<<portrait "*">>You are waiting at the gate when Guard Denight arrives. His hair is ruffled and his eyes are weary.\n\n"You did not sleep well?" You ask, concern painted over your features as you recall what Addie told you of Denight's recent spate of poor luck.\n\nDenight shrugs. "I was tossing and turning. It's alright, I'll sleep better tonight."\n\n"Addie told me a little of your recent bad luck," you say. "If there is anything I can help with, please do not hesitate to ask it of me."\n\nThe guard smiles. "You're very kind," he says, and pulls his helmet on. You notice that his [[hands are shaking|Denight's troubles]]. \n\nGuard Denight leads you to a large house on one of the affluent Garden District's residential streets. The Professor comes to the door quickly; he is an elderly man, short, with a balding head and a thick white moustache. He shows you into his home and takes you to the study, from where the items were stolen.\n\n"So nothing else was touched?" Guard Denight asks, looking around the room.\n\n"Nothing," the professor replies. "There were a few doors left open - I close every door in the evening before retiring - but this is the only room that they stole from."\n\n"What was the subject matter of the stolen items?" You turn to the professor.\n\n"Religious history - specifically the Old Pantheon. I am an expert in the field, you know - my research has pioneered the field of religious history from the Old Era. They stole three tomes that are very old and valuable - irreplacable, I do hope you find them - and several scrolls of my own research."\n\n"They knew you had them, then," you observe. "They touched nothing else in the house, searched until they found your study, and took specific items."\n\n"Well yes, I suppose they did," The Professor's wiry brows plunge into a heavy frown.\n\n"Where were you when the theft took place?" Denight asks.\n\n"At a party. A private affair, actually - a few close colleagues who were passing through the city two nights back."\n\n"Who knew you were going?" Denight's asking the same questions that spring to your mind - you feel he is selling himself short by claiming he is not the brightest.\n\nThe professor leans back against the doorframe. "Well now... It was an impromptu event, I only found out they were in the city the day they arrived. My Churl, Essban, of course - and Lady Faruz, who I ran into just as I was heading home to prepare... I think that's all. As I said, it was all very spur-of-the-moment."\n\n"Is your Churl here currently?" You ask. "We'd like to speak with him."\n\n"Of course, he's preparing breakfast. But you can't think he's involved?" The professor stands away from the doorframe. "He is my Churl, after all - sworn into my duty by his own volition - and came to me from Lady Faruz herself!"\n\n"Your Churl came recommended by Lady Faruz?" Denight glances over at you.\n\n"More than recommended - she found the boy for me! His previous position had uh... Well, the man passed away, and the boy was out of work. Lady Faruz knew I was looking for a little help around the house, and brought the boy directly to me."\n\n''"Could you take us to your Churl? We'll just ask him [[a few customary questions|Question the churl]]."''\n\n''"Perhaps we should begin by [[paying Lady Faruz a visit|Visit the aristocrat]]."''\n<<map -624 -120>>

<<portrait "*">><<set $visitChurl = true>>The professor leads you to his Churl; a young man with a shock of blonde hair and smattering of freckles across his cheeks. He sets down the loaf of bread he'd been slicing as you walk into the kitchen, and dusts the flour from his hands.\n\n"Essban, the guards are here about the theft. They'd like to ask you a few questions."\n\nThe boy nods, large brown eyes flicking between the two of you. His expression betrays nothing - if he is involved, he is hiding it well.\n\n"Were you present at the house the night of the theft?" Guard Denight asks.\n\n"No," the boy says. "I was with the Professor at the party. I'm always with the Professor if he leaves the house."\n\n"The Professor tells us you have this position thanks to Lady Faruz," your voice is gentle. "How do you know the Lady?"\n\n"She knew my previous master," The boy looks down at the table. "They were friends. When he... When he passed, she brought me to the Professor."\n\n<<if $visitAristo>>"Your master?" Your brow arches. "Lady Faruz told us that it was your father who passed."\n\nThe boy frowns. "That's odd. Maybe she meant he was like a father to me?" He shrugs.<<endif>>\n\n"How long have you been here with the Professor?" Denight breaks the moment's awkward silence.\n\nThe boy glances at the Professor. "A few months ago?" He asks.\n\n"Six months, approximately," The Professor nods.\n\n"Professor, how did the thieves gain access to the house?" Denight asks. "I've seen no signs of break-in?"\n\n"Essban thinks they picked the locks," The Professor replies. "They certainly didn't break their way in. But there are scratches at the lock on the back door."\n\n"A professional thief, then?" You turn to Denight.\n\n"There are small syndicates in the city," Denight sighs. "Might have been a paid job." He rubs at the back of his neck.\n\n<<if $visitAristo>>''"I don't think there's anything more we need here?" You say. "Guard Denight, perhaps some fresh air in the gardens, and we can talk this through?"\n\n"That sounds like a good plan," Denight curls a small smile. "There's some quiet [[benches at the ponds|convene]].''"<<else>>''"Shall we [[visit Lady Faruz, then?|Visit the aristocrat]] You offer. "Perhaps she can tell us more."''<<endif>><<map -624 -120>>

(To be Continued!)\n<<map -540 -20>>

<<set $visitRayn = true>>"Fine," you say with a small sigh, and stand to follow Malarn from the Tavern. He leads you around the western edge of the Tavern and you take a narrow side-street that heads south-east and into the Signal District. The side-street is lined on the left with birch and oak, the Tavern's back wall visible between the trunks. You cross to the other side and take another sidestreet that leads south, and you see what can only be Crow's Peak directly ahead of you - a large, perfectly round tower that reaches high above every other building in the district. The road splits in front of the tower to circle the building; Malarn turns right and you skirt the north-western quarter of Crow's Peak before taking a branching road to the west and there, on your right, you see the Apothecarium - a thatched-roof cottage nestled in a cozy, well-tended garden.\n\nMalarn leads you beneath the sign reading 'Rayn's Apothecarium' that arches over the pathway. As you enter the front door of the shop, you hear a little bell tinkle, and a tall, greying man looks up at you from the counter.\n\n"Ah, Malarn," he smiles. "What can I do for you? More Tetterwort?"\n\nMalarn, you note, ignores the question. Tetterwort, you repeat to yourself to memorise the name.\n\n"Good day, Rayn. We're investigating rumours of cult activity. Have you noticed anything unusual in the district recently?"\n\n"Interesting!" Rayn lifts a pair of wire-framed lenses from the counter and rests them atop his nose, tucking the spindly arms behind his ears. "Now that you mention it - yes, this very morning! Walking around the Grove and the Park, as I do every day, I noticed scattered fragments of cave fungus on the ground. It's certainly unusual, being that we are in the middle of a city, with no caves nearby that I know of!"\n\n"This could be promising," you nod to Rayn. "Malarn, are the gardens nearby?"\n\n"They are. Thank you, Rayn - we shall investigate. I'll lead you to Sulindal Park, elf - you can look around there while I take Thornapple Grove. You'll like Sulindal Park," he says as you exit the Apothicarium. "Sulindal was a high elf priestess who did something or other and saved some people or something some time..." he waves his hand dismissively. "Anyway, there's a statue of her in the gardens. I like to meditate there on occasion."\n\n"Why don't you look around the gardens while I return to the Tavern and look around the cellar?" You ask. "[[One of us is sure to find something|Argue with Malarn]]."\n\n"It sounds peaceful," you acknowledge, and [[follow Malarn thorugh the Sigil District|gardens surface]].\n<<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">><<map -510 -580>>

<<portrait "*">>You turn away and head back into the park with Guard Denight. You stop a little way in and make casual conversation, watching from the corner of your eye as Essban huffs off towards the main street.\n\n"Come on," Denight says when the boy is almost out of sight. "Let's see where he goes."\n\nEssban leads you on a merry chase for a while. He visits the market, buys a sweetroll and nibbles at it while wandering. He pops into Veti's Inn and gets chased out by a barmaid, and then sits at one of the benches in the middle of the Plaza while the sun drifts lazily through the sky. Eventually, he moves again and heads back to the Garden District - straight for [[Lady Faruz' house|Follow]].<<map -430 -380>>

<<portrait "*">>You both start forwards from the bench and break into a run. You're over half way to Essban when he sees you - he freezes for a moment, startled, briefly starts to run, but stops within a few paces and walks towards you instead. \n\n"Did you forget something?" Essban asks. His tone is casual, but you catch the whites of his eyes and know there's something hidden there.\n\n"We saw you walking," you reply. "You reminded me of the kobolds in our woods - the ones who steal our supplies and try to walk away whistling with vegetable heads poking from their tunics. They're not very smart, kobolds."\n\nEssban frowns, his cheeks flushing angrily. "I wasn't doing anything wrong. I'm running errands for the Professor. You can go and ask him," He points off at the Professor's house.\n\n"It's alright," Guard Denight rests his hand on your arm briefly. "Let him go. We just made a mistake."\n\nYou catch on, and nod. "Fine. [[Go about your business|let him go]]."<<map -660 -300>>

It's mid-morning. The low-set winter sun casts shafts of sparkling light that make you raise your hand to shield your sensitive eyes from the glare. Your feet are weary; you have walked since before dawn, finally leaving the thick cover of [[Telrain Woods]] as the sun rose, continuing across the plains along the edge of the [[Evenfar River]] until you reached the city of [[Oakcrest]], nestled at the riverbank just a few miles away from the seaside.\n\nThis air is crisp and fresh. A light snowfall overnight has capped the thatched rooftops in glistening white and the ground beneath your feet crunches lightly. Before you stands the Oakcrest Guard Tower, and nailed to the tower wall, the poster that inspired you to leave your home three days ago;\n\n"[[Adventurers Wanted]]"\n\nYou pause a moment outside the door of the Guard Tower, reading over the poster's words even though you already know them by heart. You will be supplied with starting gear, a place to sleep, training and a small stipend. \n\nOakcrest's main street curves promisingly away from you; you can just make out a small marketplace, and when the wind blows just-right and ruffles up flurries of powdery snow from the rooftops, it carries with it the smell of freshly baked bread and warm cinnamon mead. \n\nBehind you, the city gate lays open. It took courage to pass through it this morning, and it would be an easy thing indeed to turn around and walk beneath the curved stone archway again, back towards the forest and away from the Unknown. \n\n''Your belly rumbles. You decide to explore the city; perhaps the scant coin you have will be enough for [[a snack]].''\n\n''Fueled by anxiety and excitement, you decide to go through the registration process before continuing into the city. You enter the [[Guard Tower]].''\n\n''You've never been in a city this size before. You hear people bustling nearby and your head starts to swim. You turn tail for the [[city gate]].''\n\n<<portrait "*">><<map -800 -350>>

<<set $valiel = true>>You return to the city surface. The city is coming to life as the morning draws on, and the stall owners are busy setting up their stalls in the Market Plaza. \n\nYou turn right onto the main Eastern road and walk briskly to the eastern Guard Tower at the city's edge. The same guard that you spoke with yesterday sits at the table; he looks weary.\n\n"Well met," you nod in greeting. "You have had a long shift? If so, I am sorry," you offer a consolatory smile.\n\n"Heh, thanks," the Guard stifles a yawn. "Yeah, been on all night. Guard's short-staffed what with the big group up at Charn. What can I do you for?"\n\nYour brow wrinkles in confusion. "I'm sorry?"\n\nThe guard chuckles. "That's right - you're the new one. What can I help you with?"\n\n"Ah!" You make note of the expression and its meaning. You explain your situation to the guard, who listens intently, despite his lack of sleep.\n\n"Good decision," he says when you have finished your tale. "Don't know what you might run into down there. Gimme a minute," he stands from his desk and climbs the stairs to the upper level. You hear muffled voices, and then the guard descends with another.\n\n"This is Valiel," The guard introduces you to a tall, slender woman with coppery skin and long golden hair that hangs in braids around her shoulders. Her eyes are almond-shaped and wider than yours with dark amber pupils, and her ears, though also pointed, taper further to their tips than your own.\n\n"Teitr Maeta!" - 'Merry Meet', you say in your elven tongue to the woman who stands next to the guard. Your spirits lift. She steps forwards and embraces you warmly; the traditional greeting among elves.\n\n"... Do you know each other?" The guard asks, surprised.\n\n"No," you explain; "Valiel is Ljosalfar, a sun elf. I am Eikalfar, a woodland elf. Our spirits are entwined."\n\n"I... see," The guard arches an amused brow. "Well, Valiel isn't official Oakcrest Guard - she's a scout, and does some mercenary work for us here and there."\n\n"I shall accompany you to investigate these passages," Valiel smiles warmly. She is dressed in full dark-brown leather that fits tightly to her slim figure. There are two daggers at her hips, and more tucked into belts that strap around her thighs. You suddenly feel very glad that you decided to seek support.\n\n"Thank you," you duck into a sincere bow before them both. \n\nYou return with Valiel to the [[hidden passage]].\n<<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/Valiel.jpg">><<map -800 -350>>

<<if not $leaveMalarn>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">>"Rayn will be there all day," you stand and head towards the kitchen. "I want to find out more about these missing goods."\n\nMalarn grumbles and follows you into the kitchen. The Tavernkeep and waiter pause their ongoing argument as you enter and look at you, surprised.<<else>><<portrait "*">>You enter the kitchen. The Tavernkeep and waiter paise their ongoing argument and look up at you, surprised.<<endif>>\n\n"I'm sorry," the waiter starts towards you, his arms out wide, "this area is not for customers. Did Patti not serve you yet? She's always slow first thing in the morning. I'll find her."\n\n"Friend," you hold up your hands to the waiter. "I could not help overhearing your predicament. <<if not $leaveMalarn>>We are<<else>>I am<<endif>> on Guard duty in the district and believe the investigation may be linked to your recent loss - would it be possible to have a look around your cellar?"\n\n"Finally!" The Tavernkeep waves you in. "Belar, get back to work and stop holding up the City Guard. Please, come in," the plump man prostrates. "Anything you need. The hatch to the cellar is at the back there."\n\nYou open the hatch and climb down into the cellar. It's spacious, lit by a few flickering oil lamps and some windows at street-level that let in the first shafts of sunlight. The place smells of herbs, dried meat and spices.\n\n<<if not $leaveMalarn>>"What are we looking for, exactly?" Malarn mutters.\n\n"I don't know," you honestly reply. "You search in that corner, and I'll take this side."<<endif>>\n\nYou check beneath tables, behind barrels, and kick at the stone tiles of the floor. <<if not $leaveMalarn>>Your efforts are fruitless, but then Malarn calls you over to the far end of the room.\n\n"Got it," he says. "Just here, behind this cupboard - help me move it?"<<else>>You start to think your efforts are fruitless, but then notice an unnatural space between a cupboard and the back wall.<<endif>>\n\nThere's enough space between the wall and the cubpoard for your slim stature, but a human adult would have difficulty sliding through. You shunt the cupboard to one side <<if not $leaveMalarn>>with Malarn's help,<<endif>> and see a hole in the ground at the back. <<if not $leaveMalarn>>Malarn lifts one of the oil lamps from the wall. \n\n"After you," he says, and steps aside.<<endif>> \n\n''You climb down [[into the darkness|hidden passage]].''<<endif>>\n<<map -550 -420>>

