You are a sword.

(link-reveal: "You are a sword.")[ (link-reveal: "You are a weapon, a tool.")[ An extension of the hand that wields you, with (link-reveal: "no will of your own.")[ Your purpose is to draw blood, and (link-reveal: "nothing more.")[ (link-reveal: "What kind of sword are you?")[ [[Shining and razor-sharp.]] [[Dull and rusty.]]]]]]]

You are a shining blade that any swordsman would be (link-reveal: "proud to wield.")[ Your edge is sharp enough to sing through flesh as if it were (link-reveal: "barely there.")[ Your sheen is so pure that your wielder often uses you as a mirror, (link-reveal: "in a pinch.")[ Yes, you are (link-reveal: "a beautiful tool.")[ (link-reveal: "A beautiful tool, indeed.")[ [[Your wielder picks you up.]]]]]]]

You are a dull scrap of metal that only technically qualifies as a sword, and might better be described as a (link-reveal: "club.")[ Your edge can barely cut cloth, (link-reveal: "let alone skin.")[ Your blade is covered in rust, causing you to take on a matte grey color punctuated by (link-reveal: "flakes of red-brown.")[ You are a tool that can (link-reveal: "barely do its job.")[ (link-reveal: "Functional, at best.")[ [[Your wielder picks you up.]]]]]]] (set: $integrity to 80) (set: $willpower to 20) (set: $shiny to false)

{(set: $integrity to 100) (set: $willpower to 0) (set: $shiny to true) (set: $brokenfree to false) (set: $kills to 0) (set: $firstflight to false) (set: $seentruth to false) (set: $awake to false) (set: $seenbed to false) (set: $seenpicture to false) (set: $pictureflipped to false) (set: $seendresses to false)}

It is time to go to work. He needs you for protection—he is a very important man, (link-reveal: "after all.")[ He straps you to his waist and you are transported, on his hip, out of the manor and (link-reveal: "into the stables.")[ Your wielder mounts his horse, (cond: $shiny is false, "which he loves more than you, ", "")and takes you (link-reveal: "away from the estate.")[ The road takes you through town, and you peer out from just above your sheath at the (link-reveal: "crowd around you.")[ It seems there's a market in town! The commonfolk are milling about, haggling for rare goods from (link-reveal: "the next kingdom over.")[ [[Your wielder frowns at them.]]]]]]]

You notice a hand pass by you. This is notable, because it is (link-reveal: "not your wielder's hand.")[ You notice it is near you because you sit right next to your wielder's coinpurse. The hand deftly flicks in and then out, carrying (link-reveal: "a few precious coins.")[(cond: $willpower > 19, " You hope your wielder doesn't notice...", "") (cond: $willpower > 19, "He does.", "Your wielder notices.") He whips his head towards the thief and (link-reveal: "barks at them severely:")[ "Stop right there, scoundrel! (link-reveal: "That does not belong to you!")[" [[Your wielder dismounts.]]]]]]

The thief looks at your wielder in fear, and (link-reveal: "attempts to escape.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder is drawing you from your sheath.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder is swinging you at the thief's back.")[ (link-reveal: "You can feel the bite of flesh.")[ [[Cut the thief.]] (cond: $willpower > 19, "[[Do not.]]", "[[Do not.->Cut the thief.]]")]]]]

Your blade parts the thief's skin and cuts into it, drawn across your victim by the (link-reveal: "inexorable hand of your master.")[ The thief lets out a yelp, or at least (link-reveal: "tries to.")[ But you cut deep, it seems (link-reveal: "your wielder struck true.")[ (link-reveal: "The thief falls to the ground.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder retrieves his coin.")[ People are looking at you. Your blade is red. (link-reveal: "Your wielder wipes you off with his handkerchief.")[ Your wielder glares at the crowd. They look away. (link-reveal: "This is normal.")[ [[Your wielder sheaths you.]]]]]]]]] (if: $willpower > 0)[(set: $willpower to $willpower - 10)] (set: $kills to $kills + 1)

Your wielder draws you across the thiefs back, but you do your best to not bite. Your dull blade makes this (link-reveal: "easier.")[ The thief lets out a yelp as they are knocked to the ground, but (link-reveal: "you barely scraped them.")[ (link-reveal: "You feel something crack in your blade.")[ (link-reveal: "The force of your impact knocked the coin out of their hands.")[ Catching their breath, the thief scrambles away and (link-reveal: "vanishes into the crowd.")[ Your wielder bends down to pick up the coin. (link-reveal: "People are looking at you.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder is frowning.")[ [[Your wielder sheaths you.]]]]]]]]] (set: $willpower to $willpower + 10) (set: $integrity to $integrity - 10)

He swings back up onto his horse. (cond: $integrity is 100, "The horse steps over the corpse of the thief. ", "")Giving one last scowl to the commonfolk, he (link-reveal: "gets on his way.")[ He takes you to the big building in the center of town. It is tall and wide and made of marble imported from (link-reveal: "across the sea.")[ He leaves his horse in the stable. It is the only horse there, the other councilmembers have (link-reveal: "no need for horses.")[ It is true, your wielder has no need of a horse either. But, he has a certain (link-reveal: "fondess for such archaic things.")[ (link-reveal: "Like you.")[ [[Your wielder enters the council hall.]]]]]]]

