Detectivania

You stand in the $manor Manor parlor, eyeing the four guests. \(if:$seen_guests is false)[(set:$seen_guests to true) A man in a flashy, expensive suit paces back and forth along one wall, barely avoiding the furniture. His brow is furrowed and he seems to be muttering angrily to himself. You recognize him as **Lord $norfair.** A woman with impeccable posture perches on a loveseat. She wears a pale green dress and her delicate features show a thoughtful expression. She must be **Lady $brinstar.** A man in a gray woolen suit stands at the fireplace with one arm resting on the mantle. He stares off into the middle distance with an unreadable expression. He could only be **Mr. $tourian.** A woman with a bright blue dress and slightly unkempt hair looks out a window, leaning forward and craning her neck this way and that to watch the birds and squirrels in the garden. You realize she is **Miss $maridia.** ](else:)[ **Lord $norfair** paces back and forth along one wall, barely avoiding the furniture. His brow is furrowed and he mutters angrily to himself.(if: $skills contains "question")[ You **do(unless: $known_alibis contains $norfair)[ not]** know his alibi. You **do(unless: $known_motives contains $norfair)[ not]** know his motive.] **Lady $brinstar** perches on a loveseat. She wears a pale green dress and her delicate features show a thoughtful expression.(if: $skills contains "question")[ You **do(unless: $known_alibis contains $brinstar)[ not]** know her alibi. You **do(unless: $known_motives contains $brinstar)[ not]** know her motive.] **Mr. $tourian** stands at the fireplace with one arm resting on the mantle. He stares off into the middle distance with an unreadable expression.(if: $skills contains "question")[ You **do(unless: $known_alibis contains $tourian)[ not]** know his alibi. You **do(unless: $known_motives contains $tourian)[ not]** know his motive.] **Miss $maridia** looks out a window, leaning forward and craning her neck this way and that to watch the birds and squirrels in the garden.(if: $skills contains "question")[ You **do(unless: $known_alibis contains $maridia)[ not]** know her alibi. You **do(unless: $known_motives contains $maridia)[ not]** know her motive.] ]\ \(if: $butler_returned)[ **$crateria** stands by the door, looking at you expectantly.] \(else-if: $known_motives's length is 4)[(goto: "Butler Returns")] [[Approach Lord $norfair.->Norfair]] [[Approach Lady $brinstar.->Brinstar]] [[Approach Mr. $tourian.->Tourian]] [[Approach Miss $maridia.->Maridia]] \(if: $butler_returned is true)[ \(if: not ($skills contains "accusation"))[ You feel like there's something you're supposed to say to $crateria, but you can't remember what it is yet. For now, you might as well keep investigating. \](else:)[ [[Prepare for accusation.->Accusation]] ]]

You approach Lord $norfair. Arms crossed, he glares at you. (if: not ($skills contains "speak"))[\ \|silence_1>["..." ]\ \|silence_response_1)[You stare at each other in silence. $norfair's eyes twitch. ]\ \|silence_2)["..." ]\ \|silence_response_2)[Unable to contain himself any longer, $norfair breaks the silence. "Well?" he spits. "What do you have to [say]<speech| for yourself?" ]\ \(click: ?silence_1)[(show:?silence_response_1)(show:?silence_2)]\ \(click: ?silence_2)[(show:?silence_response_2)]\ \(click: ?speech)[(set: $skill to "speak")(goto: "Skill Get")]\ \](else-if: not ($skills contains "word"))[\ \|babble_1>["Bah fuh roobooboo." ]\ \|babble_response_1)[$norfair's scowl is briefly replaced with a look of confusion. "...What?" he asks. ]\ \|babble_2)["Molarny pickaboom." ]\ \|babble_response_2)[$norfair snorts. "Do you mock me, Detective?" he asks. "Or are you really not even capable of forming [words]<words|?" ]\ \(click: ?babble_1)[(show:?babble_response_1)(show:?babble_2)]\ \(click: ?babble_2)[(show:?babble_response_2)]\ \(click: ?words)[(set: $skill to "word")(goto: "Skill Get")]\ \](else-if: not ($skills contains "sentence"))[\ \|nonsense_1>["Behave memorial cooperate recycle." ]\ \|nonsense_response_1)[$norfair stares at you uncertainly. ]\ \|nonsense_2)["Multiply adoption bird referee cake." ]\ \|nonsense_response_2)[$norfair laughs and shakes his head. He offers no other response. ]\ \(click: ?nonsense_1)[(show:?nonsense_response_1)(show:?nonsense_2)]\ \(click: ?nonsense_2)[(show:?nonsense_response_2)]\ \](else-if: not ($skills contains "question"))[\ \|statement_1>["I am investigating the disappearance of the $manor heirloom." ]\ \|statement_response_1)[$norfair scoffs. "Obviously," he says. "And?" ]\ \|statement_2)["I... am investigating the disappearance... of the $manor heirloom." ]\ \|statement_response_2)[$norfair waves his hand dismissively. "Of course I know why you're here. You're wasting my time, Detective." ]\ \(click: ?statement_1)[(show:?statement_response_1)(show:?statement_2)]\ \(click: ?statement_2)[(show:?statement_response_2)]\ \]

You approach Lady $brinstar. She smiles at you cautiously. (if: not ($skills contains "speak"))[\ \|silence_1>["..." ]\ \|silence_response_1)[As the moment drags on in silence, the corner of her mouth twitches and her eyes dart back and forth, searching your face. ]\ \|silence_2)["..." ]\ \|silence_response_2)[Finally, she speaks. "Detective?" she asks. "Do you have something to [say]<speech| to me?" ]\ \(click: ?silence_1)[(show:?silence_response_1)(show:?silence_2)]\ \(click: ?silence_2)[(show:?silence_response_2)]\ \(click: ?speech)[(set: $skill to "speak")(goto: "Skill Get")]\ \](else-if: not ($skills contains "word"))[\ \|babble_1>["Muhhh nuh gunuh gunuh." ]\ \|babble_response_1)[$brinstar's smile fades and her eyes widen in surprise. "I'm sorry, Detective," she says. "I didn't catch that." ]\ \|babble_2)["Ababba flargle mobuto eness." ]\ \|babble_response_2)[$brinstar furrows her brow and purses her lips. "Detective, I don't understand. I didn't recognize those [words]<words|. What are you saying?" ]\ \(click: ?babble_1)[(show:?babble_response_1)(show:?babble_2)]\ \(click: ?babble_2)[(show:?babble_response_2)]\ \(click: ?words)[(set: $skill to "word")(goto: "Skill Get")]\ \](else-if: not ($skills contains "sentence"))[\ \|nonsense_1>["Laboratory mile offend exposure nervous." ]\ \|nonsense_response_1)[$brinstar's eyes go wide and she covers her mouth with her hand. ]\ \|nonsense_2)["Aware cross mine divorce mastermind clearance." ]\ \|nonsense_response_2)["Oh... oh dear," says $brinstar. "Are you quite all right, Detective?" ]\ \(click: ?nonsense_1)[(show:?nonsense_response_1)(show:?nonsense_2)]\ \(click: ?nonsense_2)[(show:?nonsense_response_2)]\ \](else-if: not ($skills contains "question"))[\ \|statement_1>["I am investigating the disappearance of the $manor heirloom." ]\ \|statement_response_1)[$brinstar nods slowly. "I gathered as much, Detective." she says. ]\ \|statement_2)["I... am investigating the disappearance... of the $manor heirloom." ]\ \|statement_response_2)[$brinstar's smile fades. "Well, Detective, I'd love to help you, but I'm not sure I can. I don't know anything about the heirloom." ]\ \(click: ?statement_1)[(show:?statement_response_1)(show:?statement_2)]\ \(click: ?statement_2)[(show:?statement_response_2)]\ \]

You approach Mr. $tourian. He looks at you, face neutral and unreadable. (if: not ($skills contains "speak"))[\ \|silence_1>["..." ]\ \|silence_response_1)[Neither of you move or speak for several seconds. $tourian is still looking at you, his expression unchanging. ]\ \|silence_2)["..." ]\ \|silence_response_2)["Detective," says $tourian. "I suspect this investigation will take much longer if we do not [speak]<speech| to each other." ]\ \(click: ?silence_1)[(show:?silence_response_1)(show:?silence_2)]\ \(click: ?silence_2)[(show:?silence_response_2)]\ \(click: ?speech)[(set: $skill to "speak")(goto: "Skill Get")]\ \](else-if: not ($skills contains "word"))[\ \|babble_1>["Ahhhh zoh ab taffa." ]\ \|babble_response_1)[$tourian raises an eyebrow. "Pardon?" he asks. ]\ \|babble_2)["Juh zarble teetee marfon." ]\ \|babble_response_2)[$tourian shakes his head. "Detective, I'm afraid I cannot help you. I do not even understand you. You are not speaking a language I recognize." ]\ \(click: ?babble_1)[(show:?babble_response_1)(show:?babble_2)]\ \(click: ?babble_2)[(show:?babble_response_2)]\ \](else-if: not ($skills contains "sentence"))[\ \|nonsense_1>["Runner guide bundle ignite. Umbrella compose." ]\ \|nonsense_response_1)[$tourian cocks his head slightly. "I recognized those words," he says, "but they do not seem to mean anything together." ]\ \|nonsense_2)["Survey candidate count fuss ethics syndrome." ]\ \|nonsense_response_2)[$tourian blinks. "That... almost sounded like a [sentence]<sentences|, but I still cannot identify the meaning." ]\ \(click: ?nonsense_1)[(show:?nonsense_response_1)(show:?nonsense_2)]\ \(click: ?nonsense_2)[(show:?nonsense_response_2)]\ \(click: ?sentences)[(set: $skill to "sentence")(goto: "Skill Get")]\ \](else-if: not ($skills contains "question"))[\ \|statement_1>["I am investigating the disappearance of the $manor heirloom." ]\ \|statement_response_1)[$tourian nods. "As expected," he says. ]\ \|statement_2)["I... am investigating the disappearance... of the $manor heirloom." ]\ \|statement_response_2)[$tourian nods again. "Still as expected," he says. ]\ \(click: ?statement_1)[(show:?statement_response_1)(show:?statement_2)]\ \(click: ?statement_2)[(show:?statement_response_2)]\ \]

