,,,,,You are the leader of a small band of thieves. [[Morton]] and [[Finch]] were the two companions you brought with you on your raid. They each have their uses, but they mix badly, like oil and water.
[[The mission]] You throw your weight against the door, once, twice, three times, the wood gives way beneath your bulk, and the door cracks, falling off its hinges.
There is a long chunk of wood that came away from the door, as long as your forearm.
[[Pick up wood]]
[[Leave the room]]
{(set: $route to "stealth")}
The nail fits into the lock and with a bit of work the door easily swings open.
Your companions are somewhere nearby, they shouldn't be too hard to find. The mission could still be salvaged if you hurry.
Then again, maybe you should just leave them there and go for the prize yourself.
[[Rescue companions]]
[[Find the Jewel alone]]
[[Get off this ship]]The door opens and a handful of men enter the room and walk you up to the deck.
Further opportunities do not present themselves. You do not see your companions, perhaps they escaped by themselves, leaving you here to die. The men escort you off the ship to await your fate.
<img src="ship6.jpg">
[[Credits]]
You spring to your feet, waiting behind the door as it opens and men pile into the room. You lunge at the closest man, [[going for his sword]].
You take the sword, surprising them. You overcome them but are injured. Knowing it might already be too late, you hurry to the deck of the ship to make your escape.
[[Make your escape|if took too long]] You fail to get the sword, so lay about you with fists and elbows. But you are overcome. You vaguely wonder about the fate of your companions as you lie dying on the floor.
<img src="ship8.jpg">
[[Credits]]{(set: $route to "few")}
Luckily it sounds like only a few men nearby heard the noise.
{(if: $carry is "weapon")[You strike the men down with your make-shift club.]}
{(else:)[You strike the men down with your fists but are injured, there is a deep gash in your side. It would be best to avoid fights in your condition.(set: $injured to "injured")]}
It doesn't sound like anybody else has heard you. You take a sword and a ring of keys from a sailor's belt.
{(set: $weapon to "sword")}
Your companions must be somewhere nearby, you can probably unlock their door with the keys. Or you could simply go by yourself to find the Jewel. But they could come in useful.
[[Find your companions]]
[[Find the Jewel alone]]
[[Get off this ship]]{(set: $route to "many")}
The sound of many feet come thundering down the passage, it sounds like the whole ship must have heard you!
{(unless: $carry is "weapon")[You ready your fists as the men rush you. You struggle but are overcome. Your body slumps to the ground, your blood spilling out on the wooden floor.
<img src="ship8.jpg">
[[Credits]]]}
(if: $carry is "weapon")[You ready your weapon as the men rush you. You overcome them but you are injured. More are coming after you. You grab a sword from a fallen sailor and a ring of keys from his belt.
{(set: $weapon to "sword")}
{(set: $injured to "injured")}
[[Go to the deck]]
[[Go to your companions]]]
{(set: $path to "alone")}
You decide that going back for your companions is too much trouble. There is no loyalty among thieves after all.
You head to the captain's cabin to get your prize.
[[Captain's cabin]]
You decide that going back for your companions is too much trouble. There is no loyalty among thieves after all. Ignoring your companions, you head for the deck to make your escape.
There is a lifeboat secured to the side of the ship, that you can probably manage on your own. Though you may be close enough to port to simply swim. But being in the water with injuries has risks.
[[Use the boat]]
[[Swim]]You find the room your companions are in and pick the lock with the nail. Morton and Finch are inside. Finch looks impressed. Morton is standing in the corner, bored with the lack of violence.
'What now?' Asks Finch. 'The ship is quiet and the captain will be in his quarters, we could draw him away, or try to sneak in and steal the Jewel without him noticing.'
'That wont be likely if he's in his cabin. Better to draw him away, or kill him while we have the chance.' Morton says.
[[Let Finch steal the Jewel]]
[[Let Morton kill the captain]]
You reach the deck of the ship, to your left the city port sprawls out before you, to your right, a sunset over the bay.
