Badlands

The first things you register are the heat and the [[SCREAMS.->0.1]] (save-game: "Slot A")

It takes you a few moments for your mind to catch up to all the stimuli it's receiving, but, regardless, the realization quickly dawns on you. [[Something is burning...->0.2]]

It's flesh. [[//Human// flesh.->0.3]]

You don't know how long you have before the fire gets to you, but you can already see some smoke coming in through the door. That's not good. You'd hate to be burned alive. The screaming brings you back into the moment though. You have to get out. You have to get out //''now''//. [[But I can't leave my supplies to burn.->0.4.1]] [[You rush to the door.->0.4.2]] [[The window is your safest bet.->0.4.3]] (save-game: "Checkpoint 1")

Your supplies! Your pack is still there at the side of your bed. You rush over and grab it, quickly putting on your holster and belt as you look at {(if: $try_door is true)[your only option](else:)[your two options]}. (if: $try_door is false)[[[The door.->0.4.2]]] [[The window.->0.4.3]] (set: $get_pack to true) (set: $revolver to true) (set: $r_bullets to 6) (set: $r_ammo to 24) (set: $rope to true) (set: $cash to 8.53) (set: $cigarettes to 20) (set: $matches to 50)

//''Fuck!''// The fire's closer than you thought. The knob was hot as fuck and you burned yourself. That explains why you can hear the screams. The fire must be on your floor already. You're not going to be able to go out that way. [[The window. It is the only way left.->0.4.3]] (if: $get_pack is false)[[[I have to grab my supplies first.->0.4.1]]] (set: $try_door to true) (set: $hand_burn to true) (set: $hand_injury to true) (set: $mc_attack_mod to 2)

(nth: visit, "You rush to the window and, unfortunately, you realize that your situation is much worse than you thought it was. Not only are you in a burning building(if: $hand_burn is true)[ with a freshly burned hand], but the town is under attack. They've found you.(if: $get_pack is true)[ At least, you have your gun.]", "(set: $bandit_total to 3)As you peer outside the window,(if: $get_pack is true)[ with your pack slung over your shoulder,] you see a volley of gunshots come from the townspeople down the road. They don't seem to be the best shots, but they still manage to kill the two bandits in the alleyway.(if: $get_pack is true)[ You {(if: $hand_burn is true)[carefully adjust your burned hand around the holster of your revolver.](else:)[adjust your hand around the holster of your revolver.]}]", "(set: $bandit_total to 2)You hear yet another exchange of gunshots as you get to the window. The townspeople managed to shoot down another one of bandits. The last two are still hiding behind the cart, next to their recently dead companion. You hear one of them curse to themselves as they desperately try to reload their revolver.") (link: "You'd still rather try to deal with the bandits than to fire on the other side of the door.")[(set: $jump_out to true)(go-to: "0.5.1")](if: $try_door is false)[ [[Maybe the door is a better shot. You might be able to sneak out the back.->0.4.2]]](if: $get_pack is true)[ [[You can probably pull off a few shots, catch them by surprise.->0.5.1]]](if: $get_pack is false)[ [[You should get your pack. You're going to need your revolver.->0.4.1]]]

(nth: visit, "The view you have from your window is chaos. The building you're in is not the only one on fire and there are bodies littered on the street below. It takes your eyes a few moment to cut through the mess, but, thankfully, it's pretty easy to separate the attackers from the townspeople, since it seems like most of them are wearing red bandanas around their necks. (if: $get_pack is true)[There's a few of them that you have a good shot on. ]There's three hiding behind a cart directly below your window and another two in the alleyway across the road. They're all firing at a few armed townspeople further down the road.{(if: $jump_out is true)[ {(if: $get_pack is true)[You adjust your pack to make sure you don't drop it in the jump, and as you](else:)[As you]} climb onto the windowsill you glance at the bandits one last time. Then, you jump. You land on your feet{(if: $get_pack is true)[, but fall onto your hands{(if: $hand_burn is true)[. Pain surges through your burned hand, freshly burnt skin peeling peeling off and sticking to the dirt.](else:)[, scraping them.]}](else:)[.]} Atleast the bandits have not noticed you. Good. Time to get out of here. [[You see that there are a few horses nearby that are spooked, but still tied to their posts. Maybe you can ride out on one before anyone notices.->0.6.1]] [[There's an alleyway just a few feet to your left, maybe you can sneak away to a safer place without anyone noticing.->0.6.2]] {(if: $get_pack is true)[[[Fire on the bandits before they notice you.->0.6.3]]]}](else:)[ (if: $get_pack is true)[[[Fire on the bandits before they notice you.->0.6.4]]] [[They don't seem to notice you...Maybe now is a good time to jump out.->0.6.5]] (if: $try_door is false)[[[Actually, there might be too many to fight. Maybe trying the door is better.->0.4.2]]]]}", "You try to ignore the way the smoke burns your lungs as you take a steadying breath. Better to die fighting than burnt alive, right? (if: $get_pack is true)[You adjust your pack quickly, slinging it across your shoulders{(if: $hand_burn is true)[, ignoring the pain from your burnt hand.](else:)[.]}]You crawl on your hands and knees towards the window, glancing out quickly to make sure the bandits are still busy with the townspeople. Thankfully they are. You take the opening and jump out as quickly as you can. You land on your feet{(if: $get_pack is true)[, but fall onto your hands{(if: $hand_burn is true)[. Pain surges through your burned hand, freshly burnt skin peeling peeling off and sticking to the dirt.](else:)[, scraping them.]}] [[You see that there are a few horses nearby that are spooked, but still tied to their posts. Maybe you can ride out on one before anyone notices.->0.6.1]] [[There's an alleyway just a few feet to your left, maybe you can sneak away to a safer place without anyone noticing.->0.6.2]] (if: $get_pack is true)[[[Fire on the bandits before they notice you.->0.6.3]]]")

