Trout's Mouth Landing

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@@.env;The interior of the bar is very dark. Save for a few small windows, the only light in the space is sourced from archaic neon and incandescent bulbs above the bar and tables. A man in old Royal Navy trousers and a stained undershirt is asleep at one of the booths.@@ <<if $map>> <<else>> @@.env;A [[framed map|map]] of Trout's Mouth Landing hangs on the wall.@@ <</if>> <<linkreplace Continue >>\ @@.env;A muffled voice yells from behind a wall:@@ <<type 55ms>>@@.npcdialogue;BAR'S CLOSED, LEE! TILL 4! HOW MANY GOTDAMN TIMES I GOTTA SAY IT@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "Sorry, sir! I was hoping you could help me!"|sorryhammond]]@@ [[2. Say nothing|ghost]] [[3. "OKAY!" (leave)|downtownre]]@@ <</linkreplace>>

@@.pcprintd;"Sorry, sir, but I was hoping you could help me!"@@ @@.env;For a momment, there is only silence. Then, a low groaning.@@ <<type 30ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Aggh! Okay. Keep your shirt on, I'm coming out."@@<</type>> [[Continue|sorryhammond2]]

@@.env;A swinging door pops open, revealing a haggerd looking man with a slouch, somewhere between the age of twenty-five and seventy. The years have not been kind to him, although what he lacks in beauty is more than made up for by an indescribable air of wisdom.@@ <<timed 1s>><<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Oh... Welcome, stranger. Can't say I was expecting a new face. What can I do for you?"@@<</type>> <<if $knowhammonds>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "Sorry to bother you, Langely. I was talking with Oswald and he thought you might be able to help me."|langhelp]] [[2. "I'm sorry, are you closed?"|uclosed]] [[3. "Where is everyone?"|whereseveryone]] [[4. "I should get going."|downtownre]]@@ <<else>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "I'm looking for my father. I was hoping you might be able to help."|langhelpelse]] [[2. "I'm sorry, are you closed?"|uclosed]] [[3. "Where is everyone?"|whereseveryone]] [[4. "I should get going."|downtownre]]@@ <</if>> <</timed>>

@@.env;I stand in the doorway, silently.@@ <<timed 1s t8n>><<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"MOTHER'S SAKE, LEE! YOU TURNED DEAF AND DUMB?"@@<</type>><</timed>> <<timed 2s t8n>>@@.env;I can hear the man fumbling around in the back before he explodes through a swinging door.@@<</timed>> <<timed 3s t8n>><<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"WHAT'S A MATTER WITH- oh... I'm sorry fella... I thought you were- anywho... Hello! Name's Hammond. Langely Hammond. What can I do for you?"@@<</type>> <<if $knowhammonds>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "Hello, Langley. Sorry to bother you. I was talking with Oswald and he thought you might be able to help me."|langhelp]] [[2. "Are you closed?"|uclosed]] [[3. "Where is everyone?"|whereseveryone]] [[4. "I should get going."|downtownre]]@@ <<else>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "I'm looking for my father. I was hoping you might be able to help."|langhelpelse]] [[2. "I'm sorry, are you closed?"|uclosed]] [[3. "Where is everyone?"|whereseveryone]] [[4. "I should get going."|downtownre]]@@ <</if>> <</timed>>

@@.pcprintd;"Sorry to bother you. I was talking with Oswald and he thought you might be able to help me."@@ @@.env;The man smiles at me, his eyes welcoming.@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Oswald! He's good people. Any friend of his is a friend of mine... What seems to be the issue?"@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[["I'm looking for my father."|langhelpelse]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"I'm looking for my father. I was hoping you might be able to help."@@ @@.env;The man peers at me with a solemn intensity.@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"I see... How come you're looking for him in Trout's Mouth? Not a lot happening round here these days..."@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "He used to be a sailor for the Royal Merhcants. He talked about this place a lot."|usedtobe]] [[2. "I'm starting to notice that..."|noticethat]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"Are you closed?"@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"No, no! Come in, make yourself at home. Only said that cause I thought you were one of them daydrinking types."@@<</type>> @@.env;He motions towards the man sleeping at the booth.@@ <<timed 1s>><<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Don't like opening the daycare till the sun goes down if I can help it. Anyways, what brings you in? Can't say I'm particularly used to new faces."@@<</type>> <<if $knowhammonds>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "I was talking with Oswald and he thought you might be able to help me"|langhelp]] [[2. "Where is everyone?"|whereseveryone]]@@ <<else>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "I'm looking for my father. I was hoping you might be able to help."|langhelpelse]] [[2. "Where is everyone?"|whereseveryone]]@@ <</if>> <</timed>>

