Farinsky-Mollahan-Twine

(set: $escapetunnel to false) <img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/titlescreen.png" width=848 height=480 alt="The Drowning City"> [[Play|opening1]] [[Credits|credits]]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/op1.png" width=848 height=480 alt="a truck drives past an illuminated street light on a dark, stormy night"> The rain fell and the thunder rumbled as the clouds above turned like raging seas. The vast city was trapped in an endless downpour which soaked citizens to the bone within seconds. (click: "endless downpour")|dissolve>[ The streets began to fill with runoff as gutters failed to serve their purpose. Cars passing by began to sputter and stall as they collided with the pools of high water on the roadway.] (click: "high water")|dissolve>[ Traffic suddenly came to a screeching halt causing commuters to snap at each other's heels in [[frustration|opening2]].] (track: 'ambient', 'loop', true) (track: 'ambient', 'play')

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/titlescreen.png" height=400 alt="The Drowning City"> (align: "=><==")[Based on an original story by Elyse Mollahan (text-style: "bold")[Story Development] Katya Farinsky Elyse Mollahan (text-style: "bold")[Production Design] Elyse Mollahan (text-style: "bold")[Lead Writer] Katya Farinsky [[Back|title]]]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/op2.png" width=848 height=480 alt="a man in a trench coat and hat walks through a rain soaked city"> The flooding was kept to the streets below the curb stops, but the safety of the sidewalks was slowly diminishing. (click: "slowly diminishing")|dissolve>[ People without a vehicle to hide in ran for cover, pausing only for a moment before fleeing to the next dry refuge. No one wanted to be outside in this weather. Not even the frogs that croaked each night from under bridges and the fast paced freeways could be heard.] (click: "in this weather")|dissolve>[ A lone man, old with age and worn by years of hard labor, braved the rain. He shrugged the soaked collar of his coat closer as he struggled against the rain. Even if his tattered trench coat was an ever increasing burden for him to pull along, he was determined to arrive at his destination with coat intact.] (click: "intact")|dissolve>[ Despite the rain, the man pressed on ignoring the kind citizens who offered him a place to rest and get warm away from the storm. The determined look in his weary eyes didn’t pull away from the path before him as he trudged on through the foul weather of the [[bleak black night|opening3]].]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/op3.png" width=848 height=480 alt="a well lit city street lined with tall buildings"> As he passed the street signs that stood tall above the rising waters, the man glanced at each name searching for the one he desired. (event: when time > 3s)|dissolve>[He passed the traffic filled, noisy street of Oxford Boulevard.] (event: when time > 5s)|dissolve>[He quickly passed the shopping district area of Willows Way.] (event: when time > 7s)|dissolve>[He passed by skyscrapers and the business parks of Front Street.] (event: when time > 9s)|dissolve>[He didn’t give a second thought to any of the main roads in the city. Until, finally, he came to the street sign he [[wanted the most|opening4]].]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/op4.png" width=848 height=480 alt="a dark, narrow, trash filled alley"> There, on a neglected and bent street pole, was a half-rusted sign with the obscured name of Hollow Lane. The man’s eyes lit up at the sight of the sign and he quickly turned onto the lane. (click: "Hollow Lane")|dissolve>[ But it wasn’t even a lane...it was a short alleyway with trash cans stacked against the bordering buildings and empty crates piled against a weathered brick wall. The surrounding buildings provided little shelter from the storm. But as the wind blew through the narrow alley it became clear that no amount of shelter could ward off the cold rain that [[sent chills through|opening5]] his body.]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/op4.png" width=848 height=480 alt="a dark, narrow, trash filled alley"> The man inspected the alley as if he were looking for something important. He searched through the overturned crates and cardboard boxes in front of him, but there was nothing there except soaked newsprint and trash. (click: "trash")|dissolve>[ The man gritted his teeth in anger and let out an aggravated yell before kicking a trash can over, cursing in frustration at the rumbling night sky. He heaved out an exasperated sigh and stormed over to the crates, shoving one rudely to the side with a loud clatter.] (click: "loud clatter")|dissolve>[ [[“Excuse me, Sir?”