(set: $v to (text-color: "#F2A013"), $s to (text-color: "#01DD00"), $m to (text-color: "#76EAFF"), $k to (text-color: "#F4F547"), $n to (text-color: "#F63677"), $e to (text-color: "#2D8527"), $g to (text-color: "#D1D38F"), $b to (text-color: "#909790"))''Into the Dunes, A Tale of Kiro's Band''
//Written by Tobias Amaranth,
as part of a creative contest for
<a href="http://discord.gg/VWtmNME">The Vulpera Hype Caravan</a>//
//"Into the Dunes"// is the opening quest for a Horde champion entering into Vol'dun for the first time. The adventure you will be taking part in is inspired by those events. Part story and part game, you will discover another side to the tale told that day.
''The Cast''
$v[The Vulpera,] $s[the Sethrak,]
$k[Kiro,] $n[Nisha,] $m[Meerah,]
$e[Emperor Korthek,]
$g[General Jakra'zet,]
$b[Bladeguards Kaja,
Tarkaj, and Jorana,]
[[... And you.
//Begin the adventure?//->Start]]You sit alone in the caravan you call your home. Here, you can be left in peace to strategize. It's on your small shoulders that the entire weight of the band falls. Your brother may be the leader, but your are his general. Defense and everything it encompases is your task.
Even on a good day, there is a constant threat of attack by the sethrak. The hills can hide you well, but without an information network, without ears to the dunes, the winds can change in a matter of moments.
A knock on the door. You stand and open it, and are met with a winded, panic-stricken vulpera. His grey fur ragged from his run to deliver what was undoubtedly an urgent message. You take notice that his hyena is tied over at the trough and is drinking quite readily, clearly taxed.
Looking him over, and letting only a small inward sigh escape, you retake your seat and motion for him to sit.
[["Has something happened to my brother and his hunting party?"->Start2]]
You offer a canteen to the other fox. After taking a sip and catching his breath, he replies.
$v["Sir, something's amiss to the north. The sethrak are gathering a large force. Kiro thinks it might be for a ceremony or worse, preparations for an attack."]
So it //is// about the hunting party. Brine Basin doesn't give much cover, but it's one of the best places for hunting right now. It's also close enough to your old burrows that you can scavenge up tools and other valuables that were abandoned there.
Unfortunately, the sethrak's territory isn't too far away from there. Those slithery slime are to blame for most of the more meaningful troubles of late, including the loss of the old burrows, and you and the rest of the band have lost more than a few to their patrols. Anything involving the sethrak can't be good, especially not in large numbers.
[["What makes you think that?"->Start3]]$v["Nisha was out on her own, chasing after a big krolusk, when she said she spotted Emperor Korthek up on a precipice. Even that hot blooded vixen can spot trouble when it's big. Soon as she noticed, a whole knot of snakes started pouring out from seemingly out of nowhere. We're thankful she made it back to us to give us the news."]
Your heart skips a beat. Nisha may be brash, but that's what you love about her, and why you chose to take her as your mate. Thank the sands that she wasn't spotted and that she thought twice about stirring the nest.
$v["So Kiro, he was going to call for us to retreat back to camp here, but our route was cut off by the sethrak. So instead, we headed further back towards the old burrows. Before we left, he had another hunter climb up a butte and see if he could figure out what Korthek would be doing out this far."]
It's your job to decide the members for the hunting parties, and it looks like you've made a good call for this one. So far, they've made some sound strategic decisions. Unless...
[["What did he see, friend? It must have really spooked my brother to send you back alone."->Start4]]If it was just Korthek and a group of sethrak, they could easily have sneaked back through the hills and gone the long way around.
$v["It... it did, sir. Emperor Korthek was conversing with a troll. They seemed to be treating each other as equals. Aside from that, they were... waiting. For something. We're worried they may be heading out to sweep the desert for us, but that wouldn't explain the troll."]
Trolls are a mixed lot. Some of the ones you've encountered have been the kind sort, while others would have your tail for a mantle. Most, however, tended to simply be mad.
$v["So while the rest of the party went east, Kiro sent me to break through their lines and report back to you. What are your orders, sir?"]
[["This is indeed worrisome. We'll need to mobilize."->Start5]]You tell the other fox to let everyone in camp know that we're scattering, then you go outside to meet with Meerah. Her kind heart will hold everyone together while they retreat. You give her orders to head west and hide among the tall dunes until she gets word from a vulture. "Keep your eyes on the skies," you tell her.
