LSS Game Chapter 2 Snippet

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<div id="sidebar"> <div class="sidebar-header">  <div></div>  <h1 class="story-title" data-passage="gameTitle"></h1>  <div class="sidebar-toggle"> <span id="sidebar-toggle-icon" class="lnr lnr-menu-circle"></span> </div> </div>   <div id="sidebar-body">  <div class="story-logo" data-passage="storyLogo"></div>  <h2 class="story-author" data-passage="storyAuthor"></h2> <nav class="sidebar-nav"> <ul class="story-tools"> <li> <span id="restart-button" class="lnr lnr-redo"></span> <span class="tooltiptext">Restart</span> </li> <li> <span id="saves-button" class="lnr lnr-download"></span> <span class="tooltiptext">Saves</span> </li> <li> <span id="settings-button" class="lnr lnr-cog"></span> <span class="tooltiptext">Settings</span> </li> </ul> <ul class="story-menu" data-passage="storyMenu"> </ul> </nav> </div>  </div>  <div id="mystory" role="main"> <div id="passages"> <div id="passage-start" data-passage="start" class="passage"> </div> </div> </div>

<<nobr>>  <li>[[Player Guide]]</li> <li>[[Character Menu]]</li> <<if $kasuratan is true>><li>[[Kasuratan]]</li> <<else>><li>Book Unopened</li><</if>> <li>[[Achievements]]</li> <li><<link "Credits" "Credits">><</link>></li> <</nobr>>

Loving Starless Skies

by <a href="https://paragrasya.neocities.org/" target="_blank">Paragrasya</a>

<h1 class="linebreak">Player Guide</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> ''Game Navigation'' <span id="pg-menu" class="lnr lnr-menu-circle"></span> - Opens and closes the main menu. <i class="fa-solid fa-circle"></i> - Choices marked with this forwards to the next passage. <i class="fa-solid fa-arrow-rotate-right"></i> - Choices marked with this enter a dialogue loop where the same set of options will reappear in the next passage. <i class="fa-solid fa-x"></i> - Choices marked with this ends a dialogue loop. <div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> ''Kasuratan Navigation'' All entries in the Kasuratan Menu has one of the following indicators: Moon, Water, and Boat. <i class="fa-solid fa-moon"></i> = Real life words, places, or entities that mean the same thing in LSS. <i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> = Specific words, places, or entities that exist in real life but have a different meaning in LSS. <i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> = Invented words, places, or entities written for LSS lore. The in-game meaning for these symbols are also mentioned in the Kasuratan. Browse the internet to learn more about the incorporated real life stuff and note that not all of them are listed in the Kasuratan. If you don't find the word/s in the Kasuratan, it's likely a real life thing you can easily search for on the internet. Ex. "Anak". Be aware that the player's Kasuratan is not the exact copy of the MC's Kasuratan. Ex. All the names of the 293 residents of Sulin Village in the Year 400 during Sulin Lawag, including the names of their pets, are absolutely listed. The family tree of the MC in the Kasuratan is also more comprehensive than the one you have. The words in italics inside square brackets are some of the Sentinel's internal thoughts, translated. Ex. [//No. Deep breaths. Think. Even if Maluíya is here to punish me, my fate has already been sealed. There is no changing it. The sharp weapon that kills me won't be her ivory but a boar's. She won't kill me...//] <div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> ''Line Break Formatting'' The extra line breaks on the dialogue may be confusing because it is unconventional. However, this formatting is intentional because I find this easier to read and process. Personally, I also find it is easier on the eyes when the dialogue is at the very beginning, and descriptive sentences and/or tags aren't mixed in the middle. That, and dialogue not being in between sentences is a strong preference. I also do playtesting, and reread the text in browser plays. So yes, I'm prioritizing my needs and preferences in my game, hehe. These are the reasons for the extra line breaks, and as long as it is clear who is speaking, I'm not keen on reformatting this. Ex. You don't fully understand her words, and she forgives you for it. "Mmmmm," is your only response. "Well, they will not be back in a long while," she continues. "Why don't we go to the kitchen and eat rice with the leftover pinikpikan chicken? Maybe even let you sip on rice wine." I am aware the standard formatting for that is: You don't fully understand her words, and she forgives you for it. "Mmmmm," is your only response. "Well, they will not be back in a long while," she continues. "Why don't we go to the kitchen and eat rice with the leftover pinikpikan chicken? Maybe even let you sip on rice wine." <div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> ''Character Customization'' - You cannot change your name after entering it. - You can change your gender, sexuality, and pronouns anytime. <div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> ''Intermissions'' These are extra pages in between the Chapters. They may include author notes about worldbuilding. Often, they are reminders for the player to hydrate and rest their eyes, in case they might need it ‪‪❤︎‬ <<link "Click here to reread <q>Intermission - Author's Notes</q> that you've read before" "Intermissions">><</link>> <center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center>

<<nobr>> <h1 class="linebreak">Character Menu</h1> <div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> <h2>Sentinel</h2> ''Name'': <<if $name is "">>//Unknown//<<else>>$name<</if>> <br>''Gender<<if $genderChange>> - Player Input<</if>>'': <<if $gender is "">>//Unknown//<<else>>$gender<</if>> [[(Change)|genderChange]] <br>''Sexuality<<if $sexualityChange>> - Player Input<</if>>'': <<if $sexuality is "">>//Unknown//<<else>>$sexuality<</if>> [[(Change)|sexualityChange]] <br>''Pronouns<<if $pronounChange>> - Player Input<</if>>'': ?They/?Them <<link "(Change)">><<pronouns>><</link>> <br>''Communication Style:'' <br>➤ Personally: <<if $comm is "MainSpeak">>Speaking <<elseif $comm is "MainSign">>Signing <<elseif $comm is "MainWrite">>Writing <<elseif $comm is "MostSign">>Mostly Signing <<elseif $comm is "MostWrite">>Mostly Writing <<else>>//Undetermined// <</if>> <br>➤ Voice Tool: <<if $comm is "placeholder">> <<else>>//Undetermined// <</if>> <br>''Age'': <<if $age is 0>>//Unknown//<<else>>$age years old<</if>> <br>''Weapon'': <<if $weapon is "">>//Undetermined//<<else>>$weapon<</if>> <br>''Gift'': <<if $see is "" or $see2 is "">>//Undetermined// <<elseif $see is "past" or $see2 is "past">>See visions of the past <<elseif $see is "future" or $see2 is "future">>See visions of the possible future <</if>> <br>''Appearance'': //Undetermined// <h2>Traits</h2>''Perception and Treatment of Others'' <br> <<if $empathetic gte 3>> <<if ($considerate gte 3 and $ruthless gte 3) and ($considerate === $ruthless)>>You perceive others the way you perceive yourself, ''empathetic'' to their suffering and sensitive to their emotions. You are neither particularly kind nor cruel in your actions, and many will describe you as perfectly balanced, like a sweet and sour dish. <<elseif $considerate gte 3>>You perceive others the way you perceive yourself, ''empathetic'' to their suffering and sensitive to their emotions. True to yourself, you act with compassion. Many will describe you as warm and ''considerate''. <<elseif $ruthless gte 3>>You perceive others the way you perceive yourself, ''empathetic'' to their suffering and sensitive to their emotions. Despite this understanding, people will describe you as somewhat ''ruthless'' and rigid, disliking exceptions even when they benefit you. <</if>> <<if $apathetic gte 3 and ($apathetic === $empathetic)>> <<if $considerate gte 3>>You are neither too soft nor too hard in your judgment of others. What brings tears to your eyes depends on a lot of things. Still, many will describe you as ''considerate''. <<elseif $ruthless gte 3>>You are neither too soft nor too hard in your judgment of others. What brings tears to your eyes depends on a lot of things. Still, many will describe you as ''ruthless''.<</if>> <</if>> <<elseif $apathetic gte 3>> <<if ($considerate gte 3 and $ruthless gte 3) and ($considerate === $ruthless)>>You perceive others but show little interest. You feel ''apathetic'' to matters that do not concern you. You are neither particularly kind nor cruel in your actions, and many will describe you as perfectly balanced, like a sweet and sour dish. <<elseif $considerate gte 3>>You perceive others but show little interest. You feel ''apathetic'' to matters that do not concern you. Despite the lack of internal care, you act with compassion. Many will describe you as distant but ''considerate''. <<elseif $ruthless gte 3>>You perceive others but show little interest. You feel ''apathetic'' to matters that do not concern you. True to yourself, you act with indifference. Many will describe you as awfully ''ruthless'' and rigid, protesting exceptions even when they benefit you. <</if>> <<else>>//Undetermined//<</if>> <br>''Interaction with Others and Romantic Inclination'' <br> <<if $withdrawn gte 3>> <<if ($flirtatious gte 3 and $reserved gte 3) and ($flirtatious === $reserved)>>You prefer to be in your own company, able to entertain yourself even if ''withdrawn'' from other people. When it comes to teasing and romance, you may or may not reciprocate based on your present mood. With your lover, you can be as coy as you can be demure. <<elseif $flirtatious gte 3>>You prefer to be in your own company, able to entertain yourself even if ''withdrawn'' from other people. When you do appear at social functions, you are surprisingly ''flirtatious'' and playful. Your words and gestures can fluster many. With your lover, you are more forward with your advances. <<elseif $reserved gte 3>>You prefer to be in your own company, able to entertain yourself even if ''withdrawn'' from other people. When you do appear at social functions, you are ''reserved'' with even the most blatant displays of romantic interest. Your words and responses disappoint the interested. With your lover, you are more discreet with your advances. <</if>> <<if $sociable gte 3 and ($sociable === $withdrawn)>> <<if $flirtatious gte 3>>You are neither too reclusive or outgoing and maintain equal time between privacy and company. When it comes to teasing and romance, you are ''flirtatious''. Your words and gestures can fluster many. With your lover, you are more forward with your advances. <<elseif $reserved gte 3>>You are neither too reclusive or outgoing and maintain equal time between privacy and company. When it comes to teasing and romance, you are ''reserved''. Your words and responses disappoint the interested. With your lover, you are more discreet with your advances.<</if>> <</if>> <<elseif $sociable gte 3>> <<if ($flirtatious gte 3 and $reserved gte 3) and ($flirtatious === $reserved)>>You love mingling with the crowd. Being as ''sociable'' as you are, you often seek the companionship of other people. It is common to find you in a grouping, laughing with everyone and sharing stories. When it comes to teasing and romance, you may or may not reciprocate based on your present mood. With your lover, you can be as coy as you can be demure. <<elseif $flirtatious gte 3>>You love mingling with the crowd. Being as ''sociable'' as you are, you often seek the companionship of other people. It is common to find you in a grouping, laughing with everyone and sharing stories. When someone shows romantic interest, you do not shy away from giving ''flirtatious'' responses. Your words and gestures can fluster many. With your lover, you are more forward with your advances. <<elseif $reserved gte 3>>You love mingling with the crowd. Being as ''sociable'' as you are, you often seek the companionship of other people. It is common to find you in a grouping, laughing with everyone and sharing stories. However, you are surprisingly ''reserved'' with even the most blatant displays of romantic interest. Your words and responses disappoint the interested. With your lover, you are more discreet with your advances. <</if>> <<else>>//Undetermined// <</if>> <br>''Decision Making'' <br> <<if ($perceptive gte 3 and $intuitive gte 3) and ($perceptive === $intuitive)>>Decisions are made from instinct, observation, and insight. You are discerning of change and use this information to guide you. <<elseif $perceptive gte 3>>Decisions are made from observation and insight. Watching from afar, you are ''perceptive'' in noticing change and use this information to guide you. <<elseif $intuitive gte 3>>Decisions are made by instinct and insight. Sensing from within, you are ''intuitive'' in noticing change and use this information to guide you. <<else>>//Undetermined//<</if>> <h2>Skills</h2> ''Magical Ability'': <<if $showSkill1 is "magic" or $showSkill2 is "magic" or $showSkill3 is "magic">> <<if $magic === 0>> Immobilized <<elseif $magic lte 4>> Learner <<elseif $magic lte 7>> Competent <<elseif $magic lte 10>> Adept <<elseif $magic gte 11>> Accomplished<</if>> <<else>> //Undetermined// <</if>> <br>''Combat Ability'': <<if $showSkill1 is "combat" or $showSkill2 is "combat" or $showSkill3 is "combat">> <<if $combat === 0>> Inexperienced <<elseif $combat lte 4>> Learner <<elseif $combat lte 7>> Competent <<elseif $combat lte 10>> Adept <<elseif $combat gte 11>> Accomplished<</if>> <<else>> //Undetermined// <</if>> <br>''Diwa Mastery'': <<if $showSkill1 is "diwa" or $showSkill2 is "diwa" or $showSkill3 is "diwa">> <<if $diwa === 0>>Immobilized <<elseif $diwa lte 4>>Learner <<elseif $diwa lte 7>>Competent <<elseif $diwa lte 10>>Adept <<elseif $diwa gte 11>>Accomplished <</if>> <<else>> //Undetermined// <</if>> <h2>Faith</h2><<if $showFaith>>''Faith in Humanity'': <<if $fiH lte 50>>Low <<elseif $fiH lte 80>>Average <<elseif $fiH gte 81>>High <<else>>Low <</if>> ''Faith in Deities'': <<if $fiD lte 50>>Low <<elseif $fiD lte 80>>Average <<elseif $fiD gte 81>>High <<else>>Low <</if>> <<else>>//To Uncover// <</if>> <h2>Reputation</h2><<if $showRep>>''Respect from Humans'': <<if $respect lte 50>>Low <<elseif $respect lte 80>>Average <<elseif $respect gte 81>>High <<else>>Low <</if>> ''Favor from the Deities'': <<if $favor lte 50>>Low <<elseif $favor lte 80>>Average <<elseif $favor gte 81>>High <<else>>Low <</if>> <<else>>//To Uncover// <</if>> <<message '<h1>Inventory <span class="inv">(click to open)</span></h1>'>> <<if $inventory == "">>Empty<<else>><<for _entry range $inventory>><li>_entry</li><</for>><</if>><</message>> <br> <center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center> <</nobr>>

<h1 class="linebreak">Kasuratan</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div><h1 class="menu-options">[[History|History]]</h1><h1 class="menu-options">[[The World|World]]</h1><h1 class="menu-options">[[Life Lessons|Lessons]]</h1><h1 class="menu-options">[[Journal|Journal]]</h1><h1 class="menu-options">[[Relationships|Relationships]]</h1> <center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center>

