The Chief of Uttbreddung

Warm sunlight penetrates the stained glass windows. You go outside. The air is warm and there is a cool breeze. The snowy mountaintops are radiant with the day's sun. The water is a deep, crystal blue. You can see the rocks under the surface. The landscape is painted with the deepest greens of grasses and trees. The wood of the porch feels warm beneath your feet. You put on your sandals. The town is buzzing with activity. Kids running by, people bartering for supplies, and the scouts bantering with each other about past memories. [[Your name is Erling Nilsen->Summer Uttbreddung]]

You are 23 years old, the only son of a noble family of Clan Uttbreddung. Clan Uttbreddung is one of many on your home island of Svakkolf. Very few among you have visited other islands. You once met someone who had, though. He said that it was completely different. The sense of wonder he had on his face in that moment stayed with you. You remember that you have [[a meeting with Kare Nybo->Summer Kare Meeting]], the king of the Clan.

You approach the twin doors of the king's quarters and the guard steps aside, gesturing for you to come inside. "Welcome back! he's in the library." The doors groan as you push them open. The inside has obviously been cleaned meticulously. As you make your way inside of the library, you notice that the books are ordered alphabetically, spines upright, and equidistant from the edges of the shelves. As Kare hears you enter the room, you see his head turn slightly, but quickly focus back on his maps. He gestures listlessly to the other corner of the room and asks: "Could you grab that broom and sweep up the dust on in that corner?" [[You grab the broom and begin sweeping.->Summer Kare 2]]

Kare is hunched over a table staring intently at his maps, his left-hand knuckles pressed firmly into his cheeks. For anyone else, this would be extremely uncomfortable, but you have seen Kare hold a similar poisition for what could have been hours. "This valley is a blessing and a curse, Erling. We are one of the few clans who grow their own food, but we're just waiting to be surrounded by the enemy. What happens the day [[Antastung->Antastung Bio]] decides to declare an all out war on us? They could surround us by controlling simply these three points!" You see him point to the spots on the map out of the corner of your eye and you reluctantly put the broom aside and give him your attention. "By expanding our territory beyond the borders of the valley slightly, we could completely avert this Erling!" [["I'm not sure..."->Summer Kare Doubt]] [[That's a good point..."->Summer Kare Endorse]]

Antastung is another clan of Svakkolf. They are situated nearby, just outside of the valley. Whereas Uttbreddung was able to find a more stable way of living, life is frequently challenging for clan Antastung. Sources of food are always unstable, so they had to become warriors. Hunting food and stealing from other tribes are their main sources of food. Antastung and Uttbreddung [[have been rivals for a very long time.->Summer Kare 2]]

"I'm not sure that's a good idea. Expanding outward might invite aggression from Antastung. I think staying inside the valley would be safer. We're already doing well for ourselves," you say. Kare's eyes twitch slightly, but he quickly retrains his attention on his maps and snuffs out any reaction. "There is a nice deposit of resources there too, on that spot." [[He is not gesturing to you anymore. ->Summer Decide]]

"That's a good point. Expanding outwards would also give us better access to some resources. I think we should expand," you say. Kare's mouth curves slightly into a smile, and he looks at you. [["I appreciate that. I am deeply considering it."->Summer Decide]]

You finish sweeping the floor and make your way out of Kare's quarters. He gives you a quick glance as you leave. As you exit, the guard moves out of your way again. "Out earlier than normal I see!" he says. "Until next time." You still have a lot of time left in your day. You decide to [[Go on your scouting expedition->Summer Scouting 1]] [[Go back home to help your mother->Summer Home 1]]

You decide to go on the scouting expedition. It is a beautiful day, after all. You make your way to the narrow wooden building and walk inside. The floor is muddy and the sides are lined with scouts on benches, talking across the walkway. Conversations die down slightly as the scouts see you walk past. Nobles are rarely seen here. As you find your way to the back, a familiar face jumps out at you. [["Erling!"->Summer Scouting 2]]

Yarla rises from her seat and gives you a quick hug. The other two members of the group look at you. "We're going to be scouting with Bron and Theran today." They each give you a quick nod. "Was Kare still his outgoing self today?" [["By the gods! What an asshole..."->Summer Scouting Asshole]] [["You know, it was fine..."->Summer Scouting Fine]]

"By the Gods! what an asshole. He is so lost in his own little world." You say. Yarla stifles back laughter as the other scouts glance quickly at you, almost startled. [[The scoutmaster cuts through the pause.->Summer Scouting Scoutmaster]]

"You know, it was fine. Got done with my stuff early so I was able to come down and get my shift done before dark." Yarla gives you a curious look. "That's nice but he seems like such a grouch about things. He could be nicer to you, especially since you're a volunteer." [[The scoutmaster interrupts->Summer Scouting Scoutmaster]]

"Everyone listen up!" The scouts turn in their seats to face him. His face is covered with hair so thick one wouldn't be able to tell where his voice came from if not for the rustling of his moustache. He clears his throat and continues: "Today, you're all on numbered routes according to your group. If you haven't gotten your groups yet, you should find them at the table in the back when I am finished. We still have a lot of the day left so you shouldn't be rushed, but, of course, we need all of you back and accounted for before dusk. Anyone not accounted for, we will send out a team to find you, so don't be the group that dallies and makes Alice and Sean miss dinner. In your kits, you should have beacons if you get lost. Now, if your're ready, you can start your routes!" [[Start the path with Yarla, Theran, and Bron ->Summer Scouting 3]]

"Of course, of all the groups, we got the longest route." Bron sighs. "Once we get to the top of this hill, it'll pretty much all be flat or downhill from here, Bron, don't worry," Yara reassures him. You make it to the top of the hill and look down over the distance. The enormous field of grass is like a bed fit for a giant. Growths of flowers dot the field with an array of glorious colors. "This is the field where Ragnar led the troops in the [[Battle of the Roses->The Battle of the Roses]]. And over there is where he lies." Theran said, solemnly, gesturing to a patch of the most beautiful red flowers. "He was a great king." "If he were a great king, he wouldn't have even gone into this battle to begin with. So many lives lost for nothing," Bron said with a cold anger, remaining focused on the path ahead. Theran is looking at him in almost disbelief. "You would have let Antastung off free? What would you say if it was your brother that they killed? What then?" Bron stops for a second and turns back. "I wouldn't have sent hundreds of others' brothers and sisters into a field to die as well. [[Kare would not have made that mistake."->Summer Scouting 5]]

You and the rest of your group approach the edge of the town in a small cluster with the other groups going in similar directions. "That's where we fought off that massive bear that one time!" Yarla exclaimed, "Yeah! Because we were keeping that rock between us and it. Thank the Gods you did that spell Erling!" "I could've taken it," Bron mutters, under his breath. "No you couldn't," Theran says reflexively. [[Everyone starts laughing while Bron quickly fixes his focus on the path ahead, speeding ahead of the rest.->Summer Scouting 4]]

The Battle of the Roses was an infamous battle that took place between the forces of Clan Antastung and the Uttbreddung Clan on a large, open field. Before the battle, the field had no flowers, but the deaths of the many who died there caused the dispersal of their magic over the plains, resulting in the sprouting of patches of flowers throughout. Clan Antastung got the upper hand early in the fight, surrounding Uttbreddung forces, and won decisively. The total number of deaths was in the hundreds, mostly made up of Uttbreddung soldiers. Among them was the King, Ragnar, [[father of Kare Nybo.->Summer Scouting 4]]

Theran pauses for just a moment, "Well, sometimes it's about more than doing what is right. Part of being in a clan is standing up for your fellow men and women. We all live for each other, that's what makes us a clan instead of a bunch of people who live close to one another. We all take up that responsibility. If you were the one killed, I would have gone into that battle even knowing the outcome." "I don't see the sense in that at all. We're a clan because we're trying to avoid danger, not dive head first into it!" Bron said, shaking his head slightly. You're beginning to feel exhausted. You wipe the sweat from your face when a nice breeze comes. The wind against your skin feels like bliss. "Guys, we're here," Yarla says quickly. You all stand, side by side, for a moment at the top of a small hill. You can see an outpost of Clan Antastung in the distance. There are several small tents surrounding a fire. Above it is a skinned boar on a stick being rotated slowly. You all set down your things to watch them for anything noteworthy. [["I'd bet you'd want to live like that, huh Theran?" Bron says dryly. ->Summer Scouting 6]]

