(text-style: "fade-in-out")[[[Start->Introduction]]]{(set: $tags to (passage:)'s tags)
(if: not ($tags contains "inventory"))[
(display: "fullfooter")]
(else:)[(display: "emptyfooter")]}(print:"
")
<div class="footer"><div class="twocolumn">(color: white)[Save game?]
(link:"Save to File A?")[(if:(save-game:"FileA"))[(color: white)[Game saved!]](else: )[(color: white)[Sorry, I couldn't save your game.]]]
(link:"Save to File B?")[(if:(save-game:"FileB"))[(color: white)[Game saved!]](else: )[(color: white)[Sorry, I couldn't save your game.]]]
(if: (savedgames:) contains "FileA" or "FileB")[(color: white)[Load game?]](else:)[ ]
(if: (savedgames:) contains "FileA")[(link: "Load File A.")[(load-game:"FileA")]](else:)[
]
(if: (savedgames:) contains "FileB")[(link: "Load File B.")[(load-game:"FileB")]](else:)[
]</div></div><div class="mesgnight">  "Let us go over the details again."
  "Okay."
(set: $time to 1)
  "You really are Detective Sniff Chewpaw - sorry, Dungeon Detective Sniff Chewpaw, famed for your powers of observation and keen sense of smell. And for being a gnoll."
  "Sniff keen, yes."
  "Now, you know I'll be able to tell if you're lying? I find this gnoll detective business a bit unbelievable."
  "Sniff understand devil have such power. But Sniff never lie about smelling."
  "Speaking of which, pardon my brimstone. On my name, Marathonis, Marquis of Elletor, I will honor you at your word. But tell me, most gnolls are loyal to their Cackle. Will I have to worry about interference in that regard?"
  "No, Sniff free agent. Runaway from his Cackle. Not seen other members in years. Spotmother maybe forgot Sniff? No matter - sleep easy lately."
  [["Now, about the case..."->The Case]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")]<script>$('tw-story').addClass('no-navigation')</script>(set: $items to (a:))(append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class="mesgnight">  The devil towers over you, a humble gnoll, with his horns included. He is a spindly creature wrapped in a fine suit of reddish brown scales. He sports a head like a goat but for his fangs eats more than grass, and he completes his countenance with a little beard that bounces up and down every time he opens his mouth. In the corner of the small room you've reserved he seems equal parts a menace and a curious work of art. In fact, he came unnanounced, which is somewhat rude, but at least he came to offer you a job.
  "Now, about the case..."
  One week ago, a bomb devastated the underground lair (hereafter referred to as a 'dungeon') of Tascania's local devil, a "hardworking soul siphoner and not at all like those layabouts from Dys who right and away classify themselves as exemplary but are in fact more comatose in their pursuits than the slugs sucking the floor beneath the River of Damned's Passing." The devil was not home at the time. Along with his dungeon and his things destroyed, many of the devil's minions were killed. International Dungeon Law prohibits the killing of minions without engaging them first. The local authorities refuse to investigate the matter for jurisdictional reasons - the space underneath the city sewers is not city property.
  "But the local magistrate is a friend - he's agreed to try the case if I can produce enough evidence. That's why I need your help. I'll pay one hundred drachs plus expenses invoiced in triplicate prior to the collection of the final sum, whereupon--"
  He notices that your mind has started to wander.
(set: $money to 5)
  "Overflowing pardons, for I cannot help but speak in my native language sometimes... Will you enter into contract with me?"
  [["Sniff agree."->Agree]]
  [["Sniff only take cases concerning beings from this dimension."->Disagree]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class =mesgnight>  "Sniff enter into contract."
  The devil seems overjoyed, clasping his carved obsidian claws together and flicking out his forked tongue.
  "Then it's settled! You, the gnoll Sniff Chewpaw and I, the devil Marathonis, are in now contract. Now, how many mortals can say they've entered into a contract with a devil where their soul isn't at stake?"
  "Sniff going to take that as promise."
  The devil nods and stands, rising up to his full height. You are roughly the size of a human, and so he stands several heads taller than you. His black, ribbed horns glisten in the candlelight. It would be easy to be intimidated, but, well, you tend to scare people too.
  "I shall locate myself across town. When you believe you have evidence adequate to take to the magistrate, come to the Slanted Oak alehouse at night and we'll discuss it. In addition to having the best rotbeer in town they also rent rooms and privacy booths."
  "You mean... rootbeer?"
  "No. What's that?"
  [["Nevermind."->Questions]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class = mesgnight>  "Sniff not take case... extra-dimensional beings always bring complications, also, tend to skip payment and disappear off face of earth."
  Marathonis appears deeply hurt by your words. His whip tail curls up and he shakes the tuft of hair at the end before he grumbles, "Devils honor their contracts as a requirement of their species. But fret not, you shall never see me again. Farewell, young one."
  The devil disappears in a brief flash of flame and the sounds of wailing lost souls, leaving only you and the dark, quiet inn room.
  [[Go back to bed.->Game Over]]</div></div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $beast is 1)[(set: $typewriterText to "The Wetbeast has caught you. It drags you deeper than the oldest sewer, below the constructions of civilization where caverns meet the sea and pelagic unspeakables freely ooze in and out.
There are worse things than being eaten, which you will find out when the Wetbeast plumbs your mind for your deepest fears.
Your Game is Over.
")<center><img src="https://i.imgur.com/fLNvRrR.gif"></center>](else-if: $wisp is 1)[(set: $typewriterText to "Sniff has perished, or something worse.
The silver hallway has claimed another victim, and the wisp has taken
what it was seeking.
Your Game is Over.
"
)<center><img src="https://i.imgur.com/fLNvRrR.gif"></center>](else-if: $chest is 1)[(set: $typewriterText to "For all your struggling, you cannot extricate yourself from the strength and pull of the chest.
It eats you, devours you whole, and for countless years after the fact, sits in that fleshy room waiting for another.
Your Game is Over.
")<center><img src="https://i.imgur.com/fLNvRrR.gif"></center>](else:)[(set: $typewriterText to "That didn't go anywhere, now did it?
One supposes you aren't interested in adventures, mysteries, or the like?
Unfortunately, without anything to investigate, the Game is Over.
"
)]{
(set: $typewriterPos to 1)
|typewriterOutput>[]
(live: 20ms)[
(append: ?typewriterOutput)[(print: $typewriterText's $typewriterPos)]
(set: $typewriterPos to it + 1)
(if: $typewriterPos is $typewriterText's length + 1)[(stop:)
<center>(link: "Title")[(reload:)]</center>
(print:"
")
<center>(link: "Quit")[<script>window.close()</script>]</center>
]
]
}
<script>$('tw-story').removeClass('no-navigation')</script><div class="mesgday">  After the devil disappears, you go back to sleep. You paid for a bed for the night and you're going to lie in it. But sleep dances along in front of you mischievous as a schoolchild, evading its place in the night hours and instead occupying you with the fancies and fantasies of the details of the case. In the morning, you take stock of your possessions, wash your paws in the bucket in the corner, and take a moment to spy your reflection in the water.
  Yes, you're still Sniff, a rough dun-furred gnoll with a mantle of blackbrown spots draped over your neck and shoulders and down your back. A mane of hair the color of a greasespot sits between your rounded ears. You're not an enormous gnoll like some of your brethren, rather, you are roughly the size and shape of a human, if a bit more bent and blocky. But whose business is it to decide whether humanoids are animals or not?
  You are in your eighteenth Spring, and thanks to years of humble case solving you've gained a bit more fame. People are starting to recognize you from the papers. You're a Dungeon Detective, the only one as far as you know. Most upstanding agents of the law don't bother with the grievances of non-humanoid entities, and so you specialize in them. Liches with pilfered mausoleums, dragons with emptied caves, vampires whose castles have been despoiled by sunlight and crusading adventurers alike.
  You are currently renting a room at The Colonial, a small tavern and inn located in the heart of Tascania, the grand trade city that sits on the winding Sine River. Generally, your investigations involve collecting clues and locating possible witnesses to help you discern suspects. You can do that, can't you?
(set: $time to 0)
  Time to get started.
  [[Head downstairs.->The Colonial Inn]]</div>[(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")]](if: $checking is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Drachs: (print: $money)->Drachs]]", "[[Emergency Dagger]]"))](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  The Colonial Inn suffers from a lack of cleanliness, likely as a result of its locale. Centertown is the densest part of the city, with a glut of shops, grifters, criminals, and everything in between. Just because you have a few drachs to rub together doesn't mean you've gotten it in your head not to be frugal.
(set: $checking to 0)
  Besides the rooms upstairs, this large room is the only other place to spend time. There's a small kitchen off to the side, a bar, and tables and chairs arranged haphazardly. There's barely anyone here in the room, which is typical of taverns during the day.
  There's a bearded innkeep in a filthy smock, listening to a half-orc drone on about the different types of clubs.
(if: $sil1 is 0)[
  You can also see a silver-haired woman sitting alone with a bowl of porridge.
]
  [[Talk to innkeep and orc.->InnOrc]]
(if: $sil1 is 0)[
  [[Talk to silver-haired woman.->Silwom]]
]
  [[Return to your room.->YourRoom]]
  [[Leave the inn.->Cordonne Street]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  The Colonial Inn suffers from a lack of cleanliness, likely as a result of its locale. Centertown is the densest part of the city, with a glut of shops, grifters, criminals, and everything in between. Just because you have a few drachs to rub together doesn't mean you've gotten it in your head not to be frugal.
(set: $checking to 0)
  Besides the rooms upstairs, this large room is the only other place to spend time. There's a small kitchen off to the side, a bar, and tables and chairs arranged haphazardly. Crowds of people have filled the place to the brim, and you can barely pass between them without someone spilling a drink on you.
  In one corner, a stout dwarf woman with a braid thicker than your arm. She's watching the place with a harsh frown.
  [[Talk to the watchful dwarf.->Dwarfwo]]
  [[Return to your room.->YourRoom]]
  [[Leave the inn.->Cordonne Street]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  As you approach the orc and the innkeeper, you can better make out their conversation.
  The orc is the only one talking - his tusks drip with saliva as he slurs over his words. He's resting his elbow on the counter where the innkeeper is seated, a small, grey-mustachiod man in a tanned leather vest.
  "...bamboo club - no good, better spear, iron club, heavy, steel club - every blacksmith's first sword - let's see, oh, oh, club with nail, good, favorite, maybe best..."
  [["What about fire club?"->Orctalk]]
  [["Devil visited Sniff. Many devil in Tascania?"->InnOrcD]]
  [[Slowly back away.->The Colonial Inn]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  You approach the silver-haired woman and she looks up from her porridge and offers you a place to sit. Her lips are painted blue, and her bright blue eyes seem to radiate warmth. Upon closer inspection she appears to be wearing a surcoat with a crest like a red star. Underneath this is a chainmail hauberk.
  "Good morning. The sun is radiating so sweetly today. You have a curious look about you - are you inquisiting everyone in the inn?"
  [["Sniff have questions..."->Silqu1]]
  [["Thought you someone else."->The Colonial Inn]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class=mesgday>  Your room is the same as you left it - a hovel consisting of a paliasse, a stool, and a bucket of water. There's a half-melted candle sitting in a tin dish, and since you were raised in a clearing next to a cave, the bed isn't made.
  The sun pours in through the gaps in the wooden slats covering the window.
(set: $times to $times+1)(if: $times is >=5)[(if: $spg is 0)[
  To your surprise, there is a small pouch of coins sitting on the stool. A scrap of paper tied to the bag with string bears a paw print with an 'x' in the center pad. This is your clan's symbol. A gift, courtesy of the Spotmother? (set: $money to $money+5)(set: $items to $items)(set: $spg to 1)
]]
  [[Nap until night time.->Night]]
  [[Head downstairs.->The Colonial Inn]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class=mesgnight>  Your room is the same as you left it - a hovel consisting of a paliasse, a stool, and a bucket of water. There's a half-melted candle sitting in a tin dish, and since you were raised in a clearing next to a cave, the bed isn't made.
  Moonbeams dance on the floor as trees rustle outside the window.
(set: $times to $times+1)(if: $times is >=5)[(if: $spg is 0)[
  To your surprise, there is a small pouch of coins sitting on the stool. A scrap of paper tied to the bag with string bears a paw print with an 'x' in the center pad. This is your clan's symbol. A gift, courtesy of the Spotmother? (set: $money to $money+5)(set: $items to $items)(set: $spg to 1)
]]
  [[Sleep until morning.->Day]]
  [[Head downstairs.->The Colonial Inn]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  Detecting is hard work. Thankfully, you nap like a cat.
  You have a dream about (either: "your mane being carefully brushed out. It feels incredible.", "the true culprit of the crime, the person you've been seeking, the one you need to bring to justice, but when the dream ends you don't remember anything about it.", "getting things from the high shelf for a halfling.", "being trapped between a shifting wall trap, deep beneath the ground. Just as you begin to feel constricted, you wake up, wrapped tightly in your blanket.")
(set: $gcapblock to 0)
  [[Awaken.->YourRoom]](set: $time to 1)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  It's time to sleep.
  You have a dream about (either: "the Spotmother singing you a soothing lullaby.","a world in which gnolls are everywhere, populating cities and towns, and you are a human detective.", "an old dragon taking you to his shop where he shows you his gold miniatures. He says he uses them to play pretend. One of them looks like you.", "your friend, Rotha, reading to you in a library. The bright kobold girl says you'll be able to read too someday.", "a pie eating competition, but you have to bake them yourself. Yours falls apart in the oven." )
(set: $jugtomorrow to 0)
  [[Awaken.->YourRoom]](set: $time to 0)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  The dwarf woman doesn't appear too willing to engage in conversation, and when she does glance at you and her folded arms tighten slightly. There are scars on her forehead and the subtlest of reddish whiskers decorating her face.
  "Help you?" she asks in a brogue as rich as stout on tap.
  [["What doing?"->DwarfWD]]
  [["Sniff detective. Hear about dungeon bombing?"->DwarfBomb1]](if: $perfumeget is 1)[
  [["Recognize this perfume?"->DwarfP]]]
  [["No, ma'am."->The Colonial Inn]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  The sun arches in the air like a thrown discus. Though you are a learned gnoll who has listened to many lectures and learned many things, you still prefer the forest to the city. The forest has signs you can read - the city has signs you can't.
  Cordonne Street is busy and bustling this time of day, with vendors pushing carts over the dirty cobblestones toward the market square nearby and riders delicately winding their horses through the crowds. A fair number of passers-by stare at you with bewildered expressions bordering on fear, and still others ignore you completely. To the south lies Leorgine Street.
  [[Enter The Colonial Inn.->The Colonial Inn]]
  [[Head toward Market Square.->Market Square]]
  [[Make your way toward Leorgine Street.->Leorgine Street]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  Cordonne street at night is not particularly crowded, and the wide thoroughfare feels lonely. The houses are all aglow, light and sound wafting from the windows. The Colonial Inn exudes an uproarious din of laughter and uncouth hollering, indicating the presence of a large crowd inside.
  Besides you, the occasional citizen paces down the street. Many people wear cloaks to stave off the evening cold, but your thick fur provides adequate protection and warmth. Fur, one. Skin, zero.
  [[Enter The Colonial Inn.->The Colonial Inn]]
  [[Head toward Market Square.->Market Square]]
  [[Make your way toward Leorgine Street.->Leorgine Street]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  Sheepishly you ask, "what doing?"
  One of her bushy eyebrows raise and her red apple cheeks rise in a half-smile.
  "D'ya think I'm doing, dogface? I'm the bouncer, ona these louts finds it fit ta throw a punch, I knocks 'em out. Fine exercise, that."
  [["Sniff detective. Hear about dungeon bombing?"->DwarfBomb1]]
  [["Just curious."->The Colonial Inn]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff detective. Hear about dungeon bombing?"
  "Aye, terrible that. Can't nobody live in peace without someone muckin' it all up. Way I see it, only souls that ol' Marty ever took were deservin' ta be taken!"
  "Marty?"
  "Aye, s'what his friends call 'im. Marathonis, see? Oh 'e comes ta enjoy a good drink like anyone else. Right honorable fellow, never tricks an honest man. 'e 'as a lot of friends at the 'ouse of Chess in Market Square. 'Course, ya'd better not go if ya expect ta win a game."
  [["Sniff have money for more information on bombing..."->DwarfBribe]]
  [["Thanks for time."->The Colonial Inn]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  The woman politely stops eating her porridge, though the bowl is almost empty.
  "My name is Ardia Malker. I am a Paladin of the Red Star. Of my many oaths, I am sworn to help those in need. Ask your questions, dear."
(set: $silmet to 1)
  "Me Sniff; gnoll, not deer. Detective. Case underway..."
  [["You hear about bombing? Know anything?"->Silbm1]]
  [["Beg pardon, Sniff left candle burning."->The Colonial Inn]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "You hear about bombing? Know anything?"
  Ardia nods, "I arrived here two days hence and it was all the locals spoke of. They say the explosion shook the earth. Though I have never met a devil before, and I am sworn to oppose them, I have heard nothing but good things about the dungeon's devil owner. Can you imagine?
  "Sniff imagine," you say, chewing on the edge of your paw in reaction to a sudden itch.
  "Perhaps it was another holy warrior who did the deed? But, I admit, even I would be given pause by this devil's glowing reputation."
  "Maybe holy, maybe unholy," comes your non-committing reply.
  [["What paladin?"->Silpl]]
  [["Beg pardon, Sniff left candle burning."->The Colonial Inn]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  Cats are curious even when it's said to kill them. Many don't know that gnolls are, if not more curious, then at least equally as curious as cats.
  "What paladin?" comes your next question.
  Ardia smiles patiently and raises a finger as she says, "that's 'a' paladin, dear. Well, they are honorable, virtuous, and seek to stamp out evil in all its forms... I am on a pilgrimage to accomplish this. There are many evils in a dense city like Tascania. I am on the trail of one..."
  Suddenly she stands and the large scabbard on her back thumps audibly.
  "Thank you for the breakfast conversation, but I must continue following the trail of the evil I hunt. We both have a long day of work ahead of us, don't we? Perhaps you'll see me taking in the sun somewhere. Take care of yourself, dear."
(set: $sil1 to 1)
  [["Sniff. Er, see you."->The Colonial Inn]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "What about fire club?"
  "Fire club!" the orc roars, slamming his fist on the table, "explain yourself!"
  "Okay - take club, wood club, add pitch, add fire... club now fire club."
  "Fool! That's a torch!"
  [["Sniff concede."->The Colonial Inn]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class="inventory">  Coin of the realm. There's a profile of an elf embossed on surface, and on the other side, a laurel.
(set: $checking to 1)
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s last)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your bag...](set: $checking to 0)(if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  Market Square is awash in a sea of people, so many that you can easily hide amidst the crowd and few notice you. Here there are orcs, strange elves with curved ears, and other humanoids normally frowned upon by genteel society for their appearance and their spurious stereotypes. Like gnolls, they seem at home in the throngs of citizens shouting prices and orders and hawking their goods like they'll turn to dust in the next minute.
  A faint smell of fish and the river drifts among the scents of freshly baked breads and pasties, and the smoke of grilled meat from carts and booths dotting the open plaza. Overhead, strings of multicolored pennants dance in the cool breeze from the east, and underfoot are baskets of legumes and rice, and piles of spices in dishes surrounded by buyers negotiating prices with ice in their veins. (if: $noaz is 1 and $hdln is 0)[
You notice a peddler leaning lazily against her cart displaying lanterns of all kinds. Such things could benefit a dungeon detective.]
  Near an open space in the crowd a short, fat elf in a motley suit of green and yellow juggles colored balls to the delight of citizens seeking a moment's respite from the throngs of jostling buyers. An open case full of drachs sits before him, and occasionally someone tosses another one in.(if: $noaz is 1 and $hdln is 0)[
  [[Purchase a lantern.]]]
  [[Approach the juggler.->Juggler]]
  [[Go to the Riverside Docks.->Riverside Docks]]
(if: $necklaceget is 0)[  [[Walk to Cordonne Street.->NeckGet]]](else-if: $necklaceget is 1)[  [[Walk to Cordonne Street.->Cordonne Street]]]](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  With the moon in the sky there is little to do in Market Square, unless you're looking to buy cider or cold meat left over from the day's commerce. Merchants are packing up their booths en masse, and only a scattered few customers mill around, looking to spend their precious coins for a few scant moments of retail bliss before the day is truly done.
  From over a row of buildings, the scent of river air drifts to you and you can even hear the sound of the water moving along its earthly line. Ship's bells chime like sorrowful wailing spirits in the night.
  The only building still alive with light and sound is the House of Chess, a game house whose purpose you are only able to divine after scrutinizing the white and black queen pieces displayed on the sign. Laughter and music spills out of the doorway as customers enter and leave in groups or alone. Outside, women in full-length skirts with elaborate embroidery and lace beckon to passers-by with siren calls of 'double your money' and 'the game of kings.'
  [[Enter the House of Chess.->House of Chess]]
  [[Go to the Riverside Docks.->Riverside Docks]]
  [[Walk to Cordonne Street.->Cordonne Street]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  Leorgine street is two blocks south of Cordonne Street, branching off from rough cobblestones to carefully carved bricks and into a more affluent area mostly comprised of homes with wood frames, lily white plaster, and quaint windowboxes full of flowers. You're no longer in the Centertown district. Along the street grow stately lines of apple trees with ripe fruit picked by young children and their fair mothers.
  The safe and comfortable neighborhood reminds you of idyllic villages in the countryside more than it does the densely populated city it is part of. A gnoll like you feels completely out of place in an area settled almost exclusively by picturesque humans. Perhaps your alienation is for the best. Isn't this the sort of deep-pocketed place people beg for money?(if: $offered is 0)[
  [[A child points at you. "Devil!" he shouts.->ChD]]]
  [[Beg for money.->Beg]]
(set: $checking to 0)
  [[Head to Cordonne Street.->Cordonne Street]]
  [[Proceed to South Leorgine Street.->South Leorgine Street]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  Leorgine street is two blocks south of Cordonne Street. As you walk it, you can feel the area growing richer under your feet as the stones go from cobble to carved and inlaid. You're no longer in the Centertown district. Even in the shadow of night, the houses in this affluent neighborhood glow, their white plaster reflecting innumerable magelights sitting high on beautiful carved pillars with decorated with cherubs.
  And yet, with all this heatless exterior light, you feel that any sense of safety is precluded by the shuttered windows greedily keeping the warmths and comforts of these homes hidden away. This street, once full of children playing and friendly passers by, is utterly abandoned at night.
  You can continue, if you like, to South Leorgine Street. Follow the lines of apple trees stirred by soft evening winds until you reach it.
  [[Head to Cordonne Street.->Cordonne Street]]
  [[Proceed to South Leorgine Street.->South Leorgine Street]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  The concept of begging was foreign to you before you set foot into a city. Everything you ever had was either given to your by your clan or foraged in the wild. Now that you spend a good deal of time in cities, the idea of holding out your hand and being given money is captivating. It can't really work like that, can it?
  You decide to try it.(if: $checking is 0)[
  (either: "The city guard comes along and puts you in irons for panhandling. Given that there are a dozen other beggars on the street you conclude the arrest to be at least partially species motivated.
  Perhaps you should have quit while you were ahead.
  [[Go directly to jail.->Gaol]]" , "A gentle-eyed old man places a drach in your paw.(set: $money to $money+1)[(set: $items to $items)]
  [[Quit begging.->Leorgine Street]]
  [[Continue begging.->Beg1]]", "A fussy young woman drops a drach in your paw after studying you for some time.(set: $money to $money+1)[(set: $items to $items)]
  [[Quit begging.->Leorgine Street]]
  [[Continue begging.->Beg1]]", "Two children ask their mother if they can give the dog some money for dog food. She obliges, but as they leave she goes on a diatribe about the fact that hyenas are not canines. They're gone before you can tell them you aren't a hyena.(set: $money to $money+1)[(set: $items to $items)]
  [[Quit begging.->Leorgine Street]]
  [[Continue begging.->Beg1]]", "Two children ask their mother if they can give the dog some money for dog food. She obliges, but as they leave she goes on a diatribe about the fact that hyenas are not canines. They're gone before you can tell them you aren't a hyena.(set: $money to $money+1)[(set: $items to $items)]
  [[Quit begging.->Leorgine Street]]
  [[Continue begging.->Beg1]]","The city watch comes along and puts you in irons for panhandling. Given that there are a dozen other beggars on the street you conclude the arrest to be at least partially species motivated.
  Perhaps you should have quit while you were ahead.
  [[Go to jail.->Gaol]]" )]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're busy begging...
]<div class =mesgday>  The gruff, silver-salleted authorities drag you to the gaol without offering a chance for you to explain yourself - or searching you. The white brick building is small and cramped and adjoins a guard station on a quiet side street. From outside you can see the high, barred windows and little else.
  Once inside, the guards take down your name, then write down the details of the crime of which you are accused - or so you think, since they explain that's what they're doing. Then they throw you behind a thick iron door with a small slot.(if: $gnollfree is 0)[
  Immediately you notice the presence of another prisoner, a gnoll, crouched in the dusty corner on a bench jutting out of the wall and attached with chains. This gnoll is unlike you - he is large, broad shouldered, and his clothing is marked with tears and scratches from fights - just like his fur and ears. Dark brown fur and black spots cover him beneath his frayed tunic and clunky iron armor. He is picking his teeth with a claw and doesn't once look up.
  [["Sniff greet. Great surprise seeing gnoll. Who you? What clan?"->GnoJ1]]]
  [[Wait until the guards check on you.->GuardCh1]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $checking is 0)[<div class=mesgday>  (either: "The city guard comes along and puts you in irons for panhandling. Given that there are a dozen other beggars on the street you conclude the arrest to be at least partially species motivated.
  Perhaps you should have quit while you were ahead.
  [[Go directly to jail.->Gaol]]" , "A gentle-eyed old man places a drach in your paw.(set: $money to $money+1)[(set: $items to $items)]
  [[Quit begging.->Leorgine Street]]
  [[Continue begging.->Beg1]]", "A fussy young woman drops a drach in your paw after studying you for some time.(set: $money to $money+1)[(set: $items to $items)]
  [[Quit begging.->Leorgine Street]]
  [[Continue begging.->Beg1]]", "Two children ask their mother if they can give the dog some money for dog food. She obliges, but as they leave she goes on a diatribe about the fact that hyenas are not canines. They're gone before you can tell them you aren't a hyena.(set: $money to $money+1)[(set: $items to $items)]
  [[Quit begging.->Leorgine Street]]
  [[Continue begging.->Beg1]]", "Two children ask their mother if they can give the dog some money for dog food. She obliges, but as they leave she goes on a diatribe about the fact that hyenas are not canines. They're gone before you can tell them you aren't a hyena.(set: $money to $money+1)[(set: $items to $items)]
  [[Quit begging.->Leorgine Street]]
  [[Continue begging.->Beg1]]","The city watch comes along and puts you in irons for panhandling. Given that there are a dozen other beggars on the street you conclude the arrest to be at least partially species motivated.
  Perhaps you should have quit while you were ahead.
  [[Go directly to jail.->Gaol]]" )</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're busy begging...
](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  The Slanted Oak. The interior of this brick and plaster building is more welcoming than its branch-clutched outside, the facade of which had unsettled you. Now you are surrounded by something resembling a real tavern - comfortably well-populated, full of songs and smiles, candles and comfits. Banners hang proudly on the wall, their meaning unknown to you.
  Even in daytime the benches are lined by sailors well into their drinks, waited on by bar maids in tiered skirts and milk white blouses. They weave carefully around customers and the wood pillars holding up the low ceiling. Occasionally one of them steals away upstairs with an order of food or drink.
  The bar serves all manner of medicaments for the throat and thereby the soul. Behind the bartender are an array of silver tankards decorated with images of oak trees.
  [[Talk to a bar maid.->Barm]]
  [[Purchase a drink of milk.->Milk]]
  [[Go upstairs.->Upst]]
  [[Leave to the Riverside Docks.->Riverside Docks]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  The Slanted Oak. The interior of this brick and plaster building is more welcoming than its branch-clutched outside, the facade of which had unsettled you. Now you are surrounded by something resembling a real tavern - comfortably well-populated, full of songs and smiles, candles and comfits. Banners hang proudly on the wall, their meaning unknown to you.
  As it's well into evening, the sailors and shoremen have begun to grow rowdy, and bar maids break up fights by putting the combatants in holds that immobilize and pacify before throwing them out for the night. The hearth crackles pitilessly, reflecting shadows into a stairwell in the corner.
  The bar serves all manner of medicaments for the throat and thereby the soul. Behind the bartender are an array of silver tankards decorated with images of oak trees.
  [[Talk to a bar maid.->Barm]]
  [[Purchase a drink of milk.->Milk]]
  [[Go upstairs.->Upst]]
  [[Leave to the Riverside Docks.->Riverside Docks]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class =mesgday>  "Sniff greet. Great surprise seeing gnoll. Who you? What clan?"
  The gnoll in the corner rears his head up. His teeth jut upward from his lower jaw, and he gives you a fearsome grin.
  "Sniff!" he exclaims, rising to his standing height and looking down on you. He claps you on the back like you're a little brother. Probably because you are - you can see the clan insignia of a paw with an 'x' through it emblazoned on a leather patch he wears. "No remember Smash Trollmaim? Clan warrior? Good at smash?"