<h2>LSS Team</h2>''Writer, Character Artist, Logo Maker, and Map Maker:'' Paragrasya <a href="https://www.tumblr.com/paragrasya" target="_blank">Tumblr</a> ''Developer:'' Puddinheadart <a href="https://puddinheadart.carrd.co/" target="_blank">Carrd</a> ''Playtester:'' Perry <a href="https://peregrinestudios.carrd.co/" target="_blank">Carrd</a> <center><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div></center> <h3>Development Info</h3>''Game Engine:'' <a href="https://twinery.org/cookbook/" target="_blank">Twine by Chris Klimas</a> ''Twine Format:'' <a href="https://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/docs/" target="_blank">Sugarcube v2</a> ''Twine Template:'' <a href="https://vahnya.itch.io/twine-template" target="_blank">Twine Template by Vahnya</a> ''Fonts:'' - Parix Hybrid - Garamond - Merriweather - Open Sans - Quicksand - Roboto - <a href="https://opendyslexic.org/" target="_blank">Open Dyslexic Font by Abbie Gonzalez</a> ''Icons:'' - Moon, water, and sailboat icons from <a href="https://fontawesome.com/" target="_blank">Font Awesome</a> ''Custom Macros'' - <a href="https://twinelab.net/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2/#/pronoun-templates" target="_blank">Pronoun Template by Chapel</a> - <a href="https://twinelab.net/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2/#/message-macro" taget="_blank">Message Macro by Chapel</a> - <a href="https://twinelab.net/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2/#/fading-macros" target="_blank">Fading Macro by Chapel</a> <center><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div></center> <h3>Special Thanks</h3>Big brother Bo, for funding the game. ... and of course, the players! ''Thank you!'' <center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center>

<span id="timed-redirect"> <<timed 6s>> <<goto "Title Page">> <</timed>> </span> <div id="fadelogo"> <img src="images/twine-logo.png" alt="A logo of twine"> </div> <<script>> $(document).one(':passagedisplay.start-click', function (event) { $('#story').on('click.start-click', function(e) { if (passage() === 'Start') { $('#timed-redirect').empty(); Engine.play('Title Page'); } }); }); $(document).one(':passagegenerating.start-click', function (event) { $('#story').off('click.start-click'); $(document).off('.start-click'); }); <</script>>

<h1>The Story</h1> Every person takes charge of their own destinies—except for the ones who seal it by peering into their possible demise. This earns the ire of many deities who are untouched by death and beholden to eternity. All humans are destined to die, but all are afforded the ability to change the journey that leads to that destination. Yet you've done the unthinkable. Now you know you were destined for a most painful death and this knowledge sealed what was an otherwise alterable fate. <div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> Written by an Indigenous Filipino, Loving Starless Skies is a romantic fantasy Interactive Fiction inspired by precolonial Igorot settings. Release Date: July 1 Last Updated: Word Count: ''Socials'': Both are 18+ <a href="https://discord.gg/QQssSSespS" target="_blank">Discord</a>, <a href="https://www.tumblr.com/paragrasya" target="_blank">Tumblr Website</a> ''Game guides'': <<nobr>> <a href="https://www.tumblr.com/paragrasya/779980612988796928/lss-faq" target="_blank">Tumblr FAQ</a>, <a href="https://www.tumblr.com/paragrasya/772300508079800320/mc-design-guide" target="_blank">Tumblr MC Design Guide</a> <</nobr>> Support the Game: <a href="https://ko-fi.com/paragrasya" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a> <div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div><h2>Notes</h2> ''Status'': This standalone interactive fiction is a work in progress. It will be released by chapter and is subject to change until the final version. The game is free and will remain free after it is finished. ''Age Restriction'': 18+ for themes like violence but there is no explicit sexual content. ''CWs Include but are Not Limited to'': Violence, sexually suggestive content, different types of abuse like physical abuse and psychological abuse, gore, and death. Specific content warnings can be viewed at the start of each chapter. ''Fates Determine'': Survival is determined not by the raised level of your skills, but by other choices you make. Of course, different capabilities at different levels will still affect the storytelling, but death will not come from a failed skill check. ''Single Sentinel'': You can see through the end without romancing anyone. You can even be in a romantic relationship and later break up, but the love interests will remain to have significant roles. ''Disclaimer'': This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, entities, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. ''Downloadable File'': This is a snippet of Chapter 2, which we're hoping to fully release on the game's anniversary, July 1. Thank you for downloading it and I hope you'll play the full chapter when its out :) <<button "I understand" "Chapter2Title">><</button>>

//menu <<set $kasuratan to false>> <<set $genderChange to false>> <<set $sexualityChange to false>> <<set $pronounChange to false>> //Character <<set $name to "">> <<set $gender to "">> <<set $sexuality to "">> <<set $pronouns to "">> <<set $age to 0>> <<set $weapon to "">> <<set $see to "">> <<set $eye to "">> <<set $htype to "">> <<set $hcolor to "">> <<set $hstyle to "">> <<set $skin to "">> <<set $height to "">> <<set $clothes to "">> <<set $inventory to []>> //Personality <<set $empathetic to 0>> <<set $apathetic to 0>> <<set $considerate to 0>> <<set $ruthless to 0>> <<set $withdrawn to 0>> <<set $sociable to 0>> <<set $flirtatious to 0>> <<set $reserved to 0>> <<set $perceptive to 0>> <<set $intuitive to 0>> //Skills <<set $showSkill1 to "">> <<set $showSkill2 to "">> <<set $showSkill3 to "">> <<set $magic to 0>> <<set $combat to 0>> <<set $diwa to 0>> //Faith <<set $deities to []>> <<set $showFaith to false>> <<set $showRep to false>> <<set $friendLevel to 0>> <<set $frLnum to 0>> <<set $fiH to 0>> <<set $faithLevel to 0>> <<set $ftLnum to 0>> <<set $fiD to 0>> <<set $respect to 0>> <<set $favor to 0>> //Kasuratan <<set $pets to []>> //chap 1 choices <<set $speak to false>> <<set $sign to false>> <<set $write to false>> <<set $speak2 to 0>> <<set $sign2 to 0>> <<set $write2 to 0>> <<set $pray to 0>> <<set $prayOO to "">> <<set $bird to "">> <<set $snake to false>> //Deities <<set $chaosPoints to 0>> <<set $chaosFriends to 0>> <<set $peacePoints to 0>> <<set $peaceFriends to 0>> <<set $choice117 to false>> //Achievements <<set $ach1 to recall('ach1') || false>> <<set $ach2 to recall('ach2') || false>> <<set $ach3 to recall('ach3') || false>> // <<set $chap1 to false>> //AN <<set $an1 to recall('an1') || false>> //Chapter 2 <<set $comm to "">> <<set $style to "">> <<set $senReason to "">> <<set $suklong to false, $goldEarrings to false, $silverEarrings to false, $linglingo to false, $necklace to false, $bracelet to false, $anklet to false>> <<set $scars to []>> <<set $cheekScar to false, $neckScar to false, $armScars to false, $burnedFeet to false, $backClusters to false>> <<set $tattoo1 to "">> <<set $limb to "">> <<set $tattoo2 to "">> <<set $fhair to "">>

<h3>Describe your character's gender</h3><<textbox "$gender" "">> <<link "Confirm" >><<nobr>> <<if $gender is "" >> <<replace "#textbox-error">> You clicked to change it, so please don't leave it blank.<</replace>> <<elseif $gender.length > 30>> <<replace "#textbox-error">>You can only enter 30 characters max.<</replace>> <<else>> <<replace "#textbox-error">><span class="choice">You update information about your gender in your Kasuratan, using the language that makes sense to you.</span><</replace>> <<set $genderChange to true>> <</if>> <</nobr>> <</link>> <span id="textbox-error"></span> <center><<link "Back to Character Menu">> <<run Engine.play("Character Menu")>><</link>></center>

<h3>Describe your character's sexuality</h3><<textbox "$sexuality" "">> <<link "Confirm" >><<nobr>> <<if $sexuality is "">> <<replace "#textbox-error">>You clicked to change it, so please don't leave it blank. <</replace>> <<elseif $sexuality.length > 30>> <<replace "#textbox-error">>You can only enter 30 characters max.<</replace>> <<else>> <<replace "#textbox-error">><span class="choice">You update information about your sexuality in your Kasuratan, using the language that makes sense to you.</span><</replace>> <<set $sexualityChange to true>> <</if>> <</nobr>><</link>> <span id="textbox-error"></span> <center><<link "Back to Character Menu">> <<run Engine.play("Character Menu")>><</link>></center>

<h1 class="linebreak">History</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> <h2 class="menu-options">[[Pan-atepán History Book|History1]]</h2><h2 class="menu-options">[[Changes in the Kasuratan|History2]]</h2><h2 class="menu-options">[[Crimes Punishable by Law|History3]]</h2> <<back "Previous">>

<h1 class="linebreak">The World</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> <h2 class="menu-options">[[Supernatural|World1]]</h2><h2 class="menu-options">[[Mortal Matters|World2]]</h2><h2 class="menu-options">[[Places|World3]]</h2><h2 class="menu-options">[[Masinalaka Region|World4]]</h2><h2 class="menu-options">[[Definition of Terms|World5]]</h2> <<back "Previous">>

<h1 class="linebreak menu-options">Life Lessons</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> <<message '<h2>A. Collective Input for the Atep Community</h2>'>> 1. Diwa Mastery - Binding, Resonating, and Control By: Mày-mày [...] 2. Ghost Sightings By: Dadayanmālì [...] 3. Living at Peace with Supernatural Beings By: Bi-wani [...] 4. Sacrifices for Deities and their Altars By: Usalya Sitti [...] 5. How to Exact Revenge and How Not to By: Anēn Ligaya [...] 6. How to Forgive By: Manda-anna [...] 7. Different Ways of Courting By: Alonasaūd [...] 8. Choosing a Main Pursuit By: Kayu [...] 9. Different Traditional Woven Fabrics and How They are Worn By: Idi [...] 10. Getting Your Ideas Shared in the Kasuratan through the Collective Input for the Atep Community - A Comprehensive Guide By: Sāna [...] <</message>><<message '<h2>B. Consanguinean Input</h2>'>>1. Family Tree: By: Various Family Members Update log: [...] <div class="family-tree"> <img src="images/family-tree.png" alt="Image of the family tree" width="300px" height="300px" loading="lazy"> </div> Image Description: There is a flowchart showing the Sentinel's family history. Starting with Lul-lula Karagsak, who is indicated to be deceased, the line goes down to Lula Kada who married Lula Arapa. They had Timpōsa, who married Kustuyâ. Timpōsa and Kustuyâ are the Sentinel's parents. <</message>> <<back "Previous">>

<h1 class="linebreak menu-options">Journal</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> <<nobr>> <<if $kasuratan>><<message '825/12/30'>>In a cave, Di-íbaw, the Overseer of Chaos, tricked me into seeing—and thus sealing—my fate. Considering all deities suffer from being bound to eternity, Maluhiya, the Overseer of Peace, was understandably outraged and attacked zir. The trickster deity used zir power to send me away. I was swallowed by darkness and woke up in the woods. I'm going to find my way home and... try not to get killed by a boar.<br><</message>><<else>>//To Uncover//<</if>> <</nobr>> <<back "Previous">>

<h1 class="linebreak menu-options">Relationships</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div><<nobr>> <h2 class="menu-options">[[Human Relationships|Relationships1]]</h2> <h2 class="menu-options">[[Animal Relationships|Relationships2]]</h2> <h2 class="menu-options">[[Overseer Relationships|Relationships3]]</h2> <h2 class="menu-options">[[Other Supernatural Being Relationships|Relationships4]]</h2> <h2 class="menu-options">[[Love Interest Relationships|Relationships5]]</h2> <</nobr>> <<back "Previous">>

<h1 class="linebreak menu-options">Pan-atepán History Book</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> <<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Year 300 - Pan-amag di Kasuratan</h2>'>>The first enchanted gift a community provides a newborn. Made of magic and Diwa, it is sewn by the rays of the sun. The book is imparted by the community with pieces of their wisdom and knowledge. It was originally created by Peléliri and her cousin, Datinati, both hailing from Ammogabay, now called Batuhatip. Divided into three sections, the first imparts history and worldly facts, included in everyone's Kasuratan. The second holds writings provided by closer connections like relatives, including secret recipes and advice on love. The third section contains blank pages to be filled out by the owner using their own magic. Stored in silver or gold, the Kasuratan may later be summoned by the owner usually around 5 years old. One is free to add more writings using the dedicated matching quill, Pansurat, as it is often used as a journal. When someone dies, their Kasuratan dissipates into the air, releasing the bound magic and Diwa. The most common items to store personal Kasuratan in are jewelry, particularly rings and necklaces. Though some have been known to store them into common rocks and actual books that has traces of silver and gold. Assistive tools are used by those who cannot access their own Kasuratan.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Year 300 - Pan-amag di Pansurat</h2>'>>The dedicated matching quill for one's Kasuratan. It is a spell most children learn around 7 years old. It is fashioned after a chicken feather, and the tip is black with a small glow. The Pansurat cannot tamper with the content of the first section due to a protective spell. However, the quill can add, remove, and change texts in the second and third sections of the owner's Kasuratan. One's Pansurat may write on the second and third section of another's Kasuratan. In advanced usage, the writing instrument need not be held, and can simply float and write as willed by the owner. The Pansurat may write in the air with purple black magical ink. It is temporary, and the ink may last until an hour, depending on the owner's magic. Assistive tools are used by those who cannot access their own Pansurat.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Year 400 - Sulin Lawag</h2>'>>To fight the diwa-devouring Kandipuy, the majority of Sulin Village participated in a massive Diwa Resonance, resounding with each other's Diwa at the same time in different lengths of duration. A record of 257 villagers out of the 293 were all resonating at one point for at least 10 minutes. The resonance allowed them to cast a series of fireballs as one unit with exceptional teamwork, causing minimal collateral damage to their surroundings. It was during this incident that it was discovered the Kandipuy are immobilized by melted gold. The names of the all people living in Sulin Lawag during that time, including their pets, are as follows: <<for _entry range $pets>><li>_entry</li><</for>><</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Year 425 - Starless Skies</h2>'>>This is the year that stars were reported to have vanished from the night sky. Explanations vary per region and personal belief. The most commonly accepted theory is that after the Sulin Lawag incident, the deities found humanity to be ready for indepence and have thus reduced if not abandoned their roles in the mortal realm. Reports of feeling distant from certain deities and observations of increased unanswered prayers are considered as proof of this theory. Another interpretation that revolves around the same premise is that the Kabunian are unimpressed and insulted by the increased pride and arrogance of humans, and have thus taken on the challenge that many drunkards and scholars claim—that humans can live without dieties. A popular legend for the starless skies not connected to Sulin Lawag is one about sealed fates. Two friends liked to use divination to prophesize their deaths. Because they witnessed each other's and never knew their own, they have not sealed their fates and have even curried favor among the deities when they were able to successfully evade death. One friend's curiosity eventually overtook their reason and they learned of their death. No matter their experience in adventuring and survival, the curious friend died as expected. The other one mourned and vowed to their worshipped deities that they will see through their friend's ambition and foretold their own fate. Some Overseers were in support of them, and they were able to escape their fate and live. The consequence included the banishment not only of the stars in the night sky, but also of the Overseers that helped them. Considering the many stories of inquisitive minds that doomed themselves to knowing of their death and still dying the same way, it is commonly accepted that one cannot change their sealed fate. Seeking them and attempting to escape them only causes great catastrophies.<</message>> <<back "Previous">>

