*comment ñáéç…— *hide_reuse *advertisement *temp confessed_purpose false *temp did_not_inform false *temp interest_in_election false *temp mr_gullah "Massa'" *if male = false *set mr_gullah "Mam'selle" *if presented_memphis *goto_scene memphis_1873_hunting *image memphis_intro.png center *text_image memphis_title.png center Choice of the Vampire: The Fall of Memphis *page_break Founded by Andrew Jackson and John Overton in 1819, Memphis was named for the ancient capital of the Egyptians. Captured early on in the war, it prospered as a staging ground for the invasion of the Confederacy by the Union armies. This drew two groups in particular: unskilled Irish laborers, seeking employment in the war effort, and former slaves, seeking some sort of respite from the conflict. The two groups have settled into an uneasy truce. Surely there is a quaestor here; it goes without saying that you are obligated to present yourself to them, in accordance with the Rule of Respect. *choice #I seek out the quaestor. *set independence %+5 *if (ethnicity = "african") At first, you are surprised at how easy it is to find evidence of vampirism in Memphis, but once you lay your eyes on the offspring of the quaestor, it is clear why you found them so quickly. *goto meet_dido_without_introduction *elseif streetwise > 1 Your investigation of the watering-holes and bordellos soon leads you to a [i]crapaud[/i]-den in the southern part of the city. Here, it is not long before you lay your eyes upon a black woman. She is tall, her hair cut close to her scalp, and she wears a sleeveless dress that eschews any sense of fashion. As she nears, her choice of clothing gains even more significance, as you note the network of lash-marks across her upper arms. All signs point to their continuing well out of sight. The mortals unconsciously part before her as she moves towards you. *goto dido_language *else You begin to make your way through the normal channels—spending time where the rich and fashionable spend their evenings—yet your efforts reveal no evidence of vampires in the city. *if (streetwise > 0) and (ethnicity != "irish") Once the standard avenues are exhausted, you turn to some of the more shady pathways, seeking out the brothels and the gambling parlors. In this you are rewarded, as you learn of a man by the name of Apollo Carothers who rules the shantytown that has sprung up to house the flood of freedmen. By means of intermediaries, you soon arrange a meeting with a representative of Carothers. *page_break *goto meet_dido_introduced *else *page_break *goto cornered_by_apollo *selectable_if (discretion > 40) #I let the quaestor come to me. *set discretion %+15 *set independence %-15 *set did_not_inform true Deciding it best to let the quaestor come to you—after all, if he can't find you, he isn't much of a quaestor, is he?—you set about establishing a haven for yourself. *if memphis_haven = "empty" *gosub_scene memphis_kkk memphis_haven *page_break It is not long before you make the acquaintance of another of your kind. *goto meet_dido_without_introduction_1 *label meet_dido_without_introduction The two of you lock eyes from across the square. *if perception > 2 Suspicious, you extend your mind to confirm that she is one like you. *if perception <= 2 Even though she is too far for you to sense whether she breathes or has a pulse, she wears the attitude of a predator. The mortals unconsciously make way as she approaches you. She is tall for a woman, her hair cut close to her scalp, and she wears a sleeveless dress that eschews any sense of fashion. As she nears, her choice of clothing gains even more significance, as you note the network of lash-marks across her upper arms. All signs point to their continuing well out of sight. *label dido_language *set met_applethorp true *if speaks_english *goto meet_dido_without_introduction_1 *else *set applethorp_rapport %-5 Seeing that she does not seem interested in hearing what you have to say, you listen politely as she launches into a tirade. From her tone, you gather that she is displeased that you have taken up residence in Memphis without a letter of introduction. When she finally pauses, presumably to give you a chance to defend yourself, you finally make it known to her that you have not understand a word that she has said. She throws her hands up in despair. After a few invocations to the heavens, invocations which clearly go unanswered, she finally motions for you to follow her. *page_break Thankfully, Quaestor Carothers is conversant in your tongue. *goto meet_carothers *label meet_dido_without_introduction_1 "You don't belong here." "Is that any way to greet a guest?" "Mayhaps. Who you is, whatcha doin' here, and