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","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-9"},{"#f":5}],"c-14":["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.0.g-8.c-14.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ – but you must not allow it to rule you, either.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-9"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-9":["^On his deathbed, your father left you the most precious piece of papyrus in the Empire: the plans to Nero's Palace.","\n","^Stories of magical rotating ceilings showering banqueters with petals, the countless dining rooms, even the legendary colossus statue of Nero himself – as your father pressed the blueprints into your hands, these myths became hard, geometric reality. Measurable. Fathomable. Exploitable.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.0.g-9.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-15","flg":18},{"s":["^So you know exactly how you're going to rob this joint...",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.0.g-9.5.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-16","flg":18},{"s":["^Gods, it's going to look so good on your wall",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-15":["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.0.g-9.c-15.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-10"},{"#f":5}],"c-16":["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.0.g-9.c-16.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.5.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^. ","\n","^Which will be handy. For this incredible heist you're planning. Obviously...","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-10"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-10":["^Nero plans to celebrate the completion of his Golden House on the same day as his birthday. Rome's 'Great and Good' are due to descend on the Golden House for an orgiastic carnival of epic proportions.","\n","^Providing you with the perfect opportunity to hit the palace's secret vault.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.0.g-10.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-17","flg":18},{"s":["^This isn't a one-person job",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-17":["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.0.g-10.c-17.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-11"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-11":["^You've spent the better part of a year planning, and sunk what little money you had into it, and you're not going in alone.","\n","^You narrowed the field to three possible candidates. Each had something to offer, and each brought their own risks.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.0.g-11.CompanionInfo.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^, the gladiator","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-18","flg":22},{"s":["^First, there was Vira",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-18":["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.0.g-11.CompanionInfo.c-18.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, a famous gladiator who retired after winning her freedom. She's not known for her subtlety, or airs and graces. But she is known for her fists. If things get physical, there's no one you'd rather have by your side.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-12"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"CompanionInfo"}],{"#f":5}],"g-12":[["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.0.g-12.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^, the merchant","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-19","flg":22},{"s":["^Then there was Felix",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-19":["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.0.g-12.c-19.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, a fast-talking merchant. You've known Felix since childhood, which is just as well, because his relentless drive for profit often comes at strangers' expense... But Felix's creativity with the truth has pulled you out of trouble many times. If you get into a difficult situation, chances are that Felix can talk you out of it.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-13"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-13":[["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.0.g-13.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^, the inventor","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-20","flg":22},{"s":["^And finally there was Fabricius",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-20":["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.0.g-13.c-20.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, a gifted inventor who had been a loyal friend of your father's. He's always been a... unique individual. But since the Great Fire, he's become a social recluse. Still, Fabricius's brain is second to none, and he's bound to spot solutions to problems you won't even have considered yet. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-14"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-14":[{"->":".^.^.^.ChoosingYourCompanion"},{"#f":5}]}],{"ChoosingYourCompanion":[["^This isn't an ensemble job, either. You were confident that you and one other person should be able to infiltrate the Golden House undetected. Any more than that would be asking for trouble.","\n","^So, after much deliberation, you settled on...","\n",["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.ChoosingYourCompanion.0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^Vira",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.ChoosingYourCompanion.0.5.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^Felix",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.ChoosingYourCompanion.0.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^Fabricius",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.ChoosingYourCompanion.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^. ","\n","ev","str","^Vira","/str","/ev",{"VAR=":"companion","re":true},"ev",{"f()":"SetShePronouns"},"out","/ev","\n","^You close your eyes. You can remember the day you approached her like it was...","\n",["ev","str","^Yesterday...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ ",{"#":"CLEAR"},"\n",{"->":"MuscleIntro"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.ChoosingYourCompanion.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.5.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^. ","\n","ev","str","^Felix","/str","/ev",{"VAR=":"companion","re":true},"^You close your eyes. You can remember the day you approached him like it was...","\n",["ev","str","^Yesterday...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ ",{"#":"CLEAR"},"\n",{"->":"MeetFelix"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"Our_Story_Begins.ChoosingYourCompanion.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^. ","\n","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","/ev",{"VAR=":"companion","re":true},"^You close your eyes. You can remember the day you approached him like it was...","\n",["ev","str","^Yesterday...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ ",{"#":"CLEAR"},"\n",{"->":"outsideTheWorkshop"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"MuscleIntro":[[{"#":"AUDIOLOOP: walla.mp3"},"^When you were growing up, Vira was something of a celebrity – famous for bashing in other gladiators' skulls after they'd scoffed at the idea of fighting a woman. In fact Vira became so popular that Nero's predecessor, Claudius, rewarded her with her freedom upon his death.","\n","^The problem with freedom though, is it's expensive...","\n","^These days Vira makes ends meet by working as a stevedore down at the docks. It's a far cry from her bloodthirsty past. So you're hoping that she might be interested in turning around her fading glory.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^The docks",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["<>","^ are packed with labourers and longshoremen unloading crate after crate of exotic goods. Even the air is crowded – the smell of rotting wood jostling against the stink of unwashed bodies. As you try to push your way through, barked instructions, curses, insults – most in languages you don't even recognise – berate you for disrupting the docks' careful choreography.","\n","^Finally, at the end of the quay...","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.g-0.5.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^Vira the Gaul",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.5.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^.","\n","ev","str","^Vira","/str","/ev",{"VAR=":"companion","re":true},{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^She spots you watching her and spits, leaving a deposit so noxious you almost expect it to start eating through the stone.","\n","^She rubs her chin. It's a relief of scars – a legacy of blades and blows as clear as stylus-marks on wax. She looks you up and down. It's hard not to feel small.","\n","^\"The ♐︎◆︎♍︎🙵 you looking at?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.g-1.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":22},{"s":["^\"My new partner",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.g-1.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I have a job for you.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.g-1.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say. ","\n","^Her eyes narrow. Something inside you clenches, and you find yourself contemplating how fast you can run.","\n","^\"If you're looking for a partner, try a ","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^ing lupanarium,\" she says.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.g-1.c-2.17.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"A Lupa-what-now?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.g-1.c-2.17.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^You nod pleasantly. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.g-1.c-2.17.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.g-1.c-2.17.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^She takes you in again, raising one eyebrow. \"What do you want?\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.g-1.c-2.17.g-0.2.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"To make you a job offer.\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.g-1.c-2.17.g-0.2.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[{"->":"MuscleIntro.0.RecruitingVira"},{"->":"MuscleIntro.0.RecruitingVira"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.g-1.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.RecruitingVira"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"RecruitingVira":["^You feel the eyes of the other dockworkers on you. You suspect that they're not here to watch Vira's back. They just don't want to miss it if she decides to smash your teeth in. You're not sure you can blame them – it wasn't that long ago that people had to pay good coin to see Vira fight.","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.g-1.c-2"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Her gaze lingers on you a little longer, then her brain seems to catch up to what you said.",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],"nop","\n","^\"I've got a job,\" she grunts, gesturing one huge hand at the docks around you.","\n",["ev",{"CNT?":".^"},2,"==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ There's a faint intake of breath as the gathered dockhands lean in.",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],"nop","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.RecruitingVira.RecruitingVira2.8.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"CNT?":".^.^"},1,"==","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":19},{"s":["^\"How's that working out for you?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.RecruitingVira.RecruitingVira2.9.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-5","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Why don't we go somewhere more private?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.RecruitingVira.RecruitingVira2.10.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^\"","/str",{"CNT?":".^.^.c-5"},"/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-6","flg":23},{"s":["^\"It really isn't the kind of thing we should discuss in public.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.RecruitingVira.RecruitingVira2.11.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-7","flg":18},{"s":["^\"How do you fancy robbing the emperor?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.RecruitingVira.RecruitingVira2.12.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-8","flg":22},{"s":["^\"","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^"},1,"==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Right, of course. ",{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],"nop","^I'm actually selling fire insurance",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.RecruitingVira.RecruitingVira2.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.8.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^Her nostrils flare at the insinuation. \"State your business and make it quick.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^"},{"#f":5}],"c-5":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.RecruitingVira.RecruitingVira2.c-5.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.9.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^She sniffs. \"Whatever you've got to say, you can say it here.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^"},{"#f":5}],"c-6":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.RecruitingVira.RecruitingVira2.c-6.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.10.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ Why don't you let me buy you a drink?\"","\n","^She rolls her eyes, nods, hurls some guttural obscenity at the foreman, then follows you out.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.ViraBar"},{"#f":5}],"c-7":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.RecruitingVira.RecruitingVira2.c-7.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.11.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^\"Keep your voice down, you ","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^︎ fool,\" she hisses. \"Let's talk somewhere more private.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.ViraBar"},{"#f":5}],"c-8":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.RecruitingVira.RecruitingVira2.c-8.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.12.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^.\"","\n","^She squints. \"What, really?\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.RecruitingVira.RecruitingVira2.c-8.10.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"No",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.RecruitingVira.RecruitingVira2.c-8.10.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Sure",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.RecruitingVira.RecruitingVira2.c-8.10.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^! Does that sound like a reasonable profession in a city that just got burnt to the ground? The job I want to talk about is... sensitive.\"","\n","^She grunts. Is she disappointed?","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.0.RecruitingVira.RecruitingVira2.c-8.10.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ One of my employees informs me you could be eligible to make a claim. A real big claim. Now, let's go talk about it somewhere quieter.\" ","\n","^She frowns. Then, her interest somehow piqued, she grunts and follows you out.","\n",{"->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"RecruitingVira2"}],{"#f":5}]}],{"ViraBar":[["^Vira drinks her way through your proposal in silence. You're tucked up in a corner of a cramped popina a few streets from the docks. Vira dismissed the few patrons that were here this early with a hard stare. They left without complaint.","\n","^You finish your pitch. She doesn't say anything, just pours herself more wine and drinks enthusiastically.","\n","^\"So,\" she says at last. \"Why me?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I'm kind of a fan...\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I've got a plan. But no muscle.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.8.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I need someone I can trust.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"You and the rest of 'em.\" Vira rolls her eyes. \"So you saw me knock out a few numbskulls back in the day and thought I'd be the perfect bodyguard for you? Hm! Makes sense I guess.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^Vira tilts her head back and lets out a single belly laugh. \"Honesty. I respect that.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.8.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^Vira scoffs. \"Well that's a ","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^ing stupid reason. We barely know each other.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":22},{"s":["^\"So",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, what do you think?\"","\n","^Vira sets down her cup and gives you a hard look.","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.^.0.RecruitingVira.RecruitingVira2.c-8"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ",{"->t->":"MuscleIntro.InsureMe"},{"->":".^.^.^.15"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^\"You really want to rob the emperor?\"",{"->":".^.^.^.15"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":[["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-1.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Yep.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-1.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":["^\"As in Nero?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-2.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-5","flg":18},{"s":["^\"The very same.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-5":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-2.c-5.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-3"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-3":["^She shakes her head. \"You're out of your mind.\" She takes another swig of wine. \"Nero's protected. Even if you get into the palace and steal something good, you'd never make it out without being caught. Then you'd have to fight your way through dozens – maybe hundreds – of his best guards.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-3.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-6","flg":22},{"s":["^\"I don't intend to get caught",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-3.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-7","flg":22},{"s":["^\"It's a risk worth taking",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-3.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-8","flg":22},{"s":["^\"It'll be an adventure",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-6":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-3.c-6.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say. ","\n","^\"No one ever does,\" she says. \"I assume you have some clever-♎︎♓︎♍︎🙵 plan then?\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-3.c-6.10.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^se.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Of cour",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-3.c-6.10.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—","\n","^\"And you just need me to knock some ♎︎♓︎♍︎🙵heads\t?\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-3.c-6.10.c-0.10.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"More or less.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-3.c-6.10.c-0.10.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"It's a BIT more complicated than that.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-3.c-6.10.c-0.10.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^She downs the last of the wine and flashes you the kind of smile that would make a tiger think twice. \"Then count me in.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.^.g-4"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-3.c-6.10.c-0.10.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Oh.\" She downs the last of the wine and swirls the dregs in her cup sullenly.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-3.c-6.10.c-0.10.c-1.9.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"But I'd imagine that there will almost certainly be some kind of head-knocking.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-3.c-6.10.c-0.10.c-1.9.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^She flashes you the kind of smile that would make a tiger think twice. \"Great,\" she growls. \"Then count me in.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.g-4"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-7":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-3.c-7.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say. \"If we pull this off, we can live like nobles for the rest of our lives!\"","\n","^Vira looks at you long and hard. For a terrible moment, you think she's going to walk away. \"And if we don't, we'll go down fighting?\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-3.c-7.10.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"...to the bitter end.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-3.c-7.10.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Or ESCAPE? So we don't go down at all?\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-3.c-7.10.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^Vira downs the last of her wine. \"Then count me in,\" she says, flashing you the kind of smile that would make a tiger think twice. \"Sounds like fun.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-4"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-3.c-7.10.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Ha!\" Vira downs the last her wine. \"Maybe you'll get to,\" she says, with a toothy grin. \"I'll be having too much fun.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-4"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-8":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.ViraBar.0.g-3.c-8.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say. \"Aren't you bored of lugging boxes around for overfed merchants? You're a hero of the arena. This is your chance to be a legend of the whole city!\"","\n","^Vira's nostrils widen and her eyebrows twitch. \"I have missed the thrill...\" She toys with her glass.","\n","^\"Alright.\" She downs her wine decisively, then flashes you the kind of smile that would make a tiger think twice. \"Count me in.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-4"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-4":[{"->":"FinalPreparations"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"InsureMe":[["^\"And where does the insurance come into it?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.InsureMe.0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"That was just a ruse!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.InsureMe.0.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^You patiently explain",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.InsureMe.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.InsureMe.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ that this, in fact, has nothing to do with insurance.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["ev",-1,1,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","<>","^ \"So... you really do want to rob the emperor?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.InsureMe.0.g-0.10.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^You nod",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.InsureMe.0.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.10.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^\"And then... claim it on the insurance?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.InsureMe.0.g-1.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Forget the insurance",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"MuscleIntro.InsureMe.0.g-1.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^. We're just going to rob the emperor.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":["^\"The emperor?\"","\n","ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"MeetFelix":[[{"#":"AUDIOLOOP: walla.mp3"},"ev","str","^Felix","/str","/ev",{"VAR=":"companion","re":true},"^You descend into the rabbit warren of Rome's filthy streets, winding your way over to the Trastevere district, following your nose towards the alley of spice shops that hosts Felix's latest wheeze.","\n","^The streets are a melee; a riot of motion, scents and sound. You often have to flatten yourself against a grubby wall, as burly slaves carry past a cart laden with wheat. You have to resist the urge to run your hands through the heaped fresh grain.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.11.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^At last",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.11.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, you reach Felix's door. To your surprise, it's shut. The windows are barred and there's no sign of the shop's ebullient proprietor.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["ev","str","^(Hammer on the door)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Call out to him)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":20},{"c-1":["^ You hammer on the door, beating your fists against the thin timber.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["^ \"Felix!\" you yell, trying to shout over the din of the street.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^You hear a scuffling sound and a low curse. Then, a voice comes from within, gruff and deep, like its owner gargles gravel in his down time. Yet it carries a familiar twang...","\n","^\"Go away! 'E's not 'ere.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-1.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"You're fooling no one, Felix...\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-1.5.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Who isn't?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-1.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"I told you, Felix isn't 'ere! I'm 'is new assistant.\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-1.c-3.9.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Assistant?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-1.c-3.9.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"That's right. Big Macedonian guy. Alexander, they call me: Alexander the Great-With-His-Fists! So I'd be making myself scarce if I were you.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-1.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.5.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ You shoot back.","\n","^\"...\"","\n","^\"Who do you think is in here – uh 'ere? 'Cause, let me tell you, this shop changes owner faster than the emperor changes clothes, so... You've probably got the wrong guy.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":[["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-2.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-5","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Drop it, Felix",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-5":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-2.c-5.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say. \"It's me. Open up.\"","\n","^An eye appears in a crack in the door. Timber bolts scrape on stone, the door whips open, and Felix bundles you inside.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-3"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-3":[["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-3.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-6","flg":18},{"s":["^\"What was that all about?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-3.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-7","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Good to see you too...\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-6":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-3.c-6.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you ask.","\n","^He turns to you, guileless as a newborn foal, his clear delight at seeing you washing away any lingering signs of concern. \"Hm? Oh that? Don't worry about it, ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-4"},{"#f":5}],"c-7":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-3.c-7.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^He laughs and embraces you like a brother. \"Sorry for the tough-guy routine, ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-4"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-4":["^just a little disagreement with a contractor.\"","\n","^Even in the gloom you can make out the easy good looks of your old friend. Those steady blue eyes. The small white scar above his right eye he picked up the first time he got caught stealing. The graceless physique that makes him seem so harmless – a misread to which a thousand lightened wallets could bear witness.","\n","^\"Listen, you've heard the saying that Rome runs on olive oil?\" he says, thrusting a small clay jar into your hand.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-4.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-8","flg":18},{"s":["^You smile, despite yourself. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-4.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-9","flg":18},{"s":["^You roll your eyes. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-8":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-4.c-8.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^\"Yes. From you, the last time you tried to sell me something.\"","\n","^He grins. ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-5"},{"#f":5}],"c-9":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-4.c-9.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^You had a feeling this visit was going to involve you parting with money... ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-5"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-5":["^\"Well, forget about the oil of the olive my friend – there's a new oil in town!\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-5.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-10","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Go on then",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-5.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-11","flg":18},{"s":["^You're having none of it.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-10":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-5.c-10.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you sigh. \"What is it this time?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-6"},{"#f":5}],"c-11":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-5.c-11.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ \"Felix—\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-6"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-6":["^\"Snake oil.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-6.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-12","flg":18},{"s":["^\"SNAKE oil?!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-6.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-13","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Snake OIL?!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-6.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-14","flg":18},{"s":["^\"SNAKE OIL?!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-12":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-6.c-12.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-7"},{"#f":5}],"c-13":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-6.c-13.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-7"},{"#f":5}],"c-14":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-6.c-14.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-7"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-7":["^\"The very same! Trust me, it's incredible. You got a problem, this stuff cures it. I got a couple of barrels from this Syrian trader a guy I know put me in touch with. Let's get right down to it: how much will you take?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-7.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^st listen...\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-15","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Ju",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-7.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^ don't want any.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-16","flg":22},{"s":["^\"I",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-15":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-7.c-15.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-8"},{"#f":5}],"c-16":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-7.c-16.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-8"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-8":["^\"Before you answer, you've got to understand that this stuff is going to move fast, and for a lot more than I'm charging you! If you want to get in on the ground floor, this is your only chance, take it or leave it.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-8.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^!\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-17","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Fine",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-8.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-18","flg":22},{"s":["^\"I'll leave it",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-17":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-8.c-17.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, I'll take some if you'll shut up and listen to why I'm here.\"","\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^He beams as he pockets a handful of your denarii. Given your financial situation, you sorely hope snake oil is at least edible.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-9"},{"#f":5}],"c-18":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-8.c-18.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, thanks. Now shut up and listen: I've got a proposal, one that means no more hiding from 'contractors' or pushing quack cures on customers.\"","\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^He replaces the bottle on the shelf, disappointed.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-9"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-9":["^He turns to you, his nervous energy dissipating for a moment as he studies you carefully. Then a glint lights up his eyes, and a toothy smile breaks out across his face.","\n","^\"Who we robbing?\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-9.WhoWeRobbing.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-19","flg":18},{"s":["^\"The emperor...\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-9.WhoWeRobbing.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-20","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Don't worry about who; worry about what.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-19":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-9.WhoWeRobbing.c-19.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^He stares back at you, and you witness a minor miracle: Felix lost for words.","\n",["ev","str","^You've got him.","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-9.WhoWeRobbing.c-19.9.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^You only hope this marvel isn't some kind of bad omen.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["^ But despite his silence, you can tell: you've got him. ","\n",{"->":"MeetFelix.0.g-10"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-9.WhoWeRobbing.c-19.9.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^At last, he speaks. \"Sure. And after that, maybe you can marry the Queen of Parthia and I can give birth to twin goddesses?\" He laughs nervously.","\n",{"->":"MeetFelix.0.g-10"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-20":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-9.WhoWeRobbing.c-20.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Whatever it is, it'll belong to someone,\" he retorts. \"And that someone determines whether you get caught. Who is it?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^"},{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-10"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"WhoWeRobbing"}],{"#f":5}],"g-10":["^So you tell him everything.","\n","^Felix listens, attentive and alert. When you're done, he thinks for a while.","\n","^Then he slowly shakes his head. \"No.\"","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.g-9.WhoWeRobbing.c-19.9.c-0"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ You can see the gears turning in his head. He wants to do it, you know he does. You just need to find the right angle to make him admit it.",{"->":".^.^.^.11"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^You knew breaking into the palace of a god-king wouldn't be an easy sell, particularly to the master of bullshit himself. But you hadn't expected him to reject the idea quite so quickly and explicitly...",{"->":".^.^.^.11"},null]}],"nop","\n","^Felix laughs. \"Bad practice to rob rich people,\" he explains, reading your expression. \"They're the ones who can afford to come after you... And the emperor!?\" He shakes his head ruefully. \"You're madder than he is!\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-10.15.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-21","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Please, Felix. For old times' sake.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-10.16.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-22","flg":18},{"s":["^\"You owe me, remember?\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-10.17.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-23","flg":18},{"s":["^\"It's a no-brainer! Minimal risk, unparalleled reward!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-21":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-10.c-21.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.15.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ You're one of my closest friends. Let's do this, together.\" ","\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^\"Ha!\" He snorts. \"We both got plenty of friends. That's not why you're asking me.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.TheConvincer"},{"#f":5}],"c-22":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-10.c-22.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.16.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",-3,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^An involuntary flicker of surprise flashes across his face, so quickly you later doubt whether you'd seen it at all. He sinks back, thinking deeply, looking at you a little differently.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.Convinced"},{"#f":5}],"c-23":["ev",{"^->":"MeetFelix.0.g-10.c-23.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.17.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ ","\n","^\"Ha! No arguments on the reward bit, but are you really trying to tell me the risk is minimal? You're meant to be the smart one!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.TheConvincer"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"TheConvincer":[["ev","str","^(Pile on the pressure)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Reassure him)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ You appeal to your long-standing friendship, reminding Felix that he owes you his life, and he knows it. You've never asked for anything from him before. You're asking now. ","\n","ev",-1,1,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ Planting your arm on his shoulder, you remind Felix that the pair of you are the very definition of 'thick as thieves'. You can pull this off. But only if you do it together. ","\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[{"->":".^.^.^.^.Convinced"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"Convinced":["^For an awful moment, you think ","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.0.g-9.WhoWeRobbing.c-19.9.c-0"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^you've badly misread him",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^he really is going to turn you down",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],"nop","^. But then his familiar roguish smile swims back to the surface.","\n","^\"Well, when you put it like that... how can I refuse?\"","\n",{"->":"FinalPreparations"},{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"outsideTheWorkshop":[["^Fabricius's workshop is burrowed into the recesses of the Aventine Hill, surrounded by the hundreds of other artisans and craftsmen who set up shop next to the Emporium port. It may just be your imagination, but you've always thought the neighbouring houses had an odd slant to them, like they were leaning away from the epicentre of chaos sandwiched between them.","\n","^Fabricius's house is well appointed. If it had been kept in better condition, you might have described it as 'magnificent'. It was once the house of an important man, the kind with money, influence, and clientes. Yet the crumbling walls and barricaded windows now suggest the dwelling of a man who does not like to be disturbed.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"outsideTheWorkshop.0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^..","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^But you need him.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"outsideTheWorkshop.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^You skirt round the house and cautiously approach the strange, shonky extension that abuts the back. Ever since the Great Fire, Fabricius' self-isolation has become an obsession. You've even heard rumours he doesn't leave the house for months at a time. Unexpected visitors tend not to be welcome.","\n","^You notice a well, full to the brim. He even has his own water supply sorted.","\n",{"->":".^.^.outsideLoop"},{"#f":5}],"outsideLoop":[{"->t->":".^.^.^.fabriciusMuttering"},"ev","str","^(",["ev","visit",6,"%","/ev","ev","du",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s0","c":true},"ev","du",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s1","c":true},"ev","du",2,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s2","c":true},"ev","du",3,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s3","c":true},"ev","du",4,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s4","c":true},"ev","du",5,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s5","c":true},"nop",{"s0":["pop","^Knock",{"->":".^.^.41"},null],"s1":["pop","^Hammer",{"->":".^.^.41"},null],"s2":["pop","^Pound",{"->":".^.^.41"},null],"s3":["pop","^Bang",{"->":".^.^.41"},null],"s4":["pop","^Beat",{"->":".^.^.41"},null],"s5":["pop","^Bash a rock",{"->":".^.^.41"},null],"#f":5}],"^ on the ",["ev","visit",1,"MIN","/ev","ev","du",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s0","c":true},"ev","du",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s1","c":true},"nop",{"s0":["pop","^side",{"->":".^.^.17"},null],"s1":["pop",{"->":".^.^.17"},null],"#f":5}],"^ door)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":4},"ev","str","^(Look through a window)","/str",{"CNT?":".^.c-1"},"/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":21},"ev","str","^(Try the door)","/str",{"CNT?":".^.c-1"},"/ev",{"*":".^.c-3","flg":21},"ev","str","^(Wait and listen)","/str",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.fabriciusMuttering"},2,">","/ev",{"*":".^.c-4","flg":5},{"c-1":["\n",["ev","visit",2,"MIN","/ev","ev","du",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s0","c":true},"ev","du",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s1","c":true},"ev","du",2,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s2","c":true},"nop",{"s0":["pop","^There's no reply.",{"->":".^.^.23"},null],"s1":["pop","^No answer.",{"->":".^.^.23"},null],"s2":["pop","^Still nothing.",{"->":".^.^.23"},null],"#f":5}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["\n","^A quick circuit of the back of the house reveals that all the windows have been boarded up rather comprehensively.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["\n","^You try the door. It's unlocked...","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.theWorkshop"},{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-4":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-0":[{"->":".^.^.outsideLoop"},{"#f":5}]}],{"theWorkshop":[["^A wave of heat washes over you as you open the door. The workshop beyond is a jumbled mess. Every wall abounds with tables and benches, all piled high with junk.","\n","^Junk to your eyes at least: Scraps of metal. Wooden offcuts. Deformed wax tablets and scorched papyri... Then again, it's hard to see anything clearly through the thick clouds of smoke and charcoal that hang in the air.","\n",["ev","str","^(Call out for Fabricius)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Move further in)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ \"Hello?\" you call out. ","\n","^\"What part of boarded windows said to you 'Enter at Leisure'?\" Fabricius' bark reaches you from the workshop's unseen depths. \"Whoever you are, come back tomorrow! Actually, next week. Maybe.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ You do your best to pick your way across the floor carpeted with detritus. ","\n","^The workshop didn't seem half this big from the outside. It's practically labyrinthine. ","<>","^ ",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.anExperimentWasCarriedOut"},"\n",{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"inTheWorkshop"}],null],{"#f":1}],"anExperimentWasCarriedOut":[["^At last, you reach the workshop's heart - the one room in Fabricius' house that feels vaguely functional. It's been a long time since you came here - your father was still alive then - and in the intervening years, Fabricius' interests seem to have turned to the pyromaniacal. A forge that looks worryingly home-made now occupies the centre of the workshop.","\n","^Standing over it, you see the one constant amidst so many variables. His eyebrows defiantly protrude from over the top of his protective mask, the one bit of hair left on his leathery scalp. You worry he's not eating properly, his ragged clothes hang off him loosely.","\n","ev","str","^Fabricius...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^Your father used to describe Fabricius as eccentric but this feels like he's descended into full-blown madness. Maybe coming here wasn't such a good idea...","\n","^Fabricius barely looks up. \"Trial Forty-Two!\" With a pair of blacksmith's tongs, he lifts a small cup filled with a black viscous liquid and holds it out over a loose brick in the forge's centre. The stone's so hot it's glowing...","\n",["ev",{"^->":"outsideTheWorkshop.anExperimentWasCarriedOut.0.g-0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Wait!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"outsideTheWorkshop.anExperimentWasCarriedOut.0.g-0.5.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Is that bitumen?!\"\t",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^(Let him work)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-3","flg":20},{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"outsideTheWorkshop.anExperimentWasCarriedOut.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",[{"*":".^.c-0","flg":24},{"c-0":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"outsideTheWorkshop.anExperimentWasCarriedOut.0.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.5.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",[{"*":".^.c-0","flg":24},{"c-0":["\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^If he hears you, he doesn't show it. ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-3":["^ You stand back cautiously. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^Fabricius dumps out the liquid. The flames flare to the ceiling, heat hammers your face, nearly knocking the breath out of you.","\n","^Unperturbed, Fabricius sets down the tongs and grabs a piece of cloth. He holds it in both hands and deftly spreads it out in front of him. Then he tenses like a wildcat getting ready to pounce.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"outsideTheWorkshop.anExperimentWasCarriedOut.0.g-1.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^..","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":22},{"s":["^You want to shout a warning.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"outsideTheWorkshop.anExperimentWasCarriedOut.0.g-1.5.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-5","flg":22},{"s":["^You stand, transfixed",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"outsideTheWorkshop.anExperimentWasCarriedOut.0.g-1.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ The fire will flash-fry the cloth, and if Fabricius's own clothes catch, he'll be shaking hands with Pluto in no time. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"c-5":["ev",{"^->":"outsideTheWorkshop.anExperimentWasCarriedOut.0.g-1.c-5.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.5.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ at the unfolding spectacle.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":["^Fabricius darts forward and throws the cloth over the fire. By some miracle, the flames fall back, blanketed beneath the material.","\n","^He turns to you. \"Ha! Take that flames of Asphodel!\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"outsideTheWorkshop.anExperimentWasCarriedOut.0.g-2.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-6","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Erm...\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-6":["ev",{"^->":"outsideTheWorkshop.anExperimentWasCarriedOut.0.g-2.c-6.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-3"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-3":["^He follows your gaze to the smouldering blanket behind him and his eyes grow wide. In a flash, he snatches it from the flames...","\n","^...successfully igniting his own sleeve in the process.","\n","^\"Vulcan's balls!\" He sprints past you and out the door.","\n","^You find him outside, shaking water from his singed arm. ","<>","^ ",{"->":"talkingWithFabricius"},"\n",{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"fabriciusMuttering":[["ev","visit",6,"%","/ev","ev","du",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s0","c":true},"ev","du",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s1","c":true},"ev","du",2,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s2","c":true},"ev","du",3,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s3","c":true},"ev","du",4,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s4","c":true},"ev","du",5,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s5","c":true},"nop",{"s0":["pop","\n","^From ","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.theWorkshop.0.inTheWorkshop"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ahead",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^inside",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],"nop","^, you can make out the sound of flames crackling.","\n",{"->":".^.^.41"},null],"s1":["pop","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.theWorkshop.0.inTheWorkshop"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Ahead",{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^Inside",{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],"nop","^, someone is whistling.","\n",{"->":".^.^.41"},null],"s2":["pop","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.theWorkshop.0.inTheWorkshop"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Up ahead,",{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^You hear a voice from inside.",{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],"nop","^ Fabricius is talking to himself.","\n",{"->":".^.^.41"},null],"s3":["pop","\n","^You catch a snippet of ","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.theWorkshop.0.inTheWorkshop"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^his",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^Fabricius'",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],"nop","^ words. \"...Trial Forty-Two...\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.41"},null],"s4":["pop","\n","^\"...new materials should...\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.41"},null],"s5":["pop","\n","^\"...commencing.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.catchingFire"},{"->":".^.^.41"},null],"#f":5}],"\n","ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":1}],"catchingFire":["^There's a low 'whumpf' from inside the workshop.","\n","^\"Vulcan's balls!\"","\n","^Fabricius bursts out of the ","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.theWorkshop.0.inTheWorkshop"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^room ahead of you",{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^door",{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],"nop","^, one of his arms wreathed in flame.","\n","^He dashes outside and thrusts his arm into the well, breathing a heavy sigh of relief.","\n",{"->":"talkingWithFabricius"},{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"talkingWithFabricius":[["^You watch him as he nurses his hands. Despite his age, they're the one part of him that's still thick and dexterous.","\n","^\"I really thought I had it that time.\" He glances at you accusingly.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.talkLoop.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"What was that about?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.talkLoop.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I need to talk to you.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.talkLoop.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^He gives you a baffled look. \"Wasn't it obvious?\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.talkLoop.c-0.9.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"No idea.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.talkLoop.c-0.9.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"You've invented a way to mass-produce short-sleeved clothing?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.talkLoop.c-0.9.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"CNT?":"outsideTheWorkshop.anExperimentWasCarriedOut"},"/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":19},{"s":["^\"This is about the fire, isn't it?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.talkLoop.c-0.9.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^He scoffs. \"Never mind. You clearly wouldn't understand anyway.\" He frowns. \"","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.talkLoop.c-0.9.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Funny guy, huh? Let's see who's laughing the next time the city goes up in a ball of flames.\" His eyes narrow. \"","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.talkLoop.c-0.9.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^He waves a hand. \"Of course not! Everyone's always talking about the fire. I don't care about that. Ancient history. It's all these future fires that I'm thinking about...\" His brow clouds over. \"","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.talkLoop.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"And ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"talkLoop"}],{"g-0":["^I don't have time for chit-chat with strangers. I'm busy.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.g-0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"CNT?":"outsideTheWorkshop.anExperimentWasCarriedOut"},"/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":19},{"s":["^\"You seemed to recognise me in there.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.g-0.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"You knew my father, remember?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Don't patronise me!\" he snaps. \"I'm significantly smarter than you.\" Yet h","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.g-0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^H","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^is eyes focus on you, taking you in for the first time.","\n","^\"Celer's child!\" He says at last, clearly deriving great pleasure from a problem solved. He dips his hands in the water and washes his face.","\n","^\"I need to get back to work. Come.\"","\n","^He leads you back into his workshop and starts assembling various shafts, levers and screws. You realise this is as much of his attention as you're likely to get.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.g-1.fabriciusWorkLoop.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^gether a crew.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":22},{"s":["^\"I'm putting to",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.g-1.fabriciusWorkLoop.