DragonAgeTwine

<img class="img-right" src="CYOA1.png" align="right"></img> <img class="img-rightlow" src="CYOA2.png"></img> <div class="text">The city of Kirkwall was a safe haven against the dark threat known as the Blight. The rich architecture carved form white stones and the beautiful homes of the wealthy could be seen miles away. Unfortunately, you and your guild-mates do not get to have such a luxury. You rolled out of your straw bed and looked outside of your window. The dreary atmosphere of Lowtown was always unsettling and unpredictable. Between the petty thieves, drunk pirates, and corrupt guards, you did not know how your life would end. You and a couple of your friends established a guild to raise money; your decision was backed by the desire to remove yourselves from the slums. You decide to start the day by looking for work at The Hanged Man. You enter the crowded tavern and maneuver your way to the back suite. Entering the room, you sit down with its only occupant: a red-haired dwarf who has eyes and ears all over the city. “Varric,” you greet him. “Ah, you're back. Looking for more work?” You nod your head and watch him pull out a map. Several circled locations were presented to you, but most were crossed out. Only one location was left uncrossed. “Here we go. The Cavern of the Dungeon Master. This will be our biggest pull, but also our hardest. You can't fight your way through this one. It's more brains than brawn.” You nod your head as you understand the situation. Varric continued his briefing “Now I know you'd want to bring your friends and my beautiful self, but that's not the case. Only two people can enter this place and I can't go this time. I'm meeting my Hawke friend here later.” “Understood,” you say. “I'll take my leave.” You exit the tavern and make your way to your guild house. Entering the building, you see your two guild-mates armed, eager, and ready to work. You take the time to explain the mission and had to choose between the two. Do you take Warren, the skilled knight and pack-mule of the guild, or do you take Mel, the trusty mage (in-training). [[takeWarren <-//Take Warren//]] [[takeMel <-//Take Mel//]] </div>

<img class="img-right" src="CYOA3.png" align="right"></img> <div class="text"> You decide to take Warren, much to Mel's dismay, and leave on a two-day trip to the Caverns of the Dungeon Master. Other than the occasional group of bandits, a murky swamp, and a strange message saying “LEVEL UP!” magically appearing over your heads, the trip was peaceful. On approaching the cave, you noticed the entrance blocked by a boulder. Standing beside it was an old lion. He calmly approaches you. “Good day, travelers. Here to test yourselves against the Dungeon Master, I see.” “Yes, Mr. Lion,” Warren says with absolute confidence. “We come to test our mettle against the fiend.” The lion tilted his head in confusion. “Fiend? No, sir. He's rather nice, Feeds me daily, he does. And he always lets me in before dark. Such a nice man. But enough of him. Let's talk about us.” From the lion's explanation, you find out that in order to reach the Dungeon Master's treasure, you must pass a series of trials. First, you must solve three riddles from the lion. “Here is the first riddle,” says the lion. “I am tall when I am young, but short when I am old. What am I?” You see Warren look at you with pure confusion. “I'll leave these to you. This is more of your thing.” You think for a bit and answer with... [[warrenLionEnd1 <- //“A chicken?”//]] [[warrenLionSword <- //“A sword?”//]] [[warrenLionCandle <- //“A candle?”//]]

<img class="img-right" src="CYOA3.png" align="right"></img> <div class="text"> You decide to take Mel, much to Warren's dismay, and leave on a two-day trip to the Caverns of the Dungeon Master. Other than the occasional group of bandits, a murky swamp, and a strange message saying “LEVEL UP!” magically appearing over your heads, the trip was peaceful. On approaching the cave, you noticed the entrance blocked by a boulder. Standing beside it was an old lion. He calmly approaches you. “Good day, travelers. Here to test yourselves against the Dungeon Master, I see.” “Yes, Mr. Lion,” Mel says with absolute confidence. “We come to test our mettle against the fiend.” The lion tilted his head in confusion. “Fiend? No, ma'am. He's rather nice, Feeds me daily, he does. And he always lets me in before dark. Such a nice man. But enough of him. Let's talk about us.” From the lion's explanation, you find out that in order to reach the Dungeon Master's treasure, you must pass a series of trials. First, you must solve three riddles from the lion. “Here is the first riddle,” says the lion. “I am tall when I am young, but short when I am old. What am I?” You see Mel look at you with pure confusion. “I'll leave these to you. This is more of your thing.” You think for a bit and answer with... [[melLionEnd1 <- //“A chicken?”//]] [[melLionCandle <- //“A candle?”//]] </div>

