*comment ñáéç…— *hide_reuse *advertisement *gosub_scene util check_flow *gosub_scene util combat_value *temp baffled false *temp order "order" *temp a_negro "a negro" *temp a_one_eared_negro "a one-eared freedman" *set massa "Massa'" *if male = false *set massa "Mam'selle" *if maddox_num = 2 *set a_one_eared_negro "a one-eyed Cajun" *set a_negro "a Cajun" *if maddox_num = 3 *set a_negro "an Irishman" *set a_one_eared_negro "a gap-toothed Irishman" *if compassion < 30 *set order "entreat" *if (compassion >= 30) and (compassion <= 55) *set order "ask" *temp casey_dead false *temp casey_erased false *temp heard_of_lonergan false *temp explanation false *temp boots "boots" *if (male = false) and (ethnicity != "german") *set boots "dress" *if letter_directing_to_stennis *if chasing_wilson *goto meet_contact *else *goto stennis_for_carothers *elseif first_memphis_reception_attended = 1 *if booted_from_memphis_reception_1873 *if maddox_status = "dead" *goto stennis_for_carothers *else *goto meet_contact *elseif chasing_wilson *label meet_contact *set met_stennis true You can smell it before you can see it. Bile, blood and voided bowels signal the presence of plague in the houses by the water. Though you cannot detect the stench of any rotting corpses, you suspect that it is only a matter of time before the whole waterfront is quarantined. By then, only the dead and dying will call these houses home. It is here that you meet Stennis, your hireling. When he catches sight of you, you motion for him to approach. You barely recognize him, as most of his face is obscured by a cloth to protect him from the foul airs. *if rumors_of_plague After a moment's hesitation, he begins: *else "What is this?" you say, gesturing to the environs. "The fever done come to Memphis." "The fever?" "The yellah fever. People is dyin' throughout the Pinch." "Where did it come from? How did this happen?" After a moment's hesitation, he seems to change the subject: "I seen 'em. That @{maddox_num freedman|Cajun} you told me about. Missing an @{maddox_num ear|eye}, you said." "${wilson} ${maddox}." "I suppose so." "Where is he?" "How should I know?" You look at him in bewilderment. "Why did you summon me here, then?" "Because he was here, few nights back." "Where?" After a moment's pause, Stennis raises his hand. His outstretched finger points towards the house that stinks of the plague. You look back and forth between the house and Stennis. "But surely he's not still there?" "No, I don' reckon so." "Why did you wait so long to contact me?" you say in exasperation. He toes the dirt before answering. "It took me a few days ta find someone who knew 'is letters." "So, you summon me here to a house of plague, muddying my new ${boots}, to tell me that my quarry is long gone?" "But he has to be around here somewhere!" Stennis says plaintively. "What makes you say that?" "Because there's another house down the way that's got the plague, too." "I don't understand." "That fella…I think he's got the fever." *set knows_pb_diseased 2 "That, Mr. Stennis," you say with a dismissing wave, "is impossible." *page_break *goto plague_house *else The night of the caucus arrives, but you have decided to occupy yourself with other things. Though you were looking forward to a night without the troubling company of your kind, it seems Carothers has other ideas for you; a note was hand delivered to your home just before sunset. *label hear_about_hugh *if maddox_status != "dead" Maddox Status: ${maddox_status} *line_break Maddox Num: ${maddox_num} *page_break *bug Anselm/Wilson still alive, but Hugh now PB. *set tasked_hugh true *set heard_of_gallagher true *set carothers_ignorant_of_pb false @{literate Unfolding it, you take a moment to decipher the scribblings.|Calling for Franklin, you ${order} him to read it aloud. Clearing his throat, he begins to read.} [i]${mr} ${surname},[/i] *if mentioned_gallagher_to_carothers [i]My dearest Dido has spotted the individual that you described to me—Hugh Gallagher—skulking about the city. Unfortunately, he has fled from every attempt at contact. It would be most unfortunate if this individual had some nefarious purpose in mind, what with all these luminaries present. Please find this individual and escort him from my city.[/i] *else [i]My dearest Dido has told me of a stranger that has been skulking about the city of late. At first she assumed him to be an early arrival, but his absence from the reception and now the caucus has given us pause. It would be most unfortunate if this individual had some nefarious purpose in mind, what with all these luminaries present. Please find this individual and escort him from my city.[/i] [i]Of course, I would be indebted to you for such a favor. I've sent a man, Stennis by name, to point you in the right direction. He will be waiting for you in the Pinch.[/i] [i]Regards,[/i] *line_break [i]Apollo[/i] *if mentioned_gallagher_to_carothers = false [i]Postscript: The individual goes by the name of Hugh Gallagher. I'm sure it's an alias, but if he's been using it around town, it might make it easier to find him.