CONVERSATION WITH AN ORC 2.0

(font:"georgia")+(text-size:2.8)+(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(text-style:"expand")[CONVERSATION WITH AN ORC]{} (text-size:1)[//A Tiny Game by Fergus Coyle//]]{} (align:"=><=")+(text-size: 1.15)[{}[[BEGIN|PROLOGUE]]]

Soft rain *plinks* off your shining armour. Your campfire catches, softly lighting the forest clearing where you sit. Shadowed trees stretch into the night sky and surround you. Suddenly (text-style:"emboss")[cold, sharp metal] presses into your neck. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SOLDIER,"***] comes a rasping grunt in your ear, (font: "georgia")[***"WHY TRAVEL IN THE ORC WOODS?"***] [["I wish to meet with orcs as a friend."|DISTASTE]] [["I am the scout for a human army."|CAMARADERIE]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]  (set: $ork_response = "")  (set: $ork_response_2 = "")  (set: $spit_counter = 0)  (set: $orc_for_war_counter = 0)  (set: $order_type = 0)  (set: $no_order_type = 0)  (set: $orc_gods_entry = "")  (set: $orc_war_entry = "")  (set: $orc_woods_entry = "")  (set: $ork_feats_entry = "")  (set: $ork_ambitions_entry = "")   (set: $Q1 = false) (set: $Q2 = false) (set: $Q3 = false) (set: $Q4 = false) (set: $Q5 = false) (set: $human_supremacist = 0) (set: $worthless = 0) (set: $honor = 0) (set: $battle_hungry = 0) (set: $sex_passage_yes = false) (set: $hunger_passage_yes = false)

Your flat palm shoots into the air and a chorus of ***snaps*** overlaps the ***stings*** of crossbow bolts. (if: $order_type is 0)[A pause of silence. Then the body drops next to you: a green orc, skin painted dark with scars. Its tusks are bent, the height of a forefinger and the width of a sword-hilt. Patches of hair adorn its smooth scalp. There is no life in its black eyes.]{ }(else-if: $order_type is 1)[Their body ripples as the bolts slam through them from all sides. Their mouth hangs open and their last breath slowly drifts out of it, a barely audible groan above the fire and rain. They slump into the earth, scattering sparks as their blank face drops into the fire.]{ }(else-if: $order_type is 2)[They stagger as the bolts slam through them from all sides. Shock pierces their eyes and face, mouth knocked open slightly. They blink. They sway. They blink again. Then they crumple into the dirt, lifeless eyes staring up at you.]{ }(else-if: $order_type is 3)[The sword between your eyes spasms and cuts into your left eye. You vision flashes white and your head burns hot. After a moment you regain awareness and feel blood trickling down your face. The skewered orc lies lifelessly in your campfire, flesh burning. Only one of you lives.]{ }(else-if: $order_type is 4)[The sword at your throat twitches and the blade-tip nicks at your skin. The blade drops away, its wielder now a pincushion of arrow-bolts taking its last heavy breath. A wheeze that makes their whole body tremble. As they keel over, dead, you notice you are unable to breathe. Warm blood drips down your neck. Everything feels cold, even the fire. [] Slowly... the world goes dark.]{ }(else-if: $order_type is 5)[The sword at your throat twitches and the blade-tip nicks at your skin. The blade drops away, its wielder now a pincushion of arrow-bolts staggering this way and then the other. They take a final breath: a wheeze that makes their whole body tremble. As //thump// to the ground, dead, you notice you are unable to breathe. Warm blood drips down your neck. Everything feels cold, even the fire.]{ }(else-if: $order_type is 6)[Mid-stride, the orc staggers from the force of the volley, but regains their footing. They turn, half in shadow, and stare at you. They let out a (text-style:"emboss")[***ROAR***] that shakes the dirt beneath your feet. And then they crumple to the ground, dead. The echoes of their //roar// still ring out across the forest.]{ }(else-if: $order_type is 7)[The orc is slammed backwards and out of their swinging motion. Their foot instinctively pivots to keep them standing. With a heaving breath, they stare at you with eyes pulsing red. They step forward with a world-shaking (text-style:"emboss")[***ROAR***] and raise the broadsword high... [] Their feet give way and their whole body topples, //crashing// into the fire and smothering it. Everything goes dark, save for the drifting sparks that float into the woods.]{ }(else-if: $order_type is 8)[Their eyes, inches from yours, turn from rageful to stunned in an instant. You feel their body //shudder// from the volley's aftershock. Their lips twitch into a venomous sneer as you the light begin to fade from their eyes. [] But before they die, one last spasm runs through their body. Without thought, they open their jaw wide and bite them into your neck. The force knocks the air from your chest and coldness seeps into your bones. Their lifeless corpse cannot be moved from on top of you. Death comes quickly, granting you darkness.]{ }(else-if: $order_type is 9)[As your vision fades, you see the orc stagger one way and then the other. Everything blurs as they crumple, dragging you with them into the dirt. Your last moments are spent staring into their lifeless black eyes, the campfire illuminating both of your corpses.]{ }(else-if: $order_type is 10)[The hand around your throat squeezes tighter, blurring your vision. You sway one way, then the other. And then you feel the impact of the ground as you drop to it. Your vision clears to reveal the orc's corpse lying lifelessly in your campfire, flesh burning.]{ }(else-if: $order_type is 11)[The blade scratches at your chin as you recoil. Your men's bolts stopped the orc's sword from impaling you by the smallest of moments. Before you the orc reels, stuck by dozens of spikes, and they sway. Their face is fixed in a scowl and their eyes are locked on you. But they keel over and die all the same.]{ }(else-if: $order_type is 12)[The orc spasms as it is impaled from all sides. But the blade in your throat is only thrust deeper. You choke, then shudder, and then die.]{ }(else-if: $order_type is 13)[You don't see the bolts land true. The broadsword pierces out the back of your head. Cold metal is the last thing you feel. Starlight is the last thing you see.] [[***THE END***|THE END]]

(font: "georgia")[***""***] [[]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 0)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]] (font: "georgia")[***""***] (link: '""')[(set: $temp = "")(go-to: "PASSAGE")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 0)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]] —EM DASH— [They step into the campfire and make to cleft your head in two.] (font: "georgia")[***"MORE ORC-GODS ALWAYS COME. ALWAYS MORE TO DIE."***] (if: $ork_response is "simp")[] (if: $ork_response is "liar")[] (if: $ork_response is "dangerous")[] (if: $ork_response is "pity")[] (if: $ork_response is "proud")[] (if: $ork_response is "blind")[]

(font:"georgia")+(align:"=><=")+(text-size: 2)+(text-style: "expand")[THE END] (align:"=><=")+(text-size: 1.15)[{}[[MAIN MENU|MAIN MENU]]]

(if: $no_order_type is 0)[{ }The orc vanishes into the shadows of the orc woods. The quiet of the night is restored, only the rain and fire keeping you company. Tomorrow's battle awaits.]{ }(else-if: $no_order_type is 1)[{ }A blur of steel is the last thing you ever see, and a deep //squelch// is the last thing you ever feel. Death greets you quickly, and old friend of the orc's blade.]{ }(else-if: $no_order_type is 2)[{ }The orc's face settles in the center of your fading vision. Their eyes bore into yours, watching you as everything goes dark. They stay with you until the very end.]{ }(else-if: $no_order_type is 3)[{ }You grow steadily weaker, pinned to the dirt by the hulking orc. No struggling is enough to move them an inch. Even your death throes are limp and useless. Their eyes bore into yours, watching as you lose consciousness. They make sure you do not die alone.]{ }(else-if: $no_order_type is 4)[{ }On reaching the trees, they turn tail and run into the pitch-blackness of the forest. They never learn of your army's plan. The orc woods must burn.]{ }(else-if: $no_order_type is 5)[{ }You feel their grip release and look up to see their back. Already they have begun walking away, shoulders hunched and head held low. They slink away into the darkness between the trees, defeated. Quiet is restored to the night.] [[***THE END***|THE END]]

The pressure vanishes from your neck. A hulking orc sulks past you, dragging its massive broadsword through your campfire as they //thump// into a sitting position across from you. Their skin is deep olive-green, plastered with black scars. Two chipped and broken tusks flank their large mouth and their beady black eyes reflect the twitching flames. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS HUMAN-SCOUT AND THIS ORK MUST WAR,"***] they rumble and then smile, (font: "georgia")[***"DOES THIS HUMAN KNOW WHY?"***] [["Because orcs are simple, bloodthirsty beasts."|! PITY]] [["All orcs are warriors, so all orcs must war."|! PROUD]] [["I suppose the Gods must wish it to be."|! BLIND]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

Their breath and nails both dig into your neck. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK IS NOT ORC-FOOL."***] Your head is jerked back by an iron grip—bringing you face-to-face with a dark-green orc. Their bear down upon you, raised broadsword gleaming in the firelight, ready to hack open your expectant throat. (font: "georgia")[***"ORC-FRIEND WEARS HUMAN-ARMOUR,"***] they snarl and lean closer with sharp, bared teeth. (font: "georgia")[***"EXPLAIN."***] [["I'm a human army scout."|! LIAR]] [["Orcs are dangerous."|! DANGEROUS]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 0)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"ALWAYS LIES FROM THE HUMAN-TONGUE,"***] they growl. (set: $ork_response = "liar") Then they release your neck, letting your head drop forwards and hang over the ground. Before you, they plant their feet, unfazed by your campfire licking at their heels. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS HUMAN-SCOUT CAN SPEAK 'YES' OR 'NO.'"***] Their blade swings into view, dangling before your face. (font: "georgia")[***"IS THE HUMAN-ARMY HERE TO HUNT THE ORC-KINDS?"***] [["Yes."|RESIGNATION]] [["No."|ASSAULT (WRONG)]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 2)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

The orc stares down at you for a breath, expressionless. (set: $ork_response = "dangerous") A grin spreads from tusk-to-tusk, slowly baring their sharp teeth. (font: "georgia")[***"(text-style:"emboss")[DANGEROUS]. YES."***] They release you and circle around the campfire, smile fading. (font: "georgia")[***"THE HUMAN-KIND HUNT THE ORC-KINDS. WHY WOULD THIS HUMAN BE ORC-FRIEND?"***] [["I'm fascinated. There's so much we don't know."|Q&A]] [["I wish for nothing more than to live as an orc."|! SIMP Q&A 2]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 2)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]] (set: $gods_asked = false) (set: $woods_asked = false) (set: $war_asked = false) (set: $breed_asked = false)