  In the several years since you ran away from the clan, you haven't forgotten anyone. Not the clan warriors especially. Since you failed warfare and defense training, you were put with the gnolls too small and weak to fight, the gnolls we were educated by the Spotmother - taught most everything except letters. While you learned, they protected the clan, the den's borders, and enjoyed the respect of the others.
  "Sniff remember..."
(set: $gnolltalk1 to 1)
  [["Why be prisoner?"->GwhyP]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  Hours pass. You spend your going over the case until you fall asleep, then you nap. The sun sets lower and lower, the lines of light entering through the window bars shrinking until there is nothing left. Then the city's magelights come on and cast an iridescent yellowish glow into the stone chamber.
(set: $time to 1)(set: $times to $times+1)
  Soon after those lights flicker on the guard comes with a meal of crusty bread and a brackish brown stew, which he slides through the a small horizontal window on the heavy metal door.
  This could be your opportunity to escape.
(if: $signread is 1)[  [["Sniff arrested unlawfully."->SniffArr]]
]  [["Sniff not beggar. Therefore, not begging."->SniffArrB]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff arrested unlawfully."
  The guard narrows his eyes in bewilderment and inclines his head toward you as if he hadn't heard you properly.
  "What?" he sputters.
  "Sniff see sign in guardhouse. Sign say begging prohibited after dusk. Not that Sniff begging, but even if, time was day time. Therefore Sniff behavior not infringe upon any law or statute Sniff aware of, and Sniff being held unlawfully. Detective, me. Know many, many procurators glad to defend Sniff. Guard maybe lose job... Not good, then city unsafe. City need safety. City not need harmless runt in gaol."
  For a moment you can't quite make out what comes over the half-elf guard's face. Fear? Consternation? The small metal window snaps closed and you hear a beat of silence before the music of jingling keys reaches your ears. A second later the door shrieks open and the guard, standing there and averting his eyes, waves you out.
  [[Leave the gaol.->Noighearch Guard Station]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff not beggar. Therefore, not begging."
  The guard scoffs at you through the window. He's a pinched-looking half-elf with yellow hair that falls down out of his helmet and brushes his shoulders.
  "What's your proof?"
  "Guard see Sniff, what Sniff doing?"
  "Holding out your hand for money."
  "Wrong. Sniff sitting?"
  "Yes, you were sitting."
  "Sniff weak. Small gnoll. See? Weak." You hold up your arms to flex them, resulting in little change. "Sniff need help up. Was help up hand."
  The guard makes a strange face. The meal slot closes for a while. Then the door opens. The guard, who was standing on a chair to look into the slot, wipes a tear from his eye.
  "'Elves are tall and willowy' - well, I'm only half, but the looks I get! I told the sargeant we shouldn't be arresting gnolls just because they have a, uh, reputation. Listen, we only brought you in because the captain has merciless in his approach to non-humanoids. Strict orders."
(if: $gnollfree is 0)[  [["Problems with gnolls?"->Gnprob]]
]  [["Sniff be on way. Busy, much work need doing."->Noighearch Street]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Problems with gnolls?"
  "Yes," the guard says through his teeth, "the other one in the gaol nearly chopped my head off when we arrested him. He was accosting some citizens; they said he was slavering like a mad animal."
  "Gnolls just drool... Sniff drooling right now."(if: $byp is 1)[
  Smash overhears and lumbers toward the door. Even looking through the meal slot the half-elf guard is frightened enough to lurch backward when the brawny gnoll approaches. You turn around to see Smash's teeth showing.
  "Guard shock Smash. Smash not even smash, what problem?"
  Perhaps you could convince the guard of his innocence.
  [["Sniff talk to other gnoll. Not bad fellow."->SniffT]]](else-if: $byp is 0)[
  [[Leave the gaol.->Noighearch Guard Station]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  You're on South Leorgine Street, past the wealthy neighborhood of private homes. There is a facade of a different kind every ten feet here, with signs shaped like services and goods for the illiterate to be able to understand. Here a giant pair of wooden scissors atop a tailor's, there a flat wooden hog advertising a butcher, if the smell of blood is any indication.
  One shop that catches your eye has a rather convoluted sign featuring a bag spilling over with objects of all kinds. Swords, shoes, candles, and other common items form a jumbled pile, painted intricately on the flat wood about a sign with letters you can't read. The large window boxes bulging out of the front of the building are filled with peculiar jumbles of goods and a cloud of thin smoke laps against the glass.
  Toward the end of Leorgine Street is the a small tributary of the Sine river, coursing gently along, over which a stone footbridge has been constructed. It rises up a gentle slope and bears a noble arch beneath it; every few minutes a skiff passes by bearing merchants with new goods or commuters tired of walking.(if: $sil1 is 1)[
  Ardia, the silver-haired paladin you spoke to at the Colonial Inn, is standing on the stone bridge. She's leaning onto the handrest with her hands dangling over the side.
  [[Speak to Ardia.->Ard2]]]
(if: $noaz is 0)[  [[Enter Azwel's Outfitters.->Azwel's Outfitters]]](else-if: $noaz is 1)[  Azwel's Outfitters bears a [[sign->azsign]], and the door is locked.]
  [[Go to Leorgine Street.->Leorgine Street]]
  [[Take the alleyway toward Noighearch Street.->Alley to Noighearch Street]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  South Leorgine Street at night is lonely and laconic. The merchant's shops, in day responsible for the bustling foot traffic of custom up and down the street, have all closed. The lights in the maze-like facades of windows have gone out, and only a scant few poles of magelight remain.
  One shop that catches your eye has a rather convoluted sign featuring a bag spilling over with objects of all kinds. Swords, shoes, candles, and other common items form a jumbled pile, painted intricately on the flat wood about a sign with letters you can't read. The large window boxes bulging out of the front of the building are filled with peculiar jumbles of goods making strange shapes in the unlit dark.
  Toward the end of Leorgine Street is the a small tributary of the Sine river, coursing gently along, over which a stone footbridge has been constructed. It rises up a gentle slope and bears a noble arch beneath it; the commuters of the day have all returned home, and travelers on river skiffs are rare this time of night.
  The intriguing shop bears a [[sign->azsign]] and the door is locked.
  [[Go to Leorgine Street.->Leorgine Street]]
  [[Take the alleyway toward Noighearch Street.->Alley to Noighearch Street]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](set: $checking to 0)(if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  This narrow alleyway stinks of salted meat and refuse from the butcher's shop nearby. On one side lies South Leorgine Street, the commerce district near the Sine river tributary. From the other, you can see Noighearch Street and hear creak of carriages and the dull click of horse shoes drifting into the alley.
  [[Move to South Leorgine Street.->South Leorgine Street]]
  [[Go to Noighearch Street.->Noighearch Street]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  This narrow alleyway stinks of salted meat and refuse from the butcher's shop nearby. On one side lies South Leorgine Street, the commerce district near the Sine river tributary. From the other, you can see Noighearch Street and hear creak of carriages and the dull click of horse shoes drifting into the alley.
  [[Move to South Leorgine Street.->South Leorgine Street]]
  [[Go to Noighearch Street.->Noighearch Street]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](set: $checking to 0)(if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  Noighearch Street is a well traveled road toward the banks of the Sine river. Carriages pass you and like other pedestrians you have to take care when crossing the paved stone of the street. The only building of note on this street, which consists of the offices of lawyers, news papers, printers and so on, is the guard station and adjoining gaol.
(if: $gcapblock is 0)[  [[Head into the guard station.->Noighearch Guard Station]]](else:)[  [[Head into the guard station.->Block]]]
  [[Enter the alley toward South Leorgine Street.->Alley to Noighearch Street]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  Noighearch Street carries riders and carriages toward the banks of the Sine River, or out of Tascania. As you wait for your changes to cross the street you glimpse the passage of lantern-lit carriages running like wisps through the night. The only building of note on this street, which consists of the offices of lawyers, news papers, printers and so on, is the guard station and adjoining gaol.
(if: $gcapblock is 0)[  [[Head into the guard station.->Noighearch Guard Station]]](else:)[  [[Head into the guard station.->Block]]]
  [[Enter the alley toward South Leorgine Street.->Alley to Noighearch Street]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](set: $checking to 0)<div class="inventory">  This is the dagger you keep with you at all times.
  You carved the handle yourself in a dagger-making course for young gnolls.
(set: $checking to 1)
  For emergencies only.
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s last)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your bag...]<div class=mesgday>  "Why be prisoner?"
  Smash chuckles and puts his fists on his hips, puffing his chest out.
  "Search for Sniff. Spotmother say "go, find Sniff." Wonder why she no send Seek Gnollfind? Seek come anyway, Seek boast and brag, but Seek fall into crevasse while ignoring Smash's warnings. No more Seek. Found gravity."
  [["Why search?"->WhySearch]]
  [["But why prisoner?"->BwhyP]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Why search?"
(set: $ys to 1)
  "Smash search long to Sniff to spy on Sniff," Smash replies bashfully, turning around to find his seat on the bench again. He twiddles his thumbs for a moment or two before his gravelly voice creaks out again, "Spotmother say to spy on Sniff. Many clan gnolls done so. Spotmother always watching, and instruct us leave gifts for you. Food, money."
  "Sniff never notice spy gnolls... Sneak Softfoot? Creep Shadehide?"
  Smash nods. "Yep, them and more. Not notice because good spies. Also, only leave gifts when Sniff sleep."
  [["Why no talk to guard?"->WhynoT]]
(if: $byp is 0)[
  [["But why prisoner?"->BwhyP]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "But why prisoner? Thumb a head? Bite a leg?"
(set: $byp to 1)
  Smash waves his hands and exclaims, "no no, nothing! Smash hear gnolls in city, opportunities, city have money, food, work. Honest gnolls work honest job, like Sniff. Smash try new thing, different from smash - Smash try think. Smash think, maybe Sniff in city? Tasca... Tuska..."
  "Tascania, city operating under Half-Elf rule of King Morlund, child of human-elf peace-marriage--"
  "Sniff talk much, sniff little. Listen, Smash ask people, "Where Sniff? See gnoll? 'Hey lady, see big dog like me lately?' Everyone get angry, get yelling, get screaming, soon guard come and... prisoner be."
  [["Why no talk to guard?"->WhynoT]](if: $ys is 0)[
  [["Why search?"->WhySearch]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Why no talk to guard? Explain no crime?"
  Smash grunts, "Smash not 'fancy detector' like Sniff, no have skills like 'talk'." He wiggles his fingers in the air mockingly. "Smash mostly smash. Sometimes crush, but only small thing, like rat. Delicious." A realization comes over him and he begins to hungrily scan the floor of the room. A few minutes of this pass, during which he presses his nose into the corners of the floor and searches under the bench.
  "No rats?" you ask once he relents.
  Crestfallen, Smash folds his burly arms. "No rats."
  [[Wait until the guards check on you.->GuardCh1]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Sniff talk to other gnoll. Not bad fellow. Also not from city - maybe thought guard come to kill him? He act in self-defense."
  The guard rubs his chin, nods, and says, "well, that would explain why he reached for his sword only after we used the shockwand on him."
  "Use of shockwand on otherwise peacable visitor to grand city Tascania? Not good... Bad layperson relations... Lose job maybe... May Sniff speak to Captain?"
  The small metal window snaps closed and you hear a beat of silence before the music of jingling keys reaches your ears. A second later the door shrieks open and the guard, standing there and averting his eyes, waves you out.
  "Go on, speak to the captain if you must, but don't mention me."
  [[Leave the gaol.->Noighearch Guard Station]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class=mesgday>  Noighearch's guard station is a grim lockbox of plaster over brick, like all buildings of its kind. Flags bearing the eagle and shield of Tascania's proud insignia lay flat against the exterior, and no one who walks by dares glance in their direction. Why a gnoll would walk into such a place when humanoid authorities are so eager to exorcise them from the world is anyone's guess.
  Inside the guard station are a collection of blocky desks and chairs, made for function and with little form to speak of. The smell of beer and cured meat has mingled with the unique odor of sweat steamed inside metal armor.
  There is a barred door leading to the gaol chamber, a rather conspicuous sign pasted to the wall, and a stone-faced guard captain thumbing through a stack of papers.
  [[Enter the gaol chamber.->GaolNo]]
  [[Read the sign.->Sign]]
  [[Speak with the guard captain.->Gcap]]
  [[Leave to Noighearch Street->Noighearch Street]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class=mesgnight>  Noighearch's guard station is a grim lockbox of plaster over brick, like all buildings of its kind. Flags bearing the eagle and shield of Tascania's proud insignia hang flat against the exterior, and no one who walks by dares glance in their direction. Why a gnoll would walk into such a place when humanoid authorities are so eager to exorcise them from the world is anyone's guess.
  Inside the guard station are a collection of blocky desks and chairs, made for function and with little form to speak of. The smell of beer and cured meat has mingled with the unique odor of sweat steamed inside metal armor.
  There is a barred, guarded door leading to the gaol chamber, a rather conspicuous sign pasted to the wall, and a stone-faced watch captain thumbing through a stack of papers.
  [[Enter the gaol chamber.->GaolNo]]
  [[Read the sign.->Sign]]
  [[Speak with the guard captain.->Gcap]]
  [[Leave to Noighearch Street->Noighearch Street]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  The devil stands there with his hands folded in front of his stomach. Hunched but smiling as pleasantly as he can with his mouth full of yellow fangs, he offers you another opportunity.
(set: $checking to 0)
  "Before I take my leave, I implore you. Ask me any questions you like. Please keep in mind however that I must be in bed before the sun rises. Devils absolutely abhor being caught in the sun - much like furry creatures like you hate the rain, I imagine."
  "Sniff get advance?"
  "Unfortunately not, and you'll find no work here for our kind... if you need funds you may need to resort to begging."
  [["Where dungeon?"]]
  [["Any suspects?"]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  "Where dungeon? May need to investigate scene... if any scene remain."
(set: $1dmwd to 1)
  There are many things you have seen in your time as the Dungeon Detective. A sad devil is not one of them. He is utterly forlorn, spirits so low that a tear of blood runs from his eye and drips down his snout.
  "Little if any. I will be honest - devils are always honest, you know - but in this matter I will be starkly so - I have yet to visit the site of the... detonation. I cannot bring myself to see the wreckage of my home and of my life."
  "Sniff understand."
  "If you must search the place, or whatever is left of it, the entrance was in the sewers. My demesne lay beneath the city, and was not particularly vast or elaborate, but it was very important to me. There is a lock that requires the precise pressing of a key and lock sigil. I hope it still works. In the sewers, go south three junctions, then east."
(if: $1dmsus is 0)[
  [["Any suspects?"]]
]
  [["Sniff have enough information."->Quest Start]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  "Any suspects?"
(set: $1dmsus to 1)
  The devil rubs his goat's beard in his claws.
  "Suspects would be any enemies of devils, would they not? In so surmising, one acquires a rather large list of suspects. Celestial beings, antithetical religions, frightened farmers... but, if you are asking about specific suspects - I have none. I am the only devil for miles. Tascania is my uncontested territory. Rivalry is out of the question."
  "Sniff not rule out anything yet. Motivations can surprise even learned academics with many presuppositions. Or devils with bias."
  "Bias? I hired you to help me, not insult me."
  "Everyone bias. Sniff at least not biased in this investigation. Yet."
(if: $1dmwd is 0)[
  [["Where dungeon?"]]
]
  [["Sniff have enough information."->Quest Start]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  The light fades beyond the gaping sewer entrance. A damp, algae-encrusted tunnel leads into an circular open mouth of blackness ahead of you. The walls are old red brick, crusted and glistening. You must be careful, if only because you have fur and falling into the water would be disastrous. As such, you have to cling to the sides of the tunnel where the water cannot reach.
  The tunnel drifts off in several directions.
(set: $stime to 0)
  [[East.->1]]
  [[North.->1A]]
  [[South.->1B]]
  [[Back to the Riverside Docks.->Riverside Docks]](click: "Back to the Riverside Docks.")[(if: $reset is 1)[(set: $time to 0)]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class =mesgnight>  The culvert leads to a wall of lattice grate covering a pitch black abyss into which there can be no further progression. Here, the slime is thick as yesterday's gruel and the mephitic stench more potent, so much so that you bemoan that your name is Sniff and not something, anything else.
  Though the bricks you perch on are relatively dry, your paws feel as if they are always stepping in something. The build up of wretched detritus and garbage caught by the flowing water has created a hill under which the water flows. Countless recognizable objects comprise the mound; you spy busted chairs, clothing, even weaponry, though it is encrusted with rust.
(if: $perfumeget is 0)[
  [[Inspect the garbage.->Garbage]]
]
  [[Go back the way you came.->Sewer Entrance]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  To progress further, you must climb over debris. Large blocks of stone have been reduced to chunky white boulders, some shorn right in half and others shattered from what must have been the explosion. You must navigate over the piles and between the mounds of rock, and soon you see the remnants of a constructed wall, built into what appears to be a cave. The sewer is some distance in the other direction.
  A large door sparkles in the light, its filigree flowing like lava within the surface. It is one massive panel, nearly twice your height, and in the center sits a large circular plate upon which two sigils glow a sleepy blue as they move back and forth over the surface.(if: $unl is 1)[ The door has already been unlocked.
  [[Enter the dungeon, detective.->Dungeon Foyer]]](else-if: $unl is 0)[
  [[Attempt to open the dungeon lockgate.->Puzzle]]]
  [[Return to the sewers.->4B]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  You have reservations about this. What would the other humanoids say if they spied you digging through the garbage, arm deep in the refuse sank from a city above? Pride is not something gnolls have in great amounts - and even then it is typically reserved for victorious battles and clan affiliations. Your pride has managed to be nutured, a flower in a cellar brought up to the light, by the culture of the wider world.
  Like the last frigid night of autumn into the first freezing winter morn, your pride moves laterally and irreversibly into disgust as you shove your hands into the squelching mass to move about old rags and slop-covered dinner ware, broken wooden boards bearing some kind of peculiar algae, and rusted horseshoes with something queer and purple and best not investigated further growing on them.
  For minutes you dig in a futile quest, only to come up with nothing but gunk under your claws. Your detective's sensibilities tells you to persist, but, really - must you?
  [[Stop embarrassing yourself.->Sewer End]]
  [[Keep embarrassing yourself.->Sewer Search]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  Such tenacity may have had its rewards in previous cases, but this is beginning to become an exercise as futile as the pursuit of birds at night. And you, without gloves, because they make your paws feel funny. How foolish you now feel.
  [[Stop embarrassing yourself.->Sewer End]]
(set: $checking to 0)
  [[Keep embarrassing yourself.->Sewer Search2]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  Your fur is coated in this filth, but your hands clasp around something of interest. A copper flask decorated with filigree, missing its cap, but marked by its audacious scent as a perfume bottle, a quality detectable by your scholarly nose even among the cloying, pore-seeking stench of the sewer.
(set: $perfumeget to 1)
  There are times you wish you hadn't fur, but scales or skin; scavenging in the sewer wouldn't have quite such enduring effects.
(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Perfume Bottle]]"))(set: $clues to it + 1)]
  [[Stop embarrassing yourself.->Sewer End]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class="inventory">  An empty copper and filigree bottle (rinsed clean) that once held perfume. It's missing the stopper.
(set: $checking to 1)
  (link: "Sniff.")[The scent catches in your acutely adapted nostrils. The perfume that used to be in this bottle was comprised of a base of olive oil, clove, and a peculiar brimstone musk reminiscent of your employer on this case.]
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s last)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your bag...](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  You make your way toward the door to the gaol, but a half-elf guard with shoulder length yellow hair and a shining silver breastplate interposes himself in your way.
  "Where do you think you're going? Dying to be arrested that badly?"
  "Sniff investigating."
  His lain-flat frown coils into a sneer that seems poised to strike.
  "Investigate elsewhere, the captain won't approve of your efforts here."
  [[Look around elsewhere, as instructed.->Noighearch Guard Station]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  You make your way toward the door to the gaol, but a half-elf guard with shoulder length yellow hair and a shining silver breastplate interposes himself in your way.
  "Where do you think you're going? Dying to be arrested that badly?"
  "Sniff investigating."
  His lain-flat frown coils into a sneer that seems poised to strike.
  "Investigate elsewhere, the captain won't approve of your efforts here."
  [[Look around elsewhere, as instructed.->Noighearch Guard Station]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class=mesgday>(if: $necklace is 0)[  The sign has large print, but no pictures to assist you with understanding it. You cannot read, and so the attempt is futile. Your illiteracy remains the greatest obstacle to your career, yet you've always managed without it.
  Perhaps the time will come to hire an assisant - but you're already starving in the lean times between cases.
  [[Quit trying to read.->Noighearch Guard Station]]](else-if: $necklace is 1)[  The sign has large print, but no pictures to assist you with understanding it. You cannot read, and so the attempt is futile. Your illiteracy remains the greatest obstacle to your career, yet you've always managed without it.
(set: $signread to 1)
  ("Dear me," the necklace chimes in the chipper tones of its telepathy, "there's nothing in between your ears but confusion. You really cannot read? A woeful failing in this age of letters.")
  "Sniff suppose you read? And where learn? Someone kind sit necklace on desk at university?"
  ("Well,") the necklace quickly replies, ("no. I understand all languages as a process of my magical nature. Shall I read the sign for you?")
  "Fine."
  ("'Attention Tascania - begging or busking in the hours proceeding from dusk is against the King's law. Violators of this order will be arrested on sight and spend one week in the gaol. Further penalties shall apply to those found guilty by the judgment of the city guard on further occasions than the first.
  So writes Watch Captain Anders Monroe.'")
  [[File the knowledge away.->Noighearch Guard Station]]</div>]](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class=mesgnight>(if: $necklace is 0)[  The sign has large print, but no pictures to assist you with understanding it. You cannot read, and so the attempt is futile. Your illiteracy remains the greatest obstacle to your career, yet you've always managed without it.
  Perhaps the time will come to hire an assisant - but you're already starving in the lean times between cases.
  [[Quit trying to read.->Noighearch Guard Station]]](else-if: $necklace is 1)[  The sign has large print, but no pictures to assist you with understanding it. You cannot read, and so the attempt is futile. Your illiteracy remains the greatest obstacle to your career, yet you've always managed without it.
(set: $signread to 1)
  ("Dear me," the necklace chimes in the chipper tones of its telepathy, "there's nothing in between your ears but confusion. You really cannot read? A woeful failing in this age of letters.")
  "Sniff suppose you read? And where learn? Someone kind sit necklace on desk at university?"
  ("Well," the necklace quickly replies, "no. I understand all languages as a process of my magical nature. Shall I read the sign for you?")
  "Fine."
  ("'Attention Tascania - begging or busking in the hours proceeding from dusk is against the King's law. Violators of this order will be arrested on sight and spend one week in the gaol. Further penalties shall apply to those found guilty by the judgment of the city guard on further occasions than the first.
  So writes Watch Captain Anders Monroe.'")
  [[File the knowledge away.->Noighearch Guard Station]]</div>]](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  The watch captain is busy with some menial labor, judging by the look on his face and the papers in front of him. He is a square jawed human with dark brown eyes and tight, curly hair, wearing a cuirass and a surcoat in the blue and gold colors of the watch. He notices your approach and without lifting his head or moving his eyes addresses you with a tone of dispassionate authority.
(set: $capmet to 1)
  "What do you want? My time is short and my attention shorter - hurry up before I have you thrown in the gaol for wasting either."
  [["Sniff detective, have questions about unsolved case."->CapQ]](if: $byp is 1)[
  [["Gnoll in gaol wrongfully arrested. Have proof."->CapG]]]
  [["Nevermind, Sniff not bother."->Noighearch Guard Station]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  The watch captain is busy with some menial labor, judging by the look on his face and the papers in front of him. He is a square jawed human with dark brown eyes and tight, curly hair, wearing a cuirass and a surcoat in the blue and gold colors of the watch. He notices your approach and without lifting his head or moving his eyes addresses you with a tone of dispassionate authority.
(set: $capmet to 1)
  "What do you want? The hour is late and ere long I'll be leaving for the night. Ugh, I need a drink to deal with you."(if: $bottle is 1)[
  [["Sniff have drink bottle. Want?"->CapBottle]]]
  [["Sniff detective, have questions about unsolved case."->CapQ]](if: $byp is 1)[
  [["Gnoll in gaol wrongfully arrested. Have proof."->CapG]]]
  [["Nevermind, Sniff not bother."->Noighearch Guard Station]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class="inventory">  A dull gold necklace somewhat resembling a collar fitting over the neck and shoulders. A marquise stone the color of viscera is set in the middle.(set: $checking to 1)
  (if: $necklace is 0)[[[Put on the necklace.->Necklacewear]]](else-if: $necklace is 1 and $nochest is 0)[(link: "The necklace has some advice on your present task.")[("(either: "Lips are tight around town, or so I have seen. Perhaps some coin would loosen them." , "Your interlocutors may have new things to say if you have new knowledge about which to inquire." , "Am I too tight?" , "I am so terribly hungry, it has been an age since I last ate..." , "Can you believe there are some people who only come out at night? What are they hiding?" , "If you intend to enter a dark sewer, I recommend you go prepared." , "If only there was some way you could 'save' your progress before making rash decisions." , "There are more ways to elicit information than simply to pay for it." , "You are renting a room at the Colonial, yes? If you get tired, it must be a nice place to sleep the hours away." , "Are you taking notes? Here's one: the butler did it.")")]](else-if: $necklace is 1 and $nochest is 1)[(link: "The necklace has some advice on your present task.")[("(either: "Lips are tight around town, or so I have seen. Perhaps some coin would loosen them." , "Your interlocutors may have new things to say if you have new knowledge about which to inquire." , "Am I too tight?" , "That chest sated me nicely. If only there had been some wine." , "Can you believe there are some people who only come out at night? What are they hiding?" , "If you intend to enter a dark sewer, I recommend you go prepared." , "If only there was some way you could 'save' your progress before making rash decisions." , "There are more ways to elicit information than simply to pay for it." , "You are renting a room at the Colonial, yes? If you get tired, it must be a nice place to sleep the hours away." , "Are you taking notes? Here's one: the butler did it.")")]]
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s last)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your bag...]<div class="inventory">  You've never worn jewelry before, and you can't help but be curious about the allure of it. Everyone who wears the stuff acts like it's more important than their clothing. Failing to see how jewelry could be as useful as a pair of pants that protects your fur from burrs, you tuck your head into the necklace.
  It rests comfortably on your neck.
(set: $necklace to 1)
  ("Finally, you did it. How do I feel? Not too heavy? I have a bit of pride about this figure of mine.")
  The voice is proper, soft but cuts like a knife in clarity - and it comes from between your ears.
  "Who there?" you grunt in consternation.
  ("It is I, the necklace.") There is a glint below you, enough to draw your eyes down to that red gem in the center of the necklace. It shines queerly, sentiently.
  "You talk?"
  ("As much as you will listen. I am no mere necklace - I am a necklace mimic. My typical mode of hunting and feeding requires my prey to put me on.")
  [[Take the necklace off!->Necklacewear2]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your bag...]<div class="inventory">  Try as you might, the necklace will not be removed. It is heavy, but only as you try and lift it. It contracts reactively, a snake around your neck prepared to choke you at any moment.
  ("Do not fuss so. I've no plans to kill you. Perhaps I did at first, but after plumbing the corners of your mind I rather think I like you. Keep me, and I may be of use to you. I can read for you, comment on that which transpires, and, say, who doesn't need a friend?")
  [["Sniff have plenty friend. No thanks."->Necktrust1]]
  [["Sniff trust necklace friend."->Necktrust2]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your bag...]<div class="inventory">  "Sniff have plenty friend," you growl, desperately trying to dislodge the necklace from where it has plastered itself to your neckline, "no thanks."
  There is a disapproving tut-tut inside your head. ("Now, that is a bit unfair. You've not had a chance to get to know me. I will stay, and if you dislike me still when your case is solved, you may pawn me at your nearest convenience. Deal?")
  "Sniff no have choice. Deal."
  ("My name is Promeomen, and I shall assist you from here on out.")
  "Lucky Sniff."
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s 4thlast)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your bag...]<div class="inventory">  "Sniff trust necklace friend, if necklace friend not keep secrets from vehicle and conversation partner."
  ("Terrific!") the telepathic voice chimes happily, ("then in the spirit of good will I shall reveal a truth to you. I am not a necklace mimic. I am a mimic mimic. I impersonate mimics to lure and deceive other mimics, and then I eat them.")
  "Sniff feel like necklace trust Sniff a great deal to tell this. Also, Sniff not gnoll mimic - real gnoll, get no ideas."
  ("Of course not. As far as I am concerned, we are comrades now. Please await my commentary on matters proceeding. I am always a bit tongue-tied when first I make context with a neck. My, but you've got a fluffy neck at that.")
  "Necklace seem okay. Got name?"
  ("Promeomen.")
  "Weird name."
  ("Noted, Sniff.")
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s 4thlast)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your bag...]<div class=mesgday>  A bright brass bell sings a chime light enough to stir a faerie from slumber when you push the door open to Azwel's Outfitters. Inside is a shop full of shelves near to the ceiling, each packed with an array of the familiar and the peculiar. Goods and sundries line the shelves and cover the counters, and from each dangle price tags. Near the front of the store a crowded counter, upon which a large abacus sits, are racks of bawdy romantic novels and a rack of newspapers including the Lartola Gazette and the city's paper, the Tascania Times.
(set: $azmet to 1)
  There's a thin older woman seated behind the counter, her curly brown hair tied up behind her head and a monocle pressed over one eye. Above her shoulder a censer burns with a sweet flower scent, smoke seeping out and rolling against the foggy windows.
