NPCThe rat scurries around the board, spurred on by the flute. Its movements appear erratic at first glance, but after a while, you notice how consistently the balls seem to miss the goal at the very last moment. While the rat's clumsy, amusing scampering distracts the spectators, its nimble tail directs the balls away from the hole.
YOU[Solve the mystery of the trick by analysing its individual elements]
NPCYour mind eliminates all irrelevant factors: the ruffling of cards, the clamour of bolt nuts, the excited gestures of naive folk believing in luck where calculation reigns. There is only the game and its structural components: a skilfully crafted melody and a trained pet that is smarter than it looks.
NPCWhere others hear music, you discern a series of coded directives being issued to the flute player's tiny accomplice. The rat distracts the spectators with a show of clumsiness while precisely following its master's commands. This is how the balls just "happen" to roll past the goal, much to the chagrin of the participants.
YOU[Solve the mystery of the trick by analysing its individual elements]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Watch the rat]
YOU[Listen to the tune]
YOU[Toss a coin into the chest] "A fine show."
NPCThe crowd, which has been too absorbed in the performance to notice your presence, turns to you, expressions of frightful awe appearing on the workers' faces. Many start whispering prayers.
NPCThe flute player's clear eyes widen in surprise. Then, with an open and friendly smile, he says, "Many a grand story of the Lord Captain's generosity is told, and, I swear on my own flute, today I will add another! To a fortune peddler, the Lord Captain's grace is a gift from fate itself!" He applauds you with gratitude, and the workers timidly join in.
NPC"Perhaps you would like to trade us some of that captain's fortune of yours, Your Lordship/Ladyship?" The flute player bows respectfully and gestures at the game board. The crowd buzzes with anticipation.
YOU"Who are you?"
NPC"I am but one of many." The man gestures broadly at the teeming station. "A voice in the crowd. A cog in the mechanism. His humble servant. 'Flute player' is all they call me, because that's what I am. I make up tunes and give the people respite after a hard day's work."
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a curious-looking flute. How did you come by it?"
NPCHe pats his instrument gently. "My mother loved music. She used to hum beautiful melodies to me, and when she passed away, I carved this flute from her hip bone and learned to play. Out of sorrow and respect for her memory."
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a curious-looking flute. How did you come by it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Play one of the local favourites for me."
NPCThe flute player smiles mysteriously and brings the flute to his lips. A simple, brisk melody pours out of the instrument, the glum faces of workers and traders soften a little, and the tunnels around you seem less squalid than before. Long after the music has stopped, many continue to whistle the unassuming ditty.
YOU"A flute needs no words to sing, but I am curious to know what story your melody tells."
NPCThe flute player awkwardly adjusts the goggles on his forehead. "The story of a simple man from the lower decks, honest with himself and others. He risks his life to protect the oppressed from those corrupted by power. He takes from the rich and gives to the needy. He helps without asking anything in return. Nemesite, hero of tales, admired by children and grown folk alike."
YOU"A flute needs no words to sing, but I am curious to know what story your melody tells."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I recently saved a labourer from a beating — where is my song? Or must one be a fictional character to be granted such an honour?"
NPCThe people whisper excitedly as they discuss Twelve's miraculous rescue. The crowd looks at you in awe.
NPCThe flute player bows his head so low you cannot see his face. "My humble flute is not worthy of singing the Lord Captain's tune. But since it is your will, I will compose a new melody. I hope it will be so good that it will be heard on every deck."
YOU"A flute needs no words to sing, but I am curious to know what story your melody tells."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I recently saved a labourer from a beating — where is my song? Or must one be a fictional character to be granted such an honour?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"May good times come for you one day, and then there will be no need for songs about fighting injustice. In the meantime, strive to lift the people's spirits, flute player."
NPCThe crowd nods in approval. The excited whispers merge into a single prayer for your health. The flute player smiles. "For a humble servant, there is no greater reward than his lord/lady's approval. I will try my best to inspire as many of your subjects with music as I can."
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a curious-looking flute. How did you come by it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Play one of the local favourites for me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Gesture at the board] "Are you suggesting we play a game?"
NPCThe flute player smiles eagerly. "Please, bless our little lark with your attention."
YOU"Explain the rules of this game to me."
NPC"It's simple: on this board, you play with fate. Choose a ball and give it to Bolts, my rat. If she rolls your ball into the pocket marked in red within three minutes, you win. If she doesn't, you lose. Simple."