They sit down across the campfire with a soft //thud//. (font: "georgia")[***"THEN ASK WHAT THIS HUMAN WISHES TO KNOW."***] Grabbing their broadsword by the blade, they use it as a toothpick, not paying you any mind. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK WILL ANSWER BEFORE THIS ORK HUNTS."***] The tip of their broadsword clips their lip and draws blood. They do not flinch. [["What Gods do the orcs worship?"|ORC GODS A]] [["What are orcs doing in these woods?"|ORC WOODS A]] [["Are all orcs warriors?"|ORC WAR A]] [["How do orcs breed?"|ORC BREED A]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They sit down across the campfire with a soft //thud//. (set: $ork_response = "simp") With a frown, they stare at you. (font: "georgia")[***"ASK WHAT THIS HUMAN WISHES TO KNOW."***] [["What Gods do the orcs worship?"|ORC GODS A]] [["What are orcs doing in these woods?"|ORC WOODS A]] [["Are all orcs warriors?"|ORC WAR A]] [["How do orcs breed?"|ORC BREED SIMP]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They freeze and look you over with narrow eyes. (set: $woods_asked = true) (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORK-KINDS LOOK FOR PLACE TO REST."***] (if: $gods_asked is false)[[["What Gods do the orcs worship?"|ORC GODS B]]] (if: $woods_asked is false)[[["What are orcs doing in these woods?"|ORC WOODS B]]] (if: $war_asked is false)[[["Are all orcs warriors?"|ORC WAR B]]] (if: $breed_asked is false)[[["How do orcs breed?"|ORC BREED B]]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

{(if: $ork_response is "simp")[(go-to: "ORK BREED SIMP")] (set: $breed_asked = true) }(font: "georgia")[***"WHEN TWO STRONG ORCS FEEL THE BATTLE-HEAT, ORC-WOMAN RIDES ORC-MAN."***] They stare into the fire. (font: "georgia")[***"THAT MAKES STRONG ORC-BABE. GIVES ORC-BABE HOPE TO SURVIVE HUMAN-WORLD."***] (if: $gods_asked is false)[[["What Gods do the orcs worship?"|ORC GODS C]]] (if: $woods_asked is false)[[["What are orcs doing in these woods?"|ORC WOODS C]]] (if: $war_asked is false)[[["Are all orcs warriors?"|ORC WAR C]]] (if: $breed_asked is false)[[["How do orcs breed?"|ORC BREED C]]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

{(if: $ork_response is "simp")[(go-to: "ORK BREED SIMP")] (set: $breed_asked = true) }(font: "georgia")[***"FIRST, THIS ORK FINDS GOOD ORC-MAN."***] (font: "georgia")[***"THEN THIS ORK AND ORC-MAN DO BATTLE. NO MATTER WITH WHO."***] (font: "georgia")[***"WHEN ORC-MAN IS STRONG WARRIOR, AND BATTLE MAKES BLOOD HOT, THIS ORK RIDES THE ORC-MAN."***] They shut their eyes and grin from tusk-to-tusk at the memories. They breathe deeply of the thick night air. Then they tap their belly with the broadsword. (font: "georgia")[***"SOON, ORC-BABE COME FROM THIS ORK."***] (font: "georgia")[***"THEN THE HUMAN-KIND BURN THE ORC-BABE."***] (if: $gods_asked is false)[[["What Gods do the orcs worship?"|ORC GODS END]]] (if: $woods_asked is false)[[["What are orcs doing in these woods?"|ORC WOODS END]]] (if: $war_asked is false)[[["Are all orcs warriors?"|ORC WAR END]]] (if: $breed_asked is false)[[["How do orcs breed?"|ORC BREED END]]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They nod at the question. (set: $gods_asked = true) (font: "georgia")[***"THE FALSE ORC-GODS MAKE FALSE PROMISES."***] They shrug. (font: "georgia")[***"SO THE ORC-KINDS LEAVE GODS TO ROT."***] (if: $gods_asked is false)[[["What Gods do the orcs worship?"|ORC GODS C]]] (if: $woods_asked is false)[[["What are orcs doing in these woods?"|ORC WOODS C]]] (if: $war_asked is false)[[["Are all orcs warriors?"|ORC WAR C]]] (if: $breed_asked is false)[[["How do orcs breed?"|ORC BREED C]]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK KILLS GODS,"***] they ***growl***. (set: $gods_asked = true) (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC-GODS USE THE ORC-KINDS AS ARROWS. GODS PROMISE THE ORC-KINDS FREEDOM."***] They breathe deeply, eyes filled with the flickering glow of the campfire. (font: "georgia")[***"BUT THE FREE-ORC... IS NOT ORC."***] (if: $gods_asked is false)[[["What Gods do the orcs worship?"|ORC GODS END]]] (if: $woods_asked is false)[[["What are orcs doing in these woods?"|ORC WOODS END]]] (if: $war_asked is false)[[["Are all orcs warriors?"|ORC WAR END]]] (if: $breed_asked is false)[[["How do orcs breed?"|ORC BREED END]]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They slowly rise to their feet. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC-GODS ALL DEAD. NEW ORC-GODS WILL DIE."***] They sniff the air and look down at you, stern-faced. (font: "georgia")[***"NOW THIS ORK HAS QUESTION."***] (font: "georgia")[***"THIS HUMAN BRING FRIENDS TO THE ORC WOODS?"***] [["Yes"|ORK LEAVES 5]] [["No."|ORK ATTACKS 1]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 2)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

{(if: $ork_response is "simp")[(go-to: "ORK BREED SIMP")] }They slowly rise to their feet. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC-WOMAN RIDES THE ORC-MAN IN BATTLE-HEAT."***] They sniff the air and look down at you, stern-faced. (font: "georgia")[***"NOW THIS ORK HAS QUESTION."***] (font: "georgia")[***"THIS HUMAN BRING FRIENDS TO THE ORC WOODS?"***] [["Yes"|ORK LEAVES 5]] [["No."|ORK ATTACKS 1]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 2)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"NO GODS."***] (set: $gods_asked = true) (if: $gods_asked is false)[[["What Gods do the orcs worship?"|ORC GODS B]]] (if: $woods_asked is false)[[["What are orcs doing in these woods?"|ORC WOODS B]]] (if: $war_asked is false)[[["Are all orcs warriors?"|ORC WAR B]]] (if: $breed_asked is false)[[["How do orcs breed?"|ORC BREED B]]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"SEX. WAIT. ORC-BABE."***] (set: $breed_asked = true) (if: $gods_asked is false)[[["What Gods do the orcs worship?"|ORC GODS B]]] (if: $woods_asked is false)[[["What are orcs doing in these woods?"|ORC WOODS B]]] (if: $war_asked is false)[[["Are all orcs warriors?"|ORC WAR B]]] (if: $breed_asked is false)[[["How do orcs breed?"|ORC BREED B]]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They ***grunt***. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK HAS WARNED FOR THIS DAY. THE ORC-FOOLS NOT LISTEN."***] With a glance to the sky, they sniff the air. Stoic, they look back to you. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT IS ALONE?"***] [["No."|CORRECT 2]] [["Yes."|BAD 2 (WRONG)]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 0)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"THIS HUMAN ONLY LIES!"***] they bark, and lunge forward, blade rushing to your throat. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 1)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 11)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"HRMMM..."***] The lean over you and seize your throat. (font: "georgia")[***"TELL HUMAN-FRIENDS TO LEAVE."***] Their mouth lowers to your ear. (font: "georgia")[***"Or Test If Human-Friends Faster Than Orc-Sword."***] they whisper. (text-colour:#15aabf)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE SIGNAL<<***")[(go-to: "GIVE THE SIGNAL")]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 12)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They blink once. Slowly. They grab you by the throat and effortlessly turn your ear towards them. (font: "georgia")[***"This Ork Smells Human-Lie. "***] (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 5)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 12)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They stare at you with bewilderment. (set: $ork_response = "pity") (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT THINKS THE HUMAN-KIND NOT BEASTS?"***] They turn their wide eyes towards the fire to ponder a moment. (font: "georgia")[***"Poor human,"***] they mutter into the flames. [["Humans live far above all the beasts."|SMUG]] [["Maybe you're right."|SCOFF]] [["Orc-beasts are a plague on human lands."|SAGE]] [["The Gods teach that I have a soul and orcs do not."|ORK SOULS]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(set: $ork_response = "proud")They (font: "georgia")[***sigh***]. (font: "georgia")[***"DOES THIS HUMAN KNOW A HUMAN-TONGUE CURSE?"***] (link: '"Shit?"')[(set: $curse = "SHIT")(go-to: "CURSE")] (link: '"Fuck?"')[(set: $curse = "FUCK")(go-to: "CURSE")] (link: '"Peach."')[(set: $curse = "PEACH")(go-to: "CURSE")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They //spit// into the fire at the mention of gods. (set: $ork_response = "blind")(set: $spit_counter = it + 1) (font: "georgia")[***"NO."***] The ***growl*** of the word continues as a slow hum behind their breathing. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC-KINDS ARE MADE FOR WAR."***] (font: "georgia")[***"THE HUMAN-KIND IS MADE FOR HUNTING ORC."***] [["Do orcs not breed and eat too?"|SNIDE]] [["I think humans are made for more than hunting."|CYNICAL]] [["And the Gods made us. So they wish us to fight."|ORK'S GOD]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They narrow their eyes as they study you. (set: $woods_asked = true) (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC-KINDS ALWAYS TRAVEL. ALWAYS LOOK FOR NEW LANDS THE HUMAN-KIND NOT YET BURN."***] They shrug. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC-KINDS REST AND EAT IN THESE WOODS."***] (if: $gods_asked is false)[[["What Gods do the orcs worship?"|ORC GODS C]]] (if: $woods_asked is false)[[["What are orcs doing in these woods?"|ORC WOODS C]]] (if: $war_asked is false)[[["Are all orcs warriors?"|ORC WAR C]]] (if: $breed_asked is false)[[["How do orcs breed?"|ORC BREED C]]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They pause for a long while, staring deeply into the campfire. (set: $woods_asked = true) They scratch at a scar. They shift their seat on the ground. Then they meet your gaze. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC WOODS IS NEW HOME FOR THE ORC. THIS ORK CAME TO HEAR OF ORC-HOPE."***] They hesitate, taking a deep breath. (font: "georgia")[***"ORC-HOPE TO BE MORE THAN WARRIOR."***] (if: $gods_asked is false)[[["What Gods do the orcs worship?"|ORC GODS END]]] (if: $woods_asked is false)[[["What are orcs doing in these woods?"|ORC WOODS END]]] (if: $war_asked is false)[[["Are all orcs warriors?"|ORC WAR END]]] (if: $breed_asked is false)[[["How do orcs breed?"|ORC BREED END]]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC IS FOR WAR."***] (set: $war_asked = true) They look around as if searching for listeners. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC-FOOLS SAY THE ORC CAN BE MORE THAN WAR."***] They turn back to the fire. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK DOES NOT BELIEVE."***] A shadow flashes across their face and their sword-arm trembles, just a little. They steady their breathing (if: $gods_asked is false)[[["What Gods do the orcs worship?"|ORC GODS END]]] (if: $woods_asked is false)[[["What are orcs doing in these woods?"|ORC WOODS END]]] (if: $war_asked is false)[[["Are all orcs warriors?"|ORC WAR END]]] (if: $breed_asked is false)[[["How do orcs breed?"|ORC BREED END]]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They smile, baring sharp teeth. (set: $war_asked = true) (font: "georgia")[***"ALL WISE-ORCS ARE WARRIORS."***]{ }(if: $ork_response is not "simp")[ They lick their red blood from the broadsword.] (if: $gods_asked is false)[[["What Gods do the orcs worship?"|ORC GODS C]]] (if: $woods_asked is false)[[["What are orcs doing in these woods?"|ORC WOODS C]]] (if: $war_asked is false)[[["Are all orcs warriors?"|ORC WAR C]]] (if: $breed_asked is false)[[["How do orcs breed?"|ORC BREED C]]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They slowly rise to their feet. (font: "georgia")[***"ORC-BABES THAT REJECT WAR DIE YOUNG."***] They sniff the air and look down at you, stern-faced. (font: "georgia")[***"NOW THIS ORK HAS QUESTION."***] (font: "georgia")[***"THIS HUMAN BRING FRIENDS TO THE ORC WOODS?"***] [["Yes"|ORK LEAVES 5]] [["No."|ORK ATTACKS 1]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 2)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They slowly rise to their feet. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC WOODS IS FIRST AND LAST HOPE FOR THE ORC-KINDS."***] They sniff the air and look down at you, stern-faced. (font: "georgia")[***"NOW THIS ORK HAS QUESTION."***] (font: "georgia")[***"THIS HUMAN BRING FRIENDS TO THE ORC WOODS?"***] [["Yes"|ORK LEAVES 5]] [["No."|ORK ATTACKS 1]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 2)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

