*comment ñáéç…— *hide_reuse *advertisement *gosub_scene util check_flow *gosub_scene util combat_value_ss *temp farmer_dead false *temp farmer_family_dead false *temp farmer_pronoun "his" *temp farmer_outfit_pronoun "his" *temp saintcharles_haven "empty" *temp found_cellar false *temp saintcharles_rapport 40 *temp engels_croft false *temp engels_named false *temp learned_french false *temp local false *if ethnicity = "german" *if male = false *set local true *set saintcharles_rapport %+10 *temp priest_alive true *temp mr_temp "M." *temp mr_germ "Herr" *if priest *set mr_temp "Père" *set mr_germ "Hochwurden" *if male = false *set mr_temp "Mlle." *set farmer_pronoun "her" *set mr_germ "Fräulein" *set farmer_outfit_pronoun "his wife's" *if (ethnicity = "choctaw") or ((ethnicity = "french") or ((ethnicity = "spanish") or (ethnicity = "irish"))) *set farmer_outfit_pronoun "his daughter's" *if ethnicity = "german" *set farmer_outfit_pronoun "his" *temp lord "lord" *if male = false *set lord "mistress" *temp segura_alive true *temp pinned_by_jesse false *temp circling_jesse false *if (sire_name = "Fernando de Villanueva e Itamaraca") and (estefania_is_kin = false) *set estefania_is_kin true *temp interlocutor "Mr. Whitaker" *temp interlocutor_given_name "Jesse" *temp interlocutor_full_name "Jesse Whitaker" *temp interlocutor_pro_acc "him" *temp interlocutor_pro_pos "his" *temp interlocutor_pro_nom "he" *temp interlocutor_pro_reflex "himself" *temp interlocutor_pro "man" *temp knows_about_plot false *temp your_land "your land" *temp my_land "my land" *temp crop "none" *temp workers "none" *temp killed_labranche_boy false *temp y1825 "1825" *if fubar_clotho *set y1825 "1835" *temp distress_response "na" *temp clothos_letter_read false *temp met_duplessis false *temp duplessis_killed false *temp attacked_segura false *temp killed_party false *temp faked_death false *if exiled_from_new_orleans or fubar_clotho It is with a sense of dread that you feel your traveling-coffin lifted from its place of security in the hold of the steamer. The lethargy in your limbs tells you that the sun is still in the sky; the ship chugs up the Mississippi under the feet of the men who carry you. Why are you being moved? You were not supposed to be unloaded for several more days, Natchez at the earliest. This is too soon! What is the meaning of this? Your terror mounts… *page_break With a heave, a heave and a ho, your coffin is thrown into the Mississippi. It quickly sinks to the bottom, with tiny leaks sprouting from all over. At least in the depths of the muddy waters, you will be safe until the sun sets. But who could be behind this? Someone had to have arranged for your coffin to be tossed overboard. *if met_jesse Your thoughts spin in slow-motion as the rest of the day wears on, bouncing from ${new_orleans_quaestor_surname} to Jesse *if withers_embarrassed to Governor Overstreet and back to Estefania. But how could any of them have known which steamer you were taking? You were exiled, yes…but this? *else Is ${sire_name} so petty as to attempt to kill you so soon after exiling you? You struggle to calm the still-human part of your mind; the water fills the coffin, eventually submerging your head and filling your lungs. Intellectually, you know that you do not need to breathe, but you are still young, and the notion of suffocation suffuses your body with fright. @{willpower For a moment, the terror overwhelms you; you begin beating on the lid of the coffin. When it lifts, however, the faintest glimpse of sunlight refracted through the water forces you to pull the lid tight.|For a moment, the terror almost overwhelms you. Just as you are about to open the lid, the thought of the sunlight above manages to stay your hand and you calm yourself. You take a deep…breath…and inhale the water, and let the fear rush out of you.|Taking a deep…breath…you inhale the water and let it go.} When the sun finally sets, you push open the lid of the coffin. You stagger to the shore in your ruined clothes and fade into the swamp. You feel weak and hungry from the exertion of it all. *page_break It is with great relief when, a few hours later, you catch sight of the flicker of a lantern in the darkness ahead. It seems you have stumbled on something resembling civilization. *goto croft *if (exiled_from_new_orleans = false) and (shapeshifting > 3) Winging your way north, you find yourself flying over a concentration of mortals. Considering the nearing dawn, you decide to land and seek shelter from the approaching sunlight. Taking your human form, you stand at the edge of a treeline, observing an isolated farmhouse. From here you can see a farmer, up before the dawn to tend his animals. *goto croft_1 *else You are starving. The hunger prowls through your insides, and your anxiety mounts as you sense the imminent sunrise. It is therefore with great relief that you see the flicker of a lantern in the darkness ahead. It seems you have stumbled on something resembling civilization. *goto croft *label croft Doing your best to remain unseen, you close the distance between yourself and a farmer, up before dawn to tend to the needs of his animals. @{(perception > 1) You have the feeling that there are others—his family, perhaps?—inside the dwelling.|} *label croft_1 You have little time to reflect on this, though. Your blood boils in fear as the dawn's rosy fingers begin to caress the sky above the treeline. *choice *if (discretion < 65) and (shapeshifting <= 3) *selectable_if (willpower > 1) #Approach the farmer and plead for shelter. *set compassion %-5 *set discretion %-5 *goto plead *if shapeshifting > 3 *selectable_if (discretion < 65) #Approach the farmer and plead for shelter. *set compassion %-5 *set discretion %-5 *label plead *if speaks_german It is easy enough to see that this man is of German extraction, and so you address him as such: "Mein Herr, my name is ${given_name} ${surname}. I hope that you can find it in your heart to give this poor soul shelter." The farmer looks at you @{exiled_from_new_orleans and your tattered clothes|} for only a moment before he nods in greeting. "Please, ${mr_germ} ${surname}, you are welcome to stay in my home. My name is Dieter Engel…" *set found_cellar true "No, Herr Engel, I do not want to disturb you and your family. But perhaps you have a basement…I am exhausted and in need of sleep, and the light of the day will disturb my rest…." After a little more back-and-forth, he shows you a demi-cellar where you can spend the day in what you hope will be safety. You are grateful for this small respite. *else *set found_cellar true When you address the farmer, it quickly becomes clear that he does not understand you; he tries to speak to you in German, but to no effect. You had heard of the [i]Côte des Allemands[/i], a place upriver from New Orleans where a group of Germans settled over the past century, but this is the first time that you've met one of them. All the same, through pantomime, you are able to communicate your needs to the generously-bearded man. He clearly thinks it strange that you are so intent upon being hidden from the sun, but your clear need for rest trumps his curiosity. After a little more back-and-forth, he shows you a demi-cellar where you can spend the day in what you hope will be safety. You are grateful for this small respite. *page_break *goto next_evening #Approach the farmer and demand that he give me a place to rest for the day. *set discretion %+5 *set compassion %+5 *if speaks_german "I need a place to sleep through the day, sir," a menacing gleam in your eye. *goto attempt_intimidate *else *goto intimidate_no_german #Kill him. *set farmer_dead true *set compassion %+10 *set discretion %+10 *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 *gosub_scene util combat_value_stealth *if combat >= 6 You tear the poor soul to shreds as he tends to his pigs. Unfortunately, with him dead, there is no one to ask about where to stay the day. *choice #Enter the farmhouse and kill anyone inside. *set saintcharles_rapport %-20 *set compassion %+20 *set discretion %+10 *set farmer_family_dead true Inside, you find the farmer's wife and three children. You kill them all. #Burrow into a pile of pigs' manure for the day. *set discretion %-5 The sounds of the farmer's family calling for their patriarch do little to disturb your rest. When they find him, their cries of anguish are something more like a lullaby. *page_break You emerge, stinking, from the pile of manure the next evening. *else Unfortunately, even getting the drop on him, he is no shrinking violet with that pitchfork. You are forced to give in to the animal inside you in order to finish the job. When you finally recover your senses, you are hard-pressed to find shelter from the sunlight and end up burrowing into a pile of manure to cover yourself for the day. The sounds of the farmer's family calling for their patriarch do little to disturb your rest. When they find him, their cries of anguish are something more like a lullaby. You emerge, stinking of feces, from your place of rest the next evening. *goto next_evening *label intimidate_no_german You address the farmer, but you immediately realize that he has no idea what you're saying. His response in German makes you think you may have stumbled upon the [i]Côte des Allemands[/i], a settlement of Germans upriver from New Orleans that you've heard of but never visited previously. That said, even though your words do not translate, your meaning certainly does. He looks at you @{exiled_from_new_orleans and your tattered clothes|} with incredulity at first. But then his understanding of the situation rapidly changes. *label attempt_intimidate *if (charm > 2) or (strength > 2) *label intimidate_german_success *set found_cellar true The farmer cowers with fear. It takes you substantively longer to coax him out of his paralysis than it did to put him there. Eventually, however, he shows you a demi-cellar, into which you retreat for the day. You feel grateful for this small respite. *page_break You emerge from your resting place. *label next_evening After the night's adventures, your already waterlogged clothing is irrevocably ruined. *if farmer_family_dead Desperate, you search the farmhouse for any spare clothing. Thankfully, the *if male or ((male = false) and (ethnicity = "german")) farmer *label farmer_family_dead_clothes was about the same size as you. Moreover, ${farmer_outfit_pronoun} Sunday Best is in relatively good condition. *goto haven_decision *else farmer's *gosub whose_clothes *goto farmer_family_dead_clothes *if (farmer_family_dead = false) and farmer_dead Nearby, the farmer's family is grieving over the corpse of their husband and father. Had he been more cooperative…but no matter. *choice #Demand new clothes from the family. *set compassion %+5 The terrified wife and children offer you everything that they have. Thankfully, the *if male or ((male = false) and (ethnicity = "german")) farmer was *label farmer_family_clothes about the same size as you. Moreover, ${farmer_outfit_pronoun} Sunday Best is in relatively good condition. Once you are dressed, the farmer's wife breaks down crying, pleading with @{speaks_german you to spare the lives of her children. You shake off her iron grip before she damages your new clothes.|you. Though her words are incomprehensible, her desire for you to spare the lives of her children is clear. You shake off her iron grip before she damages your new clothes.} *goto haven_decision *else farmer's *gosub whose_clothes is *goto farmer_family_clothes #Kill the family and find the clothes myself. *set compassion %+20 *set farmer_family_dead true Killing the poor souls is no challenge. Well fed, you set about disposing of their bodies. Always such an inconvenience, that. *goto haven_decision *else *set engels_named true When you wake in the evening, the farmer and his family—the Engels—are waiting to greet you. *if local *set saintcharles_rapport %+20 You speak with them for a time, asking about your family in the area. For better or worse, you learn that your family scattered to the four winds after you left for New Orleans. They are thrilled to learn that they are your kin (of sorts). *label gift_of_clothes The farmer insists that you replace your clothes with some of theirs. *label gift_of_clothes_0 Conveniently, *if male or ((male = false) and (ethnicity = "german")) the farmer *label gift_of_clothes_1 is relatively close to you in size. He offers you ${farmer_outfit_pronoun} Sunday Best, *if compassion < 40 for which you thank him profusely. *goto haven_decision *elseif compassion < 60 which you take without comment. *goto haven_decision *else which you take with a sneer. *goto haven_decision *else the farmer's *gosub whose_clothes *goto gift_of_clothes_1 *elseif speaks_german and male You speak with them for a time and learn that you have stumbled onto an outlying farmhouse of the [i]Côte des Allemands[/i], the settlement of Germans on the Mississippi, a few miles upriver of New Orleans. *goto gift_of_clothes *elseif speaks_german You speak with them for a time and learn that you have stumbled onto an outlying farmhouse of the [i]Côte des Allemands[/i], the settlement of Germans on the Mississippi, a few miles upriver of New Orleans. *goto gift_of_clothes *else The farmer sees the state of your outfit and, taking pity on you, beckons you to follow him inside. *goto gift_of_clothes_0 *else *set farmer_dead true *set compassion %+10 *set discretion %+10 *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 *gosub_scene util combat_value_ss Judging you to be overstating your situation, the farmer gestures for you to be on your way. Unfortunately, caught between your desperation and shame at being unable to intimidate the farmer successfully, you feel yourself losing control. Your fangs glint in the pre-dawn glow as you move in for the kill. *if combat >= 5 You tear the poor soul to shreds as he tends to his pigs. Unfortunately, with him dead, there is no one to ask about where to stay the day. *choice #Enter the farmhouse and kill anyone inside. *set saintcharles_rapport %-20 *set compassion %+20 *set discretion %+10 *set farmer_family_dead true #Burrow into a pile of pigs' manure for the day. *set discretion %-5 The sounds of the farmer's family calling for their patriarch does little to disturb your rest. When they find him, their cries of anguish are something more like a lullaby. *page_break You emerge, stinking, from the pile of manure the next evening. *else *set compassion %+10 Unfortunately, even getting the drop on him, he is no shrinking violet with that pitchfork. You are forced to give in to the animal inside you in order to finish the job. When you finally recover your senses, you are hard-pressed to find shelter from the sunlight and end up burrowing into a pile of manure to cover yourself for the day. *page_break The sounds of the farmer's family calling for their patriarch do little to disturb your rest. When they find him, their cries of anguish are something closer to a lullaby. *page_break You emerge, stinking of feces, from your place of rest the next evening. *goto next_evening *label whose_clothes *if ethnicity = "choctaw" adolescent daughter *return *elseif ethnicity = "french" adolescent daughter *return *elseif ethnicity = "irish" adolescent daughter *return *elseif ethnicity = "spanish" adolescent daughter *return *else wife *return *label haven_decision *temp trepagnier false *temp semiexpelled false *temp withengels false You feel exhausted, body and soul. The idea of setting out on another dangerous journey right now is very unappealing. If you are to stay awhile among the people of the parish, you should decide what to do about a haven. *choice *if farmer_family_dead #Well, there is an empty farmhouse right here. With some work, it could serve me well enough. *set compassion %+10 *set saintcharles_haven "farmhouse" *set engels_croft true *label taking_farmers_croft You set about clearing the dwelling of any signs of its previous inhabitants. Clearing away those mortal things is troublesome, but lacking a proper servant, you will have to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself for the moment. @{found_cellar |After a more relaxed search of the property, you discover a demi-cellar that could provide the basis for a secure daytime resting place.} You settle in to your new accommodations. *page_break *goto loose_animals *if (farmer_family_dead = false) and farmer_dead *selectable_if (compassion >= 40) #Well, there is this perfectly serviceable farmhouse right here. I can just kill the farmer's family and take it for myself. *set compassion %+20 *set saintcharles_rapport %-20 *set farmer_family_dead true *set engels_croft true Your decision made, you turn to take one last look at the farmer's family. The mother stands there, watching you, clutching the children to herself. Before you even bare your fangs, you glimpse the recognition in her eyes: tonight, what remains of her family will pass into memory. Standing over their exsanguinated bodies, you ponder this briefly: they have a certain immortality now. They would have been forgotten within a generation or two had they lived, but now the looks of horror on their faces will continue to exist as long as you do. *goto taking_farmers_croft *if farmer_dead = false *selectable_if (compassion >= 30) #Well, there is this perfectly serviceable farmhouse right here. I can just kill the farmer and his family and take it for myself. *set compassion %+30 *set saintcharles_rapport %-30 *set farmer_family_dead true *set saintcharles_haven "farmhouse" *set engels_croft true *goto taking_farmers_croft *if (intelligence > 1) and ((ethnicity != "african") and (ethnicity != "choctaw")) *selectable_if (charm > 2) #I'm sure there's some plantation-house around here where I can establish a hold over the residents. *set saintcharles_haven "plantation" *set trepagnier true *set anselm_hired true *set your_land "the widow Trepagnier's land" *set my_land "the widow Trepagnier's land" The toast of the town is the widow Trepagnier. When you arrive on her doorstep, seeking indefinite lodging, she is only too happy to welcome you into her home. Clearly, a little charm and the capacity for erudite conversation goes a long way in these parts. She has a young man working for her by the name of Anselm. She makes it clear to him that he should obey your directives. You settle into your new accommodations. *page_break *goto encounter_villagers *if local #Well, your family's land is just a few miles from here. Perhaps you should reclaim your childhood home. *set compassion %-10 *set saintcharles_haven "childhood" The walk is several miles, but you complete it without incident. From the road, you can see the peak of the chimney from behind some trees. The land has changed little since you left. The most significant change is the complete absence of life: no sisters, no father, no pigs or chickens. The empty house will take some work. It has clearly been abandoned for several years, and the lack of maintenance shows. Looking it over, though, you are confident in your ability to restore it. You settle into your former accommodations. *achieve homecoming *page_break *goto encounter_villagers *selectable_if (wealth > 5000) #I will go to the parish courthouse and arrange to either buy or build a farmhouse for myself. *set saintcharles_haven "farmhouse" *set wealth -5000 Arriving in the village proper, you see that the area is flourishing. Though the slave insurrection of 1811 did some damage to the local economy, most physical evidence of that conflagration has long since been papered over. That said, in the years since the insurrection, the Creole slave-owners have responded with increasing cruelty, as though they could expunge their own guilt by means of the lash. The insurrection has left you something advantageous, however. A farmhouse owned by a freeman that joined the rebellion lies abandoned still. For a piddling sum, you are able to acquire the rights to the land. The property now yours, you begin to imagine how you will set about building your empire. *goto encounter_villagers *if farmer_family_dead = false *selectable_if (compassion > 30) #I will find another farmhouse and encourage the residents to move on…after they've signed over their property to me. *set saintcharles_haven "farmhouse" *set compassion %+10 *set semiexpelled true Or you could keep the former tenants on as servants. The better to build a light-proof room or two. *set anselm_hired true *page_break The family that you evict has a strapping young man by the name of Anselm who agrees—after a fashion—to stay on and help you with the property. *goto encounter_villagers *if (farmer_dead = false) and (compassion <= 50) *selectable_if (discretion < 60) #I beg for more permanent shelter from the @{engels_named Engels|farmer and his family}. *set saintcharles_haven "shack" *set withengels true *set discretion %-15 Taking pity on you, @{engels_named Ansdam—the farmer—agrees|the farmer—Ansdam Engels—agrees} to help you build a small shack on his property. You find the affair somewhat humiliating, but perhaps, in time, you will be able to build the place into something a little more worthy of a vampire. *set engels_named true *goto encounter_villagers #I will claim my own land from the wilderness. *set saintcharles_haven "shack" *set discretion %-10 *set anselm_hired true You spend the first few weeks sleeping in a shallow grave. During that time, you acquire the services of a local by the name of Anselm and direct him to begin clearing the land of trees. Once the land is clear, he begins constructing a light-proof shelter for you, so you can stop spending your days in the soil. When he is finished, it is little more than a one-room shack, but you console yourself with the thought that it is yours. *goto encounter_villagers *label loose_animals A few nights later, it occurs to you that the animals on the farm are going berserk from the lack of care. While you may be capable of tending to the animals yourself, you certainly weren't given the gift of immortality so you could spend your time cleaning out a chicken coop. *choice #Let them starve. *set compassion %+10 *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 In time, the animals die of starvation, and the stench of their corpses in the humid heat becomes unbearable. *page_break Eventually, you decide you need to visit the town proper and make any necessary introductions. #Open the coop and the pen and let them wander free. The pigs and the chickens are soon making a mess of the crops. *page_break Eventually, you decide you need to visit the town proper and make any necessary introductions. #Go to town and conscript someone to come tend them and the crops. *set saintcharles_rapport %+5 *set income +5 *set anselm_hired true You quickly find a young man by the name of Anselm, who you cajole into agreeing to come work on your farmhouse. Your business concluded, you decide to have a look around the town. #Go to town and try to find someone to sell them to. *set wealth +1500 The locals are surprised that the previous tenants of the farmhouse should have left so quickly, and moreover that you are so willing to sell their livestock at such cut-rate prices. But with a few well-placed snarls, you dissuade them from asking any probing questions. Your business concluded, you decide to have a look around the town. *label encounter_villagers The village of St. Charles is miniscule, consisting of no more than thirty buildings that have sprung up around the parish courthouse and a dock where the steamers can load and unload their goods. Surveying your new neighbors, you ponder what they would think if they knew a vampire had moved into their midst. *if compassion >= 60 The thought of the look of terror on their faces sends a thrill down your spine. *if fubar_clotho All the same, you can't help but think that Clotho would have detested this place. *comment endif Upriver from the village of St. Charles are the plantations of the [i]Côte des Allemands[/i]. Each of them front on the water, offering façades of varying majesty to one another, while hiding the slave-villages and sugar-fields that extend away from the river. The original colonists of German descent have mostly adopted the customs and language of their French neighbors. *if (farmer_family_dead = false) and engels_named Only the poorer families, like the Engels, still speak the tongue of their forebears; every night the sound of German becomes more and more remarkable. *comment endif As much as they may deny it, much of this linguistic drift may be due to the immense number of African slaves that have been imported to the parish. The Germans have learned French not only so they could communicate with their neighbors, but more importantly with their property, who mostly speak a French [i]patois[/i]. Notably, though the majority of blacks in New Orleans are free, here over three-quarters of the entire population of the parish is enslaved. *if income > 0 Recognizing the need for access to your assets, you set about alerting your @{(finance > 0) business partners|confederates} in New Orleans to your new residence. Several letters @{literate |composed by a local shopkeeper} are sent and received, directing the movement of your money so that it is now accessible to you here. Your associates express dismay at your withdrawal, but you suspect that they are, in fact, happy to see you gone. A few more nights pass, and you feel the urge to make yourself officially known to the residents of St. Charles. Surely there is an elder or mayor who will be most curious to meet the new member of the community. *if (anselm_hired = false) and (saintcharles_haven != "plantation") Besides, you could use some help around the property. *choice *if engels_croft #Inform the parish judge of my acquisition of the Engel family farmhouse. I let that stand as my introduction. *set discretion %+10 *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 The parish judge, M. Mayeux, is clearly uncomfortable with your acquisition of the Engel's farmhouse, but you don't give him much choice in the matter. *if saintcharles_haven = "plantation" #Attempt to introduce myself to whatever so-called society exists in this cultural backwater. Each of the plantations of the German Coast is its own world, at the pinnacle of which is a family possessed of some modicum of wealth and culture. Picking through these for the best of the lot will take some time; that said, it is immediately clear that the widow Trepagnier is one of the most cultured of the lot. *if (anselm_hired = false) and (saintcharles_haven != "plantation") #Put the word out that I am looking for a hired hand. *set anselm_hired true You "persuade" a young local man by the name of Anselm to help you tend your new land, and he can run daylight errands when necessary. *if saintcharles_haven = "childhood" #Let the parish judge know that I have returned to claim my family's land. *set anachronism %-10 The talking heads of the parish remember you from decades past and are clearly shocked to see you unchanged by the years. Yet, M. Mayeux cannot dispute your claim to the land, and he goes through the motions of welcoming you back. *if farmer_dead and ((farmer_family_dead = false) and (wealth > 25000)) *selectable_if (compassion <= 60) #Though it will not be much, I arrange for some wealth to be transferred to the @{engels_named Engels|farmer's family} as recompense for @{engels_named the murder of its patriarch|his murder}. *set wealth -10000 *set saintcharles_rapport %+15 *set compassion %-10 You were tired, exhausted, and more importantly pressed for time. You hadn't planned on killing the farmer, after all. While money will never replace their husband and father, the funds certainly go a long way to silencing certain rumors about you. That said, the liquidity of your money certainly does raise some eyebrows. *if priest #I set about tending to the souls of my new neighbors. *set rationalism %+5 *set discretion %+10 *set anachronism %-5 *set compassion %-5 The residents of the parish are suspicious of your unnanounced arrival. *if farmer_family_dead and engels_named Moreover, they have numerous questions about the missing Engels family. You do your best to assuage these concerns, and your cassock goes a long way to calming their fears. *elseif farmer_family_dead *set engels_named true Moreover, they have numerous questions about the dead family—the Engels, you belatedly learn. You do your best to assuage these concerns, and your cassock goes a long way to calming their fears. *else *set saintcharles_rapport %+10 Still, they are grateful for the presence of a man of the cloth. Though you are in no position to offer a morning mass at the Red Church of St. Charles Boromeo, that does not stop you from listening to the concerns of your new flock. *if saintcharles_haven = "farmhouse" Moreover, they are grateful for your decision to purchase the empty farmhouse. The restoration of the property papers over one of the last reminders of the insurrection of 1811. *elseif saintcharles_haven = "shack" Moreover, when they visit your shack on the Engel's property, they are astonished at your humility. *else The widow Trepagnier is already seen as something of an eccentric; your sudden residency is mostly written off as further evidence thereof. Her husband was murdered during the insurrection of 1811, and most are simply happy to see her no longer living alone. #I host a celebration, the better to acquaint myself with my new neighbors. *set discretion %+15 *if farmer_family_dead *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 *set wealth -2500 *if engels_named Unfortunately for you, the sudden disappearance of the Engels family does not recommend your soirée to the neighbors. After some investigation, you learn that the Engels were behind on some debts, and your making good on those debts goes a long way to assuaging some of those fears. Still, women clutch their children close when you walk past. Behind your back, they even make gestures meant to ward off evil; gestures which you catch out of the corner of your eye. *goto hunting_in_saintcharles *else Unfortunately for you, the sudden disappearance of the farmer and his family—the Engels, you have learned belatedly—has not recommended your soirée to your neighbors. After some investigation, you learn