begintalkscript;
variables;
short choice,i;

begintalknode 1;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 1;
	question = "Burden";
	text1 = "Sergeant Burden is tidying the cave by moving filth and bones to the back room. You've heard it said that a sign of a good leader is willingness to do anything one commands of one's subordinates.";
	text2 = "Well Burden just passed that test with flying colors; few officers would get their hands this dirty-- literally.";
	text3 = "_Pitch in, Vincent, we need all the hands we can get if we're to clear this place before nightfall-- or do you want to sleep in a pile of filth?_";
	text5 = "_What is it, Vincent?_";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 2;
	state = 1;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What task do you have for me?";
	text1 = "_Start picking up trash, we got to clear this place by-- actually you know what, I have a better task for you. We need some firewood to heat this place. Gather a good sized pile of lumber, we don't know how long this storm will last._";
	text2 = "_You are to go gather firewood; lucky you, the trash in here is disgusting._";
	code =
	if(get_flag(3,3) == 0)
		remove_string(2);
	else
		remove_string(1);
	set_flag(3,3,1);
break;

begintalknode 3;
	state = 1;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Where are Erasmus and Rowly?";
	text1 = "_Sir Rowly is outside skinning some of those wolves you killed for their pelts. He has my express orders to not wander away, and although it pains me to leave him unattended those pelts could be lifesavers._";
	text2 = "_Erasmus went to-- actually I'm not sure where he went. He said something about hiking higher up to look for landmarks, he seemed disappointed that he was wrong about our location on that old map of his._";

begintalknode 7;
	state = 1;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What is our next course of action? Do we go after the Beast?";
	text1 = "_I don't know. Tonight and perhaps tomorrow have already been decided for us, we can't move in a snowstorm. But after that, what next? The Beast is why we were sent here, should we abandon pursuit just because we lost a man?_";
	text2 = "_The Captain,_ Burden bites her lip nervously as she watches the sleeping figure, _The Captain's condition could be the deciding factor. If he continues to worsen then I must choose somebody to take him down to Manibor._";
	text3 = "_If that happens should I split the group so some of us can pursue the Beast, or retreat together? I don't know, and the list of possible situations goes on and on. It's best to make the decision when the time comes and you know all the facts._";

begintalknode 4;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 2;
	question = "Orrin";
	text1 = "Orrin stands watch at the entrance to the cave, his hand at one of his two scabbards. He stands rigidly and his eyes attentively scan the forest outside.";
	text2 = "_Do you feel it now, Vincent? The bite in the air, the settling cold, the silence as if nature itself is holding it's breath in anticipation-- this is storm weather if I've ever felt it, and I think we're in for a nasty one._";

begintalknode 5;
	state = 2;
	nextstate = 3;
	question = "How is Ainsley doing?";
	text1 = "_Not so well. Today's march was very taxing on him, and I think his condition is worsening. The effects of the hypothermia should be wearing off and he should be regaining his strength, but instead he is growing weaker._";
	text2 = "_Erasmus believes his wounds are becoming infected; if this is true then his situation is dire indeed._";

begintalknode 6;
	state = 3;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Will you still be able to carry him tomorrow?";
	text1 = "_I doubt that we will march tomorrow, more likely we will spend the day weathering the storm. But when we do march, if the Captain hasn't recovered enough to walk on his own I will certainly be there to help._";
	text2 = "_My only regret is that I can't aid the party with my swords when I am supporting the Captain; for now you and Fabian are our best soldiers._";

begintalknode 8;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 4;
	condition = get_flag(3,3) > 0;
	question = "Burden sent me to look for firewood, can you help?";
	text1 = "_If you mean can I come with you, then sadly no, I must keep watch here. However, I can offer some advice. Don't bother with pine wood._ You ask him why, after all, pine trees are the only thing growing up here.";
	text2 = "_Do you remember how smokey the fire was last night? Well a fire like that in a cave, or a snowed in cave for that matter, would choke us. Some good oak or ash is really what we need._";

begintalknode 9;
	state = 4;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Where the hell am I going to find an oak tree up here?";
	text1 = "_I didn't see anything but pine trees during the day's march, so don't bother looking there. Higher into the mountains-- that's where you can find them. Trust me, they can grow in the mountains in a friendly location protected from wind or snow drifts._";
	text2 = "You begin to turn away when he adds, _Some of those wolves you killed earlier looked like wargs-- nasty creatures bred by hobgoblins for their ferocity and strength._";
	text3 = "_Well if there are wild wargs then that means they escaped from somewhere-- so just be careful if you see any hobgoblins._";
	code = 
	set_flag(3,4,1);
break;