[/i] *if met_hugh_in_vicksburg Hugh Gallagher? The Irish vampire from the docks in Vicksburg? What could he be doing here? *choice #It's nothing. Carothers is paranoid and territorial. *set compassion %-5 *set independence %-5 It is unfortunate that you are obligated to investigate anyway. Sighing, you dress and set out to meet this Stennis individual. *label stennis_for_carothers *set met_stennis true *page_break You can smell it before you can see it. Bile, blood, and voided bowels signal the presence of plague in the houses by the water. Though you cannot detect the stench of any rotting corpses, you suspect that it is only a matter of time before the whole waterfront is quarantined. By then, only the dead and dying will call these houses home. It is here that you meet Stennis. When he catches sight of you, you motion for him to approach. After a moment's hesitation, he begins: "I seen 'em. That Gallagher fellah." "Where is he?" "How should I know?" You look at him in bewilderment. "Why did Carothers send me here, then?" "Because he was here a few nights ago." "Where?" After a moment's pause, Stennis raises his hand. His outstretched finger points towards the house that stinks of the plague. You look back and forth between the house and Stennis. "But surely he's not still there?" "No, I don' reckon so." "So, you summon me here to a house of plague, muddying my new ${boots}, to tell me that my quarry is long gone?" "But he has to be around here somewhere!" Stennis says plaintively. "What makes you say that?" "Because there's another house down the way that's got the plague, too." "I don't understand." "That paddy…I think he's got the yellow fever." *set knows_pb_diseased 2 "That, Mr. Stennis," you say with a dismissing wave, "is impossible." *page_break *goto plague_house #Regardless of his intent, Hugh should have introduced himself to the Quaestor. *set compassion %-5 *set independence %+10 As much as you may try to escape it, the rules of the Society must be observed, even if only so it can be avoided. If you must observe these rules, then so much Mr. Gallagher. Sighing, you dress and set out to meet this Stennis individual. *goto stennis_for_carothers *if met_hugh_in_vicksburg #I knew something was strange when I met him. I do not enjoy being Carothers's lackey, but I have little choice in the matter. *set compassion %+5 *set independence %-5 If he intends to interrupt the proceedings, he must be stopped. Sighing, you dress and set out to meet this Stennis individual. *goto stennis_for_carothers *if taste_for_vampire_blood *selectable_if (compassion > 40) #How exciting! You have been given license to address this criminal as you see fit…if you are fortunate, you have the opportunity to drink his heartsblood before the night is through. *set compassion %+10 *set discretion %+10 The thought of this vampire's blood gushing through your lips animates your movements. You dress hurriedly and set out to meet Stennis. *goto stennis_for_carothers *else #His trespass shall not go unpunished. I look forward to spilling his blood this evening. *set compassion %+10 *set independence %+5 The thought of making this trespasser bleed excites you. You dress hurriedly and set out to meet Stennis. *goto stennis_for_carothers *elseif chasing_wilson You wake up one evening to find a note waiting for you. @{literate Unfolding it, you scan the lines quickly.|You rap your fingers impatiently as you wait for Franklin to read it to you.} One of the individuals you hired @{exiled_from_vicksburg recently|years ago} to keep an eye out for ${wilson}—a man by the name of Stennis—claims to have spotted the errant whelp. He requests that you join him in the Pinch. "Franklin, help me prepare for an outing!" you snap. *page_break *goto meet_contact *else You wake up Saturday night to find a note waiting for you. While you had plans for the evening, it seems Carothers is determined to ruin them; a hand-delivered note was delivered just before sunset. *goto hear_about_hugh *label plague_house *temp stennis false *set rumors_of_plague true You approach the front door of the house. @{(perception > 1) The faint sound of a moan reaches your sensitive ears.|} The door looks to be locked, but nothing that a good shove couldn't open. *choice *selectable_if (streetwise > 1) #Opening doors like this isn't actually very hard. A little bit of wire… *set compassion %+5 *set discretion %+5 The miserable excuse for a lock clunks open. With a gentle push, the door swings wide. A child—too filthy for you to identify their gender—looks up at you, plaintively. *if male or ((male = false) and (ethnicity = "german")) #I put my shoulder to the door and force it open. *set compassion %+5 *set discretion %+5 *if strength > 2 The door bursts open under your efforts. Stepping inside, you are confronted with a child—too filthy to have a gender—who looks up at you plaintively. *else You struggle with the door, not quite able to force it open. Stepping back to get a running start, you rush the door, only for it to open just as you reach it. *if agility > 2 Thankfully, your superior grace allows you to catch yourself from sprawling face-first into the floor of the ramshackle home. Searching for your as-of-yet unidentified host, your eyes lower to the sight of a child—too filthy to have a gender—whose eyes widen with fear at the sight of you. *else You stumble on the threshold and sprawl onto the floor of the house. Springing to your feet, you search for the source of your embarrassment, only to find a terrified child—too filthy to have a gender—looking up at you. *if (male = false) and (ethnicity != "german") #"Stennis, come push this door open for me." *set compassion %+5 *set discretion %+5 *set stennis true Stennis struggles with the door, not quite able to force it open. Stepping back to get a running start, he rushes the door, only for it to open just as he reaches it. He stumbles and sprawls onto the floor of the house. After a moment, he rises to his knees. Clearly annoyed, he gestures for you to enter. Behind the door you find your mysterious host: a child—too filthy to have a gender—who looks up at you plaintively. #I knock. *set discretion %-5 The door swings open. A child—too filthy to have a gender—looks up at you, plaintively. "Where are they?" you inquire. The child lifts a single finger, pointing. A curtain divides the single-room dwelling in two; a stench permeates the room, undoubtedly emanating from the other half. Pushing the curtain aside, you look down on the man of the house, blood dribbling from the side of his mouth. He rolls his jaundiced eyes in your direction, instinctively trying to focus them on you. A woman, whose corpse lies beside him, has long since fled these circumstances. Pushing his chin from side to side, you can see no evidence of your kind on his neck. A similar inspection turns up nothing on the dearly departed beside him. You hadn't exactly hoped for any such signs—it would mean both that ${wilson} was responsible and also an exceedingly sloppy feeder—but better safe than sorry. You further attempt to ask him a few questions, but his mind has left him, burned away in the fever that will soon send him on his way. *if speaks_english Turning back to the child, you ask questions about recent visitors. *label deal_with_child It seems there have been two: ${a_one_eared_negro} and a priest from the Church of St. Brigid. @{(feeding_style = "children") Apparently, they tend to more than orphans.