A Tomb for Two

The sound of leaves crunching underneath your feet rises up to your ears. All around you towering trees obscure your vision. Regardless, you follow the path in front of you, careful not to trip on any fallen branches. Up in the sky stars shine down, you take a moment to appreciate their light, only to notice the moon. It seems particularly menacing tonight. After all, tonight is the night of the blood moon. Walking by your side is another, obscured by the shadows of the forest. You only met them recently, but hope they will prove a useful companion for the journey ahead. You are almost at the point where the path diverges, but first, you must squeeze between two trees that have taken over part of the path. Only one of you can go at a time. *TEAM CHOICE* (This phrase indicates that this is a decision that will affect both you and the other player. Whenever you see this phrase, you will be expected to discuss the choice with the other player, and come to an agreement before moving on. However you come to a decision is up to you, but be careful and pay attention, if you and your partner select different options the game will not work. (If you accidentally click an option that your partner did not also choose, then you can press the 'reverse' button in the upper left to go back to the previous choice at any time) [[I will take the lead]] [[My partner will go first]]

You step ahead of your companion and squeeze through the narrow clearing. It takes a second, but you make it through, and now you see the forest thinning, and enough light shines down to illuminate three distinct pathways ahead. But first, as you wait for your travelling partner to make their way through, you reflect on why you've come to this strange, isolated place. Why *are* you here, on such an ominous night? *Individual Choice* (This phrase indicates that the choice you make is entirely up to you, you are not required to reveal the details of your choice to the other player. You may do so if you wish, but remember! Sometimes discretion is key! However, take note of the letter that corresponds to your choice, you will have to let the other player know which letter you chose, so that their game can follow along with the story.) (link: "A: I have an important mission, and I will not fail")[\ (set: $Protag to "Cultist")\ (set: $MyItem to "RitualKnife")\ (go-to: "Wait For Partner")\ ] (link: "B: Some mysteries can only be solved by getting my hands dirty")[\ (set: $Protag to "Detective")\ (set: $MyItem to "Revolver")\ (set: $Bullets to 6)\ (go-to: "Wait For Partner")\ ] (link: "C: This place is the subject of rumor and myth, only I can uncover the truth!")[\ (set: $Protag to "Blogger")\ (set: $MyItem to "Flashlight")\ (go-to: "Wait For Partner")\ ] (link: "D: I will do what I must to settle my father's affairs")[\ (set: $Protag to "Priest")\ (set: $MyItem to "HolyWater")\ (go-to: "Wait For Partner")\ ]

You watch your companion squeeze through the space between the trees. Soon enough they make it through and you follow after them. *Partner's choice* (This phrase indicates that your partner is making a choice. They may not tell you the full details of their choice or why they made it, but they are required to tell you the letter corresponding to the choice they made. When they do, click on the letter that your partner reports to you, and your game will follow along based on their choice.) (link: "A")[\ (set: $Player2 to "Cultist")\ (set: $Companion to "John")\ (set: $Pronoun to "he")\ (set: $Partner to $CultistDescrip)\ (go-to: "link1")\ ] (link: "B")[\ (set: $Player2 to "Detective")\ (set: $Companion to "Caroline")\ (set: $Pronoun to "she")\ (set: $Partner to $DetectiveDescrip)\ (go-to: "link1")\ ] (link: "C")[\ (set: $Player2 to "Blogger")\ (set: $Companion to "Neil")\ (set: $Pronoun to "he")\ (set: $Partner to $BloggerDescrip)\ (go-to: "link1")\ ] (link: "D")[\ (set: $Player2 to "Priest")\ (set: $Companion to "Father Tom")\ (set: $Pronoun to "he")\ (set: $Partner to $PriestDescrip)\ (go-to: "link1")\ ] (set: $CultistDescrip to "A mysterious and lonesome figure, John Richards isn't much to look at, but as a local librarian with an interest in strange happenings, he could prove an invaluable partner.")\ (set: $DetectiveDescrip to "As hard-boiled as the eggs she ate for breakfast, you walk next to the hardest detective in the upper midwest, Caroline Gunsmoke, though you suspect that may not be her real name. She's here to solve a series of deaths and dissapearances that have plagued this town for years, though she hasn't said much else.")\ (set: $BloggerDescrip to "Owner and star of \"Neil's Blog of Spooks and Spirits,\" Neil Brampton is always on the lookout for something exciting to share with his nearly triple digit fandom. Perhaps tonight both you will find something worth a 'like.'")\ (set: $PriestDescrip to "Father Tom is a quiet man, the spitting image of a Priest in every way. Despite the trudge through the forest, his robes are so immaculate you'd swear he'd just ironed them. Tonight he's here to honor his father's will by visiting an old church to preform an unusual task, though even he is unclear on the reasons why.")

You think about your partner and all their fascinating personality traits, their complex characterization, and the fact that you definitely know who they are and why they're here. But why are *you* here on such an ominous night? { (set: $Mission to "A: I have an important mission, and I will not fail") (set: $Mystery to "B: Some mysteries can only be solved by getting my hands dirty") (set: $Blog to "C: This place is the subject of rumor and myth, only I can uncover the truth!") (set: $Respect to "D: I will do what I must to settle my father's affairs") } {(if: $Player2 is "Cultist")[\ (print: "A: This option was already taken by your partner")] (else:)[\ (link: $Mission)[\ (set: $Protag to "Cultist")\ (set: $MyItem to "RitualKnife")\ (go-to: "Cultist Description")\ ] ]} {(if: $Player2 is "Detective")[\ (print: "B: This option was already taken by your partner")] (else:)[\ (link: $Mystery)[\ (set: $Protag to "Detective")\ (set: $MyItem to "Revolver")\ (set: $Bullets to 6)\ (go-to: "Detective Description")\ ] ]} {(if: $Player2 is "Blogger")[\ (print: "C: This option was already taken by your partner")] (else:)[\ (link: $Blog)[\ (set: $Protag to "Blogger")\ (set: $MyItem to "Flashlight")\ (go-to: "Blogger Description")\ ] ]} {(if: $Player2 is "Priest")[\ (print: "D: This option was already taken by your partner")] (else:)[\ (link: $Respect)[\ (set: $Protag to "Priest")\ (set: $MyItem to "HolyWater")\ (go-to: "Priest Description")\ ] ]}

