Taru's Infernal Pledge

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<<audio $music_track volume $music_volume loop play>><<silently>> <<set $show_sequence_selection to true>> <<set $jp_show_images to true>> <<run UIBar.stow();>> <</silently>><img class="coverimage" src="img/cover.png"><h1 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Taru's Infernal Pledge Demo</h1>This work of fiction is an adult interactive story, aimed for an adult audience and includes explicit text and adult themes. The characters depicted in this story are fictional and have no real-world counterparts or inspirations. This game features bondage, BDSM, sexism, sexual scenes, violence and foul language. This work of fiction does not reflect the personal beliefs or thoughts of the creator. The creator of this work of fiction does not condone the actions and situations depicted in this work of fiction. This work is meant to be enjoyed purely as fiction. CONTENT WARNING: This game features scenes that many may consider disturbing. The themes explored can be dark and non-consensual. A deal with a devil is inevitable in this game. If any of these subject matters are sensitive to you, do not continue playing. <span class="bold">In this game, you play as a female protagonist</span> BEFORE WE CONTINUE: Do you hear the music? If not, your browser may be blocking audio. Check the url-bar at the top, there should be a toggle sound / mute button to the left of the url. Allow audio to hear the music. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older and want to proceed. [[I want to proceed and I am 18 years old or older|proceed 1]] [[I don't want to proceed / I'm younger than 18 years old]]

Thank you. To delete the game (if you downloaded it) simply remove the .html file and the img directory that is alongside the .html file from your computer.

<<silently>> <<set $current_music_volume_display to ($music_volume * 100)>> <</silently>><h1 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Config Menu</h1><span class="warning">NOTE: The config menu does not store your changes if you are in the very first passage of the game (the one asking if you're 18 or older).</span> <span style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Font size set to: $system_font_size</span> <span style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Combat Enabled: $tip_combat_enabled</span> <span style="font-family: Elianto, Verdana">Image control:</span> [[Show images (text and image experience) (default)|Show images (text and image experience)]] [[Hide images (pure text experience)]] <span style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Font size:</span> [[Set font-size to small]] [[Set font-size to medium (default)|Set font-size to medium]] [[Set font-size to large]] <span style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Combat:</span> <<if $tip_combat_enabled>>[[Disable Combat]]<<else>>[[Enable Combat]]<</if>> <span style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Music volume control:</span> [[Set music volume to 0%]] [[Set music volume to 20%|Set music volume to 20%]] [[Set music volume to 50% (default)|Set music volume to 50%]] [[Set music volume to 100%]] <span style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Return to game:</span> <<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>>

<<silently>> <<set $config_menu_passages to []>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('View credits')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Config menu')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Stats')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Changelog')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Debug View')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Combat Training')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Combat Tutorial Page')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('CombatTrainingLevel1')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('CombatTrainingLevel2')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('CombatTrainingLevel3')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Chapter Selection')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('I understand. Show me the chapter selection.')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Disable Combat')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Enable Combat')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Show images (text and image experience)')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Hide images (pure text experience)')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Set music volume to 0%')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Set music volume to 20%')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Set music volume to 50%')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Set music volume to 100%')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Set font-size to small')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Set font-size to medium')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Set font-size to large')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Quests')>> <<run $config_menu_passages.push('Lore')>> <</silently>><<link "View credits" "View credits">> <<if $config_menu_passages.includes(passage())>><<else>><<set $back_to_passage_title to passage()>><</if>> <</link>> <<link "Config menu" "Config menu">> <<if $config_menu_passages.includes(passage())>><<else>><<set $back_to_passage_title to passage()>><</if>> <</link>> <<link "Lore" "Lore">> <<if $config_menu_passages.includes(passage())>><<else>><<set $back_to_passage_title to passage()>><</if>> <</link>> <<link "Combat Training" "Combat Training">> <<if $config_menu_passages.includes(passage())>><<else>><<set $back_to_passage_title to passage()>><</if>> <</link>>

<h1 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Credits</h1>Developed by FlimsyLegs: https://flimsylegs.itch.io/ Placeholder art by: FlimsyLegs Music by Abstraction: http://abstractionmusic.bandcamp.com/ Game's official website: https://flimsylegs.itch.io/tarus-infernal-pledge Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3916080/Tarus_Infernal_Pledge/ Link to game's discord: https://discord.gg/zyP8qgsDzk This game's digital hand-drawn art is a collaboration of multiple artists with different styles! Do not be afraid when the artstyle suddenly changes in the middle of a chapter, embrace the diversity! Art by: FoxTail19: https://www.patreon.com/FoxTail19 tacinky: https://bsky.app/profile/tacinky15.bsky.social Cactoratado: https://cactoratado.carrd.co/ aBigBrother_: https://linktr.ee/aBigBrother Ndzanga: https://www.instagram.com/bishop_ndzanga2?igsh=ajU2NGlrcHY4c2Qz Dadi009: https://www.deviantart.com/dadi009/gallery Paranoid Incubus: https://www.artstation.com/paranoidincubus Penguin Star: https://vgen.co/PenguinStar MayroNezu: https://x.com/MayroNezu More games from FlimsyLegs: https://flimsylegs.itch.io/ Credit and huge thank you to the amazing Abstraction for creating the tracks and letting me use his music in my game! If you like the tunes, head on over to http://abstractionmusic.bandcamp.com/ and browse his massive library of music! NOTE: Abstraction is not associated with Taru's Infernal Pledge in any way. This game contains the following tracks by Abstraction: - The Dark Pledge - VGMA Challenge - 08, VGMA Challenge - 29 - Patreon Challenge - 14, 05 - Void - Ludum Dare 30 - 06, Stream Loops 2024-03-06_02 - VGMA Challenge - 23, Stream Loops 2024-03-30_01 - Stream Loops 2024-02-14, Patreon Challenge - 10_05 - Sleep Cycle (Patreon Preview), VGMA Challenge - 19 - Ludum Dare 30 - 02, Stream Loops 2024-03-20_01 - Cloaked (WIP 2024-01-28), VGMA Challenge - 28 - Stream Loops 2024-05-08, Night Rain (Patreon Preview) - 02 - Windowpane Rain, VGMA Challenge - 18 - Ludum Dare 30 - 09, Patreon Challenge - 01 - Stream Loops 2024-04-24_02, Ludum Dare 38 - 08 - VGMA Challenge - 02, Patreon Challenge - 13 - VGMA Challenge - 22, Ludum Dare 30 - 03 - Stream Loops 2024-05-22, VGMA Challenge - 05 - Ludum Dare 28 - 05, Stream Loops 2024-02-21_02 - 02 - Sunset Cove, VGMA Challenge - 26 - Patreon Challenge - 05, Stream Loops 2024-07-04 - Stream Loops 2024-06-05, Stream Loops 2024-05-29 - Stream Loops 2024-07-19_L04, Ludum Dare 30 - 05 - Patreon Challenge - 06, Interior Birdecorator Decorate - Stream Loops 2023-11-29, Ludum Dare 38 - 02 - The Vile Grove, VGMA Challenge - 25 - Stream Loops 2024-08-21, Stream Loops 2024-03-30_02 - Stream Loops 2024-08-13, Stream Loops 2024-07-07 - 01 - Despite Everything, Stream Loops 2024-07-03 - Stream Loops 2024-02-07, Space Between Stars (2024-04-03) - 01 - Space Heater, 01 - Interlude i - Time To Change - VGMA Challenge - 17, VGMA Challenge - 21 - Ludum Dare 28 - 07 <<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>>

<img class="coverimage" src="img/cover.png"><h1 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Taru's Infernal Pledge</h1>Developed by FlimsyLegs: https://flimsylegs.itch.io/ FlimsyLegs Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FlimsyLegs Music by Abstraction Game's official website: https://flimsylegs.itch.io/tarus-infernal-pledge Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3916080/Tarus_Infernal_Pledge/ This game's digital hand-drawn art is a collaboration of multiple artists with different styles! Do not be afraid when the artstyle suddenly changes in the middle of a chapter, embrace the diversity! Art by: FoxTail19, tacinky, Cactoratado, aBigBrother_, Ndzanga, Dadi009, Paranoid Incubus, Penguin Star and MayroNezu! You can toggle the menu-bar on the left to be open or closed by pressing the arrow-button in the top left corner of the screen. If you want to improve the quality of this story, please send comments with typos you notice, errors in the passages, or your choices not taken into account correctly. The game takes place in a fantasy universe where magic, demons, gods and ancients shape the lives of mortals. You are Taru Nopsa, and until recently, you were a part of a criminal gang known for high-stakes robberies and heists. But that all came to an end one night, when a heist went wrong in a disturbing way. This is where your story begins. If you've never played this game, then I strongly recommend going to the tutorial. It walks you through the combat and the gameplay of this game. Note: You can permanently disable the combat system of this game of interrupting your gameplay, if that's something you wish to skip. Open the Config Menu to do so. [[(TUTORIAL) Wait! I'm new here...|Wait! I'm new to Twine / SugarCube games...]] [[Start the game! (I know what I'm doing!)|Start the game 1]]

<h2 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Tutorial</h2>Let's get you started with the basics, how to open the menu to configure the game to your liking, save your game, etc: [[Game Menu Tutorial]]

<h3 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Game Menu Tutorial</h3>To open the menu, press the arrow in the top left corner of the screen. <img class="tutorial" src="img/tutorial1.png"> To close the menu, press the arrow in the top left of the screen. <img class="tutorial" src="img/tutorial2.png"> If you open the menu again, you can see a few buttons: <img class="tutorial" src="img/tutorial3.png"> To Save and Load your game, press the "Saves" button in the menu. To change game settings, press the "Config Menu" button in the menu. To view details about the world and characters, press the "Lore" button. It includes maps of Jaerwik and Valkama. To get a reminder of what Taru is currently supposed to be doing, open the "Quests" page. Now that you know the menu basics, let's really quickly go through a gameplay tutorial: [[Gameplay Tutorial]]

<h3 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Gameplay Tutorial</h3>This game is a visual interactive novel, where you control a single, pre-defined, female character. Your most typical available actions include things to say, things to do, and things your character thinks to themselves. Most of your choices are tracked, affecting the story later in the game in small or big ways. Your choices open up new paths and close others. Missing paths are not shown in the UI in any way. The only way to know if a particular passage in the story has more than 1 option available is to consult a walkthrough guide (which does not exist yet). And finally, a small combat tutorial. You can enter training combat at any time during the game from the config menu by pressing the "Combat Training" button. There, you can also access the Combat Tutorial Page. Let's take look at the tutorial page for the combat: [[Combat tutorial scene]]

<<cacheaudio "the_dark_pledge" "music/the_dark_pledge.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "theme_song" "music/theme_song.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "astorolus_theme" "music/astorolus_theme.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "spicy_senses" "music/spicy_senses.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "adventure_neutral" "music/adventure_neutral.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "danger_sneak" "music/danger_sneak.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "combat_serious" "music/combat_serious.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "calm_night" "music/calm_night.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "sad_alone" "music/sad_alone.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "full_very_calm_sleep" "music/full_very_calm_sleep.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "danger_scary" "music/danger_scary.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "spicy_electro" "music/spicy_electro.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "calm_neutral2" "music/calm_neutral2.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "adventure_funny" "music/adventure_funny.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "adventure_happy" "music/adventure_happy.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "combat_scared" "music/combat_scared.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "combat_serious" "music/combat_serious.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "adventure_alone2" "music/adventure_alone2.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "adventure_investigate" "music/adventure_investigate.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "full_raining_calm_piano" "music/full_raining_calm_piano.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "full_raining_mystery" "music/full_raining_mystery.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "calm_downbeat" "music/calm_downbeat.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "combat_frantic" "music/combat_frantic.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "calm_alone" "music/calm_alone.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "calm_betrayal" "music/calm_betrayal.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "danger_calm_lost2" "music/danger_calm_lost2.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "peace_spicy" "music/peace_spicy.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "spicy_tease" "music/spicy_tease.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "danger_astorolus" "music/danger_astorolus.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "mystery_night" "music/mystery_night.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "cool_thief" "music/cool_thief.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "peace_night" "music/peace_night.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "spicy_guitar" "music/spicy_guitar.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "mystery_spicy" "music/mystery_spicy.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "full_mysterious_diamond" "music/full_mysterious_diamond.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "calm_wonder" "music/calm_wonder.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "calm_stressfree" "music/calm_stressfree.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "danger_supernatural" "music/danger_supernatural.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "calm_seduce2" "music/calm_seduce2.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "cool_upbeat" "music/cool_upbeat.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "serious_night_slow" "music/serious_night_slow.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "very_calm_neutral" "music/very_calm_neutral.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "quirky_sneak" "music/quirky_sneak.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "cozy_lighthearted_fun" "music/cozy_lighthearted_fun.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "calm_thinking2" "music/calm_thinking2.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "spicy_close" "music/spicy_close.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "mystery_calm" "music/mystery_calm.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "adventure_night" "music/adventure_night.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "hopeful_sneak" "music/hopeful_sneak.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "peace_alone" "music/peace_alone.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "supernatural_sneak" "music/supernatural_sneak.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "fear_supernatural_slow" "music/fear_supernatural_slow.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "full_calm_loss" "music/full_calm_loss.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "supernatural_thoughtful_slow" "music/supernatural_thoughtful_slow.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "combat_friendly" "music/combat_friendly.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "full_calm_neutral" "music/full_calm_neutral.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "full_calm_piano" "music/full_calm_piano.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "full_calm_silent" "music/full_calm_silent.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "adventure_unknown" "music/adventure_unknown.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "adventure_winning" "music/adventure_winning.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "danger_calm_lost" "music/danger_calm_lost.ogg">> <<set $all_music_tracks to []>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('theme_song')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('astorolus_theme')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('spicy_senses')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('adventure_neutral')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('danger_sneak')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('combat_serious')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('calm_night')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('sad_alone')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('full_very_calm_sleep')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('danger_scary')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('spicy_electro')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('calm_neutral2')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('adventure_funny')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('adventure_happy')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('combat_scared')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('combat_serious')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('adventure_alone2')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('adventure_investigate')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('full_raining_calm_piano')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('full_raining_mystery')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('calm_downbeat')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('combat_frantic')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('calm_alone')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('calm_betrayal')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('danger_calm_lost2')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('peace_spicy')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('spicy_tease')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('danger_astorolus')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('mystery_night')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('cool_thief')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('peace_night')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('spicy_guitar')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('mystery_spicy')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('full_mysterious_diamond')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('calm_wonder')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('calm_stressfree')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('danger_supernatural')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('calm_seduce2')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('cool_upbeat')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('serious_night_slow')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('very_calm_neutral')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('quirky_sneak')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('cozy_lighthearted_fun')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('calm_thinking2')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('spicy_close')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('mystery_calm')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('adventure_night')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('hopeful_sneak')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('peace_alone')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('supernatural_sneak')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('fear_supernatural_slow')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('supernatural_thoughtful_slow')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('combat_friendly')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('full_calm_neutral')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('full_calm_piano')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('full_calm_silent')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('adventure_unknown')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('adventure_winning')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('danger_calm_lost')>> <<run $all_music_tracks.push('the_dark_pledge')>> <<if def $music_volume>><<else>> <<set $music_volume to 0.5>> <</if>> <<if def $music_track>><<else>> <<set $music_track to "the_dark_pledge">> <</if>> <<widget "fadeInMusicFunction">> <<set $music_track to $args[0]>> <<if !isPlaying($music_track)>> <<masteraudio stop>> <<if ndef $music_volume>><<set $music_volume to 0.5>><</if>> <<set $music_volume_ticks_to_max to 20>> <<audio $music_track volume 0.0 loop play>> <<set $music_volume_tick to 0>> <<repeat 100ms>> <<set $music_volume_tick to $music_volume_tick + 1>> <<if $music_volume_tick <= $music_volume_ticks_to_max>> <<set $percentage to $music_volume_tick / $music_volume_ticks_to_max>> <<set $new_music_volume to $music_volume * $percentage>> <<audio $music_track volume $new_music_volume>> <<else>> <<stop>> <</if>> <</repeat>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<set $QIDEscapeCult to "escapeCult">> <<set $QIDEscapeCult_name to "You've been kidnapped by the cult of The Fathomless Hunger.">> <<set $QIDEscapeCult_t1 to "Find a way out of here.">> <<set $QIDEscapeCult_t2 to " Break out of your shackles.">> <<set $QIDEscapeCult_t3 to "Find your gear.">> <<set $QIDSoulRelease to "soulRelease">> <<set $QIDSoulRelease_name to "Find a way to break the Soul Eater's binding of your soul.">> <<set $QIDSoulRelease_t1 to "Break the binding.">> <<set $QIDSoulRelease_t2 to "Find someone who can help you.">> <<set $QIDSoulRelease_t3 to "Piru offered to help you.">> <<set $QIDSoulRelease_t4 to "A man called Tryton visited your dreams. His soul is tied to The Fathomless Hunger too. Maybe you should pay him a visit?">> <<set $QIDSoulRelease_t5 to "Find someone in the temple of the God of Mercy who can help you.">> <<set $QIDSoulRelease_t6 to "Find out what Tryton knows about The Fathomless Hunger.">> <<set $QIDSoulRelease_t7 to "Learn to dominate The Abyss with Tryton, when you are ready.">> <<set $QIDSoulRelease_t8 to "Return to Opettaille with more information when you are ready.">> <<set $QIDDemonPledge to "demonPledge">> <<set $QIDDemonPledge_name to "You do not own your body. Obey your demon master.">> <<set $QIDDemonPledge_t1 to "Please the demon's sexual appetites.">> <<set $QIDDemonPledge_t2 to "Find a way to get to the priests that Piru wants killed.">> <<set $QIDDemonPledge_t3 to "Find a way to break the pledge to the demon.">> <<set $QIDDemonPledge_t5 to "Kill the priest Opettaille.">> <<set $QIDDemonPledge_t6 to "Kill the priest Jokna.">> <<set $QIDDemonPledge_t7 to "Find a way to break the pledge with the help of Opettaille.">> <<set $QIDDemonPledge_t8 to "Find a way to break the pledge with the help of Tryton.">> <<set $QIDDemonPledge_t9 to "You overheard servants talking in the infernal realm. Apparently, the original writ of the pact holds power over your pledge. Stealing it might be the way to break your pact.">> <<set $QIDDemonPledge_t10 to "You have sworn that you will kill Piru, if you get the chance...">> <<set $QIDRevenge to "revenge">> <<set $QIDRevenge_name to "Find and kill the person who betrayed you.">> <<set $QIDRevenge_t1 to "Find out who betrayed you.">> <<set $QIDRevenge_t2 to "Meet Einar at the Rustic Fork Inn, two days after your escape.">> <<set $QIDMisc to "misc">> <<set $QIDMisc_name to "Miscellaneous">> <<set $QIDMisc_t1 to "Find your gang.">> <<set $QIDMisc_t2 to "Find out what happened to your mother.">> <<set $QIDMisc_t3 to "Find out what happened to Astrid.">> <<set $QIDMisc_t4 to "Confront Ylva.">> <<set $QIDMisc_t5 to "Kill Hermes Dirk.">> <<set $passageAfterCombatDefeatTarget to "Default Combat Defeat Screen">> <<if def $npc_disposition>><<else>> <<set $npc_disposition to {}>> <</if>> <<if def $settings_day_mode>><<else>> <<set $settings_day_mode to false>> <</if>> <<if def $back_to_passage_title>><<else>> <<set $back_to_passage_title to "Start">> <</if>> <<if def $tip_combat_enabled>><<else>> <<set $tip_combat_enabled to true>> <</if>> <<set $jp_show_images to true>> <<set $system_font_size to "medium">> <<if def $quests>><<else>> <<set $quests={}>> <<set $completedQuests={}>> <</if>> <<widget "piruSceneTransition">><<if $taru_concubine_level is 0>><<link "Look around" "Piru Scene 1">><</link>><<else>>TODO - Add Piru Scene 2<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "displayQuestsFunction">><h4>Active Quests</h4><<for $x=0;$x<Object.keys($quests).length;$x++>> <span class="taru">Quest:</span> <<print $quests[Object.keys($quests)[$x]].name>> <<for $y=0;$y<Object.keys($quests[Object.keys($quests)[$x]].current_tasks).length;$y++>> &emsp;&emsp;[ ] <<print $quests[Object.keys($quests)[$x]].current_tasks[Object.keys($quests[Object.keys($quests)[$x]].current_tasks)[$y]]>> <</for>> &emsp;&emsp;Completed: <<for $y=0;$y<Object.keys($quests[Object.keys($quests)[$x]].completed_tasks).length;$y++>> &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;[X] <<print $quests[Object.keys($quests)[$x]].completed_tasks[Object.keys($quests[Object.keys($quests)[$x]].completed_tasks)[$y]]>> <</for>> &emsp;&emsp;<span class="piru">Failed:</span> <<for $y=0;$y<Object.keys($quests[Object.keys($quests)[$x]].failed_tasks).length;$y++>> &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;<span class="strikethrough">[-] <<print $quests[Object.keys($quests)[$x]].failed_tasks[Object.keys($quests[Object.keys($quests)[$x]].failed_tasks)[$y]]>></span> <</for>> <</for>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <h4>Completed Quests</h4><<for $x=0;$x<Object.keys($completedQuests).length;$x++>> <span class="taru"></span><span class="strikethrough"><<print $completedQuests[Object.keys($completedQuests)[$x]].name>></span> <</for>> <</widget>> <<widget "addQuestTaskFunction">> <<set $parentQuest to $args[0]>> <<set $taskIdentifier to $args[1]>> <<set $taskName to $args[2]>> <<set (($quests[$parentQuest])["current_tasks"])[$taskIdentifier] to $taskName>> <</widget>> <<widget "markQuestCompletedFunction">> <<set $questIdentifier to $args[0]>> <<if def $quests[$questIdentifier]>> <<set $copyOfQuest to $quests[$questIdentifier]>> <<run delete $quests[$questIdentifier]>> <<set $completedQuests[$questIdentifier] to $copyOfQuest>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "failQuestFunction">> <<set $parentQuest to $args[0]>> <<set $taskToDelete to $args[1]>> <<set $copyOfTask to (($quests[$parentQuest])["current_tasks"])[$taskToDelete]>> <<if ndef $copyOfTask>><<else>> <<run delete (($quests[$parentQuest])["current_tasks"])[$taskToDelete]>> <<set (($quests[$parentQuest])["failed_tasks"])[$taskToDelete] to $copyOfTask>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "completeQuestFunction">> <<set $parentQuest to $args[0]>> <<set $taskToDelete to $args[1]>> <<set $copyOfTask to (($quests[$parentQuest])["current_tasks"])[$taskToDelete]>> <<if ndef $copyOfTask>><<else>> <<run delete (($quests[$parentQuest])["current_tasks"])[$taskToDelete]>> <<set (($quests[$parentQuest])["completed_tasks"])[$taskToDelete] to $copyOfTask>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "createNewQuestFunction">> <<set $questIdentifier to $args[0]>> <<set $questName to $args[1]>> <<if def $quests[$questIdentifier]>><<else>> <<set $newQuest={ name:$questName, current_tasks: {}, completed_tasks: {}, failed_tasks: {} }>> <<set $quests[$questIdentifier] to $newQuest>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "modifyNPCDisposition">> <<if $back_to_passage_title is passage()>><<else>> <<set $npcName to $args[0]>> <<set $dispositionModifier to $args[1]>> <<if def $npc_disposition[$npcName]>> <<set $oldValue to $npc_disposition[$npcName]>> <<set $npc_disposition[$npcName] to ($oldValue + $dispositionModifier)>> <<else>> <<set $npc_disposition[$npcName] to $dispositionModifier>> <</if>> <</if>> <</widget>>

