Death's Gambit

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<<set _HumanHand to $cards.splice(Math.floor(Math.random()*$cards.length),1)>> <<set _DeathHand to $cards.splice(Math.floor(Math.random()*$cards.length),1)>> <<set _HumanHandCard to _HumanHand[0].value + "_of_" + _HumanHand[0].suit.toLowerCase()>> <<set _DeathHandCard to _DeathHand[0].value + "_of_" + _DeathHand[0].suit.toLowerCase()>> <<script>> /* Prevent F5 or browser refresh */ function disableF5(e) { if ((e.which || e.keyCode) == 116) e.preventDefault(); }; $(document).on("keydown", disableF5); <</script>> <<include "SaveHand">> <div class="game-table"> <div class="human-hand"> <h3>My hand</h3> <div id="human-playing-card" class="playing-card"> <div class="front"> <img src="images/cards/back.png"> </div> <div class="back"> <<= "<img src='images/cards/" + _HumanHandCard + ".png'>">> </div> </div> </div> <div class="death-hand"> <h3>Death's hand</h3> <div id="death-playing-card" class="playing-card"> <div class="front"> <img src="images/cards/back.png"> </div> <<if $CheatedHand is true>> <div class="back"> <<= "<img src='images/cards/" + $cheatedDeathHandCard + ".png'>">> </div> <<else>> <div class="back"> <<= "<img src='images/cards/" + _DeathHandCard + ".png'>">> </div> <</if>> </div> </div> </div> <<GameContinueWidget "Pause">>

<<audio "night" volume 0.4 loop play>>

<<set $CurrentPause to 1>> <<set $CurrentHand to 1>> <<set $HumanTotal to 0>> <<set $DeathTotal to 0>> <<set $cardsPicked to []>> <<set $cheatedHand to []>> <<set $CheatedHand to false>> <<set $CheatCallout to false>> <<cacheaudio "night" "audio/backgroundmusic.ogg" "audio/backgroundmusic.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "gust" "audio/gust.ogg" "audio/gust.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "shuffle" "audio/shuffle.ogg" "audio/shuffle.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "cock" "audio/cock.ogg" "audio/cock.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "sigh" "audio/sigh.ogg" "audio/sigh.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "blow" "audio/blow.ogg" "audio/blow.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "cough" "audio/cough.ogg" "audio/cough.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "doortap" "audio/doortap.ogg" "audio/doortap.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "windowtap" "audio/windowtap.ogg" "audio/windowtap.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "chair" "audio/chair.ogg" "audio/chair.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "warm" "audio/handswarm.ogg" "audio/handswarm.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "A" "audio/card1.ogg" "audio/card1.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "B" "audio/card2.ogg" "audio/card2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "C" "audio/card3.ogg" "audio/card3.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "D" "audio/card4.ogg" "audio/card4.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "E" "audio/card5.ogg" "audio/card5.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "F" "audio/card6.ogg" "audio/card6.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "G" "audio/card7.ogg" "audio/card7.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "H" "audio/card8.ogg" "audio/card8.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "I" "audio/card9.ogg" "audio/card9.mp3">>

<<set _tempVar to recall('Reset', false)>> <<if _tempVar is true>> <<goto "PreIntro">> <<run forget('Reset')>> <</if>> <div class="splash-screen"> <h2>How to play?</h2> <p class="passage-text">- Red boxed sentences are pressable</p> <p class="passage-text">- Headphones are recommended</p> <p class="passage-text">- <<button "Fullscreen">><<run Fullscreen.toggle()>><</button>> is recommended</p> <p class="passage-text">- The game automatically saves (#cookies)</p> <h1 class="default-button"><<link [[Play|TitleScreen]]>><<set $SecretRandom to random(1, 100)>><</link>></h1> </div>

<div class="TitleScreen"> <h1>Death's Gambit</h1> </div> <div class="TitleScreenPlayButton default-button"> <<if Save.autosave.has()>> <<linkreplace "Start a new gambit" t8n>> This resets your current game. <<link "Confirm">> <<run memorize('Reset', true)>> <<run Engine.restart()>> <</link>> <</linkreplace>> <<else>> <<if $PlayGameNormal>> <<link [[Gambit for good fortune|PreIntro]]>><</link>> <<elseif not $PlayGameNormal>> <<link [[Gambit for good fortune|PreIntro]]>><</link>> <</if>> <</if>> </div> <<if Save.autosave.has()>> <div class="TitleScreenContinueButton default-button"> <<link "Continue your gambit!">> <<script>> Save.autosave.load(); <</script>> <</link>> </div> <</if>> <div class="TitleScreenContinueButton default-button"> <<link [[Credits]]>> <</link>> </div>

<div style="text-align:center;">\ <h1 style="text-align:center">Credits</h1>\ ''//Death's Gambit// created by'': <<externalLink "Sjoerd Hekking" "https://www.writtenhorror.com">> | <<externalLink "Tip me!" "https://ko-fi.com/sjoerdhekking">> ''//Artist//'': <<externalLink "Support the artist!" "https://ko-fi.com/addictivities">>|<<externalLink "Instagram" "https://www.instagram.com/eli.psia/">> ''//Audio//'': <<externalLink "Miracle Forest" "https://www.youtube.com/user/themiracleforest">> '' With the help of'': Gwen, Chapel, Hituro and TRBRY. '' Special thanks to'': Cyrus Firheir 🐉 '' Discord'': <<externalLink "Press me" "https://discord.gg/VhbDppDBPD">> <p class="passage-text default-button pause-button"><<link "Back" 'TitleScreen'>><</link>></p> </div>