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^ job for you.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-5","flg":22},{"s":["^\"I have a",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.g-1.fabriciusWorkLoop.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^ your help with a delicate matter.\"","/str",{"CNT?":".^.^.c-4"},{"CNT?":".^.^.c-5"},"||","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-6","flg":23},{"s":["^\"I need",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.g-1.fabriciusWorkLoop.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^ time to put your skills to use.\"","/str","choiceCnt",1,"==","choiceCnt",0,"==","||","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-7","flg":23},{"s":["^\"It's",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.g-1.fabriciusWorkLoop.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"c-5":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.g-1.fabriciusWorkLoop.c-5.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"c-6":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.g-1.fabriciusWorkLoop.c-6.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"c-7":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.0.g-1.fabriciusWorkLoop.c-7.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"fabriciusWorkLoop"}],{"#f":5}],"g-2":[["ev","visit",2,"MIN","/ev","ev","du",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s0","c":true},"ev","du",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s1","c":true},"ev","du",2,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s2","c":true},"nop",{"s0":["pop","^\"Pass me the hammer! No, the big one.\"",{"->":".^.^.23"},null],"s1":["pop","^\"Come and hold this for me.\"",{"->":".^.^.23"},null],"s2":["pop","^\"No, not there. Lower! Hold it steady! Steadier than that!\" ",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.robertTheEmperor"},{"->":".^.^.23"},null],"#f":5}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-1.fabriciusWorkLoop"},{"#f":5}]}],{"robertTheEmperor":[[["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.robertTheEmperor.0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I'm going to rob the emperor!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.robertTheEmperor.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^Fabricius' hammer slams into the worktop, narrowly missing your hand.","\n","^\"You. Want to rob. The emperor?\"","\n","^\"Yes. And I want you to do it with me.\"","\n","^He hefts the hammer again. \"Thanks for coming by. But I've got work to do. Besides\" – he gestures at the blossoming burns on his arm and chuckles – \"it's safer here.\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.robertTheEmperor.0.c-0.15.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I really need your help.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.robertTheEmperor.0.c-0.15.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Ha!\" He points at the smouldering forge. \"Who doesn't? Forgive me if I choose to channel my genius into improving fire safety for thousands instead of enriching the sole surviving offspring of my erstwhile— Hold it steady!\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.robertTheEmperor.0.c-0.15.c-0.9.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"You owe it to my father.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.robertTheEmperor.0.c-0.15.c-0.9.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Imagine what you could do with one tenth of what Nero has.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.robertTheEmperor.0.c-0.15.c-0.9.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"You've been afraid to leave the house. Let's change that.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.robertTheEmperor.0.c-0.15.c-0.9.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^He scoffs. \"Owe? I don't owe anything to anybody!\" He stops, softening as he remembers... \"But I liked your father. And you're right, he did look out for me. he gave me a chance when others wouldn't have.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.robertTheEmperor.0.c-0.15.c-0.9.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",2,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^Now it's the inventor's eyes that light up. \"Proper research does require funding,\" he concedes. \"And it'd be nice to give the garden a bit of a makeover...\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.robertTheEmperor.0.c-0.15.c-0.9.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",-2,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^\"How dare you!\" Fabricius splutters with rage. \"Fear has nothing to do with it! Fear is irrational. I've made an informed, rational choice to...\" He runs out of steam, realising that to verbalise his reality would equate to an admission.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["<>","^ He sets the hammer down carefully. For the first time, you feel you have the full weight of his attention.","\n","^\"Let's entertain, for a moment, the hypothesis that I was prepared to help you. What's the plan? You want to rob the emperor, where?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.whereConvoLoop"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"whereConvoLoop":[[["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.robertTheEmperor.0.whereConvoLoop.0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^"},2,"<","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Where else?",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^Fine.",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],"nop","^ The Golden House\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.robertTheEmperor.0.whereConvoLoop.0.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"So you're in?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.robertTheEmperor.0.whereConvoLoop.0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"CNT?":".^.^.c-1"},"/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":19},{"s":["^\"I can't tell you unless know you're on board.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.robertTheEmperor.0.whereConvoLoop.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.robertTheEmperor.0.whereConvoLoop.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Are you deaf, or stupid? Hypothesis means theory. I need more information. Facts, details. Ideas are easy. Realising them, that's the hard part.\" ",{"->":".^.^.^"},"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.robertTheEmperor.0.whereConvoLoop.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Ha! Well, if you can't tell me, then I'm not on board.\" ",{"->":".^.^.^"},"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^He nods. \"Makes sense... Your father probably knew the place by heart. And when?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.robertTheEmperor.0.whereConvoLoop.0.g-0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"He has a party coming up.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"talkingWithFabricius.robertTheEmperor.0.whereConvoLoop.0.g-0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^A slow smile curls onto Fabricius's lips. Seeing him this focused on one thing at a time is unnerving, but you don't want to miss the opportunity of his attention.","\n","^So you run him through your whole plan, leaving nothing out, knowing he'll appreciate every meticulous detail.","\n","^Fabricius sits for a moment, calculating. You know that he doesn't want to stay cooped up in this workshop forever. And that your madcap plan might represent his best chance of turning his fortunes around.","\n","^At last, he turns and looks you square in the eye. \"Ok.\" he says, \"I'm in.\"","\n","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","/ev",{"VAR=":"companion","re":true},{"->":"FinalPreparations"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"FinalPreparations":[[["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^..","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^And so you had your companion.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ ","\n",{"#":"CLEAR"},{"#":"AUDIOLOOP: Anticipation.mp3"},{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^But there was still the small matter of deciding how exactly you and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ were going to break in to the most well-guarded building in Rome...","\n","^Weeks of scrupulous planning, so focused on your task that sometimes it felt as if the actual day of the heist was a myth – a story you knew off by heart, but one that you would never actually experience in the flesh.","\n","^And all of it hinging on one question above all:","\n","^How in the hells do you sneak inside the most well-guarded building in the Empire?","\n",["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.g-0.13.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^..","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^The key to a good heist is a good plan.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.13.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ leans back against the grubby wall of your apartment.","\n",["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->t->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.ViraWantsCrocs"},{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->t->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.FelixsPitch"},{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^\"I imagine,\" he says, \"That you're weighing two entirely predictable methods of entry.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.pitchingTheGlider"},{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.makeTheCall"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"makeTheCall":["^\"So?\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"he"},"out","/ev","^ says, \"How do you want to do this?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.makeTheCall.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"The front.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.makeTheCall.8.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"The back.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^\"You know what? Maybe a wild scheme is just what we need.\"","/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"*":".^.c-4","flg":21},{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.makeTheCall.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",{"^->":"Fast_Talking_The_Guards"},"/ev",{"VAR=":"frontOrBack","re":true},{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.makeTheCall.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.8.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds"},"/ev",{"VAR=":"frontOrBack","re":true},{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-4":["\n","ev",{"^->":"droppingIn"},"/ev",{"VAR=":"frontOrBack","re":true},{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ ","<>","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^grunts. ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.13"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^gives a mock salute. ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.13"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",["ev",{"VAR?":"frontOrBack"},{"^->":"droppingIn"},"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^claps his hands together with glee.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.4"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["\n","^nods curtly.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.4"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.13"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n","<>","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","!=","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^\"You're the boss...\"",{"->":".^.^.^.24"},null]}],"nop","\n",["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.g-1.26.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-5","flg":22},{"s":["^\"There's more",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-5":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.g-1.c-5.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.26.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say, \"we can't do this alone. We have someone on the inside.\"","\n","^Thanks to an unprecedented amount of criminal networking on your part, you've managed to secure the services of someone who'll be at the party. They'll have access and opportunity that should help you pull this thing off.","\n","^The problem is: your contact has been extremely secretive about their identity, so you have no idea what they look like.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":[["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.g-2.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-6","flg":22},{"s":["^\"They're going to be wearing something to give us a signal",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-6":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.g-2.c-6.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say. \"It's going to be some kind of ","ev",{"VAR?":"plantMotif"},{"f()":"motifMatcher"},"out","/ev","^ motif in ","ev",{"VAR?":"plantColour"},"out","/ev","^.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-3"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-3":["^\"And that's all we've got to go on?\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ asks.","\n","^\"That's all they've given us,\" you confirm. \"Still, they'll be doing the rounds at the party, and we know what to look for. Once we've found them, we need to slip the codephrase into conversation to identify ourselves.\"","\n","^\"And what's that?\"","\n","^You grimace. \"I didn't choose it.\"","\n","^\"What is it?\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ presses warily.","\n","^\"Did you hear the one about the haddock and the retiarius?\" you sigh.","\n","^\"No?\" says ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^.","\n","^\"No, that's the codephrase.\"","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ raises a solitary eyebrow.","\n","^A few weeks, some practice drills in a secluded copse outside the city, a whole lot of a logistics, bribery, and conniving later, and here you are...","\n",["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.g-3.39.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^..","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-7","flg":22},{"s":["^Today's the day.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-7":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.g-3.c-7.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.39.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-4"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-4":["<>","^ For a fleeting moment, you have a vision of yourself as Aeneas, turning to your family as you prepare to lead them out of burning Troy, across foreign seas and towards the promised land...","\n","^You turn to ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^. \"Ready?\"","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ frowns. \"Why's your hand on your hip like that? You do realise we're criminals, not heroes?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.g-4.16.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-8","flg":22},{"s":["^\"When the world's run by crooks, the real heroes are outlaws like us",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.g-4.17.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-9","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Sorry, got a little carried away...\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.g-4.18.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-10","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I'm not a hero. Or a criminal. Just a total legend.\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-8":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.g-4.c-8.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.16.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you reply, with a roguish twinkle in your eye. ","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["ev",1,1,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev",{"->":".^.^.^.17"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^\"Gods preserve us.\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ mutters. ",{"->":".^.^.^.17"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-5"},{"#f":5}],"c-9":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.g-4.c-9.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.17.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you reply sheepishly.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev","^\"Just try to stay on task, dreamer.\" But there's a smile as ","ev",{"VAR?":"he"},"out","/ev","^ says it.",{"->":".^.^.^.17"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ rolls ","ev",{"VAR?":"his"},"out","/ev","^ eyes.",{"->":".^.^.^.17"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-5"},{"#f":5}],"c-10":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.0.g-4.c-10.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.18.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev","^\"There's the person I want to follow into this pit of vipers,\" he laughs.",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ looks at you blankly for a moment. \"I honestly cannot believe those words just left your mouth.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-5"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-5":["ev","str","^It's time to go","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-11","flg":20},{"c-11":["^ ",{"#":"CLEAR"},"\n",{"->":"frontOrBack","var":true},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"pitchingTheGlider":[["^He's not wrong. It's been been a hard problem to solve. There's only one front entrance to the Palace and it's heavily guarded – going in that way will mean bringing your conversational A-game to have any chance of blagging your way inside. The back way is less conspicuous, but comes with its own problems. Scaling the outer wall should be easy, but the grounds will be crawling with guards, plus all the oddities Nero is rumoured to keep in his pleasure gardens. Stealth will be the key, and failing that, violence.","\n","^\"I think you're missing an angle,\" Fabricius says impatiently. He holds up one hand, palm toward the floor, and swoops it around, miming – perhaps a seabird?","\n","^\"I am proposing an aerial solution.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.pitchingTheGlider.0.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^Your face falls. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.pitchingTheGlider.0.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^Your eyes light up. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.pitchingTheGlider.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.pitchingTheGlider.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^Fabricius barely notices. \"I've had the plans for a 'flying machine' of some description for years now,\" he says. \"Wind conditions look set to be almost perfect for a trial run. We can swoop in over the walls and save ourselves a lot of trouble.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.pitchingTheGlider.0.g-0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"FLYING IN will save us a lot of trouble?!?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.pitchingTheGlider.0.g-0.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"If you're sure it'll work...\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.pitchingTheGlider.0.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Oh I'm sorry, maybe we should employ a more plausible method to rob the emperor.\" He scowls back at you.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.pitchingTheGlider.0.g-0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"What part of 'trial run' screamed certainty to you?\" He retorts ill-temperedly. \"Of course, I'm not sure it'll work. Any more than I'm sure robbing the emperor is a productive use of an evening.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^You frown. Fabricius' inventions are notorious for their scale and ambition. They're less well-known for their success rate... Surely a more traditional way in might better suit your goals?","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.0.makeTheCall"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"ViraWantsCrocs":[["^\"If we're going to do this, there's really only one option,\" she says. \"And that's sneaking in round the back. His ","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^ing emperorness has got acres of land back there. Lots of space to hide, difficult for guards to patrol. Easy-peasy.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.ViraWantsCrocs.0.convoloop.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"What about the front door?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.ViraWantsCrocs.0.convoloop.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"It can't possibly be that easy.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"*":".^.c-2","flg":24},{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.ViraWantsCrocs.0.convoloop.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^She waves a hand. \"What you want to get dressed up like some fancy-","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^ senator and try to blag our way inside? Rather you than me.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^"},{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.ViraWantsCrocs.0.convoloop.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Why not? That's the price you pay for having a big estate full of magnificant ","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^ing water features. You need dozens of men just to even think about guarding it.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.ViraWantsCrocs.0.convoloop.c-1.14.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"But the emperor HAS dozens of men.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.ViraWantsCrocs.0.convoloop.c-1.14.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Sure,\" she says. \"Sure, but...\" She resoundingly fails to come up with a rebuttal. \"The back way's just better, okay?\"","\n","^Maybe she's right, but she's definitely painting a rosy picture. The grounds will be crawling with guards, especially on the night of the emperor's grand soirée. Vira's formidable, but she's not an army.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^"},{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-2":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"convoloop"}],{"g-0":["ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"FelixsPitch":[["^\"I've considered all the options,\" he says – which, if true, would be the first time that's ever happened – \"And our best route is in through the front door. I've talked my way through just about every picket in this city – you can't beat a fancy outfit and blistering confidence. Besides...\" He shuffles uncomfortably. \"Better deal with some dull-witted guards than whatever beasts Nero keeps on his grounds.\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.FelixsPitch.0.convoloop.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"You really think you can talk your way inside?",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.FelixsPitch.0.convoloop.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Wouldn't a stealthier approach be better?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.FelixsPitch.0.convoloop.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ To the EMPEROR'S big birthday bash?\"","\n","^\"Sure,\" he says with blithe confidence. \"A doorman's a doorman, right? And what a story that's going to make! Far more entertaining than just sneaking round the back.\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.FelixsPitch.0.convoloop.c-0.10.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"That's not the kind of story you can go round telling...\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.FelixsPitch.0.convoloop.c-0.10.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"We're not picking our strategy based on what would make the best story!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.FelixsPitch.0.convoloop.c-0.10.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"If we pull it off, it's not the kind of story we can keep to ourselves! We're not monsters. The world needs to be entertained with tales of awesome deeds.\"","\n","ev","void","/ev","->->",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.FelixsPitch.0.convoloop.c-0.10.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Aren't we? That seems like the entirely proper way to do things.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[{"->":".^.^.^.^"},{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"FinalPreparations.FelixsPitch.0.convoloop.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"One day, we're going to get to tell the world the story of how we robbed the emperor blind. Do you really want that story to feature us crawling on our bellies over acres of grass shitting our pants every time a guard patrol looks our way? I certainly don't.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"convoloop"}],{"g-0":["ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"Fast_Talking_The_Guards":[[{"#":"AUDIOLOOP: Adventure.mp3"},"ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"Now, this is the way to travel!\" Felix leans back across the full length of the sedan chair, his eyes shining wickedly. For all his initial reluctance, not only has he risen to the occasion, he's loving this.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^Vira sits upright and awkward, her gargantuan frame almost filling the entirety of the sedan chair. When you hired her for a job, being carried around Rome dressed like a high-class courtesan probably wasn't what she had in mind.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^Fabricius sits uncomfortably, glowering out the window of the sedan chair. When you approached him for a heist, being carried around Rome in his finest gladrags, probably wasn't what he had in mind.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n","^Obtaining four slaves to lug around a sedan chair for the morning hadn't been cheap. Nor had the knock-off jewellery and gaudy throws that decorate the most dazzling toga you've ever worn. You've ended up ploughing most of your inheritance into this elaborate bluff. At least if you're caught you'll greet Pluto dressed to impress...","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ \"Don't look so nervous.\" Felix has been watching you. \"Costumes aren't what makes a senator. Confidence is.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.20"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ \"You think you're nervous!\" says Vira. \"I feel like a hippopotamus trying to play peacock in this ♐︎◆︎♍︎ing outfit.",{"->":".^.^.^.30"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ \"Don't look like that!\" says Fabricius. \"This was your stupid idea – you're the one who's going to have to pull this off.\" He rubs a stain in his toga self-consciously. ",{"->":".^.^.^.40"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev","str","^(Reassure ","ev",{"VAR?":"him"},"out","/ev","^)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Gently caution ","ev",{"VAR?":"him"},"out","/ev","^)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^You nod. \"That. And a fuck-ton of inbreeding.\"","\n","^He throws back his head and cackles: \"This is going to be fun.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.9"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^You laugh. \"Well, that makes two of us!\"","\n","^\"And the rest of the ♐︎◆︎♍ers at this stupid party, most likely.\" ","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.19"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^\"Relax.\" you say gently, \"I've got us covered. Besides, you look great – the slickest senator Rome's ever seen!\"","\n","^\"Humph!\" he scoffs. But you see him puff out his chest slightly.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.29"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^\"True. But over-confidence makes for a very dead senator.\"","\n","^He pulls a face. \"What are the chances? I finally get to go to an emperor's birthday and I end up being the plus-one of a party pooper...\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.9"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^\"Don't think like that,\" you caution. \"We look like a million sesterces - now we just have to act like it!\"","\n","^\"Humph! Easy for you to say...\" Vira grunts. But as she turns away, you can see her try to steel herself.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.19"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^\"It's not all me – I didn't cut you in just for the company.\"","\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.29"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^You feel your chair's bearers strain as they start the climb away from the Forum and up the Oppian Hill.","\n","^You peer through the curtain: Grand arcades with gleaming brick and marble line the Sacred Way, built over the ashes of the people and buildings that the fire razed only a few years ago. Once this ancient path was for gods and heroes, now it's for Rome's most venerable senators as they're all carried along, like flotsam on the Tiber, towards a party of the highest depravity and excess.","\n","^For venerable senators and, you suppose, for common thieves like you and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^...","\n","^The chair jerks to an abrupt halt. This is it.","\n","ev","str","^(Get out first)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Let ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ go first)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-3","flg":20},{"c-2":["\n","^You step out of the chair to see the gleaming chestplates of a Prateorian division. They stand to attention either side of an archway leading to the vestibule of the Golden House. Their eyes are barely visible behind their helmets; their swords are sheathed yet you can all but feel one of their points pricking into the back of your neck.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"Fast_Talking_The_Guards.0.g-0.c-2.3.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^You curse one of your \"slaves\" for taking so long to bring you here.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"Fast_Talking_The_Guards.0.g-0.c-2.3.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^You make a joke to the nearest Praetorian about your late arrival. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"Fast_Talking_The_Guards.0.g-0.c-2.3.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^You can feel a discernible tightening of the guards standing either side of the doorway, whether it's in respect or in suspicion, you can't yet be sure.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"Fast_Talking_The_Guards.0.g-0.c-2.3.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^The guard is thrown for a moment, surprised to be addressed directly. Then he grunts in agreement; behind his helmet, you see his brow furrowing in suspicion.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-3":["\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^You gesture to Vira: after you. Her eyes flash back in alarm. Then she recomposes herself and shrugs: you're the boss.","\n","^She springs out of the chair, grateful to be released after being confined in a cage of luxury for so long.","\n","^You step out after her to see the gleaming chestplates of a Prateorian division. They stand to attention either side of an archway leading to the vestibule of the Golden House. Their eyes are barely visible behind their helmets but you can feel their attention being drawn to Vira...","\n","^\"The ♐︎◆︎♍︎� are you looking at?\" She scowls, falling back on what appears to be her signature response to any kind of social judgement. \"Never seen a Gaul in a toga before?!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.9"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^You gesture to Felix: after you. Felix flashes his eyebrows at you. Then he bowls out of the chair, pulling his throw around him and drawing himself up to his full height.","\n","^\"Slower than Vulcan and weaker than Vesta,\" he barks. \"I twallved halfway acwoss the world to be here and now I'm late!\"","\n","^Oh gods, ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^he's doing a character.","\n","^Through the chair's curtain, you notice a discernible tightening of the guards standing either side of the doorway, whether it's in respect or in suspicion, you can't yet be sure.","\n","^You step out of the chair to see the gleaming chestplates of a Prateorian division. They stand to attention either side of an archway leading to the vestibule of the Golden House. Their eyes are barely visible behind their helmets; their swords are sheathed yet you can all but feel one of their points pricking into the back of your neck.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.19"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^You gesture to Fabricius: after you. His eyes flash back at you in alarm. For a moment he doesn't move. But as last he groans and with a great show of cursing and swearing under his breath, he stumbles out of the chair.","\n","^You step out after him to see the gleaming chestplates of a Prateorian division. They stand to attention either side of an archway leading to the vestibule of the Golden House. Their eyes are barely visible behind their helmets but you can feel their attention being drawn to Fabricius...","\n","^\"What?\" he barks, \"Didn't your mother tell you not to stare? Show some respect, I'm twice your age! Probably.\" He starts peering suspiciously at the bemused doormen.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.29"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^In your most dignified manner, you approach the archway.","\n","ev","str","^(Pretend to fumble for your invitation)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-4","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Make to walk straight past the guards)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-5","flg":20},{"c-4":["\n","ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^You make a show of pulling a piece of paper out of the folds of your toga then give your practised look of horror as you pretend to discover that it's missing.","\n","^As if anticipating your next move, the barrel-chested guard to your left sneers at you: \"No invite. No entry.\"","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.FelixOnPoint"},{"->":".^.^.^.18"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.FirstHurdle"},{"->":".^.^.^.18"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"#f":5}],"c-5":["\n","^You walk forward at pace, then start in surprise as two spearheads clash against each other, one from each side of the arch, their metal points forming a barrier about two fingers' breadth away from your face.","\n","^\"Name?\" The guard to your left grunts.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.FirstHurdle"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"FirstHurdle":[[["ev","str","^(Act incensed)","/str",{"CNT?":".^"},1,"==","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":21},"ev","str","^(Act bemused)","/str",{"CNT?":".^"},1,"==","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":21},["ev",{"^->":"Fast_Talking_The_Guards.FirstHurdle.0.hurdlecount.18.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","!=","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":19},{"s":["^\"","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^, tell them who I am.\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["^ ","\n","^You thrust your chin forward. \"Do you know who I am?\"","\n","^The beleagured guard shakes his head.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.^.FelixJumpsIn"},{"->":".^.^.^.14"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^"},{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ ","\n","^\"Don't you recognise me?\" You reply.","\n","^The guard blinks for a moment. \"No?\"","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Felix jumps in: ",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.^.FelixJumpsIn"},{"->":".^.^.^.14"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^"},{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"Fast_Talking_The_Guards.FirstHurdle.0.hurdlecount.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.18.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev","str","^medium","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ hesitates for about four seconds too long.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^\"...They're a Roman with a party to go to and I'm a Gaul who doesn't like being kept waiting. Now stop ","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^ing about and let us in.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.29"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ \"Hercules' second-cousin-once removed? How the hell am I meant to know!?\" he says, gesticulating wildly. \"When are these morons going to let us in?\"",{"->":".^.^.^.39"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"hurdlecount"}],{"g-0":[{"->":".^.^.^.^.OfferBribe"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"FelixOnPoint":[["^Felix intercedes on your behalf, preparing to unleash both barrels. \"Now look here! I'll have you know that my fwend just so happens-\"","\n","ev","str","^(Interrupt him)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Let him do this thing)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["\n","ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^\"-to be terribly sorry,\" you interject, \"But in the rush of getting here it seems we have mislaid our invitations.","\n","^\"Yes,\" agrees Felix, recovering himself. \"And we can't go back now, not with these slow-coaches carrying us, we'll miss the party!","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.OfferBribe"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ ","\n","^You shake your head in disgust at them, following Felix's lead.","\n","^\"My fwend here\" he continues. \"just so happens to have cwossed the Meditewenean Sea for the sole purpose of attending your empewor's biwthday party so he can pay his esteemed wespects! Do you know who he is?\"","\n","^The guard stares blankly.","\n","^\"Alexandros of Athens! ","<>","^ ",{"->":".^.^.^.^.AlexandrosofAthens"},"\n",{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"FelixJumpsIn":["^\"You don't wecgonise Alexandros of Athens!? ","<>","^ ",{"->":".^.^.AlexandrosofAthens"},"\n",{"#f":1}],"AlexandrosofAthens":[["^Alexandros the Great-with-his-Tongue they call him. And that's not a weird sex thing, that's a legitimate legal metaphor. His speeches in the courts have sent greater men than you to their death, I assure you, and what's more, I pwomise you this: If you don't escort us directly to the emperor himself - immediately - then you'll be wueing the day you ever crossed, the great Alexandros himself.\"","\n","^You can feel your heart in your throat but you concentrate all your energy on scowling with haughty disdain. At last, catching eyes with each other, the guards bedgrudgingly soften their stance.","\n","^\"My apologies.\" says the guard on your right through gritted teeth. \"No offence intended, Alexandros sir.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"Fast_Talking_The_Guards.AlexandrosofAthens.0.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"None taken,\" you growl.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"Fast_Talking_The_Guards.AlexandrosofAthens.0.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^You raise a single eyebrow, saying nothing. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"Fast_Talking_The_Guards.AlexandrosofAthens.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"Fast_Talking_The_Guards.AlexandrosofAthens.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[{"->":".^.^.^.^.ImIn"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"OfferBribe":[["ev","str","^(Offer a large bribe)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Offer a modest bribe)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["\n","ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"lucre"},2,"-",{"VAR=":"lucre","re":true},"/ev",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["\n","ev","str","^medium","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^\"Listen,\" you say hastily, lowering your voice and speaking with your most silver of tongues. \"Maybe this can smooth over any misunderstanding.\"","\n","^You toss a coinpurse heavy with gold into the guard's hands.","\n","^The guards stares at the gold, then back at you suspiciously. You know how men like this think: they'll be looking at you as two unarmed social climbers. Pathetic, but harmless. And this is more gold than they'll get from three month's wages...","\n",["ev",{"^->":"Fast_Talking_The_Guards.OfferBribe.0.g-0.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":22},{"s":["^Then",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"Fast_Talking_The_Guards.OfferBribe.0.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, at a cue from one of his comrades, the guard straightens. \"Alright,\" he relents. \"But no funny business. We'll be keeping an eye on you!\" He bangs his spear against the ground just to make his threat clear. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^Collecting yourself, you swallow with relief.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.ImIn"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"ImIn":[["^Then, dismissing your slaves and chair with a careless flick of your hand, you march past the security and through the archway with ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ beside you.","\n","^Against the odds, you've done it.","\n","ev","str","^You're in","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ ",{"#":"CLEAR"},"\n",{"->":"TheParty"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":3}],"CrossingTheGrounds":[[{"#":"AUDIOLOOP: Adventure.mp3"},"^The grounds of the Golden House are every bit as decadent as the name suggests. Wild grasses of pastureland, verdant copses of laurels and cypresses, even running water. If only moments ago you hadn't been skulking around the backstreets of Rome, you might genuinely believe you'd been transported to the Italian countryside.","\n",["^You and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ are pressed up against some shrubbery, having scrambled your way up a rocky outcrop on the far edge of the estate. From your vantage point, you scour the landscape. As expected, the terrain affords plenty of cover, and despite the best efforts of the guards, the grounds are simply too vast to patrol effectively.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.0.g-0.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^But you can't be complacent",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.0.g-0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^: there are still enough open spaces and long sightlines to deter all but the most foolhardy from attempting trespass.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"g-0"}],{"g-1":[["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.0.g-1.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","!=","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":23},{"s":["^Not to mention the menagerie",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.0.g-1.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":19},{"s":["^Vira looks hopefully at you.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.0.g-1.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ of wild and exotic animals that Nero is said to have filled his estate with. A bizarre collection of beasts from across the empire allowed to roam free in Rome's finest palace. You've even heard stories of Nero and his guests going hunting post dinner after one too many jugs of wine... ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.0.g-1.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ \"Think we'll see a crocodile?\" she asks. ","\n","^You shoot her a look.","\n","^She shrugs. \"Used to know this guy who handled the exotic animals for the arena. Apparently Nero's got a whole ","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^ menagerie in here.\"","\n",[[["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.0.g-1.c-2.17.ViraTalksCrocs.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"How many?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.0.g-1.c-2.17.ViraTalksCrocs.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Are they dangerous?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.0.g-1.c-2.17.ViraTalksCrocs.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"...ever killed a crocodile?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.0.g-1.c-2.17.ViraTalksCrocs.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^She shrugs again. \"He wasn't so good at counting. It's hard, you know? When you're missing that many fingers.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^"},{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.0.g-1.c-2.17.ViraTalksCrocs.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Crocodiles? Yeah, I'd say so. They'll clamp down on your arm, hold you under till you drown, then eat you on their own time.\" She sniffs. \"","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^ing magnificent creatures.","\n","^\"Still, it's the hippos you've really got to watch out for.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^"},{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.0.g-1.c-2.17.ViraTalksCrocs.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^She looks appalled. \"What do you ","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^ take me for? Big Gaulish brute in the arena so she must be some kind of barbarian, is that it?\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.0.g-1.c-2.17.ViraTalksCrocs.c-2.14.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Of course not!",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.0.g-1.c-2.17.ViraTalksCrocs.c-2.14.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"It's just an animal",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.0.g-1.c-2.17.ViraTalksCrocs.c-2.14.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ It's just... if we get into trouble with any of these menagerie beasts, we may need to call upon your skills.\"","\n","^\"We'll see,\" she grunts. \"I'm no animal murderer!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.0.g-1.c-2.17.ViraTalksCrocs.c-2.14.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^. If it came down to life or death between us or a dumb beast, I'm hoping you'd pick us?\"","\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^\"Just an animal?!\" She shakes her head. \"Animals only attack humans if they feel threatened. Often you can save lives if you focus on de-escalating the situation.\"","\n","^You get the impression that Vira's complicated ethical arguments over crocodiles might not extend to your own wellbeing. You decide to concentrate instead on picking a path that avoids all forms of life altogether.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"ViraTalksCrocs"}],null],{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":[{"->":".^.^.^.ArrivingAtTheGrounds"},{"#f":5}]}],{"ArrivingAtTheGrounds":[[["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.ArrivingAtTheGrounds.0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^You can't stay here forever",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.ArrivingAtTheGrounds.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^. It's time to get moving. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^The evening light is rich and golden. Dappled sunlight flecks ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^'s back as you move swiftly and silently through the foliage. Suddenly you hear the cockish laughter of guards on patrol. Their jostling gives you just enough warning for you and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ to dive into the undergrowth.","\n","ev","str","^(Turn to Vira)","/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":21},"ev","str","^(Turn to Felix)","/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":21},"ev","str","^Turn to Fabricius","/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"*":".^.c-3","flg":21},{"c-1":["^ Vira is quiet next to you...","\n","^She's scanning the grounds, looking for something.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.ArrivingAtTheGrounds.0.g-0.c-1.4.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"What do you think?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^(Don't intrude)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.ArrivingAtTheGrounds.0.g-0.c-1.4.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you ask. \"Safe to go?\" ","\n","^She grunts. \"Mm? Oh, probably.\" She's busy inspecting some animal dung that you appear to be crouching in. You daren't ask what her conclusions are...","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ You don't intrude, instead trying to adapt your approach.","\n","^Vira picks up a fresh piece of animal dung and sniffs it. \"They're close.\" She says authoritatively, proffering you the dung in case you too want to check.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^\"At a dead run, I can get to the buildings in about two minutes. Might be quick enough to slip through a gap in the patrols.\" She looks you up and down. \"You, not so much.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-2":["^ Felix clears his throat. ","<>","\n","^\"Are you sure this was the best approach? I'm not really suited to–\" he waves his hand \"–crawling through mud or whatever it is this it going to entail. In fact—\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.ArrivingAtTheGrounds.0.g-0.c-2.5.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^You cut him off",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.ArrivingAtTheGrounds.0.g-0.c-2.5.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^You let him talk",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.ArrivingAtTheGrounds.0.g-0.c-2.5.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^.","\n","^\"Quiet down. Stay focused.\"","\n","ev",-1,1,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.ArrivingAtTheGrounds.0.g-0.c-2.5.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, tuning him out while you check that the coast is clear. There's no turning back now. ","\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-3":["^ Turning to Fabricius, you see that he's trodden in some suspiciously large dung. He glares at you with a face like thunder. ","\n",["ev","str","^\"Do you think it's safe to go?\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.ArrivingAtTheGrounds.0.g-0.c-3.2.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"What's that smell?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["^ \"What do you think?\" you ask. \"Safe to go?\"","\n","^He lets out a short laugh. \"Safe? I wouldn't have thought so. But if you're asking whether I can see anyone then no. I think we should keep going.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"CrossingTheGrounds.ArrivingAtTheGrounds.0.g-0.c-3.2.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you ask, trying to hold your breath. ","\n","^\"I don't know and I don't want to find out,\" he replies darkly. \"Look, those guards have gone. Let's go!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":[{"->":"TheWater"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":3}],"TheWater":[["ev","str","^(Get moving)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["^Then you're on the move once more, darting quickly between the trees and rocks, you head for the porticoes and colonnades that form the threshold between house and garden. Wild woodland becomes cultivated garden. The sprawling estate begins to funnel towards the central feature of the grounds. A piece your father described as his architectural masterpiece: ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.0.g-0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^The artificial lake",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^It's large enough to stage a mock naval battle on, but at present, only a ceremonial barge adorned with gold and purple floats in the centre of the geometric pool. The water laps against the mosaic tiles of the edge; water that aqueducts have collected from the Italian mountains, carried over the heads of Rome's populace and at last, deposited here, for the delectation of the god-king.","\n","^But this isn't the time for sight seeing, however spectacular this particular sight is. Remarkably, no one has spotted you. And if you can just cross this last obstacle, then you're in.","\n",["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^Vira is craning her neck, peering into the surprisingly deep water.","\n","^She lets out a sound of almost childlike wonder. \"Look!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ looks into the surprisingly deep water and groans.","\n","^\"Wh— What's that?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],"nop","\n","^You don't look. Your attention has already been caught by...","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.0.g-1.10.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^!","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":22},{"s":["^A pair of guards",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.0.g-1.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.10.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":["^that have chosen this very moment to emerge from the back door of the nearest section of the villa! They lean their spears against a wall and ease their helmets off their heads. One laughs and tousles the other's helmet-mussed hair.","\n","^They haven't seen you yet, but there's nowhere to hide. All it will take is a glance in your direction.","\n",["ev",{"CNT?":".^"},2,"==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ One of the guards looks out over the water. He yells when he spots you, pointing you out to his companion. The pair hastily re-equip themselves, as they start sprinting towards you.",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^"},3,"==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ The guards are almost on you. ","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.c-4"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ \"Hey! What are you doing down there?\"",{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],"nop",{"->":".^.^.^.14"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^"},3,"==",{"CNT?":".^.c-7"},"&&","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ",{"->":"TheWater.CaughtOutByTheLake"},{"->":".^.^.^.24"},null]}],"nop","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.0.g-2.ByTheWater.26.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^ ","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^"},1,">","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ \"Screw this! ",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^\"",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],"nop","^Into the water!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.0.g-2.ByTheWater.27.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^!\"","/str",{"CNT?":".^.^"},2,"<","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":23},{"s":["^\"Get down",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.0.g-2.ByTheWater.28.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"CNT?":".^.^.c-4"},"/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-5","flg":19},{"s":["^\"Stay put and hope they don't see us.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.0.g-2.ByTheWater.29.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str",{"CNT?":".^.^.c-4"},{"CNT?":".^.^"},3,"==","&&","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-6","flg":23},{"s":["^You hold your nerve",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.0.g-2.ByTheWater.30.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-7","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Keep walking",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.0.g-2.ByTheWater.31.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str",{"CNT?":".^.^.c-7"},"/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-8","flg":23},{"s":["^\"Easy does it",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.0.g-2.ByTheWater.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.26.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you hiss. ",{"->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater"},"\n",{"#f":5}],"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.0.g-2.ByTheWater.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.27.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you grunt. You and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ drop to your bellies.","\n","^A dark shape glides beneath the water nearby. When it passes you, it circles back around gracefully. You get the impression that it's pacing.","\n",{"->":".^.^"},{"#f":5}],"c-5":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.0.g-2.ByTheWater.c-5.