(set: $time to "")(set: $save_active to 0)(align:"=><=")[(text-colour:#cd8c4c)+(size: 3)[''Nerd World'']
(size: 2.2)[(text-colour:yellow)[Trivia] (text-colour:red)+(text-style: "outline")[Kills]]
(text-colour:orange)+(size: 0.8)[//Part 1: Dramatis Personae//]]
[[Begin the story]]
(if: (saved-games: ) contains "A")[(link: "Load")[(load-game:"A")]](else:)[(text-colour:grey)[Save game not found]]{
(set: $statChange to (macro: num-type _statA, num-type _statB, [(set: $currStat's _statA to it +1, $currStat's _statB to it -1)(output:)[''$currName has become more (cond: _statA is 1, "(text-colour:#ff0f00)[ambitious]", _statA is 2, "(text-colour:#003eff)[subtle]", _statA is 3, "(text-colour:#ff6fc0)[empathetic]", _statA is 4, "(text-colour:#af97ff)[assertive]", "boring") and more (cond: _statB is 1, "(text-colour:#00f0ff)[apathetic]", _statB is 2, "(text-colour:#ffc100)[obtuse]", _statB is 3, "(text-colour:#00ca59)[callous]", _statB is 4, "(text-colour:#c4ff00)[docile]", "boring").'']]))
(set: $paul to (text-colour:#60adfb)+(text-style: "Italic"))
(set: $ken to (text-colour:#e69529)+(text-style: "Italic"))
(set: $jane to (text-colour:#3adf3a)+(text-style: "Italic"))
(set: $aaron to (text-colour:#a6e)+(text-style: "Italic"))
(set: $paul2 to (text-colour:#60adfb))
(set: $ken2 to (text-colour:#e69529))
(set: $jane2 to (text-colour:#3adf3a))
(set: $aaron2 to (text-colour:#a6e))
(enchant: ?link, (text-colour: yellow))
(forget-undos: -1)
}(set: $currStat to (a: 0,0,0,0))(set: $pStat to (a: 0,0,0,0))(set: $currName to "Paul")($statChange: 1,4)
(set: $pStat to $currStat)$pStat
----
(text-colour:#ff0f00)[ambitious]
(text-colour:#003eff)[ingenious]
(text-colour:#ff6fc0)[empathetic]
(text-colour:#af97ff)[assertive]
(text-colour:#00f0ff)[apathetic]
(text-colour:#ffc100)[obtuse]
(text-colour:#00ca59)[callous]
(text-colour:#c4ff00)[timid]
(text-colour:#60adfb)[Paul]
(text-colour:#e69529)[Ken]
(text-colour:#3adf3a)[Jane]
(text-colour:#a6e)[Aaron](set: $save_active to 1)(set: $kevin_identity_exposed to 0, $kevin_joined_requiem to 0, $valravyn_success to 0, $with_ellen to 0, $legendary_album to 0, $goth_world to 0, $antibully to 0, $password to 0, $title1 to "Principal")If you have an ending code for //The Amazing Goth Band Simulator//, you may input it here to continue on from the version of Northwest that Kevin and his bandmates created. (text-colour:orange)[Changes will be subtle...mostly].
(input: bind $password)
[[Enter ending code->Password Analysis]]
[[Begin without a code->Solace]](set: $pStat to (a: 0,0,0,0))(set: $kStat to (a: 0,0,0,0))(set: $jStat to (a: 0,0,0,0))(set: $aStat to (a: 0,0,0,0))(set: $currStat to (a: 0,0,0,0))The year is 2014.
The place is Solace, IL, population 10,420. A town of no significance.
...Unless you're the kind of monomanaical trivia buff who reads Aukland's Unofficial for idle weekend giggles. If that's the case, then you know Solace well.
You see, Solace is home to a school called Northwest High, a school that's produced a disproportionate share of Scholar's Bowl legends. That might be because it hosts Trivia Master, a school-wide contest that's become a living myth across the country.
Doubting the importance of a simple high school trivia contest? In a sensible place, it wouldn't matter. Northwest is not a sensible place, and Trivia Master is not a simple contest. It's a paradigm changer. For the duration of the event, the entire high school hierarchy flips upside down. The geeks inherit the earth - and with that, a competitive fervor awakens in the heart of every would-be master.
Sometimes, things get out of control.
[[This is the tale of one epic disaster.->Paul Intro]](align:"=><=")+(size: 2)+(text-colour:#cd8c4c)[Scientia Potentia Est]
(align:"=><=")+(size: 0.8)[//Those blessed with intelligence are never powerless. These are the dramatis personae of our tale.//]
(align:"=><=")[Choose a story.]
(align:"=><=")+(size: 2)[[[Paul Liston->Paul Intro2]]]
(align:"=><=")+(size: 0.8)[The relatable protagonist, beset by problems but destined to defeat his rival, get the girl and give the reader a sense of power.](set: $currName to "Paul", $currStat to (a: 0,1,1,-1))$paul[So I'm the protagonist? Great. You know, everyone wants to be the main character, but the worst things happen to the main character. He's always the one who gets pushed into raging rivers and shot in the shoulder and dosed with poison. Everyone wants him dead.
I mean, getting the girl would be nice - but who are we kidding? This story isn't going to end that way.
Well, as long as we're here, I guess I can tell you what went down.]
(text-colour:yellow)[[[Enter Paul's Mind->Paul01]]](set: $currStat to (a: 0,0,0,0), $time to "")(if: ($ken_finished + $jane_finished + $aaron_finished) >2)[(goto: "Paul Return")](align:"=><=")+(size: 2)+(text-colour:#cd8c4c)[Scientia Potentia Est]
(align:"=><=")+(size: 0.8)[//Those blessed with intelligence are never powerless. These are the dramatis personae of our tale.//]
(align:"=><=")[Choose a story.]
(if: $ken_finished is 0)[(align:"=><=")+(size: 2)[[[Kenneth Greevey->Ken Intro]]]
(align:"=><=")+(size: 0.8)[The deuteragonist, an exhausting and clownish figure who will, at the last minute, do right by the main character.]](else:)[(align:"=><=")+(size: 2)[(color:gray)[Ken Greevey: Complete]]]
(if: $jane_finished is 0)[(align:"=><=")+(size: 2)[[[Jane Anders->Jane Intro]]]
(align:"=><=")+(size: 0.8)[The love interest, a small town heartbreaker and girl-next-door type who serves as a secondary goal for the main character.]](else:)[(align:"=><=")+(size: 2)[(color:gray)[Jane Anders: Complete]]]
(if: $aaron_finished is 0)[(align:"=><=")+(size: 2)[[[Aaron Bellamy->Aaron Intro]]]
(align:"=><=")+(size: 0.8)[The antagonist, rival type. A dark mirror of the main character who will do whatever he has to in a mad scramble to achieve his twisted goals.]](else:)[(align:"=><=")+(size: 2)[(color:gray)[Aaron Bellamy: Complete]]](set: $dressed to 0)(set: $currName to "Ken", $currStat to (a: 1,-1,0,1))(text-colour:#e69529)[//Hey, that's not a very flattering description. I mean, I can't really argue with it, but...come on, couldn't you go with something like "The protagonist's buddy who uplifts him in dark times"? That's accurate, too.
I mean...um...
To some, Trivia Master is a simple pastime to add some intellectual rigor to the day-to-day grind of athletics and mindless gossip. However, to a more sophisticated thinker, it is a microcosm of life itself. Anyone who can triumph in Trivia Master is well-placed to win at any challenge life may present.
Of course, this is not solely a matter of skill. Planning plays a role as well.//]
(text-colour:yellow)[[[Enter Ken's Mind->Ken01]]](set: $dressed to 0)(set: $currName to "Jane", $currStat to (a: -1,0,1,1))(text-colour:#3adf3a)["Heartbreaker"? Me? Come on, man, I'm a 6 on my best day. But yeah, maybe I'm underestimating myself given that I'm Paul's "goal." I'm more than just The One Major Girl Character, you know.
Well, maybe not. Can't say that I'm critical in this whole mess - I mean, I just happened to be there.
Yeah, that's the real Jane - the observer, the one who was there to see shit go down. That's Trivia Master, some shit that goes down every year. So you want the feminine perspective on this pack of weirdos? Cool, I'm down for that.]
(text-colour:yellow)[[[Enter Jane's Mind->Jane01]]](set: $dressed to 0)(set: $currName to "Aaron", $currStat to (a: 1,1,-1,0))(text-colour:#a6e)[//So it's one of THOSE stories, huh? We're going with one of those dumb little power fantasies that Liston loves so much? Great. Here I was thinking that someone was using multiple perspectives to add nuance - but no, we must have the bad guy.
It's not such a simple story, kids. I bet I can change your mind on all of this nonsense.
Let's start with Trivia Master - the one time in the academic year when the world behaves like it should. No dipshit celebrities with no discernable talent. No media losers talking about how amazing their phones are while running down anyone with a functioning brain. Just the best and the brightest lined up to prove their worth.
