I've Seen You

It is (link-replace: "objectively the best holiday of the year")[Halloween, dummy!] and tonight you are going out! Sammy's parties are legendary. Even an outcast like you has a chance of having a good time. (live: 2s)[(stop:)[[>>Cool, but who am I?]]]

{ (set: $costumes to (array: "A Sad Clown Costume", "A Sexy Pizza Rat Costume", "Lady Gaga's Meat Dress")) (if: $costumesCount >= $costumes's length)[(set: $costumesCount to 1)] (else:)[(set: $costumesCount to it + 1)] (set: $costume to $costumes's $costumesCount) (link: (text: $costumes's $costumesCount) )[(display: "Choose Costume")] }

Okay then, $name. (if: $costume is "A Sad Clown Costume")[With a honk of your nose, you head to the party.](else-if: $costume is "A Sexy Pizza Rat Costume")[You fasten your ears and waggle your tail. This party is not ready for you.](else-if: $costume is "Lady Gaga's Meat Dress")[You slap on the last piece of salami and are on your way.] As you approach, you see your friends on the lawn. You see Godzilla-oh wait, that's just [[Juliette]] in a costume approaching you. [[Keenan]] is chilling by the door. You're always looking for a chance to talk to him. Wait a minute, [[who's that]] also wearing $costume? (if: $talkedTo > 2)[(live: 1s)[(stop:)[[>>Go inside]]]] (set:$checkpoint to ">>Head to the party")

You approach Juliette. //Oh. Hey $name, that's the costume you chose?// [[>>Yes->jResponse]] [[>>My mom made it->jResponse]]

You approach Keenan. Keep your cool. //Hey.// You can't believe he said hi. He gestures to the other girl in $costume. //Did you come here together?// (unless: $kOpen is 1)[ (if: $SLF > 3)[(text-colour:$success)[Interiority - Challenging: Success] You're sure of it. He must be into you. He simply can't help himself in the presence of somoene with as vast a soul as yours. [[>>Actually, I wanted to ask if you came here with someone]] ](else-if: $SLF > 2 and $interest is "Keenan")[(text-colour:$success)[Interiority - Challenging: Success (+1 not interested in Jon)] You're sure of it. He must be into you. He simply can't help himself in the presence of someone with as vast a soul as yours. [[>>Actually, I wanted to ask if you came here with someone]] ]][[>>Yes->kYes]] [[>>No->kNo]]

You try to approach her but something stops you. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up. (if: $EYE > 1)[(text-colour:(hsl:120,0.8,0.5,0.5))[Insight - Easy: Success] You're not sure what it is about this girl, but it feels like trouble. There's no reason to get near her.](else:)[(text-colour:(hsl:0,0.8,0.5,0.5))[Insight - Easy: Failure] She's wearing your costume. You should go see what's up with that.] (live: 1s)[(stop:)(unless: $nearHer is 1)[ [[>>Get near her]]] [[>>Go Back->$checkpoint]]] (set: $talkedTo to it + 1)

(if: $thought is 0)[As soon as you walk inside, someone hands you a drink. (if: $SAN > 0)[(text-colour:(hsl:120,0.8,0.5,0.5))[Sanity - Trivial: Success] It's spooky punch!](else:)[(text-colour:(hsl:0,0.8,0.5,0.5))[Sanity - Trivial: Failure] It looks like blood.] //There you are!// (if: $EYE < 1)[It's a (link-reveal:"Bee Keeper.")[ Oh wait, it's Sammy!]](else:)[It's Sammy!]] //I thought I saw you run off with (link-reveal:"Jon")[ *:･ﾟ✧ what a cutie :･ﾟ✧] are you two dating??// (live: 2s)[(stop:)(if: $jInt is 0)[ [[>>Think about it]]] [[>>Oh my god, yes! (you always thought it would be Keenan, but why not?)->sYes]] [[>>hahaha noo (It would mess with your friend dynamic)->sNo]]] (set:$interest to "Jon") (set:$checkpoint to ">>Go inside") (set: $sip to 1)

(if: $costume is "A Sad Clown Costume")[//I actually come from a family of clowns and I find this offensive.//](else-if: $costume is "A Sexy Pizza Rat Costume")[//This is dehumanizing to women and rats. Truly a loss for feminism today.//](else:)[//I find your costume both anti-vegan and anti-Italian, and I am both.//] (unless:$jLog is 1)[(link-reveal:">>Internalize Juliette's Logic")[ Gain +1 Logic. (set: $LOG to it + 1)(set:$jLog to 1) ]] [[>>Go Back->$checkpoint]] (set: $talkedTo to it + 1)

