Gold Collector

Greetings Noble Traveler! You have finally arrived to our fair city, after a long and hearty journey no doubt! Since you have only //just// arrived, allow me to share with you some rather valuable knowledge... <hr>What is this valuable knowledge, (text-colour:yellow)[ [[you ask]]]?

(text-color: yellow)+(text-size: 2)[Gold Collector] (text-size: .6)[Emily Krawczyk] <hr> (text-colour:yellow)[[Let's begin]]

Seize moments to (text-color:orange)[explore] as they come! There is much to see around this city, (text-color:orange)[much indeed], so do try and see it all while you're here! Up there is the castle. The King often comes through with guards to see the state of the city... (text-colour:orange)[they don't say much]. The Queen hasn't made an appearance in quite some time I'm afraid... but she always appreciated a (text-color:orange)[softer soul]. Most of the (text-color:orange)[Townsfolk] stop to parlay in the Market, but you can always find someone who will (text-color:orange)[chatter] at the old Alehouse. <hr>(text-color: yellow) [ [[Learn more...]] ]

Your pockets are empty? Well my friend, we seem to have that in common. I suggest you go explore the city more! There is, afterall... (text-color:orange)[Much more to explore]. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Explore the city]] ]

You have (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold in your pockets. You stand at the entrance to the city. Looking at the crossroads sign, you ponder what to (text-color:orange)[explore]... <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[The Castle]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[The Fountain]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[The Market]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[The Courtyard]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[The Alehouse]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[The Old Well]] ]

You enter the Courtyard and find (text-color:yellow)[5] gold on the way. (text-color:orange)+(text-size:1.5)[HUZZAH!] What luck! (set:$gold to it +5)You now have (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold. Maybe a stroll around this Lucky Courtyard will help your fortune. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Explore North]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[Explore South]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[Explore East]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[Explore West]] ]

The cobblestone pathway turns to a dirt road as you venture away from the city. You notice that the greenery looks more... well... (text-colour:#158e15)[green], and the wind seems to lift you off your feet instead of simply supplying fresher air. (text-color:grey)[//You take pause to admire the scenery//] <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Press on...]] ]

You have (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold in your pockets. It's an old, marble fountain. The water flows gracefully down the carved cherub faces, creating ripples over the water's surface. Below the surface, you see glimmering specks littering the bottom of the fountain. You consider all the Townsfolk who have probably stood here before you, staring into that same fountain, wondering if they could spare some gold on a wish or two. There looks to be about (text-color:yellow)[120] gold in the fountain... you could always make it 121... Or... you could always //take// the gold from the fountain... fill your pockets... OR... you can just admire the fountain a little longer... <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Toss in 1 gold]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[Take 120 gold]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[Admire the fountain]] ]

You stand at the entrance of the bustling Market. You have earned (text-color: yellow)[45] gold. You now have (text-color: yellow)[(set: $gold to it + 45) $gold] gold. There are townsfolk dotting the Market in every direction, and you can see some curious stalls open down the street. You pause to consider what to explore... <hr>(text-color: yellow)[ [[Townsfolk]] ] (text-color: yellow)[ [[Apothecary]] ] (text-color: yellow)[ [[Blacksmith's Forge]] ] (text-color: yellow)[ [[Cloth Merchant]] ] (text-color: yellow)[ [[Baker]] ]

You push open the sturdy doors to the Alehouse. You have earned (text-color:yellow)[45] gold. (set: $gold to it + 45) You now have (text-color: yellow)[$gold] gold. Townsfolk line the bar and flickering lanterns hang from the ceiling illuminating the cozy space. You pause to consider what to explore... <hr>(text-color: yellow)[ [[Townsfolk|townsfolk]] ] (text-color: yellow)[ [[Inquire about food]] ] (text-color: yellow)[ [[Inquire about drink]] ]

(If: $gold > 1)[(display:"1 gold 1+")] (If: $gold < 1)[(display: "1 gold 0")]