You write out a quick letter to Kiro, letting him know that you're on your way with reinforcements, before tying it to your personal vulture and setting it on its way. You then gather up the remaining fighting force of the band, along with a wagon of what weapons are on hand. You'll have to stick east along the cliffs, but if luck holds, it should only take an hour to reach your brother.(set: $plot to 1, $event1 to 0, $event2 to 0, $event3 to 0, $event4 to 0, $event5 to 0, $event6 to 0, $event7 to 0, $event8 to 0, $event9 to 0, $eventA to 0, $eventB to 0, $eventC to 0, $eventD to 0)
[[//Check on the camp//->Vulpera Hideaway]]
[[//Head out//->North of Hideaway]](if: $plot is 1 and $event1 is 0)[Glancing around at the hideaway, alit in a frenzy of fur as news of the order spreads, you take in for a moment just how fleeting it all is. Your home is your caravan. Your band. Your friends and family. You must fight to keep those bonds here in the harsh desert. Unwelcome in the jungles, faced with the crazed blood trolls and large predators, it's been your way of life to traverse the sands for generations.
Kiro's band is one of the largest in the area, even after the devastation at the old burrows. It was a risk to gather together in large numbers, but the sethrak had been keeping mostly to themselves until recently. What a terrible day that was. You must work hard to ensure that day does not repeat itself again.
You realize you've become lost in your thoughts among the frentic pace of activity in the camp. You should get going, soon. As you watch your fellow vulpera stow their belongings into their caravans, you see an older couple in need of a hand.
[[//Help the couple pack//->Check on Meerah]]
[[//Helping Kiro comes first//->North of Hideaway]]
](if: $plot is 1 and $event1 is 1)[Meerah has everything under control. You should get to traveling before the sethrak decide to make a move.
[[//Head out//->North of Hideaway]]
](if: $plot is 2)[UNUSED
](if: $plot is 3)[UNUSED
](if: $plot is 1)[Your preparations complete, you lash the 'pacas to the wagon and mount your war hyena. You managed a full score of vulpera to aid you, but winds only know if it will be enough.
As you look back, you see Meerah leading the rest of the band out into the dunes to the west, speading out as they go. Eyes to the sky, Meerah, and wish us luck.
Skirting the edge of the Brine Basin, you ride north to rendezvous with Kiro, Nisha, and the others. You only hope you're not too late.
(link:"//An hour passes...//")[(set: $plot to 2)(goto: "Abandoned Burrows")]
](if: $plot is 2)[NOT USED [[Abandoned Burrows]]
](if: $plot is 3)[NOT USED [[Abandoned Burrows]]
](set: $event1 to 1)You bend down and begin to prep their stove for storage, dusting it clean and hefting it onto your shoulder. From around the corner comes a high pitched but very confident voice.
$m["Woah there, strong foxy. Don't you have something more important you should be doing? Word has it that Kiro's hunting party has run into a bit of trouble. Strength has its uses, but I think your strength is best used elsewhere, don't you?"]
Lovable Meerah... Before you can even object, she's pilfered the stove from your paws and smacks you across the chest with her silvery tail.
$m["Get moving, already. I've got things covered here. Besides, you have a vixen to save, don't you?"]
You roll your eyes at her playfulness, but she's right. You have better things to be doing, and now you're even worried about Nisha. You've trained your mate well, but she's always been a little rough around the edges. If things are as bad as Kiro thinks, it would be best to hurry.
[[//Continue//->Vulpera Hideaway]] (if: $plot is 2 and $event2 is 0)[You arrive at the outskirts of the Abandoned Burrows and begin to look around for any sign of Kiro and the others. Glancing to the cliff edge, you spot a vulture flying down to perch on the wagon you brought. It's your personal buzzard.
So it seems he managed to deliver his message, but where is Kiro? Before you can get a good look around, a ball of dark red fur launches from the shadows.
$n["Dear!! You made it! It's so good to see you."]
She throws her arms around you and licks your nosepad. Your heart calms a little as you confirm that she's safe.
(link: '"Love. Where is Kiro? I need to see him right away."')[(set: $event2 to it + 1)(goto: "Abandoned Burrows")]
](if: $plot is 2 and $event2 is 1)[She frowns a bit at you, but the situation is supposed to be urgent. Releasing you from the embrace, she points back the way she came and up the cliffs.
