[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 go it alone

[Assistant]
Whatever Reynolds reasons are you aren't going to just abandon everything you built here.

"Yeah, I don't think so. We'll get by." You say.
"As you say. Good luck on your little endeavors." Mr. Reynolds replies with a little nod before going back to his work.

You return to Zal and Vaughn and tell them you'll be doing this on your own. Zal seems to be a lot more pleased with this idea.

Zal tells you it would be best if you all met with Captain Yan so you can coordinate this coup. In the meantime, she says she'll return to see Yan and hammer out when to meet so Yan doesn't just suddenly go sailing off to sea.

Another couple weeks pass before you hear from Zal again and now she's telling a new tune…

"What the fuck do you mean it's off?!" you exclaim.
"I'm sorry, but there have been some changes and Yan isn't sure if…" Zal starts to say.
"Oh fuck this is just perfect. This bitch gets cold feet and it's our dicks just swinging in the freezing air. What the hell kind of pirate is she anyway? Shouldn't she be jumping at the chance to slaughter her enemies?" You say.
"We waited too long." Vaughn says.
"To hell with it, we can do this ourselves. Me, you, and you. We're going to sneak into the Governor's mansion or whatever the fuck he lives in and we'll assassinate him." You say and start getting ready by putting various objects into a pack.

"Wait! I really don't think that's a good idea! The Governor has protection up the ass! We need Yan's support if we're going to do anything! Seriously I can fix this!" Zalmora says trying to calm you.
"How Zal? What are you going to do? More of your persuasive talking skills? Lick this Yan bitch into submission? Fuck this, we need to act. I'm not going to be limited to just THIS little shitty piece of Klyton because some are too fucking afraid to grab their destiny!"
"Will you listen to yourself? What's all this about destiny? Did Reynolds get into your head or something? Going in half cocked is not the way and you KNOW this! Listen. I can fix this. I'm confident that I can get Yan to see it my way again. She's just so used to the status quo she's afraid to take that next step even if she wants to. She just needs a little push. Remember, sort of like the one I gave you years ago? That turned out alright it would seem."

You stare at Zal in silence for a moment and then stop hastily putting shit into a pack. You inhale and exhale to gain your composure.

"Okay. I'm calm. Very well Zal, you usually know best. I'll give you another chance to convince this wishy washy bitch, but if you don't succeed, we're going through with my plan." You say.
"I understand, but just don't do anything until I come back with news. At the very least I can try to find a better way to assassinate Governor Tolen than just storming in his home and hoping we don't get killed in the process."

You nod and dismiss Zal, confident that she'll come through for you.

A couple weeks pass and there isn't any word. Vaughn begins to wonder if she didn't get killed, like maybe Yan double-crossed her or something. You think though if something like that happened you would have gotten a warning of some sort. Like Zal's head sent to you as a threat to not enter Hessla again.

You decide to give it a little more time and if she doesn't return soon, then you'll go to Hessla yourself. Turns out the trip won't be necessary and you're hit with another unexpected bit of news. This time via messenger who approached Vaughn when he was going about business topside.

"I dunno, the guy said it was from Zal. She told him to find me and give me the letter. Not sure how he knew where to find me though." Vaughn says giving you a scroll.
"Probably because Zal knows you've been taking your rent boys to the same location to fuck them for years and told him exactly where you'd be. Plus she knows better than to give away the location to our headquarters to some stranger and knows I barely ever leave this place. (Sigh) Well let's see what this says…why do I feel it isn't going to be good news?" you say opening the scroll.

Your thoughts aren't wrong, but you never expected…this…

First off, I just want you and Vaughn to know that I'm okay. I'm better than okay actually. The pair of you have both been good friends in this unglamorous life we've chosen. I know we've had our differences in the past, but ultimately we've always been there for each other. I suppose that's why I stayed with the Talons as long as I did. I didn't have much, but I knew I at least had you guys.

And this is what makes this all the harder.

I have to leave.

I'm going to leave with Yan. She's been in a similar situation here in Hessla, though in her case Governor Tolen is an outright asshole so it's an easy decision for her to just hoist the sails and leave Hessla and never return. We've found a lot in common with one another and we enjoy each other's company. I mean I dunno if this is love or what, but I feel I need to at least take this chance. I need to move on with my life. If I don't, I'll get talked out of it again like I did with Grahk, though I still think you were right in that case.

But this is different. I can't explain it, and I don't think you'd understand really. Right now I'm sure you're already pissed. You're probably already planning to come in full force to Hessla and raise fucking hell. Please don't though, I'm already gone.

Just take care of yourselves okay? And if you ever see an opportunity that can take you to a better life. Take it and don't look back.

Goodbye, and I love you both.

Zalmora

You trail off a bit as you finish reading the message out loud. You're a bit dumbstruck. Vaughn is in the same boat.

Eventually you just neatly roll the scroll back up and put the ribbon back on it, then you gently place it in your desk drawer and sit back down. You then start going over your profit gains for this year.

"Boss?" Vaughn says.
"Vaughn, you'll be handling the shit that Zal was in charge of, if you need extra help I trust you'll be able to promote the appropriate folks." You respond calmly.
"But…what are we going to do?"
"What can we do? Zal took off on a fucking ship to parts unknown. I don't exactly have a magical crystal ball to see where she went, and I wouldn't bother anyway. She obviously wasn't happy here, so it's better off that she's gone. Don't need her anyway."
"Boss…now you don't mean that. Look, I don't wanna step outta line here and I know you didn't want to show it for some reason, but I know you had stronger feelings for her than just being friends with her. I mean aren't you pissed at this betrayal?! Aren't you upset? Don't you wanna go kill this Yan bitch for stealing away Zal? I mean I never saw this coming! Did you?"
"No…at least not like this. But what's done is done and that's a funny notion you have about my feelings towards Zal there Vaughn. I'm fine. Best to just move on."
"Well what about Hessla? Are we still going through with the plan?"
"Oh that. No. Obviously we don't have the support now and Zal was probably right that we'd only just get ourselves killed if we tried ourselves. No, we'll just seek further opportunities here in Klyton when they arise."

Vaughn can't believe how you're taking all this. Eventually he leaves you be and goes off to perform his duties.

When he leaves you lock the door and read the scroll again.

You sigh heavily and you wipe a few tears come from your eyes.

"It's okay Zal. Not mad. I get it. Good luck." You say.

[User] You time passes...

[Assistant]
Year 34

"Shit, that's the fifth patrol down here this week!" you say.
"I know, the militia has actually managed to round up a few of our guys too recently. Really hoping nobody is going to snitch us out at this point." Vaughn remarks.

While your members are generally pretty loyal, it's always a bit of a concern and you're not exactly filled with confidence. The last few years have just been getting worse with the militia patrols, you don't understand why since you were keeping a low profile. That was the whole point of getting out the drug trade.

Your gambling game room hasn't gotten raided yet, but you're getting the uneasy impression that it won't be long if this keeps up.

"Okay, we're going to have to make some changes maybe. I dunno. Maybe we need to hire another…"

Before you can complete this thought, one of your other members comes rushing into the room.

"Boss! Someone is knocking at the wall and they keep saying in a taunting voice that they know we're in here. They also say they want to speak to you directly. They said that he's coming to YOU with a deal this time." Dorian remarks.

You don't even need to know who that might be.

"Shit, fucking Reynolds. Okay, we're going to let him in…"
"What?!" Vaughn exclaims.
"He's already here and knows. If we just ignore him he'll just make things worse for us. I never like dealing with him either, but I usually at least hear him out. However, we're not going in this unprepared. Everyone in this place get yourself armed and ready. Load up any crossbows and firearms and keep them close! Dorian, I want people by the front entrance AND I want them in the escape tunnel just in fucking case. I wouldn't put it past Reynolds to know about that shit."
"Got it boss, anything else?" Dorian asks.
"Yeah, ONLY let him in. If he's got a creepy ass guy with a goatee or a weird looking ogre with him don't let them in. Vaughn you better go with him."
"On it." Vaughn says and the pair of them leave, while you're rechecking your flintlock and grab your spare.

You practice a few times pulling your pistols as quick as you can along with drawing your sword because you have no idea how this is going down.

Eventually Vaughn enters with Mr. Reynolds who looks smug as usual.

"Mmm, this isn't a bad little place. Your dwarven friend did a nice job. I assume that's what all those dwarves were really doing down here years back. Certainly couldn't be fixing the sewers. I swear if you took the Council's collective intelligence together you might have enough brains to put your shoes on the right feet assuming you didn't drool all over yourself first. Well, things are going to change when I get elected." Mr. Reynolds remarks.
"Elected? Wait? YOU'RE running?" you say.
"Oh yes, I feel it's time someone started doing things right in this city for a change. I mean sure Klyton is better off than a place like Holgard or definitely Hessla, but we can always do better you know? I've lived here a long time and I think the only way things are going improve is if I can be in a better position. Of course I'll have to give up my old business, but Henry is willing to take that over. He's come along nicely in that regard."
"Okay, so what's all this got to do with me?" you ask.
"Quite a bit actually…you seem tense. Everyone here seems tense. Relax everyone, I came here alone and my presence here is a good thing." Mr. Reynolds reassures you.
"I find that hard to believe…but state your agenda."
"Always to the point. That's why I think I've always enjoyed not just doing business with you, but your family in general. Anyway, the Crimson Talons are a black eye on this good city. Now granted I understand you aren't really hurting anyone and you do keep a relatively low profile, but well…you guys need to go. Getting rid of you lot would really help show I'm dedicated to cleaning up scum. No offense of course."
"…I see…"
"Now wait, before you start threatening violence, I have a proposal. Instead of just reporting your exact location to the militia and being active in your execution or incarceration, it would be even better for me, if I could…what's the word…tame…no civilize…no… ah assimilate you lot instead. It would prove that this city doesn't need to waste most of its money on security. I mean come on, they hardly need half the force they employ to even take you guys out to begin with." Reynolds says with a chuckle.