<h1 class="linebreak menu-options">Changes in the Kasuratan</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> <<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> From Year 300 to Date</h2>'>>The first section in every bestowed Kasuratan has consistently changed overtime. Most of these changes are detailed in archives found in Batuhatip libraries. As part of the increasing efforts to maintain the integrity of the resource, every entry is reviewed, discussed, and debated, often several times a year. Now, every entry has an indicator, with each symbol hinting at who made the review. A. Moon - Reviewed by the Pan-atepan elders B. Water - Reviewed by the scholars in Batuhatip C. Boat - Reviewed by the public in regional At-atoán areas, and then rediscussed by publicly appointed diplomats from the 10 regions<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Year 430 - Page Management</h2>'>>A number of spells have been created to keep the Kasuratan organized. A popular idea is maintaining it a 500 page book, with certain entries temporarily hidden by a spell, allowing for more space. When the spell dissipates, the older entries return and the newer ones are completely removed.<</message>> <<back "Previous">>

<h1 class="linebreak menu-options">Crimes Punishable by Law</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> <<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Year 300 - Non-consensual Situations</h2>'>>This covers any and all events that involve a certain party not fully consenting to an activity, contract, or situation. Punishments vary.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Year 300 - Diwa Resonance Without Consent</h2>'>>For animals, many exceptions may be made especially in terms of hunting and survival. It is prohibited to resonate with the pet or animal of someone for the purposes of spying on them or causing them repeated mental distress. This law may be lifted by certain regions engaging in war. For fellow human beings, there are no exeptions other than when engaging in war. In times of peace, the punishment is a public execution unless the victim willingly negotiates with to settle the matter privately. There are no recorded cases of animals forcing a human to resonate with them. More likely, such a creature is a deity or another supernatural being in disguise, in which case, a Sentinel is recommended to arbitrate before the situation escalates.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Year 300 - Sexual Assault</h2>'>>Such situations are unheard of, with known narratives only involving foreigners outside the Pan-atepán Island. In rare times it happens in the island, the victims decide the punishment. The guardian of the child or owner of the animal may decide the specific punishment on behalf of the victims.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Year 310 - Kasuratan Requirements</h2>'>>Only reviewed entries are allowed in the first section of the Kasuratan. It is prohibited to tamper or alter the contents of the section in any way. Punishment is decided by the regional governing body.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Year 310 - Kasuratan Updates</h2>'>>New information shall reflect in the Kasuratan that will be given to an infant. For the first section on a Kasuratan with outdated information, one must travel to Batuhatip to update the content, or meet with a scholar from there who is authorized to relay the information. Any unauthorized changes, even if to replicate approved changes, is punishable. Punishment is decided by the regional governing body.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Year 515 - Pintas Regulations</h2>'>>All potions must be temporary, reversible, and nontoxic. No pintas potion must have lasting effects for longer than a month. The effects must be removable even before the expected dissolution. All must be edible and not poisonous. All potions must also have their expiration dates clearly marked on their individual containers. These are required to ensure safety especially during emergencies. For grave cases, noncompliance may result in exile. Punishment is decided by the regional governing body. A skilled Enchanter may forcefully erase the effects of a pintas potion on a person of interest if ordered by the regional governing body.<</message>> <<back "Previous">>

<h1 class="linebreak menu-options">Supernatural Beings</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> <<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Kabunian / Overseer / Deity</h2>'>>The Kabunian does not need the worship of mortals to continue their existence, nor does their power rely on it. What is important however, is that the level of veneration they receive balances their access to the Mortal Realm, measuring their ability to intervene with human affairs. Prayer and reverence, after all, is a human's way of inviting a deity into their lives.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Ap-apu / Ancestors / Deified Ancestors</h2>'>>The Ap-apu are held in high regard in all the 10 regions. Ancestral shrines encircled by stones and bones are commonly found near the dining area. Tribal heroes are often considered by humans as deified ancestors, and are asked for their guidance in matters that they previously conquered.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Anito / Ancestors / Environmental Spirits</h2>'>>The Anito are supernatural beings residing in the Mortal Realm. These long-living creatures specifically live in nature, like in forests, lakes, or rocks. When their homes are destroyed, they follow those responsible and drive them into madness, and then kill them. Several environmental spirits are also considered by many spiritual leaders as ancestors not by blood, but by connection to nature. Their physical form may be transparent or animal-like, alterable depending on the wishes of the Anito.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Ingkanto</h2>'>>The Ingkanto are supernatural beings residing in the Mortal Realm. These long-living creatures stay wherever they fancy, and may even cause harm in order to overtake someone else's decorated home. If their dwelling is one nobody claimed before, they are likely to be overprotective of it, and vengeful for any damages. If they stole someone else's dwelling, and they are driven out, whether by the original owner or by someone else, they hold no grudges and simply travel again. Their physical form may change but not as dramatically as the Anito.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Al-alya / Ghosts</h2>'>>The Al-alya are supernatural beings residing in the Mortal Realm. They are the abandoned souls unintentionally left behind by spirits who have traveled to the Astral Plane. They can be exorcised when the ghost seeking its spirit is reunited with it. This is doable only with the blessings of an Overseer, as only a deity can find the spirit in the Astral Plane and convince or force them to retrieve their soul in the Mortal Realm.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Diwakaán</h2>'>>Creatures that detect and feed on Diwa, like the flying bone butterflies, ice fairies, and the Kandipuy.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Kandipuy</h2>'>>Sometimes humanoid in the shape animal skeletons, they devour Diwa without restraint. Mostly seeking Diwa from humans, they tend to absorb Diwa from animals and their environment only if humans are not present. Ashen white and tough as bones, they are statues during the daytime. They rise when the sun sets, seeking Diwa and even occasionally consuming al-alya. When made bigger and stronger, they tend to cannibalize smaller Kandipuy. They are nearsighted and cannot produce any vocal sounds. The songs and the screeching that often accompanies their presence come from narda birds, colorful scavengers who feast on the flesh of their diwa-less victims. The Kandipuy cannot be defeated by blade or common fire, but flames summoned with magic can dissolve them like melted wax. With melted gold, they can be subdued and immobilized. While at a standstill, the Kandipuy may be buried with the melted gold, and the bones it possessed would quickly decay in a year, leaving traces of unique, kandi wax that could be used in making candles and soap.<</message>> <<back "Previous">>

<h1 class="linebreak menu-options">Mortal Matters</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> <<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Diwa</h2>'>>Existing in everything, animate and inanimate, Diwa is the collective essence of all that exist in the Mortal Realm. Diwa is also a channel for magic to come to pass, but it is not the source. The mastery of Diwa is not required in order to exist among others, for the act of existing in the first place means one is deserving.<ul><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Diwa Mastery</h3>'>>The practice of keeping the balance of one's own essence with that of the outside world is referred to as Diwa Mastery. It is crucial in maintaining taláw. Without it, even the strongest of spells can quickly fade. Since Diwa is the channel for realizing magic, certain magical objects like the Kasuratan may be difficult to access for those who have little skill in navigating through Diwa.<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Diwa Binding</h3>'>>This is the practice of binding one's diwa, a technique taught early on in order to hide one's presence from creatures that detect and feed on Diwa, such as the Kandipuy. Diwa Binding limits one from casting complex spells, but otherwise has no known lasting side-effects.<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Diwa Resonance</h3>'>>When two or more living beings resound, causing a resonance that allows for the temporary sharing of perceived senses and abilities. It is a common, advanced technique that involves the mastery of Diwa. Three or more people resonating with each other at the same time is rare. Despite this, the number most recorded to have done so is 257 people, with almost the entirety of the Sulin Village participating. Only those involved in the resonance can break it. A forced separation by an outsider or an external force is not only extremely difficult, but if sucessful, can cause blindness, numbness, inability to sense the body's location, and other damages to the senses of those involved in the resonance. Many cases have led to death, hence the prohibition of doing so without input from a governing leader. Resonating with an inanimate object allows for the temporary experience of sensing the objects state and surroundings. Because of accidents, privacy issues, and Ingkanto curses that permanently numb a person's body and/or limits their senses, it is prohibited to resound with an object unless the object is one's own and is done in a open area.<</message>></ul><</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Ab-abiík / Spirit</h2>'>>Existing in every living being, it is one's own essence. Long after the physical body festers, it is the enduring remnant that travels to the Astral Plane. Though it is not shared with anyone else, it can be made to resound, in something called Spirits' Reverb, in order to share certain perceived senses and abilities with another. When separated from its souls, it becomes a wandering spirit with no cognizance or desire of its own.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Agasiyas / Soul</h2>'>>Existing in every living being, it is one's own consciousness. Long after the physical body festers, it is the enduring remnant that sometimes unintentionally remains in the Mortal Realm. Though it is not shared with anyone else, the abandoned souls of spirits who have moved on to the Astral Plane can become ghosts in the Mortal Realm, seeking to reunite with their spirit. Just as there's more than one type of essence, a person's soul is also multiple. Each region has its own unique interpretation on the number of souls and their types.<ul><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Ayag para di Agasiyas</h3>'>>A series of actions done to call for the lost and escaped souls of the living. Often done to cure any confounding illnesses.<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Asi para di Agasiyas</h3>'>>All 10 regions agree that the loss of each one of a human's souls leads to a slow descent into madness, ending in death. At which point, it is recommended that while still alive, the person is sacrificed to the deities as a final plea for redemption. The Kabunian may take pity and help find the missing souls, before the spirit reaches the Astral Plane and the souls turn into Al-alya.<</message>></ul><</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Taláw / Magic</h2>'>>The power of a being to influence others, itself, and/or the physical world through supernatural means. To cast lingering taláw, one's mastery of Diwa must complement the spell enough to properly maintain it. Though taláw is integrated to daily life, certain magical objects like the Kasuratan may be difficult to access for those who have little skill in using this power.<ul><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Laud</h3>'>>Solid items that have been enchanted by humans to serve a purpose. They are often used for fighting, protecting, and storing magic. A magical technique, the effectiveness depends on the caster.<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Daya</h3>'>>Shapeless or liquid items that have been enchanted by humans to serve a purpose. They are often used for healing, poisoning, and changing physical appearances. As a magical technique, the effectiveness depends on the caster.<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Pintas</h3>'>>Daya made to change appearance. These potions can not only change eye and hair color, but also give additional limbs and even wings. Exercising caution is best with even the safest pintas potions, especially since most of them can become unpredictable after their expiration date.<</message>></ul><</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Narda</h2>'>>Forming a cooperative existence with the Kandipuy, their role is to help the Diwakaán locate victims. Though their voices are not enchanted, they have an uncanny ability to mimic human voices its almost magical. The colorful scavenger birds can scream, sing, and speak like a human, often doing so to help the Kandipuy to lure in victims. They hover over the Kandipuy, careful to stay out of their reach. After the Kandipuy devours their victim's Diwa, the narda eats the remaining flesh.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Dìnolibus</h2>'>>Reptiles with feathers, classified by size, diet, travel ability, and whether they are bipedal or quadrupedal. Smaller ones no bigger than chickens are often kept as housepets. Medium-sized dìnolibus are as big as mountain dogs and are trained to wander around communities to alert for danger, especially for Diwakaán presence. Larger dìnolibus are best avoided because of havoc they may cause, though the herbivores with better tempers are allowed to reside in sanctuaries as companions to sentinels.<ul><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Atū-dìnolibus</h3>'>>Any dìnolibus that can fly.<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Dārat-dìnolibus</h3>'>>All dìnolibus that can only travel on land.<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Anūm-dìnolibus</h3>'>>Any dìnolibus that can swim.<</message>></ul><</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Calendar</h2>'>>There are 12 months, with 30 days for each month except for the final month which has 35 days. The months are named after the colors that manifest when one has mastered magic. Namely: A. Labbasa / Red B. Labbarasā / Red-orange C. Marangásā / Orange D. Panig-mara / Yellow-orange E. Panpanig / Yellow F. Dalayánig / Yellow-green G. Dalayáp / Green H. Dalangit / Blue-green I. Langit / Blue J. Ubi-ángit / Blue-purple K. Ubi / Purple L. Ubībasa / Red-purple<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> 9 Main Pursuits</h2>'>>The main pursuits one can take and become are as follows: A. Sentinel - Sanctuary keeper, ritual performer, mediator between humans and deities B. Navigator - Land, sea, and sky mapper C. Harvester - Forager, farmer, fisher D. Whisperer - Livestock caretaker, hunter, dìnolibus trainer E. Diplomat - Regional representative, lawmaker, mediator between humans F. Artisan - Weaver, weaponsmith, jewelry maker G. Merchant - Trader, traveler, messenger H. Omen - Warrior, healer, escort I. Enchanter - Starcaster, magic teacher, curse lifter<</message>> <<back "Previous">>

