Witchfinders

{(set: $score to 0) (set: $completion to 0) (set: $pleasantness to 0) (set: $inventory to (a:)) (set: $showFooter to false) (set: $showHeader to true) Edinburgh, 1827.} Age of Enlightment gave a way to Romanticism, leaving behind medieval brutality and aspiring beauty of Reneissance. Scotland regained their territories and started its way into the Industrial Revolution. Cities grow large and [[prosperous->Introduction 2]]. <div id='skipper'> [[Skip Intro->Title Page]] P.S. Only skip intro if you are playing again </div>

Even though the people do believe in progress, there is always some space for the strange things. Happening with a little to no explanation, they puzzle ordinary folk, so that people are referring to it as [[witchcraft->Introduction 3]]. <div id='skipper'> [[Skip Intro->Title Page]] </div>

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[<pre style="line-height: 1em;"> ___ _ _ ___ _ _ ___ _ _ ___ _ _ ___ /___\ | \/ | /___\ | \/ | /___\ | \/ | /___\ | \/ | /___\ |___| \__/ |___| \__/ |___| \__/ |___| \__/ |___| _ _ _ _ | \/ | | \/ | \__/ \__/ ___ ___ /___\ Witchfinders /___\ |___| |___| _ _ _ _ | \/ | | \/ | \__/ \__/ ___ _ _ ___ _ _ ___ _ _ ___ _ _ ___ /___\ | \/ | /___\ | \/ | /___\ | \/ | /___\ | \/ | /___\ |___| \__/ |___| \__/ |___| \__/ |___| \__/ |___| </pre>] {(set: $showFooter to false) (set: $showHeader to true) (set: $gameOver to 0) (set: $score to 0) (set: $location to "home") (set: $showFooter to false) (set: $visitedHector to false) (set: $gotMedicine to false) (set: $gameScore to 40) (set: $needPharmacy to false) (set: $makeWillow to "") (set: $witchesWellVisited to 0) (set: $talkedToMan to false) (set: $gotCandle to false) (set: $toHelpTheFarmer to false) (set: $hectorMissionCompleted to false) (set: $farmerMissionCompleted to false) (set: $gotChamomile to false) (set: $gotRaspberryTea to false) (set: $gotBook to false) (set: $gotBones to false) (set: $readBook to false) (set: $foundBoneRecipe to false) (set: $dogsFed to false) (set: $visitedAlexina to false) (set: $gotLinden to false) (set: $sawDogs to false) (set: $refusedAlexina to false) (set: $farmerMissionFail to false) (set: $candleHealed to false) (set: $usedWillow to false) (set: $askedMorphine to false) (set: $noMoreChamomile to false) Edinburgh, 1827, May 11. Another day, another opportunity to help people and try to not get caught by the witchfinders.} (text-style: "underline")[House Rules]: * (color: "blue")[blue] text - expands. (click-replace: "blue")[(color: "white")[blue blimp blue]] * (color: "orange")[[[orange->Title Page Click]]] text - link (careful with that one!) * (color: "green")[green] text - highlights for magic, like (color: "green")[make a special potion from a frog skin] ideas that you can use. * The more attention you attract as a possible witch, the higher is your Witch Score. When the Witch Score hits 4, your game is **over**. (button:)[[Begin the game->Beginning]]

Official trials haven't been taking place since decades, but **witchfinders** are still doing their unofficial job for the Church. Witchfinders are working undercover to detect potential witches and test them with unconventional methods to "get the truth out". Witchfinders do not care if the witch is good or bad - it is enough that she is capable of doing [[bad stuff.->Introduction 4]] <div id='skipper'> [[Skip Intro->Title Page]] </div>

Well, so now you expect, that you got the role of a brave witchfinder and I send you on an adventure to get rid of nasty creatures? (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[I got some news for you: (click-append: "I got some news for you:")+(t8n:'dissolve')+(transition-time: 5s)[ <br /><br />you are the [[witch.->Introduction 5]]]] <div id='skipper'> [[Skip Intro->Title Page]] </div>

It's early afternoon. Maggie (click-append: "Maggie")[ (this nice woman thinks you are her childless cousin and lets you stay with her family, in a small servant room)] is at the textile factory the whole day. The sun is shining though the windows, and you are finished with your home duties, such as - cleaning the kitchen, sweeping the floor, washing the clothing. There is still some stuff to do today, [[so you look at your notes->Todo]].

Witch Score: $score ----- {(if: $showHeader is true)[ (if: $gameOver is 1)[ (set: $showHeader to false) (if: $score is 4)[(go-to: "Bad")] (else-if: $farmerMissionFail and $hectorMissionCompleted)[(go-to: "Good")] (else-if: $farmerMissionCompleted and $hectorMissionCompleted)[(go-to: "Good")] ]]}

Moving around towns and villages every now and then, occasionally helping people (and cursing some bad dudes) is the only way you can survive without attracting "their" attention. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[But you feel, [["they"->Title Page]] are getting closer. ]

{(set: $location to "home") (set: $hectorNote to "Visit Hector (Chamber's street)") (set: $alexinaNote to "Visit Alexina (Lawnmarket)") (set: $extraNote to "Visit Esplanade") (set: $inventory to (a: "coin bag", "handkerchief", "notebook", "pencil")) The notes} say:(click-append: "The notes say:")[ * $hectorNote * $alexinaNote * $extraNote] {Also, you carry some stuff in your pocket purse: (click-append: "pocket purse:")+(t8n:'dissolve')[ (print: (joined: ", ", ...$inventory)). ]} [[Leave the house->Outside the House]].

