[System] Narrate an interactive dark fantasy adventure. The world is brutal and unforgiving. Respond to the player's actions with vivid, immersive descriptions and let their choices carry real weight.

[User] Continue

[Assistant]
Well at least you know Helen is going to be friendly with you. She's pleasant with everyone.

You head into the next room and see Helen sitting in a chair preoccupied with watching the six children also in the room. While they're being loud, they're at least playing games and not being too disruptive. Helen sees you and smiles.

"Hey Helen." You say sitting next to her on the couch.
"Hey Suzy. As you can see I'm just doing my role in this family." She says pointing to the children.
"Do you really need to look after them? Seems like they're old enough to play by themselves." You ask.
"It's not them we'd worry about, it's the rest of this compound! While it may not look like it now, these little ones are balls of chaotic energy. Morningstar children have always needed a little extra supervision if only so they don't end up burning the entire places to the ground. However it is true they all seem to be a little more subdued today. Even Jordan is playing with his siblings rather than fighting with them." Helen says.
"Um, which one's Jordan?" you ask already forgetting Bobby already told you.
"Jordan's the oldest boy. He's over there playing with his siblings Aiden and Nadia. They're twins as you can tell. Actually those three are also my younger brothers and sister, so I do have a bit of a duty to watch out for them. Jordan's getting to the point where I think Bobby is going to have to start training him though. He's just becoming a teenager and he really wants to be like his older brother, but sadly he isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer. He's a still a fine boy though, he even has a bit of a crush on me which is sort of cute." Helen says with a minor giggle.
"Erm…yeah…so what about the twins?" you ask changing that last mildly disturbing remark.
"Oh those two are very intelligent. They even got a mental link to each other."
"What really?" you ask.
"Really. They often just sit across from each other nodding and occasionally changing expressions at each other. It's like they're having a conversation with their minds or something. I dunno, but sometimes it feels like they're making private jokes about all of us. Jordan in particular and while he's not the brightest, he's smart enough to know when he thinks he's being made fun of. And that's when I often have to step in and tell them not to mock their brother."

At this point both twins look in your direction and Helen's. They give a peculiar smile and then return to the game they're playing with Jordan. It's enough to make you feel a little uneasy.

"Um, Helen, they can't read our minds can they?" you ask.
"Oh no…at least I don't think so. I mean I never even thought of that before. Oh dear, now I'm going to wonder about that." Helen says.
"Sorry didn't mean to add to your worries Helen…or my own for that matter." You say.
"Oh, I'm not really that worried. Even if they can, we're all family anyway and they know I have no ill thoughts about them or anyone connected to it…and that's going to include you too soon." Helen says and smiles.

Helen next mentions that ever since Veronica and Brandon arrived, their children have pretty much been put under her care. She then points out Ione and Hannah (Who are playing another game with each other) and Leon (Who is building something and seemingly content to play by himself).

"Geez Helen, you look like you always got your hands full, are you really okay looking after all the children all the time?" you ask.
"Oh…it's not so bad. I mean like I said, we're all family. What's family for if not to help one another? Besides, I know nobody else really wants to do or otherwise has other major responsibilities."
"What responsibilities do Veronica and Brandon have? I haven't seen them do anything since I got here. I mean they got three kids, and they've obviously been taking care of them before coming here. They shouldn't just be passing them on to you just because it's convenient. You deserve to have your own time to yourself."
"Really it's okay Suzy. I like looking after all of them. Besides, I don't think the children would want someone other than myself doing it anyway. When you and Bobby have children I fully expect you'll want help on the supervision front won't you?"
"Well…probably. I was talking about this subject a little to Bobby last night and to be honest I'm still not exactly enamored with the notion of popping out a bunch of them. The idea of the pain involved isn't exactly something I'm looking forward to."
"Well I don't think any woman looks forward to that part. It's the joy of bringing a new life into this world, raising them and loving them."
"I…guess…I dunno. Hell I'm still having trouble with the concept of marriage, let alone kids."
"Oh? Is it the ritual sacrifice to Tiamat that's got you a little baffled? Don't worry, you don't need to memorize any prayers, Bobby will probably tell you what to say or he'll make the appropriate chants himself." Helen asks.
"What? Wait. I know you guys sacrifice people, but is that going to go on at the wedding?"
"Well of course. It's tradition for the one to marry into this family to prove themselves to be worth of Tiamat by making a sacrifice."
"Wait, you mean I'M going to be the one doing it?"
"Well yeah…you mean Bobby didn't tell you? Oh dear. I didn't mean to ruin the surprise." Helen says.
"Oh it's a surprise alright."
"Well if you're worried about messing up, we've got more than enough prisoners in the dungeon you could practice on tomorrow."
"Prisoners? Dungeon? Oh geez…" you say and rub your hand over your head.

Helen pats you on the back a bit and tries to look understanding.

"I take it, you've never killed anyone before?" Helen asks.
"Of course I haven't! Why would I?" you exclaim.
"I just figured you having a serial killer uncle and all…plus Bobby said you helped him kill your uncle."
"I didn't really have a hand in that directly. Are you saying YOU'VE killed someone before?"
"Oh yes, but I'm not exactly fond of it, but we all have to do our part to serve Tiamat."

The fact that Helen just told you so cheerfully and without any hesitation that she's committed murder, makes her seem a lot less harmless in your eyes.

"Wait, so how many? When?" you ask.
"Oh not many. First time was about when I was Jordan's age. However, since Bobby is the head of the house, he mostly does it. Just like our father did before him. Diana sometimes does it, but I try to avoid doing it unless I really have to…I know I shouldn't feel anything for infidels, but sometimes I can't help it. Then I try to remember that their souls are going to feed Tiamat so it's all for a good cause."

This is nuts…

Right now you're just wondering how deep of shit you've gotten yourself into.

"I…dunno if I'm going to be able to do this Helen…" you say.
"Oh don't say that! You'll be fine!" Helen says trying to be supportive.
"I don't think I will. The most fucked up thing is, I'm still more worried about having kids!"
"You still concerned about that? That will come naturally, I don't think you should worry."
"I dunno Helen. I'm obviously not like you. I thought we were more similar in many ways, mainly because we both had to put up with an asshole older sister, but it's turning out we're pretty different. I mean unlike me you'd obviously make a very good mother. You're nice, attentive and everything." You say.

Helen's eyes light up a bit when you say that and she grabs your hand.

"Thank you. You have no idea how touched I am right now to hear those words." She says and then leans in quick to give you a quick peck on the cheek.

It surprises the hell out of you and you recoil a bit. Helen's expression turns from one of happiness to one of worry.

"Oh no. I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I shouldn't have done that! By Tiamat, what was I thinking. I'm so sorry Suzy!" she starts saying which causes a lot of the children to start watching the pair of you.

Helen stands up and begins to panic still repeating to you about how sorry she is, you think she's going to have an anxiety attack.

"Helen. Helen. Calm yourself. It's…well…it's okay. I mean I know you were just trying to be friendly and didn't mean anything else by it. You just caught me by surprise, no harm done…" you say.

"No…I can't…you'll have to excuse me!" Helen suddenly says and runs off. You try to call her back, but she's gone.

You wonder if you should tell someone or go after her. Then one of the kids speaks to you.

"Hey what's wrong with Aunt Helen?" Hannah asks.
"She's having a lover's quarrel with her girlfriend." Ione says smirking.
"She is not! My sister isn't a dyke! Besides this woman is Bobby's girlfriend!" Jordan remarks indignantly.
"You're just saying that because YOU like Aunt Helen!" Leon says and then makes kissy noises, which causes Jordan to punch him in the arm.

At this point they look like they're going to get even more unruly, but then one of the twins speaks up.

"She loves Bobby you know." Aiden says.
"Yes, Aunt Helen loves Bobby very much." Nadia adds.
"You and Diana must…" Aiden continues.
"…die." Nadia ends.

The creepy tone they say it in causes utter silence, not to mention sends a bit of a shiver down your spine.

"Um…are you telling me… Helen plans on killing me and Diana?" you utter.

The twins just look at each other and smile. They don't say anything else and just calmly go back to their game.

They've also managed to successfully creep out their brother and cousins who start to leave the room.

Meanwhile, if Helen IS planning to kill you, you need to find out now. As much as you're hesitant to speak to them again, you have little choice but to ask the twins where their sister's room is.

"Uh…hey, where is Helen's room?" you ask.
"Left wing…" Aiden says.
"Second floor…" Nadia adds.
"Go right then…" Aiden continues.
"Through the last door." Nadia ends.

Great now they're being creepy in rhyme. They didn't even look at you the entire time.

You don't even bother to thank them, you just follow their directions. Eventually when you think you're getting close, you hear some faint crying. You slowly look in a room to your right and find Helen weeping softly to herself on her bed.

She notices you and she tries to wipe away her tears.

"(sniffle) Oh. You didn't need to come see to me. Really I'm fine. I just acted foolishly, I apologize again for kissing you Suzy." Helen remarks.
"Um, yeah I'm not really bothered by that…or rather I mean that was unexpected, but…look nevermind about that. I'm here about something else of a more serious nature and I'm hoping we can hammer this out because whether you realize it or not, a lot of shit just got sprung on me within the last few minutes." You say.