Welcome To *A Tomb for Two*! This is an interactive choose your own adventure game where you make decisions that will impact your experience! But there's a twist! This game requires two players to be played. Both players open the game on seperate devices, and communicate with each other as they play through and cooperate (or don't) to get to the end! Before you begin, make sure to find another player who can access the game on their device, and has the time to spare. As you play through, the game will explain how players are supposed to interact. Please keep these tips in mind, and follow the rules, or else the game will not work properly. Most importantly, thanks for playing! And remember to have fun! - Jared Bruett [[It Begins]]

Your name is John Richards, local librarian and paranormal enthusiast. At least, that's what you told your companion. In reality your name is Mason Clark, and your purpose is far more sinister. You are to be initiated into the Cult of the Lamb, but only if you prove your devotion. Tonight is the night of the blood moon, the night that your sacrifice must be performed, and your companion seems like the perfect mark. You run your hand over the handle of your **Ritual Knife**. But the ritual is more complex than stabbing your friend. There is a mark that must be made, and a specific location it must take place, but all you know for sure, is that the information you need is somewhere in these woods. For now, you must find out how to perform the **sacrificial ritual**, and **guide your companion into position** for the sacrifice, without them catching onto your true intention. [[You turn to look at your partner]]

Your name is Caroline Gunsmoke, former police officer and current private investigator. This sleepy little town isn't just the home of the worst eggs you've ever eaten, it's also the victim of a series of strange kidnappings and mysterious murders. You, being the top tier detective you are, have an inkling that the key to solving this mystery lies out here in these abandoned trails. Luckily your companion will have your back out here on these dark roads. Your thumb runs over the handle of your **Revolver**, you never leave home without it. Practice counting to six, because that's the number of bullets you have, if you run out, your gun will be little more than an expensive paperweight. If you really want to crack this case, you're going to need a few things. First, a **suspect**. Second, some sort of **incriminating evidence**. Third, the **location of the victims**. That should be enough information to put this mystery to rest and save this quaint little town. [[You turn to look at your partner]]

Your name is Neil Brampton, owner of the greatest paranormal focused blog hosted by Wordpress. Unfortunately for you, however, hitting it big in the business of spooky happenings isn't as easy as you thought it'd be. Tonight however, you have a feeling your luck is about to change. Rumor is that this town is about as haunted and cursed as midwest towns get, and that makes it the perfect place to film the thing that's gonna make you go viral. Of course, the actual details of the spooky events are pretty vague, but there's been enough whispers of murder and spirits that you're sure you'll find something worth filming, and with your trusty **video camera** and **flashlight** you'll have your own reality tv show before you can say "ectoplasm." If you can find and film at least **three spooky events**, you should have enough content to make one hell of a post! [[You turn to look at your partner]]

"May the Lord be with you" "And also with you" This was the last thing you said to your father before you left this town. It's strange to be home. There is comfort in familiar sounds and sights, and also a deep sadness that you could not return before your father passed away. It was a shock to recieve the letter. *Dear Tom, If you are reading this, it means I have finally rejoined our creator. Do not weep for me, as I shall be forever safe and secure in the arms of our Lord. However, I fear there are things I was not able to resolve in life. Please, I urge you, return to my old church and find my **Crucifix** within. If it is there, take it quickly, and **bury it in the nearby graveyard**. Godspeed, - Your Loving Father* You do not understand why he has asked this, or what purpose it will serve, but if this is your father's last request, you are resolved to see it completed. [[You turn to look at your partner]]

You ruminate on your deep and complex motivations, inspired by your personality and backstory, as your partner crawls through to meet you. *Partner's choice* (This phrase indicates that your partner is making a choice. They may not tell you the full details of their choice or why they made it, but they are required to tell you the letter corresponding to the choice they made. When they do, click on the letter that your partner reports to you, and your game will follow along based on their choice.) (if: $Protag is not "Cultist")[ (link: "A")[\ (set: $Player2 to "Cultist")\ (set: $Companion to "John")\ (set: $Partner to $CultistDescrip)\ (go-to: "" + $Protag + " Description")\ ]] (else:)[(print: " A: You already selected this option")] (if: $Protag is not "Detective")[ (link: "B")[\ (set: $Player2 to "Detective")\ (set: $Companion to "Caroline")\ (set: $Partner to $DetectiveDescrip)\ (go-to: "" + $Protag + " Description")\ ]] (else:)[(print: " B: You already selected this option")] (if: $Protag is not "Blogger")[ (link: "C")[\ (set: $Player2 to "Blogger")\ (set: $Companion to "Neil")\ (set: $Partner to $BloggerDescrip)\ (go-to: "" + $Protag + " Description")\ ]] (else:)[(print: " C: You already selected this option")] (if: $Protag is not "Priest")[ (link: "D")[\ (set: $Player2 to "Priest")\ (set: $Companion to "Father Tom")\ (set: $Partner to $PriestDescrip)\ (go-to: "" + $Protag + " Description")\ ]] (else:)[(print: " D: You already selected this option")] {(set: $CultistDescrip to "A mysterious and lonesome figure, John Richards isn't much to look at, but as a local librarian with an interest in strange happenings, he could prove an invaluable partner.")} {(set: $DetectiveDescrip to "As hard-boiled as the eggs she ate for breakfast, you walk next to the hardest detective in the upper midwest, Caroline Gunsmoke, though you suspect that may not be her real name. She's here to solve a series of deaths and dissapearances that have plagued this town for years, though she hasn't said much else.")} {(set: $BloggerDescrip to "Owner and star of \"Neil's Blog of Spooks and Spirits,\" Neil Brampton is always on the lookout for something exciting to share with his nearly triple digit fandom. Perhaps tonight both you will find something worth a 'like.'")} {(set: $PriestDescrip to "Father Tom is a quiet man, the spitting image of a Priest in every way. Despite the trudge through the forest, his robes are so immaculate you'd swear he'd just ironed them. Tonight he's here to honor his father's will by visiting an old church to preform an unusual task, though even he is unclear on the reasons why.")}