|} The first fits the description of ${wilson}. Looking at the child, you wonder what—if anything—should be done. *choice #Nothing. I'm searching for ${wilson}. *set compassion %+10 *label goodbye_stennis You close the door of the dwelling behind you. *label goodbye_stennis_1 *if stennis *set stennis false "Stennis, your presence is no longer needed." "Y${es_suh}," he says. He turns, and leaves you to your business. Casting about, you ponder your next move. The thought occurs to you that, if the priest has been visiting the Pinch to deal with the plague, he might have seen ${wilson}. *if rationalism < 75 Lacking any better ideas, you set out for St. Brigid's. *goto st_brigids *else Unfortunately, the thought of setting foot on holy ground sends shivers up and down your spine. As interested as you are in locating ${wilson}, you have no desire to burst into flames for your sacrilege. *label hint_for_casey *if speaks_english The thought occurs to you that the Pinch is not that large of an area. Most good folk will be abed already, and those who are about are no doubt the same that make a habit of skulking between homes in the darkness. If anyone were to have seen ${wilson}, it would be one of these. *page_break The teenager is crouched between two buildings, hidden in the darkness. The smell of his blood and the beating of his heart reveal his presence to you, clear as day. *choice #I approach him openly, making my presence known, and politely ask after the whereabouts of ${wilson}. He looks at you suspiciously at first, but after a few soothing words from you, he relents. *label teenager_confesses "I seen 'im," he confesses. It takes a little more doing, but shortly you have the tale of how the youth saw a man fitting ${wilson}'s description calling at the Casey house, on Saffarans and Fourth. *page_break *goto casey_household *selectable_if (streetwise > 1) #Sliding up beside him, I address him like a fellow night-traveller, persuading him to reveal what he knows. *goto teenager_confesses *if stealth > 2 *selectable_if (combat > 5) #I sneak up behind him and knock him unconscious. He crumples to the ground. You drag his body further into the darkness, and wait for him to wake. It only take a few moments of interrogation before the boy is good and terrified of you, willing to tell you all that he knows of your quarry. *label teenager_confesses_violence "I seen 'im," he confesses. It takes a little more doing, but shortly you have the tale of how the youth saw a man fitting ${wilson}'s description calling at the Casey house, on Saffarans and Fourth. You leave him still trembling in a pool of his own urine. *goto casey_household *selectable_if (combat >= 7) #I approach him menacingly, and let it be known that he'd better tell me what he knows—or else. At first he tries to run, but you're too fast for him. He pulls a knife, but you knock it out of his hand. A final struggle ends with him panting, begging for mercy. It only take a few moments of interrogation before the boy is good and terrified of you, willing to tell you all that he knows of your quarry. *goto teenager_confesses_violence *if perception > 3 *selectable_if (perception >= 5) #Gazing at him intently, I simply pluck the information I need from his consciousness. No need for him to even be aware of my existence. The image of ${wilson} appears, only slightly muddled by darkness and the passage of time. Only a few nights ago, the youth witnessed ${wilson} at the door to a nearby house. A few more moments of probing reveals some characteristic features, enough so that you are confident in your ability to locate the house, located somewhere on Saffarans St. *page_break *goto casey_household *else *set baffled true You find yourself stuck. Any further investigation will be baffled by your inability to communicate with those whom you need to question. It is unfortunate that you dismissed Stennis prematurely. *if (chasing_wilson = false) or (rejected_sam_wilson) Perhaps you can persuade Carothers to let you borrow Stennis again another night? For now, however, you are forced to concede defeat. *else You resolve to not make the same mistake again. *goto the_next_evening *selectable_if (charm > 4) #Erase the child's memories of your presence before leaving. *set compassion %+10 *set discretion %-5 You shut the door carefully behind you, so as not to wake the child prematurely from its reverie. All trace of you @{stennis and Stennis|} will be gone within minutes. *goto goodbye_stennis_1 *if compassion < 40 *selectable_if (wealth > 250000) #I must leave now, but later I will see to it that the child has a household to support them. *set wealth -50000 *set compassion %-10 *set discretion %-5 *goto goodbye_stennis *if (religious_tradition = "catholic") or (feeding_style = "children") *selectable_if (compassion < 60) #I take the child to the orphanage at St. Brigid's. They will be able to take care of them. *set compassion %-15 The child's complaints make the journey longer than it otherwise would have been; the church itself is only a few blocks away, at the intersection of Overton and Third. You sigh with relief when you finally turn the child over to the nuns, spending