(set: $rebelPoints =0)
(set: $loyaltyPoints = 0)
(set: $midnightMeet to false)
(set: $visitedKing1 to false)
(set: $visitedKing to false)
(set: $notSoldier to false)
(set: $stayedInHall to false)
(set: $frontlines to false)
On most days like today, you find yourself training in the armory of Castle Veradon before your daily assignments. Being a Royal Knight for the king is a tough job, but for you, Viola Bishop, it's been a lifelong dream.
You had a rough upbringing, always being on the outskirts of poverty. It wasn't until your father joined the army that the Bishop family found the light at the end of the tunnel. Under king Pierce Veradon, your family rose out of the slums and into a comfortable life.
You trained for the Royal Knights, wanting to give back to the kingdom that provided so much for you. Everytime you swing your sword or dawn armor, you know that what you're doing is right.
Another Royal Knight and a close friend of yours, Elias Tomlin walks in.
"Hey Viola. Veradon wants us to settle a riot in Trimm Square. Are you ready to go?"
>[["Of course"-> Rat district1]]Of the 30 Royal Knights, six- including Elias and yourself- are sent to Trimm Square. Typically a group half this size would be capable of settling a riot, but recently these protests have been growing more violent.
The outrage among the lower class has been especially intense since King Veradon implemented a new tax plan a couple months ago in order to fund his imperialist efforts. While the money is being put to good use, most of the lower class only cares that more is being taken from them.
You can hear the shouts and calls of the angered people as you approach the square. You give your coworkers a reassuring nod before [[heading into the fray.-> Rat district 2]]
Trimm Square is already a bustling, hectic area on normal days, but what you walk into is utter chaos. At least 50 people are shouting out slanders against the king, vandalising public buildings, and provoking local guards. The Royal Knights have a protocol for events like these: stop the rioters by any means possible- whether that’s with arrest or with physical means.
This is your fifth riot this week. The people are clearly distressed, and yet no effort has been made to reform any laws. You begin to feel bad for these rebels. They’re acting so violent for a potentially hopeless cause.
What do you do?
>[[Attack the protesters. Their uproars are getting too extreme.->attack first]]
>[[Stay behind the others and wait. There’s no reason to fight fire with fire->hesistant]]
>[[Try to rationalize with the protesters->hesistant2]]
(set: $rebelPoints += 1)
While the five other Royal Knights rush in, you’re hesitant to, taking a moment to pause and observe. The protesters are shouting about the cruelty of the king, and you’re only reinforcing their point by attacking back. They are just angered people after all.
Looking around the chaos of Trimm Square, a young man with fiery red hair catches your eye. He is standing atop a now vandalized fountain, trying to rally spectators. He carries no weapon, and you don’t even think he’s laid a hand on a guard.
It doesn’t take long for him to notice you. He locks eyes with you before hopping off the fountain. It seems like he’s heading your way
>[[Approach him and see what he wants->talk to poet]]
>[[Try to avoid him- you shouldn’t be appeasing these people->ignore poet]]
(set: $loyaltyPoints to 1)
(set: $midnightMeet to false)
(set: $didNotHarm to "That's not something I want to get involved in")
Despite how “noble” they believe their cause is, these protesters are still breaking the law. You run up to a guard who is currently being accosted by a small group. A man with fiery red hair stands atop the podium in the square, shouting at the guard while the others assault him with various projectiles- stones, rotten vegetables, and others of the sort. You hear the man with the red hair shout, “Good sir, do you realize that you’re serving a corrupted king? That the ‘law’ you enforce only strips the people of our rights?”
You step in, holding your blade up to him. [[“You know nothing about the law,”-> approach poet and rebels]]
You walk towards the man, leading him to an alley so the two of you are less likely to be seen. You’re now able to get a better look at him. He’s around your age and his curly red hair and slender build is complemented by fair skin and an array of freckles. He smiles before speaking to you.
