Wise Men Wear Cloaks<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69d5bc898ce7096c7a752/1659280777783/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3/original/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
I do feel it gone, but know not how it went. The last days of humanity are upon us. The world has been reduced to a frozen ball hurtling towards the ever-growing darkness as the sun grows dimmer and dimmer each year and more and more of the world is swallowed up by the ever-encroaching ice and cold. Soon, nothing living will remain and all will be frozen. The great forever sleep looms on the horizon. If you have come here searching for [[hope]] you will not find it. If you wish something other than the cruelties of desperate and disheartened men, you will not find that either. There are no heroes left … unless you, $name, are one to take up that [[mantel]]?
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<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69d5bc898ce7096c7a752/1659280777783/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3/original/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
What sort of a hero are you? (Select your Affirmation)
(set:$health to 100)(set:$virtue to 0)(set:$supply to 5)
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
[[“Remember that very little is needed to make a happy life.”|Temperance]]
[[“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”|Courage]]
[[“If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.”|Wisdom]]
[[“The best revenge is not to be like your enemy.”|Justice]]
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e597838b3184307a71ed61/1659213711005/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3/original/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
“Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all.”
― Emily Dickinson
[[Introduction]]
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69d5bc898ce7096c7a752/1659280777783/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3/original/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You are a person of action, ready to do what is necessary regardless of the danger. But you are not rash, and you understand that courage falls between the extremes of cowardice and foolhardyness. You will not give in to craven ways, nor will you let boldness make a fool of you. Instead you will face any challenge that a good man must. Cursed with a pull towards $flaw, you will have to negotiate this world while controling your impulses.
Will you meet the world with [[Courage|Path of the Courageous]]? Or do you wish to walk [[another path|mantel]]<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69d5bc898ce7096c7a752/1659280777783/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3/original/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You posess the virtue of Justice in abundance. You give to each not just what they deserve, but that which love and compassion for your fellow man demands of you. Cursed with a pull towards $flaw, you will have to negotiate this world while controling your impulses.
Will you meet the world with [[Justice|Path of the Just]]? Or do you wish to walk [[another path|mantel]]?<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69d5bc898ce7096c7a752/1659280777783/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3/original/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
You are wise and full of knoweldge. You can see the extremes of a situation and know where the true middle lies. Cautious when you need to be, full of action when you must. You have the sense to know what you ought to do in a given scenario. Cursed with a pull towards $flaw, you will have to negotiate this world while controling your impulses.
Will you meet the world with [[Wisdom|Path of the Wise]]? Or do you wish to walk [[another path|mantel]]?<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69d5bc898ce7096c7a752/1659280777783/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3/original/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
You are temperate in your nature and do not give in to your emotions, be they pleasant or unpleasant. You know well that strong emotions are paths towards vice and avoid rushing towards such impressions without contemplation. Cursed with a pull towards $flaw, you will have to negotiate this world while controling your impulses.
Will you meet the world with [[Temperance|Path of the Temperate]]? Or do you wish to walk [[another path|mantel]]?(set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))(set:$failing to "injustice")
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue.")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e012f07337554f74a8d/1659280899524/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3/original/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
In the frozen wastes of what was once West Texas, you have found yourself born and raised in a [[Commune|Commune 1]] of this dying world. No one really remembers how it got this way; there was a war of course, or perhaps it was a virus, or an ecological disaster, or a punishment from God. No one remembers and it hardly matters now. What matters is that the Commune survives and continues onward. Perhaps if your people carry on long enough, someone will figure out how to avert your doom.
Because of your steadfast determination and your strong duty to Justice, the people of the commune have elected you the Executor, in charge of adjudicating major disputes, and managing the communes defenses. Our story begins when you have arrived at $age years old. On this cool July morning your aid, Jeeves, informs you that you have urgent matters to attend to both at the Hall of Justice, and along the Northern Perimeter. Unable to be in two places at the same time, Jeeves offers to head to whichever one you cannot attend as your representative. Which will ''you'' go to?
[[I head to the Northern Perimeter. Security is my number one concern.|Northern Perimeter]]
[[I head to the Hall of Justice. Jeeves is a skilled warrior and can handle the tactical situation until I am able to join him.|Hall of Justice]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))(set:$failing to "indulging their sensual appetites")
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue.")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e012f07337554f74a8d/1659280899524/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3/original/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
In the frozen wastes of what was once West Texas, you have found yourself born and raised in a [[Commune|Commune2]] of this dying world. No one really remembers how it got this way; there was a war of course, or perhaps it was a virus, or an ecological disaster, or a punishment from God. No one remembers and it hardly matters now. What matters is that the Commune survives and continues onward. Perhaps if your people carry on long enough, someone will figure out how to avert your doom.
Because of your steadfast determination and your admirable self control and responsibility, the people of the Commune have elected you the Master of the Stockpile, a position which puts you in charge of the supply reserves and rationing for the Commune. Our story begins when you have arrived at $age years old. On this cool July morning you arise early in the morning to the knocking at your door from your assistant Alexa. Alexa informs you that there is currently an attack on the commune and you are needed at the Stockpile to unlock the armory and route appropriate supplies given the nature of the attack. Simultaneously, the outlying farmsteads have reported an early morning snow storm blowing through and heading this way and you are needed to communicate with The Astronomer and determine the communes needs and rations for the storm. You trust that Alexa can handle one of theses tasks for you, but you must decide which ''you'' will address yourself.
[[I head to the Stockpile to unlock the armory and route supplies. Alexa has a capable mind and can handle the storm logistics I am sure.|Stockpile]]
[[I give Alexa the key to the armory and head to The Astronomer. It will do us no good to win the battle if a storm destroys us a few hours later. Besides, I am sure the Executor can handle the defenses.|The Astronomer]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))(set:$failing to "rash decisions")
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue.")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e012f07337554f74a8d/1659280899524/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3/original/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
In the frozen wastes of what was once West Texas, you have found yourself born and raised in a [[Commune|Commune3]] of this dying world. No one really remembers how it got this way; there was a war of course, or perhaps it was a virus, or an ecological disaster, or a punishment from God. No one remembers and it hardly matters now. What matters is that the Commune survives and continues onward. Perhaps if your people carry on long enough, someone will figure out how to avert your doom.
Because of your steadfast determination and your renowned wisdom, the People of the Commune have elected you Taskmaster for the Commune. In this role, you are in charge of assigning manpower and setting tasks that must be completed and by when. With supplies and labor always in a critical state, and dangers lurking around every corner, it is absolutely critical that at all times the right people find the way to the right jobs.
Our story begins when you have arrived at $age years old. On this cool July morning you have awoken early and are headed to Central Control, when you hear the alert bell ring out and your assistant, Siri, comes rushing towards you. Siri informs you that she was on her way to tell you that there is a storm coming in and a crisis on the exterior farms and someone will need to oversee and head up the storm teams, but now with the warning bells it appears there is an attack on the Northern Perimeter. You know this all means you will either need to continue to Central Control to coordinate manpower for the defense, or head to the Transport Garage and bring the emergency teams out to the farms. You trust Siri to do one of the tasks competently, but you will need to decide which of them ''you'' will go do.
[[We have had several snow storms in the past. Siri knows the routine well. I send her to the Transport Garage and I rush down to Central Control to begin coordinating the defenses with the Executor and the General.|Central Control]]
[[The Executor and General will advise on which troops they need and Siri can make whatever judgements she needs to. If we lose one of the farms because of weather, we may not survive the upcoming winter. It is clear I am most needed at the Transport Garage.|Transport Garage]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))(set:$failing to "cowardice")
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue.")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e012f07337554f74a8d/1659280899524/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3/original/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
In the frozen wastes of what was once West Texas, you have found yourself born and raised in a [[Commune|Commune4]] of this dying world. No one really remembers how it got this way; there was a war of course, or perhaps it was a virus, or an ecological disaster, or a punishment from God. No one remembers and it hardly matters now. What matters is that the Commune survives and continues onward. Perhaps if your people carry on long enough, someone will figure out how to avert your doom.
Because of your steadfast determination and your bravery in the face of danger, the People of the Commune have appointed you to the position of the Commune General. You are in charge of tactical decisions for the Commune and control the Expedition Force, they will obey only your orders. While the Executor coordinates defenses, ultimately he relies upon your tactics and field leadership to win the day and lead forces against enemy positions outside the walls of the Commune.
Our story begins when you have arrived at $age years old. On this cool July morning you are woken up early by Captain Cortana, your trusted second in command. You had been alerted earlier in the week to the presence nearby of a bandit camp that had been raiding shipping from the other communes in the area and stockpiling the goods nearby. To combat this force and hopefully recover the supplies for your own Commune's use, you took the Expedition Force out into the field and have been scouting for 3 days now. Yesterday you sent out Captain Cortana on the snowmobiles to scout a wider area, a mission that cost pressious gas but hopefully would bear fruit. She has returned and tells you of her find. 2 km west of here, in the ruins of Texas Tech University, she found the bandit camp. It looks to have a large stockpile of good from what she can see, and only a skeleton crew guarding it, though they are well dug in. She also informs you that just now as she got to camp, word came through the radio that the Commune is under attack, probably by the bulk of the bandits from this camp. The Executor is requesting reinforcements from the Expedition Force due to the size of the attack. You lack the fuel to move the whole Force with the snowmobiles, but you can move half back while the other half continues with the primary mission. You trust Cortana to carry out one of the objectives competently but you will need to decide which mission ''you'' will lead.
[[My duty to protect the Commune is clear. All the supplies in the world wont make any difference if the Commune is destroyed. I leave Cortana to carry out the assault and lead the snowmobiles back to the Commune|Along the trail to the Perimeter]]
[[Cortana is a capable commander, but disloding a dug in force with half manpower is something that requires my direct attention. I trust that the Executor can handle the defenses and that he will use Cortana's reinforcements to repel the attackers. I must press on to ensure the best possible outcome and I send Cortana with the snowmobiles while I press on with the rest of the men.|Before the Raider camp]]<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e597838b3184307a71ed61/1659213711005/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3/original/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
The Commune, my home and the last hope for humanity. Nestled in the ruins of West Texas the good people of the community toil as farmers and ranchers and eye the surrounding countryside for the riches and dangers it promises. Led by an Command Council consisting of an Executor, Master of the Stockpile, General, and Taskmaster, the people of the Commune look to these individuals as leaders and to protect the community from the threat of Raiders and Weather. To the west of us lie the ruins of the old Lubbock, from which the community regularly replenishes its supplies. Amongst the streets of the commune several shops stand out almost as places of worship: Craig's Metal Works, Pedro's Tamale Shop, and Betty's Boot and Shoe Repair. A severe shortage of fuel threatens all of this and the encroaching Raider threat also promises to undo what we have built here. Chiefly however, the commune suffers from a lack of will and the citizens tendency towards $failing towers above other problems as that which may doom it. I must do what I can to transform the Commune into a shining example of what humanity still can be.
[[I head to the Northern Perimeter. Security is my number one concern.|Northern Perimeter]]
[[I head to the Hall of Justice. Jeeves is a skilled warrior and can handle the tactical situation until I am able to join him.|Hall of Justice]]<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69d4cdd9c662e3136d26f/1659280716970/dramatic-battle-scene-sound-effect.mp3/original/dramatic-battle-scene-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
$name you arrive at the northern perimeter and find the command structure here has collapsed. Someone needs to take charge and that is you. While the men on the front lines are fighting admirably, the enemy is well informed of your defenses and very well supplied. Almost impossibly well supplied and informed for an ordinary band of raiders. You immediately realize they must have intelligence from within the Commune to have coordinated such a successful assault.
[[I quickly reorganize the defenses and improvise a plan. Suspecting that the enemy knows what we will do, I will need to think on my toes here. I'll have to deal with each problem when it arises and hope I am up to the challenge. Unpredictability can be my advantage.|OITW]]
[[The enemy is expecting me to defend in particular patterns and locations. Abandoning them for some half cocked plan would be stupid. But... sometimes the best defense is a good offence. I rally the men and attack.|OITW2]]
[[We have trained for this. It doesn't matter if they know our strategies we have prepared our defenses to be strong. I organize the men more cohesively into their patterns and units but continue to execute the defense as planned.|pigheaded]]
[[This is rediculous. We can't hold out if the enemy knows where we are going and what we are doing. We must retreat!|panic]]<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69d4cdd9c662e3136d26f/1659280716970/dramatic-battle-scene-sound-effect.mp3/original/dramatic-battle-scene-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You arrive at the Hall of Justice and find that there are multiple crisis events occuring. The rest of the executive council is absent and you are the ranking Commune official present. The eyes of all the aids and officials here turn to you for leadership and you begin to take command, asking for a status report.
"We are attacked by the largest raider warband we have seen in decades on the northern perimeter. They are well supplied and well armed."
"A storm is blowing in from the south. It will overtake the outlying farms soon and we need to coordinate a response to protect our supplies and people."
"Precious fuel and supplies are not being delivered to the front lines and Stockpile reports severe reserve depletion indicative of sabotage."