//No. I'm not even sure who she is?// //Cool.// (if: $SLF > 1)[(text-colour:(hsl:120,0.8,0.5,0.5))[ Interiority - Easy: Success] (display: "kBackStory") ](else:)[(text-colour:(hsl:0,0.8,0.5,0.5))[ Interiority - Easy: Failure] Wow. No wonder he's the most popular boy in school. ] [[>>Go Back->$checkpoint]] (set: $talkedTo to it + 1)

//Yeah, we're twinning. Hashtag twinning. Twins.// //Cool.// (if: $SLF > 1)[(text-colour:(hsl:120,0.8,0.5,0.5))[ Interiority - Easy: Success] (display: "kBackStory") ](else:)[(text-colour:(hsl:0,0.8,0.5,0.5))[ Interiority - Easy: Failure]] You're so awkward. I can't believe you would say that to Keenan. [[>>Go Back->$checkpoint]] (set: $talkedTo to it + 1)

This is gonna be great. You've always liked Jon. //Oh my god I knew it!! That's so crazy! And you're okay with what he did??// (if: $LOG > 1)[(text-colour:$success)[Logic - Easy: Success] It is unnecessary to implicate yourself in his actions. ](else:)[(text-colour:$failure)[Logic - Easy: Failure] You should stand up for him! ] [[>>I'll always stand up for Jon->sYes2]] [[>>Look, we all make mistakes->sNo2]]

//What? Why not? He's soooo hot.// (if: $SLF > 1)[(text-colour:$success)[Interiority - Easy: Success] Why not? Because you don't need a man to define your self-worth. Even if he is hot. ](else:)[(text-colour:$failure)[Interiority - Easy: Failure] You're not sure why she's trying to convince you. Maybe you should ask her to set you two up. ] [[>>Do you want to set us up??->sYes3]] [[>>He's not that hot, actually.->sNo3]]

Sammy looks at you with a raised eyebrow. //But you're still dating him? Okay, girl. Do you.// That was kind of weird. [[>>Continue->Enter: Jon]] (set:$sideWithJon to "yes")

Sammy looks at you with a raised eyebrow. //Wow. You're so brave. But I can't support you in this.// She backs off to join another group of friends. [[>>Continue->Enter: Jon]]

Sammy falters a little. This wasn't the outcome she expected. //Oh. Haha, okay! Well, I'll see you around I guess!// She backs off to join another group of friends, only to reveal that standing behind her was... Jon. Oh. Your heart sinks. He looks miserable. [[>>Uh...->>>Um, no?]]

//That's so wild, of course I'll help you!!// Sammy runs off, and in a moment returns with Jon around her arm. [[>>Continue->Enter: Jon]]

Jon approaches as Sammy leaves. He is beaming. //Hey girl, there you are! Let's take that selfie!// He puts his hand around your shoulder and holds you close to him. Overly familiar. He reaches out to a picture of the two of you. (if: $LOG > 0)[(text-colour:(hsl:120,0.8,0.5,0.5))[Logic - Trivial: Success] It is best not to make any rash decisions. We're still not sure what's going on, or what his angle is. ](else:)[(text-colour:(hsl:120,0.8,0.5,0.5))[Logic - Trivial: Failure] It' about time we made it official. ] [[>>Pose!]] [[>>Push him away->>>Um, no?]]

You are subsumed back into the low roar of the party. (if: $visit contains "Living room")[Check the [[Living room]] ](if: $visit contains "Kitchen")[Explore the [[Kitchen]] ](if: $visit contains "Bathroom")[Go to the [[Bathroom]] ](set:$checkpoint to "Explore")

(if: $visit's length is 1)[(display:"JblocksDoor") ](else:)[There's (if: $EYE < 1)[(link-replace: "frankenstein's monster")[Heide]](else:)[Heide] standing in the doorway. //Hey. I've seen you here. You can't just run out without at least helping me clean up the vase you just broke.// (if: $visit's length is 3)[ Behind them you can see $interest macking on some girl by the fridge... ew. (display: "See Interest") ](else:)[ Why would you do that? Don't you think you would be helping her clean, or at least remember breaking the vase? (text-colour:$success)[Logic - Trivial: Success] As you look into the kitchen, you can see (display: "Evidence") smeared across the fridge... ] [[>>Go back->$checkpoint]] (set:$visit to it - (a:"Kitchen")) ]

(if: $visit's length is 1)[(display:"JblocksDoor") ](else:)[There's (if: $EYE < 1)[(link-replace: "a mummy")[Tessa]](else:)[Tessa] standing in the doorway. //Hey. I've seen you. You can't come back in here after clogging the toilet. You know there's a line for the bathroom, right?// (if: $visit's length is 3)[ Behind them you can see $interest macking on some girl in the bathtub... gross. (display: "See Interest") ](else:)[ Whoa. They're probably just getting you confused for someone else, right? We can just get back in line for the bathroom, right? (text-colour:$success)[Logic - Trivial: Success] As you look into the bathroom, you can see (display: "Evidence") smeared across the bathroom mirror... ] [[>>Go back->$checkpoint]] (set:$visit to it - (a:"Bathroom")) ]

