begintalkscript;
variables;
short choice;
short i;

begintalknode 1;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 1;
	question = "Fabian";
	text1 = "Your old friend Fabian grins at you from his place by the fire. You have fond memories of many an escapade that began with that very same smile.";
	text2 = "The light of the fire dances across Fabian's face, casting a red glow on his already ruddy visage. Just like him to sit so close; you've often wondered why your friend chose to become a soldier when more cushy careers fit his personality so much better.";
	text3 = "He claps you on the shoulder as you sit down beside him, _When it's cold out there's nothing better than a good fire and a better friend. Pull up a mat and a flagon of ale, we have many hours to burn._ Perhaps it isn't only the fire making his face red.";
	text5 = "You sit down beside Fabian. After a couple minutes you push your mat a few feet back. You aren't sure how he sits so close to the fire, any longer and you feel like your hair would be singed.";
	text6 = "Fabian lounges by the fire, the light flickering across his face and a merry jig playing on Evrey's flute. _Hey can this man play or what? This might not be half bad after all, huh Vincent?_ You agree.";
	action = INTRO;
	code =
	set_flag(1,1,1);
	if(get_flag(1,6) == 1)
		remove_string(5);
	else
		remove_string(6);
break;

begintalknode 2;
	state = 1;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Who are you?";
	text1 = "Fabian looks at you like you've lost your mind, _Vincent my man, something has gone to your head. It's either the booze or the cold, and I haven't seen you drink enough that you'd be forgetting your old soldiering pal!_";

begintalknode 3;
	state = 1;
	nextstate = 2;
	question = "What do you know about our mission?";
	text1 = "_I know as much as you. That is to say; I know what Captain Ainsley told us. Beast terrorizing a village; drags off a lumberjack and some farmboy; now we're sent out to deal with it._";
	text2 = "_Next thing you know we'll be sent out to hunt down the Yeti or trap the boogeyman. The whole 'Beast' thing is preposterous._";

begintalknode 20;
	state = 2;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What do you think really killed those people then?";
	text1 = "Fabian gestures with his arm to indicate the woods around you, _Listen to these wolves and tell me that isn't what killed those folks?_ Indeed the cacophany of howling wolves fills the air, it's fairly unsettling.";
	text3 = "_But NO, the reason those men got dragged away wasn't because they live in the middle of a WOLF-INFESTED FOREST, it's because of some mythical monster nobody has ever seen._";
	text4 = "_I'm sure Scottie and them will come back and say this 'Beast' is a perfectly mundane wolf or bear. Then we can kill one of the suckers and get out of here._";

begintalknode 4;
	state = 2;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Where did Ainsley go to?";
	text1 = "_The Captain, Scottie, and that newcomer all went scouting across the creek. I'm not sure what's so important that the Captain went out himself; I just remember seeing that newcomer--was Jamie his name?--reporting to him while we were marching._";
	text2 = "You remember that as well, just after it happened Captain Ainsley changed route to make for this campsite. Soon after he and the other two scouts departed.";
	text3 = "Scott and Jamie were obvious choices to take. Jamie is a local scout, and Scott Ewett, though lacking the field experience of most trackers, more than makes up for it with book knowledge. Ainsley has long depended on Ewett's lore.";
	text4 = "It is, however, strange that Ainsley wanted to go scout personally. Apparently Fabian thinks so too.";
	code =
	if(get_flag(1,9) == 0){
		set_flag(1,9,1);
		inc_flag(1,8,1);
	}
break;

begintalknode 5;
	state = 2;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Why are we out here?";
	text1 = "_Because you and me, my friend, are grunts; and that is what grunts do. Grunts spend their summers freezing their asses off in the middle of nowhere, and they count themselves lucky that they aren't getting stuck in the gut with swords instead!_";
	text2 = "This is a favorite complaint of Fabian, 'Things wouldn't be this way if I were born a Noble.' Undesirables that could be avoided range from stale beer to watch duty; you aren't surprised that journeys to the Rim have been added to the list.";

begintalknode 6;
	state = 2;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What did you think of Manibor?";
	text1 = "_We spent only one day there, but I think I could have seen the whole village in just one hour. Some shepherds, some huts, some mud, and then the highlight; two huts put together to double as an inn and a town hall._";

begintalknode 7;
	state = 1;
	nextstate = 3;
	condition = get_flag(1,3) == 0;
	question = "What do you think of the group's other members?";
	text1 = "_It's nice to be among familiar faces: The Captain, Scottie, Orrin, Sarge, and you of course; and most of the newcomers seem like good enough people. It might actually be an enjoyable mission, if it weren't so damn freezing._";
	text2 = "_I must say that hunter fellow, Sir Rowley, just rubs me the wrong way._ He puffs up his chest in a surprisingly accurate, if a bit over the top, imitation of the pretentious local hunter that joined your party in Manibor.";
	text3 = "_'Ah my friends, you are in the presence of the knight of the middle of nowhere. I will do you a most wonderous service by accompanying you; for my knowledge of the area is great and my spear arm greater.' Give me a freaking break._";

begintalknode 8;
	state = 3;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = get_flag(1,2) == 1;
	question = "He doesn't seem so bad.";
	text1 = "_Maybe I'm just being too quick to judge. I haven't spoken to him much, and I admit I base my opinion on first impressions._";
	text2 = "_The way he walked up to the Captain and practically DEMANDED to be included in the hunting party; then made it sound like he did US a favor, well it just doesn't sit well with me. Just keep it between us, I don't want this to be an issue all trip._";  
	action = END_TALK;
	code =
	set_flag(1,3,1);
break;

begintalknode 9;
	state = 3;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = get_flag(1,2) == 1;
	question = "Yeah he's a jerk.";
	text1 = "_You can say that again. People like that, walk about like they own the world and are doing us all a favor for spitting on us. Well maybe I'm getting carried away but you know how I feel.";
	text2 = "_What makes him think he can walk up to the Captain and DEMAND to be included in the hunting party? Then he makes it sound like he did US a favor. Yeah he's a royal jerk alright, but keep it between us; I don't want this to be an issue all trip._";  
	action = END_TALK;
	code =
	set_flag(1,3,1);
break;

begintalknode 10;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 4;
	question = "Sir Rowly";
	text1 = "A tall middle aged man paces about the camp dressed in a red dyed leather tunic, camouflage cape, and baggy black pants tucked into his steel toed boots. He walks rigidly, evidently nobody told him that you aren't marching anymore.";
	text2 = "With one hand he twirls his mustache and straightens his hair, the other he holds out for you to shake. When you do, he bows and launches into his speech, _Ah, Vincent if I'm not mistaken? I am Sir Roger Rowly; pleasure to make your acquaintance._";
	text3 = "This is your first encounter with your party's newest member. You were marching out of Manibor when the fancy talking, heavily decorated, straight backed huntsman hailed you.";
	text4 = "He requested that Captain Ainsley include him in your party. Ainsley decided to allow it; even though Rowly was not an Empire soldier or even assigned to the group. Hunting the Beast is reportedly Rowley's life goal; he has offered to help you do so.";
	text5 = "Sir Rowly nods to you in greeting, _What news of the Beast? I hope the scouts find its location._";
	action = INTRO;
	code =
	set_flag(1,2,1);
break;

begintalknode 11;
	state = 4;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "How did you become 'Sir' Rowly?";
	text1 = "Rowly puffs himself up, clearly happy to be talking about himself, _A very good question, an excellent question indeed. Harumph. Well since you asked I'll tell you._";
	text2 = "_In the days of my youth I used to roam Ermarian hunting fell beasts of every kind. One of my trophies was a manticore that had taken up residence in the Imperial Gardens of Solaria. Empress Prazac knighted me for my service._";

