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Crashing Gravel: Ahoy matey! I be called Crashing Gravel. I be the first mate aboard the Red Saber. That was quite a fight back there! Would ye be interested in signin' up fer crewin' on Captain Four Fingers's ship?<br> [[Are you looking for buried treasure?|drunksondocks]] [[Um... Aye?|waithere]]Crashing Gravel: Ar! Splendid! The captain's waitin' aboard the ship. We be setting sail soon. Best get yer little keester aboard 'afore we set sail without ye!<br> [[Continue|piratego]]Sailors and merchants wander back and forth carrying supplies and loading ships. Gulls squawk overhead.<br> [[Continue|pirate144]]You climb aboard the Red Saber. Captain Four Fingers takes a break from shouting at her crew when you approach. She is a tall cat-woman with the face of a tiger.<br> [[Continue|cobrakap]]Crashing Gravel: Aye, most of the time we be doin' that. But today we've got a diff'rent job. Ya see, a few of our men have gone missin'. They went out in search of treasure hidden in Shipwreck Cove, and they never came back.<br> [[Continue|explain2]]Crashing Gravel: Oh, there's not much to be said fer Shipwreck Cove, really... Haunted cove, dozens of wrecked ships, buried treasure, angry fish people, spirits of the dead... typical pirate stuff, ye understand.<br> [[Sign me up, matey!|waithere]] [[Sounds dangerous. I want lots of treasure!|wanttres]]Captain Four Fingers: That's what I like to hear! We'll find me brother and the rest of me crew and bring 'em home safe. I'm glad to have a fearless $race like you at me side!<br> [[Continue|capntorders]]Captain Four Fingers: Yar, I figured as much. Ye don't look much like the charity type, $race. Well, I'm glad to have ye aboard regardless.<br> [[Continue|capntorders]]The journey is long and boring. How do you spend your time?<br> [[Swabbing the deck and helping the crew|deckswab]] [[Practicing kung fu|practicingkungfu]] [[Getting seasick|seasick]]You pull your weight on the ship, doing the chores of crew members who are missing. The rest of the pirates begin to take a liking to you.<br> [[Continue|deckswab2]]You spend most of the trip in seclusion, practicing your kung fu belowdecks and improving your techniques. The rocking of the boat throws you off, but you slowly become accustomed to it.<br> [[Continue|kf2]]The sea is not your mistress, it would seem. You spend most of the trip either belowdecks, shivering beneath a pile of blankets, or else throwing up what little food you manage to eat over the railing of the ship.<br> [[Continue|barf]]After sailing for almost a week, you finally run into trouble.<br> [[Continue|troulbe]]You can see a sinking ship on the horizon. A few of the crew members have already been devoured by the crystal sharks, and if you don't do something fast, the rest will share their fate.<br> [[Continue|cobrorder]]<<if visited("deckswab")>>\ A few of the other crew members nod their heads in assent.<br> [[Continue|crewgree]] <<else>>\ The crew looks to the captain. You can see the fear in their eyes.<br> [[Continue|fail]]<</if>>The crew sets about turning the ship. You pass by the crystal sharks, but the screams of the dying sailors will haunt your dreams.<br> [[Continue|pastsharks]]The crew rallies behind you. Captain Four Fingers is furious, but the crew turns the ship. You head for the sinking boat- and the swarm of crystal sharks. What's your plan?<br> [[Harpoon as many sharks as you can to clear a path|harpoonsharks]] [[Sail straight through the sharks and pull up next to the other ship to let survivors board|shipsmash]]<<if visited("headforvessel")>>\ The survivors thank you for rescuing them.<br> [[Who are you?|whousurvir]] [[What were those things?|whatever]] [[You owe us your lives. Pledge your loyalty to this ship or walk the plank.|walktheplank]] <<else>>\ The crew begins to mutter about the sharks. Some claim to know what they were.<br> [[What do you know about those crystal sharks?|whaddayaknow]] [[What were those things?|whaddayaknow]]<</if>>You give the command for the pirates to grab harpoons. They line the edges of the ship and begin hurling harpoons at the crystal sharks. The harpoons glance off the solid crystal hides of the sharks uselessly.<br> [[Continue|shipsmash]]Survivor: We are but simple merchants! We were transporting a shipment of fine silks when those beasts attacked us. We were completely defenseless!<br> [[What were those things?|whatever]] [[You owe us your lives. Pledge your loyalty to this ship or walk the plank.|walktheplank]] [[You're safe now. We will get you home safely.|homesafely]]Survivor: Crystal sharks! I've never seen anything like it! I've heard rumors, of course, but nothing more...<br> [[What rumors?|rumorsman]] [[Who are you?|whousurvir]] [[You owe us your lives. Pledge your loyalty to this ship or walk the plank.|walktheplank]] [[You're safe now. We will get you home safely.|homesafely]]One of the survivors spits at your feet.<br> [[Continue|survivorspit]]Shipwreck Cove is exactly what you’d expect it to be. The island ahead is shrouded in mist. Jagged rocks poke through the waves like monstrous teeth, and dozens of smashed ships lay scattered about the edge of the island.<br> [[Continue|cove23]]You punch the merchant in the mouth. Teeth and blood spray all over the deck. His eyes go wide as you reach down to grab him. He tries to mumble a protest, but you drag him to the edge of the ship and toss him overboard.<br> [[Continue|manoverboard]]You kick the merchant so hard he coughs out blood. He collapses to the deck and gasps for air. His eyes go wide as you reach down and grab him. He tries to mumble a protest, but you drag him to the edge of the ship and toss him overboard.<br> [[Continue|manoverboard]]You yank a sword out of the nearest pirate's belt and stab it through the merchant's belly. He coughs out blood and collapses to the deck. You drag his body to the edge of the ship and toss him overboard.<br> [[Continue|manoverboard]]Survivor: Thank you so much! We owe you our lives!<br> [[Continue|ontoshipwreck]]You continue on your way. It isn't long before you arrive on the outskirts of Shipwreck Cove.<br> [[Continue|shipwreckcoves]]Survivor: Some say Shipwreck Cove is haunted by ghosts, but others claim the place is ruled by a terrible Shyfter! Vortex, he calls himself- the Crystal King!<br> [[Continue|crystalkilng]]Survivor: You're mad! You're taking us to Shipwreck Cove? You should have left us to die on the ship!<br> [[Continue|cryingmerch]]Pirate: No one knows for sure, but there are rumors... dark rumors about a Shyfter.<br> [[Continue|Shyftersplain]]Captain Four Fingers: Nobody would join our cause if they knew there were Shyfters involved. But Shyfter or not, we are going to Shipwreck Cove. We need to rescue me brother.<br> [[Continue|sreuc]]Pirate: You're a nutty fool.<br> [[Continue|fool]]Captain Four Fingers: Lower the anchor. We can’t risk taking the ship any closer. I’ll lead a small party onto the island in one of the rowboats. The rest of you stay here with the ship. If we aren’t back by sunset... leave us.<br> [[Continue|wave]]You hop into one of the rowboats with half a dozen other pirates. The rowboat is lowered into the water and soon you’re gliding towards the island.<br> [[Continue|rowboat]]You step out of the rowboat and look around the beach. The island is shrouded in mist, but you can see two obvious pathways ahead:<br> [[Continue|paths]]You lead the pirates through the jungle. The leaves and vines of the underbrush seem to reach out towards you, as if trying to ensnare you. You press on and soon reach the wooden bridge.<br> [[Continue|wodreid]]You lead the pirates to the ruins. The mist is heavy here. You ascend a few broken steps and arrive on a large stone platform surrounded by crumbling pillars. You can see a locked chest nestled between two fallen columns. A dark cave entrance sits at the edge of the mist.<br> [[Open the chest|opnechest]] [[Enter the cave|entercave1]]You step onto the wooden bridge. It wobbles with each step, but the ropes are fresh and the wood is solid. You make it about halfway across when suddenly you hear the shriek from below again. There is a rush of air and suddenly an enormous bird-like creature with huge fangs bursts out of the mist!<br> [[Run! We need to get across this bridge NOW!|getacrossnow]] [[Go back! Hurry, before this thing destroys the bridge!|destroysthebride]]You rush forward but the monster swoops back down and smashes through the bridge, severing the ropes and sending shards of wood flying in all directions! You move on instinct, grabbing hold of one of the ropes at the last second.<br> [[Continue|falinore]]You sprint back the way you came- and not a moment too soon! Just as you step back on solid ground the monster swoops down and smashes through the bridge, severing the ropes and sending shards of wood flying in all directions!<br> [[Continue|mmm]]<<if $weapon == "fists">>\ The winged creature has eyes made of solid crystal. The crystal glows with unholy light as the beast launches itself at you. You dodge to the side and throw a swift spear-hand attack into the creature’s neck. The bird shrieks in pain as it collapses to the ground.<br> [[Continue|kilbird]] <<elseif $weapon == "chi">>\ The winged creature has eyes made of solid crystal. The crystal glows with unholy light as the beast launches itself at you. You channel your chi and unleash a blast of icy wind outward. The bird shrieks as it collapses to the ground, unable to flap its frozen wings.<br> [[Continue|kilbird]] <<elseif $weapon == "sword">>\ The winged creature has eyes made of solid crystal. The crystal glows with unholy light as the beast launches itself at you. You dodge to the side and stab your sword into the creature’s neck. The bird shrieks in pain as it collapses to the ground.<br> [[Continue|kilbird]]<</if>>You sprint through the jungle and charge towards the ruins. The flying creature circles overhead a few times but it can't see you beneath the canopy of trees. The monster soon gives up the chase and returns to its lair. You take a few moments to catch your breath before pressing onward.<br> [[Continue|investigateruins]]The pirates back away from the dead bird, refusing the pry the crystal eyes out of the beast’s head. Something about curses... rotten pirates. You take one of their swords and pry the eyes out yourself. They’re heavier than you expected, but you take them regardless. They’ll probably fetch a lot of money somewhere.<br> [[Continue|eyesgood]]Captain Four Fingers: Make it quick, ye salty dog. I want to find me brother before the sun goes down. This place gives me the heebie-jeebies.<br> [[How did your brother get captured?|howdbrocpatr]] [[How did you become captain of the Red Saber?|redsberctp]] [[What’s your plan if we run into a Shyfter?|runintoshyuter]] [[How do you know your brother is still alive?|brotillalive]] [[That’s all for now.