<img src="http://brandoncarbaugh.com/wp-content/uploads/landscape.png">
Out in the wilderness between Elmoss and Barkstone, there lies a crossroads, at the foot of an old oak log.
Today at the crossroads there sits an upended wooden cart, its wheels spinning slowly at the sky. Nearby, a sack of grain slumps over sideways, its contents strewn across the road.
Four mice surround the scene, each clad in the brightly colored cape that marks a member of the Mouse Guard.
The mice are arguing.
<center>[[Let’s listen.|1.0]]
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
I warned you this would happen.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|1.1]]</p></center>
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
You did not.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|1.2]]</p></center>
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
I said, “Watch out for that snake!”</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|1.3]]</p></center>
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
It was an oak leaf, and you didn’t
SAY anything; you SCREAMED it in my EAR.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|1.4]]</p></center>
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
(mumbled)
Apparently you’re hard of hearing.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|1.5a]]</p></center>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
Enough.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|1.6]]</p></center>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
Quit your squabbling. You’re not pups anymore; you’re mice of the Guard, and you're on a mission. Now act like it.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|1.7]]</p></center>
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
Sorry.</p>
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
Sorry.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|1.8]]</p></center>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
Now then.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|1.9]]</p></center>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
Ashe. What should we do?</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|1.10]]</p></center>
(display:"ASHE")\
<p><b>ASHE</b>
[[Who, me?|1.11]]</p>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
I don’t see anyone else by that name.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|1.12]]</p></center>
(display:"ASHE")\
<p><b>ASHE</b>
[[Why are you asking me?|1.15]]
[[What do you think?|1.14]]</p>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
I think our cart is upended, our grain is scattered, we're in unfamiliar territory, and this patrol needs orders.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|1.15]]</p></center>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
I’m only along on this mission to assist and observe. And since <i>you’re</i> the only one here not chasing her tail and shrieking...</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|1.16]]</p></center>
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
Hey!</p>
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
Hey!</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|1.17]]</p></center>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
...I’ll ask you again, Ashe:
<b>What should we do?</b></p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|2.1]]</p></center>
<img src="http://brandoncarbaugh.com/wp-content/uploads/Simon.png" align=left width=150 height=150>
<img src="http://brandoncarbaugh.com/wp-content/uploads/Piper.png" align=left width=150 height=150>
<img src="http://brandoncarbaugh.com/wp-content/uploads/Ashe.png" width=150 height=150 align=left>
<img src="http://brandoncarbaugh.com/wp-content/uploads/Bryn.png" width=150 height=150 align=left>
(display:"ASHE")\
<p><b>ASHE</b>
Well, I guess our first priority should be...
(display:"Decisions")</p>\
(set:$CartPerson to 0)\
(set:$GrainPerson to 0)\
(set:$ScoutPerson to 0)\
(set:$PiperAssign to 0)\
(set:$SimonAssign to 0)\
(set:$DecisionsMade to 0)\
(set:$RonaAssign to 0)
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
And who should do that?</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|CartAssign2]]</p></center>
(display:"ASHE")\
<p><i>Who should right the cart?</i>
(if:$RonaAssign is 0)[
(link: "Rona")[
(set:$CartPerson to "Rona")\
(set:$RonaAssign to 1)\
(goto:"RonaNeutral")\
]\
]\
(if:$PiperAssign is 0)[
(link: "Piper")[
(set:$CartPerson to "Piper")\
(set:$PiperAssign to 1)\
(goto:"PiperUnhappy")\
]\
]\
(if:$SimonAssign is 0)[
(link: "Simon")[
(set:$CartPerson to "Simon")\
(set:$SimonAssign to 1)\
(goto:"SimonHappy")\
]\
]</p>
(display:"ASHE")\
<p><b>ASHE</b>
We have to get the cart moving again, or we'll never make it to Barkstone by nightfall.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|CartAssign]]</p></center>\
(if:$DecisionsMade is 0)[\
(set:$ActionA to "Cart")\
]\
(if:$DecisionsMade is 1)[\
(set:$ActionB to "Cart")\
]\
(if:$DecisionsMade is 2)[\
(set:$ActionC to "Cart")\
]
(display:"ASHE")\
<p><b>ASHE</b>
We have to gather the grain.
