{(set: $myname to "Bob")
(set: $dogname to "Rocky")
(set: $info to false)
(set: $redeyes to false)
(set: $survivors to (array: "Vince", "Nikki", "Marty"))
(set: $survivorfriends to 3)
(set: $campcam to false)
(set: $streamcam to false)
(set: $cam to false)
(set: $day2 to false)
(set: $necklace to false)}(link: "Welcome, Stranger. What's your name?") [(set: $myname to (prompt: "What do your friends call you?", "Bob"))]
The slight knocking of your rocking chair mixes seamlessly with the light chirping of a nearby swallow and the rustling of leaves in the forest. A perfect, blissful symphony.
[(link: "Where am I?") [Your (link: "cabin") [dilapitated shack], surrounded by thick foliage on all sides, is weathered and slightly sad. Despite its slight crookedness- you //swear// that south wall is leaning more to the left than ever before- you will call these four (link: "walls")["walls"] home, sweet home, for this weekend only.
While the bedroom and (link:"makeshift bathroom")[bucket in the corner] combo is far from five star, it functions well enough for a self-proclaimed outdoorsman like yourself. And, well, (link:"kitchen?") [what kitchen? The woods is your kitchen.]]]
[[Continue.|home]]You used to come up to this cabin with your parents every single summer when you were younger. In fact, a few other families used to live close by- you no longer even remember where their cabins were, tucked away in the dense woods like your own, but you kids used to meet at the nearby campsite to (link: "roast marshmallows")[create charred black clumps of disappointment]. Rickety old folding chairs are spattered haphazardly around the campsite, (link: "forgotten")[forgotten, just like your childhood hopes and dreams].
You always had fun here.
Well, except for (text-color:red)[(text-style: "smear")[(text-color: black)[one time.]]] It's such a shame, what [[happened|anymore]].
Honestly, it's good you don't have any (link: "lovely guests") [unwelcome freeloaders] running around these parts //too// often. You hate what happened here, but it's nice to have some peace and quiet.
**Too bad** that's not on the agenda this weekend: you and your college pals are on the hunt to figure out //what// is killing all of those poor kids.
(link: "Why?") [You're all bored, and solving a spooky mystery sounded like fun. Also, no one can stop you from having a [[wicked party]] while you're here. In the abandoned woods.]You don't quite remember how it happened, it was so long ago. You were picking up sticks for your meager fire with your other naive pals.
Ricky Tallmadge, one of the (link: "best friends you'd ever had,")[older boys who'd actually talk to you,] left to go take a dump deeper in the woods. It wasn't long before the high-pitched screaming began.
-----
[[Push the thought]] of poor Ricky's detailed and traumatic death from your mind.
Remember the [[juicy details]] of this story. After all, he's a part of the mystery. (link: "Every good party has a dog.") [(set: $dogname to (prompt: "What kind of adventure would it be without man's best friend? Accompanying you is your golden retriever named:", "Rocky"))]
Other than your canine companion, your pals Nikki, Marty, and Vince have decided to join you. Solve some mysteries and do some partying? What could //possibly// go wrong?
-----
You came here to figure out what happened to Ricky and the other kids that have been vanishing. Whether it's a crazy guy in the woods or some hot alien chick, your priority is to [[figure out]] what's going on here.
Well, Ricky's already dead...And you've driven far to get here... Might as well [[celebrate a little]], right?You lean back in your chair, $dogname snoring softly at your feet. Fifty feet to your left, you see Vince emerge from the neighboring (link: "cabin")[shack] with a case of adult beverages in each hand.
"Vince, we can head out to the old campsite tomorrow and enjoy ourselves. Don't you want to figure out what's out here first?"
"Wait, you //really// believe there's a monster? There's nothing out here," Nikki challenges suddenly, "it's all coincidence. I'm here for taking a break from studying."
Vince pauses in thought while Marty peeks his head out from the minivan, sleeping bag tucked under his arm.
----
[[Insist]] that going monster (or...crazy axe murderer..?) hunting would be more fun and make a much better story.
[[Give in]] and relax for a bit. You lean back in your chair, $dogname snoring softly at your feet. Fifty feet to your left, you see Vince emerge from the neighboring (link: "cabin")[shack] with a case of adult beverages in each hand.
"The campsite's not far from here," you call, "and it's a perfect setup for a little bit of relaxation."
Nikki, leaning against your cabin, lifts up her sunglasses to squint at the two of you. Brushing a wisp of black hair from her face, she sighs.
"Well, what are we doing sitting here? Let's go!"
------
You all load up your packs to take to the run-down old campsite. It's about a [(either: "three", "ten", "seven", "four", "six", "eight")] minute walk to your destination. You only have two arms, so what do you decide to carry with you?
Booze, duh. That's how we celebrate.
(click: "Booze, duh.") [(set: $booze to true)(goto: "campstart")]
What kind of campfire doesn't have smores? Those are a must.
(click: "smores") [(set: $smores to true)(goto: "campstart")]
You're starving right now. You need a full, nutritious meal. Hot dogs are what you need.