begintalknode 10;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 4;
	question = "Orrin, forced";
	text1 = "Orrin stops you as you are about to leave the cave. _I hear that Burden has assigned you to gather firewood. Allow me to offer some advice, don't bother with pine wood, it's worthless._";
	text2 = "You ask him why, after all pine trees are the only thing growing up here. _Do you remember how smokey the fire was last night? Well a fire like that in a cave, or a snowed in cave for that matter, would choke us._";
	text3 = "_Some good oak or ash is really what we need, good clean burning wood._";

begintalknode 11;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 5;
	question = "Fabian";
	text1 = "Fabian is helping Sergeant Burden and Private Evrey to clean up the cave, and naturally, he is complaining the whole time. As you watch, he picks up a bone with distaste and flings it into the trash heap in the back of the cave.";
	text2 = "_Filthy mountain, filthy cave. 'Clean it up, Fabian, or you'll be sleeping in filth!' we'd be better off sleeping in the snow, it's freezing in here anyhow and at least it doesn't reek out there._";
	text3 = "He stops his tirade when he sees you, _Oh, hey Vincent. You aren't one of the lucky few who gets to pick up this mess? Well I'd gladly switch with you._";
	text5 = "Fabian is still cleaning up the cave floor, a task that seems impossible, no matter how many bones he and the others pick up there are always more.";
	text6 = "Fabian is glad to speak to you, if only to take a break from his work. _Hey Vincent, mind lending a hand here? Oh, I suppose Sarge has something better for you to do._";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 12;
	state = 5;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What are you doing?";
	text1 = "_I'm wasting my time cleaning up this cave. Sarge insists we have to, keeps reminding me how much worse it'd be to sleep in this mess, and I suppose she's right.";
	text2 = "_But it certainly isn't a desirable task. Look at all this!_ You look around the cave, it is indeed a mess. _Feel lucky that Burden hasn't assigned you to help out._";

begintalknode 13;
	state = 5;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = get_flag(3,3) > 0;
	question = "I'm supposed to find firewood, can you help?";
	text1 = "He looks over at Burden, who shakes her head. Fabian sighs, _Not really, I'm a bit preocuppied with cleaning this place. Best of luck though, and don't tarry. The sooner we get a fire going the sooner I can stop thaw my feet._";


begintalknode 14;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 6;
	question = "Private Evrey";
	text1 = "Private Evrey is filling a sack with the bones and scraps that are strewn about the cave floor. When it gets full enough he takes it to the trash heap and dumps it.";
	text2 = "The sack looks suspisciously like his rucksack, which would make for an unpleasant next couple days for Evrey.";
	text3 = "_Oh, Vincent, you mind lending a hand? Oh I suppose you've got a more important task than this, too important to the expedition for clean up work I guess._";
	text5 = "_How have you been doing, Vincent? We should have this cave fit for inhabitation in no time, you just go about your business._";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 15;
	state = 6;
	nextstate = 7;
	question = "Where did you get that sack from?";
	text1 = "_Well I was getting tired of picking everything up by hand, and having to make so many trips to the trash heap. So I thought, 'Hey, my rucksack could make a good container to hurry this process up.' It's going a lot quicker now._";

begintalknode 16;
	state = 7;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "You're using your clothes bag to hold trash?";
	text1 = "_Well I took the clothes out of course._ He indicates the pile of clothes nearby like this settles the matter. Seemingly he hasn't considered how filthy the bag is going to get, and how filthy the clothes will get when he puts them back in.";
	text2 = "He IS making good progress though, so you decide not to rain on his parade. A little bit late now anyhow.";

begintalknode 17;
	state = 6;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "How are you doing?";
	text1 = "_I'm doing... good. Last night was hard, I'm not used to-- to losing companions. Well today hasn't been so bad, it's good to have something to take one's mind off of it, something to do with my hands instead of lying alone in the dark._";

begintalknode 18;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 8;
	question = "Captain Ainsley";
	text1 = "Ainsley lies in his sleeping bag. He shivers from time to time, and his skin remains as pale as it was last night. He is conscious this time, however, so he's shown some improvement.";
	text2 = "He nods to you as you approach. You salute him, but he shakes his head. _No, don't bother with that, not here. I'm not even in charge anymore, can't even walk under my own power. Save the salutes for Burden, not that she'd want them either._";
	text5 = "Ainsley nods as you approach, _Hello, Vincent. How's the weather out there?_";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 19;
	state = 8;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What are you feeling?";
	text1 = "_I'm so tired, Vincent. Always tired. I tell my legs to move but they refuse me like they have a mind of their own._";
	text2 = "_Do you remember that time-- that time we had to march three nights straight to bring news to Commander Janaray about the assassination attempt?_ You nod that you do, how could you forget the night your legs nearly fell off.";
	text3 = "_That was nothing-- nothing compared to this. When that creature attacked us it's like it sapped all my strength, all the energy in my entire body. I feel-- exhausted._";