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.28.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ Though it's becoming abundantly clear that that's woefully wishful thinking.","\n",{"->":".^.^"},{"#f":5}],"c-6":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.0.g-2.ByTheWater.c-6.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.29.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ and hope they pass you by.","\n","^They don't.","\n",{"->":"TheWater.CaughtOutByTheLake"},{"#f":5}],"c-7":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.0.g-2.ByTheWater.c-7.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.30.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, you say. \"We can make this work. Act like you belong.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^"},{"#f":5}],"c-8":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.0.g-2.ByTheWater.c-8.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.31.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say. ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ doesn't seem reassured. ","\n",{"->":".^.^"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"ByTheWater"}],{"#f":5}]}],{"IntoTheWater":[["^Gulping in a big breath, you drop into the water, trying not to splash too much.","\n","^You congratulate yourself. This isn't ideal, but it's certainly better than the guards sounding the alarm. You should be able to evade notice long enough for the guards to leave.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^..","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^And then you see it.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ ","\n","^The crocodile. Eyeing you from the water below.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Vira points at it and gives you two enormous thumbs up.",{"->":".^.^.^.18"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.g-0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^..","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^You swim frantically for the other side.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.g-0.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":22},{"s":["^You hold your nerve",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^. Any thoughts about guards, treasure, trespassing – all vanish from your mind. You can only focus on the thrashing in the water behind you and the need to get away from whatever that is! ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, trying to stay steady and not betray your ","ev",{"CNT?":"TheWater.0.g-2.ByTheWater"},1,"==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ presence",{"->":".^.^.^.14"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^location",{"->":".^.^.^.14"},null]}],"nop","^ to the guards. Or attract the attention of the scaly monstrosity circling below.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^There's a moment of giddying stillness in both water and air.","\n","^Then the crocodile bolts straight for you, like some reptilian nightmare creature right out of Pluto's boating lake, heralding death and destruction for you and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.g-1.swimLoop.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","!=",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.g-0.c-1"},"!","&&","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":19},{"s":["^You're out of options. Guards, croc, or swim",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.g-1.swimLoop.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","!=",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.g-0.c-1"},{"CNT?":".^.^.c-3"},"||","&&","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":19},{"s":["^ ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ is right behind you",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.g-1.swimLoop.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^..","/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-5","flg":23},{"s":["^Vira kicks her legs, hard, and glides forward.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.g-1.swimLoop.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^. That's no choice at all, really. ","\n",{"->":".^.^"},{"#f":5}],"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.g-1.swimLoop.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ as you swim, but you're painfully aware of how slowly you seem to be crawling through his water. ","\n","ev","str","^medium","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^Behind you, you feel like you can hear the jaws open improbably wide. Before they clamp shut you have an image of your lifeless corpse being fished out of the pool – a humiliating and gruesome end to this madcap adventure before it even began.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.g-1.swimLoop.c-4.18.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^Then",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.g-1.swimLoop.c-4.18.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ at the last second, a spear comes sailing through the surface of the water, missing you by inches. It arcs down and pierces the crocodile's back. ","\n","^It's a shallow wound, the spear robbed of momentum by the water, but it's enough.","\n","^You heave yourself out of the pool, gasping for air, aware of several shapes crowding in on you. One is ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^, breathless and close behind you. Two are the guards. But their attention doesn't even seem to be focused on you.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.g-1.swimLoop.c-4.18.c-0.17.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^The crocodile ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.g-1.swimLoop.c-4.18.c-0.17.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ springs out of the water! You jump up and run! You escape its clutches just as its jaws snap to where moments ago you were! The guards brandish their spears on the monster from the deep.","\n","^You don't wait to see what happens next. You turn and run, making for the promised land of Nero's birthday party. As you go, you hear a blood-curdling scream...","\n","^You and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ don't stop running until you reach the far colonnades.","\n","^Catching your breath back, you look at ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^, as drenched and panic-stricken as you are. \"Probably best not to think about what happened back there...\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ says reassuringly. \"Suffice to say, I don't think we're in any danger from either of them sounding the alarm...\"","\n","^You shudder. But, remarkably, the hi-jinx with Nero's savage pets has somehow provided the cover for you to enter unscathed.","\n","^You need to keep moving.","\n",{"->":"Onwards"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-5":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.g-1.swimLoop.c-5.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ The croc switches targets at the last moment, its jaws impossibly wide. Vira waits until the last possible moment; then she lands a punch square in the crocodile's eye! ","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.g-1.swimLoop.c-5.8.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^You stay put",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.g-1.swimLoop.c-5.8.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^. It's all you can do. ","\n","^Astoundingly, Vira's blow seems to hit the mark. She follows it up swiftly with another and the beast turns tail, not prepared to face this incomprehensibly challenging foe.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.g-1.swimLoop.c-5.8.c-0.10.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^After what seems like an age",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.g-1.swimLoop.c-5.8.c-0.10.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, you see the guards finally move on. ","\n","^You hastily pull yourself up onto the shore. Vira emerges from the water moments later, her tunic is torn and her arms a little bloodied, but she's smiling.","\n","^\"Magnificent ","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^ creatures,\" she mutters.","\n","^You don't waste any more time. Taking advantage of the gap in the patrols, you and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ sprint the rest of the way to the palace itself. Mercifully, no one else seems to spot you.","\n",{"->":"Onwards"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"swimLoop"}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"CaughtOutByTheLake":[[["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.CaughtOutByTheLake.0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":19},{"s":["^\"Quick! Kiss me.\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.CaughtOutByTheLake.0.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":19},{"s":["^\"Act like I just said something funny!\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.CaughtOutByTheLake.0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":19},{"s":["^\"Have you got anything we can distract them with?\" you ask, turning to Fabricius desperately. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.CaughtOutByTheLake.0.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"We can take them!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.CaughtOutByTheLake.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^you say, turning to Vira. ","\n","ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^Vira looks at you levelly. You dive in for the kiss; she headbutts you in the face.","\n","^The guards give a shout. Surprise? Warning? Appreciation?","\n",["ev","str","^(Drop to the floor)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Hit her back)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["^You drop to the floor, curling into a ball. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ You go to hit her back, rolling with the punch and chambering one of your own. ","\n","^As you swing, she kicks you in the shin, and your legs go out from under you.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["<>","^ You hear the rattle of spear-shafts bouncing against greaves as the guards rush forward.","\n","^\"Stop!\" one of them says. \"Don't-\"","\n",["^Two metallic 'thumps' interrupt his command.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.CaughtOutByTheLake.0.c-0.27.g-0.g-1.2.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^You open one eye",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.CaughtOutByTheLake.0.c-0.27.g-0.g-1.2.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^: the guards are lying on the floor next to you.","\n","^\"Come on,\" says Vira, dragging you to your feet by the scruff of your neck.","\n","^You help Vira drag the unconscious bodies of the guards into some undergrowth, praying to all the gods that they don't regain consciousness before you're long gone...","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.CaughtOutByTheLake.0.c-0.27.g-0.g-1.2.c-0.12.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^Then",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.CaughtOutByTheLake.0.c-0.27.g-0.g-1.2.c-0.12.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, taking advantage of the gap in the patrols, you and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ sprint the rest of the way to the palace itself. Mercifully, no one else seems to spot you. ","\n",{"->":"Onwards"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5,"#n":"g-1"}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.CaughtOutByTheLake.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you say, turning to Felix.","\n",{"->":"TheWater.FelixJokesByTheLake"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.CaughtOutByTheLake.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":"TheWater.FabriciusHasSomethingUpHisSleeve"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.CaughtOutByTheLake.0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev","str","^major","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^You charge. If the guards had more presence of mind, they could have run you through with their spears with barely an effort. But the sheer recklessness of your rush surprises them.","\n",{"->":"TheWater.AttackbytheLake"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"AttackbytheLake":["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ",{"->":"TheWater.ViraLakeAttack"},{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ",{"->":"TheWater.FelixLakeAttack"},{"->":".^.^.^.18"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ",{"->":"TheWater.FabriciusLakeAttack"},{"->":".^.^.^.28"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"#f":1}],"ViraLakeAttack":["^Vira shoulder-barges one of them to the ground, then hoists the other over her head and throws him into some nearby undergrowth. You wince at the flurry of arms and armour.","\n","^When you open your eyes, the guards are both lying on the ground next to you.","\n","^\"Thanks for nothing!\" Vira grumbles as she starts dragging their unconscious bodies into the undergrowth. You help her, praying to all the gods that they don't regain consciousness before you're long gone...","\n","^Then the two of you sprint the rest of the way to the palace. Mercifully, no one else seems to spot you.","\n",{"->":"Onwards"},{"#f":1}],"FelixLakeAttack":[["ev","str","^medium","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^You manage to knock one of them down and twist out of the reach of the other. Their armour works against them; making them clumsy and slow. Even ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ manages to kick the one you've knocked to the ground.","\n","^You give the other a hard push and he splashes into the lake! Moments later you see a flurry of activity and hear a blood-curdling scream. Nero's monstrous reptilian pets are eagerly feasting on the evening snack you've inadvertently provided...","\n","ev","str","^...","/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":21},{"c-0":["^ has the presence of the mind to drag the remaining unconscious guard into the undergrowth. You help him, praying to all the gods that he doesn't regain consciousness until you're long gone. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^Then the two of you sprint the rest of the way to the palace. Mercifully, the screams of the lake's victim draw the guards away from you.","\n","^Catching your breath back, you look at ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^, as panic-stricken as you are. \"Probably best not to think about what happened back there.\" he says reassuringly. \"Suffice to say, I think we're no longer in any danger from either of them sounding the alarm...\"","\n","^You shudder. But, remarkably, the hi-jinx with Nero's savage pets has somehow provided the cover for you to enter unscathed.","\n","^You need to keep moving.","\n",{"->":"Onwards"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"FabriciusLakeAttack":[["ev","str","^medium","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^Quick as a flash, Fabricius pulls something from his pocket and throws it on the ground. There's a loud bang followed by a cloud of smoke.","\n","^In the confusion, you manage to land a punch that connects with one guard's jaw, knocking him to the ground. You give the other a hard push and he splashes into the lake! Moments later you see a flurry of activity and hear a blood-curdling scream! Nero's monstruous reptilian pets are eagerly feasting on the evening snack you've inadvertently provided...","\n","ev","str","^...","/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":21},{"c-0":["^ has the presence of the mind to drag the remaining unconscious guard into the undergrowth. You help him, praying to all the gods that he doesn't regain consciousness until you're long gone. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^Then the two of you sprint the rest of the way to the palace. Mercifully, the screams of the lake's victim draw the guards away from you.","\n","^Catching your breath back, you look at ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^, who is evidently not as panic-stricken as you are. \"Well, that's what you get when you're in the employ of a monster,\" he says philosophically. \"Anyway, I think we're no longer in any danger from either of those two sounding the alarm...\"","\n","^You shudder. But, remarkably, the hi-jinx with Nero's savage pets has somehow provided the cover for you to enter unscathed.","\n","^You need to keep moving.","\n",{"->":"Onwards"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"FelixJokesByTheLake":[["ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^Felix punches you in the arm and roars with laughter.","\n","^The guards slow to a walk as they reach you, thrown by your brazen disregard for them.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.FelixJokesByTheLake.0.12.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^..","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^Felix pretends to notice the soldiers for the first time.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.FelixJokesByTheLake.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.12.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ \"At ease, centurion. Just showing my guest here the fabled gardens. Tell me, is it really true this lakes contains crocodiles?\"","\n","^The guards shuffle uncomfortably, taking you in your attire and apparent assurance...","\n","^\"...Guests are being served in the front colonnade, sir.\" One of them says at last. \"Please, allow us to escort you back to the reception.\"","\n","^\"Oh, very well.\" Felix sighs. \"I suppose these sights will have to wait for our return later in the season.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.FelixJokesByTheLake.0.g-0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^You hold your breath",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.FelixJokesByTheLake.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ as the guards escort you the remaining distance to the back of the Palace and into the front colonnade. You're terrified that they'll change their minds but after a few agonising moments, they're leaving you and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ alone and returning to their post. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^\"Don't look so relieved!\" says Felix, noticing your expression. \"You don't want to give the game away after all that. Although, I have to say, I can't believe we got away with that.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.FelixJokesByTheLake.0.g-1.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"They'll remember our faces...\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"TheWater.FelixJokesByTheLake.0.g-1.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ You say grimly. \"If something goes wrong later, they'll know who to look for.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":["^Felix nods. \"Best foot forward then!\"","\n","^It's early evening, and the gentle buzz of the party carries from the centre of the estate. On the Sacred Way - the main path to the palace - Rome's togarati will still be arriving for the evening's festivities. Now you're inside, you plan to continue passing off as one of them.","\n","^Against all the odds...","\n","ev","str","^You're in","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-3","flg":20},{"c-3":["^ ",{"#":"CLEAR"},"\n",{"->":"TheParty"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"FabriciusHasSomethingUpHisSleeve":["^\"Oh, of course!\" He growls. \"I'll just produce this magical distraction I brought along for just such an eventuality! Wait. Actually...\"","\n","^The guards are nearly upon you.","\n",{"->":".^.^.AttackbytheLake"},{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"Onwards":[["^It's early evening, and the gentle buzz of the party carries from the centre of the estate. On the Sacred Way – the main path to the palace – Rome's togarati will still be arriving for the evening's festivities. Now you're inside, you plan to pass off as one of them.","\n","^Against all the odds...","\n","ev","str","^You're in","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ ",{"#":"CLEAR"},"\n",{"->":"TheParty"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"droppingIn":[[{"#":"AUDIOLOOP: Adventure.mp3"},"^\"Keep still!\" Fabricius barks as he secures you in place with mismatched leather straps and cords.","\n","^An expanse of city stretches out before you. There's a reason the king of the gods has his temple up here. Nowhere else in Rome has as commanding a view as here on the Capitoline Hill.","\n","^Below you, you can see your mark ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^– the Golden House. Your eyes track the Sacred Way, ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^winding up from the Forum, ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^up the Esquiline Hill ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^flanked by gleaming arcades of brick and marble, ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^until it arrives at the towering vestibule of Nero's palace. You can just make out the top of the colossus, the guilded head of emperor-cum-sun-god glinting in the last rays of the evening light.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.32.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Gods, it's grotesque",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.33.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"If only my dad had been a god, eh?",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.32.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, isn't it?\" you say. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.33.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ The world would have looked a lot different.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^Fabricius grunts, evidently less taken by the view and more concerned with final adjustments.","\n","^Fabricius' genius was one of your father's favoured topics of conversation. But here on the sharp edge of the Capitoline Hill surrounded by a flurry of repurposed sails, rickety wood, and fraying cord, ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^you realise that Fabricius' brain is shortly about to be the only thing between you and a whole lot of empty air.","\n","^A crowd is starting to gather at a respectful distance. Although, you suspect the 'respect' in question is for the unpredictability of anyone who might want to do... ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^Well, this.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-0.16.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"We're starting to attract attention...\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.16.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^Fabricius glowers at you, gesturing wildly with a hammer as he talks.","\n","^\"I'm sorry. I'll just build this never-before-attempted engineering miracle a little less conspicuously, shall I? I hadn't realised subtlety was such a concern as we prepare to fly into the emperor's palace.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-1.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Fine",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-1.5.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Famously, thieves tend to wear masks",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-1.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you concede. You wouldn't be doing things this way if you were afraid of a little spectacle.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-1.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.5.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you counter. \"If we get out of this in one piece, you can show off your flying machine to your heart's content.\"","\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^Fabricius grimaces. \"You're the boss.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":["^He tinkers with pulleys and gears for a few more moments before standing back and admiring his craftmanship. \"Ok!\" He says with a wild glint in his eye. \"Ready?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-2.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-5","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Born ready.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-2.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-6","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Are you sure this is going to work?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-5":["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-2.c-5.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.runLikeHell"},{"#f":5}],"c-6":["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-2.c-6.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^He rolls his eyes. \"We've been through this! If I were sure it would work, there'd be no point doing it.\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-2.c-6.9.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"That's not—\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-2.c-6.9.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Lighten up! We'll be just Daedalus and that other fellow. Ichabod? Ichario? Icha-something.","\n",{"->":".^.^.icaWho"},{"#f":5}],"icaWho":[[["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-2.c-6.9.icaWho.0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Icarus.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-2.c-6.9.icaWho.0.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"That's not an encouraging reference point!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-2.c-6.9.icaWho.0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"CNT?":".^.^.c-0"},"/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":19},{"s":["^\"We are NOT calling it Icarus!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-2.c-6.9.icaWho.0.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Let's do it!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-2.c-6.9.icaWho.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Icarus! That's the guy. Hmm, and this bird does need a name...\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-2.c-6.9.icaWho.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"","<>",{"->":"droppingIn.icarusIsBadActually"},"\n",{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-2.c-6.9.icaWho.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Why not?\"","\n","^\"Because ","<>",{"->":"droppingIn.icarusIsBadActually"},"\n",{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.0.g-2.c-6.9.icaWho.0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":"droppingIn.runLikeHell"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"icarusIsBadActually":[["^Icarus is famous for his – and I can't emphasise this enough – specifically flight-based hubris,\" you say. \"After which he hit the ocean like a sack of concrete.\"","\n","^Fabricius rolls his eyes. \"Yes, and if a woman mates with a bull, she gives birth to a Minotaur. Myths are stories, not science! Besides, wax is an infinitely inferior adhesive – if Daedalus was all he was cracked up to be, he would never have trusted his son's life to substandard materials. A poor inventor and a terrible father to boot!\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.icarusIsBadActually.0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^l he had on hand!\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"That's al",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.icarusIsBadActually.0.5.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Can we just go already?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.icarusIsBadActually.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—\"","\n","^\"GO GO GO!\" Fabricius yells, ignoring you and heaving the glider forward.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.icarusIsBadActually.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.5.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^Fabricius nods. Then starts to heave the glider forward. \"GO GO GO!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[{"->":".^.^.^.^.runLikeHell"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"runLikeHell":[["^Gritting your teeth, you too begin to run.","\n","^\"Faster!\" Fabricius shouts. \"Come on!\"","\n","^Your feet struggle for purchase on the loose dirt, your knuckles turn white as you grip the flimsy frame, then before you know it, the ground ahead of you vanishes to nothing ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^and you catch your breath as your feet piston the empty air.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.runLikeHell.0.11.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^You fall",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.runLikeHell.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.11.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^plummeting towards the city. ","\n","^At least you'll die with a good view.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.runLikeHell.0.g-0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^Then",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.runLikeHell.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ Fabricius pulls a lever","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^ and sails unfurl from the sides of the glider. ","\n","^Air rushes past you, making your ears roar with noise. Your stomach drops like a stone. You think you're screaming.","\n","^Then wind fills the sails.","\n","^And the plummet ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^becomes a glide.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":[["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.runLikeHell.0.g-1.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^He's done it!",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.runLikeHell.0.g-1.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ You're flying! You're actually flying! ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":["^You wonder if this is what the heroes feel like in the stories, when they throw off their mortal limitations and pass into legend. You feel like you could do anything, that you and Fabricius could—","\n","^Actually, no labour springs to mind that would be more ludicrous than the one you are already engaged in. Flying across Rome to rob the emperor.","\n","^The glider's trajectory makes straight for the Palace.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.runLikeHell.0.g-2.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":22},{"s":["^Beneath you",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"droppingIn.runLikeHell.0.g-2.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, you can start to see the scores of extravagantly dressed guests mingling in the square that surrounds Nero's golden colossus. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-3"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-3":["^Fabricius turns back to you, gnarled hands entwined with the two ropes controlling the wings. \"Hang on! I'm taking us down.\"","\n",{"->":"brazenEntry"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":3}],"brazenEntry":[["^The glider casts a looming shadow as you come in over the palace walls. Screams of horror mix with squeals of delight as Rome's togarati spot your flight. From below, you must seem like some harbinger of the gods. Or perhaps just Nero's latest party trick.","\n","^\"Hold on! I just need to—\"","\n","^A wooden lever snaps off in Fabricius' hand.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.0.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Is that a problem!?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^Shut your eyes","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"It's fine. It was just the lever for slowing us down.\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.0.c-0.9.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^ sound fine!\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"That doesn't",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.0.c-0.9.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—\"","\n","^\"It's fine! I'll just to have to slow us down using the ground!\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.0.c-0.9.c-0.10.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Oh, ","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.0.c-0.9.c-0.10.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"That's the spirit!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-1":["\n","^You squeeze your eyes shut. Without the ability to see, the rush of the wind past your face is almost reassuring.","\n","^Calming, even.","\n","^You feel weightless.","\n","^Free from all earthly burdens.","\n","^\"Incoming!\" yells Fabricius. \"Out of the way!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["ev","str","^You hit the ground...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":20},{"c-2":["\n","^The glider bottoms out and slides ","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.c-1"},"!","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^towards the gathered crowd",{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],"nop","^. ","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.c-1"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Any sense of calm evaporates amid the grinding and tearing sounds. ",{"->":".^.^.^.13"},null]}],"nop","^There are whoops and cheers and the occasional scream from ","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.c-1"},"!","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^the waiting crowd, who hastily shift out of the way",{"->":".^.^.^.21"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^around you",{"->":".^.^.^.21"},null]}],"nop","^.","\n",["ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.c-1"},"/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^You keep your eyes tightly shut. The glider jounces and shudders as it crashes through objects. You try humming a little, to see if that brings the calm feeling back.","\n","^It doesn't.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.26"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["\n","^The glider jounces and shudders as it upends canapé tables and shrieking senators alike.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.26"},null]}],"nop","\n","^And finally...","\n","^You stop.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":[["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.0.g-1.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^Thank the gods, you're alive!",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.0.g-1.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ A little bruised perhaps but very much alive! ","\n","^You climb out of the wreckage to find yourself in a luxurious colonnaded square filled with Rome's most esteemed and venerable citizens.","\n","^But there's no time to celebrate or take in the view. You've barely caught your breath before the glider is surrounded by guards, spears pointed down at you.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":[["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.0.g-2.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Well this is embarrassing...\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.0.g-2.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-5","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Sorry to drop in like this",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.0.g-2.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-6","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Ta-da!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.0.g-2.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.partyCrasher"},{"#f":5}],"c-5":["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.0.g-2.c-5.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you drawl. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.partyCrasher"},{"#f":5}],"c-6":["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.0.g-2.c-6.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ You step out of the glider with your arms outstretched, like a victorious gladiator doing a lap of the arena. You almost stack it on your first step as your shaking leg threatens to collapse underneath you. ","\n","ev","str","^reduce","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.playToTheCrowd"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"partyCrasher":[["ev","str","^medium","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^The guard captain steps forward looking entirely unimpressed.","\n","^\"Do you have any idea whose party you've just crashed?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.partyCrasher.0.12.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Well, yeah.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.partyCrasher.0.13.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Yours?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.partyCrasher.0.14.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Doesn't matter whose. These people are here for a show!\" You pitch your voice up for the gathering crowd to hear. ","<>","^ ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.partyCrasher.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.12.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^Fabricius nods in agreement. \"I mean, it's pretty obvious, right? Who else would be hosting a party in the emperor's—\"","\n","^\"It was a rhetorical question!\" the captain snaps. \"And ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.partyCrasher.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.13.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^The captain blinks. \"Mine? Why would— Never mind. ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.partyCrasher.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.14.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.playToTheCrowd"},{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^The emperor doesn't look kindly on... well, on a lot of things. But he hates gatecrashers. Says they cast aspersions on his divine judgement on who he did and didn't invite.","\n","^So, if you think you know better than our beloved princeps, why don't you go ahead and tell me why I shouldn't execute you both on the spot.\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.partyCrasher.0.g-0.4.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Er... Fabricius? Why don't you tell him?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.partyCrasher.0.g-0.4.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"It'd really spoil the mood.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.partyCrasher.0.g-0.4.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ You look to your partner-in-crime, his eyebrows looking even more wild and dishevelled than usual. 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The Captain peels off his helmet, exposing a broad, flat face covered in scars.","\n","^\"Gods,\" he says, wiping away tears, \"The brass balls on you two. Rob the emperor! After you've crashed in here like that... Alright, bugger off the pair of you. The rest of the entertainers are pitched up in the vestibule behind the kitchens.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"brazenEntry.partyCrasher.0.g-0.4.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^\"Not to mention piss off the birthday boy when he finds out the two entertainers who just pulled off his grand spectacle were gutted by some over-zealous buffoons.\"","\n","^The captain leers at you from underneath his helmet for a moment, before letting out a long sigh. \"Alright. Killing you would spoil the mood, I suppose. Well, hop to it. The rest of the performing monkeys are in the vestibule behind the kitchens.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^Barely believing your luck, you make yourself scarce. But you feel the captain's eyes following you as you go.","\n",{"->":"gliderEntrySuccess"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"playToTheCrowd":["^The assembled crowd pick up your signal and the courtyard of flabbergasted guests erupts into cheers and applause. This must be one of Nero's great spectacles ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^– and it's only proper to show the right level of appreciation. 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","\n","^\"Bless you,\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ says. ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^You can't tell if she's joking.",{"->":".^.^.^.22"},null]}],"nop","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^He's joking, but he isn't laughing.",{"->":".^.^.^.31"},null]}],"nop","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^You can't tell if he's joking.",{"->":".^.^.^.40"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^Tigellinus is the Prefect of Nero's bodyguard; a man who rose through the imperial ranks for his apparent cruelty and callousness. You'd recognise his short stature, needle eyes, and sheer jawline anywhere. After the fire, Tigellinus was instrumental in rounding up the strange sect of Jews that Nero had made his scapegoat. For months, the whole path of the Sacred Way into Rome was lined with burning crucifixes – Christians that Tigellinus had personally rounded up and tortured...","\n","^You shudder. \"We'd best not get caught then!\"","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"He"},"out","/ev","^ nods grimly. \"Let's find this plant.\"","\n",{"->":"TheWheelHub"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"TheWheelHub":[["ev",{"CNT?":".^.^"},2,"==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","ev",{"VAR?":"socialVignettes"},{"VAR?":"Recognised"},"+",{"VAR=":"socialVignettes","re":true},"/ev",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^"},2,">",{"VAR?":"plantInRotation"},0,"==","&&",{"VAR?":"socialVignettes"},{"VAR?":"Recognised"},"!?","&&","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","ev",{"VAR?":"socialVignettes"},{"VAR?":"thePlantVignette"},"+",{"VAR=":"socialVignettes","re":true},"/ev","ev",1,"/ev",{"VAR=":"plantInRotation","re":true},{"->":".^.^.^.22"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev","str","^You circulate ",["ev","visit",1,"MIN","/ev","ev","du",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s0","c":true},"ev","du",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s1","c":true},"nop",{"s0":["pop",{"->":".^.^.17"},null],"s1":["pop","^back",{"->":".^.^.17"},null],"#f":5}],"^ through the party. ","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":4},{"c-0":["\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[["ev","visit",5,"MIN","du",5,"==",{"->":".^.10","c":true},5,"seq","nop","/ev","ev","du",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s0","c":true},"ev","du",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s1","c":true},"ev","du",2,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s2","c":true},"ev","du",3,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s3","c":true},"ev","du",4,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s4","c":true},"ev","du",5,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s5","c":true},"nop",{"s0":["pop","\n","^Two senators walk past you, deep in conversation. One looks serious. \"But do you think he knows?\"","\n","^His companion laughs and pats him on the shoulder. \"My dear boy, you worry far too much. I'm quite sure that—\"","\n","^They're swallowed by the crowd, and their conversation is lost to you.","\n",{"->":".^.^.48"},null],"s1":["pop","\n","^Your eyes are drawn upwards, following the legs of the immense effigy situated in the middle of the courtyard.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"Do you think he had it built because he felt important, or because he didn't feel important enough?\" says Vira. She snorts, then answers her own question. \"Guess it doesn't really matter, does it? He built it because no one was important enough to tell him he couldn't.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.11"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"As impressive a piece of engineering as it is a gross waste of manpower and metal,\" says Fabricius. You glance over at him and get the sense he's sizing up whether he can melt it down and put it to better use.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.11"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"Amazing, isn't it?\" says Felix. \"Maybe one day I'll be rich enough to build myself something like this.\" He frowns. \"Then again, in my experience it's better to keep people blissfully ignorant of how much money you have.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.11"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.48"},null],"s2":["pop","\n","^Evening gives way to twilight, the striking red of the sky slowly draining away above the palace courtyard. The party is well-provisioned with torches and fires, but it still feels different now. Closer, more intimate and more dangerous.","\n","^So far, you haven't done anything that you can't talk your way out of. From here on out, it all gets more real. The job. The danger. And the prize.","\n",{"->":".^.^.48"},null],"s3":["pop","\n","^A musician takes up a position near the base of the statue and begins to pluck a rhythm on his kithara. His gentle singing causes half the crowd to fall silent. Everyone stands, rapt, listening to his beautiful song.","\n","^When it's over, there's applause, and people drift back to their conversations. The singer continues, but the novelty appears to have worn off for most of the guests.","\n",{"->":".^.^.48"},null],"s4":["pop","\n",["ev",{"VAR?":"suspicion"},{"VAR?":"susHighThreshold"},">=","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^You scan the room, painfully aware of just how many of Tigellinus' guards there are present at the party. It might just be your imagination, but you're sure that several of them are paying you special attention. Wherever you wander, there always seems to be a couple of soldiers lurking nearby.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],["ev",{"VAR?":"suspicion"},4,">","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^You scan the room, checking the disposition of Tigellinus' guards. There are a fair few, presumably to ensure the safety of the guests and to stop them wandering anywhere they shouldn't. None are paying you and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ any particular attention.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["\n","^You scan the room, checking out Tigellinus' guards. You catch the eye of one standing beside one of the entrances. He stares you down and narrows his eyes. You sweep your eyes onwards, pretending not to have noticed. When you risk a glance back, the guard is back to looking bored.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.48"},null],"s5":["pop",{"->":".^.^.48"},null],"#f":5}],"\n","ev","str","^(Mingle)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":4},{"c-1":["\n","ev",{"f()":"chooseNextVignette"},"out","/ev","\n",{"->":"nextVignetteDivert","var":true},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"#f":3}],"outOfTheWheel":[{"->":"missedThePlant"},{"#f":3}],"RecognisedCompanion":[["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":"RecognisedVira"},{"->":".^.^.^.3"},null]}],["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":"RecognisedFabricius"},{"->":".^.^.^.3"},null]}],["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":"RecognisedFelix"},{"->":".^.^.^.3"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"#f":3}],"AreYouThePlant":[{"temp=":"vignetteFromId"},["ev",{"VAR?":"vignetteFromId"},"/ev",["du","ev",{"VAR?":"MrRude"},"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^The rude man scowls at you.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],["du","ev",{"VAR?":"MssrsBet"},"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^Drusilla looks at you pleasantly.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],["du","ev",{"VAR?":"MrGoss"},"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^The gossip looks at you blearily.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],["du","ev",{"VAR?":"MrTrap"},"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^Saevius raises an eyebrow at you.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",["ev",{"^->":"AreYouThePlant.1.10.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":2},{"s":["^\"Have you heard the one about the haddock and the retiarius?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"AreYouThePlant.1.11.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Have you heard the one about the haddock and the hetaira?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"AreYouThePlant.1.12.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Have you heard the one about the reteraius who lost his pollock?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"AreYouThePlant.1.13.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":2},{"s":["^\"Never mind.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"AreYouThePlant.1.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.10.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",{"VAR?":"vignetteFromId"},{"VAR?":"thePlantVignette"},"==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ",{"->":"foundThePlant"},{"->":".^.^.^.13"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"AreYouThePlant.1.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.11.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"AreYouThePlant.1.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.12.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"AreYouThePlant.1.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.13.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev","void","/ev","->->",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"vignetteFromId"},{"VAR?":"MssrsBet"},"==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^She",{"->":".^.^.^.15"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^He",{"->":".^.^.^.15"},null]}],"nop","^ blinks. \"No?\"","\n","^\"Ah,\" you say. \"Well never mind then.\"","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==",{"VAR?":"vignetteFromId"},{"VAR?":"MssrsBet"},"==","&&","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Vira gives you a sheepish look.",{"->":".^.^.^.32"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==",{"VAR?":"vignetteFromId"},{"VAR?":"MrTrap"},"==","&&","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^\"Well, how was I supposed to know he was just a prick?\" Fabricius snarls.",{"->":".^.^.^.46"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"foundThePlant":[["ev",{"VAR?":"thePlantVignette"},{"VAR?":"MssrsBet"},"==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Her",{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^His",{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],"nop","^ demeanour abruptly changes and all pretence vanishes. \"Good, it's you. Let's move.\"","\n","^You and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ share a triumphant glance.","\n","ev","str","^You've found the plant!","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ ",{"#":"CLEAR"},"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[{"->":"ComeWithMe"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"missedThePlant":[[["ev",{"VAR?":"thePlantVignette"},{"VAR?":"MssrsBet"},"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^Drusilla, the woman from the bet,","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.4"},null]}],["ev",{"VAR?":"thePlantVignette"},{"VAR?":"MrGoss"},"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^The drunken gossip","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.4"},null]}],["ev",{"VAR?":"thePlantVignette"},{"VAR?":"MrTrap"},"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^Saevius, the portly man,","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.4"},null]}],["ev",{"VAR?":"thePlantVignette"},{"VAR?":"MrRude"},"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^The rude, overdressed man","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.4"},null]}],"nop","^ ","<>","^ stalks over and grabs you by the arm.","\n","^\"Enough faffing around. Gods! You wouldn't have known me if I'd tapdanced on your head, would you?\"","\n","^You and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ share a glance. You've identified your person on the inside! Or rather, you didn't, so instead they've had to come and identify themselves to you. Regardless...","\n","ev","str","^You've found the plant!","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ ",{"#":"CLEAR"},"\n",{"->":"ComeWithMe"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"DidYouTakeMyAdvice":["ev",{"VAR?":"SaidWouldTakeAdvice"},"/ev",["du","ev",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"TookAdvice"},"/ev",["du","ev",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ gives you a pleased look.","\n","ev",3,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],["du","ev",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ folds ","ev",{"VAR?":"his"},"out","/ev","^ arms.","\n","ev",-3,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],["du","ev",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"TookAdvice"},"/ev",["du","ev",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ cocks an eyebrow at you.","\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],["du","ev",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n","ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":1}],"TheRudeMan":[["^You drift back through the crowd, scanning the people, looking for a sign that your plant is out there. You slip past a gathered group and almost bump into a wiry man cradling a cup of wine.","\n","^He's finely dressed – everyone here is finely dressed – but there's something about him that makes you feel he's just put in too much effort. He's wearing slightly too much expensive jewellery – including a ","ev",{"VAR?":"nextMotif"},"out","/ev","^ necklace with ","ev",{"VAR?":"nextColour"},"out","/ev","^ for eyes – and he's definitely taken too much care over his clothing and hair.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"TheRudeMan.0.sneerLoop.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^It's hardly possible to be overdressed for one of Nero's parties",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheRudeMan.0.sneerLoop.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^His face is a sneer",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheRudeMan.0.sneerLoop.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, but this man manages to be both slightly too much and not quite enough. ","\n",{"->":".^.^"},{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheRudeMan.0.sneerLoop.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ as he takes you in.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"sneerLoop"}],{"g-0":["^\"Really,\" he drawls. \"I didn't know they were letting just anyone into these soirées.\" He gives you both a slow look up and down. \"The state of you, for Jove's sake. ","<>","\n",["ev",{"CNT?":"droppingIn"},"/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^Aren't you one of those that fell out of the sky? A common entertainer?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],["ev",{"CNT?":"CrossingTheGrounds"},"/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^You look like you've crawled through a bush to get in here.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],["ev",{"CNT?":"Fast_Talking_The_Guards"},"/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^I saw you bickering with the guards at the front. I was hoping to at least see a good beating to start off the evening, but you've wormed your way inside.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],"nop","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheRudeMan.0.g-0.8.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"We haven't been introduced.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheRudeMan.0.g-0.9.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Who the hell are you?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^(Just return the look)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-4","flg":20},{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"TheRudeMan.0.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.8.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ","ev",1,1,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev",{"->":".^.^.^.15"},null]}],"nop","\n","^\"No,\" he says. \"We haven't. If I wanted to gawk at animals, I'd go watch the games.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"TheRudeMan.0.g-0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.9.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ","ev",1,1,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev",{"->":".^.^.^.15"},null]}],"nop","\n","^He smirks. \"Don't you know? No, of course you don't. I'd tell you, but I doubt we'll meet again.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-4":["\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ","ev",1,1,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev",{"->":".^.^.^.9"},null]}],"nop","\n","^You ignore his jibe and look him up and down. As you'd previously noted, he's clearly trying too hard. He smirks back at you, but you get a whiff of discomfort from him at your scrutiny.","\n","^\"What?