(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] <img src="img/title.gif" width="90%" >\ (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[Let's Begin.->Open1]] (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[To Credits.->Credits]] Press: "Resume Audio" to start audio at any point. Press: "Stop Audtio" to stop audio at any point. (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'rain') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] The bridge is new. The wood is sleek, wet, and we draw near, our claws leave small indents in the wood. It wasn't here before. The humans must have made it. The rain starts to fall a little harder. We think that if we squeeze, we may fit cozily (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[underneath->underneath the bridge]] this bridge. (set: $track to 'rain') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We crawl towards it, it's as we thought, we're a perfect fit. The rain is loud on the bridge. We are hungry. We are tired. The humans have driven so many of the other creatures from our woods. We are so (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[hungry->Passerby 1 Approaches]]. (set: $track to 'rain') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] There. Just in the distance. If we listen close enough, footsteps. Coming closer? Yes. Yes, they are. We can hear them; it doesn't sound like more than one. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Look and see//.->Passerby 1 Look]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Stay Hidden//.->Passerby 1 Hide]]] (set: $track to 'rain') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We peer out into the black of the rain. <img src="img/peek.jpg" width="70%" >\ There. Just arriving at the foot of the bridge, we can see a human man. He is hunched over. Cloak pulled tight around him to keep out the rain. He is alone. We stare. He approaches the foot of the bridge. Shuffling one foot in front of the other. The unmistakable smell of human wafts towards us. (text-style:"blur","sway")[//Ah.//] We are (text-colour:#8e0f0f)[hungry.] Our stomach rumbles, discontent. The man jerks to a stop. His head looks up but stays well within the cowl of his hood. We cannot see his face. "Who's there?" A voice calls out, gruff, exhausted. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Answer him.//->Passerby 1 step]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Watch.//->Passerby 1 Watch]]] (set: $track to 'rain') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] Above us, the footsteps draw nearer. Clunky and wet, but only one pair. We can hear the steps now clearly. The wet squelch of mud changes to wood, and the unmistakable smell of human wafts towards us. (text-style:"blur","sway")[//Ah.//] We are (text-colour:#8e0f0f)[hungry.] Our stomach rumbles, discontent. Overhead, the footsteps stop. "Who's there?" A voice calls out, gruff, exhausted. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Peer out.//->Passerby 1 look]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Answer him.//->Passerby 1 step]]] (set: $track to 'rain') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] Before we crawl out from our place from under the bridge, we see the second human. There he is, a second human, this one is dangerous. In the darkness, we watch a scuffle ensue. The first human is caught unawares by the second, distracted as he was. We cannot hear what is being said. But we can see the second one, brandishing a blade in the first one's direction. The first human is in danger. Limbs tangled and odd, claws gripping easily at the wood as we hoist ourselves up. Our horns are heavy today, burdened with lichen from the swamp. We run our tongue over our teeth, considering what to say. The humans stand before us, staring. This is nothing but trouble. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Kill them both.//->Passerby 1 Death]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Kill the second human.//->Passerby 1 flee]]] (set: $track to 'rain') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible') (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] The human does not move. He stands, and watches. We watch back. As we watch, we see a second human appear. This one is swift, light on its feet. In the darkness, we watch a scuffle ensue. The first human is caught unawares by the second, distracted as he was. We cannot hear what is being said. But we can see the second one, brandishing a blade in the first one's direction. The first human is in danger. Our stomach growls again, the hunger is deep rooted, its own claws have sunk into our intestines, pulling them taut in pain. (text-style:"blur","shudder")[He reeks of (text-colour:red)[fear].] This is nothing but trouble. [[//Kill both of them.//->Passerby 1 Death]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[[[//Kill the second human.//->Passerby 1 flee]]] (set: $track to 'rain') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] <img src="img/peek.jpg" width="70%" >\ We peer out into the black of the rain. There. Just arriving at the foot of the bridge, we can see a human man. He is hunched over. Cloak pulled tight around him to keep out the rain. He is alone. The human does not move. He stands, and watches. We watch back. As we watch, we see a second human appear. This one is swift, light on its feet. In the darkness, we watch a scuffle ensue. The first human is caught unawares by the second, distracted as he was. We cannot hear what is being said. But we can see the second one, brandishing a blade in the first one's direction. The first human is in danger. Our stomach growls again, the hunger is deep rooted, its own claws have sunk into our intestines, pulling them taut in pain. (text-style:"blur","shudder")[He reeks of (text-colour:red)[fear].] This is nothing but trouble. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Kill them both.//->Passerby 1 Death]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Kill the second human.//->Passerby 1 flee]]] (set: $track to 'rain') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] Enough. We make quick work of the second human. It is too easy to pry him from the first one. His tiny blade does nothing against us. Humans are slow. Humans are small. They are weak. They are (text-colour:(hsl:0,0,1,0.5))[fragile.] It happens almost on accident. Our claws are sharp. Our limbs are strong, even as starved as we are. It takes no effort, none at all, to reach out and grab them with one of our claws. It is an accident then when it struggles. Feeble and weak in our grasp, it gurgles on its death. (text-style:"blur","sway")[//Do not fear.//] (text-style:"blur","upside-down", "sway")[//Do not fear.//] The first human is scrambling to its feet. It does not stop to (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[thank us.->Passerby 1 escape]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'death') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible') (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] They are easy to catch. Humans are slow. Humans are small. They are weak. They are (text-colour:(hsl:0,0,1,0.5))[fragile.] It happens almost on accident. Our claws are sharp. Our limbs are strong, even as starved as we are. It takes no effort, none at all, to reach out and grab them with one of our claws. It is an accident then when it struggles. Both of them in turn. Feeble and weak in our grasp. (text-style:"blur","sway")[//Do not fear.//] (text-style:"blur","upside-down", "sway")[//Do not fear.//] (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//We hold them close.