(display: "Combat System"){(if: $mc_init >= $enemy_init)[{(if: $hand_burn is false)[{(if: $mc_attack >= $bandit_ac)[You're able to catch them completely by surprise and blow one of their heads off with your first shot.](else:)[You miss.]}](else:)[{(if: $mc_attack >= $bandit_ac)[Despite your fresh burn, you're able to catch them completely by surprise and blow one of their heads off with your first shot.](else:)[You miss. It seems like shooting with a freshly burned hand was not the best idea.]}]} The remaining bandits begin to turn towards you and that's when you realize, you're completely out in the open. Now's probably a good time to cut and run. [[You can still run down the alleyway that's just a few feet to your left.->0.6.2]] [[You could probably still pull off another shot, though.->0.7.6]] (set: $bandits_noticed to true)](else:)[(go-to: "GUNSHOT DEATH")]}

{(if: $get_pack is true)[You adjust your pack to make sure you don't drop it in the jump, and as you](else:)[As you]} climb onto the windowsill you glance at the bandits one last time. Then, you jump. You land on your feet{(if: $get_pack is true)[, but fall onto your hands(if: $hand_burn is true)[. Pain surges through your burned hand, freshly burnt skin peeling off and sticking to the dirt.](else:)[, scraping them.]](else:)[.]} At least, it doesn't seem like the bandits have noticed you. Good. Time to get out of here. [[You see that there are a few horses that are spooked, but still tied to their posts. Maybe you can ride out on one before anyone notices.->0.6.1]] [[There's an alleyway just a few feet to your left, maybe you can sneak away to a safer place.->0.6.2]] (if: $get_pack is true)[[[Fire on the three bandits hiding behind the cart.->0.6.3]]] (if: $get_pack is true)[[[Fire on the two bandits hiding in the alleyway.->0.6.3]]] (set: $jump_out to true) (set: $inside to false)

(display: "Horse Check")There's three horses tied to a post outside. The fear is clear in their eyes as they each try to pull themselves away from the sounds of gunfire, the burning buildings, and the body of a dead horse. It must have been caught by a stray shot. The thought of getting shot yourself shakes you out of your momentary pause. The nearest horse is a large black one. It's also by far the most freaked out. You can see it's muscles straining as it pulls on its reins that are still tied to a post. The next horse over is chestnut and seems to be more freaked out by the panicked stallion at it's side, than by the sounds of gunfire or the burning building. That doesn't mean it's calm though. The last horse tied to the post is a small gray one. It's managed to pull itself farther away from the burning building than the other horses, and it seems to be the most manageable one of the three. {(if: $horse_check >= $hard_dc)[[[Go for the black horse->0.7.1]]](else:)[[[Go for the black horse->0.7.2]]]} {(if: $horse_check >= $moderate_dc)[[[Go for the chesnut horse->0.7.1]]](else:)[[[Go for the chestnut horse->0.7.2]]]} {(if: $horse_check >= $veryeasy_dc)[[[Go for the gray horse->0.7.1]]](else:)[[[Go for the gray horse->0.7.2]]]}

(if: $bandits_noticed is true)[Bullets whizz by you as you rush down the alleyway.]You rush down the alleyway, running as fast as you can{(if: $get_pack is true)[with a pack as heavy as yours](else:)[.]} When you manage to make it to the end, you glance back and see that no one is following you. {(if: $bandits_noticed is true)[Good. That means the bandits are too preoccupied with the townspeople to recognize their quarry.](else:)[Good. It means you have a clear shot out of town.] Now you just have to figure out how to get out. There's a stable farther down the road that might still have some horses...but if it doesn't you might lose your chance to run out of town. [[Run towards stables.->0.7.3]] [[Run out of town.->0.7.4]]

