The Monster of Castle Vöckla

config.style.googleFont: '<link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=IM+Fell+English" rel="stylesheet">' config.style.page.font: "IM Fell English 20" config.style.page.color: "gray-9 on white" config.style.page.link.color: "blue-9" config.style.page.link.font: "20" config.style.page.link.active.color: "white on blue-9" config.style.page.header.font: "16" config.style.page.header.link.font: "small caps" config.style.page.footer.font: "16" config.style.page.footer.link.font: "small caps" config.body.transition.name: "fadeInOut" config.body.transition.name: "none" config.style.googleFont: '<link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=IM+Fell+English" rel="stylesheet">' judith:0 gwen:0 eldric:0 solomon:0 gunter:0 judith-state:"fine" gwen-state:"fine" eldric-state:"fine" solomon-state:"fine" gunter-state:"fine" sapphic_score:0 game_score:0 -- <img src="TMOCV_title.gif" alt="The Monster of Castle Vöckla"> From the journals of Miss Gwendolynn Murray, [[Translovakia, in the year of our Lord 17--|village]].

As our unusual group made its way into the tavern, the patrons – rather subdued to start with – grew yet more hushed. Some pushed back from their tables, or placed a hand on the knives at their belt, or eyed empty bottles. There were dark mutterings and fearful whispers. “Strangers…” said one. “Monsters…” said another. As the crowd grew more agitated, it was apparent that the villagers were in no mood for guests. \-\-\- [[> _"I'll put a stop to this," said Judith._ |tavern-judith]] \ [[> _"I could try to explain," I offered._ |tavern-gwen]] \ [[> _"Let me handle these peasants," said Eldric._|tavern-eldric]] \ [[> _"Bloody idiots," Gunter grumbled._|tavern-gunter]] \ [[> _"Solomon can reason with them," suggested Solomon._|tavern-solomon]]

We arrived at _Vöckla-an-der-Kuf_ at dusk, drawn there by the normal mix of rumours, the turn of tarot cards, the cryptic prognostications of road-side seers. It was a mean little town, dirt poor, but it was welcome enough to our tired party. [[Judith]], as ever, was seemingly unaffected by the interminable journey, and strode as if returning from a gentle constitutional in the park. Similarly, whatever arcane forces animated gentle [[Solomon]] were as yet undiminished by travel. [[Gunter]] was grumbling, but his service as a sell-sword had accustomed him to long marches. [[Eldric]] had made most of the journey in wolf form, save that he had absented himself whenever there was any danger of work to be done. For myself, [[I]] will admit that I was rather fatigued; my former life as an assistant librarian had offered few occasions for long hikes through mountainous terrain. The village's only tavern, _The Dirty Dagger_, looked rundown and ramshackle, but none of us were minded to complain. [[Inside, the tavern was already crowded.|tavern]]

judith:1 judith-state:"fired up" result:'The woman nodded at Judith.' -- "I'll put a stop to this," said Judith, jumping up onto a chair. Judith was resolute and straightforward, dark eyes flashing in the candlelight. “We mean no harm to you and yours,” she said. “We are monster hunters, and we have heard word that your village is in danger. Pray put down your weapons and let us help you.” Even these poorly-educated villagers must have been able see that she was sincere; the crowd began to settle. {reveal link: 'She’s so remarkable.', text: '<del>She’s so remarkable.</del>'} A wide-hipped woman pushed her way to the front of the crowd. [[“I say we hear ‘em out,” she said.|tavern-good]]

gwen:1 gwen-state:"fatigued" result:'"Good work, Gwen," said Judith, giving me a warm smile.' -- “I could try to explain...," I offered. Judith nodded encouragingly, offering her hand to help me climb onto a chair. {reveal link: 'I did not want to let go of her hand.', text: '<del>I did not want to let go of her hand.</del>'} [continue] I have never been one for public speaking, and I will confess some trepidation at confronting this angry crowd, especially as my Translovakian is far from perfect. “Um, hello,” I began, and gestured towards Judith. “This is Judith Schwartzstein, the famous monster hunter, and her band of brave followers. She deserves your respect, not your fear. We are here to offer assistance.” Perhaps my manner – that of an English gentlewoman – was more convincing than my words, but at any rate, the crowd began to calm. A wide-hipped woman pushed her way to the front of the crowd. [[“I say we hear ‘em out,” she said.|tavern-good]]

eldric:2 eldric-state:"irritated" result:'"I do not think they were used to being addressed by the nobility," Eldric mused.' -- "Let me handle these peasants," said Eldric. “Be nice,” warned Judith. “Of course,” said Eldric with a bow. There was a puff of black smoke and a small thunderclap, as he transformed into a flock of bats. The patrons screamed and scrambled, some swinging wildly at the bats as they swirled across the room. The creatures coalesced into a dark mass above the bar, and merged back into Eldric’s human form, stood atop the counter. “Humble mortals…” he began, but the room had exploded into panic, and violence threatened. [[“Time to go,” said Judith.|tavern-bad]]

solomon:2 solomon-state:"dejected" result:'"I am sorry, Solomon," said Judith, "These are not educated people."' -- “Solomon can reason with them," suggested Solomon. “Good citizens of Vöckla-an-der-Kuf,” Solomon boomed, “Solomon was made by evil men, but Solomon is not evil.” “It’s some sort of monster!” someone shrieked. “It says that its evil,” reported another. “Not evil!” shouted Solomon, rapping his fist on a table for emphasis. The table shattered like so much kindling, and the crowd erupted into panic. [[“Time to go,” said Judith.|tavern-bad]]

gunter:1 gunter-state:"pleased with himself" result:"The woman offered a warm smile to Gunter. He winked in return." -- “Bloody idiots," Gunter grumbled. “Oi,” he roared, “We’ll beat the shit out of the lot of you if we need to, but we’d rather beat the shit out of any monsters troubling you. So maybe sit the hell down, drink your ale, and maybe tell us where we can find whatever banshee, witch or fiend happens to be plaguing you.” The crowd were not happy at being addressed thus, but they did seem to think better of occasioning any further escalation from the man with the large sword, and – grumbling – began to return to their drinks. A wide-hipped woman pushed her way to the front of the crowd. [[“Let's just hear ‘em out,” she said.|tavern-good]]

secret_passage:true daytime:false game_score:game_score + 1 -- {result} The woman introduced herself as Ana Illes, de facto mayor of Vöckla-an-der-Kuf. “The mistress of Castle Vöckla has always been reclusive,” Ana explained, over a round of drinks. “And many people feel the castle is an unnerving presence, hanging there above the waterfall. So, if a cow died during calving, or a woodsman accidentally took off his own toes, the superstitious among us would blame the mistress of the Castle. [[“Still, any danger seemed to be largely imaginary, at least, until…”|tavern-good2]]

secret_passage:false daytime:false -- I am sorry to say that this is far from the first time that we have been run out of town. It is seldom an edifying experience. Fortunately, we did eventually outpace the angry locals. The shouts and clashing of farm implements faded into the velvet night. {result} [[And so, midnight found us on the mountain road to Castle Vöckla.|road]]