//->Passerby 1 Death2]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'death') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] They gurgle, choking. (text-colour:(hsl:0,0.8039,0.5,0.65))[Blood] wafts up to us. They kick in our claws, once (text-style:"blur")[twice] (text-style:"blur")[before going] (text-style:"blurrier","expand")[still.] (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Check the bodies.//->Passerby 1 Death3]] (set: $track to 'death') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] Dead. The rain is light. And above, the (text-style:"smear", "buoy")[moon ]slithers out to join the scene. It's peaceful. Our stomach rumbles. It would be a shame to waste a meal like this. We are (text-colour:(hsl:0,0.8039,0.5,0.65))[hungry.] <img src="img/hand.jpg" width="70%" >\ And it is not often we get to (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[feast.->Passerby 2 Intro]] (set: $track to 'death') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] The night passes. We are, for once, satiated. It's been far too long since our last proper meal. The morning comes, and the (text-style:"fade-in-out")[(text-colour:#ddbf35)[sun kisses] ]the horizon, filtering sunlight through the (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[trees.->Passerby 2 intro2]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] The underside of the bridge is quiet as the day bleeds into the afternoon. The only visitors that come to greet us are the small creatures of the forest. <img src="img/froggy.jpg" width="70%" >\ Frogs with too large eyes, (text-style:"fidget")[(text-colour:#808080)[(text-style:"expand")[flies ]]] that congregate at the left-over pieces of flesh, birds that caw a little too loudly through the quiet forest. These visitors are unsurprising, welcome even. It is the (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[sound of humans->Passerby 2 Choice1]] that startle us from our reverie. (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] There are many. This we are certain of. Whereas last night we could only hear the single set of footsteps, this time there is no mistaking the idle chatter that is ongoing. A group of humans never bring good tidings. They can only be travelling through the forest, towards another human village where they will continue to destroy and wreak havoc on our home. The blood from the last human is long gone from beneath our claws, but the shreds of his clothes still linger in the water below the bridge. It would be better to send a clear message now. To stop the humans from moving further into our territory. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Peek out.//->Passerby 2 Peek]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Reveal yourself.//->Passerby 2 Reveal]]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'twowalking') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We peer above the side of the bridge. The sun is bright, and our eyes burn slightly. Even so, there, in the daylight we see them. A group of humans. There are two larger ones, one leading the charge, and one at the back. In the midst of the two large humans there are three smaller. These ones are disorderly. The noises they make are loud and rambunctious, and we flinch as one yells. "Mom! Look there!" We look to one of the small humans and see it has its stumpy finger pointed in our direction. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Hide.//->Passerby 2 Hide]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Reveal yourself.//->Passerby 2 Reveal 2]]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] Our body slices through the water as you pull ourselves over the side of the bridge. Claws hook into the grooves of the wood as we brave the light of day. The sun is bright, and our eyes burn slightly. Even so, there, in the daylight you see them. A group of humans. There are two larger ones, one leading the charge, and one at the back. In the midst of the two large humans there are three smaller. One of the smaller human’s yells as they see us. "A monster!" The large one at the front stumbles to a halt, and the familiar scent of fear wafts towards us. He shoves the other smaller humans behind him as the second large human runs to the front. We tilt our head to the side, water drips on the wood. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[A monster? Where?] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[A monster? Where?] "What do you want from us," barks the large human. "We're just trying to pass through!" (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Let them pass.//->Passerby 2 Pass]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Question them further.//->Passerby 2 Question]]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We slink back away from the side of the bridge. Pushing our body deep into the crevices of the the shadows. Footsteps move above us. In the water, we can see the shapes of their human shadows above us. "There's nothing there," One of the voices speaks. "What are you on about?" "But Dad, there was something," We recognize the voice of the small human. "I'm sure of it." "Let's keep going," speaks another voice, this one is even toned, pitched higher than the first. "We can send someone else to come check. There are knights in the village to do this." There's a sound of agreement, and the shadows disappear from the waters edge. There is a worry deep inside us. Knights are never a good thing. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Reveal yourself.//->Passerby 2 Reveal 2]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Let them leave.//->Passerby 2 Pass 2]]] (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] Our body slices through the water as we pull ourselves over the side of the bridge. Claws hook into the grooves of the wood as we brave the light of day. The large one at the front stumbles to a halt, and the familiar scent of fear wafts towards us. He shoves the other smaller humans behind him as the second large human runs to the front. The small human yells again. "A monster!" We tilt our head to the side, water drips on the wood. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[A monster? Where?] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[A monster? Where?] "What do you want from us," barks the large human. "We're just trying to pass through!" (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Let them pass.//->Passerby 2 Pass]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Question them further.//->Passerby 2 Question]]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] The humans stand, nervous. A bird caws from in the forest. Signaling the coming of mid-morning. Humans have wrecked such carnage on our kin. Stripping us of land, of our lives, of so very much. But Kin can be avenged in other ways. We step closer, bending to observe the humans at their level. The woman inhales. Her gaze does not falter. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[Leave me be.] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[Leave me be.] We step to the (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[side.->Passerby 2 Passing]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'life') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We crawl forward on the bridge, limbs dripping and tangled from the swamp water. Humans are never guiltless. They will always lie. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[Passing through? To where?] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[Passing through? To where?] The Adam's apple on the large human bob's in his throat. His mouth opens but nothing spills from it. The scent of his (text-colour:#6b2c2c)[(text-style:"smear","buoy")[fear]] thickens. "To the village," the other human speaks. There is no fear in this one. She takes a step forward. "We are making a home there." We taste the air. Tongue passing over teeth. Maybe not entirely fearless. There is something else in the air. She swallows. One of the small humans whisperes, "There are knights in the village, right? They'll come save us won't they?" "Can we pass?" The woman repeats, louder. "We mean no harm." (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Let them pass.//->Passerby 2 Pass]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Deny their passage.//->Passerby 2 Death]]] (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[No harm?] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[No harm?] Our body slithers forward. Creaking across the wood. The family steps back, and the forest holds in breath. In our minds eyes we can see the outline of our fellow creatures. Bodies tangled and pierced by swords, traps. Antlers cut off, mangled, decorated, and displayed as trophies. <img src="img/eyes.gif" width="70%" >\ Humans never mean (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[no harm->Passerby 2 Death2]]. (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'death') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] The first one (text-colour:(hsl:0,0.6471,0.5,0.75))[falls] easily. So quickly does she fall on our claws, so small and weak she is that we barely realize we've hit the smaller one that was hidden behind her. Their bodies are light, and crumple into (text-style:"blur")[lifeless heaps instantly.] The others scream, the other two smaller ones take flight. That won't due at all. The other larger human (text-colour:(hsl:0,0.6471,0.5,0.75))[falls] next, throwing himself between us and the retreating humans. He puts up a fight, a worthless one, but a fight, nonetheless. As his body falls, one of the smaller humans stumbles. It is just enough of a (text-colour:(hsl:0,0.6471,0.5,0.75))[mistake.] We make quick work of this small one. As we look upwards, our final prey is far out of sight, only the smell of the lingering fear is left in its wake. The forest is quiet. Four mangled bodies lie strewn across our bridge. We will not go hungry (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[tonight.->Hunter intro]] (set: $track to 'death') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] The bodies disappear quickly. We drag them each below our bridge, creating large (text-colour:(hsl:0,0.6471,0.5,0.75))[(text-style:"blurrier")[smears of red]] across the light wood. (text-style:"expand")[(text-colour:#770d0d)[We eat.]] (text-style:"expand")[(text-colour:grey)[We rest.]] Curled into the shadows of the bridge, cradled by the wooden beams and the water beneath us, (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//we rest.//->Hunter into 2]] (set: $track to 'death') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We wait, listening carefully to the movements above. The footsteps grow fainter and fainter, fading to silence. Leaving the humans be is the best choice. We are filled already, there is no need to hunt these ones. No need to reveal ourselves, no need to let them know we are here. It would be far too dangerous. Far too naive of us to allow them to know of our existence. <img src="img/eyes.gif" width="50%" >\ It is better to stay (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[hidden.->Hidden Ending]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'twowalking') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] The evening answers our waking mind with the sounds of the night. <img src="img/firefly.gif" width="70%" >\ In front of our nose, a light bug drifts lazily in our view. Adrift, it sways in the air. Dainty, gentle. The light it carries blinks. This is not what awoke us though. There is something else besides the gentle sounds of the night. Something besides the light of the moon on the dark water. There is, skittering across our skin, the distinct impression of watchful eyes upon us. It's there, whatever it is. In this we are certain. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Go atop the bridge to check.//->Hunter Check]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Wait for it to pass.//->Hunter Wait]]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'night') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] The movement is instinctive now. Within the cover of night, slithering atop the bridge in silence is simple. We perch here, on the side of the railing, watching, waiting, looking. For a breath, we see nothing, only boundless darkness, and slivers of silver moonlight upon the wood. (text-style:"smear")[//"Ah, there you are,"// ]A voice says. (text-style:"smear")[//"You're not exactly the creature I was expecting."// ] We are shocked. Surprised even further when a human-shaped figure steps from the dark. It is covered in a long cloak, and a slash of moonlight is belted at its side. We eye the sword. It is one meant for killing monsters. (text-style:"smear")[//"I mean you no harm,"// ]the human says. (text-style:"smear")[//"I am merely here for your sake."//] (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Ask who she is.//->Hunter Question Who]] (align:"<==")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Ask what she wants.//->Hunter Question Want]]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'voice') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] All remains quiet. The feeling does not pass us by. In the quiet of the black, the water ripples. (text-style:"smear")[//"Come out now,"// ]says a voice. (text-style:"smear")[//"I know you're underneath the bridge, don't make me come and get you."// ] We did not hear footsteps on the bridge. Yet the voice comes from above. Waiting will do us no good here. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Reveal yourself.//->Hunter Check]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'voice') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[Who are you?] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[Who are you?] (text-style:"smear")[//"You speak!"// ]She says, she steps closer. (text-style:"smear")[//"The humans know me as the hunter,"// ]she moves and pulls down the cowl of her hood. (text-style:"smear")[//"This is not entirely a truth, but neither is it a lie."// ] We understand now. Her eyes are like ours, like any creature, dark as the moon with no traces of light. We sniff the air. She does not smell like a human either. She spreads her hands out in a placating gesture. (text-style:"smear")[//"You gave that child quite the fright today," //]she laughs. (text-style:"smear")[//"Dare I say something he will never forget."//] We did what we must. It was our only (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//choice.//->Hunter Choice]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'voice') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[What do you want?] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[What do you want?] (text-style:"smear")[//"You speak!"// ]She says, she steps closer. (text-style:"smear")[//"Let me introduce myself, the humans know me as the hunter,"// ]she moves and pulls down the cowl of her hood. (text-style:"smear")[//"This is not entirely a truth, but neither is it a lie."