<p class="passage-text"> Please select a city in the dropdown list in order for the game to function correctly. If you wish to select a random city that's no problem. </p> <div class="center-city"> <<listbox "$City">> <<optionsfrom setup.cityData>> <</listbox>> </div> <p id="city-button" class="passage-text default-button city-continue-button hidden"> <<link "Start the game!">> <<run setup.GameTime($City.long, $City.lat)>> <<if $PlayGameNormal>> <<goto "Intro">> <<elseif not $PlayGameNormal>> <<goto "IntroAlt">> <</if>> <</link>> </p> <<script>> $(document).on("click", "#listbox-city", function () { $("#city-button").removeClass("hidden"); }); <</script>>

<<ctp "GameIntro" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("GameIntro")>> <p class="passage-text">The sun has set, and you have grabbed the deck of cards. It’s a vintage one, which looks rather unsettling. Maybe you have chosen it because it fits the game more...? You have already placed one chair outside, facing the window, and your chair inside, also facing the window. It’s dark outside, and you feel a little jumpy. Life has put you under a lot of stress lately. All you need is a little luck, just a pinch. You place the pen and paper on the windowsill.</p> <<set _nextText to "Shuffle the cards">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<audio "shuffle" play>> <p class="passage-text">You shuffle the cards. The smell of the cards wafts into your nose and lingers. It’s musky and sweet. Somehow it reminds you of chocolate.</p> <<set _nextText to "Start the game">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <p class="passage-text">As instructed, you chant //“I leave my faith up to luck”// towards the darkness behind the window a few times.</p> <<timed 2500ms>> <<audio "gust" volume 0.2 play>> <</timed>> <<timed `random(3, 6) + "s"`>> <<run setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400);>> <<run jQuery("html").addClass("yesghost")>> <p class="passage-text border">You hear an unusually loud gust of wind. This must be it. The game must have <<link [[begun|GameBegin]]>><<run jQuery("html").removeClass("yesghost")>><</link>>.</p> <</timed>> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "GameIntro">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>>

<<ctp "GameIntroAlt" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("GameIntroAlt")>> <p class="passage-text">The sun hasn’t set, but you already grabbed the deck of cards. It’s a vintage one, which looks rather unsettling. Maybe you have chosen it because it fits the game more...? You have already placed one chair outside, facing the window, and your chair inside, also facing the window. It’s still light outside, but you wanted to play it now. Life has put you under a lot of stress lately. All you need is a little luck, just a pinch. You place the pen and paper on the windowsill.</p> <<set _nextText to "Shuffle the cards">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<audio "shuffle" play>> <p class="passage-text">You shuffle the cards. The smell of the cards wafts into your nose and lingers. It’s musky and sweet. Somehow it reminds you of chocolate.</p> <<set _nextText to "Start the game">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <p class="passage-text">You proceed, even though you know the game can only be played after sunset. As instructed, you chant //“I leave my faith up to luck”// towards the darkness behind the window a few times.</p> <<timed 2500ms>> <<audio "gust" volume 0.2 play>> <</timed>> <<timed `random(3, 6) + "s"`>> <<run setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400);>> <<run jQuery("html").addClass("yesghost")>> <p class="passage-text border">You hear an unusually loud gust of wind. This must be it. The game must have <<link [[begun|GameBegin]]>><<run jQuery("html").removeClass("yesghost")>><</link>>.</p> <</timed>> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "GameIntroAlt">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>>

<<ctp "GameBegin" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("GameBegin")>> <p class="passage-text">You have been told the rules are simple; you place 2 cards face down on the windowsill, one for the guest and one for yourself. Afterwards, you turn them around and compare them. Death gets one point if his card is higher, otherwise you get one point. The aces count as the highest cards. The thought of your guest being the reaper makes you laugh a little, because the gust of wind could’ve been just a random coincidence.</p> <<set _nextText to "Place the first two cards">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <p class="passage-text">Alright, two handpicked cards are placed down. You will now turn them around and keep track of the score. //“I hope you are there in the empty void behind the window, because I could really use that nudge of supernatural in my life,”// You say.</p> <p class="passage-text border"><<link [[Time to turn them around|CardPicker]]>><<set $Chance to random(1, 100)>><</link>>.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "GameBegin">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>>

<<if $DeathTotal > $HumanTotal>> <<ctp "gameendbad" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("gameendbad")>> <p class="passage-text">You close your eyes as tightly as possible. You have lost and you fear that death reaps your soul.</p> <<set _nextText to "Open them.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<audio "sigh" play>> <p class="passage-text">After a good while you open them, the cards are still on the table; the chair is still outside, no light has been extinguished, the scoreboard hasn’t been tampered with and you don’t seem to be in Hell. You say, “it was all just a silly ghost story.”</p> <<set _nextText to "Sigh of relief.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<audio "cock" play>> <p class="passage-text">You hear a gun cock behind you and a voice saying, “we gave you a month to get the money. You are as good as useless to us. Any last words?”</p> <p class="passage-text default-button pause-button"><<link "Credits" 'Credits2'>><</link>></p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "gameendbad">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $HumanTotal > $DeathTotal>> <<ctp "gameendwin" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("gameendwin")>> <p class="passage-text">With a big smile, you are waiting for some otherworldly event, something big, a sign of the fact you beat death. You feel amazing, and the adrenaline rushes through your body again. You won her back, and you won the game. What else could you wish for?</p> <<set _nextText to "Look around you.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <p class="passage-text">Nothing seems to have changed after you waited for a while. You are wondering what “good fortune” actually means, and if the game wasn’t a fraud after all.</p> <<set _nextText to "Place your face in your hands.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <p class="passage-text">You are trying to create a back-up plan, since the game was just a ghost story after all, when you suddenly hear someone laughing behind you… //“Aileen?”//</p> <p class="passage-text default-button pause-button"><<link "Credits" 'Credits2'>><</link>></p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "gameendwin">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $HumanTotal is $DeathTotal>> <p class="passage-text">You laugh, //“so we played a draw?”// You are uncertain whether the game is a fraud after all, or because you played a draw, nothing happens. You say, //“I think it’s time for another shuffle, isn’t it?”//</p> <p class="passage-text default-button pause-button"><<link "Credits" 'Credits2'>><</link>></p> <<else>> impossible <</if>>