The breath is knocked out of you as a green hand snatches your neck. You are hoisted far over your campfire among the leaves on the trees. (font: "georgia")[***"SAY AGAIN THE HUMAN-KIND IS ABOVE BEASTS."***] [["Human-kind is above the beasts."|DARE TO KILL 1]] [["We're not above the beasts I'm sorry!"|COWARD]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 10)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They wince at the word "plague." (set: $ork_response_2 = "plague") (font: "georgia")[***"THE HUMAN-KIND MARCH TO ORC WOODS FOR HUNTING. ONLY FOOL HUNTS FOR PLAGUE."***] They consider the fire, a steady ***growl*** humming in their throat. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC-KINDS ARE NOT THE PLAGUE."***] [["Humans do act like a plague."|RAGE]] [["Could a plague build our golden cities that reach the skies?"|WONDERS]] [["Then tomorrow's battle is won, for you cannot defeat a plague."|BATTLE TOMORROW]](set: $battle_tomorrow_intro = "Their eyes snap up to yours, narrow and focused.")(set: $bt_temp1 = 1) (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

Their finger traces a particular scar across their neck, down to the palm of their sword-arm. (font: "georgia")[***"THE GODS ALL LIE. ALL KILLED."***] A shiver runs up their spine and they smile weakly. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK BORN WITH NO SOUL. THIS ORK DIES WITH NO SOUL."***] [["How do you kill a God?"|GOD KILLER]] [["Must be terrible, waiting for an empty death."|SNAP]] [["Then tomorrow's battle will be hard fought."|BATTLE TOMORROW]] (set: $battle_tomorrow_intro = "They stiffen, eyes narrowing as they focus on you and your words.")(set: $bt_temp1 = 0) (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

Effortlessly they toss you //thudding// into the dirt. Towering over you, they hold out their broadsword for combat. (font: "georgia")[***"THEN SHOW THIS ORK."***] [[***STAND & FIGHT***|DUEL (PITY)]] [["I don't wish to fight."|SPARE ME]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 2)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

The scraping of your sword as you unsheath it brings a smirk to the orc's face. Your sword is a child's toy compared to theirs. (live: 6s)[Their smile fades quickly into a solemn frown.] (live: 9s)[(font: "georgia")[***"POOR HUMAN."***]] (live: 12s)[With a step and a swing their sword //CRACKS// through yours. That sound is the last thing you ever hear.] (live: 17s)[(link: "THE END")[(go-to: "MAIN MENU")]]

They and their broadsword bear down upon you, taller than the trees as you look up from the dirt. It is dark away from the fire, but there is no anger in their eyes. (font: "georgia")[***"Poor human,"***] they hum to themselves. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT WILL NOT LAST."***] With a sombre shake of their head, they turn and lumber away from you, headed towards the pitch-blackness between the trees. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 0)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 2)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They squeeze your throat tighter and make the colors of the world stretch. The next thing you feel is the cold, wet ground meeting you with a //thud//. Their hand has released your throat. The orc sits across the fire again, as if they did not move. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS HUMAN-SCOUT IS COWARD-BEAST."***] With a low ***sigh***, they ask: (font: "georgia")[***"WHAT DOES IT WANT WITH ORC?"***] (link: '"I seek the nest orcs are building in these woods."')[(set: $orc_woods_entry = "coward")(go-to: "ORC WOODS")] [["Nothing more."|ORK LEAVES 1]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"LIFE OF THE ORC IS $curse."***] Distant pain is in their eyes. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC-BABE BECOMES WARRIOR, OR THE ORC-BABE IS DEAD."***] Their sword arm steadily raises the shimmering blade until it points between your eyes. (font: "georgia")[***"ORC-BABES BURNED BY HUMAN-ARMY."***] They smile from one tusk to the other, eyes unmoving. (font: "georgia")[***"SO THE WISE-ORC IS PROUD WARRIOR."***] [["I'm sorry."|HOPE LESS]] [["Can a full-grown orc leave war behind?"|FREEDOM]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 3)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(if: $ork_response is "pity")[(go-to: "ORC WOODS PITY")] (else-if: $ork_response is "proud")[(go-to: "ORC WOODS PROUD")] (else-if: $ork_response is "blind")[(go-to: "ORC WOODS BLIND")]

(font: "georgia")[***"Hmm."***] They stand. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK WILL SEE HUMAN-SCOUT WHEN BATTLE COMES."***] Looking down upon you with pity, they heft the broadsword onto their shoulder. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK KILLS ALL COWARDS."***] With that, they turn and march away towards the darkness between the trees. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 0)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 6)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(if: $ork_response is "pity")[(go-to: "ORC WAR PITY")] (else-if: $ork_response is "proud")[(go-to: "ORC WAR PROUD")] (else-if: $ork_response is "blind")[(go-to: "ORC WAR BLIND")]

(if: $ork_response is "pity")[(go-to: "ORC GODS PITY")] (else-if: $ork_response is "proud")[(go-to: "ORC GODS PROUD")] (else-if: $ork_response is "blind")[(go-to: "ORC GODS BLIND")]

(if: $ork_response is "pity")[(go-to: "ORK AMB. PITY")] (else-if: $ork_response is "proud")[(go-to: "ORK AMB. PROUD")] (else-if: $ork_response is "blind")[(go-to: "ORK AMB. BLIND")]

They //spit// into the fire (if: $spit_counter > 1)[once ](if: $spit_counter > 0)[again ]and meet your eyes. (set: $spit_counter = it + 1) (font: "georgia")[***"THEN THIS HUMAN CAN LEAVE THE ORC WOODS."***] Silence hangs for a moment before they turn back to the fire. (font: "georgia")[***"BUT THE HUMAN-KIND LOVE BLOOD MORE THAN THE ORC-KINDS. THE HUMAN-KIND WILL BURN THE ORC WOODS."***] [["I don't like blood."|CONDEMN]] [["These lands will be untouched of only the orcs leave."|EYE ROLL]] (link: "What are these orc woods?")[(set: $orc_woods_entry = "hope less")(go-to: "ORC WOODS")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They do a double take again, eyes bulging as their sword //clangs// into the fire. (font: "georgia")[***"THE HUMAN-KIND IS NOT PLAGUE. HUMAN-ARMY HUNT THE ORC-KINDS LIKE PLAGUE. MAKE THE ORC-KINDS FEAR."***] They lean over the campfire, grabbing its hilt from the flames. (font: "georgia")[***"BUT THE HUMAN-KIND IS RIGHT TO HUNT THE ORC-KINDS."***] (link: '"Then what are we?"')[(set: $orc_war_entry = "rage1")(go-to: "ORC WAR")] (set: $temp_rage_1 = '"' + "I didn't think orcs were afraid of anything." + '"')(link: $temp_rage_1)[(set: $ork_feats_entry = "rage")(go-to: "ORK FEATS")] (link: '"You want us to hunt orcs?"')[(set: $orc_war_entry = "rage3")(go-to: "ORC WAR")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK SAW HUMAN-CITY ONCE. IT WAS PRETTY."***] They swing the blade up to their mouth and prick their tongue lightly with the tip. They smile deviously at you, grinning tusk-to-tusk. (font: "georgia")[***"MORE PRETTY WHEN IT BURNED."***] (link: '"You lie. I would have heard if orcs ransacked a city."')[(set: $orc_war_entry = "wonders")(go-to: "ORC WAR")] (set: $wonders_temp_1 = '"' + "See? Orcs are a plague that burns childrens' homes" + '"')(link: $wonders_temp_1)[(set: $orc_woods_entry = "wonders")(go-to: "ORC WOODS")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

