Homecoming

(set: $fight to 0) (set: $Polyphemus to 0) (set: $blind to 0) (set: $Alcinous to 0) (set: $Telemachus to 0)(set: $choice to 0) (set: $weapon to 0) (set: $petName to 0) (set: $kleos to 0) (set: $wealth to 0) (set: $companion to 0) (set: $wealth to 0) ''ΝΟΣΤΟΙ'' You wake up. For nine years you've woken up away from your family and home. You can [[stay]], make good on your promise, and see this thing through or you can [[go]] and abandon your comrades to suffer through the war without you. Or do you just want to [[wait]] in bed?

(set: $choice to 1) (set: $kleos to $kleos+1) //I'll stay, I can't leave until it's done...// You look around your tent. You see your [[weapons]] and your [[companion]]. It's time to get going.

(set: $choice to 100) (set: $kleos to -2) //I need to go home, staying here won't do anyone any good...// You begin to gather your things, as you look around the room, you see your [[companion]], looking back at you.

//(link: "I can't sit here forever")[Just a while [[longer]]]// Do you [[stay]] or do you [[go]]?

You walk toward the weapons placed gently against the wall. You'll need one if you plan to ever make it back. Which do you [[choose]]?

Your eyes meet his. The energetic dog you brought with you is now old and slow but unsurpassingly loyal. What's your [[pet's name]]?

(set: $choice to 50) //Maybe (link: "today")[death] will be easy...// Your friend comes rushing through the flap of your tent. He urgently shouts for your attention. It's time to go into the [[fray]].

//Fuck, I hate this part// You throw on your armor and look over at your [[weapons]]. Your [[companion]] looks at you, pensive.

//I'll avoid the assembly, for now. I need everyone to know the plan// $petName follows you as you go up to each of your soldiers and tell them that you are leaving. Some are [[upset]]. Some are [[thrilled]].

(set: $companion to 1) (set: $kleos to $kleos+2)] //I didn't think it'd be like this...// Your most trusted companions are around you, and one begins to shout. ''"How dare you do this to us, you old bastard! We came here for glory, same as you, but now you want us to leave with nothing but disgrace and shame. I thought you were better."'' You can't help but feeling he's right in some way. You could consider how the [[others->thrilled1]] are feeling, or head to [[make your case->your choices]].

(set: $companion to 1) (set: $kleos to $kleos+1) //At least there are some who see me as a leader still// One of your companions approaches you and touches your shoulder. ''"You're right. It's time to head home and leave this behind. I've seen enough of my friends die for one life time. Let's go back to our wives and are land"'' You hope he can convince the others. You could consider how the [[others->upset1]] are feeling, or head to [[make your case->your choices]].

(if: $companion is 1)[ //I need to make my case quickly and leave// You stand before the assembly with $petName beside you. The familiar faces you've fought beside are looking back at you, unmoving and unaware of what you are about to do. You begin to explain that you will take your men and leave. Murmurs arise from the crowd. You tell them that this war has gone on long enough and you cannot be expected to stay for a cause you have no stake in. Your men, happy or not, support you. The old man Nestor stands and begins to speak about duty and honor. You can't pay attention but you still have to [[wait->head out]].] (if: $companion is 0)[//I need to make my case quickly and leave// You stand before the assembly with $petName beside you. The familiar faces you've fought beside are looking back at you, unmoving and unaware of what you are about to do. You begin to explain that you will take your men and leave. Murmurs arise from the crowd. You tell them that this war has gone on long enough and you cannot be expected to stay for a cause you have no stake in. Your men begin to shout, angry that you would not consult them before speaking. One rushes forward and stabs you in anger. The room becomes [[hazy->die]].]

(set: $kleos to $kleos+1)//These are always the same...// You listen as the generals stand, one by one, and lay out their plans or dispute over some prize or talk about something (click-replace: "something")[(either: "ships", "deaths", "slaves", "women", "gold", "silver", "Helen")]. You try to ignore it and focus on your plan to leave, but you can't shake their words. There is a lull. Do you [[stand and speak]] or [[leave abruptly]] and get on your ship now?

You run out of the tent with $weapon in hand and $petName by your side. You survey the battle. The damned fools ran into the battle without thinking and the Trojans are starting to rout them. You could [[join the fight]] or [[rally your troops]].