You're hardly amused.

"Yes, I can see you want me to get to the point. Fine. I'm not unsympathetic to the plight of the poor folks. I understand that there needs to be an entertainment place that caters to the lesser clientele. You and your Talons do provide that service a bit. So what I'm proposing is you guys do it legitimately. I'm opening up a new gambling hall as part of my Council election and I want all you lot to work there. And you m'boy get to run the place. Now how's THAT sound to you?" Reynolds says.
"Sounds too good to be true and that there has to be a catch." You answer.
"Well…you lot WOULD have to vote for me. And in your case you'd need to go register as a proper Klyton citizen. Don't believe you were actually born here were you? Other than that? None at all. I mean I would get some of the profits obviously since I would own the place, but really what's that compared to your freedom?"

"Freedom"

You're sure that Mr. Reynolds finds the use of that word amusing considering you're essentially at his mercy.

He's probably been planning this for a while. Makes sense now that he wanted you completely out of Klyton the last time you nearly dealt with him.

Still it's not a bad deal considering your time as a rogue is obviously coming to an end here in Klyton. You sometimes feel more like a manager than a crime boss nowadays anyway. What's one more step to legitimacy?

Though it also rubs you the wrong way of getting forced into this situation and part of you just wants to kill Mr. Reynolds for his presumption. You don't doubt that he's more than he appears, but he's also over confident and he's in here with not just you, but several others ready to do your bidding.

[User] You kill Mr. Reynolds

[Assistant]
You had it with this asshole.

You don't say anything; you just pull out your flintlock. Mr. Reynolds' eyes flinch a bit and he moves his hand up in front of him, but he doesn't quiet do it quick enough before you manage to catch him in the shoulder. He falls backwards in his chair.

Before you can follow up with your other pistol, Vaughn has no missed a beat and has taken it upon himself to shoot Reynolds with his own pistol. He gets a headshot, splattering part of Reynolds face and brain matter on your floor. At which point Reynolds begins making these horrible screeching sounds and twitching violently. They aren't normal human sounds of pain either. Indeed if Mr. Reynolds was human he shouldn't be making any more noise at all. Of course you always suspected there was something more to him.

You and Vaughn both start chopping and stabbing him repeatedly to make sure he's dead, until you start hearing noise, shouting and screams coming from outside your office.

With Reynolds no longer moving, you and Vaughn rush out of your office and see several of your people running away from where the escape exit is located.

"What the hell is going on?" you shout at the nearest Talon running by.
"Someone broke in through the escape tunnel and is killing our people!"
"The militia?"
"No! It's just one guy!" the Talon says and runs past you.
"Fuck, it's that asshole's son. So much for Reynolds claiming he didn't come alone." You say.
"Shit, that's guy's a fucking killer." Vaughn remarks.
"Yeah, well you can run if you want, but I'm not." You say and head back to your office where you have a little something extra for Henry. Vaughn reluctantly follows and stands by the door. He's got his faults, but he's always loyal.

You open up one of your safes and grab two firebombs. No sooner have you also grabbed a torch off the wall, you hear Vaughn shouting and the sounds of combat. You turn around and see Vaughn up against a wall struggling to not get a dagger pushed into his throat by Henry.

You don't think, you just act.

"Sorry Vaughn." You whisper, light the bomb with the torch and throw it in the direction of Vaughn and Henry. You then duck down behind your desk for cover.

A loud deafening explosion soon follows. While your desk protects you from the immediate detonation, it is blasted enough that part of it is no longer covering you at all and you probably would have had large wood splinters and chunks embedded into your flesh had you not been wearing appropriate protection.

You slowly get up despite your ears still ringing. There's smoke everywhere though the small fires burning lumps of bloody flesh are allowing you to see through it.

Mr. Reynold's body which was a bloody mess to begin with, is now practically just a smeared blood stain on your floor.

A little further where the door to your office once was lies Vaughn in several burning pieces.

After coughing a bit from the smell and the smoke, you finally see your target, Henry who apparently still isn't dead.

He's burnt, bloody, and attempting to crawl away with one arm intact, but some how still alive. He's making the same horrible raspy sounds his dad was making when you killed him.

You take your sword and walk over to the charred form that is Henry and drive it through the back of his neck. His sounds cease altogether.

As you're pulling your sword back out, your hearing is starting to return back to normal which allows you to receive the sounds of shouting. It sounds far away, but it's coming from the front entrance. Upon a quick glance, you see that the fools who ran off didn't bother shutting the wall properly and now combined with the noise of the explosion your headquarters is probably going to be crawling with any militia that was patrolling down here.

Time to go.

As you're muttering about how much this situation sucks, you silently are just glad you've got an alternative way out of this place.

You pass several bodies as you make your way towards the escape tunnel. Henry really did a damn job on your people. It's just a good thing you had people near the escape tunnel otherwise Henry might have caught even you unawares. Still, while it doesn't surprised you that Reynolds knew about it, you're wondering HOW he found out. Part of you even wonders if maybe he had connections to that dwarven bastard Grahk.

You guess it hardly matters at this point. You've worn out your welcome at this city and you're going to have to find some place new. Perhaps Hessla?

You get to the door to the tunnel and are surprised to find it closed. You would have thought with all the running and killing nobody would have bothered. You open it up.

"Oh shit."

You see standing before you Junior holding some sort of weapon you've never seen before but flames flicker from the barrel. He's wearing goggles, some sort of weird one piece suit covering his massive body and flashes a toothy smile.

Before you can close the door, Junior pulls the trigger on his weapon and a gout of flame envelopes your entire body. You turn and scream as your skin and hair burn and sizzle.

Your attempts to roll on the ground to put out the fire are useless since Junior just follows you from a safe distance and keeps immolating you.

Eventually your burning body joins the other lifeless ones around you.


[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] The Aftermath...

[Assistant]
With William dead, the Norman occupation crumbles. Multiple uprisings drive the Norman force out of London.

In 1067 the Normans rally briefly under William's son, who is also named William.

In an act of vengeance, he makes his last stand in Northumbria, your home. While he waits for the impending arrival of a unified English army, he makes Northumbria bleed. Entire villages are put to the sword, and your home is no exception. Your entire family is wiped out; an ancient bloodline extinguished.

The English forces catch William II in a deft pincer; most of his army is killed during the battle. Those who are captured are put to the sword. William II is taken prisoner, he is brought to London and found guilty of numerous charges by a completely unanimous jury.

On August 18, 1067, William II, at nineteen years of age, is executed. In the next four years a wave of bloodshed rips through England. Normans in hiding are methodically sought out and killed.

By 1071, there are none left. Meanwhile, many English lords vie for the throne.

In 1072, an English lord named Ryce takes the throne, and the English monarchy is preserved.

Although you will be remembered as the man who saved England, your actions resulted in your people being massacred and your family being killed.

As history progresses, facts will fade into legend, but you will always remain.

Your name will be lost to history, but you will be remembered instead by your posthumous nickname;

The Bloody Wolf.


[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] You what kind of world is this? (A little history)

[Assistant] History is it? Well you were never really good at that either, however you did manage to maintain some knowledge of the subject, which is probably more than what can be said for your magic abilities!

[User] The World

[Assistant]
Your world is a strange mixture of magic and technology. While magic exists, it isn't used by everyone as naturally most people don't have the aptitude for it. (You being on the borderline!) and of course there are laws concerning the use of it under most governments. Technology such as gunpowder weapons and other things like steam engines exists to a limited degree. Only the rich nations such as the Zalan Empire can afford to place money in such experimental things.

Most of the world is "civilized" in that parts of it have governing bodies to rule it. Though large stretches of untamed land do exist and "civilization" can be relative in the case of some nations. Many different races exist, though how they get along is another matter.

The landscape on your world is quite varied ranging from deserts, to grasslands, to snowy mountains. But as far as anyone knows, only one large mass exists on your world. Many sailors have attempted to find other possible land masses, but all attempts have yielded nothing. The oceans do not contain any known sentient creatures, though large sea serpents have been sighted in the deep ocean by a few sailors that have barely come back alive from their circumnavigation around the world.

The underground is home to some races, though not as many dwell down there as one might assume. Nor is it a place where evil lurks, (though it can be) the underground is merely another place where some choose to live. Nobody ever chooses to live too deep underground however as the deeper one goes the more unlivable and inhospitable it is to make into a home.

The skies are clear. At one time there were a few large floating fortresses in the clouds, but during the Dead War, powerful magic cast by the Great Lich Lord caused these to crash to the ground and kill millions. After such an occurrence, it was decided that the risk was too great to have that happen again. The last of the dragons also died during the Dead War.

As for where you're located in the world, you're enrolled at Nuro Magic College.

The Nuro Magic College is located in the City State of Nuro imaginatively enough. In fact the college basically IS the city given how large a part it plays in it.

Nuro maintains its independence due to its neutrality and large magic surplus that would make even the largest of empires feel the pain if it was ever attempted to be invaded.

