Cryptid Hunter

{(set: $Lake to false) (set: $Cave to false) (set: $Forest to false) (set: $Barn to false) (set: $Bridge to false) (set: $Well to false) (set: $CaveCapture to false) (set: $LakeCapture to false) (set: $ForestCapture to false) (set: $BarnCapture to false) (set: $BridgeCapture to false) (set: $WellCapture to false) (set: $Notes to "")(set: $numLeft = 3)(set: $numWrong = 0)(set: $legForest to false)(set: $legBarn to false)(set: $legBridge to false)(set: $legWell to false)(set: $legLake to false)(set: $legCave to false)(set: $Guidebook to (random: 1,20))(set: $has_shuffled to false)(set: $sentences to (array:))} You've always believed in mysteries. While your fellow scientists rolled their eyes at myths and ghost stories, you couldn't shake the feeling that there was some truth to them—that they deserved to be investigated. One day, you would open your own lab, hire a team, and find answers to the questions no one bothers asking. But professional researchers aren't supposed to entertain fantasy. Besides, you would need money for that. Your dream had almost died, until, out of the blue, you received a [[package|letter]].

(input-box:2bind $Notes,"X",5) [[Return|cavehub]] (enchant:?page,(text-colour:white)+(bg:black))

Glancing around, you notice holes lining the walls, ceiling and floor, all approximately the same size. Too large for a worm, too small for a groundhog. You bend down to examine one closer. The tunnels have been carved in stone and dirt alike—whatever created them must be well-adapted to different environments. They all have jagged edges, as if the earth had been chiseled through with teeth or claws. In a patch of clay, you can make out the imprints of [[hundreds of tiny legs]].

You follow the trail of prints, which seems almost endless. It disappears into a hole, then reemerges from an adjacent one. The tunnel system must be [[interconnected]].

Something scuttles above you. You whirl around, and your light catches a tube-shaped body slinking its way around a corner. You can’t see the creature’s head or tail, only a portion of its midsection as it travels from one tunnel to another. For almost a minute, you watch as its centipede-like legs scurry across the wall. //"Is it…[[infinite]]"//?

You scan the cave walls, and notice more chunks of the creature’s midsection poking out of its tunnel system. The centipede engulfs the cavern in thousands–maybe millions—of legs chained together in a never-ending loop. [[Throw bait]] [[Observe|observe cave]]

You grab a dead rat from your supplies and toss it into the center of the room. You don’t know what it eats, but can only imagine its infinite body would take…well, an infinite amount of calories to sustain itself. Almost instantly, a [[head emerges]] from one of the tunnels.

You squeeze yourself back through the narrow entrance and climb your way out of the cave. The sunlight’s warmth is a welcome change from the cave’s dank air. You pull out your [[map]].

The creature has no eyes—it has no need for them in the pure darkness. A set of long antennae sweep across the cave floor in front of it, feeling their way toward the food. But instead of going straight for the bait, it pivots to make a wide circle around it. It snakes its way across the floor, gradually closing in, then sinks its pinchers into its meal. [[Now's your chance|cavehub]].

As you observe the chain of legs for a longer time, you notice a sudden switch. The creature changes directions and begins moving backwards through the tunnel. //"Maybe to avoid getting stuck in dead-ends?"// You can only speculate. [[Throw bait]]

If the worm is in fact infinite, there would obviously be no way to capture it in its entirety. You unsheath your [[hunting knife]]. {(set: $CaveCapture to true)(set: $numLeft to it - 1)(if: $Guidebook is 6 or 17 or 12 or 9 or 11 or 3 or 4 or 2 or 10 or 13)[(set: $numWrong to it + 1)]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(transition: "fade") + (transition-time: 0.5s) [ <img src="images/cave.png" width = "600px" height = "444px"> ]] (transition-delay: 1s)[The camera flash doesn’t disturb the creature at all.] (set: $cavePhoto to true) [[Return|cavehub]]

The inside is shadowed, but you can see daylight through it, no more than 40 feet away. It wouldn’t take more than two minutes to cross, but you shouldn't risk it. Instead you pull out an expandable contraption from your backpack, and set up the largest cage you have in the middle of the gravel path. Then, you wade through the stream and skirt around to the [[other side]] of the bridge.

