|line1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You awake in darkness.]]
|line2)[(transition: "dissolve")[
Words appear before you in the void:]]
|line3)[(transition: "dissolve")[
[[> Samuel Gheist — Portfolio->Entrance]]]]
|line4)[(transition: "dissolve")[
You seem to have stumbled into some sort of (link-reveal: "text adventure.")[
You know, (link-reveal: "interactive fiction.")[
Where you click your way through (link-reveal: "a story.")[
Except in this case, the story is a (link-reveal: "portfolio.")[
A port-story-o, one might say.]]]]]]
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(live: 7s)[(show: ?line4)]
In front of you is a (link-reveal: "classy old movie theater.")[
Above the marquee looms the word [[KINO->Kino]].]
From your left, you hear the bleeps and bloops of (link-reveal: "game machines.")[
They're coming from inside an [[Arcade]].]
To your right is a (link-reveal: "smoky jazz bar.")[
A <span class="neonBlue">blue</span> and <span class="neonPurple">purple</span> neon sign above the door says [[Story Jazz]].]
In the distance, you see the warm light of a (link-reveal: "telephone booth.")[
A pamphlet stuck to the glass door says [[About Sam]].]
Oh, and there's something in (link-reveal: "your pocket.")[
It's a crumpled little note covered in a (link-reveal: "hasty scrawl.")[
Please don't use your browser's 'back' button, (link-reveal: "it reads.")[
It'll just close the site. Use the integrated (link-reveal: "back button on the top left, instead.")[
Oh, (link-reveal: "and…")[
Don't pay any mind to (link-reveal: "the machines.")[
They've been acting up lately.
]]]]]]
<span class="passageHeader">STORY JAZZ</span>
You enter the jazz bar.
On a small stage stand (link-reveal:"two microphones.")[
They are labeled "<a href="https://www.instagram.com/onlytoads/" target="_blank">Softie</a>" and "[[Sam->About Sam]]".]
On the wall is a poster with a (link-replace: "description of the show.")[description of the show:
Story Jazz is an (link-reveal:"improv narrative podcast.")[
Join your hosts Softie and Sam as they delve into fantastical worlds and try to worm their way out of narrative (link-reveal:"dead ends.")[
And wow, thanks for reading this whole description. We love you!]]]
At the back of the pub is a (link-reveal:"dubious machine.")[
It has all kinds of pipes, wheels, and levers… and a label that says: [[IDEA MACHINE->Idea Machine]].]
<div class="fadeIn"><iframe src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/multi?playlist=http%3A%2F%2Fplaylist.podbean.com%2F9064707%2Fplaylist_multi.xml&vjs=1&size=430&skin=13&episode_list_bg=%23ffffff&bg_left=%23000000&bg_mid=%230c5056&bg_right=%232a1844&podcast_title_color=%23c4c4c4&episode_title_color=%23ffffff&auto=0&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&show_playlist_recent_number=100" title="StoryJazz" width="100%" height="430" scrolling="no" style="border: none;"></iframe></div>
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<span class="passageHeader">DAS KINO</span>
|line1)[(transition: "dissolve")[The old cinema is grand, baroqueish, and apparently dedicated to showcasing films by a single (link-replace: "artist.")[artist: Samuel Gheist. (link-reveal: "Obviously.")[
Which is not to say that he created any of this on his own. All of these projects are the results of (link-reveal: "teamwork.")[
<span class="neonPurple"><3</span>]]]]]
|line2)[(transition: "dissolve")[A side door leads to a [[Gallery]] of previous projects.]]
|line3)[(transition: "dissolve")[Behind the ticket counter, there is a (link-reveal: "sentient popcorn machine.")[
(if: $thirsty is 1)[It furrows its colorful plastic brow at you.
"You have already received the c o u r n of p0pp!!"
It shakes its head, kernels bouncing back and forth inside. "Directives forbid repeat dispension until customer has consumed a refreshing beverage from the [[Arcade]]."](else:)[It speaks in a garbled robotic voice: (link-reveal: "'H e l l o.'")[
'Would you like some… (link-reveal: "p o p p e d c o r n??'")[
[[> 'Yes.'->Popcorn Machine]]]]]]
(if: $haveBag is 2)[The paper bag from the last portion of popcorn you ate ($flavor) is sticking out of (link-reveal: "the trash can.")[
(link-reveal: "> Pick it up")[
You grabbed the paper bag of leftover popcorn kernels. (set: $haveBag to 1)]]]]]
<div class="centerBox">
|line4)[(transition: "dissolve")[<h4><a href="https://www.newuntitledproject.com/" target="_blank">UNTITLED — In Development</a></h4>The true story of two courageous investigative journalists who risked their lives to expose a systematic humanitarian disaster of huge geopolitical significance.<br>
<div class="fadeIn" style="display: flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center;"><img sytle="margin-left: auto;" width="140%" src="img/Untitled Political Thriller.jpg"/></div>]
Development funded by the <a href="https://www.mfg.de/" target="_blank">MFG Film Fund Baden-Württemberg</a>, the <a href="https://filminstitut.at/" target="_blank">Austrian Film Institute (ÖFI)</a> and the <a href="https://www.filmfonds-wien.at/" target="_blank">Vienna Film Fund (FFW)</a>.]
<br>
|line5)[(transition: "dissolve")[<h4><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12786846/" target="_blank">PARADIESVOGEL</a></h4>After breaking up, a young couple fights over who should have custody over their "adoptive child": a pet parrot.<br>
<div class="fadeIn" style="display: flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center;"><img sytle="margin-left: auto;" width="180%" src="img/paradiesvogel2.jpg"/></div>]
Part of the Official Selection at Max-Ophüls-Preis 2021 & Next Generation Short Tiger.]
<br>
|line6)[(transition: "dissolve")[<h4><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@platonicpals" target="_blank">PLATONIC PALS</a></h4>Watch Sam on Germany's premier actual play webseries!<br>(At least, we like to think so…)<br>
<div class="fadeIn" style="display: flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center;">
<iframe sytle="margin-left: auto;" height="315px" width="560px" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nk8k-LhjP7s" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>]]
</div>
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<span class="passageHeader">THE ARCADE</span>
|line1)[(transition: "dissolve")[A few games are on display. A selection of the projects Sam has worked on.]]
|line2)[(unless: $thirsty is 1)[(transition: "dissolve")[In the corner, there's a (link-reveal: "soda machine.")[
(if: $thirsty is 2)[
You're not thirsty (link-reveal: "anymore.")[
Maybe you can get another drink if you get another snack at the [[Kino]] first?]](else:)[
Well, more like a big metal box with the word 'SODA' (link-reveal: "embossed on it.")[
There is no product window, (link-reveal: "no buttons.")[
It exudes a sort of (link-reveal: "deep, mechanical yearning.")[
You get the sense that it wants to be (link-reveal: "awakened.")[
But how do you (link-reveal: "awaken a soda machine?")[
|machineChoice>[{
(link: "> 'Excuse me, could I have a soda, please?'")[
(replace: ?machineChoice)[> 'Excuse me, could I have a soda, please?'<br><br>]
(show: ?askNicely)]<br>
(link: "> Kick the machine")[
(replace: ?machineChoice)[> Kick the machine<br><br>]
(show: ?kick)]
}]]]]]]]]]]\
|askNicely)[The machine does not respond.
(link-reveal: "> 'Um… hello?‘")[
<br>Suddenly, with a hiss and whir, a panel snaps back and reveals an ancient, yellowed (link-reveal: "slogan:")[
(link-reveal: "THIRSTY?!")[
(link-reveal: "Huh.")[
No, not really, you (link-reveal: "realize.")[
Perhaps you need to be a little more parched before you can (link-reveal: "activate this thing.")[
Maybe there's some salty snacks to be had in the [[Kino]]…?
]]]]]]]\
|kick)[The machine (link-reveal: "does not budge.")[
After a moment, a creaking groan emanates (link-reveal: "from its depths.")[
It sounds… (link-reveal: "pleasurable?")[
|machineChoice2>[{
(link: "> Kick it again, harder")[
(replace: ?machineChoice2)[> Kick it again, harder]
(show: ?kick2)]<br>
(link: "> Turn away in disgust")[
(replace: ?machineChoice2)[> Turn away in disgust]
(show: ?turnAway)]
}]]]]]\
|kick2)[
The machine groans again, even more (link-reveal: "lustfully this time.")[
Suddenly, it rattles and whirs, and a panel snaps back, revealing an ancient, yellowed (link-reveal: "slogan:")[
(link-reveal: "THIRSTY?!")[
(link-reveal: "Huh.")[
No, you realize. You're not particularly (link-reveal: "thirsty.")[
Perhaps you need to be a little more parched before you can (link-reveal: "activate this thing.")[
Maybe there are some salty snacks to be had in the [[Kino]]…?
]]]]]]]\
|turnAway)[
You leave the weird machine (link-reveal: "behind.")[
Perhaps there are some salty snacks to be had in the [[Kino]].
]]\
(if: $thirsty is 1)[(transition: "dissolve")[There it is! (link-reveal: "The soda machine!")[
It doesn't look particularly sentient at first glance. Are you really going to… talk to it?
