Wanderlust

(text-color:#b8b8b8)[This part of the story/map is in development. Please return in a future update and remember to check the changelogs for info. <3] [[Back (◇)|DS-corridor2]]

(set: $currentBiome to "ds")(if:visits < 2)[(set: $WS to $WS +1)](text-color:#f2ba40)[The cavern] is mostly dark, and a dusty haze permeates the air. The ground beneath you is all sand, making it a little hard to travel comfortably. A light breeze drifts up through (text-color:#f2ba40)[the cave] towards the exit. (if: ($lantern) is 1)[\ Your (text-color:#ffeb85)[lantern] lights up the surrounding area, revealing that (text-color:#f2ba40)[the cave] goes much deeper. [[Head deeper into the cavern (→)|DS-corridor2]]\ ] (else: )[\ It's too dark to see much farther without (text-color:#ffeb85)[a light.] ]\ [[Exit the cave (←)|VP-20]]

The sandy floor still makes for difficult footing but it's nothing that impedes travel. Under the light of (text-color:#ffeb85)[the lantern,] you see that the (text-color:#f2ba40)[sandy yellow cavern] is actually speckled with small black rocks with a shape similar to that of a sunflower seed. (text-color:#b8b8b8)[ignore this sentence] [[Inspect one of the black rocks (◆)|DS-blackrock1]] [[]] [[Back (←)|DS-corridor1]]

(set: $currentBiome to "ta")(text-color:#b8b8b8)[This part of the story/map is in development. Please return in a future update and remember to check the changelogs for info. <3] [[Back (↑)|VP-23]]

You find it hard to see detail this deep into the forest, but on occasion you catch glimpse of (text-color:#f05656)[a small red light] drifting through the air like a firefly, fading in and out as it glides. Farther north, the path continues into near pitch-black, while south, you can see a bend in the path which remains slightly lighter. [[Press into the darker path (↑)|SF-dark2]] [[Leave around the bend (↓)|SF-east3]]

While you cannot see the ground anymore in the darkness, (text-color:#f05656)[the small red lights] increase in frequency. The occasional light feels slightly comforting in this otherwise unsettling environment. The path stretches to the south, but to the north, you see (text-color:#d1002d)[a faint red glow.] Hopefully indicative of something good. [[Make your way to the red glow (↑)|SF-dark3]] [[Try and catch a red light (◆)|SF-redexamine1]] [[Head south (↓)|SF-dark1]]

Your pitch black surroundings offer little information on the environment, but (text-color:#f05656)[the drifting red lights] provide confirmation of your movement through the area. (text-color:#d1002d)[A strange, vibrant red figure] can be seen in the distance. [[Approach the figure (↑)|SF-vivex-0]] [[Leave the figure be (↓)|SF-dark2]]

(set: $currentBiome to "sf")(if:visits < 2)[(set: $WS to $WS +1)]Near (text-color:#6cb43c)[the forest] entrance, massive trees tower over you. Strangely, you cannot see the top of the trees. Something feels off about (text-color:#6cb43c)[this forest.] To the east, (text-color:#2a7be5)[the pond's] calm rippling can be heard. A narrow path winds farther west into (text-color:#6cb43c)[the forest.] [[Follow the path (←)|SF-east3]] [[Head towards the pond (→)|WP-pondsurface]]

The trees are narrower here, and you get the feeling it's not safe. The path bends north into the shadows of the thick, unnerving canopy. (text-color:#6cb43c)[The forest] shades the path in all directions, but to the west, you can see some light. [[Explore the bend (↑)|SF-dark1]] [[Examine the bark of a nearby tree (◆)|SF-treeexamine]] [[Head towards the light (→)|SF-east2]]

Reaching out to a light, you try and catch one of (text-color:#f05656)[the floating red lights.] As you jump and try and capture one, they seem to make no attempt to evade your grasp. To your surprise, you're able to cup one into your hands, and suddenly you feel it begin to move wildly against your impromptu prison. [[→|SF-redexamine2]]

As you think of what to do with your (text-color:#f05656)[captured light], you notice a new one slowly drift towards you, before softly bumping into your hand, making a peculiar //plink// sound. This is followed by another (text-color:#f05656)[red light] following suit, gently bumping your hand. This time, the pitch of the //plink// is slightly different. Then (text-color:#f05656)[another light] arrives, doing the same. Next, three more. Then five more. [[→|SF-redexamine3]]

Soon, your hands are swarmed by (text-color:#f05656)[a pretty red glow,] accompanied by a symphony of consonant dings. The soft touch of (text-color:#f05656)[the many lights] almost tickle. After a few moments, some of (text-color:#f05656)[the lights] seem to speak to you in a weak whisper. (text-color:#ac00fc)["$name... please... release..."] [[Open your hands →|SF-redexamine4]]

(set: $spritesmess to 1)(if:visits < 2)[(set: $WS to $WS +3)]The instant you open your hands, the twinkling melody from (text-color:#f05656)[the lights] fades as they all disperse in every direction, forming a beautiful red cloud of spots in the air. After a few moments, most of (text-color:#f05656)[the lights] have gone away, leaving you standing in the dark with whatever few linginering (text-color:#f05656)[dots of red] remain. [[Return to the path (◇)|SF-dark2]]

(if:visits < 2)[(set: $WS to $WS +1)]Upon close inspection, the otherwise normal bark appears to be comprised of small hexagon forms. You reach out to touch the bark, but the little hexagon shapes break apart to dust as your hand approaches, revealing that the entire tree is comprised of small hexagonal prisms. Best not to touch the trees, if you don't want them to fall. [[Return to the path (◇)|SF-east3]]

(text-color:#d1002d)[The figure] rests close by, motionless. {(if: ($knowvivex) is 0)[ [[Call out to the figure (◆)|SF-vivex1-1]] ] (else: )[ [[Talk to Vivex →|SF-vivextalk]] ]} [[Leave the figure (↓)|SF-dark3]]

