game of twins

<h1>GAME OF TWINS</h1> GAME OF TWINS is not a 2-player game, but it is a 2-person game. Find somebody to play with, and (link-reveal:"sit down next to each other in front of the computer or screen you're playing on.")[// (Of course, it is possible to simply click through this game by yourself, but that is against the spirit of the rules, and the full experience is designed for a team of two.)//] In your team of two, you will be acting as a single player. That means that although there are two of you, you cannot act separately. Each decision can only be made once, so you must agree on a course of action. At times, this game may require a pen and paper. >> [[BEGIN.]] >> [[CREDITS.]]

LONG AGO, THERE WAS A PROPHECY... //The sun shall fall, in dragon's wake, The stars shall fall, the heavens shake, And they shall send the kingdom's best to die, one after one– to rest. But hope will not all with them fail: One hero falls [[where two prevail.]]// <pre> ` ____ __,-~~/~ '---. _/_,---( , ) __ / < / ) \___ - ------===;;;'====------------------===;;;===----- - - \/ ~"~"~"~"~"~\~"~)~"/ (_ ( \ ( > \) \_( _ < >_>' ~ '-i' ::>|--" I;|.|.| <|i::|i|'. (' ^'"'-' ") ` </pre>

You are ADA and BEAU, the fated twins. When you were born, your mother went to the oracle, and she told her the prophecy. You do not remember this, being so young, but your mother wept at the news. At last, after unknowable years of Hell, devastation brought by the dragon, (link-reveal:"the twins had come to save us.")[ <img src="twins_before.png" style="float:left; width:250px; margin:20px"> One of you is ADA, the (seq-link:"first-born", "shining sun", "righteous storm","dawn-bringer","first-born"). One of you is BEAU, the (seq-link:"second-born", "holy moon", "thundering hammer", "swiftest comet" ,"second-born"). If you are sitting on the left, you are ADA. If you are sitting on the right, you are BEAU. You do not have any choice in this. No matter what happens, you may not reverse (link-reveal:"who you are.")[ You are fifteen years old. You have lived all your life in this town, far enough away from the destruction that everybody tried to escape. But after years of training, the time has come to begin your quest. >> [[leave home->begin your quest.]] ]]

when you leave home, the sky is pearlescent lavender in the dawn. On that final morning, you make one last trip to the oracle to bid her farewell. She says she has one last gift of wisdom for you. "Remember, when you reach the walls of the dragon's fortress: to enter, you must have faced and won trials on your journey there. To be the victor, you must have won 24 POINTS." She hugs you both goodbye, and you [[leave]]. {(set:$Ascore to it + 1) (set:$Bscore to it + 1) }

{(set:$Bscore to 0) (set:$Ascore to 1) (set:$togetherScore to 1) (set:$secretHandshake to False) (set:$keepingScore to True) (set:$magicItem to "None") (set:$location to "home") {(track: 'bgmusic', 'loop', true) (track: 'bgmusic', 'playwhenpossible')} }

{(if:(passage:)'s name is not "Title" and (passage:)'s name is not "BEGIN.")[<div class="header">(if:$keepingScore is True)[ADA: (print:$Ascore) / BEAU: (print:$Bscore)] (if:$keepingScore is False)[SCORE: (print:$togetherScore)] <div class="location">[(print:$location)]<location|(live:2s)[(rerun:?location)]</div></div>]}

{(set: $Ascore to it + 2) (set:$location to "the woods") }HEADING EAST, YOU ENTER INTO DARK WOODS. The trees rise high above and all around you, their thick, dark leaves blotting out the setting sun. It's endlessly noisy, everything humming around you; there are things that live in these woods that could never have made it to your home. They're too used to (link-reveal:"the darkness.")[ Your father used to warn you about what happened to the beasts when the devastation came. The people ran away, far away, where the dragon couldn't reach. But the beasts scurried back into the dark corners instead, clambering over each other into their hidey-holes and crevices, camoflaguing themselves away. It's lucky, then, that ada has remembered to bring [[a lantern.]]]