<div style="text-align:center;">\ <h1 style="text-align:center">Credits</h1>\ <<timed 1s>>''//Death's Gambit// created by'': <<externalLink "Sjoerd Hekking" "https://www.writtenhorror.com">> | <<externalLink "Tip me!" "https://ko-fi.com/sjoerdhekking">><</timed>> <<timed 3s>>''//Artist//'': <<externalLink "Support the artist!" "https://ko-fi.com/addictivities">>|<<externalLink "Instagram" "https://www.instagram.com/eli.psia/">><</timed>> <<timed 5s>>''//Audio//'': <<externalLink "Miracle Forest" "https://www.youtube.com/user/themiracleforest">><</timed>> <<timed 7s>>'' With the help of'': Gwen, Chapel, Hituro and TRBRY.<</timed>> <<timed 9s>>'' Special thanks to'': Cyrus Firheir 🐉<</timed>> <<timed 11s>>'' Discord'': <<externalLink "Press me" "https://discord.gg/VhbDppDBPD">><</timed>> <<timed 13s>><p class="passage-text default-button pause-button"><<link "Restart">><<run Save.autosave.delete()>><<run Engine.restart()>><</link>></p><</timed>> </div>

<<widget GameContinueWidget>> <<set _NextPause to ($args[0] + $CurrentPause)>> <div class="game-continue"> <<liveblock>> <<if _HumanKey is true && _DeathKey is true>> <<timed 400ms>> <p class="passage-text default-button"><<link [[Continue to a new hand|_NextPause]]>> <<set $CurrentPause++>> <</link>></p> <p class="passage-text default-button"><<link [[Accuse death of cheating!|_NextPause]]>> <<set $CurrentPause++>> <<set $CheatCallout to true>> <</link>></p> <</timed>> <</if>> <</liveblock>> </div> <<one 'click' '#death-playing-card'>> <<set _DeathKey to true>> <<update>> <</one>> <<one 'click' '#human-playing-card'>> <<set _HumanKey to true>> <<update>> <</one>> <</widget>>

<<set State.variables["HumanHand" + $CurrentHand] to _HumanHand>> <<set State.variables["DeathHand" + $CurrentHand] to _DeathHand>> <<set $cardsPicked = $cardsPicked.concat(_HumanHand, _DeathHand)>> <<if not $PlayGameNormal && [$Chance].includesAny(11, 12, 22, 34, 50, 66, 25, 75, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, 69, 73)>> <<set _humanCardCompare to State.variables["HumanHand" + $CurrentHand][0].point>> <<set _sortedCards to $cardsPicked.length > 0 ? $cardsPicked.filter(function(item) { return item.point > _humanCardCompare; }) : $cards[0];>> <<if _sortedCards.length is 0>> <<set $cheatedHand[0] to $cards[0]>> <<set $cheatedDeathHandCard to $cards[0].value + "_of_" + $cards[0].suit.toLowerCase()>> <<else>> <<set $cheatedHand to _sortedCards.splice(Math.floor(Math.random()*_sortedCards.length),1)>> <<set $cheatedDeathHandCard to $cheatedHand[0].value + "_of_" + $cheatedHand[0].suit.toLowerCase()>> <</if>> <<set $CheatedHand to true>> <<elseif [$Chance].includesAny(50, 66, 25, 75, 11, 34)>> /* compare array of objects of picked cards against humanhandcompare, drop all lower, randomly pick one card and display that one instead */ <<set _humanCardCompare to State.variables["HumanHand" + $CurrentHand][0].point>> <<set _sortedCards to $cardsPicked.length > 0 ? $cardsPicked.filter(function(item) { return item.point > _humanCardCompare; }) : $cards[0];>> <<if _sortedCards.length is 0>> <<set $cheatedHand[0] to $cards[0]>> <<set $cheatedDeathHandCard to $cards[0].value + "_of_" + $cards[0].suit.toLowerCase()>> <<else>> <<set $cheatedHand to _sortedCards.splice(Math.floor(Math.random()*_sortedCards.length),1)>> <<set $cheatedDeathHandCard to $cheatedHand[0].value + "_of_" + $cheatedHand[0].suit.toLowerCase()>> <</if>> <<set $CheatedHand to true>> <</if>>