(set: $checking to 0)
  "Welcome, young man! I'm Mary Azwel, and this is my palace of procurement," the woman says proudly, leaning over the counter to peer at you through the monacle. (if: $hdln is 0)["Why, you look like an explorer! I have just the thing. A hooded lantern, new model, and I'll even include the oil! Seven drachs - don't bother bargaining; that's my cutting to the chase price."
(if: $money is >=7)[  [[Purchase Hooded Lantern.->HDL]]](else-if: $money is <7)[  [["Sniff can't afford."->Nolnt]]]]
  [["Sniff detective. Might Sniff detect?"->AOQ]]
  [[Sniff the incense.->Incs]]
  [[Exit to South Leorgine Street.->South Leorgine Street]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Sniff could always use lantern. Remember once had no torch - very inconvenient, considering Sniff title 'Dungeon Detective' and dungeon... dark. Not know how Sniff forgot light important."
(set: $hdln to 1)(set: $money to $money-7)[(set: $items to $items)]
  You make your purchase, dropping the drachs on the counter. The woman smiles and flicks around some spheres on the abacus and then sets the hooden lantern out for you.(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Hooded Lantern]]"))](set: $items to $items)
  "Anything else? Make your purchases now. I will be closing tonight - a date with the girlfriend," Azwel mentions with a chuckle.
  [[Return.->Azwel's Outfitters]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Sniff detective. Might Sniff detect?"
  The woman squints around her monocle and shrugs one of her shoulders. Her lips purse before she answers, wrinkles forming hills and valleys above her mouth.
  "Very well, but I expect to get you to buy something sooner rather than later." An impish smile crackles to life on her kindly face.(if: $boq is 0)[
  [["Bomb go off recently. You sell bomb supply?"->BOQ]]](if: $dt is 3)[
  [["You go to Slanted Oak often? Maybe with friend?"->AOO]]]
  [["Know any lost souls?"->LSOQ]]
  [["Nevermind. Sniff look around."->Azwel's Outfitters]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class =mesgday>  The slightest concentration is all it requires to parse the sophisticate scent of the incense with your nose.
  The incense smells of winter peony with a light dusting of orange blossom.
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s last)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  Ships with bright, noble sails line the Riverside Docks, like white flowers growing up between slats of wood in a garden. Here the smell of the musty river air is intensely powerful - you can taste the foam in your mouth and it has you thinking of some freshly caught fish.
  It's so busy here that you can barely squeeze through the crowds. There are longshoremen working like bees to load and unload ships, and carts carry loads of new goods, including raw fish, to the market square nearby.
  The building called the Slanted Oak is here, a three story alehouse with a number of rooms for rent. The titular oak surrounds the building with limbs like a sea creature struggling to pull down a vessel. It strikes you as eerie and you wonder how the sailors stomach it. Your employer said he would meet you there when you had collected enough clues and were prepared to accompany him to the magistrate.
  If you keep walking east along the coast, you'll find a large open sewer gate leading into an enormous pipe. Even during the day, it is frightfully dark inside.
  [[Enter the Slanted Oak.->The Slanted Oak]]
  [[Go into the sewer.->Worker]]
  [[Go to Market Square.->Market Square]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  The docks are quite deserted at night, save for a few ships sitting quietly in the water. Rowdy shipmen play fight nearby, and no one seems to be working. You can see a celestial host of city lights traveling up the coast, flaring their eyes into the darkness of the river.
  The building called the Slanted Oak is here, a three story alehouse with a number of rooms for rent. The titular oak surrounds the building with limbs like a sea creature struggling to pull down a vessel. It strikes you as eerie and you wonder how the sailors stomach it. Your employer said he would meet you there when you had collected enough clues and were prepared to accompany him to the magistrate.
  If you keep walking east along the coast, you'll find a large open sewer gate leading into an enormous pipe. At night, the pipe's innards are as black as the pupil of an eye.
  [[Enter the Slanted Oak.->The Slanted Oak]]
  [[Go into the sewer.->Sewer Entrance]]
  [[Go to Market Square.->Market Square]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Bomb go off recently. You sell bomb supply?"
  Ms. Azwel gestures to her labryrinth of shelves, sacks and barrels. "My boy, I stock everything you can imagine. Sparkpowder, blasting balm, and even scrolls of explosion, among many other disastrously effective means! Adventurers need to go to the other sides of walls and locked doors somehow, don't they?" She stops, turns back to you, and looks you up and down. Disbelieving her eyes, she takes her monocle out, breathes on it, and polishes it on the breast of her tunic.
  "I sell razors, too."
  "Oh no," you say defensively, "Sniff not shaving again. Ears got cold like ice before. Stopped at neck. Why humans do shave? Beard not good, warm? Why you no beard?"
  Azwel grins, "I sell beards, if you need one."
  "No... not necessary, thank you. Sniff ask again, you sell bomb to someone? Last week?"(if: $checking is 0 and $boq is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Azwel's Testimony]]"))(set: $clues to it + 1)]
(set: $boq to 1)
  "Worry not, my memory is sharp. I don't even need the invoices. All that comes to mind is two barrels of saltpeter. I had my monocle out at the time so I couldn't tell you what the purchaser looked like other than that she had skin, not fur. Just keep in mind, I sell a lot of the stuff. Saltpeter - again, not fur."
  [["Know any lost souls?"->LSOQ]]
  [["Nevermind. Sniff look around."->Azwel's Outfitters]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Know any lost souls? Sniff hear devil live in town."
  Azwel perks up like a dog. "Why do you ask?"
  [["No-souls suspects."->Nososus]]
  [["Can't believe no-souls alive."->cboq]]
  [["Nevermind. Sniff look around."->Azwel's Outfitters]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class="inventory">  Ms. Azwel sold two barrels of saltpeter to a woman, or someone who sounded like one, last week. This person didn't have fur like you.
(set: $checking to 1)
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s last)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your memory...]<div class=mesgday>  "Sniff classify no-souls as suspects. Lose soul to devil, turn around and ruin devil's dungeon with bomb, maybe attempt to kill devil."
  Azwel is silent for a time, running her hands through the abacus' markers with satisfying 'clack'-'clack' noises that give her time to think.
  "I'm afraid I don't know any. See that you do not ask me again. I'm a busy woman."
  [["Why evade Sniff? Covering up?"->pressao]]
  [["Sniff apologize."->stopao]]
  [["Nevermind. Sniff look around."->Azwel's Outfitters]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Can't believe no souls alive. How live without soul?"
  Azwel's reply is quick, "do you know if you have a soul?"
  "Sniff not sure, think self classified as animal."
  "I was expecting an emphatic 'yes,' how strange. Many think as if the soul is the one thing that defines personhood. I think there are those philosophers who would object, but, that's not what you asked. Think about what a soul is. Something that lives inside you and carries on after your death. After. I believe one can be soulless and still live. Just look at my competition, Charond's Outfitters," she punctuates the joke with a bit of selfish laughter, but then her tone sharpens and she leans closer to you.
  "There are those who give their souls to others willingly. But, well, love is blind."
  Azwel blinks, leans back, then takes her monocle off and polishes it harshly.
  "And I'm blind too, apparently. Curse this confounded..."(if: $boq is 0)[
  [["Bomb go off recently. You sell bomb supply?"->BOQ]]]
  [["Nevermind. Sniff look around."->Azwel's Outfitters]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  Unsatisfied with her answer, you decide to press Azwel further.
  "Why evade Sniff? Covering up?"
  Azwel leans her elbow on the counter and pushes her hand up behind her hair as she rests her had in her palm. The kindly face that once welcomed you is gone, and now there is only the vexed, tight-mouthed expression of a woman pushed past the limits of her helpfulness.
  "Questions like that are going to get you, or someone else in hot water. I am not obligated to answer your inquiries, and in so doing throw people under the carriage, now, am I? What happens when people who have lost their souls are sought out by crusaders and lawful good sorts eager to punish unrighteousness? People who are easier targets than vampires and liches? Get out, before you bring the watch to my door."
(set: $noaz to 1)
  [[Ms. Azwel shoos you out of her store.->South Leorgine Street]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Apologies," you offer, with something close to what pet owners call 'puppy-dog eyes.' "Sniff pursue different questioning..."(if: $boq is 0)[
  [["Bomb go off recently. You sell bomb supply?"->BOQ]]]
  [["Nevermind. Sniff look around."->Azwel's Outfitters]](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Sniff can't afford lantern. City dangerous at night?"
  Azwel shakes her head and the crisp curls behind her head bounce. "Nothing like that. You would be hard pressed to find danger in this part of the city, though, the watch has been arresting gnolls lately... not that there have been many through these parts."
  "What you think of gnoll?"
  The older woman shrugs and looks through some papers stacked up on her desk, licking her thumb each time she turns one over.
  "They're monstrous, aren't they? Gnolls are how they keep the children in city limits at night. Big monsters with sharp teeth, well, I'd be more afraid of them than I would of wolves - but I happen to like wolves. Gnolls are brutes, cruel, they love death and destruction. Haven't you read Harlur's Encyclopedia? The entry on gnolls has a dozen warring clans named and describes luridly the depths of their barbarism and depravity."
  "That enough, Sniff thank."
  "What sort of a name is Sniff, anyway?"
  "Dwarf name," you stammer.
  [[Return.->Azwel's Outfitters]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class="inventory">  A hooded lantern purchased from Azwel's Outfitters.
  The large brass lantern can burn for hours on a small amount of oil, and with the attached hood it can be dimmed at will.
(set: $checking to 1)
  A dungeon necessity. You can't believe you didn't own one of these before.
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s last)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your bag...]
{
(set: $stopCycle to 0)
(live: .75s)[
(if: $stopCycle is >10)[(set: $stopCycle to 0)](if: $stop is 1)[
(set: $stopCycle to 0)(stop:)🔑
{
(set: $stopCycle to 0)
(live: .75s)[
(if: $stopCycle is >10)[(set: $stopCycle to 0)](if: $stop1 is 1)[
(set: $stopCycle to 0)(stop:)🔒 [[Unlocked!]]
]
(else: )[
(set: $stopCycle to it + 1)
(css: "position: absolute; bottom: " + (string: (random: 25,50) * $stopCycle) + "px" )[🔒(click: "🔒")[(set: $unl to 1)(set: $stop1 to 1)]]
]
]
}
]
(else: )[
(set: $stopCycle to it + 1)
(css: "position: absolute; left: " + (string: (random: 25,50) * $stopCycle) + "px" )[🔑(click: "🔑")[(set: $stop to 1)]]
]
]}
Press the sigils to lock them into place. Doing so will unlock the dungeon.
<center>[[Give up.->Dungeon Entrance]]</center>(prepend: ?SideBar)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/aD1Dc7K.gif">](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
Try and focus...
](set: $stop to 0)(set: $stop1 to 0)(set: $stop2 to 0)(set: $sadd to 0)<div class=mesgnight>  The dungeon's elegant foyer lies in ruins, a parquet floor cracked up into shards of lacquered wood sending splinters into your feet as you carefully slink into chamber. Two of the walls have crumbled, and the high domed ceilings are missing blocks, showing bare earth in disquieting gaps. Here and there a bit of dust or stone falls near you, suggesting an imminent collapse.
  Amidst the wreckage are fallen paintings depicting arid landscapes and old men in black robes. Extravagantly ornamented furniture sits toppled over, and an overwhelming dark bites at the edges of the light your lantern produces.
  On one of the remaining walls a silver door sits ajar, leading into the dark. Next to it, a door that appears to be made of a shining red mineral. It has an unsettling texture, like a tongue.
  [[Enter the silver door.->Silv]]
  [[Enter the red door.->Red]]
  [[Leave the dungeon.->Dungeon Entrance]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgday>  Ardia addresses you before you can speak. She turns with a sapphire smile and leans her back against the handrest. Tiredness hangs her voice a touch lower, but she stomps over such enervation in those silver sabatons.
  "Why, Sniff. How nice to see you again. How fares the investigation?"(if: $clues is >=2)[
  [["Sniff find clues. Not bad. And Ardia? Find evil?"->Ard2evil]]](else-if: $clues is 0 or 1)[
  [["No good. No clues yet."->Ard2nc]]](if: $handkerchief is 1)[
  [["You recognize this handkerchief?"]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class=mesgday>(if: $necklace is 0)[  The sign is a simple plank of wood with painted letters, but no symbols or pictures. You can squint at it as long as you like, but until someone teaches you, you won't be able to read it.
  [[Return.->South Leorgine Street]]](else-if: $necklace is 1)[  The sign, a simple plank of wood with painted letters, resists your illiterate attempts to read it. Then Promeomen chimes in.
  "Amazing. A finely honed analytical mind and you can't read. Let me save you some brow-furrowing - the sign reads 'Azwel's Outfitters, closed. Out procuring."
  [[Return.->South Leorgine Street]]]]</div>(else-if: $time is 1)[<div class=mesgnight>(if: $necklace is 0)[  The sign is a simple plank of wood with painted letters, but no symbols or pictures. You can squint at it as long as you like, but until someone teaches you, you won't be able to read it.
  [[Return.->South Leorgine Street]]](else-if: $necklace is 1)[  The sign, a simple plank of wood with painted letters, resists your illiterate attempts to read it. Then Promeomen chimes in.
  "Amazing. A finely honed analytical mind and you can't read. Let me save you some brow-furrowing - the sign reads 'Azwel's Outfitters, closed. Out procuring."
  [[Return.->South Leorgine Street]]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  "Sniff detective, have questions about unsolved case."
  The captain continues writing, pauses, then flips the page and examines the contents of a new one.
  "This had better be good. I would hate to have to arrest you for meddling."
(if: $gnollfree is 0)[  [["Sniff want to interview occupant of jail."->CapQSJ]]
]
  [["Why not investigate dungeon bombing?"->CapY]](if: $necklace is 1)[
  (link: "The necklace has some advice...")[("Ask him about the Chess House. No-nonsense sorts like him must have spent some time there.")
  [["Patron of Chess House, you?"->CapCH]]]](if: $sil2 is 1)[
  [["Sniff hear tell watch not like outsider, why?"->CapO]]]
  [["Nevermind, Sniff not bother."->Noighearch Guard Station]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  "Sniff detective, have questions about unsolved case."
  The captain continues writing, pauses, then flips the page and examines the contents of a new one.
  "This had better be good. I would hate to have to arrest you for meddling."
(if: $gnollfree is 0)[  [["Sniff want to interview occupant of jail."->CapQSJ]]
]
  [["Why not investigate dungeon bombing?"->CapY]](if: $necklace is 1)[
  (link: "The necklace has some advice...")[("Ask him about the Chess House. No-nonsense sorts like him must have spent some time there.")
  [["Patron of Chess House, you?"->CapCH]]]](if: $sil2 is 1)[
  [["Sniff hear tell watch not like outsider, why?"->CapO]]]
  [["Nevermind, Sniff not bother."->Noighearch Guard Station]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  "Gnoll in gaol wrongfully arrested. Have proof."
  The captain looks up, briefly, then back down to his work. "A gnoll defending a gnoll. He'll have his day in open court, if we don't execute him first. Such is the penalty for violence."
  "Then, you must execute your own men," you calmly reply.
  This makes the captain set his quill down.
  "Explain yourself, tick-rag."
  [["Gnoll imprisoned after self-defense."->CG1]]
  [["Guard not read rights."->CG2]]
  [["Gnoll not abscond, no risk."->CG3]]
  [["Nevermind, Sniff not bother."->Noighearch Guard Station]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class=mesgnight>  "Gnoll in gaol wrongfully arrested. Have proof."
  The captain looks up, briefly, then back down to his work. "A gnoll defending a gnoll. He'll have his day in open court, if we don't execute him first. Such is the penalty for violence."
  "Then, you must execute your own men," you calmly reply.
  This makes the captain set his quill down.
  "Explain yourself, tick-rag."
  [["Gnoll imprisoned after self-defense."->CG1]]
  [["Guard not read rights."->CG2]]
  [["Gnoll not abscond, no risk."->CG3]]
  [["Nevermind, Sniff not bother."->Noighearch Guard Station]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  "Why not investigate dungeon bombing?"
  Without missing a beat the captain replies sharply, "it was investigated. Half the city shook, we took to the sewers and found the cause to have destroyed the property of the last devil still blighting Tascania's complexion. Nothing of import lost, and certainly outside our jurisdiction, the city has no business pursuing the matter further."
  [["Sniff will find culprit."->SniffC]]
  [["Nevermind, Sniff not bother."->Noighearch Guard Station]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class=mesgnight>  "Why not investigate dungeon bombing?"
  Without missing a beat the captain replies sharply, "it was investigated. Half the city shook, we took to the sewers and found the cause to have destroyed the property of the last devil still blighting Tascania's complexion. Nothing of import lost, and certainly outside our jurisdiction, the city has no business pursuing the matter further."
  [["Sniff will find culprit."->SniffC]]
  [["Nevermind, Sniff not bother."->Noighearch Guard Station]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  "Patron of chess house, you?"
  The captain bristles visibly, but he retains his disaffected composure.
  "Once. That place is prime for a search and seizure. How can a house survive simply on the gains made playing chess? I want to shut it down. There are those in the halls of justice who second my conviction. What good citizen wouldn't want to be rid of that sly Black Queen and her capering winsomes? They are in league, I hear, with devils."
  [[Back to questions.->CapQ]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  "Patron of chess house, you?"
  The captain bristles visibly, but he retains his disaffected composure.
  "Once. That place is prime for a search and seizure. How can a house survive simply on the gains made playing chess? I want to shut it down. There are those in the halls of justice who second my conviction. What good citizen wouldn't want to be rid of that sly Black Queen and her capering winsomes? They are in league, I hear, with devils."
  [[Back to questions.->CapQ]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Sniff find clues. Not bad. And Ardia? Find evil?"
  "In a city such as this," Ardia wryly muses, "even an expertly cast Detect Evil gives me a thousand results. How am I suppose to select the most reliably evil evil?"
  "When query return many results, Sniff usually pick first one."
  The paladin smirks and puts a gauntlet on her hip. "Out of the mouths of gnolls... I know there is something sinister here. Perhaps it really is the presence of a devil and nothing more. If that is the case, dispatch has always proved a simple task. You're shaking your head. What?"
  "Sniff being paid by devil to investigate devil dungeon explosion. Need money for food and..." looking down at your rags, you sheepishly add, "clothes."
  "I must do what is smelted into the steel of my soul by the Red Star. If the devil's evil is my finding, I will not hesitate, whether or not you have received your coin. Do you understand?"
  [["Sniff understand."->ard2snf]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "No good. No clues yet. Sniff have whole city to search - job not so easy as single dungeon in middle of nowhere."
  "I truly sympathize. Perhaps you should talk to more people? Or explore places you wouldn't expect? Clues, like evil, hide insidiously in plain sight. I'll be here for a while - feel free to come back and see me again."
  [["Sniff thank. Bye lady."->South Leorgine Street]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  Success! The two sigils stop in place when you touch them. They lose their glow and a low vibration hums in your ears and teeth. The vibration grows into a tremor below your feet, then the plate in the door turns, metal shrieking against metal, and the door begins to slide open.
  The smell of fire and sulphur seeps out of the open chamber and a languid wall of cold air oozes over you. Ahead yawns the wreckage of the devil's dungeon, there to explore for clues.
  [[Enter the dungeon, detective.->Dungeon Foyer]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  Wandering through the sewers...(set: $stime to it + 1)(if: $hdln is 1)[(if: $stime is 1)[
  There's nothing out of the ordinary.
  [[West.->Sewer Entrance]]
  [[East.->1A]]
  [[South.->2]]](else-if: $stime is 2)[
  You thought you heard something, but it might have been your imagination.
  [[West.->Sewer Entrance]]
  [[East.->1A]]
  [[South.->2]]](else-if: $stime is 3)[
  A gurgling howl echoes from somewhere far away.
  [[West.->Sewer Entrance]]
  [[East.->1A]]
  [[South.->2]]](else-if: $stime is 4)[
  A horrible, briny smell surrounds you. You feel hot breath on your neck.
  [[West.->Sewer Entrance]]
  [[East.->1A]]
  [[South.->2]]](else-if: $stime is 5)[
  Something catches you from behind, around the waist. It's teeth sink in deeply.
(set: $beast to 1)
  [[You are never heard from again.->Game Over]]</div>]](else:)[(if: $stime is 1)[
  There's nothing out of the ordinary.
  [[???->1A]]
  [[???->1B]]
  [[???->1]]](else-if: $stime is 2)[
  You thought you heard something, but it might have been your imagination.
  [[???->1A]]
  [[???->1B]]
  [[???->1]]](else-if: $stime is 3)[
  A gurgling howl echoes from somewhere far away.
  [[???->1A]]
  [[???->1B]]
  [[???->1]]](else-if: $stime is 4)[
  A horrible, briny smell surrounds you. You feel hot breath on your neck.
  [[???->1A]]
  [[???->1B]]
  [[???->1]]](else-if: $stime is 5)[
  Something catches you from behind, around the waist. Its teeth sink in deeply.
(set: $beast to 1)
  [[You are never heard from again.->Game Over]]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Lantern")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
It's too dark to see into your bag...](set: $checking to 0)<div class=mesgnight>  Wandering through the sewers...(set: $stime to it + 1)(if: $hdln is 1)[(if: $stime is 1)[
  There's nothing out of the ordinary.
  [[South.->Sewer Entrance]]
  [[West.->2A]]
  [[East.->1]]](else-if: $stime is 2)[
  You thought you heard something, but it might have been your imagination.
  [[South.->Sewer Entrance]]
  [[West.->2A]]
  [[East.->1]]](else-if: $stime is 3)[
  A gurgling howl echoes from somewhere far away.
  [[South.->Sewer Entrance]]
  [[West.->2A]]
  [[East.->1]]](else-if: $stime is 4)[
  A horrible, briny smell surrounds you. You feel hot breath on your neck.
  [[South.->Sewer Entrance]]
  [[West.->2A]]
  [[East.->1]]](else-if: $stime is 5)[
  Something catches you from behind, around the waist. It's teeth sink in deeply.
(set: $beast to 1)
  [[You are never heard from again.->Game Over]]</div>]](else:)[(if: $stime is 1)[
  There's nothing out of the ordinary.
  [[???->1A]]
  [[???->1B]]
  [[???->1]]](else-if: $stime is 2)[
  You thought you heard something, but it might have been your imagination.
  [[???->1A]]
  [[???->1B]]
  [[???->1]]](else-if: $stime is 3)[
  A gurgling howl echoes from somewhere far away.
  [[???->1A]]
  [[???->1B]]
  [[???->1]]](else-if: $stime is 4)[
  A horrible, briny smell surrounds you. You feel hot breath on your neck.
  [[???->1A]]
  [[???->1B]]
  [[???->1]]](else-if: $stime is 5)[
  Something catches you from behind, around the waist. Its teeth sink in deeply.
(set: $beast to 1)
  [[You are never heard from again.->Game Over]]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Lantern")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
It's too dark to see into your bag...](set: $checking to 0)<div class=mesgnight>  Wandering through the sewers...(set: $stime to it + 1)(if: $hdln is 1)[(if: $stime is 1)[
  There's nothing out of the ordinary.
  [[North.->Sewer Entrance]]
  [[South.->2B]]
  [[East.->3A]]](else-if: $stime is 2)[
  You thought you heard something, but it might have been your imagination.
  [[North.->Sewer Entrance]]
  [[South.->2B]]
  [[East.->3A]]](else-if: $stime is 3)[
  A gurgling howl echoes from somewhere far away.
  [[North.->Sewer Entrance]]
  [[South.->2B]]
  [[East.->3A]]](else-if: $stime is 4)[
  A horrible, briny smell surrounds you. You feel hot breath on your neck.
  [[North.->Sewer Entrance]]
  [[South.->2B]]
  [[East.->3A]]](else-if: $stime is 5)[
  Something catches you from behind, around the waist. It's teeth sink in deeply.
(set: $beast to 1)
  [[You are never heard from again.->Game Over]]</div>]](else:)[(if: $stime is 1)[
  There's nothing out of the ordinary.
  [[???->1A]]
  [[???->1B]]
  [[???->Sewer Entrance]]](else-if: $stime is 2)[
  You thought you heard something, but it might have been your imagination.
  [[???->1A]]
  [[???->1B]]
  [[???->Sewer Entrance]]](else-if: $stime is 3)[
  A gurgling howl echoes from somewhere far away.
  [[???->1A]]
  [[???->1B]]
  [[???->Sewer Entrance]]](else-if: $stime is 4)[
  A horrible, briny smell surrounds you. You feel hot breath on your neck.
  [[???->1A]]
  [[???->1B]]
  [[???->Sewer Entrance]]](else-if: $stime is 5)[
  Something catches you from behind, around the waist. Its teeth sink in deeply.
(set: $beast to 1)
  [[You are never heard from again.->Game Over]]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Lantern")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
It's too dark to see into your bag...](set: $checking to 0)<div class=mesgnight>  Wandering through the sewers...(set: $stime to it + 1)(if: $stime is 1)[
  There's nothing out of the ordinary.
  [[North.->1]]
  [[West.->3]]
  [[East.->2B]]](else-if: $stime is 2)[
  You thought you heard something, but it might have been your imagination.
  [[North.->1]]
  [[West.->3]]
  [[East.->2B]]](else-if: $stime is 3)[
  A gurgling howl echoes from somewhere far away.
  [[North.->1]]
  [[West.->3]]
  [[East.->2B]]](else-if: $stime is 4)[
  A horrible, briny smell surrounds you. You feel hot breath on your neck.
  [[North.->1]]
  [[West.->3]]
  [[East.->2B]]](else-if: $stime is 5)[
  Something catches you from behind, around the waist. Its teeth sink in deeply.
(set: $beast to 1)
  [[You are never heard from again.->Game Over]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Lantern")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
It's too dark to see into your bag...](set: $checking to 0)<div class=mesgnight>  Wandering through the sewers...(set: $stime to it + 1)(if: $stime is 1)[
  There's nothing out of the ordinary.
  [[East.->2]]
  [[North.->4]]
  [[South.->1B]]](else-if: $stime is 2)[
  You thought you heard something, but it might have been your imagination.
  [[East.->2]]
  [[North.->4]]
  [[South.->1B]]](else-if: $stime is 3)[
  A gurgling howl echoes from somewhere far away.
  [[East.->2]]
  [[North.->4]]
  [[South.->1B]]](else-if: $stime is 4)[
  A horrible, briny smell surrounds you. You feel hot breath on your neck.
  [[East.->2]]
  [[North.->4]]
  [[South.->1B]]](else-if: $stime is 5)[
  Something catches you from behind, around the waist. Its teeth sink in deeply.
(set: $beast to 1)
  [[You are never heard from again.->Game Over]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Lantern")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
It's too dark to see into your bag...](set: $checking to 0)<div class=mesgnight>  Wandering through the sewers...(set: $stime to it + 1)(if: $stime is 1)[
  There's nothing out of the ordinary.
  [[South.->3]]
  [[East.->Sewer End]]](else-if: $stime is 2)[
  You thought you heard something, but it might have been your imagination.
  [[South.->3]]
  [[East.->Sewer End]]](else-if: $stime is 3)[
  A gurgling howl echoes from somewhere far away.
  [[South.->3]]
  [[East.->Sewer End]]](else-if: $stime is 4)[
  A horrible, briny smell surrounds you. You feel hot breath on your neck.
  [[South.->3]]
  [[East.->Sewer End]]](else-if: $stime is 5)[
  Something catches you from behind, around the waist. Its teeth sink in deeply.
(set: $beast to 1)
  [[You are never heard from again.->Game Over]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Lantern")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
It's too dark to see into your bag...](set: $checking to 0)<div class=mesgnight>  Wandering through the sewers...(set: $stime to it + 1)(if: $stime is 1)[
  There's nothing out of the ordinary.
  [[East.->1A]]
  [[West.->2]]
  [[North.->3A]]](else-if: $stime is 2)[
  You thought you heard something, but it might have been your imagination.
  [[East.->1A]]
  [[West.->2]]
  [[North.->3A]]](else-if: $stime is 3)[
  A gurgling howl echoes from somewhere far away.
  [[East.->1A]]
  [[West.->2]]
  [[North.->3A]]](else-if: $stime is 4)[
  A horrible, briny smell surrounds you. You feel hot breath on your neck.
  [[East.->1A]]
  [[West.->2]]
  [[North.->3A]]](else-if: $stime is 5)[
  Something catches you from behind, around the waist. Its teeth sink in deeply.
(set: $beast to 1)
  [[You are never heard from again.->Game Over]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Lantern")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
It's too dark to see into your bag...](set: $checking to 0)<div class=mesgnight>  Wandering through the sewers...(set: $stime to it + 1)(if: $stime is 1)[
  There's nothing out of the ordinary.
  [[North.->1B]]
  [[West.->3]]
  [[South.->3B]]](else-if: $stime is 2)[
  You thought you heard something, but it might have been your imagination.
  [[North.->1B]]
  [[West.->3]]
  [[South.->3B]]](else-if: $stime is 3)[
  A gurgling howl echoes from somewhere far away.
  [[North.->1B]]
  [[West.->3]]
  [[South.->3B]]](else-if: $stime is 4)[
  A horrible, briny smell surrounds you. You feel hot breath on your neck.
  [[North.->1B]]
  [[West.->3]]
  [[South.->3B]]](else-if: $stime is 5)[
  Something catches you from behind, around the waist. Its teeth sink in deeply.