(set: $knowvivex to 1)You call out to (text-color:#d1002d)[the figure.] Upon hearing your call, (text-color:#d1002d)[the creature] rises, revealing it's fox-like form. Clearly though, there is something special about it. Rather than have fur like expected from a fox, this creature seems to instead be made entirely of some sort of (text-color:#d1002d)[soft red glowing material,] the only exception being it's pitch black eyes, contrasting sharply with the light. Other than this, the surface-level physiology appears to be consistent with the foxes you are familiar with. [[→|SF-vivex1-1.1]]

(text-color:#d1002d)[The creature's] ears perk up as it stretches, and it sits down, looking at you politely. To your surprise, it opens its mouth to speak. (text-color:#d1002d)["You're new here, are you not? Well] (text-color:#ac00fc)[$name] (text-color:#d1002d)[is a beautiful name."] [[→|SF-vivex1-2]]

(text-color:#d1002d)["I am Vivex, and I've seen you, wandering about ](text-color:#6cb43c)[this forest."] A few (text-color:#f05656)[red lights] gather around (text-color:#d1002d)[Vivex's] snout, letting out a few high pitched *plinks.* (text-color:#d1002d)["Have you seen](text-color:#f05656)[ my sprites ](text-color:#d1002d)[around?] (text-color:#d1002d)[They've been watching over you, keeping you safe."] (if: $spritesmess is 1)[\ (text-color:#d1002d)[Vivex] gives you a knowing glance. (text-color:#d1002d)["Hopefully you've been playing nice,"] it says with a hint of sarcasm.] [[→|SF-vivex1-3]]

(if:visits < 2)[(set: $WS to $WS +2)](text-color:#d1002d)[Vivex] shakes it's head, letting (text-color:#f05656)[the sprites] drift off. (text-color:#d1002d)["I have no doubt you have many questions. Unfortunately, I do not believe there is much I can help with directly."] It looks to you, tilting it's head. (text-color:#d1002d)["Of course I can share any knowledge I have of this world with you, especially about the plants to be found here. Don't hesitate to ask,] (text-color:#ac00fc)[$name."] (if: ($sunflower) is 1)[ [[Ask Vivex about the sunflower from the field →|SF-vivexSun-1]]\ ] (else: )[\ [[(◇)|SF-vivex-0]] ]

You present (text-color:#d1002d)[Vivex] (text-color:#ecce36)[the sunflower] you picked. (text-color:#d1002d)["Oh, this must be from] (text-color:#9775e6)[the Violet Prairie,"] it says with a brief squeak. (text-color:#d1002d)[Vivex] approaches you before jumping up, grabbing (text-color:#ecce36)[the sunflower] out of your grasp. [[→|SF-vivexSun-2]]

(text-color:#d1002d)["This should prove to be helpful in wherever you decide to go.](text-color:#ecce36)[ The flower](text-color:#d1002d)[ within is not likely to dim any time soon, but on the chance it does, please do not hesitate to come to me for help."] (text-color:#d1002d)["Additionally, ] (text-color:#ecce36)[the flower] (text-color:#d1002d)[will not go out in cold weather or underwater."] [[→|SF-vivexSun-11]]

(if:visits < 2)[(set: $WS to $WS +5)]Standing back and sitting politely, (text-color:#d1002d)[Vivex] yawns, it's strange red glow dimmer on the inside of it's mouth. (text-color:#d1002d)["If there is anything you would like to know, please do not hesitate to ask."] [[(◇)|SF-vivextalk]]

The fox-esque critter sets (text-color:#ecce36)[the sunflower] on the grass in front of it. (text-color:#d1002d)["If I'm not mistaken, these flowers used to be crafted into](text-color:#ffeb85)[ lights](text-color:#d1002d)[ for the caverns."] (text-color:#d1002d)[Vivex] looks up at you. (text-color:#d1002d)["I could attempt to get] (text-color:#f05656)[my sprites] (text-color:#d1002d)[to assist in piecing together something similar. I'll just need] (text-color:#ecce36)[the flower,] (text-color:#d1002d)[of course."] [[Allow Vivex the sunflower →|SF-vivexSun-3]]

(text-color:#d1002d)[Vivex] nods it's head happily. (text-color:#d1002d)["Understood. Give us just a moment, if you will."] With that, (text-color:#d1002d)[Vivex] and a cloud of (text-color:#f05656)[sprites] departs from the clearing, leaving you for a brief moment in the dark. [[→|SF-vivexSun-4]]

A few minutes pass, and the cool wind remains to keep you company as you wait. All around you, the sounds of a tired forest call out, reminding you that despite the apparent isolation of the clearing, there remains the unknown. All surrounding, and entirely oppressive. [[→|SF-vivexSun-5]]

Some (text-color:#f05656)[sprites] float back into the clearing, slowly illuminating the area. Eventually, (text-color:#d1002d)[Vivex] returns, (text-color:#ffeb85)[a strange wooden box] in it's mouth. [[→|SF-vivexSun-6]]

The glowing fox approaches you and drops (text-color:#ffeb85)[the wooden item] at your feet. (text-color:#d1002d)["For all intents and purposes, this is like what you know as a](text-color:#ffeb85)[ lantern.] (text-color:#d1002d)[Please, give it a try."] [[Pick up the lantern →|SF-vivexSun-7]]

(set: $lantern to 1)You pick up (text-color:#ffeb85)[the lantern.] The frame is constructed of twigs, bound together by plant fibers. Filling in the sides of (text-color:#ffeb85)[the lantern] are thin leaves, essentially making the stick wireframe into an organic box. Curiously, there is (text-color:#ecce36)[a soft glow] coming from within the leaf and stick box. (text-color:#d1002d)["Try shaking it," Vivex] says. [[Shake the lantern →|SF-vivexSun-8]]

You shake (text-color:#ffeb85)[the lantern,] yet nothing happens. After a moment, (text-color:#d1002d)[Vivex] speaks up. (text-color:#d1002d)["You might need to shake it a little harder."] [[Shake the lantern harder →|SF-vivexSun-9]]