<<set _HumanHandPoint to State.variables["HumanHand" + $CurrentHand][0].point>> <<set _DeathHandPoint to State.variables["DeathHand" + $CurrentHand][0].point>> <<if $CheatedHand is true && $CheatCallout is false>> /* death secretly cheated */ <<set _CheatedHandPoint to $cheatedHand[0].point>> <<if _HumanHandPoint gt _CheatedHandPoint>> /* Human wins */ <<set $HumanTotal++>> <<elseif _CheatedHandPoint gt _HumanHandPoint>> /* Death wins */ <<set $DeathTotal++>> <<elseif _HumanHandPoint is _CheatedHandPoint>> /* draw */ <<else>> impossible <</if>> <<set $CurrentHand++>> <<elseif $CheatedHand is true && $CheatCallout is true>> /* death cheated accused right */ <<set $HumanTotal++>> <<set $HumanTotal++>> <<set $CurrentHand++>> <<elseif $CheatedHand is false && $CheatCallout is true>> /* Wrongly accused death of cheating */ <<set $DeathTotal++>> <<set $DeathTotal++>> <<set $CurrentHand++>> <<elseif $CheatedHand is false && $CheatCallout is false>> /* Normal round */ <<if _HumanHandPoint > _DeathHandPoint>> /* Human wins */ <<set $HumanTotal++>> <<elseif _DeathHandPoint > _HumanHandPoint>> /* Death wins */ <<set $DeathTotal++>> <<elseif _HumanHandPoint is _DeathHandPoint>> /* draw */ <<else>> impossible <</if>> <<set $CurrentHand++>> <</if>> <div class="scoreboard"><p class="passage-text">Human: $HumanTotal, Death: $DeathTotal</p></div> <<if $CheatedHand is false && $CheatCallout is true>> <p class="passage-text">You wrongly accused death for cheating.</p> <<elseif $CheatedHand is true && $CheatCallout is true>> <p class="passage-text">You caught death cheating.</p> <<elseif $CheatedHand is true && $CheatCallout is false>> <p class="passage-text">You feel a little drowsy, haven't you seen death's last card before?</p> <</if>> <<set $CheatedHand to false>> <<set $CheatCallout to false>>

