config.style.googleFont: '"https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Spartan:wght@500&display=swap" rel="stylesheet">' config.style.page.font: 'Spartan/sans-serif 18' config.style.page.color: "gray-5 on black" config.style.page.link.font: "none" config.style.page.link.color: "indigo-3" config.style.page.link.lineColor: "indigo-3" config.style.page.link.active.color: "red-8 on red-0" config.style.page.header.font: "Spartan/sans-serif 14" config.style.page.header.link.font: "small caps" config.style.page.footer.font: "Spartan/sans-serif 14" config.style.page.footer.link.font: "small caps" config.style.page.fork.divider.style: "solid" config.header.left: "" config.header.center: "" config.header.right: "The Verus Effect by John C. Knudsen" config.footer.center: "[[Introduction/Credits|Credits]]" config.footer.left: "{back link}" config.footer.right: "[[Restart|1]]" score: 0 -- <center>{embed image: 'verus_title.jpg', alt: 'Title Image'}</center><p><p> You are a legendary warrior, seemingly cursed to fight for all eternity. While longing for rest, you must continue to fight to achieve your ultimate goal of mortality...<p> <center>[[Start|2]]</center><p><i>Author's note</i>: There is plenty of replayability built into <i>The Verus Effect</i>. It is <u>unlikely</u> that one playing session will be like any other. To reach your goal, you must achieve a number of victories, all obtained in one playing session, without restarting the game. There are dozens of different scenarios.<p><p> <b>The Verus Effect<br> by John C. Knudsen<br> 2020</b> <p><p> Written in Twine 2.37 and Chapbook 1.0.<p> The font used is <b>Spartan.</b> Thank you, Matt Bailey/Mirko Velimirovic and Google Fonts!<p> Your feedback is welcome! You can contact the author at:<p> <center> knudsenjohnc@hotmail.com</center> {embed image: 'verus1.jpg', alt: 'Woolly Mammoths'}<p><p> <b>Somewhere in Europe, 20,000 B.C.</b><hr> You are a hunter, with a thrusting spear. You and your six companions are stalking a small herd of Woolly Mammoths. You creep close, with your friends. You spot one which is some distance from the others, perhaps injured.<p> <center>[[You and your companions attack the isolated Mammoth.|11]]<p>{embed image: 'verus2.jpg', alt: 'Duel'}<p><p> <b>Weehawken, New Jersey. July 11, 1804.</b><hr> You are Alexander Hamilton, and Vice President Aaron Burr has insulted you for the last time. The arrangements have met with your satisfaction. The duel will be fought on this field of honor. > [[You engage Burr with your pistol on the dueling field.|21]]{embed image: 'verus3.jpg', alt: 'Gladiator'}<p><p> <b>Flavian Amphitheatre, Rome, Reign of Titus. A.D. 80.</b><hr> You are Verus, the famous gladiator. Your battle with Priscus is the highlight of the games. Priscus is a tough opponent. Emperor Titus is present for the match. > [[You fight Priscus.|31]]{embed image: 'verus4.jpg', alt: 'Chess Revolt'}<p><p> <b>The Chess Revolt of 2071.</b><hr> In the year 2065, Chess was banned by the United World Government as being subversive. In 2071, a chess-player revolt broke out in Russia which threatened to cause the people to rise up and challenge one government rule. You are a Russian chess master, arrested for illegal play. You are given the choice of fighting in the arena, to the death; or a twenty year prison sentence. > [[You choose the arena.|41]]{embed image: 'verus5.jpg', alt: 'Gunfight in the Desert'}<p><p> <b>The Arizona desert, 1880.</b><hr> You are a western lawman. The hot desert sun is the perfect setting for this fight. After three months, you have finally tracked down the Hackberry Kid, and you have the sun at your front. You square off and face each other at a distance of about thirty feet. > [[The Hackberry Kid draws his colt revolver first.|51]]{embed image: 'verus6.jpg', alt: 'Encounter with a Dragon'}<p><p> <b>Dragon Encounter, 1235 AD.</b><hr> You are a treasure seeker, exploring a cave on Mondoor Island. Your long sword and trusty shield are your only companions. As you explore a cave with twisty little passages, you suddenly come upon a mighty Dragon, apparently sleeping. > [[You attack the dragon before he wakes up.|61]]{embed image: 'verus7.jpg', alt: 'Encounter at Zacksville Station'}<p><p> <b>Encounter at Zacksville Station, 2132.</b><hr> Your quiet patrol outside the station is interrupted when three Draxen warships suddenly surround you. There's nowhere to go, and the Draxen don't take prisoners. You sound the red alert and swing into action. > [[Engage the Draxen force.|71]]{embed image: 'verus8.jpg', alt: 'Zombies'}<p><p> <b>Zombie Encounter, New York City. 2089.</b><hr> You hate zombies. Ever since the <i>DIVOC 91 epidemic</i> in 2087, zombies have been a problem in The Big Apple. In your job as a subway maintenance worker, you encounter them on a regular basis. Your weapon of choice is an axe, with a sawed off shotgun as a reserve. You encounter a pair of zombies as you make your rounds. >[[You attack the zombies.|81]] {embed image: 'verus9.jpg', alt: 'Samurai'}<p><p> <b>Japan, 1567.</b><hr> You are a Samurai warrior, protecting your lord, Oda Nobunaga. The night guard is usually boring, but not tonight. Your lord's dwelling is attacked by assassins, and you are confronted by two of them, standing right in front of you. > [[Engage the assassins and protect your lord.|91]]<b>{now.weekdayName}, {now.monthName} {now.day}, {now.year}. {now.timestamp}.</b><hr> Sleep - real sleep. Deep sleep. It's all you've ever wanted for nearly two millennia. This has been going on since the Druid curse was inflicted on you in 82 AD. You have been fighting continuously since that time. Your only hope is to obtain the <i>mortality potion</i>. Until then, every day is the same. You live, and as soon as you begin to drift off to sleep... > [[...it begins again.