Cicero Delvar

NARRATOR: //You've been tasked with escorting Cicero Delvar, a high-value Vertruvian prisoner, to the village of Foxboro for interrogation and eventual ransom. You've spent your shared walk in mutual silence - save for the occasional rattle of the heavy manacles binding Cicero's wrists. Midway to your destination, Cicero stops suddenly and turns to you, their golden eyes gleaming.// CICERO: You must be an exceptional soldier to be trusted with escorting a high-value prisoner like myself all by your lonesome. Either that, or the Selveteen commander is very stupid. So which is it? 0. [[There's no reason it can't be both.->Calls you clever]] 0. [[Exceptional doesn't mean much in the Selveteen army.->More upright]] 0. [[If she's stupid, what does that make her prisoner?->Cicero Demurs]] 0. [[Insult the commander again and I'll break your fingers.->Threaten Cicero]] 0. [[You first. What makes you so "high-value," anyway?->Cicero Demurs]] 0. [[Sorry, I know this is unpleasant, but please keep walking. Let's just get through this.->I'd love to, only...]] (set: $hydrated to "false") (set: $loosened to "false") (set: $fractured to "false") (set: $threatened to "false")

NARRATOR: //Cicero holds up their hands, showing you the heavy manacles binding them.// CICERO: The charming brute that clapped me in these irons misjudged the size of my wrists rather badly. An honest oversight, I'm sure. Is there any hope of you being kind enough to loosen them? 0. [[I don't think they were made to be comfortable.->Losing circulation]] 0. [[//Loosen their cuffs.//->Loosen the cuffs.]] 0. [[//Tighten their cuffs.//->Tighten cuffs]] 0. [[No point in that, as you're headed to an interrogation.->You have no idea]] 0. [[Maybe they'd fit better if your wrists were broken.->Threaten Cicero]]

NARRATOR: //They wiggle their fingers pathetically, like worms on a hook.// CICERO: But I'm already losing circulation! Look, my pretty little fingers are beginning to turn blue! Are you really going to make me go through a Seleveteen interrogation with numb digits? 0. [[//Loosen their cuffs.//->Loosen the cuffs.]] 0. [[//Tighten their cuffs.//->Tighten cuffs]] 0. [[MEDICINE: Keep flexing your fingers. The blood flow will return soon.->Medicine Check Tip]] 0. [[Maybe they'd fit better if your wrists were broken.->Threaten Cicero]] 0. [[Sounds like the clock's ticking. Let's be on our way, then.->Start walking]]

NARRATOR: //A carefully-crafted mask falls away from their face, revealing open contempt.// CICERO: Is tormenting unarmed prisoners how you puff yourself up? You must be the pride of whatever open sewer you crawled out of. Do you feel homesick when you walk past the latrine? (set: $threatened to "true")<ol>{ <li>[[Shut up and keep walking.->On to Foxboro]]</li> <li>[[//Hit them.//->Attack!]]</li> <li>[[You won't get a rise out of me.->I already did]]</li> (if: $fractured is "false")[<li>[[I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me.->I'm sorry]]</li>] (if: $fractured is "true")[<li>[[I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me.->They Shudder]]</li>] } </ol>

NARRATOR: //The remainder of your journey to Foxboro passes in awkward silence. Cicero doesn't look at you again until you reach the gates of the village, where the interrogator waits to lead them away. They cast a glance back over their shoulder as they disappear into a small hut with no windows.// (if: ($hydrated is "true") and ($fractured is "false"))[ CICERO: Thanks again for the drink. I'd say next one's on me, but I sincerely doubt we'll meet again.] (if: ($hydrated is "false") and ($fractured is "false")) [CICERO: Do us both a favor and stay out of Vertruiva.] [[//Leave.//->Start over?]]

CICERO: It's a shame we didn't encounter each other in more amicable environs. If our eyes had met over a punchbowl in Vertruvia, I'm sure we'd be fast friends. And I treat my friends very well. 0. [[I'm fresh out of punch, but I might share some water.->Cicero Considers Drinking]] 0. [[You're awfully calm for someone on their way to an interrogation.->You'll be interrogated]] 0. [[I don't drink with the enemy.->Just because we're enemies]] 0. [[Especially the ones that help you escape?->Cut to the chase]] 0. [[Enough talk, prisoner. Keep walking.->Start walking]]