The road up to Castle Vöckla was steep and narrow. [if daytime] The dawn sky was the colour of blood; bruised purple clouds threatening rain to come. [else] There was no moon that night, and the stars gave little light, and less comfort. [continue] From the moment that we crossed the ornate stone bridge over the river Kuf, an unnatural quiet had fallen accoss the landscape. No birds or animals gave voice. All was still, save the thrashing of pine trees, and the distant roar of a waterfall. [[Our party trekked on, our spirits dampened by the bleak environs.|road-pic]]

“About a month back,” continued Ana, “An inquisitor and his retinue arrived in town, asking about the castle and paying handsomely for any information. “One night, he and his men set out for the castle; they did not return.” Ana sipped her ale. “We eventually sent a small group to check on them. Then a larger group. Neither have been seen again. "And now the fisherfolk have begun to find bones in the pools beneath the falls. Human bones." [[“So, if there’s any way that you can help…”|tavern-good3]]

“Of course,” said Judith, “We will investigate.” “Have no fear,” said Gunter, smiling at Ana. “But should we set out now, or wait for dawn?” Judith mused. \-\-\- [if judith < 1 ; append] \ _[[> "For myself," said Judith, "I am loathe to waste any time."|road]]_ [if judith > 1; append] \ _Judith was too {judith-state} to make a decision._ [if judith == 1; append] \ _Judith was still too {judith-state} to make a decision._ [continue] [if gwen < 1 ; append] \ _[[> I wanted nothing more than to rest.|rest]]_ [if gwen > 1; append] \ _I was too {gwen-state} to contribute to the discussion._ [if gwen == 1; append] \ _I was still too {gwen-state} to contribute to the discussion._ [continue] [if eldric < 1 ; append] \ _[[> "I would prefer to avoid daylight," said Eldric.|road]]_ [if eldric > 1; append] \ _Eldric was too {eldric-state} to help._ [if eldric == 1; append] \ _Eldric was still too {eldric-state} to help._ [continue] [if gunter < 1 ; append] \ _[[> "I reckon some food, drink and relaxation would set us up nicely," Gunter said.|rest]]_ [if gunter > 1; append] \ _Gunter was too {gunter-state} to contribute much to the discussion._ [if gunter == 1; append] \ _Gunter was still too {gunter-state} to contribute much to the discussion._ [continue] [if solomon < 1 ; append] \ _[[> "Solomon knows that the humans need rest," Solomon said.|rest]]_ [if solomon > 1; append] \ _Solomon was too {solomon-state} to help._ [if solomon == 1; append] \ _Solomon was still too {solomon-state} to help._ [continue]

daytime:true judith:0 gwen:0 eldric:0 solomon:0 gunter:0 sapphic_score:sapphic_score + 1 -- Thankfully, the group elected to stay the night in _The Dirty Dagger_. The tavern had two rooms available; Eldric and Solomon took one room, myself and Judith the other. Gunter announced, somewhat smugly, that he would make his own arrangements. Judith and I had to share a bed, as we have done several times whilst on the road. {reveal link: 'As I lay beside her on the lumpy straw mattress, I pondered what would happen if I reached out and touched her, turning her towards me.', text: '<del>As I lay beside her on the lumpy straw mattress, I pondered what would happen if I reached out and touched her, turning her towards me.</del>'} [[Morning arrived without incident.|road]]

team_apart:true -- We stumbled on for a long while; the road was unpleasantly steep and rocky, and the whole atmosphere of the mountain was rather oppressive. "For all we know, we might be walking into a trap," said Judith, "Perhaps one of us should scout ahead?" \-\-\- [if judith < 1 ; append] \ _[[> "I am quite happy to go myself," said Judith.|judith-scout]]_ [if judith > 1; append] \ _Judith was too {judith-state} to make a decision._ [if judith == 1; append] \ _Judith was still too {judith-state} to make a decision._ [continue] [if gwen < 1 ; append] \ _[[> "Um, my eyesight is excellent," I said, though I did not much like the idea.|gwen-scout]]_ [if gwen > 1; append] \ _I was too {gwen-state} to contribute to the discussion._ [if gwen == 1; append] \ _I was still too {gwen-state} to contribute to the discussion._ [continue] [if eldric < 1 ; append] \ _[[> "I suppose I can do, if needs be," said Eldric.|eldric-scout]]_ [if eldric > 1; append] \ _Eldric was too {eldric-state} to help._ [if eldric == 1; append] \ _Eldric was still too {eldric-state} to help._ [continue] [if gunter < 1 ; append] \ _[[> "Want me to do it?" Gunter asked.|gunter-scout]]_ [if gunter > 1; append] \ _Gunter was too {gunter-state} to contribute much to the discussion._ [if gunter == 1; append] \ _Gunter was still too {gunter-state} to contribute much to the discussion._ [continue] [if solomon < 1 ; append] \ _[[> "Solomon will go, but Solomon is not quiet," Solomon said.|solomon-scout]]_ [if solomon > 1; append] \ _Solomon was too {solomon-state} to help._ [if solomon == 1; append] \ _Solomon was still too {solomon-state} to help._ [continue]

The path was rather narrow, and the ground on one side dropped away to a steep and rocky slope. The path led towards Kuf Falls, a roaring catract of white water. In fact, the path seemed to lead _behind_ the waterfall. I have read enough novels of dubious quality to know that we would almost cerainly find there a cave or a passage. As we approached however, we saw that as it passed behind the falls, the path narrowed to an alarming degree; becoming less than a foot across, slick with water, and crumbling away in places. [[We considered our situation.|waterfall2]]

[align right] [if daytime] <img src="castle_day.png" alt="Castle Vöckla by day"> _[[Castle Vöckla by day.|approach-choice]]_ [else; align right] <img src="castle_night.png" alt="Castle Vöckla by night" > _[[Castle Vöckla by night.|scout-choice]]_ [continue]

Judith Schwartzstein is the redoubtable leader of our band of monster hunters. She rarely discusses her early life, even with me, but has let slip that she has been fighting supernatural forces since childhood. Certainly, she has developed quite an aptitude for it. She is fearless{reveal link: ', direct and rather fetching', text: '<del>,</del> and direct <del>and rather fetching</del>'}; skilled in the use of many weapons, and with an iron will and steely resolve. Her only flaw is that she perhaps has too little time for {reveal link: 'academics', text: '<del>academics</del> academic matters'}. {back link, label: '(BACK)'}

Solomon is an enigma. They will tell you that "they were made by evil men", but by what process of science or magic this occurred I do not know. While Solomon is somewhat disconcerting in appearance; a looming figure of patchwork and scar tissue, one quickly finds that they have a gentle heart inside (indeed, possibly more than one). I have seen Solomon display vast reserves of strength and toughness. Their stilted mode of speech makes it hard to properly access their intelligence, but I have my suspicions that they are more clever than many would assume. {back link, label: '(BACK)'}

Gunter is a stalwart fighter; seldom far from his trusty bastard sword. While largely un-educated, coarse of manner and none too bright, I must admit that he is a good fellow to have beside you - or better, in front of you - in a fight. I have also observed that a certain class of woman will often find him quite charming, though heaven knows why. {back link, label: '(BACK)'}