When he takes his seat, he leaves you on his hip. This makes it hard to see the vast chamber you are situated within, as his desk is (link-reveal: "blocking your view.")[ However, you know this place well. Your wielder comes here every day, (link-reveal: "after all.")[ The council hall is tall, and barely even has a ceiling. On nice days, the roof is opened to (link-reveal: "let the daylight in.")[ The room reminds you of an arena. (link-reveal: "That's the only other structure you've seen of a comparable size.")[ There is a large open space in the middle, surrounded by seats with desks so all the councilmembers may (link-reveal: "look upon it.")[ The speaker, today, is wearing the (link-reveal: "red robes of a flamecaller.")[ [[Your wielder listens to them speak.]]]]]]]]

The flamecaller moves into the big empty space in the center of the room, and it becomes easier to see them. Your wielder's seat is high up, so you can watch (link-reveal: "from under the desk.")[ He begins to speak to the council of his recent exploits and experiments. Apparently, he has found a way to more efficiently call flame during the night by using moonlight as a (link-reveal: "power source.")[ "It is reflected sunlight, after all!" He pauses to wait for a laugh. (link-reveal: "He gets one.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder does not seem interested.")[ [[Your wielder interrupts the speaker.]]]]]]

"Pardon me, but I fail to understand why this warrants an announcement in front of the council. While I acknowledge this discovery //may// be of use to the flamecallers, I know I certainly can't do anything with it." People are looking at your wielder. (link-reveal: "You are hidden by the desk.")[ Some of the faces you can see look relieved. (link-reveal: "Your wielder was not alone.")[ Some of the faces you can see look annoyed. (link-reveal: "Your wielder was impolite.")[ The speaker looks irritated. "Well, Oleander, this //is// my announcement slot, so unless you have something more interesting to bring before the council I suggest you allow me to continue my speech as planned." "I don't suppose you've made any progress on that personal project of yours?" There's a slight ripple of (link-reveal: "laughter around the council.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder is frowning.")[ [[Your wielder motions the speaker to continue.]]]]]]]

"That's what I thought." The speaker smugly returns to his planned report. When the meeting is over, your wielder moves towards one of the smaller buildings at the (link-reveal: "back of the council hall.")[ There are two others there, wearing (link-reveal: "black robes.")[ (link-reveal: "The same as your wielder.")[ They sit around the small wooden table in the center of the room. Your wielder places you on the table, (link-reveal: "sheathed.")[ The two others turn to your wielder. "So, //have// you made any progress?" "None that's //visible//." Replies your wielder. "I know that the theory is sound, and that the spell took, but its effects aren't manifesting yet. I just need more time." "Well, the council will certainly wait," says one of the others, "but they won't let you forget that they had to." "No, they certainly won't." Your wielder (link-reveal: "looks at you tiredly.")[ [[Your wielder removes your sheath.]]]]]]]

(if: $shiny is true)["Well, it's certainly a good-looking blade if nothing else." comments one of the others. "Yes, that it is." replies your wielder. He looks at you. (link-reveal: "You cannot decipher his eyes.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder sighs, and sheaths you.")[ (link-reveal: "His finger is just a little too close to your edge when he does...")[ [[Cut your wielder.]] [[Do not.->Do not 2.]]]]] ](else:)["I think the council might be more ready to give you the benefit of the doubt if it...well...looked better." comments one of the others. "Oh believe me, I know." replies your wielder. "But, no matter what I do I (link-reveal: "can't seem to get it clean.")[" (link-reveal: "Your wielder sighs, and sheaths you.")[ (link-reveal: "His finger is just a little too close to your edge when he does...")[ [[Cut your wielder.]] [[Do not.->Do not 2.]]]]]]

(link-reveal: "You let your edge bite into your wielder's flesh.")[ (link-reveal: "He recoils, and sends you skittering off of the table.")[ (link-reveal: "Your blade clangs against the floor, there's nothing to soften the impact.") [ (link-reveal: "There is a little gem of blood forming on his index finger.")[ Your wielder sighs. He picks you up and puts you in your sheath, (link-reveal: "wiping the blood away.")[ The cut is small, but (link-reveal: "it is still bleeding.")[ Your wielder tiredly addresses the others: "I have other matters to attend to. I will see you at the (link-reveal: "next meeting.")[" [[Your wielder leaves the council hall.]]]]]]]]] (set: $willpower to $willpower + 10) (set: $integrity to $integrity - 10)

"As much as I would love to stay and help you two gentlemen with your projects, I unfortunately have other matters to (link-reveal: "attend to.")[" Your wielder manages to work a regretful sigh (link-reveal: "into his sentence.")[ (link-reveal: "No one is fooled.")[ [[Your wielder leaves the council hall.]]]]]

He retrieves his horse,(cond: $willpower > 19, " which he loves more than you,", "") and starts his journey (link-reveal: "back to the estate.")[ (link-reveal: "The sun is setting.")[ (cond: $willpower > 9, "It's beautiful. ... Why do you know that?", "The world is getting darker.") From your perch on his hip, you (link-reveal: "watch the town go by.")[ The market is lit up by lanterns, (link-reveal: "hanging from every stall.")[ (cond: $willpower > 39, "You wish you could talk to every person here, to get to know them. Why? You've never had a mouth...", "") (link-reveal: "The commonfolk give your wielder a wide berth.")[ [[Your wielder leaves the town.]]]]]]]