The lion shakes his head and says, “That is incorrect.” Warren steps forward. “Hold on. I never got to say my answer.” “Sorry, boy. This is a team effort. You may try again next millennia.” You and Warren return home empty-handed. Although you may have lost hope, Warren and Mel have not. Together, they lift you up and continue everyone's dream of a better guild house. It may have taken a year, but eventually, the three of you were able to buy a house in downtown Kirkwall. ''END.'' [[start<-//Try Again?//]]

“A sword?” you answer. The lion shakes his head. “I'm afraid that's wrong.” Warren steps forward. “Hold on, Mr. Lion. I can explain his answer.” Warren pulls his old sword out. The nicks, scratches, and rust along the blade made you wonder how you two, let alone him, made it this far. “My sword isn't old through age, but through use. And when it gets older...” Warren rushes towards the boulder blocking your way. With a mighty swing, he slashes at the rock. The blade snapped in two from the impact. “... it gets shorter.” The lion nodded. “I suppose 'tis true. He's an interesting fellow that one. Onto the second riddle. If you got me, you want to share me. However, if you share me, you have not kept me. What am I?” You begin thinking and answer with... [[warrenLionEnd2 <- //“My food.”//]] [[warrenLionSecret <- //“A secret?”//]]

The lion grinned wide. You had a feeling you chose the right answer. “Correct. Good for you. Time for the second riddle. I must warn you, this one is tricky. If you got me, you want to share me. However, if you share me, you have not kept me. What am I?” “Hmm... he's right. This is tricky,” you hear Warren say. “What do you think?” You begin thinking and answer with... [[warrenLionEnd2 <- //“My food?”//]] [[warrenLionSecret <- //“A secret?”//]]

The lion shakes his head and says, “That is incorrect.” Warren shook his head in disappointment. “Don't be so down, boy,” said the lion. “You may try again next millennia.” You and Warren return home empty-handed. Knowing that you two failed at the first trait, you knew you would not hear the end of it from Mel and Varric. You consider investing in earplugs on your trip back. ''END.'' [[start<-//Try Again?//]]

“That is correct, my friend. My my, you're doing well. Now for the last riddle. What has a bottom at the top? You see Warren scratching his head and then realize you were doing the same. “This is a tough one,” Warren said. “I'm sure you got the answer, bud.” You thought for a while and answered with: [[warrenDragon <- //“A pair of legs?”//]] [[warrenLionEnd3 <- //“A...dead bug?”//]]

<img class="img-right" src="CYOA4.png" align="right"></img> <div class="text"> “Well done! You two have done well,” said the lion. With a wave of his paw, the boulder rolled out of the way. “Go on, travelers. Your next trial is with the dragon. Don't worry. She's a sweetheart.” With a nod, you and Warren enter the cave. Through winding paths and deep caverns, you reach a room lit by torchlight. Red bricks formed the walls while the floor was made of a slick, orange stone. You notice small piles of coins around the room and Warren already going for some. “Don't!” you shout at him. “It could be a trap.” You hear a deep laugh before hearing, “A wise decision, mortal, but there are no traps here.” You turn your head to see a large dragon staring at you. You look back to see Warren going back to the piles of gold. A gust of wind from the dragon's wings sent him flying back. “No traps are present, but I would appreciate it if you kept your hands off my gold.” Warren frowned at the statement. “If you don't want people touching it, you should put it away.” A small flame came from the dragon's mouth when she scoffed. “Right. Let me just get my dragon purse and put them in there.” Warren nodded. “That would be a good start.” The dragon rolled her eyes and asked you, “Was there no one else you could have brought?” She sighed. “Welcome to the second trial. You are a step closer to the Dungeon Master's treasure. To pass my trail, you have but one task. Guess my name.” You nod in understanding. Warren stepped up and asked, “Do we get any hints or anything?” “Of course,” she said. “I have been called many names. Agartha, Nuz Luft, and Kiki. Of these three, which is my name?” You knew Warren had little knowledge of draconian language, but it was better than what you knew. “Warren what do you think?” you asked. With a smug grin, he says, “Agartha and Nuz Luft are draconian. But that last one, Kiki, sounds like a name I'd give my Mubari.” “Oh, so you know my language?” asked the smiling dragon. “That's rather flattering, young mortal. This might be easy for you then.” You consider the options and answer with... [[warrenKiki <- //Kiki//]] [[warrenAgartha <- //Agartha//]] [[dragonNuzLuft <- //Nuz Luft//]] </div>