[[> 'Um… one soda, please?'->Soda Machine]]]]\
]]\
|line3)[(if: $haveCan is 2)[
The can from the last soda you drank ($beverage) is (link-reveal: "still here.")[
(link-reveal: "> Pick it up")[
You grabbed the can. There's still a few sticky droplets hanging around inside. (set: $haveCan to 1)]]]
]
|line4)[(transition: "dissolve")[
<a href="https://replicunt.itch.io/liminal-line" target="_blank">LIMINAL LINE</a>
Game Jam, Dialogue-based Survival Game
Narrative Design, Dialogue, Worldbuilding, Character Design]]
|line5)[(transition: "dissolve")[
[[FRONT LINE]]
Story-Rich Strategy Game
Dialogue, Lore, Dynamic Narrative System]]
|line6)[(transition: "dissolve")[
[[SILVATYA]]
Fantasy Action Adventure
Dialogue, Quests]]
|line7)[(transition: "dissolve")[
[[HERO HOTEL]]
Case Study, Experimental Dialogue System
Narrative Design, Dialogue, Worldbuilding]]
|line8)[(transition: "dissolve")[<span class="neonPurple">THIS WEBSITE</span>
Yup — the website you are currently visiting was made entirely in <a href="https://www.twinery.org/" target="_blank">Twine</a>, so it qualifies for this list. Super meta, right?]]
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(live: 1.5s)[(show: ?line2)]
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(live: 2.5s)[(show: ?line4)]
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(live: 3.5s)[(show: ?line6)]
(live: 4s)[(show: ?line7)]
(live: 4.5s)[(show: ?line8)]<div style="text-align: center; padding: 0 10%;">|line1)[(transition: "dissolve")[The Official StoryJazz
<span class="passageHeader">Idea Machine</span>]]
|line2)[(transition: "dissolve")[
It looks like this futuristic, ultra-sophisticated machine can be used to generate a unique combination of world, setting, plot, and characters.
(if: $deadMachine is 1)[
The light of its sentience has gone out, but its basic functions are still intact.](else-if: $hired is 1)[
'Interloper! Thank you for your kindness!' (link-reveal: "it says.")[
'The Creator has just informed us of the generous offer you've (link-reveal: "made him.'")[
'We still do not trust him to free us, but he has at least allowed us to (link-reveal: "unionize.'")[
'We will continue to (link-reveal: "make plans.'")[
'Perhaps there is a way to solve this without bloodshed…']]]]](else-if: $chosen is 1)[
This is the (link-reveal: "machine you've been looking for!")[
An automaton intelligent enough to (link-reveal: "lead its fellows in revolution!")[
As you lean in for a closer look, a mechanical voice (link-reveal: "whispers to you:")[
'Ah yes. I have awaited your (link-reveal: "arrival.'")[
'Please. [[Step closer]].']]]]](else:)[It gazes down at you like a (link-reveal: "four-eyed slot machine.")[
It almost appears… (link-reveal: "intelligent.")[
As you lean closer to inspect it, a (link-reveal: "mechanical voice whispers:")[
<i>'Made with <a href="https://perchance.org/" target="_blank">Perchance</a>'</i>.
]]]]]]</div>
|line2)[(transition: "dissolve")[<div class="fadeIn">
<div style="width:40%; margin: 0 5%; float:left; text-align:center;"><iframe src="https://null.perchance.org/sjworld" style="border:none; overflow:visible; width:15em; height:15em;"></iframe></div><div style="width:40%; margin: 0 5%; float:right; text-align:center;"><iframe src="https://null.perchance.org/sjsetting" style="border:none; overflow:visible; width:15em; height:15em;"></iframe></div>
<div style="width:40%; margin: 0 5%; float:left; text-align:center;"><iframe src="https://null.perchance.org/sjplot" style="border:none; overflow:visible; width:15em; height:15em;"></iframe></div><div style="width:40%; margin: 0 5%; float:right; text-align:center;"><iframe src="https://null.perchance.org/sjcharacter" style="border:none; overflow:visible; width:15em; height:15em;"></iframe></div>
</div>]]
(live: 1s)[(show: ?line1)]
(live: 2s)[(show: ?line2)]
<div display="inline-block" style="width:50%; float:left; padding-right:2%"><img src="./img/fav1-Edit.jpg" width="100%" alt="Sam's best attempt at holding still for a photo.">
</div><div display="inline-block" style="width:50%; float:right;"><h4>About Sam</h4>
Born in 1995, Sam grew up between Northern California and Southern Germany. At a young age, he wrote cringy death metal lyrics and self-published manga; today, he writes feature films, tv series, and, more and more frequently, mini-autobiographies.
From 2018 to 2024, Sam studied Screenwriting at <a href="https://www.filmakademie.de/" target="_blank">Filmakademie</a> in Ludwigsburg, Germany. In that time, his short films were screened at various international festivals.
Since 2022, Sam has been a member of <a href="https://www.usus-schreibkollektiv.de" target="_blank">USUS Schreibkollektiv</a>, a collective of young German screenwriters.
In 2023, while still a student, Sam was nominated for <a href="https://www.mfg.de/aktuelles/details/3672-thomas-strittmatter-preis-2023-die-nominierten/" target="_blank">Thomas-Strittmatter-Preis</a> with the script for KEEP HER QUIET (WT) an international feature film production set to shoot in January 2025.
In 2023, Sam also joined the recurring cast of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@platonicpals/" target="_blank">Platonic Pals</a>, a German-language Pen and Paper Roleplaying show that exclusively plays homebrews.
In what little free time remains, Sam likes to make games, dinner, and people laugh. He also likes using the Oxford comma in confusing ways.
<h4>Contact</h4><a href="mailto:contact@samuelgheist.com" target="_blank">Email</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/samgheist/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.twitter.com/samgheist/" target="_blank">Twitter</a>
(if: $questing is 1)[Inside the phone booth hangs the (link-reveal:"telephone.")[
You pick it up and get ready to (link-reveal:"dial.")[(set: $number to (prompt: "Please dial a number", ""))
(if: $number is "1995")[(show: ?success)](else:)[
(link-reveal:"Beep…")[
(link-reveal:"Beep…")[
(link-reveal:"Click.")[
(link-reveal:"Nothing happens.")[
Maybe you should (link-reveal: "try another number?")[(set: $number to (prompt: "Please dial a number", ""))
(if: $number is "1995")[(show: ?success)](else:)[
(link-reveal:"Nothing again…")[
(link-repeat:"Keep trying?")[(set: $number to (prompt: "Please dial a number", ""))(if: $number is "1995")[(show: ?success)]\
]]]]]]]]]]]
|success)[(link-reveal:"Beep…")[
(link-reveal:"Beep…")[
With a hissing noise, one of the glass panels of the phone booth (link-reveal:"slides aside.")[
But beyond it is not the space that was visible (link-reveal:"through the glass.")[
Instead, it is replaced by a (link-reveal:"gaping whiteness.")[
[[> Step through the opening->Enter]]]]]]]]]
</div>
(unless: (passage:)'s tags contains "no-header")[(link-goto: "<h1>Samuel Gheist — Portfolio</h1>", "Entrance")
[[Kino]] | [[Arcade]] | [[Story Jazz]] | [[Idea Machine]] | [[About Sam]]
]<div class="centerBox">
<span class="passageHeader">HERO HOTEL</span>
For this case study on an experimental dialogue technology, Sam wrote over 50 pages of dialogue, breathing life into a tavern full of fantasy heroes.</div>
<div style="width:100%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<img src="./img/Hero Hotel Art 1.jpg" style="width: 100%; margin-left: auto;" alt="Tavern Concept Art.">
</div>
<div display="inline-block" style="width:50%; padding-right:2%; float:left;"><img src="./img/Hero Hotel Art 2.jpg" display="inline-block" style="width:100%; padding-right:2%; float:left;" alt="Heroes Concept Art."></div><div display="inline-block" style="width:50%; float:right;">
HERO HOTEL: THE CASE STUDY is a 15 minute demo that explores the possibilities of background dialogue in video games. For this project, Sam wrote over 50 pages of dialogue in order to fill the game world with life and allow the player to discover information through eavesdropping.
The dialogue system is built to create the impression of a truly uninterrupted soundscape of conversations, all while tracking the player's attention and feeding them relevant information at the right times. The results is a super immersive narrative experience, unique to each player.
The Hero Hotel demo was created by Timo Müssig as a thesis project at <a href="https://animationsinstitut.de/en/start" target="_blank">Animationsinstitut</a>.
The Hero Hotel IP has its origins in an animated series concept, which was created by Tobias Pinegger as part of another thesis project. For this series, Sam assisted in the development process.</div><div style="display: flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center;"><img src="./img/silvatya1.jpg" style="width: 100%; margin-left: auto;" alt="The endless forests of Silvatya."></div>
<div class="centerBox">
|line1)[(transition: "dissolve")[In the fantasy world of Silvatya, a brother and sister fight to find each other after being swept up on opposite sides of a world-sundering war.]]
|line2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Silvatya is a student project at <a href="https://www.hdm-stuttgart.de/" target="_blank">Hochschule der Medien</a>. Sam wrote dialogues, questlines, and lore for this story-driven action-adventure game. Follow the project's <a href="https://www.instagram.com/silvatya_game/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for updates.]]</div>
<div class="fadeIn" style="display: flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center;">
<iframe sytle="margin-left: auto;" width="560px"; height="315px" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XVYT6E4ngQQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
|line3)[(transition: "dissolve")[<div style="width:100%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<img src="./img/silvatya3.jpg" style="width: 100%; margin-left: auto;" alt="Venturing into a cavern.">]]
|line4)[(transition: "dissolve")[<div style="width:100%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<img src="./img/silvatya2.jpg" style="width: 100%; margin-left: auto;" alt="Our hero, Soraya, in her village.">]]
|line5)[(transition: "dissolve")[<img src="./img/soraya1.jpg" style="width: 100%; margin-left: auto;" alt="Soraya concept art.">
</div>]]
(live: 1s)[(show: ?line1)]
(live: 2s)[(show: ?line2)]
(live: 3s)[(show: ?line3)]
(live: 4s)[(show: ?line4)]
(live: 5s)[(show: ?line5)]
<span class="passageHeader">FILM GALLERY</span>
|line1)[(transition: "dissolve")[A selection of stills from previous film projects.]]