"Is this about the sacrifice?"
"No, this is about something your creepy twin mind reading sibling just said to me. They said you love Bobby."
"Huh? Oh…well of course I love Bobby. I mean he's my older brother of course I love him." Helen says a bit nervously.
"Yeah and in any other family that wouldn't mean anything more than friendship at best, but love goes to a whole other level in this family. There's also the fact they said you were going to kill me."

Now Helen goes from nervous to shocked.

"WHAT?! They said that?!"
"Well technically they said you were going to kill Diana too and they didn't say it so much as they heavily implied it, but given that they're creepy as fuck and you said they can read minds, as well as your own guilty behavior on the whole loving Bobby situation and well what the hell am I supposed to think? So is it all true?"

Helen just give you a sad look and then begins to tear up again and put her hands to her face.

"Oh fuck Helen! You were lying and just plotting to kill me the entire time?! Goddamn it, had I known I was going to have to deal with not one but TWO of Bobby's murderous sisters, I would've just stayed at home. At least I would've only had one to deal with there!" you shout.

Helen tries to compose herself to address you.

"No, that's not true. (sniffle) I wasn't lying to you. I genuinely like you and after our most recent conversation I like you even more. I mean…I really like you…but it is true I love Bobby. I've always loved him…(sniffle) I mean I always thought Diana was wrong for him and they were only together because she happened to be the oldest sister. Did you know I had two other older sisters and Diana killed them both for fear of competition? Everyone thinks they were accidents, but I knew the truth. Never said anything of course, I was too afraid and I didn't want to cause any problems."
"Bobby never mentioned he had two dead sisters before."
"It's not really something we discuss. It was a pretty traumatic experience for everyone at the time. My dad was very upset especially since Mom had died of natural causes no long before. It was a lot of family to lose within such a short period of time."
"So how come she didn't kill you or Nadia?"
" Nadia's a twin and will most likely bond with Aiden. Plus she's much younger so no threat either way. As for me, well I was still young enough at the time when she killed my other two sisters. I guess I was just so weak in her eyes that she thought I wasn't any threat. Maybe she even knew that I loved Bobby and enjoyed flaunting it in my face. In any case things really changed when you came into the picture. I wasn't sure what to think really. Then when I finally met you, I could see why Bobby liked you. You were so nice and I want you to know I always felt like we were very similar too. You know, under appreciated in our own families. I wish you'd been my sister instead of Diana."
"Yeah? Well if I'm so nice, why were you still plotting to kill me?" you ask.
"I wasn't! I…mean not really…I mean…(sniffle) I just had this… this… idea and I dunno… it was just my mind! I wouldn't have acted upon it! Especially not after getting to know you more! I can see you're very good for Bobby. I'm genuinely hap…hap…(sob)."

And Helen starts crying again. At this point you're starting to wonder if she did have any intention on killing you, if she'd end up apologizing for it the whole time.

The fact is though, you're still not entirely sure if she was going to do it or not. Maybe the twins were partially fucking with you. (Helen did say they liked doing that with people) Maybe Helen just had wishful thinking on her mind. It isn't like you haven't had thoughts about killing your own sister Kelly on more than one occasion. Of course the difference is, Helen's actually got some bodies under her belt to go through with such a deed.

Any other right thinking person would probably be trying to leave this mad house right now, but quite frankly the more you think about it, you don't have many options and despite this fucked up situation with his sisters, you still love Bobby.

All of which means you're probably just as fucked up as the rest of them (more than you realized actually) which also means you fit in here much better than you think, you just have to figure out how to deal with everything. First of which is Helen who against all odds, you actually still feel sorry for.

Of course the other option is to start getting your hands dirty now and do away with her. It's not like anyone's around and she probably wouldn't put up much of a fight.

[User] You let her live

[Assistant]
Maybe it's stupid or weakness, but you can't bring yourself to kill Helen based on heavy suspicion. You decide to talk this out with her instead.

"Helen…Helen…will you stop crying for one minute?" you say which causes her to comply.

You take a deep breath and exhale.

"Okay. You seem genuinely distraught about all this…so I'm going to go out on a limb and take you at your word that you had no solid intention on killing me and it was just a fleeting thought that we all have once in awhile. I mean I've had them too."

Helen looks a little happier when you say that.

"Oh…I'm so glad you feel that way Suzy…(sniff)" Helen says.
"I'm not finished! I AM going to be keeping an eye on you though and I think it's going to take me awhile to fully trust you." You say which causes her to nod rapidly.
"I…I understand. Wha…what about Bobby?"
"Well that is the question isn't it? I guess I could threaten you. However, that's really not going to help matters and the heart wants what the heart wants. Can't really stop that…well other than killing that person, but I think neither one of us wants to go that route. Let me ask you this though, does he possibly know already how you feel?"
"Oh no. I don't believe so. He's either been too into Diana or too into you, to pay any serious attention to me in that way. So no, I do not believe he knows."
"Do you want to tell him?" you ask.
"Oh! No! No, I can't! Especially not now! That will just mess things up for you! I don't want to be in the way! Please Suzy, don't tell Bobby about my real feelings either. I…I've come to deal with the reality that Bobby will never be mine. Just wasn't meant to be. I can be… happy without him as long as I know you'll be making him happy." Helen says and then tries to smile, but it doesn't last long.

That was incredibly hard for her to say. You know her heart is probably breaking in a million pieces on the inside. You almost want to console her, but then you have to remember she might have been plotting to kill you.

"Okay then…so are we good?" you ask unsure of what else to address.
"Yes, Suzy. We're good…um can I just have a hug?" Helen asks.

This family just gets weirder and weirder…

"A hug?" you ask.
"Well, I know you don't trust me, but you're still willing to give me a chance. That alone is more kindness than my own sister Diana has ever shown me. I feel closer to you than I ever have with her. I mean I guess I understand if you don't want to…" Helen says a little sadly.

You look at her sideways wondering if this is some sort of trick, but if you're going to go with this building trust route AND if it'll make Helen feel better, you can do a hug.

You go to Helen and sit beside her on her bed who gloms on to you immediately. As you reluctantly hug back, Helen exhales as if a big weight has been lifted.

"You don't know how much this means to me Suzy…" she says.
"Um, yeah." You reply.
"You smell pretty and feel so soft and warm." She then says squeezing you a little tighter.
"Uh…okay…I think I should be getting back to Bobby now." You remark and start to let go though it feels like Helen doesn't really want to let go.
"Okay. You go back to Bobby, I'm sure he's wondering where you are. I'll be fine. Thank you for being so understanding. I'll never forget this."

Helen waves good-bye with a smile as you leave her room. What a strange girl.

As you make your way back towards the stairs, you realize that you didn't address the possibility that Helen might have planned to kill Diana as well, not that you care since you'd rather she be completely out of way. Even if Helen did have that plan, it's clear that if she's telling the truth about having too much feelings about killing you, she's unlikely to kill her sister due to whatever fucked up battered sibling syndrome she has.

Besides, as far as you're concerned Bobby's supposed to take care of the Diana situation or he will if he expects you to sacrifice someone on a slab on the wedding day.

When you get downstairs the some of the family members are all eating. You don't see Bobby though.

"Hey Veronica have you seen Bobby?" you ask.
"Oh, I think he went to your room to look for you. Figured you'd be there. I think he's pretty upset about what just happened with William and Aaron."
"What happened?
"They just left the compound. Not exactly sure what William told Bobby, but he and Aaron are both gone. Brandon's outside closing up the front gate." Veronica says and shovels more food into her mouth.

Great, more drama. You make the long trek back to the bedroom…

Sure enough, you find Bobby looking slightly mopey on the bed. These Morningstars sure are a miserable lot today.

"Hey Bobby." You say.
"Hey. Where have you been?" Bobby asks
'Bonding with your sister Helen. You know, the nice one."
"Oh. That's good. Glad to hear something going well…" Bobby says with his voice sounding like he isn't as happy about that as he should be.
"Okay, I already heard about William and Aaron, but what are you really upset about?" you ask.
"I don't even know why I'm bothering trying to hold this family together! Most of them aren't even here. Two of them just left. One of them hates me now, and the rest aren't exactly sterling examples of Tiamat's Chosen. In fact the ones that are here are probably here because it's safe and filled with enough supplies to live comfortably." Bobby exclaims.
"Well, what's wrong with that?"
"Nothing I suppose, but supporting about bunch of freeloaders wasn't really part of my plan to honor Tiamat."
"Well maybe you need to change your damn plan. I mean its still early, but if you really feel like someone isn't pulling their weight around here, then you need to just kick their asses out, family or not. I mean you're the boss around here and your word is supposed to be law."

Bobby sits up a bit as you continue to speak.

"Look, you know you're a leader and you know the head of this family. So you can't give into all this self-doubt. You NEEDED to lay down the law to your sister Diana and you did it. In fact, speaking of which, what exactly IS going to be done about her? Because whatever you said you know that's just going to be a temporary fix. Now I think you KNOW what you're going to have to do with her, but your past with her is preventing you from doing it."

Bobby continues to listen intently.

"Love isn't one-sided Bobby, and if I'm going to have to ultimately submit to your beliefs and everything that goes with it including murdering innocent people…"
"Wait…you know about the sacrifice on the wedding day?" Bobby asks.
"Yeah and thanks a lot for keeping me in the dark about it. But it's fine, I've gotten over it. I've had a lot of time to think about things and how this marriage is going to go if it's going to work. I'm willing to go all in, but you're going to have to do likewise and fix this problem with Diana permanently. How is up to you, but she is NOT going to be here."