Delivering supplies to the seed-bank in Barkstone is the whole reason Gwendolyn sent us out here.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|MailAssign]]</p></center>\
(if:$DecisionsMade is 0)[\
(set:$ActionA to "Grain")\
]\
(if:$DecisionsMade is 1)[\
(set:$ActionB to "Grain")\
]\
(if:$DecisionsMade is 2)[\
(set:$ActionC to "Grain")\
]
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
And who should do that?</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|GrainAssign2]]</p></center>
(display:"ASHE")\
<p><i>Who should gather the grain?</i>
(if:$RonaAssign is 0)[
(link: "Rona")[
(set:$GrainPerson to "Rona")\
(set:$RonaAssign to 1)\
(goto:"RonaNeutral")\
]\
]\
(if:$PiperAssign is 0)[
(link: "Piper")[
(set:$GrainPerson to "Piper")\
(set:$PiperAssign to 1)\
(goto:"PiperHappy")\
]\
]\
(if:$SimonAssign is 0)[
(link: "Simon")[
(set:$GrainPerson to "Simon")\
(set:$SimonAssign to 1)\
(goto:"SimonUnhappy")\
]\
]</p>
(display:"ASHE")\
<p><b>ASHE</b>
We need to assess the situation. This is Wild territory; there could be predators anywhere.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|ScoutAssign]]</p></center>\
(if:$DecisionsMade is 0)[\
(set:$ActionA to "Scout")\
]\
(if:$DecisionsMade is 1)[\
(set:$ActionB to "Scout")\
]\
(if:$DecisionsMade is 2)[\
(set:$ActionC to "Scout")\
]
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
And who should do that?</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|ScoutAssign2]]</p></center>
(display:"ASHE")\
<p><i>Who should scout the area?</i>
(if:$RonaAssign is 0)[
(link: "Rona")[
(set:$ScoutPerson to "Rona")\
(set:$RonaAssign to 1)\
(goto:"RonaNeutral")\
]\
]\
(if:$PiperAssign is 0)[
(link: "Piper")[
(set:$ScoutPerson to "Piper")\
(set:$PiperAssign to 1)\
(goto:"PiperUnhappy")\
]\
]\
(if:$SimonAssign is 0)[
(link: "Simon")[
(set:$ScoutPerson to "Simon")\
(set:$SimonAssign to 1)\
(goto:"SimonNeutral")\
]\
]</p>
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
Okay, I can handle that.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center><i>(link:"NEXT")[(goto:"WhatNext"))]</i></p></center>
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
I <i>think</i> I can handle that...</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center><i>(link:"NEXT")[(goto:"WhatNext"))]</i></p></center>
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
Oh. Um. Okay. I'll do my best.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center><i>(link:"NEXT")[(goto:"WhatNext"))]</i></p></center>
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
Yeah, no sweat.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center><i>(link:"NEXT")[(goto:"WhatNext"))]</i></p></center>
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
(sigh)
Yeah, okay.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center><i>(link:"NEXT")[(goto:"WhatNext"))]</i></p></center>
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
Aw, maaaan. If you say so.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center><i>(link:"NEXT")[(goto:"WhatNext"))]</i></p></center>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
Fine.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center><i>(link:"NEXT")[(goto:"WhatNext"))]</i></p></center>
(set:$DecisionsMade to it + 1)\
(display:"PEMDAS")\
(if:$DecisionsMade is 3)[\
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
Now let's get to work.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|3.1]]</p></center>\
](else:)[\
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
What's next?</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|2.2]]</p></center>\
]
(if:$CartPerson is 0)[\
(link: "Righting the cart.")[\
(goto:"Cart")\
]\
]\
(if:$GrainPerson is 0)[
(link: "Gathering the grain.")[\
(goto:"Grain")\
]\
]\
(if:$ScoutPerson is 0)[
(link: "Scouting for danger.")[\
(goto:"Scout")\
]\
]
(display:"ASHE")\
<p><b>ASHE</b>
Next we should focus on...