\" he says. \"Are your wits as addled as your fashion sense?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["ev","str","^(Insult him back)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-5","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Just raise your eyebrows)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-6","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Let ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ at him)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-7","flg":20},{"c-5":["\n","^\"You're at one of the most extravagant parties ever held,\" you retort, \"and yet all you want to do is come over here and insult us? What a sad little existence you must lead.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.justRudeResolution"},{"#f":5}],"c-6":["\n","^You stand there, your face as impassive as you can make it. Your eyebrows slowly ascend. The man falters a little. He glances at something over your shoulder as he fumbles to find his next barb.","\n","^\"You should... count yourself lucky anyone here is talking to you at all!\"","\n","^He looks past you again, clearly trying to gauge a reaction. You follow his gaze and see a small knot of patrician partygoers deep in conversation. They don't seem to have noticed the exchange.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"TheRudeMan.0.g-1.c-6.7.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^It suddenly clicks into place",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheRudeMan.0.g-1.c-6.7.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ – for all the insults he's flinging at you, if anyone doesn't belong here— Well, it's still you. But this man is a close second! ","\n",{"->":"TheRudeMan.justRudeResolution"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-7":["^ You turn to ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^.","\n",["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":"TheRudeMan.rudeToVira"},{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":"TheRudeMan.rudeToFelix"},{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":"TheRudeMan.rudeToFabricius"},{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"rudeToVira":[["^Her hands are balled into fists at her sides. The man notices at the same time as you do. His eyes track up to her face. He seems to shrink before your very eyes.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheRudeMan.rudeToVira.0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"You were saying?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^(See if he's secretly the plant)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheRudeMan.rudeToVira.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you ask, nonchalantly. ","\n","ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ He might still be your man on the inside. You lean closer. ","\n",{"->t->":".^.^.^.^.codephrase"},{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^\"Typical low-born thugs,\" he mutters, as he pushes away from you and vanishes into the crowd.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.endVignette"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"rudeToFelix":[[["ev","visit",1,"MIN","/ev","ev","du",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s0","c":true},"ev","du",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s1","c":true},"nop",{"s0":["pop","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev",{"->":".^.^.17"},null],"s1":["pop",{"->":".^.^.17"},null],"#f":5}],"\n",["ev","visit",1,"MIN","/ev","ev","du",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s0","c":true},"ev","du",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s1","c":true},"nop",{"s0":["pop","^You and he lock eyes, and he raises a single eyebrow. \"May I?\"",{"->":".^.^.17"},null],"s1":["pop","^Felix is still smiling.",{"->":".^.^.17"},null],"#f":5}],"\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheRudeMan.rudeToFelix.0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"",["ev","visit",1,"MIN","/ev","ev","du",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s0","c":true},"ev","du",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s1","c":true},"nop",{"s0":["pop","^He's a",{"->":".^.^.17"},null],"s1":["pop","^A",{"->":".^.^.17"},null],"#f":5}],"^ll yours.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^(See if he's secretly the plant)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheRudeMan.rudeToFelix.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^Felix straightens himself and theatrically clears his throat. He moves forward and walks a slow circle around the man, taking him in.","\n","^\"Tell me, who is your stylist?\" The man opens his mouth to reply, but Felix cuts him off. \"See, I'm looking for a new groomer for my horse, and from the look of you, he'd be perfect.\"","\n","^\"You hardly look like a man who could afford a horse.\"","\n","^\"Oh, I've a whole stable full. You might know some of them, actually.\"","\n","^The man sneers. \"I have no dealings with horses. I have far better things to do with my time.\"","\n","^\"Ah yes,\" says Felix, sounding sincere. \"Well, family is always difficult.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.counterInsultVictory"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ \"Let me try one thing first,\" you say.","\n",{"->t->":".^.^.^.^.codephrase"},{"->":".^.^.^"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"rudeToFabricius":[["ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^He rolls his eyes back to you. \"You're wasting our time with all your...\" he makes a jabbering mouth out of one of his hands, then spins around to address the disagreeable man. \"Let me dumb this down for you: You're a nobody here. You've got it into your skull that we are even lower down the food chain than you are, so you're trying to crush us with insults to make yourself seem like less of a loser.\" He waves a hand.","\n","^\"However, we're busy looking for somebody, so stop being an idiot and tell us you're our guy, or get out of our way.\" He slaps his brow. \"Oh!\" He points at you. \"Say the thing. The codephrase thing.\"","\n","ev","str","^(Say \"the thing\")","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},["ev",{"^->":"TheRudeMan.rudeToFabricius.0.18.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Ixn-ay eth-ay secodephr-ay talk-ay.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["\n",{"->t->":".^.^.^.^.codephrase"},"^\"Never mind, then!\" you blurt as you slip into the crowd.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.endVignette"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheRudeMan.rudeToFabricius.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.18.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^\"What?\" says Fabricius loudly. \"Are you alright? You appear to be experiencing some verbal incompetence. Do you feel any tightness in your skull?\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"TheRudeMan.rudeToFabricius.0.c-1.17.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Let's move on.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheRudeMan.rudeToFabricius.0.c-1.17.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^You flash a parting smile at the man and slip away into the crowd.","\n",{"->":"TheRudeMan.endVignette"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"justRudeResolution":[["^You spot, for the first time, something desperate in the man's eye. Reactions to his jibes are his bread and water. He's practically pleading with you to respond.","\n",["ev","str","^(If it's insults he wants...)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Stand there and say nothing)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},"ev","str","^(See if he's secretly the plant)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":20},{"c-0":["\n","^\"I think there's been some kind of mistake,\" you say to ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^. \"It looks like we've found an escapee from the emperor's famous menagerie.\"","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"He"},"out","/ev","^ smiles.","\n",{"->":"TheRudeMan.counterInsultVictory"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["\n","ev","str","^reduce","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^The man waits for you to respond. When you don't, he continues anyway. \"I simply can't imagine being in your shoes right now. How humiliating it must be to be seen here dressed like that. I'd say your family must be ashamed, but I suspect you might be the best such a family has to offer. Imagine! Being the best of them and still amounting to nothing.\"","\n","^The man's smile grows wider with each verbal blow. You hear a chuckle from over your shoulder. ","ev",{"CNT?":"TheRudeMan.0.g-1.c-6"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ The group behind you overheard",{"->":".^.^.^.17"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^A small knot of patrician-looking partygoers are watching",{"->":".^.^.^.17"},null]}],"nop","^ the exchange. One of them elbows another and says something quietly. They both chuckle with laughter before the group turns away to find new amusements.","\n","^Your antagonist huffs out a sigh, then gives you a sharp nod before heading to join the group.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","ev",-1,1,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev","^ \"Should have let me have a crack at him!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.30"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":"TheRudeMan.endVignette"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["\n",{"->t->":"TheRudeMan.codephrase"},{"->":".^.^"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"justRudeFinalChoices"}],null],{"#f":1}],"codephrase":["ev",{"VAR?":"MrRude"},"/ev",{"->t->":"AreYouThePlant"},"ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":1}],"counterInsultVictory":["^The man turns red. You hear a chuckle from over your shoulder. ","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.0.g-1.c-6"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ The group behind you overheard",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^A small knot of patrician partygoers are watching",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],"nop","^ the exchange. One of them elbows another and says something quietly. They both chuckle with laughter.","\n","^Your antagonist huffs out a choked breath, then storms away.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["ev",1,1,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev",{"->":".^.^.^.19"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.endVignette"},{"#f":1}],"endVignette":[{"->":"TheWheelHub"},{"#f":1}],"#f":3}],"SettleABet":[["^\"Ah, pardon me!\" A handsome, well-muscled man waves you over from a short distance away. At his side stands a whip-thin woman wearing a deep blue tunic and a knowing smile.","\n","^The man beams earnestly as you approach. \"Ah, perhaps you can help us.\"","\n","^You swap introductions:","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^ the man is Amaranthus, ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^his companion Drusilla.","\n","^\"Settle a bet for us,\" Drusilla purrs.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.18.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I'm all ears.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.19.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"What are the stakes?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.18.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.19.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^Amaranthus grins like a cheerful hound. \"The winner gets to—\" Drusilla cuts him off with a look.","\n","^\"It's just a friendly wager,\" she says. \"A sort of thought experiment, if you will.\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.c-1.11.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Go on.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.c-1.11.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"g-0":["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"Fun as it sounds, do we really have time for this?\" Felix says under his breath.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"This sounds like a colossal waste of time,\" Fabricius says loudly.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-0.8.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","!=","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":23},{"s":["^\"It's fine",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-0.9.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","!=","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":19},{"s":["^\"Can you give us the short version?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"*":".^.c-4","flg":25},{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.8.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^emphatically",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^quietly",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],"nop","^.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.9.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev","\n","^\"What's the rush?\" asks Drusilla. \"This is a party, after all. And the emperor's 'grand spectacle' isn't for a while yet.\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-0.c-3.16.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Of course. Please go on.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-0.c-3.16.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Ah, we had really better go.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-0.c-3.16.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-0.c-3.16.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":"SettleABet.earlyEnding"},{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-4":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^\"Let's imagine you were dead,\" says Drusilla. Amaranthus's face falls a little. She shoots him a warm smile. \"Don't imagine it too hard, Am.\" She turns back to you. \"So, you're dead, another denizen of Pluto's domain. One of the shades.\" She waves a hand, and you catch sight of her earrings. Each is in the shape of a ","ev",{"VAR?":"nextMotif"},"out","/ev","^, with ","ev",{"VAR?":"nextColour"},"out","/ev","^ clutched in their mouths.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-1.12.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-5","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Alright.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-5":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-1.c-5.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.12.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":["^\"Well, I'd guess you'd not find that a terribly desirable state of affairs. So let's imagine you took it upon yourself to remedy your fate. You look like the resourceful type. I'm sure you'd bend your mind to it ably.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-2.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-6","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I've been known to be inventive on occasion.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-2.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-7","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I've climbed my way out of quite a few places I shouldn't have been.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^(Nod)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-8","flg":20},{"c-6":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-2.c-6.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->t->":".^.^.^.^.companionReaction"},{"->":".^.^.^.g-3"},{"#f":5}],"c-7":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-2.c-7.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->t->":".^.^.^.^.companionReaction"},{"->":".^.^.^.g-3"},{"#f":5}],"c-8":["^ ","\n",{"->t->":".^.^.^.^.companionReaction"},{"->":".^.^.^.g-3"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-3":["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^\"The Underworld,\" says Drusilla with warm smile. \"To make your escape, ",{"->":".^.^.^.9"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^\"Well, to make it out of the Underworld, ",{"->":".^.^.^.9"},null]}],"nop","^you've got to get past its legendary guardian.\"","\n","^\"Cerberus!\" Amaranthus chimes in.","\n","^\"Right,\" says Drusilla. \"The hound of Pluto himself. Can't sneak out of the Underworld without getting past Cerberus.\"","\n","^Amaranthus nods boisterously. \"But that's the tricky part! How'd do you get past old three-heads? I have—\"","\n","^\"Amaranthus has a theory,\" Drusilla says, with forced patience.","\n","^\"I do!\"","\n","^He counts off on his fingers. \"The sybyl drugged some meat. Orpheus has his ly... his li— his music thingy.\" Drusilla looks at you with a mixture of amusement and apology.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-3.24.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-9","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Of course! And that means... ah, it means...\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-3.25.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-10","flg":18},{"s":["^\"What are you talking about?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-9":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-3.c-9.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.24.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Right!\" says Amaranthus, brightening up even more. \"That means","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-4"},{"#f":5}],"c-10":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-3.c-10.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.25.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^Amaranthus furrows his brow. \"Well, that means","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-4"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-4":["<>","^ he's just an ordinary dog, isn't he? If he can be distracted by meat or music. What regular pooch doesn't love music?\"","\n","^\"Here it comes,\" mutters Drusilla.","\n","^\"So all you gotta do is find the shade of a fine bitch – and they've got to be everywhere down there, right? How many dogs have died? Like, so many. Then you just send her running past old Cerbie so he catches her scent.\" He gestures emphatically. \"And BAM, you just stroll out of the Underworld.\"","\n","^Drusilla arches an eyebrow.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-4.9.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-11","flg":18},{"s":["^\"How exactly is this a BET?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-11":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-4.c-11.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.9.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Well, that's Am's theory,\" says Drusilla. \"But it's ridiculous.\"","\n","^Amaranthus mutters something and she runs a hand gently down his arm.","\n","^\"The meat, the music, they work because they fit the myths. Can you imagine a great hero of old sneaking out of the Underworld with the help of a bitch in heat?!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-5"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-5":[["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-5.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-12","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Yes.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-5.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-13","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Have you heard any of the stories about Hercules?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-12":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-5.c-12.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-6"},{"#f":5}],"c-13":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-5.c-13.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-6"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-6":["^She rolls her eyes. \"Fine, whatever. But I say all you'd need to get past the great three-headed beast is three shades – regular, human shades – who are stupider and slower than you are. Unless Cerberus grows a fourth head, he's not going to be able to eat you as well.","\n","^\"So, what do you say? If you had to pick one way out of the Underworld, to give yourself another shot at life, which are you picking?\"","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraGetsIt"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^Before you can answer, Vira blurts out \"Your way, of course!\"","\n","^Drusilla makes a pleased noise. \"Of course.\" She turns back to you. \"And you?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],"nop","\n",["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-6.10.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-14","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Amaranthus's doggy distraction.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-6.11.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-15","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I like your way.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-6.12.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-16","flg":18},{"s":["^\"May I offer an alternative?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-14":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-6.c-14.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.10.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.doggyDistraction"},{"->":".^.^.^.g-7"},{"#f":5}],"c-15":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-6.c-15.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.11.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.theCunningWay"},{"->":".^.^.^.g-7"},{"#f":5}],"c-16":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-6.c-16.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.12.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Those are the choices!\" says Amaranthus, at the same time as Drusilla says \"By all means.\"","\n","^They exchange a look. Amaranthus shrugs, and Drusilla softly strokes his cheek.","\n","^\"Go on, please.\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-6.c-16.13.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"You're both right.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-6.c-16.13.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^Drusilla looks intrigued, Amaranthus disappointed.","\n","^\"Myths reflect the people who they're about. The sybyl was known for her wisdom and intelligence; Orpheus was known for his music. Your suggestions seem appropriate for each of you, but you can't disentangle the action from the actor.\"","\n","^Drusilla composes her face into an expression you can't quite read. She's silent for a moment, looking you slowly up and down.","\n","^Amaranthus slips an arm round her waist, a little protectively. \"But which is better?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-7"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-7":[[["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-7.0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"The dog thing",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-7.0.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Using shades as bait",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-7.0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"You know what? They're both terrible.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-7.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you sigh.","\n",{"->":"SettleABet.doggyDistraction"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-7.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you sigh.","\n",{"->":"SettleABet.theCunningWay"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.0.g-7.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^Drusilla throws up her arms; Amaranthus pouts. They turn to go.","\n",{"->":"SettleABet.endVignette"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"doggyDistraction":["^Amaranthus pumps his fist and whoops loudly enough for half the room to glance your way. ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ","ev",1,1,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev",{"->":".^.^.^.9"},null]}],"nop","\n","^\"That's one more for me, Drusilla!\"","\n","^\"Oh fine,\" she says. \"It seems that subtlety is dead.\" She takes her companion by the arm as she prepares to lead him away. \"Let's see if there's anyone sensible here.\" She gives you a smile. \"Thank you for your indulgence.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.endVignette"},{"#f":1}],"theCunningWay":["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev","^Quite right,\" says Felix.",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],"nop","\n","^Drusilla smiles. There's something sharp about it that manages to be equal parts alluring and terrifying. \"If people still haven't learned survival instincts by the time they're dead, that's on them. Another point for me, Am.\"","\n","^\"My idea's still better,\" he grumbles. \"Let's go ask someone else.\"","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","!=","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^As they make to leave, Drusilla turns back to you and winks. \"Thanks. He's so pretty when he's grumpy.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.23"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^They turn to leave. Drusilla glances back at Vira once more.",{"->":".^.^.^.23"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.endVignette"},{"#f":1}],"companionReaction":[["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^Vira clears her throat pointedly. She clamps a hand on your arm and steers you back a few steps.","\n","^\"Excuse us a moment,\" you say.","\n",{"->t->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant"},"^You put on your best smile as you rejoin the conversation. \"Sorry about that. Where were we?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"Well, who hasn't?\" says Felix. \"But I'm betting there's a catch.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"We're on the clock!\" Fabricius butts in. \"This inane drivel is hardly getting us closer to our goal.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.companionReaction.0.9.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":19},{"s":["^\"Don't mind ","ev",{"VAR?":"him"},"out","/ev","^. I'm invested now.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.companionReaction.0.10.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":19},{"s":["^\"There's always a catch. Let's hear it.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.companionReaction.0.11.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","!=","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":19},{"s":["^\"Actually, we really should get going.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"*":".^.c-3","flg":25},{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.companionReaction.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.9.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev","\n","ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.companionReaction.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.10.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev","\n","ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"SettleABet.companionReaction.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.11.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.earlyEnding"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev","void","/ev","->->","\n",{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"earlyEnding":["ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],"nop","\n","^Amaranthus looks crestfallen. Drusilla nods. \"Perhaps another time.\"","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^\"Thank the gods for that,\" says Fabricius. \"I thought we were going to be standing there all night.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.28"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.endVignette"},{"#f":1}],"endVignette":[["ev","str","^(Try the codephrase)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Bid them farewell)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["^\"Wait,\" you say.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","ev",1,"/ev",{"VAR=":"TookAdvice","re":true},{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["<>","^ ",{"->t->":"DidYouTakeMyAdvice"},{"->":".^.^.^.20"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"MssrsBet"},"/ev",{"->t->":"AreYouThePlant"},{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^\"Goodbye,\" you say. ","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["<>","^ ",{"->t->":"DidYouTakeMyAdvice"},{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[{"->":"TheWheelHub"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":3}],"TheEntrapper":[[["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^Fabricius catches your arm. \"Look!\"","\n","^He indicates a portly man. Everything about him is shiny and sleek. He appears to be scanning the crowd, his face pinched up in concentration.","\n","^\"That's our man\", says Fabricius.","\n",{"->t->":"FabriciusThinksTheTrapIsThePlant"},"^The man catches your eye and waddles over.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.2"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["\n","^A portly man waddles over and hails you.","\n","^Everything about him is shiny and sleek. Yet beneath his well-oiled visage you can smell the malodorous funk of his sweat.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.2"},null]}],"nop","\n","^\"I don't believe we've met.\" He slides a pudgy finger bearing a signet ring towards you. The design features a ","ev",{"VAR?":"nextMotif"},"out","/ev","^, with ","ev",{"VAR?":"nextColour"},"out","/ev","^ studded round the band. You can't help but notice his alarmingly long fingernails. \"Saevius Stellius Caecus.\"","\n","ev","str","^(Kiss his ring and give him your name)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Nod politely but say nothing)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ You kiss his ring and give him your name. ","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ","ev",1,1,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev",{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],"nop","\n","^He receives your gesture of respect approvingly.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ You nod politely and wait for him to continue.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ","ev",1,1,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev",{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],"nop","\n","^He notes your coolness with an imperceptibly quick narrowing of his eyes.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^\"So,\" he drawls, \"the Princeps makes it to another year. And we, his loyal subjects, make it to yet another party...\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheEntrapper.0.g-0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"The Emperor's pleasure is the empire's gain.\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheEntrapper.0.g-0.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"If only the Emperor gave the empire as much attention as his parties...\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"TheEntrapper.0.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^You choose your words carefully. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"TheEntrapper.0.g-0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ You quip. ","\n","ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^\"Indeed...\" Saevius' reaction gives nothing away but you can tell: he's fishing.","\n","^\"Well I expect there'll be no short supply of entertainment. After all, our host has won the laurel wreath for his lyre-playing in Greece, has he not?\"","\n","^He continues before you can reply, sounding thoroughly bored. \"Tell me, who do you think is Rome's greatest poet?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.TheTrap"},{"#f":5}]}],{"TheTrap":[[["ev",{"CNT?":".^"},"/ev",["du","ev",2,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^He taps his foot impatiently.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],["du","ev",3,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"Now, come on. Choose!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheEntrapper.TheTrap.0.TheTrapLoop.8.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Nero.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheEntrapper.TheTrap.0.TheTrapLoop.9.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Virgil.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheEntrapper.TheTrap.0.TheTrapLoop.10.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Living or Dead?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheEntrapper.TheTrap.0.TheTrapLoop.11.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Me.\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheEntrapper.TheTrap.0.TheTrapLoop.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.8.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","!=","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ catches your eye for a moment, then looks away again. Everyone knows how dangerous it can be to even insinuate that the emperor might have a failing.",{"->":".^.^.^.15"},null]}],"nop","\n","^Saevius' mouth curls at the corner. \"How dutiful. I'm more of a Virgil man myself. Still, the greatest Latin epic of the century can't appeal to everyone I suppose.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.BeforeTheCrunch"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheEntrapper.TheTrap.0.TheTrapLoop.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.9.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^Saevius' eyes light up. \"Oh really? An obvious choice, but a bold one nonetheless. I prefer the dulcet tones and plodding rhythms of our dear Princeps myself. Still, each to their own...\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.BeforeTheCrunch"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"TheEntrapper.TheTrap.0.TheTrapLoop.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.10.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^He smiles. \"Either.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"TheEntrapper.TheTrap.0.TheTrapLoop.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.11.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^He stares at you for a moment, before raising a single eyebrow. \"How very droll,\" he says, relishing every syllable. \"But no, play properly.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"TheTrapLoop"}],null],{"#f":1}],"BeforeTheCrunch":[["^He turns on his heel. \"Well,\" he says under his breath. \"It's been a pleasure talking to you. I do hope we get the opportunity to do so again...\"","\n","ev","str","^(Try the codephrase)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},["ev",{"^->":"TheEntrapper.BeforeTheCrunch.0.8.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"The pleasure's been all mine,\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheEntrapper.BeforeTheCrunch.0.9.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Hopefully not this side of the afterlife",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["^\"Wait!\"","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","ev",1,"/ev",{"VAR=":"TookAdvice","re":true},{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["<>","^ ",{"->t->":"DidYouTakeMyAdvice"},{"->":".^.^.^.20"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.codephrase"},{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheEntrapper.BeforeTheCrunch.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.8.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you drawl. And with that, he's gone.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["<>","^ ",{"->t->":"DidYouTakeMyAdvice"},{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"TheEntrapper.BeforeTheCrunch.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.9.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you mutter.","\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^He scowls back at you. \"Indeed...\" And with that, he's gone.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[{"->":".^.^.^.^.TheDebrief"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"codephrase":["ev",{"VAR?":"MrTrap"},"/ev",{"->t->":"AreYouThePlant"},{"->":".^.^.TheDebrief"},{"#f":1}],"TheDebrief":[["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","!=","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ turns to you.",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^ Senators,\" she curses, \"They're all the same.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"What an odious little toad,\" he remarks pleasantly. \"I do hope he chokes on a fishbone at dinner.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheEntrapper.TheDebrief.0.18.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Come on!\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheEntrapper.TheDebrief.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.18.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you say. \"We've got work to do.\" ","\n",{"->":"TheWheelHub"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":3}],"TheGossip":[[["^A bearded man with a bronzed face and a hyena's laugh knocks into you, emptying most of his wine over your fabulous new","ev",{"CNT?":"TheWater.IntoTheWater"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^, albeit still slightly damp,",{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],"nop","^ clothes.","\n","^\"My dear fellow!\" He bellows, jovial and good-natured. \"Alas, you become the latest victim of Bacchus' convivial schemes!","\n","^The smell of alcohol rolls off him. \"Please,\" he says, bowing graciously. \"Accept my apologies. I assure you, the devastation of your outfit was the gods' design, not mine.\"","\n","ev","str","^(Accept his apology)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Refuse his apology)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ \"Think nothing of it,\" you reply, equally affable. \"What are we mere mortals but pawns of—\" ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ \"Watch where you're going!\" you growl. \"Gods don't suffer a fool's blame lightly—\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"g-0"}],{"g-1":["^\"Now look here...\" He leans in conspiratorially; the wine sloshes in his cup like a stormy sea. \"Have you heard what Marcellus gets up to at the weekends?\"","\n","^You follow his less-than-subtle gesture towards a mild-mannered gentleman with a Roman nose and a receding hairline, listening politely to his companion. As he does so, a bracelet slips from under his toga. It's cast in gold, in the shape of a ","ev",{"VAR?":"nextMotif"},"out","/ev","^ with ","ev",{"VAR?":"nextColour"},"out","/ev","^ for eyes.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheGossip.0.g-1.14.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"No but I bet it's filthy as fuck...\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheGossip.0.g-1.15.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":22},{"s":["^\"That's his business, not mine",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"TheGossip.0.g-1.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.14.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you say, with a twinkle in your eye. ","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^Felix chuckles approvingly.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.13"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["pop","\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ shuffles uncomfortably.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.13"},null]}],"nop","\n","^Your new friend tips his head back and fills the air with his hearty laugh. ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"TheGossip.0.g-1.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.15.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say firmly. ","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^Felix rolls his eyes.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.13"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["pop","\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ nods approvingly.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.13"},null]}],"nop","\n","^Your latest social assailant tips his head back and fills the air with a sonorous groan. ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":["<>","^ \"Frankly, you wouldn't believe me if I told you. Let's just say he's found uses for root vegetables that would make chefs cry and whores blush!\" He brays heartily at his own joke.","\n","^He clocks your stare and puts on a mock-serious face, desperate for you to play along. \"And how about the stories concerning our Supreme Leader? Do you believe the stories?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheGossip.0.g-2.5.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":18},{"s":["^\"That he started the fire...?\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheGossip.0.g-2.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-5","flg":22},{"s":["^\"I don't go in for rumours",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"TheGossip.0.g-2.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.5.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you venture tentatively, looking over your shoulder as you flirt with treason. ","\n","^\"No!\" He bats away your protestations like a horse swatting flies. \"Everyone knows that's true, I'm talking about the rumours!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-3"},{"#f":5}],"c-5":["ev",{"^->":"TheGossip.0.g-2.c-5.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say, painfully aware of the attention this man is bringing on you. ","\n","ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^\"GUARDS!\" Your heart thuds like a hammer on the anvil as he waves drunkenly to some helmets at the side of the court. The gossip roars with laughter. \"WE'VE GOT A PARTY POOPER! THROW THIS ONE TO THE LIONS!\"","\n","^A pair of guards step forward from their posts... Then see who's called to them and step back, frowning. Still, they've taken note of you.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-3"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-3":["^The bearded man, still nameless, loops his arm over your shoulder. \"No, come on. Let's get dark. I'm talking stories of a more\" – he drops into a stage whisper that barely lowers the volume of his voice – \"matricidal nature...\"","\n","^His grip around you tightens. \"Do you know how the mother of our beloved emperor met her end?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.CuriosityKilledTheCat"},{"#f":5}]}],{"CuriosityKilledTheCat":[[["ev",{"^->":"TheGossip.CuriosityKilledTheCat.0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Peacefully in her sleep...\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheGossip.CuriosityKilledTheCat.0.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"A tragic boating accident?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheGossip.CuriosityKilledTheCat.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Oh don't be so naive!\" He scoffs. \"You think anyone from this family gets to slip away quietly?\"","\n",["ev","str","^(Let him tell his story)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Put a stop to this)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ \"What do you think happened then?\" You ask, humouring him.","\n","^His face lights up. \"Well, first he tried to kill her with an elaborate ruse! He designed a barge with a collapsible ceiling, can you believe that? Except that didn't kill her! Just got her a bit damp when she had to swim to shore. So then he went traditional: Hired a trio of assassins to kill Mother Dearest and then used his own guards to kill the assassins.\" He shivers with delight. \"Chilling, isn't it?\"","\n","^\"Very,\" you say. \"Now, if you'll excuse me...\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ \"Well, that's what I believe.\" You say politely. \"Now, if you'll excuse me...\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheGossip.CuriosityKilledTheCat.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Ha!\" He lets a sharp laugh. \"You could say that. Or you could say that Nero designed a barge with a collapsible ceiling, kissed Mummy Dearest goodbye, then sent her off to her death. Still, that's not how she actually died...\"","\n",["ev","str","^(Let him continue)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Put a stop to this)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ \"How then?\" you ask, humouring him.","\n","^\"The ceiling collapsed but didn't kill her! Imagine Nero's horror when he learnt that she'd cheated death and swum to shore. He sent three assassins instead. Gutted his own mother while she slept.\" He shivers with delight. \"Chilling, isn't it?\"","\n","^\"Very,\" you say. \"Now, if you'll excuse me...\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ \"Of course not,\" you say politely. \"Now, if you'll excuse me...\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"g-0":[{"->":".^.^.^.^.JustOneMoreStory"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"JustOneMoreStory":[["^You manage to release yourself from his grip but fail to shake him off entirely.","\n","^\"How about the one about Nero and Doryphorus?\" He says gleefully. \"The one where Nero dresses up in the skins of wild animals, pretends to be a beast and attacks the \"bits\" of naked men and women bound to stakes? Apparently, he got so \"excited\" by the game that Doryphorus - his freedman - had to... 'finish him off', shall we say? That evening they decided to stage a marriage ceremony. But on the wedding night...\"","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ nudges you as the bearded man pauses for dramatic effect. You catch ","ev",{"VAR?":"his"},"out","/ev","^ meaning. This could go on forever if you don't do something.","\n","ev","str","^(Interrupt him)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ \"I'm terribly sorry,\" you ","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.CuriosityKilledTheCat.0.c-1.9.c-1"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^insist",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^say",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],"nop","^. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["ev","str","^(Try the codephrase)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Get rid of him)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":20},{"c-1":["^ \"But may I ask you something?\"","\n","^For a moment, he's thrown. \"My dear fellow! But of course?\"","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"MrGoss"},"/ev",{"->t->":"AreYouThePlant"},{"->":"TheGossip.finallyGettingAway"},{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["^ \"But have you seen, Marcellus? I think I just saw a carrot drop out of his toga...\" You indicate in the direction of the mild-mannered man from before. ","\n","^\"Oooh, that saucy bugger!\" He giggles. \"I'm so sorry but you'll have to excuse me. I wouldn't miss this for the empire!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":[{"->":".^.^.^.^.WhatACharacter"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"finallyGettingAway":["^He stares at you for a moment, before collapsing once more into peals of laughter. \"My dear fellow!\" He manages to choke between breaths. \"I think you might have had too much to drink. The one about the— Hah! I've never heard anything more ridiculous in my life.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.WhatACharacter"},{"#f":1}],"WhatACharacter":["^And with that, he totters off, narrowly missing several other disdainful guests along the way.","\n","^You and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ watch him go.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"Next time you invite me to a party,\" Fabricius growls, \"remind me I'd rather drink arsenic.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"Getting his rocks off dressing up in animal skins? I wonder if he used to watch the games with one hand in his toga, too.\" She shudders.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"Shame,\" Felix says ruefully. \"I rather liked him.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",{"->":"TheWheelHub"},{"#f":1}],"#f":3}],"RecognisedVira":[["^You become aware of an ostentatiously dressed trio, pointing and tittering in your direction. You have the feeling they're in on a joke that you're not party to...","\n","^You hear Vira growl next to you. \"Seven hells...\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"What's wrong?\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^you ask. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^\"That lot over there?\" She really does seem disturbed. \"I've met their sort before. They're the worst kind of human...\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.0.g-0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Money Lenders?\" ","<>",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.0.g-0.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Estate Agents?\" ","<>",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.0.g-0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Writers taking too many liberties with historical fiction?\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.0.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.0.g-0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["<>","^ you venture.","\n","^\"Worse.\" Her face clouds over. \"Fans...\" Suddenly, she dives behind you, seemingly forgetting that she's at least three heads taller than you. \"They're coming over. Pretend I'm not here!\"","\n","^\"Cooee!\" The leader of the trio, a haughty senator dressed in purple, is already in front of you. \"So sorry to disturb. My friends and I,\" he indicates the two sniggering hangers-on flanking him, \"We couldn't help but notice that we're in the presence of somewhat of a celebrity...\"","\n","^Vira has become uncharacteristically coy.","\n","ev","str","^(Confirm Vira's identity)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-4","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Deny Vira's identity)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-5","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Avoid the question)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-6","flg":20},{"c-4":["^ \"Ok, you've got us,\" you say, jovial but cautious. \"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present: Vira the Gaul.\"","\n","ev",-2,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.Papped"},{"#f":5}],"c-5":["^ You let out a good-natured laugh. \"Ah yes, she gets that a lot. I can't see it personally. This one? She couldn't hurt a fly!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.Pressured"},{"#f":5}],"c-6":["^ \"I think you must have my friend confused with someone else,\" you say pleasantly. \"Now, have you seen where the canapés have disappeared to?\"","\n","^\"Oh come on!\" The man persists. \"It's Vira isn't it? Vira the Gaul?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.Papped"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"Papped":[["ev","str","^major","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^Vira blushes – she actually blushes.","\n","^\"I knew it!\" The leader turns triumphantly to his comrades. \"HEY EVERYBODY! THERE'S A GLADIATOR AT THE PARTY!\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.Papped.0.12.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Woah woah woah!\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.Papped.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.12.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ You dart forward to still his waving arms. \"She's very shy. Please, we don't want to cause a scene.\" You wince as you catch the eyes of a couple of patrol guards looking for the source of the commotion. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^\"Sure we do!\" One of the hangers-on is piping up now. \"Let's liven this dreary party up a bit. Do some gladiatoring!\"","\n","^\"Well...\" Vira draws a circle on the ground with one of her enormous feet. \"I suppose I could—\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.KickOrNot"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"Pressured":["ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^\"I could!\" Vira says indignantly. \"But why in Avernus would I want to? Flies are precious creatures.\"","\n","^\"Ha ha!\" you laugh, trying not to sound nervous. \"Please ignore my companion. She's had a bit too much wine.\"","\n","^The trio's leader raises a single eyebrow. \"Oh come now. There's no need to be shy. We all know it's her. You don't forget the sight of a Gaul strangling a grown man with a sandal strap in a hurry. What's wrong? Ashamed?","\n","^Vira turns to you, arms folded. \"Well? Answer the man.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.KickOrNot"},{"#f":1}],"KickOrNot":[["ev","str","^(Kick her)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.KickOrNot.0.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.Pressured"},"/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":19},{"s":["^\"Aren't you forgetting something?\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.KickOrNot.0.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.Papped"},"/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":23},{"s":["^\"–you could. But you won't",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["^ You give Vira a well-aimed kick to the shins. You're pretty sure it hurts your toe more than it does her shin. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.KickOrNot.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you say pointedly. ","\n","^\"No?\" she says. ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.KickOrNot.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say pointedly. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^She turns on you, her temper rising. Then she catches your not-so-subtle eyes and the penny drops. At last. \"Oh! Right,\" she says. \"That.\"","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.Papped"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^She turns to her admirers. \"Yeah I don't do that any more.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.Pressured"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^She turns to her admirers. \"Yeah, no,\" she says nonchalantly with a less-than-subtle wink in your direction. \"I'm not a gladiator.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.12"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.LetsDance"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"LetsDance":[["^The leader's eyes narrow. \"Why don't we rephrase,\" he drawls. \"We know you don't belong here. You're a performing monkey. So when I say dance, you dance. Now. Dance. Monkey.\"","\n","^Vira's bashful smile drops. A venomous scowl clouds her face and her hands ball into fists...","\n","ev","str","^(Let Vira do her thing.)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Intervene)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.VirasThing"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.Intervention"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"VirasThing":["ev",3,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev","str","^major","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^There are some things all the sesterces in the empire couldn't buy.","\n","^You neatly step to the side just before Vira's knuckles connect with the haughty man's jaw.","\n","^\"Guards!\" you shout, thinking quickly. \"There's been a terrible accident!\"","\n","^The man howls in pain – rather inarticulately, given the circumstances. His friends focus all their attention on their fallen comrade. You quickly steer Vira away from the scene and try to disappear into the crowd.","\n",{"->":".^.^.PeopleTheseDays"},{"#f":1}],"Intervention":["ev",2,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^\"Wow.\" You say, quickly placing yourself in between Vira and her imminent victim. \"My apologies, I hadn't realised we were dealing with such a senat-aur-arse!\" He cocks his head at the linguistic entendre. \"Why don't I rephrase? Fuck off, or my friend will permanently alter the shape of your skull.\"","\n","^His jaw drops lower than the floor. The pause gives you the opportunity to hastily usher yourself and Vira out of the trio's vicinity and into the crowd. Behind you, you can hear shouts and curses follow you. But, as Vira herself would testify, sticks and stones are more effective at causing actual damage.","\n",{"->":".^.^.PeopleTheseDays"},{"#f":1}],"PeopleTheseDays":[["^\"People these days...\" Vira grumbles as you make good your escape. \"There's no respect for artists any more, you know?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.PeopleTheseDays.0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Seemed like you didn't mind the attention too much...\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.PeopleTheseDays.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you say. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^She shrugs. \"Nice to be remembered. Even if it is by ","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^s like that.