<<silently>> <<set $music_volume to 0.0>> <<if def $music_track>><<audio $music_track volume $music_volume>><</if>> <</silently>><span style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Options saved! <span style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Music volume set to 0%.</span> <<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>>

<<silently>> <<set $music_volume to 0.5>> <<if def $music_track>><<audio $music_track volume $music_volume>><</if>> <</silently>><span style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Options saved! <span style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Music volume set to 50%.</span> <<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>>

<<silently>> <<set $music_volume to 1.0>> <<if def $music_track>><<audio $music_track volume $music_volume>><</if>> <</silently>><span style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Options saved! <span style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Music volume set to 100%.</span> <<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>>

<<silently>> <<set $music_volume to 0.2>> <<if def $music_track>><<audio $music_track volume $music_volume>><</if>> <</silently>><span style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Options saved! <span style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Music volume set to 20%.</span> <<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>>

<h1 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Chapter Selection</h1> WARNING: Experimental feature! WARNING: This selection menu exists for players who have already played the game, and want to quickly jump into a specific chapter to replay an alternative path. <<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>> <<if $show_sequence_selection is true>>[[I understand. Show me the chapter selection.]]<<else>>(Chapter selection disabled: Restart the game (from the "Restart" button in the menu to enable selection)<</if>>

<<silently>> <<fadeInMusicFunction "adventure_neutral">> <<set $show_sequence_selection to false>> <<set $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal to false>> <<set $ch0_piru_accept_assassin_deal to false>> <<set $ch0_piru_helps_with_soul_binding to false>> <<set $ch0_piru_accept_taste to false>> <<set $taru_concubine_level to 0>> <<createNewQuestFunction $QIDEscapeCult $QIDEscapeCult_name>> <<addQuestTaskFunction $QIDEscapeCult "t1" "$QIDEscapeCult_t1">> <<addQuestTaskFunction $QIDEscapeCult "t2" "$QIDEscapeCult_t2">> <<addQuestTaskFunction $QIDEscapeCult "t3" "$QIDEscapeCult_t3">> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0002.png"><h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Chapter 1 - The Pledge</h4> <span class="italic"><span class="taru">'Well fuck, this is it, isn't it?'</span></span> you can't help but think to yourself, just as another drop of drool falls from your mouth onto your naked breasts. A pox on those damn fanatics for putting a ball gag in your mouth and tying you up in a painful kneeling position like this. You can't see a thing, the blindfold pressed hard against your eyes makes sure of that. But you can hear just fine. You hear your raspy breath as you struggle to breathe. You hear the rattle of the chains keeping you bound and immobile. Your arms are firmly tied behind your back, and your legs are tied together by an unyielding chain. And not a moment's rest for you either, for a collar around your neck and the chains are keeping you tied to something above you, which is constantly pulling you up. But you cannot go up, for the chains on your legs keep you on your knees and toes. And so you sit here on your knees in the prison cell of a cult that has kidnapped you, fully naked, chained, blinded and drooling, unable to lie down or stand up. You might think that the cultists are kinky bastards, tying up a woman so helplessly and completely naked. And if it was just that, a kinky game, you'd probably be fine with it. However, the more likely reason for your treatment is precaution. They knew you were hiding lockpicks, cutting tools and the whole shebang in your clothing, for breaking into and out of things. And thus here you are, without any of your clothing, or tools of the trade. [[And what did you do to deserve a treatment like this?]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0002.png">Well, nothing! Unless you count being in the wrong place at the wrong time a punishable offence. Although, come to think of it... The cult of The Fathomless Hunger, the very same cult that now has you imprisoned and most cruelly tied up like this, they usually don't target just anyone. No, this was planned. You were the target. And that also explains why they took this ridiculous, yet completely necessary, precaution of stripping you naked and tying you up like this. <span class="italic"><span class="taru">'But why me...?'</span></span> you wonder, silently to yourself, trying to adjust your weight to a more comfortable position while thoughtfully chewing on the ball gag in your mouth. Stay focused, Taru. Right. You try to recall what you know about The Fathomless Hunger. For one, it goes by many names. The Eternal Darkness, The Abyss, The Deep One, The Old One. But it also goes by another name. A shiver goes down your spine as you recall it being whispered in fear: <span class="italic">The Soul Eater</span>. Is that what the cult is planning? To offer your soul as a sacrifice to The Fathomless Hunger, for your soul to be consumed in all eternity? [[Despair fills you and you throw yourself against your bindings.]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0003.png">You've never been afraid of dying. But having your soul sucked from you, swallowed by a hungry abomination of a God, this frightens you to your very core. You throw yourself against your chains, grunting, screaming, spitting into the ball gag and cursing. But they won't budge. Your flesh is raw from the effort, bruised by the iron chains keeping you shackled in this prison. A prison where you'll die, without a chance to feel the wind against your skin again as you jump from rooftop to rooftop. To think, that your world was turned upside down like this, and just a few hours ago too. It was a typical heist, nothing special about it, in the southern parts of the Inner City in Valkama, in the Divine District. Get in, grab the item, get out. Business as usual. Except it turned out to be anything but. In the darkness of the night, you were an unseen shadow on the rooftops of Valkama, the capital city of Jaerwik. The lock on the window proved no match to your lock-picking skills, and you'd slipped inside without a sound. But it was a trap. A dozen armed men were waiting, spears in hand, greeting you. The symbol on their robes and the masks they hid their faces behind, however, made it clear. These weren't guards of some wealthy merchant you were tasked to rob. No, these were cultists of The Fathomless Hunger. And what were you supposed to do? Armed with just a dagger against twelve men with spears? You didn't stand a chance. You never saw what happened to your gang partner of the night, your backup, Kerr Apea. Probably slipped away, the slimy bastard. You'd much rather it be him here now than you... You remember now, what happened next. But the memory is blurry, like you're watching it through a thick layer of fog. They drugged you, stripped you, bound you to a stone altar. You could've sworn black smoke was coming out of the holes in their face masks, where their eyes should've been, as they prayed or chanted or something. The details are a mess. Then they took you here, to the room you're currently shackled in. But to what end? Why can't they just get it over with... [[Wrong place at the wrong time indeed. But someone set you up.]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0004.png">Anger flares within you. Who gave your gang this job? Whoever it was wanted one of you to just walk into the hands of these cultists, a lamb ready for slaughter. A low-life like you wouldn't be missed if you disappeared. The guards wouldn't even bother investigating. The perfect crime. But who would stand to gain from this? A tingling sensation raises the hairs on your back as the air all around you in the room unexpectedly grows warm. <span class="italic">Hot</span>. The smell of burnt flesh fills your nose and you choke into your ball gag. A muffled sound, like that of fabric being softly torn to pieces, follows the smell. Then the room grows cool again, the smoke gone, silent once more. You sense there's someone standing right in front of you, but with the blindfold, you can't see a thing. With a beating heart, you suddenly remember that you're naked and in shackles. <span class="piru">"Ah... My beautiful Taru, what a delectable surprise. Far too long between our little rendezvous, wouldn't you agree?"</span> A sultry, yet mocking, voice says. You recognize it immediately. Of all the bloody infernal hellspawn... It's Piru, the fifth archdemon of hell, one of a handful of hellspawn with immense powers, that together rule the infernal realms. You know exactly what he wants, what he's wanted for a long time... A deep pledge of loyalty to him and complete ownership of you, just like your mother did many years ago. To this day you don't understand why she did it. But it hurt, a lot, seeing your mother become more distant from you as the devil's hold tightened. Until one day, a few years ago, she was found dead, washed up on the beach, half-eaten by sharks, barely recognizable... [[Curse him through your gag as best as you can]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0006.png">Your voice is but a whisper. And the demon Piru, for once, doesn't mock you. Instead, he continues with almost a concerned voice: <span class="piru">"I'm sad to bring this news, but you will die here, Taru. Unless I help you. However, that is the least of your worries."</span> He draws a deep breath, he continues: <span class="piru">"You may have already surmised that you've been captured by fanatics of The Old Poison? Or as you know it, The Fathomless Hunger? And what that entails?"</span> Yes, you saw the cultists and their symbols, saw the ritual, know that the hunger wants your soul. But you won't let the demon see your fear. Instead, you nod into your blindfold, and Piru continues: <span class="piru">"What you may not have realized is that the first part of the ritual was already completed. Your soul is already bound to The Old Poison. Only your death remains to seal the deal."</span> What he's saying doesn't make sense, at least you don't want it to. And why should you believe him? For all you know, he's the one who set you up! Put you in this position, only to <span class="italic">conveniently</span> come to your rescue by offering you a pact to sign! <span class="taru">"And why should I believe you? You're just a hellspawn who'll do anything to get what you want. And what you want is me."</span> you say, defiantly, but a sliver of doubt finds root inside you. Your mother taught you a thing or two about demons, after all. And one of her lessons was this: When a contract is being negotiated between a mortal and a demon, the demon cannot lie about the details of the deal or the circumstances of the deal. If you want the truth, you'll need to begin negotiations for a pact, and get real answers to your questions. <span class="piru">"Oh, I do want you. And I'm here for purely selfish reasons, this I do not deny. But you might want to consider my offer nonetheless. Here's what I offer: I'll help you escape your current predicament and this cult. I will even aid you in breaking the binding of your soul to The Old Poison."</span> he pauses, then adds: <span class="piru">"All I demand is what I've always demanded. The one thing you still have ownership of: Your body."</span> The last thing you want is to have your soul consumed by The Fathomless Hunger. Or to die here at the hands of the cultists. And here he is, offering an escape from both your problems. But the cost... Are you willing to pledge yourself to Piru, the fifth archdemon of the infernal realms, just like your mother did before you? She did warn you about him, and so far, you've managed to avoid bargaining with Piru. But now you may not have a choice. This could very well be the most important decision of your life, and your last... [[Negotiate with the demon]] [[Tell him to crawl back to his realm and never show his face again!]]

<<silently>> <<fadeInMusicFunction "spicy_senses">> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0009.png">Taking the demon's deal may be your only chance to escape this place, but you still need to be smart about this. The demon is bound by the rules of making a pact with a mortal, which according to your mother, means that the demon must truthfully answer details related to the deal about to be signed. But first, something that bothers you: <span class="taru">"Why do you call it The Old Poison?"</span> The devil sounds surprised: <span class="piru">"Ah, how annoyingly short memories you weak mortals have. It is an ancient enemy of demons. A profoundly foul being. That's all I'll say on the matter."</span> Piru reveals, leaving you not quite satisfied with the answer. But now you need to know if the demon is behind you being captured in the first place. Surely he wouldn't do something like that, since it involves a supposed ancient enemy of his. But you have to know. You try to recall your mother's teachings as you initiate the pact negotiations: <span class="taru">"Fine, I will humor you. Let's discuss the details of the proposed pledge."</span> Your voice quivers, but you steady yourself. A surge of power courses through your veins. There's binding magic in your words. <span class="piru">"Aaah... Exquisite, dearest, Taru. Your mother taught you exceedingly well. Why your words almost sent a shiver down my spine!"</span> The demon Piru says with a gleeful and malicious chuckle. Ignoring him, you focus on what's important. Now is not the time to hesitate. Instead, you continue: <span class="taru">"With the negotiations started, I'm entitled to truthful answers regarding this pact, demon."</span> Another surge courses through your body, your words carry power. Piru's chuckle comes to a stop as he says with a sarcastic tone: <span class="piru">"Oh indeed? Very well, Pledge Maker. Ask your questions. Anything your heart desires. May the first archdemon smite me where I stand should I answer with anything but the truth."</span> Right now, you really hope what your mother taught you is correct, and that you remember it as she taught you... [[First, you need to know what happened to your mother.]]