$n["We're hiding up there while we wait for you. The faithless haven't followed us, yet. It seems they're still just waiting on the other side of Brine Basin. Come, I'll take you to your brother."]
Leaving behind the other troops and the wagon in the shadows, you set about scaling up the cliff to meet with Kiro.
(link: "//Continue//")[(set: $event2 to it + 1)(goto: "Abandoned Burrows")]
](if: $plot is 2 and $event2 is 2)[Upon reaching their camp, you find Kiro sitting on a dried up log, lost in thought. You calmly take a seat next to him, putting a paw to his back.
$k["Brother. You made it."]
He mutters quietly, almost unsure of himself. Perhaps it's where you are that's ruffling his fur. It wasn't too long ago that a sethrak raid tore through here, with many vulpera captured or slain. The memories are fresh in your mind, as well.
$k["The sethrak have gathered again. We fear the worst, but this troll, he is an unpredictable element. I'm unsure what to do. Could you help out?"]
(link: '"Of course, brother. What do you need me to do?"')[(set: $event2 to it + 1)(goto: "Abandoned Burrows")]
](if: $plot is 2 and $event2 is 3)[$k["The basics, weapons and information. Aside from being equipped to fight beasts rather than wage war, we know too little of what their goals are."]
You explain that you've brought what weapons were on hand back at the hideaway.
$k["I was thinking a bit more creativity will be required. You know a thing or two of alchemy, yes? See if Nisha can help you gather some ingredients for something useful. We'll be outnumbered as it is, and every advantage we can get will help. We also need to check in on Emperor Korthek and see if we can learn anything new on what their goals are."]
[[//Gather ingredients//->Check on Nisha]]
[[//Gather information//->Brine Basin]]
](if: $plot is 3 and $event5 is 0)[$k["Brother, you're back. What news do you have?"]
You take a seat and share everything you've learned while helping to put together the potions that will be soon needed. You share your information on this 'Horde' that will be coming to Vol'dun, and of the dangers of the troll with his plans for the seal. You mention the rumors you've heard of a great beast kept in Atul'Aman, and Kiro's eyes grow wide with shock and his ears snap to attention.
$k["Korthek plans to //release// that monstrosity? This is bad, very very bad. Sands protect us, but this goes beyond just our war with the faithless."]
$n["What's wrong, Kiro? Surely a single beast cannot be that much threat to us. If the worst happens, we can always scatter."]
$k["No, Nisha, this is a different sort of beast, not like the ones of Nazmir. There would be no place we can hide if the legends are true."]
(link: '"And Korthek said he plans to take the desert for himself."')[(set: $event5 to it + 1)(goto: "Abandoned Burrows")]
](if: $plot is 3 and $event5 is 1)[A hush falls over the group as the severity of the situation sinks in. The wind howls through the outcroppings and cuts the silence like a knife.
$k["We must help these newcomers when they arrive."]
You nod decisively and begin to outline a plan of attack. Kiro, Nisha, and the other troops listen intently. You build up the plan to surround them, and designate several groups to lure the sethrak away and give you a chance to make contact with the 'Horde'.
$n["Hit 'em hard and hit 'em fast, huh love?"]
(link: "//Comfort Nisha//")[(set: $event5 to it + 1)(goto: "Abandoned Burrows")]
](if: $plot is 3 and $event5 is 2)[$k["If we're going to surround them, we'd better get into position. It's time to move out, vulpera!"]
As Kiro rallies the troops, you call your vulture over to deliver a quick message. "VIP incoming. Work together, give aid!" You attach the message and send him off towards the west. As you watch the sky, you see a trio of large birds pass overhead. No, not birds, mounted riders! You're out of time! You expected them to come by ground, not air. In an instant, you raise the alarm and point towards the skies. As you do, lightning arcs through the sky and strikes one of the riders.
$b["Aiyeeeeee!!!!"]
A troll and his mount fall to the ground in the middle of the Brine Basin. The sethrak army begin to fire their bows up at the remaining fliers. Another flier begins to fall from the sky.
$b["Everyone, break ranks! Make your way to safety! Get as far from dese snakes as you can!"]
(link: "//Save them!//")[(set: $event5 to it + 1)(goto: "Brine Basin")]
](if: $plot is 2)[You take a look around Brine Basin. Much of the wildlife has gone into hiding, and there is a large group of sethrak out towards the west. Beyond that, Emperor Korthek and a strange troll are staring out towards the eastern sky.