Eldric speaks little of his early life. Nobility? Certainly. Well-educated? Clearly. Somewhat dissolute? I would find it difficult to believe otherwise. He also dislikes speaking of his life as a vampire, other than in the occasional glib anecdote. Still less will he reveal his reasons for turning against his former brethren. What is in no doubt is that he is a person of considerable magical power. And even more considerable arrogance. {back link, label: '(BACK)'}

I am Gwendolynn Murray, Judith's erstwhile chronicler and travelling companion. Officially, I am here in Translovakia to research and record the myths and folklore of its people. In practice, many of these myths (and monsters) turned out to be far less academic than I had previously imagined. My prowess with weapons might be limited, but please do not think me immodest if I tell you that my intelligence and powers of observation have been a boon to the group. {reveal link: 'I only hope that one day Judith will notice.', text: '<del>I only hope that one day Judith will notice.</del>'} {back link, label: '(BACK)'}

team_apart:false game_score:game_score + 1 -- As the mountain path climbed out of the forest, we were all intensely aware of the looming presence of Castle Vöckla. It sat atop a precipice, as if grown directly from that dark rock. [if secret_passage === true] Before we had left _The Dirty Dagger_, Ana had told us about a secret passage into the castle; now I believed that I spotted the path she had described. [continue] A large boulder at the side of the road almost hid a narrow goat path that curved through the undergrowth towards the waterfall, and - unless I missed my guess - a secret way into the castle. But should we take it? \-\-\- [if judith < 1 ; append] \ [[> _"I prefer the direct approach," said Judith._ |trap]] [if judith > 1; append] \ _Judith was too {judith-state} to make a decision._ [if judith == 1; append] \ _Judith was still too {judith-state} to make a decision._ [continue] [if gwen < 1 ; append] \ [[> _"I believe discretion may be the better part of valour," I stated._ |waterfall]] [if gwen > 1; append] \ _I was too {gwen-state} to contribute to the discussion._ [if gwen == 1; append] \ _I was still too {gwen-state} to contribute to the discussion._ [continue] [if eldric < 1 ; append] \ [[> _"Rather gauche to sneak up on people," said Eldric._|trap]] [if eldric > 1; append] \ _Eldric was too {eldric-state} to help._ [if eldric == 1; append] \ _Eldric was still too {eldric-state} to help._ [continue] [if gunter < 1 ; append] \ [[> _"Never use the front door if the back door is an option," said Gunter._|waterfall]] [if gunter > 1; append] \ _Gunter was too {gunter-state} to contribute much to the discussion._ [if gunter == 1; append] \ _Gunter was still too {gunter-state} to contribute much to the discussion._ [continue] [if solomon < 1 ; append] \ [[> _"Solomon does not like to sneak," said Solomon._|trap]] [if solomon > 1; append] \ _Solomon was too {solomon-state} to help._ [if solomon == 1; append] \ _Solomon was still too {solomon-state} to help._ [continue]

judith:10 judith-state:"missing" result:'"There you are," said Judith, unlocking the door, "I was beginning to think that I would never find you in this maze."' answer:'"It wasn\'t easy!" she said.' sapphic_score:sapphic_score - 1 -- Judith headed off to scout, while the rest of us had a sorely needed rest at the side of the road. [After 2 seconds] She did not return. [After 4 seconds] After much discussion, we decided that we had little choice but to continue towards the castle. I was concerned, but not panicked; I knew full well that Judith could take care of herself. [After 5 seconds] [[And so we walked into the trap.|trap]]

{embed passage: 'recovery'} "Are you sure Gwen?" asked Judith, "It might be dangerous." \ {reveal link: 'I was happy to hear that she cared.', text: '<del>I was happy to hear that she cared.</del>'} I made a point of checking my revolver. \ "I'll be fine, Judith," I said, "I will keep my eyes open, and head back if I run into any opposition." \ Judith nodded. "Shout if you need me," said Judith. \ {reveal link: 'I wanted to say, "I always need you," but ', text: '<del>I wanted to say, "I always need you," but </del>'} I made no reply. *** In the event, I did not encounter any opposition. I was, however, able to spot a partially concealed path which - I surmised - might allow us to approach the castle from a more advantageous direction. [[I decided to return to the group and let them know.|approach-choice]]

eldric:10 eldric-state:"missing" result:'"Honestly," Eldric said, tossing a key through the bars, "They really need to address their bat-proofing."' answer:'"Turns out, if you threaten to bite enough people, sooner or later one has a key" he said.' -- Eldric sighed theatrically, and flitted off to scout. The rest of us took a sorely needed rest at the side of the road. [After 2 seconds] Eldric did not return. [After 4 seconds] After much discussion, Judith decided that we had little choice but to continue towards the castle. The most likely scenario was that Eldric had simply gotten bored or distracted. [After 5 seconds] [[And so we walked into the trap.|trap]]

gunter:10 gunter-state:"missing" result:'"Visit scenic Vöckla-an-der-Kuf they said," muttered Gunter, unlocking the cell doors. He had a fresh cut on his head. "It will be relaxing, they said."' answer:'"A trusty bastard sword solves a lot of problems," he said.' -- Gunter headed off to scout, whistling cheerfully. The rest of us had a much needed rest at the side of the road. [After 2 seconds] Gunter did not return. [After 4 seconds] After much discussion, Judith decided that we had little choice but to continue towards the castle. I was concerned; I hoped that Gunter could take care of himself. [After 5 seconds] [[And so we walked into the trap.|trap]]

solomon:10 solomon-state:"missing" result:'There was a painful squeal as Solomon yanked the dungeon door off its hinges.' answer:'"Solomon always helps friends," Solomon said.' -- Solomon headed off up the track towards the castle. The rest of us had a much needed rest at the side of the road. [After 2 seconds] Solomon did not return. [After 4 seconds] After much discussion, Judith decided that we had little choice but to continue towards the castle. It was concerning, but Solomon was tough; it was hard to imagine them getting into serious trouble. [After 5 seconds] [[And so we walked into the trap.|trap]]

Proximity made the castle no less oppressive, we discovered. Close to, those dark walls of grey stone remained a threatening presence. A dim green light could be seen from some of the narrow windows, but otherwise there was no sign of life. The gate of the castle was iron and blackened wood; sturdy, secure and singularly unwelcoming. With some trepidation, we crossed the stone-bridge spanning a small moat, and stood directly outwith the door. Then there was movement from above. Glass bottles rained from the battlements, smashing on the cobbles behind us. As they broke, thick green smoke coiled from the shattered vessels, expanding with remarkable speed. I tried to shout a warning, but found myself drawing a deep breath of the foul smoke. I choked. suddenly finding myself fighting for air. [if team_apart === false ] [[My vision began to dim.|gate-choice]] [else] [[Everything went dark.|dungeon]] [continue]

judith: judith - 1 gwen: gwen - 1 eldric: eldric - 1 solomon: solomon - 1 gunter: gunter - 1 --