no more time than necessary explaining the circumstances that brought you here. They are grateful for your intercession and promise to take good care of the little one. *if rationalism >= 75 You flee the vicinity of the church as quickly as possible. Throughout your interaction with the nun, you were careful not to set foot on any actual sacred ground, lest you burst into flames for your sacrilege. *goto hint_for_casey *else While you are here, you decide to ask the nuns about the care they have been giving to those plague-victims of the Pinch. They relate their tales of woe: several of their number have fallen ill to the fever while tending to the destitute of the city. They point out that some day, the child you just brought to them will help to tend the sick in the same way. *label st_brigids *page_break After a few inquiries, you are introduced to Father Martin Walsh, the pastor of the parish and the individual who has organized the efforts to relieve the plague-stricken. *if speaks_english and (ethnicity = "scotch") When Walsh opens his mouth to speak, you hear the unmistakable lilt of an Irish native. You do your best to hold back your opinions, and quickly turn the conversation to the matter at hand. *elseif speaks_english and (ethnicity = "irish") A native of Tipperary, he greets you as a kinsman. You share a few memories of your homeland before turning to more serious matters. *elseif speaks_english A native of Tipperary, he speaks with a charming lilt. *else As a pastor to an international congregation, Father Walsh speaks your tongue, though with an Irish accent. It seems he was born in Ireland. *goto question_walsh *selectable_if (compassion > 40) #Kill the child. There is nothing for them to look forward to. *set compassion %+15 *set discretion %+10 *if stennis *set stennis false "Stennis, your presence is no longer needed." "Yessum," he replies, closing the door on his way out. Turning towards the child, you catch their eyes with your own. Like a rabbit before a snake, the little one freezes, somehow aware of what is to come but incapable of responding. Drunk on the child's heartsblood, you toss the body through the curtain and onto the bed with the couple. In your intoxication, you nearly forget to wipe your face clean before exiting the dwelling. A final groan follows you out, indicating that the man of the house is still conscious enough to recognize his now lifeless child. *goto goodbye_stennis *else *set stennis true Turning back to the child, you try to ask them about any visitors, but they just look at you, uncomprehendingly. You snarl in frustration. "Stennis, come here and translate!" you exclaim. Stennis enters the home sheepishly. He speaks to the child, and is soon serving as a conduit for your interrogation. Your first question is in regards to the identity of any visitors to the home. *goto deal_with_child *label question_walsh "Did you attend the stricken on Sycamore?" "I did. A most unfortunate outbreak of the fever." "Was that the first sign of the outbreak?" "As best as I've been able to tell, yes." "Tell me, during your visit to that house, did you happen to encounter or hear word of ${a_negro} by the name of ${wilson} ${maddox}? I have heard it said that he was familiar with the inhabitants of that household." "As a matter of fact, ${mr} ${surname}, I did. Mr. Lonergan spoke of him in his delirium. I thought little of it at the time." *set heard_of_lonergan true "And what did Mr. Lonergan say of ${wilson}?" "It was nonsense. Not worth repeating." "Indulge me, Father." "He described a demon in the form of a man, who came and gave him the yellow fever." *if anachronism >= 75 "That is absurd. Everyone knows that the yellow fever is spread by the illness of another. A demon has nothing to do with it." "I cannot agree with you more, ${mr} ${surname}. My countrymen are, unfortunately, rather given to superstition." *if rationalism > 60 "And you do not believe in demons and such?" "Certainly not. It is a new world. Being a servant of the Almighty does not mean that we cannot approach the world with reason." The expression on your face clearly surprises him. There is an awkward silence, before you force the conversation forward again. "Have you heard any other stories of this demon in the form of a man?" *else "And you are not?" "I am a modern man, ${mr} ${surname}. It is a new world. Being a servant of the Almighty does not mean that we cannot approach the world with reason." "I am intrigued to hear you say that, Father, but now is not the time to get bogged down in such discussions. Tell me now, have you heard any other stories of this demon in the form of a man?" *else "That is absurd. Everyone knows that the yellow fever is the result of the miasmas that descend upon a city. A demon has nothing to do with it." He looks at you askance. "While I agree with you, ${mr} ${surname}, that the source is not a demon, I subscribe to the modern view that it is the result of contagion: spread by the illness of another." You wave your hand, dismissing these newfangled ideas, but continue the interrogation anyway. "Have you heard any other stories of this demon in the form of a man?" "As a matter of fact, I have. Mr. Casey, who lives at Saffarans and Fourth Streets, spoke of a demon in the form of ${a_one_eared_negro} who came to him in the night, and afflicted him with the fever." "But there have been instances without reports of a demon, yes?" "Of course. It's simply curious that two of the earliest victims would report a visitation by a demon in such a specific shape." "Yes, but curious is all that it is," you reply. After a few more pleasantries, you excuse yourself from the presence of the priest. *page_break *label casey_household The Casey home is almost indistinguishable from @{heard_of_lonergan that of the Lonergans,|the first house that Stennis took to you,} save for a window long-since broken yet left unrepaired. Here on Saffarans and Fourth, several blocks further from downtown, the buildings are generally less well-maintained. It is only a few blocks further before the houses give way to shanties and lean-tos, and from there to fields and farmland. Mr. Casey answers your call. @{heard_of_lonergan As with Lonergan, his|As with the previous invalid, this one's} eyes are jaundiced; strikingly, the rest of his skin has a yellow cast to it as well. He still walks, so there may be hope for him yet. @{(compassion > 60) Though, perhaps not if he's left in your company for very long.