That 120 gold could really help you in your persuits of the (text-size:1.5)+(text-color:orange)[//The Gown of Glory//]. You might as well take it while it's here. As you wade through the fountain, some townsfolk begin to gather, their chatter rising around you. A bigger, burlier one in a more (text-color:orange)[official looking] tunic approaches you soon enough... <hr>(text-color: yellow)[ [[Greet the Constable]] ]

(text-color: grey)[//You admire the Fountain a little longer//] <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Back to the City|Explore the city]] ]

Maybe you could come back after you find some gold... <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Back to the City|Explore the city]] ]

You pull (text-color: yellow)[1] gold from your pockets and grasp it tightly in your hand.(set: $gold to it - 1) (text-color: gray)[//a wish appears in your head//] And with one dainty toss, your wish joins the 120 others in the Fountain. There is now (text-color:yellow)[121] gold in the Fountain, and (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold in your pockets. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Back to the City|Explore the city]] ]

The constable quickly (text-color:orange)[arrests] you for stealing gold from the Fountain. You now have (text-color: yellow)[0] gold in your pockets AND you have been banished from the city. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Ending 3 // - Run-in With the Law//|Title]] ]

They sell (text-color: orange)[(cycling-link:"curious","mysterious","odd","intriguing","rare","fortunate","magic")] potions A potion is (text-color: yellow)[20] gold. <hr> (text-color:yellow)[ [[Buy a potion]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[No thank you|The Market]] ]

You examine the refined metal of the blades and armor. Blades are (text-color:yellow)[50] gold. You check your pockets and you have (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold. You don't know what this journey could bring... should you buy a blade out of (text-color:orange)[uncertainty]? <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Buy a blade|VVV]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[No thanks|market]] ]

The Baker has just baked some fresh fruit tarts. A tart is (text-color:yellow)[5] gold. Do you want one? <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Buy a fruit tart]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[No thank you|market]] ]

As you approach the Cloth Merchant, you can already hear townsfolk whispering about (text-size:1.5)+(text-color:orange)[//The Gown of Glory//]. You didn't know what to expect exactly, but as your eyes find the vibrant, gold-trimmed gown displayed regally at the focal point of the merchant's shop. You only pause to admire it for a moment before hastily making your way to the Merchant. You MUST find out how to acquire such an article! <hr>You simply(text-color: yellow)[ [[MUST]] ]!

You approach a woman standing near you to ask for her opinions on things. She had (text-size: 1.5)[QUITE] the opinions about the quality of the parsnips she purchased yesterday. She generously give you (text-color: yellow)[20] gold for lending a listening ear to her troubles. You now have (text-color: yellow)[(set: $gold to it + 20) $gold] gold. <hr>(text-color: yellow)[ [[Back|market]] ]

Your first bite is bursting with flavor, the second and third bites thenafter follow suit. You are quite content with your decision. (set: $gold to it - 5) You now have (text-color: yellow)[$gold] gold. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Back|market]] ]

You purchase the (text-color:orange)[//Potion of Fortune//]. You now have (set: $gold to it - 20)(text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold. ... You uncork your potion and (text-color:orange)[drink] as directed. Once finished, you (text-color:orange)[smash] the bottle, the glass shards now turned into (text-color: yellow)[10] gold. You now have (text-color: yellow)[(set: $gold to it + 10) [$gold]] gold. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Back|market]] ]

You stand at the entrance of the bustling Market. You have earned (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold. There are townsfolk dotting the Market's many stalls in every direction. There seem to be some popular establishments down the street as well. You pause to consider what to explore... <hr>(text-color: yellow)[ [[Townsfolk]] ] (text-color: yellow)[ [[Apothecary]] ] (text-color: yellow)[ [[Blacksmith's Forge]] ] (text-color: yellow)[ [[Cloth Merchant]] ] (text-color: yellow)[ [[Baker]] ] <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Return to the city|Explore the city]] ]

You drag your thumb along the carved handle of your new blade. You think, even if you don't use it, it'll still be nice to have. You now have (text-color: yellow)[$gold]gold. <hr> (text-color: yellow)[ [[Back|market]] ]