{(set: $showFooter to true) (set: $location to "outside the house") You open the heavy front door and go outside. The street is busy with all kinds of people - old ladies with loud kids, rushing postmen, servants with bags full of fresh food, nicely dressed lawyers.} There is a new (link-goto: "broadside", (either: "broadside_1", "broadside_2", "broadside_3", "broadside_4", "broadside_5")) pinned to the wall. {<ul> <li>Go to the [[Chambers Street]]</li> <li>Go to the [[Lawnmarket]]</li> <li>Go to the [[Castle Esplanade]]</li> <li>Go to the [[Elm Row]]</li> <li>Come back [[inside->Maggie house]]</li> </ul>}

{(if: $showFooter)[ ------ { (if: $score is 4)[(set: $gameOver to 1)] (else-if: $farmerMissionFail and $hectorMissionCompleted)[(set: $gameOver to 1)] (else-if: $farmerMissionCompleted and $hectorMissionCompleted)[(set: $gameOver to 1)] } (else:)[ Look inside your pocket(click-append: "Look inside your pocket")[: (print: (joined: ", ", ...$inventory)).] <br> Check your notes(click-append: "Check your notes")[: {<ul> <li>$hectorNote</li> <li>$alexinaNote</li> <li>$extraNote</li> </ul>} ]]]}

{(set: $location to "hectors house") Knock, knock.} Hector himself opens the door and is happy to see you. {(if: $visitedHector is false)[ "Thank you a plenty for coming over! Maggie told me you studied (color: "blue")[nursery], and my son looks very unwell." (click-replace: "nursery")[(color: "white")[nursery (yeah, sure)]]] (else:)["I am glad you are back, have you brought anything to heal my son?"]} {<ul> (if: $visitedHector is false)[<li>[[Examine the child ->Examine the Child]]</li>] (else:) [(if: $gotMedicine) [(if: $gotLinden)[<li>[[Use linden extract ->Give Which Medicine]]</li>] (if: "willow bark" is in $inventory)[<li>[[Use willow bark]]</li>]] (else:)[<li>You still haven't got any medicine with you.</li>]] <li>[[Ask about family ->Small Talk]]</li> <li>[[Go outside->Chambers Street]]</li> </ul>}

Hector invites you to another room. On a high bed, a young boy is lying under a thin blanket. He seems asleep, but the boy is looking pale and his breathing sounds very hard. (unless: $visitedHector)[ It seems to be a simple influenza and you would just need a willow bark [[from the pharmacy]] to heal him without any extra materials. Or you could [[make the medicine by yourself]], if you (color: "green")[find a willow].] (set: $visitedHector to true)

"So, how is your wife doing?" you ask politely. "My sweet Betsy? Pretty great! Her brother got a lot work to do, though they are, well..", Hector hesitated before continuing, "on some kind of a Church secret service." "Oh, I see..." {<ul> (if: $visitedHector is false)[<li>[[Examine the child ->Examine the Child]]</li>] (else:) [(if: $gotMedicine) [(if: $gotLinden)[<li>[[Use linden extract ->Give Which Medicine]]</li>] (if: "willow bark" is in $inventory)[<li>[[Use willow bark]]</li>]] (else:)[<li>You still haven't got any medicine with you.</li>]] <li>[[Go outside->Chambers Street]]</li> </ul>}

You say you'd wait and come the other day. * Go [[outside->Elm Row]] * [[Look around]]

There are a lot of exciting objects at the pharmacy, so you decide to buy something. * Pick [[raspberry tea]] * Pick [[morphine]] * Pick [[chamomile powder]] * [[Return->Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacy]]

The Lawnmarket is the heart of the Edinburgh trading life. There is a [[candle store->Candle Store]], a tavern, [[a butcher store->The butcher]], a tea store. {<ul> <li>Go to the [[Chambers Street]]</li> <li>Go to the [[Castle Esplanade]]</li> <li>Go to your [[house->Maggie house]]</li> <li>Go to the [[Elm Row]]</li> </ul>}

You enter a dimly lit store, full of candles of different types. {(unless: $visitedAlexina)[Alexina, who sometimes comes to Maggie for a cup of tea, works here.] (else:)[Alexina stands at the counter.]} {<ul> (unless: $visitedAlexina)[<li>[[Talk to Alexina->Alexina Small Talk]]</li>] (if: "bone powder" is in $inventory and $toHelpTheFarmer is true)[<li>[[Give the bone powder to Alexina]]</li>] <li>[[Buy a candle->Ask for Candles]]</li> <li>[[Go outside->Lawnmarket]]</li> </ul>}