The lion shakes his head. “You two came so close, but that is incorrect.” Warren let out a frustrated groan. “You two may stay the night, but you can not enter the caves,” said the lion. You and Warren set up camp near the cave. Disappointed with yourselves, you and Warren couldn't get any sleep. As dawn broke, you two break down the camp and return back to Lowtown. ''END.'' [[start<-//Try Again?//]]

<img class="img-right" src="CYOA5.png" align="right"></img> <div class="text">You could have sworn you saw a red tint on the dragon's face. She groaned and said, “Correct.” She points her tail to the doorway and says, “The Dungeon Master is through there. Don't mess it up, mortals.” You pass through the doorway and down a long hallway, you enter a dark room. One by one, torches on the wall burst with flame. In the center of the room, levitating above the floor, was the Dungeon Master. You watch his head turn left and right in a slow motion. He stretched his hands and gave a sinister laugh. “Who approaches the Dungeon Master? A mere mortal who wishes to take my fortune?” You look back to see Warren at the entrance of the large room. “You got this, bud!” he shouted. You step forward and answer with, “Yes, Dungeon Master. We came seeking your treasure.” The Dungeon Master bent down, looking you right in your eyes. “Prepare for the last trial. May the odds be in your favor.” The Dungeon Master muttered a spell and conjured a black die with white dots. It floats over and into your hand and gives you a burning sensation. “Roll the die, mortal. We shall see if you are worthy.” You shake the die in your hand and throw it. (click-replace: "You shake the die in your hand and throw it.")[You shake the die in your hand and throw it. (set: $random to (random: 1, 6)) (if: $random is 1)[[warrenOdd <- //You rolled a one//]] (if: $random is 2)[[warrenEven <- //You rolled a two//]] (if: $random is 3)[[warrenOdd <- //You rolled a three//]] (if: $random is 4)[[warrenEven <- //You rolled a four//]] (if: $random is 5)[[warrenOdd <- //You rolled a five//]] (if: $random is 6)[[warrenEven <- //You rolled a six//]] ] </div>

The dragon sighed. “Oh, how I wish. Unfortunately, you are wrong.” The dragon lowered herself to her knees and lowered her neck. “Climb on my back mortals. I'll guide you back.” You and your guild-mate climb onto the dragon and were flown out of the cavern. Once you were at the entrance of the cave, you walk out to be greeted by the lion. “Oh, you're back,” said the lion. “Nice to see you again. Did you enjoy the ride? How's the old girl down there?” “I'm not old!” came a loud voice from the cave. “Yeesh. Her hearing's better than mine.” You told the lion about your encounter with the dragon. “Ah. Agartha is a name, but not hers. Between you and me, I think she wishes to be called that. Personally, I think it's better than her actual name.” [[newPlan <- //Return home.//]]

The dragon narrowed her eyes. “Wrong.” With a flap of her wings, she sends a mighty gust of wind your way. The two of you were carried out of the caverns and dumped at the entrance. “Oh, you're back,” said the lion. “Nice to see you again.” You rubbed your throbbing head as you stood. “Usually she'd carry travelers out. You must've made her cranky.” You told the lion about your encounter with the dragon. “Ah. You shouldn't have called her Nuz Luft. It means 'butt face' in her language. Oh well.” [[newPlan <- //Return home.//]]