|opening6]] ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/op5.png" width=848 height=480 alt="woman holding a worn umbrella in pouring rain"> A gentle feminine voice spoke up from behind the man, causing him to jump. He whipped around and spied a young woman holding an old worn umbrella, silhouetted by the passing car headlights and dim street lamps of the main road. (event: when time > 4s)|dissolve>[[[“Are you a customer?”|title2]]]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/titlescreen.png" width=848 height=480 alt="The Drowning City"> [[Continue|tutorial1]]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/tut1.png" width=848 height=480 alt="woman sitting on the corner of the desk"> (event: when time > 1s)|dissolve>["Good to see you again" said a female voice across the room.] (click: "the room")|dissolve>[ You blink your eyes open and look around trying to understand your new surroundings. Directly across from you is a wall of tall filing cabinets that sit behind an imposing wood desk. A woman sits on one corner of the desk tapping her fingers across the wood clearly waiting for you to ask something intelligent.] (click: "ask something intelligent")|dissolve>[ Where am I? (click: "Who am I")|dissolve>[ "You are currently sitting my office on the fifth floor of the Hollow Lane Investigation Agency." ] What am I doing here? (click: "What am I doing here?")|dissolve>[ "You were selected to join the agency because of your...unique talents. I wasn't involved in hiring you; my job is to evaluate if you are useful or just dead weight." ] Who are you?(click: "Who are you?")|dissolve>[ "Very funny, but we both know you didn't suddenly become an amnesiac during the onboarding process."] [["Ready to hear your briefing newbie?"|tutorial3]] ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/tut1.png" width=848 height=480 alt="woman sitting on the corner of the desk"> Before you can settle into a more comfortable position and fall back asleep you become hyper-aware of an incredibly cold, wet, substance hitting your face and chest. (event: when time > 2s)|dissolve>["So Good to see you again" said a sarcastic female voice across the room.] (click: "the room")|dissolve>[ You blink your eyes open and look around trying to understand your new surroundings. Directly across from you is a wall of tall filing cabinets that sit behind an imposing wood desk. A woman sits on one corner of the desk tapping her fingers across the wood clearly unimpressed with your performance so far and clearly unhappy waiting for you to ask something intelligent.] (click: "ask something intelligent")|dissolve>[ Where am I? (click: "Who am I")|dissolve>[ "You are currently sitting my office on the fifth floor of the Hollow Lane Investigation Agency." ] What am I doing here? (click: "What am I doing here?")|dissolve>[ "You were selected to join the agency because of your...unique talents. I wasn't involved in hiring you; my job is to evaluate if you are useful or just dead weight." ] Who are you?(click: "Who are you?")|dissolve>[ "Very funny, but we both know you didn't suddenly become an amnesiac during the onboarding process."] [["Ready to hear your briefing newbie?"|tutorial3]] ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/tut1.png" width=848 height=480 alt="woman sitting on the corner of the desk"> "Your first job is to find a kid who was reported missing by some concerned family members this morning. I read over your case brief and it seems the kid was last seen sometime yesterday afternoon. You will have to figure out the details for yourself because whoever created this case description is clearly incapable of doing their job correctly. The woman brought a hand to her face and emitted an exasperated sigh. She paused for a moment before continuing. (click: "continuing")|dissolve>[ We have been monitoring a sudden influx of missing persons across the city. Frankly, we aren't even sure if any of these cases are connected since the only common factor seems to be that they occurred within the last three weeks. The family has little hope that the police will find their kid any time soon, let alone alive since only four bodies have ever been recovered. This is where you come in." How do I find them? (click: "How do I find them?")|dissolve>[ "Put your wannabe detective skills to the test. Investigate places and people of importance to find clues. The more clues you uncover, the better your chances of being victorious are. In a case like this every detail counts, one piece of information could be the difference between life or death."] Where should I start? (click: "Where should I start?")|dissolve>[ "There is an address in the file that is supposedly the last known location for this kid but you may want to talk to the family first or whoever saw the kid last."] What else can you tell me? (click: "What else can you tell me?")