|thatsoalfornow]]Captain Four Fingers: Me brother, Edge, led a group o' me boys ashore to search fer lost treasure about a week ago. He knew the dangers of comin' here, but he's a reckless lad. I watched him saunter off into the mist, but when he didn’t return I sailed back to port. I needed to find meself more crew before searching fer him. And now here we are. Arr!<br> [[How did you become captain of the Red Saber?|redsberctp]] [[What’s your plan if we run into a Shyfter?|runintoshyuter]] [[How do you know your brother is still alive?|brotillalive]] [[That’s all for now.|thatsoalfornow]]Captain Four Fingers: Me daddy once captained the Red Saber. When he passed, the ship came to us. Me brother wanted the ship to himself, o’ course, but I was older.<br> [[Continue|story]]Captain Four Fingers: I don’t place much stock in stories about Shyfters. I don’t believe such creatures exist, really. Magical shapeshifting robot monsters? That’s a load of nonsense. I’ve never encountered a creature that can’t be cut down by me blade! Yarr!<br> [[How did your brother get captured?|howdbrocpatr]] [[How did you become captain of the Red Saber?|redsberctp]] [[How do you know your brother is still alive?|brotillalive]] [[That’s all for now.|thatsoalfornow]]Captain Four Fingers: I don’t know fer sure, of course... But what choice do I have? If me brother still lives, I can’t just leave him here to die. I have to hope that he’s still okay.<br> [[How did your brother get captured?|howdbrocpatr]] [[How did you become captain of the Red Saber?|redsberctp]] [[What’s your plan if we run into a Shyfter?|runintoshyuter]] [[That’s all for now.|thatsoalfornow]]Captain Four Fingers: Enough blubbering then. We need to get moving. It looks like we’ve got a few choices ahead of us. Which way do ye think we should go?<br> [[Let’s head across that bridge.|bridgepath]] [[Let’s investigate those ruins.|investigateruins]]You walk up to the chest. Just then a dozen fat, slimy, squishy fish-people appear out of the mist! Their feet slurp with each step and they leave trails of slime in their wake. You’ve heard of creatures like this before- they’re the Tritons, a disgusting race of humanoid fishfolk. Each one is carrying a sharp trident. They surround you and squelch out demands in their disgusting fishy language.<br> [[Try to communicate with them|trytocommunicate]] [[Attack them|atackfishfolk]] [[Sprint past them and charge into the cave|chargetocave]]You enter the cave. You find yourself standing in a complex of tunnels, like the inside of a beehive. Tunnels lead in all directions; up, down, left, and right. Some tunnels lead to pools of water, while others twist away into the darkness.<br> [[Continue|tunels]]You call out to the Tritons but it is obvious they don’t understand you. You frantically gesture and wave your arms but it is useless.<br> [[Continue|fouring]]<<if $weapon == "fists">>\ The pirates draw their swords and you drop into a fighting stance. The fish-folk schlepp towards you making slow, awkward attacks with their tridents. You dodge aside and punch one of them square in the gut. Your fist sticks inside the thing’s gooey belly. You wrench your arm out with a loud SLURP! Your arm is covered in slime from your fingers to your elbow. Disgusting.<br> [[Continue|failfight]] <<elseif $weapon == "sword">>\ You and the pirates draw your swords. The fish-folk schlepp towards you making slow, awkward attacks with their tridents. You dodge aside and stab one of them square in the gut. Your sword sticks inside the thing’s gooey belly. You wrench your blade out with a loud SLURP! Your sword is covered in slime. Some of it gets on your fingers. Disgusting.<br> [[Continue|failfight]] <<elseif $weapon == "chi">>\ Magical energy swirls around your fingertips as you prepare to unleash a devastating chi attack. What do you want to do?<br> [[Incinerate the Tritons with fireballs|fireballtritons]] [[Make the stone pillars collapse, crushing the Tritons|collapsepillars]] [[Kill the Tritons with their own weapons|killwithownweapons]]<</if>>You sprint past the fish people, leaping over their attacks and cartwheeling toward the cave. You are able to easily outrun them, but you can hear them squelching along behind you somewhere in the distance.<br> [[Continue|entercave1]]You throw a series of swift punches and twirly kicks, unleashing a wave of fire with each strike. Your aim is true and the Tritons are cooked alive by the magical flames. The smell of charred fish fills the air. The Tritons will not bother you any longer.<br> [[Open the chest|openchest2]] [[Enter the cave|entercave1]]You direct your chi toward the crumbling stone columns. You squeeze your fists and the base of each pillar seems to crush in on itself. The Tritons look up just in time to see the columns come crashing down on them.<br> The fish-folk pop like water balloons filled with thick, stinky goo. The air reeks of rotten fish guts. One of the pirates throws up all over his shoes. Despite the horrid stink, your path is now clear.<br> [[Open the chest|openchest2]] [[Enter the cave|entercave1]]The Tritons slurp out words of terror as their tridents slip from their hands and begin to float in the air. Pure magical energy begins to swirl around each jagged point of the weapons. The Tritons try to flee, but you thrust your hands forward and the tridents launch themselves at their masters.<br> [[Continue|kiltrit2]]The chest is locked. What do you do?<br> [[Enter the cave|entercave1]] [[Pick it up and smash it on the ground|smashitontheground]] [[Karate chop it|karatechopit]]You lift the chest over your head and slam it on the ground. The chest smashes open, spilling its contents all over the crumbling stone stairs. Inside you find 600 gold pieces and a tattered headband. Sweet!<br> [[Share with the pirates|share2]] [[Keep it all to yourself|self]]You karate chop the chest. It hurts your hand, but the chest remains closed.<br> [[Enter the cave|entercave1]] [[Pick it up and smash it on the ground|smashitontheground]]You head down one of the side tunnels, following a series of twists and turns. After a few minutes of wandering you arrive at a doorway. Two strange guards stand outside. They look like huge, beefy, muscly dudes, but they’ve got the heads of horses. They’re wearing loincloths and spiked wristbands and they’re carrying crystal spears.<br> [[Continue|horseys1]]You and the pirates dive into a pool of water and swim through an underwater passageway. When you emerge, you find yourselves in a long tunnel illuminated by torches. The tunnel is lined with dozens of bear traps. It looks like you could avoid them if you step carefully. Otherwise, you can take the time to try and disarm them.<br> [[Disarm the traps|disarmtr]] [[Walk carefully to avoid the traps|carefulwalk]]<<set $header = 0>>\ <div style="text-align: center;">\ <p class="double">\ <br>CRYPT SHYFTER VORTEX<br> by kung fu space barbarian<br> </p>\ [[Start|characterselect]]</div> <<set $inventory= []>>\ <<set $header = 1>>\You are looking at your reflection in a shard of broken glass. What do you see?<br> [[The sexiest chick in the world|chick]] [[The sexiest dude in the world|dude]]<<set $gender = "chick">>\ Groovy.<br> [[Continue|race]]<<set $gender = "dude">>\ Groovy.<br> [[Continue|race]]What do you look like?<br> [[An elf|elf]] [[A dwarf|dwarf]] [[A human|human]]<<set $race = "elf">>\ Right on.<br> [[Continue|weapons]]<<set $race = "dwarf">>\ Right on.<br> [[Continue|weapons]]<<set $race = "human">>\ Right on.<br> [[Continue|weapons]]You're getting ready to go outside. What weapons do you take?<br> [[My fists of fury|fists]] [[I fight with chi|chi]] [[A sword|sword]]<<set $weapon = "fists">>\ Rad.<br> [[Continue|uno]]<<set $weapon = "chi">>\ Rad.<br> [[Continue|uno]]<<set $weapon = "sword">>\ Rad.<br> [[Continue|uno]]You head to the docks to look for work.<br> [[Continue|pirateship]]A scruffy looking dude with an eyepatch, a hook hand, and a peg leg approaches you. He smells like scurvy.<br> [[Can I help you?|canihelpyou]] [[You look like the most stereotypical pirate of all time.|canihelpyou]]Crashing Gravel: Normally we don't go lookin' fer crew members that get lost, but one of them that's gone missin' be the good Captain's brother. So whadda ya say? Will ye join our crew?<br> [[I'd like to know more about Shipwreck Cove.|shipwreckcover]] [[Um... Aye?|waithere]]Crashing Gravel: Ar! Ye'll have the pick of the lot! The captain is waitin' aboard the ship. We be setting sail soon. Best get yer little keester aboard 'afore we set sail without ye!<br> [[Continue|piratego]]The pirate hobbles away in search of more crew members.<br> [[Continue|redsaber]]Captain Four Fingers: Yar! Have ye come to join the hunt for me brother?<br> [[Aye, aye, captain!|ayecaptn]] [[I expect to see a fair share of the treasure.|tresrue]]Captain Four Fingers: Hoist anchor, ye smarmy fools! We be wastin' daylight! Let's get a move on!<br> [[Continue|starty]]And so your adventure on the Red Saber begins.<br> [[Continue|redsaber1]]You're immediately accepted into their ranks, and soon it becomes apparent that your bold personality clashes strongly with that of the Captain.<br> [[Continue|deckswab3]]In fact, it isn't long before the crew begins to split into groups- the Captain's boys and yours. You begin to get the feeling that if you gave an order, most of the crew would follow it- and happily.<br> [[Continue|sailin2]]In fact, the irregular movement of the ship forces you to adjust all of your movements, and suddenly you begin to develop a completely new style of kung fu based on the rise and fall of the waves. You call your new style Thundering Wave.<br> [[Continue|sailin2]]The pirates all laugh and mock you, but you're too sick to care. You just hope the journey will be over soon.<br> [[Continue|sailin2]]Captain Four Fingers: All hands on deck! We've got sharks!<br> [[Continue|sharksher]]You join the crew on the deck and peer over the edge of the ship. There are indeed sharks- dozens of them, and they seem to be made out of crystal.<br> [[Continue|crystalsharks]]Captain Four Fingers: Turn the ship! Steer clear o' them sharks. We'll go around 'em. The poor buggers on that other boat will meet their maker this day.<br> [[We can't just leave them to die!|cantlevemtodie]] [[Say nothing.|saynothing]]Captain Four Fingers: Ye've no idea what yer sayin', ye silly landlubbers! Those sharks'll rip this ship apart if we go near 'em. I don't want them folks to die any more'n you, but it's beyond our power now. Their fate is sealed.<br> [[Continue|crewlok]]The crew looks to you.<br> [[We won't leave them to die. Head for that sinking vessel!|headforvessel]] [[Say nothing|saynothing]]You hold your breath as the ship smashes through the sharks and pulls up next to the sinking boat. A few survivors make it safely aboard your ship, but you have no time to stop- the sharks would destroy your ship if you did.