\" ","<>","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.VirasThing"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^She rubs her knuckles and slyly looks across at you, breaking out in a toothy smile. \"But nicer still to hear a jaw crack like that, eh? Gods, I've missed that sound.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.12"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.Intervention"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^She glowers. \"Still, would have been nicer to crack his jaw open...\"",{"->":".^.^.^.18"},null]}],"nop","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.PeopleTheseDays.0.g-0.g-1.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"I hope that wasn't our clandestine associate",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.PeopleTheseDays.0.g-0.g-1.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Let's just find this bloody plant",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.PeopleTheseDays.0.g-0.g-1.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you reply.","\n","^Vira snorts. \"Bloody idiot if he was! Nah, they're still out there. I'd stake my left hook on it.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedVira.PeopleTheseDays.0.g-0.g-1.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you reply, eager to focus on her energies on the task at hand. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"g-1"}],{"#f":5}],"g-2":[{"->":"TheWheelHub"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"RecognisedFabricius":[["^A burly man furiously barges his way through the crowd.","\n","^\"What's got him so worked up?\" you say.","\n","^Fabricius shifts uncomfortably next to you. \"Perhaps we should remove ourselves from the situation for the time being,\" he says.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFabricius.0.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"What?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^(Try and duck into the crowd)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFabricius.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"I said perhaps we should— ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ You try and conceal yourself in the crowd of guests.","\n","^\"","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^Ah, ","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^, never mind, he's seen us.\"","\n","^\"Who is he?\"","\n","^\"Marcellus Praelius.\"","\n","^You know the name. He owns half the construction business in Rome. He's made a heap of money since the fire, naturally, but seems genuinely invested in helping people rebuild what they've lost.","\n","^Fabricius steps behind your back as Marcellus reaches you. Marcellus jabs one thick finger in the air.","\n","^\"I see you, Gaius Fabricius! Come out! You and I need to have a talk.\"","\n","^The ruckus has drawn half the eyes in the room.","\n","ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n",["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFabricius.0.g-0.27.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":22},{"s":["^\"There's no need to make a scene",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^\"You can talk to me.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-3","flg":20},{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFabricius.0.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.27.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say. \"We can all talk about this, ey, Fabricius?\"","\n","^Fabricius straightens up so he can see over your shoulder, but he doesn't come out from behind you.","\n","^Marcellus","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["^\"Whatever you've got to say, you can say it to me.\"","\n","^\"Ohhh, I see,\" says Marcellus. \"So you're going to give me my bloody crane, are you?\" He","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["<>","^ steps forward, looming. He might employ half the construction workers in the city, but it's clear from his sheer bulk that he spends a lot of time working on his own sites.","\n","^\"He said he could do it. Said he could build me a crane that could haul four times as much with half the manpower! Said it'd make the polyspaston look like a bloody antique!\"","\n","^\"It is an antique!\" Fabricius snaps. \"You don't need all those people flapping around just to lift a little bit of weight! It's inefficient! Painfully so.\"","\n","^\"Oh it is, is it?\" says Marcellus. \"So where's my crane? I gave you ten thousand sestertius for it. Now I want my bloody crane.\"","\n","^\"There may have been some... technical difficulties with that project,\" Fabricius mumbles.","\n","^\"Oh, difficulties? Really?\" He sighs, and seems to settle himself. \"You know what? Fine. If I don't have to think about you one more day my whole life, that's fine. Just give me back my money, and we'll call it even.\"","\n","^Fabricius clears his throat. \"There might be some temporary complications with that too.\"","\n","^Marcellus steps forward with a snarl. He looks as though he's about to hurl you out the way to get to Fabricius.","\n","ev","str","^(Get out of his way)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-4","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Stand up for Fabricius)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-5","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Fight Marcellus)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-6","flg":20},{"c-4":["\n","ev",-5,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^You step aside. No way are you getting in the middle of this.","\n","^\"Wai—\" Fabricius starts to protest but doesn't finish his plea before Marcellus' fist connects with his face.","\n","^Audible gasps spring up from the party guests as all eyes turn towards the scene you're at the centre of. Marcellus rubs his knuckles and turns away, casting a dark glance back at you both. \"He deserved it!\" he says, to anyone who'll listen. Then he's gone.","\n","^Fabricius nurses his nascent black-eye and glares at you. He looks hurt, but more by your inaction than anything physical. \"Thanks for nothing...\" he grumbles. \"And stop staring! Let's just find this wretched plant of yours.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.EndVignette"},{"#f":5}],"c-5":["^ \"We can make this right.\"","\n","ev",3,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev","str","^medium","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^Marcellus looks at you. \"You can, can you? So... you're going to pay back my ten thousand sesterces?","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFabricius.0.g-1.c-5.19.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^ays, I promise.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Within three d",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^(Suckerpunch him)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFabricius.0.g-1.c-5.19.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—","\n","^\"Plus,\" he interrupts \"interest. And a penalty fee for non-delivery. No one screws me over.\"","\n","^\"We don't have—\" Fabricius starts.","\n",["ev","str","^(Kick him)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFabricius.0.g-1.c-5.19.c-0.12.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"But we will have",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["^ You kick Fabricius, stopping him mid-sentence.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFabricius.0.g-1.c-5.19.c-0.12.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you hiss. ","\n","^\"Oh,\" he says. \"Right. That.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^Marcellus regards you levelly. You can see the wheels spinning in his head. He calls out to the people nearest to you.","\n","^\"All of you, please, bear witness. These two have promised of their own free will to pay me what I'm owed in the next three days. Isn't that right?\"","\n","^All eyes are on you. You've no choice but to nod.","\n","^An ugly smile spreads over Marcellus's face. \"Good. My people will be dropping by.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.WrappingUp"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-1":["\n","ev","str","^major","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^You lash out with a solid right hook, straight for his jaw.","\n","^For someone so big, Marcellus moves fast. He blocks your strike and steps into you.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.FightHim"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-6":["\n","^You catch Marcellus's arm as he reaches out for you. You step to one side, trying to draw him with you.","\n","^He doesn't even budge.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.FightHim"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"FightHim":[["ev",3,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev","\n",["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFabricius.FightHim.0.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^You blink",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFabricius.FightHim.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, and suddenly you're sailing through the air. There's a gasp and a thump, and you're looking up at the ceiling, dazed. ","\n","^By the time you stagger to your feet, it's over. You find Fabricius and help him up. He's sporting a few gashes on his face, as well as the promises of bruises to come.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.WrappingUp"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"WrappingUp":[["ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.FightHim"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^You try to massage some of the pain out of your body. It doesn't help.",{"->":".^.^.^.4"},null]}],"nop","\n","^You and Fabricius try to disappear into the crowd.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFabricius.WrappingUp.0.8.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"What did you even do with all that money?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFabricius.WrappingUp.0.9.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Do you think that was our plant?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFabricius.WrappingUp.0.10.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"We'll find whoever it is we're looking for soon,\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFabricius.WrappingUp.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.8.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^Fabricius grumbles. \"You saw my workshop. All that stuff doesn't come cheap. Half this city was lost in the fire. I'm the only one smart enough to make sure it can't happen again. I'm not going to be prissy about what I need to do to make that happen.","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.FightHim"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^He winces in pain. \"Although perhaps I should be a little more choosy about who I get my funding from next time.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.13"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.0.g-1.c-5.19.c-0"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^\"You're not taking all out of my share, either. We both had to promise to pay him back. It's your debt now as well!\"",{"->":".^.^.^.19"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFabricius.WrappingUp.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.9.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^Fabricius snorts","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.FightHim"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^, then winces in pain",{"->":".^.^.^.12"},null]}],"nop","^. \"Bloody idiot if he was. It must be one of these other unbearable people. We'll have to keep looking.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFabricius.WrappingUp.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.10.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you say hopefully. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[{"->":".^.^.^.^.EndVignette"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"EndVignette":[{"->":"TheWheelHub"},{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"RecognisedFelix":[["^A slave carrying a tray of pickled crab crosses your path. Felix helps himself to one and slings you another.","\n","^\"I could get used to this.\" He says tossing the canapé into his mouth with a roguish twinkle.","\n","^You're about to enjoy the morsel yourself when you suddenly see the colour drain out of Felix's cheeks. You follow his gaze to see a wiry man with pitted eyes and a face like thunder pushing his way through the assorted guests.","\n","^You look back to Felix. He's gone.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFelix.0.8.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Felix...?\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFelix.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.8.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^\"Down here!\" He's practically flattened himself on the floor, ostensibly to tighten his sandals.","\n","^\"What's going on?\" You ask, though a familiar sinking feeling gives you a pretty good idea.","\n","^Before he has a chance to explain himself, the wiry man has bustled his way over to you. \"Titus Amatorius!\" He bellows. It takes you a moment to realise he's talking directly to Felix. \"Get up, man! Stand up and explain yourself.\"","\n","ev","str","^(Keep quiet)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Speak up)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":20},{"c-1":["^ ","\n","ev",-2,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.KeptQuiet"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["^ ","\n","ev",2,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.SpokeUp"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"KeptQuiet":["^Your long friendship with Felix has taught you that discretion is often the better part of valour where he's concerned. You take a step backwards and focus your attention on straightening out the folds of your clothes...","\n","^As he gets to his feet, Felix shoots you daggers. \"Can I help you?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.TitusAmatorius"},{"#f":1}],"SpokeUp":["^Your long friendship with Felix has taught you that more often than not, his talents at getting himself into scrapes are not matched by his ability to dig himself out of them...","\n","^\"Can I help you?\" you say.","\n",{"->":".^.^.TitusAmatorius"},{"#f":1}],"TitusAmatorius":[["^\"Ha!\" The wiry man gives a sharp laugh. \"","<>","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.KeptQuiet"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ","<>","^If your previous conduct is anything to go by, I very much doubt it! You there!\" You realise he's talking to you. \"I want you to witness this.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.SpokeUp"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["<>","^I very much doubt it, if this is the kind of company you keep.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.13"},null]}],"nop","\n","^You shuffle uncomfortably. This is starting to become something of a scene.","\n","^\"This swindler, this... crook! This... cheat! This... nefarious salesman. This—\"","\n","ev","str","^(Interrupt him)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Let him finish)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["\n","ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^\"-I think we get the picture.\" You say. \"What did he do?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ ","\n","ev","str","^medium","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^\"This charlatan, this imposter, this shameless hoaxster...!\"","\n","^There's a pause. Felix raises a solitary eyebrow. \"...Yes?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^\"He sold me a love potion he said would make me irresistible!\"","\n","^\"...and did it?\"","\n","^\"It gave me a rash! I haven't stopped itching for weeks!\"","\n","^Felix stares blankly for a moment. \"And that isn't what you wanted?","\n","^The stranger's incandescence seems ready to ratchet up another few degrees.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFelix.TitusAmatorius.0.g-0.10.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Are you sure your disagreeable malady is the potion's fault?\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFelix.TitusAmatorius.0.g-0.11.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Felix. Give the man a bottle of that miracle oil you gave me earlier. On the house.\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFelix.TitusAmatorius.0.g-0.12.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Who were you trying to impress?\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFelix.TitusAmatorius.0.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.10.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^you ask, with as much innocence as you can muster.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.DontBlameThePotion"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFelix.TitusAmatorius.0.g-0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.11.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ You gesture to Felix to recompense the man. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.BOGOF"},{"#f":5}],"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFelix.TitusAmatorius.0.g-0.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.12.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ You say, with a nudge and a wink. \"Good looking fellow like you! \"Wouldn't have thought you'd need any alchemical assistance.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.BadRomance"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"DontBlameThePotion":["ev",2,1,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev","str","^medium","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^The man snorts like a horse and puffs out his cheeks indignantly. \"Whatever do you mean?\"","\n","^\"I'm merely suggesting that ailments of the skin abound from all manner of sources. How can you be so sure that the rash came from the potion?\"","\n","^\"Maybe you caught it from a tavern wench?\" Felix offers helpfully.","\n","^\"—or maybe you were sat next to the wrong man at the baths?\" You quickly counter.","\n","^The man looks at you for a moment before drawing himself up. \"I'll tell you how I can be sure,\" he says slowly. \"BECAUSE THIS SWINE TOLD ME TO RUB IT ON MY NETHER REGIONS AND WITHIN FIVE MINUTES I WAS COVERED IN HIVES!\"","\n","^You see a few helmets turn in your direction as the man starts gesticulating wildly.","\n",{"->":".^.^.ACloseShave"},{"#f":1}],"BOGOF":["ev",-2,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev","str","^medium","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^\"What?!\" Felix protests. \"My snake oil? On the house?! That stuff's not cheap you know...\"","\n","^The wiry man's eyes narrow suspiciously. \"Felix?\" He says slowly. \"You said your name was Titus! What's going on here? GUARDS!\"","\n","^You see a few helmets turn in your direction as the man starts waving his arms.","\n",{"->":".^.^.ACloseShave"},{"#f":1}],"BadRomance":[["ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^The man clears his throat, thrown by the compliment. \"Well!\" He says sheepishly. \"I don't see why that's any of your business!\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFelix.BadRomance.0.10.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Oh go on!\" you continue, sensing his discomfort. \"Who was it? Not your wife, I'll bet. A new mistress? An old flame? Another's courtesan?\" You deliberately raise your voice to embarrass him. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFelix.BadRomance.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.10.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Now, look here...\" He looks around furtively. \"I don't want to cause a scene. But that man sold me something bogus and I want that made right!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.ACloseShave"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"ACloseShave":[["^\"Ok ok.\" You say, magnanimously. \"How about this? Like you, my friend is a guest at a party this evening. It's an inauspicious time for business. How about he meets you tomorrow, by Janus' doors in the Forum? Then he'll recompense you five times what you originally paid him for the potion.\"","\n","^Both Felix and the man are taken aback. Felix mutters out the side of his mouth for your ears only. \"Except I don't have that kind of money to hand...\"","\n","^\"No, but you will.\" You mutter back pointedly, still smiling furiously at the confused wiry man.","\n","^It takes a moment for the penny to drop. \"Oh!\" Felix says suddenly. \"Right! That.\"","\n","^The wiry man takes you both in for a moment. \"Alright,\" he says. \"It's a deal. But don't even think about double-crossing me. I don't forget a face. And there's only so many places you can hide. Even in Rome.\"","\n","^Felix's shoulders collapse in relief as the man turns on his heel.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFelix.ACloseShave.0.12.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"You're welcome...\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFelix.ACloseShave.0.13.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"I just hope that wasn't our clandestine associate",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFelix.ACloseShave.0.14.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":22},{"s":["^\"We'll find whoever it is we're looking for soon",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFelix.ACloseShave.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.12.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ You drawl, finally able to tuck into your pickled crab that's remained in your hand for this entire ordeal. ","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.BOGOF"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ \"Hmph!\" Felix retorts, evidently still begrudging your offer of free snake oil in his behalf. \"Not my fault when customers blame their poor hygiene on my magnificent oils!\"",{"->":".^.^.^.12"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.DontBlameThePotion"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ \"I owe you one,\" he admits. \"Seems like it's a good time to be changing trades...\" ",{"->":".^.^.^.18"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.BadRomance"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ \"Dirty old bastard...\" Felix says, with a sly smile. \"But you're right, you did a great job there. Remind me to hook you up with some snake oil when we're home and dry.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.24"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFelix.ACloseShave.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.13.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say, eager to bring him back to the task on hand.","\n","^Felix snorts. \"Bloody idiot if he was! No, that old lech couldn't be so stupid on purpose.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"RecognisedFelix.ACloseShave.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.14.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you reply encouragingly, eager to focus his energies on the task at hand. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[{"->":"TheWheelHub"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant":[["^Vira whispers urgently in your ear. \"That's her. She's who we're here for.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"How do you know?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.0.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"No, it isn't!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":22},{"s":["^\"I know",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you whisper back. ","\n","^\"Just trust me, I'll explain later.\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.0.c-0.10.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Alright",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.0.c-0.10.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I kinda need more than that.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.0.c-0.10.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say.","\n","ev",1,"/ev",{"VAR=":"SaidWouldTakeAdvice","re":true},"ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.0.c-0.10.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"He"},"out","/ev","^ gives you a sour look. \"Fine. ","<>","\n",{"->t->":".^.^.^.^.^.VirasReasons"},{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you hiss back.","\n","^\"It ","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^ is. Trust me.\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.0.c-1.15.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"How do you know?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.0.c-1.15.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Alright, I'll find the right moment.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.0.c-1.15.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Just leave it to me.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.0.c-1.15.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->t->":".^.^.^.^.^.VirasReasons"},"ev","void","/ev","->->",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.0.c-1.15.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",1,"/ev",{"VAR=":"SaidWouldTakeAdvice","re":true},"ev","void","/ev","->->",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.0.c-1.15.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev","void","/ev","->->",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say. \"Leave it to me.\"","\n","ev",1,"/ev",{"VAR=":"SaidWouldTakeAdvice","re":true},"ev","void","/ev","->->",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":5}]}],{"VirasReasons":[[["ev","visit",1,"MIN","/ev","ev","du",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s0","c":true},"ev","du",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s1","c":true},"nop",{"s0":["pop","^Just listen to her! All this cloak-and-dagger code nonsense. And she keeps giving me this look.",{"->":".^.^.17"},null],"s1":["pop",{"->":".^.^.17"},null],"#f":5}],"\n",["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.VirasReasons.0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"What look?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.VirasReasons.0.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"CNT?":".^.^.c-0"},"/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":19},{"s":["^\"I think that might be a different sort of signal...\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.VirasReasons.0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Good spot, thanks Vira.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.VirasReasons.0.5.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Can you keep this to yourself right now?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^(Let out a long sigh)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-4","flg":20},{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.VirasReasons.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"A meaningful one. You know – one of them ones that makes your belly go all tingly. It's a signal.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^"},{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.VirasReasons.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^She gives you a quizzical look.","\n",["ev","str","^(Try to explain)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Drop it)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["\n",[["ev","str","^(Raise one eyebrow)","/str",{"CNT?":".^.c-1"},"!","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":21},"ev","str","^(","ev",{"CNT?":".^.c-0"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Raise your other eyebrow",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^Raise both eyebrows",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],"nop","^)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Look pointedly between Vira and Drusilla)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Wiggle your eyebrows up and down)","/str",{"CNT?":".^.c-1"},"/ev",{"*":".^.c-3","flg":21},"ev","str","^(Make a kissy face)","/str",{"CNT?":".^.c-3"},{"CNT?":".^.c-2"},"&&","/ev",{"*":".^.c-4","flg":21},"ev","str","^(Make a crude hand gesture)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-5","flg":20},{"c-0":["^You raise one eyebrow. ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.c-0"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Your other eyebrow climbs to join its brother. ",{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^You slowly lift both brows. ",{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],"nop","^ ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["^You look slowly between the two women. ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["^You make your eyebrows dance. ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-4":["^You make a kissy face, complete with little noises. ","\n","ev",1,"/ev",{"VAR=":"ViraGetsIt","re":true},{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-5":["\n","ev",1,"/ev",{"VAR=":"ViraGetsIt","re":true},"^She slaps your hands down. ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"ViraExpressionLoop"}],{"g-0":["ev",{"VAR?":"ViraGetsIt"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^\"Oh shut up, it's not like—\" You can see the wheels turning in Vira's head. She glances back at Drusilla, then quickly away. Vira's face turns a sudden, livid pink. \"She... she still might be the woman on our— uh, our woman on the inside,\" she stammers. \"Shut up,\" she says again for good measure.","\n","ev","void","/ev","->->",{"->":".^.^.^.4"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraGetsIt"},"!","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":[["ev","visit",4,"MIN","/ev","ev","du",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s0","c":true},"ev","du",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s1","c":true},"ev","du",2,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s2","c":true},"ev","du",3,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s3","c":true},"ev","du",4,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s4","c":true},"nop",{"s0":["pop","^Vira tilts her head to the side.",{"->":".^.^.35"},null],"s1":["pop","^Vira narrows her eyes.",{"->":".^.^.35"},null],"s2":["pop","^Vira's jaw tightens a little.",{"->":".^.^.35"},null],"s3":["pop","^Vira's eyes widen.",{"->":".^.^.35"},null],"s4":["pop",{"->":".^.^.35"},null],"#f":5}],{"->":".^.^.^.11"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.ViraExpressionLoop"},{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-1":["\n","^You're not touching that one.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^"},{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.VirasReasons.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",1,"/ev",{"VAR=":"SaidWouldTakeAdvice","re":true},"ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^Vira looks pleased with herself. She catches Drusilla's eye and winks with as much subtlety as a hulking ex-gladiator can muster. The other woman's lips tighten into a self-satisfied smile.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"ViraThinksDrusillaIsPlant.VirasReasons.0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.5.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^She scowls at you.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-4":["^You let out a long sigh.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^"},{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"FabriciusThinksTheTrapIsThePlant":[[["ev",{"^->":"FabriciusThinksTheTrapIsThePlant.0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"How do you know?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FabriciusThinksTheTrapIsThePlant.0.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"No, it isn't!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FabriciusThinksTheTrapIsThePlant.0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Got it!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^(Look for the man's jewellery)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-3","flg":20},{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"FabriciusThinksTheTrapIsThePlant.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you whisper back. ","\n","^\"Just trust me, I'll explain later.\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"FabriciusThinksTheTrapIsThePlant.0.c-0.10.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Alright",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FabriciusThinksTheTrapIsThePlant.0.c-0.10.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I kinda need more than that.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"FabriciusThinksTheTrapIsThePlant.0.c-0.10.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say. \"Let me find the right moment.\"","\n","ev",1,"/ev",{"VAR=":"SaidWouldTakeAdvice","re":true},"ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"FabriciusThinksTheTrapIsThePlant.0.c-0.10.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"He"},"out","/ev","^ gives you a sour look. \"Just look at him! He's trying far too hard to blend in, and so he ends up sticking out like a sore thumb. Ah! Look, he's coming over. He's our man on the inside, I'm sure of it.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"FabriciusThinksTheTrapIsThePlant.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you hiss back.","\n","^\"It is. When have I ever been wrong?\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"FabriciusThinksTheTrapIsThePlant.0.c-1.10.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Alright",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FabriciusThinksTheTrapIsThePlant.0.c-1.10.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Just leave it to me.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"FabriciusThinksTheTrapIsThePlant.0.c-1.10.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say. \"Let me find the right moment.\"","\n","ev",1,"/ev",{"VAR=":"SaidWouldTakeAdvice","re":true},"ev","void","/ev","->->",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"FabriciusThinksTheTrapIsThePlant.0.c-1.10.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev","void","/ev","->->",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"FabriciusThinksTheTrapIsThePlant.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you say. \"Leave it to me.\"","\n","ev","void","/ev","->->",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["\n","^He's wearing a simple chain round his neck. He wears several rings, but you can't make out the details from here.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^"},{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"ComeWithMe":[["^Your new guide sets off apace. You follow, trying not to look like you're hurrying. ","<>","\n","thread",{"->":"howLoyalAreYou"},"^In the courtyard, slaves are lighting torches that signal the dying of the day. Attendants chivvy the guests towards the main complex of banquet rooms. Your direction forces you to move against the crowd, trying to keep your guide in view.","\n","^You move through a colonnade, past a pair of guards who stand aside at a nod from your escort, and then you're through, into a rectangular garden with neat ornamental hedges.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"PlantProNomCap"},"out","/ev","^ reaches a stout doorway and stops. The pungent smells and clanging of pans suggest you've reached one of the kitchens.","\n","^\"I was told there'd only be one of you...\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"PlantProNom"},"out","/ev","^ mutters. \"Your friend–\" he gestures at ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ \"–will have to stay here with me.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.27.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Anywhere I go, ","ev",{"VAR?":"he"},"out","/ev","^ goes.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.28.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Fine.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.27.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"S'fine,\" says Vira. \"I'll watch the door.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.21"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"It's okay,\" says Felix. \"I have dice – perhaps I can tempt our friend here with a game.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.21"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^Fabricius rolls his eyes. \"I'm more than capable of being left for a few moments. The solitude will be refreshing.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.21"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.28.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.c-0"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Your guide shrugs.",{"->":".^.^.^.4"},null]}],"nop","^ \"Second door on the left.\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-0.timeWasteLoop.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^There's no ","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^"},1,"<","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^more",{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],"nop","^ time to lose. ","<>",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-0.timeWasteLoop.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"How do I know this isn't some kind of trap?\" you ask.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-0.timeWasteLoop.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-0.timeWasteLoop.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",{"VAR?":"PlantProNomCap"},"out","/ev","^ scoffs. \"Believe me, if someone wanted you dead, there's be a knife in your back already.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^"},{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"timeWasteLoop"}],{"#f":5}],"g-1":["^Stone steps take you down into a room packed with slaves, sweating in the oppressive heat of the kitchen. They barely glance at you, too busy pressing spices into meats and chopping exotic vegetables from every corner of the empire.","\n","^You slip along the wall – trying not to disrupt their carefully orchestrated operation – and into the second door on the left.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-1.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":18},{"s":["^You find yourself in a narrow wine cellar. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-1.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^Scores of clay amphora pack the walls, neatly arranged in rows to fill the small space. ","\n","^Save for one spot on the far side, where a rickety three-legged stool awaits. It sits in front of a makeshift window in the wall – a gap of only three bricks.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":[["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-2.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-5","flg":18},{"s":["^You quickly settle yourself on the stool",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-2.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-6","flg":18},{"s":["^You scan the room one more time",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-2.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-7","flg":18},{"s":["^You clear your throat",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-5":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-2.c-5.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-3"},{"#f":5}],"c-6":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-2.c-6.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-3"},{"#f":5}],"c-7":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-2.c-7.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-3"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-3":["^\"I took the trouble of arranging you a seat,\" comes a voice from the other side of the window. \"Thought your knees might be tired after so long tonguing the arseholes of Rome.\"","\n","^It's a woman's voice. Rich with age, coarse with experience.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-3.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-8","flg":22},{"s":["^\"I'm grateful",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-3.5.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-9","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Very funny",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-3.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.g-2.c-5"},"!","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-10","flg":23},{"s":["^\"I'll stand",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-8":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-3.c-8.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say. ","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.g-2.c-5"},"!","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^The stool creaks as you lower yourself onto it.",{"->":".^.^.^.12"},null]}],"nop","\n","^\"I like to think of the details.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-4"},{"#f":5}],"c-9":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-3.c-9.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.5.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say. ","\n","^\"Aren't I just?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-4"},{"#f":5}],"c-10":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-3.c-10.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say.","\n","^\"Suit yourself.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-4"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-4":[["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-4.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-11","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Don't I get to see who I'm meeting?",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-4.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-12","flg":18},{"s":["^\"You take your anonymity seriously.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-11":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-4.c-11.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ It's hard to trust someone who hides in the dark.\"","\n","^She laughs. \"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-5"},{"#f":5}],"c-12":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-4.c-12.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"I have to.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-5"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-5":["<>","^ A request like yours brings considerable risk. You should be glad you can't see my face. Means I can't see yours.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-5.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^..","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-13","flg":22},{"s":["^Which is a fair point.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-5.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-14","flg":18},{"s":["^\"So you say.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-13":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-5.c-13.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ It means she can't give you up even if it would save her own skin.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-6"},{"#f":5}],"c-14":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.0.g-5.c-14.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^You can hear the shrug in her voice. \"So I say.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-6"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-6":["^\"Now, to business. With haste.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.ChooseYourPoison"},{"#f":5}]}],{"ChooseYourPoison":[[["ev","visit",1,"MIN","/ev","ev","du",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s0","c":true},"ev","du",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s1","c":true},"nop",{"s0":["pop","^You hear the brush of rough cloth on brick as she leans in to the gap in the walls. She whispers urgently, \"Your distraction. Your 'god from the sky'. I got what you asked for. They'll never know what's hit them...\"",{"->":".^.^.17"},null],"s1":["pop",{"->":".^.^.17"},null],"#f":5}],"\n",["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"The coins?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"The sand?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"The shit?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.5.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^Wait, what's she talking about?",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev","str","^coins","/str","/ev",{"VAR=":"pellets","re":true},{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev","str","^sand","/str","/ev",{"VAR=":"pellets","re":true},{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev","str","^dung","/str","/ev",{"VAR=":"pellets","re":true},{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.5.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^A twist in the evening's affairs. Your grand reveal. The substance of it mattered less than the message.","\n","^You're going to give Rome's great and good what they deserve.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^"},{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^\"I said I had it, didn't I?. Should cause enough chaos when the time comes. This–\" A wizened, callous hand reaches through, holding a thick bronze key. \"This will get you in the room. More than that, well... I trust you know what you're doing.\"","\n","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.0.g-2.c-5"},{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.0.g-3.c-8"},"||","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ You get to your feet, the stool scratching the stone floor as you do so.",{"->":".^.^.^.9"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^You turn to go.",{"->":".^.^.^.9"},null]}],"nop","^ You spent a lot of money – the last you had, if you're honest – to make this meeting happen. And now it's all down to you.","\n","^\"Indulge me one question.\" She draws out each word. \"What will you do? With the money, I mean?\"","\n","^It seems your scheme might not be as opaque as you'd have liked.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.g-0.16.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Maybe I'll build my own palace",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.g-0.17.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-5","flg":22},{"s":["^\"I'll build a corner of Rome for the ordinary people",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.g-0.18.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-6","flg":18},{"s":["^\"It's not about the money.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.g-0.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.16.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you muse. It probably wouldn't match the grandeur of the golden house. But a palatial retirement home for the world's most audacious thief sounds rather nice.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-5":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.g-0.c-5.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.17.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say. It probably wouldn't have statues that reach the sky but it would have more soul than Nero's golden house ever could. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-6":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.g-0.c-6.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.18.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ Your own words surprise you. ","\n","^Well, it's probably a bit about the money. But honouring your father and his legacy – stealing from the very building that was the death of him... That means more than gold ever could.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^\"Hm\", she says. \"Well, good luck to you.\"","\n",{"#":"AUDIOLOOP: Adventure.mp3"},["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.g-1.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-7","flg":22},{"s":["^You leave",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-7":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.g-1.c-7.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, heading back through the kitchens, back through the garden where ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ has been waiting, back to the courtyard where the last of the socialites are leaving the cool night air. ","\n","^You join the train of senators slowly making their way inside to the banquet. You note that your guide has slipped away into the dark.","\n",{"->":"ComeWithMe.TheBanquetBegins"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"TheBanquetBegins":[["^You pass through a portico and cross the threshold of the central octagonal banqueting hall that stands between Nero's Colossus and the artificial lake. The new hall is already a fixture of the tales traded in tavernas and kitchen halls across Rome. But even the wildest rumours don't do the space justice.","\n","^Gem-encrusted walls; ivory and mother-of-pearl decorations that adorn immaculately painted figures across the frescoes; water – running water – cascading down alternate walls from unseen crevices high above you.","\n","^The concrete ceiling slowly revolves, as if Nero had snatched the chariots of the Sun and Moon from the heavens to instead pull the roof of his banquet hall.","\n","^Guests gasp as they enter – rare, unforced reactions from a crowd used to carefully managing appearances. Even Rome's wealthiest and most prestigious elites have never seen splendour on this scale.","\n","^You feel a pang in your chest.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.TheBanquetBegins.0.10.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^Your father created something truly remarkable.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.TheBanquetBegins.0.11.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^Your father wasted his life on appalling excess.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.TheBanquetBegins.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.10.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ Looking at the fruits of his labour, you can only say he worked miracles.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.TheBanquetBegins.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.11.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ The sight leaves a sour taste in your mouth. To have such talent and energy used up on the vanity and aggrandisement of one man, while outside these walls, people were burned alive or suffocated in their own filth... ","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.^.c-0"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Fabricius seems to read your mind",{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],"nop","^. \"You should be proud of him,\" he says. \"What he helped to build... Incredible. Truly.\" ","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Your expression brings him up short.",{"->":".^.^.^.12"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^He shakes his head.",{"->":".^.^.^.12"},null]}],"nop","^ \"The waterfalls are a bit much, I admit. I did tell him...\"",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Vira's mouth hangs open. Slowly, she closes it, and her face snarls up like she's smelling something foul. ",{"->":".^.^.^.26"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Felix lets out a low whistle. \"Getting to see this almost makes the whole thing worthwhile already.\" He pauses, shooting you a wink. \"Almost.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.36"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^You find an unoccupied couch towards the edges of the banquet and lie down. ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Vira just sits on her couch – you have to clear your throat and furiously gesture for her to recline.",{"->":".^.^.^.9"},null]}],"nop","^ Slaves appear and present yet more delicacies from trays carried on their heads. Dancing girls move through the aisles, jewellery jangling in time to the flute players and singers.","\n","^And there! Only a glimpse of his tawny hair amidst the dazzling plumes of his Praetorian Guard...","\n","ev","str","^Nero!","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":20},{"c-2":["^ ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^Nero! The emperor himself. At the centre of the banqueting hall, his toga brighter than gold, sipping wine from his goblet. You crane your neck despite yourself, but even this close, he's just a distant presence across the hall.","\n","^The other courtiers, evidently more accustomed to the Imperial Presence than you, concentrate on the generous accommodations of the banquet. You try to follow their lead.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.TheBanquetBegins.0.g-1.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":22},{"s":["^Rather than look up",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.TheBanquetBegins.0.g-1.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ at the \"magical\" ceiling which forms the next part of your plan...","\n",{"->":"ComeWithMe.TheChaos"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"TheChaos":[["ev",{"CNT?":"Fast_Talking_The_Guards.OfferBribe"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ nudges you sharply. You follow ","ev",{"VAR?":"his"},"out","/ev","^ gaze. The guards that you bribed at the doorway are here, in a corner of the banquet hall. Tigellinus is brandishing the coin purse you gave them and gesticulating towards the guests. You sink even lower into your couch. The next stage of your plan can't come soon enough...",{"->":".^.^.^.4"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"CNT?":"TheWater.AttackbytheLake"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ nudges you sharply. You follow ","ev",{"VAR?":"his"},"out","/ev","^ gaze. A pair of guards are reporting to Tigellinus and gesticulating wildly towards the lake. They've found the unconscious guard you left in the undergrowth. You sink even lower into your couch. The next stage of your plan can't come soon enough...",{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"CNT?":"droppingIn"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ nudges you sharply. You follow ","ev",{"VAR?":"his"},"out","/ev","^ gaze. The guard captain who found your glider is reporting to Tigellinus, thrusting a dancing girl in front of him and gesticulating towards the glider's wreckage. They've realised you're not performers after all. You sink even lower into your couch. The next stage of your plan can't come soon enough.",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"CNT?":"RecognisedCompanion"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ A couple of tables away, you see the man who recognised ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ glaring in your direction. People are going to remember both your faces...",{"->":".^.^.^.22"},null]}],"nop","\n","^As if the gods themselves are listening to your prayers, the music crescendos to a climax,","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^ then dramatically stops.","\n","^Some imperial freedman, clearly primed for the emperor's next great party trick, turn their eyes ceiling-ward. The rest of Rome's great and good quickly catch on and do likewise. An expectant hush fills the hall.","\n","^The circular ceiling begins to unfurl, like the petals of an exotic flower.","\n","^Only you know what's really coming. You've read the blueprints. You've heard it first hand from the one who built it.","\n","^'The ceiling will open","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^, and upon the gathered guests shall rain","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^ perfumed petals. It shall be as if the emperor himself brought the spring within his banqueting hall.'","\n","ev","str","^But...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^The ceiling opens","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^, and upon the gathered guests","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^, ","ev",{"VAR?":"pellets"},"out","/ev","^ ","ev",{"VAR?":"pellets"},"str","^coins","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^begin",{"->":".^.^.^.25"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^begins",{"->":".^.^.^.25"},null]}],"nop","^ to fall.","\n","^The woman from the wine cellar wall was as good as her word. Thank the gods.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"pellets"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^coins","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^As the first few coins bounce off the floor, the cries from the guests suggest delight. The emperor, showering his guests with money! Then one lands directly on a senator's skull and the cries take on a very different nature. Tiny lumps of metal hurtle down from the sky; if they hit you, it'll hurt!","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.37"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^sand","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^It starts with a trickle, a few grains falling from above as the ceiling unfurls. Someone applauds, uncertainly, not quite sure how to react.","\n","^Then, the flood.","\n","^A wave of sand pours down on those sitting directly below, burying a good few of them. Cries reverberate across the hall. Some try to uncover their companions, but the sand sticks in their eyes.