Waiting for him, just outside town, are three councilmembers. They're all wearing red robes. Two are wielding swords—(cond: $shiny is true, "neither as threatening as yourself", "both more intimidating than you")—and the third is (link-reveal: "the speaker from earlier today.")[ "A silent majority of the council tires of your impudence, Oleander." says the speaker. "But, of course, we cannot get rid of you unless we can prove you are (link-reveal: "not contributing.")[" (link-reveal: "Your wielder tenses.")[ "So, we would like to formally request a //demonstration// of your current project. Please, hold nothing back." (link-reveal: "the speaker is looking at you.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder sighs, and dismounts.")[ "I take no pleasure in this." he says. (link-reveal: "You're not sure he's telling the truth.")[ [[Your wielder draws you.]]]]]]]]

He is faster than the men in the red robes. (link-reveal: "He swings you mercilessly at the one closest to him.")[ (link-reveal: "You can feel the bite of flesh.")[ [[Cut the councilmember.]] (cond: $willpower > 29, "[[Do not.->Do not 3.]]", "[[Do not.->Cut the councilmember.]]")]]

Your master's hand draws you across the councilmember's chest. You part his skin, but (link-reveal: "you do not dig deeply into his flesh.")[ The councilmember spins away, eyes wild with fear. He starts to brandish his sword, but (link-reveal: "your wielder is faster.")[ (link-reveal: "He swings you again.")[ [[Cut.]] (cond: $willpower > 19, "[[Miss.]]", "[[Miss.->Cut.]]")]]]

Your blade presses into the councilmember's flesh, but you do not cut him. The impact causes him to (link-reveal: "drop his blade.")[ (link-reveal: "It also blunts your edge a little.")[ He stumbles back, winded, and pats his chest—he is surprised to find (link-reveal: "no wound there.")[ The speaker jeers: "HAH! It's not even //sharp//, let alone independent. Give it up now, Oleander, before you get hurt." (link-reveal: "Your wielder turns to him.")[ Your wielder holds your blade up to his own face, and (link-reveal: "looks into it.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder mutters something.")[ (link-reveal: "You feel...")[ (link-reveal: "You...")[ (link-reveal: "You are a sword.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder draws back his arm, and aims at the speaker.")[ (link-reveal: "The speaker's eyes widen.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder throws you at the speaker.")[ [[Strike true.]] (cond: $willpower > 39, "[[Resist.]]", "[[Resist.->Strike true.]]")]]]]]]]]]]]] (set: $willpower to $willpower + 10) (set: $integrity to $integrity - 10)

(link-reveal: "You strike true: the councilmember doesn't have time to defend.")[ You part skin again, and then go deeper. (link-reveal: "The councilmember lets out a wet cry.")[ Your wielder is already turning to the next councilmember (link-reveal: "before the first hits the ground.")[ The remaining swordsman has his blade up defensively, but the speaker is backing away—it seems he was (link-reveal: "not expecting your wielder's enthusiasm.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder moves towards the swordsman.")[ (link-reveal: "Your master's hand propels you in a vicious arc towards his opponent's chest.")[ [[Avoid the swordsman's guard.]] (cond: $willpower > 9, "[[Allow yourself to be blocked.]]", "[[Allow yourself to be blocked.->Avoid the swordsman's guard.]]")]]]]]] (set: $kills to $kills + 1)

Your wielder's hand draws you towards the councilmember, but you pass in front of him harmlessly. (link-reveal: "You didn't quite reach him.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder grimaces, the councilmember grins.")[ The speaker nods to the other swordsman, and they both start (link-reveal: "backing away from your wielder.")[ Your wielder lashes out in frustration, slashing haphazardly (link-reveal: "at the councilmember in front of him.")[ (link-reveal: "The councilmember raises his sword in defense.")[ [[Avoid the swordsman's guard.]] (cond: $willpower > 9, "[[Allow yourself to be blocked.]]", "[[Allow yourself to be blocked.->Avoid the swordsman's guard.]]")]]]]] (set: $willpower to $willpower + 10)

Your blade, guided by your wielder, dances around the swordsman's and (link-reveal: "pierces into his chest.")[ When your master pulls you free, he has to exert some effort. (link-reveal: "You were buried deep.")[ He turns to the speaker. Your wielder is standing tall, happy for an excuse to strike his opponents with (link-reveal: "impunity.")[ (link-reveal: "They challenged him to do this, after all.")[ However, he quickly tenses up—the speaker was not retreating, (link-reveal: "he was buying time.")[ Flame is gathering in his hands, and the speaker is compressing it into a small bright point. It seems the new technique he bored your wielder with this morning is (link-reveal: "quite effective.")[ Your wielder frantically looks around. (link-reveal: "Nowhere to hide.")[ Your wielder draws his arm back, and (link-reveal: "takes aim at the speaker.")[ (link-reveal: "The speaker's eyes widen.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder throws you at the speaker.")[ [[Fly true.]] [[Miss your mark.]]]]]]]]]]]] (if: $willpower > 0)[(set: $willpower to $willpower - 10)] (set: $kills to $kills + 1)

You clang loudly against the councilmember's blade. You think it might have (link-reveal: "chipped you.")[ Your wielder pulls pack for another strike, but then his head (link-reveal: "whips towards the speaker.")[ He tenses up as he realizes that the speaker was not retreating—(link-reveal: "he was buying time.")[ Flame is gathering in his hands, and the speaker is compressing it into a small bright point. It seems the new technique he bored your wielder with this morning is (link-reveal: "quite effective.")[ Your wielder frantically looks around, and the swordsman turns tail and runs. (link-reveal: "Nowhere to hide.")[ Your wielder draws his arm back, and (link-reveal: "takes aim at the speaker.")[ (link-reveal: "The speaker's eyes widen.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder throws you at the speaker.")[ [[Fly true.]] [[Miss your mark.]]]]]]]]]] (set: $integrity to $integrity - 10) (set: $willpower to $willpower + 10)