{(if: $Player2 is "Cultist")[\ (set: $PartnerUse to "You met John near a local coffee shop shortly after arriving to your hotel. After introducing himself, he took a keen interest in your travels, and offered himself as a guide to the more remote areas of the town. He's quiet and reserved, but seems knowledgeable. He expressed an interest in learning more about the areas beyond the main town, and with both of you travelling together, the journey will hopefully be much safer.")/ ]} {(if: $Player2 is "Detective")[\ (set: $PartnerUse to "You first saw Caroline pacing back and forth on Main Street, scrawling wildly in a notebook and muttering to herself. You were immediately concerned, but once you approached you found her to be surprisingly coherent. You'd never met a detective before, but as far as you know she seems as good an investigator as anyone else, and you couldn't help finding yourself intrigued by her mission. After revealing that you planned to explore the same area, she reluctantly agreed to travel together. Caroline mind seems to run a mile a minute, and she doesn't seem to fully trust you, but so far you've managed to work together without any issues.")/ ]} {(if: $Player2 is "Blogger")[\ (set: $PartnerUse to "It was hard *not* to notice Neil wandering around town talking to his camera. It was getting to the point that someone nearly called the police, which led to him accidentally running into you on the street and knocking you to the ground. After he profusely apologized he introduced himself as a blogger of sorts. He spent a long time explaining his blog, but you still don't fully understand what it is he actually does. All you know for sure is he seems to find you interesting, because he's pretty much refused to leave you alone since. He doesn't seem to have any discernable talents or skills, but at the very least he hasn't managed to get himself hurt. At least not yet.")/ ]} {(if: $Player2 is "Priest")[\ (set: $PartnerUse to "Father Tom seems distracted, always staring off into the distance like he's contemplating something deep and meaningful. Then again, he's a priest, so maybe he is. You wouldn't know, religion doesn't have much of a place in your life; so it was strange to find yourself chatting with him on a gloomy afternoon the other day. He's friendly enough, and seems to be a better listener than a conversationalist. You managed to get him to tell you about his father's will, but not much else. Either way, you're both going to the same place, and he seems happy to have company.")/ ]} (set: $Bench to 0) (go-to: "Partner Look")

$Partner $PartnerUse [[You both continue along the path]]

{(if: $Bench is 0)[\ (print: "You and $Companion make your way along the dirt trail, the forest ahead of you is beginning to thin out. It's a longer walk than either of you anticipated, but finally you reach a clearing, and realize that the path ahead splits off into three different directions.") ]} Each path seems to lead to a different location, but all three of them are well-lit and the dirt seems heavily trodden-down. To one side of the clearing is a small bench, just big enough for two people. *INVESTIGATION* {(if: $Bench is 0)[\ (print: "(Investigation choices are opportunities to learn more about the current environment. You and your partner can each investigate independently, you do not need to choose the same options.)") ]} (link: "Look at the left path")[\ (set: $PathDescription to "You turn your gaze to the path on the left. It seems to go pretty far down into the woods. This path is very narrow, but it seems to be the most heavily traveled of the three. There's no way to tell for sure where it ends.") (go-to: "Investigate Path")\ ] (link: "Look at the middle path")[\ (set: $PathDescription to "The middle path seems the most inviting, being wider than the other two and with fewer trees blocking the light. There's an old sign knocked over nearby. The paint is peeling off but the word \"Estate\" is still visible.") (go-to: "Investigate Path")\ ] (link: "Look at the right path")[\ (set: $PathDescription to "The path on the right seems to be heavily overgrown by plants and weeds. This trail isn't very long, and if you squint, you can see what seems to be a metal gate just past the trail's end.") (go-to: "Investigate Path")\ ] (link: "Sit on the bench")[\ (go-to: "Bench Sitting")\ ] [[Let's Choose A Path]]

You plunk yourself down on the nearby bench. It gives a little, but supports your weight. It's nice to have a rest after all this walking, even for a short time. (link: "Stand Up")[\ (set: $Bench to 1)\ (go-to: "You both continue along the path")\ ]

$PathDescription (link: "Look at the other paths")[\ (go-to: "You both continue along the path")\ ] (link: "Let's choose a path")[\ (go-to: "Let's Choose A Path")\ ]

*TEAM CHOICE* [[A: Let's take the left path]] [[B: Let's take the middle path]] [[C: Let's take the path on the right]]

Sorry to dissapoint! But this path of the game isn't ready yet! You'll have to go back and take the middle path for now! [[Let's Choose A Path]]