<h1 class="linebreak menu-options">Places</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> <<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Astral Plane</h2>'>>Where the Kabunian and other supernatural beings co-exist, it is the place where the long-living dwell, where death is but an occasional visitor.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Astral Sea</h2>'>>An ocean of stars, space, water, and time, it is the boundary between the Astral Plane and the Mortal Realm. Stripped of their physical bodies, human spirits and supernatural beings traverse it. Some human spirits separate from their souls along their way to the Astral Plane, reaching their destination but with their souls put back into the Mortal Realm.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Mortal Realm</h2>'>>Where mortals and supernatural beings co-exist, it is the place where all that may die within a century permanently resides. Longer living beings like certain trees and reptiles may persist here.<ul><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Búlan / Moon</h3>'>>The higher part of the Mortal Realm where no human lives. The Kabunyan has made a home of it, watching humans from afar and interacting with Overseers involved in human affairs.<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Naparsuá Archipelago</h3>'>>One of the many names of the archipelago that the Pan-atepán island is located in. It has around 7,700 islands, with over 300 languages spoken by its inhabitants.<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Pan-atepán Island</h3>'>>The island is a part of the Naparsuá Archipelago. A third of the island is composed of dense forests housing ferocious beasts that make it uninhabitable. The island is divided into regions. Previously 15 regions, war and diplomacy reduced it to the present 10: A. Kayumahiwi - Region of Honey and Wind B. Daúndarah - Region of Ink and Blades C. Barudalan - Region of Light and Wine D. Tasikonoí - Region of Potion and Poetry E. Masinalaka - Region of Feasts and Festivals F. Api-tanan - Region of Fire and Music G. Batuhatip - Region of Maps and Chronicles H. Kapikulana - Region of Thread and Fortune I. Ikkantulan - Region of Freedom and Fairness J. Danumlaka - Region of Mist and Mystery<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> At-atoán</h3>'>>The meeting place of the community, headed by village elders and sentinels. Anyone can participate in the meeting as an observer, including children. However, unless directly involved with the issue at hand, one must be called upon first before they are allowed to speak. To signal to the elders that one desires to speak, one will need to step into the open circle. If a big crowd is in attendance with several active participants, the meeting will be divided into smaller group discussions. A designated person from each group will present a summary, so that as much as possible, every point of view can be accounted for. If the people are evenly split on an issue, the most experienced village elder present will make a decision and conclude the meeting.<</message>></ul><</message>> <<back "Previous">>

<h1 class="linebreak menu-options">Masinalaka Region</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> <<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> People</h2>'>>The people from Masinalaka are called "Masinalakan".<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Culture</h2>'>>Located at the center most part of the island, interregional trade is as common as farming. As such, much of the people's daily lives are influenced by the cultures, languages, and beliefs of visiting outlanders.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Beliefs</h2>'>>A. Souls - The Masinalakan believes in multiple souls per person, specifically 3<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Tattoos</h2>'>>The first tattoo of most Masinalakan folks is given during their 20th birthday, when they are recognized by society as growing youngsters and are granted more freedom and responsibility. The ones who get their tattoos earlier do so by achieving great heroic deeds, usually accomplished by saving a number of lives during a time of crisis. A Masinalakan may choose between 5 different geometric designs circling around one of their arm, wrist, leg, or ankle. The 5 designs are: A. Gayaman - Centipede B. Tinulipao - Snakeskin C. Inam-am - Fern plant D. Banig - Woven mat E. Rice The second tattoo is given during their 25th birthday, marking the beginning of their adult lives. The tattoo highly depends on the pursuit that they have chosen. If one has not yet chosen, they are given small, butterfly tattoos on their middle fingers. Once they have finally chosen a path, they are given options on what corresponding tattoo design to get. After this, tattoos further received are gained from honored accomplishments.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Clothing</h2>'>>Just like the rest of the island, the clothing can be one of the main three styles.<ul><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Tapis (wrap-around skirt) with bagket (thick belts)</h3>'>>A feminine garb. To wear the matching attire for the torso is optional. An init weave for a top may also be worn.<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Wanes (loincloth)</h3>'>>A masculine garb. To wear the matching attire for the torso is optional. An init weave for a top may also be worn.<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Init weave</h3>'>>A gender-neutral outfit typically worn as a set. Woven from the harvested energy of the sun and imbued into the rattan, the top is a collarless shirt, while the bottom article may be a skirt or a pair of pants. The length of the sleeves, skirts, and pants, are highly dependent on the weaver. The fabric produced is light yellow, and dyes are often used to change the color.<</message>></ul><</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Main Weaponry</h2>'>>Aside from wasey and pana, many of the most common knives, spears, and axes hail from the imported blades of neighboring regions.<ul><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-moon"></i> Bunéng knives</h3>'>>Often used for agriculture and cutting sugar cane and grass, it is also a stabbing weapon. It has a wide tip that narrows near the handle, making it seem leaf-shaped.<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-moon"></i> Kalis sword</h3>'>>Mainly used in combat, it is a double-edged slashing weapon. The blade is shaped in a wavy pattern and the surface is marked by swirling lines.<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Wasey axe</h3>'>>Occasionally used for beheadings, it is also used for carving furniture and building coffins as it is a hooking weapon. With crescent shaped edges, it is a concave blade featuring a spike on the poll side.<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Pana bow</h3>'>>Used for both hunting and warfare, it is a ranged weapon. The bow and arrow are made of bamboo, and the bow has a rattan string while the arrows are tipped with bone stained by poison.<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-moon"></i> Hinalung spear</h3>'>>Able to switch between dagger and spear, the double-edged blade is primarily used for hunting and foraging as it is a dual use weapon. With a hollow handle, the dagger can be mounted on a pole and used as a spear.<</message>></ul><</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Adornments</h2>'>>Like many other regions, gold is the most common and most popular type of jewelry in Masinalaka. For imported items, seashells are often bought as it especially popular in courting. 12 of the most used adornments are listed below: A. Suklong headdress - A rattan basket hat with rooster feathers that also has boar canines attaching the basket to the hat B. A pair of simple, square stud earrings C. Lingling-o hoop earrings - Gold and copper C-shaped earrings representing the uterus D. Lingling-o necklace - A gold and copper c-shaped pendant representing the uterus E. Sokpōbikas necklace - A necklace from a strip of traditionally woven fabric with golden beads and seashells hanging from it F. A necklace of boar tusks G. A necklace of dog fangs H. A simple, plain golden necklace I. Tangkil left armband - Two boar tusks are bound by rattan, representing ferocity J. A simple, thick golden right armband K. A bracelet of seashells L. An anklet of seashells<</message>> <<back "Previous">>

<h1 class="linebreak menu-options">Definition of Terms</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> <<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Padinta</h2>'>>The trade language widely recognized throughout the island, often spoken to communicate between people who speak different regional languages.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Padintala</h2>'>>The sign language widely recognized throughout the island, often utilized to communicate between people who have different regional languages.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Fenling</h2>'>>A foreign, gendered language used by some foreigners visiting the Naparsuá Archipelago.<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Terms for the Disabled</h2>'>>There are many respectable terms to refer to the disabled. The ones listed here are Padinta terms, and are thus easily recognized by the island as socially acceptable.<ul><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Ámianan</h3>'>>A person who has difficulty mastering Diwa. In worst cases, may not even be able to properly bind their own Diwa or access their own Kasuratan independently. In such cases, another person may bind their Diwa or they are given tools to help them bind it themselves. They are provided a physical copy for their Kasuratan.<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Ábagatan</h3>'>>A person who cannot properly cast magic, or perform basic taláw spells. In worst cases, may not even be able to properly utilize enchanted tools or access their own Kasuratan independently. In such cases, they are afforded a personal tutor to teach them and help them improve as much as possible. They are provided a physical copy for their Kasuratan.<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Na-ánginan</h3>'>>A person who is physically disabled, including disability in speech, senses, and movement. In such cases, they are provided magical and nonmagical tools that can help them.<</message>><<message '<h3><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Na-tudoán</h3>'>>A person who is psychologically disabled, including intellectual and developmental disabilities. In such cases, they are provided magical an nonmagical tools that can help them.<</message>></ul><</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-water"></i> Words</h2>'>>A. Atep - The collective name for the people of Pan-atepán Island, meaning "beings of the earth". B. Lul-lula - A great grandmother or a group of grandmothers C. Adì - A word added to stress that something is obvious and is accepted in both casual conversation and formal writing<</message>><<message '<h2><i class="fa-solid fa-sailboat"></i> Phrases</h2>'>>''"Do you believe the stars exist?"'' A common way of asking, "Do you believe in me?" It's been 300 years since stars were last seen in the sky. No human in the current generation has ever seen one, save for the glittering lights humans have mastered to cast over the centuries in order to imitate them.<</message>> <<back "Previous">>

<h1 class="linebreak">Achievements</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> <h2>Survivor's Choices</h2><<if $ach1>>''1. Familiar for a Day - Sacrificial Birds'' The loyalty of an eagle, the faith of a sunbird, or the love of a dove—all scared, all sacrificed for you.<<else>>1. Familiar for a Day<</if>> <h2>Death Endings</h2><<if $ach2>>''1. Fate Foretold - Watering the Trees'' You died from being stabbed by a boar, just as the vision revealed.<<else>>1. Fate Foretold<</if>> <<if $ach3>>''2. Doomed Destiny - Inevitable Demise'' You died in the same day victory over the boar was won.<<else>>2. Doomed Destiny <</if>> <center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center>

<<nobr>> <<run memorize ('an1', true)>> <<set $an1 to true>> <</nobr>><h1 class="linebreak">Intermission - Author's Notes 1</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> Hi, this is Paragrasya or Grace, the writer of LSS. I go by she/they. Thank you so much for playing the game and congratulations on surviving Chapter 1! <div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> ''Whenceforth do these exist?'' ''Whenceforth do they not?'' Loving Starless Skies is inspired by precolonial Philippine settings, mostly Igorot. Because this game is a fantasy, LSS is not an accurate portrayal of real-life cultures, practices, beliefs, etc. I have taken a lot of creative freedom in writing this game. For one, the languages in Pan-atepán are heavily influenced by the languages I speak, and is a mixture of real life words and words I made up. Another obvious example more clearly shown in Chapter 2 is the ability of the characters to wear a bahag or a tapis, regardless of their sex and gender. I know that this is not considered an appropriate way of wearing these cultural attires in the real world. It would be egregious then, especially for an outsider, to reference this game and use it as a shield for using articles of Indigenous clothing in a way that it's not intended to in real life. You may also notice in the upcoming chapter that there's an absence of money and the baknang—the wealthy who hold the most influence in society. Even in our region's precolonial era, this is historically inaccurate. The general axes of systemic oppression in the Pan-atepán island are rooted in differing spiritual beliefs, Diwa mastery, and magical abilities. I will try to be as mindful as I can be in my worldbuilding, and I am going to continuously rewrite to make it so. That said, I have made conscious choices for this game that others might find disrespectful—like these cases with the bahag, the tapis, and the baknang. I've asked some kailyan what they think, and they're okay with them, and I also know that not everyone will be. Some Indigenous people in the Cordillera Administrative Region who would qualify to be called as an "Igorot" don't even like the term and don't want to be called as such. No demographic is a monolith. I was convinced by an imaginary bad faith reader to write this page to explain. However, this is as far as I will go for bad faith readers, real or imaginary. No work of mine will ever be free from criticism, and that is expected and accepted. Notwithstanding, I want to focus more on the people who will enjoy, love, and care about what I create, people who will engage with it sincerely and genuinely. One can certainly play games without liking every aspect of it, but if any part of LSS bothers you too much to enjoy it, it may be better to simply drop it. It's not a testament against your morality or character if you dislike my game, it's okay! However, if this leads to cyberbullying or any other forms of harassment, that's not okay! So, this is the part where I urge you to consider if you'll continue playing the game. For those who will, you may spot similar intermissions between chapters. I'll add some more Author's Notes here and there, but mostly to remind players to hydrate and rest their eyes ❤︎ I apologize if this pulled you out of game immersion. I wanted to address these early on. I may have an intended audience in mind, but that doesn't mean LSS was made with the purpose of educating the public. The main purpose of LSS is to simply exist—exist as a romantic fantasy telling a story inspired by precolonial settings. My Tumblr is always open for asks! Submission posts are turned off, but I will try to read all asks sent to me. Please check the <a href="https://www.tumblr.com/paragrasya/779977767249952768/lss-ask-guidelines" target="_blank">LSS Ask Guidelines here</a> before sending an ask. Thank you ❤︎ <<button "Proceed" "Chapter2Title">><</button>> <<button "Main Menu">> <<run Engine.restart()>> <</button>>

<div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> <center>Your fate remains undecided...</center> <div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div> Thank you for playing the game! There are 30 Chapters planned, and currently, this is the end of the Loving Starless Skies public build. Please make sure to make backups of your browser saves by downloading them to your device. You can do this by using "Save to Disk". Click on "Load from Disk" to load those saves. I invite you to join the <a href="https://discord.gg/QQssSSespS" target="_blank">official LSS Discord server</a>. If you encountered a bug, you can tell me through the server or through an ask in my <a href="https://www.tumblr.com/paragrasya">Tumblr</a>. If you enjoyed the game and have the means to, please consider supporting the game on <a href="https://ko-fi.com/paragrasya" target="_blank">Ko-Fi!</a> There are 5 tiers there, all giving access to different kinds of extra content. All tiers provide access to the flowchart game guide, which shows all the different choices in the game, the death endings, and also points out trait, skill, faith, and reputation stat changes. Thank you again for playing the game ❤︎ <<button "Main Menu">> <<run Engine.restart()>> <</button>>

<h1 class="linebreak menu-options">Human Relationships</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div><<nobr>> <h2>Found Family</h2> //To Uncover// <br> <br> <h2>Blood Relatives</h2> 1. Lul-lula Karagsak - Great grandmother (Deceased) <br>Ally/Enemy Points: 100 Ally Points - I could always lean on her when I needed help. <br>Friendship Level: 90 - She was my best friend before she died from that illness. <br>Love Level: 100 - I sometimes still talk to her and pray to her. <br> <br> <h2>Friends</h2> //To Uncover// <br> <br> <h2>Faith in Humanity</h2> <<nobr>> <<if $fiH lte 20>>''Low: $fiH Points'' <br>One can say I have absolutely no faith in humanity, and would thus have no reason to be called a Sentinel. <<elseif $fiH lte 40>>''Low: $fiH Points'' <br>My faith in humanity is incredibly low, and if nothing improves, it might go even lower. <<elseif $fiH lte 50>>''Low: $fiH Points'' <br>My faith in humanity is lower than what I assume to be average, which is not ideal for my line of work. <<elseif $fiH lte 65>>''Average: $fiH Points'' <br>My faith in humanity is neither too high nor too low, but it is there. <<elseif $fiH lte 80>>''Average: $fiH Points'' <br>My faith in humanity is not that high, but it is also far from low. <<elseif $fiH gte 81>>''High: $fiH Points'' <br>One can say I have an incredible amount of faith in humanity, as is expected and required of a Sentinel. <</if>> <</nobr>> <</nobr>> <<back "Previous">>