The butcher store is very small and full of unpleasant smells. {<ul> (if: $toHelpTheFarmer is true)[<li>Ask the butcher about [[cattles]] from the farmers</li>] <li>[[Buy some meat]]</li> <li>[[Buy some bones]]</li> <li>Go outside to the [[Lawnmarket]]</li> </ul>}

{(unless: $gotCandle)[You buy one of the white thin candles stacked on the shelf, since it may be a useful thing. (set: $gotCandle to true) (set: $inventory to $inventory + (a:"candle"))] (else:)[You have already bought a candle.]} {<ul> (unless: $visitedAlexina)[<li>[[Talk to Alexina->Alexina Small Talk]]</li>] <li>[[Go outside->Lawnmarket]]</li> </ul>}

"Whit wid ye lik', lassie?" the butcher asks you. "A couple of lamb bones, please." (if: $gotBones)["Dinnae ye carry some awready?" the butcher winks. "Oh, my bad, of course I already got some," you reply." {<ul> (if: $toHelpTheFarmer is true)[<li>Ask the butcher about [[cattles]] from the farmers</li>] <li>[[Buy some meat]]</li> <li>Go outside to the [[Lawnmarket]]</li> </ul>} ] (else:)[ "Surely sweetheart... Bit how come wid yi''ll need thaim? ah git a fresh loin o' pork ower her." {<ul> (if: $sawDogs)[<li>[["I wanted to feed the dogs I have seen near the tavern."]]</li>] <li>[["Just give me what I ask for!"]]</li> <li>[["They are for a soup."]]</li> </ul>}]

**Wonder of Wonders** "Wonder of Wonders, or the Speech of a child born near Edinburgh on Thursday the 15th of March 1770 as delivered ten minutes after it came into the world." [[Return->Outside the House]]

**Auful Cruelty** "Account of the cruel and inhuman tratment of a child, by its own Father, of the name M'Gregor, or Rogers, residing in Kirkintilloch, who kept the child in an empty barrel for some years, till he was more like one of the monkey species than a human being . . . altogether a deplorable instance of culpable neglect and savage cruelty." [[Return->Outside the House]]

**Helen Oliver** "A particular account of John Thomson, a journeyman plasterer, who has been working in one of the New Buildings in Lord Moray's Park . . . and who was discovered by a strange accident, to be Female, on Tuesday last'" [[Return->Outside the House]]

**Discovery of Ancient Relics** "A Full, True, and Interesting Account of that Remarkable and Important Discovery made yesterday in taking down the old houses in the Castle-hill, when there was found a box containg several Ancient Coins, a Massy Gold Ring, an old fashioned Dirk, and a Wonderful Prophecy made in the year 1550, respecting great events which are to happen this present year." [[Return->Outside the House]]

**The Lass o' Glenshea** "On a bonny day when the heather was blooming, And the silent hill humm'd with the sair laden bee; I met a fair maiden as homeward I was riding, A herding her sheep on the hills o' Glenshea." [[Return->Outside the House]]

{(set: $location to "chambers street") You are in the Chambers Street. The view of the freshly finished New College is spectacular.} (unless: $hectorMissionCompleted)[You stand in front of [[Hector's house]].] {<ul> <li>Go to the [[Lawnmarket]]</li> <li>Go to the [[Castle Esplanade]]</li> <li>Go to your [[house->Maggie house]]</li> <li>Go to the [[Elm Row]]</li> </ul>}

You are at the Castle Esplanade. The Castle rises over the massive rock, but this is not as interesting as another object there. There is a small monument dedicated to all prosecuted witches, called the [[Witches Well]]. There is a [[willow tree]] growing near the row of houses. {<ul> <li>Go to the [[Chambers Street]]</li> <li>Go to the [[Lawnmarket]]</li> <li>Go to your [[house->Maggie house]]</li> <li>Go to the [[Elm Row]]</li> </ul> }

Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacy is open and full of action - lots of glass bottles, herbs, teas and pills to buy. {<ul> (if: $needPharmacy and $gotLinden is false)[<li>Ask for the [[willow bark]]</li>] <li>[[Look around]]</li> <li>Go [[outside->Elm Row]]</li> </ul>}

You enter the house of Maggie. No one is at home. {<ul> (if: $gotChamomile and $talkedToMan)[<li>Make a [[Nine Herb Charm]] with chamomile powder you got</li>] (if: $makeWillow is "got branch" and $visitedHector)[<li>[[Make willow bark powder]]</li>] (if: $gotBook is true)[<li>[[Read the old man's book]]</li>] (if: $foundBoneRecipe and $gotBones)[<li>Make a [[bone powder]]</li>] (if: $gotRaspberryTea)[<li>[[Drink some tea]]</li>] <li>[[Go outside->Outside the House]] </li> </ul>}