<<set $audio to ["A", "B", "C", "D", "E", "F", "G", "H", "I"]>> <<set _option to $audio[random(0, 8)]>> <<set _option2 to $audio[random(0, 8)]>> <<audio _option play>> <<timed 2s>><<audio _option2 play>><</timed>>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<if $HumanTotal > $DeathTotal>> /* Human wins */ <<ctp "pause1human" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause1human")>> <p class="passage-text">You question whether or not this game actually works. You think, //it feels silly playing it, but hey, I won the first round, didn’t I?//</p> <<set _nextText to "Place two new cards.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">You think it’s time to play again. How bad can things get, right?</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause1human">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $DeathTotal > $HumanTotal>> <<ctp "pause1death" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause1death")>> <p class="passage-text">You question whether or not this game actually works. You think, //It feels silly playing it, especially after losing the first round, right?//</p> <<set _nextText to "Place two new cards.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">You think it’s time to play again. How bad can things get, right?</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause1death">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $HumanTotal is $DeathTotal>> /* draw */ <<ctp "pause1draw" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause1draw")>> <p class="passage-text">//We played a draw, didn’t we?// You think that means neither of you get any points. It’s fascinating how silly you feel, because you are not even sure if this game, or rather ‘ritual’, is even real.</p> <<set _nextText to "Place two new cards.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">You are not sure how you let yourself be convinced there is such a thing as playing a game with death. But hey, anything to climb out of that pit of poverty, right? You think it’s time to play again.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause1draw">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<else>> impossible <</if>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<ctp "pause2" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause2")>> <p class="passage-text">You are not sure if he is truly out there, but you feel lonely inside, staring at the world outside, so you might as well bore him with your story. You say, //“It’s not a heroic one, nor is it one of awe. One could even call it saddening or dreary.”//</p> <<set _nextText to "Draw some cards.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">//“I don’t know if you want to hear my story or not, but you’re stuck with me until the card game ends. That means you have to sit out twenty-four more draws before the total score saves you from me, or vice versa.”//</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause2">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<if $DeathTotal > $HumanTotal>> /* death more points */ <<ctp "pause3death" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause3death")>> <p class="passage-text">You say, //“Damn you! Luck seems to be on your side”//. //“I wonder if the deity, being, or whatever ‘Lady Fortune’ might be, isn’t just helping death out of favoritism. I know death has a nasty habit of cheating, so paying a tiny amount more attention to the cards could help me,”// you think.</p> <<set _nextText to "Blow some dust off the windowsill.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<audio "blow" play>> <<timed 1s>><<include "RandomCardAudio">><</timed>> <p class="passage-text">You should’ve maybe kept the house cleaner, but nonetheless, you shall continue. You are certainly not going to give up after just three rounds of the gamble.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause3death">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $HumanTotal > $DeathTotal>> <<ctp "pause3human" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause3human")>> <p class="passage-text">Luck seems to be on your side. //“I hope the deity, being, or whatever ‘Lady Fortune’ might be, isn’t holding a grudge against you. For you reap souls of this world like an invincible force of nature, giving them no chance but to comply to your call.”//</p> <<set _nextText to "Blow some dust off the windowsill.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<audio "blow" play>> <<timed 1s>><<include "RandomCardAudio">><</timed>> <p class="passage-text">//“I doubt she likes the fact you disrupt her plans, because I think she weaves luck into our lives before it has happened, and you ruthlessly pluck a human from the surface.”//</p> <<set _nextTex to "Laugh.">> <<ctpNext>> <p class="passage-text">//“Come, come, I don’t want to anger you, but I am a rather direct person. After all, the dread you have seen must have made you immune to a simple taunt, shouldn’t it?”//</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause3human">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $HumanTotal is $DeathTotal>> /* draw in total points */ <<ctp "pause3draw" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause3draw")>> <p class="passage-text">//“I think you have found yourself a formidable opponent, for we have the same total points.”// You don’t know what will happen in the future, but the deity, being, or whatever ‘Lady Fortune’ might be, seems to have taken a liking towards sadism.</p> <<set _nextText to "Blow some dust off the windowsill.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<audio "blow" play>> <<timed 1s>><<include "RandomCardAudio">><</timed>> <p class="passage-text">You know that’s a rather huge accusation, but you can’t help reasoning about her letting the two of you have a draw. You think she might enjoy toying with your luck.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause3draw">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<else>> impossible <</if>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<ctp "pause4" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause4")>> <p class="passage-text">//“I could start my endless life story from the beginning, or in the middle, or why I ended up in this chair facing the window while staring into nothingness”//. However, you are honestly not sure where to begin. //“Gosh, I feel stupid for talking to an empty chair behind a window.”//</p> <<set _nextText to "Draw two cards.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">Somehow your whole life felt like a series of chances with a whiff of predetermined destination. //“Alright, alright, I shall first reveal the next two cards.”//</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause4">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<ctp "pause5" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause5")>> <p class="passage-text">//“I think it would be rather dramatic to throw my entire life story at you, so I will keep that part to myself for now.”// You touch the already played cards. The cards are made of a premium cotton-paper mixture which yellowed a little. Some cards feel oddly cold, as if they have been outside.</p> <<set _nextText to "You continue.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <p class="passage-text">//“Such nice things we didn’t have, you know, premium playing cards. We even used beer caps as poker chips.”// Your subconsciousness is working overtime to keep you from talking about the reason you are here. The thoughts hurt.</p> <<set _nextText to "Give death a hint.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <<timed 4s>> <<audio "cough" play>> <</timed>> <p class="passage-text">//“I have been told that the winner of this game would get a lifetime's worth of luck, fortune, whatever. I am not a superstitious person, I don’t even believe in God, but at this point I’d do anything.”// You cough, for sitting near the window makes you feel cold. //“If I don’t win, I can never pay them back.”//</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause5">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<if $HumanTotal > $DeathTotal>> <<ctp "pause6human" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause6human")>> <p class="passage-text">//“Lady luck must be on my side,”// you say smiling, //“they say the chance is fifty-fifty, but the more cards we draw, and the smaller the deck becomes, the more chance one has to win.”//</p> <<set _nextText to "Nuance yourself.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">//“Alright, I am no mathematician, otherwise I wouldn’t be sitting here, but I do like the gamble, maybe a bit too much.”// You place two new cards on the sill.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause6human">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $DeathTotal > $HumanTotal>> <<ctp "pause6death" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause6death")>> <p class="passage-text">//“Lady luck must smile at you. Did you convince her to help you?”// You continue smiling, //“they say the chance is fifty-fifty, but the more cards we draw, and the smaller the deck becomes, the more chance one has to win. I sure hope she isn’t helping you out”//</p> <<set _nextText to "Nuance yourself.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">//“Alright, I am no mathematician, otherwise I wouldn’t be sitting here, but I do like the gamble, maybe a bit too much.”// You place two new cards on the sill.