“Can we try again?” your guild-mate asks. “Sure! In the next millennia. I'll be waiting, travelers.” The two of you return empty-handed. But not out of hope. Instead of wallowing in your sorrows, you and your friends decide on a new plan. “I say we take on other large contracts. There's good pay in it,” said Warren. "We'll be out of here in no time." In response, Mel said, “I don't think so. Sure, Lowtown is awful, but there are good people here who need our help. I say we change our purpose and protect these people. Especially since the guards won't.” You had the final say in this discussion. Do you work your way out of the slums and into Kirkwall or do you stay behind and become the protectors it needs? [[followWarren <- //Follow Warren.//]] [[followMel <- //Follow Mel.//]]

Through hard work and commitment, you and your friends were able to buy a guild house in Hightown, the wealthiest place in Kirkwall. Business was great for the three of you. Being able to sustain yourselves and gain a profit, the three of you decide to buy a summer-home near Kirkwall. ''END.'' [[start<-//Try Again?//]]

It took a good few days before word spread about your guild's new protection agency. Of course, the three of you could not possibly protect all of Lowtown. Listening to Mel's suggestion, you decide to open jobs for the good people of Lowtown. Warriors, mages, and rogues from the city came to lend a hand for the betterment of their living situations. Crime in Lowtown slowly became less noticeable as you, your guild-mates, and the volunteers became the new guards of Lowtown. ''END.'' [[start<-//Try Again?//]]

<img class="img-right" src="CYOA6.png" align="right"></img> <div class="text"> The Dungeon Master let out a deep rumble. “Very well. You have succeeded. Go on, mortals. Take... as much as you want.” You and Warren marvel at your potential bounties. Only one thing presented itself as a problem to you: how would you carry your spoils to your base? You see Warren already filling his pockets. You know it would not weigh both of you down; however, it would not be much money in the long run. An empty chest sat open on a pile of gold and jewels. If you and Warren fill it, you will have more wealth for the guild, but it would definitely slow you down. [[warrenPockets <- //Fill your pockets.//]] [[warrenChest <- //Fill the chest.//]] </div>

The Dungeon Master gave a maniacal laugh when the die landed. All of his eyes grew bright with a white light. “Better luck next time, mortals.” There was a flash and you found yourself at the entrance of the cave. “Welcome back, friends. Did you see the Dungeon Master?” You gave a brief summary of you encounter with the Dungeon Master to the lion. “Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. I'm afraid you won't be able to try again until the next millennia. Safe travels, friends.” You return to Lowtown empty-handed and defeated. On the bright side, at least you have quite the tale to tell Varric. ''END.'' [[start<-//Try Again?//]]

You follow Warren's lead and begin to fill your pockets with gold and jewels. The two of you leave the caverns and return to Lowtown in two days. With the riches you were able to bring back, you could not get a guild house in Kirkwall, but you were able to renovate your current one and bring in more business. It took a little over half a year, but you and your guild-mates were able to buy a new guild house in Hightown. ''END.'' [[start<-//Try Again?//]]

“Hey, Warren,” you call out. “Help me fill this chest over here.” After a moment, the chest was filled with gold and jewels. The two of you lift the chest and start your journey back to Kirkwall. After a four day travel, you arrive at your guild house. With the riches from the caverns, you were able to buy a guild house outside of Hightown. Although your living situation is significantly better, you still need to work some contracts to maintain it. But knowing you and your guild, that would not be a problem. ''END.'' [[start<-//Try Again?//]]

The lion shakes his head and says, “That is incorrect.” Mel steps forward. “Hold on. I think I know the answer.” “Sorry, girl. This is a team effort. You may try again next millennia.” You and Mel return home empty-handed. Although you may have lost hope, Warren and Mel have not. Together, they lift you up and continue everyone's dream of a better guild house. It may have taken a year, but eventually, the three of you were able to buy a house in downtown Kirkwall. ''END.'' [[start<-//Try Again?//]]

The lion grinned wide. You had a feeling you chose the right answer. “Correct. Good for you. Time for the second riddle. I must warn you, this one is tricky. If you got me, you want to share me. However, if you share me, you have not kept me. What am I?” “Hmm... he's right. This is tricky,” you hear Mel say. “What do you think?” You begin thinking and answer with... [[melLionEnd2 <- //“A best friend?”//]] [[melLionSecret <- //“A secret?”//]]