|} *temp translation false *if speaks_english = false *set carothers_casey true He addresses you in English. Presumably he's asking who you are and what you want. *if stennis *set translation true "Stennis, will you translate?" "Y${es_suh}, I will. He asked…" "Yes, I understood. Please tell him that I hear he is acquainted with a friend of mine, ${wilson} ${maddox}." *goto casey_trans You try to mime @{maddox_num Wilson's missing ear|Anselm's eye-patch|Hugh's gap teeth}, and his eyes go wide. He begins babbling, but you can't understand a word. Finally, you gesture 'enough' with your hand; he knows something, but whatever it is, it's not for you to decipher. Frustrated, you feel as though you have made little progress in your investigations, but you do not see what more you can do tonight. *goto the_next_evening "What do you want?" he croaks. "I hear you are acquainted with a friend of mine. ${wilson} ${maddox} is his name." *label casey_trans Casey's yellowed eyes widen in shock@{translation when your words are translated|}. "You call that demon yer friend?" You look around at the street uncomfortably. "Perhaps we might continue this conversation inside?" @{translation He says something emphatic again, presumably about demons.|"I say again, you call that demon yer friend?"} "He is no demon. You clearly mistake him for the source of your affliction." @{translation Stennis tries to get him to speak more slowly.|} "Mistake him? No ${sir}, I do not. That friend of yourn," he says, spitting on the ground, "came to me, sobbin' tears of blood for what he was fixin to do. He begged my forgiveness, saying that for him to sup on my blood was to send me to an early grave. But he held me still with his eyes. I couldn't run…I couldn't even scream. And still he came for me." "Where did he go, once he was finished?" "He said he was set to sleep." "What time of night was it?" "About midnight. The bells of St. Brigid rang midnight while he drank from me. The sound of them kept me from going mad." "And he said he was going to sleep?" "Yes, that I was the last…that I had quenched his thirst…that he was going back to sleep." Your further queries reveal little more. At a certain point, you have simply begun to stall, as the question of what to do regarding the unfortunate Mr. Casey looms large in your future. After all, his tale makes ${wilson}'s life forfeit—his violations of the Rule of Reserve are too great to be left unanswered—but moreover, allowing Mr. Casey to continue to spread it would be a danger to vampires everywhere. @{translation And unless you're willing to murder Stennis, Carothers will soon know everything.|} *choice *selectable_if (charm > 4) #I wipe away the memory of the incident; no more visions of demons to trouble his sleep. *set discretion %-5 *set independence %+5 *set compassion %+3 *set casey_erased true A few soothing words, and all memory of ${maddox} and yourself is gone. He smiles dumbly at you, finally closing the door and returning to bed at your suggestion. Satisfied, you turn away from the Casey hovel. Carothers will no doubt be proud of your handling of this matter. *selectable_if (compassion > 30) #I kill him. It's safer that way. *set discretion %+10 *set compassion %+15 *set independence %+5 You make some excuse to gain further entry to his home@{translation , but leave Stennis outside|}. *if combat >= 4 Once inside, it is easy enough to tear his throat out. Once that is done, you turn your attentions to his family. His wife and children offer little in the way of resistance. In the aftermath of your violence, you ponder the disposition of the bodies. *goto burn_casey *else Once inside, you bare your fangs and lunge at him. *goto fail_kill_casey *selectable_if (independence < 65) #This is a mess for Carothers to deal with, not me. I'll let him handle it. *set independence %-10 *goto farewell_casey *selectable_if (wealth > 50000) #I offer him some cash to persuade him to stop repeating the story of the demon. *set discretion %-10 *if charm > 3 *set wealth -5000 He jumps at your offer, and thanks you for you generosity. You promise to establish an account at a bank for his family, to provide for them after his death. It is a macabre solace, but one which he embraces nonetheless. *goto farewell_casey *else Unfortunately, your offer of a bribe only exacerbates his anger. He tells you in no uncertain terms that he will not take your money, and demands that you leave from his house. *if (willpower <= 2) and (discretion > 55) You find his insolence intolerable. Baring your fangs, you lunge at him, in the process pushing him backwards through the doorway and off the street. @{stennis Stennis closes the door behind you.