Taking Inventory

<div class="invpane"> Inventory </div> {(if: $inv's length is not 0) [ <div class="inv"> (set: _reps to 0) (for: each _item, ...$inv) [ (set: _reps to it + 1) (set: _image to (str: '<img src="' + image of _item of $brainlets + '">')) (link: _image) [ (set: $select to _item) (goto: 'Item') ] ] ] </div>} <div class="invpane"> {You search yourself (if: $inv's length > 0)[and find (plural: $inv's length, "lone thing", "things") on your mind.] (else:)[and find your mind empty.]}(if: ($inv-$uncraftable)'s length > 1)[ You're feeling somewhat [[introspective->Craft]].](if: $inv's length >= 12)[ You consider [[clearing your mind->Discard All]].] </div>

{(if: "nofooter" is not in (passage:)'s tags)[ (if: "inv" is in (passage:)'s tags)[ <div class="invpane"> |invbutton>[Exit Inventory] (click: ?invbutton)[(goto: $lastpassage)] </div> ] (else:) [ <div class="pane"> |invbutton>[Inventory] - |waitbutton>[Wait] (click: ?invbutton)[(set: $lastpassage to (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Inventory")] (click: ?waitbutton)[(goto: (passage:)'s name)] </div> ] ] }

{(set: $brainlets to (dm: "addiction", (dm: "desc", "Not so cute anymore.", "image", "assets/addiction.png", "listen", (a: "I could quit if I wanted to.", "I don't need it.", "It's not a problem.", "It's just a bad habit.")), "aspiration", (dm: "desc", "A miniature monument to your future successes.", "image", "assets/aspiration.png", "listen", (a: "Be a good role model.", "It's a real inspiration to me.", "Slow and steady wins the race.", "Shoot for the moon.")), "belief", (dm: "desc", "A small, weighty pyramid with a gilded capstone. It's little more than a paperweight, but somehow it inspires a bit of the same awe as the real thing.", "image", "assets/belief.png", "listen", (a: "That sounds true to me.", "I'd believe it.", "Seems plausible.", "I have faith.")), "bias", (dm: "desc", "It feels...crooked.", "image", "assets/bias.png", "listen", (a: "Tell me what I want to hear.", "That's what I like to see!", "Go with what you know.")), "breath", (dm: "desc", "A breath of air.", "image", "assets/breath.png", "listen", (a: "`*inhales*`", "`*exhales*`")), "concept", (dm: "desc", "A small cluster of grey blocks. It feels a little like a chunk of concrete.", "image", "assets/concept.png", "listen", (a: "I get it!", "Yep, what a concept.", "I could use a little fuel myself.")), "delusion", (dm: "desc", "A hollow golden cone with holes, like a malformed flute. The vapor it emits is...dizzying.", "image", "assets/delusion.png", "listen", (a: "Where's the scar, I know it's there! They took my kidney!", "This leg isn't mine, I know it.", "If you listen closely...you can hear the laugh track.", "I am a god.", "Don't make me breastfeed rats!", "The white towels are poisoned.")), "distortion", (dm: "desc", "A twisted lens. Reality seems to warp around it.", "image", "assets/distortion.png", "listen", (a: "Molehills ARE mountains.", "They're just saying that to be nice.", "I feel, therefore, I am.", "I should not have made so many mistakes.")), "dorcelessness", (dm: "desc", "", "image", "assets/dorcelessness.png", "listen", (a: "", "")), "doubt", (dm: "desc", "Pieces of a cracked foundation. You're not sure if you feel helped or hindered by having it.", "image", "assets/doubt.png", "listen", (a: "I'm not sure...", "Is that true?", "I don't know...")), "dream", (dm: "desc", "A light, fluffy cloud with resonant golden orbs suspended in it. Looking at it takes you to faraway