A quick roll in the sands, and you camoflauge yourself well enough to sneak past the small patrols. Ducking around the north, you make your way close to the Emperor of the Faithless.
[[//Spy on Emperor Korthek//->Check on Korthek]]
](if: $plot is 3 and $event5 is 3)[You call for a charge. Rushing quickly in, you trail under the second falling bird. The last one is still in the sky, but clearly wounded and reeling around uncertainly.
You crouch next to the accompanying troll and pass him a canteen. The other vulpera form a circle around you, fending off the rushing snakemen. A few bottles of firewater are thrown at the advancing group, making them cautious.
$b["Thank you, small one. Dem serpents got Jorana with a big blast, he didn't stand a chance."]
(link: '"Who are you? What can we do to help?"')[(set: $event5 to it + 1)(goto: "Brine Basin")]
](if: $plot is 3 and $event5 is 4)[$b["I am Blademaster Tarkaj. We are from Zuldazar, and we are here on da trail of General Jakra'zet. He must be stopped."]
You tell him that your goals align, and that you want to help him. He pulls out his sword, and leans on it to right himself. He glances upwards and gasps in horror as a figure falls from the remaining flier. He points gravely towards where the mysterious newcomer fell.
$b["Then you must help me save dem."]
Another bolt of lightning arcs across the sky. The last remaining flier falls out of sight off to the west, and a portion of the sethrak army race after it. Another group breaks away to investigate the fallen form of the one Tarkaj wants us to save.
(link: '"We will do everything we can."')[(set: $event5 to it + 1)(goto: "Brine Basin")]
](if: $plot is 3 and $event5 is 5 and $event6 + $event7 + $event8 < 3)[Thinking quickly, you take in everything you can of the situation and issue commands to those around you.
(if: $event6 is 0)[(link: "//Give orders to Kiro//")[(set: $event6 to it + 1)(goto: "Check on Kiro")]
](if: $event7 is 0)[(link: "//Give orders to Tarkaj//")[(set: $event7 to it + 1)(goto: "Check on Tarkaj")]
](if: $event8 is 0)[(link: "//Give orders to troops//")[(set: $event8 to it + 1)(goto: "Check on Troops")]
]](if: $plot is 3 and $event5 is 5 and $event6 is 1 and $event7 is 1 and $event8 is 1)[As those around you break away to carry out their tasks, one remains firmly by your side. Nisha. Her paws hold onto one of yours and she looks at you nervously, waiting for you to give her an order, too.
Before you can fulfill her wish, a large crossbolt whizzes through the air and finds itself embedded in your chest. Horror and rage surges through Nisha as her grip becomes as hard as steel.
$n["NO!!! Love!!!"]
You raise your free paw and brush it across the side of her muzzle, wet with tears.
(link: "//Give orders to Nisha//")[(set: $event5 to it + 1)(goto: "Brine Basin")]
](if: $plot is 3 and $event5 is 6)[You bring yourself to speak. To grant her a mission. You tell her to keep the desert safe. Today was fate, and you can tell that she will play an important role. You tell her to stop at nothing to save the one Tarkaj spoke of.
$n["I swear it, dear. I will stop every one of those faithless scum. They will pay for what they've done. You have my word."]
You tell her to trust your brother, and lean on him when times are tough. You've done what you can, and the rest is up to them.(set: $e1 to 0, $e2 to 0, $e3 to 0, $e4 to 0)
[["I leave our fate in your paws, my love."->Epilogue]]]UNUSED(set: $event3 to 1)You check in with Nisha before leaving to scavenge, and apologise for being so rushed earlier. Taking her paws in yours, you return her earlier greeting of affection.
$n["I understand, love. No one wants to see what happened here repeat itself. Is there anything I can help you with?"]
You begin to shake your head, but think better of it. It would be nice to spend some time together with her. You ask her to follow you, and begin to explain what you are looking for.