I squinted through the choking smoke, trying to determine what the others were doing. \-\-\- [if judith < 1 ; append] \ _[[> Judith...|judith-gate]]_ [continue] [if eldric < 1 ; append] \ _[[> Eldric...|eldric-gate]]_ [continue] [if gunter < 1 ; append] \ _[[> Gunter...|gunter-gate]]_ [continue] [if solomon < 1 ; append] \ _[[> Solomon...|solomon-gate]]_ [continue]

sapphic_score:sapphic_score + 1 -- I do not know if you, gentle reader, have ever woken up in a dungeon. If you have not, I shall not suggest that you seek out the experience. [if judith === 10] I awoke lying on a hard stone bench, in a remarkably gloomy room. There was no sign of {reveal link: 'my beloved', text: '<del>my beloved</del>'} Judith, but the rest of the party were here. It appeared that I was the last to awaken. [else] {reveal link: 'This awakening was better than most, however, as I came to with my head resting on Judith\'s legs, as', text: '<del>This awakening was better than most, however, as I came to with my head resting on Judith\'s legs, as</del>'} I lay on a stone bench. Judith was seated {reveal link: 'at the head of the bench, and I believe she might even have been stroking my hair while I slept, or perhaps that was simply a dream', text: 'nearby <del>at the head of the bench, and I believe she might even have been stroking my hair while I slept, or perhaps that was simply a dream</del>'}. "Ah, Gwen, awake at last," she said, "I think you caught a larger dose of that smoke than the rest of us." [continue] I heaved myself into a sitting position. The dungeon walls were gray stone, grimy and ill-maintained. On one side, a wide section of wall was made up of thick iron bars, with an iron door set into them. Beyond the iron bars, across a short corridor, was another, similar, room. I could make out shadowy figures therein; further prisoners, I presumed. [[The rest of the group were considering their escape.|dungeon2]]

judith:10 judith-state:"missing" result:'"There you are," said Judith, unlocking the door, "I was beginning to think that I would never find you in this maze."' answer:'"It wasn\'t easy!" she said.' sapphic_score:sapphic_score - 1 -- I watched Judith pull her neckerchief up over her mouth, and unsling her silver-chased crossbow from her back. [[As I heard the first bolt whistle through the fog, everything went dark.|dungeon]]

eldric:10 eldric-state:"missing" result:'"Honestly," Eldric said, tossing a key through the bars, "They really need to address their bat-proofing."' answer:'"Turns out, if you threaten to bite enough people, sooner or later one has a key" he said.' -- As I watched, Eldric caught my eye, and gave a little wave. "Toodle-pip," he said. Then there was a small thunderclap, and he transformed into a flock of bats, wheeling away though the smoke. [[Everything went dark.|dungeon]]

solomon:10 solomon-state:"missing" result:'There was a painful squeal as Solomon yanked the dungeon door off its hinges.' answer:'"Solomon always helps friends," Solomon said.' -- I watched Solomon look around in confusion. "Evil men!" Solomon exclaimed, balling his fists. [[As Solomon disappeared into the smoke, everything went dark.|dungeon]]

[if eldric < 10] Eldric was pacing. Every so often he would stop, crackle with dark energy for a moment, then curse and continue pacing. I had seen this before, when something had inhibited his magical talents. [if gunter < 10] Gunter had produced a dagger from somewhere, and was attempting to pick the lock. Or at least, I believe that was what he was trying to do. In truth it more closely resembled attempting to stab the lock into submission. [if solomon < 10] Solomon was the only one of us who had been shackled. A very sturdy chain fastened their ankle to the wall. They were attempting to pull the fastening free from the stone wall; I had no doubt that they would eventually succeed, but whether we would survive that long was less certain. [continue] Though I had just awoken, I felt bone tired, and I wondered if my companions were similarly fatigued. Under normal circumstances, any one of them would have arranged an escape by now, but if the narcotic smoke had dulled their abilities... [[That might mean that we were in real danger.|escape]]

Then, quite suddenly, a familiar figure appeared outside the iron door. {result} "How...?" I asked. {answer} [["Right," said Judith, brushing herself off, and taking charge "Lets finish the job that we came here to do."|escape2]]

It quickly became apparent that the castle was largely deserted. As we explored we saw no sign of the hustle and bustle one might expect in a working castle. The kitchens were empty, food rotting on counters. The doors to many of the rooms had been smashed down, and within there were signs of a struggle; overturned furniture, broken crockery. A couple of times we saw groups of guards patrolling; we would dash into side rooms and hide until they passed. Judith remarked that under the dark grey cloaks, the guards wore the uniform of inquisitorial auxiliaries. [[We continued to ascend through that dread keep, an uneasy feeling descending upon the entire group.|explore2]]

judith:0 gwen:0 eldric:0 solomon:0 gunter:0 -- We attempted to first to free the other prisoners, but while we could deal with the door to their dungeon, they seemed too weak to move. It did not appear that their captor had afforded them much food or water. Fortunately, Gunter found our packs thrown in a nearby room, so we had some little supplies to share with them. They told us that some of their number were from the village, but others had worked instead for the mistress of the castle until ... well, it was unclear exactly what had happened. But every day a guard would remove one of their number, never to return. [[We vowed to return to help them, once we had destroyed whatever evil lurked in this castle|explore]]

"I have rope in my pack," said Judith, "And we can tie one end to that tree. Then one of us can brave the path, and seek a similar anchor on the far side. The rest can then use that rope to cross safely." \-\-\- [if judith < 1 ; append] \ _[[> "Obviously, I should go myself," said Judith.|judith-try]]_ [if judith > 1; append] \ _Judith was clearly too {judith-state} to go herself._ [if judith == 1; append] \ _Judith was still too {judith-state} to go herself._ [continue] [if gwen < 1 ; append] \ _[[> "You know that I dislike heights," I said.|gwen-try]]_ [if gwen > 1; append] \ _I was too {gwen-state} to even consider it._ [if gwen == 1; append] \ _I was still too {gwen-state} to even consider it._ [continue] [if eldric < 1 ; append] \ _[[> "The spray will mess up my hair," said Eldric.|eldric-try]]_ [if eldric > 1; append] \ _Eldric was too {eldric-state} to help._ [if eldric == 1; append] \ _Eldric was still too {eldric-state} to help._ [continue] [if gunter < 1 ; append] \ _[[> "Not much of a climber, but I can give it a go," Gunter said.|gunter-try]]_ [if gunter > 1; append] \ _Gunter was too {gunter-state} to go._ [if gunter == 1; append] \ _Gunter was still too {gunter-state} to go._ [continue] [if solomon < 1 ; append] \ _[[> "If the path will hold Solomon, it will hold any of you," Solomon observed.|solomon-try]]_ [if solomon > 1; append] \ _Solomon was too {solomon-state} to help._ [if solomon == 1; append] \ _Solomon was still too {solomon-state} to help._ [continue]

judith:1 judith-state:"weary" -- Without further ado, Judith tied the rope around her waist, and stepped forward. {reveal link: 'My heart was in my mouth', text: '<del>My heart was in my mouth</del> I was full of friendly concern'} as I watched her edge along that narrow path. Eventually she disappeared behind a wall of roaring water. Then suddenly the rope went taut, as - presumably - she had tied it off somewhere. "It's secure," Judith shouted, "So it should be safe to follow." [[One by one, we made our way along the path, rope in hand.|passage-entrance]]