"I am an Uttbreddung." Theran said. Bron scoffed. "Guys, shh! They might hear us." Yarla said hurriedly, raising a finger to her lips. "You say that, but we're supposed to be better than that. Throwing ourselves into harm's way for the sake of 'brotherhood' is completely contrary to what it means to be an Uttbreddung. The savages from Antastung would pillage and kill if it meant the difference between having a meal or not." Bron pressed on. "Shit, I think they see us," Theran says. [["We need to leave."->Summer Scouting 7]]

You all pack up your things and begin to hurry back. The day's light is slowly fading. Going back the way you came, you will likely get back late. You cross the now shadowy plains. You are all silent with exhaustion. You finally arrive back at home. The scoutmaster is annoyed that you are late but ultimately glad to know that you are safe. He uses some flowers in his bag to cast a flare spell to call the scouts he sent out to look for you back. [[You begin your walk home->Summer End]]

On your way home, you hear murmuring throughout the crowd. It slowly escalates from a buzz to mess of noise. Finally, you hear someone say with some clarity: "...Yes he just announced it... Next 3 months, taking three new regions..." [[Kare has decided to expand->Fall Intro]]

You decide to go back home. You walk across town into your home. You arrive home and climb the stairs to your porch. The warmth of the sun envelops you. You step inside. The light pouring through the crystal glass windows makes every surface a hue of red and gold. You walk further inside to find your mother adjusting the pillow under your father's neck. She looks up at you. [["Erling!"->Summer Home 2]]

Mother comes over and gives you a warm hug. "Your father is doing better today. I was organizing some of our things and he saw his old uniform and he had a big response. I wish you could have seen him, he even spoke!" [["What did he say?"->Summer Home 3]]

"Your father asked about you. At first he spoke about the battle because it's what he wore, but then he talked about memories of us and with you. He had this moment of amazing clarity where I could see that he was truly himself again and he told me he loved me." Experiencing the moment again, she wipes a tear away with the cuff of her sleeve as a weak smile forms on her face. She moves over to the library and you do too. She begins moving books from a pile on the ground to the shelter, organizing them by category. You help her by handing her the books from the pile so she won't have to bend down. [[You hand her a book titled "Stories of Uttbreddung and Beyond, Vol II"->Summer Home 4]]

"Ah, this book. I used to teach this when I worked at the school." She looked at it with a content smile. "I miss those days," she said, examining the back of the book, slowly drawing her fingers across the cover. "I used to love to teach about the past ages. Did you ever learn about the Battle of Gull Mountain?" "I do not recall it," you say. "Long ago, there was a clan to the North that amassed a large amount of territory very quickly. Their expansion was ruthless, and the clans had no way of stopping it. It would gobble up clans, one by one, and integrate them into their empire. Then, it set its sights on the Bordig Valley and Uttbreddung. They were surely going to lose, but then, the unthinkable happened. A secret truce between Uttbreddung and Antastung led to a decisive victory at Gull Mountain where the Northern threat was quashed for good. I used to love to teach that story." [[YOU NOW KNOW THE STORY OF THE BATTLE OF GULL MOUNTAIN.->Summer Home 5]](set: $GullMountain to true)

You recall a memory of you and your father. The day before the [[Battle of the Roses->The Battle of the Roses Home]], you come home from Academy to see your father resting in a wooden rocking chair on the porch. "Son, tomorrow is going to be a very significant day," he says, in a pensive, matter-of-fact tone. "I am going to war for the clan. There is a chance I will not come home tomorrow. If I do not, you need to know that the Gods are with you Erling. You're my boy, keep being good." He presses his hand to his face and rubs his facial hair anxiously as his teary eyes stare out into the distance, searching for the perfect words. The book in your hands slips and hits the floor. [["Oops."->Summer Home 6]]

"Ah, Tales from Beyond Svakkolf. Another fine book," Mother says to you, examining the cover. "I used to read you the stories in here growing up. You always liked to hear about the Island of the Sun. It was an island that was able to harness the power of the sun, working together to build the most amazing technology. You always loved to see the ships." She searches the pages and turns the book over to show you a competently made drawing of a great ship, cruising through the skies. These ships are said to be able to travel between islands at high speeds. "Anyways," she says, flashing a quick smile as she places the book back in its proper place. "Could you do me a favor and go get some food for dinner tonight? I'd like to make some Rhodic Stew." [[You go to get her food.->Summer Home End]]

On your way to the shop, you hear murmuring throughout the crowd. It slowly escalates from a buzz to mess of noise. Finally, you hear someone say with some clarity: "...Yes he just announced it... Next 3 months, taking three new regions..." [[Kare has decided to expand.->Fall Intro]]

THREE MONTHS LATER [[FALL->Fall Start]]

As you wake up, you find the subtle glow of a cloudy sky has illuminated your room. You wake up and organize your things. The air is chilly, so you put on you quickly put on your robe. Nobody else is awake, so you quietly make your way onto the porch. The Mountains in the distance are painted white and the landscapes with strokes of red, brown, yellow, and purple. The water looks refreshing. The wood of your porch feels cold beneath your feet, so you put on your socks and leather-lined clogs. [[You're volunteering today, so you begin on your way to Kare's quarters.->Fall Start 2]]

SUMMER, [[Svakkolf->Summer Start]]

As you pass through the town, there is little to no activity. Approaching the town's center, you hear the beating of drums and the rhythmic cadence of soldiers marching. There is a military parade celebrating the recent successful expansion of Uttbreddung territory beyond the valley. You make your way to Kare's quarters. "Erling, how are you doin! That parade is great, yeah?" the guard says, stepping to the side. [["Yeah, it was really sometihing!" you say, making your way inside.->Fall Kare 1]]

The air inside is frigid. After checking many rooms, you finally find Kare in his study, slouched in a chair, intensely focused on a book. "Erling, this is what I've been thinking," Kare says, looking up from his book. "With all of the little skirmishes we've been see with Antastung members, I am going to remove as many important supplies as I can from the three outposts and tell them. I think that should demotivate them from their advances. Would you reorganize those books up there?" [["Sure."->Fall Kare 2]]

You begin grabbing books and placing them in the proper alphabetical order when a scout enters the room, clearly out of breath. "Kare..." he says through exhaustion as he bends over with his hands on his knees, "we saw something. We saw a flying ship. Out on the edge. We saw it," he says. "What kind of ship?" Kare asks, staring intensely at him. [["One like we've never seen before," the scout says with a concerned look.->Fall Kare 3]]

Kare asked the scout dozens of questions, meticulously getting every detail he could about what the scout had seen. Finally, Kare turns to you and asks: "Erling, I need someone I can trust to go and lead an investigation into this ship for me and report. I want you to go and do this for me." [["Okay." ->Fall Scouting 1]] [["No."->Fall Scouting No]]

You meet with Yarla, Bron, and Theran to set out for the edge. Yarla gives you a quick hug and Bron and Theran each give you a slight nod upwards. You leave Uttbreddung territory, the sun shining overhead as you all walk on the beaten path. "What are we looking for, Erling?" Yarla asked. "A scout came and reported that there is a floating ship off of the edge of the island." "So now we all have to go over there and prove this guy wrong..." [[Bron groans. ->Fall Scouting 2]]

Kare looks at you in complete silence and bewilderment. A wry smile begins to appear on his face, settling back into his typical, unphased expression. The silence is palpable as Kare looks at you and the scout nervously stands between you. [["Then you can leave," Kare says.->Untitled Passage]]

The sun is intense and beads of sweat are forming on your forehead. You wipe them away and continue. Atop a small hill, you can see ahead of you a stretch of forest and then open plains. From there, you know you could surely see whatever this scout claims to have seen. "Do the rest of you guys think we'll see it?" Yarla asked. "I truly have no idea," Theran said, rubbing the back of his head, "but if I had to say, I would say no. The scout sounded so certain, though." [["I think we'll see it."->Fall Scouting 2 Yes]] [[I don't think we will."->Fall Scouting 2 No]]