begintalknode 12;
	state = 4;
	nextstate = 5;
	question = "Why did you want to come along for the mission?";
	text1 = "_I have devoted the last seven years of my life to hunting the Beast of the Rim. The Beast has claimed many a man's life, and the treacherous conditions of the mountain just as many._";
	text2 = "_You have two scouts on your team who are knowledgable in the area, but neither of them have tried tracking the Beast before. I know how it acts; it is crafty and guileful; it will not be easy to find, let alone kill it._";

begintalknode 13;
	state = 5;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "So you actually believe in the Beast?";
	text1 = "_Believe in the Beast? There is no believing about it, I know the Beast exists; I've seen its tracks, its blood, and its kills. If you don't think the Beast is real then you're a fool, and fools don't last long in the Rim._";

begintalknode 14;
	state = 5;
	nextstate = 6;
	question = "Why haven't you been able to kill the Beast?";
	text1 = "_The Beast is more intelligent than a normal animal, it evades traps and ambushes with a cunning I've never before seen._";
	text2 = "_It rarely comes down from the heights of the Rim. This is the first time it has attacked a village. This means that to hunt the best you must climb into the mountains and face the cold and dangers there. The Beast always has home field advantage._";

begintalknode 15;
	state = 6;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What do you think drove it to attack Manibor?";
	text1 = "_I can't be sure; the Beast always hunts in the highest and coldest parts of the Rim. I and other hunters, however, have noticed that a recent cold spell has killed off lots of vegetation._";
	text2 = "_The deer population, which constitutes most of the Beast's prey, have moved down below the snow line to find food. I believe the Beast followed them down from the heights, and in doing so came across the human settlement._";
	code =
	if(get_flag(1,10) == 0){
		set_flag(1,10,1);
		inc_flag(1,8,1);
	}
break;

begintalknode 16;
	state = 6;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Where would you look for the Beast?";
	text1 = "_I usually roam the mountains; just as the Beast does. I don't believe it has a permanent lair, which makes it hard to track down. Your best bet is to find tracks or a carcass of prey, then follow them for as far as you can._";
	text2 = "_Captain Ainsley would have done well to take me with him on the scouting trip. However he has forbid me from leaving the group, and I pledged to him that I'd abide by his rules as long as I'm journeying with you. He's making a mistake._";

begintalknode 17;
	state = 4;
	nextstate = 7;
	condition = get_flag(1,4) == 0;
	question = "What do you think of the other party members?";
	text1 = "_Ainsley put together a good group-- if this were a mission down in the plains. I know you and some of the other group members are used to travelling together, but hunting in the Rim is different._";
	text2 = "_You need knowledge of the area and how to combat the conditions. Have you ever fought in snow? I thought not. Most of your group will be way out of their element up here and next to useless. That Orrin fellow is the only one who knows what he is about._";

begintalknode 18;
	state = 7;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Wait just a minute, I'm no greenhorn and neither are my friends!";
	text1 = "_You keep telling yourself that. You think this is cold? This is a fair day here in the Rim, but I feel a storm coming. Summer storms here are rarer than in the winter, but no less fierce._";
	text2 = "_Yeah, you keep telling yourself you know better, that when the Beast comes you'll skewer it like your lowland 'monsters,' that blizzards don't happen in the summer, that this is as cold as it'll get. Anybody who has journeyed in the Rim knows better._";  
	action = END_TALK;
	code = 
	set_flag(1,4,1);
break;

begintalknode 19;
	state = 7;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "I agree, thanks for coming to help us out.";
	text1 = "_Yes, with Jamie, Orrin, Adrianna and of course myself this expedition still stands a chance. This is why it frustrates me when Ainsley leaves me out, my counsel would only help this expedition._";
	action = END_TALK;
	code = 
	set_flag(1,4,1);
break;

begintalknode 21;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 8;
	question = "Orrin";
	text1 = "Orrin has been wearing little more than a light leather tunic all day, and now he has taken even that off and stands shirtless in the snow. Just looking at your friend makes you shiver.";
	text2 = "He practices with his dual broadswords, the heat his body generates from the rigorous exercise is enough to keep the hardy highlander warm even in the cold mountain air.";
	text3 = "He twirls the swords lazily. Suddenly he lunges forward, delivering a mighty slash to the air, then dances back. Had there been an enemy there it would be dismembered, you've seen it often enough to know.";
	text4 = "He turns to speak to you, despite having marched all day he doesn't seem at all fatigued, _Wonderful, isn't it?_ He breaths deeply and surveys his surroundings, _It's good to be back in the highlands; isn't the air refreshing?_";
	text5 = "Orrin still stands shirtless, he seems immune to the cold. _Pull out your blade and go a round with me, you were looking rusty last time I saw you hold a sword._";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 22;
	state = 8;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Are you crazy? Aren't you cold?";
	text1 = "He chuckles, _Are you forgetting, Vincent? I'm from the highlands, I've been bathing in ice water since I was a boy. In the mountains there are two seasons, cold and colder; a summer day on Mount Spire isn't a problem, good and chilly._";
	text2 = "You can't understand how he does it, but you aren't surprised. Orrin has long travelled in Unit 341 with you, and in that time you've never seen him wear a jacket.";
	text3 = "Even when keeping watch on the chilliest nights he would never bundle up, much to his miserable comrades dismay.";

begintalknode 23;
	state = 8;
	nextstate = 9;
	question = "Where did you learn to use those swords?";
	text1 = "He hands you one of the broadswords for you to inspect. _The dual broadswords are the traditional weapons of the highest ranking warriors in my clan, the Dire Wolves._";
	text2 = "_I once held that rank, and even though I am no longer welcome on Mount Arrathat I still bear my horn and my swords._ You hand the sword back to him, it really is a fine piece of craftsmanship; perfectly balanced and razor sharp.";

begintalknode 24;
	state = 9;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Why aren't you welcome in your homeland anymore?";
	text1 = "_I made-- mistakes, and was banished for them._ He shakes his head, _I did what I did, and what's done is done. That is the past, but I think finally returning to the Rim is a step towards reconciling with myself._";
	text2 = "_This place,_ he gestures around, _may seem like a barren land to you, but it is my home, and it is good to be back._";
	text3 = "Your normally tacit friend does seem inspired by the mountains, you've never heard about this banishment, or any of these feelings he's expressing.";

begintalknode 25;
	state = 9;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What horn?";
	text1 = "He pats a battle horn at his side. It is made of the horn of a mountain ram, and has odd signs scrawled on it. _Surely you've noticed it, I've been wearing it for as long as I've known you, for as long as I've left my tribe._";
	text2 = "_It is the horn born by every Wolf. They call its sound the howl of the wolf, and it strikes fear into the hearts of our enemies._ You have heard plenty of wolf cries on this journey, and if the horn sounds at all similar you can see why it would.";
	text3 = "He raises the horn to his lips and inhales deeply to sound it. He hesitates, then slowly lets out his breath and replaces the horn on his belt.";
	text4 = "_No, it wouldn't be right. I was outcast for a reason, I will never again howl from the heights of the Rim._";
	code =
	if(get_flag(1,18) == 0){
		set_flag(1,18,1);
		inc_flag(1,8,1);
	}
break;

begintalknode 26;
	state = 8;
	nextstate = 10;
	question = "What do you think of the 'Beast'?";
	text1 = "_Reports of a deadly creature that preys on men, eluding with ease any efforts to hunt it-- from a lowland mentality it seems preposterous.";
	text2 = "_But up here in the mountains one can't just write off accounts like that. Natives of the Rim can tell you that up here anything goes-- the Beast sure as hell wouldn't be the strangest thing I've seen._";