//How many times will I have to do this...// You rush into battle and expertly weild your $weapon, taking down a Trojan. (if: $kleos is >0)[You fall back slightly and survey the battle. The tides are beginning to turn in your favor. You could try to [[push]] the enemy back against the wall or [[retreat]].] (if: $kleos is 0)[You compose yourself and survey the battle. The tides are beginning to turn against you. You could [[continue to fight->push]] or [[retreat]]]

(set: $kleos to $kleos+1) You call your men to your side as the battle rages nearby. You encourage them and lead them into the [[battle->push]].

(if: $kleos is 1)[(set: $fight to 1)(set: $wound to (either: "arm", "shoulder", "leg", "back"))//How long can this go on?// You fight hard and bravely until the enemy is pushed back. By the end your $weapon is glistening with blood. You look after the wounded, pretending not to notice the deep gash on your $wound. When you instruct the healthy to collect the dead and strip the fallen foes of their armor. You go back to the [[camp]], sullen.] (if: $kleos is >=2)[(set: $fight to 2)//Perhaps this war is worth fighting...// You watch as the final Trojans flee the battle. You brandish your $weapon and give a massive warcry. Their dead lie on the ground, and your men left the fight with barely a scratch. You strip the armor of the dead with your men and head back to your [[camp]], triumphant.] (if: $kleos is 0)[//Why didn't I leave?// The enemy pushes your line back, and you stumble over a body and fall. Your $wound is broken. The Trojan who stands over you glares down. You recognize Hector with his shining helmet. You make one last attempt to raise your $weapon. At least you [[die]] at the hands of a better man.]

(set: $fight to 0)(set: $kleos to $kleos-1)//I will get out of this alive...// You call your men back and look at the other generals still in the fight. You decide the battle is not worth the lives of your men, and head back to your [[camp]].

(if: $fight is 2)[//My men fought well, hopefully that means we will see an end to this war soon...// You return to the camp to the praises of the generals. $petName trots up and licks your hand. You have helped move the war forward, and there's a chance you can bring it to an end soon. The Trojans are [[tired of fighting]].] (if: $fight is 1)[//I still fought for them, hopefully it was worth something...// You hobble back to the camp, and $petName looks concerned as you approach. Machaon the healer begins to tend to your wounds. He asks you to tell him about the battle as the generals, looking tired. They are not thrilled with you, but appreciative of your dedication. Do you propose an [[assembly]] or [[sit out]] of the war and nurse your wounds?] (if: $fight is 0)[//They will shame me for running, but it was the right thing to do...// You are shamed when you arrive. Angry at your unwillingness to fight and the loss of his ability to get glory for himself, one of your men [[stabs you->die]] with a dagger.]

Your eyes close and you quit this life. (if: $pet is 1)[$petName waits for you.] (if: $kleos is <=0)[You lay unburied and unmourned.] (if: $kleos is <=2)+(if: $kleos is >0)[Those around you bury and mourn you.] (if: $kleos is >2)[You are buried and mourned by many. The bards will sing your the story of your life for generations.] [[Try Again?->Opening]]

//The assembly isn't going to like this...// You arrive as the generals are sitting. They know you have no stake in this. They know you want to leave. Now to tell them what they have been fearing has come. [[Speak first.]] [[See what happens.]]

//Finally, I can go home// (if: $choice is 100)[(set: $wealth to $wealth+30) After the assembly is finally over, you gather your men and collect what little possessions you have left to begin your journey out. $petName watches you as you work. As your men rig your ship, Agamemnon, the leader of the Greeks approaches you. ''"You know you are breaking your oath. The gods will punish you for this."'' You are shaken by his harsh words, but you do your best to ignore him. (if: $weapon is 0)[You'll need your [[weapon->weapons]] if you'll make it through the journey alive.] (if: $weapon is not 0)[ The winds are still. Do you wait for them to be [[favorable]] or do you commit to leaving now and [[row]]? Supplies: $wealth]] (if: $choice is <=50)[(set: $wealth to 100) The winds are [[favorable]] and you you look back at the ruined city walls. Your men load your share of the booty on the ship. You will start your return journey as a much wealthier man. Supplies: $wealth]

(if: $kleos is >= -1)[(set: $wealth to 10)](if: $companion is 1)[//I need to make my case quickly and leave// You stand before the assembly with $petName beside you. The familiar faces you've fought beside are looking back at you, unmoving and unaware of what you are about to do. You begin to explain that you will take your men and leave. Murmurs arise from the crowd. You tell them that this war has gone on long enough and you cannot be expected to stay for a cause you have no stake in. Your men, happy or not, support you. The old man Nestor stands and begins to speak about duty and honor. You can't pay attention but you still have to [[wait->head out]].] (if: $companion is 0)[//I need to make my case quickly and leave// You stand before the assembly with $petName beside you. The familiar faces you've fought beside are looking back at you, unmoving and unaware of what you are about to do. You begin to explain that you will take your men and leave. Murmurs arise from the crowd. You tell them that this war has gone on long enough and you cannot be expected to stay for a cause you have no stake in. Your men begin to shout, angry that you would not consult them before speaking. One rushes forward and stabs you in anger. The room becomes [[hazy->die]].]