places.", "image", "assets/dream.png", "listen", (a: "If only I could get away from all this...", "I want to open that little shop someday...", "I wish I could get a pet...", "If only it weren't just a flight of fancy...")), "fantasy", (dm: "desc", "A little cottony puff, crowned with twisting golden antlers. It reminds you of a mythical creature.", "image", "assets/fantasy.png", "listen", (a: "Sigh...", "`*stares off into space*`", "Where's my call to adventure?", "I don't want to think about it.", "It's my escape.")), "fear", (dm: "desc", "A thorny, chattering thing. Its spines snap in and out of place, causing it to pop and jitter. Touching it makes you you uneasy.", "image", "assets/fear.png", "listen", (a: "What do others think of me?", "It's dark here.", "I feel nauseous.", "Is this cough something serious?", "Was that lump always there?", "What if I get hurt?", "What if I hurt someone?")), "habit", (dm: "desc", "You instinctively give the plushlike blob a squeeze. It's kind of cute...?", "image", "assets/habit.png", "listen", (a: "`*picks at teeth*`", "`*bites fingernails*`", "`*bounces leg*`")), "heartbeat", (dm: "desc", "A beat of the heart.", "image", "assets/heartbeat.png", "listen", (a: "`*ba-bum*`", "`*lub-dub*`")), "idea", (dm: "desc", "A hollow, glassy orb with a shimmering light darting around inside like an abstract firefly. You feel inspired by its energy.", "image", "assets/idea.png", "listen", (a: "Ooh! What if...?", "I ought to write that one down...", "Why didn't I come up with it sooner?", "I know what to do!")), "language", (dm: "desc", "It's more or less a handful of refrigerator magnets. It reminds you a bit of a children's book?", "image", "assets/language.png", "listen", (a: "¿Donde está la biblioteca?", "My postillion has been struck by lightning.", "Je m'appelle philippe.", "施氏食獅史")), "lexeme", (dm: "desc", "A small, fluttering symbol. You feel as if its meaning is on the tip of your tongue.", "image", "assets/lexeme.png", "listen", (a: "aardvark abacus abbey abbreviation", "bead beak beam bean", "claim clam clamp clan")), "memory", (dm: "desc", "A wrinkled, pale pink orb. Running your fingers over its grooved surface, it reminds you of something, but you're not sure what.", "image", "assets/memory.png", "listen", (a: "I remember that from when I was a kid.", "Wait, what's six times seven again?", "I enjoyed it, but I hated the ending.", "Oh man, that was embarassing.", "What does that smell remind me of...")), "mental detritus", (dm: "desc", "An assemblage of worthless bits and bobs. You're not sure what to think about it.", "image", "assets/mental_detritus.png", "listen", (a: "???", "Eh?", "Huh?", "What was I thinking about?")), "nostalgia", (dm: "desc", "A memory wreathed in a nest of beautiful golden branches. Something about it recalls better times.", "image", "assets/nostalgia.png", "listen", (a: "These used to make me so happy.", "Just like the good ol' days.", "Very retro.")), "panic", (dm: "desc", "You've made a real mess.", "image", "assets/panic.png", "listen", (a: "Aghhh!", "Oh God, oh no...", "What do I do?!")), "paranoia", (dm: "desc", "You can hear in the rustle of its branches a faint voice whispering terrible things.", "image", "assets/paranoia.png", "listen", (a: "They know.", "Everyone hates you.", "They're out to get you.", "You are going to die.")), "perception", (dm: "desc", "A lightweight monochromatic cone. Looking through a hole in the smaller end recalls using a cardboard tube as a