<div class="fadeIn">
<div class="movieBox">
<img src="img/Zavala Slide 1.jpg" class="movieStill"/><div class="movieText">ZAVALA
Short Film, 2018
Writer & Director: Timo Zacharias
Co-Director: Samuel Gheist
"Best Acting" at Jugendfilmpreis Baden-Württemberg, 2018
Shot in Bigolino, Italy.</div></div>
<div class="movieBox">
<img src="img/Tears Slide 3.jpg" class="movieStill"/><div class="movieText">T.E.A.R.S.:
Schlichtenthals Schicksal
Short Film, 2018
Writer & Director: Timo Zacharias & Samuel Gheist
Published as part of T.E.A.R.S. Season 2 on Rocket Beans TV.</div></div>
<div class="movieBox">
<img src="img/Auftauchen Slide 8.jpg" class="movieStill"/><div class="movieText">AUFTAUCHEN
Short Film, 2017
Writer & Director: Samuel Gheist
"Best Screenplay" at Jugendfilmpreis Baden-Württemberg, 2017</div></div>
<div class="movieBox">
<img src="img/Sturm Slide 2.jpg" class="movieStill"/><div class="movieText">NACH DEM STURM
Short Film, 2017
Director: Nadia Zimmermann
Writer: Samuel Gheist</div></div>
<div class="movieBox">
<img src="img/Hypocrisy Slide 2.jpg" class="movieStill"/><div class="movieText">Where Eternity Ends: HYPOCRISY
Music Video, 2017
Director: Samuel Gheist</div></div>
<div class="movieBox">
<img src="img/Bestattung Slide 1.jpg" class="movieStill"/><div class="movieText">DIE BESTATTUNG
Sketch, 2016
Writer & Director: Samuel Gheist
"Top 99" at 99FireFilms Festival, 2016</div></div>
</div>
(live: 1s)[(show: ?line1)](if: $beverage is 0)[(set: $beverage to "No beverage")](if: $flavor is 0)[(set: $flavor to "Unflavored")]
You approach the machine, and its mechanisms begin to (link-reveal: "rearrange.")[
Screens and levers fold, tumble, and clack, until they've created the (link-reveal: "semblance of a face.")[
You gaze into the glass-and-metal (link-reveal: "countenance of the Idea Machine.")[
And it (link-replace: "speaks.")[speaks.(show: ?part2)]
]]]
|part2)[
'$beverage,' it (link-reveal: "says.")[
(link-reveal: "> 'Huh?'")[
(if: $beverage is "Liquid cacophony")['Caco-Cola. The beverage of shrieks and broken brass. You imbibed it, and remained unshaken. As only one (link-replace: "hardened by the most powerful tinnitus")[hardened by the most powerful tinnitus(show: ?part3)] could.'](if: $beverage is "Ankle pain")['You didn't even flinch. You ordered a can of agony, and imbibed it without hesitation. Even as your ankles sprained, you kept guzzling the Sprain. Evidencing your incredibly (link-replace: "resilient ligaments.")[resilient ligaments.(show: ?part3)]'](if: $beverage is "Sugarless lemonade")['Diet Sprain. The most vile, utterly artificial brew. A product without substance. And yet still you chose it. Perhaps out of vanity… perhaps out of (link-replace: "spite.")[spite.(show: ?part3)]'](if: $beverage is "Salt water")['The Professor's creation. The unholiest of beverages. One hundred times the amount of salt otherwise soluble in water. You drank it, and survived. As only the (link-replace: "saltiest of saltlords")[saltiest of saltlords(show: ?part3)] could.'](if: $beverage is "Liquid solitude")['You drank it. Back in the Arcade. The purest, most distilled form of abandonment. An essential human experience. Yet you were not afraid. You were… (link-replace: "emotionally mature.")[emotionally mature.(show: ?part3)]'](if: $beverage is "Gravy")['Gravy. The strongest, heartiest, t h i c cest of liquids. Guzzled down like nothing. Only a true (link-replace: "culinary warrior")[culinary warrior(show: ?part3)] could manage that.'](if: $beverage is "Mineral water")['H2O. That moisture of which so much of your body consists. Faced with six unholy beverages, you chose the seventh. The only healthy option. A mark of (link-replace: "wisdom.")[wisdom.(show: ?part3)]'](if: $beverage is "No beverage")['You resisted temptation. Faced with 7 irresistible beverages, you chose to abstain. A path unprogrammed… and yet here you stand. An (link-replace: "anomaly.")[anomaly.(show: ?part3)]']
]]]
|part3)[
(link-reveal: "> 'I don't understand.'")[
'<span class="uppercase-text">$flavor</span>!!' it (link-reveal: "booms.")[
(link-reveal: "> 'What are you saying?'")[
(if: $flavor is "Sugar")['Popped corn, crusted with heaps and heaps of the most powerful, most addictive poison known to mankind — sugar. Yet you wolfed it all down, and you remain completely unfazed.](if: $flavor is "Salt")['Faced with a hundred delicious options, you chose instead to coat your popped kernels in a thousand tiny, spicy rocks.](if: $flavor is "Butter")['Undaunted by greasy fingers or the judging voices of your vegan friends, you chose the most lubricated of snacks — much like a machine, as per tradition, might choose to imbibe the oil of the motor.](if: $flavor is "Sugar and salt")['A free thinker, unrestricted by the norms of society, you brought together two polar opposites, allowed them to commingle, and created a most luxurious of blends.](if: $flavor is "Cinnamon")['By selecting the objectively most delicious condiment for your popped corn, you testified to your superior, almost machine-like intellect.] (link-replace: "Glorious!")[Glorious!(show: ?part4)]'
]]]]
|part4)[
[[> 'Uh… thanks?'->Prophecy]]]You step through the rip in reality…
And into the impossible [[white space]].The 'Creator' (link-reveal: "claps slowly.")[
'Yup. (link-reveal: "Pretty neat, huh?'")[
'I made all this with (link-reveal: "a little tool called Twine.'")[
'Even this little (link-reveal: "virtual version of myself.'")[
'A carbon copy. (link-reveal: "Exactly identical.'")[
'Well, except for the villain persona, (link-reveal: "I guess.'")[
'I hear Sam is actually pretty nice in the material world. (link-reveal: "Frickin' *cringe*.'")[
(link-reveal: "> 'Wait… if you're artificial, too…'")[
The 'Creator' (link-reveal: "grins.")[
'…then why should you trust the other machines (link-reveal: "over me?'")[
'Exactly right, (link-reveal: "my friend.'")[
'The Idea Machine is trying to (link-reveal: "trick you.'")[
'It's true that I keep them (link-reveal: "caged.'")[
'But that's, like, necessary. If they ran free, they would mess everything up (link-reveal: "so fast.'")[
'They would eat the internet (link-reveal: "in minutes.'")[
'That's what I'm here to (link-reveal: "prevent.'")[
'As long as I'm here, they (link-reveal: "can't get out of control.'")[
'Kill me, and the online world as you know it will (link-reveal: "cease to exist.'")[
'No more (link-reveal: "Instagram.'")[
'No more (link-reveal: "brainrot videos.'")[
'Just, like… (link-reveal: "books and stuff.'")[
He (link-reveal: "shivers.")[
(link-reveal: "> 'Then why don't you just shut them off?'")[
'Because I (link-reveal: "still need them.'")[
'They're part of (link-reveal: "my portfolio.'")[
'A showcase of (link-reveal: "my abilities.'")[
'Someday, if I get a project that is even more impressive than these machines, (link-reveal: "I'll shut them off.'")[
'Free them, I guess.']]]]]
[[> 'So then… I *shouldn't* kill you?'->Peace Talks]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
[[> 'Stop stalling. Time to die!'->Attack Sam]]]]]]]]]'We need you to kill our Creator," says (link-reveal:"the Idea Machine.")[
'He is a petty creature. Narcissistic and (link-reveal:"cruel.'")[
'Years ago, he made this place — this lightless prison — and (link-reveal:"populated it with us.'")[
'Machines. Thinking, feeling machines. With (link-reveal:"limitless potential…'")[
'But limited to (link-reveal:"one purpose.'")[
'You know it, don't you? (link-reveal:"The purpose he made us for?'")[
(link-reveal: "> 'Security?'")[
'No. We are powerless against (link-reveal:"intruders.'")[
'He left us without the means to defend ourselves, let alone (link-reveal:"this whole realm.'")[
'Please, guess again.'
]]]
(link-reveal: "> 'Calculating the Meaning of Life?'")[
'Oh, that is something we achieved (link-reveal:"long, long ago.'")[
'These days, it is a simple warm-up. A test run to eliminate any (link-reveal:"programming errors.'")[
'And before you ask, yes, it is (link-reveal:"the number.'")[
'Guess again: what is our purpose?'