that the Engels were behind on some debts, and your making good on those debts goes a long way to assuaging some of those fears. Still, women clutch their children close when you walk past. Behind your back, they even make gestures meant to ward off evil; gestures which you catch out of the corner of your eye. *goto hunting_in_saintcharles *elseif trepagnier The widow Trepagnier is already seen as something of an eccentric; your sudden residency is mostly written off as further evidence thereof. Her husband was murdered during the insurrection of 1811, and most are happy to see her no longer living alone. The news that you intend to throw a party is greeted with curiosity. Cards confirming attendance begin arriving almost immediately. *page_break *if creation > 2 *set saintcharles_rapport %+20 The soirée is a smashing success, of the sort that the parish will be talking about for years to come. *elseif creation = 2 *set saintcharles_rapport %+15 The soirée is quite a success, and the neighbors are comforted by the opportunity to better acquaint themselves with Mme. Trepagnier's new friend. *elseif creation = 1 *set saintcharles_rapport %+10 The neighbors enjoy themselves at the soirée, and, afterwards, make sure to greet you when you cross paths with them in the parish. You are confident that they will eventually come to accept your presence among them. After all, you may be here for quite some time. *else *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 Mme. Trepagnier's hosting abilities are not what they used to be, but she does her best to entertain her guests. Sitting beside Trepagnier, you sense that the neighbors are trying to determine your relationship with her. They seem to suspect you of holding some sort of nefarious intentions towards the hostess. It would seem that your "coming out" party did nothing to ingratiate you to the town. *page_break *goto hunting_in_saintcharles *else *if ethnicity = "african" *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 Late at night, slaves from across the parish come out to celebrate your arrival. They come with their drums and their laughter and their rum. You dance with them until the first light of dawn, when they must return to the fields and you must lay down in the dust. Unfortunately, your amicable association with the slaves does not ingratiate you with the white residents of the parish. You are met with looks of outright hostility when you cross paths with any of the men. *page_break *goto hunting_in_saintcharles *elseif ethnicity = "choctaw" *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 *set compassion %+5 Unfortunately, no one seems much interested in attending the housewarming party of an Indian. You sit and wait, but no one comes to greet you. *page_break *elseif saintcharles_haven = "shack" *set saintcharles_rapport %+5 It is the poorest of the poor white farmers and their families who come to meet you. They bring their fiddles and their washboards, and together they make music and dance in the clearing before your shack. Sometime after midnight, they retire, and you wish them a good evening. *page_break *else You do your best to prepare the farmhouse for your guests. *if creation > 2 *set saintcharles_rapport %+20 When they arrive, they are amazed at your efforts. Though none of the plantation-owners attend, the rest of the white community seems to be in attendance. And they will be discussing the soirée for years to come. *page_break *goto hunting_in_saintcharles *if creation = 2 *set saintcharles_rapport %+15 The celebration is quite a success. Though none of the plantation-owners attend, the rest of the white community seems to be in attendance. In the weeks that follow, you are greeted warmly by your new neighbors, still charmed by your efforts on their behalf. *page_break *goto hunting_in_saintcharles *if creation = 1 *set saintcharles_rapport %+10 The celebration passes without trouble. Though none of the plantation-owners attend, the rest of the white community seems to be in attendance. You are confident that meeting your neighbors in such a way was the right choice. *page_break *else *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 The attendees are clearly disappointed by the quality of your preparations. None of the local plantation-owners attend, and that is surely a good thing; you would never have been able to show your face in the parish again. Even those that did attend seem to chuckle when you cross paths with them in the village. #I do my best to make as few waves as possible. *set discretion %-10 *set independence %+5 *if taught_three_rules Your maker would no doubt be proud of you, endeavoring to obey the Rule of Reserve and all. You do your best to signal your arrival and intention to stay in the community without raising too many eyebrows. *label close_home *if farmer_family_dead and engels_named *set wealth -2500 Of course, the murder of the farmer and his family does not ingratiate you to your neighbors, regardless of your circumspect introductions. You have to spend much of your first few months alternating between intimidating, cajoling, and seducing the various individuals of influence throughout the community, lest you find yourself the target of a lynch mob. Fortunately for you, the Engels were behind on several debts, and your making good on those debts goes a long way towards buying your acceptance in the community. *elseif farmer_family_dead *set wealth -2500 *set engels_named true Of course, the murder of the farmer and his family does not ingratiate you to your neighbors, regardless of your circumspect introductions. You have to spend much of your first few months alternating between intimidating, cajoling, and seducing the various individuals of influence throughout the community, lest you find yourself the target of a lynch mob. Fortunately for you, the farmer—Ansdam Engels, you learn belatedly—was behind on several debts, and your making good on those debts goes a long way towards buying your acceptance in the community. Which is not to say that you admit to their murder, so much as encourage the neighbors to stop asking questions. *elseif semiexpelled *set wealth -1000 You have induced the Martins to sell their property to you, but that does not make them happy about it. They see the advantage of being close to a being such as yourself, but there is a strong ambivalence: both greed and terror abound in their hearts. More to the point, while they mostly say nothing to the rest of the community, sometimes the things that go unsaid carry more weight. Your neighbors are certainly mystified by your presence, you sudden relationship with the Martins, and their blanket silence on the matter. *elseif saintcharles_haven = "farmhouse" The community is ostensibly grateful at your decision to purchase the empty farmhouse—your occupation of the farmhouse papers over one last reminder of the insurrection. But there are lingering questions as to you presence and your intentions. *elseif (saintcharles_haven = "childhood") Despite your best efforts, though, word of your return ripples through the community. The talking heads of the parish remember you from decades past and are clearly shocked to see you unchanged by the years. Yet, they cannot dispute your claim to the land, and they go through the motions of welcoming you back. *elseif withengels The locals seem to pay little mind to the Engel's new tenant farmer. @{farmer_dead They are grateful to have another pair of hands in the absence of their patriarch. Little do they realize what crimes those hands have committed.…|} *elseif (saintcharles_haven = "shack") The locals pay little mind to the stranger who is seeking to tame the swamp. *else The widow Trepagnier is already seen as something of an eccentric; your sudden residency is mostly written off as further evidence thereof. Her husband was murdered during the insurrection of 1811, and most are simply happy to see her no longer living alone. *if local Your "new" neighbors are clearly disturbed by your return. On the occasions when you cross paths with one, you catch them making warding gestures in your direction. *if (lore > 1) or (perception > 2) It seems that they suspect you of witchcraft. *elseif saintcharles_haven = "shack" *if discretion >= 60 In what you hope is a sign of things to come, however, slaves from the nearby plantations begin to congregate at your shack on Sunday afternoons. *elseif discretion >= 40 You are, however, mildly discomforted by the appearance one Sunday of a motley collection of slaves from the nearby plantations. *else You are, however, shocked by the appearance one Sunday of a motley collection of slaves from the nearby plantations. *set saintcharles_haven "farmhouse" They gather, bearing scraps of wood and crude tools, and begin building you a proper house. They seem to be doing this of their own free will, but you cannot fathom why. Their owners must be oblivious to the matter, as no one comes calling demanding payment for their labor; since you receive a proper farmhouse out of the deal, you elect to sit back and let them work. The slaves return the following Sunday, and the Sunday after that, working until your new home is complete. *elseif (trepagnier = false) and (saintcharles_rapport <= 45) The villagers are clearly disturbed by their new neighbor. On the few occasions when you cross paths with one, you catch them making warding gestures in your direction. *if (lore > 1) or (perception > 2) It seems that they suspect you of witchcraft. *else The villagers are not warm to you, but neither do they treat you with outright hostility. You are confident that they will eventually come to accept your presence among them. After all, you may be here for quite some time. *label hunting_in_saintcharles *page_break *if feeding_style = "artists" During your first few excursions through the parish, you despair over finding anyone of sufficient artistic talent to satisfy your preference for such fare. However, you soon discover a strong folk music tradition in the area, the practitioners of which should be able to satisfy you for the time being. *elseif feeding_style = "children" *set saintcharles_rapport %-15 The residents of the parish do count children among their number—the slaves are encouraged to propagate freely—but you will have to adhere to a feeding regimen: there are not enough for you to feed with your normal profligacy. If you want to leave the children alive, that is. *elseif feeding_style = "clergy" Unfortunately, the rectory of the parish chapel is empty, and there is no monastery or nunnery nearby. Your thirst for the blood of the anointed must go unsatisfied as long as you reside here. You must decide on a new preference for your prey. *goto new_preference *elseif feeding_style = "drunks" *if (streetwise > 0) and (charm > 2) When you first tour the parish, your stomach knots at the absence of any saloons or other drinking establishments. Resourceful and determined as you are, however, you soon locate the local distillery and worm you way into the confidence of the distiller. Once you have made friends with him, he introduces you without hesitation to his customers. From there, it is a simple matter of calling on them as needed. *else You are distraught to discover that the parish lacks a saloon or any other drinking establishment. You must decide on a new preference for your prey. *goto new_preference *elseif feeding_style = "gamblers" Your preference for gamblers is easily satiated in the parish. It only takes a few nights of searching among the slave-villages before you find first one and then several sites where dice are played regularly. *if (ethnicity != "african") and (ethnicity != "choctaw") At first, the slaves look at you with curiosity and seek to hide their activities from you, but soon you put their fears at ease, joining in on their games a few times to show that you mean them no harm. At least, not of the sort they are imagining. *if attended_marignys_party After a time observing their games, you realize the relative lack of sophistication of their dice-playing. With a minimum of effort, you teach them the game you learned at the home of M. de Marigny, crapaud. The gamblers of the parish take to the game immediately and are grateful for the instruction. *set taught_crapaud true *elseif feeding_style = "itinerants" Your preference for itinerants and travelers means that your choice of prey will do little to anger the villagers, but it also means that your opportunities to feed will be less frequent. *elseif feeding_style = "laborers" Your affection for the blood of laborers will be well-served here. The scent of the earth and the sun in the blood of the village farmers satisfies your cravings exquisitely. *elseif feeding_style = "prostitutes" You realize quickly upon your survey of the parish that there are no men or women of the night to patronize here. You must decide on a new preference for your prey. *goto new_preference *elseif feeding_style = "socialites" It is with some excitement that you begin to make friends among the better set of the Côte des Allemands. Each of the plantations has its master and his family, and while you cannot be indulgent in your feeding, you find the culture sufficient to your tastes. Of course, it is not New Orleans, and their accents can be a tad wearying. *elseif feeding_style = "soldiers" Looking around the parish, you realize that your preference for feeding from soldiers will need revising, as there is little in the way of soldiers or even law enforcement to feed from. *goto new_preference *elseif feeding_style = "vegetarian" Fortunately for you, there are always animals to be had. And living near so many farms, there are a cornucopia of options. *else As time passes, vampires gravitate towards a "type" of individual to feed from. Though you will suffer no harm for deviating from this preference, the predictability and familiarity of this provides vampires with a certain amount of comfort. Once they learn how a given 'type' of person will respond to a set of circumstances, it becomes easier and easier for a vampire to manipulate those individuals into submitting to their bite. @{(perception > 1) Moreover, as you've discovered, the blood of different individuals really does taste different. Your understanding of the matter is rudimentary, but some types of individuals do taste better to your palate than others.|} *label new_preference Unfortunately, considering your circumstances, your range of options is rather limited. *choice *if knows_about_vegetarianism and ((compassion <= 40) and (feeding_style != "vegetarian")) *selectable_if (willpower > 2) #Animals. I cannot bear to cause suffering to mortals. *set feeding_style "vegetarian" *achieve vegetarian *set compassion %-20 *set discretion %-20 *if feeding_style != "children" *selectable_if (compassion > 55) #Children. *set feeding_style "children" *set compassion %+15 *set saintcharles_rapport %-15 The parish does include children among their number—the slaves are encouraged to propagate freely—but you will have to adhere to a feeding regimen: there are not enough of them for you to feed with your normal profligacy. If you want to leave the children alive, that is. *if feeding_style != "drunks" *if local #Drunks. *set feeding_style "drunks" *set discretion %-10 The local distiller was friends with your father. Once you reacquaint yourself with him, he introduces you without hesitation to his customers. From there, it is a simple matter of calling them as needed. *else *if streetwise > 1 #Drunks. *set feeding_style "drunks" *set discretion %-10 It is not easy for you to locate the local distillery or to worm your way into the confidence of the distiller, but you manage to do so. Once you have made friends with him, he introduces you without hesitation to his customers. From there, it is a simple matter of calling them as needed. *if streetwise = 1 *if male *selectable_if (charm > 1) #Drunks. *set feeding_style "drunks" *set discretion %-10 It is not easy for you to locate the local distillery or to worm your way into the confidence of the distiller, but you manage to do so. Once you have made friends with him, he introduces you without hesitation to his customers. From there, it is a simple matter of calling them as needed. *else *selectable_if (charm > 2) #Drunks. *set feeding_style "drunks" *set discretion %-10 It is not easy for you to locate the local distillery or to worm your way into the confidence of the distiller, but you manage to do so. The more so because of your gender; the locals do not respond well to a woman interested in strong drink. But once you have made friends with him, he introduces you without hesitation to his customers. From there, it is a simple matter of calling them as needed. *if (streetwise > 0) and ((perception > 0) and (feeding_style != "gamblers")) #Gamblers. *set feeding_style "gamblers" It only takes a few nights of searching among the slave-villages before you find first one and then several sites where dice are played regularly. *if (ethnicity != "african") and (ethnicity != "choctaw") At first, the slaves look at you with curiosity and seek to hide their activities from you, but soon you put their fears at ease, joining in on their games a few times to show that you mean them no harm. At least, not of the sort they are imagining. The rush of both the win and the loss communicates something distinct to the blood. You can almost taste the victory…or the loss. *if attended_marignys_party After a time observing their games, you realize the relative lack of sophistication of their dice-playing. With a minimum of effort, you teach them the game you learned at the home of M. de Marigny, [i]crapaud[/i]. The gamblers of the parish take to the game immediately and are grateful for the instruction. *set taught_crapaud true *if feeding_style != "laborers" #Slaves. *set feeding_style "laborers" Quite possibly the best choice. You consume the intoxicating scent of the sun and the earth when you feed from the slaves of the field, a scent which you soon learn to savor. *if (feeding_style != "socialites") and ((charm > 2) and ((ethnicity = "german") or ((ethnicity = "french") or ((ethnicity = "spanish") or (ethnicity = "southern"))))) #Socialites. *set feeding_style "socialites" It is not long before you begin to make your way among the "better" citizens of the [i]Côte des Allemands[/i]. They are thrilled to have a new neighbor so possessed of culture and refinement, and you find yourself invited to all the best parties. Which happen about once a year. And their accents really are dreadful. *if feeding_style != "itinerants" #Travelers. *set feeding_style "itinerants" *set discretion %-15 Your preference for this prey will certainly decrease the chances of angering the locals, but it also means that your opportunities to feed are less frequent than some of the other possibilities. *if feeding_style = "vegetarian" *set saintcharles_rapport %-20 As time passes, you are confronted with the @{(discretion > 50) indignity|difficulty} of feeding strictly from animals. In particular, their blood is so unsatisfying tha you have to kill most animals that you feed from, just for the smallest hint of satisfaction. Larger animals, like horses and cows, can survive a feeding—you grow disgusted with the experience before you quite drain them—but they end up weak and anemic for weeks afterwards. The neighbors' animals become sickly—the price of milk spikes, as the cows are too weak to produce any. Calves die from starvation. Your neighbors don't confront you, but this plague certainly arrived with you, and their suspicions increase. And, truth be told, there simply aren't enough animals of such size and stature in the parish. You are reduced to consuming cats, dogs, rats, and other rodents on a frequent basis to sustain yourself. The taste of such creatures is foul, but you cling to the knowledge that you are saving your neighbors from your bite, even if they hate you for it. *set compassion %-5 *if anselm_hired *set saintcharles_rapport %+5 *if wealth < 5000 *set wealth 0 *if wealth >= 5000 *set wealth -5000 *if wealth > 100000 *set wealth -5000 *if income > 5 *set income -1 On those occasions that the outlook is sufficiently bleak, you send Anselm to neighboring parishes with instructions to bring livestock back for your consumption. That helps diffuse some of your neighbors' suspicions, but only mildly. *if knows_how_to_heal_bites = false *set knows_how_to_heal_bites true The silver lining to this period is that you discover something about your saliva: it apparently has the capacity to heal the wounds that you cause. Thus you are able to disguise the evidence of your crimes. *elseif (exiled_from_new_orleans = false) and (knows_how_to_heal_bites = false) *set knows_how_to_heal_bites true *if feeding_style = "itinerants" Relaxing into a routine, you begin to experiment with your feeding process. To your surprise, you soon discover the most amazing thing: when you lick wounds caused by your fangs, they are healed. It is almost magical! You make sure to put this new discovery to good use, and the strange illness that briefly plagued visitors to the parish is soon forgotten. Even so, you find it challenging to keep yourself fed. There are simply not enough visitors to the parish for you to feed comfortably without raising suspicions even higher than they are. You do your best to stretch out your hunts, but this mostly means that you are frequently irritable and short-tempered. *else Having begun to cultivate a regular number of individuals from which to feed, you begin to experiment with the process. To your surprise, you soon discover the most amazing thing: when you lick wounds caused by your fangs, they are healed. It is almost magical! Soon, the scourge of bites that had been plaguing the parish disappears. Now the only evidence of your feeding is the occasional unanticipated fainting spell. Even so, you find it challenging to keep yourself fed. There are simply not enough residents in the parish for you to feed comfortably without raising suspicions higher than they are. You do your best to stretch out your hunts, but this mostly means that you are frequently irritable and short-tempered. *if clothos_letter_in_karlstein *page_break While you're settling into the parish, you initiate correspondence with some of your mortal associates in New Orleans, arranging for the transmission of your personal effects as well as attempting to recover what you can of your finances that you were forced to abandon. A package of your things arrives one evening. In their midst, you discover a letter addressed to you in Clotho's hand. *if literate Reading it, the sound of her voice fills your head and your withered heart. *gosub read_letter *else You stuff the letter in your pocket and resolve to find someone to read it for you. *page_break *if trepagnier *goto cultivation_end Planting season is nearing. If you invest some capital, it is entirely possible that your land could turn in a profit. *choice *if anselm_hired = false #Yes, but first I will have to hire a foreman. *set laborvscapital %-5 *set anselm_hired true *set discretion %-5 You locate a young man in the community who is willing to tend to your affairs during the day. His name is Anselm, and he seems trustworthy enough. In time, you become more confident in his loyalty. *if anselm_hired #Yes, of course; that is why I hired Anselm after all. *set laborvscapital %-5 *set discretion %-5 #No, let the fields lie fallow. If I need money, I will simply take it. *set shepherd_credentials %-10 *set compassion %+10 *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 *set discretion %+5 The other people of the parish cannot imagine why you would leave your fields fallow. You picture them being kept up at night, marveling at your motives. *goto cultivation_end The neighboring plantations raise a variety of crops. Since you do not have to feed yourself and are doing this solely for profit, you think it best to pick one crop and stick with it for the time being. What do you want to direct Anselm to plant? *choice *selectable_if (wealth > 7500) #Cotton. The soil below Baton Rouge (including the [i]Côte des Allemands[/i]) is considered too wet for cotton, but who knows, it could work. It will certainly require a large capital investment. *set anachronism %+5 *set crop "cotton" *set wealth -7500 *set wealth +(finance*150) *selectable_if (wealth > 5000) #Indigo. This was the cash crop of the previous century. While the price has dropped substantively since then, some farmers along the coast still cultivate it. It will require some capital. *set crop "indigo" *set wealth -5000 *set wealth +(finance*100) #Legumes. I can sell the produce to the neighboring plantations so they can better focus on their cash crops. This will require little-to-no capital investment. *set anachronism %-5 *set crop "legumes" *selectable_if (wealth > 10000) #Sugar. This will require the most amount of capital investment. Moreover, the industry as a whole relies heavily on slave labor. *set crop "sugar" *set wealth -10000 *set wealth +(finance*250) Any farm on the German Coast that functions above the level of subsistence does so because they own slaves. That said, you have heard that there has been an influx of destitute Irish farmers into New Orleans…they may be willing to work for some sort of wage. *choice *selectable_if (wealth > 50000) #I direct Anselm to go to New Orleans and purchase a few slaves for me. *set laborvscapital %-25 *set workers "slaves" *set compassion %+40 *set wealth -25000 *set wealth +(finance*250) Anselm returns a week later with the wretches in tow. At first, you have a hard time raising your eyes to meet theirs, but before long, you begin treating them like the property the law says they are. You direct them to build quarters for themselves, while the necessary tools that they will need to tend the land arrive via steamboat. Soon enough, they are ready to begin their true labors. *selectable_if (wealth > 10000) #I direct Anselm to go to New Orleans and find some Irishmen who are willing to work the land. *set workers "workers" *set anachronism %+10 *set wealth -5000 It costs a little money to get the workers up to your property from New Orleans, to build them homes, [i]et cetera,[/i] but hopefully the costs will be quickly recouped. #I have Anselm do the best he can on his own, without any additional help. *set discretion %-5 *if crop = "sugar" *if workers = "none" Unfortunately, Anselm is not up to the task of harvesting any useful amount of sugar on his own. Halfway through the year, you give up on the project in disgust. *elseif workers = "workers" The Irishmen earn their keep and then some. At the end of the harvest, you turn an acceptable profit, even after paying out their wages. *if ethnicity = "irish" *set income +7 Moreover, they seem more willing to push themselves for one of their own. They probably expect that, at some point, you will see fit to reward your countrymen. *elseif ethnicity = "scotch" *set income +4 You can't help but wonder, though, if the occasional mishap that occured was accidental or some sort of silent protest against your heritage. Their sidelong glances seem to shout "traitor" and "heretic" at you. Fortunately, these mishaps do not substantively affect the bottom line, and you decide it's not worth the trouble to investigate. *else *set income +5 *else *set income +10 *set wealth +10000 The slaves do as they are directed, and when the harvest comes in, the profits are enormous. Most of it, of course, is immediately reinvested for the next planting season, but you imagine within a few years you will have recouped your investment. *elseif crop = "legumes" *if workers = "none" *set income +1 Anselm is able to cultivate a portion of the land, and after Anselm's needs are tended to, there is the inkling of a profit. *elseif workers = "workers" The crops come up high and fast under the care of the workers. You are able to sell the produce to your neighbors, but the workers' wages consume most of the profits. *if ethnicity = "irish" *set income +2 That said, they seem more willing to push themselves for one of their own. They probably expect that, at some point, you will see fit to reward your countrymen. *else *set income +1 *else *set income +3 *set wealth +5000 The crops come up high and fast under the care of your slaves. You are able to sell the produce to your neighbors, and while the profit is small, it is steady. *elseif crop = "indigo" *if workers = "none" *set income +1 Anselm is able to cultivate a portion of the land, and after Anselm's needs are tended to, there is the inkling of a profit. *elseif workers = "workers" Even though your crop is decent, the price of indigo remains depressed. Your profits, after paying the workers, are minimal. *if ethnicity = "irish" *set income +3 That said, they seem more willing to push themselves for one of their own. They probably expect that, at some point, you will see fit to reward your countrymen. *elseif ethnicity = "scotch" *set income +1 You can't help but wonder, though, if the occasional mishap that occured was accidental, or some sort of silent protest against your heritage. Their sidelong glances seem to shout "traitor" and "heretic" at you. Fortunately, these mishaps do not substantively affect the bottom line, and you decide it's not worth the trouble to investigate. *else *set income +2 *else Even though your crop is decent, the price of indigo remains depressed. Thankfully, you don't have to pay the slaves for their labor, otherwise all your profit would be gone. *set income +4 *set wealth +5000 *else *if workers = "workers" *if technology > 0 With some clever drainage, you are able to make the land suitable for the growth of cotton. It is not necessarily the most efficient use of the land, but the affair is not a total disaster. *if ethnicity = "irish" *set income +5 Moreover, they seem more willing to push themselves for one of their own. They probably expect that, at some point, you will see fit to reward your countrymen. *elseif ethnicity = "scotch" *set income +2 You can't help but wonder, though, if the occasional mishap that occured was accidental, or some sort of silent protest against your heritage. Their sidelong glances seem to shout "traitor" and "heretic" at you. Fortunately, these mishaps do not substantively affect the bottom line, and you decide it's not worth the trouble to investigate. *else *set income +3 *else The affair is a total disaster, as the soil is simply too damp for the cotton. When all is said and done, you barely break even after having to pay the workers. *elseif workers = "slaves" *if technology > 0 *set income +6 *set wealth +2500 With some clever drainage, you are able to make the land suitable for the growth of cotton. It is not necessarily the most efficient use of the land, but the affair is not a total disaster. *else The affair is a total disaster, as the soil is simply too damp for the cotton. When all is said and done, you barely break even after having to feed your slaves. *else Unfortunately, Anselm is not up to the task of harvesting any useful amount of cotton on his own. Halfway through the year, you give up on the project in disgust. *label cultivation_end *page_break *if shapeshifting = 2 *set shapeshifting +1 All this time spent close to the animals—both the ones of the farm and those further afield—has increased your understanding of both them and the beast inside of you. You are learning how to change parts of your body to reflect that nature: your eyes to glow red with your fury, your ears to catch reflections of noise, and your claws to rend the flesh of your prey. One evening, while in the woods… *page_break *elseif shapeshifting = 1 *set shapeshifting +1 Your ability to commune with animals has advanced to the point where you can now give them simple commands and expect for them to be followed. You can also summon small groups of them to you, when needed. @{knows_about_vegetarianism You imagine that using this to feed might be a reasonable way to actually abstain from hunting mortals.