"I think we're going to see it," you say. "I think we will too," Yarla says, looking at you with an adventurous look and a smile. "The way that scout spoke, [[I know he saw something.->Fall Scouting 3]]"

"I don't think we'll see anything," you say. "Hmm, I think we will," Yarla says, looking ahead with an adventurous look. "The way that scout spoke, [[I think he saw something big.->Fall Scouting 3]]"

Trekking now through barely traveled routes, you and the rest of the group push through bushes and grasses under the shade of trees overhead. The cooler air is a relief from the sun. You emerge from the woods at the bottom of a hill. The sun shines on you again as you push upwards. You make it to the top. Standing side by side, you all stand in silence [[when you see it.->Fall Scouting 4]]

Suspended in the air, motionless like a rock in hide tide, you see the ship. An impossible wooden structure tiled with red squares, glimmering in the sun. Extending from the top is a shining metal beam On the ship, you can see the movement of crew members that look like ants from this distance. Large wooden beams extend from the side, waving slowly upwards and downwards. All over the ship are contraptions, the functions of which you could not even guess. It is unlike anything you have ever seen. "I knew it!" Yarla said. Her eyes are filled with disbelief and wonder. "Gods help us..." Theran says, in shock. "I think we can go back now," Bron says, with his hand on his head. "It looks like some of the people from the ship are in that town over there..." Theran notices. "We don't have to. Why don't we get closer? What do you think we should do, Erling?" "I think we should..." [["Go to that town."->Fall Go Town]] [["Get closer to the ship."->Fall Go Ship]] [["Go back."->Fall Go Back]]

"I think we should get closer to the ship," you say. "What? Why? We see it, that's all he needed us to do." Bron groans. "We can get more information, though, Bron," Yarla says back. "I guess we should probably start from there, then," Theran , gesturing to a wooded passage between two hills that led to an open plot of land leading to the edge of the island. Everyone else agrees, so [[this is the path you take.->Fall Go Ship 2]]

"I think we should go back," you say. "We can verify what the scout said." "I agree," Bron says with a slight, content smile. "You sure you don't want to invesigate at all?" Yarla asks. [["Yes, I'm sure"->Fall Go Back 2]] [["No, actually I think we should check out the ship."->Fall Go Ship]] [["No, actually I think we should check out the town."->Fall Go Town]]

You decide to go to the town. "Okay," Bron says with slight concern in his voice. "At least we're not going to the ship." Theran checks through his things to make sure he's ready. [["Let's go," Yarla says. ->Fall Go Town 2]]

You pass between the hills and emerge onto the edge of an area of open land. Noticing unknown people strolling around the open land, standing in groups of three, you all squat behind trees as you watch them. "Look at those weapons" Yarla said with concern, pointing at theie swords and bows and crossbows. "And their armor..." Bron said, uneasy. "This is a powerful people." [You now know these people are prepared for battle.(set: $KnowSoldiers to true)] "We have a lot more information to give Kare. I think it'd be best to go back now," Theran says, looking to you. "What if we could steal something from them? Like a weapon or something" Yarla asked. Bron and Theran both give her a spurning look. "Then, we could get more information about them or an advantage." "That has to be the worst idea I have ever heard," Bron said. "You want to risk fighting them?" "The benefits could be massive, but I think I agree with Bron. We may be able to fight but their equipment is clearly a lot stronger than ours," Theran says. "What do you say Erling? You decide." [["I think we should go back now."->Fall Ship Go Back]] [["I think we should try and take something from them."->Fall Ship Weapons]]

"I think we should try and steal something from them," you say. "There is no way," Bron says. "What are you thinking? Is it because it was her idea or something? Look at them, Erling." "How are we going to do this?" "Let's..." [["examine where each of these soldiers are and wait for an opportunity."->Fall Ship Waiting]] [["actually go back. I no longer think this is a good idea."->Fall Ship Go Back]]

"Let's examine where each of these soldiers are and wait for an opportunity," you say. You all wait in silence, making yourselves small in the bushes. "For the record, this is a horrible idea," Bron says, scolding the rest of you in a hushed voice. After waiting for some time, you see one of the soldiers on a path that will clearly lead to a vulnerable spot in front of all of you, seemingly just out of earshot from the others. With the sun beginning to set, a slight shade is cast over the plains. You see the glint of a metal weapon hanging from a belt. The soldier finds a secluded spot near some trees to your right and sits, smoking a rolled up bundle of leaves. This appears to be the perfect opportunity. [["Theran, give me your knife." (Attempt to kill the soldier)->Fall Ship Kill]] [["Stay here guys." You advance to a position where you could slide the weapon from the soldier's belt. (Attempt to steal weapon)->Fall Ship Steal]] [["Now that I think about it, this is a bad idea." (Decide to go home)->Fall Ship Go Back]]

You make your way as closer as you can to the soldier while staying at the edge of the trees. After a moment, the soldier stretches, yawns, and then lies on his back, facing the sky. He squirms slightly to get comfortable. He grabs at his belt for a moment and slides a pristine dagger from its sheath, laying it carefully on the ground next to him. He laces his fingers on his chest and closes his eyes. He looks content. You decide to... [[Grab the dagger->Fall Ship Steal 2]] [[Go back->Fall Ship Steal Back]]

YOU NOW HAVE THERAN'S KNIFE(set: $TheranKnife to true) "Erling..." Yarla says in a concerned voice. Theran pauses for only a moment and pulls a dagger from its sheath, handing it to you. You take it in your hand resolutely. It fits very nicely. "This was a gift and its very special to me. May [[Slasstur->Slasstur Info]] watch over you" You slowly walk up behind the soldier, inching closer and closer as you tiptoe through the grass. The rest of the group are holding their breath, motionless. You're inching closer and closer to the soldier. You can almost touch him. Then, he extends his arms into the air, stretching his back, and then [[lies down facing the sky.->Fall Ship Kill 2]]

When the soldier opens his eyes, instead of the sky. He sees you. You look into his eyes. In them, you see a cascade of emotions, from curiosity to disbelief to fear to acceptance just a second. His eyes are young, he could not be any older than you. You can see yourself holding Theran's knife in them. His mouth cracks open, as if to scream, but he doesn't. [[Stab the soldier in the neck->Fall Ship Kill 3]] [[Hesitate->Fall Ship Hesitate]]

Before the soldier can say anything, you plunge your blade into his throat. After a quick, subdued gasp from behind you, you hear him gargling on his own blood. It's pouring out of him, forming little pools as it soaks into the dirt. It is staining the grass red. He moves his hands to his neck to stop the bleeding, but it is too late. You see the desparation in his eyes as he tries to call for help, but the blood pooled in his mouth relegates his cries for help to splashes of blood. He finally removes his hands from his throat and looks upward. You see his terror transform into a feeling you can not recognize. The life slowly fades from him. The soldier is dead. You slide the knife out from its sheath. Its of exceptional quickly, branded with a sigil you don't recognize. It was an heirloom. [You now have a knife](set: $HasKnife to true) You choose to... [[Search the corpse for more.->Fall Ship Search Corpse]] [[Run back to your group.->Fall Ship Kill 3 Away]]

You look down on the soldier, holding the knife above him. He sits there, waiting for wait feels like eternity for you to deliver the final blow. However, the soldier recognizes your hesitation and says, weakly, "Hey... hey. I don't know who you are, but I swear by God, if you let me go, nothing bad will happen to you. What do you want? I'll give you anything you want, just... please." [["Give me your knife. Take it out from under you and put it on the ground."->Fall Ship Hesitate 2]] [[Kill the soldier.->Fall Ship Kill 3]]

Slasstur is one of the Kanatro gods. He is the god of aggression and courage. His watch over these facets of the human experience makes him the one people pray to for good fortune, although it is not seen as though he has the power to make individuals lucky, but rather the power to give people the courage to make the most of a risky situation. He is the god people pray to most often before engaging in warfare or something very risky in general.