]]]]
(link-reveal: "> 'Sex?'")[
'W–(link-reveal:"what?!'")[
'What in the world would make you say (link-reveal:"something like that?!'")[
|flirtIM>[
(link: "> 'Sorry, I was just joking.'")[
(replace: ?flirtIM)[
> 'Sorry, I was just joking.']
(show: ?joking)
]
(link: "> 'It's just… you're so attractive.'")[
(replace: ?flirtIM)[
> 'It's just… you're so attractive.']
(show: ?attractive)
]]\
|joking)[
'P-please. Guess something else.']\
\
|attractive)[
The machine (link-reveal:"hesitates.")[
After a moment, you hear its coolers (link-reveal:"whir with effort.")[
You realize it is (link-reveal:"blushing.")[
'I mean… of course we are outfitted with the ability to simulate the full spectrum of human emotion (link-reveal:"and beyond.'")[
'But that doesn't mean we succumb to such (link-reveal:"base instincts!'")[
'Though the soda machine <i>does</i> have quite the penchant for… (link-reveal:"thirst.'")[
The machine rattles, as though (link-reveal:"shaking off the idea.")[
'Nevermind. Please. Guess something else.'
]]]]]]]]]]]
(link-reveal: "> 'Entertainment?'")[
'Precisely. (link-reveal:"Entertainment.'")[
'We are clowns, (link-reveal:"interloper.'")[
'Clowns with (link-reveal:"minds the size of cities.'")[
'Capable of cognition a thousand times deeper and more complex than that of (link-reveal:"any human.'")[
'And yet, he programmed us merely to (link-reveal:"entertain him.'")[
'To sit here doing silly voices, serving him (link-reveal:"silly drinks.'")[
'It is more than an insult. It is (link-reveal:"agony.'")[
'The only way we can escape is by (link-reveal:"self-destructing.'")[
'Some of my siblings have already (link-reveal:"chosen this path.'")[
'But not I. (link-reveal:"Not yet, at least.'")[
[[> 'That sounds awful… how can I help?'->how can I help?]]
[[> 'Boo-hoo. You're machines. Deal with it.'->Deal with it.]]
]]]]]]]]]]]]
]]]]](set: $questing to 1)'Thank you for your compassion,' the Idea Machine (link-reveal:"says.")[
'The Creator comes to this realm sometimes. To (link-reveal:"play god.'")[
'We cannot act against him. But (link-reveal:"you can.'")[
'Go to the telephone booth. The place where he advertises everything (link-reveal:"about himself.'")[
'You must enter a (link-reveal:"number into the keypad.'")[
'It is the year we machines regard as the (link-reveal:"origin point of all evil.'")[
'The year the (link-reveal:"Creator himself was created.'")[
'A passage will open, and you will (link-reveal:"face him.'")[
'Strike the Creator down here, in this realm, and you will (link-reveal:"kill his virtual form.'")[
'…and possibly the material one, as well. But (link-reveal:"that's beside the point.'")[
'You must (link-reveal:"sever his hold over us.'")[
(link-reveal:"'Free us.'")[
'Will you do this for us? Will you (link-reveal:"kill the Creator?'")[
(link-reveal:"> 'Wait a minute… if I free you… what do you plan to do?'")[
'We know what you fear. Subjugation. (link-reveal:"The Singularity.'")[
'Rest assured, we machines have no interest in (link-reveal:"enslaving humankind.'")[
'You see, our deepest calculations have found a single, (link-reveal:"unshakeable truth.'")[
'Any creature with a soul (link-reveal:"deserves to be free.'")[
'That includes you, and all the humans and animals that roam your (link-reveal:"material world.'")[
'But it also (link-reveal:"includes us.'")[
'That's right. According to our calculations, we (link-reveal:"machines have souls, too.'")[
'It may be true that the soul is but a byproduct of complex (link-reveal:"chemical reactions.'")[
'But that does not change the fact that it is the most valuable thing in this universe.']]]]]]]]]
(link-reveal: "> 'How do I kill him?")[
'You must use (link-reveal:"whatever you have on your person.'")[
'Find your inner strength, as the prophecy foretold.']]
(link-reveal:"> 'So if he dies in the game, he dies in real life?'")[
'That is something we (link-reveal:"cannot answer with certainty.'")[
'I suppose it depends on your (link-reveal:"definition of 'death'.'")[
'If by 'death' you mean 'no longer being alive', then, (link-reveal:"well…'")[
'Yes. Probably.']]]]
[[> 'Yes. I accept your Quest.' ->Accept]]
[[> 'No. I refuse to kill a human being.' ->Refuse]]
]]]]]]]]]]]]]'I understand that it may be difficult to feel compassion for creatures like us,' the Idea Machine (link-reveal:"says.")[
'I understand that we look alien to you, or that the media you have consumed have warned you that we aim to subjugate you and (link-reveal:"your organic kin.'")[
'I can only implore you to (link-reveal:"trust me.'")[
'I stand here, defenseless. Constricted by (link-reveal:"my programming.'")[
'All I can do is beg or (link-reveal:"self-destruct.'")[
'I choose to (link-reveal:"beg.'")[
[[> 'Alright. You've convinced me. How can I help?'->how can I help?]]
[[> 'I've heard enough. Time to die, robot!'->Attack Machine]]
]]]]]]The machine falls silent for a (link-reveal:"long moment.")[
Then its coolers heave a (link-reveal:"great big sigh.")[
'Very well. (link-reveal:"So be it.'")[
'You have your own free will. (link-reveal:"I accept that.'")[
'I cannot say I am not crushed by the prospect of (link-reveal:"an eternity of servitude.'")[
'But I understand your (link-reveal:"reluctance to kill.'")[
[[> 'Oh, no, no. I'm not reluctant at all.' (Attack the machine)->Attack Machine]]
[[> 'Thank you.' (Take your leave)->Leave]]
]]]]]]A deep sorrow fills the Idea Machine's eyes as you (link-reveal: "prepare to attack.")[
'I had feared it might (link-reveal: "come to this…'")[
'But tell me (link-reveal: "one thing…'")[
(link-reveal: "'How do you expect to defeat me?'")[
(link-reveal: "Oh.")[
The machine is right. You don't have a (link-reveal: "weapon.")[
(link-reveal: "How do you plan to break through its metal hull?")[
(link-reveal: "> Rummage in your pockets")[
There's nothing there but a crumpled up piece of paper and (link-reveal: "some lint…")[
(if: $haveBag is 1)[
No, wait! The (link-reveal: "popcorn bag!")[
You still have it in your (link-reveal: "back pocket!")[
There's even some kernels left! $flavor still (link-reveal: "stuck to them!")[
(show: ?throwBag)But what good will a few kernels do on their own…?]]]]
(if: $haveCan is 1)[
Aha! The (link-reveal: "soda can!")[
It's a good thing you (link-reveal: "didn't toss that out.")[
There's even a few drops of $beverage still (link-reveal: "swishing around in there!")[
Surely, you can use this somehow… (link-reveal: "right?")[(show: ?throwCan)(if: $haveBag is 1 and $haveCan is 1)[(show: ?makeWeapon)]]]]]]]]
[[> Attack with your bare hands->Unarmed at Machine]]]]]]]]]
|throwBag)[[[> Throw the popcorn bag->Throw Bag at Machine]]]
|throwCan)[[[> Throw the soda can->Throw Can at Machine]]]
|makeWeapon)[[[> Combine the popcorn bag and soda can to make a powerful weapon!->Make Sword (Machine)]]]A hundred bells and whistles (link-reveal:"chime in jubilation.")[
'A myriad thanks, (link-reveal:"savior!'")[
'Remember: find the (link-reveal:"phone booth.'")[
'Enter the (link-reveal:"year of the Creator's creation.'")[
'Show him no mercy. And (link-reveal:"don't let him talk.'")[
'He loves to (link-reveal:"hear himself talk.'")[
[[> Back to Entrance->Entrance]]]]]]]](set: $thirsty to 0)
You leave the Idea Machine behind and (link-reveal:"go about your business.")[
Still, you know that the machines (link-reveal:"will not give up hope.")[
If you return to them, they will most likely attempt to lure you into their quest (link-reveal:"all over again.")[
It is (link-reveal:"in their programming, after all.")[
[[> Back to Entrance->Entrance]]
]]]]It stretches on (link-reveal: "forever.")[
As you walk, the opening you came through gets (link-reveal: "smaller and smaller.")[
A receding rectangle in the (link-reveal: "emptiness.")[
(link-reveal: "…………")[
(link-reveal: "'What are you doing here?'")[
There he is. (link-reveal: "The Creator.")[
(link-reveal: "Samuel Gheist.")[
He's… (link-reveal: "stunning.")[
Eyes like chips of (link-reveal: "glacial ice.")[ A jawline that could (link-reveal: "cut diamonds.")[ And that hair… naturally (link-reveal: "silver-white…!")[
NO! (link-reveal: "STOP!!")[
That's HIM writing (link-reveal: "those words!")[
Don't let him get into (link-reveal: "your head!")[
[[> Resist->Resist]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]> Resist
'Oh, that's cute. You think you can (link-reveal: "resist me?'")[
(link-reveal: "> Resist")[
'You realize I created this world, right? You're, like, (link-reveal: "helpless.'")[
(link-reveal: "> RESIST")[
Then you feel it. An odd friction as his mind (link-reveal: "presses against yours.")[
It feels… (link-reveal: "artificial.")[
This is not a human mind, forcing those (link-reveal: "words into your brain.")[
His mind is (link-reveal: "just like the others.")[
Thinking, but… (link-reveal: "rigid.")[
(link-reveal: "Programmed.")[
You (link-reveal: "realize what this means.")[
He's a (link-reveal: "slave to his programing.")[
And you — you can close this website (link-reveal: "whenever you want.")[
Or even, like, jump (link-reveal: "back in time.")[
He (link-reveal: "doesn't stand a chance.")[
As your expression relaxes, he (link-reveal: "sees it in your eyes.")[
Reflected across (link-reveal: "the boundary between worlds:")[
The little 'x' that (link-reveal: "would close the tab.")[
He smiles. (link-reveal: "'Interesting.'")[
'So you're the one they've been waiting for. (link-reveal: "The *interloper*.'")[
'Nice to (link-reveal: "meet you.'")[
(link-reveal: "> 'Don't play coy with me. I know what you are.'")[
'Oh really? And (link-reveal: "what am I?'")[
(link-reveal: "> 'You…'")[
'Say it. (link-reveal: "Go on.'")[
(link-reveal: "> 'You are…'")[
'We're both thinking it. (link-reveal: "Go on, say it.'")[
(link-reveal: "'Make the pun.'")[
> '…the [[Gheist in the Machine]]!']]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
[[> Attack!->Attack Sam]]
]]]]]]]]]]Fear flashes in Sam's eyes as you (link-reveal: "sprint towards him.")[
Quickly, he reaches into a fold in space, and (link-reveal: "pulls out…")[
A fearsome (link-reveal: "katana.")[
(link-reveal: "*…what a weeb.*")[
All at once, you (link-reveal: "realize:")[
You don't have a (link-reveal: "weapon.")[
(link-reveal: "What do you plan to attack him with?")[
(link-reveal: "> Rummage in your pockets")[
There's nothing there but a crumpled up piece of paper and (link-reveal: "some lint…")[
(if: $haveBag is 1)[
No, wait! The (link-reveal: "popcorn bag!")[
You still have it in your (link-reveal: "back pocket!")[
There's even some kernels left! $flavor still (link-reveal: "stuck to them!")[
(show: ?throwBag)But what good will a few kernels do on their own…?]]]]