telescope, in that it just shows you what's on the other side.", "image", "assets/perception.png", "listen", (a: "The way I see it.", "POV: you're you.", "It's a matter of perspective.")), "phobia", (dm: "desc", "It evokes an iron cage. What sort of nasty creature might be held inside?", "image", "assets/phobia.png", "listen", (a: "I don't like dogs.", "I don't like heights.", "I don't like spiders.", "I don't like clowns.", "I don't like being alone.", "I don't like the dark.")), "plan", (dm: "desc", "Some kind of tablet with a diagram etched on. You're not sure what it means, but you can feel your fears quiet a little in its presence.", "image", "assets/plan.png", "listen", (a: "I got this.", "All according to it.", "Now you're just short a man and a canal.")), "prediction", (dm: "desc", "Looking into the crystalline globe, you see flickers of potential futures.", "image", "assets/prediction.png", "listen", (a: "How's this gonna go down?", "What's the forecast?", "Double, double, toil and trouble.")), "prejudice", (dm: "desc", "An ugly thing grown around a fear. It bathes everything around it in a sickly light.", "image", "assets/prejudice.png", "listen", (a: "Outsiders scare me.", "It's new and different and I don't like it.", "`*silently judging*`")), "rationale", (dm: "desc", "A simple little prism. When you hold it in your hand, things feel just the barest bit clearer.", "image", "assets/rationale.png", "listen", (a: "Oh, I see.", "That's why that works.", "I understand why I'm doing this.", "Logically.")), "sensation", (dm: "desc", "A orb that looks not entirely unlike a piece of circus paraphernalia. The stripes on its surface ripple slowly, and despite the fact that the surface remains smooth, you can feel the patterns change.", "image", "assets/sensation.png", "listen", (a: "Are you feelin' it now?", "My senses are tingling.", "My leg is asleep.")), "synthesis", (dm: "desc", "It's two concepts...but together. You feel that the relation between these objects makes it greater than the sum of its parts.", "image", "assets/synthesis.png", "listen", (a: "I've got a theory.", "Oh yeah, it's all coming together.", "I get the picture.")), "thought", (dm: "desc", "A grey, indistinct shape. Turning it over in your hand, you feel strangely pensive.", "image", "assets/thought.png", "listen", (a: "Did I leave the stove on?", "My nose itches.", "I have to make a call later.", "What time is it?", "I'm bored.", "Is there a bug in here?", "Got some stuff to do today.", "Polar bear.")), "trauma", (dm: "desc", "It reminds you of something awful.", "image", "assets/trauma.png", "listen", (a: "They all laughed...", "Oh god, this reminds me of...", "I feel numb.", "It's almost too much to bear.")) )) (set: $uncraftable to (a:"addiction", "aspiration", "belief", "breath", "delusion", "dorcelessness", "doubt", "fantasy", "heartbeat", "language", "mental detritus", "nostalgia", "panic", "paranoia", "phobia", "plan", "prejudice", "sensation", "synthesis", "trauma")) (set: $stickyitems to (a: "addiction", "dorcelessness", "language", "paranoia", "phobia", "prejudice", "trauma")) (set: $gooditems to (a: "aspiration", "belief", "dream", "nostalgia", "rationale", "plan", "synthesis", "language")) (set: $baditems to (a: "addiction", "delusion", "distortion", "panic", "paranoia", "phobia", "prejudice", "trauma")) (set: $inv to (a:)) (set: $select to "") (set: $selectnum to 0) (set: $lastpassage to "") (set: $gate1 to 0) (set: $gate2 to 0) (set: $gate3 to 0) }