(click: "Hot dogs") [(set: $hotdogs to true)(goto: "campstart")]"(text-color:red)[(text-style: "smear")[(text-color: black)[*It's got me!*]]]" He wailed, "(text-color:red)[(text-style: "smear")[(text-color: black)[*It's dragging me away, it's got me! Help!!*]]]"
At first, you and the other two kids thought he was playing a trick on you. Ricky did that sometimes. In fact, the adults didn't believe him much either. That is, until he (link:"vanished for good.")[vanished for good.
After the Ricky Incident, families stopped coming as often. You can't put your finger on why, but the campground never felt the (link: "same.")[same.
Maybe it was the weather, or maybe it was the sudden string of young boys going missing. Who knows?]]
[[Continue.]]
(set: $info to true)You close your eyes and rub your temples slowly in an attempt to prevent the headache you can already feel forming.
Hopefully, this adventure is a good idea...
[[Continue.]]You remember the good old days, with Ricky and the gang... Ricky was (link: "an interesting guy.")[the "cool kid" back in the day. He even smoked once. You saw him.]
The path to the campsite has been neglected for years, but you, Nikki, Marty, Vince and $dogname clamber down the overgrown trail, old memories fueling your excitement.
{(if: $booze is true)[Once you reach the campsite, you place your drinks on a rickety picnic table with a //clank//. Your pals place down their supplies as well, and you settle in with an [[extra drink]] in your hand. (set: $drinks to 2)]
(if: $smores is true)[Once you reach the campsite, you place your smores supplies on a rickety picnic table. Your pals put down their supplies as well. Your stomach growls at the thought of the sweet snack. You go off to find some [[branches]] for your campfire. (set: $drinks to 0)]
(if: $hotdogs is true)[Once you reach the campsite, you place your hot dogs on a dingy picnic table. Your pals put down their supplies as well. Stomach rumbling, you take a sip of your beer before gathering some [[wood|branches]] for your campfire. (set: $drinks to 1)]}
You find yourself on the edge of the thicker part of the woods, but still in sight of the campsite. You see your friends and $dogname in plain view.
Yet... You get the feeling that something's off.
You gather a decent amount of sticks and firewood in your arms, and are about to (link: "turn back...")[turn back... When you see it. A large, dark mass deeper in the woods flashes [[through the trees]].]
After a while, Nikki and Marty get a sizeable fire going. Everyone has been enjoying a bit of the good life- plenty of drinks and food to satisfy. A red-faced Nikki has begun dancing around the fire to her portable radio. Vince secretly records the incident on his phone.
(set: $drinks to $drinks +3)
It takes you a while to notice how quiet Marty's been- in fact, he's nowhere to be found.
-----
[[Look]] for Marty. He probably isn't far, but the sun is starting to set. Knowing the way you're all starting to feel the effects of the alcohol, you should wrap this party and head back soon anyway. You're the most sober, so it's your job to make sure your pals end up safe.
[[Stay]] and enjoy your friends' antics. Marty's probably just takin' a piss or something. He'll be back soon. "Hey, I'm going to check on Marty," you announce to the two hooligans. You and $dogname step to the edge of the thick forest, scanning the edge for clues. //Which way did Marty head?//
You figure he's probably stumbled his way back towards the cabin. You're about to head that way when you hear a //Crack!// coming from deeper inside the woods.
"Marty?" you call. No response.
-----
Follow the [[noise]].
Head back [[towards the cabin]]. You stay with your two other friends, knowing that Marty is just fine, wherever he is. You continue your party, until it begins to get dark. (set: $drinks to $drinks +2)
Still no Marty...
Now, the three of you are understandably concerned. You wander around the forest with your flashlight, calling his name.
(click: "calling his name")[(goto: (either: "Marty alive", "Keep looking", "Vince missing"))]"Thought I saw something out there," you begin. As you tell Marty what you saw, his eyes light up.
"We've gotta figure out what it was!" Finally, somebody has a taste for adventure. However, whatever it was is long gone- and very well could have been a normal animal.
-----
[[Go into the woods]] with Marty to look for clues.
Tell him it was nothing after all and to [[forget]] about it."I just got a bit dizzy for a second," you brush off his concern. "I just need something to drink."
Marty helps you carry the wood back to the campsite. Soon, you have a roaring fire. Hot dogs and smores fill your stomach, while that dark blur fills your mind.
Vince offers you a beer.
-----
[[Decline]] his offer. You're pretty tired already and don't feel like being a part of the party much longer.
[[Accept]] the beverage. Maybe you'll be able to forget about the woods and just enjoy yourself. "Come on," you start, "it'll be an adventure! Just think of the stories we'll be able to tell. //I bet chicks will dig it...//"
After a bit of back and forth, you manage to convince the guys to adventure with you. You find a dusty old map in the cabin, with a few key features. Where to begin?
-----
Leave some [[cameras]] around the two cabins, the abandoned campsite, and near a tiny creek you can see on the map.
Explore a meadow and part of the creek [[on foot]]. "Fine," you sigh, "we'll just chill out for now," defeat evident in your voice. "I guess I am pretty hungry..."
Nikki smiles, a hint of triumph at the corners of her lips.