<<set $tell = true>>"I'm here to join the Oakcrest Guard," you nervously reply.\n\n"Hmm," the man responds, and you think you hear the hint of a smile in his voice. "Then we may see more of each other."\n\n"You are a Guard?" You ask - even though the man before you is not dressed in guardsman regalia, you do recall reading about those of magical persuasion on the recruitment poster; perhaps this man is a mage.\n\n"I help the Guard on occasion, yes," The man nods. "When it suits me."\n\n"I see," you reply.\n\n"Well, then," The man clenches his hands at his chest. "I have duties to attend. May the moon light your path."\n\nHe bows solemnly forwards and slip of long, dark hair loosens itself from the confines of his hood and drifts free. Before you can answer, he turns, and is lost to the crowd.\n\nWith a sated hunger and quenched thirst, it's time to move ahead with your day.\n\n''Enticed by the novelty of your surroundings and the jovial atmosphere of the marketplace, you decide to [[look around a little more|look around]].''\n\n<<if not $visitedGT>>''You feel strength returning to your weary limbs and bolstering your courage. You head to the [[Guard Tower]].''<<endif>><<if ($visitedGT) and (not $visitedBarracks) >>''There's more of the city to explore, but you are weary and your head is swimming with everything new you've encountered. You head for the [[barracks]].''<<endif>>\n<<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">><<map -400 -350>>

"Well, some folk might say you look a bit too frail for the task," the guard continues. "As long as you can pick up a sword or waggle your fingers until sparks fly, though, makes no difference to me." \n\n"I hunt," you say, and you know that your stacatto sentences might sound rude; but you feel as though you are being dismissed on account of your stature - and in your case, looks are deceiving. "With sword and bow." Your jaw clenches.\n\n"Fine," the guard says wearily. "[[Just need a few details]]."\n\n<<portrait "*">><<map -800 -350>>

<<set $name = prompt("Choose thy name, adventurer!")>>This is the beginning, <<print $name>>. All stories have one, though some are not told - dismissed, forgotten, abandoned. But this is the beginning of your story. Other things have happened before this point - birth, existence, decisions and fate - but everything that led you to this point is Past, now, and you may choose to forget or remember as you will. The string of happenstance and destiny that brought you here has served its purpose however and this, <<print $name>>, is where [[your story]] begins.\n<<set $leaveMalarn = false>><<set $visitGardens2 = false>><<set $captureDweorg = false>><<set $valiel = false>><<set $visitAristo = false>><<set $visitChurl = false>>

<<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/Valiel.jpg">>"Let's take the alehouse," Denight decides. "We can get started right-away."\n\n"Lead on!" You smile encouragingly, and set off at the Guard's side to the Trade District. It's a brief walk; you head west of the barracks to the main northern road through the city and immediately spot the Laughing Dagger accross the way, with the garden flanking the roadside to the north.\n\n"What kind of place is this?" You ask Denight.\n\n"Not the worst, but near as dammit," Denight sighs. "They won't look kindly on two guards poking around. Keep your wits about you."\n\nYou nod and brace yourself as Denight opens the alehouse door and stands aside for you to enter before him. The interior of the alehouse is dark and shadowy, and it takes your eyes a moment to adjust from the bright sunshine outside. Tendrils of smoke curl through the hazy alehouse air and bring a familiar scent to your nostrils - some of the patrons sit with Qalyans at their tables, smoking the leaves of flowers you know well from your forest home.\n\nThe barman glances up as you enter - a thick, burly man with a bald head and tattoos along his shoulders. He leans forwards, his muscular arms stretched to either side, stubby hands splayed on the stained surface of the bar.\n\n"Ain't seen a guard in 'ere for a long while," He spits off to the side. "Hope you ain't bringing trouble."\n\n"Just looking for someone," Denight says. You hover at the guard's side, letting him do the talking while you cast your eyes about the room. Several of the alehouse's patrons are watching you intently, though few of those are obvious with it. You feel their eyes boring into you.\n\n"Aye? Who's that, then?"\n\n"Sayf," Denight replies. "Got a few questions for him - think he might have seen something we're looking into."\n\n"Don't know no Sayf," the barman makes a show of thinking a moment and then shakes his head. "Sorry."\n\nDenight sighs and turns back to the door. "We'll get no answers here."\n\nAs you push the door to leave, another figure pulls it open from the outside and you stumble into one another.\n\n"My apologies," the hooded woman says, and looks between you both. "Wait - you're with the guard?" She notices Denight's uniform. "Me too. I'm Valiel. Don't think you'll know me; I'm a scout, do mercenary work for the guard now and then."\n\n"Valiel," Guard Denight nods - "I've heard your name, but we've never met."\n\nValiel pulls her hood down. She's a tall, slender woman with coppery skin and long golden hair that hangs in braids around her shoulders. Her eyes are almond-shaped and wider than yours with dark amber pupils, and her ears, though also pointed, taper further to their tips than your own.\n\n"Teitr Maeta!" - 'Merry Meet', you say in your elven tongue to the woman who stands before you. Your spirits lift. She steps forwards and embraces you warmly; the traditional greeting among elves.\n\n"... Do you know each other?" Guard Denight asks, surprised.\n\n"No," you explain; "Valiel is Ljosalfar, a sun elf. I am Eikalfar, a woodland elf. Our spirits are entwined."\n\n"Right..." Guard Denight nods, glancing between you both with a curious expression.\n\n"So what brings Guard business to this dive?" Valiel asks. \n\n"We're looking for someone connected with a theft, but our presence is uh... Not welcomed."\n\n"Funny - same reason I'm here. I know these people, though. Follow me."\n\nYou follow Valiel through the tables to the back of the room. You notice the barman glancing over at you, his face set in a solid scowl, but he doesn't make a move to stop you as Valiel leads you both into a back room. You descend a flight of stairs, and Valiel calls over her shoulder, "Be ready."\n\nYou rest your hand on the hilt of your sword. Valiel pushes a door open and in a fluid movement, draws two daggers from her hips and twirls them in her palms. The room's occupants - a handful of thugs - skitter back from their chairs and the room bursts into a hive of activity.\n\nYou're not entirely sure what's going on, but when one of the men comes at you with his fists flailing, you know to duck and roll. You slide your sword from its sheath and counter his next unarmed swipe with a stinging slap of your blade to his cheek. He growls and charges you with his arms wide; you duck again, easily, and slash your sword along his waist. A scarlett rivulet seeps through his shirt and pools across the fabric. He staggers back into the doorway and flees.\n\nYou turn your attention back to the room. Guard Denight is parrying in a swordfight and Valiel has downed one thug and is circling with the other around a table. \n\n"Come here, you little -!" She snatches at the man but he ducks back from her reach - and bumps into you. You react quickly - your sword is still in-hand and you bring it up to press the sharp of the blade against his throat.\n\n"Atem!" The man in your grasp calls to the man fighting Denight. "Leave it."\n\nAtem glances over, sees the situation, and lowers his sword. Denight steps back.\n\n"Sayf, I presume?" Valiel sheathes her daggers and nods at you to let him go. You lower your sword, and Valiel pushes the man face-first into the wall and clamps his wrists in irons.\n\nThe man sighs. "Yep, that's me."\n\n''You [[escort the thief back to the barracks|Escort thief to barracks]] with Guard Denight and Valiel.''<<map -380 -100>>

<<portrait "*">>"Guard Denight, do I make you uncomfortable?" You arch a brow at the guard.\n\nThe guard pauses, draws a deep breath. "Sorry," He says after a moment. "I'm really sorry. It's just - I led a bit of a sheltered life, I know I'm a bit naiive and... well, not the brightest spark... It's not you, really, just that you're an elf, and... well... I haven't seen much of the world, and it's a bit strange and wonderful seeing an elf up close, let alone working with one. I'm sorry - I know it sounds like I'm talking about you as if you're some kind of animal," You can hear the awkward wince in his voice.\n\n"It's fine," you say and smile reassuringly. "I understand. I stood at the edge of the market place for a full hour yesterday staring in wide-eyed awe. Please, don't be nervous. Perhaps we can take this opportunity to learn from each other.\n\n[[back|visit the professor]] <<map -624 -120>>

The Evenfar River begins its winding journey at the eastern edge of Telrain Woods, and does not leave the forest's embrace until almost reaching the coastline at Oakcrest (which is, incidentally, the only permanent settlement along the entire stretch of river). The river is the primary source of clean water for the inhabitants of both the woods and the nearby city of Oakcrest.\n\n[[back|your story]]

<<set $greet = true>><<if $paySelf>>"Hail," you tip your glass of <<print $wine>> in greeting to the man. He glances over at you, his face again consumed by the shadow of his hood. \n\n"The elf from the market. You can buy your own drink," he mutters and stalks off with a small glass of liquor in-hand.\n\nThe barmaid tuts. "Don't mind him," she assures you. \n\n"Who is he?" You ask. "I met him at the marketplace earlier. He offered to pay for my food; I declined. I fear I have offended him."\n\n"Malarn," she replies. "He's one of the Crow's Point mages. Never liked 'im much, always got a grudge against something or other."\n\n"Crow's Point?" You lean forwards. "I apologise - I am new here."\n\n"Aye, you've got that doe-eyed look about ye," the barmaid chuckles warmly. "Crow's Point is the mage tower here in Oakcrest. It's smack back in the middle of the Signal District, to the south-east. You here for the guard?" She arches a brow.\n\nYou nod. "Yes. I arrived today at mid-morning."\n\n"You'll be wanting Guard Tiat then," the barmaid motions to a cluster of tables in a corner of the room where a small crowd of people are milling about.\n\n"Thank you," you reply. You lift your <<print $wine>> and carry it carefully with you to [[Guard Tiat]]'s tables. <<set $shunned = true>><<endif>><<if $tell>>"Hail," you tip your glass of <<print $wine>> in greeting to the man. He glances over at you, his face again consumed by the shadow of his hood. \n\n"Ahh, the elf from the market!" He raises his glass to you in return, and whatever expression he might be wearing is consumed by the shadow of his hood. "You'll be here for Guard Tiat, I presume. He's in the corner there, entertaining the whelps." The man motions with his glass to a group of tables nestled in a corner of the room.\n\n"I had better join the whelps, then," you reply, looking over to the corner where a cluster of recruits are already gathered. "And what of you - is this an occasion where it suits you to help the Guard?"\n\n"Perhaps," he replies with a sardonic lilt. "Come, let us find a seat. I am Malarn, by the way," he says as you follow him from the bar to the Guard's corner. "Sixth circle mage of Crow's Point."\n\n"Well met, Malarn," you reply, carefully shielding your <<print $wine>> as you weave your way towards [[Guard Tiat]]'s tables. "I am <<print $name>>."<<endif>><<if $dontTell>>"Hail," you tip your glass of <<print $wine>> in greeting to the man. He glances over at you, his face again consumed by the shadow of his hood. \n\n"Ahh, the elf from the market!" He raises his glass to you in return, and whatever expression he might be wearing is consumed by the shadow of his hood. "So, have you decided to stay in our quaint little city?"\n\n"I have joined the OakCrest Guard," you nod.\n\n"Ah, you're be here for Guard Tiat. He's in the corner there, entertaining the whelps." The man motions with his glass to a group of tables nestled in a corner of the room.\n\n"I had better join the whelps, then," you reply, looking over to the corner where a cluster of recruits are already gathered. \n\n"Come, let us find a seat. I am Malarn, by the way," he says as you follow him from the bar to the Guard's corner. "Sixth circle mage of Crow's Point."\n\n"Well met, Malarn; I am <<print $name>>. You are a member of the guard?"\n\n"I... Help them out on occasion," he mutters with a sardonic lilt. "When it suits me."\n\n''You carefully shield your <<print $wine>> as you follow Malarn to [[Guard Tiat]]'s tables.''<<endif>>\n<<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">><<map -530 -280>>

<<set $watchSparring = true>>Two guards spar in the center of the arena, each wielding long, plain bo-staves. They circle each other and bring their staves together to meet between them with a loud, wooden blow. They parry a while, the shafts of their weapons ringing out their impact across the arena, their weapons forming alternating criss-crosses as they counter and block. One guard brings the staff back and jutts the point forward; the other parries, using the length of the pole to knock the blow aside and then swipes the staff into his opponent's legs. He recovers quickly, brining his stave about again and jabbing the end into the other's chest, pushing him back an step, and then bringing the length forward to follow through and pushing him back further. They fall into circling again.\n\n<<if not $visitWarehouse>>''Inspired by watching the combat, you are eager to equip your own missing gear. You head into the [[warehouse]].''<<endif>><<if $visitWarehouse>>''You have your sword and you've watched the guards sparring a while; you decide to test yourself and approach the training dummies. The female guard sees you and asks if you'd like to [[spar with her]].''<<endif>>\n<<portrait "*">><<map -560 -30>>

<<set $hiddenPassage = true>><<if $visitRayn and (not $leaveMalarn)>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">>You walk north for a while, Malarn's robes ruffling noisily behind you, until you reach a small upward slope branching off from the main passage. You climb the slope, and at the end, find a trapdoor - you lift it cautiously and find yourself peering into the Splintered Scepter's cellar.\n\n"We're at the tavern," you turn back to Malarn. "This must be how the thieves gained entrance."\n\n"Indeed," Malarn grumbles. "I suppose your little hunch was right."\n\nYou shrug off the chide. "There appear to be two paths we can take; [[north-east|Mandafall]], or [[east|central cavern]]?" You ask.\n\n"Your decision, wise little elf," Malarn replies sullenly.<<endif>><<if not $visitGardens2>>You lower yourself into the hole and find a rope ladder tethered to the wall. You climb down a short distance and find yourself standing in a rough, narrow passage that slopes downwards a while before branching into three passages.<<endif>> <<if (not $leaveMalarn) and (not $visitGardens2)>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">>Malarn appears behind you, lamplight flickering yellow across the rough earth walls and making dancing silhouettes from the tresspassing roots.\n\n"There are three passages here," you point out. "East, south, south-east."\n\n"You're the one who dragged me down here," Malarn grumbles. "You decide."\n\nTake the [[Passage East|Mandafall]]\nTake the [[Passage South|Gardens]]\nTake the [[central, south-east passage|central cavern]] \nTake the [[central, south-east passage|central cavern]] <<endif>><<if $leaveMalarn and (not $valiel)>><<portrait "*">>You wonder whether it might be wise to replace Malarn with backup before investigating further - you could always head to the Eastern Guard Tower nearby to ask if they could provide support. You are angry at Malarn's overreaction, however, and feel tempted to push ahead alone, consequence be damned.\n\nReturn to the surface and [[head to the Guard Tower for support|Support]]\nTake the [[Passage East|Mandafall]]\nTake the [[Passage South|Gardens]]<<endif>><<if $leaveMalarn and $valiel>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/Valiel.jpg">>You fill Valiel in on the situation so far as you walk with her back to the Splintered Scepter and down into the hidden passage. The passage from here leads in three directions.\nTake the [[Passage East|Mandafall]]\nTake the [[Passage South|Gardens]]\nTake the [[central, south-east passage|central cavern]] <<endif>><<if $visitGarden2 = false>>Take the [[Passage East|Mandafall]]\nTake the [[Passage South|Gardens]]\nTake the [[central, south-east passage|central cavern]] <<endif>>\n<<map -560 -430>>\n

Your settlement in Telrain woods was nestled near enough to both the river and one of the smaller trails to draw frequent attention from varmint - kobolds, the occasional bandit, and now and then a lone wandering orc or three. Although you've seen plenty of combat, none of your opponents had been particularly tough or challenging... Until the fight that made you leave. You quickly dismiss that thought and return your focus to sparring.\n\n[[back|spar with her]]\n<<portrait "*">><<map -560 -30>>

<<set $wine = "Ceresschian Amber">>Your spirits lift - you are familiar with both of these beverages. "I'll take a small glass of the <<print $wine>>," you reply, smiling.\n\nA figure appears to your side as the barmaid pours your glass of <<print $wine>>. You glance to your side and recognise the black, star-embroidered robes from the marketplace.\n\n[[Ignore the man]]\n[[Greet the man]]\n<<portrait "*">>

Oakcrest is a city that sits on the northwestern coast on the subcontinent of Targas, on the banks of the Evenfar river. The city has a population of about 20,000 at the last count and marks the northern tip of the Oakcrest-Ashind trade route.\n\nOakcrest is famous for its seasonal markets, where farmers of the local fertile plains sell their wares in the bustling cultural hub. Oakcrest also sports one of the largest City Guards of all neighbouring cities and is a popular destination for those seeking adventure or military training.\n\n[[back|your story]]