Upon shaking (text-color:#ffeb85)[the lantern] a little harder, a bright glow shines through the leaves of the box, intensely illuminating the surrounding few meteres. Beyond that, a dim light remains cast over the nearby forest. The light streaming through the leaves draws organic, vein-like patterns on the grass and trees around. [[→|SF-vivexSun-10]]

(text-color:#d1002d)[Vivex] stretches, sitting in the grass. (text-color:#d1002d)["What is it you need, ](text-color:#ac00fc)[$name?"] (if: ($sunflower) is 1)[ [[Ask about the sunflower from the field (◆)|SF-vivexSun-1]]\ ] [[Leave Vivex ←|SF-vivex-0]]

(set: $currentBiome to "vp")(if:visits < 2)[(set: $WS to $WS +1)](text-colour:#9775e6)[A large prairie] stretches out before you, the sky above glowing (text-colour:#9775e6)+(text-style:"smear")[a soft, beautiful violet.] To the west, light refracts off the surface of (text-color:#2a7be5)[a small pond,] while in every other direction, (text-colour:#9775e6)[the field] spans. [[Head north (↑)|VP-3]] [[Make your way south (↓)|VP-4]] [[Travel east (→)|VP-2]] [[Visit the light of the pond (←)|WP-pondsurface]]

The grass rustles pleasantly in the cool breeze. (text-colour:#9775e6)[The prairie] invites your exploration, it seems. And to your exploratory self, it offers more grass. Everywhere. [[North (↑)|VP-16]] [[South (↓)|VP-7]] [[East (→)|VP-12]] [[West (←)|VP-5]]

(if:visits < 2)[(set: $WS to $WS +1)]A lone tree stands in (text-colour:#9775e6)[the field.] You can see (text-color:#41dfe1)[a woman] laid under it, motionless. All surrounding the tree, grass can be seen. [[Approach the woman (◆)|VP-graves1]] [[North (↑)|VP-7]] [[South (↓)|VP-14]] [[East (→)|VP-15]] [[West (←)|VP-6]]

The moon is strangely bright here. To the north and east, a dead drop into a canyon halts your progress. South and west, there stands grass. [[South (↓)|VP-13]] [[West (←)|VP-10]]

A small patch of glowing (text-color:#ecce36)[sunflowers] makes its home at this spot in (text-colour:#9775e6)[the field.] In all directions, (text-colour:#9775e6)[the prairie] stretches on. [[North (↑)|VP-12]] [[South (↓)|VP-15]] [[East (→)|VP-17]] [[West (←)|VP-7]]

(if:visits < 2)[(set: $WS to $WS +1)]Curiously, there's a star shaped altar here, a few feet tall. It is made of harsh grey stone and is warm to the touch. Elsewhere, there is (text-color:#9775e6)[field,] but to the south you can see a sharply elevated bit of land. Additionally, the north seems to host a single tree standing in (text-color:#9775e6)[the prairie.] [[North (↑)|VP-11]] [[South (↓)|VP-23]] [[East (→)|VP-19]] [[West (←)|VP-18]]

(text-colour:#9775e6)[The violet sky] twinkles with stars in a beautiful display. The grass here seems rather soft. In every visible direction, there is little to be noted other than a tree standing alone in (text-colour:#9775e6)[the field] to the west. [[Lay down in the grass (◆)|VP-laydown1]] [[North (↑)|VP-13]] [[South (↓)|VP-19]] [[East (→)|VP-20]] [[West (←)|VP-11]]

To the north and east, a massive canyon can be observed. Standing right at the edge, you can feel a strong wind from below. Something in the back of your mind wants you to jump off. To the south and west, more grass. [[South (↓)|VP-10]] [[West (←)|VP-9]]

You get the feeling that you're being watched, though it doesn't make you uncomfortable. To the north and east, a canyon blocks your way. South and west, (text-color:#9775e6)[the prairie] continues. [[South (↓)|VP-20]] [[West (←)|VP-13]]

The grass of (text-color:#9775e6)[this field] is littered here and there with healthy amounts of weeds. To all directions but the west, (text-color:#9775e6)[the field] carries on. The west hosts a sharp, rocky rise in elevation, too steep to climb. [[North (↑)|VP-6]] [[South (↓)|VP-24]] [[East (→)|VP-14]]

(if:visits < 2)[(set: $WS to $WS +1)]As you walk through the grass, you catch glimpse of a rabbit scurrying away into another part of (text-color:#9775e6)[the field.] In all directions, (text-color:#9775e6)[the prairie] extends, but to the south, a steep cliff rises above the grassland. [[North (↑)|VP-15]] [[South (↓)|VP-22]] [[East (→)|VP-21]] [[West (←)|VP-14]]

(text-colour:#9775e6)[The field] feels massive, but the intermittent (text-color:#ecce36)[sunflower] spots the landscape. Oddly enough, they give off (text-color:#ecce36)+(text-style:"smear")[a soft glow.] In all directions, the deep green grass of (text-colour:#9775e6)[the field] spans under (text-colour:#9775e6)[the violet sky.] [[Examine one of the sunflowers (◆)|VP-sunflower1]] [[North (↑)|VP-5]] [[South (↓)|VP-6]] [[East (→)|VP-7]] [[West (←)|VP-1]]

(set: $currentBiome to "vp")The air here feels warm, and the grass of (text-color:#9775e6)[the large field] before you is laden with with sand blown in from (text-color:#f2ba40)[a strange cave] to the east. In all directions but east, the grass stretches. Eastward, you can hear the distant howling of wind through dark, (text-color:#f2ba40)[sandy cavern.] [[Enter the cave (→)|DS-corridor1]] [[Make your way north (↑)|VP-17]] [[Venture south (↓)|VP-21]] [[Travel westward (←)|VP-15]]

The grass here is less dense, making travel a little easier. North and east, more of (text-color:#9775e6)[the prairie] is available. South and west, however, a rocky cliffside towers over you, too steep to climb. [[North (↑)|VP-20]] [[West (←)|VP-19]]