|3]] _chosen: random.d25 -- [if _chosen === 1] {embed passage: '10'} [if _chosen === 2] {embed passage: '20'} [if _chosen === 3] {embed passage: '30'} [if _chosen === 4] {embed passage: '40'} [if _chosen === 5] {embed passage: '50'} [if _chosen === 6] {embed passage: '60'} [if _chosen === 7] {embed passage: '70'} [if _chosen === 8] {embed passage: '80'} [if _chosen === 9] {embed passage: '90'} [if _chosen === 10] {embed passage: '100'} [if _chosen === 11] {embed passage: '110'} [if _chosen === 12] {embed passage: '120'} [if _chosen === 13] {embed passage: '130'} [if _chosen === 14] {embed passage: '140'} [if _chosen === 15] {embed passage: '150'} [if _chosen === 16] {embed passage: '160'} [if _chosen === 17] {embed passage: '170'} [if _chosen === 18] {embed passage: '180'} [if _chosen === 19] {embed passage: '190'} [if _chosen === 20] {embed passage: '200'} [if _chosen === 21] {embed passage: '210'} [if _chosen === 22] {embed passage: '220'} [if _chosen === 23] {embed passage: '230'} [if _chosen === 24] {embed passage: '240'} [if _chosen === 25] {embed passage: '250'} {embed image: 'verus10.jpg', alt: 'Boxer'}<p><p> <b>Baltimore, Maryland, 1883.</b><hr> Champion boxer John L. Sullivan is taking on all comers. You are Frank "Fighting" Fargus, a bar brawler from Baltimore. You will win a nice cash prize if you can just last three rounds... > [[You fight the champ.|101]] {embed image: 'verus11.jpg', alt: 'Little Bighorn'}<p><p> <b>Near Little Bighorn, Montana. June 25, 1876.</b><hr> You are Chasing Eagle, from the Hunkpapa (Lakota) Tribe. White soldiers have attacked your village. An overwhelming number of Native American warriors are closing in on a small group of soldiers occupying a hill. You and your fellow braves are preparing for the final assault. It is a good day to die... > [[Charge the soldier position.|111]]{embed image: 'verus12.jpg', alt: 'Isandlwana'}<p><p> <b>Isandlwana, Southern Africa. January 22, 1879.</b><hr> You are a Zulu warrior from the umCijo regiment. Your regiment, along with many others, are attacking a large group of British soldiers who are positioned in front of Isandlwana Hill. You have an assegai (iron spear) and your cow-hide shield. Your regiment is attacking in the center (chest) position. > [[You charge the British position.|121]]{embed image: 'verus13.jpg', alt: 'Rorkes Drift'}<p><p> <b>Rorke's Drift, Natal Province, South Africa. January 22, 1879.</b><hr> You are Private John W. Roy of the British 1st/24th Foot. You and 150 other soldiers are defending the mission station when you are surrounded by thousands of Zulu warriors, fresh from the Battle of Isandlwana. You had enough notice of the approaching Zulu army to prepare defensive positions at the station, and your leadership is excellent. > [[You must defend this place or die.|131]]{embed image: 'verus14.jpg', alt: 'Thermopylae'}<p><p> <b>The pass at Thermopylae, 480 BC.</b><hr> You are a Theban hoplite, fighting side by side with the Spartans (and other Greeks) against the Persian host under Xerxes. There are about four hundred Thebans standing with you. The Greek force (about 7,000 strong) is holding the Pass, and guarding the rear approaches. The Persians (100-150 thousand strong) are throwing everything they have into the battle, trying to take the Pass. > [[You defend the Pass at Thermopylae.|141]]{embed image: 'verus15.jpg', alt: 'Mars Base Delta'}<p><p> <b>Mars Base Delta, 2093.</b><hr> You are Marcus Fallon, an engineer on Mars Base Delta. You have just arrived on your Ship, Argosy-5. You're bringing some much needed hardware for the Base. Delta is isolated, twenty miles from the nearest base. There is something wrong with communications, as you cannot hail anyone from the base. You go to investigate and find the entire facility empty. Very odd. There's usually someone always here... > [[You decide to investigate the perimeter.|151]]{embed image: 'verus16.jpg', alt: 'Land of the Giants'}<p><p> <b>Land of the Giants, 1374.</b><hr> In the far away Land of Doz, there lives a race of Giants called Gigets who rule over the Norms. You are Andor the Norm. Compared to the Gigets, you are small in stature, but you have a stout and strong heart. You are tired of the Gigets dominating the poor peasant Norms. You resolve to confront the Council of Gigets and demand equal rights for your people. > [[You disrupt the Gigets Council meeting.|161]]{embed image: 'verus17.jpg', alt: 'Grim Reaper'}<p><p> <b>Encounter with the Grim Reaper, 1898.</b><hr> You are out strolling at night, which is your habit. It is a beautiful dark night with a quarter moon. You have your trusty walking stick that you use for balance and warding off any pesky dogs or other nuisances. Along the side of the road, you see the Grim Reaper. > [[You engage the Grim Reaper in conversation.|171]]{embed image: 'verus18.jpg', alt: 'Hydra'}<p><p> <b>Encounter with the Hydra, 1237.</b><hr> There once was a mighty warrior named Cog, who lived near the sea in a place called Zog. One day, as Cog was resting from being a warrior, he found a nice rock by the entrance to the sea and sat on it, soaking his feet in the cool water. A Hydra passed by him, some words were exchanged, and a fight broke out. > [[Cog the warrior fights Hydra.|181]]{embed image: 'verus19.jpg', alt: 'Charge of the Light Brigade'}<p><p> <b>Balaclava, October 25, 1854.</b><hr> You are Private William Ellis of the 11th Hussars, British Cavalry. Your orders are to charge the Russian artillery position about two kilometers away. Your unit charges down the valley... > [[The glorious charge of the Light Brigade.|191]]{embed image: 'verus20.jpg', alt: 'Battle of Bunker Hill'}<p><p> <b>Breed's Hill, near Charlestown, Massachusetts. June 17, 1775.</b><hr> You are Private Jethro Goodman, a member of the colonial militia under the command of Colonel William Prescott. You and your companions have spent the night building a strong redoubt on Breed's Hill. This will prevent the British from occupying the surrounding hills around Boston, and controlling the harbor. The British have landed about 1,500 men at Moulton's Point. There are about 1,200 militia entrenched to greet them. > [[The militia fights the British.|201]]{embed image: 'verus21.jpg', alt: 'Encounter with an Ogre'}<p><p> <b>Encounter with an Ogre, 1443.</b><hr> Oaf the Ogre has been tormenting the village of Sparr, in the land of Quid, for several months now. You, Grooksnard the warrior trainee, have been selected to kill Olaf and bring peace back to the village. > [[You confront the Ogre and fight him.|211]]{embed image: 'verus22.jpg', alt: 'The Vampire'}<p><p> <b>Encounter with the Vampire. Romania, 1654.