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.37"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^shit","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^It's the smell that reaches people first. There's a collective cry of revulsion as the widening ceiling releases a wave of foetid air into the room.","\n","^Then, the shit begins to rain down. A great mess of the stuff, slopping down onto the crowd. People yelp and dive ineffectually for cover as the room is quickly carpeted. A few, trapped beneath piling dung-heaps, choke out vomit as they try to claw their way free.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.37"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.Timetogo"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"Timetogo":[["ev","str","^And that's your cue...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["\n","^This is it. The crux of the thing.","\n","^Amidst the screams, billowing togas, ","ev",{"VAR?":"pellets"},"str","^shit","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^and the unrelenting stench of shit",{"->":".^.^.^.13"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^and overturned tables",{"->":".^.^.^.13"},null]}],"nop","^, you and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ move swiftly but calmly, trying to keep a steady footing on the carpeting of ","ev",{"VAR?":"pellets"},"out","/ev","^, towards a door on the north side of the hall. The soldiers that previously guarded it are – unsurprisingly – attending to the unfolding chaos.","\n","^Everyone is in wild motion, trying to flee in one direction or another. You slip through the door and into the private corridors of Nero's palace.","\n","^You've memorised this route – went over it so many times that running through the actuality of it feels like an uncanny dream.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.Timetogo.0.g-0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^Through the bewildering maze of rooms",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"ComeWithMe.Timetogo.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, you go. Some still feel untouched or unused – the almost unfinished quality that an empty space has. The bronze key you carry lets you move freely towards your target.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^You pass a troupe of guards running in the opposite direction. But their focus is clearly on seeing to the safety of the emperor. You slip into a side room, and move right past.","\n","^And then suddenly, the low ceilings of corridors and offices gives way to a vaulted dome. Your footsteps suddenly start to echo. You and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ stop, slightly breathless.","\n","ev","str","^You're here","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":20},{"c-2":["^ ","\n",{"->":"ThePuzzle"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"PlaceStatue":[{"temp=":"recess"},{"temp=":"statue"},"ev",{"VAR?":"recess"},{"VAR?":"gods"},"LIST_ALL","L^","/ev",{"temp=":"currentRecessGod"},"\n","ev",{"list":{}},"/ev",{"VAR=":"heldStatue","re":true},["ev",{"VAR?":"recess"},{"VAR?":"gods"},"LIST_ALL","L^","LIST_COUNT",0,">","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","ev",{"VAR?":"currentRecessGod"},"/ev",{"VAR=":"heldStatue","re":true},"ev",{"VAR?":"recess"},{"VAR?":"currentRecessGod"},"-",{"temp=":"recess","re":true},"/ev",{"->":".^.^.^.15"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"statue"},{"^var":"recess","ci":-1},{"f()":"checkStatueMatch"},"out","/ev","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"recess"},{"VAR?":"statue"},"+",{"temp=":"recess","re":true},"/ev","ev",{"f()":"allRecessesSolved"},"out","/ev","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"timer"},1,"+",{"VAR=":"timer","re":true},"/ev",{"#f":1}],"checkStatueMatch":[{"temp=":"recess"},{"temp=":"statue"},["ev",{"VAR?":"recess"},{"VAR?":"circus"},"?",{"VAR?":"statue"},{"VAR?":"Neptune"},"==","&&","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^The statuette clicks satisfyingly into place. 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This is a stupid puzzle.\"","\n",["ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":5,"#n":"g-1"}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"Fabricius":[["ev",0,"/ev",{"temp=":"FabriciusRude"},["ev","visit",1,"MIN","/ev","ev","du",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s0","c":true},"ev","du",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s1","c":true},"nop",{"s0":["pop","ev",{"VAR?":"timer"},0,"==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^\"You seem to be struggling with even the most basic element of this. The statuettes go in the recesses. You've got to find the god appropriate to the location,\"",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^\"Well, at least you've got the fundamentals figured out,\"",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],"nop","^ he says.",{"->":".^.^.17"},null],"s1":["pop",{"->":".^.^.17"},null],"#f":5}],"<>","\n",["ev",{"VAR?":"slot1"},{"VAR?":"correct"},"!?","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",["ev","visit",2,"MIN","/ev","ev","du",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s0","c":true},"ev","du",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s1","c":true},"ev","du",2,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s2","c":true},"nop",{"s0":["pop","\n","^\"Neptune. God of the sea but also, god of horses.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.23"},null],"s1":["pop","\n","^\"Neptune is god of horses, and therefore the patron god of all chariot racers...\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.23"},null],"s2":["pop","\n","^\"Put! Neptune! In! The! Circus! Maximus! 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In,\" he mutters.","\n","ev",1,"/ev",{"temp=":"FabriciusRude","re":true},{"->":".^.^.23"},null],"#f":5}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],["ev",{"VAR?":"slot3"},{"VAR?":"correct"},"!?","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",["ev","visit",2,"MIN","/ev","ev","du",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s0","c":true},"ev","du",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s1","c":true},"ev","du",2,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.s2","c":true},"nop",{"s0":["pop","\n","^\"The Forum Romanum. You might expect Juno, holding that coin – it once was a market, after all – but no.","\n",{"->":".^.^.23"},null],"s1":["pop","\n","^\"The Forum. The centre of it all. It's bloody Jupiter, you dolt.\"","\n","ev",1,"/ev",{"temp=":"FabriciusRude","re":true},{"->":".^.^.23"},null],"s2":["pop","\n","^\"Jupiter. In the Forum. For the love of all gods.\"","\n","ev",1,"/ev",{"temp=":"FabriciusRude","re":true},{"->":".^.^.23"},null],"#f":5}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],"nop","\n",["ev",{"^->":"SolvingThePuzzle.Fabricius.0.12.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":2},{"s":["^\"Thanks.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^(Just scowl)","/str",{"VAR?":"FabriciusRude"},"/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":5},["ev",{"^->":"SolvingThePuzzle.Fabricius.0.20.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"VAR?":"FabriciusRude"},{"CNT?":".^.^.^"},2,">","&&","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":3},{"s":["^\"Alright, you just bloody do it then.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"SolvingThePuzzle.Fabricius.0.21.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"VAR?":"FabriciusRude"},"!",{"CNT?":".^.^.^"},2,">","&&","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":3},{"s":["^\"Please just solve this damn thing.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"SolvingThePuzzle.Fabricius.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.12.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^"},{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^"},{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"SolvingThePuzzle.Fabricius.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.20.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"SolvingThePuzzle.Fabricius.0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.21.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^\"Are you sure?\" he says, inspecting his fingernails. \"I think I can endure at least a few more minutes of this.\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"SolvingThePuzzle.Fabricius.0.g-0.2.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":2},{"s":["^\"Yes, solve it for me.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"SolvingThePuzzle.Fabricius.0.g-0.2.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":2},{"s":["^\"Fine. I'll keep trying.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"SolvingThePuzzle.Fabricius.0.g-0.2.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":"FabriciusSolvesIt.WellYouTried"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"SolvingThePuzzle.Fabricius.0.g-0.2.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"theFinalPiece":["^The recess in the Golden House lets out a further 'click'.","\n","^\"The final piece,\" you say to ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^. \"Nero's key, is a statue of himself.\"","\n","^\"Of course it is,\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ says, rolling ","ev",{"VAR?":"his"},"out","/ev","^ eyes.","\n","^\"Right. But the one my father left me is rather fitting.\" You produce the statuette you've had artfully wrapped within your toga. \"My father's key is Vulcan, god of craft, god of fire. Driven from Olympus because of his lame leg, he prefers the volcanic flames of Mount Etna. Well, the craftsman will have his revenge.\"","\n",{"->":"ThePuzzleComplete"},{"#f":1}],"FabriciusSolvesIt":[{"->":".^.WellYouTried"},{"WellYouTried":["ev",{"f()":"countCorrectSlots"},"/ev",{"temp=":"countCorrect"},"\n","ev",{"VAR?":"countCorrect"},0,"==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Fabricius shakes his head sadly.",{"->":".^.^.^.12"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^\"Well, you got ","ev",{"VAR?":"countCorrect"},{"f()":"printNumbersAsWords"},"out","/ev","^ right, at least.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.12"},null]}],"nop","\n","^He gathers the statuettes together.","\n",{"->":".^.^.FabriciusSolution"},{"#f":1}],"LetTheSmartGuyDoIt":["^The 'puzzle' is a model map of Rome, with four recesses in key locations. Around the edge of the room are pedestals holding statuettes of the gods. Fabricius plucks one of them from its stand and slots it into place.","\n",{"->":".^.^.FabriciusSolution"},{"#f":1}],"FabriciusSolution":[["^\"Neptune. God of the sea but also, god of horses and hence the patron god of all chariot racers. Hence Neptune clearly corresponds to the Circus.\"","\n","^\"Apollo. Patron of the arts. The theatre.\"","\n","^\"And finally the Forum Romanum. Artfully simple. The king of the gods – Jupiter.","\n","^There's a grinding sound. The recess in the Golden House makes a 'click'.","\n","^\"And that\" – he points to the Golden House – \"is where you fit the statue of Nero I presume you've been carrying around all this time.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"FabriciusSolvesIt.FabriciusSolution.0.10.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^..","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^You can't help but smile.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FabriciusSolvesIt.FabriciusSolution.0.11.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Not quite",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"FabriciusSolvesIt.FabriciusSolution.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.10.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ Fabricius didn't figure it all out.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"FabriciusSolvesIt.FabriciusSolution.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.11.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^From your robe you produce a squat statue of Vulcan.","\n","^\"Nero's key is styled after himself, true,\" you say. \"But my father's key is Vulcan, god of craft, god of fire. Driven from Olympus because of his lame leg, he prefers the volcanic flames of Mount Etna. Well, the craftsman will have his revenge.\"","\n",{"->":"ThePuzzleComplete"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"tookTooLong":[["ev","str","^major","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev",-2,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^From out in the hallway comes the heavy footsteps of a guard patrol.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ",{"->":".^.^.^.^.Fabricius"},{"->":".^.^.^.25"},null]}],"nop","\n","^\"We're out of time,\" says ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^. \"Stop farting around.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"tookTooLong.0.34.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Stall them",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"tookTooLong.0.35.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I've almost got it.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"tookTooLong.0.36.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I'm all out of ideas here.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"tookTooLong.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.34.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say desperately. \"I'm almost there.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"tookTooLong.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.35.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"tookTooLong.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.36.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["ev",{"VAR?":"He"},"out","/ev","^ groans. \"I'll buy you a little time.\"","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^There's the sound of a brawl in the hallway.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.12"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^Felix slips out of the room. \"Friends!\" you hear from the hallway. \"Thank the immortals you're here...\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.12"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n","^No more time for cleverness. You start grabbing random statuettes and wedging them into place. It takes time – too much time – and for a moment you think you're done for. But you get lucky. Three statuettes slot into place, and there's a grinding sound as the fourth recess unlocks.","\n","^\"","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^!\" you shout. \"Let's go!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.JustMadeIt"},{"#f":5}]}],{"Fabricius":["^\"Get out of the way,\" snarls Fabricius.","\n","^He moves past you and slots a few of the statues into place. The recess in the Golden House grinds and clicks.","\n","^\"There. Whatever skeleton key you've got up your sleeve, it goes there.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.JustMadeIt"},{"#f":1}],"JustMadeIt":["^You had something for this. A little speech about the craftsman's revenge. But there's no time for grandstanding any more.","\n",{"->":"ThePuzzleComplete"},{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"imStumped":[["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ rolls ","ev",{"VAR?":"his"},"out","/ev","^ eyes.","\n","^\"Seriously? This is what it's come to?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"imStumped.0.13.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":2},{"s":["^You nod, conceding defeat.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"imStumped.0.14.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":2},{"s":["^\"Actually, I've definitely got it this time.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"imStumped.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.13.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":"imStumped.Vira"},{"->":".^.^.^.14"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":"imStumped.Felix"},{"->":".^.^.^.14"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":"FabriciusSolvesIt"},{"->":".^.^.^.14"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"imStumped.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.14.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":"SolvingThePuzzle"},{"#f":5}]}],{"Vira":[["ev","str","^major","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"out","/ev","\n","ev",-2,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^Vira grabs the statuette of Mars and moves along the wall, tapping his head as she goes in a oddly delicate display.","\n","^\"Here,\" she says, placing one meaty finger on a stretch of wall.","\n","^Before you can respond, she sweeps out of the room. There's a shout, a thud, and she returns holding a spear. She drops the now-shattered statuette on the ground.","\n","^\"Got to do every ","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^ing thing myself.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"imStumped.Vira.0.28.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Now, that's not entirely fair",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^(Let her work)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"imStumped.Vira.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.28.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say. ","\n","^She ignores you. ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^She jams the tip of the spear in the crevice where the wall meets the floor. She leans her weight against it, and—","\n","^The wall lifts, just a fraction. She pushes harder, enough to create a space of a few inches.","\n","^\"Hold this,\" she grunts.","\n","ev","str","^(Hold the spear in place)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":20},{"c-2":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^You rush forward, putting all your body weight against the spear as the wood creaks in protest. Vira slides her fingers into the gap, bends her knees (her back artfully straight the whole time) and—","\n","^Lifts.","\n","^Muscles on her back bulge as the panel slides upwards.","\n","^\"Let's get a ","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^ing move on then.\"","\n",{"->":"AllTooQuiet"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"Felix":[["ev","str","^major","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"out","/ev","\n","ev",-2,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^\"Fine,\" says Felix. \"Fine. Wait here.\"","\n","^He leaves before you can reply.","\n","^Minutes pass.","\n","^Then more.","\n","ev","str","^Is this it?","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^Has Felix abandoned you here, so close to the prize?","\n","^The door slams open. Felix sweeps in, seeing off a cup of wine before tossing it to the floor.","\n","^\"Right,\" he says. \"Jupiter in the forum, Apollo in the theatre, and Neptune in the circus. Oh, and we'll need some other fancy key for the Golden House, but I assume you have that covered and aren't totally useless?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"imStumped.Felix.0.g-0.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"How?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^(Just do it)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":20},{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"imStumped.Felix.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you demand.","\n","^\"I found some pleasantly bored guests hiding out in a bedroom somewhere, away from the commotion. Decided to entertain them with a little... riddle I'd come up with. Just something to pass the time for some bright and idle minds. Shall we? Or do you want to stay in this room all night?\"","\n",["ev","str","^(Place the statuettes)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-2":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":[{"->":"theFinalPiece"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"ThePuzzleComplete":[[["ev",{"^->":"ThePuzzleComplete.0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^You slot the piece into place",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"ThePuzzleComplete.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^.","\n","^You hear a satisfying click from a panel in the wall in front of you. You rush over to it. The hidden door reveals a marble staircase leading down into the darkness...","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ grabs a torch from the room behind you and presses it into your hands. \"Come on! Let's go!\"","\n","^With the flame in front of you,","\n","^This is it...","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["ev","str","^The entrance to Nero's vault","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-1":["\n",{"->":"AllTooQuiet"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"AllTooQuiet":[[{"#":"CLEAR"},"^You descend into the gloom. The staircase winds down for a good thirty feet before a short winding passageway carries you forward. ","<>","\n","thread",{"->":"howLoyalAreYou"},"^This wasn't shown in the blueprints you memorised. Nero must have wanted his safe room to be completely hidden, impregnable from any other entrance aside from the one you and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ just unlocked.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"AllTooQuiet.0.13.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^At last",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"AllTooQuiet.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.13.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, the corridor opens out into a small, vaulted lair. Chests are neatly arranged in the various recesses of the subterranean treasure trove. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[["ev",{"^->":"AllTooQuiet.0.g-0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^But...",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"AllTooQuiet.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"<>","^ ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^They're empty.","\n","^A few bags of secesterces scattered here and there, but they'd be barely enough to buy a new outfit, let alone a new life.","\n","^\"Give me the torch!\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ is as bewildered and panicked as you are. ","ev",{"VAR?":"He"},"out","/ev","^ kindles the lanterns that hang from the walls, flooding the room with light.","\n","^You try to reassure yourself. This is the vault. It has to be. There's nowhere else suitable for the money to be kept. After all, Nero wouldn't have gone to all the trouble of hiding and securing this room for nothing.","\n","^Yet as you and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ comb the entirety of the vault, you find precious little. The only items of value that the torches reveal are a gold-leaf lyre that hangs incongruously on the wall, and a velvet cushioned stool that sits beneath it. Other than that, nothing. Just bare shelves and scraps of loose change.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"AllTooQuiet.0.g-1.25.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^Slowly, it dawns on you. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"AllTooQuiet.0.g-1.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.25.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":["^It's not that the money has been hidden.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"AllTooQuiet.0.g-2.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^There was no money in the first place. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"AllTooQuiet.0.g-2.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-3"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-3":["^Not any more anyway. You knew that Nero's profligacy was legendary. And you'd heard your father say more than enough times that his palace would be ruinously expensive. But you could never have imagined that Nero would have bankrupted the entire empire, just so that he could complete his Golden House.","\n","^It's all been for nothing. Everything you've risked, everything you've spent, everything you've promised ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^...","\n","^You got to the Vault. You executed your plan. But there is no treasure. There is no reward. The Golden House has revealed its final secret to you: the Palace is all there is. It's all that Nero has left.","\n",{"->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"AnUnexpectedVisitor":[["^Suddenly, in the midst of your stupefied silence, you hear a sharp intake of breath. You turn to look behind you.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^..","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^And then you see him.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^His grey eyes glare at you fiercely, but up close, he doesn't feel threatening at all. In fact, he's barely taller than a teenager. Two angry pustules poke out from beneath his scraggly beard,","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^ his crop of sandy hair is scruffy and dishevelled,","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^ his face sits on an undeveloped squat neck and his spindly legs are thinner than a youth's. His only fully-fledged characteristic appears to be the protuberant belly that bulges beneath his toga.","\n","ev","str","^Nero","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-1":["^ Nero! ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^The stench of foetid sweat seeps from his pits and into the vault. The god-king is out of breath. Clearly, he's been running. The chaos caused by your distraction at the banquet has made him fear for his life.","\n","^And he's alone.","\n","^In a flash of quick-thinking, ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ deftly places ","ev",{"VAR?":"him"},"out","/ev","^self in front of the entrance.","\n","^He's trapped. The princeps, ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^ caught in his own palace, ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^ in what he would have confidently assumed was the safest room in Rome.","\n","^\"How... Who... What do you want?!\" Nero bleats pathetically, patently torn between amazement at your presence, fury at your brazenness, and fear for his own neck.","\n","^\"We're in your secret vault. I think it's pretty obvious what we came for...\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ replies.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.0.g-1.neroIntroLoop.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Where's the money?\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.0.g-1.neroIntroLoop.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"What's with the lyre on the wall?\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.0.g-1.neroIntroLoop.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":18},{"s":["^\"What are you doing here?\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^\"So, what do we do with him?\"","/str",{"CNT?":".^"},1,">","/ev",{"*":".^.c-5","flg":21},{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.0.g-1.neroIntroLoop.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^Nero winces. \"What there is... is here! But, release me and I promise you, you'll be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams. To have broken into here, you must be favoured by the Olympians. I've read tales in Herodotus that spoke of thieves rewarded by their kings with princesses. I could similarly recompense you yourselves! Maybe not with money but... with something!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.0.g-1.neroIntroLoop.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^Nero laughs strangely. \"I practice here. It's quiet. No one to disturb me... I'm good. The best. I've won crowns in Greece for my playing. Celebrated triumphs in Rome. Perhaps you'd like to hear me play? Maybe.. Maybe that was why you came?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.0.g-1.neroIntroLoop.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^Nero laughs nervously. \"This is the safest room in the palace. No one knows I'm here. Even if someone were to overpower the guards outside, they'd never solve the puzzle that hides the...\" He trails off, realising of course that this is exactly what you and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ have done. He's a silent for moment. Then asks, simply: \"How?\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.0.g-1.neroIntroLoop.c-4.14.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"We have our methods.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^(Ignore the question)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.0.g-1.neroIntroLoop.c-4.14.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-5":["^ \"So,\"","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^ you say to ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^, ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^\"what do we do with him?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.HowDoYouWantToDoThis"},{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"neroIntroLoop"}],{"#f":5}],"g-2":[{"->":".^.^.g-1.neroIntroLoop"},{"#f":5}]}],{"HowDoYouWantToDoThis":[["^\"Please!\" Nero's begging now. \"Don't... I am your emperor! I command you to release me! Please... I... I'll do anything.\"","\n","^You could do as he asks. After all, despite the pathetic display, he is the emperor of Rome. He's seen your faces, as have many others here today. Your dreams of walking out of the palace unthinkably wealthy perhaps now need to be more realistically modified to dreams of walking out alive. Ingratiating yourself with Nero in some way could alleviate the potential blowback from today's disasters...","\n","^Alternatively, you might be able to salvage something from this. Nero must have something of value on his person. Or at least know the whereabouts of objects of real worth within the palace. You could use your current hold over him to try and ensure that you leave with more than you came in with.","\n","^And finally, there is justice. Genuine retribution on the monster who built a monument to himself on the ashes of his beleaguered people. Justice for your father, who all but gave his life to this palace. The future isn't usually kind to those who assassinate emperors. But Fate has delivered him into your hands today. Maybe you should trust yourself to Fortune entirely.","\n","^So: what happens now?","\n","ev","str","^(Get Nero on side)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Rob Nero blind)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Punish Nero)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":20},{"c-0":["\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^\"Alright,\" you say. \"We're going to—\"","\n",["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.^.FabriciusWantsBlood"},{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.^.ViraWantsPeace"},{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":"FelixWantsCash"},{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",{"#f":5,"#n":"g-1"}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"FabriciusWantsBlood":[["^\"Let's kill him.\" Fabricius says, before you can finish your sentence.","\n","^You start in surprise. But he's deadly serious, you can tell by his eyes.","\n","^\"I mean it,\" he says, calmly. \"This man fiddled the lyre while his own citizens burned alive in their homes. Now he's bankrupted the empire with an architectural monstrosity that he built over their bones. Rome will be a better place without him.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.FabriciusWantsBlood.0.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Fabricius...\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.FabriciusWantsBlood.0.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"We're not doing this",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.FabriciusWantsBlood.0.8.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":22},{"s":["^\"My thoughts exactly",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.FabriciusWantsBlood.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you say carefully. ","\n","^\"Don't 'Fabricius' me! This man worked the best friend I ever had – your father – to death! You might not have the stomach for revenge. But I do...\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.FabriciusLoop"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.FabriciusWantsBlood.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say firmly.","\n","^\"You can do what you want. My mind's made up.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.FabriciusLoop"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.FabriciusWantsBlood.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.8.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say grimly. ","\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"PunishingNero"},{"->":".^.^.FabriciusLoop"},{"#f":5}],"FabriciusLoop":[["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.FabriciusWantsBlood.0.FabriciusLoop.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"This doesn't feel very 'heisty'.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.FabriciusWantsBlood.0.FabriciusLoop.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":18},{"s":["^\"What have you got in mind?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.FabriciusWantsBlood.0.FabriciusLoop.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"CNT?":".^.^"},1,">","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-5","flg":19},{"s":["^\"This isn't how we're going to play it.\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.FabriciusWantsBlood.0.FabriciusLoop.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-6","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Ok then",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.FabriciusWantsBlood.0.FabriciusLoop.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"No? You've been reading the wrong stories then. We have, predictably, encountered a complication and now we're being forced to improvise. Classic heist plotting. Now, get out of my way!\" ",{"->":".^.^"},"\n",{"#f":5}],"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.FabriciusWantsBlood.0.FabriciusLoop.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^He laughs darkly. \"Don't worry, nothing too barbaric. I was thinking something more along the lines of the revenge Daedalus took on Minos. Something slow. Something subtle. Something... ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^ untraceable.\" ",{"->":".^.^"},"\n",{"#f":5}],"c-5":["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.FabriciusWantsBlood.0.FabriciusLoop.c-5.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.DoesFabriciousTrustYou"},"\n",{"#f":5}],"c-6":["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.FabriciusWantsBlood.0.FabriciusLoop.c-6.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ – let's do this.\"","\n",{"->":"PunishingNero"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"DoesFabriciousTrustYou":[["ev",{"VAR?":"loyalty"},{"VAR?":"loyalHighThreshold"},">=","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^Fabricius stares at you for a moment, his eyes narrowing. \"Urgh!\" He says at last. \"The youth of today... Well, I suppose you haven't done such a terrible job of leading us this far... What do you propose we should do then?\"","\n","ev","str","^(Befriend Nero)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Rob Nero)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Punish Nero)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":20},{"->":".^.^.^.3"},{"c-0":["^ You look to Nero. \"We can work this out.\"","\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"BefriendingNero"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ \"We came here on the explicit premise that we were going to rob the emperor,\" you say, with a roguish twinkle in your eye. \"And that is exactly what I intend to do. \"","\n",{"->":"RobbingNero"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["^ Fabricius' loyalty has touched you. But it's also made you realise that, as ever, he's usually right. You turn to your father's old friend: \"You know what? You're right. It's retribution time...\"","\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"PunishingNero"},{"#f":5}]}]}],["ev",{"VAR?":"loyalty"},{"VAR?":"loyalLowThreshold"},"<=","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^Fabricius' face breaks in exasperation. \"TOUGH!\" He shouts, loud enough to make both you and the emperor start in surprise. \"I've had it up to here with your schemes and plans! Thanks to you, this whole heist has been a shit-show from start to finish. You've lost the right to make the call here.\"","\n","^\"Now...\" he turns back to Nero. \"Let's see those hands of yours, my dear imperator...\"","\n",{"->":"PunishingNero"},{"->":".^.^.^.3"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["\n","^Fabricius' face falls. \"Well, I suppose it would be out of character for you to suddenly start having bright ideas.\" He folds his arms. \"Well, let's hear it! What do you propose we should do? Just let him get away with it?\"","\n","ev","str","^(Befriend Nero)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Rob Nero)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Punish Nero)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":20},{"->":".^.^.^.3"},{"c-0":["^ You look to Nero. \"We can work this out.\"","\n","ev",-3,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"BefriendingNero"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ \"We came here on the explicit premise that we were going to rob the emperor,\" you say, with a roguish twinkle in your eye. \"And that is exactly what I intend to do. \"","\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"RobbingNero"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["^ \"Well if you're going to be like that about it...\" you say, rolling your eyes. \"Fine, on second thoughts, let's do your plan.\" ","\n","ev",3,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"PunishingNero"},{"#f":5}]}]}],"nop","\n","done",{"#f":1}],"ViraWantsPeace":[["^\"Leave him to me,\" says Vira, before you can finish your sentence. \"I worked with plenty of wild beasts in my time. I know how to handle this.\"","\n","^Nero looks up at her, wide-eyed.","\n","^\"And,\" she says to you out the side of her mouth. \"I know how to make sure this doesn't come back to bite us...\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.ViraWantsPeace.0.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"You're going to kill him?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.ViraWantsPeace.0.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"This isn't the arena!",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.ViraWantsPeace.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^She looks back at you, horrified. \"No! You can't kill a man begging for mercy! ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.ViraWantsPeace.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ We can't just kill him in cold blood.\"","\n","^She looks back at you, mortified. \"You think I don't know that? Any gladiator knows you can't kill a man begging for mercy. ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["<>","^ It's unethical! I mean I know how to tame him. Make him see that we're not his enemy.\" She turns, muttering something under her breath about gladiators and assumptions...","\n","ev","str","^(Go along with Vira)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Stop Vira)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-3","flg":20},{"c-2":["^ ","\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"BefriendingNero"},{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["^ \"Hang on!\" you say. \"I didn't risk my skin just for a chance to kiss some imperial arse!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^She turns back to you, her eyes narrowing, considering you for a moment...","\n",["ev",{"VAR?":"loyalty"},{"VAR?":"loyalHighThreshold"},">=","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^\"Ok,\" she says at last. \"You've steered us right so far. Whatever you decide to do, I'm behind you.","\n","ev","str","^\"Rob him.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^\"Punish him.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.ViraWantsPeace.0.g-1.2.b.15.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"You know what? Let's do it your way,\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"->":".^.^.^.5"},{"c-0":["^ \"We came here on the premise that this was a heist,\" you say, with a roguish twinkle in your eye. \"I refuse to leave without stealing at least something from this manifestly vulnerable and immoral charlatan.\"","\n",{"->":"RobbingNero"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ \"We can't let him get away with what he's done,\" you say. \"He needs to pay. And we're going to make him.\" ","\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"PunishingNero"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.ViraWantsPeace.0.g-1.2.b.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.15.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^you say. ","\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"BefriendingNero"},{"#f":5}]}]}],["ev",{"VAR?":"loyalty"},{"VAR?":"loyalLowThreshold"},"<=","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^\"Tough,\" she grunts. \"Coming on this madcap adventure was the worst decision I ever made. You're a ","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^ liability. I'm calling this one. End of story.\"","\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"BefriendingNero"},{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["\n","^\"Hmmm,\" she says, at last, begrudgingly. \"Well how do you think we're going to get out of this?\"","\n","ev","str","^\"Rob him.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^\"Punish him.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.ViraWantsPeace.0.g-1.4.b.15.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"On second thoughts, let's do your plan,\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"->":".^.^.^.5"},{"c-0":["^ \"Last time I checked, this was a heist,\" you say. \"I refuse to leave without stealing at least something from this manifestly vulnerable and immoral charlatan.\"","\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"RobbingNero"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ \"We can't let him get away with what he's done,\" you say. \"Pardon this monster? You've got to be kidding me. We're going to make him pay.\" ","\n","ev",-3,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"PunishingNero"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"AnUnexpectedVisitor.ViraWantsPeace.0.g-1.4.b.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.15.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you say. ","\n","ev",3,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"BefriendingNero"},{"#f":5}]}]}],"nop","\n",{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"FelixWantsCash":[["^Felix cuts you off. \"Turn out your pockets.\" He prods the emperor with his foot.","\n","^Nero goggles at him.","\n","^Felix claps his hands. \"Come on, hop to it.\" He shrugs at you. \"Some emperors, eh? Don't know the first thing about getting robbed.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.0.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Felix...\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.0.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"We're not doing this",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.0.8.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Good thinking",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you say.","\n","^\"What? We literally came here to rob the emperor! Here is the emperor. So...\" He gestures back and forth between you and Nero.","\n",{"->":".^.^.FelixLoop"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say.","\n","^\"Um, we are doing this. We literally came here to do this. Why are you getting squeamish now? This whole thing was your idea!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.FelixLoop"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.8.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ – cough it up, rich boy.\"","\n",{"->":"RobbingNero"},{"->":".^.^.FelixLoop"},{"#f":5}],"FelixLoop":[["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.0.FelixLoop.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"This doesn't feel very 'heisty'.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.0.FelixLoop.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I thought you'd try one of your scams or something.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.0.FelixLoop.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"CNT?":".^.^"},1,">","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-5","flg":19},{"s":["^\"This isn't how we're going to play it.\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.0.FelixLoop.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-6","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Fair point",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.0.FelixLoop.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"We ran into a complication and we're improvising! What could be more heisty than that?\" ",{"->":".^.^"},"\n",{"#f":5}],"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.0.FelixLoop.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^He brays with laughter. \"What? Try to flog the emperor some snake oil?\" He blinks. \"Damn. I wish I had done that – what a story! But we're well past that now.\" ",{"->":".^.^"},"\n",{"#f":5}],"c-5":["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.0.FelixLoop.c-5.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.IsYourLoveStrongEnough"},{"#f":5}],"c-6":["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.0.FelixLoop.c-6.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ – cough it up, rich boy.\"","\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"RobbingNero"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"IsYourLoveStrongEnough":[["ev",{"VAR?":"loyalty"},{"VAR?":"loyalHighThreshold"},">=","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^Felix nods. \"Alright. I trust you.\" He blinks, as if he's shocked himself. \"Don't look at me like that!","\n","^\"So, how do you want to do this?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.IsYourLoveStrongEnough.0.b.5.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^You look to Nero. \"We can work this out.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.IsYourLoveStrongEnough.0.b.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"It's time to teach the emperor a lesson.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.IsYourLoveStrongEnough.0.b.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"You know what? You're right. Let's see what he's got on him.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"->":".^.^.^.3"},{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.IsYourLoveStrongEnough.0.b.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.5.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"BefriendingNero"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.IsYourLoveStrongEnough.0.b.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ This was never just about money.\"","\n",{"->":"PunishingNero"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.IsYourLoveStrongEnough.0.b.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"RobbingNero"},{"#f":5}]}]}],["ev",{"VAR?":"loyalty"},{"VAR?":"loyalLowThreshold"},"<=","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n","^Felix's face breaks into a snarl. \"You know what? I think it is how we're going to play it. In case you haven't noticed, we've put in all this work for nothing but an empty room. You talked me into this ridiculous job, and you didn't even bother to check whether his emperorship wasn't broke as shit first.\"","\n","^\"Now...\" He wheels back to Nero. \"Turn. Out. Your. Pockets.\"","\n",{"->":"RobbingNero"},{"->":".^.^.^.3"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["\n","^Felix's face falls. \"Come on. I'm not walking away empty handed.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.IsYourLoveStrongEnough.2.b.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^You look to Nero. \"We can work this out.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.IsYourLoveStrongEnough.2.b.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"It was never just about the money.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.IsYourLoveStrongEnough.2.b.5.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Fine. Let's see what he's got on him.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"->":".^.^.^.3"},{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.IsYourLoveStrongEnough.2.b.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",-3,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"BefriendingNero"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.IsYourLoveStrongEnough.2.b.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ And this is better than I could ever have hoped for.\"","\n","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"PunishingNero"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"FelixWantsCash.IsYourLoveStrongEnough.2.b.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.5.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",3,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"RobbingNero"},{"#f":5}]}]}],"nop","\n",{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"BefriendingNero":[["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Vira bends down to Nero and ruffles",{"->":".^.^.^.9"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^You bend down to Nero and ruffle his hair",{"->":".^.^.^.9"},null]}],"nop","^ like he's a small dog. \"Now then, what's all this I hear about someone being a very talented musician?\"","\n","^Nero looks up at ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ her gargantuan frame",{"->":".^.^.^.22"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^ you",{"->":".^.^.^.22"},null]}],"nop","^ in utter bewilderment. He's not the only one confused. ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ You wonder whether he realises that she could break his neck quicker than he can say \"one too many blows to the head...\" ",{"->":".^.^.^.33"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^ ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ scratches ","ev",{"VAR?":"hers"},"out","/ev","^ head.",{"->":".^.^.^.33"},null]}],"nop","\n","^\"You... You just want to hear me play my lyre?\" Nero asks desperately. You suddenly have an image of Nero growing up in the imperial court, vying for attention amongst better connected, more virile, and more obvious heirs...","\n","^\"We'd love that. Wouldn't we, Dolus?\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Vira gives you a glance, making sure you're following along.",{"->":".^.^.^.47"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^ You turn to ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ meaningfully, to make sure they're getting it.",{"->":".^.^.^.47"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","!=","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ \"Uh, quite right, Antonius, quite right,\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"he"},"out","/ev","^ says.",{"->":".^.^.^.57"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ",{"->":".^.^.^.ExtraCheese"},{"->":".^.^.^.67"},null]}],"nop","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"BefriendingNero.0.ExtraCheese.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Yes!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"BefriendingNero.0.ExtraCheese.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"No.\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"BefriendingNero.0.ExtraCheese.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ You reply gamely.","\n","^\"There you go! Go on! Give old Dolus and me a tune, eh?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.Resume"},{"->":".^.^.^.Resume"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"BefriendingNero.0.ExtraCheese.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ You say bluntly. This is all getting too weird. ","\n","^\"Ha ha ha!\" Vira lets out a sound resembling a dying cat. \"Don't mind old Dolus. He's joking. Of course we'd love to hear you play.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.Resume"},{"->":".^.^.^.Resume"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"ExtraCheese"}],{"Resume":[["<>","^ Nero gets up stupidly. He crosses the room, unhooks his lyre and sits himself on the cushion. \"It might sound a bit flat.\" He sounds apologetic. \"Usually I get a slave to tune it for me but... in the circumstances.\" He starts to finger the strings. \"And I haven't warmed up or anything.\"","\n","^\"—you're going to be great.\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Vira says",{"->":".^.^.^.13"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^You say",{"->":".^.^.^.13"},null]}],"nop","^ firmly.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"BefriendingNero.0.Resume.g-0.16.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^So Nero plays. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"BefriendingNero.0.Resume.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.16.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"g-0"}],{"#f":5}],"g-1":["^And deep beneath his Golden House, in a secret vault devoid of treasure, whilst above you the palace erupts in chaos and confusion as guests flee from a malfunctioning ceiling, you listen.","\n","^He's not bad. If you can forget for a moment how utterly surreal this experience is, it's almost transcendent. Nero sings while he accompanies himself, serenading you with songs about Troy and the heroes of the golden past. In fact, he's actually pretty good! But then, you find yourself thinking, if you had a golden lyre and apparently all the time in the world to practice, you probably wouldn't be too shabby either...","\n","^Nero lets the last notes fade. ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ rewards him with rapturous applause.","\n","ev","str","^(Join the applause)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-3","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Stay silent)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-4","flg":20},{"c-3":["^ You join in, enthusiastically. ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"c-4":["^ You remain silent, unimpressed. ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":["<>","^ Nero doesn't seem to notice. He's transfixed by ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^.","\n","^\"Now then,\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Vira says",{"->":".^.^.^.18"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^You say",{"->":".^.^.^.18"},null]}],"nop","^, patiently. \"Think about this for a moment, shall we? How could any mortal have gained entrance to your impregnable vault that only you know about and that only you have the key to?\"","\n","^Nero's brow creases. Then unfurls in wonder as the penny drops. \"You're gods!\" He exclaims.","\n","^\"Ex-actly. Emissaries of Apollo to be exact. Come to hear your infamous singing. And it was great. Truly great. But now, we really must be going. And we ask one thing of you only.\"","\n","^\"What?\"","\n","^\"Tell no one of this meeting. And seek to find us no more.\"","\n","^Nero nods enthusiastically. \"You really thought it was good?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"BefriendingNero.0.g-2.31.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-5","flg":18},{"s":["^\"The very best.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-5":["ev",{"^->":"BefriendingNero.0.g-2.c-5.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.31.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ You say emphatically. \"Now, if you'll excuse us. Phoebus calls...\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-3"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-3":["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ slowly backs away from the emperor's gaze. You move to join ","ev",{"VAR?":"him"},"out","/ev","^. Then you both turn and sprint back the way you came, running as fast as you can before your luck changes.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ \"It's simple, really,\" Vira says nonchalantly as you hurtle back up the stairs. \"People, animals - they're not so different. We all just want strong boundaries and validation.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.19"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ \"I've seen some strange things in my time...\" Felix pants as you hurtle back up the stairs. \"But what we just witnessed in that vault will genuinely haunt me to my grave.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.29"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ \"This is why I prefer to work with machines.\" Fabricius grunts as you hurtle back up the stairs. \"With fire and steel, you vaguely know what you're getting. With people...\" He shudders. \"You don't know what's going to come out.",{"->":".^.^.