NARRATOR: //Something flashes behind their eyes. A gold coin dropped into a deep pool, catching the sun as it sinks. Enterprise and cunning.// CICERO: Just because we're enemies doesn't mean we can't be friends. And a touch of kindness goes a long way, especially on the battlefield. Speaking of... [[Continue.->Loosen Cuffs Please]]

NARRATOR: //You give the sizing mechanism a slight adjustment. Cicero's face blossoms with relief. It seems the cuffs were hurting them more than they'd let on.// CICERO: Much better. Thank you, truly. Another moment in those and I would've needed to have all my gloves taken in. (set: $loosened to "true") [[Continue.->The Pitch]]

CICERO: Oh, you're clever! Do you know how rare a quality that is in soldiers? Not just you Selveteens, either. Most Vertruvian enlisted are just as dull. You, though - you're like me. I bet you know all sorts of clever things. 0. [[Tough as nails and twice as sharp, that's me!->Not just clever, but fun!]] 0. [[Nothing I'd reveal to the enemy.->Just because we're enemies]] 0. [[Maybe. What's it worth to you?->Cut to the chase]] 0. [[I know we won't reach Foxboro by talking. Keep moving.->I'd love to, only...]] 0. [[You're awfully glib for someone on their way to an interrogation.->You'll be interrogated]]

CICERO: What a penetrating question! You're clever, aren't you? You may be a more entertaining traveling companion than I was dreading. Selveteen soldiers are usually so stoic. 0. [[ENTERTAINER: You should see me juggle.->Not just clever, but fun!]] 0. [[I try to be good company, even to Vertruvians.->Just because we're enemies]] 0. [[I'm not your companion. You're an enemy prisoner.->Just because we're enemies]] 0. [[Keep running your mouth and I'll break your jaw.->Threaten Cicero]] 0. [[Speaking of walking, let's resume our journey. Foxboro awaits.->I'd love to, only...]] 0. [[Penetrating? Seems to me like you dodged the question entirely.->If I gave up my secrets]]

CICERO: Oh, I'd love to, truly. I always relish a leisurely stroll with a dutiful escort. It's just... [[Continue.->Loosen Cuffs Please]]

NARRATOR: //They seem surprised at the unprompted offer.// CICERO: Really? I //am// rather thirsty. It would be an uncommon kindness, but a very welcome one, given the day I'm having. 0. [[//Offer them your waterskin.//->They Drink]] 0. [[Nope. Just changed my mind.->Petty Cruelties]]

NARRATOR: //They laugh bitterly.// CICERO: Oh yes, humiliating capture on the battlefield behind, brutal interrogation ahead. But I don't worry about things before they happen. Plenty of time for that while they're happening. 0. [[It won't be that bad. They need you in one piece to ransom afterwards.->It will be bad]] 0. [[Standard treatment for a enemy prisoner. What did you expect?->You have no idea]] 0. [[I don't have time for this. We're going to Foxboro. Now.->Start walking]] 0. [[What if you were to... escape, somehow?->Cut to the chase]]

NARRATOR: //They take a step closer, manacles raised in supplication.// CICERO: Get these beastly things off of me, and my considerable influence is at your disposal once we arrive in Vertruvia. If you want it. 0. [[//Unlock their cuffs.//->Unlock Cuffs]] 0. [[CHARLATAN: Turncloaks aren't toasted. They're used and discarded.->I don't trust]] 0. [[//Tighten their cuffs.//->Tighten cuffs]] 0. [[I've indulged this treason for too long. I'm taking you to Foxboro, as ordered.->Sad]]

CICERO: You think that's funny? You have no idea what's in store for me in Foxboro. I won't be the same when I walk out of that interrogation. //If// I can still walk. 0. [[I'm sorry. Vertruvian or Selveteen, nobody should be put through that.->I'm sorry]] 0. [[There could be worse in store for you right here.->Threaten Cicero]] 0. [[That's your problem. My problem is getting you there.->Sad]] 0. [[What if you were to... escape, somehow?->Release me?]]

CICERO: I was growing tired of your company anyway. Say what you want about interrogators, at least they aren't //boring//. [[//Leave.//->ENDING: Neutral Escort]]

NARRATOR: //They grab your waterskin and drink from it eagerly.// CICERO: Gods, but that satisfies. Oh, I knew you were sweet! I could smell it on you. [[Continue.->Just because we're enemies]] (set: $hydrated to "true")

NARRATOR://They smirk bitterly.// CICERO: I already did. Not that there's much satisfaction in making a mad dog bark. [[Continue.->On to Foxboro]]

NARRATOR: //You knock Cicero out rather easily. It would seem their capture had weakened them more than they'd let on. The rest of the journey is made arduously long by the burden of carrying them. You eventually reach Foxboro, where you pass your unconscious prisoner off to the interrogator. They're in for an unpleasant awakening.// [[//Leave.//->Start over?]]