<br> [[Continue|sailaway]]Your ship sails past the remaining sharks. You watch the other ship sink in the distance.<br> [[Continue|pastsharks]]Survivor: Vortex has an army of crystal creatures that do his bidding. This attack proves that the rumors are true! There is a Shyfter in Shipwreck Cove.<br> [[Shyfter or not, we're going to Shipwreck Cove.|goingthere]] [[Don't worry about Shyfters. You're safe now.|homesafely]]The merchants crawl away and huddle in a corner, terrified of what may happen to them.<br> [[Continue|ontoshipwreck]]Survivor: We'll never bow to you, pirate scum!<br> [[Punch him in the face and throw him overboard|punch]] [[Kick him in the tenders and throw him overboard|kicknuts]] [[Grab a sword and stab him in the belly|grbaswtrod]]The blood in the water draws the sharks. You watch with pleasure as the crystal monsters devour him. The other three survivors immediately bow to you and pledge their allegiance to the ship. You order them to get to work. They scamper away without question.<br> [[Continue|ontoshipwreck]]Pirate: Some say Shipwreck Cove be haunted by ghosts, but others claim the place be ruled by a terrible Shyfter! Vortex, he calls himself- the Crystal King! He has an army of crystal creatures that do his bidding. This attack proves that the rumors be true! There be a Shyfter in Shipwreck Cove. Ar.<br> [[Why wasn't I told about this before?|whynotmang]] [[I always wanted to kill a Shyfter.|wantakillshyft]]That seems to settle the debate for now; the rest of the pirates return to their posts.<br> [[Continue|ontoshipwreck]]The others return to their posts and get back to work.<br> [[Continue|ontoshipwreck]]The water here is surprisingly clear, giving you a perfect view of the ocean floor below. Your eyes are dazzled by the sight of wrecked ships and glittering treasure. Sunlight reflects off the hides of crystal sharks lurking below.<br> [[Continue|shrwkcove2]]Captain Four Fingers waves you over.<br> [[Continue|withme]]Captain Four Fingers: You. With me. I’m going to need someone like you at my side.<br> [[Aye, aye, Captain.|ayecapnt]] [[I’ll go, but not because you told me to. I’m here for treasure.|ayecapnt]]The sharks don’t approach your boat, but they continue to lurk menacingly below. You can hear the wailing of ghosts- maybe there is a Shyfter here, but there are definitely ghosts, too. You can see them moving in the mist. The sound of their cries sends shivers down your spine.<br> [[Continue|rows]]Captain Four Fingers pilots the small boat skillfully through a maze of rocks, somehow managing to bring you safely to the beach.<br> [[Continue|landonbeach]]One trail leads through a dense jungle. You can see a long wooden bridge at the end of the path. The other trail leads to a crumbling stone ruin. Captain Four Fingers suddenly seems unsure what to do.<br> [[Talk to Captain Four Fingers|tokrocroa]] [[Let’s head across that bridge.|bridgepath]] [[Let’s investigate those ruins.|investigateruins]]Captain Four Fingers: Edge challenged me to a duel for the ship. He won it. I never forgave him fer that. When he went ashore he left me as acting captain on the Red Saber. And then... when he failed to return, I became the true captain.<br> [[Continue|story2]]Captain Four Fingers: I always wanted to captain me own ship, but not like this. I should have forgiven me brother before he left. I should have stopped him from going. But I was stupid. I just hope I can see him again before... well, you know.<br> [[How did your brother get captured?|howdbrocpatr]] [[How did you become captain of the Red Saber?|redsberctp]] [[What’s your plan if we run into a Shyfter?|runintoshyuter]] [[How do you know your brother is still alive?|brotillalive]] [[That’s all for now.|thatsoalfornow]]It is a rope bridge, but it appears to be well-made. It is obvious that someone has done work to maintain this bridge and keep it in good condition.<br> [[Continue|condition]]The bridge leads over a vast canyon. You can’t see the bottom because of all the mist, but you do hear a shrill shriek echoing from somewhere below.<br> [[Now that we’re here, this seems like a bad idea. Let’s head back to those ruins.|investigateruins]] [[Follow me. One at a time, you scurvy dogs!|oneatatime]]You watch a few of the pirates, including Captain Four Fingers, tumble into the mist below as you swing toward the far cliff. You smash into the rocky side hard, but somehow manage to keep your grip. You scramble up the rope just as the flying beast appears once again.<br> [[Attack the monster bird|atkmonsterbird2]] [[Flee into the jungle|fleetotemple33]]The monster shrieks and launches itself back up in the air, circling overhead. It looks hungry.<br> [[Attack the monster bird|atkmonsterbird]] [[Flee to the temple|fleetotemple]]Captain Four Fingers and the other surviving pirates draw their swords and leap on top of the monster, hacking it to pieces in no time.<br> You heave a deep sigh of relief and look towards the canyon. There will be no way across now.<br> [[Carve out those crystal eyes, they’re probably worth quite a bit.|carvetheeyes]] [[That was a close one. This way is a dead end; let’s head to those ruins we saw earlier.|investigateruins]]With no way to cross the canyon, you head back the way you came and make your way towards the ruined stone structure you saw earlier.<br> [[Continue|investigateruins]] <<set $inventory.push("2 crystal bird eyes")>>\Captain Four Fingers: I don’t think these things are interested in talking.<br> [[Attack them|atackfishfolk]] [[Sprint past them and charge into the cave|chargetocave]]Nobody else seems to be having any luck. The pirates chop off slabs of gooey flesh, but the Tritons seem to be unfazed.<br> [[Sprint past them and charge into the cave|chargetocave]]The Tritons are impaled by their own weapons. The magical energy causes the Tritons to burst into flames as they’re consumed by the magical fire and burned to ash. The smell of charred fish fills the air. The Tritons will not bother you any longer.<br> [[Open the chest|openchest2]] [[Enter the cave|entercave1]]The pirates mutter about you getting to keep all the gold, but nobody dares to complain openly since they just witnessed what you did to those Tritons.<br> [[Continue|entercave1]]You divide up the gold amongst the pirates. They bite their gold coins happily. You keep the tattered headband for yourself.<br> [[Continue|entercave1]]The cave is illuminated by shiny crystal formations growing out of the walls. The crystals glitter off the pools of water below. What do you want to do?<br> [[Follow one of the twisting passageways|twistingpasaged]] [[Jump into one of the pools and follow an underwater tunnel|underwatertunnel]]Captain Four Fingers: Ye've no idea what yer sayin', ye silly landlubber! Those sharks'll rip this ship apart if we go near 'em. I don't want them folks to die any more'n you, but it's beyond our power now. Their fate is sealed.<br> [[Continue|sighs]]The rest of the crew sighs with relief. They set about turning the ship. You pass by the crystal sharks, but the screams of the dying sailors will haunt your dreams.<br> [[Continue|pastsharks]]Thousand Hooves: ...and that’s how I got that rash.<br> [[Continue|horseys2]]Grey Mane: Oh, Thousand Hooves, you’re so funny! I just want to rub my face all over your biceps. Hey- wait! Who are those people? Hold it right there, busters!<br> [[Attack them|atkhorsemen]] [[Talk to them|talktothehorsemen]]Thousand Hooves: Hahaha! Do you really think you can handle us both? We are masters of spear combat! There are only a few of you, and we could easily beat off, like, a hundred dudes together!<br> [[You’re right, we can resolve this peacefully.|peaceresolve]] [[Bring it on, tough guys!|wtf]]You hold out your hands to show you mean no harm.<br> [[Excuse me, er... gentlemen? We’re looking for a few missing pirates.|missingpirates]] [[What are you supposed to be?|wthareyou]] [[Have either of you seen a Shyfter around here?|seenShyfter]]Grey Mane: We’ve got a few pirates locked in this closet behind us. But nobody comes out until we say so!<br> [[Vortex?|vortex]] [[What are you supposed to be?|wthareyou]] [[Prepare to die, you horse-headed freaks!|atkhorsemen]]Thousand Hooves: We are Centurions! Warriors of the Waves! Soldiers of Steel! Masters of Might! We serve Vortex, the Crystal King and Ruler of Shipwreck Cove. Now turn around and leave this place or we will be forced to wrestle you to the ground and tickle you until you pee in your pants!<br> [[Um... what?|wtf]] [[Prepare to die, you horse-headed freaks!|atkhorsemen]]Thousand Hooves: The Crystal King does not accept unsolicited visitors into his throne room. Only those with an exclusive invitation may stand before Vortex! Now turn around before we stab you with our huge spears!<br> [[Excuse me, er... gentlemen? We’re looking for a few missing pirates.|missingpirates]] [[What are you supposed to be?|wthareyou]] [[Prepare to die, you horse-headed freaks!|atkhorsemen]]Grey Mane: Vortex is the Great and Powerful Crystal King! His armies will spew forth from this island ravage the world! We are hardened warriors, and our endurance is unmatched! Our lust for dominance cannot be sated!<br> [[You guys are weird...|wtf]] [[What are you supposed to be?|wthareyou]] [[Prepare to die, you horse-headed freaks!|atkhorsemen]]Grey Mane: You asked for it!<br> [[Continue|horseyss]]The horse-men toss aside their spears and charge at you. What do you do?<br> [[Rip their spines out|riptheirspinesout]] [[Make their eyeballs explode|exepolingbals]] [[Let them tickle you|ticklyou]]Without their weapons, the horsemen are nothing. You throw a series of roundhouse kicks into their faces, sending them smashing into the walls. They fall to the ground in a daze. You step over their bodies and rip their spines out of their backs.<br> [[Continue|spinereips]]Without their weapons, the horsemen are nothing. You punch them in the bellies and watch as their eyeballs explode outward in a spray of white goo.<br> [[Continue|spinereips]]Things get really... weird.<br> The tickle fest ends with you peeing your pants and the horse-men galloping around the room. A set of keys falls to the ground while they stomp around.<br> [[Kick open the door|kickopendoor]] [[Pick up the keys and unlock the door|unlockthedoor]]The pirates watch in awe and disgust. A set of keys clinks to the ground. The path to the door is now clear.<br> [[Kick open the door|kickopendoor]] [[Pick up the keys and unlock the door|unlockthedoor]]You kick open the door. Half a dozen pirates are lying on the ground, beaten and bloody. One of them, a tiger-man, struggles to his feet.<br> [[Continue|piratereuinion]]You pick up the keys and unlock the door. Half a dozen pirates are lying on the ground, beaten and bloody. One of them, a tiger-man, struggles to his feet.<br> [[Continue|piratereuinion]]Grey Mane: Wow, Thousand Hooves! You just talked this crazy pirate down from a fight! That was incredible!