"The Expeditionary force is missing and not responding to radio communication."
"What do you want us to do? We have a shoestring staff here and cant respond to everything at once."
[[The attack is the most pressing event. If we dont deal with it we are dead and nothing else will matter. Begin redeploying auxillary forces to the front. Send a small group of snowmobiles to carry extra supply. And for god sake, one of you lead the team if theres a problem with Stockpile.|Wise1]]
[[I trust the general and defenders to do their job. We need to secure things for the storm. The raiders are exposed so all we have to do is fortify in our houses and hold out till the storm disperses the raiders. Lets coordinate the storm detail.|Wise2]]
[[We cannot tolerate Sabotage. Take the Executive Guard to the stockpile and take control of the supply situation. Since the expeditionary force can't be reached its logical to assume they might be in on things. Immediately change all command codes.|Rash1]]
[[We can't deal with all this at the same time. Let's try to negotiate a cease fire or surrender to the Raiders. Perhaps if we give them some of our supplies they will break off the attack and we can regroup.|Cowardly1]]<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e012f07337554f74a8d/1659280899524/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3/original/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You tell Alexa to head to the Stockpile as the farms are the long term concern. The raiders may possibly destroy the commune but a storm that destroys the farms certainly will. It is urgent and clear you are needed to coordinate with The Astronomer. You clasp Alexa on the shoulder and give her a meaningful look as the two of you part ways, not knowing if you will see eachother again.
The Astronomer lives in an observation and communication bunker to the north east of the Commune. It is hard to say the distance exactly as you have never been there personally, but you know it takes many days for a snowmobile to get there. He has command of old tech weather sensing equipment, and in exchange for the supplies the Commune regularly sends to him, he turns it on durring a crisis to help the commune track the weather and beat the storms. Though the distance to him is too great to efficiently get to, a communications station on the east hill of the Commune can be used to contact him rapidly in an emergency.
Getting to the comm station is difficult, and given the weather and haste you need to get there with, will be a hard and draining run. You can set out with snowshoes and your parka, and if you move swiftly can be there within an hour. Alternatively, you can requisition one of the Commune's snowmobiles, though they are a precious resources and using one, and its gas, during an attack will leave the defenders a bit short on supply. What do you do?
[[The defenders can spare one simple snowmobile, I need to get there immediately.|Comm Station]]
[[A snowmobile is an extravigance for me and something the defenders can ill afford. I must press on under my own power. If I lose a few toes to frostbite it is a small price to pay for conserving our precious resources in a double crisis.|Climbing to the station]]<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e012f07337554f74a8d/1659280899524/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3/original/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
"I understand, $name." says Alexa as the two of you part company. You know you can trust Alexa to get the job done at the Comm Station, and the immediate threat of managing the supplies for the battle is far more urgent and requires your immediate attention. Still, as the two you you move apart and towards your respective locations, you can't help but feel like you have seen Alexa for the last time. No matter, best not to let your imagination run wild.
You make your way to the Stockpile, a large concrete building in the center of the Commune. It is here that most of the supplies are kept. Small caches are scattered about the Commune territory as the weather can prove a bit unpredictable and no one should be caught stranded without food, water, and heat nearby. Still, the bulk of it is kept here in the stockpile. You know that ammo, water, and fuel will be critical to route in the upcoming battle. Still, as you arrive, you pause for a moment and consider what you should do about the outlying farms. They may need supplies immediately to keep going as the storms hit.
[[The farms are critical to our survival. We can send a small team of snowmobilers out to the farms to bring them critical supplies like fuel.|farmsvice]]
[[As important as the farms are, we are already preparing to send a larger convoy later to them. The battle needs immediate coordination of supplies, we can't act rash and need to make logical decisions. The farms will have to wait.|farmsvirtue]]
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e012f07337554f74a8d/1659280899524/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3/original/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You part ways with Siri, giving her a salute as you make your way towards Central Control. You have a strange feeling like you have sent her to her death, but cannot let such emotional reactions dictate your actions. You know she is capable of the task you set out for her and trust her implicitly. You are pulled from your thoughts as you see the central control building just up ahead. You recognize first however, that there is need for you to tend to affairs within the Commune itself as people are both unaware of what's going on, and not sure what to do even if they knew.
[[I can't be bothered with this kind of thing. I am sure that once I get to Central Control I can have a team come down and get all these people where they need to be.|vice2]]
[[*sigh* I guess I'll do something about this. I suppose it's my responsibility so I'll grab a few people and inform them what's going on. I give them some basic instructions and then head on my way.|vice2]]
[[I can't spend hours rallying the people by myself, but that doesn't mean I have to march through here tight lipped like an asshole. I call to people to rally around me as I head to Central Control. Once on the steps of the building I address the small crowd I gathered and inform them of the situation and give them brief but direct instructions of what to do.|virtue2]]
[[I really would like to do more, but everyone has their role and the people elected me to attend to matters in Central Control. Once I am there I can figure out where my emergency teams are and get them out here, but for right now I need to move forward|virtue2]]
[[We are under attack, we are going to need everyone on the front lines. I rally a crowd to me and inform them of the situation then inform them that they should get everyone together and all head to the Transport Garage so Siri can get them to the front line.|vice2]]<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69df4e8fd9f480a8da3be/1659280886858/truck-backup-beeper-sound-effect.mp3/original/truck-backup-beeper-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You arrive at the Transport Garage and take control of the situation. Vehicles are stalled out and not going anywhere, or are being sent out without being properly packed. There appears to be no organization here. More concerning though is that many of the vehicles are out of commission. You aren't sure what's going on but go ahead and find the garage manager, Jack 'Cadillac' Tenrec. Cadillac is a handsome and gruff mechanic but you know him to be very capable even if a little abrasive.
"Jack, what is going on here?" you demand.
"Keep your shirt on $name, I just got back here myself."
"Where were you?"
"At the front. Barnes was supposed to deliver a shipment of fuel for the fight but he disappeared. I ran some up myself and only got back just now."
"I see. Well, we need to coordinate supplies to the front as well as the farms. A storm is coming."
"What the hell do you think I'm trying to do $name? I'm trying to get all these vehicles operational."
[[I'm a bit of a wrench myself, I'll offer to help Cadillac with the big rig.|aid]]
[[I'm good with a wrench and know my way around an engine, but I'm not so good with big machines. I'll offer to help Cadillac with some of the smaller units that are damaged like snowmobiles.|aid2]]
[[I would just be in the way helping. I'll head into the office and go over files. Besides I am sure Cadillac can handle it.|lazyass]]
[[I tell Cadillac he needs to get a move on it here and he is wasting precious time tinkering around. Get the vehicles moving quickly. Once I am done motivating him, I will head to the loading bay to inspect the supplies.|lazyass2]]
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e012f07337554f74a8d/1659280899524/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3/original/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You gather your Snowmobilers and make your way back towards the Perimeter. You know it will be a hard press, but you will get there in time and should be able to help turn the tide of battle. The men seem as motivated as you to get back to the perimeter and help the Commune so you know you can press everyone and arrive swiftly if you would like.
[[Discretion is the better part of valor. I won't lollygag, but I'll take a responsible road to the perimeter. Besides, if we push it we burn more fuel, and that may be something we can't easily replenish when we get to the wall.|nopush]]
[[This isn't a game. People's lives are at stake here. I can worry about logistics later. I push the men to get to the perimeter as soon as possible.|badpush]]
[[While it may be prudent to play it safe with supplies, I have to deal with the situation at hand. I must do what's right in the moment and not worry about what may be. We can push to get to the perimeter and reinforce. Even if we do run out of gas and can't redeploy, our presence alone will assist in the battle.|goodpush]](set:$supply to ($supply-2))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost supply")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e012f07337554f74a8d/1659280899524/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3/original/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You bid Cortana farewell, clasping her on the shoulder as you two depart. You feel as if you will not see eachother again but dismiss those silly thoughts quickly as you have work to do. As the snowmobiles speed away from your camp you assess the situation while the remainder of the Force pack up the campsite and prepare to march.
You are now half strengthed, and truth be told, the Commune's defense is critical. You have spare snowmobiles of course, but not enough fuel to get back to the Commune with, nor to take on an assault agains the raiders. You will have to go on foot and do it. Of course, you could send more men back. They would not get there quickly, but reinforcements on a forced march arriving 6 or 7 hours later might make a difference if the battle has continued or the raiders have managed to break through. It would make your task at the raider base far more difficult however, and given the numbers Cortana told you, you are not sure that you could dislodge the raiders if you further divided your numbers.
[[I can handle some raiders. The Commune is already facing the bulk of the raiders in a surprise assault. I should split the force a second time and send half my remaining men back. Yeah they will arrive late, but should the raiders punch through or give a fierce battle, they can help turn the tide.|Split Force]]
[[It would be unwise to split the force again. It is highly unlikely a quarter of the Force arriving many hours late will make a difference in the battle. It will be decided by then and if the raiders are victorious I will need as much of my force in one piece as possible to retake the Commune rather than have my force divided so it can be defeated in pieces. We stay together and press to the camp. |Full Force]]<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e597838b3184307a71ed61/1659213711005/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3/original/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
The Commune, my home and the last hope for humanity. Nestled in the ruins of West Texas the good people of the community toil as farmers and ranchers and eye the surrounding countryside for the riches and dangers it promises. Led by an Command Council consisting of an Executor, Master of the Stockpile, General, and Taskmaster, the people of the Commune look to these individuals as leaders and to protect the community from the threat of Raiders and Weather. To the west of us lie the ruins of the old Lubbock, from which the community regularly replenishes its supplies. Amongst the streets of the commune several shops stand out almost as places of worship: Craig's Metal Works, Pedro's Tamale Shop, and Betty's Boot and Shoe Repair. A severe shortage of fuel threatens all of this and the encroaching Raider threat also promises to undo what we have built here. Chiefly however, the commune suffers from a lack of will and the citizens tendency towards $failing towers above other problems as that which may doom it. I must do what I can to transform the Commune into a shining example of what humanity still can be.
[[I head to the Stockpile to unlock the armory and route supplies. Alexa has a capable mind and can handle the storm logistics I am sure.|Stockpile]]
[[I give Alexa the key to the armory and head to The Astronomer. It will do us no good to win the battle if a storm destroys us a few hours later. Besides, I am sure the Executor can handle the defenses.|The Astronomer]]<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e597838b3184307a71ed61/1659213711005/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3/original/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
The Commune, my home and the last hope for humanity. Nestled in the ruins of West Texas the good people of the community toil as farmers and ranchers and eye the surrounding countryside for the riches and dangers it promises. Led by an Command Council consisting of an Executor, Master of the Stockpile, General, and Taskmaster, the people of the Commune look to these individuals as leaders and to protect the community from the threat of Raiders and Weather. To the west of us lie the ruins of the old Lubbock, from which the community regularly replenishes its supplies. Amongst the streets of the commune several shops stand out almost as places of worship: Craig's Metal Works, Pedro's Tamale Shop, and Betty's Boot and Shoe Repair. A severe shortage of fuel threatens all of this and the encroaching Raider threat also promises to undo what we have built here. Chiefly however, the commune suffers from a lack of will and the citizens tendency towards $failing towers above other problems as that which may doom it. I must do what I can to transform the Commune into a shining example of what humanity still can be.
[[We have had several snow storms in the past. Siri knows the routine well. I send her to the Transport Garage and I rush down to Central Control to begin coordinating the defenses with the Executor and the General.|Central Control]]
[[The Executor and General will advise on which troops they need and Siri can make whatever judgements she needs to. If we lose one of the farms because of weather, we may not survive the upcoming winter. It is clear I am most needed at the Transport Garage.|Transport Garage]]<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e597838b3184307a71ed61/1659213711005/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3/original/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
The Commune, my home and the last hope for humanity. Nestled in the ruins of West Texas the good people of the community toil as farmers and ranchers and eye the surrounding countryside for the riches and dangers it promises. Led by an Command Council consisting of an Executor, Master of the Stockpile, General, and Taskmaster, the people of the Commune look to these individuals as leaders and to protect the community from the threat of Raiders and Weather. To the west of us lie the ruins of the old Lubbock, from which the community regularly replenishes its supplies. Amongst the streets of the commune several shops stand out almost as places of worship: Craig's Metal Works, Pedro's Tamale Shop, and Betty's Boot and Shoe Repair. A severe shortage of fuel threatens all of this and the encroaching Raider threat also promises to undo what we have built here. Chiefly however, the commune suffers from a lack of will and the citizens tendency towards $failing towers above other problems as that which may doom it. I must do what I can to transform the Commune into a shining example of what humanity still can be.