begintalknode 27;
	state = 10;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "So you think the Beast is real?";
	text1 = "_I don't know, there are many accounts of strange creatures from the Rim. People suffering from hyopthermia can mistake a wolf for a mythic beast, but more likely they hold some kernel of truth. I believe the reports are true and I'll tell you why._";
	text2 = "_I was on a hunting trip years ago when one of my tribesmen came across a mangled carcass of a bear with strange footprints all about it. One of the elders told us they belonged to the Beast._";
	text3 = "_We were a party fifteen strong that day, but we fled as soon as we heard him say that. We should be on our guard. The creature we hunt now: the Beast, or perhaps it's simply a mundane animal, who knows, regardless it is dangerous._";
	code =
	if(get_flag(1,11) == 0){
		set_flag(1,11,1);
		inc_flag(1,8,1);
	}
break;

begintalknode 28;
	state = 8;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Do you think we'll succeed?";
	text1 = "_Jamie is an excellent tracker; I spoke to him during the day's march and he seemed very knowledgable. Ewett, as we all know, has done as much research on cryptids as anybody else, and this other sage, Erasmus, doesn't seem like a slouch._";
	text2 = "_Ainsley put together a good team, I suspect he and the scouts will return soon to tell us we're on the Beast's trail. Then we'll know what it is we're up against._";

begintalknode 29;
	state = 8;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = (get_flag(1,5) == 0);
	question = "Let me practice with you.";
	text1 = "Orrin sheathes his deadly swords in favor of a nearby tree branch. Likewise, you pick up a branch and test it for balance and sturdiness.";
	text2 = "Your practice session is envigorating. You begin to see how Orrin goes shirtless, you work up such a sweat that you actually pull off your scarf and outer jacket. You wouldn't go so far as to strip to bare skin, however.";
	text3 = "You fall to the ground, exhaused after your bout. Orrin really gave you a workout; you were far outclassed in your fight and were beaten soundly, but feel like you've picked up some moves you could use.";
	text4 = "You slowly rise, feeling every burning muscle in your body. Perhaps exherting yourself like that wasn't such a good idea, you have a long march ahead of you. Orrin somehow is unaffected, he soon resumes his sparring.";
	text5 = "You are too exhausted from the day's march to train with the vigorous barbarian.";
	code = 
	set_flag(1,5,1);
	if((get_highest_skill(3) > 3) && (get_highest_skill(8) > 0)){
		alter_stat(1000,0,1);
		alter_stat(1000,4,1);
		alter_stat(1000,3,-1);
		alter_stat(1000,8,-1);
		remove_string(5);
	}
	else{
		set_flag(1,5,2);
		clear_strings();
		add_string(5);
	}
break;

begintalknode 30;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 11;
	question = "Private Evrey";
	text1 = "Of the five newcomers to the group, only this man is an Empire soldier. You just met him yesterday, when he joined the troop in Manibor as planned.";
	text2 = "Captain Ainsley said the name of the man you'd be rendezvousing with was named James Evrey; for some reason the name stuck in your mind. You're pleased to be able to adress him by name when you introduce yourself; his reaction is just the opposite.";
	text3 = "_I'd appreciate it if you'd call me Private Evrey. I went through how much training for that title, and I've taken injuries for the Empire. I think I deserve it._";
	text4 = "If he thinks to impress people by waving around the title 'private' then he's in the wrong place.";
	text5 = "This time you're sure to humor the man by by adressing him as 'Private Evrey,' which he appreciates. He doesn't seem so bad now you get past his strange title quibble, _Oh hello Vincent, how're you holding up?";
	text6 = "Private Evrey puts down his flute to speak with you, which doesn't go over well with Fabian, _Hey Vincent, let the man play! I'm trying to listen over here!_";
	action = INTRO;
	code =
	if(get_flag(1,6) == 1)
		remove_string(5);
	else
		remove_string(6);
break;

begintalknode 31;
	state = 11;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Why were you assigned to this mission?";
	text1 = "_I was on injury leave in a hospital in a hospital in Meriton, I'd suffered a wound in a scrape with some bandits; quite disappointing since that was my first mission out of basic training._";
	text2 = "_Anyway, when I had recuperated from my injury, I was sent here to Manibor to meet up with Unit 341 to help you on your mission. Hopefully I can get back into the swing of things, get some successes under my belt._";

begintalknode 32;
	state = 11;
	nextstate = 12;
	condition = get_flag(1,6) == 0;
	question = "What skills do you bring to the mission?";
	text1 = "_Well I know you and your buddies are all used to fighting together, and the other newcomers all offer something real useful like knowledge of the area, or woodscraft._";
	text2 = "_I just have my halberd and my support. Oh, and I guess I have this too._ He pulls out a black rectangular box from his knapsack and lays it across his lap. You noticed him carrying it gingerly while you were marching, but didn't think much of it.";
	code =
	if(get_flag(1,12) == 0){
		set_flag(1,12,1);
		inc_flag(1,8,1);
	}
break;

begintalknode 33;
	state = 12;
	nextstate = 13;
	question = "What's in the box?";
	text1 = "He reddens with embarrassment, but smiles while he opens the box, _Oh, it's not a big deal. I just carry my flute in here._ He turns the box towards you so you can see inside. It holds a fine wooden flute.";
	text2 = "You ask him if he plays, _Oh, I dabble. I took a few years in--_ however you don't get to hear about the history of his music lessons because Fabian, who started looking on with interest when the box came out, now interrupts.";
	text3 = "_Well what were you waiting for? Here we were sitting here in the dark with nothing to do, and all along we had a musician among us. Play us a tune!_";
	text4 = "Evrey smiles emberassedly and looks around for approval. It appears the woman next to him couldn't care less, which leaves you. Fabian looks at you expectantly as well.";

begintalknode 34;
	state = 13;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Play it for us!";
	text1 = "At your and Fabian's urging, Evrey finally removes the flute from the case, wets his lips, and plays a few notes experimentally. Then he launches into a song.";
	text2 = "Despite his reluctance to play, he proves to be a good musician. The camp is soon filled with merry music, almost loud enough to drown out the howling of the wolves.";
	action = END_TALK;
	code = 
	set_flag(1,6,1);
break;

begintalknode 35;
	state = 13;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "I'm not in the mood right now.";
	text1 = "Fabian groans and throws up his hands, _Well sorry for trying to liven up the camp, Vincent. Heaven forbid we listen to music if Vincent isn't 'in the mood.'_";
	text2 = "Fabian continues this way for several minutes, meanwhile Evrey has already packed up the flute and put it back in his bag.";
	action = END_TALK;
	code = 
	set_flag(1,6,2);
break;

begintalknode 36;
	state = 11;
	nextstate = 14;
	question = "What do you think of the Beast?";
	text1 = "_I don't know; where I grew up back in Imperius we never worried about any beasts; but over here it's a part of everday life. I arrived in Maribor a week before you all caught up, so I got to spend some time with the natives._";
	text2 = "_Let me tell you, they are absolutely terrified of this Beast. During the day they are as congenial as you could expect from a person living in a place like the Rim. But at night everybody locks their door, and woe to you if you come knocking._";
	text3 = "_When I told them that I intended to hunt the Beast with you people I was treated like a hero, like a dead hero to be exact. I don't think anybody expects us to succeed._"; 

begintalknode 37;
	state = 14;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Have any of them actually seen the Beast?";
	text1 = "_The only person I met who said she did was an old woman living on the edge of town, which coincidentally isn't far from the center of town, who said she'd seen glowing eyes from the woods on the day one of those men went missing._";
	text2 = "_Now glowing eyes could really be anything, but she never doubted what it was she saw. Anyway my point is that things are real different out here, we're a long way from Stonehurst; and a long way from civilized lands._";
	text3 = "_Here in the sticks a mountain man's wisdom is as valuable as what you see with your own eyes, or what a hundred scientists from the capital say. City slickers like us come here waving around our education and think we know better; then wind up dead._";