The ground here is more rocky, with a thin veil of grass lingering from the more saturated areas of (text-color:#9775e6)[the adjacent field.] To the north, (text-color:#9775e6)[said field] stretches on, while to the west, the rocky ground continues, leaving the south and east blocked by a high cliff towering above you. [[North (↑)|VP-19]] [[West (←)|VP-23]]

(set: $currentBiome to "vp")Sounds from (text-color:#3d70b3)[a nearby cave give] this place an unsettling vibe, and part of you wants to leave. (text-color:#3d70b3)[The cave] opens wide to the south, emitting quiet drips. to the north, a soft purple sky hangs over (text-color:#9775e6)[a field,] contrasting sharply with the harsh rocky paths to the east and west. [[Enter the cave (↓)|TA-entry1]] [[Travel to the field (↑)|VP-14]] [[Head east on the rocky path (→)|VP-22]] [[Make your way west on the rocky path (←)|VP-24]]

The grass of (text-color:#9775e6)[the prairie] thins here, making way for the rock and dirt ground. To the north, the grass becomes more dense, leading to the rest of (text-color:#9775e6)[the field.] To the south and west, a high cliff face prevents you from traveling any further. Eastward, the rocky ground continues. [[North (↑)|VP-18]] [[East (→)|VP-23]]

(text-colour:#9775e6)[The prairie's] lush green grass makes it a little hard to walk, as it comes up to your knees. Still, the brisk nighttime air and pleasant breeze makes the environment more than enjoyable. (text-colour:#9775e6)[The field] surrounds you on all sides. [[North (↑)|VP-8]] [[South (↓)|VP-1]] [[East (→)|VP-5]] [[West (←)|VP-25]]

A small patch of mushrooms can be found growing through the grass here. Given their bright red caps, you figure you shouldn't risk eating them. To the north and east, (text-color:#589d82)[the field] continues. South and west, however, you see jagged, loose rocks which make a slope too steep to be worth scaling. [[North (↑)|VP-1]] [[East (→)|VP-6]]

A large rock stands in the grass, providing a nice lookout point. And yet even with the height, grass is all that's visible in any direction. [[North (↑)|VP-9]] [[South (↓)|VP-2]] [[East (→)|VP-10]] [[West (←)|VP-3]]

Nothing of note in this part of (text-colour:#9775e6)[the field.] Just grass, cold wind, and (text-colour:#9775e6)[the violet sky.] That being said, to the east, a single tree can be seen. [[North (↑)|VP-2]] [[South (↓)|VP-18]] [[East (→)|VP-11]] [[West (←)|VP-4]]

You can faintly hear birdsong, but you have yet to see any birds. (text-colour:#9775e6)[The prairie] stretches in every visible direction. Interestingly, a lone tree can be seen to the south. [[North (↑)|VP-10]] [[South (↓)|VP-11]] [[East (→)|VP-13]] [[West (←)|VP-2]]

(set: $currentBiome to "vp")On occasion, you almost trip on a rock. The grass doesn't allow you to see very well what you're stepping over, after all. Grass of (text-colour:#9775e6)[the prairie] can be found in most directions, except for north, where a canyon restricts further travel. [[South (↓)|VP-3]] [[East (→)|VP-9]] [[West (←)|VP-silent]]

(if:visits < 2)[(set: $WS to $WS +1)]An few odd rocks with small holes carved into them can be seen here, standing above (text-colour:#9775e6)[the prairie]. When the wind hits them just right, it creates a somber chord of airy whistling. To the north, a canyon blocks any exploration, but elsewhere, (text-colour:#9775e6)[the field] continues. [[South (↓)|VP-5]] [[East (→)|VP-16]] [[West (←)|VP-8]]

Approaching (text-color:#41dfe1)[the motionless woman,] you get a bad feeling. She is laid on her side, chest against the tree. She is not noticeably breathing. [[Attempt to wake her up →|VP-graves2]]

You crouch down next to (text-color:#41dfe1)[the woman] and softly push her shoulder. No response. [[Roll her over →|VP-graves3]]

You gently roll her over onto her back. She is a finely dressed woman, and besides her motionlessness, looks to be healthy. Her eyes are closed tight, but otherwise her face looks normal. In fact, she looks fairly pretty. [[→|VP-graves4]]

You notice a folded piece of paper sticking out of (text-color:#41dfe1)[the woman's] shirt pocket. [[Carefully remove and read the paper →|VP-graves5]]

The letter is written on a tattered sheet of paper, and the handwriting is hard to make out. (text-color:#a3eaff)[*Dear*] (text-color:#41dfe1)[*Graves,*](text-color:#a3eaff)[* I'm terribly sorry I took so long to write back. Things have been awfuly chaotic back here and it's been a struggle to find things to keep the fire going, but I'm sure you understand. I really hope you're doing okay out there. If you can find time to visit soon, you know*] (text-color:#4ad62e)[*Orchid*] (text-color:#a3eaff)[*and I would love to have you back for a day or two. Oh, and about *] (text-color:#4ad62e)[*Orchid.*] (text-color:#a3eaff)[*I know things have been really tough out there, and more bad news isn't going to help, but I know you would rather me tell you than not. To not sugarcoat it,*] (text-color:#4ad62e)[*Orchid's*] (text-color:#a3eaff)[*illness has gotten much worse in the past week or so. The doctor doesn't know what it is yet, but we're waiting on someone from*] (text-color:#6cb43c)[*the Vinca Forest*] (text-color:#a3eaff)[*village to come by, who's supposedly more versed in this sickness. It breaks my heart to see her lose her sight like this, and I'm hoping with all of my soul that the new doctor can find a way to bring it back. But with how her eyes were last time the doctor had her open them, I don't think that's going to happen. I'm really sorry, darling. I didn't mean for this letter to come with such bad news, but I know how you are about*] (text-color:#4ad62e)[*Orchid,*] (text-color:#a3eaff)[*and I just know you wouldn't want me to hide this from you. I love you with everything I have, and I hope you can make it back home in time for the new year. Stay safe,*] (text-color:#41dfe1)[*my gem.*] (text-color:#a3eaff)[* Love,*] (text-color:#a6e421)[*Truth.*](text-color:#a3eaff)[* Oh, and one last thing. I know how much you love*] (text-color:#589d82)[*that part of the prairie,*] (text-color:#a3eaff)[*but I really don't think you should go there anymore after what you told me about the experience you and*] (text-color:#4ad62e)[*Orchid*] (text-color:#a3eaff)[*had before she got sick. We shouldn't take any chances with this.*] [[Check for a pulse →|VP-graves6]]