<h1 class="linebreak menu-options">Animal Relationships</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div><h2>Resonance Partner</h2><<nobr>> <<if $bird is 'eagle'>> 1. Eagle <br>A bird I found it easy to resonate with. <br>Ally/Enemy Points: 80 Ally Points - He was very cooperative after I fed him a squirrel. <br>Friendship Level: 70 - I feel like I can depend on him. <<if $choice117>> <br>Love Level: I had no idea the eagle loved me so. I didn't even give him a name out of respect that we just met and that I wouldn't see him come morning.<</if>> <<elseif $bird is 'tamsi'>> 1. Tamsi <br>A bird that I had trouble resonating with, but it wasn't too difficult. <br>Ally/Enemy Points: 80 Ally Points - He was very cooperative after I gave him flowers. <br>Friendship Level: 70 - I feel like I can depend on him. <<if $choice117>> <br>Love Level: I had no idea the tamsi loved me so. I didn't even give him a name out of respect that we just met and that I wouldn't see him come morning.<</if>> <<elseif $bird is 'dove'>> 1. Dove <br>A bird I really struggled to resonate with. <br>Ally/Enemy Points: 100 Ally Points - He was very cooperative after I gave him raspberries. <br>Friendship Level: 70 - I feel like I can depend on him. <<if $choice117>> <br>Love Level: I had no idea the dove loved me so. I didn't even give him a name out of respect that we just met and that I wouldn't see him come morning.<</if>> <</if>> <</nobr>> <h2>Pets</h2><<nobr>> //To Uncover// <</nobr>> <<back "Previous">>

<h1 class="linebreak menu-options">Deity Relationships</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div><h2>Worshipped Overseers</h2><<nobr>> ''1. Namnamasián - Overseer of Love'' <<if $prayOO is "love">> <br>Amongst the 3 Overseers my family mainly worships, she is the one I have made an altar for in my room. <br>Ally/Enemy Points: 80 Ally Points - She has been a family friend for generations. <br>Friendship Level: 80 - She is the Overseer that I have the best friendship with. <br>Faith Level: 100 - My faith in her is the strongest. <<else>> <br>One of the 3 Overseers my family mainly worships, she has an altar in the common, meeting area of our house. <br>Ally/Enemy Points: 70 Ally Points - She has been a family friend for generations. <br>Friendship Level: 60 - She is a good friend of mine. <br>Faith Level: 80 - I believe in her just as my family believes in her. <</if>> <br> <br> ''2. Pategdaánan - Overseer of Crops'' <<if $prayOO is "crops">> <br>Amongst the 3 Overseers my family mainly worships, he is the one I have made an altar for in my room. <br>Ally/Enemy Points: 80 Ally Points - He has been a family friend for generations. <br>Friendship Level: 80 - He is the Overseer that I have the best friendship with. <br>Faith Level:100 - My faith in him is the strongest. <<else>> <br>One of the 3 Overseers my family mainly worships, he has an altar in the kitchen of our house. <br>Ally/Enemy Points: 70 Ally Points - He has been a family friend for generations. <br>Friendship Level: 60 - He is a good friend of mine. <br>Faith Level: 80 - I believe in him just as my family believes in him. <</if>> <br> <br> ''3. Màysinápil - Overseer of Death'' <<if $prayOO is "death">> <br>Amongst the 3 Overseers my family mainly worships, they are the one I have made an altar for in my room. <br>Ally/Enemy Points: 80 Ally Points - They have been a family friend for generations. <br>Friendship Level: 80 - They are the Overseer that I have the best friendship with. <br>Faith Level: 100 - My faith in them is the strongest. <<else>> <br>One of the 3 Overseers my family mainly worships, they have an altar in the main entrance of our house. <br>Ally/Enemy Points: 70 Ally Points - They have been a family friend for generations. <br>Friendship Level: 60 - They are a good friend of mine. <br>Faith Level: 80 - I believe in them just as my family believes in them. <</if>> <</nobr>> <h2>Worshipped Deities</h2><<nobr>> ''1. Wayà - Ap-apu'' <<if $prayOO is "waya">> <br>My benevolent, deified ancestor is the one I mainly venerate, and he is the one I have made an altar for in my room, with bones, flowers, and soil. <br>Ally/Enemy Points: 80 Ally Points - He has been a family friend for generations. <br>Friendship Level: 80 - He is the Ap-apu that I have the best friendship with. <br>Faith Level: 100 - My faith in him is the strongest. <<else>> <br>One of the 2 Ap-apu my family mainly worships, he has an altar in the dining area of our house. <br>Ally/Enemy Points: 70 Ally Points - He been a family friend for generations. <br>Friendship Level: 60 - He is a good friend of mine. <br>Faith Level: 80 - I believe in him just as my family believes in him. <</if>> <br> <br> ''2. Sadán - Ap-apu'' <<if $prayOO is "sadan">> <br>My compassionate, deified ancestor is the one I mainly venerate, and she the one I have made an altar for in my room, with bones, fruits, and water. <br>Ally/Enemy Points: 80 Ally Points - She has been a family friend for generations. <br>Friendship Level: 80 - She is the Ap-apu that I have the best friendship with. <br>Faith Level: 100 - My faith in her is the strongest. <<else>> <br>One of the 2 Ap-apu my family mainly worships, she has an altar in the dining area of our house. <br>Ally/Enemy Points: 70 Ally Points - She been a family friend for generations. <br>Friendship Level: 60 - She is a good friend of mine. <br>Faith Level: 80 - I believe in her just as my family believes in her. <</if>> <</nobr>> <<back "Previous">> | [[Next Page|Relationships3.2]]

<h1 class="linebreak menu-options">Other Supernatural Being Relationships</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div><h2>Anito</h2><<nobr>> //To Uncover// <</nobr>> <h2>Ingkanto</h2><<nobr>> //To Uncover// <</nobr>> <h2>Al-alya</h2><<nobr>> //To Uncover// <</nobr>> <h2>Various Supernatural Beings</h2><<nobr>> //To Uncover// <</nobr>> <<back "Previous">>

<h1 class="linebreak menu-options">Love Interest Relationships</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div><h2>Romanced Overseer</h2><<nobr>> //To Uncover// <</nobr>> <h2>Past Romances</h2><<nobr>> //To Uncover// <</nobr>> <h2>Non-romanced Overseers</h2><<nobr>> //To Uncover// <</nobr>> <<back "Previous">>

<h1 class="linebreak menu-options">Deity Relationships</h1><div class="linebreak">ᗕ⁠━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━ᗒ⁠</div><h2>Various Overseers</h2><<nobr>> ''1. Di-íbaw - Overseer of Chaos'' <br>Ally/Enemy Points: 0 - The true bane of my existence. <br>Faith Level: 0 - Xe cannot be trusted unless we have the same goal. <br> <br> ''2. Maluíya - Overseer of Peace'' <br>Ally/Enemy Points: 0 - Best to avoid her. <br>Faith Level: 100 - She must kill me to keep the peace, that is the thread of destiny that connects us. <</nobr>> <h2>Various Deities</h2>//To Uncover// <h2>Faith in Deities</h2><<nobr>> <<if $fiD lte 20>>''Low: $fiD Points'' <br>One can say I have absolutely no faith in deities, and would thus have no reason to be called a Sentinel. <<elseif $fiD lte 40>>''Low: $fiD Points'' <br>I have an incredibly low faith in dieties, and if nothing improves, it might go even lower. <<elseif $fiD lte 50>>''Low: $fiD Points'' <br>My faith in deities has gone lower than what I assume to be average, which is not ideal for my line of work. <<elseif $fiD lte 65>>''Average: $fiD Points'' <br>My faith in deities shifts in measures that are neither too high nor too low, but it is there. <<elseif $fiD lte 80>>''Average: $fiD Points'' <br>I have faith in deities which would not necessarily be considered high, but it is also far from low. <<elseif $fiD gte 81>>''High: $fiD Points'' <br>One can say I have an incredible amount of faith in deities, as is expected and required of a Sentinel. <</if>> <</nobr>> <<back "Previous">>

<center><h1>Intermissions</h1></center><<nobr>> <<if $an1>> <<link "<q>Intermission - Author's Notes 1</q>" "AN1">><</link>> <<else>> //To Uncover// <</if>> <</nobr>> <<back>>

<div class="titlediv"> <h1 class = "chaptertitle linebreak">CHAPTER TWO - Part 1</h1> <p class="wrap">You, the Fate Weaver, and They, the Faith Stealer</p> COMMON ROUTE <div class="linebreak cw wrap"><<nobr>> <<message '<<link "View Content Warnings">><</link>>'>> <strong>All Branches</strong> <br>- Blood <br>- Abeism towards others (lack of magical ability or Diwa mastery) <br>- Theistic discrimination between people worshipping different deities <br> <strong>Differing Branches</strong> <br>- Ableism towards the Sentinel's disability (lack of magical ability or Diwa mastery) <</message>> <</nobr>></div> <<button "Proceed" "Chapter2">><</button>> </div>

You walk gently, the breeze cooling your skin as you bask in the warmth of the day, eating the sunlight. The mouth of the cave greets you with the echo of the sounds of nature surrounding it. A dìnolibus roars in the distance. Buzzing bees fly past and you follow with your eyes, spotting their hive of honey hanging on the tree that's taken root above the cave. Birds whistle and worms burrow. The smell of the wet earth makes you scrunch your nose. Mushy mud sticks on your bare feet and you hum at the stones desperate to sting your soles but fail. A simple shower of morning rain drips on your clothes. You feel a few drops splash and run down your scalp. You shake off the water and proceed. The tiny, chanting butterfly with unbalanced wing structures continues to dance around you. It led you to where you are and it seems this is the place. It lands on your nose. The fluttering wings blur until you see double. When it leaves, you see its grown into the size of your palm, and no sooner than you realize does it morph into a fish. Eyes aglow and skin translucent, its bones bend in full display. It speaks familiar words that make you straighten your spine. You can feel the sparks in your brain connect. [This is a dream. No, a memory in a dream.] "Would you care to learn of your near future?" The fish asks with a choir of children's voices, taunting you. The question lingers, not just because of the echoes, but because the words are written in the air. As eerie as it may seem, you feel no malice or bloodlust from this being, and yet you cannot feel a sliver of safety around it. The temptation is hard to ignore though. After all, knowing what happens even in just a day or so could really help you prepare better for the new year's celebrations. Neighbors in the island and foreigners from across the sea will be coming in droves, and you'll need all the help you can get. You needn't answer. Your reply back then is written in the air, replicating the words that forever changed the course of your life. • [[You want to know, but have no heavy suspicions nor high expectations of the fish.|Choice2.1.1A][$senReason to "curiosity"]] • [[You want to know, even though you're in disbelief about the fish's talents and goals.|Choice2.1.1B][$senReason to "doubtful"]] • [[You want to know, you believe the fish will say good things, and you can protect yourself if needed.|Choice2.1.1C][$senReason to "hopeful"]] • <<back "Previous">>

<p class="choice">Choice: You want to know, but have no heavy suspicions nor high expectations of the fish.</p> You tilt your head to consider. The fish could tell you anything from wondrous to uninspiring. With the range of possibilities, caution eludes you, or rather, you evade it. Hands on your knees, you bend to level with the magical creature as your Pansurat quill puts your thoughts in display. "Yes! I'm very curious with what you have in store for me." • <<back "Previous">> | • [[Continue|Chapter2.2]]

<p class="choice">Choice: You want to know, even though you're in disbelief about the fish's talents and goals.</p> You take a step back, slumping slightly, then you rub your brows with your fingers. Deceit comes in multitudes, the butterfly was actually a fish, but that fish may not really be even a fish. The creature may very well be trying to trick you so you'll have to do a favor for it or some other nonsense. Still, you consider what it has to say, the worst it can do is set a trap by lying to you, all you need to be is discerning. "Alright. I do want to know. If you are honest with me, then I, with you," your Pansurat quill is quick to set the tone. • <<back "Previous">> | • [[Continue|Chapter2.2]]

<p class="choice">Choice: You want to know, you believe the fish will say good things, and you can protect yourself if needed.</p> You lick your lips then smile. Smoothing over nonexistent creases in your shirt, you try to distract yourself from the tingling of your limbs. For some reason or another, a promising outlook flashes in your mind, and if push comes to shove, you can always fight back. "I have a good feeling about this. How could I refuse? I'd certainly like to know," your Pansurat quill writes your response. • <<back "Previous">> | • [[Continue|Chapter2.2]]

You awake with a start. Drops of sweat slide down your neck despite the blankets shoved off. Heat prickles your back as you lay, only wearing the light robe you were given before falling asleep. You turn, and see some people leaving and entering the room. Some catch your eye and wave at you, and you nod in acknowledgement. Someone you don't know, attending to the other person beside you, offers you a cup of water. You take it. You glance at the other patient while drinking and deduce they must be having a fever. Not far away, you spot a child holding a big bowl of water and ice. "Behold!" the girl yells, placing the bowl near you. She casts a spell, levitating the small towel that hung from her arm, and leading it into the bowl. The towel wobbled on its way, slowly rising and descending, until it makes an unceremonious splash that wets your blanket. An applause comes from behind and the girl beams with pride. You applaud along. "Thank you," you then say, taking the towel and wringing it before wiping your face and neck. "You're welcome," she says as she takes back the bowl and goes to other beds. As you wipe your neck, you notice an elder with many wrinkles and silver hair making their way towards you. When they are close enough, you reach out your hand and they take it. As is customary, you lean and touch your forehead to the back of their hand. They then sit on your bed and ask you how you are. You introduce yourself and say you're doing better. "Good. My name is Andit. This belongs to you, and I went ahead in creating a protective charm out of it. Whatever led you here, may this make it so you remain safe in your travels." "Thank you." The fabric is long and rectangular, with the trademark blue, white, and red colors of the region. You could wrap it around your neck, or around your arm. • <<back "Previous">> | • [[Continue|Chapter2.3]]

<<nobr>> <<if $bird is "eagle">> <p class="choice">Your Kasuratan was Updated.</p> <p class="choice">''Inventory Update'' <br>+1 Protective charm with eagle feathers <<set $inventory.push("1 protective charm with eagle feathers")>> </p> Eagle feathers dangle from the charm, and the shape of talons and clouds are embroidered with blue in the fabric. <<elseif $bird is "tamsi">> <p class="choice">Your Kasuratan was Updated.</p> <p class="choice">''Inventory Update'' <br>+1 Protective charm with Tamsi feathers</p> <<set $inventory.push("1 protective charm with Tamsi feathers")>> Tamsi feathers dangle from the charm, and the shape of small wings and wind are embroidered with white in the fabric. <<elseif $bird is "dove">> <p class="choice">Your Kasuratan was Updated.</p> <p class="choice">''Inventory Update'' <br>+1 Protective charm with bleeding-heart dove feathers</p> <<set $inventory.push("1 protective charm with bleeding-heart dove feathers")>> Bleeding-heart dove feathers dangle from the charm, and the shape of beaks and trees are embroidered with red in the fabric. <</if>> <</nobr>>The charm is very well made, both in its sewing and its magical properties. There's no concerns of the feathers falling down from wear should you decide to use it. "Thank you," you say again. They smile, only for that smile to falter as they hand you a box with a large carving on its surface. It depicts a tree, wide and tall, with cloud and wind silhouettes nearly touching its outline. You think it is rather accurate with how gargantuan the trees in this region are, and you gratefully breathe in. You deeply inhale the air locals regulate with magic, pleasantly not as thin or cold as what would be expected in these heights. But the weight of the box brings you back to the present, and you feel sympathetic hands on your back. You already know what lies beneath and yet you must see. You open it to find your departed familiar. • <<back "Previous">> | • [[Continue|Chapter2.4]]