begintalknode 38;
	state = 11;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What do you think of the others in our group?";
	text1 = "_Well at the moment I feel like a bit of an outsider, half of you know each other from soldiering together, and the rest are Manibor natives so they are all familiar. I'm just the guy coming off injury leave._";
	text2 = "_But you all seem like a good bunch, I think it'll be an enjoyable trip. If it would stop snowing, that is._";

begintalknode 39;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 15;
	question = "Adrianna";
	text1 = "A young auburn haired woman sits by the fire; her face would be pretty if her eyes didn't sag with exhaustion and her mouth wasn't seemingly frozen in a twisted frown.";
	text2 = "You can't even think of this woman's name. You know she's one of the locals that joined you yesterday, but she spent the whole day marching alongside Jamie so you never spoke. Now Jamie is gone out scouting, and she is sitting alone.";
	text3 = "You introduce yourself and offer your hand, which she takes. She tells you her name is Adrianna, and it suddenly hits you: this is the daughter of one of the men that were killed. No wonder her face looks ashen and you have yet to see her smile.";
	text5 = "Adrianna is no more cheerful than the last time you spoke to her, _Oh, hey Vincent. I was just thinking about-- well I do a lot of thinking at night, that's the hardest time for me._";
	action = INTRO;  

begintalknode 40;
	state = 15;
	nextstate = 16;
	question = "Why have you joined us?";
	text1 = "_Two men from my village have been killed; one, Shepherd Eugene was a friend of mine. When you live in such a small village everybody knows everybody, a death like this hurts the whole community._";
	text2 = "Her face grows increasingly grim as she talks about the killings, she is almost grinding her teeth at this point. _However the second man's death holds special meaning to me._";
	text3 = "_Lylam Stanton was my father, and the day that fell monster tore him away from me I swore I'd get my revenge._";

begintalknode 41;
	state = 16;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Can you tell us any details about the killings?";
	text1 = "Asking the daughter of one of the victims to recount the details of the incident was a fairly tactless thing to do, but Adrianna takes it in stride. Her face grows even paler, if that's possible.";
	text2 = "_The first killings were actually just sheep. The Beast broke into several pens and dragged away our livestock. The shepherds stayed extra vigilant the next weeks, thinking it was just a lone wolf and could be chased off._";
	text3 = "_That was when the Beast got Eugene. He was out watching his flock after dark when everybody heard a cry. When we got to the scene Eugene and two sheep were gone, drag marks showed they had been taken to the forest._";
	text4 = "_After that everybody boarded up after night, and nobody left the village if they could help it. My father, however, was a lumberjack and wasn't going to let anything keep him from his job._";
	text5 = "_He never came back from one of his trips, scouts found nothing but his axe and some bloodstains. I know the Beast got him, but I half hope to find him alive somewhere._";
	code =
	if(get_flag(1,13) == 0){
		set_flag(1,13,1);
		inc_flag(1,8,1);
	}
break;

begintalknode 42;
	state = 16;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Revenge on an animal? Is that really possible?";
	text1 = "_Perhaps not, at least not in most situations, but the Beast is different. It kills out of malice, it is cunning to the point of higher intelligence._";
	text2 = "_I will kill it, not just to avenge my father, but to ensure it will never kill again._ She pulls out a long dagger from beneath her jacket. You wouldn't choose a dagger to hunt a killer animal, but maybe she knows what she's doing.";

begintalknode 43;
	state = 16;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Can you describe the Beast?";
	text1 = "_I can't say I've ever seen the thing for myself, but I can relate to you the reports I've heard. Stories of the Beast date back to before I was born, and the sightings now a days coincide with those from thirty years ago._";
	text2 = "_It is agreed that the Beast very much resembles a wolf; a hulking wolf with thick black fur, so thick that icicles grow on it._";
	text3 = "_However, the Beast is mammoth compared to your normal timber wolf, and although it runs on all fours for speed it can reportedly stand on its back legs as well._";
	text4 = "_And of course, everybody agrees that it is a savage and cunning creature, fearsome to behold and even more so to go toe to toe with._";

begintalknode 44;
	state = 15;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What was life in Manibor like?";
	text1 = "_I know what you think, sheepherding vilage in the middle of nowhere-- must be dullsville. Well it WAS dullsville, but I loved it anyhow._";
	text2 = "_Life was regular as clockwork, in the summer you shear the sheep, in the winter you take them down the mountain to below the snow line. But now the Beast has the village in a state of panic._";
	text3 = "_Nobody will go outside, nobody will take the sheep out to pasture. We board up at night and suddenly our cozy fires become our last line of defense against our mortal foe. The sooner we kill the thing, the sooner life can return to normal._";

begintalknode 45;
	state = 15;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Do you think the expedition will succeed?";
	text1 = "_I-- I don't really know. They say the Beast can't be killed, but we have eleven warriors, surely we could bring it down. First things first, we need to find it. Looks like we're on the right track._";
	text2 = "_I'm not sure if you heard why Jamie and them went across the river, but I did. During the day's march, Jamie was ranging ahead to scout the way._";
	text3 = "_When he returned he went immediately to report to Ainsley. When I saw my friend was back I went over to greet him, and overheard his report._";
	text4 = "_It seems he found footprints to the northeast, massive footprints that he is not at all familiar with. That is why we took a detour towards here, and that is why Ewett went along for the next trip- to attempt to identify the prints._";
	text5 = "_I'm not sure why Ainsley didn't tell the whole group what was happening, it's not like we don't already know what we're hunting._";

begintalknode 46;
	state = 15;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What do you think of the others in our group?";
	text1 = "_Everybody else here is from the outside world, which leaves Jamie and Sir Rowly as the only familiar faces. Jamie is about my age and a good friend; but he often leaves me alone to go off scoutting._";
	text2 = "_Rowly-- well frankly he's pompous and headstrong. When he first came to Manibor we thought he was a great hero or something, then we realised he was just an arrogant, showy, hunter that used big words._";
	text3 = "_He kind of fell out of favor when we realised he was all talk and no deeds._";

begintalknode 47;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 17;
	question = "Sergeant Burden";
	text1 = "Sergeant Marie Burden, Captain Ainsley's second in command, has been left in charge of the expedition in the Captain's absence. She now stands on the banks of this small frozen creek across which Ainsley and the scouting party departed.";
	text2 = "She doesn't take her eyes from the far bank of the creek, and stands in full armor with her sword halfway from its scabbard; no doubt anticipating the Captain's return.";
	text3 = "You salute her as you approach, which she waves away. Burden doesn't toss around her rank, she seems content to pretend she is just another private. She's never given a direct order to you; but when she requests a soldier do something they always obey.";
	text4 = "_You don't need to keep watch with me, Vincent. Go sit by the fire, Fabian would be glad to have a partner to drink with._";
	text5 = "Burden waves away your salute like usual, _I can keep watch here, Vincent. You go sit by the fire._";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 48;
	state = 17;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What are you watching for?";
	text1 = "_The Captain left two hour ago to scout across the creek with Ewett and Jamie. I'm watching for their return, if anything goes wrong and they need help, I'll be here._";

begintalknode 49;
	state = 17;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What is the plan?";
	text1 = "_The plan for now is to wait for Captain Ainsley and the scouts to return, as he commanded us to do. He should return some time tonight; tomorrow morning we'll move out, hopefully we'll be on the Beast's trail._";
	text2 = "_Regardless we have a lot of marching ahead of us, which is why I tell you to go rest up. I'll give a holler if any help is needed._";