Nothing. [[→|VP-graves7]]

(if:visits < 2)[(set: $WS to $WS +5)][[Put the letter back →|VP-graves8return]] [[Keep the letter →|VP-graves8keep]]

(set: $grvLetter1 to true) You keep (text-color:#41dfe1)[Graves'] letter. [[(◇)|VP-11]]

(set: $grvLetter1 to false) You return the letter to (text-color:#41dfe1)[Graves'] body. [[(◇)|VP-11]]

You lay down in the cool grass of (text-color:#9775e6)[the prairie] and look up at the sky. [[Close your eyes →|VP-laydownclose1]] [[Stargaze →|VP-laydownopen1]]

You close your eyes. All at once, all of your other senses spring to life to make up for the absense of one. (text-color:#9775e6)[The field's] sounds, weather, and scents all come to the forefront of your mind. [[→|VP-laydownclose2]]

Birdsong makes its way through the brisk air, yet you've yet to notice any birds in the area. The grass sways softly in the breeze, providing a constant rustling. A pleasant confirmation of reality. [[→|VP-laydownclose3]]

The cold air of (text-color:#9775e6)[the prairie] clings to your warmth, while the light wind attempts to strip it away. Moisture in the air gives the implication of recent rainfall, though it's undiscernible from simple dew. [[→|VP-laydownclose4]]

(if:visits < 2)[(set: $WS to $WS +2)]The grass gives off an earthy smell, giving a comforting feeling. Combined with the cool blades, (text-color:#9775e6)[the field] seems to be giving you a hug. [[Open your eyes →|VP-laydownopen1]] [[Get up (◇)|VP-15]]

Looking up at the sky, you ponder the reason behind it's (text-color:#9775e6)[violet hue.] Maybe some strange atmospheric phenomena? Maybe a hallucination? Whatever the case, the tapestry of the white pinpricks that are the stars makes for a stunning display across the sky. [[→|VP-laydownopen2]]

As you look up at the sky, you see a shooting star skirt the edge of your vision. When you look over to the motion, all that's left behind is a subtle line through the atmosphere. Had you been looking in the other direction, that shooting star likely would have never been observed. In that case, would it have really ever fallen? [[→|VP-laydownopen3]]

(if:visits < 2)[(set: $WS to $WS +1)]While the sky is beautiful, staring into the abyss of space for so long leaves you with a feeling of dread. [[Close your eyes →|VP-laydownclose1]] [[Get up (◇)|VP-15]]

... [[(◇)|VP-16]]

(set: $currentBiome to "nan")(text-color:#589d82)+(text-rotate:-1)[The prairie is silent here.] [[(◆)|VP-silent1]] [[South (↓)|VP-25]] [[East (→)|VP-8]]

(if:visits < 2)[(set: $WS to $WS +1)](text-color:#589d82)[...] [[→|VP-silent2]] [[(◇)|VP-silent]]

(text-color:#589d82)+(text-rotate:0)[Something bad happened here.] [[→|VP-silent3]] [[(◇)|VP-silent]]

(text-color:#589d82)+(text-rotate:1)[I wish I could have done something about it.] [[→|VP-silent4]] [[(◇)|VP-silent]]

(text-color:#589d82)+(text-rotate:2)[But it all happened so fast.] [[→|VP-silent5]] [[(◇)|VP-silent]]

(text-color:#589d82)+(text-rotate:3)[First my child, then my wife.] [[→|VP-silent6]] [[(◇)|VP-silent]]

(text-color:#589d82)+(text-rotate:4)[All within a year.] [[→|VP-silent7]] [[(◇)|VP-silent]]

(text-color:#589d82)+(text-rotate:5)[I need to find a way to spend my days.] [[(◇)|VP-silent]]

(if:visits < 2)[(set: $WS to $WS +1)]As you approach (text-color:#ecce36)[a sunflower,] you feel a warm, comforting aura eminating from it. (text-color:#ecce36)[The plant] illuminates the surrounding grass with a soft yellow glow, and being face to face with (text-color:#ecce36)[the flower] makes you smile a little. {(if: ($sunflower) is 0)[ [[Pick a sunflower →|VP-sunflower2]] ] (else: )[ There's no reason to pick a sunflower, as you already have one. ]} [[Leave the flowers be (◇)|VP-2]]

(set: $sunflower to 1)You pick the top from one of the (text-color:#ecce36)[sunflowers,] keeping it with you. The warmth fades from it as it's removed from the stem, but the soft glow remains. [[(◇)|VP-2]]

(set: $currentBiome to "wp")You are afloat in the low waters of (text-color:#2a7be5)[a small pond.] Dim light streams through the rippling surface, drawing wavy patterns on the soft, sandy ground below. While the cold water may feel comforting and strangely familiar, it's not breathable. Nowhere to go but up. [[Swim to the surface (↑)|WP-pondsurface]]

(set: $currentBiome to "wp")The surface of (text-color:#2a7be5)[the pond] shines in the moonlight. Below it, the water is clear but your movement makes it hard to see the bottom. The sky above is dark, with a full moon glowing high. On the west side of (text-color:#2a7be5)[the pond,] you can see (text-color:#6cb43c)[a lush forest.] Spanning the northern to eastern horizon, (text-colour:#9775e6)[a lush grassy field.] [[Travel North (↑)|VP-25]] [[Head towards the field (→)|VP-1]] [[Head towards the forest (←)|SF-east2]] (if: $waterbreathing is 1) [\ [[Dive underwater (↓)|WP-deeppond]] ]