<<nobr>><p class="choice">Your Kasuratan was Updated.</p> <p class="choice">''Inventory Update'' <br>+1 box containing departed familiar</p> <<set $inventory.push("1 box containing departed familiar")>> <</nobr>> "I'll kill them for you. Please ask me to kill for you." The artisan says. During her declaration, the artisan clasps another gold cuff as a final touch to her bubble braids. The style contrasts well with her dark black skin. Her lover, Katalona, doesn't reply, and continues to hold a number of jewelry against your exposed neckline. You sit in their house, led there after a late breakfast as part of a small detour before heading back home. You've come to learn that the starcaster has a hobby with styling and fashion, often matching the fabric she weaves with the jewelry her artisan partner creates. Katalona exclaims as she finally decides on what to gift you, an amulet of large, round gold with red strings. The cord is the same shade as her fiery red afro that crowns her deep ebony skin. "This agimat has warding properties, most fitting for a traveler," Katalona says. "Style over undertone, I always say. Look at Ayusip. Just because her tone is cool doesn't mean gold can't look good on her." As Katalona gestures to her, the artisan strikes a pose, kneeling with one hand on her dagger while her other hand is stretched out with an open palm. "You really won't ask me to?" Ayusip prods, bloodlust emanating from her graceful form. Katalona rolls her eyes and blocks her from your vision. Her arms sweep past your shoulder, tying the agimat comfortably against your neck. "There, I knew you could carry the look," Katalona smiles encouragingly. Ayusip sighs and slumps against a chair. "Just to be clear, you know why you're being treated with such luxury, yes?" • [[Perceptive: You nod. Throughout your time here, you've noticed people have been acting incredibly accommodating, more than necessary.|Chapter2.2.A][$perceptive to $perceptive +1]] • [[Intuitive: You nod. Throughout your time here, you've felt that people have been exceedingly nice, more than necessary.|Chapter2.2.B][$intuition to $intuition + 1]] • <<back "Previous">>

<p class="choice">Choice: You nod. Throughout your time here, you've noticed people have been acting incredibly accommodating, more than necessary. </p> "Yes, the accommodations have been—are—superb. Breakfast was delicious, and the people just as sweet. I can clearly see the gifts, the blessings, and words of encouragement show genuine concern for my wellbeing." But perhaps because fear has made a home in your heart, you are quick to notice it on a person. The rapid blinking, stiff walking, and beads of sweat on pallid faces have been subtle but it does not escape you. Some others have been more open about their concerns, voices a bit more shrill as they close in for a hug, enough for you to catch visible pulses. The air is heavy with bated breaths, all inhaling and releasing in measured counts. You don't mention any of that, of course. • <<back "Previous">> | • [[Continue|Chapter2.5]]

<p class="choice">Choice: You nod. Throughout your time here, you've felt that people have been exceedingly nice, more than necessary..</p> "Of course, the accommodations have been—are—superb. The breakfast went well with tasty food shared with cheerful folks. I can feel the full weight of genuine concern for me, and the gifts, blessings, and words of encouragement are much appreciated." But perhaps because you smell of fear that you are highly sensitive in sensing it from others. Their smiles are kind and their touch reassuring, but you feel like they are also trying to assure themselves. You sense a want to flee, and its not coming from you. You discern their attempt to keep their voices light, and are unsurprised when you spot some people gulping down breaths to stay quiet. You don't mention any of that, of course. • <<back "Previous">> | • [[Continue|Chapter2.5]]

You've only been here for less than half a day and known them for but a few hours, even so, you can confidently say they are not acting themselves. You realize they aren't just afraid for you, they are afraid for themselves. That may be why you were treated so well, so you can't make any complaints unless you want to be unreasonable. "And the reason is?" Ayusip asks again, poking at you in the way everyone els [Is it because I'm from Masinalaka? Kayumahiwi is the northernmost region, with 3 other regions standing between it and my home. The time to travel such a great distance... Alarming, and suspicious. But then would no one really ask how? Do they already know? If they learned I sealed my fate, they'd kill me themselves.] Your legs shake, and you finger your new necklace while yesterday replays in your mind. A couple of deep breaths in and a flick on your forehead makes you cry out. "Don't panic," the artisan commands. "If getting people to calm was as simple as saying that," Katalona scoffs. Something slides across your shoulders and makes you straighten your back. Your hand flies to touch what it was but feel nothing save for your own skin. There is no weight either, just a slithering of cool scales. "Relaxxx... They don't know what you did," the retainer tells you. It doesn't look like they can see him. They saw you snap alert though, and both look at you with furrowed brows. You have to smooth things over soon, and communicate a convincing lie, even if just by omission. • [[You usually respond by speaking, occassionally signing and writing.|Chapter2.6][$comm to "MainSpeak"]] • [[You usually respond by signing, occassionally speaking and writing.|Chapter2.6][$comm to "MainSign"]] • [[You usually respond by writing, occasionally speaking and signing.|Chapter2.6][$comm to "MainWrite"]] • [[You usually respond by signing, occasionally writing and not speaking.|Chapter2.6][$comm to "MostSign"]] • [[You usually respond by writing, occasionally signing and not speaking.|Chapter2.6][$comm to "MostWrite"]] • <<back "Previous">>

<<nobr>> <<if $comm is "MainSpeak">> <p class=choice>Choice: You usually respond by speaking, occassionally signing and writing</p> <br>You clear your throat before speaking. You are not familiar with their local languages much but everyone in the island understands the Padinta language. <<elseif $comm is "MainSign">> <p class=choice>Choice: You usually respond by signing, occasionally speaking and writing.</p> <br>You wipe your palms before signing. You are not familiar with their local sign languages much but everyone in the island understands Padintala sign language. <<elseif $comm is "MainWrite">> <p class=choice>Choice: You usually respond by writing, occasionally speaking and signing.</p> <br>You take a deep breath before taking your quill. You use your Pansurat to write your response. You're not familiar with the local scripts they use but everyone in the island understands the Padinta script. <<elseif $comm is "MostSign">> <p class=choice>Choice: You usually respond by signing, occasionally writing and not speaking.</p> <br>You don't speak, and you mostly sign. Padintala sign language is understood by everyone in the island, which is helpful considering you're not very familiar with the region's local sign languages. You stretch your fingers before responding. <<elseif $comm is "MostWrite">> <p class=choice>Choice: You usually respond by writing, occasionally signing and not speaking.</p> <br>You don't speak, and you mostly write. The Padinta script is understood by everyone in the island, which is helpful considering you're not very familiar with the region's local scripts. <</if>> <</nobr>> As though you're trying hard to befriend me," you start. "But there was no need to exert yourselves so. I will of course not neglect to tell everyone of your hospitality." The couple looks at each other. Katalona sighs and beckons you to stand up and you follow. "We've just received word this morning that one of ours have murdered your kin." Wind is knocked out your lungs. "Not a relative, from what we've heard," Ayusip is quick to interrupt your thoughts. "But one of your people nonetheless, surely one you know." It is now your turn to swallow. "I'm sorry," Katalona tells you, hand on your back, gently massaging you. You nod as you reach an arrangement of colorful fabrics displayed on rows of tables. The tapis and wanes have two distinct styles, one being mostly blue, after traditional Kayumahiwi clothing, and the other a balance of red, black, and white, after traditional Masinalaka clothing. There is also a variety in the init outfits presented, some being plain black or brown, while others are gradients of different colors. She gestures for you to choose. • [[Tapis (wrap-around skirt) with bagket (thick belts) without a top|Customization1][$clothes to "Tapis"]] • [[Tapis (wrap-around skirt) with bagket (thick belts) with a matching woven top|Customization1][$clothes to "TapisTop"; $top to true]] • [[Tapis (wrap-around skirt) with bagket (thick belts) with a woven init shirt|Customization1][$clothes to "TapisShirt"; $top to true]] • [[Wanes (loincloth) without a top|Customization1][$clothes to "Wanes"]] • [[Wanes (loincloth) with a matching woven top|Customization1][$clothes to "WanesTop"; $top to true]] • [[Wanes (loincloth) with a woven init shirt|Customization1][$clothes to "WanesShirt"; $top to true]] • [[Knee-length woven init skirt without a top|Customization2][$clothes to "Skirt"]] • [[Knee-length woven init skirt with a matching woven init shirt|Customization2][$clothes to "SkirtShirt"; $top to true]] • [[Ankle-length woven init skirt without a top|Customization2][$clothes to "LongSkirt"]] • [[Ankle-length woven init skirt with a matching woven init shirt|Customization2][$clothes to "LongSkirtShirt"; $top to true]] • [[Woven init pants without a top|Customization2][$clothes to "Pants"]] • [[Woven init pants with a matching woven init shirt|Customization2][$clothes to "PantsShirt"; $top to true]] • <<back "Previous">>

<<nobr>> <<if $clothes is "Tapis">> <p class=choice>Choice: Tapis (wrap-around skirt) with bagket (thick belts) without a top</p> <br>You opt to wear tapis without a top. <<elseif $clothes is "TapisTop">> <p class=choice>Choice: Tapis (wrap-around skirt) with bagket (thick belts) with a matching woven top</p> <br>You opt to wear tapis with a woven top. <<elseif $clothes is "TapisShirt">> <p class=choice>Choice: Tapis (wrap-around skirt) with bagket (thick belts) with a woven init shirt</p> <br>You opt to wear tapis with an init shirt. <<elseif $clothes is "Wanes">> <p class=choice>Choice: (loincloth) without a top</p> <br>You opt to wear wanes without a top. <<elseif $clothes is "WanesTop">> <p class=choice>Choice: Wanes (loincloth) with a matching woven top</p> <br>You opt to wear wanes with a woven top. <<elseif $clothes is "WanesShirt">> <p class=choice>Choice: Wanes (loincloth) with a woven init shirt</p> <br>You opt to wear wanes with an init shirt. <</if>> <</nobr>> Your hands settle on the style of clothing you'll be wearing when you reach home. • [[Kayumahiwi Clothing: You choose to wear their clothing, taking blue fabrics with some stripes of white and red|Kayumahiwi][$style to "Kayumahiwi clothing"]] • [[Masinalaka Clothing: You choose to wear clothing from your region, taking fabrics of red, black, and white.|Masinalaka][$style to "Masinalaka clothing"]] • <<back "Previous">>

<<nobr>> <<if $clothes is "Skirt">> <p class=choice>Choice: Knee-length woven init skirt without a top</p> <br>You opt to wear a knee-length init skirt without a top. <<elseif $clothes is "SkirtShirt">> <p class=choice>Choice: Knee-length woven init skirt with a matching woven init shirt</p> <br>You opt to wear an init outfit with a knee-length skirt and a shirt. <<elseif $clothes is "LongSkirt">> <p class=choice>Choice: Ankle-length woven init skirt without a top</p> <br>You opt to wear an ankle-length init skirt without a top. <<elseif $clothes is "LongSkirtShirt">> <p class=choice>Choice: Ankle-length woven init skirt with a matching woven init shirt</p> <br>You opt to wear an init outfit with an ankle-length skirt and a shirt. <<elseif $clothes is "Pants">> <p class=choice>Choice: Woven init pants without a top</p> <br>You opt to wear init pants without a top. <<elseif $clothes is "PantsShirt">> <p class=choice>Choice: Woven init pants with a matching woven init shirt</p> <br>You opt to wear an init outfit with a shirt and pants. <</if>> <</nobr>> Your fingers brush against various fabrics that are light and airy, thinner than traditional clothing and easier to put on. You decide on the design you'll be wearing when you reach home. • [[Plain Clothing: You choose to wear plain clothing, picking solid black amongst a rainbow|Plain][$style to "plain clothes"]] • [[Colorful Clothing: You choose to wear colorful clothing, picking orange and red gradients from the arrangement|Colorful][$style to "colorful clothes"]] • <<back "Previous">>

<p class=choice>Choice: Kayumahiwi Clothing: You choose to wear their clothing, taking blue fabrics with some stripes of white and red</p> The couple helps you dress. As you take off the yellow robe, you peek the first genuine smile you've seen from Ayusip. You also notice Katalona relaxing her back, letting herself slouch slightly. "Blue suits you," Ayusip says. • <<back "Previous">> | • [[Continue|Customization3]]

<p class=choice>Choice: Masinalaka Clothing: You choose to wear clothing from your region, taking fabrics of red, black, and white</p> The couple helps you dress. You take off your yellow robe and inspect your new clothing. This style is what you've worn most of your life, and you're quick to notice the weaving is of quality. "I bought this last time I was in Masinalaka," Katalona says. "The deep red is beautiful." • <<back "Previous">> | • [[Continue|Customization3]]

<p class=choice>Choice: Plain Clothing: You choose to wear plain clothing, picking solid black amongst a rainbow</p> Not needing any assistance, you quickly put on the black init weave you picked. "Black is also one of the colors I settle on when there's too many options," Katalona says. Ayusip hums. "There's no such thing as too many options for my darling wife, she deserves it all and more." The starcaster blushes. • <<back "Previous">> | • [[Continue|Customization3]]

<p class=choice>Choice: Colorful Clothing: You choose to wear colorful clothing, picking orange and red gradients from the arrangement</p> Not needing any assistance, you quickly put on the colorful init weave you picked. "My darling can make anyone look good in sunset and sunrise colors," Ayusip says. Katalona pushes her away with a quick sway of her hips. • <<back "Previous">> | • [[Continue|Customization3]]