You can see the figure’s shadow pressed up against the wall. In theory the suit should protect you, but it can definitely sense your presence. You'd better [[act now]].

In the small amount of light streaming through the wooden slats, you can make out the size of the creature. It has broad statue-esque shoulders and long wispy hair. Its front hooves seem heavy and powerful, anchored to the ground like iron pillars. You can't make out any facial features. [[Return|act now]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(transition: "fade") + (transition-time: 0.5s) [ <img src="images/bridge.png" width = "600px" height = "444px"> ]] (transition-delay: 1s)[You don't use flash due to the natural light, but the clicking sound of the camera seems to disturb the creature. It rears up on its hind legs and lets out a shrill whine. Then, towering at least ten feet tall, it begins to charge towards you.] [[Leave|leave bridge]] [[Capture|capture bridge]]

You run back the way you came, hearing the sound of it's two hooves following close behind you. As soon as you reach the light, you whirl around. There’s nothing following you. The bridge is empty. You take out your [[map]].

You take off running across the bridge, toward the cage you set up on the other side. Thunderous hooves pound against the floor as the monster pursues close behind you. It balances its weight on two crooked legs, its run uncoordinated but fast. Just as you reach the light, the horse lunges toward you and crashes into the cage. As it tumbles over, you lock the [[metal door]]. {(set: $BridgeCapture to true)(set: $numLeft to it - 1)(if: $Guidebook is 17 or 12 or 16 or 3 or 1 or 5 or 10 or 18 or 14 or 7)[(set: $numWrong to it + 1)]}

The beast’s muscles thrash as it tries to escape, but you quickly inject it with a tranquilizer in its thigh. After a few moments, it stops struggling letting out one final whinny. Observing close-up, you see the beast’s leathery skin covered in splinters from the decaying wood. You notice a tattered saddle still chained to its back. You take out your [[map]].

The chef nods. “Impressive, that’s everything on the list. Honestly I thought you’d end up like the other guys before you. Just hand in the guide and you’ll receive your payment.” He holds up a white envelope overstuffed with cash. You pause. Something seems unfinished. You’ve spent days collecting these creatures, and you feel like you deserve to know what happens to them. [[“So foraged legend is a restaurant?”]]

It’s too much money to pass up. Definitely enough to open your own lab. Besides, the monsters in your truck are too dangerous to be kept alive. They’re not your responsibility anymore. You collect the money, then help the chef haul the cryptid cages to the loading doors. “It’s rare to find such a professional in this line of work. Maybe in a week or two, you can expect another letter from us.” He extends a hand, and you (link: "take it")[(reload:)].

(if: $Barn is true)[(go-to: "silohub")](if: $Barn is false)[Approaching the site, you see a worn-down sign that clearly used to say "No Trespassers." It seems melted-through, and emits a chemical smell. Looking beyond, the shine of the full moon unveils a wide, sprawling flatland. Its surface is covered in disheveled hay bales and patches of broken cornstalks. A swift gust begins to brush through, bending stalks and carrying loose grain into the sky. In its center are [[two shadowy structures]]. (set: $Barn to true) ]

Tepidly you look around the Silo for a ladder. Upon finding it, you notice a glistening lump on the ground. //"A snake skin?"// But it's not snake-shaped at all. The skin certainly looks reptillian, but has a similar size and shape to a large chicken. [[Strange...]]

In the moonlight, you can see chunks missing in the piles of kernels, and, as your eyes adjust, a creature nesting inside. It's sort of a chicken, but with reptile-like legs, and a snake-like mouth with a row of sharp teeth. (set: $observedDino to true) Its reptilian eyes peel apart, piercing right through you. If what the letter said is true, your suit makes you safe. Even still, you can't shake the feeling that it knows it's being watched. [[Return|silohub]]

As it moves rapidly back and forth, you get out your camera and wait for the perfect moment to capture its essence. Suddenly it stops and gives a wild look before... (set: $siloPhoto to true) "KRAAYAAAAH". [[There!]]