You approach Miss $maridia. She glances at you, and then looks away. (if: not ($skills contains "speak"))[\ \|silence_1>["..." ]\ \|silence_response_1)[You say nothing. $maridia looks curiously at a spot on the ceiling. ]\ \|silence_2)["..." ]\ \|silence_response_2)[$maridia is paying no attention to you at all. ]\ \(click: ?silence_1)[(show:?silence_response_1)(show:?silence_2)]\ \(click: ?silence_2)[(show:?silence_response_2)]\ \](else-if: not ($skills contains "word"))[\ \|babble_1>["Bizootle flar mitoopy." ]\ \|babble_response_1)[Startled, $maridia swivels and looks directly at you. ]\ \|babble_2)["Cammiton marflint foofafoo." ]\ \|babble_response_2)[$maridia smiles. "Gabba babba babba boo!" she says to you enthusiastically. She laughs and turns away. ]\ \(click: ?babble_1)[(show:?babble_response_1)(show:?babble_2)]\ \(click: ?babble_2)[(show:?babble_response_2)]\ \](else-if: not ($skills contains "sentence"))[\ \|nonsense_1>["Creep see hour virus gas fork." ]\ \|nonsense_response_1)[$maridia's eyes go wide. "Where!?" she asks excitedly, craning her neck to look around for the hour virus gas fork. ]\ \|nonsense_2)["Dairy dine cherry slide publisher laundry." ]\ \|nonsense_response_2)[$maridia looks at you and purses her lips. "Hat shoe cage farm!" she says before sticking her tongue out. "See, I can make fake [sentences]<sentences| too." ]\ \(click: ?nonsense_1)[(show:?nonsense_response_1)(show:?nonsense_2)]\ \(click: ?nonsense_2)[(show:?nonsense_response_2)]\ \(click: ?sentences)[(set: $skill to "sentence")(goto: "Skill Get")]\ \](else-if: not ($skills contains "question"))[\ \|statement_1>["I am investigating the disappearance of the $manor heirloom." ]\ \|statement_response_1)[$maridia smiles at you. "How exciting!" she says. ]\ \|statement_2)["I... am investigating the disappearance... of the $manor heirloom." ]\ \|statement_response_2)[$maridia nods enthusiastically. "Right! Are you here to [question]<question| me about it?" ]\ \(click: ?statement_1)[(show:?statement_response_1)(show:?statement_2)]\ \(click: ?statement_2)[(show:?statement_response_2)]\ \(click: ?question)[(set: $skill to "question")(goto: "Skill Get")]\ \]

(if: $skills contains "all")[You are an experienced master detective! You have all the investigative skills required to solve any mysterious crime: * You can **interrogate** suspects to gain information. * (text: $skill_descriptions's "detect lie") * (text: $skill_descriptions's "intimidate") * (text: $skill_descriptions's "charm") * (text: $skill_descriptions's "contradict") * (text: $skill_descriptions's "bluff") * (text: $skill_descriptions's "accusation") Go get 'em, tiger!]\ (else-if: $skills's length is 0)[Uh oh! You've forgotten all of your investigative skills! This is going to be a tough investigation. Pay attention for anything that jogs your memory - if you get reminded of a skill you used to have, you'll be able to use it again!]\ (else:)[You have remembered the following skills: (if: $skills contains "speak")[* (text: $skill_descriptions's "speak")]\ (if: $skills contains "word")[* (text: $skill_descriptions's "word")]\ (if: $skills contains "sentence")[* (text: $skill_descriptions's "sentence")]\ (if: $skills contains "question")[* (text: $skill_descriptions's "question")]\ (if: $skills contains "detect lie")[* (text: $skill_descriptions's "detect lie")]\ (if: $skills contains "read mood")[* (text: $skill_descriptions's "read mood")]\ (if: $skills contains "intimidate")[* (text: $skill_descriptions's "intimidate")]\ (if: $skills contains "charm")[* (text: $skill_descriptions's "charm")]\ (if: $skills contains "contradict")[* (text: $skill_descriptions's "contradict")]\ (if: $skills contains "bluff")[* (text: $skill_descriptions's "bluff")]\ (if: $skills contains "accusation")[* (text: $skill_descriptions's "accusation")]\ (else-if: $syllables's length > 0)[* Something about ...(if: $syllables contains "act")[act...](if: $syllables contains "cue")[cue...](if: $syllables contains "sate")[sate...](if: $syllables contains "shun")[shun...]?]\ ]

(set: $skills to (ds:))\ You step across the threshold into the parlor, when suddenly— *BONK* Oh no! You've hit your head on the low doorway! You're such a tall and clumsy master detective! You reel for a moment, but quickly regain your balance as the pain fades. However, you seem to have forgotten *all of your investigative skills!* Why does this always happen when you start a new adventure? Oh well, nothing for it. You don't get paid unless you solve the mystery. Thankfully, if this bout of amnesia is like every time before, it's temporary - you just need to be reminded of your old skills and you'll be able to use them again. You'll just have to pay attention and see if anything jogs your memory. [[Enter the parlor and hope for the best.->Parlor]]

{ (if: (passage:)'s tags contains "menu")[ (replace:?sidebar)[\ (link: "Back")[(goto: ((history:)'s last))] ]] (else-if: not ((passage:)'s name is "Splash"))[ (replace:?sidebar)[\ [[About]] [[Skills]] [[Notes]] ] ] (if: (passage:)'s tags contains "interrogation")[(set: $last_interrogation to (passage:)'s name)] }

{  (set: $skills to (ds: "all")) (set: $syllables to (ds:))  (set: $manor to "Arasmus") (set: $master to "Sir $manor") (set: $crateria to "Terrance") (set: $brinstar to "Brianna") (set: $norfair to "Fabien") (set: $maridia to "Merida") (set: $tourian to "O'Riain") (set: $alucard to "Lacour")  (set: $skill_descriptions to (dm: "speak", "You can **speak** by making sounds with your mouth.", "word", "You can construct **words** with your mouth sounds.", "sentence", "You can string words together into meaningful **sentences**.", "question", "You can ask **questions** by forming interrogative sentences.", "detect lie", "You notice tiny quavers in people's voices when they are telling **lies**.", "read mood", "By watching microexpressions, you are able to **read people's mood** to get a sense of how best to persuade them to tell the truth.", "intimidate", "By making veiled threats, you can sometimes **intimidate** people into telling the truth.", "charm", "By being friendly and empathetic, you can sometimes **charm** people into telling the truth.", "contradict", "By directly **contradicting** claims, you can sometimes convince people to tell the truth.", "bluff", "By pretending to know more than you do, you can sometimes **bluff** people into telling the truth.", "accusation", "You can dramatically solve the crime by **accusing** the guilty party." ))  (set: $press_tried to (dm: "alibi", (dm: $norfair, (ds:), $brinstar, (ds:), $tourian, (ds:), $maridia, (ds:) ), "motive", (dm: $norfair, (ds:), $brinstar, (ds:), $tourian, (ds:), $maridia, (ds:) ) ))  (set: $crime_details_known to false) (set: $known_alibis to (ds:)) (set: $known_motives to (ds:)) (set: $alibi_norfair to "Unknown.") (set: $motive_norfair to "Unknown.") (set: $alibi_brinstar to "Unknown.") (set: $motive_brinstar to "Unknown.") (set: $alibi_tourian to "Unknown.") (set: $motive_tourian to "Unknown.") (set: $alibi_maridia to "Unknown.") (set: $motive_maridia to "Unknown.")  (set: $seen_guests to false) (set: $last_interrogation to "") (set: $butler_returned to false) (set: $accusation_armor to 4) }