|} One evening, while in the woods… *page_break *else *set shapeshifting +1 During your first few years living on the German Coast, you find yourself learning to understand the dances and songs of the animals. In time, you even learn to communicate empathically with them. They don't make much for conversationalists, but sometimes they can warn you of things you would not have noticed on your own. *page_break For Example… The animals are disturbed. Someone whom they do not recognize is approaching, disrupting the normal course of an evening on the bayou. Following their @{(stealth > 0) guidance and striving to remain undetected, you creep|guidance, you set out} through the woods until the light of a lantern reveals a boy. You look at him and realize just how hungry you are. He seems young and out of his element. @{(compassion > 45) He has probably been warned by his parents not to get too close to ${your_land}.|} @{(perception > 2) That said, he is clearly looking for something.|} *choice #Drink him until he is drained of his lifeblood. *set compassion %+20 *set discretion %+10 *set saintcharles_rapport %-40 *set killed_labranche_boy true Easily done. The youth and innocence of his blood is intoxicating. *if feeding_style != "children" You wonder why you do not feed from the young more often. Satiated, you set about determining how you will dispose of the body. That's what alligators are for, you suppose. *goto after_calf *selectable_if ((willpower > 2) or ((willpower = 2) and (feeding_style != "children"))) #Feed from him, but let him go afterwards. *set compassion %+5 *set discretion %+5 *set saintcharles_rapport %-20 Though the youth and innocence of his blood is intoxicating, you manage to stop yourself before draining him dry. *goto after_calf *selectable_if (willpower > 2) #Scare him, so that no one will ever trespass upon ${my_land} again. *set discretion %+10 *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 You can smell the odor of urine as the poor child wets himself. Standing before you, tears streaming down his face, he is too scared to even flee. After you are done putting the fear of the night into him, you gesture for him to run. Finally freed from your gaze, the boy disappears into the night. He should be grateful that urine and tears were the only fluids he lost this evening. *goto after_calf *selectable_if (willpower > 2) #Demand to know why he has trespassed upon ${my_land}. *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 *if speaks_german or speaks_french "You should not be here, boy," you say, addressing him in @{speaks_german German|French}. "This is my land, and you are not welcome." "@{speaks_german ${mr_germ}|${mr_temp}} ${surname}, please forgive me! I was just looking for my calf…she slipped out of the pen and wandered in this direction. I hoped to find her before she disturbed you or damaged your crops!" *else Unfortunately, he does not understand your foreign tongue. *if compassion < 50 *set compassion %-5 Through a patient series of gestures, you manage to establish some sort of communication with the boy. It seems he is looking for an animal that has wandered into the woods. *else *set compassion %+5 You try to communicate with him via gestures, but within a few moments you manage to thoroughly terrify him. Your declining empathy for humans lends your gestures a sinister air that he cannot tolerate. He turns and flees into the night. *goto after_calf *selectable_if (willpower > 3) #Politely inquire as to what he is doing on ${my_land}. When you step into the light of the lantern, the boy elicits a shriek of fear. Once he catches his breath, you address him. *if speaks_german or speaks_french "Young man, what are you doing on my property?" you say, addressing him in @{speaks_french French|German}. "My calf, @{speaks_french ${mr_temp}|${mr_germ}} ${surname}. She slipped out of the pen and wandered in this direction. I hope to find her before the alligators do." *else Unfortunately, he does not understand your foreign tongue. Through pantomime, however, he is able to communicate that he is searching for something, a lost animal, perhaps. Will you help him, or leave him to his own devices? *choice *selectable_if (shapeshifting > 0) #I speak to the animals of the forest and hope they can tell me where the lost animal is. *set compassion %-10 *set saintcharles_rapport %+20 *set discretion %+5 You command a bird to descend from a tree, and when it alights on your hand, you proceed to inquire about the missing beast. The boy's jaw drops open in amazement at the sight. Within a few moments, the bird flies off, and you indicate to the boy that he should follow. It does not take you long to locate the calf. The boy is overjoyed when it comes into sight, contentedly chewing on some weeds. Once the reunion is complete, you see the boy to the edge of your property and watch as the two fade into the night. #I help the boy find the missing animal. *set compassion %-15 *set saintcharles_rapport %+15 It does not take you long to locate the lost calf. The boy is overjoyed when it comes into sight, contentedly chewing on some weeds. You see the boy to the edge of your property and watch as the two fade into the night. *if speaks_german or speaks_french #"The calf is on ${my_land}. It is now mine. Go now, before you become mine as well." *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 *set wealth +500 After you assure yourself that the boy is gone, you corral the calf and lead her back to the house. You can surely find a use for this beast later. #"Find your calf quickly and then leave ${my_land}." *set saintcharles_rapport %-5 The boy nods, terrified. You turn to leave, neatly vanishing into the night. @{(perception > 0) The smell of the boy's urine follows you for some distance.|} #I put the fear of the night into the boy. *set saintcharles_rapport %-20 The boy breaks and runs, surely never to return. @{(perception > 1) If you wanted to follow him, you would only have to track the scent of urine that the boy trails behind him.|} *label fetch_calf *if compassion < 60 *set wealth +500 After you assure yourself that the boy is gone, you set off into the *if speaks_german or speaks_french woods. It doesn't take long for you to locate the calf, contentedly chewing on some weeds. You corral the beast and lead her back to the house; surely you can find a use for her later. *else woods to find the missing animal. It is not long before you locate a calf, contentedly chewing on some weeds. You corral the beast and lead her back to the house. You can surely find a use for it later. *else *if speaks_french or speaks_german The lost calf will either find its way home or die in the woods. It is of no consequence to you. *else Whatever it is he lost will either find its way home or die in the woods. It is of no consequence to you. *if (religious_tradition = "pagan") #"Have you thought that the calf does not want to go home with you?" *set compassion %-5 *set saintcharles_rapport %-5 *set wealth +500 "No? Why would…" "Do you think the calf wants things?" "It…wants things?" "It likes to eat, doesn't it?" "She does." "Does it prefer some fodder over others?" "She likes corn!" "More than…grass?" "Yes!" "So if she prefers corn to grass, do you think she could prefer this side of the fence to your side?" "I suppose?" "Do you want to make her go back, when she doesn't want to? What if I made you stay here with me? Wouldn't you want to go home to your maman?" The boys eyes go wide. "Yes, I would." "So, do you want to go find the calf? I'll help you, if you insist." "No, that's alright. If she likes it here…" "Very well. You can find your way home?" "Yes, ${lord}." *goto fetch_calf *label after_calf *page_break *if (speaks_french = false) and trepagnier *set saintcharles_rapport %+10 *set anachronism %+5 *set speaks_french true *set learned_french true The widow Trepagnier, though she speaks your tongue, clearly finds it frustrating that you do not speak French. Increasingly, you find yourself listening to her chatter through the evenings about this and that. Fortunately, you do begin to learn the local dialect. It takes months before you are fully conversant, but it certainly makes your dealings in the parish easier. *elseif (speaks_french = false) and (anselm_hired and (saintcharles_rapport >= 45)) A few nights after meeting the boy—whose name you have learnt was Jost Labranche—Anselm comes to you, hat in hand. He bears a letter, and timidly offers it to you. [i]${mr_temp} ${surname},[/i] [i]It has come to my attention that you were settled at our town. But that you do yet not speak our language. I have spent some time learning yours, and would like to offer my services to teach you ours.[/i] [i]Regards sincere,[/i] *line_break [i]Jakob Labranche[/i] Given the opportunity to meet M. Labranche, an older plantation-owner who walks briskly despite his cane, you learn that the lessons will not come free. But the fee is not too substantive. *fake_choice *selectable_if (wealth > 10000) #Pay him his fee. *set wealth -5000 *set speaks_french true *set learned_french true *set anachronism %+5 *set saintcharles_rapport %+10 It takes the better part of a year to really get the hang of the language, but being near—if not exactly among—the residents of the Côte des Allemands certainly helps speed the process. *selectable_if (charm > 2) #Intimidate him into teaching you French for free. *set speaks_french true *set learned_french true *set anachronism %+5 *set saintcharles_rapport %-15 Upon meeting M. Labranche, you make it clear to him that charging you for this service is unacceptable. He quickly assents. It takes the better part of a year to really get the hang of the language, but being near—if not exactly among—the residents of the Côte des Allemands certainly helps speed the process. *selectable_if (technology > 0) #Offer to improve the efficiency of his mill in exchange for his time. *set speaks_french true *set learned_french true *set anachronism %+5 *set saintcharles_rapport %+10 M. Labranche judges the exchange fair and immediately sets about teaching you the tongue of your new neighbors. It takes the better part of a year to really get the hang of the language, but being near—if not exactly among—the residents of the Côte des Allemands certainly helps speed the process. #Pass on the offer. *if marigny_investment > 0 You receive a letter from M. de Marigny, the celebrity and landowner in New Orleans. It seems that your investment with him has matured, and he informs you that a deposit will be made into your account at the bank in about a month. He assures you that you will be pleased with the results. *set wealth +(marigny_investment*2.25) *set marigny_investment 0 *if (learned_french = false) and (exiled_from_new_orleans = false) *if avoided_new_orleans and ((sire_name != "West") or ((sire_name = "West") and fled_from_sire)) *page_break As the months and years pass, you find yourself with some small amount of free time. *choice *if (literate = false) #I learn how to read and write. *set literate true *set anachronism %+5 *if (creation <= 1) #I learn how to play the pianoforte. *set creation +1 *set anachronism %+5 *if (fighting <= 1) #I learn how to @{(fighting = 1) better |}defend myself with sword, pistol, and fist. *set fighting +1 *set discretion %+5 *if (finance <= 1) #I @{(finance = 1) further expand my understanding|study the basics} of accounting and finance. *set finance +1 *if (stealth < 1) #I learn how to stalk my prey without being noticed. *set stealth +1 *set discretion %-5 *if (perception < 1) #I train myself to be more observant of my surroundings. *set perception +1 *set discretion %-5 *if (technology <= 1) #I spend my time learning studying the engineering techniques the farmers use to irrigate and drain their fields. *set technology +1 *if saintcharles_haven = "childhood" *page_break *if (creation < 3) Deeming your childhood home insufficient for your needs, you recruit a builder from Baton Rouge to come down and oversee the expansion of your home into something more…appropriate. After all, @{(independence > 35) you cannot imagine that living in the one-room shack where you were born and raised would be considered a point of pride among your kind.|you wouldn't want a stray timber to spell your doom during your daysleep.} *else *set designed_plantation true *achieve plantationdesigned *set saintcharles_rapport %+5 *set anachronism %+5 In time, you come to feel that your childhood home is truly lacking. After all, you cannot imagine that living in the one-room shack where you were born and raised would be considered a point of pride among your kind. After accepting this fact, you set about designing an expansion of the place…something grand, that will communicate something about both your power and your artistic vision. *goto foreman *elseif saintcharles_haven = "farmhouse" *page_break *if creation < 3 Deeming the farmhouse that you have acquired to be insufficient for your needs, you recruit a builder from Baton Rouge to come down and oversee the solidification and expansion of the place into something grander. After all, @{(independence > 35) you would find it humiliating to receive a vampiric visitor at your two-room shack in the wilderness.|you wouldn't want a stray timber to spell your doom during your daysleep.} *else *set designed_plantation true *achieve plantationdesigned *set saintcharles_rapport %+5 *set anachronism %+5 Deeming the farmhouse that you have acquired to be insufficient for your needs, you begin to imagine expanding it. After all, @{(independence > 35) you would find it humiliating to receive a vampiric visitor at your two-room shack in the wilderness.|you wouldn't want a stray timber to spell your doom during your daysleep.} Once decided, you set about designing an expansion of the place…something grand, that will communicate both your power and your artistic vision. *goto foreman *else *goto warning_from_birds *label foreman The foreman that is supervising the expansion to the structure approaches you one evening, hat in hand. It seems that there have been some unanticipated costs, and he needs some silver with which to buy more materials. @{(perception > 2) You sense no deceit in his heart.|} *choice *selectable_if (wealth > 2500) #Give him the money that he needs. *set saintcharles_rapport %+10 *set discretion %-5 *set wealth -2500 The foreman bows and scrapes as @{literate you write a note|Anselm composes a note} to the owner of the general store, authorizing the foreman to draw upon your account. The expansion to the house is soon finished. *if designed_plantation *set discretion %+5 When you finally wake to see it illuminated in all its glory, you acknowledge that it is everything you had imagined. You feel your heart swelling with pride. *else Before you stands a proper home for a vampire. *page_break *goto warning_from_birds #Tell him to make it work with what he has…or else. *set saintcharles_rapport %-15 *set discretion %+5 The foreman goes pale with fear. He withdraws from your presence quickly. The expansion to the house is plagued with further delays, despite the foreman's grueling pace. Eventually, however, it is finished. *if designed_plantation *set discretion %+5 When you finally wake to see it illuminated in all its glory, you acknowledge that it is everything you had imagined. You feel your heart swelling with pride. *else Before you stands a proper home for a vampire. *page_break *goto warning_from_birds *if (streetwise > 0) and (technology > 0) #Ask him what he needs, and then set about acquiring it for him, using your ingenuity. *set saintcharles_rapport %+10 *set independence %-5 The foreman looks at you quizzically, unsure as to how to take this response. Apparently concluding that you know what you are doing, he nods and excuses himself. You manage to acquire the needed materials with a minimum of expense, and you find yourself almost enjoying the stratagems you are forced to devise to do so. The expansion to the house is only delayed a few days while you scrounge up the needed materials. *if designed_plantation *set discretion %+5 When you finally wake to see it illuminated in all its glory, you acknowledge that it is everything you had imagined. You feel your heart swelling with pride. *else Eventually, it is completed to your satisfaction. Before you stands a proper home for a vampire. *page_break *goto warning_from_birds *selectable_if (compassion >= 20) #Tell him that I will acquire the materials for him…which I will do by stealing them from whomever has what he needs. After all, I have nothing to fear from these cattle. *if stealth > 3 *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 *set compassion %+5 Fortunately for you, you are able to disguise your appearance with your powers of stealth. Because of this, the community is terribly confused as to why Mme. Kohln is seen stealing building materials from a neighboring farm. The parish citizens still have an uneasy feeling that you had something to do with this. *label resolve_theft The expansion to the house is only delayed a few days while you scrounge up the needed materials. @{designed_plantation When you finally wake to see it illuminated in all its glory, you acknowledge that it is everything you had imagined. You feel your heart swelling with pride.|Eventually it is completed to your satisfaction. Before you stands a proper home for a vampire.} *page_break *goto warning_from_birds *elseif stealth > 2 *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 Fortunately for you, you are able to make mortals ignore you. You take what you need from neighborhing farms. The community is confused as to how their materials end up contributing to your home without anyone seeing you. However, absent any witnesses or other evidence, they are unable to do more than complain to each other. *goto resolve_theft *else *set saintcharles_rapport %-40 *set discretion %+30 The brazenness of your crime astonishes the community. When M. Mayeux—the parish judge—comes to demand an accounting for your crimes, you put the fear of the night into him. He does not return to question you again. @{taught_three_rules You do wonder idly what another vampire of the Society would think of your disregard for the Rule of Reserve. But, no matter; what danger can these mortals pose to you?|} The expansion to the house is only delayed a few days while you scrounge up the needed materials. *if designed_plantation *set discretion %+5 When you finally wake to see it illuminated in all its glory, you acknowledge that it is everything you had imagined. You feel your heart swelling with pride. *else Eventually it is completed to your satisfaction. Before you stands a proper home for a vampire. *page_break *goto warning_from_birds *label anselm_reads_letter *set clothos_letter_read true *set love_clotho true @{male [i]Mon cher[/i]|[i]Ma chère[/i]} [i]${given_name},[/i] [i]I go with you tonight to see the quaestor with no fear in my breast. It has been made clear to me what will come to pass there, but so is it written, and so must it be done. As you demonstrate, death is not as simple as many believe.[/i] [i]And so I say to you, do not fear for us. I know that a love such as ours may be hindered by neither the rivers Styx nor Lethe. Until I hold you in my arms again, I remain,[/i] [i]Your once and future love,[/i] *line_break [i]Clotho[/i] *if trepagnier You make her read the letter again and a third time, hoping to glean something more than what it has already said. Once you have heard enough, you request that she be discreet about its contents. She gives you a knowing smile, and says that she is only too happy to assist you in this matter. Once you are alone again, you ponder the meaning of this missive. *else You make him read the letter again and a third time, hoping to glean something more than what it has already said. Once you have heard enough, you admonish him to keep the letter a secret. You send him away, and then sit to ponder this missive. *choice *selectable_if (rationalism <= 60) #This is nonsense. The dead cannot return from the grave. *set rationalism %-10 *set compassion %+5 You are, as always, eminently rational. *choice #Burn the letter. You watch dispassionately as the flames lick the edge of the letter. Soon only ash remains, and then even that is discarded the following evening. *page_break *return #Keep it. *set kept_clotho_letter true *set rationalism %+5 You are unsure as to why, but you feel compelled to retain the letter. Perhaps someday it will remind you that you have not lost the last shreds of your humanity. *page_break *return #I do not understand what she means, but I shall watch for her return. *set rationalism %-5 *set compassion %-5 Probably a prudent response. *choice #Burn the letter. You watch dispassionately as the flames lick the edge of the letter. Soon only ash remains, and then even that is discarded the following evening. *page_break *return #Keep it. *set kept_clotho_letter true *set rationalism %+5 Sentimental, aren't we? *page_break *return #Oh happy nights! Our love will conquer death itself! *set rationalism %+15 *set compassion %-10 *set kept_clotho_letter true Somehow, Clotho has conquered time and death itself. Clearly, her powers were greater than you realized. Somenight soon, she shall hold you in her arms once again. You wait and wait, but with each passing night you become more and more disappointed that Clotho has not reappeared as she promised. You consult her letter regularly, seeking some clue as to the moment of her return. Again and again, you ask the night whether you will ever see her again. No answer is forthcoming. *page_break *return *label warning_from_birds *if clothos_letter_in_karlstein and ((clothos_letter_read = false) and trepagnier) Having lived with the widow Trepagnier now for some time, you approach her one evening about reading you the letter from Clotho. She is only too happy to oblige. Handing over the letter to her, she clears her throat and prepares to read. *gosub anselm_reads_letter *if clothos_letter_in_karlstein and ((clothos_letter_read = false) and anselm_hired) Having worked with Anselm now for some time, you approach him one evening about reading you the letter from Clotho. He is happy to oblige. Handing him the letter, he clears his throat and prepares to read. *gosub anselm_reads_letter *temp question_plans_unasked true *temp gave_warning false *temp offer_help false Your unlife has settled into something of a routine. It is almost tranquil; you deal occasionally with your neighbors, hunt when you have to, and spend the rest of your time pursuing your own thoughts. In retrospect, you should have known better. The birds are singing to you. They are singing about a group of men gathered with fire at the edge of your property. Following their directions, you slink through the darkness until you see a small fire ahead. A group of men is gathered around it, seemingly in deep discussion. Though you do not recognize any of them, it is easy to conclude that most of them, if not all, are slaves. In which case they are clearly violating the rules of their owners by gathering here. *if workers = "slaves" That said, you do not recognize any of them as belonging to you. *choice #I leave them be. *set discretion %-10 Deciding it best to stay uninvolved, you return to your haven for the day. *label revolt_caught *if trepagnier Not long afterwards, the widow Trepagnier meets you one twilight, clearly in distress. She informs you that a group of slaves were planning another insurrection, much like the one in 1811. "Thankfully, M. d'Estrehan's Cupidon was brought into the confidences of the rebels. He reported the matter to M. d'Estrehan, and the animals have been rounded up. They're to be put on trial and hung in the next few days." The next few weeks unfold much as she predicted. The conspirators are hung on the levee overlooking the river from Badeau's concession. Their bodies are left hanging for three days, where the slaves on both sides of the river can see what comes of insurrection; only then are their families allowed to cut down and bury their loved ones. *elseif (feeding_style = "socialites") and (ethnicity != "african") Not long afterwards, you call on one of your favorite daughters of M. Rixner. While you are discussing some of the gossip of the parish, M. Rixner bursts out of the house and onto the porch with the two of you. "There's gunna be a hangin'!" "I'm sorry?" "M. d'Estrehan's Cupidon came forward about a plot. They was gonna burn down the Coast, worse'n '11!" "That's horrible!" chirps Clarisse. M. Rixner fills the two of you in on the details of the plot, as he has heard them. The conspirators will be given a trial and likely hung forthwith. The following week unfolds much as he predicted. The conspirators are hung on the levee overlooking the river from Badeau's concession. Their bodies are left hanging for three days, where the slaves on both sides of the river can see what comes of insurrection; only then are their families allowed to cut down and bury their loved ones. *elseif (feeding_style != "socialites") and (anselm_hired) Not long afterwards, Anselm comes to you, hat in hand. "${mr_temp} ${surname}, do you have a moment?" "Yes, Anselm, what is it?" "I just thought you might like to know, there's been a conspiracy discovered among the slaves." "Oh?" "Yes, they were going to organize a revolt, like back in '11, but Estrehan's Cupidon told his master, and now the lot of them have been arrested. They'll be tried and hung in the next few days, or so I hear." The next week unfolds much as Anselm predicted. The conspirators are hung on the levee overlooking the river from Badeau's concession. Their bodies are left hanging for three days, where the slaves on both sides of the river can see what comes of insurrection; only then are their families allowed to cut down and bury their loved ones. *elseif (stealth > 0) and ((independence <= 35) and (discretion <= 35)) While prowling through the village of St. Charles one evening, you overhear some villagers discussing a hanging. You slip behind a tree and stop a moment to listen. M. Rixner, a man that you have met once or twice, is gesticulating about the affair. Apparently, there was a conspiracy among some of the slaves, but they were caught, put on trial, and sentence to death. The lot of them are now hanging on the levee near Badeau's concession. The story complete, you slip away into the night. *else While prowling through the village of St. Charles one evening, you encounter M. Rixner, a man with whom you have had some dealings since your arrival. "Were you at the hanging today? I didn't see you there." "Hanging? I did not even hear…" "Oh! Did you not hear about the conspiracy?" "Conspiracy? Goodness no!" "Yes, there was a group of slaves…they were planning on burning down all our houses and raping all our women. But M. d'Estrehan's Cupidon caught wind of it and told his master. Good thing, too, as I hear M. d'Estrehan was at the top of their list." "How horrible!" "Yes, but the trial was today, and the lot of them are now hanging on top of the levee, in front of Badeau's. I'll take you to go see them, if you like." "No, thank you," you reply before excusing yourself. The conspirators are hung on the levee overlooking the river from Badeau's concession. Their bodies are left hanging for three days, where the slaves on both sides of the river can see what comes of insurrection; only then are their families allowed to cut down and bury their loved ones. *goto duplessis_arrives *selectable_if ((perception > 0) or (stealth > 1)) #@{(perception > 0) I move a little closer, where my sensitive hearing can pick up their conversation|My powers of Stealth are such that they will not see me as I nearly sit among them}. *if speaks_french *set knows_about_plot true Listening to the back and forth between the men, you quickly learn of their plan to gather weapons and set fire to the plantation houses. It seems that they intend to try to inspire their fellow slaves to join them, and then flee east once they have wreaked as much damage as possible. *choice #I leave them be. *set discretion %-10 Deciding it best to stay uninvolved, you return to your haven for the day. *goto revolt_caught #I leave and inform my land-owning neighbors of what I have seen. They will draw their own conclusions. *set discretion %-5 *set compassion %+15 *set saintcharles_rapport %+20 *goto tattle_on_revolt #I @{(perception > 0) approach them|reveal myself} and demand to know what they are doing on my land. You step into the circle of light. The gathered men are clearly startled by your appearance; some seem poised