NARRATOR: //They study you carefully, like a canny merchant rubbing a bolt of silk between their fingers before purchase.// CICERO: I can see that. You're much more... upright than the common Selveteen rabble. [[Continue.->Punchbowl]]

CICERO: Not only clever, but talented! I must send a thank-you note to your commander for choosing such a charming escort. [[Continue.->Punchbowl]]

CICERO: Look at you, cutting to the chase. I thought we'd be working up to that all afternoon. It's no secret that this is my best chance to escape, and I could make your life in Verturvia //very// comfortable. [[Continue.->The Pitch]]

CICERO: Fine, I'm sick of watching you work yourself up to it! Fight me, worm! //COMBAT ENCOUNTER: Trivial difficulty(if: $fractured is "true")[. Cicero's broken wrists give them disadvantage on attack rolls]. They attempt to escape, but their movement speed is quite low.// 0. [[//Knock them out.//->ENDING: Carry Them]] 0. [[//Kill them.//->ENDING: Kill Them]]

NARRATOR: //You unlock their manacles with the complex iron key entrusted to you by your commander. Cicero casts off the restraints and rubs their wrists in relief, looking at you expectantly.// CICERO: Well, shall we? We have a few hours head start before anyone comes looking for me - and you. We'd best make the most of it. 0. [[Take the lead, since you know the way. I'll watch your back.->ENDING: Traitor]] 0. [[You go on ahead. I still have things to do here.->ENDING: Lonely Traitor]] 0. [[Go home. I'm not deserting, but I didn't enlist to deliver prisoners for torture.->ENDING: Freedom]] 0. [[I just wanted your hands free so this would be a fair fight.->Attack!]]

CICERO: That's the spirit. Your former comrades will be hunting us both before nightfall, so we're getting off the road immediately. It'll be a long, rough journey, but I'll make it up to you with interest when we reach Vertruvia. Think of that, and never mind the mud. NARRATOR: //Cicero hurries into the woods, glancing over their shoulder with a sly smile to make sure you're following.// [[Leave.->Start over?]]

//NARRATOR: You give the manacles a sharp twist and hear the familiar sound of bone fracturing. Cicero's eyes go wide, but they stop just short of crying out.// (set: $fractured to "true") (if: $threatened is "false")[[[Continue.->Threaten Cicero]]] (if: $threatened is "true")[[[Continue.->More Fool Me]]]

CICERO: Very droll. You Selveteen soldiers do enjoy your petty cruelties. One of your brothers-in-arms beat you to it, though. Which reminds me - I'm probably a fool to ask this, but, well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. [[Continue.->Loosen Cuffs Please]]

//Insight check successful!// NARRATOR: //Their offer makes sense. You have your commander's trust, so you'd be a valuable source of military intelligence if you defected. You'd be treated quite well, especially if you arrived with a newly-freed Vertruvian VIP.// [[Continue.->Release me?]]

NARRATOR: //They open their mouth to protest, but your stern expression makes it clear the time for protest has passed.// CICERO: I suppose your commander trusted the right soldier with my escort after all. (if: $hydrated is "true")[Well, I'll be brutalized, but at least I won't be thirsty.] [[//Leave.//->ENDING: Neutral Escort]]

CICERO: You are utterly wasted on the Selveteen army. Have you ever considered a change of employer? With me as your ally in Vertruvia, you'd live like... well, not a king. We already have one of those. But a lesser duke, at minimum. 0. [[You paint a lovely picture. Would it really be that simple?->Release me?]] 0. [[And skip your interrogation? But you're the guest of honor!->You have no idea]] 0. [[INSIGHT: //Do they mean it?//->INSIGHT: It seems sincere]] 0. [[I've been kind to you. Please return the favor and come along quietly.->Sad]]

NARRATOR: //They rattle their manacles half-heartedly, reminding you of your relative positions as captor and captive.// CICERO: Sorry enough to unlock these and let me go? That would go a long way towards making it up to me. 0. [[I said I was sorry, not stupid. I still have a duty to fulfill.->On to Foxboro]] 0. [[Supposing I was sorry enough. What happens to me after I free you?->Release me?]] 0. [[//Unlock their cuffs.//->Unlock Cuffs]] 0. [[//Tighten their cuffs.//->Tighten cuffs]]