why ain't you made a beeline fuh Quaestah Carudders?" "My name is ${mr} ${surname}, *if chasing_wilson and (discretion > 55) and I am here chasing an errant young vampire by the name of ${wilson} ${maddox}. I hope to find and deal with him before he brings any misfortune to your city." "I ain't met no ${maddox}. Mah name is Dida Applethor'." "Well, it seems that he has done a better job than I was anticipating of blending in. Perhaps you would be so kind as to take me to your quaestor, so that I can get the formalities out of the way?" "Yes, Ah thinks that'd be right smart of yo'self," she replies. "Why doncha come with me?" "With pleasure," you say with a ${bow}. *page_break *goto meet_carothers *elseif (status > 1) and (charm > 2) *set applethorp_rapport %+10 *set carothers_rapport %+10 and I came here seeking a new home. I have heard tell the wonders of Memphis, and I thought to come and see it for myself." She looks at you askance, seemingly skeptical of your pretty words. "Ah don' know 'bout no wonders, but you can see fo' yo'self, I s'pose. Mah name is Dida Applethor', an' Ahs the chillun o' Apallah Carudders. Please, ${mr_gullah} ${surname}, why doncha come wid me?" "Lead the way, Miss Applethorp." *page_break *goto meet_carothers *else and I am seeking a new home. Vicksburg was becoming rather tiresome." *set applethorp_rapport %-5 *set carothers_rapport %-10 "And you don' think it importune' ta' make the 'kwaintance of the quaestor of this city?" "Well, if the quaestor was worth the title, I figured that he would make himself known to me." "I would say that question's done been answered. Mah name is Dida Applethor', an' Ahs the chillun o' Apallah Carudders. Please, ${massa} ${surname}, why doncha come with me?" "Lead the way, Miss Applethorp." *page_break *goto meet_carothers *label meet_dido_introduced *set met_applethorp true Per the instructions, you arrive at Court Square. You note the propriety of the setting, situated as it is in the shadow of the Shelby County courthouse. *if (compassion < 50) and ((anachronism < 50) and male) You are somewhat surprised by the identity of the Quaestor's emissary: a black woman. *if (compassion >= 50) or ((anachronism >= 50) or (male = false)) You are approached by a black woman. *if speaks_english *goto meet_dido_introduced_1 *else She seems prepared for your inability to converse in English, and simply motions for you to follow. *page_break Thankfully, Quaestor Carothers conversant in your tongue. *goto meet_carothers *label meet_dido_introduced_1 "You mus' be ${massa} ${surname}. My name is Dido. Dido Applethorp. Itsa pleasure to make yo'r 'kwaintance." "And you, Miss Applethorp." "Please, what brings you ta' our city?" *choice *if chasing_wilson #"I am here chasing an errant young vampire… *set confessed_purpose true *set discretion %+5 …by the name of ${wilson} ${maddox}. *if wilson_embraced and (discretion > 60) He is my offspring, and as you can imagine, I am desirous of retrieving him." "Yourn chillen dun loose in my city?" "Yes." "Do you often go 'bout losen' things that are importan' to you?" You try not to flinch at his remonstration. "Obviously, it is not something that I had intended to happen. I trust, though, that you can understand my haste." *if wilson_embraced and ((discretion >= 40) and (discretion <= 60)) It is necessary that I find him as soon as possible. His maker seeks his return." "Y${es_suh}, Ah 'magian that Withers would be discomfited that her chillen went and fled her nest." It seems Applethorp has misinterpreted your statement, concluding that ${maddox} belongs to Withers, but you elect to refrain from contradicting her. She continues: *if wilson_embraced and (discretion < 40) It is necessary that I find him as soon as possible. His maker seeks his return." "Y${es_suh}, Ah 'magian that Withers would be discomfited that her chillen went and fled her nest." "You are correct, Ms. Applethorp." Dido considers a moment before continuing. *if wilson_embraced_by_withers He is the progeny of Quaestor Withers of Vicksburg, and I have been tasked with recovering him for her." "I ain't met no ${maddox}. You sure that he came heah?" "I know that he booked passage to Memphis, yes. I have not confirmed yet whether he disembarked here, or continued further upriver. Either way, I thought it best to make myself known before too much time had passed." "Y${es_suh}, that was right propah o' you. Quaestor Carothers is anxious to meet you. Please, won't you accompany me?" "But of course." *page_break *goto meet_carothers #"I have grown tired of Quaestor Withers's prattle, and thought there might be others less tiresome." *set discretion %+5 "I ain't been interduced ta' Quaestor