begintalknode 20;
	state = 8;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What do you think we should do next?";
	text1 = "_We were sent here to kill the Beast, and if it is humanly possible that is what we should continue to try to do. But this is Burden's show now, and I'll let her make the decisions._";
	text2 = "_I just hope that she doesn't let my health influence her choice. If we can pursue the Beast we should do just that, if she feels we are no longer able then we should leave. I have told her as much, but I think her concern for me could sway her._";

begintalknode 21;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 9;
	question = "Jamie";
	text1 = "Jamie is stretched out on his mat by the fire. He rests his head on his rucksack and munches on a piece of hardtack while chatting with Adrianna, who is looking over his wounds.";
	text2 = "_Hey Vincent. I've been meaning to ask you--,_ Adrianna interupts him with an order to raise his arm to be bandaged. He does so, then continues, _What was I saying? Ah forget it, grab a seat and share a ration with me._";
	text3 = "He offers you a piece of hardtack, which you suck on for a while for fear of breaking a tooth.";
	text5 = "Jamie patiently holds out his arm as Adrianna attends to it, in the other he holds a piece of hardtack. _Grab a seat, Vincent. I don't know how you military types eat this stuff every day. I think it's wearing down my teeth._";
	action = INTRO;
	
begintalknode 22;
	state = 9;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "How are you feeling?";
	text1 = "_Much better, thanks for asking. The day's march was tough, and eventually I had to sacrifice my pride and lean on Evrey's shoulder. But I'm not shivering any more, and I can feel the strength returning to my limbs now._";
	text2 = "_When we march again, whether it's tomorrow or the day after that, I should be fully recovered._";

begintalknode 23;
	state = 9;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "So you're good friends with Adrianna?";
	text1 = "_Yeah, when you grow up in a small village like Manibor you know everybody. Everybody doesn't like each other, but fortunately Adrianna and myself have been friends from the start._ Adrianna smiles thinly, but doesn't stop rapping his arm to speak.";
	text2 = "_I'm freezing, I just got mauled by a wild animal, and I'm not likely to eat a warm meal for weeks, but at least I'm getting my wounds wrapped by a beautiful girl._ He grins coquettishly.";

begintalknode 24;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 10;
	question = "Adrianna";
	text1 = "Adrianna sits by Jamie and redresses his wounds. She clicks her tongue and shakes her head, _Why did you have to be so thick headed? Now you've reopened all these wounds, just because you couldn't let Evrey help you walk from the start._";
	text2 = "She applies some kind of antiseptic, which causes Jamie to cringe. _You brought it on yourself. You were the-- Oh, hi Vincent. I was just preoccupied._";
	text5 = "You sit next to Adrianna, who is absorbed in tending to Jamie. _Sorry if I'm a bit distracted, hard to talk and wrap at the same time, especially when he keeps squirming like that._";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 25;
	state = 10;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "How is Jamie doing?";
	text1 = "_Oh he's recovering quickly enough, I'm just cleaning and rebandanging these wounds so they don't get infected. They would be almost closed by now if he hadn't opened them by insisting on marching without accepting help._";
	text2 = "_Thick headed, can't accept help from anybody, now I'll be bandaging these for an extra two days. If you do this again, you can bandage them yourself._ Jamie sighs, and pleads guilty to all the things he was just accused of.";

begintalknode 26;
	state = 10;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "How do you know Jamie?";
	text1 = "_Well I had the misfortune of growing up in the same village as this hare brained fool, and when I was a girl I didn't have enough sense to stay away from him. Now I'm stuck with him I guess._";
	text2 = "Jamie stays silent, but rolls his eyes when you look over at him.";

begintalknode 27;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 11;
	personality = 8;
	question = "Sergeant Burden";
	text1 = "Sergeant Burden sits with her head in her hands. Her face has turned a sickly pale that probably has little to do with the cold.";
	text2 = "_I killed them, Vincent. Oh god, I did everything I could-- thought everything out and tried not to act rashly. Gave it my best-- and I guess the best I can do is get two good men killed._";
	text5 = "Sergeant Burden sits quietly by the fire, _What is it, Vincent?_";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 28;
	state = 11;
	nextstate = 12;
	question = "Where do we go from here?";
	text1 = "_We came here because it was the right thing to do, because it could wind up helping hundreds of people that couldn't otherwise help themselves. Well the whole thing blew up in our faces-- in MY face._";
	text2 = "_We have to get off those god forsaken mountain, as soon as we can we will leave. That goddamn fool Rowly isn't here to urge me on, to drag us all to our deaths._";
	text3 = "_My heart has been telling me to turn back since Ewett died. But my foolishness, my belief that the mission could be salvaged, that fool nattering in my ear about chances of a lifetime, and my goddamn pride all convinced me to carry on. Never again._"; 