(set: $beast to 1)
  [[You are never heard from again.->Game Over]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Lantern")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
It's too dark to see into your bag...](set: $checking to 0)<div class=mesgnight>  Wandering through the sewers...(set: $stime to it + 1)(if: $stime is 1)[
  There's nothing out of the ordinary.
  [[South.->2A]]
  [[West.->1B]]
  [[East.->2B]]](else-if: $stime is 2)[
  You thought you heard something, but it might have been your imagination.
  [[South.->2A]]
  [[West.->1B]]
  [[East.->2B]]](else-if: $stime is 3)[
  A gurgling howl echoes from somewhere far away.
  [[South.->2A]]
  [[West.->1B]]
  [[East.->2B]]](else-if: $stime is 4)[
  A horrible, briny smell surrounds you. You feel hot breath on your neck.
  [[South.->2A]]
  [[West.->1B]]
  [[East.->2B]]](else-if: $stime is 5)[
  Something catches you from behind, around the waist. Its teeth sink in deeply.
(set: $beast to 1)
  [[You are never heard from again.->Game Over]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Lantern")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
It's too dark to see into your bag...](set: $checking to 0)<div class=mesgnight>  Wandering through the sewers...(set: $stime to it + 1)(if: $stime is 1)[
  There's nothing out of the ordinary.
  [[North.->2B]]
  [[South.->2]]
  [[East.->4B]]](else-if: $stime is 2)[
  You thought you heard something, but it might have been your imagination.
  [[North.->2B]]
  [[South.->2]]
  [[East.->4B]]](else-if: $stime is 3)[
  A gurgling howl echoes from somewhere far away.
  [[North.->2B]]
  [[South.->2]]
  [[East.->4B]]](else-if: $stime is 4)[
  A horrible, briny smell surrounds you. You feel hot breath on your neck.
  [[North.->2B]]
  [[South.->2]]
  [[East.->4B]]](else-if: $stime is 5)[
  Something catches you from behind, around the waist. Its teeth sink in deeply.
(set: $beast to 1)
  [[You are never heard from again.->Game Over]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Lantern")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
It's too dark to see into your bag...](set: $checking to 0)<div class=mesgnight>  This area of the sewer looks different - the water ends, leaving it dry. Instead of algae, a thin layer of rock dust covers the passage, and mounds of rubble crowd around you. You must be drawing near to the devil's dungeon.
  [[Go toward the dungeon.->Dungeon Entrance]]
  [[Navigate back to the sewer entrance.->Sewer Entrance]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  The hallway beyond the silver door is covered in a reflective, silver surface. It continues on for some distance, and the light from your lantern creates an odd effect of bouncing light leading down the hall. A trick of this light makes it appear as if an orb is floating directly ahead of you, a yellowish spheroid bouncing slowly up and down, floating away, then coming back, as if beckoning you.
  The hairs of your hackles stand rigidly as you remember stories of will o' wisps, swamp and forest dwelling entities said to lead travelers to their deaths. How those deaths take place is the subject of much debate. If you recall, the only way to escape them is to run away in the opposite direction.
  Could this be a real wisp, or just some trick of the light on the shining walls? As you consider your options, hollow, empty chimes ring out and reverberate in thudding waves through the long, silver hallway.
  [[Proceed.->Pro]]
  [[Proceed with your eyes closed.->Close1]]
  [[Leave to the dungeon foyer.->Dungeon Foyer]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  (if: $nochest is 0)[The red door is warm to the touch, opens easily, and leads to a red room. Inside this room are four walls that glisten with moisture and meet in dark corners. Dull, pallid light throbs through a membrane of a ceiling. There is only one other object in here with you.
  A chest sits in the center of the room, and is roughly the size of your torso. It is a simple affair of greyish-brown wood with black iron fixings. You can feel a certain humidity to the room and its contents unsettle your stomach.(if: $wantchest is 1)[
  This must be the chest of great age and value that Marathonis wanted you to try and retrieve.](if: $necklace is 1)[
  (link: "The necklace has some information.")[("I smell something...")]]
  [[Open the chest.->Chest]]
  [[Leave the room.->Dungeon Foyer]]](else-if: $nochest is 1)[There is nothing here but the glistening red room.
  [[Leave.->Dungeon Foyer]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  You decide to proceed with your eyes open.
  The ball of light capers along in front of you as you walk. The hallway seems impossibly long, and when you look back, you can't see the doorway you entered through. As you continue, an acerbic scent wafts past your nose and the distant vibrating chimes grow louder and nearer. Soon they are pulsating in your ears, throbbing like your own heart beat in your head.
(set: $wisp to 1)
  Struggling alone in the cramped passageway - was it always so cramped? - you lift your lantern and notice the flame has gone out. The trick of the light is no trick at all.
  You hear something. You see something.(click: "something.")[
  The ends of your fur seethe as the wisp approaches, chiming out your name.(set: $counter to 5)(live: 1s)[(set: $counter to it - 1)(if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Game Over")]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/aD1Dc7K.gif">](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?
]    You aren't taking any chances. You proceed down the silver hallway with your eyes closed and one hand on the wall.
    "Sniff, is that you?"
    The voice of your employer on this case, the devil Marathonis, startles you with its sudden proximity.
    "I see you made it into the dungeon. For what reason are you shutting your eyes like that?"
    [[Open your eyes.->Tricked]]
    [[Continue with your eyes closed.->Close2]](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Closed")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgday>  You open your eyes, and find yourself face to face with the ball of light. It's so bright, and so near. You squint, peering into the core of the ball, where you can almost make out a face.
  Energy and consciousness pours out of your body, which grows tired and weak as the wisp draws nearer to you.
(set: $wisp to 1)
  As you fall to the floor, you can hear something calling your (link: "name.")[
  The world fades as your eyes close forever.(set: $counter to 5)(live: 1s)[(set: $counter to it - 1)(if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Game Over")]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?
]    You ignore the voice of your employer and continue on. As you walk, your feet step into something wet, a puddle. Then the puddle grows deeper. Soon you're wading through ankle-deep water, rushing from up ahead of you with a current that nearly knocks you to the floor.
    Could a section of the dungeon have collapsed, allowing in water from the nearby sewer or river? The water level rises precipitously - in a moment's time it has risen to your knees. Soon after you are wading through waist-high water. Something has to be done, or you could soon drown.
    [[Open your eyes.->Tricked]]
    [[Continue with your eyes closed.->Close3]](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Closed")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]    You continue on through the water. As it reaches your chest, you take a step that feels as if you lose your footing, as if there is no floor and only water. Then as quickly as it began you feel dry as a bone. There is no more water, and perhaps the never was.
    As you press on, the wall you hold your hand against is suddenly no longer there, forcing you to grope blindly ahead. A firm hand takes your wrist, holding you tight. A smell so familiar and so forgotten enters your notice that it almost seizes you by the throat.
    "Child Chewpaw," says the Spotmother, her honeyed voice comforting and terrifying you. "Cease these selfish endeavors. I have come to reclaim you. We'll walk out of this dungeon together. You belong with me, my progeny, and I love you. Won't you please come back to me? I have missed you so deeply. I am so happy to see you again. Won't you open your eyes and look at your mother again, Sniff?"
    [[Open your eyes.->Tricked]]
    [[Continue with your eyes closed.->Close4]](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Closed")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]    The Spotmother holds on to your wrist as you walk, but when you ignore her and continue, she soon disappears. Her hand is gone, but your wrist feels warm. It wouldn't take much to get you to admit you miss her.
    Try as you might to find a wall to put your hands, all you can feel is the floor below you. When you reach out to look for a surface to hold, your lantern knocks against something and falls out of your hand. The glass shatters with a pop and oil spills out onto your feet. A second later a flash of heat and crackling flames flare up around you, engulfing your legs and setting fire to your clothing.
    [[Open your eyes and do something!->Tricked]]
    [[Continue with your eyes closed.->CloseEnd]](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Closed")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  This room appears to be a study, and is relatively unharmed by the explosion and subsequent collapse of parts of the dungeon. Knocked over onto the floor are two iron inkwells, one shaped like a chimera and the other a dragon. Large black stains pool over the stone floor from where their contents spilled out.
  Bookcases built into the wall carry a brood of ancient texts whose spines are bent and creased from use. Within arm's reach rests a lion-footed wooden desk covered in hastily written documents. The drawers are closed and bear dull gold locks to keep it that way.(if: $letters is 0)[
  [[Look over the documents.->Docs]]](else:)[
  You've already gone through the papers.]
  [[Check the desk drawers.->Drawers]]
  [[Examine the books.->Books]]
  [[Leave the study.->Hall2]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  You press on through the pain and the heat as the fire gobbles you up, leaps about your body and chokes you in its smoke. It feels as if there will be nothing left of you but ash, and with this knowledge you struggle to take one more step forward, then another, and another.
  As you prepare to take another step, you hit your nose against a hard surface. Like a bell waking you from a dream, the fire is gone, like it had never happened. What's more, you can feel the handle of the lantern still firmly in your hand.
  The sharp acrid smell and chiming have also stopped; only your ragged breathing remains.
  When you finally open your eyes, you see a silver door in front of you. You're still in the silver hallway, and turning around reveals there are just ten feet of distance between you and the door you entered. You had been walking for what felt like an hour.
  [[Open the closed silver door.->Hall2]]
  [[Return the way you came.->Dungeon Foyer]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  The silver door leads to another hallway, this one wider and shorter and decorated with columns along the walls, many of which have been cracked and shifted. Other than the door through which you entered, there are three other doors in the hall. One is smashed beyond repair, and behind it a mountain of collapsed rock and masoned stone.
  [[Go through the first door.->Bedroom]]
  [[Go through the second door.->Study]]
  [[Go through the silver door to the dungeon foyer.->Dungeon Foyer]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgday>  "Just where do you think you're goin', footpad?"
  You hear a gruff, dry voice, too dry for the river, and a feel a gnarled hand on your shoulder. Turning around to look, you see a man in leather waders, white haired and bearded and constantly ticking his head to the side like he's been struck by a fly every time a crate slams down on the docks nearby.
  "No citizen entry to the sewers. You don't want to go down there anyway."
  [["Who you?"->SWWY]]
  [["Sniff not citizen."->SWNC]]
  [[Turn around and leave.->Riverside Docks]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Who you? Old... sewer-guard man?"
(set: $swwy to 1)
  The man clears the phlegm from his throat on the pavement before he replies, voice still gravelly.
  "Anton Slopshanks, municipal disposalman of proud Tascania. And you've got two eyes looking in the wrong direction if they're fixed on my sewers."
(if: $swnc is 0)[
  [["Sniff not citizen."->SWNC]]
]
  [["Sniff eyes looking for clues to solve murder for watch."->SWWM]](if: $azmet is 1)[
  [["See anyone take barrels into sewer?"->SWBR]]]
  [["Got it. Not interpose self in sewers. Bye now."->Riverside Docks]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Sniff not citizen."
  The man stares at you and wheezes under his breath. The wheeze grows into a cankerous laugh and he stamps his boot like a wild pig about to charge.
  "So I see that! These eyes aren't all milk yet! But if you're not a citizen that's a crow's reason not to pinch a diamond from a lady's ear. You don't have your bearings about you, the city's grand and so are its sewers, its flowing veins, and you don't know about the Wetbeast. Get lost somewhere else. I don't wanna to have to clean you out of the grates when you're reduced to blockage. Didn't your mama ever tell you to respect darkness?"
(set: $swnc to 1)
  [["What you say, 'wet beast?'"->SWWB]](if: $swwy is 0)[
  [["Who you?"->SWWY]]](if: $azmet is 1)[
  [["See anyone take barrels into sewer?"->SWBR]]]
  [["Sniff get message. Bye now."->Riverside Docks]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "What you say, 'wet beast?'"
(set: $swwb to 1)
  "Right," the old fellow coughs and thumps his chest with his hand. He jumps an inch when a particularly large crate thwumps down on the docks, to the celebrating hollers of the longshoremen. "The Wetbeast. Been down there long as I can remember. Suppose it crawled in from the river. Heard someone say it mighta been dragged up from the black layer of the Jerin Sea, the real deepest part, and brought here by some foolish fisherman. You get lost in the sewer because you don't know your way, and the Wetbeast'll have you before you've wandered long."
  "Got it. Beast that's wet. But Sniff not afraid of beast."
  "More's the fool you."(if: $swnc is 1)[
  [["Who you?"->SWWY]]]
  [["Sniff afraid of wet fur. Bye now."->Riverside Docks]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Sniff eyes looking for clues to solve murder for watch."
  "A murder for the watch? If someone was killed in the sewers, or tossed in after the fact, they'd be washed into the grate. We have to clean it every week. Can't say as I've seen a stiff blighter down there in some time, though."
  "Where grate? Collect other things?"
  "After the explosion last week we haven't gotten a chance to survey it. Getting in's a hassle, going east, south, west, north, east. I have to chant it like a mantra while slogging around. But it's of no use to you. Sewer's off limits. Solve your crime somewhere else."
  [[Sniff try. Sewer man, bye now.->Riverside Docks]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Sniff understand. Gnolls have duty to Spotmother, too. Gnolls who not run away."
  Ardia pities you, she must, for she places her hand on your shoulder. The metal gauntlet is cold.
  "There are times when we must walk in the direction we intend to go with our eyes closed and our spirits strong. Distractions and limitations are like wisps seeking to drag you away into oblivion. Keep your eyes closed and your steps sure and you'll have nothing to fear from them."
(set: $sil1 to 2)
  "Will do."
  With a smile and a stretch, Ardia stands up straight and bounces on her toes.
  "My rest is over. I intend to investigate the chess house in market square, for illicit rumours abound about the place. If you desire to speak with me again, find me there. One more thing: be wary of the city watch. They aren't friendly to outsiders."
  "Travel well, lady. But maybe keep eyes open so not step on thorn"
  [[Ardia leaves after a wave.->South Leorgine Street]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  "Sniff want to interview occupant of jail."
  "Forget it. No one allowed in the gaol who hasn't been arrested... in that case, you'll be there soon. Won't take much for you to get arrested in this city."
  [[Back to questions.->CapQ]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff want to interview occupant of jail."
  "Forget it. No one allowed in the gaol who hasn't been arrested... in that case, you'll be there soon. Won't take much for you to get arrested in this city."
  [[Back to questions.->CapQ]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  "Gnoll imprisoned after self-defense. Simply being gnoll, townspeople scared because big, watch come and use shockwand on gnoll, cause gnoll to seem angry and scary. Unlawful escalation of force. Why watch not talk to gnoll first? If violence penalty need be, penalize watchman, not gnoll."
  "You witnessed this?" the captain hisses.
(set: $gnollfree to 1)
  "No, but arresting watchman corroborate gnoll testimony when asked."
  A heavy iron ball of silence drags the conversation to a stop. The watch captain's sharp eyebrows knit downward into the shape of a bird of prey. But, in the end, he gives little more than an exasperated sigh.
  "I shall have the creature released outside the city limits. If he shows himself again, I will instruct my men as to the proper way of dealing with unwanteds."
  "Sniff expect captain honorable man, not impinge on rights of free people to-"
  "Are you still talking? Talk about something else."
  [[Back to questions.->Gcap]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class=mesgnight>  "Gnoll imprisoned after self-defense. Simply being gnoll, townspeople scared because big, watch come and use shockwand on gnoll, cause gnoll to seem angry and scary. Unlawful escalation of force. Why watch not talk to gnoll first? If violence penalty need be, penalize watchman, not gnoll."
  "You witnessed this?" the captain hisses.
  "No, but arresting watchman corroborate gnoll testimony when asked."
  A heavy iron ball of silence drags the conversation to a stop. The watch captain's sharp eyebrows knit downward into the shape of a bird of prey. But, in the end, he gives little more than an exasperated sigh.
  "I shall have the creature released outside the city limits. If he shows himself again, I will instruct my men as to the proper way of dealing with unwanteds."
  "Sniff expect captain honorable man, not impinge on rights of free people to--"
(set: $gnollfree to 1)
  "Are you still talking? Talk about something else."
  [[Back to questions.->Gcap]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  "Guard not read rights to gnoll. Therefore arrest unlawful."
  Something like laughter starts in the back of the taciturn man's throat, but he catches it and crushes it before it can escape his frowning lips.
  "Ridiculous. Non-citizens don't have rights."
  [[Back to questions.->Gcap]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class=mesgnight>  "Guard not read rights to gnoll. Therefore arrest unlawful."
  Something like laughter starts in the back of the taciturn man's throat, but he catches it and crushes it before it can escape his frowning lips.
  "Ridiculous. Non-citizens don't have rights."
  [[Back to questions.->Gcap]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  "Gnoll not abscond. No risk. No need to be in jail."
  "So vouches another gnoll. I don't know why your kind has decided to migrate into the city but people are afraid of you."
  "Sniff just here for work."
(set: $gcapblock to 1)
  The captain presses his hands into the top of his desk and takes a deep breath through his nose. His brow is creased like folded steel, and so too is there a blade in his tone.
  "Get out. You want to talk about getting your friend out of jail? Come back tomorrow."
  [[You're escorted out to Noighearch Street.->Noighearch Street]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class=mesgnight>  "Gnoll not abscond. No risk. No need to be in jail."
  "So vouches another gnoll. I don't know why your kind has decided to migrate into the city but people are afraid of you."
  "Sniff just here for work."
(set: $gcapblock to 1)
  The captain presses his hands into the top of his desk and takes a deep breath through his nose. His brow is creased like folded steel, and so too is there an blade in his tone.
  "Get out. You want to talk about getting your friend out of jail? Come back tomorrow."
  [[You're escorted out to Noighearch Street.->Noighearch Street]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  The guard captain told you to come back tomorrow. It wouldn't be wise to barge back into the station. To prove a point, it is best to demonstrate patience and perseverance in kind.
  [[Back to Noighearch Street.->Gcap]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class=mesgnight>  The guard captain told you to come back tomorrow. It wouldn't be wise to barge back into the station. To prove a point, it is best to demonstrate patience and perseverance in kind.
  [[Back to Noighearch Street.->Gcap]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](set: $checking to 0)(if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  "Sniff will find culprit."
  "Very good. You can thank them for me."
  [["Nevermind, Sniff not bother."->Noighearch Guard Station]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff will find culprit."
  "Very good. You can thank them for me."
  [["Nevermind, Sniff not bother."->Noighearch Guard Station]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  As you approach the House of Chess you feel the pull of music, sweet smells, and cheerful conversation. Before she allows you entrance a woman at the door rubs your ear and says it feels like a silk pouch. Inside, chandeliers light rooms decorated with the most baroque gatherings of scrolling acanthus leaves, nymphs, and cherubs with their rumps in the air.
  The women in these rooms are decorate too, in silk brocade and taffeta dresses comprised of countless underlayers. Each has her hair hidden by spectacular wigs, vertical in style and threaded with pearls and flowers. Below the wigs are painted faces, eyes keen with the intellect gained from a life lived in one of the most populated cities on the continent.
  Near the entrance, a poised woman greeted by other patrons as the Black Queen stands watching the proceedings. Further in are countless parlors filled with tables decorated in chess patterns. What's more, each table is surrounded by spectators and occupied by women engaged in games of chess with paying customers.
  [[Talk to the Black Queen.->BQ]]
  [[Observe the games of chess.->ObsCh]]
  [[Leave to Market Square.->Market Square]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>(if: $jugtomorrow is 0)[  You approach the juggler with a mix of hesitation and wonder. Gnolls do not have much in the way of hilarity and amusement, and so the circular path of the colored balls catches you in its continual whirl.
  The juggler himself is a head shorter than you, though his pointed ears and the sculpt of his face, though rounded with fat, indicates him to be an elf. You've never seen one so short. When you come forward to watch, he slowly comes to a stop, deftly catching the balls and slinging them under his arm.
  "You! Furred child!" he announces, the corners of his eyes wrinkling with his age and his smile, "come and try it. It's as hard as it looks! Be quick now, you'll never catch them if you aren't quick!"
  The crowd laughs, and soon everyone is looking at you.
  [[Attempt to juggle.->Juggle]]
  [[Slowly fold back into the crowd.->Market Square]]](else:)[  The juggler notices your approach and bows - while juggling. He never stops a moment.
  "Afraid you'll have to come back tomorrow, showstealer!" His japing voice lilts like a flute.
  [[Back to Market Square.->Market Square]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](set: $stop to 0)(set: $stop1 to 0)(set: $stop2 to 0)(set: $sadd to 0)<div class=mesgday>
<center>
{
(set: $stopCycle to 0)
(live: .75s)[
(if: $stopCycle is >10)[(set: $stopCycle to 0)](if: $stop is 1)[
(set: $stopCycle to 0)(stop:)🔴
]
(else: )[
(if: $stop is 0)[(set: $stopCycle to it + 1)]
(css: "position: absolute; bottom: " + (string: (30) * $stopCycle) + "px")[🔴[(click: "🔴")[(set: $stop to 1)(set: $sadd to it +1)(if: $sadd is >=3 and $stop is 1 and $stop1 is 1 and $stop2 is 1)[(if: $juggtomorrow is not 2)[(show:?done)(set: $jugtomorrow to 2)]]]]]
]
]
}        {
(set: $stopCycle to 0)
(live: .75s)[
(if: $stopCycle is >10)[(set: $stopCycle to 0)](if: $stop1 is 1)[
(set: $stopCycle to 0)(stop:)🔵
]
(else: )[
(set: $stopCycle to it + 1)
(css: "position: absolute; bottom: " + (string: (30) * $stopCycle) + "px")[🔵(click: "🔵")[(set: $stop1 to 1)(set: $sadd to it +1)(if: $sadd is >=3 and $stop is 1 and $stop1 is 1 and $stop2 is 1)[(if: $juggtomorrow is not 2)[(show:?done)(set: $jugtomorrow to 2)]]]]
]
]
}        {
(set: $stopCycle to 0)
(live: .75s)[
(if: $stopCycle is >10)[(set: $stopCycle to 0)](if: $stop2 is 1)[
(set: $stopCycle to 0)(stop:)⚪
]
(else: )[
(set: $stopCycle to it + 1)
(css: "position: absolute; bottom: " + (string: (30) * $stopCycle) + "px")[⚪(click: "⚪")[(set: $stop2 to 1)(set: $sadd to it +1)(if: $sadd is >=3 and $stop is 1 and $stop1 is 1 and $stop2 is 1)[(if: $juggtomorrow is not 2)[(show:?done)(set: $jugtomorrow to 2)]]]]
]
]
}
(live:25s)[(if: $sadd is <3)[(go-to:"JuggleGiveUp")]]
|done)[(set: $juggtomorrow to 2)[[Success!!->Success!!]]]
You must catch each ball to properly impress the crowd. If you take too long, you'll simply drop them all.
[[You aren't dextrous enough for this.->JuggleGiveUp]]</center></div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/aD1Dc7K.gif">](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're busy juggling...](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  With deft skill you juggle the colored balls, red, blue, white, around in a circle. The crowd is silent during your attempt, cheering only when success is assured. No one has ever seen a juggling gnoll, and they can't believe their eyes. As a result, several people toss coins at your feet.
(set: $jugtomorrow to 1)
  "Marvelous!" the elf juggler bounces on his heels and nimbly scoops the balls out of your paws, replacing them with the drachs thrown for your performance. "Ladies and gentlemen, where elves can be short, fat, and homely," he screws up his nose and makes a fearsome face, "so too can gnolls be performers!"
  As you stand there smiling nervously at the crowd the juggler leans close, "actually, my troupe is looking for a new dog boy. You come look me up if you ever need work!"
  "Sniff not dog, boy, but not dog, hyena not dog, species unrelated, like calling elf owlbear."
  "You've got the snout, and the beans; you've the soul of a dog boy! Now, get out of here before you take all my business. Come back tomorrow if you want to throw the balls again!"
  [[Thank the juggler and leave.->Market Square]](if: $checking is 0)[(set: $money to $money+3)(set: $items to $items)]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](set: $stop to 0)(set: $stop1 to 0)(set: $stop2 to 0)(set: $sadd to 0)<div class=mesgday>  You try and juggle, but the balls continually tumble out of your hands or worse, knock you on the head when you lose sight of them. The crowd cackles and howls, but not with you.
  Comically dismayed by your attempts, the juggler snatches the balls deftly from the air and continues tossing them about with ease.
(set: $juggtomorrow to 0)
  "No coordination, that one!" he jeers.
  [[Return to Market Square.->Market Square]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](set: $stop to 0)(set: $stop1 to 0)(set: $stop2 to 0)(set: $sadd to 0)<div class=mesgnight>  The Black Queen is a marvelously tall, plump woman with a graceful swan's neck. She has the pointed ears of an elf, a delicate painted oval of a face and an elaborate white wig. A thick curl of the milky coiffure hangs down to contrast against her dark skin. Upon seeing your approach, she performs a perfunctory curtsey, hands in elbow-length white gloves lifting up the sides of her scintillating, cornflower blue skirts.
  "Good evening," her voice takes your king in an instant. "I am the Black Queen. Welcome to my humble house, a palace in gilt, a cathedral of strategy. Curious custom, you. Have you ever played chess? Last game's free."(if: $chessed is 1 and $handkerchief is 1)[
  [["Sniff have question about clue for Margarita."->MarQHK]]]
  [["What goes on here?"->WG]]
  [["Sniff want play chess."->WPC]]
  [["Sniff have business elsewhere."->House of Chess]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  You are drawn by the sights and sounds of the busy common room, where the chess players feverishly go about their matches. Each has a unique style, per your observations. Some rush, some take their time, and still others appear to play without playing. They laugh and carouse and carry on with their opponents and the spectators as if no game is taking place - and still they manage to win.
  The custom flows in this place, and it seems all the city is eager to try and best the strategic sirens. Humanoids in drudgery's aprons and privilege's jabots, with all origins, colors, ear-shapes and heights, find themselves made equal in the futility of their attempts to outmaneuver these trained lamias of the House of Chess. It seems to be something of an expected norm.(if: $sil1 is 2)[
  You spot Ardia standing in the crowd, watching the chess players with interest. Even though the house caters to all people, she looks out of place.
  [[Greet Ardia.]]]
  [[Return to the foyer.->House of Chess]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "What goes on here?"
  "Why, only the finest sport, the game of kings - or queens, as the case may be. Here is a place for citizens of Tascania and wayward travelers alike to be divested of their worries and indulge in life's most lascivious of pleasures - the utter domination of your opponent. Not that many are able to best one of my girls..."
  "Chess?" you inquire, "why chess? Of all thing two people do together, thing that bring fulfillment and happiness, why chess? Why not checkers?"
  The Black Queen hides the allure of her ruby lips behind her lace fan.
  "Chess inspires the body and the mind. Great things come from it. Arguments are settled, friendships made, fates decided, all in a game of chess! Now, are you playing? It is a bit more challenging than draughts, mind."(if: $chessed is 0)[
  [["Private game? Why not, Sniff smart, like chess."->PGB]]](else-if: $chessed is 1)[
  [["Already played chess here."->AlreadyCH]]]
  [["Sniff not buying. Has questions."->BQQ]]
  [["Sniff not have time right now."->House of Chess]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff want play chess."
  The Black Queen snaps her fan shut with a flick of her wrist, happily displaying a broad smile and teeth like a string of pearls.
  "Very good. Though, you'll find our open hall tables to be full. Lucky boy; for the price of three drachs you may reserve a... private room, and the player of your choice. May I recommend Margarita? She is one of our best. People come here for the challenge, the thrill of victory's wings flapping in their ear; isn't that why you've come?"(if: $money is >=3)[(if: $chessed is 0)[
  [["Sniff like challenge."->Upstairs]]](else-if: $chessed is 1)[
  [["Already played chess here."->AlreadyCH]]]]
  [["Too rich for Sniff's blood."->BQ]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff not buying. Has questions."
  "About what, dear boy?"
  "Looking for culprit of dungeon bombing. Devil hired Sniff as detective."
  The edge of the Black Queen's painted mouth tugs upward. "Good. I shall do what I can to aid you. Creatures of the night must stick together, after all."
  "Friend of devil?"
  "Oh, Marty is good company and our respect is mutual. Ask what you will."
  [["Tell about Marty. Stealing souls create enemy?"->BQMarty]](if: $azmet is 1)[
  [["You know Azwel? Anything suspect?"->BQAzwel]]](if: $perfumeget is 1)[
  [["Do you recognize scent of this perfume bottle?"->BQPerfume]]](if: $necklace is 1)[
  (link: "The necklace has some advice...")[("Why not attempt a bribe? This is a mercantile of sorts, after all.")(if: $money is 0)[
  But, you haven't got a single drach.](else-if: $money is >0)[
  [[Bribe her.->BQBribe]]]]]
  [["Sniff can't think of anything right now..."->House of Chess]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  "Private game? Why not, Sniff smart, like chess."
  "Very good. Though, you'll find our open hall tables to be full. Lucky boy; for the price of three drachs you may reserve a... private room, and the player of your choice. May I recommend Margarita? She is one of our best. People come here for the challenge, the thrill of victory's wings flapping in their ear; isn't that why you've come?"(if: $money is >=3)[(if: $chessed is 0)[
  [["Sniff like challenge."->Upstairs]]](else-if: $chessed is 1)[
  [["Already played chess here."->AlreadyCH]]]]
  [["Too rich for Sniff's blood."->BQ]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  The Black Queen escorts you upstairs, your hand clasped in hers. The grand staircase carries you on maroon carpet. The walls, white with golden trim, are the mouth and throat of a pretty white cat on the lap of a bejeweled monarch, and you are walking deep into its stomach.