@@.pcprintd;"Where is everyone?"@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;Ha!! Son, I hate to say it, but this is everyone. It ain't hard to tell you're new around here... Can I help you with something?@@<</type>> <<if $knowhammonds>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "I was talking with Oswald and he thought you might be able to help me"|langhelp]] [[2. "I should get going."|downtownre]]@@ <<else>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "I'm looking for my father. I was hoping you might be able to help."|langhelpelse]] [[2. "I should get going."|downtownre]]@@ <</if>>

@@.pcprintd;"I'm starting to notice that..."@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"It's a sad thing, innit? Shes as beautiful a place as any... Can't say youre the first to come through here hoping to find someone." "Trout's Mouth isn't usually too kind to the closure-seeking folks."@@<</type>> <<timed 3s>>@@.env;He pauses for a momment, contimplating his next question.@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Would you call yourself superstitious?"@@<</type>> <</timed>>\ <<timed 4s>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "Yes."|yessuper]] [[2. "No."|nosuper]] [[3. "Why?"|whysuper]]@@ <</timed>>

@@.pcprintd;"He used to be a sailor for the Royal Merhcants. He talked about this place a lot."@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Hmmm... As much as it pains me to say it, your pa ain't here, kid. Not unless you're related to old Burgess over there..."@@<</type>> <<timed 1s>>@@.env;He motions at the sleeping drunk.@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"He says he was a sailor, I think he just likes the uniform..."@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "Are you sure you haven't seen him?" (Show photograph)|yousure]] [[2. "Yeah... You're probably right."|youreright]]@@ <</timed>>

@@.pcprintd;"Are you sure you haven't seen him?"@@ @@.env;He examines the photograph for a momment.@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Like I said before, he isn't in Trout's Mouth. Not now anyways... If I have seen em, it had to have been at least a decade ago. Folks like him don't come through often... I'm sorry, son. I can tell this means a lot to you."@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[["That's alright. I'm sorry I bothered you."|defeatedapology]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"Yeah... You're probably right."@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"I'm sorry, kid. I can tell this means a lot to you."@@<</type>> <<timed 40ms>>@@.env;He waivers for a momment. This isn't the first time he's had this conversation.@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Pardon my asking, but would you consider yourself superstitious?"@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "Yes."|yessuper]] [[2. "No."|nosuper]] [[3. "Why?"|whysuper]]@@ <</timed>>

@@.pcprintd;"Alright. I'm sorry I bothered you."@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Son, let me be the first to apologize. Trout's Mouth isn't kind to the closure-seeking type. To tell you the truth, you're hardly the first to come through those doors askin those questions. I hate turning you down outright, so let me ask you: Would you consider yourself to be superstituous?"@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "Yes."|yessuper]] [[2. "No."|nosuper]] [[3. "Why?"|whysuper]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"Why?"@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Well, here in Trout's Mouth some of us share a belief that this place is special. Most of us who stayed are still here for that very reason. We're here because of The Mother. I think, as long as you'd like to believe in that sort of stuff, that I might be able to help you. What do you think?"@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "Yes."|yessuper]] [[2. "No."|nosuper]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"Yes."@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"I knew you were gonna be an interesting fellow the momment I saw you. Here's why I ask: Here in Trout's Mouth we have a sort of ritual. Whenever someone is searching for something they can't seem to get a grasp on, we like to sail over to that island with the lighthouse."@@<</type>> <<linkreplace Continue >><<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"It probably seems silly now, but the trip has a way of bringing some sort of peace. Some folks say that being up there on top of the lighthouse makes it easier to see what's around them. I'm afraid of heights, so I usually stick around The Mother Shrine. Talking to her always seems to make me feel better. If you think you might be interested, I'll give you a sweet deal on a room for when you get back. Ferry will have left till the morning if you go."@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "That sounds great. Let's do it."|tomother]] [[2. "I don't think that's for me. I should probably catch the ferry tonight."|nogo]]@@ <</linkreplace>>