{(set:$Bscore to it + 2) (set:$location to "the ruins") }HEADING WEST, YOU ENTER INTO A VAST VALLEY OF RUINS. This once used to be a city, before you were born, before the destruction. The ruins echo with memory. You have not been here before, but somehow, you remember. The dragon burnt this city to the ground. It's eeriely quiet, but for the echo and the wind swirling through the crumbling concrete, the deformed (link-reveal:"iron.")[ Your father warned you about this place. There is memory, yes, but the destruction has left the ruins corrupted, wrong, irradiated. Out of the ashes and the memory came dangerous creatures, things that go against the laws of nature. The sun sets quickly. It's getting harder to see the right direction in front of you. Luckily, beau, you know how to navigate by the positions of the [[stars]]. ]

{(set:$location to "the path") }You don't have a map, but everybody knows that the dragon lies on the other side of the mountains, where the old palace of shining diamond used to stand. It made its fortress out of the palace's foundations. There are many paths there, though, it's not long along the path before you must make your first decision together. >> [[To the east, the woods are dark and lush with life. You have heard tales of the creatures that reside there, beasts from a former world.->the woods]] >> [[To the west, there are ruins, crumbling remains and ashes of what your mother said used to be a town. ->the ruins]] <pre>` _ . , . . * / \_ * / \_ _ * * /\'__ * / \ / \, (( . _/ / \ *'. . /\/\ /\/ :' __ \_ ' _^/ ^/ '--. / \/ \ _/ \-'\ * /.' ^_ \_ .'\ * /\ .- '. \/ \ /==~=-=~=-=-;. _/ \ -. '_/ \ / '-.__ ^ / .-'.--\ =-=~_=-=~=^/ _ '--./ .-' '- /jgs '. / / '.~-^=-=~=^=.-' '-._ '._ ` </pre>

In the dim light of the lantern, you both can see the path forward a little better. But, as night approaches, you know you'll need to stop to rest soon. The woods, though, are full of dangers. As you both know, somebody will have to keep watch. You settle on a game of rock-paper-scissors to (link-reveal:"decide.")[ //(For this step, play a game of rock-paper scissors in-person, against each other.)// >> [[ADA is the winner->A wins RPS (woods)]] >> [[BEAU is the winner->B wins RPS (woods)]]]

Navigating using the stars, you're able to progress forward despite the darkness. But, as night approaches, you know you'll need to stop to rest soon. The ruins, though, are full of dangers. As you both know, somebody will have to keep watch. You settle on a game of rock-paper-scissors to (link-reveal:"decide.")[ //(For this step, play a game of rock-paper scissors in-person, against each other.)// >>[[ADA is the winner->A wins RPS (ruins)]] >>[[BEAU is the winner->B wins RPS (ruins)]]]

{(set:$Ascore to it + 3) }ada wins! As part of the deal, beau, you will keep watch while your sister rests. >> [[The night continues.->night (woods)]]

{(set:$Bscore to it + 3) }beau wins! As part of the deal, ada, you will keep watch while your brother rests. >> [[The night continues.->night (woods)]]

{(set:$Ascore to it + 3) }ada wins! As part of the deal, beau, you will keep watch while your sister rests. >> [[The night continues.->night (ruins)]]

{(set:$Bscore to it + 3) }beau wins! As part of the deal, ada, you will keep watch while your sister rests. >> [[The night continues.->night (ruins)]]

The next morning, you both are awake at dawn to keep going. You continue through the (link-reveal:"woods.")[ A branch cracks nearby, loudly. A rustling in the trees just out of sight, in (link-reveal:"the darkness...")[ From out of the shadows, a wolf appears! It growls menacingly, baring its sharp, sharp teeth... >> [[Outwit.->outwit the wolf]] >> [[Overpower.->overpower the wolf]] >> [[Escape.->escape the wolf]] ]]