You have arrived at **$manor Manor**, the ancestral home of **$master** and now the site of a mysterious theft. Thankfully, you are just the experienced master detective for the job, with all the investigative skills required to solve any crime! *(If you're ever unsure about this, you can always check your [[Skills]] using the link in the sidebar to the left.)* Standing at the front door and watching you approach is **$crateria**, the butler of $manor Manor and de facto curator of $master's extensive and eccentric art collection. He phoned you in a panic just an hour or so ago to ask for your help - apparently, a valuable $manor heirloom has gone missing. He gave you the names of the manor's current guests, and after some quick background checks you reported to the manor to investigate further. *(If you ever want to confirm the details of the case, you can always check your [[Notes]] using the link in the sidebar to the left.)* [[Climb the stairs to the front door.->Stairway]]

(if: (passage:)'s tags contains "interrogation")[\ (if: $skills contains "question")[ (if: (passage:)'s tags contains "norfair")[ (unless: (passage:)'s tags contains "alibi")[ [(if: $known_alibis contains $norfair)[REVISIT](else:)[QUESTION] ALIBI] [["What were you doing between six this morning and noon?"->Norfair Alibi]]]\ (unless: (passage:)'s tags contains "motive")[ [(if: $known_motives contains $norfair)[REVISIT](else:)[QUESTION] MOTIVE] [["Do you have any reason to steal the $manor heirloom?"->Norfair Motive]]]]\ (if: (passage:)'s tags contains "brinstar")[ (unless: (passage:)'s tags contains "alibi")[ [(if: $known_alibis contains $brinstar)[REVISIT](else:)[QUESTION] ALIBI] [["What were you doing between six this morning and noon?"->Brinstar Alibi]]]\ (unless: (passage:)'s tags contains "motive")[ [(if: $known_motives contains $brinstar)[REVISIT](else:)[QUESTION] MOTIVE] [["Do you have any reason to steal the $manor heirloom?"->Brinstar Motive]]]]\ (if: (passage:)'s tags contains "tourian")[ (unless: (passage:)'s tags contains "alibi")[ [(if: $known_alibis contains $tourian)[REVISIT](else:)[QUESTION] ALIBI] [["What were you doing between six this morning and noon?"->Tourian Alibi]]]\ (unless: (passage:)'s tags contains "motive")[ [(if: $known_motives contains $tourian)[REVISIT](else:)[QUESTION] MOTIVE] [["Do you have any reason to steal the $manor heirloom?"->Tourian Motive]]]]\ (if: (passage:)'s tags contains "maridia")[ (unless: (passage:)'s tags contains "alibi")[ [(if: $known_alibis contains $maridia)[REVISIT](else:)[QUESTION] ALIBI] [["What were you doing between six this morning and noon?"->Maridia Alibi]]]\ (unless: (passage:)'s tags contains "motive")[ [(if: $known_motives contains $maridia)[REVISIT](else:)[QUESTION] MOTIVE] [["Do you have any reason to steal the $manor heirloom?"->Maridia Motive]]]]]\ [[Withdraw from this interrogation.->Parlor]] \]

Version: 1.0.0 Detectivania was created by Doctor Professor of (link-repeat:"Pixel Poppers")[(open-url: "https://pixelpoppers.com")]. It was written using (link-repeat:"Twine 2.2.1")[(open-url: "https://twinery.org/")] and (link-repeat:"Harlowe 2.1.0")[(open-url: "https://twine2.neocities.org/")]. (link-repeat:"Detectivania Home Page")[(open-url: "https://pixelpoppers.com/game/detectivania")] (link-repeat:"Visit Pixel Poppers")[(open-url: "https://pixelpoppers.com")] (link-repeat:"Pixel Poppers on Itch.io")[(open-url: "https://pixelpoppers.itch.io")]

**CASE NOTES** A valuable $manor heirloom has gone missing. It's worth a small fortune to the right buyer. \(if: $crime_details_known)[ The heirloom is a small gold statue of a bird carrying a crystal orb. It's normally on display in the east wing library, which is accessible by guests of the manor. Sometime between six o'clock this morning and noon, the heirloom went missing. No one arrived at or departed from the manor during that time. \](else:)[ $crateria, $master's butler, has called you to investigate. \] **DOSSIERS** **Lord $norfair:** $master's longtime business partner, $norfair has a reputation for having a short temper. (if: $known_alibis contains $norfair)[☑](else:)[☐] Alibi: $alibi_norfair (if: $known_motives contains $norfair)[☑](else:)[☐] Motive: $motive_norfair **Lady $brinstar:** A cousin of $master, known to be personable and friendly. (if: $known_alibis contains $brinstar)[☑](else:)[☐] Alibi: $alibi_brinstar (if: $known_motives contains $brinstar)[☑](else:)[☐] Motive: $motive_brinstar **Mr. $tourian:** An art appraiser occasionally employed by $master, described by associates as coldly logical. Has a sealed criminal record. (if: $known_alibis contains $tourian)[☑](else:)[☐] Alibi: $alibi_tourian (if: $known_motives contains $tourian)[☑](else:)[☐] Motive: $motive_tourian **Miss $maridia:** A childhood friend of $master's, reportedly a bit flighty and scatterbrained. (if: $known_alibis contains $maridia)[☑](else:)[☐] Alibi: $alibi_maridia (if: $known_motives contains $maridia)[☑](else:)[☐] Motive: $motive_maridia

(set: $suspect to $norfair)\ (set: $interrogation_type to "alibi")\ (set: $correct_press to "charm")\ "What were you doing between six this morning and noon?" (if: not ($known_alibis contains $norfair))[ $norfair snorts. "I slept until seven, after which I joined the others for breakfast. Then I went to the west wing to do paperwork in the study. $manor has me drawing up contracts for a joint venture and I was working on that until $crateria interrupted me, asked if I knew where the others were, and demanded I come to the parlor. Happy, Detective? Check the documents if you think I'm [lying]<lie|." (set: $alibi_norfair to "Claims he slept until seven, had breakfast with the others, and was then in the study. Interrupted by $crateria asking where the others were and sending him to the parlor.")\ (if: not ($skills contains "detect lie"))[(click: ?lie)[(set: $skill to "detect lie")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ (else:)[ You detect a tiny quaver in $norfair's voice. He's lying. You might be able to |press>[press him] to find out what he's hiding.(click: ?press)[(show:?press_options)] ]\ |press_response>[]\ |press_options)[(display: "Macro: Read Mood Hint")\ (if: $skills contains "intimidate")[ [INTIMIDATE] |intimidate>["I don't *like* being lied to."] ](if: $skills contains "charm")[ [CHARM] |charm>["I bet it's annoying to have to do all that paperwork for $master, huh."] ](if: $skills contains "contradict")[ [CONTRADICT] |contradict>["$crateria told me otherwise."] ](if: $skills contains "bluff")[ [BLUFF] |bluff>["The documents are fake."] ](unless: $skills contains "press")[ |fail>["I think maybe you're lying?"] ]\ ]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "intimidate")[\ (enchant: ?intimidate, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?intimidate)[\ (enchant: ?intimidate, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "intimidate"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "I don't *like* being lied to." $norfair stares at you. "Neither do I, Detective. Do you have a point?" That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (click: ?charm)[\ (replace:?press_options)[]\ (replace:?press_response)[ "I bet it's annoying to have to do all that paperwork for $master, huh." $norfair's expression softens slightly. "It is, Detective, I admit that. And... now that I think of it, I may have become frustrated enough that I took a break and wandered the halls briefly around ten o'clock. It's possible I went into the library; I wasn't paying much attention." He fixes you with a stare. "But I certainly didn't take anything. I would not [act]<act| that way, even in anger. I'd much rather humiliate $manor in public, under the eyes of the law and everyone else." Confident that you now have $suspect's true $interrogation_type, you mark it complete in your notes.]\ (if: not ($syllables contains "act"))[(click: ?act)[(set: $syllable to "act")(goto:"Syllable Get")]]\ (unless: $known_alibis contains $norfair)[(set: $known_alibis to it + (ds: $norfair))]\ (set: $alibi_norfair to "Slept until seven, had breakfast with the others, and was then in the study except for briefly wandering the halls around ten and stopping in the library. Interrupted by $crateria asking where the others were and sending him to the parlor.")\ ]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "contradict")[\ (enchant: ?contradict, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?contradict)[\ (enchant: ?contradict, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "contradict"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "$crateria told me otherwise." $norfair scoffs. "That fool's word against mine, Detective." That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "bluff")[\ (enchant: ?bluff, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?bluff)[\ (enchant: ?bluff, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "bluff"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "The documents are fake." $norfair glares at you. "How *dare* you! They absolutely are not." That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (click: ?fail)[\ (replace:?press_options)[]\ (replace:?press_response)[ "I think maybe you're lying?" $norfair laughs in your face. "So check the documents, then. I've told you what I know, Detective." That didn't get you any new information. You have a vague feeling that there's something you're supposed to do when you catch someone in a lie, but you can't remember what that might be. ]]\ ](else:)[ $norfair snorts. "I slept until seven, after which I joined the others for breakfast. Then I went to the west wing to do paperwork in the study. $manor has me drawing up contracts for a joint venture. I took a break and wandered the halls briefly around ten o'clock, possibly stopping in the library, but I didn't take anything. I would not [act]<act| that way, even in anger. Otherwise I was working on the documents until $crateria interrupted me, asked if I knew where the others were, and demanded I come to the parlor. Happy, Detective?" (if: not ($syllables contains "act"))[(click: ?act)[(set: $syllable to "act")(goto:"Syllable Get")]]\ ]