YOU"Explain the rules of this game to me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Play fair] "I will give it a try."
NPCThe man readies his flute, and the rat dives under the board. You hear clawed feet scrabbling against the crate, and a few moments later, a green ball pops out of the centre.
NPCThe rat almost manages to get the ball into the hole, but sharply changes direction right at the last moment. Then it happens again. And again. At last, the ball hits a dead end, signifying your defeat.
NPC"Another round, Your Lordship/Ladyship?" The man bows his head with a slight smile. "You know, I've heard wise visitors from higher up say that this little game offers more than just amusement. They say it's an opportunity to test different strategies. To learn more about others and yourself."
YOU"Explain the rules of this game to me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Play fair] "I will give it a try."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Play fair] "We play again."
NPCThe game goes even better for you this time, but in the end, the insufferable rat gets the ball stuck again.
NPC"That was close, Your Lordship/Ladyship! Would you like to play again, or... was that enough?" Something in the flute player's smile makes you suspect that this game cannot be won. And the game master does not seem to be trying to hide it.
YOU"Explain the rules of this game to me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Play fair] "I will give it a try."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Play fair] "We play again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cheat] "I have an idea. Let us begin."
NPCThe man readies his flute, and the rat dives under the board. You hear clawed feet scrabbling against the crate, and a few moments later, a green ball pops out of the centre.
NPCThe rat starts chasing the ball around the board. Every now and then, you "accidentally" bump the board to scare the rat, making it run in the direction you want. Nevertheless, right at the end, the ball somehow misses the hole by a hair's breadth. This happens again and again until, finally, the ball hits a dead end, signifying your defeat.
NPC"Another round, Your Lordship/Ladyship?" The man bows his head with a slight smile. "You know, I've heard wise visitors from higher up say that this little game offers more than just amusement. They say it's an opportunity to test different strategies. To learn more about others and yourself."
YOU"Explain the rules of this game to me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Play fair] "I will give it a try."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Play fair] "We play again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cheat] "I have an idea. Let us begin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cheat] "This time, I will win!"
NPCYou manage even better this time. You shout at the rat, nearly prompting it to hide in the hole along with the ball — and yet, a moment later, the game ends with the ball stuck in a dead end once again.
NPC"That was close, Your Lordship/Ladyship! Would you like to play again, or... was that enough?" Something in the flute player's smile makes you suspect that this game cannot be won. And the game master does not seem to be trying to hide it.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cheat] "This should be amusing."
NPCThe man readies his flute, and the rat dives under the board. You hear clawed feet scrabbling against the crate, and a few moments later, a green ball pops out of the centre.
NPCYou are not entirely certain how the flute player controls his rat, but you still have your bag of old and reliable tricks at your disposal. Your foot touches the base of the crate stack seemingly by accident, and the board tilts slightly. Meanwhile, the rat, tempted by the piece of hardtack clutched surreptitiously between your fingers, happily rolls the ball right where you want it to go.
NPCWhen the ball drops into the red hole, a few impressed whistles come from the crowd, and the flute player laughs heartily. "Cleverly done, Your Lordship/Ladyship! Well, I had no doubt that you would be a worthy opponent. And your strategy... I think I will keep it in mind for my future games."
YOU[Smile] "Shall we play another round?"
NPC"I'm sorry, Your Lordship/Ladyship. I don't have anything left to play for." He smiles sheepishly as he turns out his torn pockets.
NPC"I hope you have enjoyed yourself. I certainly won't forget my fateful meeting with the Lord Captain." The flute player clears the board in one deft movement and begins a new tune.
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a curious-looking flute. How did you come by it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Play one of the local favourites for me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Gesture at the board] "Are you suggesting we play a game?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]
NPC(sequence)
Heinrix"This flute player is not as simple as he pretends to be, [Name]. I am most curious to know what he's really doing here. I will have him monitored."
end of branch
YOU[Cut a button from your sleeve and throw it to the man] "For the entertainment."
NPC"Thank you for this generous gift! These folks will shower me in ration cards to get their hands on something that belonged to Your Lordship/Ladyship. Fortune gave me the brightest of its smiles today."
NPC"I hope you have enjoyed yourself. I certainly won't forget my fateful meeting with the Lord Captain." The flute player clears the board in one deft movement and begins a new tune.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You lost this time, but I know you are cheating. Get out of my sight before I report you to the enforcers!"
NPCWith an obedient bow, he slings the bag with the rat inside over his shoulder, then puts the flute into a simple case. "I wouldn't dare try your patience further. May we meet again, Lord Captain."