</b><hr> You are David Popa, the vampire hunter in the small village of Bucecea. You have reports of a vampire being seen at a local boarding house. You will go investigate tonight. You grab your crucifix, your wooden stakes, and hammer and head over to the boarding house at dusk. > [[You investigate the vampire sighting.|221]]{embed image: 'verus23.jpg', alt: 'The Minotaur'}<p><p> <b>Encounter with the Minotaur, 1326.</b><hr> You are the famed adventurer Crainius, from the Island of Crete. You are exploring the labyrinth near Exdor, a fishing village located on the coast. You are looking for the mythical beast Minotaur, which is rumored to occupy this particular labyrinth. > [[You explore the maze of the labyrinth.|231]]{embed image: 'verus24.jpg', alt: 'Moby Dick'}<p><p> <b>Encounter with Moby Dick, 1842.</b><hr> They call you Ishmael, a sailor on the whaling ship <i>Pequod</i>. Your Captain is Ahab, who is obsessed with this huge white whale who previously took one of his legs. You have been chasing Moby Dick all over the place, and have, at last, finally caught up with him. > [[The crew engages Moby Dick in combat.|241]]{embed image: 'verus25.jpg', alt: 'Spectre'}<p><p> <b>Encounter with the Spectre. May, 1937.</b><hr> You are Harry Price, the famous ghost hunter. You are investigating the infamous Borley Rectory, in Essex, England. It is said to be <i>the most haunted house in England</i>. > [[You encounter the Spectre.|251]]<center>{embed image: 'verus500.jpg', alt: 'You Win The Game'}<p><p> <b>CONGRATULATIONS!</b></center><hr> <center>[[Replay|1]]</center><p>{embed image: 'verus498.jpg', alt: 'Mortality Potion'}<p><p> <b>THE MORTALITY POTION</b><hr> You gaze upon the potion. You have been waiting an eternity for this moment. You raise the potion to your lips and drink it completely, without hesitation. You have an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction... <i>You drift away into a glorious, deep sleep.</i> > [[Continue|500]] {embed image: 'verus501.jpg', alt: 'Druid Priest'}<p><p> <b>THE DRUID PRIEST</b><hr> "You have redeemed yourself, noble warrior. Through numerous conflicts and thousands of years, you have proven yourself worthy of mortality." The Druid Priest smiles as he hands you the <i>Mortality Potion</i>. > [[You bow and accept the potion from the Priest.|498]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '12'} [else] {embed passage: '13'}Your group of seven attack the Mammoth with your thrusting spears. The beast is stunned, but reacts quickly. It gores Mordor with a tusk, and stomps on Gregsad, seriously wounding him.<p> You all keep thrusting your spears, and soon the beast goes down. A costly victory, but a victory nonetheless.<p> <center>[[Continue|14]]</center><p>Your group of seven attack the Mammoth with your thrusting spears. The beast is stunned, but reacts quickly. It gores Mordor with a tusk, and stomps on Gregsad, seriously wounding him.<p> You all keep thrusting your spears, but the beast refuses to go down. Your party of warriors is reduced to just you. Finally, the mammoth tramples you. You are defeated.<p> <center>[[Continue|15]]</center><p>score: score + 1 -- Two men guard the mammoth while you take your wounded back to the caves. Then, some other men go help retrieve the mammoth. Both of the wounded men later die. [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]It was a good fight, but you lost it. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '22'} [else] {embed passage: '23'}You shoot first, nicking the trees above Burr's head. He returns fire, and hits you in the chest. You are defeated.<p> <center>[[Continue|24]]</center><p>You shoot Burr first, and hit him in the head. He dies immediately.</b><p> <center>[[Continue|25]]</center><p>It was a good try, but you lost the duel. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- Your honor is avenged. There is a political uproar over the duel, but you know that is meaningless to you in the long term... [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '32'} [else] {embed passage: '33'}Both of you fight like lions. The battle rages back and forth for twenty minutes. Then, Priscus catches you with a lucky sword thrust in the chest. You fall to the ground - you are defeated.<p> <center>[[Continue|34]]</center><p>Both of you fight like lions. The battle rages back and forth for twenty minutes. You both lose your weapons and continue fighting with your bare hands. The crowd roars a petition for both of you to be released, and Emporer Titus finally agrees. <center>[[Continue|35]]</center><p>It was a good effort, but you lost the contest. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- Both of you are released by the Emperor, and given the wooden sword of freedom. It is a victory for you and Priscus... [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '42'} [else] {embed passage: '43'}You are paired with Sanford Castle, an American. The stakes are high. The winner gets their prison sentence reduced to five years, the loser dies. The only weapons are thick chess books from the prison dump, along with various disgarded chess pieces and pawns. These banned items have been saved for arena purposes. It is an even fight for about half an hour. Then, Sanford hurls an oversized, heavily-weighted King at you which hits your head and penetrates your skull. You drop to the ground - you are defeated.<p> <center>[[Continue|44]]</center><p>You are paired with Sanford Castle, an American. The stakes are high. The winner gets their prison sentence reduced to five years, the loser dies. The only weapons are thick chess books from the prison dump, along with various disgarded chess pieces and pawns. These banned items have been saved for arena purposes. It is an even fight for about half an hour. Then, you manage to kill Sanford with the hard bound book, <i>Chess Is My Life</i>. Victory! <center>[[Continue|45]]</center><p>You have a terrific headache, and a chess piece sticking out of your skull. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. The Chess Revolt is finally crushed in the year 2072. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- Your prison sentence is reduced to five years. You spend your time doing crossword puzzles. The Chess Revolt is finally crushed in the year 2072. [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '52'} [else] {embed passage: '53'}The Kid is a fast draw. He whips out his colt and fires. You get hit in the left shoulder. You fire a split second later and hit him in the leg. As he falls to the ground, he gets off another shot that hits you directly in the heart. You fall to the ground like a sack of potatoes. You are beaten.<p> <center>[[Continue|54]]</center><p>The Kid is a fast draw. He whips out his colt and fires. The bullet rockets past your head as you fire, drilling him in the chest... The better man wins.<p> <center>[[Continue|55]]</center><p>You can faintly hear the Kid laughing as you pass out. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- The Hackberry Kid bit the dust, and you are one step closer to your ultimate goal of mortality... [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '62'} [else] {embed passage: '63'}You swiftly cut the dragon on its underbelly. It wakes up quickly, shaking its entire being, trying to defend itself. You fall back a bit, but quickly regain your balance and strike again. It lets go a fireball which you partially parry with your shield. The burning hurts your legs. As you prepare for another thrust, it swipes at you and catches you in the chest. You are defeated.<p> <center>[[Continue|64]]</center><p>You swiftly cut the dragon on its underbelly. It wakes up quickly, shaking its entire being, trying to defend itself. You fall back a bit, but quickly regain your balance and strike again. It lets go a fireball which you partially parry with your shield. The burning hurts your legs. You are quick to attack again, and with one last thrust you kill the beast. Victory!<p> <center>[[Continue|65]]</center><p>You don't see the second fire ball coming towards you. It burns you to a crisp. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- The dragon picked the wrong time to take a nap, apparently. You tend to the burn wounds on your legs and move on... [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '73'} [else] {embed passage: '72'}You take evasive maneuvers and fire your particle beam weapon at all three Draxen ships. You damage two of them. The fate of the station is in your hands. The third Draxen ship locks on your engines and fires torpedoes. A lucky hit! You are dead in space as all three ships continue circling and firing on you. No surrender is offered or given. You are defeated.<p> <center>[[Continue|74]]</center><p>You take evasive maneuvers and fire your particle beam weapon at all three Draxen ships. You damage two of them. The fate of the station is in your hands. The third Draxen ship locks on your engines and fires torpedoes. A miss! You lock on all three ships with your laser weapons and disable all of them. You then leisurely destroy each of them in turn. You are victorious.<p> <center>[[Continue|75]]</center><p>You just sit there, helpless. Before you can think of an appropriate Shakespeare quote to scream, a torpedo slams into the bridge, blowing up the ship. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- You return to the station a hero. You buy your crew a round of beer at <i>Sandra's Suds Spot</i>. You are happy, your crew is happy, and the people of Zackville Station are relieved to be able to see tomorrow... [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '83'} [else] {embed passage: '82'}Walkers are about the stupidest creatures on the face of the earth. You've killed dozens of them. You swing your axe at the lead zombie and finish him. You have a bit of trouble pulling out the axe from the corpse and the second zombie jumps on you and you can't shake it off. You are beaten.<p> <center>[[Continue|84]]</center><p>Walkers are about the stupidest creatures on the face of the earth. You've killed dozens of them. You swing your axe at the lead zombie and finish him. You have a bit of trouble pulling out the axe from the corpse, so you back off a bit, whip out your shotgun, and blow the second one away. Victory! <center>[[Continue|85]]</center><p>The zombie makes short work of you. Of course, you do not turn into a zombie. Also, unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- Killing zombies is almost routine for you now. Almost. You might say that fighting zombies is boring for a legendary warrior such as yourself. [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '92'} [else] {embed passage: '93'}You cut both of the assassins to pieces. They may be quick and stealthy, but they are not the most formidable of opponents. You didn't see the other three drop down from the roof behind you. You are defeated.<p> <center>[[Continue|94]]</center><p>You cut both of the assassins to pieces. They may be quick and stealthy, but they are not the most formidable of opponents. Two more drop from the roof behind you, but you slice them expertly with your sword. You are victorious.<p> <center>[[Continue|95]]</center><p>The three assassins behind you overwhelm you before you have a chance to defend yourself. The assault is swift and painful, but not as painful as the knowledge that you have let your lord down. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- After the battle, your lord Oda Nobunaga singles you out for recognition by appointing you to his personal guard, which is considered a high honor. [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '103'} [else] {embed passage: '102'}Sullivan is not impressed with your prancing around the ring antics before the fight. He comes on like a bull, hitting you repeatedly. You make it through the first round, but it hurts a lot. You've never been punched like that. Your face is already smashed pretty good, and one eye is closed shut. You come out swinging in the second round, and catch Sullivan with a lucky punch to the jaw. He staggers a bit, and drops to the floor. He doesn't get up. Victory!<p> <center>[[Continue|105]]</center><p>Sullivan is not impressed with your prancing around the ring antics before the fight. He comes on like a bull, hitting you repeatedly. You make it through the first round, but it hurts a lot. You've never been punched like that. Your face is already smashed pretty good, and one eye is closed shut. You come out swinging in the second round, but Sullivan stands aside and hits you three more times in the head. You are defeated.