{<div class="invpane"> (upperfirst: $select) <div class="iconbar"> (if: $uncraftable contains $select) [ <img src="assets/uncraftable_icon.png"> ] (if: $stickyitems contains $select) [ <img src="assets/chain_icon.png"> ] (if: $gooditems contains $select) [ <img src="assets/star_icon.png"> ] (if: $baditems contains $select) [ <img src="assets/skull_icon.png"> ] </div> </div>} <div class="invpane">{ =><= <div class="imgshadow"> (str: '<img src="' + image of $select of $brainlets + '">') </div>} <== //(print: desc of $select of $brainlets)// (link: "Listen")[//(print: random of listen of $select of $brainlets)//] {(if: $stickyitems does not contain $select) [ [[Clear it from your mind->Discard]] ] (else:) [ ~~Clear it from your mind~~ ]} [[Consider something else->Inventory]] </div>

{<div class="pane"> #Taking Inventory </div>} [[Start ->Intro]] [[A word on the contents->Content Warnings]] [[Credits->Credits]]

<div class="pane">(set: $inv to (a:)) You have been walking for what seems like forever, but you do not tire. You have very little memory of who you are or what this place is, and it is as if, in your lack of remembrance, your bones have forgotten too. In your trancelike state, you can just make out [[the faint shape of an archway->Gate]] amidst the fog. </div>

<div class="pane"> Psychic Gate </div> <div class="pane"> You stand before a simply-carved gate, hewn from an [[unearthly-looking stone->Inspect Gate]]. [[Enter the gate->Frontal Lobe]] </div>

<div class="pane">The stone is pale but subtly opalescent, making the archway and the surrounding fog bleed together at the edges. It looks like a [[watercolor painting->Gate]].</div>

<div class="pane"> Frontal Lobe (Plains of Thought)</div> <div class="pane"> You stand in a strange, foggy landscape, with irregular, claylike landforms that seem to subtly change when you're not looking. Off in the distance stands a fog-shrouded cliff face, and from this distance you can make out a [[jagged ravine->Gate of Thorns]] marring its surface. (either: "Drifting through the air like smoke rings are [[amorphous grey shapes->Inspect Thought]] that seem to murmur as they drift past, as if someone is speaking underwater.", "Hanging in space as if suspended by wire are several [[shimmering, glassy spheres->Inspect Idea]] that buzz and crackle, resonating with energy.", "Floating high above everything else are [[small, puffy clouds->Inspect Dream]] no bigger than tufts of cotton candy. Suspended in them are small golden beads that almost seem ring like bells.") </div>

<div class="pane"> The grey shape wobbles slightly as you approach, pushed by subtle air currents. It resembles a smoke-filled bubble, but with an irregular surface that shifts and undulates as if it were a living being. (link: "Pick it up")[(set: $inv to it + (a: "thought"))You reach out and catch the shape. Despite its bouyancy, you can feel its weight in your hand.] (link: "Back")[(goto: (history:)'s last)]</div>

<div class="pane"> The bulb hangs suspended in space, a flickering spark dancing inside. It seems to grow brighter and more energetic as you approach. (link: "Pick it up")[(set: $inv to it + (a: "idea"))You pluck the bulb out of the air. It feels warm and staticky to the touch.] (link: "Back")[(goto: (history:)'s last)]</div>

<div class="pane"> The little cloud drifts contentedly above your head, its golden bells trailing behind it like lazy bumblebees. (link: "Pick it up")[(set: $inv to it + (a: "dream"))You gather up the cloud, it wiggling like an excited puppy in your arms.] (link: "Back")[(goto: (history:)'s last)]</div>

<div class="pane"> Temporal Lobe (The Fissure)</div> <div class="pane"> As you walk, you find yourself in a winding, branching ravine. The walls feel like cool sandstone, and are etched with organic lines, like the carvings of wood-boring beetles. Far behind you is the [[light of the plains.->Gate of Thorns]] Ahead of you, [[deeper darkness.->Gate of Crystal]] (either: "Hanging in clusters from the canyon walls are [[pink, spherical objects->Inspect Memory]] about the size of oranges. Their surfaces are covered in organic-looking grooves.", "Rolling about on the ground are [[dark, spiky objects->Inspect Fear]] resembling geometric sea urchins. They ocassionally pop into the air, emitting a harsh chittering sound.", "Bounding between the rocks and crags are [[strange blue blobs->Inspect Habit]]. If you didn't know better, you'd think they were living creatures.") </div>

<div class="pane"> The pink sphere sways gently upon the branchlike structure from which it hangs. Alongside its peers, it looks not entirely unlike a cluster of fruit. (link: "Pick it up")[(set: $inv to it + (a: "memory"))You pick the sphere from its branch. Its surface feels rubbery, but firm.] (link: "Back")[(goto: (history:)'s last)]</div>