<<set $ignore = true>>You draw the glass of <<print $wine>> towards you and lower your head over the rim, sinking your nose into the aroma and discreetly avoiding contact with the man at your side. You're not sure why, but you don't feel like engaging him in conversation. \n\nHe leaves with a small glass of liquor in-hand and you hear the barmaid tutting behind him.\n\n"Who is he?" You quietly address the barmaid. "I met him at the marketplace earlier. He is... peculiar."\n\n"Malarn," she replies. "He's one of the Crow's Point mages. Never liked 'im much, always got a grudge against something or other."\n\n"Crow's Point?" You lean forwards. "I apologise - I am new here."\n\n"Aye, you've got that doe-eyed look about ye," the barmaid chuckles warmly. "Crow's Point is the mage tower here in Oakcrest. It's smack back in the middle of the Signal District, to the south-east. You here for the guard?" She arches a brow.\n\nYou nod. "Yes. I arrived today at mid-morning."\n\n"You'll be wanting Guard Tiat then," the barmaid motions to a cluster of tables in a corner of the room where a small crowd of people are milling about.\n\n''"Thank you," you reply. You lift your <<print $wine>> and carry it carefully with you to [[Guard Tiat]]'s tables.'' \n\n<<portrait "*">><<map -530 -280>>

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<<if $ignore or $shunned>><<portrait "*">>You find an empty seat at the edge of the gathering and set your <<print $wine>> down on the table.<<else>> Malarn leads you to a quiet table at the edge of the gathering. You set your <<print $wine>> down lightly and take a seat. <<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">><<endif>>\n\nGuard Tiat sits alone at a small, square table at the head of the group. He wears a guard's uniform - a suit of heavy plate hung with a blue tabard that displays the city's Oak Tree emblem - but no helmet. His hair is short and ruffled, his skin tanned, and crow's feet wrinkle the corners of his pale blue eyes. He looks battle-hardened, though not old - you wonder why he is taking care of the guard duties instead of fighting in the field. \n\n<<if $ignore or $shunned>>You look around the gathering and spot Addie, who has already seen you and waves brightly. She heads towards you, tapping another man on the shoulder and motioning for him to follow - you see it's Guard Denight, who smiles at you nervously as they join your table.\n\n"All settled in?" Addie asks.\n\nYou nod, and are about to reply when you spot Malarn taking a seat at the other side of the group. His hood lifts in your direction and lingers on you for a moment before he looks away again. \n\n"That man - Malarn - is he a guard?" You look between Addie and Guard Denight, who glance back over their shoulders at the man you're pointing out.\n\nGard Denight looks back with a frown. "He tags along sometimes. Likes to think he's more important than he really is. He's a powerful mage, but there are still mages at Crow's Peak in higher circles than him. Has he been bothering you?"\n\nIt seemed a strange question. "Bothering? No. I ran into him at the market earlier today - he offered to buy me food, but I declined."\n\n"Probably hurt his feelings," You see Denight's jaw clenching. "He takes everything personally."\n\n"He looks very mysterious," Addie lingers her gaze on Malarn before looking back. Guard Denight grunts his disproval.\n<<else>>You look around the gathering. You spot Addie, who has already seen you and waves at you brightly; and Guard Denight, who catches your gaze as you meet his and smiles nervously before looking away.\n\n"Making friends already, are we?" Malarn asks.\n\n"Guard Denight was on duty at the barracks gate when I arrived. I met Addie, the woman, inside. Both will be staying at the barracks dormitory with me."\n\n"Ahh, yes, the dormitories are mixed." You hear unease in Malarn's voice. "You'll be seeking a place of your own soon, I assume?"\n\nYou find the wood of the table with your fingertips and trace the grain, slightly agitated. "When I am ready."<<endif>>\n\n''Guard Tiat clears his throat and stands, holding a parchment. "Evening," he says with a clear voice that carries easily [[across the gathering|guard roster 1]].''\n\n<<map -530 -280>>

Rel Denight\nAddie\nGuard Tiat\nMalarn\n

<<set $paySelf = true>>You shake your head. "Thank you, but I would rather use my own coin." You're not sure if a smile will seem mocking and the corners of your lips flutter uncertainly.\n\nThe man looks down at you for a moment and then shrugs, tucking his hands into the sleeves of his robes. "Very well, then. Good day to you."\n\nHe turns on his heels and leaves the stall. You watch the dark hood weave away through the crowd until you can see him no more.\n\n"Right, who's up next?" The stall owner calls for your attention. She's a buxom, thick-set woman with greying hair and rosy cheeks. "Were ye wanting somethin'? Ye look famished!"\n\nYou waver uncertainly over the baked goods on display. "Um..."\n\nThe woman pats your arm reassuringly. "How about an apple turnover and a cup of hot mead?"\n\nYou smile and nod, counting out the coin and handing it over. The stall-owner passes you a paper bag with the pastry inside, and a wooden cup of sweet-smelling spiced mead that curls tendrils of steam lazily into the winter air.\n\nFinding a quiet spot next to the stall you devour the apple turnover and wash it down with the delicious mead. Both are unlike anything you've tasted at home; flavourful and exotic. When you're finished you return the empty mug to the stall. With a sated hunger and quenched thirst, it's time to move ahead with your day.\n\n''Enticed by the novelty of your surroundings and the jovial atmosphere of the marketplace, you decide to [[look around a little more|look around]].''\n\n<<if not $visitedGT>>''You feel strength returning to your weary limbs and bolstering your courage. You head to the [[Guard Tower]].''<<endif>><<if ($visitedGT) and (not $visitedBarracks) >>''There's more of the city to explore, but you are weary and your head is swimming with everything new you've encountered. You head for the [[barracks]].''<<endif>>\n<<portrait "*">><<map -400 -350>>

<<set $visitMandapassage>><<if not $leaveMalarn>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">>You again lead the way along the narrow tunnel with Malarn following at your heels. The passage curves slightly north and then back down to the south, coming to a bend. The wall here has turned to neat cobblestone and you suspect you stand at the foundations of a building. There's a trapdoor in the ceiling and wooden planks nailed neatly to the wall to form a ladder.\n\n"Any idea where we are?" You ask Malarn.\n\n"An incline. Not many of the houses here are made of this brick, but the city has several stone towers that were here before the more modern buildings were erected. There is one in the north-eastern corner of the Sigil District, called Mandafall. We may be at its base."\n\nMalarn steps forward and inspects the trapdoor and ladder, the light flickering dark and bright and making it difficult for your eyes to adjust.\n\n"There are filaments of fabric on the wood here," He notes. "And the ground is soft."\n\n"Then this entryway sees frequent use," you lean closer to the wooden planks and see fibers of dark material clinging to the splinters. \n\n"There are footprints here," Malarn points out and you turn to look, crouching down to the ground where he stands and running your hands across the dirt.\n\n"They lead in both directions," you say - "to and from the trapdoor, and into this southern passage."\n\n[[Ascend the trapdoor|Break into Mandafall]] or take the [[passage south|central cavern]].<<endif>><<if $leaveMalarn and (not $valiel)>><<portrait "*">>You take the eastern passage. The tunnel curves slightly north and then back down to the south, coming to a bend. The wall here has turned to neat cobblestone and you suspect you stand at the foundations of a building. There's a trapdoor in the ceiling and wooden planks nailed neatly to the wall to form a ladder.\n\nYou lean closer to the wooden planks and see fibers of dark material clinging to the splinters. Looking at the ground, you see footprints pressed into the dirt; they lead both to and from the trapdor and along the tunnel to the south.\n[[Ascend the trapdoor|Break into Mandafall]] or take the [[passage south|central cavern]].<<endif>><<if $valiel>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/Valiel.jpg">>You point to the eastern passage and Valiel leads the way along the narrow tunnel. The passage curves slightly north and then back down to the south, coming to a bend. The wall here has turned to neat cobblestone and you suspect you stand at the foundations of a building. There's a trapdoor in the ceiling and wooden planks nailed neatly to the wall to form a ladder.\n\n"I know these stones," Valiel notes as she trails a hand along the smooth grey cobbles. "Before Oakcrest was a city, it was a garrison - the outer wall of the city stood back then, and there were eleven stone towers within its walls. In this district there are three - one is Crow's Peak, the largest in the whole city. The other two are Broughton Heights to the south, and Mandalfall to the north-east. I believe this is Mandalfall."\n\nValiel leans closer to the ladder, dancing her fingertips across the wooden planks. "There are filaments of fabric on the wood here," She notes. "And the ground beneath is soft and well-trodden."\n\n"Then this entryway sees frequent use," you look closely at the wooden planks and see fibers of dark material clinging to the splinters. \n\n"There are footprints here," Valiel notes and you turn to look, crouching down to the ground next to the Ljosalfar and running your hands across the dirt.\n\n"They lead in both directions," you note - "to and from the trapdoor, and into this southern passage."\n[[Ascend the trapdoor|Break into Mandafall]] or take the [[passage south|central cavern]].<<endif>>\n<<map -860 -450>>

[img[http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/AW.jpg]]\n\n[[back|your story]]

<<set $tiatsMind = true>>\nGuard Tiat sees you approaching and reaches for a nearby chair, pulling it over to the side of his table. You take the offered seat.\n\n"<<print $name>>, welcome to Oakcrest," Guard Tiat's smile is faint.\n\n"Well met, and thank you," you reply.\n\nYou sit in silence for a few awkard seconds, neither knowing how to enter into conversation. You open your mouth to speak, but Guard Tiat is first to find voice.\n\n<<if $helpGuardDenight>>"You're a wood elf?" He asks, and then wincing a little, "I'm sorry - I hope that wasn't an offensive question."\n\nYou offer what you hope is a reassuring smile. "Yes, I am a wood elf. I understand that my kind are not frequent visitors to these parts."\n\n"You've got that right," he replies. "We see one or two in passing, very rarely - but I think you might be the first wood elf to actually sign up for the city Guard. You've caused some ripples."\n\n"Oh?" You frown. "I apologise; it was not my intention to cause trouble. Am I unwelcome?"\n\n"No!" Guard Tiat says quickly. "No, of course not. You're just uh... Attracting some attention, is all." He pauses, scratching his stubbled jaw. "We've heard reports of trouble from Telrain Woods recently." He sighs, fingers the corner of the parchment. "I understand if this is... Private business... And you don't have to answer, though I'd sure appreciate it if you did; are you here because things are dangerous in the Woods? Do I need to be worried about any patrols we send out that way?"\n\nA knot forms in your stomach. You look down into your <<print $wine>>, weighing the situation for a moment. Guard Tiat's eyes burn into you, watching you closely as you ponder.\n\n"There is... Was... Something," you say. "But it is business between the elves. I very much doubt it will spread beyond the borders of the forest, and doubt moreso that it will evolve to concern others than elves."\n\nThe guard regards you solemnly for a moment, and then nods. "Alright. Thank you for telling me that much, at least. So - is this your first time outside the forest?"\n\n"Yes. I have kept company with other humans before, but only briefly - our settlement often offered shelter for passing travellers."\n\n<<else>>"Look, I uh... Malarn's an odd sort." He speaks quietly, his eyes darting back to where Malarn sits behind you. The Guard rubs at his neck, his expression troubled. "He signed up for the guard years ago, before he got into his magic. He used to be a cleric; worked at the Temple District tending the poor. But something happened, I guess - he left there suddenly, dropped all affiliation with the Temple and started practicing as a Mage. Power went to his head - he says he only comes here when he's got nothing better to do but I don't think that's the truth of it. Just... I don't know. Watch yourself."\n\nYou frown, and nod. "He is perplexing - but then, he is a human, and your kind are mostly unknown to me. My settlement was near the main route through Telrain and we would sometimes provide shelter for passing travellers, but my interaction with your kind has been minimal. I currently find ALL humans somewhat perplexing."\n\nGuard Tiat chuckles. "Yeah, well. So do we. So this is your first time out of the forest?"\n\nYou nod. <<endif>>\n\n"Must be daunting. Here - this is a [[map of the city|http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/OakCrest-Map.jpg]]. It's a tourist map, but it'll be enough to help you find your way around. Watch your back, at least until you're a bit more settled. And if you need anything - anything at all - come find me. If I'm not here for the rosters I'll be at the office in the barracks."\n\nYou take the map. "Thank you, Guard Tiat. I appreciate your help."\n\n<<if $helpMalarn>>Return to Malarn to [[discuss the cult activity|helping Malarn]].<<else>>Return to Guard Denight to [[discuss the theft|helping Denight]].<<endif>>\n<<portrait "*">><<map -530 -280>>

The morning is crisp and fresh. No snow has fallen overnight, and what was there yesterday has melted away, leaving clear rooftops and roads. The city is just waking as the sky turns through violet to indigo to cerise. Your footfalls echo on the cobbled roads as you make your way to the Market Plaza. The stalls have not yet set up and you clearly see the Splintered Scepter Tavern on the south-eastern corner, door held ajar despite the early hour.\n\nYou slip into the Tavern. As expected, it's mostly empty, and Malarn is easy to spot sitting at a table towards the back of the room. You join him.\n\n"Good morning," he says jovially. "Did you sleep well?"\n\nYou brittle somewhat at the sudden change of attitude. "Our kind do not sleep - but yes, thank you, I rested well."\n\n"Interesting - you shall have to tell me more of your kind some time; I'm sure it would make for a thrilling conversation."\n\nYou note that his interest seems genuine, with nary a trace of malice or ire. You bite your cheek - is this fickleness of emotions a human trait that you will have to learn to accept?\n\n"Well, I asked a few colleagues if they have heard anything of cult activity in the area, but information was scant. I believe we should begin our investagions with Rayn - a herbalist of some renown who has a store nearby. He spends a lot of time wandering the district cultivating the plants here - he may have noticed something."\n\nThe tavern owner appears from the kitchen doors, followed closely by one of the waiters.\n\n"I'm telling you, I was in the kitchen all night long and nobody came or left!" the waiter pleads. his arms flailing wildly. \n\n"Then please, my dear boy - explain to me how two buckets of pig's blood and several bushels of fresh herbs have vanished from my cellar - did they perhaps spring to life and walk out of their own accord?"\n\nThe waiter sighs with frustration and the argument spills back into the kitchen. \n\n"Pig's blood and herbs?" You note to Malarn. "Does this not sound suspicious?"\n\nMalarn scoffs. "The waiter probably took them for himself. Let's focus on our plan - Rayn opens early."\n\nMalarn stands to leave.\n\n''Ignore Malarn and follow your gut: head down to the Splintered Scepter's cellar to investigate the [[missing stock]].''\n\n''Trust in Malarn's more experienced judgement and accompany him to [[Rayn's Apothecarium]].''\n<<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">><<map -550 -420>>

Telrain woods is a large broadleaf forest that flanks the northwestern Targus coastline from Halbroom, in the north, to just beyond Oakcrest in the south. The forest is home to several small colonies of Wood Elf, as well as being the source of the Evenfar River. Only one main route stretches the width of the forest from west to east, though several smaller trails exist.\n\n[[back|your story]]