You turn to the mirror on the wall. <<nobr>> <<set $adornments to 0>> <<if $top>> It is very cold and high up in the trees, and you've seen many locals walk around without anything covering their chests, but you don't think you can do the same. This weather is not something you're used to, and something tells you you're going to be sent off with a scarf or a small blanket regardless. <<else>> It is very cold high up in the trees, but you've seen many locals walk around without anything covering their chests. You think you can do the same, and whether you can or not, you know you're going to be sent off with a scarf or a small blanket regardless. <</if>> <</nobr>> Once dressed, Katalona leads you to the wall supporting shelves reaching from floor to ceiling. Adornments of gold and silver glitter in the sunlight, and your face crumples until Ayusip pulls down a thin curtain, blocking the light while still inviting its warmth. "A search party was immediately sent out before you even got a room," Ayusip explains. "My brother's laziness prevented him from going to Masinalaka in time, but its also the reason we got your stuff. The bamboo water container was busted, collected herbs unusable, and any balun you may have had—eaten. He was able to salvage those, though. Love replaced the strings." Ayusip tips her chin upwards and pointed with her lips. "I looked at books with descriptions on how Sentinel gifts are made by parents. It may look different, but I did a great job if I do say so myself." "You did a wonderful job," The other says softly, nuzzling her nose against her lover's neck. You take a necklace on each hand, one with boar tusks that your mother gave, and the other with dog fangs. Both were gifts the day you were appointed Sentinel. "Feel free to take from the same shelf all that catches your eye. It's not payment for your deceased kin, don't worry. Just... a show of goodwill!" The jeweler's worry couldn't be any more obvious. Browsing, you notice that the dozens of adornments in the section looks new, likely recently made during her free time. There are seven main types and the designs are more similar to your region's style than theirs. You surmise that the more you take, the more at ease she will be. <label><<checkbox "$suklong" false true>> A suklong headdress (a rattan basket hat with rooster feathers and boar canines attaching the basket to the hat)</label> <label><<checkbox "$goldEarrings" false true>> A pair of simple, square golden earrings</label> <label><<checkbox "$silverEarrings" false true>> A pair of long, silver beaded earrings</label> <label><<checkbox "$linglingo" false true>> A lingling-o necklace (gold and copper C-shaped earrings representing both the uterus and the phallus)</label> <label><<checkbox "$necklace" false true>> A simple, plain golden necklace</label> <label><<checkbox "$bracelet" false true>> A bracelet of beads and seashells</label> <label><<checkbox "$anklet" false true>> An anklet of beads and seashells</label> • [[You shake your head and decline the offer|Customization4]] • <<back "Previous">> | • [[Continue|Customization4]]

<<nobr>> <p class="choice">Your Kasuratan was Updated.</p> <p class="choice">''Inventory Update'' <br>+ 1 Boar tusks necklace <br>+ 1 Dog fangs necklace <<set $inventory.push("1 Boar tusks necklace")>> <<set $inventory.push("1 Dog fangs necklace")>> <<if $suklong>> <br>+ 1 Suklong headdress <<set $inventory.push("1 Suklong headdress")>> <<set $adornments to $adornments + 1>> <</if>> <<if $goldEarrings>> <br>+ 1 Square golden earrings <<set $inventory.push("1 Square golden earrings")>> <<set $adornments to $adornments + 1>> <</if>> <<if $silverEarrings>> <br>+ 1 Long silver earrings <<set $inventory.push("1 Long silver earrings")>> <<set $adornments to $adornments + 1>> <</if>> <<if $linglingo>> <br>+ 1 Lingling-o necklace <<set $inventory.push("1 Lingling-o necklace")>> <<set $adornments to $adornments + 1>> <</if>> <<if $necklace>> <br>+ 1 Golden necklace <<set $inventory.push("1 Golden necklace")>> <<set $adornments to $adornments + 1>> <</if>> <<if $bracelet>> <br>+ 1 Bead bracelet <<set $inventory.push("1 Bead bracelet")>> <<set $adornments to $adornments + 1>> <</if>> <<if $anklet>> <br>+ 1 Bead anklet <<set $inventory.push("1 Bead anklet")>> <<set $adornments to $adornments + 1>> <</if>> </p> <</nobr>> <<nobr>> <<if $adornments == 0>> You don't take any, and silence lingers for a moment before Katalona offers to help you put on the tusk and fang necklaces. <<elseif $adornments <= 3>> A modest picking, you sense the approval of Ayusip. Katalona smiles and offers to help you put on the adornments, including the tusk and fang necklaces. <<elseif $adornments <= 5>> You can hear the hum of approval and the hum of disapproval coming from different people. Katalona claps her hands and offers to help you put on the adornments, including the tusk and fang necklaces. <<elseif $adornments == 6>> Katalona's smile is wide but her brow is also raised. Ayusip snorts laughing. The jeweler quickly moves forward and offers to help you put on the adornments, including the tusk and fang necklaces. <<elseif $adornments == 7>> You pick seven from the shelf, each one representing the main types of adornments displayed in that part of the shelf. Ayusip squints at you with a frown, while Katalona skips forward in glee, eager to offer assistance in helping you put on the adornments, including the tusk and fang necklaces. <</if>> <</nobr>> Adornments and clothing cover your skin, pleasantly complementing your complexion and the scars that did not fade. Katalona rummages through the shelves and elegantly pulls out a small glass jar. After opening, she takes a generous amount of cream, smearing some on your arms, and then uses what's left to moisturize her hands and arms. You bow in thanks and follow her wordless instruction. You do the same and pamper your skin, noting that it appreciates the attention especially after the horrors of yesterday. You are wonderfully glowing after the application. • [[Your skin is light brown|Customization5][$skin to "light brown"]] • [[Your skin is medium brown|Customization5][$skin to "medium brown"]] • [[Your skin is dark brown|Customization5][$skin to "dark brown"]] • [[Your skin is black|Customization5][$skin to "black"]] • [[Your skin is deep black|Customization5][$skin to "deep black"]] • <<back "Previous">>

<<if not tags().includes("noreturn")>> <<set $return to passage()>> <</if>>

<<nobr>> <<if $skin is "light brown">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your skin is light brown</p> <br>Your complexion is light brown. <<elseif $skin is "medium brown">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your skin is medium brown</p> <br>Your complexion is medium brown. <<elseif $skin is "dark brown">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your skin is dark brown</p> <br>Your complexion is dark brown. <<elseif $skin is "black">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your skin is black</p> <br>Your complexion is black. <<elseif $skin is "deep black">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your skin is deep black</p> <br>Your complexion is deep black. <</if>> <</nobr>> The attention to it is helping you recover faster, both mentally and physically. You smile at your reflection and do a turn with the new adornments and clothes. "You look stunning." "Can't argue with that," the artisan smirks. "A perfect picture of a deity's warrior. Hmmm... It's all patched but do you have soothing creams for your travel though?" The starcaster asks, with a tip of her finger glowing, tracing her skin where her own scars have settled. "Oh, yes," you reply. "No worries. Your Omens have cared for me well, and have already given me supplies for the wounds, including some for the pain and the fatigue." "Yup, that we did," a familiar voice cuts in. Immlay, the face who first greeted you when you arrived last night enters the room with a swag. "As an Omen in training, I will also help in escorting the Sentinel," the teen explains. "Great scars by the way," he adds. You look in the mirror again and see what he sees, focusing on two of the older scars you've kept. <p class=choice>Click on two options, get two scars</p> <label><<checkbox "$cheekScar" false true>> A noticeable scar on your left cheek that can be hidden with makeup</label> <label><<checkbox "$neckScar" false true>> A deep scar between your left shoulder and neck</label> <label><<checkbox "$armScars" false true>> Scars of claw marks on both of your upper arms</label> <label><<checkbox "$burnedFeet" false true>> Some burned skin on your feet</label> <label><<checkbox "$backClusters" false true>> Discolored red clusters on your back that has widened with time</label> <<nobr>> • <<back 'Previous'>> | <<link "Continue">> <<set _selection to [$cheekScar, $neckScar, $armScars, $burnedFeet, $backClusters].count(true)>> <<if _selection == 2>> <<goto "Customization6">> <<else>> <<script>> UI.alert("Choose TWO scars"); <</script>> <</if>> <</link>> <</nobr>>

<<nobr>> <<if $cheekScar>> <p class=choice>Choice: A noticeable scar on your left cheek that can be hidden with makeup</p> <br>You know the scar on your cheek can easily be hidden with cream, you've tried it before. <br> <br> <<set $scars.push("cheek scar")>> <</if>> <<if $neckScar>> <p class=choice>Choice: A deep scar between your left shoulder and neck</p> <br>The long scar from your neck to shoulder runs deep. Though it wasn't as deadly as it looked, there was a lot of blood and so, a lot of screaming. <br> <br> <<set $scars.push("neck scar")>> <</if>> <<if $armScars>> <p class=choice>Choice: Scars of claw marks on both of your upper arms</p> <br>The first arm to be wounded was the left, or was it the right? You don't remember the events as well, but you can clearly recall how terribly swollen your arms became. The claw marks look cool though. <br> <br> <<set $scars.push("arm scars")>> <</if>> <<if $burnedFeet>> <p class=choice>Choice: Some burned skin on your feet</p> <br>The fire burned your feet, but fortunately only burned a small area. You can still walk and run at length. <br> <br> <<set $scars.push("burned feet")>> <</if>> <<if $backClusters>> <p class=choice>Choice: Discolored red clusters on your back that has widened with time</p> <br>Due to previous poisoning, you got terribly ill with discolored clusters on your back. They grew overtime so you often use ointments to stop the spread. It's a blessing they also numb the occasional feeling of tightening skin. <br> <br> <<set $scars.push("back clusters")>> <</if>> <</nobr>>Scars are not the only marks of life your skin boasts. You have two tattoos, one from your initiation as a Sentinel, and the other the mark of adulthood. You got both in the same year, this year, in fact, a trend that older generations occasionally complain about. Your first tattoo is a geometric design indicative not just of your home region but also that you are of age. • [[A pagey tattoo, that is, rice|Tatoo2][$tattoo1 to "pagey"]] • [[An inam-am tattoo, that is, fern|Tatoo2][$tattoo1 to "inamam"]] • [[A gayaman tattoo, that is, a centipede|Tatoo2][$tattoo1 to "gayaman"]] • [[An inong-oo tattoo, that is, a snake|Tatoo2][$tattoo1 to "inongoo"]] • [[A banig tattoo, that is, a woven mat|Tatoo2][$tattoo1 to "banig"]] • <<back 'Previous'>>

<<nobr>> <<if $tattoo1 is "pagey">> <p class=choice>Choice: A pagey tattoo, that is, rice</p> <br>You have a pagey tattoo, the pattern represents the plant it is named after, the rice. <<elseif $tattoo1 is "inamam">> <p class=choice>Choice: An inam-am tattoo, that is, fern</p> <br>You have an inam-am tattoo, the pattern represents the plant it is named after, the fern. <<elseif $tattoo1 is "gayaman">> <p class=choice>Choice: A gayaman tattoo, that is, a centipede</p> <br>You have a gayaman tattoo, the pattern represents the animal it is named after, the centipede. <<elseif $tattoo1 is "inongoo">> <p class=choice>Choice: An inong-oo tattoo, that is, a snake</p> <br>You have an inong-oo tattoo, the pattern represents the animal it is named after, the snake. <<elseif $tattoo1 is "banig">> <p class=choice>Choice: A banig tattoo, that is, a woven mat</p> <br>ou have a banig tattoo, the pattern represents the object it is named after, the woven mat. <</if>> <</nobr>> The pattern loops around your limb. • [[It circles around your left upper arm|Tattoo2.2][$limb to "left upper arm"]] • [[It circles around your right upper arm|Tattoo2.2][$limb to "right uppper arm"]] • [[It circles around your left lower leg|Tattoo2.2][$limb to "left lower leg"]] • [[It circles around your right lower leg|Tattoo2.2][$limb to "right lower leg"]] • <<back 'Previous'>>

<<nobr>> <<if $limb is "left upper arm">> <p class=choice>Choice: It circles around your left upper arm</p> <br>The tattoo is very visible during hot, sweltering days. <br> <br>The ink circles around your left upper arm. <<elseif $limb is "right upper arm">> <p class=choice>Choice: It circles around your right upper arm</p> <br>The tattoo is very visible during hot, sweltering days. <br> <br>The ink circles around your right upper arm. <<elseif $limb is "left lower leg">> <p class=choice>Choice: It circles around your left lower leg</p> <br>The tattoo is very visible during hot, sweltering days. <br> <br>The ink circles around your left lower leg. <<elseif $limb is "right lower leg">> <p class=choice>Choice: It circles around your right lower leg</p> <br>The tattoo is very visible during hot, sweltering days. <br> <br>The ink circles around your right lower leg. <</if>> <</nobr>> Your second tattoo is a design indicative not just of your title as a Sentinel but also of your working preference, whether it's day or night. • [[A necklace tattoo of tinatalaaw patterns (day and night represented by triangles and diamonds) circling around your neck with the phases of the moon below your collarbone|Customization7][$tattoo2 to "moon"]] • [[The sun and its long rays on the backs of your hands with binunga patterns (fruit represented by triangles) circling your wrist|Customization7][$tattoo2 to "sun"]] • <<back 'Previous'>>

<<nobr>> <<if $tattoo2 is "moon">> <p class=choice>Choice: A necklace tattoo of tinatalaaw patterns (day and night represented by triangles and diamonds) circling around your neck with the phases of the moon below your collarbone</p> <br>Of the two, the choice was easy. <br> <br>A very uncomfortable and painful tattoo spot, your collarbone is inked with the phases of the moon. Tied by tinatalaaw patterns on your neck, it gives the illusion of a necklace. You're a Sentinel who often works throughout entire nights, sleeping in the day. <<elseif $tattoo2 is "sun">> <p class=choice>Choice: The sun and its long rays on the backs of your hands with binunga patterns (fruit represented by triangles) circling your wrist</p> <br>Of the two, the choice was easy. <br> <br>A very uncomfortable and painful tattoo spot, the back of your hands are inked with the long rays of the sun and the ball of fire itself. Shining on the binunga patterns on your wrist, it sparks the imagination with a bountiful field. You're a Sentinel who often works most days and retires in the eves. <</if>> <</nobr>> A breeze enters makes the hanging shells hit against metal and gold, singing a pleasant sound. You also notice some pages of paper rustling about. Immlay walks over the desks and leans on one, loudly announcing the first lines and pausing to comment. "This handwriting is atrocious." Ayusip gasps loudly. "I will not have you badmouthing my wife and especially not under our roof!" She announces, unsheathing a dagger. "The drawing looks a lot like the Sentinel, though a bit prettier," Immlay adds. The ladies scoff. Katalona continues to peruse books, while Ayusip continues to judge the weapons lined on a wall—their final sendoff gifts for you. The young boy grins and takes one of the slightly crumpled papers and hands it you. A sketch of your face on the left, and detailed descriptions on the right. You see yourself looking back, but Immlay is right, the drawing is prettier with the blooming flowers that blossom behind you. The you in the paper faces forward, eyes looking directly at its audience. • [[You have gray eyes|Customization8][$eye to "gray"]] • [[You have blue eyes|Customization8][$eye to "blue"]] • [[You have green eyes|Customization8][$eye to "green"]] • [[You have amber eyes|Customization8][$eye to "amber"]] • [[You have hazel eyes|Customization8][$eye to "hazel"]] • [[You have light brown eyes|Customization8][$eye to "light brown"]] • [[You have dark brown eyes|Customization8][$eye to "dark brown"]] • <<back 'Previous'>>