(if: $visit's length is 1)[(display:"JblocksDoor") ](else:)[There's (if: $EYE < 1)[(link-replace: "a zombie")[Salma]](else:)[Salma] standing in the doorway. //Hey. I've seen you, and you can't come back in here. You had your fun singing Bohemian Rhapsody, and I think some other people deserve a turn.// (if: $visit's length is 3)[ And to top it all off, behind her, you can see $interest macking on some girl on the couch... ugh. (display: "See Interest") ](else:)[ No. no no no. That doesn't sound like you. You would never do that. Not this early in the evening. (text-colour:$success)[Logic - Trivial: Success] As you look into the living room, you can see (display: "Evidence") smeared across the karaoke couch cushion... ] [[>>Go back->$checkpoint]] (set:$visit to it - (a:"Living room")) ]

You keep staring at the smiling girl in $costume. You search frantically for differences between her facial features and your own. //Jon.. Who is that?// (if: $EYE > 2)[(text-colour:$success)[Insight - Medium: Success] The posture. The the mannerisms. Even the people she's talking to. The only difference between you and her is her expression. Every muscle in your body tightens. You need to get out of here. Lose -1 Sanity. (set:$SAN to it - 1) ](else:)[(text-colour:$failure)[Insight - Medium: Failure] I'm at a loss. A twin, perhaps? Separated at birth? No clue. ] Jon doesn't seem to notice. He's still staring at the photo of you. (live: 2s)[(stop:)[[>>Slip away unnoticed->Hallway]]]

You chase after the girl in $costume, just missing her as she runs through the living room. She's heading for the stairs. (display: "Inner Thoughts") [[>>Run after her!]] (if: $sInt is 0)[ [[>>Think First]]] (if: $sip > 0)[ [[>>Catch your breath->>>Sip your drink]]] (set:$checkpoint to "Chase")

Tears well up in Jon's (link-reveal:"eyes")[. His beautiful brown eyes, filled with all of the hurt and confusion of a kicked puppy]. //I guess I'll delete my story...// (display:"Softlaunch") You barely recognize yourself. The smile on your face is wide. You look happier in this photo than you've felt in a long time. In the background, wait, is that //you// entering the party? (live: 2s)[(stop:)[[>>Oh... Jon...]]] (set: $interest to "Keenan")

//Whoa whoa whoa, you can't come in here right now.// It's Godzilla(click-replace: "Godzilla")[Juliette]. She's blocking the doorway. Behind her, you can see $interest (if: $visit contains "Bathroom")[running cold water over his bloody nose.](else-if: $visit contains "Kitchen")[holding a bag of frozen peas to his face.](else:)[covering his face in a bloody t-shirt.] //That was super uncool. Aren't you at least going to apologize?// (link-reveal: ">>What?")[ $interest coughs up blood. //Why can't you be normal? look, I get it, I was trying to get a rise out of you, but this? What the hell is your problem?// //Easy there,// Juliette pats him on the shoulder as she turns to you. //I think it'd be better if you left.// You consider it. From the conrer of your eye, you catch a glimpse of $costume fleeing the scene. ] [[>>Apologize]] [[>>Chase the girl in $costume->Chase]]

(if: $costume is "A Sad Clown Costume")[flecks of sad clown face paint](else-if: $costume is "A Sexy Pizza Rat Costume")[spots of sexy pizza rat pizza grease](else-if: $costume is "Lady Gaga's Meat Dress")[errant slices of lunch meat]

(if: $costume is "A Sad Clown Costume")[😢🤡](else-if: $costume is "A Sexy Pizza Rat Costume")[🍕🐀](else:)[🥩💃]❤️‍🔥✨

You lean in and make half a heart with your fingers. Jon makes the other half. Keenan sees you from across the room and looks totally unphased. How is he still //so// cool? You want him to be just a little bit jealous. Pretend to be jealous, at least. And standing next to him with her arm over his shoulder is... is she smiling? At you? A girl in $costume. *Click!* The flash blinds you for an instant. //Aw, we look so cute!!// You shake off the feeling. (display:"Softlaunch") (live: 2s)[(stop:)[[>>Oh... Jon...]]]

