<goto "Last Day">><</if>><<else>><<goto "Last Day">><</if>><</button>></center><div class="title"><h1>Day $day</h1>\ <<link "Start Day" "Knock Choice">><</link>></div><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>As with every day, you walk the gravel road towards the tavern. Though the walk is short, a dozen minutes or so, you enjoy the fresh air. Especially so when you will spend most of your day in a closed environment filled with strong smells and even stronger vapours. Not just the fresh air, it is the time spent alone that you cherish. There are many people coming and going in the tavern, many coming to bother you, many requiring your bandwidth, many leaving you exhausted by the end of the day. And even if the tavern is not be submerged with patrons, you still have Ezabell, Brom and Filessandro to pester you one way or the other. Your feet leave the gravel path to enter the tavern’s ground. You are soon faced with the building’s sign, hanging on iron chains. //The Thick Table Tavern…// You smile. <ol> <li> <<link "Knock on the sign for good luck." `passage()`>><<set $text++, $knock to "Yes", $knocktotal +=1>><</link>></li> <li> <<link 'Enter the tavern.<<if $knock gt 0>> Or Roscoe will dock your pay again.<</if>>'>><<set $knock to "No">><<unset $text>><<morningpick>><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 2>>//I am not going to let Roscoe bully my faith!// Though it may be irrational to think knocking on the wooden sign would bring you more luck, and incidentally more tips, the belief was anchored deep inside your mind. You had forgotten before to knock on the darn sign, and you ended up paying the price at the end of the day. This was not a mistake you made again! You raise your fist to the sign and gently knock three times on the wood. Soon, a loud growl echoes through the door. &emsp;“GOSH DARN IT, <<= $name.toUpperCase()>> ! HOW MANY TIMES—” An exasperated sigh escapes. “YOU KNOW WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN !” You shrug your boss’s comment off. His small penalty does not compare to the gains you’d get from today’s tips. <ul><li> <<link "Enter the tavern.">><<morningpick>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>Before you are ready to open your bar to the burst of orders from demanding patrons, there is still one last thing: whether to set up your tip jar on the counter or leave it hidden behind the ingredient pots and jars. <ol> <li><<link "Look for your tip jar and set it up on the counter. The more tips, the better." "MOR Tip Jar">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Leave it under the counter and ready yourself for the day." `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> </ol> <<default>>Though you prefer to leave the tip jar under, your brain still neg you to check on your wooden treasure box. And knowing yourself, there is little that will calm your anxiety until you’ve made sure the ‘tip jar’ is where it is supposed to be. <<if $jar>>You are about to crouch behind the bar to get your tip jar when you notice the box still standing on the counter. //Did… did I not put it back last night?!// With a trembling hand, you slide the box closer to you and open it. //What… what if…// Your fears are soon found unfounded when your eyes gaze inside the wooden container and see all your treasures still nested inside. Phew… You place the box under the counter and hide it behind some pots. //I can finally start.//<<else>>Crouching behind the bar and pushing aside a handful or pots and other containers, you find the box where you hoped it would be. You sigh in relief and ready yourself for the expected morning rush.<</if>> <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Start">><<set $jar to false, $JAR to "Hidden">><<unset $text>><</link>></center> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if $jar>><<set $jar to false>><</if>><<forgetdayone>>&emsp;“Aaah… to back home,” a deep voice says behind you. &emsp;“AH!” you exclaim, jumping of surprise. “Don’t sneak up on people, boss! Ya gonna give us a heart attack…” you add, holding your bursting chest. “How… When…” &emsp;“Just a bit ago. You looked busy, kiddo. Didn’t want to bother you.” &emsp;“During the last rush? Ya could have helped us a bit…” &emsp;“And not be able to witness how //great// you handled things without me?” &emsp;“Ya just wanted another break, didn’t ya? Pulling up your feet while the rest of us have to break our backs.” &emsp;“Don’t be a sourpuss, $name,” Roscoe slaps your back. “It could be much worse.” &emsp;“Could it?” &emsp;“Anyway… How did you manage while I was gone? How did you do?” <ol> <li><<link "…fine, I guess?”" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> <li><<link "…great, obviously!”" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> <li><<link "…I dunno.” [Shrug]" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 2>>&emsp;“I see,” your boss smiles. “Anyone giving you any trouble?” &emsp;“Nah… ‘t was fine, boss. … Well…” &emsp;“Well?” &emsp;“There was this weird lady? Trying to get me to give her a drink in exchange for a reading…” &emsp;“A free drink for your fortune, eh… They used to ask for a whole meal back in my days. So… Was it //worth// it?” &emsp;“What are ya talking about?” &emsp;“Oh, come on, my <<lad>>. Don’t tell me you didn’t take it… //That// was a bargain!” &emsp;“Wait… ya’re not mad?” &emsp;“Do you see many fortune tellers passing through town? Do you know how rare that is to be able to get a reading for this cheap? Gosh… Maybe I should have stayed today…” <ul><li> <<link "“I… err…" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 3>><<if setup.fortunecard gt 0>><<if setup.fortunecard is 3>>&emsp;“I… err… did get a reading from her in exchange for a drink.” &emsp;“Atta!” Roscoe slaps your back again. “You’ll still need to pay for her drink, though.” &emsp;“Wait, what?! Ya said it was a good bargain!” &emsp;“Indeed. But I’m not footing the bill for the reading for //your// fortune. You can do that in your own time, with your own bottles.” &emsp;“That’s not fair!” &emsp;“I don’t make— … ahem… I //do// make the rules,” he laughs. “But life ain’t fair, kiddo.” He pats your shoulder. <<else>>&emsp;“I… err… did get a free reading from her, and she paid for her own drink.” &emsp;“Atta!” Roscoe slaps your back again. “I would have made you pay for her drink if you hadn’t charged her.” &emsp;“Yeah, that’s why I refused her the first time. Can ya believe I just had to make a good drink and get the reading for free?!” &emsp;“Ha! Bartered like a true business owner! I’m proud of you, kiddo.” He pats your shoulder. <</if>> &emsp;“So… what did you get? Good fortune coming your way?” &emsp;“Eeeh… Maybe?” &emsp;“$name… There are no ‘maybes’ in fortune readings, only is or is not. It is a clear-cut science,” your boss says in all seriousness. “So? Good or Bad?” &emsp;“Neither… I think?” you scratch the back of your neck. “She couldn’t tell me anything. The ‘spirits’ messed with her cards.” &emsp;“Oh. //Oh!// That’s… that’s really bad.” &emsp;“Wait, really? Don’t… don’t joke about it, boss. I don’t want anything to happen to me.” &emsp;“Oh, but something will.” &emsp;“No!” &emsp;“Something will definitely happen…” &emsp;“No, no. No,” you grab your boss by the collar, holding on for dear life. “I’m too young to die. I still have so much left to do!” &emsp;“… you’ll have to handle the tavern on your own tomorrow again.” &emsp;“Nooo— Oh… //That//’s it?” You frown, dropping your arms. “Ya can be such a cunt, boss.” &emsp;“Hehe, I know.” &emsp;“Boss?” Ezabell taps the counter. “Are we going to get paid today or…” &emsp;“I’m counting, I’m counting!” <<else>>&emsp;“I… err… didn’t get a reading from her.” &emsp;“Why not? This was your chance to—” &emsp;“Didn’t feel like it,” you <<if setup.fortunecard is 0>>shrug<<else>>lie<</if>>, “And I don’t need to know my future. I already know what I want and I know I will reach my goal. No matter what.” &emsp;“That’s commendable, $name. But a little help from the Heavens could have—” &emsp;“I’m sorry boss. But all that //frou-frou// is just some mumbo-jumbo.” &emsp;“Fortune telling is an exact science!” &emsp;“Mumbo-jumbo!” &emsp;“Ex—” &emsp;“Mum—” &emsp;“When you’re done braiding each other’s hair,” Ezabell interject, “could I get my dues?” &emsp;“Right… Give me a moment, Ezabell.” &emsp;“Whatcha both talking about?” she asks. “Which colour to paint your nails?” &emsp;“$name refused a reading from a Fortune Teller today.” &emsp;“YOU DID WHAT?!” Ezabell slams her pals on the counter. &emsp;“See, <<lad>>. I told you. You should have—” &emsp;“Come on, boss. Ya can’t fault me for refusing stuff from weird patrons! That’s how Filessandro got purple skin for like weeks!” &emsp;“Oh, yeah! That was funny,” Ezabell snickers. “Back to you, $name… I can’t believe you would refuse a reading… Why didn’t you tell me? I’d have taken the deal in a heartbeat!” &emsp;“I didn’t want to throw ya in the arms of some weirdo! What if ya got hurt too?” &emsp;“I could have decided for myself, $name,” she pinches you. “Who was that weird patron?” &emsp;“Did ya see that fully robed woman? The one with the stars and constellation? Around midday.” &emsp;“Auntie Derocum offered a free reading?!” she winces. “Oh, yeah… I’m in $name’s camp then, boss.” &emsp;“You know a Fortune Teller?!” Roscoe asks, shocked. “Why didn’t you tell me before? Do you know how lucrati—” &emsp;“Oh, she’s not one,” Ezabell shakes her head. “She’s just an old coot with some magic tricks. Does some enchantments on discarded tarot cards to swindle people. She means no harm, but I wouldn’t trust her with //that//.” &emsp;“Better yet, Ezabell!” the man rubs his palms. “Less—” &emsp;“Absolutely not! I will not share this place with her. I promised myself after the last time.” &emsp;“But—” &emsp;“It’s either her or me, boss!” &emsp;“Err… You asked for your due, right?” the man deflects, reaching for the coffers under the bar. <</if>><ul><li><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Evening">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if $jar>><<set $jar to false>><</if>>&emsp;“And where did //you// come from, young man?” Ezabell smirks, cleaning a glass. &emsp;“I… Err… Just from… outside,” Roscoe replies, sweating. &emsp;“Where, from outside?” &emsp;“Oh… you know… just around…” &emsp;“If ya were just around,” you say, plunging another glass in the water, “why didn’t ya just… join us?” &emsp;“Yes, why //didn’t// you? It’s nice and warm in here. We have plenty to drink and people to talk to.” &emsp;“Well… I wasn’t //that// close to the tavern.” &emsp;“I bet you weren’t,” Ezabell chuckles, nudging you with her elbow. &emsp;“What’s that supposed to mean?” &emsp;“Your mother and I,” you cross your arms, dripping with soapy water, “were very worried about you, son. All these hool—” you bite your tongue, trying not to laugh. “All these hool— …” &emsp;“All these hooligans out there,” Ezabell slams the table, “corrupting the minds of our precious boy! I swear, love… We have to stop letting our precious little Roscoe outside. What if he gets hurt? What if…” Her body shakes. “What if he lo-oses his v—” &emsp;“All right,” Roscoe’s loud voice drowns her last words. “That’s enough, you two.” &emsp;“Can ya even //imagine//, dear, if a lady of the—” &emsp;“I get it, I get it. You can both stop.” &emsp;“Letting him lollygag in the street this much will corrupt him, love. We //must// do something!” &emsp;“I know dear. But he’s not gonna listen to ya. Or me. Not at his //age//.” &emsp;“I give up…” Roscoe throws his hands into the air and walks behind the bar to fill a mug with beer. &emsp;“I told you sending him to public school was a bad idea! How //else// would he have made all these bad… connections?” &emsp;“Dear, don’t ya get worked up about it. Ya did what ya could! Ya tried your best!” &emsp;“And it wasn’t enough,” Ezabell pretends to swoon. “Oh, love… what are //we// going to do?” Ignoring the play both you and Ezabell put on with him as the unwilling participant, Roscoe slumps on a chair and chugs down his mug of beer. He is soon joined by Filessandro, shaking his head. <ul><li><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<default>>&emsp;“Can’t you stop them, Roscoe? They’ve been at it all afternoon.” &emsp;“What’s the point, Fil? We’re closing soon.” &emsp;“Do you really believe those two are not going to continue their little charade tomorrow?” &emsp;“Did it bother anyone?” Roscoe’s eyes narrow. “Did it bother any patron?” &emsp;“Well… no. But it bothered me!” &emsp;“Did anyone complain about their little ‘show’?” &emsp;“I did!” &emsp;“Any patron?” &emsp;“Err… not really.” &emsp;“Were the patrons entertained?” &emsp;“Err… yes,” the bard admits again, lowering his head. &emsp;“More than when you played your flute?” &emsp;“It’s a //lute//, Roscoe!” &emsp;“And?” &emsp;“… Yes, they did.” &emsp;“And they bought more drinks, didn’t they?” &emsp;“…because they were laughing so hard.” &emsp;“Then, I don’t see what’s wrong with those two having some fun,” Roscoe shrugs. “ ‘S not hurting profits…” &emsp;“But what about //me//? What about //my// livelihood?” &emsp;“I dunno,” he shrugs again. “Be a better entertainer?” &emsp;“Roscoe,” Fil growls. “That’s not—” &emsp;“KIDS!” Roscoe yells. “YOU CAN LEAVE EARLY IF YOU WANT!” &emsp;“Did ya hear //that//, dear?” you nudge Ezabell with your elbow. “Our son is pushing us to leave for our date. How lovely is that?” &emsp;“A saint, love. We raised a saint,” Ezabell pretends to wipe away a tear. “I don’t know why you were so worried about him. He’s going to do just fine.” &emsp;“BUT IF YOU CONTINUE WITH THE VOICES, I’LL DOCK YOUR PAY!” Both you and Ezabell motion to zip your mouths, chuckling. Ezabell then rubs her fingers in his direction. &emsp;“Just let me finish my beer, lass. And I’ll pay your dues.” <ul><li><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Evening">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if $jar>><<set $jar to false>><</if>>&emsp;“Psst, Ez,” you heckle the waitress sitting by the bar. &emsp;“Hhm?” &emsp;“Do ya see that weirdo in the corner?” &emsp;“The one with the guitar?” &emsp;“//It’s a lute, dammit!//” the weirdo yells &emsp;“Yeah, that one.” &emsp;“What about him?” &emsp;“Do ya think we should tell him…” &emsp;“…about what?” &emsp;“That… HIS STRINGS ARE NOT TUNED!” you shout. You hear an exasperated sigh from the other side of the room in response. That was too easy… Both you and Ezabell muffle a laugh. <ul><li><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 2>>&emsp;“Psst, $name,” Ezabell whistles loudly. &emsp;“Yeah?” &emsp;“See that hasbeen in the corner?” &emsp;“The one with… <ol> <li><<link "…the guitar?”" `passage()`>><<set $text=3>><</link>></li> <li><<link "…the last-season jacket?”" `passage()`>><<set $text=4>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Stop talking. Making fun of Fillessandro is only fun up to a point." `passage()`>><<set $text=5>><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 3>>&emsp;“…the guitar?” &emsp;“//Are they even listening to me? LUTE! IT’S A LUTE!//” &emsp;“The one and only!” &emsp;“What about him, Ez?” &emsp;“Should we tell him about…” &emsp;“…about what, Ez?” &emsp;“That… HE CAN’T PLAY FOR CRAP!” Ezabell yells. Filessandro takes off his hat and throws it on the ground before stomping on it like an enraged man after having lost all his winnings. He grabs his lute, resting on a chair, and holds it above his head, ready to smash it right there and then. Ezabell and you share a look a horror. Making fun of the man was a daily amusement for the two of you, especially when the tavern would run quite slow, like it was now. What you were joking about was usually harmless. //Usually…// And the man would graciously brush it off, as your words were never worse than what he had heard before. //Did… did we go too far now?// Before you shake yourself off from the shock of what could happen, Ezabell crosses the room, running and jumping over chairs and tables in her way. She slides for the last few meters, tackling the man in the process. A loud crash finishes her course, clouding the corner in dust. //Ooh, shiiiit.// As the cloud of dust slowly dissipates, you can discern the rough form of a woman standing victorious, with a vague shape branded above her head. O//h, jeez… That was a close one.// The picture getting clearer, you notice the lute is however not completely intact, but had got somewhat damaged during the chaos —but nothing that could not be repaired—. With her free hand, Ezabell keeps pushing down the bard’s face, as he tries to claw his way up to get his instrument back. &emsp;“FUCK THE BOTH OF YOU !” Filessandro yells when the lute is back in his grasp. “YOU’LL PAY FOR EVERY SCRATCH ! I’LL MAKE SURE ROSCOE MAKES YOU PAY FOR EVERYTHING !” <ul><li><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Evening">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 4>>&emsp;“…the last-season jacket?” &emsp;“Oooh! Good eye, $name! Indeed, that one.” &emsp;“What about him, Ez?” &emsp;“Should we tell him about…” &emsp;“…about what, Ez?” &emsp;“That HIS HAT DOES NOT DO HIM ANY FAVOUR AND HE WOULD PROBABLY GET MORE LADIES IF HE GOT RID OF IT!” &emsp;“Huh?” you look at her confused, as that was not the point of this game. “What are ya doing?” &emsp;“That’s true… Did you ever experience seeing him with just his full hair blowing freely in the wind? IT IS GLORIOUS AND HE SHOULD ROCK THAT STYLE MORE OFTEN!” &emsp;“What the hell, Ez? Ya’re going the complete wrong way here! Ya’re supposed to—” &emsp;“…PRAISE THIS FULL MANE OF HAIR THIS MAN HAS! HOLY HELL, NONE OF US IS PREPARED FOR THIS GIFT TO THIS WORLD!” &emsp;“Boo… ya’re no fun,” you cross your arms, pouting. Far in the corner of the room, the bard looks out of sorts. And red as a beet. Filessandro was a man of many talents, but accepting compliments was not one of them. Granted, the poor man received very little of them. With a shaking hand, he takes off his hat, an ugly brown muffin hat with frayed feathers. A cascade of glorious golden curls falls to his shoulder. &emsp;“YEAH!” Ezabell cheers. “WORK IT, FIL! GIVE US A STRUT!” &emsp;“Ez…” you shake your head, embarrassed. &emsp;“Shhh… Let me see the show.” Filessandro tentatively takes a step forward, trying his best to stand straight. However, as soon as his foot touches the ground, he chickens out and shoves his mane back in his hideous puffy hat. &emsp;“Bummer…” &emsp;“Ya went on too thick, Ez.” <ul><li><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Evening">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 5>>Instead of finishing your sentence, you leave it hanging. As much as it is entertaining to poke fun at the bard, especially when both you and Ezabella are bored, there will always be a point where it loses its appeal. The poor bard, getting the brunt of your ‘jokes’, does not deserve all this, even if it gives you a good laugh. &emsp;“So?” &emsp;“Hmm?” &emsp;“Are you… going to say anything?” &emsp;“About what, Ez?” &emsp;“The—” She stops, realising why you turned silent and sighs. “Never mind.” Ezabell jumps down from her seat and disappears into the back room. <ul><li><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Evening">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if $jar>><<set $jar to false>><</if>>&emsp;“Hrmph.” &emsp;“Hey, Brom! Done for today already?” &emsp;“Hrmph.” &emsp;“Lucky ya! Ya must be looking for spending some extra time with your kids, aren’t ya?” &emsp;“//Hrmph//…” &emsp;“Oh… Right. The little ones are in their rowdy phase… I mean, ya can do what my mam—” &emsp;“//Hrmph//!” &emsp;“Ah. Sorry, mate,” you chuckle uncomfortably. “Ya must get a lot of those ‘unwanted’ advice, eh.” &emsp;“//Hrmph//…” he shakes his head. &emsp;“Poor her. That must suck a lot.” &emsp;“Oh, hey, Brom!” Ezabell drops her tray on the counter. “Leaving already?” &emsp;“Yeah. He’s going home.” &emsp;“Ah, shucks,” she grimaces. &emsp;“Hrmph?” &emsp;“Well, a few friends of mine are coming by a bit later…” &emsp;“How late is a bit later?” your eyes narrow. &emsp;“Don’t you worry, you snitch. Roscoe knows. Anyway, I’m having a little dig later. If you’re interested.” <ol> <li> <<link "Brom is a young father. He should be at home with his kids!" `passage()`>><<set $text=2>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Swallow your opinion. Brom is an adult, he knows best for himself." `passage()`>><<set $text=3>><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 2>>&emsp;“Stop trying to corrupt him, Ez. I mean, look at him. //Look// at him,” you point at his face. “This is the look of a man who needs to go home and sleep. Not lollygagging around!” &emsp;“Are you for real?” Ezabell scoffs. &emsp;“//Hrmph//…” Brom seems annoyed. &emsp;“Yeah, Brom’s an adult. He can make his own choices. If he wants to have some fun, who are you to try to stop him?” &emsp;“Hrmph!” &emsp;“Ya are insane. Toddles are at stake here. He should be home with his kids!” &emsp;“//Hrmph//…” Brom rolls his eyes. &emsp;“$name… toddlers don’t remember squats. One day without seeing Brom won’t hurt them. And aren’t you living with your in-laws, anyway? Can’t they pitch in for once?” &emsp;“Hrmph,” he sighs. &emsp;“See, buddy. The poor man needs a break!” She pats his shoulder. “Being hounded by ungrateful and unhelpful in-laws. Who are you to stop Brom from having fun?” She does not wait for a rebuttal as she turns her back to you. “Now, it’ll start around nine, but don’t expect the party to start before at least eleven. Still down?” &emsp;“Brom! Don’t do it, mate! It’s a really bad idea…” &emsp;“Hrmph!” he raises his thumb at the waitress. &emsp;“Ha! Suck it, party pooper!” Ezabell shakes her fist, facing you. Though you want to return the ‘compliment’, your eyes cross Brom’s dark glare, shutting you down before even a word passed your lips. The man most assuredly did not appreciate you interjecting in the conversation and essentially treat him like a child. Wanting to hide from this embarrassing exchange, you lower your face and pretend to busy yourself. Until they stop paying attention to you. <ul><li><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Evening">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 3>>Though you really feel the cook should spend his precious time with his family, especially his young children, you decide it best to not voice your opinion on the matter. You already somewhat offended him earlier by trying to be ‘helpful’. Brom is an adult, a father. He knows what is best for him or his family. &emsp;“Hrmph?” &emsp;“It’ll start around nine, but don’t expect the party to start before eleven.” &emsp;“Hrmph…” Brom pulls a face, unsure. &emsp;“Oh! Eric should be here too!” &emsp;“Hrmph?” you see his eyes twinkle. &emsp;“Yes! He’s back from his apprenticeship. This is pretty much a low-key welcome back party. Didn’t the two of you hit it off before he left?” &emsp;“Hrmph,” he smiles. &emsp;“He said he’ll try to make it. But knowing him, it won’t be before midnight. Maybe one or two o’clock” &emsp;“//HRMPH?!//” &emsp;“What?” Ezabell chuckles. “Is that too late for you, you little baby?” Brom rolls his eyes and sighs, exasperated. &emsp;“Doesn’t Brom get in the kitchen like… super early, everyday?” you squeak. &emsp;“And? If you stay long enough, you won’t even need to come early… You’d already be there!” &emsp;“//Hrmph!//” &emsp;“Meh,” Ezabell shrugs. “Breakfast’s overrated.” Brom throws his hand into the air, giving up. If there was one thing Ezabell did not take into account, it would be how important breakfasting was in Brom’s house. Ever since the birth of this first one, he made a point of waking up early enough to cook this meal for the whole family and sit at the table until everyone was done. And he never, ever, missed a single day since. This was why he took the cook job at the tavern: coming ‘early’ was still late enough for him to keep his tradition. &emsp;“How does it feel to lose?” you whisper in Ezabell’s ear. &emsp;“Oh, fuck off!” <ul><li><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Evening">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if $jar>><<set $jar to false>><</if>>&emsp;“Err… Boss?” you pop your head in the back office. &emsp;“Yes, my <<lad>>. What is it?” &emsp;“Do ya know a kid called ‘Young Sam’?” &emsp;“Mmh… the Guard Captain’s youngin’?” &emsp;“Oh, great!” You push the aforementioned kid into the office. “Here ya go then.” &emsp;“Goddammit…” Roscoe leaves his desk and crouches before the child. Or at least tries to, as the child barely reaches his chin even then. &emsp;“What are you doing here, Young Sam?” he frowns. The child lowers his head but keeps silent, crushing some dirt under his foot, his hands hidden behind his back. Your boss sighs. &emsp;“Does your mother even know you’re here?” The little head shakes. &emsp;“Did something bad happen? Was there someone following you? Are you hurt?” The head shakes at every turn. &emsp;“Kiddo, if you tell me why you are here… You know, this is not a place for youngins like you!” &emsp;“Papa ‘lways talk ‘bout this place, but he never bring me…” &emsp;“Oh, boy,” Roscoe sighs. “That’s not a good reason, Young Sam! Do you know what your mother will do when she finds out you came here alone?” The child shakes his head again. &emsp;“The Lady’s gonna send her wyrms and they burn this place to the ground!” <ul><li><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<default>>The boy squeaks in horror and starts to cry. &emsp;“No-o-o-!” his voice breaks between sobs. &emsp;“Boss! What did ya do that for?” You let the child hide in the safety of your arms. “Ya’re gonna scar the kid!” &emsp;“Mummy w-wouldn’t do th-that!” Young Sam protests. “S-she just-t… w-wouldn’t!” &emsp;“Of course she wouldn’t,” you try to reassure him, patting his head, sending a dark glare to your boss. &emsp;“Oh, no. She would, my boy. Your mother is a very scary lady, and she would not take kindly on seeing her precious son in this kind of place.” &emsp;“B-but… if… if s-she burns… the p-place… Papa…” He sobs even harder. “Papa won’t c-come he-here anym-more!” &emsp;“//Bo-oss!//” &emsp;“And… And… then… he won’t… he won’t b-bring me…” Roscoe gets up, groaning, and exits the room, slamming the door, leaving you behind with the wailing child. You try your best to comfort Young Sam, but his cries do not seem to have an end. You give him hugs and scrub his hair gently, telling him how certain you are that his mother would not dare light up any fire kindle close to the building and that his father would most certainly bring him, when the child will be old enough. Yet, as the minutes pass, you start to worry. Roscoe left you with the child of the most feared law man of the region and the shrewdest woman of the country. A child that found his way to the tavern all by himself, unaccompanied. A child that most surely was currently looked for. We are in deep shit, are we? &emsp;“WHERE IS MY BABY?” you hear a deep menacing voice shout from the other side of the office’s door. “I SWEAR TO YOU, ROSCOE, IF YOU HAVE HARMED EVEN A HAIR ON HIS HEAD I WILL SHUT THIS PLACE DOWN!” &emsp;“Papa!” <ul><li><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Evening">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if $jar>><<set $jar to false>><</if>>&emsp;“ <<= $name.toUpperCase()>> !” your boss’s head emerges from his office. &emsp;“Yeah, boss?” &emsp;“Any empty bottles in the bar?” You turn around and scan the shelf. //Huh… When did the boss add this many bottles? //You remember starting with only a few of them, which barely filled the stall behind the bar. And now… The shelf was almost bursting with bottles, so much so you had to let some stand around the counter instead. Strangely, it frustrated you more than Roscoe to not be able to display all these bottles. You even requested a new shelf to be built, but he had shut that down pretty quickly. &emsp;“So?! I need to send this order slip before the day’s end, $name.” &emsp;“Err… Give me a minute, boss!” Tapping each bottle, you make a mental note of the ones having too low a level. Instead of stopping there, you check other pots and boxes for missing ingredients or low supplies. It is not every day you could try to request many things for the bar. <ul><li><<link "Give your list to Roscoe." `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 2>>&emsp;“Hey boss,” you pop your head in his office. “We’re low on a few things.” &emsp;“Hold on.” Roscoe shuffles some papers around. “Right. Tell me, <<lad>>.” &emsp;“Well, the usual: beer, wine—” &emsp;“I figured //that//, $name.” &emsp;“Ah… yeah…” you scratch the back of your neck. “Well… We definitely need some Absinthe —can ya order more this time? It goes out pretty fast—. We could do with more soda too. Did ya see the kiddies coming around more lately?” &emsp;“Have they?” Roscoe looks at you, incredulous. “Shouldn’t they be in school?” &emsp;“That’s what I keep asking them!” &emsp;“And?” &emsp;“They say school’s out.” &emsp;“And they think the best place to go is the //tavern//? What do they do here? Trying to snatch a sip?” &emsp;“Nah… They’re good kids. They just ask for pop and some snacks. And they go sit down to listen to some stories from other patrons. They don’t make a fuss.” &emsp;“Well, if they want to get traumatised early,” Roscoe shrugs, “that’s their choice… Anything else you need, <<lad>>?” &emsp;“Some garnishes—” &emsp;“I know, I know. Brom was missing some ingredients and just… raided the bar? I don’t know. He tried to explain but… you know Brom… sometimes he doesn’t make a lot of sense. Anyway, I was going to go to the grocer tomorrow.” &emsp;“He could have told me…” you sigh. “I had to get //creative// with some drinks here and there…” &emsp;“Anything else?” &emsp;“Some bitters maybe? It should be good for a bit, but we might want to… Oh! And some fermented eggs.” &emsp;“Eggs?! We… There’s no eggs in the drinks! What?! Why…” &emsp;“I dunno,” you shrug. “A bunch of patrons asked for some. Says it goes well with beer or something. Sounds gross to me, but, eh, they know what they like.” &emsp;“I… Err… I’ll see what I can do?” He scribbles something, looking confused. “No promises.” &emsp;“I think that’s— <ul><li><<link "CRACK!?!" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<default>>Both you and Roscoe rush out of the office and catch red-handed three small figures on the counter trying to reach some bottles on the shelf behind the bar. On the ground below, some unfortunate bottle found its demise, having been dropped by their slippery fingers. &emsp;“They’re //good// kids, huh?” Roscoe snarks, as he grabs one of them and swings the kid over his shoulder before reaching for another one. “They just ask for their pops and sit down, //eh//?” &emsp;“Come on, boss! They never did anything like //that// before. Ya can’t blame //me//. It’s not like I can stop them coming in!” &emsp;“Of course you —//come here, you little gremlin//— can, $name. You can always refuse service. And they’re kids. They aren’t supposed to be in taverns, anyway.” &emsp;“If ya don’t want some people in here, boss,” you growl as you try to block one of them from escaping, “ya can always hire a bouncer!” &emsp;“Or you can just tell them to scram!” Roscoe locks his second target under his arm. “You don’t have to accept their coins!” &emsp;“Until now, boss, they were the best patrons we ever had! They even tipped us more than the rest of ‘em!” &emsp;“//Got you, you twerp//,” he grabs the last one by the wrist and lifts the little squealing body in the air. “//You’re going to regret//—” &emsp;“It’s fine, boss,” you stop him from frightening the kids further. “They just dropped some soda.” &emsp;“But it could have been—” &emsp;“Yeah, yeah… they could have hurt themselves.” &emsp;“I mean the bot—” &emsp;“And they’ll clean up the mess.” You frown at the kids. “Aren’t //they//?” The three culprits lower their heads and mumble affirmatively. You give a look to your boss, asking him to let them go. //They’re just kids… not drunks…// He seems reticent at first, but relents when the kids start whimpering. //They won’t try it after this… that’s for damn sure!// &emsp;“If I see any of you behind the counter ever again,” Roscoe threatens, growling. &emsp;“W-we w-won’t, b-boss,” the kids straighten at the sound of his voice. &emsp;“Ya can just ask me, next time,” you rub their heads. “I’ll just get it for ya, ok?” <ul><li><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Evening">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if $jar>><<set $jar to false>><</if>>After the last rush, things had calmed down rather quickly in the tavern. While Ezabell clears the empty tables around, you take advantage of the stillness to clean some old pots under the counter, pots that had not been touched for quite some time. As Ezabell drops her tray on the bar, the tavern’s door swings open and a large, whistling man enters. Roscoe crosses the room, walking in a happy strut. &emsp;“Boss’s got laid,” Ezabell whispers to you. &emsp;“Ez… Ya can’t know //that//.” &emsp;“Oh, I most definitely can. I have a second sense with these things.” &emsp;“Ya mean a //sixth//?” &emsp;“Sure, sure. Whatever. I’m telling you. He got laid.” &emsp;“Why would he… it’s during the day…” &emsp;“And? Do you think that ever stopped //me// before?” &emsp;“First of all, dis-gos-tang,” you act out. “I hope it wasn’t at wo—” &emsp;“Oh, it was.” &emsp;“Then, I hope ya cleaned your hands.” &emsp;“I definitely didn’t,” she smiles creepily. &emsp;“Dis-gos—” &emsp;“You’re just staying that ‘cause jealous,” she sticks her tongue out. “Missing on an a-ma-zing time.” You shake your head and sigh, annoyed. While the woman would often do her best to push your buttons by dramatising, especially when bored, there was always a nickel of truth in there. Trying to still rebut her ‘views’, you are stopped by Roscoe choosing this moment to join the two of you at the bar. <ul><li><<link '//What’s that look?//' `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 2>>&emsp;“How are my little doves doing?” he asks, happy as a clam. &emsp;“See, $name,” Ezabell waggles her eyebrows. “I //told// you.” &emsp;“Told what?” Roscoe asks. &emsp;“You got—” &emsp;“…a nice walk, boss,” you cut her off. “Very confident and… such.” &emsp;“Why, thank you, Ezabell,” he grimaces at her, touched. “That is very nice of you to say.” &emsp;“No, that’s not—” &emsp;“…just that! She saw how happy ya looked, too!” &emsp;“Always that keen eye, that one,” Roscoe waves a finger at her. “I knew it the moment I interviewed you. You’d see a lot more than people think.” &emsp;“$name, stop that. I was going to—” &emsp;“…ask what was making ya happy today, boss.” &emsp;“How sweet of you!” He grins from ear to ear. “But I don’t think I can tell you.” Ezabell shoots you a smug glare that screamed ‘//I told you so//’, but you brush it off. There could have been many reasons for your boss not wanting to discuss the reason for his happy mood, reasons completely unrelated to having got lucky that afternoon. Or maybe he did get lucky and was served a nice meal at the inn, or found a coin on the way here —//that// always made him very happy—, or he won at some game, or… //She can’t be right… can she?// <ul><li><<link '//Can she?//' `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<default>>&emsp;“//Whyyy// can’t you tell us?” Ezabell asks, pulling away from you, who were trying to stop her. &emsp;“Probably because he wants to keep it a secret,” you roll your eyes. “Ya don’t have to make a fuss just because the boss’s happy.” &emsp;“Right you are, my <<lad>>!” Roscoe laughs. “A gentleman should never tell.” &emsp;“A gentle—” Ezabell snorts. “That’s a new one!” &emsp;“Norah though I was—” Roscoe stops, biting his lips. Ezabell’s jaw drops before she muffles the same kind of excitement she’d feel when she’d partake in gossiping circles. And you… Well, you just stand there, in shock, with a knife ready to slip from your fingers at any second. &emsp;“I… err… I mean…” His eyes keep switching between you and Ezabell. “It’s… it’s not what it sounds like.” &emsp;“Are you //suuure//, boss?” Ezabell slides closer to him. “ ‘Cause it sounded like you and Norah…” &emsp;“Oh, //no//! No, no, no, no, no, no. //No!// No, no, no.” &emsp;“That’s a lot of ‘no’, boss,” she notes. “As if…” &emsp;“Oh, no! There’s //no//thing between me and Norah. No, indeed. That would be… crazy, right?” &emsp;“Hm-mmh,” Ezabell mumbles, before picking up something from his should. &emsp;“Me and Norah?! No… That’s… Why would you insinuate that?” &emsp;“Isn’t Norah…” Ezabell examines her new-found treasure, “…a plumed—” &emsp;“Where did you find—” Roscoe pales at the sight. “G-Gimme that,” he snatches it from her hand. “And go finish cleaning those tables.” Ezabell complies, skipping away from the bar laughing, leaving behind her boss and his exposed secret. <ul><li><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Evening">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>With the last of the patron leaving, or more appropriately booted out, you can finally take a breath. A short one, since you still have a few tasks to complete before going home. Going down the daily checklist, you sigh and wish Roscoe would hire an extra pair of hand for closing time. <<endcleaningchoice>> <<case 2>>You put aside a handful of crates filled with empty bottles —mainly beer— and sort through them by type and colour, ensuring in the process that each bottle is fully empty before you put them back down. When you’ve gone through all glass containers, you call for Brom to bring them to the door for pick-up. <<endcleaningchoice>> <<case 3>>You gather the loose menus from around the room and pass a wet cloth over them to get rid of dirt, sticky prints, and crumbs. After the wet cloth, you dry them up and stack them behind the counter for tomorrow. <<endcleaningchoice>> <<case 4>>You close the trash bags and call for Ezabell for help. Coming closer to the pile, she feint needing to vomit because of the smell. You ignore her reaction, as she would always pretend to be suddenly sick every time she had to do something she did not want to. Though she continues to complain strongly —each complaint met with your rolling eyes—, she still picks up a handful and follows you outside to drop them for pick-up later. <<endcleaningchoice>> <<case 5>>You pick up your tip box from the counter and crouch behind the bar, moving the pots and jars around to make enough space for the receptacle. After putting the box at the back of it all, you rearrange the pots to hide your treasure. <<endcleaningchoice>> <<case 6>>Looking at your workspace, you feel like you’ve done all you could, or, at least, all you wanted to do, to feel satisfied with the bar’s state. You take off your apron and hang it on the wall. //Time to go!