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause6death">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $HumanTotal is $DeathTotal>> <<ctp "pause6draw" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause6draw")>> <p class="passage-text">//“I think she is toying with us again. How does it feel to not be in control of something?”// You squint your eyes, for you taunted death. You quickly say, //“luckily neither of us is in control of this game.”// The void behind the window doesn’t respond to your accidental taunt, so you continue, //“they say the chance is fifty-fifty, but the more cards we draw, and the smaller the deck becomes, the more chance one has to win. I sure hope she isn’t helping you out”//</p> <<set _nextText to "Nuance yourself.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">//“Alright, I am no mathematician, otherwise I wouldn’t be sitting here, but I do like the gamble, maybe a bit too much. Apparently you like to gamble too, otherwise you wouldn’t be here.”// The gust of wind announced your guest, but you are still uncertain if this game is working. You place two new cards on the sill.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause6draw">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<else>> impossible <</if>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<ctp "pause7" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause7")>> <p class="passage-text">The deck has enough cards for a lot more rounds, but it diminishes round after round. You sigh, //“the deck of cards feels like my options I have. The more choices I make, the less of them are left.”//</p> <<set _nextText to "Stare beyond the window.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">You gaze upon the outside world, remembering when you walked in it with no negative baggage. “I need to win, because it could help me get the money I need, to pay them, to get her back.”</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause7">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<if $DeathTotal > $HumanTotal>> <<ctp "pause8death" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause8death")>> <p class="passage-text">You sigh again, //“you seem to be the one in favor of luck. I am not even sure if you can hear what I am trying to tell you, but I need to win.”// You know this self-pity won’t get you anywhere, because it only works for small children who can be belittled.</p> <<set _nextText to "Pick two more cards.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">You continue, //“if you can truly hear me, please just let me win. She is my world, and there is no other way for me to get her back.”//</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause8death">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $HumanTotal > $DeathTotal>> <<ctp "pause8human" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause8human")>> <p class="passage-text">You smile at the window, //“it seems she is in favor of me, something which doesn’t happen often. I need to win, and at this rate I will.”//</p> <<set _nextText to "Pick two more cards.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">You continue, //“she is my only world, and I need to win, if you can hear me, thanks.”//</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause8human">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $HumanTotal is $DeathTotal>> <<ctp "pause8draw" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause8draw")>> <p class="passage-text">You smirk, for you have the feeling she is playing a game of her own with the two of you. //“It seems we are at a draw. Neither of us has more luck than the other,”// you continue, //“I need to win. I don’t want to invoke self-pity, but this is my last resort.”//</p> <<set _nextText to "Pick two more cards.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">You continue, //“she is my only world, and I need to win. If you can hear me, please give me a little spark of luck.”//</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause8draw">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<else>> impossible <</if>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<ctp "pause9" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause9")>> <p class="passage-text">//“The boys in lock-up told me about this silly game,”// you shake your head as if you don’t want to acknowledge the fact you are following their stories and actually playing it, //“they told me about a woman they robbed, before the time they hired me, whom was presumably a witch.”// </p> <<set _nextText to "Place down two new cards.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">You laugh, but it’s more one of embarrassment than of joy. You continue telling the guest your story, //“the woman would’ve been seen during the witching hour playing with fire and otherworldly objects. She believed salt would keep evil things outside of her house.”// You pause for a moment because you saw something in the void, but you are uncertain if your eyes aren’t just playing tricks on you. </p> <<set _nextText to "Blow some warm breath into your hands.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<audio "warm" play>> <p class="passage-text">//“Little did the witch know salt wouldn’t be able to keep some robbers out.”// A deep breath you take and you look around you, a glass of water could’ve been handy. //“They tortured her to make her tell them where she kept money or other valuables, because even a witch needs to eat and get around.”//</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause9">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<ctp "pause10" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause10")>> <p class="passage-text">//“Instead, she told the boys about the fact she was playing this game, and explained to them that if they were to make her stop playing it, death would demand someone’s soul.”// The boys had a good laugh about it and even asked her the purpose and the rules of this game, you heard.</p> <<set _nextText to "Place two cards down on the sill.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <<timed 3s>> <<audio "chair" play>> <</timed>> <p class="passage-text">You smile, and say, //“the one I am replacing went missing few days after, never to be seen again.”// You aren’t the person to believe in these ghost stories, but your deck of options has diminished enough to end up playing the witch’s game.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause10">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<if $DeathTotal > $HumanTotal>> <<ctp "pause11death" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause11death")>> <p class="passage-text">//“Goddamn,”// you say out loud, for death is having the upper hand. You weren’t raised as a righteous catholic, even though your family was, even they gave up hope long ago. This endless fight you have been in has tired you enough to get angry at a void.</p> <<set _nextText to "Grab the top two cards.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">//“I just can’t loose…”//</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause11death">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $HumanTotal > $DeathTotal>> <<ctp "pause11human" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause11human")>> <p class="passage-text">//“How does that feel?”// You say, laughing out loud. You continue, //“I have the upper hand, for one’s in my life.”// Not only are you happy for the fact you are winning this game, you are also happy because luck never has been on your side before. Suddenly, the smile disappears. You are an impulsive person, but to anger death like this could be fatal.</p> <<set _nextText to "Grab the top two cards.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">//“I shouldn’t have said that…”//</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause11human">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $HumanTotal is $DeathTotal>> <<ctp "pause11draw" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause11draw")>> <p class="passage-text">//“You are a formidable opponent, sadly this game isn’t about strategy, but just pure luck.”// You smirk again, for you now know Lady Fortuna is a righteous being.</p> <<set _nextText to "Grab the top two cards.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">//“Let’s continue, shall we?”//</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause11draw">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<else>> impossible <</if>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<ctp "pause12" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause12")>> <p class="passage-text">//“Anyway, let’s get back to where the bloke went missing,”// you say. The lights flickered as you continued your story. //“I escaped the jail a few hours ago. The guards didn’t put the cuffs on tightly enough.”// Your hands are still sweaty, because you feel anxious they could be here any moment.</p> <<set _nextText to "Quickly place two more cards down.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">//“I went to that place for caught robbery indeed, but it’s not what you think. I am no killer, nor am I a torturer.”// Your mind is trying to convince itself that it isn’t corrupted yet, but deep down inside, you feel broken and dirty.</p> <<set _nextText to "Laugh it off.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<audio "windowtap" play>> <p class="passage-text">When you were younger, you had an amazing talent for electronics. You could build small devices of sorts and tamper with others. When growing up, you found out alarm systems were nothing short of electric techniques. A few wrong life choices and you ended up having criminals as friends, the kind who commit to organized crime.