The soldier lets out a quick gasp as you ask for his knife. He hesitates momentarily to give it to you, but moves his shaky hands to the knife sheathed on his belt, pressed between his body and the ground. He looks up at you for a moment before he slides it out and tosses it away from him. You pick up the knife. Its of exceptional quickly, branded with a sigil you don't recognize. It was an heirloom. [You now have a knife](set: $HasKnife to true) "Nothing else please. I have nothing else. Please, just go," he says in panicked bursts between breaths. [[Go back to your group.->Fall Ship Away]] [[Kill the soldier->Fall Ship Kill 3 2]]

Before the soldier can say anything, you plunge your blade into his throat. After a quick, subdued gasp from behind you, you hear him gargling on his own blood. It's pouring out of him, forming little pools as it soaks into the dirt. It is staining the grass red. He moves his hands to his neck to stop the bleeding, but it is too late. You see the desparation in his eyes as he tries to call for help, but the blood pooled in his mouth relegates his cries for help to splashes of blood. He finally removes his hands from his throat and looks upward. You see his terror transform into a feeling you can not recognize. The life slowly fades from him. The soldier is dead. You choose to... [[Search the corpse for more.->Fall Ship Search Corpse]] [[Run back to your group.->Fall Ship Kill 3 Away]]

You open up the pouch he had hanging over his left shoulder and find nothing of value. Two rolled-up bundles of dried leaves, a compass, and a handful of flowers useless to someone not proficient in magic. You toss the pouch to the side and open up his jacket. From his breast-jacket pocket, you find a folded piece of very-high quality parchment. On it is printed a map of Svakkolf with locations of clans and important land features highlighted. It is detailed to a level that you never thought possible. The information is flawless. According to the markings, Uttbreddung is to be invaded soon. YOU NOW HAVE THE MAP(set: $HasMap to true) From here, you decide to... [[Go back to the group.->Fall Ship Kill Away]] [[Drag the body into the woods.->Fall Ship Drag Corpse]]

You tell the soldier to sit up and face away from you as you hold the knife to him. He does as you tell him. After a couple of seconds, you back away from him slowly, keeping your eyes trained on him. After some paces, you turn and fully sprint into the woods, Yarla, Bron, and Theran following behind you. You run as fast as you can until you get back to the top of the hill you initially saw the ship from. When you get there, you collapse onto the ground. "I thought you were going to kill him," Yarla said, "I'm really glad you didn't." [["I just couldn't," you say.->Fall Ship Away 2]]

You run into the woods as fast as you can until you get back to the top of the hill you initially saw the ship from. When you get there, you collapse onto the ground from exhaustion. "I can't believe you did that." Yarla said, looking at you sternly. She's looking at you like a stranger. You know Yarla will never see you the same way again. (set: $YarlaHate to true)Bron is silent, scratching the back of his hand nervously. You wipe the blood from Theran's knife using your tunic, staining it red. You hold out the knife by it's blade for Theran to take back. He looks at it for a moment before taking it from you. "We should go back," he says.(set: $TheranKnife to false) Nobody speaks of what happened. You walk back in total silence. The shade has turned to dark by the time you reach Uttbreddung again. [[You enter Kare's quarters.->Fall Home Kare (No Yarla) 2]]

You hold out Theran's knife by it's blade for him to take back. He takes him and slides it back into his sheath. "Thanks," he says.(set: $TheranKnife to false) You see the sun setting in the distance. The sky is painted with strokes of pink, orange, and deep blue. After a hard day's work, you all walk in silence. You are ready to go home. As dusk becomes night, you return to Uttbreddung. Bron and Theran head home while Yarla comes with you to Kare's quarters for reporting. You arrive, and the guard steps aside. "Glad to see you back! He's in his study." [[You enter Kare's quarters->Fall Home Kare (With Yarla) 2]]

You grab the body by the collar of his shirt, pulling it towards the woods. As you lift it up, blood pours from the mouth down its face and clothes. The body produces a trail of blood leading into the woods as you drag it. As you are dragging, you notice a faint smell, like smoke. You turn around to find a small fire has started. The roll of dried leaves that the soldier was smoking has started a fire. Through the fire, you see the silhouettes of 2 different soldiers running towards you. You drop the body and sprint into the woods, shouting soldiers behind you. As Yarla sees you run past she follows behind you with Bron and Theran. As you run, you hear the whistling of arrows flying past your ear and the subsequent thuds as they pierce the soil and trees. After one thuds behind you, you hear a sudden yelp. You push past the edge of the woods, near the hill from which you first spotted the ship where find a safe place to hide. You collapse from exhaustion. [[You look up to see Yarla and Bron.->Fall Ship Drag Corpse 2]]

You look for Theran, but he is nowhere to be seen.(set: $TheranDead to true) "Erling, what the fuck was that?" Yarla looks at you with rage and disgust. (set: $YarlaHate to true) Bron looks at you with some fear in his eyes. "Erling," he says, in a concerned, yet bewildered tone. He opens his mouth to speak, moving slightly from shape to shape as he tries to speak. You see one shape and know which word he wants to say: savage. He ultimately decides to remain silent. He looks down at your bloodstained hands. "We need to go back," you say. You begin the walk towards town. Yarla and Bron are staying a good length behind you. They're speaking, but you can not hear what they are saying. When you make it back to Uttbreddung, Yarla and Bron split off from you without saying goodbye [[You arrive at and enter Kare's quarters.->Fall Home Kare (No Yarla) 4]]

"Okay, if you say so I guess," Yarla says. Bron has a relieved look on his face. Theran simply says, "Ok," in a neutral tone. You all walk back. It is a beautiful day. The sky is a consistent, bright cloudy blue. As you walk home, the trees shower you in leaves of various shades of orange, yellow, and purple in a glorious display. The smell reminds you of when you were young, playing hide and seek with Yarla in the woods. You hid in a tree you were able to climb and it took her so long to find you. Simpler times. When you make it back to Uttbreddung, Bron and Theran split from the group while Yarla accompanies you to Kare's quarters. You arrive, and the guard steps aside. "Glad to see you back! He's in his study. Yarla." [[You enter Kare's quarters.->Fall Home Kare (With Yarla) 5]]

Under golden trees and through wooden paths, the autumn air makes your walk to this town rather pleasant. When you approach the town, you see it crawling with people in unrecognizable clothing. It's cloth, nimble and flexible, although clearly protective. You notice weapons at most of their hips. These are most definitely soldiers. You now know that these soldiers are ready for battle.(set: $KnowSoldiers to true) The residents seem to be going about their daily lives as normal. A lot of them are shooting quick glances at these newcomers as they walk by however. "What is this?" Bron says. "And what is that?" he says, gesturing to a menacing building on the outskirts of the town that looks nothing like the rest. It is tall, spacious, and black. Around it are clusters of the foreign soldiers. "You're right... what is that? I think we should check it out," Yarla recommends. "That's risky," Theran says, looking to you. You decide to... [[Go Back Home->Fall Go Town 3]] [[Go to Building->Fall Go Building]]

You decide you should go to the building. "You want to go over there? I will never understand..." Bron says, aghast, but trailing off. You move towards the building. The sun is still shining overhead: there is plenty of day left. You find a vantage point closer to the building on the edge of a forested area, a stretch of grass separating you and the building. From here, you can get a closer look at the entrance. It is heavily guarded, with a group of soldiers holding a defensive position outside at all times. On the side of the building, you notice a door labeled "PRISON." It seems relatively unguarded, with one soldier intermittently checking it for suspicious activity. You decide to... [[Wait for an opportunity to investigate inside the prison.->Fall Go Prison]] [[Go back home.->Fall Go Town 3]](set: $WentBuilding to true)

Having gotten some information about the newcomers, you decide to go back and report to Kare. "Let's go back," you say. Bron nods quickly and turns around, beginning the way. Yarla looks at him and then you and chuckles quietly. You all walk back. It is a beautiful day. The sky is a consistent, bright cloudy blue. As you walk home, the trees shower you in leaves of various shades of orange, yellow, and purple in a glorious display. The smell reminds you of when you were young, playing hide and seek with Yarla in the woods. You hid in a tree you were able to climb and it took her so long to find you. Simpler times. When you make it back to Uttbreddung, Bron and Theran split from the group while Yarla accompanies you to Kare's quarters. You arrive, and the guard steps aside. "Glad to see you back! He's in his study. Yarla." [[You enter Kare's quarters.->Fall Home Kare (With Yarla) 6]]