Your goal is to make firewater. Flasks, Akunda's Bite, and Star Moss. Plus a few other things you already have on hand.(set: $items to 0, $flasks to 0, $akunda to 0, $moss to 0)
(link: "//Look for flasks//")[(set: $flasks to 1, $items to it + 1)(goto: "Gather Ingredients")]
(link: "//Look for Akunda's Bite//")[(set: $akunda to 1, $items to it + 1)(goto: "Gather Ingredients")]
(link: "//Look for Star Moss//")[(set: $moss to 1, $items to it + 1)(goto: "Gather Ingredients")]Plot 1 = Chapter 1, Introduction
Plot 2 = Chapter 2, Quests
Plot 3 = Chapter 3, Conflict
Event1 = Meerah Conversation
Event2 = Kiro Conversation 1
Event3 = Nisha Conversation
Event4 = Korthek Conversation
Event5 = (if: $flasks is 1)[Digging through the wreckage of the burrows, you overturn fallen wagons and sift through discarded pouches. Nisha walks alongside you, keeping her own eyes peeled for the glint of unbroken bottles.(set: $flasks to 2)
](if: $akunda is 1)[Stepping around the charred debris, you listen for the crackling of Akunda's Bite. One per flask should be enough. Turning your ears, you catch sound of a patch and walk over to gather it. Nisha hangs back, watching your technique. (set: $akunda to 2)
](if: $moss is 1)[A sniff to the breeze reminds you of the foul smells of war. Pushing aside the memories and steeling yourself, you sniff again and track for some Star Moss. Nisha does the same and a grimace crosses her muzzle. You worry about how she has been handling the aftermath. You often catch glimpses of a deep anger underneath her smiles.(set: $moss to 2)
]
(if: $items is 1)[$n["It's been nice, working with Kiro. Thank you for recommending me for the hunting party."]
You look up from your search and nod. You were hesitant at first, but she was such a fast learner that it would be a waste to not let her flex her muscle. She picked up most of what you know of combat in a mere month of training. The faithless took much from her, as they did from you. But you were there for her.
$n["He's an honorable vulpera, your brother. Our band is in good hands with the two of you."]
She puts her paw on your head and smiles into your eyes. She's right, though. He's always had a knack for the social side. Tactics are your thing, but leading was his.
Gathering what you needed, you set out for the second item.
](if: $items is 2)[$n["It makes you think, what do the winds have in store for us vulpera?"]
Nisha muses aloud and her eyes wander to the scenery of the burrows. It was once a gathering place for many bands of vulpera, thought to be a safe haven from the sethrak. You shake your head and frown. There's no telling what the cruel mistress of the desert has planned, but that's why you must be resourceful and strong. Weakness cannot survive in the deserts of Vol'dun.
$n["Will we have days of peace any time soon? Or will life change beyond our understanding before we can even brush our fur clean of the past?"]
Leaning in close and kneeling down beside you, Nisha helps you finish gathering the item. You accept her help quietly, enjoying the mild tranquility. One more item to go.
](if: $items is 3)[$n["It's getting late. This should be enough, right?"]
Feeling her impatience, you finish gathering the last item and carefully tuck the ingredients into a pouch. Nisha takes the satchel from you and another flicker of hate crosses Nisha's muzzle as her fur bristles.
$n["Those scaly scum will pay for everything they've done."]
With all the time spent in the burrows, seeing the destruction, the loss, you know how she feels. You pull her towards you with a tight embrace, massaging the ruff of her neck. She calms, and gives your nosepad a tender lick.
$n["We've lost so many, my love. We mustn't lose more. I'll take these items back to Kiro and we'll get things ready. See you, soon."]
With one last glance around the burrows, you sigh outwardly. The weight is almost crushing. But you will do what you need to in order to keep your family and friends safe.
(if: $event4 is 0)[[[//Gather information//->Brine Basin]]
](if: $event4 is 2)[(set: $plot to 3)[[//Return to Kiro//->Abandoned Burrows]]]
]
(if: $flasks is 0)[(link: "//Look for flasks//")[(set: $flasks to 1, $items to it + 1)(goto: "Gather Ingredients")]
](if: $akunda is 0)[(link: "//Look for Akunda's Bite//")[(set: $akunda to 1, $items to it + 1)(goto: "Gather Ingredients")]
](if: $moss is 0)[(link: "//Look for Star Moss//")[(set: $moss to 1, $items to it + 1)(goto: "Gather Ingredients")]
](if: $event4 is 0)[Turning your ears to listen to the duo, you can manage to make out what seems to be an argument between them.
$e["Are you certain that your intel is correct, General?"]
$g["Of course, //Emperor//. My guards have told me dat dese new Horde have been snooping around my work."]