(display:"Decisions")</p>
<i>\
(if:$ActionA is "Cart")[\
(print:"First, $CartPerson will work on flipping the cart over.")
]\
(if:$ActionA is "Grain")[\
(print:"First, $GrainPerson will gather up the spilled grain.")
]\
(if:$ActionA is "Scout")[\
(print:"First, $ScoutPerson will scope out the area.")
]\
(if:$ActionB is "Cart")[\
(print:"Second, $CartPerson will work on flipping the cart over.")
]\
(if:$ActionB is "Grain")[\
(print:"Second, $GrainPerson will gather up the spilled grain.")
]\
(if:$ActionB is "Scout")[\
(print:"Second, $ScoutPerson will scope out the area.")
]\
(if:$ActionC is "Cart")[\
(print:"Finally, $CartPerson will work on flipping the cart over.")
]\
(if:$ActionC is "Grain")[\
(print:"Finally, $GrainPerson will gather up the spilled grain.")
]\
(if:$ActionC is "Scout")[\
(print:"Finally, $ScoutPerson will scope out the area.")
]</i>
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
And apparently you're blind!</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|1.5b]]</p></center>
(set:$ActionsDone to 1)
(if:$ActionA is "Cart")[\
(goto:"DoCart")
]\
(if:$ActionA is "Grain")[\
(goto:"DoGrain")
]\
(if:$ActionA is "Scout")[\
(goto:"DoScout")
]\
(if:$ScoutPerson is "Piper")[
(goto:"PiperScout")
]
(if:$ScoutPerson is "Simon")[
(goto:"SimonScout")
]
(if:$ScoutPerson is "Rona")[
(goto:"RonaScout")
]
(if:$GrainPerson is "Piper")[
(goto:"PiperGrain")
]
(if:$GrainPerson is "Simon")[
(goto:"SimonGrain")
]
(if:$GrainPerson is "Rona")[
(goto:"RonaGrain")
]
(if:$CartPerson is "Piper")[
(goto:"PiperCart")
]
(if:$CartPerson is "Simon")[
(goto:"SimonCart")
]
(if:$CartPerson is "Rona")[
(goto:"RonaCart")
]
Simon approaches the upended cart.
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
(cracking knuckles)
Alright, let's get this done.
</p>
Simon stabs his pike into the dirt and rubs his hands together. Bending at the knees, he grabs hold of the cart and hurls it over sideways — then something surges out from underneath!
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
(embarrassing high-pitched shriek)</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|SimonCart2]]</p></center>
Piper approaches the upended cart.
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
Oh, jeeze.
</p>
Wedging her tiny body up under the frame, she tries to give it a lift. When that doesn't work, she keeps trying in exactly the same fashion for another ten minutes, until she's thoroughly frustrated.
Picking up a small branch from beside the road, she spends several minutes angrily jabbing at the cart while insulting its heritage, in an attempt to demoralize it. Her unorthodox methods anger the wooden beast. It shudders and lunges toward her!</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|PiperCart2]]</p></center>
Rona approaches the upended cart.
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
Let's see now...
</p>
She circles the wagon for a few moments, taking stock of the situation. Then, fetching a branch from the side of the road, she stabs it under one of the wheels, making a crude lever. With a jolt of force and a crisp <i>SNAP</i> of the branch, the wagon lifts off the ground and rights itself.
Suddenly, from under the wago, something surges toward her! Rona whirls, paws striking out—</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|RonaCart2]]</p></center>
Piper approaches the scattered grain.
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
(rubbing snout)
Okay, how do we want to do this...
</p>
Though most mice would find the task of picking up hundreds of fist-sized seeds rather tedious, Piper seizes on the puzzle with gusto. She quickly devises a system that involves drawing gridlines in the dirt, and then walking carefully-calculated patrols between discrete "deposit piles" and the central sack.
Her only disappointment is that, by the time she has the system tuned to maximum efficiency, the job is done, and there are no more seeds to pick up.
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
All done. I'm ready when everyone else is.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|NextAction]]</p></center>
Simon approaches the scattered grain.