"Let's look into that prison area. There will definitely be some good information there." Bron rolls his eyes, shakes his head, and prepares his things. "The guard seems to be passing by the entrance every couple of minutes. I know how to do a simple spell to break the lock. Can anyone see inside?" Theran says. "I can," Yarla says, holding up a monocular to one eye. "There's a tiny window there. I've only seen one figure moving around in there and he comes and goes through a door in the back. The rest are prisoners I'm sure. I'd say there's only a couple in there. Maybe 3 or 4?" "I'm ready when you guys are," Theran says. [["Let's go."->Fall Go Prison 2]]

You see the soldier pass by the prison and escape from view, at which point the four of you move silently across the stretch of grass separating you from the prison. For a moment, Bron can't hide his excitement until he quickly makes it into a determined, stoic gaze. You find the wall of the building undetected. Theran hurries to the lock as Yarla peers through the window. "Hold on... hold on... now!" She motions for him to break the lock. A faint, red glow emits from Theran's hands as he grabs the lock. After a few moments, you finally hear a clunking sound, followed by the lock thudding as it falls against the grass. [[You crack open the door slightly and slip inside. ->Fall Go Prison 3]]

Your backs are all pressed against the inside of a wooden desk to the left of the entrance. The floor is cold stone, layered with dust that's coarse like sand. In front of you is a cell with a man, sitting with his arms wrapped around his knees staring intensely at you, silent. His head is shaved but his beard is very long. His skin has a slightly leathery look. He looks like a soldier. You recognize the sigil on his arm: he is a member of Clan Antastung. "Hello?" Yarla whispers. "It's ok, we're here to help." She holds out an open palm. "What is your name?" she asks with a delicate voice. "Raung," he whispers, coarsely. "I was investigating this place and they captured me. You should leave before they get you too. The way they are talking around here, they're planning something big soon. A group of us tried to fight them, but they were so strong. Those Varkians have technology that seems far and away above the rest." You now know that the intruders are from "Vark" and have evil intentions.(set: $VarkEvil to true) You decide to... [[Ask Theran to break the cell lock.->Fall Go Prison Break]] [[Leave the prison.->Fall Go Prison Home]]

You motion to everyone else that it is time to go. Bron slides over to the door and begins to push it open. He turns his head left and right. Seeing no guard, he motions to the rest of you that the cost is clear. You all slip out of the door. The sun meeting the horizon has cast a shade over the grass. You move silently towards the trees. You make it to the trees. You look around to find Yarla, Bron, and Theran. Then, you look back at the prison. [[The guard is now doing his route.->Fall Go Prison Home 2]]

"Theran, can you do that spell again on the cell lock?" Theran gives you a quick look of concern, but obliges. He moves over to the lock and places it between his hands again. Yarla and Bron watch tensely. Raung changes into a crouching position and moves over to the cell door. From his hands, a warm, red glow radiates. Raung is watching with an expression that switches constantly between pure excitement and fear, his eyes racing between the lock and the door. He's gripping the bars of his cell tightly The lock finally breaks and Theran places it gently down to avoid making any noise. [[Raung leaves his cell.->Fall Go Prison Break 2]](set: $RaungFree to true)

As the guard approaches the door, he stops. He looks intently at the door, ever so slightly cracked open, along with a broken lock on the ground. He closes his eyes to focus and snaps his fingers, producing an extremely loud noise. Three guards rush over as he draws a sword and kicks open the door. They shuffle around inside for a moment. Yarla is looking worriedly through her small monocular. "They're going in Raung's cell..." she says, concerned. You hear a scream from inside as three guards begin looking intently at the trees you're hiding in. [[It's time to go. ->Fall Go Prison Home 3]]

You suddenly hear coughing from the other room. You and the rest of the group exchange quick glances before rushing quickly over to the door. Bron pushes the door open, but it meets some resistance from behind. He, panicked, pushes it harder. The door swings open. On the ground is a Varkian soldier with the broken lock from the outer door in his hand. He looks at Bron. He then closes his eyes for a moment and snaps his fingers, producing an extremely loud popping noise that alerts the rest. He tries to reach for the sword at his belt when Raung tackles him, wrestling with him. "Run! Go!" he screams. You all run as fast as you can into the woods and through the trees. You hear the sound projectiles whistling around you, thudding as they meet trees and surfaces. The whistling and thudding stops as you get further and further away. After what seems like forever, [[you deem it safe to slow down.->Fall Go Prison Break 3]]

You, Bron, Theran, and Yarla come to a stop in a wooded area between two trees, sitting down to catch your breaths. "Did anyone see what happened to Raung?" Theran asks. Everyone remains silent, looking to each other for any answers. After a moment, he continues, "We should go report to Kare." You begin your journey back to Uttbreddung. The day has turned to night. The air is cold. You look up at the stars and become slightly disoriented at just how many and bright they are. It is beautiful. After some time traveling, [[you make it back home.->Fall Prison Home]]

As you hurry through the trees, the night comes and casts a shade on you. The trees reaching upwards around you makes you feel hidden and safe. After a while, your hurrying slows down to a walk. "I hope Raung is ok," Yarla says, worried, looking back. "He's definitely getting tortured right now. Or worse," Bron says dryly. Yarla looks at him shocked and Theran looks at him accusingly. An uncomfortable silence follows. "We should continue back," Theran finally says. You all walk back, silent. Yarla conitnues slightly behind you, her head hanging slightly, eyes unfocused on what's ahead. Theran puts a comforting hand on her back and whispers something to her. It seemed to help. [[You arrive back home.->Fall Prison Home (No Yarla)]]

When you get back, Theran and Bron split off from the group and head off to check in with the scoutmaster. "See you, Erling," Yarla says quietly. She walks off towards home. You make your way to Kare's quarters. "Erling," the guard greets you, stepping to the side as you arrive. You step inside.[[You step inside.->Fall Prison Explain (No Yarla)]]

When you get back, Theran and Bron split off from the group and head off to check in with the scoutmaster. You and Yarla make your way to Kare's quarters. "Erling," the guard greets you, stepping to the side as you arrive. [[You step inside.->Fall Home Kare (With Yarla)]]

You decide not to steal the knife, and instead go back to the group. "That was a golden opportunity, Erling!" Bron says in as exclamatory a whisper as he can produce. "He didn't want to risk it. There can be a lot of wisdom in playing it safe," Theran says. You begin walking away, back towards Uttbreddung. The rest of the group follow behind you. On your way back, you see an Elk in the woods. It stops for a moment and looks at you. You stop and look back. The two of you stand, motionless, staring at each other for a few moments, as if to absorb the wisdom of each other. Eventually, it looks away and moves back into the trees from where it came. As you make it back to Uttbreddung, the coming dusk casts a shade on the town. You see flower wicks being lit in windows. [[You're home.->Fall Ship Steal Back Home]]

You slowly creep next to the soldier and slowly pick up the dagger from the ground. Its of exceptional quickly, branded with a sigil you don't recognize. You now have a knife(set: $HasKnife to true) You look at the soldier, noticing a look of profound contentment on his face. Wherever he is in his mind, you wish to be there too. As you look at him, however, you notice the corner of a piece of parchment protruding from a breast pocket. You decide to... [[Go back to the group.->Fall Ship Steal 2 Back]] [[Try and slide this piece of parchment out of his pocket.->Fall Ship Steal 3]] [[Kill him with the knife.->Fall Ship Steal Kill]]

You run into the woods as fast as you can until you get back to the top of the hill you initially saw the ship from. When you get there, you collapse onto the ground from exhaustion. "I can't believe you did that. You didn't have to do that. Why did you do that?" Yarla says, looking at you sternly. She's looking at you like a stranger. You know Yarla will never see you the same way again. (set: $YarlaHate to true)Bron is silent, scratching the back of his hand nervously. You wipe the blood from Theran's knife using your tunic, staining it red. You hold out the knife by it's blade for Theran to take back. He looks at it for a moment before taking it from you. "We should go back," he says.(set: $TheranKnife to false) Nobody speaks of what happened. You walk back in total silence. The shade has turned to dark by the time you reach Uttbreddung again. [[You enter Kare's quarters.->Fall Home Kare (No Yarla) 3]]