Withers." "You are better for it, Miss Applethorp." *if charm > 2 *set applethorp_rapport %+5 You say this with a wink, and you think you see the faintest crinkle of a smile at the edges of her eyes. *comment endif "Well, whatever the case, I 'spect that me and Quaestor Carothers will offer a better time, if that is what you're after." "I do hope so, Miss Applethorp. Please, is Quaestor Carothers ready to receive me?" "He is. Why don' you follow me?" *page_break *goto meet_carothers *if chasing_wilson = false *selectable_if (discretion > 30) #"I am given to understand that there is an election to be held here soon…" *set discretion %+5 *set interest_in_election true "You're right there, ${massa} ${surname}. Ah 'spect you'll be wantin' ta' meet the quaestor, then." "That I do, Ms. Applethorp." "I'll take you to 'im." *page_break *goto meet_carothers #"Vicksburg is a fair town, but it is small. I feel as though I have outgrown its bounds." *set discretion %-10 "As you can see, we has uh right cosmopoplin city here, ${massa} ${surname}. Ah hopes that you wull find it more to your likin than Vicksburg." "I imagine that I shall. Have you ever been there?" Dido seems a little embarrassed at your question. "No, Ah ain't. Ah ain't done no travelin' since my…conversion. Nor much b'fore, ta' tell da truth." *if discretion > 60 *set applethorp_rapport %-15 "Then how can you say that Memphis is cosmopolitan?" If you embarrassed her before, you have shamed her now. "It's what I been told. Now, I 'spect the quaestor is waitin' on us." She does not wait for a response before turning away. *page_break *goto meet_carothers *elseif discretion >= 40 *set applethorp_rapport %+5 "If you were to visit another city, Ms. Applethorp, I would not recommend Vicksburg. But New Orleans? That is a city you should see." Applethorp's eyes go wide. "I heard tell such things uh that city. Is it as beautiful as they say?" "Without doubt, Ms. Applethorp. There is no more magnificent city in all the Americas." Her eyes go wide at the vision of the city that you raise before her. *if perception > 1 A faint sheen appears upon them, but do your best not to draw attention to such a display of emotion. Within a few moments she shake her head, and returns to the matter at hand. "Someday, perhaps. But tonight, we are here, and it's high time that you met the quaestor." With that, she escorts you to meet Carothers. *page_break *goto meet_carothers *else In an attempt to diffuse the situation, you skirt the matter of her ignorance as best you can. *if charm > 2 *set applethorp_rapport %+10 "I am very fortunate, then, to have the opportunity to visit your home. I am sure that it rivals any other in the nation with its magnificence." Dido seems genuinely flattered by your effusions. She takes several moments, in fact, to offer a brief history of Court Square, before inviting you to follow her to meet the quaestor. "He is 'spectin us, after all." You motion for her to lead the way. *page_break *goto meet_carothers *else "I'm sure it's very charming here. Now, weren't we on our way to see the quaestor?" "Yes, of course. Please, follow me." She turns and leads you from the square. *page_break *goto meet_carothers *label meet_carothers *set presented_memphis true "…and so, Quaestor Carothers, I humbly request your permission to *if chasing_wilson and (discretion > 50) *set confessed_purpose true reside in your city until I have located my quarry." *else take up residence in your fair city." Carothers sizes you up before issuing a reply. A former slave turned to immortality sometime in his early thirties, his muscles still ripple with the strength of his former labors. "You are well-spoken, ${mr} ${surname}. Tell me first, who is your dominus?" "${sire_name}." "I am afraid that I am unacquainted with ${sire_name}, but that does not mean that I have not heard of him. *if (sire_name = "Pieter van der Velde") and sire_alive Is he not the Quaestor of New Orleans?" "The very same." Formal matters addressed, he does not waste any time closing in on what concerns him most about your arrival. *goto revolution_check *elseif sire_formerly_quaestor *if sire_name = "Fernando de Villanueva e Itamaraca" *set carothers_rapport %+25 *set applethorp_rapport %+10 His exploits along the Spanish Main are legendary, as was his role in the Battle of New Orleans. It is an honor to meet you, ${mr} ${surname}." You are somewhat surprised by the warmth of this welcome. "I did not realize his reputation carried so far." Carothers looks surprisingly discomforted by this observation. "Well, he is famous…" he observes. "I am sorry to hear that he is no longer Quaestor of New Orleans." *if heard_about_new_orleans_quaestor_change "You are well informed, Quaestor Carothers. I only just heard myself that he no longer holds that title." *goto revolution_check *else *set heard_about_new_orleans_quaestor_change true "No longer Quaestor? What news is this?" "Your esteemed pirate is no longer quaestor. He has been replaced by a Dutchman by the name of Pieter van der Velde." "Did he anger the Governor?" "I cannot say." "I must thank you for this intelligence, Quaestor Carothers." *goto revolution_check *else Was he not, until very recently, Quaestor of New Orleans?" *if heard_about_new_orleans_quaestor_change "You are well informed, Quaestor Carothers. I only just heard myself that he no longer holds that title." Formal matters addressed, he does not waste any time closing in on what concerns him most about your arrival. *goto revolution_check *else *set heard_about_new_orleans_quaestor_change true "Until recently? What news is this?" *if sire_name = "Padre Carlos" "Padre Carlos has been named the first praetor of the Americas. You should be very proud of him." "I…don't know what to say." *goto revolution_check *else "Your dominus is no longer quaestor. He has been replaced by a Dutchman by the name of Pieter van der Velde. It seems that he displeased Governor Overstreet." "I must thank you for this intelligence, Quaestor Carothers." Formal matters addressed, he does not waste any time closing in on what concerns him most about your arrival. *goto revolution_check *elseif sire_name = "West" After all, he typifies the American spirit, does he not? Wandering around the frontier, more animal than vampire?" "He does have his eccentricities, yes." *goto revolution_check *else I have not heard word of him in some time, however." "He does have a way of keeping his head down, when it suits him." Formal matters addressed, he does not waste any time closing in on what concerns him most about your arrival. *goto revolution_check *label cornered_by_apollo *set carothers_rapport %-20 *set applethorp_rapport %-10 "Would you care to tell me what you are doing in my city, without having sought an audience with me?" *choice *if chasing_wilson *if wilson_embraced #"I apologize. I have been chasing my errant offspring. He fled my tutelage, and I tracked him here. I hoped to find him before disturbing you." *set carothers_rapport %-5 *set confessed_purpose true "Errant offspring? That is most embarrassing." "Yes, thank you. With your permission, I will remain here until he has been found." *goto post_chase *else #"I apologize. I have been chasing the offspring of Quaestor Withers of Vicksburg. He fled her tutelage, and she asked me to come here and retrieve him. I had hoped to find him before disturbing you." *set confessed_purpose true *set carothers_rapport %+5 "How embarrassing for Quaestor Withers!" "Yes, well, with your permission, I will remain here until he has been found." *goto post_chase #"Oh! There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you!" *if chasing_wilson *set discretion %-15 *if chasing_wilson = false *set discretion %-5 "Looking everywhere, eh? It certainly doesn't seem as though you've been looking everywhere for me." "Well, you found me, didn't you?" "And who are you?" "${given_name} ${surname}, at your service," you say with a ${bow}. *goto post_chase *selectable_if (discretion > 40) #"It certainly took you long enough…" *set carothers_rapport %-15 *set discretion %+10 His eyes narrow at your insolence. "It is not my duty to find you. It is yours to find me." "I hoped that your command of the city was greater than that of my last Quaestor. You have impressed me." "I am happy to know that I have impressed you," he says through clenched teeth. "${given_name} ${surname}, at your service," you say with a ${bow}. *goto post_chase *label post_chase He considers you for a moment, before introducing himself formally. "I am Apollo Carothers, Quaestor of Memphis." "An honor to make your acquaintance, Quaestor Carothers." *if met_applethorp = false *set met_applethorp true "And this is Dido Applethorp, my progeny," he says gesturing to the woman at his side. She is tall, her hair cut close to her scalp, and she wears a sleeveless dress that eschews any sense of fashion. As she nears, her choice of clothing gains even more significance, as you note the network of lash-marks across her upper arms. All signs point to their continuing well out of sight. "A pleasure," you say, with a ${bow}. Formal introductions aside, he wastes no further time closing in on what concerns him about your arrival. *goto revolution_check *label revolution_check "And Consul Stone? What do you think of his revolution?" *choice *if heard_about_revolution *selectable_if (discretion > 40) #"I think Consul Stone has done us all a favor. It was time for the Americas to go their own way." *set carothers_rapport %+5 *set revolutionary_credentials %+20 *set anachronism %+5 Carothers's face lights up at your answer. "I cannot agree with you more, ${mr} ${surname}. A move such as this was long overdue." *if did_not_inform *goto did_not_inform *else *goto welcome_to_stay *selectable_if (discretion < 60) #"Revolution? Consul Stone? I'm afraid I am unaware of what you speak." *set discretion %-15 *goto apollo_explains_revolution *selectable_if (anachronism < 60) #"I find the very idea repulsive. If Adonis has ruled for millennia, what hubris must Stone possess to think himself more fit to rule?" *set revolutionary_credentials %-10 For a moment, you fear that the Quaestor will be struck with a bout of apoplexy. "Hubris? Hubris? I think someone else here is guilty of hubris!" "Excuse me?" you reply, startled by his reaction. "The injustices of Adonis are beyond calculation! His crimes against both humans and vampires…" With this, Dido lays a hand on Apollo's chest. "Apallah, ${he} dinna mean nuttin' by it. $!{he} be young, ${he} don know no betta'." Carothers stops himself, and his rage slowly begins to dissipate. As it does, you consider his reaction to your words. *if compassion <= 35 You must admit, you find it admirable that he would become so irate at the thought of the crimes of a vampire against humans. *if (compassion > 35) and (compassion < 60) You are surprised that he would become so irate at the thought of the crimes of a vampire against humans. *if compassion >= 60 How absurd that he would become irate at the thought of crimes against humans. He clearly coddles his food. *comment endif After a few more moments to compose himself, he launches into a more reasoned defense of Stone. *goto apollo_justifies_revolution *selectable_if (discretion < 70) #"I had hoped to find a city where such divisions would not disturb my peace." *set discretion %-15 *if revolutionary_credentials > 60 *set revolutionary_credentials %-5 *if revolutionary_credentials < 40 *set revolutionary_credentials %+5 Carothers laughs. It is a deep, rolling thunder. "We—Dido and I—are the only vampires in this city, and we support Consul Stone unconditionally. Let us agree, then that there are no divisions here?" You smile and nod. "There are no divisions here, Quaestor." *if did_not_inform *goto did_not_inform *else *goto welcome_to_stay *if heard_about_revolution = false #"Revolution? Consul Stone? I'm afraid I am unaware of what you speak." *set discretion %-5 *goto apollo_explains_revolution *selectable_if (anachronism < 60) #"I know nothing of this revolution, but I can't imagine that it's a good idea. Haven't we had enough of revolutions of late? *set revolutionary_credentials %-10 *set carothers_rapport %-10 *set discretion %-5 *goto apollo_justifies_revolution #"What misfortune is this? I thought the was over and that I had thought I had come to more peaceful shores." *label fled_vicksburg *set applethorp_rapport %+10 "Fear not, the revolution has yet to claim any casualties here." You wonder if his words double as a threat. "Let us pray that it remains that way, Quaestor." *goto apollo_explains_revolution *if sire_alive #"A revolution in the Society? Once which side does my maker fight, for you shall find me by his side." *set anachronism %-10 *set compassion %+10 *if (sire_surname = "Van der Velde") *set carothers_rapport %-20 *set revolutionary_credentials %-20 *set new_orleans_quaestor_rapport %+25 *label counterrevolutionary_sire "Though I appreciate your dedication to your dominus, ${mr} ${surname}, I fear that he has made his opposition to Consul Stone quite clear." "I meant no disrespect, Quaestor," you reply. After a few more moments to gain control of his obvious temper, Carothers turns to a more reasoned explanation of the revolution. *goto apollo_explains_revolution *elseif (sire_surname = "Sainte-Chapelle") *set carothers_rapport %-20 *set revolutionary_credentials %-20 *set sire_rapport %+25 *goto counterrevolutionary_sire *elseif (sire_name = "Padre Carlos") *set carothers_rapport %-20 *set revolutionary_credentials %+20 *set sire_rapport %+10 "Oh, ho! The blood must be strong in your lineage. It is good to see, ${mr} ${surname}," Carothers says. You must have answered correctly, though you are still uncertain as to on which side Carothers—and Padre Carlos—fall. It does not take long for Carothers to launch into an explanation, however. *goto apollo_explains_revolution *elseif sire_name = "West" *set carothers_rapport %+10 *set applethorp_rapport %+10 Carothers laughs. "I don't know much of the venerable West, but I suspect