{(set: $makeWillow to "find willow") (set: $gotMedicine to false) (set: $hectorNote to $hectorNote + ", find a willow") You decide to make the medicine by yourself, whenever you can find a willow. You might need a knife for that as well, unless you just go all in with your long nails. "I will bring you a medicine," you reassure Hector and [[leave his house->Chambers Street]]. (color:grey)[Hector found it very strange, that you didn't want to go to the pharmacy.] (set: $score to $score+1)}

You come out of the room, and ask Hector, where you can find the closest pharmacy to get willow bark. "Check Lindsay & Gilmor on Elm Row, they should be open today. I will pay you for anything you need." You thank Hector and [[leave his house->Chambers Street]]. {(set: $needPharmacy to true) (set: $gotMedicine to false) (set: $hectorNote to $hectorNote + ", get willow bark from the pharmacy")}

"Hello, I was sent from Maggie to help your sick boy," you start politely. "Hector, why didn't you call a doctor? What does she do?" Betsy thins her lips and looks at you suspiciously. {(if: $needPharmacy)["She bought medicine at the pharmacy, all fine!" says Hector.] (else:)["She studied nursery, you can trust her!" says Hector.]} Betsy relaxes and gives you a tired smile. "Thank you, and sorry for such an offensive manner, I do not trust the self-proclaimed healers and other sort of funny folk." * [["I understand, no worries."]] * [["I am not a funny folk!"]]

{You just mumble hello and [[sneak out->Chambers Street]] the open door. Got more stuff to do today! (unless: $needPharmacy and $candleHealed)[(set: $score to $score+1)] (set: $hectorMissionCompleted to true)}

A very nice miss is standing behind the counter, and you ask her if you can have some willow bark powder to cure influenza. "What you are asking for is not here yet, you can either [[wait]] a couple of days or [[get linden]] extract instead. It is not as strong as willow, but it will at least reduce the fever." Very unpleasant. Maybe you really should have [[made the medicine by yourself]]?

{You are outside of the pharmacy, thinking where to go. In front of the pharmacy there is a closed tavern, and you notice a couple of (color: "blue")[dogs] sitting in front of it, as if expecting to be (if: $gotBones and $dogsFed is false)[[well->fed]] fed also on a day like that. (unless: $dogsFed)[(click-replace: "dogs")[(color: "white")[hungry dogs]]] (set: $sawDogs to true)} * Enter the [[Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacy]] * Go to the [[Chambers Street]] * Go to the [[Lawnmarket]] * Go to the [[Castle Esplanade]] * Go to your [[house->Maggie house]]

{(set: $makeWillow to "find willow") (set: $gotMedicine to false) (set: $needPharmacy to false) (set: $hectorNote to $hectorNote + ", (or find it)") You decide to make the medicine by yourself, whenever you can find a willow. You say goodbye to the pharmacist and [[leave the Pharmacy->Elm Row]], unless you still want to [[look around->Look around]].}

You decide to get linden. This will not be as good, but still fine. Another option would be (color: "green")[to get a candle and use its light to increase the power of the medicine]. The candle could be found at a market for sure. {(set: $gotMedicine to true) (set: $gotLinden to true) (set: $inventory to $inventory + (a: "linden extract")) You thank the pharmacist and [[leave the pharmacy->Elm Row]] (unless you wanted to [[look around->Look around]] more).}

{(set: $witchesWellVisited to $witchesWellVisited+1) This fountain is installed near the site on which many witches were burned at the stake. (if: $witchesWellVisited is 1)[There is an old man standing near the monument, holding white (color: "blue")[flowers] in his hands. (click-replace: "flowers")[(color: "white")[chrysanthemums]]]} {<ul> (if: $witchesWellVisited is 1)[<li>[[Talk to the man]]</li>] (else-if: $talkedToMan is true and $gotBook is false)[The [[old man]] is sitting on the bench nearby.] (else:)[The man with the flowers is gone.] <li>[[Return->Castle Esplanade]]</li> </ul>}

You look at an old willow tree, which has been probably standing here for a couple of decades. {<ul> (if: $makeWillow is "find willow")[<li>[[Break a branch]] of the willow</li>] <li>[[Return->Castle Esplanade]]</li> </ul>}

"It's a lovely monument, isn't it," you say after a small polite coughing to signalise your presence. "A scary one," the old man sighs. "Why is that?" you inquire. "My wife was taken by witchfinders five years ago", the old man says, "And I will never be able to get her back". * [[Continue the conversation]] * [[Slowly close the conversation]]

{You decide to not attract more attention, mumble some polite words and [[go away->Castle Esplanade]]. (set: $farmerMissionFail to true)}

You ask further: "What did she do?" "She was accused of witchcraft by helping neighbors with the chicken flu," says the old man, "Someone saw her in the stall and told to the police, and then," his voice trembles, "they took her." "They?", you inquire, despite already knowing the answer. "[[The Witchfinders]]".