{(set:$Ascore to it + 2) }ada, the shining sun– you remember how you're supposed to treat these kinds of predators. you pretend to be larger than you are, giving off a blaze of heat in the dark woods. You outwit (link-reveal:"the wolf. ")[Having successfully evaded that danger, [[you continue on your way->where now?]]. (click: "successfully")[//(You wonder if this is the kind of trials the oracle told you about...)//]]

{(set:$Ascore to it + 1) (set:$Bscore to it + 1) (set:$friendshipBonus to it + 1) }Both of you, together, ada and beau, the lightning and thunder, draw your weapons against the wolf. You each get in strikes against it, but only one of you can make the [[final blow...->who strikes the final blow?]]

{(set:$Ascore to it - 1)(set:$Bscore to it + 1) }beau, the swiftest comet, you run quick and light-footed, but ada, you stumble, your foot catching on a tree root. You scrape your knee, and (link-reveal:"keep running.")[ You run so far that you make it out of the woods entirely, and escape the wolf. Having successfully evaded that danger, you [[continue down the path.->where now?]]] (click: "successfully")[//(You wonder if this is the kind of trials the oracle told you about...)//]

The next morning, you both are awake at dawn to keep going. You continue through the (link-reveal:"ruins.")[ The wind howls in the distance. Something rustles loudly behind a crumbling concrete pillar, disturbing (link-reveal:"the quiet...")[ From out of the shadows, a creature appears! Something unlike any beast you've seen before, a hulking many-eyed abomination. >> [[Outwit.->outwit the abberration]] >> [[Overpower.->overpower the abberration]] >> [[Escape.->escape the abberration]] ]]

{(set:$Ascore to it + 1) (set:$Bscore to it + 1) (set:$friendshipBonus to it + 1) }Both of you, together, ada and beau, the sharp and the quick, are clever against the swirling aberration. You remain vigilant against its madness, and banish it with the force of light back into some rumble. You outwit (link-reveal:"the aberration. ")[Having successfully evaded that danger, [[you continue on your way->where now?]]. (click: "successfully")[//(You wonder if this is the kind of trials the oracle told you about...)//]]

{(set:$Ascore to it + 2) }Together, you draw your weapons against the creature. Each of you strikes it several times, your training coming in handy, but at the end of the day, ada is just slightly stronger. However, only one of you can make the [[final blow...->who strikes the final blow?]]

{(set:$Ascore to it - 1) (set:$Bscore to it + 1) }beau, the swiftest comet, you run quick and light-footed, but ada, you stumble, your foot catching on a bit of rock. You scrape your knee, and (link-reveal:"keep running.")[ You run so far that you make it out of the valley of ruins entirely, and escape the creature. Having successfully evaded that danger, you [[continue down the path.->where now?]]] (click: "successfully")[//(You wonder if this is the kind of trials the oracle told you about...)//]

{(set:$location to "the path") }you continue your journey... (live:1s)[...] (live:2s)[...] (live:3s)[...] (live:4s)[ After a long time walking, you get bored. >> [[Decide to make up a SECRET HANDSHAKE?]] >> [[Stay focused, keep going.]] ] {(set:$Ascore to it + 1)(set:$Bscore to it + 1) }

you decide to make up a secret handshake to pass the time.. //To do this, make up a real secret handshake in-person with each other. If it takes time, that's good!// >> [[Change your minds, forget the secret handshake idea.->Stay focused, keep going.]] >> [[Secret handshake made!->yes handshake]]

After a long time walking, you reach another fork in the path. This time, you're not sure exactly what lies on either side. >> [[Head east.->trek the tundra]] >> [[Head west.->follow the river]] beau, you know that navigating by the stars will give you a little more information about where you're headed, but it might give you a higher score than ada, and that might be unfair. >> [[Navigate using the stars.]]