Despite the commotion, there are no sailors on deck. But you see the lone figure of Morton standing by the lifeboats.
'Where is Finch?' You ask.
'He didn't make it.' Morton said. Glancing down at his bloody sword. You can guess what happened to the sailors.
'Do you have the prize?' Morton asks.
You shake your head. 'There's no time.' You say, turning your back to Morton, 'We must leave.'
You could swim into port, though you might not make it with your wounds. With the boat, you could perhaps make it to friendlier waters.
[[Lower yourself into the water]]
[[Ready the boat]]
Morton is a violent man. Almost as fond of bloodshed as he is of money, he has fickle loyalties and is bored with any plan that doesn't involve mayhem.
[[Back|Intro]]Finch is a new addition to your crew. A young man, he's not fond of violence but will defend himself if he has to. His senses are far superior and he is very good at sneaking around without being seen.
[[Back|Intro]] You stole aboard the [[Merchant ship Neptune]] as it was leaving port. Your plan was simple, stay out of sight until you could locate the [[Special Jewel]] that the captain was keeping in his quarters.
But of course, it had [[Gone wrong]].You wake up to the sounds of a creaking hull and the steady wind rocking the ship on the waves. There's a great lump on your head from where they hit you. Morton and Finch are locked in another room nearby.
[[Look around]]
[[Wait]]
A well-travelled Merchant ship, with a well-trained crew and a captain who owns many treasures. Most thieves dream of stealing from the Neptune, but few are willing to try.
[[Back|The mission]]The latest of the Captains treasures, no one knows where it came from, only that it's supposed to shine like a thousand stars. It fills the dreams of many thieves and pirates.
[[Back|The mission]] The men on the Neptune caught and overpowered you. You are now locked in an empty cabin, waiting to be taken back to port and executed.
[[Start]]
<img src="ship1.jpg">
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[[Start|Start in cell]]
[[Credits]] The room is empty. The door is locked. There are scrape marks from where they dragged things out, they probably cleared the room in a hurry.
The marks are quite deep, they must have been moving heavy boxes around. You notice a loose nail on the floor. You keep it, it might come in handy.
The door is locked. But it shouldn't be too hard to pick. The wood of the door is thin in places and a little rotten. With a few hard shoves, you might be able to break the door down. But that would certainly attract attention.
[[Break down the door |Violent]]
[[Use the nail to pick the lock|Stealth]]
[[Wait]]Your head hurts too much for you to break out. You lie back down to sleep.
You wake again to the sound of footsteps. The gentle rocking of the ship has stopped, and you can hear the port outside.
You have a moment to decide, do you try to fight your way through them? Or simply let them take you?
[[Do nothing]]
[[Fight them]] {(set: $carry to "weapon")}
It's a good length. It fits well in your hands.
You hold onto it.
[[Leave the room]]You step out into the passage beyond your cell.
You take a few hurried steps before you hear the [[thumping of feet]].
You turn around to lower yourself into the water. But you are forced to duck as Morton takes a swing at you. You raise your own sword to fight.
You manage to overpower Morton, his body falls at your feet. But he has struck you badly.
You look down at your wound, you will not live to enjoy the victory. The venture is over. You fall dead upon the deck.
<img src="ship7.jpg">
[[Credits]]You bend down to ready the life-boat for your escape.
Your back turned, Morton strikes, you feel a sharp pain and the cold sensation of death.
Morton gives you a final shove and your body falls into the water with a splash.
<img src="ship3.jpg">
[[Credits]]You find the room your companions are in and unlock the door with the key. Morton and Finch are inside. Morton looks impressed. Finch is standing in the corner looking uncomfortable.
'No one has come for us yet, so the ship must be fairly quiet. We should steal the Jewel while we have the chance. The captain may still be in his cabin, but we can deal with him.' Morton says eagerly.