|} *if combat >= 4 *set compassion %+10 *set discretion %+10 Within moments, Casey's corpse is bleeding on the dirt floor. From there, it is simple enough to dispatch his wife and children. In the aftermath of your violence, you ponder the disposition of the bodies. *else *label fail_kill_casey *set discretion %-15 Though clearly surprised, this is a man who grew up on the riverfront, and he is accustomed to bare-knuckled brawls; your lunge is met with an uppercut. You sail through the air, crashing back through the front door to the street beyond. You feel the rage burning within you, the Beast screaming to be unleashed. *choice *if (willpower > 1) #I flee. Let Carothers deal with this mess. *set carothers_casey true You still have a grip on your Beast, even if only a tenuous one. You cling to that for dear life. You are not a warrior, and Casey clearly is. Best to leave it alone for now. You retreat to your haven, frustrated that you have made little progress in your investigations. *if (slept_through_vicksburg = false) and (lore < 3) If Casey spoke truly, then perhaps it is best to consult with Carothers about what ${wilson} meant by "going to sleep." For now, the safety of your haven beckons. *goto the_next_evening #I unleash the Beast. And so you do. *page_break *set exposure +2 When you come to, the bodies are dismembered and you are covered in blood: Casey's, and his wife and children. Surveying the scene of your rage, you consider the disposition of the bodies. *label burn_casey *set casey_dead true *set jaundiced true You elect for fire—the best method to disguise your crimes—and soon the Casey hovel is burning cheerily against the September night's skyline. The sound of the fire company, rushing to put out the blaze, interrupts your thoughts. They should catch the fire before it expands too far, but somehow you doubt that they will expend much effort on investigating the immolation of a plague-house. *else *set carothers_casey true You offer your apologies, and excuse yourself before drawing any further attention. Casey shouts obscenities at you@{stennis and Stennis|} as you slink into the darkness. #The man will be dead soon enough. No need for me to interfere. *set discretion %-5 *set independence %-5 *label farewell_casey You bid the man goodnight. He coughs his goodbyes, and then shuts the door to his hovel. *page_break The dawn is approaching. Frustrated, you feel as though you have made little progress in your investigations, but you do not see what more you can do tonight. *if (slept_through_vicksburg = false) and (lore < 3) If Casey spoke truly, then perhaps it is best to consult with Carothers about what ${wilson} meant by "going to sleep." *if slept_through_vicksburg or (lore >= 3) Besides if ${wilson} has gone to ground—literally—you will be unable to find him until he rises again. Unfortunately, that also means suspending your investigation, but you see no other options. *label the_next_evening *page_break *if (first_memphis_reception_attended = 2) and (independence > 50) *set first_memphis_reception_attended 3 *set explanation true The next evening, you hurry to find Apollo; not only to report on the previous night's discovery, but to learn of what happened at the election. When you set your eyes upon him, it is hard to read his mood: it lies somewhere between relieved and frustrated. "They adjourned without electing anyone." "They did what?" "None of the candidates could garner enough support to resolve the question." "And so it's just over?" "They'll reconvene in a few years; it will give the candidates time to garner more support." "And leave the Society in limbo in the meantime?" "If anything, Stone has won the night; the delay means he will have more time to garner legitimacy and better organize support the next time around." "Much to your delight?" "Yes, but it is still embarrassing to not have a Senator. Part of me would have preferred for things to have come to some sort of resolution, even if it were not the one I wanted." "Has a date been set for the next gathering?" "No, but you will be forewarned." "Thank you, Quaestor." "Now, tell me, what did you discover last night…" *page_break *elseif tasked_hugh = false The next evening, you wake to a general feeling of frustration. Your pursuit of ${wilson} has turned up nothing certain. *choice #@{carothers_ignorant_of_pb It's time to reveal my hunt for $!{wilson} to Carothers.|I will inform Carothers about the progress of my hunt for $!{wilson}}. *set independence %+10 *if (invitation_to_reception_accepted or (first_memphis_reception_attended = 4)) #I wish to visit Carothers to learn what happened at the caucus last night. No need to mention $!{wilson}. *set independence %+10 Carothers receives you without fanfare, clearly brooding on last night's events. *goto explanation *selectable_if (independence < 60) #What he doesn't know won't hurt him. @{(invitation_to_reception_accepted or (first_memphis_reception_attended = 4)) Moreover, I'm not interested in the politics of the Senate.|} *set discretion %-5 *set independence %-20 You dismiss the idea of informing Carothers of your investigations with a wave of your hand. The matter is already embarrassing enough, no need to complicate matters any further. *if (first_memphis_reception_attended = 2) and (avoided_new_orleans = false) Franklin enters your chambers. "A messenger delivered a note. It seems that Jesse Whitaker is waiting for you at the waterfront." Jesse? He must have come for the caucus, you reason. *choice #I make haste to the docks. *set jesse_rapport %+5 You brush your hair into something resembling order and make haste into the night. *finish Next *if (choice_randomtest = false) #No, I have no interest in seeing your @{jesse_is_broodmate broodmate|rival} at this time. *set jesse_rapport %-10 *set independence %-10 You have other things to occupy you. If Jesse needs you, he will come calling. *elseif outing_with_jesse Besides you have a [i]rendez-vous[/i] with Jesse. Why ruin your evening prematurely? *if jesse_rapport <= 40 After all, there's plenty of time for Jesse to do that for you. *elseif (jesse_rapport < 60) After all, the night has enough challenges already. *else After all, the night has the potential for such delight. *finish Next *page_break *goto_scene memphis_first_intermission *else The next evening, you wake to a feeling of dread. Carothers is no doubt expecting a report of your activities for the previous evening. @{jaundiced To make matters worse, you are startled to discover that your eyes have taken on a distinctive yellow sheen. Could you have contracted the plague? Impossible, and yet, there they are, staring back out of the mirror at you.