-----
You all load up your packs to take to the run-down old campsite. It's about a [(either: "three", "ten", "seven", "four", "six", "eight")] minute walk to your destination. You only have two arms, so what do you decide to carry with you?
Booze, duh. That's how we celebrate.
(click: "Booze, duh.") [(set: $booze to true)(goto: "campstart")]
What kind of campfire doesn't have smores? Those are a must.
(click: "smores") [(set: $smores to true)(goto: "campstart")]
You're starving right now. You need a full, nutritious meal. Hot dogs are what you need.
(click: "Hot dogs") [(set: $hotdogs to true)(goto: "campstart")]Luckily, you came prepared for adventure. You pull five trail cameras out of your backpack. You probably could have used a few more, (link: "but your wallet only goes so far.")[but you're a broke ass college student.]
{
(if: $day2 is true)[
You place one in the treeline, facing the two cabins. While you hope you won't see anything out of the ordinary...after the arm incident, you aren't about to take any chances.]
(else:)[You place one in the treeline, facing the two cabins. While you hope you won't see anything out of the ordinary, you can't rule it out.]}
Vince takes another camera and points it deeper into the woods.
You decide that you want to put one at the abandoned campsite and two along the shallow creek. Both places are only a short walk from where you are. To save time, though, you decide to split up.
Since your phones don't get service out here, each one of you has a walkie-talkie. (set: $cam to true)
-----
Go to the [[campsite|campcam]] with Nikki and Marty.
Go down to the [[stream|streamcam]] with Vince. Why not take a short walk around? Looking at this place again might bring back some (link: "fond memories.")[fond memories of your parents, now six feet underground; memories of your best friends playing tag in the meadow, before they all stopped coming...]
-----
The [[meadow|meadowfirst]] might be a nice place to stop, as it was important to your parents and your friends. Plus, maybe you'll run across something mysterious among the tall grass. The meadow is only a short walk away. You and your mother once discovered it by accident while exploring the area. She fell in love with the serene, warm quality of this secret spot. It inspired her to paint beautiful (link: "works of art.") [works of art. Two still hang in your tiny shack.]
$dogname lumbers beside your group as you trek through the thick foliage. Soon enough, you find yourselves in a small clearing. The various plant life bristles slightly in the wind, the familiar sound taking you back to days long ago. You enter the clearing, only slightly noticing how some of the grasses were smashed close to the earth by heavy footsteps before you.
"So..." Nikki breaks the silence, "what were you thinking you were going to find? It's a field, that's it. Nothing here. Can we go back now?"
You're only vaguely aware of his droning on as you step further into the clearing. (link: "Something caught your attention.")[A small toy bear lay among the weeds, looking sad and forgotten. Gingerly, you [[pick it up]].] You head in the direction of the noise. At first, $dogname follows you, but when the foliage gets too thick, you find yourself (link: "alone.")[alone- there's no way your old pooch would miss an opportunity to score some hot dogs, after all.]
You're in deep now, the thick canopy of trees above you blocking much of the afternoon sun. Your footsteps are only joined by the rustling of wind through the trees.
----
[[Keep looking]].
Maybe your friends have started looking too. Head [[back]] to where they are. You and $dogname explore the path from the campsite to the cabin, calling out for your friend. You see no sign of him- not even any tracks.
[[Go back.|Look]]You head back to where your friends are. Still no Marty...
Now, the three of you are understandably concerned. You wander around the forest with your flashlight, calling his name.
After a while, there's some (click:"good news.")[(goto: "Marty alive")] You continue deeper into the forest, calling Marty's name. Yet, as the sun begins its descent below the horizon, what little light that reached you is now gone.
(If: $drinks > 6)[Your vision is blurred and you begin to feel confused. You apparently enjoyed yourself a [[bit too much]]...]
(else-if:)[You find yourself in the middle of the woods, the darkness overwhelming. You can no longer hear [[where]] your friends are.]You lead Marty and Nikki down the short path to the campsite. Meanwhile, Vince and $dogname head off on their own with the map, hoping to locate the small creek in the opposite direction. You enter the campsite- a small clearing surrounded by a ring of thick foliage.
All that's here are a couple of half-rotted picnic tables and the remains of a fire pit. (set: $campcam to true)
Since you've already got a couple of cameras around your home base- which isn't terribly far, you decide to position the camera facing away from the trail and towards a broader view of the campsite.
{(if: $day2 is true)[Marty positions the trail camera on a fairly solid tree. "We'll come back tomorrow morning, right before we leave," he says. You all shudder at the thought of spending [[another night|alldonemarty]] here.]
(else:)[Marty positions the trail camera on a fairly solid tree. "We'll come back tomorrow morning, right before we leave," he says. You and Nikki nod in agreement. You hope you'll get something interesting on camera- other than just you all hanging out here [[later|alldonemarty1]].]}While you express an interest in going with Vince, he politiely declines. He's always liked to wander around, typically taking his time wherever he goes. A free spirit, if you will.
You think it's a bad idea, but you decide to go with Nikki and Marty. For his own safety though, you insist $dogname goes with Vince.