But that's not the whole picture. There's more under the surface. Justice, for example.//]
(text-colour:yellow)[[[Enter Aaron's Mind->Aaron01]]](set: $time to "6:48")(after: 1s)[(transition: "rumble")[//BUZZZZZZ.//]]
(after: 3.5s)[(transition: "rumble")[//BUZZZZZZ.//
The rude vibration of your phone wrenches you out of reverie. You weren't sleeping - merely enjoying a rare moment of peace before confronting the madness that is high school.
$paul[Who's even calling this early? Who even has this number? I'm here, so it's not my parents. It must be Ken. Goddamn it, what does he want?]
[[Answer->Paul01a]]
[[Ignore it->Paul01b]]]](set: $time to "5:43")$ken[Before I offer you the narrative, I feel that I should lay out my philosophy on life, trivia, and how the two intermingle at a fundamental level. To live is to learn, and to learn is to live a grander life, and so we must always learn.
Thus, Trivia Master is a portal to a new realm of thought - and one does not plunge into a new realm without exercising the cartographic arts first. Each year, I run a computer model based on data harvested from a wide range of sources, one so complex that it takes hours to process. In a few minutes, it will be done, and that readily affordable JamesonTech printer will output the map to our future.]
|1>[(link: "Continue")[(hide: ?1)(show: ?2)]
(link: "Skip Ken's manifesto")[(hide: ?1)(show: ?3)]]|2)[$ken[There are those - and their ranks include some among my fellow high-achievers - who feel that this is excessive. Some deem it obsessive and worrisome. There are even those with the affront to call it a waste of time. They will say: Kenneth, you have done this twice already, and both times you fell short of glory. But those were mere test runs. This year, my process is refined. This year, we will secure victory.
...We should stop here, something monumental is soon to happen.]
[[Continue->Ken02]]]|3)[$ken[...You want to skip it? Oh come on, this is important! You're reading a story about trivia - of COURSE it matters what trivia is and why it's significant! This is my life's work we're talking...
...Oh, ah...I meant...there are those who operate more on instinct, viewing the acquisition of such information as mere psychic clutter. While not comprehending them, I do acknowledge their position and respect it. We shall continue.
Besides, my program is almost finished running.]
[[Continue->Ken02]]](set: $time to "")(after: 0.5s)[(transition: "fade")+(text-colour:red)[We ride for the southern compound tonight. Erika, you must come along, it is urgent.]]
(after: 3s)[(transition: "fade")[$jane[I said no.]]]
(after: 5s)[(transition: "fade")+(text-colour:orange)[You are acting the child, Erika. Can you not see that Valkonnor wishes you to be his mate?]]
(after: 7.5s)[(transition: "fade")+(text-colour:yellow)[I, too, desire this honor.]]
(after: 9.5s)[(transition: "fade")+(text-colour:orange)[Silence, stupid Lukansa! Only the Alpha may speak such things!]]
(after: 12s)[(transition: "fade")[$jane[I don't like wolves, leave me alone. You're too hairy.]]]
(after: 14s)[(transition: "fade")+(text-colour:yellow)[I'm not that hairy. Nor am I jealous.]]
(after: 16s)[(transition: "rumble")[//RIIIIING.//]
[[Continue->Jane01a]]](set: $defiance to 0)(after: 0.5s)[(t8n: "fade")[$aaron[There's something I want to ask you before we begin.
That motto you saw earlier? "Scientia Potentia Est." What does that mean to you?"]]]
(after: 2s)[[[I don't know what it means->Aaron01a]]
[[It means that the smartest person ultimately wins->Aaron01b]]
[[It means that someone is trying to look smart the easy way->Aaron01c]]]{
(float-box: "====X","Y====")[(print: $time)]
(if: $save_active is 1)[(save-game:"A")]
}$paul2["Ken?"]
$ken2["Paul? I didn't wake you up, right? You told me you always get up at 6:45."]
$paul2["Approximately, Ken."]
$ken2["Oh. Well, when are you gonna be at Northwest? Because I've been crunching the numbers for the Trivia Master team, and we've got some serious tactical considerations to discuss."]
[[Hang up on him->Paul01c]]
[[Humor him->Paul01d]](set: $ignored_call to 1)The phone buzzes for an unjustifiable amount of time before the caller gives up. Sweet peace - and all you had to do was ignore a friend.
($statChange: 2,3)
[[Continue->Paul room intro]](set: $hung_up to 1)There are times when rudeness is arguably justified. This seems like one of them.
($statChange: 4,3)
[[Continue->Paul room intro]]$paul2["Ken, I really don't know when I'm gonna be there."]
$ken2["Could you make it a little bit early? Because seriously, I've got the magic here."]
$paul2["Fine, I'll set off a few minutes early."]
$ken2["Righteous! See you then."]
($statChange: 3,4)
[[Continue->Paul room intro]](set: $time to "6:53")$paul[(align:"=><=")[All right, time to face another day.]]
(float-box: "=X=","=Y===")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Trophy Shelf")[(dialog: [$paul[My ego shelf. Trophies for science fair, geography bee, robotics...not everything, just my favorites. I've also got a few pictures from family trips to Yosemite and the Rockies. Not such a bad life, when you add it all up.]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "==X=","==Y==")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Bookshelf")[(dialog: [$paul[Science fiction classics I never got around to reading, Dungeons & Dragons books I'll never use...oh, and those damn question and answer books Ken keeps giving me. I should get rid of some of this stuff, but I don't know what I'd replace them with. More things I'll never get around to reading, probably.]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "=X==","==Y==")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Poster")[(dialog: [$paul[(if: $kevin_identity_exposed is 3)[Valravyn](else:)[Fatal Requiem]. Great band...I guess, I don't really listen to them. To be honest, I only put those up because my...because someone I respect likes them. And my walls were boring anyway, and the posters were cheap so I wasn't out much, and...]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "===X=","===Y=")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Dresser")[(dialog: [(set: $dressed to 1)$paul[Generic t-shirt, generic slacks. Perfect for blending in. I never understood why anyone would want people looking at them, anyway.]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "=X===","===Y=")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Desk")[(dialog: [$paul[My computer desk, with my computer. This was a cutting edge gaming machine once upon a time. It doesn't seem worth it to upgrade when all I use it for now is writing papers and looking up weird facts.]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "=X=","======Y")[(align:"=><=")[[[Leave->Paul bounce]]]](set: $time to "7:04")You head downstairs to the breakfast table. The atmosphere is typical for the two-earner professional household: Hurried yet bucolic, pressured yet domestic. As usual, your parents have prepared everything for your arrival: Small glass of orange juice (pulp-free), little kid cereal with milk on the side, very nearly blackened toast.
"Did you phone go off this morning?" says your mother as she fetches the butter. "Who's calling before seven?"
$paul2["It was nothing. (if: $ignored_call is 1)[Probably Ken asking for something.](else:)[Just Ken asking for a favor.]"]
"Right, it's trivia season, huh?" Your father takes a few minutes for a word with you, as he does every morning. "What's the outlook on that?"
[["It's looking pretty good."->Paul02a]]
[["I'd really rather not talk about that."->Paul02b]]
[["...Oh yeah, Trivia Master IS coming up, huh?"->Paul02c]](if: $dressed is 1)[(goto: "Paul02")](else:)[(goto: "PND")]$paul[Where's my head? I need to get dressed first.]
[[Return->Paul room intro]]$paul2["It's looking pretty good. I mean, I guess. That's usually Ken's department, I just show up."]
"Give yourself more credit. The way we see it, it's your year."
$paul2["Yeah, I feel the same way."]
($statChange: 1,2)
[[Continue->Paul03]]$paul2["I'd really rather not talk about that. It's bad enough I have Ken on my back about this."]
"All right, sorry I even brought it up."
($statChange: 4,2)
[[Continue->Paul03]](if: $ignored_call is 1)[If Ken is calling you so early, then he probably has something he really wants to show you.](else:)[You tried to fob Ken off, but he's definitely expecting you to turn up early to show you his oh-so important research.] Odds are that he's at Northwest already, twiddling his thumbs and keeping an eye out for you.
Of course, there's no pressing need for //you// to leave right now...unless you're really curious, too.
[[Leave for school early->Paul03a]]
[[Let Ken wait->Paul03b]]$paul2["...Oh yeah, Trivia Master IS coming up, huh? Yeah, I'm sure we'll do fine."]
"Is that your way of saying you don't want to talk about it? Because everyone here knows that Ken has been talking about this for a good month."
$paul2["Yeah, but it's important to him. It's just something that I do."]
($statChange: 2,1)
[[Continue->Paul03]](set: $time to "7:18")(set: $left_early to 1)No one in Solace knows as much about the trivia circuit as Ken. If he was eager enough to call you so early, it must be important.
($statChange: 1,2)
[[Continue->Paul04]](set: $time to "7:36")Ken needs to learn patience, not to mention respect for boundaries. Waiting an extra fifteen or twenty minutes will do him some good.
($statChange: 2,1)
[[Continue->Paul04]](set: $pStat to $currStat)$paul[I always walk to school. My mom always says she'll drive me, but it's not that far. She probably thinks I'm being too considerate.
Truth is, I love my morning walk. It's one of the few times I get any real quiet.