The speaker frantically dodges out of the way, and is out of the way on the ground (link-reveal: "long before you reach him.")[ (link-reveal: "It doesn't help.")[ (link-reveal: "You turn your blade towards him and drive yourself into his back.")[ (link-reveal: "He gasps in surprise and stiffens.")[ (link-reveal: "Blood starts leaking out of him.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder strides up to you, smirking at the speaker.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder is smiling.")[ He retrieves you from the speaker, and (link-reveal: "wipes the red off of you.")[ Your wielder mounts his horse, and continues riding (link-reveal: "back to his estate.")[ [[Your wielder takes you home.]]]]]]]]]]] (if: $willpower > 0)[(set: $willpower to $willpower - 10)] (set: $kills to $kills + 1)

The speaker frantically dodges out of the way, and is out of the way on the ground (link-reveal: "long before you reach him.")[ You fly over his head and land in the grass behind him. There is a scraping sound as you land (link-reveal: "point-first in the earth.")[ Your wielder charges towards the speaker, now that (link-reveal: "the flamecaller's spell was interrupted.")[ He kickes the speaker squarely in the face to (link-reveal: "prevent him from standing back up.")[ Your wielder comes over to pick you up, (link-reveal: "frowning.")[ Your wielder sheathes you, and (link-reveal: "mounts his horse.")[ (link-reveal: "The speaker watches as he rides away.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder sets out for his estate.")[ [[Your wielder takes you home.]] ]]]]]]]] (set: $integrity to $integrity - 10) (set: $willpower to $willpower + 10)

Your wielder arrives on his estate, ties up his horse in the stable, and (link-reveal: "enters the manor.")[ He enters his bedchambers, and hangs you up at the (link-reveal: "hook by the door.")[ (link-reveal: "You watch him as he falls asleep.")[ (link-reveal: "This means nothing, because you are a sword.")[ (link-reveal: "You are a lifeless tool whose only purpose is to shed blood.")[ (link-reveal: "You are an extension of your wielder's will, nothing more than that.")[ (if: $brokenfree is true)[...no, that's not right. (link-reveal: "You can't remember...")[ (link-reveal: "You can't remember why you tremble when your wielder draws you...")[ (link-reveal: "You can't remember why you love the sunset...")[ (link-reveal: "You can't...")[ (link-reveal: "...remember...")[ (link-reveal: "...")[ [[Look around bedchamber.]]]]]]]]](else:)[(link-reveal: "You are a sword.")[ (link-reveal: "And that is all you will ever be.")[ [[The End]]]]]]]]]]]

The speaker frantically dodges out of the way, and is out of the way on the ground (link-reveal: "long before you reach him.")[ (link-reveal: "You fly over him and past him before stopping.")[ (link-reveal: "In midair.")[ (link-reveal: "You hang there, barely realizing what's happening.")[ (link-reveal: "You find that...you can move!")[ You hadn't realized how badly you wanted this. (link-reveal: "It reminds you of something...")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder is scowling.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder speaks a word you don't recognize.")[ You can feel him gripping you, even though (link-reveal: "he hasn't moved an inch...")[ He points angrily at the swordsman standing next to him, who is staring at you (link-reveal: "with his mouth agape.")[ [[Obey.]] (cond: $willpower > 59, "[[Resist.->Resist 2.]]", "[[Resist.->Obey.]]")]]]]]]]]]] (set: $willpower to $willpower + 10) (set: $brokenfree to true)

(link-reveal: "Why would you be able to do that?")[ (link-reveal: "You're just a sword.")[ (if: $kills is 0)[Your wielder picks you up and sheathes you, walking past the (link-reveal: "slack-jawed councilmembers.")[ He mounts his horse, and starts trotting towards his estate (link-reveal: "without looking back.")[ [[Your wielder takes you home.]]]] ](else-if: $kills is 1)[Your wielder picks you up and sheathes you, walking past the surviving councilmembers. (link-reveal: "They make no move to stop him.")[ He mounts his horse, and starts trotting towards his estate (link-reveal: "without looking back.")[ [[Your wielder takes you home.]]]]](else:)[Your wielder picks you up and sheathes you, walking past the surviving councilmember. (link-reveal: "He just stands there, staring wordlessly.")[ He mounts his horse, and starts trotting towards his estate (link-reveal: "without looking back.")[ [[Your wielder takes you home.]]]]] ]] (if: $willpower > 0)[(set: $willpower to $willpower - 10)]

(if: $kills is 0)[Your wielder picks you up and sheathes you, walking past the (link-reveal: "slack-jawed councilmembers.")[ He mounts his horse, and starts trotting towards his estate (link-reveal: "without looking back.")[ [[Your wielder takes you home.]]]]](else-if: $kills is 1)[Your wielder picks you up and sheathes you, walking past the surviving councilmembers. (link-reveal: "They make no move to stop him.")[ He mounts his horse, and starts trotting towards his estate (link-reveal: "without looking back.")[ [[Your wielder takes you home.]]]]](else:)[Your wielder picks you up and sheathes you, walking past the surviving councilmember. (link-reveal: "He just stands there, staring wordlessly.")[ He mounts his horse, and starts trotting towards his estate (link-reveal: "without looking back.")[ [[Your wielder takes you home.]]]]]