(text-color: blue)["Good morrow! How may I be of service today?"] the Merchant inquires. ... "I simply MUST know how much for the (text-size:1.5)+(text-color:orange)[//The Gown of Glory//]" you reply. ... The Merchant pauses, and before answering, takes a moment to examine you, perhaps contemplating if you are truly (text-color:orange)[worthy] of the knowledge. (text-color: blue)["Ah, that'd be the finest thing I've yet to lay my eyes on. It'll cost you quite the pretty penny though, I'm afraid. Are you sure that's what you'd like to take interest in?"] <hr>(text-color: yellow)[ [[Take interest]] ]

The Merchant releases a breath before answering. (text-color: blue)["Alright, my friend. (text-size:1.5)+(text-color:orange)[//The Gown of Glory//] is (text-color: yellow)[200 gold]. Were you wanting to buy it now?"] You check your pockets quickly to remind yourself that you currently have (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Buy now|Next]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[Insufficient funds|Next]] ]

"Not yet" you reply, "but soon!" You are filled with a desire that only purchasing (text-size:1.5)+(text-color:orange)[//The Gown of Glory//] can fulfill. <hr>(text-color: yellow)[ [[Back to market|market]] ]

You follow the cobblestone pathway towards the direction the greeter pointed until they turn to smoothed brick and morter. The (text-color:orange)[castle] is surrounded by a wide moat and a precarious looking bridge, almost as if it wanted to appear (text-color:orange)[uninviting]. Accompanying the unwelcoming entrance, high, solid (text-color:orange)[walls] surround the white stone turrets of the castle. As you get closer to the impressive ascending structure, you notice that there really //aren't// that many townsfolk around... not (text-color:orange)[ //any//] townsfolk at all, in fact. The only people you CAN see are the (text-color:orange)[guards] at their stations in front of the castle. Maybe one of them could tell you more about the absent townsfolk... or (text-color:orange)[//anything//] about this city actually... <hr> (text-color:yellow)[ [[Approach guards]] ]

As you approach the guards, you notice a distasteful look growing on their faces. Surely it's not about you. They //must// be friendly... "Pardon me" you begin, "I am but a mere traveler, I had some inquiries I was hoping you could -" (text-color: red)["A //traveler//?"] the guard interjects. (text-color:red)["You look more a //BEGGAR// to me. I don't want to see the likes of //you// around these walls."] And as quickly as they dismiss you, they toss a small tied sack towards you. (text-color:red)["Take this, and be on your way. The King don't take too kindly to strangers."] ... <hr>(text-color: yellow)[ [[Open sack]] ]

The sack contained (text-color:yellow)[55] gold. (set: $gold to it + 55) You now have (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold in your pockets. <hr> (text-color:yellow)[ [[Back to the city|Explore the city]] ]

You stroll North to explore a (text-color:green)[shrubbery] and find (text-color:yellow)[15] gold. (set:$gold to it +15) You now have (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Return to courtyard|courtyard]] ]

You try to stroll East to explore, but you lose your footing in some (text-color:grey)[gravel]. While unfortunate and unappreciated, you do find (text-color:yellow)[10] gold. (set:$gold to it +10) You now have (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Return to courtyard|courtyard]] ]

You stroll South to explore a (text-colour:#a16e3a)[tree]... More specifically, to explore a (text-color:#a16e3a)[//bird's nest//] in a tree. Silly bird thought that it has eggs in it's nest. Instead there was (text-color:yellow)[10] gold. While unfortunate for the bird... (set:$gold to it +10) (text-color:orange)+(text-size:1.25)[YOU] now have (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Return to courtyard|courtyard]] ]

You stroll West to explore a (text-color:grey)[pile of rocks] and find (text-color:yellow)[20] gold. (set:$gold to it +20) You now have (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Return to courtyard|courtyard]] ]

(text-color:orange)+(text-size:1.5)[HUZZAH!] What luck! Maybe a stroll around this Lucky Courtyard will help your fortune. You now have (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Explore North]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[Explore East]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[Explore South]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[Explore West]] ] <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Return to the City|Explore the city]] ]

(If: $gold > 200)[(go-to:"Yes")] (If: $gold < 200)[(go-to: "Insufficient funds")]