Everyone has strong opinions about Solace. Most of the kids are dying to get out. I guess I am too, but I don't hate it here, it's just where I live. I never really understood why people feel this need to love where they live. Isn't it enough that you have what you need?
And then I get to Northwest. This place? I genuinely hate it. Where do we get all of this "best years of your life" crap from? High school blows. I'm counting the days until I put this hellhole behind me.(if: $antibully >0)[ Can I say anything good about Northwest? Well, I don't get my ass kicked on a daily basis anymore. That's what passes for good news - no overt violence.](else:)[ It's bad enough that I'm stuck in bully central without all of the other drama and nonsense I'm subjected to.]
At least there are some good people. Also some total scumbags. Trivia Master brings out plenty of both.
If I were lucky at all, I wouldn't run into any of these people today.]
[[He wasn't so lucky.->Story Select]] (set: $time to "5:50")You are lost in an early morning gaming session when your computer chirps. The data analysis program that you lovingly downloaded and correctly configured (you think) has completed its operations.
What you have is a probabilistic chart of topics, generated based on past patterns and current trends. With this, you can forecast the types of questions that will be asked and select a team accordingly.
$ken[It's so beautiful, the way that you're never surprised if you know the math. Paul will be so thrilled if...oh hell, what time is it? I can't call yet...he's not up for another hour. What can I do until then?]
[[Return to your games->Ken02a]]
[[Check up on some potential teammates->Ken02b]]$ken[Yeah, video games...that's good. We all love video games. Very relaxing. You know, the retro stuff is, ah...
...Who am I kidding? I'm too keyed up for this. I should get ready.]
($statChange: 2,1)
[[Continue->Ken room intro]]$ken[Naturally, such a masterful analysis would mean nothing if I didn't have similar metrics on prospective recruits, as well as potential opponents. Forewarned is forearmed.
Based on my flawless analysis, the strongest candidate for this year is...Aaron Bellamy.
Oh. Uh...of course, even a flawless analysis is not free of...
...Maybe I should just get ready.]
($statChange: 1,2)
[[Continue->Ken room intro]](set: $time to "6:18")$ken[(align:"=><=")[Welcome to my little corner of the world!]]
(float-box: "=X=","=Y===")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Bookshelves")[(dialog: [$ken[It's quite a collection I have in here. Popular science. Microhistory. World politics. Textbooks, references...poetry magazines, just in case it comes up one day. Anything can be important in life, and that's why library clearances and yard sales are such a blessing. You get so much for so little.(if: $aukland is 0)[(set: $aukland to 1) Oh, and there's the most important item - the latest copy of (text-colour:white)[Aukland's Unofficial]. Don't want to forget that today!]]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "==X=","==Y==")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Stereo")[(dialog: [$ken[(if: $legendary_album is 1)[I suppose you're wondering what I listen to while I analyze? Today, it's "Trust Issues" by Valravyn. Real local legends. (if: $kevin_identity_exposed >0)[You know, the frontman was this Northwest trivia legend. It's such an amazing story - I'll have to tell you someday.](else:)[You know, there's a rumor that the frontman was this Northwest trivia legend, but I think that's just gifted gossip.]](else:)[There's this old myth about classical music making you smarter. It's nonsense, of course, but house music...now that helps you focus nice and deep.]]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "=X==","==Y==")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Loft")[(dialog: [$ken[Bed on the top, space below - very efficient. Space enough for a laptop, printer, old-school TV/VCR combo for my old-school consoles, with plenty of room left over for books that I don't have room for in my shelves. Actually, the books are covering the desk...and my bed, come to think of it. Eh, I only sleep like four hours a day anyway.]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "===X=","===Y=")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Closet")[(dialog: [$ken[Okay, I have a bit of a storage crisis, but it's not my fault. If there were more old trivia competitions on YouTube, I wouldn't have to hold onto all of these VHS tapes. And the question books...come on, those aren't optional, at least not this time of year.]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "=X===","===Y=")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Dresser")[(dialog: [(set: $dressed to 1)$ken[Every morning, I look in this drawer, get reminded of how many t-shirts I have with 80s stuff on them, and it makes me laugh. Every. Single. Time.]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "=X=","======Y")[(align:"=><=")[(if: $dressed is 1)[[[Leave->Paul02]]](else:)[[[Leave->Ken bounce]]]]](if: $dressed is 1)[(goto: "Ken03")](else:)[(goto: "KND")]$ken[Oh yeah...clothes. Sorry about that, I know that no one wants to see more of] (text-colour:#e69529)[''this''] $ken[than they have to.]
[[Return->Ken room intro]] (set: $time to "6:26")It's unusual for you to reach the kitchen before your father - except, of course, during trivia season. For the next few weeks, early mornings will be the norm for you, as will some late nights. This is the one period where you turn into a devoted coffee quaffer.
It's another twenty minutes before you can call Paul, but you're not one to waste the time. There are a few more names of prospective teammates for whom you've collected contact information. Scott Carroll - a rare expert in the fine arts - is jumping out at you.
$ken[It is really early, but anyone worth his salt will be vying for Scott - I mean, those art questions throw everyone off. There could be people at Northwest ready to ambush him the second he enters the building and cut me off. Hmm...drama club kids get up early, right?]
[[Contact Scott->Ken03a]]
[[Put it on hold->Ken03b]](set: $contacted_scott to 1)$ken[I know - a text message. That won't upset anyone, right? It'll just be sitting there nice and quiet for him when he gets up. Let's see...]
(text-colour:#bafb79)[hey scott, this is ken greevey. want to chat about trivia master, u have time this morning? afternoon good too.]
$ken[Yeah, that won't bother him. Unless he sleeps with his phone right next to his head, I guess.]
($statChange: 1,3)
[[Continue->Ken04]]$ken[No, it's different. I mean, Paul's an old friend, it's cool if I call him. I'll just find Scott later.
...I mean, how many people could he know who are even doing Trivia Master?]
($statChange: 3,1)
[[Continue->Ken04]](set: $time to "6:34")"You about done using my phone, Ken?"
Unlike you, your father is a habitual early riser. He's not shocked to see you downstairs - this has become typical whenever you have a major project brewing. And nothing's more major than this.
$ken2["Um...yeah, just one more thing, then I'm done."]
"It's about time we got you one of your own, you know."
$ken2["They're a distraction. I can just use yours when I need it."]
"They probably have trivia apps."
$ken2["Apps are for drones. I just need to call people."]
Your father sighs. "You're not going to call Paul Liston this early? Son, you can't bother people like that."
[["I know, but this is a special case, right?"->Ken04a]]
[["I don't need the speech, dad."->Ken04b]]$ken2["I know, but this is a special case, right? He's a good friend, plus it's not like I do it all the time or anything."]
"Famous last words, Ken. Just don't be too much of a pest, okay?"
($statChange: 3,4)
[[Continue->Ken05]]$ken2["I don't need the speech, dad, I know how to treat people."]
"Fine, he's your friend. I hope you don't pull this attitude with him."
($statChange: 4,3)
[[Continue->Ken05]](set: $time to "6:48")$ken[Patience is perhaps not among my greatest virtues. My father always said that my effervescent energy keeps me from remaining in place for too long.
...But I still waited until after 6:45, and that should count for something.]
(link: "Call Paul")[(transition: "rumble")[//BUZZZZZZ.//]
(if: $ignored_call is 1)[$ken2[He's not picking up. Well, he wouldn't ignore me, and I know he's up...he must be in the shower or something. I'll see him at school.]](else-if: $hung_up is 1)[$paul2["Ken?"]
$ken2["Paul? I didn't wake you up, right? You told me you always get up at 6:45."]
$paul2["Approximately, Ken."]
$ken2["Oh. Well, when are you gonna be at Northwest? Because I've been crunching the numbers for the Trivia Master team, and we've got some serious tactical considerations to discuss."]
(text-colour:grey)[BEEP.]
$ken2["Paul? Hello?"
We must have been cut off. The cell coverage out here must be bad.]](else:)[$paul2["Ken?"]
$ken2["Paul? I didn't wake you up, right? You told me you always get up at 6:45."]
$paul2["Approximately, Ken."]
$ken2["Oh. Well, when are you gonna be at Northwest? Because I've been crunching the numbers for the Trivia Master team, and we've got some serious tactical considerations to discuss."]
$paul2["Ken, I really don't know when I'm gonna be there."]
$ken2["Could you make it a little bit early? Because seriously, I've got the magic here."]
$paul2["Fine, I'll set off a few minutes early."]
$ken2["Righteous! See you then."]]
[[Continue->Ken06]]](set: $time to "7:00")$ken[Another morning, another casual stroll through the heart of Solace. On mornings like this, I feel really lucky to live so close to Northwest.
You know, all day I hear people whine about Solace, but it suits me just fine. I mean, in this era of knowledge and technology, who cares where you live? I have everything I need. What, am I supposed to feel left out because they don't have celebrities or big concerts around here? Why is that so important?
Besides, Solace has its own history, and not just Trivia Master. Especially Trivia Master, though. It's a storied competition. (if: $aukland is 1)[It even gets a whole special section in (text-colour:white)[Aukland's], the official unofficial guide to American trivia.](else:)[It even gets a whole special section in...