[[My duty to protect the Commune is clear. All the supplies in the world wont make any difference if the Commune is destroyed. I leave Cortana to carry out the assault and lead the snowmobiles back to the Commune|Along the trail to the Perimeter]]
[[Cortana is a capable commander, but disloding a dug in force with half manpower is something that requires my direct attention. I trust that the Executor can handle the defenses and that he will use Cortana's reinforcements to repel the attackers. I must press on to ensure the best possible outcome and I send Cortana with the snowmobiles while I press on with the rest of the men.|Before the Raider camp]]//At the Stoa Poikile//
<img src="https://modernstoicism.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/stoa_poikile.jpg">
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69d5bc898ce7096c7a752/1659280777783/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3/original/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
Welcome, $name. Your soul is currently at rest at the Stoa Poikile. Here you may rejuvenate yourself before you return to the world anew and begin your quest. You may rest here on the Stoa, or you may adjourn to one of the Chambers of Knoweldge, or if you are ready you may Begin your story.
[[About this game]]
[[Chamber of Fate]]
[[Chamber of Death]]
[[Chamber of Stillness]]
[[Chamber of Virtue]]
[[Chamber of Practice]]
[[Begin your story.|Introduction]]
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69d5bc898ce7096c7a752/1659280777783/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3/original/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
//Wise Men Wear Cloaks// is a game about moral choices and Stoic Philosophy. The objective of this game is to make good choices, in a moral sense, in each and every moment. That will not always mean you survive your story, as the right thing to do morally is not always the thing that maximizes your survival, but is rather that thing which maximizes human flourishing and virtuous action. Through the game, if you utilize a knoweldge of Stoicism, you should be able to maximize your Virtue score in each path you walk.
Stoicism is a school of ancient philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BC that has sustained from that time through today. While it has not been the most popular school of philosophy it has been one which has given us many great leaders, from George Washington and Cato the younger, to Marcus Aurelius the emperor of Rome. Stoicism saw its greatest popularity during the early Roman empire, but has recently seen a revival with Modern Stoicism. Nevertheless, the influence of Stoicism on western thought has been great with elements of its practices observed in developments everywhere in western society as well as in the Christian religion.
Stoicism is named after the Stoa Poikile, the 'painted porch', or a covered porch in Athens. To learn more about Stoicism return to the Stoa Poikile and explore some of the other chambers.
[[Return to the Stoa Poikile|The Stoa Poikile]]//A Virtuous Death//
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e597838b3184307a71ed61/1659213711005/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3/original/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
<style> img {
max-width:100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
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</style>
<img
src=https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PRJ5zBck0DI/VyCp8HhleqI/AAAAAAAAC7U/GWcifLJIy-QLoWbsQaBjlXgywFiq2sImQCLcB/s1600/Emperor%2BMarcus%2BAurelius.jpg>
</div>
All men must die and all stories must end and your story, $name, has finally been closed. But, as your soul finally rests and returns to the Stoa Poikile, you can be proud that you flourished and lived a life of Virtue. For a time, those of the Commune will remember the deeds and example of $name. The children of the Commune will grow up hearing of the example you set and will do their best to follow in your footsteps, perhaps leading the Commune to a better world....
But as your memories fade to black and you forget all things, remember that soon all things will have forgotten you. For time turns both stone and legend to dust.
You shuffled off this mortal coil at $age years old.
You had:
Supply=$supply
Virtue=$virtue
Your great moral failing of $flaw, was something that you always struggled with. Nevertheless, you kept it in check for the most part and lived a life full of virtue. As your soul heads to the Stoa Poikile to rest, know that you lived well and did not let the vicissitudes of the human condition get the better of you. Return now to the aether with a clean conscience.
"When clouds are seen,
wise men put on their cloaks,
When great leaves fall,
then winter is at hand;
When the sun sets,
who doth not look for night?" - Shakespeare, //King Richard III//
[[Return to the Stoa Poikile|The Stoa Poikile Test]]//A Vice laden Death//
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e597838b3184307a71ed61/1659213711005/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3/original/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
<style> img {
max-width:100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
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</style>
<img
src=https://media.sciencephoto.com/image/e1270305/800wm/E1270305-Artwork_of_ruined_city_destroyed_by_blizzards.jpg>
</div>
All men must die and all stories must end and your story, $name, has finally been closed. But, as your soul finally rests and returns to the Stoa Poikile, your last thoughts are of the undisciplined choices you made and the depravity you leave behind. With the example of vice that you set, $name, the Commune has no worthy example of leadership and virtue to keep it on the right path. Soon they succumb to $failing and within a short period of time the commune and its inhabitants are claimed by the snow, leaving only the memory of what could have been behind and the legend of $name the depraved....
But as your memories fade to black and you forget all things, remember that soon all things will have forgotten you. For time turns both stone and legend to dust.
You shuffled off this mortal coil at $age years old.
You had:
Supply=$supply
Virtue=$virtue
Your great moral failing of $flaw, was something that you always struggled with. Whether it was something that doomed you and corrupted those around you is something your sould will spend eternity contemplating when it reaches the Stoa Poikile.
"When clouds are seen,
wise men put on their cloaks,
When great leaves fall,
then winter is at hand;
When the sun sets,
who doth not look for night?" - Shakespeare, //King Richard III//
[[Return to the Stoa Poikile|The Stoa Poikile Test]]<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e621b6952301a825db6/1659280999806/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3/original/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You arrive at the exterior fence of the Comm Station and find the lock, normally frozen shut, completely busted open. Tracks, almost covered by the snow, lead into the station from here. As you hear a sound up ahead, you quickly duck behind some rocks to hide. From this concealed vantage point you glance out and can observe several figures have taken control of the Comm Station.
You recognize one as Vince, a brutish man who had been exiled from the Commune 6 months ago for stealing food supplies and selling them to merchants. He is here with others that you do not know, but from their garb appear to be well armed raiders. Their chatter is friendly, though you can't make out exactly what they are saying. It looks like Vince has exposed the Commune's defenses to the raiders, as a bargaining chip for his life, to extract revenge, or simply to finish plundering what he had been stopped from earlier you cannot say. What is clear is that they are not set to be friendly to you.
[[Vince is going to pay for what he has done. I scout a path forward, and after their attention turns I move into a better position and then open fire making sure to put my first shot into Vince.|Vengefight]]
[[The Commune's survival depends upon me getting to the communications equipment and coordinating with the Astronomer. I have no choice but to fight my way through the bandits. I wait for an opportune time and move into a better position. Then, since Vince knows this place better than the others, I take aim and open fire on him.|Tempfight1]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))(set:$health to ($health-10))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue and taken damage")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e621b6952301a825db6/1659280999806/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3/original/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
While this area was once as flat as a piece of paper, the ecological damage to the planet has left it full of rocky debris that has become covered over with thick and dangerous ice and snow. The climb up towards the comm station is cold and treacherous. You did not have time to pack a full cold weather assortment, and are surprised how quickly the weather is changing for the worse. By the time you reach the 'long climb', a steep and rocky climb that brings you to the last slope ascending to the comm station, you are worn out, and bits of you are starting to feel the effects of the cold.
As you reach the top of the 'long climb' you pull out your binoculars and survey the valley below you where the commune rests. From your position here you have an excellent view of the battle and are surprised the Executor hasn't sent a comm officer up here to relay information. As you wonder about that to yourself you notice something moving at the Commune from the south, across the lines where the farm supply convoys will need to go. It appears to be a small group of raiders moving on the flank of the commune. With the attack going on the north and west absorbing the bulk of defenders, this small band of 6 snowmobile bandits will surely overwhelm the small guard detachment on the southern perimeter. You look back up at the ascent to the Comm Station and think of what to do next.
[[The defenses being overrun is an immediate threat. I can make my way to the southern perimeter and join the fight with my rifle faster than I can ge to the station and radio the information to the Executor. I rush to the defense of my Commune.|Fighting in the south.]]
[[If I do not reach the comm station I cannot coordinate the rescue of the farms with the Astronomer. There are defenders on the south wall I will have to hope they hold out long enough for reinforcements to aid them. I can try firing a flare from here in that direction and hopefully the Executor notices it and is alerted to something being up. I ascend to the Comm Station.|Comm Station1]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ddc1b6952301a824d44/1659280861985/military-sounds.mp3/original/military-sounds.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You abandon your mission in favor of what you percieve to be the greater threat and head to the southern perimeter. The distance is greater than you had judged, and the enemy faster, you realize that you will not arrive very quickly if you take the normal route, but you could cut across open terrain and get there quicker, just with more risk.
[[I rush across the open terrain. It is important that I get into this fight quickly to aid my comrades!|Death in the Field]]
[[I keep to the safe path. Running across open terrain is suicide when they have snowmobiles. I trust that those on the southern perimeter will hold out long enough for me to arrive and turn the tide of the battle on the south.|Death on the South Wall]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
(goto:"Comm Station")(set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
(goto:"Fight at the Comm Station")(set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
(goto:"Fight at the Comm Station")
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ddc1b6952301a824d44/1659280861985/military-sounds.mp3/original/military-sounds.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You make your first shot count and down goes Vince. The others are surprised for a moment, giving you enough time to fire a second shot, and wound another one before they all take cover. You move into a new position, keeping behind cover and take out a third one before they have even spotted you. However, now that they know where you are, a hail of gunfire starts targeting your position. You brace yourself behind your cover and think of what to do next.
[[Surely if I move further into the station I will be killed. I must retreat. Maybe they can give chase and I can use my knowledge of the terrain to my advantage.|flee1]]
[[I came in here for a reason. I must reach the comm array and coordinate with the Astronomer. If I move across the open ground quickly, I can reach Vince's body and use it for cover while I fire at the guy in the base floor window. I can then dart inside and take cover in the building. Risky, but worth it.|Riskymove1]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))(set:$health to ($health-20))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue and taken damage")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e621b6952301a825db6/1659280999806/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3/original/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
Overwhelmed by the enemies gunfire, you choose to flee. You dart along behind some cover from your position until you can reach the gate. As you pass through the gate you feel a sharp pain across your right arm just as you are ducking around the corner and out of their line of fire. You've taken a small wound, but are now out of their line of fire and can lead them elsewhere.
[[Calhoon's Overlook is nearby. There is a spot there I can use to double back behind their position. I'll lure them there and take them out.|Calhoon's Overlook]]
[[They are too alerted to me and have the advantage of weaponry and supplies. I'll have to lead them further out. If I can get back to the long climb, I can signal with a flare that I need help.|retreat1]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))(set:$health to ($health-60))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue and taken damage")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ddc1b6952301a824d44/1659280861985/military-sounds.mp3/original/military-sounds.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You dart across the courtyard and dash towards Vince's body. You fire a couple of times and strike one of the bandits, but feel a pair of bullets graze you. As you slide behind Vince's body for cover you can feel a few more bullets smash into it, jolting you with the impact but not causing any damage. Realizing your injuries are too severe to permit the use of your rifle, you grab Vince's pistol and open fire on the bandits, taking one out immediately. There is a mad scramble around the courtyard, with you and the remaining bandits darting about firing at eachother, and you feel the impact of several bullets.
Eventually however, it is you and one remaining bandit. You two round a corner at the same time, and stumble into one another, less than 10 feet apart. He pulls his trigger but finds his weapon empty. You know that you just reloaded yours. He drops his gun and holds up his hands, surrendering to you.
[[He's a bandit, no way I let him live.|Nomercy1]]
[[Under normal circumstances mercy is the obvious choice, but as I look at my injuries, it is clear I will not survive much longer. To protect the Commune he must die.|Nomercy2]]
[[A quick look at my injuries lets me know I will die soon. But there is no reason to act as bad as a bandit. I can bind him and lock him in the supply closet. Whoever comes to the station after me can choose what to do with him.|Mercy1]]
(set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))(set:$health to ($health-10))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue and taken damage")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e621b6952301a825db6/1659280999806/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3/original/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You realize you were injured worse than you thought, and your equipment is now soaked in sweat, blood, and water. The cold bites into you as you make your way to Calhoon's Overlook, but at least the cold staunches the blood flow. You can hear the enemies close behind you as you find the small path that leads back around the Overlook. After pausing for a few moments to be sure they are fully in the trap you pause and think of what exactly to do.
[[Let them poke around looking for me. I will move back to the Comm Station rather than engage them and risk everything. I can close the gates behind me and tether them closed as best I can. When they return then I will have the advantage.|Avoid1]]
[[Now is the time to strike. Who knows what condition the Station is in and if I let them go now they may return with greater numbers. I peer around the cliff and identify their position, then open fire on as many as I can before I have to return to cover.|Timetostrike1]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e621b6952301a825db6/1659280999806/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3/original/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
Fearing the situation is out of hand, you beat a retreat from the station and attempt to make your way to the Long Climb. You have a good head start and put some fire upon the enemies, but there are too many of them and the terrain is too open. Just before arriving at the Long Climb you feel a sharp pain in your lower back and collapse to the ground. You realize you can no longer feel your legs. Rolling over, you fire blindly and fast, but luckily hit one of the bandits. As the other two open fire on you, you can feel a few jolts of bullets entering you, but fight through the pain and return fire. One you hit true, but the second you only wing, but he is at least out of the fight for now.