<br> [[Continue|hrst]]<<if visited("fleetotemple333")>>\ Edge: Who... are you?<br> [[I came here with your sister. I'm here to rescue you.|recya]] [[I'm looking for treasure.|lukinfortres]] <<else>>\ Captain Four Fingers: Edge!<br> [[Continue|pirataerunion2]]<</if>>Edge: F-Four Fingers? Is... that you?<br> [[Continue|piratereuinion3]]Captain Four Fingers: It’s me, ye salty dog! I’m so glad yer okay!<br> [[Let’s finish this reunion back at the ship.|finishreunion]] [[Aw, man... no treasure!|notrezz]]Vortex: Not so fast, $race! Nobody leaves this place alive!<br> [[Continue|vortexfight]]Weak Pirate: Sorry, friend. We didn't find any, either. But I think we should leave now.<br> [[You're right. I bet we can find treasure outside.|finishreunion]] [[All right, but once we're out of here I'm looking for some gold!|finishreunion]]<<if visited("seducehorsemen")>>\ You spin around and see Vortex, a robotic merman king, standing in the tunnel behind you. He is surrounded by dozens of fish-folk. The horse-men pay no attention to you.<br> [[Continue|vrtklx]] <<else>>\ You spin around and see Vortex, a robotic merman king, standing in the tunnel behind you. He is surrounded by dozens of fish-folk.<br> [[Continue|vrtklx]]<</if>>Edge: Vortex! Ye and yer dirty dogs will die by our blades!<br> [[Continue|vortexfight2]]Pirates: YARR!!!<br> [[Fight your way out|fightoutvort]] [[Lead the pirates through a side tunnel|sidetunnelflee]]You lead the charge forward and attack, but the pirates are too weak to do much good. The battle unfolds in slow-mo; you cut down a few of the fish-folk, but your allies are killed all around you. A strike to the back of the head knocks you out.<br> [[Continue|captured2]]You order the pirates to follow you down a side tunnel. A few of the pirates try to fight, but they immediately get slaughtered by the Crystal King's goons. The rest of you flee to safety.<br> [[Continue|outofsidetunnel]]Two sailors carrying a heavy crate bump into you. The crate slips out of their hands and smashes open on the ground. Sacks of rice spill all over the boardwalk.<br> [[Continue|sailors]]Sailor: You idiot! Look what you've done- that's a week's worth of wages for us! You'll pay for that!<br> [[Continue|draws]]The sailors draw their swords. What do you do?<br> [[Attack them|sailorfight]] [[Run|runaway]] [[Apologize|apologize]]<<if $weapon == "fists">>\ One of the sailors takes a swipe at you with his sword. You dodge to the side and roundhouse kick him in the face. He goes flying off the dock and into the water.<br> The second pirate lunges with his sword, but you strike his arm with your fist and he loses his grip on the sword. You grab it and point it at his throat.<br> [[Tell him to get lost|getlost]] [[Kill him|killsailor]] <<elseif $weapon == "sword">>\ One of the sailors takes a swipe at you with his sword. You parry his attack and smash him in the face with the hilt of your own sword. He goes flying off the dock and into the water.<br> The second pirate lunges at you, but you slice his arm and he loses his grip on the sword. You point your blade at his throat.<br> [[Tell him to get lost|getlost]] [[Kill him|killsailor]] <<elseif $weapon == "chi">>\ One of the sailors takes a swipe at you with his sword. You focus your chi and make your body hard as diamonds. His sword shatters against your arm. You punch him in the face and he goes flying off the dock and into the water.<br> The second pirate lunges with his sword, but you strike his arm with a seismic chi-blocking strike and he loses his grip on the sword. He immediately begins to throw up all over the ground.<br> [[Tell him to get lost|getlost]] [[Kill him|killsailor]] <</if>>\You try to run away but your DEX is like... I dunno, a 2 or something. You trip and fall over the sacks of rice, spilling more out onto the docks. The pirates are furious.<br> [[Attack them|sailorfight]] [[Apologize|apologize]]You begin to apologize but the sailors won't hear any of it. One of them attacks you with his sword!<br> [[Defend yourself!|sailorfight]]You tell the sailor to take a hike. He whimpers and runs away. You continue to walk along the docks.<br> [[Continue|pirate1]]You murder the sailor in front of everyone. His blood spills all over the rice. The people who witnessed the fight avert their eyes and go about their business, hoping not to draw your attention lest they be killed too.<br> [[Continue|pirate1]]<<if $weapon == "fists">>\ The winged creature has eyes made of solid crystal. The crystal glows with unholy light as the beast launches itself at you. You dodge to the side and throw a swift spear-hand attack into the creature’s neck. The bird shrieks in pain as it collapses to the ground.<br> [[Continue|kilbird2]] <<elseif $weapon == "chi">>\ The winged creature has eyes made of solid crystal. The crystal glows with unholy light as the beast launches itself at you. You channel your chi and unleash a blast of icy wind outward. The bird shrieks as it collapses to the ground, unable to flap its frozen wings.<br> [[Continue|kilbird2]] <<elseif $weapon == "sword">>\ The winged creature has eyes made of solid crystal. The crystal glows with unholy light as the beast launches itself at you. You dodge to the side and stab your sword into the creature’s neck. The bird shrieks in pain as it collapses to the ground.<br> [[Continue|kilbird2]]<</if>>You sprint into the jungle with the remaining pirates close at your heels. The flying creature circles overhead a few times but it can't see you beneath the canopy of trees. The monster soon gives up the chase and returns to its lair. You take a few moments to catch your breath before pressing onward.<br> [[Continue|fleetotemple333]]The surviving pirates draw their swords and leap on top of the monster, hacking it to pieces in no time.<br> You heave a deep sigh of relief and look towards the canyon. There will be no way back across now.<br> [[Carve out those crystal eyes, they’re probably worth quite a bit.|carvetheeyes2]] [[That was a close one. Let's head into the jungle.|fleetotemple333]]You lead the pirates through the jungle. After nearly an hour of walking you arrive in a clearing near a waterfall. You can see the entrance to a cave behind the waterfall.<br> In the pool of water at the base of the waterfall you see a stone platform with a treasure chest on it. What do you do?<br> [[Enter the cave|entercave1]] [[Swim out to the platform|swimtoplatform]]The pirates back away from the dead bird, refusing the pry the crystal eyes out of the beast’s head. Something about curses... rotten pirates. You take one of their swords and pry the eyes out yourself. They’re heavier than you expected, but you take them regardless. They’ll probably fetch a lot of money somewhere.<br> [[Continue|eyesgood2]]With no way back across the canyon, you decide to head forward... deeper into the jungle.<br> [[Continue|fleetotemple333]] <<set $inventory.push("2 crystal bird eyes")>>\You swim out to the platform. There is writing on the treasure chest. It says: "RATS."<br> [[Open the treasure chest|openthechet]] [[Go back and enter the cave|entercave1]]You lift the lid of the chest and immediately slam it closed as the reek of dead rats hits your nose. Nothing worth taking in here. Just a chest filled with dead rats.<br> [[Continue|seamonster]]Suddenly, as if draw by the stench of dead rats, dozens of tentacles spring out of the water! They grasp one of the pirates and drag him into the water. What do you do?<br> [[Attack the tentacles|atktent]] [[Swim back to shore|swimtoshores]] [[Dump the rats in the water|dumpratsinwater]]The pirates battle the tentacles on the shore while you fight them from the platform. Unfortunately, there are too many tentacles and you can't keep an eye on all of them! One of them swats you off the platform and you fall in the water. The tentacles wrap around you and drag you down into the watery depths below...<br> [[Continue|captured]]The pirates battle the tentacles on the shore as you leap into the water. You swim as fast as you can, but you aren't fast enough. The tentacles wrap around you and drag you down into the watery depths below...<br> [[Continue|captured]]You dump the chest of dead rats into the water. The tentacles frantically collect the rat corpses and drag them below the waves. You wait for a few minutes but the tentacles don't return. You swim to shore as fast as you can and order the pirates to follow you into the cave.<br> [[Continue|entercave1]]You wake up and cough out water. You are laying on a polished crystal floor. You lift your head and see a cyborg merman looking down at you.<br> [[Continue|vortexthrone]]Edge: F-Four Fingers? My sister's here? Where is she?<br> [[She's dead.|shdie]] [[I'm sorry but she... didn't make it.|shdie]] [[She fell off a cliff.|shdie]]Edge: You won't find any treasure here, I'm afraid. We came seeking the same thing- no luck.<br> [[I know. I came here with your sister.|recya]] [[Four Fingers told me as much.|recya]]Edge: Oh...<br> [[We can mourn her later. We need to leave now.|fishreunion]] [[You'll get over it. Let's go!|fishreunion]]Vortex: Not so fast, $race! Nobody leaves this place alive!<br> [[Continue|vortexfight]]Vortex: Welcome back to the land of the living, $race. I was sure you were a goner.<br> [[Who are you?|whoyu]] [[What did you do with my companions?|ompanitons]] [[Eat dino dung, Shyfter.|shfter]]Vortex: My name is Vortex, and I am the Crystal King. But let's cut to the chase, shall we? You are powerful. One of the most powerful non-Shyfters I have ever encountered, perhaps. How else could you have survived your encounter with my tentacled pet?<br> [[I hate it when villains ramble on.|rambleon]] [[Just get to the point.|rambleon]]Vortex: Your friends are dead.<br> [[You slimeball!|rambleon]] [[I'll kill you for this!|rambleon]] [[Eh, they weren't paying me anyway.|rambleon]]Vortex: How charming. Let's cut to the chase, shall we? You are powerful. One of the most powerful non-Shyfters I have ever encountered, perhaps.<br> [[I hate it when villains ramble on.|rambleon]] [[Just get to the point.|rambleon]]Vortex: Right. I'm building an army to overthrow the human capital of Irongate. As you may have noticed, my crystal warriors are quite formidable already. However... I am looking for someone with a bit more, shall we say... finesse.<br> [[You want me to join your army?|joinarmy]] [[Irongate can't be conquered.|cantbe]]Vortex: No. I want you to LEAD my army. If you accept my offer, I will make you my general. You will become a Crystal Knight. What do you say?<br> [[Will I get a cool robot arm?|robotarm]] [[Will you turn my eyes into crystals?|eyescrystl]] [[I'll never join you, Shyfter slime!|Shyfterslime]]Vortex: Oh? And why is that?<br> [[Irongate is defended by General Rawhide himself.|rawhide]] [[The walls can't be breached.|walls]] [[The city has enough supplies to outlast a 3-year siege.