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause12">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<if $DeathTotal > $HumanTotal>> <<ctp "pause13death" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause13death")>> <p class="passage-text">//“I think the odds are in your favor, mister, or should I just keep it at death?”// You say while trying to stay cool, because you know your short temper won’t get you anywhere.</p> <<set _nextText to "Notice the halved deck.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">//“Oh my, we are halfway through, aren’t we?”// You feel suspension in your body, for this means you are getting closer to an end.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause13death">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $HumanTotal > $DeathTotal>> <<ctp "pause13human" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause13human")>> <p class="passage-text">//“I think the odds are in my favor this evening, sir, or should I keep it at death?”// You try to play it cool, since your history of short tempers hasn’t made you a winner before.</p> <<set _nextText to "Notice the halved deck.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">“We are halfway through, huh?” You smile because you know that at this rate, you could beat the game.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause13human">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $HumanTotal is $DeathTotal>> <<ctp "pause13draw" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause13draw")>> <p class="passage-text">//“She keeps toying with us, as if we are little puppets, and she is the puppeteer.”// Annoyed, you try to keep yourself calm, since you have a bad habit of being short-tempered. You say, //“at least you can’t force her to help you, otherwise you would’ve had more points than me.”//</p> <<set _nextText to "Notice the halved deck.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">//“We are halfway through, huh?”// You feel scared because of the suspension Lady Fortuna is forcing upon the two of you. </p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause13draw">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<else>> impossible <</if>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<ctp "pause14" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause14")>> <p class="passage-text">You frown, you noticed the fact your mind is jumping from story to story. Maybe it’s the adrenaline still doing its job? You try to return to the red thread and you continue, //“the bloke went missing, and they hired me to replace him, since the payment was enormous and enough to get her back I took the job.”//</p> <<set _nextText to "Take two cards again.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <<timed 3s>> <<audio "doortap" play>> <</timed>> <p class="passage-text">//“You see, I might have borrowed some money from some people in the past. Some of these people included shady figures from the underworld.”// Your voice trembles as you say the person’s name who you owe the money. You continue, //“I was going to win the money back, truly.”//</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause14">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<ctp "pause15" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause15")>> <p class="passage-text">You sigh for the umpteenth time tonight. //“I am no catholic, nor a believer, but this sure as hell feels like a confessional.”// It feels like weights are being lifted from your shoulder, as if you are cleaning your spirit. //“This doesn’t happen quite often, I imagine, right? A human confessing their sins with death…”// you say mockingly. </p> <<set _nextText to "Place the next two cards down.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">//“I shouldn’t have made her my collateral, but it was the only way they knew I would pay them back…”//</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause15">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<if $HumanHand16[0].point > $DeathHand16[0].point>> <<ctp "pause16human" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause16human")>> <p class="passage-text">You laugh for you won the round before, and you say, //“If I hadn’t enough adrenaline in my system already, sure I have now, the thrill of gambling is just euphoric.”//</p> <<set _nextText to "Look into the void.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">The wind is gently blowing outside and you faintly hear leaves rustle, but the chair is still empty. You question yourself if this isn’t a waste of time.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause16human">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $DeathHand16[0].point > $HumanHand16[0].point>> <<ctp "pause16death" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause16death")>> <p class="passage-text">Your forehead feels warm and moist, something you always experience when losing a round of any card game. //“You see, my luck isn’t that present.”//</p> <<set _nextText to "Look into the void.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">The wind is gently blowing outside and you faintly hear leaves rustle, but the chair is still empty. You question yourself if this isn’t a waste of time.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause16death">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $DeathHand16[0].point is $HumanHand16[0].point>> <<ctp "pause16draw" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause16draw")>> <p class="passage-text">//“The odds of playing the same card at the beginning are around eight percent, but the more cards we pick, the more this number chances, depending on the card firstly drawn.”// You know you haven’t found this out yourself, and you are merely flaunting someone else’s knowledge, but it feels good knowing what is happening. </p> <<set _nextText to "Look into the void.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">//“You must know all odds of every single game, for you are as old as humanity, if the books about the gods are true.”//</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause16draw">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<else>> impossible <</if>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<ctp "pause17" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause17")>> <p class="passage-text">You feel a surge of clarity rushing through your body and you tell death something which you have told no one, something you even denied. //“I might be an addict, not to drugs or alcohol, but to this, gambling.”// You know that games with cards in a casino cost money, and there is a reason they are eighteen plus.</p> <<set _nextText to "Draw to cards.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">Your hands are always shaking when you draw cards, for whatever game. The thrill, suspense, and rush are your drug. //“I borrowed enough money to buy a house, and if only I’d win a few rounds, I could’ve bought a house and give her a life I didn’t have when growing up.”//</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause17">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<if $DeathTotal > $HumanTotal>> <<ctp "pause18death" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause18death")>> <p class="passage-text">You note down on the paper the interim score. You have been marking tallies from the beginning. //“Aren’t you lucky, death?”// You say with a smudge of jealousy in your voice. //“You can’t win. I will do everything to make you lose.”//</p> <<set _nextText to "Pick new cards with a shivering hand.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">The fact death is beating you at a simple card game angers you, to a point you wish to scream at him. Getting upset won’t help you. The last time you did a lot of bad things happened.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause18death">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $HumanTotal > $DeathTotal>> <<ctp "pause18human" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause18human")>> <p class="passage-text">You note down the new tally; you have been keeping the score from the beginning on the paper and you smile, for you are winning. When you are feeling victorious, your mouth’s corners always raise, they are being pulled up by your subconsciousness. Creating a smile, one you can’t hide.</p> <<set _nextText to "Pick new cards with a steady hand.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">The fact you are beating death with a simple card game makes you happy and content. You can’t express this feeling of excitement too much, since you don’t know if death can become angry or not. You still aren’t even sure if death is truly sitting in the chair across the window.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause18human">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $HumanTotal is $DeathTotal>> <<ctp "pause18draw" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause18draw")>> <p class="passage-text">As you carve another tally mark in on the note, you notice that you and death are at draw. It feels scary to not be in control of the game, but that’s something you actually got used to. You have played tons of games of any card game before, including poker, blackjack and even this game.</p> <<set _nextText to "Pick new cards with a steady hand.