However, invasion is unlikely by any current nation as its Magic College is the best and is open to ALL citizens of other nations, provided they can pay the tuition costs. This also makes Nuro fairly prosperous.

Practically anything you could want is in Nuro, and if it isn't it can easily be acquired due to magic.


[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 say "No."

[Assistant]
"For God's sake, Haze! This isn't fair! You can't punish me forever because of the mood! I'm sick of this bitchy behavior! Now, get in the car!"

You follow Dad to the car, and climb in the passenger seat. You don't even need to turn your head to know your brother's in the backseat, hearing the opening tune of Angry Birds: Stalin's Show Trials or whatever the fuck version they have now. You lie back in your seat and stare out the window as you go through the town. Eventually, you arrive at some shitty, greasy pizza joint, and get out of the car. You walk inside, and find yourself in a Chucky Cheese knock-off. You walk up to the counter and find yourself faced with a girl your age with long brown hair and a massive zit that looks like a red dot sight in the middle of her forehead.

"Hello, welcome to Pizza Corner, can I take your order?" she asks.

"Yeah, can we have a large Pepperoni Pizza and three Cokes?"

"Sure thing. Small, Medium or Large?"

"Medium."

The girl begins pouring the drinks as another, far prettier blond girl appears from the kitchen, holding a large piece of dough. She glances briefly at you, before grabbing a cloth with her spare hand and disappearing back again.

"So, are you new here?" the cashier asks.

"Yeah, I just moved in."

"I'm Lucy."

"I'm Hazel."

"Oh, really? Well, it's a good town. You can't find much work except in a dull pizza joint, but there ain't much here to even spend the money on. Some old clothes stores and a cinema, and that's about it."

"Do you work here full time?"

"Jesus no. If I got to the point where I was working here full time I'd dip my head in the deep fat… well, I wouldn't be happy. Im still in school."

"What grade?"

"10th."

"Oh, I'm starting there tomorrow. I guess I'll see you there."

""Sure. If you want, I can always get you a job here. Becca, the blond girl, has literally done shit all since we started. She's only working so her daddy an think she's learning real-life experience and still feel justified buying whatever she…"

"I can hear you!" a voice calls out from the kitchen.

"I know, Becca, I'm getting a point across!"

Dad appears standing next to you, grinning.

"Look who's already making friends!" he smiles.

You roll your eyes.

"Yeah, sure. Let's just sit down," you say, pulling Dad towards a booth to sit in.


[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 convince Rita that money isn't everything

[Assistant]
Ular seems like a good guy and Rita could certainly do worse, so you decide to play matchmaker.

"I understand Rita, I mean I was supposed to become a doctor, but now I'm back here."

"Yeah, suck to be you." Rita says.

"Indeed, but my point is, you need to grab the good times when you can. I mean you think you're going to find any of the type of men you're interested in here?"

"So you're saying I should just settle?"

"No, I'm saying Ular's a nice guy who's going to probably try to do everything within his means to make you happy. Now doesn't that at least sound worthwhile?"

"Yeah I suppose it does…I haven't really been happy in a long time. Okay, tell him to meet me after work."

"Okay, and what the hell, you can get off an hour earlier." You add.

Rita walks off with a slight spring in her step. You look for Ular and see him slowly coming out of his dark corner. You tell him that she's interested and that she'll talk with him in greater length after work. He's ecstatic. He immediately orders a round of drinks for everyone along with giving you a large tip.

"Who says good deeds go unrewarded?" You say to yourself.

The remaining days until the next payment go well. Rita hits it off pretty well with Ular. She's actually happy enough to the point now where her job performance increases. Ular is so happy with her that he routinely buys rounds for the house to celebrate his good fortune.

Mr. Reynolds is satisfied with the payment he receives, and you still have a little saved over. You have high hopes that in time you'll get out of this debt. However, unexpected troubles arise in the next month.

Ular stops coming in altogether. Rita has had a great affect on him, namely she doesn't want him wasting all his money at the inn anymore; she wants him wasting it on her. This might not be too bad, except Rita also quits her job to move into Ular's home seeing as he makes enough for the pair of them.

While it's true you don't have to pay her anymore, you lose a couple of other customers that must've liked looking at her. That's not even counting the extra work that Eliza and Wendy have to do now who are now miserable to the point of wanting to seriously quit. You and your mother take up some of the slack, but it's a drain on the pair of you.

The kicker is when Calwin shows up on his monthly delivery. He says that he's decided to bump the price up on his alcohol. You furiously ask why, and he says that the last time he was here he noticed how nice the rooms were and that if you can afford to fix them up, you must be able to afford to pay him more for his product.

Your mother who is already stressed out from overwork, is so disgusted with him that she grabs your dad's Troll Gun from under the bar counter and points it at him, telling him to get the hell out before she blows his head off. He and his lackeys leave, which means you'll have no alcohol supply this month. You'll have to make due with what you have left and go back to the old expensive one.

The bigger immediate problem is Mr. Reynold's payment, which you won't have enough to give him this time around and it's going to be that time again in a few more days. Your mother can't bare to see you get hurt again and suggests forgetting all about the inn and just taking off with all the remaining money you have and going to live with your crazy aunt Enora.


[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 go to school instead

[Assistant]
Thinking it over, you decide it's better if you don't miss school today. You'd miss your chance to talk to Olivia or Allison if you did after all.

"Sorry, I think I'll just go to school, Ian. See ya."

You say, walking onwards without him.

"Alright then, your loss man. Later."

Ian replies with shrug and a wave. He then turns and goes his own way. The walk to school is uneventful, and surprisingly when you arrive you find that Allison isn't there in your first class. Olivia is there as per normal, and she seems to ignore your presence, although you occasionally catch her glancing at you. The class itself is boring, and you start to regret not skipping it with Ian. However, once it ends and you finally have spare time, you jump up and approach the teacher.

"Hey, um, Mr..."

You begin, however the realization hits you that you don't actually know his name, so you quickly just ask your question.

"Why isn't Allison at school today?"

Your teacher looks at you confused.

"Allison?"

He asks. A brief moment of panic comes over you where you think you may have imagined her entirely. Then the teacher begins to speak again.

"Ah, the new girl that joined us yesterday..."

He says. Internally you breathe a sigh of relief, happy to know you haven't gone insane.

"Yes, it appears she is absent today. Strange, she only just started yesterday..."

He continues. You thank him and quickly exit the room. In the hall, you can see Olivia making her way towards the cafeteria.

[User] You look for Allison

[Assistant]
More concerned about where Allison could be than school, you decide to look for her. With that in mind, you really have no idea as to where she could be. Your initial search is just around your high school, in the usual spots you might expect to find someone. The library, cafeteria, gym, courtyard, and the outside field all turn up nothing. If nothing else, it's clear that she's not at school. Undeterred, you decide this is a good time to skip school to continue your search.

You find yourself aimlessly walking around town in search of a girl you hardly even know. Sometime during your search, you find yourself wondering why you care so much about finding her. Do you intuitively know something is wrong and must find her? No, that can't be right, you don't think anything in particular is wrong with the situation. You were about to skip school yourself today, so it's not that big a deal that Allison would skip.

Then, maybe you're just drawn to her? She is an odd one after all, so it's only natural you'd be curious about her. There's also the matter of her probably knowing more than she lets on. Maybe she even knows about your current predicament...

"For the love long since lost, the old friend forgotten, the new one neglected, the sister he could never see, and the brother he could never be."

Were the words she said to you when you first approached her. You hadn't really considered any real deep meaning to them, but considering your circumstances, it probably has to do with you. Then, which are you, and for that matter, who is she? Does she actually know that you went back in time, or is this simply a large coincidence? You shake your head a bit. It's probably better if you just ask her again what she meant by all of that when you find her.

As your mind was wandering, your feet were still moving. You now find yourself outside of your sister's private high school, oddly enough. You guess it's about time school was over, as students seem to be exiting the school in an orderly fashion. That would mean that you spent three hours looking for Allison with no results. You sigh to yourself, although not finding her really should have been expected.

You're about to leave the grounds when you notice your sister walk out. Tina exits the front doors of school looking rather nervous, a normal sight with her it would seem. Thinking you should probably head home now, you turn to leave, when you notice a group of students approach her.

[User] You watch what happens

[Assistant]
You stand on the other side of the gated fence and watch as the group approaches your sister. From this distance you can't hear what they're saying, but you should be able to tell the general mood. Tina isn't really a social type, and when she's put into social situation she tends to just try and hide, which is why a group of students talking to her sparks your interests. The group consists of three girls and four guys, all dressed the uniform of the private school. They speak to her for a few minutes, during which time your sister attempts to cower back into the school. Eventually, one of the girls walk right up to your sister and push her to the ground.

A chill goes down your spine as you wonder who the hell these people are. You don't remember your sister being bullied in her high school, so why is this happening? Immediately after pushing her to the ground, the group leaves the school. You watch as they pass you by the front gate, but decide it's best not to confront them for the time being. Shortly after, you see Tina timidly walk by. She turns and notices you standing by the front gate, a mixture of fear and confusion in her eyes.

"Why...are you here?"

She asks. You pause to think for a moment, and just as you're about to say something, your mother pulls up beside the two of you.

"Tina, who is...wait, Jacob? What are you doing here?"

She asks, repeating Tina's question. Not wanting to admit you skipped the later half of classes to search for a girl you barely know, you lie.

"I just decided to pick up Tina is all."