Bobby looks a little overwhelmed by your ultimatum. He's never heard you speak like this before and really; you're a little surprised you're saying what you're saying yourself. You're rolling the dice and betting everything here. You think you've got the inner strength to go through with all this, you just hope that Bobby proves to be just as strong.

"Suzy, you are the love of my life and what you've just told me just confirms that Tiamat's chaos did favor me when I met you. You're right. I know I have to do something more permanent with my sister Diana. I'll come to a decision tomorrow though. I think I need the rest of the day to recover from all the shit I've already had to go through. It's not even night yet!"
"Well, okay. I understand. Well, should we go eat with the rest of the family?"
"No. I'm not really feeling it right now. I'd rather just spend time with you."
"Sounds good to me." You remark.

You and Bobby kiss each other, which then soon leads to something a lot more intense.

A little later after your pleasant round of passion, Bobby says he should go tell one of his family members to take the night watch and have a long conversation with all of them.

"Well good luck on that front." You say as you briefly check your phone out of curiosity.
"Did someone call?" Bobby asks.
"No, just curious. I was wondering if any of my family tried to contact me given how with the craziness going on in town recently. Guess I'm not surprised nobody cared to call. Not mad about it though, just one more confirmation that this is my new family and home now." You say.
"Well other than you know who, it seems like you've gotten along with the rest of my family. Sounds like you've really gotten along with Helen. So what did you two talk about anyway?" Bobby asks.
"Oh… you know…girl stuff." You say with a slight smile, which cause Bobby to snicker a bit.

"Alright, you two have your little secrets. Just as long as you're getting along. Love you." Bobby says opening the door.
"Love you too." You say as he leaves.

You enjoy the rest of your evening in solitude until you eventually fall asleep.

[User] Next day…

[Assistant]
THURSDAY

"Due to new developments, today's contest has been canceled. We sincerely apologize to you good folks, but don't despair with any luck our reigning champion Suzy will return to us soon to take on more challengers! Let's still hear it for our little blonde small town girl!" the announcer shouts which is followed by a roaring crowd.

Well this is certainly different, but it's also a nice change of pace. You were starting to feel insulted by the implications of yourself participating in all these phallic food-eating contests.

However, you're still a little fond of being cheered for, so you stand up and take a bow for your fans.

No sooner have you done that, when your surroundings immediately change to that of a blasted wasteland. There is nothing around you save for burned out buildings in the distance and dead landscape. Reminds you a bit of a video game you once played.

"You know, the entire world is soon going to look like this…how I wish I could be young and alive to experience the uncertainty and chaos that is going to shape the years to follow." You hear a voice say.

You turn around and see Bobby's grandmother again. She's an old lady walking with a cane this time.

"But enough about the future, let's talk about the present. You survived a lot longer than I thought you would, maybe you are worthy of my grandson after all. You even are starting to manipulate him a bit, that's good. The true leaders in Tiamat's service have always been women anyway. I swear if it wasn't for us prodding them in the right direction every now and then, most men would be content just jacking off to pass the time. Still, you aren't quite there yet. I think today should prove to quite interesting. Survive today and you might just meet Misty yet."

"Okay, I want some answers, who the hell is Misty, and what's going to happen today? Is Helen going to kill me?" you demand.
"Helen? Oh yes my submissive co-dependent grand daughter. Yes, that was sort of an interesting way you dealt with her…" Grandma Morningstar replies.
"So is she going to try to kill me or not?"
"Who said she ever was? You just came to that conclusion yourself. She told you she was never going to try to kill you. I suppose it's up to you to believe her or not. I think the better question is, do you like her?"
"What?"
"Do you like her? Not a hard question blondie." Grandma Morningstar says tapping on her cane.
"I don't dislike her despite everything…I mean growing up in this family is prone to make her a little fucked up." You say.
"Hm, well do you think she's pretty?"
"Pretty?"
"Yes, sheesh you go fucking deaf blondie? Pretty, you know better than average looks." Grandma Morningstar replies getting annoyed.
"Um…well I suppose she is." You say.
"Is one of the reasons why you spared her is because she reminds you of yourself in some ways?"
"No…I mean…well maybe somewhat. I mean I just couldn't bring myself to kill her on suspicion. But yes, I suppose the fact that I see some of myself in her did cause me to be a little sympathetic to her."
"So if you fucked her…it would almost be like fucking yourself right?"
"Wait…what? What are you trying to get at?" you ask.
"Oh I think you know EXACTLY what I'm trying to get at. It's okay Suzy, I'm making no judgments. The female form is a beautiful thing. Well anyway you'll find out what's in store for you today soon. As for Misty, well why don't you put some thought into it. I mean it's pretty simple even for you blondie." Bobby's grandmother replies with slight distain.
"Well can you at least tell me what's deal with all these contests in my dreams?"
"Sorry, I really don't know anything about that. If you're lucky and actually meet Misty, maybe you can ask her, but I just assumed you really liked dreaming about sucking dick...in a symbolic way I guess. Hmm, come to think of it this would explain why Bobby's so enamored with you. Maybe you aren't a whore blondie, but you sure got the mouth of one. It's almost as if it was a highway for oral sex."
"Hey!"
"Don't take offense blondie. It's a good thing. Suck a man's dick right, and you can practically get him to do ANYTHING for you. I mean you got natural talent. Hell, maybe even Tiamat blessed you with it so you stood an equal chance against Diana. Now that girl, as much as she loves Bobby, she just can't suck a dick properly. Bad gag reflex, slightly oversized teeth, I dunno. Tiamat works in whimsical ways I suppose."
"How do you even know all…nevermind I don't want to hear anymore." You say.

Bobby's grandmother ignores you though and continues to speak.

"Still, Bobby always did have a slight obsession for blowjobs. He likes them a lot more than he's probably told you."
"Gah! I'm done listening!" you shout feeling increasingly uncomfortable about hearing Bobby's grandmother talk about his sexual interests.
"Oh, alright Miss Prude. I'm rambling and it's time for you to go anyway. See ya Deep Throat!" Bobby's grandmother cackles again and then raises her cane and all your surroundings go black…

And then you wake up.

"Something bad is going to happen today." You say to yourself.

(Then again why should today be any different from the rest of this week?)

You look around and see nobody in the room (Save for Bobby's grandmother's portrait staring like a gargoyle). Looks like Bobby woke up before you as usual. You look at the time on your phone and see you've actually slept until the afternoon.

While the normal thing for you to do would be to just stay in your room and avoid everyone, but given your recent dream, you think your best bet might be to be a little proactive today.

After going through your usual routine of washing up and getting dressed you head down to the main living area where you know everyone usually gathers.

Before you get there you bump into Helen, who looks a bit harried and is carrying a pistol in one hand. You tense up immediately.

"There you are, good. Saves me time…" she says.
"Uh…Helen …" you start to say and back away slowly.
"Huh?" Helen looks down at her pistol.
"OH! Shit! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you! I didn't come to do anything to you! Here, you can take it, if it makes you feel better, but we need to go!" she exclaims and hands you the pistol.

You snatch the weapon from her and eye her suspiciously. She gets worried at first that you're going be the one to shoot her, but then just continues to explain in greater detail about what's going on.

"Aaron came back and he's threatening to drive an army truck through the front gate if we all don't leave the compound. He claims that we're defying Tiamat by not embracing the chaos outside. Bobby's been trying to negotiate with him through the intercom, but he thinks we're going to have no option but to open fire on Aaron."
"Where the hell did he get an army truck? Is William with him?"
"Apparently the town has been in a state of martial law since yesterday and the National Guard have taken over according to Aaron's ranting. I guess he stole one. I don't think William is with him. Anyway Bobby wants you to be safe so follow me to where all the children..."

Loud shouting by Bobby in the distance suddenly interrupts Helen. You immediately rush towards where he might be located despite the protests by the Helen that you need to come with her though she just runs along with you.

You soon manage to catch up with the most of the family (Save for the younger children and Diana) who are standing in the foyer with their weapons ready and Bobby who has opened the front door.

"Aaron, I tried being reasonable. YOU left here without permission, but that was fine because it's obvious you didn't feel happy here. There are several paths to Tiamat's glory and you obviously had your own ideas about which one you should pick. Anyone here is free to leave, but NOBODY is going to be forced to leave due to your threats! Again, if you try coming in here, you're going to be shot down like a fucking dog and I'll personally perform Tiamat's ritual of desecration over your stinking body so your soul NEVER enters Timat's glory!" Bobby shouts and walks out with his rifle drawn. Bobby's brother Jordan is the first one who cautiously follows afterwards and then everyone else slowly walks towards the door as well. You don't think anyone has even paid any attention to you or Helen (who keeps pulling on you to leave).

"My soul is already with Tiamat! You can't do shit about it ritual boy! If you unworthy fucks won't embrace chaos as Tiamat intended, then I'm gonna bring it to you!" Aaron shouts through a bullhorn, which is followed by a laugh.

The truck revs up and Bobby orders everyone to open fire. You and Helen are still inside at this point so you don't actually do so and just hang back as you watch Aaron mow through the gate followed by a hail of bullets peppering the oncoming truck.