Jon pushes his phone in your face to show you a blurry pic of the two of you in an embrace with the caption: (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[(display: "Emojis") Softlaunch (display: "Emojis")]

{ (track: 'spookySong', 'loop', true) (track: 'spookySong', 'playwhenpossible') }

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[<span style="font-size: 300%">(live: 1s)[I've](live: 2s)[ Seen](live: 3s)[ You]</span> (live: 5s)[Written by Chris Perry and Ally Sass] (live: 6s)[Music by Hide] (live: 7s)[(stop:) [[>>Begin]] ]]

spookySong: https://files.catbox.moe/jk1f8d.ogg

(if: $SAN > 4)[(text-colour:$success)[Sanity - Legendary: Success] Stand your ground. You know in your heart of hearts that you did nothing wrong. ](else:)[(text-colour:$failure)[Sanity - Legendary: Failure] You... you can't take the allegations. It's time to break down and cry. ](live: 2s)[(stop:)(if: $SLF > 3)[(text-colour:$success)[Interiority - Challenging: Success] No. You have to apologize. You can take responsibility even if it is not a direct result of your actions. [[>>I'm sorry...]] ](else:)[(text-colour:$failure)[Interiority - Challenging: Failure] No. You have to apologize. Quickly, before the moment passes! [[>>I was trying to flirt with you. That's why I punched you.->I can't say that]] [[>>I was aiming for your beautiful eyes->I can't say that]] [[>>Well now you can get plastic surgery and get fixed for real.->I can't say that]] [[>>These are terrible. Do I really have to pick one?->Choose one]] ]]

(unless: (passage:)'s tags contains "noStats")[(if: $SAN + $LOG + $SLF + $EYE is 0)[(display: "Init Stats")](else:)[<span style="font-family:courier;color:Gray;">Sanity:$SAN Logic:$LOG Interiority:$SLF Insight:$EYE (unless: $dEGO is 0)[ <span style="color:Red;">Dopple Ego:$dEGO</span>]</span>]]

{ (set: $names to (array: "Luce","Nell","Angelo", "Balthazar","Pinch")) (if: $namesCount >= $names's length)[(set: $namesCount to 1)] (else:)[(set: $namesCount to it + 1)] (set: $name to $names's $namesCount) (link: (text: $names's $namesCount) )[(display: "Choose Name")] }

{ (set: $primaries to (array: "sane","logical","introspective", "insightful")) (if: $primariesCount >= $primaries's length)[(set: $primariesCount to 1)] (else:)[(set: $primariesCount to it + 1)] (set: $primary to $primaries's $primariesCount) (link: (text: $primaries's $primariesCount) )[(display: "Choose Primary")] }

The question is, who do you want to [[be->Stats]] at this party? Your name is (display: "Choose Name"), and tonight you are dressed to the nines in (display: "Choose Costume"). You are the most (display: "Choose Primary") in your class, and you're also pretty (display: "Choose Secondary"). (live: 3s)[(stop:)[[>>Yeah. That's me.->>>Head to the party]]]

{ (set: $secondaries to (array: "insightful","sane","logical","introspective")) (if: $secondariesCount >= $secondaries's length)[(set: $secondariesCount to 1)] (else:)[(set: $secondariesCount to it + 1)] (set: $secondary to $secondaries's $secondariesCount) (link: (text: $secondaries's $secondariesCount) )[(display: "Choose Secondary")] }

{ (set: $SAN to 2) (if:$primary is "sane")[(set: $SAN to it + 3)] (else-if:$primary is "logical")[(set: $LOG to it + 3)] (else-if:$primary is "introspective")[(set: $SLF to it + 3)] (else-if:$primary is "insightful")[(set: $EYE to it + 3)] (if:$secondary is "sane")[(set: $SAN to it + 1)] (else-if:$secondary is "logical")[(set: $LOG to it + 1)] (else-if:$secondary is "introspective")[(set: $SLF to it + 1)] (else-if:$secondary is "insightful")[(set: $EYE to it + 1)] (set:$success to (hsl:120,0.8,0.5,0.5)) (set:$failure to (hsl:0,0.8,0.5,0.5)) }

''Sanity'' You are level-headed, and not easily perturbed. Good for remaining aloof and uninvolved. ''Logic'' You can make connections others might miss. Good for nerds. ''Interiority'' Your innermost thoughts are louder than the conversations around you. Good for coming up with deep and interesting answers to party questions. ''Insight'' Pull back the veil. Sense what's going on around you. Good for understanding a little bit more about who you're dealing with. [[>>Back->>>Cool, but who am I?]]