CICERO: Onward to Foxboro! Interrogation will be a welcome relief from your repulsive company. 0. [[And right as I was starting to like you!->They Shudder]] 0. [[Time to wipe that smirk off your face. With my fist.->Attack!]] 0. [[//Leave.//->ENDING: Hostile Escort]]

CICERO: Credit where it's due, you are uniquely horrifying. But I'm done feeding your sadism. NARRATOR: //They resume walking down the road, head held high, sparing you not a glance.// [[//Leave.//->ENDING: Hostile Escort]]

CICERO: Not when they're //my// friends, they aren't. Believe me, I will see you handsomely rewarded in Vertruvia. 0. [[This has gone on long enough. I'm taking you to Foxboro, as ordered.->Sad]] 0. [[//Unlock their cuffs.//->Unlock Cuffs]] 0. [[//Tighten their cuffs.//->Tighten cuffs]]

CICERO: If you say so! Personally, I don't like to linger anywhere I've done things that will get me beaten. Or court-martialed. Speaking of, I'm off. Come find me in Vertruvia when you're finished here. I don't like leaving debts unpaid.(if: $hydrated is "true")[ On top of everything, I owe you for the drink.] NARRATOR: //They sprint into the woods without a backward glance. You lose sight of them almost immediately.// [[Leave.->Start over?]]

NARRATOR: //(if: $fractured is "true")[You finish the job you began with their wrists. ] There's something unsatisfying in the ease of killing Cicero, like hunting a newborn deer still unsteady on wobbly legs. The interrogator will get no secrets from them now, and there's little hope of ransoming their corpse.// [[//Leave.//->Start over?]]

CICERO: It will be very bad, darling. Take it from someone who knows. But if your conscience is struggling to convince you otherwise, well. I know how you might unburden it. [[Continue.->Loosen Cuffs Please]]

[[Start over?->Beginning]] (set: $hydrated to "false") (set: $loosened to "false") (set: $fractured to "false") (set: $threatened to "false")

NARRATOR: //You pass the rest of the walk to Foxboro in tense silence(if: $fractured is "true")[, Cicero cradling their broken wrists]. You are met at the village gates by the interrogator, who leads your prisoner somewhere secluded to do something unpleasant in the name of strategic advantage. Cicero calls out to you just before turning a corner out of sight.// CICERO: I will survive this, you beast. And when I am home again, in my place of power, I will reach these hands across the world and wrap them around your throat. [[//Leave.//->Start over?]]

//Medicine check successful!// CICERO: Oh, thank you ever so much for the tip. That will make the interrogation much more bearable. I'm practically looking forward to it now! Do you think they'll let me stay overnight? 0. [[Sorry. I was only trying to help.->I'm sorry]] 0. [[I thought I'd show you some kindness. Lesson learned.->Start walking]] 0. [[Stow the attitude if you want all your fingers to make it to Foxboro with you.->Threaten Cicero]]

CICERO: I truly can't believe I fell for that. This is why I never give second chances. Is that it? Are you all done torturing me? 0. [[Yep. Let's get you to the interrogator so he can take his turn.->On to Foxboro]] 0. [[No, I'm just warming up!->Attack!]] 0. [[Serves you right for trying to manipulate me.->The captive owes]] 0. [[Hold on, they're still a little loose. I can tighten them more for you.->They Shudder]]

CICERO: Oh! I see. Well, if you change your mind, come look me up in Vertruvia. I don't like leaving my debts unpaid.(if: $hydrated is "true")[ On top of everything, I owe you for the drink.] NARRATOR: //They sprint off into the woods. Before you lose sight of them, they cast a last look back over their shoulder. Confusion? Relief? Admiration? Before you can decide, they disappear into the shadows.// [[Leave.->Start over?]]

CICERO: If I were the type to give up my secrets, your commander wouldn't be bothering with the interrogation. And Vertruvia wouldn't bother paying the ransom for what's left of me once that interrogation fails. 0. [[That's a shame. I was hoping to get to know you better.->Punchbowl]] 0. [[I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do to make this easier for you?->Loosen Cuffs Please]] 0. [[You think you can hold out? Good luck with that.->You have no idea]] 0. [[Mangling Vertruvians is its own reward. If you talk, that's a bonus.->Threaten Cicero]]

CICERO: The captive owes their captor nothing, least of all their honesty. We are enemies, as you have delighted in reminding me. [[Continue.->On to Foxboro]]