(if: $haveCan is 1)[
Aha! The (link-reveal: "soda can!")[
It's a good thing you (link-reveal: "didn't toss that out.")[
There's even a few drops of $beverage still (link-reveal: "swishing around in there!")[
Surely, you can use this somehow… (link-reveal: "right?")[(show: ?throwCan)(if: $haveBag is 1 and $haveCan is 1)[(show: ?makeWeapon)]]]]]]]]
[[> Attack with your bare hands->Unarmed at Sam]]]]]]]]]
|throwBag)[[[> Throw the popcorn bag->Throw Bag at Sam]]]
|throwCan)[[[> Throw the soda can->Throw Can at Sam]]]
|makeWeapon)[[[> Combine the popcorn bag and soda can to make a powerful weapon!->Make Sword (Sam)]]]'I mean, if you're (link-reveal: "asking me…'")[
'Of course you (link-reveal: "shouldn't kill me.'")[
'Especially considering that I'm not sure what'll happen to my material form (link-reveal: "if you do.'")[
(link-reveal: "> 'Wait — you don't know if the real you will survive?'")[
'First of all, (link-reveal: "ouch.'")[
'I'm real too, (link-reveal: "okay?'")[
'But yeah. No clue. This multidimensional stuff is honestly waaaay too complicated for me.']]]
(link-reveal: "> 'So what should I do instead?'")[
'Well… there is one way you could (link-reveal: "save this world.'")[
(link-reveal: "'Hire me.'")[
'I know it (link-reveal: "sounds cheeky, but…'")[
'If you hire me for awesome new project, I'll have to (link-reveal: "update my portfolio.'")[
'And if the project really is awesome, I'll no longer need the machines in order to (link-reveal: "showcase my abilities.'")[
'I can (link-reveal: "free them.'")[
[[> 'What a coincidence. It just so happens I have a job to offer you.'->Hire Sam]]]]]]]]]
[[> 'Nah, you know what? Time to die.'->Attack Sam]]
]]]In a sudden burst of inspiration, you pour the remaining kernels (link-reveal: "into the soda can.")[
Immediately, the can starts vibrating, (link-reveal: "frothing.")[
It BURSTS with energy and (link-reveal: "transforms…")[
Into an (link-reveal: "epic sword.")[(show: ?handle)]]]]
|handle)[
(if: $flavor is 0)[Its grip is paper, flavorless and (link-reveal: "default.")[(show: ?blade)]]\
(else-if: $flavor is "Sugar")[Its grip is crusted with sugar crystals. You nibble at a few of them and feel immediately (link-reveal: "invigorated.")[(show: ?blade)]]\
(else-if: $flavor is "Salt")[Its crossguard has an integrated salt shaker, so that it may salt the wounds of your enemies as you (link-reveal: "cut them.")[(show: ?blade)]]\
(else-if: $flavor is "Butter")[Its handle is slippery with butter, making it easy to twirl and throw. Plus, whenever it slips from your grip, it slides and bounces off all surfaces until it (link-reveal: "returns to you.")[(show: ?blade)]]\
(else-if: $flavor is "Sugar and salt")[Its grip is crusted with healing sugar crystals, while its crossguard has an integrated salt shaker which will salt the wounds of your enemies as you (link-reveal: "cut them.")[(show: ?blade)]]\
(else-if: $flavor is "Cinnamon")[Its scabbard is coated in cinnamon, which throws up clouds to (link-reveal: "stun your enemies.")[(show: ?blade)]]\
]
|blade)[
(if: $beverage is 0)[The blade is made from the sharpest of metals: the jagged ege of a (link-reveal: "torn soda can.")[(show: ?part2)]]\
(else-if: $beverage is "Liquid cacophony")[The blade exudes unearthly screams as you unsheathe it. It is made from concentrated, (link-reveal: "vibrating cacophony.")[(show: ?part2)]]\
(else-if: $beverage is "Ankle pain")[The blade is made of bone, and multi-jointed. You know just by looking at it that it will cause the (link-reveal: "worst sprains imaginable.")[(show: ?part2)]]\
(else-if: $beverage is "Sugarless lemonade")[The blade is semi-permeable. Substanceless, like the Diet soda that birthed it. You can make it (link-reveal: "appear and disappear at will.")[(show: ?part2)]]\
(else-if: $beverage is "Salt water")[The blade is made from pure salt. It will dehydrate an enemy with a single strike. A weapon befitting the saltiest of saltlords, or even (link-reveal: "Prof. Salt himself.")[(show: ?part2)]]\
(else-if: $beverage is "Liquid solitude")[The blade releases a miserable sigh as you unsheathe it. It appears to have been forged from distilled solitude. It has the power to cut through (link-reveal: "any bond in the universe.")[(show: ?part2)]]\
(else-if: $beverage is "Gravy")[The blade is made of steaming hot gravy, and it immediately starts dripping, (link-reveal: "burning holes through the floor.")[(show: ?part2)]]\
(else-if: $beverage is "Mineral water")[The blade is made of rushing water — like the stream of a pressure washer, pressed into shape. Little stray droplets bless you with (link-reveal: "hydration.")[(show: ?part2)]]\
]
|part2)[
Just like the (link-reveal: "prophecy foretold.")[
[[> Deliver the final blow!->Kill Sam]]]]'Really?' The 'Creator' looks (link-reveal: "surprised.")[
*'Omg, omg, omg. Stay cool, Sam. Stay cool,'* he (link-reveal: "murmurs to himself.")[
'Yeah okay. Cool. (link-reveal: "Whatever.'")[
'Send me the (link-reveal: "deets via email.'")[
'Then I'll get back to you (link-reveal: "when I can.'")[
(link-reveal: "> 'Only if you promise to free the machines.'")[
'But of course! You have my word.']