You say. Your mother looks at you skeptically, but tells you and your sister to get in anyway. On the drive back, she reminds you that you need to wake up early to bring Tina to school tomorrow, since she works all day Saturday. You groan in response, but otherwise say nothing, and the rest of the night passes by without anything happening.

[User] You wake up early

[Assistant]
Remembering your mother's words, you quickly spring to life early in the morning, and prepare to take your sister to school. Though, all that really involves is you walking a few blocks with her. Although you should have your license at this age (and after a quick check you confirm you do), your mother has the only vehicle, so driving your sister is out of the question. After getting ready you exit your door to find Tina standing there, her fist seemingly prepared to knock. An awkward moment of silence follows as you look at her, contemplating why you two never talk in the future.

"We...have to go soon."

She manages to say, looking down at the ground to avoid eye contact. Why the hell does it seem like she's afraid? It annoys you, but you try to ignore it. Your own sister, afraid of you.

"Yeah, let's go."

You say, walking past her and towards the door. Come to think of it, you moved around a few times while you were a child, and a good portion of it was due to her. Even though Ian is your best friend, now and in the future, you had only become friends with him a year ago at this point in time. You had lived here before, years ago when you were a child, but you had to moved because of your father's work. You moved back eventually, but it was only due to Tina getting accepted into the private school she's currently attending.

Finally ready, the two of you exit the house and begin the walk towards her school. It's done mainly in silence, and as you get closer to the school, she seems to unconsciously move closer to you, distancing herself again whenever you notice. It always annoyed you how quiet and shy she seemed to be. Once at the school's large and elegant gates, you stop.

"There, have fun at school."

You say, as you begin to walk away.

"U-um..."

You hear a small voice say behind you as you go to walk.

"Can you pick me up after...after school...?"

You hear your sister request. Turning to her you sigh.

"Why?"

You ask in an obviously annoyed tone. Tina nervously moves back as she clutches her bag.

"Just because..."

You remember how yesterday you saw her get bullied by that group of students. Maybe that has something to do with why she wants to be picked up...


[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 memories (Janice)

[Assistant]
The Wasp Woman: Janice Starlin

Even before she became another insect hybrid, she was a "WASP" in every sense of the word, though "Nazi" might be even more appropriate.

Janice likes to keep her past a secret, but for those in the know, she was sympathetic to the Germans during WW II. It's one of the reasons why she wasn't in "showbiz" for too long. (Showbiz and Anti-Semitism isn't a good combination)

Even without being a Nazi sympathizer, she was still a stuck up rich human bitch who came from "Old Money". She was obsessed with her youth and looks and being an actress she was even more fanatical about it. As with all humans they can't stop the ravages time without a little help, either supernatural or scientific. She attempted supernatural first, and tried to get one of those parasitic bloodsuckers to turn her. It would've been perfect for her; the problem was no vampire was willing to do it. The bloodsuckers are monsters, but even they tend to frown upon Nazis. (Of course Werewolves aren't fond of Nazis either) Indeed, most Vampires have roots in the "Old country" (Not any particular country, just all of them) and as such most originally have Slavic or even Jewish backgrounds. (Which might explain why crosses don't really work so well in real life as opposed to the crap they show in movies) and since Fagula is the head cocksucker…erm bloodsucker in charge, no vampire was going to defy him, even if they wanted to.

Janice resorted to scientific means, so she hired some mad scientist type who was working on a youth serum based on wasp jelly. You're not exactly familiar with the technical stuff involved, but what basically happened was a typical mad scientist "accident" and the shit turned her into a half wasp creature. Though while not as spectacularly as bad as Andre's "accident", it was horrific for her and ended her career as a "normal" actress.

This transformation didn't make her disposition any better, if anything she just got meaner and more condescending. When she "arrived" in the monster world, she constantly would go on about how she was superior to everyone else and why. (Though she didn't say anything about the bloodsuckers since despite them shunning her she still always wanted to be one)

After the show biz career started to dry up for her, she went back to being a typical rich shut in who never left her mansion. It's not like she had to work, being independently wealthy and all.

Nobody's really had any contact with her since.


[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] You immortality

[Assistant]
It's surely a mad plan that sounds impossible, but yet the appeal is there. Even you can't believe you're actually going for it, but deep down this is something you feel you need to do.

This idea of having fertile Eternals to "carry on" your legacy is a nice idea, but ultimately it isn't "you." Only you can lead the Empire to world order. Not to mention there is a risk of you dying in the process of creating said Eternals and then you'd have wait at least twelve or thirteen years just to see if the process literally produced positive results.

If you're going to have to risk your life and wait around, you'd rather do it for the chance at immortality.

And given all the other wonders and feats you've seen or even done in this world who is to say this isn't possible? Like Elam said, the concept of a machine like an airship was impossible at one time as well.

"How long would I have to wait for you to perfect this process you're proposing?" you ask Elam, who gives a big grin at your willingness to choose his new plan.
"Not long a assure you my Emperor! As I said, I've already had limited success on a few test subjects already! In your case though, I will need to build a suitable containment for when…well you ascend to a higher state of being."

Zana is shaking her head at this idea.

"My Emperor, while I know the desire for immortality is tempting, I really have to advise against this. Elam's enthusiasm is far exceeding what is reality! While it is true he's managed to keep a few animal brains alive for a few minutes, I'm fairly sure that that will be the extent of it. This isn't even taking all the other risks and unforeseen problems that there will surely be. There is only so much science can do, it can't conquer death." Zana says.
"Your concerns are dully noted Zana. Elam, you will have any and all resources available to you for this project." You say.
"I won't fail you my Emperor. This will work I guarantee it!"
"Hrm. Well let's sure hope so, because I'm putting my trust behind it and throwing away a plan that will not get the chance to be implemented again. In any event, I want to keep very close eye on this project. You said you're going to have to build a container for me, well if I am going to spend the rest of my life in a tank, then it needs to be at my home. So I'm going to have the entire under palace cleared and open for this project to go down there. There should be more than enough room and if not, we'll make additions. But you'll be becoming a permanent fixture at the palace." You say.
"I understand. Again, I thank you for this opportunity my Emperor." Elam responds.

You tell Elam for him to get all of his equipment, staff and whatever else he currently needs together and arrangements will be made to have it hauled to the palace. Zana says she's still skeptical of this plan, but if this is what you wish and if Elam still wants her help, then she will of course serve. Naturally Elam wants her working with him on this project.

Having settled on a new plan, all you have to do now is inform Decena…

"You're going to have your what put in a what?" she exclaims.
"My brain would be placed in a tank of special chemicals. Elam says that due to my magic powers I could still communicate mentally with people with the proper electrical charges attached…" you don't even get to finish, Decena is too overwhelmed by this information.

"This…this…can't work? Can it? I mean…it sounds so impossible!"
"I know. Trust me, when Elam explained it, I thought the same thing, but…I have to try. I mean the other plan was nice and all, but really the risks were just as great and still involved an uncertain success as far as I was concerned."
"Yeah I know you explained that plan, but…it sounded at least like they were ready to enact it. This one is going to involve more testing and who know how much more time? You'll still have to risk your life and…"

You stop Decena.

"Decena, weren't you the one that always believed I could find a way to be immortal?"
"Well yes, but I dunno…a brain in a tank? Is that really living?"
"Well Elam said that perhaps arrangements and improvements could be made in the future and that perhaps I could actually leave the tank via one of those automatons that we used in the Nakol and Iznac Wars. Look, the idea of being a disembodied brain isn't exactly ideal, but at this point I'm starting to feel so much pain in my body on a daily basis that I'd almost be relieved to shed this old shell at this point. And what's the alternative? Hope that a generation of Eternals can follow in my, or even your footsteps just because they can reproduce? Can't do it. I have to shoulder the majority of the burden of keeping the Empire running. Nobody else. I have to attempt this plan and this is a worthwhile risk in my mind that I can take."

"But…what about us? I mean…if this is all successful and everything goes well. How will our relationship remain as it is now?"

Decena touches your hand and then your face as if it'll be the last time she'll get to do it. You return her closeness, as you understand her concern.

"Decena, I know it will be difficult. Honestly if this process goes through successfully, you're right our relationship will be very different, and perhaps you will be unable to love me in such a form, but…

Now Decena stops you.

"My glorious Emperor, don't you know by now that I will always love you no matter what your form? That will never change. It's just that I would miss the warmth of your body next to mine, our lips touching when we embrace. I can't say that I am entirely sure of this plan, but I will as always defer and respect your judgment on this matter. If you believe this is possible, then I can think of nothing greater than your everlasting ruler ship over this world."

And with this validation, you feel slightly better about your decision. Even though you never doubted that Decena wouldn't be behind you, it's still good to hear.

Your "siblings" on the other hand are a lot less supportive on the matter however.

"What?! I thought you were going through with the plan to create fertile Eternals!" Brenda exclaims.
"Yeah, I mean granted that plan sounded a little far fetched, but it seemed like it might be plausible. This just sounds well…insane." Warrick adds.

The conversation doesn't get any better from there. Brenda is probably more upset because of your plans to abandon the Eternal project entirely and place all resources into this immortality plan. You explain that for right now there isn't any need for more Eternals due to having nowhere to really send the current fourth gens a place to fight anyway. No point in creating more super soldiers when you've already got more than enough right now and no war to which to send them.

Naturally Brenda sees this a sort of betrayal. She has grown attached to the younger Eternals and does see them as successors or in her case her surrogate children. You remind her though that they are neither. They are tools to the Empire just as you all were when you all were created. This doesn't go over well with Brenda.