“I’ve seen you with the other Royal Knights at riots like this before, but I can tell you’re not like them,” he says. He looks around, gesturing to the Royal Knights assaulting protesters and continues in a hushed tone. “I don’t believe you want to be doing all of… that. There’s something I need you to see.”
You’re taken slightly aback by his words, but he speaks with an air of truth.
>[[”Not particularly, no... What is it?”->intrigued]]
The man with red hair stops at the sight of your weapon. He looks down at you with a serious, almost somber glare as two other Royal Knights come up from behind and take care of his friends.
“You don’t scare me, soldier,” he says to you, “I know you don’t have it in you to use that blade. I can tell you don’t want to do this.
You’re furious that this rebel has the audacity to challenge you. With a clean swing, you slash his chest. It’s not a fatal wound, but it should be a good enough warning.
“I will not hesitate to take action against those who don’t bother with reason,” you add.
He stumbles off the podium, grasping his chest. Before he retreats, he looks you in the eyes and calls out, “Do you really believe the king acts in reason?”
Many of the other protesters face similar fates as him this afternoon. It’s not before long that the riots have settled, leaving a destroyed city square behind.
Elias pats you on the back. “Good work today, Viola. [[Let’s head back->end Rat District]]
You try to head towards the others, but the man seems to be set on reaching you. What is he doing? Is he trying to get himself killed?
You attempt to distance yourself from him by moving through a crowd, but he’s still on your trail and picking up speed.
>[[Catch up with the other Royal Knights and settle the riots. That should lead him away->attack first]]
>[[He’s clearly looking to start trouble. Approach him and have your blade at the ready.->agressive with poet]]
>[[He has no weapon. Go up to him and see what he has to say.->talk to poet]]
(set: $midnightMeet to true)
"There's not enough time to explain now. Meet me at the Fallen Willow tavern at midnight,” he says quickly and quietly. He looks around to see the protesters retreating as more of them are attacked or arrested by knights. “I have to go now. Thank you.” He nods and runs off, doing his best to stay out of sight.
You wait a minute before meeting up with your party to help them wrap things up. The six of you then [[head back to the castle->end Rat District]]
You turn around to face him, grabbing the handle of your sword so he knows not to try anything ill-advised. He sees this and stops walking towards you. He puts his hands up.
“Look, I just want to talk. Please, I mean no harm. I just want to talk” he tells you. Most people panic when they see a knight of your reputation ready their swords, but he seems oddly calm. You look around Trimm Square- it’s a chaotic mess of voices and fists. This is no place to talk.
You let go of your weapon and gesture away from the pandemonium.
>[[Fine. But make it brief.”->intrigued]]
The six of your discuss the events of today’s riot with the others back at the castle. This one was particularly rough- a couple knights even had some injuries they needed to tend to.
You can’t get the red haired man out of your mind. He’s unlike any of the rebellious townspeople you’ve encountered before. This puts you in an off mood, and you spend the rest of the afternoon and evening keeping to yourself. Normally you’d revel in victory with the Royal Knights, but not tonight.
The sun sets and the sky fills with starts.
(if: $midnightMeet is true)[>[[Sneak out to meet the man at the Fallen Willow->meet with poet]]]
(else:)[]
>[[Walk around town to get some fresh air->walk around town]]Despite how late it is, the Fallen Willow is full of life. Inside dozens of people are drinking, laughing, and dancing. It’s relieving to see people happy and jovial instead of angered and somber for once. No longer in your decorated armor, you’re able to walk right in without much notice. You’re hair is down and you have common clothes on- nobody would suspect you of being one of the highest ranking soldiers in the king’s court.
After taking a seat at the bar, you notice a performer hops onto the makeshift stage in the front of the tavern. It’s the man with the red hair from earlier.
“Good evening, lads and lasses! I am Davian Aramais, you’re entertainment for tonight. I promise you’re all in for a treat!” he says, bringing out a lute. Davian begins to play a lively tune and sings a dramatic ballad. The audience starts to clap along, and you even find yourself tapping your toe to the beat. You never expected him to be quite the musician.