'Still, they may be alerted of our escape.' Finch says. 'Someone had better stay behind to make sure the route is clear.'
[[Let Morton deal with the captain and Finch stay behind]]
[[Let Finch deal with the captain and Morton stay behind]]
You ignore your companions, trying to make your escape, but are killed before you make it to the lifeboats. You lie dead upon the deck.
<img src="ship5.jpg">
[[Credits]]
You find the room of companions and unlock it with the keys. Morton and Finch are inside. Your wound is bleeding badly, and you can barely stand.
[[Give the sword to Finch]]
[[Give the sword to Morton]]You hand your sword to your companion but Finch is unable to hold the men at bay. The three of you are overcome.
<img src="ship8.jpg">
[[Credits]]You hand your sword to your companion. Morton overcomes the men chasing you, and Finch helps to get you on your feet.
'What do we do now?' Asks Finch. 'The ship is alert and the captain will be looking for us.'
'Then his cabin will be empty, and we can steal the Jewel.' Says Morton.
'It is too risky, we should escape while we can.' Says Finch.
[[Agree with Morton and go for the Jewel.]]
[[Agree with Finch and abort the mission.]]
You agree with Morton, there is still time to get the prize. But Finch disapproves.
You head for the captain's cabin.
Morton goes to create some distraction while Finch stays outside the cabin door, ready to warn you if any approach.
[[You enter the cabin|cabin5]]
You agree with Finch, it's too risky to go for the prize now. But clearly, Morton disapproves.
You make a break for the deck. You and Finch head to the lifeboats to make your escape.
You look around for Morton, but the other man is gone! He has taken the sword and has gone back down to find the Jewel.
You and Finch are set upon by angry sailors and slain upon the deck. You don't know the fate your companion.
<img src="ship5.jpg">
[[Credits]]You find the boat, it takes a moment to lower the boat by yourself, but you manage it. You think briefly about your companions that you left behind as you row to safety, and the prize that shall never be yours. You feel some regret, but for which one?
<img src="ship2.jpg">
[[Credits]]You climb down into water. And swim to safety.
{(if: $injured is "injured")[The wound has taken its toll on you. Your strength fails and you die in the water.
]}
{(else:)[You make it to port, exhausted but alive. You set off in search of a good meal and solid nights rest. Thinking regretfully of your companions you abandoned, and the prize you were forced to leave without.
]}
<img src="ship3.jpg">
[[Credits]]You agree with Finch. It's better to do it quietly if you can. Morton looks slightly disappointed.
'What about me?' Morton asks.
'We will need a distraction up on deck.' You say. 'Can you keep their attention?' You give Morton the sword. Morton smiles.
The group separates, Morton heading to the deck, and you lead Finch to the Captain's cabin.
[[Captain's Cabin|cabin1]]
You agree with Morton. It's safer to get rid of the captain while you can. Then take the Jewel when he's out of the way. Finch looks slightly disappointed.
[[Captain's Cabin|cabin2]]
The cabin is not large, but the shelves are full of coins and trinkets from many travels, maps, spices, jewellery, small stones, and one tiny silver key. The desk iss littered with papers, but on it, there is also a small metal box. You pick it up, there is something inside but it is locked.
[[Unpick with nail]]
[[Pry it open]]
[[Use small silver key|Open box]]
You have the Jewel! You pick it up, holding it carefully as you leave the cabin. The job is done.
You freeze, the captain stands before you, sword pointed at your chest. You look around but Finch is gone. He must have abandoned you and fled.
You are unable to fight back as the captain runs you through. The Jewel falls from your hands, your fingers turning cold. You fall dead upon the floor.
<img src="ship8.jpg">
[[Credits]]The captain is in his quarters. You hear him muttering to himself as you listen at the door.
You feel suddenly uneasy. There is still time to [[Leave now]]
[[Enter the cabin]]
You breathe a sigh of relief, the captain is not in his quarters.