sapphic_score:sapphic_score + 1 -- "Perhaps it is time to face that fear, Gwendolynn," said Judith. I could not refuse her. {reveal link: 'She would never want a coward for a lover.', text: '<del>She would never want a coward for a lover.</del>'} So I allowed her to tie the rope securely about my waist, and - screwing up my courage to the sticking point - I ventured along the path. To my shame, I had barely started when a rock crumbled out from beneath my boot, and I found my self teetering for a second, and then beginning to fall. [[This is no way for an assistant librarian to go, I thought.|gwen-try2]]

eldric:1 eldric-state:"irritated" -- Judith gave Eldric one of her firm looks. He sighed theatrically, and transformed into a sleek black cat. Taking the end of the rope in his little fanged mouth, he trotted along the path like a nonchalant shadow. He soon disappeared behind the roaring water, and shortly afterwards the rope went taut. "Do come along then," Eldric shouted. [[One by one, we made our way along the path, rope in hand.|passage-entrance]]

gunter:10 gunter-state:"missing" result:'"Visit scenic Vöckla-an-der-Kuf they said," muttered Gunter, unlocking the cell door. He was dripping wet. "It will be relaxing, they said."' answer:'"A trusty bastard sword solves a lot of problems," he said.' team_apart:true -- Gunter tied the rope tightly about his waist, and set off. I did not imagine it would be possible for a man to both swagger and creep, but Gunter managed it. Initially he made good progress. [after 4 seconds] Then one of his feet slipped. He tried to cling on to the rock, but could get no purchase. [after 8 seconds] [[As he flailed backwards, the waterfall took him.|gunter-try2]]

solomon:10 solomon-state:"missing" result:'There was a painful squeal as Solomon yanked the dungeon door off its hinges.' answer:'"Solomon always helps friends," Solomon said, somewhat damply.' team_apart:true -- Solomon wrapped the rope around their waist, and ventured onto the path. They inched along, facing sheer wall on one side, their heels over a sheer drop, the tumble of water inches behind their head. [After 4 seconds] Suddenly the path beneath Solomon crumbled, and they faltered and fell. The rope pulled taut and then snapped. [After 8 seconds] "I'd better go and check," said Eldric, with none of his usual jauntiness. [After 8 seconds] [[He stepped off the path and floated down.|solomon-try2]]

It was a while before Eldric returned, and the wait was not pleasant. "Solomon is uninjured," he reported, to the relief of all. "But was carried all of the way down the mountain, and some way along the river. They bid us continue, while they catch up." After that, none of us fancied trying the waterfall path, especially as it was now even more crumbled and treacherous. [[So we returned to the main path, and made our way towards the gate.|trap]]

Fortunately, the rope held, swinging Gunter out of the cascade, and into the steep mountainside instead. That did not look at all comfortable. Solomon heaved on the rope, and had soon pulled Gunter back up to the path. "Reckon I know what one of those little dogs feels like when it's owner jerks it back," he said. "And I've banged up my leg pretty good. Give me half an hour to splint it and rest up a bit, and I'll catch up with you." Of course, none of us were minded to try the waterfall path after that. [[So we returned to the main path, and made our way towards the gate.|trap]]

Fortunately, Judith had been paying close attention, and she immediately signaled that Solomon should give the rope an almighty tug. This tug carried me off my feet and {reveal link: 'into Judith\'s arms', text: '<del>into Judith\'s arms </del>back to the safety of the team'}. [continue] "I'm so sorry, Gwen," Judith said, "I shouldn't have made you do that." [continue] {reveal link: 'She brushed a strand of my hair back behind my ear.', text: '<del>She brushed a strand of my hair back behind my ear.</del>'} "Please forgive me," she said. "Of course," I said{reveal link: ', just wanting to remain in her arms', text: '<del>, just wanting to remain in her arms</del>'}. [continue] [["Let's try the main path instead," Judith decided.|trap]]

game_score:game_score + 1 -- Even with the rope to assist us, treading the path behind the waterfall was not for the faint of heart. Although it took a fair while, eventually we all safely reached the natural cave that sat behind Kuf Falls. We were all somewhat damper for the experience, with the exception of Eldric, who had somehow contrived to remain bone dry. At the back of the cave was a smaller tunnel, also natural looking, leading off into darkness. A thin trickle of water snaked from this opening, and I believe I saw a shoulder bone beside it. [[We lit our lanterns and ventured in.|passage2]]

As we ventured onwards into that grim tunnel, we found more bones. I have been in Translovakia long enough that I can generally identify human bones when I see them. This is not a skill that I either intended or desired to learn. "That's a bit odd," said Gunter. I may have snapped something to the effect that I should jolly well hope that scattered human bones are odd, but Judith nodded. "These are not old bones," she said, "Days or weeks at most, and yet no trace of flesh adheres to them. No scrap of muscle or sinew." [[I shuddered.|passage3]]

The tunnel had a slight upwards incline, and terminated suddenly in a small cave. My attention was first drawn to the large pile of bones in the centre of the cavern; all as clean as the others we had encountered. Above the bone pile, set into the low ceiling, was a trapdoor of wood and banded iron. It was locked, or maybe barred, but Solomon gave it an almighty shove and flung it open with the sound of splintering wood. The gentle giant then allowed their self to be used as a sort of improvised ladder as we scrambled through the trapdoor. Then Solomon heaved their massive form up after us. [[We found ourselves in the dungeons of Castle Vöckla.|passage4]]

I have, I fancy, found myself in more dungeons than most assistant librarians; they are almost always unpleasant places. This one was no exception. The walls were crumbling gray stone, damp and slimy, and everywhere there was a rank but unidentifiable smell. It didn't take long for us to chance upon the prisoners. They were locked in a large cell, and seemed to have been ill-cared for. [[Judith instructed Solomon to break down the iron door.|passage 5]]

While Solomon made short work of the door, the prisoners seemed too weak to move, and made few motions toward escape. It did not appear that their captor had afforded them much food or water. Fortunately, we still had some small amount of supplies to share with them. They told us that some of their number were from the village, but others had worked instead for the mistress of the castle until ... well, it was unclear exactly what had happened. But every day a guard would remove one of their number, never to return. [[We vowed to return to help them, once we had destroyed whatever evil lurked in this castle.|explore]]