$battle_tomorrow_intro (font: "georgia")[***"TOMORROW. THE ORC-FOOLS ARE NOT READY."***] Their eyes drift (if: $bt_temp is 1)[back ]to the campfire and they quickly steady their sword-arm's trembling. (link: '"Tell me about these orc fools."')[(set: $orc_woods_entry = "battle tomorrow")(go-to: "ORC WOODS")] (link: '"There is time for you to flee."')[(set: $orc_war_entry = "battle tomorrow")(go-to: "ORC WAR")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"EASY."***] They smile (font: "georgia")[***"WHEN ORC-GOD SAYS IT IS GOD, DO NOT BELIEVE. THEN GOD IS ONLY BEAST."***] They flick their blade and it //pings//. (font: "georgia")[***"SWORD IN THE NECK KILLS ALL BEAST-KIND. THEN THE ORC-KINDS FEAST."***] Their eyes hover at your neck. (link: '"So there are no orc gods left alive?"')[(set: $orc_gods_entry = "god killer")(go-to: "ORC GODS")] (link: '"What does an orc do with its life after killing a god?"')[(set: $ork_ambitions_entry = "god killer")(go-to: "ORK AMBITIONS")] (link: '"I do not believe you."')[(set: $ork_feats_entry = "god killer")(go-to: "ORK FEATS")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They ***stab*** their broadsword hands-width from your sitting knee, burying the blade almost to the hilt. They lean forward, flames almost touching their chin (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT HERE TO BURN THE ORC WOODS. THIS ORK WANT NO PITY."***] The blade grates against your armour as they pull it out from the dirt. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK WANT NO SOUL,"***] they snarl. (link: '"You killed the gods who could give you one."')[(set: $orc_gods_entry = "snap")(go-to: "ORC GODS")] (link: '"There is still time for you to flee."')[(set: $orc_woods_entry = "snap")(go-to: "ORC WOODS")] (link: '"You have my pity."')[(set: $ork_ambitions_entry = "snap")(go-to: "ORK AMBITIONS")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC IS FOR WAR."***] They slowly run a fingertip along their broadsword's blade. (font: "georgia")[***"SO THIS ORK MUST BE WARRIOR."***] Red blood trickles down their finger. They ***chuckle***. (font: "georgia")[***"IT IS GOOD TO BE WARRIOR. YES?"***] [["I never wish for war."|SPITE]] [["There is no excitement that compares to battle."|RESPECT]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They stare daggers into the fire, chest rapidly heaving as they contain their emotions. Their fingers clench around their blade-hilt. Their tusks scrape along their cheekbones with grinding teeth. Their free hand clenches into a ball the size of a large mace-head. With a ***grunt*** they relax and sink a little into the dirt. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC DOES NOT FLEE."***] (link: '"In all your life, you never fled from a fight?"')[(set: $ork_feats_entry = "eye roll")(go-to: "ORK FEATS")] (link: '"You speak for all orcs?"')[(set: $orc_war_entry = "eye roll")(go-to: "ORC WAR")] [["We shall see about that tomorrow."|BATTLE TOMORROW]](set: $battle_tomorrow_intro = "Slowly, they frown and drag their eyes up to yours.")(set: $bt_temp1 = 1) (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"WEAK,"***] they scoff. They ***snarl*** as they look you up and down. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT NEED NO REASON TO BURN ORC WOODS. THIS HUMAN IS LESS THAN WORM IN DIRT."***] They end their snarl for a moment before ***snarling*** again and continuing. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK WILL FIND HUMAN-SCOUT IN BATTLE AND GIVE A SLOW DEATH."***] (link: '"Why does it matter if the orc woods burn? Why not leave?"')[(set: $orc_woods_entry = "condemn")(go-to: "ORC WOODS")] (link: '"You shall die before you find me on the battlefield."')[(set: $ork_feats_entry = "condemn")(go-to: "ORK FEATS")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

In a flash, their broadsword is leveled at your throat. (font: "georgia")[***"THEN GO,"***] they say with a steady, blank voice. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT IS FREE TO LIVE WITH NO WAR."***] The blade scratches under your chin. (set: $temp_spite_1 = '"' + "It isn't so simple." + '"')(link: $temp_spite_1)[(set: $orc_war_entry = "spite")(go-to: "ORC WAR")] (link: '"I fight with honour for my Lords and Gods. But I will never love bloodshed."')[(set: $orc_gods_entry = "spite")(go-to: "ORC GODS")] [["Very well. I shall leave these woods by morning."|ORK LEAVES 3]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 4)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They grin, baring sharp, crooked teeth. Grabbing their broadsword with both hands, they use it as a toothpick. (font: "georgia")[***"WHAT IS HUMAN-SCOUT'S GREATEST DAY OF WAR?"***] The tip of their broadsword clips their lip and draws blood. They do not flinch. Their mouth is surrounded by scars of similar shape. (link: '"The day my men and I slaughtered a colony of orcs without losing a man."')[(set: $ork_feats_entry = "respect1")(go-to: "ORK FEATS")] (link: '"The first time I killed another man."')[(set: $ork_feats_entry = "respect2")(go-to: "ORK FEATS")] (link: '"All days of war are as beautiful as each other."')[(set: $orc_war_entry = "respect")(go-to: "ORK WAR")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"THE GODS MAKE THE HUMAN-KIND AND THE ORC-KINDS FOR WAR,"***] they snarl and curl their fingers tightly around their sword-hilt. (font: "georgia")[***" GODS NOT MAKE THIS HUMAN AND THIS ORK FIGHT."***] They smirk. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC-GODS MAKE THIS ORK WITH NO SOUL. SO THE ORC-GODS DIE."***] [["How do you kill a God?"|GOD KILLER]] [["What is there to live for without a soul?"|ZEST]] [["My Gods gave me a soul."|BITTER]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They //spit//into the fire(if: $spit_counter > 0)[ again].(set: $spit_counter = it + 1) (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK LIVES BECAUSE THIS ORK IS BETTER THAN DEAD GODS."***] (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK LIVES BECAUSE THIS ORK LOVES HOT-BLOOD OF BATTLE."***] (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK LIVES BECAUSE THIS ORK WONDERS IF THERE IS MORE TO THE ORC-KINDS."***] They look at you, puzzled. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT WOULD DIE WITHOUT SOUL?"***] (link: '"I simply would not know my purpose."')[(set: $ork_ambitions_entry = "zest")(go-to: "ORK AMBITIONS")] (link: '"Being soulless sounds much like being ensouled."')[(set: $orc_gods_entry = "zest")(go-to: "ORC GODS")] (link: '"Is that what you seek in these woods? More to the orc-kinds?"')[(set: $ork_woods_entry = "zest")(go-to: "ORC WOODS")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They ***snort***. (font: "tahoma")[***"Do orcs breed and eat,"***] they mock. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC-KINDS DO WAR FOR PLEASURE. EATING AND BREEDING IS BEST WHEN THIS ORK STINK OF BLOOD."***] (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT SOUND LIKE BIGGER FOOL THAN ALL THE ORC-KINDS."***] [["So you don't like to eat?"|HUNGER]] [["You don't feel pleasure during sex?"|SEX]] [["Do orcs not learn kindness?"|INSANE]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-FOOL."***] With a flick of their wrist they tap your armour with their broadsword. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT AND HUMAN-ARMY IS HUNTING IN THE ORC WOODS."***] They rest their broadsword, its blade poking into the campfire. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT IS FREE TO RUN FROM ARMY?"***] [["If I wished to return home then I could."|SPITE]] [["I fight on behalf of my lord and my honour."|GLOAT]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"PAH!"***] they scoff. (font: "georgia")[***"POOR HUMAN DOES NOT THINK MUCH."***] They look over their dented broadsword. (font: "georgia")[***"DOES THIS HUMAN WANT TO FIGHT NOW? THIS ORK THINK HUMAN IS NOT GOOD COMPANY."***] [["Yes. Let's fight."|DUEL (PITY)]] [["I don't want to fight you."|FEAR]] [["I am very good company."|X TO DOUBT]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]] (set: $temp1 = 1)`

(if: $temp1 is 0)[They sigh, disappointed. (font: "georgia")[***"THEN USE HUMAN-HEAD. ASK GOOD QUESTION OR SEE HUMAN-BLOOD."***]](else-if: $temp1 is 1)[(font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK DOES NOT THINK THAT. HUMAN-SCOUT CHANGES MIND WHEN WIND BLOWS."***] They look up to the night sky, eyes flinching involuntarily at the rain. (font: "georgia")[***"PROVE HUMAN-SCOUT IS GOOD COMPANY. ASK GOOD QUESTION."***]] (link: '"What are your greatest battle feats?"')[(set: $ork_feats_entry = "x to doubt")(go-to: "ORK FEATS")] (link: '"You never said why humans and orcs must wage war."')[(set: $orc_war_entry = "x to doubt")(go-to: "ORC WAR")] [["Tell me about yourself. Do you have a name?"|ORK LEAVES 4]] [["Why must orcs invade human lands?"|FRUSTRATED]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT IS GOING TO FIGHT THIS ORK."***] They extend their sword-arm and aim the broadsword directly between your eyes. (font: "georgia")[***"DECIDE. FIGHT NOW OR FIGHT LATER."***] [["Now."|DUEL (PITY)]] [["Later."|X TO DOUBT]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 3)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]] (set: $temp1 = 0)

(font: "georgia")[***"EATING IS SIMPLE. MAKES HUNGER-PAIN LEAVE."***] (if: $sex_passage_yes is false)[[['"And you get no pleasure from sex?"|SEX]] ](link: '"So orcs only get pleasure from war?"')[(set: $orc_woods_entry = "hunger")(go-to: "ORC WOODS")] (link: '"Do orcs not have Gods to pray to for joy?"')[(set: $orc_gods_entry = "hunger")(go-to: "ORC GODS")] (link: '"Is war all you dream of?"')[(set: $ork_ambitions_entry = "hunger")(go-to: "ORK AMBITIONS")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]] (set: $hunger_passage_yes = true)