The truck swerves hard to the left smashes into Brandon's parked vehicle. You can hear him swearing about it. Meanwhile you also see Jordan jumping up and down in victory and running over to the wrecked truck.

"Yeah! We got that bastard! Whoo!" he shouts.
"Hey Jordan, get the fuck back here, don't go off ahead like that by yourself!" Bobby shouts.
"Aw, it's fine, he didn't survive that!"

And that's when Aaron proves Jordan wrong, starting by recovering from his crash and shooting several holes into Jordan. Then he follows up by throwing several grenades out the truck window.

"SHIT!" Bobby shouts and everyone runs back, but not before several explosions occur. Nobody is killed, but everyone scrambles and on the ground crawling for cover. Bobby himself crawls behind cover of another parked vehicle and continues to fire in the direction of the truck.

Helen now really tugs at you saying you need to come with her where its safe, but you wonder if you should try to help Bobby considering he's the only one currently trying to kill Aaron. Everyone else has completely retreated and is even running past you.

[User] You help Bobby

[Assistant]
This is the man you've chosen to marry for better or worse. If you aren't going to help him in a matter of life or death then that wouldn't say much for your commitment.

Besides, if he gets killed this whole compound is going to turn to shit and you'd no doubt be at the bottom of it, assuming Aaron doesn't kill you all first.

"Helen, you go see to the young ones, I'm going to stand by Bobby."
"But…"
"It's my choice, I'll be fine! Now go!"

Helen is a little unsure, but complies with your wishes.

"Be careful, Suzy." Helen says and leaves.

You rush outside towards Bobby who is still taking cover behind a car and firing upon the Aaron. He sees you out the corner of his eye while still keeping an eye on the direction of the truck.

"Keep your head down, I think Aaron escaped out the passenger door of the truck and is hiding behind Brandon's car now. Where the hell did you come from anyway? I told Helen to go get you and the younger children to a safer location when Aaron showed up." Bobby exclaims.
"Yeah well I'm showing you that I'm not just going to let you do this shit alone. I'm with you all the way. No hiding with Helen and the kids, no matter what you say."

You're interrupted by gunfire on your position and Aaron ranting.

"You think you can stop what's coming by hiding? Hah! People are already fucking EATING each other out there! Shit, I'll be doing you a favor by killing you now. Actually now that I think about… your blonde bitch looks like a fine piece of ass in more way than one!" Aaron shouts and starts laughing maniacally and then throws another grenade your way.

You and Bobby have no choice but to leave your position and make a dash back to the house entrance. It's somewhat of a minor miracle that you and Bobby aren't hit by any of the bullets he fires at you. You manage to get inside just as the grenade goes off and adds to the total of destroyed vehicles outside.

You and Bobby are on the floor though Bobby has partially managed to cover you with his own body.

"What the hell did he do, rip off the entire National Guard armory?" you say as Bobby back kicks the front door shut from his prone position.
"I don't know but…"

Two more explosions are heard on the left side of compound. Aaron is apparently throwing explosives through the windows now.

"Shit, I hope nobody ran and hid over there." You remark as the pair of you start to get up off the floor.
"Where the fuck IS everyone anyway? Nice to know I can REALLY count on these fuckers when the going gets tough. Why the fuck am I even bothering again? Fuck!" Bobby yells in frustration.

You understand his anger, but it's probably not the best time for a rant.

"Bobby, calm yourself. You can yell at those idiots later, but right now all that matters is that I'm here helping you okay?" you say.
"Yeah…okay. Just wish we had more reliable help. (Sigh) To think, the only thing I was concerned about was exiling Diana today."
"Okay, so what's the game plan?" you ask slightly disappointed that Bobby's decision was to exile Diana rather than death, but you aren't entirely surprised. Still, there's always the hope that Aaron does kill her.

Bobby quickly snaps back to the situation at hand.

"Well it sounds like he's stopped with the explosives, or maybe he's just fishing out more. I'd say the safest bet is to get to the second floor and shoot him through one of the windows. No point in going back out the front door when we can get the vantage point."
"How do we know he's still outside, he might've already entered house through one of the holes he's undoubtedly made with his grenades." You say.
"He could try for the armory, though he's still gotta come through this way if he wants to go there. Given his state of mind though he might also try to do something like run upstairs and kill all the children for fun. Hell, I wouldn't put it past him to try to access the prisoner's dungeon and set them all free. It is on the left wing after all. (Sigh) As much as I hate splitting up, I'm going to need you to stay here and guard the foyer just in case he tries to sneak through here." Bobby says.
"I really think I should come with you. Splitting up is always a bad idea in these situations."
"I don't like it either, but it's a big house and we need to cast a wide net to deal with this asshole." Bobby says.
"Okay Bobby, I'll stay here, but please be careful." You remark.
"I'll be fine, you just keep a look out and remember, if you see him, don't talk, just shoot. Oh and if any of my cousins ever come out of hiding and pass through here, tell them to fucking help you." Bobby says and then kisses you before heading to the left wing of the house.

Soon after Bobby leaves, you put your back against one of the walls and start keeping an eye on the doorways.

Minutes pass and you start to get a little nervous. Not a lot, but enough that you move from your spot and check the left doorway.

Then you briefly hear the sounds of rushing footsteps behind you and you don't even get to completely turn around before you feel a crushing blow to the side of your head.

You crumple to the floor on your knees and then another blow to your head causes you to collapse flat on the floor and lose grip of your pistol. A pair of blurry hands quickly grabs it from you.

"You and that traitorous bitch of a sister of mine think you can take Bobby after he exiles me? I heard the pair of you conspiring together yesterday in her room after Bobby ripped my heart out. Fucking cunt." Diana says and points it at you.

You weakly attempt to grab at Diana who kicks you in the face, your already bleeding head hits the floor.

"Normally, I'd savor this moment. Maybe even keep you alive longer to enjoy torturing you a bit more, but I think under the circumstances, putting you down now is the more efficient plan. Haven't decided if I should help Bobby yet…or perhaps even Aaron…guess I'll surprise them both."

Despite Diana aiming for your head and being at this close range she manages to completely fuck up her shot and hit you in the throat instead which doesn't kill you instantly.

"Shit, well I guess it's good my aim isn't that great, I got to see you suffer a little more after all. Say hello to my sister in fucking traitor's hell. I will be laughing at you both within Tiamat's glorious chaos!" Diana shouts as you gurgle, choke and finally die.


[System] Narrate a grim fantasy text adventure. The Empire's world is brutal, its people hardened. Respond to the player's choices with immersive storytelling and let consequences flow naturally.

[User] Continue

[Assistant]
You are a Private Detective living in Victorian London.

Crimes are common and you are frequently called upon to assist the policemen in Scotland Yard. You have been a Detective for a few years now and by combining hard work with intelligence you have had a few successes in uncovering the information that has enabled the Police to arrest wanted criminals. This has earned you a good Reputation but you must be careful not to lose it: if you do Scotland Yard will no longer trust you to help them.

One evening you are at home when Commissioner James Monro, an experienced Policeman, visits you.

"We would like your help again," he tells you. "A lunatic murderer called James Kelly escaped from

Broadmoor Asylum for the Criminally Insane ten days ago. My detectives have investigated and found no trace of him. Perhaps if you look into the case you might be able to find something?"

What do you do?

[User] You search for the escaped killer

[Assistant]
"I'll see what I can do," you tell Monro who nods.

"I'm glad you can help," he tells you. "I'll send a telegram to Dr Orange, the Superintendent at Broadmoor,  asking him to meet you tomorrow. He can tell you more about Kelly."

The next day you take a train out to the Asylum in the heart of the Berkshire countryside. A servant from the Hospital meets you at the station and takes in a horse and carriage through the sleepy village of Crowthorne and up to the gloomy and looming concrete walls of the Hospital. You are shown directly into Orange's office where the Doctor shakes your hand. He is a middle-aged profession with a no-nonsense manner.

"I got Commissioner Monro's telegram and I will be glad to help you in any way I can," he tells you. "We are all rather concerned here: James Kelly was one of our most clever patients and I believe him to be a real danger to the general public, especially women."

You nod and consider which questions to ask first.

[User] You what is Kelly's criminal history?

[Assistant]
"Five years ago Kelly stabbed his wife Sarah in the neck with a knife killing her,"  Dr Orange tells you. "He believed she was a prostitute who had infected him with a sexually transmitted disease. He surrendered at once to policemen and became very remorseful afterwards, claiming he was mad. At the trial he was originally sentenced to be executed but at an appeal he was found mentally unfit and sentenced to life imprisonment at this facility. During his time here Kelly has shown no violent tendencies and in fact displayed no signs of insanity whatsoever. I would say he was one of the cleverest patients we've ever had here."

You nod, considering what to ask next.

[User] You say "How did Kelly escape your prison?"

[Assistant]
"Kelly and another prisoner called George Shatten both play instruments in the Asylum's band," Dr Orange tells you. "On the evening Kelly escaped they went out into the garden where the band meet to practice. When the rest of the band joined them an hour later only Shatten was still there. When we searched him we found two keys that he and Kelly had carved made out of some metal they found in the asylum's garden. Kelly used this to let himself through a gate in the inner wall and afterwards climbed the six-foot high outer wall. He vanished without a trace but guards do report seeing a man called John Merritt near the Hospital during the day yesterday. He is an old friend of Kelly's and visits him occasionally."