Dragging yourself with your hands, you edge closer to the cliff. An understanding that the end is upon you takes root as you survey your injuries. A dizzyness begins to set in and you know you have but moments left. Pulling out your flare gun, you fire off a flare, then reload and fire the second a moment later. Rolling onto your back you stare up at the cold, forboding sky, now full of the storm clouds you were warned about. 'Perhaps' you think to yourself 'they will reach my body before the storm covers it in snow. Or perhaps the wolves will find it during the next warm spell. Or perhaps it doesn't matter. Amor fati.' You close your eyes for the final time.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))(set:$health to ($health-50))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue and are mortally wounded")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e621b6952301a825db6/1659280999806/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3/original/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You quickly beat a hasty retreat, unwilling to engage with the bandits again until you have a better position. You arrive at the station and set about the work of securing the gate, certain that the bandits are a few minutes behind you. Suddenly there is a sharp pain in your back as you have been shot. You collapse against the fence and feel another bullet enter your side and crumple to the ground. Turning around you see the bandit you wounded earlier is still clinging to life and has shot you. You return fire, killing them, but as you look down at yourself you realize the damage is already done. You are mortally wounded.
An idea occurs to you and you begin to bury yourself in the snow and ice. A move that would be foolish under other circumstances, but given your condition, nothing is off the table now. As you wait in your hastily made snowbank you prepare for the other bandits to return. Sure enough they come running to where they heard the gunfire and close on your position, but you are well hidden and they do not see you. You wait till they are without a chance for quick cover and open fire with true aim, taking out the first, then targeting the second. The exchange is brief, and several bullets hit the snow banks around you, and a few even strike you, but none ends your life immediately and at the end of it, the bandits have been eliminated. Pulling your cold, bleeding, and wet body to your feet, you know you have only a little bit left of life and make your way into the Comm Station Control room.
[[Comm Station Control Room|Commroom]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))(set:$health to ($health-50))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue and taken damage")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ddc1b6952301a824d44/1659280861985/military-sounds.mp3/original/military-sounds.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You dart out and fire, killing one instantly. Quickly you reload and shoot the second one. As you move towards cover, you intend to put some fire on the third and give them sufficient pressure to have to try and move while firing, but your gun jams. They recognize your plight and rapidly advance on your position. With little choice, you hop over the boulder you dove behind and rush them. You barely feel it as a pair of bullets enter your abdomen, but you know you are wounded. Nevertheless, you strike mercilessly with the stock of your rifle, bashing the raider in the skull. He slumps to the ground and you give him, 2, 3, 4 more hits with your rifle stock until you are sure his skull is bashed in enough that he is neutralized.
As the immediate adrenalin wears off you assess your wound. The blood is dark and heavy. Two rounds straight in the stomach. If you do not recieve medical attention you will not have much longer to live. Enough time to get the tower operational sure, but not much more than that. You remember a small cache of supplies is nearby, including medical supplies. It is about the same distance as the station from here, but you could try to make it to the supplies and repair yourself, then head back to the station.
[[I am no good dead and there is no gaurantee the station is even operable after the bandits took posession of it. I should head to the medical supplies and tend to my injuries. Once I am more stable I can make my way to the station and assess the damage.|Medsupply1]]
[[In the protection of the innocent, nothing can be spared, not even my own life. There is no gaurantee I can make it to the supplies, much less make it to the station after removing bullets from my abdomen. I must push to the Comm Station and hope there are supplies there.|Commroomg]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))(set:$supply to ($supply+5))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
(alert:"You have gained supply")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e621b6952301a825db6/1659280999806/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3/original/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You make your way to the supply cache. The trail is difficult, but you manage to make it. You are a long way from the Comm Station now. Sure enough there are good medical supplies at the cache. Not enough to get yourself in peak condition though and as you attempt to repair yourself you realize you have been mortally wounded. Unless you get to a doctor you will die, and this medical cache will not be enough to save you. The sudden realization that you will not make it back to the Comm Station sits in and you realize you prioritized your own comfort ahead of your duty and have lost the opportunity to ready the station.
You let yourself sink into one of the chairs in the small cabin as the world starts to grow darker. You did your best, but was it enough? 'Hopefully the Commune realizes you did not get the tower operational.' and with that thought you jolt yourself upright with an idea. You rummage through the supplies and grab your flare gun and a small handful of flares. You might not be able to get to the station, but you can get to the Long Climb. Surely a small barrage of flares will be seen by the Commune. They will have to infer you are in trouble or dying.
You rush out the door of the small cabin, leaving your jacket behind and trailing blood along with you. You trudge through the ice and snow, feeling the cold sap your strength, but you know it is also slowing down your blood loss. Your gambit works, and as you are on the brink of collapse you reach the Long Climb. You load the flare gun and fire it off, once, twice, three times, struggle for a fourth and collapse. Laying face down in the snow you can feel the darkness taking you. With cold and shaky hands, you load the flare gun one last time, barely able to raise your head more than a few inches off the ground, but enough to see your final flare fire over the cliff before you slide off to oblivion.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]]<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e621b6952301a825db6/1659280999806/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3/original/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
Injured, and with your life begining to fade, you stumble into the Comm Station Control Room. The equipment looks to be in working condition but is powered down. You struggle to make your way to the breaker room and power the station up. After a few minutes, you start to slip off to sleep but are jolted up at the sound of a claxon blaring, indicating the system is operational.
You begin to communicate with the Astronomer, informing him of the situation and asking for his data. He begins to turn his systems on and look at what's happening. While he is doing that, you look for the medical supplies of the station but find them inadequate for your needs. The realization that you will not complete your mission sinks in as you hear the Astronomer speaking in the background.
Remembering the radio you saw one of the bandits using, you reset its frequency to the Commune's general frequency and switch it on. While the bandits fighting at the perimeter will hear the information too, the Commune will be able to hear what the Astronomer is saying and will know to send someone else up here. As you set it on the table next to the speakers, you collapse to the ground and close your eyes for the last time.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ddc1b6952301a824d44/1659280861985/military-sounds.mp3/original/military-sounds.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You make the decision to chance it on open terrain and start making your way. This puts you running straight across an open field and very visible. You trust that the enemy will stay focused on the defenders in the south and not see, or trouble themselves with a lone figure running across the field. But betting on your enemies incompetence is unwise, and they immediately see you. A single snowmobile breaks from their group and heads towards you. You pause and ready your rifle taking a few shots at them, but they are moving too quick and you hit the machine first, doing no real damage, and wide second. You do not have time to get off the third shot as you are ripped into by gunfire and cut down in the field. As you collapse, torn to pieces from a hail of gun fire, your last thought is how foolish you were to think you could solve all problems by good intentions alone.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ddc1b6952301a824d44/1659280861985/military-sounds.mp3/original/military-sounds.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
The safer route is the smart route you decide, and you make your way along a covered path towards the south wall. The field would be faster, but surely you would be torn to pieces swiftly if they saw you and came after you in the open like that. You press yourself as hard as you can, knowing that while you have played it safe, you are losing precious time, and can take a bit of a risk by being winded when you arrive at the fight in order to get there a few minutes earlier.
You arrive at the wall just in time, and see a snowmobile flanking around the perimeter, about to clear the wall where a breech has been made. You take aim and shoot the driver dead, the vehicle goes careening and hits a snowbank, the passenger flying off and smacking into the snow and ice. You move forward as fast you can and put fire on some more of the enemy coming over the wall, with some success.
Thinking to protect yourself you start to make your way towards cover but are too winded to cover the ground quickly. You feel three bullets rip into you. One in your chest, another in your stomach and the third in your shin. You collapse to the ground just before the barricade base of the first tower. One of your fellow Commune brothers reaches out and grabs you, pulling you inside and setting you down before returning to the fight.
"$name, thank God you arrived when you did. We would be gone by now if you hadn't taken out that flanker. But why are you here anyway?"
Your breathing is labored but you croak out a response: "I saw we were about to lose it all if I didn't change my plans so I rushed here to help."
"Thank God that you did, $name. It looks like they are retreating now. Medic!"
You wave off the medic. You know what's coming. "Don't bother. I'm gone. The Comm Station. You have to get to the Comm Station and contact the Astronomer or all is lost."
Your comrade nods his head and promises to help. He takes your hand in one of his and places the other on your shoulder, providing comfort as you close your eyes for the final time.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
(goto:"Commroom")(set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
(goto:"Commroom")(set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
(goto:"Commroom")(set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
(goto:"Commroom")(set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
(goto:"Inside the Stockpile")
(set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
(goto:"Inside the Stockpile")<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69dcecff7222044308b90/1659280848952/machine-sound-effect.mp3/original/machine-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
Inside the stockpile you find chaos. People are running about without any coordination. Store rooms are open, supplies are being taken by random people. You aren't sure what is going on. You quickly take command of some of your staff and ask about what is going on. You find out that the night manager, Barnes, had traveled out to the northern wall with fuel for the battle and was reportedly killed. No one is sure who is in charge.
[[Calmly I assert my authority. I begin giving simple and reasonable tasks to individuals. I have them gather personelle in the main warehouse. While it will be a bit of lost time to have a 'team meeting' right this moment, if I can't get everyone on the same page quickly, we will stay uncoordinated.|Wiserule]]
[[There isn't time to be gentle here. I quickly bark orders and take command of whoever is around. Directing them to lock the facility down with the use of force if necessary. I then head to the main warehouse to assess our supply inventory.|harshrule]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
(goto:"Main Warehouse")(set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
(goto:"Main Warehouse")<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69dcecff7222044308b90/1659280848952/machine-sound-effect.mp3/original/machine-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
With the command issue settled, you turn your attention to the supplies themselves. You quickly assess that there is far less supply here than their ought to be, even accounting for some of the reported and reasonable misdirections and misapplications. You are short a staggering amount of supplies. This is begining to look like sabotage. Just then a message comes in of fuel shortages along the northern perimeter. The Executor is requesting a resupply.
[[There isn't time to deal with any sabotage right now. I organize the fuel resupply and personally pick them men to deliver it.|impatient1]]
[[Sabotage is bad and needs my focus. I begin investigating the logs, trusting my second in command to handle the resupply.|badchoice1]]
[[There is time enough for both. I select my resupply team personally, but leave organizing the resupply to them. I then head to Central Operations to look at the logs and get to the bottom of this.|wisechoice2]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
Ignoring the sabotage, you oversee the resupply personally. You have your team picked and the supplies properly arranged for and head to the transport bay to load things up. You begin moving crates into the back of the truck, determining that the old semi is the fastest way to get the fuel up to the front lines. As you drag the last pallet inside the truck you stop to catch your breath for a moment and look over the manifest. Suddenly you feel a sharp pain in your back, then another, then another. Someone's hand is over your mouth stifling your scream. You kick and struggle against them, but the damage is already done. Another couple stabs sink into your side, and finally one underneath your armpit, the blade pressing deep inside.
As you are lowered to the ground, spasming in your death throws, you look up to see Barnes standing over you. The realization sinks in that he was the sabatouer and must be working with the raiders. If you had been more careful, you might have noticed this was the very truck that he had left on earlier this morning. The truck that was reported to have not made it to the front lines and been sacked by the raiders. With your last thoughts being of your impatient mistake, you close your eyes for the last time.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
(goto:"Central Operations")(set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
(goto:"Central Operations")<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69dcecff7222044308b90/1659280848952/machine-sound-effect.mp3/original/machine-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You arrive in Central Operations to begin going over the logs to figure out whats going on. This is going to be a grueling and time consuming task, but you reason that if someone is working with the bandits to sabotage the Commune, you need to figure that out immediately so you can adjust your plans accordingly. The whole commune could be in terrible danger because of this.
[[I shouldn't be alone in this knoweldge. I radio the Executor and inform them of the situation. I keep them regularly updated as to any information I find. Yes, it slows me down to do so, but I need to keep someone else in the loop that I can trust.|wisecall]]
[[I need to keep this quiet. While I could call the Executor and let him know, there are a bunch of people who become informed during that process and that creates more opportunities for the sabateur to know I am onto them. I keep it to myself and dig into the work as quick as I can.|poorcall]]
[[I can't risk bothering the Executor with this as the spy may overhear that communication. But I can reach out to a couple people here that I trust completely, specifically Dominique and Kelly. By keeping them in the loop we increase our chances of finding the sabateur but also keep things handled in house.|wisecall2]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69dcecff7222044308b90/1659280848952/machine-sound-effect.mp3/original/machine-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You radio the Executor and keep them in the loop. It slows you down, but thats a small price to pay for having more people you trust know whats going on. You pour over the logs and begin to find a pattern. You notice that all the missing supplies had disappeared on Barnes' watch over the last few weeks. You remember that he had went on a long haul to one of the other commune's nearby few months ago by himself. He had been gone a long time, and would have passed through raider territory. You realize he must be the one responsible but aren't sure the details.