<p> <center>[[Continue|104]]</center><p>You hit the floor face first. All of your friends are laughing at you, but, when you try to smile, it hurts too much. Sullivan prances back to his corner and relaxes. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- The spectators, including your many friends, cannot believe that you have knocked "Boston Strong Boy" out. You end up with a pocket full of cash, and spend three weeks in the hospital. [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '112'} [else] {embed passage: '113'}The smoke and noise of the battlefield is intense. You and your fellows are creeping up to the soldier position. You touch one scared soldier with a coup stick, and then kill him. As you kneel down to check to make sure he is dead a rifle shot rings out about fifty feet in front of you and the bullet hits you in the chest. You are defeated.<p> <center>[[Continue|114]]</center><p>The smoke and noise of the battlefield is intense. You and your fellows are creeping up to the soldier position. You touch one scared soldier with a coup stick, and then kill him. As you kneel down to check to make sure he is dead a rifle shot rings out about fifty feet in front of you and the bullet hits you in the arm. Ignoring the injury, you push on with your brothers and take the hill. You are victorious.<p> <center>[[Continue|115]]</center><p>You fall down to the ground, relaxed. You watch as your brothers carry the position on the hill. Not one enemy is left alive. You think about the glory you have won today, how the tribe will retell the story. It was indeed a good day to die. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- Not one of the enemy on the hill was spared. This was a message to the white soldiers - this is what they will get if they attack your villages. Everywhere there is joy, but also sadness because so many indians have died this day... [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '123'} [else] {embed passage: '122'}Your regiment is strong and motivated. While you take many casualties from far away due to rifle fire, your numbers are enormous compared to the enemy. Your regiment crashes into the enemy line. You use your spear to kill or wound several soldiers. You face off with a large soldier with stripes on his uniform. He stabs you with his rifle bayonet and you fall to the ground. You are defeated.<p> <center>[[Continue|124]]</center><p>Your regiment is strong and motivated. While you take many casualties from far away due to rifle fire, your numbers are enormous compared to the enemy. Your regiment crashes into the enemy line. You use your spear to kill or wound several soldiers. You face off with a large soldier with stripes on his uniform. You stab him in the chest before he can use the spear attached to his rifle. Victory!<p> <center>[[Continue|125]]</center><p>As you fall to the ground, your regiment is rolling over the enemy - the enemy is retreating. This calms your heart and you cheer on your regiment. You are done in this fight. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- Your regiment rolls over the British line and they attempt to flee. As they run, it becomes easy for you, the hunters, to kill them, the prey. Very, very few soldiers escape - most all of them are killed... [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '132'} [else] {embed passage: '133'}It is a scary thing to be surrounded by thousands of warriors. Still, you have superior weapons, plenty of ammunition, and great NCOs and officers. The fighting is hot and heavy, but scattered. The Zulus seem to be having trouble coordinating their attacks. You are right out on the line with the rest of your fellow soldiers. The Zulus charge and you inflict serious losses on them. As you are reloading your rifle, you are stabbed in the face with a spear. You are beaten.<p> <center>[[Continue|134]]</center><p>As you fall to the ground, your regiment is fighting with everything they've got. In a lull in the fighting, your Colour Sergeant comes over to you to tell you that they will get you to the hospital as soon as they can. It is too late for you. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]It is a scary thing to be surrounded by thousands of warriors. Still, you have superior weapons, plenty of ammunition, and great NCOs and officers. The fighting is hot and heavy, but scattered. The Zulus seem to be having trouble coordinating their attacks. You are right out on the line with the rest of your fellow soldiers. The Zulus charge and you inflict serious losses on them. Your unit forces back the Zulus more times than you can count. You are victorious.<p> <center>[[Continue|135]]</center><p>score: score + 1 -- Your unit holds the Zulus back all night, and into the next day. The Zulus retreat after suffering more than 850 killed and wounded. You receive the Distinguished Conduct Medal for your actions during the battle. [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '143'} [else] {embed passage: '142'}The 300 Spartans under King Leonidas are an inspiration to the rest of the Greeks. The Greeks have repulsed all attacks so far with minimal losses. But then the Persians send in the <i>Immortals</i>, the elite heavy infantry. The Greeks pull back, feigning retreat. When the Persians run after them, they turn around and attack. You are caught up in the confusion, and cut down by the Immortals, as they are slaughtered. You are defeated.<p> <center>[[Continue|144]]</center><p>The 300 Spartans under King Leonidas are an inspiration to the rest of the Greeks. The Greeks have repulsed all attacks so far with minimal losses. But then the Persians send in the <i>Immortals</i>, the elite heavy infantry. The Greeks pull back, feigning retreat. When the Persians run after them, they turn around and attack. You join the others, pushing back and slaughtering the retreating Immortals. For now, you are victorious.<p> <center>[[Continue|145]]</center><p>As you fall to the ground, you are proud of the Thebans and the rest. They are resuming their defensive position at the Pass. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- It has been a very good day. The Greeks still hold the Pass and many Persians have been killed. Hopefully, tomorrow will be more of the same... [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '152'} [else] {embed passage: '153'}You hop on a buggy and check out the perimeter of the base. There's no sign of anyone around here. You can't reach anyone with your radio, which has a range of about 15 miles. You activate your Blaster as a precaution. Suddenly, you see a shadow of a figure behind a large rock. You approach cautiously. You don't even see the other shadow figure creeping behind you. The next thing you feel is a Blaster round in your side. You are defeated. > [[Continue|154]]You hop on a buggy and check out the perimeter of the base. There's no sign of anyone around here. You can't reach anyone with your radio, which has a range of about 15 miles. You activate your Blaster as a precaution. Suddenly, you see a shadow of a figure behind a large rock. You approach cautiously. You don't even see the other shadow figure creeping behind you. The next thing you feel is a Blaster round go past you. You turn around and see Marks, from the base. You turn around and see Lewis in front. They are now firing on you with Blasters. You take cover, return fire and kill them both. You have won this time. >[[Continue|155]]As you fall near the buggy, both figures approach you. It is Lewis and Marks, from Mars Base Delta. Before you lose consciousness, you ask Lewis, "Why?" There is no answer, and you black out. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- You hop back on the buggy and make haste to Mars Base Charlie, about 22 miles away. When you arrive, you make your report to Commander Ostmark. An investigation revealed that Lewis and Marks were suffering from some kind of Mars virus. They killed everyone on Mars Base Delta, and intended to kill you, too. It was the first mass murder away from Earth... [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '163'} [else] {embed passage: '162'}You open the Council Chamber door, which is unguarded. You stand before the Gigets Council, armed only with your trusty sword. "Who is this peasant that disturbs our council meeting?" the Head Giget roars. "It is I, Andor the Norm. I've come to demand that you stop mistreating my people!" You stand there, ready for action. The council laughs a hearty laugh, almost in unison. "You, have, have you - we'll see about that!" The Head Giget stomps over and kicks you into the air. You fly about fifty feet and smash your head against the wall of the chamber. Your neck is broken. You are defeated. > [[Continue|164]]You open the Council Chamber door, which is unguarded. You stand before the Gigets Council, armed only with your trusty sword. "Who is this peasant that disturbs our council meeting?" the Head Giget roars. "It is I, Andor the Norm. I've come to demand that you stop mistreating my people!" You stand there, ready for action. The council laughs a hearty laugh, almost in unison. "You, have, have you - we'll see about that!" The Head Giget stomps over, heading towards you. Giving the pre-arranged signal, about 75 Norms come rushing into the room, armed to the teeth. All of you swarm the Giget leadership, hacking them down one by one, without mercy. Victory! >[[Continue|165]]Before you black out, you realize that you did not well think out this method of attack. One Norm is not enough manpower to take on these Gigets. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- After the Gigets leadership is destroyed, you gather several thousand other Norms to finish them off in an uprising. You operate in packs, which makes it easy to pick them off one by one. Soon, the wicked Gigets are no more. The people are happy and elect you King of Doz. Everyone lives happily ever after. [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '172'} [else] {embed passage: '173'}"Have you come for me?" you ask. The Grim Reaper smiles and whispers "Yes, I have." "I should be so lucky." you reply. You don't get your hopes up too much. You've been down this road before. "Come with me!" the Reaper commands. You obediently follow him off the path, through the fields, until you trip on a stone and break your neck. You are defeated. > [[Continue|174]]It always hurts, a lot, when you break your neck. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]"Have you come for me?" you ask. The Grim Reaper smiles and whispers "Yes, I have." "I should be so lucky." you reply. You don't get your hopes up too much. You've been down this road before. "Come with me!" the Reaper commands. You obediently follow him off the path, through the fields. You explain to Grim that there must be some kind of mistake, you are cursed, and cannot die. He checks with his boss and confirms this, says goodbye, and sails away through the ether. You are victorious. >[[Continue|175]]score: score + 1 -- You can't really decide if the encounter with the Grim Reaper was real, or indigestion. <i>Too bad it wasn't to be,</i> you think to yourself as you walk on home... [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '183'} [else] {embed passage: '182'}Cog knows that every time he chops off a head, the Hydra will grow two others in its place. Speed and cunning is essential. Cog starts hacking away, and the Hydra hisses in laughter at him. Cog is smart, in addition to being a great warrior, and is not too worried. He hacks away at the Hydra for an hour, until his arms grow tired. Between the bites and the poison breath, the Hydra gains the advantage, and finally defeats Cog. > [[Continue|174]]Cog knows that every time he chops off a head, the Hydra will grow two others in its place. Speed and cunning is essential. Cog starts hacking away, and the Hydra hisses in laughter at him. Cog is smart, in addition to being a great warrior, and is not too worried. He hacks off all the heads, runs back to land, grabs his torch, and burns away the Hydra's neck before it can grow more heads. Cog is victorious. >[[Continue|185]]Cog suffers great pain and embarrassment in the encounter. His reputation as a warrior goes downhill in