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
(grumbling noises)
Pick up the stupid seeds...
</p>
Simon takes to the task of picking up seeds with whining, moaning, and a great deal of complaint. He starts by dragging the half-full sack around to each new seed on the ground, but as the sack gets heavier, he grows more and more frustrated.
By the end, he's throwing seeds AT the sack as often as IN it. And the ones near the edge of the crossroads, he doesn't even bother picking up.
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
Whatever, let's go.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|NextAction]]</p></center>
Rona approaches the scattered grain.
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
From Patrol Captain to harvest-mouse... Celanawe, you must be laughing yourself stupid up there.
</p>
Rona sets about the task of picking up the scattered grain with a stoic demeanor and a practiced hand. It's clear to you that, in some past life, she probably WAS a harvest-mouse.
It's also clear that, despite her lack of complaint, Rona is feeling the pains of age...and of bending over a hundred times in a row.
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
(grimacing)
Done. Let's depart.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|NextAction]]</p></center>
Piper scampers up to the top of a nearby rock.
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
Okay, scouting. Scouting. I'm a scout. Scout the things. Scout all the things; I can do this.
</p>
Though hesitant of dangerand unfamiliar with the task, Piper gives it the ol' Spucetuck try. From the top of the rock, she spends a few minute spying the horizon in all directions, then comes back down to give you a report.
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
Okay. Um, here's what I saw.</p>
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
This road goes two ways. One of the ways is through some woods. The other way goes through, like, a field.</p>
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
And...um...I think it might rain soon?</p>
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
...also, I saw a bird. I think. If that helps.</p>
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
Sorry. That's all I got.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|NextAction]]</p></center>
Simon clambers up to the top of a nearby rock.
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
Right, let's see what we've got.</p>
Simon spends a few minutes squatting atop the rock and striking handsome scout-poses for an audience consisting of no one in particular. After a few minutes, he climbs back down.
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
Super-scout Simon, reporting in.</p>
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
So, it looks like this road splits off in two directions. One goes through the woods; that seems pretty safe. The other goes through an open field. Quicker, but more dangerous.</p>\
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
There's also a storm moving in from behind us. We should probably get a move on, or we're gonna get trapped out here.</p>
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
Also, I think I saw some kinda bird. I don't know what it was, but it had wings. Oh, and a beak; I'm like 80% sure it had a beak.</p>
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
I think that about covers it.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|NextAction]]</p></center>
Rona finds her way to the top of a nearby rock.
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
From Patrol Leader to scout. Celanawe, you must be laughing yourself silly up there.</p>
Rona spends a few minutes scanning the horizon. At first, everything seems routine.
Then her body language changes. She twists to and fro, with an intense expression. She stands. Licks her paw; tests the wind. Then she clambers back down, with a grave look.
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
I've got bad news and worse.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|RonaScout2]]</p></center>
(set:$ActionsDone to 2)
(if:$ActionB is "Cart")[\
(goto:"DoCart")
]\
(if:$ActionB is "Grain")[\
(goto:"DoGrain")
]\
(if:$ActionB is "Scout")[\
(goto:"DoScout")
]\
(set:$ActionsDone to 3)
(if:$ActionC is "Cart")[\
(goto:"DoCart")
]\
(if:$ActionC is "Grain")[\
(goto:"DoGrain")
]\
(if:$ActionC is "Scout")[\
(goto:"DoScout")
]\
(if:$ActionsDone is 1)[
(goto:"3.2")
]
(if:$ActionsDone is 2)[
(goto:"3.3")
]
(if:$ActionsDone is 3)[
(goto:"4.0")
]
...revealing the inquisitive eyes of an adorable and anthropomorphically-rendered beetle.
(display:"WALLACE")\
<p><b>BEETLE</b>
`[Cute sounds]`</p>
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
(sitting up)
Oh. Hey guys, I found Wallace!</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|PiperCart3]]</p></center>
<img src="http://brandoncarbaugh.com/wp-content/uploads/beetle.png" width=150 height=150 align=left>
Wallace the Beetle clicks and nuzzles his head against Piper's boot. She lashes him to the cart and, her work complete, heaves a weary sigh.