(set: $mc_name to "")(set: $mc_hair_length to "")(set: $mc_hair_desc to "")(set: $mc_hair_color to "")(set: $mc_height to "")(set: $mc_main_hand to "")(set: $mc_eye_color to "")(set: $mc_race to "")(set: $mc_pronouns to "") (set: $try_door to false)(set: $hand_burn to false)(set: $get_pack to false)(set: $jump_out to false)(set: $bandit_total to 5)(set: $bandits_noticed to false)(set: $hand_injury to false)(set: $inside to true)(set: $bandit_total to 5)(set: $window_visits to 0) (set: $revolver to false)(set: $r_bullets to 6)(set: $r_ammo to 0)(set: $rope to false)(set: $cash to 0.00)(set: $cigarettes to 0)(set: $matches to 0)(set: $canteen to 0)(set: $horse to false) (set: $mc_attack to 0)(set: $mc_attack_mod to 3)(set: $mc_init to 0)(set: $mc_init_mod to 3)(set: $enemy_attack to 0)(set: $enemy_init to 0) (set: $mc_ac to 10)(set: $bandit_ac to 10) (set: $hard_dc to 20)(set: $moderate_dc to 15)(set: $easy_dc to 10)(set: $veryeasy_dc to 5) (set: $horse_check to 0)(set: $horse_mod to 3)

You're able to quickly calm down the horse before you untie its reins from the post. It doesn't run from you, even though it does take a few steps back. Your hold on its reins are firm as you walk over and quickly climb onto the saddle. As you situate yourself quickly, you look down the road out of town. It's a straight shot to freedom. But you're the reason the bandits are attacking. Maybe you should help them... [[Ride out.->Riding Exit]] [[Turn back and shoot down the bandits.->0.7.6]] (set: $horse to true)

Before you even get to the horse, it begins to freak out, the bridle digging into its skin as it pulls away with absolute desperation. It's afraid of you and, now, its alerted the bandits that you're escaping. You hear their shouting behind you as you start to run down the alley. [[Run towards the stables.->0.7.3]] [[Run down the open road.->0.7.4]] (set: $bandits_noticed to true)

One of the stables farther down the road has already been set on fire, but the closest one is still standing. You rush into it and see that there's still a horse in one of the stalls. It seems pretty calm, thankfully. You take a few moments to get into the stall and get on it. You ride out of the stable and look down the open road. There's buildings burning all over the small town. [[Ride out of town.->Riding Exit]] [[Return to help.->0.7.6]] (set: $horse to true)

You're able to make it down the road, past the burning buildings and the screams. You stop for a moment as you look down the road. The light of the burning buildings and the moon lets you see the road ahead. It's a few days on foot to the nearest town... {(if: $get_pack is true)[You have your pack though. You have enough supplies to make it there.](else:)[You left your pack behind in the saloon, though. Everything's gone: your money, your gun, your water. That was everything you had.]} [[Run out of town.->Running Exit]] [[Go back to the stables.->0.7.3]] [[Return to help.->0.7.6]]

You can almost feel the bullets whizz by you as you dive away from the window. You hear the wood begin to crack as smoke begins to fill the room. The building won't be standing for much longer, but you still hear gunshots being exchanged outside. [[Jump out.->0.5.1]] [[Stay inside until the right moment.->FIRE DEATH]]

(display: "Combat System"){(if: $mc_init > $enemy_init)[{(if: $horse is true)[You come rushing back on your horse and lift the gun at one of the bandits. {(if: $hand_burn is false)[{(if: $mc_attack >= $bandit_ac)[(set: $bandit_total to $bandit_total-1)You're able to catch them completely by surprise and blow one of their heads off with your first shot.](else:)[You miss.]}](else:)[{(if: $mc_attack >= $bandit_ac)[(set: $bandit_total to $bandit_total-1)Despite your fresh burn, you're able to catch them completely by surprise and blow one of their heads off with your first shot.](else:)[You miss. It seems like shooting with a freshly burned hand was not a good idea.]}]}](else:)[You sneak back down the alley, and slowly aim the gun at one of the bandits. {(if: $hand_burn is false)[{(if: $mc_attack >= $bandit_ac)[(set: $bandit_total to $bandit_total-1)You're able to catch them completely by surprise and blow one of their heads off with your first shot.](else:)[You miss.]}](else:)[{(if: $mc_attack >= $bandit_ac)[(set: $bandit_total to $bandit_total-1)Despite your fresh burn, you're able to catch them completely by surprise and blow one of their heads off with your first shot.](else:)[You miss. It seems like shooting with a freshly burned hand was not your best idea.]}]}]} Before the {(if: $bandit_total > 1)[others are](else:)[last one is]} able to get a shot on you, you hide behind a bunch of barrels outside the general store. You hear the townspeople shoot another volley of bullets at the same time that the bandit{(if: $bandit_total > 1)[s fire](else:)[ fires]} at you. [[Stay and keep firing on the bandits->HEROIC EXIT]] [[Take the moment to run to the stables or out of town.->0.6.2]] (set: $bandits_noticed to true)](else:)[(go-to: "GUNSHOT DEATH")]}