{(set:$secretHandshake to True) (set:$Ascore to it + 2) (set:$Bscore to it + 2) }You wonder how you didn't get around to doing this before. Now that you've got your own secret handshake, you can [[keep going->Stay focused, keep going.]], a little less bored.

Both of you make in good hits, but only one can strike the final blow. //To determine who will do so, take out a paper and pen, and play a game of tic tac toe. Whichever of you currently has less points will go first. If you are tied, whoever won rock-paper-scissors gets to go first.// >> [[ADA wins.->A final blow]] >> [[BEAU wins->B final blow]]

{(set:$Ascore to it + 5) }ada strikes the final blow against it, sword swinging through the (link-reveal:"air.")[ Having successfully defeated that danger, you [[continue down the path.->where now?]]] (click: "successfully")[//(You wonder if this is the kind of trials the oracle told you about...)//]

{(set:$Bscore to it + 5) }beau strikes the final blow against it, hammer swinging through the (link-reveal:"air.")[ Having successfully defeated that danger, you [[continue down the path.->where now?]]] (click: "successfully")[//(You wonder if this is the kind of trials the oracle told you about...)//]

{(set:$Bscore to it + 1) }Using the stars and what you know about the surrounding area, you can figure out better what is to the east and west. >> [[To the west: the bank along the winding river, muddy and swamplike.->follow the river]] >> [[To the east: the snowy tundra, icy cold and mostly deserted.->trek the tundra]]

{(set:$location to "the river") }you follow downstream along the river. The mud sticks to your boots, and at time it feels like you're moving in slow motion. There are bugs everywhere, flies like the whole bank is (link-reveal:"rotting.")[ As you trudge along, from behind you comes a fisherman, in a small wooden rowboat. You're not sure what fish are even left in the river for him to catch, (link-reveal:"nowadays.")[ "Need a ride downstream?" he asks, slowing his rowboat into the shore where you stand. "It's much faster than walking.(live:5s)[ And I promise my boat's not as rickety as it looks.(stop:)](live:10s)[ Besides, I could use the company.(stop:)]" >> [[Accept the offer->trust the boatman]] >> [[Refuse the offer->refuse the boatman]]]]

{(set:$location to "the tundra") }you trek through the snowy tundra. Icy air stings against your faces. The wind howls. It's freezing cold, and you can barely imagine being able to sleep here (link-reveal:"overnight.")[ As if you wished it into existence, out of the white fog comes a tiny cabin, with golden light shining out of it. When you knock on the door to see if you can warm up for a few minutes, you're greeted by an old woman, the hermit, bundled in a long coat. (link-reveal:"She lets you in.")[ "Oh, you'll freeze out there," she says. "You shouldn't stay outside tonight. Here, you can sleep by my fireplace.(live:5s)[ I don't get visitors often, so it's no trouble at all.(stop:)](live:10s)[Nobody's usually out here...(stop:)]" >> [[Accept the offer.->trust the hermit]] >> [[Refuse the offer.->refuse the hermit]]]]

{(set:$Ascore to it + 2) (set:$Bscore to it + 2) (set:$location to "the path") } You accept the hermit's offer, and rest beside her warm fireplace. Outside, the wind is cold, but inside, you get a good night's (link-reveal:"rest.")[ ... (live:1s)[...(stop:)] (live:2s)[...(stop:)] (live:3s)[In the morning, you wake up feeling well-rested. (stop:)] (live:4s)[>> [[Thank the hermit and leave, continuing on your quest.->continue on.]]](stop:)]

{(set:$Ascore to it - 1) (set:$Bscore to it - 1) (set:$location to "the path") } You consider her offer, but refuse, not being careful not to trust strangers. You trek on through the (link-reveal:"cold.")[ It's like your bones are freezing. >> [[Keep going. ->continue on.]] ]