<html><div style="margin:auto;">\n<img src="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/Veti's-Inn.jpg" width="400px" align="left" style="margin-right: 5px;">\nYou nudge open the door of Veti's Inn and a warm gust of air escapes into the evening. Fingers wrapped around the edge of the door you peer inside tentatively. Nobody has noticed you, it seems; people are engaged in conversation, in games, in the depths of their tankards. You slip inside and the door drifts closed behind you. \n<p/>\nThe Inn is large and spacious. Booths line the room's sides and many round tables scatter the open stone floor. There's a fireplace against the front wall to your right, and in front of it a large patterned rug and several easy chairs and cushions arranged in a semi-circle around the warm orange glow. The fire spits glowing embers that drift lazily down to land on the rug and extinguish. You notice there are no burn marks on the fabric - enchantment?\n<p/>\nHigh-legged stools form a disorderly line against the bar at the back of the room. You make this your target and step away from your shadowed spot, winding your way between the wooden pillars and teetering customers until you stand at the bar. Being of slight stature, the top of the bar only reaches to your mid-chest. You climb up into a barstool and one of the serving maids approaches.\n</div></html>\n"Evenin'!" She greets you with a smile. "What can I get you?"\n\n"Uh - do you have any wine?" You ask. "Elven wine?" You've never been in a tavern before and aren't sure if what you're asking for is commonly served in human establishments or if you're making a fool of yourself by asking.\n\n"Just two kinds I'm afraid," the barmaid replies. "[[Ustrad Firewine or Ceresschian Amber|elven wines]]."\n\n''Choose the [[Ustrad Firewine|ustrad wine]]''\n\n''Choose the [[Ceresschian Amber|amber wine]]''\n<<portrait "*">><<map -530 -280>>

<<portrait "*">>Though Guard Denight is not particularly large by human standards, the boy Essban is thin and spindly, and easily managed. He struggles briefly, but Guard Denight's gloved grip is strong and unrelenting, and eventually he accepts his fate and walks between you with his head hanging low.\n\n"Are you going to put me in a cell?" He asks meekly.\n\n"You can count on it," Guard Denight replies. "What were you and Lady Faruz talking about back there?"\n\n"Nothing," Essban replies quickly.\n\nGuard Denight grunts, and you continue through the wide cobbled streets towards the barracks. A few people stop to watch you pass, talking in hushed whispers on street corners as you go by.\n\nThe barracks comes in to sight up ahead and you see the boy's shoulders slumping further.\n\n"Wait," he says. "I - I don't want you to torture me, I've heard the stories. I just - if I tell you something, will you go easy on me?"\n\nDenight glances across at you, a slight smirk at the corner of his lips. You know there are no torture facilities in the barracks, only a row of simple cells - but the boy is afraid, and Denight plans to use this to his advantage.\n\n"I'll put a good word in with the guard," Denight says solemnly.\n\n"I don't really know Lady Farez. I lived at the orphanage. Lady Farez asked me if I wanted to make some coin - well, of course I did. She told me to pretend to be a Churl and to go work for the Professor, and to let this man know when the Professor wasn't going to be home."\n\n"A man? Which man?" You ask Essban.\n\n"He hangs about at the Laughing Dagger, and they call him Sayf."\n\n"How did you contact him? Did Lady Faruz arrange it?" You press.\n\n"She told me I could find him at Drummond's Rest every night just after all the shops in the Trade District close up. So I hung out there and he met me and I gave him the message. That was it. I didn't see his face so I can't tell you what he looks like."\n\n"Sayf?" Guard Denight repeats and the boy nods.\n\nYou escort Essban the rest of the way to the Barracks and make sure he's securely detained.\n\n"Do you know the two places the boy mentioned?" You ask Guard Denight when that's taken care of. \n\n"Sure. Both in the Trade District; the Laughing Dagger is an alehouse just off the northern road out of the city, and Drummond's Rest is a little memorial garden just north of there."\n\n"Which would you like to try first?" You ask; "We can ''enquire within the [[Laughing Dagger]]'', or wait until nightfall and ''keep watch at [[Drummond's Rest]]''?"<<map -610 -80>>

<<portrait "*">>You walk with Denight to the large gardens at the middle of the Garden District. The morning is bright and peaceful; crisp fallen leaves crunch under your feet and the bare branches of the trees sparkle with a light coating of frost. You follow the gravel path along the bordered flowerbeds and neatly trimmed bushes, through an avenue of trees and then to one of the two large ponds in the middle of the gardens. \n\nGuard Denight finds the nearest bench and sits wearily, tugging his helmet from his head and running his hand through his hair. \n\n"This is my first proper assignment," He confides in you. "I was hoping it would be an easy one."\n\n"If it were, you would not have the opportunity to prove yourself," you assure the guard. \n\n"There's nothing, though. We've only got two leads and they know diddly-squat." He sighs with exhasperation.\n\nYou are about to reply when your keen eyes spot a movement on one of the paths through the trees ahead. You recognise the figure stepping furtively from shadow to shadow.\n\n"Don't be so sure of that," You nudge the Guard's arm and point ahead.\n\n"Is that Essban?" Guard Denight narrows his eyes. \n\n"It is."\n\n"He looks shifty, doesn't he?"\n\n"He does," You agree, watching the Professor's churl trotting hurriedly through along the tree-lined path, glancing about him several times. \n\n''"Let's [[follow him|Follow]]," you suggest. "See what he's up to."''\n\n''"If we hurry, we can [[catch him|confront]] and arrest him. See if being locked in the barracks won't loose his tongue," Guard Denight mutters.''<<map -660 -200>>

<<set $visitWarehouse = true>>You skirt around the edge of the arena and slip inside the warehouse. Oil lamps hung on the walls illuminate the contents in flickering yellow-orange light. There are stone tables littered with armour and weapons of various shapes and sizes, weapon racks with polearms and rows of staves and standard swords and shortswords, and a few armouries with padded and leather armour, with the occasional piece of splint.\n\nNothing in the warehouse is of great quality, but you do find a few pieces of studded leather that fit comfortably. After a few minutes of testing swing and weight, you decide upon a longsword but despite hunting through the gear you don't manage to find a bow of any kind.\n\n''You leave the warehouse eager to try out your new sword with a target, and wander over to the training dummies. The female guard sees you approaching, and asks if you'd like to [[spar with her]].''\n\n<<if not $watchSparring>>\n''You leave the warehouse and decide to [[watch the sparring guards]] a while.''<<endif>>\n<<portrait "*">><<map -560 -30>>

He is taller than you, and wears long, black hooded robes that cast his face in shadow and hide his feet from view. The robes are made from heavy cloth and patterned with stars along the hems. \n\n"Please, allow me," he says and his voice is gentle and persuasive. \n\nYou fall back a step. The man slides into the space you leave, and from there pushes to the front of the stall, where he clears a space large enough for you to move forward.\n\n"Thank you," You mumble. You feel his eyes looking over your, see them sparkle from beneath his hood as his head shifts and catches the light.\n\n"You are new here," he states. "May I celebrate your arrival to our lovely little city by buying you one of these delicious sweetrolls?"\n\nHis mannerisms are foreign to you. You suspect that while his offer to buy you food is genuine, the offer is wrapped in sarcasm. \n\n''You're not sure you're comfortable with being in this stranger's debt, and politely decline. You'll [[pay for your own food|pay]].''\n\n''Although he puts you slightly on edge, your coin purse is somewhat scant, and you [[accept the man's offer]].''\n<<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">><<map -400 -350>>

You spend a while browsing the various stalls of the marketplace, taking in the strange scents and sights, until the sun has sunk considerably lower and has vanished beneath the city walls. As the stalls close for the evening, the buildings surrounding the circle become more apparent; one, you notice, is a tavern called Veti's Inn. You wander closer to one of the windows that spills its orange glow out onto the street. Inside you see clusters of tables, friends laughing, the shimmering haze of fireplaces; strangers in corners, silhouetted conversations. The tavern door opens and a lilting melody carries to your ears. Though you have never been in the company of so many people at one time, the place looks welcoming and fills you with intrigue. \n\nYou step away from the window and notice the large board standing at the edge of the pavement. The Adventurers Wanted poster is nailed several times to the board and scraps of torn parchment cling to empty nails. At the center of the board, a larger parchment catches your attention, detailing the schedule for Guard Recruit meetings that take place in Veti's Inn behind you.\n\n<<if not $visitedGT>>''The day is drawing on. With intrigue guiding your path, you find yourself walking to the [[Guard Tower]] to seal your fate.''<<endif>><<if ($visitedGT) and (not $visitedBarracks) >>''There's more of the city to explore, but you are weary and your head is swimming with everything new you've encountered. You head for the [[barracks]].''<<endif>><<if $visitedBarracks>>''You have little else to do, and so decide to plunge head-first into a room full of strangers. You enter [[Veti's Inn]].''<<endif>>\n\n<<portrait "*">><<map -500 -320>>

Malarn leads you to Sulindal Park and then heads himself to Thornapple Grove. The park is as he described; quiet, tranquil even - flowerbeds and topiaries surround a large marble statue of Sulindal, the high elf priestess. The statue has no plaque, you notice with dismay, and make a note to ask someone of Sulindal's history.\n\nYou wander around the statue, and on the far side, the stonework is scuffed and smeared with fragments of dirt and greenish fungus. You follow the trails and find a concealed hole in the ground behind some shrubbery, with a rough rope ladder leading down. \n\nHesitant to descend alone, you wait for Malarn to return before taking further action. When he does, you show him the hole and the scattered fungus on the ground.\n\n"I found much the same at Thornapple Grove," Malarn informs you. "Shall we descend?"\n\n"It seems our only course of action," you reply, and climb down the ladder [[into the darkness|gardens2]].\n<<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">><<map -490 -670>>

<<set $helpGuardDenight = true>>Not entirely thrilled by the prospect of shadowing Malarn and his peculiar mannerisms, you decide to accompany Guard Denight and look into this theft.\n\n"I shall help Guard Denight," you reply. You glance over at the guard nearby; his cheeks flush and he quickly looks down.\n\n"Very well," Guard Tiat makes a note on the parchment. "Guard Denight knows the details; he'll take it from here. If there's anything else you need, recruits, I'll be here a while. The rest of you can continue with your scheduled routines and report any problems at the Barracks or Guard Tower."\n\nThe group begins to disperse. Addie has engaged Guard Denight in a conversation about the Corrals, and Guard Tiat sits back down at his table. \n\n''Guard Tiat glances over at you briefly, and you fancy you see a hint of concern trace his features. You pick up your <<print $wine>> and approach the Guard - perhaps he will share [[what's on his mind|guard tiat's mind]].''\n\n''You have some questions, but you're sure Guard Denight can answer them. You [[approach Guard Denight to ask about the theft|helping Denight]].''\n<<portrait "*">><<map -530 -280>>

You walk with the female guard into the center of the arena. The other two guards, seeing a newcomer about to begin sparring, move of to the side to observe.\n\nThe female guard is a head taller than you, but she wears chainmail armour and her frame is bulky. Unencumbered, your movements are much quicker and you are easily able to dodge and parry her blows. You hold the longsword comfortably in your right hand, and let the guard test your defenses as you familiarise yourself with her pattern of attack. Her movements are routine, rehearsed through her training - yours are developed through skill [[in the field]].\n\nWhen you feel ready, you begin counterattacking. You easily slip your blade through her parry and strike the flat of the sword against her arm, and again against her waist. Suprisingly though, the guard then lunges forwards, using her weight over yours and pushing your sword back, metal on metal ringing loudly in your ears. Not having the strength to push back, you roll away deftly beneath her sword arm and slap the flat of your sword against your opponent's thigh and waist in quick succession. You hear the onlooking guards muttering approval at your reflexes.\n\nThe female guard drops her sword and holds her hands up. \n\n"Solid hits," she says. "You're good. New here?"\n\n"Yes.", you say, sliding your sword into the scabbard at your waist. "My name is <<print $name>>. I arrived today, from Telrain to the east."\n\n"Ahh," she nods. "You've seen combat, then."\n\n"Some. I was a hunter in our settlement."\n\n"Look forward to working with you," she says, scooping up the sword and returning to the training dummy. \n\n<<if not $visitedMarket>>\n''You're still hungry - moreso after sparring - and decide to head to the market for [[a snack]].''<<endif>><<if $visitedMarket>>''You are weary, but your kind only need a few hours rest for each cycle of the sun. You wash up and take your rest, and plan to wander over to [[Veti's Inn]] later in the evening.''<<endif>>\n\n<<portrait "*">><<map -560 -30>>

<<set $helpMalarn = true>>Intrigued by the shadowy Malarn and his peculiar mannerisms, you decide to accompany the mage and look into the reports of cult activity in the Sigil District.\n\n"I shall help Malarn," you reply. You glance over at the mage; he seems focussed on his glass of liquor, ignorant of anything around him and showing no care or even acknowledgement that he is being spoken of.\n\n"Very well," Guard Tiat makes a note on the parchment. "Malarn knows the details; he'll take it from here. If there's anything else you need, recruits, I'll be here a while. The rest of you can continue with your scheduled routines and report any problems at the Barracks or Guard Tower."\n\nThe group begins to disperse. Addie engages Guard Denight in a conversation about the Corrals, and Guard Tiat sits back down at his table. Malarn extends the finger of one gloved hand and traces the rim of his glass nonchalantly.\n\n''You see Guard Tiat glancing over at you briefly, then at Malarn, and then back to his parchment with a scowl. You pick up your <<print $wine>> and approach the Guard - perhaps he will share [[what's on his mind|guard tiat's mind]].''\n\n''You have some questions but you're sure Malarn can answer them. You [[approach the mage|helping Malarn]] to discuss the task.''\n<<portrait "*">><<map -530 -280>>

<html><div style="margin:auto;width:600px;text-align:center;">\n<img src="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/AmberSmall.jpg"><br/>\nDistilled on the sun-rich slopes of the Ceresschian mountains, <br/>\nthis golden-amber wine has dry,woodsy overtones and a slight nutty taste.\n</div></html>\n\n<html><div style="margin:auto;width:600px;text-align:center;">\n<img src="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/FirewineSmall.jpg"><br/>\nA crimson liquor magically distilled from the warmest summer sunshine <br/>\nand plump summer fruits found only in the southern elven kingdom of Eldruyn. <br/>\nThe liquor is flecked with shimmering flakes of gold and has a heavy sweet, spiced flavour.</div>\n</html>\n\n[[back|Veti's Inn]]\n\n<<portrait "*">><<map -530 -280>>

<<if not $leaveMalarn>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">>You climb the tower until you find the ground-level exit. There's nothing else of note inside. The sun stings your eyes briefly as you step into the daylight from the murky tower confines, and you quickly shield your eyes and look down at your shadow.\n\nMalarn steps onto the cobbled road beside you and closes the tower door. \n\n"I shall pass the book to the Guard when we are done," he says, and turns to leave. He pauses, and turns back, tome clutched protectively to his chest. "Perhaps I shall see you at Veti's Inn later on?"\n\nYou shrug. "I do not know what the rest of my day will hold."\n\n"Mm," he grunts and stalks off towards Crow's Peak. \n\nYou roll your eyes with a sigh, and head back to the barracks to [[report to Guard Tiat]].<<endif>><<if $leaveMalarn and (not $valiel)>><<portrait "*">>You climb the tower until you find the ground-level exit. There's nothing else of note inside. The sun stings your eyes briefly as you step into the daylight from the murky tower confines. You quickly shield your eyes and look down at your shadow while your eyes adjust, and then head off back to the barracks to [[report to Guard Tiat]]. <<endif>><<if $valiel>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/Valiel.jpg">>You climb the tower until you find the ground-level exit; you carry the Dweorg easily between you. The sun stings your eyes briefly as you step into the daylight from the murky tower confines. You quickly shield your eyes and look down at your shadow while your eyes adjust.\n\n<<if not $captureDweorg>>"A good morning's work, I'd say," Valiel says happily as you walk together to the barracks to [[report to Guard Tiat]]<<endif>>\n\n<<if $captureDweorg>> Can you manage this one to the Barracks?" Valiel asks. "I'll pick up the other from the Guard Tower and follow you there."\n\nYou nod, hoisting the burly Dweorg over your shoulders. He is heavy, but you are deceptively strong despite your slender appearance. "I can manage. I shall see you at the barracks."\n\nValiel walks briskly off towards the Guard Tower and you turn to the north and make your way to the Barracks to [[report to Guard Tiat]]. <<endif>> <<endif>> <<map -530 -280>>\n<<map -860 -450>>