"So what, are we ALL just your tools too then?" Brenda asks.
"Brenda, I didn't say you…" you start to say, but are interrupted.
"No, you said we're all just tools for the Empire. That includes all of us. Look, maybe YOU got the chance to be the right hand of our old Emperor, and you have become his successor, but YOU also started out just like Warrick and I did!"
"Brenda, I think you need to calm down, I'm sure he didn't…" Warrick says, but she won't hear him.
"No Warrick, this needs to be said." She says and turns back to you. You don't say anything you're content on listening to her rant.

"This plan of yours is vanity, pure and simple. Is your ego such that you cannot even accept your own WIFE taking over after you die? Would you really throw away a good chance of creating fertile Eternals who will carry on the Empire for a remote chance of living forever? You may rule the Empire, but do you really consider yourself bigger than it?"

You've heard enough and put up your hand.

"Brenda. I've allowed your outburst because you're right, we three did start out together. I even see you as siblings of a sort and of course as friends. We all trained under that sadistic svelk bitch until the two of you were lucky enough to be separated. And yes you two were the lucky ones, because quite frankly sometimes I envy your ignorance on everything you're STILL in the dark about. But shall I tell you? Seems like a perfect time."

You start off by telling Brenda that Roldan wasn't killed by a simple undead shadow assassin and in fact Semra had nothing to do with it like the Emperor's propaganda said. You explain that the Emperor had Roldan killed just like he had your wife Alison killed AND was planning to kill you.

The reveal is definitely a shock to both Brenda and Warrick.

You continue by admitting that you weren't even meant to be an Eternal in the first place. That you were a candidate by a red tape mistake and it was that same mistake that ultimately resulted in Casimir's death.

"So Brenda, as you can see, perhaps I'm not entirely attached to the Eternals, because I wasn't meant to be one in the first place. Yet here I am. Perhaps I seek immortality because I took it from Casimir. Casimir ruled the Empire for centuries and what did he do with it? Nothing much. I've ruled it for significantly less time and look at what it's become. THINK what I could do if I had more time. I've built this nation to be better than it was. I've expanded its glory. I've defended its honor. I've sacrificed for it. I've done everything short of DIE for it and if I thought it would secure its continual future, then yes I would do that too."

You move closer to Brenda and Warrick who sit in silence listening to your speech.

"You ask if I think I'm bigger than the Empire. No, I don't…I AM the fucking Empire."

You stare at them both very intensely.

"And only I can live forever."

You end your speech telling them both that this is the way things are going to be and that they are welcome to be part of it as always.

And if they aren't willing, then they had best stay out of the way.

[User] Continue

[Assistant]
Year 72

You have to admit as the years passed by on this project, you'd wondered if you were just chasing a dream, but it looks like that dream will soon be a reality.

Research has been tested, advancements have been made, test subjects have been used and hypotheses have been confirmed. Everything is coming together; the only thing that will be needed soon is you.

Still, despite you always stating how much your body aches and how much weaker and slower you are now, there is a part of you that is a little afraid of what this procedure will entail, namely an end to your life as you know it, but still living. It's funny but how this is a little scary to you, even if simple death is not.

In fact Elam is probably more excited to see this through than even you are.

"My Emperor, we may begin the procedure any time you wish. Just let me know when we can get started." Elam says.
"Does it have to be right now?" you ask.
"No, of course not my Emperor. I just thought you were eager to see this through."
"You don't need to push our Emperor, Elam. I'm sure he'd like to take care of some affairs before going through with this." Zana remarks.
"Is all the machinery and equipment in working order? Has everything been inspected?" you ask.
"Of course my Emperor, I inspected everything myself. I figured you'd want someone that has a background with safety procedures doing that rather than Elam here." Zana remarks with a teasing smile at Elam.
"Bah. YOU didn't even think this was going to be possible!" Elam exclaims.
"Well I have to admit, it did sound very unlikely, but I suppose I never should've doubted your genius Elam." Zana says and gives him a quick peck on the cheek.

While Zana and Elam are engaging in playfulness, you're involved in making a life changing choice.

"Okay. We'll do this in three days. That will give me time to take care of a few things I need to take care of, just in case the worst should happen. No point in drawing this out any longer than that. Everyone is dismissed until that time." you say.

Elam and Zana both acknowledge your command and soon they and their staff all begin to leave. You however continue to stick around. When you're finally all alone, you begin to walk closer to the giant tank in the room, which is hooked up to a system of machines. As you lean against your walking stick you can't help marvel at the work that went into all this.

Gears, cogs, wires, levers, buttons, mechanical arms …you wonder how the hell some of this works. You've actually tried to keep up on the research since this project started, and while you understand a lot of the basic concepts, some of it just goes over your head. Though you aren't sure if its because you've got so much on your mind that you can't retain the information or if you just don't have a knack for the technical stuff, or maybe you just find it all well…boring.

A speaker of sorts is attached to the tank and there are three specialized automatons standing nearby. You imagine that these are intended for you to be able to interact with the outside world in some fashion. Elam has admitted though that despite the very technical nature of this project he believes that this wouldn't be as easy without your own magical abilities that will be able to tap the power of your mind. He's gone on to say that this will be the ultimate successful blending of science and magic as far as he's concerned. He better be right considering that all the testing took away most of your remaining mages.

In any event, this is where you're going to spend the rest of your life.

"So, are you ready for immortality?" a voice says behind you. It's Decena. It's surprising to see her down here considering she's only made one or two visits down here before since the project got underway. She's told you that the less she knows about the project the less likely she's libel to get worried about your safety and try to talk you out of it hence the lack of visits.

"I guess so." You answer.
"You guess so? That doesn't sound like the usual certainty you've always had about this plan." Decena remarks.
"Oh, I'm certain. Just trying to take all of this in and get myself used to this room I suppose. Not sure why I'm even concerned about it really, I mean Casimir spent several centuries in a room practically by himself. This very room in fact or at least part of it before I had all the remodeling and expansion done to accommodate all the machinery. Its really surreal sometimes how I'm actually starting to follow in his footsteps. I sometimes wonder if he'd be proud of what I've managed to accomplish or if he'd just be very jealous."

Decena walks over and puts her arm around you while you both stare at the giant tank.

"Well, I'm proud of everything you've accomplished and everything you will accomplish after this procedure. So when will it be?"
"In three days, then Elam and Zana will be back here to perform it."
"Hrm, I don't care for that woman." Decena remarks.
"So you've said during the times you wandered down here."
"I dunno. Something about her just doesn't sit right with me in the short moments I've spoken with her. She seems phony at times. Even the fact that she's been concerned with this plan from the beginning and worried about your well being doesn't seem genuine to me. If it hadn't already been in the middle of the project when I first met her, I probably would've told you to have her removed from it."
"Didn't realize she had gotten under your skin so much. As you know though I rechecked her file that the Eyes had on her long before she started working on this project. She's nothing but clean except maybe for a lack of judgment in sexing up Elam on occasion, but I can't imagine there were a lot of choices in human males when they worked together in New Dessel."
"As I said, I can't place my finger on it, but there is something about her that doesn't seem right with her. Does she need to be there for this procedure?"
"Well I don't know. I mean she's the main one that's been working with Elam so I imagine so to some degree. She already did an inspection on the machinery without me even needing to tell her to do so."

Decena doesn't immediately respond to your answer instead she just walks forward towards the tank and touches it.

"Nothing can go wrong with this plan…" she says softly then she turns around.

"Can you have someone else inspect everything again?" she asks.
"What?!" you respond.
"I just want everything to go well, don't you? I just think it would be best if everything was given a second look."
"But…you realize that might very well take more than three days? You realize how complex all this stuff is? I told Zana and Elam that…"
"No, I don't want either of them to do it. Pick someone else that worked on the project."
"Pick someone…Decena what is this all about?"
"Look I would just feel more comfortable if someone else did an inspection of the machine that's going to be your new home okay? I already said how I feel about Zana, so I don't want her doing it again. And as for Elam we all know he has a tendency to overlook safety protocol even under the strictest supervision. Can't you get someone else?"
"Not really, I mean those are the main two who worked on this thing! Decena, I'm as concerned about the success of this procedure more than anyone, but I'd rather not extend my waiting period any longer than necessary. I mean I don't think I will and I'd only admit this to you, but I don't want to lose my nerve."
"You won't lose your nerve my love, but don't you see this is why another inspection should be done? I mean I guess if you don't think it's necessary then I'll of course respect your wishes and we can spend the next three days not worrying about this until the time comes."

On one hand you suppose Decena's just looking out for you as usual, but on the other you really don't want to risk losing your nerve on this situation. The longer you think about it, and how it could all go wrong, or even how it can all go right, is enough to possibly change your mind on the whole situation. Then there's the fact that Zana and Elam were the main ones involved on building the machine, they'd know it the best and if you got someone else to look at it, who is to say they won't screw something up?

[User] You have a second inspection done

[Assistant]
If Decena feels this strongly about your safety then you're not going to deny it. Besides another way of looking at it isn't more time to rethink the situation, but instead more time to spend with Decena.

"Very well, if you feel a second inspection should be done, then that's what will be done. (Sigh) I'm just wondering who had as much experience as Zana and Elam did with the machine that they could inspect it without wondering what certain parts did or accidently make things worse." You respond
"What about that nervous fellow I saw sometimes in the palace? Didn't he work on the Eternal Project?" Decena asks.
"Oh…you mean Gregory? Yeah, he did. I transferred him over here as a general supervisor when that project got shut down. Sometimes I even forget he's here, since he's such a wallflower sometimes. Still you're probably on to something, because if anyone is a stickler for safety and thoroughness its him and while he wasn't involved in the building process, he has familiarized himself with the machine probably just as much due to being a safety supervisor for the rst of the technical staff. He's probably annoyed the hell out of Elam on several occasions because of it."
"Good, he's sounds perfect."