You accept the fisherman's offer, and climb aboard his wooden rowboat. As he begins to row you downstream, though, you feel a rumbling under the (link-reveal:"water.")[ Suddenly, you're both sprayed with water as a giant sea serpent rises out of the river. "The perfect bait!" the fisherman yells, grinning (link-reveal:"wildly.")[ You both draw your weapons. {(if:$Ascore > $Bscore)[beau is currently weaker, so you, beau, are slightly injured in the fight.(set:$Bscore to it - 2)] (if:$Ascore < $Bscore)[ada is currently weaker, so you, ada, are slightly injured in the fight.(set:$Ascore to it - 2)] (if:$Ascore is $Bscore)[Both of you are hurt in the fight.(set:$Bscore to it - 1)(set:$Ascore to it - 1)]} [[Only narrowly escaping, you make it off the boat and to shore, continuing on your quest.->continue on.]] ] {(set:$location to "the path")}]

{(set:$Ascore to it + 2) (set:$Bscore to it + 2) (set:$location to "the path") } You're both not sure about the fisherman, so you refuse the offer. Slow-moving but definitely safe, you [[keep going.->continue on.]]

you keep going.{ (if:$secretHandshake is False)[..(after:2s)[ (set:$Ascore to it + 1)(set:$Bscore to it + 1)(go-to:"cave entrance")]]} (if:$secretHandshake is True)[Eventually, somehow, you're bored again. You wonder if you still remember your secret handshake from the other day. //Try to remember it and do it again now.// >> [[Unfortunately, you've forgotten it.->cave entrance]] >> [[Handshake successful!->still got it]] ]

{(set:$location to "underground") (set:$togetherScore to $Ascore + $Bscore) } ''you enter into the earth,'' swallowed up by the mountain. Stone walls surround you. For a long time, there is only one way (link-reveal:"forwards.")[ But, eventually, the rocky passage becomes smoother. Cavernous rock turns into a rectangular hallway, lit by flickering torches along the walls. At the end of the hallway, you reach a crossroads, with several passageways. >> [[[A cleanly-swept hall that smells like incense.->the church]]]<church| >> [[[A smaller passage that seems to radiate warmth.->the forge]]]<forge| >> [[[A wide hallway, straight forward.->the crypt]]]<crypt| []<lostgame| { (if:$togetherScore < 14)[ (replace:?church)[~~A cleanly-swept hall that smells like incense.~~] (replace:?forge)[~~A smaller passage that seems to radiate warmth.~~] (replace:?crypt)[~~A wide hallway, straight forward.~~] (replace:?lostgame)[>> [[A path downwards, deeper underground.]]] ] (if:$secretHandshake is False )[ (replace:?church)[~~A cleanly-swept hall that smells like incense.~~"]] (set:$Ascore to it + 1)(set:$Bscore to it + 1)}]

You remember your secret handshake, which boosts morale, despite your tiredness from the journey. { (set:$Ascore to it + 4) (set:$Bscore to it + 4)} >> [[keep going->cave entrance]]

{(set:$location to "the church") }Following the well-maintained hallway, you reach an ancient, large, high-ceilinged room, an ''underground church''. The air is dusty, and smells of incense. It's distinctly warm. As you enter, you're approached by a priestess, a woman with long silver hair like rain. You don't see any others around. "You are the twins?" she asks. >> [[Yes.->yes priestess]] >> [[No.->no priestess]]

{(set:$location to "the forge") }The air gets warmer and warmer as you go down the smaller passage. Eventually, the passage opens up into a great and cavernous ''forge'', where the sounds of metal striking metal and fire roaring echo around the room. In the center, a figure swings a mighty hammer against a glowing scarlet hunk of metal, sparks flying off like stars. When you enter, the ''blacksmith'' stops, turning to (link-reveal:"you. ")[ "Greetings," he says, voice low and gravelly. "I take it you're on your way to the fortress?" >> [[Yes.->the blacksmith's gift]] >> [[No.->the blacksmith's gift]] ]