begintalknode 50;
	state = 17;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Why were we sent here?";
	text1 = "_We were sent here to hunt the Beast of the Rim, but you already know that. I suppose what you mean is why was unit 341 the one selected for the job._";
	text2 = "_Well to tell the truth I'm not sure. We've proven ourselves capable in the past, but not anything stellar that would deserve special attention. I guess we were just lucky._ You think she's being sarcastic, sometime's it's hard to tell.";
	code =
	if(get_flag(1,14) == 0){
		set_flag(1,14,1);
		inc_flag(1,8,1);
	}
break;

begintalknode 51;
	state = 17;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Do you think we can really kill this Beast?";
	text1 = "_I'm convinced that these reports are much exaggerated. I believe there is something out in these mountains, but the idea that it is some kind of intelligent, unstoppable killing machine is preposterous._";
	text2 = "_If it lives and breathes it can be killed, it's that simple. There is no animal in the world that could outfight a whole troop of soldiers, the hard part is going to be tracking it down._";

begintalknode 52;
	state = 17;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What do you think of the other group members?";
	text1 = "_These newcomers seem like valuable additions. Jamie and Rowly are as good of scouts as we could ask for, Erasmus is a history buff, and us boys from 341 will handle all the killing, eh?_";
	text2 = "_I'm not so sure about Adrianna, though. I don't know what the Captain was thinking about when he let that girl put herself in danger like this, even if her father was one of the victims. Ainsley is a softie for a sentimental story like that._";

begintalknode 53;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 18;
	question = "Erasmus";
	text1 = "This is Erasmus, the sage who joined your group back in Stonehurst. Erasmus, or Professor Erasmus rather, teaches history in Redmark College.";
	text2 = "He spent most of the journey arguing with Ewett about various historians and scholars, none of which interested you. You hear he knows a bit of magery, but the spells you've seen him cast have been fairly mundane, nothing for bringing down a Beast.";
	text3 = "Erasmus is standing on the edge of the camp, before him is a trail leading up into the mountains. He is puring over a small leather bound book; no unusual occurence, you've never seen him without a book of some kind.";
	text4 = "_Vincent! What do you think of Gerunda's theory on the highlander migration? I would say it doesn't account for-- Oh I'm sorry, sometimes I forget that others aren't as interested in history as I am. What is it you're here for?_";
	text5 = "Erasmus hurriedly finishes the paragraph he was on before snapping shut his book. _What is it, Vincent?_";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 54;
	state = 18;
	nextstate = 19;
	question = "What are you reading about?";
	text1 = "He holds up the book for you to see, 'Ruins of the North.' He explains, _This was written by historian Gregor Gerunda. He writes about-- well he writes about a lot of different stuff but the relevant thing at the moment is lore of the North._";
	text2 = "_Right now I'm trying to figure out where we are in relation to this map, it's real out of date and marks locations by landmarks. I have a good idea, but I'm not quite sure and the locals haven't been much help._";

begintalknode 55;
	state = 19;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Here's an idea, get a map that's up to date.";
	text1 = "_No no, that's not the point. I'm not using the map to navigate, Jamie and Rowly know enough about the area to do that, I'm using it because I'm searching for something._";
	text2 = "You look at him quizzically, _Amon Sul is it's name, it's an ancient Empire watchtower on Mount Spire. It was abandoned long ago during the reign of Stewart II, but when it was manned they used to do a lot of research there._";
	text3 = "_Nobody around here knows anything about it. It hasn't been in use since the mines up here were closed and the tower no longer had anything to guard. I'd be interested to stop by that tower, which is why I'm trying to figure out if we're near to it._";
	code =
	if(get_flag(1,15) == 0){
		set_flag(1,15,1);
		inc_flag(1,8,1);
	}
break;

begintalknode 56;
	state = 18;
	nextstate = 20;
	question = "Why were you assigned to this mission?";
	text1 = "_I actually requested a leave of absense from my work at Redmark College to make this journey. One of my favorite topics of study is the history and culture of the north. This would give me a chance to see my study subject first hand._";

begintalknode 57;
	state = 20;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Wait, you *volunteered* for this?";
	text1 = "_Yeah, that's right. Sounds kind of crazy I guess, actually asking to spend my summer out in the wilderness like this. Well I wanted to see the Rim for myself, and I think I can help the expedition as well._";
	text2 = "_I have as much knowledge of the Rim's history as anybody, and I can offer my skill in magic as well. Jamie, Rowly and Orrin know these mountains like the back of their hands, and I know its history. We should have no problems navigating._"; 

begintalknode 59;
	state = 18;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = (get_flag(1,7) == 0);
	question = "So you know about the Rim, tell me something interesting.";
	text1 = "_I heard from your friend Ewett that you are interested in alchemy, is that right?_ You nod, you dabbled in alchemy during your training, more of a hobby than for anything practical.";
	text2 = "_Well then you'll like the Rim. The vegetation here is sparse, but the plants that can survive here do so for a reason, they are hardy plants and often have magical properties._";
	text3 = "_Karao Blossoms, for example, actually contain heat inside their leaves to ward off frost damage. Mountain Holly is effective for healing wounds._";
	text4 = "_The list goes on and on. Tell you what, why don't you take this guide book. I think you'd find it useful in distinguishing useful plants from poisonous ones._ (You have just received a special ability)";
	code =
	if(get_flag(1,7) == 0){
		set_flag(1,7,1);
		inc_flag(1,8,1);
	}
	i = 0;
	while(char_ok(i) == 0){
		i = i + 1;
	}
	change_custom_abil_uses(i,0,1);

break;

begintalknode 60;
	state = 18;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Who are we going to run into up here?";
	text1 = "_There are three sentient races that live in these lands. First are the highlanders, some live in villages like Manibor while others are nomadic herders. Then there are the barbarian tribes, a category in which your friend Orrin falls._";
	text2 = "_Lastly are the hobgoblins; a race of hearty goblins that have grown strong enough to live in these harsh conditions. They are stronger than their lowland brethren, but just as mischievious and uncivil._";
	text3 = "_Hobgoblins have nothing to offer a historian, and the others are just savage beasts. The less we see of them the better. Hobgoblins, trolls, ogres, banshees, wolves: these are hazards you want to avoid when you're in the Rim. _";
	code =
	if(get_flag(1,16) == 0){
		set_flag(1,16,1);
		inc_flag(1,8,1);
	}
break;

begintalknode 61;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 21;
	question = "Burden- Arguing";
	text1 = "Sergeant Burden consults with Erasmus a distance away from the campfire, just out of earshot of the two hypothermia victims. Sir Rowly hovers over and occasionally interjects his opinion.";
	text2 = "_I-- I'm sorry, its hard for me to decide. I need to think a little longer, if only Captain Ainsley would regain his senses-- he'd know what to do._ That was Sergeant Burden; Rowly throws up in his hands in frustration.";
	text3 = "Erasmus doesn't pay any heed to the flustered Rowly, he just nods quietly and adresses Burden in a level tone. _Contemplate for as long as you must, but I think your decision is already made for you. We have but one option:_";

begintalknode 62;
	state = 21;
	nextstate = 22;
	question = "*Keep listening*";
	text1 = "Erasmus continues, _We have three choices: camp here for as long as we can to allow Ainsley and Jamie to regain their strength; hike down the mountain to Manibor; or move on up the mountain in pursuit of the Beast._";
	text2 = "Rowly jumps in here, _I'd strongly recommend that last option. The Beast is elusive, in years of hunting it I have never had this good of an opportunity. If we move after it we could kill it and be done, a rare opportunity to--_";
	text3 = "Burden interrupts him, _Please, Rowly, keep your peace. You have already made known what option you think is best, I would like to listen to Professor Erasmus._ Rowly doesn't look happy about it, but he holds his tongue.";