You and $Companion step forward onto the middle pathway and begin walking towards whatever lies ahead. {(if: $Companion is "Neil")[\ (print: "Neil shines his flashlight ahead for you, balancing his camera precariously in his other hand. He trips on a root and nearly collapses, but you manage to catch him before he falls.") ]} After a few minutes of walking, you exit the path and find yourself looking up at an elaborate mansion. It looks incredibly old, and it hasn't been cared for properly in ages, but you can see it was made to last, built with fine wood and carefully detailed. There are remnants of fine detailing and an expensive stained glass window on the second floor. In front of the house is what appears to have once been a marble statue, but it has long fallen since apart due to either neglect or vandalism. Near the front of the house is a stone pathway, and the first stone has been chiseled into. It reads "The Graham Estate." {(if: $Protag is "Detective")[\ (print: "You recognize the name from your research. The Graham's were an old noble family that struck it rich in the oil business several generations back, but this particular house was abandoned by the family many years ago. There was only one descendant of the Graham family left: Maxwell Graham. But several months ago he had gone missing, vanishing wihtout a trace.") ]} [[Walk up to the front door]]

Sorry to dissapoint! But this path of the game isn't ready yet! You'll have to go back and take the middle path for now! [[Let's Choose A Path]]

The front of the estate is quite large, towering over both you and $Companion with a huge set of double-doors. The left door handle seems to have been pried off at some point, it also seems that there was once a door knocker that has long since been lost or stolen. Thankfully the right door handle seems to still be fully functionally, an ornate brass finish detailed with a complex floral design. {(if: $Protag is "Priest")[\ (print: "You can't help but feel like there's something strange about this place. You pull your rosary out of your pocket and slide your thumb over the beads, but it provides little comfort. There's something about the stained glass window on the second floor that seems familiar. You remark to $Companion that you feel like you've seen a similar design somewhere else, but they don't seem particularly interested.") ]} {(if: $Companion is "Father Tom")[\ (print: "Father Tom pulls a rosary out of his pocket and fiddles with it nervously. Glancing up at the stained glass window, he remarks that he has seen a similar design somewhere else, though he can't quite remember where. You do not find this insight particularly interesting.") ]} *TEAM CHOICE* [[Knock on the door]] [[Attempt to enter]]

You rap your knuckles against the wood of the door and you hear the sound reverberate into the house. For a minute both of you wait, but there is no answer. {(if: $Protag is "Cultist")[\ (print: "You can't help but feel like you're wasting time. You let out a short puff of air and state \"That's about what I figured.\"") ] (if: $Companion is "John")[\ (print: "John huffs a bit. \"That's about what I figured\" he says aloud.") ] (if: $Protag is "Blogger")[\ (print: "You grip your camera tightly and point it at the door, making sure $Companion is in frame, but to your dissapointment, nothing happens.") ] (if: $Companion is "Neil")[\ (print: "You glance back at Neil only to notice he's been filming both you and the door, hoping something interesting might occur. Unfortunately for him, nothing of note seems to be occurring.") ]} [[Attempt to enter]]

You and $Companion push through the heavy doors, they creak in protest, but soon give way to the entrance hall beyond. There is a short hallway in front of you, but there's barely any light. Luckily there's a lightswitch nearby, and to both your surprise, the lightbulbs still seem to work, providing a dim, but manageable amount of light to your sorroundings. Both you and $Companion begin walking forward through the entrance hall, the paint is peeling and the rug looks filthy, but you're surprised at how untouched everything looks. {(if: $Protag is "Blogger")[\ (print: "As you walk, you're careful to film your journey, tracking over the intricate design of the rug and lingering on a particularly spooky looking bug. You sneak a quick shot of $Companion as they walk, attempting to catch their natural reaction.") ]} {(if: $Companion is "Neil")[\ (print: "Neil films as you enter the house. He keeps trying to film you without you catching on, but it's fairly obvious. You feel a little bad, and pretend you don't notice.") ]} {(if: $Protag is "Priest")[\ (print: "As you walk you can't help but notice the walls are plastered with religious imagery. There are faded spots on the wall in the shape of the crucifix, as well as a reproduction of The Creation of Adam. You look closely only to realize that the recreation is not entirely accurate, Adam's face has been changed, he appears to be older, with a sharp jawline and graying hair.") (if: $Church is "done")[ (print: "Suddenly you realize, this version of Adam is the spitting image of the Priest you met at your father's old church. The realization is unsettling, and the longer you look at the painting, the worse you feel about it.")] ]} (link: "You both walk into the main room of the house")[\ (go-to: "Enter House")\ ]

The house is even nicer than you could have imagined. Somehow, the inside looks as though it hasn't decayed in the slightest, like someone has been maintaining it all these years... This seems to be the central room of the house. It's stylishly furnished with a brick fireplace to one side, a comfortable looking recliner, and a wide variety of what appears to be family portraits lined up along the wall of a nearby staircase. Upstairs you can see another door, closed shut. On the door are two letters, "MG." *TEAM CHOICE* [[We should look around]] [[We should go upstairs]]

The fireplace is quite nice, it appears to be made of very old brick, and to the right is a fancy set of fire pokers. The fireplace itself seems like it hasn't been used in a long time. All that's in there is a single burnt log. Above the fireplace is an elaborate portrait of a grim looking figure. You don't recognize whoever it's supposed to be. It seems to be crooked. [[Investigate Portrait]]

You walk up to the side of the staircase. There's a ton of pictures hanging up, all of them seem to be from the Graham family. Most of them seem to be portraits, but there's also a couple family photos, as well as pictures of Army regiments. The older photos are black and white, and seem to all be higher up, while the lower photos seem more recent, and are all in color. There are a few gaps where you assume a photo must have once hung, but it's hard to be sure. You notice that after a certain point the people in the portraits are all wearing a similar necklace. One of them in particular you assume has to be the previous owner of the house. (link: "Take a closer look")[\ (go-to: "Look At Pictures")\ ]