You radio the Executor and explain the situation to them. As you talk on the radio, you glance through the window down into the loading bay and notice truck 25 in the bay recieving the load of fuel for the front lines. You grad some notes off your desk and look over them, realizing that is the truck Barnes left on this morning. Suddenly the door to the office opens and a figure wielding a gun enters. You reach for yours on the desk but before you can get to it, you have taken 3 shots to the chest. As you collapse into your chair you look up to see Barnes. Pressing down on the reciever so the Executor can overhear you weakly croak out "Barnes. Why?"
To which he responds "They offered me paradise $name. Wine, women, and song and all that."
"But you can't trust them Barnes and you betrayed us all."
"Maybe, $name, but I just couldn't keep doing this anymore. All this work for a meager existance. No sir. I'll take my chances with the raiders and I'll take this shipment here to them and that will be my ticket to pleasure town. Now say good night."
As Barnes takes aim one final time you take solace in the knoweldge that the Executor is already probably responding to whats happening and Barnes is unlikely to make it to his heaven on earth. You close your eyes for the last time.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69dcecff7222044308b90/1659280848952/machine-sound-effect.mp3/original/machine-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You know you need to keep this quite. You can't risk a leak, and besides you don't know how deep this is and who is involved. Burying yourself in your paperwork, you comb throw the files to identify who is involved. After a couple hours of research you realize that all the supplies went missing under Barnes' watch. You remember his long haul trip through raider territory a few months ago and how it was rumored that he had maybe traded with the bandits instead of bringing the supplies to the Dallas Commune. You grab the papers and head out to the floor. Now that you are sure of it being Barnes you decide to bring Dominique, the chief mechanic, into the loop. You head down to the loading yard and find her.
"Dom, I've got to talk to you in private."
"$name, what's up?"
"Its about a sabateur in our midst."
"Shit, ok, here, lets talk by this big rig."
The two of you walk over behind the big rig being loaded with supplies for the front lines.
"Now what is this about $name?"
"Look, its Barnes. He is behind everything. He must have fallen in league with the raiders when he went on that long haul two months back. Hes the one stealing all our supplies."
"Let me see."
You hand the files to Dom and she starts going over them. While she is glancing through them you look at the truck being loaded and notice it is number 25, the same truck Barnes took this morning.
"Say Dom, isn't this the truck that went missing with Barnes earlier?"
"Yes it is."
''Bam'' you feel a heavy blow on the back of your head and your field of vision goes red. As it starts to return you feel a few more whacks to your body and know you have just had your right arm broken as you tried to block something on instinct. You realize you have collapsed to the ground and that you can no longer see out of your right eye. Rolling over you see Dominique standing above you with a large pipe in her hands. She swings it down again as you feebly try to block it with your battered arms. You now remember that Dominique had been dating Barnes on and off for the past year. ''Bam'' Again Dom strikes you, this time breaking through your battered defenses and breaking a rib. She connects again with your head, dazing you. As she begins to bash your brains out you curse yourself for having played superhero cop and keeping everything to yourself. 'They are going to get away with it' you think as you close your eyes for the last time.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69dcecff7222044308b90/1659280848952/machine-sound-effect.mp3/original/machine-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You inform your small team of the situation and let them know what you have found so far. Dominique is furious, but Kelly seems calm and collected about it. You let the two of them know to dig around and that you will comb through the logs up here and identify a pattern. They should come back if they find anything and should start asking some questions around the facility.
After an hour, Dominique and Kelly return and the three of you go over all the informatio together. It becomes clear there is a pattern that all the supplies went missing while Barnes was on duty over the past few weeks. You all recall how he had went on a long haul through raider territory a few months back and was gone longer than usual. It is begining to look clear that he is the sabateur. Dominique looses her cool and starts shouting about killing him, but Kelly remains calm. After a few moments you dismiss the ladies but ask Dominique to hang back.
"What's up $name?"
"Dom, what do you think of Kelly? She's so calm but she new Barnes better than anyone. You would think she would be ticked here."
"I don't know, Kelly is good people. It is odd though."
"Didn't her and Barnes have a thing." you say as you pace over to the window that oversees the loading bay to watch Kelly as she goes about her buisness.
"That was all rumor $name."
"Oh? I had thought I remembered someone had been seeing him around here. Say isn't that truck 25? The one Barnes took this morning?"
"Yes it is." ''bang''Dominique fires a shot from her pistol into your back. ''Bang bang '' two more ring out and you collapse against the window. The sound from the facility is so loud and the glass so thick no one seems to have noticed, and Dom's bullets all rang true into your body. As you slump down to the ground you now remember Dominique was the one dating Barnes. You feel stupid for forgetting as you slump backwards onto the floor, your head falling under your desk.
Dominque starts walking over towards you as you look down. Dark blood is flowing from your abdomen, it looks like you are done for, and she is coming to finish you off anyway. You remember your purse pistol in the bottom drawer of your desk. You can just reach it and get it ready for Dominique. As you hear her footsteps coming around you realize that killing her will do little good. Barnes is already here. Kelly needs to be alerted immediately that something is happening. Finding Dom's body an hour from now will give Barnes too much time. You take aim at the window as Dom rounds the corner of your desk. As you shoot out the window and brace for Dom's killing blow, you close your eyes for the last time.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
(goto:"Northern Perimeter")(set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
(goto:"Northern Perimeter")(set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
(goto:"Northern Perimeter")(set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e012f07337554f74a8d/1659280899524/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3/original/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
As I arrive in Central Control I am informed there is a severe situation in the Commune on multiple fronts. There is talk of a spy, a severe storm rolling in, and the attack. I am needed immediately in the Hall of Justice to consult with the Executive Council there.
[[Hall of Justice]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e012f07337554f74a8d/1659280899524/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3/original/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
As I arrive in Central Control I am informed there is a severe situation in the Commune on multiple fronts. There is talk of a spy, a severe storm rolling in, and the attack. I am needed immediately in the Hall of Justice to consult with the Executive Council there.
[[Hall of Justice]]//In the Chamber of Fate//
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69d5bc898ce7096c7a752/1659280777783/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3/original/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
Amor Fati, love your fate, is one of the key stoic mantras. This is related to our view of the external world and part of how we achieve Stillness in Stoicism. Marcus Aurelius says “If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.” Here he is not saying that bad things do not happen, but rather that our assessment of how much we have been harmed by something external to us is just our own value judgement on its damage and not actual harm. The only thing that can cause us harm, in a philosophical and spiritual sense, is our own allowance of harm to come to us.
Notice how our perception and analysis of a situation is largely a matter of our preferences and our judgements. As Shakespeare says "Nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so." It is our judgement of a thing which determines its value. Thus for the Stoics, when something happens to us, we have the power to say 'This is terrible what has happened and I am hurt by it.' just as much as we have the power to say 'I am glad this happened to me because now I get to grow from it.' Every cloud has its silver lining and it is up to us to find that in what happens to us and to lear to love our fate.
[[Return to the Stoa Poikile|The Stoa Poikile]]//In the Chamber of Death//
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69d5bc898ce7096c7a752/1659280777783/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3/original/Lina+Palera+%28Lyre+2.0+Project+player%29+-+Seikilos+Epitaph+with+the+Lyre+of+Apollo.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
Stoicism takes the position that we are only gauranteed what moment we are currently in. You cannot control things outside your mind. Thus you do not control if your heart keeps beating or that you don't have an aneurysm or that you don't get hit by a car or killed in a mass shooting. Thus you should not concern yourselves with those things and since they may occur, tomorrow is not gauranteed. Because tomorrow is not gauranteed, you cannot live in the tomorrow. You cannot dwell on what you will do down the road and make decisions now that do not affect the world as you have it. You must act in the now and you must act in the now with right action.
Death for Stoics is nothing to be afraid of. Death is part of nature and all things die. The Stoic philosopher Epictetus says "You are a soul carrying corpse." meaning that we are dead the moment we are brought into the world. Our deaths are gauranteed so do not fear it because there is nothing you can do about it. Avoid it yes, because health has intrinsic value to it, but insofar as our deaths must come or serve a greater moral end, there is no reason to be frightened or choose another path.
This outlook on death is coupled with a constant reminder by the Stoics of death in the mantra 'Memento Mori', remember you are mortal. You are going to die so everything you think embarassing you are going to forget about and everyone else will die and they will forget about it too, so do not worry about it. Do not worry about doing what is right tomorrow, do what is right now because you are going to die and may not have a tomorrow. Life your life to the fullest right this minute. Go to bed tonight and tell yourself 'I may not wake up. Did I live a good life today?' Be kind to those who come across your path because as Marcus Aurelius says "Soon you will have forgotten all things. And soon all things will have forgotten you." So what advantage is there to being mean, or cruel? Be kind because kind matters now and you may not have a later.
Memento Mori.
[[Return to the Stoa Poikile|The Stoa Poikile]]//In the Chamber of Stillness//
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In Stoicism, the wise man is attempting to reach a state of Eudaimonia, or human flourishing. Generally, Stoic philosophy refers to it as 'Stillness' but we can think of it as the same state as equanimity in Buddhist meditation. The objective is to reach this place of stillness through right action. By jettisoning external concerns and focusing only on that which you control, you will enter into Stillness. Think of all the external things that happen to you and what you truely control and you will be still.
You do not control the weather or other people. You can't control if you get a flat tire on the way to work, or if your engine breaks down. You can't control if someone cheats on you, or betrays you. You can't control if you get a promotion, or if you sink your putt or not. You can certainly influnce all these things with your actions, but at the end of the day, at some point they are no longer up to you. In Stoicism, there is no point in worrying about these sorts of things because they aren't under your control. YOU have the power to //discard// your anxiety and worry because your anxiety and worry is within you all along. Your job is to do what is right with that which you control, and not to be concerned with outcomes. If the right action leads you to disaster, the disaster is no concern over whether or not you should do what is right. Accept your fate, or Amor Fati as the Stoics say, and do what is right
As the Zen koan goes: "Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water." The external realities of the world are not meaningful for how we choose to view the world and for our experience with stillness. As Marcus Aurelius says in his book //Meditations// “If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.”
[[Return to the Stoa Poikile|The Stoa Poikile]]//In the Chamber of Virtue//
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In Stoic Philosophy, the primary goal or purpose in life is defined as human flourishing, stillness, or Eudaimonia and the tool to get that is living with Virtue. Stoicism is cosmopolitan in its outlook in that it views virtuous action as something appliable at all times and at all places regardless of circumstance. We are to divorce ourself from external considerations and consider carefully in each instance how to act according to virtue. Whether you are a powerless slave, an oppressed factory worker, an old man on his death bed, or a young girl with her whole life ahead of her does not matter in Stoicism, it only matters that you act virtuously.
Stoicism identifies 4 chief virtues which are the ones we are to serve: Justice, Courage, Wisdom, and Temperance. At all times we should act in accordance with these virtues, and if we do so we will flourish and have a good life. It is important to remember that these virtues are not extremes, but more in an Aristotilean sense, are a balance point between extremes. Rushing into danger is foolhardyness, and running from everything craveness. Instead, courage is the right amount of bravery balanced by the right amount of fear and caution.
So try to live in accordance with virtue as you play this game. Consider in each moment whether your action is Just, Courageous, Wise, and Temperate.
[[Return to the Stoa Poikile|The Stoa Poikile]]//In the Chamber of Practice//
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Stoicism is not a school of thought dominated by theoretical framings and dogma. As Marucs Aurelius says "Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one." In other words, time is precious and shouldn't be wasted on debating ideals. Instead, take action now. We only have the now so take action. Do things that are difficult. Do things that are good and helpful. Be an active participant in the world not a passive monk meditating secluded in a mountian.
Nevertheless, like all schools of thought Stoicism has its 'practice'. The things that Stoics do which train their mind to think like a Stoic. One of the chief Stoic practices is journaling. We find most of the Stoics, particularly modern Stoics, doing some form of journaling. Perhaps the most notable example of this is Marcus Aurelius, the emperor of Rome whose Stoic philosophy comes to us only through his journal called Meditations. If the emperor of the world can journal, then you can journal too.
There are other Stoic practices too. One of the main themes in Stoicism is that this is a lifelong practice. It is not something anyone just masters and is a Stoic Sage and thats that. The Stoics didn't think anyone achieved a perfect level of Stoic mindset and so we are all constantly practicing, working each day to be a better version of ourselves. So each day a Stoic is tasked with doing something that makes them better than the previous day. One thing that moves them but a bit closer to that Stoic ideal, because remember, tomorrow is not gauranteed so all you may have is the right now to have that Stillness of right action.
Many Stoics meditate on the various Stoic mantras, such as Amor Fati, or Memento Mori, or Premeditatio Malorum. Stoics study the works and quotes of other Stoics extensively and draw strength from the broader Stoic community. One of the central ideas of the Stoics is action in the world. We are social animals, we are in the world for eachother. It is our job to go and be together as a community. We may want to just read our books and meditate but that is not what we are here for. So a big part of Stoic practice is being in the world taking action. Doing the work. Chopping the wood and carrying the water.