|dissolve>[ "Have you even been paying attention? I thought I was pretty thorough, what more could you want? Do I need to do the rest of your job too? Good grief.."] [[Begin the Search|locations]] ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/tut2.png" width=848 height=480 alt="location"> (if: $escapetunnel is false)[ You exit the office and try to decide what the best course of action would be for this case. Missing children are serious business, there is only so much time to find someone alive before statistics are not on the side of finding them breathing. (click: "breathing")|dissolve>[ Allowing your thoughts to spiral out of control won't help. Take a deep breath and consider your options: Last Known Address (click: "Last Known Address")|dissolve>[ When you open the file you notice there is a small, square, piece of paper being held by a paperclip with an address on it. This must be the place the woman mentioned in your briefing...[[should you go there first?|alleyway]] ] Family Members (click: "Family Members")|dissolve>[ Perhaps learning more from the missing kid's family would be helpful. The woman was right, there is barely any useful information in this file. [[Speak to the family first?|building]] ] Other Information (click: "Other Information")|dissolve>[ Maybe the best way to solve the case is to find the connection between this case and all the other missing person cases. Surely that would impress your new boss right? Maybe that was the insight she wanted you to find. [[Investigate the bigger picture?|sewer1]] ] ] ] (else:)[ You make your way back to the office and decide that you are definitely not going to tell the woman about your unsuccessful side quest. Time to pick a new plan of action: Last Known Address (click: "Last Known Address")|dissolve>[ When you open the file you notice there is a small, square, piece of paper being held by a paperclip with an address on it. This must be the place the woman mentioned in your briefing...[[should you go there first?|alleyway]] ] Family Members (click: "Family Members")|dissolve>[ Perhaps learning more from the missing kid's family would be helpful. The woman was right, there is barely any useful information in this file. [[Speak to the family first?|building]] ] ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/tut2.png" width=848 height=480 alt="location"> You decide to use the address on the square paper note in your file as a starting point. There really isn't much else to go on since your case file is so incomplete. (click: "incomplete")|dissolve>[ No time to think about that now though, there is a missing kid and a ticking clock for finding them alive. You start walking towards the industrial district, mulling over the information you received from the woman.] (click: "the woman")|dissolve>[ At first glance there isn't strong evidence linking more than a few victims at a time: five were in construction, two were doctors, and ten lived in an apartment. Most of the victims were over 30 years old, but the last five victims were significantly younger: 23, 19, 27, 13, and 10. The numbers were all over the map but in general it seemed like the victim's were becoming younger and more [[vulnerable|warehouse1]] individuals. ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/tut2.png" width=848 height=480 alt="location"> You decide that the best way to start the case is to talk with the missing kid's family. You pull open your file and scan the paperwork for the right address. (click: "right address")|dissolve>[ After consulting the file you find an incomplete address with a house number and what must be a street name, but no zip code. You glace at a map and start walking towards a subway station. Walking through the city allows you time to think about questions to ask the family members. It will be important to keep them calm otherwise you will not be able to gain the information you need to round out your case file.] (click: "case file")|dissolve>[ You glance down at the notes in your case file as you walk to see if any details stand out. When you look up to make sure you are still headed in the right direction a man in a tattered trench coat comes out of nowhere and collides with you. The incident nearly sends all of your paperwork flying across the sidewalk but you somehow manage to keep everything together. The man grunted and hurried past you [[without apologizing|suspect]]. ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/location.png" width=848 height=480 alt="location"> Something must connect all these cases, there are too many cases within a three week period for this sudden surge in missing persons to be just a coincidence. A few cases would be normal, but 37, that's far too many. (click: "far too many")|dissolve>[ You thumb through the case file as you walk down the street towards a park bench to think. Staring across the green space of the park prompts your mind to become lost in the details inside the file.] (click: "the file")|dissolve>[ At first glance there isn't strong evidence linking more than a few victims at a time: five were in construction, two were doctors, and ten lived in an apartment. Most of the victims were over 30 years old, but the last five victims were significantly younger: 23, 19, 27, 13, and 10. The numbers were all over the map but in general it seemed like the victim's were becoming younger and more [[vulnerable|sewers2]] individuals. ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/location.png" width=848 height=480 alt="location"> As a test of your growing investigative skills, you start to brainstorm what the common thread between cases could be.... (link: "Age of Abductees")|dissolve>[ No, age can't be the common thread, the limited data you have shows victims ranging from ten to fifty-five years old which is not precise enough to draw any conclusions from.] (link: "Proximity to Downtown")|dissolve>[ This can't be it either, most of the victims lived within a ten mile radius from downtown which is too wide of a range to conclude that living downtown is the common thread.] (link: "Access to Indoor Plumbing")|dissolve>[ Yes that must be it! Each of the victims lived in a house with running water and a city sewer connection, clearly this is [[the missing link|sewer3]] the other investigators missed. ] (link: "Last Known Locations")|dissolve>[ This would be a promising lead if you even knew the last known location of your current case much less the other 36 cases. ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/manhole.png" width=848 height=480 alt="open manhole"> Confident you have caught a break in the case, you locate a nearby manhole cover and decide your investigation mandates that you venture into the labyrinth of pipes [[underneath the city|sewers4]].

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/sewer1.png" width=848 height=480 alt="into the sewers"> There is a loud splash as you drop off the bottom rung of the built in ladder leading to the underbelly of the city. (click: "underbelly")|dissolve>[ How you got inside the sewers so quickly is anyone's guess but since you are here you might as well investigate. Good thing you packed a [[flashlight|sewers5]].]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/sewer1.png" width=848 height=480 alt="sewers"> You walk deeper and deeper into the sewers. As you swing your flashlight from wall to wall, you think about how many people must have walked this tunnel before you to create the vast patchwork of graffiti that you see. After a few minutes of walking you come to a juncture and are faced with two options: (click: "two options:")|dissolve>[ On your left is a tunnel that leads further into the sewers. As you glace at the graffiti you notice strange symbols emerging between the typical tags and images. You feel drawn to pursue the left tunnel, but it could be a dead end.. On the right is a slightly brighter passage that seems to lead back to the surface. You have spent a reasonable amount of time in the sewers without a major discovery so it wouldn't be unreasonable to leave, but what if the other tunnel has the big reveal you have been waiting for? [[Go Left|sewers6]] [[Go Right|EscapeTunnel]] ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/manhole.png" width=848 height=480 alt="open manhole"> (set: $escapetunnel to true) You decide to leave the sewers and pursue the tunnel on the right. After walking for another minute you find a passage that loops back to where you first entered the tunnels. (event: when time > 4s )|dissolve>[As you ascend from the dank passageways you experience a strange feeling...you sense that the other direction would have lead your investigation to a bad ending, but in choosing this tunnel, you avoided it. [[Funny how things turn out sometimes..|locations]] ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/suspect.png" width=848 height=480 alt="rude encounter"> What a rude encounter, some people are just the worst. You stare after the man trying to extrapolate why he would blow past you without so much as a "sorry". As you watch him walk away it occurs to you that the man seems to be looking over his shoulder like he is being chased by an unseen force. Perhaps he knows some information about the missing people that could crack the case wide open. [[Follow him Discreetly|follow]] [[Attempt to Question|question]]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/suspect2.png" width=848 height=480 alt="following the suspect"> The man navigates the crowded city streets with unnatural ease. You quickly lose sight of him amongst the masses of people who block your path. Cursing your luck, you turn and head back towards the subway station where [[something else|tunnel-entrance]] catches your eye.