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">//“Soon the winner will be revealed…”//</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause18draw">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<else>> impossible <</if>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<if $DeathTotal > $HumanTotal>> <<ctp "pause19death" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause19death")>> <p class="passage-text">//“She, our lady, is playing tricks for sure. I must win, and she knows it, but apparently she truly likes to inflict fear into me as a joke.”// With sweet words, you try to convince yourself that winning is still an option, but you feel the heat rising.</p> <<set _nextText to "Hesitate about the game.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">Little cards are left since when you begun the game, and it frightens you. //“We could also call it even, couldn’t we?”// You know that bargaining with death is as futile as stealing her back.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause19death">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $HumanTotal > $DeathTotal>> <<ctp "pause19human" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause19human")>> <p class="passage-text">//“She knows I must win. She knows I can’t live without her.”// You are feeling excited, since you almost played all cards, and you have an advantage in points. Winning is within your reach, and it feels extraordinary for someone who only lost things.</p> <<set _nextText to "Continue the game.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">You grab two cards and smirk, because the deck is getting smaller and smaller, like extinguishing a fire, one burning out of fear. It’s not the fear of losing, since you know that special feeling, but fear of whether this game is not all a scam, a lie or a trick you played on yourself.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause19human">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $HumanTotal is $DeathTotal>> <<ctp "death19draw" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("death19draw")>> <p class="passage-text">You smile and say, //“well, she is toying with us, I am sure of it, keeping us at a draw.”// Fear is eating you on your inside, because this might all be a scam, a lie, or a trick you played on yourself.</p> <<set _nextText to "Continue the game.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">You grab two cards again and notice the deck is getting thinner and thinner, only few cards are left. //“We are nearing an end…”// you mumble. You question yourself what happens if you lose the game, will you end up like the missing robber?</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "death19draw">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<else>> impossible <</if>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<ctp "pause20" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause20")>> <p class="passage-text">//“She deserved better, I know, I can’t deny the painful truth.”// Your eyes are watering, but there are no tears rolling down your cheek. //“You must think I am a failure by now, a fraud, or a fool, well maybe I am,”// you say with a lump in your throat. </p> <<set _nextText to "Pick two cards from the top.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">//“I tried quitting this life, but the past always follows you, especially if the past is actively searching for you,”// you whisper.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause20">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<ctp "pause21" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause21")>> <p class="passage-text">//“Her mom would’ve hated the man I became, but how could I raise a child alone with such a low income?”// Your self-pity isn’t helping you, but you never opened up to anyone. This battle you have been fighting, one against your very nature, has taken his toll.</p> <<set _nextText to "Hand out new cards.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">//“You know death, there is no way I can lose, for I have lost everything already, and there is nothing more I can lose.”// The bitter truth is, she is already theirs and you know it.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause21">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<ctp "pause22" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause22")>> <p class="passage-text">You laugh at yourself, and at the same time, you feel disgusted as you say, //“it’s rather ironic, isn’t it? Gambling for fortune, whatever that may be.”// It feels to you like the circle has almost been completed. You got nested deep within this problem because of a few simple card games and you escape it with another one.</p> <<set _nextText to "Is this real?">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">As you place one of the last rounds face down on the windowsill, you smile, knowing that what’s happening is in the hands of death and Lady Fortuna. No longer are you in control of anything. You still whisper face down, //“please, I just want to win…”//</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause22">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<if $DeathTotal > $HumanTotal>> <<ctp "pause23death" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause23death")>> <p class="passage-text">Death is winning, he has more points than you, and the light at the end of the tunnel is slowly fading away.</p> <<set _nextText to "Draw two cards.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">You are frightened, but at the same time overwhelmed with endorphins, for you have never played such a game before. The excitement partially comes from whether death exists and is playing a game with you, and the gamble if you can still win.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause23death">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $HumanTotal > $DeathTotal>> <<ctp "pause23human" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause23human")>> <p class="passage-text">You are winning; you have more point than death, and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel.</p> <<set _nextText to "Draw two cards.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">The excitement is overwhelming, whether death is truly your guest in this game and if you can keep holding the advantage or not. Gambling is addictive, and you know it. Even now, when everything is at stake, you can only focus on the game itself.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause23human">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<elseif $DeathTotal is $HumanTotal>> <<ctp "pause23draw" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause23draw")>> <p class="passage-text">//“I can’t handle it,”// you say to your guest. The emotions are overwhelming, you’d expect it to be the excitement of winning her back, however, it’s more the fact you are at a draw in this card game.</p> <<set _nextText to "Draw two cards.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">Deep down inside, you feel sickened, but you can’t help yourself, can you? </p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause23draw">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<else>> impossible <</if>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<ctp "pause24" nobr>> <<set _ctp to CTP.getCTP("pause24")>> <p class="passage-text">You are conflicted, your mind doesn’t know what it wants or how it should feel. Both the emotions of losing her or winning her back, and losing or winning the game itself, are becoming a chaotic mess inside your mind. </p> <<set _nextText to "Draw two of the last few cards.">> <<ctpNext t8n>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <p class="passage-text">//“I must win, win her, I mean, win at all…”// You are stumbling on your own words.</p> <<ctpTail>> <<if _ctp.log.index lt _ctp.stack.length - 1>> <<button `_nextText`>> <<run _ctp.advance()?.then(function () { setup.scrollElementToBottom(1400); })>> <<ctpAdvance "pause24">> <</button>> <</if>> <</ctp>> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <<set _tempCalc to ($HumanTotal - $DeathTotal)>> <<if _tempCalc is -2 || _tempCalc is -1>> <p class="passage-text">//“Please my lady, if you can hear me, I need a miracle!”//</p> <<elseif _tempCalc is 1>> <p class="passage-text">//“If you could sprinkle a little luck on my last hand, I owe you one.”// You laugh, for you are making another deal with someone. It has become a habit, hasn’t it?</p> <<elseif _tempCalc is 0>> <p class="passage-text">“I don’t want to anger you, sir, but I will win, no matter what happens.” You aggressively say, almost as if you were obsessed with the game. </p> <<elseif _tempCalc lte -3>> <p class="passage-text">//“Please, I tried my best, I just wanted to win her back…”// Those tears, which didn’t roll down a few rounds ago, are making your cheeks wet now. You know all is lost.</p> <<elseif _tempCalc gte 2>> <p class="passage-text">//“You can’t beat me anymore. I have won. It has already been decided like a human life has.”// You say, smiling at the empty chair outside.</p> <<else>> impossible <</if>> <<include "RandomCardAudio">> <<include "ContinueGameButton">>

<<include "Scoreboard">> <p class="passage-text">Looking at the score, you say, //“lady luck has sealed our faith.”//</p> <p class="passage-text default-button end-button"><<link [[End the game|GameEnd]]>><</link>></p>

<<widget externalLink>> /% $args[0] should be link text %/ /% $args[1] should be link URL %/ <<print "<a class='external-button' href='" + $args[1] + "' target='_blank'>" + $args[0] + "</a>">> <</widget>>