You walk up to the most beautiful leather chair you've ever seen. It looks, elegant, comfortable, and incredibly expensive. {(if: $Protag is "Father Tom")[\ (print: "It reminds you of your father's old chair, from which he used to sit and read you his favorite stories from the Bible. It brings back a wave of pleasant memories. ")]} On the arm of the chair is an old bible. It's not as dusty as you'd expect. (if: $InChair is 0)[ (print: "[[Inspect the Chair]]") ] (if: $InBible is 0)[ (print: "[[Inspect the Bible]]") ] (if: $InBible is 1 and $InChair is 1)[ (print: "[[Finish Investigating]]") ]

The lever snaps in your hand. No dice. (link: "Oh well")[\ (go-to: "Chair")\ ]

You straighten the portrait only for something to fall out from behind it and land on the mantle with a loud metallic klonk. A key! On the handle of the key are two engraved letters, "MG." (link: "Take the key")[\ (set: $Key to "True") (if: $PartHouse is "Chair")[/ (go-to: "Partner Decision Yeet")] (else:)[ (go-to: "Return to Investigate")] ]

You watch as your partner continues looking around, waiting for them to finish up. PARTNER CHOICE (link: "A")[\ (go-to: "Learn About Key")\ ] (link: "B")[\ (go-to: "Basement Fight")\ ] (link: "C")[\ (go-to: "Learn About Key")\ ]

The lowest portrait is of a grim looking man. He has thick, bushy eyebrows and dark menacing eyes. Around his neck is that necklace you saw in the other portraits, with the same symbol. It looks like a crescent moon, tinged red. {(if: $Protag is "Detective")[\ (print: " After a moment you realize, this must be Maxwell Graham. But you hardly recognize him. His portrait is much darker and far more grim than the images you've seen of him mingling in high society. You can't help but wonder about who took the photo and why. ")]} {(if: $Protag is "Priest")[\ (print: " The wall of portraits makes you feel uneasy. The faces all seem familiar, but you can't place any of them. Did your father know these people? It seems unlikely, but this estate is so close to the old church. And why the strange symbol? Who was this family? ")]} {(if: $Protag is "Cultist")[\ (print: " Of course. The Graham's must have been among the cult's founding members. You look over the photos, each of them have a necklace that corresponds to their ranking within the organization. Crescent moon for members, half-moons for leadership, and in the earliest photo, a full moon for the Grand Director. Still, that doesn't explain what happened to the Graham's, or why the house has been abandoned. And it doesn't get you any closer to performing the ritual. ")]} [[Look Closer]]

Without warning, the floor dissapears beneath you and you collapse into a room beneath you. As you regain your senses, you realize you've been dropped into some sort of basement. You freeze. In front of you is a man. He's wearing a strange robe and is holding what looks like a knife. He seems as shocked to see you as you are to see him. But on a less fortunate note, he seems to be getting over that shock real quickly, and is moving towards you with malicious intent. (if: $Protag is "Cultist")[ (print: "He doesn't recognize you, but you recognize him")] (if: $Companion is "Neil")[ (print: "Neil shines his flashlight down into the basement, he can clearly see both of you, and you can see better as well.") (if: $Protag is "Cultist")[ (print: "This is bad, you should think quickly")] ] (set: $Active to "True") (link: "A: Attack him")[\ (go-to: "Basement Fight Result A")] (link: "B: Dodge Him")[\ (go-to: "Basement Fight Result B")] (if: $Protag is "Detective")[ (link: "C: Shoot him")[\ (go-to: "Basement Fight Result C")] ]

You look down through the trap door, but it's too dark to see anything. (if: $Protag is "Blogger")[ (print: "Suddenly you have an idea! You shine the flashlight down and you can see $Companion and someone else. It looks like they're about to fight!") ] (set: $Observer to "True") PARTNER CHOICE (link: "A")[\ (go-to: "Basement Fight Result A")] ] (link: "B")[\ (go-to: "Basement Fight Result B")] ] (if: $Player2 is "Detective")[ (link: "C")[\ (go-to: "Basement Fight Result C")] ]

You throw open the door and the first thing that hits you is the smell. It's awful, like rotting meat mixed with cheap cologne. As you push in, you see it, a man's body lying on the bed, covered in stab wounds and left to rot. {(if: $Protag is "Detective")[\ (print: "So this is what happened to Maxwell Graham. You grimace against the familiar scent of death. You've never seen a body so far gone though. You feel a little bad for the man. Pretty gross though. ")] (if: $Protag is "Blogger")[\ (print: "Incredible, this is definitely viral material. You make sure to keep your camera focused on the bed. ")] (if: $Protag is "Priest")[\ (print: "You can't believe your eyes. For a moment your brain freezes, you don't know what to do. Eventually you snap out of it and perform a short prayer for the dead. It's all you can think to do. ")] (if: $Protag is "Cultist")[\ (print: "You always knew you'd see something like this, but the reality of it all is... heavy. You always knew what happened to those who didn't toe the line. But what did this man do. And to just be left here? You steel yourself, it's better to focus on the task at hand. ")] (if: $Companion is "Neil")[\ (print: "You look over to see Neil, mouth hanging open, camera trained on the corpse. He seems to be in shock. Part of you wishes you could've warned him not to look. ")] (if: $Companion is "Caroline")[\ (print: "Caroline frowns and plugs her nose. You can only imagine what she's thinking. A hardened detective like her though? Probably already deducing the details of what happened, where, and why. ")] (if: $Companion is "Father Tom")[\ (print: "Father Tom gasps as the body comes into view, you see him mutter something under his breath and perform the sign of the cross. He seems shaken by the sight.")] (if: $Companion is "John")[\ (print: "You notice John staring at the corpse. He seems transfixed on the body, but after a moment he takes a deep breath and straightens himself. He's remarkably well composed in the face of something so brutal.")]} Both you and $Companion try to tear your eyes away from the body. You may not know who did this or why, but it's pretty clear what happened. There's not much point in looking closer. You're not sure you could stand the smell anyways. {(if: $Protag is "Priest")[\ (print: "As you turn away from the body you suddenly realize, you're standing in the room with that stained glass window you saw from the outside. You can see the entire scene now, a recreation of Jesus' resurrection. Except for some reason, Jesus' eyes had been scratched out from the window, and in the corner, there was a strange figure, wearing a full moon necklace. You know it shouldn't be possible, but you can't help but think the man is reminiscent of Judas. It's a beautiful work of art, but you can't bear to look at it. You try your best to ignore it. ")]} As you look around the room you notice a strange book lying on the nightstand. But then, you also notice what seems to be a torn piece of paper just under the bedframe. You look over at $Companion, and you both grab one or the other. TEAM CHOICE (link: "I'll look at the Book")[\ (go-to: "Ritual Book")\ ] (link: "I'll look at the paper")[\ (go-to: "Kill List") ]