<<silently>> <<fadeInMusicFunction "astorolus_theme">> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0007.png"><span class="taru">"Listen to me, demon! The answer is, and always has been, no! My mother warned me about you. Dealing with you brings nothing but pain and misery. I'd rather hope for a miracle, slim as they are, than pledge myself to you!"</span> you explain, defiant, knowing dealing with him would be the worst decision of your life. <span class="taru">"For the last time: Crawl back to your infernal hell and leave me alone!"</span> Your outburst is met with silence, but only for a moment. Piru scoffs, then the air in the room grows hot again. The familiar smell of burnt flesh fills your nose as a portal to the hells opens. <span class="piru">"Stubborn and thick as a mule, I see. Don't cry about your fate when a ritual dagger pierces your heart. As you make your bed, so you must lie in it. Or in this case, die in it."</span> Piru laughs, then leaves you alone in your prison cell, the heat and smell of the portal gone, leaving you alone, naked and shackled in your prison cell once more. And then you wait, testing the strength of the chains binding you in silence, listening, hoping for a miracle. Maybe the God of Mercy, The Merciful One, will finally show that he or she is real and come to your rescue? You've never been one to trust that particular god before, but now is as good a time as any to begin. You utter a silent word of prayer, but as you expected, no one answers your whisper. A while later, you hear footsteps approaching your cell. Your heart skips a beat as you listen carefully. Keys rattle in the lock to your cell, and then it opens, multiple sets of footsteps announcing the presence of at least four visitors. They're surprised to see the ball gag on the floor, you can hear it from their discussions. Then the men grab you and unlock the chains keeping you bound to the floor and ceiling, leaving on the chains keeping your limbs bound together and immobile. [[Scream as the cultists drag you away|bad ending 1]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0008.png">Whatever you thought would happen when you refused the demon's deal, this wasn't it. You're dragged screaming a long way, the blindfold preventing you from seeing a thing. Your knees scrape painfully against the cold stone floor. Then you hear chanting. A thick smell of burning incense assaults your nose. The chanting fills you from all sides, echoing in the chamber. You realize this is the ritual room they took you to earlier. The one where they supposedly bound your soul to The Fathomless Hunger... Your thoughts are interrupted by strong hands lifting you up, turning you onto your back and pressing you down onto the stone altar. Your screaming, thrashing, cursing, kicking and spitting are ignored as you're stretched out onto the cold stone, spreadeagled, hands and feet tied to each corner of the altar. Still with your blindfold on, you cannot see what is going on, but the chanting comes to a crescendo. A gloved hand silences your screaming, pressing down hard on your mouth. Panic and dread fill your thoughts and heart. No, it can't end like this! A gloved hand touches your chest, drags something wet and rough over your skin, up, down, to the side, right where your heart is! The man narrates what he's doing, but you're not listening. Something about a pentagram, binding is completed and the ritual can proceed. You're crying and screaming into the hand muffling you. The chanting comes to a sudden stop. The room becomes deadly silent. All you can hear is the sound of your quick breath through your nose, and the rapid beating of your frightened heart. The moment drags on forever, or so it seems. Then pain. Out of nowhere. In your chest. It's unlike anything you've felt in your life, penetrating your very being. Consciousness clings to you for but the blink of an eye, but in that short time, you can see your life flashing before you, the mocking laugh of Piru as he scolds you for refusing his offer. Then you're floating. No, it's your soul, you realize, free from your body. Suddenly able to see, you get a glimpse of your shackled body, a bloody knife jutting out of your chest. Blood is flowing in impossible quantities over your naked chest, down onto the stone altar, down further still onto the floor. Then you feel it. A malicious presence. And an impatient tug. Your soul, the very essence that is you, no longer floats freely. The binding takes hold of you, and you're pulled down violently, a chill gripping the fragments that are left of you. In an instant, you surge through the floor, the entire house, the very earth, until only darkness remains. Into the abyss, far below. The cry of a thousand souls greets you and you feel a gnawing at your being. Something is consuming you, eating your soul, slowly, sucking on the juicy bits with careful thought. And in panic, you realize it has an eternity to complete its task, and it enjoys every second of it. Your soul screams in agony as it joins the cacophony of a thousand other crying souls... <h4>Ending 1: Sacrificed.</h4> This is the end of your story... [[Go back to the fatal decision you took and live an alternative timeline...|bad ending 1 reverse]]

<<silently>> <<fadeInMusicFunction "adventure_neutral">> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0006.png">In another timeline... ... ... ... <span class="piru">"Quite the bold statement indeed, coming from someone so provocatively put on display. I am after all a benevolent and caring infernal patron, and could certainly be persuaded to help out a damsel in distress."</span> Piru comments, his words dripping with honey. His words are sweet, but the meaning behind them is pure venom. <span class="piru">"Alas, I am the bearer of terrible news. Truths that would truly haunt the dreams of any man or woman."</span> You're about to throw another insult his way, but something stops you. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to hear what he has to say. After all, he might be your only chance of escape. But no, the real reason is the suddenly dead serious tone of his voice. That usually playful, mocking and sultry tone of his was gone. [["Go on..." you urge the demon.]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0011.png">A barking laughter answers your question. <span class="piru">"I see that your presently hostile demeanour is but a manifestation of a deep mistrust in my humble self. But I assure you, I played no part, direct or indirect, intentional or unintentional, in the tragic predicament you find yourself in."</span> he pauses for a moment as you gather your thoughts. Truly, he had nothing to do with this? Then he continues: <span class="piru">"But I intend to take full advantage of the situation regardless."</span> As you expected. And can you blame him? It's like you seeing an unsuspecting man on the buzzing streets of Valkama, with his coin purse lightly tied to his belt, swinging enticingly right in front of you. Why, could anyone blame you for reaching out, unseen, unwitnessed, to lighten the load of that careless citizen? Certainly not. Seizing a golden opportunity like that is what separates a successful thief from a fool, after all. Still, you don't have to like what Piru is doing even though you understand why he's doing it. At least you know he had nothing to do with your current situation... Your thoughts go to your gang. Ylva, Arne, Einar... Ebbe, Erika, Astrid.. Balder and Hulda... And Kerr, the slimy bastard... <span class="taru">"Where is Kerr? Is he alive? And if you didn't set me up, then who did?"</span> you find yourself asking. Piru lets out a series of tuts of disapproval. <span class="piru">"My my Taru, such questions are well beyond the relevance of our pledge, don't you think? I have no idea where your skulky crime partner Kerr is. He is not trapped here like you, this I know. But I warn you: Do not ask more irrelevant questions. My patience is growing thin."</span> Piru growls, scolding you for stepping outside of the accepted boundaries of the questions you can ask. Shit. You have to be more careful. You don't want to negotiate with an annoyed demon. But at least you know Kerr made it out alive, the fucker... [[Ask what it is he can do for you]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0012.png"><span class="taru">"Let's assume I agree to give you my body as part of this deal."</span> Whatever that means. You'll have to get clarity on that still. <span class="taru">"What, exactly, am I going to get out of this pledge?"</span> Piru paces around the room as he says: <span class="piru">"There are so many things I can offer you. Firstly: I can break the chains keeping your alluring figure restrained so deliciously. Secondly: I can give you a precise description of where your unfriendly and unwanted hosts are keeping your tools and gear. Thirdly: I can give you the means to reach your gear safely. Fourthly: I can show you the easiest way out of this miserable place, with the least amount of guards blocking your path. And finally: I can, given ample time, cooperation and resources, sever the binding between The Old Poison and your soul."</span> Piru stops pacing, coming to stand in front of you once more. If you expected him to offer you inhuman strength, wisdom, or powers of invisibility and flight, then you'd be disappointed. But you didn't expect that. <span class="taru">"Sever the connection? So it's true, the cultist did already bind my soul? And you can sever that connection?"</span> You ask. Escaping is all well and good, but it alone doesn't solve the issue. You'll never be safe for as long as your soul remains bound to the cruelest being in the known universe. <span class="piru">"Indeed it is and indeed I can. You see, this is something of an atypical pledge that you and I are conjuring here. Normally, I ask for mortals to pledge their body and soul to me. However, your soul is not yours to bargain with anymore. But I can sweeten the deal and offer you a chance to escape the cruel fate that awaits you after death."</span> The demon Piru concludes. <span class="taru">"And why can't you just portal me out of here or something? Why do I have to escape myself, sneaking about?"</span> You ask. Piru shrugs. <span class="piru">"An astute question. Let's just say it has something to do with the rules of your realm, and not mine. I can, at will, move you to my realm. But I must return you to the exact same place here in your world. Don't ask me why, it's something of an annoyance to us devils too."</span> Piru explains. Well, it was worth a shot. You take a deep breath, taking it all in. Well, now you know what he brings to the table. Now you want to know what it is he wants. The details. [[Ask him what exactly he wants to do with your body.]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0013.png"><span class="taru">"What exactly are you planning to do with my body? Why do you want it? Will I still be in control of myself? I want exact details, nothing vague or cryptic. Spell it all out."</span> you say, already guessing the answer, but you need to hear it from him now that he is compelled by the rules of negotiation to tell you the truth. Piru clears his throat. <span class="piru">"I have a few plans for your body. Firstly: You will be in complete control of your body, to come and go anywhere you want, in the mortal realm. But I can summon you to my realm whenever I want. And since you want me to spell it out in words that cannot be misinterpreted: In my realm your body is mine. I will use it for pain and pleasure, in any way I want. But, benevolent as I am, I promise you this: I will only summon you to my realm at most once a day, and for no longer than one hour of mortal time each day."</span> He starts. Your eyes grow wide in the blindfold, and suddenly you're happy that he cannot see the fear in your eyes. Before he can continue, you interrupt him, demanding clarification: <span class="taru">"Pain and pleasure? You mean you aim to torture me, kill me and..."</span> you can't finish the sentence, throat suddenly dry, disgust filling your very core. <span class="piru">"Torture? Only if you misbehave, or I'm in the mood. But fret not, wounds received in my realm always heal in a few minutes. A devil of a detail, isn't it? But kill you? Oh no. For as long as your fragile soul remains helplessly bound to The Old Poison, I cannot kill you. And once we sever the connection, I will choose not to kill you, for such is the generosity of my kindness. Of this you have my word."</span> Nervously, you listen to the demon. Bound by the rules, he must tell you the truth, and thus your worst fears are put to rest. But then he continues: <span class="piru">"You will become my concubine, Taru. I will fulfill your desires of being controlled, of being submissive. Your dark lusts. I know all about them. Even if you don't. You won't have to hide your true self with me. I will use you and fuck you, Taru Nopsa. And you'll beg me to do so. After all these years, of you flaunting your body, dancing and evading my approaches with utmost finess... It will be over. I will taste you, have you, ravage you, until your desires and mine are quenched, and then I will do it all over again."</span> His tone is serious and seductive, possessive and vulgar. There you have it. The ugly truth. The naked truth. Nothing vague or cryptic about that. Your cheeks are blushing as he describes desires that you didn't know you had... Does he see straight into your soul, uncovering a truth you didn't know was there, or is he manipulating you? After all, most of your "dark lusts", as Piru puts them, have been thoughts. Fantasies. A wonder at what could be. Yet here he is, offering you everything you've wanted, and didn't know you wanted, and more... Before you can think further on the matter, Piru interrupts your thoughts. He has more plans for you. [[Stunned, you listen to Piru as he continues his list...]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0014.png"><span class="piru">"Secondly: I need you to be my silent blade in the mortal realm, a deadly shadow, the deliverer of infernal justice. I have a few... Let's call them grudges, for a lack of a better word... That I need you to deal with. To put it as bluntly and clear as I can: I want you to kill two men. Both priests of the god of so-called mercy."</span> As he utters the name of the god that most mortals believe in, he spits loudly, like the name on his tongue tastes bitter and foul. Your mind is still reeling from the revelation that he, essentially, wants you to be at his beck and call and be his personal concubine, nothing but a sex toy? This added request that you act as his assassin too, well, that doesn't even bother you. You've killed before. Many times. In self-defence and in cold blood. For money and to save your own neck. No, that part of the deal doesn't bother you one bit. It's the first demand he has that makes you hesitate. Just then, Piru announced, theatrically: <span class="piru">"There. The wants and needs laid bare. The offer has been given. The things I can give you, for but the two things I demand in return. A cheaper deal has scarcely been heard of. A humongous discount of unprecedented magnitude, a deal with a kind demon like me that doesn't even involve the selling of your soul? Preposterous, they'll say! And they will, indeed they will."</span> His voice echoes in the small prison cell. If your head wouldn't be spinning with the details of Piru's deal, you'd probably be expecting guards to come running to investigate who's making noises. Instead, you're too busy processing what you just heard and luckily the surroundings remain silent. no one has been alerted to your cell just yet. A part of you is intrigued by the deal, but another part of you is horrified by what the devil is saying. [["I need a moment to think about this..."]] [["Go to hell demon! You're disgusting!"]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0015.png">An impossible decision, especially when made under pressure. But the clock is ticking. At any moment, the cultists may emerge and finish what they started. The fact that you even have this small moment is a miracle, one you would do well not to squander. If you're to pledge your body and become the blade of a demon, then you at least need a reminder of what he looks like... <span class="taru">"Remove my blindfold and I shall consider your proposal."</span> you tell the demon Piru. You already know what he looks like, since the two of you have met multiple times, he has always tried to lure you into a deal with him and you have always refused. Without hesitation or a comment from Piru, he does as you ask. With a snap of his fingers, the knot becomes loose and the blindfold falls to the floor of the cell. Now that you suddenly can see, you become aware of your own nakedness once more. You involuntarily blush, shrug it away and gaze upon the fifth archdemon Piru. He is tall, smoldering, masculine, with a rough jaw, and with skin as red as vibrant as a flame. In a demonic way he looks attractive, if you're into men who have a rough look. You can't help but glance at the well-defined muscles on his body, his chest, his arms... In the form he now chooses to show he has no wings or even a tail. He's never looked more irresistible and... human. Well, except for the horns on his head, and the color of his skin. And the devilish grin he's giving you, hinting at something malicious. But you know its the infernal nature a demon to be alluring... <span class="piru">"Dare I assume, from the way your eyes stare at my form, that you find it attractive?"</span> Piru asks, coy. His form is designed to inspire lust and awe in mortals. He knows what his presence is doing to a mortal mind, forcing you to like what you see, in a weird out-of-this-world sort of way. But you're not going to let him know that. <span class="piru">"I can see that you're hesitating. Need I must remind you that I don't approach just any mortal with an offer to become my concubine? Now, with that said... Would you like a taste...?"</span> he teases, making your heart skip a beat. A taste...? You find yourself saying... [["What kind of... taste?"]] [["No, I don't need a taste..."]]

<<silently>> <<fadeInMusicFunction "astorolus_theme">> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0007.png">Your outburst is met with silence, but only for a moment. Piru scoffs, then the air in the room grows hot again. The familiar smell of burnt flesh fills your nose as a portal to the hells opens. <span class="piru">"Stubborn and thick as a mule, I see. Don't cry about your fate when a ritual dagger pierces your heart. As you make your bed, so you must lie in it. Or in this case, die in it."</span> Piru laughs, then leaves you alone in your prison cell, the heat and smell of the portal gone, leaving you alone, naked and shackled in your prison cell once more. And then you wait, testing the strength of the chains binding you in silence, listening, hoping for a miracle. Maybe the God of Mercy, The Merciful One, will finally show that he or she is real and come to your rescue? You've never been one to trust that particular god before, but now is as good a time as any to begin. You utter a silent word of prayer, but as you expected, no one answers your whisper. A while later, you hear footsteps approaching your cell. Your heart skips a beat as you listen carefully. Keys rattle in the lock to your cell, and then it opens, multiple sets of footsteps announcing the presence of at least four visitors. They're surprised to see the ball gag on the floor, you can hear it from their discussions. Then the men grab you and unlock the chains keeping you bound to the floor and ceiling, leaving on the chains keeping your limbs bound together and immobile. [[Scream as the cultists drag you away|bad ending 2]]

<<silently>> <<fadeInMusicFunction "spicy_senses">> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0013.png">In another timeline... ... ... ... There you have it. The ugly truth. The naked truth. Nothing vague or cryptic about that. Your cheeks are blushing as he describes desires that you didn't know you had... Does he see straight into your soul, uncovering a truth you didn't know was there, or is he manipulating you? After all, most of your "dark lusts", as Piru puts them, have been thoughts. Fantasies. A wonder at what could be. Yet here he is, offering you everything you've wanted, and didn't know you wanted, and more... Before you can think further on the matter, Piru interrupts your thoughts. He has more plans for you. [[Stunned, you listen to Piru as he continues his list...]]

<<silently>> <<set $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal to false>> <<set $ch0_piru_accept_assassin_deal to false>> <<set $ch0_piru_helps_with_soul_binding to false>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0017.png">The archdemon's eyes narrow to suspicious slits as you utter the words, but he tentatively nods. <span class="piru">"Such is your right as a weak mortal, bargaining for her pathetic life. But I warn you not to push your luck. You're in no position to make demands."</span> Piru points out, glancing up and down your naked body, his gaze lingering a while too long at your breasts. Nervously, you swallow to clear the clump that snuck its way into your throat. You're on thin ice now, Taru. You'd best choose your next words carefully, or the demon might leave you here to rot instead... You go through the deal again in your mind. Essentially, he will release you from your chains, ensure you can recover your gear and escape this place alive. And once that's done, he will help you get rid of the soul binding placed upon you that shackles your soul to The Fathomless Hunger. And in return, he wants you to be his assassin in the mortal realm, killing two priests of the God of Mercy. Doing so would certainly bring down the wrath of the God of Mercy, and any help you could hope to gain from that deity would surely wither. But Piru also wants you to be his personal concubine, to call you into his realm once a day for an hour to torture and fuck in any way he likes... You must accept his help out of here. And for that, you must either accept being his concubine or his assassin. So, the only thing you can remove from his side of the deal is the promise of his help to break your soul binding. But that means... If you accept being his assassin, and in return only accept that he helps you out of here... Then you'll not get his help in breaking the soul binding, and you will have to kill the priests of the God of Mercy, ensuring that the deity will be angry with you and not help you either... A very risky prospect indeed, closing two potential doors of salvation like that. After a moment of consideration, you reach your conclusion... [['"On second thought, I accept the terms as they are."'|"I accept the terms. I'm ready to make my pledge."]] [[Choose the less risky option. You'll be his concubine, and he will help you escape. But he will not help break the soul binding and you will not be his assassin.]] [[Choose the risky option. You'll be his assassin, and he will help you escape. But he will not help you break the soul binding and you will not be his concubine.]]