|} Your feet feel leaden as you make your way to the home of the quaestor. *if (avoided_new_orleans = false) and (sire_alive and (sire_name != "West")) Your maker would never have tolerated such failure. Perhaps Carothers will be more forgiving. *if (avoided_new_orleans = false) and ((sire_alive = false) and (sire_name != "West")) ${new_orleans_quaestor_address} would never have tolerated such failure. Perhaps Carothers will be more forgiving. *if jaundiced Moreover, if Carothers thinks you have contracted the yellow fever…no, you will have to keep it hidden from him. *if carothers_ignorant_of_pb *if (maddox_num = 3) and (tasked_hugh = false) *bug Should be impossible for you to be informing Carothers of Hugh. *set carothers_ignorant_of_pb false *set carothers_rapport %-15 *set applethorp_rapport %-10 *if wilson_embraced *set carothers_debt_wilson 4 "Your offspring is running loose in my city, and you choose this moment to inform me?" "Yes, Quaestor. I thought that I would have found him by now—" "Enough. Find him. Whatever his crimes will be yours to endure." "Yes, Quaestor." *elseif wilson_embraced_by_withers *set withers_rapport %-20 *set overstreet_rapport %-10 "Neither you nor Quaestor Withers saw fit to inform me of this?" "I thought that I would have found him by now." He grimaces. The politics for Carothers are difficult, since Withers is the broodmate of Governor Overstreet. "For her sake, I wish you the utmost haste in your quest." "Thank you, Quaestor." *else Carothers listens to you gravely as you relate what you learned of ${wilson} to him. Fortunately for you, he seems preoccupied with other things, and your failure does not overly trouble him. @{jaundiced Moreover, he does not look closely enough to notice the yellow in your eyes.|} "Finding a vampire that does not want to be found is a challenging affair. Do not falter in your pursuit, and you will run him to ground soon enough." *if knows_about_torpor "But he has done just that. It could be years before he shows himself again." *elseif speaks_english *set knows_about_torpor true "But that's just it; what I heard is that he has gone to sleep. What does that mean?" Carothers shakes his head at your ignorance. "A vampire cannot stay forever in the midst of humanity. When the nights become too heavy to bear, sometimes we will dig a hole in the sweet earth and rest for months or years. Time heals all wounds, or so they say." "But the way you speak of it…it sounds like something that older vampires do, not a fledgling such as ${wilson}." "You are right that it is the eldest among us that are inclined to such respites, but I have heard of young ones sleeping as well." *if patricide "I never knew," you say, "perhaps that is where my dear dominus has gone." "Perhaps," *if explanation he says. "But…how will I find ${maddox}?" *else he says, considering a moment before returning to the matter at hand: *gosub flat_explanation *else "I never knew." "Yes, the older ones of our kind can be rather stingy with the secrets of our nature." "But, if he has gone to sleep in the ground, how will I find him?" *else "But…how will I find him?" "You will have to remain vigilant. He will come up to feed at some point. This errant young vampire must be found!" "Yes, Quaestor." *if carothers_casey He looks at you, still standing before him, fidgeting. "Is there anything else?" *choice #"Yes, Quaestor, there is a man with the fever, who knows that ${wilson} fed on him, and I cannot bring myself to slay him…" *set compassion %-10 *set independence %-10 *if wilson_embraced *set carothers_rapport %-15 "Your progeny creates a mess, and you do not have the resolve to remedy the situation?" He pauses a moment before continuing. *if debt_from_carothers *set carothers_humanity +1 *set carothers_casey false *set debt_from_carothers false "Seeing as I owe you a debt, consider it cancelled. I will handle the mortal." *elseif status > 1 *set carothers_humanity +1 *set carothers_casey false *set status -1 "You are not worthy of the status which has been accorded to you, ${mr} ${surname}. I will deal with this, but you should leave my presence now." "Yes, Quaestor," you reply, before beating a hasty retreat. *else "You are responsible for his actions. Resolve the situation immediately, ${mr} ${surname}." "Yes, Quaestor," you reply, before beating a hasty retreat. *else *label hugh_problem "@{wilson_embraced_by_withers That wayward|This} runt will be the death of me," he says in exasperation. *if debt_to_carothers "Considering the debt that you owe me, ${mr} ${surname}, I would think you would jump at the chance to discharge it. Here is your opportunity." "Understood, Quaestor," you reply. *else *set carothers_humanity +1 *set carothers_casey false After a moment, he shakes his head sadly. "I suppose I shall have to take care of this myself. You are excused." "Thank you, Quaestor," you reply. As you depart, you consider that this cannot be so easy. Carothers will not just cover up your violation of the Rule of Reserve with no consequences…will he? *selectable_if (discretion > 50) #"Yes, Quaestor, there is a man with the fever, who knows that ${wilson} fed on him…I thought you might want to address the matter." *set discretion %+10 *set independence %+5 *if wilson_embraced *set carothers_rapport %-15 "Your progeny creates a mess, and you do not have the resolve to remedy the situation?" He pauses a moment before continuing. *if debt_from_carothers *set carothers_humanity +1 *set carothers_casey false *set debt_from_carothers false "Seeing as I owe you a debt, consider it cancelled. I will handle the mortal." *elseif status > 1 *set carothers_humanity +1 *set carothers_casey false *set status -1 "You are not worthy of the status which has been accorded to you, ${mr} ${surname}. I will deal