Soon after his set is over, Davian takes the seat next to you. “I’m so glad you actually came,” he says, “I was starting to worry that I took too much of a chance on you,”
>[[“I just need some answers, that’s all. What do you need to tell me?”-> poet talks to you]]
(if: $midnightMeet is true)[(set: $rebelPoints -= 1)]
(else:)[]
Renhaven is quiet at night. Exploring the city is nice, especially after an intense day of shouting and fighting. You’re no longer in your armor, and it feels refreshing to just be in light, common clothes again
You’re silent stroll is interrupted by loud music coming from a tavern across the street- the Fallen Willow. The tune is lively and it’s actually quite an enjoyable song. As you get closer to the tavern and hear more of the music, you begin to recognize the singer. That smooth, intense voice belongs to the red haired man from Trimm Square.
You’re curiosity takes over and you have to head inside. Having just finished his set, he walks over to you and takes a seat at the bar.
“Hello, knight. My name is Davian Aramais. Is there anything I can do for you?” he says with a smile.
>[[“I need some answers”-> poet talks to you]]
“Of course,” he replies with a laugh, “I’m glad we’re at a bar, you’re definitely going to need a drink”.
He motions to the bartender and gets two glasses of mead. “If it wasn’t obvious, I’m not a huge fan of king Veradon. He’s oppressive, apathetic, and a complete tyrannical ruler. Myself and so many others have been trying to stand up to him, but our efforts have gotten nowhere.”
You take one of the glasses but don’t drink anything. “Our king only wants what’s best for Renhaven” you say correcting him.
“Is that so?” he interrupts. “His laws and his taxes have done nothing to improve Renhaven! Every day the lower class grows in size and debt while he panders to the aristocrats that give him power. I guarantee you that every person in this tavern has broken one of Veradon’s insane laws in some way shape or form- but that doesn’t mean we’re bad people.”
You’ve heard arguments like this before, but Davian seems particularly passionate. “Why am I here then? Are you just trying to convince me to stop defending justice?”
“Am I?” he challenges, “Because ‘justice’ isn’t how I would describe the oppression of tens of thousands of innocent people.” Davian stands up and gives you a nod before heading out. "Change is coming, Royal Knight."
[[You need to process this->go home]]
You don't sleep well. You stay up nearly all night trying to rationalize the day.
All you've ever set out to do is protect what is right. If Davian was telling the truth about King Veradon, then are you doing the right thing? On the other hand, all the riots and protests have caused so much destruction. The people don't understand the repercussions of their outbursts.
In the morning you're called upon to stop another group of treasonous citizens. It's not as bad as yesterday's, but it's still something that has to get taken care of.
>[[Do your job- Renhaven needs order first and foremost->side with king]]
>[[Stay behind- the protesters need a fighting chance->side with poet]](set: $loyaltyPoints += 2)
Riots seem to be happening on the daily now. Don't these people understand that it'll only make things worse? Rules exsists for a reason. The sacrifices we make to follow the law are worth the order it brings.
You go will Elias to settle this new riot. It's in a residential area, and you assume it's another situation where someone has refused to give their taxes to a collector. Outbursts like this feel routine nowadays.
>[[Find and talk to the tax collector->tax man]](set: $rebelPoints += 2)
In order to stay beind, you tell the others that you feel ill. It's not hard to convince them since the lack of sleep and exestential dread has taken quite a toll on you.
The Royal Knights eventually leave you alone and all attend to their business. With nothing else on your mind, you go to seek out some clarity.
>[[Find and talk to King Veradon->talk with the king]]
>[[Find Davian at the Fallen Willow->find the poet]]
(set: $vistedKing1 to true)
Your status gives you direct access to the king, and you're able to walk past the guards at the door and into the throne room. You kneel before Veradon. His sits tall in his throne, and his regal cape only adds to his already large frame. A shiny golden crown sits upon his head of neatly styled salt and pepper hair.
"Lady Viola Bishop. I thought the Royal Knights were out on duty today. What brings you to my presence?" he asks you.