begintalknode 29;
	state = 12;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "So the expedition is over?";
	text1 = "_I guess so, or at least it'll be over as soon as I can get us off this mountain. We could have done a lot of good, helped a lot of people, but-- what the hell can you do against a force that might not even be destructable?_";
	text2 = "_We have to leave-- we HAVE to. As soon as we can we'll get out of here, and then I can go back to being a normal soldier. Then I won't be responsible for anybody else._ She seems close to breaking down, but you can't think of anything to say.";

begintalknode 30;
	state = 11;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What do you think about Rowly's death?";
	text1 = "_Tragic-- tragic and all my fault. Well that damn fool certainly wished his own doom, and dragged Erasmus down with him, but I should have been able to stop him. I was the one in charge so I accept the blame._";
	text2 = "_When a child hurts itself the parent is at fault, and for all his fancy words Rowly was just a child. I shouldn't have let him convince me to keep on with this foolishness._";

begintalknode 50;
	state = 11;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "How are we going to make it without Erasmus?";
	text1 = "_He can't be replaced, but we can try to find our way without his wisdom to help guide us. I leaned heavily on him before, and his advice was always sound. But the mission is over now, we can find our way down from here on our own._";

begintalknode 31;
	state = 11;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "How is Ainsley doing?";
	text1 = "_The Captain is.... recovering. It has been bumpy and progress is slow, but he IS recovering. When we get down to Manibor he can receive some proper care. The sooner the better, because fate knows he won't get it up here._";
	text2 = "_Erasmus and Ewett were our two medics, with both of them-- gone-- who do we have left who knows anything about medicine? We have two wounded men and no healer, another thing to add to a growing list of things that have gone horribly wrong._";

begintalknode 32;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 13;
	personality = 9;
	question = "Adrianna";
	text1 = "Adrianna has her dagger out of its sheath, and sits sharpening it with a wetstone. The light of the fire reflects strangly on the turning blade, something about the way it lands on her face makes you uneasy.";
	text2 = "Even when you approach she doesn't set down her dagger, although she does thankfully put the stone away and leave the blade resting in her lap. _Hello, Vincent._";
	text5 = "Adrianna sets aside her sharpening again to speak with you.";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 33;
	state = 13;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What do you think about the deaths?";
	text1 = "_What a strange man that Rowly was, to pursue his death in such a foolish way. I understand his desire to kill the Beast, a desire that puts even personal safety out of mind, but why would he do so for pride? What a silly reason to give up one's life._";
	text2 = "_Now revenge, on the other hand, that is a thing worth sacrificing to achieve-- or perhaps sacrifice is required to achieve. What a strange man..... but perhaps he really did have the right idea._";

begintalknode 34;
	state = 13;
	nextstate = 14;
	question = "What should we do now?";
	text1 = "_Do? What is there to do but to carry on. Another death, another reason why we need to kill that thing. It has already killed my father and all I've ever loved, left unchecked it will destroy Manibor and all I've ever known._";

begintalknode 35;
	state = 14;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "Wouldn't hunting the Beast just lead to more deaths?";
	text1 = "_Perhaps, but there is no other way. As long as that creature is alive it will prey on those weaker than it; what difference if one of us die instead of one of the villagers?_";
	text2 = "_You're a soldier, all in this group are soldiers even if they don't wear the crown on their breasts. Our job is to protect those that can't protect themselves; even if it means marching into the jaws of death._";

begintalknode 36;
	state = 13;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What happened while I was gone?";
	text1 = "_Nothing for a while, I was bandaging Jamie and the others were cleaning the cave. We heard that strange, terrible wail from off in the distance, but in the cave it sounded like just a wolf cry._";
	text2 = "_Well wolf cries are no phenomena up here, so we paid it no heed, not until we heard another cry, this one from much closer and accompanied by lots of yelling._";
	text3 = "_By the time we got our weapons out Orrin was grappling with the thing in the cave entrance. It's kind of a blur from there-- there was a flash of fire, a terrible scream, and then the Beast was scrambling up the cliff wall._";