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/manhole.png" width=848 height=480 alt="open manhole"> A loose sewer man hole catches your eye as you begin to retrace your steps. It seems strange that the thick metal plate would be left ajar without some kind of construction crew or supervisor nearby. You decide to stand near the exposed opening and prevent other people from accidentally falling into the sewers. The more you contemplate the reasons why someone decided to leave such an obvious hazard in the walkway, the more you started to think it would be worth your time to investigate the sewers to make sure you didn't miss [[an important clue|sewers4]].

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/wh1.png" width=848 height=480 alt="the warehouse"> Looking down the street you observe a dilapidated warehouse that desperately needs new paint and trim. This structure stands out like a sore thumb from the rest of the street which appears well maintained and bustling with activity. (click: "bustling")|dissolve>[ It seems odd that only one warehouse would be allowed to deteriorate in such a busy area. Perhaps the occupant was trying to hide something inside the warehouse that would otherwise raise suspicion...the situation clearly called for further investigation.] (click: "further investigation")|dissolve>[ You quickly located an entrance to the building and proceeded to find something to [[break the lock|warehouse2]].]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/suspect2.png" width=848 height=480 alt="following the suspect"> You decide to give into your curiosity and discreetly follow the man in the tattered trench coat through the city. (click: "through the city")|disolve>[ The man weaves through the crowded city streets with unnatural skill making it almost impossible for you to keep up. He cuts through alleyways and side-streets until he reaches the industrial section of town. The man ducks between buildings and drops something on the ground.] (click: "something on the ground") |dissolve>[ You bend to pick it up, but when you stand up the man has [[vanished|warehouse1]]. ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/wh5.png" width=848 height=480 alt="hiding"> Your instincts take over and you dart behind some crates so you are hidden from the approaching footsteps. Several hooded figures approached the cage whispering something that you couldn't quite hear. A man was selected from the cage and dragged out into an open area between the long rectangular boxes and the cage. (click: "rectangular boxes and the cage")|dissolve>[ The figures cut the man's shirt away from his chest and drew the strange symbols you saw on the statues onto the man's chest. You watched in horror as the man was knocked unconscious and dragged towards an open door that emitted a faint musty odor like a sewer system. ] (click: "musty odor")|dissolve>[ As the figures left you noticed they left the cage unlocked. You have no idea when the figures would return but you knew it would be a bad idea to stick around and find out. [[Escape with the Kid|save-kid]] [[Try to Save Everyone|save-everyone]] ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/escape2.png" width=848 height=480 alt="escape"> You pull open the cage door and motion for everyone to follow you out. At first, no one moves. You wave more frantically and tell the people to hurry up. Slowly the group of ten finds their feet and walk out of the cage. Now that they are in the light it becomes more obvious that many of the adults appear to be in critical condition. (click: "critical condition")|dissolve>[ You instruct the healthier individuals to assist the weakest and start to navigate the group through the warehouse. Every corner could have a hooded figure so you carefully scouted ahead listening for footsteps or fabric hitting the metallic shelving you huddled behind.] (click: "metallic shelving")|dissolve>[ The group slowly progressed towards a safe exit. Each minute felt like hours. You finally reached the broken window that you used to enter the warehouse. You unlocked the door and hurried the group outside into the alley way and far away from the strange happenings within the warehouse.] (click: "far away")|dissolve>[ [[Continue|goodgameover]] ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/wh6.png" width=848 height=480 alt="Pulling at the lock"> Driven by urgency, you frantically pull at the lock on the cage so you can rescue the people inside. You reach for something to help you break the lock and find the mysterious object vibrating in your pocket. (click: "vibrating")|dissolve>[ You hold your palm out and watch the object move in your hand. There seems to be a voice in the background telling you to put the object down, but the longer you stare the quieter [[the voice|bad-ending1]] becomes.]