<<portrait "*">>\n"So you were after this guy too?" Denight asks Valiel as you walk back to the barracks.\n\n"Yep. Just took down some Dweorg who were setting up a cult in caves underneath the Sigil District. They were praying to one of the old deities - some god of caverns. The Dweorg fronting the whole thing - the priest - had a few tomes on him; when we took him in for questioning, he confessed that they were stolen. Which eventually led me to this guy," She nudges Sayf. "How about you?"\n\n"Theft of the very same tomes," you explain. "Stolen from a professor in the Garden District. Three tomes and some scrolls of research on the deities of the Old Pantheon."\n\n"Hmm, we didn't find any scrolls," Valiel thinks. "Might have to chase those up. Cultists are not the kind of people you want to have lying around as loose ends."\n\nYou escort the thief back to the barracks and secure him in a cell next to Essban, who suffers a withering glare from Sayf as the heavy barred door locks upon him.\n\n<<map -610 -80>>

<<set $captureDweorg = true>><<if not $leaveMalarn>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">>You creep through the cavern entrance. Malarn lingers behind you, and you hear him whispering something under his breath. Now that you're closer, you can see a little more of the scene; buckets of pig's blood have been poured into a natural pool in the cavern floor around which the three stout figures sit. You see their ashen skin, stubby features - these are Dweorg; the shale-dwarves. Each Dweorg holds a cluster of dried herbs and as they chant, they flick their bushels towards the pond. \n\nYou're wondering how to proceed - attack blindly? Call them out? - when Malarn makes the decision for you; a bolt of searing flame tears through the air with a roar, impacting the left-most Dweorg and blasting it back with the blow, crashing him into the rear wall in a tangled, flaming heap. \n\nThe cavern bursts into activity - screams from the burning shale-dwarf, cries of battle from the two nearest to you. Weapons being drawn, orange firelight dancing around the cavern. Your blade draws quickly from its sheath and you hold it before you, circling the two Dweorg that advance - one holding a hefty cudgel, the other snatching up a long stave from the ground and jabbing it towards you.\n\nYou dance back, and another bolt of fire sears over your shoulder; you feel warm air brushing over your skin as the bolt flies wide and slams into the wall behind the Dweorg.\n\n"Oops!" You hear Malarn calling behind you. He almost sounds as if he's having fun, you note with a scowl while you dance in circles with the attacking Dweorg, parrying and blocking while you wait for an opening to attack.\n\nThe dweorg with the cudgel leaps at you and you deftly roll aside, swiping your blade around you in an arc as you land in a crouch. The point of your blade nicks the Dweorg in the heels and it staggers a few steps before falling, the cudgel bouncing away. The second Dweorg's staff finds your shoulder and knocks you to the side; you recover quickly, ignoring the sting in your shoulder and slashing three quick attacks that force the Dweorg backwards. It trips into the shallow pool and you seize the opportunity, stabbing the point of your sword hard into the Dweorg's chest and pulling out again to slice a deadly wound across its throat. It gurgles and falls limp into the pool of pig's blood. \n\nYou look around quickly. The burning Dweorg at the back has fallen still. That which you crippled is trying to find its feet again, struggling with the pain of two slashed ankles. You hop over to it and bring the point of your sword beneath its chin.\n\n"Wait!" it cries and holds its hands up. "W-wait! No kill!"\n\n"You surrender?" You ask it.\n\n"Yes! No kill!"\n\nMalarn joins you. "Taking prisoners, are we?"\n\n"It may know something of use." You slowly draw your blade away and the Dweorg slouches back.\n\n"Yes, know something," it struggles with broken Common. "Ask, will tell."\n\n"What are you doing here?" You motion with your sword around the cavern.\n\n"Pray to Tharg'Calan."\n\n"The god of caverns," Malarn muses. "What on earth for?"\n\n"Ch'Taliel asks it!" The Dweorg says quickly. "Ch'Taliel commands us from M - Man-Da-Fall" it enunciates each syllable carefully.\n\n"And what do the Murkalfar have to do with this?" You bring your sword back to the Dweorg again, emphasising the importance of this question.\n\n"Ch'Taliel not tell. I swear, Ch'Taliel not tell!"\n\nYou sigh, and rub at your stinging shoulder. "Fine. I guess we can take this one back to the barracks and consult with Guard Tiat on dealing with this Ch'Taliel, or we can go directly to Mandafall."\n\n"The barracks?" Malarn scoffs. "I propose we take it to Crow's Peak. Let it feel the sting of a psionicist poking around in its black little brain."<<endif>><<if $leaveMalarn and (not $valiel)>><<portrait "*">>You carefully draw your sword and creep through the cavern entrance. Now that you're closer, you can see a little more of the scene; buckets of pig's blood have been pourn into a natural pool in the cavern floor around which the three Dweorg sit. Each Dweorg holds a cluster of dried herbs and as they chant, they flick their bushels towards the pond. \n\nYou're wondering how to proceed - attack blindly? Call them out? You weigh up the situation in your mind. They are thieves, of that much you can be sure - and they are very obviously chanting, perhaps even in the middle of a ritual. The fact that they have stolen their components tells you that they are doing something nefarious, and they are hidden away underground, unseen - a definite sign of malfeasance. Your conscience appeased, you decide to attack.\n\nYou sneak as close as you can to the three chanting Dweorg. They are enraptured with their words and are oblivious to your approach; you manage to get a hair's breadth away from the leftmost shale-dwarf. None of them are wearing armour, you notice - which works superbly in your favour. You crouch down behind the Dweorg and slowly wrap your sword arm through the air around it until your blade is level with the dwarf's throat. You ready yourself; as soon as you do this, they will be alerted. You pull back, quickly and solidly, and the sharp of your blade cuts through flesh and sinew and the dwarf clutches at his throat, gurgling, toppling over, falling still.\n\nThe two remaining dwarves stand quickly, see their fallen comrade and you standing from your crouch, blood dripping from your sword. They scream, yell, burst into a flurry of activity. One snatches up a cudgel from the ground beside him and the other plucks up a staff that was resting nearby. They advance, and you circle them on dextrous feet. They are shorter and far stockier than you, and though they move with solidity and strength, they lack your agility. You lead the Dweorg in circles, parrying and blocking while you wait for an opening to attack.\n\nThe dweorg with the cudgel leaps at you and you deftly roll aside, swiping your blade around you in an arc as you land in a crouch. The point of your blade nicks the Dweorg in the heels and it staggers a few steps before falling, the cudgel bouncing away. The second Dweorg's staff finds your shoulder and knocks you to the side; you recover quickly, ignoring the sting in your shoulder and slashing three quick attacks that force the Dweorg backwards. It trips into the shallow pool and you seize the opportunity, stabbing the point of your sword hard into the Dweorg's chest and pulling out again to slice a deadly wound across its throat. It gurgles and falls limp into the pool of pig's blood. \n\nYou look around quickly. The Dweorg that you crippled is trying to find its feet again, struggling with the pain of two slashed ankles. You hop over to it and bring the point of your sword beneath its chin.\n\n"Wait!" it cries and holds its hands up. "W-wait! No kill!"\n\n"You surrender?" You ask it.\n\n"Yes! No kill!"\n\n"Why not - do you know something of use?"\n\n"Yes, know something," it struggles with broken Common. "Ask, will tell."\n\n"What are you doing here?" You motion with your sword around the cavern.\n\n"Pray to Tharg'Calan! Cuh - Caverns!" The Dweorg stutters. "God of caverns!"\n\n"Why do you pray to this Tharg'Calan?"\n\n"Ch'Taliel asks it!" The Dweorg says quickly. "Ch'Taliel commands us from M - Man-Da-Fall" it enunciates each syllable carefully.\n\n"And what do the Murkalfar have to do with this?" You bring your sword back to the Dweorg again, emphasising the importance of this question.\n\n"Ch'Taliel not tell. I swear, Ch'Taliel not tell!"\n\nYou sigh, and rub at your stinging shoulder. "Fine. You're coming with me."<<endif>><<if $leaveMalarn and $valiel>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/Valiel.jpg">>You creep through the cavern entrance behind Valiel's silent form. Now that you're closer, you can see a little more of the scene; buckets of pig's blood have been pourn into a natural pool in the cavern floor around which the three Dweorg sit. Each Dweorg holds a cluster of dried herbs and as they chant, they flick their bushels towards the pond. \n\n"I propose we kill two, and try to take a third as prisoner," Valiel lingers at the cavern mouth with you. She sees your frown, and curls a wry smile. "They are practicing something that they feel is best conducted in secret cavern and with stolen ingredients. Your conscience can remain clear - as most Dweorg are, I've no doubt these are evil, conniving little bastards."\n\n"Very well," you whisper. "You take the left, I'll take the right?"\n\n"Sounds good to me."\n\nValiel slinks off around the cavern to the left, and you skirt the wall to your right. They are enraptured with their words and are oblivious to your approach; you manage to get a hair's breadth away from the right-most shale-dwarf. None of them are wearing armour, you notice - which works superbly in your favour. You crouch down behind the Dweorg and slowly wrap your sword arm through the air around it until your blade is level with the dwarf's throat. You ready yourself; as soon as you do this, they will be alerted. You glance across at Valiel opposite you - her dagger is similarly poised. \n\nYou pull back, quickly and solidly, and the sharp of your blade cuts through flesh and sinew as Valiel executes her mark in tandem. The shale-dwarves clutch at their throats and topple over, their stubby grey fingers grasping at the dirt as their last breath gurgles away. The remaining dwarf stands, hands up in submission, his wide eyes flicking between Valiel and yourself.\n\n"Wait!" it cries. "W-wait! No kill!"\n\n"You surrender?" Valiel's sly voice purrs.\n\n"Yes! No kill!"\n\n"Why not - do you know something of use?" She spins the sodden dagger in her palm, sending droplets of his companion's blood splattering up the shale-dwarf's robes. \n\n"Yes, know something," it struggles with broken Common. "Ask, will tell."\n\n"What are you doing here?" You motion with your sword around the cavern.\n\n"Pray to Tharg'Calan!" The Dweorg answers quickly.\n\n"Tharg'Calan..." Valiel thinks. "One of the older pantheon deities. God of Caverns? Curious."\n\n"Why do you pray to this Tharg'Calan?" You ask.\n\n"Ch'Taliel asks it!" The Dweorg replies. "Ch'Taliel commands us from M - Man-Da-Fall" it enunciates each syllable carefully.\n\n"And what do the Murkalfar have to do with this?" You bring your sword around to the Dweorg's throat and press the point gently into the dwarf's grey skin, emphasising the importance of this question.\n\n"Ch'Taliel not tell. I swear, Ch'Taliel not tell!" He pleads.\n\nYou sigh, and sheathe your sword. "Fine. You're coming with us."<<endif>>\n\n''You decide to [[Visit Mandafall]] - you dislike leaving loose ends.''\n''You'll [[return to the barracks|report to Guard Tiat]] with the captured Dweorg.''\n<<if not $leaveMalarn>>''You'll [[take the captured Dweorg to Crow's Peak|Crow's Peak]] - perhaps a psionicist will find more information.''<<endif>>\n<<map -670 -650>>

<<set $dontTell = true>>You briefly consider telling the man why you came, but decide that your business is your own.\n\n"I have not yet decided," you reply.\n\n"Well, then. May the moon light your path. If you find yourself staying a while, we may run into each other again."\n\nThe man clenches his hands at his chest and bows solemnly forwards. A slip of long, dark hair loosens itself from the confines of his hood and drifts free. Before you can answer, he turns, and is lost to the crowd.\n\nWith a sated hunger and quenched thirst, it's time to move ahead with your day.\n\n''Enticed by the novelty of your surroundings and the jovial atmosphere of the marketplace, you decide to [[look around a little more|look around]].''\n\n<<if not $visitedGT>>''You feel strength returning to your weary limbs and bolstering your courage. You head to the [[Guard Tower]].''<<endif>><<if ($visitedGT) and (not $visitedBarracks) >>''There's more of the city to explore, but you are weary and your head is swimming with everything new you've encountered. You head for the [[barracks]].''<<endif>>\n<<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">><<map -400 -350>>

<<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/Valiel.jpg">>"I don't much like the thought of walzing in to an alehouse filled with thieves and robbers," Guard Denight shudders. "Let's wait for nightfall and check out Drummond's Rest."\n\nYou divide your time between training, and reading up on Oakcrest Lore, until the sun begins to set. You meet Guard Denight at the barrack's front gates for the second time today.\n\n"Lead on!" You smile encouragingly, and set off at the Guard's side to the Trade District. It's a brief walk; you head west of the barracks to the main northern road through the city and immediately spot Drummond's Rest flanking the roadside opposite, with the Laughing Dagger alehouse a little further south.\n\nThe main road is fairly busy with traders heading home for the evening, but the park itself is quiet. You head inside, noting four statues erected at each corner and a tranquil, ornate water feature at the center. \n\n"Oakcrest guards, skulking about a quiet park after moonrise?" A sly female voice purrs behind you. You both turn around, and your hand instinctively finds the hilt of your sword. \n\n"Hold there," the figure quickly says; "I'm Valiel. Don't think you'll know me; I'm a scout, do mercenary work for the guard now and then."\n\n"Valiel," Guard Denight nods - "I've heard your name, but we've never met."\n\nValiel pulls her hood down. She's a tall, slender woman with coppery skin and long golden hair that hangs in braids around her shoulders. Her eyes are almond-shaped and wider than yours with dark amber pupils, and her ears, though also pointed, taper further to their tips than your own.\n\n"Teitr Maeta!" - 'Merry Meet', you say in your elven tongue to the woman who stands before you. Your spirits lift. She steps forwards and embraces you warmly; the traditional greeting among elves.\n\n"... Do you know each other?" Guard Denight asks, surprised.\n\n"No," you explain; "Valiel is Ljosalfar, a sun elf. I am Eikalfar, a woodland elf. Our spirits are entwined."\n\n"Right..." Guard Denight nods, glancing between you both with a curious expression.\n\n"So what brings Guard business to this quiet corner?" Valiel asks. \n\n"We're looking for someone connected with a theft," Denight blurts, and then composes himself. "Uh, we have information that a thief might be found at this spot at this time of evening."\n\n"Funny - same reason I'm here," Valiel replies. "Let's find a quiet corner and lurk a while, shall we?"\n\nYou follow Valiel through to the rear corner of the park and hover in the shadow of the tall hedge that flanks the area. Not long after you're in position, a small group of men amble idly through the park gate, hands stuffed into their pockets, faces obscured by hoods.\n\n"Looks like that's our target," Valiel whispers. "That one in the middle? That's Sayf. That the guy you're after?"\n\n"Yes," You reply. "You too? This is curious."\n\n"Indeed. We can share stories when we've got him safe, though. Ready for a fight?"\n\nYou rest your hand on the hilt of your sword and nod, as does Denight. Valiel steps from the shadows and in a fluid movement, draws two daggers from her hips and twirls them in her palms. The men react immediately, some drawing weapons, some raising their fists as they spread out and flank you.\n\nOne of the men comes at you with his fists flailing; he's heavy-set and slow and you duck and roll aside. You slide your sword from its sheath and counter his next unarmed swipe with a stinging slap of your blade to his cheek. He growls and charges you with his arms wide; you duck again, easily, and slash your sword along his waist. A scarlett rivulet seeps through his shirt and pools across the fabric. He staggers back into the hedgerow and runs for the park gate.\n\nYou turn your attention back to the fray. Guard Denight is parrying in a swordfight and Valiel has downed one thug and is circling with the other around a statue. \n\n"Come here, you little -!" She snatches at the man but he ducks back from her reach - and bumps into you. You react quickly - your sword is still in-hand and you bring it up to press the sharp of the blade against his throat.\n\n"Atem!" The man in your grasp calls to the man fighting Denight. "Leave it."\n\nAtem glances over, sees the situation, and lowers his sword. With a flick of Sayf's head, he turns and runs from the park.\n\n"Sayf, isn't it? About time we met." Valiel walks towards you and sheathes her daggers, nodding at you to let your captive go. You lower your sword, and Valiel pushes the man face-first into the statue and clamps his wrists in irons.\n\nThe man sighs. "Yep, that's me."\n\n''You [[escort the thief back to the barracks|Escort thief to barracks]] with Guard Denight and Valiel.''<<map -320 -30>>