{(set:$Ascore to it + 5) (set:$Bscore to it + 5) (set:$location to "the crypt") }You go straight ahead, determined. You have no time to spare. The hall is so wide that wind seems to (link-reveal:"swirl around you.")[ As you pass through the wind, it swirls more and more, and out of the darkness comes glowing (link-reveal:"mists– ")[the ghosts of those who have passed through here (link-reveal:"before...")[ //(cycling-link:"...a soldier in tattered green uniform...", "...a knight, armor falling off, broken sword...", "...a mage as old as the dragon, maybe, with burned hands...")// //(cycling-link:""...the rest of them ran, but I stayed..."", ""...I said– I said, 'None have won before, but none have been me'..."", ""...the rest in my party, they weren't strong enough to pass the gates. 'their fault,' I said..."", ""...I was the strongest in my village, but it wasn't enough. I don't know why..."", ""...we used to say that whichever one of us was the one to defeat it would inherit the palace..."")// "You'll just slow ''(cycling-link:"ada", "beau")'' down," one of them says. "You're too different. The moon and the sun..." another says. "It won't work. You aren't "(cycling-link:"in sync", "enough", "the same")." A third one looks at both of you at the same time. You stand next to each other, your differences apparent. (link-reveal:""You'll always be against each other," it says.")[ The spirits doubt you. Maybe, you begin to doubt yourself. You have fought, (link-reveal:"before...")[ But then again, with a common goal, (link-reveal:"does that mean you can't still be united?")[ //If you can prove the spirits wrong, they might reward you, understanding why you can succeed where they failed. Turn towards each other. Together, remember a disagreement you have had in the past. The more significant, the stronger. Remember how you felt. Remember the things you may have thought that you no longer think. And then, as you might have in that moment, set it aside. Why have you stayed connected, despite that disagreement?// >> (link-replace:"It was insignificant.")[[[The connection is more important.->the twin blades]]] >> (link-replace:"It was long ago.")[[[The connection is more important.->the twin blades]]] >> (link-replace:"We had no choice but to stay.")[[[The connection is more important.->the twin blades]]] >> [[The connection is more important.->the twin blades]] ]]]]]]

{(set:$magicItem to "twin blades")} The ghosts hear your story. They believe you. You can work together, despite difference, because the goal is more important. Together, you can do things you cannot do alone. ''You are better together'', and that is what matters. The ghosts present you with ''two twin blades'', whose wielders shall always move in perfect harmony. Not always in the same motion, at the same time, but always complementary. >> [[Take the blades, and leave.->gates]]

{(set:$magicItem to "gauntlets") }After some time, the ''blacksmith'' presents to you two shining identical metal gauntlets, which shield you against attack from those who threaten yourself or your partner. "Your trust is strong and well-forged," he says. "It will protect you through the hottest of fires. Use it well." >> [[Take the gauntlets, and leave.->gates]]

{(set:$magicItem to "blessed amulets")} When you're done, the ''priestess'' beams with admiration. "Your affection is pure and radiant. You care about each other strongly, I can tell. It shines like a gemstone, beautiful." As promised, the priestess presents you with a pair of ''crystal amulets'', whose magic connects through any distance or darkness. "Your light, connected, shall guide you through any despair," she says. >>[[Accept the amulets, and leave.->gates]]

{(set:$togetherScore to $Ascore + $Bscore) (set:$location to "the gates") }You leave, continuing through the mountain. After a while, you reach the gates. You remember what the oracle told you: to pass requires 24 points. You have only one problem: (if:$Ascore >= 24)[ADA may pass, but BEAU, you would be left behind. Without the other, you doubt it is possible to even come close to defeating the dragon.](if:$Bscore >= 24)[BEAU may pass, but ADA, you would be left behind. Without the other, you doubt it is possible to even come close to defeating the dragon.](if:$Bscore < 24 and $Ascore < 24)[''Neither of you has done enough to pass.''] As it stands, despite your gifts, despite all you have done, [[you won't be able to pass]].

how could this be possible? After how far you have come... >> (link-replace:"Turn around.")[] >> (link-replace:"Give up.")[] >> (link-replace:"Cry.")[] >> (link-replace:"Think.")[ >> [[Find another way.]]]