(font: "georgia")[***"RIDING THE ORK-MAN IS BEST WHEN BLOOD IS HOT."***] They close their eyes and smile. (font: "georgia")[***"WAR IS GREATEST FIRE FOR HOT BLOOD."***] (if: $hunger_passage_yes is false)[[['"And you don't enjoy food?"|HUNGER]] ](link: '"So orcs only get pleasure from war?"')[(set: $orc_woods_entry = "sex")(go-to: "ORC WOODS")] (link: '"Do orcs not have Gods to pray to for joy?"')[(set: $orc_gods_entry = "sex")(go-to: "ORC GODS")] (link: '"Is war all you dream of?"')[(set: $ork_ambitions_entry = "sex")(go-to: "ORK AMBITIONS")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]] (set: $sex_passage_yes = true)

The question stumps them for a moment. They twist their broadsword in the campfire, heating the blade. (font: "georgia")[***"IS HUMAN-SCOUT A FOOL?"***] They look at you, sincerely confused. (font: "georgia")[***"WHERE CAN THE ORC LEARN KINDNESS?"***] (link: '"From each other?"')[(set: $orc_war_entry = "insane")(go-to: "ORC WAR")] (link: '"From the Gods?"')[(set: $orc_gods_entry = "insane")(go-to: "ORC GODS")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They tilt their head sideways at your answer. (font: "georgia")[***"HMMM. THIS ORK THOUGHT THE ORC-KINDS ARE NOT FREE."***] They look down at their broadsword, brow furrowed. (font: "georgia")[***"BUT THIS ORK FIGHTS ONLY FOR THIS ORK."***] A smile creeps across their face (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK IS MORE FREE THAN HUMAN-SCOUT."***] (set: $gloat_temp_1 = '"' + "You won't be free when our army burns these woods to ashes." + '"')(link: $gloat_temp_1)[(set: $orc_woods_entry = "gloat")(go-to: "ORC WOODS")] (link: '"I am more than just an army scout."')[(set: $ork_ambitions_entry = "gloat")(go-to: "ORK AMBITIONS")] (link: '"None of us are free from the world around us."')[(set: $orc_gods_entry = "gloat")(go-to: "ORC GODS")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They stare at you blankly for a long, drawn-out moment. They do not move. The rain and fire //patter// and //crack//. [["Did I say something wrong?"|ORK LEAVES 2]] [[***STAY SILENT***|ORK LEAVES 2]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They stand. (font: "georgia")[***"BAD QUESTION."***] Looking down upon you with pity, they heft the broadsword onto their shoulder. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC WOODS ARE ORC-LANDS. THIS ORK WILL SEE HUMAN-SCOUT WHEN BATTLE COMES."***] With that, they turn and march away towards the darkness between the trees. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 0)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 6)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(if: $ork_response is "pity")[(go-to: "ORK FEATS PITY")] (else-if: $ork_response is "proud")[(go-to: "ORK FEATS PROUD")] (else-if: $ork_response is "blind")[(go-to: "ORK FEATS BLIND")]

The blade retracts from your throat and the orc continues to watch you. They ***grunt*** and heave themselves to their feet. (font: "georgia")[***"IF THIS ORK SEES HUMAN-SCOUT IN BATTLE..."***] They stare out into the night and breathe in the light breeze. After a moment, their face falls slightly. (if: $ork_response is "proud")[(font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT WILL SEE THE STRENGTH OF ORC WARRIORS."***]]{ }(else-if: $ork_response is "blind")[(font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK WILL SHOW HUMAN-SCOUT THE GODS."***]] Then they stride away, lumbering back towards the darkness between the trees. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 0)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 6)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

The smirk vanishes off their face. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK KNOWS."***] Their eyes light up a little in the firelight. (font: "georgia")[***"BUT HUMAN-SCOUT IS STILL ORC-HUNTING. SOUL DOES NOT MAKE HUMAN FREE."***] (set: $bitter_temp_1 = '"' + "My soul doesn't free me from the world around me." + '"')(link: $bitter_temp_1)[(set: $orc_gods_entry = "bitter")(go-to: "ORC GODS")] (link: '"Well what would you do if you had a soul?"')[(set: $ork_ambitions_entry = "bitter")(go-to: "ORK AMBITIONS")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(if: $orc_gods_entry is "snap")[{ }They shrug. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK SAID: GODS ALL LIE. THIS ORK CAN NEVER HAVE SOUL."***] They //spit// into the fire(if: $spit_counter > 1)[ once](if: $spit_counter is 1)[ again]. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK IS ALL THINGS HUMAN-SCOUT SAYS. SIMPLE AND THIRSTY FOR BLOOD."***] They look at you and smile, watery eyes filled with the firelight. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK CANNOT STOP BEING ORC."***]{ }](else-if: $orc_gods_entry is "god killer")[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"ALWAYS MORE ORC-GODS WILL COME."***] Their brow furrows. (font: "georgia")[***"ALWAYS THE ORC-GOD PROMISES TO MAKE THE ORC-KINDS GREATER THAN ORC. MORE THAN ORC."***] They //spit// into the fire(if: $spit_counter > 1)[ once](if: $spit_counter is 1)[ again]. (font: "georgia")[***"BUT THE ORC CANNOT BE MORE THAN ORC,"***] they snarl and clutch their broadsword into their chest. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC-KINDS ARE MEAT FOR GODS."***]{ }] [["Well want it or no, you have my pity."|DARE TO KILL A]] [["And we deliver you back to the Gods."|ORK LEAVES B]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(if: $orc_gods_entry is "spite")[Their eyes narrow. The blade scrapes along the underside of your chin and presses against your neck. (font: "georgia")[***"GODS ALL LOVE BLOODSHED. HUMAN-LORDS AND HUMAN-GODS BOTH MAKE HUMAN-SCOUT FOR WAR."***] The dull blade-tip presses uncomfortably hard into your throat. (font: "georgia")[***"GODS ALL ARGUE IF THE HUMAN-KIND OR THE ORC-KINDS ARE BETTER FOR WAR. THIS ORK THINKS ANSWER IS THE HUMAN-KIND."***] [["I agree."|CHOOSE A LIFE A]] [[***RECOIL FROM THE BLADE***|ORK ATTACKS A]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 4)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]] ]