The next day you summon Gregory to the palace, when he arrives he's nervous as usual. The man must think you're going to have him executed, but then he thinks that any time you look at him. You tell him that you just need another inspection done on the tank and the machine (It's really going to have to be given a better name at some point). He of course complies.

While he gets started you plan on informing Elam and Zana that there may be a slight delay in the project, but you figure it can wait until tomorrow and you spend some quality time with Decena for the rest of the day.

On the second day, Kivan tells you that Gregory really needs to speak with you and says it's incredibly important. When you go to speak with him, he's very apologetic, but explains that he's already found some possible problems with the machine.

"Apologies my Emperor as I know you want to get this procedure underway as soons as possible, but well I just think I found some possible problems. I mean they seem very minor, but they aren't. In time some vital parts could break down. In fact I'm very surprised that Zana did not catch the worn tubing and slightly frayed wires on the inside. Besides myself, she's the only one that has a good eye for that detail."

Decena who happens to be with you, immediately exclaims about this being proof that she knew that something wasn't on the up and up with Zana.

"She tried to make her assassination attempt look like an accident! I KNEW there wasn't something right about her!"

You tell Gregory to keep doing his inspection to see if there are any more flaws he can find. While it's very possible Zana didn't see these potential dangers, you're still not pleased with her right now and plan on having the Eyes bring her in. Elam will have to be brought in too.

When you arrive at the Eye headquarters, Warrick tells you that they haven't interrogated to any great length yet, but the pair of them don't know why they've been brought in by the Eyes.

Your main concern is Zana at first so you personally go to see her with the Eye interrogators. What is surprising is that when you see her she's completely calm. Most people (including Elam) when brought in by the Eyes are scared shitless.

And that's what starts to make you suspicious. You've found that the people who are the most calm under pressure are probably the most capable of ruthlessness and plots…

Zana explains her inspection step by step and steadily asserts her dedication to the Empire and her loyalty. It probably would've been better had she just not spoken at all, because the more you hear the more your own suspicion rises. If Decena was here, she probably would've just shot her for lying, and while her fate is definitely sealed as far as you're concerned, you still want to know the reason.

"Zana, I'll admit, you had even me fooled, but the problem is the more you talk the worse it gets for you. Gregory has already found more flaws in the machine since you were brought in. He's even said that even he doesn't think that they could be anything other than sabotage. Even if I assume you're telling the truth, it displays a gross amount of incompetence on your part. So either you were trying to kill me on purpose or you're a lot less competent than I believed. And quite honestly I do not believe that from your past experience that YOU are capable of that level of incompetence."

Zana's calm demeanor begins to change to one of uncertainty. It's hitting her that she might not make it out of here.

"So tell me why Zana. Was this something you just came up with, had you been planning this for years? Who else is involved? Did someone put you up to this…did a svelk woman by the name of Semra put you up to this?" you ask.

Zana's face now has dropped to one of fear. She looks like she's about to cry.

"Zana, you know how this is going to end for you. If you ever had any loyalty toward the Empire then at least tell me everything. If you do, I can at least promise you a quick execution." You say.

Zana's expression now changes to one of absolute rage.

"Like the same quick death you've given so many others? The fact is I've NEVER had ANY loyalty to the Empire let alone you, murderer. Tyrant. But I'll tell you everything anyway, because you don't know shit about me. You think I'm upset because I'm about to die? I'm upset because I won't get to kill you and spare the world of your future domination and cruelty!"

This outburst causes the Eyes nearby to move closer towards Zana and grab her wrists just in case she attempts something, though at this point there isn't much she could do to you now.

"Who are you? I mean who are you really?"
"I'm nobody. Nobody of importance at least not until YOU came around and killed my entire family!" Zana says.
"Do you have any idea how little that narrows it down?" you ask.
"I was going to be a princess! I would've ruled a kingdom one day! YOU and YOUR EMPIRE destroyed all that before I even had a chance to enjoy a taste of such a life! Klemto didn't just save a random Felkan baby, he saved an HEIR TO THE FELKAN FUCKING KINGDOM!" Zana shouts.

It was a very long time ago. Almost a different life even, but you vaguely remember seeing a crib in the Felkan royal palace, yet no baby or even signs of a dead one. You never thought too much of it at the time, but apparently even though Zana was just an infant, Klemto must've told her about her real heritage. He probably lied to you thinking that you would've had her killed.

"Because of YOU, I've had to live a miserable existence working on machinery surrounded by fucking GNOMES! You know what that's like? Being the only human in community of damn gnomes? It SUCKS! Then when some humans do fucking arrive, they're from the same nation that destroyed my birthright! It almost sickened me to even sleep with that crazy fool Elam!"

You continue to listen to Zana's rant.

"When I heard of your plan to create a fertile version of those abominations called Eternals I already saw my opportunity to get my revenge. Imagine my surprise when you actually took Elam up on his insane plan. To be quite honest I thought it would be a failure and I wouldn't need to do anything except watch you eventually die of old age having missed your opportunity to carry on some monstrous legacy in the quest for immortality instead."
"So why didn't you attempt to sabotage the attempt long before now? Hell, why not even go the direct route and try to kill me? Not like you didn't have plenty of opportunity." You ask.
"Hah, kill you? The Eternal Emperor? I wouldn't have stood a chance. No matter how quick, clever or young I might be, even I know that you have more lives than a cat. No, I would've never been able to kill you myself. As for sabotage, that might've been an option had you not been lingering around as much or Gregory not constantly doing inspections after every new part had been added. I knew I should've had him killed. I nearly thought about killing Elam when he started making progress with the project…but what can I say, I'd grown to like the old fool too much. Weakness on my part and a fatal one obviously."

Zana's confession now has a tone of regret, not because of what she did, but more of what she failed to do. Right now you can see her thinking about the methods she could've went through with this plan a better way. So close, yet so far.

"Okay, since you're in a talkative mood, did Klemto or any gnome put you up to this?" you ask.
"What? So you'll have an excuse to round them all up and destroy their souls again? I heard about what you did to them. And maybe I might find them to be timid, tiresome unattractive little know it alls, I find it deplorable what the Empire did to them. I can't believe they allowed themselves to be dominated by a nation that systematically exterminated them from not just this life, but the next as well!"
"So did they help or not?" you ask again.
"No! No they did not! My father would've probably had me jailed if he knew what I was planning. Those cowards wouldn't dare stand against the Empire, but I fucking would! And did! Not that this will save them. After you're done killing me, you'll probably have them all killed as well for any excuse will serve a tyrant!"
"It's amusing that you keep calling me that. What did you think your parents were? They were a KING and QUEEN. You think they ruled by popular decision? Do you think YOU would have if you became queen? My actions that day weren't even personal. I was just following orders like a soldier. Your actions however today are misguided and as you already admitted, fatal. Such a waste. Even had I known your origins, I would not have had you killed if you had remained true to serving the Empire. Your quest for vengeance was as pointless as your entire life. But I am a man of my word and I believe everything you've told me."

Without another word, you nod at the Eyes restraining her who back off. You then raise your hand and flash of lightning emanates from your fingers blasting Zana directly in the heart. She shakes for a few seconds and then slumps forward dead on the table.

"Funny. She'll probably be the last person I'll ever kill directly. Well in this body anyway. Who's to say what the future will bring? Anyway, I'll need to speak with Warrick again."

You tell Warrick that you want the Eyes to purge New Dessel. Despite the fact that Zana most likely worked alone, you can't take that chance. Maybe Klemto anticipated she'd eventually seek revenge and just took a hands off approach so that he couldn't be directly implemented. Maybe they're all genuinely innocent. Doesn't matter. You're trying to secure the future of the Empire and its obvious the gnomes are a potential threat.

You chuckle to yourself realizing that you're even more like Casimir than you ever thought. You have to believe even if he would be jealous of all your other accomplishments, he'd definitely be proud of this one.

"Very well, we've already got a large number of Eyes positioned in that city. All we have to do is send in another large group, telling the gnomes that it's a routine changing of the guard and when they're in, they'll purge the city. What about Elam?" Warrick asks.
"Oh, him I need. Besides I'm fairly certain the only thing he's guilty of is thinking with his dick. Catch him up to speed on the situation and release him. Also let him know that the project will have to be set back until I'm satisfied with the machine's replacement parts and Gregory's inspection of every little detail."
"Understood. Long live the Empire." Warrick says.

The project is set back at least a couple of months. The purging of New Dessel takes awhile due to the gnomes locking themselves in hard to reach sections of the city, but eventually the entire city is purged. You at last finished what Casimir started though really you wish it hadn't been necessary. You never hated them. Klemto just saved the wrong baby and brought death on them all because of it.

In any event, mostly technicians, inventors and other human families with members that have similar mechanical or scientific skills will resettle New Dessel.

Eventually Elam and Gregory have all the equipment fixed and ready again and you return with Decena to complete the task you originally set out to do.

You're strapped to a table. Elam is remarkably subdued. You're guessing he's still taking Zana's betrayal hard. Still, perhaps its good, it will give him more focus on what is important, serving the Empire.

As you are prepared, you and Decena exchange one kiss for what will be the last time.