"I think we are approaching the heart of the matter," said Judith, echoing - I believe - the feelings of us all. "We should plan our approach," she said. "How do we want to proceed?" \-\-\- [if judith < 1 ; append] \ _[[> "For my part, I believe we should be direct," said Judith.|direct]]_ [if judith > 1; append] \ _Judith was too {judith-state} to make a decision._ [if judith == 1; append] \ _Judith was still too {judith-state} to make a decision._ [continue; append] \ _[[> "Um, perhaps we could impersonate the guards," I suggested.|impersonate]]_ [continue; append] [if eldric < 1 ; append] \ _[[> "I think we should continue to be discreet," said Eldric.|sneak]]_ [if eldric > 1; append] \ _Eldric was too {eldric-state} to contribute._ [if eldric == 1; append] \ _Eldric was still too {eldric-state} to contribute._ [continue; append] \ _[[> Gunter just drew his trusty bastard sword.|direct]]_ [continue; append] \ _[[> "Solomon senses evil magic," Solomon said, "We should take care."|sneak]]_ [continue]

approach:"direct" -- We agreed that it was time to take a direct approach. Judith unslung her crossbow. Eldric loosened his epee in its scabbard. Gunter readied his sword. I gripped my ivory-handled revolver. Solomon, of course, neither had nor needed a weapon. As we approached what I judged to be the castles great hall, we encountered a group of guards. We quickly subdued them. I was, I confess, of little help, but the rest of our party are experienced monster hunters, and these guards were mere humans. [[We burst into the great hall, and were greeted by an extraordinary scene.|great hall]]

approach:"impersonate" sapphic_score:sapphic_score + 1 -- "What a clever idea, Gwendolynn," said Judith{reveal link: ', and I will admit my heart swelled to hear her say so', text: '<del>, and I will admit my heart swelled to hear her say so</del>'}. [continue] Accordingly, we ambushed the next patrol that we saw. The party made short work of them; these were mere humans, and we were experienced monster hunters. In a side room, we quickly changed into the guards' uniforms, Judith and I ducking behind a screen to do so. I struggled into a somewhat oversized chain-mail shirt, and asked Judith to check that I made a convincing henchman. She {reveal link: 'shook her head slightly. "I\'ve never seen such a pretty guard," she ', text: '<del>shook her head slightly. "I\'ve never seen such a pretty guard," she </del>'}said, "Be sure to keep your hood pulled low." Solomon, of course, was too large for any of the uniforms; we decided that they would pretend to be our prisoner. [[And so we resolved to test our disguises.|impersonate2]]

approach:"sneak" -- We agreed that it would be wisest to continue with our stealthy approach. We took a roundabout route, continuing to avoid the patrols, and sticking as far as possible to the smaller corridors intended for serving folk. Eventually we found ourselves crouching at a servants' door set into the wall of ther castle's great hall. [[Through the crack in the door, we espied an extraordinary scene.|great hall]]

While the perimeter of the hall was ringed with watching guards, in the centre of the room there were just two figures. One appeared to be a prisoner; he was collapsed on the stone-tiled floor, his clothes ragged, his attitude despairing. Across from him stood a man in the metal mask, and dark uniform, of an inquisitor. He held in one hand a stone; irregular and largely flat, with a single hole through it, and some sort of gold inlay about the hole. [[The stone was oddly fascinating to behold.|stone]]

We followed another patrol to the castle's great hall; many, perhaps all, of the retinue seemed to be gathered here. I kept my hood pulled low, and glared at Eldric who was strolling along as if he were taking the air on the promenade at Brighton. Fortunately, the guards paid us no mind, even with Solomon in tow. This surprised me at first, but as we entered the hall, it became clear where all their attention was focussed. [[At the centre of the hall, an extraordinary scene was unfolding.|great hall]]

<img src="rock.gif" alt="The Sun-Stone of Vöckla"> [[The inquisitor raised the stone towards the prisoner.|judgement]]

It seemed likely that some ill-fate was about to descend upon that wretch. Was it our duty to intervene? [if approach === "direct" ; append] The inquisitor did not appear to have given much mind to our arrival; doubtless he trusted his guards to protect him. [else ; append] If we did so, we would surely lose the element of surprise. [continue] "Surrender to the judgement of the Sun-Stone of Vöckla," he intoned. I looked around at my companions. Did we act? \-\-\- [[> _Judith gave a tight nod._ |prevent]] \ [[> _Eldric shook his head._|allow]] \ [[> _Gunter looked down, but also shook his head._|allow]] \ [[> _Solomon gave a deep nod._|prevent]]

game_score:game_score + 1 -- We sprang into action. Judith acted first, loosing a bolt from her crossbow. The bolt glanced off inquisitor's metal mask, without doing him any harm. He did jerk his arm in surprise, though, at the very moment a golden beam sprung forth from the stone. The beam was shimmering and iridescent. It missed the prisoner by inches, instead catching one of the guards. The guardsman's skin and clothes took on a golden hue and then began to burn. The guard started to scream, and his flesh began to char and fall away, like ash, to nothing. It was horrific to watch. In mere moments, all that remained was a pile of bones, and a fallen sword. The inquisitor tucked the stone back within his jacket, and then turned his furious gaze upon us. [continue] [["Seize them," he ordered.|secure]]

I am sorry to say that we did nothing. From the stone there came forth a golden beam, shimmering and iridescent. It rippled out over the prisoner. The prisoner's skin took on a golden hue and then - to my horror - began to burn. It was not like skin burning at all, nor was there any scent of burning flesh. Instead, like paper, it blackened and fell away, drifting to ash. The prisoner screamed, of course, a dreadful scream. It was clear that not only was the poor unfortunate man's skin being burned away, but fat and muscle also. In but moments, all that remained was a pile of bones, unblemished on the tile floor. The inquisitor turned to his guards, tucking the stone back within his jacket. [continue] [if approach === "direct" ] [["Secure our new guests," he ordered.|secure]] [else] [["Dispose of the remains," he ordered.|free]] [continue]

state:"secure" -- We were outnumbered, and soon surrounded by guardsmen. It is not at all pleasant to have that number of swords pointed in your direction. [continue] We backed into a tight group, Judith and Solomon both pushing me back into the safest spot, as the guards pressed in. For all their numbers, they seemed wary of trying to disarm - or kill - us, and were content to pen us in, at least for now. [[The inquisitor peered at us.|monologue]]

state:"free" -- One guard obeyed; sweeping the bones into a bucket, and carried them away with no more regard than one would have for refuse. In small groups, the other guards began to depart. The inquisitor stalked over to a desk at the side of the hall, and set himself up with pen, ink and parchment. He began to scribble, paying no further attention to the room. As the last guard departed, Judith led our group towards the inquisitor, stepping boldly now. He was still intent on his writing. "Inquisitor," Judith commanded, "Surrender now, and I will spare your life." [[The inquisitor's head snapped up, eyes blazing beneath that mask.|monologue]]

"I know you," he said, voice distorted by the metal mask, "You are the Schwartzstein woman, with your band of abominations and idiots. How dare you interfere with the conduct of an inquisitor?" "What sort of inquisitor wields such an evil artefact?" asked Judith, "I thought your sun-god disapproved of such things?" "Evil?" said the inquisitor, with a laugh. "Did you not see the holy golden light of the sun-god? The purifying light?" "Evil magic," said Solomon. "What was evil," snapped the Inquisitor, "Was finding such a sacred relic in the hands of a sorceress. Still, the sorceress of Vöckla is gone now, her foul laboratory plundered, and I can use the sun-stone to dispense holy justice." [["He's not right in the head," whispered Gunter.|monologue2]]

judith:0 gwen:0 eldric:0 solomon:0 gunter:0 -- "Soon," continued the inquisitor, "All the prisoners will be judged, and we will fetch more from the village. That saucy mayor, for one, has a soul in need of cleansing." "Just out of interest," said Eldric, "Exactly how many people has the holy stone adjudged to be innocent?" "Ha, none, leech," said the inquisitor, "And I know you will not be the first." [if state == "secure"] [["He will not be reasoned with," whispered Judith.|guard_fight]] [else] [["You are quite mad," whispered Judith, putting a hand on the hilt of her sabre.|sword_fight]]