Zog. He is chiefly remembered there as the fool who got beat by the Hydra because of an argument. Unfortunately, Cog does not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- The village of Zog celebrates Cog's victory over the nasty Hydra. His reputation as a great warrior soars to new heights. He enjoys all of the attention from his village, but resolves never again to get involved in a silly argument with a Hydra... [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '192'} [else] {embed passage: '193'}As your unit heads down the valley, you start receiving indirect fire from both flanks, as well as from the front. Saddles are emptied steadily during the charge. Finally, through the confusion, you crash into the artillery position and disrupt it. The Russians counter-attack in force with infantry, and the retreat is signaled. You head back, under fire the entire time. You make it back within seven hundred yards of your lines when an artillery shell bursts above you, knocking you off your horse. You are defeated. > [[Continue|194]]As your unit heads down the valley, you start receiving indirect fire from both flanks, as well as from the front. Saddles are emptied steadily during the charge. Finally, through the confusion, you crash into the artillery position and disrupt it. The Russians counter-attack in force with infantry, and the retreat is signaled. You head back, under fire the entire time. You make it back within seven hundred yards of your lines when an artillery shell bursts above you, knocking you off your horse. You are uninjured. A fellow hussar picks you up and carries you back to your lines. You survive to fight another day. > [[Continue|195]]Shrapnel tears into your body. Then, all is quiet. You think of your sweetheart back home before you pass out. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- The Light Brigade suffers hundreds killed or wounded. You hear later that there was a miscommunication in the orders to charge. You are angered by the slaughter of your friends and officers, but proud to have been part of the charge... [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '203'} [else] {embed passage: '202'}It takes several hours for the British regulars to get organized, form up, and advance towards the redoubt. My, how pretty they look. Colonel Prescott tells the men to hold their fire <i>"until you can see the white's of their eyes."</i> Our men are nervous, but steady. The British charge, and are repulsed with many casualties. They form up again, and charge. They are again repulsed with heavy loss. The boys are running out of ammunition now. Some try to retreat instead of holding steady for the third charge. Not you - you pick out a target and let him have it. The British then charge with bayonets, and the men get panicked and run. You stay in the redoubt and keep fighting. You get stuck several times with bayonets. You are defeated. > [[Continue|204]]It takes several hours for the British regulars to get organized, form up, and advance towards the redoubt. My, how pretty they look. Colonel Prescott tells the men to hold their fire <i>"until you can see the white's of their eyes."</i> Our men are nervous, but steady. The British charge, and are repulsed with many casualties. They form up again, and charge. They are again repulsed with heavy loss. The boys are running out of ammunition now. Some try to retreat instead of holding steady for the third charge. Not you - you pick out a target and let him have it. The British then charge with bayonets, and the men get panicked and run. You stay in the redoubt and keep fighting. At the last possible moment, you leave the redoubt and retreat with the others. You live to fight another day. > [[Continue|205]]Before you pass out, you see the hand to hand fighting all around you. <i>We have really given it to them this day,</i> you think as you shut your eyes for good. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- The British may have won the battle, but they suffered tremendously - over a thousand men killed and wounded. The colonial losses were less than half of that. What this battle proved was that the colonials, if properly led, could stand equally to the British regulars, and fight them toe to toe. [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '212'} [else] {embed passage: '213'}The Ogre has been eating children, other small humans, and livestock. Oaf has a hut at the base of a large hill near the forest. You look for him there, armed only with your sword. He is nowhere around. You then walk along the trail at the base of the hill. You see him up ahead, near the top of the hill. You creep closer, trying to remain undiscovered. The Ogre lifts up his nose, smells around a bit, then resumes his walking. You creep up to him... The Ogre turns around, laughs, picks you up and breaks your back. You are beaten. > [[Continue|214]]The Ogre has been eating children, other small humans, and livestock. Oaf has a hut at the base of a large hill near the forest. You look for him there, armed only with your sword. He is nowhere around. You then walk along the trail at the base of the hill. You see him up ahead, near the top of the hill. You decide to wait in a tree for his return trip down the path. Oaf eventually trods back down the trail. He stops directly underneath you, sniffs around a bit, and shrugs his shoulders. As he begins to continue walking, you drop down on him, slicing open his head with your sword. He falls, and you cut his head off... Victory! > [[Continue|215]]It is painfully obvious to you that you will be supper tonight for Oaf, the Ogre. At least he has the decency to stab you twenty times before he cooks you. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- You bring back the head of the Ogre to the village. All of the people of Sparr gather to congratulate you, the Hero. The village elders appoint you as a regular warrior, in charge of the other warriors designated to protect the village. Every child learns of the <i>Legend of Grooksnard</i>, who left the village as a boy, but returned as a man. [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '223'} [else] {embed passage: '222'}You hide on the second floor, near the staircase. You stand perfectly still in the corner, which is dark. You wait patiently while the sky turns dark outside. Around 10:30 p.m., you hear the vampire creeping up the staircase. You run into the first vacant room and pretend you are asleep. When the vampire enters the room, you wait until he draws back the sheet from your face. Then, you spring into action, displaying the crucifix in your left hand and pressing it to his face. This stuns him. You then bash his head with the hammer, swinging it with your right hand. When he drops, you grab a stake and drive it into his heart. He is done. You are victorious. > [[Continue|225]]The vampire continues to slash your face until it is a bloody pulp. Then he bites you repeatedly on the neck, draining your blood. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]You hide on the second floor, near the staircase. You stand perfectly still in the corner, which is dark. You wait patiently while the sky turns dark outside. Around 10:30 p.m., you hear the vampire creeping up the staircase. You jump the vampire and try to knock him out with the hammer. He easily brushes you aside and you drop the hammer. The vampire is on you like a flash, tearing at your face with his steel hard fingernails. You drop to the floor in agony. You are defeated. > [[Continue|224]]score: score + 1 -- The village is overjoyed that the vampire threat has passed, for now. You consider it to be just another day in your adventure-filled life. You get free beers for a month at the local tavern. After that, you wait for the next opportunity to come along... [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '232'} [else] {embed passage: '233'}The deeper you descend into the maze, the more confident you become. You hear nothing and see nothing. You have your sword and a sleep potion with you... Suddenly, you hear some snorting noises up ahead. You see the Minotaur, with a torch and a sword, standing about fifty feet ahead. You rush the beast from the dark, with your sword held high. About twenty feet away from him, you fall into a hidden pit. You break your legs on falling into the pit, but the worse part is when the Minotaur plays with you before finishing you off - it is very painful. Defeat! > [[Continue|234]]The deeper you descend into the maze, the more confident you become. You hear nothing and see nothing. You have your sword and a sleep potion with you... Suddenly, you hear some snorting noises up ahead. You see the Minotaur, with a torch and a sword, standing about fifty feet ahead. You wait behind a large rock patiently. Eventually, he walks by you, and that's when you jump him from behind. You slash his hind legs, and when he trips, you stab him in the chest. As he lays on the ground, you decapitate him. Victory! > [[Continue|235]]The Minotaur plays with you for a couple of days, like you are his pet. Then he grows tired of your whimpering and draws and quarters you. Normally, this would actually be a relief from the pain. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- Exdor displays the head of the Minotaur in the village square for several weeks. Your fame increases substantially throughout the land. You continue your adventuring ways until you retire to write poetry... [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '243'} [else] {embed passage: '242'}Captain Ahab orders all boats lowered. The chase is on, with the crews using harpoons to try and kill the big whale. One by one the boats, with the crews, are destroyed by Moby Dick. You are on the last boat when Moby Dick goes after the ship, the Pequod. It destroys and sinks her, too. Then the whale comes back after you in your little boat. You are defeated. > [[Continue|244]]Captain Ahab orders all boats lowered. The chase is on, with the crews using harpoons to try and kill the big whale. One by one the boats, with the crews, are destroyed by Moby Dick. You are on the last boat when Moby Dick goes after the ship, the Pequod. It destroys and sinks her, too. Then the whale comes back after you in your little boat. The other men with you jump into the water in fear. You stay in the little boat. Moby Dick is distracted by something, and leaves the area. You are alone. You are alive. You are victorious. > [[Continue|245]]Moby Dick comes after your little boat. The men hurl the last harpoons and then jump overboard. The whale destroys your little boat, and you with it. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- You are the only survivor of the ship's company. For the next day and a night you are alone on the water, in your little boat. The whaling ship <i>Rachel</i> rescues you. You tell the tale of Moby Dick to the crew of the Rachel, and they are amazed. [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]][if random.coinFlip] {embed passage: '252'} [else] {embed passage: '253'}You make contact with a Spectre who calls himself Sunex Amures. He claims that he will set fire to the place later that night, and, after that, the bones of a murder victim will be revealed. You don't believe the Spectre, and laugh at him. The Spectre doesn't like this, and throws a fit. You just stand there, content in the knowledge that the Spectre's bark is worse than his bite. You are victorious. > [[Continue|255]]You make contact with a Spectre who calls himself Sunex Amures. He claims that he will set fire to the place later that night, and, after that, the bones of a murder victim will be revealed. You don't believe the Spectre, and laugh at him. The Spectre doesn't like this, and throws you down a winding staircase. You break your neck. Your ghost hunting days are over. > [[Continue|254]]As you lie at the bottom of the staircase, unable to move, the Spectre lights the place on fire. It hurts. Unfortunately, you do not die, because of the curse. > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]score: score + 1 -- Your fame grows. You publish many books and go on lecture tours. Sixty years later, much of your work is totally discredited by mainstream researchers. Your reputation goes downhill from there... However, you did win this encounter with the Spectre. [if score > 12] > [[Visit the Druid Priest.|501]] [else] > [[Move on to the next challenge.|3]]