[[Back ←|start0]] (text-size: 2)[Wanderlust version pre-alpha 1.7] Wanderlust is a text-based game inspired by a project done by my favorite band, (text-colour:#d21919)[glass] (text-colour:#3e6ad0)[beach.] (I HIGHLY recommend checking them out if you like bands like Origami Angel, Weatherday, Good Kid, or other emo/punk type things.) For their latest album, (text-colour:#18bd83)[plastic death,] they made an alternate reality game (ARG) which if you don't know, is a series of online puzzles to be solved using various methods by any people interested. In this case, the band's fanbase. (Think of Welcome Home or Cicada 3301) I was pretty involved in the ARG and had a lot of fun with it, but there was one part in particular I loved. On the ARG webpage, https://glassbeach.band/abyss/compass featured a set of links which could be used to navigate around a supposed map with various interesting locations that were riddled with hints, song teasers, and stupid jokes. I really loved this concept, and decided to adapt it into a larger, more coherent explorable map, which is now Wanderlust. I'm making this game with the (text-colour:#14cc64)[Twine] game engine using the Harlowe story format. I went in basically blind with very very little (basically no usefull) coding experience, but reading the documentation has slowly got be up to speed with how to do stuff, so yeah. All this stuff is free, so check out the (text-colour:#14cc64)[Twine] game engine if you're interested in making a text-based, multiple choice/ interactive story-type game.

[[Back ←|start0]] (text-size: 2)[Changelog] Don't expect me to add everything that's been changed on this changelog. I'll do anything I remember, but I can't be bothered to track every little alteration lol (text-size: 1.5)+(text-colour:#2991e0)[pre-alpha 1.7: Seaglass Update 2] (1/22/24) Seaglass Update 2 brings more polish to the stone that is (text-color:#4aa21a)[Wanderlust.] With again, no major content, this update actually stands as a legit update. It's got lots of code rework on my end, some pretty noticable UI changes, and a few reworks and renames of old areas to fit with what I want it to be. * changes include: ** changed (text-color:#2a7be5)[the river] to a pond ** added headers ** added a new page to (text-color:#9775e6)[the prairie] ** added some new options to the starting thingy ** various fixes/tweaks * headers: ** display the name of your current area ** should work as intended, but if you find some inconsistency, please let me know ** still needs to be refined, but that's a later me problem * various fixes/tweaks: ** changed the internal names of (text-color:#2a7be5)[the pond] and (text-color:#6cb43c)[forest] ** added titles to each update ** greatly optimized the code behind the pronoun entry ** slightly rewrote some examine events to clarify story intent (what story? lol) * to do: ** add (text-color:#86fcf7)+(text-style:"smear")[a planned area] ** add save files/codes ** limit use of undo arrows ** woof ** make the game look nicer? (text-size: 1.5)+(text-colour:#2991e0)[pre-alpha 1.6: Questline Update] (1/20/24 happy new year!) Took a while to get this one out, and not because there's a lot of content. The end of a semester is hard, and I'm lazy. But anyways, for those of you that wanted to talk to (text-color:#d1002d)[a certain fox,] go for it :3 * changes include: ** added a quest for (text-color:#ffeb85)[an item] to help you explore ** (text-color:#589d82)+(text-rotate:1)[added some stuff] ** added a few pages to (text-color:#f2ba40)[an area] ** various fixes/tweaks * various fixes/tweaks: ** fixed some text color formatting inconsistencies * to do: ** streamline the pronouns, dummy ** write more stuff for lore ** make everyone forget about version pre-alpha 1.5 (text-size: 1.5)+(text-colour:#2991e0)[pre-alpha 1.4: Seaglass Update 1] (11/16/23) Really started to figure out the direction the game is gonna be taking in the long run here, so expect things to be a little more coherent and alive. That being said, not much to this update. * changes include: ** added the intro to (text-color:#f2ba40)[a new area] ** various fixes/tweaks * various fixes/tweaks: ** fixed several text/spelling/grammar issues (thanks to all who told me about the mistakes!) ** added some form of recognition for completing examine (◆) events ** cleaned up some stuff internally ** slightly changed the changelog structure for future entries ** tweaked the title screen * to do: ** use upperfirst hook to streamline pronouns code ** add more content to (text-color:#f2ba40)[the new area] ** flesh out (text-color:#d1002d)[new character's] role ** (text-color:#fc9ffe)[meow :3] (text-size: 1.5)+(text-colour:#2991e0)[pre-alpha 1.3: The Field Update] (11/8/23) biggest content update ever !! (out of only 3 updates) * features added include: ** changed player name color from (text-color:#ff1a25)[this red] to (text-color:#ac00fc)[this purple] ** added a *lot* of content to (text-colour:#9775e6)[the field] ** added a (text-color:#d1002d)[new character] ** also added (text-color:#41dfe1)[another character] ** added entrance to (text-color:#f2ba40)[a new area] ** added entrance to (text-color:#3d70b3)[a slightly spookier area] * new (text-color:#9775e6)[field/prairie] content: ** 24 dedicated pages ** 4 examine (◆) events ** a fair bit of lore stuff :3 ** this area was hell to write * (text-color:#d1002d)[new character] ** can be found in (text-color:#6cb43c)[the forest] ** doesn't have much content yet, as it'll be a lot of programming to include that stuff ** might rework this character's role ** comes with (text-color:#f05656)[friends] * (text-color:#41dfe1)[another new character] ** can be found in (text-colour:#9775e6)[the prairie] ** has quite a lot of (text-color:#a3eaff)[*story*] ** comes with (text-color:#4ad62e)[two new] (text-color:#a6e421)[characters] * to do: ** limit use of undo button ** spellcheck ** maaaybe add top bar with stats, objective, settings, stuff like that (probably not) ** add saves ** add registers (and references) for having done examine (◆) events ** add a few examine (◆) events to (text-color:#9775e6)[the field] (text-size: 1.5)+(text-colour:#2991e0)[pre-alpha 1.2: The Forest Update] (11/3/23) some content! * features added include: ** some content on the map ** a few examine (◆) events ** changed the opening screen and updated the notes ** added the about screen * to do: ** limit use of undo button ** add more content ** spellcheck ** look into particle effects? ** meow ** make the pronouns auto-fill to what you had it as before when you go back ** add giraffe to options of what you see yourself as (text-size: 1.5)+(text-colour:#2991e0)[pre-alpha 1.1: Ok, Now There's Content] (11/2/23) basically nothing * features added include: ** like, 5 sentences of dialogue. That's it. ** can't be bothered to do more rn ** mostly just put this out to show a friend (text-size: 1.5)+(text-colour:#2991e0)[pre-alpha 1.0: The Release !!] (10/25/23) first version * features added include: ** intro ** opening screen ** user name input ** user pronoun input ** user identification input ** intro to story * intro: ** introduces a soft voice ** took about 10 hours of work ._. * opening screen: ** contains a blurb from me ** has a link to this page ** links to notes page for tips and stuff * user name input: ** allows the player to enter their own name * user pronoun input: ** allows the player to enter their own pronouns ** this took 6 hours (and a lot of documentation searching) on its own ** this is still a pretty messy system, so suggestions on how to improve the user experience for it are very welcomed ** also this system makes Wanderlust the only game I've ever seen that allows your pronouns to be meow/meow and I think that makes it awesome :3 * user identification input: ** allows the user to pick some interpretation of their identity * intro to story: ** has a few lines of waking up after the intro * to-do: ** make sure all punctuation surrounding colored words is consistent ** add more content, duh ** meow mrrp mew ** spellcheck ** stay silly :3 ** limit use of the undo button