(if: $SAN < 4)[(text-colour:(hsl:0,0.8,0.5,0.5))[Sanity - Challenging: Failure] She shoots you a look as you approach. Daggers. You stop dead in your tracks and(live: 2s)[(stop:)[ you.]](live: 3s)[(stop:)[ Can't.]](live: 4s)[(stop:)[ Move.]] (live: 6s)[(stop:)After a moment, she relaxes her eyes and looks away. Take +1 Insight.(set: $EYE to it + 1)(set:$nearHer to 1) [[>>Go Back->$checkpoint]]] ](else:)[(text-colour:(hsl:120,0.8,0.5,0.5))[Sanity - Challenging: Success] She shoots you a look as you approach. //Really? Did you seriously copy my costume? I've been planning this for months.// (live: 1s)[(stop:)[[>>Go Back->$checkpoint]]]]

Far away, in a different time and space, the two of you sit next to each other on a bench in front of your school. You are waiting for your mom to pick you up while he listens to music. You can hear his headphones pop and crackle. //What are you listening to?// //Oh,// He lifts his headphones gently, //it's a sample recording that Rob sent me, he's the guitarist in our band. Here, listen.// You listen to it with him, your faces almost touching. It's good. Really good. Gain +1 Interiority. (set: $SLF to it + 1)

(if: $EYE > 2)[(text-colour:$success)[Insight - Medium: Success] ](else:)[(text-colour:$failure)[Insight - Medium: Failure] ] 0 Trivial 1 Easy 2 Medium 3 Challenging 4 Legendary 5 Godly 6 Impossible [[>>Go back->$checkpoint]]

Jon. In two years you'll end up going to the same state school, In separate fields. You'll live closer to each other than you did in high school, but in such a big pond that you'll never see each other. You'll never need to see each other. If you dated through college, who knows what you would miss? Gain +1 Interiorty. (set:$SLF to it + 1) (set: $jInt to 1) [[>>Finish thought->$checkpoint]]

You duck out into the hallway to gather yourself before you make your next move. (display: "Inner Thoughts") (if: $sip > 0)[ [[>>Sip your drink]]] (unless: $jInt is 1)[ [[>>Think about Jon->>>Think about it]]] (unless: $kOpen is 1)[ [[>>Talk to Keenan->Keenan]]] (unless: $nearHer is 1)[ [[>>Confront the girl in $costume->who's that]]] (live: 2s)[(stop:)[[>>Explore the rest of the party ->Explore]]] (set:$checkpoint to "Hallway") (set:$visit to (a: "Kitchen", "Bathroom", "Living room"))

You pause, finally able to catch your breath. You take a swig of your spooky punch. How do you want to focus this elixir? Sips left: $sip >>(link: "+1 Sanity")[(set: $SAN to it + 1)(goto: $checkpoint)] >>(link: "+1 Logic")[(set: $LOG to it + 1)(goto: $checkpoint)] >>(link: "+1 Interiority")[(set: $SLF to it + 1)(goto: $checkpoint)] >>(link: "+1 Insight")[(set: $EYE to it + 1)(goto: $checkpoint)] (set: $sip to it - 1)

Really? After all that? (if: $SLF > 0)[(text-colour:$success)[Logic - Trivial: Success] All of what? $interest has never truly shown an interest in you in the three years you've known him. We're not even sure what his deal is tonight. This should be fine. You should be fine with this. ](else:)[(text-colour:$failure)[Logic - Trivial: Failure] Whoa. It's fine. Boys are known to change their minds about things *constantly*. ] (live: 2s)[(stop:)(if: $SAN > 1)[(text-colour:$success)[Sanity - Easy: Success] Don't do this. You know that thinking about it will only upset you. ](else:)[(text-colour:$failure)[Sanity - Easy: Failure] No it's not. This is not fine. You should be mad. You spent all this time holding out for these boys and making $costume for tonight, and this is the thanks you get? I hope he trips and hits his face on a doorknob. ]]

//Actually, I wanted to ask if you came here with anyone.// He shifts his weight from one foot to the other before responding. //Actually,// he meets your suave and even tone. //I did, but it's been a bit rough lately. I'm not sure if we're going to make it.// He's watching the moon rise over the city. You turn your gaze to watch it with him. //But, y'know,// he looks back at you, //I'm open to change.// You will cherish this moment forever. Gain +1 Interiority. (set:$SLF to it + 1)(set: $kOpen to 1) [[>>Go back->$checkpoint]]

The words leave your mouth fighting every fiber of your being. $interest looks like he's about to cry. Juliette steps between you. //Alright, alright, you've done enough. You're done.// She rolls her eyes as she gently pushes you out of the room and closes the door behind you. [[>>Chase the girl in $costume->Chase]]

(text-colour:$failure)[Interiority - Medium: Failure] Yes, you have to choose one! Come on, I'm giving you the best I've got here. Look. These are golden. Exactly the kind of thing a manly man will love to hear, with a little humor to take the edge off! They're deep. I'm telling you. [[>>What? I thought you were into that!->I can't say that]] [[>>I was aiming for your beautiful eyes->I can't say that]] [[>>Well now you can get plastic surgery and get fixed for real.->I can't say that]]