[[Return to the Stoa Poikile|The Stoa Poikile]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))(set:$supply to ($supply-2))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost supply")
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e012f07337554f74a8d/1659280899524/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3/original/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You divide your force, sending half your army back to the Commune on foot. You wish them godspeed and head forward towards the raiders with your depleted force. Many of your men are grumbling about the wisdom of dividing your force and how you are marching them to their doom. You ignore them for the time being and order a scouting party to recon the enemy position as your force gets closer to the raiders. When the scouting party returns they inform you that the compount, while large and difficult for the defenders to cover in its entierty, is also too large for you to surround and assault with such a small force. Further, the raiders have 2 well placed machine gun nests which will make assaulting it and gaining access to the facility difficult no matter how you attack, especially since your depleted numbers mean an attack on one position is the only real way to overwhelm their more mobile defenders. Your men begin to grumble about how you have led them to their deaths for noting.
[[We will have to attack en masse. There are enough of us that they can't gun us all down from their nests once we breech the facility, so we must overwhelm their more mobile troops as quickly as possible and then deal with the nests. One thing at a time.|Direct Attack]]
[[I look at the horizon and notice the storm clouds that are rolling in. I order the men to wait for a better time to attack.|Wait them out]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e012f07337554f74a8d/1659280899524/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3/original/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You know it is foolish to split your forces and instead elect to keep your troupe intact. The men seem bolstered by having greater numbers anyhow and it does make your survival prospects better. As you approach the enemy camp you order a scouting party forward to look things over and report back. When the scouting party returns they inform you that the compount, while large and difficult for the defenders to cover in its entierty, is also too large for you to surround and assault with such a small force. Further, the raiders have 2 well placed machinegun nests which will make assaulting it and gaining access to the facility difficult no matter how you attack, especially since your depleted numbers mean an attack on one position is the only real way to overwhelm their more mobile defenders. Your men are noticeably concerned about the situation, but trust you can present a tactical solution that will prove superior.
[[We will attack on two directions, but a small third group of the best 5 men will try and breech the wall discretely ahead of time. While there is pine tree cover over here, if we give the small 5 man team an hour to circle around to the other side of the camp, there is a series of snowbanks they can use to gain access to the northwest wall.|goodattack]]
[[Looking on the horizon I notice that storms are rapidly approaching. I inform the men that we will use the storm as cover and when it hits, the enemy defenders on the wall will leave their position, allowing us to attack and gain the walls with little difficulty. Yes we will still have to assault the machinegun nests, but the task will be easier.|resourcefulattack]]
(set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ddc1b6952301a824d44/1659280861985/military-sounds.mp3/original/military-sounds.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You inform your men that you are going to attack immediately and as a group. Your men are unhappy about this but you give an inspiring speech and move to lead from the front which bolsters their morale. While the raiders have set up good defenses, they are not skilled at defending a structure so large and have failed to clear everything that could be used to screen a force. You use some pine trees to screen your force from view until you are as close to the raider camp as you can get. A short charge across an open field is all that separates you from the enemy, and then a hard fight to victory. You are certain your troops are up to the challenge as they are hard fighting men full of courage and motivation to protect their Commune.
You draw your sword and pistol and rally your troops to you, heading out across the field. The enemy is surprised by the suddenness with which you appear and your straightforward attack catches them off guard as well. For a few moments they don't know what to do and you make considerable distance across the field. But inevitably they realize what is going on and open fire. Standing at the head of your troop you are among the first hit as a machine gun blows your entrails out onto the snow. As you collapse to the ground, the momentum you started carries your men forward, and as your life force begins to leave from your body you see your men returning fire and the first of them climb over the fence and start hacking into the enemy in a brutal melee. As death comes for you, you wonder about whether your force will be able to continue without you or not. You close your eyes for the last time.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e012f07337554f74a8d/1659280899524/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3/original/Walking+Sound+Effect+Snow.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You inform your men that you are going to wait. You note to them that a storm is on the horizon and that ought to provide cover and chaos enough for you all to mount your assault. When the storm blows in, the raiders will assume that no one would attack or be ought in the blizzard and instead will head back into the bunkers. As soon as they abandon their position, your troop can charge the wall and take it with much less resistance and then mop up the disorganized defenders inside.
Your men dislike this idea immediately. The note that you all will be out here exposed in the blizzard if that is the case, and youll be fighting in freezing snow and wind. Seargant Hakeswell mentions that the enemy may have a generator in those machinegun nests and may not have a need to abandon them, in which case youll be charging through a blizzard into machine gun fire. The atmosphere becomes hostile and your men begin to grow angry. They mention that you have now placed them in a hopeless situation as it is impossible to get back to the Commune before the storm and impossible to overtake the raider camp for shelter. They are refusing to go and Mutiny seems inevitable.
[[I am in command here I remind them. The Commune elected me. They need to follow orders for the good of the Commune|bmutiny]]
[[I listen to their concerns and give them good reasons why this will work. I tell them about their strength and that we must see that the obstacle of the storm is the way we can achieve all our objectives.|gmutiny]]
[[I pull out my pistol and shoot Hakeswell in the head to reassert my authority and gain control of the situation.|bmutiny]]
[[I nod my head knowingly. Understanding they are right I tell them that we have no choice but to surrender to the enemy and hope they have mercy on us.|bmutiny]]
[[I nod my head. So be it. If you wish to relieve me of command go right ahead. It is my intention to see this plan through though.|gmutiny]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
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The men do not like your words and while you commit yourself to your action, your men sense it ahead of time and pounce on you. You get a few shots of your weapon off in defense, injuring one of the men, but this just makes the men furious at you. You are beaten to the ground quickly. While boots are smashing into you the lack of wisdom and justice in your actions occurs to you and you wonder if maybe you had listended to good moral judgement more you may have met a more noble end. You are knocked out of your reverie by a swift kick to the head that dislodges your left eye from its socket. With your one good eye you look up to see Seargant Hakeswell holding your sword. As the men press you to the ground on your stomach you close your eyes for the last time before he brings the blade down to take your head.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
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Despite your pleas and demeanor, the men have grown tired of your command and are no longer willing to follow you. They seize you and quickly disarm you holding you prisoner. Hakeswell is given the nod to assume command of the Force. He does not like the idea of keeping you around though, and mentions that should you make it back to the Commune you will likely tell all and then everyone here will be hung for mutiny. Better to take you out. But the men do not like this, you are their leader afterall. They press for Hakeswell to sell you to the raiders as a POW bargaining chip, mentioning how the raiders probably would view you as a valuable pawn and in exchange, the men could get shelter, and even join up with the raiders as a way to protect their families.
[[Never! I attempt to resist and will fight to the end.|Hakeswell]]
[[Sigh. There is nothing I can do, I am theirs to do with as they please.|Hakeswell2]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ddc1b6952301a824d44/1659280861985/military-sounds.mp3/original/military-sounds.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
As you hear the men's plan and realize that you will be tortured and undoubtedly give up information that will cost lives, you crush the foot of the man next to you, break from his grasp, grab his weapon and move to fire it. Unfortunately, Seargant Hakeswell is much faster and before you can even get your captor's weapon from him Hakeswell has drawn his pistol and shoots you in the face. Not killed immediately, you collapse to the ground in a pool of blood gurgling as you begin to die. You do not hear what they all say but you know a fight breaks out. As you quickly begin to leave this world you wonder what you could have done differently. You close your eyes for the last time.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ddc1b6952301a824d44/1659280861985/military-sounds.mp3/original/military-sounds.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
As you hear the men's plan and realize that you will be tortured and undoubtedly give up information that will cost lives but you accept that there is nothing you can do about it now. Attempting to resist would only lead to your death at best so there is nothing to do but hope that once the raiders have you, you can hold out long enough for the Commune to defeat the immediate threat and realize you have gone missing. You bow your head in shame at the way that the situation unfolded and suddenly there is a red flash and an impact. You find yourself laying on the ground staring up at the sky. Only one eye still works and you find yourself coughing up blood as you glance over to see Hakeswell with his pistol still smoking in his hand. You can't see what he says to the men but they seem less impressed with his words than yours and a fight breaks out. You did your best and have to hope that Cortana is able to help the Commune. You close your eye for the last time.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ddc1b6952301a824d44/1659280861985/military-sounds.mp3/original/military-sounds.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
The attack goes off as planned after waiting the hour. You notice that a bad storm is getting very close, but your attack beats its arrival by a good bit. Your commando team breaches the north side of the facility just as you begin your assault. While some men are killed in the initial push, the commando team neutralizes one of the machinegun nests and greatly speeds up the process of the attack.
As you and your men gain access to the facility and begin taking stock of things, the fullness of the storm begins to roll in. It is going to be a difficult one for sure and you begin to become aware that this facility is not equipped to handle a severe storm. Already in the early stages, parts of it are rattling and coming apart. There is a more stable area, but it too will likely eventually give in to this storm. However you find an odd assortment of radio equipment and a big rig truck. The truck can be loaded with supplies and your men, and with the radio equipment, you could contact the Astronomer, the weather coordinator for the Commune and have him direct the truck back. The facility is filled with vital food and medical supplies which a quick assessment of determines will not survive the storm either.
[[I ask for a small group of volunteers to stay behind with me so we can ensure maximum supplies make it back to the Commune. I doubt we will survive this storm, but we can get supplies and men back to the Commune and the Commune can live on.|nobledeath]]
[[I must get back and make the Commune aware of the tactical situation. I will take the truck, the supplies, and as many of my men as I can, leaving behind a small crew of volunteers to guide us using the radio.|ignobledeath]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ddc1b6952301a824d44/1659280861985/military-sounds.mp3/original/military-sounds.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
Using the cover of the storm you begin your assault. Your men are well trained and the storm does what you suspected it would do. One of the machinegun nests seems to have a generator and stays very active in the fight but the other had started to pack up. The victory is swift and complete, but you did suffer some unavoidable losses.
As you and your men gain access to the facility and begin taking stock of things, the fullness of the storm begins to roll in. It is going to be a difficult one for sure and you begin to become aware that this facility is not equipped to handle a severe storm. Already in the early stages, parts of it are rattling and coming apart. There is a more stable area, but it too will likely eventually give in to this storm. However you find an odd assortment of radio equipment and a big rig truck. The truck can be loaded with supplies and your men, and with the radio equipment, you could contact the Astronomer, the weather coordinator for the Commune and have him direct the truck back. The facility is filled with vital food and medical supplies which a quick assessment of determines will not survive the storm either.
[[I ask for a small group of volunteers to stay behind with me so we can ensure maximum supplies make it back to the Commune. I doubt we will survive this storm, but we can get supplies and men back to the Commune and the Commune can live on.|nobledeath]]
[[I must get back and make the Commune aware of the tactical situation. I will take the truck, the supplies, and as many of my men as I can, leaving behind a small crew of volunteers to guide us using the radio.|ignobledeath]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e621b6952301a825db6/1659280999806/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3/original/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You bid the truck fairwell and get the radio equipment activated. While you are not pleased to be staying behind you know that you would rather do it yourself than order your men to endure it without you. As the storm ravages the facility, you slowly send more and more of your men to take as much shelter as they possibly can, hoping some will survive. You alone remain behind in the facility manning the radio as it is torn asunder. As hypothermia begins to set in, you are greated to the news that the truck has arrived and that Cortana helped turn the tide of battle. You begin to feel tired and lay down as the frozen air blasts the door apart and ice and snow pour into the radio room. You close your eyes for the last time.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e621b6952301a825db6/1659280999806/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3/original/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You board the truck with your men and mostly supplies and set off. Your men seem displeased by this but follow orders nonetheless. The road is treacherous and the men left behind are not as skilled with orienteering as you and not as capable in a blizzard, even with the Astronomer's help. After a little while you find that the truck is most certainly off course in the storm and it becomes stuck. Huddled in the stuck and freezing truck your men abandon you and make way for a large hill off in the distance. As you attempt to get the truck working and on the road again you eventually find your hands unable to work from the extreme cold and hypothermia begins to set in. The realization that you are about to die pointlessly and alone on the roadway settles on you and you wonder if you could have done something different to have avoided this. Perhaps you should have stayed behind to navigate the truck home? Pointless to argue about it now. As hypothermia sets ns you close your eyes for the last time.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ddc1b6952301a824d44/1659280861985/military-sounds.mp3/original/military-sounds.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
Your plan to reorganize the defenses works. You are kept on your toes moving around in a snowmobile across the front lines giving new orders and redeploying forces and supplies. The raiders seem to be falling back from this action and the front lines become mostly a muddled mess, but you are able to create a new wall of defense just beyond the perimeter walls. Should the outer perimeter fall, you feel confident that the second perimeter you create will hold.