You watch the lion shake his head. “I'm sorry, but that is incorrect.” Mel stamped her foot in frustration. “How could you mess that up?!” “Don't be so angry, child. You can try again next millennia.” With a huff, Mel took lead and the two of you returned to Lowtown. The long, silent journey was not the one you were expecting. You didn't hear a word out of Mel for a week, but she eventually forgave you. However, you still make the conscious decision to sleep with a dagger for protection. ''END.'' [[start<-//Try Again?//]]

“That is correct, my friend. My my, you're doing well. Now for the last riddle. What has a bottom at the top?" You hear Mel giggling behind you and asked her, “Do you know the answer?” “I don't know if it's the answer. Don't mind me.” Rolling your eyes, you give the lion your attention. After think for a bit, you answer... [[melDragon <- //“A pair of legs?”//]] [[melLionEnd3 <- //“A...coin?”//]]

The lion shakes his head. “You two came so close, but that is incorrect.” Mel steps forward. “Wait. Can I say my answer.” “Sorry, girl. This is a team effort. You may stay the night, but you can not enter the caves.” You and Mel set up camp near the cave. Disappointed with yourselves, you and Mel couldn't get any sleep. As dawn broke, you two break down the camp and return back to Lowtown. ''END.'' [[start<-//Try Again?//]]

<img class="img-right" src="CYOA5.png" align="right"></img> <div class="text">You could have sworn you saw a red tint on the dragon's face. She groaned and said, “Correct.” She points her tail to the doorway and says, “The Dungeon Master is through there. Don't mess it up, mortals.” You pass through the doorway and down a long hallway, you enter a dark room. One by one, torches on the wall burst with flame. In the center of the room, levitating above the floor, was the Dungeon Master. You watch his head turn left and right in a slow motion. He stretched his hands and gave a sinister laugh. “Who approaches the Dungeon Master? Two mortals who wish to take my fortune?” You step forward and answer with, “Yes, Dungeon Master. We came seeking your treasure.” The Dungeon Master bent down, looking you right in your eyes. “Prepare for the last trial. May the odds be in your favor.” The Dungeon Master muttered a spell and conjured a black die with white dots. It floats over and into your hand and gives you a burning sensation. “Roll the die, mortal. We shall see if you are worthy.” Mel pats you on the back to reassure you. “You got this, buddy.” You shake the die in your hand and throw it. (click-replace: "You shake the die in your hand and throw it.")[You shake the die in your hand and throw it. (set: $random to (random: 1, 6)) (if: $random is 1)[[melOdd <- //You rolled a one//]] (if: $random is 2)[[melEven <- //You rolled a two//]] (if: $random is 3)[[melOdd <- //You rolled a three//]] (if: $random is 4)[[melEven <- //You rolled a four//]] (if: $random is 5)[[melOdd <- //You rolled a five//]] (if: $random is 6)[[melEven <- //You rolled a six//]] ] </div>

You lean over to Mel and whisper, “How about you work your charm on her. She might give us a hint.” With a smile, Mel stepped towards the dragon. “Your scales look mighty lovely in this light,” she told the dragon. The dragon exhaled some smoke. “I haven't had a compliment in years. You know what? You can pass.” The dragon pointed her tail towards an urn in a pile of coins. “Look in there, mortal. There is a book that may help you in the future.” Mel went over to look in the urn and found a spellbook on portals. The two of you thank the dragon before leaving. You pass through the doorway and down a long hallway, you enter a dark room. One by one, torches on the wall burst with flame. In the center of the room, levitating above the floor, was the Dungeon Master. You watch his head turn left and right in a slow motion. He stretched his hands and gave a sinister laugh. “Who approaches the Dungeon Master? Two mortals who wish of taking my fortune?” You step forward and answer with, “Yes, Dungeon Master. We came seeking your treasure.” The Dungeon Master bent down, looking you right in your eyes. “Prepare for the last trial. May the odds be in your favor.” The Dungeon Master muttered a spell and conjured a black die with white dots. It floats over and into your hand and gave a burning sensation. “Roll the die, mortal. We shall see if you are worthy.” Mel pats you on the back to reassure you. “You got this, buddy.” You shake the die in your hand and throw it. (click-replace: "You shake the die in your hand and throw it.")[You shake the die in your hand and throw it. (set: $random to (random: 1, 6)) (if: $random is 1)[[melCharmOdd <- //You rolled a one//]] (if: $random is 2)[[melEven <- //You rolled a two//]] (if: $random is 3)[[melCharmOdd <- //You rolled a three//]] (if: $random is 4)[[melEven <- //You rolled a four//]] (if: $random is 5)[[melCharmOdd <- //You rolled a five//]] (if: $random is 6)[[melEven <- //You rolled a six//]] ]