begintalknode 63;
	state = 22;
	nextstate = 23;
	question = "*Keep listening*";
	text1 = "_As I was saying,_ Erasmus continues, _those are our three choices. The latter two are as good as death sentences for our friends there. No matter which way you slice it, Ainsley and Jamie are in no shape to travel._";
	text2 = "Rowly begins to speak, but Erasmus cuts him off, _I know, I know; but carrying them up the mountains isn't a solution. In an hour they'll be not but frozen bodies if they don't stay by the fire, I don't suppose you have a solution for that?_";
	text3 = "_So you see, lingering here is our only option. I *would* recommend we camp here for two days, but Orrin has told me he feels a storm brewing. Tomorrow morning we'll have to march, but at least Ainsley and Jamie will be in significantly better shape._";
	text4 = "Erasmus looks at Burden expectantly. Rowly opens his mouth to make a counter arguement, no doubt urging her to break camp, but Burden stops him. _I've made my decision._";

begintalknode 64;
	state = 23;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "*Keep listening*";
	text1 = "Burden calls everybody together before he continues. _Every instinct in my body screams at me to retreat to Manibor, that this mission will be our doom. But as Erasmus said, that would be leaving the Captain and Jamie for dead, they don't deserve that._";
	text2 = "_So we will camp here at least for the night._ Rowly throws up his hands in disgust, but Burden continues on. _Tomorrow we will reassess our situation. Thank you both for your counsel._";
	text3 = "Erasmus nods and goes to sit by the patients. Everybody else disperses.";
	action = END_TALK;
	code =
	set_flag(1,0,2);
	erase_char(24);
	erase_char(25);
	erase_char(26);
	activate_hidden_group(6);
	set_char_dialogue_pic(10,300,0);
	set_char_dialogue_pic(32,301,0);
	set_char_dialogue_pic(31,303,0);
break;

begintalknode 65;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Captain Ainsley";
	text1 = "Ainsley's soaking wet clothes have been peeled off, and he now lies inside his sleeping bag, with a heap of blankets on top of him. Now that he is stripped to bare skin, you can see that his wounds aren't as superficial as you first thought.";
	text2 = "Though some of the gashes are deep, none look life threatening. Color is beginning to return to his previously deathly pale face. He is slowly recovering, but he won't be in any condition to leave the warmth of the fire for a while yet.";
	text5 = "Captain Ainsley lies in deep sleep. As much as you'd like to question him about the Beast and Ewett's death, you leave him be instead.";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 66;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 24;
	personality = 8;
	question = "Jamie";
	text1 = "The scout from Manibor huddles by the fire. He has regained consciousness, and is now sipping a cup of hot water. He is recovering more rapidly than Captain Ainsley, probably because he is younger and his wounds less severe.";
	text2 = "He talks quietly with Adrianna, but looks up as you approach. _Vincent? Did I get that right-- I'm not quite thinking straight, and I don't think we were every properly introduced._";
	text5 = "Jamie sits by the fire with Adrianna. His eyes droop, he looks exhausted, and his face hasn't completely lost its blue-white hue, but at least he's awake and talking.";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 67;
	state = 24;
	nextstate = 25;
	question = "What happened out there?";
	text1 = "_We were ambushed. The Beast- I can't even begin to describe it. All muscle, sinew and fury. I managed to get off at least three arrows on it, and Ainsley nearly knocked off one of its limbs with his blade, it didn't slow it down._";
	text2 = "_We had to flee, and believe me it would have caught us if-- well its better not to think about that. I am truly sorry about your friend._";

begintalknode 68;
	state = 25;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What-- what happened to Ewett?";
	text1 = "He shakes his head, _The Beast came out of nowhere. Ewett was parrying its strikes at first, but it was too fast and overpowering. He got caught across the head-- I think it broke his neck. I'm sorry-- I'm so sorry._";
	text2 = "He puts his head between his knees, and reaches one of his hands to clasp yours. He trembles, probably not only from the cold.";

begintalknode 69;
	state = 24;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = (get_flag(1,0) == 2);
	question = "Do you agree with Sergeant Burden's decision?";
	text1 = "_I'm sorry that Ainsley and I are slowing down the rest of you, but I am still glad that she decided what she did. If you guys march I have no choice but to either march with you or die. I'm not eager to do either._";

begintalknode 70;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Adrianna";
	text1 = "Adrianna sits close to her friend Jamie, she occasionally hands him a new cup of water or offers a word of encouragement, but mostly they sit in silence.";
	text2 = "Even when you approach to talk she continues to care for him. You leave her be; not wanting to interrupt where you aren't wanted.";

begintalknode 71;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 26;
	question = "Fabian";
	text1 = "Fabian stares out at the expanse of forest across the stream. He leans on his longsword which is burried in the snow.";
	text2 = "He reaches out and grips you by the shirt sleeve. Fabian might prefer the tavern to the battle field, but he is no slouch as a soldier. His grip is like a vise.";
	text3 = "He opens his mouth to speak, then closes it again. You likewise are unable to think of anything to say. He lets go of you and turns away.";
	text4 = "You are just about to leave when he speaks up. _He deserved better than that. A man like Scottie-- that wasn't how he should have gone._ You nod, there's not much to add.";
	text5 = "Fabian stands quietly, you take up a position beside him.";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 72;
	state = 26;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Where do you think we should go from here?";
	text1 = "_I-- I'm not rightly sure. What would Scottie want us to do? We certainly can't abandon Ainsley or Jamie, so that means spending the night here._";
	text2 = "_These mountains will be our deaths, the longer we stay here the fewer of us that will be reporting back to Stonehurst._";
	text3 = "_Should we cut our losses and leave as soon as we can, or continue into the mountains to try to finish our mission? I don't envy Burden this decision._";
	text4 = "_So we're staying here tonight. It's really the only option we have; Ewett gave his life so Jamie and Ainsley could escape, the least we could do is save them from freezing._";
	text5 = "_Our next move; be it hiking down to Manibor or to continue after the beast, will have to wait. We'll see what Burden decides tomorrow morning._";
	code = 
	if(get_flag(1,0) == 2){
		remove_string(1);
		remove_string(2);
		remove_string(3);
	}
	else{
		remove_string(4);
		remove_string(5);
	}
break;

begintalknode 73;
	state = 26;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What are you doing?";
	text1 = "_Thinking. I was remembering what I said to him before he left, some nonsense, some joke like usual. What should I have said? What could I have done?_";

begintalknode 74;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 27;
	question = "Orrin";
	text1 = "Orrin sits cross legged on his mat, he's put his shirt back on but his heavy jacket is on Captain Ainsley's shoulders.";
	text2 = "A couple of empty flasks lie about him, he pulls another out of his travelling bag and crosses over to the inert Captain. He trickles a few drops onto the captains' lips, then looks up at you.";
	text3 = "_There's no need to worry tonight, they'll live. Tomorrow will be the test._";
	text5 = "Its getting late, but Orrin still vigilantly watches Captain Ainsley.";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 75;
	state = 27;
	nextstate = 28;
	question = "What should we do tonight?";
	text1 = "_We will stay here tonight. The Captain and Jamie can't be moved from the fire in this state, and I've told Serge as much._";
	text2 = "_She'll listen to everybody's arguements then decide. She's never hasty, but she'll choose right. If she doesn't: well I'm staying here either way._";
	text3 = "_We will stay here tonight, Burden has made her decision and it is the right one. I could carry one of them while we march, but they would freeze to death if taken away from the fire. Staying was our only option._";
	code =
	if(get_flag(1,0) == 2){
		remove_string(1);
		remove_string(2);
	}
	else
		remove_string(3);
break;