You take a deep breath before expressing your concerns. "Your highness, I'm beginning to doubt my role as a knight. We are sworn to protect Renhaven and defend justice, but fear our harsh efforts to stop these riots only contradict this."
Veradon looks down at you. You can see the annoyance in his eyes as he sternly replies, "Anyone who speaks out against the law or my command is no better than a complete traitor to Renhaven. The people who rebel and riot need to be shown that they're enemies to the state."
>[["I suppose." The last thing you'd want to do is anger the king->leave king]]
>[["Shouldn't you be helping your people instead of controling them?"->confront king]]
You enter the Fallen Willow. It's much emptier in the daytime, but you still find Davian on the stage tuning his lute.
"Why, if it isn't my favorite Royal Knight," he says with a smirk.
You lightheartedly roll your eyes. "I have a name too," you add, "it's Viola Bishop. Just Viola is fine,"
"Lovely. So, //Viola//, you're obviously here for a reason. What's going on?"
You share what you learned from confronting Veradon. It's clear that if he keeps at it, the people of Renhaven are doomed. You want to help in some way, but you don't know how.
Davian shares that there is a way, actualy. He tells you about the rebellion organization he leads called the Will-o-Wisps, and he wants you to come to their meeting this afternoon.
(if: $notSoldier is true)[>[[Meet with the Will-o-Wisps; you have nowhere else to go anyway->rebellion meeting]]]
(else:)[>[[Go to the Will-o-Wisps meeting->rebellion meeting]]]
You head out of his throne room. King Veradon is exremely agressive, and his authoritative character is what has kept him in power for so long.
There isn't much hope in changing his mind.
>[[Go to the Fallen Willow->find the poet]]
>[[Catch up with the Royal Knights->tax man]] (set: $rebelPoints += 1)
(set: $visitedKing to true)
Veradon is extremely upset. He begins to speak louder and more agressively, "The people don't know what's best for them. I devote my time to making this kingdom better and stronger. I need money and men to do so. The fools who are too lazy to work for a wage blame their poverty on the taxes I require and the laws I implement. I don't care about the people, Lady Bishop. I care about my kingdom."
>[[This could get out of hand. Don't press on any further->leave king]]
>[[Question his logic->continue to confront]]
(set: $rebelPoints += 1)
"But isn't a satisfied population a sign of a good kingdom?" you question.
King Veradon stands up, outraged that you, a soldier of his, would have the gall to question him. He gives you an ultimatum: Accept his word or be stripped of your position.
[[Say no more and leave. You can't afford to lose everything you've worked towards->leave king]]
[[Defend your argument. Serving Veradon isn't the right thing to do->fired]]
(set: $rebelPoints += 2)
(set: $notSoldier to true)
You thank Veradon for the oppertunity you've had to serve and stand up, walking away from him with your head held high. He shouts at you, but you ignore his accosts knowing that you're headed in the direction your moral compass points.
You go to [[find Davian->find the poet]] and to ask what you can do to helpDavian leads you to a room on the upper floor of the Fallen Willow. Sitting there are a dozen or so people, most of which are currently arguing. Davian lets out loud, high pitched whistle to get their attention.
"Lads and ladies, this is Viola. She's going to help us take down the king."
You freeze up.
//I'm going to what now//
The rag-tag group of rebels turns to look at you. None of them seem to recognize who you are, which may be for the best.
"So, what's the plan then?" a middle aged woman with curly black hair asks you.
You want reform just as much as these people do, but you weren't expecting to be thrown into the fight this early. You think back to all of your time spent as a Royal Knight. You know the castle like the back of your hand. You know King Veradon. You know his guard. There has to be some way to get to him....
>[["Here's what I am thinkng..."->plan]]
You explain to the Will-o-Wisps the setup of the castle, typical Royal Knight Tactics, and the weak points of King Veradon. In the end, the only certain victory is by taking down Veradon.
"Hold on- why do you know all of this?" another rebel asks.
(if: $notSoldier is true)["I used to be a Royal Knight. I stepped down from my position earlier today, actually. I can no longer stand for his irrationality." Davian looks looks at you surprised.]