that he cares little for the turmoil of the Society. But I appreciate your loyalty to your maker." "I suppose you are correct, Quaestor." *goto apollo_explains_revolution *else *set carothers_rapport %+20 *set applethorp_rapport %+10 *set revolutionary_credentials %+10 *set sire_rapport %+10 "Your maker would be proud to hear you say that, ${mr} ${surname}," Carothers replies. "But please, Quaestor, tell me more of this revolution." *goto apollo_explains_revolution *label apollo_explains_revolution *set revolutionary_credentials %+5 *set carothers_rapport %+5 "How long have you been gone from the circles of the Society? It is on the lips of every vampire from Calcutta to San Francisco." "I have been…preoccupied. But please, tell me about this revolution." "Senator Stone of Baltimore slew Praetor Miele, and declared himself Consul of the Americas." *if (discretion < 60) and (consul_praetor_explained = false) "But, I've never heard of a consul or praetor before." "Consul Adonis has been at the apex of the Society for millennia. Praetors are his travelling judges, those individuals tasked with uncovering and prosecuting treason and heresy." *set consul_praetor_explained true "And Stone now claims himself equal to this…Adonis?" "He does. And the whole world has been waiting for Adonis's retort." *if (discretion >= 60) and ((speaks_latin) or (intelligence > 2)) Though you have never heard these titles in reference to the Society before, you do know that two Consuls ruled the Roman Republic for hundreds of years before the rise of Julius and Octavius Caesar. Praetors were soldiers tasked with the protection of the Consuls and later the Emperors. *if (discretion >= 60) and ((speaks_latin = false) and (intelligence <= 2)) You have never heard these terms of address before, but you refuse to put your ignorance on display before this quaestor. *comment endif "When did this murder happen?" "June of 1863." "Right before Vicksburg fell." "And the Confederate loss at Gettysburg." "Do you think them connected?" "Considering the British support for the Confederacy…I would not be surprised." "But…England never entered the war!" "Exactly!" "I see." You do your best not to visibly doubt Carothers's convoluted thinking. *if did_not_inform *goto did_not_inform *else *goto welcome_to_stay *label apollo_justifies_revolution *set revolutionary_credentials %-5 *set carothers_rapport %-5 "I will not seek to change your opinion, other than to observe that the vampire who have come to these shores over the past three and a half centuries have done so more often than not to escape the crushing weight of the Society of Adonis. Here, we are few and far between. We are not at each others' throats, as they are there. Here, we can make our own way in the world." *choice *selectable_if (discretion > 50) #"You are very old, then?" *set discretion %+10 *set carothers_rapport %-5 Apollo's face contracts in consternation at this question. "Just because I have never been to the Old World doesn't mean that I haven't been learned on the difficulties of our kind there." "So, you are not very old." "Are you always so brazen in your questions, ${mr} ${surname}?" "I am simply trying to ascertain the source of your knowledge about these things." "My dominus was kind enough to explain the ways of the Society to me, in excruciating detail. And I have him to thank for everything that I am." "And who is your dominus?" Carothers ignores your question—it is almost as though he didn't hear it—deciding instead to launch into the next part of the conversation. *if did_not_inform *goto did_not_inform *else *goto welcome_to_stay #"I take it, then, that you support Stone's revolution?" "I do, most whole-heartedly. Adonis can send his praetors here to punish me if he wishes, and I will send them to greet the sun." "It is good to know where one stands, Quaestor Carothers." *if did_not_inform *goto did_not_inform *else *goto welcome_to_stay *label did_not_inform "Now, to a more immediate concern. Do you often disregard the Rule of Respect? Or was it only me for whom you discount it?" You do your best not to stutter out a response. "I…I'm sorry, quaestor?" "Your arrival here. Do you typically take up residence in a city without presenting yourself to the quaestor, as is demanded by the Rules of the Society?" *choice *selectable_if (discretion < 70) #"Forgive me, quaestor. My departure from Vicksburg was not under the best of circumstances, and there was none who could arrange an introduction. And, once here, I had no way of contacting you…" *set discretion %-5 *set debt_to_carothers true Carothers waves away your pleas. "I am under no obligation to accept you into my city, especially considering