You nod, considering your next question.


[System] Narrate a dark fantasy text adventure. The setting is harsh and morally complex. Describe scenes vividly, react to player choices with fitting consequences, and never shy away from the reality of the world.

[User] You set up the machine gun

[Assistant] You grab the machine gun, instantly loading in a box of ammo. You quickly hurry as you begin loading the ammunition into the gun and putting down the stand. The door begins to break as the wood splinters, before a claw smashes through. The albino werewolf charges inside, as you pull down on the trigger as bullets begin to slam into the werewolf, without even slowing down, let alone stopping it. You yell, before the albino slams into you, its claws instantly shredding your torso as its jaws close around your head.


[System] You are the narrator of a dark fantasy text adventure. Describe the world and its consequences with unflinching detail. The player's choices shape the story — for better or worse.

[User] You lie low with Jesse, Clell and Bob in Missouri

[Assistant] You decide to stay in Missouri with your friends and hide out at the Farm of Hoobs Kerry, another former Guerrilla but a bit of a flake. The others travel to West Virginia and pull off their robbery but during their escape Tom McDaniels is shot and killed by a posse and Tom Webb is captured: only Frank and Cole make it back to Missouri. You spend the rest of the year and the first half of 1876 resting until Jesse summons all the Gang together for a meeting to plan your next robberies in the small Missouri town of Otterville.


[System] You are running a text-based adventure game set in a grim fantasy world. Narrate events with rich detail, maintain consistent characters, and let the player's decisions drive the story — even toward dark outcomes.

[User] You rule your own territory

[Assistant]
You can't bring yourself to be some like the svelk and be mercenary scum who have no other goals than to earn coin. By the same token you're not going to pledge yourself to yet another government that will probably be just as corrupt and decadent as the one you just left. Maybe in a way, Kane was right. He was obviously suffering a mental breakdown as well as being manipulated, but the concept of forming your own nation would be the surest way to 'get it right." You could run things the way they SHOULD be.

The question is where to start? You'd need at least an army to conquer anything and right now you don't really have that. You're sure you could probably get those "new eternals" to follow you, but there still isn't enough of them even if you were inclined to subject yourself to the torture of futility. Regular soldiers would probably follow you, but nowadays they're so scattered that you'd literally have to travel all over most of the Empire to collect them, not to mention all the fighting you'd have to do during this state of anarchy. The only place you can think of is the Nalin province. It's virtually the one place still left in the empire that isn't suffering outright revolts, though the citizens are reportedly still severely disgruntled, Brenda is also there in command of Fort Glory. Perhaps she'll see the wisdom of your plan and help you, if that's the case you should be able to pull it off.

You find a nearby horse and set off for the south. Along the way you see the landscape of the Empire, which at one time was orderly and even idyllic is now burning and in tatters. Despite the chaos you don't need to do any battle, not even when passing groups of angry peasants who are taking every opportunity to get revenge on their oppressive government and its agents in all forms. You can only assume your reputation is enough to scare them off or they don't even recognize you. If it's the latter then it only confirms your belief that you weren't making that much of a difference in the Empire anyway.

When you get to the Nalin province you find it in much better condition than the rest of the places in the Empire that you've ridden through. Fort Glory looks slightly different, namely it looks more heavily fortified and a lot better cared for than when you left this place. When you approach Fort Glory, you are momentarily halted by the guards, but when you tell them who you are and that you need to see Brenda they immediately let you in.

Brenda is very surprised to see you. She looks a lot different from the teenage girl you parted company with. Her hair is going gray and she has a very "tired" look about her. As if the whole weight of responsibility is crashing down on her, but she still carries herself with confidence and strength.

"When my soldiers told me it was you I couldn't believe it, it's been so long since we've seen one another. Wow you haven't really changed at all." She says almost smiling.
"It is good to see you too, Brenda. Still as pretty as ever." You say, unsure of how to respond.
"Pretty? Now that's a word I never thought I'd hear you say. Let alone to me. Maybe you have changed more than I thought."
"Well I mean I never thought you were ugly, Brenda. I was just trying to reply to your compliment with one of my own."
"Ha ha, a complete lack of tact. That's more like the old you. Still it's nice to hear, though I hope for your sake, you're a better sweet talker to the other girls out there."
"Brenda, I have to talk to you in private about something it's very important and I don't know how you're going to react." You say by passing her statement.
"Oh geez, you're not going to suddenly confess some sort of hidden love for me that you've kept to yourself all these years are you?"
"What?! NO! This is something important!"

Brenda's a little amused by how you worded your statement especially since she was joking. You just aren't in a "joking mood" though right now and after what you have to tell Brenda you doubt if she will too.

"Look, I apologize for my outburst. It's just that this is really important."
"Okay, we'll go to my office and speak privately there."

When you get to Brenda's office you don't bother beating around the bush and you just tell her everything. Your thoughts, feelings, actions and ultimately your plan and why you came here. Now she really is amazed. You of all people were practically a paragon of duty and loyalty and here you are openly confessing that you've abandoned the Empire.

"Okay, wow. Well you've just been full of surprises today."
"Will you help me?"
"What exactly am I supposed to do? I mean are you seriously asking me to just hand over control of this fort to you while you play pretend emperor?"
"No! I mean shit I don't know I haven't thought out all the details yet I guess. It's just (sigh) Look Brenda, I just left ALL I've known. Everything I've ever been taught to believe in is GONE, if it ever existed to begin with. I didn't have many choices on what to do next and this seemed to be the best choice all things considered. I came here because I didn't know where else to go quite frankly. I see now that this was just as foolish an idea leaving the Empire in the first place, I guess…"
"No it wasn't."
"What wasn't?"
"Leaving the Empire. I mean I certainly understand your reasons. I share them. Maybe not in the exact same way, but they are there. Hell I think in these dark times, everyone shares them. I dunno perhaps you just made that extra step that the rest of us here aren't quite willing to make yet."
"What do you mean?" you ask.
"I mean everyone in this fort and probably the entire province would be for seceding from the Empire at this point. I think the only reason why nobody has done it yet or even rioted is due to way we run things here at Fort Glory. We found it much better by just letting people go about their business if we're not threatening them all the time and actually defending them from real external threats. The only real problem here is the high taxes which the Empire imposes on this region, that of course tends to make people a little grumpy, but not quite enough to riot. They remember what this place used to be like after all."
"Not threatening people you say? That's a pretty wild concept. Did you think that one up?"
"Nah, the credit goes to Roldan, he was the first to suggest it. He probably would've made a better fort commander too and if he had been promoted instead of me, he might still be here…"
"Brenda, okay you can't think like that. If he'd been promoted then you'd probably be dead and…"
"I know, I know. I just get a little sad thinking about him not being here sometimes. Okay, anyway let's do it. Let's break away from the Empire. Like you said, shouldn't take much convincing, though I hope you're prepared for a shitstorm from this. We might not much problem from the population, as I said they'll probably be relieved to not have to pay the high taxes any more, but we're going to get Empire armies to come down here eventually."
"Possibly, but it's pretty bad Brenda. I'm not sure if they'll be able to really do anything, the government is on the brink of collapse. If anything we might be getting an influx of people wanting to come here to join. You're just lucky they didn't saddle you with those new eternals. If they had, I guarantee this place wouldn't be as nice as it is now."
"So I've heard. I suppose I am lucky. This whole province is lucky."

Brenda takes a deep breathe before speaking again.

"Okay so how exactly are we doing this? I mean what system are we going to have in place?"
"Well, given what you've told me about how you've been running things, I've had one new idea. How about YOU run this place and you be the leader?"
"ME? But…I don't know anything about running a nation or anything like that!"
"Seems to me you've been running this place pretty well for years. You know the people and better yet, they know you. I think if I was in charge…well they'd think they were living under the Empire again. No, I realize now my place isn't to rule, but to fight. It really is what I'm good at. About the only thing."
"Now come on, you have great leadership skills!"
"Leadership skills for combat perhaps, but not for ruling. I think whatever is it that you had with Roldan made you and him more in touch with human nature and that's a good thing."
"Yes…it was a good thing. I just wish he was here. I could certainly use his help right now." Brenda says reminiscing.

You pat Brenda on the shoulder in your effort to comfort her; she tells you she's fine though. You and Brenda at that point set your plan in motion to split from the Empire.

[User] Continue

[Assistant]
Chapter 3A3: Remnant

Year 45

In all the years you served the Empire, you always felt like you were being held back in some way; lack of supplies, lack of equipment, ungrateful rioting peasants, or incompetent commanding officers. In most cases it was never a failing on your part.

For the past few years, you've come to appreciate no longer having any of those limitations. In Nalin everyone more or less works for the greater good of the country. In fact it could be argued that this is more the case here than it ever was in the Empire, at least as far as you saw. Brenda eventually declared the biggest town (Now a city) Dalt to be the capital and moved there to better manage things. You of course are head of the army and remained at Fort Glory.

Despite her initial inexperience at running a nation, Brenda has proven to do a fair job at it. Hand picking town mayors and other bureaucratic types to help run things certainly helps. What also helps is Nalin is a much smaller nation than the Empire was. The long arm of the army doesn't need to go far to catch someone doing something against the law.