"Thank you all for attending," Guard Tiat looks around the group, tapping the edge of the parchment gently on the table. "As existing guards will note, we have some new faces with us - Addie Blackwell, Gregory Nyss, Firiel Dawnsong, <<print $name>>." The guard nods his head at each in turn, his pale eyes hovering on you a moment longer before he clears his throat and continues.\n\n"Guard Kaem and her scouting party left several weeks ago for Charn. We still have no word from them, but Captain Roth is confident that we'll hear something soon. Meanwhile, Guard presence in the city has been slightly diminished as a result - something that can now be semi-rectified with the arrival of our new recruits. To ease you in to active duty I'll be pairing each new guard with an adept. Nyss, I understand you're recovering from a leg injury - you can assist Guard Issam at the Barracks until you are healed. Dawnsong, as your sister Aleris is already with us, you can accompany her on her rounds at the Temple District. Blackwell - your family keep a stables? Guard Veszis could use your expertise at Shel's Corral. That leaves you, <<print $name>>. Since Malarn has chosen to grace us with his esteemed presence," Guard Tiat pauses to cast Malarn a sidelong glare, "You have a choice. You can [[help Malarn investigate reports of cult activity in the Sigil District|cult activity]], or you can [[accompany Guard Denight to look into a theft at the Garden District|garden district patrol]].''\n\n<<portrait "*">><<map -530 -280>>

<<set $visitGardens2 = true>>You find yourselves in a dark, narrow passage with several routes available. To your immediate left, a short tunnel leads in the direction of Thornapple Grove. Slightly wider passages lead to the north and the north-east.\n\nYour elven eyes adjust quickly to the darkness and you can see a fair way ahead of you, even though the daylight falling through the hole is scant. Malarn, however, will not be as fortunate.\n\n"Do you need light?" You ask the mage.\n\n"It would be wise, I think. One moment."\n\nThe mage scrambles up the rope ladder, and you hear a rustling of leaves and a snap of wood. When Malarn descends again, he is holding a stubby branch. \n\n"Hold this a moment, would you?" He passes the branch to you, and with his hands free, opens the pouch at his hip and pulls forth a ream of bandages, which he proceeds to wrap around one end of the branch as you hold it steady.\n\n"You have flint?" You ask.\n\nMalarn chuckles. "Of course not, silly elf."\n\nThe mage mutters beneath his breath in a language you do not understand, weaving patterns with his hands through the air around the makeshift torch. You close your eyes to shield them, just as the torch flickers to life. Malarn takes it from you; you turn away, and open your eyes again when you are facing into the darkness.\n\n"Perfect," Malarn says behind you. "Onwards!"\n\nTo the [[north|hidden passage]]\nTo the [[north east|central cavern]]\n<<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">><<map -490 -670>>

<<portrait "*">><<set $visitAristo = true>>The Professor gives you directions to Lady Faruz' house - she lives on the other side of the central gardens and you make your way there immediately. Her house is just as grand as the professors, nestled behind a neat wall of topiaries and flowerbeds.\n\nYou are shown inside, and Lady Faruz meets you at the foyer.\n\n"You're here about the Professor's theft?" She wafts towards you, the skirt of her gown sashaying about her ankles. She's a tall, aging woman with grey-blonde hair piled atop her head and an array of gemstones adorning her neck, fingers, wrists. "Shocking news," she tuts. "But I don't see how I can be of any help?"\n\n"We'd just like to ask a few questions," Guard Denight assures her. "We're talking to anyone we can. How long have you known the Professor, Lady Faruz?"\n\n"Oh, close to a year now, I imagine... We met at a fundraiser, you know - over in the Temple District, very high-class affair, raising money for the orphanage." She plays with her earrings as she answers.\n\n"And it was you who introduced him to his new Churl, Essban?"\n\n"Lovely boy," She replies. "Such a shame about his father passing away so suddenly."\n\n<<if $visitChurl>>"His father? Essban said it was his previous employer," glance at Guard Denight and back at the woman, watching her reaction closely.\n\n"He did? It doesn't surprise me. They were very close; he doesn't like to talk about it."<<endif>>\n\n"Were you at home the night of the theft?" You ask. \n\n"I was. The Professor was attending his little private Soiree with some old colleagues of his, and I was having a quiet night alone."\n\n"You didn't see anything odd? Hear anything?"\n\n"Nothing," She shakes her head and her jewellery chinks lightly. "The treeline bocks my view of the Professor's house - but no, the Garden District is always quiet in the evenings."\n\n<<if $visitChurl>>''"I don't think there's anything more we need here?" You say. "Guard Denight, perhaps some fresh air in the gardens, and we can talk this through?"\n\n"That sounds like a good plan," Denight curls a small smile. "There's some quiet [[benches at the ponds|convene]]."''<<else>>''"Well - I don't think there's anything more we need here?" You say. "Shall we go back and [[question Essben"|Question the churl]]?" You offer. "Perhaps he can tell us more."'' <<endif>><<map -750 -250>>

<<portrait "*">><<if not $tiatsMind>><<if $ignore or $shunned>> You wait for Addie and Guard Denight to tie up their conversation and then ask about the Garden District theft.<<else>> You sit quietly at your table until Addie and Guard Denight tie up their conversation, and then approach the guard to ask about the theft.<<endif>><<endif>>\n\n<<if $tiatsMind>><<if $ignore or $shunned>> You return to your table and wait for Addie and Guard Denight to tie up their conversation, and then ask the guard about the theft.<<else>> By the time you're done talking with Guard Tiat, Addie and Guard Denight have tied up their conversation. You approach the guard to ask about the theft.<<endif>><<endif>>\n\nGuard Denight greets you with a nervous smile. "Shall we walk back to the barracks?" He asks. "I know you elves don't sleep - is that right? - but I'm pretty beat, and we'll be up early tomorrow."\n\n"Of course!" You nod. "And yes - that is correct. We need but a few hours' rest for each cycle of the sun."\n\nYou follow the guard through the door of the inn and set off through the brisk night air towards the barracks. Guard Denight hugs his arms, but you are unphased by the chill.\n\n"Yeesh. And you live for centuries? How do you fill the time?" He shakes his head.\n\nYou smile. "That depends from elf to elf. Personally, I train my combat skills, or read. I sourced three large volumes on the history of Oakcrest earlier this evening - I hope to fill any spare time I have learning about the city."\n\n"Ah yes," he replies. "Never met an elf who wasn't wise."\n\n"Not all of us use our time wisely," you say, and then decide that that's a conversation for another day. "Tell me about this burglary?"\n\n"Well, the Garden District, even though the barracks are here, houses the uh... socially elite of the city. The rich people, the posh people. The ones who can afford big houses on their own plots surrounded by pretty trees. The guy who got robbed is some old professor. It's odd, the only things stolen were some tomes and parchments."\n\n"What were the subject of these books?" You ask.\n\n"I don't know - haven't seen the full report. I guess we'll find out tomorrow."\n\n"I shall likely be up already when you rise," You say. "Shall we meet at the barrack gates?"\n\n"Ah, of course," Guard Denight nods. "I'll see you at the gate at nine of the hour, and we can [[pay the professor a visit|visit the professor]].\n\n<<map -610 -80>>

You enter the barrack dormatories; a long, narrow building with small beds on one side and washrooms on the other. The beds are divided by thin wicker panels that stretch from floor to celing, creating semi-private booths, each with a bed or bunk bed and a small cabinet within. The washrooms are more private; two large rooms with basins and stalls.\n\nA woman sees you lingering at the doorway and approaches with a smile. She is tall, a human, with long brown hair plaited behind her head and wide blue eyes. She wears cotton breeches, boots, and an old leather tunic.\n\n"Hello!" She greets you cheerfully. "You must be new, you look a little lost! I'm Addie. I just joined too, a few days back."\n\n"Well met," you reply. "I am <<print $name>>." You look beyond the woman, around the dorm. "Is there a bed free?"\n\n"Sure," Addie replies, smiling. "Not many recruits stay here; some lodge at the inns, some rent their own rooms around the city."\n\nAddie shows you to an empty booth and you set your pack down on the bed.\n\n"I'm just next door," she says, tapping on the wicker wall. "Guard Denight - you just met him outside? - he stays here too. He's just had a run of bad luck," Addie's smile vanishes for the first time, her brows cast into a solemn plunge. "And lost his home, so he's staying here until he picks himself up again. He's nice though," She's smiling again. "He's very quiet, you won't hear a peep from him."\n\n''You can hear the clang of steal and grunts of combat drifting across the courtyard. You decide to head over to the [[training area]] while there's some daylight remaining.''\n\n<<if not $visitedMarket>>\n''You're still hungry, and now that you've got registration out of the way, you decide to investigate [[the market|a snack]].''<<endif>><<if $visitedMarket>>''You are weary, but your kind only need a few hours rest for each cycle of the sun. You wash up and take your rest, and plan to wander over to [[Veti's Inn]] later in the evening.''<<endif>>\n\n<<portrait "*">><<map -540 -20>>

<<set $visitCentral = true>><<if not $leaveMalarn>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">>You tread lightly along the passage. Instinct tells you to move quietly but even if you did, you know Malarn would not be able to accomplish such stealth and would give away your presence. Still, you take the passage slowly and your caution pays off. You hear voices ahead and hold your hand out to steady Malarn just before the light he carries spills its glow around the tunnel's corner and you are revealed.\n\n"Voices ahead," you whisper to the mage. You close your eyes and strain your hearing. "Two or three. I do not recognise the language. I believe they are chanting."\n\n"I assume you can fight?" Malarn mumbles.\n\n"Of course," you frown. "I am deadlier with a bow, but have not been able to procure one since arriving at the city. I am competent with a sword, however." You rap your fingers at the hilt of the sword hanging at your waist.\n\n"Hm, then you will need to fight closely. I do better from afar. I shall try to remind myself not to cast anything that might catch you in its blast," he chuckles wryly. \n\nYou aren't sure if he's joking, and if you're heading into combat you could do without having to worry about friendly fire as well as fighting off your opponents - but you are here now, and will do what you must. \n\nYou creep further along the tunnel, wincing with each step at Malarn's light as it spills itself across the walls and pools over the floor. You are in luck, however; the end of the tunnel opens out into a natural cavern, and the three beings sitting inside have their eyes closed. The walls of the cavern are painted with red lettering and you can make out two words - 'Tharg'Calan' and Murkalfar. You do not know what the first means, but the second sends a chill down your spine. Murkalfar - the dark elves.<<endif>><<if $leaveMalarn and (not $valiel)>><<portrait "*">>You tread lightly along the passage. Instinct tells you to move quietly and so you take the passage slowly and your caution pays off. You hear voices ahead and pause to listen.\n\nYou close your eyes and strain your hearing. There are two or three unique voices; you can't be sure exactly. You do not recognise the language, but they sound as if they are chanting. \n\nYou rap your fingers at the hilt of the sword hanging at your waist, checking its presence. You fleetlingly wish you had taken the time to procure a bow, as you feel more comfortable with the ranged weapon, but you know there is little point dwelling and you will make do with what you have.\n\nYou creep further along the tunnel. The end of the passge opens out into a natural cavern and inside, sitting on the ground, are three dwarven figures with their eyes closed and their arms held aloft. They have dark skin and you regognise them as Dweorg - the shale dwarves.<<endif>><<if $leaveMalarn and $valiel>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/Valiel.jpg">>Valiel creeps quietly along the passage and you tread lightly behind her. You suspect Valiel is capable of moving far more quietly than you can, but you do your best to remain silent. The tunnel slopes downwards and begins to curve, and Valiel holds a hand out to stop you. She points to her ear, and you listen. You hear voices ahead.\n\n"Two or three," Valiel whispers. "They speak the Dweorg tongue. They are chanting."\n\n"Dweorg?" You confirm. "The shale dwarves?"\n\nValiel nods. "That would explain the tunnels. Let's look closer. Is your sword ready?"\n\n"Aye," you confirm.\n\nYou creep further along the tunnel behind Valiel. The end of the tunnel opens out into a natural cavern. You see three Dweorg sitting in the middle; their eyes are closed and they chant in the sharp, gutteral tone of their race. The walls of the cavern are painted with red lettering and you can make out two words - 'Tharg'Calan' and Murkalfar. You do not know what the first means, but the second sends a chill down your spine. Murkalfar - the dark elves.<<endif>>\n\n[[advance into the cavern|the fight]]\n<<map -670 -650>>

<<if $leaveMalarn and (not $valiel)>><<portrait "*">>The passage splits into two. You scout them both quickly; one exits at Sulindal Park, and the other at Thornapple Grove. <<if $visitRayn>>Considering Rayn's information about seeing traces of cavern fungus on the ground around the gardens, it would seem a reasonable leap of logic that there have been pedestrians using these tunnels and exiting at the gardens.<<endif>>\n\nThere's a passage leading to the [[north-east|central cavern]].<<endif>><<if $leaveMalarn and $valiel>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/Valiel.jpg">>\nYou head along the tunnel for a while, and then the passage splits in two before you.\n\n"You take the left," says Valiel. "I'll take the right. Poke your head out, and then meet back here."\n\n"Aye," you say, and Valiel immediately sneaks off along the right-hand passage. Her footfalls are silent. If not for your night-vision, you would not have known she was there. You take the left passage. It is short, and exits into Sulindal Park near the foot of the elven statue. You glance around quickly but no-one is present, and return to the passage branch. Valiel waits for you.\n\n"Thornapple Grove," she says quietly. \n\n"Sulindal Park," you reply.<<if $visitRayn>>"Which connects with the apothecary seeing traces of cavern fungus around the gardens."\n\n"Indeed," Valiel nods. "Seems someone's been using these passages recently."<<endif>>\n"Just one passage to the [[north-east|central cavern]]," Valiel points. "Shall we?"<<endif>><<if not $leaveMalarn>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">>You walk single-file, with Malarn at your back, along the southern passage. After a few minutes, the passage splits in two before you.\n\n"Shall we split up?" You ask Malarn. "You take the left and I'll take the right?"\n\n"Very well," Malarn nods. "I shall meet you back here when you've ascertained where your passage leads."\n\nHe turns to the left-hand passage and you hear his cloak dragging along the dirt floor and wrapping about his ankles. With the torchlight gone you give your eyes a moment to acclimate to the darkness until you can pick out the edges of the walls, and continue along the right-hand passage. It's short, and leads you to the surface in a small grove of short, thorny trees. You descend again after checking that your presence has gone unnoticed and head back to the meeting point.\n\nMalarn returns presently and you shield your eyes from the brief sting of the bright light. \n\n"I'm so sorry," Malarn says, and moves the light away. "I exited at Sulindal Park."\n\nSomething feels rehearsed about his actions and you suspect he knew that the bright light would sting your sensitive eyes. You tuck that suspicion away, though, having more important concerns presently.\n\n"My passage surfaced at a grove." <<if $tiatsMind>>Your eyes narrow briefly as you try to recall placenames from the map Guard Tiat gave you. "Thornapple Grove?"<<endif>><<if $visitRayn>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">>"That would tie in nicely with Rayn's sightings of cavern fungus around the gardens. It would seem that someone has been using these passages of late," Malarn muses.<<endif>>\n\n"Mm, Thornapple Grove. Curious - both of the district's gardens. Well, let us press on."\n\nTake the [[Passage East|central cavern]].<<endif>>\n<<map -490 -670>>