  Preserving the mystery of the house with her beguiling sirk, she leads you to a private chamber consisting of a rug woven with glimmersilk, sparkling like stars in the lights of the candles, and a host of matched furniture painted the color of a canary's breast. You're seated at a table whose surface is a chessboard, then the Black Queen departs.
  After she leaves, a few silent minutes pass before another woman enters. Without sound she glides in slippers, a young red haired woman, skinny as a reed and pale, smelling of olive oil and clove. Her elaborate dress, wide with panniers and hoops and petticoats, subsumes her.
  "I am Margarita," she croons, drawing close to you and leaning even closer while her hands dislodge a drawer from the table. "What is your name?" Her vertical wig is freshly powdered.
  "Name Sniff. Nice acquaiting you, lady."
  Margarita sits across from you. "I hear you like, ugh, 'checkers.' But this is a game more refined. If you are ready for the punishment of a game with me, simply say the word and I shall grind you under my heel." After gathering her pink skirt beneath the table she begins meticulously introducing the pieces to their starting locations.
  [["Sniff ready."->UpChess]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  You begin playing chess with Margarita. In your time you have played only a few games. Admitted to the University of Alkamp as a curiosity, you mostly sat in lecture halls and absorbed knowledge while chewing your paw and trying not to stand out. It was at university that you were challenged to games of chess by one of your professors.
(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $money to it-3)]
  Margarita makes quick work of your pawns all the same. She looks at the board only briefly when making a move, and otherwise preens herself in a hand mirror or looks expectantly to you.
  After suffering a period of your silence she says impatiently, "forgiving my forwardness, but it is usually the customer who selects the conversation."
  [["Best opponents you have?"->BOY]]
  [["Where you learn to play?"->WLP]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  Margarita easily takes one of your rooks and drums her nails on the side of the table in thought.
  "Many aren't good opponents at all. Too much hubris; every puffed up neophyte thinks they can have us with the Fool's Mate. But, there are those who return to again and again to pay to be beaten like an old rug. Because they know they'll be beaten."(if: $capmet is 1)[
  [[Ask about the watch captain.->OppWC]]](if: $silmet is 1)[
  [[Ask about Ardia.->OppA]]]
  [[Ask about Marathonis.->OppM]](if: $azmet is 1)[
  [[Ask about Ms. Azwel.->OppAZ]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Where you learn to play?" you say as you lose a bishop to a pawn.
  "Here," Margarita stands blankly, looking around the room and then really taking some time to scrutinize your fur and ears. "The Black Queen took me in when I was a girl. Said she saw wisdom in me, and the eyes of a bird of prey. We're all predators here, but we're kept like doves. Can't you see I'm wide open?" She reaches out a rosy, slender arm and points to one of her knights. You can't seem to grasp how you could take it without incurring penalty.
  [["Best opponents you have?"->BOY]]
  [[You notice you're in check.->Check]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "You mean Anders? He comes in frequently. He's the worst sort of patron. He thinks he can get something here other than a game, and he's always infuriated when he loses. He used to have this handkerchief, he'd wipe down his face to hide the fact that he sweats like a ham in the oven."
  "Any conversation of interest?"
  "No, I wouldn't say so. Justice is blind and tight-lipped. He seemed to pride himself on the patronage and approval of the local magistrate, as if it further elevated him to above us working girls. They, like all powerful men, are working closely on 'special projects.' He does ask if I am available for liaisons not involving chess, but..."
  "But?"
  "To put it simply; I play so many insiped men I began to realize I prefer the company of women."(if: $handkerchief is 1)[
  [["This handkerchief captain's?"->OppHK]]]
  [[Ask about someone else.->BOY]]
  [["Where you learn to play?"->WLP]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Ardia? I don't know the name from Adramelech. Whoever they are, they either don't play chess, or they don't appreciate iniquity."
  "Iniquity? Much happen other than chess here?"
  "No, no," Margarita laughs, "all that's immoral is how badly customers are conquered, their kings checked and mated."
  [[Ask about someone else.->BOY]]
  [["Where you learn to play?"->WLP]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "I never play with devils. We think too alike, and I can never beat them... The Black Queen does, though. Perhaps you should ask her? I heard she's never lost a game in all her life."
  "Marathonis play here?"
  "He does, infrequent-like. Says it's good for the nerves. He's good, but he's no match for our Queen. I find myself wondering why he decides to come back. He's not pathetic like the rest of our customers, oh, pardons, not you, dogfellow."
  "Sniff appreciate. Sniff hope not impress upon lady as pathetic."
  [[Ask about someone else.->BOY]]
  [["Where you learn to play?"->WLP]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  As you make your way to Cordonne Street a broad man in a bright yellow turban and patterned cord robe stops you. His wide eyes and confident smile are the backdrop for his raised hands cradling a faded gold necklace.
  "Antique jewelry, for the bare-necked! Interested, young man? This is a relic, a precious piece of jewelry from a lost kingdom. Note the red marquis stone there in the middle. Just a drach will convince me to part with it, for a merchant must part with his goods!"
(set: $checking to 0)
(if: $money >1)[  [["Sniff have fur. Not need necklace."->PassNeck]]](else-if: $money is 0)[  [["Sniff can't afford."->PassNeck]]]
(if: $money >=1)[
  [["Okay. Sniff buy."->BuyNeck]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>(if: $money is 0)[  "Sniff can't afford."
  The merchant pretends to be sympathetic but is barely hiding his disappointment and anger.
  "Well, if you make some coin, come back this way to find me!"
  [[Continue to Cordonne Street.->Cordonne Street]]](else:)[  "Sniff have fur. Not need necklace."
  The merchant glowers in disappointment and anger.
  "Well, if you decide otherwise, come back this way to find me!"
  [[Continue to Cordonne Street.->Cordonne Street]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $checking is 0)[(set: $necklaceget to 1)(set: $money to $money-1)]<div class=mesgday>  For the price of one drach, the merchant gingerly places the necklace in your paws and clasps your coin in his.
  "Very good, young sir. Enjoy your wise purchase!"
  [[Continue to Cordonne Street.->Cordonne Street]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](if: $checking is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Antique Necklace]]"))](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  Precious few moves have been made since the beginning of the game, and you notice that you are already in check - and you didn't even see it coming. You have the feeling of someone condemned of a walk to the gallows, who begins the long road from the gaol to the city square by blinking and suddenly appearing there.
  "How did you--"
  "Ah ah," Margarita interrupts, cautioning you with a raised finger, "we do not divulge secrets or methods here, no matter how cajoling the provider of custom. No wet, begging eyes, you. If you want to play again, feel free - but I won't be able to tell you anything new. Detective." She bows her head and turns with a flourish, after which she escorts you to the door and back downstairs before you have a chance to so much as protest.
  "Just ask for Anna-Margarita next time you want a beating," she lilts, laughing, up the stairs.
(set: $chessed to 1)
  "Good game," you say as she leaves.
  [[House of Chess entrance.->House of Chess]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Azwel?" Her expression changes three times before she continues. "It doesn't sound familiar. Have you tried inquiring at the Slanted Oak? One must observe all possible spaces to know where best to move, after all."
  "You talking about game, or life?"
  "The application of lessons learned playing chess to life cannot be overstated."
  "Sniff suppose fang-claw-throat not applicable to life like chess?"
  Margarita gives you an unsettled glance, "I beg your pardon?"
  You draw a circle and an 'x' on the open squares of the table.
  "Fang... Claw... Throat."
  "Oh. Oh I see. Humanoids call it tic-tac-toe."
  [[Ask about someone else.->BOY]]
  [["Where you learn to play?"->WLP]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Already played chess here. Lost badly, maybe tricked?"
  "Tricked?" the Black Lady scowls, her features suddenly bordering on the demonic, like an arched granite gargoyle perched on a cathedral spire. "This is a place of skill. There are no tricks here - only strategies, only learning and mastery. My girls are the epitome of such things and outsiders react one of two ways: they seethe with envy and rage or they bubble with amusement and joy. Are you the former? I would be happy to throw you out like a sacrificial pawn."
  "Sniff not angry; impressed. Lady plays like grandmaster, wonder if strategy extends beyond board."
  "My players are carefully chosen for their acuity. You would make a fine one, with a bit of practice..."
  "Sniff not look good in dress and powder wig. Tried."
  [[Back.->House of Chess]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff offering reward for information leading to culprit."
(set: $checking to 0)
  "Queens can move anywhere, and as such, know most everything."(if: $money is >=1)[
  [[Bribe 1 coin.->QB1C]]](if: $money is >=2)[
  [[Bribe 2 coins.->QB2C]]](if: $money is >=3)[
  [[Bribe 3 coins.->QB3C]]]
  [["Sniff think about it. Money tight."->BQQ]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  (if: $necklace is 1)[You approach the chest and begin to reach for the lid, but you feel a serpentine rumble around your neck. The necklace springs to life, separating itself from your neck like a cat jumping down from a fence and yawning open along its length. A great maw is revealed, the space that contained it unfathomable. The red gem has become a sharp, glittering eye.
  The chest begins to shake and shudder and claps its lid up and down, showing its own teeth. It seems no match for the necklace, a hapless, flat-footed prey to calculating and superior predator. The floating maw the necklace has opened into wholly encircles the chest and claps shut suddenly. Then the crunching and slurping of consumption reaches your ears, the only witness to this bizarre feast.
  You arch your shoulders reactively as the necklace slides back around your neck and latches its clasp shut primly and gracefully.
  ("I knew your company would benefit me,") the necklace says into your mind, voice as satisfied as a butcher's pet dog.
  "You... eat chest?"
  ("The chest was a mimic. I am a mimic mimic, so to speak. I was impersonating a necklace mimic, which preys on the fashion-conscious, for my chance to get close to my real prey - mimics. Is that too complicated for you to follow?")
  "Sniff follow... maybe not feel relief but surely follow.
  [[The room is now empty. Go back to the foyer.->Dungeon Foyer]](set: $nochest to 1)](else:)[You approach the chest, kneel, and lift the lid unlocked lid carefully. Revealed are teeth, a flopping tongue, the esophagus; leaning toward you and salivating onto your arms. There will be nothing left if this thing eats you, no one left to solve the case. It yearns, it gurgles and rasps as it moves to consume you.(set: $chest to 1)
  [[Fight back.->Game Over]]
(if: $daggerlost is 0)[  [[Use your Emergency Dagger.->Chest2]]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  "Do you recognize scent of this perfume bottle?"
  The Black Queen leans forward to inhale the memory of the perfume the bottle once held. She seems perturbed by the bottle's condition.
  "Where on earth did you retrieve this? It has the visage of a sewer."
  "Sniff not disclose."
  "Very well. I do recognize this scent. It is popular among the wenches working the Slanted Oak. As you may have noticed, my girls perfume themselves with naught but the sweet scent of victory. Though one of them said a bottle matching this description went missing from her dressing room..."
  "Sniff keenly aware of skill of players, thank you."
  [[Back to questions.->BQQ]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "You know Azwel? Anything suspect?"
  The Black Queen splays open her fan and sets to work cooling herself.
  "I know Mary. She and I were very close in another life, but she is with someone else now. I wish her all the best. As for your question, how could I incriminate a past lover? Yes, she stocks everything one could use to decimate a fortress, but she is like me, a devotee of the drach. Such people are incapable of such horrible deeds as creating explosions."
  "Spoke to Azwel, seems nice, if guarded. Like Queen."
  "I thought I was the picture of forthcoming. Ask me something else, then."
  [[Back to questions.->BQQ]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Tell about Marty. Stealing souls create enemy?"
  "I imagine it would. But Marathonis does not steal souls. He takes those given willingly. Apparently it is quite difficult to fence souls once they've been stolen. It is not worth it. He and I are very similar. I only take money given willingly, though perhaps some do not know the vanity of their hope once they've made a deal with me..."
"Anything else?"
"He cannot play the board worth a damn."
(set: $bqknow to 1)
  [[Back to questions.->BQQ]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  The Black Queen's hand closes around one drach.
(if: $checking is 0 and $clueget is 0)[(set: $clues to it + 1)](if: $checking is 0)[(set: $money to it -1)](set: $clueget to 1)
  "A small secret earned. I have a girl who watches the Slanted Oak and said she saw someone go into the sewers at night last week, before the explosion. Never had she seen anyone enter the sewers - who would want to? She did not see who, unfortunately."(if: $checking is 0 and $bqt is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[The Black Queen's Testimony]]"))(set: $bqt to 1)]
  [[Back to questions.->BQQ]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  The Black Queen's hand closes around two drachs.
(if: $checking is 0 and $clueget is 0)[(set: $clues to it + 1)](if: $checking is 0)[(set: $money to it -2)](set: $clueget to 1)
  "A few small secrets earned. I have a girl who watches the Slanted Oak and said she saw someone go into the sewers at night last week, before the explosion. Never had she seen anyone enter the sewers - who would want to? She did not see who, unfortunately."
  She continues. "The city watch has been frightfully overzealous lately. They harass my girls as if the law has any power over them. What we do here is quite legal. I would be careful of your dealings with them - they despise outsiders especially."(if: $checking is 0 and $bqt is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[The Black Queen's Testimony]]"))](if: $bqt is 0 or 1)[(set: $bqt to 2)]
  [[Back to questions.->BQQ]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  The Black Queen's hand closes around three drachs.
(if: $checking is 0 and $clueget is 0)[(set: $clues to it + 1)](if: $checking is 0)[(set: $money to it -3)](set: $clueget to 1)
  "A few small secrets earned. I have a girl who watches the Slanted Oak and said she saw someone go into the sewers at night last week, before the explosion. Never had she seen anyone enter the sewers - who would want to? She did not see who, unfortunately."
  She continues. "The city watch has been frightfully overzealous lately. They harass my girls as if the law has any power over them. What we do here is quite legal. I would be careful of your dealings with them - they despise outsiders especially."
  After a moment, she thinks of something she may have been holding back. "The captain of the watch and certain higher representatives of the law are working together to remove what they call 'chaff' from the streets. Non-citizens find themselves arrested for the slightest infraction, and even those imagined. I have walked in the halls of justice and seen these miscarriages of its meaning myself. Be careful out there, gnoll."(if: $checking is 0 and $bqt is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[The Black Queen's Testimony]]"))](if: $bqt is 0 or 1 or 2)[(set: $bqt to 3)]
  [[Back to questions.->BQQ]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  You get a bar maid's attention by pulling on her shirt sleeve. When she turns around she looks prepared to put you in a choke hold, but instead she smiles and says,
  "Good morn' to you, new customer? Iyum Geltha. What kin I do for you?"
  Geltha has a bright blonde braid of hair and wears a red frock over her leather corset. Her skirt ends above her heeled leather boots and she curls her fist against her hip as she speaks in a calm, sweet voice.
  [["Sniff looking for Marathonis."->BarmM]]
  [["Sniff doing investigation. Can answer questions, lady?"->BarmQ]]
  [["Nevermind, Sniff busy."->The Slanted Oak]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  You get a bar maid's attention by pulling on her shirt sleeve. When she turns around she looks prepared to put you in a choke hold, but instead she smiles and says,
  "Good morn' to you, new customer? Iyum Geltha. What kin I do for you?"
  Geltha has a bright blonde braid of hair and wears a red frock over her leather corset. Her skirt ends above her heeled leather boots and she curls her fist against her hip as she speaks in a calm, sweet voice.
  [["Sniff looking for Marathonis."->BarmM]]
  [["Sniff doing investigation. Can answer questions, lady?"->BarmQ]]
  [["Nevermind, Sniff busy."->The Slanted Oak]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  You approach the bar and perch your paws on the edge.
  "Ordering one milk. Uh, please."
  The bartender is an older man with white hair and a single hoop earring. He calmly strokes a wet rag over the bar, restoring its shine, and looks at you with marked incredulity.
  "Isn't it a bit early in the day to be drinking milk?" he asks, "not that it could possibly put any more hair on your chest."
  You stare back, cracking not even the ghost of a smile.
  "Sniff get milk or not?"
  "One drach, if you've got it."(if: $money is >=1)[
  [["Sniff got it."->MilkGet]]](else-if: $money is 0)[
  [["Sniff don't got it."->The Slanted Oak]]]
  [["Sniff not thirsty."->The Slanted Oak]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  You approach the bar and perch your paws on the edge.
  "Ordering one milk. Uh, please."
  The bartender is an older man with white hair and a single hoop earring. Until you spoke he was watching with some alarm the roughness meted out by the bar maids.
  "Good, god, not his face," he mutters in disbelief, then winces. Finally he glances over to you. "Milk? Coming right up. One drach, do you have it?"(if: $money is >=1)[
  [["Sniff got it."->MilkGet]]](else-if: $money is 0)[
  [["Sniff don't got it."->The Slanted Oak]]]
  [["Sniff not thirsty."->The Slanted Oak]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](set: $money to it -1)(if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  The bartender pours you a tankard of cool milk, which you quaff down eagerly as he watches your throat bob.
  "Can't say as I've served many gnolls before. I always heard you ate people. But, who's to say what's so; Tascania's got a devil for it's most popular philanthropist."
  "Philanthropy never selfless."
(set: $stolenbarr to 1)
"Well, true enough. I wish I had a meal to offer you but we had two barrels of our saltpeter stolen last week. Without it the meat can't be cured, so our stock's diminished. Geltha does all our purchasing for us."
"No problem. Sniff lick milk and be satisfied."
  [[Back to the tavern.->The Slanted Oak]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  The bartender pours you a tankard of cool milk, which you quaff down eagerly as he watches your throat bob.
  "Can't say as I've served many gnolls before. I always heard you ate people. But, who's to say what's so; Tascania's got a devil for it's most popular philanthropist."
(set: $stolenbarr to 1)
  "Philanthropy never selfless."
"Well, true enough. I wish I had a meal to offer you but we had two barrels of our saltpeter stolen last week. Without it the meat can't be cured, so our stock's diminished. Geltha does all our purchasing for us."
"No problem. Sniff lick milk and be satisfied."
  [[Back to the tavern.->The Slanted Oak]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  "Sniff looking for Marathonis."
  "There is a renter 'ere by that name, but Iyum afraid 'e 'as communicated 'e not be disturbed while the sun's up."
  [["Sniff doing investigation. Can answer questions, lady?"->BarmQ]]
  [["Sniff come back later."->The Slanted Oak]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  "Sniff looking for Marathonis."
  "Yes, you are Sniff? 'e asked you be shown to 'is room. Proceed up the stairs and see the third door to the right."
  "Sniff thank you, lady."
  [["Sniff doing investigation. Can answer questions, lady?"->BarmQ]]
  [[Back.->The Slanted Oak]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  "Sniff doing investigation. Can answer questions, lady?"
  Gelthe screws up the side of her mouth and her reddish brown eyes flare, but she nods in the end.
  "Iyum working, please practice brevity."
  [["Anything strange happen lately?"->BarmQS]](if: $perfumeget is 1)[
  [["Your bottle? This perfume?"->BarmQP]]](if: $handkerchief is 1)[
  [["You know this handkerchief? Familiar?"->BarmQH]]]
  [["Nevermind, Sniff busy."->The Slanted Oak]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  "Sniff doing investigation. Can answer questions, lady?"
  Gelthe screws up the side of her mouth and her reddish brown eyes flare, but she nods in the end.
  "Iyum working, please practice brevity."
  [["Anything strange happen lately?"->BarmQS]](if: $perfumeget is 1)[
  [["Your bottle? This perfume?"->BarmQP]]](if: $handkerchief is 1)[
  [["You know this handkerchief? Familiar?"->BarmQH]]]
  [["Nevermind, Sniff busy."->The Slanted Oak]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  The noise of the tavern grows muffled as you ascend the stairs to the second floor. There you find a hall with several doors. The stairway continues up to a third floor, but it is locked by a metal grate.
(if: $mino is 0)[  [[Take the first door.->1st]]](else-if: $mino is 1)[  [[Take the first door.->MiNo]]]
  [[Take the second door.->2nd]]
  [[Take the third door.->3rd]]
  [[Go back downstairs.->The Slanted Oak]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  The noise of the tavern grows muffled as you ascend the stairs to the second floor. There you find a hall with several doors. The stairway continues up to a third floor, but it is locked by a metal grate.
(if: $mino is 0)[  [[Take the first door.->1st]]](else-if: $mino is 1)[  [[Take the first door.->MiNo]]]
  [[Take the second door.->2nd]]
  [[Take the third door.->3rd]]
  [[Go back downstairs.->The Slanted Oak]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=inventory>  (if: $bqt is 1)[The Black Queen told you she one of her employees saw someone sneak into the sewers prior to the explosion.](else-if: $bqt is 2)[The Black Queen told you one of her employees saw someone sneak into the sewers prior to the explosion.
  In addition, she indicates to be wary of the city watch - they have been overzealous in their dealings with outsiders.](else-if: $bqt is 3)[The Black Queen told you she one of her employees saw someone sneak into the sewers prior to the explosion.
  In addition, she indicates to be wary of the city watch - they have been overzealous in their dealings with outsiders.
  She told you the watch captain is working with someone higher in the administration of justice to rid the city of, in their words, 'chaff.']
(set: $checking to 1)
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s last)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your memory...]<div class=inventory>  An embroidered handkerchief made of soft white cotton. It has initials in the corner and a lace edge. (if: $necklace is 0)[Unfortunately, you can't read the letters.](else-if: $necklace is 1)[
  The necklace rings like a bell in your head, "it says A M."]
(set: $checking to 1)
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s last)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your bag...](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  You push open the first door you see, opening it into a brightly lit room. In this modest chamber, a massive man with a brown-furred body and the head, hooves, and tail of a bull flexes in exaggerated poses in front of a mirror. He doesn't notice you until he's curled his arms and admired his biceps and deltoids. When he sees you his ears flap and he waves you out of the room.
  "Get out! Can't a man flex in his own rented room?"
  "Sniff mistake, sorry."
(set: $mino to 1)
  "Leave!" snorts the minotaur.
  [["Sniff leaving."->Upst]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  You push open the first door you see, opening it into a brightly lit room. In this modest chamber, a massive man with a brown-furred body and the head, hooves, and tail of a bull flexes in exaggerated poses in front of a mirror. He doesn't notice you until he's curled his arms and admired his biceps and deltoids. When he sees you his ears flap and he waves you out of the room.
  "Get out! Can't a man flex in his own rented room?"
  "Sniff mistake, sorry."
  "Leave!" snorts the minotaur.
(set: $mino to 1)
  [["Sniff leaving."->Upst]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  This door is locked.
  [[Listen at the door.->2ndListen]]
  [[Back.->Upst]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  This door is locked.
  [[Listen at the door.->2ndListen]]
  [[Back.->Upst]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 1)[<div class=mesgnight>(if: $martvisit is 0)[  You move down the hall quietly, then knock twice on the third door before entering.
  The room is hushed, strangely so, as if sound cannot penetrate its walls. There are a few candles burning low, casting the room in a hazy darkness.
(set: $martvisit to 1)
  "Hello? You're here already?" A woman's soft voice comes from behind a dressing screen. Before you can reply, she steps out, a tall elf of average build with cascading brown hair. She turns her head to you and her eyes glitter with mischief.
  "Sniff have wrong room," you reply, stammering and regretting your indiscreet barging.
  "Oh, no. Devils are capable of such things," she reassures, moving back behind the screen. She disrobes and throws her dress onto the nearby bed. The gut-turning sounds of slick skin molting and mottling into scales and bones cracking now fill the room while the candles flicker their last. From behind the screen Marathonis rises to his full height, his caprine pupils finding you and his snout widening into a smile of teeth. The smoking wicks instantly burst into flame again.
  "Voices, forms - whatever is needed of us, we can provide. Forgive me - I should not have frightened you with something as startling as a humanoid. Are you here to tell me you have solved the case?" He settles down in an armchair.](else:)[  You enter the room to see Marathonis, in his original form, lounging in an armchair. He looks up to see you and he licks something from his finger with a forked tongue.
  "Welcome back."](if: $chestget is 1)[
  [["Sniff have your tooth chest."->MarReunion]]](else-if: $chestget is 2)[[["This tooth chest belong to you?"->MarReunion]]]
  [["Sniff have questions."->MartQ]](if: $clues is <=2)[
  [["Not enough clues yet..."->MartNC]]](else-if: $clues is >=3 and $unl is 1)[
  [["Sniff ready to solve case."->MartSolve]]</div>]](else-if: $time is 0)[<div class=mesgday>  You move to the third door, knock twice, and pull at the handle. However, the door is locked. You recall Marathonis instructing you to meet him at night.
  [[Back.->Upst]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class=mesgday>  "Anything strange happen lately?"
  "You mean aside frum the explosion?" Geltha retorts, rolling her apron up in her hands. "Sailors were spooked so business dropped off for a few days. On top of that, the House of Chess started serving drinks. Kin't stand those educated high throats taking our business."
  "Business hard? Sniff not know much about business, but wish you luck."
(set: $barmet to 1)
  "Harder than usual, between explosions and the hard hand of the watch taking its fines from our drach pouches."
  "Thank you for time, lady."
  [[Back to questions.->BarmQ]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class=mesgnight>  "Anything strange happen lately?"
(set: $barmet to 1)
  "You mean aside frum the explosion?" Geltha retorts, rolling her apron up in her hands. "Sailors were spooked so business dropped off for a few days. On top of that, the House of Chess started serving drinks. Kin't stand those educated high throats taking our business."
  "Business hard? Sniff not know much about business, but wish you luck."
  "Harder than usual, between explosions and the hard hand of the watch taking its fines from our drach pouches."
  "Thank you for time, lady."
  [[Back to questions.->BarmQ]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff have questions. Time to answer?"
  Marathonis tips his snout into a nod and exhales grey smoke from his nostrils.
  "Nothing would interest me more, if it helps find the culprit."
  [["How get to dungeon through sewers?"->MartQD]](if: $docs is 1)[
  [["Sniff found these letters in dungeon study."->MartLS]]](if: $bqknow is 1)[
  [["You know Black Queen? Chess much?"->MartBQ]]](if: $handkerchief is 1)[
  [["Found handkerchief in dungeon. Yours?"->MartHK]]]
(if: $wantchest is 1)[  [["Nevermind. Sniff need search more first."->Upst]]](else-if: $wantchest is 0 and ($chestget is 0 or 2))[  [["Nevermind. Sniff need search more first."->MarChest]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Not enough clues yet... Sniff will come back."
  "See that you make haste. I have an ill feeling about the future of devils in this world."
  [[Leave the room.->Upst]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff ready to solve case."
  Marathonis dips his head gravely and strokes his little goat beard. After a moment he begins to change again, back into the form of the elf woman. He finished the transformation behind a screen and begins dressing himself.
  "Let us away to the magistrate. He will hear your suspect and your evidence. I trust his judgments, for he claimed to be a friend to my kind."
  "You mean you don't know him?"
  "I know of him. Laronel Velspar has a fine reputation." Marathonis insists as she steps out from the screen in a fine indigo dress fit for a king's court.
  "Reputation often misguiding. Sniff will see for self."
  "You cannot go back from here. Ensure you are prepared."
  [[Go to the office of the magistrate.->Magistrate's Office]]
  [["Sniff have second thoughts. Back later."->Upst]]
  *This is your last chance to save your game before the end.</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "See anyone take barrels into sewer?"
  The man scratches his head. "Barrels? Why, to toss 'em? I swear, the things people throw away - make your fur crawl. Found a head down there once. Bobbin' around like an apple. But as far as barrels, no, not seen any. I did see some woman snoopin' around last week, only at night though. Coulda been a river spirit for all I know. I don't work nights, so I kept my distance."(if: $checking is 0 and $wtest is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Worker's Testimony]]"))(set: $clues to it + 1)](set: $wtest to 1)
  "This have thing to do with tavern nearby?"
  "No, I'm a teetotaler."(if: $swnc is 1)[
  [["Who you?"->SWWY]]]
  [["Thanks, fella. Sniff gotta go."->Riverside Docks]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class="inventory">  The sewer worker, Anton Slopshanks, says he saw a woman snooping around the sewers last week.
(set: $checking to 1)
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s last)</div>
(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your memory...]<div class=mesgnight>  The door opens, one hinge creaking and the wood snapping as it reveals a bedroom decorated in elaborate swaths of hanging cloth and expensive furniture. Despite these hints of its former elegance, the room is filthy. A section of the ceiling has collapsed, letting in a pile of earth and loose stones from the construction itself.
  Other than a bed, you can make out a dresser, its drawers strewn about as if they attempted to escape. Several chairs are smashed beyond recognition.
(set: $checking to 0)
  [[Examine the bed.->Bedcheck]]
  [[Check the dresser.->Dressercheck]]
  [[Leave the bedroom.->Hall2]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  The bed is covered in chipped stone and earth rained in from the collapsed ceiling. It is exceptionally long, and staring at it gives rise to an odd question. Do devils sleep?(if: $necklace is 1)[
  (link: "The necklace has something to say.")[("What a curious question. There are many creatures which do not sleep. The undead; liches, and the like. The Ongwal do not sleep, though, they are extinct in your realm. Crystalline beings, let me see, what else...")
  "Psychic necklaces?"
  ("I require an hour a day to do something like sleep.")]]