(if: $orc_gods_entry is "god killer")[{ }Their eyes move up to meet yours. The fire's reflection sits in their blackness. (font: "georgia")[***"ALWAYS MORE ORC-GODS WILL COME. BUT THIS ORK WILL NOT BELIEVE NEW ORC-GODS."***] They shrug. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT PUTS FAITH IN GODS. HUMAN-SCOUT IS FOOL."***]]{ }(else-if: $orc_gods_entry is "hunger" OR $orc_gods_entry is "sex")[{ }Their eyes bulge. (font: "georgia")[***"PAH!"***] they burst with laughter. Between cackles they wheeze, (font: "georgia")[***"WHEN THE ORC-GODS LIVED, THE ORC-GODS NEVER GAVE JOY."***] Their laughter fades into a beleaguered***sigh***. (font: "georgia")[***"ONLY FOOLS TRUST THE GODS."***]]{ }(else-if: $orc_gods_entry is "gloat" OR $orc_gods_entry is "bittr")[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT IS COWARD. TOO SCARED TO BREAK GOD-CHAINS."***] Their finger traces a particular scar across their neck, down to the palm of their sword-arm. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK BROKE GOD-CHAINS. THIS ORK AND HUMAN-SCOUT NOT HERE BECAUSE OF GOD-WISHES."***]]{ }(else-if: $orc_gods_entry is "zest")[{} They shrug. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK ONLY KNOWS SINGLE THING. GODS DO NOT MAKE THE HUMAN-KIND BURN THE ORC WOODS."***] (font: "georgia")[***"THIS HUMAN IS FREE TO BE BLIND."***]]{ }(else-if: $orc_gods_entry is "bitter")[{} They ***snort***, a light smirk returning to their face. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-GODS SEND HUMAN-SCOUT TO DIE. VICTORY OR DEFEAT, HUMAN-SCOUT NOT FREE FROM THIS ORK."***]] [["The assault on these woods cannot be stopped."|ASKS FOR DEATH A]] [["You won't convince me to spurn the Gods."|ORK ATTACKS B]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(if: $ork_ambitions_entry is "snap")[{(set: $order_type = 3) }They halt, blade still halfway into the ground. Their face curls and quakes with contempt. (font: "georgia")[***"ORK. WANT. NO. PITY."***] Slowly, they pull the broadsword clear of the ground and raise it to point between your eyes. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT IS BEAST WASTING SOUL IN WAR."***] They breathe deeply, steadying themselves with a heaving rise and fall of their chest. (font: "georgia")[***"LEAVE THE ORC WOODS. OR TASTE ORK-SWORD."***]]{ }(else-if: $ork_ambitions_entry is "god killer")[{(set: $order_type = 2) }They stand, slow and composed, gazing off to the East. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK TRAVELLED FAR TO ANSWER. THE ORC WOODS ASK IF ORC IS MORE THAN WARRIOR."***] They turn back to face you with eyes of ice. (font: "georgia")[***"IF THE ORC WOODS BURN, HUMAN-SCOUT BURNS WITH ORK."***]] [["Your orc woods are already lost."|ORK ATTACKS F]] [["No strength of orcs will match our army."|ORK LEAVES F]] [["I cannot leave."|CHOOSE A LIFE C]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(if: $ork_feats_entry is "eye roll")[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"PAH!"***] they bark, (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT SEES SCARS?"***] They gesture to themself, covered head to toe in deep, black scars. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK KILLS GODS, FATHERS, HUMAN-KINGS, AND DRAGON."***] They lean closer, over the campfire, and lower their voice. (font: "georgia")+(text-size: 0.9)[***"THIS ORK HAS NO SCARS ON BACK."***]]{ }(else-if: $ork_feats_entry is "condemn")[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"HA!"***] they bark. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK KILLS GODS."***] A bitter sneer crawls over their face, (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-ARMY WILL BURN THE ORC WOODS AND KILL THE ORC-HOPE."***] They lean closer, over the campfire, and lower their voice. (font: "georgia")+(text-size: 0.9)[***"BUT THIS HUMAN WILL NOT FLEE THE FIRE."***]]{ }(else-if: $ork_feats_entry is "respect1")[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT IS PROUD WARRIOR."***] They feel the blade of their sword, eyes lost in the fire. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK SHOULD BE PROUD TO DIE IN BATTLE WITH HUMAN-SCOUT. EVEN WHEN THE ORC-HOPE BURNS."***] They snap out of their reverie and meet your eyes. They bare their tusks at you in a smile: (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT AND THIS ORK ARE WARRIORS. HUMAN-SCOUT AND THIS ORK MUST WAR."***]]{ }(else-if: $ork_feats_entry is "respect2")[{ }They nod their head in understanding. (font: "georgia")[***"FIRST TASTES SWEETEST. TRUE FOR PATHETIC WARRIORS."***] They grin from tusk-to-tusk. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK TASTED MUCH SWEETER FLESH."***] They lean closer, over the campfire, and lower their voice. (font: "georgia")+(text-size: 0.9)[***"HUMAN-SCOUT WILL TASTE SWEET TOO. THIS ORK WILL FEAST AS THE ORC WOODS BURN."***]] [["You will burn tomorrow. And tomorrow I will return home."|DARE TO KILL D]] [["Then go. Prepare. And I will see your battle feats for myself."|ORK LEAVES G]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(if: $ork_ambitions_entry is "hunger" OR $ork_ambitions_entry is "sex")[{(set: $order_type = 1) }(font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK NEVER DREAMS. ONLY FIGHTS TO SEE SUN'S RISE."***] Their lip curls in a bitter sneer. (font: "georgia")[***"ORC-FOOLS HERE SPREAD DREAMS LIKE PLAGUE. GIVING THE ORC-KINDS HOPE TO BE MORE THAN WARRIORS."***] Their features tremble, for a moment. Then they smile at you. (font: "georgia")[***"BUT THE GODS MAKE ORK AND HUMAN-SCOUT WAR. YES?"***]]{ }(else-if: $ork_ambitions_entry is "gloat")[{(set: $order_type = 1) }(font: "georgia")[***"PAH!"***] they bark. (font: "georgia")[***"THE HUMAN IS NOT MORE THAN WHAT THE HUMAN DOES. IN THE ORC WOODS, IN HUMAN-ARMOUR, THIS HUMAN IS HUMAN-SCOUT."***] They lean over the campfire, fire blazing in their eyes, and whisper: (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT IS IN THE ORC WOODS FOR WAR."***]]{ }(else-if: $ork_ambitions_entry is "zest")[{(set: $order_type = 1) }(font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT WOULD FIND PURPOSE."***] They ***snort***. (font: "georgia")[***"PURPOSE ALWAYS FINDS THE ORC. BECAUSE WAR ALWAYS FINDS THE ORC."***] They look at you with blank eyes. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT LEADS WAR TO THE ORC WOODS."***]]{ }(else-if: $ork_ambitions_entry is "bitter")[{(set: $order_type = 1) }(font: "georgia")[***"HOW WOULD THIS ORK KNOW?"***] they chuckle. They grasp the hilt of their broadsword with both hands. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK ONLY KNOWS THE SWEETNESS OF WAR. MAYBE WITH SOUL, THIS ORK COULD LEARN OF ORC-HISTORY AND TELL STORIES TO ORC-BABES."***] They shrug. (font: "georgia")[***"BUT THIS ORK AND HUMAN-SCOUT MUST WAR."***]]{ }(else-if: $ork_ambitions_entry is "god killer")[{(set: $order_type = 2) }(font: "georgia")[***"KILL NEXT GOD. ALWAYS NEW ORC-GODS COME TO MAKE THE ORC-KINDS GO TO WAR."***] They stand slowly, steady and composed. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK CAME TO THE ORC WOODS TO HEAR ORC-FOOLS SAY THE ORC CAN BE MORE THAN WARRIOR."***] Their face sets. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK WILL KILL HUMAN-SCOUT FOR BURNING THE ORC WOODS."***]] [["It's too late for the orc woods."|ASKS FOR DEATH C]] [["There's time to flee and become whatever you dream of."|ORK ATTACKS C]] [["The Gods will grant you a noble death."|ORK LEAVES E]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(if: $ork_feats_entry is "god killer")[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK NEEDS NO BELIEVING."***] They shrug, (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK REMEMBERS THE SWEET TASTE OF ORC-GOD FEAR."***] They look into your eyes with pity. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT IS BLIND AND SMALL. HUMAN-SCOUT WILL DIE AND BE EATEN AND NEVER LIVE FREE OF HUMAN-GODS."***] Then they smile deviously. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK WILL FEAST ON HUMAN-SCOUT-FLESH AND DIE FREE IN THE ORC WOODS."***]] [["Not if I kill you first."|DARE TO KILL E]] [["Very well. Let us burn together."|ORK LEAVES E]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(if: $ork_feats_entry is "x to doubt")[{ }A frown passes over their face. (font: "georgia")[***"ORC-GOD SENT A SEA OF THE ORC-KINDS TO DIE, SO THIS ORK STUCK A SPEAR IN THE ORC-GOD NECK."***] They test the sharpness of the left tusk with a finger. (font: "georgia")[***"FATHER OF THIS ORK RAN FROM HOME WHEN HUMAN-ARMY CAME WITH TORCHES. NEXT WINTER, THIS ORK GREW BIG AND LEFT TUSK-BITS IN DEAD-FATHER THROAT."***] (font: "georgia")[***"BOTH CORPSES TASTED SO SWEET."***]]{ }(else-if: $ork_feats_entry is "rage")[{ }They ***SNORT***. (font: "georgia")[***"THE HUMAN-BELLY IS TOO WEAK FOR ORC-FLESH."***] They lean over the fire and lower their voice: (font: "georgia")[***"FEARS MAKE ORC-FLESH TASTE SO SWEET."***] Leaning back with a devious smile, they lick their lips at the thought.]{ }(else-if: $ork_feats_entry is "god killer")[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK NEEDS NO BELIEVING."***] They shrug, (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK REMEMBERS THE SWEET TASTE OF ORC-GOD FEAR."***] They pick at their teeth. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT SHOULD BE MORE LIKE BEASTS. HUMAN-SCOUT WOULD KNOW THE TASTE OF FEAR IN MEAT."***]] [["You're disgusting."|ORK LEAVES B]] [["Does flesh taste good without fear?"|DARE TO KILL A]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(if: $orc_woods_entry is "hunger" OR $orc_woods_entry is "sex")[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"YES. OTHER ORC-FOOLS SAY THERE IS NEW PLEASURE."***] They absent-mindedly slide a finger along their blade, drawing red-blood. It makes them wince. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK WALKED TO THE ORC WOODS TO HEAR ORC-FOOLS. THIS ORK HOPED FOR NEW PLEASURE."***] They sigh. (font: "georgia")[***"NOW THIS ORK-FOOL CAN WATCH THE ORC WOODS BURN."***]]{ }(else-if: $orc_woods_entry is "gloat")[{ }They smile from tusk to tusk. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT HAS FIRE."***] The smile vanishes from their face. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK DOES NOT WANT TO SEE THE ORC WOODS BURN. WITH THE ORC WOODS WILL BURN ORC-HOPE."***]]{ }(else-if: $orc_woods_entry is "zest")[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"YES. OTHER ORC-FOOLS TALK OF NEW REASONS TO LIVE. NEW PLEASURE."***] They absent-mindedly slide a finger along their blade, drawing red-blood. It makes them wince. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK WALKED TO THE ORC WOODS TO HEAR ORC-FOOLS. THIS ORK HOPED FOR NEW PLEASURE."***] They sigh. (font: "georgia")[***"NOW THIS ORK-FOOL CAN WATCH THE ORC WOODS BURN."***]] [["My army's march cannot be stopped."|ASKS FOR DEATH A]] [["Then go, be with your orc fools before tomorrow's battle."|ORK LEAVES E]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(if: $orc_woods_entry is "hope less")[{ }They sit, silent, for a long moment, watching the campfire sparks drift upwards. The rain quickly drives the sparks down into the dirt. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC-FOOLS WISH TO NOT WAR AND BUILD THE ORC WOODS TO BE NOT-WARRIORS."***] They //spit// into the fire (if: $spit_counter > 1)[once ](if: $spit_counter > 0)[again].{ (set: $spit_counter = it + 1)} (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK SAID THE HUMAN-KIND WOULD BURN THE ORC WOODS. ONLY THE ORC-FOOLS STAY."***] [["I thought you were proud to be a warrior?"|CHOOSE A LIFE B]] [["So why not leave and save yourself?"|ORK ATTACKS C]]]{ }(else-if: $orc_woods_entry is "condemn")[{ }They sit, silent, for a long moment, watching the campfire sparks drift upwards. The rain quickly drives the sparks down into the dirt. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC-FOOLS WISH TO NOT WAR AND BUILD THE ORC WOODS TO BE NOT-WARRIORS."***] They //spit// into the fire (if: $spit_counter > 1)[once ](if: $spit_counter > 0)[again].{ (set: $spit_counter = it + 1)} (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK WON'T LET THE ORC WOODS BURN WITHOUT HUMAN-BLOOD."***] [["I thought you were proud to be a warrior?"|CHOOSE A LIFE B]] [["Then go to the other orc fools and prepare for war."|ORK LEAVES G]]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(if: $orc_woods_entry is "coward")[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC WOODS IS NEST FOR ALL THE ORC-KINDS THINKING THE ORC IS MORE THAN WAR."***] They //spit// into the fire (if: $spit_counter > 1)[once ](if: $spit_counter > 0)[again].{ (set: $spit_counter = it + 1)} (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC WOODS IS HOME FOR ORC-FOOLS."***]]{ }(else-if: $orc_woods_entry is "wonders")[{ }They shrug. (font: "georgia")[***"THE HUMAN-KIND BURNS ORC-BABES. THE HUMAN-KIND DESERVE NO ORC-TEARS."***] They watch the campfire sparks drift up into the air and be repelled by the light rain. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC WOODS IS FIRST HOME FOR ORC-BABES. FIRST AND LAST HOPE FOR THE ORC TO BE MORE THAN WAR. MORE THAN BEAST."***] They //spit// into the fire (if: $spit_counter > 1)[once ](if: $spit_counter > 0)[again].{ (set: $spit_counter = it + 1)} (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC WOODS IS HOME FOR ORC-FOOLS."***]]{ }(else-if: $orc_woods_entry is "snap")[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK DID NOT WALK TO THE ORC WOODS TO RUN FROM THE STINK OF HUMAN-ARMY,"***] they snarl. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK CAME TO ORC WOODS FOR HOPE AND THIS ORK WILL DIE FOR HOPE."***] They watch the campfire sparks drift up into the air and be repelled by the light rain. Their shoulders slump. (font: "georgia")[***"ORC-DREAMS CANNOT KILL HUMAN-ARMY. THE ORC WOODS IS HOME FOR ORC-FOOLS."***]] [["You simply cannot compare to human cities and armies."|DARE TO KILL C]] [["Orcs will live and die the way orcs are meant to."|ORK LEAVES C]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]`