You pick up the book off the nightstand. The cover is rough and appears to be fashioned from hand-made leather. It seems old, like it'd be more at home in a museum than a murdered man's nightstand. (if: $Protag is "Cultist")[\ (print: "You turn open the pages and you're shocked to discover it's an old cult tome. It's written in the cult's preferred cipher, but luckily you know enough to make out the basics. It includes the exact details of how to prepare the sacrifice ritual. You flip through it quickly, it states that in order to successfully prepare the sacrifice, you need to paint the appropriate mark on the body of sacrifice, begin the ritual under the light of the Blood Moon, and use the ritual knife, which you already have, to do the deed. You can't believe your luck at finding this all in one convenient tome! ") (set: $RitualDetails to "Known") (else:) (print: "You flip through the book, but it all seems to be written in strange symbols. You could stare at it all night, but you'd never make any progress.") ] You look over to $Companion and see them folding up the piece of paper. Is it really worth explaining what you found? (link: "I should probably tell them about this")[\ (go-to: "Tell Partner")\ ] (link: "Maybe I'll keep this to myself")[\ (go-to: "Withold Info")\ ]

You pull the piece of paper out from underneath the bed, careful not to touch anything that a police officer might consider to be evidence. It looks like the paper was torn out of some kind of notebook. To your surprise, it looks to be some sort of list of names. Some of them are crossed out. Others have strange symbols written next to them. {(if: $Protag is "Detective")[\ (print: "Of course! These names! They match up with the list of people who've gone missing over the past few years! Well... not all of them. There's a lot of names here, and you can't tell what all of these symbols mean. Did Maxwell Graham know about the murders? Was he involved? Either way, he's going on the suspect list. ") (set: $GrahamSuspect to "True")] (if: $Protag is "Cultist")[\ (print: "You recognize some of these symbols from the Grand Director's teachings. They correspond to various crimes against the order. Blasphemy, faithlessness, disobedience, and of course, 'chosen for sacrifice.' Maybe it'd be best if $Companion didn't see this. You wouldn't want to blow your cover. Then again, it could make you seem trustworthy, it's not like they could read it properly anyways.... ")]} You look over at $Companion. It seems like they're almost done looking through the book. You wonder if it's worth showing them the list. (link: "I should probably tell them about this")[\ (go-to: "Tell Partner")\ ] (link: "Maybe I'll keep this to myself")[\ (go-to: "Withold Info")\ ]

Congratulations! Thanks for completing the demo of the game!

There's quite a bit of ground to cover in this room. It'd take a while for you both to look through everything, and you'd rather not spend all night in this house. (if: $Companion is "Caroline")[\ (print: "Caroline pulls out a cigarrette and puts it in her mouth and makes a thoughtful face, only to immediately throw it on the ground and stamp on it. \"Guess it's time to split up, don't you think?\" Despite her unnecessary gusto, you concede she might have a point.")] (if: $Protag is "Detective")[\ (print: "You pull out a cigarrette and put it in your mouth without lighting it. It helps you think. There's too much in this room for you to investigate all of it alone. Besides, you'd rather not have $Companion breathing over your shoulder while you look around. You announce your decision. \"It's time to split up!\"")] You and $Companion play rock paper scissors to decide who gets to choose first. [[I Won!]] [[I Lost...]]

(if: $Companion is "Neil")[\ (print: "Neil seems nervous about slipping, but the steps are carpeted, so you eventually manage to convince him to keep going.")] (if: $Protag is "Blogger")[\ (print: "You put your foot on the first step hesitantly, but $Companion convinces you it's safe and you begin to move upstairs.")] You and $Companion make your way up the stairs. They creak under your weight as you move. When you reach the top you find yourself in front of the door. You can see the letters on the door in detail now, they're gold plated, and engraved in surprising detail. The door handle is rusty, and there's a keyhole just above it, but no key within sight. (link: "You attempt to open the door")[\ (go-to: "Key?")\ ]

(if: $Key is "True")[\ (Print: "You put the key in and it turns over with surprising ease. You turn the handle and push the door open.") (link: "Go Inside")[\ (go-to: "Bedroom")\ ] ] (else:)[\ (print: "Just as you suspected, the door is locked. You give it a good shove, but no dice.") ] (link: "You head back downstairs")[\ (go-to: "Enter House")\ ]

Take a minute to revel to in you superior judgement. (if: $Protag is "Blogger")[\ (print: "You're definitely gonna have to tweet about this later.")] (if: $Protag is "Cultist")[\ (print: "You figure if ritual sacrifice is as simple as Rock Paper Scissors, then you've got this whole thing in the bag.")] Well you won. So what do you want to investigate? (link: "A: The Fireplace")[\ (set: $ProtagHouse to "Fire") (go-to: "My Partner Takes")\ ] (link: "B: The Chair")[\ (set: $ProtagHouse to "Chair") (go-to: "My Partner Takes")\ ] (link: "C: The Staircase")[\ (set: $ProtagHouse to "Stairs") (go-to: "My Partner Takes")\ ]