<<silently>> <<set $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal to true>> <<set $ch0_piru_accept_assassin_deal to true>> <<set $ch0_piru_helps_with_soul_binding to true>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0021.png">When you utter the words, your heart sinks, suddenly turning to a clump of stone in your chest. <span class="piru">"Excellent..."</span> Piru says, smiling from ear to ear, a sinister look on his face. Then, with a blinding flash, a floating parchment and quill appear before him. Magical floating parchment and quill, but that's not the thing that catches your eye. No. That's no ordinary quill. It's not a feather, but a human finger bone, gnarled and pointy. And the parchment... It's bloody and red on one side, dripping blood onto the prison cell floor, and light brown on the other side. It looks like a piece of skin cut from... You grow sick in your stomach. The parchment is made from human skin, freshly cut... [["Shall we begin?" the fifth archdemon Piru says with a smile on his face.]]

<<silently>> <<fadeInMusicFunction "astorolus_theme">> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0007.png">Your statement is met with a disappointing silence. Then the archdemon Piru scoffs and air in the room grows hot again as he opens a portal with a snap of his fingers. The familiar smell of burnt flesh fills your nose as a portal to the hells opens. <span class="piru">"What a truly disappointing turn of events. You're stubborn and thick as a mule, I see. Well, don't cry about your fate when a ritual dagger pierces your heart. As you make your bed, so you must lie in it. Or in this case, die in it."</span> Piru says, then walks through the portal and leaves you alone in your prison cell, the heat and smell of the portal gone, leaving you alone, naked and shackled in your prison cell once more. And then you wait, testing the strength of the chains binding you in silence, listening, hoping for a miracle. Maybe the God of Mercy, The Merciful One, will finally show that he or she is real and come to your rescue? You've never been one to trust that particular god before, but now is as good a time as any to begin. You utter a silent word of prayer, but as you expected, no one answers your whisper. A while later, you hear footsteps approaching your cell. Your heart skips a beat as you listen carefully. Keys rattle in the lock to your cell, and then it opens, and four robed cultists enter your cell. They're surprised to see the ball gag and blindfold on the floor, but quickly remedy the situation, putting the blindfold back on your face. Then the men grab you and unlock the chains keeping you bound to the floor and ceiling, leaving on the chains keeping your limbs bound together and immobile. [[Scream as the cultists drag you away|bad ending 3]]

<<silently>> <<fadeInMusicFunction "spicy_senses">> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0014.png">In another timeline... ... ... ... Just then, Piru announced, theatrically: <span class="piru">"There. The wants and needs laid bare. The offer has been given. The things I can give you, for but the two things I demand in return. A cheaper deal has scarcely been heard of. A humongous discount of unprecedented magnitude, a deal with a kind demon like me that doesn't even involve the selling of your soul? Preposterous, they'll say! And they will, indeed they will."</span> His voice echoes in the small prison cell. If your head wouldn't be spinning with the details of Piru's deal, you'd probably be expecting guards to come running to investigate who's making noises. Instead, you're too busy processing what you just heard and luckily the surroundings remain silent. no one has been alerted to your cell just yet. [["I need a moment to think about this..."]]

<<silently>> <<set $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal to false>> <<set $ch0_piru_accept_assassin_deal to true>> <<set $ch0_piru_helps_with_soul_binding to false>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0021.png">You explain to the devil that you do not want to be his concubine and do not want him to pleasure or torture you, and in return he does not have to help you break the soul binding of The Fathomless Hunger. Piru regards you with his demonic, fiery eyes, crossing his arms as you talk. <span class="piru">"So you want your soul to inevitably be gorged by The Old Poison, consumed an eternity?"</span> Piru asks rhetorically, not expecting an answer. Of course you don't want that, but you also don't want to be his concubine... The very thought makes you sick. You realize you will have to kill the priests of the God of Mercy. And any chance of getting their God's help will be gone. You'll have to find a third way of releasing the binding on your own. However, you do not let Piru know any of your thoughts. Instead, you simply shrug and nod. <span class="taru">"I'll take my chances."</span> you proudly proclaim, more confidently than you feel. <span class="piru">"Very well."</span> Piru announces. Then, with a blinding flash, a floating parchment and quill appear before him. Magical floating parchment and quill, but that's not the thing that catches your eye. No. That's no ordinary quill. It's not a feather, but a human finger bone, gnarled and pointy. And the parchment... It's bloody and red on one side, dripping blood onto the prison cell floor, and light brown on the other side. It looks like a piece of skin cut from... You grow sick in your stomach. The parchment is made from human skin, freshly cut... [["Shall we begin?" the fifth archdemon Piru says with a smile on his face.]]

<<silently>> <<set $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal to true>> <<set $ch0_piru_accept_assassin_deal to false>> <<set $ch0_piru_helps_with_soul_binding to false>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0021.png">You explain to the devil that you do not want to be his assassin, and in return he does not have to help you break the soul binding of The Fathomless Hunger. Piru regards you with his demonic, fiery eyes, crossing his arms as you talk. <span class="piru">"So you want your soul to inevitably be gorged by The Old Poison, consumed an eternity?"</span> Piru asks rhetorically, not expecting an answer. Of course you don't want that, but you also don't want to be his assassin and kill the priests of the God of Mercy. Hopefully, their God can help you break the binding instead... But you let Piru know nothing of your thoughts. Instead, you simply shrug and nod. <span class="taru">"I'll take my chances."</span> you proudly proclaim, more confidently than you feel. <span class="piru">"Very well."</span> Piru announces. Then, with a blinding flash, a floating parchment and quill appear before him. Magical floating parchment and quill, but that's not the thing that catches your eye. No. That's no ordinary quill. It's not a feather, but a human finger bone, gnarled and pointy. And the parchment... It's bloody and red on one side, dripping blood onto the prison cell floor, and light brown on the other side. It looks like a piece of skin cut from... You grow sick in your stomach. The parchment is made from human skin, freshly cut... [["Shall we begin?" the fifth archdemon Piru says with a smile on his face.]]

<<silently>> <<fadeInMusicFunction "danger_sneak">> <<if $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal is true>> <<modifyNPCDisposition "Piru" 2>> <</if>> <<if $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal is true>> <<modifyNPCDisposition "Piru" 2>> <</if>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0021.png">Realization hits you as the floating finger shivers with excitement to write your pledge upon the bloody human skin. This is it. He won. Piru finally got what he wanted. Your body. <<if $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal is true>>As a concubine. <</if>><<if $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal is true>>As an assassin. <</if>>Did you make a good bargain here? Under these circumstances, there was no way you'd come out winning. But at least you'll live to fight another day. <span class="piru">"Brace yourself and repeat after me..."</span> Piru instructs you. <span class="piru">"I, the mortal Taru Nopsa, pledge my body to the Splendor Demon Majesty, the fifth archdemon of the hells, Piru."</span> As he speaks, the floating finger serving as his quill trembles, awaiting your words... [[Repeat the demon's words...]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0022.png">As soon as you repeat the words, you feel a stinging pain on your back, like someone's clawing at your skin with razor-sharp talons! You cry out silently, trying to get a glance behind you. Shackled as you are, you cannot see what's assaulting you, but you think you get a glimps of another floating finger quill, sleek with blood... In front of you, the other finger is writing bloody red letters onto the human skin parchment... With horror you realize that the same words are being etched onto your back! Piru smiles at your wide eyes filled with terror. <span class="piru">"Regrets? It's too late to back away now. You've already pledged your body to me. Consider the ramifications if we don't add the limitations and details of our deal..."</span> he says, a gleeful glint in his eyes. You stare at the demon, back aching from fresh wounds, blood flowing down your back. You should never have accepted this deal, but it's too late now. You feel the words of power binding you to him, invisible chains just as real as the shackles binding you in this cell. Piru continues talking, listing the details and limitations of the pledge. You repeat the words, agreeing upon the limitations, feeling your freedom return to you as the limitations remove the power Piru holds over you. Your back is a bloody mess, raw and throbbing with pain, but you clench your teeth and through sheer willpower fight your way through it. It's over soon... Then, with the details and limitations laid out, the final agreement on the limitations remains. <span class="piru">"Now, repeat these final words:"</span> Piru says. <<if $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal is true>><span class="piru">"I, Taru Nopsa, pledge that I will pleasure her master, Piru, whenever he wants, in any way he wants, within the limitations and boundaries agreed upon in this pact."</span> Piru announces. <</if>><<if $ch0_piru_accept_assassin_deal is true>><span class="piru">"I, Taru Nopsa, pledge my blade to Piru, to slay the two priests of The Merciful God, as agreed upon in this pact."</span><</if>> The magic between a mortal and a demon is more powerful than your will. The words of power and the spoken agreement you've made with him thus far compel you to open your mouth and repeat the words. [[Helpless, you witness yourself repeating the words...]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0026.png">The solid wooden door blocking your way out of the cell stands firm as you give it a push. Locked from the outside, of course. Well, you need to get the guard to open the door for you then. But he expects you to be gagged and shackled here, what could you do to get his attention? Any sound you make should be authentic, so you hesitantly pick up the gag, wipe the dirt and spit from it and put it into your mouth without locking the strap. Right. What now? After thinking it through, you decide to... [[Try to entice him to take advantage of a helpless woman. Moan seductively and loudly - like you enjoy being shackled.]] [[Scream into the gag like you're in great pain.]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0026.png">Your screams of fake pain echo in your cell as you press yourself against one of the walls next to the door. In your right hand, you wield the infernal dagger Piru gave you, in your mouth the ball gag for authenticity. Between screams, you listen. You hear nothing. Again you scream, repeating the process. [[Eventually, you hear something. Footsteps...]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0026.png">Your sexual moaning echoes in your cell as you press yourself against one of the walls next to the door. In your right hand, you wield the infernal dagger Piru gave you, in your mouth the ball gag for authenticity. Hopefully, the guard is a perverted bastard who'll come running. Between moans, you listen. You hear nothing. Again you moan again, repeating the process. [[Eventually, you hear something. Footsteps...]]

<<silently>> <<fadeInMusicFunction "combat_serious">> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0025.png">The rattle of keys signals that he's just outside your door. With disgust you make a final sound, then you spit out the ball gag and ready yourself to lunge as soon as the door opens. Come on, be alone... Be alone... The door opens up a fraction, slowly. Now. You throw yourself at the door with all your weight, smacking the solid wood straight into the unsuspecting guard's face. A satisfying crunch of his clay mask breaking, and hopefully a nose, rewards your efforts and the door opens up wide enough for you to slip out. The cursing and disoriented guard reaches for his sword... You'll need to choose your next moves carefully... <<silently>> <<set $currentCombatEnemyDescription to "A disoriented cultist guard stands before you. His clay mask is shattered and his nose is bleeding from the impact of the door hitting his face. He has reached for his sword...">> <<set $passageAfterCombatTarget to "Kill the guard">> <<set $passageAfterCombatDefeatTarget to "CombatEndKilledByGuard">> <</silently>><<if $tip_combat_enabled is true>><<link "Attack the guard (Combat!)" "Combat Passage lvl1">><</link>><<else>><<link "Attack the guard (Combat Skipped)" $passageAfterCombatTarget>><</link>><</if>>

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0030.png">Key in hand, and now with bloodstained naked feet, you make your way down the corridor, leaving a trace of footprints on the hard stone surface. Soon, your feet are no longer wet with blood, having painted the whole corridor red. And then you reach it. The door Piru promised would contain your gear. The key slides into the old lock, metal scraping against metal. You turn the key, then open the door, peeking inside. The room is dark, and unlit. You grab the lone torch illuminating this side of the corridor, then head inside. The room looks like an unorganized mess of a warehouse. Piles of useless garbage and junk are littered on shelves, on the floor and in chests. So this is how much they appreciated your custom leather armor, your expensive climbing equipment and your efficient thieves' tools? Throw it all in here with the rest of the worthless crap. It's fine... It's fine. Time to find your stuff. It takes a moment to find anything in the disorganized mess of a room, but eventually you do. It's all there, thrown haphazardly into a chest with something that looks like rotting fur. Disgusted, you pick your stuff up and give the clothing and armor a thorough shake. [[Finally you can get dressed. Put on your gear.]]

<<silently>> <<fadeInMusicFunction "astorolus_theme">> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/CULT_CORRIDOR.png">At least four armed cultists are pointing at you, spears in their hands. They're running your way, shouting. Fuck! <span class="piru">"Oh how deliciously your heart beats in a panic... Ah... If I were you, I'd take the door to your right."</span> Piru instructs from your head, his voice calm, amused, basking in the chaotic panic that threatens to take hold of you. You choose to put your faith in the devil. After all, he did promise to guide you out of here. Your grand escape is a blur that you can't quite recall. You remember glancing around and behind all the time, hearing the cultists right at your heels. The demon's voice in your head, sometimes mocking, sometimes laughing, sometimes calm, guides you through the maze of corridors and rooms. A left turn there, avoiding the door to the right, only to have the right door open a second later with a new group of masked and robed fanatics shouting after you, joining the chase. The feeling of being a moth trapped in an angry beehive. Then finally. Your chance to escape. An open window. Without missing a beat or slowing down, you pull out your grappling hook. Then, true to your nickname as 'Bolt' you jump out of the window. Mid-air, you throw the grappling hook at the opposite building's roof, then brace yourself for impact as the wall of the building greets your feet. The impact is hard, almost knocking the air out of you. Through gritted teeth, you start climbing the rope upward, practically running vertically along the wall. Then, with a final heave, you make it onto the roof. But you don't stop there. With barely contained panic in your chest, you run across the familiar rooftops of Valkama, the full moon Mundilfari guides your way, the ever-watching patron of thieves. Even though you lost the cultists a long time ago, you continue running, as far away as your shaking legs can take you. Until you can't take another step. It's then that you decide that this rooftop is as good as any for a break... And with those thoughts, you slump down, exhausted, panting, gasping for air. [[You made it. You're out. And alive.]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0033.png">Some would say it's a necessary evil to get the city through the winter. But the fact that the city has grown to the gigantic size it is today was, in your opinion, not necessary. If the city were smaller, there wouldn't be a need to slaughter these beautiful creatures in droves. But as it is now, the city is practically reliant on them. Their fat makes for oil, which keeps the city lit and warm. Their black blood makes for a local delicacy, black blood sausages. The bones are made into jewelry and tools. And the meat is salted and dried, eaten throughout the winter. Even the meat obtained during the spring harvest (or slaughter in this case) is dried and stored for the next winter. But look at you. Reflecting on the sad fate of the flying whales, the Flugandi Hvalr, when you yourself were almost slaughtered today. Maybe you have a new appreciation for life, which makes you sympathetic to the whales too. Or maybe you just needed to think of something else for a moment, to properly calm down. And now you have. And with it comes clarity. What the hell were you thinking!? You've sold your body to an archdemon.<<if $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal is true>> To be his personal concubine.<</if>><<if $ch0_piru_accept_assassin_deal is true>> To be his assassin here in the mortal realm.<</if>> And not just any archdemon, but the same one as your mother. Luckily, this demon only has a hold of your body. Or well... Maybe not so lucky after all, since your soul is owned by The Soul Eater... <<if $ch0_piru_helps_with_soul_binding is true>>At least the demon promised to break that binding and free your soul, so that's something.<</if>> [[Reflect on your next moves.]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0010.png"><span class="taru">"First, a question... What happened to my mother? Why did she pledged herself to you?"</span> You demand an answer, hoping that the devil won't walk out by your inquiries. <span class="piru">"Well now. Those questions are neither here nor there, are they? But just this once, I will answer a few questions not related to your pledge. If you must know, your mother sought me out. She needed power, raw and undiluted. And I gave it to her. As I recall it, she was determined to eradicate the cult of The Old Poison, trying to stop its spread in the city, to prevent any more souls from being devoured. A bit poetic and ironic, don't you think, considering your current predicament?"</span> The devil laughs. Truly? She never told you anything about this. But that could explain why you saw less and less of her over the years... You choose to push your luck a bit, asking another question outside the pledge... <span class="taru">"And what about her death? How did she die?"</span> You ask, hoping to finally get some clarity on the subject. Piru sighs, then with an impatient tone answer: <span class="piru">"A tragedy and a waste. One day she simply swam out into the ocean, all by herself, and was subsequently killed by vicious sharks."</span> She... What? You can't believe what you're hearing, but you can feel the words ring true. He isn't lying, you can sense it, and the power of the negotiation ensures that. But the devil is getting angry with you. From now on, you should keep your questions purely related to the pledge the two of you are about to conduct... You ask your questions, starting with the one you deem most important: [["Did you set me up, to try to force me to make a pledge to you?"]]