(set: $suspect to $norfair)\ (set: $interrogation_type to "motive")\ (set: $correct_press to "bluff")\ "Do you have any reason to steal the $manor heirloom?" (if: not ($known_motives contains $norfair))[ $norfair scowls. "Absolutely not. $master and I have been business partners for years. It's a profitable arrangement and I would never disrupt it." (set: $motive_norfair to "Claims he wouldn't disrupt their business partnership.")\ (if: $skills contains "detect lie")[ You detect a tiny quaver in $norfair's voice. He's lying. You might be able to |press>[press him] to find out what he's hiding.(click: ?press)[(show:?press_options)] ]\ |press_response>[]\ |press_options)[(display: "Macro: Read Mood Hint")\ (if: $skills contains "intimidate")[ [INTIMIDATE] |intimidate>["You better tell me the truth. Now."] ](if: $skills contains "charm")[ [CHARM] |charm>["Surely with your business expertise and connections, you could put $master's art to more profitable use."] ](if: $skills contains "contradict")[ [CONTRADICT] |contradict>["You might if you thought you could get away with it."] ](if: $skills contains "bluff")[ [BLUFF] |bluff>["$master said you're a ruthless snake who would cheat him at any opportunity."] ](unless: $skills contains "press")[ |fail>["I think maybe you're lying?"] ]\ ]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "intimidate")[\ (enchant: ?intimidate, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?intimidate)[\ (enchant: ?intimidate, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "intimidate"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "You better tell me the truth. Now." $norfair regards you icily. "That's exactly what I'm doing, Detective," he says through gritted teeth. That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "charm")[\ (enchant: ?charm, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?charm)[\ (enchant: ?charm, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "charm"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "Surely with your business expertise and connections, you could put $master's art to more profitable use." $norfair laughs at you. "My business expertise tells me not to rob my partner," he says with no trace of humor. That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "contradict")[\ (enchant: ?contradict, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?contradict)[\ (enchant: ?contradict, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "contradict"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "You might if you thought you could get away with it." $norfair stares at you. "It is obviously too great a risk... to anyone with any sense at all, that is," he says. That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ \(click: ?bluff)[\ (replace:?press_options)[]\ (replace:?press_response)[ "$master said you're a ruthless snake who would cheat him at any opportunity." $norfair's eyes flash. "*He's* the snake!" he snarls. "That bastard has been short-changing me for *years!* He's been keeping two sets of books, and I found the real ones in the study this morning. I couldn't believe what I was [read]<read|ing - I've been nothing but honest and fair with him, and he's repaid me with lies and greed." He fumes for a moment. "He deserves to lose his art, Detective. But I'm not [afraid]<intimidate_get| to tell you that, because I'm not the one who took it." Confident that you now have $suspect's true $interrogation_type, you mark it complete in your notes.]\ (unless: $known_motives contains $norfair)[(set: $known_motives to it + (ds:$norfair))]\ (set: $motive_norfair to "Grudge against $manor for cheating him in business.")\ (unless: $skills contains "intimidate")[(click: ?intimidate_get)[(set: $skill to "intimidate")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ (if: not ($skills contains "read mood"))[(click: ?read)[(set: $skill to "read mood")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ ]\ (click: ?fail)[\ (replace:?press_options)[]\ (replace:?press_response)[ "I think maybe you're lying?" $norfair laughs in your face. "You don't [scare]<intimidate_get| me, Detective. Go bother someone else." That didn't get you any new information. You have a vague feeling that there's something you're supposed to do when you catch someone in a lie, but you can't remember what that might be.]\ (unless: $skills contains "intimidate")[(click: ?intimidate_get)[(set: $skill to "intimidate")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ ]]\ (else:)[ $norfair sighs impatiently. "$manor has been cheating me in our business dealings for years," he says with barely-contained rage. "I found out by [read]<read|ing his second set of books this morning. He deserves to lose his art, Detective. But I'm not [afraid]<intimidate_get| to tell you that, because I'm not the one who took it." (unless: $skills contains "intimidate")[(click: ?intimidate_get)[(set: $skill to "intimidate")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ (if: not ($skills contains "read mood"))[(click: ?read)[(set: $skill to "read mood")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ ]

(set: $suspect to $brinstar)\ (set: $interrogation_type to "alibi")\ (set: $correct_press to "contradict")\ "What were you doing between six this morning and noon?" (if: not ($known_alibis contains $brinstar))[ $brinstar furrows her brow. "Well, I was in my guest room until around seven, when we gathered for breakfast. After that I went to the archives to check $manor family records - I'm doing some genealogy research. There's a scandalous rumor about Great Uncle $alucard and I'm convinced it's a [lie]<lie|. There were a lot of documents to sort through and the next thing I knew, $crateria burst in asking if I knew where the other guests were and asking me to wait in the parlor. That was around noon." (set: $alibi_brinstar to "Claims she was in her room until breakfast, and then in the archives until $crateria asked about the other guests and sent her to the parlor.")\ (if: not ($skills contains "detect lie"))[(click: ?lie)[(set: $skill to "detect lie")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ (else:)[ You detect a tiny quaver in $brinstar's voice. She's lying. You might be able to |press>[press her] to find out what she's hiding.(click: ?press)[(show:?press_options)] ]\ |press_response>[]\ |press_options)[(display: "Macro: Read Mood Hint")\ (if: $skills contains "intimidate")[ [INTIMIDATE] |intimidate>["If you want to avoid scandal on your family, you had better tell me what you were actually doing."] ](if: $skills contains "charm")[ [CHARM] |charm>["Lady $brinstar, your family doesn't deserve scandal or rumors - but to help prevent more, you need to tell me the truth."] ](if: $skills contains "contradict")[ [CONTRADICT] |contradict>["Surely the library had some of the records you needed as well."] ](if: $skills contains "bluff")[ [BLUFF] |bluff>["You don't have a Great Uncle $alucard."] ](unless: $skills contains "press")[ |fail>["I think maybe you're lying?"] ]\ ]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "intimidate")[\ (enchant: ?intimidate, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?intimidate)[\ (enchant: ?intimidate, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "intimidate"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "If you want to avoid scandal on your family, you had better tell me what you were actually doing." $brinstar blinks at you. "I was researching our family history, Detective. And you are not very polite sometimes." That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "charm")[\ (enchant: ?charm, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?charm)[\ (enchant: ?charm, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "charm"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "Lady $brinstar, your family doesn't deserve scandal or rumors - but to help prevent more, you need to tell me the truth." $brinstar flashes you a forced smile. "Of course, Detective," she says, sounding slightly annoyed. That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (click: ?contradict)[\ (replace:?press_options)[]\ (replace:?press_response)[ "Surely the library had some of the records you needed as well." $brinstar fidgets. "Well... you're not wrong, Detective. The records referenced a volume that I couldn't find - I thought it might be in the library. I went there to find it around ten and took it back with me to the archives - but that's all I took." She pauses. "I would have just [read]<read| it in the library, but I could hear someone stomping around the hallways. I didn't see who it was, but the noise was distracting so I took it as my [cue]<cue| to return to the archives." Confident that you now have $suspect's true $interrogation_type, you mark it complete in your notes.]\ (if: not ($syllables contains "cue"))[(click: ?cue)[(set: $syllable to "cue")(goto:"Syllable Get")]]\ (if: not ($skills contains "read mood"))[(click: ?read)[(set: $skill to "read mood")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ (unless: $known_alibis contains $brinstar)[(set: $known_alibis to it + (ds: $brinstar))]\ (set: $alibi_brinstar to "In her room until breakfast, and then in the archives until ten when she visited the library and took a volume back to the archives. Around noon, $crateria came to the archives, asked about the other guests, and sent her to the parlor.")\ ]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "bluff")[\ (enchant: ?bluff, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?bluff)[\ (enchant: ?bluff, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "bluff"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "You don't have a Great Uncle $alucard." $brinstar shoots you a confused look. "I'm afraid I do, Detective. He was fairly well-known at that." That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (click: ?fail)[\ (replace:?press_options)[]\ (replace:?press_response)[ "I think maybe you're lying?" $brinstar frowns. "I don't know why you'd say that, Detective." That didn't get you any new information. You have a vague feeling that there's something you're supposed to do when you catch someone in a lie, but you can't remember what that might be. ]]\ ](else:)[ $brinstar furrows her brow. "Well, I was in my guest room until around seven, when we gathered for breakfast. After that I went to the archives to check $manor family records - I'm doing some genealogy research. There was a missing volume, so I went to the library to find it around ten. I would have just [read]<read| it there, but I could hear someone stomping around the hallways. I didn't see who it was, but the noise was distracting so I took it as my [cue]<cue| to return to the archives. Then around noon, $crateria burst in asking if I knew where the other guests were and asking me to wait in the parlor." (if: not ($syllables contains "cue"))[(click: ?cue)[(set: $syllable to "cue")(goto:"Syllable Get")]]\ (if: not ($skills contains "read mood"))[(click: ?read)[(set: $skill to "read mood")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ ]