(if: $orc_war_entry is "battle tomorrow")[{(set: $order_type = 2) }They stand. (font: "georgia")[***"DEAF-HUMAN,"***] they growl. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC IS NOT FREE."***] Their sword-arm twitches slightly as they tower over you. But their eyes are blank and fixed upon the campfire. (font: "georgia")[***"Won't Watch The Orc Woods Burn..."***] [["What's so special about these woods?"|ASKS FOR DEATH B]] [["Then run along to your friends."|ORK ATTACKS C]]]{ }(else-if: $orc_war_entry is "eye roll")[{(set: $order_type = 2) }They stand, as tall as the young trees. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT SAID: ALL THE ORCS ARE WARRIORS, SO ALL THE ORCS MUST WAR."***] They clench their sword-handle even tighter, turning their knuckles white. (font: "georgia")[***"ONLY THE ORC-FOOLS SAY THE ORC IS NOT FOR WAR."***] [["And where are these orc fools?"|ORK LEAVES D]] [["Then I shall see you and your kind on tomorrow's battlefield."|ASKS FOR DEATH A]]]{ }(else-if: $orc_war_entry is "spite")[{(set: $order_type = 5) }They stand, sword tickling at your throat as it angles upwards. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT SAID: ALL THE ORCS ARE WARRIORS, SO ALL THE ORCS MUST WAR."***] They smirk, baring sharp, chipped teeth. (font: "georgia")[***"ONLY THE ORC-FOOLS SAY THE ORC IS NOT FOR WAR."***] [["And where are these orc fools?"|ORK LEAVES D]] [[***RECOIL FROM THE BLADE***|ORK ATTACKS A]]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(if: $orc_war_entry is "x to doubt")[{ }Their face falls and they look away, into the night. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC IS FOR WAR. THE HUMAN IS FOR ORC-HUNTING."***] They shrug. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK AND HUMAN-SCOUT WILL FIGHT. SOONER, LATER, NO MATTER... BEASTS DO NOT CHANGE."***] [["Then I shall see you on the battlefield."|ORK ATTACKS D]] [["I know that people can change."|ORK LEAVES C]]]{ }(else-if: $orc_war_entry is "rage1")[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"THE HUMAN-KIND IS..."*** ] They smirk. (font: "georgia")[***"LIKE ALL BEASTS. THE HUMAN-KIND IS WILD."***] They tap your armour with their broadsword. (font: "georgia")[***"THE HUMAN-KIND MAKE METAL-SKIN AND THINK IT CHANGES NATURE. THE HUMAN-KIND IS MADE FOR HUNTING THE ORC-KINDS."***] [["Then I shall see you on the battlefield."|ORK ATTACKS D]] [["But we are above nature. Certainly above beasts like you."|ORK LEAVES C]]]{ }(else-if: $orc_war_entry is "rage3")[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"YES. SO THIS ORK CAN DRINK HUMAN BLOOD."***] They bare their tusks in a smile, black eyes unmoving. The smile fades quickly. (font: "georgia")[***"THE HUMAN-KIND LOVE TO HUNT THE ORC-KINDS. THE ORC-KINDS LOVE WAR. ALL IS..."***] They grind their teeth in search of the right word. (font: "georgia")[***"TIDY."***] [["Then I shall see you on the battlefield."|ORK ATTACKS D]] [["I do not love to hunt orcs. It is only my duty."|DARE TO KILL B]] ]{ }(else-if: $orc_war_entry is "battle tomorrow")[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC DOES NOT RUN,"***] they growl. (font: "georgia")[***"WHERE THIS ORK RUNS, THE HUMAN-KIND BURNS."***] A violent shiver runs up their spine. They suppress their sword-arm's twitching with the other hand. (font: "georgia")[***"Won't Watch The Orc Woods Burn..."***] they murmur into the fire. [["What's so special about these woods?"|ASKS FOR DEATH B]] [["Then I shall see you in the morning's battle."|ORK ATTACKS D]]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(if: $orc_war_entry is "insane")[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC IS FOR WAR. ONLY FOR WAR,"***] they snarl. They clutch the broadsword to their chest. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT THINK GODS MAKE BATTLE IN THE ORC WOODS. HUMAN-SCOUT IS BLIND."***] They grasp the blade of the broadsword. Red droplets run down the blade. (font: "georgia")[***"THE HUMAN-KIND IS FOR WAR TOO. HUMAN-SCOUT WILL DIE FROM WAR."***] [["I am so much more than just war."|ORK LEAVES E]] [["You cannot shake my faith in the Gods."|ORK ATTACKS B]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]]

(font: "tahoma")[***"HUMAN SHOULD NOT PITY THE ORC,"***] they snap. Taking a heavy breath, they slide their broadsword into two hands, blade //scraping// along their tusk. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT SHOULD KILL THIS ORK,"***] they snarl. (font: "georgia")[***"IF HUMAN-SCOUT CAN."***] [["I can't."|ORK LEAVES A]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"PAH. HUMAN-SCOUT IS COWARD."***] They heave themselves onto their feet with a //grunt//. Standing high over you, they look you up and down once more. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK WILL SEE HUMAN-SCOUT IN BATTLE. SEE IF HUMAN-SCOUT IS MORE THAN BEAST WITH TEETH IN THE THROAT."***] And with a devious grin they heft the broadsword onto their shoulder, striding away towards the darkness of the trees. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 0)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 6)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]`

Their smile warps into a snarling ***growl***. They rise onto their feet and dangle their broadword in the fire for a moment. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT WILL SEE. THE HUMAN-KIND IS THE SAME AS THE ORC-KINDS. GODS SEE ONLY BEASTS."***] They march away, striding quickly towards the cover of darkness. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 0)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 6)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

The blade vanishes from your throat. They lean back, sword resting against the ground. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT IS WISE,"***] they snarl. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT CAN CHOOSE."***] They look up to the night sky. (font: "georgia")[***"SHOULD THIS ORK DIE OR HUMAN-SCOUT DIE?"***] (set: $choice_type = 1) (link: '"You should die."')[(go-to: "CHOICE ORK")] (link: '"You can kill me."')[(go-to: "CHOICE HUMAN")] [["Why must one of us die?"|WHY CHOOSE A LIFE]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They tilt their head as you recoil. (font: "georgia")[***"MAYBE THIS ORK IS WRONG."***] They pull the sword away from you, only to //swing// for your neck. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 1)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 7)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"BECAUSE GODS MAKES THE HUMAN-KIND AND THE ORC-KINDS TO WAR."***] (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT IS HUMAN. THIS ORK IS ORC. CHOOSE."***] (link: '"You should die."')[(go-to: "CHOICE ORK")] (link: '"You can kill me."')[(go-to: "CHOICE HUMAN")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(if: $choice_type is 1)[{ }They nod their head, somber. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK WILL NOT SEE THE ORC WOODS BURN."***] They flash you a fading smile. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK WILL LEARN IF IT HAS SOUL."***]]{ }(else-if: $choice_type is 2)[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK WILL NOT SEE THE ORC WOODS BURN."***] They flash you a fading smile. (font: "georgia")[***"MANY WINTERS. ORC-GODS, ORC-WARS, AND HUMAN-HUNTS. HOPE KILLS THIS ORK."***]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(if: $choice_type is 1)[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"HMM."***] And with a twitch the blade cuts open your throat. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-FOOL,"***] they say as life drains from your corpse.]{ }(else-if: $choice_type is 2)[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"HMM."***] And with a twitch the blade cuts open your throat. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC IS FOR WAR,"***] is the last thing you hear.]{ }(else-if: $choice_type is 3)[{ }(font: "georgia")[***"HMM."***] And with a twitch the blade cuts open your throat. (font: "georgia")[***"POOR BEAST,"***] is the last thing you hear.] (link: "***THE END***")[(go-to: "THE END")]

(font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK SHOULD WARN THE ORC WOODS."***] A violent shiver runs up their spine. The broadsword in their hand jerks, swinging past your nose by a hair's width. They meet your gaze with wide, trembling eyes. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK CANNOT TELL THE ORC-FOOLS HERE THAT DEATH ARRIVES."***] Their eyes fall back towards the campfire. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK PREFER DEATH."***] [["Then flee."|ORK ATTACKS C]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"BLIND HUMAN-FOOL."***] They leap to their feet with a raised broadsword, (font: "georgia")[***"MEET HUMAN-GODS."***] (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 1)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 7)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

Slowly, they heave to their feat, wiping their eyes. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC DOES NOT RUN."***] They raise the broadsword over their head with a ***GROWL***. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 1)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 7)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They lay their broadsword down, blade immersed in the campfire, and they hold their head in their hands. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC WOODS IS FIRST AND LAST HOPE FOR THIS ORK. A CHANCE TO SEE IF THE ORC CAN BE WISE. IF THIS ORK CAN BE WILD-BEAST AND WISE-BEAST."***] Between their fingers their eyes meet yours. (font: "georgia")[***"BUT THE HUMAN-KIND THINKS IT IS NOT BEASTS AND HUMAN-ARMY BURNS ORC-HOPES. HUMAN-SCOUT SHOULD BURN THIS ORK FIRST."***] [["I don't want to kill you."|ORK ATTACKS E]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]