(set: $capname to (str-replaced: 1, "s", "S", $name))

singular pronouns

[[Back ←|start0]] (text-size: 2)[Notes] Things here are not needed to play the game, but they can improve your experience. * The undo arrows are not to be used. They won't break the game, but when you're intended to be able to go back, there'll be a dedicated button for it. ** This will be fixed by limiting where the undo button can be used in a future version, but I can't be bothered rn. * This game does not give you a map. While it is not required to complete any quests, it is highly recommended (and I build the game around the idea) that you make a map for yourself. * (text-colour:#9ba23f)+(bg:#504949)[//Warnings or notices from the developer will look like this//] (text-color:#b8b8b8)[or just this. idk, I'm inconsistent :3] * Please report any spelling errors, glitches, or anything that appears to be unintended to me ** I can be contacted on Discord. My username is carameltreat. ** If you don't want to use Discord, feel free to email me at carameltreatartist@gmail.com * Movements on the map are denoted by an arrow within parentheses. ex. (↑) would be moving north, (→) would be east, and so on. * Examine events are denoted by diamonds within parentheses. ex. (◆) for starting an examine event and ◇ for ending one. * Everything you see is very subject to change, so don't get too attached to anything.

plural pronouns

(text-colour:#b8b8b8)["Are $heshe hurt? What happened to $himher?"] (text-colour:#b8b8b8)["That's $hishers, you can't take that!"] (text-colour:#b8b8b8)["Leave $himher alone. $capheshe don't deserve this."] (text-colour:#b8b8b8)["Do you know if $hisher health will improve?"] (text-colour:#b8b8b8)["I may not know](text-color:#ac00fc)[ $name](text-colour:#b8b8b8)[ very well, but it seems $heshe can at least take care of $himherself."] (text-colour:#b8b8b8)[**Your pronouns cannot be changed later**] [[Confirm →|start8-whatinput]] [[Go Back ←|start6-pronounsinput]]

[[→|pre-pond1]]

... [[→|pre-pond2]]

..... [[→|pre-pond3]]

A soft rumble fades in, accompanied by a cool sensation enveloping your body. [[→|pre-pond4]]

It's pleasant, but you feel as though you shouldn't open your eyes. [[Open your eyes →|pre-pond5]]

Against your better judgement, you slowly open your eyes... [[→|pre-pond6]]

Water. [[→|WP-deeppond]]

(text-style: "expand", "smear")+(text-color:#4aa21a)+(text-size:2)[*Wanderlust*] This is an unfinished, experimental game made primarily by me, Caramel Treat in my free time, with some worldbuilding help here and there. The gameplay can be described basically as a text-based exploration game. I highly recommend checking out the [[Notes|notes]] page to see some information that may be helpful to avoid confusion, and the [[About|about]] section to learn more about the game. Keep up with the game via my blog posts at https://spacehey.com/starlightcaramel Thank you for playing. Enjoy (text-color:#4aa21a)[Wanderlust.] [[Start →|variable-setup]] [[Notes →|notes]] [[About →|about]] [[Changelog →|changelog]] last update: 1/22/24

You awake to a cool wind running through the air. Apparently suspended in some kind of mist, you can't see anything past the haze. [[→|start2]]

(text-colour:#b2f188)["Quite admirable."] [[→|start10.1]]

The voice pauses for a moment. [[→|start10.2]]

(text-colour:#b2f188)["You are ready. Proceed with curiosity,](text-colour:#ac00fc)[ $name."] [[→|start10.3]]

(text-colour:#b2f188)["You will be watched over."] [[→|start11]]

Your body slowly goes numb, your vision fading. You faintly see yourself from afar, unconsious in a sea of fog. [[→|start12]]

As you drift out of lucidity, you feel at ease with the physical world and a sense of bliss washes over you, sweeping you away from waking existence. [[→|pre-pond0]]

You hear (text-colour:#b2f188)[a soft voice] ask for your name. [[Enter Name →|start3-nameinput]]

(text-colour:#b8b8b8)[Enter your preferred name, capitalized.] (input: bind $name, "") [[Check Name →|start4-nameconfirm]]

(text-color:#b2f188)["](text-colour:#ac00fc)[$name.](text-color:#b2f188)[ Is this what you call yourself?"] (text-colour:#b8b8b8)[**Your name cannot be changed later**] [[Yes →|start5]] [[No ←|start3-nameinput]]

(text-color:#b2f188)["You have a wonderful name,](text-colour:#ac00fc)[ $name. ](text-color:#b2f188)[Now tell me. What are your pronouns?"] [[Enter Pronouns →|start6-pronounsinput]]