//Look,// you start, //we have our differences. I know I've been getting up and running away after, like, every interaction we've had.// //Yeah. I always thought that was kind of weird,// $interest chimes in. (live: 2s)[(stop:)(text-colour:$success)[Interiority - Medium: Success] Good. Get him to agree with you. Get him on our side. He deserves to know how much we care about him. //But I really cherish the time I spend talking to you and I really like you, so I was pissed when I saw you all over someone else, and I'm sorry. I let that get the better of me. It'll never happen again.// ](live: 5s)[(stop:) Gain +2 Sanity (set:$SAN to it + 2) $interest spits. //Thanks, but you should head back to the party. Don't let this ruin the rest of your night.// [[>>Chase the girl in $costume->Chase]] (set: $sip to it + 1)]

(if:$SAN > 0)[ [[>>Argue]] (link-reveal:"(?)")[ >roll 2d4 >if you roll OVER Insight, argue successfully. >if not, lose -2 Sanity >costs +1 Insight ] [[>>Listen]] (link-reveal:"(?)")[ >Roll 2d4 >if you roll UNDER Insight, listen patiently. >if not, gain +2 Insight >costs -1 Sanity ](if: $dEGO < 1)[ [[>>Befriend]]] ](else:)[Your Sanity is too low! You can't listen or argue! ](if:$SAN < 3)[ [[>>EAT]] ] (set:$stage to it + 1) (if:$stage > $doppelogue's length)[(set:$stage to 1)]

//(print: $retort's $stage)// (display: "Roll 2d4") (if: $2d4 < $EYE)[(text-colour:$failure)[Failure. Lose -2 Sanity. (set:$SAN to it - 2)] ](else:)[(text-colour:$success)[Success! you make your point!] Dopple$name loses -1 Ego(set:$dEGO to it - 1)] You gain +1 Insight. (set:$EYE to it + 1) //(print: $doppelogue's $stage)// (display: "Combat Thoughts") (display: "Combat Roll")

(display: "Roll 2d4") (if: $2d4 > $EYE)[(text-colour:$failure)[Failure. Take +2 Insight. (set:$EYE to it + 2)] ](else:)[(text-colour:$success)[Success! You listen patiently!] Dopple$name loses -1 Ego(set:$dEGO to it - 1)] You lose -1 Sanity. (set:$SAN to it - 1) //(print: $doppelogue's $stage)// (display: "Combat Thoughts") (display: "Combat Roll")

{ (set: $d4 to (random: 1,4)) (if: $d4 is 1)[<img height="100" src="https://d20kqt4x4odakd.cloudfront.net/unsafe/752x0/filters:quality(100):rotate(0)/gavqueymp20ijq52wfy4dc0dqkap">] (else-if: $d4 is 2)[<img height="100" src="https://d20kqt4x4odakd.cloudfront.net/unsafe/752x0/filters:quality(100):rotate(0)/9t0z4txaex7g7ux5n497qya3bfe0">] (else-if: $d4 is 3)[<img height="100" src="https://d20kqt4x4odakd.cloudfront.net/unsafe/752x0/filters:quality(100):rotate(0)/w44x11ot6uwdx8bpctkoxdj3l447">] (else:)[<img height="100" src="https://d20kqt4x4odakd.cloudfront.net/unsafe/752x0/filters:quality(100):rotate(0)/ea94v067ui5wkl3d9viwx66nfu7y">] }

{ (set: $2d4 to 0) (display: "Roll d4") (set: $2d4 to it + $d4) (display: "Roll d4") (set: $2d4 to it + $d4) } You roll a $2d4, and your insight is $EYE.

You run at her in between the sentences of her Doppologue, (if: $costume is "A Sad Clown Costume")[and take a big bite out of the banana cream pie in her hand. How long had that been there, anyways? It ends up all over your face in a sad-clown kind of way.](else-if: $costume is "A Sexy Pizza Rat Costume")[and take a bite out of the slice of pizza hanging out of her mouth. You're just two rats fighting over a New York Slice.](else-if: $costume is "Lady Gaga's Meat Dress")[grab a chunk of pastrami off her shoulder, and shove it in your mouth like an animal. You rip and tear at her dress with your teeth.] (text-colour:$failure)[Sanity - Medium: Failure] You've seen Night of the Living Dead, right? That's you now. You(live: 2s)[(stop:)[ rip.]](live: 3s)[(stop:)[ And.]](live: 4s)[(stop:)[ Tear.]] (live: 5s)[(stop:)And you don't stop. Not even after she stops moving. You can't. You have to absorb her, like she was a part of you all along. No evidence can remain, no (display: "Evidence") left behind. And as her body disappears into the night, so do your inhibitions and fears. It's time to cut loose.] (live: 7s)[(stop:)[[>>It's time to go back to the party]]]