(set: $kleos to $kleos-2)//Fuck this! I why am I bothering with these people?// You stand up and storm out. The generals start shouting your name. When they find you collecting your belongs, they begin to call you a desereter and exhort you to stay. You've had enough of them, though. They see you can't be reasoned with, and in his fury, Achilles slashes you with his [[sword->die]].

//I need to leave when the gods grant me safe passage...// You make the appropriate sacrifice and not after long, the winds turn in your favor. You begin your [[journey]]. Supplies: $wealth

//I need to leave now if I'm ever going to leave...// You get your men on the ship and order them to row. After a day's journey, the winds pick up unfavorably. You command your ship as well as you can, but you are tossed and buffeted. Your ship crashes on a deserted island. You reach up and feel blood coming from your (either: [[head->die]], [[neck->die]], [[ear->die]], [[mouth->die]]).

//Almost ten whole years, and now we have a chance to end this.// You look as the results of your commitment stand before you. A giant horse, filled with men. The bravest of the heroes who fought in the war--for either side--are now dead and you have devised a way out. A giant [[horse]], made of wood.

//It's over...// You look at the carnage. Your $weapon feels heavy in your hand, but your relief surpasses it all. After all this time you can finally [[head out]].

(set: $kleos to $kleos+1)//Maybe I can convince them to take the right path...// The leaders of the armies have gathered. You stand holding a scepter with $petName beside you and $weapon at your side. Your $wound hurts, but you keep your head about you. You could encourage them to make a [[strong effort]] to end this war as soon as possible or explain why they should all [[leave]] with you.

(set: $kleos to $kleos-1)//I'm hurt. I can't do this anymore...// You sit and watch the people who had been your friends lead their troops into battle. The war goes worse and worse until you see there is no hope. The Trojans begin to press the Greeks against the ships. [[The war has come to you]].

(set: $kleos to $kleos+1)//We are committed now...// You stand before the generals and make clear that you intend to see the war through. You lay out a plan, and your friends approve it. Days, weeks, and months pass... After many battles, you see that the Trojans are finally [[tired of fighting]].

(set: $kleos to $kleos-1)//Hopefully this works...// You make clear that you plan to leave and encourage them to do the same. The war is unwinnable, the walls are too strong, and you and your men will pack up. Some agree and others say they will stay. You have no choice but to keep to your word. You begin to pack your things and watch as the battle line comes closer. As you're getting on your ship the Trojan line pushes the Greeks against the sea. [[The war has come to you]].

//One last time...// You stand, trying not to be distracted by your $wound. You raise your $weapon, but in seconds you are trampled by common Trojan soldier. You realize he would be no older than your boy at home. You know it's time for you to [[die]].

//At least there are some who see me as a leader still// One of your companions approaches you and touches your shoulder. ''"You're right. It's time to head home and leave this behind. I've seen enough of my friends die for one life time. Let's go back to our wives and are land"'' You hope he can convince the others. You could consider how the [[others->upset1]] are feeling, or head to [[make your case->your choices]].

//I didn't think it'd be like this...// Your most trusted companions are around you, and one begins to shout. ''"How dare you do this to us, you old bastard! We came here for glory, same as you, but now you want us to leave with nothing but disgrace and shame. I thought you were better."'' You can't help but feeling he's right in some way. You could consider how the [[others->thrilled1]] are feeling, or head to [[make your case->your choices]].

(set: $wealth to $wealth-15)//This should be the easy part...// (if: $wealth is <50)[You travel for days. $petName keeps you company but the men are tired. Your supplies are running low, but you see a lush, fertile island coming up to the north. You could [[stop]] and try to get supplies [[press on]] for as long as you can.] (if: $wealth is >50)[You travel for days. $petName entertains the troops and keeps close by you at night. Your supplies will hold out, but you see a lush, fertile island coming up on the north. You could [[stop]] and look for some more while you can or [[keep going->press on]] and not take the risk.] Supplies: $wealth

//Let's see who I can meet here...// You get off your ship and select a few companions to explore the island with you. The island has sheep and goats roaming about, and you instruct the men you leave behind to prepare a feast from one or two. As you push deeper into the island, you come across a cave. You can smell the wine and honey from outside. You could [[go in]] or [[leave it alone]].