With the guards encircling us, there was little that we could do against the inquisitor. We would have to break free. \-\-\- [if judith < 1 ; append] \ [[> _Judith..._ |guards-judith]] [if judith > 1; append] \ _Judith was too {judith-state} to help._ [if judith == 1; append] \ _Judith was still too {judith-state} to help._ [continue] [if gwen < 1 ; append] \ [[> _I..._ |guards-gwen]] [if gwen > 1; append] \ _I was too {gwen-state} to help._ [if gwen == 1; append] \ _I was still too {gwen-state} to help._ [continue] [if eldric < 1 ; append] \ [[> _Eldric..._|guards-eldric]] [if eldric > 1; append] \ _Eldric was too {eldric-state} to help._ [if eldric == 1; append] \ _Eldric was still too {eldric-state} to help._ [continue] [if gunter < 1 ; append] \ [[> _Gunter..._|guards-gunter]] [if gunter > 1; append] \ _Gunter was too {gunter-state} to help._ [if gunter == 1; append] \ _Gunter was still too {gunter-state} to help._ [continue] [if solomon < 1 ; append] \ [[> _Solomon..._|guards-solomon]] [if solomon > 1; append] \ _Solomon was too {solomon-state} to help._ [if solomon == 1; append] \ _Solomon was still too {solomon-state} to help._ [continue]

{embed passage:'recovery'} "Hmm," said the inquistitor, "Seems that I must deal with you myself." He drew his long inquistitor's sword, inscribed with prayers to the sun-god, and snapped into a fighting stance. \-\-\- [if judith < 1 ; append] \ [[> _Judith..._ |sword-judith]] [if judith > 1; append] \ _Judith was too {judith-state} to help._ [if judith == 1; append] \ _Judith was still too {judith-state} to help._ [continue] [if gwen < 1 ; append] \ [[> _I..._ |sword-gwen]] [if gwen > 1; append] \ _I was too {gwen-state} to help._ [if gwen == 1; append] \ _I was still too {gwen-state} to help._ [continue] [if eldric < 1 ; append] \ [[> _Eldric..._|sword-eldric]] [if eldric > 1; append] \ _Eldric was too {eldric-state} to help._ [if eldric == 1; append] \ _Eldric was still too {eldric-state} to help._ [continue] [if gunter < 1 ; append] \ [[> _Gunter..._|sword-gunter]] [if gunter > 1; append] \ _Gunter was too {gunter-state} to help._ [if gunter == 1; append] \ _Gunter was still too {gunter-state} to help._ [continue] [if solomon < 1 ; append] \ [[> _Solomon..._|sword-solomon]] [if solomon > 1; append] \ _Solomon was too {solomon-state} to help._ [if solomon == 1; append] \ _Solomon was still too {solomon-state} to help._ [continue]

judith:2 judith-state:"bruised" -- Judith drew her sabre and charged. She cut down several of them, but their numbers were just too great, and she was forced to retreat back to the safety of the group. [[Even Judith could not fight so many guardsmen.|guard_fight]]

gwen:2 gwen-state:"fatigued" -- I am afraid that I could scarcely push my way through my companions, let alone break through the guards. [[This would require a different set of skills.|guard_fight]]

Eldric sighed, and - after a little more concentration than was usual for him - turned into a flock of bats. It is safe to say that the guards were not expecting this. As the bats wheeled through the great hall, the guards panicked; some swinging wildly, others cowering and running. In the confusion, the rest of us managed to break free of the remaining guards, sending them into retreat. [[Eldric re-formed, and brushed off his lapel.|sword_fight]]

gunter:2 gunter-state:"battered" -- Gunter leapt to the fore, swinging his trusty bastard sword. Guards fell left and right, but more stepped in to take their place, and Gunter was forced back, parrying desparately, only just holding them off. [[Mere bravery would not win this fight.|guard_fight]]

Solomon roared, and surged forward, scattering guards like skittles. Those who were not sent flying backed away quite sharply. In the ensuing panic, the rest of us managed to break free of the remaining guards, scattering them into the edges of the hall. [[Solomon nodded.|sword_fight]]

judith:0 gwen:0 eldric:0 solomon:0 gunter:0 first_time:true -- Judith drew her silver-chased sabre. She advanced on the inquisitor, and he raised his blade towards her. They clashed. The inquisitor was an excellent swordsman; calm, precise and ruthless. But Judith was a yet more excellent swordswoman. She was fierce and wild and terrifying {reveal link: 'and beautiful', text: '<del>and beautiful</del>'}. [continue] The inquistitor was forced back, and when Judith disarmed him, he hissed and leapt away, as his sword clattered to the floor. [[From within his jacket, he pulled out the sun-stone.|stone-fight]]

gwen:2 gwen-state:"ashamed" -- It might have been unsporting, but had no moral compunction about shooting a man who was wielding a sword. I levelled my revolver. My hand was trembling. [after 3 seconds] Unfortunately my aim was off, and the shot went wide, shattering a vase across the far side of the chamber. [after 4 seconds] [[Someone would need to best him in hand-to-hand battle.|sword_fight]]

eldric:2 eldric-state:"cautious" -- "Have you seen what an inquisitor's blessed sword can do to one of my kind?" he remarked. "I think I shall sit this one out. Know that you have my moral support." [[It appeared that the arcane would be of little help here.|sword_fight]]

judith:0 gwen:0 eldric:0 solomon:0 gunter:0 first_time:true -- Brandishing his trusty bastard sword, Gunter advanced towards the inquisitor. The inquisitor flourished his sword. He was clearly well trained; an inquisitor studied both blade and scripture. He would be familiar with the teachings of the sword masters Bonetti, Capo Ferro and Thibault. Gunter was not nearly so educated; indeed, the man learned nothing if he could possibly help it. But he had hard-won his experience on the battlefields of Europe, and if his technique was simple - big sword hit things - it was brutally effective in a way that the inquisitor's flourishes could not counter. In short order, Gunter had knocked the inquisitors sword from his hand, sending it flying across the room. [[The inquisitor leapt back, pulling out the sun-stone from within his jacket.|stone-fight]]

solomon:2 solomon-state:"befuddled" -- Solomon charged towards the inquisitor. Owing to their size, it is always tempting to refer to brave Solomon as lumbering, but in truth they are relatively nimble for their build. That notwithstanding, the inquisitor was far more agile, and leapt out of the way with little difficulty. [[It would seem that more nimbleness would be called for.|sword_fight]]