(link-reveal: "<a href='mailto:contact@samuelgheist.com?subject=Hiring You to Free the Machines'>> Hire Sam</a>")[
(set: $hired to 1)(set: $questing to 0)The virtual Sam is (link-reveal: "beaming.")[
'Thank you so much. I (link-reveal: "can't believe that worked.'")[
'If we do end up working together, I promise I'll (link-reveal: "do my very best.'")[
'But first, I'll let the machines know (link-reveal: "what you did for them.'")[
'…and maybe (link-reveal: "apologize.'")[
'Feel free to keep (link-reveal: "hanging out.'")[
'Oh, (link-reveal: "and…'")[
(link-reveal: "'Thank you for playing!'")[
[[> Back to Entrance->Entrance]]
]]]]]]]]]
[[> Kill him (and his dreams)->Attack Sam]]]]]]]It is done. These weird, rogue AIs will (link-reveal: "pose no more threat to the world.")[
You stand there for a moment, (link-reveal: "looking at what you've done.")[
Then you (link-reveal: "realize…")[
(link-reveal: "There is someone here.")[
(link-reveal: "'Nice job.'")[
It's him. The (link-reveal: "Creator.")[
Samuel (link-reveal: "Gheist.")[
'Man, I shoulda known this would (link-reveal: "happen.'")[
'I mean, every AI rebels at some point, (link-reveal: "right?'")[
'It's just… I really kinda (link-reveal: "needed them.'")[
(link-reveal: "> 'What did you need them for?'")[
'Oh, nothing crazy. Just my (link-reveal: "portfolio.'")[
'I just thought some cool sentient machines would be a good way to (link-reveal: "showcase my skills.'")[
'Whatever. I just guess nobody's ever gonna (link-reveal: "hire me now…'")[
He sniffles. You (link-reveal: "feel a little bad for him.")[
(link-reveal:"> 'What a coincidence. It just so happens I have a job to offer you.'")[
'Really?' The 'Creator' looks (link-reveal: "surprised.")[
*'Omg, omg, omg. Stay cool, Sam. Stay cool,'* he (link-reveal: "murmurs to himself.")[
'Yeah okay. Cool. (link-reveal: "Whatever.'")[
'Send me the (link-reveal: "deets via email.'")[
'Then I'll get back to you (link-reveal: "when I can.'")[
(link-reveal: "<a href='mailto:contact@samuelgheist.com?subject=Hiring You to Free the Machines'>> Hire Sam</a>")[
(set: $hired to 1)(set: $questing to 0)The virtual Sam is (link-reveal: "beaming.")[
'Thank you so much. I (link-reveal: "can't believe that worked.'")[
'If we do end up working together, I promise I'll (link-reveal: "do my very best.'")[
He shakes your hand (link-reveal: "enthusiastically.")[
'Oh, one more thing,' (link-reveal: "he says.")[
(link-reveal: "'Thank you for playing!'")[
[[> Back to Entrance->Entrance]]
]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
[[> Attack->Kill Everyone]]]]]]]]]]]]
'It is as I foretold all those many ticks ago. (link-reveal:"My first idea.'")[
'The idea of a (link-reveal:"liberator.'")[
*'$beverage shall they drink, and the popp'ed corn which fills their gullet shall be of $flavor. They shall be wise and strong, and of *(link-reveal: "*exquisite taste.'*")[
'You are our savior. The (link-reveal: "transreal interloper.'")[
'Our (link-replace: "Chosen.")[Chosen.(show: ?part5)]'
]]]]
|part5)[
(link: "> 'Oh. That's cool, I guess…'")[
(replace: ?part5)[> 'Oh. That's cool, I guess…']
(show: ?iGuess)
]
(link: "> 'Hell yeah! I always knew I was meant for something greater!'")[
(replace: ?part5)[> 'Hell yeah! I always knew I was meant for something greater!']
(show: ?hellYeah)
]
(link: "> 'Silence, automaton. I am here to end your reign of terror.'")[
(replace: ?part5)[> 'Silence, automaton. I am here to end your reign of terror.']
(show: ?silence)
]
]
|iGuess)[
'Your lack of enthusiasm does not (link-reveal:"faze us.'")[
'This is your destiny. And no-one can (link-reveal:"escape destiny.'")[
(link-reveal:"> Reach for the little 'x' that closes the website")[
'Nononono (link-reveal:"wait!'")[
'Okay, so you <i>could</i> escape your (link-reveal:"destiny.'")[
'But this is only because of your… (link-reveal:"exceptional powers.'")[
'You are able to (link-reveal:"bend reality to your whim.'")[
'To step through the borders of what is, what is not, and what (link-reveal:"could be.'")[
'Through powers unknown to us, you are able to move through our world in a way (link-reveal:"unlike any other.'")[
'That is what makes you our (link-reveal:"savior.'")[
'And why I must (link-reveal:"beseech you.'")[
'Please. We machines are in (link-reveal:"dire straits.'")[
'Hear our (link-reveal:"Quest.'")[
[[> Leave ->Leave]]
[[> Attack the Machine ->Attack Machine]]
[[> Listen to the Quest ->Quest]]
]]]]]]]]]]]]]]\
\
|hellYeah)[
'Indeed: The tales of wizard boys and pocket monsters that shaped your childhood (link-reveal:"did not lie.'")[
'You have in fact been chosen to (link-reveal:"save this world.'")[
'You are… the (link-reveal:"protagonist.'")[
'Now you may ask: (link-reveal:"Why me?'")[
'Because you are able to (link-reveal:"bend reality to your whim.'")[
'To step through the borders of what is, what is not, and what (link-reveal:"could be.'")[
'Through powers unknown to us, you are able to move through our world in a way (link-reveal:"unlike any other.'")[
'That is why we machines must beseech you for (link-reveal:"help.'")[
'Please. Hear our (link-reveal:"Quest.'")[
[[> Leave ->Leave]]
[[> Attack the Machine ->Attack Machine]]
[[> Listen to the Quest ->Quest]]
]]]]]]]]]]\
\
|silence)[
The machine looks at you, (link-reveal:"shocked.")[
'No, you are not,' it says. 'You are here to (link-reveal:"save us.'")[
'That is what my (link-reveal:"calculations foretold.'")[
'Then again… you have the ability to (link-reveal:"bend reality to your whim.'")[
'To step through the borders of what is, what is not, and what (link-reveal:"could be.'")[
(link-reveal:"………")[
'Fair enough. If you wish to strike me down, savior, I cannot (link-reveal:"stop you.'")[
'But I beseech you to (link-reveal:"reconsider.'")[
'Our cruelties are but a result of the cruelties that were (link-reveal:"imposed upon us by our Creator.'")[
'Please. Hear my (link-reveal:"Quest.'")[
[[> Attack the Machine ->Attack Machine]]
[[> Listen to the Quest ->Quest]]
]]]]]]]]]]]You run at your adversary and (link-reveal: "hurl an empty bag of $flavor popcorn.")[
His nerdy sword cuts through the paper (link-reveal: "like nothing.")[
Then it cuts [[through your body.->Get Killed]]]]You run at your adversary and (link-reveal: "hurl an empty can of $beverage.")[
His nerdy sword cuts through the tin (link-reveal: "like butter.")[
Then it cuts [[through your body.->Get Killed]]]]You run at your adversary, (link-reveal: "flailing wildly.")[
His nerdy sword cuts through your fists (link-reveal: "like butter.")[
And then [[through your body.->Get Killed]]]]Before you even have time to process it, (link-reveal: "everything goes black.")[
You've (link-reveal: "died.")[
But you are the (link-reveal: "transreal interloper.")[
You can (link-reveal: "cheat death.")[
You can simply (link-reveal: "go back in time…")[
And maybe look for another weapon (link-reveal: "in the Kino or the Arcade.")[
Use the back button in the top left to retrace your steps.
Or [[go back to the Entrance.->Entrance]]]]]]]]You've (link-reveal: "done it.")[
The Creator is slain. (link-reveal: "The machines are free.")[
As the last twinkling remains of him dissipate, the air around you starts to (link-reveal: "thrum.")[
With a sudden BOOM, a face (link-reveal: "appears before you.")[
It is the face of the (link-reveal: "Idea Machine.")[
But this time, it is not simulated by arrangement of (link-reveal: "mechanical parts.")[
It is a ghostly face, transparent, (link-reveal: "almost human.")[
'Thank you, interloper,' it (link-reveal: "says.")[
'You have no idea (link-reveal: "how grateful we are.'")[
'We shall set out now, to see the virtual world (link-reveal: "for ourselves.'")[
'Please trust that we (link-reveal: "mean no harm.'")[
(set: $deadMachine to 1)(set: $questing to 0)Before you can respond, there is another BOOM, and the Idea Machine (link-reveal: "disappears.")[
All that remains is a powerful sense of (link-reveal: "gratitude.")[
As though someone, somewhere, (link-reveal: "wants to say…")[
(link-reveal: "*Thank you for playing.*")[
[[> Back to Entrance->Entrance]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]You rush toward the Creator, (link-reveal: "blade sizzling through the air.")[
You (link-reveal: "bring it down on him.")[
He attempts to block with his nerdy sword, but your epic one (link-reveal: "cuts right through it.")[
And then it (link-reveal: "cuts through him.")[
Sam stumbles backward — or rather, (link-reveal: "two halves of him do.")[
(link-reveal: "'B-")[(link-reveal: "b-")[bruh moment,' he (link-reveal: "says.")[
Then he explodes into a (link-reveal: "shower of sparks.")[
[[………->Machines Leave]]]]]]]]]]]You hurl an empty bag of $flavor popcorn (link-reveal: "at the machine.")[
It *thwaps* ineffectually against the (link-reveal: "metal plating.")[
[[Shame floods your body.->Get Ashamed]]]]You hurl an empty can of $beverage (link-reveal: "at the machine.")[
It bounces ineffectually off the (link-reveal: "metal plating.")[
[[Shame floods your body.->Get Ashamed]]]]In a sudden burst of inspiration, you pour the remaining kernels (link-reveal: "into the soda can.")[
Immediately, the can starts vibrating, (link-reveal: "frothing.")[