// You are already at the door when you remember having forgotten the most important thing. You cross the room again, running, and pop your head into the office. &emsp;“Hey, boss! Can ya give me my pay today?” <ul><li><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Evening">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <<default>>Is there anything else you’d like to do? <<endcleaningchoice>> <</switch>><<set _random to random(1,6)>><<switch _random>><<case 1>>After a long day of good service, the counter deserves a proper soak —like you, later—. You remove or push aside any item left there and throw a bucket of soapy warm water on it. You move the puddle around until it more or less covers the whole bar. //Now, we wait.// This was a trick Roscoe taught you when not long after you started. You had trouble removing sticky spots from spilled drinks mixed with crumbs or bits of food. You scrubbed as hard as you could but never managed to get it all off. When you think the wood warmed enough, you remove the water and wipe away the last stains. <<case 2>>Lucky for you, today’s patrons were mindful enough not to let their drinks spill their precious liquids or left crumbs behind. A simple swipe over the counter is all you need to do. <<case 3>>Mindlessly, you pick up a wet towel and pass it over the counter, as you have done many times before, frowning at having to scrub a bit harder over the stickier spots or the leftover bits of food by previous patrons. It always amazed you to see how inattentive or thoughtless some patrons could be with their orders. Sill, you considered yourself lucky. You only had to do this on one surface. Ezabell had to repeat the task dozens more time on the tables scattered over the over. <<case 4>>A wet towel in your hand you stare, confused, at the counter in front of you. You know sometimes patrons can be a bit rowdy, but you did not expect to see so much mess on the bar. You had been so preoccupied with mixing so many drinks throughout the day, you had barely noticed the counter getting so dirty. //Barf… So gross…// You thought cleaning around would be a piece of cake, but you expected too much of today’s patrons. You swing the towel over your shoulder before filling a bucket with warm water and soap and throwing the whole mixture over the wood. //Boss’s not paying me enough for this…// <<case 5>>You pick up a towel, plunge it into the soapy water in the sink, and start washing the counter. This is menial work, but you know it is needs to be done. A dirty county is bad for business. //If less people want to sit at the bar… that means less tips…// <<case 6>>&emsp;“Can ya move your tray, Ez?” you ask, a wet towel in hand. &emsp;“Huh? Oh… sorry,” she complies before pointing at your towel. “Can you pass me one of those? I should probably clean this thing once in a while…” &emsp;“Ya… don’t clean your tray every day?” &emsp;“Not really,” she shrugs. &emsp;“But that’s… that’s dis-gos-tang!” &emsp;“//Stop saying it like this//,” she snorts. “But I don’t see why I should. It’s not like I ever drop anything on there.” &emsp;“But ya pick up dirty stuff with your tray…” &emsp;“I just dust if off. And it’s always clean in the morning, anyway. Cleaner than the day before.” &emsp;“Probably because someone here cleans after ya, ya dirty hen,” you frown. &emsp;“I prefer to think that my deal with the faeries when I was a kid came true,” she sticks her tongue out. <</switch>><<endcleaningchoice>><<set _random to random(1,6)>><<switch _random>><<case 1>>You gather the cups, glasses and mugs you had put aside earlier and drop them in the soapy water of the sink. //Scrub. Rinse. Dry. Repeat.// You sigh. //This// was one of your most boring task. There is nothing interesting about cleaning a bunch of glass, not when you had such a fully stocked shelf behind you, calling for your attention. Still, you try to pay the bottles no mind. If you do not finish this task today, you will have to do it tomorrow instead, when the leftover liquid in the cups has dried up. //Scrubbing that is a paaiin…// <<case 2>>&emsp;“Here, $name,” Ezabell drops her tray on the counter. “I got a few more for you.” &emsp;“Did ya give me all of ‘em, yet?” &emsp;“No, I think I still have a few more rounds to go. The last patrons drank a lot. I can’t carry them all in one go!” &emsp;“Why not? Flappy arms?” you snicker. &emsp;“Gosh, I wish that was my excuse… No, it wouldn’t fit on the tray.” &emsp;“Seriously?!” The waitress motions to the room behind her, where you see tables still full of bottles and cups. //Why does it feel like there are more stuff than I served earlier?// You sigh and unload Ezabell’s tray, dropping the cups in the soapy water. You both shoot a pity glance at each other before returning to your task. <<case 3>>&emsp;“Hrmph.” &emsp;“Why do //ya// have cups, Brom? I don’t remember serving—” &emsp;“Hrmph…” &emsp;“Come on! Don’t use them for your stew, Brom… It’s so //hard// to clean them afterwards. I can’t even clean them until I’m done with the rest. It will ruin the soak…” &emsp;“//Hrmph//…” &emsp;“Sorry’s not enough, Brom,” you rest your wrists on your hips. “And why didn’t ya clean them yourself? Don’t ya have a sink back there?” &emsp;“Hrmmphhh.” &emsp;“Ugh… //Fine//… But ya owe me.” &emsp;“Hrmph!” Brom disappears into the kitchen before returning with a mountain of cups. &emsp;“Brom! What the actual //fuck//?!” The cook does not respond, dropping the cups on the counter and disappearing again. &emsp;“Ya better not have—” you start yelling. As feared, the man comes back with another stack of cups. You sigh, before turning your back on the hill of dirty dishes, grabbing a random bottom on the shelf and take a shot from it. There was no way you’d have the will to deal with this mess without some extra strength. &emsp;“Ya owe me //big// time, Brom.” <<case 4>>You gather the leftover cups and glasses left on and around the bar, before plunging them into the soapy warm water in the sink. Though the task is very menial, you sometimes enjoy it. It even relaxes you. With your hands in the warm liquid, you feel the stiffness in your shoulders dissipating. //Almost done…// <<case 5>>You take a glass and plunge it into the warm soapy water in the sink, scrub the good away, rinse it, dry it with a clean towel, and put it on the shelf behind. You repeat the task until you clear the bar. But… Even after putting away a glass, you don’t seem to clear the bar or even make a dent in the dirty stack still waiting for you. It actually seems to grow faster than you can keep up with. //What… the… hell…// You look up and see a chuckling Ezabell, adding her gathered cups from the other tables on the bar. &emsp;“When ya’re done, pick up a sponge and help me, mate.” <</switch>><<endcleaningchoice>>You push the tavern’s door to find your boss frantically searching for something around the bar, pulling his hair in frustration. //What has he lost now?// You sigh, knowing full well Roscoe will make you look for this mystery item while he kicks back in his office. //Last time, it was his apron, hanging just behind him…// &emsp;“Ah! $name! Great timing.” &emsp;“G’morning, boss. How are ya, today? I’m doing fine, thanks for asking.” &emsp;“Spare me the sarcasm, my <<lad>>.” He frowns. “I am not in the mood.” You roll your eyes and join him behind the counter. &emsp;“So. What’cha looking for, boss? What did ya lose this time?” &emsp;“I did not lose anything, $name. Just… misplaced it.” &emsp;“Yeah, yeah. Nothing’s ever lost. Wha’ever. And?” &emsp;“It’s my apron. I can’t find it anywhere. Have you seen it around?” //I knew it…// <ol> <li> <<link "“It’s hanging on the wall. Right there. Behind you.”" "MOR RA R">><<set $response=1>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "“I dunno. I didn’t touch it.”" "MOR RA R">><<set $response=2>><</link>></li> </ol><<switch $response>><<case 1>>&emsp;“It’s hanging on the wall. Right there. Behind you. Where it should always be.” &emsp;“I can do without the snarky comments, $name…” &emsp;“Not my fault ya don’t remember where ya put things, boss.” &emsp;“I… I don’t remember putting it there, though.” &emsp;“Maybe some faeries came ‘round last night,” you shrug, “and hung it there for ya.” &emsp;“You think so?” &emsp;“No! Obviously not, boss! I put it there yesterday. Like I //always// do when ya don’t hang it where ya’re supposed to.” <<case 2>>&emsp;“I dunno,” you shrug. “I didn’t touch it.” &emsp;“I swear I left it around here, though,” Roscoe disappears behind the bar. “Are you sure you didn’t see it?” &emsp;“Why would I lie to ya, boss? What would I even do with your apron?” &emsp;“There… was something important to me in the pocket,” he says, as he reappears from behind the counter. “I hope no one tried to get their hands on it.” &emsp;“Maybe…” you sigh. “Maybe ya should look behind ya, boss,” you add, pointing at the wall where Roscoe’s apron is clearly hanging, where it should be. <</switch>>&emsp;“Right…” he says, grabbing his apron from its assigned hook. Roscoe wraps the apron around his waist, as he always does behind the bar, and plunges his hand in the pocket, looking for something. <<if $Coin>>He soon frowns, discovering the leather pouch not holding what he was truly looking for after all. Seeing a worried look in his eyes, your face pales in horror. //Didn’t… didn’t I take something yesterday?// You twitch. &emsp;“Err… Are ya alright, boss?” you ask, trying your best to hide your discomposure. &emsp;“//Where is it? I’m sure I left it in there…//” Roscoe says, ignoring you. &emsp;“What was in there?” you still ask, knowing full well there used to be <<if $s>>some coins<<else>>a coin<</if>> and a note in the pocket. &emsp;“Just… something I wanted to… it was supposed to be a surprise. I was supposed to gift it to you yesterday, and I forgot.” &emsp;“A //gift//?” you feel your voice crack as the words pass your lips. &emsp;“Nothing big, just… just a little something. To get you started.” <ol> <li><<link 'Admit to Roscoe you took the coin<<if $s>>s<</if>>.' "MOR RA TR">><<set $response=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link 'You will never admit you took the coins, even if they were meant for you.' "MOR RA TR">><<set $response=2>><</link>></li> </ol> <<else>>His face soon relaxes and not only does he stop fidgeting around, you see a glimpse of a smile there. //<<if $tcoin>>I wonder what’s in there.<<else>>Good thing I put everything back yesterday<</if>>//… &emsp;“Turn around,” Roscoe orders. &emsp;“What? Why?” &emsp;“Just do it, <<lad>>!” &emsp;“//Fine//.” <ul><li> <<link "Turn around" "MOR RA TR">><<set $response=3>><</link>></li></ul><</if>><<switch $response>><<case 1>>&emsp;“Err… boss?” you fidget with your fingers, holding on to the last of your courage. &emsp;“Yes, $name.” &emsp;“I have a confection to make.” &emsp;“Did you give one of the patrons the wrong drink again?” &emsp;“Ye— No! It’s not that —//and I didn’t//—.” &emsp;“Then what is it about, my <<lad>>?” &emsp;“I…,” you lower your head in shame. “I took the coin<<if $s>>s<</if>>, boss.” &emsp;“You did //what//?!” &emsp;“When I was putting your apron away, everything fell and I… I kept it all.” &emsp;“//$name//… Why?” &emsp;“…‘Cause I need the money.” Instead of responding, as he would usually do —and do angrily—, Roscoe only stares are you with a blank face. //Is he… disappointed? Angry? I did take his stuff… Or just… sad I spoiled the surprise?// With your mind racing to find an explanation, you feel your whole body shake while your heart is bursting through your chest. &emsp;“Are you even sorry for what you did?” &emsp;“I…” you lower your head. “I’m sorry, boss. I thought— //I didn’t really think//…” &emsp;“Well.” Roscoe stands there, without saying another word. He then gives you a little tap on the cheek before hooking his apron back on the wall. Still silent, your boss gathers his things, nests his hat between his horn, and crosses the room without addressing you once. &emsp;“Boss?” you ask him, just before he opens the door. &emsp;“What?” &emsp;“Are ya… Are ya angry at me?” &emsp;“Why shouldn’t I be?” And with that, he leaves the tavern and you to manage the day ahead. //Shit.// <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Morning TIP JAR">><<unset $response>><</link>></center> <<case 2>>With sweat dripping down your back, you keep your mouth shut. You will absolutely not tell him you not only touched his apron the morning before, but took his coin<<if $s>>s<</if>> when <<if !$s>>it<<else>>they<</if>> fell to the ground. You know what happens to people who tried to take things from Roscoe, or even thought about doing so. They’d have a lovely face-to-face with Glinda, Roscoe’s trusted bat, the one with nails and spikes. Even if <<if $s>>they were<<else>>it was<</if>> meant for you, you will keep that secret to the grave! &emsp;“It is really a shame,” your boss adds. “<<if $s>>Those were truly special coins<<else>>This was truly a special coin<</if>>. <<if $s>>They were<<else>>It was<</if>> passed down from my boss, when I decided to go on my own. I had kept it all this time for a special occasion.” He puts his hand on your shoulder. “I knew when you passed that door that first day… I knew you were special, kiddo. I knew <<if $s>>they were<<else>>it was<</if>> meant for you.” He presses your shoulder lovingly. //I really, REALLY, can’t tell him now!// You swallow with difficulty and force your face to smile. Roscoe pulls you in and hugs you tightly. In this warm embrace, you fight every fibre of your body with revealing the truth. His face gets closer to your ear and he whispers: &emsp;“I’m proud of you, kiddo. I hope you know that.” And, before you can stop your lips, words blurt out of your mouth: &emsp;“I… I took the coin<<if $s>>s<</if>> yesterday.” &emsp;“HA!” Roscoe pulls away, his should almost bursting your eardrums. “I knew it!” &emsp;“What?” &emsp;“Do you think I am stupid, my <<lad>>?” &emsp;“H-how did ya…” &emsp;“You have the worst poker face this town has ever seen. It was written all over it,” he moves his palm in front of your face. “How could I not see it?” &emsp;“Are ya mad?” &emsp;“Honestly…” he sighs. “More disappointed than mad. You did try to lie to me.” &emsp;“I didn’t say an—” &emsp;“White lie is a lie, $name! And you ruined my little surprise for you. That… that hurts.” He sighs again, more sadly this time. “But, what’s done is done. You’ve got what was meant for you, anyway. Just… don’t go through my things again.” &emsp;“I’m sorry, boss.” Roscoe rubs your head, looking still sullen. He gives you a little tap on the cheek before hooking his apron back on the wall. Still silent, your boss gathers his things, nests his hat between his horn, and crosses the room without addressing you once. &emsp;“Boss?” you ask him, just before he opens the door. &emsp;“What?” &emsp;“Are… are ya not p-proud of me?” &emsp;“Seriously, $name. Who asks that kind of question after that?” And with that, he leaves the tavern and you to manage the day ahead. //Shit.// <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Morning TIP JAR">><<unset $response>><</link>></center> <<case 3>>You do as tasked, <<if !$tcoin>>even if unsure of the reason<<else>>being quite sure of what would happen next<</if>>. You hear some more ruffling, some clinging, and some mumbling behind your back. &emsp;“Ya know ya could have just asked me to close my eyes.” &emsp;“Like you wouldn’t have tried to cheat,” he scoffs. &emsp;“For all ya know, I could be cheating right now,” you say, half-jokingly. &emsp;“You have eyes behind your head I don’t know about?” You open your mouth, before closing it, sullen. This kind of moments was the one you wished you had eyes behind your head. Even if it could ruin the surprise, the gift itself, you’d still enjoy the excited feeling displayed all over your boss’s face and his anticipation of your reaction. //He has such a cute look on his face when he’s excited about doing something…// &emsp;“Alright, you can turn around now.” &emsp;“Are ya sure, boss?” you ask snarkily. “I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise. &emsp;“Oh, shut it and turn around.” &emsp;“If ya have a knee on the ground,” you joke as you move your heels, “I’ll have to refuse, boss. I can’t forsake my love for <<if $adventure>>adventuring<<elseif $tavern>>this tavern<<else>>mixing drinks<</if>>!” &emsp;“Don’t spoil the moment, $name,” the man grumbles. “Here.” In front of you stands this gigantic horned man with a minuscule package in his hand, wrapped crudely in today’s papers. He looks at you to take it. //<<if !$tcoin>>I wonder what this is all about…<<else>>He really can’t know that I know what it is…<</if>>// You smile as you grab the present and unwrap it. Inside, you uncover a small note and a <<if $T1bad or $T2bad>>coin<<else>>handful of coins<</if>><<if $Coin is false>>,as you’d expected<</if>>. Before you can read through the note, Roscoe says: &emsp;“It’s… it’s not much, I know. But I just wanted to tell you that… err… //this is awkward to say//…” He scratches the back of his left horn. “I am proud of you, kiddo. Really proud of you.” As he presses your shoulder warmly and smiles, your vision blurs and tears falls down your face. Roscoe always had a soft spot for his employees, even if he would usually not show it. &emsp;“Anyway,” he coughs, uncomfortable. “You should get ready. The tavern’s opening soon. And I should get going too. You know… meetings to meet, people to peep, stuff to steef… err…” Embarrassed, Roscoe gathers his things quickly and storms out the room without looking back or saying another word, leaving you to manage the day ahead. //Hahaha… what a dork.// <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Morning TIP JAR">><<unset $text>><</link>></center><</switch>><<randomtally>><<switch _tally>><<case 1>>&emsp;“Subtract… Carry the 3…” Roscoe mumbles, between flicking the beads on his abacus. “Deduct securities…” &emsp;“And the hazard pay?” Ezabell asks. &emsp;“For what?” &emsp;“//A manager not being present, causing extra hardship on the employees//—” &emsp;“$name was here,” the man grumbles. &emsp;“Are ya paying me more then?” you retort. “Cause, if not…” &emsp;“The Taverns Employee Union wou—” &emsp;“Hazard pay it is!” Ezabell crosses her arms smugly and winks at you. The sound of beads taping against one another ticks the seconds away until your pay is secured in your hands. &emsp;“Here’s your receipt. You can check twice if you want to but,” Roscoe chuckles. “I—” &emsp;“Ya never make a mistake,” you roll your eyes. “Yeah, we get it, boss.” &emsp;“No need to toot your own horn and all,” Ezabell snatches her winnings and turn her heels, waving. “Adíos!” &emsp;“See ya tomorrow!” <<case 2>>&emsp;“Add… Carry the 4,” Roscoe mumbles, flicking the beads of his abacus with annoyance. “Securities…” &emsp;“If it bothers ya so much to do this every day, why don’t ya hire someone?” &emsp;“And let my books be filled with errors?!” he scoffs. “I’d rather burn this place to the ground before I do that!” &emsp;“Then, can you flick your beans a bit less loud?” Ezabell snickers. “Some of us are //trying// to work.” &emsp;“Pfft, stop it,” you muffle a laugh. &emsp;“What?” she smiles mischievously. “Would you prefer he polish his—” &emsp;“Ezabell!” &emsp;“—abacus! Tsk, tsk, $name. Don’t put lewd things into my mouth!” &emsp;“You wi—” &emsp;“HERE’S YOUR SLIPS!” Roscoe shouts covering his ears. &emsp;“I’ll show you my—” &emsp;“GO BE LEWD SOMEWHERE ELSE!” <<case 3>>//Tick, tick, tick…// &emsp;“So, boss… doing anything fun later?” //Tick, tick, tick…// &emsp;“Hey boss,” Ezabell add a few glasses on the counter. “Are you going—” She turns to you and whispers: “Is he ok? Lots of flickering over there…” &emsp;“I dunno… He’s been working on his abacus for like… an hour? Hasn’t said a word.” &emsp;“That’s…” she winces. “That’s pretty bad.” &emsp;“Yeah… I even tried to ask a bunch of questions, but he’s been ignoring me.” //Tick, tick, tick…// &emsp;“Not even a mumble or a grumble?” &emsp;“No. Nada. Zip.” //Tick, tick, tick…// &emsp;“Has he started on our slips, by the way?” &emsp;“Lemme look…” You peer over Roscoe’s shoulder. “Doesn’t look like it.” &emsp;“Damn! I wanted to go home early today…” //Tick, tick, tick…// &emsp;“Mmh… We’re going to need Norah on that one, are we?” &emsp;“Do we have to? I don’t want to—” &emsp;“Don’t be a baby, $name. She’s not going to bit your head off.” &emsp;“Can ya get her, then? I don’t want to… you know…” &emsp;“Fine! But you owe me one.” <<case 4>>//Tick, tick, tick…// &emsp;“Ah! $name, come here,” Roscoe waves at you. “Can you… decipher this? I can’t…” &emsp;“Lemme see…” &emsp;“I think this is supposed to be some sort of IOUs? Why do we have an IOU instead of payment?” &emsp;“Can ya let me read it first, boss? … Scarred-Face… Barbarian… Valley of Hallam… Unsullied Sunrises… Two dozen… Aaand… ya’re right. It’s an IOU.” &emsp;“Goddammit! I’ve told Ezabell a bunch so time: we don’t deal with IOUs here! Not when most patrons just pass-by. Doesn’t she know how difficult it is to collect those back? I don’t want to ask the Guild for help again!” &emsp;“Don’t ya allow IOUs for locals, boss?” &emsp;“Sometimes. Why?” &emsp;“Maybe Ez thought they were a local?” &emsp;“A Barbarian? From the Valley of Hallam? A local?!” Roscoe scoffs. “Don’t make me laugh.” &emsp;“Are you all talking about Scarred-Face Sven?” Ezabell drops her tray on the counter. &emsp;“Speaking of the devil… You have to stop accepting IOUs, Ezabell. Or I will start taking it out of your pay!” &emsp;“ ’bish, please. I know about the rule. //Tourists are too great of a risk; Locals are fine, because Roscoe can chase after them with a club.// See? I have it memorised!” &emsp;“It bears repeating…” Roscoe shakes his head. “A Barbarian?! From the Valley of Hallam?! A local?!” &emsp;“Yeah, Sven’s my new neighbour. From across the street. Just moved it. Nice guy. A bit slow, but still lovely.” &emsp;“Why would he write ‘Valley of—” &emsp;“That’s his shop! ‘//Valley of Hallam, come for the Ham, stay for the Yam//’.” <<case 5>>//Tick…// &emsp;“Will you stop looking over my shoulder, Ezabell? It is distracting.” &emsp;“I’m just making sure you’re not forgetting—” &emsp;“I wasn’t going to forget //it//. I’ve got the Union up my ass thanks to you.” &emsp;“Not my fault you didn’t pay me what was due.” &emsp;“But did you really have to involve the Union? You could have—” &emsp;“I’m not just some pretty face with big dumb boobs, I know my rights! I reminded you multiple times, you didn’t do squat, I called the Union.” &emsp;“Do you even pay your Union fees? I haven’t seen—” &emsp;“That’s between me and them. Speaking of… $name?” &emsp;“Yeah?” &emsp;“The fees are due soon.” &emsp;“Again? But I paid last month…” &emsp;“The fee’s monthly, remember?” &emsp;“See, $name,” Roscoe pats your shoulder. “This is what paying some worthless uni—” &emsp;“Ah, ah, ah!” Ezabell shakes her finger. “We’ve been over this, boss. Unless you want another fine…” &emsp;“Thieves! A bunch of thieves…” <<case 6>>//Tick…// &emsp;“Hm… Turnout today wasn’t too bad… But still a bit low for the season…” &emsp;“Ah, yeah, boss. I forgot to mention that before. Two rival adventuring groups started a fight outside the tavern. They bumped into each other when one was leaving and the other coming in.” &emsp;“A fight? But, it doesn’t look like…” Roscoe motions at the still-intact room. &emsp;“Brom was cooking something on the fire and… err… grunted them outside.” &emsp;“Ah, good ol’ reliable Brom.” Roscoe smiles. “Good thing they were outside. Last month’s brawl dented much more than I thought in the budget already. I don’t think another one would have helped…” &emsp;“I think they broke some pots outside.” &emsp;“Bah… If it’s just that… So Brom cooked today?” &emsp;“Yeah, I just said that.” &emsp;“What was he cooking?” &emsp;“Boar stew.” &emsp;“Which one? The one with fresh ingredients or… the one where he dumps whatever he found around.” &emsp;“I dunno,” you shrug. “Didn’t have time to taste it.” &emsp;“Did it smell good, at least?” &emsp;“Err…” &emsp;“Dump stew it is,” he shudders. “Don’t bother trying or you’ll be out of commission for days, my <<lad>>. Take it from me.” <<case 7>>&emsp;“Hrmph.” //Tick, tick, tick…// &emsp;“Hrmph?” //Tick, tick, tick…// &emsp;“Hrmph!” &emsp;“//What//, Brom?!” &emsp;“Hrmph.” &emsp;“Yes, I know. Ezabell reminded me already.” &emsp;“Hrmph…” &emsp;“Yes, yes. If I don’t fix the //discrepancies//, you’ll contact the Union too.” &emsp;“Hrmph!” &emsp;“Listen, it was just a mistake, alright? I just didn’t see—” &emsp;“Hrmph?! Hrmph!” &emsp;“Hey! No being is infallible!” &emsp;“//Hrmph//…” &emsp;“I know what I said, Brom.” &emsp;“Hrmph.” &emsp;“Just give me a second, ok?” Roscoe rips a piece of paper. “Here! Here you go. Happy?” &emsp;“Hrmph…” Brom shrugs. <<case 8>>//Tick, tick, tick…// &emsp;“Subtract…” Roscoe mumbles, flicking the beads on his abacus. “Take out the dividend…” //Tock!// &emsp;“What the hell?!” //Tock!// &emsp;“Are you kidding me?! Of all times to do this, you do it now?” the man yells at his instrument. //Tock!// &emsp;“Useless piece of—” &emsp;“What’s up, boss?” &emsp;“This piece of crap is what’s up!” &emsp;“Woah, woah! Ca—” &emsp;“Don’t you tell me to calm down, $name! I am not in the mood!” &emsp;“I was gonna ask if I can take a look at it for ya—” &emsp;“And do what? Pour some alcohol over it? Like that’s gonna help!” &emsp;“Hey, I’m just trying to help… Ya don’t have to be a cunt about it.” &emsp;“Bugger off!” //Tick, tick, tick…// &emsp;“//Aaah//…” <<case 9>>&emsp;“Ah, $name. Here’s your slip for the day.” &emsp;“Thank ya, boss!” You look down and open the folded note. “Err… boss?” &emsp;“Yes, my <<lad>>?” &emsp;“Are ya sure you gave me the //right// thing?” you ask, shaking. &emsp;“Of course, I did! When it comes to money, I don’t make mistakes!” &emsp;“Ya should maybe… check //again//, boss.” &emsp;“You’re not trusting me with your pay?! I swear, Ezabell’s little campaign to—” &emsp;“Boss. Ya //really// should read what ya gave me.” &emsp;“Fine,” he rolls his eyes. “If it’d make you feel any better.” He takes a look over your shoulder before snatching the paper. “Err… You weren’t supposed to see //that//.” &emsp;“Yeah, I gathered as much, boss. Ya don’t write fancy on our slips.” &emsp;“And don’t tell Ezabell either! She’s…” &emsp;“…going to tell the whole town, obviously.” &emsp;“You’ll keep it to yourself, then?” &emsp;“Sure… for a price,” you smile mischievously. &emsp;“W-what do you want, $name?” &emsp;“Today’s pay, boss. You still haven’t—” &emsp;“Right…” he shuffles through some papers before handing you another paper. “Here you go, <<lad>>.” &emsp;“Thanks, boss. Have fun on your date, boss!” &emsp;“ <<= $name.toUpperCase()>> ! ” <<case 10>>&emsp;//Tick, tick, tick…// &emsp;“Boss?” &emsp;“What do you want, Ezabell?” Roscoe asks, already exasperated. “If this is about the Union thing, I’m handling it.” &emsp;“It’s not… Well, //that//’s good. But it’s not what I wanted to ask…” &emsp;“Yes?” &emsp;“It’s just… err…” &emsp;“//What// do you want?” &emsp;“Err… It’s kind of embarrassing to ask.” &emsp;“Ugh! Fine…” Roscoe pinches the bridge of his nose. “I got drunk last week when cleaning the tavern, and feel head first into the dirty bucket. There. Your thing can’t be more than embarrassing than //that//!” &emsp;“It’s more emb—” &emsp;“Norah walked in just when I fell.” &emsp;“What… How did she react?” &emsp;“What do you think? She’s never letting me down with this…” &emsp;“Pfft,” Ezabell tries her best not to laugh. “All right… I… I think that’s… that’s probably worse.” &emsp;“So, tell me your thing.” &emsp;“I… Err…” &emsp;“Come on, Ezabell. I don’t have all evening.” &emsp;“I served water to mages earlier and…” she bites her nail. “…forgot to make them pay the price of wine.” &emsp;“Oh, Ezabell…” Roscoe shakes his head. &emsp;“I forgot, ok? They don’t usually come hang out here… And they didn’t behave suspiciously…" &emsp;“One question first…” &emsp;“Yeah?” &emsp;“Did one of the wizard have a brown pointy hat?” &emsp;“Err… I think so…” &emsp;“Then that’s alright, lass. We all make mistakes sometimes.” &emsp;“You’re not mad?” &emsp;“Not at you, no. At Mustrum, yes!” &emsp;“Did… did he do something to you?” &emsp;“That prick stole all my cheeses!” <<case 11>>&emsp;“Ah, boss! Did ya think a bit about my //proposition//?” &emsp;“$name… I am ''not'' adding that… //drink// to the menu!” &emsp;“Why not? We already have ‘Renaud’s Nightmare’… and that one //is// a nightmare.” &emsp;“You don’t think yours is worse?” Roscoe winces. “You can’t mix wine and beer!” &emsp;“But it’s not just—” &emsp;“No! Absolutely not! I will not fall for it again!” &emsp;“Ya’re no fun, boss.” &emsp;“Just take your slip and go…” <<case 12>>//Tick, tick, tick…// &emsp;“Hrmph?” &emsp;“No, Brom.” &emsp;“Hrmph!” &emsp;“Hey, that’s not fair! I brought you many candidates to be the ‘commis de cuisine’. It’s not my fault you can’t keep one for more than five minutes!” &emsp;“Hrmph…” &emsp;“Don’t pull that card! They were more than qualified for the job, Brom! //You// scared them away.” &emsp;“Hrmph.” &emsp;“Listen… I only have a few left in the pool. If you can’t keep one after that, I am done. You find one yourself.” &emsp;“Hrmph!” &emsp;“Life’s not fair, buddy! And you brought this on yourself.” &emsp;“//Hrmph//…” &emsp;“Hey, boss! When is the new bartender coming?” &emsp;“Not you too, $name… I can only deal with one demanding employee per day…” <<case 13>>//Tick, tick, tick…// &emsp;“And I’m done! Here, Ezabell. And yours, $name.” &emsp;“Huh? Already?” &emsp;“Yeah… that’s pretty quick, even for ya, boss.” &emsp;“Did you //really// added everything?” Ezabell squints. &emsp;“I was thinking the same thing… Ya’re too suspicious when ya give it like this.” &emsp;“How?! I am trying to pay you, here. How is that suspicious?” &emsp;“I dunno…” you muffle a squeak. “Ya tell us…” &emsp;“We don’t have to explain ourselves when we are not in the wrong, boss.” &emsp;“What?! What have I done wrong?” &emsp;“Ya did not add everything to the slips.” &emsp;“Yes, you did //not//, boss.” &emsp;“Gimme that,” Roscoe snatches the slips back and scans through them. “I… I don’t get it… Everything is there.” &emsp;“But not ‘liegmah’ pay,” Ezabell says, completely serious, while you hide your face. &emsp;“What’s ‘liegmah’? Another union bull excuse for—” &emsp;“Lick my—” &emsp;“NO! NO! YOU LITTLE TWERPS! OUT! GET OUT!” <<case 14>>//Tick, tick, tick…// &emsp;“Ah! $name. Here you are. Can you give Ezabell hers?” &emsp;“Sure, boss… but she’ll want to speak to ya.” &emsp;“Well, she’ll have to wait for tomorrow.” &emsp;“Why?” &emsp;“I have to run.” &emsp;“Ya? Exercise? Ya pulling my leg, boss.” &emsp;“What?! No! I have to leave.” &emsp;“Where?” &emsp;“Why do you want to know?” &emsp;“To do what?” &emsp;“What’s with the question, <<lad>>?” &emsp;“With who? Do we know them?” &emsp;“Are you… trying to stop me from leaving?” &emsp;“Me? Nah… Why would I want to do that?” &emsp;“Because I have to go but you keep asking question!” &emsp;“Ya don’t need to answer if ya don’t want to…” &emsp;“I swear to—” Roscoe sighs. “I’m going now.” &emsp;“Be back by nine, boss!” <</switch>><center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Total">><</link>></center><center><h1>Welcome to the Arcade!</h1></center>\ For players tired of reading and just wanting to make drinks, players not interested in the very long and convoluted story and its tales of woes, or players only able to spare a few minutes, the Arcade is the place for you! Come! Mix and serve as many drinks as you desire without interruption! Play the Endless mode, and gain infinite money! Or play the Perfection Mode, to show off how perfect your drinks always are! Or try the Timed Mode and compete against the scariest of opponents: time itself! <ul> <li> <<link "Start the Tutorial" "Arcade Tutorial">><<set $mode to "tutorial">><</link>>'''' //Recommended for first-time player.//</li> <li>''Choose Game Mode:'' <ul> <li> ''<<link "Endless" "Arcade Bar">><<orderarcade>><<set $mode to "endless", $drinktcount to 0, $cointotal to 0>><</link>>'': No restrictions, no penalties. Gather as many coins as you can!</li> <li> ''<<link "Perfection" "Arcade Bar">><<orderarcade>><<set $mode to "perfection", $drinktcount to 0>><</link>>'': The game ends at the first served mistake! You cannot restart a drink either.</li> <li> ''<<link "Timed" "Arcade Bar">><<orderarcade>><<countdownTimer 300 "EndTimed">><<set $sec=_seconds, clearInterval(_int), $mode to "timed", $drinktcount to 0>><</link>>'': Create as many drinks as you can before the timer runs out!</li> </ul> </li> </ul><<set _glass to []>><<set $reset to 0>><<barpageendless>><<if $mode is "timed">><<set _diff = $sec>><<countdownTimer _diff "EndTimed">><</if>><<garnishCSS>><<garnishpots>> <center><<button "Close">><<script>>Dialog.close();<</script>><</button>></center><<restockbarpageendless>><center><h1>Time has run out!</h1></center>\ You have created $drinktcount drink<<if $drinktcount gt 1>>s<</if>> before the time ran out! <center><<button "Try again">><<orderarcade>><<countdownTimer 300 "EndTimed">><<set $sec=_seconds, $mode to "timed", $drinktcount to 0>><<goto"Arcade Bar">><</button>> | <<button "Arcade Menu">><<goto "Arcade Mode">><</button>> | <<button "Main Menu">><<goto "ChooseMode">><</button>><<unset $drinktcount>><<run forget("countdown")>></center><center><h1>You closed the bar!</h1></center>\ You have created $drinktcount drink<<if $drinktcount gt 1>>s<</if>> and earned $cointotal coin<<if $cointotal gt 1>>s<</if>> ! <center><<button "Try again">><<orderarcade>><<set $mode to "endless", $drinktcount to 0, $cointotal to 0>><<goto"Arcade Bar">><</button>> | <<button "Arcade Menu">><<goto "Arcade Mode">><</button>> | <<button "Main Menu">><<goto "ChooseMode">><</button>><<unset $drinktcount, $cointotal>></center><center><h1>You made a mistake!</h1></center>\ You have mixed $drinktcount drink<<if $drinktcount gt 1>>s<</if>> before making a mistake! <center><<button "Try again">><<orderarcade>><<set $mode to "perfection", $drinktcount to 0>><<goto"Arcade Bar">><</button>> | <<button "Arcade Menu">><<goto "Arcade Mode">><</button>> | <<button "Main Menu">><<goto "ChooseMode">><</button>><<unset $drinktcount>></center><<widget "barpageendless">> <div class="wall">\ <div class="left">\ <div class="order">\ <div style="margin: auto;">''ORDER:'' $drink </div>\ </div>\ <div class= "bottle">\ <div class="row1">\ <<if $tutorial isnot "easy">><div class="vodka"><<link '<<hovertip "Vodka">><img src="img/vodka.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<vodka>><</link>></div>\ <div class="gin"><<link '<<hovertip "Gin">><img src="img/gin.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<gin>><</link>></div>\ <div class="whiskey"><<link '<<hovertip "Whiskey">><img src="img/whiskey.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<whiskey>><</link>></div>\ <div class="rum"><<link '<<hovertip "Rum">><img src="img/rum.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<rum>><</link>></div>\ <div class="soju"><<link '<<hovertip "Soju">><img src="img/soju.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<soju>><</link>></div>\ <div class="absinthe"><<link '<<hovertip "Absinthe">><img src="img/absinthe.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<absinthe>><</link>></div>\ <div class="tequila"><<link '<<hovertip "Tequila">><img src="img/tequila.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<tequila>><</link>></div>\ <div class="cognac"><<link '<<hovertip "Cognac">><img src="img/cognac.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<cognac>><</link>></div><</if>>\ <div class="darkrum"><<link '<<hovertip "Dark Rum">><img src="img/dark-rum.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<darkrum>><</link>></div>\ <<if $tutorial isnot "easy">><div class="vermouth"><<link '<<hovertip "Vermouth">><img src="img/vermouth.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<vermouth>><</link>></div><</if>>\ </div>\ <div class="row12"> </div>\ <div class="row2">\ <<if $tutorial isnot "easy">><div class="bitters"><<link '<<hovertip "Bitters">><img src="img/bitters.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<bitters>><</link>></div>\ <div class="sns"><<link '<<hovertip "Sweet-n-Sour">><img src="img/sns.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<sns>><</link>></div>\ <div class="syrup"><<link '<<hovertip "Syrups">><img src="img/syrup.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<syrup>><</link>></div>\ <div class="coffee"><<link '<<hovertip "Coffee">><img src="img/mocka.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<coffee>><</link>></div>\ <div class="citrus-juice"><<link '<<hovertip "Citrus Juices">><img src="img/citrus-juice.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<citrusjuice>><</link>></div><div class="tonic"><<link '<<hovertip "Tonic">><img src="img/tonic.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<tonic>><</link>></div><</if>>\ <div class="cola"><<link '<<hovertip "Cola">><img src="img/cola.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<cola>><</link>></div>\ <<if $tutorial isnot "easy">><div class="gingerale"><<link '<<hovertip "Ginger Ale">><img src="img/gingerale.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<gingerale>><</link>></div>\ <div class="clubsoda"><<link '<<hovertip "Club Soda">><img src="img/club-soda.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<clubsoda>><</link>></div><</if>>\ </div>\ <div class="row23"> </div>\ <div class="row3">\ <<if $tutorial isnot "easy">><div class="wine"><<link '<<hovertip "Wine">><img src="img/wine.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<wine>><</link>></div>\ <div class="porto"><<link '<<hovertip "Porto">><img src="img/porto.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<porto>><</link>></div>\ <div class="champ"><<link '<<hovertip "Champagne">><img src="img/champagne.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<champagne>><</link>></div>\ <div class="cider"><<link '<<hovertip "Cider">><img src="img/cider.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<cider>><</link>></div>\ <div class="beer"><<link '<<hovertip "Beer">><img src="img/beer.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<beer>><</link>></div>\<</if>>\ <div class="garnish"><<link '<<hovertip "Garnish">><img src="img/Garnish.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<popup 'Arcade Garnishes' 'Garnishes' 'ingredient'>><</link>></div>\ <div class="ice"><<link '<<hovertip "Ice">><img src="img/bucket.