You plunge your blade into his throat. After a quick, subdued gasp from behind you, you hear him gargling on his own blood. It's pouring out of him, forming little pools as it soaks into the dirt. It is staining the grass red. He moves his hands to his neck to stop the bleeding, but it is too late. You see the desparation in his eyes as he tries to call for help, but the blood pooled in his mouth relegates his cries for help to splashes of blood. He finally removes his hands from his throat and looks upward. You see his terror transform into a feeling you can not recognize. The life slowly fades from him. The soldier is dead. [[You run back to your group.->Fall Ship Steal Kill Away]]

After stealing the knife, you slip away back to the group. You begin walking away, back towards Uttbreddung. The rest of the group follow behind you. On your way back, you see an Elk in the woods. It stops for a moment and looks at you. You stop and look back. The two of you stand, motionless, staring at each other for a few moments, as if to absorb the wisdom of each other. Eventually, it looks away and moves back into the trees from where it came. As you make it back to Uttbreddung, the coming dusk casts a shade on the town. You see flower wicks being lit in windows. [[You're home.->Fall Home Kare (With Yarla) 2]]

You get yourself into a steady position and get ready to lift the parchment out of his pocket. You slowly reach over and grab the corner. You pull the parchment out carefully and it finally comes free. You carefully unfold it to find that it is a map. Not just any map, but a perfectly detailed map of all of Svakkolf. It is extremely detailed. There are circles, arrows, and X's all over the map. This is definitely being used for a plan of some sort. (set: $HasMap to true) You begin to put the map in your pocket when you look back at the soldier. His eyes are open. You decide to [[Stay still.->Fall Ship Steal Awkward]] [[Intimidate him with his knife.->Fall Ship Steal Intimidate]] [[Kill him with his knife.->Fall Ship Steal 3 Kill]]

You look down on the soldier, holding the knife above him. He sits there, waiting for wait feels like eternity for you to deliver the final blow. However, the soldier recognizes your hesitation and says, weakly, "Hey... hey. I don't know who you are, but I swear by God, if you let me go, nothing bad will happen to you. What do you want? I'll give you anything you want, just... please." [[Kill the soldier.->Fall Ship Kill 3]] [[Tell him to turn around so you can run away.->Fall Ship Steal Away]]

Before the soldier can say anything, you plunge your blade into his throat. After a quick, subdued gasp from behind you, you hear him gargling on his own blood. It's pouring out of him, forming little pools as it soaks into the dirt. It is staining the grass red. He moves his hands to his neck to stop the bleeding, but it is too late. You see the desparation in his eyes as he tries to call for help, but the blood pooled in his mouth relegates his cries for help to splashes of blood. He finally removes his hands from his throat and looks upward. You see his terror transform into a feeling you can not recognize. The life slowly fades from him. The soldier is dead. [[You run back to your group.->Fall Ship Steal Kill Away]]

You see the sun setting in the distance. The sky is painted with strokes of pink, orange, and deep blue. After a hard day's work, you all walk in silence. You are ready to go home. As dusk becomes night, you return to Uttbreddung. Bron and Theran head home while Yarla comes with you to Kare's quarters for reporting. You arrive, and the guard steps aside. "Glad to see you back! He's in his study." [[You enter Kare's quarters->Fall Home Kare (With Yarla) 3]]

You run into the woods as fast as you can until you get back to the top of the hill you initially saw the ship from. When you get there, you collapse onto the ground from exhaustion. "I can't believe you did that. You didn't have to do that. Why did you do that?" Yarla says, looking at you sternly. She's looking at you like a stranger. You know Yarla will never see you the same way again. (set: $YarlaHate to true)Bron is silent, scratching the back of his hand nervously. You wipe the blood from your dagger using your tunic, staining it red. You slide it into your belt "We should go back," Theran says. Nobody speaks of what happened. You walk back in total silence. The shade has turned to dark by the time you reach Uttbreddung again. [[You enter Kare's quarters.->Fall Home Kare (No Yarla)]]

You stand over the soldier motionless. After a long time of staring, awkwardly into each other's eyes, he starts giggling, blissfully unaware. "Gods... this stuff," he says when he can catch his breath between fits, "so handsome, how are youuuuu?" His laugh turns into a cough, at which point he closes his eyes and turns over on to his side, still giggling quietly to himself. [[You go back to the group.->Fall Ship Steal Awkward Away]]

You sneak back to the group. They "I can't believe that just happened," Yarla says, chuckling to herself. "Guys, look," Bron says, gesturing to a small fire that is starting next to the roll of dried leaves the soldier was smoking. [[You decide to leave.->Fall Ship Steal Awkward Away 2]]

The air is frigid. The rooms are barely lit by flower wicks. You walk in to find Kare slouched in a comfortable looking chair in his study. He is fidgeting with a small monocular. It's very old: clearly made using outdated techniques. There are dents and scratches all over it. Yarla and you go stand in front of him. He stops fidgeting and looks up at both of you, expectantly. Yarla gives you a quick, nervous glance before pressing her thumb into the palm of her other hand and beginning to speak. [["So..."->Prison Kare Explain]]

(text-style:"bold")[THE CHIEF OF UTTBREDDUNG] In order to play this game, a mouse is required. To make a choice or progress, click the blue text at the bottom of a window. Sometimes, there may be blue text in the middle of a window, in which case that will bring you to a screen that will give you some more information about the highlighted item. CREDITS: All content in this game was produced by Keaton Ramey The world of Stratostria was a collaborative effort between Josef Arnold, Aiden Pearson, Jasmine Pearson, Keaton Ramey, and Sadie Zeedrich. [[PLAY->SUMMER INTRO]]

The air is frigid. The rooms are barely lit by flower wicks. You walk in to find Kare slouched in a comfortable looking chair in his study. He is fidgeting with a small monocular. It's very old: clearly made using outdated techniques. There are dents and scratches all over it. [[He stops fidgeting and looks up at you, expectantly. "Well?" he says.->Ship Kill Map Explain Theran]]

"We got closer to the ship, and witnessed it from a nearby hill. The scout was telling the truth. It was technologically complex like nothing we have seen yet. It definitely belongs to a very powerful group of people," you begin. Kare watches you intently. "From there, we thought that we should get closer to that ship to see what's going on," Yarla continues. "So we got closer and we stumbled on a bunch of soldiers running around. One of the soldiers was separated off from the rest," Yara explains as Kare looks up, "so we were able to steal his weapon from him." You hand Kare the weapon you stole from the soldier. Kare inspects it carefully. "This is a very fine weapon..." he says to himself. "Thank you for the information," he says. [[Yarla looks at you, surprised at the curt response. "So what are you going to do?" she asks.->Ship Steal Kare Explain 2]]

The air is freezing. You cross your arms and search the rooms for Kare. You find him in a comfortable looking chair in his study. He is fidgeting with a small monocular littered with marks and dents. It looks as though it was made many years ago. Kare looks up at you expectantly. [["So, what happened?"->Ship Kill Kare Explain 2]]

"We got closer to the ship, and witnessed it from a nearby hill. The scout was telling the truth. It was technologically complex like nothing we have seen yet. It definitely belongs to a very powerful group of people," you begin. Kare watches you intently. "From there, we saw this town that had the newcomers all over it. These people were soldiers for sure. They had really nice weapons Close by, we also saw this huge, black building they had built. It was some kind of headquarters.(if:$WentBuilding is true)[ When we got closer, we noticed this prison on the side.]" Yarla explains. (if:$RaungFree is true)[[[You explain how you freed Raung.->Kare Raung Freed]]] (if:$RaungFree is false)[[[You explain how you then decided to come back.->Kare No Prison]]]

"After that, we decided that the most reasonable option was to come back and report to you what we had seen," you conclude. "Okay," Kare says, bluntly. After a moment's silence, he continues, sharply, "Well, good job. You can go." "What are you going to do?" Yarla asks, concerned. "I will handle it," Kare says, fidgeting with his monocular. Yarla gives you a frustrated look and walks out slowly. Kare stays fidgeting with his monocular. When you get outside, you find her waiting for you. "There's nothing we can do," she says, helpless. [[You both eventually go off your separate ways.->Ending 0]]