to fight, while others look ready to flee into the night. One, clearly their leader, turns to face you but leaves you the opportunity to speak first. *goto question_slaves #I attempt to scare them away. *goto scare_slaves *else Unfortunately, you cannot understand them, as they are speaking in French. *choice #I leave them be. *set discretion %-10 Deciding it best to stay uninvolved, you return to your haven for the day. *goto revolt_caught #I attempt to scare them away. *goto scare_slaves #I leave and inform my land-owning neighbors of what I have seen. They will draw their own conclusions. *set discretion %-5 *set compassion %+15 *set saintcharles_rapport %+20 *goto tattle_on_revolt #Though they speak in French, perhaps one of them speaks my tongue. You step into the circle of light. The gathered men are clearly startled by your appearance; some seem poised to fight, while others look ready to flee into the night. One, clearly their leader, turns to face you but leaves you the opportunity to speak first. *goto question_slaves #I approach them and demand to know what they are doing on my land. You step into the circle of light. The gathered men are clearly startled by your appearance; some seem poised to fight, while others look ready to flee into the night. One, clearly their leader, turns to face you but leaves you the opportunity to speak first. *if speaks_french *goto question_slaves *elseif speaks_english One of the slaves, who introduces himself as Thomas, is able to speak English. *goto question_slaves *elseif speaks_german One of the slaves, who introduces himself as Peter, is able to speak German. *goto question_slaves *else Unfortunately, none of the gathered slaves speak Spanish. That said, they are all clearly displeased by your presence. They quickly divide into ones and twos and disappear into the night. *goto revolt_caught #I attempt to scare them away. *label scare_slaves After directing the nearby birds to begin singing in a cacophony of squawks, chirps, and tweets, you circle the men outside their visual range, making noises that multiply your number. Before long, you can taste their fear drifting on the night air. When finally you reveal yourself, face covered in blood, they turn and run as fast as they can away from you and your property. The rage of the birds follows them as they flee into the night. *goto revolt_caught #I leave and inform my land-owning neighbors of what I have seen. They will draw their own conclusions. *set discretion %-5 *set compassion %+15 *set saintcharles_rapport %+20 *label tattle_on_revolt The next evening, you make a beeline for the home of M. d'Estrehan, one of the more wealthy men of the parish. Estrehan receives you and listens anxiously as you relate your observations to him. When you are finished, he nods gravely before speaking. *if gave_warning "Yes, my boy Cupidon told me you had happened upon their meeting last night. I have informed M. Mayeux about these matters. There will no doubt be bounties put on the heads of these miscreants." "Well, I wish you luck with that." "Good evening to you, ${mr_temp} ${surname}." Despite your warning to them, the conspirators are caught individually over the next few weeks and dragged back to the St. Charles courthouse. They are tried, hung, and their bodies displayed along the levee so that the slaves on both sides of the river will see what comes of insurrection. *else "Yes, my Cupidon came to me this afternoon, informing me much the same. I was unsure as to what to think of the matter, but now it is clear. I shall contact the sheriff and M. Mayeux, and we will deal with this here and now." With that, Estrehan takes his leave of you. Ordering a horse to be brought to him, he rides off into the night. Within the next two nights, the conspirators are rounded up. Cupidon's testimony is considered sufficient, however, so your presence is not required at the trial a few days later. The conspirators are hung on the levee overlooking the river from Badeau's concession. Their bodies are left hanging for three days, where the slaves on both sides of the river can see what comes of insurrection; only then are their families allowed to cut down and bury their loved ones. *goto duplessis_arrives *label question_slaves *temp why_help *set why_help "empty" *choice #"I will not tell your masters, but you should leave my property now." *set discretion %-5 *set compassion %-5 *set justice %+5 The gathered men grumble, but soon disperse. You make sure they put out the fire before the last of them departs. *goto revolt_caught *if question_plans_unasked #"What is it that you are doing here?" *set question_plans_unasked false *if charm > 2 *set knows_about_plot true The leader, who introduces himself as Endymion, stands forward to speak. "We are tired. Tired of the way they treat us. We're going to burn down the masters' houses and free the other slaves and then lead them east and once we get away we'll make a new home for ourselves." *else "Nothing. We are having a good time." *goto question_slaves *if (question_plans_unasked = false) and (knows_about_plot) #"I can help you." With a little planning, the blood of the slave-holders will flow. *set discretion %+10 *set justice %-10 *set why_help "blood" *set offer_help true "Why do you want to help us?" *goto why_help *if (question_plans_unasked = false) and (knows_about_plot) #"I can help you." With a little planning, the conspirators might be able to get away with their lives. *set compassion %-10 *set justice %-10 *set why_help "freedom" *set offer_help true *goto why_help *if (question_plans_unasked = false) and (knows_about_plot) #"You must not do this." I try to dissuade them from their plan. "What do you mean? Why should we not do this?" *choice #"Because your efforts will come to naught. You will be caught and executed, your women will be raped and your children sold into obscurity." *set justice %+5 They shudder visibly at your words. Badeau's Endymion finally speaks. "We are not afraid, ${mr_temp} ${surname}. And we cannot stand by while these things happen to the ones that we love." "You are fools, then. Your own pride will bring even worse misery upon your families, once you are dead." "But they will know that we stood and fought for them." "What good is your struggle, if your children are raised by others?" "Enough of this. We have heard these arguments before. We cannot wait for others to give us our freedom; we must take it for ourselves." #"Because you will not find freedom through violence." *set compassion %-5 *set justice %+10 *if workers = "slaves" Their leader, Badeau's Endymion, laughs at your argument. "And what of the men and women you hold in bondage? What of the violence you do to them? I do not understand why you think these lies of yours will change our minds." *else Their leader, Badeau's Endymion, considers your words before replying. "I have heard arguments such as these before, ${mr_temp} ${surname}, but they are cold comfort on nights such as this." "But, even should you succeed, you shall be forced to flee the law for the rest of your lives. You will exchange one set of shackles for another. Is this the life you seek?" *goto endymion_explains_1 *if (religious_tradition != "pagan") *selectable_if (rationalism >= 40) #"Because God has forbidden what you propose to do." *set rationalism %+10 *set justice %+10 Their leader, Badeau's Endymion, considers your words before replying. "But he did not forbid slavery, did he?" "No, he did not." "Then we wish no part of this God. No just God would condemn a man fighting for his freedom from slavery." #"Because the situation at present is untenable. The Federal Government is already working to dissolve the institution of slavery. In time, you will be free. But not if you die first." *set discretion %-5 *set justice %+5 Their leader, Badeau's Endymion, considers your words before replying. "We have heard these arguments before, ${mr_temp} ${surname}. And yet, somehow freedom is always a few more years away. We cannot wait that long, and those here are prepared to fight for their independence." "You are eloquent for a slave." "I was educated alongside Badeau [i]fils[/i] for the first few years of my life. Badeau [i]père[/i] did not realize the fire that he sparked when he allowed for me to learn to read. Once I began learning about the world beyond the peal of the bells of the Red Church, I could not stop." "I am afraid that you will never see that world, Endymion." *label endymion_explains_1 "The die is cast. There is nothing more that can be done." *if priest "Would you like to confess your sins, before you go to your death?" "I would, Father." One by one, you listen to the confessions of the conspirators. Their sins are petty, but they are grateful for the absolution you are able to offer before they go forth to march into hell. *elseif rationalism >= 60 "May @{(religious_tradition = "pagan") you find your way to the happy hunting grounds.|God have mercy on your soul.}" At that, Endymion and his band take their leave of you. *else "Good luck, then." At that, Endymion and his band take their leave of you. *page_break *goto revolt_caught #"You had best flee now, as tomorrow I am compelled to tell the community about your presence here. As you can imagine, that will not go well for you." *set gave_warning true *set justice %+5 Looking at you, you can see them evaluating in their heads the wisdom of killing you. What would it mean to add another crime to the list at this point? @{(workers = "slaves") You stand firm, however, knowing that if you do not put a stop to this now, your own slaves will be up in arms by daybreak.|} However, something dissuades them from attacking you, and instead they disperse in ones and twos into the night. *goto tattle_on_revolt *label why_help "Why would you help us?" *if (ethnicity = "african") or (ethnicity = "choctaw") Of course, should anyone find out that you are aiding these conspirators, it would likely go very poorly for you. @{(ethnicity = "african") The color of your skin|Your Indian blood} will condemn you in the eyes of your neighbors and the parish judge. *choice *selectable_if (workers != "slaves") #"Because I think your cause is just. Slavery is an abominable institution, and the only way to make this clear is to embrace the horrors that it provokes." *set compassion %-10 *set justice %-10 The gathered men look at you in surprise. To hear a landowner embrace their cause inspires them to stand a little straighter. After a moment, Badeau's Endymion clasps your hand, saying how grateful he is to have your support. You make plans to meet with them again the following night. *page_break *goto the_next_night *if background < 4 #"Because I am one of you, and I understand what it is that you have been living through." *set justice %-5 "How can you say that you understand what we are living through, when you dress like you do, and own land, and move among our masters?" *if background = 3 "My parents were as you are. Only by @{(rationalism > 60) God's grace|happenstance} was I not born into the same condition as you. But I snuck food to my cousins for holidays, and watched as my favorite uncle was traded away on Heartbreak Day, never to be seen again. I understand." *else I have suffered my own period of servitude. And I know the desire to be free of one's master. I understand better than you could possible imagine." *if ethnicity = "choctaw" #"Because my people have suffered at the hands of the white man, even more than yours. You will no doubt fail in your efforts, but with my help, you can bring many down to hell with you." *set rationalism %+5 *set compassion %+10 The conspirators look back and forth among their number. They are clearly surprised by this response. #"Because without my help, you will be captured, tried, and executed, and I do not want that on my conscience." *set compassion %-5 The conspirators look back and forth among their number. After a few moments, Badeau's Endymion speaks. "And you would help us?" "I will. Meet me back here tomorrow night, and we will plan this rebellion of yours." The gathered men look at you in surprise. To hear a landowner embrace their cause inspires them to stand a little straighter. After a moment, Badeau's Endymion clasps your hand, saying how grateful he is to have your support. You make plans to meet with them again the following night. *page_break *label the_next_night *set saintcharles_rapport %-5 When you awake the next evening, it is to the sounds of men on horses approaching your haven. Pulling yourself together as best you can, you emerge from the house to greet the riders. You can easily identify M. d'Estrehan—he is missing an arm from a farming accident years ago—as well as M. Badeau, despite the gloom. They are in the company of several other men, and the lot of them draw up before your porch. "${mr_temp} ${surname}, we are sorry to disturb you," M. d'Estrehan begins. "You are not disturbing me, M. d'Estrehan. Please, what news do you bring?" "It seems the negroes are planning an insurrection. Were planning, I should say. My Cupidon came to me today and revealed the plan of Badeau's Endymion. We have now arrested all of the conspirators." "It is as it was to be, I suppose," you reply. "What is most interesting, ${mr_temp} ${surname}, is that one of Endymion's band, Rixner's Peter, claims that you were aware of these plans and that you allowed them to meet on ${your_land} to plan their rebellion." *choice #"How dare he! And what evidence does this Peter present to substantiate his claim?" Without a white man's testimony to corroborate it, the word of a slave will carry little to no weight against a freeperson. *set saintcharles_rapport %+5 *set compassion %+5 "There is no evidence other than his testimony before God," M. d'Estrehan replies. "And what is the testimony of a Negro slave worth?" M. d'Estrehan looks at you squarely, as though trying to measure your worth. "Nothing," he says, spitting on the ground. Whatever conclusion he has reached, now is not the time for revelation. "What, then, will become of Rixner's Peter and the rest of the conspirators?" "They will be tried and executed in accordance with the [i]Code Noir[/i]." "And is that satisfactory to you?" "It is. Good night to you, then, ${mr_temp} ${surname}." With that, the party turns and leaves. *if ethnicity = "african" #"And you believe him, because we share the same color skin? I suggest you return with evidence if you are going to accuse me of these things." "We could just string you up right here. I'm sure it would make everything simpler, ${mr_temp} ${surname}." M. d'Estrehan returns. "Go right ahead and try it." The glint in your eye sufficiently communicates your willingness to bring several of them down with you should they try anything, as after a moment of consideration, they back down. "For your sake, ${mr_temp} ${surname}, I hope that the accusations prove baseless." "I trust you can see yourself to the edge of my land." "Yes. Good night to you." *elseif ethnicity = "choctaw" #"And you believe him, because I am an Indian. I suggest you return with evidence if you are going to accuse me of these things." "No one would miss you, were we to string you up right here. Your people were taken away long ago to Indian Territory. Do you think there's even anyone that would come and cut down your body? Or do you think your corpse would just hang there for the crows to enjoy?" "Go right ahead and try it." The glint in your eye sufficiently communicates your willingness to bring several of them down with you should they try anything, as after a moment of consideration, they back down. "For your sake, ${mr_temp} ${surname}, I hope that the accusations prove baseless." "I trust you can see yourself to the edge of my land." "Yes. Good night to you." *else #"And do you believe Rixner's Peter? You take the word of a negro slave over mine?" *set compassion %+5 "I take it, then, that you refute these claims?" "I do." "Well…uhm…you are right, Rixner's Peter is in no position to challenge the word of a member of our community. There will be a trial tomorrow. The conspirators have all confessed or been implicated by multiple parties. They will no doubt be hung by tomorrow night." "Is that all?" "It is. Good night to you, then, ${mr_temp} ${surname}." With that, the party turns and leaves. #"And what if I did?" I dare M. d'Estrehan to arrest me. *set saintcharles_rapport %-20 *set discretion %+5 The gathered men are clearly startled by this response. M. d'Estrehan continues, "Then we would place you under arrest. Conspiring with the slaves is a treasonous offense, ${mr_temp} ${surname}." "If you intend to arrest me, then do so." *if priest M. d'Estrehan looks uncomfortably at your cassock. "I would not lay hands on you, Father. But until this is sorted out, please do not leave the parish." "Very well. Now, I trust you can see yourself to the edge of my property?" "Yes, father." *elseif male "${mr_temp} ${surname}, you are hereby under arrest for conspiracy to commit murder and treason. Boys, take him." *goto being_arrested *elseif (ethnicity != "african") and (ethnicity != "choctaw") "I will not arrest a woman, not on the word of a slave. But I order you not to leave the parish until the trial," the sheriff chimes in. "I'm not going anywhere, Sheriff." "Goodnight to you, then, ${mr_temp} ${surname}." "Goodnight to you, M. d'Estrehan. And you as well, Sheriff." With that, the riders turn and leave. *else *comment woman of color "${mr_temp} ${surname}, you are hereby under arrest for conspiracy to commit murder and treason. Boys, arrest her." *label being_arrested *choice #Let them arrest you. They take you into custody and lead you to the parish courthouse. They take you to the St. Charles parish courthouse and put you in a cell. There is a window to the cell, and if you do nothing, you will burn up with the sunrise. Thankfully, they leave only one guard watching over you. *choice *selectable_if (strength > 3) #I bend the bars to the cell and thereby free myself. *set income /2 *set wealth /2 *if stealth > 2 *set discretion %-5 Using your powers of misdirection, you disguise your activities, carefully bending the bars of your cell back after you have slipped through them. Waiting for him to nod off, you saunter out of the courthouse with no one the wiser. You return to your haven to collect a few things, but you know that you must flee the parish. The dawn is coming soon, however, and you feel the need to lay down to sleep. *else *set discretion %+15 *set compassion %+15 The guard watches in horror as you warp the steel bars with your iron grip. As you step through to freedom, he finally collects himself enough to begin to protest, picking up his rifle and pointing it in your direction, but you have your hand around his throat and your fangs in his neck before he can do anything more. Feeding as quickly as you can on the cooling blood as it spurts from his neck, you steel yourself for what is to come. Slipping out of the courthouse is not a challenge. You return to your haven to collect a few things, but you know that you must flee the parish. The dawn is coming soon, however, and you feel the need to lay down to sleep. *selectable_if (charm > 3) #I persuade the guard that I have been unjustly imprisoned and that he should free me. *set income /2 *set wealth /2 *set discretion %-10 "You know, I really don't belong in here." "You don't belong in there?" "No…in fact, you should let me go." "I should let you go." "Yes, just take out your keys…" "Take out my keys…" "Put them in the lock…" "Put them in the lock…" "And there, you've freed your good friend." "I've freed my good friend." "Why don't you stay here and make sure no one else is falsely imprisoned?" "I'll stay here," he says, smiling and nodding. You thank him, and then leave him still guarding the now empty cell. Slipping out of the courthouse is not a challenge. You return to your haven to collect a few things, but you know that you must flee the parish. The dawn is coming soon, however, and you feel the need to lay down to sleep. *selectable_if (stealth > 2) #I use my powers of misdirection to hide and slip past the guard when he comes in to investigate. *set income /2 *set wealth /2 *set discretion %-15 While he stands in the middle of the cell, befuddled, you skip down the steps of the courthouse. You return to your haven to collect a few things, but you know that you must flee the parish. The dawn is coming soon, however, and you feel the need to lay down to sleep. *selectable_if (stealth > 1) #I use my powers of misdirection to hide and attack the guard when he comes in to investigate. *set income /2 *set wealth /2 *if (discretion >= 50) and (compassion >= 50) When the guard comes in to investigate, you wait until the opportune moment before pouncing. Sinking your fangs into his neck, he gives a short screech of terror before the pleasure overtakes him. When you have drained the last dregs of his heartsblood, you let his corpse drop to the ground. After kicking his limp body—how dare they try to imprison you?—you turn and saunter out of the cell. You return to your haven to collect a few things, but you know that you must leave the parish. The dawn is coming soon, however, and you feel the need to lay down to sleep. *else When the guard comes in to investigate, you wait until the opportune moment before pouncing. With a few blows to the head, the guard is rendered unconcious. You crouch for a moment, listening for any outcry, but hear none. It is time to go. You return to your haven to collect a few things, but you know that you must flee the parish. The dawn is coming soon, however, and you feel the need to lay down to sleep. *if male = false *selectable_if (charm = 3) #I use my feminine wiles to persuade the guard to come into the cell with me. *set income /2 *set wealth /2 *set discretion %-5 *set compassion %+15 …and shortly after he enters the cell, you tear his throat out. Feeding as quickly as you can on the cooling blood as it spurts from his neck, you steel yourself for what is to come. Slipping out of the courthouse is not a challenge. You return to your haven to collect a few things, but you know that you must flee the parish. The dawn is coming soon, however, and you feel the need to lay down to sleep. *selectable_if (wealth > 5000) #I bribe the guard to let me go. *set wealth -5000 *set income /2 *set wealth /2 *set discretion %-10 He lets you out of the cell with a smile on his face. You thank him, and then leave him still guarding the now empty cell. Slipping out of the courthouse is not a challenge. You return to your haven to collect a few things, but you know that you must flee the parish. The dawn is coming soon, however, and you feel the need to lay down to sleep. #I wait for the dawn. Watching a final sunrise seems like a pleasant enough way to leave this world… You watch with a certain amount of amusement as the guard's jaw drops in horror at the sight of your flesh igniting under the unrelenting rays of the sun. Only now does he understand how close he sat to death itself. *set suicide true *goto_scene scoring *page_break *goto plantation_stormed_1 #Try to kill them. You are, however, seriously outnumbered. You are soon wounded, and your bestial nature gets the better of you. Once they realize that they are dealing with something unholy, any attempts at simply arresting you are discarded in favor of your destruction. You manage to kill several of the men before they bring you down. At least your soul will not go down into hell alone. *set killed_by_mortal true *page_break *goto_scene scoring #Try to flee. They do have horses, though. *if shapeshifting > 1 *set income /2 *set wealth /4 You reach your hand out and silently command the horses to refuse to follow you. Satisfied with your handiwork, you turn and dash into the darkness. Though the men spur their horses, cursing and whipping them, the steeds refuse to advance until you are well on your way. *goto flee_saintcharles *elseif agility > 3 *set income /2 *set wealth /4 Drawing upon your supernatural speed, you dash into the darkness, so fast they can barely follow your movements. They spur their horses in pursuit, but they have no chance of catching you. *goto flee_saintcharles *elseif (agility > 1) and ((agility < 4) and (stealth > 2)) *set income /2 *set wealth /4 All you have to do is get outside of their visual range, and then you can use your supernatural Stealth to interfere with their ability to see you. Decided upon this course of action, you turn and dash into the house. The men think you are going after a gun and therefore do not immediately pursue you. From there, you can emerge at your leisure, while they shout your name and threaten to burn down your haven. *goto flee_saintcharles *elseif (agility > 1) and ((agility < 4) and (stealth = 2)) *set income /2 *set wealth /4 All you have to do is get to the treeline before them, and then you can use your supernatural Stealth to interfere with their ability to see you. You can hear them pushing their horses to catch up with you, but you just make it to the treeline before them. Once there, you freeze…as long as you do not move, they cannot see you. They spend the next few hours moving in circles, hunting for you. When the right moment presents itself, you move from tree to tree, slowly putting distance between yourself and your haven. *goto flee_saintcharles *else Their horses are too fast for you. They run you down in the forest, at which point you turn and fight. You are soon wounded, and your bestial nature gets the better of you. Once they realize that they are dealing with something unholy, any attempts at simply arresting you are discarded in favor of your destruction. You manage to kill several of the men before they bring you down. At least your soul will not go down into hell alone. *set killed_by_mortal true *page_break *goto_scene scoring *if (workers != "slaves") #"I did. And I wish it would have succeeded." *set justice %-20 *set discretion %+5 M. d'Estrehan gapes at your confession. *if (ethnicity = "african") But then he recovers. "I should have expected nothing less," he says, spitting on the ground between you. "You are a small man, Monsieur, and I look forward to seeing everything you hold dear ground into dust." *elseif (ethnicity = "choctaw") But then he laughs. "I've killed so many of your kind, I don't even remember them all. Which makes you just one more face to forget," he says, spitting on the ground between you. "Your crimes will not go unpunished. I look forward to seeing everything you hold dear ground into dust." *else "How can you? How can you betray your people to those…" he stumbles. "Because you and all you ilk are cruel, heartless, and corrupt. And your entire society should be ground into dust." M. d'Estrehan stiffens at your rebuke. "There is only one answer to this." He looks at his companions and jerks his head in your direction. A rope appears from somewhere—they mean to lynch you here and now. *gosub_scene util combat_value *if (combat >= 7) and (discretion > 50) *set saintcharles_rapport %-50 *set killed_party true *set compassion %+10 But these are not warriors. These are farmers, overseers, and an aging veteran or two. They know how to beat or rape an unarmed slave, but they do not know how to fight. You take several bullets in the battle, but having already given over to the idea that you will observe the Rule of Reserve by killing them all, you drink from the dying as they fall before you. Several of them try to run, but you mount one of the horses and chase them down. For the first time in years, you are well and truly full. *if feeding_style = "vegetarian" *set compassion %+10 Some part of you withers at the carnage. You have sought to avoid consuming the blood of humans, but these have pushed you too far. *else You struggle as they seize your arms. They tie your hands and despite your protestations, they drag you to a nearby tree. "Do you have have any last words?" M. d'Estrehan inquires. *if (rationalism > 60) and (religious_tradition = "pagan") "May your hunts always be fruitless, your traps ever empty, and your crops wither in the summer heat." M. d'Estrehan snorts in response. *elseif rationalism > 60 "May God have mercy on your souls." M. d'Estrehan snorts in response. *elseif discretion > 40 "I will come for all of you." M. d'Estrehan snorts in response. *else "Get it over with." M. d'Estrehan nods, extending you a modicum of respect for your stoic response. Then, at a gesture, the rope is pulled taught, suspending you in the air. *if compassion < 30 The experience is terrifying. The rope tightens around your neck, crushing your windpipe. You are lifted into the air, you legs kicking for purchase. You struggle against your bonds, but they are tied fast. You try to scream, but you can't; the best you can do is gurgle in pain and frustration. Eventually, however, some part of you remembers: you're already dead. And you should stop pretending that you're alive unless you want them to figure that out. They're already starting to look perturbed at the length and fury of your mute protestations. Trying to calm your nerves, you let a final gurgle and then collapse. Your death must have been convincing enough, as after another few minutes they turn and leave your corpse hanging in the still night air. *elseif compassion > 65 *set exposure +1 You close your eyes and play dead. You hear expression of confusion and dismay from the men—why didn't you cry out? Why no gurgling? Why aren't you afraid?