<div class="pane"> The ball of thorns pings and chatters like some kind of bizarre, crystalline insect. You have to be careful not to step on it as it rolls and bounces along the stony floor of the ravine. (link: "Pick it up")[(set: $inv to it + (a: "fear"))You grab at the object, its caltrop-like spines digging into your hands.] (link: "Back")[(goto: (history:)'s last)]</div>

(set: _itemcount1 to (count: $inv, $item1)) (set: _itemcount2 to (count: $inv, $item2)) (set: $inv to it - (a: $item1, $item2)) (if: $item1 is not $item2) [ (set: $inv to it + (repeated: _itemcount1-1, $item1) + (repeated: _itemcount2-1, $item2)) ] (else:) [ (set: $inv to it + (repeated: _itemcount1-2, $item1)) ] (set: _crafted to "mental detritus") (if: (permutations: "fear", "habit") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "addiction") ] (if: (permutations: "dream", "idea") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "aspiration") ] (if: (permutations: "rationale", "dream") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "belief") ] (if: (permutations: "rationale", "habit") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "bias") ] (if: (permutations: "thought", "thought") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "concept") ] (if: (permutations: "perception", "dream") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "delusion") ] (if: (permutations: "perception", "bias") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "distortion") ] (if: (permutations: "rationale", "fear") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "doubt") ] (if: (permutations: "dream", "habit") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "fantasy") ] (if: (permutations: "lexeme", "lexeme") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "language") ] (if: (permutations: "dream", "memory") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "nostalgia") ] (if: (permutations: "fear", "idea") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "panic") ] (if: (permutations: "fear", "perception") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "paranoia") ] (if: (permutations: "fear", "concept") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "phobia") ] (if: (permutations: "prediction", "rationale") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "plan") ] (if: (permutations: "memory", "perception") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "prediction") ] (if: (permutations: "fear", "bias") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "prejudice") ] (if: (permutations: "perception", "concept") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "rationale") ] (if: (permutations: "concept", "concept") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "synthesis") ] (if: (permutations: "fear", "memory") contains (a: $item1, $item2)) [ (set: _crafted to "trauma") ] (if: _crafted is "mental detritus" and (random: 1, 20) is 20) [ (set: _crafted to "dorcelessness") ] (set: $inv to it + (a: _crafted)) (set: $select to _crafted) (set: $selectnum to $inv's length) (goto: "Item")

<div class="pane"> The blue blob, vaguely lagomorphic in both shape in behavior, navigates the uneven terrain with short hops, flailing like a dog toy with every leap. Something about it is strangely comforting to you. (link: "Pick it up")[(set: $inv to it + (a: "habit"))After much perserverance, you narrowly manage to capture it, but now that it's in your hands, it doesn't seem to want to let go.] (link: "Back")[(goto: (history:)'s last)]</div>

<div class="pane"> Parietal Lobe (Reflected Antechamber)</div> <div class="pane"> You find yourself standing within a cave system. It is dark, but strange [[beams of light->Occipital Lobe]] cast a multicolored glow on the surroundings, just enough to make out the geometry of the space. Behind you is the [[mirror wall->Gate of Crystal]], showing such a clear image of the other side that you'd scarcely know where one chamber ended and the other began, save for a stark line along the perimeter where the room's lighting abruptly changes. In the center of the room is a roughly cut staircase [[spiralling downward into the abyss.->Gate of Void]] (either: "Clinging to the walls are [[black-and-white striped spheres->Inspect Sensation]] that seem to slowly emerge from and recede into the cave wall, as if they are the backs of a sort of sea creature ducking beneath the waves.","[[Strange symbols->Inspect Lexeme]] swirl about the chamber like schools of fish. They chatter and babble incessantly, but never quite form anything intelligible.") </div>

<div class="pane"> One such object suddenly appears about an arm's length away from you, suspended in the air. It is about the size and shape of a waffle cone, and has alternating white and black stripes along its length, making somewhat hard to look at. If you're quick, you might be able to catch it. (link: "Pick it up")[(set: $inv to it + (a: "perception"))You snatch up the cone, and are met with little resistance. It feels light, like a cardboard tube.] (link: "Back")[(goto: (history:)'s last)]</div>