Horde? What is he talking about? Something other than the sethrak? Are they friend of foe? You wonder how much Kiro knows of these 'Horde'.
(link: "//Continue listening//")[(set: $event4 to it + 1)(goto: "Check on Korthek")]
](if: $event4 is 1)[$e["Yes, your precious work. You want the seals, I want the desert. But what makes you so certain they can do anything to stop us?"]
The seals? Isn't there a folk legend about some seal in Vol'dun? Your mind races as it tries to piece together their motivations.
$g["Dey have already gained early favor with da king, and it's only a matter of time before dey come to meddle in our affairs here, Korthek. I received word that they will be arriving today to track down... an old acquaintance."]
$e["And you need us to stop them to hide your dirty medling, is that it, //Jakra'zet?//"]
So they're waiting to ambush this new force. Whatever the faithless are planning, it can't be for the good of the desert. That makes these Horde potential allies.
(link: "//Continue listening//")[(set: $event4 to it + 1)(goto: "Check on Korthek")]
](if: $event4 is 2)[$g["I trust you can handle a few measely interlopers."]
$e["For a few measely interlopers, you have asked me to gather quite the force. You had better keep to your promises, General. I hope this isn't a waste of my time."]
A noise from behind shifts your attention suddenly. Caught off guard, a sethrak patrol managed to get close enough to scent you.(set: $round to 0, $success to 0)
[[//Defend yourself//->Mini Battle]]
](if: $round is 0)[$s["For the Emperor!"]
The sethrak lunges towards you with a heavy thrust.
(link: "Attack")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Parry")[(set: $round to it + 1, $success to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Duck")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Blind")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Attempt to Fall Back")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Results")]
](if: $round is 1)[$s["Korthek will have your hide."]
The sethrak waves his polearm menacingly.
(link: "Attack")[(set: $round to it + 1, $success to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Parry")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Duck")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Blind")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Attempt to Fall Back")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Results")]
](if: $round is 2)[$s["Stand and face me!"]
The sethrak roars out a battle cry.
(link: "Attack")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Parry")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Duck")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Blind")[(set: $round to it + 1, $success to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Attempt to Fall Back")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Results")]
](if: $round is 3)[$s["You will fall before my blade!"]
The sethrak begins to whirl.
(link: "Attack")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Parry")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Duck")[(set: $round to it + 1, $success to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Blind")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Attempt to Fall Back")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Results")]
](if: $round is 4)[$s["Accursed desert rat."]
The sethrak stumbles.
(link: "Attack")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Parry")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Duck")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Blind")[(set: $round to it + 1)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
(link: "Attempt to Fall Back")[(set: $round to it + 1, $success to it + 1)(goto: "Results")]
](if: $round is 5)[$s["I have you, now!"]
The sethrak leaps and pins you to the ground with his ropey bulk. He raises his polearm to the air and brings it down into your chest.
(link: "//Try Again?//")[(set: $round to 0, $success to 0)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
//Hint: Don't get too caught up fighting. You should eventually attempt to break away and return to Kiro.//
](if: $success < 5)[You attempt to escape, but were unable to gain the upper hand. The sethrak leaps onto you and plunges his polearm into your abdomen.
(link: "//Try Again?//")[(set: $round to 0, $success to 0)(goto: "Mini Battle")]
//Hint: You will need to use each option exactly once in order to make a clean getaway.//
](if: $success is 5)[Having successfully blinded the sethrak, you manage to break away to the north. A close call, but with only one vulpera, he's not likely to pursue. You circle back towards the Abandoned Burrows with the information you've learned.
(if: $event3 is 0)[[[//Gather ingredients//->Check on Nisha]]](if: $event3 is 1)[(set: $plot to 3)[[//Return to Kiro//->Abandoned Burrows]]]
](set: $plot to 4)(if: $e1 + $e2 + $e3 + $e4 < 4)[//Thus concludes your adventure. But while that may be the end of your story, it's not the end ''of'' the story. Were your orders able to make a difference?//
//The following epilogues offer a small insight into what immediately follows after your death. Complete them all for one final message from the author.//
](if: $e1 is 0)[ [[Nisha's Epilogue]]
](if: $e2 is 0)[ [[Tarkaj's Epilogue]]
](if: $e3 is 0)[ [[Meerah's Epilogue]]
](if: $e4 is 0)[ [[Kiro's Epilogue]]
](if: $e1 is 1 and $e2 is 1 and $e3 is 1 and $e4 is 1)[//The rest of the story, you should be familiar with. There are times where one's motivations come from unexpected sources. Embrace those motivations and turn them into something positive, regardless of the origins.//
//Before you go, there's one final tale to tell. One of the fox that penned this journey. Perhaps the message within can further inspire you.//
[[Writer's Epilogue]]]You tell Kiro what you need him to do. The last flier is being chased by sethrak, and Meerah's group has few weapons. She will need backup to protect the rest of the caravan. You've sent her a message telling her of the importance, but she won't be aware of the threats she will face.