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
NPCYou have already seen through the flute player's performance. You listen to him play and watch the rat closely. Then, at a certain point, you start tapping your fingers on the edge of the crate, adding your own rhythm to the tune. The rat scrambles in confusion, mistaking your commands for those of its master, and starts rolling the ball toward the goal.
NPCWhen the ball drops into the red hole, a few impressed whistles come from the crowd, and the flute player laughs heartily. "Cleverly done, Your Lordship/Ladyship! Well, I had no doubt that you would be a worthy opponent. And your strategy... I think I will keep it in mind for my future games."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, you wanted to play, did you not? Be my guest."
YOU[Cut a button from your sleeve and throw it to the man] "I have had my fill of entertainment for one day."
NPC"Thank you for this generous gift! These folks will shower me in ration cards to get their hands on something that belonged to Your Lordship/Ladyship. Fortune gave me the brightest of its smiles today."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I know you are cheating. Get out of my sight before I report you to the enforcers!"
NPCThe man raises his hands. "The strong need nothing more than words to win! I will remember this important lesson, Your Lordship/Ladyship."
NPCWith an obedient bow, he slings the bag with the rat inside over his shoulder, then puts the flute into a simple case. "I wouldn't dare try your patience further. May we meet again, Lord Captain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I refuse to take part in any of this."
NPCThe man shrugs, earning a few chuckles from the crowd. After you have taken a few steps, you hear his flute starting another tune.
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a curious-looking flute. How did you come by it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Play one of the local favourites for me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Gesture at the board] "Are you suggesting we play a game?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cheat] "This time, I will win!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cheat] "This should be amusing."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, you wanted to play, did you not? Be my guest."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cut a button from your sleeve and throw it to the man] "I have had my fill of entertainment for one day."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I know you are cheating. Get out of my sight before I report you to the enforcers!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I refuse to take part in any of this."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cheat] "I have an idea. Let us begin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cheat] "This time, I will win!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cheat] "This should be amusing."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, you wanted to play, did you not? Be my guest."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cut a button from your sleeve and throw it to the man] "I have had my fill of entertainment for one day."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I know you are cheating. Get out of my sight before I report you to the enforcers!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I refuse to take part in any of this."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Play fair] "We play again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cheat] "I have an idea. Let us begin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cheat] "This time, I will win!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cheat] "This should be amusing."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, you wanted to play, did you not? Be my guest."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cut a button from your sleeve and throw it to the man] "I have had my fill of entertainment for one day."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I know you are cheating. Get out of my sight before I report you to the enforcers!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I refuse to take part in any of this."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Play fair] "I will give it a try."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Play fair] "We play again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cheat] "I have an idea. Let us begin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cheat] "This time, I will win!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cheat] "This should be amusing."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, you wanted to play, did you not? Be my guest."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cut a button from your sleeve and throw it to the man] "I have had my fill of entertainment for one day."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I know you are cheating. Get out of my sight before I report you to the enforcers!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I refuse to take part in any of this."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"By opposing legitimate authority, your vile Nemesite tramples on the Creed. And everyone who glorifies him is a criminal."
YOU"A fairy tale indeed, risking oneself for nothing. If such a man existed, he would surely be profiting from your misfortunes in secret."
YOU"Instead of piping frivolous ditties during your shift, get to work, you idler."
NPCThe flute player smiles meekly. "All I did was grant your request. I played what the people down here like."
NPCWith an obedient bow, he slings the bag with the rat inside over his shoulder, then puts the flute into a simple case. "I wouldn't dare try your patience further. May we meet again, Lord Captain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Shrug]
NPCThe man gives a grateful nod, honoured by your attention alone.
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a curious-looking flute. How did you come by it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Play one of the local favourites for me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Gesture at the board] "Are you suggesting we play a game?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"May good times come for you one day, and then there will be no need for songs about fighting injustice. In the meantime, strive to lift the people's spirits, flute player."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"By opposing legitimate authority, your vile Nemesite tramples on the Creed. And everyone who glorifies him is a criminal."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A fairy tale indeed, risking oneself for nothing. If such a man existed, he would surely be profiting from your misfortunes in secret."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Instead of piping frivolous ditties during your shift, get to work, you idler."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Shrug]continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
HeinrixThe Interrogator's lip curls, but he remains silent, his icy gaze not leaving the man.