(else:)["I am a Royal Knight. Well, I suppose I //was// a Royal Knight. I don't think Veradon will want me back after this."]
"But why should we trust you?"
>[["Because I'm all you have"->threataning approach]]
>[["Because I don't serve King Veradon anymore. I serve Renhaven."->encouraging approach]]
>[["I want to take down Veradon more than most of you know"->encouraging approach2]](set: $rebelPoints -= 1)
The Will-o-Wisps are taken slightly aback by your intense tone. They seem reluctant to trust you.
"We've protested and rioted for so long. And where have we ended up? In the same place that we've started. If we want actual change, Viola is our only option." Davian says. Thank goodness for his save.
The group moves into discussing how to prepare for a full scale seige on the castel. The manpower needed is a great deal, but Davian promises they can make it work.
You eventually settle on a date. One month from today, the Will-o-Wisps take their final stand against King Veradon and the Royal Nights.
[[Now you must train the others for the battle ahead.->plan execution 1]](set: $rebelPoints += 1)
Davian smiles and cheers. "Now that's the spirit!". The others follow suit with celabratory hollers. They now know that you truely want what's best for the people, not for the king.
The group moves into discussing how to prepare for a full scale seige on the castel. The manpower needed is a great deal, but Davian promises they can make it work.
You eventually settle on a date. One month from today, the Will-o-Wisps take their final stand against King Veradon and the Royal Nights.
[[Now you must train the others for the battle ahead.->plan execution 1]]Over the course of the next couple weeks, you and Davian ready the Will-o-Wisps. While he is out and about using his charisma to recruit as many people as possible, you set up a makeshift training room in the back of the Fallen Willow. Most of these rebels have never been in a fight that wasn't set in a bar. Without proper training, they'd have no shot at even making it into the castle.
Soon, your headcount reaches into the hundreds, and every Will-o-Wisp knows how to hold their own in a battle. You've had your doubts throughout the majority of this process, but as the end of the month nears, you feel like you have a fighting chance.
A month passes by. All of the Will-o-Wisps rendezvous at the tavern where it all began. [[You are ready to storm the castle.->one week later]](if: $visitedKing is true)[(set: $loyaltyPoints -= 2)]
(else:)[]
(if: $visitedKing1 is true)[You set out to help Elias on a job in a residential area. A tax collector is being incessantly harrassed by a group of rebels. When you arrive, Elias explains the situation.]
(else:)[The tax collector explains the situation.]
He tells you that this is the third consecutive time this man has refused to give the required amount owed. The man, a poor shoe maker, claims he cannot afford to pay them after the steep income tax he paid last quarter.
>[["It's not the collector's fault that you can't pay your taxes"->defend tax man]]
>[[Tell the tax collector to come back later. These people will have the money then->defend the people]]
>[["I'm not here to choose sides. I'm here to enfoce the law"->defend tax man2]](set: $loyaltyPoints += 1)
The tax collector still looks afraid, but he is reassured by your words.
On the other hand, the shoe maker is pissed. He pushes up his sleeves, ready to start a fight. This always happens at riots and protests. They always go straight to violence.
You grab his fist with one hand and draw your blade with the other.
>[["I don't advise you try that, sir.->block his punch]]
(set: $loyaltyPoints -= 1)
Despite your comprimise, the tax collector insists he gets the money now. The shoe maker is still angry, and his neighbors are coming out to defend him. He tries too punch the tax collector. You block his punch just in time with your forearm. Now you feel obligated to draw your blade, warning him that [[things can get ugly->block his punch]] The shoe maker is beyond outraged now.
"Oh yeah, let's go then. Steel on steel." A neighbor of his and fellow rioter tosses him an axe. He takes a swing at you, but it's an easy dodge. You swing back with your sword, making sure to only scratch him as a warning.
"Let's not do anything we'll later regret," you warn him. The shoe maker drops his weapon and starts to retreat. He grumbles and tells you that change is coming, whether you're ready or not. That's quite odd- Davian said the same thing to you in the Fallen Willow last night.