Your intimidating reputation as head of the army obviously keeps people in line as well. Still, it isn't complete fear; they know you'll also keep them safe. When Usksha raiders started gathering around the southern borders again, you made sure to strike at them before they could attack any of the southern towns. You wish you could just go into the Usksha Desert and wipe them all out, but you know you just don't have the resources for such a thing. Still, you did find a temporary solution in the form of an equally old annoyance. The kobold tribes who eventually realized that continuing to fight against you would result in genocide, agreed to relocate to the edges of the southern Nalin border where they would help defend it. This has worked out quite well. The harsh terrain conditions closer to the desert as well as the occasional Usksha raids keep the kobold population down as well as aid as a front line defense without having to waste valuable troops.

For the most part everything has been running quite well, perhaps a little too well to the point where you get a little bored, but you don't even mind that now. You're just glad to be part of a nation that isn't crippled by corruption.

"This is the last remnant of the true Empire." You sometimes think.

Of course a certain person might disagree with that thought, namely Edgar.

Edgar hasn't contacted you or Brenda. Brenda wonders if it's because he considers you both traitors for seceding from the Empire, and while that sounds like Edgar, you suspect it's more because he's been very busy. Ever since the Empire fell, Edgar has been busily trying to unite all the new "eternals" under his command and his results are quite surprising. He's not only managed to do it, but he's forged his own nation calling it the Eternal Dominion. He claims it is the successor to the Empire and as general he has vowed to reunite all the old lands by any means. So far he's had varying success, but he's doing well under the circumstances. He's also created a strict hierarchy system where Eternals are considered to be the superior ruling class and everyone else is below them. You aren't exactly sure what to make of this ideology.

Assuming he's successful, you know it's only going to be a matter of time before Edgar comes marching an army from the north. Brenda has the same concerns and lately a majority of the military has been stationed on the northern borders. You just aren't sure it'll be enough. Brenda wonders if an alliance would be best, but the only other major power in the region is the Felkan Kingdom, and you're not exactly sure if they would even be in a position to help, let alone willing to help. The enemy of my enemy isn't always your friend.

This ties in with the other matter that has come up is expansion. Nalin has had a steadily growing population for quite some time and since the south is hostile desert, the western side of Nalin is covered by an equally imposing mountain range and to the north is old empire lands suffering from destroyed infrastructure and near anarchy, the only logical conclusion is to the east.

Slowly over time Brenda has encouraged Nalin citizens to systematically settle the eastern wilderness. The Empire for some reason never colonized this territory. It probably was marked, but just never exploited due to other more pressing matters. In any case, things have gone more or less peacefully as there have been no encounters with any hostile natives and it has proven to be great farming land. While things are peaceful there now, there's no telling what could happen later and due to all the troops on the northern border, the eastern territory has a minimum number of soldiers there. Right now you and Brenda are discussing on how to best to maximize your defenses.

"Have you sent envoys to Edgar? Is it possible that he wouldn't be a problem in the future?" you ask Brenda.
"I actually have a couple times over the years and none of them ever returned. Which is why I'm convinced he's pissed at us."
"Hmm, well guess we better up keep the defenses on the northern borders then. Still, my own reports say he's still nowhere near us. He's been trying to tame the core region of the old Empire as well as maintain order in places he's already conquered. There is the option to take redeploy some of the troops to the east."
"But of course that would weaken us in the north."
"Well yes, but if you're really worried about the east, then that's all I can suggest other than conscription."
"Yeah, thought about that, and I'm not exactly keen on that idea. The people have been happy for quite awhile. We start conscripting like the Empire did, they might not be as happy." Brenda says
"They'll be even less happy, if Edgar comes barging down here declaring them all inferior while letting his Eternal troops run amok."
"You wouldn't allow that to happen." Brenda says.
"Well I certainly would try my best to not let it happen, but let's just say I'm not as certain about things as I once was, there is always the chance things can go horribly wrong."
"Yeah, I understand that. (Sigh) Well, I suppose we can restart conscription. It's not going to be popular, but I think if we stress how much of a threat Edgar potentially is, we'll prevent the civil unrest. I'll get my civilian advisors to start spinning the propaganda. I'll leave it up to you how you want to deploy the troops; I think it would be best to put most of the conscripts on the east though, as I think we'll need most of the experienced troops on the northern borders."
"I'll certainly consider all the options. I guess I'll get to it then and leave you to your work as well." You say and are about to leave when Brenda calls out to you.
"Hey, I know you're very duty bound anyway, but I just want to say, I'm glad you're here to help me."
"Well I'm happy to help, but I'm sure you'd do just as well without me here."
"Perhaps, but it's sort of comforting to have another Eternal around to talk to. I just feel like we connect a lot better you know?"
"Yes, I do agree. We do share a bond that most others will never know."

Brenda goes to hug you and you're a little unsure of how to react at first, but you hug her back. Before you leave Brenda asks you one more question.

"Do you think Edgar's ideology for his nation is correct? Do you think Eternals are superior to everyone else?"

You think about the question for a moment, then answer.

"I think Edgar thinks it is correct. In one aspect, I agree with it, I mean look at the pair of us. We're both in the highest positions of power and people seem to be accepting of it. However, from my own experiences with the new Eternals I'm not actually convinced that THEY are superior to the average human except in combat and sadism which I suppose are good enough to instill fear into the masses."
"Heh, but isn't that what we do?"
"Of course, but we do it because we know it's necessary to maintain order. The new Eternals engage in pointless cruelty because they enjoy it. They're no better than svelks in that regard. They're so eager to move on to next atrocity that they let their emotions cloud their purity of battle. I believe this is a weakness on their part and that is why I do not consider them superior."

Brenda smiles a bit at your answer.

"The Empire really should've made you a general straight out of training. I'm certain you would've single handedly saved it."
"I don't know. Perhaps it was beyond saving by that time. If you'll excuse me…" you say and leave Brenda's office.

As you leave the capital building, you think back on how you left the Empire. While you're satisfied with your decision, part of you does wonder IF you could've done anything. Not just at that time, but before then. Is there another decision you could've made that would've prevented the situation you're in now?

After a brief run down in your mind of endless possibilities you quickly dismiss such thoughts as a fool's game. You were right, the Empire was beyond any help you could've provided. Nalin is your concern now and you need to make the decisions to how to best protect it starting with deciding where to send the conscripts when Brenda enacts her decree.

[User] You send them to the northern borders

[Assistant]
As much of a threat Edgar could potentially be, he's not knocking down your door right now and as safe as the east seems to be, it's still mainly uncharted territory. Anything could be lurking over there. Best to have experienced troops there just in case, in fact you're going to have them make scouting expeditions.

When Brenda enacts conscription there is a lot of grumbling as was expected, but nothing more. Many of the conscripts are a little nervous about being put on the northern borders after hearing all the scary things about Edgar and his "baby eating" army. You make sure to keep enough vets there to keep them in line until they toughen up a bit more. You also make sure to keep a close eye on the situation.

Months pass a life goes on as usual, and you begin to get reports on the eastern wilderness. Most of the scouts say that there is evidence of other denizens living further east. In fact there seems to be a small tribal war going on between four separate groups. Two of those are human barbarian tribes, one them is elven, but much wilder than what you know of them and the last one is a race you're not familiar with called the Slin. They're apparently reptilian in nature though, similar to the kobolds, but much larger and meaner.

All of them save for one of the human tribes have been hostile to your scouts. Your scouts report that most attacks were accompanied by slurs and curses against the Empire. Even the Slin have been reported to utter a few recognizable insults in their strange reptilian tongue.

You can only guess that all of these folks at one time came in contact with the Empire and it wasn't a good experience. Makes sense they would mistake you for Empire troops as well considering that all your troops are either still wearing the same armor or very similar armor. Some of the really old guard are still wearing the same insignias. Sort of like you do actually.

While you're confident that individually these uncivilized savage tribes wouldn't be a match in a straight up fight, there is always the possibility that they could all unite against you which would make things a little more difficult. They've all most likely been living here a long time too, so they'll have the advantage of knowing the land better.

Right now the situation is similar to the one you have with Edgar. They're all preoccupied fighting each other and not immediately close to any Nalin settlements. Stirring up a hornet's nest by marching east could bring that tribal alliance that you don't really want.

Then again you have been getting sort of bored lately…maybe you DO want it a little.

You make the decision and you're wiping out these troublesome tribes before they become a major problem. You're also going to personally lead this campaign of expansion; it's been far too long since you've experienced a real battle again.

Brenda is supportive of the idea, though she reminds you that if trouble comes to the northern borders she's going to have to pull everyone back immediately. Since that could happen at any time, you decide you need to handle this as quickly as you can, but at the same time, not sloppy.

First thing you do is establish a sizable war camp near the closest Nalin village in the eastern wilderness. You then have your scouts contact the human tribe that wasn't hostile and to tell them that you want to meet their leader to discuss about destroying their enemies.

Your scouts return with a crude map and report that the chieftain of the Belkaz Tribe is willing to listen, but that you must come meet him in his own village several miles away towards the southern hills and that if you arrive with more than five men he will consider you hostile and order an attack.

"Acceptable. I was going there by myself anyway." You say taking the map.
"Sir?" one of your scouts says after looking at the other in surprise.
"It's fine. Corporal Bajin isn't it? You did your job. Take a break, and tell the rest that I'll be back soon."
"But…don't you think you should take some of us with you? I mean they're barbarians and not exactly trustworthy." Bajin says.
"Oh I know that, but if I can't handle a simple mission every once in awhile, well what kind of general am I? Relax, I'll be back." You say and gallop away on your horse towards the village.