@@.pcprintd;"No."@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"No problem, friend. Didn't want to assume nothin."@@<</type>> <<linkreplace Continue >><<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;Well, the way I see it, its still early. I'd offer you a room, but I can't imagine you want to stick around. You've got plenty of time to take in the sights before the ferry heads back out for the night. Care for a drink?"@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "I'd love a drink."|lastdrink]] [[2. "No, thanks. I should head back to the ferry."|nogo]]@@ <</linkreplace>>

@@.pcprintd;"I'd love a drink."@@ @@.env;He pours two mugs of ale, offering a toast.@@ <<timed 1s>><<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"To life's mysteries, and the world's utter contempt for solving them!"@@<</type>>\ @@.env;You drink together. The hospitality makes me feel vulnerable.@@ @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "On second thought, I just might be feeling supersitious."|whatifyessuper]] [[2. "Thanks, Langley. I should head back to the ferry."|nogo]]@@ <</timed>>

@@.pcprintd;"On second thought, I just might be feeling supersitious."@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"I knew you were gonna be an interesting fellow the moment I saw you. Here's why I asked in the first place: Here in Trout's Mouth we have a sort of ritual. Whenever someone is searching for something they can't seem to get a grasp on, we like to sail over to that island with the lighthouse."@@<</type>> <<linkreplace Continue >><<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"It probably seems silly now, but the trip has a way of bringing some sort of peace. Some folks say that being up there on top of the lighthouse makes it easier to see what's around them. I'm afraid of heights, so I usually stick around The Mother Shrine. Talking to her always seems to make me feel better. If you think you might be interested, I'll give you a sweet deal on a room for when you get back. Ferry will have left till the morning if you go."@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "That sounds great. Let's do it."|tomother]] [[2. "I don't think that's for me. I should probably catch the ferry tonight."|nogo]]@@ <</linkreplace>>

Made for Interactive Art 1: Creative Coding Fall 2022. Map painting by Sarah Evans Trout's Mouth Landing is dedicated to Robert Kurvitz, Helen Hindpere, and Aleksander Rostov. Thank you for creating Disco Elysium, helping me find my place in the world, and having the integrity to step away from a harmful situation. [[Return|previous()]]

@@.env;Curiously, there's yet another sleeping old man in the booth at the top of the gondola track. I have no idea who is paying them to be here, but it's good to know someone is there to let me back down the cliff. I step out of the gondola and let the old man nap. Ahead, I notice several signs pointing towards the town square. \ <<if $knowhammonds>> @@.env;That's where Oswald said I could find Hammond's Place. That's probably a decent place to start looking.@@ <<else>> @@.env;That's probably the best place to start looking. Hopefully some of the shops are open.@@ <</if>> [[Continue|downtown2]]

@@.env;Following the path from the gondola, I find myself in a large circular plaza. Probably a marketplace or park in years past, the plaza now rests as a lifeless entryway to the winding streets of Trout's Mouth. With all of this space, I can only imagine what it would have looked like in its prime. There’s even a small bandstand for live performers. It mostly feels sad now. A lot of care went into making this a communal space. The only building in the center that isn’t boarded up or hollowed out is a cozy looking joint with a swinging wooden sign. It’s very worn down, so I can barely make out the word “Hammond’s Place.”@@ <<if $knowhammonds>> @@.env;This must be the place Oswald mentioned.@@ <<else>> @@.env;The sign on the door simply reads “Inn.”@@ <</if>> [[Check out Hammond's Place|hammondinit]] [[Go back to the docks|gondoladown]]

[[Check out Hammond's Place|hammondinit]] [[Go back to the docks|gondoladown]]

@@.env;The early signs of dusk can be seen forming on the horizon by the time I get down to the docks. Langley gave me permission to pilot his small skiff over to the island. The tiny engine takes many tries to warm up.@@ [[Continue|tomother2]]

@@.env;It occurs to me how little I've reflected on what I'm doing here. How much of me really thought I would find him here? The freezing water splashes into the boat with each passing wave. How much of me thought I would find anything? It seems awfully silly, now that I think about it. The water seems to darken in an instant.@@ [[Continue|tomother3]]

@@.env;As the skiff approaches the small island, the view of the whale is almost too much to take in. A few yards ahead, a stream of water explodes into the air. The shadow dissapates. I cannot stop myself from shaking. It's collosal tale penetrates the sky, ocean water raining down from its sides. In an instant, it is gone. I hardly notice that the skiff has made contact with the shoreline.@@ [[Step out|stepout]]