(set: $wealth to $wealth-15) //Not yet...// You continue on. (if: $wealth is <=0)[(set: $kleos to $kleos-1)Your men go hungry and get angry. They mutiny and bring the ship to the nearest island. One is so angry he strikes you with an oar. You [[fall->die]].] (if: $wealth is >0)[Your men ration themselves and you make it farther along your [[journey->last stop]].]

(set: $kleos to $kleos+1)//Maybe I can get myself a guest gift...// You go into the cave and find a wealth of supplies. As you and your men begin to pilfer whatever you can, a row of sheep enters, the enterance darkens, and you hear a large stone roll over the mouth of the cave. [[Well, shit]].

(set: $Polyphemus to -1)(set: $wealth to $wealth+10)//That doesn't seem wise...// You tell your men to head back. You all feast, collect supplies from the island, and sleep on the shore. The next morning you [[leave->sea]] before whoever was in that cave can find you. Supplies: $wealth

//Gods, what is that thing?// You look up at a massive... monster. Vaguely shaped like a person but with a face that is circular and a single, massive eye. He looks down and asks who you are. Do you say: Tell him you are [[Noman->noman]] or tell him your [[name->Odysseus]]?

(set: $kleos to $kleos+1)(set: $Polyphemus to 1)//Whatever this is, it doesn't need my name...// You tell him you are Noman, son of None. He buys it but wants to know why you are in his home. You could ask for [[hospitality]] or explain your [[situation]].

(set: $playerName to (prompt: "What's your name anyway?", "Odysseus"))(set: $Polyphemus to 0)(set: $kleos to $kleos-1)//Maybe he has heard of me...// You tell him you are $playerName, son of Laertes.He scoffs and wants to know why you are in his home. You could ask for [[hospitality]] or explain your [[situation]].

(set: $kleos to $kleos+1)//I can get his friendship to save my men...// You begin to entreat him to host you and your men and he laughs. He picks up one of your companions and dahses him against the wall of the cave as if he were a ragdoll. He starts munching on his arm. You pull your $weapon closer to you and try to find a [[new way out]].

(set: $kleos to $kleos-1)//Maybe he'll understand if I tell him what I've been through...// You begin to tell him about your situation. He ignores you and picks up one of your companions. He dahses him against the wall of the cave as if he were a ragdoll. He starts munching on his arm. You pull your $weapon closer to you and try to find a [[new way out]].

//I need to figure out how to escape alive...// You see a vat of strong wine in the corner. You could encourage him to drink with you and after a while, you get him [[drunk and tired]] and try to sneak out of the cave. But it could be safer just to [[attack him]] with your $weapon now.

//There's a chance...// You invite him to drink with you, using all the flattery and praise you can muster. He accepts and accepts again until he is throughly drunk. You could [[try the door]] or [[kill him]].

(set: $kleos to $kleos-2)//Let's end this now...// You rush at him with your $weapon in hand. He flicks your head as you are running, and you fall back. He tosses you out of the cave and you hit a tree, [[crumpled->die]] on the ground.

(set: $kleos to $kleos+1)//I need to get my men out now...// You sneak toward the mouth of the cave and try to move the stone out of the way. All of your men together can't do it. You need to think of a new plan. Do you [[blind him]] or [[hide]]?

(set: $kleos to $kleos-2)//I'll kill the bastard and take his things before I go...// You strike him quickly with your $weapon, being sure that the blow will be leathal. He dies. You collect his things and head for the door. You cannot move the stone that's blocking the way. Eventually, you lose track of time as your men die around you. You don't know how long you've been in there, but you know it's [[time->die]].