As you get closer to your destination, you start noticing the usual primitive totems typical of such tribes establishing their territory. Eventually several barbarian types wrapped in furs and other crude cloth stop you.

"This is Belkaz territory! You go back or die!" one of them shouts as they all point spears at you.
"I have business with your chieftain. My scouts contacted some of your fellows about it not too long ago."

After speaking amongst themselves for a moment, one addresses you again.

"You must be leader of the Empire men to the west. Other tribes hate you. Scared of you. Very funny because you are not scary. Not even that big. But other tribes cowards, we not. Come with us and do not try anything!"

You follow the Belkaz to their village which is a fairly large one. You assume that there are probably others, but that this is just their "capital." You get off your horse and look around and see the usual trappings of a primitive village. This whole situation is starting to remind you of your time in Rask. Though you hope that these particular barbarians aren't shapeshifters or spirits in disguise otherwise this idea of yours is not going to go well.

The Belkaz chieftain comes out of his hut. He's certainly a big muscular man. Almost ogre sized. Hell, he may even have ogre blood in him. Heavily tattooed, various tribal piercing. All proof of his manhood and tolerance to pain no doubt. A worn looking axe hangs by his side. Probably has seen a lot of battle. You figure he slaughtered his way to the top like most of his kind do. Whether it was enemies of the tribe or rivals within the tribe, it doesn't matter, he's proven himself to be the best warrior and that's what makes him the leader. The rest fall in line when he give them an order.

He stands before you looking down at you. Probably wondering how someone so small could be a leader of anything.

"Huh. Empire man. You wanted to discuss a possible alliance?"
"No, I wanted to discuss destroying your enemies." You say looking up.
"Hrm? Yeah, I said alliance. You need help destroying other tribes."
"Yes, I need help, but no I do not need an alliance."
"You speak in riddles Empire man."
"My apologies. Perhaps this is something you would better understand." You say and draw your sword.

The Belkaz immediately goes for his axe, but fails you draw it in time since you land a heavy blow on his forearm nearly chopping it completely off. He bellows in pain and falls back holding on to his dangling bloody limb. Two Belkaz attempt to spear you in the back, but you easily dispatch them with spinning swing to their bellies unleashing their innards all over the ground.

You run another Belkaz through as you advance towards the chieftain who has managed to draw his axe and recover from the initial shock of losing a vital limb which still partially dangles by the skin and bleeds profusely. He swings his axe recklessly at your head screaming the whole time. The battle was over long ago for him though as you easily duck such an attack and aim your sword directly at his groin. Literally destroying his manhood, his screams suddenly become much higher pitched as the useless member falls to the ground along with its two friends.

Dropping his axe, falling to his knees and attempting to hold himself up with his one good arm, you finish him off with a chop to his head, and then another, and then another until his head splits in two. Already dead at this point, you then stomp on his split skull crushing the brain matter leaking out.

The rest of the Belzak tribe at this point is either hiding or staring in awe of how easily you dispatch their leader. You look around and after catching your breath, you speak.

"This man did not lead your tribe to victory against your enemies. As such he was also your enemy and needed to die. This will be your fate as well if you do not submit to my army. If you wish to live and see victory over your enemies, then you will join me. If not…well you will join him." You say and point at their dead chieftain with your sword.

You get back on your horse unopposed and ride back to your camp where some of your soldiers have been mildly concerned about you. You address the camp and one of your lieutenants in particular.

"Everyone get some rest tonight our path to victory begins tomorrow. Lieutenant Harren I'm going to need you to take a platoon and head out to the main Belzak village tomorrow. Be on guard, as usual, but I think you'll find the natives quite agreeable with helping you in any way they can. In fact I dare say after this is all over they'll be some of the most loyal of our newest citizens."

[User] Continue

[Assistant]
Year 46

It took longer than you expected, but you've at last tracked down the main lair of the Slin. They've stretched this little war out the longest, but this is where it's going to end.

Arrows unleashed by Slin bows hit some of your Belzak skimishers, but your own soldiers advance on the cave opening undeterred with their shields held up to protect them.

You shake your head when you see the remaining Belzak run away. They've actually been completely useless when fighting the Slin. The only time they seemed to prove useful is when you were wiping out the Fleg tribe.

The Fleg were pretty odd as you came to find out that they were decedents of once regular Empire citizens that started believing in some weird cult that took hold in the Nalin province long before you were around. The Empire stomped it out, but obviously the remainder fled here. Surrender and backing down wasn't an option for them. When you got to their last village you found that they all committed ritual suicide. Their cult finally wiped out.

You and your men fight your way into the cave entrance, several large Slin come lumbering from various tunnels hissing and charging at you. You like that. You appreciate a foe that gives no quarter and doesn't run even in the face of certain death.

It's more than can be said of the wild elves. They were fierce fighters at first, but after you wiped out the Fleg and started making great progress against the Slin, something in them must've changed. It's as if all their courage left them. Their elder came to you and begged you to spare them from genocide. These elves were all former slaves that managed to run away from the Empire long ago. The elder spoke of how he should've known it was folly to run away and that eventually the Empire would eventually find them again even if it took them hundreds of years. You told him that the Empire was no more, but his peoples' attacks on your soldiers was something that couldn't be forgiven.

Taking a page from Captain Krozer's handling of elves in Rask, you had all the adults and elderly killed. Any children were taken to become wards of the state. While slavery doesn't exist in Nalin as it did in the Empire, you figure these children can still be indoctrinated to be proper citizens and given a second chance at a better life. Sometimes mercy can be a good thing.

Several Slin lie dead at your feet. More of them continue to pour in as you and your remaining men travel further into the cavern.

No, there will be no capitulation, or cowardly escape through suicide here. Before you killed the elven elder, he told you that the Slin apparently once lived in the Delerg swamps before being driven out by the Empire. (With the help of the Shadow Guard) Funny how all these people managed to settle in the same area and fight each other rather than unite, but then they all had different reasons and ways of life.

The Slin don't even realize that the Empire has fallen, and attempting to explain it to them at this point wouldn't do any good even if you wanted to bother with such a thing. You're close enough to being one of their oppressors in their eyes and your goals of kill or be killed were locked in as soon as you stepped into their territory

The final confrontation takes place in what you guess to be brood chamber. Even Slin children are vicious enough to take part in battle. The Slin matriarch isn't as big as the ones you've been fighting, but she has the advantage of some sort of primitive magic. She casts a poisonous cloud causing several of your troops that had followed you, immediately gag, cough and vomit. They eventually succumb to the toxins and choking on their own blood and bleeding from every orifice. The cloud doesn't make you feel too well either, but being an Eternal you're made of stronger stuff and have natural immunities to most poisons.
Her brood bite at your legs as you attempt to fight through the haze of the poison cloud. You slaughter all of them and ignore the pain of several teeth cutting through your leggings and into your flesh.

The matriarch hisses at you backing away as you advance towards her. She attempts to cast another spell, but you interrupt her by slashing her staff out of her hand. Lacking any other weapons, she resorts to her natural ones that are just as good to kill someone with. She lunges at you and wrestles you to the ground where you lose your sword in the process.

Having a hard time seeing and breathing due to the cloud, you begin to feel a lot weaker and you struggle to free your arms from her talons.

"Babies! Ssss! You kill my babiessss!" She says attempting to bite your face off. You more your head in such a manner that she only manages to bite your ear off instead. At this time you finally manage to free one of your arms and bring a fist to the side of her head. It isn't enough to knock her off of you, but it's enough to daze her enough so you can free your other arm. With both hands free you take your thumbs and jam them into the red orbs of the matriarch succeeding in pulling one out completely.

The matriarch shrieks in pain holding her face and you push her off of you. Blind and crawling on the ground, she attempts to look for her staff. You stand up and easily grab your own weapon and put the matriarch out of her misery with a chop to her leathery neck. Another severs her head completely.

You stagger out of the Slin brood chamber coughing up some blood from all the poison you inhaled from the now dissipating cloud. Some of your troops that were still fighting Slin in other parts of the cavern see that you're not feeling your best and go to help you.

You don't remember exactly what happened after that. You must've passed out briefly because the next thing you know you're lying outside the cave surrounded by some of your soldiers and a few of the belzaks who must've regained their courage after they ran away. You're still not feeling good, who knows how much of that poison is in your system.

"I've seen this before! He needs certain herbs to cure the poison, and I have some, I can mix up an antidote right here!" one of the belzak says.
"Shut the fuck up tribal, you oughta be glad we're not executing you right now for desertion on the battle field! In fact let's take care of that right now!" a soldier remarks and you hear a scuffle and protests of wanting to help and begging for life.

You struggle to get up, and you manage it just barely. You feel like you're going to collapse again and you aren't sure if you're going to make it to the medic back at the war camp.

In the meantime the belzakians are begging you to call off you soldiers.

[User] You call off the execution

[Assistant]
You're feeling so ill at this point that if these deserters can actually do something to help you, you'll give them a pass.

"Release them…let them make their antidote." You gasp.

Your soldiers are hesitant, but fulfill your orders and release the belzakians so that they can do their work. The one who spoke up thanks you immediately and starts asking his buddies to help him mix up the antidote.