|3year]]Vortex: Maybe once you prove yourself in battle. We'll see. I mean, that would be pretty cool. I must admit, being a shape-shifting cyborg is awesome.<br> [[Tempting... but I'll never join a Shyfter!|notjoin]] [[That would be awesome. Sign me up!|joinyou]]Vortex: Um... no. That would kill you. I thought you were smart?<br> [[Smart enough to know not to join a Shyfter!|notjoin]] [[Right, sorry. Head's still a bit fuzzy from almost dying. I'll join you.|joinyou]]Vortex: Ah. Unfortunate, but not unexpected. Guards! Kill this fool and remove the corpse from my chambers. I have business to attend to in Irongate.<br> [[Continue|fightend]]Vortex: Surely General Rawhide is no match for someone like you? If you accept my offer, I will make you my general. You will become a Crystal Knight. What do you say?<br> [[Will I get a cool robot arm?|robotarm]] [[Will you turn my eyes into crystals?|eyescrystl]] [[I'll never join you, Shyfter slime!|Shyfterslime]]Vortex: Surely someone as clever as you can find a way around such a simple problem? If you accept my offer, I will make you my general. You will become a Crystal Knight. What do you say?<br> [[Will I get a cool robot arm?|robotarm]] [[Will you turn my eyes into crystals?|eyescrystl]] [[I'll never join you, Shyfter slime!|Shyfterslime]]Vortex: I don't intend to lay siege to Irongate for three years. I will take the city tonight! If you accept my offer, I will make you my general. You will become a Crystal Knight. What do you say?<br> [[Will I get a cool robot arm?|robotarm]] [[Will you turn my eyes into crystals?|eyescrystl]] [[I'll never join you, Shyfter slime!|Shyfterslime]]Vortex: Ah. Unfortunate, but not unexpected. Guards! Kill this fool and remove the corpse from my chambers. I have business to attend to in Irongate.<br> [[Continue|fightend]]Vortex: Magnificent! We will begin our attack at midnight. I'll leave the planning to you, General.<br> [[Continue|warstart]]<<if $weapon == "chi">>\ Two giant crystal warriors step out of the shadows and attack you. You leap aside and begin to channel your chi. You clench your fist, causing the closest crystal warrior's leg to shatter. The creature falls to the ground and shatters into a thousand pieces. Then you punch out at the second one and melt it with a fire blast.<br> [[Continue|whatnext]] <<else>>\ Two giant crystal warriors step out of the shadows and attack you. You leap aside and grab a crystal spear off one of the racks lining the walls. You parry several attacks before hurling the spear at the closest warrior's chest. The impact causes the creature to explode. You follow up with a similar attack against the second warrior, leaving only a pile of crystal shards scattered across the floor.<br> [[Continue|whatnext]]<</if>>You wake up with a throbbing headache. You are laying on a polished crystal floor. You lift your head and see a cyborg merman looking down at you.<br> [[Continue|vortexthrone]]Irongate is a heavily fortified city led by one of the most highly respected generals in the world- Rawhide. Cracking Irongate's defenses won't be easy. How do you plan to breach the walls?<br> [[Drill through the walls with a crystal drill|crystaldrill]] [[Do the Trojan Horse trick|trojanhorse]] [[Send your army against the main gates and lead a strike team through the sewers|sewerstrike]]Midnight arrives. You lead your army to the walled city of Irongate. An enormous crystal drill is pushed towards the outer wall. Archers on the battlements fire down at your troops as you approach. What do you do?<br> [[Order your troops to press forward with their shields over their heads|shieldsup]] [[Break ranks and lead a small team through the sewers|serers3]]You arrive outside the walls of Irongate at midnight with a huge wooden Centurion on wheels. You and an elite team of crystal warriors climb inside as a group of crystal trolls push it into position.<br> [[Continue|trojorsee]]Midnight arrives. You lead a small squad of crystal warriors into a sewer duct on the outskirts of the city while your main force launches an assault against the front gates.<br> [[Continue|sewertrouble]]Your troops raise their shields and press forward. Dozens are killed by the shower of arrows, but you manage to reach the wall with most of your army intact. As you begin to drill, the gates open and a platoon of Iron Wolves, the heroic defenders of Irongate, flood out of the city. What do you do?<br> [[Stay with the drill and order your troops to defend the area|defenddrill]] [[Rush the gates and storm inside with your army|storminside]]The Iron Wolves cut through your flank, severely crippling your army's strength. You are losing soldiers fast. Luckily, the drill has breached the wall. What will you do?<br> [[Enter the city with an elite squad|elitesquad]] [[Kill the Iron Wolves|storminside]]You abandon the drill and lead a charge against the Iron Wolves. They're formidable knights and they cut down hundreds of your soldiers, but you outnumber them 10 to 1. You slaughter the Iron Wolf defenders and charge in through the city gates, leading an elite squad of crystal warriors.<br> [[Continue|elitesquad2]]You charge through the hole in the wall with an elite squad of crystal warriors at your back.<br> [[Continue|elitesquad2]]Peasants scream and flee as your warriors set buildings on fire. You lead them through the city and storm the palace. General Rawhide and his squad of Iron Knights stand before the king, ready to lay down their lives. What do you do?<br> [[Slaughter them all|slaughterknights]] [[Demand their fealty|demandfelayh]]General Rawhide: To arms, my brothers! Defend the king to the last!<br> [[Continue|kingbattle]]General Rawhide: We will never bend the knee to a traitor or a Shyfter! You were once a great hero of this kingdom, but now look at you... disgusting!<br> [[Bend your knee to the Crystal King or taste the steel of my blade!|slaughterknights]] [[I will enjoy killing you, Rawhide, you disgraced old man!|slaughterknights]]The battle in the throne room is fast and bloody. Your crystal warriors throw themselves at the Iron Knights with gusto. The sound of steel rings throughout the throne room as warriors fall on both sides.<br> [[Continue|knightfirt2]]The Iron Knights are skilled swordsmen, but the longer the battle drags on, the more crystal warriors flood into the room. The Iron Knights are completely overpowered and butchered mercilessly. At last only Rawhide stands between you and the king.<br> [[Continue|rawhide2]]General Rawhide: So, hero. This is how it all ends. With your blade in the king's neck and your knee bent to a Shyfter. I expected better of you. But if I am to die this day, then at least I die a free man, standing against the tyranny of Shyfters. Have at thee!<br> [[Kill Rawhide|kilhide]] [[Let the crystal warriors kill Rawhide|wariorskraowk]]You swat Rawhide's sword to the side and chop off his head. His body flops to the floor in a spray of blood. You step up to the king and look him dead in the eye before driving your sword through his throat. The kingdom is yours.<br> [[Continue|badend]]The crystal warriors swarm Rawhide and rip him to pieces before descending upon the king and feasting on royal blood. The kingdom is now yours.<br> [[Continue|badend]]Vortex strolls into the room and admires your work.<br> [[Continue|Shyfterrend]]Vortex: Well done, $race. I am very impressed with your work. You shall have a seat here at my side. We will rebuild this city as my new Citadel. Your name will be sung until the end of days- not as a villain, but as a hero!<br> [[Continue|theend]]You stand before the Shyfter's throne as the crystal warriors chant your name. You have delivered the kingdom to Vortex, but to what end? Only time will tell...<br> CONGRATULATIONS! YOU WIN!You split off from the group and lead a small squad of crystal warriors into a nearby sewer drain. The rest of your troops prevent any Iron Wolves from pursuing you.<br> [[Continue|sewertrouble]]An hour passes before the city gates open and a detachment of Iron Wolves approach the giant wooden horse-man. What do you do?<br> [[Leap out and attack them|surprisetog]] [[Stay silent and wait|silentftogj]]The knights are caught by surprise as you and your warriors gush out of the wooden horse-man like crystal diarrhea. You butcher the knights and proceed into the city.<br> [[Continue|sewerstrike2]]You can't make out the muffled words of the Iron Wolves, but after a few minutes you feel yourself moving- the fools are pushing your gift into the city!<br> [[Continue|tojintocity]]Peering through a crack in the wood, you see that the knights have brought you to the center of the city. Most of them leave and walk towards the castle- they're probably going to inform General Rawhide and the King about this. A few knights remain behind to guard the wooden structure and ensure no peasants wander too close.<br> [[Quietly kill the guards and sneak up to the castle|stealthkillsomly]] [[Slaughter the guards and set fire to the city from within|sethemtifes]]You silently drop out of the wooden horse-man like a stealthy turd. You slit the closest guard's throat, and you're pleased to see that your team of crystal warriors has disposed of the remaining guards in a similar fashion.<br> [[Continue|sewerstrike2]]Peasants scream and flee as you and your warriors gush out of the wooden horse-man like crystal diarrhea and butcher the knights standing guard. You set buildings on fire as you go, leaving terror and destruction in your wake. The fires signal the rest of your army, which is waiting outside the gates. They launch a full assault against the city.<br> [[Continue|fulsault]]You lead your squad through the city without a sound. You climb down into the sewer system and make your way towards the castle.<br> [[Continue|sewertrouble]]You pass through a labyrinth of tunnels before finally reaching a pathway leading directly to the castle. Just then you hear a grumbling roar! Three white alligators the size of small dragons emerge from the dirty sewer water and slither towards you! What's the plan, General?<br> [[Fight them head on|headonfight]] [[Retreat and look for another way|sewertreat]]You fight the massive alligators in a legendary battle that you and your squad will sing about for years to come. Your warriors fight as one unstoppable unit, slaying the beasts with unmatched skill. With the alligators dead, you proceed through a door beyond and enter the castle.<br> [[Continue|inthecaslte]]You charge down one of the other tunnels and crawl through a space too small for the alligators to follow. They devour a few of your crystal soldiers but enough of you make it safely into the castle to continue on.<br> [[Continue|inthecaslte]]As you ascend to the top of the castle, you wave torches as a signal for the rest of your army to attack. They've been waiting for your signal outside the city walls, but now they launch a full assault on the city.