$k["Understood, brother. I'll take a few of our mounted riders with me and keep everyone safe. If I have to, we'll peel them away and give Meerah a chance to get away."]
He pulls aside some of his most trusted riders and they break away towards the south, planning to circle around to the dunes of the west.
[[//Continue giving orders//->Brine Basin]]You tell Tarkaj what you need from him. A diversion. He's big and strong, and the faithless seem to have a grudge against him. You give him a few smoke bombs and wish him luck.
$b["It is a risky plan. I like it. I'll head north and draw as many away as I can. Hopefully it will be enough."]
Taking the smoke bombs, he breaks off with a whirl of his blade and he smashes through the ring of sethrak surrounding them. As expected, this thins their numbers as they're more concerned with the troll visitor than with the desert natives.
[[//Continue giving orders//->Brine Basin]]You give a pep talk to the vulpera around you. You pray for the winds to protect them and carry them through this trying time. You thank them for their sacrifice and loyalty. You urge them to push forward. A loud cheer rises from the crowd, enough to give the sethrak a pause.
They push ahead and fight fiercely, making their way towards the fallen hero.
[[//Continue giving orders//->Brine Basin]](set: $e1 to 1)Before her lays the still body of her mate. The love that has supported her and cared for her. Taught her the ways of the blade, and more. Blood seeps from his red-furred body into the sands.
Scarcely able to move, she longs to stay with him. Around her, the cacophonous sounds of battle reverberate through the ground. Vulpera and sethrak alike meeting their end today, just like before. Is there nothing that can be done to break this cycle?
Rising to her feet, she takes a paw full of sand and scatters it above her mate, saying a short prayer to herself. He left her with a mission. To aid these newcomers. Taking his dagger and the potions he has on him, she clenches her muzzle and bristles her fur.
$n["They will learn to //fear// the vulpera,"] she roars to the sky.
Turning away with matted fur around her eyes, she glances around and spots something suspicious to the north east. There, she sees the faitless dragging a prone form across the wasteland. Other sethrak follow, carrying unconscious vulpera on their shoulders. Fire lighting across her features, she rushes forward. Hurling a pair of firewater potions, she catches the rear of the procession off guard and they fall to the ground. Their passengers drop to the side as the flames char the snakemen's scales.
The other sethrak double their speed and head off towards the old burrows. It seems that some had been camped out there, and it was only by chance that it was devoid of faithless during the earlier visit.
She tends to the vulpera she saved, and leaves with them her remaining potions. The dagger she would save for the back of the next sethrak that crosses her...
[[//Return to Epilogues//->Epilogue]](set: $e2 to 1)Dashing out like a rampaging brontosaur, Tarkaj flails his blade wildly and shouts out to his foes.
$b["Ya want me? Come and get me, serpents!"]
He sprints off to the north, zig zagging between tents and crates, slicing what he can and overturning much of the rest. Behind him trails a solid dozen faithless, some wounded from his earlier charge and others just desparate to win the favor of their Emperor.
As the minutes tick away, he searches for a means of escape. Spotting a cave, hoping it to be adequately large he ducks inside. He's in luck, unfortunately it's all bad. Worse than being too small, the cave is home to even more of the slithery foes. Within moments he's surrounded.
$b["I hope ya made a good one, fox man."]
He hurls the smoke bomb to the ground, sending off a shockwave of glorious camoflauge. He shouts towards the back of the cave and then turns to dash out of the entrance. He drives his large sword into the body of the first sethrak he runs into, pinning his corpse to the ground. The smoke pours from the cave, and he dashes out. This shakes most of his pursuers but not all, and he is now without his blade.
Beyond, he spies some rocky outcroppings. If he's going to shake the trail, this is his last bet. Just got to try not to get lost out in the desert...