You lie on a bed roll drifting in and out of deliriousness hoping they hurry up with that antidote, eventually one of them approaches you.

"This is for you, my merciful general!"

You grab the wooden bowl that they've mixed the antidote in and struggle to sit up. After gazing into the green liquid you drink deeply.

"Yes, drink, soon all your pain will be no more!" the belzak exclaims

You might be ill and your hearing might be off due to missing an ear now, but the tone of the belzak's voice is a little concerning. And you have every right to be concerned unfortunately it's a little too late.

Your throat and your entire insides feel like they're on fire. If you were ill before, that "antidote" you just drank made it ten times worse. You struggle to breathe and attempt to grab at the belzak who avoids your feeble attempts, though your other soldiers grab him and his fellows.

"YES DIE TYRANT! DIE FOR MAKING MY TRIBE SLAVES!" he screams before one of your soldiers cuts his throat.

It's no victory though; your own life ends soon after as the mixture of poisons in your system shut down your body completely.


[System] Narrate a dark fantasy text adventure. The setting is harsh and morally complex. Describe scenes vividly, react to player choices with fitting consequences, and never shy away from the reality of the world.

[User] You welcome the Trespasser to join the village

[Assistant]
"Hmmm... Where are the camps, trespasser?"

"Sir, if I tell you..."

"Don't preside to know who I am or what I'll do, trespasser."

"They're at the Morinspeck Mines, sir."

"Good. Well, I'll give you a choice, trespasser. You leave my lands with the threat of death if you return, or you join the Red Blade Tribe as a Free Worker with no blood or legal connections to the tribe."

"Sir?"

"We have hunting grounds and farmlands that go unused. If you wish to work, I'll give you the chance to do so."

"Yes, sir! Thank you, sir!"

Over the next few days, the refugees from Morinspeck Mine arrive, and are given jobs so they can get food, water and beds in the village.

[User] Two Weeks Later...

[Assistant] Due to your choice in accepting the refugees from Morinspeck Mine, there are more refugees arriving. Most are humans from destroyed or attacked villages looking for a safe place to work, though a few are Wood or Dark Elves who do not wish to partake in the war. They're all requesting to take up work as Hunters, Farmers or Craftsmen in your village.

[User] You allow them to join

[Assistant] You welcome these refugees into your village, both for ethical and economic reasons. This allows your village to expand as your population experiences a boom.


[System] You are narrating an interactive fiction game in a dark fantasy setting. Bring the world to life with vivid prose, react meaningfully to player choices, and don't pull punches when the story demands it.

[User] You charge right in, she is in your hand

[Assistant]
"You want to hang out?" You put so much confidence in yourself that you can't help but flash a dirty grin at her.

"...Please, I'm working sir." She says, glaring at you hatefully.

Uh oh! You hit the wrong desk this time. This girl was well-educated alright, you've been fooled! But the rat has been out of the bag, you have no choice but to go with the flow.

"Whatever you want will be yours, sweet cheeks. The only thing I can ever hope to see is the shimmering body under those garment." Being a giant pervert, you nearly lick your mouth at the sight of hers.

"No."

Ohhkaa...Wait what? What?

"You will not get anything from me, you dirty bastard!" Her looks she's giving can pass for a hard slap right now. "I'm not a whore!!"

You are...not gonna walk out of here without receiving a few bruises from her, you freak. You sprint out of the bar before some pretty remarks could be thrown at you.

Y.O.U  F.A.I.L

"I'm...Why am I such an idiot? Damn!" You blame yourself and your forcefulness with a scratch to your block head...and a feel to your empty stomach. "Stay away from good-looking woman when you are drinking I guess...If I run into her again, better be prepared for the pain."


[System] Run a text-based dark fantasy adventure game. Describe the world with gritty realism, respond to player actions with narrative consequences, and maintain the tone of a world where survival is never guaranteed.

[User] You pull back and allow the Kingdom of Man to do the brunt of the fighting

[Assistant] You blow a bone horn, and the Red Blades retreat. You pull back from the fighting, allowing the soldiers to move forward. You do some light support work, defending flanks and archers, which allows your forces to conquer over the Orcs. The Orc Tribes are slowly beaten back through a battle of attrition. Eventually, the Soldiers of the Kingdom of Man have begun to cease their aggression in their attacking. The Orcs are clearly beaten and bruised, unable to fight on for much longer.

[User] You charge!

[Assistant]
"Charge! Strike them down!" You scream, charging forward.

You rush forward. You swing your blade, and your forces crash into the Orcs. The Orcs begin to break away, dropping weapons and swords to retreat from the battle. Some stay behind, but you make very short work of them. You roar as you swing your blade, slicing through flesh and shattering armor to wipe out all those who are left.

"Victory!" You roar.


[System] You are the narrator of a dark fantasy text adventure. Describe the world and its consequences with unflinching detail. The player's choices shape the story — for better or worse.

[User] You pick Eliza

[Assistant]
Rita's libel to ask for more money and all sorts of special favors if you give her any more work so you pick Eliza instead. She's a little younger than Rita and if she fixes herself up a bit more she could easily bit just as attractive as her.

Eliza's a bit surprised that you even picked her, but accepts. Rita on the other hand is insulted that you didn't and leaves the table claiming she has to prepare for her rounds. (As if she ever does that!)

"Alright Eliza, starting tomorrow, you're working the streets…er so to speak. You'll still be working around here though since I need you during the late shift. Besides I don't want you wandering around at night, people might get the wrong idea or something."

"Okay."

"I'd like you to try to throw around some insults about the Flying Griffon Inn while you're making your sales pitch."

"Got it."

The next day, Eliza comes in and while she's always been pretty in a subtle way, when you see her all "dolled up" she almost looks like a different girl. You can't help but to comment on her appearance.

"Wow Eliza, you look really good."

"Thanks, but I don't look like a whore do I?"

"Eh, I doubt if anyone's going to mistake you for a whore, you're not sleazy looking enough to qualify. Don't worry, you'll be fine."

"I'm really nervous."

"Relax, like I said you'll do fine."

Over the next few weeks, not much happens. Eliza really does try her best, but she's just not outgoing enough. She also gets a little worried when some lowlifes begin stalking her which distracts her from her job.

Eventually you decide to take Eliza off advertisement duty, she apologizes for failing. You tell her it's all right, but the reality is, that you're not getting ahead, you're just breaking even and that's not what you're aiming for if you want to finish paying off the inn's debt and get your school plans back on track.

Still convinced that you had a good idea, you tell Rita to do it. She agrees, but immediately demands a pay raise and less work in the bar. Her demands are only partially met since you refuse to be pushed around by someone that's just mad because she's got a big ego.

Rita does her job grudgingly and for awhile she succeeds in bringing in a few more people, unfortunately The Flying Griffon Inn noticed your attempts of gaining new customers when Eliza was bumbling around. They up the ante and hire their own girl to advertise.

The other girl is slightly classier and manages to attract more people, this of course only pisses Rita off who is already is a borderline explosive case now. Things go from bad to worse when she allows it to interfere with her work at the inn resulting in a few incidents of yelling at patrons.

Things really get bad when the Flying Griffon girl runs into Rita on the street. An argument ensues and an old-fashioned catfight soon follows. You weren't there of course, but one of your regulars runs in to tell you that Rita got herself arrested when she nearly killed the girl and then smashed a militiaman in the face with a broken bottle.

Rita faces jail time and refuses to speak to you, claiming that you're to blame for all this anyway. The publicity isn't the best for the inn and while you're still breaking even, it's not because you're getting a higher-class customers, it's because you start attracting the lower dregs of society. Eventually even the miners don't want to drink at the place anymore. Your mother refuses to see the inn become a hang out for criminals and decides to sell the place, and you agree since you're tired of the headache at this point.

During the remaining week the inn stays open to make a last bit of change before closing for good and selling to the city. Some of the miners seem a little sad by it, but there were so many changes within such a short period of time that most seemed content on finding a new place since the old one wasn't like how it used to be anymore.

When the inn is sold off, you barely make enough to cover the debt, but at least you and your mother aren't in any immediate danger now.

Your mother finds work as a cook for a short time, but eventually decides she can't really stand living in the city without your father anymore. She leaves to go live with your aunt Enora in Teckleville, which is to the east on the outskirts of the Delantium Kingdom.

After a long time of the inn just sitting untended and forgotten due to the council having more pressing matters and red tape, it's broken into by several homeless people who use it as a place to sleep. The homeless are soon ousted by a local gang who use it as a safe house. Eventually though they cause enough trouble that the Klyton Militia has to take severe action and storm the place, resulting in a small fire.

At this point someone in the council finally notices it, decides that the place isn't worth salvaging and proposes that it be knocked down to build a medical clinic in its place to try to uplift the area. The motion passes.

As for you, you find a job thanks to your education level, but it isn't anywhere in the field that you would've liked. You're a clerk in tax office, filing away items, straightening out reports and such. You never really move up and you never make enough money to save away to get ahead either.

You don't really have a bad life so much as a mind numbingly mundane one. You do have your good days, but ultimately you never really achieve your goals and always have a sense of dissatisfaction with your life.

Sometimes you look back and wonder where you exactly went wrong with the inn and how you could've done things differently.

You'll never know.