@@.env;Standing on solid ground does nothing to stop the shaking. I peer out across the vast ocean landscape; terrified, awestruck. The lighthouse reaches towards the clouds above me. I take a seat at the shrine Langley had mentioned- benches arranged in concentric rings around a statue. It's easy to say that I'm here looking for my father, but its not that simple. The silence, save for the slight sound of waves pushing against the shore, is all-consuming. For the first time since mom's death, I start to cry.@@ [[Continue|tomotherend]]

@@.env;The early signs of dusk can be seen forming on the horizon by the time I get down to the docks. Stepping back on to the ferry, I feel nauseous. It occurs to me how little I've reflected on what I'm doing here. How much of me really thought I would find him here? My eyes focus on a crane at the Royal Merchant dockyard in the distance. Its massive cable swings, ever so slightly, with the evening breeze. For the first time since mom's death, I start to cry.@@ [[Continue|nogo2]]

@@.env;The wooden door of the shop feels remarkably heavy, I have to violently yank it from its closed position. Stepping in, it swings shut with a slam. Despite this, it doesn't close all the way. This too requires me to yank it. I hadn’t realized how loud the cacophony of wind and waves was until the door finally shuts behind me. Above, a nest of ropes and nets snake their way up into the darkness towards a loft. One of the interior walls features a large [[framed map|map]]. A stalky man stands behind a countertop.@@ [[1. Approach|os1]] [[2. I should get going (head towards town)|gondola]]

<<set $map =true>> <img src="framedmap.jpg" alt="Map of Trout's Mouth Landing" width="796" height="556"> [[Return|previous()]]

@@.env;I approach the man behind the counter. His long unkept beard makes him look older than he really is. Beneath the counter, meticulously arranged like pieces on a chess board, are two or three dozen hand-made fishing lures. Hanging behind the counter, arranged from left to right in descending size order, are nine craft fishing poles. I've never seen tools displayed to look so much like trophies. He looks at me, brow furrowed.@@ [[Continue|os2]]

<<type 40ms>> @@.npcdialogue;"Well hello, friend."@@ <</type>> <<linkreplace Continue >> \ @@.env;He looks me up and down for a moment, as if trying to assure himself that I'm really standing before him.@@ <<type 85ms>> @@.npcdialogue;"What brings you to Sax and Sons?"@@ \ <</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "I'm looking for my father"|os3a]] [[2. "What is this place?"|os4a]] [[3. "Just browsing"|os5a]] [[4. "I should get going"|gondola]]@@ <</linkreplace>>

@@.pcprintd;"I'm looking for my father."@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue; "Your father? Does he live here in Trout's Mouth?" @@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "I don't know."|os3b]] [[2. "I was hoping you could tell me that." (show photograph)|os3c]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"I don't know."@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Can’t say that narrows it down. What makes you think he’s here? Not a lot of folks still hanging around."@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "This is where my parents met." (show photograph)|os3b1]] [[2. "My parents always talked about how great it was here. Dad especially."|os3b2]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"This is where my parents met."@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Ahh, I see... Royal Merchant types... Can't say I recognize them in particular. Had plenty like em through the shop over the years."@@<</type>> @@.pcprintd;"Alright... Thanks anyways." (take the picture back)@@ @@.env;Before you can go, he asks:@@ <<type 70ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"That's your ma on the left?"@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "Yes. She was born here. Moved away to be with my dad when she was 16."|os3c1]] [[2. "Yes. She passed away last week. I guess that's part of why I'm here."|os3c2]]@@

@@pcprintd;"My parents always talked about how great is was here. Dad especially."@@ <<type 40ms>>@@npcdialogue;“hmph. Sounds funny, hearing that now. Doesn’t take a genius to see this place ain’t what it used to be. Any idea when they might’ve been here?”@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[["My mother was born here. My father came here for work right after the war. He was a sailor for the RMTF." (show photograph.)|os3b2cont]]@@