They were faster than you were. (font: "Rye")+(align: "=><=")+(css: "font-size: 150%")[YOU ARE DEAD.] (track: 'gunshot', 'playwhenpossible') (enchant: ?Page, (background: ""))

gunshot: https://cdn.glitch.com/1be62471-66a4-4356-80e3-bdfffceb2783%2Fgunshot.mp3, https://cdn.glitch.com/1be62471-66a4-4356-80e3-bdfffceb2783%2Fgunshot.ogg

showControls: false

(set: $mc_init to (random: 1,20)+$mc_init_mod)(set: $enemy_init to (random: 1,20))(set: $mc_attack to (random: 1,20)+$mc_attack_mod)(set: $enemy_attack to (random: 1,20))

(display: "Combat System"){(if: $mc_init >= $enemy_init)[{(if: $hand_burn is false)[{(if: $mc_attack >= $bandit_ac)[You're able to catch them completely by surprise and blow one of their heads off with your first shot.](else:)[You miss.]}](else:)[{(if: $mc_attack >= $bandit_ac)[Despite your fresh burn, you're able to catch them completely by surprise and blow one of their heads off with your first shot.](else:)[You miss. It seems like shooting with a freshly burned hand was not a good idea.]}]} The remaining bandits begin to turn towards you and that's when you realize, they've got a clear shot on you and you're still inside a burning building. [[You see one of them aiming right at your head. Better to hide in a burning building than get shot, right?->0.7.5]] [[You could probably still pull off another shot.->0.7.6]] (set: $bandits_noticed to true)](else:)[(go-to: "GUNSHOT DEATH")]}

(font: "Rye")+(css: "font-size: 250%")+(align: "=><=")[BADLANDS] (align: "=><=")[[[START GAME->0.0]]] (display: "Variables") (enchant: ?Page, (background: ""))

(set: $horse_check to (random: 1,20)+$horse_mod)

You need to look after number one. The town isn't your responsibility, anyway. You don't even glance back before you spur the horse forward. However, the thought does cross your mind once the town is too far to hear the screams anymore. [[How many more times are your going to have to do this?->END]]

You need to look after number one. The town isn't your responsibility, anyway. You don't even glance back before you start running. The thought does cross your mind once the town is too far to hear the screams anymore. [[How many more times are your going to have to do this?->END]]

The right moment never comes. The ceiling collapses, trapping you. You burn alive. (font: "Rye")+(align: "=><=")+(css: "font-size: 150%")[YOU ARE DEAD.] (enchant: ?Page, (background: ""))

(font: "Rye")+(css: "font-size: 150%")+(align: "=><=")[END OF PROLOGUE] (align: "=><=")[[[CONTINUE?->C.0]]] (align: "=><=")+(link: "REPLAY PROLOGUE?")[(load-game: "Slot A")] (enchant: ?Page, (background: ""))

You stay and fight. You're able to help the townspeople run the bandits out of town and they thank you profusely. They give you a horse and {(if: $get_pack is false)[new supplies to help make up for what was lost in the fire.](else:)[some cash as thanks for your help.]} Of course, you didn't tell them that you were why they were there. Still, it felt good to be thanked for heroics, if a bit strange. You left the next morning, riding out to the next town. It's not until you can no longer see the burnt remains of the town that a question comes to mind. [[How many more times are your going to have to do this?->END]]

What is the gunslinger's hair color?(dropdown: bind $mc_hair_color, "Auburn", "Black", "Blonde", "Dark Brown", "Light Brown", "Red") How long is the gunslinger's hair?(dropdown: bind $mc_hair_length, "Short", "Medium", "Shoulder length", "Past their shoulders") What is the gunslinger's hair like?(dropdown: bind $mc_hair_desc, "Curly", "Kinky", "Straight", "Wavy") What color are the gunslinger's eyes?(dropdown: bind $mc_eye_color, "Amber", "Blue", "Brown", "Gray", "Green", "Hazel") What is the gunslinger's dominant hand?(dropdown: bind $mc_main_hand, "Left", "Right", "Both") (enchant: ?Page, (background: "")) (set: $mc_name to (prompt: "What is the gunslinger's name?", ""))