^.39"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev","str","^reduce","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":"TheGreatEscape"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"RobbingNero":[["^You have to search Nero yourselves. Your hands comb his silken robes, marvelling at their quality. Nero falls silent at the sheer shock of being manhandled against his will.","\n","^You discover that the emperor doesn't go in for 'pockets'. Perhaps if you've got a household of hundreds to carry all your belongings, you don't need them.","\n","^The delicate gold chain he wears will be worth a pretty packet, however.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"lucre"},1,"+",{"VAR=":"lucre","re":true},"/ev","ev",{"VAR?":"lootObjects"},{"VAR?":"nerogoldchain"},"+",{"VAR=":"lootObjects","re":true},"/ev",["ev",{"^->":"RobbingNero.0.18.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Is that everything?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"RobbingNero.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.18.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you say. The emperor only whimpers.","\n","^Your eye catches the glint of the instrument on the wall. \"I reckon that lyre's worth a pretty penny.\"","\n","^\"No!\" cries Nero. \"You can't have it!\"","\n",["ev","str","^(Take the lyre)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Smash the lyre)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},["ev",{"^->":"RobbingNero.0.c-0.12.12.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":22},{"s":["^\"He can keep it",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["\n","ev",{"VAR?":"lucre"},1,"+",{"VAR=":"lucre","re":true},"/ev","ev",{"VAR?":"lootObjects"},{"VAR?":"nerolute"},"+",{"VAR=":"lootObjects","re":true},"/ev","^You lift the instrument off the wall and tuck it under your arm. Nero is reduced to simply sobbing.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["\n","^\"I've got a better idea,\" you say.","\n","^You lift the instrument off the wall and test its weight in your hands.","\n","^\"No!\" Nero screams again. He rushes for you, but ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ sticks out a foot and the emperor goes sprawling.","\n","^You dash the lyre against the floor right in front of his face. It disintegrates, twanging unhappily as the tension of the strings unravels the fine wood.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"RobbingNero.0.c-0.12.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.12.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Vira nods steadily.",{"->":".^.^.^.17"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ shakes ","ev",{"VAR?":"hers"},"out","/ev","^ head. \"Whatever.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.17"},null]}],"nop","\n","^Nero snatches it back greedily and clutches it like a shield.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"g-0":[["ev",{"^->":"RobbingNero.0.g-0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Now, let's get out of here.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"RobbingNero.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ slowly backs away from the emperor's gaze. You move to join ","ev",{"VAR?":"him"},"out","/ev","^. Then you both turn and sprint back the way you came, running as fast as you can before your luck changes.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ \"Funny, isn't it?\" Vira says, typically philosophical as you concentrate your energies into hurtling back up the stairs. \"Doesn't matter what you wear or who you are - when you're up against a couple of thugs, you'll do whatever it takes to save your own skin.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.19"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Felix positively bounces up the stairs, adrenaline coursing through your veins. \"Fleecing the emperor! Can you imagine? Wait till I tell the lads back...\" He trails off, thankfully realising that a future show of bravado might jeopardise both your life expectancies. \"Damn. Still, what a story!\"",{"->":".^.^.^.29"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ \"Well, I hope you're happy.\" Fabricius grumbles, as you hurtle back up the stairs. \"That was our chance to avenge Rome. And all we've got to show for it is some shiny trinkets.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.39"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":"TheGreatEscape"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"PunishingNero":[["ev","str","^major","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^\"W-w-wait!\" Nero falls to his knees, but the time for bargaining is over.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"PunishingNero.0.10.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^Ignoring his pleas",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"PunishingNero.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.10.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ you watch Fabricius",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^you",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],"nop","^ tie Nero up with some loose rope, making sure that the knots are tight. Then ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ he stuffs",{"->":".^.^.^.27"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^you stuff",{"->":".^.^.^.27"},null]}],"nop","^ a rag into his mouth to stifle his protests. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^\"There!\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ he says, standing back and admiring his handiwork",{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^You stand back and admire your handiwork",{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],"nop","^ That should do it.\"","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ You pause for a moment. \"Really?\" You ask.",{"->":".^.^.^.22"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^ ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ pauses for a moment. \"Really?\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"he"},"out","/ev","^ asks.",{"->":".^.^.^.22"},null]}],"nop","^ \"That's it?\"","\n",["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^Fabricius laughs dryly. \"Don't you get it? This vault will be his tomb...\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.FabriciusExplains"},{"->":".^.^.^.27"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["\n","^You laugh dryly. \"Don't you get it? This vault will be his tomb...\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.ThePlayerExplains"},{"->":".^.^.^.27"},null]}],"nop","\n",["^\"Right...\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ looks at you, with their head cocked to one side.","\n","ev","str","^Explain how Nero will meet his end","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},["ev",{"^->":"PunishingNero.0.g-0.ThePlayerExplains.13.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":22},{"s":["^\"I'll explain later",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["^ ","\n","^\"Nero said it himself, no one else knows this room exists! And even if they did, how would they get in? The puzzle my father designed ensures that Nero has the only other key to its lock. And if he's in here...\"","\n","^Nero's face blanches in horror.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ taps one wall experimentally. \"And this place will swallow any scream. No one will hear.\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"He"},"out","/ev","^ shudders.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"PunishingNero.0.g-0.ThePlayerExplains.c-1.17.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Now, let's get out of here.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"PunishingNero.0.g-0.ThePlayerExplains.c-1.17.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^you say. ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^'s more than happy to. ",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.PostPunishingNero"},"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.FabriciusExplains"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"PunishingNero.0.g-0.ThePlayerExplains.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.13.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, now it's time to go!\" ",{"->":".^.^.^.^.PostPunishingNero"},"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.FabriciusExplains"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"ThePlayerExplains"}],{"#f":5}],"FabriciusExplains":[["ev",{"^->":"PunishingNero.0.FabriciusExplains.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Someone will find him!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"PunishingNero.0.FabriciusExplains.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Someone will hear him!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"PunishingNero.0.FabriciusExplains.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"CNT?":".^.^"},1,">","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-5","flg":19},{"s":["^\"Why not just kill him?\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"PunishingNero.0.FabriciusExplains.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"CNT?":".^.^"},1,">","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-6","flg":19},{"s":["^\"Doesn't look much like punishment to me...\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"PunishingNero.0.FabriciusExplains.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str",{"CNT?":".^.^"},1,">","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-7","flg":19},{"s":["^\"Ok. Time to get out of here.\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"PunishingNero.0.FabriciusExplains.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you protest. ","\n","^\"Nero said it himself, no one else knows this room exists. And even if they did, how would they get in? The puzzle your father designed ensures that only Nero has the key to its lock. And if he's in here...\"","\n","^Nero's face blanches in horror as he also realises his fate is sealed. ",{"->":".^.^"},"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.PostPunishingNero"},{"#f":5}],"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"PunishingNero.0.FabriciusExplains.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you say. ","\n","^\"Not all the way down here they won't. However loud he screams...\" ",{"->":".^.^"},"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.PostPunishingNero"},{"#f":5}],"c-5":["ev",{"^->":"PunishingNero.0.FabriciusExplains.c-5.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^\"Call me old-fashioned, but I don't want to risk any unnecessary sacrilegious pollution by having any actual blood on my hands. If the myths taught us anything, it's that, however dastardly a person is, it's not for us mere mortals to decide when their life ends. This way, it's not us killing him. It's the lack of food. And water. Over a prolonged period of time. And all this in a place of his own making.\" ",{"->":".^.^"},"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.PostPunishingNero"},{"#f":5}],"c-6":["ev",{"^->":"PunishingNero.0.FabriciusExplains.c-6.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^Fabricius thinks for a moment. Then in a sudden flash, he lamps the emperor square in his bulbous nose! \"Better?\"","\n","^\"Much better\" you reply, darkly. \"Now, time to get out of here.\" ",{"->":".^.^.^.PostPunishingNero"},"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.PostPunishingNero"},{"#f":5}],"c-7":["ev",{"^->":"PunishingNero.0.FabriciusExplains.c-7.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ ",{"->":".^.^.^.PostPunishingNero"},"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.PostPunishingNero"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"PostPunishingNero":[["^Leaving Nero to his grim fate, you and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ turn and hurtle back up the stairs, back to the land of the living.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Vira is uncharacteristically silent. As a veteran of the arena, She's no stranger to death. But Nero's haunting end feels like a fate she wouldn't wish on anyone.",{"->":".^.^.^.15"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Felix is uncharacteristically quiet. \"Well, I suppose he deserved it...\" he pants. \"I just hope we don't end up like that, rotting away in some cell.\"",{"->":".^.^.^.25"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Fabricius has a positive spring in his step. \"Nothing like killing an emperor to make you feel truly alive, eh?\" he says cheerfully. \"Now to see whether we make it out of here.\" ",{"->":".^.^.^.35"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":"TheGreatEscape"},{"#f":5,"#n":"g-1"}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"TheGreatEscape":[{"->":"StartTheEscape"},{"#f":1}],"StartTheEscape":[[{"#":"CLEAR"},{"#":"AUDIOLOOP: Adventure.mp3"},"^As you reach the top of the stairs, you slow to a halt, remembering the guards who were so hot on your trail before you entered the vault...","\n",["ev",{"^->":"StartTheEscape.0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^But",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"StartTheEscape.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ the pursuit has moved on. Any guards Nero brought with him are nowhere to be found – have they abandoned their posts, or been caught up in the chaos? Or was Nero really so overconfident in the sanctity of his vault?","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^As you reach the corridor, ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ unfurls a sack and gives you a meaningful look. The vault may have been a bust, but the Golden House still has lesser riches to surrender. 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How can the emperor disappear in his own bloody—\"",{"->":".^.^.29"},null],"s2":["pop","^A guard pokes his head round the corner. \"Sorry, ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^sir, ma'am",{"->":".^.^.^.11"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^sirs",{"->":".^.^.^.11"},null]}],"nop","^, all the guests need to—\" He's cut off by a distant shout. 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You tuck the statuette under your arm. Its legs are bent, it's bulky, and you made a hell of a racket getting it free. But it alone will fetch a small fortune.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"LootEventStatuette.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, despite its obvious value.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^You hustle back out of the room before anyone spots you.","\n","ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":3}],"LootEventKylix":[["^A storage room holds cabinets of drinking vessels. Most are ornate, but unexceptional – not worth their weight. But one has been carefully set apart from the rest, out of reach on top of one of the cabinets.","\n","^It's a black-red Greek kylix.","\n",["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","^\"Jupiter's bollock!\" cries Felix. \"This must be five centuries old!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["\n","<>","^ You're no expert, but you'd put it at a few centuries old, at least.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],"nop","\n","^It would fetch a pretty penny from a collector.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"LootEventKylix.0.10.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^You clamber up the cabinet",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"LootEventKylix.0.11.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^But you've never cared for pottery. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"LootEventKylix.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.10.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, placing your feet carefully around the other vessels. ","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"lucre"},2,"+",{"VAR=":"lucre","re":true},"/ev","ev",{"VAR?":"lootObjects"},{"VAR?":"kylix"},"+",{"VAR=":"lootObjects","re":true},"/ev","^You stretch up and grab the cup, casting a smug look down to ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^.","\n","^The shelf under your right foot gives an ominous creak.","\n","ev",5,{"f()":"rolld6"},"/ev",["du","ev",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^You scamper down with an alacrity that surprises even you. The cabinet and its cups wobble upsettingly, but remain in place.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.36"},null]}],["du","ev",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","ev","str","^medium","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^You freeze, and slowly lift your foot to climb back down.","\n","^The shift in your weight drives your other foot through the shelf and the whole mess comes tumbling down with the noise and force of a landslide.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ drags you from under the broken wood and pottery shards – still, it must be said, holding the intact kylix.","\n","^\"Come on,\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"he"},"out","/ev","^ says. \"They could probably hear that crash from the other side of the villa.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.36"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"LootEventKylix.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.11.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^You beat a hasty retreat.","\n","ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":3}],"LootEventCoinpurse":[["^There, right in your path, is a fat coinpurse, abandoned in the corridor. One of the guests must have dropped it in the stampede away from the banquet hall.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"LootEventCoinpurse.0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Our lucky day",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"LootEventCoinpurse.0.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"An obvious trap",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"LootEventCoinpurse.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say to ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ as you retrieve the pouch. ","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"lucre"},1,"+",{"VAR=":"lucre","re":true},"/ev","ev",{"VAR?":"lootObjects"},{"VAR?":"coinpurse"},"+",{"VAR=":"lootObjects","re":true},"/ev","^It's not the grandest prize the Domus Aurea has to offer, but it's packed with denarii.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"LootEventCoinpurse.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say to ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ as you hustle past it.","\n","^You're about to round the corner when a harsh voice calls to you. \"Oi!\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"LootEventCoinpurse.0.c-1.15.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^You break into a run. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"LootEventCoinpurse.0.c-1.15.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^You freeze.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"LootEventCoinpurse.0.c-1.15.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev","str","^medium","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^The guard calls after you, but doesn't pursue.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"LootEventCoinpurse.0.c-1.15.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ A guard stands over the pouch. He clears his throat, a little awkwardly. \"Pardon my tone, ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Sir, Madam",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^Sirs",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],"nop","^. Did you perhaps drop this?\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"LootEventCoinpurse.0.c-1.15.c-1.19.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Not us",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"LootEventCoinpurse.0.c-1.15.c-1.19.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Ah! Of course!",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"LootEventCoinpurse.0.c-1.15.c-1.19.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say, and hasten away.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"LootEventCoinpurse.0.c-1.15.c-1.19.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ Thank you.\" You go and take the pouch.","\n","ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"lucre"},1,"+",{"VAR=":"lucre","re":true},"/ev","ev",{"VAR?":"lootObjects"},{"VAR?":"coinpurse"},"+",{"VAR=":"lootObjects","re":true},"/ev","^The guard looks at you uncertainly. \"You shouldn't be in this part of the palace, Sir. I know there's been some disturbances, but you should make your way back to the hall.\"","\n","^You nod at his advice and do just that.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"g-0":["ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":3}],"LootEventCaesarsDiadem":[["^You stumble into a room at the heart of the palace that seems to be the most extravagant ancestor shrine you've ever seen. Representations of Nero's ancestors stretch along one wall, going all the way back to Julius Caesar himself!","\n",["ev",{"^->":"LootEventCaesarsDiadem.0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^..","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^Then you see it.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"LootEventCaesarsDiadem.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^The diadem. The ancient crown that got Caesar killed. Now sitting atop Caesar's sculpted head. Caesar seems to wear it rather smugly.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ has seen it too. \"It must be worth thousands...\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"he"},"out","/ev","^ whispers.","\n","^You hear footsteps from around the corner... It's now or never.","\n","ev","str","^(Take the diadem)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Leave the diadem)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":20},{"c-1":["\n","ev",{"VAR?":"lootObjects"},{"VAR?":"diadem"},"+",{"VAR=":"lootObjects","re":true},"/ev","ev",{"VAR?":"lucre"},5,"+",{"VAR=":"lucre","re":true},"/ev","ev",4,{"f()":"rolld6"},"/ev",["du","ev",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^In a flash, you swipe the crown from Caesar's head, and disappear into the nearest stuccoed corridor. Behind you, you hear a horrified gasp.","\n","ev","str","^medium","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.20"},null]}],["du","ev",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","ev","str","^major","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^In a flash, you swipe the crown from Caesar's head. Just in time for the guard to catch you red-handed as he appear round the corner.","\n","^There's a fractional pause as your wanton brazenness temporarily stuns him.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^It's just enough time for Vira to step out of the shadows and smash the sculpture of a lesser grandmother over his head.","\n","ev","str","^reduce","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^The guard crumples.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.19"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"RUN!\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ shouts. You don't need to be told twice.","\n","^You sprint down the nearest stuccoed corridor, following ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^'s twists and turns until you're sure that you've lost your pursuer.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.19"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.20"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["\n","^You motion to ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ to slip down into the nearest stuccoed corridor, away from the menacing footsteps.","\n","^\"That crown's cursed,\" you say, in response to ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^'s questioning eyebrows. \"It killed Caesar, imagine what it could do to us!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^\"Come on,\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ urges. \"Let's keep moving!\"","\n","ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":3}],"LootEventGoldenNecklace":[["^In the bowels of the palace, you wander into a lavishly decorated bedroom. You scan the room. Most of the furniture is exquisite but impossible to carry off. A chest sits at the foot of the bed, but a quick inspection suggests it's locked tight. At the dressing table however, your eye catches sight of a golden necklace, set with pearls, amber and jade.","\n","ev","str","^(Nab it)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Leave it)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ You swipe it.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"lootObjects"},{"VAR?":"necklace"},"+",{"VAR=":"lootObjects","re":true},"/ev","ev",{"VAR?":"lucre"},3,"+",{"VAR=":"lucre","re":true},"/ev","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^As you do so, you see Fabricius break out ","ev",{"CNT?":"LootEventStatuette.0.c-0"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^his hammer",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^a hammer he's apparently had with him the entire evening",{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],"nop","^, give a few choice taps to the chest and open it up with ease.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"lucre"},2,"+",{"VAR=":"lucre","re":true},"/ev","^\"Don't look so surprised!\" he says gruffly. \"Chests aren't just opened by keys. Like anything material, they're able to manipulated by correct knowledge and application of... Never mind. Here, take this.\"","\n","^He tosses you a coinpurse, bursting with silver.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.21"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^As you do so, you hear Vira give the chest a bash that threatens to bring down the whole palace with it. But the chest stays persistently shut.","\n","ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^\"Come on,\" you say, \"let's not get greedy!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.21"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^As you do so, you see Felix staring at the chest hungrily.","\n","^\"Come on,\" you say, \"let's not get greedy...\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.21"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ You leave it. It's not entirely clear why. It was, after all, almost begging to be stolen. ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ even comments as much. But you had a bad feeling about it. So it's gone for good now. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^You quit the bedroom and explore what else the palace has to offer.","\n","ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":3}],"LootEventIvoryComb":[["^You enter a small room packed with glass mirrors and pungent with scented oils and perfumes. A dressing room for Nero's female entertainers. It's clearly been vacated in a hurry. On the table in front of you, you see an ivory comb encrusted with gems.","\n","ev","str","^(Take it)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Leave it)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ You reach out to take it and pocket it. ","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"lootObjects"},{"VAR?":"comb"},"+",{"VAR=":"lootObjects","re":true},"/ev","ev",{"VAR?":"lucre"},1,"+",{"VAR=":"lucre","re":true},"/ev","ev",2,{"f()":"rolld6"},"/ev",["du","ev",1,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^Then retreat your steps back the way you came.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.21"},null]}],["du","ev",0,"==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.caughtOut"},{"->":".^.^.^.21"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ You're here to steal from the rich, not take trinkets from the poor. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":5}]}],{"caughtOut":["ev","str","^minor","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^\"HEY!\" You spin round to see a freckled slave girl glaring at you. \"That's mine.\"","\n",["ev","str","^(Hand it back)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Keep it)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ You return the comb sheepishly. ","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"lootObjects"},{"VAR?":"comb"},"-",{"VAR=":"lootObjects","re":true},"/ev","ev",{"VAR?":"lucre"},1,"-",{"VAR=":"lucre","re":true},"/ev","^She snatches it, stares at you suspiciously for a moment, then flees before you change your mind.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"Good call.\" Felix says approvingly. \"In my... handful of experiences of being caught with my toga down, it's the ones with less to lose that you need to watch out for.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.23"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^\"Wimp.\" Vira says. \"She barely reached your shoulder. We could have taken her.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.23"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^Fabricius rolls his eyes and sighs pointedly. \"I'm so pleased you've decided we can afford to choose who we rob from,\" he drawls.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.23"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n","^You head back into the palace.","\n","ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^ You keep hold of the comb. \"Sorry.\" You say. \"Finders keepers.\"","\n","ev","str","^medium","/str",{"f()":"changeSuspicion"},"pop","/ev","\n","^Her dark eyes narrow even further. Then she tips back her head and howls: \"GUARDS!\"","\n","^You turn on your heel and sprint as fast as you can.","\n","^\"Just our luck...\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ mutters, as you finally seem to get clear of the slave girl's cries.","\n","ev","void","/ev","->->",{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":3}],"WaitedTooLong":["^You have to pause to adjust the sack on your shoulder. You almost miss the sound of heavy boots approaching until they're right on top of you. ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ has to drag you into a side room before you're caught right out in the open.","\n","^\"We can't stay ahead of them forever.\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"he"},"out","/ev","^ says firmly. \"We've got to get out of here while we still can.\"","\n",{"->":"ActCasual"},{"#f":1}],"ActCasual":[[{"#":"AUDIOLOOP: Tension.mp3"},"^Together, you and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ hastily make your way back to the main banqueting hall where the last of the guests are filing towards the exit, thoroughly discombobulated by the disruption to the evening's festivities. The debris and commotion caused by your 'creative ","ev",{"VAR?":"pellets"},"out","/ev","^ distraction' is clearly still in swing - some guests sport injuries, guards are packed into the area interrogating nervous slaves and melodramatic entertainers. Resisting the temptation to smile, you try to adopt your most disapproving frown instead.","\n","^Then ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ nudges you sharply.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"ActCasual.0.20.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Tigellinus!\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"ActCasual.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.20.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ ","ev",{"VAR?":"he"},"out","/ev","^ mutters darkly. The 'Christian Crucifiar' himself - the captain of Nero's praetorian guard - is striding up and down the hall, personally intimidating and interrogating everyone who wants to leave the palace from the most venerable senator to the lowliest slave. ","ev",{"CNT?":"RecognisedCompanion"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ To your horror, you see the man who recognised ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^, remonstrating with him and re-enacting the disagreement you had earlier...",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^You can feel ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ tensing beside you.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"ActCasual.0.g-0.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Act casual",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"ActCasual.0.g-0.8.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Keep your head down",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"ActCasual.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say under your breath.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"ActCasual.0.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.8.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say under your breath. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^Admittedly, that's not easy when you're hauling a sack","<>","\n",["ev",{"VAR?":"lucre"},9,">","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","<>","^ chock full of glorious lucre","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],["ev",{"VAR?":"lucre"},4,">","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n","<>","^ loaded down with shinies","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["\n","^, even one so modestly accoutred with valuables","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],"nop","\n","<>","^... But you've got to hold your nerve. It's a busy crowd, no one really knows what's going on and the exit to the palace is tantalisingly close. Out the hall, across the colonnade under Nero's statue, through the entrance and you've done it. 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Seeing your face, he nods respectfully in your direction: \"Mr Alexandros, sir.\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ tries to contain ","ev",{"VAR?":"his"},"out","/ev","^ snigger.",{"->":".^.^.^.14"},null]}],"nop","\n","^You shuffle closer to the threshold where not so long ago you stood and ","ev",{"CNT?":"ComeWithMe.TheBanquetBegins.0.c-0"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ marvelled at",{"->":".^.^.^.21"},null]}],"nop","^ ","ev",{"CNT?":"ComeWithMe.TheBanquetBegins.0.c-1"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ bemoaned over",{"->":".^.^.^.27"},null]}],"nop","^ the work of your father. Now you try to look peeved at a fine evening cut short, while desperately trying not to clink your sack of loot.","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"ActCasual.0.g-1.g-2.g-3.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":22},{"s":["^Suddenly",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"ActCasual.0.g-1.g-2.g-3.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, you hear a crescendo of disgruntled cries from behind you. Pompous guests who aren't prepared to wait any longer start to push and shove from the back. ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ tries to shield you from the bodies, but people stumble and collide into you... 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A sick smile spreads across his face. He's got you.",{"->":".^.^.^.50"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["^ You see Tigellinus start in surprise. He tries to see where the sound's sprung from, slowly connecting the dots.",{"->":".^.^.^.50"},null]}],"nop","^ Then you hear his voice roar and reverberate around the room: \"SEIZE THEM! NOW!\"","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^ There's only one thing for it.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[["ev",{"^->":"ActCasual.YouDroppedThis.0.g-0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"RUN!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"ActCasual.YouDroppedThis.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, you cry, scooping up the sack and preparing to dive back into the palace. 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","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev",{"->":".^.^.^.32"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ \"Come on, you fool!\" Fabricius snaps, already striding away from the fray. \"We've got to get out of here!\" ","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev",{"->":".^.^.^.42"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Vira grabs you by the scruff of your neck and hurls you forward. \"Enough!\" she snarls, \"We've got to go!\" ","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev",{"->":".^.^.^.52"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["\n","^You trample past the ","ev",{"VAR?":"fallenLoot"},"str","^short","/str",{"f()":"LootPrinter"},"out","/ev","^. This is no longer about money. It's about your life.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Felix, bends down and grabs it instead. \"I'll get this then...\" he grumbles. ","ev",-1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev",{"->":".^.^.^.20"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ You race to catch up with Fabricius, who's already striding away from the fray. ","ev",1,0,{"f()":"changeLoyalty"},"out","/ev",{"->":".^.^.^.30"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ You race to catch up with Vira, who's already charging away from the fray. 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But the confusion works to your advantage; you twist and turn your way towards the gardens, desperately trying to lose your pursuers. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[["ev",{"VAR?":"loyalty"},{"VAR?":"loyalHighThreshold"},">=","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":"ActCasual.NearlyOut"},{"->":".^.^.^.3"},null]}],["ev",{"VAR?":"loyalty"},{"VAR?":"loyalLowThreshold"},"<=","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":"ActCasual.NearlyOut"},{"->":".^.^.^.3"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["\n",{"->":"ActCasual.YouOrMe"},{"->":".^.^.^.3"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"YouOrMe":[["^The sack weighs heavy in your hand. ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ starts to pull ahead of you, unencumbered.","\n","^You tear after ","ev",{"VAR?":"him"},"out","/ev","^, hurtling round a corner, just in time to see ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ trip and crash down on the floor.","\n","^A tawny-haired slave - one apparently loyal to Nero's cause - has tripped ","ev",{"VAR?":"him"},"out","/ev","^ up. ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ lies sprawled on the ground. The slave looks up at you, wondering if he's done enough to secure lifelong imperial gratitude and whether doing more is worth the risk of crossing you.","\n","^Shouts from behind! 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You have to keep some distance between you and the guards.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[{"->":".^.^.^.^.NearlyOut"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"NearlyOut":[[["^Through side rooms,","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^ storage rooms,","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^ kitchens piled with fresh food still waiting to be served and ","ev",{"CNT?":"CrossingTheGrounds"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ back",{"->":".^.^.^.15"},null]}],"nop","^ out","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^ into the grounds.","\n",["^You run, trying to...","\n","ev","str","^<>sprint away as fast as possible.","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},"ev","str","^<>find something to hide behind.","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"g-1"}],{"#f":5,"#n":"g-0"}],{"g-2":["^Amid the chaos and the sweat and the heavy breathing, you find suddenly yourself appreciating Nero's decision to have a sprawling nature reserve in the middle of the city.","\n","^You hear shouts behind you. More guards have joined the hunt.","\n","^You press on into the dark, trampling indiscriminately over rose bushes and flowerbeds and wild grasses before finally, breathlessly, reaching a garden wall covered in vines.","\n",{"->":"TimetoReap"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"TimetoReap":[["ev",{"VAR?":"suspicion"},{"VAR?":"susHighThreshold"},">=","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",["ev",{"VAR?":"loyalty"},{"VAR?":"loyalHighThreshold"},">=","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":"TheSacrifice"},{"->":".^.^.^.3"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["\n",{"->":"TheBusThrow"},{"->":".^.^.^.3"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.2"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["\n",["ev",{"VAR?":"loyalty"},{"VAR?":"loyalLowThreshold"},">","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":"TheGreatSuccess"},{"->":".^.^.^.3"},null]}],[{"->":".^.b"},{"b":["\n",{"->":"TheBackstab"},{"->":".^.^.^.3"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.2"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"#f":1}],"TheBackstab":[["^You and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ round the corner and press your backs against the wall. You wait, listening for the sounds of approaching guards.","\n","^You poke your head out from the hiding place and look across the gardens. You can make out light from distant torches back towards the palace, but the chase seems to have moved away from you.","\n","^Ahead, a hop and a skip across the lawn, is the outer wall of the palace grounds. It's all you can do not to laugh.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^Felix appears to have been travelling with a wine skin all evening. He uncaps it, hands trembling. He does have an uncanny talent to procure a drink when he needs one.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.18"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^Fabricius is holding his upper arm a little awkwardly, like he's jarred his shoulder. He's looking at the perimeter wall with grim resignation.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.18"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^Vira's actually broken a sweat, for once, but her breathing is steady. She's holding herself a little tense, like she's ready to spring into a sprint again.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.18"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.0.20.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"I can't believe it...",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.0.21.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Ready for one last dash?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.20.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ We've made it!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.21.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you say.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.FelixBetrays"},{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.FabriciusBetrays"},{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.ViraBetrays"},{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",{"#f":5}]}],{"FelixBetrays":[["^Felix holds the wine skin up in toast. \"To the stupidest, luckiest bastards who ever did live?\" He takes a belt, then offers it to you.","\n","^Felix offers the wine skin. \"One belt for luck?\"","\n",[["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.FelixBetrays.0.FelixToast.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I think you mean 'cleverest'.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.FelixBetrays.0.FelixToast.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"","ev",{"CNT?":".^.^.^.c-0"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Then ",{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],"nop","^I'll drink to that.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.FelixBetrays.0.FelixToast.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I'll take that toast when we're over that wall.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.FelixBetrays.0.FelixToast.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^He waves a hand, accepting your point.","\n",{"->":".^.^"},{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.FelixBetrays.0.FelixToast.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.FelixBetrays.0.FelixToast.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.SawThroughHim"},{"->":".^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"FelixToast"}],{"g-0":["^Felix gives a mock salute. The wine is sharp and a little acrid, but it's welcome after all that running around.","\n","^You toss the skin back to him. \"Alright,\" you say. \"On three.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.FelixBetrays.0.g-0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"One.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.FelixBetrays.0.g-0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",[["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.FelixBetrays.0.g-0.c-3.7.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Two.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.FelixBetrays.0.g-0.c-3.7.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",[["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.FelixBetrays.0.g-0.c-3.7.c-0.7.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^ee.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Thr",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.FelixBetrays.0.g-0.c-3.7.c-0.7.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—\" You have to clear your throat.","\n",["ev","str","^\"Three.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["^You gasp. It's a struggle to get breath down. Your mouth feels too small, your airway too tight. ","\n",["ev","str","^\"Felix...\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["^You let out a rattle and drop to your knees. Felix spits a neat stream of wine onto the grass.","\n","^\"What's the matter?\" says Felix. He pulls a face. \"Oh my, it does numb the tongue a fair bit, doesn't it?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.FelixMonologue"},{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.SawThroughHim"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"SawThroughHim":["^\"Suit yourself,\" says Felix. Then he squeezes the skin, sending a jet of wine into your face.","\n","ev","str","^\"What are you doing?!\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-4","flg":20},{"c-4":["^You can't get the words out. You're still trying to wipe away the acrid sting when Felix grabs you by the shoulders and drives a knee into your groin, then into your stomach. You hit the floor like a sack of grain. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.FelixMonologue"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"FelixMonologue":["ev",0,"/ev",{"VAR=":"lucre","re":true},"^\"You managed to pull this off, I'll give you that. Well, almost. But you couldn't have done it without me, a fact which you apparently forgot somewhere along the way. ","<>","\n","thread",{"->":"felixMonologue"},"^\"You used me. And I don't like being used. Not without fair compensation, anyway.\" He scoops up the bag of loot next to you.","\n","ev","str","^(Grab him)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-5","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Stare him down)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-6","flg":20},{"c-5":["^ You make a grab for him, but he shoves you to the ground with no real effort.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-6":["^ You stare him down. He gives you the patented Felix winsome grin. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^\"Don't worry, it's not going to kill you, and it should wear off before the guards get their act together. Farewell, old friend.\"","\n","^And then he's gone.","\n",{"->":"EndofBetrayal"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"FabriciusBetrays":[["^\"Actually,\" says Fabricius, \"I think you've missed something important.\"","\n","^You turn to him. He flicks his arm down in one sharp movement. Some kind of contraption shoots out of his robe and down to his wrist. He takes a grip of the handle and raises his arm towards you.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.FabriciusBetrays.0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^shot?!","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^Is that a sling",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.FabriciusBetrays.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—","\n","ev",0,"/ev",{"VAR=":"lucre","re":true},"^There's a metallic 'snap', and a sharp pain in your leg. You look down to find a wooden bolt sticking out of it.","\n","^Your brain catches up with the rest of your body, and you collapse.","\n","^\"Bloody mess,\" Fabricius mutters. \"You're cunning, I'll grant you, but you really need a better way with people. Well, with me, anyway. Your father was kind. You... You've lost that somewhere along the way.","\n","thread",{"->":"fabriciusMonologue"},"^\"The wound shouldn't be too severe. Once you get over the shock, you should be able to limp out of here. Get to a physician as soon as you can. Any reasonably competent one should ensure you retain function in the leg.\" He picks up your bag of loot. \"I'll put this to good use. I know that might not come as much consolation, but this city needs all the help it can get. I'll make it count.\"","\n","^And he jogs away towards the perimeter wall.","\n",{"->":"EndofBetrayal"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"ViraBetrays":[["ev",0,"/ev",{"VAR=":"lucre","re":true},"^You take several short, sharp breaths, steeling yourself.","\n","^\"Alright,\" you say, \"after three.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.ViraBetrays.0.8.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^ne.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"O",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheBackstab.ViraBetrays.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.8.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—\"","\n","^Vira's fist comes down on you like a collapsing building. The world blinks away for a second, and you find yourself on your knees. She follows up with a series of kicks, brutal in their power, but surgical in their precision. Your body screams in protest, and you force yourself into a ball.","\n","^The onslaught abates. You hear the clink of valuables as your loot bag get scooped up.","\n","^You try to stand, but even uncurling feels impossible – the agony in your muscles too great. You don't feel like anything's broken, but your body refuses to obey your commands.","\n","^\"There's this bad habit people seem to have,\" she says, \"of people treating me like an animal. Well, like they treat animals, anyway. Bossing me around. Feeding me scraps. Thinking they're better than me.\" She delivers another swift kick. \"","<>","\n","thread",{"->":"viraMonologue"},"^She sniffs. \"Anyway, doesn't matter how smart or strong you are if you aren't decent. Remember that.\"","\n","^And with that, she lopes away towards the perimeter wall.","\n",{"->":"EndofBetrayal"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"EndofBetrayal":[{"->":"TheBeginningofTheEnd"},{"#f":1}],"TheBusThrow":[["^You and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ round the corner and press your backs against the wall. You wait, listening for the sounds of approaching guards.","\n","^You hear them, close by, calling back and forth to co-ordinate a sweep. They're slow, but inevitable. Soon enough they'll sweep through and take you both.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^Felix appears to have been travelling with a wine skin all evening. He uncaps it, hands trembling. He does have an uncanny talent to procure a drink when he needs one.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^Fabricius is holding his upper arm a little awkwardly, like he's jarred his shoulder. He's looking at the perimeter wall with grim resignation.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n","^Vira's actually broken a sweat, for once, but her breathing is steady. She's holding herself a little tense, like she's ready to spring into a sprint again.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n","^Ahead - a hop and a skip across the lawn - is the outer wall of the palace grounds. One fast run, a prayer that their spears land wide, and you'll be clear.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheBusThrow.0.20.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"We'll have to make a break for it",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheBusThrow.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.20.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you say to ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.FelixBetrays"},{"->":".^.^.^.20"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.FabriciusBetrays"},{"->":".^.^.^.20"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.ViraBetrays"},{"->":".^.^.^.20"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",{"#f":5}]}],{"FelixBetrays":[["^Felix offers the wine skin. \"One belt for luck?\"","\n","ev","str","^(Take a sip)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},["ev",{"^->":"TheBusThrow.FelixBetrays.0.8.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Better make it two",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheBusThrow.FelixBetrays.0.9.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I'll drink when I'm not being hunted.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheBusThrow.FelixBetrays.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.8.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ – it's a long run.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"TheBusThrow.FelixBetrays.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.9.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.SawThroughHim"},{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^Felix gives a mock salute. The wine is sharp and a little acrid, but it's welcome after all that running around.","\n","^You toss the skin back to him. \"Alright,\" you say. \"On three.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheBusThrow.FelixBetrays.0.g-0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"One.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"TheBusThrow.FelixBetrays.0.g-0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",[["ev",{"^->":"TheBusThrow.FelixBetrays.0.g-0.c-3.7.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Two.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheBusThrow.FelixBetrays.0.g-0.c-3.7.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",[["ev",{"^->":"TheBusThrow.FelixBetrays.0.g-0.c-3.7.c-0.7.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^ee.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Thr",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheBusThrow.FelixBetrays.0.g-0.c-3.7.c-0.7.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—\" You have to clear your throat.","\n",["ev","str","^\"Three.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["^You gasp. It's a struggle to get breath down. Your mouth feels too small, your airway too tight. ","\n",["ev","str","^\"Felix...\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["^You let out a rattle and drop to your knees.","\n","^\"What's the matter?\" says Felix, capping the wine skin. His hands are dead steady. \"Cat got your tongue?\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.FelixMonologue"},{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.SawThroughHim"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"SawThroughHim":["^\"Suit yourself,\" says Felix. Then he sharply squeezes the skin, sending a jet of wine into your face.","\n","ev","str","^\"What are you doing?!\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-4","flg":20},{"c-4":["^You can't get the words out. You're still trying to wipe away the acrid sting when Felix grabs you by the shoulders and drives a knee into your groin, then into your stomach. You hit the floor like a sack of grain. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.FelixMonologue"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"FelixMonologue":["ev",0,"/ev",{"VAR=":"lucre","re":true},"^\"You're unbelievable,\" he says. \"You've fucked this up every step of the way, and now look at us. Rolling the dice to see if we can outrun the spears of the Imperial Guard.\"","\n","^You can hear the guards drawing closer. \"","<>","\n","thread",{"->":"felixMonologue"},"^\"I think I've got a better chance cutting a deal with some of that rabble. Unlike you, some people know how to look after their own interests.\" He scoops the bag of loot from next to you.","\n","ev","str","^(Grab him)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-5","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Glare at him)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-6","flg":20},{"c-5":["^ You make a grab for him, but he shoves you to the ground with no real effort.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-6":["^ You shoot daggers at him. He gives you the patented Felix winsome grin. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^\"Still, I don't plan on sticking around. Wouldn't want them forgetting who paid them off in a moment of high spirits, would I? See, that's how the game is played. Farewell, old friend.\"","\n","^And then he's gone.","\n",{"->":"EndofBetrayal"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"FabriciusBetrays":[["^\"Actually,\" says Fabricius, \"I have some thoughts on how to escape unscathed.\"","\n","^You turn to him. He flicks his arm down in one sharp movement. Some kind of contraption shoots out of his robe and down to his wrist. He takes a grip of the handle and raises his arm towards you.