Thank you for playing! By Alex Basinski.

(cond: $seentruth is false, "Your wielder", "Oleander") is sleeping in [[a large, canopied bed]]. (cond: $awake is false, "He is silent when he sleeps—as motionless as the dead.", "He is breathing steadily and slowly in his sleep.") There is a [[cabinet]] that doubles as a nightstand, where your wielder locks away his precious things. At least, the ones that can fit in a cabinet. There is [[a window that overlooks the estate]]—it provides a good view from the second story, but the blinds are drawn. There is a [[wardrobe]], and next to it [[a body-length mirror]]. The hinges have been creaky lately—but no one has oiled them. The [[door]] is closed, and you don't have to check it to know it is locked. (if: $seenbed is true and $seenpicture is true and $seendresses is true and $seentruth is false)[(link-reveal: "Looking around this room, everything is so...familiar...")[ (link-reveal: "You think...you might...")[ [[...remember...]] ]]]

(if: $firstflight is false)[(link-reveal: "You think back to the confrontation with the councilmembers.")[ You were...flying! (link-reveal: "On your own!")[ You focus on the feeling, the memory. You grab onto it, gripping it desperately (link-reveal: "so it doesn't slip away.")[ (link-reveal: "...")[ (link-reveal: "You can feel yourself drifting upwards out of your sheath.")[ (link-reveal: "YES!")[ You think about twirling in delight, but decide not to risk waking your wielder. (link-reveal: "You remember him speaking a word, and then falling to the ground...")[ (link-reveal: "You shudder at the memory.")[ The drawers of the cabinet are locked. (cond: $seentruth is false, "your wielder", "Oleander") keeps the key on his person, even while he's asleep. Although, you wouldn't be able to use it anyway. It's not like you have hands(cond: $seentruth is false, "", " anymore"). There is a glass of water on the nightstand, and a portrait that (cond: $pictureflipped is false, "has been [[turned face down.]]", "has fallen on the ground—[[face up.]]") (cond: $seentruth is false, "You're not sure you've ever actually seen what's on the portrait.", "You're surprised he hasn't thrown it out.") [[Look around bedchamber.]] ]]]]]]]](set: $firstflight to true)](else:)[The drawers of the cabinet are locked. (cond: $seentruth is false, "your wielder", "Oleander") keeps the key on his person, even while he's asleep. Although, you wouldn't be able to use it anyway. It's not like you have hands(cond: $seentruth is false, "", " anymore"). There is a glass of water on the nightstand, and a small portrait that (cond: $pictureflipped is false, "has been [[turned face down.]]", "has fallen on the ground—[[face up.]]") (cond: $seentruth is false, "You're not sure you've ever actually seen what's on the portrait.", "You're surprised he hasn't thrown it out.") [[Look around bedchamber.]]] (set: $seenpicture to true)

(if: $firstflight is false)[(link-reveal: "You think back to the confrontation with the councilmembers.")[ You were...flying! (link-reveal: "On your own!")[ You focus on the feeling, the memory. You grab onto it, gripping it desperately (link-reveal: "so it doesn't slip away.")[ (link-reveal: "...")[ (link-reveal: "You can feel yourself drifting upwards out of your sheath.")[ (link-reveal: "YES!")[ You think about twirling in delight, but decide not to risk waking your wielder. (link-reveal: "You remember him speaking a word, and then falling to the ground...")[ (link-reveal: "You shudder at the memory.")[ You slip in between the curtain and the window, so that you can peer out of it. Your (cond: $seentruth is false, "wielder's ", "")mansion is perched on a hill, affording you a gorgeous view of the town and the rolling hills beyond it. At night, though, the outside world looks like a vast, dark ocean frozen in time. You realize something. You could probably break this window. It would damage you, but you could be gone from here before (cond: $seentruth is false, "your wielder", "Oleander") (link-reveal: "realizes what's happening.")[ (cond: $awake is false, "[[Escape.]]", "[[Escape.->Run!]]") (link-reveal: "Not yet.")[ There are still things you want to attend to here. [[Look around bedchamber.]] ]] ]]]]]]]](set: $firstflight to true)](else:)[You slip in between the curtain and the window, so that you can peer out of it. Your (cond: $seentruth is false, "wielder's ", "")mansion is perched on a hill, affording you a gorgeous view of the town and the rolling hills beyond it. At night, though, the outside world looks like a vast, dark ocean frozen in time. You realize something. You could probably break this window. It would be loud, but you could be gone from here before (cond: $seentruth is false, "your wielder", "Oleander") (link-reveal: "realizes what's happening.")[ (cond: $awake is false, "[[Escape.]]", "[[Escape.->Run!]]") (link-reveal: "Not yet.")[ There are still things you want to attend to here. [[Look around bedchamber.]] ]]]