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
Okay, that sucked. Next time Simon does the heavy lifting.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|NextAction]]</p></center>
Simon curls up in an extremely cool and masculine fetal position, eyes squinched shut. When he opens them, he's starting into the face of an adorable and anthropomorphically-rendered beetle.
(display:"WALLACE")\
<p><b>BEETLE</b>
`[Cute sounds]`</p>
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
(opening eyes)
Oh. Hi, Wallace.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|SimonCart3]]</p></center>
Wallace the Beetle clicks and nuzzles his head against Simon's boot. Simon lashes him to the cart, then dusts his hands: satisfied with a job well done, and 100% certain that no one saw his freakout.
(You definitely did.)
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
The cart's fixed. Let's get rolling.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|NextAction]]</p></center>
...and catching, mid-air, the quivering body of an excited, adorable little beetle.
(display:"WALLACE")\
<p><b>BEETLE</b>
`[Cute, excited sounds]`</p>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
(grumpy)
Wallace.</p>
(display:"WALLACE")\
<p><b>WALLACE</b>
`[Curious sounds]`</p>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
You are a bad beetle, and it is your fault the cart crashed. Do not chase after leaves. It is behavior unbecoming of a beetle, and I am greatly disappointed.</p>
(display:"WALLACE")\
<p><b>WALLACE</b>
`[Sounds of anguish and existential despair]`</p>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
(grumpy)
Wallace.</p>
(display:"WALLACE")\
<p><b>WALLACE</b>
`[Curious sounds]`</p>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
You are forgiven. Do not do it again.</p>
(display:"WALLACE")\
<p><b>WALLACE</b>
`[Sounds of joy]`</p>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
`[Sounds of silent badassery]`</p>
---------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|RonaCart3]]</p></center>
Wallace the Beetle clicks and nuzzles his head against Rona's paws. She lashes him to the cart, stealthily gives him a pet, then glances around to be sure that no one saw.
(You definitely did.)
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
The cart is repaired. Let us be on our way.</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|NextAction]]</p></center>
<img src="http://brandoncarbaugh.com/wp-content/uploads/strategy.png">\
Their tasks complete, the members of the Patrol gather together to discuss their next move.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|4.1]]</p></center>
<img src="http://brandoncarbaugh.com/wp-content/uploads/cover.jpg">
<center>\
<span style="font-size: 200%"><b>Mouse Guard</b></span>
<span style="font-size: 150%"><i>The Crossroads</i></span>
<i>Submitted for the
Telltale Games
Creative Workshop</i>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<i>[[---------- BEGIN ----------|Opening]]</i>
-------------------------------------------
</center><i><span style="font-size: 60%"><b>Mouse Guard</b> and all illustrations © David Petersen 2017. If you dig this, go buy a bunch of Mouse Guard comics, either at your friendly local comic book shop, or at <a href="http://www.mouseguard.net/books/">MouseGuard.net</a>.</i></span>
(if:$ScoutPerson is "Rona" or $ScoutPerson is "Simon")[\
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
A (if:$ScoutPerson is "Rona")[hawk? Psh.](else:)[dumb bird is no big deal.] We could take it.</p>
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
Speak for yourself.</p>
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
Fine. I can take a (if:$ScoutPerson is "Rona")[hawk](else:)[bird] by myself.</p>
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
Simon, you couldn't even <i>choke</i> a (if:$ScoutPerson is "Rona")[hawk](else:)[bird] on the way down.</p>
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
I COULD SO!</p>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
We're getting off-topic. What we need to be concerned about is that storm. Those clouds look dangerous.</p>
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
D-dangerous? What do you mean? It's just a little rain, isn't it?</p>
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
(gravely)
It only takes a little rain to drown someone. And that storm is <i>definitely</i> more than a little rain.</p>\
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
(gulp)</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|4.2]]</p></center>\
](else:)[\
(goto:"4.2")\
]
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
First of all, there's a storm moving in behind us. Came up out of nowhere, and it doesn't look gentle. If it catches up to us, we're in for a rough ride.</p>