As you back her toward the edge of the roof, she turns, still grinning. Muscles as tense as yours, and just as ready to pounce. Your Doppelgänger's Ego is as strong as your strongest stat! She turns to you and snarles, //The more you try to tame yourelf, the less fun you are at parties!!// (display:"Doppelogue") (display: "Combat Roll") (set:$stage to 1)

{ (set: $dEGO to (max: $SAN,$SLF,$LOG,$EYE)) (set: $doppelogue to (a: "Are't you tired of being nice? Don't you just want to go apeshit??", "You're no fun! All you do is have 2 second interactions with people and move on to the next one! You're not adding anything to the conversation!", "That's why no one keeps talking to you! You think that putting on a funny costume is all you need!", "You didn't even bring any snacks! What kind of person shows up to one of Sammy's parties without contributing??", "And it's even worse than that. You're not the most interesting persom here or even the least, you're mid! Mid I tell you!", "You wish you were me, that's what this is about! At least I know how to cut loose and have fun!", "You can't fight me! The more you try to tame yourelf, the less fun you are at parties!!" )) (set: $retort to (a: "That's not true! I'm lots of fun at parties!", "No I don't! I'm too busy running around fixing all the problems you cause!", "I have plenty to contribute! My soul is vast!", "My costume is amazing! That's why you copied me!!", "Of course I'm contributing! My presence is a blessing!", "No I'm not! I'm not mid... at least I'm not messing everything up, like you!", "I know how to have fun!", )) }

(if: $EYE > 5 and $youKnow is 0)[ (text-colour:$success)[Insight - Godly: Success] Oh... No. No, no. It defies logic. (text-colour:$failure)[Logic - Impossible: Failure] Don't look at me, I have no idea what you're talking about. (text-colour:$success)[Insight] You're sure of it. You've never been more sure of anything in your life. Why didn't you realize it before? She's you. the girl in $costume is actually. You. (text-colour:$failure)[Logic] You can't mean that. (text-colour:$success)[Insight] I do. She's your... doppelgänger. Oh, god. Gain +1 Insight and lose -1 Sanity (set: $EYE to it + 1)(set: $SAN to it - 1)(set: $youKnow to 1) ](else-if: $INT > 4 and $wallflower is 0)[ (text-colour:$success)[Interiority - Legendary: Success] I know what type of party animal you are. You're the all-important wallflower. The deep one. The navle-gazing type, full of ennui and thought. Every party needs one. Who else will hold the perimeter? |test1a>[(link-reveal:">>Yup, that's me.")[(replace: ?test1b)[] Gain +1 Interiority. Take it, it's on the house. (set:$INT to it +1)]] |test1b>[(link-reveal:">>I dunno, that doesn't sound fun.")[(replace: ?test1a)[] C'mon, everyone wants to be a wallflower! |test2a>[(link-reveal:">>Sure, fine")[(replace: ?test2b)[] Of course you do. Gain +1 Interiority.(set:$INT to it +1)]] |test2b>[(link-reveal:">>Hey, lay off!")[(replace: ?test2a)[] Jeez, chill. Learn to take a joke.]] ]] (set: $wallflower to 1) ](else-if: $SAN > 4 and $normal is 0)[ (text-colour:$success)[Sanity - Legendary: Success] Wow. You're so normal. Has anyone mentioned to you how normal you are? You don't get anything for it. But just. Wow.(set: $normal to 1) ]

//It doesn't have to be this way...// Dopple$name looks like she's out of breath. She falters and collapses a on the floor. Defeated. //Please...// she croaks, //you can't be so nervous about making bad impressions or harshing the vibe.// //You're right. I was so nervous about everyone at the party being mad at me that I didn't even get to do any of the things you did.// You pick her up, (if: $costume is "A Sad Clown Costume")[and with a honk of her nose, you're ready to head back.](else-if: $costume is "A Sexy Pizza Rat Costume")[fasten her ears, and waggle her tail. This party is not ready for you two.](else-if: $costume is "Lady Gaga's Meat Dress")[slap on her last piece of salami, and you two are on your way.] //Let's go sing Bohemian Rhapsody.// (live: 7s)[(stop:)[[>>It's time to go back to the party]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=")[And you had a wonderful time. (live: 3s)[(stop:)Thank you for playing!] (live: 5s)[(stop:)This game was made for (link:"💀 SCREAM JAM 2023 💀")[(gotoURL:"https://itch.io/jam/scream-jam-2023")]] (live: 6s)[(stop:)A Special thanks to Jenny, Eli, and Aline for playtesting and giving their feedback!] (live: 7s)[(stop:)(link: ">>Restart")[(reload:)]]]

You turn a corner to see her pushing past Rob on the stairs and almost trips him as she passes! (link-reveal:">>Help him!")[ Are you kidding right now? Get her!! ] [[>>Run past without helping]]