Elias sorts things out with the tax collector whyile you work on crowd control. Rountinely as always, the two of you [[head back to the castle->leave with group]] before noon.Upon arriving back at the castle, some of the other Royal Knights compliment you on another job well done. You can't help but express your concerns about how unfair the whole situation seemed towards the shoe maker.
Another knight agrees with you, but assures you that not every job you do is going to be completely justified- and that's okay. He also mentions that sometimes force has to be used against rioters. He's even heard rumors that a large rebellion group has plans
That reminds you of Davian again. Perhaps he's involved in this rebellion too. You warn the Royal Knights about this.
>[[tell them that the rebels are a chaotic force that have to be stopped->start preparing1]]
>[[tell them that they're only doing what they think it just, so we shouldn't prove their point by fighting back with violence->start preparing2]]
>[[tell them that the poet has a point and that we shouln't be so quick to judge them->start preparing3]]
The sun is rising, sihlouetting your former home against a pastel sky. This place used to represent honor, but now it's an obstacle stading in the way of your true calling. You stand at the front of your army, once again bearing your gleaming plate armor and longsword.
You raise your blade in the air and call out, "FOR JUSTICE!" with pride before leading everyone into the castle. The Will-o-Wisps know that they have to fend off the Royal Knights and other guards in the main hall.
What do you do?
>[[Help your group finish off the Royal Knights. You know all their weaknesses->find guards]]
>[[Find Veradon. Someone has to finish the job->find king]]
The other Royal Knights fill up the main hall of the of the castle. They were once your allies, but you now realize they're just blind followers of a corrupted leader.
You precisely swing your blade, every strike having a purpose. While you're not used to fighting the other Royal Knights, being a defender of the people is something that comes natural to you.
It's hard to gauge how the Will-o-Wisps are holding up. The longer you stay here, the more oppertunity Veradon has to escape, but you're worried that the rebels won't be able to hold their own.
>[[Try to find the king->find king]]
>[[Stay and help the Will-o-Wisps->stay in hall]](set: $rebelPoints += 2)
You head straight to the throne room. There are two guards posted by the doors, but they're obviously new recruits hired in the panic and aren't hard to knock out.
You open the doors. Veradon sits in his throne, looking down.
"Oh Viola. I'm sorry it has to come to this," he says, standing up, "You were one of my best knights." In his hand is a large, golden sword.
You go into strike him, but he parries. Sparks fly as silver and gold clash together again and again. Veradon's might as a king is evident in his skill with his blade. He begins to wear you down, and you leave yourself open, allowing(if: $rebelPoints >3)[[[Veradon to go in for a wide swing->rebel good ending]]]
(else:)[[[Veradon to go in for a wide swing->rebel bad ending]]](set: $frontlines to true)
Hundreds of people are storming all sides of the castle. You don't even know where to begin. You go into fight mode, attacking anyone going after the royal gaurds. You don't snap out of this instinctual mindest until you see a head of bright red hair run upstairs towards the king's throne room.
So Davian is the head of all of the rebellion. You aren't surprised that a man with his naive ambition and charisma would orchestrate a seige like this.
>[[Follow Davian->attack poet]]
>[[Stay here to protect the other knights->frontlines2]]
(set: $loyaltyPoints += 1)
At the end of the day, the kingdom lives if the king does. You rush straight to Veradon's throne room. He's sitting with his head in his hands. He perks up when you walk in.
You call out to him, "Sir, the attack has started. The others are down in the grand hall fending off rebels."
He's glad that you're the one in here protecting him.
From the throne room you can hear the chaos outside. The guards and the Royal Knights have gone into defense mode, but it's obvious the rebels are on the offense. It's only minutes until the throne room doors are busted open, but to you it has felt like hours.
In walks Davian.
"I had hoped I would see you here," he says.