...Oh shit, did I forget my copy of (text-colour:white)[Aukland's]? Of all the days...all that stuff's on their website, but their website doesn't have five months of my own personal notes in the margins.]]
[[Continue->Ken07]](set: $time to "7:23")The school is mostly empty when you arrive. The early hours are reserved for specific groups - athletes coming in from practice, the children of early-working single parents, children from packed houses fleeing for the relative tranquility of Northwest, and a few earnest souls who truly buy into the concept of school spirit and achievement.
$ken[In a more mundane period, I would not be among their ranks. But now that I have this data in my hands....oooooooh I can't stand still! I can't focus on anything else, I'm pacing all over and...MAN I hope Paul shows up soon.]
(if: $avoided_ken is 1)[[[Continue->Ken08]]](else-if: $avoided_ken is -1)[[[Continue->Ken08c]]](else:)[You spot one familiar face among the sparse crowd.
$ken[Come on...Aaron? Of all the days to run into that creep. Hmm...he hasn't seen me. I should just stand here, stare him down and let him see that the competition is unbowed. Of course, that'll make him angry. Of course, he's always angry anyway...]
[[Stay where you are->Ken07a]]
[[Try to avoid him->Ken07b]]](set: $avoided_aaron to -1)You adopt an imitation of a casual stance as Aaron passes. He barely looks at you, though you can hear him mutter something...
$aaron2["...Greevey."]
$ken[I wonder if that was all he said...or was there like a string of profanities before it? Whatever - it's over with now.]
($statChange: 4,2)
[[Continue->Ken08]](set: $avoided_aaron to 1)Discretion is the better part of valor. Hiding behind a wall because you're trying to avoid a conversation is perhaps less valorous.
$ken[I wasn't hiding! There was a poster down that side hall that looked like it was going to fall down, I was just checking the tape.]
($statChange: 2,4)
[[Continue->Ken08]](set: $time to "7:32", $ken_finished to 1)(set: $kStat to $currStat)$ken[All right, crowd's showing up. He's gotta be here, I'm sure of it.]
(if: $left_early is 1)[$ken[Oh, there he is! Yeah, I always knew that the nervous act was fake, he cares as much as I do. This is already going according to plan.]](else:)[$ken[...Where is he? Paaaaul why are you doing this? I've got all of this planned out...]]
[[But plans are meant to fail.->Story Select]](if: $spoke_to_ken is 1)[ou adopt an imitation of a casual stance as Aaron approaches, hoping he'll keep walking. He doesn't.
$aaron2["Morning, Kenneth."]
$ken2["Oh, hey, uh...hey Aaron."]
$aaron2["Getting ready for the competition?"] He flashes you an unsettling smile.
$ken2["Yeah, that's uh...you too?"]
$aaron2["Sure. I hear you're a favorite this year. Good luck...and see you in the finals."]
$ken2["Yeah...you too."]
With that, he walks away.
$ken[I bet that seemed normal to you, right? Just regular small talk, right? Not from him. You don't know Aaron, this is a tactic. What is he even planning...]
($statChange: 4,2)
[[Continue->Ken08]]](else:)[You adopt an imitation of a casual stance as Aaron passes. He barely looks at you, though you can hear him mutter something...
$aaron2["...Greevey."]
$ken[I wonder if that was all he said...or was there like a string of profanities before it? Whatever - it's over with now.]
($statChange: 4,2)
[[Continue->Ken08]]](set: $time to "7:20")$jane[Ugh, that goddamn dream again. That's the last time I take requests from anyone. "Erika, you should write a reverse harem with werewolves. Every girl's fantasy is to have four or five extremely hairy boyfriends." Well, not this girl's fantasy, it turns out.
Why do I have my alarm set so early? So pointless. I'll just snooze it a few times for today.]
[[Continue->Jane02]](set: $time to "7:22")As usual, you have ignored your alarm and elected to stay in bed. Your mother will likely be up shortly to wake you up in a more direct manner - that is, unless you show some initiative and get up of your own accord.
|1>[(link: "Get up")[(hide: ?1)(show: ?2)]
(link: "Stay in bed")[(hide: ?1)(show: ?3)]]|2)[$jane[No.]
[[Continue->Jane03]]]|3)[$jane[Good idea, think I'll do that.]
[[Continue->Jane03]]](set: $time to "7:26")(transition: "pulse")[KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.]
That's your mother trying to draw your attention to the time. It'll get louder if you ignore it, and eventually she'll come in.
$jane[Okay, here's the numbers: It's 12 minutes to get to Northwest. Before that, it's four minutes - tops - to get dressed and like six in the bathroom. Check the time - I've got ten minutes to spare, and I want to spend them here.]
[[Get up for real->Jane03a]]
[[Stay in bed for five more minutes->Jane03b]]$jane[Well, if you're all gonna gang up on me, I guess I'll get up.]
($statChange: 1,4)
[[Continue->Jane room intro]]$jane[So we're agreed. Five more minutes...]
(after: 1.5s)[(transition: "pulse")+(size:1.5)[KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.]
$jane[...Maybe not. All right, I'm up, I'm up.]
($statChange: 4,1)
[[Continue->Jane room intro]]]$jane[(align:"=><=")[Welcome to my hole in the wall.]]
(float-box: "=X=","=Y===")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Dresser")[(set: $dressed to 1)(dialog: [$jane[(if: $goth_world >0)[Black shirt, black jeans...better pass on the the spiked collar, but the coffin pendant should be fine.](else:)[Shirt with a logo of a place I don't remember visiting, yesterday's jeans, socks that are close enough to match - that's about what Northwest deserves.]]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "==X=","==Y==")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Bookshelf")[(dialog: [$jane[This thing used to be full of Beverly Clearly books. I kinda miss that. All I've got now are classic novels I'm supposed to want to read, weird gift books on being ladylike, and three-ring binders full of story drafts (What can I say? Erika Luxure likes writing longhand sometimes).]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "=X==","==Y==")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Posters")[(dialog: [$jane[(if: $kevin_identity_exposed is 3)[You heard of Valravyn? Of course I'm a fan, they're local - formed right here in Solace. Do you have any idea how rare it is fpr anyone cool to come out of middle-of-nowhere, southern Illinois? The story behind the band is kind of nuts, too - but I won't bore you.](else:)[You heard of Fatal Requiem? Yeah, everyone assumes I'm the boy band type. This is what I'm really into - heavy but also pretty. They're pretty local - they even played in Solace before they really blew up.(if: $kevin_joined_requiem is 1)[ Hell, they've even got a Solace guy playing with them now.] It's rare to have anyone cool come out of middle-of-nowhere, southern Illinois.]]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "===X=","===Y=")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Desk")[(dialog: [$jane[A neat and tidy desk for serious study sessions - yeah, right, I do my homework sprawled out on the floor. The desk is reserved for writing my side projects. I have a bit of a following online. Ever heard of "Erika Luxure"? That's me.]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "=X===","===Y=")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Vanity")[(dialog: [$jane[My mother's contribution to the room. It's a bona fide antique that she restored herself over many long hours, probably dreaming of the daughter who'd spend all evening in front of it brushing out her gorgeous auburn hair. Stringy mouse brown hair doesn't demand the same maintenance.]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "=X=","======Y")[(align:"=><=")[[[[Leave->Jane bounce]]]]](if: $dressed is 1 and $goth_world >0)[(goto: "JaneGoth")](else-if: $dressed is 1)[(goto: "Jane04")](else:)[(goto: "JND")](set: $time to "7:39")You swoop downstairs and grab a pack of Pop Tarts. As you're ripping open the foil, you hear a common refrain from the breakfast table:
"You're going to school like that?"
It's your mother, filing the usual complaint about your appearance. Your general prettiness (or lack thereof) has been a point of contention since you started high school.
$jane2["Mom, I don't have time for this discussion."]
(if: $goth_world >0)["I don't understand why a young woman would choose to style herself like that. The way you present yourself matters. You might not care, but other people do."](else:)["You would have time if you'd get up earlier. Jane, you're a young woman now, the way you present yourself matters. You might not care, but other people do."]
[["Hey, if I'm not pretty enough for you, it's your fault."->Jane04a]]
[["We'll do the makeup tutorial thing another day, all right?"->Jane04b]]$jane[Going to school wearing what I sleep in...tempting, but really not a statement I want to make right now.]
[[Return->Jane room intro]] $jane2["Hey, if I'm not pretty enough for you, it's your fault."]
"What did you say?"
$jane2["Your genes, beauty queen. If you wanna yell, we'll have time after school."]
($statChange: 4,3)
[[Continue->Jane05]]$jane2["We'll do the makeup tutorial thing another day, all right? I promise - you can do whatever you want to me and I won't squawk. Deal?"]
"Okay, but this isn't about me, Jane. It's for you."
$jane2["Sure. Later, mom."]
($statChange: 3,4)
[[Continue->Jane05]](set: $time to "7:42")$jane[Did that feel a little...I don't know, rehearsed? Yeah, we've had practice. It's a game she makes me play about once every other week. It doesn't matter what I say or do, we'll have that same conversation again and again until one of us dies.
At least I always have an easy out. The best part about walking to school? No forced awkward conversations.