<<nobr>> <<if $eye is "gray">> <p class=choice>Choice: You have gray eyes</p> <br>Your gray eyes stare back at the art. <<elseif $eye is "blue">> <p class=choice>Choice: You have blue eyes</p> <br>Your blue eyes stare back at the art. <<elseif $eye is "green">> <p class=choice>Choice: You have green eyes</p> <br>Your green eyes stare back at the art. <<elseif $eye is "amber">> <p class=choice>Choice: You have amber eyes</p> <br>Your amber eyes stare back at the art. <<elseif $eye is "hazel">> <p class=choice>Choice: You have hazel eyes</p> <br>Your hazel eyes stare back at the art. <<elseif $eye is "light brown">> <p class=choice>Choice: You have light brown eyes</p> <br>Your light brown eyes stare back at the art. <<elseif $eye is "dark brown">> <p class=choice>Choice: You have dark brown eyes</p> <br>Your dark brown eyes stare back at the art. <</if>> <</nobr>> Your eyes are the only colorful part of the painting. The rest of the drawing is in black ink. If your hair was painted too, the art might look more detailed. • [[You have light blond hair|Customization9][$hcolor to "light blond"]] • [[You have dark blond hair|Customization9][$hcolor to "dark blond"]] • [[You have light auburn hair|Customization9][$hcolor to "light auburn"]] • [[You have dark auburn hair|Customization9][$hcolor to "dark auburn"]] • [[You have light brown hair|Customization9][$hcolor to "light brown"]] • [[You have dark brown hair|Customization9][$hcolor to "dark brown"]] • [[You have black hair|Customization9][$hcolor to "black"]] • <<back 'Previous'>>

<<nobr>> <<if $hcolor is "light blond">> <p class=choice>Choice: You have light blond hair</p> <br>You have light blond hair, color like silver when it catches the sun. <<elseif $hcolor is "dark blond">> <p class=choice>Choice: You have dark blond hair</p> <br>You have dark blond hair, deep with shades of burnt honey. <<elseif $hcolor is "light auburn">> <p class=choice>Choice: You have light auburn hair</p> <br>You have light auburn hair, red like the scarlets of sunrise. <<elseif $hcolor is "dark auburn">> <p class=choice>Choice: You have dark auburn hair</p> <br>You have dark auburn hair, deep like blood left outside for too long. <<elseif $hcolor is "light brown">> <p class=choice>Choice: You have light brown hair</p> <br>You have light brown hair, similar to coffee sweetened by too much milk and sugar. <<elseif $hcolor is "dark brown">> <p class=choice>Choice: You have dark brown hair</p> <br>You have dark brown hair, rich like clay pots freshly molded. <<elseif $hcolor is "black">> <p class=choice>Choice: You have black hair</p> <br>You have black hair, shiny like rocks on the riverbend. <</if>> <</nobr>> Like everyone else on the island, the type of your hair informs your typical hairstyle and the way you wear it says a lot about where you are from and how you like to present yourself. • [[Your hair is straight|Customization10][$htype to "straight"]] • [[Your hair is wavy|Customization10][$htype to "wavy"]] • [[Your hair is curly|Customization10][$htype to "curly"]] • [[Your hair is coily|Customization10][$htype to "coily"]] • <<back 'Previous'>>

<<nobr>> <<if $htype is "straight">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your hair is straight</p> <br>You have straight hair. <br> <<elseif $htype is "wavy">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your hair is wavy</p> <br>You have wavy hair. <br> <<elseif $htype is "curly">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your hair is curly</p> <br>You have curly hair. <br> <<elseif $htype is "coily">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your hair is coily</p> <br>You have coily hair. <br> <</if>> <</nobr>> Your hair takes up most of the left side of the page, unless of course you are bald, in which case, there would be more space left on the paper. Common Masinalaka patterns are V-lines, with imagery of suns and flowers, and thus are common in the region's adornments. Threads of gold attached to local woven headbands is the norm, one the artist deliberately included on your portrait. You are drawn wearing the hairstyle you arrived in. • [[Your hair is shaved|Customization11][$hstyle to "shaved"]] • [[Your short hair is not tied|Customization11][$hstyle to "untied short"]] • [[Your waist-length hair is not tied|Customization11][$hstyle to "untied medium"]] • [[Your untied hair reaches down to your ankles|Customization11][$hstyle to "untied long"]] • [[Your short hair is braided|Customization11][$hstyle to "braided short"]] • [[Your waist-length hair is braided|Customization11][$hstyle to "braided medium"]] • [[Your braided hair reaches down to your ankles|Customization11][$hstyle to "braided long"]] • [[Your short hair is styled in locs|Customization11][$hstyle to "short locs"]] • [[Your waist-length hair is styled in locs|Customization11][$hstyle to "medium locs"]] • [[Your hair reaches down to your ankles and is styled in locs|Customization11][$hstyle to "long locs"]] • [[Your hair is a short afro|Customization11][$hstyle to "short afro"]] • [[Your hair is a big afro|Customization11][$hstyle to "big afro"]] • <<back 'Previous'>>

<<nobr>> <<if $hstyle is "shaved">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your hair is shaved</p> <br>Because you shave, your head is bald. Your hair maintenance is not about keeping it clean but keeping it away. <<elseif $hstyle is "untied short">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your short hair is not tied</p> <br>You have short hair, and you often wear it loose. <<elseif $hstyle is "untied medium">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your waist-length hair is not tied</p> <br>You have waist-length hair, and you often wear it untied. <<elseif $hstyle is "untied long">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your untied hair reaches down to your ankles</p> <br>You have hair reaching down to your ankles, and you often wear it untied. <<elseif $hstyle is "braided short">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your short hair is braided</p> <br>You have short hair, and you often wear it in braids. <<elseif $hstyle is "braided medium">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your waist-length hair is braided</p> <br>You have waist-length hair, and you often wear it in braids. <<elseif $hstyle is "braided long">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your braided hair reaches down to your ankles</p> <br>You have hair reaching down to your ankles, and you often wear it in braids. <<elseif $hstyle is "short locs">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your short hair is styled in locs</p> <br>You have short hair, and you often style it in locs. <<elseif $hstyle is "medium locs">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your waist-length hair is styled in locs</p> <br>You have waist-length hair, and you often style it in locs. <<elseif $hstyle is "long locs">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your hair reaches down to your ankles and is styled in locs</p> <br>You have hair reaching down to your ankles, and you often style it in locs. <<elseif $hstyle is "short afro">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your hair is a short afro</p> <br>You have a short afro hair, and you often style it to have a rounded and uniform length. <<elseif $hstyle is "big afro">> <p class=choice>Choice: Your hair is a big afro</p> <br>You have a big afro hair, and you often style it to different shapes with a comb. Your hair in the drawing is shaped like a star. <</if>> <</nobr>> "I'd like to be as pretty as the drawing," you say. Katalona smirks. "Take a seat in front of the mirror." She moisturizes your face, uses a powder matching your complexion to hide the fatigue under your eyes, and brushes your eyelids a shade lighter than the color of your eyes. <<nobr>> <<if $hstyle is "shaved">> Your head is shaved but often covered. <<else>> She then makes quick work of attending to the hair she just brushed away. <</if>> <</nobr>> "Wonderful." When the word falls from her lips, your gaze settles on your reflection. Wide eyes, your fingers crawl to touch your cheek. Katalona clicks her tongue and slaps your hands away. It is quick, but you catch it. A glance, no, three or four. You hold one of those gazes from the mirror and know they're trying their best to keep quiet. You're famous. The Sentinel who survived the woods. They must be here for you. Rise. With your full height, the mirror catches your full form. • [[You're short (4ft 11in and below)|Customization12][$height = "short"]] • [[You're of average height (5ft - 5ft 5in)|Customization12][$height = "average height"]] • [[You are tall (5ft 6in - 5 ft 11in)|Customization12][$height = "tall"]] • [[You are very tall (6ft - 6ft 3in)|Customization12][$height = "very tall"]] • [[You are very, very tall (6ft 4in and above)|Customization12][$height = "very very tall"]] • <<back 'Previous'>>

<<nobr>> <<if $height is "short">> <p class=choice>Choice: You're short (4ft 11in and below)</p> <br>You are short compared to most. <<elseif $height is "average height">> <p class=choice>Choice: You're of average height (5ft - 5ft 5in)</p> <br>Your height is middling when compared to most others. <<elseif $height is "tall">> <p class=choice>Choice: You are tall (5ft 6in - 5ft 11in)</p> <br>You're taller than most. <<elseif $height is "very tall">> <p class=choice>Choice: You are very tall (6ft - 6ft 3in)</p> <br>You're very tall, towering over most people. <<elseif $height is "very very tall">> <p class=choice>Choice: You are very, very tall (6ft 4in and above)</p> <br>You're very, very tall, towering over almost everyone. <</if>> <</nobr>> A knock. They're here for you. You give yourself a final appraisal. Good, you look glamorous and you don't look like you almost died. You straighten your back and touch your face. • [[You touch your no facial hair chin.|Chapter2.7][$fhair to "none"]] • [[You touch your shaved chin.|Chapter2.7][$fhair to "shaved"]] • [[You touch your stubble.|Chapter2.7][$fhair to "stubble"]] • [[You touch your mustache.|Chapter2.7][$fhair to "mustache"]] • [[You touch your beard.|Chapter2.7][$fhair to "beard"]] • <<back 'Previous'>>

<<nobr>> <<if $fhair is "none">> <p class=choice>Choice: You touch your no facial hair chin.</p> <br>Your fingers press against your naturally beardless chin, with no facial hair to tickle them. <<elseif $fhair is "shaved">> <p class=choice>Choice: You touch your shaved chin.</p> <br>Your fingers touch your chin, still smooth since you shaved it yesterday morning. <<elseif $fhair is "stubble">> <p class=choice>Choice: You touch your stubble.</p> <br>Your fingers brush against your stubble. <<elseif $fhair is "mustache">> <p class=choice>Choice: You touch your mustache.</p> <br>Your fingers twist the end of your mustache. <<elseif $fhair is "beard">> <p class=choice>Choice: You touch your beard.</p> <br>Your fingers comb your beard. <</if>> <</nobr>> • <<back 'Previous'>> | • [[Continue|Chapter2.8]]

<<nobr>> You are wearing $style, <<if $clothes is "Tapis">>a tapis (wrap-around skirt) with bagket (thick belts) without a top.<<elseif $clothes is "TapisTop">>a tapis (wrap-around skirt) with bagket (thick belts) with a matching woven top.<<elseif $clothes is "TapisShirt">>a tapis (wrap-around skirt) with bagket (thick belts) with a woven init shirt.<<elseif $clothes is "Wanes">>a wanes (loincloth) without a top.<<elseif $clothes is "WanesTop">>a wanes (loincloth) with a matching woven top.<<elseif $clothes is "WanesShirt">>a wanes (loincloth) with a woven init shirt.<<elseif $clothes is "Skirt">>a knee-length woven init skirt without a top.<<elseif $clothes is "SkirtShirt">>a knee-length woven init skirt with a matching woven init shirt.<<elseif $clothes is "LongSkirt">>an ankle-length woven init skirt without a top.<<elseif $clothes is "LongSkirtShirt">>an ankle-length woven init skirt with a matching woven init shirt.<<elseif $clothes is "Pants">>woven init pants without a top.<<elseif $clothes is "PantsShirt">>woven init pants with a matching woven init shirt.<</if>> Your skin is $skin decorated with two enduring scars, and for now, with adornments made and given by people who care for you. You also have two tattoos. One is <<if $tattoo1 is "pagey">>a pagey tattoo, the pattern represents the plant it is named after, the rice.<<elseif $tattoo1 is "inamam">>an inam-am tattoo, the pattern represents the plant it is named after, the fern.<<elseif $tattoo1 is "gayaman">>a gayaman tattoo, the pattern represents the animal it is named after, the centipede.<<elseif $tattoo1 is "inongoo">>an inong-oo tattoo, the pattern represents the animal it is named after, the snake.<<elseif $tattoo1 is "banig">>a banig tattoo, the pattern represents the object it is named after, the woven mat.<</if>> It circles around your $limb. Your second tattoo is <<if $tattoo2 is "moon">>a necklace tattoo of tinatalaaw patterns (day and night represented by triangles and diamonds) circling around your neck with the phases of the moon below your collarbone.<<elseif $tattoo2 is "sun">>the sun and its long rays on the backs of your hands with binunga patterns (fruit represented by triangles) circling your wrist.<</if>> You have $eye eyes and $hcolor $htype hair <<if $hstyle is "shaved">>that is shaved.<<elseif $hstyle is "untied short">>that is short, worn loose and untied.<<elseif $hstyle is "untied medium">>that is waist-length, worn loose and untied.<<elseif $hstyle is "untied long">>that reaches down to your ankles, worn loose and untied.<<elseif $hstyle is "braided short">>that is short, worn in braids.<<elseif $hstyle is "braided medium">>that is waist-length, worn in braids.<<elseif $hstyle is "braided long">>that reaches your ankles, worn in braids.<<elseif $hstyle is "short locs">>that is short, styled in locs.<<elseif $hstyle is "medium locs">>that is waist-length, styled in locs.<<elseif $hstyle is "long locs">>that reaches down your ankles, styled in locs.<<elseif $hstyle is "short afro">>that is a short afro, often styled to have a rounded and uniform length<<elseif $hstyle is "big afro">>that is a big afro, often styled to different shapes with a comb.<</if>> You are <<if $height is "short">>short compared to most.<<elseif $height is "average height">>of average height, middling compared to most others.<<elseif $height is "tall">>taller than most.<<elseif $height is "very tall">>very tall, towering over most people.<<elseif $height is "very very tall">>very, very tall, towering over almost everyone.<</if>> <<if $fhair is "none">>You do not have any facial hair.<<elseif $fhair is "shaved">>Your face is clean-shaven, exposing your chin.<<elseif $fhair is "stubble">>Your face is littered with stubble.<<elseif $fhair is "mustache">>You have a mustache.<<elseif $fhair is "beard">>You have a beard.<</if>> <</nobr>> <<button "Author's Notes" "AN1.2">><</button>> <<button "Main Menu">> <<run Engine.restart()>> <</button>>