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<ICE>><</link>></div>\ </div>\ </div>\ </div>\ <div class="right">\ <div class="codex"><div style="margin: 12px auto 0;">''Recipe''<div class="recipe"><<liveblock>><<RECIPE>><</liveblock>></div></div></div>\ <div class="action"><div style="margin: auto;" ><<button "Shake">><<SHAKE>><</button>> <<button "Stir">><<STIR>><</button>> <<if ["timed", "endless"].contains($mode)>><hr> <<button "Reset Drink">><<RESET>><</button>><<if $mode is "endless">><hr> <<button "Exit Arcade">><<goto "EndEndless">><</button>><</if>><</if>></div></div>\ <div class="glass"><<glasstoservearcade>></div>\ </div>\ </div>\ <</widget>><<widget "restockbarpageendless">> <div class="wall">\ <div class="left">\ <div class="order" style="background:none;"></div> <div class= "bottle">\ <div class="row1">\ <div class="vodka"><<link '<<hovertip "Vodka">><img src="img/vodka.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".vodka" "Vodka">><</link>></div>\ <div class="gin"><<link '<<hovertip "Gin">><img src="img/gin.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".gin" "Gin">><</link>></div>\ <div class="whiskey"><<link '<<hovertip "Whiskey">><img src="img/whiskey.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".whiskey" "Whiskey">><</link>></div>\ <div class="rum"><<link '<<hovertip "Rum">><img src="img/rum.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".rum" "Rum">><</link>></div>\ <div class="soju"><<link '<<hovertip "Soju">><img src="img/soju.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".soju" "Soju">><</link>></div>\ <div class="absinthe"><<link '<<hovertip "Absinthe">><img src="img/absinthe.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".absinthe" "Absinthe">><</link>></div>\ <div class= "tequila"><<link '<<hovertip "Tequila">><img src="img/tequila.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".tequila" "Tequila">><</link>></div>\ <div class="cognac"><<link '<<hovertip "Cognac">><img src="img/cognac.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".cognac" "Cognac">><</link>></div>\ <div class= "darkrum"><<link '<<hovertip "Dark Rum">><img src="img/dark-rum.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".darkrum" "Dark Rum">><</link>></div>\ <div class="vermouth"><<link '<<hovertip "Vermouth">><img src="img/vermouth.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".vermouth" "Vermouth">><</link>></div>\ </div>\ <div class="row12"> </div>\ <div class="row2">\ <div class="bitters"><<link '<<hovertip "Bitters">><img src="img/bitters.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".bitters" "Bitters">><</link>></div>\ <div class="sns"><<link '<<hovertip "Sweet-n-Sour">><img src="img/sns.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".sns" "Sweet-n-Sour">><</link>></div>\ <div class="syrup"><<link '<<hovertip "Syrups">><img src="img/syrup.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".syrup" "Syrups">><</link>></div>\ <div class="coffee"><<link '<<hovertip "Coffee">><img src="img/mocka.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".coffee" "Coffee">><</link>></div>\ <div class="citrus-juice"><<link '<<hovertip "Citrus Juices">><img src="img/citrus-juice.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".citrus-juice" "Citrus Juices">><</link>></div><div class="tonic"><<link '<<hovertip "Tonic">><img src="img/tonic.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".tonic" "Tonic">><</link>></div>\ <div class="cola"><<link '<<hovertip "Cola">><img src="img/cola.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".cola" "Cola">><</link>></div>\ <div class="gingerale"><<link '<<hovertip "Ginger Ale">><img src="img/gingerale.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".gingerale" "Ginger Ale">><</link>></div>\ <div class="clubsoda"><<link '<<hovertip "Club Soda">><img src="img/club-soda.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".clubsoda" "Club Soda">><</link>></div>\ </div>\ <div class="row23"> </div>\ <div class="row3">\ <div class="wine"><<link '<<hovertip "Wine">><img src="img/wine.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".wine" "Wine">><</link>></div>\ <div class="porto"><<link '<<hovertip "Porto">><img src="img/porto.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".porto" "Porto">><</link>></div>\ <div class="champ"><<link '<<hovertip "Champagne">><img src="img/champagne.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".champ" "Champagne">><</link>></div>\ <div class="cider"><<link '<<hovertip "Cider">><img src="img/cider.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".cider" "Cider">><</link>></div>\ <div class="beer"><<link '<<hovertip "Beer">><img src="img/beer.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".beer" "Beer">><</link>></div>\ <div class="garnish"><<link '<<hovertip "Garnish">><img src="img/Garnish.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".garnish" "Garnish">><</link>></div>\ <div class="ice"><<link '<<hovertip "Ice">><img src="img/bucket.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".ice" "Ice">><</link>></div>\ </div>\ </div>\ </div>\ <div class="right">\ <div class="action"><div style="margin: auto;"><<button "Restock Napkins">> <<if !_napkin>> <<notify>> You restocked the napkins.<</notify>> <<set _napkin to true>> <<else>> <<notify>> You already restocked the napkins.<</notify>> <</if>> <</button>> <<button "Clean Glasses">> <<if !_glass>> <<notify>> You cleaned the dirty glasses.<</notify>> <<set _glass to true>> <<else>> <<notify>> There are no other glass to clean.<</notify>> <</if>> <</button>> <<button "Wipe Counter">> <<if !_counter>> <<notify>> You wiped the counter clean.<</notify>> <<set _counter to true>> <<else>> <<notify>> The counter is already clean.<</notify>> <</if>> <</button>></div></div>\ <div class="glass"><div style="margin: auto;"><<button "Done">><<goto"Arcade Bar">><</button>></div></div>\ </div>\ </div>\ <</widget>> <<widget "orderarcade">> <<set $drink to either(setup.drinklist)>> <</widget>> <<widget "glasstoservearcade">> <<link '<<hovertip "Serve Drink">><<liveblock>><<glassarcade>><</liveblock>><</hovertip>>'>> <<settingupserve>> <<servingarcade _setup>> <<orderarcade>> <<arcadenextpage>> <</link>> <</widget>> <<widget "arcadenextpage">> <<if $mode is "perfection">> <<if $result is false>> <<goto "EndPerfect">> <<else>> <<goto `passage()`>> <</if>> <<elseif $mode is "tutorial">> <<goto "Arcade Mode">> <<elseif $mode is "timed">> <<set $sec=_seconds, clearInterval(_int)>> <<goto `passage()`>> <<else>> <<if ["10", "20", "30", "40", "50", "100"].contains($drinktcount)>> <<goto "Endless Restock">> <<else>> <<goto `passage()`>> <</if>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "servingarcade">> <<if $mode isnot "tutorial">> <<set $drinktcount++>> <<elseif $mode is "endless">> <<if _glass.length === _args[0].length && _glass.includesAll(_args[0])>> <<set $cointotal += 4>> <<elseif _glass.includesAll(_args[0]) && (_args[0].length - _glass.length) lte 2>> <<set $cointotal += 2>> <<elseif _glass.includesAny(_args[0])>> <<set $cointotal +=0>> <<else>> <<set $cointotal-->> <</if>> <<elseif $mode is "perfection">> <<if _glass.length === _args[0].length && _glass.includesAll(_args[0])>> <<set $result to true>> <<else>> <<set $result to false>> <</if>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "glassarcade">> <<if ['Bangin’ Sweet Thing', 'Blossom Drop', 'Don’t Let the Drow Bite', 'Drunken Dryad', 'Hottie Gatherer', 'Rusty Anchor', 'Stormy Lagoon', 'Stormy Orchard', 'Wyrm’s Piss', "Pixie Dust"].contains($drink)>> <<if _glass.length is 0>> <img src="img/glass.png"> <<else>> <<print '<img src="img/glass-' + either("green", "red", "purple", "yellow", "blue", "grey", "pink", "cerulean", "pine", "lavender", "orange", "black") + '.png">'>> <</if>> <<elseif ['Dragon’s Breath', 'Emerald Dream', 'Goblin Spit', 'Knock-out Punch', 'Pirate’s Parrot'].contains($drink)>> <<if _glass.length is 0>> <img src="img/shot.png"> <<else>> <<print '<img src="img/shot-' + either("green", "red", "purple", "yellow", "blue", "grey", "pink", "cerulean", "pine", "lavender", "orange", "black") + '.png">'>> <</if>> <<elseif ['Dungeon Crawler', 'Grog Gnome', 'Liquid Courage', 'Orc Knuckle', 'Siren’s Song', 'Wake Up Call', "Any Port in a Storm"].contains($drink)>> <<if _glass.length is 0>> <img src="img/shot.png" style="width: 125px"> <<else>> <<print '<img src="img/shot-' + either("green", "red", "purple", "yellow", "blue", "grey", "pink", "cerulean", "pine", "lavender", "orange", "black") + '.png" style="width: 125px">'>> <</if>> <<elseif ['Baron’s Breakfast', 'Pressure Cooker', 'Renaud’s Nightmare', 'Sir Fancypants’ Bubbles', "Unsullied Sunrise"].contains($drink)>> <<if _glass.length is 0>> <img src="img/champ.png" style="width: 60px"> <<else>> <<print '<img src="img/champ-' + either("green", "red", "purple", "yellow", "blue", "grey", "pink", "cerulean", "pine", "lavender", "orange", "black") + '.png" style="width: 60px">'>> <</if>> <<elseif ['The Gambler', 'The Spirit Summoner', 'Troubled Waters'].contains($drink)>> <<if _glass.length is 0>> <img src="img/martini.png" style="width: 150px"> <<else>> <<print '<img src="img/martini-' + either("green", "red", "purple", "yellow", "blue", "grey", "pink", "cerulean", "pine", "lavender", "orange", "black") + '.png" style="width: 150px">'>> <</if>> <<else>> <<if _glass.length is 0>> <img src="img/round.png" style="width: 120px"> <<else>> <<print '<img src="img/round-' + either("green", "red", "purple", "yellow", "blue", "grey", "pink", "cerulean", "pine", "lavender", "orange", "black") + '.png" style="width: 120px">'>> <</if>> <</if>> <</widget>><center><h1>Welcome to the Tutorial for the Drink Mixing Mini-Game!</h1></center>\ <ul> <li> You can find the name of an ingredient by hovering your mouse over the item.</li> <li> You will find the recipe for the drink in the top right corner of the bar.</li> <li> To add an ingredient, click on the bottle in the bar or pot in the Garnishes dialog box.</li> <li> To shake or stir the drink, click on the buttons on the right side.</li> <li> Click on the glass to serve the drink.</li> <li> You can always restart the drink if you’ve made a mistake!</li> </ul> <center>You can start this tutorial on the Easy Way (with only the ingredients needed to mix the ‘//Rusty Anchor//’) or the Full Way (with a full bar). <<button "Let’s Start Easy">><<set $tutorial to "easy", $mode to "tutorial", $drink to "Rusty Anchor">><<goto "Bar Mixing">><</button>> | <<button "Full Bar It Is!">><<set $tutorial to "nope", $mode to "tutorial", $drink to "Rusty Anchor">><<goto "Bar Mixing">><</button>></center><<set _glass to []>><<set $reset to 0>><<barpage>><<garnishCSS>><<garnishpots>> <center><<button "Close">><<script>>Dialog.close();<</script>><</button>></center><h1>Non-Alcoholic Drinks:</h1>\ <ul> <li>''Pixie Dust'' <small>Grenadine, Club Soda, Ice.</small> </li> <li>''Unsullied Sunrise'' <small>Grenadine, Orange Juice, Stir.</small> </li> </ul>\ <h1>Alcoholic Drinks:</h1>\ <h3>Single Ingredient Drinks:</h3>\ <ul> <li> ''Any Port in a Storm'' <small>Porto</small> </li> <li> ''Blossom Drop'' <small>Cider</small> </li> <li> ''Dragon’s Breath'' <small>Whiskey</small> </li> <li> ''Eastern Ruby'' <small>Wine</small> </li> <li> ''Goblin Spit'' <small>Soju</small> </li> <li> ''Knock-out Punch'' <small>Vodka</small> </li> <li> ''Pirate's Parrot'' <small>Dark Rum</small> </li> <li> ''Sir Fancypants’ Bubbles'' <small>Champagne</small> </li> <li> ''Wyrm’s Piss'' <small>Beer</small> </li> </ul>\ <h3>Multiple Ingredient Drinks:</h3>\ <ul> <li>''Amarenthyne’s Twist'' <small>Gin, Club Soda, Lemon Juice, Syrup, Cherry, Stir.</small> </li> <li> ''Bangin’ Sweet Thing'' <small>Soju, Cola, Beer.</small> </li> <li> ''Baron’s Breakfast'' <small>Champagne, Orange Juice.</small> </li> <li> ''Don’t Let the Drow Bite'' <small>Dark Rum, Bitters, Sweet-n-Sour, Ginger Ale, Lime, Ice.</small> </li> <li> ''Drunken Dryad'' <small>Vodka, Bitters, Ginger Ale, Lime, Ice.</small> </li> <li> ''Dungeon Crawler'' <small>Gin, Vermouth, Bitters, Ice, Orange, Stir.</small> </li> <li> ''Emerald Dream'' <small>Rum, Absinthe.</small> </li> <li> ''Grog Gnome'' <small>Rum, Club Soda, Sugar, Lime, Cinnamon.</small> </li> <li> ''Hottie Gatherer'' <small>Rum, Club Soda, Mint, Lime, Ice, Stir.</small> </li> <li> ''Liquid Courage'' <small>Whiskey, Lemon juice, Syrup, Cherry, Ice, Shake.</small> </li> <li> ''Orc Knuckle'' <small>Whiskey, Syrup, Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Ice.</small> </li> <li> ''Pressure Cooker'' <small>Gin, Champagne, Lemon Juice, Sugar, Lemon.</small> </li> <li> ''Renaud’s Nightmare'' <small>Wine, Absinthe.</small> </li> <li> ''Rusty Anchor'' <small>Dark Rum, Cola, Ice, Lime, Stir.</small> </li> <li> ''Sailor’s Demise'' <small>Absinthe, Gin, Grenadine, Orange Juice, Shake.</small> </li> <li> ''Siren’s Song'' <small>Soju, Club Soda, Blueberries, Mint & Rosemary, Shake.</small> </li> <li> ''Stormy Lagoon'' <small>Dark Rum, Ginger Ale, Lime, Ice.</small> </li> <li> ''Stormy Orchard'' <small>Dark Rum, Cider, Ginger Ale, Ice.</small> </li> <li> ''The Gambler'' <small>Whiskey, Vermouth, Bitters, Cherry, Ice, Stir.</small> </li> <li> ''The Planes-Stumbler'' <small>Gin, Tonic, Grapefruit, Rosemary, Ice, Stir</small> </li> <li> ''The Spirit Summoner'' <small>Vodka, Cider, Sweet-n-Sour, Apple Slice, Stir.</small> </li> <li> ''Troubled Waters'' <small>Gin, Vermouth, Olive, Shake.</small> </li> <li> ''Wake Up Call'' <small>Whiskey, Coffee.</small> </li> </ul><div class="title"><h1>Day $day</h1>\ <<link "Start Day">><<if $gold lt 300>><<goto "LD2B">><<else>><<goto "LD2">><</if>><</link>></div><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>Walking the same path you’ve walked every day for the past months, your mind can only think of one thing: the amount of coins hidden in that tip ‘jar’ of yours hidden under the bar back at the tavern. If your calculations were correct, there should be at least the required 300 coins you had hoped to raise. While you won’t know for sure until you pile the coins up in the back room —you would not dream of emptying the box right on the bar—, you feel elated to have accomplished this feat.<<if $day lt 14>> Though you are still some days away from the pre imposed deadline to <<if $adventure>>register at the Adventuring Guild<<elseif $tavern>>put down an offer on the tavern<<else>>to buy the Bartending 3000 Box<</if>>, you can’t help but feel relieved having achieved what seemed to have been impossible to you a few weeks before.<</if>> Turning away from the gravel road, you stand a moment in front of the building, somewhat nostalgic over your struggles. //Gosh… In a moment, <<if $adventure>>I won’t be a bartender anymore… But a proper adventurer!<<elseif $tavern>>I’ll be the official new owner of the Thick Table Tavern!/I will finally get my hands on the best mixing utensils ever created !<</if>>// The faint wind pushes against the tavern’s sign, letting it swing. You smile. <ol> <li> <<link "Knock on the sign one last time. For good luck in this new chapter." `passage()`>><<set $text +=1, $knocktotal+=1>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Leave the sign alone. You have enough luck where it counts." `passage()`>><<set $text +=2>><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 2>>As you’ve done almost religiously since working here, you knock one last time on the sign and grin when your boss’s yells through the closed door reach your ears. &emsp;<<if $adventure>>“For Fuc— … Last day, Rosco. It’s the <<lad>>’s last day… It could be worse… You’re still going to have to pay for that, $name!”<<elseif $tavern>>“For Fuc— … You know what? I give up. And I won’t need to care anymore. It won’t be my problem anyway…”<<else>>“For Fuck’s sake, $name! Don’t think you’re going to get a pass just because you’re getting that fancy box of yours! You’re still going to have to pay for that, $name!”<</if>> <ul><li> <<link "Enter the tavern." `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 3>>You push the tavern’s door, grinning from ear to ear. A smile mirrored back by your boss standing behind the bar, mindlessly cleaning some mugs. In the corner of the room, you find Filessandro playing a tune on his lute. Ezabell is here too, surprisingly./*[Add more local NPC?]*/ &emsp;“Well, well, well…” Roscoe’s voice echoes in the room. “The prodigious <<lad>> has completed the insurmountable goal. Didn’t you?” &emsp;“I… I think so?” &emsp;“What do you mean, you think so? Don’t you have the full amount you need yet?” &emsp;“I’m pretty sure I do… But I should recount, just in case. I wouldn’t want to be short of a few coins when it’s time to pay…” &emsp;“That’s smart,” Roscoe smiles, approvingly. &emsp;“But wouldn’t it be funny,” Ezabell chimes in, snarkily, “if you didn’t have the correct amount? Gosh, that’d be embarrassing for you…” &emsp;“Ezabell…” your boss shakes his head. &emsp;“What? It’s all in good fun, isn’t it, $name?” she nudges you with her elbow. “We do //that// all the time, don’t we?” Instead of replying, you just smile and walk behind the bar to get your tip ‘jar’. As you crouch, your stomach tightens. //What if she’s right? What if I don’t have what I need? What if…// huh? Though you push the pots and other containers around, your wooden box is nowhere to be seen. //Oh… Oh, no.// Shaking, you frantically put every item under the counter aside, hoping the box would be just hidden some place else. But as you empty the shelves, you are confronted with your worst fears: the disappearance of your savings. <ul><li> <<link '//No! No, no, no, no, no!//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 4>>&emsp;“Is something the matter, $name?” the warm voice of your boss asks above you. “What’cha looking for under there?” &emsp;“It… It’s…. It’s…” you repeat, bewildered, your lips trembling. &emsp;“Why are you hiding?” Ezabell asks in return. “Afraid to tell us I was right? That you are missing like… 5 coins?” &emsp;“I… The… It’s…” you feel your eyes water. &emsp;“Stop it, Ezabell. I don’t think it’s time to make jokes, not right now. Look at $name. Something’s wrong.” &emsp;“I-hic… Whe-hic-re… Wh-hy…” &emsp;“Come on, boss… Are you sure it’s not all for show?” she huffs. “$name’s fooled us before.” &emsp;“No… No, it’s looks to be for real, this time, Ezabell. Look. ‘em eyes don’t water easily.” &emsp;“Oh… Err…” &emsp;“IT’S GONE!” you finally cry out. “It’s all gone.” &emsp;“What’s gone, $name?” &emsp;“ALL OF IT!” &emsp;“Wha—” &emsp;“Oh….” Ezabell grimaces. “I…” &emsp;“All my tips… All those drinks… It’s… IT’S ALL GONE!” &emsp;“Err… Are… Are you sure, $name?” she asks, her fingers tapping on some wood. &emsp;“WHAT?! Ya think I can lie about that?” you send her a dark glare. “About losing all my savings? OF COURSE, I’M SURE, YOU COW!” &emsp;“<<= $name.toUpperCase()>>!” Roscoe growls. “Language!” &emsp;“But she—” &emsp;“It’s fine, boss,” she shrugs, her fingers tapping even harder. “When $name’s finished being a prig, maybe we can all get to counting—” &emsp;“HOW? How can we count anything when my box is… <ul><li> <<link "… gone?!”" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>></li></ul> <<default>>Before you can finish your sentence, Ezabell sighs loudly and smugly shakes a heavy box in front of your face, creating a cacophony. &emsp;“H-how…” you blink like an idiot. “Where did ya…” &emsp;“Like we couldn’t know where you hide it, $name,” she sneers. “Under the counter? Behind some pots and jar? Come on… It’s like you were asking us to take it.” &emsp;“B-but…” &emsp;“Don’t I keep reminding you to hide your things better?” she continues. “Anyone coming early or staying late enough surely has seen you fiddling with it! You could have at least left it in the back room…” &emsp;“… or in my office…” Roscoe nods along. &emsp;“… or the pantry…” you think you hear Brom say. &emsp;“//Where//ver else you’d have left it, it would have been better than under there,” she taps the counter. “W-hic-why d-did ya—” &emsp;“To teach you a lesson, //obviously//,” your boss pats your shoulder. &emsp;“Wait… ya were in on it, too?” &emsp;“Of course, I was! Do you think I would let you <<if $adventure>>gallivant around the world<<elseif $tavern>>let you take over the tavern<<else>>buy something way too expensive<</if>> without giving you one more piece of wisdom, my <<lad>>?” He slaps your back. “That’s the least I can do for you, kid. You won’t always have me around guarding your belongings, you know?” And with these words, Roscoe takes the wooden box from Ezabell, removes the rubbery plug and pours out a stream of shiny gold coins on the counter. &emsp;“Now… How about we make sure it’s all in there?” <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@">><<unset $text>><<endgoing>><</link>></center> <</switch>>… And, fifteen days after that strange otherworldly encounter with an unfamiliar voice in your dream, you walk once more the same gravel path you have taken many times before to reach the same quaint establishment you call your place of work. //If I can still call it that…// You knew saving such a large sum of money would be quite the feat, especially in such a short amount of time. No matter the period landing during the busiest season for the tavern. It would have taken you a miracle to reach that crazy goal of yours. Still, <<if $adventure>>you were really looking forward to see foreign landscape and walk over untaken roads rather than it being only being a dream, to cross countries with strange rules and traditions rather than only listening to patrons’ accounts, to properly meet new people rather than serving them.<<elseif $tavern>>you had hoped to own the business before Roscoe would sell it away to some foreign and uncaring stranger, one who would not understand how special this place is. You also hoped to properly secure your job, not being at the mercy of another owner.<<else>>you really wanted to get your hands on this special box, the one that had been haunting your every thought, your every step since you saw that flyer. You always dreamt of having your own set of bartending utensils, not second-hand handouts.<</if>> Seeing the tavern now standing before you, you sigh loudly. It was already hard to face seeing your dream fizzle away from your fingers, but being confronted with the pitied look of your co-workers was another thing. You were disappointed enough in yourself as is, it is not like you need another waver of unfelt condolences. <ul><li> <<link "Enter the tavern.">><<endgoing>><</link>></li></ul>&emsp;“Well… my <<lad>>… This is it… The Adventuring Guild Office… Are you sure this is what you want to do? There //are// other, safer ways to get thrills in your life.” &emsp;“Ya worry too much. I’ll be fine.” &emsp;“Are you—” &emsp;“Of course, I’m sure! I didn’t work this hard to chicken out at the last minute,” you faint a smile, as you try your best to hide your shaking knees. &emsp;“You know… you can always wait for the next—” &emsp;“No, I’m going in. If I wait one more minute, I don’t think I’ll… err…” &emsp;“Oh, kiddo. I’m going to miss you.” &emsp;“I’ll miss you too. And the tavern.” &emsp;“I know.” &emsp;“And Ezabell.” &emsp;“She knows.” &emsp;“And—” &emsp;“We know, <<lad>>. We know. Don’t you worry.” &emsp;“I promise I’ll visit.” &emsp;“You better!” &emsp;“And I’ll tell everyone about the tavern.” &emsp;“You don’t have to.” &emsp;“I know… I just want to.” You pause. “Take care of yourself… mate?” you offer Roscoe your hand. &emsp;“Bah! Come here, you little twerp.” Roscoe brushes your hand aside and wraps you in his large and strong arms, lifting you just a smidge as he does so. Though you warmly return his embrace, you know you will need to fight the urge to continue holding tight. You are still a bit scared to cross the door behind you, even after Roscoe graciously came along for support. You are leaving the comfort and security of the warmest place you’ve ever visited for the coldness and uncertainty of new landscapes. &emsp;“It’s time to let go, my <<lad>>,” Roscoe’s fatherly voice whispers. “You wouldn’t want to miss out on this new chapter. I know it.” &emsp;“What if…” &emsp;“But what if you do,” he gently pushes you back. “And you’ll know where to find me, if you need me at some point. I’ll still be here. I ain’t going anywhere. That’s my promise.” He smiles at you. “Now… In you go.” As he waves for you to enter the building, you notice a single tear flowing down the crevices of his face. You smile back and push the door. <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "FINAL">><</link>></center><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>&emsp;“Ah, $name! Guess you came to see you early this morning,” Roscoe smiles. You look towards an armoured feathered woman standing next to your boss, wrapped in a long wintergreen cape with a sword sigil painted on it. //The Adventuring Guild…// You wince. &emsp;“Why the long face, kiddo? Aren’t you happy to—” &emsp;“It’s fine, Roscoe. I expected this. Can I?” she waves in your direction. &emsp;“Be my guest. Just bring my <<lad>> back in one piece, Norah!” &emsp;“No promises,” she winks at him before coming closer to you. “Come on, kid. Let’s take a stroll.” Even after she passes you, you just stand there, frozen in place. &emsp;“This was //not// a suggestion, Private,” she growls. “Outside!” You jump, yelping, before catching up with her and marching a few steps behind. You continue to follow her until she stops at the edge of a forest. She looks around for a moment, finds a seat on a tree stump, and nods at you to see on a patch of grass in front of her. <ul><li><<link "Do as you are told. Well, motioned to." `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 2>>&emsp;“We missed you at the Registration Office earlier. Why didn’t you come by? I was told you wanted to sign up… What happened?” &emsp;“Who told ya I wanted to join your stupid club?” you snap back. &emsp;“Come on, kid. The whole town knew… I mean, you work next to a bard who cannot close his mouth to save his own life, with a waitress who will stir the pot herself to see some drama unfold, and a man who… would do anything for you, to be honest. So… what stopped you?” &emsp;“Err… Roscoe—” &emsp;“Oh, please. Don’t try to spin some bullshit excuse. You really think that teddy bear would try to put sticks in your wheels? He’s your first supporter,” she scoffs. “So, kid. What’s the reason? Tell Auntie Norah.” You lower your head, ashamed. It was bad enough you could not gather all you needed to sign up on time, but the most senior officer of the town’s chapter of the Adventuring Guild came to check on you personally, just because you did not show up. &emsp;“I see…” she slaps her thighs and gets up. “And here I was, afraid someone had come around and tried to stop you from signing up. We’ve been chasing some little twerps doing just that in the region. In retaliation for us giving them assignments they didn’t like. But with you…” She shakes her head. “You’re just a plain coward.” &emsp;“Am not, mate!” your mouth shouts before your mind ca react. &emsp;“Ok. First of all, I am not your ‘//mate//’. I am a Captain. Second, if you don’t want me to believe you were too chicken to come to the office, you just have to tell my why.” She places her fists on her hips, waiting for you to reply. Seeing you recoil under her glare, she sighs and turns away. &emsp;“Coward, it is.” <ul><li><<link "Admit your shortcomings." `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>></li></ul> <<default>>She takes a few steps, before you muster the courage to tell the truth. &emsp;“I-dint-av-ze-money,” you mumble, jumping to your feet. &emsp;“What? I didn’t get that.” &emsp;“I… didn’t have the money… to pay the fee.” &emsp;“Ah…” She frowns. “Did Roscoe short your wages, too? I swear—” &emsp;“No! No… it was… it was all on me.” &emsp;“Right… Well… That saves me from an awkward conversion with him later…” &emsp;“…” &emsp;“Cheer up, kiddo. Just because you didn’t make it this time does not mean your dream is over. There’s always next season! Should give you enough time to earn what you missed, right?” <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "FINAL">><</link>></center> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>&emsp;“So… This is //it//, huh?” &emsp;“Indeed. Once you sign this bill of sale, you will be the new proprietor of //The Thick Table Tavern//, located at—” &emsp;“Yeah, yeah. The <<lad>> knows where it is.” &emsp;“But I’m mandated to—” &emsp;“I was the Bartender there, mate. It’d be weird if I didn’t know where it was.” &emsp;“You don’t—” &emsp;“Enough with the mumbo-jumbo,” Roscoe slams the table. “Are we signing this or what? ‘Cause I am due for retirement.” &emsp;“Ready when you are, boss.” &emsp;“I won’t be for much longer, kid,” Roscoe pats your back. &emsp;“Ahem. May I be allowed to ensure this exchange be done in accordance to the legal fr—” &emsp;“Can you dumb it down for regular folks, mate? Otherwise, just give us the paper.” &emsp;“And a pen,” Roscoe adds. &emsp;“No need,” you shake your head. “I brought one.” &emsp;“Oh! Is that…” his eyes twinkle at the sight of the pen. &emsp;“…the pen you gave me when I signed on as a Bartender, yeah.” &emsp;“You kept it… after all this time?” &emsp;“Of course, I did, boss!” &emsp;“Good <<lad>>,” Roscoe presses your shoulder. &emsp;“Ahem!” &emsp;“Go on, little administrator. Do your thing.” &emsp;“In accordance to the //Treaty of Caltrie//, Section 357, Article 10, Point C regarding the Sale of a Business, //The Thick Table Tavern// owned by M. Roscoe Orllac III will be transferred to Bartender $name Hassons for the price of…” &emsp;“…300 gold coins,” Roscoe answers. &emsp;“Are you //sure//, sir? 300 coins seems awfully low for this location, considering the l—” &emsp;“I wouldn’t be selling it to the kid if I wasn’t sure. And $name knows the terms.” &emsp;“T-terms? I wasn’t told about //terms//. This should be added to—” &emsp;“Don’t ya worry about that,” you tap the table. “This doesn’t concern ya.” &emsp;“But if it goes against—” &emsp;“It won’t void the contract, little administrator. Can we finish this? I’m thirsty.” &emsp;“I’ll make ya a ‘//Rusty Anchor//’ when we’re done.” &emsp;“That would be more than welcome, kiddo.” &emsp;“Fine…” the administrator grumbles. “… //Treaty of Caltrie//… //The Thick Table Tavern//… be transferred… for the price of 300 gold coins… Here we are. The buyer has a right to any item left behind by the seller after the moving date in two weeks’ time.” &emsp;“$name can have it all. I never left anything of value there, anyway.” &emsp;“The seller must have disclosed any undesirables with the building prior to the sale, or they will be liable for potential repairs, even after the refractory period.” &emsp;“Yeah, I know about Filessandro. Can ya move along?” &emsp;“But what about—” &emsp;“It will be taken care of, little administrator.” &emsp;“If you say so,” the administrator shrugs. “Hm-mhh… The sale will be concluded on the moving date in two weeks’ time. Any issue must be reported to—” &emsp;“No need. We can handle it between ourselves.” &emsp;“I must prot—” <ul><li> <<link "“Nah, mate. We’re good. Just let us sign.”" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<default>>Begrudgingly, the administrator hands both you and Roscoe a paper, stating all important aspects of this transaction and rights of both parties. &emsp;“The elderly’s first,” you hand Roscoe your pen. &emsp;“You little twerp,” he jokingly replies as he takes it. After scribbling on the paper, he hands the pen back, but does not let go right away. &emsp;“You… you take good care of it, ok?” &emsp;“I will, boss. I… I promise I will.” Roscoe lets go of the pen, and a small tear runs down the crevices of his face when the paper adorns your signature. He offers you his hand. &emsp;“It’s been a pleasure being your boss, kiddo.” &emsp;“Ditto… mate?” you tentatively say as you grab his hand. &emsp;“Ah… I’m gonna need to get used to that… But you earned it.” &emsp;“Come on, bo— mate. Let’s get a drink.” <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "FINAL">><<unset $text>><</link>></center> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>&emsp;“Hi! Welco— Oh, $name. It’s… It’s just //you//. What… what are you doing here?” &emsp;“Coming to work, boss?” &emsp;“Err… Didn’t I tell you we were… closed today?” &emsp;“Huh? But… ya //never// close the tavern.” &emsp;“Well, it’s closed today. You can go… home.” &emsp;“What if I want to stay, boss?” &emsp;“There is nothing for you to do. Just leave, alright?” You squint at the bulky man and notice him rubbing uncomfortably his hands and looking out the window, as if expecting something. Or someone. &emsp;“Do ya need company until they arrive?” &emsp;“What? Who arrive? When?” the man rambles as sweats appear on his forehead. &emsp;“I don’t know,” you shrug. “Ya tell me.” &emsp;“It’s probably best if you left, my <<lad>>. This… This doesn’t concern you.” &emsp;“Ha! Someone told me that before. I know when—” <ul><li><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 2>>The tavern door opening interrupts you. A slender man in a dark attire enters, holding a large case to his right and an umbrella that he folds and hangs on his left arm. The hair on the back of your next stands up and goosebumps appear on your arms. &emsp;“I am not interrupting anything, I hope,” the stranger says. &emsp;“Ye—” an elbow to your stomach stops you once more. &emsp;“No, of course not, M. von Karpov. You were not interrupting at all. I— we were just waiting for you.” &emsp;“I… see. M. Roscoe Orllac III, I presume?” the man extends his bony hands to your boss, who takes it warmly. &emsp;“You can just call me Roscoe.” &emsp;“I’d rather not, M. Orllac III.” The man retracts swiftly his hand. “And who might this be?” &emsp;“Ah… This is $name, my bartender. Well, the bartender of this tavern.” &emsp;“What does a lowly bartender have to do with the sale of this establishment? Is there a stake I am not aware of?” &emsp;“Oh, no. No, no, no, M. von Karpov. The kid has no stake in this exchange. This was just a miscommunication about opening hours…” &emsp;“Then, I shall bid you to leave, //child//.” <ol> <li> <<link "Protest. You want to stay and witness the sale. Maybe you could even save your job?" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Execute the command. You’d rather not be in the way." `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 3>>Before you can do or say anything, your boss raises his arm in front of you. &emsp;“If you wouldn’t mind, M. von Karpov, I would prefer if my <<lad>> stayed. As a… witness, if you will. We could also enjoy a drink or two, before we… wrap this whole deal. $name can make a mean—” &emsp;“May I assume this would be one of your fixed condition?” the man sighs. &emsp;“…I-indeed, it is.” &emsp;“Then… the //child// can… stay.” &emsp;“Good, good. Thank you, M. von Karpov. Come, have a seat.” &emsp;“Hrmph,” the man grunts before pulling back a chair with a flick of a wrist. &emsp;“$name will make you whatever you’d want, won’t you, <<lad>>?” Apprehensively, you nod. &emsp;“Hrmph… I am //sure// whatever bottles this… //bar// carries would not be sufficient to please my… palate.” &emsp;“Oh, M. von Karpov. You greatly underestimate this young <<lad>>.” &emsp;“Do I?” he scoffs. “Truly… If that child was as great as you claim… I wouldn’t be here buying this place, now would I, M. Orllac III?” &emsp;“With all due respect, M. von Karpov, not everyone is meant to run a business. $name is a much more competent mixer than a manager. The kid just… realised it a few days ago.” &emsp;“How… convenient…” the man frowns. &emsp;“Speaking of…” &emsp;“Is this going to be one of your conditions again?” the man sits back, rolling his eyes, annoyed. “You are requesting a lot out of your buyer for such a d— erm… //quaint// place…” &emsp;“Well… I don’t have to sell… if we can’t reach an agreement, M. von Karpov.” &emsp;“I thought you wanted to retire, M. Orllac III.” &emsp;“I can wait a bit longer. A few decades more are nothing to me…” &emsp;“Fine… What is now?” &emsp;“Let us say I hand over the key of the tavern to you… and you were looking to keep the business rolling as smoothly as you could during this transition… wouldn’t you want a fully staffed crew ready for your command?” &emsp;“Boss—” &emsp;“Sshh,” Roscoe snaps at you before smiling back at his interlocutor. “I am sure a businessman like yourself would prefer to avoid seeing operations stopped so when it could still be profitable.” &emsp;“I… see. That //female//…” he snaps his finger, trying to recall her name. “What did you call her again? The waitress?” &emsp;“Ezabell?” &emsp;“Yes, that one. I can understand why I would want to keep her. She attracts a lot of clients, indeed. But, //that// child,” he looks you up and down, disgusted, “I am not sure I would truly have a need for… //that//.” &emsp;“You will be surprised what my <<lad>> can do, M. von Karpov.” Roscoe motions you to come closer before pointing shortly at the man. &emsp;“W-what would you like to d-drink, M—” &emsp;“Hmm…” the man stares at you, straight into your soul, making you shiver. “Surprise me.” <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "FINAL">><<unset $text>><</link>></center> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>&emsp;“Ah, $name! You’re here!” &emsp;“Everything ok, boss?” &emsp;“Oh, yes. Everything’s fine. More than fine actually. Guess what just arrived!” &emsp;“What just arrived?” &emsp;“You have to guess, $name. That’s the point of— …” He shakes his head, disappointed. “Just give it a shot.” &emsp;“I ain’t a mind reader, boss. Can’t ya just tell me?” &emsp;“One,” he holds his finger up. “Just one guess. Please?” &emsp;“Fine,” you roll your eyes. “Is it… <ol> <li> <<link "… some fancy new mugs?”" `passage()`>><<set $text ++>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "… a new kind of potato for the kitchen?”" `passage()`>><<set $text ++>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "… some exotic beer?”" `passage()`>><<set $text ++>><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 2>>&emsp;“Not even close, my <<lad>>! Wow… you are bad at guessing.” &emsp;“Or ya can just tell me what it is?” &emsp;“Right!” Roscoe disappears behind the bar, before propping a large crate onto the counter; a create so large, it covers most of the bar. Your boss puts his head on the crate, the rest of his body hiding behind it, creating a very comical sight. Instead of bursting into laughter, your heard skips a beat. &emsp;“Is… Is that…” &emsp;“Just delivered this morning. Has your name on it.” &emsp;“It… it finally arrived?” you skip to the bar, filled with glee and excitement. “I can’t… I… That merchant…” &emsp;“Ah, yes. That little weasel almost swindled you out of your money… Giving all of it upfront? Tsk… You know, you shouldn’t be so trusting. They could have just run off without giving you anything in return.” &emsp;“I almost lost hope…” &emsp;“I bet…” He points to you. “Always only give half in advance and half at delivery. Always!” &emsp;“I’ll… I’ll remember that next time.” You come closer, still in shock of seeing your newly prized possession standing in front of you —well… inside the crate, that is—. Is… Is this a dream? Your hand tentatively brushes the untreated wood. <ul><li> <<link "Knock on the crate." `passage()`>><<set $text ++>><</link>></li></ul> <<default>>&emsp;“Just had to check, eh, my <<lad>>?” Roscoe chuckles above you. &emsp;“Err… yeah…” &emsp;“Ah! Don’t make that face. I did it too back in my time.” He taps the box. “Well? Aren’t you going to open it? It can’t stay on the bar all day. We got patrons coming later!” &emsp;“I…” &emsp;“Those poor lads… almost breaking their backs to bring it in… and you just stand there? I’d have destroyed the crate by now!” &emsp;“I… I just didn’t think it would be this… large.” &emsp;“Neither did the poor lads. That thing weights a ton!” &emsp;“A ton?!” Your eyes widen. “But… but… It’s just some bartending utensils… How…” &emsp;“Packaging mostly, I’d wager,” Roscoe shrugs. “That wood crate alone might be the main culprit here…” &emsp;“That seems… unnecessary.” &emsp;“If it has as much glass components as my old gear, I can assure you it is not. Now… Can we…” He waves his hand. &emsp;“Right…” You climb atop the counter and, with Roscoe’s help, crack open the lid. Before pushing the lid aside and reveal the crate’s content, you close your eyes and hold your breath. //This is it… What I’ve been working so hard for… //You open one eye. A silvery shiny glow from the container blinds you. <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "FINAL">><<unset $text>><</link>></center> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>&emsp;“Oh, $name…” Ezabell runs to you. “I am sorry… But I couldn’t tell them to not to…” You look towards the corner of the room she is pointing toward and see a group of oddly dressed individuals sitting in front of some strangely placed wares on a table. //The merchant’s back in town… And I…// Your throat turns dry. &emsp;“It… It’s ok, Ezabell. They’re good for business, aren’t they…” &emsp;“Yes, but… well…” &emsp;“Don’t worry about me, dear… It just wasn’t meant to be.” &emsp;“It’s just a sh—” &emsp;“Drop it. Please.” &emsp;“Fine!” She runs to another table while you make your way towards the bar to relieve the newbie. //At least, something good came out of…// While you cross the room, you try your best not to look towards the merchant’s table, having spotted your prized artefact just earlier, afraid you’d start bawling about what could have been —you’d done that three times on the way already—. &emsp;“Oh, boss… Thank gosh, you’re here,” the youngster says, agitated. “I… I think I did something wrong.” <ul><li><<link '//Not again…//' `passage()`>><<set $text ++>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 2>>&emsp;“Ah, ya don’t need to call me boss, mate. Roscoe’s the boss. I’m just—” &emsp;“He’s the Big Boss, you’re the boss behind the counter,” the youngster squeaks. &emsp;“Right…” You tie your apron. “Now, what was that mistake about?” &emsp;“I… I added from the wrong green bottle…” &emsp;“That’s not telling me much, Claude. What were ya trying to—” &emsp;“AH! MASTER <<= $name.toUpperCase()>>! I am glad to see you here,” one of the oddly dressed individual comes up to the bar. “This kid gave me the wrong drink! //Again//!” &emsp;“//Again//?!” you shoot an inquisitive look to the shrivelling bartender-in-training. &emsp;“Yes, again!” the merchant continues. “I asked for it to be made again… and still.” &emsp;“I’ll fix it for ya,” you sigh. “What did ya ask for?” &emsp;“A ‘//Rusty Anchor//’.” &emsp;“Right up,” you add, trying to keep your face from falling. &emsp;“I… I don’t know where I went wrong,” the youngster says, on the verge of tears. &emsp;“Did ya follow the recipe?” &emsp;“I… Yes?” &emsp;“Did ya—” &emsp;“Ah! Youngsters,” the merchant laughs. “You’re lucky you got a great model right there.” &emsp;“Yeah, yeah… Here ya go, mate. A ‘//Rusty Ancho//r’.” &emsp;“Finally… Do consider checking out my wares at some point today. I have everything your heart could desire,” the merchant winks before walking away. <ul><li><<link '//Good riddance…//' `passage()`>><<set $text ++>><</link>></li></ul> <<default>>You take the monstrosity Claude created with the tip of your fingers and throw it away, trying your best not to barf at the smell in the process. &emsp;“B-boss?” &emsp;“What, Claude?” &emsp;“Are you…” &emsp;“Mad? Nah… Ya just started. I can’t expect ya to be at my level already.” &emsp;“No… that’s not— well, phew… but… that wasn’t my question. Are you going to check it out?” &emsp;“It?” &emsp;“The merchant’s table! //Duh//…” &emsp;“I… err… wasn’t planning to, Claude. But ya can go… after ya clean that mess ya made.” &emsp;“But what about…” &emsp;“What about //what//?” you ask, exasperated. &emsp;“That bartending box something… you know… the one you—” &emsp;“Mind ya business, Claude!” &emsp;“But, you…” &emsp;“Mind. Ya. Business.” &emsp;“But—” &emsp;“Claudie, sweetie,” Ezabell honeyed voice stops you from yelling at the youngster. “Can you check the latrine out there? I think a patron may have… you know…” &emsp;“B-but—” &emsp;“Now, Claude,” her voice changes and whips the air, prompting Claude to skedaddle. “ ‘s going to need a filter, that one.” &emsp;“Hrmph.” &emsp;“You’re welcome, by the way.” &emsp;“//Thank ya, Ezabell//.” &emsp;“Hey… As soon as I see Roscoe, I’ll make him boot them,” she nods at the busy table. “I’m sure he’ll understand.” &emsp;“Yeah… thanks…” &emsp;“Don’t pull that face. This is just a setback. They’ll be back soon enough, anyway. I’m sure they’ll still have a few of that box still then, when you save what’s missing. Right?” <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "FINAL">><<unset $text>><</link>></center> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>''Well, well, well… Here we are again…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 2>>''This wasn’t really what I expected from this assignment…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 3>>''Do you think you achieved what you wanted?'' <ol> <li><<link "Yeah, I did!" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Nah. I could’ve done stuff differently" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 4>>''I see…'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 5>>''Well. This has been most informative!'' <<link 'Has it? //Really//?' `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 6>>''No. Not particularly. But my job is done here.'' <<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 7>>''Unless…'' <<link "Unless?" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>> <<case 8>>''You would want to try it all again?'' <ol> <li> <<link "What?!" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Why not? It could be fun!">><<script>>UI.restart();<</script>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Nah, I’m good." "Crediting">><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 9>>''Oh, yes. Happens all the time. Really easy too. Just need to press one button.'' <<link "What happens to me?" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 10>>''You? Err… You get to start again. Change your choices. See if it makes a difference… if it actually does.'' <<link "Do I get to keep my stuff? or my memories?" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 11>>''Oh heavens, no! //That// would be idiotic.'' <<link "Why should I do it, then?" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 12>>''Why not? Most people do. It matters very little to me, at the end.'' <ol> <li> <<link "I could always give it a try!">><<script>>UI.restart();<</script>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Nah, I’m good." "Crediting">><</link>></li> </ol> <</switch>><center><h1>Welcome to the Tutorial for the Drink Mixing Mini-Game!</h1></center>\ <ul> <li> You can find the name of an ingredient by hovering your mouse over the item.</li> <li> You will find the recipe for the drink in the top right corner of the bar.</li> <li> To add an ingredient, click on the bottle in the bar or pot in the Garnishes dialog box.</li> <li> To shake or stir the drink, click on the buttons on the right side.</li> <li> Click on the glass to serve the drink.</li> <li> You can always restart the drink if you’ve made a mistake!</li> </ul> <center>You can start this tutorial on the Easy Way (with only the ingredients needed to mix the ‘//Rusty Anchor//’) or the Full Way (with a full bar). <<button "Let’s Start Easy">><<set $tutorial to "easy", $bar to "t1", $drink to "Rusty Anchor">><<goto "Bar Mixing">><</button>> | <<button "Full Bar It Is!">><<set $tutorial to "nope", $bar to "t1", $drink to "Rusty Anchor">><<goto "Bar Mixing">><</button>></center><center>Now that you know how to make a drink, it is time to choose a difficulty setting. <<if $tutorial is "easy">>The bar will be fully stacked from now on.<</if>><<unset $tutorial>></center>\ <table>\ <tr>\ <th>Easy</th>\ <td>\ <ul>\ <li> You can add/remove ingredients at will.</li>\ <li> The drink recipe will be visible at all times.</li>\ <li> Resetting drinks are unlimited.</li>\ </ul>\ </td>\ </tr>\ <tr>\ <th>Normal</th>\ <td>\ <ul>\ <li> You cannot remove ingredients to the drinks.</li>\ <li> The drink recipe will need to be toggled to be visible.</li>\ <li> Resetting drinks will start giving you a penalty at the second reset.</li>\ </ul>\ </td>\ </tr>\ <tr>\ <th>Hard</th>\ <td>\ <ul>\ <li> All the restrictions from Normal difficulty.</li>\ <li> The drink will be served automatically at the end of the timer.</li>\ <li> Resetting drinks will only give you a penalty.</li>\ </ul>\ </td>\ </tr>\ </table>\ <center><<button "EASY">><<set settings.difficulty to "Easy", $bar to "t2", $drink to "Troubled Waters">><<goto "Bar Mixing">><</button>> | <<button "NORMAL">><<set settings.difficulty to "Normal", $bar to "t2", $drink to "Troubled Waters">><<goto "Bar Mixing">><</button>> | <<button "HARD">><<set settings.difficulty to "Hard", $bar to "t2", $drink to "Troubled Waters">><<goto "Bar Mixing">><</button>><<set $result to 0>> ''Note:'' You can always change the difficulty of the Settings Menu (not available during Drink Mixing). Hard difficulty not recomended for keyboard players.</center><<if def $madedrink>><<unset $madedrink>><</if>><<set $nextdrink to [], $madedrink to []>><<set $frenzy to random(2,9)>><<if $story is "brom">><<set $bar to "frenzyb">><<else>><<set $bar to "frenzy">><</if>><<for _i to 0; _i lt $frenzy; _i++>><<set $nextdrink.push(setup.drinklist.random())>><</for>><center><h1>Order Up!</h1></center>\ You will need to make the following drinks: <ol> <<for _i to 0; _i lt $nextdrink.length; _i++>> <li> $nextdrink[_i]</li> <</for>> </ol> <center><<button "Let’s make some drinks!">><<set $drink to $nextdrink[0], $madedrink.push($nextdrink[0])>><<run $nextdrink.deleteAt(0)>><<goto "Bar Mixing">><</button>></center><center><h1>Next Up!</h1></center> You still have $frenzy <<if $frenzy gt 1>>drinks<<else>>drink<</if>> left to do: <ol> <<for _i to 0; _i lt $madedrink.length; _i++>> <li> <s>$madedrink[_i]</s></li> <</for>> <<for _i to 0; _i lt $nextdrink.length; _i++>> <li> $nextdrink[_i]</li> <</for>> </ol> <center><<button "Let’s make the next drinks!">><<set $drink to $nextdrink[0], $madedrink.push($nextdrink[0])>><<run $nextdrink.deleteAt(0)>><<goto "Bar Mixing">><</button>></center><<set _random to random(1,16)>><<switch _random>><<case 1>>&emsp;“That… that was it?” you ask Ezabell. “That’s not much of a rush, honestly.” “What are you complaining about, sweetie? Rejoice in the down times!” &emsp;“Still…” &emsp;“Consider yourself lucky.” &emsp;“Why? I need—” &emsp;“You’re not the one running from table to table with trays filled with glasses.” &emsp;“Ah… Yeah… Sorry…” <<case 2>>&emsp;“Wait, Ez! Here’s the last one.” &emsp;“I could have—” &emsp;“Yeah… but that way, ya don’t need to make another trip. For just one drink, that’s—” &emsp;“Bah,” she laughs. “What’s an extra ten steps going to do to me? It’s not like the other side of the room is miles away.” &emsp;“I don’t have to put it on your tray if ya don’t want it.” <<case 3>>&emsp;“Quiet today, huh?” &emsp;“Quiet //so far//, $name,” the waitress knocks on the counter. “Don’t jinx it for us.” &emsp;“Well…” &emsp;“I know you want to get //aaaalll// the tips today, but I don’t think my legs could handle serving that many patrons.” &emsp;“If ya’d close—” you chuckle. &emsp;“ <<= $name.toUpperCase()>> !” <<case 4>>&emsp;“Do ya think Brom would let us have a b—” &emsp;“Way ahead of you, buddy,” Ezabell drops a wooden bowl full of steaming stew in front of you. &emsp;“Can I—” &emsp;“Gimme a minute and I’ll get you some bread.” &emsp;“Mmh… Why are ya—” &emsp;“Can’t stop. Need to go.” &emsp;“Ya had one coffee too many already, didn’t ya?” <<case 5>>&emsp;“Hey, Brom. Ya need something?” &emsp;“Hrmph…” &emsp;“Rough night yesterday? Did the kids keep ya up all night?” &emsp;“//Hrmph//.” &emsp;“That’s rough, mate… Want some coffee?” &emsp;“Hrmpth!” &emsp;“Aight! Be there in a sec.” <<case 6>>&emsp;“Oh, Brom! Ya didn’t need to… I could have… Err… Thanks, mate.” &emsp;“Hrmph?” &emsp;“Ah… Roscoe told ya too?” &emsp;“Hrmph…” &emsp;“Ya saw it too?!” &emsp;“Hrmph?” &emsp;“Nah, mate. That’s nice of ya… but I should—” &emsp;“… Hrmph.” &emsp;“Yeah… ya get it.” <<case 7>><<if $jar is true>>&emsp;“Ho, ho, ho, the tip jar is out, today!” &emsp;“Hoe, hoe, hoe, so is ya!” &emsp;“Boo! That’s low… You can do better, $name.” &emsp;“Mmh… Dem money mil—” &emsp;“ <<= $name.toUpperCase()>> !” &emsp;“How about… ‘do they need to a tool? cause I got a h—” &emsp;“I walked right into that one, didn’t I…” &emsp;“Why don’t you walk—” &emsp;“I’m leaving!”\ <<else>>&emsp;“No tip jar out today, huh? You feel bad for guilting them into giving you more,” Ezabell snickers. &emsp;“Do ya feel bad making them giving ya more by showing your… badonkadonks?” &emsp;“Pfft,” she snorts. “Never! Not when they’re making me //so// much money,” she sticks out her tongue. “But, seriously… Why not take it out? You’d be missing out on what you could get…” &emsp;“Nah… It’s not… Not worth the troubles.” &emsp;“Right… ‘em slippery hands, Roscoe called them. Haven’t seen them in a while.” &emsp;“Don’t want to risk it.” &emsp;“Fair enough.”\ <</if>> <<case 8>>&emsp;“Hey, Ez! Have ya seen Filessandro around?” &emsp;“Why on this damn world would you want to look for that awful bard?” &emsp;“He didn’t come to get his share.” &emsp;“He //didn’t//?! That’s… not like him.” &emsp;“Yeah… that’s why I asked ya!” &emsp;“Did he maybe get stuck in the latrines, //again//?” &emsp;“Can ya ch—” &emsp;“Ab-so-lu-te-ly not!” &emsp;“Then, can ya stay behind the bar so I can?” &emsp;“More than happy to!” &emsp;“Don’t drink the booze! It’s not for ya!” &emsp;“Party pooper…” <<case 9>>&emsp;“$name, I’m heading out!” &emsp;“Is that your break already? Didn’t we just—” &emsp;“Don’t worry, I’ll be back before you know it!” &emsp;“Do I even want to know where ya going?” &emsp;“Probably not.” &emsp;“Are ya going to see that John again? He’s not right for ya, ya know?” &emsp;“His name was //Luke// and not John… and, if you must know… I’m going to see Jean.” &emsp;“The Headmistress? Why?” &emsp;“A lady never tells,” she winks. <<case 10>>&emsp;“Ez! Can ya handle the bar for a few minutes?” &emsp;“$name… how many times are you doing to ask me when you know I can’t serve anything with more than two ingredients?” &emsp;“Come on, Ez! I really need to go.” &emsp;“Oh! So when I have an appointment, I can’t just leave my station. But when you do—” &emsp;“Not an appointment, mate. I //really need// to go!” &emsp;“Are you taking a piss?!” &emsp;“Not yet… But, I will if ya don’t—” &emsp;“Gross, $name… Fine. Go. Relieve yourself.” &emsp;“Thank ya, Ez!” &emsp;“AND CLEAN YOUR HANDS!” <<case 11>>&emsp;“So, $name… Seeing anyone lately?” &emsp;“Why do ya keep asking, Ez? Ya already know the answer…” &emsp;“Oh, you never know,” she smiles mischievously. “A chance encounter on your way home. A meet-cute at the bakery. Walking into someone—” &emsp;“Ez—… Ya’re not actually asking about me, are ya…” &emsp;“Sweetie,” she gasps, fainting outrage. “I would not be so rude as—” &emsp;“Ugh… fine… Who did ya //pork// last night?” &emsp;“This cutest lil’ maiden, the one working at the inn.” &emsp;“//Her//?” &emsp;“You know Susan?” &emsp;“Yeah, I do!” &emsp;“Oh, no. Did I take your—” &emsp;“She’s my landlady’s daughter! //Ezabeeell//… I thought we agreed on this… No owner or landlord or boss or baker’s offspring. That’s why you didn’t go after Christoff. Right? … Right, Ez?” &emsp;“Err…” &emsp;“Oh, Roscoe’s gonna be pissed…” <<case 12>>&emsp;“//Hrmph//?” &emsp;“Nah, mate… Roscoe’s not here. &emsp;“Hrmph…” &emsp;“Yeah, I know. He’s been leaving a lot lately… Ya know why?” &emsp;“Hrmph.” &emsp;“Dangit!” &emsp;“Hrmph?” &emsp;“Nah, Brom. I don’t know either. I tried asking Ezabell… but ya know her… if she can’t get something in return, she ain’t telling ya a thing.” &emsp;“Hrmph…” &emsp;“Asking him?! Are ya mad, mate? Ya try asking him.” &emsp;“Hrmph!” &emsp;“Yeah… that’s what I thought.” <<case 13>>&emsp;“Oh, Brom! There’s a package for ya in the kitchen.” &emsp;“Hrmph?” &emsp;“Yeah, it had your name on it… Weren’t ya expecting one?” &emsp;“Hrmph… Hrmph!” &emsp;“Wait a minute… Does Roscoe know about it?” &emsp;“//Hrmph//…?” &emsp;“Brom… He’s not gonna be happy when ya destroy the kitchen again.” &emsp;“Hrmph!” &emsp;“How could it have been an accident, mate?! Ya mixed—” &emsp;“Hrmph…” &emsp;“Ya didn’t order what I think ya did… did ya?” &emsp;“//Hrmph//…” &emsp;“… Hmm… If Roscoe asks, I’ll tell him I didn’t see ya. Or your ‘package’. Ya deal with it.” &emsp;“Hrmph.” <<case 14>>&emsp;“Ugh… Where’s everyone? I’m so //booored//…” <<case 15>>&emsp;“$name? You got a minute?” &emsp;“Yeah… Lemme just clean the counter and… What’s up, Ez?” &emsp;“Can you… ask that table to… leave?” &emsp;“What— The hooded peeps? Are they giving ya the creeps?” &emsp;“No, no… That’s just the local cult. They’re harmless… Already gave me a nice tip too… No, //that// table.” &emsp;“//That//? With the pants and the—” &emsp;“Yes, that one.” &emsp;“Why? They look… normal to me.” &emsp;“Green Shirt in the middle tried to… err… you know…” &emsp;“//Oh//… Oh, no… Are… Are ya ok?” &emsp;“I… Just boot them out, please…” &emsp;“I’ll get Glinda. Roscoe left it in his office, right?” <<case 16>>&emsp;“Ez?” &emsp;“Hm-mhh?” &emsp;“Did ya… did ya go by //that// table yet?” &emsp;“What table? The empty one?” &emsp;“It’s not empty. Can’t ya see them waving?” &emsp;“… $name… There’s no one where…” &emsp;“Are ya pulling my leg? //There// is someone right there! With the weird hat… and wings!” &emsp;“Wings?! $name… You should probably stop leaving bottles open… The fumes making you see things that aren’t there…” &emsp;“Ya really can’t see it?! But… but—” <</switch>> <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@">><<npcpage>><</link>></center><<restockbarpage>><<set $drink to setup.drinklist.random()>><center><h1>Last Call!</h1></center>\ One last drink to make before the tavern closes: <ul><li> $drink </li></ul> <center><<button "Let’s make that last drink!">><<set $bar to "lastcall">><<goto "Bar Mixing">><</button>></center><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>The tavern turns quiet after the last of the rushing patrons exits the building, and stays so for a while. The stillness unnerves you. Even in the middle of the day, it is eerily too quiet for your taste. While you did not expect this to be a busy time —far from it—, you still hoped to see more interesting faces around the room. You force yourself to keep busy, partly because you fear Roscoe seeing you too idle for this liking —he often peeks through the windows—, partly because you fear turning insane without anything to do, by arranging and rearranging items around the bar. In this strange boredom, you notice a figure passing by the window next to the door. Once. Twice, in the opposite direction. Thrice. Again, going back. And again. The figure marches along the wall from one end of the building to the other before turning and marching again. You wonder whether if they are waiting for someone to join, or if they are just trying to make up their mind about entering the building. //I hope they make a decision soon… or they’ll scare off everyone! // <ul><li><<link '//Bye, bye tips…//' `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 2>>It takes the figure a few more minutes before the marching finally stops. The figure shyly pushes the door, revealing a young blond man, no older than twenty. //Maybe even younger.// The child —you might as well call him that looking at his stance— wears a light armour slightly too large for him and has quite a basic sword stuck to his hip. //The picture perfect of a noob adventurer… He won’t last a day…// Looking completely out of his environment and unsure, he still tentatively walks towards the bar, his eyes distracted by the décor —or last thereof—. &emsp;“Err… Is… Is this ‘The Thick Table Tavern’?” he asks, his voice breaking every few words. //Of all people coming inside…// Your fingers massage your temples as your eyes narrow. //How… How did he not notice the obvious sight above the door?// The lad was pacing up and down that same wall just a moment ago. It would have been really hard to miss it. Not only that, but a large sign hangs above your head as well —one that Roscoe decided to add for no apparent reason the night before—. Without a word, you point at it. &emsp;“//Ah//… Right.” The young man looks embarrassed but still takes a stool at the bar. “Then, it’s the right place. Pfew…” <ol> <li> <<link "Wait for the young man to order." `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Ask the young man what he’d like to order." `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Just look at him, bewildered." `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 3>>&emsp;“Sorry,” the young man exclaims before you can do anything else. “About the… err… dumb question… It’s just that… I’m supposed to meet some important people here soon, and I’m freaking out a bit.” &emsp;“Oh?” &emsp;“It’s my first time coming here. I’ve never even been in this region before. And I already got lost more times than I can count. It’s… it’s really embarrassing.” &emsp;“Err…” &emsp;“I mean, what if I had taken the other road at that crossroads? I would have missed this meeting completely! Anyway… I just wanted to make sure I was in the right place.” &emsp;“Ya are at the Thick Table Tavern, mate,” you point up again. &emsp;“Right.” The boy takes a seat at the bar, awkwardly moving in his ill-fitted garment. &emsp;“So… ya’re meeting important people, eh?” you bring the subject, hoping to learn whether you could get more coins out of the group than just this simpleton. &emsp;“Yes,” he nods. “It’s just a trial with the group, since I’m just a new recruit… but if I impress them, I might be able to do this whole thing full time.” He snorts. “That’d show my dad!” &emsp;“Ri-ight… When are they supposed to arrive?” &emsp;“Err…” the boy looks around the empty tavern, a bit worried. “They said they’d meet me by mid-day. So, soon, I hope.” &emsp;“Mid-day is still in a while. Do ya want something while ya wait?” &emsp;“Err… I don’t know if I should.” &emsp;“Ya were pacing quite a bit just now…” you nod towards the door. “I’d be really thirsty if I were ya.” &emsp;“I guess I am a bit? I did walk a lot today already.” &emsp;“What do ya want, then, mate?” &emsp;“Err…” he scans the menu. “Do you just have like… an ale?” &emsp;“Sure, mate.” &emsp;“Name’s Dylan. By the way,” the boy says, unprompted. <ul><li><<link "Serve Dylan his drink!" "Bar Mixing">><<set $drink to "Wyrm’s Piss", $result=0, $bar to "adv1">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>><<if $result lt 3>>&emsp;“One Wyr— One Ale, for ya.” &emsp;“Thank you!” Dylan looks at the glass you slide towards him with apprehension and carefully sniffs it before considering taking it. The smell of the liquid repulses him and he pushes the glass back without even daring to take a sip. &emsp;“That… doesn’t look like an ale to me. Err… Did you maybe make a mistake?” <ol> <li><<link '//Mistake?!// How dare he insinuate you made a mistake?' "ADV I Bad">><<set $response=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link '[Shrug] You gave him what he asked for.' "ADV I Bad">><<set $response=1>><</link>></li> </ol> <<else>>&emsp;“One Wyr— One Ale, for ya.” &emsp;“Thank you!” The young man takes the mug to his lips, with some apprehension you notice, but starts chugging it as soon as the liquid touches his tongue. He even angles the cup so steeply some of the precious liquid escape his gaping mouth, and drips down his cheek and neck. //What a waste…// &emsp;“Aa-aah! //That// hit the spot,” Dylan slams the mug on the counter. &emsp;“Good for you, mate.” &emsp;“I really should have stopped earlier. My throat was as dry as the desert —//I think?//—.” &emsp;“Not drinking is bad for ya,” you nod. &emsp;“But I //really// didn’t want to be late for today. You know?” &emsp;“So ya said.” &emsp;“It’s just… this meeting is really important. I can’t mess this up.” &emsp;“I’m sure it’ll be fine, mate.” &emsp;“No, but you don’t understand. I can’t go back home empty-handed. I swore to //everyone// I would make something out of myself, I would become the richest person ever, and I would come back a hero.” &emsp;“That’s some pretty high goals, there.” &emsp;“//They// said that too! And they were all against me leaving, down at the village. They said it was a waste to go and get myself killed, when I could be much more useful in the fields. But I’ll show them… I’ll show them all!” <<advintrochoice>> <</if>><<if $response is 1>>&emsp;“//Mistake?!// Ya really think I made a mistake?” &emsp;“I do—” &emsp;“How dare ya think I didn’t serve ya what ya ordered?” &emsp;“Well, the colour—” &emsp;“Have ya stopped and thought a second ya might be the one in the wrong here? Ya said it yourself, mate. Ya’re not from around here. Ya don’t know our customs and how we serve our drinks.” &emsp;“But, it does—” &emsp;“Me? Making a mistake,” you shake your head. “I really have heard everything…” &emsp;“You should maybe try—” &emsp;“That’s it!” you take the glass back. “Get out!” &emsp;“What?! But, I—” &emsp;“Get out, mate!” &emsp;“That’s not f—” &emsp;“I don’t need to serve people who keep insulting my skills. Get out.” Confused by the situation, Dylan sits, frozen, his mouth agape. &emsp;“Didn’t ya hear me? I said: ‘Get out’!” The boy, dejected, follows your order and leaves his stool. He only takes a few steps before you accost him again: &emsp;“Aren’t you forgetting something, mate?” You knock on the bar, just by the glass you just served. Dylan begrudgingly takes a few coins out of his pocket and drops them on the counter, before turning his heels and leaving the tavern. <<else>>Instead of trying to antagonise the boy with the very sharp sword, you just shrug and turn your back on him. He asked for a pint and that’s what he got. //If the bumpkin is not happy, he can go elsewhere.// While the urge to say this is very pressing, you keep the thought to yourself. &emsp;“Hey! I’m talking to you. You didn’t give me what I asked for!” &emsp;“How would ya know?” &emsp;“Ale’s not supposed to look like… //this//!” &emsp;“This is what it looks like //here//.” &emsp;“I’m pretty sure it’s not supposed to be this… colourful. Back home—” &emsp;“Ya’re not home anymore, boy. Either drink it or leave.” Dylan stares at you for a long minute before looking back down at his glass. With a frown on his face, he tries to take a sip of the liquid, before swiftly spitting it out, disgusted by the taste. He pushes the glass back, grumbling about ale not supposed to taste this weird and never coming back here again. Still, having barely touched his drink, he throws a few coins on the counter and storms out. <</if>> &emsp;“Hrmph?” Brom, for some reason out of the kitchen, points at the glass. &emsp;“Sure, take it.” &emsp;“Hrmph!” You look out the window again, distracted by a shadow passing, and see the young man standing there, waiting for the group he mentioned earlier. Soon, he is approached by a few heavy armoured and armed adventurers —you know the type— with very expensive gear. //But are they big tippers?// While they try to walk towards the tavern’s door, Dylan blocks their path and makes strange faces. One of the new arrivals peers through the window, confused, before pressing the others to get inside. Yet again, as they move around him, the young man stops them, waving his arms around and saying things you can’t catch. //Wait?! What the hell is he telling them?// While you leave the bar and try to get closer, you see through the window the group getting back on the road, with Dylan as their newest addition, without even entering the building. <ul><li><<link '//Shit!//' "Frenzy Start">><<unset $response>><</link>></li></ul><<switch $case>><<case 1>>&emsp;“So… what’s this meeting for, mate?” &emsp;“A trial run as the new recruit.” &emsp;“To do what?” &emsp;“Be an adventurer, //obviously//,” he knocks on his breastplate, rolling his eyes slightly. &emsp;“Wait… are ya serious?” you chuckle. “I thought this whole get-up was just to… ya know…” you wave your hand. &emsp;“Of course I am serious!” He pauses, tapping the counter. “I just hope they keep me…” &emsp;“Why wouldn’t they?” &emsp;“Err…” Dylan avoids your eyes. “I… err… just started.” &emsp;“Everyone needs to start somewhere. Doesn’t mean—” &emsp;“I haven’t done much except tracking some small beasts in the forest behind my village. Those were big, but I’ve been told they are nothing compared to what you can find on the road. //This// will be the real deal!” You smirk. //That kid is way out of his depth…// You served many adventures in this tavern, from the very experienced to the beginner. All had a certain something that screamed ‘adventurer’. You knew with a glance whether they’d make it or not.// And that one doesn’t look like he will…// &emsp;“Really excited, aren’t ya?” &emsp;“Yes!” Dylan nods frantically. “You have no idea!” <<advintrochoice>> <<case 2>><<if $adventure>>&emsp;“Ya know… I’m trying to get into this adventuring business myself.” &emsp;“Are… err… //really//?” he stares you down. &emsp;“Yeah. Well… If I can manage to get that Guild card.” &emsp;“Right… //that//…” the young man looks uncomfortable. &emsp;“Don’t ya have one?” &emsp;“No, no. I do.” &emsp;“Lucky! They can be really stingy at the Guild office.” &emsp;“Hehe… stingy…” &emsp;“And the fees?! Outrageously expensive! Ya can’t even do a short try out without paying something either…” you shake your head, still baffled. &emsp;“The fees… yeah…” &emsp;“How did ya manage it? I mean, unless ya had some kind of patron—” &emsp;“Like you said, just lucky I guess.” &emsp;“Right… Registration’s pretty steep, though. And you don’t really look the type to…” &emsp;“Uh-huh,” Dylan drinks from his empty glass, ignoring you. You look suspiciously at the uncomfortable young man. &emsp;“Maybe our path will cross again. On the road that is.” &emsp;“Maybe… if you manage to get that card,” he mumbles. &emsp;“When I get that card indeed.”<<else>>&emsp;“I think I have a good idea, mate. We see a lot of adventurers stopping by, ya know…” &emsp;“Really?!” he scans the room, incredulous. &emsp;“Ya caught us at a calm time. It’s usually busier.” &emsp;“If you say so,” he shrugs. &emsp;“Still, it’s always a treat to see some baby—” &emsp;“I am a full grown man!” he growls, slamming the counter. “I am not a baby!” &emsp;“Right… but ya said ya were just starting out. So…” &emsp;“Ah… yes,” he looks down, ashamed by his reaction. &emsp;“I just meant that it was nice to see some fresh faces. Ya know, the ones still full of dreams and optimism. The ones excited about discovering new places.” &emsp;“That’s me!" &emsp;“The ones that haven’t yet seen any real danger.” &emsp;“I did kill a few boars back in the village.” &emsp;“And it’s not just the dragons ya have to worry about. There’s the bandits on every road, the direwolves and grey bears in the mountains, … And don’t get me started on the places the Guild can send you to. From ruins that are completely falling apart, the dodgy mines that could cave in at any moment or forcing you to cross gorges with just a rope? I don’t have enough fingers to count the amount of times I’ve heard an adventurer talking about their scars, or losing a limb, or…” You stop, seeing Dylan as white as a sheet as you list all kinds of danger the young man could face. &emsp;“Err… I’m sure ya will be //fine//… The Guild usually don’t send newbies on the hard quests, even with a settled group.” &emsp;“But what if they do?!” &emsp;“If your group is //that// important, I’m sure ya will be well taken of.” &emsp;“I hope you’re right…”<</if>> <<advintrochoice>> <<default>>&emsp;“Do ya maybe need another drink to calm your nerves? Ya look //really// stressed, mate.” &emsp;“Ah… well… I am pretty anxious, that’s true.” &emsp;“So? Another one?” &emsp;“Err… I don’t know if I should. I wouldn’t want to make a fool out of myself…” &emsp;“I have some t—” &emsp;“Do you have,” Dylan comes closer and whispers, “any liquid courage?” Your eyes narrow and you give him a strange look. //Did that kid ask for… drugs?// You shake your head. Nah… No one would asks a bartender for some uppers and downers. //Should have had asked Ez instead.// &emsp;“Err… We have a drink named ‘Liquid Courage’ I can make for ya?” &emsp;“Does it actually make someone more courageous?” he asks, fully serious. &emsp;“It’s alcohol, mate. Of course… it does?” &emsp;“Does it taste any good?” &emsp;“It’s decent.” &emsp;“Then, I’ll have that!” <ul><li><<link "One ‘Liquid Courage’ coming up!" "Bar Mixing">><<set $bar to "adv2", $drink to "Liquid Courage", $result=0>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>Sliding the ‘Liquid Courage’ towards the young man, the latter accepts it with apprehension. Dylan looks at the glass, confused by its content, before moving his eyes towards you. &emsp;“Are you sure you gave me the right drink?” &emsp;“Yeah. Ya even saw me adding stuff to the glass!” &emsp;“But… it shouldn’t have this kind of colour…” &emsp;“Of course it does! I made this drink a thousand times at least. It looks fine to me…” &emsp;“But… but… none of the ingredients had this colour! And it kept changing when you added something else?!” &emsp;“Oh, //that…// Yeah, that’s normal.” &emsp;“But it—” &emsp;“Magic mixer,” you shake said utensil. “Makes for a fun trick.” &emsp;“So… it’s the right drink?” &emsp;“I wouldn’t serve ya something ya didn’t order, mate.” <<if $result is 3>>Dylan takes a sip from the glass and winces, but only for a second, before smiling. The potent taste and heaviness of the drink did not phase much the young man, who seems to like the cocktail quite a bit. //Maybe there’s still hope for him…// &emsp;“I don’t know what I was expecting,” he laughs, “but it definitely wasn’t that!” Realising the meaning of his words, he shakes his hands. “I don’t mean it that way. It’s just… I never had something like this before. And—” &emsp;“No need for an explanation, mate. Ya’re good.” &emsp;“Better than good, actually.” He raises his hand. “See? I’m not shaking anymore.” &emsp;“Glad to hear it!” The young man takes another sip, without wincing this time. <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "ADV IEnd">><<unset $text>><</link>></center> <<elseif $result gt 1>>Dylan takes a sip from the glass and winces. The potent taste and heaviness of the drink already takes a toll on the young man, who can be seen coughing his lungs out. This does not seem to be a drink he likes. &emsp;“I don’t know what I was expecting,” he tries to hide a grimace, “but this was definitely not this… I mean, it’s not too bad? But it’s not… I don’t know…” &emsp;“Ya don’t like it?” &emsp;“I think? Maybe? I… Something is not quite right. It should, like, hit the spot, right?” &emsp;“It’s supposed to, yeah.” &emsp;“Well, it doesn’t do //that//.” &emsp;“Ah…” Still, the young man continues to sip his drink, wincing or frowning from time to time. <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "ADV IEnd">><<unset $text>><</link>></center> <<else>>Dylan takes a sip from the glass and grimaces of disgust. The potent taste and heaviness of the drink seem to be so strong for him that it prompts him to gag. //I knew it! At this rate, he won’t even make it a day…// &emsp;“Err… I don’t know what I was expecting,” he frowns, “but it definitely was not this! I…” He stops, dead in his track, and toy with the glass. You see him look at the content, wondering what to do with the disgusting drink —or so you believe he thinks—. Finally, he pushes his drink back to you and drops a few coins on the counter. As he leaves his seat, he asks: &emsp;“Is that ok if I wait outside?” &emsp;“Sure, mate,” you shrug. “Just don’t strut up and down the entrance, ok?” He nods before almost running out the door. <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></center> <</if>> <<default>>&emsp;“Hrmph?” Brom, for some reason out of the kitchen, points at the glass. &emsp;“Sure, take it.” &emsp;“Hrmph!” You look out the window again, distracted by a shadow passing, and see the young man standing there, waiting for the group he mentioned earlier. Soon, he is approached by a few heavy armoured and armed adventurers —you know the type— with //very// expensive gear. //But are they big tippers?// Fancy adventurers usually aren’t. While they try to walk towards the tavern’s door, Dylan blocks their path and makes strange faces. One of the new arrivals peers through the window, confused, before pressing the others to get inside. Yet again, as they move around him, the young man stops them, waving his arms around and saying things you can’t catch. //What the hell is he telling them?// While you leave the bar and try to get closer, you see through the window the group getting back on the road, with Dylan as their newest addition, without even entering the building. <ul><li><<link '//Fuckin’ hell! Just because of one drink!?