"I am very sorry for your loss," you say. {(if: some of (a: "willow branch", "candle", "lamb bones") is in $inventory)[ (if: "willow branch" is in $inventory)[The man notices a willow branch poking out of your purse.] (else-if: "candle" is in $inventory)[The man notices some wax on your hands from the candle you were holding before.] (else-if: "lamb bones" is in $inventory)[The man notices some wax on your hands from the candle you were holding before.] "Aren't you the one who also fears **them** in a way?" * "[[I do not fear. I just co-exist.]]" * "[[I am not sure what you are talking about.]]"]} (else:)["Thank you, my dear," the old man sighed again and slowly walked away. (set: $farmerMissionFail to true) (color: gray)[You were standing for some time in front of the monument, alone with your thoughts, and haven't noticed that someone was watching you from the corner of the wall.] (set: $score to $score+1) Return to the [[Castle Esplanade]]]

{(set: $makeWillow to "got branch") You carefully bend one of the branches until it cracks. Trying to be unseen, you take the piece and [[stuff->Castle Esplanade]] it in your pocket purse. (set: $inventory to $inventory + (a:"willow branch"))}

(set: $talkedToMan to true) The old man looks at you, as if he wants to check how serious you are. "My wife left me something. It is a book. She said, that it should be in safe hands," he finally pronounces. You wait. (click-replace: "You wait.")[ "If you could give me a sign or prove me that you can make use of such book," he continues, "I could bring it to you. I will be here in a couple of hours again." You think, how you could [[persuade->persuade the old man]] the man to give you the (most probably, valuable) book from his wife. Or just forget about that and return to the [[Castle Esplanade]]?]

{"I am not sure, what you are talking about", you replied. "Well, my dear, then we shall part here", answered the old man and walked [[away->Castle Esplanade]]. (set: $farmerMissionFail to true)}

{(if: $gotRaspberryTea)[You already got some raspberry tea. Why do you need more?] (else:)[You buy some raspberry tea. (set: $gotRaspberryTea to true) (set: $inventory to $inventory + (a: "raspberry tea")) "Anything else?" the pharmacy lady asks you.]} * Pick [[morphine]] * Pick [[chamomile powder]] [[Return->Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacy]]

(unless: $askedMorphine)[You point at shiny ampules with morphine and ask the pharmacist lady to give you that. (set: $askedMorphine to true) "I am sorry," she replies, "This is a new and a very strong opioid, and I can only give it to doctors. Do you want something else instead?"] (else:)[ "I am sorry, lady, I cannot give you that."] * Pick [[raspberry tea]] * Pick [[chamomile powder]] [[Return->Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacy]]

{(unless: $noMoreChamomile)[ (if: $gotChamomile)[You already got some chamomile powder. Why do you need more? (color: grey)[That's weird. (set: $score to $score +1)](set: $noMoreChamomile to true)] (else:)[You buy some chamomile powder. (set: $gotChamomile to true) (set: $inventory to $inventory + (a: "chamomile powder")) "Anything else?" the pharmacy lady asks you.]] (else:) [Dude, stop asking for it!]} * Pick [[morphine]] * Pick [[raspberry tea]] [[Return->Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacy]]

"How are the things going?" you ask politely. "Fine for me, but unfortunately not so well for my husband," Alexina replies. "He is a farmer and there has been some problem with the highland cattle, the animals seem to be losing weight out of a sudden." You are thinking if you should [[offer your help->help the farmer]] or [[close the conversation]] instead. (set: $visitedAlexina to true)

{Since the old man was so down, you could (color: "green")[make a Nine Herb Charm potion] for him. It could relieve him from the grief, and prove that you are a capable of doing good things. You say [[goodbye->Castle Esplanade]] to the man and promise to come back later. (set: $extraNote to $extraNote + ", make Nine Herb Charm (chamomile)")}

"I will think of something I can do for your husband," you answer. {"Thank you," says Alexina. (set: $toHelpTheFarmer to true) (if: $gotBook)[Maybe there is something you can read in the book you received from the old man.] (else:)[You would love to help the farmer, but so far there is nothing that comes to your mind. ] (set: $alexinaNote to $alexinaNote + ", cattles issues")} * [[Buy a candle->Ask for Candles]] * [[Go outside->Lawnmarket]]

Well, you wouldn't be running errands with a couple of pounds of meat, right? {<ul> (if: $toHelpTheFarmer is true)[<li>Ask the butcher about [[cattles]] from the farmers</li>] <li>[[Buy some bones]]</li> <li>Go outside to the [[Lawnmarket]]</li> </ul>}

"Just give me what I ask for!" you order. {The butcher did not expect such an offensive behavior of yours, but he gave you two middle-sized bones with tiny pieces of flesh on them. (color: gray)[He is definitely not amused. (set: $score to $score +1)] (set: $gotBones to true) (set: $inventory to $inventory + (a:"lamb bones"))} {<ul> (if: $toHelpTheFarmer is true)[<li>Ask the butcher about [[cattles]] from the farmers</li>] <li>[[Buy some meat]]</li> <li>Go outside to the [[Lawnmarket]]</li> </ul>}