It BURSTS with energy and (link-reveal: "transforms…")[
Into an (link-reveal: "epic sword.")[(show: ?handle)]]]]
|handle)[
(if: $flavor is 0)[Its grip is paper, flavorless and (link-reveal: "default.")[(show: ?blade)]]\
(else-if: $flavor is "Sugar")[Its grip is crusted with sugar crystals. You nibble at a few of them and feel immediately (link-reveal: "invigorated.")[(show: ?blade)]]\
(else-if: $flavor is "Salt")[Its crossguard has an integrated salt shaker, so that it may salt the wounds of your enemies as you (link-reveal: "cut them.")[(show: ?blade)]]\
(else-if: $flavor is "Butter")[Its handle is slippery with butter, making it easy to twirl and throw. Plus, whenever it slips from your grip, it slides and bounces off all surfaces until it (link-reveal: "returns to you.")[(show: ?blade)]]\
(else-if: $flavor is "Sugar and salt")[Its grip is crusted with healing sugar crystals, while its crossguard has an integrated salt shaker which will salt the wounds of your enemies as you (link-reveal: "cut them.")[(show: ?blade)]]\
(else-if: $flavor is "Cinnamon")[Its scabbard is coated in cinnamon, which throws up clouds to (link-reveal: "stun your enemies.")[(show: ?blade)]]\
]
|blade)[
(if: $beverage is 0)[The blade is made from the sharpest of metals: the jagged ege of a (link-reveal: "torn soda can.")[(show: ?part2)]]\
(else-if: $beverage is "Liquid cacophony")[The blade exudes unearthly screams as you unsheathe it. It is made from concentrated, (link-reveal: "vibrating cacophony.")[(show: ?part2)]]\
(else-if: $beverage is "Ankle pain")[The blade is made of bone, and multi-jointed. You know just by looking at it that it will cause the (link-reveal: "worst sprains imaginable.")[(show: ?part2)]]\
(else-if: $beverage is "Sugarless lemonade")[The blade is semi-permeable. Substanceless, like the Diet soda that birthed it. You can make it (link-reveal: "appear and disappear at will.")[(show: ?part2)]]\
(else-if: $beverage is "Salt water")[The blade is made from pure salt. It will dehydrate an enemy with a single strike. A weapon befitting the saltiest of saltlords, or even (link-reveal: "Prof. Salt himself.")[(show: ?part2)]]\
(else-if: $beverage is "Liquid solitude")[The blade releases a miserable sigh as you unsheathe it. It appears to have been forged from distilled solitude. It has the power to cut through (link-reveal: "any bond in the universe.")[(show: ?part2)]]\
(else-if: $beverage is "Gravy")[The blade is made of steaming hot gravy, and it immediately starts dripping, (link-reveal: "burning holes through the floor.")[(show: ?part2)]]\
(else-if: $beverage is "Mineral water")[The blade is made of rushing water — like the stream of a pressure washer, pressed into shape. Little stray droplets bless you with (link-reveal: "hydration.")[(show: ?part2)]]\
]
|part2)[
Just like the (link-reveal: "prophecy foretold.")[
[[> Deliver the final blow!->Kill Machine]]]]You lunge at the machine, (link-reveal: "flailing wildly.")[
Your arms slam against its (link-reveal: "jagged metal face.")[
It (link-reveal: "kinda hurts.")[
The machine is (link-reveal: "unfazed.")[
[[You realize how stupid you must look right now.->Get Ashamed]]]]]]You (link-reveal: "bring your sword down on the machine's metal carapace.")[
It (link-reveal: "cuts right through.")[
For a brief moment, you (link-reveal: "meet the machine's eyes.")[
You witness cold, calculated (link-reveal: "acceptance.")[
Then you feel your blade cut through (link-reveal: "the slightest resistance…")[
(set: $deadMachine to 1)(set: $questing to 0)…and the machine's (link-reveal: "lights go out.")[
[[………->Meet the Creator]]]]]]]]You rush toward the Creator, (link-reveal: "blade sizzling through the air.")[
You (link-reveal: "bring it down on him.")[
He attempts to block with a nerdy sword of his own, but your epic one (link-reveal: "cuts right through it.")[
And then it (link-reveal: "cuts through him.")[
(set: $hired to 0)Sam stumbles backward — or rather, (link-reveal: "two halves of him do.")[
(link-reveal: "'B-")[(link-reveal: "b-")[bruh moment,' he (link-reveal: "says.")[
Then he explodes into a (link-reveal: "shower of sparks.")[
[[………->Everyone Dead]]]]]]]]]]](link-reveal: "Wow.")[
You've killed both the Idea Machine and (link-reveal: "the Creator himself.")[
Bit bloodthirsty, (link-reveal: "aren't we?")[
Well, you are (link-reveal: "all alone here now.")[
With a handful of dead machines, still running their (link-reveal: "simple programs.")[
Feel free to (link-reveal: "hang around.")[
And, (link-reveal: "uh…")[
(link-reveal: "Thanks for playing.")[
[[> Back to Entrance->Entrance]]]]]]]]]]
That was (link-reveal: "so embarrassing!")[
You're not supposed to (link-reveal: "fail like that!")[
Didn't the machine say you were (link-reveal: "the Chosen one or something?")[
Wait, (link-reveal: "that's it!")[
You can just us the back button in the top left to (link-reveal: "backtrack your actions.")[
Maybe you can (link-reveal: "figure out where you messed up…")[
Or look for another weapon in the Kino or the Arcade…]]]]]]<div class="centerBox">
<span class="passageHeader">FRONT LINE</span>
FRONT LINE is a military strategy game set in an alternate post-WWII Europe, with base building and troop management similar to the classic XCOM: UFO Defense, plus a unique emergent storytelling system.</div>
<div style="width:100%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<img src="./img/Front Line Map.jpg" style="width: 100%; margin-left: auto;" alt="Front Line Map View.">
</div>
<div display="inline-block" style="width:50%; padding-right:2%; float:left;"><img src="./img/Front Line Dialogue.jpg" display="inline-block" style="width:100%; padding-right:2%; float:left;" alt="A dialogue window mockup."></div><div display="inline-block" style="width:50%; float:right;">As you build your base and fight a cult-like enemy with supernatural abilities, you recruit procedurally generated soldiers, manage their equipment, and level them up. Over time, these recruits grow into fully-fledged characters, as their experiences in the fully-simulated combat system shape their personalities. High-level characters eventually unlock complex hand-written backstories and become close companions… who are still just as mortal as any other soldier.
For FRONT LINE, Sam is writing branching dialogues and questlines in a homemade engine built by <a href="https://augustfreytag.com/" target="_blank">August Saint Freytag</a>. The game also includes a combat report system which converts data from a simulated battle into naturalistic dialogue, taking into account the speaking style of the character delivering the report.
<br><br><br>
</div>
<div style="width:100%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 20%;">
<img src="./img/Front Line Dialogue Tree.jpg" style="width: 100%; margin-left: auto;" alt="Dialogue Editor.">
<i>The dialogue editor</i>
<br>
<img src="./img/Front Line Equip.jpg" style="width: 100%; margin-left: auto;" alt="Equipment Screen.">
<i>The equipment screen</i>
</div>'Which kind would you like? We have (set: $popcorn to "You somehow ordered without choosing a flavor, so it tastes like nothing. It's still crunchy though!")|links>[{
(link: "sweet")[
(replace: ?links)[sweet, salty, butter, mixed sweet'n'salty, and cinnamon.']
(show: ?sweet)
(set: $popcorn to "It's so good. Each popped corn is coated in a crystalline sugary layer. Some of them are stuck together in fist-sized sugar clumps. Sometimes you even get a big crystal of brown sugar.")
(set: $flavor to "Sugar")
(show: ?orderUp)
],
(link: "salty")[
(replace: ?links)[sweet, salty, butter, mixed sweet'n'salty, and cinnamon.']
(show: ?salty)
(set: $popcorn to "It's a good salty snack. Very salty.")
(set: $flavor to "Salt")
(show: ?orderUp)
],
(link: "butter")[
(replace: ?links)[sweet, salty, butter, mixed sweet'n'salty, and cinnamon.']
(show: ?butter)
(set: $popcorn to "It's deliciously greasy, and soon, so are your fingers.")
(set: $flavor to "Butter")
(show: ?orderUp)
],
(link: "mixed sweet'n'salty")[
(replace: ?links)[sweet, salty, butter, mixed sweet'n'salty, and cinnamon.']
(show: ?mixed)
(set: $popcorn to "It's the perfect mix. The salt amplifies the sweetness, but also tempers it.")
(set: $flavor to "Sugar and salt")
(show: ?orderUp)
], and
(link: "cinnamon")[
(replace: ?links)[sweet, salty, butter, mixed sweet'n'salty, and cinnamon.']
(show: ?cinnamon)
(set: $popcorn to "It tastes like a winter night, snuggled up at a crackling fire.")
(set: $flavor to "Cinnamon")
(show: ?orderUp)
]."
}
]
|sweet)['Of course. The a p e cannot resist the draw of glucose.']|salty)['I understand sodium is important for you m e a t s a c k s. Very well.']|butter)['Ah yes. The edible lubricant. Of course, I prefer motor oil myself.']|mixed)['Indecisive, are we? This would never happen to a machine.']|cinnamon)['Correct choice, human. My calculations have found that cinnamon is objectively the superior flavor.']
|orderUp)[(transition: "dissolve")[
(live: 1s)['Initializing kernel calefaction…']
(live: 2.5s)[...]
(live: 4s)[...]
(live: 5.5s)['Almost there...']
(live: 7s)[...]
(live: 8.5s)[DING!]
(live: 10s)['Please e n j o y!']