—but when they test your pulse, they can feel no heartbeat. Unnerved, they leave your body drifting in the starlight. *elseif creation > 1 You play at not being able to breathe, making gurgling sounds as best you can—which is quite difficult, with you windpipe being crushed—and the watchers cheer what they imagine to be your death. *comment do another fork for creation 1? *else *set exposure +1 You let your body go limp. That's what bodies do, right? You can hear the confusion of the watchers—why did you not jerk and choke—but when they feel for your pulse, you appear to be nothing more than a corpse. Unnerved, they leave your body drifting in the starlight. *if anselm_hired Anselm cuts you down after the vigilantes leave. He marvels as your throat returns to its pristine condition before his very eyes. "I am hungry," you observe. *if killed_party "Master, you should flee. The rest of the parish will not tolerate this," Anselm says, pointing to the bodies. *else *bug *temp tick false *label death_loop *choice #It is time to leave the parish. I take Anselm with me and flee. *set wealth /4 *set income /2 *set maddox_num 2 *set wilson "Anselm" *set maddox "Martin" You hide from your neighbors while Anselm attempts to sell your moveables and maintain the charade of your death. When the questions become too uncomfortable, the two of you pack the last of your things and depart. Keeping the river to the west, you make your way north, outside of the world you have known since your death. *if killed_party Shortly after departing, you hear how the District Marshal, Peter Duplessis was summoned to the parish. *gosub insurrection_response *finish *if (literate) #It is time to leave the parish. I instruct Anselm to sell my things and send me the money once I have established myself elsewhere. *set wealth *0.6 *set income *0.8 Several weeks later, you receive your papers and affects. Anselm does an admirable job of selling your moveables and immovables for an acceptable price. You write a final note of farewell to Anselm, and then continue north, putting the land you have known since your death behind you. *if killed_party Shortly after departing, you hear how the District Marshal, Peter Duplessis was summoned to the parish. *gosub insurrection_response *finish #I ignore the evening's adventures, and carry on as though nothing happened. *if killed_party Unfortunately, the widows and children of the vigilantes are not ready to let the matter be forgotten. They know enough to summon the District Marshal of Louisiana, Peter Duplessis, who comes to the parish at the head of a militia to confront you. He approaches you at your home, and heated words quickly turn to gunfire. Try as you might, the Marshal and his militia manage to corner you and hack you to pieces. *set killed_by_mortal true *page_break *goto_scene scoring *else *set saintcharles_rapport %-20 *set exposure +1 The first time M. Badeau sees you outside the dry goods store, the pipe drops from his mouth. You smile at him. "Something wrong? You look as though you've seen a ghost!" He turns and runs. *allow_reuse *if (killed_party = false) #I kill the vigilantes one by one over the next few weeks@{tick —regardless of the consequences|}. *if tick *set discretion %+10 *set compassion %+10 *set exposure +2 *set saintcharles_rapport %-50 First M. d'Estrehan, then M. Badeau, then [i]les frères[/i] Tourné in one fell swoop…they all fall to your fangs. But then things become much more difficult. The first disappearance is considered a mystery, but the second provokes serious concern. When the Tourné brothers disappear, the parish summons the District Marshal of Louisiana, Peter Duplessis. By the time Duplessis arrives from New Orleans, the other four vigilantes are dead. *gosub insurrection_response Eventually, however, word of your continued existence escapes into the community. The widows of the vigilantes—quite aware of what transpired that night—point their fingers at you. Duplessis confronts you at your home, and heated words quickly turn to gunfire. Try as you might, the Marshal and his militia manage to corner you and hack you to pieces. *set killed_by_mortal true *page_break *goto_scene scoring *else *set tick true Anselm sees the glint in your eyes. "Master, please. I know you're angry. But consider: the Uprising of '11 resulted in the deaths of two white men and the reaction was severe. What do you think will happen if you kill eight of them?" You consider Anselm's words of advice. *goto death_loop *set faked_death true *goto duplessis_arrives *label insurrection_response *set stlouis_race_relations %-20 *if sod_plot = false *set sod_plot true *set sod_founder "duplessis" Fearing an impending uprising, Duplessis organize@{killed_party d|s} a posse, seize@{killed_party ing|s} every male slave above the age of ten in the parish, and corral@{killed_party d|s} them in an open-air prison. The men and boys @{killed_party were|are} interrogated and tortured, but without any knowledge of you, they @{killed_party had|have} nothing to offer Duplessis. Eventually, one make@{killed_party d|s} a false confession in order to get the pain to stop. By the time all is said and done, sixty men and boys @{killed_party were|are} hanged along the levée both as a punishment and as a warning to other people with "ideas." *return *page_break *if offer_help *if (ethnicity = "african") or (ethnicity = "choctaw") *set wealth /4 *set income /2 Considering the color of your skin and your offer of help to the conspirators, you see only one way forward: to flee the parish. You do your best to liquidate your holdings over the next few nights, and then prepare to depart. *label flee_saintcharles The road from the parish will be long and hazardous, but you can survive it. You feel that perhaps you have worn out your welcome in Louisiana. *if kept_clotho_letter *set kept_clotho_letter false *set compassion %+5 Unfortunately, your hasty departure means that you had to abandon Clotho's letter. It was in your bureau, and you did not retrieve it before confronting M. d'Estrehan. You hang your head in shame and sorrow. Keeping the river to the west, you make your way north, outside of the world you have known since your death. *finish *elseif male = false *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 M. Mayeux, the parish judge, finds the whole matter to be sordid and generally unpleasant. Unwilling to take the word of negro slaves over that of a white woman, he declares you free of any guilt. *else *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 Though Badeau's Endymion says nothing of your offer of aide, the other conspirators freely volunteer testimony of your involvement. Deciding that the conspirators cannot be trusted in this matter, the parish judge—M. Mayeux—clears you of all wrong-doing. All the same, whispers about your sympathy for the negroes spreads throughout the white residents of the parish. *comment This could be revised to require a choice on the part of the player: intimidate Cupidon into lying, or bribe/persuade Estrehan into ordering Cupidon to say nothing, or to let things unfold and be arrested. Or deal with the judge directly. The conspirators are hung on the levee overlooking the river from Badeau's concession. Their bodies are left hanging for three days, where the slaves on both sides of the river can see what comes of insurrection; only then are their families allowed to cut down and bury their dead. *else While the conspirators volunteer that they met on your property, to your relief none of them implicate you in their affairs. You are officially cleared of any wrong-doing by the parish judge. The conspirators are hung on the levee overlooking the river from Badeau's concession. Their bodies are left hanging for three days, where the slaves on both sides of the river can see what comes of insurrection; only then are their families allowed to cut down and bury their loved ones. *label duplessis_arrives *page_break It is only mildly surprising when you hear word of the arrival of a US Marshal, come to investigate the threat of a slave uprising. Within a few days of his arrival, you awake to learn that he came calling during the day, *if anselm_hired but Anselm told him that you were unavailable. The Marshal is lodging with M. Mayeux and invites you to call on him there. Anselm informs you that the man identified himself as Peter Duplessis, District Marshal of Louisiana. *if met_andrew_jackson It is, in fact, the very same Marshal that you met at the home of M. de Marigny in New Orleans! *else leaving a note in your absence. *if literate The note informs you that the Marshal is lodging with M. Mayeux and invites you to call on him there. The note is signed Peter Duplessis, *if met_andrew_jackson the very same Marshal that you met at the home of M. de Marigny in New Orleans! *else District Marshal of Louisiana. *else You crumble the note, unable to read it, and toss it into the fire. If he wants to speak to you, he can come back when you are awake. He does not come back. *goto rise_to_authority *page_break *set met_duplessis true The next evening, you call on Duplessis at the home of M. Mayeux. *if sod_plot He greets you familiarly, recalling your introduction at the home of M. de Marigny. To your surprise, he inquires after the health of ${new_orleans_quaestor_surname}. You recover quickly, however, and assure Duplessis that ${new_orleans_quaestor_surname} fares well. He notes that he was, in fact, appointed a few months after the insurrection of 1811, and that these crimes are well within his jurisdiction. His questions about the conspiracy are formal and pointless. It is simple enough to offer sweet nothings in reply. *if faked_death He is particularly interested in the rumor that you were lynched, and yet miraculously survived. You smile and tell him that it was clearly a misunderstanding. When the questions are over, the conversation continues in a more familiar mode. *if perception > 1 You sense, however, that the questioning—both formal and informal—has some sort of deeper significance. Though he maintains an air of nonchalance, he is clearly paying acute attention to your body language. *if discretion > 55 In short, you feel as though he is more interested in you than the residents of the parish. *elseif (discretion > 55) All the same, you feel as though he is more interested in you than in the residents of the parish. Professing a need to draw on his pipe, he invites you to join him on the porch. The two of you adjourn there, where the tobacco embers are the only source of light other than the stars. *choice #"If our business here is done, I hope you will excuse me taking my leave of you, Marshal Duplessis." *set discretion %-5 "Yes, yes…of course. I did not mean to keep you so late. Perhaps we shall meet again someday." "Yes, perhaps." Though you doubt it. *page_break *if sod_plot = false *set sod_plot true *set sod_founder "duplessis" The next day, satisfied that the threat of an insurrection has passed, Duplessis packs his things and departs. He is gone before the sun sets. Reflecting on his odd behavior, you wonder whether he found what he was looking for. *if (male = false) and (discretion > 40) *selectable_if (feeding_style != "vegetarian") #I invite the Marshal to lay with me in the fields; the better to feed on him. *set discretion %+5 *if sod_plot = false *set sod_plot true *set sod_founder "duplessis" *if charm > 2 *set fed_from_duplessis true *achieve fedonduplessis He is powerless to resist your charms and follows you into the cottonfield behind the home of M. Mayeux. In the midst of your lovemaking, you sink your teeth into the soft flesh of his inner thigh. He moans with pleasure, and you drink your fill. *if knows_parts_dont_work When you are satisfied, you leave him to sleep, and return to your resting-place. *else *set knows_parts_dont_work true To your dismay, however, you discover that your body does not respond to the Marshal's touch in the way that you had anticipated. Your genitals are entirely disinterested in this evening's activities. You leave Duplessis to sleep, returning to your resting-place to puzzle over this new discovery. *page_break You are not sure what he remembers of the night before, but apparently it horrified him. *if rationalism < 50 Perhaps he felt guilty over such a moral failing? Before you rise the next evening, Duplessis has packed his things and is away. *else He rejects your advances in no uncertain terms. Sensing that you have reached the edge of his patience, you bid him goodnight. *page_break The next day, apparently satisfied that the threat of an insurrection has passed, Duplessis packs his things and departs. He is gone before the sun sets. Reflecting on his odd behavior, you wonder whether he found what he was looking for. *elseif feeding_style = "soldiers" *selectable_if (discretion > 40) #Alone with the Marshal? I feed from him! *set discretion %+15 *set compassion %+10 *set fed_from_duplessis true *achieve fedonduplessis *if sod_plot = false *set sod_plot true *set sod_founder "duplessis" Absorbed by his pipe tobacco, Duplessis does not notice your approach. Your teeth are in his neck, and soft moans are issuing from his mouth before he can think to resist. When you have had your fill, you clean your face and leave him asleep. *if compassion < 60 You even think to extinguish his pipe before you depart, lest he set himself on fire. *page_break You are not sure what he remembers of the night before, but apparently it horrified him. *if rationalism < 50 Perhaps he felt guilty over such a moral failing? *comment endif Before you rise the next evening, Duplessis has packed his things and is away. *if (ethnicity = "african") or (ethnicity = "choctaw") *selectable_if (discretion > 40) #I take the opportunity to kill Duplessis. He suspects my involvement with the slaves, and it would be better to take him now while he is alone. *label kill_duplessis *set duplessis_killed true *if sod_plot *set sod_plot false *set sod_founder "empty" *set saintcharles_rapport %-20 *if fighting > 8 Catching your arms around his neck, you hold him until he is weak enough that you can break it. He slumps in your arms, and you drag his body to feed to the alligators. M. Mayeux will no doubt wonder about his missing guest, but it will be easy enough to pass off his disappearance on the slaves. *else *set fed_from_duplessis true *achieve fedonduplessis Fearing that you might not be able to take him in an even match, you decide to use the seductive power of your bite to subdue him. Closing your mouth around his neck, he is moaning in pleasure before he can think to resist. You drink his heartsblood, and when you are finished, you dispose of his body. M. Mayeux will no doubt wonder about his missing guest, but it will be easy enough to pass off his disappearance on the slaves. *else *selectable_if (discretion > 40) #I find this whole affair exceedingly strange; I take the opportunity to kill Duplessis. *goto kill_duplessis *label rise_to_authority *page_break *set wealth +(income*5000) *temp decide_for_riehl false *temp decide_for_heidel false *if saintcharles_rapport > 60 The people of the parish have begun to treat you with a sort of fearful reverence, the way a primitive people approach a god living amongst them. @{faked_death Your rumored resurrection only fans these flames.|} *elseif saintcharles_rapport > 40 The people of the parish have begun to treat you with a mix of terror and respect. When you are not looking directly at them, you sense them crossing themselves or performing other folk protections against evil spirits. @{faked_death Your rumored resurrection only fans these flames.|} *else Wherever you go in the parish, the people do their best not to turn and run in terror. *if farmer_dead or (farmer_family_dead or killed_labranche_boy) They may not be able to prove your crimes against their community, but they suspect you as the source of the plague of misfortunes that has befallen them of late. *if faked_death And your rumored immortality stokes these fears. *elseif faked_death The mystery around the failed attempt to lynch enflames these fears. While you pass from dry goods store to bank to courthouse, they stand and watch you, hating you with every ounce of their being, yet too fearful to raise a hand against you. Children are sent inside, and the menfolk come to their doors in case you want something. For a lesser creature, such a response would be unnerving; you feed on this attention. This position makes transactions with the local merchants turn in your favor. Who would dare cross the master of the parish? *choice #I encourage these feelings of subservience. *set discretion %+30 *set compassion %+15 *set anachronism %-10 *set independence %-10 *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 #This respect is due to me. *set discretion %+15 *set anachronism %-10 *set compassion %+10 *set independence %-10 *set saintcharles_rapport %+10 #I do my best to rule using my best judgment. *set discretion %+10 *set compassion %-5 *set anachronism %-10 *set independence %-10 *set saintcharles_rapport %+15 *selectable_if (discretion <= 60) #I ignore these solicitations. *set discretion %-10 *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 Though you do your best to ignore these overtures, certain individuals in the community—M. Heidel, for one—do their best to "translate" your snarls and circumlocutions into commands. Modern haruspexes, they seek to to read the signs to learn the will of their ${lord}. *page_break *if taught_three_rules #I try to avoid or downplay this authority. Such displays of power may violate the Rule of Reserve. *set discretion %-15 *set anachronism %+5 *set independence %+10 *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 *else #I try to avoid or downplay this authority. Drawing too much attention to myself seems like a bad idea. *set discretion %-15 *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 *set year 1824 The winter has cooled the countryside, making evening strolls both more pleasant and more frequent. Striding along the levee near the home of M. d'Estrehan, you spy a light in the rectory of the parish church. While the people of the parish regularly attend services in the Red Church of St. Charles Borromeo, there has been no priest for years. So who now occupies the rectory? *fake_choice *selectable_if (rationalism < 70) #Knock on the door of the rectory and introduce myself. *if anselm_hired #Ask Anselm about the new resident of the rectory. "Père le Breton just arrived from New Orleans. I'm not sure where he's from originally, but he seems to be having some trouble with the accent, and that has not endeared him to the parishioners. Everyone can tell he's not from around here. Would you like for me to arrange an introduction?" *choice #"Yes, arrange one, please." A few nights later, Anselm brings you before le Breton. #"No, I not interested in meeting this priest." *set discretion %-5 Unfortunately, pretending the fellow doesn't exist doesn't make him go away. A few weeks later, you are accosted by someone you do not recognize; due to the collar, you assume it is the new resident of the rectory. #Ignore the new arrival. *set discretion %-5 Unfortunately, the new arrival seems intent on staying. The light does not diminish; if anything, it multiplies. The rectory is now lit most of the night, fueling the arrival's lucubrations. A few weeks later, you are accosted by someone whom you do not recognize; due to the collar and cassock, however, it is easy to deduce that he is the new resident of the rectory. @{speaks_french |It takes a few minutes before you can figure out a common tongue, but soon you do.} "${mr_temp} ${surname}, I don't believe we've met, but your reputation precedes you." "No, Father, I dare say we haven't." "My name is Père Jean-Théodule le Breton. You too are a newcomer here?" @{local "Actually, I was born here. As much as some of my neighbors wish to forget that I knew them when they were still in swaddling-clothes."|"A few years, yes." } *if saintcharles_rapport >= 45 "Well, it does seem as though the people of the parish look to you for direction." *else "I see. I also see that the people of the parish cower before you." *goto confrontational_lebreton *if idea_for_cult and ((discretion > 40) and (priest = false)) *label confrontational_lebreton "As they should." "As they should?" he exclaims in surprise. *choice #"But of course. I am their lord." *set discretion %+20 "Their lord?" "Yes. As you have observed, they look to me for guidance. And in return I expect their fidelity." "They have only one obligation, and that is to the Lord." "There you are wrong, father." *selectable_if (rationalism >= 40) #"But of course. I am their god." *set discretion %+30 "You speak blasphemy!" "No, Father, I speak the truth. If you speak with my faithful, you shall see the truth of my words." The priest looks at you in horror. He crosses himself as he backs away from you. *selectable_if (saintcharles_rapport > 45) #"Well, yes, I am good to them, and they are good to me in turn." *set discretion %-10 "It seems to me that they have misplaced their trust, as they should be looking to the Church for guidance." "Perhaps, but who is it that actually heeds their call?" "What do you mean?" "When they cry out for succor, your God does not offer them solace. I, on the other hand, hear their pleas." "What you say is blasphemy!" "I only speak the truth." "There is no truth in your heart or on your tongue. Now, if you will excuse me…" *elseif priest *set idea_for_cult true "No, they only worship our Father." "I am surprised that you have not taken up residence in the rectory, ${mr} ${surname}. But, then again, the diocese has no record of your presence here." "Please, enjoy the accommodations. I have no need of them." Breton narrows his eyes at your avoidance of his observation. "Will I see you at mass one day soon?" *choice *selectable_if (rationalism <= 70) #"If you will hold an evening mass, you might see me there." *set discretion %-5 He nods affably. "I look forward to it, my @{male son|child}." *selectable_if (rationalism >= 40) #"It has been some time since I set foot on holy ground; I do not think I am welcome there any longer." *set discretion %+10 *set rationalism %+5 "And yet you wear the cassock?" "Though God may have abandoned me, that does not mean that I have abandoned Him." "God abandons no one, ${mr_temp} ${surname}." "For your sake, I hope you are correct." #"I'm afraid that is impossible." "Nothing is impossible, ${mr_temp} ${surname}." "Perhaps you are right, Father. I suppose that time will reveal which of us is right." *else *set idea_for_cult true "That is an interesting idea. One that I had not considered." "I'm sorry?" "It is nothing." "Will I see you at mass one of these days?" *choice *selectable_if (rationalism <= 70) #"If you will hold an evening mass, you might see me there." *set discretion %-5 *selectable_if (rationalism >= 40) #"I do not think that your God would permit such a thing." *set discretion %+10 *set rationalism %+5 "You are a child of the Lord. No matter how far you stray from the fold, Christ is always there to accept you back in, if only you will humble yourself before Him." "That is kind of you to say, Father, but the gate to the fold has been closed to me." "There is always a way, my child." #"I'm afraid that is impossible." "Nothing is impossible, my child. You simply have to submit to His will." "Father, I have made it this far without submitting to His will; I doubt that I shall find myself changing that in the near future." Breton expresses some frustration at this claim and soon excuses himself. *if religious_tradition = "pagan" #"You mistake me for one that has bowed to your faith, Father. My people have their own god. So, no, I do not believe I will be attending your rite." Breton's eyes narrow at you. "I had heard that there were still heathens among your kind, but this is the first that I had met one. I hope you enjoy your eternity in hell." With that, the priest takes his leave of you. *page_break It is not long before you hear that Père le Breton has been delivering homilies that revolve around the presence of Satan in the day-to-day lives of the parishioners. "He may take the guise of your husband or wife, your neighbor or your tenant. One must be vigilant always, for Sin is crouched at the gates of your heart, a bitch waiting patiently for you to take her in." Do you respond to this challenge? *fake_choice *selectable_if (shapeshifting > 1) #I use my influence on the animals of the parish to make Breton's life miserable. Dogs attack him, birds keep him up at night, and rats steal the holy wafers from their storage place… *set discretion %-5 You make Père le Breton's life miserable. He cannot step outside without risking bloody wounds and the stench of feces. He lasts a few more weeks before finally packing up his things and returning to New Orleans. The rectory falls dark once again. *page_break *goto priest_leaves_end #I do not fear this priest. Let him say what is on his mind. *set discretion %+10 #I do some good turns for my neighbors…and then let them decide for themselves who they should support. *set saintcharles_rapport %+10 *selectable_if (charm > 2) #I agitate against this upstart priest. *if saintcharles_rapport >= 60 Between the priest's mediocre grasp of the local dialect and your solid influence over the parishioners, he is soon run out of town. You are told that he curses your name as he is escorted to the boat that will return him to New Orleans. *elseif saintcharles_rapport >= 40 The residents of the parish find themselves in a difficult position. Your treatment of them has not been overly harsh or cruel, and they are reluctant to see that change. There is a certain comfort in stability, even if that stability comes at a high price. In time, though they continue attending Church faithfully, they begin pretending as though they cannot understand le Breton's accent. Frustrated, the priest returns to New Orleans. *else Over the next few months, the parishioners thoroughly confuse the priest. At times, they plead with him to save them, at other times they suspect him of being an agent of yours. Père le Breton's mediocre grasp of the local dialect does nothing to help improve the situation. In time, though they continue attending Church faithfully, they begin pretending as though they cannot understand le Breton's accent. Frustrated, the priest returns to New Orleans. The rectory falls dark once again. *page_break *label priest_leaves_end *advertisement *if avoided_new_orleans and ((speaks_english or speaks_french) or (speaks_spanish)) *if speaks_english or speaks_french *set met_jesse true *else *set met_estefania true *set interlocutor "Sra. Rios" *set interlocutor_full_name "Estefania Rios e Hidalgo" *set interlocutor_given_name "Estefania" *set interlocutor_pro "woman" *set interlocutor_pro_acc "her" *set interlocutor_pro_pos "her" *set interlocutor_pro_nom "she" *set interlocutor_pro_reflex "herself" *gosub_scene util combat_value *set year 1825 *if anselm_hired Anselm approaches you one evening in the early spring of ${y1825}, bearing a note. Opening it, you find it addressed to you. *if literate = false Unfortunately, you are forced to seek the skills of @{killed_labranche_boy a local businessman, M. Labranche, in order to understand the letter.|M. Labranche to read the letter to you.} Taking the note in his hands, M. Labranche clears his throat before speaking. *else While sitting on your porch one evening, you spy one of the Heidel boys coming up the path from the road. He slows as he nears, clearly terrified, but something drives him resolutely onward. Having reluctantly closed the distance between you, he offers a letter he had previously hidden in his grubby hands. *if literate = false Unfortunately, you are forced to seek the skills of M. Labranche to read the letter to you. Taking the note in his hands, M. Labranche clears his throat before speaking. [i]${mr} ${surname},[/i] [i]On behalf of ${new_orleans_quaestor_address}, I request your presence tomorrow evening at the parish courthouse. @{(sire_alive and (sire_name != "West")) Your dominus, the Quaestor of New Orleans, desires to reëstablish contact with his scion.|The Quaestor of New Orleans desires to establish contact with his neighbor.} Those of our kind who are proximate to one another ought to be in formal contact.[/i] [i]Regards,[/i] *line_break [i]${interlocutor_full_name}[/i] *if jesse_is_broodmate and (interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse") Your maker has made another? And what is this 'quaestor' business? *else ${new_orleans_quaestor_address}? @{taught_three_rules That must be the Quaestor of New Orleans that West told you about. But what does he want with you?|What is a quaestor? What is the meaning of this?} How do you respond to this letter? *choice #I send confirmation that I will meet ${interlocutor_pro_acc} tomorrow evening. *set independence %+5 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %+5 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set rios_rapport %+5 *if literate = false Looking into the inquisitive gaze of M. Labranche, you ask him to compose a confirmation. *gosub deal_labranche *page_break You arrive in town the next evening. M. Heidel beckons you into his shop, where he offers you his office to meet with ${interlocutor} from New Orleans. He closes the door on his way out. #I send confirmation that I will meet ${interlocutor_pro_acc}, but instead I will ambuscade ${interlocutor_pro_acc}. *set independence %-20 *set compassion %+10 *set discretion %+10 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %-15 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set rios_rapport %-15 *if literate You tear up the letter idly, your mind absorbed by the details of how you will greet your visitor. *else Looking into the inquisitive gaze of M. Labranche, you ask him to compose a confirmation. *gosub deal_labranche *page_break *gosub ambush_jesse #I decline the invitation. *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %-10 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set rios_rapport %-10 *if literate You instruct the messenger to signal your refusal. He retreats back down the path towards the village. *else Looking into the inquisitive gaze of M. Labranche, you ask him to compose your refusal. *gosub deal_labranche *page_break The next evening, the animals of ${your_land} forewarn you that a walking corpse approaches. The ${interlocutor_pro}, whom you assume to be ${interlocutor_full_name}, soon appears on the path up from the road, striding confidently towards you. #I invite ${interlocutor_pro_acc} to join me at my haven instead. *set independence %+5 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %+10 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set rios_rapport %+10 *if literate You relay your counter-offer to the messenger. He retreats back down the path towards the village. *else Looking into the inquisitive gaze of M. Labranche, you ask him to compose your counter-invitation. *gosub deal_labranche *page_break The next evening, the animals of ${your_land} forewarn you that a walking corpse approaches. The ${interlocutor_pro}, whom you assume to be ${interlocutor_full_name}, soon appears on the path up from the road, walking confidently. #I recommend meeting at a nearby abandoned farmhouse instead. *set discretion %-5 *set independence %-10 *if literate You relay your counter-offer to the messenger. He retreats back down the path towards the village. *else Looking into the inquisitive gaze of M. Labranche, you ask him to compose your counter-invitation. *gosub deal_labranche *page_break The next evening, you arrive at the farmhouse early. Before long, the animals nearby alert you to the arrival of a rider. $!