Well, you can't win them all. (if: $Protag is "Priest")[\ (print: "Religious studies never did leave much time for learning the finer points of Rock Paper Scissors. Besides, you're pretty sure Jesus preferred Go Fish")] (if: $Protag is "Detective")[\ (print: "Should've pulled your revolver instead. That would've been an easy victory.")] $Companion decides they want to investigate (link: "A: The Fireplace")[\ (Set: $PartHouse to "Fire") (go-to: "I'll Take")\ ] (link: "B: The Chair")[\ (Set: $PartHouse to "Chair") (go-to: "I'll Take")\ ] (link: "C: The Staircase")[\ (Set: $PartHouse to "Stairs") (go-to: "I'll Take")\ ]

$Companion decides they want to investigate: (link: "A: The Fireplace")[\ (Set: $PartHouse to "Fire") (go-to: $ProtagHouse)\ ] (link: "B: The Chair")[\ (Set: $PartHouse to "Chair") (go-to: $ProtagHouse)\ ] (link: "C: The Staircase")[\ (Set: $PartHouse to "Stairs") (go-to: $ProtagHouse)\ ]

You decide you'll investigate: (if: $PartHouse is not "Fire")[\ (link: "A: The Fireplace")[\ (set: $ProtagHouse to "Fire") (go-to: $ProtagHouse)\ ] ] (else:)[ (print: "A: $Companion is already investigating the fireplace")] (if: $PartHouse is not "Chair")[\ (link: "B: The Chair")[\ (set: $ProtagHouse to "Chair") (go-to: $ProtagHouse)\ ] ] (else:)[ (print: "B: $Companion is already investigating the chair")] (if: $PartHouse is not "Stairs")[\ (link: "C: The Staircase")[\ (set: $ProtagHouse to "Stairs") (go-to: $ProtagHouse)\ ] ] (else:)[ (print: "C: $Companion is already investigating the staircase")]

You straighten the painting up against the wall and wait for your partner to finish looking around. It really is a nice house. Shame about the whole 'abandoned and left to rot' thing. WAIT FOR PARTNER (link: "Finally $Companion Finishes Investigating")[\ (if: $PartHouse is "Chair")[/ (go-to: "Partner Decision Yeet")] (else:)[ (go-to: "Fight")] ]

You give the chair a quick once-over, but there doesn't seem to be anything particularly noteable about it. There's a lever on the side that attracts your attention, it looks pretty standard, except it's lined with brass and seems surprisingly sturdy. {(set: $InChair to 1) (if: $Protag is "Detective")[/ (print: "You notice a trapdoor in front of the fireplace, you put two and two together, and you realize what the lever is for.") (if: $PartHouse is "Fire")[ (print: "Then of course, you realize: $Companion is standing right on top of the trap.") ] ] (if: $Protag is "Blogger")[/ (print: "You notice a trapdoor in front of the fireplace, you put two and two together, and you realize what the lever is for") (if: $PartHouse is "Fire")[ (print: "$Companion is standing right on top of it. An idea begins to form. It *would* make for entertaining viewing.") ] ]} (link: "Yank the lever. Hard")[\ (go-to: "Pull Lever Hard")\ ] [[Pull the lever]] [[Ignore it]]

You pick up the Bible. It's full of post it notes and annotations, marking out specific passages and remarking on specific sections. Most of it is pretty basic Catholic stuff. God is good. Jesus also good. Yadda yadda. As you're turning through, a piece of paper falls out, you pick it up for a closer look. You can't be sure, but it looks to be a cipher of some sort. You're not sure what it translates. (set: $InBible to 1) (set: $Cipher to 1) [[Take the Cipher]]

(if: $PartHouse is "Fire")[ (print: "You pull the lever and $Companion falls through. ") (link: "You check to make sure they're ok")[\ (go-to: "Basement Partner")] ] (if: $PartHouse is "Stairs")[ (print: "You pull the lever, but it shudders, and doesn't go all the way down. Oh well, at least you tried. ") (link: "Should've installed a better lever")[\ (go-to: "Chair")] ]

You decide it's best to leave some things alone (link: "Forget it")[\ (go-to: "Chair")\ ]

You tuck the paper into your pocket. It's covered in strange symbols and letters, but if you see those symbols again, you'll be sure to bust it out. (link: "Hopefully it comes in handy")[\ (go-to: "Chair")\ ]

WAIT FOR PARTNER (link: "Finally $Companion Finishes Looking Around")[\ (if: $PartHouse is "Fire")[/ (go-to: "Learn About Key")] (else:)[ (go-to: "Fight")] ]

(if: $Protag is "Priest")[\ (print: "You notice that one of the portraits seems to be of a priest. He's holding a crucifix, but upside down. It seems too obvious to be an accident, but you can't think of many reasons it'd be purposeful either.")] Beyond all that. It doesn't seem like there's much worth investigating over here. You turn around and wait for $Companion to finish up with their area of the house. WAIT FOR PARTNER (link: "Finally $Companion is finished looking around")[\ (go-to: "Fight")\ ]

A loud noise startles both of you, like the sound of a door slamming shut. You turn around to see a man in a strange robe and hood standing across from you. {(if: $Protag is "Cultist")[ (print: " You don't recognize the man, but he's wearing traditional cult garments. You freeze in place. Does he recognize you? Does it mattter? A thousand possible responses fly through your mind. ") ]} Without warning he charges, wielding a knife, you don't have much time to react. (link: "A: Attack him")[\ (go-to: "Partner Fight Choice")] ] (link: "B: Dodge him")[\ (go-to: "Partner Fight Choice")] ] (if: $Protag is "Detective")[ (link: "C: Shoot At Him (Takes two Bullets)")[\ (set: $Kill to "yes") (go-to: "Partner Fight Choice")] ]