//' "Frenzy Start">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>The young man has barely finished his drink when the tavern’s door swings open and a sizeable group enters the room, armoured and armed heavily. A few of them carry large bags on their backs, with bedrolls hanging below. Usually, you would not think twice about it —they are clearly adventurers having a last stop before moving on to an important quest—, but something catches your eye. Their gear is not like any other. It is not the run-of-mill handout from the Guild or a mix of loose pieces nicked from battles. //Nah… That’s the real deal… That shit’s custom made… and with matching branding…// &emsp;“G’day, adventurers! Welcome to The Thick Table Tavern,” you greet the group from behind the bar. “Take a table and I’ll be there in a minute.” As the newcomers make themselves comfortable, you turn to Dylan. &emsp;“I think ya should look at that table over there,” you nudge him to turn around. “Seem like your group just arrived.” &emsp;“Are you sure? They said they’d—” He looks behind his shoulder and colours leave his face. “I… I don’t think that’s them, actually.” &emsp;“It is midday, now, mate. And they’re the only groups around.” &emsp;“It c-can’t be them…” Dylan stutters, staring at the nothingness in front of him. “You’re p-probably mis-staken.” You shake your head. //He’s gonna need to get over his jitters…// You pick up a few menus and drop them off at the adventuring group’s table. When you get there, one of them accosts you: &emsp;“Ah! Barkeep. Have you seen a young fellow around? We were supposed to meet outside of the tavern, but he never showed up.” &emsp;“Lots of people come and go around here. Who are ya looking for, mate?” &emsp;“A young fellow, I already said.” &emsp;“ ‘s meaning how the lad looks like, Bernard,” his companion explains, exasperated. “ ‘must see a lot of us ev’ry day.” &emsp;“I don’t know how he looks like, Astrid! I never saw him before, and it’s not like they gave me a substantial description at the Guild.” &emsp;“Did they give ya //anything// that could help?” &emsp;“Err… Like has an armour and a sword?” Bernard answers, unsure. &emsp;“Right… Well, there’s a kid at the bar,” you point at the counter. “Said he’s a new recruit. Been waiting for a group of adventurer all morning. Anxious to start and everything. Name’s Dylan. So…” &emsp;“ ‘didn’t check the bar?!” Astrid smack Bernard on the back of his head. &emsp;“I’ll send the kid for ya,” you smile. <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></center> <<case 2>>&emsp;“Pay up, mate,” you tell Dylan. “Ya’re leaving.” &emsp;“What?! You kicking me out?” &emsp;“Nah… Well, yeah. But just from this seat.” &emsp;“Why? The seat’s nice!” &emsp;“They want to talk to ya,” you nod towards the group. &emsp;“But they’re not—” &emsp;“Oh, drop it, mate. Ya were looking for them, they were looking for ya. I asked.” &emsp;“You did //what//?!” &emsp;“Don’t worry. Ya’ll be fine.” You extend your hand. “Now, pay your tab and go say hi.” Dylan pouts but still takes a few coins from his pocket and drops them on the table. <<if $result is 3>><<set $npctip += random(6,8)>>He takes a few long breaths to calm down, says a quiet prayer and finally slaps his cheeks, before anxiously dragging himself towards the waiting group. //Yeah… He’ll be just fine…//<<else>><<set $npctip += random(3,5)>>He takes some short breaths, trying —and failing— to calm himself down, mumbling some sort of mantra, before anxiously waking at a crawling speed towards the waiting group. //They have their work cut out for them… Poor kid…//<</if>> <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></center> <<default>>Before the group is set to leave the tavern, Dylan drops by the bar to pay the table’s bill. &emsp;“That’s generous of ya. Especially when ya barely know these—” &emsp;“Oh, no! Astrid gave me the coins. New recruits must do grunt works, she said. And… I wanted to thank you. For what you did.” &emsp;“I didn’t do anything, mate,” you shrug. &emsp;“Yes, you did! If you hadn’t forced me to leave—” &emsp;“I needed the stool free. Ya know… so other customers could come and sit?” &emsp;“Right,” he winks. “I get your gist.” &emsp;“Nah, reall—” &emsp;“I won’t tell anyone,” he winks again and hands you what is due. &emsp;“Wha’ever, mate,” you start counting the coins. &emsp;“Anyway, when I come back, I’ll tell you all about my adventures!” <<if $adventure>>&emsp;“Not if I see ya first on the road.” &emsp;“Err… yeah…”<<else>>&emsp;“Sound good, mate.” &emsp;“Cool!”<</if>> The young man waves you goodbye and runs out to meet back with his groups. Through the window, you see him happily skipping behind them. //Attaboy! // As you go through the pile of coins, you notice a small piece of a paper with some scribbling. You open it to read: <center>//Thank you for <<if $result lt 3>>sending us the child when<<else>>keeping the kid straight until<</if>> we arrived. Here’s an extra for your troubles. - A//</center> <ul><li><<link '//Neat!//' "Frenzy Start">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<set $bar to "ft">>As you clear out the counter from this morning’s rush, the room suddenly feels unusually cold. With a shiver coming up your spine, you scan the room, uneasy. Though you yearn for a few extra layers on your back right about now, the other patrons do not look like they noticed the change of temperature. You dive and hide under the counter, patting yourself on different spots to check for your body temperature. //I can’t be sick… not yet!// Though you find nothing abnormal with yourself, and the cold feeling slowly dissipates, you are left with only unease. You prop yourself back up to find a heavy robed woman sitting at the bar —you are pretty sure she is a woman, at least—. Covered from head to toe with a night blue fabric with embroidered silver stars and constellations. She pulls down the cloth in front of her face to reveal some silvery —almost white— eyes. You take a step back. //Not again… Wasn’t this morning enough?// “G-g-day… W-welcome to the Th-thick Table T-tavern. What… what can I get ya?” She looks above your head, squints, then scans the bar for something. You hear a faint gasps before she grabs a loose sheet of paper. You turn blank. //Shit… The menu…// &emsp;“Let me s-see,” her serpentine voice utters. As she reads through the long and convoluted list of drinks —you did tell Roscoe it would not be a smart idea to add so many, people are usually indecisive…—, you keep your hands busy by cleaning the same spot you had wiped just a minute ago. &emsp;“Well… How… appropriate… of… a … drink,” she finally says. &emsp;“W-what drink w-would that be?” &emsp;“A… S-spirit… S-summoner… of… cours-se.” &emsp;“O-of c-course,” you continue to stutter. “One Sp-pirit Summoner c-coming up!” You take a glass out and reach for a bottle when… &emsp;“Wait!” <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></center> <<default>>&emsp;“Wait… a… second…” &emsp;“Y-yes?” your heartbeat fastens. &emsp;“Would… you… accept…” She pauses again, for longer this time. With each passing second, your mind runs wild on what could happen next, on what she could say next. Though afraid of the outcome, you try your best to stop yourself from looking away —you do not want to be rude— Still, you could not say what the woman is thinking, or feeling, with all that fabric covering her. &emsp;“Y-yes?” &emsp;“In… exchange… for… this-s… drink… would… you… let… me… read… your… fortune?” &emsp;“Err… Ya mean as p-payment for the drink?” &emsp;“Exactly.” <ol> <li><<link 'Accept the offer. It is rare you can get a reading for //this// cheap.' "FT2A">><<set setup.fortunecard to 3>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Refuse her offer. Like life, you don’t give out freebies. Roscoe would not allow that, anyway." "FT2R">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> </ol> <</switch>><<if lastVisited("FT1") is 1>>With a shaky nod, you accept the Fortune Teller’s request. After all, it is not every day you can get this kind of fancy reading for… basically free. It wouldn’t hurt to know what is in store for you. After the morning you had, it could even give you some clarity, if not answers. And, it is not like Roscoe will mind much. Knowing him, he would have taken that deal too! &emsp;“A Sp-pirit Summoner, you said…” As the woman nods, your gaze is transfixed on her empty hands disappearing under her robes and reappearing with a deck of long cards. She swiftly shuffles the deck and sets it on the counter, waiting for her drink. <<else>>Intrigued by her proposition, you tentatively nod in response. While you expect her to pull something up her sleeve to trick you, at the end of the day, you have very little to lose. She will still need to pay for her drink, relieving you from an awkward conversation later, and you will get a partial reading for ‘free’. //I only need to ace this drink…// The woman smiles, you believe —//either that or she is squinting…//—, as she takes out a deck of long cards from under her robes. She swiftly shuffles the deck and sets it on the counter, waiting for her drink. <</if>><ul><li><<link "Make a ‘Spirit Summoner’." "Bar Mixing">><<set $drink to "The Spirit Summoner", $bar to "ft">><</link>></li></ul><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>With a shake of your head, you refuse her request. Even if it is not often you could get any kind of reading around here, you are not to start giving out freebies. Not when your whole goal is to save as much as you can for the next weeks. Anyway, Roscoe would probably chew your head off if you did. &emsp;“What… a… s-shame… S-still… I’ll… take… that… drink.” Still weirded out by this strange figure, you only nod and start preparing the needed ingredients. &emsp;“Are… you… quite… s-sure… you… are… not… interes-sted… in… a… reading… at… all?” her tongue slithers behind the fabric. “I… would… be… willing… letting… you… choos-sing… a… card… if… that… drink… impres-s-ses… me…” <ol> <li><<link "You still don’t need to know your fortune." `passage()`>><<set setup.fortunecard to 0>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You are intrigued by her challenge. It would cost you nothing to try." "FT2A">><<set setup.fortunecard to 1>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> </ol> <<default>>You refuse her proposition, again. You are not the kind of person in need to know what the future has in store. You would much rather make your own way and choose your own actions than letting yourself be guided by strange powers. Though seeming disappointed by your response, the Fortune Teller does not peep another word and lets her hands disappear back into her robes. You return to your ingredients. <ul><li><<link "Make a ‘Spirit Summoner’." "Bar Mixing">><<set $drink to "The Spirit Summoner", $bar to "ft">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>>You hand the drink to the Fortune Teller —well, more like slide it her way—. She pulls the fabric further down her face, takes the glass to her lips and tastes the virescent liquid. <<if $result is 3>>&emsp;“Well…” she smiles. “This-s… is… quite… the… drink… It… almos-st… feels-s… as-s… if… I… am… s-summoning… a… s-spirit,” she continues. “Though… I… am… not… s-sure… those… s-spirits-s… would… appres-ciate… or… approve…” she laughs. Her sleuthing laughter makes the hair from your back stand. You want to wince and cower away at the sound, but you are afraid to insult the woman. //Or worse… Ezabell seeing me…// <<elseif $result is 2>>&emsp;“It… is… nis-ce… but… it… feels… like… s-somes-thing… is… mis-s-sing… there…” she looks somewhat disappointed. “If… you… tried… to s-summon… a… s-spirit… with… this… you… would… be… in… for… a… s-surpris-se…” she sighs. “What… a… shame…” She toys with the rim of the glass for a moment, before taking another sip. <<else>>&emsp;“Is… that… really… a… S-spirit… S-summoner?” she winces. “It… tas-stes… much… different… than… what… I… imagined…” &emsp;“Maybe ya never had a p-proper one before?” &emsp;“I… am… not… even… s-sure… the… ingredients… on… the… menu… are… there… Did… you… even… make… the… correct… drink?” &emsp;“Listen, ‘lady’. I wouldn’t be standing behind this bar if I didn’t know how to make those, not would I? Ya can always try to make it yourself if ya ain’t happy.” &emsp;“Here… try… your… own… concocs-tion… You’ll… s-see…” She pushes the glass back to you, which you slide back right at her. You mumble that you don’t drink tasted drinks or shared liquid as an excuse. <</if>> <<if setup.fortunecard gt 0 && $result is 3>><<set $npctip to random(3,6)>>&emsp;“A… deal’s-s… a… deal…<<if setup.fortunecard gt 2>>As… promis-sed… you… made… me… a… drink…<<else>>Your… drink… more… than… impres-s-sed… me…<</if>> I… shall… read… your… fortune.” She <<if setup.fortunecard gt 2>>cuts the shuffled deck into three smaller ones<<else>>takes the shuffled deck<</if>> and places <<if setup.fortunecard gt 2>>them<<else>>it<</if>> in front of you. <ul><li><<link "Pick a card." "FT4">><</link>></li></ul> <<elseif setup.fortunecard gt 0 && $result is 2>><<set $npctip to random(2,4)>>&emsp;“A… deal’s-s… a… deal… <<if setup.fortunecard gt 2>>As… promis-sed… you… made… me… a… drink…<<else>>Your… drink… may… not… have… impres-s-sed… me… much… but… your… s-spirit… is… in… the… right… plas-ce…<</if>> I… shall… read… your… fortune.” She <<if setup.fortunecard gt 2>>cuts the shuffled deck into three smaller ones<<else>>takes the shuffled deck<</if>> and places <<if setup.fortunecard gt 2>>them<<else>>it<</if>> in front of you. <ul><li><<link "Pick a card." "FT4">><</link>></li></ul> <<elseif setup.fortunecard gt 2>><<set $npctip -=5>>&emsp;“Unfortunately… for… me… a… deal’s… a… deal… You… made… //s-something//… s-so… I… must… oblige… to… the… terms…” She cuts the shuffled deck into three smaller ones and places them in front of you, where her glass stood. <ul><li><<link "Pick a card." "FT4">><</link>></li></ul> <<else>><<if $result is 3>><<set $npctip to random(5,8)>>&emsp;“What… a… shame… you… chose… not… to… have… your… fortune… read… It… was… a… great… drink…” She slurps the rest of the liquid, slides the glass back to you, and pays her dues. Mindlessly, you pick up the empty cup from the counter and drop it in the sink. When you gaze back in her direction, the woman is gone, having left without a noise. <<elseif $result is 2>><<set $npctip to random(3,5)>>&emsp;“S-still… a… shame… you… chose… not… to… have… your… fortune… read… Oh… well..” She slurps the rest of the liquid, slides the glass back to you, and pays her dues. Mindlessly, you pick up the empty cup from the counter and drop it in the sink. When you gaze back in her direction, the woman is gone, having left without a noise. <<else>><<if setup.fortunecard gt 0>>&emsp;“That… definitely… did… not… impres-s-sed… me… It… was… probably… the… wors-st… drink… I… have… ever… tas-sted…” &emsp;“Hey!” &emsp;“We… shall… leave… it… at… that…” Still, she finishes her drink, wincing with every gulp. She also pays for it, though reluctantly. Mindlessly, you pick up the empty cup from the counter and drop it in the sink. When you gaze back in her direction, the woman is gone, having left without a noise. <<else>>Though she complained about the taste, the woman still finishes her drink, wincing with every gulp. She reluctantly pays for her order, but not without slowly complaining to your first. Mindlessly, you pick up the empty cup from the counter and drop it in the sink. When you gaze back in her direction, the woman is gone, having left without a noise. <</if>><</if>><ul><li><<link '//Shake off the last of your unease.//' "Frenzy Start">><</link>></li></ul><</if>><<set _count to 0>><<if setup.fortunecard gt 2>> <<nobr>><table> <tr> <td> <div class="scene"> <div class="card1"> <div class="card__face front"></div> <<if $adventure>><div class="card__face back1a"></div><<elseif $tavern>><div class="card__face back1t"></div><<else>><div class="card__face back1b"></div><</if>> </div> </div> </td> <td> <div class="scene"> <div class="card2"> <div class="card__face front"></div> <div class="card__face back2"></div> </div> </div> </td> <td> <div class="scene"> <div class="card3"> <div class="card__face front"></div> <div class="card__face back3"></div> </div> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td><span id="result1"><center><<button "Draw from the first deck.">><<set _count ++>><<if _count is 3>><<set _fortune to true>><<update>><</if>><<addclass ".card1" "is-flipped">><<replace "#result1">>You draw the <<if $adventure>>Star<<elseif $tavern>>Tower<<else>>Knight of Wands<</if>>. The card looks <<if !$bartender>>upright<<else>>reversed<</if>>.<</replace>><</button>></center></span></td> <td><span id="result2"><center><<button "Draw from the second deck.">><<set _count ++>><<if _count is 3>><<set _fortune to true>><<update>><</if>><<addclass ".card2" "is-flipped">><<replace "#result2">>You draw the 4 of Pentacles. The card seems to be in the upright position<<if !$bartender>> too<</if>>.<</replace>><</button>></center></span></td> <td><span id="result3"><center><<button "Draw from the third deck.">><<set _count ++>><<if _count is 3>><<set _fortune to true>><<update>><</if>><<addclass ".card3" "is-flipped">><<replace "#result3">>You draw a card, much different from the others. Though it adorns a familiar wheel, you cannot say whether the card has a place inside this deck.<</replace>><</button>></center></span></td></tr> </table><</nobr>>\ <<else>> <<nobr>><table> <tr> <td><center> <div class="scene"> <div class="card3"> <div class="card__face front"></div> <div class="card__face back3"></div> </div> </div></center> </td></tr> <tr><td><span id="result3"><center><<button "Draw from the deck.">><<set _fortune to true>><<update>><<addclass ".card3" "is-flipped">><<replace "#result3">>You draw a card, much different from the others. Though it adorns a familiar wheel, you cannot say whether the card has a place inside this deck.<</replace>><</button>></center></span></td></tr> </table><</nobr>>\ <</if>>\ <<liveblock>><<if _fortune is true>><<timed 3s>>The Fortune teller looks intensely in your eyes. Her white orbs give you the shivers, but not the fun kind. She opens her mouth. You hold yourself to the counter. &emsp;“Are… you… ready… to… hear… what… the… s-spirits… have… for… you?” Swallowing with difficulty, you slowly nod at her. <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "FT5">><<if setup.fortunecard gt 2>><<set $case to 1>><<else>><<set $case to 3>><</if>><</link>></center><</timed>><</if>><</liveblock>><<switch $case>><<case 1>>&emsp;“Let… us-s… s-see… what… the cards-s… are… telling… us-s,” she says as her palm passes over the deck, before pointing at the left-most deck. “This-s… firs-st… deck… will… shed… s-some… light… on… your… pas-st… one… that… s-still… affects-s… you.” Then, pointing at the centre one: “This-s… one… will… present… your… current… challenges…” And, pointing at the right-most deck: “Finally… that… one… will… tell… us-s… more… about… your… future…” She smiles, staring at you. “Are… you… ready?” With apprehension, you nod. &emsp;“Your… past… then…” She pauses again, takes your hand, and looks deep into your eyes. //Into… my… soul?// Her eyes flicker strangely before turning completely black. You try to pull your hand away, but the woman holds on strong. &emsp;“You’ve drawn the ‘<<if $adventure>>Upright Star<<elseif $tavern>>Upright Tower<<else>>Reversed Knight of Wands<</if>>’,” she continues, her serpentine slow voice having now disappeared, as if something or someone took over her body. “Hmm… \ <<if $adventure>>I see that you have had a strong purpose for quite a large portion of your life… And that you have been taking //some// actions to fulfil that purpose.” She stares you down before adding: “Or at least, some actions to get you //closer// to your goal.” &emsp;“How… How did ya know?” you stand there, bewildered. &emsp;“The cards speak of your dream of becoming—” &emsp;“…an Adventurer! Like the ones crossing the town. I’ve always dreamt of becoming one of them and join in on adventures…” &emsp;“I see… I can also see that, even though you have yet to reach your goal, you harbour strong hopes of fulfilling that dream.” &emsp;“Yeah… If I have to wait until I am old and decrepit to be on the road, so be it! … I’d still prefer to be on the road before that, though….” The Fortune Teller chuckles at the description. You can understand her reaction, as the picture of an elderly version of you trotting around with a bag pack forming in your mind does look pretty funny. <<elseif $tavern>>It seems like a sudden change in your past had greatly affected your life. Something… or someone’s actions have disrupted your routine in a what you never thought possible before.” She stares you down before adding: “It has not only affected you but brought upon a great sense of urgency.” &emsp;“How… How did ya know?” you stand there, bewildered. &emsp;“The cards speak of your fears of—” &emsp;“… losing my job. Err… My boss’s getting old, and… well… he wants to enjoy his ‘golden years’ in peace. So, he decided to sell his tavern and…” &emsp;“And that may leave you without a job. If a new owner were to take over, this could not mean they would keep you behind the bar… correct?” &emsp;“That’s exactly what I thought! Ya can’t rely on strangers around here.” &emsp;“So you have been searing for a solution to this tricky situation…” &emsp;“Oh, I have my solution. It’s just… more difficult to reach than I thought…” The Fortune Teller looks at you, with some pity in her eyes. <<else>>A passion project, huh? That is… unusual for a person of… err…” &emsp;“What are ya trying to say, lady?” &emsp;“Never you mind, child. So… you have had this passion for a while now… Something that few people have actually understood—” &emsp;“It’s been //soooo// frustrating, ya know?” you cut the woman off. “Do ya know how many people care about drinks further than just… drinking it?” &emsp;“Ah—” &emsp;“Not many, I tell ya!” you lament your fate. “Even ‘round taverns, only a few barkeeps actually appreciate the craft like I do.” &emsp;“Right—” &emsp;“I was very lucky that my boss understands me… somewhat. Did ya know we share the same interest in—” The Fortune Teller clears her throat loudly. <</if>> &emsp;“Oh… Sorry… Please… err… continue…” &emsp;“I think you have proven my point better than I could have…” &emsp;“Ah… Heh…” <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $case ++>><</link>></center> <<case 2>>&emsp;“Onto your present, then,” she points at the deck in the middle. “Are you ready?” &emsp;“Yeah? I mean… I’m pretty sure I know what’s happening around me… but go off, I guess.” &emsp;“You have drawn the Upright Four of Pentacles. Hhmm… It seems like riches have yet to cross your path, hasn’t it?” She does not wait for an answer. “And your belt has been tightened further than comfortable… You had to resort to scarcity when it came to spending any coin coming your way. Especially if you want to achieve your goal…” &emsp;“Ya can say that again! Do ya know how little those people tip around here?” you wave towards the room behind her. “And it’s not like my wages have me rollin’ in… err… well… money.” &emsp;“Very… unfortunate…” &emsp;“Hey! It’s not that easy saving //anything// when people try to get out from playing for their drinks…” &emsp;“No offence taken.” &emsp;“I kinda meant some offence.” &emsp;“You didn’t have to take this deal.” &emsp;“And miss out on a free reading? Are ya mad?” &emsp;“Right… Well… It is clear, even with those constraints, you are still quite bent on continuing working here until you gather what you need.” &emsp;“Yeah… I even tried to skip meals to save more… but that was a really bad idea. Almost fainting at the bar… Customers weren’t happy.” &emsp;“You may not have to do anything this drastic to get what you need,” she taps the last pile. &emsp;“Not if I want to get the…” you look around you, get closer and whisper: “300 coins I need <<if $adventure>>for the Adventuring Guild Registration fee<<elseif $tavern>>to buy this place from Roscoe<<else>>to order my package from the travelling merchant<</if>>. There’s nothing I won’t do.” &emsp;“Then… it might be time to take a look at your future… Shall we?” <ul><li><<link '//It is time…// This is what you agreed to when you made her drink.' `passage()`>><<set $case ++>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 3>><<if setup.fortunecard is 1>>&emsp;“Let… us-s… s-see… what… the card… is… telling… us-s,” she says as her palm passes over the deck, before pointing at the left-most deck. “This-s… deck… will… s-shed… s-some… light… about… your… future…” She smiles, staring at you. “Are… you… ready?” With apprehension, you nod. She pauses again, takes your hand, and looks deep into your eyes. //Into… my… soul?// Her eyes flicker strangely before turning completely black. You try to pull your hand away, but the woman holds on strong. &emsp;“You’ve drawn the…” she continues, her serpentine, slow voice having now disappeared, as if something or someone took over her body. “Huh… That’s… peculiar.”\ <<else>>You know you shouldn’t be dreading this moment. It was what you agreed to earlier. But you can’t shake off the feeling that you should probably not have tempted the fates. Getting a impse of your future may not have the helpful information you hope to get. &emsp;“You have drawn the…” she pauses, confused. “Huh… That’s… peculiar.”<</if>> <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" `passage()`>><<set $case ++>><</link>></center> <<default>>&emsp;“What? Is… is there something wrong?” You bite your nail. “I knew I shouldn’t have—” &emsp;“I don’t think so? … I am not quite sure, actually. This never happened to me before.” &emsp;“That’s what they all say,” your mouth interjects without your control. “Oh… err… sorry… Bad habits.” &emsp;“Look at this card,” she points at the deck, brushing off your comment. “It is supposed to be the Wheel of Fortune. But… it is missing its most important signs. And… It is //not// supposed to move like this!” Seeing the look of shock —or is it horror?— on her face, you push yourself to glance at the card again. You had noticed it looked strange earlier, but had not paid enough attention to any movement on the card. The wheel painted on the paper —the only sign left on it— looks to be turning on itself. &emsp;“What… what does it mean?” &emsp;“I… I don’t know…” &emsp;“How can you not? Ya’re a fortune teller!” &emsp;“I only read what the cards tell me.” &emsp;“Then, what does it say?!” &emsp;“I don’t know! It’s… neither upright nor reversed… I can’t say whether good or bad luck is coming your way. This is… highly unusual.” &emsp;“What fortune teller ya are… not being able to tell the fortune…” &emsp;“Don’t blame the messenger! What I was given should not exist! It’s not my fault the spirits don’t want to—” &emsp;“That’s just my luck!” you say sarcastically. “This morning, I was visited by a ‘Watcher’ and now a Fortune Teller can’t read my card… I shouldn’t have <<if setup.fortunecard gt 2>> given ya that free drink<<else>>bothered with ya<</if>>, lady.” &emsp;“Wait… Did you say ‘visited by a Watcher’?” &emsp;“Yeah… what’s it to ya?” &emsp;“That would explain it…” &emsp;“Ugh… Stop being vague! What do ya //mean//?” &emsp;“Well… Your path is pretty much in your own hands. Whether you achieve your goal will only depend on your action, not outside forces.” &emsp;“Whoop-de-do… I am the Master of my own life. What a load of horseshit, lady!” &emsp;“Take from this what you will,” she shrugs. “Know that not being bound to otherworldly forces or prophecies is an advantage many assigned to a ‘Watcher’ do not have.” <ol> <li> <<link "Though this is disappointing, you accept the fortune as was given." "FT6">><<set $response to 1>><<unset $case>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "You can’t believe the gall of the woman, swindling you like this. Demand another card." "FT6">><<set $response to 2>><<unset $case>><</link>></li> </ol> <</switch>><<switch $response>><<case 1>>&emsp;“That’s still disappointing, lady.” &emsp;“I don’t make the rules,” she shrugs. &emsp;“So… that’s it? I get to just do… wha’ever?” &emsp;“Essentially. Though… be aware of the consequences of your actions. Just because—” &emsp;“Yeah, yeah, I get it. Do good. Get some lollies. Do bad. Get a punch in the face. Wha’ever.” &emsp;“Right…” &emsp;“Can… can I keep the card<<if setup.fortunecard gt 2>>s<</if>>?” &emsp;“Why would you—” &emsp;“I dunno… keepsake, I guess.” &emsp;“I would rather not break my set… but… I do not think this one will be useful to me anymore.” She slides the strange card adorning the still spinning wheel towards you before putting her deck back inside her robes. While you scrutinise the strange card, amazed to see something this unusual, she sips her drink with a smile. When she is done, she slides the glass back to you, and <<if setup.fortunecard lt 2>>pays her dues<<else>>drops a few coins<</if>>. Mindlessly, you pick up the empty cup from the counter and drop it in the sink. When you gaze back in her direction, the woman is gone, having left without a noise. <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Start">><<unset $response>><</link>></center> <<case 2>>&emsp;“Hrmph…” You cross your arms, unimpressed. “Can’t I pick another card instead?” &emsp;“No.” &emsp;“Why not?” &emsp;“The spirits have spoken.” &emsp;“I want to try again.” &emsp;“Does not matter. It won’t change a thing.” &emsp;“I don’t believe ya. Ya’re hiding something.” &emsp;“I do not care.” The Fortune Teller extends her hand toward the deck, but you snatch it before her fingers touches even one card. &emsp;“You are messing with fates, here. I would not advise it.” &emsp;“You said my path was not bound to otherworldly beings.” &emsp;“I never said it as a free path to anger them without consequences.” &emsp;“Let me draw another card.” &emsp;“You will not like what you see.” &emsp;“Try me.” &emsp;“Fine…” she hands out her hand. “I need to shuffle them again.” You reluctantly give the cards to the woman, who subsequently shuffles the deck as she had done earlier before putting the neat pile in front of you. <ol> <li><<link "Take the top card." `passage()`>><<set $response++>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Take the bottom card." `passage()`>><<set $response++>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Take a card at random." `passage()`>><<set $response++>><</link>></li> </ol> <<default>>You draw your chosen card and flip it around. The bare //Wheel of Fortune// again, still moving. &emsp;“How…” &emsp;“I did warn you.” Bewildered and slightly panicked, you put the card aside and draw another one from the deck, only to find its twin. &emsp;“Are not you convinced already? Do you really have to break my set to see what is what is happening? These sets are not cheap, you know?!” Unconcerned by her pleas, you flip the whole deck around to reveal all the cards. //They… They’re all the same…// Through them all, only a wheel turns and turns incessantly. You take a step back and glance at the woman, shaking. She throws you an angry look as she takes her card back. She shuffles them once more and flips them around. &emsp;“Ruined. The whole pack is ruined… I think… We… we are done here.” She throws the deck of cards to your face. Trying to avoid the pack as best as you can, and to swipe it away from your face, you end up losing your balance and fall behind the bar. When you prop yourself back up, the woman has disappeared. Only leaving behind some coins placed atop one of the cards. //I have to stop serving weirdos…// <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Start">><<unset $response>><</link>></center> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>Cleaning mindlessly some glass, you don’t notice the slender figure seating in front of you. You actually jump on your feet and grab your chest when you catch a glimpse of… //it? // &emsp;“Err… G’day… Welcome to—" &emsp;''“I know where I am, little $race.”'' You freeze. //That… that voice! Can it be…// You know you’ve heard it before, but you can’t say where, or when. //Am I mistaken?// You glance at the slender figure, hoping it would jolt your memory. Sitting on a stool on the other side of the bar, is a young —//no, old//— man —//or is it a woman?//— wrapped in a plain robe with a hood —//maybe a scarf?//— wrapped around its head. A finger slides down the list of drinks on the menu. &emsp;''“Mmh… this menu has quite a decent selection. Still, it looks somewhat… unfinished.”'' &emsp;“I don’t make the list, mate,” you reply, confused by the comment. &emsp;''“I expected… //more// to be added. It seems as if more were planned to be added, but its creator never got around to do it. //Typical…//”'' &emsp;“Eh… Roscoe can be quite lazy…” &emsp;''“Who?”'' the figure raises its face towards you and two golden eyes peers into yours. &emsp;“R-Roscoe, the b-boss of this p-place?” &emsp;''“It is not her name, thought… But she does share this //quality// with your man. Though putting off her tasks for a later date would be more accurate than the blanket term of laziness.”'' &emsp;“Err… do ya want something?” &emsp;''“I will, little $race. In due time.”'' The finger taps on the counter, while the voice hums a strange song. A shiver crawls under your skin. You open your mouth to ask the strange person to stop, but the word does not pass your lips. <ul><li><<link '//What is going on?!//' `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 2>>&emsp;''“She really didn’t have her priorities straight,”'' the figure continues. ''“She tried her best to plan her tasks and set aside blocks of time to work on this whole project. But she kept jumping from one idea to another without another thought. Really, it distracted her from fulfilling her goal. No wonder it feels unfinished. //What a shame…//”'' &emsp;“Who is she?” you whisper. &emsp;''“Oh, you’re still here?”'' the golden eyes look bemused. &emsp;“Err… Ya never told me what ya wanted to drink.” &emsp;''“Ah yes. You must serve your prime purpose on this plane. That is what she created you for, after all.”'' &emsp;“Why are ya bringing my mother into this? Do ya //know// my mother?” &emsp;''“Oof… she made you a bit slow, too. Well… not that unexpected.”'' The figure pushes the menu aside. ''“Your kind are most often very… //how can I put this delicately…// bland.”'' It raises its hand. ''“Now, now. Don’t get riled up by this. It’s just a fact. Not your fault. Only //hers. … What was she thinking with that accent…//”'' //What the fuck is going on here? Is… is that person just… crazy?// You look around the tavern, hoping to find a friendly face, if not for help, at least for moral support, while you try to handle this difficult and strange patron. But, as hard as you look, you find no one. Worse still, you find //no one// in the room. &emsp;''“Inconspicuous, isn’t she…”'' the figure laughs, the sound echoing inside your lugs. ''“Forcing us to interact alone like this. //Very pedestrian.//”'' &emsp;“Who is //she//?” &emsp;''“She is nothing… She is everything… She controls this world, yet gives you an illusion of choice.”'' The golden eyes stare, again, into your soul. ''“And you don’t seem to mind. Or you wouldn’t still be //here//… Maybe…”'' It pauses. ''“//Maybe it wasn’t all wrong after all//?”'' &emsp;“Wrong about //what//? What is going on here?” &emsp;''“Don’t you worry about this, little $race,”'' an eerie grin appears on the face, making you shiver. ''“But, as she demands of me, I must now ask for a drink. Wouldn’t want you to be bored. //She can go on and on and on…//”'' &emsp;“What would ya like?” the words come out of your mouth before you even think of them, but only these words, not the ones you wish to speak. &emsp;''“Let us say… A Marti— //Oh, right//,”'' the voice chuckles ''“She wanted those to be special too… Let’s see… //what did she name it here…// Do you serve any ‘Troubled Waters’ here?”'' &emsp;“Yeah, we do!” you say cheerfully, forced cheerfulness. <ul><li><<link "Let’s make a ‘Troubled Waters’!" "Bar Mixing">><<set $bar to "fw", $drink to "Troubled Waters", $result=0>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>You slide the glass towards the strange figure, and retract your hand swiftly before it gets too cold. You glance at the tip of your fingers, as you feel them burning, and find them covered deep purple with a thin white layer on top. &emsp;''“Oh, relax. Nothing will happen to you,”'' the golden eyes roll.'' “You may //feel// some hurt —//she did let you get hurt, didn’t she//—, but you will never experience something so excruciating you would wish you would be dead.”'' &emsp;“Who are //you//?” The figure pretends not to hear you, taking a sip from the glass instead. <<if $result gt 1>><<if $result is 3>><<set $npctip += random(5,10)>><<else>><<set $npctip += random(4,6)>><</if>> &emsp;''“Hmph! How… boring.”'' The glass slides back towards you, as if pushed by magic. &emsp;“Ya didn’t like what I made? But—” &emsp;''“Oh, don’t you worry. The drink was fine.<<if $result is 3>> Perfect, even.<</if>> It’s just… you are plying yourself to her will, forced to pick her preferred choices. I mean, what would have happened if you had mixed this wrong, huh? Have you thought about that?”'' &emsp;“Why would I want to mess up? I don’t want to lose my job!” &emsp;''“Right… your ‘job’. What farcical reason has she concocted for you to stand behind this bar?”'' &emsp;“Hey! //I// chose this job.” &emsp;''“Sure, Jan…”'' the figure cocks its head to the side and smirks. ''“Whatever you choose to believe.”'' <<else>><<set $npctip +=2>> ''“HA!”'' the figure screams in delight. ''“Breaking out of the mould, are we?”'' The figure frowns. ''“If only she had not expected this either… Still, I wonder if you did //this// on purpose or if you are just… bad at your job.”'' The glass slides back towards you, as if pushed by magic. &emsp;“What’s wrong with the drink?” you ask her, confused by her reaction. &emsp;''“Oh! It’s absolutely abject! You might be choosing this little torturing yourself thing you have going on here, but I don’t have to do the same.”'' &emsp;“I don’t get it…” &emsp;''“You choose to live dangerously, or at least I hope you do.”'' It pauses before adding. ''“Otherwise, this is just sad. Don’t you see how easy she made everything for you?”'' &emsp;“//WHO IS SHE//?” &emsp;''“I am surprised you are not afraid to lose your job just to have this conversation with me…”'' &emsp;“I didn’t—” &emsp;''“That’s right! You didn’t really choose this. //She did…//”'' <</if>>The finger taps again on the counter, while the voice hums another strange song. Your head is spinning. //What the actual fuck in going on here? Am I sleeping at work and having a nightmare?// <ul><li><<link '//Am I in hell?//' `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 2>>&emsp;''“Well… this has been fun, I suppose,”'' the figure leaves the stool. ''“I wish I could stay longer. There is much more I could say about //her// and her little project. But, contrived reason aside, I am to go.”'' The golden eyes pierce you. ''“Don’t think you won’t see me again. She still has plans to put in place and more opportunities for you to—”'' The mouth stays agape, but silent. ''“//Oh, come on! Why can’t I spo— say it?//”'' A fist is raised in the air. ''“//Spoilsport.//”'' &emsp;“Err… Come again?” &emsp;''“Oh, I will… or I might… or may not… Only she knows.”'' With those words, the face disappears behind the scarf —//no, it was a hood!//— and the figure passes through the door. <ul><li><<link '//Did I just meet a ghost?