You also push past Rob as you run up the stairs. He's seeing double! //Hey, at least say excuse me!// As you arrive at the second floor landing, you are greeted by a hallway lined with doors on either side. There are eight doors in all, and no telling where any of them lead. [[>>Engage in a Scooby-Doo-esque chase scene]] (if: $sInt is 0)[ [[>>Think First]]](else-if: $sInt is 2)[ [[>>Skip it and check the fire escape->>>Fire escape]]]

You try to remember the layout of the house. You've been to Sammy's parties before, you're sure you can remember how to get around. (if: $SLF > 4)[(text-colour:$success)[Interiority - Legendary: Success] That's not how this works. It's not that kind of interior-hm? what's that? Well, I guess anything is possible. In a distant memory, the breeze is gentile and balmy on your skin. a paper plate of blueberry crisp is warm in your lap. Sammy sits next to you on the small ledge of the fire escape outside her bedroom window. //My favorite are the big yellow ones that hang in the sky and slowly drip down like giant weeping willows.// She loves fireworks. It's the Fourth of July. Gain +2 Sanity. (set:$SAN to it + 2) (set: $sInt to 2) ](else:)[(text-colour:$failure)[Interiority - Legendary: Failure] No, that's not how this works. It's not that kind of interiority. (set: $sInt to 1)] [[>>Finish thought->$checkpoint]]

Oh god there are so many doors. =|= (link-reveal:">>Door")[As you enter this door, you see the girl in $costume ducking into a different one down the hall] (link-reveal:">>Door")[(link-reveal:">>Door")[(link-reveal:">>Door")[You're pretty sure this one is just doors all the way down.]]] (link-reveal:">>Door")[You open this door to find the girl staring right into your eyes. You freeze, before you both turn around and go into opposite rooms. Gain +1 Insight.(set:$EYE to it + 1)] (link-reveal:">>Door")[It's her! No wait, that's just a coat closet with $costume hangign in it.] =|= (link-reveal:">>Door")[You open the bathroom door to reveal the girl in $costume sitting on the toilet! She is reading the newspaper. You shut the door and apologize, oops!] (link-reveal:">>Door")[Huh, nothing behind this one.] (link-reveal:">>Door")[It's Sammy's bedroom, with the window that leads to the [[>>Fire escape]]] (link-reveal:">>Door")[You're running right at her, but at the last second she ducks and you jump, leapfrogging over her. Gain +1 Sanity.(set:$SAN to it + 1)] |==|

As you step out onto the fire escape, you see her climbing up on to the roof. You climb the ladder with her, your arms and legs moving in tandem. Perfectly syncrohnized. If you had a soul-mate, this would be a weird and twisted way to do it. She pauses when she gets to the top to look down at you, and you pause too. [[>>Climb onto the roof->Roof]]

You have her cornered like a scared animal. You're not sure what will happen next. (text-colour:$success)[Logic - Trivial: Success] If you fell from here you wouldn't be getting back up. (display: "Inner Thoughts") [[>>Back her to the edge of the roof->Roll for Initative!]] (if: $sip > 0)[ [[>>Catch your breath->>>Sip your drink]]] (set:$checkpoint to "Roof")

(if: $stage is 1)[(if: $SAN > 3)[(text-colour:$success)[Sanity - Challenging: Success] You've got this. Take it easy, and we can do this. ](else:)[(text-colour:$failure)[Sanity - Challenging: Failure] I'm not sure this is a good idea, but whatever happens here, happens. Even if you have to rely on your instincts. ] ](else-if: $SAN is 1 and $youHunger is 0)[(text-colour:$failure)[Sanity - Easy: Failure] Don't give up yet, we're still strong... The hunger is becoming difficult to resist, but we've got at least one good move left in us. (set:$youHunger to 1) ](else-if: $dEGO is 1 and $seeHer is 0)[(if: $EYE > 6)[(text-colour:$success)[Insight - Impossible: Success] She is weak, and you can see her clearly for what she is. She is a manifestation of your Id. Your innate drive. Your inner party animal. And you fear her. Why? In your attempts to control her, to make up for her wrongdoings, you have only burdened yourself, and denied yourself the ability to party. ](else:)[(text-colour:$failure)[Insight - Impossible: Failure] She is weak, and you can see her clearly for what she is: A copycat. A demon. You pity her. ](set: $seeHer to 1) ](else-if: $EYE > 4 and $dEGO < 3 and $sheRight is 0)[ Is she... right? (set:$sheRight to 1) ](else-if: $stage > 5 and (random: -1,4) is > $SAN)[ Youve got this, just a little bit longer. Knowing that you have endured so much calms you, somehow. Gain +1 Sanity. (set:$SAN to it + 1) ]