<<portrait "*">>You follow a safe distance behind the Churl, ducking now and then behind the convenient natural cover the Gardens provides. The churl leads you to Lady Faruz' house; you watch him entering the house through a side door.\n\n"Wait here," you say to Denight from your crouch behind a thick hedge. "I'll see if I can hear anything."\n\nGuard Denight nods, and you hop over the bush and duck beneath the house's side window. You edge along the wall until you reach the door that the churl entered the house by, and turn your ear towards the wood.\n\nYou hear voices arguing inside; the Churl's boyish young voice, Lady Faruz' older, dignified drawl. You can't make out the full conversation, but the Churl speaks with a hurried, panicking insistency and the Lady is stern and angered. You catch snippets of the conversation - 'think they know', 'what can we do' - enough to incriminate them.\n\nYou creep back over to Guard Denight.\n\n"They're arguing," you say. "Their conversation was muffled, but I believe the boy is panicking and thinks we suspect, and is asking Lady Faruz for advice on how to proceed.\n\n"Right," Guard Denight stands and pulls his helmet on. "Unfortunately, Lady Faruz has some political protection within the city - we'll have to speak to Guard Tiat before an arrest can be made on her. The Churl, though - he's a different story."\n\nYou wait outside the house until the Churl leaves. When he steps through the house gate, Denight seizes him by the arm and the boy jumps and yells.\n\n"No!" He yells; "No, please! I didn't do anything!"\n\n"You're under arrest on suspicion of conspiring against the law," Guard Denight says proudly. "Me and my friend here are going to accompany you [[to the barracks|custody]]."\n\n<<map -750 -250>>

You walk forwards until you are close to the desk and slide your pack from your shoulders, letting it rest on the floor.\n\n"Name?" The guard asks, quill poised.\n\n"<<print $name>>," you reply. \n\n"<<print $name>>," the guard repeats. "That it?"\n\nYou nod, and the guard scribbles on the parchment.\n\n"Experience? Hunting?"\n\n"Yes. Bow and sword." Your finger finds the edge of the desk and traces the contour of the wood.\n\n"Are you any good?"\n\nYou shrug. "I hunt for food to survive, and I hunt to kill my enemy. I am still alive."\n\nThe guard laughs. "Alright. Family?"\n\nA cloud passes before your eyes. The room darkens, and though the cold does not bother you much, your skin bristles.\n\n"I... I'll just put 'No'," the Guard looks down quickly and scratches a line on the parchment.\n\n"The barracks are on the north side of the city. Follow the outer wall and you'll find them. The equipment stores are there too; take what you need. Here's your weekly stipend," He opens a draw and drops a coinpouch on the table. "New recruits meet at Veti's Inn, the schedule is on the noticeboard outside the Inn. That's just off the market plaza. Guard Tiat will be there to oversee. Questions?"\n\nYou struggle to retain the information. Barracks north, Inn plaza. Guard Tiat. You shake your head.\n\n"Lovely. Welcome to the Oakcrest Guard, recruit! Here are your details; take this up to the barracks and hand it to the duty guard."\n\nHe hands you a slip of parchment. You tuck it safely into your pocket and exit the Guard Tower with your new coin purse and defined sense of purpose. \n\n''You recall the guard's directions and make your way to the [[barracks]].''\n\n<<if not $visitedMarket>>''Still hungry, however, you decide to explore the [[market place|a snack]].''<<endif>>\n<<portrait "*">><<map -800 -350>>

<<set $visitMandafall = true>><<if not $leaveMalarn>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">>You lead the captured Dweorg to the surface through the Splitered Scepter and explain to the Tavernkeep the whereabouts of his missing goods, who thanks you profusely for your help. The Dweorg whines and scrabbles as you escort him into the daylight and you drop him off at the Eastern Guard Tower's holdings while you head to Mandafall tower, directly opposite.\n\nA knock at the door yields no answer, and so you force your way in . The tower feels deserted; everything is covered in dust and cobwebs. As you're standing in the foyer looking around you hear rushed movements below you. Fearing someone might be trying to escape you hurry down the stone stairs with Malarn close behind, and burst into a large, round room.\n\nOld, thin rugs lay scattered across the floor and crooked paintings in dusty wooden frames hang from the walls. A heavy bookshelf stretches from floor to ceiling and at its side, a stone-topped table holds a variety of tomes. A Dweorg stands frozen in the middle of the room, half way between the table and another doorway. He wears ornate flowing robes and a circlet arond his bald head inset with a solitary red gemstone.\n\n"What on earth - " the Dweorg starts as he turns to you, and then lifts his hands and begins casting. You quickly search the room for cover but there is none, and so succumb to your instinct and lunge forwards, slamming your elbow into the Dweorg's face. He stumbles across the room and you draw your sword. You hear Malarn casting behind you. The Dweorg recovers and snatches a jewelled dagger from the bookshelf, waving it in the air in front of you. You parry the attacks easily, but the Dweorg is casting again and you can't get past that snick-snacking dagger to interrupt him. \n\nThe Dweorg yells across the room just as Malarn finishes casting. Both spells hit each other head-on and the impact sends the three of you slamming into the walls. You crumble to the ground and roll to your knees, struggling to catch your breath. Malarn has fallen back into the stairs and you see him struggling to untangle himself from his robes. Your throat burns as you gasp smoky air; your eyes are watering again. You realise your sword is no longer in your hand and feel about for it - fortunately it is nearby and your fingers close around the hilt and bring the blade up in front of you just as the Dweorg leaps through the air with his dagger pointing down at you. Your blades collide and you summon your strengh and stand, knocking the Dweorg back with your left arm and plunging your sword into his chest with your right. He blinks up at you with startled black eyes, and then falls limp and slides away from your blade.\n\n"Well, that's that," Malarn coughs and stumbles into the room. He walks to the desk and flips to the cover of an open book before turning back to the page and reading the text.\n\n"More on Tharg'Calan," his voice is croaky with dust and smoke. "This must have been Ch'Taliel."\n\n"I should report back to the barracks," you say, dusting yourself off.\n\n"Indeed. I'm taking this book to Crow's Peak to show my colleagues. If the Guard wants it, they can have it when I'm done - or you can come with me and wait.<<endif>><<if $leaveMalarn and (not $valiel)>><<portrait "*">>You lead the captured Dweorg to the surface through the Splitered Scepter and explain to the Tavernkeep the whereabouts of his missing goods, who thanks you profusely for your help. The Dweorg whines and scrabbles as you escort him into the daylight and you drop him off at the Eastern Guard Tower's holdings while you head to Mandafall tower, directly opposite.\n\nA knock at the door yields no answer, and so you force your way in . The tower feels deserted; everything is covered in dust and cobwebs. As you're standing in the foyer looking around you hear rushed movements below you. Fearing someone might be trying to escape you hurry down the stone stairs and burst into a large, round room.\n\nOld, thin rugs lay scattered across the floor and crooked paintings in dusty wooden frames hang from the walls. A heavy bookshelf stretches from floor to ceiling and at its side, a stone-topped table holds a variety of tomes. A Dweorg stands frozen in the middle of the room, half way between the table and another doorway. He wears ornate flowing robes and a circlet arond his bald head inset with a solitary red gemstone.\n\n"What on earth - " the Dweorg starts as he turns to you, and then lifts his hands and begins casting. You quickly search the room for cover but there is none, and so succumb to your instinct and lunge forwards, slamming your elbow into the Dweorg's face. He stumbles across the room and you draw your sword. The Dweorg recovers and snatches a jewelled dagger from the bookshelf, waving it in the air in front of you. You parry the attacks easily, but the Dweorg is casting again and you can't get past that snick-snacking dagger to interrupt him. \n\nThe Dweorg throws his finished spell and a ball of force slams into your chest and launches you hard iinto the wall. You crumble to the ground and roll to your knees, struggling to catch your breath. Your throat burns as you gasp dusty air; your eyes are watering. You realise your sword is no longer in your hand and feel about for it - fortunately it is nearby and your fingers close around the hilt and bring the blade up in front of you just as the Dweorg leaps through the air with his dagger pointing down at you. Your blades collide and you summon your strengh and stand, knocking the Dweorg back with your left arm and plunging your sword into his chest with your right. He blinks up at you with startled black eyes, and then falls limp and slides away from your blade.\n\nYou crouch on one knee again and wait for your breath to return. The building is silent - there doesn't appear to be anyone else present. When your breath comes easier, you walk to the desk to look at the tome laying open on the table. You make out the words 'Tharg'Calan', but the rest is in a language you cannot read. This must have been Ch'Taliel. You pick up the book and tuck it under one arm.\n<<endif>><<if $valiel>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/Valiel.jpg">>You lead the captured Dweorg to the surface through the Splitered Scepter and explain to the Tavernkeep the whereabouts of his missing goods, who thanks you profusely for your help. The Dweorg whines and scrabbles as you escort him with Valiel into the daylight and you drop him off at the Eastern Guard Tower's holdings while you head to Mandafall tower, directly opposite.\n\nA knock at the door yields no answer. Valiel pulls a selection of picks from a hidden pocket and probes at the door until it clicks open. The tower feels deserted; everything is covered in dust and cobwebs. As you're standing in the foyer looking around you hear movements below you. Valiel leads you forwards and down a stone staircase to a heavy wooden door at its end.\n\nYou brace as Valiel gently turns the door's handle and nudges the door open a crack. Through the gap you see a large, circular room beyond; old, thin rugs lay scattered across the floor and crooked paintings in dusty wooden frames hang from the walls. \n\nValiel holds up one finger at you and then points into the room. There's one being inside. She then moves her hand towards the ground indicating the figure's size. You nod and indicate that you are ready, wrapping your fingers around the hilt of your sword.\n\nValiel guides the door open and pads silently into the room. You ascend the last stair behind her and peer into the room yourself; a short figure of dwarven stature stands before a stone-topped table, hunched over a heavy tome in concentration. You hover at the doorway as Valiel pads closer and with a silent, deft movement slides a dagger from her hip. Noting the lighting in the room she doesn't step close enough for her shadow to fall over the figure and stops an arm's reach away. She raises her dagger and brings the hilt of it hard intot he figure's temple. The figure slouches; as it falls onto the ground, you see the ashen skin and stubby features. It is a Dweorg - a shale-dwarf - and wears priest regalia.\n\n"Well, that was easy," Valiel slides her dagger away. She peers over the desk and flips to the cover of an open book before returning to the opened page and reading the text.\n\n"Some text about praying to Tharg'Calan," she tells you. "This must be Ch'Taliel."\n\n"We should report back to the barracks," you say.\n\n"Indeed." Valiel scoops up the book and hands it to you, and then binds the unconscious Dweorg's hands and feet together. You carry the Dweorg between you back up to street-level.\n<<endif>>\n''Return to the barracks to [[report your findings|return to barracks]].''\n''<<if not $leaveMalarn>>''Accompany Malarn with the tome to [[Crow's Peak]].''<<endif>>\n<<map -860 -450>>

<<set $wine = "Ustrad Firewine">>Your spirits lift - you are familiar with both of these beverages. "I'll take a small glass of the <<print $wine>>," you reply, smiling.\n\nA figure appears to your side as the barmaid pours your glass of <<print $wine>>. You glance to your side and recognise the black, star-embroidered robes from the marketplace.\n\n[[Ignore the man]]\n[[Greet the man]]\n<<portrait "*">>

You walk across the barracks courtyard towards the sounds of combat, and come to a rough arena with gravel flooring where several training dummies and archery roundels have been set up. One guard tests her sword against one of the dummies, and the other two guards are sparring each other with staves. On the left side of the arena is a small warehouse; through the open doors you see weapon racks and armour on display inside.\n\n''Having only ever tested your combat mettle inside your small settlement, you are unsure how your skills match up to others. You decide to [[watch the sparring guards]] a while and compare their prowess to yours.''\n\n''You left your blade and bow behind at the settlement for others to use. You feel naked without a weapon, though, and decide to see what you can find for yourself in the [[warehouse]].''\n\n<<portrait "*">><<map -560 -30>>

The guard chuckles. "Makes no difference to me either way, as long as you can pick up a sword." \n\n"I hunt," you say, and you know that your stacatto sentences might sound rude.\n\nThe guard eyes you a moment longer, and then smiles warmly. You relax a little. \n\n"[[Just need a few details]]," he says, rubbing at the side of his nose before dipping the tip of the quill in a small pot of ink.\n\n<<portrait "*">><<map -800 -350>>