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/ending_good.png" width=848 height=480 alt="Neutral ending"> (event: when time > 1s)|dissolve>["Welcome back rookie, it seems that you have sufficiently proven yourself through this case."] (event: when time > 4s)|dissolve>[The woman stood up from her desk and crossed the room to sit on the front edge of the desk. ] (click: "the desk")|dissolve>[ "Your performance was satisfactory, you rescued the missing kid and helped five other missing people reunite with their families. We sent agents to investigate the warehouse where you found the victims and discovered a plethora of paraphernalia that belonged to a sect of parishioners we thought long extinct."] (click: "extinct")|dissolve>[ "Unfortunately, further investigation seems to suggest that the remaining missing have perished. We found a makeshift ritual chamber with a deceased male in the sewer system below the warehouse. There is a lot of evidence to sort through in the building but we have our suspicions about the long rectangular crates you identified.] (click: "long rectangular crates")|dissolve>[ It is troubling to see a resurgence in these deranged cultists. Your investigation has spawned a number of questions that will have to be answered at a later date. It may be better not to dwell on these things, sometimes the inability of the human mind to conceptualize concepts is for the best.] [[Exit the Office|end]]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/ending_bad1.png" width=848 height=480 alt="strange figurines"> A row of hooded figures appeared behind you chanting ominously. The strange figurines seemed to rotate towards you with wings extended, tentacular arms writhing, and eyes glowing. Your eyes began to water, blurring your vision, as the chanting reached a climax. You could feel your heart beating uncontrollably in your chest as your muscles contracted your body into itself. You felt the figures close over you as [[everything faded to black....|reset]]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/sewer2.png" width=848 height=480 alt="sewers"> You decide to continue your investigation of the sewer system by choosing the tunnel on the left. A good mystery is too much to pass up and at this point you are committed to finding something that will justify your adventure through the damp, odorous underground. (click: "underground")|dissolve>[ The symbols on the wall that caught your eye become more frequent as you continue through the passageway. At first it looked like someone took a day to draw Illuminati eyes, pentagrams, and other popular occult symbols on the tunnel walls, but the further you progress the less sure you become of that conclusion. These symbols look different, almost alien in design, yet there is no logical reason to believe you will stumble into some sort of monster at the next junction.] (click: "some sort of monster")|dissolve>[ You turn yet another corner and as you turn to look down the passageway you freeze on the spot totally taken aback by the impossible reality in front of you. Deep in the sewers, a place totally devoid of active human influence and electricity, is a row of [[illuminated|sewers7]] light fixtures.]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/sewer3.png" width=848 height=480 alt="sewers"> A million thoughts raced through your mind as your brain tried to make sense of the scene before you. What are these lights doing here? How are they even working this deep underground? (event: when time > 4s)|dissolve>[You felt your thumb slide to turn off the flashlight. It seemed unnatural to keep it on when there were other fixtures illuminating the space around you. Encountering electric lights after relying on the flashlight for so long was unsettling. As your eyes adjusted to having ambient light the passage behind you seemed more uncanny than the uncertain path before you. Spooked by the stillness of the sewers, you decided to press forward [[into the light|sewers8]].]