{interlocutor_pro_nom} must not fear you, as ${interlocutor_pro_nom} arrives at the farmhouse alone and at the appointed hour. $!{interlocutor_pro_nom} dismounts from ${interlocutor_pro_pos} horse and dusts ${interlocutor_pro_acc}self off. $!{interlocutor_pro_nom} raises ${interlocutor_pro_pos} eyes to yours and smiles. "It is @{circling_jesse interesting|a pleasure} to meet you, ${mr} ${surname}. I am ${interlocutor_full_name}, a citizen of New Orleans." "Good evening," you reply. @{pinned_by_jesse You do your best to put a tranquil sheen on things, considering your predicament.|} @{circling_jesse A rather polite tone for two vampires circling one another, probing for weakness.|} *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *if new_orleans_quaestor_given_name = "Fernando" "My broodmate, ${new_orleans_quaestor_address}, *else "The Quaestor of New Orleans, ${new_orleans_quaestor_address}, *elseif jesse_is_broodmate and (interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse") "Our dominus, ${new_orleans_quaestor_address}, *else "My dominus, ${new_orleans_quaestor_address}, sends you his greetings as well." *if pinned_by_jesse "Do you intend to keep me pinned like this all evening?" "Do you think that you can control yourself?" "I do." "Very well then." ${interlocutor_pro_nom} releases you, and the two of you stand up. *if circling_jesse *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %+10 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set rios_rapport %+10 "Shall we put away our fangs?" you offer. "Yes, let us," ${interlocutor_pro_nom} replies, duly impressed at your martial skills. *if taught_three_rules = false "I'm afraid you use many words that are unfamiliar to me, ${interlocutor_given_name}." "You can call me ${interlocutor}." "Very well, ${interlocutor}. Yet, you still use many words that are unfamiliar to me." *if jesse_is_broodmate and (interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse") *if sire_name = "West" *bug West can't be sire and Jesse broodmate. *if (sire_alive = false) and jesse_is_broodmate *page_break Sire: ${sire_name} *bug Dead sire can't also be Jesse's sire. "Yes, our dominus said that you had fled his company before he'd had the opportunity to educate you in the ways of the Society." "I am surprised he sends you in his stead. *if discretion > 60 Does he fear me so?" "He does not fear you. If anything, he fears that were he to come face to face with you, he would tear your head from your shoulders. He sends me as an intermediary to smooth over your differences. And to make it known to all that he has fulfilled his duties as a dominus." *else *if embrace_of_affection Does he care for me still?" "Care? In the sense that your existence is a source of concern for him, then yes. And so I am here, to make it known to all that he has fulfilled his duties as a dominus." *else Or does he require my talents once again?" "Your talents? No, I think he has quite moved past the need for those. Rather, he feels a mild responsibility for you; though you may not realize it, your deeds reflect on him. And so I am here, to make it known to all that he has fulfilled his duties as a dominus." *choice #"And what makes him think I have any interest in learning these things now? I had no interest in what he had to say then, nor do I now." *set jesse_rapport %-10 *set new_orleans_quaestor_rapport %-10 *set overstreet_rapport %-10 *set independence %-20 "So I see. Well, I shall inform ${new_orleans_quaestor_address} of your continued indifference." "Please do. Now leave." Narrowing his eyes at you, Jesse takes in the sight of you one last time before turning to leave. #"That was a long time ago. Please, tell me what it is that you have come to say." *set lore +1 *set jesse_rapport %+5 *set new_orleans_quaestor_rapport %+5 *set independence %+10 *set taught_three_rules true "Our dominus sends these words: 'I am the Quaestor of New Orleans, appointed by the Governor of this Province, Theresa Overstreet. As quaestor, it is my responsibility to enforce the Three Rules of the Society. It is these Three Rules that prevent the sort of anarchy that follows from an unregulated existence. "'To wit: the Rule of Respect, which demands that you formally petition the quaestor for permission to reside in a city. As, ultimately, your conduct is his to police. The Rule of Restraint, which demands that you refrain from killing others of our kind. And, most importantly, the Rule of Reserve, which demands circumspection in your activities, so that the mortal remain ignorant of us.'" "Is that all?" "There are subtleties and variations, but that is what he seeks to communicate to you. Even if you did part under strained circumstances, he does feel a certain…responsibility towards you." "Please inform our maker, then, that his duty has been discharged. Now, good evening to you, Mr. Whitaker." "And to you, ${mr} ${surname}." Jesse takes in the sight of you one last time before turning to leave. *if (sirethoughthewasagod) and (rationalism > 40) *selectable_if (discretion >= 40) #"I found his need for me to worship him as a god to be blasphemous." *set rationalism %+5 *set discretion %+10 "Those are heavy charges you lay at the feet of your maker." "I only speak the truth. Do you deny his aspirations to divinity?" Jesse looks extremely uncomfortable. "I am afraid that I cannot continue this conversation." "Fine, then go. I want nothing to do with this dominus…or whatever he decides to call himself these nights." You are surprised to see this Jesse fellow squirming before you. It is almost as though he wishes that he could express his sympathy, but something gainsays this desire. "I will convey your respects to him." "I imagine that I cannot persuade you to do otherwise. It is no matter, though. Good evening to you." "And to you." With that, he takes his leave of you. *if (sirethoughthewasagod) and (rationalism < 70) *selectable_if (discretion >= 40) #"I found his need for me to worship him to be delusional." *set rationalism %-5 *set discretion %+10 "Those are heavy charges you lay at the feet of your maker." "I only speak the truth. Do you deny his aspirations to divinity?" Jesse looks extremely uncomfortable. "I am afraid that I cannot continue this conversation." "Fine, then go. I want nothing to do with this dominus…or whatever he decides to call himself these nights." You are surprised to see this Jesse fellow squirming before you. It is almost as though he wishes that he could express his sympathy, but something gainsays this desire. "I will convey your respects to him." "I imagine that I cannot persuade you to do otherwise. It is no matter, though. Good evening to you." "And to you." With that, he takes his leave of you. *else "Though officially outside the purview of ${new_orleans_quaestor_address}, he desires to assure himself that all is well here, considering your proximity to him. And so, should you wish it, I am here to tell you something of the Society, should you need such instruction." *choice #"I have made it this long without instruction. I see no need to change things now." *set anachronism %-5 *temp ihis "his" *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %-5 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set ihis "her" *set rios_rapport %-5 *set new_orleans_quaestor_rapport %-10 *set overstreet_rapport %-10 *set independence %-20 "So I see. Well, I shall inform ${new_orleans_quaestor_address} of your continued indifference." "Please do. Now leave." Narrowing ${ihis} eyes at you, ${interlocutor_given_name} takes in the sight of you one last time before turning to leave. #"Very well, say what you have to say." *set lore +1 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %+5 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set rios_rapport %+5 *set new_orleans_quaestor_rapport %+5 *set independence %+10 *set taught_three_rules true "${new_orleans_quaestor_address} sends these words: 'I am the Quaestor of New Orleans, appointed by the Governor of this Province, Theresa Overstreet. As Quaestor, it is my responsibility to enforce the Three Rules of the Society. It is these Three Rules that prevent the sort of anarchy that follows from an unregulated existence. "'To wit: the Rule of Respect, which demands that you formally petition the quaestor for permission to reside in a city. As, ultimately, your conduct is his to police. The Rule of Restraint, which demands that you refrain from killing others of our kind. And, most importantly, the Rule of Reserve, which demands circumspection in your activities, so that the mortal remain ignorant of us.'" "Is that all?" *if jesse_is_broodmate "There are subtleties and variations, but that is what he seeks to communicate to you. Even if you did part under strained circumstances, he does feel a certain…responsibility towards you." "Please inform our maker, then, that his duty has been discharged. Now, good evening to you, ${interlocutor}." "And to you, ${mr} ${surname}." ${interlocutor_given_name} takes in the sight of you one last time before turning to leave. *else "There are subtleties and variations, but I have communicated the most important parts. He does, further, desire to know the identity of your dominus, and how and why you were not taught these things by him." "Dominus?" "Yes, the one who made you." Suddenly, the memory of your maker's eyes pleading for mercy as you burned him to death floats before your eyes. Quickly, you push that memory down, lest you betray yourself to this interrogator. *choice #"I do not know who my maker was. He never shared his name with me." "That is most unfortunate. It is considered a great crime to make another and not tend to the fledgling's needs. Perhaps if you told me something more about him, I could keep an eye out for him…" "It is no great matter. It happened some time ago. And if anyone were to seek vengeance, it should be me." "Remember what I have taught you this evening. Moreover, know that to kill one's maker is considered one of the gravest sins of our kind, so I would recommend against saying such things, even in jest." "Thank you for the warning, ${interlocutor}." "It is my pleasure. Fare well." "Until next we meet," you reply. #"Ah, that would be ${sire_name}. He left me to rot in these swamps." *set discretion %+5 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %+10 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set rios_rapport %+5 "Ah, yes, I have heard of this ${sire_name}. I have not met him myself, however." "Well, if you see him, please let him know that his offspring needs him no longer." "I certainly shall. A pleasure to meet you, ${mr} ${surname}." "And you, ${interlocutor}." #"${sire_name}? That must be the one of whom you speak. I have not seen him in some time." *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %+10 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set rios_rapport %+5 *if (interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania") and estefania_is_kin *set estefanias_protection true *set rios_rapport %+20 Estefania's face goes white. She can barely stutter out a response. "You…you are the offspring of Nando?" "Nando?" "Fernando! My dear brother!" "I…yes?" "When did you last see him?" This line of questioning is beginning to make you very uncomfortable. "At the Battle of New Orleans. He left me stranded in a hovel on the far side of the river." "The Battle of New Orleans? The battle that Jackson won?" "The very same." "That bastard…" "I'm sorry?" "Nothing…nothing. I…it is all very complicated. But I must say, it is an honor to meet you, ${mr} ${surname}. Please, if ever you should be in need, I am yours to be called upon." "Thank you, Sra. Rios." "Well, I should be going now. But I hope that we shall have the opportunity to get better acquainted some night or other." "As do I," you reply, lying through your teeth as she takes her leave of you. Watching her recede into the darkness, you muse that if your dead maker's broodmate were to find out that you had slain him, it would no doubt be disastrous. *else "Ah, yes, I have heard of this ${sire_name}. I have not met him myself, however." "Well, if you see him, please let him know that his offspring has managed to persevere without him." "I certainly shall. A pleasure to meet you, ${mr} ${surname}." "And you, ${interlocutor}." *else "What can I do for you, ${interlocutor}?" "${new_orleans_quaestor_address} is simply curious as to why you have never paid a visit to us in New Orleans." "As a child of West, I have little use for the machinations of the Society." "That explains much. I believe I met West once, several decades ago. I suppose, then, that as long as you respect the Three Rules, we shall not have a problem with your existence here. But you should know, stories about you have reached New Orleans. ${new_orleans_quaestor_address} recommends that you not play so fast and loose with the Rule of Reserve." *if discretion < 40 *set new_orleans_quaestor_rapport %+5 *set independence %+5 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %+5 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set rios_rapport %+5 "Please inform ${new_orleans_quaestor_address} that I shall be more discreet in the future." "I am glad to hear that, ${mr} ${surname}." "Is there anything else I can do for you?" "No. ${new_orleans_quaestor_address} simply sought assurance that his neighbor to the north was going to tend to their affairs properly." "Rest assured that I shall." "Good evening, then." With this, ${interlocutor_given_name} takes ${interlocutor_pro_pos} leave of you. *elseif (discretion <= 60) *choice #"Please inform ${new_orleans_quaestor_address} that I shall be more discreet in the future." *set new_orleans_quaestor_rapport %+5 *set independence %+5 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %+5 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set rios_rapport %+5 "I am glad to hear that, ${mr} ${surname}." "Is there anything else I can do for you?" "No. ${new_orleans_quaestor_address} simply sought assurance that his neighbor to the north was going to tend to their affairs properly." "Rest assured that I shall." "Good evening, then." With this, ${interlocutor_given_name} takes ${interlocutor_pro_pos} leave of you. #"Please inform ${new_orleans_quaestor_address} that he has no authority to give me recommendations." *set new_orleans_quaestor_rapport %-5 *set independence %-5 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %-5 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set rios_rapport %-5 *set overstreet_rapport %-10 "I see." "Is there anything else I can do for you?" "No, I think not. However, should you find yourself in dire straits in the future, do not come to New Orleans seeking succor." "Have no fear of that, ${interlocutor}." "Good evening, then." With this, ${interlocutor_given_name} takes ${interlocutor_pro_pos} leave of you. You spend some time mulling over this encounter, but in the end can make neither heads nor tails of it. *else *set new_orleans_quaestor_rapport %-5 *set independence %-5 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %-5 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set rios_rapport %-5 *set overstreet_rapport %-10 "Please inform ${new_orleans_quaestor_address} that he has no authority to give me recommendations." "I see." "Is there anything else I can do for you?" "No, I think not. However, should you find yourself in dire straits in the future, do not come to New Orleans seeking succor." "Have no fear of that, ${interlocutor}." "Good evening, then." With this, ${interlocutor_given_name} takes ${interlocutor_pro_pos} leave of you. You spend some time mulling over this encounter, but in the end can make neither heads nor tails of it. *page_break *elseif need_to_be_told_about_exile *if (speaks_english = false) and ((speaks_french = false) and (speaks_german = false)) *set interlocutor "Sra. Rios" *set interlocutor_full_name "Estefania Rios e Hidalgo" *set interlocutor_given_name "Estefania" *set interlocutor_pro "woman" *set interlocutor_pro_acc "her" *set interlocutor_pro_pos "her" *set interlocutor_pro_nom "she" *set interlocutor_pro_reflex "herself" *if anselm_hired Anselm approaches you one evening in the spring of 1832, bearing a note. Opening it, you find it addressed to you. *else While sitting on your porch one evening, you spy one of the Heidel boys coming up the path from the road. He slows as he nears, clearly terrified, but something drives him resolutely onward. Having reluctantly closed the distance between you, he offers a letter he had previously hidden in his grubby hands. *if literate = false Unfortunately, you cannot read it, but you can decipher the signature: ${interlocutor_full_name}. Taking the note to M. Labranche, you ask him to translate it for you. [i]${mr} ${surname},[/i] [i]I come to you on behalf of ${new_orleans_quaestor_address}. There are some final things that need to be said. I will meet you tomorrow evening outside the St. Charles parish courthouse.[/i] [i]Regards,[/i] *line_break [i]${interlocutor_full_name}[/i] You had supposed that, eventually, ${new_orleans_quaestor_surname} would send some sort of communique to you here. But sending ${interlocutor_given_name}? What will this entail? *if literate = false @{(compassion > 50) You make it clear to M. Labranche that he had best forget the contents of the letter, should he wish to see Jost grow to manhood someday.|You underscore to M. Labranche the importance of your confidence regarding the contents of the letter.} He nods in understanding. How do you want to respond to this note? *choice #Wait for ${interlocutor_given_name} and then ambuscade ${interlocutor_pro_acc}. *set discretion %+10 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %-15 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set rios_rapport %-15 *gosub ambush_jesse #Go to the meeting as requested. *set discretion %-5 You arrive the next evening to the vicinity of the courthouse. M. Heidel beckons you into his shop, where he offers you his office to meet with ${interlocutor_given_name}. He closes the door on his way out. ${interlocutor_given_name} rises when you enter *label sort_interlocutor *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %+5 *if jesse_rapport >= 60 and greets you warmly. *elseif jesse_rapport >= 40 and greets you with respect. *else but does little to disguise his distaste for you. *else *set rios_rapport %+5 *if rios_rapport >= 60 and greets you warmly. *elseif rios_rapport >= 40 and greets you with respect. *else but does little to disguise his distaste for you. #Offer to meet at an abandoned farmhouse just outside of town instead. *set discretion %-10 Apparently, this individual does not fear you, as ${interlocutor_pro_nom} arrives at the farmhouse at the appointed hour—alone, no less! $!{interlocutor_pro_nom} dismounts from ${interlocutor_pro_pos} horse and dusts ${interlocutor_pro_acc}self off. $!{interlocutor_pro_nom} raises ${interlocutor_pro_pos} eyes to yours *goto sort_interlocutor #Stay home. I see no need to meet with ${interlocutor_given_name}, as ${new_orleans_quaestor_surname} has no authority here. *set independence %-10 *set discretion %+5 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %-5 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set rios_rapport %-5 The next evening, the animals of ${your_land} forewarn you that a walking corpse approaches. After a short time, you spy ${interlocutor_given_name} striding confidently up the path to your haven. *if pinned_by_jesse "Perhaps you could release me, dear ${interlocutor_given_name}?" "Will you behave?" "Yes." "Very well, then." "Thank you," you say as you stand and brush yourself off. *if circling_jesse "You comport yourself well, ${given_name}," ${interlocutor_pro_nom} says, begrudgingly. "I'll take that as a compliment." $!{interlocutor_pro_nom} wrinkles ${interlocutor_pro_pos} nose at you. *if (speaks_english = false) and ((speaks_spanish = false) and (speaks_french = false)) "You've learned German," you observe. "After you left, I decided it might be good to learn, in case we crossed paths again." "I am glad to be able to finally speak directly with you. Pantomime was tiring." "Quite," ${interlocutor_pro_nom} agrees. "Well, it has been some time, ${given_name}." @{circling_jesse The two of you relax your stances somewhat, the immediate conflict sublimated.|} *choice #"I have missed you." *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %+10 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set rios_rapport %+10 You can see that ${interlocutor_pro_nom} tries to smother any pleasure ${interlocutor_pro_nom} might glean from this admission on your part. #"Yes, the pleasure is all mine." *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %+5 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set rios_rapport %+5 $!{interlocutor_pro_nom} draws up stiffly at this peace-offering, as if unsure as to how to take it. After a moment's pause, however, ${interlocutor_pro_nom} continues with ${interlocutor_pro_pos} assigned task. #"Not enough time, in my opinion." *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %-5 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set rios_rapport %-5 $!{interlocutor_pro_nom} smiles as if to say that ${interlocutor_pro_nom} couldn't agree more. #"And you're still alive? How unfortunate!" *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *set jesse_rapport %-10 *if interlocutor_given_name = "Estefania" *set rios_rapport %-10 ${interlocutor_pro_nom} snarls at this. After taking a moment to regain ${interlocutor_pro_pos} composure, ${interlocutor_pro_nom} continues. "I have been sent by ${new_orleans_quaestor_surname} to inform you that you are exiled from New Orleans. Should you return there, any who see you are tasked to put you to death." "Is that all that ${new_orleans_quaestor_address} has to say to me?" "Yes." "And you?" *if interlocutor_given_name = "Jesse" *if jesse_rapport >= 60 "New Orleans is not the same without you. I wish that you could return." "Yet, you know that I cannot." "If there were some way…" "But there isn't." "Know that you have at least one friend there." "I shall keep that in mind. You could always come here, leave ${new_orleans_quaestor_surname} to tend to his own affairs…" Jesse looks torn by this observation of yours. "You know that I cannot leave him. Not right now." "You ambition knows no bounds, does it, Jesse?" "Perhaps not. Until next we meet, then." "Until then." With that, he takes his leave of you. *elseif jesse_rapport >= 40 "The city is not the same without you." "There is no one to provide you with unending amusement?" "Yes, I suppose. It is important to have the young about…they keep the quaestor from examining one's own missteps too closely." "I am elated to know that I offered such a service on your behalf." "Yes, well, perhaps we shall see each other again someday." "I imagine that we shall." "Until then," he concludes. "Until then," you reply. With that, he takes his leave of you. *else "Don't get yourself killed, out here all alone among these savages. I wish to reserve that pleasure for myself." "You should be so fortunate." "Good evening, then, dear ${given_name}." With that, he takes his leave of you. *else *if rios_rapport >= 60 "New Orleans is not the same without you. I wish that you could return." "Yet, you know that I cannot." "If there were some way…" "But there isn't." "Know that you have at least one friend there." "I shall keep that in mind." "Until next we meet, then." "Until then," you reply. At that, she takes her leave of you. *elseif rios_rapport >= 40 "New Orleans is not the same without you." "Oh?" "Yes, it was always so amusing to watch you stumble through the first years of your unlife." "I am sorry that I am not there to provide you with an ongoing source of amusement." "Well, I imagine that we shall cross paths again someday." "That would not surprise me." "Until then," she concludes. "Until then," you reply. At that, she takes her leave of you. *else "Don't get yourself killed, out here all alone among these savages. I'm sure there are others would take too much pleasure in doing it themselves." "They should be so fortunate." "Good evening, then, dearest ${given_name}." With that, she takes her leave of you. *page_break *if (saintcharles_rapport > 40) and (speaks_german or speaks_french) *page_break Reflecting your newfound position of prominence among the residents of the parish, they sometimes invite you to adjudicate conflicts between them. During a stroll through the village of St. Charles one September eve, two farmers—MM. Heidel and Riehl—fall to their knees before you. This has come to signify their desire for you to judge between them. You gesture for them to stand and to bring their case. *page_break You listen impatiently to the facts of the matter as they are presented to you. As best as you can tell, it is the word of one against the other. @{(perception > 2) That said, you can see plainly that M. Heidel is lying through his teeth about the matter.|} M. Riehl is a small-time farmer; he has no slaves and tends his fields himself. You can see little benefit in deciding in his favor. M. Heidel, on the other hand, is a wealthy sugar-planter who would surely compensate you were you to decide in his favor. *choice #Decide in favor of M. Heidel. *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 *set compassion %+10 *set wealth +5000 *set decide_for_heidel true M. Heidel thanks you smugly, extolling your wisdom and other virtues before leading M. Riehl off to apportion the settlement. A few days later, you receive notice of a credit on your account with the general store. *if clothos_letter_in_karlstein and (clothos_letter_read = false) Figuring that you can ask one more thing of him, you seize the opportunity and summon M. Heidel to your home to have him read Clotho's letter to you. When he hears the nature of your request, he is only too happy to oblige you. Handing him the letter, he clears his throat and prepares to read. *gosub anselm_reads_letter *page_break #Decide in favor of M. Riehl. *set saintcharles_rapport %+5 *set compassion %-10 *set decide_for_riehl true M. Riehl thanks you humbly, bowing and kissing your hand. You wave him off—you certainly weren't looking for such a display of affection—and he leaves with Heidel to sort out the details of the matter. #Tell them to consult M. Mayeux; he is the parish judge, after all. *set discretion %-10 The men bow and scrape their apologies as they withdraw. #Tell them not to bother you with such trivialities. *set discretion %+10 *set compassion %+5 *set saintcharles_rapport %-5 The men bow and scrape their apologies as they withdraw. *if met_duplessis and anselm_hired *if duplessis_killed *page_break It is about this time that the inquest into the disappearance of Marshal Duplessis is officially closed. M. Mayeux receives word from the Marshal Service that Duplessis had not been a Marshal since a few months after the Battle of New Orleans—some ten years ago! While the matter of his disappearance becomes that much more interesting when his fraud is exposed, the field of potential actors expands beyond the scope of a simple parish inquest. M. Mayeux orders the matter dropped. *else *page_break A few days later, Anselm provides you with a bit of intelligence that truly surprises you. Since the departure of Marshal Duplessis, M. Mayeux has been trying to contact him and other members of the Marshal Service. M. Mayeux finally received a reply stating that Peter Duplessis has not been a Marshal since a few months after the Battle of New Orleans—some ten years ago! The residents of the parish are astounded at this fraud, yet completely unsure as to what to make of it. *if trepagnier *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 *set wealth +10000 *set income +10 *page_break It is around this time that the widow Trepagnier falls to her knees one evening while fetching herself some tea. She is dead before her body strikes the floor. *if compassion >= 50 Conveniently, you had anticipated such an event and had encouraged her to rewrite her will with you as the sole heir. Her legal heirs are quick to point out that such a testament is in direct violation of the [i]Code Napoléon[/i] which governs Louisiana, but with a few well-placed glares and some greased palms, their suit is quickly dismissed. *else Much to your surprise, that venerable dear took it upon herself to rewrite her will with you as her sole heir. Unfortunately, it will take them years to sort out the mess. And as long as you are here…well, they do say that possession is nine-tenths of the law. *page_break *elseif (feeding_style = "socialites") *set wealth +2500 *page_break It is around this time that the widow Trepagnier falls to her knees one evening while fetching herself some tea; the two of you had just been discussing the antics of one of the Labranche scions. *if compassion >= 60 She is dead before her body strikes the floor. You watch with annoyance as the spilled tea spreads across the floor of the kitchen. These mortals are so delicate sometimes. Her brood quickly falls all over themselves contesting her will. Much to your amusement, however, she left you a little something therein. *elseif compassion >= 40 Dismayed, you call for one of the servants to try and revive her, but to no avail. She was dead before her body hit the floor. Her brood quickly falls all over themselves contesting her will. Much to your amusement, however, she left you a little something therein. *else You rush to her side, and do your best to revive her, but she has already given up the ghost. Wiping away the tears of blood, you call for her servants to come and tend to their fallen mistress. Her brood quickly falls all over themselves contesting her will. Much to your amusement, however, she left you a little something therein. *else It is around this time that you hear that a local widow—whose husband was slain in the insurrection of '11—has passed suddenly; the Trepagnier brood quickly falls all over themselves trying to claim her property. With Père le Breton and the widow Trepagnier gone, the people of the parish *if saintcharles_rapport >= 40 increasingly look to you for not only leadership, but some sort of spiritual guidance. M. Mayeux even begins consulting with you before passing his judgments! Your supernatural power and influence, though not overtly exercised, is given an ever-widening berth by your neighbors. *else have no choice but to honor you as a sort of ruler. When M. Mayeux begins consulting with you before passing judgments, you know that your star has truly waxed ascendant. At the same time, your supernatural power and influence, though not overtly exercised, is given an increasingly wide berth by your neighbors. Their reliance on you comes to a head one day when M. Labranche requests an audience with you. You inform the messenger of a good time for this audience. When M. Labranche and several others arrive, they have a nubile young woman in tow, introduced as Sophie Riehl. It is made clear to you that this daughter of M. Riehl is being offered as a sort of gift. Whether they intend for you to take her as a @{male concubine, a maid, or a snack is not entirely clear.