  [[Back.->Bedroom]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  The dresser is decorated with scrolling dragons along the edges, and has four curled lion feet. Many of the drawers are hanging out or on the floor. Someone must have searched them, or perhaps Marathonis emptied them in his haste to escape the collapsing dungeon.(if: $checking is 0 and $handkerchief is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Handkerchief]]"))(set: $clues to it + 1)(set: $handkerchief to 1)
  There is a handkerchief hanging from one of the drawers, dusted with earth.
  You tuck it into your bag.]
  [[Back.->Bedroom]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  There are papers scattered all over the desk, and each is covered in ink scrawlings of texts you can't read. Without the ability to decipher the papers, you don't know if any of them are clues.(if: $necklace is 1)[
  ("I can read these for you,") the necklace interjects.
  "Proceed. Sniff suspect clues, but might be anything. Diary. Tax return. Love letter. Bad poem."
  ("Please, that's enough. They are none of those things. These papers are threats addressed to Marathonis. Gather them up and allow me to read through them.")
  You do so, slowly moving one paper behind the others.
  ("There is no name upon them, but they suggest the devil leave Tascania before grave consequences are meted out by the will of the people.")
  "Sniff think these important... Thank you, necklace."
  ("No need to say it, I can feel your gratitude bouncing off the walls of your mind like a ball thrown for a--")
(if: $checking is 0 and $docs is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Threatening Letters]]"))(set: $clues to it + 1)(set: $letters to 1)(set: $items to $items)](set: $docs to 1)
  "Thank you, necklace, no more please."](else:)[(if: $checking is 0 and $docs is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Dungeon Papers]]"))(set: $letters to 1)(set: $items to $items)](set: $docs to 1)]
  [[Back.->Study]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  You crouch next to the high-backed chair waiting at the desk for its master. There are three drawers, each identical, on the right front side of the desk.
  [[Open the first drawer.->Drawer1]]
(set: $checking to 0)
  (unless: $daggerlost is 2)[[[Open the second drawer.->Drawer2]]](if: $daggerlost is 2)[The second drawer has been cleaned out.]
  (if: $bottle is 0)[[[Open the third drawer.->Drawer3]]](else:)[The third drawer has been cleaned out.]
  [[Back.->Study]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  There doesn't seem to be anything unusual about the books. Some of them are full of curious illustrations, of animals and landscapes you don't think could exist in this realm. Marathonis seems to appreciate books, but you can't guess the worth or contents of any of them, except that some are bestiaries and some concern botany for plants you don't recognize.
  [[Back.->Study]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  You pull on the first drawer...
  It opens. Inside are musty stacks of blank vellum paper.
  [[Back.->Drawers]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  You pull on the second drawer...
  It's locked.(if: $daggerlost is 0)[ Do you have a way to open it?
  [[Wrest it open with your Emergency Dagger.->Drawer2open]]](else:)[ You have no way to open it.]
(set: $checking to 0)
  [[Back.->Drawers]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  You pull on the third drawer...
  It opens. Inside is a bottle of liquid - you can smell its strong antiseptic quality even with the crystal stopper snug in the neck of the bottle.
(set: $checking to 0)
  [[Take the bottle and close the drawer.->DrawersGet]]
  [[Don't take the bottle.->Drawers]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Emergency Dagger]]"))(set: $daggerlost to 2)(set: $money to it + 3)  You carefully slide the end of your dagger into the space between the drawer and the desk, fitting it close to the lock. With one paw on the handle, you shove your paw in the other direction. Even gnolls know how to use levers. They practically invented them.
  The drawer pops open, revealing a few drachs within. Despite your success, your dagger breaks at the hilt from the force you placed on it.
(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Broken Dagger]]"))(set: $items to $items)
  [[Back.->Drawers]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class="inventory">  This crystal bottle was found in a study inside Marathonis' dungeon.
  The clear liquid inside smells incredibly powerful, and you can't keep your nose near it long with the stopper open.
(set: $checking to 1)
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s last)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your bag...]<div class="inventory">  This is the dagger you broke (if: $daggerlost is 2)[opening a drawer.](else-if: $daggerlost is 1)[defending yourself from a mimic.]
  You carved the handle yourself in a dagger-making course for young gnolls.
(set: $checking to 1)
  For emergencies only.
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s last)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your bag...]<div class="inventory">  A small stack of vellum paper bearing threats toward the devil of Tascania, Marathonis. You don't know the sender, but they were found with a unique, gold-tipped quill pen.
(set: $checking to 1)
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s last)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your bag...]<div class=mesgnight>  As the chest begins to swallow your left arm, your right reaches for your Emergency Dagger - this is the time and the place to use it. You have no understanding of the creature's anatomy or weaknesses, and so you have one recourse.
  [[Stab the tongue.->Game Over]]
  [[Hold the mouth open with the dagger.->Chest3]]
  [[Stab the hinges.->Game Over]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class=mesgnight>  "This handkerchief captain's?" you ask, holding up the square of soft fabric.
  Margarita examines it in the candlelight, spying the initials embroidered in the corner.
  "Yes. That is the one he always brings - or one exactly like it."(set: $oppcaphand to 1)
  [[Ask about someone else.->BOY]]
  [["Where you learn to play?"->WLP]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "How get to dungeon through sewers? Sniff hear talk of beast prowling. Not desire being eaten today or any day."
  "Ah, yes," Marathonis replies coolly, "my mistake. The path is quite complicated unless explained. Three crossings south, then east. You shall then find the dungeon entrance. Mind yet the sigil lock, it is temperamental."
  "And beast? Send Sniff into sewer where beast stalk?"
  "I have not seen nor heard any beast. But then, what would prey on a devil?"
  [["Sniff have other questions."->MartQ]]
(if: $wantchest is 1)[  [["Sniff done. Leaving now."->Upst]]](else-if: $wantchest is 0 or 2 and $chestget is 0)[  [["Sniff done. Leaving now."->MarChest]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff found these letters in dungeon study."
  As you reveal the stack of letters, Marathonis sighs heavily and reclines backward in his chair.
  "I had hoped not to see those again, but I am glad you found them. They are threats. I received them over the past several months, but without any idea from whom I did not think them usable as evidence."
  "No enemy these letters can be from?"
  "I hear whispers on the street that there are those hostile to my kind - and yours. But whether it is a matter of religious antithesis or something more sinister, I know not..."
  [["Sniff have other questions."->MartQ]]
(if: $wantchest is 1)[  [["Sniff done. Leaving now."->Upst]]](else-if: $wantchest is 0 or 2 and $chestget is 0)[  [["Sniff done. Leaving now."->MarChest]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  With some deft use of the dagger, you manage to slip it between the lid and the body of the chest, propping it open too wide to move. Though the tongue still writhes and flaps it cannot dislodge the dagger and you are able to remove your arm.(set: $daggerlost to 1)(if: $wantchest is 1 and $chestget is 0)[
(set: $chestget to 1)
  Marathonis wanted this back.
(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Mimic Chest]]"))
  [[Take the chest and leave the room.->Dungeon Foyer]]](else-if: $wantchest is 0 and $chestget is 0)[
(set: $chestget to 2)
  [[Take the chest and leave the room.->Dungeon Foyer]]](set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Mimic Chest]]"))</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](set: $getbox to 1)<div class=mesgnight>  "You know Black Queen? Chess much?"
  "Yes, we fraternize, but we also have a working relationship. She tells me of those she encounters who may enjoy my services."
  "Services?"
  "Those seeking to be lightened of their souls. Once they give them to me I can improve them and welcome them into the realm of my ancestors, where bliss awaits."
  "Sniff find own bliss, often in food, never in loss of intangible part of self."
  "The thought never crossed my mind once, be assured."
(if: $wantchest is 1)[  [["Sniff done. Leaving now."->Upst]]](else-if: $wantchest is 0 or 2 and $chestget is 0)[  [["Sniff done. Leaving now."->MarChest]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Found handkerchief in dungeon. Yours?"
  The devil accepts the handkerchief and turns it over in his hands.
  "It has the a self-righteous stink about it, but it is not mine. Whoever it belongs to may have been the one to destroy my dungeon and kill my minions."
[["Sniff have other questions."->MartQ]]
(if: $wantchest is 1)[  [["Sniff done. Leaving now."->Upst]]](else-if: $wantchest is 0 or 2 and $chestget is 0)[  [["Sniff done. Leaving now."->MarChest]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Wait," Marathonis stops you, sitting up in his chair with an imploring tone to his low voice, "there is something I would ask of you."
  "Yes? More need?"
  "Something very valuable to me was in the dungeon when the bomb destroyed and collapsed it. If you can enter and bring it back - if indeed there is anything to bring back - I would be even more indebted to you."
  "What thing?"
(set: $wantchest to 1)
  "It is a very old chest, about this size," Marathonis uses his hands to make the shape of a box in the air. "Delicate - be careful with it, and do not hurt it."
  "Sniff can avoid damage chest, if chest not already damage. Will do."
  "You'll have a bonus if you find it and bring it to me."
  [["Got it."->Upst]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff have drink bottle. Want?"
  You offer the captain the crystal bottle you found in the dungeon. He snatches it readily, removes the stopper, and treats himself to a quick gulp of the liquid inside.
(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Crystal Bottle]]"))(set: $items to $items)](set: $bottle to 2)
  "That'll do. Excuse me a minute," the captain says as he gets up and leaves the room with the bottle. His papers are now unattended, but you can't read them anyway. Without being assured of the captain's return, you have but a few fleet moments to take some of the papers.(if: $necklace is 1)[
  (link: "The necklace has some advice...")[("Take the papers sitting on the right side of the desk. I shall tell you of their import later. Quickly now!")]]
  [[Take the papers in the drawer.->CapDrw]](click: "Take the papers in the drawer.")[(set: $checking to 0)]
  [[Take the papers in the middle of the desk.->CapMid]](click: "Take the papers in the middle of the desk.")[(set: $checking to 0)]
  [[Take the papers on the right side of the desk.->CapDsk]](click: "Take the papers on the right side of the desk.")[(set: $checking to 0)]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/aD1Dc7K.gif">](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  You work quickly, tugging open the drawer on the desk and fishing out a handful of papers. You stuff them into your bag and walk swiftly (and stiffly) from the guard station.
(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Captain's Papers]]"))(set: $items to $items)(set: $papers to 1)]
  [[Noighearch Street.->Noighearch Street]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  You messily gather handfuls of papers together from the middle of the desk. You hug them into your arms then forcefully stuff them into your bag. Your escape is done furtively glancing around the guard station with your head tucked down.
(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Captain's Papers]]"))(set: $items to $items)(set: $papers to 2)]
  [[Noighearch Street.->Noighearch Street]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  You messily gather handfuls of papers together from the right side of the desk. You hug them into your arms then forcefully stuff them into your bag. Your escape is done furtively glancing around the guard station with your head tucked down.
(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Captain's Papers]]"))(set: $items to $items)(set: $papers to 3)(set: $clues to it + 1)]
  [[Noighearch Street.->Noighearch Street]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=inventory>  These are papers you stole from the watch captain's desk. You have no idea what they say.(if: $necklace is 1)[(if: $papers is 1)[
  ("These are completely useless.") The necklace is not impressed. ("They are insipid fan fiction of characters from a play that debuted last year. If I was not assured otherwise I would guess you've been had.")
](else-if: $papers is 2)[
  ("You took these from the middle of the desk?") The necklace is not impressed. ("These are papers the captain was working on. They are nothing more than rudimentary crime reports.")
](else-if: $papers is 3)[
  ("Excellent work.") The necklace's voice reverberates with a purr between your ears. ("These papers detail a concerted effort between the watch and a magistrate, Laronel Velspar, to hire a third party to detonate an explosive in the dungeon beneath the city. It does not say whether they succeeded. Laronel writes, 'the devils drain us by damning who they like.'")
  "This brings Sniff very close. Thank you, necklace. Also thank for not eating sniff."
]]
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s last)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your bag...](set: $checking to 1)<div class=mesgday>(set: $checking to 0)  You approach the lantern peddler, a short girl who looks too young to be working out by herself - her reddish face is dotted with freckles - and she's smaller than you, a short gnoll.
"Hey! Little dog man!" the girl yells, "come looking for a bargain? You'll find no more inexpensive lights as these unless you put your own tail on fire!" She rustles amongst her wares and retrives a dusty old hooded lantern. "Nine drachs and not a shave more!"(if: $money is >=9)[
  [["Okay. Sniff buy."]]](else-if: $money is <9)[
  [["Sniff unaccustomed to humanoid money. Will come back with more."->Market Square]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $hdln to 1)(set: $money to it - 9)(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Hooded Lantern]]"))(set: $items to $items)]  "Okay. Sniff buy."
  "Right then!" the girl says as she shoves the lantern into your arms and accepts the drachs from your paws. "Burns for six hours on a pint of oil, just don't tip it over or you'll burn the barn down. Got it?"
  "Sniff got it. Also not expect to bring lantern into barn."
  "Good, you're learning!"
  [[Back to Market Square.->Market Square]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=inventory>  (if: $wantchest is 0)[This peculiar chest has a mouth inside. Currently, your Emergency Dagger is propping it open to keep it from eating you.](else:)[This peculiar chest has a mouth inside. Currently, your Emergency Dagger is propping it open to keep it from eating you.
  Marathonis specifically requested its return.]
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s last)</div>(set: $checking to 1)(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your bag...]<div class=mesgnight>(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Mimic Chest]]"))(if: $chestget is 1)[  "Sniff have your tooth chest," you mutter, holding out the heavy chest as far away from your body as possible.
  Marathonis hurries to his feet and tearfully accepts the chest into his arms.
  "My baby! My sweet Bicha, you poor thing, down there all alone!" The devil moans, petting the chest's lid and cooing. "You tried to eat Sniff?" He gently scolds, reaching to remove the dagger from the chest's mouth. Before he can, the chest suddenly bites down, snapping the dagger in half.
  "That was Sniff's..."
  "Apologies. I shall increase your reward. I did not expect to have my pet Bicha returned to me. There's a good girl." The chest pants like an animal as the devil strokes its surface. "Thank you dearly, Sniff."
  "No mention it."
  [["Sniff gotta go. Be back later."->Upst]]
  [["Sniff have questions."->MartQ]]
(if: $clues is <=2)[  [["Not enough clues yet..."->MartNC]]](else-if: $clues is >=3 and $unl is 1)[  [["Sniff ready to solve case."->MartSolve]]</div>]](else-if: $chestget is 2)[  "This tooth chest belong to you?" you mutter, holding out the heavy chest as far away from your body as possible.
  Marathonis hurries to his feet and tearfully accepts the chest into his arms.
  "My baby! My sweet Bicha, you poor thing, down there all alone!" The devil moans, petting the chest's lid and cooing. "You tried to eat Sniff?" He gently scolds, reaching to remove the dagger from the chest's mouth. Before he can, the chest suddenly bites down, snapping the dagger in half.
  "That was Sniff's..."
  "Apologies. I shall increase your reward. I did not expect to have my pet Bicha returned to me. There's a good girl." The chest pants like an animal as the devil strokes its surface. "Thank you dearly, Sniff."
  "No mention it."
  [["Sniff gotta go. Be back later."->Upst]]
  [["Sniff have questions."->MartQ]]
(if: $clues is <=2)[  [["Not enough clues yet..."->MartNC]]](else-if: $clues is >=3 and $unl is 1)[  [["Sniff ready to solve case."->MartSolve]]]](set: $chestget to 3)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](set: $getbox to 0)(if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  It might be unwise to invade upon a minotaur a second time. There's no telling what he might do.
  [[Back.->Upst]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  It might be unwise to invade upon a minotaur a second time. There's no telling what he might do.
  [[Back.->Upst]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  You press your ear against the door as quietly as you can.
  But you hear nothing.
  [[Pull your ear away.->Upst]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class =mesgnight>  You press your ear against the door as quietly as you can.
  "Did you see that woman near the sewers? She wasn't from around here. Never seen her before."
  "I regret not throwing a rock at her to get her attention. The wetbeast probably tore her to ribbons and strung them up in his lair."
  [[Pull your ear away.->Upst]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class=mesgday>  "Your bottle? This perfume? Smell like you. Olive, spice, clove."
  "I yuse a lot of spices in my cooking. Perfume is a bit tyoo expensive for me. Stuff like that'll cost you ten drachs an ounce."
  "Bottle maybe expensive, but ingredients really so rare?"
  "Whoever wears what comes outta that bottle is richer than I."
  [[Back to questions.->BarmQ]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class=mesgnight>  "Your bottle? This perfume? Smell like you. Olive, spice, clove."
  "I yuse a lot of spices in my cooking. Perfume is a bit tyoo expensive for me. Stuff like that'll cost you ten drachs an ounce."
  "Bottle maybe expensive, but ingredients really so rare?"
  "Whoever wears what comes outta that bottle is richer than I."
  [[Back to questions.->BarmQ]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class=mesgday>  "You know this handkerchief? Familiar?"
  Geltha takes the handkerchief from you, holds it up to the light and rubs the fabric between her fingers.
  "Pretty thing. Looks to belong to a lady. Where did you find it?"
  "Someplace Sniff don't think lady go."
  "Oh, you never know," Geltha says teasingly as she returns the handkerchief, "ladies go everywhere they want these days."
  [[Back to questions.->BarmQ]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class=mesgnight>  "You know this handkerchief? Familiar?"
  Geltha takes the handkerchief from you, holds it up to the light and rubs the fabric between her fingers.
  "Pretty thing. Looks to belong to a lady. Where did you find it?"
  "Someplace Sniff don't think lady go."
  "Oh, you never know," Geltha says teasingly as she returns the handkerchief, "ladies go everywhere they want these days."
  [[Back to questions.->BarmQ]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "You recognize this handkerchief?"
  Ardia leans forward to inspect the piece of fabric, but doesn't touch it.
  "Evidence, is it? I am afraid it does not belong to me. But your question intrigues me. Am I a suspect, Sniff?"
  [["Yes."]]
  [["No."]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Yes. Sniff not eliminate anyone yet. Paladin seem like good suspect - antithetical to devil. Wrong?"
  Ardia smiles serenely, "you are not wrong. It could have been me. But if it was, I would have to tell you. I would not be able to lie to you. That is why you must continue your search. Have you found any clues yet?"(if: $clues is >=2)[
  [["Sniff find clues. Not bad. And Ardia? Find evil?"->Ard2evil]]](else-if: $clues is 0)[
  [["No good. No clues yet."->Ard2nc]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "No. Sniff think too convenient for paladin to be one who explode devil's dungeon. Misdeed and crime often not convenient, not easy explanation. Require detective work."
  Ardia appears somewhat surprised. "I mistook the breadth of your wisdom, Sniff... If a magistrate hears the case, I will be eager to see the outcome. Now then, have you found any clues?"(if: $clues is >=2)[
  [["Sniff find clues. Not bad. And Ardia? Find evil?"->Ard2evil]]](else-if: $clues is 0)[
  [["No good. No clues yet."->Ard2nc]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Hello, Ardia."
  Ardia doesn't take her eyes off the chess games being played. She does, however, address you.
  "Good evening, young Sniff. I decided to see what happened in these walls. I was surprised to find it truly was only chess. I thought I sensed something more deceitful and therefore sinister..."
  "Sniff surprised too. Like chess?"
  "It is a bit of a crawl. Though I do admit these women play faster than I have ever seen the game be played. And do you smell all that wonderful perfume?"
  The room smells like clove and oil, but whether that is Ardia or someone in the crowd is difficult to decipher. The scent pervades all around.(if: $unl is 1)[
  [["Sniff found way into dungeon."->ArdDn]]]
  [["Sniff need continue investigation. Talk later.->ObsCh]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff found way into dungeon."
  "You did? But there was not much to see there. I have been myself. I thought to use my detection spells to understand the nature of the devil who lived there, but I found nothing evil. Only goodness. Isn't that confusing? Perhaps this Devil of Tascania is not a devil at all."
  "Met him. He devil."
  "Then there is something to be learned here. Misdirection, perhaps, or some sort of ability to mask one's true nature... Are you aware of any such abilities of devils, Sniff?"(if: $martvisit is 1)[
  [["Sniff aware devils can change shape, voice."->ArdDS]]]
  [["Sniff not sure..."->ArdNS]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff aware devils can change shape, voice."
  "Some, perhaps, but all? I had my guesses, but there could be more hidden in this city than I realized. As a paladin I must act in the presence of evil. Just as you must act in the presence of injustice."
  "Sniff not crusader. Only act when paid. Act, or else starve. Spotmother taught Sniff this. Learn it mostly true even after live among humanoids."
(set: $sil1 to 3)
  Ardia looks over at you with some soft concern in her eyes.
  "I wish it weren't so. But Sniff, remember; the conclusion you come to in an investigation may bring others to harm. Weigh that outcome carefully."
  "Sniff always do."
  "Good. I have one more avenue in my own investigation.
  [[Finish talking to Ardia.->House of Chess]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff not sure... Not seen enough to know. Maybe talk to devil again first."
  "When will you present your evidence to the magistrate?"
  "Soon. Need adequate evidence to identify culprit. Up to law to make arrest."
  "I am interested to see the outcome. I have a stake it in now, from talking to you so frequently."
  "Sniff sure to tell you. Need go no, bye lady."
  [[Back to the entrance.->House of Chess]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Recognize this perfume?" you ask, holding out the bottle.
  The woman takes a whiff of it and makes a face. "Can't say I like it. Seems ta smell like the ladies o' that chess 'ouse. Bit too 'igh fashion fer the lot o' us down 'ere in the Colonial."
  [["What doing?"->DwarfWD]]
  [["Sniff detective. Hear about dungeon bombing?"->DwarfBomb1]]
  [["Thank you, ma'am."->The Colonial Inn]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Devil!" the short child shouts, running to his mother's skirts. The mother is well to do, with a clean dress and a fan in her hand.
  "That's no devil, Adam. It's a gnoll. Would you like an apple?"
  [["Yes."->ChY]]
(set: $offered to 1)
  [["No."->ChN]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Yes," you reply, "please."
  The child's mother drags him over to you, and you get a better look at his ringlets of brown hair and his large, curious eyes.
  "Go on."
  The child gives you one of the apples picked from a nearby tree. It glistens like a ruby in your hand, and you begin eating it immediately.
  "Fascinating. I didn't know gnolls ate anything but meat. I'm a zoologist, you see."
  "Sniff not animal, since talk and walk - oh, and think. Must be anthropologist to study Sniff."
  The mother laughs, "and clever, too!"
  [["Sniff detective, trying solve explosion."->ChE]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "No, thanks."
  "I knew it," she proclaims with excitement, "gnolls only eat meat."
  "Actually--"
  "Go on inside now, or he'll eat you," the mother says, and her child skips away into the house.
  "Sniff not eat kid. Or adult."
  "I see... I shall have to write that down. Rarely does a zoologist get to speak to the subject of her study. Not just gnolls, mind you, but all creatures."
  "Sniff don't have time for answer questions. Need lady to answer questions."
  [["Sniff detective, trying solve explosion."->ChE2]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Sniff detective, trying solve explosion. See strange thing?"
  "Strange," she says before you finish asking, "no. But there is cause for concern. I am schooled in the matter of devils, and there is more than one in Tascania. More than our upstanding and somewhat famous Marathonis, that is."
  "How know?"
  The woman sends away her child, who scurries back into the house behind her. A moment later you see him peeking from the window.
  "I saw her. It's a she-devil, no doubt about that. Her voice, you see, she was talking to someone. Perhaps she is behind the rash of killings in the sewers."
  "Get a clear look?"
  "No, it was dark. Devils are only conscious and cognizant during the night."
  "Interesting. Thanks, lady."
  [[Back to Leorgine Street.->Leorgine Street]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Sniff detective, trying solve explosion. See strange thing?"
  "Strange," she says before you finish asking, "no. But there is cause for concern. I am schooled in the matter of devils, and there is more than one in Tascania. More than our upstanding and somewhat famous Marathonis, that is."
  "How know?"
  "I saw her. It's a she-devil, no doubt about that. Her voice, you see, she was talking to someone. Perhaps she is behind the rash of killings in the sewers."
  "Get a clear look?"
  "No, it was dark. Devils are only conscious and cognizant during the night."
  "Interesting. Thanks, lady."
  [[Back to Leorgine Street.->Leorgine Street]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<div class =mesgday>  "Sniff hear tell watch not like outsider, why?"
  "Why?" the captain grimaces, "because we have explosions below our streets, we have disappearances and body parts found in the sewers, and all these crimes stem, doubtless, from outsiders. Ones like you, who insinuate their way into our society, our Tascania, and take what you can."
  "Sniff realize now xenophobia systemic..."
  "What was that?"
  "Nothing."
  [[Back to questions.->CapQ]]</div>](else-if: $time is 1)[<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff hear tell watch not like outsider, why?"
  "Why?" the captain grimaces, "because we have explosions below our streets, we have disappearances and body parts found in the sewers, and all these crimes stem, doubtless, from outsiders. Ones like you, who insinuate their way into our society, our Tascania, and take what you can."
  "Sniff realize now xenophobia systemic..."
  "What was that?"
  "Nothing."
  [[Back to questions.->CapQ]]</div>](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  Marathonis leads you down a side street branching off Noighearch Street, the cover of darkness marking the journey with a pallbearer's gravity. Eventually you come to an imposing building with a procession of steps guiding you up between columns. Through wood paneled rooms you come to the lamp lit office of the magistrate.
  The magistrate is a chiseled elf whose stony facade sags and wrinkles with age, sitting at a large desk with his back to a window overlooking the Sine. He is wearing a curled white wig tied in the back with a black bow.
  "You have come after all," he speaks in a solemn tone, "I began to think this was a waste of time. Devils tend to be a drain on society, so I think this will be short."
  Marathonis barely conceals his right eye twitching. "Magistrate Velspar, please forgive the hour; it is the only time for me. Shall we begin?"
  Velspar gestures to another figure in the room. (if: $sil1 is >=1)[You recognize it as Ardia, the paladin with whom you have been speaking. She is standing against the wall, the shining metal of her two-handed sword gleaming in front of her, its tip held against the floor.](else-if: $sil is 0)[You see a tall woman with silver hair and lips painted blue. She wears a hauberk and surcoat emblazoned with a Red Star, and stands with a the tip of two-handed sword pierced into the floor at her feet.]
  "Ardia Malker, at your service."
  "At my service, actually. I hired her to preside over this interaction, as my protection against possible devilry and everything in between."
  [[Proceed.]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  The magistrate begins taking up a gold-tipped quill pen in his hand, and Marathonis takes his place in a seat across from the man. You remain standing.
  "First, I will require your suspect. This is who you will convince me did the deed using whatever evidence you have managed to scrabble together."(if: $sil1 is >=1)[
  [[Paladin Ardia.->Paladin Ardia.]]] (if: $capmet is 1)[
  [[Watch captain Anders Monroe.->Watch captain Anders Monroe.]]
](if: $azmet is 1)[
  [[Mary Azwel, Azwel's Outfitters.->Mary Azwel, Azwel's Outfitters.]]] (if: $chessed is 1)[
  [[Margarita of the House of Chess.->Margarita of the House of Chess.]]
](if: $barmet is 1)[
  [[Geltha the bar maid.->Geltha the bar maid.]]]
  [[Marathonis himself.->Marathonis himself.]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff suspect Paladin Ardia."
  Ardia looks over to you with her same serene expression. Either her mastery of her emotions is complete, or she is guilty. Would an innocent person accused of such a crime remain so calm?
  "Most surprising," the magistrate sputters, "are you certain? Choose carefully, for you cannot go back from this accusation."
  [["Yes."->Yes]]
(set: $suspect to 1)
  [["No."->No]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff suspect watch captain Anders Monroe."
  The magistrate stands up, glowering at you with ill intent.
  "Do you know the gravity of what you say? Do you truly intend to proceed with this? If you fail to prove anything you shall be jailed for spurious libel."
  [["Yes."->Yes]]
(set: $suspect to 6)
  [["No."->No]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Mary Azwel, proprietor of Azwel's Outfitters, is Sniff suspect."
  Marathonis turns to stare at you, mouth agape.
  "Are you certain?" inquires the magistrate. "Choose carefully, for you cannot go back from this accusation."
    [["Yes."->Yes]]
(set: $suspect to 2)
    [["No."->No]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff suspect Marathonis himself."
  "Me?!" Marathonis roars, rising to his full height, his fleshly disguise melting off to the shock of the Magistrate and Ardia. "Explain yourself!" He stamps his hooves and slashes together the flints of his claws, producing sparks that flash the room brightly.
  "A-are you certain?" stammers the magistrate. "Choose carefully, for you cannot go back from this accusation."
  [["Yes."->Yes]]
(set: $suspect to 5)
  [["No."->No]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff suspect Geltha. Bar maid."
  "A bar maid, really?" Marathonis' bewilderment is difficult for her to hide.
  "Are you certain?" inquires the magistrate. "Choose carefully, for you cannot go back from this accusation."
  [["Yes."->Yes]]
(set: $suspect to 4)
  [["No."->No]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff name Margarita of the House of Chess as suspect."
  "I don't believe it," Marathonis grumbles, "how can this be? Explain yourself, detective!"
  "Are you certain?" inquires the magistrate. "Choose carefully, for you cannot go back from this accusation."