//"This should be relatively simple, all things considered." // You begin digging through your pack for the tranquilizer gun and the 4 kg of dexmedetomidine anesthetic. //"Enough to put down two elephants should do it..." // You aim your weapon and [[take the shot]]. {(set: $BarnCapture to true)(set: $numLeft to it - 1)(if: $Guidebook is 4 or 2 or 8 or 10 or 18 or 14 or 13 or 20 or 19 or 7)[(set: $numWrong to it + 1)]}

You miss. The creature knew you were there, and dodged with prehistoric reflexes. //"That's why you survived so long, impressive indeed."// Luckily, you came prepared. [[You put on your mask]].

''(text-colour:red)[(text-size: 4)[(align:"=><=")[(text-style:"smear","fidget")[~~Cryptid Hunter~~]] ]]'' (button: "=X=") [[Play|Start]]

(align:"=><=")[ [[Take photo|photo cave]] [[Look at guide|Guidebookcave]] [[Take notes|NotebookCave]] [[Capture|capture cave]] [[Leave|leave cave]] ] You have $numLeft (if: $numLeft is 1)[cryptid](else:)[cryptids] left to capture. Could this be one of the legendary ones? If you're uncertain, you can always leave and return later.

Aiming the blade across one of its body sections, you slice through the creature. You wince as it recoils in your hand. The material is hard and chitinous like armor, but with a sawing motion you manage to split the centipede [[in half]].

(if: $Bridge is true)[(go-to: "horse2")](if: $Bridge is false)[The grey clouds begin to produce a sprinkle of rain as you follow the riverbed. Eventually, you come across an orange structure in the distance—a covered bridge. You trample through the fallen leaves, making your way toward the entrance. The road is overgrown, no longer used. Wooden planks have broken off, and you doubt the bridge is stable. (set: $Bridge to true) You [[approach the structure.|bridge]]]

(if: $Lake is true)[(go-to: "hold onto")](if: $Lake is false)[As you trek towards the lake, the ground grows soft beneath your feet. By the time you can actually see the lakeside, you struggle to walk through the squelching mud, needing to force your feet from the goop with every step, only to sink back down below the ankle again. You find a slippery drainage pipe leaking sewage and use it as a walkway. (set: $Lake to true)] [[Press onward]]

When the freeway through Soycorn was being constructed, surveyors from Foraged Legend Construction discovered a patch of bog with no wildlife. They reported malfunctioning equipment, electric shocks, and impossible white shadows. Paranoia spread, and so mile marker 313 was painted red, serving as a warning to travelers to avoid stopping their vehicles. But this only attracted more attention. Many have traveled in an attempt to harvest what they believe is an enormously powerful energy reserve. [[Return->map]] (enchant:?page,(bg:#102310))

(if: $Cave is true)[(go-to: "infinite")](if: $Cave is false)[ The cave's entrance is obscured by a mossy tree branches and wooden boards. Armed with your night-vision goggles, you enter the foreboding tunnel. The rim of your hat scrapes against stalactites as you [[venture deeper]].]

“Wrong, wrong, all wrong. In a way it’s impressive that you couldn't even get a single one correct." He scoffs, and examines his clipboard in frustration. "What will we do for tonight?" Without looking at you, he turns and walks swiftly back inside. You stare longingly at the white envelope in his hand. (link: "You drive away.")[(reload:)]

Salutations, I understand you are an expert freelance researcher with a special interest in the supernatural. The town of Soycorn is riddled with strange and otherworldly creatures, known by some as Cryptids. My company, Foraged Legend, is searching for three in particular, all of legendary status. To help you identify them, I have included a guidebook with descriptions of their characteristics. You’ll also find a camouflage suit that will render you invisible to them. They can be quite unpredictable creatures, so it’s best to encounter them discreetly. When you have captured the three in question you will meet one of my associates at the Foraged Legend Estate on Soycorn Mountain. If you prove successful, you can expect generous compensation. Best of luck, F. L. [[Open the guide|Guidebook]]

The Alderidge Acres Farmland was once the lead financial producer of the town and primary competitor of Foraged Legend Farms. After an unexpectedly bountiful harvest during a drought year, townsfolk became skeptical of their success. Rumors of potential satanic practices began to spread once travelers started to disappear around the outer perimeter of the farmland. The Alderidge family was driven out of town, but locals still report a rancid smell exuding from the property. [[Return|map]] (enchant:?page,(bg:#3d3d00))