(set: $blind to 1)(set: $wealth to $wealth-10)(set: $kleos to $kleos+2)//This might work...// You heat up a stake the size of a tree in the fire. Two of your men help you jam it into his eye. He screams, jolting awake, and stumbles to the door to call for help. You slip past him and back to your men. You lead them onto the ship as quickly as you can, leaving behind a good deal of supplies, and [[sail off]]. Supplies: $wealth

(set: $blind to 0)(set: $wealth to $wealth+50)(set: $kleos to $kleos+1)//Maybe he'll forget we were ever here...// The giant wakes up and groans, you hide and keep your $weapon by your side in case he sees you, but he rubs his head and moves toward the door to let his sheep back out. He says the name of each one as they pass and then joins them in the field. You run back to your men, holding as many supplies from the cave as you can, and tell them to pick up camp and [[get out of here->sail off]]. Supplies: $wealth

(if: $blind is 1)[//He's calling for help...// The monster shouts, loudly, that he is injured and calls his brothers to help him. As they come out of their caves, they ask who hurt him. (if: $Polyphemus is 1)[He tells them that "Noman" hurt him and you escape back to the open [[sea]] unharmed.] (if: $Polyphemus is 0)[He tells them that $playerName hurt him, and they begin to search for you. They find your ship and hurl boulders at it before you are even out to sea. One strikes your ship, and you and your companions wash back to shore. One of the giants [[crushes your chest->die]] with his foot.]] (if: $blind is 0)[You look back at the island as you safely get back to the open [[sea]].]

(if: $Polyphemus is >=0)[(set: $wealth to $wealth-100)(set: $pet to 0)//Maybe the rest will be easier...//](if: $Polyphemus is <0)[//Maybe it will all be this easy...//] It wasn't. You see many things on your journey, and lose men each time you stop. You are especially devestated when $petName slips away from you. Hope is nearly lost. Eventually, you are alone, with very little left, and a storm destroys your ship. You wash up on an island where a [[young girl]] is doing laundry.

//Please be helpful...// The young girl sees you and immediately rushes to get help. They bring you to the house of her father, the King Alcinous, and you devise two plans to get him to take you home. You will either [[pay him]] or [[invoke hospitality]].

(if: $choice is 100)[(set: $kleos to 1)](if: $choice is <100)[(set: $kleos to 3)](set: $pet to 0)//I'm in no mood for adventures...// You focus on getting home quickly and safely. You take no unecessary risks. You land on the shores of Ithaca, tweleve years after you left. Your wife runs to you with tears in her eyes and you embrace your son and heir, now a daring boy instead of a infant. $petName looks at the home he left so long ago and wags his tail. You spend your life caring for your family and farming. (if: $choice is 100)[In time, your part in the war is forgotten.](if: $choice is <100)[The war that kept you away for so long becomes a legend worthy of the poets, and they include your name.] When you are old and frail, your son comes to your bedside, and you know he will rule well when you are [[gone->die]].

(set: $kleos to $kleos-1)(if: $wealth is <=0)[//Payment always works...// You try to convince him to take you, but since you have nothing he does not trust your promises to pay when you arrive to Ithaca. He scoffs at you and sends you away. You cannot find refuge on the island, and your [[weakend body->die]] cannot sustain you.] (if: $wealth is >0)[//What little I have I'll give to him...// He accepts your offer, probably out of pity but maybe out of hope for the reward you promised on your return to Ithaca. Regardless, you get to go [[home]].]

(set: $kleos to $kleos+2)//This is my last hope// You tell him you are a stranger in this land, and he invites you to eat with him. When you have had your fill and have drank some wine, he asks him who you are. You tell him your whole story: about how you lost your companions, about the war, about how you journey. He pities you and offers to take you back [[home]].

//At last...// You look over the sea as your home, the island you left nearly two decades ago, comes into view. You see your house and the fields you have longed for all this time. When you disemabark, Alcinous asks you if he should [[stay->AlcinousYes]] or [[go->AlcinousNo]].

(set: $Alcinous to 1)//He needs my hospitality...// You tell him to stay. You promise him guest-gifts and a feast once you are returned to your household possessions. He thanks you for your kindness. You could immediately approach the [[gate]] of your home or you could seek out [[information]] before you annoucne your return.

(set: $Alcinous to 0)//I need to return alone...// You thank Alcinous for his help, and get him a gift from a hidden store house. You tell him to return to his people and to remember your story. He thanks you and sails off. You could immediately approach the [[gate]] of your home or you could seek out [[information]] before you annoucne your return.

//I hope my family is well//(if: $Alcinous is 1)[ You approach the gate and announce your arrival. Young men flock to see you, keeping swords and spears close by. You place a hand on your $weapon. One charges at you, but Alcinous instructs his men to fight, and you and his men kill any who try to attack. One cowering in the corner tells you that they have been trying to woo your wife for years, but she remained faithful. You enter your home and see your [[family]].] (if: $Alcinous is 0)[ You approach the gate and announce your arrival. Young men flock to see you, keeping swords and spears close by. You place a hand on your $weapon. One charges at you, and you kill him, but others come forward. You are outnumbered. [[A sword pierces your side->die]].]