<br> [[Continue|tothrone]]You lead your squad through the city and storm the palace. General Rawhide and his squad of Iron Knights stand before the king, ready to lay down their lives. What do you do?<br> [[Slaughter them all|slaughterknights]] [[Demand their fealty|demandfelayh]]You lead your squad through the castle and into the throne room. General Rawhide and his squad of Iron Knights stand before the king, ready to lay down their lives. What do you do?<br> [[Slaughter them all|slaughterknights]] [[Demand their fealty|demandfelayh]]You emerge out into the jungle but don't stop running until you are far away from the cave complex. There is no sign of Vortex or the fish-folk. You take a moment to catch your breath before deciding what to do next.<br> [[We came here to save Edge and we did that. Let's get out of here.|getoutahere]] [[We can't leave this place until we find treasure.|finadtresure]]<<if visited("fleetotemple333")>>\ Edge: I thank ye again, $race. If not for yer courage, we all surely would have perished. We will mourn me sister later. For now, we must return home.<br> [[Continue|returnhome]] <<else>>\ Edge: I thank ye again, $race. If not for yer courage, and the determination of me sister, we all surely would have perished. Now let us return home!<br> [[Continue|returnhome]]<</if>>Edge: You know, I just remembered! We found a map! Peg-Leg Harvey, do you still have it hidden?<br> [[Continue|peglaeg]]<<if visited("sailaway")>>\ You make your way toward the beach. You can hear cheering in the distance. Suddenly you see your ship sailing away! The merchants have stolen your ship! They laugh at you as they sail away with your ship.<br> [[Curse them!|gotakid]] [[You've gotta be kidding me...|gotakid]] <<else>>\ You lead the pirates through the jungle and finally arrive at the beach. You are surprised to see that your ship is still there- the pirates haven't abandoned you yet.<br> [[Continue|theneds2]]<</if>>Pirate: Pirates after all. The scurvy curs!<br> [[Continue|edgeline]]<<if visited("fleetotemple333")>>\ You climb aboard the ship and shove out to sea. You and the pirates hold a solemn funeral for Captain Four Fingers. The years pass and you promise to remain friends with Edge and the other pirates. Perhaps you will meet them again someday for another exciting adventure...?<br> CONGRATULATIONS! YOU WIN! <<else>>\ You climb aboard the ship and shove out to sea. You and the pirates celebrate the grand reunion with wine and rum. The years pass and you promise to remain friends with Captain Four Fingers, Edge, and the other pirates. Perhaps you will meet them again someday for another exciting adventure...?<br> CONGRATULATIONS! YOU WIN!<</if>>Edge: Unfortunate, but not a problem. Me boys passed a sky-ship in the center of the island. Most likely the Shyfter's personal transport. We can steal it and return home!<br> [[Great idea!|ggdude]] [[I've never seen a sky-ship before.|ggdude]]Edge: It isn't far. Follow me!<br> [[Continue|skuy]]<<if visited("dddhhey")>>\ Edge leads you through the jungle to a rocky valley. A huge sky-ship is docked there, just like he said!<br> [[Continue|anotherend]] <<else>>\ Edge leads you through the jungle to a rocky valley. A huge sky-ship is docked there- but it looks like it is preparing to take off! You spot Vortex ordering a group of crystal warriors to load crates on the ship.<br> [[Let's sneak aboard and throw them off when we get up in the air.|sneakaborad]] [[Attack them and steal the ship!|atkskyship]]<</if>>While the crystal warriors are stacking boxes, you and the pirates sneak into some of the nearby crates. The crystal warriors return and load your crates onto the sky-ship. A few minutes later the ship takes off and you're in the air.<br> [[Spring out and attack|springatkls]] [[Fart|fart]]You charge the ship and battle the crystal warriors. Vortex, seeing that his forces will soon be overpowered, morphs into a bird a flies away.<br> [[Continue|vortexflee]]Vortex: We will meet again, $race! I will destroy you in this life or the next!<br> [[Continue|stolein]]<<if visited("flyinshoip")>>\ With the Shyfter's goons defeated, you and the pirates steal the sky-ship and take flight!<br> [[Continue|endy2]] <<else>>\ With the Shyfter's goons defeated, you and the pirates steal the sky-ship and take flight!<br> [[Continue|endy]]<</if>><<if visited("fleetotemple333")>>\ You and the pirates hold a solemn funeral for Captain Four Fingers. The years pass and you promise to remain friends with Edge and the other pirates. Perhaps you will meet them again someday for another exciting adventure? One involving the destruction of Vortex, maybe...?<br> CONGRATULATIONS! YOU WIN! <<else>>\ You and the pirates celebrate the grand reunion with wine and rum. The years pass and you promise to remain friends with Captain Four Fingers, Edge, and the other pirates. Perhaps you will meet them again someday for another exciting adventure? One involving the destruction of Vortex, maybe...?<br> CONGRATULATIONS! YOU WIN!<</if>>You smash out of the crates and attack the crystal warriors. They're completely caught off guard, and you throw them all over the side of the ship, watching them shatter on the ground far below.<br> [[Continue|vortesx]]Crystal Warrior: Um... was that you?<br> [[Continue|thatu]]Vortex: No, that wasn't me, you idiot! That- ugh.... UGH! By the Allfather! That is rancid!<br> [[Continue|farting]]<<if visited("flyinshoip")>>\ The crystal warriors begin throwing up all over the place. Vortex morphs into a bird and flees the ship. The remaining crystal warriors commit suicide by jumping over the railing. When the stink disperses, you and the pirates emerge from the crates. The ship is yours!<br> [[Continue|endy2]] <<else>>\ The crystal warriors begin throwing up all over the place. Vortex morphs into a bird and flees the ship. The remaining crystal warriors commit suicide by jumping over the railing. When the stink disperses, you and the pirates emerge from your crates. The ship is yours!<br> [[Continue|endy]]<</if>>Vortex, seeing that his warriors have been destroyed, morphs into a bird a flies away.<br> [[Continue|vortexflees]]Vortex: We will meet again, $race! I will destroy you in this life or the next!<br> [[Continue|stoleins]]<<if visited("flyinshoip")>>\ The ship is yours!<br> [[Continue|endy2]] <<else>>\ The ship is yours!<br> [[Continue|endy]]<</if>>Vortex has gone to execute his plan and attack Irongate. You spot a teleportation crystal nearby- this is your chance to escape. Where will you go?<br> [[Go home. Your job here is finished.|gohomoe]] [[Go to Irongate and warn the King.|warnking]]You place your hand on the teleportation crystal. Magical energy swirls around you and suddenly you appear back home. You heave a sigh of relief. Vortex is still out there threatening the kingdom, but that is for someone else to worry about. For now, it's time for a slice of pizza- you survived!<br> CONGRATULATIONS! YOU WIN!You place your hand on the teleportation crystal. Magical energy swirls around you and suddenly you appear outside the castle in Irongate. Several of the King's closest guards, the Iron Knights, surround you with spears pointed at your throat.<br> [[Continue|explaisnf]]General Rawhide: Intruder! Explain yourself!<br> [[I must speak with the King at once!|mustpeak]] [[Out of my way, Rawhide.|ouyawy]]General Rawhide: Oh- it's you! Forgive me, hero, I did not recognize you. We aren't used to seeing heroes appear out of thin air! What business have you with the King?<br> [[A Shyfter is coming to attack Irongate.|Shyftertakes]] [[Thousands will die if I don't speak to him at once.|Shyftertakes]]General Rawhide: Ah, it's you. I'd know your disrespectful tongue were I to hear it from a thousand leagues away. If you weren't a hero I'd have my men butcher you where you stand.<br> [[Do your job and take me to the King. It's urgent.|urgent]] [[Forgive my manners, General. I have urgent news for the King.|urgent]]General Rawhide: Very well. Follow me.<br> [[Continue|totheking]]General Rawhide leads you through the castle to the main throne room, where the King awaits. You tell him about the Shyfter and his plans to attack the city. The King is troubled, but he considers his options.<br> [[Continue|ptsalitj]]General Rawhide: I see. Then there is no time to waste- follow me!<br> [[Continue|totheking]]King: You have done us a great service once again, hero, by bringing us this information. It seems we are forever in your debt. But I fear I must ask one thing more of you- will you help us defend this city?<br> [[It would be my honor.|hoor]] [[I want to kill Vortex myself.|vortexmys]]King: Good. You will join Rawhide in preparing the defense of this city. Do not fail me, hero! The citizens of Irongate are depending on you!<br> [[Continue|plans]]King: If what you say is true, I am sure you will get that chance. You will join Rawhide in preparing the defense of this city. Do not fail me, hero! The citizens of Irongate are depending on you!<br> [[Continue|plans]]You and Rawhide spend the rest of the evening in the war room, planning the defense of the city. What is your plan?<br> [[Line the walls with catapults and archers and cripple their army before they get close|catapults]] [[Release the royal dragons and scatter the Shyfter's army|dragons]] [[Call all able-bodied men and women to arms and march out to meet the enemy in battle|caltoarms]]By the time the sun sets, you have lined the walls of Irongate with catapults and hundreds of archers. Vortex and his army appear just after midnight...<br> [[Continue|catafigh]]Vortex and his army appear just after midnight. The Shyfter's army charges and you order the dragons to be released. You watch as the enemy's ranks are ripped apart by the fangs, claws, and fiery breath of the dragons. By the time the crystal warriors reach the gates, their numbers have been severely thinned out.<br> [[Lead a charge out of the gates and meet them in battle|metinblet]] [[Call the royal wizards to summon fire golems|firegolems]]Vortex and his army appear just after midnight. Your army stands ready outside the gates. Suddenly, the Shyfter's army attacks!<br> [[Continue|battles]]The Shyfter's army charges and you order your soldiers to fire on them. You watch as the enemy's ranks are ripped apart by arrows and flaming rocks. By the time they reach the gates, their numbers have been severely thinned out.<br> [[Lead a charge out of the gates and meet them in battle|metinblet]] [[Call the royal wizards to summon fire golems|firegolems]]You lead the Iron Wolves out of the main gate and smash yourselves against the weakened forces of the enemy! You chop them down with ease, but the casualties on both sides are heavy. Just then you hear the Shyfter call your name. The crowd seems to part in slow motion as Vortex approaches you.