"Know that whatever happens, I'll always love you." She says.
"And I will always love you." You respond.

Elam injects you with a powerful reagent that knocks you out and the process begins.

The blackness takes you experience absolute nothingness…

Hours later you wake up or at least you believe you're "awake." All around you, you feel as if you're floating and every so often a tingling electrical charge can be felt. Your mind…or rather "you" are in the tank. The procedure worked.

It's a very strange sensation, you can "see" though you don't have eyes. It's almost as if the images you see outside the tank are being displayed directly into your brain. Though it isn't like proper vision. You can only "see" them as blurs in your mind, however you can fill in those gaps due to your real memories of said people.

Elam was right, the magic energy within you has allowed you vision, and it has also allowed you to speak. You focus on the female image…on Decena who still stands near your now empty shell of a body on a table.

"Decena…do not cry…it worked…I am…alive." You say with a bit of effort.

This statement is followed by some shouts of joy from Decena who starts speaking out loud asking if its really you. When Elam sees what's going on, he begins to jump up and down exclaiming that the process worked.

"Decena, speak to me with your mind. It is the best way to directly communicate with me now." You say to which she does so.
"My love, I'm so happy to see that this has worked! I was about to have Elam killed if it didn't! So how is it? How do you feel?"
"It is an odd sensation, though not an unpleasant one. Indeed I do not feel the pain I once did any more. Perhaps, I shall get used to this form after all."

At this point you hear Elam's mind and he's asking you five hundred questions, all of which you will get to in time, but you tell him for now you just want to rest and converse with Decena alone.

He gets it and says he'll be back in an hour to check on you since there are still many tests that need to be done, such as the ability to move the automaton bodies and such.

After Elam and his staff leave, Decena sits next to the tank touching the glass and looking in on you. It's the closest she'll ever be with you ever again, and she begins to sniffle and sob a bit. At first you think its out of sadness, but then you sense her thoughts and its due to happiness.

"You'll live forever and so will the Empire now. You did it, my love I always knew you would."

You are filled with a sense of bliss that seems stronger than you've ever felt before. You wonder if it's due to your new form. Perhaps without a body, emotions and senses are stronger in some way?

In any case you know now that this is just the beginning. You'll have to make special arrangements due to your new form, but that's all part of running an Empire. Now with your immortality secured, you can get back to expansion and possibly even get the Eternal project back up and running with alterations. Your plans to unite the entire world under Empire world has not changed and you know there are still places out there left to conquer.

Still, when you look on at Decena's hand on the glass you wish you could just touch her again. If only for a moment.


[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 ask your lieutenants

[Assistant]
"So... What do we think?" you say, pulling your lieutenants together.

"I abstain from the vote," Cain shrugs.

"Unhelpful," you note.

"We could take the ship, live the life I raiders, going from place to place, taking what we want," Castus says.

"Raiders?" Olive says. "The path forward is mercenary work. Similar to Castus plan, except we get paid a lot more, and we'll end up with powerful allies unlike if we were raiders being hunted by everyone."

"I'm not adverse to settling down," Fay says. "But we could take the ship anyway. With control of the ship, we could carve ourselves a little empire. Nothing on the level of Kyros, but hey, better than our ancestors could ever have dreamed of."


[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] The Wolven tongue. (Optional)

[Assistant]
The lupine language is an annoyingly complex one. Even though the alphabet is blocky and primitive, it's amazingly complicated. If you were to guess, the language was probably formed from several other ones-- particularly English, German, and Latin. Or perhaps not-- it's just that foreign to you. Over the months of relative tranquility you've picked up most of it, though the constant use of prefixes, suffixes and roots still mess you up greatly.

As Ragnor puts it, "It's a beautiful language, simple but elegant. It's confusing to learn though, I'll give you that."

You were given chalk and were set in some sort of rundown school, where they still used blackboards. Shamino-- who's just slightly younger than yourself, pretty much takes advantage of the opportunity to finally teach you something. He forces you to draw the assortment of curved lines in specific orders, with seemingly random dots in order to emphasize expression.

Probably the most interesting part of the alphabet is that some letters are simply not used in the English language. Fittingly, they require use of the back of the throat to pronounce, almost like a choked howl.

They say that they formed it to spite the Professor, but you're not really sure how it would accomplish that. It seems that it would be more useful as a secret-code language if needed.  That's probably what it was at first though, assuming the Wolves were always this close in their Facility.

It's fascinating to you, though, that the Wolves were close enough to build this language together. Unfortunately, they seem to share a link together that you don't have, a connection that they all have. Even with the newly added benefit of speaking their tongue, most of them still find you aloof to them, simply a leader- but little else.


[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] You have some preserves for breakfast

[Assistant] You eat some green beans, carrots, and applesauce. You figure this will be enough nutrients for now.

[User] You look around

[Assistant] You look back to the other shelf and see it has some weird contents. Some sort flesh and meat compositions that repulses you. You don't wanna know if its animal or...something else.

[User] You check the hatch

[Assistant] You the hatch door wide open and look down into it. You see a few more shelves and notice that room leads further back. You feel a draft coming from that direction.

[User] You exit the shed

[Assistant] Deciding against jumping down into a creepy underground room, you open the shed door. As you eyes san the area, you recall generally where you need to go to get to Bright Meadow.

[User] You get back on the road to Clayton

[Assistant] You walk down the country road and slowly scan your surroundings. Everything seems so silent. It's almost unnatural and surreal.

[User] You continue down the road

[Assistant] It's been roughly an hour now and the sun is really shining down you. You are becoming a little parched and in need of refreshment.

[User] You scan your surroundings

[Assistant] To the right there are fields that use to hold crops that are currently in decay. To the left there is a slightly decaying forest.

[User] You walk left into the forest

[Assistant] You walk into the woods and sit on a rock between a group trees. You wonder if there is some form of running water somewhere in here. You notice there are small pebbles at your feet.

[User] You pick up a pebble

[Assistant] You pick up the pebble and notice the ground if very dry. This makes you uncertain a water source could be nearby. You could try to go further into the forest or suckle on the pebble to create saliva to help your body sustain a bit longer.

[User] You suckle on the pebble

[Assistant] You roll the pebble around in your mouth and your mouth begins to salivate.


[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 stay silent

[Assistant] You stay silent, and the Elves quickly make their way through the room, slaughtering all those across the room, slicing open their throats and stabbing them through the hearts. Eventually, everyone in the room lies dead across the floor. The Elf who had held his blade to your throat takes a final look at you, before leaving you alone in an empty room. After a few minutes, pain begins to sear from your burns as your medicine wears off, and you lie their, struggling to stay conscious through the pain, which you eventually fail at doing.


[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 ask about her boyfriend

[Assistant]
Olivia seems pretty intent on letting everyone know that she has a boyfriend, so maybe that'd be a good place to start. The two of you sit down and take your lunches out.

"So, tell me about this boyfriend of yours. You must really like him if you keep mentioning him."

You say as you pull out some food. Olivia seems rather surprised that you would ask her such a question, but doesn't seem reluctant to answer.

"Why are you interested in Brent?"

She asks. You shrug in response. It's not that you're interested in him, you just need some sort of starting ground with her.

"So, I take it Brent is his name then?"

You ask, sidestepping her question.

"Well, it is, but you didn't answer me."

She replies. It seems she's pretty aware of these kinds of things, in contrast with her aloof manner.

"I was just wondering what kind of guy you liked is all."

You reply. Though, you instantly realize that could be taken in a different way than you had intended. Olivia looks at you with the same passive face she usually makes, before eating some more of her food. If she noticed that what you said could be interpreted as you liking her, she isn't showing it.

"I'll give you the typical girl response. He's handsome, tall, strong, and he actually asked me out."

She says. You question if him asking her out is a quality a girl would typically give, but roll with it.

"So he's not smart then?"

You ask with a laugh.

"No, though that seems to be a common issue with guys."

She responds with a glare. If you didn't know better, you'd think she's implying you're an idiot. Thinking you need to divert attention away from yourself, you decide to change the topic.

"Yeah haha, Ian's a pretty smart guy though isn't he?"

You say. Olivia looks away from you.

"He is, unlike some guys I know."

She responds, standing up.

"I need to go now."

She continues, hurriedly picking up her things and walking away.

"Alright, seeya later Olivia."

You say as she walks away. She briefly pauses her walk to give you a small wave, before leaving the cafeteria. You don't really know if you can really consider this a success in learning more about her, but at least she's a bit more familiar with you now....you think.

The rest of the day goes by without much happening, and when you arrive home nothing exciting happens either. The night passes and you lay in your bed, staring at your alarm clock, quite pleased that tomorrow is a Saturday.


[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 fetch your pistol from your wagon

[Assistant]
You find your pistol and cocking it you jump from the wagon. You are just in time to see Snyder staggering towards you, his eyes wide in shock and the handle of Reed's knife sticking out of the centre of his chest. Reed stands shocked by what he has done and as you stare at him several other men including the Donner brothers come running up. Before your eyes Snyder collapses to the ground and breathes his last breath.

The men of the Donner Party quickly gather and Reed is surrounded, giving in without a fight. He is placed under armed guard while a quick discussion ensues over what to do with him. Franklin Graves is furious that Reed has murdered his employee while his wife and children are crying hysterically. "Hang him" Louis Keseberg urges, looking fiercely among you. "No" replies William Eddy (a friend of Reed's and a skilled marksman). "Mr Reed should leave the camp."