(set: $kleos to $kleos+2)//It's been to long. I need to know how things stand now...// (if: $Alcinous is 1)[You instruct Alcinous to remain by his ship and not to approach anyone until you return.] You go into your fields and find an old swineherd. He doesn't recognize you, but you know him. You ask him about the state of the island and he tells you that Telemachus, the son of the old ruler, is almost a grown man now, but his father has been gone for nearly twenty years. You find out that suitors have sought your wife and abused your lands. Do you [[stay longer]] or (if: $Alcinous is 1)[go to [[the gate]]](if: $Alcinous is 0)[[[go to the gate->gate]]].

//I can finally rest...// You give Alcinous the feast and gifts you promised, and see him off. You retake control of your household and live out your life farming and spending time with your family. (if: $choice is 100)[In time, your part in the war is forgotten.](if: $choice is <100)[(set: $kleos to 3)The war that kept you away for so long becomes a legend worthy of the poets, and they include your name.] When you are old and frail, your son comes to your bedside, and you know he will rule well when you are [[gone->die]].

(set: $Telemachus to 1)//I need more allies...// You wait longer, and eventually, the swineherd introduces you to Telemachus, the son you left behind so long ago. You finally reveal who you are, and you embrace with tears. You make a plan to kill the suitors and take back your land, hoping this is the [[last fight]] you'll ever have.

(set: $Telemachus to 0)//I'll get Alcinous to help me take back my home// On your way to the get, you tell Alcinous what you've learned, and he agrees to help you take back your home. You hold your $weapon close and prepare for what you hope is the [[last fight]] you'll ever have.

(set: $kleos to $kleos+1)//I don't want more bloodshed...// But you need to finish this. (if: $Alcinous is 1)+(if: $Telemachus is 1)[With the swineherd, Alcinous, his men, and Telemachus,](if: $Alcinous is 1)+(if: $Telemachus is 0)[With the swineherd, Alcinous, and his men,](if: $Telemachus is 1)+(if: $Alcinous is 0)[With the swineherd and Telemachus,] you approach the household. You attack and slaughter the men who have abused your household, and you retake your place as ruler. //[[What will I do now?]]//

//Do I need this life of adventure...// [[Yes]] [[No]]

//Yes... I wasn't meant for life at home...// (if: $Alcinous is 1)[You give Alcinous the feast and gifts you promised, and see him off.] You establish your son as the ruler on the island, instruct your wife to wait for you a bit longer, and leave Ithaca again, knowing you won't be back. You explore new lands, meet new people, and fight new fights. At some point, you die. For generations, poets across the world tell your story and say how you came to their land.

//No... I can finally rest...// (if: $Alcinous is 1)[You give Alcinous the feast and gifts you promised, and see him off.] You retake control of your household and live out your life farming and spending time with your family. (if: $choice is 100)[In time, your part in the war is forgotten.](if: $choice is <100)[(set: $kleos to 3)The war that kept you away for so long becomes a legend worthy of the poets, and they include your name.] When you are old and frail, your son comes to your bedside, and you know he will rule well when you are [[gone->die]].

(set: $weapon to (prompt: "Weapon:", "sword"))//Ah, this old $weapon...// (if: $choice is <=50)+(if: $petName is 0)[Your $weapon feels solid in your hand. You finish arming yourself and get ready to leave. Your [[companion]] looks up at you. You can't bring yourself to leave without him...] (if: $choice is <=50)+(if: $petName is not 0)[Your $weapon feels solid in your hand. You finish arming yourself and get ready to leave. You can't avoid the [[fight->battle]] any longer. You steel yourself.] (if: $choice is >50)[You pack up your $weapon and head back to the ship. When you arrive, the winds are still. Do you wait for them to be [[favorable]] or do you commit to leaving now and [[row]]?]

(set: $petName to (prompt: "What's your pet's name?", "Argos")) //$petName... What are we going to do now?// $petName looks up at you and whimpers. (if: $choice is <=50)+(if: $weapon is not 0)[I guess it's time to go to [[battle]].] (if: $choice is <=50)+(if: $weapon is 0)[You need something to fight with. You go over to your [[weapons]].] (if: $choice is >50)[//It's time to go, old friend.// You leave your tent and get ready to [[gather your companions]] and explain [[your choices]].]