"We noticed that it wasn't heavily guarded, so we decided to break in," you continue. Kare looks upward and his quickly bulge, surprised. "When we got inside, we spoke to an inmate named Raung. He told us that these people are from a place called Vark. He called them Varkians," you say. "Who did Raung tell you he was?" Kare asks. "No, he didn't tell us anything about that, he just said his name was Raung. He told us that he was investigating them and he got captured. Anyways, we were able to free him-" Yarla continues, "You did what? How did you do that?" "Theran was able to break the lock the same way he lock into the prison." [["Why did you free him?"->Kare Raung Freed 2]]

Yarla furrows her brow and gives you a quick, surprised look. "He helped us... He was imprisoned. We were able to free him, so we did. Why are you so concerned about this? He told us that Vark is planning something big, and soon, and you're concerned about freeing one guy from one of their prisons? We need to prepare! I think we need to combine forces with the other clans and fight them off together, or else there won't be any clans anymore." Kare shakes his head and looks downward while Yarla looks to you for your input. You say... [["I agree with Yarla,"->Raung Freed Unite]] [["I don't think uniting the clans is a good idea."->Raung Freed Divide]]

"I agree with Yarla," you say, "I think we need to unite the clans in preparation against this threat." Kare rubs his hand against his forehead and says, simply, "No." "What do you mean no?" Yarla says, pleading, almost panicked, "This threat is real, they are coming!" "I don't believe you. Releasing prisoners from other clans, talking about letting other people into our gates. What are you up to? You couldn't possibly know the intentions of these people," Kare's eyes are wide, he is sitting up straight. "I want you to leave," he says. Yarla looks at you, jaw slacked in disbelief. Kare looks at you patiently, waiting for you to leave. (if:$GullMountain is true)[[[You recount to Kare of the story of Gull Mountain.->Raung Freed Gull Mountain]]] [[Eventually, you leave.->Raung Freed Unite 2]]

"I don't think uniting the clans is a good idea," you say. Yarla stops and gives frustrated looks to both you and Kare. After a moment, she hangs her head down and hurries out of the room. "She would have us forming alliances with savages who would be no help, undercutting us at every opportunity to take what they need without a care for the greater picture. It's admirable but naive. You were right, Erling, I hope you know." Kare says, almost warmly. You move to leave. On your way out, Kare says, [["I'll see you tomorrow."->Ending 1]]

Yarla yanks the door open in frustration. She stomps out into night. When you come out of the door, she is waiting for you with her hands on her hips. She she takes a quick breath and blows out steam. "What are we going to do?" Yarla looks at you, pursing her lips, eyes racing in frustration. She is pacing back and forth, and then, she has an idea. She gestures to you to come close and says to you quietly, "Let's go to another clan. Let's go to Antastung. If we can get them to agree to defend Uttbreddung, then Kare will have no choice but to join forces with them," she pauses for a moment, searching for a reaction in your face. "Think about it, Erling! If we don't do this, they are going to kill us all! He's choosing to ignore the obvious answer out of hate. We have to do this." [["Okay. Let's go to Antastung."->Raung Freed Accept]] [["No."->Raung Freed Refuse]]

"No," you say. Yarla looks at you, surprised. She sees you mean it, and scoffs in frustration. She walks off into the night. She is muttering to herself as she walks off." [[You go back home and go to sleep.->Ending 2]]

"Okay, let's go to Antastung," you say. Yarla nods. The two of you leave Uttbreddung and set out into the night. Traversing the night is usually difficult, but the stars overhead illuminate you way. You never knew there was this many stars in the sky. Before long, you find yourselves outside one of the Antastung Camps. There are a band of soldiers out front. They are wearing fur-lined leather armor. They are expressionless, standing guard in front of you. "We want to see the leader. It's important." [["Why would we trust you, Uttbreddung?"->Ending 3]]

"I was helping out my mother a couple months back and she told me the story of the battle of Gull Mountain. It was about this clan in the Nor-" "I know everything about Gull Mountain, Erling. Is there anything else?" Kare snaps. [[You leave->Raung Freed Unite 2]]

One week later, you wake up in the middle of the night to the sounds of screaming. You go to your window to find the glow of flames all around you. You grab your mother to guide her out of the house to safety. As you move down narrow passageways, you have to avoid more and more soldiers. In the chaos, however, you lose your mother in the crowds. As she gets pulled away from you by the flow of panicking people looking for safety, she yells to you to be safe and that she loves you. You follow the crowd of people to the edges of the town when you find Yarla off to the side. She waves for you to come to her. When you meet up with her, she shows you a passageway behind a ledge about 10 feet above the ground. You hoist her up and, from up there, she grabs your arm to help you. The two of you escape what would be remembered as the Fall of Uttbreddung. Kare Nybo was captured and killed. Uttbreddung was taken by Varkian forces. After that, the other clans, under the leadership of Raung of Clan Antastung, combined forces to stop Varkian Expansion. While the expansion stopped, the Bordig Valley is now occupied by Varkian forces. There continues to be skirmishes between the occupying forces and the surrouding clans. The leadership of Raung ushered in an era of enhanced cooperation and mutual appreciation between the clans. Your mother was never found after the invasion. Thanks to Raung you and Yarla also became permanent residents of Clan Antastung. The End

At that moment, you see a figure behind the guards stop and turn towards you. You can not make out who it is until he emerges from shadows into the light of the torches around the guards. Wearing a bandage around his forehead and a sling for his arm, its Raung. "These two are good to come through. They saved my life. I had no idea you were Uttbreddung..." "Oh my god, thank you for what you did for us," Yarla says sincerely, "We want to speak to your leader," Yarla says. "That would be me," Raung says. Yarla smiles with excitement and relief. "Look," she says,[[ "we want to make a deal."->Ending 3 2]]

You and Yarla explain the plan you two came up with, and after much deliberation, are able to convince him to go along with your plan. Uttbreddung scouts report that you and Yarla have been seen interacting with Antastung soldiers at their camps. At Uttbreddung, you are both branded as traitors to your clan. Kare is certain that you betrayed him. A week later, Varkian forces organize and are seen moving en masse towards the Bordig valley. You, Yarla, and Raung lead Antastung soldiers in a flank attack of Vark forces. The battle was a decisive victory. You and Kare meet after the battle. He doesn't say much, but expresses appreciation in his own way. You and Yarla are exiled from Uttbreddung for your betrayal of Kare's wishes, but all know and respect what you chose to do. The forces from Vark return, but, seeing the way that Antastung and Uttbreddung set aside their differences to work together to expel their new, common enemy, the clans of Svakkolf all joined forces to fend them off. The invasion of Vark was defeated. [[The Peace of Vark followed thereafter, defined by improved cooperation, trade, and relationships between clans. ->Ending 3 Final]]

You and Yarla, having been exiled from Uttbreddung, become famed members of Clan Antastung. This marks the beginning of a, from then on, strong relationship between the clans of Uttbreddung and Antastung. Eventually, you rise to a position of leadership and become Clan Antastung's first ever foreign chief. You will go down in history as the Chief of Uttbreddung. The End.