I should say something about Solace. It's boring. Is that enough?
That's what everyone says. I think most of the kids around here want to go to the bigger cities to hit the bigger clubs. (if: $goth_world >0)[We do have an interesting local culture. Northwest is this regional hub for all of these subcultures, so that's pretty cool. If it wasn't for the savage small town rumor mill, I might even find it charming.](else:)[I'd be happy to meet someone who's not the usual insular small town type. I'd be thrilled to be away from the rumor mill.]
I wouldn't mind being away from Northwest - but who am I kidding? High school blows wherever you are. But Northwest has a quirk or two to make it worse.]
[[Continue->Jane06]](set: $time to "7:51")You (literally) bump into $title1 Marburg as you are making your final sprint into school. Unfortunately, the $title1 knows your parents well enough that every such encounter necessarily involves a conversation.
"Jane! Punctual as always, I see."
$jane2["Yeah, you know how it is. I gotta-"]
$title1 Marburg glances at a nearby poster - a student-made sign announcing that Trivia Master sign-ups are open. "Ah. I'm sure you noticed this, right?"
$jane[Ugggh this is where it starts. Cute at first, with the little suggestions and comments, then everyone's on my ass trying to get me to join their team. How do I deal with this?]
[["We're already doing that that? News to me."->Jane06a]]
[["Yeah, I know. I'm sure I'll end up joining."->Jane06b]]$jane2["We're already doing that that? News to me."]
"Hmm. Well, something to consider, right?"
$jane[Yeah, he didn't buy that. At least being in a hurry gives me an excuse to get out of THIS conversation.]
($statChange: 2,1)
[[Continue->Jane07]]$jane2["Yeah, I know. I'm sure I'll end up joining. If I find a team that suits me."]
"Well, we all look forward to that. I think you've got a real shot at the champs this year."
$jane[Lucky me.]
($statChange: 1,2)
[[Continue->Jane07]](set: $time to "7:54")$jane[You see? Timed out to perfection. I'm a very efficient person, not a minute wasted.]
(if: $left_early is 1)[(set: $jStat to $currStat)(set: $jane_finished to 1)$jane[Okay, the whole Trivia Master thing...it can make you a little twitchy. Some of these kids are bone fide freaks. But I'm sure I'll be okay.
Well, "sure" is strong, but I'll probably be okay. Most likely. I think.]
[[Nothing is ever that certain.->Story Select]]](else:)[$jane[...And then there's Paul. Oh, this is always awkward. I'd really hoped that his overeager friend would have distracted him, but...here he is. I have just enough time to avoid him...kind of a dick move, but otherwise I have to deal with him trying to flirt with me. Leading him on's mean too, right?]
[[Detour and avoid Paul->Jane07a]]
[[Walk right past him->Jane07b]]](set: $jStat to $currStat)(set: $jane_finished to 1, $avoided_paul to 1)$jane[Am I a bad person for doing this? I mean, you've been in a situation like this before, right?]
($statChange: 2,3)
$jane[Okay, the whole Trivia Master thing...it can make you a little twitchy. Some of these kids are bone fide freaks. But I'm sure I'll be okay.
Well, "sure" is strong, but I'll probably be okay. Most likely. I think.]
[[Nothing is ever that certain.->Story Select]](set: $jStat to $currStat)(set: $jane_finished to 1)$jane[Let's just think of this as a warm-up for a dozen other little incidents involving jittery geeks grilling me about trivia.]
($statChange: 3,2)
$jane[Okay, the whole Trivia Master thing...it can make you a little twitchy. Some of these kids are bone fide freaks. But I'm sure I'll be okay.
Well, "sure" is strong, but I'll probably be okay. Most likely. I think.]
[[Nothing is ever that certain.->Story Select]](after: 0.5s)[(t8n: "fade")[$aaron[At least you're honest about your stupidity. That's something, I guess.
Tell you what? I know you're at the controls, but why don't you let me call the shots? Let's see if you can do what you're told.]]]
(after: 2s)[[[Continue->Aaron02]]](after: 0.5s)[(t8n: "fade")[$aaron[Trying to kiss my ass? Flattery is absolutely pathetic.
Tell you what? I know you're at the controls, but why don't you let me call the shots? Let's see if you can do what you're told.]]]
(after: 2s)[[[Continue->Aaron02]]](after: 0.5s)[(t8n: "fade")[$aaron[Heh. So you're one of those funny anti-intellectual types? Stellar.
Tell you what? I know you're at the controls, but why don't you let me call the shots? Let's see if you can do what you're told.]]]
(after: 2s)[[[Continue->Aaron02]]](set: $time to "6:20")//CLICK.//
You cut off your alarm a moment before it sounds. It has never been more than a failsafe, a tool to ensure that being behind schedule is an impossibility.
Most of your classmates aren't so disciplined, but the extra time in the morning gives you a chance to get everything set up. You're always one step ahead of the game.
[[Continue->Aaron room intro]]$aaron[(align:"=><=")[Another day, another victory.]]
(float-box: "=X=","=Y===")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Shadowbox")[(dialog: [$aaron[A wall-mounted box to show off some of my achievements. It used to be in the living room, but my parents moved in it here. Maybe that was supposed to inspire me, but who needs it? As far as I'm concerned, these trophies and ribbons are a distraction. What you've done before isn't as important as what you do next.]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "==X=","==Y==")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Bookshelf")[(dialog: [$aaron[You were expecting the escapist garbage that Liston likes? Please. Modern science, world history, programming texts, plus a few literary classics. To my shame, I've only read about half of these, but I'm hoping to get caught up once trivia season has passed us again.]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "=X==","==Y==")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Display")[(dialog: [$aaron[This is my very first science fair exhibit, one that I put together when I was seven. It concerned the growth rate of plants under different circumstances. That was the first time I realized that, with the brainpower and the right tools, you can make the world better. I keep it as a reminder.]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "===X=","===Y=")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Chessboard")[(dialog: [$aaron[Actually, I'm not that good at chess, but then again I never really tried all that hard to master it. It's a really overrated game, one liked by fake intellectuals and people without real achievements.]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "=X===","===Y=")[(align:"=><=")[(link-repeat: "Dresser")[(set: $dressed to 1)(dialog: [$aaron[Fashion is such a waste of time. A clean, simple look - that's all anyone needs.]], "Return")]]]
(float-box: "=X=","======Y")[(align:"=><=")[[[Leave->Aaron bounce]]]](if: $dressed is 1)[(goto: "Aaron03")](else:)[(goto: "AND")]$aaron[I get that you're not the smartest, but even a broken bulb knows that you get dressed before leaving. Or do you struggle with that?]
[[Return->Aaron room intro]] (set: $time to "6:33")$aaron[Let's not leave yet. There's one more thing you should see.]
You open the door to your closet.
$aaron[This is where I keep all of my old time-wasters. Legos. Video games. Model sets. My old kiddie telescope. I know I should get rid of them, sell them off, but I can't bring myself to do it.]
There's a four-foot chart taped to the inside of the door, covered in pictures, sticky notes and scrawlings in some indecipherable code.
$aaron[I know what it all means. This is how I understand Northwest - Trivia Master, sure, but everything else, too. This is how everyone links up. I can look at this chart and immediately know who I can trust and who I can't.
All of that matters when I'm putting together a team. Sabotage is a real problem here. Sure, I'd like to work with friends, but it's far more important that I ''not'' work with anyone who might have a grudge. That's what I want to focus on.]
[[Find out who your friends are->Aaron03a]]
[[Find out who your enemies are->Aaron03b]](set: $defiance to it +1)Northwest isn't rich in trustworthy allies, particularly as it relates to Trivia Master. One name stands out: Brian Booker.
$aaron[My tactician. He's unbearable, which is why I'm glad I only have to deal with him once a year.]
($statChange: 3,4)
[[Continue->Aaron04]](set: $defiance to it -1)Northwest isn't a friendly school in the best of times, but the knives really come out during trivia season.
$aaron[It all centers on one name: Paul Liston. Don't let him fool you, he's not that neurotic. It's all an act, it's all a game. He only wants you to think he's a wimp.]
($statChange: 4,3)
[[Continue->Aaron04]](set: $time to "6:38")The living room is characteristically quiet. Your parents often depart even earlier than you do, leaving the house in your capable hands. The kitchen is relatively orderly, save the scattered remnants of the metro paper on the breakfast table. With the area clear, you have free reign to prepare your own breakfast: Hard-boiled eggs, toast with orange marmalade, skim milk and black tea.
$aaron[Protein, caffeine and calcium - all you need for the day. And look: There's a copy of] //Aukland's Unofficial Guide to Trivia and Trivia Competitions//$aaron[ right out on the counter. It's ridiculous that they still put out a print version of this, but hey - I won this one in a contest and I won't say no to anything like that. I could definitely afford to brush up on my trivia history.]
[[Flip through Aukland's Unofficial->Aaron04a]]
[[Read the comics->Aaron04b]](set: $defiance to it -1)$aaron[Unfamiliar, are we? This is a legendary publication. They started it all the way back in the 80s, back when no one gave a shit about this sort of thing. Now? That rich zealot Joshua Jameson has tried to buy it twice. Anyone else would have gone for the money, but these pure souls chose to remain unofficial.]