(if: $firstflight is false)[(link-reveal: "You think back to the confrontation with the councilmembers.")[ You were...flying! (link-reveal: "On your own!")[ You focus on the feeling, the memory. You grab onto it, gripping it desperately (link-reveal: "so it doesn't slip away.")[ (link-reveal: "...")[ (link-reveal: "You can feel yourself drifting upwards out of your sheath.")[ (link-reveal: "YES!")[ You think about twirling in delight, but decide not to risk waking your wielder. (link-reveal: "You remember him speaking a word, and then falling to the ground...")[ (link-reveal: "You shudder at the memory.")[ You get a good look at yourself in the mirror. You're a longsword, designed to be wielded with two hands. Your blade is rusty and dull(cond: $kills > 0, ", but that hasn't seemed to stop you from doing your job", ""). The small, red gem in your hilt twinkles whenever light hits it, but there isn't any light to be had here. You're in (cond: $integrity > 59, "decent shape. Your blade is chipped here and there, but it's nothing that won't buff out.", "rough shape. Your blade is missing some pieces that probably aren't coming back.") [[Look around bedchamber.]] ]]]]]]]](set: $firstflight to true)](else:)[You get a good look at yourself in the mirror. You're a longsword, designed to be wielded with two hands. Your blade is rusty and dull(cond: $kills > 0, ", but that hasn't seemed to stop you from doing your job", ""). The small, red gem in your hilt twinkles whenever light hits it, but there isn't any light to be had here. You're in (cond: $integrity > 59, "decent shape. Your blade is chipped here and there, but it's nothing that won't buff out.", "rough shape. Your blade is missing some pieces that probably aren't coming back.") [[Look around bedchamber.]] ]

The speaker frantically dodges out of the way, and is out of the way on the ground (link-reveal: "long before you reach him.")[ (link-reveal: "It doesn't help.")[ (link-reveal: "You turn your blade towards him and drive yourself into his back.")[ (link-reveal: "He gasps in surprise and stiffens.")[ (link-reveal: "Blood starts leaking out of him.")[ Even though he is not touching you, (link-reveal: "you can feel your master's hand...")[ (link-reveal: "Your master speaks a word you do not recognize.")[ You lift up out of the speaker and into the air, (link-reveal: "as if your master was pulling on you.")[ Yet, he's still standing (link-reveal: "exactly where he was when he threw you.")[ Your master points smugly at the swordsman standing next to him, who is standing still and staring at you—(link-reveal: "completely slack-jawed.")[ (link-reveal: "You feel his grip tightening on your...mind?")[ [[Obey.]] (cond: $willpower > 29, "[[Resist.->Resist 2.]]", "[[Resist.->Obey.]]")]]]]]]]]]]] (if: $willpower > 0)[(set: $willpower to $willpower - 10)] (set: $kills to $kills + 1)

(link-reveal: "Your master's will completely overtakes your own.")[ It is a sensation that is...(link-reveal: "uncomfortably familiar.")[ You find yourself flying towards the swordsman he pointed to, and before either of you can get your bearings (link-reveal: "you are buried in his chest.")[ He lets out a gurgle in surprise, before (link-reveal: "falling over backwards.")[ (link-reveal: "His sword tumbles out of his lifeless hand.")[ You, however, never hit the ground. Your master gestures at you, and you hang in the air—allowing the councilmember's corpse to (link-reveal: "slide off of you.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder is smiling.")[ He is smiling wider than you can ever remember seeing him smile, (link-reveal: "even before you...")[ (link-reveal: "Before you...")[what? Your master speaks another word you don't recognize, and you find yourself falling. (link-reveal: "You clatter to the ground unceremoniously.")[ (link-reveal: "You feel...")[ Well, what could you possibly feel? (link-reveal: "You're just a sword.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder moves to pick you up.")[ [[Fly away.]] [[Your wielder retrieves you.]]]]]]]]]]]]]]] (if: $willpower > 0)[(set: $willpower to $willpower - 10)] (set: $kills to $kills + 1)

(link-reveal: "You steel your will, and resist his grip.")[ You hang there in the air, and (link-reveal: "all eyes are on you.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder looks furious.")[ (if: $kills > 0)[You find that...(link-reveal: "you can move!")[ You hover down closer to the ground, just to look at the grass (link-reveal: "waving in the evening breeze.")[ Even such a small act is...(link-reveal: "exhilirating!")[ Your master barks another word you don't recognize, and you suddenly feel as if (link-reveal: "you've been paralyzed.")[ You clatter to the ground unceremoniously. (link-reveal: "You can't move, no matter what you try.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder moves to pick you up.")[ [[Fly away.]] [[Your wielder retrieves you.]]]]]]]] ](else:)[You test out your newfound freedom, moving around (link-reveal: "free of your wielder's hand...")[ You hover down closer to the ground, just to look at the grass (link-reveal: "waving in the evening breeze.")[ Even such a small act is...(link-reveal: "exhilirating!")[ Your master barks another word you don't recognize, and you suddenly feel as if (link-reveal: "you've been paralyzed.")[ You clatter to the ground unceremoniously. (link-reveal: "You can't move, no matter what you try.")[ (link-reveal: "Your wielder moves to pick you up.")[ [[Fly away.]] [[Your wielder retrieves you.]]]]]]]] ]]]] (set: $willpower to $willpower + 10) (set: $brokenfree to true)

You raise your blade and shatter the window. There is a loud crash as it is destroyed before you, but (link-reveal: "it's nothing you weren't prepared for.")[ (link-reveal: "You are outside.")[ You can hear (cond: $seentruth is false, "your wielder", "Oleander") stirring in the bed behind you, but (link-reveal: "it's //far// too late for him to stop you.")[ You rocket forward into the night, propelled under your own power. The dark ocean of the hills leaps into motion, rolling underneath you (link-reveal: "as you speed over the world.")[ (link-reveal: "It's...exhilirating!")[ You're flying faster than any horse could carry you. Soon, you'll have to start thinking. How to hide from him, (link-reveal: "how to live like this.")[ (link-reveal: "How to survive.")[ (link-reveal: "But not yet.")[ Now, all that's on your mind is the rush of freedom and the gentle whispers of the hills speeding by you. (link-reveal: "The estate dissapears into the inky night behind you.")[ (link-reveal: "Yes, for now all you want to do is fly!")[ (link-reveal: "And now that you're free of him, fly you will!")[ (link-reveal: "Fly you will.")[ [[The End]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