with this, but you should leave my presence now." "Yes, Quaestor," you reply, before beating a hasty retreat. *else "You are responsible for his actions. Resolve the situation immediately, ${mr} ${surname}." "Yes, Quaestor," you reply, before beating a hasty retreat. *elseif wilson_embraced_by_withers "That wayward runt will be the death of me," he says in exasperation. *if debt_to_carothers "Considering the debt that you owe me, ${mr} ${surname}, I would think you would jump at the chance to discharge it. Here is your opportunity." "Understood, Quaestor," you reply. *elseif debt_from_carothers = false "Would you consider taking care of this nuisance for me? I would consider myself in debt to you." *choice #"Of course, Quaestor." *set independence %+10 *set carothers_rapport %+10 *set debt_from_carothers true "I am pleased to hear that, ${mr} ${surname}." "I will let you know when the matter is resolved," you say, before you ${bow} and make your exit. #"I cannot bring myself to be so callous, Quaestor." *set carothers_humanity +1 *set carothers_casey false *set compassion %-10 *set independence %-5 *set carothers_rapport %-10 Carothers frowns. "Unfortunately for me, I can sympathize with your position, ${mr} ${surname}. But that does not mean that I am pleased. I shall resolve this; you are excused." "Thank you, Quaestor," you reply. *else *set carothers_casey false *set carothers_humanity +1 "I suppose I shall have to take care of this myself. You are excused." "Thank you, Quaestor," you reply. *else *goto hugh_problem #"No, nothing, Quaestor." *set discretion %-15 With that, you excuse yourself hastily. You will have to decide what to do about Mr. Casey another time. *elseif carothers_debt_wilson = 4 With that, you beat a hasty retreat from his presence. *elseif (independence > 40) and (explanation = false) *label explanation *set explanation true *set first_memphis_reception_attended 3 "And what happened last night with the Senators?" you inquire. @{(invitation_to_reception_accepted = false) and learned_of_reception) "I heard that there was to be a gathering?"|} "They adjourned without electing anyone." "They did what?" "None of the candidates could garner enough support to resolve the question." "And so it's just over?" "They'll reconvene in a few years; it will give the candidates time to garner more support." "And leave the Society in limbo in the meantime?" "If anything, Stone has won the night; the delay means he will have more time to garner legitimacy and better organize support the next time around." "Much to your delight?" "Yes, but it is still embarrassing to not have a Senator. Part of me would have preferred for things to have come to some sort of resolution, even if it were not the one I wanted." "Has a date been set for the next gathering?" "No, but you will be forewarned." "Thank you, Quaestor." The rest of the audience passes without incident. As soon as you can, you excuse yourself. *elseif explanation = false *gosub flat_explanation *label resolve_end *if (first_memphis_reception_attended = 2) and met_jesse *page_break Arriving home, Franklin greets you with a note. "There was a man here to see you." @{literate You open the note: it's from Jesse Whitaker. He's waiting at the waterfront for you.|You look at the note and back at Franklin, mildly exasperated. "It was someone by the name of Jesse Whitaker. He says he's waiting down by the docks for you."} Jesse? He must have come for the caucus, you reason. *choice #I make haste to the docks. *set jesse_rapport %+5 You leap to your feet. "Why did you not ask him to stay?" you exclaim. "I did, but he declined," Franklin replies. You discard the letter and turn back into the night. *finish Next *if (choice_randomtest = false) #No, I have no interest in seeing your @{jesse_is_broodmate broodmate|rival} at this time. *set jesse_rapport %-10 *set independence %-10 You have other things to occupy you. If Jesse needs you, he will come calling again. *page_break *goto_scene memphis_first_intermission *elseif outing_with_jesse Pushing all other concerns out of your head, you smile a smile just for yourself. Jesse is waiting. *finish Next *else *page_break *goto_scene memphis_first_intermission *label flat_explanation *set explanation true "No one was elected last night. In case you were wondering," Carothers states flatly. *if first_memphis_reception_attended = 1 *if (invitation_to_reception_accepted = false) When you look at him blankly, Applethorp interjects, explaining that you missed a gathering of senators from across the continent who had come to choose a senator for Memphis. Unfortunately, they were unable to agree upon a candidate, and the matter was adjourned without resolution. *if status = 0 "I'm sorry to hear it, Quaestor." @{(independence < 50) You may be lying through your teeth, but there is little reason not to show a little sympathy.|} "I suppose you were actually the more fortunate one of us, ${mr} ${surname}." "Hard to say." *if status > 0 Though such things are clearly of little interest to you, Carothers makes sure that you're aware of the gravity of the mistake you have made by not attending. Senators from across the continent came to elect a senator for Memphis, but they were unable to agree upon a candidate. The matter was adjourned without resolution. Carothers urges you in no uncertain terms to reconsider your antisocial behavior. *elseif first_memphis_reception_attended = 2 *set first_memphis_reception_attended 3 "Elected?" you reply. Applethorp interjects, explaining that you missed a gathering of senators from across the continent who had come to choose a senator for Memphis. Unfortunately, there were unable to agree upon a candidate, and the matter was adjourned without resolution. Before you take your leave, Carothers urges you in no uncertain terms to reconsider your antisocial behavior. *elseif first_memphis_reception_attended = 3 *bug *return