<<set $visitMandafall = true>><<if not $leaveMalarn>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">>You climb the ladder rungs and push up against the trapdoor. It is not locked or barred, and opens as you press your shoulder against it. You lift it slowly and carefully. The trapdoor exits into a dark, dusty stone room. There appears to be no one present, and so you pull yourself up into the room and stand aside for Malarn to enter behind you. \n\nThe mage scuffs up a cloud of dust as he steps onto the room's stone floor and you both try to stifle your coughs. Eyes watering, you fumble for the room's doorway and quietly push it open. It creaks on old hinges, and you pause, listening for any indication that you have been discovered. You hear nothing, and so continue. The door leads you onto a stone staircase that winds upwards along the tower's outer wall. You take each step carefully until you arrive at another doorway and pause there to listen. You hear movement on the other side and signal to Malarn to be ready. \n\nBracing yourself, you gently turn the door's handle and nudge the door open a crack. You see a large, circular room beyond; old, thin rugs lay scattered across the floor and crooked paintings in dusty wooden frames hang from the walls. A heavy bookshelf stretches from floor to ceiling and at its side, a small figure crouches over a thick, leather-bound tome that rests on a stone-topped table.\n\nYou hold up one finger at Malarn, and then move your hand towards the ground indicating the figure's size. Malarn nods and ushers you forwards; you open the door and step into the room. \n\nThe figure turns from the book and sees you, his eyes widening in surprise. You regognise the race - it is a Dweorg, a male grey-skinned shale-dwarf wearing ornate flowing robes and a circlet around his bald head inset with a solitary red gemstone.\n\n"What on earth - " the Dweorg starts as he turns to you, and then lifts his hands and begins casting. You quickly search the room for cover but there is none, and so succumb to your instinct and lunge forwards, slamming your elbow into the Dweorg's face. He stumbles across the room and you draw your sword. You hear Malarn casting behind you. The Dweorg recovers and snatches a jewelled dagger from the bookshelf, waving it in the air in front of you. You parry the attacks easily, but the Dweorg is casting again and you can't get past that snick-snacking dagger to interrupt him. \n\nThe Dweorg yells across the room just as Malarn finishes casting. Both spells hit each other head-on and the impact sends the three of you slamming into the walls. You crumble to the ground and roll to your knees, struggling to catch your breath. Malarn has fallen back down the stairs and you see him struggling to untangle himself from his robes. Your throat burns as you gasp smoky air; your eyes are watering again. You realise your sword is no longer in your hand and feel about for it - fortunately it is nearby and your fingers close around the hilt and bring the blade up in front of you just as the Dweorg leaps through the air with his dagger pointing down at you. Your blades collide and you summon your strengh and stand, knocking the Dweorg back with your left arm and plunging your sword into his chest with your right. He blinks up at you with startled black eyes, and then falls limp and slides away from your blade.\n\n"Well, that's that," Malarn coughs and stumbles into the room. He walks to the desk and flips to the cover of the book before turning back to the opened page and reading the text.\n\n"He was praying to Tharg'Calan," his voice is croaky with dust and smoke. "Some deity of caverns, if I recall. How odd."\n\n"I should report back to the barracks," you say.\n\n"Indeed. I'm taking this book to Crow's Peak to show my colleagues. If the Guard wants it, they can have it when I'm done - or you can come with me and wait." <<endif>>\n<<if $leaveMalarn and (not $valiel)>><<portrait "*">>You climb the ladder rungs and push up against the trapdoor. It is not locked or barred, and opens as you press your shoulder against it. You lift it slowly and carefully. The trapdoor exits into a dark, dusty stone room. There appears to be no one present, and so you pull yourself up into the room \n\nYou look around and find the doorway and quietly push it open. It creaks on old hinges, and you pause, listening for any indication that you have been discovered. You hear nothing, and so continue. The door leads you onto a stone staircase that winds upwards along the tower's outer wall. You take each step carefully until you arrive at another doorway and pause there to listen. You hear movement on the other side. \n\nBracing yourself, you gently turn the door's handle and nudge the door open a crack. You see a large, circular room beyond; old, thin rugs lay scattered across the floor and crooked paintings in dusty wooden frames hang from the walls. A heavy bookshelf stretches from floor to ceiling and at its side, a small figure crouches over a thick, leather-bound tome that rests on a stone-topped table.\n\nYou take a steadying breath, and then open the door and step into the room. \n\nThe figure turns from the book and sees you, his eyes widening in surprise. You regognise the race - it is a Dweorg, a male grey-skinned shale-dwarf wearing ornate flowing robes and a circlet around his bald head inset with a solitary red gemstone.\n\n"What on earth - " the Dweorg starts as he turns to you, and then lifts his hands and begins casting. You quickly search the room for cover but there is none, and so succumb to your instinct and lunge forwards, slamming your elbow into the Dweorg's face. He stumbles across the room and you draw your sword. The Dweorg recovers and snatches a jewelled dagger from the bookshelf, waving it in the air in front of you. You parry the attacks easily, but the Dweorg is casting again and you can't get past that snick-snacking dagger to interrupt him. \n\nThe Dweorg throws his finished spell and a ball of force slams into your chest and launches you hard iinto the wall. You crumble to the ground and roll to your knees, struggling to catch your breath. Your throat burns as you gasp dusty air; your eyes are watering. You realise your sword is no longer in your hand and feel about for it - fortunately it is nearby and your fingers close around the hilt and bring the blade up in front of you just as the Dweorg leaps through the air with his dagger pointing down at you. Your blades collide and you summon your strengh and stand, knocking the Dweorg back with your left arm and plunging your sword into his chest with your right. He blinks up at you with startled black eyes, and then falls limp and slides away from your blade.\n\nYou crouch on one knee again and wait for your breath to return. The building is silent - there doesn't appear to be anyone else present. When your breath comes easier, you walk to the desk to look at the tome the Dweorg had been reading. You make out the words 'Tharg'Calan', but the rest is in a language you cannot read. You don't know what Tharg'Calan means, but perhaps someone at the Guard will. You pick up the book and tuck it under one arm.<<endif>><<if $valiel>><<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/Valiel.jpg">>Valiel climbs the ladder rungs and pushes up against the trapdoor. It is not locked or barred, and opens as she presses her shoulder against it. She lifts it slowly and carefully and vanishes into the room, and then reappears to beckon you up. \n\nThe trapdoor exits into a dark, dusty stone room. You look around as Valiel heads for the room's doorway but there is nothing interesting in here. The Ljosalfar quietly pushes the open. It creaks on old hinges, and you both pause, listening for any indication that you have been discovered. You hear nothing, and both continue through the doorway on silent feet. The door leads onto a stone staircase that winds upwards along the tower's outer wall. You take each step carefully behind Valiel until you arrive at another doorway and pause there to listen. You hear movement on the other side and Valiel signals you to be ready.\n\nYou brace as Valiel gently turns the door's handle and nudges the door open a crack. Through the gap you see a large, circular room beyond; old, thin rugs lay scattered across the floor and crooked paintings in dusty wooden frames hang from the walls. \n\nValiel holds up one finger at you and then points into the room. There's one being inside. She then moves her hand towards the ground indicating the figure's size. You nod and indicate that you are ready, wrapping your fingers around the hilt of your sword.\n\nValiel guides the door open and pads silently into the room. You ascend the last stair behind her and peer into the room yourself; a short figure of dwarven stature stands before a stone-topped table, hunched over a heavy tome in concentration. You hover at the doorway as Valiel pads closer and with a silent, deft movement slides a dagger from her hip. Noting the lighting in the room she doesn't step close enough for her shadow to fall over the figure and stops an arm's reach away. She raises her dagger and brings the hilt of it hard intot he figure's temple. The figure slouches; as it falls onto the ground, you see the ashen skin and stubby features. It is a Dweorg - a shale-dwarf - and wears priest regalia.\n\n"Well, that was easy," Valiel slides her dagger away. She peers over the desk and flips to the cover of the book before turning back to the opened page and reading the text.\n\n"Some text about praying to Tharg'Calan," she tells you. "A Dweorgh deity of caverns, if memory serves. Interesting."\n\n"We should report back to the barracks," you say.\n\n"Indeed." Valiel scoops up the book and hands it to you, and then binds the unconscious Dweorg's hands and feet together. You carry the Dweorg between you back up to street-level.<<endif>>\n''Return to the barracks to [[report your findings|return to barracks]].''\n<<if not $leaveMalarn>>''Accompany Malarn with the tome to [[Crow's Peak]].''<<endif>>\n<<map -860 -450>>

<<set $visitedMarket = true>>You hoist your pack up your shoulder and tread lightly along the frosted pavement that skirts the main cobbled street towards the center of Oakcrest. Ahead of you the road runs into a large circle, the circumference of which is lined with multicoloured market stalls. Myriad people bustle through the area; skin colours, hair styles and fashions that you've never seen before assault your senses and your eyes widen with wonder. You pause at the intersection where the road flows into the large circle and press back against the wall beneath the shadow of a hanging basket that spills pretty flowers in waterfalls over your head. It takes you a few moments to absorb the scene before you can reel your senses in and consider the individual attractions. Your almond eyes flick from stall to stall until you find what you're looking for; a long table piled high with sweetdoughs and set on one side with a huge steaming cauldron of deep red liquid. \n\nYour lithe figure slips easily between the crowd as your fingers clutch tightly to the strap of your pack. Your belongings are scant, but they are yours after all, and you wish to keep them. You approach the stall but find several figures much taller than yourself already lined up at the table. Unsure of proper ettiquette, you hover behind them to wait your turn. \n\n[[A gentle hand]] presses fleetingly against your shoulder, and you turn, startled.\n\n<<portrait "*">><<map -520 -400>>

<<if not $tiatsMind>><<if $ignore or $shunned>>You walk over to where the mage sits in shadow and pull up a seat. Malarn doesn't acknowledge your presence in the slightest as he languidly lifts the glass of clear liquor and takes a sip. His face catches the light briefly as he tilts his head back to drink - you see dark eyes in caramel skin, slender black brows and neatly trimmed beard that frames the mage's mouth and chin.\n\n"Malarn," you force the conversation. "Greetings. I am <<print $name>>."\n\n"I know who you are," Malarn rests his glass down gently and wipes the back of his hand across his mouth. "Meet me at the Splintered Scepter Tavern at dawn. It's across the plaza. Do not be late."\n\nMalaran quickly stands, his robes whipping about his feet, and stalks away to the Inn's front door.\n\nYou sigh - tomorrow will be a long day. You finish your <<print $wine>> and head back to the barracks to ensure that you are well rested.<<else>>You turn your chair to face the mage. \n\n"I am honoured," Malarn says dryly. "The rookie's first adventure, and it's with me."\n\nYou ignore the cynicism dripping from the mage's tongue. "Do you know anything of this cult?"\n\n"I have heard rumours," he replies vaguely. "But I know where we should begin our search. Meet me at dawn at the Splintered Scepter Tavern."\n\n"And where is that?" You ask.\n\nMalarn sighs. "Ah yes, you're still wet behind those pointed ears. The Splintered Scepter Tavern is a fine establishment located just across the plaza from here, at the edge of the Sigil District."\n\n"Wet I may be, but wisdom comes from living and I have at least two centuries on you," you point out calmly. You finish your wine and leave the Inn while Malarn still mulls over your words. You feel that tomorrow will be a long day. <<endif>><<endif>>\n\n<<if $tiatsMind>><<if $ignore or $shunned>>You walk over to where the mage sits in shadow and pull up a seat. Malarn doesn't acknowledge your presence in the slightest as he languidly lifts the glass of clear liquor and takes a sip. His face catches the light briefly as he tilts his head back to drink - you see dark eyes in caramel skin, slender black brows and neatly trimmed beard that frames the mage's mouth and chin.\n\n"Malarn," you force the conversation. "Greetings. I am <<print $name>>."\n\n"I know who you are," Malarn rests his glass down gently and wipes the back of his hand across his mouth. "Meet me at the Splintered Scepter Tavern at dawn. It's across the plaza. Do not be late."\n\nMalaran quickly stands, his robes whipping about his feet, and stalks away to the Inn's front door.\n\nYou sigh - tomorrow will be a long day. You finish your <<print $wine>> and head back to the barracks to ensure that you are well rested. <<else>>You return to your table and sit again next to Malarn. \n\n"I am honoured," Malarn says dryly. "The rookie's first adventure, and it's with me."\n\nYou ignore the cynicism dripping from the mage's tongue. "Do you know anything of this cult?"\n\n"I have heard rumours," he replies vaguely. "But I know where we should begin our search. Meet me at dawn at the Splintered Scepter Tavern."\n\n"And where is that?" You ask.\n\nMalarn sighs. "Ah yes, you're still wet behind those pointed ears. The Splintered Scepter Tavern is a fine establishment located just across the plaza from here, at the edge of the Sigil District."\n\n"Wet I may be, but wisdom comes from living and I have at least two centuries on you," you point out calmly. You finish your wine and leave the Inn while Malarn still mulls over your words. You feel that tomorrow will be a long day. <<endif>><<endif>>\n[[Meet Malarn at the Splintered Scepter Tavern|Splintered Scepter]]\n<<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">><<map -530 -280>>

<<set $manPay = true>>"Thank you," You say, and nod with a smile. "I do not know which to choose..."\n\nThe man dismisses your difficulty with a wave of his hand and addresses the stall owner, a buxom, thick-set woman with greying hair and rosy cheeks, in a brisk tone. You see various pastries being placed into paper bags and mead being served into wooden cups. You are handed a bag and a cup of the sweet-smelling spiced mead that curls tendrils of steam lazily into the winter air.\n\nYou are led to a quiet spot next to the stall where you devour your sweet pastry and wash it down with the delicious mead. The man does not eat, but stands beside you as you wolf down your food. His hood still obscures his face, but you can feel his eyes watching you.\n\n"That was good," you say when you are finished, and smile appreciatively. "Thank you."\n\n"Quite welcome," the man replies. "Are you passing through Oakcrest, or do you have more... lingering business?"\n\n''Divulge your [[desire to join the City Guard|Divulge]]''\n\n''[[Keep your reasons|Keep]] to yourself''\n<<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">><<map -400 -350>>

You accompany Malarn to Crow's Peak <<if $visitCentral>>with the captured Dweorg<<endif>>.\n\n(To be Continued!)\n<<map -620 -600>>

You carry yourself on unsteady legs through the city gate. The two guards flanking the roadside nod indiscriminately as you pass, and when they are behind you, your keen hearing picks up their whispers of guts and nerves and flaking out. You frown. It will take three days to walk back to your old home in the forest, and your feet are tired and your provisions low. Maybe you could just grab something to eat before leaving? Or stay just one night to rest up? You see the edge of Telrain Woods in the distance, a long, black-green snake that slithers across the horizon. You are young, in your first centuries yet, and already your heart craves something else; something more. You have never known contentment, and returning will not magically grant it. You sigh. Perhaps, if you steel yourself and do it quickly, you can sign the registration papers before you know you've done it, and then you'll have no choice but to stay.\n\n''You'll think better on a full stomach, and turn back to the marketplace for [[a snack]].''\n\n''You turn on your heel and rush towards the [[Guard Tower]] before changing your mind again.''\n\n<<portrait "*">><<map -800 -350>>

<<set $visitedBarracks = true>>You follow the city's perimeter wall as it curves from east to north, passing through several of the outer districts on your way to the barracks. Just as you're reaching the northernmost section of the city, you see a sign for the barracks and spot the large cluster of buildings in their own courtyard ahead of you.\n\nA single guard stands on duty at the courtyard gate, his scuffed plate helm resting unworn atop the wall. When he sees you approaching, he arches a brow - and when he realises you're heading directly for him, he stands a little straighter, snatching up his helm and tucking it under his arm. \n\nYou hand the guard the slip of parchment with your details on it. He reads it over and then tucks it into a pouch at his belt.\n\n"Head on inside. Dorms on your left, mess hall on your right, training and equipment straight ahead."\n\n"Thank you," you smile appreciatively and enter the courtyard.\n\n"Excuse me?" You hear the guard calling after you. You turn back.\n\n"Yes?"\n\nHe shuffles nervously. "I'm sorry, this is very rude - are you a wood elf?"\n\nYour cheeks flush self-consciously, but you smile none the less. "Yes."\n\nThe guard grins. "I've never met a wood elf before. Welcome to Oakcrest. I'm Guard Denight; Rel Denight." He offers his hand.\n\nThough it is not your custom, you take his hand and shake it. "Well met. I am <<print $name>>."\n\n"Well, I'll see you around, <<print $name>>." \n\nGuard Denight turns back to his post, and you continue [[into the barracks]].\n\n<<portrait "*">><<map -610 -80>>

<<set $leaveMalarn = true>>"Why are we still discussing the Tavern?" Malarn spins to a stop and addresses you with a growl. "I thought we had agreed to follow my lead - do you think I don't know what I'm doing?"\n\nYou reel a little at the sudden change of tone. "It was an innocent suggestion," you choose your words carefully. "I thought perhaps we could cover more ground in less time if we were to split up. It is no reflection upon your skill or judgement."\n\n"Well, that's not what it feels like," Malarn sulks. "It's alright, I'm sure you know better. Why don't you just go off to explore the cellar and I'll go home? I'm obviously slowing you down."\n\n"Malarn, this is silly," you try to reason; "I meant no offense - it was just a suggestion!"\n\n"I know what it was," the mage mutters. "It's fine, you can handle it. I'll leave you alone."\n\nHe pushes past you and walks back towards the MageTower. You stand stunned in the middle of the street for a moment, not entirely sure that what just happened was at all any fault of your own, and then return to the Splintered Scepter to investigate the [[missing stock]]. \n\n<<portrait "http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20170088/Twine%20Stuff/MalarnSmall.jpg">><<map -510 -590>>

<<set $visitedGT=true>>You push open the heavy wooden door of the Oakcrest Guard Tower and step inside. A gust of wind blows a drift of snowflakes across the stone floor and you wince and close the door behind you. \n\nThe room is large and round, with a staircase towards the back ascending to the next floor. In front of you, a large, heavy desk sits on a threadbare red rug, and to your right, a log fire crackles lazily. Parchments and scrolls are strewn across the desk and scroll cases litter the floor to one side. A weary-looking guard sits behind the desk, scratching at a slip of paper with a quill. He looks up as you enter, unable to stop his brows from lifting in surprise as he gives you the once-over.\n\n"Enrolling?" He asks, setting the quill down and rummaging for a particular parchment.\n\nYou nudge yourself forwards nervously as you practice the word in your mind before speaking it. "Yes."\n\nThe guard finds the parchment and sets it down in front of him. "Don't see many of your kind here."\n\n''[[You shrug]], unsure of how to reply.''\n\n''"[[Is that good?]]" you ask, frowning a little.''\n\n<<portrait "*">><<map -800 -350>>