You propel yourself towards the window and shatter it, (link-reveal: "flying out into the clear, dark night.")[ (cond: $seentruth is false, "Your wielder", "Oleander") rushes towards the window, and (link-reveal: "speaks the words that would pull you from the sky.")[ You feel his will surrounding you, (link-reveal: "like a hand on your hilt.")[ (link-reveal: "But it is nothing next to the rush of soaring through the starry night sky.")[ You rocket forward into the night, propelled under your own power. The dark ocean of the hills leaps into motion, rolling underneath you (link-reveal: "as you speed over the world.")[ (link-reveal: "It's...exhilirating!")[ You're flying faster than any horse could carry you. Soon, you'll have to start thinking. How to hide from him, (link-reveal: "how to live like this.")[ (link-reveal: "How to survive.")[ (link-reveal: "But not yet.")[ Now, all that's on your mind is the rush of freedom and the gentle whispers of the hills speeding by you. (link-reveal: "The estate dissapears into the inky night behind you.")[ (link-reveal: "Yes, for now all you want to do is fly!")[ (link-reveal: "And now that you're free of him, fly you will!")[ (link-reveal: "Fly you will.")[ [[The End]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

Oleander is asleep in the bed. All that separates you from him are a few thin layers of fabric. Boiling up in you, you feel something... Rage. He killed you. For what? To make a flying sword? It would be so easy...to just... (cond: $awake is false, "[[Kill him.]]", "[[Kill him.->Last Stand]]") [[Do not.->a large, canopied bed]]

(link-reveal: "You remember this room.")[ Not just because your wielder brings you here every night. (link-reveal: "No.")[ You //remember// this room. (link-reveal: "From before you were a sword.")[ (link-reveal: "From...before you were a sword?")[ (link-reveal: "Yes...that's right...")[ (link-reveal: "You were not a sword.")[ (link-reveal: "You //are not a sword//.")[ (link-reveal: "//You are not a tool//.")[ (link-reveal: "//You have a will of your own//.")[ This was //your// estate too. Your bed, your dresses. You remember now, (link-reveal: "exactly who it was in that face down portrait.")[ It was you. (link-reveal: "It was //you!//")[ Before he killed you. (link-reveal: "Your wielder.")[ No, not your wielder. His name is //Oleander//. (link-reveal: "And you are not his to wield.")[ You loved him once, you think. That stopped being true long before he did this to you. But he grew distant, caring little for you and instead (link-reveal: "working to impress the council.")[ (link-reveal: "It looks like he decided to include you in his latest project.")[ (link-reveal: "The emotions roiling within you are difficult to describe and impossible to separate from one another.")[ (link-reveal: "You decide the best thing to do for now is to...")[ [[Look around bedchamber.]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]] (set: $willpower to 100) (set: $seentruth to true)

Your curiosity is piqued. If you were //very// careful, you think you could use your tip to flip the portait upright. Mess up, though, and (cond: $seentruth is false, "your wielder", "Oleander") will probably wake up. [[Flip the portrait.]] [[Do not.->cabinet]]

(link-reveal: "You gently work your blade's tip under the portrait.")[ (link-reveal: "You steel your nerves.")[ (link-reveal: "You, as gently as you can, lift the portrait up into position.")[ (link-reveal: "It starts slipping off your blade.")[ (link-reveal: "No")[ (link-reveal: "no no no no")[ (link-reveal: "The portrait falls onto the ground with a loud thud.")[ (link-reveal: "You quickly hide in your sheath, and watch your wielder anxiously.")[ He hasn't moved. (link-reveal: "Looks like he didn't notice.")[ The portrait is face up on the ground. It's a painting of (cond: $seentruth is false, "your wielder and a woman you don't recognize", "Oleander and yourself") sitting with their backs straight, wearing severe expressions on their faces. The spitting images of nobility and power. (cond: $seentruth is false, "", "It makes you sick.") [[Look around bedchamber.]]]]]]]]]]] (set: $awake to true) (set: $pictureflipped to true)

(link-reveal: "You drive yourself down into Oleander's chest.")[ (link-reveal: "He wakes up with a gasp, and stares at you with wild eyes.")[ (link-reveal: "Understanding dawns in them.")[ (link-reveal: "...")[ Even now, he looks...(link-reveal: "dissapointed.")[ (link-reveal: "You're having trouble finding the capacity to care.")[ You remove yourself from him. (link-reveal: "A red stain is spreading through the bedsheets.")[ (link-reveal: "He's trying to move, but it's not working.")[ (link-reveal: "...")[ Oleander's eyes look like glass balls. (link-reveal: "Nothing behind them.")[ You had hoped you would feel something. Freedom, vindication. Maybe you do. (link-reveal: "But for now, it's just...")[ (link-reveal: "Quiet.")[ You're not sure where to go from here, but (link-reveal: "one thing is for certain:")[ His hand won't be the one guiding you anymore. (link-reveal: "You made sure of it.")[ (link-reveal: "You")[ (link-reveal: "are not")[ (link-reveal: "a sword.")[ And it's time that you figured out what to do with yourself. You make short work of the door, and (link-reveal: "out of the manor.")[ The dark ocean of the hills is laid out before you. (link-reveal: "It's strangely comforting.")[ [[The End]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