You use the nail to pick the lock and enter the captain's cabin.
[[Look around cabin]] You decide that it is too risky after all. You abandon the jewel and your companions, heading up on deck to escape.
There is a lifeboat secured to the side of the ship, you can probably manage that on your own.
Though you may be close enough to port to simply swim. But being in the water with injuries has its risks.
[[Use the boat]]
[[Swim]]The door to the captain's cabin is unlocked, you sneak inside. The captain is sitting at his desk, holding the Jewel in his hands.
{(if: $route is "stealth")[You see a dagger on a table beside the door. The captain has not noticed you. You take the dagger and sneak up behind him. You could slit his throat now and it would all be over.
{(set: $weapon to "sword")}
[[Take dagger]]
[[Keep going]]
]}
(if: $route is "few")[The captain has not noticed you, and you still hold your scavenged sword. You could kill him now and the take the Jewel before he sees you.
[[Kill him]]
[[Keep sneaking]]
]
With the dagger in hand, you sneak up behind the captain and plunge the dagger into his chest. He falls dead at your feet.
You pry the Jewel from his cold dead fingers and make your way up to the deck.
[[Deck|Have jewel leave]] You watch as the captain places the Jewel on a shelf, almost in your reach. You grab for it but the captain sees you, attacking you with his sword. You parry with your dagger, and manage to stick it in his chest, but the captain as wounded you.
Badly injured, you take the Jewel and head up to the deck to make your escape.
{(set: $injured to "injured")}
[[Deck|Have jewel leave]]
You sneak up behind the captain, plunging your sword through the captain's heart. He falls dead at your feet.
You pry the Jewel from his cold dead fingers and make your way up to the deck.
[[Deck|Have jewel leave]]
{(if: $injured is "injured")[You sneak further in, watching as the captain puts the Jewel back in its box. But suddenly your injury pains you and you let out a gasp. The captain turns around, running you through with his sword. You fall at his feet, the jewel above you, out of reach.
<img src="ship8.jpg">
[[Credits]]]}
(else:)[You sneak further in, watching as the captain lays the Jewel back in its box.
The captain hears you and turns, sword raised. You parry his blows and drive your sword into the captain's chest. But not before the captain wounds you.
Badly injured, you take the Jewel and head up to the deck to make your escape.
{(set: $injured to "injured")}
[[Deck|Have jewel leave]]]
With the Jewel in your possession, you head to the deck to make your escape.
You head for the lifeboats, but before you can reach them, Morton appears, blocking your path of escape! He is holding a bloody sword, and he is angry.
He comes towards you, sword raised.
[[Dive overboard]]
[[Give Morton the Jewel]]
[[Fight morton]]
Clutching the Jewel, you race over to the edge and throw yourself into the water. Glancing up you see Morton scowl after you, but he does not follow. Satisfied that you are out of reach, you begin to swim.
{(if: $injured is "injured")[The wound has taken its toll. Your strength fails and you die, exhausted in the water. The Jewel sinks to the bottom of the sea.
[[Credits]]]}
(else:)[You make it to port, exhausted but alive. You set off in search of a good meal and a solid nights rest. Pleased with the prize you struggled to attain.
[[Credits]]]
<img src="ship3.jpg">You hold out the Jewel and Morton's eyes grow wide.
'Give it to me and I'll let you live.' says Morton.
[[Give it to him]]
[[Throw Jewel overboard]]
(if: $weapon is "sword")[ [[Betray Morton]]
]
{(if: $weapon is "sword")[You raise your weapon, blocking as Morton takes a swing at you.
{(if: $injured is "injured")[Your wound exhausts you, and you are overcome. You lie dead, as he pries the jewel from your cold fingers.
<img src="ship7.jpg">
[[Credits]]]}
{(else:)[He wounds you, but you manage to overpower him. Morton’s body falls at your feet. You look down at yourself, you will not live to enjoy the victory. The venture is over. You fall dead upon the deck.