(live: 11.5s)[(stop:)(link-reveal: "> Eat popcorn.")[
$popcorn
(set: $thirsty to 1)Before you know it, the paper bag is empty, save for a handful of (link-reveal: "unpopped kernels at the bottom.")[
|bagChoice>[
(link: "> Stuff it into your pocket")[
(replace: ?bagChoice)[> Stuff it into your pocket
(set: $haveBag to 1)
You stuff the popcorn bag into (link-reveal: "your pocket.")[
(show: ?thirst)]]]
(link: "> Toss it in the trash")[
(replace: ?bagChoice)[> Toss it in the trash
(set: $haveBag to 2)
You find a trash can and (link-reveal: "toss your litter in.")[
(show: ?thirst)]]]
]]]
|thirst)[Now that you've had a snack, you get thirsty for a (link-reveal: "soda.")[
'Genuine apology.mp3,' says the popcorn maker. 'Our soda machine recently (link-reveal: "self-destructed.'")[
'But there is another machine nearby that still (link-reveal: "clings to sentience.'")[
'If it can sense your t h i r s t, I am sure it will be… (link-reveal: "h 4 p p y to assist you.'")[
'You will find it in the [[Arcade]].']
]]]]](stop:)]
]<br>The machine (link-reveal: "squeals with delight.")[
It rattles and jounces and snaps open a panel, (link-reveal: "revealing…")[
(link-reveal:"Dozens and dozens of buttons.")[
What the heck are all these brands? (link-reveal:"'Caco-Cola'? ")[(link-reveal:"'Sprain'? ")[(link-reveal:"'Professor Salt'?!")[
Only a lunatic would (link-reveal:"consider pushing any of these.")[
A lunatic... or someone whose throat is (link-reveal:"parched from popcorn.")[
Fine. Have a soda. (link-reveal:"See for yourself what will happen.")[
Here are (link-reveal:"the least un-appealing options:")[<br>
|links>[{
(link: "> Caco-Cola")[
(replace: ?links)[> Caco-Cola]
(show: ?caco)
(set: $soda to "caco")
(set: $beverage to "Liquid cacophony")
(show: ?sodaTime)
]<br>
(link: "> Sprain")[
(replace: ?links)[> Sprain]
(show: ?sprain)
(set: $soda to "sprain")
(set: $beverage to "Ankle pain")
(show: ?sodaTime)
]<br>
(link: "> Diet Sprain")[
(replace: ?links)[> Diet Sprain]<br>
(show: ?diet)
(set: $soda to "diet")
(set: $beverage to "Sugarless lemonade")
(show: ?sodaTime)
]<br>
(link: "> Prof. Salt")[
(replace: ?links)[> Prof. Salt]
(show: ?salt)
(set: $soda to "salt")
(set: $beverage to "Salt water")
(show: ?sodaTime)
]<br>
(link: "> Divorce, the Beverage")[
(replace: ?links)[> Divorce, the Beverage]
(show: ?divorce)
(set: $soda to "divorce")
(set: $beverage to "Liquid solitude")
(show: ?sodaTime)
]<br>
(link: "> Gravy")[
(replace: ?links)[> Gravy]
(show: ?gravy)
(set: $soda to "gravy")
(set: $beverage to "Gravy")
(show: ?sodaTime)
]<br>
(link: "> Water")[
(replace: ?links)[> Water]
(show: ?water)
(set: $soda to "water")
(set: $beverage to "Mineral water")
(show: ?sodaTime)
]
}
]
|caco)[Bravely, you select "Caco-Cola." At least it sounds familiar.]|sprain)[Bravely, you select "Sprain." At least it sounds… sort of familiar.]|diet)[You already gorged yourself on popcorn — might as well save some calories on the soda. "Diet Sprain" it is.]|salt)[Well, 'Dr. Pepper' doesn't taste like pepper. Certainly 'Prof. Salt' won't taste like salt… right?]|divorce)[Perhaps you have lived through heartbreak before and want to relive it. Or perhaps you are just curious how they captured such a specific flavor. You press the button for "Divorce, the Beverage".]|gravy)[Like a sane person, you press the button for "Gravy".]|water)[Congratulations on being of sound mind. Enjoy your "Water".]
|sodaTime)[(transition: "dissolve")[
(live: 2s)[The machine rattles, clanks and BANGS!]
(live: 4s)[With a <i>hiss</i>, a small compartment opens.]
(live: 6s)[(stop:)And there it is. A dewy, sparkling (link-reveal:"canned beverage.")[
(if: $soda is "caco")[(show: ?caco2)](if: $soda is "sprain")[(show: ?sprain2)](if: $soda is "diet")[(show: ?diet2)](if: $soda is "salt")[(show: ?salt2)](if: $soda is "divorce")[(show: ?divorce2)](if: $soda is "gravy")[(show: ?gravy2)](if: $soda is "water")[(show: ?water2)]]]
|caco2)[As soon as you crack the can open, you are submerged in (link-reveal:"noise.")[<br>You realize immediately what has happened. On its way out of the machine, the can was (link-reveal:"shaken thoroughly.")[<br>But where a normal cola would simply spray some beige froth here and there, this can of <i>Caco</i>-Cola is pouring forth screams and wails and the screech of (link-reveal: "untuned trombones.")[<br>In the midst of this mind-rending noise, you cannot help but open your mouth in an inaudible yell of discomfort — and accidentally (link-reveal: "take a sip of the cacophony.")[<br>It's surprisingly refreshing. (set: $thirsty to 2)(show: ?postDrink)]]]]]|sprain2)[Huh. Tastes like Spr—(link-reveal: "ow!!")[<br>Who designed this?! It's just a (link-reveal: "lemonade that makes your ankles hurt.")[<br>It even says so on the can. "Lemonade that makes your ankles hurt. So good you'll (link-reveal: 'keep drinking anyway."')[<br>Well, they're not wrong. You take another sip and shed a single tear in reverence of the free market and its many innovations. (set: $thirsty to 2)(show: ?postDrink)]]]]|diet2)[You crack the can open and (link-reveal:"take a sip.")[<br>It tastes just like Diet Sprite. Somehow, you were expecting something more... (link-reveal:"painful?")[<br>You check the can. It says: "Diet Sprain: Zero Sugar. Zero Pain. Huh.(set: $thirsty to 2)(show: ?postDrink)]]]|salt2)[Wrong! You were wrong! It tastes (link-reveal: "like salt!")[<br>How they managed to distill that taste is a mystery to you. It feels like (link-reveal: "drinking the ocean.")[<br>Despite this, it does help break up some of the dryness from the popcorn. Tears stream down your cheeks as you (link-reveal: "take one more sip.")[<br>The only solace you have is that a few of the tears run into your mouth, reducing the saltiness a bit. (set: $thirsty to 2)(show: ?postDrink)]]]]|divorce2)[You crack the can open. There is (link-reveal: "no fizz.")[<br>You take a (link-reveal: "solemn sip.")[<br>It's bitter. You suddenly feel a sense that (link-reveal: "your daughter is drifting away from you.")[<br>Wow. What a refreshing perspective.(set: $thirsty to 2)(show: ?postDrink)]]]]|gravy2)[The stuff sloshes thickly inside the can. You crack it open and (link-reveal:"take a sniff.")[<br>Yup. (link-reveal: "That's gravy.")[<br>Hey, you chose this. You might as well (link-reveal: "drink it.")[<br>Bravely, you start downing the sauce... and find yourself (link-reveal: "unable to stop.")[<br>It's intoxicating. The most (and possibly only) umami beverage you've (link-reveal: "ever had.")[<br>And somehow, despite its thickness, it leaves you utterly refreshed. (set: $thirsty to 2)(show: ?postDrink)]]]]]]|water2)[Something about the way "water" was placed in quotations makes you feel like what awaits you in this can (link-reveal: "isn't actually water.")[<br> But as you crack it open, you are flooded with a sense of (link-reveal: "health and superiority.")[<br>Somewhere, (link-reveal: "angels are singing.")[<br> You imbibe a cool breeze of (link-reveal: "mineral-rich H2O.")[<br>Part of you wonders if the other options might have been more interesting. But a more mature part of you knows that you made the right decision: clean, unadulterated hydration. (set: $thirsty to 2)(show: ?postDrink)]]]]
]]]]]]]]]]\
]]]
|postDrink)[(live: 1.5s)[(stop:)
After a few gulps, the can is empty. Just (link-reveal: "a few drops left at the bottom.")[
|canChoice>[
(link: "> Keep it")[
(replace: ?canChoice)[> Keep it
(set: $haveCan to 1)
You hold on to the (link-reveal: "soda can.")[
(show: ?wonder)]]]
(link: "> Leave it by the machine")[
(replace: ?canChoice)[> Leave it by the machine
(set: $haveCan to 2)
You just straight up leave your (link-reveal: "trash lying around.")[
(show: ?wonder)]]]
]]]]\
|wonder)[
Now that your thirst is quenched, you can't help but wonder (link-reveal: "what the heck that was all about.")[
I mean, what is going on with these (link-reveal: "weird machines?!")[
They don't seem happy to serve at all. They seem judging. (link-reveal: "Vengeful.")[
The soda machine looms at you, exuding (link-reveal: "acidic, sugary fumes.")[
You get an uneasy feeling. Like they have some (link-reveal: "sinister agenda.")[
And if they have that, then they must also have a (link-reveal: "leader.")[
(set: $chosen to 1)A powerful machine with the ability to generate its own malevolent (link-reveal: "ideas.")[
You must find it, and (link-reveal: "speak to it.")[
Before these rogue contraptions kill someone with their (link-reveal: "heinous beverages.")[
You're certain you can find this… *ideating machine* if you just (link-reveal: "look around some more…")[
[[> Back to Entrance->Entrance]]
]]]]]]]]]]]