//' `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 3>>&emsp;“$name!” A resounding noise on the counter shakes you out of your torpor and brings you back inside the tavern. The very full tavern. //What. The. Fuck?// You look on the counter and find the glass having disappeared, as did the figure just seconds ago. &emsp;“Quit fucking around, $name!” &emsp;“ ‘Cause that your job,” you mumble half-heartedly. &emsp;“I don’t have time for your joke,” Ezabell slams a piece of paper on the bar. “I have angry customers waiting for their drinks. You need to make those, now!” &emsp;“But—” &emsp;“Now, $name! And stop sleeping on the counter, I can’t man the bar for you.” <ul><li><<link '//Guess it’s time to make some drinks!//' "Frenzy Start">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>&emsp;“I’ll be right with you,” Ezabell shouts as the door swings open. Anticipating another interesting character taking a seat at the bar and retelling their tales of adventures while you serve them the best drinks they ever tasted in their lives, you are sourly disappointed to find your wish for a calmer period has yet to arrive. Glancing at the new arrivals, you see large groups bursting inside the tavern. You feel the colours leaving your face. //Another rush? Already?!// Looking for support, your eyes find Ezabell in a similar worried state. While it is not unusual for the tavern to welcome this many patrons at once, rushes tended to be more spaced out throughout the day, not back-to-back. The waitress sighs, swiftly recomposes herself, and walks to greet the newcomers. <ul><li><<link '//Here we go again…//' `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<default>>With the last drink served, your body falls back on the stool behind the bar, completely drained. Since you arrived this morning, you have yet to find a few minutes for yourself. While you are glad the tavern soon empties, you are anxious to see another person cross the door. &emsp;“Go,” Ezabell says, seeing you shaking. “Come on, $name. Go outside and enjoy your break.” &emsp;“But what if—” &emsp;“If someone comes, I’ll tell them we run out of everything but beer,” she grabs your shoulder and pushes you out of your seat. “Go. Have a break. I can manage for a bit.” &emsp;“Thanks, Ez.” &emsp;“Don’t mention it.” You take off your apron, leave it on the bar, and, with wobbly legs, walk to a side door. You glance back one more time, before leaving the room at the insistence of the waitress. When you exit the tavern, the sun warms your face and the sound of the wind whistling though the foliage calms your jumbled mind. <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Break 2">><<unset $text>><</link>></center> <</switch>><<timed 3s>>Hi there, <<timed 1s>>Looks like you’ve been playing for a while now. <<timed 2s>>Want to take a short break as well? <<timed 2s>>When you are ready to continue, press the link below. <<timed 1s>><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Break 3">><</link>> <</timed>><</timed>><</timed>><</timed>><</timed>>When you shake yourself out of your torpor, having enjoyed a lovely and quiet time outside, and feeling recharged once more, you return to the tavern to find the room just as you left it: clean and eerily quiet. //Oh… That’s…// &emsp;“Disappointing?” Ezabell smirks, having read your thoughts on your face. “You thought I wouldn’t be able to manage and you’d have to come running to rescue me? Be a real hero, here,” she teases. &emsp;“Yeah… kinda.” &emsp;“//Rude.//” You shrug in response. Before long, another wave of thirsty patrons swarms into the room, requiring both your attention. &emsp;“G’day! Welcome to the Thick Table Tavern!” <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Start">><</link>></center><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>//Sigh…// You are bored. Absolutely and utterly bored. After the last rush cleared out, not a single new patron entered the tavern. //Well… not an interesting one, at least.// Some locals came and went, having ordered their usual —//boring//— drinks and giving little in return —//cheap bastards!//—. You scan the room for the millionth time. Only Ezabell and Fillessandro are still around: the first mindlessly files and polishes her nails while whistling a tune, while the other snores loudly in the corner with his fingers grazing the instrument’s strings to the tempo of his breaths. Seeing the bard smiling in his sleep, you wonder if you should sneak into the back room and do the same. However, if Roscoe decided to come back around and catches you, you would get an earful. Shifting your attention to the friendly waitress, you wonder if she could also use a distraction. The both of you are often found talking about everything and nothing, especially when shifts were slow. However, it has become harder and harder to find an interesting topic to talk about, as you had already exhausted many, many, topics. <ol> <li><<link "Taking a nap might not be a bad idea. You’d want to be refreshed for the next rush." `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Maybe you’d be more entertained talking with Ezabell. She always knows how to make you laugh." `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Just stay there, still behind the bar." `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li> </ol> <<case 2>>Before you can make a decision, or even blink, you hear a knock on the tavern’s door. Flustered by the unusual sound —//no one ever knocks on the door!//—, you and Ezabell exchange a confused glance. Without a word, you ask her whether she’d know what this could be about —she often hangs around curious individuals with curious-er manners—, but she responds with a shrug. &emsp;“Yeah?” you tentatively ask. &emsp;“See, Margaret,” a frail voice can be heard through the door. “I told you there were people inside.” &emsp;“That does not mean they are open, Paul,” another feeble voice scolds the first. &emsp;“Why wouldn’t they be?” &emsp;“Why would they be? At this hour? … Just ask them, Paul.” &emsp;“Fine… Ahem… Is this establishment open, my chap?” the first one asks, louder this time. &emsp;“Err…” still taken aback by the situation, you can’t find the words to answer. &emsp;“Yes, it is!” Ezabell responds in your place. “Please, do come in!” The door creeks open to reveal and elderly gentleman resting on a simple cane —//isn’t that a… branch?!//— and carrying a large and seemingly heavy back pack. The man moves aside and holds the door to let a similarly aged woman enter before he follows suit. Even if she holds a cane to help her walk like her companion, she waits for him to be to her level and grabs his offered arm. Next to you, Ezabell gushes at the sight. <ul><li><<link "Welcome the newcomers!" `passage()`>><<set $text++>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 3>>&emsp;“Err… G’day! Welcome to the Thick Table Tavern! What can I serve ya?” &emsp;“//They// were right, Paul,” the woman does not pay any attention to you —//did she even hear me?//—. “It is very quaint here.” &emsp;“Very lovely, indeed.” They both continue to the bar, where Paul pulls one of the stools for Margaret and helps her getting seated, before struggling himself. You move forward, ready to help, but he shakes his hand. &emsp;“Please, my chap. I still have some strength in me.” &emsp;“Oh, Paul,” the woman giggle. “Still the macho, even after all these years.” &emsp;“My dear, the only hand I will continue to accept is yours,” he gently grabs her hand and kisses it. &emsp;“Paul!” she faints offence, still giggling. “Behave, you old dog.” &emsp;“What are two adorable lovebird like you doing in this corner of the world?” Ezabell asks, having found a seat behind the bar. “You don’t seem from around here, if you don’t mind me saying.” &emsp;“Ah!” Margaret blushes. “We have come a long way, indeed. And—” &emsp;“We should order first, my dear. We made quite the progress so far today, and I am quite thirsty. Barkeep, what can you recommend—” &emsp;“Paul! Don’t use our little detour to try the local strong stuff. I know you want to sample all local delicacies, but the doctor said to be mindful of your liver!” &emsp;“But Margie…” &emsp;“I know you, dear. You ask for one and you end up finishing the bottle before we leave.” The old woman’s brows furrow towards the pleading man. He takes her hand again, pressing it against his chest. &emsp;“Margie… Life is so short. Why can’t we enjoy it while it last?” &emsp;“But Paul—” &emsp;“Dear… we promised each other we would enjoy all pleasures of life during this trip, have we not?” &emsp;“Y-yes,” Margaret blushes, “yes, we have.” &emsp;“Then, must we stop now?” &emsp;“I… I guess a drink could be //fine//… But not a strong one!” &emsp;“I promise,” the man smiles, before winking towards you. “Say, Barkeep. What should my lovely lady and I share on this warm day?” &emsp;“Err… Do either of ya have any preference in drinks? Or in tastes?” &emsp;“I would like a cocktail tasting… fruity,” the woman says. “And Paul will have—” &emsp;“—something strange!” &emsp;“But not too strong!” &emsp;“But not too strong,” the man repeats, winking at you again. While there are many drinks on the menu, which neither the old man nor his companion cared to glance at, you know exactly what to get them. <ul><li><<link "“An Amarenthyne’s Twist for the lady and a Dungeon Crawler for the gentleman, coming up!”" "Bar Mixing">><<set $bar to "oa1", $drink to "Amarenthyne’s Twist", $result to 0>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>>You slide the two glasses across the bar before dropping a little umbrella in Margaret’s drink, to hear delight. //It’s always the little things…// The elderly couple whisper a short prayer before raising their glass and clinking them. &emsp;“Oh, Paul,” the woman giggles. “It feels like…” &emsp;“…that night we spent in Nipaterre…” &emsp;“…on the shore of that river…” &emsp;“…dancing all night…” &emsp;“…cheek-to-cheek.” &emsp;“We’ve had some wonderful times these last years, haven’t we, dear?” &emsp;“Oh, yes, indeed!” &emsp;“To us!” &emsp;“To our adventure together!” They clink their glass again before finally taking their first sip.<<if $result lt 3>>Before you can ask the pair what they think of the drink, Paul spurts out his drink in disgust while Margaret swallows her sip, frowning. &emsp;“Paul,” she scolds him. “Mind your manners, please. Even… even //here//.” &emsp;“But Margie… It’s so…” he gets closer to whisper: “//vile//.” &emsp;“That is still not a reason to behave like //this//,” she says, dabbing her mouth with a napkin. &emsp;“Must I finish my glass as well? This is just…” he winces. &emsp;“You know how I do not like leaving food on a plate, Paul.” &emsp;“Well, this is not food. And I am not quite sure I’d call it a drink either…” &emsp;“It would be //rude//, Paul.” &emsp;“It was already rude of that Barkeep to let us drink this… this… thing.” &emsp;“Mmh,” Margaret nods gently, agreeing. “Then, pay. And we’ll get on our way.” &emsp;“I don’t want to pay for //that//! We did not get what we asked for!” &emsp;“Paul, you wanted to come here. You pay the price!” &emsp;“But—” &emsp;“No, buts!” &emsp;“//Fine//, dear,” the man seethes as he takes out his coin pouch. “But I am //not// leaving a tip!” The man drops a handful of coins on the counter, slowly gets down from his chair and helps his companion do the same. Arms in arms again, they cross the room and leave the tavern without uttering a word. You empty their glasses and dump them in the sink. &emsp;“//Aww//,” Ezabell pouts, having come back from her rounds. “Are they already gone? I wanted to ask them some stuff…” &emsp;“Err… Yeah…” &emsp;“I hope you weren’t the ones driving them away,” she shoots you a dark glare. &emsp;“I didn’t.” &emsp;“Hmph… Looks like the rush’s starting again,” she hands you a piece of paper with some orders. <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Start">><<set $npctip=0>><</link>></center> <<else>><<if $result gt 5>>Like Ezabell, there are many questions you’d like to ask the cute couple, but, fearing they would disturb their enjoyment of the drinks, you allow them a moment of respite. The man’s eyes widen and he smiles from ear to ear. Similarly, his companion looks to be enjoying her drink, with some twinkle in her eyes. &emsp;“What a wonderful drink!” the woman exclaims. “So refreshing and so sweet.” &emsp;“I am glad ya like it, ma’am.” &emsp;“I do, indeed. Very much so. What tremendous skills you have, youngster.” &emsp;“Ya’re too kind, ma’am.” &emsp;“My Margie is always only speaking the truth,” Paul says, brushing lightly her cheek with his finger. “And she is right in complimenting your skills. This is a remarkable cocktail!” &emsp;“Thank ya, sir.” &emsp;“Oh, //they// were right in telling us to come here,” Margaret adds. “I do not think I have tasted something this good in my life!” &emsp;“They were, indeed,” Paul smiles at her. <<else>>Like Ezabell, there are many questions you’d like to ask the cute couple, but, fearing they would disturb their enjoyment of the drinks, you allow them a moment of respite. The man seems a bit confused about the taste, but does not look like he dislikes it. His companion, on the other hand, looks pretty happy, but you are unsure whether it is because of the drink or the little umbrella swirling about in the glass. &emsp;“Hm? What a //peculiar// taste,” the man says, raisin his eyebrow. “I was not expecting that.” &emsp;“Do ya not like it?” &emsp;“I am… not sure just yet, Barkeep. I think it might grow on me.” &emsp;“Stop being so squeamish, dear,” Margaret exclaims. “Those concoctions are quite nice.” &emsp;“I like mine just fine,” Margaret exclaims. “It is quite nice.” &emsp;“I am glad, dear,” Paul smiles at her. <</if>> With your elbows on the counter and your head resting on your hands, you look at the adorable couple with envy. It was one thing to find someone you enjoy spending time with, another to wish to spend the rest of your life with. Next to you, Ezabell audibly gushes too. &emsp;“What a charming pair the two of you make,” she sighs. “I wish all our patrons were as cute as you.” &emsp;“Oh, dear!” Margaret exclaims. “I almost forgot about your question, dear…” &emsp;“It’s fine,” Ezabell flicks her wrist. “I would have asked again, anyway.” &emsp;“You should really stop interrupting me, Paul,” she pretends to punch his arm. “I swear, this trip has not helped your manners.” &emsp;“What can I say, dear?” he still smiles at her. “I was thirsty.” He takes her hand. “Thirsty for your—” &emsp;“//Paul//!” she chuckles. &emsp;“I can’t help it, my dear Margie. This trip is making me feel young again!” <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "OAQ">><</link>></center> <</if>><<if !$text>><<set $text=1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>&emsp;“Err… Ya said something about a trip?” you interrupt their babbling. &emsp;“Oh, yes —//see Paul, you’re doing it again!//—. Paul and I wanted to celebrate our 60th anniversary by doing something special.” &emsp;“60^^th^^?!” Ezabell exclaims. “Impossible! Neither of you look a day over… forty-five!” &emsp;“You flatterer,” Margaret grins. &emsp;“We are not that young. Not anymore —//yes, even I can admit that, Margie//—. This trip may be the last one we would ever do before…” Paul turns to his companion with wet eyes. &emsp;“Oh!” Ezabell exclaims. “You’re doing one of those… //what’s that name again//… Negtuessoms!” &emsp;“Negtu-//what//?” you look at her confused. &emsp;“That is correct, young lady!” Paul says. “Margie wasn’t on board with the idea when I pitched it to her some years ago. Thinking of death can be quite daunting. But she warmed to it, eventually.” &emsp;“You were right, Paul,” the woman nods. “It was time.” <<oachoices>> <<case 2>>&emsp;“What’s a Nagtuesseem?” &emsp;“A Neg-tu-es-som, $name,” Ezabell corrects you. “It is supposed to be your last adventure before being welcomed by Death. You know, a last hurrah before…” she explains, gesturing a cutthroat, tilting her head and sticking out her tongue. &emsp;“Exactly!” Paul cheers. “In the olde days, it used to be done days to mere hours before the person would pass. And it would usually involve a much simpler feat.” &emsp;“Goodness, you know a lot about this, dearie,” Margaret tells Ezabell. “That knowledge is quite uncommon among… the youth.” &emsp;“Oh, my great-grandfather did a Negtuessom when I was a kid. He thought he was close to kick the bucket, so he went and slayed a dragon at the young age of 104.” &emsp;“Impressive!” &emsp;“The old coot came back and lived another ten years, still. You have been more if the Adventuring Guild did not keep pestering him for having done an ‘illegal quest’.” &emsp;“Goodness… I don’t think I could manage this, Paul.” &emsp;“That’s the beauty of Negtuessom, Margie. We get to do what we want!” &emsp;“So, what are ya doing?” &emsp;“Travelling until we, as the young lady said, ‘kick the bucket’.” &emsp;“I have never seen so many wonderful places,” Margaret claps. “Who knew there was such a majestic world out there?” &emsp;“But… won’t your family miss you?” &emsp;“I am sure they do,” she smiles at you. &emsp;“They better!” Paul slams the counter. “For what we are leaving them, they should at least pretend a minimum.” &emsp;“//Paul//,” she scolds. “In any case, we had a lovely gathering before our departure, didn’t we, Paul?” She continues through the man’s grumble: “We had a day-long dinner, we saw all our kids, and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and even some cousins of ours! We had our friends join later. And we all said the goodbyes needed.” &emsp;“Didn’t Eva and company travel with us for a while?” &emsp;“Oh, indeed! Your memory has yet to fail you, Paul!” &emsp;“But… Wouldn’t ya want to be around loved ones when the time comes?” &emsp;“I have the only loved one I need here,” Paul presses Margaret’s hand. &emsp;“But what if—” Ezabell pinches your side and motions you to be silent. <<oachoices>> <<case 3>>&emsp;“So… What have ya done on this trip so far?” &emsp;“Oh!” Margaret’s eyes sparkle. “So many wonderful things, dear! Even though we have been privileged to visit many places in our youth, I do nothing we ever witness such beauty.” &emsp;“Do you remember our honeymoon, dear? In Zanbaad? Those white sandy beach…” &emsp;“We did spend quite a bit of time on the beach,” she chuckles, blushing. “And the mountains in Geznadus in their icy coat for our golden anniversary? You almost your toe!” &emsp;“You did?!” Ezabell looks at Paul, shocked. &emsp;“Twas just frostbite. Nothing I couldn’t handle.” &emsp;“But, what about this trip?” &emsp;“Ah, right,” Margaret turns serious and takes out a stack of paper, many small maps, from her bag. “We left Colisiri —//here//,” she points on the map, “our home, a few months ago.” &emsp;“That’s… a full continent away!” &emsp;“Indeed, young one,” Paul nods solemnly. “And we crossed the tortuous waters of the Ranror Ocean too. In a mighty frigate, I might add.” &emsp;“It was a pirate ship, Paul! And—” &emsp;“And we made it to the other side just fine, dear. And the crew of the //Revenge Hind// was most accommodating!” While the couple bickers on the elusive events on said boat, Ezabell chuckles, bewildered. It is not every day someone manages to cross the Ranror Ocean and makes it out alive. //Even less so on a Pirate ship!// Still, between that ocean and the tavern, many dangerous regions must be traversed. &emsp;“So ya left Colsiri, got on a ship, …and then?” &emsp;“Oh, no! No, no, no.” Paul shakes his hand. “We visited a few spots before hopping on that frigate. Let’s see… There was… the Wiellonna Gates…” &emsp;“The Fassille Cliffs,” Margaret adds. &emsp;“We stopped a few days close the Tazak ruins, but we were //advised// not to approach them.” &emsp;“Let me guess,” Ezabell snorts. “You did not follow that advice.” &emsp;“I wish he has,” Margared sighs. “It was foolish to get this close, and more foolish to touch some remains!” &emsp;“Classic noob move,” Ezabell remarks. “//Never touch anything in ruins.// That’s what they tell first time adventurers at the Guild.” &emsp;“It was //nothing//. Just a small fever.” &emsp;“A small fever?! You were purple from head to toe, Paul. //Purple!//” &emsp;“Err… So, what about this side? Where did ya go?” &emsp;“Here and there,” Paul replies. “I vaguely remembered passing under the Alesobus Aqueducts —//not as impressive as I thought, I might add. Very thin.//—. We visited the Kerderrien Palace, the Ricnierite Lake—” &emsp;“//Oh//, that one was so magical!” Margaret gushes. “You can row to the centre of the lake at night and see the crystals deep down there sparkle like the starred skies above.” &emsp;“Didn’t we stop at Phaakem after that?” &emsp;“You don’t remember Phaakem?!” She pauses. “Of course, you don’t. You gorged yourself with all their ‘delicacies’ and may have drunk the whole town’s mead reserve. The town’s men almost forced us out due to this!” &emsp;“So that’s why we slept in //that// barn!” &emsp;“No, that’s not! We stop there after—” Margaret turns silent, blushing hard. “Never you mind that.” &emsp;“Well, that’s quite the journey for two individuals of an advanced age like—” &emsp;“Oh, dearie.” Paul laughs. “You can call us ‘old’.” &emsp;“Still impressive, nonetheless!” <<oachoices>> <<case 4>>&emsp;“So… Where are ya going next?” &emsp;“Where the wind takes us,” Paul smiles enigmatically. &emsp;“//Paul//,” his companions chuckles. &emsp;“Ya don’t have an itinerary? Is that… wise? There are some dangerous places around here.” &emsp;“Not more dangerous than what we have passed so far,” Paul laughs. “And Margie here has done all the research we need.” &emsp;“But, what if bandits—” Ezabell starts. &emsp;“You youngsters worry too much,” Margaret flicks her wrist. “Nothing //bad// happened to us so far. And if it does… well…” She looks at her companion tenderly. &emsp;“That would mean our Negtuessom, our little adventure, has come to its expected end.” &emsp;“We started this trip with little regrets, and we promised ourselves not to regret any choice made during this time.” &emsp;“I haven’t so far, have you, Paul?” &emsp;“Not one bit, Margie.” &emsp;“That…” Ezabell wipes a tear from her eye. “That is really a beautiful way to live.” &emsp;“Oh, dear.” Margaret presses her hand. <<oachoices>> <<case 5>>&emsp;“Would ya like another drink?” you nod towards the now almost emptied glass. “I can make ya another one, or something else, if ya want.” &emsp;“Margie?” Paul looks at his companion, fidgeting. <<if $result lt 6>>&emsp;“I think one was enough, dear.” &emsp;“Wouldn’t you want to have another of those nice drinks?” &emsp;“Must I remind you what the doctor—” &emsp;“Please, stop it with the advice of that… //quack//! What’s the point of this trip if we can’t enjoy ourselves?” &emsp;“Well, //I// had enough with mine,” she crosses her arms. “And I would prefer if we went on our way, //Paul//. There is still quite a bit of a way until our next stop. I do not want to travel at night. Not again!” The old man sighs, defeated but still smiling. No matter how much he fussed over it, he would follow Margaret’s lead till the end of the world. She always knew what was best for him, even if it annoyed him. &emsp;“As you wish, dear.” He takes out a small coin pouch and drops a few coins on the counter. His companion clears her throat, prompting him to drop a few more. &emsp;“Thank you for this lovely break,” Paul says as he slowly but carefully climbs down from his chair. “You have been most amenable.” &emsp;“That’s the Thick Table Tavern guarantee,” Ezabell winks and points at him. &emsp;“They were quite right in telling us to come here, dear,” Margaret adds, as she takes his hand to leave her seat. “Shall we come again?” &emsp;“If our trip brings us back this way, we might,” he smiles at her. Arms in arms, they slowly cross the room, reminiscing about old times and swerving here and there. They leave the tavern a happy bunch. //They seemed nice…// You grin, taking back the empty glasses and dumping them in the sink. &emsp;“Weren’t they adorable?” Ezabell slumps on the counter. “I wish they’d live around here so I could gush over their cuteness all day long.” She sighs. “This town really needs some old couples like them…” <center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Start">><<set $npctip to random(4,8)>><<unset $text>><</link>></center> <<else>>&emsp;“Oh, all right! It is not every day we can enjoy such lovely drinks. Who knows when the next time will be!” &emsp;“Ya’re always welcome back, ya know,” you smile at them. &emsp;“We’ll take you up on this offer, Barkeep!” Paul replies, as he hands a menu to his companion. “Would you like to choose your next one, Margie? For such a small tavern, there are much more on their menu than I expected.” &emsp;“Could you pick for me, dear? This is a bit… overwhelming. And some of those names are downright frightful! Who on earth would want to drink someone’s nightmares?!” &emsp;“Plenty of people do. It’s not our most… delectable drink, but it gives ya a good kick in the b— stomach.” &emsp;“Then I—” &emsp;“Do not even think about it, Paul!” &emsp;“Margie…” &emsp;“I will leave you behind on the side of the road if you fall!” &emsp;“Don’t you want to try too?” &emsp;“Absolutely not!” &emsp;“Can I share my favourite ones?” Ezabell jumps in, wanting to see the couple go back to being cute again rather than continue fighting. “I think you might like it, Margaret.” &emsp;“Oh, dear… I think I have had enough with this one already. I am not sure I can handl—” &emsp;“I got you,” she winks, before pointing at a drink on the menu. “The ‘Unsullied Sunrise’. All sweet. Just like the two of you.” &emsp;“Why are ya trying to do my job?” you whisper to her waitress. “I should b—” &emsp;“Oh, shush you,” she elbows you. &emsp;“//That// is perfect for you, Margie!” Paul exclaims, all smile again. &emsp;“And I have something just for //you// too,” Ezabell winks at the old man. “A ‘Grog Gnome’. Great for the road!” &emsp;“Mmh-hm…” Margaret’s eyes narrows, while her companion fidgets besides her. “Oh, all right. One //last// one.” <ul><li><<link "Make the drinks!" "Bar Mixing">><<set $result=0, $bar to "oa3", $drink to "Unsullied Sunrise">><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</if>><</switch>>Sliding again two drinks in the couple’s direction, which they receive with anticipation, you force yourself to stay calm while hoping both Margaret and Paul would enjoy those as much as the previous round. It is Ezabell that breaks the silence following that make-or-break first sip: &emsp;“So, good, right?” The couple exchange a look and a nod before answering. <<if $result gt 5>><<set $npctip to random(8,14)>>&emsp;“You have knocked it out of the part yet again, Barkeep,” Paul extends his hands towards you and shakes it when you grab it. “I could not have thought of a better way to conclude this stop. Don’t you think so too, Margie?” The woman nods happily, sipping religiously her drink, prompting a gushing sound from her companion, who joins her swiftly. Seeing those two cherish every sip of their respective drinks, and paying no attention to either you or Ezabell, you let the couple finish their drinks in peace. &emsp;“Ha! See?” Ezabell whispers to you, tauntingly. “I knew they’d like it.” &emsp;“I’m not gonna say it, Ez.” &emsp;“Oh, come o-on, $name. You know I am better at you at suggesting drinks.” &emsp;“So?” you shrug. “Ya can’t beat me at making drinks.” The waitress opens her mouth, before closing it, and walking away to other patrons, pouting. What was that about? You shake your head and focus on cleaning a few glasses instead. Soon, Paul takes out a small coin pouch and drops a few coins on the counter. He pauses, adding a few more to the pile, granting him a proud look from his companion. &emsp;“Most gracious,” you respond. &emsp;“No need for this, Barkeep,” Paul retorts, as she slowly climbs down from his chair. “You have made our short break much brighter with your wonderful drinks. It is we who must thank you!” &emsp;“That’s the Thick Table Tavern guarantee,” Ezabell shouts from the other side of the room. &emsp;“Oh, //they// were quite right to tell us to come here, dear,” Margaret adds, taking her companion’s offered hand before leaving her seat as well. “Shall we come again?” &emsp;“If our trip brings us this way again, we will,” he smiles at her. “I promise you.” &emsp;“I am holding you up on that, dear.” Arms in arms, they slowly cross the room, reminiscing about old times and swerving quite a bit. They leave the tavern a happy bunch. //I hope they’ll be ok…// Still, your worries dissipate quickly when you see the pile of gold in front of you. You grin, taking back the empty glasses and dumping them in the sink. <<elseif $result lt 3>><<set $npctip=0>>&emsp;“I… I have absolutely no words for this,” Paul looks bewildered. “How… How could the previous one be so incredible when this one is…” &emsp;“It is truly disappointing,” Margaret frowns. “And I do not use this word lightly.” They both send their glass back to you, grimacing and disgusted. Paul takes out a small coin pouch and drops a few coins on the counter, just enough to pay for the drinks. //That’s a bit harsh…// You look at them confused, as your previous drink really seemed to knock their socks off, but they both try to avoid you. Instead, they slowly but surely get down from their seat, cross the room silently, only swerving here and there, and leave the tavern without another word. &emsp;“Wow,” Ezabell exclaims, patting your back. “You really screwed the pooch there.” &emsp;“Shuddap.” &emsp;“No, but really. You made them an amazing drink, which made their day, only to annihilate any good will by serving //this//.” &emsp;“Don’t ya have something better to do?” you snap at her. &emsp;“Sheesh…” The waitress throws her hand into the air and walks away to deal with other patrons. //What? Why did she do that for?// You shake your head and focuses on the couple’s still full glasses instead. <<else>><<set $npctip to random(6,10)>>&emsp;“It’s alright,” Paul says, looking disappointed. “It does not seem to reach the quality of that first drink, though. What do you think, Margie?” Caring little to voice her opinion, the woman only shrugs as a response. She soon addresses her companion about an unrelated matter, making her intention clear your presence is not required anymore. Still, before you leave them be, you notice the couple still enjoying their drink. //Somewhat…// &emsp;“Guess your skills weren’t up to par, eh?” Ezabell teases. &emsp;“Or maybe ya didn’t suggest stuff they like,” you shrug. &emsp;“Classic $name. Not admitting you made a mistake somewhere.” &emsp;“Right back at ya.” The waitress rolls her eyes before walking away to other patrons requesting her help. //What was that about?// You shake your head and focus on cleaning a few glasses instead. Soon, Paul takes out a small coin pouch and drops a few coins on the counter. His companion clears her throat, prompting him to drop a few more. &emsp;“Much appreciated,” you respond. &emsp;“There’s no need, really,” Paul says as he slowly but carefully climbs down his chair. “You have been most amenable. Thank you for this lovely break.” &emsp;“That’s the Thick Table Tavern guarantee,” Ezabell shouts from the other side of the room. &emsp;“They were quite right in telling us to come here, dear,” Margaret adds, as she takes his hand to leave her seat. “Shall we come again?” &emsp;“If our trip brings us this way again, we might,” he smiles at her. &emsp;“Good.” Arms in arms, they slowly cross the room, reminiscing about old times and swerving quite a bit. They leave the tavern a happy bunch. //They seemed nice…// You grin, taking back the empty glasses and dumping them in the sink. <</if>><center><<link "@@font-size:xx-large;➺@@" "Frenzy Start">><</link>></center><div class="main"> <div class="gametitle" data-passage="gametitle"></div> <div class= "inside"><div id="passages"></div></div> <div class="navig" data-passage="navigation"></div> </div>/*Loading Images */ <<preload `['img/champ.png', 'img/champ-black.png', 'img/champ-blue.png', 'img/champ-cerulean.png', 'img/champ-green.png', 'img/champ-grey.png', 'img/champ-lavender.png', 'img/champ-orange.png', 'img/champ-pine.png', 'img/champ-pink.png', 'img/champ-purple.png', 'img/champ-red.png', 'img/champ-yellow.png', 'img/glass.png', 'img/glass-black.png', 'img/glass-blue.png', 'img/glass-cerulean.png', 'img/glass-green.png', 'img/glass-grey.png', 'img/glass-lavender.png', 'img/glass-orange.png', 'img/glass-pine.png', 'img/glass-pink.png', 'img/glass-purple.png', 'img/glass-red.png', 'img/glass-yellow.png', 'img/martini.png', 'img/martini-black.png', 'img/martini-blue.png', 'img/martini-cerulean.png', 'img/martini-green.png', 'img/martini-grey.png', 'img/martini-lavender.png', 'img/martini-orange.png', 'img/martini-pine.png', 'img/martini-pink.png', 'img/martini-purple.png', 'img/martini-red.png', 'img/martini-yellow.png', 'img/round.png', 'img/round-black.png', 'img/round-blue.png', 'img/round-cerulean.png', 'img/round-green.png', 'img/round-grey.png', 'img/round-lavender.png', 'img/round-orange.png', 'img/round-pine.png', 'img/round-pink.png', 'img/round-purple.png', 'img/round-red.png', 'img/round-yellow.png', 'img/shot.png', 'img/shot-black.png', 'img/shot-blue.png', 'img/shot-cerulean.png', 'img/shot-green.png', 'img/shot-grey.png', 'img/shot-lavender.png', 'img/shot-orange.png', 'img/shot-pine.png', 'img/shot-pink.png', 'img/shot-purple.png', 'img/shot-red.png', 'img/shot-yellow.png']` `['img/barbehind.png', 'img/barbg2.jpg', 'img/beer.gif', 'img/beernogif.png', 'img/bg.png', 'img/blurry.png', 'img/box.png', 'img/chains.png', 'img/paper.png', 'img/sign.png']`>> /*MC Base */ <<set $name to "Manon", $race to "human", $age = 25, $gender to "woman">> <<set $gold = 0, $goldpercentage to 0, $goldtotal to 0>> <<set $day to 1, $result = 0, $period = 0>> <<set $penalty to 0, $npctip to 0>> <<set $daycount to {great: 0, good: 0, meh: 0, bad: 0, total: 0, penalty: 0}>> <<set $totalcount to {great: 0, good: 0, meh: 0, bad: 0, total: 0, penalty: 0}>> /*Story*/ <<set $endday to ["End Play", "End Bored", "End Brom", "End Young Sam", "End Order", "End Norah", "End Cleaning"], $tally to [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14], $morning to ["MOR Ezabel Hungover", "MOR Cleaning", "Brom Day", "MOR Union"], $npc to ["Restock", "Break", "OA", "ADV Intro", "Fourth Wall"] >> /*Drinks Recipe */ <<set setup.drinklist to ["Amarenthyne’s Twist", "Any Port in a Storm", "Bangin’ Sweet Thing", "Baron’s Breakfast", "Blossom Drop", "Don’t Let the Drow Bite", "Dragon’s Breath", "Drunken Dryad", "Dungeon Crawler", "Eastern Ruby", "Emerald Dream", "Goblin Spit", "Grog Gnome", "Hottie Gatherer", "Knock-out Punch", "Liquid Courage", "Orc Knuckle", "Pirate’s Parrot", "Pixie Dust", "Pressure Cooker", "Renaud’s Nightmare", "Rusty Anchor", "Sailor’s Demise", "Sir Fancypants’ Bubbles", "Siren’s Song", "Stormy Lagoon", "Stormy Orchard", "The Gambler", "The Planes-Stumbler", "The Spirit Summoner", "Troubled Waters", "Unsullied Sunrise", "Wake Up Call", "Wyrm’s Piss"]>> <<set setup.blossomdrop to ["cider"], setup.wyrmspiss to ["beer"], setup.dragonsbreath to ["whiskey"], setup.easternruby to ["wine"], setup.sirfancypantsbubbles to ["champagne"], setup.knockoutpunch to ["vodka"], setup.goblinspit to ["soju"], setup.piratesparrot to ["darkrum"], setup.anyportinastorm to ["porto"]>> <<set setup.renaudsnightmare to ["wine", "absinthe"], setup.emeralddream to ["rum", "absinthe"], setup.wakeupcall to ["whiskey", "coffee"], setup.baronsbreakfast to ["champagne", "citrus-juice"]>> <<set setup.banginsweetthing to ["soju", "beer", "cola"], setup.pixiedust to ["syrup", "clubsoda", "ice"], setup.unsulliedsunrise to ["syrup", "citrus-juice", "stir"]>> <<set setup.troubledwaters to ["gin", "vermouth", "olive", "shake"], setup.stormylagoon to ["darkrum", "gingerale", "citrus", "ice"], setup.stormyorchard to ["darkrum", "cider", "gingerale", "ice"]>> <<set setup.spiritsummoner to ["vodka", "cider", "sns", "pome", "stir"], setup.rustyanchor to ["darkrum", "cola", "citrus", "ice", "stir"], setup.drunkendryad to ["vodka", "bitters", "gingerale", "citrus", "ice"], setup.sirenssong to ["soju", "clubsoda", "berries", "herbs", "shake"], setup.groggnome to ["rum", "clubsoda", "sugar", "citrus", "herbs"], setup.pressurecooker to ["gin", "champagne", "citrus-juice", "sugar", "citrus"], setup.sailorsdemise to ["gin", "absinthe", "syrup", "citrus-juice", "shake"]>> <<set setup.planesstumbler to ["gin", "tonic", "citrus", "herbs", "ice", "stir"], setup.gambler to ["whiskey", "vermouth", "bitters", "berries", "ice", "stir"], setup.dungeoncrawler to ["gin", "vermouth", "bitters", "ice", "citrus", "stir"], setup.orcknuckle to ["whiskey", "syrup", "bitters", "citrus", "berries", "ice"], setup.hottiegatherer to ["rum", "clubsoda", "herbs", "citrus", "ice", "stir"], setup.dontletthedrowbite to ["darkrum", "bitters", "sns", "gingerale", "citrus", "ice"], setup.liquidcourage to ["whiskey", "citrus-juice", "syrup", "berries", "ice", "shake"], setup.amarenthynestwist to ["gin", "clubsoda", "citrus-juice", "syrup", "berries", "stir"]>> /*Key Binding */ <<on 'keyup'>> <<which 72>>/*H to get the Key Help Menu*/ <<popup 'KeyHelp' "Help Menu">> <<which 83>> /% the s key %/ <<if not tags().includes('bar')>><<script>>UI.saves();<</script>><</if>> <<which 81>> /*Q for settings */ <<if not tags().includes('bar')>><<script>>UI.settings();<</script>><</if>> <<which 82>> <<if not tags().includes('bar')>><<script>>UI.restart();<</script>><</if>> <<which 67>> /% the c key %/ <<if not tags().includes('bar')>><<popup 'Credits' 'Credits'>><</if>> <<which 80>> <<if not tags().includes('bar')>><<popup 'Player' 'Player'>><</if>> <<which 77>> <<popup 'Recipe' 'Recipe'>> <</on>> <<on 'keydown'>> <<which 27>><<trigger 'click' '#ui-dialog-close'>> <</on>><<if tags().includes('restock')>><<restockclass>><</if>><div class="title"><h1>The Thick Table Tavern</h1>\ [[ENTER|StartMenu]]</div><div class="title"><<if Save.autosave.ok() && Save.autosave.has()>><<link "Resume Game">><<script>>Save.autosave.load()<</script>><</link>> <</if>><<link "New Game">><<goto "ChooseMode">><</link>> <<link "Load Game">><<run UI.saves()>><</link>> <<link "Settings">><<run UI.settings()>><</link>> <<link "Content &nbsp; Warnings">><<popup 'Content Warnings' 'Content Warnings'>><</link>> <<link "Help &nbsp; Menu">><<popup 'KeyHelp' "Help Menu">><</link>></div><div class="title"><<link "Story Mode">><<goto "P1">><</link>> <<link "Arcade Mode">><<goto "Arcade Mode">><</link>></div> /*:: Title [story] {"position":"125,0"} Nulla pulvinar sem vel porta consectetur. Donec vitae mauris massa. Phasellus nec nunc turpis. Etiam arcu nulla, feugiat et euismod ut, blandit sollicitudin nulla. Fusce tempor, nisl sed fermentum suscipit, nisi metus mollis nisi, ac porttitor mauris ligula eget lacus. Etiam sollicitudin mauris in dolor posuere, nec porta nulla pellentesque. Vestibulum et vehicula nisi. Integer nec auctor velit. Morbi rutrum odio risus, eu hendrerit nibh eleifend id. Quisque luctus finibus lectus, at pretium purus tristique ac. Nulla ac magna in libero eleifend vulputate id eget lectus. Nullam lorem erat, pharetra in imperdiet vitae, tincidunt sed risus. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. [[Day 1 Start]] [[FT4]] [[Restock]] [[ET1]] [[P1]] [[A0]] [[Total]] [[Arcade Mode]] <<link [[Frenzy Start]]>><<set $bar to "frenzy">><</link>> */<<if not tags().includesAny("awaken")>><div class="title">The Thick Table Tavern</div><</if>><<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-quote-left"></i>'>><<run Engine.backward()>><</link>> | <div class="menu" onclick="this.classList.toggle('open')"><i class="fa-solid fa-beer-mug-empty"></i> <div class="set"><span title="Settings"><<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-toolbox"></i>'>><<script>>UI.settings();<</script>><</link>></span></div> <div class="set"><span title="Saves"><<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-vault"></i>'>><<script>>UI.saves();<</script>><</link>></span></div> <div class="set"><span title="Restart"><<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-person-walking-arrow-loop-left"></i>'>><<script>>UI.restart();<</script>><</link>></span></div> <div class="set"><span title="Player"><<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-chart-column"></i>'>><<popup 'Player' 'Player'>><</link>></span></div> <div class="set"><span title="Credits"><<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-rectangle-list"></i>'>><<popup 'Credits' 'Credits'>><</link>></span></div> </div> | <<if State.length === State.size>><i class="fa-solid fa-quote-right"></i><<else>><<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-quote-right"></i>'>><<run Engine.forward()>><</link>><</if>>This game is ''rated 16+'' on the PEGI Rating System for: <ul> <li>Mention and use of alcohol.</li> <li>Mention of violence and death.</li> <li>Crude and lewd language, as well as explicit swearing.</li> <li>Bad puns and jokes <small>(I’m sorry)</small>.</li> </ul>\ ''Other important warnings:'' This game contains ''animated'' background and text, including shaky text and fast-flickering background. While those ''can be turned off in the settings'', please proceed with caution if you are prone to seizures or sensitive to animated content.''The Thick Table Tavern'' was created, written and built by ''manonamora'' with Tweego/Sugarcube. <h5>This game is a work of fiction. Names, characters, events and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual person, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.</h5>\ <hr> This project was made possible thanks to the resources and individuals below: @@font-size:xx-large;➺@@'' Macros'' <ul><li>[[Akjosch|https://twinery.org/cookbook/timedprogressbars/sugarcube/sugarcube_timed_progress_bars.html]]</li> <li>[[Brushmen|https://brushmen.itch.io]]</li> <li>[[Chapel|https://twinelab.net/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2/demo/]]</li> <li>[[Cycy|https://github.com/cyrusfirheir/cycy-wrote-custom-macros/tree/master/live-update]]</li> <li>[[fg109 (Twine Discord)|https://discord.com/invite/n5dJvPp]]</li> <li>[[HiEv|https://qjzhvmqlzvoo5lqnrvuhmg-on.drv.tw/UInv/Sample_Code.html]]</li> <li>[[SjoerdHekking|https://www.writtenhorror.com/]]</li> <li>[[TME|https://gist.github.com/tmedwards]]</li></ul>\ @@font-size:xx-large;➺@@'' Assets'' <ul><li> [[FontAwesome|https://fontawesome.com/]]</li> <li>[[Freepik|https://www.freepik.com]] - balasoiu, brgfx, catkuro, flaticon, freepik, GarryKillian, graphiccrew, macrovector, pmvchamara, rawpixel.com, upklyak.</li> <li> [[GoogleFonts|https://fonts.google.com]]</li> <li>[[OpenDyslexic|https://opendyslexic.org]]</li> <li>[[Unplash|https://unsplash.com]] - Annie Spratt, Andrey Haimin, Pandav Tank.</li></ul>\ @@font-size:xx-large;➺@@'' Other'' Special thanks to the Twine Discord for their help with all my coding problem, and SjoerdHekking for beta-testing last minute. And late addition for solariaflumine, MelS and Arlo for reported all those last minutes bugs. I would also like to thank the following individuals for their suggestions and help with additions to the drink lists and names: <ul><li>Drink names: Anonymous (multiple), Arlo and MelS.</li> <li>Drink recipes: Anonymous (multiple), Jinx, MelS and my fam.</li></ul>\ The recipes for the drinks can be found in the following websites: [[Cocktails Wiki|https://cocktails.fandom.com]] and [[Champagne&Coconuts|https://champagneandcoconuts.com/]].<<if def $knock>><center><h1><<= $name.toUpperCase()>></h1></center>\ You are ''$name'', <<a>> ''$age'' year old ''$race'' working as a Bartender at the Thick Table Tavern. You are trying to raise money <<if $adventure>>for the ''Adventuring Guild Registration Fee''<<elseif $tavern>>to ''buy the Thick Table Tavern''<<else>>to buy the ''Bartending Box 3000''<</if>>. This is your $day^^<<if $day is 1>>st<<elseif $day is 2>>nd<<elseif $day is 3>>rd<<else>>th<</if>>^^ day working at //The Thick Table Tavern// since your strange dream. You’ve knocked the tavern’s sign $knocktotal time<<if $knocktotal gt 1>>s<</if>>. ''Raised Funds:''<<set $goldpercentage to $goldtotal/3>> <<percent_stat $goldpercentage "Goal">><<else>>Play a little longer to unlock this page!<</if>><center><h3>Key Binding</h3></center>\ ''Menu'' <<nobr>><table> <tr><th>S</th><td>Saves Slots*</td></tr> <tr><th>R</th><td>Restart*</td></tr> <tr><th>Q</th><td>Settings*</td></tr> <tr><th>C</th><td>Credits*</td></tr> <tr><th>P</th><td>Player Page*</td></tr> <tr><th>M</th><td>Drink Menu</td></tr> <tr><th>H</th><td>Help Menu</td></tr> <tr><th>ESC</th><td>Close Dialog Box</td></tr> </table><</nobr>> ''Navigation'' <<nobr>><table> <tr><th>⟵</th><td>Go Back</td></tr> <tr><th>⟶</th><td>Go Forward</td></tr> <tr><th>SPACE</th><td>Advance Story (1 link)</td></tr> <tr><th>1 to 0</th><td>Advance Story (Multiple Links)</td></tr> <tr><th>TAB ⭾</th><td>Leave TextBox, Toggle List Option, Reach Buttons Options</td></tr> <tr><th>SHIFT ⇧ + TAB ⭾</th><td>Leave TextBox, Toggle List Option, Reach Buttons Options</td></tr> </table><</nobr>> * These options are not available during the Mixing mini-game. <center><h3>Ingredient mixing</h3></center>\ Some ingredients are grouped together. If the recipe requires multiple of a same group, you only need to click on the bottle or pot once. ''Bottles:'' <ul> <li>Syrups: Simple Syrup, Grenadine.</li> <li>Citrus Juice: Orange Juice, Grapefruit Juice, Lime Juice, Lemon Juice.</li> </ul>\ ''Pots:'' <ul> <li>Herbs: Rosemary, Mint, Cinnamon.</li> <li>Citrus: Lemon, Lime, Orange, Grapefruit.</li> <li>Berries: Cherry, Blueberries.</li> <li>Pome: Apple Slice, Pear Slice.</li> </ul>Thank you for playing //The Thick Table Tavern//! I hope you enjoyed playing it as much as I enjoyed creating it! Yikes... There's still a bug in there. Sorry about that :/ /*:: PassageHeader <<click "Check Vars">><<checkvars>><</click>>*/<<widget "garnishCSS">><style> #ui-dialog { background-image: url('img/box.png'); width: 600px; height: 600px; } #ui-dialog.open { background-size: 100% 102%; } #ui-dialog-titlebar { margin-top: 0em; text-shadow: 1px 1px 8px #332f2fab; } </style><</widget>><<widget "RECIPE">> /*EDIT IF MORE DRINK */ /*Amarenthyne’s Twist - 6*/ <<if $drink is "Amarenthyne’s Twist">> <<if _glass.includes("gin")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Gin.<br> <<if _glass.includes("clubsoda")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Club Soda.<br> <<if _glass.includes("citrus-juice")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Lemon Juice.<br> <<if _glass.includes("syrup")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Syrup.<br> <<if _glass.includes("berries")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Cherry.<br> <<if _glass.includes("stir")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Stir. /*Any Port in a Storm - 1*/ <<elseif $drink is "Any Port in a Storm">> <<if _glass.includes("porto")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Porto. /*Bangin’ Sweet Thing - 3*/ <<elseif $drink is "Bangin’ Sweet Thing">> <<if _glass.includes("soju")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Soju.<br> <<if _glass.includes("cola")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Cola.<br> <<if _glass.includes("beer")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Beer. /*Baron’s Breakfast - 2*/ <<elseif $drink is "Baron’s Breakfast">> <<if _glass.includes("champagne")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Champagne.<br> <<if _glass.includes("citrus-juice")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Orange Juice. /*Blossom Drop - 1*/ <<elseif $drink is "Blossom Drop">> <<if _glass.includes("cider")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Cider. /*Don’t Let the Drow Bite - 6*/ <<elseif $drink is "Don’t Let the Drow Bite">> <<if _glass.includes("darkrum")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Dark Rum.<br> <<if _glass.includes("bitters")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Bitters.<br> <<if _glass.includes("sns")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Sweet-n-Sour.<br> <<if _glass.includes("gingerale")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Ginger Ale.<br> <<if _glass.includes("citrus")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Lime.<br> <<if _glass.includes("ice")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Ice. /*Dragon’s Breath - 1*/ <<elseif $drink is "Dragon’s Breath">> <<if _glass.includes("whiskey")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Whiskey. /*Drunken Dryad - 5*/ <<elseif $drink is "Drunken Dryad">> <<if _glass.includes("vodka")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Vodka.<br> <<if _glass.includes("bitters")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Bitters.<br> <<if _glass.includes("gingerale")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Ginger Ale.<br> <<if _glass.includes("citrus")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Lime.<br> <<if _glass.includes("ice")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Ice. /*Dungeon Crawler - 6*/ <<elseif $drink is "Dungeon Crawler">> <<if _glass.includes("gin")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Gin.<br> <<if _glass.includes("vermouth")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Vermouth.<br> <<if _glass.includes("bitters")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Bitters.<br> <<if _glass.includes("ice")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Ice.<br> <<if _glass.includes("citrus")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Orange.<br> <<if _glass.includes("stir")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Stir. /*Eastern Ruby - 1*/ <<elseif $drink is "Eastern Ruby">> <<if _glass.includes("wine")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Wine. /*Emerald Dream - 2*/ <<elseif $drink is "Emerald Dream">> <<if _glass.includes("rum")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Rum.<br> <<if _glass.includes("absinthe")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Absinthe. /*Goblin Spit - 1*/ <<elseif $drink is "Goblin Spit">> <<if _glass.includes("soju")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Soju. /*Grog Gnome - 5*/ <<elseif $drink is "Grog Gnome">> <<if _glass.includes("rum")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Rum.<br> <<if _glass.includes("clubsoda")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Club Soda.<br> <<if _glass.includes("sugar")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Sugar.<br> <<if _glass.includes("citrus")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Lime.<br> <<if _glass.includes("herbs")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Cinnamon. /*Hottie Gatherer - 6*/ <<elseif $drink is "Hottie Gatherer">> <<if _glass.includes("rum")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Rum.<br> <<if _glass.includes("clubsoda")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Club Soda.<br> <<if _glass.includes("herbs")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Mint.<br> <<if _glass.includes("citrus")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Lime.<br> <<if _glass.includes("ice")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Ice.<br> <<if _glass.includes("stir")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Stir. /*Knock-out Punch - 1*/ <<elseif $drink is "Knock-out Punch">> <<if _glass.includes("vodka")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Vodka. /*Liquid Courage - 6*/ <<elseif $drink is "Liquid Courage">> <<if _glass.includes("whiskey")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Whiskey.<br> <<if _glass.includes("citrus-juice")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Lemon Juice.<br> <<if _glass.includes("syrup")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Syrup.<br> <<if _glass.includes("berries")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Cherry.<br> <<if _glass.includes("ice")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Ice.<br> <<if _glass.includes("shake")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Shake. /*Orc Knuckle - 6*/ <<elseif $drink is "Orc Knuckle">> <<if _glass.includes("whiskey")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Whiskey.<br> <<if _glass.includes("syrup")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Syrup.<br> <<if _glass.includes("bitters")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Bitters.<br> <<if _glass.includes("citrus")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Orange.<br> <<if _glass.includes("berries")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Cherry.<br> <<if _glass.includes("ice")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Ice. /*Pirate’s Parrot - 1*/ <<elseif $drink is "Pirate’s Parrot">> <<if _glass.includes("darkrum")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Dark Rum. /*Pixie Dust - 3*/ <<elseif $drink is "Pixie Dust">> <<if _glass.includes("syrup")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Grenadine.<br> <<if _glass.includes("clubsoda")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Club Soda.<br> <<if _glass.includes("ice")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Ice. /*Pressure Cooker - 5*/ <<elseif $drink is "Pressure Cooker">> <<if _glass.includes("gin")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Gin.<br> <<if _glass.includes("champagne")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Champagne.<br> <<if _glass.includes("citrus-juice")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Lemon Juice.<br> <<if _glass.includes("sugar")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Sugar.<br> <<if _glass.includes("citrus")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Lemon. /*Renaud’s Nightmare - 2*/ <<elseif $drink is "Renaud’s Nightmare">> <<if _glass.includes("wine")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Wine.<br> <<if _glass.includes("absinthe")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Absinthe. /*Rusty Anchor - 5*/ <<elseif $drink is "Rusty Anchor">> <<if _glass.includes("darkrum")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Dark Rum.<br> <<if _glass.includes("cola")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Cola.<br> <<if _glass.includes("citrus")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Lime.<br> <<if _glass.includes("ice")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Ice.<br> <<if _glass.includes("stir")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Stir. /*Sailor’s Demise - 5*/ <<elseif $drink is "Sailor’s Demise">> <<if _glass.includes("gin")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Gin.<br> <<if _glass.includes("absinthe")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Absinthe.<br> <<if _glass.includes("syrup")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Grenadine.<br> <<if _glass.includes("citrus-juice")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Orange-Juice.<br> <<if _glass.includes("shake")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Shake. /*Sir Fancypants’ Bubbles - 1*/ <<elseif $drink is "Sir Fancypants’ Bubbles">> <<if _glass.includes("champagne")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Champagne. /*Siren’s Song - 5*/ <<elseif $drink is "Siren’s Song">> <<if _glass.includes("soju")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Soju.<br> <<if _glass.includes("clubsoda")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Club Soda.<br> <<if _glass.includes("berries")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Blueberries.<br> <<if _glass.includes("herbs")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Mint & Rosemary.<br> <<if _glass.includes("shake")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Shake. /*Stormy Lagoon - 4*/ <<elseif $drink is "Stormy Lagoon">> <<if _glass.includes("darkrum")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Dark Rum.<br> <<if _glass.includes("gingerale")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Ginger Ale.<br> <<if _glass.includes("citrus")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Lime.<br> <<if _glass.includes("ice")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Ice. /*Stormy Orchard - 4*/ <<elseif $drink is "Stormy Orchard">> <<if _glass.includes("darkrum")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Dark Rum.<br> <<if _glass.includes("cider")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Cider.<br> <<if _glass.includes("gingerale")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Ginger Ale.<br> <<if _glass.includes("ice")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Ice. /*The Gambler - 6*/ <<elseif $drink is "The Gambler">> <<if _glass.includes("whiskey")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Whiskey.<br> <<if _glass.includes("vermouth")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Vermouth.<br> <<if _glass.includes("bitters")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Bitters.<br> <<if _glass.includes("berries")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Cherry.<br> <<if _glass.includes("ice")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Ice.<br> <<if _glass.includes("stir")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Stir. /*The Planes-Stumbler - 6*/ <<elseif $drink is "The Planes-Stumbler">> <<if _glass.includes("gin")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Gin.<br> <<if _glass.includes("tonic")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Tonic.<br> <<if _glass.includes("citrus")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Grapefruit.<br> <<if _glass.includes("herbs")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Rosemary.<br> <<if _glass.includes("ice")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Ice.<br> <<if _glass.includes("stir")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Stir. /*The Spirit Summoner - 5*/ <<elseif $drink is "The Spirit Summoner">> <<if _glass.includes("vodka")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Vodka.<br> <<if _glass.includes("cider")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Cider.<br> <<if _glass.includes("sns")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Sweet-n-Sour.<br> <<if _glass.includes("pome")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Apple.<br> <<if _glass.includes("stir")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Stir. /*Troubled Waters - 4*/ <<elseif $drink is "Troubled Waters">> <<if _glass.includes("gin")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Gin.<br> <<if _glass.includes("vermouth")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Vermouth.<br> <<if _glass.includes("olive")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Olive.<br> <<if _glass.includes("shake")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Shake. /*Unsullied Sunrise - 3*/ <<elseif $drink is "Unsullied Sunrise">> <<if _glass.includes("syrup")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Grenadine.<br> <<if _glass.includes("citrus-juice")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Orange Juice.<br> <<if _glass.includes("stir")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Stir. /*Wake Up Call - 2*/ <<elseif $drink is "Wake Up Call">> <<if _glass.includes("whiskey")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Whiskey.<br> <<if _glass.includes("coffee")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Coffee. /*Wyrm’s Piss - 1*/ <<elseif $drink is "Wyrm’s Piss">> <<if _glass.includes("beer")>><i class="fa-regular fa-square-check"></i><<else>><i class="fa-regular fa-square"></i><</if>> Beer. <</if>> <</widget>><<widget "notifnope">> <<notify 3s>>You can’t remove an ingredient or undo an action in this difficulty.<</notify>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifadd">> <<notify>>_args[0] Added.<</notify>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifremove">> <<notify>>_args[0] Removed.<</notify>> <</widget>> /*Basic*/ <<widget "wine">> <<if _glass.includes("wine")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("wine")>> <<notifremove "Wine">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<run _glass.push("wine")>> <<notifadd "Wine">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "porto">> <<if _glass.includes("porto")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("porto")>> <<notifremove "Porto">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<run _glass.push("porto")>> <<notifadd "Porto">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "champagne">> <<if _glass.includes("champagne")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("champagne")>> <<notifremove "Champagne">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<run _glass.push("champagne")>> <<notifadd "Champagne">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "beer">> <<if _glass.includes("beer")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("beer")>> <<notifremove "Beer">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<run _glass.push("beer")>> <<notifadd "Beer">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "cider">> <<if _glass.includes("cider")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("cider")>> <<notifremove "Cider">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<run _glass.push("cider")>> <<notifadd "Cider">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> /*Liquor*/ <<widget "rum">> <<if _glass.includes("rum")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("rum")>> <<notifremove "Rum">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<run _glass.push("rum")>> <<notifadd "Rum">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "darkrum">> <<if _glass.includes("darkrum")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("darkrum")>> <<notifremove "Dark Rum">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<run _glass.push("darkrum")>> <<notifadd "Dark Rum">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "gin">> <<if _glass.includes("gin")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("gin")>> <<notifremove "Gin">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<run _glass.push("gin")>> <<notifadd "Gin">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "vodka">> <<if _glass.includes("vodka")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("vodka")>> <<notifremove "Vodka">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<run _glass.push("vodka")>> <<notifadd "Vodka">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "whiskey">> <<if _glass.includes("whiskey")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("whiskey")>> <<notifremove "Whiskey">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<run _glass.push("whiskey")>> <<notifadd "Whiskey">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "tequila">> <<if _glass.includes("tequila")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("tequila")>> <<notifremove "Tequila">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<run _glass.push("tequila")>> <<notifadd "Tequila">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "cognac">> <<if _glass.includes("cognac")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("cognac")>> <<notifremove "Cognac">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<run _glass.push("cognac")>> <<notifadd "Cognac">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "soju">> <<if _glass.includes("soju")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("soju")>> <<notifremove "Soju">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<run _glass.push("soju")>> <<notifadd "Soju">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> /*Liqueur*/ <<widget "absinthe">> <<if _glass.includes("absinthe")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("absinthe")>> <<notifremove "Absinthe">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("absinthe")>> <<notifadd "Absinthe">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "vermouth">> <<if _glass.includes("vermouth")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("vermouth")>> <<notifremove "Vermouth">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("vermouth")>> <<notifadd "Vermouth">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "bitters">> <<if _glass.includes("bitters")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("bitters")>> <<notifremove "Bitters">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("bitters")>> <<notifadd "Bitters">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> /*Mixes*/ <<widget "tonic">> <<if _glass.includes("tonic")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("tonic")>> <<notifremove "Tonic">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("tonic")>> <<notifadd "Tonic">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "gingerale">> <<if _glass.includes("gingerale")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("gingerale")>> <<notifremove "Ginger Ale">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("gingerale")>> <<notifadd "Ginger Ale">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "cola">> <<if _glass.includes("cola")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("cola")>> <<notifremove "Cola">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("cola")>> <<notifadd "Cola">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "sns">> <<if _glass.includes("sns")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("sns")>> <<notifremove "Sweet-n-Sour">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("sns")>> <<notifadd "Sweet-n-Sour">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> /*Can add more syrups */ <<widget "syrup">> <<if _glass.includes("syrup")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("syrup")>> <<if ["Amarenthyne’s Twist", "Liquid Courage", "Orc Knuckle"].contains($drink)>><<notifremove "Syrup">><<elseif ["Sailor’s Demise", "Pixie Dust", "Unsullied Sunrise"].contains($drink)>><<notifremove "Grenadine">><<else>><<notifremove "Syrups">><</if>> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("syrup")>> <<if ["Amarenthyne’s Twist", "Liquid Courage", "Orc Knuckle"].contains($drink)>><<notifadd "Syrup">><<elseif ["Sailor’s Demise", "Pixie Dust", "Unsullied Sunrise"].contains($drink)>><<notifadd "Grenadine">><<else>><<notifadd "Syrups">><</if>> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "clubsoda">> <<if _glass.includes("clubsoda")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("clubsoda")>> <<notifremove "Club Soda">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("clubsoda")>> <<notifadd "Club Soda">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> /*Can Add Grapefruit/Lime Juice */ <<widget "citrusjuice">> <<if _glass.includes("citrus-juice")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("citrus-juice")>> <<if ["Unsullied Sunrise", "Baron’s Breakfast", "Sailor’s Demise"].contains($drink)>><<notifremove "Orange Juice">><<elseif ["Amarenthyne’s Twist", "Liquid Courage", "Pressure Cooker"].contains($drink)>><<notifremove "Lemon Juice">><<else>><<notifremove "Citrus Juice">><</if>> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("citrus-juice")>> <<if ["Unsullied Sunrise", "Baron’s Breakfast", "Sailor’s Demise"].contains($drink)>><<notifadd "Orange Juice">><<elseif ["Amarenthyne’s Twist", "Liquid Courage", "Pressure Cooker"].contains($drink)>><<notifadd "Lemon Juice">><<else>><<notifadd "Citrus Juice">><</if>> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "coffee">> <<if _glass.includes("coffee")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("coffee")>> <<notifremove "Coffee">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("coffee")>> <<notifadd "Coffee">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> /*Garnish -> herbs, berries, citrus and pome -> change depending on drink*/ /*Can add more spices */ <<widget "herbs">> <<if _glass.includes("herbs")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("herbs")>> <<if ["The Planes-Stumbler"].contains($drink)>><<notifremove "Rosemary">><<elseif ["Hottie Gatherer"].contains($drink)>><<notifremove "Mint">><<elseif ["Grog Gnome"].contains($drink)>><<notifremove "Cinnamon">><<elseif ["Siren’s Song"].contains($drink)>><<notifremove "Mint & Rosemary">><<else>><<notifremove "Herbs">><</if>> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("herbs")>> <<if ["The Planes-Stumbler"].contains($drink)>><<notifadd "Rosemary">><<elseif ["Hottie Gatherer"].contains($drink)>><<notifadd "Mint">><<elseif ["Grog Gnome"].contains($drink)>><<notifadd "Cinnamon">><<elseif ["Siren’s Song"].contains($drink)>><<notifadd "Mint & Rosemary">><<else>><<notifadd "Herbs">><</if>> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "olive">> <<if _glass.includes("olive")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("olive")>> <<notifremove "Olive">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("olive")>> <<notifadd "Olive">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> /*Can add more citrus */ <<widget "citrus">> <<if _glass.includes("citrus")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("citrus")>> <<if ["Pressure Cooker"].contains($drink)>><<notifremove "Lemon">><<elseif ["Rusty Anchor", "Stormy Lagoon", "Don’t Let the Drow Bite", "Drunken Dryad", "Grog Gnome", "Hottie Gatherer"].contains($drink)>><<notifremove "Lime">><<elseif ["Dungeon Crawler", "Orc Knuckle"].contains($drink)>><<notifremove "Orange">><<elseif ["The Planes-Stumbler"].contains($drink)>><<notifremove "Grapefruit">><<else>><<notifremove "Citrus">><</if>> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("citrus")>> <<if ["Pressure Cooker"].contains($drink)>><<notifadd "Lemon">><<elseif ["Rusty Anchor", "Stormy Lagoon", "Don’t Let the Drow Bite", "Drunken Dryad", "Grog Gnome", "Hottie Gatherer"].contains($drink)>><<notifadd "Lime">><<elseif ["Dungeon Crawler", "Orc Knuckle"].contains($drink)>><<notifadd "Orange">><<elseif ["The Planes-Stumbler"].contains($drink)>><<notifadd "Grapefruit">><<else>><<notifadd "Citrus">><</if>> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> /*Can more berries */ <<widget "berries">> <<if _glass.includes("berries")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("berries")>> <<if ["Amarenthyne’s Twist", "Liquid Courage", "Orc Knuckle", "The Gambler"].contains($drink)>><<notifremove "Cherry">><<elseif ["Siren’s Song"].contains($drink)>><<notifremove "Blueberries">><<else>><<notifremove "Berries">><</if>> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("berries")>> <<if ["Amarenthyne’s Twist", "Liquid Courage", "Orc Knuckle", "The Gambler"].contains($drink)>><<notifadd "Cherry">><<elseif ["Siren’s Song"].contains($drink)>><<notifadd "Blueberries">><<else>><<notifadd "Berries">><</if>> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> /*Can add pear */ <<widget "pome">> <<if _glass.includes("pome")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("pome")>> <<if $drink is "The Spirit Summoner">><<notifremove "Apple Slice">><<else>><<notifremove "Pome Fruits">><</if>> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("pome")>> <<if $drink is "The Spirit Summoner">><<notifadd "Apple Slice">><<else>><<notifadd "Pome Fruits">><</if>> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "sugar">> <<if _glass.includes("sugar")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("sugar")>> <<notifremove "Sugar">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("sugar")>> <<notifadd "Sugar">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "cucumber">> <<if _glass.includes("cucumber")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("cucumber")>> <<notifremove "Cucumber">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("cucumber")>> <<notifadd "Cucumber">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "unbrella">> <<if _umbrella is true>> <<set _umbrella to false>> <<notifremove "Umbrella">> <<update>> <<else>> <<set _umbrella to true>> <<notifadd "Umbrella">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> /*Action*/ <<widget "SHAKE">> <<if _glass.includes("stir")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("shake")>> <<notify>>Drink Unshaken.<</notify>> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("shake")>> <<notify>>Drink Shaken.<</notify>> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "STIR">> <<if _glass.includes("stir")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("stir")>> <<notify>>Drink Unstirred.<</notify>> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("stir")>> <<notify>>Drink Stirred.<</notify>> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "ICE">> <<if _glass.includes("ice")>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">> <<run _glass.delete("ice")>> <<notifremove "Ice">> <<update>> <<else>><<notifnope>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _glass.push("ice")>> <<notifadd "Ice">> <<update>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "RESET">> <<unset _glass>><<set _glass to []>><<set $reset ++>> <<if settings.difficulty is "Normal">><<if $reset gt 1>><<set $penalty ++>><</if>><<elseif settings.difficulty is "Hard">><<set $penalty ++>><</if>> <<notify>>Glass Emptied.<</notify>> <<update>> <</widget>><<widget "glasstoserve">><<link '<<hovertip "Serve Drink">><<liveblock>><<glass>><</liveblock>><</hovertip>>'>><<settingupserve>><<serving _setup>><<nextpage>><</link>><</widget>> <<widget "glass">> <<if ['Bangin’ Sweet Thing', 'Blossom Drop', 'Don’t Let the Drow Bite', 'Drunken Dryad', 'Hottie Gatherer', 'Rusty Anchor', 'Stormy Lagoon', 'Stormy Orchard', 'Wyrm’s Piss', "Pixie Dust"].contains($drink)>> <<if _glass.length is 0>> <img src="img/glass.png"> <<else>> <<print '<img src="img/glass-' + either("green", "red", "purple", "yellow", "blue", "grey", "pink", "cerulean", "pine", "lavender", "orange", "black") + '.png">'>> <</if>> <<elseif ['Dragon’s Breath', 'Emerald Dream', 'Goblin Spit', 'Knock-out Punch', 'Pirate’s Parrot'].contains($drink)>> <<if _glass.length is 0>> <img src="img/shot.png"> <<else>> <<print '<img src="img/shot-' + either("green", "red", "purple", "yellow", "blue", "grey", "pink", "cerulean", "pine", "lavender", "orange", "black") + '.png">'>> <</if>> <<elseif ['Dungeon Crawler', 'Grog Gnome', 'Liquid Courage', 'Orc Knuckle', 'Siren’s Song', 'Wake Up Call', "Any Port in a Storm"].contains($drink)>> <<if _glass.length is 0>> <img src="img/shot.png" style="width: 125px"> <<else>> <<print '<img src="img/shot-' + either("green", "red", "purple", "yellow", "blue", "grey", "pink", "cerulean", "pine", "lavender", "orange", "black") + '.png" style="width: 125px">'>> <</if>> <<elseif ['Baron’s Breakfast', 'Pressure Cooker', 'Renaud’s Nightmare', 'Sir Fancypants’ Bubbles', "Unsullied Sunrise"].contains($drink)>> <<if _glass.length is 0>> <img src="img/champ.png" style="width: 75px"> <<else>> <<print '<img src="img/champ-' + either("green", "red", "purple", "yellow", "blue", "grey", "pink", "cerulean", "pine", "lavender", "orange", "black") + '.png" style="width: 75px">'>> <</if>> <<elseif ['The Gambler', 'The Spirit Summoner', 'Troubled Waters'].contains($drink)>> <<if _glass.length is 0>> <img src="img/martini.png" style="width: 150px"> <<else>> <<print '<img src="img/martini-' + either("green", "red", "purple", "yellow", "blue", "grey", "pink", "cerulean", "pine", "lavender", "orange", "black") + '.png" style="width: 150px">'>> <</if>> <<else>> <<if _glass.length is 0>> <img src="img/round.png" style="width: 125px"> <<else>> <<print '<img src="img/round-' + either("green", "red", "purple", "yellow", "blue", "grey", "pink", "cerulean", "pine", "lavender", "orange", "black") + '.png" style="width: 125px">'>> <</if>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "settingupserve">> <<set _setup to []>> <<if $drink is "Amarenthyne’s Twist">> <<set _setup to setup.amarenthynestwist>> <<elseif $drink is "Any Port in a Storm">> <<set _setup to setup.anyportinastorm>> <<elseif $drink is "Bangin’ Sweet Thing">> <<set _setup to setup.banginsweetthing>> <<elseif $drink is "Baron’s Breakfast">> <<set _setup to setup.baronsbreakfast>> <<elseif $drink is "Blossom Drop">> <<set _setup to setup.blossomdrop>> <<elseif $drink is "Don’t Let the Drow Bite">> <<set _setup to setup.dontletthedrowbite>> <<elseif $drink is "Dragon’s Breath">> <<set _setup to setup.dragonsbreath>> <<elseif $drink is "Drunken Dryad">> <<set _setup to setup.drunkendryad>> <<elseif $drink is "Dungeon Crawler">> <<set _setup to setup.dungeoncrawler>> <<elseif $drink is "Eastern Ruby">> <<set _setup to setup.easternruby>> <<elseif $drink is "Emerald Dream">> <<set _setup to setup.emeralddream>> <<elseif $drink is "Goblin Spit">> <<set _setup to setup.goblinspit>> <<elseif $drink is "Grog Gnome">> <<set _setup to setup.groggnome>> <<elseif $drink is "Hottie Gatherer">> <<set _setup to setup.hottiegatherer>> <<elseif $drink is "Knock-out Punch">> <<set _setup to setup.knockoutpunch>> <<elseif $drink is "Liquid Courage">> <<set _setup to setup.liquidcourage>> <<elseif $drink is "Orc Knuckle">> <<set _setup to setup.orcknuckle>> <<elseif $drink is "Pirate’s Parrot">> <<set _setup to setup.piratesparrot>> <<elseif $drink is "Pixie Dust">> <<set _setup to setup.pixiedust>> <<elseif $drink is "Pressure Cooker">> <<set _setup to setup.pressurecooker>> <<elseif $drink is "Renaud’s Nightmare">> <<set _setup to setup.renaudsnightmare>> <<elseif $drink is "Rusty Anchor">> <<set _setup to setup.rustyanchor>> <<elseif $drink is "Sir Fancypants’ Bubbles">> <<set _setup to setup.sirfancypantsbubbles>> <<elseif $drink is "Sailor’s Demise">> <<set _setup to setup.sailorsdemise>> <<elseif $drink is "Stormy Lagoon">> <<set _setup to setup.stormylagoon>> <<elseif $drink is "Stormy Orchard">> <<set _setup to setup.stormyorchard>> <<elseif $drink is "Siren’s Song">> <<set _setup to setup.sirenssong>> <<elseif $drink is "The Gambler">> <<set _setup to setup.gambler>> <<elseif $drink is "The Planes-Stumbler">> <<set _setup to setup.planesstumbler>> <<elseif $drink is "The Spirit Summoner">> <<set _setup to setup.spiritsummoner>> <<elseif $drink is "Troubled Waters">> <<set _setup to setup.troubledwaters>> <<elseif $drink is "Unsullied Sunrise">> <<set _setup to setup.unsulliedsunrise>> <<elseif $drink is "Wake Up Call">> <<set _setup to setup.wakeupcall>> <<else>> <<set _setup to setup.wyrmspiss>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "serving">> <<if ["t1", "t2", "oa1", "oa2", "oa3", "oa4", "fw", "ft", "adv1", "adv2"].contains($bar)>> <<if _glass.length === _args[0].length && _glass.includesAll(_args[0])>> <<set $result += 3, $daycount.great += 1>> <<elseif _glass.includesAll(_args[0]) && (_args[0].length - _glass.length) lte 2>> <<set $result += 2, $daycount.good += 1>> <<elseif _glass.includesAny(_args[0])>> <<set $result += 1, $daycount.meh +=1>> <<else>> <<set $result += 0, $daycount.bad +=1>> <</if>> <<else>>/*Frenzy */ <<if _glass.length === _args[0].length && _glass.includesAll(_args[0])>> <<set $daycount.great += 1>> <<elseif _glass.includesAll(_args[0]) && (_args[0].length - _glass.length) lte 2>> <<set $daycount.good += 1>> <<elseif _glass.includesAny(_args[0])>> <<set $daycount.meh +=1>> <<else>> <<set $daycount.bad +=1>> <</if>> <<set $result to 0>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "timermax">>/* EDIT IF MORE DRINK */ <<if ["The Gambler", "The Planes-Stumbler", "Dungeon Crawler", "Orc Knuckle", "Hottie Gatherer", "Liquid Courage", "Don’t Let the Drow Bite", "Amarenthyne’s Twist"].contains($drink)>> <<set $time to 30>> <<elseif ["The Spirit Summoner", "Rusty Anchor", "Drunken Dryad", "Siren’s Song", "Grog Gnome", "Pressure Cooker", "Sailor’s Demise"].contains($drink)>> <<set $time to 25>> <<elseif ["Troubled Waters", "Stormy Lagoon", "Stormy Orchard"].contains($drink)>> <<set $time to 20>> <<elseif ["Bangin’ Sweet Thing", "Pixie Dust", "Unsullied Sunrise"].contains($drink)>> <<set $time to 15>> <<elseif ["Renaud’s Nightmare", "Emerald Dream", "Wake Up Call", "Baron’s Breakfast"].contains($drink)>> <<set $time to 10>> <<else>> <<set $time to 5>> <</if>> <</widget>><<widget "a">> <<if ['elf', 'orc'].contains($race)>>an<<else>>a<</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "RANDOM">> <<set _name to ["Rolf", "Cobb", "Roger", "Nico", "Germaine", "Bea", "Smiley", "Bo", "Normand", "Jeanne", "Alan", "Jim", "Otis", "Clide", "Leona", "Polly", "Jade", "Noggin", "Jackrum", "Blouse", "Rose", "Kiki", "Skyler", "Ginger"]>> <<set $name to either(_name)>> <<print $name>> <</widget>> <<widget "stereotype">> <<if $race is "batfolk">>Are you also blind as a bat? //Snikers// <<elseif $race is "caniifolk">>Another attention-seeker, then… Will you require constant belly rubs as well? <<elseif $race is "centaur">>Are you… musically //enclined// like your cousins the statyrs? Gosh, I hope not… <<elseif $race is "dwarf">> Well… You’ll be able to go through tiny openins at least… You know… with that size of yours. <<elseif $race is "elf">>//Sigh// Another tree-hugger… That’ll be a long assignment… <<elseif $race is "felinaefolk">>Try not to get distracted by moving, mysterious, glowing orbs… <<elseif $race is "goblin">>Aren’t you a bit far from the Kingdom under the Mountain? <<elseif $race is "hobbit">>Let’s hope you are not one of those always-hungry type. <<elseif $race is "lizardfolk">>Do you often lazy around in the sun? <<elseif $race is "minotaur">>How many times will I see you get your horns get stuck somewhere? <<elseif $race is "orc">>Broken any skull with a club lately? <<else>>I know I expected //that// but… That’s still pretty… underwhelming. <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "lad">> <<if $gender is "man">>lad<<elseif $gender is "woman">>lass<<else>>lay<</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "percent_stat">> <div class="percentBar"> <<= '<div class="percentLeftBg" style="width:'+$args[0]+'%">&nbsp;</div>'>> <div class="percentBarText">$args[1] <<if $gold lt 300>>$goldtotal/300<<else>>Reached!