<div class="invpane"> { (set: _menu1 to (a:)) (set: _menu2 to (a:)) (if: (ds: ...($inv-$uncraftable))'s length <= 1) [ (set: _menu1 to (a: ...(ds: ...($inv-$uncraftable)))) (set: _menu2 to _menu1) ] (else:) [ (set: _menu1 to (sorted: ...(ds: ...($inv-$uncraftable)))) (set: _menu2 to (rotated: -1, ..._menu1)) ] (set: $item1 to _menu1's 1st) (set: $item2 to _menu2's 1st) <div class="center"> <div class="imgshadow"> |craft1>[(link: '<img src="' + image of _menu1's 1st of $brainlets + '">')[ (if: _menu1's length > 1) [ (set: _menu1 to (rotated: -1, ..._menu1)) (set: $item1 to _menu1's 1st) (if: $item1 is $item2 and (count: $inv, $item1) <= 1) [ (set: _menu1 to (rotated: -1, ..._menu1)) (set: $item1 to _menu1's 1st) ] ] (rerun: ?craft1) ]] <img src="assets/craft_icon.png"> |craft2>[(link: '<img src="' + image of _menu2's 1st of $brainlets + '">')[ (if: _menu1's length > 1) [ (set: _menu2 to (rotated: -1, ..._menu2)) (set: $item2 to _menu2's 1st) (if: $item1 is $item2 and (count: $inv, $item1) <= 1) [ (set: _menu2 to (rotated: -1, ..._menu2)) (set: $item2 to _menu2's 1st) ] ] (rerun: ?craft2) ]] </div> </div> } *(click on the icons to cycle reagents)* You ruminate on the contents of your mind. Might these things be [[related->Result]]? [[Consider something else->Inventory]] </div>

{ (set: _itemcount to (count: $inv, $select)) (set: $inv to it - (a: $select)) (set: $inv to it + (repeated: _itemcount-1, $select))} <div class="invpane">You dismiss the $select from your mind. [[Just as well.->Inventory]] </div>

{(set: _sticky to (find: _item where _item is in $stickyitems, ...$inv)) (set: $inv to _sticky) }<div class="invpane">You take a few breaths and try to clear your mind. (after: 1s)[. ](after: 2s)[. ](after: 3s)[. ](after: 4s)[ [[That's better.->Inventory]]] </div>

<div class="pane"> One of the symbols trailing behind a particularly scattered group draws closer to you. Separated from its peers, you can discern that it simply repeats the same sound over and over. (link: "Pick it up")[(set: $inv to it + (a: "lexeme"))You grab the symbol, it fluttering like a moth in your hands.] (link: "Back")[(goto: (history:)'s last)]</div>

<div class="pane"> Frontal Lobe (Gate of Thorns) </div> <div class="pane"> Before you stands another gate, set into the wall of the cliff. The gate is like a wreath of black thorns, framing a descent into a dark ravine. At the apex of the gate, the thorns are woven into (link: "an inscription.")[an inscription: "In the absence of light, darkness prevails".] (if: $gate1 is 0 and $inv contains "aspiration")[The gate is frightening, but despite the darkness, something within you [[urges you to approach it.->Open Gate of Thorns]] [[Return to the open plains.->Frontal Lobe]]](else-if: $gate1 is 0)[ The whole thing gives off a menacing aura, and though no physical barrier blocks your entry, you feel as if you [[lack the drive to push forward.->Frontal Lobe]]](else:)[ The aspiration remains buried in the gate like a gilded stake through a ghoul's heart. [[Descend into the ravine.->Temporal Lobe]] [[Return to the open plains.->Frontal Lobe]]] </div>

<div class="pane">You produce the aspiration, its golden point like a dagger in your hands. It guides itself as if by an unseen force to a point on the gate's bristling frame marked by a nearly imperceptible flaw. You hesitate. [[Drive it in.->Open Gate of Thorns Cont.]] [[Turn back.->Gate of Thorns]] </div>