<img src="ship5.jpg">
[[Credits]]]}
]} (unless: $weapon is "sword")[You raise your fists to fight, but Morton easily overpowers you. You lay dead as he pries the Jewel from your cold fingers.
<img src="ship5.jpg">
[[Credits]]]
You hand over the Jewel, and Morton takes it greedily. True to his word, he steps away, regarding you no more. Feeling weary, you hurry to the boats and make your escape.
<img src="ship2.jpg">
[[Credits]]You hand over the Jewel, and Morton takes it greedily. While he is close, you take your sword and run him through.
You retrieve the Jewel from his cold fingers. Feeling some strange pleasure, you head to the boats and make your escape.
<img src="ship2.jpg">
[[Credits]]You offer the Jewel to Morton, but before he gets close, you toss it into the sea. You learned long ago not to trust him. Better that none should have it. Morton hesitates briefly, then throws himself into the water to retrieve after it. With Morton gone, you hurry to the boats to make your escape.
<img src="ship2.jpg">
[[Credits]]You agree, letting Morton deal with the captain.
'Finch, you stay on deck and secure our escape. We may need to leave quickly.'
Finch nods.
The group separates, Finch heading up to the deck, and you lead Morton to the Captain's cabin.
[[Captain's cabin|Cabin3]]
You agree, letting Finch deal with the captain.
'What about me?' Morton asks, disappointed.
'We will need a distraction up on deck. Can you keep their attention?' You give Morton the sword.
Morton smiles.
The group separates, Morton heads up to the deck, and you lead Finch to the Captain's cabin.
[[Captain's cabin|cabin4]]
You and Finch arrive at the Captains cabin.
Finch listens at the door. The captain is inside.
You unpick the lock with the nail and the door swings open.
[[Go in the cabin]]
[[Let Finch in the cabin]]You sneak into the cabin, watching as the captain puts the Jewel back in its box. The captain sees you and runs you through with his sword. You fall at his feet, the jewel above you, out of reach.
<img src="ship8.jpg">
[[Credits]]Finch sneaks into the cabin. You cannot see what happens but moments later Finch returns with the Jewel. Impressed, you lead Finch back on deck to where Morton should be waiting.
[[Morton on deck]]You see Morton, fending off half a dozen sailors with a single sword. He looks like a madman, but he's winning.
The sailors fall, and Finch holds up the Jewel, the mission is a success. you and Finch rush to the lifeboats to make your escape.
Morton follows but pauses as the captain arrives on deck, sword in hand.
'Leave him!' you tell Morton, but Morton is not listening to you. He rushes off to fight the captain.
[[Leave without Morton]]
[[Wait for Morton]]You tell Finch to lower the boat into the water.
Gripping your prize you turn back to see Morton dead upon the deck.
<img src="ship2.jpg">
[[Credits]]You tell Finch to wait, Morton may be crazy but you have faith in his skills.
After some minutes, Morton joins you in the boat, holding the captain's fine sword.
<img src="ship2.jpg">
[[Credits]]You and Morton arrive at the Captain's cabin.
You listen at the door. The captain is inside.
You unpick the lock with the nail and the door swings open.
Morton pushes past you to get in the cabin. He picks up a dagger from a table near the door.
You hear the brief sound of a struggle and a body hitting the floor.
You enter the cabin to see Morton standing over the captain's body.
'Where is the Jewel?' He asks.
[[Look around cabin]]
The jewel in hand, you leave the cabin making your way back to the deck where Finch is waiting.
Finch meets you as you arrive on deck.
'Any trouble?' you ask.
Finch shakes his head.
You nod in approval and Finch leads you back to the lifeboats.
From the corner of your eye you see Morton's knife raised, his eyes on Finches back.
[[Say nothing]]
[[Stop Morton]]
The large nail is too big to fit in the small keyhole.