<h1 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Journal</h1> <<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>> <<displayQuestsFunction >> <<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>>

<h1 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Chapter Selection</h1> Return to story: <<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>> (not implemented yet)

<<silently>> <<set $quests={}>> <<createNewQuestFunction "soulRelease" "Break the Soul Eater's binding on your soul.">> <<addQuestTaskFunction "soulRelease" "t1" "Find someone who can help you.">> <<addQuestTaskFunction "soulRelease" "t2" "Ask Piru for help.">> <<createNewQuestFunction "demonPledge" "You belong to the demon now. Do his bidding.">> <<addQuestTaskFunction "demonPledge" "t1" "Kill the priests.">> <<addQuestTaskFunction "demonPledge" "t2" "Find the priests.">> <<createNewQuestFunction "newQuest" "This is the name of the new quest.">> <<addQuestTaskFunction "newQuest" "t1" "This is the first task">> <<addQuestTaskFunction "newQuest" "t2" "This is the second task">> <</silently>> <<displayQuestsFunction >> [[Complete a quest test]]

<<silently>> <<completeQuestFunction "soulRelease" "t1">> <<completeQuestFunction "soulRelease" "t1">> <<completeQuestFunction "soulRelease" "t1">> <<completeQuestFunction "soulRelease" "t1">> <</silently>> <<displayQuestsFunction >> [[Fail a quest]]

<<silently>> <<failQuestFunction "soulRelease" "t2">> <<failQuestFunction "soulRelease" "t2">> <<failQuestFunction "soulRelease" "t2">> <<failQuestFunction "soulRelease" "t2">> <</silently>> <<displayQuestsFunction >> [[Mark quest as completed]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0033.png">But you know that's not why the people are here. Why people are rich. Why the rich want services and goods. And why the people have come here from all over the world to live and trade. No, the real reasons people come to the city and stay here are business and greed, in one way or another. The natural underground caverns of the city stretch out for miles into unknown depths, ripe with precious metals and gems of all kinds. You overheard someone claiming, after a hefty night of drinking mind you, that the mines of Valkama provide the known world with over nine tenths of the gems and metals. A grand claim, one that you cannot dispute or prove, but you do know that the mining guilds are among the richest in the city. And the way the city keeps itself warm in the winter? Oil, made from whale fat, in abundance. Twice a year, at the very late end of fall just as your breath freezes in the air and then again in the spring when the snow has melted, thousands of Flugandi Hvalr make their journey from the icy seas of the north to the warmer waters of the south, or back. Magical, massive and majestic creatures those whales. Nearly everyone in Jaerwik participates in the hunt when they come flying over the mountain peaks. Like banks of clouds they gather, massive shapes of flesh. Like countless arrows in the sky fired from the deep oceans of the far north. Their flight over Jaerwik and Valkama is a sight to behold, newcomers to the region simply cannot believe their eyes. Heck, even someone like you who's lived here all her life for 21 years still marvels at the flight of the whales. But then the slaughter begins. Cannons fire from high towers in the city, from strongholds in the mountains, ascending death upon the slowly flying clouds of whales. Their wounded lose height, descend, only to be brought down by another volley of cannon fire. Thousands of whales sing in mourning of their fallen kin, but fly on, slowly, leaving their dead behind. Such a brutal end to such beautiful creatures. Their bleeding wounds paint the city dark with their black blood, and those who succumb to their wounds fall into the mountains, the fields and farms outside the city, or the ocean. Every year, at least two dozen fall into the city itself. But even in death, the creatures are majestic, choosing to land softly onto the rooftops or streets. Rarely is anyone crushed to death by their descent, but a few unlucky ones who aren't paying attention find themselves flattened to death by a slowly descending mountain of flesh. A hundred whales lie dead every time, and yet every time there seems to be an endless supply of more flying whales darkening the sky. And then the harvest begins, keeping everyone busy for a week or two. Even the mines shut their operations during this time, to harvest the precious fat and meat of the Flugandi Hvalr. [[It's a bloodbath that takes the city through the winter.]]

<<silently>> <<markQuestCompletedFunction "soulRelease">> <</silently>> <<displayQuestsFunction >>

<h1 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Lore</h1><<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>> Map of Jaerwik: <img class="mapWorld" src="img/jaerwik.jpg"> Map of the capital city of Jaerwik, Valkama: <img class="mapCity" src="img/valkama.png"> <h2 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Dramatis personae</h2><span class="larger">Taru 'Bolt' Nopsa (this is you!)</span> - The main heroine of our story, the 21 year old Taru Nopsa. A criminal, thief and sometimes assassin, who's gotten into a ton of trouble over the years. But nothing compares to the mess she finds herself in at the beginning of our story. Slim in build, pale skin like a typical native of Valkama, with deep green eyes and a long black hair. Taru has never known her father, and so when her mother, Tyrni Nopsa, died, she was taken in by a local gang of ruffians and she's been with them ever since. She goes by the nickname 'Bolt' due to her fast reflexes and quick thinking. <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">In the mortal realm</h4><span class="larger">Tyrni Nopsa</span> - The departed mother of Taru, who died a few years ago under strange circumstances. She swore a pledge to a devil many years ago, for reasons Taru never understood. Tyrni was seen as a witch by some in Valkama, and shunned in those circles, while embraces in others. <h5 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Taru's old gang</h5><span class="larger">Arne 'Eagle' Hanki</span> - The charismatic leader of the gang, Arne is a man who's seen a lot. His daughter Astrid Hanki is also in the gang. Astrid's mother died tragically in child-birth, while giving birth to Astrid. <span class="larger">Ylva 'Fox' Jekku</span> - The second-in-command and mission handler of the gang. Ylva is a tough lady who's a stickler for details. <span class="larger">Astrid 'Snowflake' Hanki</span> - The daughter of Arne Hanki, around the same age as Taru. Her father tries to keep her out of trouble as much as possible, never really giving her a chance to show what she's capable of. <span class="larger">Ebbe 'Boar' Romu</span> - Truly more boar than man, this hulking mass of flesh couldn't sneak his way out of trouble if his life depended on it. No, his skills lie elsewhere: Bashing skulls in. <span class="larger">Einar 'Shadow' Alavire</span> - Perhaps the best at staying unseen and unheard, Einar is a young man the same age as Taru, who joined the gang around the same time as she did. His sister is Erika Alavire. <span class="larger">Erika 'Flare' Alavire</span> - The stunningly beautiful and ample-breasted sister of Einar Alavire, just a year younger than Einar. Where she lacks skills of stealth and strength, she makes up for with raw charm and looks. <span class="larger">Kerr 'Lurker' Apea</span> - Describing Kerr as a man who sees the glass as half-empty would be an understatement. Nevertheless, his prowess with the blade is unmatched by anyone in the gang. Combine that with a touch for stealth that rivals Einar's and you've got yourself a deadly assassin. Kerr is typically the one who takes care of the dirty work of the gang. <span class="larger">Hulda 'Mouse' Hiiri</span> - A young teenage girl who lost her parents to sickness a few years ago. Arne took her in and she is well loved by almost everyone on the gang. <span class="larger">Balder 'Little Ball' Voihke</span> - Another orphan taken in by Arne, just like most of the young members of the gang. Balder is but a boy, no more than nine summers old. However, he's already showing quite the talent for pick-pocketing. <h5 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Other Characters</h5><span class="larger">Tryton</span> - An ex-priest of The God of Mercy. Now an anointed worshipped of The Fathomless Hunger. He shuns the cult of fanatics sacrificing souls in fear of The Fathomless Hunger. He, instead, seeks to find enlightenment in his lord's wisdom. A prestigious royal advisor. <span class="larger">Opettaille</span> - A priest of The God of Mercy, holding the rank of Inquisitor Exarch at the Valkama grand temple. <span class="larger">Piru</span> - The Splendor Demon Majesty, the fifth archdemon of hell, Piru is a tall devil with blazing red skin and fiery yellow eyes. Tyrni, Taru's mother, pledged herself to him many, many years ago. <h2 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">World Details</h2><span class="larger">Jaerwik and Valkama</span> - Our story takes place in the metropolitan city of Valkama, the capital city of Jaerwik. They are located in the cold northern regions of the known world. Jaerwik is a country dominated by mountains and glaciers. Jaerwik is a male necrocracy, where the rule and law of its original dead founder Colematoin Icunen Veaigi "The undying eternal twilight" is still followed. Colematoin's descendants rule over Jaerwik as royalty and aristocrats. Some say Colematoin is still alive, directly ruling over Jaerwik to this day, a thousand years after its foundation. In Jaerwik, birthdays are not celebrated. Instead, livingdays are celebrated each year on the day the person was born, where friends and family throw a party to commemorate the fact that you have not died yet. This is an age-old tradition that mimics the traditions of the royal line of Colematoin's reign, where lavish parties are organized to celebrate the livingday of the royalty. For an unknown reason, most of the royal line die young, never experiencing their 50th summer. Another quirk of Jaerwik culture amongst the common folk comes from this well-known fact: To die young from natural causes is seen as a royal blessing, a hint that there is royal blood in your veins. The current ruler of Jaerwik is King Kodrick the fifth of his name, a direct descendant of Colematoin. In Valkama, architectural styles clash from cultures all over the known world. Despite being located so far to the north, people from all over the world travel there and choose to stay. They come for the ore mined from deep underground caverns below the city, and to hunt the Flying Whales, Flugandi Hvalr, that make their migrations to the south and back north twice a year. Valkama is known for its universities and its places of worship. All religions are welcome in the region. <span class="larger">Deities</span> - The Fathomless Hunger. Also known as The Eternal Darkness, The Abyss, The Deep One, The Old One, The Soul Eater. Demons and devils prefer to call it The Old Poison, while worshippers of it sometimes call it Astorolus. A cruel, ancient, god that devours souls. It has fanatical followers who believe sacrifice is necessary to appease the ancient, or else it will bring doom to the world and consume all life. The Merciful God, also known as The God of Mercy. The predominant religious figure that the people of Jaerwik believe in. She rarely bestows boons on their followers, yet the belief in their power and benevolence is seen everywhere in Jaerwik. The archdemons of hell, always eager to meddle with mortal affairs. The known world is protected from their direct influence, but that only intrigues them more. They're always looking for new servants to pledge their loyalty, in exchange for power, wisdom, or whatever their hearts desire. And through their servants, they can act upon the world, shape it to their will. In truth, a demon or devil cannot harm a free human directly. Which is why they have their servants do their dirty work for them... The fifth archdemon is Piru, the Slendor Demon Majesty, the "prince" of demons. As the fourth archdemon, there is Rautmar, the Bringer of Desolation, whose shadow extinguishes the very stars. Third is Varjatar, the Enchantress of the Infernal Realm, who weaves sorceries that ensnare both gods and mortals alike. Second is Kaarnel, the Harbinger of Deceit, whose whispers can topple empires and shatter minds. And finally, the first archdemon of hells, Tulikor, the Lord of Perdition, who wields a fiery wrath that consumes all in its path. He is the current "king" of demons. <<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>>

<<silently>> <<fadeInMusicFunction "sad_alone">> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0033.png">The familiar purring and screeching sound of the Hawk-owl, a small predatory bird native to Jaerwik and most often encountered in the mountain forests, leaves your lips and folded hands. Then you wait for the counter-signal. But only silence answers you. Surely they wouldn't all be asleep by now? You make the sound again, this time a bit louder. Still nothing. Well, shit. Grappling hook in hand again, you approach the attic from the opposite building, then carefully aim at the broken window. It's missing the frame and glass and everything, testifying to the fact that this warehouse has been abandoned for a long time. Soon the silence of the night is broken by the clinking sound of the metallic hook hitting the floor of the attic. Then you pull it taut and jump over the gap, just like you did when escaping the cultists. With ease, you make it up and in through the window. Then you glance around. There's no one here. Cautiously, you approach, stowing your grappling hook back into its slot in your belt. Where is everyone? <span class="taru">"Einar...? Arne...?"</span> you whisper into the empty attic. Something's not right... You turn the corner, glancing over at where you'd huddled up with blankets last night with the rest of the gang. It's empty. Not a trace of your gang anywhere. Fuck! <span class="taru">"Ebbe? Erika?"</span> you call out, slightly louder but still only a whisper. No reply. The place really is abandoned once more, your gang gone. Anger fills you as you start looking through every corner of the attic. What were they thinking, leaving like this!? You were gone for less than half the night! [[Frantically search the attic for clues]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/WAREHOUSE_SUMMER.png">With a frustrating grunt, you realize there's nothing you can do right now. The gang has gone into hiding, and tracking them down in a city as large as Valkama will be nearly impossible. Your only hope is to meet up with Einar at the Rustic Fork Inn, A shady establishment best avoided, especially for a lone woman like you. It's right next to the Inner City Wall, on the western side, located between the University District and the Palace. But that's in two days. Before that, you have plenty of time to "borrow" some supplies. And you might want to investigate the priests of The Merciful God. <<if $ch0_piru_accept_assassin_deal is true>>After all, you did pledge to Piru that you would slay two of them. Which ones, you don't yet know though. <</if>>If nothing else, then they might be able to shed some light into the soul binding of The Fathomless Hunger. Or maybe even help you prepare an escape from Piru's pledge too. And of course, Piru will likely demand you pay him a visit as well... Feeling alone, betrayed and cold, you huddle up in a corner in the attic, wishing you had a blanket. You close your eyes, unable to find a comfortable position. Eventually, an uneasy sleep finds you and the thoughts in your head become blissfully silent. [[You fall asleep]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/WAREHOUSE_SUMMER.png">You awaken sweaty in a brightly lit attic. The sun is shining brightly through the cracks in the walls and roof. It's already late morning and your stomach rumbles for breakfast. You can't shake the feeling that the strange dream that woke you wasn't a dream at all. It's like someone conjured themselves inside your head and spoke to you. A manifestation, or so the figure, Tryton claimed. Slowly, you rise, stretch your body and loosen the knots in your muscles. Can't make a habit out of sleeping on the floor... Your back feels as stiff as one of the planks you slept on. Right. First things first. Food. Then a backpack, blankets, supplies. Then you'll see where the day takes you. Maybe to the Divine District. Maybe to The Inner Gardens. Most likely to hell... And then in two days time, Rustic Fork Inn to meet up with Einar. Get some clarity on what actually happened last night. You climb up to stand on the window still, overlooking the city. As you glance back, you can't help but think back on all the memories in this place. The laughs you had in this hideout with your gang. Only memories, now that the gang has gone into hiding. You recall back at what now seems like the good times, when things were starting to look great for the gang. How the gang felt invincible back then. And at the biggest heist your gang had ever done. The gang had gathered right here, to discuss the details... [[THIS IS THE END OF THE DEMO (Show Trailer)]]

<<set $currentCombatPassageLink to "Combat Passage lvl1">> <script>window.TaruLastPledge.initCombat(2, 6, 6);</script>

<<set $currentCombatPassageLink to "Combat Passage lvl2">> <script>window.TaruLastPledge.initCombat(3, 6, 7);</script>

<<set $currentCombatPassageLink to "Combat Passage lvl3">> <script>window.TaruLastPledge.initCombat(4, 6, 8);</script>

That's it for the tutorial! Now, let the story begin... [[Start the game|Start the game 1]]

<<silently>> <<fadeInMusicFunction "adventure_neutral">> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/CULT_CORRIDOR.png">Before you know it, it's already over. Your experienced and deft hands know exactly what to do. Your hand clutching the dagger finds the exposed arteries on his throat, severing them with ease. As the guard's eyes grow wide and his throat lets out a gurgling sound, blood gushing everywhere, you hear something. Did the dagger just... Sigh? The blood staining the dagger disappears into the blade, soaked up by the hungry soul within. Damn. Piru wasn't joking. The guard falls down with a soft thud, his robes cushioning the fall. In his belt, the keys Piru promised would be there. Still completely naked, you waste no time. You crouch over the bleeding man, unable to avoid the growing pool of blood as you do so. A swift cut of the belt and the ring of keys is yours. The long corridor is empty, dimly lit by a single torch at each end. Multiple rows of cells, just like yours, line the corridor. What the hell is this place? This is a proper dungeon. This cult has a lot more resources than you expected, to be in possession of a dungeon of this size. But never mind that. You need to stay focused. [[Time to fetch your gear. Go to the right, towards the end of the corridor.]]