You unsheath your sword as you approach him. "Well that's good then, since I'll be the last thing you see as well,"
->[[Attack Davian->attack poet]]
(if: $frontlines is true)[(set: $loyaltyPoints += 1)You follow Davian. It's odd- he's alone. You catch up to him right as he enters the throne room. King Veradon looks terrified. "I'm not suprised that it's you," you say. He turns around and looks at you, saying, "Ah, Lady Viola Bishop. Let's finish what we started in the square, yes?]
(else:)[]
The man draws a rapier- something you hadn't seen him use in the Trimm Square when you first met. He's quick and nimble, able to dodge most of your strikes. This cat and mouse game continues between the two of you- you never expected a man with such a keen tounge to be able to use a blade just as sharp.
He starts going for king Veradon. In your efforts to stop him, Davian trips you and is able to pin you down by pointing his blade at your neck.
"I warned you, and I gave you a chance to see how corrupted your 'glorious ruler' is. Alas, I suppose I overestimated your judgement."
(if: $loyaltyPoints >4)[>[["Is that so?"->loyal good end]]]
(else:)[>[["If I die here, I die with honor"->loyal bad end]]]
"Pardon me?" Davian says, confused.
"Why, if I have poor judgement, then I cannot even fathom what yours must be like." You prop yourself up. "There are hundreds of men and women fighting in the name of 'justice' downstairs. They're reckless and disorganized. You sent them here on a suicide mission, but for what?"
In his moment of shock, you leap up from the ground and grab your blade.
"I garuntee you right now that the other Royal Knights are decimating your milita."You take two swings at him. His parries are weak and you're able to slash his left arm. A strike to his side and blow to his chest bring him to the ground.
"Your spirit is surely something, Poet. Perhaps it could have been put to good use if you knew the difference between vigilantism and anarchy."
Everything seems to go silent as you deal him the finishing blow. You've successfully protected your king and have kept your honor as a loyal knight.
''//ENDING 3//''
>[[Play again?->Start]](if: $frontlines2 is true)[You start to panic. Knights start dropping one by one. You go from fight to flight. You start to run up the stairs, only to be stopped by what you see at the top. The poet stands tall, holding the dead body of King Veradon. You fall to your knees. You tried so hard to be a loyal knight. Your purpose and your drive all came from your desire to bring justice into the world. What was it all for?
Everything seems to go blank except for the sound of the poet's footsteps as he walks towards you. He kneels down and whispers in your ear, "I gave you the chance, Lady Bishop. I hope you now realize your mistakes."]
(else:)["Well I can't let you die with honor then, now can I?" Davian replies. He keeps his rapier pointed at you as he now makes his way towards king Veradon. The king- once mighty and powerful- now appears cowardly and small. You witness Davian move his blad away from you and straight across Veradon's neck. You watch your king die at the hands of a filthy rebel.
You tried so hard to be a loyal knight. Your purpose and drive all came from your desire to bring justice into the world. At this moment you have to question. What was it all for?]
''//ENDING 4//''
>[[Play again?->Start]](set: $frontlines2 to true)
(set: $loyaltyPoints -= 1)
There is utter chaos in the grand hall. It's getting harder to focus as the battle rages on. Even though your comrades are wearing shiny armor and the rebels are in peasant clothes, you feel like they all start to blur together. You can't tell who's good or who's bad anymore.
But you have to do something. You weren't expecting the rebels to be this strong.
[[Find and protect king Veradon->attack poet]]
[[Stay here and defend->loyal bad end]] Veradon underestimates your determination. You quickly dodge out of the way and follow up by knocking his sword out of his hand and across the floor. You have him cornered. His once mighty and powerful figure now cowards in your presence.
"It is my duty to protect Renhaven. I am loyal to my kingdom, not my king." You say.
Veradon has no response. You shove your blade into his chest. His death means the liberation of an oppressed and abused population. Despite the ods, the Will-o-Wisps have taken down one of the most tyrannical rulers in Renhaven history. Now it's your turn to lead the people into a new era of prosperity.