----
Go to the [[campsite|campcam]] with Nikki and Marty. You turn the toy over carefully. From its condition, it's probably been here a while.
"It's kinda cute," Marty laughs nervously, "Can I have it?"
You hand it to him. What use is it to you?
{(If: $day2 is true)[ "Great, another surprise," grumbles Nikki. "There's probably just some creepy axe murderer killing everyone, you know."]
(else:)["Okay... That's weird," says Nikki, "I wonder whose it was..."]
}
----
The bear is the only intersting tidbit you find in the meadow; however, you do enjoy the creepy nostalgia it brings. Once you're satisfied, your group heads back to the cabins. Time to set up some [[cameras]]. Maybe you can get a photo of it, but it's moving so fast- and away.
Take a picture.
(Click-replace: "Take a picture.")[(Set: $photo to true)You took a photo.]
Your heart's pumping in your ears and suddenly you feel lightheaded. You stumble a few times, but try to remain calm. Before you know it, you have dropped the wood in your arms with a //clang!//
Marty notices you and rushes over.
"Hey man, you okay?"
----
[[Mention]] what you saw in the forest.
It's probably [[nothing]] to get worked up about, so don't bother telling him.
"Actually, guys, I think I'm going to head back soon," you say. Perhaps you'll just have a bit more to eat, and then you'll go back to the cabin.
A couple hot dogs later, you and $dogname begin the trek back to the cabin. You're a little disappointed, but tomorrow the real adventure begins. You'll be sure of it.
You're just getting yourself ready for bed- //SLAM!!//
A breathless, red-faced Nikki nearly breaks down your door.
"[[Vince is gone]]."You take the beer, and a night of fun begins. Grainy music plays over old speakers while Nikki begins to dance. Marty keeps laughing at something no one else can see. You and Vince chat and eat an unhealthy amount of food. (set: $drinks to $drinks +3)
The night is going well.
Eventually, it's time to turn in for the night.
"We need to [[get some rest]]," you say through slightly slurred speech. "What do you mean? Where'd he go?"
"He's //gone//."
----
Vince has always been known for being one with nature- and wandering through it, too. Yet... It's getting dark out by now. He can't spend the night out there. Not in whatever condition he's in. You think that you're safe enough to drive to the nearest town. You should have phone service and you can get some help in finding your friend.
While you're disappointed, you have no idea what's out there...
----
[[Go into town]] and call for help. "Let's check it out!" Marty's sure excited for a bit of adventure. You alert the others and the two of you walk into the woods, towards where the hadow had been. Neither of you get too far.
-----
Suddenly, you hear a twig //snap!// and a low growl come from behind you. You turn around to see a huge black...creature... crouched mere feet from you.
Its face, not exactly human yet not entirely canine, creeps into a smile.
----
[[End #8]]"Actually Marty, don't worry about it. I'm sure it was nothing."
He looks a bit disappointed, but nods in agreement.
Marty helps you carry the wood back to the campsite. Soon, you have a roaring fire. Hot dogs and smores fill your stomach, while that dark blur fills your mind.
Vince offers you a beer.
-----
[[Decline]] his offer. You're pretty tired already and don't feel like being a part of the party much longer.
[[Accept]] the beverage. Maybe you'll be able to forget about the woods and just enjoy yourself. Nikki managed to find a staggering Marty lost in the woods, unscathed aside from a few scrapes on his knees. Crisis nearly avoided, you all decide to head back to the cabin and [[get some rest]].You and Nikki have found yourselves not only calling Marty's name, but now Vince's as well. This //really// wasn't a good idea. You feel in a fog yourself from your wild adventure so far...
-----
Keep looking for your pals [[yourselves|End #3]].
Offer to rush into town where there is a cell signal and [[ask for assistance|End #2]]. As you sit there, confused and hopeless, you hear a twig //snap!// and a low growl come from behind you. You turn around to see a huge black...creature... crouched mere feet from you.
Your heart leaps into your throat and you open your mouth to scream...
Nothing comes out.
The creature extends its arm, covered in black matted fur. Its cold, bony fingers caress your cheek as its deep red eyes bore into your skull. Its face, not exactly human yet not entirely canine, creeps into a smile as its claws are suddenly around your throat.
-----
A search begins the next day for both you and Marty. Nether of you are recovered, and after a few weeks the search efforts cease. At least you figured out what was in the woods.
You just didn't live to tell the tale.
[[Play again.|Cabin]]You stumble around a bit more, your body feeling heavier. The activities of the night have begun to hit you. You try your hardest to make it back to familiar territory, but there's no hope. Everything looks the same. Maybe this is what happened to Marty.
You sit down on a log and hold your head. You'll get back up [[in a minute...|End #1]]You stumble around for a while, but you don't give up on your friend that easily. Marty's out there- you know it.
Somehow, you make it back to the campsite. You must've walked in circles...
----
Nikki managed to find a staggering Marty lost in the woods, unscathed aside from a few scrapes on his knees. Crisis nearly avoided, you all decide to head back to the cabin and [[get some rest]]."I'll go into town and get help," you tell Nikki.