begintalknode 76;
	state = 28;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What about tomorrow night?";
	text1 = "_They need as much time to recover as they can get, but I fear we'll have to move out tomorrow. The air-- can you feel it?_";
	text2 = "You shake your head that you can't feel anything different: the air is cold but that's hardly new. _A storm is brewing. We have until tomorrow night at the latest I think._";
	text3 = "He looks over at Ainsley, _They can rest for now, but we can't stay here tomorrow. There is no shelter here from the wind, and believe me there will be wind and there will be snow._";

begintalknode 77;
	state = 28;
	nextstate = 29;
	question = "Do you think we'll succeed?";
	text1 = "Orrin stares off into the forest and remains silent for several minutes. When he turns back to you his eyes look a bit-- worried. An emotion you've seldom seen from him.";
	text2 = "_This expedition will be our deaths-- I've felt my doom since I set foot on the spire and it's intensified now. You too will feel it soon, Vincent. You'll feel the grip of fate as our end becomes more certain, as your future is taken out of your hands._";

begintalknode 78;
	state = 29;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What are you talking about?";
	text1 = "_My doom was decided the day the Captain walked into the Silver Stallion and told us where we were headed, perhaps the day I was born._";
	text2 = "_But I had hoped I was the only one, that the rest of you..... Perhaps if we turned back now-- No, what happens will happen. Resisting is pointless when you feel fate's grasp, you just have to make as much good from it as you can._";
	text3 = "_Perhaps we can do a lot of good here, Vincent. Even when you can see your doom, try to turn it to good. Only then can you escape fate, escape your destiny._";

begintalknode 79;
	state = 27;
	nextstate = 30;
	condition = get_flag(1,19) == 0;
	question = "What were you giving Ainsley? Ale?";
	text1 = "_Not ale, better than that._ He picks up one of the bottles, _No, this is Fire Draught as lowlanders call it. It burns like-- well fire-- going down, but it will restore circulation and warm you even in air as cold as this._";
	text2 = "_It is one of the more potent brews of my tribe. Ways to treat hypothermia and other cold related illnesses are naturally very important to my people, we're quite good at it._";

begintalknode 80;
	state = 30;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What other potions can you make?";
	text1 = "_Highlanders have a number of ways to keep warm in the freezing cold besides wearing heavy clothing. Some are mental, simply ignoring the cold, others are alchemical._";
	text2 = "_I've seen a philter return color to a man's cheeks who had been burried in snow for three days. But these potions can be dangerous to those unfamiliar with them, and making them is far beyond my skill._";

begintalknode 81;
	state = 30;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = get_flag(1,7) > 0;
	question = "Can you teach me how to brew Fire Draught?";
	text1 = "_It is made entirely from Icicle Moss, which can be found in the mountains without much problem. This is how:_";
	text2 = "Orrin goes on to describe how to find and harvest Icicle Moss: which grows on boulders where it is sheltered from standing snow on the ground. You feel confident you could gather the moss and brew it into Fire Draught yourself now.";
	text3 = "(You have learned a new recipe)";
	code =
	set_flag(240,1,1);
	set_flag(250,1,1);
break;

begintalknode 82;
	state = 27;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Tragic news about Ewett, huh?";
	text1 = "_Ewett was a good man and a good soldier. He died with honor in the field of battle, there is no need to mourn, honoring him is enough._";

begintalknode 83;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 31;
	question = "Private Evrey";
	text1 = "Private Evrey has stripped off his clothes and now lays in his sleeping bag. At first you think that he has taken Burden's advice and has lain down to sleep, but then you notice his eyes are open and staring into the fire.";
	text2 = "He sits in silence for a while before speaking, at first hesitantly _This is my first mission you know, I never really thought about-- about fellows dying._";
	text3 = "He pauses before continuing, _I didn't know him very well, not like you and some of the other guys did. I don't---_ He trails off, leaving the thought unfinished.";
	text5 = "Evrey lays quietly by the fire. He is wide awake, and doesn't look any closer to falling asleep.";
	text6 = "Evrey lays on his back with his eyes closed. At least one person will be well rested tomorrow.";
	action = INTRO;
	code =
	if(get_flag(1,20) == 0)
		remove_string(6);
	else
		remove_string(5);
break;

begintalknode 84;
	state = 31;
	nextstate = 32;
	condition = get_flag(1,20) == 0;
	question = "What do you think we should do?";
	text1 = "_I'm not sure, I don't know anything about these things, I've never been in a situation like this._";
	text2 = "_Every ounce of will in my body wants me to run down to Manibor, to find a warm hall and never think of the mountains again._";
	text3 = "_I can't help but wonder how many of us will-- will turn up like Ewett before we can kill that thing. Whether I will be among the body count. Do you think-- think we'll make it out alive?_";

begintalknode 85;
	state = 32;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "We signed up to be soldiers, nobody said anything about surviving.";
	text1 = "_I-- I guess you're right. It isn't what you want to hear, but it's the truth._";
	text2 = "He swallows hard and puts on what is intended to be a brave face. _You're right, Vincent. I wear a soldier's uniform and I'll behave as such. But-- oh god I hope it gets easier._";
	action = END_TALK;
	code =
	set_flag(1,20,1);
break;

begintalknode 86;
	state = 32;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "We'll make it, I've been through worse than this.";
	text1 = "_I hope you're right. I'm lucky to be with an experienced group like Unit 341, I just hope I don't let you down._";
	action = END_TALK;
	code =
	set_flag(1,20,1);
break;

begintalknode 87;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 33;
	question = "Erasmus";
	text1 = "Erasmus tends to his two patients, alternating his attention and healing efforts between Captain Ainsley and Jamie.";
	text2 = "He speaks to you as he does so, _Our friends will make it through the night. Tomorrow I'll reassess the situation, I think we could march if necessary._";
	text5 = "Erasmus is still tending to the two hypothermia victim. You don't want to disturb him, but just as you're backing away he stops you, _Oh I can spare the time to talk, what is it Vincent?_";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 88;
	state = 33;
	nextstate = 34;
	question = "What should we do tomorrow?";
	text1 = "_I would like to stay here for at least two days, and originally had hoped we could do so. However, Orrin just told me that he feels a storm coming._";
	text2 = "_I fear the highlander's judgement must be taken as authoritative, he knows more about these mountains than any of us. Storms in the Rim are like nothing experienced in the lowlands, even though it is summer. We'll have to find shelter tomorrow._";

begintalknode 89;
	state = 34;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "And how do you plan to do that?";
	text1 = "_It's apparent that this clearing is no place to weather a storm, but sadly I didn't notice any more suitable locations lower on the mountain during the day's march._";
	text2 = "_Our best chance is to take shelter in a cave or against a cliff. I'm afraid this could mean that hiking higher into the mountains is really our best chance._";
	text3 = "_I'll give Jamie or Ainsley some more time to regains their senses, then I'll ask for more details about the terrain ahead. Maybe they spotted a possible shelter in the mountains above._";

begintalknode 90;
	state = 33;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What do you think of the Beast now?";
	text1 = "_Jamie and the Captain's description certainly paints a grim picture. Whatever the creature is, it was daring enough to attack three armed men, and strong enough to overpower them._";
	text2 = "_For now we need to concern ourselves with saving Jamie and Ainsley, and with finding shelter for tomorrow's storm. We will have another shot at the Beast soon enough._";

begintalknode 91;
	state = 33;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "How are you treating Jamie and Captain Ainsley?";
	text1 = "_There isn't a whole lot I can do for hypothermia: get the victims to a fire, strip off their wet clothes, and cover them with blankets._";
	text2 = "_Orrin gave them a brew that has had a remarkable effect in returning circulation to their limbs and dispelling frostbite in their extremities. I haven't had time to ask him the ingredients in it, but I'll do so at the first chance._";
	text3 = "_It has done more for them than any of my lore. It's amazing the things that relatively unknown cultures are capable of; advances like this are largely overlooked by the Empire even though they are right under our noses._";