end of branch
YOU"I recently saved a labourer from a beating — where is my song? Or must one be a fictional character to be granted such an honour?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"May good times come for you one day, and then there will be no need for songs about fighting injustice. In the meantime, strive to lift the people's spirits, flute player."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"By opposing legitimate authority, your vile Nemesite tramples on the Creed. And everyone who glorifies him is a criminal."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A fairy tale indeed, risking oneself for nothing. If such a man existed, he would surely be profiting from your misfortunes in secret."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Instead of piping frivolous ditties during your shift, get to work, you idler."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Shrug]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Gesture at the board] "Are you suggesting we play a game?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Play one of the local favourites for me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Gesture at the board] "Are you suggesting we play a game?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a curious-looking flute. How did you come by it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Play one of the local favourites for me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Gesture at the board] "Are you suggesting we play a game?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You there. Why are you idling about and distracting the other workers?"
NPCThe crowd, which has been too absorbed in the performance to notice your presence, turns to you, expressions of frightful awe appearing on the workers' faces. Many start whispering prayers.
NPCThe man stops playing and shrugs, a guilty smile crossing his face. "I haven't had work for who knows how many watches now. And even if they did give me work, the enforcers would just rob me of my earnings afterward. So I've found a calling after my own heart: I trade fortune for ration cards. The folks around here peddle away what little they have to spare, anyway, so why can't I?" The crowd echoes his words in cautious agreement.
NPC"Perhaps you would like to trade us some of that captain's fortune of yours, Your Lordship/Ladyship?" The flute player bows respectfully and gestures at the game board. The crowd buzzes with anticipation.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]
end of branch
NPC(sequence)
JaeJae whispers conspiratorially into your ear, "Hey, shereen, what do you say I give it a go? While those poor ashmags were busy losing all their paltry possessions, I think I've figured out that swindler's tricks."
end of branch
YOU[Watch the rat]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the tune]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Toss a coin into the chest] "A fine show."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You there. Why are you idling about and distracting the other workers?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 3 of 34
NPCThe rat's behaviour is erratic and mindless. When it rolls yet another ball right past the goal, the crowd groans loudly and starts laughing at the loser.
YOU[Solve the mystery of the trick by analysing its individual elements]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Watch the rat]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the tune]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Toss a coin into the chest] "A fine show."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You there. Why are you idling about and distracting the other workers?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 4 of 34
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 5 of 34
NPC(no text)
YOU[Solve the mystery of the trick by analysing its individual elements]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Watch the rat]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the tune]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Toss a coin into the chest] "A fine show."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You there. Why are you idling about and distracting the other workers?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 6 of 34
NPC(no text)
YOU[Solve the mystery of the trick by analysing its individual elements]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Watch the rat]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the tune]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Toss a coin into the chest] "A fine show."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You there. Why are you idling about and distracting the other workers?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 7 of 34
NPC(no text)
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a curious-looking flute. How did you come by it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Play one of the local favourites for me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Gesture at the board] "Are you suggesting we play a game?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 8 of 34
NPCThe rat's movements, from the flicks of its tail to when and where it pushes the balls, obey its master's wordless commands with uncanny precision. The notes, the pauses, the rhythm — every part of the melody serves as a signal to the flute player's tiny assistant.
YOU[Solve the mystery of the trick by analysing its individual elements]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Watch the rat]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the tune]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Toss a coin into the chest] "A fine show."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You there. Why are you idling about and distracting the other workers?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 9 of 34
NPCThe next tune is so catchy that you completely forget about what is happening on the board.
YOU[Solve the mystery of the trick by analysing its individual elements]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Watch the rat]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the tune]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Toss a coin into the chest] "A fine show."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You there. Why are you idling about and distracting the other workers?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 10 of 34
Idira(no text)
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Entry point 11 of 34
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 12 of 34
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 13 of 34
Idira(no text)
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Entry point 14 of 34
Idira(no text)
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Entry point 15 of 34
JaeJae leans over the game board and starts humming a slow Efreet melody, snapping her augmented fingers in time with the music. The rat stops dead in its tracks, listening to the new rhythm, and then drives the ball right into the red hole. "I dedicate this victory to you, shereen!"
NPCThe flute player glances at the rat, somewhat disheartened. "It's true what they say. The power of the great lies in the talents of their followers."