{(set:$keepingScore to False) }Neither of you is strong enough to cross the threshold alone. But you are not alone. You are together. (link-reveal:"Why would you be measured alone?")[ You stand at the threshold, looking at each other. Silently, you understand what is necessary. It's the only way through. >> [[stop keeping score.]]]

{(set:$location to "the fortress") }Together, you are strong enough to pass the threshold. Your (print:$magicItem) glow. With (if:$magicItem is "blessed amulets")[love like pure crystal, [[you enter->love like crystal]]](if:$magicItem is "gauntlets")[trust in each other like forged armor, [[you enter->trust like iron]]](if:$magicItem is "twin blades")[shared ambitions driving you forth, [[you enter->shared drive]]]. <pre>` . . + : . : _ . ! ' (_) ,|.' - -- ---(-O-'--- -- - ,'|''. , ! . : : " . --+-- .: . ! `</pre>

''the dragon stands giant before you...'' (link-reveal:"You draw your weapons.")[ It's a (link-reveal:"blur.")[ ''ada'' swings a great sword of unbreaking steel, the light of summer dawn. ''beau'' wields the comet's hammer, swift and quiet, crashing like tides. There is (link:"metal against metal–")[(link:"roaring fire–")[(link: "howling winds–")[(link:"lightning and thunder–")[light against the darkness.]<end|]] (click-append:?end)[ Your amulets glow, granting you strength. And, together, you defeat it. (link-reveal:"The dragon falls to the ground.")[ You do not need an oracle for this prophecy, which comes to you from the wind. In the wake of all this devastation, something will grow out of this. (align:"=><=")[<img src="twins_together.png" style="width:250px"> ] ''the end.'' >> [[CREDITS.]] ]]]]]

''the dragon stands giant before you...'' (link-reveal:"You draw your weapons.")[ It's a (link-reveal:"blur.")[ ''ada'' swings a great sword of unbreaking steel, the light of summer dawn. ''beau'' wields the comet's hammer, swift and quiet, crashing like tides. There is (link:"metal against metal–")[(link:"roaring fire–")[(link: "howling winds–")[(link:"lightning and thunder–")[light against the darkness.]<end|]] (click-append:?end)[ Your steel gauntlets glow, granting you strength. And, together, you defeat it. (link-reveal:"The dragon falls to the ground.")[ You do not need an oracle for this prophecy, which comes to you from the wind. In the wake of all this devastation, something will grow out of this. (align:"=><=")[<img src="twins_together.png" style="width:250px"> ] ''the end.'' >> [[CREDITS.]] ]]]]]

''the dragon stands giant before you...'' (link-reveal:"You draw your weapons.")[ It's a (link-reveal:"blur.")[ ''ada'' swings one of the ''twin blades'', shining with the light of summer dawn. ''beau'' wields the other of the two blades, swift and quiet, crashing like tides. There is (link:"metal against metal–")[(link:"roaring fire–")[(link: "howling winds–")[(link:"lightning and thunder–")[light against the darkness.]<end|]] (click-append:?end)[ And, together, moving in perfect, complementary harmony, you defeat it. (link-reveal:"The dragon falls to the ground.")[ You do not need an oracle for this prophecy, which comes to you from the wind. In the wake of all this devastation, something will grow out of this. (align:"=><=")[<img src="twins_together.png" style="width:250px"> ] ''the end.'' >> [[CREDITS.]] ]]]]]

<h1>GAME OVER.</h1> ''remember:'' A bond takes work. >> (link:"Try again.")[(restart:)]