<br> [[Duel him|duel]] [[Order the soldiers to shoot him|sholdue]]A dozen royal battle mages appear on the walls and begin their summoning rituals. Suddenly dozens of fire golems spring up among the enemy's ranks. The crystal warriors are caught by surprise and butchered by the fire golems. Vortex shrieks out his anger in the distance before morphing into a hawk and diving right at you.<br> [[Shoot him down|shotshyug]] [[Attack him with your sword when he gets close|atksfjg]]You fire an arrow at the speeding hawk but the Shyfter morphs into a blob at the last second. The arrow passes harmlessly through his amorphous form. Just then the Shyfter reforms into a lion and pounces on you!<br> [[Duel him|duel]] [[Order the soldiers to shoot him|sholdue]]You dig in your heels and prepare to chop Vortex in half, but the Shyfter morphs into a lion at the last second and pounces on you!<br> [[Duel him|duel]] [[Order the soldiers to shoot him|sholdue]]You draw your sword and face the Shyfter, who morphs back into his true form. He laughs at you and draws his trident. You duel in the city streets. It is an epic battle, but you are a hero! You smite the dirty Shyfter and stand over his ruined corpse. You are victorious!<br> [[Continue|thendlej]]The Shyfter is completely surrounded. He's unable to avoid the storm of arrows- he's completely ripped to shreds. Vortex collapses in a pile of black goo. You are victorious!<br> [[Continue|thendlej]]The remaining crystal warriors are driven off and forced to retreat. The gathered soldiers cheer your name. You have saved the kingdom from evil once more. The story of this night will become legend!<br> CONGRATULATIONS! YOU WIN!You lead the Iron Wolves into battle and smash yourselves against the savage forces of the enemy! You chop them down with ease, but the casualties on both sides are heavy. Just then you hear the Shyfter call your name. The crowd seems to part in slow motion as Vortex approaches you.<br> [[Duel him|duel]] [[Order the soldiers to shoot him|sholdue]]The horse-men start fawning over each other, ignoring you and the pirates. A set of keys falls to the ground while they giggle.<br> [[Kick open the door|kickopendoor]] [[Pick up the keys and unlock the door|unlockthedoor]]You and the pirates carefully disarm each one of the bear traps. It is difficult work and it takes up a lot of your precious time, but you are able to make it through the tunnel without setting off any traps.<br> [[Continue|thronesal]]You pick your way carefully around the bear traps. Suddenly you hear a snap and a scream behind you- one of the pirates stepped on a bear trap! He collapses to the ground, landing on several more bear traps... he's dead. Stupid pirate.<br> [[Continue|bersa]]The sound of snapping bear traps draws some unwanted attention. Just then, a huge bear with crystal claws, dragon wings, and a scorpion tail emerges from the tunnel ahead!<br> [[Fight the bear in the tunnel filled with bear traps|berfight]] [[Run back the way you came|rungalkd]]The bear charges forward, immediately setting off dozens of bear traps. It seems unfazed as it mauls pirates left and right, sending them flying into more bear traps. It's a slaughter, but eventually the bear is overcome by all the bear traps ripping its body to shreds. You and the surviving pirates leap over the monster's corpse and head down the hallway.<br> [[Continue|thronesal]]You flee back down the tunnel. Two more pirates step on bear traps and are mauled by the bear, which also gets ripped apart by the bear traps. You dive into the water and swim back to the entrance. Not wanting to risk facing the bear-trapped hallway, you decide to take another tunnel instead.<br> [[Continue|twistingpasaged]]<<if visited("disarmtr")>>\ You enter a crystal chamber. It appears a ritual has just concluded- the Shyfter has sacrificed Edge and the other pirates! You're too late! If only you hadn't wasted so much time disarming all those bear traps!<br> [[Continue|edgedead]] <<else>>\ You enter a crystal chamber. It looks like you're just in time- the Shyfter is about to sacrifice Edge and the other pirates!<br> [[Continue|sacrifice]]<</if>><<if visited("fleetotemple333")>>\ Vortex: Ah, more sheep for the slaughter. How wonderful. Kill them!<br> [[Continue|sheprufls]] <<else>>\ Captain Four Fingers: You killed me brother, ye worthless scallywag!<br> [[Continue|dededed]]<</if>>Vortex: The ritual must not be interrupted! Guards! Destroy them!<br> [[Attack the guards|achtkgard]] [[Attack Vortex|akdjtytex]]Dozens of crystal warriors charge out of the shadows and slaughter the pirates. One of them smacks you on the back of the head and you black out...<br> [[Continue|captured2]]Vortex: Ah, more sheep for the slaughter. How wonderful. Kill them!<br> [[Continue|sheprufls]]<<if $weapon == "chi">>\ You summon your chi and shoot a blast of icy wind at the floor. The floor turns to ice and the crystal warriors slide into the walls and shatter to pieces.<br> [[Continue|delwithShyfter]] <<else>>\ You duck under a crystal warrior's attack and rip the spear from its hand. You twirl the spear over your head and crack it against the side of the crystal warrior's face. The creature's head explodes into a thousand tiny shards. One of the pirates gets impaled on a spear, but the rest kill the remaining guards.<br> [[Continue|delwithShyfter]]<</if>>As the pirates leap into battle against the crystal warriors, you stride confidently up to Vortex, who heaves a sigh of frustration before turning away from his dark ritual.<br> [[Continue|dsodulg]]Vortex is furious. He abandons his ritual and morphs into a T-Rex. He rips apart two of the pirates before turning to face you.<br> [[Challenge him to a duel|duelvort]] [[Run away|runnnn]]Vortex reverts back into his normal form. He is totally focused on you, giving the pirates time to rescue their crew mates. Vortex draws a long curved sword and points it at your heart.<br> [[Continue|dudududull]]You can't kill a T-Rex! You turn on your heel and sprint out of the chamber, leaving the pirates to fend for themselves. The Shyfter dinosaur chases you and rams you with his head, sending you flying. You bounce off the wall and your head smacks against the floor. Everything goes black...<br> [[Continue|captured2]]Vortex: You think you can best me in combat, $race? Your pride will be your downfall!<br> [[Continue|dexeduald]]You grab a fallen spear and fight Vortex in a dramatic showdown. The pirates pull Edge and the other crew members to safety. Just when you think you can't hold Vortex off any longer, the pirates rally together and attack him from behind! Vortex screams in rage, but this distraction is just what you needed- you drive your spear into his face.<br> [[Continue|dddhhey]]The Shyfter flops to the ground in a puddle of black goo. He won't plague this land with his evil anymore.<br> [[Continue|lkfjg]]<<if visited("fleetotemple333")>>\ Edge: Who... are you?<br> [[I came here with your sister. I'm here to rescue you.|recya2]] [[I'm looking for treasure.|lukinfortres2]] <<else>>\ Captain Four Fingers: Edge!<br> [[Continue|pirataerunion22]]<</if>>Vortex: You think you can best me in combat, $race? Your pride will be your downfall!<br> [[Continue|dexeduald2]]You grab a fallen spear and fight Vortex in a dramatic showdown. You see the pirates destroy the crystal warriors and pull Edge and the other crew members to safety. Just when you think you can't hold Vortex off any longer, the pirates rally together and attack him from behind! Vortex screams in rage, but this distraction is just what you needed- you drive your spear into his face.<br> [[Continue|dddhhey]]Edge: F-Four Fingers? My sister's here? Where is she?<br> [[She's dead.|shdie2]] [[I'm sorry but she... didn't make it.|shdie2]] [[She fell off a cliff.|shdie2]]Edge: You won't find any treasure here, I'm afraid. We came seeking the same thing- no luck.<br> [[I know. I came here with your sister.|recya2]] [[Four Fingers told me as much.|recya2]]Edge: F-Four Fingers? Is... that you?<br> [[Continue|piratereuinion32]]Edge: Oh...<br> [[We can mourn her later. We need to leave now.|fishreunion2]] [[You'll get over it. Let's go!|fishreunion2]]Captain Four Fingers: It’s me, ye salty dog! I’m so glad yer okay!<br> [[Let’s finish this reunion back at the ship.|finishreunion2]] [[Aw, man... no treasure!|notrezz2]]You leave the caves and emerge out into the jungle.<br> [[We came here to save Edge and we did that. Let's get out of here.|getoutahere2]] [[We can't leave this place until we find treasure.|finadtresure]]<<if visited("fleetotemple333")>>\ Edge: I thank ye again, $race. If not for yer courage, we all surely would have perished. We will mourn me sister later. For now, we must return home.<br> [[Continue|returnhome]] <<else>>\ Edge: I thank ye again, $race. If not for yer courage, and the determination of me sister, we all surely would have perished. Now let us return home!<br> [[Continue|returnhome]]<</if>>Edge: You know, I just remembered! We found a map! Peg-Leg Harvey, do you still have it hidden?<br> [[Continue|peglaeg]]<<if visited("fleetotemple333")>>\ Edge: I thank ye again, $race. If not for yer courage, we all surely would have perished. We will mourn me sister later. For now, we must return home.<br> [[Continue|returnhome]] <<else>>\ Edge: I thank ye again, $race. If not for yer courage, and the determination of me sister, we all surely would have perished. Now let us return home!<br> [[Continue|returnhome]]<</if>><<if visited("flyinshoip")>>\ You climb aboard the ship and take to the skies.<br> [[Continue|endy2]] <<else>>\ You climb aboard the ship and take to the skies.<br> [[Continue|dopdop]]<</if>>Peg-Leg Harvey: Aye, aye, Captain!<br> [[Continue|ayeeye]]Peg-Leg Harvey pulls a map out of his butt and holds it out. Edge unfurls it.<br> [[Continue|skyland]]Edge: This map leads to a mysterious flying island fortress. According to this map, the fortress only appears at midnight on the fourth day of the third month, when the planets align and the stars lose their luster.<br> [[But... that's tonight!|flyland]] [[The Dungeon Master is messing with us, isn't he?|flyland]]Peg-Leg Harvey: Aye! We haven't got time to waste then- let's find this flying island!<br> [[Continue|notsofarst]]Pirate: Not so fast. It says here this flying island is guarded by a fire-breathing dragon! Besides, how are we supposed to get to a flying island?<br> [[Continue|flyinshoip]]Edge: That shouldn't be a problem. We passed a sky-ship in the center of the island on our first night here. Most likely the Shyfter's personal transport. We can steal it and return home!<br> [[Great idea!|ggdude]] [[I've never seen a sky-ship before.|ggdude]]<<if visited("fleetotemple333")>>\ You and the pirates hold a solemn funeral for Captain Four Fingers. The years pass and you promise to remain friends with Edge and the other pirates. Perhaps you will meet them again someday for another exciting adventure?