YOU[Smile] "Shall we play another round?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cut a button from your sleeve and throw it to the man] "For the entertainment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You lost this time, but I know you are cheating. Get out of my sight before I report you to the enforcers!"continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 16 of 34
JaeJae glares at the board for several minutes, alternating between tapping her augmented finger on the edge and whistling a starkly different tune to that of the flute player. The rat comes close to rolling the ball into the hole not once but three times, and yet ends up missing the mark every time.
Jae"Throne's gold! I was this close to figuring out how that ashmag makes his ratling dance to his tune! I must have missed something. Was my rhythm off? Was I singing too quietly? Hmm..." She tosses a coin to the flute player and shrugs awkwardly. "A thousand apologies, shereen. I guess today is one of those days when luck just decides to show you its ar— backside."
YOU"Explain the rules of this game to me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Play fair] "I will give it a try."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Play fair] "We play again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cheat] "I have an idea. Let us begin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cheat] "This time, I will win!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cheat] "This should be amusing."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, you wanted to play, did you not? Be my guest."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Cut a button from your sleeve and throw it to the man] "I have had my fill of entertainment for one day."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I know you are cheating. Get out of my sight before I report you to the enforcers!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I refuse to take part in any of this."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 17 of 34
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 18 of 34
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 19 of 34
NPCThe people look at each other in shock upon hearing this unpalatable fact of life. Their joy evaporates, leaving only the bitterness of disappointment.
NPCThe flute player smiles regretfully. "I think the song just died. But I won't despair — life always suggests new melodies that people will like."
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a curious-looking flute. How did you come by it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Play one of the local favourites for me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Gesture at the board] "Are you suggesting we play a game?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 20 of 34
Jae(no text)
NPC(no text)
YOU(no text)
NPC"I'm sorry, Your Lordship/Ladyship. I don't have anything left to play for." He smiles sheepishly as he turns out his torn pockets.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 21 of 34
Jae(no text)
Jae(no text)
YOU(no text)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 22 of 34
NPC(no text)
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a curious-looking flute. How did you come by it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Play one of the local favourites for me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Gesture at the board] "Are you suggesting we play a game?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 23 of 34
NPCThe people cast their eyes down in unison, their intent gazes threatening to burn new holes in their worn-out shoes. Their haggard faces show fear, but not remorse.
NPCThe flute player smiles regretfully. "I think the song just died. But I won't despair — life always suggests new melodies that people will like."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 24 of 34
NPCThe people stare shamefacedly at the floor like guilty children. One of the elders in a tattered robe reaches for the homemade Aquila around his neck, whispering a penitential prayer.
NPCThe flute player smiles regretfully. "I think the song just died. But I won't despair — life always suggests new melodies that people will like."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 25 of 34
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 26 of 34
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 27 of 34
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 28 of 34
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Entry point 31 of 34
NPCThe people murmur their halting agreement with your words. There is not an ounce of sincerity in this rumbling — the rabble simply does not dare challenge the words of the Lord Captain himself/herself.
NPCThe flute player smiles regretfully. "I think the song just died. But I won't despair — life always suggests new melodies that people will like."continues where this line first appears above
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Entry point 34 of 34
NPCA group of gawkers are crowding around a makeshift stage, watching a strange duo perform. A man with odd-looking goggles pushed up on his forehead, hands wrapped in worn leather gloves, plays a tune on a handmade flute. Next to him sits a stack of crates supporting some kind of game board. A scruffy rat is rolling small glass balls around the board.
YOU[Solve the mystery of the trick by analysing its individual elements]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Watch the rat]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the tune]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Toss a coin into the chest] "A fine show."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You there. Why are you idling about and distracting the other workers?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Watch the game]
NPCSeveral workers empty their pockets and start throwing ration cards, bolt nuts, and even a few power panels into the small chest next to the board. The flute player winks at the crowd and switches to a different tune.
NPCThe rat squeaks excitedly and starts rolling the colourful balls the players have chosen around the maze of tunnels on the board. But not a single one reaches the goal — a hole marked with a red circle. The rat just rolls all the balls off the board or into dead ends. Once the first group of players get their hopes dashed and leave empty-handed, new workers immediately take their place.
YOU[Solve the mystery of the trick by analysing its individual elements]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Watch the rat]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the tune]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Toss a coin into the chest] "A fine show."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You there. Why are you idling about and distracting the other workers?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Yrliet"By giving in to primitive pastimes, they try to forget the filth and poverty around them. They are deceived by laughter: a brief flash of pleasure, an imaginary moment of relief before the sleeping mind sinks into a meaningless existence once more."
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YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above