  [["Yes."->Yes]]
(set: $suspect to 3)
  [["No."->No]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  Select the piece of evidence you'd like to present:
(set: $checking to 0)<div class="twocolumn">
(if: $perfumeget is 1 and $perfevi is 0)[[[Perfume Bottle->EviPerf]](if: $returned is 0)[(set: $evicount to it +1)]]
(if: $boq is 1 and $azevi is 0)[[[Azwel's Testimony->EviAz]](if: $returned is 0)[(set: $evicount to it +1)]]
(if: $bqt is not 0 and $bqevi is 0)[[[Black Queen's Testimony->EviBQT]](if: $returned is 0)[(set: $evicount to it +1)]]
(if: $wtest is 1 and $wtevi is 0)[[[Worker's Testimony->EviWT]](if: $returned is 0)[(set: $evicount to it +1)]]
(if: $docs is 1 and $letevi is 0)[[[Threatening Letters->EviLett]](if: $returned is 0)[(set: $evicount to it +1)]]
(if: $handkerchief is 1 and $handevi is 0)[[[Handkerchief->EviHand]](if: $returned is 0)[(set: $evicount to it +1)]]
(if: $papers is 3 and $necklace is 1 and $papevi is 0)[[[Captain's Papers->EviCap]](if: $returned is 0)[(set: $evicount to it +1)]]
(if: $dt is not 0 and $devi is 0)[[[Dwarf's Testimony->EviDT]](if: $returned is 0)[(set: $evicount to it +1)]](if: $evicount is $evicounted)[<center>[[The results.->Results]]</center>]</div></div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "No, Sniff have second thought."
  "Then get on with it."
  (if: $sil1 is 1)[[[Paladin Ardia.->Paladin Ardia.]]] (if: $capmet is 1)[[[Watch captain Anders Monroe.->Watch captain Anders Monroe.]]]  (if: $azmet is 1)[
[[Mary Azwel, Azwel's Outfitters.->Mary Azwel, Azwel's Outfitters.]]] (if: $chessed is 1)[[[Margarita of the House of Chess.->Margarita of the House of Chess.]]]  
[[Marathonis himself.->Marathonis himself.]] (if: $barmet is 1)[[[Geltha the bar maid.->Geltha the bar maid.]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>(set: $checking to 0)  "Sniff have money for more information on bombing..."
  "That so?" She grins, bunching up her cheeks. "I may 'ave seen somethin'."(if: $money is >=1)[
  [[Bribe 1 coin.->DB1C]]](if: $money is >=2)[
  [[Bribe 2 coins.->DB2C]]](if: $money is >=3)[
  [[Bribe 3 coins.->DB3C]]]
  [["Sniff think about it. Money tight."->The Colonial Inn]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  The dwarf accepts the lone drach and begins speaking.
(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $money to it -1)]
  "Fine then. The folk at the Slanted Oak? Not ta be trusted. After all, ain't it near the spot the bomb went off? The sewer, aye? I 'appen ta know they keep explosives on the premises."(if: $checking is 0 and $dt is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Dwarf's Testimony]]"))(set: $dt to 1)]
  [[Back to questions.->Dwarfwo]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  The dwarf accepts the drachs and begins speaking.
(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $money to it -2)]
  "Fine then. The folk at the Slanted Oak? Not ta be trusted. After all, ain't it near the spot the bomb went off? The sewer, aye? I 'appen ta know they keep explosives on the premises."
  She continues. "Other than those untrustworthy lots at the Slanted Oak, I sometimes see two ladies come in 'ere ta rent a room. Always real secret like. I wonders, if it's just for some close company, why the charade?"(if: $checking is 0 and $dt is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Dwarf's Testimony]]"))](if: $dt is 0 or 1)[(set: $dt to 2)]
  [[Back to questions.->Dwarfwo]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  The dwarf accepts the drachs and begins speaking.
(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $money to it -3)]
  "Fine then. The folk at the Slanted Oak? Not ta be trusted. After all, ain't it near the spot the bomb went off? The sewer, aye? I 'appen ta know they keep explosives on the premises."
  She continues. "Other than those untrustworthy lots at the Slanted Oak, I sometimes see two ladies come in 'ere ta rent a room. Always real secret like. I wonders, if it's just for some close company, why the charade?"
  Finally, she thinks of something else, something she may have been keeping a secret. "Besides the crookedness o' the Slanted Oak and the fact that they keep bombs on the premises, I keep seein' two girls buyin' a room here at the C'lonial. One comes in, buys a room, goes up, then an 'our later the other joins 'er. Wot's all the fuss about? If it's just for some quiet closeness, why would they be so secretive? Ona them I recognize. Mary Azwel, from the outfitters on South Leorgine."(if: $checking is 0 and $dt is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Dwarf's Testimony]]"))](if: $dt is 0 or 1 or 2)[(set: $dt to 3)]
  [[Back to questions.->Dwarfwo]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](set: $clues to it + 1)<div class=inventory>  (if: $dt is 1)[The dwarf told you she doesn't trust the proprietors of the Slanted Oak, and claims they keep explosives on the premises.](else-if: $dt is 2)[The dwarf told you not to trust the proprietors of the Slanted Oak, and also that she has two female customers who rent a room together quite in secret.](else-if: $dt is 3)[The dwarf told you the proprietors of the Slanted Oak keep bombs on the premises, and also that she has two female customers who rent a room together quite in secret. One of them is Mary Azwel.]
(set: $checking to 1)
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s last)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your memory...]<div class=mesgday>  "You go to Slanted Oak often? Maybe with friend?"
  Ms. Azwel raises an eyebrow, "and how do you know that? Well, it makes no difference to me. I'm past worrying what anyone thinks of me. Age does things to you, my boy; makes you care less about what seemed so important, and care more about what seemed trivial. I have a girlfriend, and it's no business of yours who it is."
  "Sniff not have problem with girlfriend. Spotmother have many girlfriend. Males too weak; scared. What Sniff curious about secretive room renting."
  "Oh, that," Azwel chuckles dismissively, "you don't have to worry. She appreciates the privacy because she is not supposed to spend time at a rival establishment."
  "That all?"
  "All indeed, yes."
  [[Back to questions->BOQ]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "This bottle of perfume, found in sewer..."
(if: $suspect is <=4)[
  [[She wears the perfume and dropped it.->NoHit]]
  [[She bought the perfume and hid it.->NoHit]]
  [[She planted the perfume to frame someone.->NoHit]]](else:)[
  [[He wears the perfume and hid it.->NoHit]]
  [[He stole the perfume and planted it.->PerfHit]]
  [[He bought the perfume and lost it.->NoHit]]](if: $checking is 0)[(set: $evicounted to it +1)](set: $returned to 1)</div>(set: $perfevi to 1)(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Handkerchief found in dungeon..."
(if: $suspect is <=4)[
  [[It was planted there by the suspect to mislead.->NoHit]]
  [[It belongs to the suspect, proving they were in the dungeon.->NoHit]]
  [[It was left there, but not by the suspect.->NoHit]]](else:)[
  [[It was planted there by the suspect to mislead.->NoHit]]
  [[It belongs to the suspect, proving they were in the dungeon.->HandHit]]
  [[It was left there, but not by the suspect.->NoHit]]](if: $checking is 0)[(set: $evicounted to it +1)](set: $returned to 1)(set: $handevi to 1)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>"Testimony of Black Queen..."
(if: $suspect is <=4)[
  [[The Black Queen saw someone sneak into the sewers. It was the suspect.->NoHit]]
  [[The suspect worked with the guard captain to plant the bomb.->NoHit]]
  [[The suspect is on the pay of the watch and planted the bomb. ->NoHit]]](else:)[
  [[The Black Queen saw the suspect sneaking into the sewer before the explosion.->NoHit]]
  [[The Black Queen believes the suspect is working for the magistrate.->BQHit]]
  [[The Black Queen heard the magistrate is working with the merchants.->NoHit]]](if: $checking is 0)[(set: $evicounted to it +1)](set: $returned to 1)(set: $bqevi to 1)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sewer worker's testimony..."
(if: $suspect is <=4)[
  [[The sewer worker says he saw a woman snooping around. The suspect.->NoHit]]
  [[The sewer worker saw the suspect planting a bomb.->NoHit]]
  [[The sewer worker saw the suspect buying a bomb.->NoHit]]](else:)[
  [[The sewer worker saw a woman snooping around, but it's unrelated.->WTHit]]
  [[The sewer worker saw a woman snooping around; she was working for suspect.->NoHit]]
  [[The sewer worker saw the suspect planting a bomb.->NoHit]]](if: $checking is 0)[(set: $evicounted to it +1)](set: $returned to 1)(set: $wtevi to 1)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Testimony of Ms. Azwel..."
(if: $suspect is <=4)[
  [[A woman bought saltpeter used to make the bomb. It was your suspect.->NoHit]]
  [[A woman bought saltpeter and sold it, she's an accessory.->NoHit]]
  [[Saltpeter wasn't used to make the bomb.->NoHit]]](else:)[
  [[The suspect changed shape or wore a disguise to buy saltpeter and make the bomb.->NoHit]]
  [[A woman bought the saltpeter and sold it to him.->NoHit]]
  [[He stole the saltpeter from a woman buyer.->AzHit]]](if: $checking is 0)[(set: $evicounted to it +1)](set: $returned to 1)</div>(set: $azevi to 1)(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Threatening letters, found in dungeon..."
(if: $suspect is <=4)[
  [[These letters were written by the suspect.->NoHit]]
  [[These letters were stolen, we don't know the writer.->NoHit]]
  [[The letters were planted, they aren't a real threat.->NoHit]]](else:)[
  [[These letters were written by someone working with the suspect.->LettHit]]
  [[These letters were created by the suspect as a trick.->NoHit]]
  [[These letters were stolen, we don't know the writer.->NoHit]]](if: $checking is 0)[(set: $evicounted to it +1)](set: $returned to 1)(set: $letevi to 1)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Found these papers somewhere..."
(if: $suspect is <=4)[
  [[They say the watch planted the bomb.->NoHit]]
  [[They say the suspect planted the bomb.->NoHit]]
  [[They say the bomb was an accident.->NoHit]]](else:)[
  [[They say the bomb was an accident.->NoHit]]
  [[They say the suspect hired a third party.->NoHit]]
  [[They say the watch and the magistrate had a plan.->CapHit]]](if: $checking is 0)[(set: $evicounted to it +1)](set: $returned to 1)(set: $papevi to 1)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Testimony from dwarf bouncer..."
(if: $suspect is <=4)[
  [[She said the bombs were hidden in the Slanted Oak.->NoHit]]
  [[She said the suspect purchased bombs.->NoHit]]
  [[She said the suspect was part of a conspiracy.->NoHit]]](else:)[
  [[She said the bombs were hidden in the Slanted Oak.->NoHit]]
  [[She talked about people who worked for the suspect.->NoHit]]
  [[She talked about suspects, but it was irrelevant.->DTHit]]](if: $checking is 0)[(set: $evicounted to it +1)](set: $returned to 1)(set: $devi to 1)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Yes, Sniff ready."
  "Very well. Then begin by presenting your evidence."
  [[Proceed to evidence.->Evidence]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](set: $typewriterText to "Game design, writing, code, and Sniff's animation & art by: Wonaglot (N. G.)
Title and background art by: Kaz www.happy-go-ugly.com
Fonts: Alagard by Hewett Tsoi
"){
(set: $typewriterPos to 1)
|typewriterOutput>[]
(live: 50ms)[
(append: ?typewriterOutput)[(print: $typewriterText's $typewriterPos)]
(set: $typewriterPos to it + 1)
(if: $typewriterPos is $typewriterText's length + 1)[(stop:)
<center>Evidence found: (print: $clues)/8</center>
(print:"
")
<center>Evidence presented correctly: (print: $correct)/(print: $clues)</center>
(print:"
")
<center>(link: "Title")[(reload:)]</center>
(print:"
")
<center>(link: "Quit")[<script>window.close()</script>]</center>]]}<script>$('tw-story').removeClass('no-navigation')</script><div class=mesgnight>  "Really," the magistrate replies, "a gormless idea. Do you have more evidence?"
  [[More evidence.->Evidence]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Suspect stole perfume from girl in chess house. Dropped in sewer while plant bomb, to frame her."
  "I see... Carry on."(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $correct to it +1)]
  [[More evidence.->Evidence]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Suspect stole saltpeter from a woman buyer to misdirect investigation. Made bomb with saltpeter."
  "Wait a moment. How can you prove this? From whom was it stolen?"(if: $stolenbarr is 0)[
  [["Don't know."->SDN]]](else-if: $stolenbarr is 1)[
  [["Sniff know."->SKN]]]
  [[More evidence.->Evidence]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Black Queen willing to implicate guard captain and magistrate in plot to excise devil from city."
  "How amusing... Carry on."(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $correct to it +1)]
  [[More evidence.->Evidence]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sewer worker saw woman snooping around, but unrelated. Key point is worker always there unless night, and worker stop anyone... (if: $suspect is 5)[devil need to move at night only.](else:)[except official, like guard captain."(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $correct to it +1)]]
  "I see... Carry on."
  [[More evidence.->Evidence]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "These letters found in dungeon. Specific threats against devil made. (if: $suspect is 4)[Someone working with susect wrote letters for devil, as fake](else:)[(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $correct to it +1)]You, magistrate, wrote letters. Captain delivered. Quill pen same as pen you hold, and Sniff suspect handwriting look same. Need reader to prove.]."
  "Impossible... Carry on."
  [[More evidence.->Evidence]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "This handkerchief found in dungeon. Embroidered with initials A M. (if: $suspect is 4)[Marathonis have M in name. Therefore, belong to him](else:)[Watch captain name Anders Monroe. Matches initials on handkerchief]."
  (if: $suspect is 4)["Impossible... Carry on."
  [[More evidence.->Evidence]]](else:)["A bold claim. Can you prove it belonged to Anders?
(if: $oppcaphand is 1)[[[Yes.->HandHit1]]](else:)[[[No.->HandHit2]]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Yes, Sniff can. Margarita of Chess House say handkerchief captain's. She see him often, he play chess much."
(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $correct to it +1)]
  The magistrate scowls like an owl whose prey has just scurried into a hole.
  "Be careful what you imply, gnoll. Better people have been hanged for less dangerous accusations."
  [[More evidence.->Evidence]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "No... Sniff can't."
  "Then cease making such accusations!" the magistrate roars. "I could have you thrown in the gaol or worse for implying city officials are capable of committing a crime like this."
  [[More evidence.->Evidence]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Found these papers, and they belong to the watch captain. They name you, Laronel Velspar, as co-conspirator in plan to explode dungeon. (if: $suspect is 5)[Devil maybe hire you to do it](else:)[You wrote, 'devils drain us,' you also said earlier. Sniff think papers implicate magistrate and captain conspiracy.(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $correct to it +1)]]."
  "This is specious, impossible!" protests the magistrate, rising up from his chair.
  Ardia looks between him, you, and Marathonis, as if weighing outcomes.
  [[More evidence.->Evidence]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Testimony from dwarf mention people, but importantly Slanted Oak had 'bombs' on premises. Saltpeter.(if: $stolenbarr is 1)[ Note that saltpeter reported stolen from Slanted Oak...]
  "I see... Carry on."(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $correct to it +1)]
  [[More evidence.->Evidence]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $suspect is 1)[(set: $endingname to "Ardia")](if: $suspect is 2)[(set: $endingname to "Ms. Azwel")](if: $suspect is 3)[(set: $endingname to "Margarita")](if: $suspect is 4)[(set: $endingname to "Geltha")](if: $suspect is 5)[(set: $endingname to "Marathonis")](if: $suspect is 6)[(set: $endingname to "watch captain")]<div class=mesgnight>(if: $suspect is <=4 and is not 1)[  "You make a very convincing argument," the magistrate says, the gold tip of his quill pen suddenly coming to a stop.
  "I admit I am surprised by your conclusions, but your reasoning seems sound..." Marathonis reiterates, shaking his head. "How could it be (print: $endingname)?"
  "Sniff stick by conclusion."
  "If all is done, then I shall take my leave," Ardia states plainly, heaving her sword up off the floor with an easy swing of her arm and sliding it over her shoulder into its scabbard home. "It has been a pleasure seeing you solve this case, Sniff."
  "Sniff thank."
  [[How the case unfolds...->End1bad]]](else-if: $suspect is 1)[  "These facts have been laid out, and I am inclined to agree with them," the magistrate says, the gold tip of his quill pen suddenly coming to a stop.
  Ardia steps away from the wall and lifts up her sword. She steps over to the magistrate's desk, causing him and Marathonis to cower and flinch like young rabbits. The paladin lays her sword out on the surface of the desk and nods solemnly.
  "Place me in custody as you will," Ardia offers gently, smiling emptily into your eyes. "The honest truth is that I did nothing, for I cannot lie. However, the outcome is of your choosing, your honor."
  Marathonis sneers, "the likes of you lie about the likes of me in every sermon and verse. I for one celebrate your arrest."
  [[How the case unfolds...->End2bad]]](else-if: $suspect is 5)[(if: $correct is <=8 and is not <=2)[  "You make a very convincing argument," the magistrate says, the gold tip of his quill pen suddenly coming to a stop. "This was a perfidious attempt to, what, devil? Hold the city further under your sinful sway?"
  Marathonis rises from his chair, flames burning behind his eyes. His chest heaves and falls and he hunches over, clutching at his horns.
  "How could you turn on me? I gave you trust, I gave you this job!"
  "Sniff following facts..."
  "These are fabrications, prevaricating, prejudiced implications that my kind are capable of nothing but lies and misdeeds. And you, marginalized, small, you, whom I thought would understand..."
  The magistrate rises to his feet just as a pair of guards fold out from outside from office.
  "You may target us, you may corrupt us, but Tascania is ultimately governed by the rule of law. We shall suffer the presence of devils no longer. With you we cast out the last one."
  Marathonis turns back to the magistrate, snarling, "Let us see who is cast out..."
  [[How the case unfolds...->End3bad]]](else-if: $correct is <=2)[  "You make a very convincing argument," the magistrate says, the gold tip of his quill pen suddenly coming to a stop. "But I am altogether unconvinced. You do not seem to have a clear understanding of the facts, of your argument..."
  Marathonis rises from his chair, turning his snout up at you, his hourglass eyes buzzing like wasps and stinging you with their gaze.
  "To present me as the suspect... I am in disbelief. I had thought better of you."
  "Sniff following facts..."
  "These are fabrications, prevaricating, prejudiced implications that my kind are capable of nothing but lies and misdeeds. And you, marginalized, small, you, whom I thought would understand..."
  The magistrate waves his hand. "Take your argument elsewhere. I have no time for this charade. I shall have you excised from my city, both of you. Once again your kind proves their deception," he looks at you, "and foolishness."
  [[How the case unfolds...->End3bad]]]](else-if: $suspect is 6)[(if: $correct is >=7)[  "You make a very convincing argument," the magistrate says, the gold tip of his quill pen suddenly coming to a stop. "How did you know?" His eyes dart between you and Marathonis. "Were the captain's mistakes so numerous?"
  "You admit it?" Marathonis snaps.
  "I needn't deny it - your little hireling has unraveled the entirety of the scheme. Except, perhaps, the motive. But who makes a speech at such a time? This will fall on the head of the watch captain, and I shall be the one to prosecute him on your behalf. Guards!" The magistrate turns his back to you, facing out the window as he draws the curtains closed. "Ardia," he instructs as the office door silently opens and two figures in armor with drawn swords enter. "Do the job I paid you for."
  [[How the case unfolds...->End4Good]]](else-if: $correct is <=6)[  "You strive toward a convincing argument," the magistrate says, the gold tip of his quill pen suddenly coming to a stop. "This is a waste of my time. To come to my office under pretenses of seeking justice for a crime - a crime against laws I am uninterested in enforcing - and accuse me of orchestrating it?" He laughs like ice cold vinegar, "get out, before I have you escorted out."
  Marathonis looks to you, his lips curling into a grimace. Seeing the expression on the face of a goat strikes you as more pitiful than it might on a humanoid.
  "Sniff tried best... thought close to answer, to proof."
  "Ardia, escort them out."
  Ardia stands at attention, nods to the magistrate, and opens the door for you and Marathonis.
  [[How the case unfolds...->End4Mixed]]]](prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgnight>(if: $suspect is 2 or 3)[  "I dread what will happen to us devils now."
  Marathonis' goat brow is wrinkled with woeful concern. He sits across from you in his room in the slanted oak, staring into the flames of the refreshed candles.
  "Seven dead as a result of the gaol's destruction. (if: $gnollfree is 0)[Among them one of your kind. ]The beast that did it was no beast, but a devil; I know the type. (print: $endingname) was not among the bodies found..."
  "Sniff not expect this, no way to know devil if disguise self."
  Marathonis' hackles raise and his pupils quiver in annoyance. "I am afraid," he seethes between his fangs, "I cannot in good conscience offer you any reward. Not only were your accusations false, we are no closer to finding the culprit of the explosion."
  "Sniff apologize, truly do best..."
  "Do better, or truncate your wretched life as a detective."
  [[Continue.->BaddestEnding]]](else:)[  "There is talk of the arrest being nothing but a scapegoat." Marathonis sits across from you. The two of you are back in his room in the Slanted Oak, and the devil slurps a mouthful of rotbeer between sentences. "I do not blame the public. How could a bar maid orchestrate such destruction?"
  "Sniff only say what evidence prove. Up to magistrate to decide rest."
  "Indeed..." Lost in thought, Marathonis takes a long draught of the sour-smelling liquid and noisily places the flagon down on the candlelit table. "Something sits ill with me. I know not what. There is more to be found, more to be uncovered... but the time for that is passed.
  [["Still getting reward?"->End1Bad3GM]]
  [["What happen with you?"->End1Bad3G]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgnight>  "I have my doubts she will receive trial, the paladin, but I am pleased with the outcome. Her kind never treated mine well."
  You and Marathonis have met in his room in the Slanted Oak. He appears in his original form, scaled and cloven and monstrous, but you have gotten quite used to it by now.
  "Sniff trust in evidence. Maybe now Tascania be peaceful."
  Marathonis takes a drink of rotbeer from a battered old flagon. You, with your milk, wrinkle your sensitive nose at the stuff.
  "Perhaps. Ridding the streets of the Red Star is a fine start. I have heard of other devils in the days since the magistrate's hearing. I think my kind may win in the end. All I want is a soul or two to save now and again."(if: $chestget is >0)[
  [["Sniff have something for you..."]]](if: $indi is <2)[
  [[Follow up questions.->2BFQ]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgday>  "I wanted not to kill him, but I had no other choice."
  Ardia is standing with her hands on her hips, her gauntlets sit on the table. Around you, the noise of the Colonial Inn at night. Rowdy drunks hang from one another and gamblers throw down their cards.
  "Sniff made choice. Presented evidence. Marathonis caught in own scheme, not anything we do."
  You feel so small sitting while the tall woman stands. Her appearance is calm, soothing, but something in her eyes has changed.
  "I have killed before. The death of Marathonis was... different. He was not a malicious force lashing out. He was a cornered animal fighting for his life and livelihood. I could feel such things in him. He did not well-defend himself as he could have."
  "Sniff thought evidence clear," you mutter, but inside you feel amiss, your detective's mind is clouded with regret.
  "You should leave the city soon," Ardia explains. She steps forward and pulls her chair out, sitting across from you and staring into your eyes. "The watch will come for outsiders. Perhaps they will even come for me. The Red Star is not local here."
  [["Where you going?"->End3BadWG]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgnight>  "Now, hold a moment, put that bishop down. What happened after that? After you had him admitting to this insiduous plan? I will not make another move until you tell me the rest."
  "Margarita insistent. Okay, Sniff continue. Magistrate planned for it, had guard there, but Marathonis and Ardia took him into custody. Still searching for documents related to conspiracy."
  Margarita shudders before she collects herself, crossing her pale arms on the table. "You may move."
  [[With your bishop, you take one of her rooks.->End4Good1]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgnight>  "We came so close. If only there had been more evidence, or it was correctly applied... at present, we cannot touch him. But he knows we are onto his scheme."
  Marathonis sits across from you in elven form, her eyes cast down at the table. The Slanted Oak is quiet for this time of night. She pitifully nurses at a mug of rotbeer that exudes a strange sour smell.
  "Sniff tried, maybe will be easier to live as devil for some time now?" you guess, sipping at your cup of milk.
  "Perhaps...(if: $sil1 is 3)[ The paladin, Ardia, seems honorable. She contacted me the other day about assisting me in uncovering the conspiracy. Perhaps there is hope after all for justice and for peace in this city. I have you to thank for that, Sniff.]"(if: $gnollfree is 0)[
  "Sniff heard explosion crime pinned on gnoll held in prison... not good for gnoll reputation. Expect have to leave city soon."
  Marathonis places her hand on yours. "I am sorry it ended that way."]
  A moment of silence passes between you as you both consider all that has happened.
  "I will still give you your reward, for I believe you discovered the culprit. Bringing him to justice will fall on my shoulders."(if: $chestget is >0 and $nochest is 0)[
  [["Sniff have something for you..."->SniffHaveMixed]]](if: $indi is <2)[
  [[Follow up questions.->MFQ]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgday>  "Devil visit Sniff. Many devil in Tascania?"
  "Devil?" the orc asks, looking up from his conversation. "We finish this later," he assures the innkeeper, who quietly mouths a 'thank you' and returns to work. "You must mean Marathonis? Famous devil here. Only devil here."
  [["Why famous?"->OrcYF]]
  [["You say only devil?"->OrcOD]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "Why famous?"
  "He's philanthropist. Helps sick and poor. Takes only those souls given - no tricks. At least, I hear. Contracts easy to read, simple."
  "Sounds nice. Seemed nice. Often niceness hide real truth. But sometimes niceness just as is. Orc seem nice too, thank you."
  "We 'barbarians' have to stick together, right?"
  "Right."
  [["You say only devil?"->OrcOD]]
  [["Sniff gotta go now."->The Colonial Inn]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgday>  "You say only devil?"
  "Tascania history complicated. Many devils founded city long long time ago, to be free from yoke of Entitled Realms, planes where devils born."
  "You know much of history and devilry..."
  The orc puffs his chest up proudly, "trained scholar. Read great many books, many about clubs, some about other things."
  You feel a twinge of envy at his literacy come over you, but you manage not to lash out.
  "You saying?"
  "Ah," the orc continues, "yes. Tascania devils forced out over time as humanoids colonized land. Fertile river, good place for trade, crops, many things humanoids need, devils not. So, humanoids took, and took. Marathonis is last devil here."
  "And how city for orc?"
  The orc shrugs, "okay. Watch gives side eye at all times, though."
  "Sniff noticed..."
  You exchange a long-suffering sigh.
  [["Why Marathonis famous here?"->OrcYF]]
  [["Sniff gotta go."->The Colonial Inn]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "You still fall for traps easily," she says, taking your bishop with a spare pawn. "What happened to Marathonis?"
  "He rebuild, Tascania land cultivated by devils many years before humanoids come. Take more than explosion to beat him."
  Margarita smiles; for the first time it seems genuine. "While the city watch is disorganized and campaigns of targeted enforcement are collapsing into themselves, we devils will be free to live as we like."
  "We?"
  Before she can answer, someone enters the room quietly. Mary Azwel glides over the Margarita's chair and places her hands on her shoulders, leaning in to give her a kiss on the cheek.
  "Are you read to leave?" Azwel murmurs fondly, eyeing you with mild annoyance.
  "Just another moment. Let's see... Ah, there. Checkmate, Sniff."
  [["Sniff stick to dungeons."->End4Good2]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff stick to dungeons."
  Margarita begins to clean up the pieces while Azwel watches. She brightly, "I am glad you solved this for Marathonis. He does not know, but, we are from the same plane."
  In the way snakes shed their skin, Margarita sheds hers. But, like a fading dream, it disappears to wherever illusions come from. Her posture and body type change, but her voice remains the same.
  "Hiding in plain sight is a necessity," Margarita chirps like a sparrow, sporting now the head of a wolf with a long, darting tongue. Her body is broad and chitinous, red fur bristling from around plates of insectoid carapace. She hunches her long torso her knuckles drag. Below her white claws sit the remnants of her dress. "Don't be too surprised, now."
  "Sniff only surprised not show sooner. Looks neat. Devil count as chimera or different?"
  "Very funny." she snorts, putting her arm around Azwel.
  "If only you could stay like this all the time, my soulbound." Azwel gives Margarita another kiss.
  "Perhaps someday. If gnolls can go about being detectives..."
  [[Give them some privacy.->End4Good3]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgnight>  You lost another chess game, but learned a few things about strategy for future puzzles. Dungeons always have puzzles, or traps, or just a puzzling amount of traps. Down the stairs, past the Black Queen, who gives you a pearly smile and a wink, you leave the House of Chess to find Ardia and Marathonis chatting outside.
  "The rumors were true," Ardia says to the devil's portrayal of an elvish woman. "And it is why my detection of evil failed. You are not evil, you truly have the best interests of others at heart. What do you do with the souls?
  "I supply them to Vesper's Cauldron, blessed be it. I have no real need for them, and so I provide them to that which enables their recreation, their rebirth. Even your Red Star shines fondly on the cauldron. Oh, hello Sniff."
  "How are the lovers?" Ardia's tone knows the answer.
  "Sniff greet. Lovers good. You knew?"
  "I have a sixth sense for detecting others like me."
  "Sniff impressed to see you both getting along. Paladin and devil thought sworn opposite. Spotmother's lessons true: world strange."
  Marathonis entwines her fingers and opens her palms. "While we are present, is there anything you would like to know about what happened?"