($statChange: 1,2)
[[Continue->Aaron05]](set: $defiance to it +1)$aaron[Okay, so I have a certain weakness for cheesy old newspaper comics being drawn by the grandkids of the creators. Everyone's allowed one escape, right? Don't get judgy.]
($statChange: 2,1)
[[Continue->Aaron05]](set: $time to "6:48")(transition: "rumble")[//BUZZZZZZ.//]
(after: 1s)[(transition: "rumble")[//BUZZZZZZ.//]
You scramble for your phone, which has started to rumble with a flurry of alerts. It's a wave of text messages, all coming from your teammate Brian Booker. You put him in charge of finding members of your team, and by the looks of things he's sending you thumbnail profiles on half of Northwest.
$aaron[This idiot would start to blow up my phone this early...I don't care how useful this is, there are limits. I need to shut this down.]
[[Acknowledge Brian's reports->Aaron05a]]
[[Tell him to knock it off->Aaron05b]]](set: $defiance to it +1)$aaron[It is important information...even so, we're going to have to have a discussion about how early he's doing this. I'm not the kind of wimp who's just going to deal with this nonsense.]
($statChange: 1,4)
[[Continue->Aaron06]](set: $defiance to it -1)$aaron[We'll deal with this at school, Booker. My home is my sanctuary.]
($statChange: 4,1)
[[Continue->Aaron06]](set: $time to "7:05")$aaron[My morning routine is all that keeps my head together. A good breakfast, some quiet reading time, and a refreshing walk - it's just enough to help me tolerate what comes next.
Solace, Illinois. Great things come from unexpected places sometimes. Sure, the place is a backwater, but it's a backwater that's incubated no shortage of great ideas and great thinkers. Trivia Master? That's just the flashy part. The researchers and engineers that make Jameson Enterprises work - the ones whose credit that dumb fundie Joshua steals? A lot of them come from Solace.
They survived the crucible. They made it through Northwest. Four years in hell.
I hate this school. (if: $goth_world >0 and $antibully >0)[This place is ruled by freaks who think that heavy mascara and nose rings makes then special and rebellious, but under it all they're the usual superstitious nitwits.](else-if: $goth_world >0)[Every day, I walk a gauntlet between self-important superstitious weirdos and dimwits who hurt each other for fun and profit.](else-if: $antibully >0)[Don't believe the lies about how safe it is - Northwest just has more cautious, underhanded bullies and thugs than most other schools.](else:)[It's me surrounded by the typical gathering of bullies, imbeciles, social climbers and cheap grifters.] The only thing getting me out of bed some mornings is the dream of, one day, looking down at all of these chumps. I'll be the one who wins this in the long run. I'll be the one to change it all.]
(if: $defiance >0)[[[Continue->Aaron06a]]](else:)[[[Continue->Aaron07]]](set: $time to "7:23")You've made a habit of showing up to school a little bit early. The stillness of a mostly empty building stands in sharp contrast to the chaos that comes when your typically reckless peers arrive.
(if: $avoided_aaron is 1)[$aaron[Every moment of silence is sacred. I'll take what I can get.
[[Continue->Aaron09]]]](else:)[$aaron[Sure, I avoided the worst of the popularity whores, but look who's here early...Ken Greevey, Liston's little hanger-on. The one person in this building who's more boring than Booker, and I have to bump into him.
He hasn't noticed me. I could always just detour and dodge him. Of course, some competitors might be tempted to size up their rivals a little bit...]
(if: $defiance <1)[[[March right past him->Aaron07a]]
[[Try to avoid him->Aaron07b]]]
(else:)[[[March right past him->Aaron07a]]]]$aaron[You know what? I've had enough of you. Either you can't follow advice or you're ignoring it just to piss me off. I'm taking over from here. Sit there and try to learn something from this.]
[[Continue->Aaron07]](set: $avoided_ken to -1)(if: $avoided_aaron is -1)[$aaron[He's got that doomed deer look right now. I could say something to break his spirits, but maybe it would be better to just blow him off.]
[[Make a point of snubbing him->Aaron07c]]](else:)[$aaron[Yeah, like I'm letting this loser change my trajectory. The question is, do I say anything?]
[[Make a point of snubbing him->Aaron07c]](if: $defiance <1)[
[[Offer some insincere chat->Aaron07d]]]](set: $avoided_ken to 1)$aaron[Greevey and Booker in one day? That's way too much. I can deal with Greevey later if I absolutely have to.]
($statChange: 2,4)
[[Continue->Aaron09]](set: $aStat to $currStat)(set: $aaron_finished to 1)$aaron[This is just the start. I'm predicting a long day, probably a week of long days. That first stretch when they start the signups is always brutal. So many tricky decisions, so many dumb questions from the neanderthals...so many tiny frustrations. But it'll all be worth it in the end.]
[[Or so he thinks.->Story Select]](set: $spoke_to_ken to -1)You brush by him, only muttering his name to acknowledge his existence.
$aaron[Sometimes, you say more when you say nothing.]
($statChange: 2,3)
[[Continue->Aaron09]](set: $spoke_to_ken to 1)You pause as you are passing Ken.
$aaron2["Morning, Kenneth."]
He seems dumbstruck, but manages to respond after a ponderous second. $ken2["Oh, hey, uh...hey Aaron."]
$aaron2["Getting ready for the competition?"]
$ken2["Yeah, that's uh...you too?"]
$aaron2["Sure. I hear you're a favorite this year. Good luck...and see you in the finals."]
$ken2["Yeah...you too."]
($statChange: 3,2)
[[Continue->Aaron09]](set: $currStat to $pStat, $currName to "Paul")(align:"=><=")+(size: 2)+(text-colour:#cd8c4c)[Scientia Potentia Est]
(align:"=><=")+(size: 0.8)[//Those blessed with intelligence are never powerless. These are the dramatis personae of our tale.//]
(align:"=><=")[Choose a story.]
(align:"=><=")+(size: 2)[[[Paul Liston->Paul05]]]
(align:"=><=")+(size: 0.8)[With the cast established, the protagonist resumes his tale.](if: $left_early is 1)[(set: $time to "7:33")](else:)[(set: $time to "7:49")]$paul[Northwest High. Most of the time, it's your typical crappy Midwest high school with all the usual features: Administrators who treat you like you're a menace, peers who make you suffer for their amusement, facilities that are just far enough out of date to make you feel like you're in another time.
Then Trivia Master starts up, and for about three weeks - the runup to the event and the show itself - things get both better and worse.
I won't lie: It's pretty cool that people treat me like I'm important. I get this real taste of popularity during those weeks. Everyone wants to talk to me, they're asking my opinion, trying to get this inside scoop into my world. It's wild.
But you know what? Being popular isn't always so great. Part of the school loves me. That's the part that's not in the mix, not competing. The other trivia kids? They take the place of the bullies, only they're worse. Your typical goon is just a bored sadist. The trivia kids? They're sadists with focus.]
(if: $left_early is 1)[[[Continue->PaulEarly]]](else:)[[[Continue->PaulLate]]]You arrive to Ken mechanically pacing back and forth. $ken2["There you are! (if: $ignored_call is 1)[(if: $kStat's 4th >=0)[Are you ignoring my calls now or what?](else:)[You missed my call. You slept late, right?]](else:)[I was really, //really// hoping you'd turn up earlier.] Well, forget about that. I've really outdone myself this year, Paul. I believe that I have found some absolutely perfect-"]
$paul2["Ken, can we talk about this at lunch? Class is starting soon."]
$ken2["You want me to wait three and a half more hours?"] He looks like he's about to explode.
$paul2["It's just because I trust your judgment, Ken. You can handle it from here."]
Ken instantly relaxes. $ken2[(if: $kStat's 1st >=0)["Okay, you're right...team selection is my job. We can talk about this later. Until then, I'll deal with the details."](else:)["Sure, team selection is my job. I, uh, guess I was hoping you would, I don't know...give your approval or something. That's okay, though, I'll handle the details."]]
(if: $avoided_paul is 1)[[[Continue->Paul06]]](else:)[[[Continue->PaulLate2]]]Ken greets you with an eagerness usually reserved for lovelorn border collies. (if: $ignored_call is 1)[$ken2["There you are! You never picked up. I was a little worried, to be honest. (if: $kStat's 4th >=0)[Are you ignoring my calls now or what?"](else:)[You...did just sleep through it, right?"]]
$paul2[(if: $krStat's 4th >=0)["I just missed it, Ken. And I'm here now, so let's see what you have."](else:)["Sure, Ken. But I knew that you'd have something to show me."]]](else:)[$ken2["There you are! You're not gonna believe this, but I was doubting you for a second."]
$paul2["That's all right, Ken. There's something you wanted to show me?"]]
Ken pulls a dense three-ring binder out of his bag. $ken2["I've really outdone myself this year, Paul. I believe that I have found some absolutely perfect teammates - people no one would suspect are top-tier competitors."]
He clearly wants you to look at his notes, but you aren't similarly motivated.