begintalknode 37;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 15;
	personality = 10;
	question = "Private Evrey";
	text1 = "Private Evrey sits silently by the fire, in deep concentration. Suddenly he reaches into his pack and produces a rectangular black box.";
	text2 = "He places the box on his lap, and considers it uncertainly, then looks up at you, _I've always found music to be a good way to forget the world. You're playing an instrument and there's no time for thought, you let your feelings guide the tune._";
	text3 = "He shakes his head, _But I can't play now for the life of me, I don't know what would come out if I did._";
	text5 = "Evrey sits regarding the black box with uncertainty.";
	text6 = "Evrey has packed his flute away, and now sits quietly staring into the fire, wearing a content expression on his face.";
	action = INTRO;
	code = 
	if(get_flag(3,7) == 0)
		remove_string(6);
	else
		remove_string(5);
break;

begintalknode 38;
	state = 15;
	nextstate = -1;
	personality = 10;
	question = "What do you remember about the attacks?";
	text1 = "_Well nothing, really. We were all in the cave, and don't know anything about how Erasmus and Rowly were-- killed. I-- hear it was pretty bloody._ He looks at you questioningly, you silently nod.";
	text2 = "_Being a hero is never pretty, not what I thought it would be-- not how all the songs say. Anyway, it came to our cave after that, but Orrin fought it off. I can't tell you details since I was in the back dumping refuse in the trash heap._";

begintalknode 39;
	state = 15;
	nextstate = -1;
	personality = 10;
	condition = get_flag(3,7) == 0;
	question = "So are you going to play that flute or not?";
	text1 = "I-- I suppose. I don't think I'll be able to rest until I do. Finally he pulls out his flute from the black box, puts it to his lips, and sounds a slow, sorrowful melody.";
	text2 = "Fabian turns to listen, then shakes his head, _Oh for pity's sake, not now Evrey._ Evrey continues on with his sorrowful dirge, not noticing. He is completely absorbed in the music.";
	text3 = "Suddenly the melody changes, and for a brief time it is almost jaunty. Then he returns to the dirge, this time not at such a crawling pace.";
	text4 = "Then, with a great crescendo that brings the musician to his feet, he trumpets out a flurry of shrill, exultant notes. Everyone in the cave turns to watch.";
	text5 = "The revelry over, he slowly sinks back down to the ground, letting the crescendo trail off into the original dirge.";
	text6 = "He puts down the instrument and whipes a tear from his eye. _I didn't know how I was feeling until I started playing, the sorrow, the tragedy-- and yet a celebration of life and sacrifice. There's no release like music, Vincent._";
	action = END_TALK;
	code = 
	set_flag(3,7,1);
break;
 
begintalknode 40;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 16;
	personality = 11;
	question = "Captain Ainsley";
	text1 = "Captain Ainsley hunches by the fires, a blanket draped across his legs and a cup of steaming soup held to his lips. He smiles at you over the brim of the cup.";
	text2 = "_I never thanked you for fetching this fire wood, did I Vincent? Well it's a good thing you did, else we would be mourning and shivering at the same time._";
	text5 = "Ainsley grins, it isn't quite natural but it's better than anything you could do at the moment, _How are you doing, Vincent? If you need to talk to anybody, I'm always here._";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 41;
	state = 16;
	nextstate = 17;
	personality = 11;
	question = "What do you think of the deaths?";
	text1 = "_Terrible to lose a friend, Vincent. And what makes this even more tragic is how preventable it seems._";
	text2 = "_Grief is normal, regret as well. But thinking you could have stopped it from happening is futile, we of all people should know the truth. So mourn for now, and on the morrow be ready to do your duty._";

begintalknode 42;
	state = 17;
	nextstate = -1;
	personality = 11;
	question = "How can you talk about it so dispassionately?";
	text1 = "_Vincent, I've served in the Imperial Army for twenty years and in that time I've seen many a friend killed. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, but it never gets any easier-- it really doesn't._";
	text2 = "_When you become an officer you realise that mourning is alright, missing the departed is normal; but public displays do nothing but demoralize troops. You show a strong face, even when you are crying on the inside._ He grins to demonstrate.";

begintalknode 43;
	state = 16;
	nextstate = 18;
	personality = 11;
	question = "What should we do now?";
	text1 = "He sighs, _Even when Ewett died and my wounds were looking serious enough that I saw danger for myself, I still felt we should carry on. This time-- it's harder to say._";
	text2 = "_We've confronted this creature twice, and twice have inflicted wounds on it that were seemingly grave. Yet we seem no closer to killing it, and wound up down three men._";
	text3 = "_What do we do? I think we continue on, it is in our power to finish this, and we should try. However it is Sergeant Burden's decision, I think she'll decide to turn back._";