{The butcher smiles and gives you two middle-sized bones with tiny pieces of flesh on them. (set: $gotBones to true) (set: $inventory to $inventory + (a:"lamb bones"))} {<ul> (if: $toHelpTheFarmer is true)[<li>Ask the butcher about [[cattles]] from the farmers</li>] <li>[[Buy some meat]]</li> <li>Go outside to the [[Lawnmarket]]</li> </ul>}

{You just make up some excuse to get the bones. Well why not, it worked. (set: $gotBones to true) (set: $inventory to $inventory + (a:"lamb bones"))} {<ul> (if: $toHelpTheFarmer is true)[<li>Ask the butcher about [[cattles]] from the farmers</li>] <li>[[Buy some meat]]</li> <li>Go outside to the [[Lawnmarket]]</li> </ul>}

"I have heard from Alexina, that farmers are struggling a bit," you start. The butcher scratches his head, "Aye, amurnay sure whit's th' issue thare, bit th' animals we git lest time keek a bawherr puggelt. Hopefully, it wull be ower soon, otherwise we wull hae enormous losses in th' end o' th' year." * [[Buy some meat]] * [[Buy some bones]] * Go outside to the [[Lawnmarket]]

{It takes a while for the steamed hot potion to change the colour from light green to deep blue, but after an hour the potion is ready. You place it in your pocket purse. (set: $inventory to $inventory + (a: "Nine Herb Charm")) (set: $inventory to $inventory - (a: "chamomile powder")) (set: $gotChamomile to false)} {<ul> (if: $makeWillow is "got branch" and $visitedHector)[<li>[[Make willow bark powder]]</li>] (if: $gotBook is true)[<li>[[Read the old man's book]]</li>] (if: $foundBoneRecipe and $gotBones)[<li>Make a [[bone powder]]</li>] (if: $gotRaspberryTea)[<li>[[Drink some tea]]</li>] <li>[[Go outside->Outside the House]] </li> </ul>}

{You wash, dry and then crush the bones into a very thin powder. (set: $gotBones to false) (set: $inventory to $inventory + (a:"bone powder")) (set: $inventory to $inventory - (a:"lamb bones"))} {<ul> (if: $gotChamomile and $talkedToMan)[<li>Make a [[Nine Herb Charm]] with chamomile powder you got</li>] (if: $makeWillow is "got branch" and $visitedHector)[<li>[[Make willow bark powder]]</li>] (if: $gotBook is true)[<li>[[Read the old man's book]]</li>] (if: $gotRaspberryTea)[<li>[[Drink some tea]]</li>] <li>[[Go outside->Outside the House]] </li> </ul>}

You got some raspberry tea, why not to drink some? {So you stay for a while. (set: $inventory to $inventory-(a:"raspberry tea")) (if: $refusedAlexina and $farmerMissionFail is false)[ While you are enjoying your tea, Maggie comes in for a short break. After a short conversation about the weather, she asks you: "So, have you talked to Alexina already?" "Yes, regarding the farmer... " * [["I am not sure I could help"]] * [["I think I could do something about it"]] ]} {<ul> (if: $gotChamomile and $talkedToMan)[<li>Make a [[Nine Herb Charm]] with chamomile powder you got</li>] (if: $makeWillow is "got branch" and $visitedHector)[<li>[[Make willow bark powder]]</li>] (if: $gotBook)[<li>[[Read the old man's book]]</li>] (if: $foundBoneRecipe and $gotBones)[<li>Make a[[bone powder]]</li>] <li>[[Go outside->Outside the House]] </li> </ul>}

After all the formalities have been completed, you sit with Hector for a cup of tea. Suddenly, the front door bell rings, and Hector's wife comes in. "This is Betsy, my wife, she works at the textile factory," introduces her Hector. {<ul> <li>[[Talk to her]]</li> <li>[[Quietly leave]]</li> </ul>}

You just mumble hello and [[sneak out->Chambers Street]] through the open door. Got more stuff to do today! {(if: $candleHealed)[(color: gray)[...However, the candle smell in the bedroom was too strong.] (set: $score to $score+1)] (set: $hectorMissionCompleted to true)}

You slam the door and go [[outside->Chambers Street]]. {(if: $candleHealed)[(color: gray)[...However, the candle smell in the bedroom was too strong.] (set: $score to $score+1)] (set: $hectorMissionCompleted to true)}

You approach the old man and sit at the bench near him. (if: "Nine Herb Charm" is in $inventory)["I got something for you," you say, "it is a potion that can make the longing for your missing wife a little bit less painful." You take the potion out of your large pocket and give it to the old man. "Two drops on your forehead before sleeping and you will notice in a couple of days." (set: $inventory to $inventory - (a:"Nine Herb Charm")) The old man hesitates a bit, but takes the potion from your hands. He puts a hand in his bag and takes out a small [[book]] in a dark red cover. ] (else:)["Did you bring me anything?" the old man asks. "I wanted to make a Nine Herb Charm, but I do not have it yet," you reply. "Well, anybody can throw words. I cannot trust you," the man stands up and goes away. * [[Follow the old man]] * [[Let him go]] ]

{You take the book in your hands. It is warm and heavy. (set: $gotBook to true) (set: $gameScore to $gameScore+10) (set: $inventory to $inventory + (a: "old man's book")) The old man stands up. "Please, take care of it." His back turned away, and he moved towards the castle.} * [[Open the book]] * [[Take the book with you]]

You stand up as well, and follow the man. "Please, I can give you a proof," you beg. "No, I am tired of this," the man pushes you away. You do not want to stress him any longer and stop chasing him. (set: $farmerMissionFail to true) (color: gray)[With your side vision you noticed a couple of shadows moved from the other side of the esplanade.] (set: $score to $score+1) Return to the [[esplanade->Castle Esplanade]].