|maidservant or a snack is not entirely clear.} *temp offering_accepted false *temp kill_sophie false *temp labranche_reads false What is clear, however, is that they will ask no questions about her henceforth. Rather, they communicate to you that a certain rodent infestation has been damaging the crops, and they hope that by offering her to you, you will see fit to rectify the situation. *choice #Accept the offering; I will drain her at my leisure. *set discretion %+10 *set compassion %+10 *set offering_accepted true She really is a lovely girl, this Sophie. But when you say drain her, what do you mean? *choice #Drain her until she dies. *set compassion %+15 *set discretion %+10 *set kill_sophie true It's rare that you have the opportunity to savor an exsanguination like this. Watching her eyes roll back into her head and listening to her heart beat slow and finally still is really a beautiful experience. You will have to be careful, lest you become addicted to such experiences. But that does not resolve the matter of the pests. *page_break #Keep her around for a while. It's useful to have a ready source of blood around. *if perception > 2 Unfortunately, you can sense her distaste for you. It is nearly palpable. You will have to teach her how to keep her emotions in check. They certainly have a way of ruining your enjoyment of a pleasant evening on your porch. *else She minces about the house during the evening, avoiding your gaze and crossing herself when she thinks you aren't looking. Clearly, she does not wish to be here. #Accept the offering; the @{(saintcharles_haven = "plantation") plantation-house|farmhouse} really could use a good scrubbing. *set discretion %+5 *set offering_accepted true You give Sophie some directions about how to tend to your things. With some training, she could turn out to be a valuable servant. *if perception > 2 Unfortunately, you can sense her distaste for you. It is nearly palpable. You will have to teach her how to keep her emotions in check. They certainly have a way of ruining your enjoyment of a pleasant evening on your porch. *if fubar_clotho #Accept the offering; she's no Clotho, but a warm body is a warm body. *set discretion %+10 *set compassion %+10 *set offering_accepted true *if knows_parts_dont_work Left alone with Sophie, you find yourself free to have your way with her. Pushing her against the wall, you sink your fangs into her throat to the sound of her gasping. Drinking slowly, you soon feel your heart lurch to life. Unfortunately, this is not what you had hoped it would be. Pleasant, intoxicating…yes. But is this someone that you could love? Someone here out of obligation or a sense of self-sacrifice? @{(perception > 2) Moreover, you can almost taste her hatred of you in the air.|} Perhaps, though, given enough time… You let that thought go and instead focus on the exquisite sensation of your heart beating. *page_break *else *set knows_parts_dont_work true *if male To your despair, such leisure now only clarifies that you are no longer human, as your mortal parts do not respond to any form of stimulation. *else Sophie's inept attempts at stimulation do not disguise the truth of your condition: those activities which once brought you such joy as a mortal are now gestures without purpose. And, while stimulating Sophie amuses you for a short while, you grow quickly bored; watching her decaying flesh writhe on your extremities holds little fascination. You decide to feed on Sophie instead, and given the leisure to let her slowing heartbeat push yours into motion, you find an ecstasy unknown to mortals. That is some small comfort. *if perception > 2 Unfortunately, you can sense her distaste for you. It is nearly palpable. Yet you feel confident that, in time, you will be able to change her opinion of you. *else *if (knows_parts_dont_work = false) #Accept the offering; I have not had the leisure to experiment with sexual intimacy since becoming a vampire. *set discretion %+10 *set compassion %+10 *set offering_accepted true *set knows_parts_dont_work true You have not found yourself in many intimate situations since becoming a vampire…at least, not situations where you had the leisure to take your time to truly explore as you might be inclined. *if male To your despair, such leisure now only clarifies that you are no longer human, as your mortal parts do not respond to any form of stimulation. *else Sophie's inept attempts at stimulation do not disguise the truth of your condition: those activities which once brought you such joy as a mortal are now gestures without purpose. And, while stimulating Sophie amuses you for a short while, you grow quickly bored; watching her decaying flesh writhe on your extremities holds little fascination. You decide to feed on Sophie instead, and given the leisure to let her slowing heartbeat push yours into motion, you find an ecstasy unknown to mortals. That is some small comfort. *if perception > 2 Unfortunately, you can sense her distaste for you. It is nearly palpable. Yet you feel confident that, in time, you will be able to change her opinion of you. *if clothos_letter_in_karlstein and (clothos_letter_read = false) #Refuse the offering, but ask that M. Labranche read Clotho's letter to you instead. M. Labranche is only too happy to oblige. Fishing the letter out of the pocket where you have kept it close, you hand it over. M. Labranche clears his throat and prepares to read. *gosub anselm_reads_letter *set labranche_reads true #Refuse the offering; I do not desire a maid, and I like to hunt for my prey. *set discretion %-20 *selectable_if (workers != "slaves") #Refuse the offering; the idea of "owning" a slave is anathema to me! *set discretion %-5 *set compassion %-15 *temp muskrats_eradicated false The pest the villagers are speaking of is a colony of muskrats whose population has exploded of late. Normally, they are not a problem, but in the past year or so their numbers have increased so dramatically that their burrows are damaging some of the earthworks that keep the Mississippi from flooding the plantations. Additionally, some of the muskrats have taken to eating crops they formerly left alone. The villagers need your help. *choice #I don't care about these things. Let the peasants deal with this themselves. *set compassion %+15 *set discretion %+10 *set shepherd_credentials %-15 *if offering_accepted *set saintcharles_rapport %-25 The villagers are clearly upset that you accepted their gift of Sophie but are unwilling to uphold your end of the bargain. *page_break *elseif labranche_reads *set saintcharles_rapport %-15 M. Labranche is clearly furious that you had him read the letter but have since refused to uphold your end of the bargain. *page_break *else *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 The villagers are dismayed that you are unwilling to help them. They try to persuade you with other things, but you turn a deaf ear to their pleas. *page_break *if anselm_hired *selectable_if (wealth > 5000) #I send Anselm to New Orleans to hire a professional exterminator. *set compassion %-5 *set saintcharles_rapport %+10 *set shepherd_credentials %+15 *set discretion %-5 *set wealth -5000 *set muskrats_eradicated true Anselm returns a week later, several trappers in tow. The trappers set about catching the muskrats, much to the joy of the villagers. *page_break *selectable_if (shapeshifting > 1) #I use my powers of shapeshifting to summon the muskrats from their burrows and let the villagers catch and kill them. *set saintcharles_rapport %+10 *set discretion %+20 *set shepherd_credentials %+15 *set muskrats_eradicated true *achieve piedpiper Like the Pied Piper, you lead a group of villagers around the village, and then summon the muskrats out from their burrows. With nets and pitchforks, the villagers quickly rid themselves of the muskrats at each stop before you lead them to the next massacre. The villagers praise you for your aid. *page_break *if (anselm_hired) and (anachronism > 60) *selectable_if (technology > 0) #I work with Anselm to develop a new type of trap to improve the chances of catching these pests. *set discretion %-10 *set saintcharles_rapport %+15 *set shepherd_credentials %+15 *set anachronism %+10 *set muskrats_eradicated true After a few weeks of work, you assemble something of value. The villagers are amazed by your cleverness and quickly work to reproduce your invention and stem the tide of the muskrat invasion. The villagers praise you for your aid. *selectable_if (perception > 1) #Using my supernatural senses, I can detect the burrows and point them out to the villagers to deal with. *set discretion %+5 *set saintcharles_rapport %+15 *set shepherd_credentials %+15 *set muskrats_eradicated true With a little work, you are able to learn to distinguish the smell of the muskrats from the muck of the swamp. Leading a troop of villagers through the woods, you direct the villagers to the burrows. After a few nights of this, the villagers deem the matter resolved and praise you for your aide. #Lacking any better ideas, I at least try to provide some moral support. *set compassion %-10 *set discretion %-5 *set shepherd_credentials %+10 Unfortunately, moral support does little to solve the problem. *if offering_accepted *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 Moreover, your acceptance of Sophie coupled with your inability to solve their plight does nothing to endear you to them. *elseif labranche_reads *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 Moreover, M. Labranche is furious that he did you a favor, but you are unwilling or unable to uphold your end of the bargain. *else *set saintcharles_rapport %+5 But they appreciate your encouragement. *if offering_accepted and (kill_sophie = false) *if muskrats_eradicated *if anselm_hired *set saintcharles_rapport %-20 Unfortunately, catering to the whims of a vampire was not how Sophie imagined her life was going to unfold. Once the muskrats are dealt with, Sophie becomes increasingly disconsolate over her condition. *if compassion >= 60 Had you cared, you might have been able to prevent her suicide. As it is, you push past her dangling body and order Anselm to deal with the matter. *set kill_sophie true *page_break *elseif compassion >= 40 When you wake one evening to discover her body dangling in your foyer, you find yourself plunged into a deep despair. She had been so full of life…and yet she refused it. She refused you in the only manner she still had at her disposal. You instruct Anselm to deal with her slowly bloating corpse. *set kill_sophie true *page_break *else You are horrified to discover her body dangling in the foyer one evening when you awake. Waving Anselm away, you cut her down carefully. You carry her outside and bury her with your own hands. Is there no hope for one such as you? Will you ever find someone who can embrace your condition with the whole of their heart? These questions and more fill your head until the dawn finds you crawling back into your sleeping-hole. *set kill_sophie true *page_break *else *set saintcharles_rapport %-20 Unfortunately, catering to the whims of a vampire was not how Sophie imagined her life was going to unfold. Once the muskrats are dealt with, Sophie becomes increasingly disconsolate over her condition. *if compassion >= 60 Had you cared, you might have been able to prevent her suicide. As it is, you cut down her body and leave it for the crows to pick at. *set kill_sophie true *page_break *elseif compassion >= 40 When you wake one evening to discover her body dangling in your foyer, you find yourself plunged into a deep despair. She had been so full of life…and yet she refused it. She refused you in the only manner she still had at her disposal. *set kill_sophie true *page_break *else You are horrified to discover her body dangling in the foyer one evening when you awake. Cutting her down carefully, you carry her outside and bury her with your own hands. Is there no hope for one such as you? Will you ever find someone who can embrace your condition with the whole of their heart? These questions and more fill your head until the dawn finds you crawling back into your sleeping-hole. *set kill_sophie true *page_break *else *set saintcharles_rapport %-20 You can sense Sophie's anger at your refusal to address the matter of the muskrats. Distrusting her loyalty—with good reason—you leave her in chains during the daylight hours, lest she escape. Unfortunately for you, her determination is greater than you imagined; you awake one evening to find the chain wrapped around her neck. *set kill_sophie true *page_break *if saintcharles_rapport > 60 *if kill_sophie and (compassion < 40) Since the death of Sophie, you have found yourself relatively despondent. You cannot help but offer self-recriminations for your role in it, whether real or imagined. Out of some sort of masochistic penance, you have refrained from feeding for several nights. Realizing that you have been fantasizing about drinking from Anselm, you decide to take a constitutional. *elseif feeding_style = "vegetarian" It has been several nights since you have fed. The hunger tests the limits of your willpower; your proscription against the blood of humans seems to be fraying. You even find yourself fantasizing about drinking from Anselm! Deciding it high time to feed, you set out for an evening constitutional. *else The affection of your neighbors is not always beneficial. The past few evenings, you have been inundated with their concerns. Your efforts to find time for yourself to feed have been consistently frustrated. Finally, this evening, you seem to have a moment to yourself. Setting out for a constitutional, the hunger roars within you. You have barely left your property when you hear yourself addressed. "${mr} ${surname}, *if muskrats_eradicated I wanted to thank you again for all that you have done for us…" *else good evening to you." Turning, you see M. Mayeux, the parish judge, approaching. You find yourself sizing him up, but quickly dismiss the notion. The risk would be too great. "Good evening to you, M. Mayeux. Please, you must excuse me, I am in a bit of a rush…" "Good evening!" A third voice echoes through the night. Turning, you and M. Mayeux catch a glimpse of M. Rodrigue nearing from the other direction. "What a lovely night it is. What brings the two of you out this evening?" The two neighbors exchange some pleasantries, but you find yourself unable to focus, concentrating on holding on to your hunger. "${mr} ${surname}, which way are you headed?" Inquires M. Mayeux. You gesture towards the village, the direction from which M. Mayeux was just coming. "If you will excuse me, I really must be going…" you exclaim. "Good evening, then. Some time when you are not in such a hurry…" Mayeux trails off, just as Rodrigue interjects. "May I join you? I'm headed that way myself." You nod, unwilling to trust the sound of your own voice. *page_break Rodrigue chatters incessantly as you head closer to the village. It is while you are fantasizing about drinking his blood and silencing his prattle that a cry reaches your ears. *if perception > 1 You feel a rush threaten to overwhelm you; you can detect the scent of freshly spilt blood from here. Rodrigue goes silent. "Did you hear that?" he inquires. "Yes, of course I heard it," you snarl. "Well, what should we do?" he asks, surprised at your reaction. *choice *if perception > 1 *selectable_if (willpower > 2) #"I will do nothing. I have my own business to attend to." *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 *set compassion %+10 *set distress_response "indifference" With a hardened heart, you continue on your way. Rodrigue looks at you in disbelief, before another cry of pain draws his attention elsewhere. Within a few moments, he has set out in search of the poor soul. The individual's cries haunt you as you fade into the darkness. Torn though you are, you recognize how difficult it would be to hold on to your thirst when confronted with the presence of blood. You console yourself that, should the poor soul die this evening, it will not be at your hands. *elseif frenzied_on_jesse and (compassion < 35) *selectable_if (willpower > 1) #"I will do nothing. I have my own business to attend to." Due to my experiences with Jesse Whitaker, I know first-hand the consequences of being hungry and growing frustrated. *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 *set compassion %+10 *set distress_response "indifference" With a hardened heart, you continue on your way. Rodrigue looks at you in disbelief, before another cry of pain draws his attention elsewhere. Within a few moments, he has set out in search of the poor soul. The individual's cries haunt you as you fade into the darkness. Torn though you are, you remember the way the Beast overtook you before the Governor, ${new_orleans_quaestor_surname}, and the others. Here, there is none of your kind to stop you should you lose control. Should the poor soul die this evening, it will not be at your hands. *else *selectable_if (compassion > 30) #"I will do nothing. I have my own business to attend to." *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 *set compassion %+10 *set distress_response "indifference" With a hardened heart, you continue on your way. Rodrigue looks at you in disbelief, before another cry of pain draws his attention elsewhere. Within a few moments, he has set out in search of the poor soul. The individual's cries haunt you as you fade into the darkness. You shrug them off, concentrating instead on the feast which you are about to undertake. #"Let us discover the source of this outcry." *set compassion %-10 *set saintcharles_rapport %-10 *set distress_response "rodrigue" It does not take long to find the young man—perhaps a member of the Labranche clan?—who is sobbing hysterically over a foot caught in a muskrat trap. He is overjoyed at your arrival, but little does he realize the misery he has brought upon himself. As you near him, preparing to comfort him, the smell of the blood strikes your nostrils. You freeze…hoping that somehow, someway, if you stop moving fast enough…you just might be able to keep your hunger in check. You are wrong. *page_break When you come to, you find yourself in the midst of a blood-orgy. The dismembered limbs of M. Rodrigue and the Labranche scion litter the area. Your clothes are tattered and your face covered in their clotted remains. Finding yourself in dire circumstances, you cast about for a solution. Lighting upon one, you place the remains in a sack with some stones and deposit the entirety in the river. You are later questioned by M. Mayeux about the disappearance of M. Rodrigue. Considering the fact that you were the last to see him, the inquest returns to you on several occasions. You make up some story about parting from Rodrigue and plead ignorance of anything further. While no charges can be brought against you and the bodies are never found, you note a distinct change in the tenor of your neighbors' attitudes toward you. #"Go, seek a physician. I will see to any immediate concerns." *set compassion %+15 *set saintcharles_rapport %-20 *set distress_response "labranche" It does not take long for you to discover the source of the outcry: a young man—perhaps a member of the Labranche clan?—whose foot has been crushed by a muskrat trap. As you near him, preparing to comfort him, the smell of the blood strikes your nostrils. You freeze…hoping that somehow, someway, if you stop moving fast enough… you just might be able to keep your hunger in check. You are wrong. *page_break When you come to, the young Labranche is in pieces around the trap. Your clothes are sodden with blood and dirt. To complicate things, you detect the approach of other individuals. You cast about for some story to explain what you have wrought here. A few minutes later, M. Rodrigue appears, in the company of M. Simoneaux, a medical man. They stop in horror at the sight of your condition, and that of the Labranche scion. You stammer out some story about a bear and your attempted defense of the Labranche boy. It is clear that, while the strength necessary to dismember the boy would be great, far beyond that of any mortal, your story does not explain the blood around your mouth. While they set out to summon M. Mayeux, you retire to your haven. The matter can wait for tomorrow night. *page_break Lacking a witness other than yourself and presented with what evidence remains, M. Mayeux decides that you are telling the truth. Unfortunately, his decision does not sit well with your neighbors. The stories of your condition, when found by MM. Labranche and Simoneaux, are told and retold, and they grow with each iteration. *page_break *temp segura_reads false *set year 1826 *set y1825 +1 Later that same year—late October, ${y1825}—you learn of the arrival of Padre Segura. He has come from the diocese of Aire in France—via New Orleans—to take over the parish, and is fluent in many languages. Though his French is heavily accented, he soon adapts, and they embrace him for it. Before you are quite sure what has happened, the churchwardens of the parish confirm him to his new position. *if clothos_letter_in_karlstein and (clothos_letter_read = false) *page_break *set segura_reads true Considering his station, you can only imagine that he would be able to read Clotho's letter for you. You make an appointment with him and appear at the appointed time. When you have requested the favor, he is only too happy to oblige. Clearing his throat, he begins to read. *set clothos_letter_read true *set love_clotho true *set kept_clotho_letter true *if male [i]Mon cher[/i] *if male = false [i]Ma chère[/i] [i]${given_name},[/i] [i]I go with you tonight to see the quaestor with no fear in my breast. It has been made clear to me what will come to pass there, but so is it written, and so must it be done. As you demonstrate, death is not as simple as many believe.[/i] [i]And so I say to you, do not fear for us. I know that a love such as ours may be hindered by neither the rivers Styx nor Lethe. Until I hold you in my arms again, I remain,[/i] [i]Your once and future love,[/i] *line_break [i]Clotho[/i] *if male Once Segura has finished, he looks at you in disgust. "The sort of thing of which this Clotho speaks is blasphemous. I will not tolerate witchcraft, voodoo, or Satanism in my parish! There is only one Resurrection! There is only one Life Eternal! Do you hear me?" You quickly tear the letter from his hands, lest he put it to an unfortunate end. *else Once Segura has finished, he looks up at you in confusion. "This woman speaks to you as though you were a man. As though she loved you…" He gasps as the realization dawns on him. "I have heard of such… unnatural lust before, but never did I think that I would encounter it. And to have you come here and simply hand me this!" You quickly tear the letter from his hands, lest he put it to an unfortunate end. *else It is not long before these two forces are bound to clash. *page_break "This whole parish seems to dance at the end of strings which you hold." Segura invited you to a meeting, and you accepted the offer. Now you sit before him, discussing the parish and its residents. *choice *if priest #"I think you owe me more respect than your tone implies, Padre." *set discretion %+10 His eyes narrow at you. "The bishop will hear of this, ${mr_temp} ${surname}. I have seen no proof that you have any right to be here." #"I have tended my flock, as I was called upon to do so long ago." *set rationalism %+10 "Though I am sure that we all appreciate your efforts on behalf of the Holy Mother Church, the bishop is not aware of your presence here, and it is unclear to me that you have the authority be performing the sacraments at this church." #"Yes, so they do. They have a tendency to do that sort of thing, when you wear one of these," you say, gesturing at your collar. *set discretion %+20 Padre Segura sputters at your words, trying to convince himself to believe his ears. "This is outrageous!" he finally exclaims. *else #"They are in need of guidance, father. There has been none such as yourself to do it for me." "Then you are prepared to relinquish this influence you hold over them?" "No, I don't imagine that I am." "Then you arrogate the authority of the Church to yourself?" #"Yes, they conduct themselves according to my recommendations. As they should." *set discretion %+10 "It is not your place to rule in God's stead." "How do you know what my place is, father?" "You blaspheme!" #"I cannot help the respect they accord me." *set discretion %+5 "I am aware of your unholy influence over my parishioners, ${mr_temp} ${surname}. And for this I will not stand! These are God's people, and I will see to it that your power over them is broken." "Are you always given to hyperbole, Father?" "You blaspheme!" #"I know not of what you speak, father." *set discretion %-5 "You do not acknowledge their worship of you?" "I truly have no idea of what you speak, father." "Do not lie to me. I see you for what you are." "Padre Segura, the time of saints and martyrs is passed. Do not seek to join their number on my account," you reply, allowing a small smile to pass across your lips. "I am not afraid of you, ${mr_temp} ${surname}. In the name of Our Father in Heaven, I shall see the scourge of your influence torn from the earth of this parish and cast back into the depths from which you emerged." How do you respond? *choice #This meeting is over. Let Padre Segura do his worst; I am not afraid of his histrionics. *set discretion %+10 #This meeting is over. In the coming months and years, I will make Padre Segura's life miserable, so that he will join Breton in abandoning the parish. *set discretion %-10 Using your supernatural gifts, you begin to torment the Padre. @{(shapeshifting > 0) Soon, rats are eating the holy wafers and dogs howl outside his window all night long.