(set: $suspect to $brinstar)\ (set: $interrogation_type to "motive")\ (set: $correct_press to "charm")\ "Do you have any reason to steal the $manor heirloom?" (if: not ($known_motives contains $brinstar))[ $brinstar's eyes widen. "Why, not at all!" she says. "My own estate is large and my finances are secure. I have no reason to steal - from $master or anyone!" (set: $motive_brinstar to "Claims she's rich and has no reason to steal.")\ (if: $skills contains "detect lie")[ You detect a tiny quaver in $brinstar's voice. She's lying. You might be able to |press>[press her] to find out what she's hiding.(click: ?press)[(show:?press_options)] ]\ |press_response>[]\ |press_options)[(display: "Macro: Read Mood Hint")\ (if: $skills contains "intimidate")[ [INTIMIDATE] |intimidate>["If you don't tell me the truth, you may not keep your estate for long."] ](if: $skills contains "charm")[ [CHARM] |charm>["Lady $brinstar, I need the whole truth to prove your innocence."] ](if: $skills contains "contradict")[ [CONTRADICT] |contradict>["You can always use more money."] ](if: $skills contains "bluff")[ [BLUFF] |bluff>["$master told me to keep an eye on you. Seems like he was right."] ](unless: $skills contains "press")[ |fail>["I think maybe you're lying?"] ]\ ]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "intimidate")[\ (enchant: ?intimidate, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?intimidate)[\ (enchant: ?intimidate, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "intimidate"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "If you don't tell me the truth, you may not keep your estate for long." $brinstar frowns. "My dear Detective, that was a rather nasty thing to say," she says. That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ \(click: ?charm)[\ (replace:?press_options)[]\ (replace:?press_response)[ "Lady $brinstar, I need the whole truth to prove your innocence." $brinstar's eyes search your face for a moment. "Detective... I..." she says, and then stops herself and takes a deep breath. "Very well, Detective. I... owe some money to some bad people. A lot of money. Normally I'm quite good at cards, but... things haven't been going well for a while." She looks down and her lip trembles. "I should have known better than to try to hide that, I suppose. Remind me to never try to [bluff]<bluff_get| you at cards either. But I assure you, Detective, I have things under control. I would not steal from $master to cover my debts." Confident that you now have $suspect's true $interrogation_type, you mark it complete in your notes.]\ (unless: $known_motives contains $brinstar)[(set: $known_motives to it + (ds:$brinstar))]\ (set: $motive_brinstar to "Large gambling debt.")\ (unless: $skills contains "bluff")[(click: ?bluff_get)[(set: $skill to "bluff")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ ]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "contradict")[\ (enchant: ?contradict, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?contradict)[\ (enchant: ?contradict, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "contradict"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "You can always use more money." $brinstar shakes her head. "$master is my cousin, and family is much harder to replace," she says. That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "bluff")[\ (enchant: ?bluff, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?bluff)[\ (enchant: ?bluff, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "bluff"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "$master told me to keep an eye on you. Seems like he was right." $brinstar tilts her head curiously. "You must have misunderstood, Detective," she says. "$master and I are quite close and have always trusted each other implicitly." That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (click: ?fail)[\ (replace:?press_options)[]\ (replace:?press_response)[ "I think maybe you're lying?" $brinstar stifles a laugh. "Are you trying to [bluff]<bluff_get| me, Detective? I'm afraid you'd be a disaster at cards." That didn't get you any new information. You have a vague feeling that there's something you're supposed to do when you catch someone in a lie, but you can't remember what that might be.]\ (unless: $skills contains "bluff")[(click: ?bluff_get)[(set: $skill to "bluff")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ ]]\ (else:)[ $brinstar takes a deep breath. "I... owe some money to some bad people. A lot of money. Normally I'm quite good at cards, but... things haven't been going well for a while." She looks down and her lip trembles. "I should have known better than to try to hide that, I suppose. Remind me to never try to [bluff]<bluff_get| you at cards either. But I assure you, Detective, I have things under control. I would not steal from $master to cover my debts." (unless: $skills contains "bluff")[(click: ?bluff_get)[(set: $skill to "bluff")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ ]

(set: $suspect to $tourian)\ (set: $interrogation_type to "alibi")\ (set: $correct_press to "intimidate")\ "What were you doing between six this morning and noon?" (if: not ($known_alibis contains $tourian))[ $tourian nods slightly. "I was mostly in the gallery, Detective. $crateria fetched me for breakfast around seven, after which I returned to the gallery. $master has tasked me with inspecting his collection and advising him on a few potential sales and acquisitions. This work kept me in the gallery until $crateria found me around noon. He asked if I knew where he could find the others and requested I go to the parlor, where I have been until now." The side of $tourian's mouth turns down ever so slightly. "I acknowledge that most of this cannot be corroborated by anyone, so it is difficult to prove it is not a [lie]<lie|. I can at least show you my appraisal notes if you do not believe me." (set: $alibi_tourian to "Claims he had breakfast with the others and was then in the gallery until noon, when $crateria asked where the others were and sent him to the parlor.")\ (if: not ($skills contains "detect lie"))[(click: ?lie)[(set: $skill to "detect lie")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ (else:)[ You detect a tiny quaver in $tourian's voice. He's lying. You might be able to |press>[press him] to find out what he's hiding.(click: ?press)[(show:?press_options)] ]\ |press_response>[]\ |press_options)[(display: "Macro: Read Mood Hint")\ (if: $skills contains "intimidate")[ [INTIMIDATE] |intimidate>["If someone *else* is the one to tell me that you were in the library, things will go badly for you."] ](if: $skills contains "charm")[ [CHARM] |charm>["$master must trust you a great deal to let you inspect his gallery unsupervised."] ](if: $skills contains "contradict")[ [CONTRADICT] |contradict>["You can't have been in the gallery that entire time."] ](if: $skills contains "bluff")[ [BLUFF] |bluff>["You were seen in the library."] ](unless: $skills contains "press")[ |fail>["I think maybe you're lying?"] ]\ ]\ (click: ?intimidate)[\ (replace:?press_options)[]\ (replace:?press_response)[ "If someone *else* is the one to tell me that you were in the library, things will go badly for you." $tourian looks at you, face frozen and unreadable. "I suppose you are correct, Detective," he says. "While I was mostly in the gallery as I said, I did also stop in a few other rooms to inspect works displayed elsewhere - including the heirloom in the library. I believe that particular inspection occurred around nine o'clock. $master did not task me with this; it was merely to [sate]<sate| my own curiosity. However, I assure you I did not take the statue, nor was my intent to hide that I have seen it. You can check my appraisal notes; the heirloom is fully described." Confident that you now have $suspect's true $interrogation_type, you mark it complete in your notes.]\ (if: not ($syllables contains "sate"))[(click: ?sate)[(set: $syllable to "sate")(goto:"Syllable Get")]]\ (unless: $known_alibis contains $tourian)[(set: $known_alibis to it + (ds: $tourian))]\ (set: $alibi_tourian to "Had breakfast with the others, then was mostly in the gallery but visited the library around nine. At noon, $crateria asked where the others were and sent him to the parlor.")\ ]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "charm")[\ (enchant: ?charm, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?charm)[\ (enchant: ?charm, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "charm"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "$master must trust you a great deal to let you inspect his gallery unsupervised." $tourian nods again. "I am a trustworthy man, Detective." That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "contradict")[\ (enchant: ?contradict, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?contradict)[\ (enchant: ?contradict, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "contradict"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "You can't have been in the gallery that entire time." $tourian's shoulders rise and fall in a barely perceptible shrug. "$master has many works and I sought to complete my work today before his return." That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "bluff")[\ (enchant: ?bluff, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?bluff)[\ (enchant: ?bluff, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "bluff"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "You were seen in the library." $tourian stares at you. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Detective. Your witness must be mistaken." That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (click: ?fail)[\ (replace:?press_options)[]\ (replace:?press_response)[ "I think maybe you're lying?" $tourian blinks. "That would not be wise of me, Detective. But if I were, you would need to work harder than that to catch me." That didn't get you any new information. You have a vague feeling that there's something you're supposed to do when you catch someone in a lie, but you can't remember what that might be. ]]\ ](else:)[ $tourian nods slightly. "Mostly, I was in the gallery, Detective. $crateria fetched me for breakfast around seven, after which I returned to the gallery. $master has tasked me with inspecting his collection and advising him on a few potential sales and acquisitions. Most of it is in the gallery, but I also inspected works in other rooms to [sate]<sate| my own curiosity, including the heirloom in the library. $crateria found me in the gallery around noon. He asked if I knew where he could find the others and requested I go to the parlor, where I have been until now." (if: not ($syllables contains "sate"))[(click: ?sate)[(set: $syllable to "sate")(goto:"Syllable Get")]]\ ]