<h1 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Combat Training</h1><<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>> Tutorial: [[Combat Tutorial Page]] Here you can test the combat system of the game at any time and jump back into the game when you're ready. First, choose a difficulty: [[Level 1 (easy)|CombatTrainingLevel1]] [[Level 2 (normal)|CombatTrainingLevel2]] [[Level 3 (hard)|CombatTrainingLevel3]]

Level 1 (Easy) <<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>> Or continue to training: <<silently>> <<set $currentCombatEnemyDescription to "A tutorial enemy stands before you, waiting patiently for you to make a move...">> <<set $passageAfterCombatTarget to "CombatTrainingLevel1">> <</silently>><<link "Start Training" "Combat Passage lvl1">><</link>>

Level 3 (Hard) <<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>> Or continue to training: <<silently>> <<set $currentCombatEnemyDescription to "A tutorial enemy stands before you, waiting patiently for you to make a move...">> <<set $passageAfterCombatTarget to "CombatTrainingLevel3">> <</silently>><<link "Start Training" "Combat Passage lvl3">><</link>>

Level 2 (Normal) <<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>> Or continue to training: <<silently>> <<set $currentCombatEnemyDescription to "A tutorial enemy stands before you, waiting patiently for you to make a move...">> <<set $passageAfterCombatTarget to "CombatTrainingLevel2">> <</silently>><<link "Start Training" "Combat Passage lvl2">><</link>>

<h2 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Gameplay Tutorial</h2> Taru is a masterful assassin, putting her dagger to lethal use. She always needs just one strike with her dagger to defeat her enemy. However, she needs your help finding that opening in the enemy's defenses, by dodging, taunting, blocking, parrying, etc. Once the correct actions have been performed, the enemy defenses will be open and Taru will automatically perform the necessary strike to defeat the enemy. This is why you see no "attack" button in the combat: She does the attack for you, once you figure out the sequence of actions that break the enemy's defence. The tutorial button inside the combat system opens a textual explanation of how the game works. To access this Combat Tutorial Page again, you need to open the menu item "Combat Training" and from there select "Combat Tutorial Page". <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Basics - part 1</h4> <img class="combat_tutorial" src="img/combat_tutorial1.png"> <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Basics - part 2</h4> <img class="combat_tutorial" src="img/combat_tutorial2.png"> <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Basics - part 3</h4> <img class="combat_tutorial" src="img/combat_tutorial3.png"> <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Playing - part 1</h4> <img class="combat_tutorial" src="img/combat_tutorial4.png"> <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Playing - part 2</h4> <img class="combat_tutorial" src="img/combat_tutorial5.png"> <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Playing - part 3</h4> <img class="combat_tutorial" src="img/combat_tutorial6.png"> <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Playing - part 4</h4> <img class="combat_tutorial" src="img/combat_tutorial7.png"> <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Playing - part 5</h4> <img class="combat_tutorial" src="img/combat_tutorial8.png"> <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Playing - part 6</h4> <img class="combat_tutorial" src="img/combat_tutorial9.png"> <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Playing - part 7</h4> <img class="combat_tutorial" src="img/combat_tutorial10.png"> <<silently>> <<set $currentCombatEnemyDescription to "A tutorial enemy stands before you, waiting patiently for you to make a move...">> <<set $passageAfterCombatTarget to "Done after tutorial">> <</silently>><<link "Give the combat a try" "Combat Passage lvl1">><</link>>

<h2 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Gameplay Tutorial</h2> <<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>> <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Basics - part 1</h4> <img class="combat_tutorial" src="img/combat_tutorial1.png"> <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Basics - part 2</h4> <img class="combat_tutorial" src="img/combat_tutorial2.png"> <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Basics - part 3</h4> <img class="combat_tutorial" src="img/combat_tutorial3.png"> <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Basics - part 4</h4> <img class="combat_tutorial" src="img/combat_tutorial4.png"> <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Playing - part 1</h4> <img class="combat_tutorial" src="img/combat_tutorial5.png"> <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Playing - part 2</h4> <img class="combat_tutorial" src="img/combat_tutorial6.png"> <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Playing - part 3</h4> <img class="combat_tutorial" src="img/combat_tutorial7.png"> <h4 style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Playing - part 4</h4> <img class="combat_tutorial" src="img/combat_tutorial8.png"> <<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>>

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0017.png">He smiles at your question. <span class="piru">"Pure lust. Carnal pleasures of the flesh. Of the mind. For this, I will need your complete surrender and willingness, for else I cannot bring you to my paradise."</span> Piru reveals, opening up a portal to his realm. The smell of burning flesh greets your nose. You stare at the portal, a raw kind of energy pulsing from it, calling for you. As you stare into the depth of the fiery red swirling mass, you can't help but feel drawn to it. You want to go there. But your mother's warnings echo in your mind. Sometimes a taste is all you need to become helplessly addicted to something, and this is especially true for something offered by a demon. Somehow, you know that if you accept this taste, you will be unable to refuse the demon's deal anymore... Instinct tells you that saying yes to the taste is the same as saying yes to being his concubine. And yet... You want to do it. The portal beckons you to accept Piru's offer... [[Fight the feeling - refuse the taste.|"No, I don't need a taste..."]] [[Surrender to the feeling - accept the taste.]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0017.png">You find the strength to tell the demo that a taste is not necessary... He simply smiles, shrugging. <span class="piru">"Your loss, missing out on pleasures your mortal mind cannot possibly comprehend, no strings attached as they say."</span> Piru muses. <span class="piru">"Ready to make your pledge?"</span> Pleasures or not, you need to focus on the important things. Escaping here alive, and the pledge. After a long while, weighing things in your head, you come to a conclusion. You say to the demon... [["I accept the terms. I'm ready to make my pledge."]] [["I want to alter the conditions of the pledge."]] [["I cannot accept these terms. I do not agree to this pledge."]]

<<silently>> <<fadeInMusicFunction "danger_scary">> <<set $taru_concubine_level to 1>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0045.jpeg">You land softly straight onto a king-sized bed, completely naked. A distinct smell of burning flesh lingers in the air. Over your head, the air shimmers with the afterglow of the portal, its infernal energies dissipating like embers in the night. You dare a glance around the hellish realm you now find yourself in. Everything has a red tint, like the very core of this world is ablaze. You roll out from the bed, wrapping yourself in a blanket to cover your modesty, your naked feet landing on the obsidian floor, smooth and cold underfoot, stretching out into the vast expanse of what must be Piru's bedchamber. The room is vast, an echo of ancient decadence and unfathomable desires. Above, the ceiling arches high, impossibly high, disappearing into a darkness that seems to pulse and breathe. Flickering chandeliers, wrought from bone and gold, dangle precariously from nothing, suspended in the air, casting their trembling light across the room. Shadows dance in the corners, twisting into shapes that whisper of forgotten sins and forbidden pleasures. Piru appears beside you, his eyes gleaming with a wicked glint. In this light, his skin practically glows. He looks both beautiful and terrifying at the same time. <span class="piru">"The sincerest of welcomes to my inner sanctum."</span> he purrs, his voice like velvet, rich, seductive. Your weak mortal mind cannot defy him here, you realize as you look into his eyes. It is in that moment you're reminded of the fact that you're completely naked, your exposed form a delight to the master of the house, no doubt. <span class="piru">"Please, have a look around."</span> Piru says, waving a hand in no particular direction. [[Take a tentative step forward]]

<<silently>> <<set $ch0_piru_visit_feast to false>> <<set $ch0_piru_visit_inspect to false>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0044.png">You take a tentative step forward, your gaze drawn back to the massive bed draped in silks the color of fresh blood. The fabric shimmers with an otherworldly sheen, almost alive in its movements. The bedposts are carved from blackwood, etched with runes that pulse with a sinister, crimson light. Atop the bed, cushions and pillows are strewn haphazardly, inviting and yet somehow menacing in their abundance. Beyond the bed, a series of devices line the walls, their purposes both clear and horrifyingly ambiguous. Chains and manacles, wrought from dark iron and encrusted with gems that glow with a sickly green light, hang alongside racks of gleaming blades and whips. Each instrument is a work of art, cruel and beautiful, promising both exquisite pleasure and unimaginable pain. A grand fireplace dominates one wall, its flames a deep, unnatural blue, casting eerie shadows across the room. Above the mantle, a portrait of Piru in his true form, wings unfurled and eyes blazing, gazes down with a knowing smile. The fire's heat is palpable, suffusing the chamber with an oppressive warmth that contrasts starkly with the chill of the obsidian floor. To one side, a table laden with decadent food and drink beckons. Goblets of fine crystal hold wines that shimmer with an inner light, while platters overflow with exotic fruits and meats, their aromas tantalizing and strange. The sight makes your mouth water, any thoughts of hesitation gone, your mind no longer able to recognize the hidden dangers in every bite, every sip. Piru moves with a predatory grace, his presence both captivating and terrifying. <span class="piru">"This is but a glimpse of my realm."</span> he says, gesturing grandly. <span class="piru">"Here, desires and nightmares are but two sides of the same coin. Indulge, and find your deepest longings—or your darkest fears—fulfilled."</span> As his words linger in the air, you feel a shiver run down your spine. <span class="taru">"What does it mean... To be pledged to you?"</span> you ask, glancing at the rack of devices and the bed, then back at Piru. He shrugs. <span class="piru">"Everything your mortal imagination can think of - and more besides. I propose we start simple. An act you mortals are quite familiar with indeed."</span> he says, gesturing at the bed. The meaning behind his words are crystal clear.<<if $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal is false>><<if $ch0_piru_accept_taste is false>> <span class="piru">"Since you are not my concubine, this is an invitation only. Not a demand... You are free to decline, assassin."</span> he adds, locking you with his gaze.<</if>><</if>> Every fiber of your being wants to please him, for reasons you cannot control... Piru's bedchamber is a place where reality and fantasy blur, where every whim can be sated, every horror made real. It is a realm of temptation and torment, a sanctuary for the damned and the divine alike. And now, Piru offers you a taste of it, to explore, to survive, to understand... To become addicted to. But for a moment, curiosity takes hold of you as you glance around the room. The table with delicacies looks irresistible. And the rack of devices catches your attention. [[Feast on the delicious food.]] [[Inspect the devices lining the wall.]] <<if $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal is false>><<if $ch0_piru_accept_taste is false>>[[Intrigued, even though it was not part of your deal, you crawl onto the bed, beckoning Piru to join you...|Get this over with. The sooner you are out, the better. Crawl onto the bed, beckoning Piru to join you.]]<<else>>[[Get this over with. The sooner you are out, the better. Crawl onto the bed, beckoning Piru to join you.]]<</if>><<else>>[[Get this over with. The sooner you are out, the better. Crawl onto the bed, beckoning Piru to join you.]]<</if>> <<if $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal is false>><<if $ch0_piru_accept_taste is false>>[[Politely decline his offer, bowing your head submissively to you master.]]<</if>><</if>>

<<silently>> <<set $ch0_piru_visit_inspect to true>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0046.png">You take another cautious step forward, your curiosity piqued despite the foreboding atmosphere. The allure of the unknown pulls you toward the devices lining the walls. As you approach, the flickering light from the blue flames casts shifting patterns across the cruel implements, making them seem almost animate. The first set of devices you examine are the chains and manacles. Crafted from dark iron and adorned with unsettlingly luminescent gems, they emit a sickly green glow that pulses rhythmically, almost like a heartbeat. You run your fingers along the cold metal, feeling the weight and solidity of the restraints. The gems embedded in the iron are warm to the touch, sending a faint, pleasant tingle through your fingertips. The sensation is disconcerting and comforting at the same time, and you find yourself quickly pulling your hand away. The impression lingers a moment, a ghostly reminder of the touch. Next, your eyes are drawn to the racks of blades. Each weapon is a masterpiece, the edges honed to a razor's sharpness. The blades vary in shape and size, from delicate, almost surgical instruments to massive, brutal cleavers. The metal glistens in the dim light, each blade seeming to hum with a latent energy, a promise of both precision and devastation. You can almost imagine the feel of the cold steel, the bite of the blade as it slices through flesh. The thought sends a shiver down your spine, but you can't tear your eyes away from the craftsmanship. The whips are no less impressive, each one a work of twisted art. Some are braided leather, supple and flexible, others studded with spikes or embedded with shards of glass. You reach out to touch one, feeling the smooth, cool leather against your skin. The handle is intricately carved, fitting comfortably in your grip. For a moment, you can imagine the crack of the whip, the sharp sting of it against your flesh. It's both thrilling and terrifying, a perfect embodiment of the room's dual nature. As you continue to inspect the devices, you notice more obscure instruments whose purposes are less clear but no less ominous. A set of barbed hooks, a collection of serrated clamps, a series of what appear to be surgical tools, all arranged with meticulous care. Each item is exquisitely crafted, an object of beauty and horror in equal measure. Piru's voice breaks the spell of your inspection. <span class="piru">"Magnificent, aren't they?"</span> he purrs, stepping closer. <span class="piru">"Each of these tools has a purpose, a story. They are instruments of transformation, of revelation. In the right hands, they can unlock truths. Unveil desires..."</span> His words send another shiver down your spine. You step back, the reality of where you are and what you are considering crashing over you. This is a place of exquisite temptation and exquisite pain, a place where the line between pleasure and agony is thin and often crossed. And yet, you cannot deny the pull it exerts on you, the dark allure of discovering just how deep your desires—and fears—truly run. The bedchamber of Piru is a place of paradoxes, of seductive horrors and beautiful nightmares. As you stand there, surrounded by instruments of both pleasure and pain, you realize that you are about to be given a very real taste of what this realm offers. You try to form the words to say no to it all and demand Piru to send you back to your mortal realm. But nothing comes up, the power to refuse is gone. As soon as you accept the taste he offered, your mind and body was his... <<if $ch0_piru_visit_feast is false>>[[Feast on the delicious food.]]<</if>> <<if $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal is false>><<if $ch0_piru_accept_taste is false>>[[Intrigued, even though it was not part of your deal, you crawl onto the bed, beckoning Piru to join you...|Get this over with. The sooner you are out, the better. Crawl onto the bed, beckoning Piru to join you.]]<<else>>[[Get this over with. The sooner you are out, the better. Crawl onto the bed, beckoning Piru to join you.]]<</if>><<else>>[[Get this over with. The sooner you are out, the better. Crawl onto the bed, beckoning Piru to join you.]]<</if>> <<if $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal is false>><<if $ch0_piru_accept_taste is false>>[[Politely decline his offer, bowing your head submissively to you master.]]<</if>><</if>>

<<silently>> <<set $ch0_piru_visit_feast to true>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0047.png">Drawn by an irresistible urge, you approach the table. Your fingers hover over the goblet before grasping it, feeling the smooth, cool crystal against your skin. You bring it to your lips, the shimmering wine pouring into your mouth. It tastes like the essence of dreams, sweet and intoxicating. You take a deep drink, the liquid sending a wave of warmth through your body, igniting every nerve with a euphoric fire. Next, you reach for a piece of fruit, its skin glistening with a dewy freshness. As you bite into it, the flavor explodes on your tongue, a symphony of sensations that make you crave more. You sample the meats, their rich, savory juices mingling with the sweetness of the wine, creating a harmony that drowns out any lingering caution. But as you indulge, a slow, creeping sensation begins to spread from your core. It starts as a gentle tingling, almost pleasant, but quickly intensifies into a burning heat that pulses through your veins. You feel your heart race, your breath quickens, as the corruption of Piru's realm deepens, taking hold of your very being. Your vision blurs, and the room seems to warp around you. The flames in the fireplace dance with a sinister life, the shadows they cast twisting into grotesque forms. The food in your hand appears to writhe, as if alive, yet you cannot stop yourself from consuming it. A dark, twisted pleasure wells up within you, overriding your sense of reason. Piru watches you with a knowing smile, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. <span class="piru">"Do you feel it?"</span> he asks, his voice a seductive whisper. <span class="piru">"The power of my realm, coursing through you. Embrace it, and you will know pleasures beyond mortal understanding..."</span> Your body responds to his words, a mix of fear and exhilaration flooding your senses. You feel a corruption of sorts spreading, intertwining with your very soul, making you a part of this dark, enchanting world. Every taste, and every breath binds you closer to Piru's domain, where temptation and torment are one and the same. You are no longer just a visitor in Piru's realm. You are becoming a part of it, ensnared by its dark allure, your fate entwined with its shadowy depths. And you love it. <<if $ch0_piru_visit_inspect is false>>[[Inspect the devices lining the wall.]]<</if>> <<if $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal is false>><<if $ch0_piru_accept_taste is false>>[[Intrigued, even though it was not part of your deal, you crawl onto the bed, beckoning Piru to join you...|Get this over with. The sooner you are out, the better. Crawl onto the bed, beckoning Piru to join you.]]<<else>>[[Get this over with. The sooner you are out, the better. Crawl onto the bed, beckoning Piru to join you.]]<</if>><<else>>[[Get this over with. The sooner you are out, the better. Crawl onto the bed, beckoning Piru to join you.]]<</if>> <<if $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal is false>><<if $ch0_piru_accept_taste is false>>[[Politely decline his offer, bowing your head submissively to you master.]]<</if>><</if>>

<<silently>> <<set $piru_scene_one_BDSM to false>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0045.jpeg">Completely naked, and realizing there's only one way out of this situation, you do what Piru expects a concubine like you should do. You walk over to the bed, then crawl up provocatively, acting a lot more confident than you feel. <<if $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal is false>><<if $ch0_piru_accept_taste is false>>You're doing this of your own free will, right? Or...?<</if>><</if>> Something about this realm is changing how you behave, how you think. But you don't pay attention to it. No, your full attention is on Piru, who with a snap of his fingers stands completely naked before you. The defined muscles are a delight to your mortal eyes, and his member... You stare with wide eyes at the size of his cock. He sees the frightened look on your face and smiles, taking a step toward the bed. <span class="piru">"All wounds heal perfectly in my realm, sweet Taru. Put your mind at ease."</span> he says, calming you, his voice penetrating your very core. Instinctively, you crawl back a few feet when Piru makes his way to the bed. You're half-sitting, half-lying on your back, eyes fixed on the demon. He is on his knees, the damned smile of his taunting you as he leans forward, his hard erection threatening you like a sword. <span class="piru">"What is your darkest desire, Taru? What do you crave... Ask, and be rewarded."</span> Piru says, his voice commanding, his will absolute. A mere mortal like you doesn't stand a chance at the onslaught of a demon like Piru. And so you cave, telling him what you desire the most in that very moment... [[You desire passion and a gentle lover.]] [[You desire to be tied up and fucked properly.]] [[Your gaze goes to the rack of torture devices...]] <<if $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal is false>><<if $ch0_piru_accept_taste is false>>[[You snap out of it - decline his offer, submissively bowing your head to your master.|Politely decline his offer, bowing your head submissively to you master.]]<</if>><</if>>

<<silently>> <<fadeInMusicFunction "spicy_senses">> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0016.png">When you land, the chair beneath you crashes hard against the stone floor of your familiar prison cell. The legs of the chair snap, sending you tumbling across the room. But you soften your landing, performing a safety roll with your arms, shoulder and back touching the floor as you spin around. And land softly on your naked feet, bruised, but unharmed. Your visit to the infernal realms has left you shaken. Somehow you ache to get back there, to the warmth, especially when you feel the cold of the mortal realm seeping into your bones... Piru stands behind you, and with a snap of his fingers, the chains in the prison cell come alive again, capturing you, pinning you down on the floor, onto your knees, just like you were before you were sent into his fiery realm. <span class="taru">"Hey! What are you..."</span> but Piru shushes you, ignoring your protests. <span class="piru">"Simply returning things to the way they were before your little visit to my humble abode."</span> he explains, shrugging off your curses. A moment later you calm down, realizing that you're once again in the same situation you were before. But this time, you can feel a hunger stirring within you. A hunger that now lusts for what Piru has to offer, the temptation of his realm undeniable. <span class="piru">"Ready to make your pledge? To become my concubine? My blade in the mortal realm? In exchange, I will get you out of your current mess, and, in time, even help break the Old Poison's binding on your soul."</span> he says, the familiar sly smile back on his lips. And in that moment you realize that you cannot say no. To any of it. Your visit, your taste of the demon's power has left your mortal husk damaged beyond repair. You find yourself saying to the demon... [["I accept the terms. I'm ready to make my pledge."]]