begintalknode 44;
	state = 18;
	nextstate = -1;
	personality = 11;
	question = "Why did you choose Marie as your second in command?";
	text1 = "_I saw something in that woman, the ability to think during the heat of battle and always keep her cool. She was in Unit 223 once, a unit under General Wilhelm with Unit 341. During a skirmish all her Unit's commanding officers were slain._";
	text2 = "_The unit was left in an undefedable position, but she took command and led a daring charge at an opportune moment. The remaining soldiers in Unit 223 all survived, and after the battle I requested their transfer to Unit 341._";
	text3 = "_That was well before you joined Unit 341, and I've been waiting years for her to prove that what she did that day was no fluke. I still believe in her, and if she finally does show her ability now, when we need it most, it will have been worth it._";

begintalknode 45;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 19;
	personality = 12;
	question = "Jamie";
	text1 = "_Jamie sits with his bow across his lap, and is busy carefully restringing it. He appears to be in deep concentration, although he's probably more absorbed in thinking than in the routine task.";
	text2 = "_What a night. A storm blowing in, a Beast thirsting for our blood-- at least we have a fire now._ He shakes his head in bewilderment, _Sometimes you just can't put a positive spin on things. Things started out so well, what happened?_";
	text5 = "Jamie draws the bow back experimentally; however, something doesn't meet his expectations because he promptly sits down and starts restringing it again.";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 46;
	state = 19;
	nextstate = 20;
	personality = 12;
	question = "What were you doing during the attack?";
	text1 = "_Let's see, Adrianna had just finished wrapping my wounds, and I was finally finishing my first piece of hardtack. Then, suddenly, we all heard a ferocious roar from not far off, followed by the sound of fighting in the cave entrance._";
	text2 = "_Instinct kicked in. I jumped up, grabbed my bow, and took an arrow out of my pack. Well the arrow I took was a flame arrow, it was wrapped in rags soaked in a flammable solution which I use for signal flares._";
	text3 = "_Well I lit it, and rushed towards the entrance. I don't know where I summoned the strength from-- I let loose before I even planted my feet or sized up the target._";
	text4 = "_I was sure that I'd made a mistake, that I'd killed Orrin. But it was a beautiful shot, and the next thing you know the Beast was running up the cliff._";

begintalknode 47;
	state = 20;
	nextstate = -1;
	personality = 12;
	question = "So you were the one that drove it off?";
	text1 = "_I suppose so, but it really wasn't all that valiant. Orrin was the one going toe to toe with the Beast, the one who's life was in danger. I just got off a good shot, and the fire scared it away._";

begintalknode 48;
	state = 20;
	nextstate = -1;
	personality = 12;
	question = "But I thought you were injured.";
	text1 = "_Well I was-- and am. I don't know where I found the strength, adrenaline or something, but I went from too tired to stand to a dead sprint. I think this bodes well for my recovery, although it seems to have sapped the last of my strength tonight._";
	text2 = "_Oh, and don't tell Adrianna, but I think in the process I reopened some of the wounds on my legs. She'll be furious when she bandages me tomorrow night._";

begintalknode 49;
	state = 19;
	nextstate = 21;
	personality = 12;
	question = "What do you think of the deaths?";
	text1 = "_This isn't the first friend I've lost to the Beast; I've seen my best friend's father, some drinking buddies, and now two brothers in arms all slain by that bloody thing._";
	text2 = "_And what's more-- they won't be the last, not if somebody doesn't put an end to this. We'll do it, I'm sure. If this tragedy showed us anything it's that the Beast can be harmed, even killed._";

begintalknode 51;
	state = 21;
	nextstate = -1;
	personality = 12;
	question = "But do you think we'll succeed?";
	text1 = "_I think we will, if we press on of course. That is a big 'if' though, I think Sergeant Burden will have us retreat to Manibor._";
	text2 = "_I don't see how that would solve anything. The Beast is after us, and retreating to Manibor would only lead it to the villagers. No, we need to settle this now, when we have Empire soldiers to aid us. There will be no other time._";


begintalknode 52;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 22;
	personality = 13;
	question = "Orrin";
	text1 = "Orrin keeps watch at the entrance of the cave. It's amazing that he's even alive after his fight with the Beast, but he somehow managed to escape completely unscathed. A testament to his skill-- or perhaps his luck.";
	text2 = "_Well we've lived to see tomorrow, Vincent. Another day, another struggle. Sometimes you have to envy the dead, at least they got the inevitable over with sooner rather than later._";
	text5 = "Orrin stares out into the darkness of the night, at first you think you approached unnoticed, but the highlander's sharp ears prove you wrong. _Hail, Vincent. What takes you away from the fire at this time of night?_";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 53;
	state = 22;
	nextstate = 24;
	personality = 13;
	condition = get_flag(3,8) == 0;
	question = "What do you think of the deaths?";
	text1 = "_Good men both. Erasmus was an intelligent man, more learned in the culture of the Rim than any lowlander I've ever met. He showed himself to be a wise man, and a brave one._";
	text2 = "_Sir Rowly was a brave man-- headstrong-- but brave nonetheless. His decision to lure the Beast was part of his fate, part of all our fates-- what is done is done and none are to blame for fate's manipulations._";