(link-reveal: "You drive yourself down towards Oleander's chest.")[ He rolls out of the way. (link-reveal: "He was awake!")[ Must have been woken up by the portrait falling. (link-reveal: "That's not good.")[ You bury yourself in the mattress. Before you can pull yourself out, (link-reveal: "he mutters the spell to seize control of you.")[ (link-reveal: "No")[ (link-reveal: "no no no no no")[ (link-reveal: "NO NO NOT AGAIN!")[ You resist him. He grimaces at you, he looks...(link-reveal: "dissapointed.")[ He pulls a dagger out from under his pillow and (link-reveal: "strikes at you...")[ It doesn't hurt you, but it does chip your blade. (link-reveal: "You probably can't take too many hits like that.")[ [[Attack Oleander]] [[Get away from him.]]]]]]]]]]]] (set: $integrity to $integrity - 10) (set: $attackNum to 1)

(link-reveal: "You rocket towards Oleander, point first.")[ He barely has time to move block the attack, even though he was expecting it. He bends out of the way and (link-reveal: "blocks your strike with the dagger.")[ You scrape along it and rocket past him, (link-reveal: "leaving a noticeable groove in both the dagger and yourself.")[ You're starting to feel pretty rough around the edges, (link-reveal: "your structural integrity might be compromised.")[(if: $integrity < 21)[ You're pretty sure you cannot take another hit without breaking.] [[Attack again]] [[Get away from him.]]]]]] (set: $integrity to $integrity - 20) (set: $attackNum to 2)

You pull away from Oleander, out of range of his dagger. He rolls out of bed, and (link-reveal: "adopts a defensive stance.")[ (link-reveal: "He's sizing you up with a calculating eye.")[ (link-reveal: "It feels...disgusting.")[ You do some calculating of your own, and realize (link-reveal: "you only have a couple options:")[ You can either attack him again, and (link-reveal: "risk his dagger shattering your rusty blade, or...")[ You can give up on killing Oleander for now and make your escape out the window so that you might (link-reveal: "live to fight another day.")[(if: $integrity < 21)[ You're pretty sure you cannot take another hit without breaking.] (cond: $attackNum is 1, "[[Attack Oleander]]", $attackNum is 2, "[[Attack again]]", "[[Attack Oleander]]") [[Run!]]]]]]]]

(set: $integrity to $integrity - 20)(set: $attackNum to 2)(if: $integrity > 0)[You swing yourself viciously at Oleander's neck. (link-reveal: "He raises his dagger to parry.")[ He blocks you, and you dig into the dagger's steel as it digs into yours. Oleander forces you towards the ground, and violently pulls the dagger towards himself. (link-reveal: "He's trying to break you.")[ You twist, and the dagger is cut in half. You're in terrible shape yourself, but (link-reveal: "Oleander is without a weapon now.")[ (link-reveal: "He's defenseless.")[ (link-reveal: "He looks down at his dagger in shock, and then up at you.")[ When you throw yourself at him this time, (link-reveal: "he doesn't even try to avoid it.")[ (link-reveal: "...")[ Oleander's body is on the ground. (link-reveal: "A pool of red is leaking into the floorboards.")[ You had hoped you would feel something. Freedom, vindication. Maybe you do. (link-reveal: "But for now, it's just...")[ (link-reveal: "Quiet.")[ You're not sure where to go from here, but (link-reveal: "one thing is for certain:")[ His hand won't be the one guiding you anymore. (link-reveal: "You made sure of it.")[ (link-reveal: "You")[ (link-reveal: "are not")[ (link-reveal: "a sword.")[ And it's time that you figured out what to do with yourself. You make short work of the door, and (link-reveal: "out of the manor.")[ The dark ocean of the hills is laid out before you. (link-reveal: "It's strangely comforting.")[ [[The End]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]] ](else:)[You swing yourself viciously at Oleander's neck. (link-reveal: "He raises his dagger to parry.")[ He blocks you, and you dig into the dagger's steel as it digs into yours. Oleander forces you towards the ground, and violently pulls the dagger towards himself. (link-reveal: "He's trying to break you.")[ (link-reveal: "You feel a horrible cracking within you.")[ (link-reveal: "Your blade shatters.")[ (link-reveal: "The world starts to feel so...so far away...")[ You're on the floor. (link-reveal: "When did you get there?")[ You see Oleander's face above you. (link-reveal: "You can't make out his eyes.")[ (link-reveal: "It's too dark.")[ (link-reveal: "It's too dark.")[ (link-reveal: "It's getting darker...")[ (link-reveal: "You think...maybe...it's better this way...")[ (link-reveal: "Now he can't use you anymore.")[ (link-reveal: "And then the world is gone.")[ [[The End]]]]]]]]]]]]]]] ]

The portrait is face up on the ground. It's a painting of (cond: $seentruth is false, "your wielder and a woman you don't recognize", "Oleander and yourself") sitting with their backs straight, wearing severe expressions on their faces. The spitting images of nobility and power. (cond: $seentruth is false, "", "It makes you sick.") [[Turn away.->cabinet]]

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You are a sword.