@@pcprintd;"My mother was born here. My father came here for work right after the war. He was a sailor for the RMTF."@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;I see, I see. Lots of trader families have passed through over the years. What's the deal with him then? Lost contact over the years or something?@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[["He walked out on us when I was eight. When my mom passed, the lack of closure got to be too much."|os3b4]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"He walked out on us when I was eight. When my mom passed, the lack of closure got to be too much."@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;“I’m sorry, friend. I know how hard that can be. Feels like all the questions you never bothered to ask come flying at you in one big cluster. Try not to let it get to you. I think you’re making the right call, coming here and all. Here’s to finding some kinda peace."@@<</type>> <<linkreplace Continue >>@@.env;He reaches into his coat pocket, retrieving a flask. He takes a healthy swig, then offers it to me.@@ [[Accept|yesbooze]] [[Refuse|nobooze]] <</linkreplace>>

@@.env;Tilting my head back, it burns at first, giving way to a satisfying warmth. What a kind gesture.@@ <<linkreplace "Thank you">> \ @@.pcprintd;"Thank you."@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Don't mention it."@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[["I need help with something else."|osnav]] [["I should get going." (head towards town)|gondola]]@@ <</linkreplace>>

@@.env;He nods, raising the flask to a toast, and takes a swig for you.@@ @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "I need help with something else."|osnav]] [[2. "I should get going." (head towards town)|gondola]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"I was hoping you could tell me that" (show photograph).@@ @@.env;He looks at it for a moment, thinking deeply, before setting the photograph on the counter.@@ <<linkreplace Continue >> <<set $rr = true>> \ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Can't say I recognize em. Had plenty of Royal merchants through the shop over the years. Always gave em a handsome deal on poles for their R&R."@@<</type>> <<linkreplace "Alright... Thank's anyway (take the picture back)">> \ @@.env;Before you can go, he asks:@@ <<type 70ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"That's your ma on the left?"@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "Yes. She was born here. Moved away to be with my dad when she was 16."|os3c1]] [[2. "Yes. She passed away last week. I guess that's part of why I'm here."|os3c2]]@@ <</linkreplace>> <</linkreplace>>

@@.pcprintd;"Yes. She was born here. Moved away to be with my dad when she was 16."@@ <<type 50ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Sounds bout right for Trout's Mouth. I'm sorry I couldn't be more help to you, partner. I've spent the better part of three decades standing in this here spot; I might not be equipped to help you. Why don't you head up into town? I'll betcha Langley can point you in the right direction. He owns Hammond's's place, the local inn and bar. Ain't a drifter in Brosset who hasn't found himself down and out at Hammond's Place at some point."@@<</type>> <<set $knowhammonds = true>> \ @@.pcdialogue;[["Thank you, Oswald."|os3ty]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"Yes. She passed away last week. I guess that's part of why I'm here."" <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;“I’m sorry, friend. I know how hard that can be. Feels like all the questions you never bothered to ask come flying at you in one big cluster. Try not to let it get to you. I think you’re making the right call, coming here and all. Tell ya what... You should head up into town. No way a loner like me is gonna be able to offer much help to you. Why don't you go talk to Langely? Owns the inn and bar downtown. You can't miss it."@@<</type>> <<set $knowhammonds = true>> @@.pcdialogue;[["Thank you, Oswald."|os3ty]]@@

"Thank you, Oswald" <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Don't mention it."@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "I need help with something else."|osnav]] [[2. "I should get going." (head towards town)|gondola]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"What is this place?"@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"This here is Sax and Sons. I’m Oswald Sax Jr. Its my Pa’s place. Been working here since I was tall enough to see over the counter. We’re Trout’s Mouth’s prime destination for premium hand-made fishing equipment. Nets, lures, tackle, ropes and rods, all made by hand, right here on site."@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "Get much business?"|os4b]] [[2. "Anyways, I'm looking for my father."|os3a]] [[3. "I need help with something else."|osnav]] [[4. "I should get going." (head towards town)|gondola]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"Get much business?"@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Hell... I knew that one was coming. Unfortunately, no. Not since the spill."@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "The spill?"|os4b1]] [[2. "Why are you still here?"|os4b2]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"The spill?"@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Alright, now you're just pullin my leg."@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[["No, really. What is it?"|spill]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"No, really. What is it?"@@ <<type 45ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"You really ain't from around here, are you? I'm talkin about the Royal Merchant tanker that capsized just off the coast out there. You had to've seen it if you took the ferry in... Whole surface of the water burned for two days. Killed damn near every fish this side of Dover. Bunch of the locals took it as a sign from The Mother."@@<</type>> <<set $knowspill = true>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "And you?"|spill2]] [[2. "Interesting... Anyways, I'm looking for my father."|os3a]] [[3. "I need help with something else."|osnav]] [[4. "I should get going." (head towards town)|gondola]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"And you?"@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Well... Let's just say I wasn't the first to fall in line with the Federation's patch-up job. Guess when it was all said and done the Royal Merchant Trade Feds thought it easiest to just pack the whole thing away; Moved our ports up North to Hayward. Offered big money and big oppertunity for townsfolk to follow suit. A lot of em were gullible enough to listen."@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[["Except for you?"|spill3]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"Except for you?"@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Ha! That's right. Except for me and the rest of them stubborn bastards up in town."<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "Well cudos to you. Anyways, I'm looking for my father."|os3a]] [[2. "I need help with something else."|osnav]] [[3. "I should get going." (head towards town)|gondola]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"Why are you still here?"@@ <<type 35ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Guess I never saw any sense in trying to do something else. This is where I was raised. Son of a fisherman's son. Pa worked his whole life to build this place. How could I let that all go to waste? Plus, I love making this stuff. I'm pretty good at it, too."@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "Well cudos to you. Anyways, I'm looking for my father."|os3a]] [[2. "I need help with something else."|osnav]] [[3. "I should get going." (head towards town)|gondola]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"Just browsing."@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Hahaha. Yeah, and I'm the queen's son. What can I help you with?"@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "I'm looking for my father."|os3a]] [[2. "What is this place?"|os4a]] [[3. "I should get going." (head towards town)|gondola]]@@