(set: $suspect to $tourian)\ (set: $interrogation_type to "motive")\ (set: $correct_press to "contradict")\ "Do you have any reason to steal the $manor heirloom?" (if: not ($known_motives contains $tourian))[ $tourian's expression doesn't change. "I do not," he says. "I would never seek any trouble with the law." (set: $motive_tourian to "Claims he wants no trouble with the law.")\ (if: $skills contains "detect lie")[ You detect a tiny quaver in $tourian's voice. He's lying. You might be able to |press>[press him] to find out what he's hiding.(click: ?press)[(show:?press_options)] ]\ |press_response>[]\ |press_options)[(display: "Macro: Read Mood Hint")\ (if: $skills contains "intimidate")[ [INTIMIDATE] |intimidate>["In that case, you'd better tell me the truth now."] ](if: $skills contains "charm")[ [CHARM] |charm>["I want to keep you out of trouble too. But I need you to tell me everything."] ](if: $skills contains "contradict")[ [CONTRADICT] |contradict>["Then why did my background check find that you have a sealed criminal record?"] ](if: $skills contains "bluff")[ [BLUFF] |bluff>["I know you need the money."] ](unless: $skills contains "press")[ |fail>["I think maybe you're lying?"] ]\ ]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "intimidate")[\ (enchant: ?intimidate, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?intimidate)[\ (enchant: ?intimidate, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "intimidate"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "In that case, you'd better tell me the truth now." $tourian raises an eyebrow. "Precisely why I have just done so, Detective," he says. That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "charm")[\ (enchant: ?charm, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?charm)[\ (enchant: ?charm, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "charm"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "I want to keep you out of trouble too. But I need you to tell me everything." $tourian blinks at you. "I am telling you everything of relevance, Detective," he says. That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ \(click: ?contradict)[\ (replace:?press_options)[]\ (replace:?press_response)[ "Then why did my background check find that you have a sealed criminal record?" $tourian's eyes widen a tiny bit for a brief moment. "I see I have underestimated your research and preparation, Detective. I meant no disrespect." He considers briefly before continuing. "I'm sure you will discover the details if you have not already [read]<read| the police file, so I may as well tell you. I was once a... let us say 'gentleman thief.' I stole many valuable artworks - but for the thrill, not the money. Once caught, I agreed to use my skills to aid the police in apprehending other criminals. In exchange for this, they reduced my sentence considerably and sealed the records. Or perhaps it was because of my [charming]<charm_get| personality." $tourian shifts his weight slightly. "Regardless, Detective, my thieving days are behind me. Outsmarting criminals may be less satisfying than outsmarting the police, but it is also far safer for a man of my age." Confident that you now have $suspect's true $interrogation_type, you mark it complete in your notes.]\ (unless: $known_motives contains $tourian)[(set: $known_motives to it + (ds:$tourian))]\ (set: $motive_tourian to "Reformed art thief.")\ (unless: $skills contains "charm")[(click: ?charm_get)[(set: $skill to "charm")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ (if: not ($skills contains "read mood"))[(click: ?read)[(set: $skill to "read mood")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ ]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "bluff")[\ (enchant: ?bluff, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?bluff)[\ (enchant: ?bluff, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "bluff"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "I know you need the money." $tourian tilts his head slightly. "You have been misinformed, Detective," he says evenly. "I assure you I am quite comfortable." That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (click: ?fail)[\ (replace:?press_options)[]\ (replace:?press_response)[ "I think maybe you're lying?" $tourian regards you, stone-faced. "I do not find your fumbling particularly [charming]<charm_get|, Detective. Please do not waste my time." That didn't get you any new information. You have a vague feeling that there's something you're supposed to do when you catch someone in a lie, but you can't remember what that might be.]\ (unless: $skills contains "charm")[(click: ?charm_get)[(set: $skill to "charm")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ ]]\ (else:)[ $tourian's eyes widen a tiny bit for a brief moment. "As you may have [read]<read| in my police file, I was once a... let us say 'gentleman thief.' I stole many valuable artworks - but for the thrill, not the money. Once caught, I agreed to use my skills to aid the police in apprehending other criminals. In exchange for this, they reduced my sentence considerably and sealed the records. Or perhaps it was because of my [charming]<charm_get| personality." $tourian shifts his weight slightly. "Regardless, Detective, my thieving days are behind me. Outsmarting criminals may be less satisfying than outsmarting the police, but it is also far safer for a man of my age." (unless: $skills contains "charm")[(click: ?charm_get)[(set: $skill to "charm")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ (if: not ($skills contains "read mood"))[(click: ?read)[(set: $skill to "read mood")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ ]

(set: $suspect to $maridia)\ (set: $interrogation_type to "alibi")\ (set: $correct_press to "bluff")\ "What were you doing between six this morning and noon?" (if: not ($known_alibis contains $maridia))[ $maridia twirls a strand of hair. "Well, $crateria woke me up for breakfast at seven and all us guests ate together. After that, I went to the garden to see the flowers. There were a lot of pretty ones! And some really interesting bugs. $crateria found me around noon and asked where everyone else was, but I didn't know, so he told me to wait here in the parlor. I'm not [lying]<lie|." (set: $alibi_maridia to "Claims she was in the garden looking at flowers and bugs until $crateria asked her where the others were and sent her to the parlor.")\ (if: not ($skills contains "detect lie"))[(click: ?lie)[(set: $skill to "detect lie")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ (else:)[ You detect a tiny quaver in $maridia's voice. She's lying. You might be able to |press>[press her] to find out what she's hiding.(click: ?press)[(show:?press_options)] ]\ |press_response>[]\ |press_options)[(display: "Macro: Read Mood Hint")\ (if: $skills contains "intimidate")[ [INTIMIDATE] |intimidate>["If you *are* lying, you have one last chance to tell me the truth."] ](if: $skills contains "charm")[ [CHARM] |charm>["You can trust me with the truth."] ](if: $skills contains "contradict")[ [CONTRADICT] |contradict>["The garden couldn't possibly hold your interest for that long."] ](if: $skills contains "bluff")[ [BLUFF] |bluff>["$crateria found you in the library, not the garden."] ](unless: $skills contains "press")[ |fail>["I think maybe you're lying?"] ]\ ]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "intimidate")[\ (enchant: ?intimidate, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?intimidate)[\ (enchant: ?intimidate, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "intimidate"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "If you *are* lying, you have one last chance to tell me the truth." $maridia scrunches her nose. "How many chances do I get if I'm *already* telling the truth?" she asks, and starts counting on her fingers. That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "charm")[\ (enchant: ?charm, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?charm)[\ (enchant: ?charm, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "charm"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "You can trust me with the truth." $maridia tilts her head. "Yes, but can I trust you with a badger?" she asks, apparently giving the question serious thought. That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "contradict")[\ (enchant: ?contradict, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?contradict)[\ (enchant: ?contradict, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "contradict"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "The garden couldn't possibly hold your interest for that long." $maridia puts her hands on her hips. "Spoken like someone who's never climbed a tree to see what bugs are up there." That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (click: ?bluff)[\ (replace:?press_options)[]\ (replace:?press_response)[ "$crateria found you in the library, not the garden." "He did *not!"* shouts $maridia. "I was back in the garden by then! I... oh." She sighs. "Yeah, okay, I went to the library after like half an hour. I think it was eight o'clock. But I didn't steal anything! I wanted to see if $manor had a book about bugs so I could learn about the ones in the garden. There are so many! I found one about their colors and markings - I was [read]<read|ing about, uh, ear-or-ate-[shun]<shun|? Something like that. It was a fancy word for bugs that look like they have dew drops on them. But I got bored and went back to the garden. I didn't take anything from the library!" Confident that you now have $suspect's true $interrogation_type, you mark it complete in your notes.]\ (if: not ($syllables contains "shun"))[(click: ?shun)[(set: $syllable to "shun")(goto:"Syllable Get")]]\ (if: not ($skills contains "read mood"))[(click: ?read)[(set: $skill to "read mood")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ (unless: $known_alibis contains $maridia)[(set: $known_alibis to it + (ds: $maridia))]\ (set: $alibi_maridia to "Was in the garden after breakfast, but visited the library around eight for a book about bugs and learned about irroration. Returned to garden and looked at flowers and bugs until $crateria asked where the others were and sent her to the parlor.")\ ]\ (click: ?fail)[\ (replace:?press_options)[]\ (replace:?press_response)[ "I think maybe you're lying?" $maridia sniggers. "I think maybe you're a bad detective?" That didn't get you any new information. You have a vague feeling that there's something you're supposed to do when you catch someone in a lie, but you can't remember what that might be. ]]\ ](else:)[ $maridia twirls a strand of hair. "Well, $crateria woke me up for breakfast at seven and we all ate together. After that, I went to the garden to see the flowers. There were a lot of pretty ones! And some really interesting bugs. So around eight I went to the library to find a book about them. I [read]<read| about, uh, ear-or-ate-[shun]<shun|? Something like that. It was a fancy word for bugs that look like they have dew drops on them. But I got bored and went back to the garden. $crateria found me around noon and asked where everyone else was, but I didn't know, so he told me to wait here in the parlor." (if: not ($syllables contains "shun"))[(click: ?shun)[(set: $syllable to "shun")(goto:"Syllable Get")]]\ (if: not ($skills contains "read mood"))[(click: ?read)[(set: $skill to "read mood")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ ]