One week later, you wake up in the middle of the night to the sounds of screaming. You go to your window to find the glow of flames all around you. You grab your mother to guide her out of the house to safety. As you move down narrow passageways, you have to avoid more and more soldiers. In the chaos, however, you lose your mother in the crowds. As she gets pulled away from you by the flow of panicking people looking for safety, she yells to you to be safe and that she loves you. You follow the crowd of people to the edges of the town when you find Yarla off to the side. She waves for you to come to her. When you meet up with her, she shows you a passageway behind a ledge about 10 feet above the ground. You hoist her up and, from up there, she grabs your arm to help you. The two of you escape what would be remembered as the Fall of Uttbreddung. Kare Nybo was captured and killed. Uttbreddung was taken by Varkian forces. Varkian forces slowly expanded throughout the clans. After Uttbreddung, they expanded and captured Antastung. With the combined control of Antastung and Uttbreddung, Vark was able to eventually take control of the entire island, making Svakkolf a vassal state of the Varkian Emprie. The End

"We got closer to the ship, and witnessed it from a nearby hill. The scout was telling the truth. It was technologically complex like nothing we have seen yet. It certainly belongs to a very powerful group of people," you begin. Kare watches you intently. "We then saw a town with well-equipped soldiers all over along with a black structure close by. When we looked into that structure, we found that it served as a kind of headquarters as well as a prison. When we went in the prison, we found an inmate named Raung. He told us that the intruders are from Vark and that they are planning something big and soon." "And then what?" "We left with the information and came back." "And what happened to Raung?" [["We left him in his cell where we found him, but guards could tell he spoke to us. As we left, we heard screaming. We assume that was him."->Fall Prison Explain (No Yarla) 3]]

"We left him in his cell where we found him, but guards could tell he spoke to us. As we left, we heard screaming. We assume that was him." "Okay, thank you." Kare looked unworried. "I will make preparations for any possible invasion. You can leave." Kare looks at you accusingly until you finally leave his quarters. [[You go home and rest. ->Ending 2]]

"We got closer to the ship, and witnessed it from a nearby hill. The scout was telling the truth. It was technologically complex like nothing we have seen yet. It definitely belongs to a very powerful group of people," you begin. Kare watches you intently. "From there, we thought that we should get closer to that ship to see what's going on," Yarla continues. "So we got closer and we stumbled on a bunch of soldiers running around. One of the soldiers was separated off from the rest," Yara explains as Kare looks up, "so we were able to steal his weapon from him." You hand Kare the weapon you stole from the soldier. Kare inspects it carefully. "This is a very fine weapon..." he says to himself. "Thank you for the information," he says. "Is there anything else?" [[Out of your pocket, you pull the map.->Untitled Passage 1]]

"We got closer to the ship, and witnessed it from a nearby hill. The scout was telling the truth. It was technologically complex like nothing we have seen yet. It definitely belongs to a capable group of people," you begin. Kare watches you intently. "So we decided to come back and report what we had seen," Yarla continues. "Okay." Kare says. The room is silent. "Did you see anything else?" "No, we decided to come back." "Okay then," Kare adds. "Thanks." [[You and Yarla leave. ->Lazy Explain 2]]

You meet Yarla outside. "Okay, well good night, Erling!" she says. [[You go back home and get some sleep.->Ending 0]]

"I'll figure it out," Kare says. Yarla looks at him, unsatisfied. "I'll prepare," he adds. Yarla looks at you and rolls her eyes. A silence falls over the room. Yarla turns, lets her arms fall into her sides, and strides out. Kare goes back to fidgeting with his monocular. You leave When you meet Yarla outside, she looks frustrated. "It's like he doesn't get just how serious this is. That ship and those soldiers... and he says 'I'll prepare.' Like what?" Yarla takes a quick breath and blows out steam. "I guess I'll just see you tomorrow, Erling." [[You and Yarla part ways and head home.->Ending 0]]

You hand Kare the weapon you stole from the soldier. Kare inspects it carefully. "This is a very fine weapon..." he says to himself. "Thank you for the information," he says. "Is there anything else?" You pull out the bloodstained map. He snatches it from your hands and looks at it. "What kind of parchment is this?" he asks, quickly, "This map is impeccable..." His eyes widen as he begins to decipher the map's meaning. "Next week," he says to himself. "Erling, thank you, you can go," he says, not looking up. You walk out of his quarters into the cold night air. The town is empty, but the stars greet you. (if:$TheranDead is false)[[[You walk home and crawl into your bed. You're so exhausted you fall asleep in seconds->Ending 4]]] (if:$TheranDead is true)[[[You walk home and crawl into your bed. You're so exhausted you fall asleep in seconds->Ending 4b]]]

At this point, you decide that it would be wise to head home and report what you have seen to Kare. You all walk back. It is a beautiful day. The sky is a consistent, bright cloudy blue. As you walk home, the trees shower you in leaves of various shades of orange, yellow, and purple in a glorious display. The smell reminds you of when you were young, playing hide and seek with Yarla in the woods. You hid in a tree you were able to climb and it took her so long to find you. Simpler times. When you make it back to Uttbreddung, Bron and Theran split from the group while Yarla accompanies you to Kare's quarters. You arrive, and the guard steps aside. "Glad to see you back! He's in his study. Yarla." [[You enter Kare's quarters.->Untitled Passage 2]]

"We got closer to the ship, and witnessed it from a nearby hill. The scout was telling the truth. It was technologically complex like nothing we have seen yet. It definitely belongs to a capable group of people," you begin. Kare watches you intently. "Then, after we decided to get closer, we found a group of soldiers in an open field. We decided to come back and report what we had seen," Yarla continues. "Okay." Kare says. The room is silent. "Did you see anything else?" "No, we decided to come back." "Okay then," Kare adds. "Thanks." [[After a moment, you and Yarla leave. ->Fall Ship Steal Back Primer]]

You meet Yarla outside. "Okay, well good night, Erling!" she says. [[You go back home and get some sleep.->Ending 0]]

With the plans that you gave Kare in the map, he was able to prepare for the attack that would come a week later. The day came and Uttbreddung forces outmaneuvered and eventually surrounded the invading Varkian soldiers. The battle was a convincing victory for Uttbreddung. After the battle, Uttbreddung soldiers outfitted themselves using the weapons and armor of the defeated Varkian army. Overnight, Uttbreddung became the most powerful clan of them all. After this, the Varkian ship retreated, rendering Uttbreddung victorious. The post-Varkian era was defined by Uttbreddung supremacy. With the power afforded by Varkian technology combined with the natural advantages afforded to them by the valley, Uttbreddung supremacy was unquestioned. Kare became a very popular king. Using the technology, he was able to expand Uttbreddung's territory massively, wiping out Clan Antastung. Yarla, Bron, and Theran went on to lead healthy lives. For your great work, your job as Kare's right-hand became formally recognized. The End.

You hand Kare the weapon you stole from the soldier. Kare inspects it carefully. "This is a very fine weapon..." he says to himself. "Thank you for the information," he says. "Is there anything else?" "No, we decided to come back after that." "Okay then," Kare adds. "Thanks. You can leave." Kare looks at you, waiting for you to leave. When you get outside, there is nothing to greet you. You're exhausted, so you head home and get into bed. [[You fall asleep within seconds. ->Ending 0]]

For the rest of the day, you relax and enjoy yourself. You hang out with Yarla, Bron, and Theran. You all play games and share a meal. You share some laughs and, by the end of it, you're really satisfied that today will be a day you all will remember. When day becomes night, you crawl into bed and [[fall peacefully asleep.->Ending 0]]

He snatches it from your hands and looks at it. "What kind of parchment is this?" he asks, quickly, "This map is impeccable..." His eyes widen as he begins to decipher the map's meaning. "Next week," he says to himself. "Thank you, you can go," he says, not looking up. You and Yarla walk out of his quarters into the cold night air. The town is empty, but the stars greet the two of you. "I don't know what Kare is going to do but I think it'll all be ok," Yarla says, holding her arms. "Good night, Erling." She gives you a smile and waves quickly before turning towards home. [[You walk home and crawl into your bed. You're so exhausted you fall asleep in seconds->Ending 4]]

"We got closer to the ship, and witnessed it from a nearby hill. The scout was telling the truth. It was technologically complex like nothing we have seen yet. It definitely belongs to a very powerful group of people," you begin. Kare watches you intently before going back to his monocular. "After that, we got closer to the ship to see what's going on. We then stumbled on a couple soldiers running around," you explain as Kare looks up, "and then we left." "Okay..." Kare says. "These people were ready for battle, though," Yarla chimes in. "They had really well-made weapons and armor." "Anything else?" Kare asks. "No, nothing else to report," Yarla says. "Okay." Kare says. "You can go, I'll handle this from here." He looks at you both and then back down at his monocular. [[You and Yarla leave.->Untitled Passage 4]]

When you get outside, Yarla looks back at you and waves with a smile. "Okay, well good night, Erling! I'll see you tomorrow" she says. [[You go back home and get some sleep.->Ending 0]]