You rush back to the van, $dogname by your side. Nikki decides to stay, but promises to go back to the cabin soon, no matter what she finds. You trust her.
----
You drive down the country roads at top speed. After about half an hour, you reach a small (link: "gas station.")[one pump station with a run-down convenience store attached... Man, you really are out in the boonies.]
You rush inside, heart beating in your ears. The petite clerk looks up at you, a surprised yet pleasant smile on her face.
"Can I help you with something, sir?"
----
By the time you arrive with help, there isn't a trace of any of your friends... The resulting search party also finds no clues. Everyone simply vanished.
Just like Ricky.
[[Play again.|Cabin]]You all hunker down in your cabins- you and Nikki in one, Vince and Marty in the other. $dogname snores next to your sleeping bag, a warm, welcome friend.
You're about to finally get some rest when there's a sturdy //KNOCK// at the door.
You look over to see Nikki already sound asleep.
----
It's probably one of the other guys, so you should [[open the door]] for them.
It's late and you're exhausted. Whatever they need you can help them with [[in the morning]]. You exit your sleeping bag, slightly annoyed at your friends' interruption. You shuffle your bare feet along the cool wooden floorboards while you rub the tiredness from your eyes.
Just before you reach the door, $dogname whimpers.
//KNOCK. KNOCK.//
Your hand encircles the brass handle and you give it a sharp [[turn]]...You roll over, facing away from the door. The knocking continues.
Louder.
//KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.//
$dogname jolts awake, eyes wide and locked onto the door. A small wimper mixes with Nikki's persistent snoring.
----
Well, they're quite persistent... This //better// be important... Begrudgingly [[open the door]].
Fuck them, you're trying to sleep. [[Throw something]] at the door and put your pillow over your head until your asshole friends go back to bed. You and Nikki worry that there isn't enough time to get the police involved- by then, something horrible could've happened to your pals!
The two of you are still groggy from your night of fun, however, and neither of you get too far.
-----
Suddenly, you hear a twig //snap!// and a low growl come from behind you. You turn around to see a huge black...creature... crouched mere feet from you.
Nikki lets out a scream, and the creature instintively reaches its hand around her throat. With a jerk of its muscular forearm, covered in matted black fur, she is no more.
Its face, not exactly human yet not entirely canine, creeps into a smile. You're next.
----
Logically, this is the end. You can accept your fate and play again, or you can try one last [[crazy]] idea. What do you say, $myname?
[[Play again.|Cabin]]You reach wildly behind you, unable to see well in the darkness without your glasses. Your hand grasps a shoe, and you give a half-assed toss towards the door.
//THUNK!//
.
.
The noises halt. Minutes go by. Nothing.
(live: 25s)[Just as you think it's gone, you hear a final dull //thud// outside. Sounds like it's coming from the porch, but at this point all you care about is [[sleep]].]For a moment, you're dumbfounded. Neither of your friends stand before you.
You squint, unable to see well without your glasses. You peer out into the darkness, breath hitched.
"Vince?"
.
.
"Marty?"
.
.
Only the chirping of crickets answers your hushed call.
-----
Maybe you should check up on your friends in the other cabin. [[Visit Vince and Marty]] to make sure they're doing okay.
Looks like someone's messing with you. [[Return to bed]] and deal with this in the morning. You knock on the door to the other cabin, the pitch black and silence around you making you nervous. Yet, no matter how many times you knock, neither of your friends open the door.
You hear Marty's muffled "Go //away//, asshole." through the door.
[[Return to bed]]. Somewhat annoyed, you shut the door quietly and tiptoe back to bed. The rest of the night is uneventful, as far as you know.
----
You're violently woken up by Nikki's firm grip shaking your shoulders, her voice quaking as she begs you to wake up. As you jolt awake, you shove the (link:"scared") [hysterical] woman off of you.
"//What the hell?!//"
Through her shakiness, she tells you to have a look on the [[porch]]...You're violently woken up by Nikki's firm grip shaking your shoulders, her voice quaking as she begs you to wake up. As you jolt awake, you shove the (link:"scared") [hysterical] woman off of you.
"//What the hell?!//"
Through her shakiness, she tells you to have a look on the [[porch]]..."This //better// be important," you tell her.
You rise from your sleeping bag and open the front door.
----
What greets you out on the porch leaves you with quite the (link: "shock.")[shock. Before you is an actual severed human //arm//! What?? Whose arm is this??
(click: "Whose")["Uhhhh, Nikki, are Vince and Marty okay? Is this...theirs?" You still seem to be in a bit of a [[shock]].]]You continue to stare at the...present...dumbfoundedly while Nikki's wailing manages to wake up the neighboring cabin.
Vince steps outside at the sound of the commotion, rather calmly. Trotting over, he begins to assess the situation. Marty stumbles out a few minutes later, looking quite like death- but with both arms intact.
"What do we do? W-whose arm is this?" Nikki questions.
Honestly, you're just hoping whoever lost this arm isn't about to come looking for it again.
-----
Go into town and [[call the local authorities]], like any sane person would. There's a literal arm on your doorstep, what else would you do?