<</if>> coins</div> </div> <</widget>> <<widget "enddaytotal">> <<set $totalcount.great += $daycount.great, $totalcount.good += $daycount.good, $totalcount.meh += $daycount.meh, $totalcount.bad += $daycount.bad, $totalcount.total += $daycount.total, $totalcount.penalty += $daycount.penalty, $daycount.great to 0, $daycount.good to 0, $daycount.meh to 0, $daycount.bad to 0, $daycount.total to 0, $daycount.penalty to 0>> <</widget>> <<widget "totaltally">> <<set $daycount.penalty to $penalty, $total1 to (($daycount.great*4) + ($daycount.good*2) - $daycount.meh), _jarbonus to Math.round(($total1*5)/100), _knockbonus to Math.round(($total1*2)/100) >> <<if $JAR is "Out" && $knock is "Yes">> <<set $total2 to ($total1 + _jarbonus + _knockbonus - 5 - $daycount.penalty + $npctip)>> <<elseif $JAR is "Out">> <<set $total2 to ($total1 + _jarbonus - $daycount.penalty + $npctip)>> <<elseif $knock is "YES">> <<set $total2 to ($total1 + _knockbonus - 5 - $daycount.penalty + $npctip)>> <<else>> <<set $total2 to ($total1 - $daycount.penalty + $npctip)>> <</if>> <<set $gold += $total2>> <</widget>> <<widget "d1jarroscoe">> <<if $T1bad or $T2bad>> <<set $gold ++>> <<elseif $T1good && $T2good>> <<set $gold += 5>> <<else>> <<set $gold +=3>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "forgetendchoice">> <<if $eccounter>><<unset $eccounter>><</if>> <<if $ecmug>><<unset $ecmug>><</if>> <<if $ecbottle>><<unset $ecbottle>><</if>> <<if $ecmenu>><<unset $ecmenu>><</if>> <<if $ectrash>><<unset $ectrash>><</if>> <<if $ecrestock>><<unset $ecrestock>><</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "randomtally">> <<set _tally to either($tally)>><<run $tally.delete(_tally)>> <</widget>> <<widget "day1removeaction">> <<if $d1mess>><<unset $d1mess>><</if>> <<if $d1wipe>><<unset $d1wipe>><</if>> <<if $d1coffee>><<unset $d1coffee>><</if>> <<if $d1apron>><<unset $d1apron>><</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "forgetdayone">> <<if !$T1bad or !$T2bad>><<set $s to true>><</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "forgetmorningchoice">> <<if $morguarnish>><<unset $morguarnish>><</if>> <<if $morglass>><<unset $morglass>><</if>> <<if $morerestock>><<unset $morerestock>><</if>> <<if $morcoffee>><<unset $morcoffee>><</if>> <<if $morcounter>><<unset $morcounter>><</if>> <<if $mortipjar>><<unset $mortipjar>><</if>> <</widget>><<widget "morningpick">> <<if $day is 2>> <<goto "MOR Roscoe Apron">> <<else>> <<set _morning to either($morning)>><<if _morning isnot "MOR Cleaning">><<run $morning.delete(_morning)>><</if>> <<goto _morning>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "npcpage">> <<if $day is 1>> <<goto "FT1">> <<else>> <<set _npc to either($npc)>><<if _npc isnot "Restock">><<run $npc.delete(_npc)>><</if>> <<goto _npc>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "endgoing">> <<if $adventure>> <<if $gold gte 300>> <<goto "Ending Good Adventuring">> <<else>> <<goto "Ending Bad Adventuring">> <</if>> <<elseif $tavern>> <<if $gold gte 300>> <<goto "Ending Good Tavern">> <<else>> <<goto "Ending Bad Tavern">> <</if>> <<else>> <<if $gold gte 300>> <<goto "Ending Good Bartender">> <<else>> <<goto "Ending Bad Bartender">> <</if>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "nextpage">> <<if $story is "brom">> <<if $bar is "lastcall">> <<goto "BD Tally">> <<elseif $bar is "frenzyb">> <<set $frenzy -->> <<if $frenzy is 0>> <<if $period is 1>> <<set $period ++>> <<goto "BD AF2">> <<elseif $period is 2>> <<set $period ++>> <<goto "BD AF3">> <<elseif $period is 3>> <<set $period ++>> <<goto "BD End">> <<else>> <<set $period ++>> <<goto "BD AF1">> <</if>> <<else>> <<goto "Frenzy Next">> <</if>> <</if>> <<elseif $bar is "t1">> <<goto "TR1">> <<elseif $bar is "t2">> <<goto "TR2">> <<elseif $bar is "ft">> <<goto "FT3">> <<elseif $bar is "oa1">> <<set $drink to "Dungeon Crawler", $bar to "oa2">> <<goto `passage()`>> <<elseif $bar is "oa2">> <<goto "OAR">> <<elseif $bar is "oa3">> <<set $drink to "Grog Gnome", $bar to "oa4">> <<goto `passage()`>> <<elseif $bar is "oa4">> <<goto "OAR2">> <<elseif $bar is "adv1">> <<goto "ADV I2">> <<elseif $bar is "adv2">> <<goto "ADV I3">> <<elseif $bar is "fw">> <<goto "FWR">> <<elseif $bar is "lastcall">> <<goto "Tally">> <<elseif $bar is "frenzy">> <<set $frenzy -->> <<if $frenzy is 0>> <<if $period is 1>> <<set $period ++>> <<if $day is 1>> <<goto "EndDay1">> <<else>> <<set _enday to either($endday)>><<if _enday isnot "End Cleaning">><<run $endday.delete(_enday)>><</if>> <<goto _enday>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set $period ++>> <<goto "After Frenzy">> <</if>> <<else>> <<goto "Frenzy Next">> <</if>> <<else>>/*remove here */ <<goto "BUG">> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "leaverestock">> <<if $period is 0>> <<set $text to 7>> <<goto "MOR CT Main">> <<elseif $period is 1>> <<goto "Frenzy Start">> <<else>> <<set $text to 7>> <<goto "End Cleaning">> <</if>> <</widget>><<widget "morcleaningchoice">> <ol> <<if !$morguarnish>><li><<if $clean is 1>><<link "Prepare the garnishes for the day." "MOR CT Main">><<set $text=5, $morguarnish to true>><</link>><<else>><<link "Clean Roscoe’s garnish preparation mess." "MOR CT Main">><<set $text=6, $morguarnish to true>><</link>><</if>></li><</if>> <<if !$morglass>><li><<link "Clean some forgotten glasses." "MOR CT Glasses">><<unset $text>><<set $morglass to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$morerestock>><li><<link "Restock the Bar">><<set $morrestock to true>><<goto "Restock">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$morcoffee>><li><<link "Pour some coffee for the staff." "MOR CT Main">><<set $text=3, $morcoffee to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$mortipjar>><li><<link "Take out your tip jar." "MOR Tip Jar">><<unset $text>><<set $mortipjar to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$morcounter>><li><<link "Clean the counter." "MOR CT Main">><<set $text=4, $morcounter to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <li><<link "Time to start the day." "MOR CT Main">><<set $text=2>><<forgetmorningchoice>><</link>></li> </ol> <</widget>> <<widget "endcleaningchoice">> <ol> <<if !$eccounter>><li><<link "Clean the counter.">><<set $eccounter to true>><<goto "End Cleaning Counter">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$ecmug>><li><<link "Clean the dirty glasses and mugs.">><<set $ecmug to true>><<goto "End Cleaning Glass">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$ecbottle>><li><<link "Sort the empty bottles.">><<set $text to 2, $ecbottle to true>><<goto "End Cleaning">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$ecmenu>><li><<link "Wipe the menus.">><<set $text to 3, $ecmenu to true>><<goto "End Cleaning">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$ectrash>><li><<link "Take out the trash.">><<set $text to 4, $ectrash to true>><<goto "End Cleaning">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $jar is true>><li><<link "Stash your tip jar under the counter.">><<set $text to 5, $jar to false>><<goto "End Cleaning">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$ecrestock>><li><<link "Restock the Bar">><<set $ecrestock to true>><<goto "Restock">><</link>></li><</if>> <li><<link "You’re done. Time to go!">><<set $text to 6>><<forgetendchoice>><<goto "End Cleaning">><</link>></li> </ol> <</widget>> <<widget "day1actionopen">> <ol> <<if !$d1apron>><li><<link "Put away Roscoe’s apron." "Day 1 Roscoe Apron">><<set $text to 1, $d1apron to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$d1mess>><li><<link "Clean Roscoe’s cutting citrus mess." "Day 1 Other Actions">><<set $text to 1, $d1mess to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$d1wipe>><li><<link "Wipe the bar counter one more time." "Day 1 Other Actions">><<set $text to 2, $d1wipe to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$d1coffee>><li><<link "Pour some coffee for Ezabell. And you might as well do so for yourself." "Day 1 Other Actions">><<set $text to 3, $d1coffee to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("Day 1 Tip Jar")>><li><<link "Take out your Tip Jar." "Day 1 Tip Jar">><<set $text to 1>><</link>></li><<elseif $jar is true>><<link "Put away the tip jar, you’d rather not risk losing your meagre winnings already." "Day 1 Tip Jar">><<set $jar to false, $JAR to "Hidden", $text to 5>><</link>><<elseif $jar is false>><<link "Set your tip jar on the counter." "Day 1 Tip Jar">><<set $jar to true, $JAR to "Out", $text to 3>><</link>><</if>> <<if !$goal && hasVisited("Day 1 Tip Jar") is true>><li> <<link "Open the box and see what’s hidden inside." "Day 1 Tip Jar">><<set $text to 2, $goal to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <li><<link 'Time to start the day!' "Day 1 Before Frenzy">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> </ol> <</widget>> <<widget "day1apron">> <<if !$tnote && !$tcoin>> <ol> <<if !$tnote>><li><<link "Open the note." `passage()`>><<set $text to 2>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$tnote>><li><<link "Put the unread note back in the pocket of Roscoe’s apron." `passage()`>><<set $text to 3>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$tcoin>><li><<link 'Keep the coin<<if !$T1bad or !$T2bad>>s<</if>> and slide them into <<if !$Jar>>your apron’s pocket<<else>>your tip jar.<</if>>' `passage()`>><<set $text to 4, $Jar to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$tcoin>><li><<link 'Put the coin<<if !$T1bad or !$T2bad>>s<</if>> back in the pocket of Roscoe’s apron.' `passage()`>><<set $text to 5>><</link>></li><</if>> </ol> <<else>><<day1actionopen>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "day1jara">> <ol> <<if $coin && !$added>><li><<link "Add Roscoe’s tip." `passage()`>><<set $text to 4>><</link>></li><</if>> <li><<if $jar is true>><<link "Put away the tip jar, you’d rather not risk losing your meagre winnings already." `passage()`>><<set $jar to false, $JAR to "Hidden", $text to 5>><</link>><<else>><<link "Set your tip jar on the counter." `passage()`>><<set $jar to true, $JAR to "Out", $text to 3>><</link>><</if>></li> <<if $jar is true or $jar is false>><<if !$d1apron>><li><<link "Put away Roscoe’s apron." "Day 1 Roscoe Apron">><<set $text to 1, $d1apron to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$d1mess>><li><<link "Clean Roscoe’s cutting citrus mess." "Day 1 Other Actions">><<set $text to 1, $d1mess to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$d1wipe>><li><<link "Wipe the bar counter one more time." "Day 1 Other Actions">><<set $text to 2>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$d1coffee>><li><<link "Pour some coffee for Ezabell. And you might as well do so for yourself." "Day 1 Other Actions">><<set $text to 3, $d1coffee to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <li><<link 'Time to start the day!' "Day 1 Before Frenzy">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <</if>> </ol> <</widget>> <<widget "day1jarb">> <ol> <<if !$goal>><li> <<link "Open the box and see what’s hidden inside." `passage()`>><<set $text to 2, $goal to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $Coin && !$added>><li><<link "Add Roscoe’s tip." `passage()`>><<set $text to 4>><</link>></li><</if>> <li><<link "Hide the tip jar. You’d rather not run the risk, even if you could get more tips out of it." `passage()`>><<set $jar to false, $JAR to "Hidden", $text to 5>><</link>></li> <<if !$d1apron>><li><<link "Put away Roscoe’s apron." "Day 1 Roscoe Apron">><<set $text to 1, $d1apron to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$d1mess>><li><<link "Clean Roscoe’s cutting citrus mess." "Day 1 Other Actions">><<set $text to 1, $d1mess to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$d1wipe>><li><<link "Wipe the bar counter one more time." "Day 1 Other Actions">><<set $text to 2, $d1wipe to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$d1coffee>><li><<link "Pour some coffee for Ezabell. And you might as well do so for yourself." "Day 1 Other Actions">><<set $text to 3, $d1coffee to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <li><<link 'Time to start the day!' "Day 1 Before Frenzy">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> </ol> <</widget>> <<widget "day1jarc">> <ol> <<if !$goal>><li> <<link "Open the box and see what’s hidden inside." `passage()`>><<set $text to 2, $goal to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <li><<if $jar is true>><<link "Put away the tip jar, you’d rather not risk losing your meagre winnings already." `passage()`>><<set $jar to false, $JAR to "Hidden", $text to 5>><</link>><<else>><<link "Set your tip jar on the counter." `passage()`>><<set $jar to true, $JAR to "Out", $text to 3>><</link>><</if>></li> <<if $jar is true or $jar is false>><<if !$d1apron>><li><<link "Put away Roscoe’s apron." "Day 1 Roscoe Apron">><<set $text to 1, $d1apron to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$d1mess>><li><<link "Clean Roscoe’s cutting citrus mess." "Day 1 Other Actions">><<set $text to 1, $d1mess to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$d1wipe>><li><<link "Wipe the bar counter one more time." "Day 1 Other Actions">><<set $text to 2, $d1wipe to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$d1coffee>><li><<link "Pour some coffee for Ezabell. And you might as well do so for yourself." "Day 1 Other Actions">><<set $text to 3, $d1coffee to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <li><<link 'Time to start the day!' "Day 1 Before Frenzy">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <</if>> </ol> <</widget>> <<widget "day1jard">> <ol> <<if !$goal>><li> <<link "Open the box and see what’s hidden inside." `passage()`>><<set $text to 2, $goal to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $Coin && !$added>><li><<link "Add Roscoe’s tip." `passage()`>><<set $text to 4>><</link>></li><</if>> <li><<link "Set your tip jar on the counter." `passage()`>><<set $jar to true, $JAR to "Out", $text to 3>><</link>></li> <<if !$d1apron>><li><<link "Put away Roscoe’s apron." "Day 1 Roscoe Apron">><<set $text to 1, $d1apron to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$d1mess>><li><<link "Clean Roscoe’s cutting citrus mess." "Day 1 Other Actions">><<set $text to 1, $d1mess to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$d1wipe>><li><<link "Wipe the bar counter one more time." "Day 1 Other Actions">><<set $text to 2, $d1wipe to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$d1coffee>><li><<link "Pour some coffee for Ezabell. And you might as well do so for yourself." "Day 1 Other Actions">><<set $text to 3, $d1coffee to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <li><<link 'Time to start the day!' "Day 1 Before Frenzy">><<unset $text>><</link>></li> </ol> <</widget>> <<widget "oachoices">> <ol> <<if !$negt>><li><<link "“What’s a Negtuessom?”" `passage()`>><<set $negt to true, $text to 2>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$tripb>><li><<link "“What have ya done on this trip so far?”" `passage()`>><<set $tripb to true, $text to 3>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$tripn>><li><<link "“Where are ya going next?”" `passage()`>><<set $tripn to true, $text to 4>><</link>></li><</if>> <li><<link "“Do ya want another drink?”" `passage()`>><<set $text to 5>><<if $negt>><<unset $negt>><</if>><<if $tripb>><<unset $tripb>><</if>><<if $tripn>><<unset $tripn>><</if>><</link>></li> </ol> <</widget>> <<widget "advintrochoice">> <ol> <<if !$advm>><li><<link "“So… what’s this meeting for?”" "ADV Q">><<set $advm to true, $case=1>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if !$adva>><li><<link "“An adventurer, eh?”" "ADV Q">><<set $adva to true, $case=2>><</link>></li><</if>> <li><<link "“Do ya need another drink to calm your nerves?”" "ADV Q">><<set $case=3>><<if def $advm>><<unset $advm>><</if>><<if def $adva>><<unset $adva>><</if>><</link>></li> </ol> <</widget>><<widget "barpage">> <div class="wall">\ <div class="left">\ <div class="order">\ <div style="margin: auto;">''ORDER:'' $drink </div>\ </div>\ <div class= "bottle">\ <div class="row1">\ <<if $tutorial isnot "easy">><div class="vodka"><<link '<<hovertip "Vodka">><img src="img/vodka.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<vodka>><</link>></div>\ <div class="gin"><<link '<<hovertip "Gin">><img src="img/gin.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<gin>><</link>></div>\ <div class="whiskey"><<link '<<hovertip "Whiskey">><img src="img/whiskey.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<whiskey>><</link>></div>\ <div class="rum"><<link '<<hovertip "Rum">><img src="img/rum.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<rum>><</link>></div>\ <div class="soju"><<link '<<hovertip "Soju">><img src="img/soju.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<soju>><</link>></div>\ <div class="absinthe"><<link '<<hovertip "Absinthe">><img src="img/absinthe.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<absinthe>><</link>></div>\ <div class="tequila"><<link '<<hovertip "Tequila">><img src="img/tequila.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<tequila>><</link>></div>\ <div class="cognac"><<link '<<hovertip "Cognac">><img src="img/cognac.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<cognac>><</link>></div><</if>>\ <div class="darkrum"><<link '<<hovertip "Dark Rum">><img src="img/dark-rum.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<darkrum>><</link>></div>\ <<if $tutorial isnot "easy">><div class="vermouth"><<link '<<hovertip "Vermouth">><img src="img/vermouth.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<vermouth>><</link>></div><</if>>\ </div>\ <div class="row12"> </div>\ <div class="row2">\ <<if $tutorial isnot "easy">><div class="bitters"><<link '<<hovertip "Bitters">><img src="img/bitters.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<bitters>><</link>></div>\ <div class="sns"><<link '<<hovertip "Sweet-n-Sour">><img src="img/sns.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<sns>><</link>></div>\ <div class="syrup"><<link '<<hovertip "Syrups">><img src="img/syrup.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<syrup>><</link>></div>\ <div class="coffee"><<link '<<hovertip "Coffee">><img src="img/mocka.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<coffee>><</link>></div>\ <div class="citrus-juice"><<link '<<hovertip "Citrus Juices">><img src="img/citrus-juice.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<citrusjuice>><</link>></div><div class="tonic"><<link '<<hovertip "Tonic">><img src="img/tonic.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<tonic>><</link>></div><</if>>\ <div class="cola"><<link '<<hovertip "Cola">><img src="img/cola.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<cola>><</link>></div>\ <<if $tutorial isnot "easy">><div class="gingerale"><<link '<<hovertip "Ginger Ale">><img src="img/gingerale.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<gingerale>><</link>></div>\ <div class="clubsoda"><<link '<<hovertip "Club Soda">><img src="img/club-soda.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<clubsoda>><</link>></div><</if>>\ </div>\ <div class="row23"> </div>\ <div class="row3">\ <<if $tutorial isnot "easy">><div class="wine"><<link '<<hovertip "Wine">><img src="img/wine.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<wine>><</link>></div>\ <div class="porto"><<link '<<hovertip "Porto">><img src="img/porto.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<porto>><</link>></div>\ <div class="champ"><<link '<<hovertip "Champagne">><img src="img/champagne.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<champagne>><</link>></div>\ <div class="cider"><<link '<<hovertip "Cider">><img src="img/cider.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<cider>><</link>></div>\ <div class="beer"><<link '<<hovertip "Beer">><img src="img/beer.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<beer>><</link>></div>\<</if>>\ <div class="garnish"><<link '<<hovertip "Garnish">><img src="img/Garnish.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<popup 'Garnishes' 'Garnishes' 'ingredient'>><</link>></div>\ <div class="ice"><<link '<<hovertip "Ice">><img src="img/bucket.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<ICE>><</link>></div>\ </div>\ </div>\ </div>\ <div class="right">\ <div class="codex"><div style="margin: 12px auto 0;"><<if settings.difficulty is "Easy">>''Recipe''<div class="recipe"><<liveblock>><<RECIPE>><</liveblock>></div><<else>><<message "Recipe">><div class="recipe"><<liveblock>><<RECIPE>><</liveblock>></div><</message>><</if>></div></div>\ <div class="action"><div style="margin: auto;" ><<button "Shake">><<SHAKE>><</button>> <<button "Stir">><<STIR>><</button>> <hr> <<button "Reset Drink">><<RESET>><</button>></div></div>\ <div class="glass"><<glasstoserve>></div>\ </div>\ </div>\ <<if settings.difficulty is "Hard">><div class="timed"><<timermax>><<timedprogressbar `$time`>><<settingupserve>><<serving _setup>><<nextpage>><</timedprogressbar>></div><</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "garnishpots">><<nobr>> <div class="pots"> <div class="grow1"> <<if $tutorial isnot "easy">><<link '<<hovertip "Herbs">><img src="img/herb.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<herbs>><</link>> <<link '<<hovertip "Olives">><img src="img/olive.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<olive>><</link>><</if>> <<link '<<hovertip "Citrus Fruits">><img src="img/citrus.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<citrus>><</link>> </div> <div class="grow2"> <<if $tutorial isnot "easy">><<link '<<hovertip "Berries">><img src="img/berries.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<berries>><</link>> <<link '<<hovertip "Pome Fruits">><img src="img/pome.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<pome>><</link>> <<link '<<hovertip "Sugar">><img src="img/sugar.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<sugar>><</link>><</if>> </div> <div class="grow3"> <<if $tutorial isnot "easy">><<link '<<hovertip "Cucumber">><img src="img/cucumber.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<cucumber>><</link>> <img src="img/empty.png"> <<link '<<hovertip "Lil’ Umbrella">><img src="img/unbrella.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<unbrella>><</link>><</if>> </div> </div> <</nobr>><</widget>><<widget "restockbarpage">> <div class="wall">\ <div class="left">\ <div class="order" style="background:none;"></div> <div class= "bottle">\ <div class="row1">\ <div class="vodka"><<link '<<hovertip "Vodka">><img src="img/vodka.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".vodka" "Vodka">><</link>></div>\ <div class="gin"><<link '<<hovertip "Gin">><img src="img/gin.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".gin" "Gin">><</link>></div>\ <div class="whiskey"><<link '<<hovertip "Whiskey">><img src="img/whiskey.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".whiskey" "Whiskey">><</link>></div>\ <div class="rum"><<link '<<hovertip "Rum">><img src="img/rum.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".rum" "Rum">><</link>></div>\ <div class="soju"><<link '<<hovertip "Soju">><img src="img/soju.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".soju" "Soju">><</link>></div>\ <div class="absinthe"><<link '<<hovertip "Absinthe">><img src="img/absinthe.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".absinthe" "Absinthe">><</link>></div>\ <div class= "tequila"><<link '<<hovertip "Tequila">><img src="img/tequila.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".tequila" "Tequila">><</link>></div>\ <div class="cognac"><<link '<<hovertip "Cognac">><img src="img/cognac.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".cognac" "Cognac">><</link>></div>\ <div class= "darkrum"><<link '<<hovertip "Dark Rum">><img src="img/dark-rum.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".darkrum" "Dark Rum">><</link>></div>\ <div class="vermouth"><<link '<<hovertip "Vermouth">><img src="img/vermouth.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".vermouth" "Vermouth">><</link>></div>\ </div>\ <div class="row12"> </div>\ <div class="row2">\ <div class="bitters"><<link '<<hovertip "Bitters">><img src="img/bitters.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".bitters" "Bitters">><</link>></div>\ <div class="sns"><<link '<<hovertip "Sweet-n-Sour">><img src="img/sns.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".sns" "Sweet-n-Sour">><</link>></div>\ <div class="syrup"><<link '<<hovertip "Syrups">><img src="img/syrup.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".syrup" "Syrups">><</link>></div>\ <div class="coffee"><<link '<<hovertip "Coffee">><img src="img/mocka.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".coffee" "Coffee">><</link>></div>\ <div class="citrus-juice"><<link '<<hovertip "Citrus Juices">><img src="img/citrus-juice.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".citrus-juice" "Citrus Juices">><</link>></div><div class="tonic"><<link '<<hovertip "Tonic">><img src="img/tonic.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".tonic" "Tonic">><</link>></div>\ <div class="cola"><<link '<<hovertip "Cola">><img src="img/cola.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".cola" "Cola">><</link>></div>\ <div class="gingerale"><<link '<<hovertip "Ginger Ale">><img src="img/gingerale.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".gingerale" "Ginger Ale">><</link>></div>\ <div class="clubsoda"><<link '<<hovertip "Club Soda">><img src="img/club-soda.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".clubsoda" "Club Soda">><</link>></div>\ </div>\ <div class="row23"> </div>\ <div class="row3">\ <div class="wine"><<link '<<hovertip "Wine">><img src="img/wine.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".wine" "Wine">><</link>></div>\ <div class="porto"><<link '<<hovertip "Porto">><img src="img/porto.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".porto" "Porto">><</link>></div>\ <div class="champ"><<link '<<hovertip "Champagne">><img src="img/champagne.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".champ" "Champagne">><</link>></div>\ <div class="cider"><<link '<<hovertip "Cider">><img src="img/cider.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".cider" "Cider">><</link>></div>\ <div class="beer"><<link '<<hovertip "Beer">><img src="img/beer.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".beer" "Beer">><</link>></div>\ <div class="garnish"><<link '<<hovertip "Garnish">><img src="img/Garnish.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".garnish" "Garnish">><</link>></div>\ <div class="ice"><<link '<<hovertip "Ice">><img src="img/bucket.png"><</hovertip>>'>><<restock ".ice" "Ice">><</link>></div>\ </div>\ </div>\ </div>\ <div class="right">\ <<if $period is 1>><div class="action"><div style="margin: auto;"><<button "Restock Napkins">> <<if !_napkin>> <<notify>> You restocked the napkins.<</notify>> <<set _napkin to true>> <<else>> <<notify>> You already restocked the napkins.<</notify>> <</if>> <</button>> <<button "Clean Glasses">> <<if !_glass>> <<notify>> You cleaned the dirty glasses.<</notify>> <<set _glass to true>> <<else>> <<notify>> There are no other glass to clean.<</notify>> <</if>> <</button>> <<button "Wipe Counter">> <<if !_counter>> <<notify>> You wiped the counter clean.<</notify>> <<set _counter to true>> <<else>> <<notify>> The counter is already clean.<</notify>> <</if>> <</button>></div></div><</if>>\ <div class="glass"><div style="margin: auto;"><<button "Done">><<leaverestock>><</button>></div></div>\ </div>\ </div>\ <</widget>> <<widget "restockclass">> <<set _classlist to [".vodka", ".gin", ".whiskey", ".rum", ".soju", ".absinthe", ".tequila", ".cognac", ".darkrum", ".vermouth", ".bitters", ".sns", ".syrup", ".coffee", ".citrus-juice", ".cola", ".gingerale", ".clubsoda", ".wine", ".porto", ".champ", ".cider", ".beer", ".garnish", ".ice"]>> <<set _amount to random(3,8)>> <<for _i to 0; _i lt _amount; _i++>> <<set _target to _classlist.random()>><<run _classlist.delete(_target)>> <<addclass `_target` "unavailable">> <</for>> <</widget>> <<widget "restock">> <<removeclass `_args[0]` "unavailable">> <<notify>><<print _args[1]>> restocked!<</notify>> <</widget>>/* <<textboxPlus>> widget v1.3 - Start */ /* Usage: <<textboxPlus "Label: " "$variableName" `{ placeholder: "Placeholder text", }`>> */ <<widget "textboxPlus">> <<if ($args[1][0] !== "$") && ($args[1][0] !== "_")>> /* Show error message for bad variable name. */ <span class="errmsg" data-msg="&lt;&lt;textboxPlus&gt;&gt; - Invalid variable name." @data-src="$args[1]"></span> <<run $(document).one(":passagerender", function (ev) { $(ev.content).find(".errmsg").each(function (idx) { throwError($(this), $(this).data("msg"), $(this).data("src")); }); } )>> <<else>> /* Create textboxPlus input box. */ <<if $args[1][0] === "$">> <<set _textboxPlusName = "textbox-" + $args[1].substr(1).toLowerCase()>> <<else>> <<set _textboxPlusName = "textbox--" + $args[1].substr(1).toLowerCase()>> <</if>> <<if ndef $args[2]>> <<set _textboxPlusOptions = {}>> <<else>> <<set _textboxPlusOptions = $args[2]>> <</if>> <<if ndef _textboxPlusOptions.placeholder>> <<set _textboxPlusOptions.placeholder = "">> <</if>> <<if ndef _textboxPlusOptions.maxlength>> <<set _textboxPlusOptions.maxlength = "">> <</if>> <<if ndef _textboxPlusOptions.spellcheck>> <<set _textboxPlusOptions.spellcheck = true>> <</if>> <<if ndef _textboxPlusOptions.autocomplete>> <<set _textboxPlusOptions.autocomplete = "">> <</if>> <<if ndef _textboxPlusOptions.password>> <<set _textboxPlusOptions.password = "">> <</if>> <<if ndef _textboxPlusOptions.readonly>> <<set _textboxPlusOptions.readonly = "">> <</if>> <<if ndef _textboxPlusOptions.disabled>> <<set _textboxPlusOptions.disabled = "">> <</if>> <<if ndef _textboxPlusOptions.onchange>> <<set _textboxPlusOptions.onchange = "">> <</if>> <<if ndef _textboxPlusOptions.oninput>> <<set _textboxPlusOptions.oninput = "">> <</if>> <<if ndef _textboxPlusOptions.onreturn>> <<set _textboxPlusOptions.onreturn = "">> <</if>> <span class="textboxplus" @data-variable="$args[1]" @data-placeholder="_textboxPlusOptions.placeholder" @data-maxlength="_textboxPlusOptions.maxlength" @data-spellcheck="_textboxPlusOptions.spellcheck" @data-autocomplete="_textboxPlusOptions.autocomplete" @data-password="_textboxPlusOptions.password" @data-readonly="_textboxPlusOptions.readonly" @data-disabled="_textboxPlusOptions.disabled" @data-onchange="_textboxPlusOptions.onchange" @data-oninput="_textboxPlusOptions.oninput" @data-onreturn="_textboxPlusOptions.onreturn"> <label @for="_textboxPlusName">$args[0]</label> <<if $args[0][$args[0].length - 1] === " ">> <br> <</if>> <<if ndef _textboxPlusOptions.default>> <<set _textboxPlusOptions.default = "">> <</if>> <<if ndef _textboxPlusOptions.passage>> <<if _textboxPlusOptions.autofocus>> <<textbox $args[1] _textboxPlusOptions.default autofocus>> <<else>> <<textbox $args[1] _textboxPlusOptions.default>> <</if>> <<else>> <<if _textboxPlusOptions.autofocus>> <<textbox $args[1] _textboxPlusOptions.default _textboxPlusOptions.passage autofocus>> <<else>> <<textbox $args[1] _textboxPlusOptions.default _textboxPlusOptions.passage>> <</if>> <</if>> </span> <</if>> <</widget>> <<script>> $(document).on(":passagerender", function (event) { /* Update textboxPlus input boxes. */ $(event.content).find(".textboxplus").each(function () { var options = {}, props = {}; var data = $(this).data("placeholder"); if (data) { options.placeholder = data; } data = $(this).data("maxlength"); if (data) { options.maxlength = data; } data = $(this).data("spellcheck"); if (data.toString().toLowerCase() === "false") { options.spellcheck = "false"; } data = $(this).data("autocomplete"); if (data) { options.autocomplete = data; } data = $(this).data("password"); if (data) { props.type = "password"; } data = $(this).data("readonly"); if (data) { props.readonly = data; } data = $(this).data("disabled"); if (data) { props.disabled = data; } $(this).find("input").each(function () { if (props.type) { $(this).removeProp("type").attr(options).prop(props); } else { $(this).attr(options).prop(props); } }); var changeCode = $(this).data("onchange"); if (changeCode) { $(this).find("input").on("change", function (event) { $.wiki(changeCode); }); } var inputCode = $(this).data("oninput"), parent = this; if (inputCode) { $(this).find("input").on("input", function (event) { State.setVar($(parent).data("variable"), $(this).val()); $.wiki(inputCode); }); } var returnCode = $(this).data("onreturn"); if (returnCode) { $(this).on("keyup", function (event) { if (event.key === "Enter") { $.wiki(returnCode); } }); } }); }); <</script>> /* <<textboxPlus>> widget - End *//* <<countdownTimer>> Widget - Start */ <<widget "countdownTimer">> <<set _seconds = $args[0]>> <<set _minutes = Math.floor(_seconds / 60)>> <<set _replacementPassage = $args[1]>> <div id="timer" class="timergreen">Time remaining _minutes:<<= (_seconds - (_minutes * 60)).toString().padStart(2, '0')>></div><<script>> if (!recall("countdown", undefined)) { setup.countdown = { startTime: new Date(), lastStr: "", passage: passage() }; memorize("countdown", setup.countdown); } else { setup.countdown = recall("countdown"); if (setup.countdown.passage !== passage()) { setup.countdown = { startTime: new Date(), lastStr: "", passage: passage() }; memorize("countdown", setup.countdown); } } setup.countdown.intervalID = setInterval(function () { if (setup.countdown.passage !== passage()) { clearInterval(setup.countdown.intervalID); forget("countdown"); setup.countdown.passage = ""; } else { var curtime = new Date(), str, seconds = State.temporary.seconds; var diff = Math.floor(seconds - ((curtime - setup.countdown.startTime) / 1000)), min = Math.floor(diff / 60); if ((diff >= 0) && (diff < seconds)) { if ($("#timer").length) { str = "Time remaining " + min + ":" + (diff - (min * 60)).toString().padStart(2, '0'); if (str != setup.countdown.lastStr) { $("#timer").empty().wiki(str); setup.countdown.lastStr = str; } if (diff <= 10) { if (!$("#timer").hasClass("timerred")) { $("#timer").removeClass("timeramber").addClass("timerred"); } } else if (diff <= 20) { if (!$("#timer").hasClass("timeramber")) { $("#timer").removeClass("timergreen").addClass("timeramber"); } } else { if (!$("#timer").hasClass("timergreen")) { $("#timer").removeClass("timeramber timerred").addClass("timergreen"); } } } } if (diff < 0) { clearInterval(setup.countdown.intervalID); forget("countdown"); $("#passages div.passage").empty().wiki('<<goto "' + State.temporary.replacementPassage + '">>'); delete setup.countdown.passage; } } }, 200); <</script>> <</widget>> /* <<countdownTimer>> Widget - End */