''//ENDING 1//''
>[[Play again?->Start]](if: $stayedInHall is true)[You have to stay here- you can't just leave these people behind. You think you have the upper hand on the Royal Knights, that is until you hear a call from across the room.
"THE KING HAS ESCAPED." A Royal Knight calls out. This is not good. Now that Veradon has made it to safety, the Royal Knights go all out on the Will-o-Wisps.
"Face it Viola, you've lost." a familiar voice says to you. You see approaching you is Elias. "You've betrayed your king, and look where it got you."]
(else:)[You don't have the stamina left to dodge. Veradon strikes you hard, and you fall to the ground. Your vision begins to fade. His stern voice is the last thing you hear.
"I demand loyalty from my knights. I once saw that in you. It's a shame things must end like this."]
''//ENDING 2//''
>[[Play again?->Start]](set: $rebelPoints -= 1)
(set: $stayedInHall to true)
The Will-o-Wisps start to make a dent in the opposing flood of Royal Knights and hired guards. At this rate they will eventually clear them out, but you're unsure if it will be in time to find the king. You hope this insane adrenaline rush will help you push through.
>[[Go to the king before it's too late->find king]]
>[[Try to finish clearing out the Royal Knights->rebel bad ending]](set: $rebelPoints += 1)
You call out to the crowd, "We don't want to attack you, but if you continue like this we are not afraid to take action!". Not many are able to hear you in the chaos, and most of who do only give you a profain response. However, a man with fiery red hair standing atop a podium seems to have acknowleged what you said. He hops down and starts walking towards you
>[[Approach him and see what he wants->talk to poet]]
>[[Try to avoid him- you shouldn’t be appeasing these people->ignore poet]]You receive stern nods of approval from the group. Your motives may not allign completely, but at least you all have a common enemy.
The group moves into discussing how to prepare for a full scale seige on the castel. The manpower needed is a great deal, but Davian promises they can make it work.
You eventually settle on a date. One month from today, the Will-o-Wisps take their final stand against King Veradon and the Royal Nights.
[[Now you must train the others for the battle ahead.->plan execution 1]]The shoe maker is pissed at you.
"Some bullshit law this is then!" he calls out. He rolls up his sleeves and tries to punch you. He a fool for doing this- you easily [[block his punch]] with your arm bracer.
You can't help but think... he does make a good point. If a tax causes so much outrage, should it really be enforced by law like this?(set: $loyaltyPoints += 1)
You help the guard prepare the castle for an attack. You instruct men on where to be and when, what their tactics are like, etc. As the week presses on, king Veradon grows more and more stressed. His clean look starts to become disheleved. It's clear he's worried for the future of his kingdom.
On the night of the speculated attack, all of the knights including yourself have heightened anxiety. Minute by minute time goes by.
Almost as if it was timed with the setting sun, the first battlecries are heard at dusk.
You've planned all week for this.
[[Go to the frontlines->frontlines]]
[[Protect king Veradon->protect king]]You help the guard prepare the castle for an attack. You instruct men on where to be and when, what their tactics are like, etc. As the week presses on, king Veradon grows more and more stressed. His clean look starts to become disheleved. It's clear he's worried for the future of his kingdom.
On the night of the speculated attack, all of the knights including yourself have heightened anxiety. Minute by minute time goes by.
Almost as if it was timed with the setting sun, the first battlecries are heard at dusk.
You've planned all week for this.
[[Go to the frontlines->frontlines]]
[[Protect king Veradon->protect king]](set: $loyaltyPoints -= 1)
You help the guard prepare the castle for an attack. You instruct men on where to be and when, what the rebel's will most likely tactics be, etc. As the weeks press on, king Veradon grows more and more stressed. His clean look starts to become disheleved. It's clear he's worried for the future of his kingdom.
On the night of the speculated attack, all of the Royal Knights including yourself have heightened anxiety. Minute by minute time goes by.
Almost as if it was timed with the setting sun, the first battlecries are heard at dusk.
You've been preparing this for weeks now.
>[[Go to the frontlines->frontlines]]
>[[Protect king Veradon->protect king]]