your disregard for our customs." "I understand…" "I am not finished. Should you acknowledge the slight that you have offered me, and in return acknowledge the debt such a slight incurs, I would be willing to forgive this oversight on your part, and welcome you to my city." "I will acknowledge that debt, quaestor." *goto welcome_to_stay *if (confessed_purpose = false) and (chasing_wilson = true) *selectable_if (independence < 80) #"The truth of the matter, quaestor, is that I am here chasing another of our kind…" *set carothers_rapport %-10 *set discretion %+10 *set confessed_purpose true *set debt_to_carothers true You relate the details of ${wilson}'s flight, seeking to excuse your actions with your desire to avoid embarrassment for all involved. Carothers stares at you incredulously. "The news that you convey to me is most disturbing, ${mr} ${surname}. In truth, I find it difficult to understand it fully. Believe me when I tell you that this is most distressing, and while you may have sought to improve your position by your confession, in truth, I find it weakened. Were I acquainted with your quarry, I would turn you out at this very instant, confident in my own capacities to apprehend him. However, since I am not, I find it expedient to permit you to remain here long enough to remedy the matter." "Thank you, quaestor…" "That is not all. You have caused such a breach of etiquette that I demand that you acknowledge the debt that you know owe me for this." "I do, quaestor…" "Moreover, once you have found your quarry, I will expect you to make haste in departing from my city." "That is understood, quaestor." "Very good. Now, leave my sight." *goto sort_haven *if heard_about_revolution *selectable_if (discretion > 30) #"Considering Consul Stone's revolt, I thought the Rules of the Society were now…somewhat less stark." *set independence %-10 *set revolutionary_credentials %+10 *set carothers_rapport %-5 *set discretion %+5 "${mr} ${surname}, Consul Stone does not seek to destroy the Society. Rather, he seeks to free the Society of the Americas from the tyranny of Adonis. By no means does that abrogate the Rules which we must all follow." "Which we must all follow?" "Of course, lest you desire for us to descend into anarchy." "No, that is not what I seek." "I trust, then, that you will not make such a mistake again?" "Certainly not, Quaestor." *goto welcome_to_stay *selectable_if (discretion > 30) #"I felt that, were you worthy of your title, you would find me soon enough. Certainly faster than I would find you." *set discretion %+15 *set carothers_rapport %-15 *set debt_to_carothers true "Well, yes, you have been found, ${mr} ${surname}. And the discovery of your presence is no small inconvenience to me. Do you acknowledge the debt that you owe me for this inconvenience?" Unable to see any other option, you nod your head. "I do, Quaestor." "I am glad to see that at least your dominus taught you manners, even if he left your pride intact." "Yes, Quaestor." *goto welcome_to_stay *label welcome_to_stay These introductions concluded, Carothers seems to relax a bit. You can imagine him being quite jovial when he was alive. *if confessed_purpose "Well, ${mr} ${surname}, you are welcome to stay in Memphis while you seek your quarry. I do hope that you will locate him soon, *if wilson_embraced before he brings any more shame to you." "I do hope it does not come to that. Thank you for your gracious hospitality, Quaestor Carothers." "You are welcome. Please keep me informed of your progress." "I shall." "Good evening," he concludes. Taking your leave of Carothers, you survey your new city. You feel the tips of your fingers tingle with the anticipation of all the things you have to accomplish here. *goto sort_haven *else before he brings any more shame to Quaestor Withers." "I do hope it does not come to that. Thank you for your gracious hospitality, Quaestor Carothers." "You are welcome. Please keep me informed of your progress." "I shall." "Good evening," he concludes. Taking your leave of Carothers, you survey your new city. You feel the tips of your fingers tingle with the anticipation of all the things you have to accomplish here. *goto sort_haven *elseif debt_to_carothers *if interest_in_election "Now that that is settled, I have one more item of discussion." "Oh?" *gosub interest_in_election *if interest_in_election = false "Now that that is settled, you are welcome to take up residence in Memphis. This fair city could benefit from another of our kind." *comment endif "Thank you for your hospitality, Quaestor Carothers." "Until we meet again." "Until then." *goto sort_haven *else *if interest_in_election *gosub interest_in_election "Well, ${mr} ${surname}, you are welcome to take up residence in Memphis. It would be good to have another of our kind in the city." "Thank you for your hospitality, Quaestor Carothers." "Until we meet again." "Until then." *goto sort_haven *label interest_in_election "Dido tells me you are interested in the upcoming election?" "I am." "Are you here for the position?" *choice *selectable_if (discretion > 40) #"I am." *set discretion %+15 *if carothers_rapport > 55 *set carothers_rapport %+5 "Have you already secured support from the senators who will be attending?" "No." "Does your dominus support you in this?" "No." "Then, I am confused. How do you plan on effecting this goal? "I will improvise." Carothers actually chuckles before continuing. *return *elseif carothers_rapport > 35 "That is awfully ambitious of you, ${mr} ${surname}." "Perhaps. But I think myself capable of performing the necessary duties." "I see. Well, I wish you luck. I am sure that there are many who will contest your claim, however." "I am sure." Carothers purses his lips for a moment before continuing. *return *else *set carothers_rapport %-5 His eyes narrow suspiciously. "I wish you luck with that, ${mr} ${surname}," he says through clenched teeth. "Thank you, quaestor." *return #"No, I have no interest in the position." *if carothers_rapport > 55 "That is unfortunate. Were you in possession of a base of support, I may not have objected to your election." "You flatter me, quaestor." Carothers smiles at this briefly before continuing. *return *elseif carothers_rapport > 35 "That is no doubt for the best. One as young and unversed in the ways of the Society as yourself would only find embarrassment." "No doubt." Carothers crinkles his mouth a moment before continuing. *return *else "Good. I would not want to be tasked with your presence for any longer than I must." You are somewhat surprised by this venom. Before you can find a retort, though, Carothers continues. *return #"No, but I am curious to better understand the workings of the Senate." *set carothers_rapport %+5 "An admirable position to take, ${mr} ${surname}. Perhaps, in time, you will find yourself in a position to seek such a title." "Perhaps." Carothers smiles at this briefly before continuing. *return *label sort_haven *if memphis_haven = "empty" *page_break Having been granted permission to stay in the city, you set about establishing a more permanent haven. *gosub_scene memphis_kkk memphis_haven Along with your haven, you soon acquire the services of a freeman by the name of Franklin. He is no *if maddox_num <= 2 ${wilson}, *if maddox_num = 3 Wilson, *comment yes, if you went to St Charles, and took Anselm with you, and then killed him at the end of Vicksburg, then this would be an error. But I think that's highly unlikely. but he serves well enough. *if memphis_haven = "yankees" *gosub paving *goto new_duds *else *if memphis_haven = "yankees" *gosub paving *goto new_duds *label paving *page_break *set noticed_paving true In the middle of a fine summer day, you awake to the smell of something burning. You are forced to lie there for the next several hours until the sun sets, tormented by thought that you are about to go up into flames. Once the sun has set, you burst from your resting place, and flee into the street. There, you discover the source of the smell: the streets are being paved. The workmen are done for the day, but you the stench of the chemicals hang heavy in the air. *if technology > 1 Fascinated by innovation, as you are, you suppress your fears of a fiery death and inquire after the construction methods being utilized; the portions of town that have already seen the paving completed are certainly improved by the addition. It turns out that the city is using cedar blocks as the paving material. After some research, you learn to your dismay that cedar blocks work very well under consistent weather conditions: always wet, always dry, or always moist. Unfortunately, if the weather cycles between very wet and very dry, the cedar blocks rot and crumble very quickly. Though you have not been here long, from what you have observed, these paving blocks will have a hard time of it in Memphis. *return *else The next few weeks are an exercise in discipline, as you struggle to calm yourself during the day, and not let the threat of your impending demise disturb your rest. *return *label new_duds *page_break Goods from around the world have begun to flood the markets of Memphis again. And, with the end of the embargo on cotton, prices have dropped measurably. While visiting downtown one evening, you consider whether you should purchase a new outfit. *gosub_scene memphis_kkk clothing_and_bonds *finish Next