(text-colour:#9ba23f)+(bg:#504949)[//While I think this feature is fully implimented and correct, please let me know if you find any issues.//] (set: $pronounconfirm to 0) (text-colour:#b8b8b8)[Enter your subjective pronoun in ''lowercase''. (ex. she, he, they, it. //She/he// has a pet.)] (input: bind $heshe, ""){(live: .5s)[(set: $capheshe to (upperfirst: $heshe))]} (text-colour:#b8b8b8)[Enter your objective pronoun in ''lowercase''. (ex. her, him, them, it. We didn't leave any for //her/him//.)] (input: bind $himher, ""){(live: .5s)[(set: $caphimher to (upperfirst: $himher))]} (text-colour:#b8b8b8)[Enter your posessive determiner in ''lowercase''. (ex. her, his, their, its. //Her/his// friend is sick.)] (input: bind $hisher, ""){(live: .5s)[(set: $caphisher to (upperfirst: $hisher))]} (text-colour:#b8b8b8)[Enter your posessive pronoun in ''lowercase''. (ex. hers, his, theirs, its. That gemstone is //hers/his//.)] (input: bind $hishers, ""){(live: .5s)[(set: $caphishers to (upperfirst: $hishers))]} (text-colour:#b8b8b8)[Enter your reflexive pronoun in ''lowercase''. (ex. herself, himself, themselves, itself. She/he doesn't talk about //herself/himself//.)] (input: bind $himherself, ""){(live: .5s)[(set: $caphimherself to (upperfirst: $himherself))]} (text-color:#b8b8b8)[Are your pronouns singular or plural? (Plural pronouns are like they/them. Think: If the sentence "What is she doing?" doesn't sound right with your pronouns, then they're likely plural.)] (checkbox: bind $plrl, "My pronouns are plural.")  (set: $nxt1 to "start7-pronounsconfirm")  {(live: 2s)[(if: $plrl is false)[  (link-goto: "Try Pronouns →", $nxt1)]  (else:)[ (link-goto: "Try Pronouns →", "plrl-" + $nxt1)]]}

(text-colour:#b8b8b8)["Is $heshe hurt? What happened to $himher?"] (text-colour:#b8b8b8)["That's $hishers, you can't take that!"] (text-colour:#b8b8b8)["Leave $himher alone. $capheshe doesn't deserve this."] (text-colour:#b8b8b8)["Do you know if $hisher health will improve?"] (text-colour:#b8b8b8)["I may not know](text-color:#ac00fc)[ $name](text-colour:#b8b8b8)[ very well, but it seems $heshe can at least take care of $himherself."] (text-colour:#b8b8b8)[**Your pronouns cannot be changed later**] [[Confirm →|start8-whatinput]] [[Go Back ←|start6-pronounsinput]]

(text-colour:#b2f188)["Thank you. Finally, which best describes how you see yourself, ](text-colour:#ac00fc)[$name?"] (text-colour:#b8b8b8)[Pick from the dropdown menu.] (text-color: #808080)[ (dropdown: bind $blessing, "---", "the abyss", "a butterfly", "a cat", "a dog", "an elf", "a fairy", "a fish", "a flower", "a fox", "a giraffe", "a human", "a lizard", "a plant", "space", "a spirit", "a star", "a tree", "the void", "the wind")] [[Check Self →|start9-whatconfirm]]

(text-colour:#b2f188)["So you see yourself as](text-colour:#f0a3cc)[ $blessing?"] (text-colour:#b8b8b8)[**You cannot be changed later**] [[Yes →|start10]] [[No ←|start8-whatinput]]

{ (set: $WS to 10) (set: $lantern to 0) (set: $sunflower to 0) (set: $spritesmess to 0) (set: $knowvivex to 0) (set: $currentBiome to "nan") }

... [[→|start1]]

(set: $currentBiome to "vp")The grass of (text-color:#9775e6)[the field] almost glistens under (text-colour:#9775e6)+(text-style:"smear")[the glow of the sky,] the shine of the swaying blades making an effect not dissimilar from light refracting off a puddle. (text-color:#ecce36)[A sunflower] can be seen here and there, emitting (text-color:#ecce36)+(text-style:"smear")[a soft glow.] To the west, (text-color:#6cb43c)[a dark forest] is visible, though it looks untravelable due to the tree density. South, (text-color:#2a7be5)[a small pond] makes it's presence known, almost hiding just out of view through the grass, which likewise is visible in the other directions. [[Examine one of the sunflowers (◆)|VP-sunflower1]] [[North (↑)|VP-silent]] [[South (↓)|WP-pondsurface]] [[East (→)|VP-3]]

{(after: .05s)[(if: $currentBiome is "title")[ (text-style: "expand", "smear")+(text-color:#4aa21a)+(text-size:2)[*Wanderlust*] <hr> ] (else-if: $currentBiome is "wp")[ (text-color:#2a7be5)+(text-style: "smear")+(text-size: 1.5)[Wylori Pond] <hr> ] (else-if: $currentBiome is "vp")[ (text-color:#9775e6)+(text-style: "smear")+(text-size: 1.5)[Violet Prairie] <hr> ] (else-if: $currentBiome is "sf")[ (text-color:#6cb43c)+(text-style: "smear")+(text-size: 1.5)[Shattered Forest] <hr> ] (else-if: $currentBiome is "ds")[ (text-color:#f2ba40)+(text-style: "smear")+(text-size: 1.5)[Derium Sands] <hr> ] (else-if: $currentBiome is "ta")[ (text-color:#1f13ff)+(text-style: "smear")+(text-size: 1.5)[The Aqueducts] <hr> ] (else-if: $currentBiome is "tr")[ (text-color:#86fcf7)+(text-style: "smear")+(text-size: 1.5)[Twinkling Rift] <hr> ] (else-if: $currentBiome is "meow")[ (text-color:#86fcf7)+(text-style: "smear")+(text-size: 1.5)[Twinkling Rift] <hr> ] (else-if: $currentBiome is "nan")[  ] ]}