//] We understand now. Her eyes are like ours, like any creature, dark as the moon with no traces of light. We sniff the air. She does not smell like a human either. She spreads her hands out in a placating gesture. (text-style:"smear")[// "You gave that child quite the fright today,"//] she laughs. (text-style:"smear")[//"Dare I say something he will never forget."//] We did what we must. It was our only (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//choice.//->Hunter Choice]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'voice') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] She continues, (text-style:"smear")[//"The humans paid me to come dispose of you."//] Our eyes drop back to the sword. We are uneasy. Will she? (text-style:"smear")[//"I'm not planning on doing that,"// ]she says, dropping her arms.(text-style:"smear")[ //"I have no interest in dwindling what few of us remain."//] There is great sorrow in her voice. This we understand. There are so few of us left. The humans have pushed us out of our forests, driven us to madness, hunted us down, they are everywhere, at every corner. We tilt our head. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[What are you planning to do?] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[What are you planning to do?] (text-style:"smear")[//"I have a proposition for you," //]she says and smiles. Her teeth are sharp. (text-style:"smear")[//"I have a sanctuary, a larger forest, deeper in the woods where others of our kind are travelling to. There, no humans dare come near,"//] She pauses, watching us. (text-style:"smear")[//"I am here to offer you a new home. Leave this forest, there is nothing left for you here. In my forest, you will be safe, far away from the humans."//] (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Accept her offer.//->Hunter Ending 1]] (align:"<==")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Turn her down.//->Hunter Final Offer]]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'voice') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We are silent. We think of her offer. She is not lying; the creatures of the night do not lie to each other. We think to what our forest was like. Filled with creatures, both of the day and of the night. We miss it. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[Where do I go to find this place?] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[Where do I go to find this place?] Her smile (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//grows.//->Hunter Ending Epilogue]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'hunter') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We cannot simply leave. This forest is where we live. We cannot let the humans take over. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[This is my home.] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[This is my home.] (text-style:"smear")[//"I see,"// ]she sighs, and reaches to pull the cowl back over her head.(text-style:"smear")[ //"May the night keep you safe."//] She stays there, a moment longer. (text-style:"blink")[(text-colour:grey)[We blink.]] Within this moment and the next, she is gone. Left in her wake is nothing but moonlight. We crawl back under our bridge. The fireflies drift into view. There is nothing left do to but [[//wait.//->Knight intro]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'night') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We find the forest. The journey was longer than expected. The route more dangerous. This only serves to prove the Huntress right. We find the forest. It is dark. It is lush. It is filled with other creatures of the night. Here, tucked away in the corner of the world, where the trees tower overhead, where the brush underneath is perfect for stalking, for hiding, for sleeping, we exist. We carve out a new territory for ourselves. We feast on flesh and dance beneath the moon, hand in hand with the other creatures. We survive. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//We live on.//->The End Hunter]] (set: $track to 'hunter') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] The dawn of the next day comes sooner than we thought. Content, it is with the first rays of the morning do we stir to the sound of hoofbeats, and many, many footsteps. <img src="img/knight.jpg" width="60%" >\ They are not the same as the other villagers. These ones smell of (text-colour:red)[blood.] There approach is ever growing in sound. Loud metal clanking on metal, armor, and steel swaying with every step. They bring ill tidings; they are ones we must stay away from. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Look out.//->Knight Look]](align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Hide.//->Knight Hide]]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'soldier') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] HUNTER ENDING ACHIEVED. <img src="img/end.gif" width="70%" >\ Thank you for playing! (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[Play Again?->Opening]] (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[To Credits.->Credits]] (set: $track to 'hunter') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible') (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] The underside of the bridge is quiet as the day bleeds into the afternoon. The only visitors that come to greet us are the small creatures of the forest. <img src="img/froggy.jpg" width="70%" >\ Frogs with too large eyes, flies that congregate at the left-over pieces of flesh, birds that caw a little too loudly through the quiet forest. These visitors are unsurprising, welcome even. It is the (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[sound of humans->Passerby 2 begin2]] that startle us from our reverie. (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] There are many. This we are certain of. Whereas last night we could only hear the single set of footsteps, this time there is no mistaking the idle chatter that is ongoing. A group of humans never bring good tidings. They can only be travelling through the forest, towards another human village where they will continue to destroy and wreak havoc on our home. There blood from the last human is long gone from beneath our claws, but the shreds of his clothes still linger in the water below the bridge. It would be better to send a clear message now. To stop the humans from moving further into our territory. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Peek out.//->Passerby2 Peek]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Reveal yourself.//->Passerby2 Reveal]]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'twowalking') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We peer above the side of the bridge. The sun is bright, and our eyes burn slightly. Even so, there, in the daylight we see them. A group of humans. There are two larger ones, one leading the charge, and one at the back. In the midst of the two large humans there are three smaller. These ones are disorderly. The noises they make are loud and rambunctious, and we flinch as one yells. "Mom! Look there!" We look to one of the small humans and see it has its stumpy finger pointed in our direction. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Hide.//->Passerby2 Hide]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Reveal yourself.//->Passerby2 Reveal 2]]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] Our body slices through the water as you pull ourselves over the side of the bridge. Claws hook into the grooves of the wood as we brave the light of day. The sun is bright, and our eyes burn slightly. Even so, there, in the daylight you see them. A group of humans. There are two larger ones, one leading the charge, and one at the back. In the midst of the two large humans there are three smaller. One of the smaller humans’ yells as they see us. "A monster!" We tilt our head to the side, water drips on the wood. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[A monster? Where?] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[A monster? Where?] The large one at the front comes to a halt, and there is the sound of steel being drawn. In the sunlight the sword reflects a bright slice of light across our vision. "It's just as he said," says the large human to the others. "Get behind me." He shoves the other smaller humans behind him as the second large human runs to the front. "What do you want from us," barks the large human, the sword point wavers in it's grasp. "We're just trying to pass through!" (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Let them pass.//->Passerby2 Pass]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Question them further.//->Passerby2 Question]]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We slink back away from the side of the bridge. Pushing our body deep into the crevices of the shadows. Footsteps move above us. In the water, we can see the shapes of their human shadows above us. "There's nothing there," One of the voices speaks. "What are you on about?" "But Dad, there was something," We recognize the voice of the small human. "I'm sure of it." "Let's keep going," speaks another voice, this one is even toned, pitched higher than the first. "We can send someone else to come check. There are knights in the village to do this. We were already pushing our luck from what the lad was telling us from the night before." There's a sound of agreement, and the shadows disappear from the waters edge. There is a worry deep inside us. Knights are never a good thing. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Reveal yourself.//->Passerby2 Reveal 2]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Let them leave.//->Passerby2 Pass 2]]] (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] Our body slices through the water as we pull ourselves over the side of the bridge. Claws hook into the grooves of the wood as we brave the light of day. The large one at the front comes to a halt, and there is the sound of steel being drawn. In the sunlight the sword reflects a bright slice of light across our vision. "It's just as he said," says the large human to the others. "Get behind me." He shoves the other smaller humans behind him as the second large human runs to the front. One of the smaller humans’ yells as they see us. "A monster!" We tilt our head to the side, water drips on the wood. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[A monster? Where?] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[A monster? Where?] "What do you want from us," barks the large human, the sword point wavers in it's grasp. "We're just trying to pass through!" (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Let them pass.//->Passerby2 Pass]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Question them further.//->Passerby2 Question]]] (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible') (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] The humans stand, nervous. We are hungry. Meals will come again. Food does not disappear forever. Humans have wrecked such carnage on our kin. Stripping us of land, of our lives, of so very much. But Kin can be avenged in other ways. We step closer, bending to observe the humans at their level. The woman inhales. Her gaze does not falter. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[Leave me be.] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[Leave me be.] We step to the (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[side.->Passerby2 Passing]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'life') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We crawl forward on the bridge, limbs dripping and tangled from the swamp water. Humans are never guiltless. They will always lie. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[Passing through? To where?] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[Passing through? To where?] The Adam's apple on the large human bobs in his throat. His mouth opens but nothing spills from it. The scent of his fear thickens, the sword shakes in his hand. "To the village," the other human speaks. There is no fear in this one. She takes a step forward; she too has a sword drawn. "We are making a home there." We taste the air. Tongue passing over teeth. Maybe not entirely fearless. There is something else in the air. She swallows. "Can we pass?" The woman repeats, louder. "We mean no harm. We heard of your existence, and we do mean no harm. But we will protect ourselves." There is no waver in her sword point. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Let them pass.//->Passerby2 Pass]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Deny their passage.//->Passerby2 Death]]] (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[No harm?] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[No harm?] Our body slithers forward. Creaking across the wood. The family steps back, and the forest holds in breath. In our minds eyes we can see the outline of our fellow creatures. Bodies tangled and pierced by swords, traps. Antlers cut off, mangled, decorated, and displayed as trophies. <img src="img/eyes.gif" width="70%" >\ Humans never mean (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[no harm->Passerby2 Death2]]. (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'death') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We wait, listening carefully to the movements above. The footsteps grow fainter and fainter, fading to silence. Leaving the humans be is the best choice. There is no need to reveal ourselves, no need to let them know we are here. It would be far too dangerous. Far too naive of us to allow them to know of our existence. <img src="img/eyes.gif" width="50%" >\ It is better to stay (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[hidden.->Hidden Ending]] (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] The first one (text-colour:(hsl:0,0.6471,0.5,0.75))[falls] easily. So quickly does she fall on our claws, so small and weak she is that we barely realize we've hit the smaller one that was hidden behind her. Their bodies are light, and crumple into (text-style:"blur")[lifeless heaps instantly.] The others scream, the other two smaller ones take flight. That won't due at all. The other larger human (text-colour:(hsl:0,0.6471,0.5,0.75))[falls] next, throwing himself between us and the retreating humans. He puts up a fight, a worthless one, but a fight, nonetheless. His sword stabs into our flesh but does not stop the maw of our jaws. As his body falls, one of the smaller human stumbles. It is just enough of a (text-colour:(hsl:0,0.6471,0.5,0.75))[mistake.] We make quick work of this small one. As we look upwards, our final prey is far out of sight, only the smell of the lingering fear is left in its wake. The forest is quiet. Four mangled bodies lie strewn across our bridge. We will not go hungry (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//tonight.