You've always been a brave, daring- and some say a bit, well, naive- fellow. This arm thing? Big deal. That's why you're here! Investigate the case of the disembodied arm [[yourself]]."Fuck it, I'm out," you (link:"say.") [say. There are no objections.]
Everyone piles into the van, with $dogname soon sprawled across Nikki and Vince, fast asleep. $dogname isn't afraid.
-----
You drive down the country roads at top speed. After about half an hour, you reach a small (link: "gas station.")[one pump station with a run-down convenience store attached... Man, you really are out in the boonies.]
You rush inside, heart beating in your ears. The petite clerk looks up at you, a surprised yet pleasant smile on her face.
"Can I help you with something, sir?"
You stumble over your words for a good (link: "thirty seconds")[thirty seconds, like the smooth fella you are,] before you finally blurt out, "A-arm!! Phone!! Police!!"
You can tell by the look on the pretty cashier's face that you're making absolutely no sense. You try again, and manage to get a somewhat coherent sentence out. She hands you the phone.
----
[[Call 911]]. It's an arm, minus the owner. Yeah, that's definitely an emergency for someone.
Call your mom. Would the cops really believe a bunch of college kids boozing it up in the woods? After all, Halloween is just around the corner. Your mom has always believed in you though. (click-replace: "Call your mom")[You'd call your mom, but both of your parents died in a car accident on Halloween five years ago...]
(link: "Call your girlfriend") [Hah, just kidding! You wish]."It won't bite! It's just an arm," you say, nudging it with your foot.
"Let's see if we can figure out where in the hell this came from," you continue, sounding more confident than you truly are.
[[Search around the cabin]]. You dial 911 and explain the situation. The dispatcher, unable to hide just the slightest bit of skepticism, sends out two squad cars to meet you at the gas station.
You lead them back into the sparsely populated forests and feel a wave of nausea as the dirt road ends and the two cabins come into view.
The officers cautiously get out of their cars and approach your cabin. You trail a few paces behind, with Vince and $dogname following suit. Marty and Nikki stay back, looking a bit green.
One of the officers pauses at the edge of the porch and looks back at you skeptically. Vince scoots past you to peer over the officers' shoulders. You witness you typically calm and collected pal loses all of the color from his cheeks.
"$myname...The arm is [[gone]]."It takes quite a bit of time to convince the officers that there was, in fact, a severed arm chilling on your porch this morning. Now, there isn't even as much as a drop of blood. In fact, you'd have thought it was a dream yourself aside from the fact that Nikki is still crying about it.
The officers tentatively leave their information with you, but you know that you're just lucky to be getting away without (link: "a ticket.")[another ticket... Back home, you've amassed a fair number of parking tickets too.]
----
"Well, it's probably time for us to-"
"figure out what's going on here." Vince finishes. The three of you look at him, surprised. "Hey, $myname, you said it yourself: there's something spooky going on, and we're here to solve it. At least, I was."
You do want to figure out what happened to Ricky and the others- and //what in the fuck// is up with this whole arm fiasco? [[Agree with Vince]] and stay one final night.
Vince isn't like you guys- he's one of those artsy hippie types, and nothing ever truly seems to make him lose his cool. You, on the other hand? No. Way. Tell Vince you're [[going home]].You know Vince is right; the adventure //really// is just beginning. That's why you're here, isn't it? After a bit of badgering, Nikki and Marty unenthusiastically agree.
"Alright, well if I lose my arm, you owe me a replacement," Marty says weakly. (set: $day2 to true)
You find a dusty old map in the cabin, with a few key features.
-----
[[Search around the cabin]] for clues. Maybe you missed something- where //did// that arm go?
Set up those [[cameras]] you brought along. Maybe you'll be able to catch something?
Travel around [[on foot]] to see if any more clues turn up. "Vince, this isn't some horror movie- it's //real life//. Look, next time it'll be one of our arms on the porch. Whatever it was kept banging on our door, and next time it might not knock first before entering."
He agrees, although you know the two of you will wish the mystery would have been solved. You pack up your things and head home.
[[End #4]]''Two Months Later''
You're eating breakfast in your apartment with $dogname, when Vince sends a link to your group chat. You open it to see it's a news article about a group of teens who all went missing, right around where your cabins were.
//That could've been us.//
The mystery eats even more at your heart, but at the end of the day, your friends' safety is what's most important.
-----
[[Play again.|Cabin]]Well, you search around the cabin and find:
- No arm.
- Some weird claw marks on the other cabin's woods-facing side...but maybe those were already there?
- An empty beer can. //Dammit, guys. Clean up after yourselves.//
- Dog poop.
Now what do you want to do?
----
Set up those [[cameras]] you brought along. Maybe you'll be able to catch something?
Travel around [[on foot]] to see if any more clues turn up. "Alright, Vince, we've gotten our camera set up and now we're just going to check out the campsite a little bit. Not much is here, though," Marty says into his walkie-talkie.
Nikki starts wandering around, checking out the area for any "clues". After all, this site was used by many of the families that fell victim to the mysterious creature...
"Hey, maybe I'll find the other arm," Nikki chimes in. You aren't sure if she's being sarcastic or not.