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/sewer4.png" width=848 height=480 alt="sewers"> Time seemed to stretch as each drip of water and scrap of your shoes added to your unease. Nothing about your environment seemed right, but it was too late to turn around. As you rounded the next corner you started to question how long you had been down here. Would the sun still be up right now? Had darkness fallen over the city yet? At this point both options felt equally likely. (click: "options")|dissolve>[ You came to another large junction that had tunnels radiating away from the chamber in all directions. There was a pale beam of light streaming from the center of the ceiling to what appeared to be a crude alter in the middle of the floor. Curiosity compelled you to step forward to investigate the strange object.] (click: "strange object")|dissolve>[ The alter appeared to be crudely chiseled from a larger block of stone. It was smooth to the touch and almost seemed to shimmer where the soft moonlight interacted with it. Apparently you had been in the sewers long enough for the moon to move overhead. ] (click: "overhead")|dissolve>[ Your trance was broken by a deep humming sound that seemed to emanate from the surrounding tunnels. It felt like the entire room was resonating with the sound which was causing your equilibrium to become unbalanced.] (click: "unbalanced")|dissolve>[ Hooded figures emerged from dark corners of the room and it suddenly hit you that [[you were no longer alone.|bad-ending2]] ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/ending_bad2.png" width=848 height=480 alt="Hooded figures approuch"> The chanting intensified as the figures closed in on you. You felt your knees give out and your hands clamp over your ears in a futile attempt to block the noise. But the hooded figures' relentless advance was unhindered by the sound. (click: "advance was unhindered by the sound.")|dissolve>[ Your eyes began to water, blurring your vision, as the chanting reached a climax. You could feel your heart beating uncontrollably in your chest as your muscles contracted your body into itself. You felt the figures close over you as [[everything faded to black....|reset]] ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/reset.png" width=848 height=480 alt="back in the office"> (set: $escapetunnel to true) The sound of a typewriter at work stirred your consciousness. (event: when time > 2s)|dissolve>["Back so soon?" said the same feminine voice from before. "I was hoping you would have done better on your first time out." You sat up at were greeted by the same office as before, this time the woman was seated at the large wood desk clearly engrossed in her work.] (click: "engrossed in her work")|dissolve>[ "I am afraid we had to make a reckless return claim against your insurance policy. The amount of paperwork that I now have fill out on your behalf is hardly worth you getting a second chance at this investigation, but fortunately for you that wasn't my decision to make. You only get one more chance so don't screw it up...were you in the sewers or something? You smell awful, find a change of clothes before you leave again. Good grief rookie.." The woman grumbled to herself as she returned her full focus back to her work. You quietly exit her office mulling over the choices you made and how to [[continue the case|locations]]. ]

showControls.false

ambient: https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/audio/ambient.mp3

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/wh1.png" width=848 height=480 alt="the warehouse"> You search the alley for a bobby pin or some wire to pick the lock, but come up empty-handed. All you have is a rock that you found behind a cardboard box, the mysterious object that the trench coat man dropped, and a flashlight. (event: when time > 4s)|dissolve>[ [[Use the Flashlight|warehouse3.1]] [[Use the Mysterious Object|warehouse3.2]] [[Use the Rock|warehouse3.3]] ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/wh1v2.png" width=848 height=480 alt="the warehouse"> The Flashlight seemed like an obvious choice to help you break in. You pull the flashlight out of you pocket and wave it at the door with a mighty flourish! Nothing seems to be happening, so you flash the light on and off at the door a couple times... You unhappily conclude that the flashlight is insufficient at opening doors and [[go back to the drawing board|warehouse2]].

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/wh1.png" width=848 height=480 alt="the warehouse"> Perhaps the mysterious object that you found could aid your endeavor to enter the warehouse. You turn the object over in your hands but can't determine what the object is or how it would be useful in opening a door. Maybe something else would be a more obvious solution to this [[locked door problem...|warehouse2]]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/wh1.png" width=848 height=480 alt="breaking in"> The other objects in your possession seem less attuned to your current needs than the rock. Desperate times call for desperate measures you think to yourself as you heft the rock into your dominant hand and [[hurl it towards the lock|warehouse4]].