(font: "georgia")[***"NO."***] They heave themselves onto their feet and look down at you, face in shadow. (font: "georgia")[***"POOR, WRONG HUMAN-SCOUT. THIS ORK KILLS YOU LIKE ANY OTHER BEAST."***] In a blur, they raise their broadsword to strike you. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 1)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 7)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They grab their sword and rise to their feet. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK IS HAPPY TO KILL HUMAN-SCOUT."***] They raise the smoke-wreathed broadsword over their head with a ***GROWL***. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 1)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 7)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"THEN HUMAN-SCOUT SHOULD DO THE DUTY,"***] they snarl through their gritted teeth. (font: "georgia")[***"IF HUMAN-SCOUT CAN."***] [["I can't."|ORK LEAVES A]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC-KINDS DO NOT CHANGE. HUMAN-ARMIES KILL THE ORC BEFORE THE ORC CAN DREAM."***] They shake their head as they heave themselves up and onto their feet. Over you, they look taller than any of the trees. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT WILL LEARN. WHEN DEATH COMES AND FEAR GRABS THE BODY."***] They take a deep, colected breath. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT WILL DROP MANURE LIKE ALL BEASTS."***] And with that, they turn away, lumbering towards the darkness between the trees. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 0)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 6)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT WILL SEE ORC-FOOLS IN BATTLE FOR THE ORC WOODS. BUT THE ORC-FOOLS ARE NOT WARRIORS."***] They breathe in, savouring the sticky air. (font: "georgia")[***"ORC-FOOLS WERE FIRST AND LAST ORC-HOPE."***] They turn and walk away, striding from your campfire towards the pitch blackness between the trees. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 0)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 6)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT DOES NOT SEE THE WORLD TRUE. OR HUMAN-SCOUT WOULD SCREAM AND FIGHT AND BLEED."***] They stand, towering over you like the trees. They turn away before saying: (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT WILL SEE. WHEN TIME IS GONE. HUMAN WILL SEE."***] Then they walk, striding from your campfire towards the pitch blackness between the trees. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 0)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 6)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

Their eyes snap up to meet yours. (font: "georgia")[***"THEN SHOW THIS ORK."***] With stern eyes, they look you up and down before they grab their broadsword by the blade. They stand effortlessly, stretching above you like a scarred warrior-tree. (font: "georgia")[***"SHOW HOW THIS ORK COMPARES TO THIS HUMAN."***] [["I would rather not."|ORK LEAVES A1]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 2)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"HA!"***] they snort, (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK LOVES TO WAR."***] (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK TRIES TO FIGHT THE PLAGUE OF ORC-HOPE. IS FIRST TIME THIS ORK LOST A WAR."***] The water in their eyes is filled with the swirling glow of the campfire. (font: "georgia")[***"NOW HUMAN-SCOUT WILL CHOOSE. DOES THIS ORK DIE FOR WEAKNESS, OR DOES HUMAN-SCOUT DIE FOR BRINGING WAR?"***] (set: $choice_type = 2) (link: '"You should die."')[(go-to: "CHOICE ORK")] (link: '"You can kill me."')[(go-to: "CHOICE HUMAN")] [["Why must I choose?"|WHY CHOOSE A LIFE]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They recoil, leaning back and squinting at you. (font: "georgia")[***"Tomorrow,"***] they whisper to themselves. Hands trembling, they adjust their grip on the broadsword and roll their shoulders. (font: "georgia")[***"THEN KILL ORK NOW IF HUMAN-SCOUT WISHES TO SEE THE SUN'S RISE."***] [["No."|ORK ATTACKS H]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"THEN KILL."***] They stand, dropping their sword and opening their arms in invitation. (font: "georgia")[***"SEE IF HUMAN-SCOUT IS MORE MIGHTY THAN ORC-GODS."***] [["Later, on the battlefield."|ORK LEAVES H]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 2)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They stand. (font: "georgia")[***"NAME IS ORK. AND THIS ORK IS BORED OF HUMAN-SCOUT."***] Looking down upon you with pity, they heft the broadsword onto their shoulder. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT IS DULL WHEN IT PRETENDS TO BE NOT-BEAST."***] With that, they turn and march away towards the darkness between the trees. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 0)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 6)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"THEN HUMAN-SCOUT DIES LIKE ANY OTHER BEAST."***] In a blur, they raise their broadsword to strike you. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 1)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 7)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They ***HISS*** a guttural, rumbling snarl from deep in their throat. Their mouth hangs open and their eyes quiver in search of words. Their hands both tighten around the broadsword hilt. (font: "georgia")[***"BAH!"***] they exclaim and walk away from you and your campfire: towards the inky blackness between the trees. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 0)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 6)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They stand, rising to the height of the young trees. They (text-style:"expand")[***sigh***], long and deep. (font: "georgia")[***"THEN HUMAN-SOUL GOES HOME TO THE GODS."***] In a blur, they raise their broadsword to strike you. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 1)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 7)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

Their jaw trembles and they look away into the night. They release a deep, shaking ***SIGH*** and let the broadsword slip from their hands. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT IS RIGHT. THE ORC WOODS WILL BURN."***] A ***humming*** from their chest mixes with the //patter// of the rain and the //crackle// of the fire. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT SHOULD KILL THIS ORK. SPARE THIS ORK FROM WATCHING FIRE."***] [["I don't want to kill you."|ORK ATTACKS I]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]

(font: "georgia")[***"HMM,"***] they murmur. They heave themselves onto their feet and look down upon you, eyes stern. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT,"***] they declare, (font: "georgia")[***"IS FAIRER THAN MOST KINDS."***] They frown. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK DOES NOT LIKE HUMAN-SCOUT."***] With that, they turn and march away from you, towards the blanket of night between the trees. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 0)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 6)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"PAH. HUMAN-SCOUT IS COWARD."***] They look you up and down once more. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK WILL SEE HUMAN-SCOUT IN BATTLE. SEE IF HUMAN-SCOUT IS MORE THAN BEAST WITH TEETH IN THE THROAT."***] And with a devious grin they heft the broadsword onto their shoulder, striding away towards the darkness of the trees. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 0)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 6)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]`

They nod once, slowly. And then a blur: you move with the impact before you feel the pain. Their blade is buried between your shoulder and your neck. Everything sears itself into your vision, and then darkness creeps at the corner of your eyes. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 2)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 9)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"HMM."***] (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT THINKS HERE IS GROUND AND THERE IS BATTLE."***] They shake their head in disappointment, plucking their sword from the ground. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-FOLLY. ALL THE GROUND AND AIR IS WAR FOR THE ORC-KINDS THAT BURN. HUMAN-SCOUT IS NOT WISER, ONLY BLIND."***] With that, they turn and march away from you, towards the blanket of night between the trees. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 0)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 6)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

The ***humming*** from their chest morphs into a ***ROAR*** from their maw. (font: "georgia")[***"THEN MEET HUMAN-GODS!"***] Ignoring their sword, they leap upon you and press you into the dirt by your throat. They are too strong to be moved, and your strength is decreasing alongside the air in your chest. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 3)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 8)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They pause and think for just a moment. (set: $war_asked = true) (font: "georgia")[***"YES."***]{ }(if: $ork_response is not "simp")[ They resume picking at their teeth.] (if: $gods_asked is false)[[["What Gods do the orcs worship?"|ORC GODS B]]] (if: $woods_asked is false)[[["What are orcs doing in these woods?"|ORC WOODS B]]] (if: $war_asked is false)[[["Are all orcs warriors?"|ORC WAR B]]] (if: $breed_asked is false)[[["How do orcs breed?"|ORC BREED B]]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"AH."***] They quickly rise to their feet, having never settled on the ground. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK HAS MET THIS BREED OF HUMAN BEFORE."***] They hold the broadsword outward, blade-tip aimed for your heart. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-FREAK ONCE ASKED THIS ORK FOR SEX. DID NOT LISTEN TO THIS ORK REFUSING."***] Their voice lowers into a snarl. (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-FREAK DIED."***] Slowly, they back away, towards the darkness of the trees. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 4)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 0)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They smile, warm and wide. (font: "georgia")[***"BECAUSE THE ORC IS (text-style:"emboss")[DANGEROUS]."***] Then they stride away, lumbering back towards the darkness of the trees. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 0)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 6)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They shake their head, disappointed. (font: "georgia")[***"THE ORC-FRIEND SAYS THE ORC IS DANGEROUS."***] They sniff the air again, shifting their grip on the broadsword. (font: "georgia")[***"BUT WALKS IN THE ORC WOODS ALONE? HUMAN-LIAR THINKS THIS ORK IS FOOL."***] They smile and whisper: (font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-FRIENDS WILL DIE WITH ORC-FRIEND.."***] In a blur, they //swing// the broadsword for your neck. (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 1)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 7)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

Your fist raises into the air and is greeted by a distant //rustling// of leaves and the //snapping// of twigs. The world grows sharply darker as you are jerked towards the darkness between the trees. Your feet drag along the ground, stones and branches snagging and scratching as you're dragged through them. Then you're free, dropped to the dirt with a //thud//, and the orc has vanished into the night. There is no sound of their steps, only the light //patter// of rain on your armour and a ringing in your ears. You live, and the orc escaped. (link: "***THE END***")[(go-to: "THE END")]

They rest their broadsword on their shoulder. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK NOT LEAVING TOO."***] Silence falls between you for a moment, the campfire and the rain filling the void. They stand and watch you, unflinching. [[***DO NOTHING***|LIFE C PT. 2]] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 2)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

(font: "georgia")[***"HUMAN-SCOUT CHOOSES."***] They step forwards, flames licking their heels. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK DIES OR HUMAN-SCOUT DIES. NOW. NO WAITING FOR ARMIES."***] (set: $choice_type = 3) (link: '"You should die."')[(go-to: "ORK LEAVES I")] (link: '"I should die."')[(go-to: "CHOICE HUMAN")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 1)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]

They stare down upon you and their eyes soften. They flash you a wide smile. (font: "georgia")[***"THIS ORK LIVES. WILL SEE HUMAN-SCOUT IN BATTLE."***] And with that they turn, striding away towards the cloak of night.] (link: "***DO NOTHING***")[(set: $no_order_type = 0)(go-to: "DO NOT GIVE ORDER")] (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"fidget")+(text-colour:red)[(link: "***>>GIVE THE ORDER<<***")[(set: $order_type = 6)(go-to: "GIVE THE ORDER")]]]