Scarlan Harbor

config.footer.center: "Chride Lassheikki -- classheikki@gmail.com" -- This is a sample from a branching breakup scene of a romance arc of an Early Modern fantasy RPG title. It takes place mid-game after a major main plot event, and is accessible only to players involved in the NPC romance. ~1,000 words, some branching involved. Context Taking down a vampire nest was no easy feat, but, after hours of convoluted covert machinations and a few blunt well-aimed wooden stakes, SEGONYE (player character) managed to secure the sacred chrysalis ambers, a vital step toward creating the elixir of immortality, the rumored cure to a poison slowly killing them. Their Troupe of Mercenaries, hosted at Duchess Carousse’s palace, has earned a night of rest before leaving Carsol, a floating city state famous for its luminous waters, meandering canals, and shady mercantile meddling. In this moment of respite, MARTYN ORESTES, your trusted alchemist and optional love interest, invites you for an evening stroll to the Scarlan Harbor… [[Begin->INT -- Antechamber at the Duchess’s Palace.]]

Interior -- Antechamber at the Duchess’s Palace. Music and relieved chatter drifts to the rafters of the warm antechamber, and Elsie the bard plays the lirone with such involvement that even stiff-lipped Resdon dances in front of the fireplace. SEGONYE leans back on a low divan, a crystal goblet in their hand, ready to take a sip when MARTYN appears by their side. [[Enter dialogue]]

BRANCH A: Can it wait? SEGONYE: Can it wait? I have a bottle of down-right divine Santerran, and a potion this potent shouldn’t go to waste… And look at that, there’s a name on this goblet! Let’s see what it says. M… A… R… [T Y N] MARTYN: Take it along, if you must. SEGONYE: Thank the sixteen seas! Right behind you! [[Exit branching.]]

BRANCH B: Of course. SEGONYE: Of course, Martyn. I’m here for you. Do I need anything where we’re going? MARTYN: I wonder if the Duchess would notice a bottle of wine gone missing? SEGONYE: A man who knows his potions. Lead the way. [[Exit branching.]]

BRANCH C: Sounds… Intriguing. SEGONYE: I have been waiting all night for you to appear and whisk me away into the shadows. MARTYN: I do find it a little crowded in the light. SEGONYE: I’ll bring the wine, you lead the way. [[Exit branching.]]

MARTYN: Despite my initial suspicions, the chrysalis ambers are genuine. They should make for a reliable reagent for the elixir you seek. You can find my notes and the ambers in your travel chest. SEGONYE: Thank you Martyn. That’s good news, yes? And still you look like a pig pissed in your porridge. What’s wrong? MARTYN: So very delicate, as always. Can I speak with you? Someplace less conspicuous. Dialogue options appear: [[A: Can it wait?]] [[B: Of course.]] (friendly) [[C: Sounds… Intriguing.]] (flirty)

Exterior -- Rooftop terrace at the Duchess’s Palace. Night, the moons are high. Light spills from inside. Segonye and Martyn emerge on the roof terrace overlooking the Duchess’s secluded canal. Quick as only an Alchemist trained in the arts of the assassin, Martyn leaps over the wrought iron railing. Segonye shakes their head with an enigmatic smile, then follows suit. [[Go to: Scarlan Harbor]]

Exterior -- Scarlan Harbor. Night. A forest of spindly masts reach up into the night sky. Bioluminescent algae and medusas light the water an unnatural iridescent purple, casting the sailboats and ships of the Scarlan Harbor in a ghastly shimmer. Martyn and Segonye sit on the dock. Martyn passes the bottle back to Segonye, who shakes it, finds it empty, and sets it aside. [[Enter dialogue->Dialogue2]]

SEGONYE: Good while it lasted. Oh, the Duchess. Did you see those looks she gave me? I wasn’t sure if she wanted my head or my tail… MARTYN: Captain. SEGONYE: Jealous? I will speak nothing more of it. You have nothing to worry about, and also my undivided attention. What did you wish to speak of? And why here? MARTYN: A fortnight ago, I dreamt I left my guild and brethren, set out on a ship of my own. A small dhow. Just me, and the sea, and the spirits. I sailed south of Tornemark, west of Vancara. Among the islands beyond our charts I was free of words that bind, and the shattered faith that haunts me. Sleeping soundly under unknown stars. SEGONYE: Are you saying your bunk at the Miranda is not to your liking? Granted, you’re not her captain… But I have it on some authority you’re in [her/his/their] good graces. Perhaps something can be arranged. MARTYN: (chuckles, then sighs) Begs the question how good [her/his/their] graces are, if one such as I can fall into them. SEGONYE: Have you then fallen? For me? Martyn leans in, and takes Segonye’s hand. He places an intricate locket on a plain leather cord in it. MARTYN: No matter what comes next, I want you to have this. Dialogue options appear: [[A: What is it?]] [[B: You’ve finished it.]] (Prerequisites: High Magic and High Faith) [[C: It’s beautiful.]] (accept) [[D: I can’t accept it.]] (decline)

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