(If: $gold > 49)[(display:"Buy a blade")] (If: $gold < 51)[(display: "no blade")]

While you can admire the craftsmanship, (text-color:yellow)[50] gold seems a bit steep at this time. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Back to Market|market]] ]

You push open the sturdy doors to the Alehouse. Townsfolk line the bar and flickering lanterns hang from the ceiling illuminating the cozy space. You have earned (text-color: yellow)[$gold] gold. You pause to consider what to explore... <hr>(text-color: yellow)[ [[Townsfolk|townsfolk]] ] (text-color: yellow)[ [[Inquire about food]] ] (text-color: yellow)[ [[Inquire about drink]] ] <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Return to the city|Explore the city]] ]

Seems like the house-prepared provisions would cost you (text-color:yellow)[20] gold. You currently have (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold. Feeling peckish? <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Buy food|ZZZ]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[No thanks|ZZZ]] ]

You ask the barkeep what a traveler would have to do for a pint. The barkeep replied (text-colour:#724518)["Just give me (text-color:yellow)[10] gold, my friend."] You check your pockects and you have (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold. Care for a pint? <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Buy a pint|XXX]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[No thanks]] ]

You find a stool next to a (text-color:orange)[(cycling-link:"friendly-looking", "curious-looking", "interesting", "odd-looking", "tired-looking", "drunk-looking")] man. He enthralls you with tales of his own adventures as a once-weary traveler, although you're unsure if they have been written by the past, or the contents of his beer stien. The man seems to enjoy your company, however, and thanks you with (text-color:yellow)[20] gold. (set:$gold to it +20) You now have (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Back|alehouse]] ]

(If: $gold > 10)[(go-to:"Buy a drink")] (If: $gold < 10)[(go-to: "Not enough")]

The brews this Alehouse has aren't hitting your fancy. <hr> (text-color:yellow)[ [[Return|alehouse]] ]

The Barkeep pours you a tall pint of the houses finest brew. As you take your first few sips, you conclude you are quite content with this decision. (set: $gold to it - 10) You now have (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Back|alehouse]] ]

You don't seem to have enough gold for that yet. Perhaps you could return when you do. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Back|alehouse]] ]

(If: $gold > 20)[(go-to:"Buy food")] (If: $gold < 20)[(go-to: "No food")]

The barkeep smiles as he takes your the (text-color:yellow)[20] gold from you. (text-colour:#724518)["You're in luck, my friend! We have a secret house recipie prepared for today!] As you take your first bites, your mouth is filled with savory flavors most definitely worth (text-color:yellow)[20] gold. (set: $gold to it - 20) You now have (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Back|alehouse]] ]

Your pockets are starving too it seems - they are just as empty as your stomach. Perhaps you could return after you find some gold. <hr> (text-color:yellow)[ [[Back|alehouse]] ]

You continue on the dirt road until it trails off and you are left in a small clearing. Willow trees enclose this clearing, and tucked beneath the largest one was an (text-color:orange)[old well], its cobblestone walls covered in moss. A Beggar sits on the edge of the wall. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Approach Beggar]] ]

As you approach, the Beggar turns their head towards your footsteps. ... (text-color:#158e15)[//"Who goes there!?"//] the Beggar calls, with a noticable tremble. ... "Tis but a weary traveler" you reply. ... The Beggar pauses, appearing surprised by your answer. You clear your throat before inquiring, "Who might //you// be?" <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Next|the request]] ]

(text-color:#158e15)[//"It's been a long while since someone asked me who I was... but I am a mere Beggar... I haven't left this city in decades... I haven't the opportunity. Might you spare any gold you have?"//] You take a moment to consider the Beggar's request. You check your pockets and you have (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold. How do you proceed? <hr> (text-color:yellow)[ [[Give gold|RRR]] ] (text-color:yellow)[ [[Do not give gold|RRR]] ]

(set: $gold to 0)You give the Beggar all the gold in your pockets. You now have (text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold. ... (text-color:#158e15)[//"Oh you charitable soul!"//] the Beggar rejoices. (text-color:#158e15)[//"You are truly pure of heart..."//] At this, the Beggar removes their hood and the eyes that meet yours are full of hope. <hr> (text-color:yellow)[ [[Next|QQQ]] ]