---------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|RonaScout3]]</p></center>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
Now, there are two roads ahead.</p>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
One goes north, through the woods. That will keep us safe from predators, but it won't protect us from that storm. Might even slow us down.</p>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
The other road goes west, through the fields. That'll get us to Barkstone faster, and keep us ahead of the storm, but we'll be wide open to predators...</p>
---------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|RonaScout4]]</p></center>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
...and there is <i>definitely</i> a hawk on the prowl. I saw his shadow circling.</p>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
We need to weigh our options carefully — and then get moving. Soon.</p>
---------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|NextAction]]</p></center>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
We have a decision in front of us. We can take the road through the woods, or the road through the fields.</p>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
Both carry risks. Which risk is the greater is a matter of opinion.</p>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
Ashe — what's <i>your</i> opinion?</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|4.3]]</p></center>
(display:"ASHE")\
<p><b>ASHE</b>
(link:"I vote woods.")[
(set:$Path to 1)
(goto:"4.4")
]
(link:"I vote fields.")[
(set:$Path to 2)
(goto:"4.4")
]
(if:$reject is 0)[\
(link:"I choose not to answer.")[
(goto:"4.3x")
]
]</p>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
I respect your right to let other people make the hard choices.</p>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
But please indulge me: imagine there's a sword at your throat, and you <i>have</i> to make a decision. Which is it?</p>\
(set:$reject to 1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|4.3]]</p></center>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
Then we'll take the (if:$Path is 1)[woods](else:)[fields].</p>
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
Wait, what? How come Ashe gets to decide?</p>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
Would you prefer the ranking Guardsmouse decide? Fine. I choose the (if:$Path is 1)[woods](else:)[fields] as well.</p>
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
I say we vote on it!</p>
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
I automatically vote opposite of whatever Simon chooses.</p>
(display:"RONA")\
<p><b>RONA</b>
Then it's the (if:$Path is 1)[woods](else:)[fields] either way.</p>
(display:"SIMON")\
<p><b>SIMON</b>
THIS SYSTEM IS RIGGED.</p>
(display:"WALLACE")\
<p><b>WALLACE</b>
`[sounds of groundswell political dissent rooted in the ongoing disenfranchisement of the proletariat]`</p>
(display:"PIPER")\
<p><b>PIPER</b>
Ha ha ha, you said it, Wallace!</p>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|Finale]]</p></center>
The Patrol sets off, following the road (if:$Path is 1)[north](else:)[west] toward the (if:$Path is 1)[woods](else:)[fields], where (if:$Path is 1)[the tree trunks and brambly brush black out the sun](else:)[the long grasses sway, and the mottled sky casts a sea of shadows]...
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|w2]]</p></center>
(if:$Path is 1)[\
Above them, an army of storm clouds muster on the horizon, beating a slow drum-beat across the Mouse Territories.
As the wind rises, the first drops of rain begin to fall...
<img src="http://brandoncarbaugh.com/wp-content/uploads/woods2-e1484014961993.png">\
]\
(if:$Path is 2)[\
<center><img src="http://brandoncarbaugh.com/wp-content/uploads/hawk.png"></center>
...and as they venture on, the Patrol is watched from above: their tiny silhouettes reflected in the glassy black eyes of a hawk.
]
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<center>[[<i>NEXT</i>|End]]</p></center>
<img src="http://brandoncarbaugh.com/wp-content/uploads/guards.gif">
<center>\
<span style="font-size: 200%"><b>The End</b></span>
<span style="font-size: 150%"><i>Thanks for playing!</i></span>
<i>To replay, refresh page.</i>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
</center><i><span style="font-size: 60%"><b>Mouse Guard</b> and all illustrations © David Petersen 2017. If you enjoyed this game, go buy a bunch of Mouse Guard comics, either at your friendly local comic book shop, or at [[MouseGuard.net|http://www.mouseguard.net/books/]].</i></span>
<img src="http://brandoncarbaugh.com/wp-content/uploads/landscape.png">
Alas, that's all the time we have for today.
Run along now, little mouse, and I shall spin you another tale another time.
<center>[[End|End2]]