  [["What happen to guard and magistrate?"->End4Good3GM]]
  [["What happen with dungeon?"->End4Good3G]](if: $chestget is >0 and $nochest is 0)[
  [["Sniff have something for you..."]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgnight>  "What happen to guard and magistrate?"
(set: $endi to it + 1)
  Ardia folds her arms and sighs, "they refused to cooperate, so Marathonis and I decided upon a solution together. Anders Monroe and Laronel Velspar are imprisoned now in the third Entitled Realm on an island in the Mirror Sea. I have done my research on the place - we can expect further confession soon.
  "Hope Tascania can benefit from cleansed judicial system."
  Marathonis cocks her head and smirks sidelong at you. "You really are a terribly intelligent gnoll, aren't you? I shall have to meet this Spotmother of yours someday."
  "All clan have Spotmother. Maybe Sniff's best teacher."
  [["What happen with dungeon?"->End4Good3G]](if: $chestget is >0 and $endi is >=2 and $nochest is 0)[
  [["Sniff have something for you..."]]](if: $endi is >=2 and $chestget is 0)[
  [[Continue.]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgnight>  "What happen with dungeon?"
(set: $endi to it + 1)
  "Marathonis has allowed me to assist her," Ardia answers." I shall aid in the reconstruction. And, maybe, if I can convince him, a secondary entrance that doesn't require a trip through the sewers? For when I come to visit."
  "If I have a front door, I will be enchanting a better lock."
  "Lock couldn't even keep Sniff out."
  [["What happen to guard and magistrate?"->End4Good3GM]](if: $chestget is >0 and $endi is >=2 and $nochest is 0)[
  [["Sniff have something for you..."]]](if: $endi is >=2 and $chestget is 0)[
  [[Continue.]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgnight>(if: $chestget is 1)[(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Mimic Chest]]"))(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Broken Dagger]]"))  "Sniff have your tooth chest," you mutter, holding out the heavy chest as far away from your body as possible.
  Marathonis reaches over and tearfully accepts the chest into her arms.
  "My baby! My sweet Bicha, you poor thing, down there all alone!" The devil moans, petting the chest's lid and cooing. "You tried to eat Sniff?" She gently scolds, reaching to remove the dagger from the chest's mouth. Before she can, the chest suddenly bites down, snapping the dagger in half.
  "That was Sniff's..."
  "Apologies. I shall increase your reward. I did not expect to have my pet Bicha returned to me. There's a good girl." The chest pants like an animal as the devil strokes its surface. "Thank you dearly, Sniff."
  "No mention it."(set: $chestget to 0)(if: $indi is <2)[
  [[Follow up questions.->FQGood]]](else-if: $indi is 2)[
  [[Continue.]]]](else-if: $chestget is 2)[(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Mimic Chest]]"))(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Broken Dagger]]"))  "This tooth chest belong to you?" you mutter, holding out the heavy chest as far away from your body as possible.
  Marathonis reaches over and tearfully accepts the chest into her arms.
  "My baby! My sweet Bicha, you poor thing, down there all alone!" The devil moans, petting the chest's lid and cooing. "You tried to eat Sniff?" She gently scolds, reaching to remove the dagger from the chest's mouth. Before she can, the chest suddenly bites down, snapping the dagger in half.
  "That was Sniff's..."
  "Apologies. I shall increase your reward. I did not expect to have my pet Bicha returned to me. There's a good girl." The chest pants like an animal as the devil strokes its surface. "Thank you dearly, Sniff."
  "No mention it."(set: $chestget to 0)(if: $indi is <2)[
  [[Follow up questions.->FQGood]]](else-if: $indi is 2)[
  [[Continue.]]]](else-if: $chestget is 3)[(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Antique Necklace]]"))  "Sniff have something for you..."
You reach around your neck and lift up the necklace. It comes off easily, because it has helped you solve the case and no longer finds you interesting.
"It wants learn about you. Necklace mimic. Named Promeomen."
"Wonderful," Marathonis replies, immediately placing the necklace over her head as you (if: $suspect is 6)[and Ardia ]watch. "I collect mimics, I love them, they are deeply misunderstood."
"Sniff sense that theme, yes."(set: $chestget to 0)(if: $indi is <2)[
  [[Follow up questions.->FQGood]]](else-if: $indi is 2)[
  [[Continue.]]]](else-if: $chestget is <=2 and $nochest is 1)["Sniff have something for you..."
You reach around your neck and lift up the necklace. It comes off easily, because it has helped you solve the case and no longer finds you interesting.
"It wants learn about you. Necklace mimic. Named Promeomen."
"Wonderful," Marathonis replies, immediately placing the necklace over her head as you and (if: $suspect is 6)[and Ardia ]watch. "I collect mimics, I love them. It really is too bad you never found my Bicha."
"Sniff suggest you ask Promeomen, if you talking about chest."(set: $chestget to 0)(if: $indi is <2)[
  [[Follow up questions.->FQGood]]](else-if: $indi is 2)[
  [[Continue.]]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?][(set: $typewriterText to "No one expected a gnoll to do so well.
They never do, but that will change with time.
Marathonis provides your hundred drachs as promised, and Tascania seems like a better place already. You even made the paper.
If only you could read it.
Good job, detective. This Game is Finished.
"
)]{
(set: $typewriterPos to 1)
|typewriterOutput>[]
(live: 20ms)[
(append: ?typewriterOutput)[(print: $typewriterText's $typewriterPos)]
(set: $typewriterPos to it + 1)
(if: $typewriterPos is $typewriterText's length + 1)[(stop:)
]
]
}
<script>$('tw-story').removeClass('no-navigation')</script>(live:18s)[(go-to:"Credits")]<div class=mesgnight>  You can still ask some follow up questions...
  [["What happen to guard and magistrate?"->End4Good3GM]]
  [["What happen with dungeon?"->End4Good3G]](if: $endi is >=2 and $chestget is 0)[
  [[Continue.]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgnight>  You can still ask some follow up questions...
  [["Still getting reward?"->End4Mixed3GM]]
  [["What happen with dungeon?"->End4Mixed3G]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgnight>  "Still getting reward?"
(set: $endi to it + 1)
  "You did what you set out to do... in a way. I now know the criminal, even if they have not yet received the justice they deserve. I suppose that means you deserve what I promised. One hundred drachs. As for your expenses, well..."
  Marathonis raises a black claw, the air crackling and hissing as a line of purple flame produces length after length of vellum paper scrawled with ink.
  "Fill this out."
  "Sniff no read, remember?"
  "Oh, but not to worry. I shall read it to you later then. All ten thousand words."
  "Great."
  [["What happen with dungeon?"->End4Mixed3G]](if: $chestget is >0 and $endi is 2 and $nochest is 0)[
  [["Sniff have something for you..."->SniffHaveMixed]]](if: $endi is >=2 and $chestget is 0)[
  [[Continue.->MixedEnding]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgnight>  "What happen with dungeon?"
(set: $endi to it + 1)
  "I shall have to rebuild... or move. I am not certain whether I can safely stay in Tascania much longer. Although, since the case I have learned of the existence of other devils here. If we support each other, perhaps there will be a way to persist."
  [["Still getting reward?"->End4Mixed3GM]](if: $chestget is >0 and $endi is 2 and $nochest is 0)[
  [["Sniff have something for you..."->SniffHaveMixed]]](if: $endi is >=2 and $chestget is 0)[
  [[Continue.->MixedEnding]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?][(set: $typewriterText to "No one expected you to solve the case in its entirety.
You can rest easy knowing that Marathonis is pleased.
That, and you're getting your reward. Maybe you'll finally pay for reading lessons.
A fair job, detective. This Game is Finished.
"
)]{
(set: $typewriterPos to 1)
|typewriterOutput>[]
(live: 20ms)[
(append: ?typewriterOutput)[(print: $typewriterText's $typewriterPos)]
(set: $typewriterPos to it + 1)
(if: $typewriterPos is $typewriterText's length + 1)[(stop:)
]
]
}
<script>$('tw-story').removeClass('no-navigation')</script>(live:16s)[(go-to:"Credits")]<div class=mesgnight>  You can still ask some follow up questions...
  [["Still getting reward?"->End2Bad3GM]]
  [["What happen with dungeon?"->End2Bad3G]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgnight>  "Still getting reward?"
(set: $endi to it + 1)
  "You did what you set out to do... in a way. I now know the criminal, even if they have not yet received the justice they deserve. I suppose that means you deserve what I promised. One hundred drachs. As for your expenses, well..."
  Marathonis raises a black claw, the air crackling and hissing as a line of purple flame produces length after length of vellum paper scrawled with ink.
  "Fill this out."
  "Sniff no read, remember?"
  "Oh, but not to worry. I shall read it to you later. All ten thousand words."
  "Great."
  [["What happen with dungeon?"->End2Bad3G]](if: $chestget is >0 and $endi is 2 and $nochest is 0)[
  [["Sniff have something for you..."->SniffHaveBad]]](if: $endi is >=2 and $chestget is 0)[
  [[Continue.->BadEnding]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgnight>  "What happen with dungeon?"
(set: $endi to it + 1)
  "I shall have to rebuild... or move. I am not certain whether I can safely stay in Tascania much longer. Although, since the case I have learned of the existence of other devils here. If we support each other, perhaps there will be a way to persist against those who revile us for reasons of outdated religious teachings alone."
  [["Still getting reward?"->End2Bad3GM]](if: $chestget is >0 and $endi is 2 and $nochest is 0)[
  [["Sniff have something for you..."->SniffHaveBad]]](if: $endi is >=2 and $chestget is 0)[
  [[Continue.->BadEnding]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?][(set: $typewriterText to "No one expected you to solve the case in its entirety, but you came close.
You can rest easy knowing Marathonis is pleased.
Or can you?
You're getting your reward, but something about your choice of suspect leaves you unsettled.
This Game is Finished.
"
)]{
(set: $typewriterPos to 1)
|typewriterOutput>[]
(live: 20ms)[
(append: ?typewriterOutput)[(print: $typewriterText's $typewriterPos)]
(set: $typewriterPos to it + 1)
(if: $typewriterPos is $typewriterText's length + 1)[(stop:)
]
]
}
<script>$('tw-story').removeClass('no-navigation')</script>(live:16s)[(go-to:"Credits")][(set: $typewriterText to "There is no outcome that could be worse than this.
You cannot help but feel the weight of those deaths on your conscience.
There was a monster hiding in Tascania all along.
And it wasn't Marathonis.
This Game is Finished.
"
)]{
(set: $typewriterPos to 1)
|typewriterOutput>[]
(live: 20ms)[
(append: ?typewriterOutput)[(print: $typewriterText's $typewriterPos)]
(set: $typewriterPos to it + 1)
(if: $typewriterPos is $typewriterText's length + 1)[(stop:)
]
]
}
<script>$('tw-story').removeClass('no-navigation')</script>(live:16s)[(go-to:"Credits")]<div class=mesgnight>  "Where you going?"
  "I'll follow the Sine to another town. Perhaps make my way to the monastery where the Rubelline Mourners of my order sing their praises. You should not follow me."
  "Why not? Sniff got nowhere else."
  Ardia smiles, reaching out to place her hand on yours. "Then find somewhere."
  She stands up, places on her gauntlets, and walks out of the inn.
  [[Continue.->BadderEnding]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?][(set: $typewriterText to "Marathonis, your employer, is dead.
What could have been done differently? Your empty pockets inspire regretful thoughts.
The city of Tascania is not an equitable place, not a metropolis.
It is a city kept insular by those in power. You would do well to leave.
This Game is Finished.
"
)]{
(set: $typewriterPos to 1)
|typewriterOutput>[]
(live: 20ms)[
(append: ?typewriterOutput)[(print: $typewriterText's $typewriterPos)]
(set: $typewriterPos to it + 1)
(if: $typewriterPos is $typewriterText's length + 1)[(stop:)
]
]
}
<script>$('tw-story').removeClass('no-navigation')</script>(live:16s)[(go-to:"Credits")]<div class=mesgnight>  "Still getting reward?"(set: $end1bad to it + 1)
  "Cheeky thing," Marathonis spits venomously, "you barely did a thing. Sent a barmaid to the gaol, and for one? I do not think for one moment she was capable of such a thing. Geltha. A nice woman, certainly pleasant to me even knowing my infernal affect."
  "Many apology..."
  After thinking for a time and having a gulp of rotbeer, Marathonis lightens imperceptibly.
  "I will pay your expenses, if you complete an invoice. In triplicate."
  "Great."
(if: $end1bad is 1)[  [["What happen with you?"->End1Bad3G]]](if: $end1bad is 2 and $chestget is >0 and $nochest is 0)[  [["Sniff have something for you..."->sniffhavehe]]](else-if: $end1bad is 2 and $chestget is 0)[  [[Continue.->End1Badder2]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgnight>  "What happen with you?"
  Marathonis sighs, closes his teeth but not his lips, forked tongue flickering over the knives.
  "I will leave my ancestral home. The place I settled when first I came to this plane. The place where once many of my kind lived and thrived. Humanoids are resourceful and spread like spores. There are too many of them for my old ways to persist."
  "Where you go?"
  "Back to Elletor, realm the fourth. My property and my serfs are still there."
  "Have such things, why come here at all?"
  Marathonis smiles, or something like it - he's all teeth. "You will understand when your wanderlust has you investigating other planes."(set: $end1bad to it + 1)
(if: $end1bad is 1)[  [["Still getting reward?"->End1Bad3GM]]](if: $end1bad is 2 and $chestget is >0 and $nochest is 0)[  [["Sniff have something for you..."->sniffhavehe]]](else-if: $end1bad is 2 and $chestget is 0)[  [[Continue.->End1Badder2]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?][(set: $typewriterText to "No one expected you to solve the case in its entirety, but to do this poorly?
Marathonis is not convinced your suspect was the true culprit.
Many questions still linger.
You're getting reimbursed for your expenses, but you did not improve the situation.
This Game is Finished.
"
)]{
(set: $typewriterPos to 1)
|typewriterOutput>[]
(live: 20ms)[
(append: ?typewriterOutput)[(print: $typewriterText's $typewriterPos)]
(set: $typewriterPos to it + 1)
(if: $typewriterPos is $typewriterText's length + 1)[(stop:)
]
]
}
<script>$('tw-story').removeClass('no-navigation')</script>(live:20s)[(go-to:"Credits")]<div class=mesgnight>(if: $chestget is 1)[(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Mimic Chest]]"))(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Broken Dagger]]"))  "Sniff have your tooth chest," you mutter, holding out the heavy chest as far away from your body as possible.
  Marathonis reaches over and tearfully accepts the chest into his arms.
  "My baby! My sweet Bicha, you poor thing, down there all alone!" The devil moans, petting the chest's lid and cooing. "You tried to eat Sniff?" He gently scolds, reaching to remove the dagger from the chest's mouth. Before he can, the chest suddenly bites down, snapping the dagger in half.
  "That was Sniff's..."
  "Apologies. I shall increase your reward. I did not expect to have my pet Bicha returned to me. There's a good girl." The chest pants like an animal as the devil strokes its surface. "Thank you dearly, Sniff."
  "No mention it."(set: $chestget to 0)
  [[Continue.->End1Badder2]]](else-if: $chestget is 2)[(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Mimic Chest]]"))(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Broken Dagger]]"))  "This tooth chest belong to you?" you mutter, holding out the heavy chest as far away from your body as possible.
  Marathonis reaches over and tearfully accepts the chest into his arms.
  "My baby! My sweet Bicha, you poor thing, down there all alone!" The devil moans, petting the chest's lid and cooing. "You tried to eat Sniff?" He gently scolds, reaching to remove the dagger from the chest's mouth. Before he can, the chest suddenly bites down, snapping the dagger in half.
  "That was Sniff's..."
  "Apologies. I shall increase your reward. I did not expect to have my pet Bicha returned to me. There's a good girl." The chest pants like an animal as the devil strokes its surface. "Thank you dearly, Sniff."
  "No mention it."(set: $chestget to 0)
  [[Continue.->End1Badder2]]](else-if: $chestget is 3)[(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Antique Necklace]]"))  "Sniff have something for you..."
You reach around your neck and lift up the necklace. It comes off easily, because it has helped you solve the case and no longer finds you interesting.
"It wants learn about you. Necklace mimic. Named Promeomen."
"Wonderful," Marathonis replies, immediately placing the necklace over his head as you (if: $suspect is 6)[and Ardia ]watch. "I collect mimics, I love them, they are deeply misunderstood."
"Sniff sense that theme, yes."(set: $chestget to 0)
  [[Continue.->End1Badder2]]](else-if: $chestget is <=2 and $nochest is 1)["Sniff have something for you..."
You reach around your neck and lift up the necklace. It comes off easily, because it has helped you solve the case and no longer finds you interesting.
"It wants learn about you. Necklace mimic. Named Promeomen."
"Wonderful," Marathonis replies, immediately placing the necklace over his head as you and (if: $suspect is 6)[and Ardia ]watch. "I collect mimics, I love them. It really is too bad you never found my Bicha."
"Sniff suggest you ask Promeomen, if you talking about chest."(set: $chestget to 0)
  [[Continue.->End1Badder2]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgday>  "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum."
  "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum."</div>[(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")]](set: $items to (a:))<script>$('tw-story').addClass('no-navigation')</script>(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Drachs: (print: $money)->Drachs]]", "[[Emergency Dagger]]"))](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/AG2ABen.png">](else-if: $time is 1)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/hfxyLzg.png">]
<img style="z-index: -1;" src="https://i.imgur.com/5KtdmLP.png" />(set: $timer to 5)(set: $event to 4)(live:)[(if: $event is 4)[<img style="z-index: 1; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: -220px;" src="https://i.imgur.com/fkH6VTE.gif" />](else-if: $event is 3)[<img style="z-index: 1; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: -220px;" src="https://i.imgur.com/aD1Dc7K.gif" />](else-if: $event is 2)[<img style="z-index: 1; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: -220px;" src="https://i.imgur.com/8KWUpOl.gif" />](else-if: $event is 1)[<img style="z-index: 1; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: -220px;" src="https://i.imgur.com/9hOVrRN.gif" />]](live: 1s)[(if: $timer is not 0)[(set: $timer to it-1)](else-if: $timer is 0 and $event is 4 or 3)[(set: $timer to (random: 1,5))](else-if: $timer is 0 and $event is 2)[(set: $timer to 2)](else-if: $timer is 0 and $event is 1)[(set: $timer to 2)]](live: 1s)[(if: $timer is 0)[(if: $event is 4 or 3)[(set: $event to (random: 1,2))](else-if: $event is 1)[(set: $event to 3)](else-if: $event is 2)[(set: $event to 3)]]](if: $time is 0)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/AG2ABen.png">](else-if: $time is 1)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/hfxyLzg.png">](set: $timer to 5)
(set: $event to 4)(live:)[(if: $event is 4)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/w7GmoTK.gif">](else-if: $event is 3)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/SOV0D2x.gif">](else-if: $event is 2)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/IP4CxBl.gif">](else-if: $event is 1)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/ytEE1Ei.gif">]](live: 1s)[(if: $timer is not 0)[(set: $timer to it-1)](else-if: $timer is 0 and $event is 4 or 3)[(set: $timer to (random: 1,5))](else-if: $timer is 0 and $event is 2)[(set: $timer to 2)](else-if: $timer is 0 and $event is 1)[(set: $timer to 2)]](live: 1s)[(if: $timer is 0)[(if: $event is 4 or 3)[(set: $event to (random: 1,2))](else-if: $event is 1)[(set: $event to 3)](else-if: $event is 2)[(set: $event to 3)]]](if: $time is 0)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/AG2ABen.png">](else-if: $time is 1)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/hfxyLzg.png">]
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZhBIkNb.gif">(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]
(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your bag...](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]
(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Closed")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>](if: $time is 0)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/AG2ABen.png">](else-if: $time is 1)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/hfxyLzg.png">]
(if: $hdln is 1)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/gNIceI7.gif">](else:)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/Ja4rfin.gif">]<div class=mesgnight>  "Margarita!" The Black Queen's voice carries upstairs like a foghorn.
  Margarita slowly descends the stairs, sees you, and smiles with one side of her mouth.
  "Yes, Sniff?"
  "This handkerchief captain's?" you ask, holding up the square of soft fabric.
  Margarita examines it in the candlelight, spying the initials embroidered in the corner.
  "Yes. That is the one he always brings - or one exactly like it."(set: $oppcaphand to 1)
  [["Thank you."->MarQhk2]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Thank you."
  "No need to thank me. But I do hope you pay to see me next time."
  [["Back to the House of Chess."->House of Chess]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>(if: $chestget is 1)[(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Mimic Chest]]"))(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Broken Dagger]]"))  "Sniff have your tooth chest," you mutter, holding out the heavy chest as far away from your body as possible.
  Marathonis reaches over and tearfully accepts the chest into her arms.
  "My baby! My sweet Bicha, you poor thing, down there all alone!" The devil moans, petting the chest's lid and cooing. "You tried to eat Sniff?" She gently scolds, reaching to remove the dagger from the chest's mouth. Before she can, the chest suddenly bites down, snapping the dagger in half.
  "That was Sniff's..."
  "Apologies. I shall increase your reward. I did not expect to have my pet Bicha returned to me. There's a good girl." The chest pants like an animal as the devil strokes its surface. "Thank you dearly, Sniff."
  "No mention it."(set: $chestget to 0)(if: $indi is <2)[
  [[Follow up questions.->2BFQ]]](else-if: $indi is 2)[
  [[Continue.->BadEnding]]]](else-if: $chestget is 2)[(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Mimic Chest]]"))(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Broken Dagger]]"))  "This tooth chest belong to you?" you mutter, holding out the heavy chest as far away from your body as possible.
  Marathonis reaches over and tearfully accepts the chest into her arms.
  "My baby! My sweet Bicha, you poor thing, down there all alone!" The devil moans, petting the chest's lid and cooing. "You tried to eat Sniff?" She gently scolds, reaching to remove the dagger from the chest's mouth. Before she can, the chest suddenly bites down, snapping the dagger in half.
  "That was Sniff's..."
  "Apologies. I shall increase your reward. I did not expect to have my pet Bicha returned to me. There's a good girl." The chest pants like an animal as the devil strokes its surface. "Thank you dearly, Sniff."
  "No mention it."(set: $chestget to 0)(if: $indi is <2)[
  [[Follow up questions.->2BFQ]]](else-if: $indi is 2)[
  [[Continue.->BadEnding]]]](else-if: $chestget is 3)[(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Antique Necklace]]"))  "Sniff have something for you..."
You reach around your neck and lift up the necklace. It comes off easily, because it has helped you solve the case and no longer finds you interesting.
"It wants learn about you. Necklace mimic. Named Promeomen."
"Wonderful," Marathonis replies, immediately placing the necklace over her head as you (if: $suspect is 6)[and Ardia ]watch. "I collect mimics, I love them, they are deeply misunderstood."
"Sniff sense that theme, yes."(set: $chestget to 0)(if: $indi is <2)[
  [[Follow up questions.->2BFQ]]](else-if: $indi is 2)[
  [[Continue.->BadEnding]]]](else-if: $chestget is <=2 and $nochest is 1)["Sniff have something for you..."
You reach around your neck and lift up the necklace. It comes off easily, because it has helped you solve the case and no longer finds you interesting.
"It wants learn about you. Necklace mimic. Named Promeomen."
"Wonderful," Marathonis replies, immediately placing the necklace over her head as you and (if: $suspect is 6)[and Ardia ]watch. "I collect mimics, I love them. It really is too bad you never found my Bicha."
"Sniff suggest you ask Promeomen, if you talking about chest."(set: $chestget to 0)(if: $indi is <2)[
  [[Follow up questions.->2BFQ]]](else-if: $indi is 2)[
  [[Continue.->BadEnding]]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgnight>(if: $chestget is 1)[(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Mimic Chest]]"))(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Broken Dagger]]"))  "Sniff have your tooth chest," you mutter, holding out the heavy chest as far away from your body as possible.
  Marathonis reaches over and tearfully accepts the chest into her arms.
  "My baby! My sweet Bicha, you poor thing, down there all alone!" The devil moans, petting the chest's lid and cooing. "You tried to eat Sniff?" She gently scolds, reaching to remove the dagger from the chest's mouth. Before she can, the chest suddenly bites down, snapping the dagger in half.
  "That was Sniff's..."
  "Apologies. I shall increase your reward. I did not expect to have my pet Bicha returned to me. There's a good girl." The chest pants like an animal as the devil strokes its surface. "Thank you dearly, Sniff."
  "No mention it."(set: $chestget to 0)(if: $indi is <2)[
  [[Follow up questions.->MFQ]]](else-if: $indi is 2)[
  [[Continue.->MixedEnding]]]](else-if: $chestget is 2)[(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Mimic Chest]]"))(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Broken Dagger]]"))  "This tooth chest belong to you?" you mutter, holding out the heavy chest as far away from your body as possible.
  Marathonis reaches over and tearfully accepts the chest into her arms.
  "My baby! My sweet Bicha, you poor thing, down there all alone!" The devil moans, petting the chest's lid and cooing. "You tried to eat Sniff?" She gently scolds, reaching to remove the dagger from the chest's mouth. Before she can, the chest suddenly bites down, snapping the dagger in half.
  "That was Sniff's..."
  "Apologies. I shall increase your reward. I did not expect to have my pet Bicha returned to me. There's a good girl." The chest pants like an animal as the devil strokes its surface. "Thank you dearly, Sniff."
  "No mention it."(set: $chestget to 0)(if: $indi is <2)[
  [[Follow up questions.->MFQ]]](else-if: $indi is 2)[
  [[Continue.->MixedEnding]]]](else-if: $chestget is 3)[(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Antique Necklace]]"))  "Sniff have something for you..."
You reach around your neck and lift up the necklace. It comes off easily, because it has helped you solve the case and no longer finds you interesting.
"It wants learn about you. Necklace mimic. Named Promeomen."
"Wonderful," Marathonis replies, immediately placing the necklace over her head as you (if: $suspect is 6)[and Ardia ]watch. "I collect mimics, I love them, they are deeply misunderstood."
"Sniff sense that theme, yes."(set: $chestget to 0)(if: $indi is <2)[
  [[Follow up questions.->MFQ]]](else-if: $indi is 2)[
  [[Continue.->MixedEnding]]]](else-if: $chestget is <=2 and $nochest is 1)["Sniff have something for you..."
You reach around your neck and lift up the necklace. It comes off easily, because it has helped you solve the case and no longer finds you interesting.
"It wants learn about you. Necklace mimic. Named Promeomen."
"Wonderful," Marathonis replies, immediately placing the necklace over her head as you and (if: $suspect is 6)[and Ardia ]watch. "I collect mimics, I love them. It really is too bad you never found my Bicha."
"Sniff suggest you ask Promeomen, if you talking about chest."(set: $chestget to 0)(if: $indi is <2)[
  [[Follow up questions.->MFQ]]](else-if: $indi is 2)[
  [[Continue.->MixedEnding]]]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
At a time like this?]<div class=mesgnight>  "Don't know..."
  "If you do not know," the magistrate scolds blithely, "then why implicate an upstanding member of the watch? Present your next piece of evidence and dwell on this no longer."
  [[More evidence.->Evidence]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]<div class=mesgnight>  "Sniff know. Bar maid Geltha of Slanted Oak purchase barrels. It near sewers, easy. Last week before bombing milkman say barrels stolen."
  "Evidence of a theft, perhaps, but not of the bombing itself..." the magistrate says, arching an eyebrow. "What did you mean by 'milkman?'"
  "Man sell milk at Slanted Oak."
  Marathonis chimes in, "I believe he means the tavernkeeper."
  "Ah."(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $correct to it +1)]
  [[More evidence.->Evidence]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))](if: $time is 0)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('normal');</script>](else:)[<script>changeTimeOfDayTag('dark');</script>]</div>
<center>(transition: "dissolve")[A game by Wonaglot
(N. G.)
Title Art by Kaz
(happy-go-ugly.com)]</center>
(live:4s)[(go-to:"Title")]<div class=mesgnight>  You crouch next to the high-backed chair waiting at the desk for its master. There are three drawers, each identical, on the right front side of the desk.
(if: $checking is 0)[(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Crystal Bottle]]"))(set: $items to $items)](set: $bottle to 1)
  [[Open the first drawer.->Drawer1]]
(set: $checking to 0)
  (unless: $daggerlost is 2)[[[Open the second drawer.->Drawer2]]](if: $daggerlost is 2)[The second drawer has been cleaned out.]
  (if: $bottle is 0)[[[Open the third drawer.->Drawer3]]](else:)[The third drawer has been cleaned out.]
  [[Back.->Study]]</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
(print: $items.join("
"
))]<div class="inventory">  Without some way to decipher them, you have no idea what these papers say.
(if: $necklace is 1)[
  ("I can read these for you,") the necklace interjects.
  "Proceed. Sniff suspect clues, but might be anything. Diary. Tax return. Love letter. Bad poem."
  ("There is no name upon them, but they suggest the devil leave Tascania before grave consequences are meted out by the will of the people.")
(set: $items to $items + (a: "[[Threatening Letters]]"))(set: $letters to 1)(set: $items to $items - (a: "[[Dungeon Papers]]"))
  "Sniff think these important... Thank you, necklace."
  ("No need to say it, I can feel your gratitude bouncing off the walls of your mind like a ball thrown for a--")
](set: $checking to 1)
  (link-goto: "Return.", (history:)'s last)</div>(prepend: ?SideBar)[(display: "Animation")](append: ?SideBar)[\
Inventory:
You're digging through your bag...]