There is a great deal of arguing for a while and eventually it is agreed that Reed should take some food and be sent away to make his own way to California. One of Reed's teamsters called Walter Herron volunteers to accompany him and Reed, still in a state of shock, says a brief farewell to his wife and children. Snyder is buried; the Graves Family are inconsolable and the whole Party is stunned by this sudden outbreak of violence. William Eddy is worried about Reed and Herron's chances of making it to California on their own and mutters to you that perhaps others should go with them.

What do you do?

[User] You stay with the Donner Party

[Assistant]
After Reed and Herron leave the Donner Party's situation continues to deteriorate. Indians shoot arrows at William Eddy and William Pike when they are hunting away from the main party and both are lucky to escape unhurt. Louis Keseberg irritated by his elderly wagon-driver Hardcoop's increasing complaints orders him out of his wagon and snaps at him to walk. Hardcoop manages keeps up for the first day but increasingly begins to lag behind. Without James the Reed family have to abandon another wagon and now many of the Party are on foot: a dangerous situation to be in with so many hostile Indians about. At noon you see Hardcoop, now a long way behind, collapse and crawl under the shade of some bushes.

What do you do?

[User] You go back to help him

[Assistant] Unable to turn your wagon around you abandon it and carrying two canteens of water you walk back to where you saw Hardcoop fall. By the time you reach him you can see you are too late: the old man is dead. By now the Donner Party have vanished from sight and you hurry back as fast as you can, drinking all your water. You don't even see the Indian hiding behind a rock until it is too late, with deadly accuracy he shoots you through the head, ending your journey and life in an instant.


[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 weapons training

[Assistant]
The man leads you to a table along the side of the wall of the warehouse. The table has a number of small weapons on it and some other devices that you cannot recognize. He shows you how the smaller weapons work and how you can make them on your own. He shows you a number of the other devices and how they can be combined to make different types of explosives that can be used for different purposes. He explains how to focus and aim both the improvised devices and the explosives so that you do not get hurt yourself.
The man looks at you and says, "We are out of time. You are either ready or you are not ready. And that is what we will determine now." He turns and walks over to a door in the rear of the room and disappears through it. You are alone in the large warehouse, wondering if you were supposed to follow the man.
You have trained the following levels of skills:
Stealth: 2
Charm: 0
Weapons: 1


[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 stay put.

[Assistant]
You've pushed your luck enough so far, and you are not eager to push it any farther. Ligru does not see you, and perhaps thinks you might have been a figment of his inebriated imagination. Why risk giving him evidence of your presence by moving once more through the jungle? Maybe you can sneak away in a moment… if he too passes out from enjoying too much whiskey. But not before.

So you lie in place, with your pack still on your back, and with your belly and your knees resting in the mud. If the Woban villagers up the mountain were of the "early to bed" mentality, Ligru here seems to see things differently. You watch with dismay as he tosses some more sticks onto the campfire and sits back down beside it, as if he can't get enough of this whole "camping out" thing. But who is he, though, if not a Woban? Maybe he's from neighboring Auri Island, just a few nautical miles away. From what you remember, the people there were similar to Wobans, with the exception of the third eye.

You catch yourself yawning as you wait for Ligru to fall asleep. But he is just sitting there, as if mesmerized by the flames. You keep watching, but there is nothing to watch. So when your eyes shut the first time, and then reopen to see Ligru hasn't moved from the log against which he is sitting, you can't tell how much time has passed. But having dozed just for that second or two, your stressed-out brain and physically-exhausted body want more of it. Your eyes start to shut again, you want to fight it but it's hard to find a good reason why, especially since you seem to be watching a statue who can hold his liquor remarkably well, and before you know it you are the one who is falling asleep….

When you awake it is morning, your pack is off but you are snuggled up next to it, still lying on the muddy ground somewhere between the Woban village and the island's shoreline. You hear the roar of the small river about a quarter of a mile away.

Crap. You never meant to stay here until daylight. Taking a quick look around, you see the campsite right where it was when you passed out. And Ligru is still there, sitting beside the remains of a campfire that has long since burned out.

It never occurred to you until now that perhaps the reason he wasn't moving was because he had fallen asleep sitting up. At least, that certainly seems to be the case now. Hopefully he'll remain so until you can get away. Crap, crap, crap.

There are so many things right now your body would rather be doing: peeing, eating, drinking coffee, or better yet, going back to sleep. But your brain is perceiving grave danger, and so instead you stand slowly and hoist your pack back onto your shoulders. With the Stone of Vul-Kar inside, it feels unusually heavy — but this is no time to gripe about that. Crap, what a situation this is. You look around; once upon a time you had been following a trail, but you have no idea where that is now. The river — you need to follow the river. Forget the trail, at least for now.

So you start to back away — one step, two steps, three. Ligru is still seated in that same position, as if it were still nighttime and the fire was still burning. If his eyes were open, he'd be looking right at you.

What now — run? Yeah, sure, that idea sounds as good as any. So you turn — and stumble right into a rock. Reflexively you try and break your fall by grabbing onto the nearest branch, but this turns out to be a small bush that rattles its leaves loudly as you tug on it. You fall anyway, your feet kicking up in the air, and a bird squawks as it flies from a hidden nest inside the bush. Holy crap.

You have no idea what to expect now when you look back toward the campsite, and you're not sure you even want to. But you do anyway.

Ligru is standing now. "Hey, it's you!" he says, is voice a tad hoarse. And then he remembers the order he was given. "Give me that pack!"

You hear a voice from inside the tent. "Ligru, will you keep it down?" But the guide is on the run, snatching a pole that had been jammed upright in the ground and coming straight at you. Holy mother of a crap.

You try to run, but it is of course now too late. The Auri guide easily outruns you, and by swiping that pole at your legs he brings you down before you can get ten yards. When next you look up, you see that the pole is indeed a spear, with a massive sharpened rock at its tip. The spear is aimed at your heart, and the Auri brings it down for the coup de grâce.

After a few last spasms from your wretched body, Ligru flips you over to examine your pack. He opens the top and pulls out the Stone of Vul-Kar, smiling. It is quite the prize to present to his employer — and they'll never even have to climb the mountain.

THE END


[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] You stay

[Assistant]
What's the point in running? Harry will just eventually send men to the Farmhouse and you'll probably have to run again. You refuse to run forever, if you're going to die soon, then you'd rather get it over with.

Reinforcements arrive armed with rocket launchers come this time, and with a few volleys, Harry's men finally breach the walls of Pandora and storm into the place. The fighting is furious as you and your people don't allow Harry's troops to gain an inch without heavy losses, but ultimately it comes down to you, Marina, and a few others, holding up in one of the barracks, totally surrounded. As you wince in pain from a bullet wound in your arm you use the radio and give a final transmission to Vivica to prepare for an attack on the Farmhouse soon. Hopefully she has more sense to run when things get bad.

"Damn it, I should've ordered a retreat." You say to yourself having second thoughts during this final hour.
"No, you shouldn't have. You stood your ground. I'm glad you did." Marina says trying to comfort you.
"I'm not! I've gotten us all killed, and I certainly didn't want that for you."
"Its okay, if I'm going to die, at least it'll be with you."

Marina kisses you passionately, which makes you briefly forget about the deep shit you're all in. What the hell, for someone who nearly bought it during the nuclear strike, you had a pretty good run. A lot longer than most in this new hell on Earth.

You sense that if you don't come out soon, Harry's men will probably just start tossing grenades or launching rockets at your position, you're not going out like that. You look at Marina and everyone else.

"Alright everyone, we're finishing this. I'll lead and try to soak up most of the bullets. I wish it wasn't going to end like this, but shit happens. Ready?"

You get a nod from everyone and then rush out of the door, blasting everything in sight, with Marina and the rest following suit. You feel several bullets hit your body and then a couple to your head before firing one last burst and falling to the ground in a bloody heap.


[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] You aim for the holder

[Assistant]
You suddenly has this urge just to stick your head out and aim for one who is firing at you. Hearing all those screams from their fellows being used as targets practice by the shooter slowly boil the anger inside your heart, you're always despite these kind of scumbags, coward and lack any responsiblity whatsoever. Strange...you of all people should be thankful by this. After all, is the fact that they're literally decreasing their own numbers down a good thing to you?

"LOCK AND RELOAD, BABY!!!"

Making use of their obvious free shot giveaway, you decide to risk your life. What's a better way to protect yourself other than being a badass while at it too?

Oh hoh, you're cute...a batshit crazy type of endearing actually. You seriously need some help when you go to hell.

Taking a good look at the shooters thanks to the motorcycle's light reflecting on them, you quickly pinpoint the huge crank-driven bastard. Without wasting any precious second, your tongue jingles by itself 3 times and both your hands join in the harmony.

"He is there! Bastard's sticking out!"

The bullet comes out flying and...It would be a real wrench for you if this missed.

"AHGHGGGGG!!!"

...It seems like you hit your target's...jaw or something, you can hear him screaming and some of motor's engines dying down, the gunfire has been ceased too.

"BOSS! Boss got shot!!

Holy...What the...

"Shut the hell up! Chase after that son of a bitch!"

"BOss! Boss!...Boss??!!! Don't scare the group like that!"

A gentle and pleasant feeling sweeps over your inside, to think you actually did it, you, a normal average Joe who hasn't received any training on how to operate or shoot a gun. You have cleaned another despicable piece of shit off the world!

You drive far away with terrific handling skill, your car is like aviating through the roughness of the terrain. The odds of you surviving yet another chase wasn't very much but you have actually passed it with flying colors!