[[//Return to Epilogues//->Epilogue]](set: $e3 to 1)Across a row of high dunes, Meerah and other caravans of non-combatants wait patiently for news from Kiro or his brother.
$m["Eyes to the skies, Meerah, eyes to the skies."]
As she mutters these words to herself, she stares out at the horizon. A vulture swirls overhead and her eyes light up, only to realize the buzzard is simply stalking them, waiting for its next meal.
Growing impatient, she climbs to the top of the nearby dune to do a more thorough scan of the horizon. When she reaches the top, she catches glimpse of something much larger than a vulture, heading in their direction and moving erratically.
$m["Guys, there's something over there. I'm going to go check it out!"]
$v["Are you sure that's a good idea, Meerah?"]
$m["I'll be fine. Won't take me long. Watch over everyone, will you?"]
She boards her wagon with Dolly and Dot at the reigns and sets out across the desert towards the fallen bird. It takes her only a short time to arrive, where she finds a female troll crumpled in the sands.
$b["Ooooogh, my aching head..."]
$m["Hi there, are you alright?"]
As Meerah hops off the caravan to lend aid, a familiar vulture lands on the back of Dolly. Taking out its message, she opens it and reads it aloud to herself.
$m["VIP incoming. Work together, give aid? Must be talking about you, my friend. Don't worry, we'll fix you up."]
Mustering every bit of her strength, she helps the troll to her feet and loads her into her caravan. She then gets on and sets back to the dunes to inform the others. As evening falls, they'll make their way back to the hideaway. She looks again to the sky and hopes that everyone else makes it back safe, as well...
[[//Return to Epilogues//->Epilogue]](set: $e4 to 1)Kiro barrels across the desert on his mount, friendly riders to his sides. He's chasing after the last of the party of newcomers. Unfortunately he's not sure where they fell. Luckily, the same applies to the faithless.
Up ahead, he spots one of the snake patrols that ran off after the fallen flier. He orders his cavalry to engage and does his best to thin their numbers. If any of them make it to Meerah or the other non-fighters, well, best not to think too hard about that.
$k["Take down every sethrak you see! Keep your eyes open for any other vulpera, and keep them safe!"]
He'll do what he must to protect his people. It's a shame that the path must be so violent. The desert is harsh enough on its own...
[[//Return to Epilogues//->Epilogue]]//Well, folks, that's the end. Hope you enjoyed this tail of a tale. Did you know it's customary for vulpera to share their treasure with the storyteller if they found it of value? But no more than what they can spare. Life in the desert is difficult for everyone. `[If you want to leave a tip, Paypal: RPGTobias@aol.com]`
What inspired me here was wanting to give a deeper motivation to some of the character traits seen in our main cast of Vulpera. In this case, with Nisha, I wanted to further draw out a potential cause for her extreme prejudice against the sethrak. I considered including a scene with Vorrik, setting him up to be saved from poison by the Alliance 'later', but I couldn't find a good spot to include him.
It was decided to keep the character you played as nameless for the sake of keeping distance from the official storyline. I feel like it is a little too forward to give such an important character a name myself. At first, he was to be called Velox, or to allow the player to name themselves, but as I wrote the adventure, I found that I didn't actually need to use a name at all. Another name I played around with was Akaro, or Akara, or something along those lines. Taking a cue from Japanese, with Kiro -> Ki-iro -> Yellow, so Akaro -> Aka-iro -> Red. This is especially fitting in my vision because I picture the character as having a vivid red like a rosy dawn, similar to the fur color of Volpin.
The story itself was divided into four chapters. The first chapter is a simple introduction, taking place entirely within the Vulpera Hideaway. The second chapter is where I wanted to explore a few of the more game-like mechanics of this medium. With the Korthek scene, you have to escape from a sethrak patrol. With the Nisha scene, you can gather the ingredients in any order and have the story play out naturally regardless of your choice.
For the third chapter, I wanted to utilize our hero's tactical prowess to influence the tide of battle, but at the end of the day this tale is meant to be a tragedy. That's your final role. But when you kill off your player character and still have story left to tell, what do you do? Well, I figured I could write out some epilogues and bring the story together into the parts that you're familiar with from the game itself.
Thanks for sticking with it to the end, I hope the story stays in your thoughts for a while afterwards. Blizzard has made some really fun characters with the vulpera, and I can't wait to learn more about them officially, and adventure with them further.//