<<silently>> <<fadeInMusicFunction "spicy_electro">> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0043.png"><span class="taru">"I... I desire a passionate and gentle lover..."</span> You whisper, butterflies churching on your stomach as Piru closes his eyes, nodding at your words. A cloud of smoke obscures his features for a moment, and when they disappear, you're looking at a softer Piru. His horns are gone, his muscles less defined but still visible. His features - handsome, his eyes - caring. And to your surprise, his cock, smaller. Perhaps the perfect size now, one could argue... His skin is no longer red. He looks... Human. When he speaks, his voice is softer, the deviousness and edge gone, the mischievous and malice nowhere to be heard. <span class="piru">"Nothing wrong with going slowly. Is this more to your liking?"</span> He asks, and when you simply nod in silence, he approaches, lying down next to you. His hands rest on your thigh, tracing your smooth naked skin from your knee all the way to your hip, his fingers barely touching you. His touch is hot, yet you shiver. You're lying on your back, naked in Piru's bed, while he softly caresses your skin with his left hand. Piru is lying on his side, his right hand now reaching up, softly lifting up your head. When he leans forward, he pulls you in ever so slightly, his warm breath smelling of flowers. You close your eyes, embracing yourself for a kiss, while Piru's caressing touch sends waves upon waves of nervous electricity through your body. Then Piru stops leaning in, your lips merely an inch from his. So close... From underneath your closed eyelids, you glance up at the demon. He is waiting, for you. Any barrier that you might've had before you entered his realm is gone, and so you helplessly feel yourself drawn to him as you... [[Kiss him]]

<img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0044.png">Piru sees where your gaze goes. <span class="piru">"You wish to experience pain beyond what your mortal wit can comprehend?"</span> he asks with a curious tone. When you nod, weakly, uncertain of what has possessed you, he laughs. <span class="piru">"All in good time, Taru. But you're not ready for that. Your body may heal, but the scars it leaves on your mind are very real."</span> he reveals, dismissing your darkest desires. Meekly, you nod. Piru, the master of this realm, knows best... With careful consideration, you decide between the two other thoughts that came to you... [[You desire passion and a gentle lover.]] [[You desire to be tied up and fucked properly.]] <<if $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal is false>><<if $ch0_piru_accept_taste is false>>[[You snap out of it - decline his offer, submissively bowing your head to your master.|Politely decline his offer, bowing your head submissively to you master.]]<</if>><</if>>

<<silently>> <<fadeInMusicFunction "spicy_electro">> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0049.png"><span class="taru">"I desire to be bound and fucked..."</span> you reveal, your true darkest desire known both to him and you. There it is, in the open, you finally coming to terms with what you desire the most of all things right now. Piru looks pleased. <span class="piru">"You wish to be bound again, so soon? Very well. Show me your submissive side..."</span> he says. No sooner has he spoken, when the rack of devices on the wall rattles. You glance over, and see a pair of handcuffs floating in the air, landing in front of you. A collar soon follows. <span class="piru">"Go on. Take the collar. Feel the power it holds over you. How your breath catches when you imagine it on your neck."</span> Piru demands, and his voice compels you do so as he says. You reach down, picking up the leather collar. Its smooth surface feels cool to your touch in this perpetually hot realm. Suddenly, your mouth is dry, as you imagine slipping it on, locking it in place, showing Piru that you're truly his... <span class="piru">"Put it on, sub. Show me that you're mine."</span> Piru orders, standing in front of the bed with his arms crossed, his fully erect penis resting on the bed sheets. You find yourself unable to resist his command... [[Submissively put the collar on.]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0062.png">You reach up, hand brushing against the muscles on his chest as you do so, kissing the demon passionately on his inviting lips. They're soft, welcoming you, tasting you as you taste him. A hint of salt, savioury, yet fresh like mint. As your kiss deepens, you feel him pulling you closer with his right hand behind your head. And his left hand has found its way up, to your lonely perky breasts, which he now cups carefully. A moan escapes you, as you surrender to his touch, his mouth. Your lips part, your tongue seeking his. Finding it, you lure it in, allowing him full access to your open and willing mouth. Without missing a beat, Piru explores your mouth with his tongue, the sensation making you hot. Between your legs, a growing wetness has arrived, stirred awake by the pleasures promised in this realm and Piru's caressing tongue and touch. His left hand cups your breasts more firmly, squeezing the nipples softly. Pulling, but gently. You're breathing harder now, his breath joining yours as you... [[Reach down and touch his rock-hard erection.]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0064.png">Your seeking hand finds what it's looking for, brushing against his bulging erection. As you wrap your fingers around it, squeezing softly, pulling its soft skin towards you and away rhythmically, you feel it. His desire awakening. Tongues still entwined, you feel his hand tracing down now, over your belly, circling your belly button until it reaches your pubic hair. He lightly pulls at them, teasing you, before he moves on to find you completely wet. His fingers brush against the entrance to your horny pussy, immediately getting soaked in your juices. Accidentally, you grab his penis harder when he thrusts his fingers into you. <span class="taru">"Oohh..."</span> you whimper, returning to jerking him off. He leaves your mouth alone, his attention turning to your breasts, knowing exactly what you need. At first, he kisses them softly, all around, while his fingers explore your wetness, circling, thrusting, softly fucking you. Then he pops one of your nipples in his mouth, sucking gently. Your moans are becoming incoherent, and your grasp on his erection is unfocused. But he doesn't seem to mind your increasingly pathetic attempts at pleasuring him as he continues working on you. [[Helplessly, you surrender to his touch, his kisses, hit exploring fingers deep within you.]]

<<silently>> <<fadeInMusicFunction "danger_scary">> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0045.jpeg">Blissful darkness embraces you, hugging you with warmth. When you awaken, an unknown amount of time later, you're still in Piru's infernal realm. He's sitting by the table alone, eating and drinking, back to his old self with clothes on. You on the other hand are lying in the bed, exhausted, yet relaxed. You are still completely naked. <<if $piru_scene_one_BDSM is true>>Miraculously, you feel completely normal. No pain left, no visible marks. Wounds truly heal fast here, don't they? You notice there are no signs of the chains, or the gag, that Piru put on you...<</if>> When you stir awake, Piru glances your way, emptying his glass in one smooth savoury gulp. <span class="piru">"Ah, slept well, sweet Taru? Come, eat. Drink. You'll need your strength after that..."</span> he says, standing up, holding out a chair for you. You feel it in your bones. A tiredness you've never felt before. Like all the strength in your muscles has been sucked dry. <span class="taru">"Thank you..."</span> you manage to stutter, throat dry. With weak steps, you make it to the table, where you slump down. Piru even throws a blanket around you, conjured out of thin air, as you sit down, hiding your modesty. As you nibble on the food, you can't help but wonder about the nature of the being before you and the realm you're currently in. The questions burn within you, even as you struggle to form coherent thoughts. Piru watches you with a curious smile, his eyes glinting with an otherworldly light. His smile taunts you. You must ask... [["Why are you smiling?"]]

<img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0058.png"><span class="taru">"Why are you smiling?"</span> you ask, voice hoarse but steadier now. Piru leans back, his chair creaking. <span class="piru">"You humans are a most peculiar bunch, you know that? Your... Curiosity... is one of your more charming traits."</span> He pauses, as if considering how much to divulge. <span class="piru">"I sense that you have questions. You wish to know about demons and the infernal realm, do you not?"</span> At his question, you nod, the motion feeling like it requires an immense effort. <span class="taru">"Where are we, exactly? I mean, what is the infernal realm in relation to the mortal realm? And you... you mentioned you're the fifth archdemon? Who are the others?"</span> Piru chuckles, a sound that seems to reverberate through the room. <span class="piru">"The infernal realm is many things, dear Taru. It is my refuge, the refuge of all demons, an ancient source of power, existing long before the inception of your transient human realm. It is... A parent realm, of sorts. Spawning other, lesser, realms. Like yours."</span> Truly? That's in direct opposition to everything you've heard priests and priestesses tell you your entire life. Not that you paid them a lot of attention... He leans forward, his gaze piercing through you. <span class="piru">"As for my fellow archdemons... The four paragons of infernal supremacy, whose might eclipses even my own formidable essence. In order of the least significant to the most significant... As the fourth archdemon, there is Rautmar, the Bringer of Desolation, whose shadow extinguishes the very stars. Third is Varjatar, the Enchantress of the Infernal Realm, who weaves sorceries that ensnare both gods and mortals alike. Second is Kaarnel, the Harbinger of Deceit, whose whispers can topple empires and shatter minds. And finally, the first archdemon of hells, Tulikor, the Lord of Perdition, who wields a fiery wrath that consumes all in its path. These titans of the infernal realms reign supreme, their powers vast and ancient, making even my own prowess pale in comparison."</span> You shiver, and certainly not from the chill of the room. <span class="taru">"And you? What is your... Title? And do you often have dealings with these... Others?"</span> you ask, drinking some of the delicious wine. You feel the warm corruption of the wine coarse through your body, but you don't mind. It's starting to feel... Familiar. Piru's smile fades, replaced by a more solemn expression. <span class="piru">"My purpose? I am what could be crudely interpreted as the prince of demons, if translated into mortal terms. Which makes Tulikor the king of demons. But such words have no meaning for demons. As for dealing with them... In a manner of speaking, yes. I feel their presence, constantly. Their will literally shapes the very abyss that surrounds my infernal pocket in this realm. But a direct confrontation? Out of the question."</span> <span class="taru">"So... Tulikor is your... Father?"</span> you ask, trying to understand the relationship between a "prince" demon and a "king" demon. Piru laughs. <span class="piru">"Not in any sense that your mortal mind could comprehend, no. What we are is... Far more complex than that."</span> It is clear to you that Piru won't say more on the matter, so you decide to change the subject. You look down at your hands, feeling the strange, tingling sensation within. You can't help shake the feeling that Piru is afraid of these other archdemons. Especially Tulikor. You decide to say... [["If I didn't know better, I'd say you're scared of them."]] [[Nothing. Let silence fill the room for once.]]

<img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0059.png">He scoffs at your observation. <span class="piru">"You mortals do not even have the words to describe what I feel for them. Your language is so... Primitive."</span> he says, his words making the hairs at the back of your neck stand up for some reason. Then he shrugs. <span class="piru">"Well! This has been simply... Marvelous, I must say. But all things must end. Consider your taste of the hells completed."</span> he says. And with that, before you can protest, he waves his hand. The smell of burning flesh intensifies as a portal opens below you, swallowing you and the chair you're sitting on. With a whelp, you disappear into the fiery red mouth. <<link "With a yelp you disappear into the fiery red mouth." $passageAfterScene>><</link>>

<img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0059.png">Piru regards you while he chews on a piece of pie, the crumbles falling down his chest onto the obsidian floor below. They sizzle are disappear when they touch the ground. <span class="piru">"Well! This has been simply... Marvelous, I must say. But all things must end. Consider your taste of the hells completed."</span> he says. And with that, before you can protest, he waves his hand. The smell of burning flesh intensifies as a portal opens below you, swallowing you and the chair you're sitting on. <<link "With a yelp you disappear into the fiery red mouth." $passageAfterScene>><</link>>

<img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0055.png">You've had second thoughts. Maybe you are moving too fast? But a part of you desperately wants Piru to shove his shaft inside of you, regardless of how large it is... But no, you barely manage to shake your head, bound by the chains and choking on them as you are. But Piru sees your gesture, sees that you're not ready. And so the chains are loosened, then they crawl back to the wall of devices. The gag helpfully plops out of your mouth, leaving a trail of drool on your chin and neck as it slides down on its own. Then Piru lowers you gently to the bed, no longer floating above him. Piru gives you space, sitting on his knees at the side of the bed. You can't quite grasp what just happened... The intensity of the situation has your head spinning. <span class="piru">"Have you had enough of a taste, or do you want a gentler approach?"</span> Piru asks, his fully erect member not meant for humans still pointing at you, its tip now wet with the tiniest trace of your juices. When you hesitate, he adds: <span class="piru">"Tell me what you want, loud and clear."</span> And you decide in that moment that what you actually want is... [[A passionate and gentle approach.|You desire passion and a gentle lover.]] [[To just go back to the mortal realm...|To just go back to your prison cell...]]

<<silently>> <<set $piru_scene_one_BDSM to true>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0056.png">You barely manage to nod, willingly, submissively, bound by the chains and choking on them as you are. But Piru sees your gesture, sees that you're ready, that you want him to use you. Without a word between the two of you, yet complete understanding, you continue to descend down. When you do, Piru grabs your thighs. You feel his fully erect shaft sliding just the tiniest length inside of your open and inviting pussy. Your legs are still kept spread wide by the arcane chains. With wide eyes, you can do nothing but stare straight up, pinned as you are, as Piru pulls you down further onto his cock, filling you with the impossible size of his member. Somehow, it hurts less than you thought, your pussy soaking wet and ready for him. The sound of your wetness greeting the demon's cock fills his bedchamber as he lowers you down, filling you completely. Then you ascend for a moment, only to be pulled down against my him and whatever magic is keeping you floating above the bed. And you drool, moan, and cry as he penetrates you, fucking you in a way that tears at you from the inside. The pain is like nothing you've experienced before, like someone dividing you in two from within you. Yet, the pain is a tiny drop in an ocean of pleasure that fills you every time you descend upon his shaft. You're gurgling and choking with delight with every thrust, completely surrendering yourself to the demon's violent fucking. Your pussy is becoming increasingly raw and bruised... Piru brings you to a soaring climax out of nowhere. <span class="taru">"Fu-uuuckh!"</span> You gasp into the ball gag, drooling uncontrollably, chains biting into you as you orgasm. It's unlike anything you've experienced before, raw and potent, engulfing your every sense. Wave after wave courses through you, numbing you to all else as your body trembles from Piru's assault. [[The feeling is overwhelming. You pass out with a smile on your lips.]]

<img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0059.png"><span class="taru">"Just... Just take me back, please..."</span> you almost whimper, suddenly feeling small and uncomfortable here in his realm. Yet... You can feel that you've changed. A part of you wants to explore this realm more. To see all the things he offers. What he can do to you. Your cheeks blush crimson at the thought when you realize that you're horny and afraid in equal measure. He scoffs, but nods. <span class="piru">"Very well. I can see you're not ready for what my realm has to offer... Yet."</span> he says. <span class="piru">"Consider your taste of the hells completed."</span> he says. And with that, before you can protest, he waves his hand. The smell of burning flesh intensifies as a portal opens below you, swallowing you and the chair you're sitting on. With a whelp, you disappear into the fiery red mouth. <<link "With a yelp you disappear into the fiery red mouth." $passageAfterScene>><</link>>

<img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0045.jpeg"><span class="taru">"I must respectfully decline your invitation."</span> you tell him, instinctively bowing your head to your master. He backs off, an amused look on his face. <span class="piru">"Very well, assassin. Staying focused on your end of the deal, eh? Well, join me at the table."</span> he announces. That is a more direct order, you feel in your bones. One you cannot refuse. You head over to the feast, slumping down on an empty chair. Piru even throws a blanket around you, conjured out of thin air, as you sit down, hiding your modesty. Well, that's better... As you nibble on the food, you can't help but wonder about the nature of the being before you and the realm you're currently in. The questions burn within you. Piru watches you with a curious smile, his eyes glinting with an otherworldly light. His smile taunts you. You must ask... [["Why are you smiling?"]]