You aren't even really sure how long you've been going, but at last, somehow, you've found it: (link-reveal:"the end of the path.")[ You stand next to each other in front of the opening to a ''cavern'' at the base of the mountains. On the other side, you know, lies ''the dragon's fortress''. All that's left is to go through the cavern. Legends say some things have survived here in a dungeon right under the dragon's nose, just ''underground''... >> [[Enter the cavern.->enter the dungeon]] ]

(live:1s)[...] (live:2s)[...] (live:3s)[...] (live:4s)[(go-to:"trial 1 (woods)")]

(live:1s)[...] (live:2s)[...] (live:3s)[...] (live:4s)[(go-to:"trial 1 (ruins)")]

{(set:$Ascore to it + 1)(set:$Bscore to it + 1) }She nods, like she knew the answer before she even [[asked.->priestess's gift]]

''the priestess'' smiles, like [[you've told a joke.->priestess's gift]]

{(set:$Ascore to it + 4) (set:$Bscore to it + 4) }"It is an honor," she says, smiling openly, geniune. Her eyes twinkle. "I'm so happy you made it." She touches a small twinkling bracelet on her wrist absentmindedly. It sparkles light across the dusty stone (link-reveal:"floor.")[ "I made you a gift," she says. "if you have the strength to accept it." >> (link-replace:"?")["What do you mean?" one of you asks. "This church, it is to the deity of love," she says. "Pure love, like crystal. If you can prove to me that the two of you possess this, I may give you two blessed amulets, which will grant you power in your time of need. "Do not fear, though." She smiles, again. "You've gotten this far. The task to prove yourself ought to be quite simple. All you must do is this: turn to one another, and tell each other something you love about each other. It need not be something new, or something profound, but it must be true." //With each other, do as the priestess asks.// >> [[It's done.->the amulets]] ]]

{(set:$Ascore to it + 5) (set:$Bscore to it + 5) }''The blacksmith'''s dark eyes twinkle knowingly. "Many have come through here before, knights stronger than you or I by far... What makes you think you could succeed where they couldn't?" >> (link:""An oracle said we could."")[(link:""We don't know."")[(link:""What makes you think we can't?"")[(link:""You're wrong, we are stronger."")[(link:""What else can we do?"")[(link-append:""We have each other."")[ ''the blacksmith'' hums in thought, then nods. "Well, it is true that all the knights I've seen so far have been alone. I've not been able to help them, because of that. But I could help you." >> ["Why couldn't you help them?"]<wdym| >> (link:""How could you help us?"")["How?" one of you asks. "For a price, I could give you a pair of ''gauntlets''," he says. "When imbued with the strength of your bond, they could protect you against the dragon's fire." >> (link:""What price?"")[ "What price?" one of you asks. "I will need to see the strength of the trust between the two of you. Trust requires knowledge, truth. As such, you will each need to exchange ''a secret'', something you may keep hidden or not reveal except to those you trust." //Turn to each other, and tell each other a secret, something you've never told the other person before. It does not need to be particularly private, heavy, or negative, but the more truthful or important it is, the more valuable it may be to the smith.// >> [[It is done.->the gauntlets]] ]]] (click-append:?wdym)[ one of you asks. "My craft is in the sorcery of ''bonds''," he says. "My creations are only as strong as the trust between their users. I couldn't be of any use to knights who fought alone. ] ]]]]]

''It's dark down here.'' It keeps getting (link-reveal:"darker.")[ You are (link-reveal:"tired.")[ You are (link-reveal:"hurt.")[ You (link-reveal:"bicker.")[ You don't seem to be getting [[anywhere.->game over]] ]]]]

bgmusic: bgmusic.mp3

''game of twins'' was created by ''claire saunders'' using Twine. ''music'' is "The Companionship of Isolation" by Brylie Christopher Oxley, used with a creative commons license. ''drawing art'' of the twins by ''claire saunders''. ''ascii art'' by various artists: * ''Nuclear Explosion Mushroom'' by Bill March * ''Space'' uncredited from ''ascii art archive'' * ''mountains'' art by Joan Stark >> ''(link:"return to start")[(restart:)]''