begintalknode 54;
	state = 24;
	nextstate = -1;
	personality = 13;
	question = "Did you bring them back-- their bodies that is?";
	text1 = "_Yes. I laid them nearby, and piled some snow and rocks on them. They deserve a proper burial in the tradition of their native land, but given the conditions I think a highland burial is all we can afford to give them._";
	text2 = "_They will be remembered with honor by the friends they left behind, that is enough. Oh, and Vincent, I think you should have this._";
	text3 = "He hands you a small black book, the guide book that Erasmus was using when you saw him earlier. _I don't what use this book will have, but you know more about Erasmus' purposes than anybody else._ You thank him for recovering it.";
	code =
	set_flag(3,8,1);
	inc_flag(3,10,1);
	change_spec_item(2,1);
break;

begintalknode 55;
	state = 22;
	nextstate = 25;
	personality = 13;
	question = "You're still talking about that fate idea?";
	text1 = "_So you still aren't convinced? Perhaps it's for the best, it's a hard thing to do, to carry on when you know that doing so leads to your own doom. You'll see soon enough, enjoy the presence of hope while you still can._";

begintalknode 56;
	state = 25;
	nextstate = 31;
	personality = 13;
	question = "You really believe we're going to die out here? Why don't you just turn back?";
	text1 = "_Even if I could escape this mountain I wouldn't. I was banished from my tribe, I lost my right to die with honor in the lands of my fathers, instead I'll die here like a burglar who steals back the right denied me all those years ago._";

begintalknode 68;
	state = 31;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What are you talking about?";
	text1 = "_When a man is banished, his family, his friends, and his home aren't the only thing taken away. Fate knows I lost those things by my own failures, I needed no sentence to be stripped of them._";
	text2 = "_But as importantly, he loses the right to die here in the land of his fathers. I swore to never return to the mountains, and I would have kept that oath had it not been the oath of obedience I took to the Empire._";
	text3 = "_I feel like an intruder here-- here where I am most accustomed. But fate commanded I come here, and fate demands that I die here. Perhaps this means I am reconciled, that I can die with honor again. Perhaps._";

begintalknode 69;
	state = 31;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What did you do anyway, to get banished?";
	text1 = "_I hurt those I loved most, betrayed thsoe with my best interests at heart, and all to serve my own pride. I embraced my sentence of banishment, if only to leave this place and forget what I did here._";
	text2 = "_But that was another lifetime ago, and I have spent all my life as an Empire soldier trying to come to grips with my wicked past; I think I've done so. The mountain welcomes me back with open arms, welcomes me to swallow me forever._";


begintalknode 57;
	state = 22;
	nextstate = 23;
	personality = 13;
	question = "Shouldn't you be getting some rest?";
	text1 = "_Rest? There is no time for rest. I feel my end drawing near, my fate more sure. I don't have much time, but I feel that I have a purpose to serve here, something meaningful to do._";
	text2 = "_My vigilance has already payed off once, the Beast will not take us unawares while I'm on watch. No, there is no time to sleep now-- I will have my rest soon._";

begintalknode 58;
	state = 23;
	nextstate = -1;
	personality = 13;
	question = "Aren't you cold at least?";
	text1 = "He has put on a light jacket over his leathr tunic to keep out the wind that is picking up. However, he is still almost naked compared to the bundle of garbs everybody else wears.";
	text2 = "_I've told you Vincent, I welcome the cold after the heat of the lowlands. I might drink some hot tea later to keep my core warm and my mind alert, but that is all._";
	text3 = "You shudder at the thought, you remember well the smell of Orrin's herbal tea. You had the audacity to try it once and nearly gagged, you almost had to chew the 'tea' was so thick.";

begintalknode 59;
	state = 23;
	nextstate = -1;
	personality = 13;
	question = "How was it that you managed to fight off the Beast?";
	text1 = "_I tell you, Vincent, for all its strength it was agile too. However, it wasn't expecting to meet much resistance, so I managed to catch it off guard with fast slashes and nagging blows._";
	text2 = "_Still, if it weren't for good foot work on my part and near misses on its, I would be a dead man. As it is, I managed to keep it on its heels for long enough._";
	text3 = "_It was just getting ready to bull rush me, an attack that would surely have overwhelmed me, when Jamie scared it away with a fire arrow. It will be back-- the wounds I inflicted weren't serious by its standards-- but I'll be ready when it does._";