As you move to the next spot on the field to issue orders an enemy sniper takes aim and fires true, hitting you in the chest. Your aid returns fire and takes him out, but you can tell from the wound that you are done for soon. You have confidence you have done the right thing and all that you could, but it is in someone elses hands now if the Commune survives.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]]
[[I am not ready for it to end. I have one final act to do.|Finalact]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ddc1b6952301a824d44/1659280861985/military-sounds.mp3/original/military-sounds.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You rally the men and press the attack forward. Your gambit is correct, the enemy is indeed not expecting a spirited counter attack. Your men quickly overwhelm their front lines, but the fighting is still mixed from the poor leadership from earlier and establishing firm lines is not possible at the moment. As you lead from the front and urge the men forward a snowmobile raider charges your snowmobile and throws a javelin at you, striking diagonally through your abdomen. You return fire with your pistol and kill their driver, but the damage to you is done. Your end is coming and someone else will have to continue the fight for you.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]]
[[I am not ready for it to end. I have one final act to do.|Finalact]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ddc1b6952301a824d44/1659280861985/military-sounds.mp3/original/military-sounds.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You get the defenses into better organization but essentially are sticking to the same plans, with only slight variations depending on immediate circumstances. Your instincts about the resilience of the defenses is correct but the enemy is fully aware of your plans and positions and better supplied. Your requests for fuel resupply are unanswered and soon pockets of your defenders are isolated and destroyed. Still, the arrival of half of the expeditionary force was unforseen by the enemy and aids in the defenses. Nevertheless, many are killed who might not have been if you had taken more direct action and adjusted better.
From the south, fierce storms begin to roll in and the enemy begins to step up their attack in earnest to take the Commune and seek shelter. It is at this time that a snowmobiler comes up on your flank as you are crossing the lines to organize defenders. He hits you with a lance penetrating armpit to armpit and collapsing your chest completely. You'll never know if the Commune survived, and you can't help but feel like this stubborn attitude was a mistake. But at least you'll die with the knoweldge that you stood your ground and fought and didn't retreat like a coward. You close your eyes for the last time.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ddc1b6952301a824d44/1659280861985/military-sounds.mp3/original/military-sounds.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
Panic sets in as you realize you are outfoxed. As you give the order to retreat, the men start to scatter. The retreat is done in a disorderly manner and soon you find enemy snowmobile units behind your lines. The northern perimeter has fallen and there is no hope of keeping the raiders from overrunning the Commune now. You stand on the outskirts of the Commune watching in horror as defenders are mercilessly cut down. As you become aware of what is about to happen to the Commune, you draw your sword and pistol and charge the nearest snowmobiler.
You hit with your first shot and engaged raiders with your sword. Though you fight ferociously it is not enough and the scattered and broken defense is not saved by your personal heroics. You are shot through the neck with an arrow, you aren't sure who fired it, and collapse to the ground. You quickly regret that you did not hold yourself together better. You took command of the perimeter and immediately paniced. Maybe you weren't cut out for this role. Certainly you werent. 'No matter now' you think as you close your eyes for the last time.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ddc1b6952301a824d44/1659280861985/military-sounds.mp3/original/military-sounds.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
Not ready to go yet you know that there is one more thing you can do. When you arrived here, the defense was scattered and broken and only your leadership averted disaster. The chain of command cannot be relied upon to supply quality leaders, but you know that the troops will listen to you in this moment. With your last enegy you struggle for the radio from your aid. You note the bravery and knoweldge of your plans that your aid has. On the radio you announce to your forces you are mortally wounded and shall die shortly. As your final act you transfer command to someone capable, your aid. And now, having truely done all you can, you close your eyes for the final time.
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69d4cdd9c662e3136d26f/1659280716970/dramatic-battle-scene-sound-effect.mp3/original/dramatic-battle-scene-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You know that the battle is the most pressing thing. The farms are important for long term survival and you'll have people starve to death if you lose them, but the raiders will rape and murder everyone in here if you don't stop them now. You begin to divert all resources to the battle. You send your aide de camp William Lawford to handle the supply runs personally, not trusting Stockpile to get the supplies where need be.
Reports start coming in. In some cases the bandits have broken through lines into the interior of the Commune. In those spots they have stopped to rape and loot. While this isn't ideal you quickly realize the tactical situation is favorable and now is the time to send up reinforcements. You drain the command bodyguard from the hall of justice and send them to cut off the bandits. You can then easily mop up these pockets and then the bodyguard can reinforce the front. Hearing these reports takes its toll though and you feel sick to your stomach.
[[No time to worry about such things. I need to focus on what we are doing here. I wipe the sweat from my brow and buckle down to work.|press]]
[[We need to try and envelope the enemy when we press them back. Maybe we can set up a secondary defensive line that is smaller than our first line. Then we can use the troops we save to circle around the enemy and destroy them. It doesn't do us much good if the bandits leave from the storm and return in a couple days when we are in even worse shape.|press]]
[[My arm is hurting and I am feeling a bit faint. I better go see the doctor. A sick leader is of no use to the people.|wisedeath]]
(set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69d4cdd9c662e3136d26f/1659280716970/dramatic-battle-scene-sound-effect.mp3/original/dramatic-battle-scene-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You begin going over all the maps and data that you all have. Yes, it would be nice if you could communicate with the Astronomer, but the radio link hasn't been established yet. You aren't sure why. Nevertheless, there are things that you can do here and at the farms with the supplies you have. The farms aren't helpless and have facilities of their own. They are sheltered from attacks and only accessible by a narrow trail that winds up the high drift. They have generators and the like, but are certainly low on fuel as their resupply day was supposed to be tomorrow.
You look around the room and see people willing to follow you. All eyes are on you $name.
[[OK, we need to get to the farms and organize them and can only trust the radio as a last resort. I'll organize a snowmobile with some extra fuel and lead the convoy myself. Refuel for them may take hours otherwise and they have vehicles and generators there that we can ensure fuel for.|crash]]
[[We need to get that radio working. I'm not sure what's going on with it but we need to communicate with the Astronomer. I am told a flare was spotted near the long climb a few minutes ago. I'm guessing that is our radio party in distress. Perhaps they met resistance. While the bulk of us remain here, I gather 3 snowmobiles to head up to the Comm Station and help restore it. I will lead the team myself.|crash]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69d4cdd9c662e3136d26f/1659280716970/dramatic-battle-scene-sound-effect.mp3/original/dramatic-battle-scene-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You decide that action must be taken immediately to deal with the sabotage and it must be decisive. You begin to reorganize all the command codes and to reset all the controls in the Commune. Your strike team is already underway to the Stockpile. At this point, your aide de camp, Lawford, steps forward.
"$name, I must respectfully but strongly encourage you to change your course of action."
"Lawford, you are out of line here, I am in command."
"$name, the Commune is in crisis. We cannot spend time reorganizing everything and continue the fight. How are the commanders on the perimeter supposed to man defenses if they can't close doors, can't use radios, and the like, until the command codes make it through the ranks?"
"Manual overrides exist for a reason Lawford."
You glance around the room at all the angry faces. Over the radio communicating with the front lines you can hear the sounds of battle and pleas for assistance. The temperature of the room is very hot and very much directed at you.
[[I am in command here! You all elected me to do what's best and that's what I am doing. Trust my judgement here. I have heard your reasoning but believe this is what we must deal with! Do what you must but I will do what I think right.|coup]]
[[Though you disagree with their reasoning, you can read the room and quickly recognize that you must complie with the demands of your senior staff or you will face a coup. You rub your eyes and sigh as you think of how to retool.|lastchance]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69d4cdd9c662e3136d26f/1659280716970/dramatic-battle-scene-sound-effect.mp3/original/dramatic-battle-scene-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You resign yourself to a defeat here and decide to accept it along the front with the raiders. As you announce your intention to offer a cease fire and surrender, the hall erupts in an uproar. The men and women of the Commune do not trust the raiders and are unwilling to thurst their wellbeing into their hands. Your advisors begin to plead with you, telling you what the raiders will do once we lay down arms.
[[Give in to the public pressure. I am just their servant and I must do as I am told. We can try one last thing to change our fate|lastchance]]
[[No. The people elected me for a reason. The responsibility falls to me and I am sure of my plan. We must resolve one crisis immediately. The storm cannot be reasoned with and the sabateur is unknown. But the bandits we can at least try to negotiate with. I will go personally and surrender to them to negotiate the details.|Surrender]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e621b6952301a825db6/1659280999806/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3/original/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
Committed to your plan, you give a signal for a cease fire and that you wish to negotiate. The bandits are a bit surprised by this as are your soldiers. The killing continues for a bit as your men abandon some of their weaker positions or are overrun by raiders as reinforcements stop coming in. During this time you get an assessment of what you can offer them and hop in a snowmobile and head to where their commander has indicated you can talk.
The discussion doesn't go well and you, $name, are quickly taken prisoner by the bandits and your bodyguard slaughtered. Your terms were laughed at and the mere offer of surrender and capitulation emboldened the bandits that their strategy and plans would pay off. Smelling blood they continue to strike. Still, there is more they want from you and you are taken to the back of a big rig truck located 10 minutes outside the Commune that the bandits are using as a base of operations. As you are led inside, you see tools and implements on a table and the grin on some of the bandits faces. An understanding of what is in store for you falls upon you.
Your last few days were spent in the back of that truck, freezing and bloodied. You never knew for sure what happened to the convoy. After hacking and tormenting your body horribly your torturers eventually stopped coming for their fun from you. Perhaps the battle turned against them and they had to abandon the position. Weak from torture you are sure your feeble wimpers couldn't have been heard by anyone passing by. Or perhaps the storm wiped everyone out and burried the truck from view. Or perhaps the raiders were successful and the information they extracted from you had helped them overwhelm the defesnes for sure. You cannot say. As you close your eyes for the last time your thoughts are filled with...
[[I did what I thought was right and took only those actions I thought necessary. That fate decided that was insufficient is out of my control.|gooddeath]]
[[Regrets for my decisions and doubt. I should have done so many things differently and I caused so much devistation. If only I had listened.|viledeath]]
[[You can't control the weather, you can't control other people. I did the best I could and only hope it was enough for the gods to judge me noble.|gooddeath]]
[[Woe is me. To die in such a dreadful way. Never to see the sun again or the smiling faces of my family. I curse the day I was elected to office.|viledeath]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69d4cdd9c662e3136d26f/1659280716970/dramatic-battle-scene-sound-effect.mp3/original/dramatic-battle-scene-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You can sense where things are headed if you press on your current course of action and decide to redirect. 'Don't get killed by your own people $name, it will look bad on your tombstone.' you think to yourself as you rub your eyes and nod your head at the room.
"OK. Your right. There are more pressing things to do and this wouldn't likely work. The only thing is to fight both the major incidents. The General and commanders on the perimeter are doing what is necessary there. Our duty is clear, we have to address the storm."
The temperature in the room cools over again and your staff seems to have regained confidence in your leadership. As you look at the different maps and charts you decide on a course of action.
[[OK, we need to get to the farms and organize them and can only trust the radio as a last resort. I'll organize a snowmobile with some extra fuel and lead the convoy myself. Refuel for them may take hours otherwise and they have vehicles and generators there that we can ensure fuel for.|crash]]
[[We need to get that radio working. I'm not sure what's going on with it but we need to communicate with the Astronomer. I am told a flare was spotted near the long climb a few minutes ago. I'm guessing that is our radio party in distress. Perhaps they met resistance. While the bulk of us remain here, I gather 3 snowmobiles to head up to the Comm Station and help restore it.|crash]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e597838b3184307a71ed61/1659213711005/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3/original/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e597838b3184307a71ed61/1659213711005/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3/original/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
(if: $virtue >=3)[[Memento Mori|Virtue-end]]
(if: $virtue <3)[[Memento Mori|Vice-end]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69d4cdd9c662e3136d26f/1659280716970/dramatic-battle-scene-sound-effect.mp3/original/dramatic-battle-scene-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
As soon as the words are out of your mouth you can see the agression in the room build. Lawford pulls out his sidearm as do several of the other men. Your remaining bodyguard draw their arms and start moving to protect you. For a moment everything hangs and time stands still, everyone staring at eachother and you and Lawford locked eye to eye.
And then someone opens fire and the whole room errupts in gunfire. You see Lawford shot in the side, but he spins with the grazing shot and lets a bullet fly at you, striking you in the throat.
You drop to your knees gurgling as precious blood spurts from your wound. You can't breathe and know that its all over. For a few more seconds you hear the sounds of gunfire then all has ceased. As you roll onto the ground grasping at your throat you have a few moments of clear thought.
[[I did what I thought best. I tried to act well and am content with my life. I go to the unknown with a clear conscience.|gooddeath]]
[[Dear god why? That son of a bitch Lawford. I try to get my pistol out so I can get a last shot in before I return to the Earth.|viledeath]]
[[My thoughts go to my family. I have let them down and failed them. Mommy.|viledeath]]
[[The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. I make my last ones as good as I can and imagine a beautiful summer day, like those the Earth had long ago.|gooddeath]](set:$health to 0)
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have been mangled in a snowmobile accident")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e621b6952301a825db6/1659280999806/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3/original/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You never made it to your destination. The storm had already started to move in and while you were attempting to be careful, accidents still happen. You had made your way along the snowmobile trail up to the top of a high ridge. You don't know if the slope just gave out, or if a nasty gust of wind pushed the snowmobile, or if you accidentally throttled. The result is all the same and you went over the side. Your body now lays at the bottom of the cliff, a mangled and broken mess rapidly headed towards the afterlife. You are sure others are looking down at you, but your left eye was ruptured in the fall and your ear drums shattered on the impact. You have a few moments left to think.
