Story Arc #1: The Castle of Shadows
The Villagers Attack
A chapter of a ‘choose your own’ story.
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You are in the right. So, what could go wrong?
You charge past, managing to block a sword blow from Master L’Roche with your mace as you go. Balorg is at your heels; Master L’Roche now aims a blow at the goblin, who nimbly ducks. The two of you are soon racing across the great room with the knight in pursuit.
As you do so, people begin to pile in from the left hand side of the room. It’s the folk from the mountain village. And they have spears!
A woman is leading the villagers, and she raises her spear in both hands and stalks towards Jade as you approach from the other direction.
“Zyra,” snarles Jade, turning to look at the approaching woman.
“Sister,” replies Zyra darkly. She gestures to the wooden box with the point of her spear. “That doesn’t belong to you. It has lain here in the Castle of Shadows for centuries, and should never be taken away.”
“It is mine, and will be the instrument of my power,” replies Jade. “Servants — kill them!”
As the two sides face off, you are aware that Balorg has continued to run towards the villagers. As they engage in combat, the knights and goblins are pushed back, and the wooden box left behind.
Balorg raises its lid with a grunt, and you see a marvellously ornate sword inside, encrusted with gleaming gems.
You then hear clanking footsteps on the stone, and your heart skips a beat when you remember that the knight was behind you… But Master L’Roche runs right past you and towards Balorg, clearly desperate to claim the sword.
As the knight turns his back on you, you bring your mace down hard on the top of his head, and he slumps to the ground, dazed.
Now, as the fighting rages, you realize that you are close enough to grab the sword from its box, and run. Should you take it for yourself? It could lead to fame and fortune! Or should you wait, and try to help the villagers win the fight?
After a moment’s reflection, you:
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