[["All right, show me what you have."->PaulE01]]
[["I trust your judgment, Ken. You can handle it from here."->PaulE02]]$paul2["All right, show me what you have."]
Ken grins maniacally as he throws open the binder. $ken2["Okay, this is my favorite. Scott Carroll."]
$paul2["...Drama club Scott Carroll? Drama kids don't do trivia."]
$ken2["But he's perfect! You know, one of the few places where we really stumble is fine arts. He'd be great!"]
$paul2["And you're convinced that you can get him?"]
$ken2["Sure. I mean...pretty sure."]
($statChange: 3,4)
[[Continue->PaulEarly2]]$paul2["I trust your judgment, Ken. You can handle it from here."]
Ken looks crestfallen. $ken2["I really thought you'd be into this. But you're right...team selection is my job. Leave it to me, pal, I got this."]
($statChange: 4,3)
[[Continue->PaulEarly2]](set: $time to "6:40")$paul[That's about as painless as conversations with Ken ever get. He gets so fixated when Trivia Master is on...I just can't talk to him. He's as bad as...
...No, that's not fair. No one's as bad as Aaron.
I hate being at school early. What's the point? You just end up hanging around empty rooms waiting for the normal kids to arrive. Damn, classrooms are creepy when there's no one else around. It's why I sit in the hall instead. Sitting inside...it's like one of those really mundane nightmares where you're scared and you don't know why.
I'll be talking to a therapist about this one day, I'm sure.]
[[Continue->Paul06]]As you're bolting away from Ken, you nearly run into another familiar party - Jane Anders.
$paul[Oh, shit. Look, I don't believe in soulmates or anything cheesy like that, but there are definitely people that you're supposed to be with, and Jane...well, we're a flawless match. Well, except that her friends hate me and her mom is hellbent on her dating some football star - but those are problems that can be overcome.
Also, my stomach drops out whenever we're close by and I only end up muttering, but, well...my parents say that it's natural for a young man to be nervous around girls at my age. It's just something I have to overcome.]
(if: $currStat's 4th >=0)[[[Say something->PaulL01]]](else:)[(link: "Say something")[(text-colour:orange)[You are paralyzed by your nerves!]]]
[[Let the opportunity slip you by->PaulL02]]$paul2["Hey, Jane. I-"]
(if: $jStat's 3rd is 2)[$jane2["Paul, I'm in a hurry. We can talk another time, right?"]
$paul2["Yeah...sorry for bothering you."]](else-if: $jStat's 3rd is 0)[$jane2["Clear out, Paul."]
$paul2["Oh, uh...sorry for bothering you."]](else:)[$jane2["Paul, I'm really not in the mood this morning."]
$paul2["I'm sorry. I'll see you later...I guess."]]
You sigh. $paul[Well, that technically could have gone worse.]
($statChange: 1,2)
[[Continue->Paul06]]$paul[God, I'm pathetic.
Well, at least I didn't humiliate myself in front of a crowd this time.]
($statChange: 2,1)
[[Continue->Paul06]](set: $time to "8:50")Classes pass slowly.
$paul[Of course, that's always true. It's merely a bit more painful this time of year.
I don't think I can sit here any longer. It's times like this I'm really grateful for the gifted program.]
Northwest's Gifted and Talented program offers alternative classes for high-achievers. It also offers a means of skipping class for anyone willing to lie boldly.
$paul[Not that I'd ever do that, of course. I mean, I could...]
[[Head to the gifted class as planned->PaulGifted]]
[[Do something else->PaulSkipping]]$paul[Look, it's too late for me to be the bad boy. I'm just glad I can still get out of a painful class when I have to - and I'd rather not risk that privilege by abusing it.
Fine, I'm a sap. Quite the bold protagonist, huh?]
($statChange: 1,2)
[[Continue->PaulG01]]$paul[I mean, it's not like I'm skipping class exactly. That implies that I'm leaving the building, which I'm clearly not.
I'm not good at excuses, am I? Well, I'm new.]
($statChange: 2,1)
[[Continue->PaulS01]](set: $time to "8:54")The gifted room for Northwest High also serves the nearby middle school. Despite hosting so many potential geniuses, it's seldom busy. Today is a notable exception. Not only is the room packed, but the doors are closed, an unusual thing for a space meant to be inviting.
$paul[Shit! They're probably doing last-minute preparations for Trivia Master. I always forget that Northwest Gifted runs the thing, and the younger kids are always part of it. They're probably going through the question books to make the lists right now. No way in hell they let me in with that going on.
I need to find something else to do, somewhere to go...what's close by?]
[[Head to the auditorium->Paul07a]]
[[Duck into an empty classroom->Paul07c]](set: $time to "8:54")The halls are totally empty.
$paul[This is even creepier than the empty rooms. I used to have this dream a lot, where I got held up at school and everyone left and then I was locked inside. I mean, it's liberating too - like I'm running the show for a change.
...I can't just stand around out here. I need to find someplace close by where I can hide out until the bell rings.]
[[Head to the auditorium->Paul07a]]
[[Head to the library->Paul07b]]Northwest High's auditorium is notably grandiose. It has, over the years, served as the community's main venue for all sorts of events, including some that draw people from all over the region. As such, it is far larger and better equipped than one would expect from the outside, with enough seating to classify as a "Broadway" theater.
$paul[Seriously, there are theaters in New York that aren't as nice as this one. It's baffling how Northwest can be terrible in so many ways, but then excel in very specific areas.
Not that I'm complaining. When you spend so much time in a room, it helps if it's a nice room - and I'm here a lot. If I'm not competing, I'm in the sound booth working the lights - they taught us how to do that, and I'm good at it. No one knows this room like me.
Truth is, I love this room. It's why I keep coming back to Trivia Master, even when I know it's madness. Thanks to Trivia Master, I get to take this stage and dominate the room, and people like me don't get a lot of chances to do that.]
($statChange: 1,2)
[[Continue->Paul08]]The Northwest library is quite standard for high school libraries, being a study space as much as anything. Stock is limited, perhaps because the community library isn't too far away.
$paul[Everyone knows the real reason why high schools have libraries. It's to give a certain kind of teenager a place to retreat. I've hidden in here enough times. Not from physical violence - that stops once they get pragmatic, once they figure out you can help them.
No, you're hiding from the world at large. You're hiding from the whole high school thing. From the high school bullshit. Yeah, I like the peace of it, I like the quiet and the lack of a crowd. But really? I feel like this room is someplace apart from the world outside.
...God, did I just skip out of a class to go to the library? I really am in a special category of geek.]
($statChange: 2,4)
[[Continue->Paul08]] This is an anonymous, effectively abandoned classroom. It's set up as though students will be here at any time, but the dust, the haphazard arrangement of furnishings and the bone-dry markets on the whiteboard all indicate disuse.
$paul[You see rooms like this now and then. In a better school, rooms get abandoned once the school expands - everyone moves into the bigger rooms and the smaller rooms are forgotten until they're needed. In Northwest? I can't imagine why you'd leave a room empty - unless it's for errant geeks in need of a respite.
I think they only use rooms like this when someone's in distress. I wonder how many teary conversations these walls have heard, or how many parent-child arguments.
Actually...someone left an old copy of] //Aukland's Unofficial// $paul[in here. A really old copy - 2004. You know, I think Northwest had a competitive team that year. Oh, who was that kid's name...started with a K? I'll ask Ken about it.]
[[Continue->Paul08]] (set: $time to "9:41")You wait until the bell rings and then make your way to your next class, where Aaron Bellamy is waiting. It's not his class and there's no legitimate reason for him to be there, but his cold little grin tells you everything you need to know.
$paul2["What are you doing here?"]
$aaron2[(if: $aStat's 2nd >=0)["That really none of your business, Paul. Do you grill everyone you see about what they're doing? You could afford to lighten up a little."](else:)["Waiting to have a word with someone. You seem very tense...paranoid. Not everyone's out to get you, you know."]]
$paul2[(if: $currStat's 4nd >=0)["You really expect me to believe that this is a coincidence, Aaron? Is this an ambush? Some psychological thing? It's not working."](else:)["Sure...right. I'm just gonna go to class now."]]
$aaron2["(if: $currStat's 4nd >=0)[There's no need to get aggressive. ](else:)[Then go ahead, I'm not stopping you. ](if: $aStat's 1st >=0)[I bet you're just tense over Trivia Master. A lot of kids get uptight over that. But you'll do great, probably make the finals this year. I have confidence in you.](else:)[Where is this tension coming from? It's Trivia Master, isn't it? Don't get too worked up - it's just a game in the end.]"]
$paul2[(if: $currStat's 1st >=0)["This game of yours isn't going to work. You can't get inside my head."](else:)["I don't care about Trivia Master. You're the one who's obsessed, playing these weird head games."]]
Aaron leans in closer, dropping his tone to a harsh whisper. $aaron2[(if: $aStat's 4th >=0)["This isn't a game, Paul. Trivia Master? It's irrelevant, it's dumb. But it's a chance to accomplish things, and that includes making ''this'' even. You know what you did and I won't stop until we're square, so you'd better step it up or you'll get stepped on."](else:)["Good luck, Paul. You're gonna need it. You'll need every edge you can get."]]