(set: $suspect to $maridia)\ (set: $interrogation_type to "motive")\ (set: $correct_press to "intimidate")\ "Do you have any reason to steal the $manor heirloom?" (if: not ($known_motives contains $maridia))[ $maridia giggles. "That ugly thing?" she asks. "I'd never take something so... ugly!" (set: $motive_maridia to "Claims the heirloom is not to her taste.")\ (if: $skills contains "detect lie")[ You detect a tiny quaver in $maridia's voice. She's lying. You might be able to |press>[press her] to find out what she's hiding.(click: ?press)[(show:?press_options)] ]\ |press_response>[]\ |press_options)[(display: "Macro: Read Mood Hint")\ (if: $skills contains "intimidate")[ [INTIMIDATE] |intimidate>["This isn't a game, Miss $maridia! Tell me the truth or you'll regret it."] ](if: $skills contains "charm")[ [CHARM] |charm>["Oh, but it's such a lovely artwork, don't you think?"] ](if: $skills contains "contradict")[ [CONTRADICT] |contradict>["It doesn't matter how pretty it is. It would sell for a lot of money."] ](if: $skills contains "bluff")[ [BLUFF] |bluff>["I know for a fact you have terrible taste in art."] ](unless: $skills contains "press")[ |fail>["I think maybe you're lying?"] ]\ ]\ \(click: ?intimidate)[\ (replace:?press_options)[]\ (replace:?press_response)[ "This isn't a game, Miss $maridia! Tell me the truth or you'll regret it." $maridia stamps her foot. "You're no fun!" she says. "But I'd never take it, no matter *how* shiny it is! That'd be trouble, and I don't have the kind of money to make that much trouble disappear." Her pout vanishes, replaced with a grin. "I know I'm [contradicting]<contradict_get| myself, but I can't help it. If it's shiny, I want it. Even if it's ugly. Usually I can give people money and they stop being mad, but $master really likes that bird thing. He always has. There isn't enough money in the world." Confident that you now have $suspect's true $interrogation_type, you mark it complete in your notes.]\ (unless: $known_motives contains $maridia)[(set: $known_motives to it + (ds:$maridia))]\ (set: $motive_maridia to "Loves shiny objects, but couldn't afford hush money for a theft like this.")\ (unless: $skills contains "contradict")[(click: ?contradict_get)[(set: $skill to "contradict")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ ]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "charm")[\ (enchant: ?charm, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?charm)[\ (enchant: ?charm, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "charm"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "Oh, but it's such a lovely artwork, don't you think?" $maridia shakes her head, turning her entire torso along with it. "Ugly!" she exclaims. "Ugly, ugly." That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "contradict")[\ (enchant: ?contradict, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?contradict)[\ (enchant: ?contradict, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "contradict"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "It doesn't matter how pretty it is. It would sell for a lot of money." $maridia sticks her tongue out. "Money is ugly too," she says. That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (if: (($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect) contains "bluff")[\ (enchant: ?bluff, (text-style: "strike"))\ ](else:)[\ (click: ?bluff)[\ (enchant: ?bluff, (text-style: "strike"))\ (set: ($press_tried's $interrogation_type)'s $suspect to it + (ds: "bluff"))\ (replace:?press_response)[ "I know for a fact you have terrible taste in art." $maridia shrugs and spins in a half-circle. "I likes what I likes," she says. That didn't get you any new information. You'll have to try something else. ]]]\ (click: ?fail)[\ (replace:?press_options)[]\ (replace:?press_response)[ "I think maybe you're lying?" $maridia bursts out laughing. "Hate to [contradict]<contradict_get| you there, guv, but - nope!" That didn't get you any new information. You have a vague feeling that there's something you're supposed to do when you catch someone in a lie, but you can't remember what that might be.]\ (unless: $skills contains "contradict")[(click: ?contradict_get)[(set: $skill to "contradict")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ ]]\ (else:)[ $maridia pouts. "I'd never take that ugly thing, no matter *how* shiny it is! That'd be trouble, and I don't have the kind of money to make that much trouble disappear." Her pout vanishes, replaced with a grin. "I know I'm [contradicting]<contradict_get| myself, but I can't help it. If it's shiny, I want it. Even if it's ugly. Usually when I take something, I can give people money and they stop being mad, but $master really likes that bird thing. He always has. There isn't enough money in the world." (unless: $skills contains "contradict")[(click: ?contradict_get)[(set: $skill to "contradict")(goto:"Skill Get")]]\ ]

(set: $skills to (ds:))\ (link:"Get Basic Skills.")[(set: $skills to it + (ds: "speak", "word", "sentence", "question"))] (link:"Get Press Skills.")[(set: $skills to it + (ds: "detect lie", "read mood", "press", "intimidate", "charm", "contradict", "bluff"))] (link:"Get Accusation Skill.")[(set: $syllables to it + (ds: "act", "cue", "sate", "shun"))(set: $skills to it + (ds: "accusation"))] (link:"Learn Alibis.")[(set: $known_alibis to (ds: $norfair, $brinstar, $tourian, $maridia))] (link:"Learn Motives.")[(set: $known_motives to (ds: $norfair, $brinstar, $tourian, $maridia))] [[Parlor]]

"Detective," $crateria greets you as you step up to the manor's front door. "Thank you for coming so quickly. $master much prefers working with private detectives to involving the police." Thanks to your investigative skills, you notice a tiny quaver in his voice. You could probably |press>[press that statement] to find out what $crateria is hiding. \|press_options)[ [INTIMIDATE] |intimidate>["Lying to detectives can backfire rather badly, you know."] [CHARM] |charm>["I want to help you, but you have to tell me everything."] [CONTRADICT] |contradict>["Public records show he's quite willing to lean on law enforcement to protect his collection."] [BLUFF] |bluff>["Funny, that's not what he told me."] ]\ \|intimidate_response)[ "Lying to detectives can backfire rather badly, you know." ]\ \|charm_response)[ "I want to help you, but you have to tell me everything." ]\ \|contradict_response)[ "Public records show he's quite willing to lean on law enforcement to protect his collection." ]\ \|bluff_response)[ "Funny, that's not what he told me." ]\ \|press_response)[ $crateria's eyes go wide. "No, I... all right, yes. The truth is $master doesn't yet know the piece is missing. With police bureaucracy and paperwork, their investigation would take days. You, on the other hand, might be able to resolve things before $master returns from business this evening. I don't want him to come home to police crawling all over his estate. Not after the piece went missing under my watch." ]\ \(click: ?press)[(show:?press_options)]\ \(click: ?intimidate)[(replace:?press_options)[](show:?intimidate_response)(show:?press_response)]\ \(click: ?charm)[(replace:?press_options)[](show:?charm_response)(show:?press_response)]\ \(click: ?contradict)[(replace:?press_options)[](show:?contradict_response)(show:?press_response)]\ \(click: ?bluff)[(replace:?press_options)[](show:?bluff_response)(show:?press_response)]\ [["Of course. How did you discover the $manor heirloom was missing?"->Foyer]]

"Of course. How did you discover the $manor heirloom was missing?" $crateria opens the door and motions you in to the manor. Once you're inside, he leads you through the foyer and down a hallway, explaining all the while. "Detective, the heirloom is a lovely piece - a small golden statue of a bird grasping a crystal orb. Owing to its unique sentimental value, $master keeps it not in the gallery, but in the east wing's library." $crateria turns a corner, and you follow. He continues speaking. "This morning, my cleaning duties took me to the library shortly after six o'clock. The statue was there as usual at that time. However, at noon I was seeking our guests to call them to lunch, and when I checked the library - no guests were in it, but neither was the statue!" The two of you come to a door, and $crateria stops. He turns to face you. "No one has entered or departed the manor in that time, Detective. But the guests have all visited the library today. Any of them could have taken the heirloom." You pay close attention with your investigative skills, but detect no quaver in his voice. He is telling you the truth. He tilts his head toward the door. "I've gathered them here in the parlor for your convenience. I'll leave you to it - I'm going to check the gallery and confirm nothing else is missing." With that, $crateria bows slightly and backs away. You turn to face the door. [[Enter the parlor.->Entryway]] \(set: $crime_details_known to true)\