<br> CONGRATULATIONS! YOU WIN! <<else>>\ You and the pirates celebrate the grand reunion with wine and rum. The years pass and you promise to remain friends with Captain Four Fingers, Edge, and the other pirates. Perhaps you will meet them again someday for another exciting adventure?<br> CONGRATULATIONS! YOU WIN!<</if>>Edge pilots the sky-ship through the air with you as his co-pilot. Just as the moon begins to rise, you spot it: a flying island. Edge turns the ship towards the flying island and lands it on an enormous stone balcony.<br> [[Continue|onland]]You and the pirates hop out of the sky-ship and look around. A white fortress made of giant trees and stone stands before you. It looks like this was a magnificent citadel once upon a time, but now the fortress is in ruins. The ground and walls have been covered in slime, and the trees appear to be rotting away. The whole place looks poisonous. Just then a tiny fairy creature appears in front of you.<br> [[Continue|fairy]]Twitterbug: You... you have come! Yes, yes! It is as the prophecy fortold- a hero in a sky-ship will arrive and restore our beautiful land! You must be the $race of the prophecy!<br> [[Who are you?|whoufairy]] [[Prophecy?|prophecy]] [[Save you from what?|savefromwhat]]Twitterbug: I am Twitterbug, the Prince of Butterpond Castle! This was once a place of beauty and magic, but then... the dragon came. He lives at the top of the tower, and his evil magic has twisted this place into a poisonous ruin. Have you come to slay the dragon?<br> [[Tell me more about this prophecy|prophecy]] [[I have come to slay the dragon!|slaydragonss]]Twitterbug: The dragon came six centuries ago... my great-great grandfather led the defense against him, but the dragon's magic was too powerful. Our land has now been corrupted by the dragon's poisonous magic. Any fey creature that wanders too close becomes corrupted... just like the land. Many of our brothers and sisters have joined the ranks of the dragon's army since then.<br> [[Continue|morephro]]Twitterbug: The evil dragon, Stinkwings! Stinkwings came six centuries ago... my great-great grandfather led the defense against him, but the dragon's magic was too powerful. Any fey creature that wanders too close becomes corrupted... poisoned, just like the land. Many of our brothers and sisters have joined the ranks of the dragon's army since then.<br> [[Continue|morephro]]Twitterbug: Oh, that is wonderful! At long last our salvation has come! The dragon awaits at the tippy-top of the tower! There you will find him in his lair of death... but be wary! The dragon is clever- do not heed his words, lest he manipulate you into acting foolishly!<br> [[Continue|twiterbu]]Twitterbug: But we have not given up hope! The sages tell of the coming of a great hero who will arrive in a sky-ship to deliver us from this terrible evil! You must be the $race the prophecy spoke of... you must be!<br> [[I have come to slay the dragon!|slaydragonss]] [[This prophecy... did it mention anything about treasure? Or a great reward?|prohetryc]]Twitterbug: The halls of our ancient palace are lined with gold and riches beyond imagining! If you were to deliver us from this terrible fate, you would have wealth beyond measure!<br> [[I'm in.|imin]] [[Just point me in the direction of this dragon.|imin]]Twitterbug: Oh, that is wonderful! At long last our salvation has come! The dragon awaits at the tippy-top of the tower! There you will find him in his lair of death... but be wary! The dragon is clever- do not heed his words, lest he manipulate you into acting foolishly!<br> [[Continue|twiterbu]]Twitterbug flutters away and you spot a few other feyfolk peeking out from behind nearby trees. They whisper excitedly about you. Edge puts a hand on your shoulder.<br> [[Continue|eglusd]]Edge: This task be yers alone, me friend. The lure of treasure be very appealing, but fighting a dragon...? We be pirates, not fools. We take treasure where we can find it, but we will not throw away our lives on a quest such as this. I wish ye well, $race.<br> [[More treasure for me.|m]] [[I'm a hero. It is my destiny to save these people.|m]]Edge nods and steps back. The rest of the pirates watch as you enter the fortress alone.<br> [[Continue|fortresiland]]You climb the crumbling stairs of the castle, finding secret doors and hidden chambers filled with gold. In one of the rooms you find a beautiful glittering sword- this will come in handy if you have to fight the dragon. You resist the urge to take more treasure- your focus right now lies at the top of the tower. After climbing for nearly an hour, you reach the dragon's lair.<br> [[Continue|goooo]]The chamber is completely covered in poisonous slime. Ruined statues of ancient heroes line the room. You can hear the whispering of evil feyfolk echoing all around you. And then you hear a soft, raspy voice.<br> [[Continue|drgun]]Stinkwings: An intruder? Why have you - *cough* - come to this place?<br> [[I have come to slay you, beast!|slaya]] [[I heard legend of your greatness and hoped to see it for myself.|semeyu]]The corrupted feyfolk laugh and flutter around the room. Just then a massive dragon slithers down from the rafters above. The dragon is old - ancient - and apparently very sick. The dragon's scales have mostly rotted away, and the creature's skin is covered in disgusting orange fungus. With each wheezing cough, the dragon emits a cloud of poisonous gas from his pores.<br> [[What happened to you?|whathapen]] [[Your dark magic is poisoning this land. You must leave at once.|leaveatoune]] [[Disgusting creature! You will die!|yuldie]]Stinkwings: I am sorry to - *cough* - disappoint you, traveler, but my greatness vanished long ago... *cough cough*<br> [[Continue|stinks]]Just then a massive dragon slithers down from the rafters above. The dragon is old - ancient - and apparently very sick. The dragon's scales have mostly rotted away, and the creature's skin is covered in disgusting orange fungus. With each wheezing cough, the dragon emits a cloud of poisonous gas from his pores.<br> [[What happened to you?|whathapen]] [[Your dark magic is poisoning this land. You must leave at once.|leaveatoune]] [[Disgusting creature! You will die!|yuldie]]Stinkwings: I am old, $race, and very sick. It seems I've contracted - *cough* - The Rot. A very dangerous disease for dragons. I am not the great beast I once was.<br> [[Is there a cure for The Rot?|curerot]] [[Your sickness is a plague on this land. I will slay you and end it!|slayandend]] [[Your sickness has corrupted this place. You must leave.|goadof]]Stinkwings: Oh? And where would you have me go, $race? *cough cough*<br> [[I hear Shipwreck Cove is really nice this time of year...|swcove]] [[Anywhere but here.|anywhere]]Stinkwings: Well, actually... now that you mention it... *cough* There is one thing that can cure The Rot. A feast. A feast of... *sniff sniff* Pirates.<br> [[You know what? I think I can help you with that.|icanhelf]] [[Your words are as poisonous as your disease! Prepare to die!|prepeperif]]Stinkwings: My fire may be gone, but I can still destroy you with acid!<br> [[Continue|dragonfight]]Stinkwings: Oh? And where would you have me go, $race? *cough cough*<br> [[I hear Shipwreck Cove is really nice this time of year...|swcove]] [[Anywhere but here.|anywhere]]Stinkwings: A tempting offer, but I like it here, $race. I am a - *cough* - king to these people. I'm not leaving.<br> [[Is there a cure for The Rot?|curerot]] [[Your sickness is a plague on this land. I will slay you and end it!|slayandend]]Stinkwings: I like it here, $race. I am a - *cough* - king to these people. I'm not leaving.<br> [[Is there a cure for The Rot?|curerot]] [[Your sickness is a plague on this land. I will slay you and end it!|slayandend]]You return to the base of the fortress and convince the pirates to join you. You describe the piles of gold and treasure waiting at the top- and, of course, you tell them the dragon is dead.<br> [[Continue|ambush]]Stinkwings: My fire may be gone, but I can still destroy you with acid!<br> [[Continue|dragonfight]]Stinkwings: My fire may be gone, but I can still destroy you with acid!<br> [[Continue|dragonfight]]The dragon belches a stream of poison slime in your direction. You take cover behind some of the statues, but they're immediately dissolved away by the acid. You draw your glittering sword and strike.<br> [[Continue|dragonfight2]]You carve your way through a host of corrupted feyfolk before clashing with the dragon. Sword meets claw as you duel the ancient monster in the great throne room, avoiding blasts of poison and deadly swipes of the beast's powerful tail.<br> [[Continue|dongahfs]]The dragon is clever, but he is also very old. Your sword finds a soft spot in the beast's hide and you drive the sword in to the hilt. Stinkwings thrashes and splutters poison, but the damage is done. With one final roar, the dragon collapses to the ground, dead.<br> [[Continue|dedred]]The corruption in the palace begins to dissolve. The once-beautiful marble is exposed again, and the poisonous slime melts away. Light returns to the eyes of the corrupted feyfolk. You watch together as the dragon dissolves into ash.<br> [[Continue|endhere]]<<if visited("icanhelf")>>\ Twitterbug and the other feyfolk arrive and shower you in praise. Stinkwings has been destroyed and their home is free once more! You are given wealth beyond your wildest dreams. Songs will be sung of this day- you are the Hero of Butterpond Castle! I mean, that was kinda a mean what you did to the pirates, but... I won't tell the feyfolk if you don't.<br> CONGRATULATIONS! YOU WIN! <<else>>\ Edge, Twitterbug, the pirates, and the other feyfolk arrive and shower you in praise. Stinkwings has been destroyed and their home is free once more! You are given wealth beyond your wildest dreams. Songs will be sung of this day- you are a Hero of Butterpond Castle!<br> CONGRATULATIONS! YOU WIN!<</if>>You arrive back at the top of the tower and the pirates eagerly search for gold- but all they find is the gullet of the dragon! Stinkwings devours them, then turns to you.<br> [[Did that cure you?|silly]] [[Now that The Rot is gone, you can leave this place, right?|lelele]]Stinkwings: Oh, yes. I feel MUCH better now. But do you know what would REALLY make me feel better? Charred $race.<br> [[You tricked me!|dragonfight]] [[Prepare to die!|dragonfight]]Stinkwings: I'm not going anywhere, and neither are you, $race. I'll devour you like I did your friends!<br> [[You tricked me!|dragonfight]] [[Prepare to die!|dragonfight]]<<if $header == 1>>\ <div class="myDiv">\ <span class='no'>\ <div style="text-align: center;">\ <<link "Back">><<run Engine.backward()>><</link>> | <<link "Save">><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>> | [[Restart][state.restart()]] </div>\ </span>\ </div> <</if>>\<<run UI.restart()>>\ [[Restart][state.restart()]]