You and Marty wait for a response from Vince. (link: "One minute goes by.")[(link: "Two minutes go by.")[(link:"Five minutes go by.")[[[Nothing.|vinceindanger]]]]]"Alright, Vince, we've gotten our camera set up and now we're just going to check out the campsite a little bit. Not much is here, though," Marty says into his walkie-talkie.
Nikki starts wandering around, checking out the area for any "clues". After all, this site was used by many of the families that fell victim to the mysterious creature...
You and Marty wait for a response from Vince. (link: "One minute goes by.")[(link: "Two minutes go by.")[(link:"Five minutes go by.")[[[Nothing.|vinceindanger]]]]]"Vince, you okay?" You try again using your walkie-talkie. Still nothing.
"Maybe the signal just is weak," Marty suggests. He could very well be right. Or he could be horribly wrong.
-----
The stream wasn't //horribly// far away. Go visit the area and possiby [[rescue Vince]] and $dogname. Better safe than sorry, right?
Vince and $dogname are probably fine. [[Go back]] to your home base and wait for him there. "We shouldn't have let him go off himself," Nikki mutters, "since you know how he likes to wander."
----
You all make the trek towards the direction of the stream. Unfortunately, Vince took the map since his walk was through some tougher terrain. The three of you struggle for a bit, but soon enough you reach the stream- and your first clue.
You spot Vince's foorprints along its bank and begin to follow them...That is, until they suddenly [[vanish]]. "Marty, I think you're right," you say. "There are so many trees out here, I'm sure the signal is just bad."
You turn to tell Nikki of your plan, only to see her crouched near the fire pit, examining something. You walk over to see what she's up to.
"I think I found something!" she says.
Kneeling down, you notice she's viewing something //next// to the pit: a footprint. Only, it doesn't appear to be one of your own, or of any animal you're familiar with. The print appears canine, however the foot itself seems to be much longer than that of a typical coyote or wolf. It's defeinitely not $dogname's either.
(link: "Take a photo.")[You take a photo with your phone, just in case.]
----
Nikki hadn't found much else out of the ordinary, so you [[head back]] to your cabins, hoping to see Vince and $dogname soon...The walk back is fairly uneventful. When you return to the cabins, there is no sign of Vince or $dogname. You wait uneasily, occassionally giving a call on your walkie-talkie. No reply comes.
None of you feel like going back down to the campsite. Not without Vince.
Right as the sun begins to set, $dogname comes running out of the woods... Alone.
The nearly full moon begins to rise.
-----
It's too dark to see, and Vince was the one with the map. It's [[too dangerous|Wait until morning]] to go out looking for him. You, Marty, and Nikki begin a search of the area.
(link: "Look around.")[The stream bends here, and looks to be shallow. There are no tracks across the bank that you can see.]
(link: "Investigate the bank further.")[As you walk along the opposite side of the bank, you spot a glint of medal- the clasp of the necklace Vince always wore around his neck. You pull the piece of jewelry out of the shallow water. //This really can't be good//. (set: $necklace to true)]
(link: "Talk on the walkie-talkie.")[Nikki takes out her walkie-talkie and calls for Vince. You realize that there's a noise coming from a nearby bush... Vince's walkie-talkie.]
(link: "Check the bushes.")[You and Nikki join Marty in a search of the bushes. You don't find much else, except for a few tattered pieces of Vince's retro T-shirt...]
(link: "Check the trees.")[Vince managed to set up at least one of the cameras, but the other is missing.(set: $streamcam to true)]
----
The darkening of the sky and the canopy of trees overhead force you all to [[turn back]].Spooky sounds in the woods continually make you and Nikki jump. Some of those shadows- did they move? You can't be sure, but you feel pairs of eyes on you...
Your trio makes it back to the cabin unscathed- and to your shock, you're met by (link: "an enthusiastic")[ a horribly dirty, smelly] $dogname! You hug your pal and are rewarded with plenty of kisses.
----
It's late, but you're still worried about Vince.
[[Wait until morning]] to do anything further. What can you possibly do at this point?
[[Go into town]] and call for help. There's a gas station around half an hour away...You think. Despite your worries, you all hunker down. Marty joins you and Nikki in your cabin. It's a cramped fit, but no one quite feels up to sleeping alone.
---
In the early morning, you make your way to the town and get a cell phone signal. A search party begins right away.
You hope you made the right choice and that Vince survived the night alone... (set: $vincelive to (random: 1,100))
[[End #9]]You load everyone up into the minivan and drive as fast as safely possible down the pitch-black dirt road. Your headlights bounce with the unevenness of the earth before you.
Suddenly, a huge black mass leaps into the middle of the road! You have to act quickly, as time is ticking!
-----
[[End #5]]: Swerve to the right to avoid the creature!
[[End #6]]: Swerve to the left to avoid the creature!
(live: 40s)[(goto: "End #7")]You quickly swerve to the right in an attempt to avoid the huge black mass with glowing red eyes in front of you.
(link: "The good news?")[You miss the creature! Well, for now, at least. It darts off into the woods before you can process what just happened.]