(set: $accusation_armor to 4)\ You stand in the center of the parlor. You clear your throat as you draw yourself up to your full height, then you take a deep breath. "Attention please, everyone. I have solved the mysterious crime. I know who took the $manor heirloom." Lord $norfair pauses in his pacing. Lady $brinstar looks up from her seat. Mr. $tourian angles his gaze at you. Miss $maridia turns from the window. $crateria steps forward from the door with a curt smile. "Most excellent news, Detective," says $crateria. "I knew you would determine which of the guests violated $master's hospitality with despicable theft. Please, then - who was it?" You detect a tiny quaver in $crateria's voice. He's lying. You might be able to |press>[press him] to find out what she's hiding. \|press_response>[]\ |press_options)[ |option_intimidate>[[INTIMIDATE] |intimidate>["You never should have lied to a master detective, $crateria."] ]|option_charm>[[CHARM] |charm>["If you come clean now, we can try to make things easier on you."] ]|option_contradict>[[CONTRADICT] |contradict>["I never said it was one of the guests."] ]|option_bluff>[[BLUFF] |bluff>["Seems $master was justified in his suspicion of you."] ]]\ \(click: ?press)[(show:?press_options)]\ \(click: ?intimidate)[(replace:?accuse_options)[](replace:?option_intimidate)[](append:?press_response)[ "You never should have lied to a master detective, $crateria." $crateria takes a step back. "Detective?" he says. "Why would you think I lied to you?" (set:$accusation_armor to it - 1)(display: "Macro: Accusation Progress") ]]\ \(click: ?charm)[(replace:?accuse_options)[](replace:?option_charm)[](append:?press_response)[ "If you come clean now, we can try to make things easier on you." $crateria swallows. "Come clean about *what,* Detective?" he asks. (set:$accusation_armor to it - 1)(display: "Macro: Accusation Progress") ]]\ \(click: ?contradict)[(replace:?accuse_options)[](replace:?option_contradict)[](append:?press_response)[ "I never said it was one of the guests." $crateria's eyes go wide. "But, Detective! No one else arrived at or departed from $manor Manor." (set:$accusation_armor to it - 1)(display: "Macro: Accusation Progress") ]]\ \(click: ?bluff)[(replace:?accuse_options)[](replace:?option_bluff)[](append:?press_response)[ "Seems $master was justified in his suspicion of you." $crateria opens his mouth, then closes it. "$master was suspicious of me? Whatever for?" he asks. (set:$accusation_armor to it - 1)(display: "Macro: Accusation Progress") ]]\ |accuse_options>[ |wrong_accusation>[][Accuse $norfair.]<accuse_norfair| [Accuse $brinstar.]<accuse_brinstar| [Accuse $tourian.]<accuse_tourian| [Accuse $maridia.]<accuse_maridia| ] \(click:?accuse_norfair)[(enchant:?accuse_norfair, (text-style: "strike"))(replace:?wrong_accusation)[You ready yourself to accuse Lord $norfair, but suddenly stop. Something seems off. ]] \(click:?accuse_brinstar)[(enchant:?accuse_brinstar, (text-style: "strike"))(replace:?wrong_accusation)[You ready yourself to accuse Lady $brinstar, but suddenly stop. Something doesn't seem right. ]] \(click:?accuse_tourian)[(enchant:?accuse_tourian, (text-style: "strike"))(replace:?wrong_accusation)[You ready yourself to accuse Mr. $tourian, but suddenly stop. Something doesn't add up. ]] \(click:?accuse_maridia)[(enchant:?accuse_maridia, (text-style: "strike"))(replace:?wrong_accusation)[You ready yourself to accuse Miss $maridia, but suddenly stop. Something feels fishy. ]]

(set: $butler_returned to true)\ You hear footsteps and turn to see $crateria enter the parlor. He motions you toward him and you step away from the guests to stand next to him. "Detective," he says quietly. "There does not appear to be anything missing from the gallery. The $manor heirloom remains our focus. Please let me know when you have determined who took it." \(if: $skills contains "accusation")[ [[Prepare for accusation.->Accusation]] ] [[Withdraw from this discussion.->Parlor]]

(if: $accusation_armor is 4)[$crateria stands tall and wears a confident expression.]\ (else-if: $accusation_armor is 3)[$crateria looks slightly confused.]\ (else-if: $accusation_armor is 2)[$crateria is starting to look alarmed.]\ (else-if: $accusation_armor is 1)[$crateria is sweating.]\ (else-if: $accusation_armor is 0)[$crateria's eyes are darting around and his muscles are tensing. [[Accuse $crateria.->The Butler Did It]]]

Even though you're already standing ramrod straight, as you shift your weight and ready your pointing arm you somehow seem to gain a few inches of height in the way only a master detective can when about to reveal the solution to a mysterious crime. Your arm snaps into position, your index finger pointing squarely at your target. (link-reveal:"\"$crateria, *you* took the $manor heirloom!\"")[ $crateria blanches. He turns to the door, but Lord $norfair has circled behind and stands in his way, arms folded and face twisted into a smoldering glare. Mr. $tourian steps to your side and slightly in front, subtly putting himself between you and $crateria. $crateria turns to face you. "Absurd, Detective. Clearly any of these guests had reason and opportunity to take the heirloom." (link:"\"Exactly...\"")["Exactly. With four suspicious guests present, you saw a perfect opportunity to deflect suspicion from yourself. You muddled things even further by calling in a private detective - either I'd decide one of the guests was guilty and you'd be cleared before $master returned, or I'd be stumped by an impossible investigation and $master would return home to an unsolved case and immediately involve the police. To show up the private detective, the police would respond in force, conducting a thorough and extended investigation with many officers coming and going - giving you plenty of time to get the heirloom away from the manor in the confusion." You pause dramatically. (link:"\"But you made a mistake...\"")["But you made a mistake. To give yourself a reason to visit the library and find the heirloom missing, you made sure each guest knew you were searching for them. But you asked *all four guests* where the others were. Surely once you had found the *last* guest, you would have known where the other three were. In fact, you must have been watching their movements closely in order to ensure they had each visited the library but were not in it when you took the heirloom." $crateria's eyes go wide. "Oh... Oh my," he says quietly. (link:"\"And then you made one last mistake...\"")["And then you made one more mistake. You called a *master detective* to the scene." $crateria scowls. "You were supposed to be unreliable!" he spits at you. "All these stories from your prior cases of you hitting your head or getting drugged or hypnotized and forgetting how to investigate mysterious crimes... that's why I put the guests in the room with the lowest doorway, and *it worked!* You hit your head on the way in! You weren't supposed to recover in time to finish the investigation before $master returned and called the police!" "He *did* do it!" gasps Lady $brinstar. "Naughty, naughty!" scolds Miss $maridia. (link:"\"Well, it seems my work here is done...\"")["Well, it seems my work here is done." You finally lower your accusing arm and dust your hands together. Lord $norfair steps toward $crateria. "We'll keep this snake here until $master returns. He can decide what to do with him." Mr. $tourian nods. "I expect we'll find the heirloom stashed in his quarters," he adds. Lady $brinstar smiles. "Thank you for clearing our names." Miss $maridia runs up and gives you a quick hug. "Detective, you're my favorite!" [[Take your leave.->Exit]] \]]]]]

You nod to the others, congratulating yourself on a job well done. Head held high, you step through the low doorway back to the hallway, when suddenly— *BONK*(set: $skills to (ds:)) Oh no! You've hit your head again! You're such a tall and clumsy master detective! "Detective!" shouts Miss $maridia. Mr. $tourian grabs your arm and steadies you, as Lord $norfair keeps an eye on $crateria. "Are you all right?" asks Lady $brinstar. (link-reveal:"\"...\"")[ (link-reveal:"\"...\"")[ (link-reveal:"\"...\"")[ [[THE END]] \]]]

THE END Thank you for playing Detectivania! Detectivania is a (link-repeat:"Pixel Poppers")[(open-url: "https://pixelpoppers.com")] game. (link-repeat:"Detectivania Home Page")[(open-url: "https://pixelpoppers.com/game/detectivania")] (link-repeat:"Visit Pixel Poppers")[(open-url: "https://pixelpoppers.com")] (link-repeat:"Pixel Poppers on Itch.io")[(open-url: "https://pixelpoppers.itch.io")] (link:"Play it again from the beginning!")[(reload:)]

<img src="asset/cover.png" class="cover" alt="DETECTIVANIA"> [[Start Game->Start]]

(set: $skills to it + (ds: $skill))\ (if: (a: "intimidate", "charm", "contradict", "bluff") contains $skill)[(set: $skills to it + (ds: "press"))]\ ★★SKILL REMEMBERED★★ (if: $skill is "accusation")[Act... cue... sate... shun! Accusation! ]You remembered the ''$skill'' skill! (text: $skill_descriptions's $skill) (either: "Awesome!", "That's good news!", "Hurray!", "You're one step closer to being a master detective again!", "Thank goodness!","It's all coming back to you now!", "The case is all but solved!", "Nothing gets by you!") (link:"Return to the interrogation.")[(goto: $last_interrogation)]

(set: $syllables to it + (ds: $syllable))\ ★★SKILL ... well, hmm★★ Somehow, ''$syllable'' sounds familiar. (either: "It's teasing at something.", "Like a piece of something important.", "You can almost remember...", "It's tickling at something in your mind.") Something about ...(if: $syllables contains "act")[act...](if: $syllables contains "cue")[cue...](if: $syllables contains "sate")[sate...](if: $syllables contains "shun")[shun...]? (if: $syllables's length is 4)[(link:"Wait, that's it!")[(set: $skill to "accusation")(goto: "Skill Get")]]\ (else:)[(link:"Return to the interrogation.")[(goto: $last_interrogation)]]

(if: $skills contains "read mood")[\ (if: $skills contains $correct_press)[ Based on your read, it should be possible to **$correct_press** $suspect into telling the truth. ](else:)[ Based on your read, getting $suspect to tell the truth requires a skill you don't currently remember. ]]