{(set: $gate1 to 1) (set: _itemcount to (count: $inv, "aspiration")) (set: $inv to it - (a: "aspiration")) (set: $inv to it + (repeated: _itemcount-1, "aspiration")) }<div class="pane">You drive the gilded spike into the gate's frame. The gate's spines shudder like a dog shaking off water. Golden veins of light spread out from the wound. [[You feel emboldened.->Gate of Thorns]] </div>

<div class="pane"> Temporal Lobe (Gate of Crystal) </div> <div class="pane"> The ravine opens up into a small naturally-formed chamber. Pale blue filters down from above, casting dappled light on the far wall of the chamber. Dominating the room is a wall smooth as glass, with the apearance of pearly fog swirling behind it. Etched on the surface is (link: "an inscription.")[an inscription: "Reflection on the past makes clear the way forward".] (if: $gate2 is 0 and $inv contains any of (a: "addiction", "paranoia", "trauma"))[Looking upon the vaporous mirror, something within you [[draws you forwards.->Open Gate of Crystal]] [[Return to the ravine.->Temporal Lobe]]](else-if: $gate2 is 0)[Searching the chamber reveals nothing else, though the mysterious mirror [[occupies a corner of your mind.->Temporal Lobe]]](else:)[The mirror becomes perfectly clear as you approach it, revealing the mouth of a cave on the other side. [[Pass through the portal.->Parietal Lobe]] [[Return to the ravine.->Temporal Lobe]]] </div>

(set: _mirroritems to (find: _item where _item is any of (sorted: ...(ds: ...(a: "addiction", "paranoia", "trauma"))), ...$inv)) (set: $mirroritem to 1st of _mirroritems) <div class="pane">You turn the (if: _mirroritems's length > 1)[(cycling-link: bind $mirroritem, ..._mirroritems)](else:)[(print: $mirroritem)] over in your hands, its weight growing tiresome. If only you could [[let it go. -> Open Gate of Crystal Cont.]] [[Turn back.->Gate of Crystal]] </div>

{(set: $gate2 to 1) (set: _itemcount to (count: $inv, $mirroritem)) (set: $inv to it - (a: $mirroritem)) (set: $inv to it + (repeated: _itemcount-1, $mirroritem)) }<div class="pane">You press the $mirroritem up to the mirror, and to your surprise, it passes through its surface. The mirror swirls darkly, as if the $mirroritem had been a droplet of ink in a pool of water. Suddenly, the mirror snaps crystal clear, and you can see something on the [[other side.->Gate of Crystal]] </div>

<div class="pane"> Occipital Lobe (Prismatic Alcove)</div> <div class="pane">The beams of light scattering throughout the chamber lead to a small alclove teeming with outcrops of odd multicolored prisms. Though they appear to refract light, the light's origin is unclear. The shifting colors almost seem to form images before your eyes. [[Return to the cave.->Parietal Lobe]] (either: "Popping in an out of existence above your head are [[long, pointed shapes->Inspect Perception]] covered in jarring black and white patterns. Every few seconds, one appears or disappears with a 'zoop', leaving nothing behind but a momentary blur.","[[Strange symbols->Inspect Lexeme]] swirl about the chamber like schools of fish. They chatter and babble incessantly, but never quite form anything intelligible.") </div>

<div class="pane"> Parietal Lobe (Gate of Void) </div> <div class="pane"> You can scarcely see the gate that now lies before you, instead recognizing it by touch. It is cold stone, quiet and impossibly ancient. Along the frame of the gate, your fingers trace (link: "an inscription.")[an inscription: "Plan for the difficult while it is easy".] (if: $gate3 is 0 and $inv contains "plan")[ [[You have a plan.->Open Gate of Void]] [[Return to the cave.->Parietal Lobe]]](else-if: $gate3 is 0)[You feel unprepared for whatever is on the other side. Maybe you ought to give this [[more thought.->Parietal Lobe]]](else:)[ The plan is locked in. [[Enter the dark gate.->Brain Stem]] [[Return to the cave.->Parietal Lobe]]] </div>