//->Knight intro]] (set: $track to 'death') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] There is a bridge that lives between two villages. Just in the thick of the forest, where swamp and treeline kiss. The bridge is always busy. Filled with foot traffic, people, laughter, and travel. All walks of human life cross this bridge. This bridge is special, and people from far and wide come to ogle the main attraction. If you come to visit, you should see it for yourself. Tucked beneath the bridge, wedged between the original wooden beams you will find antlers, a skeleton, well-worn with age. Water and earth have claimed much of what it was, in-human for certain, it sits there under the bridge. Hidden away in the beams, it waits. For what? Not even the villagers know why it was waiting there, there must have been a reason? (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[Right?->The End Hidden]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'hidden2') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] STAY IN HIDING ENDING ACHIEVED. <img src="img/deathend.gif" width="70%" >\ Thank you for playing! (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[Play Again?->Opening]] (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[To Credits.->Credits]] (set: $track to 'hidden2') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] They do not wait for another invitation. The hoard of them scuttles past us, clinging and pushing each other along, like little lambs herded onwards by a shepherd dog. The woman looks to us. "Thank you." She speaks. "We will not forget this kindness." We stare back, unblinking. She turns, and together the humans cross our bridge. We watch until they are out of sight. Back under our bridge we go, where cool underside of the shadows will keep us (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[safe.->Passerby2 End]] (set: $track to 'life') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We are not surprised that by the time the sun has crested its highest peak, and the birds are singing, loud and demanding, do we hear footsteps approaching, yet again. <img src="img/birdy.jpg" width="50%" >\ The humans are about again. Perhaps the bridge was a wrong choice, humans are never quiet creatures, isolated in a cave may have been a smarter choice. We move, rippling the water around us. Better to receive these ones while we are awake. Perhaps under the moonlight sky we will find a moment free of theses beings. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Reveal yourself//->Passerby 3 Look]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Keep Watch.//->Passerby 3 Hide]]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We watch, quietly, unblinking, as the human's small dark form retreats. Growing smaller and smaller until it is consumed by the blackness of the forest. Alas, at least we are fed tonight. If we die, lest it not be on an empty stomach. We know what happens when one falls. The rest of the hive comes knocking. We have seen other creatures, or better, we have seen the remnants of our kin, torn asunder by humankind. Here, underneath our bridge, we (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[stay.->Passerby 2 begin]] (set: $track to 'death') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] They do not wait for another invitation. The hoard of them scuttles past us, clinging and pushing each other along, like little lambs herded onwards by a shepherd dog. The woman looks to us. "Thank you." She speaks. "We will not forget this kindness." We stare back, unblinking. She turns, and together the humans cross our bridge. We watch until they are out of sight. Back under our bridge we go, where cool underside of the shadows will keep us (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[safe.->Passerby 2 End]] (set: $track to 'life') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We are not surprised that by the time the sun has crested its highest peak, and the birds are singing, loud and demanding, do we hear footsteps approaching, yet again. <img src="img/birdy.jpg" width="50%" >\ The humans are about again. Perhaps the bridge was a wrong choice, humans are never quiet creatures, isolated in a cave may have been a smarter choice. We move, rippling the water around us. Better to receive these ones while we are awake. Perhaps under the moonlight sky we will find a moment free of theses beings. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Reveal yourself.//->Passerby3 Look]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Keep Watch.//->Passerby3 Hide]]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We pull ourselves above the bridge. Nothing is uncertain anymore. The movement is second nature, it is with an ease that our limbs unfurl and perch along the railing. The light may be uncomfortable, but this is the easiest way to head off the next set of humans. "There it is!" We look to the voice. There are two of them. The pair are a little way away, just coming to the edge of the wood. The one that spoke is the shorter of the pair and is staring at us with wide eyes. "I can see that, thank you," The taller human steps forward. "Hello there." The two humans move their hands. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[["We'd like to talk."->Passerby 3 Talk]] (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible') (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We bury ourselves further under the safety of the bridge. The beams are a comforting weight against the nooks and hitches in our spine. Here we hide, waiting, listening. It is only a moment longer before we hear the humans. They are never quiet in their approach. "Do you see it?" A voice says. "No, no," The reply is gruff, and the sound of two footsteps shuffle closer. "They said it was right around here though, came from under the bridge I think?" "Maybe we just need to say hello," says the first voice. "Maybe it's scared of us? (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Reveal yourself.//->Passerby3 Dialogue]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Scared? Of humans?//->Passerby3 Dialogue]]] (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible') (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We pull ourselves above the bridge. Nothing is uncertain anymore. The movement is second nature, it is with an ease that our limbs unfurl and perch along the railing. The light may be uncomfortable, but this is the easiest way to head off the next set of humans. "There it is!" We look to the voice. There are two of them. The pair are a little way away, just coming to the edge of the wood. The one that spoke is the shorter of the pair and is staring at us with wide eyes. "I can see that, thank you," The taller human steps forward. "Hello there." The two humans move their hands. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[["We'd like to talk."->Passerby3 Talk]] (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We bury ourselves further under the safety of the bridge. The beams are a comforting weight against the nooks and hitches in our spine. Here we hide, waiting, listening. It is only a moment longer before we hear the humans. They are never quiet in their approach. "Do you see it?" A voice says. "No, no," The reply is gruff, and the sound of two footsteps shuffle closer. "They said it was right around here though, came from under the bridge I think?" "Maybe we just need to say hello," says the first voice. "Maybe it's scared of us? (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Reveal yourself.//->Passerby 3 Dialogue]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Scared? Of humans?//->Passerby 3 Dialogue]]] (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[What do you want?] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[What do you want?] The shorter human speaks up. "We heard what you've done for our people, the ones that have been passing through," The human steps on the bridge, closer to us. "We thought it was luck that you killed the bandit," the shorter human explains. "And then the family arrived in the village today," Says the taller one. "You let them through as well." We tilt our head. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[Both of these are true.] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[Both of these are true.] "We have a proposal for you to hear, if you'd like?" says the tall human. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Hear them out.//->Passerby 3 Offer Dialogue]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Deny them.//->Passerby 3 Denial 1 Dialogue]]] (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[What do you want?] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[What do you want?] The shorter human speaks up. "We heard what you've done for our people, the ones that have been passing through," The human steps on the bridge, closer to us. "And then the family arrived in the village today," Says the taller one. "You let them through." We tilt our head. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[This is true.] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[This is true.] "We have a proposal for you to hear, if you'd like?" says the tall human. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Hear them out.//->Passerby 3 Offer Dialogue]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Deny them.//->Passerby 3 Denial 1 Dialogue]]] (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[Speak. We will listen.] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[Speak. We will listen.] The humans look startled, as if they are shocked by our willingness to entertain them. "Would you consider protecting this pathway?" The short villager speaks quickly. "We would stay out of the forest, leave you be, and in exchange you would only need to protect our villagers from bandits, other monsters, that sort of thing." "We would keep hunters and knights away," says the tall human. "Your forest would remain to you." (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Accept their offer.//->Passerby 3 Accept end]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Deny their offer.//->Passerby 3 Denial End]]] (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[No. Leave this place.] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[No. Leave this place.] We do not have time for human offering. We move to slide beneath the bridge, but the short one draws near. "Wait," he says. "Would you consider protecting this pathway?" The short villager speaks quickly. "We would stay out of the forest, leave you be, and in exchange you would only need to protect our villagers from bandits, other monsters, that sort of thing." "We would keep hunters and knights away," says the tall human. "Your forest would remain to you." (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Accept their offer.//->Passerby 3 Accept end]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Deny their offer.//->Passerby 3 Denial End]]] (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We are silent. They are a treacherous breed, these humans. Their ways are filled with backstabbing, hate, and a disloyalty even among themselves in a way a night creature would never contemplate harming another. But... There is no choice here. If we do not accept, even we know this is but a losing battle we face. We approach. The humans do not smell of lies. There is fear, worry, and apprehension. But they do smell of falsehoods and half truths. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[We will hold you to your words, humans.] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[We will hold you to your words, humans.] The smaller human laughs. His smile is full of teeth. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//"We won't break them."//->Passerby 3 Acceptance End]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'voice') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible') (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We are silent. They are a treacherous breed, these humans. Their ways are filled with backstabbing, hate, and a disloyalty even among themselves in a way a night creature would never contemplate harming another. What are we to do? Trust these humans? They have wrought nothing but suffering upon our land, our home. And they will continue to do so. We approach the humans. They smell of a fermenting mix of emotions, fear, apprehension, worry. A rotten, rotten bunch. We split our mouth open, baring our teeth to the humans. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[We want naught of your words, humans.] (text-style:"italic","blur","upside-down","sway")[We want naught of your words, humans.] They flinch. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//"And you'll hear from us no more, monster."//->Passerby 3 Denial Ending]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'voice') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] There are two villages, where nestled in between there lies a forest. The forest remains, standing tall even amongst the growing cities. Never a tree uprooted, it remains. There is talk that the villagers are protected by a powerful spirit, some say there is a powerful spell that has laid on the village by a witch, while others claim that it is simply the nearby hunter that carries out protecting. None can confirm quite the depths of the truth. No one knows what happens to the bandits, to the outsiders that cross through the that forest. All that is known is that if you enter the forest with ill will, you will never return. When asked, some of the older villagers will laugh. "A spirit?" An old villager says. "I guess you could call it that, I'd go leave an offering at the bridge shrine when you pass through," The villager grins, it is a smile filled with teeth. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//"Just for luck."//->Passerby 3 Thanks]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'temple') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] There is a bridge that lives in the middle of the city The beams of wood to the bridge are a mix of old and new. There are remnants of a forest here, old, old trees that stagger upwards to the sky. The older villagers speak of a time when their city was in fact two villages, separated in two. Split in half by a forest that used to yawn wide, they will tell tales to any who listen of a fierce monster that used to live there. Deep in the forest, under the bridge. They villagers will spin tall tales of the monsters, its antlers, crooked limbs, and jagged teeth. "It would gobble up anyone who dared cross the bridge!" What happened to the monster you ask? The villagers shrug, some suggesting it moved on, to another forest, to terrorize and eat children and people who venture too far from home. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Deep in the forest, under the bridge.//->Passerby 3 Lonesome Death]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'hidden2') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] VILLAGER ENDING ONE ACHIEVED. <img src="img/end.gif" width="70%" >\ Thank you for playing! (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[Play Again?->Opening]] (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[To Credits.->Credits]] (set: $track to 'temple') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We pull ourselves above the bridge. Nothing is uncertain anymore. The movement is second nature, it is with an ease that our limbs unfurl and perch along the railing. The light may be uncomfortable, but this is the easiest way to head off the next set of humans. "There it is!" We look to the voice. There are two of them. The one that spoke is the shorter of the pair and is staring at us with wide eyes. "I can see that, thank you," The taller human steps forward. "Hello there." The two humans move their hands. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//"We'd like to talk."//->Passerby3 Talk]] (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We pull ourselves above the bridge. Nothing is uncertain anymore. The movement is second nature, it is with an ease that our limbs unfurl and perch along the railing. The light may be uncomfortable, but this is the easiest way to head off the next set of humans. "There it is!" We look to the voice. There are two of them. The one that spoke is the shorter of the pair and is staring at us with wide eyes. "I can see that, thank you," The taller human steps forward. "Hello there." The two humans move their hands. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//"We'd like to talk."//->Passerby 3 Talk]] (set: $track to 'lake') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible') (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] VILLAGER ENDING TWO ACHIEVED. <img src="img/deathend.gif" width="70%" >\ Thank you for playing! (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[Play Again?->Opening]] (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[To Credits.->Credits]] (set: $track to 'hidden2') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] Inching towards the edge of the (text-style:"outline")[shadows] is a slow task. Unlike the times before, sliding through the depths of the water is a careful practice. Claws reach for purchase in the slick mud, sinking quietly under our weight as we move forward to peer out in the light. Here, in the rays of sun, our eyes take a moment to adjust. It is as we feared. Atop the bridge lies the knights. (text-style:"smear")[Armor radiant and blinding.] We smell (text-colour:red)[blood.] It is encompassing, following in the wake of their steps and in the movements of their breaths. It is our turn to (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//fear.//->Knight Death 1]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'knight') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] We hide. Pressing and warping our bodies to the confines of the bridge. Winding out way deeper into the (text-style:"outline")[shadows], hoping that here, in the dark, we will disappear from the knights. We can only wait and hope. The footsteps stop. The air grows heavy with the smell of (text-colour:red)[blood] that clings to the knights. It is our turn to (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//fear.//->Knight Death 1]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'knight') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] There is a moment, that occurs between this second and the next, that is inescapable. It is inescapable. We are distracted, our attention rapt on the knights passing overhead, that we do not notice the others. They come from behind, with swords and spears. It is our turn to struggle. (text-style:"shudder")[(text-colour:red)[We struggle.]] Caught between the swords of the knights, long arms of steel that pierce through our backs. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//We struggle.//->Knight Death End]] (masteraudio: 'stopall') (set: $track to 'death') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible') (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] It is for naught. Struggle we do, but the end will ever be the same. The knights and many. (text-style:"blur")[And we are few. Here in the murky water beneath the bridge do we stay. Skewered by swords and pinned to the shadows.] (text-style:"blur")[Even creatures of the night must](text-style:"blurrier")[ slumber.] (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[//Under the bridge, that we protect.//->Death Ending]] (set: $track to 'death') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] KNIGHT ENDING ACHIEVED. <img src="img/deathend.gif" width="70%" >\ Thank you for playing! (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[Play Again?->Opening]] (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[To Credits.->Credits]] (set: $track to 'death') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible') rain: https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/c2fa13_0c439ff7dd3443348a8ef435daa83cc5.mp3 twowalking: https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/c2fa13_efe181aa3e6d41bb9b6546269d8b9477.mp3 lake: https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/c2fa13_737511933ea94aeaa96d34a2ea9fbbe7.mp3 hidden2: https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/c2fa13_2b0f4ae048624af1b678961ba25d334b.mp3 voice: https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/c2fa13_df1bf9b798d74e09b501ef739af56d36.mp3 death: https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/c2fa13_15d33ba413884011997e99d455ee5aba.mp3 night: https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/c2fa13_916c8b98228b4ebaa843133fa03bd0d4.mp3 hunter: https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/c2fa13_d2ed601a5bfa47c2b512ee4607295459.mp3 life: https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/c2fa13_1e6a57cde69b44309f4814a4b763f6cb.mp3 temple: https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/c2fa13_70f4bcd64f8048d9949f8125e0e1aebd.mp3 knight: https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/c2fa13_923ccfb6f1b5479f87d6451e3c35777e.mp3 soldier: https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/c2fa13_aee5f65bfe1746e9881f253cbfef3a7a.mp3 startingVol: 0.5 sidebarStartClosed: false muteOnBlur: true showControls: true persistPrefs: true volumeDisplay: true(link-repeat: "Resume Audio")[(track: $track, 'play')] \ (link-repeat: "Pause Audio")[(track: $track, 'pause')](align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] <img src="img/tree.jpg" width="70%" >\ There, in the depth of the blackness of the night, stands a (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[bridge->Intro]]. (set: $track to 'rain') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(display: 'Audio')] The rain is soft tonight. There has been no luck hunting. No food lurks nearby anymore. And we are hungry. Through the trees, where root meets water, the forest is quiet. Underfoot the water is dark, without the moon to shine d (align:"<==")+(box:"=XXXXXXXXXX=========")[o] (align:"<==")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXX=======")[w] (align:"<==")+(box:"==XXXXX===")[n] (align:"<==")+(box:"=XX=")[it's (text-colour:(hsl:0,0,0.5333,0.55))[dark].] (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[Water moves.->intro]] (set: $track to 'rain') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible') Credits: Story and Art by Samantha Khan Sound and Audio used can be found from (link: "Sound Bible")[(gotoURL: "https://soundbible.com/")] and (link: "Frees Fx")[(gotoURL: "https://www.freesfx.co.uk/Default.aspx")] Back to the (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[Title Screen.->Opening]]<img src="img/eyes.gif" width="70%" >\ Humans never remember anything for long. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[They will forget.->Passerby 3 Intro]] (set: $track to 'life') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')<img src="img/eyes.gif" width="70%" >\ Humans never remember anything for long. (t8n-depart:"blur")+(t8n-arrive:"blur")[[They will forget.->Passerby3 Intro]] (set: $track to 'life') (track: $track, 'playwhenpossible')