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/wh2.png" width=848 height=480 alt="breaking in"> The rock sailed from your hand towards the peeling warehouse door. You watched in horror as the rock slammed into the old glass window next to the door, instead of the lock, causing the window to crack and shatter. You quickly looked up and down the street- but everyone nearby seemed too preoccupied to notice your unintentional smash-and-grab maneuver. (click: "smash-and-grab")|dissolve>[ A nearby dumpster was full of cardboard which served as a handy way to clear the glass shards from around the window. After taking measures to reduce the obvious mess and protect yourself against other shards, you decided to [[enter the warehouse|warehouse5]] before something else happened. ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/wh3.png" width=848 height=480 alt="interesting objects"> The warehouse was dark and musty from years of poor air circulation. You started wandering through the rows of dusty shelves, pausing occasionally to examine interesting objects and strange statuettes. (click: "strange statuettes")|dissolve>[ Moving deeper into the warehouse seemed to produce more strange discoveries. You looked under dusty tarps which revealed paintings of multi-appendage monsters who were depicted with tentacles, wings and astonishing proportions. You saw carvings that detailed a ritual of some kind where people were sacrificed to ancient looking creatures. It didn't make much sense to you, but it was intriguing to look at.] (click: "intriguing")|dissolve>[ You continued walking to the back of the warehouse where a line of rectangular wooden boxes where stacked. You quickly estimated there were about 20 sealed crates with room for 15 more. As you walked closer to investigate, you began to hear muffled sounds coming from [[the other corner|warehouse6]]. ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/wh4.png" width=848 height=480 alt="discovery"> You pulled away the large tarp to reveal a metal cage with eleven people inside. Each person appeared physically pained at the sudden introduction of light because they moved away from the light with hands over their faces. Almost all of them appeared malnourished and visibly frightened. This was not the discovery you were expecting to make. (click: "This was not the discovery you were expecting to make.")|dissolve>[ A small pair of eyes stared at you hesitantly, unsure if you were here to save them or hurt them further. This was the missing kid you were looking for. ] (click: "missing kid")|dissolve>[ You press a hand to the metal cage, overcome with emotion and unable to process the suffering in front of you. A door opens in the distance snapping you out of the trance. The people in the cage start gesturing for you to run away. [[Hide|hide]] [[Save the Kid|breakout]] ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/escape1.png" width=848 height=480 alt="escape"> You pull open the cage door and motion to the kid to follow you out. At first, no one moves. You wave more frantically and slowly the people in the cage start to get up. Slowly the group of ten finds their feet and walk out of the cage. Now that they are in the light it becomes more obvious that many of the adults appear to be in critical condition. (click: "critical condition")|dissolve>[ You instruct the healthier individuals to assist the weakest and start walking through the warehouse. You take the child's hand and slowly progress towards the window that you entered through listening for footsteps around every corner.] (click: "footsteps")|dissolve>[ Each minute felt like hours but you finally reached the broken window that you used to enter the warehouse. You unlocked the door and hurried outside and far away from the strange happenings within the warehouse.] (click: "far away")|dissolve>[ [[Continue|neutralgameover]] ]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/ending_good.png" width=848 height=480 alt="Good Ending"> (event: when time > 1s)|dissolve>["Welcome back Rookie, it seems you proven yourself and your worth to the company." ] (event: when time > 4s)|dissolve>[The woman stood up from her desk and crossed the room to sit on the front edge of the desk. ] (click: "the desk")|dissolve>[ "Your performance was exceptional, you rescued the missing kid and reunited ten other missing people with their families. We sent agents to investigate the warehouse where you found the victims and discovered a plethora of paraphernalia that belonged to a sect of parishioners we thought long extinct."] (click: "extinct")|dissolve>[ "Unfortunately, further investigation seems to suggest that the remaining missing have perished. We found a makeshift ritual chamber with a deceased male in the sewer system below the warehouse. There is a lot of evidence to sort through in the building but we have our suspicions about the long rectangular crates you identified.] (click: "long rectangular crates")|dissolve>[ It is troubling to see a resurgence in these deranged cultists. Your investigation has spawned a number of questions that will have to be answered at a later date. It may be better not to dwell on these things, sometimes the inability of the human mind to conceptualize concepts is for the best.] [[Exit the Office|end]]

<img src="https://dtc-wsuv.org/emollahan19/dc/images/theend.png" width=848 height=480 alt="The End"> You left the office and stepped into the bustling city street. The moon shone through the thin storm clouds overhead that blanketed the city with a gentle rain. The whole world felt lighter and you couldn't help but think your actions had something to do with that. Headed home, you thought about the choices you made to solve the case and wondered if different choices would have changed your outcome. As the street lights came on you noticed a woman with a worn umbrella standing in the street with a warm smile. You blinked the rain out of your eyes and found the woman had disappeared into the night. Unsure of what you saw, you decided to continue walking and prepare for [[another day|title]].