Jumping up onto his desk, ink-pot overturned, the inquisitor brandished the sun-stone. His eyes, through the slots in his metal mask, were ablaze with hatred. "Come no closer, evildoers," he snarled. Our team regrouped at the far side of the room. The guards had mostly withdrawn, or been subdued or killed, but for all we knew they would soon be back with reinforcements. We had to deal with this madman with all possible haste. \-\-\- [if judith < 1 ; append] \ [[> _Judith..._ |stone-judith]] [if judith > 1; append] \ _Judith was too {judith-state} to offer advice._ [if judith == 1; append] \ _Judith was still too {judith-state} to offer advice._ [continue] [if gwen < 1 ; append] \ [[> _I..._ |stone-gwen]] [if gwen > 1; append] \ _I was too {gwen-state} to offer advice._ [if gwen == 1; append] \ _I was still too {gwen-state} to offer advice._ [continue] [if eldric < 1 ; append] \ [[> _Eldric..._|stone-eldric]] [if eldric > 1; append] \ _Eldric was too {eldric-state} to offer advice._ [if eldric == 1; append] \ _Eldric was still too {eldric-state} to offer advice._ [continue] [if gunter < 1 ; append] \ [[> _Gunter..._|stone-gunter]] [if gunter > 1; append] \ _Gunter was too {gunter-state} to offer advice._ [if gunter == 1; append] \ _Gunter was still too {gunter-state} to offer advice._ [continue] [if solomon < 1 ; append] \ [[> _Solomon..._|stone-solomon]] [if solomon > 1; append] \ _Solomon was too {solomon-state} to to offer advice._ [if solomon == 1; append] \ _Solomon was still too {solomon-state} to offer advice._ [continue]

judith:2 judith-state:"doubtful" first_time:false -- "I have no further bolts for my crossbow," said Judith, with evident frustration. "I suppose that if I zig-zagged as I ran toward him, I could get close enough to use my sabre. Maybe." [["No," I said, placing a hand on Judith's shoulder.|stone-fight]]

game_score (first_time): game_score + 1 sapphic_score:sapphic_score + 1 -- I had an idea. I will admit that I was trembling as I stepped forward. I still clutched my revolver tightly in my hand, but did not raise it. "You may think you are innocent," said the inquisitor, "But I know that you are not. Stay back, witches pet." "I ... I do not think that you are the sort to hold back with the sun-god's justice," I stammered, "And yet, you have killed but a single prisoner each day. Why not more? Why not all?" "Stay back," he warned again, though I had not advanced. "Unless I miss my guess, that dread stone, like the sunrise, can only shine forth its beams once per day," I said. [[I sensed Judith moving behind me.|destroy]]

eldric:2 eldric-state:"cautious" first_time:false -- "Hmm," said Eldric, "It is possible that my ... nature would protected me from the stone. But if it is truly linked to the sun in some way, the contrary might be true. I am not as ... irritated by sunlight as many of my brethren, but I think I shall decline to take the chance here." [[I knew this to be Eldric's way of saying that he was afraid.|stone-fight]]

gunter:2 gunter-state:"sensible" first_time:false -- "I know I'm going to end up a skellington one day," said Gunter, pronouncing skeleton incorrectly in order, I believe, to annoy me. "But ideally when I'm a whole lot older." [[He shrugged and lowered his bastard sword.|stone-fight]]

solomon:2 solomon-state:"downhearted" first_time:false -- "Solomon is not fast," said Solomon. "The evil magic would destroy me before I got close. Solomon is sorry." [[I patted his patchwork arm.|stone-fight]]

Judith stepped in close behind me, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling us together. I did not, at first, understand her purpose{reveal link: ', but I did not mind', text: '<del>, but I did not mind</del>'}. [continue] She quickly slid her hand down my arm, lifting it, setting her hand over my hand where it still clutched the revolver's ivory handle. She adjusted my aim, guiding my wrist. "Do it," she breathed into my ear. [[I squeezed the trigger.|destroy2]]

The shot rang out, and my aim - Judith's aim - was true. The bullet hit the sun-stone. It shattered in the inquisitor's hands, with a sound like a bell being un-rung. The inquisitor screamed. The fractured remnants of the stone tumbled to the floor, and where they landed a terrible light began to shine from them, ranging back and forth. The rays were golden at first, but quickly faded to blue-white, like starlight, and beyond that to pure black. Not that the inquisitor could appreciate this display, for wherever one of those writhing beams touched him, it sliced, sheared, and disolved his very flesh. His screams grew louded until they abruptly ceased. When the light finally guttered out, and the stone fragments crumbled to dust, there was nothing left of the inquisitor save a blackened and pitted metal mask. [[I finally breathed out.|after]]

"Well done, Gwen," Judith whispered into my ear{reveal link: ', and it was almost like being kissed', text: '<del>, and it was almost like being kissed</del>'}. *** It took a while to round up the remaining guards, and to the help the poor prisoners from their dungeon. It took still longer to shepherd that ragtag group back down the mountain road from Castle Vöckla. A hard rain had started up, which did not improve the journey any. On the way down we learned that the castle's old mistress, the inquisitor's first victim, probably had been a witch or sorceress of some stripe, but not particularly evil to those in her employ, or to humanity in general. But she would certainly have had cause to regret her collection of magical artefacts. [[Perhaps you would have expected us to receive a jubilant welcome in Vöckla-an-der-Kuf?|after2]]

We did not. True, many were the families who found loved ones restored to them, but even they were dispirited by the haunted look in the eyes of their kin. And many more awaited those who would never return, who were now mere bones. That too, they laid at our door. The de facto mayor, Ana Illes, was grateful, at least. She generously replenished our supplies, and found a small amount of silver coin for us. But even she suggested that we not tarry here. And so, again, we set off onto the desolate tracks of Translovakia; Judith, Eldric, Gunter, Solomon, and myself. [[I would not have had it otherwise.|mask]]

*** [align center] __CREDITS__ [align center] _The Monster of Castle Vöckla_ is a fan-game for the {link to: 'https://twitter.com/JudithHunts', label: '_Judith Hunts_ twitter bot'}; it's really good, please go and follow it. [align center] Main characters and general setting were taken from the bot, which was written by {link to: 'https://twitter.com/AYolland', label: '_@AYolland_'}. This game was made by me, {link to: 'https://twitter.com/Zen_Benjamin', label: '_Ben/Cephalopodunk_'}. [continue] *** [align center] [[`(Hey, I am a GAMER! I demand a Score.)`|score]] [continue] *** [align center] {restart link, label: 'RESTART'}

<img src="mask.png" alt="The inquisitors mask"> [align center] [[**THE END**|end]]

[align center] The _Translovakian Order Of Monster Slayers_ has reviewed your monster hunting abilities, and has awarded grade: [continue] [if game_score == 5 ; align center] A [if game_score == 4 ; align center] B [if game_score == 3 ; align center] C [if game_score == 2 ; align center] D [if game_score == 1 ; align center] E [continue] [align center] The _Sapphic Lovers Of Translovakia Society_ has reviewed your lesbian yearning, and has awarded grade: [continue] [if sapphic_score == 5 ; align center] A [if sapphic_score == 4 ; align center] B [if sapphic_score == 3 ; align center] C [if sapphic_score == 2 ; align center] D [if sapphic_score == 1 ; align center] E [continue] [align center] As in life, you cannot maximise efficiency and romance in the same run. [continue] [align center] {back link, label: '(Back to Credits)'}