begintalknode 97;
	state = 33;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What do you think about Ewett's death?";
	text1 = "_I got to know him during our journey from Easton, the first thing that struck me was his intelligence and passion for knowledge. He would listen to you so intently, sifting through every word for that nugget or tidbit of information._";
	text2 = "_Our expedition has lost not only a good friend, but a valuable asset. His field knowledge of herbs and healing surpassed even mine; I believe I could fill in for him, but never replace him._";

begintalknode 92;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 35;
	question = "Sir Rowly";
	text1 = "Sir Rowly stands at the ready with both hands on his glaive. He stares intently down the trail leading into the mountains. Occasionally he hesitantly takes a step forward, but always pulls himself back.";
	text2 = "He stands contemplating what to do, and finally seems to come to a decision. He marches purposefully towards the trail, you call out to him just as he gets to the edge.";
	text3 = "Rowly turn back, _As I thought, just a racoon. Nothing to worry about, I'm on watch here._ He smiles sheepishly, you doubt he was marching off with weapon in hand to inspect a racoon.";
	text5 = "Rowly still watches the trail, clearly torn about whether he should head out. He doesn't seem in danger of bolting, especially now that sombebody is watching him. _Needn't fear, Vincent. Sir Rowly is on watch here._";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 93;
	state = 35;
	nextstate = 36;
	question = "What do you think we should be doing?";
	text1 = "_What we SHOULD be doing is pursuing our goal; in case you lot have forgotten we were sent to kill the Beast of the Rim, and hiding here isn't helping anything._";
	text2 = "_I can't believe the golden opportunity we are squandering by sitting here. The Beast is nearby and wounded no less; I've never come this close to completing my quest-- but that cowa-- errrr-- Sergeant Burden, won't break camp!_";

begintalknode 94;
	state = 36;
	nextstate = 37;
	question = "We have to wait until Ainsley and Jamie recover.";
	text1 = "Rowly throws up his hands in frustration, _How many times have I heard THAT tonight! I've seen worse cases of hypothermia: I've seen men with icicles on their lips who still march, they recover from it._";
	text2 = "_This chance won't present itself again, we could wander in these mountains for weeks without picking up the Beast's trail. We have to take this opportunity, unless Captain Ainsley and Jamie have blue faces or black limbs, we need to march._";

begintalknode 95;
	state = 37;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Why don't you go yourself then?";
	text1 = "Rowly eyes the trail longingly, but shakes his head. _When I joined the expedition I swore to Captain Ainsley that I'd obey his orders, and that extends to orders from his second in command._";
	text2 = "_When I swore that oath I never thought.... Regardless, let it never be said that Sir Rowly is not a man of his word, I'll stay here if that's what Ainsley orders._";

begintalknode 96;
	state = 35;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What do you think of the attack?";
	text1 = "_It should never have happened. A band of three men shouldn't be taken unawares. Lazy, careless, inatentive: I expected better from Jamie, and believe me, if Captain Ainsley had let me accompany the scouting party this wouldn't have happened._";

begintalknode 98;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 38;
	question = "Burden";
	text1 = "Sergeant Burden stands alone, on the outskirts of camp well away from the fire. The sun set hours ago, and what little heat it gave to this frozen land is long since gone. You don't know why somebody would willingly leave the pleasant bonfire.";
	text2 = "She turns to you, _I'm not cut out for this, Vincent, I've never been one for decision making. I wouldn't have even accepted this officer position if Ainlsey hadn't practically thrust it upon me._";
	text3 = "_He saw something in me, but hell if I know what it was. He thought a position as Sergeant would bring whatever it was out. But this isn't for me, I can't decide men's fates. If Ainsley doesn't recover-- No he'll recover, he has to._";
	text5 = "Sergeant Burden still stands a distance away from the fire. She anxiously shifts her weight from foot too foot, and alternates between breathing warm air into her hands and running them through her hair nervously.";
	text6 = "_Oh, hello Vincent. You should be resting, not chatting._";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 99;
	state = 38;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "You should have more confidence in yourself.";
	text1 = "_It isn't a matter of confidence, I trust my training and my ability to make good choices. I'm just not comfortable giving orders. A man died tonight, and now it's on my shoulders: which way I choose could decide the rest of our fates._";
	text2 = "_I know what the best 'safe' option is; what the best way to go about carrying on our mission is; the best way to save as many lives as possible. The choice I make will put some lives on the line to preserve others, what is the correct choice?_";

begintalknode 100;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 38;
	question = "What are we going to do tomorrow?";
	text1 = "_That is what I am deliberating on. Tomorrow we will see what the situation is so I can make a final decision. Ainsley and Jamie's health, the weather, the Beast's actions: these are all factors that I can't anticipate._";

begintalknode 101;
	state = 38;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What is the troop's morale like?";
	text1 = "_We have suffered a great loss, it is natural that men will be down. We will mourn for Ewett, but we can't let this destroy us. That will help nobody, and can only lead to more casualties._";
	text2 = "_I am particularly worried about fellow Unit 341 men, who have known him the longest. I know Fabian is taking it hard; he was always the first one to poke fun of Ewett and his studiousness, but he was as much a brother to him him as any of us._";

begintalknode 102;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 39;
	question = "Fabian";
	text1 = "Fabian stands at the foot of the path leading up into the mountains. He stamps his feet impatiently, but seems cheery. The pall that fell over your troop last night has been dispelled by the sunlight, or at least it's gone from your friend.";
	text2 = "_You sleep like a log, Vincent. I've been freezing my ass off while you're in you're warm sleeping bag... Anyhow, the others are already on the road and we should be following suit; they're probably waiting for us up ahead._";

begintalknode 103;
	state = 39;
	nextstate = 40;
	question = "Why did we break camp so suddenly?";
	text1 = "_Orrin says a storm is coming, real nasty from the way he described it and that crazy bastard thinks it's WARM right now! Well we're climbing higher into the mountains to try to find cover, apparently there's no suitable spot down hill._";
	text2 = "_You'd have to ask Erasmus the details, he seems to be calling the shots right now._";

begintalknode 104;
	state = 40;
	nextstate = 41;
	question = "How are Jamie and Ainsley doing?";
	text1 = "_Jamie is recovering fairly rapidly, he's walking under his own power now and doesn't look to be suffering any long term effects save temporary weakness. The captain, however, is in a bad way. Orrin was practically carrying him out of camp._";
	text2 = "_I wouldn't expect to get too far travelling like this. We'd better find whatever shelter we can in a hurry._";

begintalknode 105;
	state = 41;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Let's hit the road.";
	text1 = "_Gee what a splendid idea, Vincent, I think I'm finally ready to get off my lazy butt and march._ He rolls his eyes, _OK, OK, I'll stop giving you a hard time. Let's hurry to catch up with the others, we've wasted enough time._"; 
	code =
	set_flag(1,21,1);
break;

begintalknode 106;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 39;
	question = "Fabian, forced talk";
	text1 = "Fabian stands at the foot of the path leading up into the mountains. You walk right past him, to which he responds with an open mouthed gape. He calls out just as you begin up the trail.";
	text2 = "_Well you're sure in a hurry all of a sudden! Come over here and chat for a second, the others are up ahead but they can wait for a couple more minutes-- fate knows I've done my share._";
	text3 = "Fabian seems cheery, the pall that fell over your troop last night has been dispelled by the sunlight; at least it's gone from your friend. You're still rubbing sleep from your eyes and are in no hurry to march, so you cross over to converse.";