begintalknode 60;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 26;
	question = "Fabian";
	personality = 14;
	text1 = "Fabian sits idly by the fire, lost deep in thought. His face is like a thundercloud, and he sits chewing his lip pensively, scorning the piece of hardtack in his lap. He moves his eyes from the flickering fire to focus them on you.";
	text2 = "_What a bloody shame, two more men lost and that much closer to this trip being for naught. And what good have I done? Nothing. Nothing...._";
	text5 = "Fabian hasn't left his spot by the fire. _Oh. Hello, Vincent. Pull your mat over here._ He returns to his thoughts while you take your seat.";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 61;
	state = 26;
	nextstate = 27;
	condition = get_flag(3,9) == 0;
	question = "What are your thoughts on the deaths?";
	personality = 14;
	text1 = "_That Rowly-- I always said the man was bad news, and now we're paying the price for letting him journey with us, or rather Erasmus paid the price._";
	text2 = "_That damned arrogant fool, bringing the Beast upon us with his vain trap._ Fabian sighs, _But still, no man deserved what happened to him, no man deserves to be mutilated like that. And what did I do to help? Nothing-- nothing as usual._";

begintalknode 62;
	state = 27;
	nextstate = 28;
	question = "What are you talking about? What COULD you have done?";
	personality = 14;
	text1 = "_I-- I don't know. But this is the second time the Beast has come, the third man who has died, and where have I been every time? Cowering back in camp, that's where._";
	text2 = "_I'm not a bloody soldier, Vincent. I can swing a sword as good as the next man, but where am I when my comrades need me?_ He trails off. You sit in silence for some while.";
	text3 = "_Do you know why I joined the Imperial Army?_ Odd that he would suddenly bring it up, your friend has never discussed why he enlisted.";

begintalknode 63;
	state = 28;
	nextstate = 29;
	question = "No, you never mentioned why.";
	personality = 14;
	text1 = "_People wondered why I was enlisting, why a pleasure-seeking man would put aside his fair trappings for Imperial armor._ Indeed, the thought has crossed your mind a number of times, but you never thought of a satisfying answer and never dared to ask.";
	text2 = "_Respect-- that's why. Yeah, Fabian the jokester signed up looking for glory, or self respect at least._";

begintalknode 64;
	state = 29;
	nextstate = 30;
	question = "What do you mean?";
	personality = 14;
	text1 = "_My father was a minstrel, more like the lord's fool. Capering and making an ass of himself for the lord of the area-- it made a decent living._";
	text2 = "_When we would walk through town and people would shout, 'Sir Fool!', 'A loaf for 'The Hairy Maiden' Sirrah Fool!' And he would sing and dance, not because he needed the food, but because a minstrel is unemployed soon if he seems surly._";
	text3 = "_I never wanted to do that, Vincent. I enjoy fine clothes and drink, and would rather woo a lady or play a prank than face a bandit. But I never wanted to trade my dignity, not for any of those things._";

begintalknode 65;
	state = 30;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "So you joined the Army to escape your father?";
	personality = 14;
	text1 = "_Yeah. The only thing waiting for me back there was a life of embarrassment. When I announced my intentions my family laughed and told me to give up my foolish notions, but I went on with it anyway._";
	text2 = "_I should have kept my bloody silks for all the good I've done. My comrades die and I am no help to anybody-- a lot of honor in that._";
	text3 = "You offer some cosollation and encouragement, but your words fall on deaf ears. Fabian just stares into the fire gloomily.";
	action = END_TALK;
	code = 
	set_flag(3,9,1);
	inc_flag(3,10,1);
break;

begintalknode 66;
	state = 26;
	nextstate = -1;
	question = "What do you think we should do now?";
	text1 = "_We should keep on-- how can we do otherwise now that three men have given their lives for this cause? We were sent here to save the peasants in that podunk village, whatever the hell it's called, and that's what we should bloody well do._";
	text2 = "_Maybe I'll do something decent up here, something I can tell people about without hanging my head. Or maybe we'll all get killed-- whatever the outcome we can't turn back, not now. It's like Orrin is always prating on about, can't shy away from fate._";
	text3 = "You've never seen your friend so grim or so determined. All the joviality and light heartedness that you are so used to seeing is gone.";

begintalknode 67;
	state = 26;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = get_flag(3,12) == 0;
	question = "Aren't you going to eat that hardtack?";
	text1 = "He looks with distaste at the opened ration that rests in his lap, then offers it to you. _I'm not hungry, don't know how I could be at a time like this. You might as well eat it._";
	text2 = "_Everything seems cold and empty, even the fire isn't warm. All I can do is sit and think-- sit and regret._";
	code =
	set_flag(3,12,1);
	reward_give(455);
break;