"I'm afraid I have no gold to give you," you tell the Beggar. ... You watch their shoulders fall as they slowly nod their head. (Text-color:#158e15)[//"I understand, traveler. I wish you well as you press on with your journey."//] With that, the Beggar retreats past the Old Well, towards the large willow. You take this as a invitation to return to the crossroads. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Return|Explore the city]] ]

(If: $gold > 1)[(go-to:"Generous Soul")] (If: $gold < 1)[(go-to: "Misfortune")]

As the hood fell to the Beggar's back, (text-color:orange)[long beautiful hair] followed suit. ... (text-color:purple)["I apologize for concealing my //true// identity, dear teaveler. It was a test of heart, you see. Whomever is of true and charitable of heart should inherit the this city. One who seeks to show kindness and generosity, not solely achieve personal gain."] ... The Beggar was no beggar at all, as it seemed... but //the (text-color:purple)[Queen]//! <hr>The Queen's words (text-color:yellow)[ [[stun you]] ]...

(text-color:purple)["Because of your simple act today, dear traveler, you shall inherit the crown, the title, and this city in due time, if you choose to accept it."] ... You need to consider the Queen's offer for only a moment before you (text-color:orange)[confidently] respond... <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [["I accept your offer"]] ]

In (text-color:orange)[20] years time, you //did// inherit the throne. The city (text-color:orange)[thrived] under your ruling. Near the Old Well just outside the city, an elegant marble (text-color:orange)[statue] was errected in memory of the (text-color:purple)[Queen]. You never let the townsfolk forget her kind heart, nor the generousity she embodied. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Ending 2 - //Heart of Gold//|Title]] ]

You hand the Merchant (text-color:yellow)[200] gold. (set:$gold to it - 200) You now have (TEXT-COLOR:YELLOW)[$gold] gold. ... In exchange for your gold, the Merchant hands you the prized (text-size:1.5)+(text-color:orange)[//Gown of Glory//]. The Merchant watches you proudly admire your new purchase. ... (text-color:blue)["Plenty of folks have wanted that gown for themselves, but no one has had the courage to claim it. I hope you enjoy your newfound treasure."] <hr> (text-color:yellow)[ [[Leave Merchant's shop]] ]

As you exit the Merchant's shop, (text-size:1.5)+(text-color:orange)[//Gown of Glory//] draped around your shoulders, you're filled with a great sense of... <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Pride...?]] ]

You look out across the bustling Market. (text-color:grey)[//The quaint Bakery...//] (text-color:grey)[//The curious Appothecary...//] (text-color:grey)[//The chattering townsfolk...//] You consider the Merchant's words as you look out towards the horizon, the gold trim of (text-size:1.5)+(text-color:orange)[//The Gown of Glory//] glimmering against the beams of the sunset. You're uncertain if you've truly (text-color:orange)[//earned//] this garment... A garment sought out by the town, but (text-color:blue)[//"never claimed"//]... <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Next|PPP]] ]

You remain in the city for not much longer. Ownership of (text-size:1.5)+(text-color:orange)[//Gown of Glory//] made the townsfolk expect greater extravagance from your tales than simply that of your previous travels. You pondered your journey to this fair city - and your travels prior - and took it upon yourself to persue even greater ones. You often returned to the city to relay the stories of your travels, each time the townsfolk more entertained than the last. <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[Ending 1 - //On the Road Again...//|Title]] ]

The Townsfolk have been in an unproar over the latest hemmings from the Cloth Merchant. They call it (text-size:1.5)+(text-color:orange)[//The Gown of Glory//]... walking the streets of the city wearing //that// would make quite the (text-color:orange)[impression]... But I'm afraid it is (text-color:orange)[high value]... (text-color:yellow)[200] gold, so I've been told... I don't suppose you've got any (text-color:orange)[gold] on you now... <hr>(text-color:grey)[//You reach into your pockets and find that you have (set:$gold to 0)(text-color:yellow)[$gold] gold//.] <hr>(text-color:yellow)[ [[What now?]] ]