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheBusThrow.FabriciusBetrays.0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^shot?!","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^Is that a sling",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheBusThrow.FabriciusBetrays.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—","\n","ev",0,"/ev",{"VAR=":"lucre","re":true},"^There's a metallic 'snap', and a sharp pain in your leg. You look down to find a wooden bolt sticking out of it.","\n","^Your brain catches up with the rest of your body, and you collapse.","\n","^\"Bloody mess,\" Fabricius mutters to himself. \"What a fool, to take instructions to an honest-to-gods idiot like you?\" He raises his voice. \"Your father was kind. You... You've lost that somewhere along the way.","\n","thread",{"->":"fabriciusMonologue"},"^\"I don't care what you think of me. My work is too important to rot in a jail cell. Anyway, the wound shouldn't be too severe. Even these fools should be able to treat it. You'll probably retain function in the leg after a few weeks of healing.\" He picks up your bag of loot. \"I'll put this to good use. I know that might not come as much consolation, but this city needs all the help it can get. I'll make it count.\"","\n","^And he jogs away towards the perimeter wall.","\n",{"->":"EndofBetrayal"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"ViraBetrays":[["ev",0,"/ev",{"VAR=":"lucre","re":true},"^You take few short, sharp breaths, steeling yourself.","\n","^\"Alright,\" you say, \"after three.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheBusThrow.ViraBetrays.0.8.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^ne.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"O",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheBusThrow.ViraBetrays.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.8.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—\"","\n","^Vira's fist comes down on you like a collapsing building. The world blinks away for a second, and you find yourself on your knees. She follows up with a series of kicks, brutal in their power, but surgical in their precision. Your body screams in protest, and you force yourself into a ball.","\n","^The onslaught abates. You hear the clink of valuables as your loot bag get scooped up.","\n","^You try to stand, but even uncurling feels impossible – the agony in your muscles too great. You don't feel like anything's broken, but your body refuses to obey your commands.","\n","^\"There's this bad habit people seem to have,\" she says, \"of people treating me like an animal. Well, like they treat animals, anyway. Bossing me around. Feeding me scraps. Thinking they're better than me.\"","\n","^She delivers another swift kick. \"","<>","\n","thread",{"->":"viraMonologue"},"^She sniffs. \"Anyway, I can't fight them all. And I'm not going back to the arena. If you can't be smart, be strong. If you can't be either...\" She looks down at you. \"Then you won't last long in Rome.\"","\n","^And with that, she lopes away towards the perimeter wall.","\n",{"->":"EndofBetrayal"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"TheGreatSuccess":[["^You and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ round the corner and press your backs against the wall. You wait, listening for the sounds of approaching guards.","\n","^You poke your head out from the hiding place and look across the gardens. You can make out light from distant torches back towards the palace, but the chase seems to have moved away from you.","\n","^Ahead – a hop and a skip across the lawn – is the outer wall of the palace grounds. It's all you can do not to laugh.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.0.11.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"I can't believe it...",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.0.12.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Ready for one last dash?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.11.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ We've made it!\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.12.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you say.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ looks at you in disbelief. \"Is that.. Have we... Are you sure?\"","\n","^You've never seen ","ev",{"VAR?":"him"},"out","/ev","^ this agitated...","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.0.g-0.13.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"...Are you ok?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.0.g-0.14.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"We're not out just yet!\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.0.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.13.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.0.g-0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.14.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.FelixHasAnEpiphany"},{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.FabriciusHasAnEpiphany"},{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.ViraHasAnEpiphany"},{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",{"#f":5}]}],{"FelixHasAnEpiphany":[["^\"I can't believe it...\" Felix says, ignoring you, raising both of his hands to his head. \"There were so many times back there when I thought we'd really had it. ","ev",{"CNT?":"Fast_Talking_The_Guards"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Blagging our way in",{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],"nop","ev",{"CNT?":"CrossingTheGrounds"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Sneaking through the undergrowth to get in",{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],"nop","^, when that prat at the party recognised me, dodging ","ev",{"CNT?":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.c-1"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^sand",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],"nop","^ ","ev",{"CNT?":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.c-0"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^coins",{"->":".^.^.^.22"},null]}],"nop","^ ","ev",{"CNT?":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.c-2"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^shit",{"->":".^.^.^.28"},null]}],"nop","^ while we ran to the vault, coming face to face with Nero, running for our lives just now...\" He trails off, then turns suddenly and looks at you with a directness that's unsettling. \"You.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.FelixHasAnEpiphany.0.31.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Me what?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.FelixHasAnEpiphany.0.32.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^ape properly before we have this chat?","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Can we maybe esc",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.FelixHasAnEpiphany.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.31.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.FelixHasAnEpiphany.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.32.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^\"It's all thanks to you.\"","\n","^There's something radiating from him that you've never seen before.","\n","^\"I mean it,\" he continues, positively effervescent. \"All my life, I've been on the fringes. Hustling, scraping by, struggling... This-\" He indicates the jangling sack of loot. \"This is going to actually change things. But more importantly, this—\" He places his other hand on your shoulder. Then collapses into your chest.","\n","ev","str","^(Comfort him)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-2","flg":20},"ev","str","^(Gently remove him)","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-3","flg":20},{"c-2":["^You pat his back.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["^ You gently remove him.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^He collects himself. \"You're the best friend I ever had. I'll never forgot what you've done for me. Never. Now though,\" he casts a glance at the perimeter wall. \"It's time to get out of here for good. Ready?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.FelixHasAnEpiphany.0.g-1.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Ready!\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.FelixHasAnEpiphany.0.g-1.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":[{"->":".^.^.^.^.EscapeTogether"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"FabriciusHasAnEpiphany":[["^\"It doesn't make any sense...\" Fabricius says, ignoring you, and pacing in front of you. \"All logic and reason suggests we should be in chains. ","ev",{"CNT?":"Fast_Talking_The_Guards"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Blagging our way in",{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],"nop","ev",{"CNT?":"CrossingTheGrounds"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Sneaking through the undergrowth to get in",{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],"nop","ev",{"CNT?":"droppingIn"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Gate-crashing from the sky",{"->":".^.^.^.15"},null]}],"nop","^, that prat at the party recognising me, dodging ","ev",{"CNT?":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.c-1"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^sand",{"->":".^.^.^.21"},null]}],"nop","^ ","ev",{"CNT?":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.c-0"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^coins",{"->":".^.^.^.27"},null]}],"nop","^ ","ev",{"CNT?":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.c-2"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^shit",{"->":".^.^.^.33"},null]}],"nop","^ while we ran to the vault, coming face to face with Nero, running for our lives just now – at some point our luck should have run out but...\"","\n","^He turns suddenly and looks at you with a directness that's unsettling. \"You.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.FabriciusHasAnEpiphany.0.38.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Me what?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.FabriciusHasAnEpiphany.0.39.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^ape properly before we have this chat?","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Can we maybe esc",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.FabriciusHasAnEpiphany.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.38.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.FabriciusHasAnEpiphany.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.39.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^\"It's all thanks to you.\"","\n","^There's something radiating from him that you've never seen before.","\n","^\"Hiding away inside these past few years, I told myself I was working for a higher purpose. For science, for progress but really... I was serving a different master: fear. This—\" He indicates the jangling sack of loot. \"This will help my work. But what you've given me, it's taught me...\" He clears his throat gruffly and meets your eye. \"Your father would be proud.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.FabriciusHasAnEpiphany.0.g-0.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I see you as a second father.\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.FabriciusHasAnEpiphany.0.g-0.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"I couldn't have done it without you.\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.FabriciusHasAnEpiphany.0.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^And just like that, he's back. \"What?! No! Not having children was a very deliberate choice. I can't have juveniles interpreting my work with their prattle. Anyway...\" He clears his throat","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.FabriciusHasAnEpiphany.0.g-0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^And just like that, he's back. \"No, well that's certainly true. There were points back there where your decision making was truly infantile...\" He collects himself,","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["<>","^ and casts a glance at the perimeter wall. \"Time to get out of here. For good. Ready?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.FabriciusHasAnEpiphany.0.g-1.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Ready!\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.FabriciusHasAnEpiphany.0.g-1.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":[{"->":".^.^.^.^.EscapeTogether"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"ViraHasAnEpiphany":[["^\"I don't understand...\" Vira says, ignoring you, standing perfectly still with a deep frown across her face. \"I've faced death all my life but it never felt more present than today. ","ev",{"CNT?":"Fast_Talking_The_Guards"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Blagging our way in",{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],"nop","ev",{"CNT?":"CrossingTheGrounds"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Sneaking through the undergrowth to get in",{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],"nop","^, when that prat at the party recognised me, dodging ","ev",{"CNT?":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.c-1"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^sand",{"->":".^.^.^.16"},null]}],"nop","^ ","ev",{"CNT?":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.c-0"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^coins",{"->":".^.^.^.22"},null]}],"nop","^ ","ev",{"CNT?":"ComeWithMe.ChooseYourPoison.0.c-2"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^shit",{"->":".^.^.^.28"},null]}],"nop","^ while we ran to the vault, coming face to face with Nero, running for our lives just now...\" She trails off, then turns suddenly and looks at you with a directness that's unsettling. \"You.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.ViraHasAnEpiphany.0.31.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Me what?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.ViraHasAnEpiphany.0.32.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^ape properly before we have this chat?","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Can we maybe esc",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.ViraHasAnEpiphany.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.31.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.ViraHasAnEpiphany.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.32.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^\"It's all thanks to you.\"","\n","^There's something radiating from her that you've never seen before.","\n","^\"I never liked being a gladiator,\" she says. \"Killing for sport – it's no way to live. When I left, I promised myself I'd leave that life behind me. But working at the docks. It's been so... boring. This—\" She indicates the jangling sack of loot. \"This is a chance to build a new life. Of adventure! But this-\" She places a gargantuan hand on your shoulder. \"It's worth a thousand times more. You're a true friend. The only friend I've ever had really...\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.ViraHasAnEpiphany.0.g-0.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Right back at ya,\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.ViraHasAnEpiphany.0.g-0.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Or maybe...more than friends?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.ViraHasAnEpiphany.0.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you say, gently punching her shoulder. ","\n","^\"Ha ha!\" Her returning blow nearly knocks you sideways. \"Whoops. Sorry. Forget my own strength sometimes.\"","\n","^How? You think, looking up at her.","\n","^She smiles toothily. ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.ViraHasAnEpiphany.0.g-0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ you venture tentatively. ","\n","^She goes very still and watches you like you might be about to pull a knife on her. Then, ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^ she roars with laughter.","\n","^\"Hahaha! Good one.\" She thumps you on the shoulder. You arm goes instantly numb. ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["<>","^\"I'll never forgot what you've done for me. Never. Now though,\" she casts a glance at the perimeter wall. \"It's time to get out of here for good. Ready?\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.ViraHasAnEpiphany.0.g-1.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Ready!\" ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.ViraHasAnEpiphany.0.g-1.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":[{"->":".^.^.^.^.EscapeTogether"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"EscapeTogether":[["^Together you sprint through the shrubbery, trampling ornate topiary and vaulting over hedges as you go.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.EscapeTogether.0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^Until finally",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.EscapeTogether.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, you reach the rosy brick of the perimeter wall. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ puts ","ev",{"VAR?":"his"},"out","/ev","^ hands out to give you a leg-up. You spring off it and scramble your way to the top. Then reach back and give ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ your hand. ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Vira, of course, does not need your help.",{"->":".^.^.^.23"},null]}],"nop","\n","^You jump down the other side and crash into the street.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.EscapeTogether.0.g-0.27.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^You catch your breath",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.EscapeTogether.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.27.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ for a moment. No guard appears over the wall behind you. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^In the street, a merchant and his slave stop dragging their vegetable cart and stare at you. So too does a priest of Mercury, clutching his robes to keep them from falling in the mud.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ springs to ","ev",{"VAR?":"his"},"out","/ev","^ feet and proffers ","ev",{"VAR?":"his"},"out","/ev","^ hand.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.EscapeTogether.0.g-1.18.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^You take it.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"TheGreatSuccess.EscapeTogether.0.g-1.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.18.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","^Then the pair of you disappear into the thoroughfare, granted anonymity at last, by the countless other inhabitants of Rome.","\n",{"->":"TheBeginningofTheEnd"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"TheSacrifice":[["^The guards are gaining on you. You hear whistles and shouts. A spear flies past ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^'s ear.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.0.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^.\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Come on",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],"ev","str","^Just keep moving.","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-1","flg":20},{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^,\" you cry breathlessly. \"We're almost out.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["^Every second counts, you can't afford to linger.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^\"I hate to be the one to tell you this,\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"he"},"out","/ev","^ says. \"But we aren't going to make it.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.0.g-0.7.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^ven't caught us yet!\"","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":22},{"s":["^\"Don't give up! They ha",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.0.g-0.8.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^got enough to spare\"","/str",{"VAR?":"lucre"},4,">","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":23},{"s":["^\"If we have to bribe them, so be it! We've ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.0.g-0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.7.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.0.g-0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.8.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^—\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^\"Listen to me We can't both escape. But one of us can. You.\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.0.g-1.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":18},{"s":["^\"","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^...\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.0.g-1.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-2"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-2":["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.FelixReflects"},{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.FabriciusReflects"},{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.ViraReflects"},{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",{"#f":5}]}],{"FelixReflects":["^\"It's ok. This is how it has to be. You've been good to me. You've stuck by me!","<>","\n","ev",{"CNT?":"RecognisedFelix.SpokeUp"},{"CNT?":"RecognisedFelix.DontBlameThePotion"},"+",{"CNT?":"RobbingNero"},"+",{"CNT?":"ActCasual.YouOrMe.0.c-0"},"+","/ev",{"temp=":"howManyThings"},"<>","^\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"howManyThings"},1,">","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["ev",{"VAR?":"He"},"out","/ev","^ counts off on ","ev",{"VAR?":"his"},"out","/ev","^ fingers. ",{"->":".^.^.^.21"},null]}],"nop","^\"","ev",{"CNT?":"RecognisedFelix.SpokeUp"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^You spoke up for me when that old lech accosted me. ",{"->":".^.^.^.27"},null]}],"nop","ev",{"CNT?":"RecognisedFelix.DontBlameThePotion"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^You stood up for the obvious merits of my wares. ",{"->":".^.^.^.32"},null]}],"nop","ev",{"CNT?":"RobbingNero"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^We robbed the emperor of Rome, for gods' sake – I'm a legendary hustler thanks to you. ",{"->":".^.^.^.37"},null]}],"nop","ev",{"CNT?":"ActCasual.YouOrMe.0.c-0"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Plus, you saved me from getting snatched just now!",{"->":".^.^.^.42"},null]}],"nop","\n","^\"...you're the best darn friend I ever had.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.SacrificeConvoLoop"},{"#f":1}],"ViraReflects":["^\"It's ok. This is how it has to be. You've been good to me. You stuck by me.","<>","\n","ev",{"CNT?":"RecognisedVira.LetsDance.0.c-0"},{"CNT?":"BefriendingNero"},"+",{"CNT?":"ActCasual.YouOrMe.0.c-0"},"+",{"CNT?":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.c-0"},"+","/ev",{"temp=":"howManyThings"},"<>","^\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"howManyThings"},1,">","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["ev",{"VAR?":"He"},"out","/ev","^ counts off on ","ev",{"VAR?":"his"},"out","/ev","^ fingers. ",{"->":".^.^.^.21"},null]}],"nop","^\"","ev",{"CNT?":"RecognisedVira.LetsDance.0.c-0"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^You let me give that ","ev",{"VAR?":"ViraSwear"},"out","/ev","^ at the party what he had coming to him. ",{"->":".^.^.^.27"},null]}],"nop","ev",{"CNT?":"BefriendingNero"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^You didn't stoop to violence even when your sworn enemy was in the palm of your hand. ",{"->":".^.^.^.32"},null]}],"nop","ev",{"CNT?":"ActCasual.YouOrMe.0.c-0"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^You saved me from getting grabbed just now.",{"->":".^.^.^.37"},null]}],"nop","ev",{"CNT?":"TheWater.IntoTheWater.0.c-0"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Plus we saw a crocodile! ",{"->":".^.^.^.42"},null]}],"nop","\n","^\"You've been a true partner. And I haven't felt this alive in years.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.SacrificeConvoLoop"},{"#f":1}],"FabriciusReflects":["^\"It's ok. This is how it has to be. You've been good to me. You're smart. Ish.\"","\n","ev",{"CNT?":"RecognisedFabricius.0.g-1.c-5"},{"CNT?":"PunishingNero"},"+",{"CNT?":"ActCasual.YouOrMe.0.c-0"},"+",{"CNT?":"theFinalPiece"},"+","/ev",{"temp=":"howManyThings"},"ev",{"VAR?":"howManyThings"},1,">","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["ev",{"VAR?":"He"},"out","/ev","^ counts off on ","ev",{"VAR?":"his"},"out","/ev","^ fingers. ",{"->":".^.^.^.18"},null]}],"nop","^\"","ev",{"CNT?":"RecognisedFabricius.0.g-1.c-5"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^You stood up for me against that thug Marcellus at the party. ",{"->":".^.^.^.24"},null]}],"nop","ev",{"CNT?":"tookTooLong"},"!","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^You solved that puzzle in a satisfactory time. ",{"->":".^.^.^.30"},null]}],"nop","ev",{"CNT?":"PunishingNero"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^We delivered justice for the people of Rome by locking that tyrant in a tomb of his own making. ",{"->":".^.^.^.35"},null]}],"nop","ev",{"CNT?":"ActCasual.YouOrMe.0.c-0"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^Plus, you saved me from getting grabbed just now. ",{"->":".^.^.^.40"},null]}],"nop","\n","^\"Your father would be proud. I know I am.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.SacrificeConvoLoop"},{"#f":1}],"SacrificeConvoLoop":[[["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.SacrificeConvoLoop.0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^\"Knew I picked you for a reason...\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.SacrificeConvoLoop.0.1.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^\"","/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":23},{"s":["^\"You're the smartest inventor in Rome!",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.SacrificeConvoLoop.0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^\"","/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":23},{"s":["^\"You're the most feared face in the arena!",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.SacrificeConvoLoop.0.3.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^\"","/str",{"VAR?":"companion"},"str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-3","flg":23},{"s":["^\"I've seen you talk your way out of worse scrapes than this!",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.SacrificeConvoLoop.0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-4","flg":18},{"s":["^\"So, this is really the end?\"",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.SacrificeConvoLoop.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ lets out a wry laugh. \"You can say that again! Can't see anyone else putting up with all your shenanigans and sacrificing themselves at the end of it.\" ","ev",{"VAR?":"His"},"out","/ev","^ smile fades. \"Seriously though. It's been a blast.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.SacrificeConvoLoop.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.1.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ Surely you can concoct a way for us both to get out of this!\"","\n","^\"Ha!\" He scoffs. \"Machines are built with time. That's the one resource we've run out of I'm afraid.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.SacrificeConvoLoop.0.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ Surely a few guards aren't going to stop you?!\"","\n","^\"Beasts are one thing. Those monsters—\" She indicates the guards behind you. \"They're a different breed altogether.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-3":["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.SacrificeConvoLoop.0.c-3.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.3.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ Don't let a few guards put you off your game!\"","\n","^\"I appreciate the sentiment,\" he replies, that familiar twinkle in his eye. \"But a disgruntled client is one thing. The strong arm of the law... quite another.\"","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-4":["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.SacrificeConvoLoop.0.c-4.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n","ev",{"VAR?":"He"},"out","/ev","^ smiles softly and nods. \"Take care of yourself now. Don't let it all be for nothing.\"","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":"TheSacrifice.ViraSacrifices"},{"->":".^.^.^.20"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":"TheSacrifice.FelixSacrifices"},{"->":".^.^.^.20"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",{"->":"TheSacrifice.FabriciusSacrifices"},{"->":".^.^.^.20"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":[{"->":".^.^.^"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"ViraSacrifices":[["^Before you can stop her, she turns tail and charges towards the nearest helmet, letting out the same roar that terrified the arena's gladiators and crowds alike...","\n","^As the squad rushes her, armour and steel against her whirling fists, you catch her eye. There's the faintest hint of smile. \"RUN!\" she cries.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.ViraSacrifices.0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^So you do",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.ViraSacrifices.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, faster than you ever thought possible. You sprint to the walls, the screams of beleaguered soldiers fading behind you. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.Escape"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"FelixSacrifices":[["^Before you can stop him, he turns tail and starts strolling towards the nearest helmet. \"Gentlemen! Gentlemen please! There seems to be some sort of misunderstanding...\"","\n","^As he's thrown to the floor, you catch his eye. There's the faintest hint of smile. \"Run,\" he says.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.FelixSacrifices.0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^So you do",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.FelixSacrifices.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["<>","^faster than you ever thought possible. You sprint to the walls, the grunts of the soldiers and the squeals of Felix fading behind you.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.Escape"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"FabriciusSacrifices":[["^Before you can stop him, he turns tail and flicks his arm down in one sharp movement. Some... contraption shoots out of his robe and down to his wrist.","\n","^He takes a grip of the handle and turns to you. \"How many times do I have to say it before it gets into that thick skull of yours? RUN!\"","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.FabriciusSacrifices.0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^So you do",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.FabriciusSacrifices.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, ","<>","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^faster than you ever thought possible, you sprint to the walls, not even turning to see how Fabricius is making the bangs and crackles that you can hear bamboozling the soldiers behind you.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.Escape"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"Escape":[["^You sprint through the shrubbery, trampling wild flowers and vaulting hedges as you go.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.Escape.0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^Until finally",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.Escape.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, you reach the rosy brick of the perimeter wall. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^With all your effort, you fling yourself up it, scrambling for purchase, trying to fight the weight of the loot in your sack.","\n","^Bruised and bloody, you slide down the other side and crash into the street.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.Escape.0.g-0.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^You catch your breath",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.Escape.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ for a moment. No one appears over the wall behind you. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^You receive a few bewildered looks: a merchant and his slave dragging a vegetable cart, a priest of Mercury holding his robes out of the mud.","\n","^Returning their stares with a polite smile, you pick yourself up...","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.Escape.0.g-1.4.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^...then disappear",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"TheSacrifice.Escape.0.g-1.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.4.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ into the thoroughfare of countless other anonymous inhabitants of Rome.","\n",{"->":"TheBeginningofTheEnd"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"TheBeginningofTheEnd":[{"#":"AUDIOLOOP: Anticipation.mp3"},"ev",{"CNT?":"TheSacrifice"},{"CNT?":"TheGreatSuccess"},"||","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ",{"->":".^.^.^.Escaped"},{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"CNT?":"EndofBetrayal"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ",{"->":".^.^.^.Captured"},{"->":".^.^.^.13"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"Escaped":[[["ev",{"^->":"TheBeginningofTheEnd.Escaped.0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^...",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheBeginningofTheEnd.Escaped.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",[["ev",{"^->":"TheBeginningofTheEnd.Escaped.0.c-0.7.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^...",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheBeginningofTheEnd.Escaped.0.c-0.7.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",["ev","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ ",{"#":"CLEAR"},"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^You returned to your grubby dwelling without incident.","\n","^Then, the waiting began.","\n","^Hours became days. Days became weeks. Only then did your paranoia begin to subside and were you truly able to appreciate...","\n",["ev",{"^->":"TheBeginningofTheEnd.Escaped.0.g-0.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^You'd done it.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheBeginningofTheEnd.Escaped.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ You'd got away with the greatest heist in the history of the whole flaming empire. ","\n","^It's almost a shame no one will ever write about it...","\n",{"->":"MoMoneyMoProblems"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"Captured":[[["ev",{"^->":"TheBeginningofTheEnd.Captured.0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^Your vision starts to blur...",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheBeginningofTheEnd.Captured.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",[["ev",{"^->":"TheBeginningofTheEnd.Captured.0.c-0.7.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^And then the guards find you.",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheBeginningofTheEnd.Captured.0.c-0.7.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"g-0":[["ev",{"^->":"TheBeginningofTheEnd.Captured.0.g-0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^...",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"TheBeginningofTheEnd.Captured.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",[["ev",{"^->":"TheBeginningofTheEnd.Captured.0.g-0.c-1.7.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^...",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"TheBeginningofTheEnd.Captured.0.g-0.c-1.7.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",["ev","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},{"c-0":["^ ",{"#":"CLEAR"},"\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^They threw you into a grubby little cell. In your dank prison you waited, presuming that the only reason you hadn't been executed on the spot was because Tigellinus wanted to interrogate you first. You braced yourself for the torturers, wondering whether you could invent some lie that might seem more plausible than the actual truth of your intentions.","\n",{"->":"Condemned"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"Condemned":[[["ev",{"^->":"Condemned.0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^But no one ever came...",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"Condemned.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^Hours became days. Days became weeks. And then any sense of time slowly evaporated. Your muscles withered, your hair grew long. The only thing that kept your mind intact was turning over the unfathomable question: why had you been forgotten?","\n",["ev",{"^->":"Condemned.0.g-0.2.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":22},{"s":["^It was only months later",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"Condemned.0.g-0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.2.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^, that you discovered what had happened. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5}],"g-1":["^Nero was dead. ","ev",{"CNT?":"PunishingNero"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ Not in his vault, as you and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ had intended, though people said that that had been the final humiliation from which he never recovered.",{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],"nop","^ ","<>","\n","<>","^His reign had lasted little longer than the date of his birthday party as his bankrupted empire collapsed in on Rome's golden centre. As revolts spread across the provinces and into Italy, Nero killed himself. The last of the Julio-Claudians – the great-great-great grandson of Augustus Caesar himself – died ignominiously; abandoned and alone.","\n","^The year that followed saw not two, nor even three, but four emperors! Whilst Galba, Otho and Vitellius all grappled for Nero's legacy, your treasonous actions paled into comparative insignificance. Only once a victor of the ensuing civil wars had emerged, did attention turn to the mess that Nero's administration had left behind.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"Condemned.0.g-1.14.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-2","flg":18},{"s":["^Vespasian. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-2":["ev",{"^->":"Condemned.0.g-1.c-2.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.14.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ That's who rules Rome now. From the scraps you can glean from the guards, it sounds like he's going to be one of the \"good emperors\". ","\n","ev",{"CNT?":"PunishingNero"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ",{"->":"Condemned.Hero"},{"->":".^.^.^.12"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"CNT?":"RobbingNero"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ",{"->":"Condemned.Released"},{"->":".^.^.^.18"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"CNT?":"BefriendingNero"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ",{"->":"Condemned.CondemnedForGood"},{"->":".^.^.^.24"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"#f":5}],"#f":5}]}],{"Hero":[[["ev",{"^->":"Condemned.Hero.0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^And you couldn't agree more. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"Condemned.Hero.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^Your antics at the Golden House have become somewhat misinterpreted by the events that followed. Your attempts at killing Nero in his vault may not have succeeded. But they won you allies. Your brazen attempt at robbery has been recast as a heroic attempt to rid Rome of Nero. And you've done nothing to correct that explanation.","\n","^As a result, you're to be released. And what's more, as a hero!","\n","^As thanks for your service to Rome, Vespasian has promised you a modest plot of land in northern Italy, the kind usually reserved for veterans. It's not much. But after your time stagnating inside four stone walls, it'll feel like Olympus to you.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.WhatHappenedToYourCompanion"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"Released":[[["ev",{"^->":"Condemned.Released.0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^And you couldn't agree more. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"Condemned.Released.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^Your antics at the Golden House have become somewhat misinterpreted by the events that followed. Your robbery of Nero in his own vault has been recast as a damning expose that helped finally rid Rome of its worst emperor. And you've done nothing to correct that explanation.","\n","^As a result, you're to released. Or more accurately, let out the back door. After all, you did try and rob an emperor...","\n","^You're going to be free! It's not what you dreamed of. Far from it. But after your time stagnating inside four stone walls, the prospect of feeling the sun's warmth on your forehead seems like sweet victory to you.","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.WhatHappenedToYourCompanion"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"CondemnedForGood":[[["ev",{"^->":"Condemned.CondemnedForGood.0.0.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^Not that it makes any difference to you. ",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"Condemned.CondemnedForGood.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.0.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^Your antics at the Golden House have become somewhat misinterpreted by the events that followed. Your attempts at befriending Nero in his vault have been misinterpreted as defence of Rome's worst emperor. And try as you might, you've not been able to correct that explanation.","\n","^Your execution date has been set. You are to be condemned, not by Nero, but by his successor.","\n","^You knew the risks when you took on this job. You just never took them seriously enough. And now, despite multiple opportunities to avoid this fate, you've reached the worst possible end...","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.WhatHappenedToYourCompanion"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"WhatHappenedToYourCompanion":["^As for the treacherous ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^, you've never heard what happened to ","ev",{"VAR?":"him"},"out","/ev","^. You presume ","ev",{"VAR?":"he"},"out","/ev","^'s left Rome, hoping to escape any blowback from your capture. You often replay the day of the heist back in your mind, wondering if there was anything you could have said or done differently that might have meant the two of you leaving the grounds of the palace as you entered, thick as thieves...","\n",{"->":"HistoricalPostcriptPartTwo"},{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"MoMoneyMoProblems":[["^You don't need history to remember you though. You've got something better than fame.","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"lucre"},4,"<","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ",{"->":".^.^.^.^.LieLow"},{"->":".^.^.^.8"},null]}],"nop","\n",["ev",{"^->":"MoMoneyMoProblems.0.10.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":18},{"s":["^Money",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],["ev",{"^->":"MoMoneyMoProblems.0.11.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^A story to tell",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"MoMoneyMoProblems.0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.10.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^!","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"MoMoneyMoProblems.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.11.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^! ","\n","^And money, obviously. Mostly the money.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["ev",{"VAR?":"lucre"},9,">","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.CountryVilla"},{"->":".^.^.^.6"},null]}],"nop","\n","ev",{"VAR?":"lucre"},4,">","/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ ",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.SwankyApartment"},{"->":".^.^.^.14"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.ASmallTreat"},{"#f":5}]}],{"CountryVilla":["^No longer do you live in a rickety tower that threatens to collapse on you at any given moment. Thanks to the loot you managed to sneak out of the Palace, ","ev",{"CNT?":"RobbingNero"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ (and particularly thanks to the lyre you stole from Nero himself,)",{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],"nop","^ you live in the Italian countryside, in a magnificent country villa – one you designed yourself, in your father's style.","\n","^Verdant vines, fresh tomatoes, cool colonnades... Your days are a world away from the life you once knew.","\n",{"->":"CompanionEnding"},{"#f":1}],"SwankyApartment":["^No longer do you live in a rickety tower that threatens to collapse on you at any given moment. Thanks to the loot you managed to sneak out of the palace, ","ev",{"CNT?":"RobbingNero"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ (and particularly thanks to the lyre you stole from Nero himself,)",{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],"nop","^ you live in a modest, ground-floor house that's carved into the shade of the Aventine Hills.","\n","^Clean floors, relative urban tranquillity, you even have a mosaic of your family decorating your entrance hall... Life has got better. And some.","\n",{"->":"CompanionEnding"},{"#f":1}],"ASmallTreat":["^Thanks to the loot you managed to sneak out of the palace, ","ev",{"CNT?":"RobbingNero"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ (and particularly thanks to the lyre you stole from Nero himself,)",{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],"nop","^ you managed... ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","\n","^Well, you didn't manage much, if you're honest. After you'd paid back (and paid off) the various criminal contacts you'd required to carry out the heist, you had just about enough left over to treat yourself to a new set of clothes and a bottle of Italy's finest.","\n","^It's not what you dreamed of. But after the near-death adventure you've been through, you of all people know, it's better than nothing.","\n",{"->":"CompanionEnding"},{"#f":1}],"LieLow":[["ev","str","^Money!","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.c-0","flg":20},["ev",{"^->":"MoMoneyMoProblems.LieLow.0.6.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-1","flg":18},{"s":["^A story to tell!",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["^ Your life. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"c-1":["ev",{"^->":"MoMoneyMoProblems.LieLow.0.c-1.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.6.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ ","\n","^And if you're honest... ","ev",{"VAR?":"breakhere"},"out","/ev","^ That's about it.","\n",{"->":".^.^.g-0"},{"#f":5}],"g-0":["^You wish you could say that the heist had been a profitable affair. Alas, it's practically ruined you. You didn't even make it out of the palace with enough valuables to pay back (and pay off) the various criminal contacts you'd required to carry out the heist in the first place. Whenever you gain the courage to leave your dingy apartment, you're forever looking over your shoulder, always ready to run from creditors.","\n","^It's not what you dreamed of. But after the near-death adventure you've been through, you of all people know, it could have been much, much worse. Just about...","\n",{"->":"CompanionEnding"},{"#f":5}]}],{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"CompanionEnding":["ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"/ev",["du","ev","str","^Vira","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",["ev",{"CNT?":"EndofBetrayal"},"/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.ViraBetrayal"},{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],["ev",{"CNT?":"TheSacrifice"},"/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.ViraSacrifice"},{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],["ev",{"CNT?":"TheGreatSuccess"},"/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.ViraEpiphany"},{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Fabricius","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",["ev",{"CNT?":"EndofBetrayal"},"/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.FabriciusBetrayal"},{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],["ev",{"CNT?":"TheSacrifice"},"/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.FabriciusSacrifice"},{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],["ev",{"CNT?":"TheGreatSuccess"},"/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.FabriciusSuccess"},{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],["du","ev","str","^Felix","/str","==","/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["pop","\n",["ev",{"CNT?":"EndofBetrayal"},"/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.FelixBetrayal"},{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],["ev",{"CNT?":"TheSacrifice"},"/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.FelixSacrifice"},{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],["ev",{"CNT?":"TheGreatSuccess"},"/ev",{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["\n",{"->":".^.^.^.^.^.FelixSuccess"},{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],"nop","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.7"},null]}],"pop","nop","\n",{"ViraEpiphany":["^As for Vira, you and she became the best of friends. No longer a stevedore at the docks, Vira is now gainfully employed by many of Rome's fire-fighting teams that have recently been established in the city. It's not what many people would chose, but Vira says it has just enough adventure to keep her satisfied. Her particular skill is, of course, saving household pets that would otherwise have become victims of the blaze. And whilst Rome's senators would probably have never heard of her, amongst the local people, Vira's celebrity status has transformed into something even more legendary.","\n",{"->":"HistoricalPostcriptPartOne"},{"#f":1}],"ViraSacrifice":["^As for poor Vira... you never saw her again. You never did see her on the scaffold, hard as you looked for her. She was most likely thrown in a cell after you last saw her. But you like to imagine that one day, she took her chances and overpowered the guards in a mad dash for freedom. Maybe she returned to her native land and now spends her days taming wild boars and terrorising Roman legionnaires...","\n","^Wherever she is, you'll never forget her kindness to you on that day of the heist. You owe her your life. And you'll never forgot it.","\n",{"->":"HistoricalPostcriptPartOne"},{"#f":1}],"ViraBetrayal":["^As for the treacherous ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^, you've never heard what happened to ","ev",{"VAR?":"him"},"out","/ev","^. You presume ","ev",{"VAR?":"he"},"out","/ev","^ left Rome, hoping to escape any blowback from your capture.","\n","^You often replay the day of the heist back in your mind, wondering if there was anything you could have said or done differently that might have meant the two of you leaving the grounds of the palace as you entered, thick as thieves...","\n",{"->":"HistoricalPostcriptPartOne"},{"#f":1}],"FabriciusSuccess":["^As for Fabricius... Despite his protests, he became like a second father to you. Soon after the heist, he discovered a design that helped to fire-proof new buildings in Rome. His workshop now employs many craftsmen and engineers who are part of the new regeneration programme that is redefining fire and safety standards throughout the city. It's not the most eye-catching work... But Fabricius says it's the most important and proudest achievement of his career.","\n",{"->":"HistoricalPostcriptPartOne"},{"#f":1}],"FabriciusSacrifice":["^As for poor Fabricius... You never saw him again. You never did see him on the scaffold, hard as you looked for him. He was most likely thrown in a cell after you last saw him. But you like to imagine that one day, he took his chances, tricked the guards with some gadget he'd fashioned and made a mad dash for freedom. Maybe he fled to some faraway land and now spends his days fashioning new machines, astounding paupers and kings alike...","\n","^Wherever he is, you'll never forget his kindness to you on that day of the heist. You owe him your life. And you'll never forgot it.","\n",{"->":"HistoricalPostcriptPartOne"},{"#f":1}],"FabriciusBetrayal":["^As for the treacherous ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^, you've never heard what happened to ","ev",{"VAR?":"him"},"out","/ev","^. You presume ","ev",{"VAR?":"he"},"out","/ev","^ left Rome, hoping to escape any blowback from your capture.","\n","^You often replay the day of the heist back in your mind, wondering if there was anything you could have said or done differently that might have meant the two of you leaving the grounds of the palace as you entered, thick as thieves...","\n",{"->":"HistoricalPostcriptPartOne"},{"#f":1}],"FelixSuccess":["^As for Felix, you and he remained the best of friends. No longer a duplicitous salesman, Felix turned his shop into a herbalist emporium, selling medicines and cures for common aches and pains. And whilst you're still not entirely convinced by the efficacy of some of the love potions he stocks and swears by, his customers seem to be highly satisfied. So he must be doing something right.","\n",{"->":"HistoricalPostcriptPartOne"},{"#f":1}],"FelixSacrifice":["^As for poor Felix... you never saw him again. You never did see him on the scaffold, hard as you looked for him. He was most likely thrown in a cell after you last saw him. But you like to imagine that one day, he took his chances, tricked the guards and made a mad dash for freedom. Maybe he fled to some faraway land and now spends his days conning unsuspecting merchants and camel-traders...","\n","^Wherever he is, you'll never forget his kindness to you on that day of the heist. You owe him your life. And you'll never forgot it.","\n",{"->":"HistoricalPostcriptPartOne"},{"#f":1}],"FelixBetrayal":["^As for the treacherous ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^, you've never heard what happened to ","ev",{"VAR?":"him"},"out","/ev","^. You presume ","ev",{"VAR?":"he"},"out","/ev","^ left Rome, hoping to escape any blowback from your capture.","\n","^You often replay the day of the heist back in your mind, wondering if there was anything you could have said or done differently that might have meant the two of you leaving the grounds of the palace as you entered, thick as thieves...","\n",{"->":"HistoricalPostcriptPartOne"},{"#f":1}],"#f":1}],"HistoricalPostcriptPartOne":[[["^As for Nero, ","ev",{"CNT?":"PunishingNero"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ he did not die in the vault as you and ","ev",{"VAR?":"companion"},"out","/ev","^ had intended. But it was a humiliation from which he never recovered. His",{"->":".^.^.^.5"},null]}],"nop","ev",{"CNT?":"BefriendingNero"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ despite your reassurances in the vault that he was favoured by the divine, his",{"->":".^.^.^.10"},null]}],"nop","ev",{"CNT?":"RobbingNero"},"/ev",[{"->":".^.b","c":true},{"b":["^ you weren't the only one to discover how little money he had. His",{"->":".^.^.^.15"},null]}],"nop","<>","\n","<>","^ reign lasted little longer than the date of his birthday party, as his bankrupted Empire collapsed in on Rome's golden centre. As revolts spread across the provinces and into Italy, Nero killed himself. The last of the Julio-Claudians – the great-great-great grandson of Augustus Caesar himself – died ignominiously; abandoned and alone.","\n","^The year that followed saw not two, nor even three, but four emperors! Galba, Otho, Vitellius. All briefly held Rome, but none succeeded in establishing themselves as Emperor. As for revolution, well... Any illusions about returning to government by Republic had been lost long ago.","\n",["ev",{"^->":"HistoricalPostcriptPartOne.0.g-0.23.$r1"},{"temp=":"$r"},"str",{"->":".^.s"},[{"#n":"$r1"}],"/str","str","^...","/str","/ev",{"*":".^.^.c-0","flg":22},{"s":["^Rome is now ruled",{"->":"$r","var":true},null]}],{"c-0":["ev",{"^->":"HistoricalPostcriptPartOne.0.g-0.c-0.$r2"},"/ev",{"temp=":"$r"},{"->":".^.^.23.s"},[{"#n":"$r2"}],"^ by a man called Vespasian. ","\n",{"->":".^.^.^.g-1"},{"#f":5}],"#f":5,"#n":"g-0"}],{"g-1":["^By all accounts, he's one of the 'good emperors'. And the empire is certainly recovering. The provinces are settling down to peace, trade is slowly returning to the cities and Rome's citizens are starting to look less tired, less hungry. But already attention is turning to Vespasian's children and whether this new prosperity will last. 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