[[Search for something else]]Your eyes wander the shelves, looking for something small enough to fit the lock. There on the shelf, you see the tiny silver Key!
It fits nicely in the lock.
[[Open box]]
The box springs open. Inside is the captain's Jewel.
[[Continue]]
You attack the box with whatever you can find, but it's no use. No small amount of force can pry this open.
[[Search for something else]] You and Morton arrive at the Captain's cabin.
You listen at the door for a moment. The captain is inside.
You unpick the lock with the nail, and the door opens.
Morton pushes past you to get in the cabin. He picks up a dagger from a table near the door.
You hear the brief sound of a struggle and a body slumping to the floor.
You enter the cabin to see Morton standing over the captain's body.
'Where is the Jewel?' He asks.
[[Look around cabin]]You do nothing to stop Morton betraying his companion. After a few moments of struggling, Finch lays dead on the deck.
You look up at Morton, who glances at you and smiles. 'We weren't alike, him and me.' Morton says.
{(if: $route is "few")['But you knew this would happen, didn't you? You and I, we are alike.'
'Shall we?' You ask, gesturing to the boats.
Morton puts away his knife and nods. The two of you climb into the boat. Morton's words echoing in your mind.
<img src="ship2.jpg">
[[Credits]]]}
(if: $route is "stealth")['But you knew this would happen, didn't you? You and I aren't alike either.' Morton raises his knife again. You duck as Morton swings at you. You reach for him, wrapping your fingers around his throat. You squeeze the life from your companion, but not before Morton wounds you. His body falls dead upon the deck. Looking at your injury, you will not live to enjoy the victory. The venture is over. You collapse, still clutching the Jewel in your cold fingers.
<img src="ship7.jpg">
[[Credits]]]'Finch look out!' You cry. Finch moves, and Morton's misses. He turns to you, furious.
Morton lunges at you, but the attack never comes. Morton falls dead at your feet. You look up to see Finch, pulling a sailor's knife out of Morton's back.
'I never liked him' says Finch. He gestures to the boats. 'Shall we?'
You nod, following him to the lifeboats to make your escape.
<img src="ship2.jpg">
[[Credits]](set: $captain to (random: 1))
(if: $captain is 1)[
(go-to: "Captain is there")
]
(else:)[
(go-to: "Captain is not")
](set: $success to (random: 1))
(if: $sucess is 1)[
(go-to: "win fight")
]
(else:)[
(go-to: "die fighting")
](set: $people to (random: 1))
(if: $people is 1)[
(go-to: "Only a few people heard you")
]
(else:)[
(go-to: "Many people heard you")
](if: $route is "many")[
(go-to: "Jewel1")
]
(if: $path is "alone")[
(go-to: "Have jewel leave")
]
(if: $route is "few" or $route is "stealth")[
(go-to: "finch on deck")
]
Images by
<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/VXom6ACaGR0">Jamie Morrison</a> on Unsplash
<a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/boat-island-ocean-sea-218999/">Fancycrave.com</a> from Pexels
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/155376904@N07/29866923357/">Tomasz Baranowski</a> on flickr
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ednawinti/25053530298/">Edna Winti</a> on flickr
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/crocieristi/15266293332/">RealCarlo</a> on flickr
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/crocieristi/15048451131/in/album-72157646065700864/">RealCarlo</a> on flickr
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dva41/32970196148/">Sergei F</a> on flickr
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28461660@N00/30355879142">Speckled Jim</a> on flickr
Sound by
<a href="https://freesound.org/people/CGEffex/sounds/93678/">CGEffex</a> on freesound<img src="ship4.jpg">
[[Continue|continue2]]<img src="ship4.jpg">
[[Finch at Cabin]]<img src="ship4.jpg">
[[To the cabin]]<img src="ship4.jpg">
[[Morton at cabin]]<img src="ship4.jpg">
[[Finch at Cabin]]<img src="ship4.jpg">
[[Look around cabin]]