{What can you do. Maybe, it was not so important. You stand up and go back to the [[esplanade->Castle Esplanade]]. (set: $gotBook to false) (set: $farmerMissionFail to true)}

You cannot wait and start looking through the book right away. As you expected, it is a very nice "witch cookbook" that has a list of some good potions and mixtures, such a treasure! (set: $readBook to true) (color: gray)[Unfortunately, you were not alone in your moment of joy.] (set: $score to $score + 1) You put a book in your purse and walk [[away->Castle Esplanade]]. Would be good to read it more thoroughly in a safe place at home.

You put a book in your purse and walk [[away->Castle Esplanade]]. Would be nice to read it at home, away from other people's eyes.

{(if: $gotBones)[You throw the dogs the lamb bones you got. They immediately start to move their tails vividly and start the feast.] (set: $gotBones to false) (set: $dogsFed to true) (set: $gameScore to $gameScore+10) (set: $inventory to $inventory - (a:"lamb bones"))} * Enter the [[Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacy]] * Go to the [[Chambers Street]] * Go to the [[Lawnmarket]] * Go to the [[Castle Esplanade]] * Go to your [[house->Maggie house]]

{(if: $readBook is false)[As you expected, it is a "witch cookbook" that has a list of some good potions and mixtures, such a treasure! (set: $readBook to true)] (else:)[ You open the book again, trying to find any useful recipes.]} {(if: $toHelpTheFarmer is true and $foundBoneRecipe is false)[Since you want to help the farmer, you search for a treatment related to large animals. Luckily, you find a powder, that is easy to make from the ingredients you have at home, you would just need to add pounded lamb bones. (set: $foundBoneRecipe to true) (if: $gotBones)[Actually, you already have bones with you, so you can [[make a bone powder->bone powder]] right away.]] (else:)[You find a recipe on how to (either: "make someone fall asleep for seventy two hours", "grow neck hair", "make mint tea smell like poo"), but it doesn't seem helpful right now.]} {<ul> (if: $gotChamomile and $talkedToMan)[<li>Make a [[Nine Herb Charm]] with chamomile powder you got</li>] (if: $makeWillow is "got branch" and $visitedHector)[<li>[[Make willow bark powder]]</li>] (if: $gotRaspberryTea)[<li>[[Drink some tea]]</li>] <li>[[Go outside->Outside the House]] </li> </ul>}

"Very unfortunate," you answer. "Yeah well, what can one do," agrees Alexina. "Do you want to buy a candle?" (set: $refusedAlexina to true) * [[Buy a candle->Ask for Candles]] * [[Go outside->Lawnmarket]]

(if: $gotCandle)[Since you got linden extract from the pharmacy and the candle from the store, you can choose either to [[use the candle]] or [[not->not use the candle]].] (else:)[You give Hector the linden extract to give to the boy, telling that it might take a bit longer for the boy to feel better, but linden will do its job. (set: $inventory to $inventory - (a:"linden extract")) [[The boy will be healed.]] {(set: $hectorMissionCompleted to true) (set: $gameScore to $gameScore + 10)}]

{You tell Hector, that you need some time with the boy, and he lets you in the room. You light up the candle you brought from the store, and open the bottle with the linden extract... (set: $candleHealed to true) (set: $inventory to $inventory - (a:"linden extract")) (set: $inventory to $inventory - (a:"candle"))} {[[The boy will be healed.]] (set: $gameScore to $gameScore + 20)}

{You give Hector the linden extract to give to the boy, telling that it might take a bit longer for the boy to feel better, but linden will do its job. (set: $inventory to $inventory - (a:"linden extract"))} {[[The boy will be healed.]] (set: $gameScore to $gameScore + 10}

{You take out the willow from your pocket, and using a kitchen knife, carefully cut off the bark. Afterwards, you cut it in the little pieces and place in a small box. This will be a good medicine for the sick boy. (set: $inventory to $inventory - (a: "willow branch")) (set: $inventory to $inventory + (a: "willow bark")) (set: $makeWillow to "finished") (set: $gotMedicine to true)} {<ul> (if: $gotChamomile and $talkedToMan)[<li>Make a [[Nine Herb Charm]] with chamomile powder you got</li>] (if: $gotBook is true)[<li>[[Read the old man's book]]</li>] (if: $foundBoneRecipe and $gotBones)[<li>Make a[[bone powder]]</li>] (if: $gotRaspberryTea)[<li>[[Drink some tea]]</li>] <li>[[Go outside->Outside the House]] </li> </ul>}