[[I did what I thought best. I tried to act well and am content with my life. I go to the unknown with a clear conscience.|gooddeath]]
[[Dear god why? I wanted so much more time. I didn't truely live and there was so much more to do.|viledeath]]
[[My thoughts go to my family. I have let them down and failed them. Mommy.|viledeath]]
[[The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. I make my last ones as good as I can and imagine a beautiful summer day, like those the Earth had long ago.|gooddeath]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e621b6952301a825db6/1659280999806/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3/original/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You press on with your work. As you sweat bullets and start to feel uneasy on your legs, you go over maps and reports. Questions come in at what feels like lightspeed and you start having problems understanding whats going on and coordinating decisions. You aren't sure if every call has been well reasoned or not. Eventually you collapse.
You aren't really sure what happened next, but a few moments later when you opened your eyes again you were on the back of a snowmobile outside, presumably being rushed to the medic. You never reach your destination. As you lay there dying your final thoughts turn towards...
[[I did what I thought best. I tried to act well and am content with my life. I go to the unknown with a clear conscience.|gooddeath]]
[[Dear god why? I wanted so much more time. I didn't truely live and there was so much more to do.|viledeath]]
[[My thoughts go to my family. I have let them down and failed them. Mommy.|viledeath]]
[[The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. I make my last ones as good as I can and imagine a beautiful summer day, like those the Earth had long ago.|gooddeath]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e621b6952301a825db6/1659280999806/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3/original/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You tell your staff you really aren't feeling well. They notice the look about you and nod their heads. You appoint Hall Commander Grayson as the commander of operations here while you are at the doctor. While there is a medic office here in the Hall, medical personelle have all been called closer to the front lines so you begin to make your way to the rear medical tent. 100 yards outside the Hall, as you get out into the deeper snow of the trail, you feel an explosive pain through your chest and collapse into the snow.
You recognize you are having a violent heart attack. You can feel things are all over and can no longer move of your own control. In your final moments your thoughts turn towards...
[[I did what I thought best. I tried to act well and am content with my life. I go to the unknown with a clear conscience.|gooddeath]]
[[Dear god why? I wanted so much more time. I didn't truely live and there was so much more to do.|viledeath]]
[[My thoughts go to my family. I have let them down and failed them. Mommy.|viledeath]]
[[The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. I make my last ones as good as I can and imagine a beautiful summer day, like those the Earth had long ago.|gooddeath]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69df4e8fd9f480a8da3be/1659280886858/truck-backup-beeper-sound-effect.mp3/original/truck-backup-beeper-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You set about helping Cadillac Jack out. You don't know much about big rigs, which is what hes working on, but you do the best that you can. He seems a bit annoyed with you at first but quickly identifies ways that you can help and starts setting you to those tasks. As the two of you work and restore one of the rigs, it becomes apparent that sabotage is the culprit here. Several of the vehicles have been intentionally damaged. There is probably someone in the Stockpile or the Garage working with the enemy.
[[I need to get to the bottom of this. Sabotage is no joke and the timing is obvious. This isn't just someone who is interested in skimming a bit of supplies this is a cold hearted snake whose betrayed the entire Commune.|baccident]]
[[While the thought of sabotage is problematic the immediate concern is getting these vehilces working so I focus on the task at hand.|focuslikearoman]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69df4e8fd9f480a8da3be/1659280886858/truck-backup-beeper-sound-effect.mp3/original/truck-backup-beeper-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You set about helping Cadillac Jack out. You really don't know much about the big rigs and would just be in his way, so you offer to instead help with the smaller engines and work on some of the snowmobiles. Jack is well aware that you can at least do that much and trusts you to take care of his machines so he nods his head and the two of you get to work. While Jack is finishing up with the big one you notice that on these smaller snowmobiles and vehicles the lines all look cut with a knife. You are certain that this is the work of Sabotage.
[[I need to get to the bottom of this. Sabotage is no joke and the timing is obvious. This isn't just someone who is interested in skimming a bit of supplies this is a cold hearted snake whose betrayed the entire Commune.|baccident]]
[[While the thought of sabotage is problematic the immediate concern is getting these vehilces working so I focus on the task at hand.|focuslikearoman]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ca91df8fc47dd48774a/1659280556618/container-ship-engine-sound-effect.mp3/original/container-ship-engine-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You feel you would just be in the way doing all this heavy lifting and instead head up to the office. There really isn't anything to do up there but you just want a few moments to think by yourself and maybe get a clearer picture of what's going on here. Once Jack has one or two of these things operational you can get to the bottom of what's happened.
As you enter the Garage Manager's office, you see Dominique, one of the Stockpile chiefs, rummaging around the office.
"Dom. What are you doing here?"
"$name! You startled me. I was looking for the key to the supply yard so I could start moving some fuel to the front. Tenrec sent me for it. Hes too busy to come do it himself."
You quickly realize this is a lie as you were just with Tenrec and he never mentioned such a thing. Dominique must be the sabateur! You aren't sure what her game is here, but maybe you can play this out to your advantage.
[[A lie is a lie. I am not going to play games here. I will draw my gun and arrest her on the spot. We can get to the bottom of her motivations later. I don't even know if she has an ulterior motive or what so there is no point acting on maybes|goodmurder]]
[[I need to get her to think I'm on her side here and maybe she will lead me to the raiders and better intel on whats happening. I start to tell her 'Hey Dom, I am working for him too. We can pool resources and get out together.'|badmurder]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))(set:$health to 0)
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
(alert:"You have been mortally wounded")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ca91df8fc47dd48774a/1659280556618/container-ship-engine-sound-effect.mp3/original/container-ship-engine-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You step outside to the loading bay to 'oversee' operations out here. Really you just didnt want to have to deal with Tenrec anymore. Ever since that guy started dating Hannah Dundee he has been a pain in the ass for the executive council. You start to make your way around the depot when you hear someone struggling with a chain. You figure its Jack and head over but instead you run into Dominique, one of the Stockpile chiefs, fiddling with the lock to the main fuel storage.
"Dom? What are you doing here?"
"Oh Jesus fucking Christ $name, you startled me. Jack sent me to get the fuel so it can be loaded up into one of the trucks, but he must have given me the wrong key."
You quickly realize this is a lie as you were just with Tenrec and he never mentioned such a thing. Dominique must be the sabateur! You aren't sure what her game is here, but maybe you can play this out to your advantage.
[[A lie is a lie. I am not going to play games here. I will draw my gun and arrest her on the spot. We can get to the bottom of her motivations later. I don't even know if she has an ulterior motive or what so there is no point acting on maybes|goodmurder]]
[[I need to get her to think I'm on her side here and maybe she will lead me to the raiders and better intel on whats happening. I start to tell her 'Hey Dom, I am working for him too. We can pool resources and get out together.'|badmurder]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))(set:$health to 0)
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
(alert:"You have been mortally wounded in an accident")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69df4e8fd9f480a8da3be/1659280886858/truck-backup-beeper-sound-effect.mp3/original/truck-backup-beeper-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
Foolish. You weren't focusing on the task at hand and didn't notice that one of the safety mechanisms wasn't secure. There is a shift in the weight of the vehicle and it comes smashing down on top of you, crushing your torso flat and bursting you open like an overly stuffed meat pie that ruptured in the oven. As you lay there rapidly expiring your thoughts turn towards...
[[I did what I thought best. I tried to act well and am content with my life. I go to the unknown with a clear conscience.|gooddeath]]
[[Dear god why? I wanted so much more time. I didn't truely live and there was so much more to do.|viledeath]]
[[My thoughts go to my family. I have let them down and failed them. Mommy.|viledeath]]
[[The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. I make my last ones as good as I can and imagine a beautiful summer day, like those the Earth had long ago.|gooddeath]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))(set:$health to 0)
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
(alert:"You have been mortally wounded in an accident")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69df4e8fd9f480a8da3be/1659280886858/truck-backup-beeper-sound-effect.mp3/original/truck-backup-beeper-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You focus on the task at hand and set about the repairs. You notice that one of the safety supports has come loose and that one of the machines is tettering to fall on Cadillac Jack. You are certain this is the work of sabotage as you had made sure to secure everything. There is no time to think though as your chief mechanic is about to be crushed. You dive and push Jack out of the way, but the engine falls on your hips and legs, crushing them. Fortunately your spine has been snapped with the fall and you don't feel much pain. You mutter to Jack 'Sabotage Jack. Be carefull' as you begin to sputter blood and expire. You final thoughts turn towards...
[[I did what I thought best. I tried to act well and am content with my life. I go to the unknown with a clear conscience.|gooddeath]]
[[Dear god why? I wanted so much more time. I didn't truely live and there was so much more to do.|viledeath]]
[[My thoughts go to my family. I have let them down and failed them. Mommy.|viledeath]]
[[The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. I make my last ones as good as I can and imagine a beautiful summer day, like those the Earth had long ago.|gooddeath]](set:$virtue to ($virtue+1))(set:$health to 0)
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have gained virtue")
(alert:"You have been mortally wounded")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69ca91df8fc47dd48774a/1659280556618/container-ship-engine-sound-effect.mp3/original/container-ship-engine-sound-effect.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You reach for your gun to draw and arrest Dom, but she has sensed what you were about to do and produces a knife much quicker. With a flick of her wrist, she hurls it at you, hitting you in the right eye and knocking you backwards and onto the ground, though the blade just missed killing you instantly. You feel your gun tumble from your hands to the ground as you collapse in agony and now partially blinded. As you try to pull yourself up from the ground, you see Dom has rapidly crossed the space to you. She yanks the knife out of your eye and quickly jams it into your throat, first once then two times more. You gurgle and begin to expire. As you close your eyes for the last time and start to die, your thoughts turn towards...
[[I did what I thought best. I tried to act well and am content with my life. I go to the unknown with a clear conscience.|gooddeath]]
[[Dear god why? I wanted so much more time. I didn't truely live and there was so much more to do.|viledeath]]
[[My thoughts go to my family. I have let them down and failed them. Mommy.|viledeath]]
[[The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. I make my last ones as good as I can and imagine a beautiful summer day, like those the Earth had long ago.|gooddeath]](set:$virtue to ($virtue-1))(set:$health to 0)
<b>$name: Health=$health |Supply=$supply |Virtue=$virtue</b>
(alert:"You have lost virtue")
(alert:"You have been mortally wounded")
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e69e621b6952301a825db6/1659280999806/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3/original/sound-of-wind-blowing.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
You start to spew the complete and utter bullshit from your mouth and a smile crosses Dom's face. She gives you a *phew* gesture and motions you over towards her.
"OK, so look, what we have to do is..."
As you lean in close to her, thinking you have her in your confidence you suddenly feel a sharp pain in your abdomen and then in your groin. Dom has stabbed you repeatedly with a medium sized knife in the groin and stomach. You collapse down to the ground in severe pain and try to reach for your gun but she quickly kicks you in the head and then sits on your stomach. She begins to stab ferrociously into your body, face, and neck. You know the end is near and close your eyes for the final time. As you begin to expire your thoughts turn towards...
[[I did what I thought best. I tried to act well and am content with my life. I go to the unknown with a clear conscience.|gooddeath]]
[[Dear god why? I wanted so much more time. I didn't truely live and there was so much more to do.|viledeath]]
[[My thoughts go to my family. I have let them down and failed them. Mommy.|viledeath]]
[[The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. I make my last ones as good as I can and imagine a beautiful summer day, like those the Earth had long ago.|gooddeath]](set:$name to (prompt:"Enter your name: ", "Marcus"))
(set:$flaw to (prompt:"Enter your moral failing: ", "Wrath"))
(set:$age to (prompt:"Enter your age: ", "30"))
Welcome to Wise Men Wear Cloaks. Your soul floats in the Platonic Aether currently. To have it take form but be at rest, head to [[The Stoa Poikile]].//A Wise Men Wear Cloaks Test//
<audio src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612693896e1b367f24510ff6/t/62e597838b3184307a71ed61/1659213711005/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3/original/debussy-reverie-breemer.mp3" autoplay loop></audio>
1) What are the four Stoic virtues?
(input-box:"===XXXX===",4)
2) What is the meaning of '//Memento Mori//'?
(input-box:"=XX=")
3) What do the Stoics say about the outcome of your actions?
(input-box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===",6)
4) What is Stillness and what practices do Stoics use to achieve it?
(input-box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===",6)
5) In your own words, describe your impressions of Stoicism?
(input-box:"=XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=",8)
6) Do you have any comments about this game?
(input-box:"=XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=",8)
7) Final question. What do wise men wear?
(force-input-box:"===XXXX===",2,"Cloaks")
[[Return to the Stoa Poikile|The Stoa Poikile]]