He starts to walk away, but pauses abruptly as if he'd just had a moment of insight.
$aaron2["This is what they want, Paul. They want to see blood. They want to hear the bones break. And I don't give a shit about them, but this time? I'll give them what they want."]
[[Continue->Paul09]](if: $password matches (p-ins: "WONDROUSDOORENTRY"))[(goto: "Bridge")](else-if: $password matches (p: (p-many: 17, alnum)))[{Password accepted.
(if: $password's 1st is "A" or "B" or "D" or "E" or "G" or "H" or "J")[(set: $kevin_identity_exposed to 1)]
(if: $password's 1st is "C" or "F" or "I" or "K")[(set: $kevin_identity_exposed to 0)]
(if: $password's 1st is "G" or "H" or "I")[(set: $kevin_joined_requiem to 1)]
(if: $password's 2nd is "R")[(set: $kevin_identity_exposed to 3, $valravyn_success to 2)]
(if: $password's 2nd is "Q")[(set: $kevin_identity_exposed to 2, $valravyn_success to 1)]
(if: $password's 3rd is "X")[(set: $legendary_album to 1)]
(if: $password's 9th is "A" or "B")[(set: $with_ellen to 1)]
(if: $password's 9th is "C" or "D")[(set: $with_ellen to -1)]
(if: $password's 12th is "S")[(set: $antibully to 1, $title1 to "Vice Principal")]
(if: $password's 12th is "T")[(set: $antibully to 2, $title1 to "Vice Principal")]
(if: $password's 13th is "X")[(set: $goth_world to 2)]
(if: $password's 13th is "G")[(set: $goth_world to 1)]
}
[[Begin->Solace]]](else:)[Invalid password.
[[Try another code->Begin the story]]
[[Start anyway->Solace]]]{(set: $time to "")
(if: $kevin_identity_exposed is 1)[
(if: $kevin_joined_requiem is 1)[(set: $e1 to "B")]
(else:)[(set: $e1 to "C")]
]
(else-if: $kevin_identity_exposed is 2)[
(if: $kevin_joined_requiem is 1)[(set: $e1 to "D")]
(else:)[(set: $e1 to "E")]
]
(else-if: $kevin_identity_exposed is 3)[
(if: $kevin_joined_requiem is 1)[(set: $e1 to "F")]
(else:)[(set: $e1 to "G")]
]
(else:)[
(if: $kevin_joined_requiem is 1)[(set: $e1 to "H")]
(else:)[(set: $e1 to "A")]
]
(if: $with_ellen is 1)[
(if: $legendary_album is 1)[(set: $e2 to "J")]
(else:)[(set: $e2 to "K")]
]
(else-if: $with_ellen is -1)[
(if: $legendary_album is 1)[(set: $e2 to "L")]
(else:)[(set: $e2 to "M")]
]
(else:)[
(if: $legendary_album is 1)[(set: $e2 to "N")]
(else:)[(set: $e2 to "A")]
]
(if: $goth_world is 1)[
(if: $antibully is 1)[(set: $e3 to "P")]
(else-if: $antibully is 2)[(set: $e3 to "Q")]
(else:)[(set: $e3 to "R")]
]
(else-if: $goth_world is 2)[
(if: $antibully is 1)[(set: $e3 to "S")]
(else-if: $antibully is 2)[(set: $e3 to "T")]
(else:)[(set: $e3 to "U")]
]
(else:)[
(if: $antibully is 1)[(set: $e3 to "V")]
(else-if: $antibully is 2)[(set: $e3 to "W")]
(else:)[(set: $e3 to "A")]
]
(set: $e4 to $currStat's 1st + 5)
(set: $e5 to $currStat's 2nd + 5)
(set: $e6 to $currStat's 3rd + 5)
(set: $e7 to $currStat's 4th + 5)
(set: $e8 to $kStat's 1st + 5)
(set: $e9 to $kStat's 2nd + 5)
(set: $e10 to $kStat's 3rd + 5)
(set: $e11 to $kStat's 4th + 5)
(set: $e12 to $jStat's 1st + 5)
(set: $e13 to $jStat's 2nd + 5)
(set: $e14 to $jStat's 3rd + 5)
(set: $e15 to $jStat's 4th + 5)
(set: $e16 to $aStat's 1st + 5)
(set: $e17 to $aStat's 2nd + 5)
(set: $e18 to $aStat's 3rd + 5)
(set: $e19 to $aStat's 4th + 5)}$paul[He's right, you know. It's just a goddamn trivia thing, there's no reason that it ever should have grown so important or so brutal. Trivia Master is like this because everyone wants it that way. Watching a bunch of tame geeks rip each other to shreds is too damn funny, too entertaining. And it'll never end.
I wish I could change this. I'll be lucky to survive it.]
(align:"=><=")+(size: 2)[Part I Complete]
''Here is your transfer code:''
(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[''$e1$e2$e3$e4$e5$e6$e7$e8$e9$e10$e11$e12$e13$e14$e15$e16$e17$e18$e19'']
''This will let you carry your current game state across to future chapters.''
[[Return to title->Title Screen]]
Stat debug(click-rerun: "Stat debug", (text-color:blue))[(dialog: [$currStat
$kStat
$jStat
$aStat])]$jane[Let me guess - you saw what I'm wearing and you figured I was a little too mellow? Yeah, I get that. You have to understand, Northwest has a really big gothic community (long story behind that), and I guess I fell into it a little bit.
So yeah, you see me sporting the black, you think I gotta be some eye-rolling snark queen right?]
[[Well, it's accurate.->JaneGoth01]]
[[I'm breaking the stereotype.->JaneGoth02]](text-colour:#f28df2)+(text-style: "smear")[My heart is a savage void from which joy and life cannot escape.]
$jane[Nah, I'm messing around. But I won't lie - the gear makes me feel a little bit edgier. Regular Jane wouldn't mouth off to a teacher, but goth Jane...wouldn't do it either, but she would write a really mean short story about that teacher later.]
($statChange: 4,3)
[[Continue->Jane04]]$jane[Look, clothes are just clothes. I wear what makes me comfortable - and occasionally what gives me an excuse to hang out with someone I've got a crush on. Some of these freaks are nice.]
[[Continue->Jane04]](text-colour:lime)[NEMESIS session complete. Exit protocol will now commence.]
(after: 1s)[(text-colour:lime)[Terminating neurophysical backlinks...]](after: 3s)[(text-colour:yellow)[Done.]]
(after: 3.5s)[(text-colour:lime)[Closing temporospatial connection...]](after: 5.5s)[(text-colour:yellow)[Done.]]
(after: 6s)[(text-colour:lime)[Logging technician sensory record...]](after: 8s)[(text-colour:yellow)[Done.]]
(after: 8.5s)[(text-colour:lime)[Thank you for your contribution. ]]
(after: 9.5s)[(go-to: "NEMESIS")](text-colour:lime)+(font: "Courier New")[NEMESIS Backend
Greetings, Technician J. Shen]
(text-colour:orange)+(font: "Courier New")[AA access authorized.]
(text-colour:grey)[Consult NEMESIS database]
(if: (visited: "Submit") is not true)[[[Secure communication->Submit]]](else:)[(text-colour:grey)[Secure communication]]
(text-colour:grey)[Nemesis email]
(text-colour:grey)[Lock screen]
(if: (visited: "Submit") is not true)[(text-colour:grey)[Log into Doorframe]](else:)[[[Log into Doorframe->Bridge Out]]]
(text-colour:grey)[Log out of NEMESIS]|1>[(text-colour:lime)+(font: "Courier New")[Other party is connecting...]]|2)[(text-colour:lime)+(font: "Courier New")[Connection established.]](after: 3s)[(show: ?2)(hide: ?1)]
(text-colour:cyan)[JENNIFER: Hello?]
|2)[(text-colour:green)[JEDEDIAH: Technician Shen, is there something wrong?]
(text-colour:cyan)[JENNIFER: Not at all, Dr. Dufresne.]
(text-colour:green)[JEDEDIAH: Then why are you logged out? The test isn't finished.
JEDEDIAH: Following protocols is very important, especially at this stage of the project. Dr. Jameson won't hesitate to remove you if you can't follow instructions to the letter.]
(text-colour:cyan)[JENNIFER: I'm sorry, I'll reconnect immediately.]
(text-colour:green)[JEDEDIAH: We can find a more suitable assignment for you if Doorframe doesn't suit you, but this is your current task. Please keep your head in the game.]
(text-colour:grey)[Jedediah has disconnected.]
[[Return->NEMESIS]]](text-colour:lime)[Identity authentication complete.]
(after: 1s)[(text-colour:lime)[Validating NEMESIS connection fidelity...]](after: 2s)[(text-colour:yellow)[Done.]]
(after: 3s)[(text-colour:lime)[Clearing Doorframe security protocols...]](after: 4s)[(text-colour:yellow)[Done.]]
(after: 5s)[(text-colour:lime)[Initiating neurophysical backlinks...]](after: 6s)[(text-colour:yellow)[Done.]]
(after: 7s)[(text-colour:lime)[You are now connected to NEMESIS. Test will begin shortly...]]
(after: 8s)[(go-to: "Title Screen")]