{You refuse to offer help to the farmer. Well, hopefully they manage. (set: $farmerMissionFail to true)} {<ul> (if: $gotChamomile and $talkedToMan)[<li>Make a [[Nine Herb Charm]] with chamomile powder you got</li>] (if: $makeWillow is "got branch" and $visitedHector)[<li>[[Make willow bark powder]]</li>] (if: $gotBook is true)[<li>[[Read the old man's book]]</li>]] <li>[[Go outside->Outside the House]] </li> </ul>}

(set: $toHelpTheFarmer to true) (if: $gotBook)[Maybe there is something you can read in the book you received from the old man.] (else:)[You would love to help the farmer, but so far there is nothing that comes to your mind. ] {<ul> (if: $gotChamomile and $talkedToMan)[<li>Make a [[Nine Herb Charm]] with chamomile powder you got</li>] (if: $makeWillow is "got branch" and $visitedHector)[<li>[[Make willow bark powder]]</li>] (if: $gotBook is true)[<li>[[Read the old man's book]]</li>] (if: $foundBoneRecipe and $gotBones)[<li>Make a [[bone powder]]</li>]] <li>[[Go outside->Outside the House]] </li> </ul>}

You give Hector the willow bark powder you made. He looks suspiciously, but he trusts you. {"Just soak this in water for six hours, and give it to your boy," you explain. (set: $inventory to $inventory - (a:"willow bark")) (set: $usedWillow to true)} {[[The boy will be healed.]] (set: $gameScore to $gameScore+30)}

"I have brought something that may help the farmers," you tell her, "Add this powder in the hay and you will see in a while, that the animals will eat better". {Alexina is happy to receive your gift. "Thank you very much, I will tell my husband how kind you are". (set: $farmerMissionCompleted to true) (set: $gameScore to $gameScore+20) (set: $inventory to $inventory - (a: "bone powder"))} [[Leave the store->Lawnmarket]]

(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 2.5s)[Phew, what a good day it was. {(if: $farmerMissionCompleted)[You helped Hector and the farmer and all is well. ] (else:)[You helped Hector and his son. However, you did not figure out (or want?) to help the farmer, and maybe you could give it another chance.]} (set: $finalScore = $gameScore - 10*$score) We secretly gave you points for the good stuff you have done, and added penalties for the witch score. Your final score is $finalScore points out of 100 possible.(if: $finalScore is 110)[Exceptional!] (set: $score to 0) I guess we hang out for a while here? [[Play Again->Title Page]]] [[About the Game]]

(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 5s)[You came home, but could not help not noticing anxiety in Maggie's eyes. She was too quiet with you this evening - bad sign. Tomorrow morning **they** will come for you. You wait till the house falls asleep, hop on your favorite broomstick and get off through the open window. (set: $finalScore = $gameScore - 10*$score) We secretly gave you points for good stuff you have done, and added penalties for the witch score. Your final score is $finalScore points out of 100 possible. (set: $score to 0) [[Play Again->Title Page]]] [[About the Game]]

(if: $score is 5)[(set: $gameOver to true)] (if: $score is 5)[(set: $showFooter to false)(go-to: "Bad")] (else-if: $farmerMissionFail and $hectorMissionCompleted)[(set: $showFooter to false)(go-to: "Good")] (else-if: $farmerMissionCompleted and $hectorMissionCompleted)[(set: $showFooter to false)(go-to: "Good")]

{(set: $showHeader to false) (set: $score to 0) The idea for the Witchfinders game came to me pretty spontaneously. I was immersed in the aesthetics of medieval armor, and it somewhat led me to start reading about witch prosecutions. However, I didn't want to make the setting at the correct time in history, but shift it a bit forward. There are no official documents on the witch trials in the 19th century.} I have looked through many historical documents, and tried to reconstruct the settings of life in Edinburgh in the beginning of the 19th century. I have learned that the Old College was called "New College" at the time, there were pencils already in use, but still no bags and ladies had large pocket purses with them. I checked possible medications (morphine was sold publicly first in 1827). Lindsay & Gilmour is not the oldest pharmacy, but it was existent back then. The broadsides are the real ones from the archive. For the butcher's Scottish accent I have used a translator. English is not my mother tongue and I apologise for any misspellings and grammatical mistakes. In my defence regarding the game setting, I have been to Edinburgh once and I totally loved this city. Author: Tania Dreams Year: 2022 You can look at my art and other projects on my website: taniadreams.space [[Return to the Cover Page->Title Page]]

(open-url: "http://taniadreams.space/")

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Witch Score: 0

Edinburgh, 1827.

Age of Enlightment gave a way to Romanticism, leaving behind medieval brutality and aspiring beauty of Reneissance.
Scotland regained their territories and started its way into the Industrial Revolution. Cities grow large and

prosperous

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