<div class="pane">You pull out the carven slab, and as you do, it seems to pull itself towards the frame of the gate. The tablet's engravings begin to glow a ruby red, and a rectangular slot you mistook for a missing brick on the gate's frame illuminates seemingly in response. [[Slot in the tablet.->Open Gate of Void Cont.]] [[Turn back.->Gate of Void]] </div>

<div class="pane"> Brain Stem (Primordium) </div> <div class="pane"> Here you are, at the end of everything. (seq-link: "You know now what you came here to do.", "*Are you sure? This is your last chance to do anything else.*", "(goto: 'Ending')") Void surrounds you. There is nothing but the faint glow of [[heartbeats->Inspect Heartbeat]] and wisps of [[breath.->Inspect Breath]] [[Leave the void.->Gate of Void]] </div>

{(set: $gate3 to 1) (set: _itemcount to (count: $inv, "plan")) (set: $inv to it - (a: "plan")) (set: $inv to it + (repeated: _itemcount-1, "plan")) }<div class="pane">You insert the tablet into the slot and it snaps perfectly into place. The frame is now completed. [[You know what to do.->Gate of Void]] </div>

<div class="pane"> One of the orbs peeks out of the wall next to you. It swirls and drifts lazily, like a soap bubble on the surface of water. (link: "Pick it up")[(set: $inv to it + (a: "sensation"))You pluck the orb from its resting place with ease.] (link: "Back")[(goto: (history:)'s last)]</div>

<div class="pane"> A swirling wisp of vapor. (link: "Pick it up")[(set: $inv to it + (a: "breath"))You get the breath.] (link: "Back")[(goto: (history:)'s last)]</div>

<div class="pane"> A glittering ruby droplet. (link: "Pick it up")[(set: $inv to it + (a: "heartbeat"))You get the heartbeat.] (link: "Back")[(goto: (history:)'s last)]</div>

<div class="pane">(set: _karma to (count: $inv, ...$gooditems)-(count: $inv, ...$baditems))(if: (abs: _karma) < 2)[(set: $ending to "spectrum")You consider your experiences carefully, mulling over each item you collected over the course of your journey. You've experienced both highs and lows, great joys and great sadness. You still have a lot to work on, but you've already learned so much from your hardships as well as your strengths. [[You open your eyes.->Ending Cont.]]](else-if: _karma < 0)[(set: $ending to "respite")You consider your experiences carefully, mulling over each item you collected over the course of your journey. So many of them have only served to weigh you down, like a ball and chain only you know is there. The road to healing is long and arduous, and lined with many thorns, but all hope is not lost. For now, you rest. [[You close your eyes.->Ending Cont.]]] (else-if: _karma > 0)[(set: $ending to "idealism")You consider your experiences carefully, mulling over each item you collected over the course of your journey. You've drawn a lot of good from your experiences, and while there have been difficult times, you learned what you could and you've moved on from them. What you carry with you now is a tapestry of all of the beauty you've found. [[You open your eyes.->Ending Cont.]]] </div>

{<div class="pane"> ##(upperfirst: $ending) Ending </div>} <div class="pane">Thank you for playing this little game! I hope you enjoyed it. There are 3 different endings based on the different kinds of items you may be carrying at the end, but the only difference is the ending text. There are lots of different potential combinations of items, not all of which you need to complete your journey. Experimenting a little can reveal some fun stuff. [[Return to title page->Title]] </div>

<div class="pane"><u>This work contains themes of:</u> Mental health <u>Mentions of:</u> Addiction Trauma Derealization [[Back->Title]] </div>

<div class="pane">Writing and sprite art by Samuel Cote Background images sourced from Pixabay under (link-repeat: "their license")[(open-url: "https://pixabay.com/service/license/")] [[Back->Title]] </div>