(if: $ProtagHouse is "Fire")[ (print: "You show off the key you found behind the portrait") ] (else:)[ (print: "$Companion shows you the key that they found behind the portrait") ] (set: $Key to "True") You both suspect it's a key for the master bedroom. The monogramming on the key matches the initials on the door. Either way, it's time to find out. (link: "Head Upstairs")[\ (go-to: "We should go upstairs")] ]

You brace yourself. You notice $Companion do the same. PARTNER CHOICE (link: "A")[\ (if: $Kill is "yes")[ (go-to: "Caroline Shoots Him")] (else:)[ (go-to: "He Escapes")] ] (link: "B")[\ (if: $Kill is "yes")[ (go-to: "Caroline Shoots Him")] (else:)[ (go-to: "He Escapes")] ] (if: $Player2 is "Detective")[ (link: "C")[ (go-to: "Caroline Shoots Him")] ]

You do your best, but he manages to get past both you and $Neil, running through the front door and vanishing without a trace. (if: $PartHouse is "Fire")[ (print: "As he was escaping he slammed into $Companion, causing them to drop the key they were holding. Both of you look around once he's gone, but to no avail, the key is lost beyond any hope of finding it.")] (if: $ProtagHouse is "Fire")[ (print: "As he was escaping he slammed into you, causing you to drop the key you were holding. Both you and $Companion look around once he's gone, but to no avail, the key is lost beyond any hope of finding it.")] [[Return to your partner]]

(if: $Parthouse is "Chair")[ (set: $Key1 to 1)] (if: $Protaghouse is "Chair")[ (set: $Key1 to 1)] (if: $Parthouse is "Stairs")[ (set: $Key2 to 1)] (if: $Protaghouse is "Stairs")[ (set: $Key2 to 1)] (if: $Key1 + $Key2 is 2)[ (print: "The sound of gunfire fills the house as two shots ring out. One of the bullets strikes the man and he collapses to the floor. Both you and $Companion take a closer look at the body to see if he has anything useful on him. You discover a key! Perhaps it could be used to open the door upstairs....") (set: $Key to "True") [[We should go upstairs]]] (if: $Key1 + $Key2 is not 2)[ (print: "The sound of gunfire fills the house as two shots ring out. One of the bullets strikes the man and he collapses to the floor. Both you and $Companion take a closer look at the body to see if he has anything useful on him. You discover a piece of paper. On closer investigation, it appears to be a cipher of some sort. Both you and $Companion take close note of the paper. Maybe the code will come in handy later.... For now, you should regroup with $Companion.") (set: $Cipher to "True") (link: "$Companion shows you a key he found earlier.")[\ (go-to: "We should go upstairs")] ]

{(set: $Cipher to 1) (if: $Active is "True")[ (print: "You manage to get a solid hit in, he drops something. But runs away and makes it through some escape hatch. On closer inspection, it seems he dropped some sort of paper. It's full of strange symbols and letters.") (if: $Cipher is 1)[ (print: "It seems to be a copy of the cipher you picked up earlier. Always good to have a backup.")] ] (if: $Observe is "True")[ (print: "$Companion pulls out some suprisingly slick moves and gets a pretty good hit in on the man. But before they can attack again the man makes an escape to someplace you can't quite see. At least he's gone.") ]} [[Return to your partner]]

(if: $Active is "True")[ (print: "You and the man grapple, but he manages to grab you and throw you into a wall before escaping. After a few moments you get up and brush yourself off. You are dazed but alright.") ] (if: $Observe is "True")[ (print: "They grapple, but he manages to grab $Companion and throw them into a wall before escaping. They seem dazed but alright.") ] [[Return to your partner]]

(if: $Active is "True")[ (print: "You pull out your revolver and fire towards the man, doing your best to aim straight.") (if: $Companion is "Neil")[ (print: "With Neil's guiding light, you let loose a single shot and it strikes him through the heart. Killing him instantly.") ] (else:)[ (print: "You let loose two shots into the dark, the first misses, but the second bullet connects, and the man collapses dead.") ] ] (if: $Observe is "True")[ (print: "There is the sound of a gun going off, it rings loudly in your ears. When the smoke is settled, it seems Caroline has killed the attacker.") ] Once the smoke is cleared there is time to search him. The only thing of note is a piece of paper with a list of names on it. It's hard to tell what it means though. (if: $Active is "True")[ (print: "Wait... of course! These names! They match up with the list of people who've gone missing over the past few years! Well... not all of them. There's a lot of names here, and you can't tell what all of these symbols mean. Did Maxwell Graham know about the murders? Was he involved? Either way, he's going on the suspect list. You tuck the list into your pocket and start to make your way back upstairs. ")] [[Return to your partner]]

Secrets have no place in a functional partnership. Go ahead and tell your partner about what you found. Don't take too long though, the stench in this place might suffocate you. You and $Companion should head back down as soon as you can. (link: "Head back downstairs")[\ (go-to: "Return to your partner")\ ]

Some things are best kept private. You decide this information is something you'd prefer to keep to yourself. Tell your partner you didn't find anything of interest. Make something up if you have to. Once you and $Companion have caught up, it's about time to start making your way out. (link: "Head back downstairs")[\ (go-to: "Return to your partner")\ ]

You and $Companion regroup in the main room of the house. There's nothing left worth seeing here, and you don't really feel like sticking around anyways. [[Return to Path]]

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