<img class="img-right" src="CYOA6.png" align="right"></img> <div class="text"> The Dungeon Master let out a deep rumble. “Very well. You have succeeded. Go on, mortals. Take... as much as you want.” You and Mel marvel at your potential bounties. Only one thing presented itself as a problem to you: how would you carry your spoils to your base? You see Mel looking at all of the jewels among the piles of gold. You know storing as much of it in your pockets would not weigh both of you down; however, it would not be much money in the long run. An empty chest sat open on a pile of gold and jewels. If you and Warren fill it, you will have more wealth for the guild, but it would definitely slow you down. [[melPockets <- //Fill your pockets.//]] [[melChest <- //Fill the chest.//]] </div>

The Dungeon Master gave a maniacal laugh when the die landed. All of his eyes grew bright with a white light. “Better luck next time, mortals.” There was a flash and you found yourself at the entrance of the cave. “Welcome back, friends. Did you see the Dungeon Master?” You gave a brief summary of your encounter with the Dungeon Master to the lion. “Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. I'm afraid you won't be able to try again until the next millennia. Safe travels, friends.” You return to Lowtown empty-handed and defeated. On the bright side, at least you have quite the tale to tell Varric. ''END.'' [[start<-//Try Again?//]]

<img class="img-right" src="CYOA6.png" align="right"></img> <div class="text"> The Dungeon Master let out a deep rumble. “Very well. You have succeeded. Go on, mortals. Take... as much as you want.” You and Mel marvel at your potential bounties. Only one thing presented itself as a problem to you: how would you carry your spoils to your base? You see Mel looking at all of the jewels among the piles of gold. You know storing as much of it in your pockets would not weigh both of you down; however, it would not be much money in the long run. An empty chest sat open on a pile of gold and jewels. If you and Warren fill it, you will have more wealth for the guild, but it would definitely slow you down. [[melPockets <- //Fill your pockets.//]] [[melChest <- //Fill the chest.//]] [[melTeleport <- //Ask Mel for help.//]] </div>

Both you and Mel begin to fill your pockets with gold and jewels. The two of you leave the caverns and return to Lowtown in two days. With the little wealth you brought back, you could not get a guild house in Kirkwall, but you were able to renovate your current one and bring in more business. After six months of work, you and you friends found yourselves opening a new guild house in Kirkwall. ''END.'' [[start<-//Try Again?//]]

“Hey, Mel,” you call out. “Help me fill this chest over here.” After a moment, the chest was filled with gold and jewels. You and Mel attempt to lift the chest, but she could not get it off the ground. Not wanting to leave it behind, you suggest pushing the chest back to Kirkwall. After an excruciating week of pushing the chest, you arrive at your guild house. With the riches from the caverns, you were able to buy a guild house outside of Hightown. Although your living situation is significantly better, you still need to work some contracts to maintain it. But knowing you and your guild, that would not be a problem. ''END.'' [[start<-//Try Again?//]]

<img class="img-right" src="CYOA7.png" align="right"></img> <div class="text"> You remind yourself that Mel knows a new spell to create portals. “Hey, Mel,” you call out. “Try making a portal back home. We can push all this treasure through it.” Mel nodded and re-read the spellbook. It wasn't long before she cast the spell and a portal appeared behind her. She turned around and looked through the portal. “Hey, Warren. Come help us out.” With the help of your friends, you take every last coin, jewel, urn, and chest from the room. With your new found wealth, not only were you able to buy an expensive guild house, but you had enough money to live a nice, quiet life in Kirkwall. But what's life without a little adventure and danger? ''END.'' [[start<-//Try Again?//]]