<<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"What else can I help you with?"@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "I'm looking for my father."|os3a]] [[2. "What is this place?"|os4a]] [[3. "Just browsing."|os5a]] [[4. "I should get going." (head towards town)|gondola]]@@

<<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Welcome back! What can I help you with?"@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "I'm looking for my father."|os3a]] [[2. "What is this place?"|os4a]] [[3. "Just browsing."|os5a]] [[4. "I should get going." (head towards town)|gondola]]@@

@@.env;Walking along the decaying wooden path, I notice one particular building that sticks out amongst the blighted emptiness.@@ [[1. What is it?|saxext]] [[2. Go inside|saxsons]] [[3. Continue towards town|gondola]]

@@.env;A two-story wooden structure that appears to stand significantly straighter than the surrounding buildings. You notice that the foundation has been reinforced with new lumber. I can barely make out a flip-sign that reads “open” through the salt-caked, sand-blasted glass.@@ [[1. Go inside|saxsons]] [[2. Continue towards town|gondola]]

@@.env;At the base of the cliff, a pair of large cables reach up towards the town center, two large Gondola cars on either side. One of them is parked at the bottom, next to a small booth manned by a curious looking man. Asleep at the job with his nose in a book, tiny eyes peeking out from thick glasses, like they’re fashioned from the bottom of old root beer bottles.@@ [[Approach the booth|gondola2]]

@@.env;As I approach the man, he suddenly sits up with a jolt of energy. \ <<timed 1s t8n>> He belts, like a prideful sea dog after a barrel of ale. It is surprising to see someone so animated in such a frail body.@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;“Careful now, boy. I’ve fought plenty of men in my day (murmuring) I’m not afraid of dishing out a couple bruises for breakfast if you catch my drift.”@@<</type>> \ [[1. "I don't mean any trouble, sir. I was hoping to catch a ride up into town."|gondolakind]] [[2. "I've come to duel, old man. Turn yourself in or suffer the consequences."|gondolajoke1]] <</timed>>

@@.pcprintd;"I don't mean any trouble, sir. I was hoping to catch a ride up into town."@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;CERTAINLY, ME BOY, CERTAINLY. I WAS ONLY PULLING YER LEG! Hope ye don't mind a bumpy ride. Yer all ready I presume?@@<</type>> \ @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "Yes, let's go!"|gondolaride]] [[2. "Wait, there's something else I wanted to do at the docks."|dockre]]@@

@@.pcprintd;"I've come to deul, old man. Turn yourself in or suffer the consequences."@@ @@.env;The man appears frozen. His eyes are impossible to read. I may have just poked the bear... No telling what the geezer is capable of...@@ [[Continue|gondolajoke2]]