(link: "The bad news?")[You managed to hit a rut alongside the road, causing your van to roll over multiple times. Your passengers are knocked unconscious, while you find your leg pinned in the wreckage. The three of you are stuck, while $dogname, however, is miraculously unscathed. Your companion wiggles out of the crushed van and takes off running down the road. You're now in the (link: "hands")[paws] of your four-legged friend.
Can $dogname find help and bring them back to your wrecked vehicle?
//...Can help find you before the creature returns?//
This is your last thought as your vision fades to black...]
----
[[Play again.|Cabin]]Quickly, you veer left and narrowly miss the creature! You floor it and make it to safety in record time, but not without casualty: Marty vomits all over the back of the van- and Nikki.
The gas station is closed when you get there, but you still manage to get a weak signal through your phone. You call 911 and the search soon begins for your dear friend.
-----
Vince's body is never recovered, although the (link: "mangled")[armless] body of another hiker is found. Two funerals are held; one for the missing hiker, and one for Vince.
(if: $streamcam true)[The police managed to check the camera Vince set up, only to find a hint of an answer: Vince could be seen running past, terrified for his life. Close behind was a...horrible-looking creature following him. Hunting him...]
(if: $necklace is true)[At Vince's funeral, you return his necklace to his mother. She hugs you and weeps into your chest. It's absolutely horrific, but you know you've provided at least a little more closure to his family.]
[[Play again.|Cabin]]You aren't quick enough and find yourself barrelling right toward the creature. Despite your best efforts, you slam right into it. While this terror must've been close to eight feet in height, your speed manages to create a fatal blow- for both the monster and your vehicle.
Everyone onboard manages to escape with little more than cuts and bruises. You're the worst off, with a pretty major concussion. You all still manage to make the long hike to civilization before daylight...But not before snapping a photo of your kill first. (link: "So, what was the monster?") [The monster was covered in a thick black fur from head to toe. It had the characteristics of a canine, but it was also bipedal and its muscular structure was more similar to...a human's. Dare you say it was... a werewolf? You aren't quite sure.]
-----
The gas station is closed when you get there, but you still manage to get a weak signal through your phone. You call 911 and the search soon begins for your dear friend.
By some miracle, Vince is found the very next day. The typically calm and collected man is visibly shaken and traumatized, but makes a full recovery after a few years of therapy.
[[Play again.|Cabin]]Its face, not exactly human yet not entirely canine, creeps into a smile. You're next.
//Or are you?//
(set: $live to (random: 1,100))
(click: "Or are you?")[(goto: "purgatory")](if: $live > 65)[(goto: "Secret Ending #1")]
(else:)[(goto: "Secret Ending #2")]You look the creature directly in its complex, vibrant red eyes.
"Y-you d-don't have to kill me, y-you know," you say.
To your shock, the creature replies in a deep growl: "I know."
-----
The creature lets out a horrific laugh, and bites you on the shoulder. You yell out in pain, but the monster lets go quickly.
"You're braver than most humans, hm?" It asks you tauntingly. You're too busy writing in blinding pain to answer, the toxins of the werewolf's bite seeping into your veins.
It howls at the full moon overhead, and soon enough you join in a chorus of howls. As the music ends, the creature turns to you and admires your new form.
"It's been a while, $myname," it begins, "but my name's Ricky."
[[Play again.|Cabin]]You look the creature directly in its complex, vibrant red eyes.
"Y-you d-don't have to kill me, y-you know," you say.
To your shock, the creature replies in a deep growl: "I know."
----
It didn't have to kill you, but what fun would that be, to let you live?
A search begins the next day for your entire party. Only the body of Nikki is recovered, and after a few weeks the search efforts cease. At least you figured out what was in the woods.
You just didn't live to tell the tale.
[[Play again.|Cabin]]Double-click this passage to edit it.Logically, this is the end. You can accept your fate and play again, or you can try one last [[crazy]] idea. What do you say, $myname?
[[Play again.|Cabin]](if: $vincelive > 65)[Vince's body is never recovered, although the (link: "mangled")[armless] body of another hiker is found. Two funerals are held; one for the missing hiker, and one for Vince.
(if: $streamcam true)[The police managed to check the camera Vince set up, only to find a hint of an answer: Vince could be seen running past, terrified for his life. Close behind was a...horrible-looking creature following him. Hunting him...]
(if: $necklace is true)[At Vince's funeral, you return his necklace to his mother. She hugs you and weeps into your chest. It's absolutely horrific, but you know you've provided at least a little more closure to his family.]
[[Play again.|Cabin]]]
(else:)[By some miracle, Vince is found the very next day. The typically calm and collected man is visibly shaken and traumatized, but makes a full recovery after a few years of therapy.
As for the rest of you, you never quite figured out what was out there. There was simply not enough evidence to say, and you doubt Vince would ever tell if he knew.
What's important is that everyone made it out alive.
[[Play again.|Cabin]]]
↶↷Welcome, Stranger. What's your name?
The slight knocking of your rocking chair mixes seamlessly with the light chirping of a nearby swallow and the rustling of leaves in the forest. A perfect, blissful symphony.
Where am I?
Continue.