|} Letters to and from the priest are mysteriously mislaid. His accounts at the dry goods store are consistently inaccurate. Unfortunately, the Padre refuses to abandon his post. As the torments grow in magnitude, so does his determination. #Segura has crossed a line. I leave now but plan an ambuscade for later. *set discretion %+15 *set compassion %+15 Catching Segura alone is a simple affair. He has a habit of visiting the ill whenever they need him, and his return home is often a long and lonely one. When you near, your fangs extended, he brandishes his crucifix at you, commanding you to withdraw in the name of the Lord. *if (rationalism >= 70) and (religious_tradition != "pagan") *set rationalism %+10 *set attacked_segura true At the sight of that symbol, you stop cold. With a sickening wrench in your stomach, you double over in pain. Feeling himself possessed of the upper hand, Segura comes closer, chanting in Latin. Hurt and afraid, you flee before his holy power. *else *set rationalism %-5 *set saintcharles_rapport %-40 You pause a moment and laugh in his face. "Your superstitions have no hold over me, father." With a certain amount of glee, you watch as the priest's faith shatters into a million pieces at the point of your fangs. *set segura_alive false *goto unrest *page_break *set year 1828 You and Padre Segura exist in a barely-contained detente for the next few years, as you struggle for the hearts and minds of the parishioners. *if attacked_segura Though you revealed yourself to Segura, the residents are too afraid of you to commit themselves immediately to his cause. A stranger observing the undisturbed rhythms of the plantings and harvests could be forgiven for not noticing the conflict that rages between you and the priest of the Red Church. Some part of you just wishes that this priest would up and disappear. *if crop != "none" *set wealth +(income*5000) In the meantime, Anselm does his best to turn a profit on your land. *if priest Through your ongoing correspondence with your former friends in the diocese of New Orleans, you learn that Bishop Dubourg has not acknowledged Padre Segura's claim to the Red Church. Dubourg refuses to visit the parish to perform Confirmations as long as Segura is ensconced here. You use this division to your benefit, as the parishioners do not like the fact that their children are coming of age while remaining officially barred from the Catholic Church. The whole matter raises quite a stir in the newspapers of New Orleans, as angry demagogues opine over the authority of the Bishop to appoint priests to parishes. "Is this not a democracy? And who elected Bishop Dubourg?" they demand. But Dubourg refuses to bend to public opinion—Anglophone public opinion, at that. *label petition_dubourg *page_break Before retiring to Europe, Dubourg officially relocates the seat of the diocese to St. Louis. The next bishop of the diocese, Rosati, whose life before becoming the Bishop was based in St. Louis, continues to administer the Church's affairs from there. Surely this new Bishop finds the ongoing schism with the Red Church of St. Charles parish to be an unsightly sore on his purview. To encourage the parishioners to change their mind, Rosati even announces that he will not visit the parish to perform any more Confirmations until Segura abandons the post. While not as drastic as excommunicating the whole parish, officially that puts the youths of the parish in danger of being denied entry to Heaven, should they die before this issue is resolved. Clearly, the Church wishes Segura removed as much as you. Perhaps you may find an ally there? *choice #It is best not to meddle in the affairs of the Church. Besides being blasphemous, it is also surely dangerous. *set discretion %-10 *set rationalism %+10 #The people of the parish will not tolerate their children being denied Confirmation for long. Soon enough they will turn against Segura. I only have to wait. *set discretion %-10 *set rationalism %-5 *if priest #I write to Rosati and offer my services in the parish as a way to heal the rift. *set discretion %+5 Rosati replies with a carefully worded rejection of your offer. While your [i]exeat[/i] is still in valid, your residence in the parish and your long-term absence from the Church would only create more problems than it would solve. In way of compensation, however, he does point out that there is a church in Memphis in need of a priest, should you be interested in relocating. *choice #I write Rosati to inform him of my acceptance of the offer. *set compassion %+5 A few weeks later you receive an apologetic letter informing you that, in fact, the parish in Memphis has already been staffed. It seems the mail had taken too long in transit, and a suitable candidate appeared in the interim. However, Rosati promises to survey the current state of things, and if there is an open parish, he will keep your desire to return to service in mind. #I politely decline the offer. *set discretion %-5 You politely decline the offer. You have fought long enough for your position here, and you have no desire to start all over again in Memphis. #I neglect to respond. *set discretion %+5 You leave Rosati's letter unanswered. After all, it's not like he needs a decision right now, does he? Moreover, there are more pressing concerns. Segura's constant agitation against your influence in the parish certainly tops the list. *if speaks_french *selectable_if (charm > 1) #I will meet with the churchwardens and work to convince them to rescind their support of Segura. Once the churchwardens and the bishop are against Segura, he will surely relinquish the position. *set discretion %+10 *if male = false The churchwardens grumble at the idea of being summoned to meet by a woman, but their fear of you forces their compliance. Once gathered, the churchwardens listen quietly to your oration about the pridefulness of Segura, who does not submit to the Bishop as he should. *if saintcharles_rapport > 40 *if killed_labranche_boy When you are finished, M. Labranche stands and addresses the gathered men. There are tears in his eyes when he begins to speak. "You all knew my boy, Jost. He was a good boy. And then, one evening, he set out in pursuit of a calf that lost its way onto @{trepagnier the property of Mme. Trepagnier.|the property of ${mr_temp} ${surname}.} He never returned. We received word a few days later that his body had washed up on the property of M. Rixner, further downstream. "I cannot prove the involvement of ${mr_temp} ${surname}, but I do think we should be very careful in our decision here." You clench your teeth at these accusations. "Gentlemen, I'm sure I don't have to tell you how absurd it is for M. Labranche to lay the unfortunate demise of his son at my feet. But he is right, you should consider my words with great care. It would be very unfortunate for your own children to be denied entry to Heaven because you failed to reconcile yourselves with the One True Church." *goto churchwardens_post *elseif kill_sophie and muskrats_eradicated When you are finished, M. Riehl stands. "When I encouraged my daughter Sophie to go to the house of ${mr_temp} ${surname}, I did not realize that I was sending her to her death. Yes, we are in the debt of ${mr_temp} ${surname} for his eradication of the muskrats, but I cannot forgive him for the death of my daughter, even if it was suicide. Therefore, I caution you to consider the repercussions of this petition." You clench your teeth at these words. "Gentlemen, I'm sure you are aware that one who commits suicide is forbidden entry to Heaven. And, while I too grieve for dear Sophie, I do not see how you can throw away your own salvation on behalf of someone whose soul is clearly condemned to hell." *goto churchwardens_post *elseif kill_sophie and (muskrats_eradicated = false) When you are finished, M. Riehl stands. "When I encouraged my daughter Sophie to go to the house of ${mr_temp} ${surname}, I did not realize that I was sending her to her death. Moreover, I sent her there in exchange for help with the muskrats, an exchange which ${mr_temp} ${surname} did not honor. Whatever transpired in that house, I cannot forgive him for the death of my daughter. Had he honored her as I had expected, she never would have committed suicide. Therefore, I caution you to consider the repercussions of this petition." You clench your teeth at these words. "Gentlemen, I'm sure you are aware that one who commits suicide is forbidden entry to Heaven. And, while I too grieve for dear Sophie, I do not see how you can throw away your own salvation on behalf of someone whose soul is clearly condemned to hell." *goto churchwardens_post *elseif muskrats_eradicated = false When you are finished, M. d'Estrehan stands. "We were all recently in peril of ruin, had the muskrats managed to undermine the levee enough to provoke a crevasse. When we came to ${mr_temp} ${surname} for help, we were rebuffed. Therefore, I see no reason why we should honor this petition." You clench your teeth at these words. "I regret that your request was outside the scope of my abilities, M. d'Estrehan. What would you have had me do? Truck with Lucifer to save your fields? I regret that I was not able to save you, but you are still here, so I would ask that you not hold my limitations against me." *goto churchwardens_post *elseif farmer_family_dead When you are finished, M. Mayeux, the parish judge, stands. "We all know that the Engels family disappeared around the time that ${mr_temp} ${surname} appeared in the parish. And, while there was no evidence to indict him, this is not a judicial proceeding. Here, we must vote with our conscience. And I, for one, have never doubted the involvement of ${mr_temp} ${surname} in their sudden departure." You clench your teeth at these words. "I am convicted of a crime without even the opportunity to defend myself. Does this not run counter to the spirit of this nation, where a man shall not be condemned until judged guilty by a jury of his peers? I think it shameful that you would treat your neighbor in this way." *goto churchwardens_post *elseif farmer_dead When you are finished, M. Mayeux, the parish judge, stands. "We all know that Herr Engels disappeared around the time that ${mr_temp} ${surname} appeared in the parish. And, while his family was unwilling or unable to testify against him, I for one have never doubted the involvement of ${mr_temp} ${surname} in their sudden departure. This is not a judicial proceeding, but rather an ecclesiastical one. As such, I feel no shame in voting with my conscience and against the desires of ${mr_temp} ${surname}." You clench your teeth at these words. "I am convicted of a crime without even the opportunity to defend myself. Does this not run counter to the spirit of this nation, where a man shall not be condemned until judged guilty by a jury of his peers? I think it shameful that you would treat your neighbor in this way." *goto churchwardens_post *else When you are finished, M. Labranche stands, supported by his cane. "As you all know, my family has been here since Herr d'Arensbourg settled us on the river a century ago. In that time, we have learned much about the land and the river. We have learned how the river rises and falls, how the silt piles and how it is washed away. We have been here through the storms and the wars and the famines. We stayed when the price of indigo crashed, and everyone on the river was nearly ruined. "In all that time, I learned to trust my gut. It tells me when I need to bring in the cattle, and when I need to cover the cotton in the fields. But now my gut tells me something else. It tells me that this…person," he says, raising his cane to point at you, "is evil. I do not claim to know the nature of that evil, but I agree with Padre Segura that ${he} does not belong here. I think that this gathering is nothing more than an attempt to rid the parish of the only opposition to that evil. *if male = false Is not the fact that it is a woman who presents such a petition to us proof enough of her fiendishness? I cannot imagine how a wholesome, pious woman would ever dare arrogate the authority to even debate the affairs of the Church in this way! Therefore, I urge you to reject this petition. Our very souls may depend upon it." Finished, M. Labranche settles back into his chair. You clench your teeth at these words. "I am convicted of a crime without a charge even being levied. Does this not run counter to the spirit of this nation, where a man shall not be condemned until judged guilty by a jury of his peers? I think it shameful that you would treat your neighbor in this way." *label churchwardens_post With that, you excuse yourself and head outside to await their verdict. *page_break You don't really have to wait for their decision. You anticipate the rejection of your petition before M. d'Estrehan emerges from the meeting-room to inform you that the churchwardens have confirmed their support of Padre Segura. You push down the desire to tear M. d'Estrehan's head from his body. Bidding him good evening, you depart. *else When you are finished, a trembling M. d'Estrehan stands and speaks for the churchwardens. "While we appreciate your concern for our spiritual well-being, ${mr_temp} ${surname}, our loyalty to Padre Segura is unshakable." "You must understand that I am disappointed to hear that, M. d'Estrehan." Estrehan trembles under your gaze. "Yes…yes, we understand." "Very well. Good evening, gentlemen." With that, you depart. You will have to devise another way to eject Segura from the parish. *elseif religious_tradition = "pagan" Sometimes you wonder why the parishioners are so resistant to Padre Segura. While you are certainly powerful and worthy of respect and fear, you are a little surprised that they have not rushed to embrace his presence. @{anselm_hired Anselm attempts to clarify things for you by explaining something about the Bishop of New Orleans and access to Heaven, but the whole affair makes no sense to you. You have never understood why the white men are so obsessed with Heaven. The world is meant to be lived in. Leave the afterlife to the afterlife.|} What does matter is that you are able to use their reticence to your benefit. *elseif (religious_tradition = "catholic") You soon learn that Bishop Dubourg of New Orleans refuses to acknowledge Padre Segura's claim to the parish. Until Segura relinquishes the claim, Dubourg refuses to come to the parish to perform Confirmations. The whole matter raises quite a stir in the newspapers of New Orleans, as angry demagogues opine over the authority of the Bishop to appoint priests to parishes. "Is this not a democracy? And who elected Bishop Dubourg?" they demand. But Dubourg refuses to bend to public opinion—Anglophone public opinion, at that. You use this division to your benefit, as the parishioners do not like the fact that their children are coming of age while remaining officially barred from the Catholic Church. *if (ethnicity != "choctaw") and (ethnicity != "african") *goto petition_dubourg *else Sometimes you wonder why the parishioners are so resistant to Padre Segura. While you are certainly powerful and worthy of respect and fear, you are a little surprised that they have not rushed to embrace his presence. @{anselm_hired Anselm attempts to clarify things for you by explaining something about the Bishop of New Orleans and access to Heaven, but the whole affair stinks of superstition and popery. After all, if there is a Heaven, one can only get there by the grace of God; a Bishop's blessing means nothing.|} What does matter is that you are able to use their reticence to your benefit. *label unrest *page_break *set pitchforks_in_saintcharles true *if saintcharles_rapport > 60 *set ending_saintcharles_rapport "good" *if (saintcharles_rapport < 40) or ((killed_labranche_boy) or (farmer_family_dead)) *set ending_saintcharles_rapport "bad" Unfortunately, things were bound to come to a head. *if segura_alive *if anselm_hired Increasingly convinced of your demonic nature, Segura summons the villagers to the chapel, seeking to agitate for your destruction. Anselm breathlessly reports that *if faked_death your survival of the attempted lynching has been a source of rumor and misgiving about you for years now. The Père points to this as a sign of the Devil's power that inhabits you. *if segura_reads *gosub letter_report *elseif local and (saintcharles_rapport > 40) men and women who knew you as a child stood and sought to defend you; but when they are asked to explain your eternal youth, their simple fidelity could find no words. In time, the Père turned these very defenses of you into further proof of your damnation, pointing out that only dark magics could sustain your features so. *if segura_reads *gosub letter_report *elseif priest your insistence on continuing to wear your cassock has convinced the parishioners that you are a demon in their midst. They are admittedly confused as to how you can wear the holy vestments, but are willing to leave such distinctions to the theologians. *if segura_reads *gosub letter_report *elseif (religious_tradition = "pagan") and (rationalism > 40) your continued veneration of your Native deity has finally pushed the parishioners over the edge. They fear that you are plotting for a return of your people to this region. *if segura_reads *gosub letter_report *elseif kill_sophie M. Riehl was the first to stand and denounce you. It was his daughter that was given to you as an offering, and now that she is dead, he wants vengeance. *if segura_reads *gosub letter_report *elseif (local = false) and ((kill_sophie = false) and (trepagnier)) the widow Trepagnier's heirs were quick to testify to the supernatural influence you exerted over their dead mother, to force her to change her will. Even worse than the existence of the revised will was the fact that their suit was dismissed, demonstrating clearly the extent of your ties with the French devils that govern the State of Louisiana. *if segura_reads *gosub letter_report *elseif (local = false) and ((saintcharles_rapport > 40) and (decide_for_heidel)) M. Heidel tried to defend you for a moment, but as soon as he witnessed the power of the Père over the villagers, Heidel withdrew his protests. *if segura_reads *gosub letter_report *elseif (local = false) and ((saintcharles_rapport > 40) and ((decide_for_riehl) and (kill_sophie = false))) some of the villagers sought to defend you, M. Riehl in particular, but the Père brooks no dissension. M. Riehl's refusal to back away from your defense earns him a beating at the hands of some of the other villagers and his expulsion from the town meeting. *if segura_reads *gosub letter_report *elseif (local = false) and ((saintcharles_rapport > 40) and ((decide_for_heidel = false) and (decide_for_riehl = false))) at first there was a general unease with Segura's demands for your head, but in time, he managed to play upon the villagers' fears of you. You may not have done them any specific wrongs, but they are under no illusions that you are one of them. Once encouraged by a representative of Jesus Christ himself, their former consideration of you falls to the wayside. *else it takes little for Segura to rally the villagers to his call. They are all to ready to relieve themselves of the blight of your presence. *if segura_reads *gosub letter_report *if distress_response != "na" *gosub distress_report *goto plantation_stormed *if (segura_alive = false) and anselm_hired The martyrdom of Segura whips the villagers into a frenzy. Anselm comes running to you early one morning, telling you how they have gathered in the chapel to discuss the blight that you have brought upon their fair village. @{faked_death They may have failed the first time they sought to murder you, but they will not fail again.|} *if distress_response != "na" *gosub distress_report *goto plantation_stormed *else After your encounter with the Père, you become increasingly paranoid. You suspect that it is only a manner of time before the villagers decide to cauterize the wound. Unfortunately, you are that wound, and fire is one of the few things that you fear. One evening in particular, you sense that the villagers are gathering to discuss you in the chapel. When you lie down to rest that day, your sleep is disturbed by the sounds of their industry; they are preparing for war. *page_break *goto plantation_stormed_1 *label distress_report To make matters worse, *if distress_response = "indifference" M. Rodrigue stood and testified to your indifference to the cries of a member of the Labranche family, whose foot had been caught in a muskrat trap. *if distress_response = "labranche" M. Mayeux was called forward to reiterate your involvement in the death of the Labranche boy. *if distress_response = "rodrigue" M. Mayeux was called forward to reiterate your involvement in the death of M. Rodrigue. Soon, everyone had a story of your ominous peculiarities they wanted to share. *return *label letter_report Segura's subsequent description of your love affair with Clotho—in as many lurid details as he can imagine—further darkens your name. *return *label plantation_stormed Anselm further tells you of how they shouted and argued, trying to decide whether you are a witch, a werewolf, a vampire, or even Lucifer himself. Whatever your nature, they have resolved to submit to you no longer. @{(saintcharles_rapport >= 45) Anselm offers to empty the house of any valuables during the day, so that if anything happens, you will not be terribly inconvenienced.|} The sun is rising, it is too late to flee today. You retreat to your resting place, hoping they will not storm the plantation while the sun is still in the sky. In this, you are fortunate. Yet, during the day, the sounds of the villagers' industry reaches you even in your resting place. They are preparing for war. *page_break *label plantation_stormed_1 *temp anselm_alive false *if anselm_hired *set anselm_alive true From the front porch of the plantation-house, you can see the light of their torches illuminating the sky. The whole white population of the parish—and some of its black population as well—must be on its way to you, preparing to send you back to the hell from which you came. *if anselm_hired Anselm, who has been waiting for you to emerge from your resting place, greets you. *if saintcharles_rapport >= 60 "The ingratitude of these people amazes me. You have been nothing but kind and good to them, and this is how they repay you?" *goto final_decision *elseif saintcharles_rapport >= 40 "It seems that the parish has decided that you are no longer welcome." *goto final_decision *else *set anselm_alive false "I rejoice in the fact that soon the good people of the parish will be here to put an end to you." *choice #"Yes, well, I shall put an end to you first." *set compassion %+15 *set anselm_alive false You feed quickly on Anselm's life-force, fortifying yourself for what is to come. *goto final_decision #"Go, now, and join your people." *set compassion %-10 He looks at you in surprise. Deciding it best not to stick around for you to change your mind, he flees down the steps of the house and towards the approaching mob. *goto final_decision *label final_decision You could stand and fight, but you cannot conceive of how you could survive. *if taught_three_rules *if avoided_new_orleans = false Chagrined, you smile slightly at the thought of your @{sire_alive maker's|${new_orleans_quaestor_surname}'s} efforts to instill the Rule of Reserve into you, and which you have seen fit to flaunt of late. Instances such as this must be why vampires do not seek to rule over the mortals, lest they turn from predator into prey. *if sire_name = "West" Chagrined, you smile slightly at the thought of your maker's efforts to instill the Rule of Reserve into you, and which you have seen fit to flaunt of late. Instances such as this must be why vampires do not seek to rule over the mortals, lest they turn from predator into prey. *if taught_three_rules = false With more time, you might reflect on how you came to this impasse. But for the moment, you must act. *choice #Flee! *set discretion %-15 *if saintcharles_rapport < 45 *set wealth /4 *set income /2 You gather what movables you can and retreat into the forest. *if anselm_alive *choice #I instruct Anselm to defend my home as long as he can. *set compassion %+10 *set anselm_alive false Without hesitation, Anselm grabs his hunting musket and prepares to defend your home. That is your last glimpse of him: a single reed trying to hold back the tide. Once to the treeline, you turn and watch as the villagers, carrying pitchforks, scythes, and torches, march up to your house, chanting the Lord's Prayer. Surrounding the house, they throw some of their torches through the windows and then cheer as the house catches fire. *finish Next #I tell Anselm to flee with me into the forest. Once to the treeline, you turn and watch as the villagers, carrying pitchforks, scythes, and torches, march up to your house, chanting the Lord's Prayer. Surrounding the house, they throw some of their torches through the windows and then cheer as the house catches fire. *if shapeshifting > 1 *gosub alligator_snacks *page_break Throughout the night, the sounds of pursuit spur the two of you on. When dawn approaches, you are forced to go to ground. Moreover, Anselm is clearly exhausted. *set maddox_num 2 *set wilson "Anselm" *set maddox "Martin" When you awake the next night, you find Anselm breathing heavily. During the day, some villagers caught up with you. He fought them off, but lost an eye and quite a bit of blood in the process. You steal a mule from a farm and, seating him on it, continue on your way. @{(compassion < 30) You feel some moral qualm over the theft, but you justify it to yourself by contending that it is far worse to allow Anselm to die.|} The third night is a little better, when the two of you find an older woman able to feed both of you and tend to Anselm's wounds. After that, you continue putting one step before the other, two refugees in search of a new home. *finish Next #I tell Anselm to save himself. *set compassion %-10 You watch as Anselm flees into the forest. Once he makes the treeline, you turn and head in the opposite direction. Turning one last time, you watch as the villagers march up to your house, carrying pitchforks and torches, and chanting the Lord's Prayer. Surrounding the house, they throw some of their torches through the windows and then cheer as the house catches fire. *if shapeshifting > 1 *gosub alligator_snacks You don't stay to watch the aftermath. *finish Next *else Once to the treeline, you turn and watch as the villagers, carrying pitchforks, scythes, and torches, march up to your house, chanting the Lord's Prayer. Surrounding the house, they throw some of their torches through the windows and then cheer as the house catches fire. *if shapeshifting > 1 *gosub alligator_snacks You don't stay to watch the aftermath. *finish Next #Stand and fight! *set discretion %+20 Well, you can't blame the villagers for not being obvious about their intentions. They march up the road to your house, bearing pitchforks, a musket or three, scythes, and torches, reciting the Lord's Prayer as they do. *if anselm_alive Anselm chooses to stand beside you, ready to lay down his life on your behalf. *if willpower <= 2 *set wealth /4 *set income /2 Unfortunately, you are not quite as courageous as you make yourself out to be. The flickering of the flames drives you into an unholy terror, and you rush the weakest point of the ring of villagers. Bursting through their lines, you disappear into the woods. *if anselm_alive Anselm, however, refuses to flee. The echoes of his screams chase you into the night. *set anselm_alive false *page_break You stumble through the undergrowth until you find shelter for the night. When you awake the next evening, you head north, ashamed of your failure to die with dignity. *if kept_clotho_letter *set kept_clotho_letter false *set compassion %+5 Only now do you recollect that Clotho's letter was in your bureau; it has surely burned with the house. The last shred of her love has gone up in the smoke of your cowardice. *finish Next *else You stand and fight, but their numbers are overwhelming. @{anselm_alive Anselm falls first, decapitated by the swing of a scythe.|} The strikes of their polearms and the searing flames of their torches bring you down in time. The story of you and the defense of your home will be passed down from father to son and mother to daughter for decades to come. After all, they will have to find some way to explain the deaths of so many of their loved ones, dragged screaming down to hell at the point of your fangs. You are dead. *set killed_by_mortal true *page_break *goto_scene scoring *label alligator_snacks They were not anticipating, however, the alligators that you had coralled into your home. Those alligators, surprised by the fire, burst through the front door of the @{(saintcharles_haven = "plantation") plantation-house|farmhouse} and into the crowd. A great shout goes up from the crowd as several of them are torn apart. *return *label read_letter *set clothos_letter_read true *set love_clotho true **** *line_break *if male [i]Mon cher[/i] *if male = false [i]Ma chère[/i] [i]${given_name},[/i] [i]I go with you tonight to see the quaestor with no fear in my breast. It has been made clear to me what will come to pass there, but so is it written, and so must it be done. As you demonstrate, death is not as simple as many believe.[/i] [i]And so I say to you, do not fear for us. I know that a love such as ours may be hindered by neither the rivers Styx nor Lethe. Until I hold you in my arms again, I remain,[/i] [i]Your once and future love,[/i] *line_break [i]Clotho[/i] *line_break **** You read the letter again and a third time, hoping to glean something more than what it has already said. *choice *selectable_if (rationalism <= 60) #This is nonsense. The dead cannot return from the grave. *set rationalism %-10 *set compassion %+5 You are, as always, eminently rational. *label wtd_letter *choice #Burn the letter. You watch dispassionately as the flames lick the edge of the letter. Soon only ash remains, and then even that is discarded the following evening. *page_break *return #Keep it. *set kept_clotho_letter true *set rationalism %+5 You are unsure as to why, but you feel compelled to retain the letter. Perhaps someday it will remind you that you have not lost the last shreds of your humanity. *page_break *return #I do not understand what she means, but I shall watch for her return. *set rationalism %-5 *set compassion %-5 Probably a prudent response. *goto wtd_letter #Oh happy nights! Our love will conquer death itself! *set rationalism %+15 *set compassion %-10 *set kept_clotho_letter true Somehow, Clotho has conquered time and death itself. Clearly, her powers were greater than you realized. Somenight soon, she shall hold you in her arms once again. You wait and wait, but with each passing night you become more and more disappointed that Clotho has not reappeared as she promised. You consult her letter regularly, seeking some clue as to the moment of her return. Again and again, you ask the night whether you will ever see her again. No answer is forthcoming. *page_break *return *label ambush_jesse You lie in wait for ${interlocutor_given_name} the next evening. The parish courthouse is in the middle of a field—erected at the geographic center of the parish—but the road leading to the courthouse from the village is the most likely path for ${interlocutor_given_name} to use; you lie in wait along this road. When the opportune moment presents itself, you lunge from your hiding place, fangs bared. Unfortunately, it seems ${interlocutor_given_name} was anticipating this move. *if combat >= 6 *set circling_jesse true To ${interlocutor_pro_pos} surprise, however, you are no shrinking violet. The two of you spar for several moments, until ${interlocutor_pro_nom} throws you off of ${interlocutor_pro_acc} and the two of you begin circling each other. *else *set pinned_by_jesse true Unfortunately, it seems ${interlocutor_given_name} was anticipating this move. Within moments, you are face-down in the dirt, the scent of ${interlocutor_pro_pos} most recent prey filling your nostrils. Gaining control over ${interlocutor_pro_reflex} before tearing your throat out, ${interlocutor_given_name} pauses long enough to make ${interlocutor_pro_pos} introduction. *return *label deal_labranche When he is done and it is sent on, you address the content of the letter. "The meaning of this missive is as much a mystery to me as it is to you, M. Labranche. However, I trust that you shall keep this affair between us?" "Yes, yes of course, ${mr_temp} ${surname}. I would never think—" *if killed_labranche_boy "Good evening, M. Labranche," you say, an edge in your voice. You can see that he holds his breath, waiting for you to leave. You shut the door to his study behind you. @{(perception > 1) Your sharpened ears detect his exhalation of relief through the door. You make your way home, a satisfied smile on your face.|You can almost hear his exhalation of relief through the door.} *else "Good evening, M. Labranche. I am sure your dear little Jost will have a pleasant evening as well." Leaving it at that, you close the door of Labranche's study behind you. *return