@@.env;Suddenly, he erupts with laughter.@@ <<type 60ms>>@@.npcdialogue;BAAAHAHAAHAAAAHAA@@<</type>> \ <<timed 1s t8n>> @@.env; His breath shortens, laughter turns into wheezing. He pounds on his chest, then seems to settle down.@@ <<type 50ms>>@@.npcdialogue;You got me there, son. Might surprise you to hear that I've left my fighting days behind. Anywho, what can I do for you?@@<</type>> <</timed>> @@.pcdialogue;[["I was hoping to ride the gondola up to town."|gondolajoke3]]@@

@@.pcdialogue;"I was hoping to ride the gondola up to town."@@ <<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;Certainly, my boy. S'long as you don't mind a bumpy ride!@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "Let's go!"|gondolaride]] [[2. "Wait, there's something else I wanted to do at the docks."|dockre]]@@

@@.env;The electric motor of the gondola starts up with a mechanical warmth. Soon after, the car begins to lift itself from the ground, towards the top of the cliff.@@ [[1. What's the view like?|gondolaview]] [[2. Enjoy the ride.|downtown1]]

<<if $knowspill>> @@.env;From this height, it is very easy to spot the capsized Royal Trade vessel, penetrating the surface of the water. It's an eyesore, but the absoluteness of its existence compells me nonetheless. The questions it raises are boundless. What if that was my father's vessel? How did something like this happen in such calm waters? It's no wonder so few folks could stand to stick around it.@@ [[1. Anything else?|gondolaview2]] [[2. Enjoy the remainder of the ride|downtown1]] <<else>> @@.env;The land surrounding Trout's Mouth Landing is unquestionably beautiful. From this height, my attention is drawn to a small island housing a partially rundown lighthouse and an adjacent outdoor structure. I think that it's a shrine of some sort. Next to the island, penetrating the surface of the water, is a capsized Royal Trade vessel. What the hell happened there? In less time than I had anticipated, the cable car slows to a halt.@@ [[Head downtown|downtown1]] <</if>>

@@.env;I also notice a small island next to the wreckage. It is home to a partially rundown lighthouse and an adjacent outdoor structure. I think that it's a shrine of some sort. In less time than I had anticipated, the cable car slows to a halt.@@ [[Head downtown|downtown1]]

[[1. Check out the fishing shop|saxtext]] [[2. Go back to the ferry dock|dockdesc]] [[3. Take the gondola to town|gondolaride]]

@@.env;Approaching the sleeping man at the booth, I dread waking another sea dog from his slumber. Fortunately, he seems to have roused himself.@@ <<linkreplace "Continue">><<type 40ms>>@@.npcdialogue;"Good day! Fancy a ride down the cliff?"@@<</type>> @@.pcdialogue;[[1. "Yes, please!"|dockre]] [[2. "Actually, I need to do something else in town."|downtownre]]@@ <</linkreplace>>

<<silently>><<link "Inventory">><<goto inventory>><</link>><</silently>> <<link "credits">> <<goto credits>> <</link>>

<<set $rr = false>> <<set $knowspill = false>> <<set $knowhammonds = false>> <<set $map = false>>

@@.env;My parents look so young in the photo. I realize how little I recognize the faces that peer back at me. To tell myself that I know who these people are, these kids, would be a lie. As the ferry slows to a crawl, the view of Trout's Mouth Landing is almost too much to take in. A solemn, forgotten volume in Brosset's endless history; a towering monument to the ceaseless will to abandon the past. It's easy to say that I'm here looking for my father, but its not that simple. I step off the ferry in search of a memory.@@ [[Continue|dockdesc]]

@@.env;Before me lies an intricate web of intersecting wooden pathways woven into a dense fishing village. Most of the buildings look abandoned. The silence, save for the sound of waves colliding with the dock's supports below, is uncharacteristic for a community of this size. In the far distance I can see a pair of gondolas creeping up towards a cliffside town, probably the center of Trouts Mouth Landing. Ahead, on my left, are some steps that stretch in the direction of the rocky beach.@@ [[1. Head towards town|totown]] [[2.. What else is there?|dockdesc2]]

@@.env;Looking carefully at the rest of the dock around me, I can begin to imagine how this place might have worked at one point. The ferry dropped me off in the remains of a fishing villiage. Probably local shops, built from cheap, local materials. The dilapitated wooden structures continue for a while, eventually giving way to taller, uglier buildings of gray concrete. Steam and oil powered machines lie, decrepit and decaying, in a permanent purgatory. Its not a great idea to explore condemned Royal Merchant property. Not without a reason.@@ [[Head towards town|totown]]