<<set $ch0_piru_accept_sex_deal to false>> <<set $ch0_piru_accept_taste to false>> [[Piru Scene 1]]

<<set $tip_combat_enabled to true>><span style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Options saved!</span> Combat enabled! <<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>>

<<set $tip_combat_enabled to false>><span style="font-family: ForgottenUncial, Verdana">Options saved!</span> Combat disabled! <<link "Back to story" $back_to_passage_title>><</link>>

<img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0064.png">After a moment of whimpering and breathing harder and harder, still desperately trying to fumble with his cock in your hand, he suddenly pulls his fingers out of you with a wet popping sound. Confused, you find yourself blinking up at him as he smiles, positioning himself over you. Then, with kisses starting from your nose and cheeks, an exploring taste of his tongue on yours, he continues down. Past your neck, gently brushing it with his lips. Past your breasts, that receive a firm caress and a teasing bite with his teeth that sends your back arching. His hands are softly moving down the side of your arms, your torso, reaching your waist. It sends shivers throughout your body, wherever his touch goes. This is unlike anything you've experienced before, like all your senses are heightened, overloaded, reacting to everything he does with bliss that feels unnatural. Yet, you embrace it, letting him explore your body. You close your eyes, enjoying it fully, completely forgetting about the fact that you're in the infernal realm, in bed with an archdemon. His tongue slides across your body, down past your belly. Then he reaches your legs, teasingly warming your desperately wet pussy with his breath, kissing your inner thighs. He grabs your hands into his, then places your hands on his shaved head. With you glance down, opening your eyes for but a moment, you see him hovering above your mound. He looks at you like he's waiting for you to approve. Your hands absent-mindedly touch the skin of his head... [[Invitingly pull his mouth against your pussy.]] [['Say: "Please, fuck me already..."'|fuck scene]]

<img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0066.png">When you pull him closer, you immediately feel his lips exploring you, saying hi to your outer lips, clitoris and your inner lips. Then, when it's clear to him that you have approved of what he's doing, his tongue skillfully plays with your inner lips. You shudder, closing your eyes again, as you press the demon against your vagina, letting him eat your pussy. His tongue quickly finds your clitoris, giving it a thorough caress with his tongue, then he explores your vaginal opening, tasting your wetness. You're a whimpering mess, shaking, as he brings his tongue up and down on your clitoris, swirling with his tongue in ways you didn't know was possible. One of his fingers finds your soaking wet pussy again, slinking in without resistance, and you lose the sense of time and space as he fucks you, and pleasures you. You're breathing hard, barely hanging on to consciousness as your vision darkens, your mortal body unable to deal with the pleasures Piru's realm is bringing you. Then, he pulls his fingers out of you again and gives your pussy a final kiss. Already over? But no, he moves up and lies down next to you, then with a smile turns around. Side-by-side, his head pointing towards your legs, and his cock pointing at your face, he leans in, kissing your legs and seeking his way back to your pussy. His cock inches closer to your mouth, which waters at the sight of it... [[Take him into your mouth.]] [['Say to him: "Please, just... Fuck me... Already..."'|fuck scene]]

<img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0067.png">His kisses find your outer lips again, and his tongue quickly returns its attention to your clitoris, while his fingers slide into you. Horny and desperate for cock, you open your mouth, letting him thrust his cock into your willing and wet mouth. It's warm and rock hard, filling your entire mouth with its length. And it tastes better than any cock has a right to taste... Addictively so. You fully embrace him, playing with his cock with your tongue, sliding it back and forth into your mouth while he pleasures you below. Piru lets you work his cock at your own pace, merely encouraging you by sometimes thrusting into you, making you gag on his entire length. With his cock in your mouth, you once again lose your sense of self. You're merely flesh, here to please him, to be pleased by him. This is your purpose now. And you accept it, embrace it. You take charge, pushing him onto his back, then straddle him, forcing your pussy onto his face. He diligently sucks and fucks your pussy with his mouth, not missing a beat. Then you lean down, turning your attention back to his cock, and take it all in repeatedly. You're fucking him with your mouth and throat, drooling all over him as you slide his penis into you again and again. He hasn't stopped treating your vagina like a queen the entire time. But now, you feel his hand reaching up, finding your hair, grabbing it, gently bobbing your head in rhythm with your own thrusts. Then, you feel him encourage you to hold it, and he pushes you down all the way. His balls nudge against your nose as he holds you there, his cock lodge deep into your throat. You cough, eyes wide, but he releases you almost immediately. You feel something raw inside of you, and at this point, all you want is for him to bend you over and fuck you until you scream his name in desperate surrender. You pop his cock out of your mouth, drenching his crotch in drool. Then you say to him, almost in a trance... [['"Please... Fuck me..."'|fuck scene]]

<img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0068.png">Piru obliges, stopping what he's doing, and stands up on his knees in his king-sized bed. And you, willingly, submissively, push yourself up on all fours, ass up in the air, face down into the bed. He doesn't waste time as he positions himself behind you, grabbing your waist in his hands, pulling you into a better position. You can feel his cock brush against your thigh as he seeks your wetness. Desperately, you open your legs wider and reach behind you, finding his cock. Then you guide him to your entrance. Finding it, you push the tip of his throbbing penis inside of you and then lean down, face against the bed sheets, letting him do the rest. With a grunt from him and a yelp from you, he slides into you. Your pussy is ready for him, embracing him, hugging his cock tightly as it enters. You grind your teeth at first, but then you succumb to the feeling, the overwhelming sensation that you belong here, in this position, bent over like this with Piru's cock inside of you just like that... He slides in, then out, and in again softly. No doubt he's enjoying himself, seeing you like this, desperately spreading your legs for him as he takes you from behind. Then, just when you're about to tell him to stop teasing and properly fuck you, he does just that. He grabs your waist, pinning you against him, as he thrusts himself into you faster. The bed creeks below you as he pushes you down into the sheets, pounding you. Time has no meaning anymore, and you have no other purpose than to be here be Piru's fuck-toy. Your breath is hard, and your heart is beating faster than it ever has in your chest. Then, he brings you to a soaring climax out of nowhere. <span class="taru">"Fu-uuuckh!"</span> Your gasp is loud, your back arching as you orgasm. It's unlike anything you've experienced before, raw and potent, engulfing your every sense. Wave after wave courses through you, numbing you to all else as your body trembles from Piru's attention... [[The feeling is overwhelming. You pass out with a smile on your lips.]]

<img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0050.png">You shudder when the leather touches your neck, but you comply with Piru's request. This is what you wanted, right? And what he wants... You wrap the collar all the way around your neck, sliding the leather through its buckle, then close it with a click. Then you sit, completely naked in Piru's bed, a collar around your neck, watching your master for the evening expectantly. <span class="piru">"Good girl. It feels great, doesn't it? Giving yourself to someone else...?"</span> he teases. Then he takes a step forward, joining you in the bed. And you're unable to move, your breath catching in your throat as you watch him circle you. You feel his touch as he caresses your arms, your shoulders, your neck... He teasingly gives the collar a small pull towards him, choking you momentarily as he pulls you backward. Then he releases his grip and gestures towards the handcuffs in front of you. <span class="piru">"Now, your hands... Right here..."</span> he instructs, pinning your arms behind your back with his hands, then a moment later releases your arms. The steel handcuffs reflect the dancing lights in the room. Once again, you find yourself unable to say no to the demands of the archdemon... [[Grab the handcuffs]]

<img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0051.png">Piru's hand brushes against your back when you lean forward, grabbing the handcuffs. Then, when you return to a kneeling position in the bed, Piru playfully massages your hair with one hand, his other playfully touching the collar on your neck. You can feel his erection touching your waist, brushing against you. Then, with the cool steel handcuffs in hand, you willingly put both hands behind your back. Your right hand lightly touches Piru's penis by accident as you do so, and for a moment you forget what you were doing. <span class="piru">"Your hands..."</span> the demon reminds you from his position behind you, whispering seductively into your ear. [[With shaking hands, you lock the handcuffs...]]

<img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0052.png">The anticipation is building, tangible in the air between you and the demon. You want to do this. You need to do this. With trembling hands behind your back, and the demon breathing playing with the collar on your neck, you do the unthinkable. You place the handcuff on your left wrist, open it, and then with a final submissive gesture lock it with a clicking sound on your arm. Then, without hesitating, you do the same for your right wrist. When the cool metal embraces your arm, you close your eyes, the click impossibly loud as you lock it in place. Now both of your hands are tied together behind your back. Instinctively, you test your bindings, tugging at the steel. They're strong, as you expected, giving you no escape from a binding of your own making. <span class="piru">"A splendid performance indeed, Taru."</span> Piru muses, his hands tracing your naked body, caressing it. When he cups your breasts, pinching your nipples, you yelp with surprise but quickly compose yourself as he moves on. <span class="piru">"You will do as I say, little submissive slut, is that understood?"</span> he comments, his voice commanding you to compel. You nod, completely his, unable to refuse him. Something about his presence, his voice, his realm... It's impossible to resist... <span class="piru">"Say it."</span> he demands, mocking you. Your throat is dry and it takes you a moment to finally say what he wants to hear. What you want to say... [["I'm your little submissive slut. And I will do as you say..."]]

<img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0053.png">When the words leave your mouth, you know it to be true. This is what you've wanted, isn't it? To be someone else's, to not have to think, to simply please them... Piru circles you again, coming to stand on his knees in front of you, his massive demonic penis pointing at you. <span class="piru">"Good. You learn fast, Taru. But words without action are meaningless. Show me."</span> he demands, his eyes on you. The intentions of his words are crystal clear to you when he reaches for your collar, and nudges you forward and down just an inch, bringing your mouth just a tiny bit closer towards his throbbing cock... [[Take him into your mouth.|bdsm mouth]]

<img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0054.png">You're unsure just when you suddenly become desperate for his cock, but your mouth waters at the sighs of it so close to your lips. When you reach down, hands behind your back, Piru helpfully keeps your balance by gently grabbing you by your collar. Slightly choking, gasping for air, you open your mouth, letting him thrust his erect cock straight into your willing and wet mouth. It's warm and rock hard, filling your entire mouth with its width. And it tastes better than any cock has a right to taste... Addictively so. You fully embrace him, playing with his cock with your tongue, sliding it back and forth into your mouth. You're leaning forward, hands tied behind your back, choking on the collar and Piru's dick in your mouth. He lets you work his cock at your own pace, merely encouraging you by sometimes thrusting into you, making you gag on his entire length. With his cock in your mouth, you lose your sense of self. You're merely flesh, here to please him, to be pleased by him. This is your purpose now. And you accept it, embrace it. Your full attention is on his cock, and you take it all in repeatedly. You're fucking him with your mouth and throat, drooling all over his bed as you slide his penis into you again and again. You can feel his hand reaching up, finding your hair, grabbing it, gently bobbing your head in rhythm with your own thrusts. Then, you feel him encourage you to hold it, and he pushes you down all the way. His balls nudge against your chin as he holds you there, his cock lodge deep into your throat. You cough, eyes wide, but he doesn't let go. <span class="piru">"Your throat was made for this, Taru..."</span> he muses, finally letting go just as your lungs start to burn for air. His cock slides out of your mouth with a wet pop, spilling drool everywhere. <span class="piru">"Time for your reward..."</span> Piru declares. With a snap of his fingers, the handcuffs and collar slip away, floating back into the wall of devices. But your freedom doesn't last long... [[Piru flicks his wrist, lifting you into the air with his magic!]]

<img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0055.png">With the flick of his wrist, he lifts you up with unknown infernal magic. As you hover there, helplessly in the air before Piru, some of the devices on the wall slither and writhe free, crawling over the obsidian floor towards you. The inanimate objects, alive as if they're snakes, reach the bed and reach up at your floating and naked body, attaching themselves to your ankles, your wrists, and your neck. Just like being back in the prison cell again, but this time with the promise of something much more... A ball gag crawls over your skin on its own, reaching your face, forcibly pushing itself inside your mouth. Your moment of protesting, if you had second thoughts, is over, as the leather wraps itself around your head. Muffled, gagging, you simply stare at the chains now binding you. The animated chains force your hands behind your back, locking your wrists together tight before wrapping themselves around your waist in a firm unbreakable lock. Your neck is pulled back by chains around your throat, keeping your spine arched backward as you choke on the tight chains. The chains around your ankles and thighs force your legs apart, revealing your full nakedness to Piru who is now lying on his back on the bed below you, looking up at your naked, hovering and bound form. Then you're turned around and descend, croaking for air, gasping, the feeling of helplessness washing over you. You're just above Piru, legs wide open, hovering in an awkward half-sitting kind of position, with your back arched backward. Your restraints keep you pinned, unable to move an inch, the magic in the inanimate objects actively fighting against your weak attempts. And they're keeping you pinned like this, staring up at the floating chandeliers above you. Muffled and choking, there's not a thing you can do to protest as you descend further... <span class="piru">"I can feel your weak mortal heart beating, exhilarated. Is it anticipation, or fear?"</span> Piru says, the tip of his cock brushing against your wide-open wetness as you continue descending. And there you stay, the tip of his massive demonic cock barely touching you, teasing you. <span class="piru">"Nod, and I take you. Shake your head, and we'll stop."</span> he says. You're trembling and shaking, immobile not only by the chains but by your very desires. You want this. Badly... But it's almost overwhelming your senses, making you question whether these thoughts are yours or a result of you simply being here, in this realm... [[Nod for him to continue.]] [[Shake your head - you've had enough.]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/CULT_CORRIDOR.png">Slowly, you enter back into the corridor. Then, carefully glancing around, you proceed to cautiously sneak to the other side. An eerie silence fills the halls as you silently pass the dead cultist and your cell, all the way to the other side. The corner is clear, empty from cultists. Good. That means no one heard your escape, and you have a much better chance of getting out of here alive. Piru is silent, clearly happy with the direction you've taken. A banging sound startles you, causing you to draw your infernal bone dagger. Another bang. Soft. Nearby. You realize it must be coming from the nearby cell, its door locked. <span class="piru">"Were I in your boots, sweet Taru, I'd be inclined to stroll past that cell without so much as a second glance."</span> Piru's whispering voice echoes in your head. He's right, of course. You need to take care of yourself. Still, shouldn't you help out a fellow prisoner in need? They might even help you escape. [[Ignore Piru's advice - open the cell.]] [[Listen to Piru - keep on walking.]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/CULT_CORRIDOR.png">Piru promised he'd guide you out of here, and right now he is guiding you to ignore this cell. You choose to respect his wishes, and leave the cell door unopened. You pass a corner, revealing yet another corridor. A dimly lit, damp, and narrow passage opens up into a sparsely lit exhibition hall of some sort. It has an expensive-looking red carpet, at least a hundred feet long, filling the hall from one end to the other. Dozens of fine paintings hang from the walls, their motifs abstract, swirling and dark. Some of them seem to beckon you to touch them, promising oblivion in the nightmares they depict. Statues of sea creatures are spread out evenly throughout the corridor, great octopuses, even a massive whale. It stands out as beautifully carved, a calm creature here in the dark corridor, oddly soothing. For just a moment, you find yourself staring up at the large whale statue, almost hearing its sorrowful song echoing around you. [[A shout startles you!|you are spotted]]

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/CULT_CORRIDOR.png">For all you know, it could be Kerr, trapped here just like you. No, you need to investigate this. Ignoring Piru's advice, you sneak over and slot the cultist guard's key into the lock. A rusty metallic click later, the door opens, revealing a cell identical to yours. It's dark, without a single window. When you peek inside, you notice an old man standing in the corner, wearing expensive-looking clothes. He has his back turned to you, seemingly unaware of your presence. The source of the banging sound becomes clear when he suddenly smashes his head against the stone wall, hard enough to split skin and draw blood with a sickening crunch. <span class="taru">"What the hell..."</span> you gasp, not believing your eyes. <span class="piru">"Nothing here for you..."</span> Piru's voice in your head reminds you. The old man doesn't turn around, even as blood begins to drip onto his shoulders and sleeves, ruining his fine gold-embroidered clothes. In stunned silence, you take a step out of the room when the old man once again smashes his head into the wall, painting the stones red with his blood. [[Just then, a shout startles you!|you are spotted]]

<<silently>> <<set $ch0_piru_accept_taste to true>> <<set $taru_concubine_level to 0>> <<set $passageAfterScene to "Return To Negotiations">> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0016.png"><span class="taru">"I would... I would like a taste. I surrender myself to you..."</span> you whisper, somehow out of breath. The delighted smile on Piru's lips does not match the hint of malice in his eyes. He snaps his finger, in an instant removing all the chains keeping you bound. When the chains loosen, you collape on the floor. But before you have time to think, he grabs you, throwing you into his portal head first! It feels like the flesh on your skin is burnt away as a blinding light consumes you... <<piruSceneTransition >>

This is the end of your story... <<link "The wheels of fate are cruel, but you will prevail... (Retry Combat)" $currentCombatPassageLink>><</link>> <<link "Skip Combat" $passageAfterCombatTarget>><</link>>

<<silently>> <</silently>><img class="center" src="img/ch1/1-0008.png">The cultist evades your dagger with ease, then slams you head-first into the stone wall of the narrow corridor. You're lying on the ground, dizzy and disoriented and barely register how he kicks your knife-hand, causing Piru's infernal dagger to spin out of reach... With a grunt of pain, you try to crawl toward it, but the cultist guard prevents your futile efforts with a firm hand in your hair. More cultists enter the corridor. They grab you and force a blindfold on you. Whatever you thought would happen when you refused the demon's deal, this wasn't it. You're dragged screaming a long way, the blindfold preventing you from seeing a thing. Your knees scrape painfully against the cold stone floor. Then you hear chanting. A thick smell of burning incense assaults your nose. The chanting fills you from all sides, echoing in the chamber. You realize this is the ritual room they took you to earlier. The one where they supposedly bound your soul to The Fathomless Hunger... Your thoughts are interrupted by strong hands lifting you up, turning you onto your back and pressing you down onto the stone altar. Your screaming, thrashing, cursing, kicking and spitting are ignored as you're stretched out onto the cold stone, spreadeagled, hands and feet tied to each corner of the altar. Still with your blindfold on, you cannot see what is going on, but the chanting comes to a crescendo. A gloved hand silences your screaming, pressing down hard on your mouth. Panic and dread fill your thoughts and heart. No, it can't end like this! A gloved hand touches your chest, drags something wet and rough over your skin, up, down, to the side, right where your heart is! The man narrates what he's doing, but you're not listening. Something about a pentagram, binding is completed and the ritual can proceed. You're crying and screaming into the hand muffling you. The chanting comes to a sudden stop. The room becomes deadly silent. All you can hear is the sound of your quick breath through your nose, and the rapid beating of your frightened heart. The moment drags on forever, or so it seems. Then pain. Out of nowhere. In your chest. It's unlike anything you've felt in your life, penetrating your very being. Consciousness clings to you for but the blink of an eye, but in that short time, you can see your life flashing before you, the mocking laugh of Piru as he scolds you for refusing his offer. Then you're floating. No, it's your soul, you realize, free from your body. Suddenly able to see, you get a glimpse of your shackled body, a bloody knife jutting out of your chest. Blood is flowing in impossible quantities over your naked chest, down onto the stone altar, down further still onto the floor. Then you feel it. A malicious presence. And an impatient tug. Your soul, the very essence that is you, no longer floats freely. The binding takes hold of you, and you're pulled down violently, a chill gripping the fragments that are left of you. In an instant, you surge through the floor, the entire house, the very earth, until only darkness remains. Into the abyss, far below. The cry of a thousand souls greets you and you feel a gnawing at your being. Something is consuming you, eating your soul, slowly, sucking on the juicy bits with careful thought. And in panic, you realize it has an eternity to complete its task, and it enjoys every second of it. Your soul screams in agony as it joins the cacophony of a thousand other crying souls... <h4>Ending 1: Sacrificed.</h4> This is the end of your story... <<link "The wheels of fate are cruel, but you will prevail... (Retry Combat)" $currentCombatPassageLink>><</link>> <<link "Skip Combat" $passageAfterCombatTarget>><</link>>

Thank you for playing the demo version of Taru's Infernal Pledge! <video style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 100%;" autoplay> <source src="trailer.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> Get the full game on Itch: https://flimsylegs.itch.io/tarus-infernal-pledge Or Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3916080/Tarus_Infernal_Pledge/