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(transition: "fade") + (transition-time: 0.5s) [ <img src="images/farm.png" width = "600px" height = "444px"> ]] (transition-delay: 1s)[You can see between its large rapturous jaws a bulbous tongue protrudes, emitting a foul purple liquid. And despite its small stature its tissue is brawny.] [[Return->silohub]]

(if: $Forest is true)[(go-to: "whitehub")](if: $Forest is false)[As you approach the destination in your truck, your surroundings change from patches of deforested stumps to a dense, impenetrable wilderness. When you reach Mile Marker 313, you come to a stop on the [[side of the road]]. (set: $Forest to true)]

A thick fog has begun to settle, and your feet are now beginning to slosh in a small bog. The bugs you've been swatting seem to have disappeared. //"It's strange I haven't encountered any animals at all." // [[Just a little further.]]

On the ground lies a staticky white silhouette of a long, somewhat human-looking shape. You are immediately reminded of an old forensic chalk outline. (set: $observeOutline to true) It would be difficult to tell where it came from if it weren't for a light trail of a thick blue paint-like substance following wherever it went, giving off a [[strong honeysweet aroma]].

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(transition: "fade")+(transition-time: 0.5s) [ <img src="images/forest.png" width = "600px" height = "444px"> ]] (set: $treePhoto to true) (transition-delay: 1s)[A flat two-dimensional image stares back at you, its eyes abnormally large with moonlight beaming through them. Its white aura seems to elasticize. Looking up from the image you can see it has somehow moved slightly closer to you while remaining standing.] [[Return->whitehub]]

You quietly shift through to the very bottom of your bag, digging around for an uncommon device. Eventually you find the small cube. It's a government laboratory-grade energy-capturing device designed to store thermal, electromagnetic radiation, and kinetic energy. //"Much more powerful than those generators." // You hit the button, and the device begins to [[glow]]. {(set: $ForestCapture to true)(set: $numLeft to it - 1)(if: $Guidebook is 9 or 11 or 15 or 3 or 1 or 5 or 13 or 20 or 19 or 7)[(set: $numWrong to it + 1)]}

Half of the white silhouette folds before its shape transitions to an upright position, stretching to almost the height of the canopy. Some of your equipment begins to flicker and malfunction. You try to make out its features from there, but the moonlight peeking through the canopy makes that difficult. [[Return->whitehub]]

“Well at least one of these was right. We will consider that one as payment for all the time you've wasted." He examines his clipboard in frustration. "What will we do for tonight?" He walks swiftly to the back of the truck and exracts the cryptid cage. You stare longingly at the white envelope in his back pocket as he heads inside. (link: "You drive away.")[(reload:)]

“Two out of three. I was told you were...nevermind." He hands you a small sum of cash. You can tell it won't last you a month. “I'll take what you have." He examines his clipboard in frustration. "What will we do for tonight?" He walks swiftly to the back of the truck and exracts the cryptid cages, then heads inside. (link: "You drive away.")[(reload:)]

Bowfin lake used to be the go to summer leisure spot—glittering, clear and always just the right temperature. But that was decades ago. Now, the runoff from surrounding industral plants, farms, and sewage dumps has slowly turned the lake into a biohazard. That didn't stop mischievous teens from swimming in it. That is, until they came home screaming of a creature lurking beneath the film of muck. [[Return|map]] (enchant:?page,(bg:#00001f))

The Cedar Creek Bridge, built in 1884, was used for transport between local towns. That stopped in 1921, when a caravan from the Foraged Legend Logging Company broke down crossing it. Nobody knew what caused the accident, but soon superstitious tales spread through the nearby town. Locals warn that a monster attacks travelers who attempt to pass through, sending their bodies floating down the river. Since then, the bridge has been decommissioned. [[Return|map]] (enchant:?page,(bg:#422100))

The limestone caves surrounding the town are riddled with strange sightings. Miners who worked at the Soycorn Quarry often reported unexplainable rock formations and indescribable creatures. After acquisition by the Foraged Legend Mining Company, the use of explosives caused frequent collapses and instability. This formed expansive and maze-line tunnels, making it difficult to explore. Due to safety concerns, the caves were swiftly closed to the public. [[Return|map]] (enchant:?page,(bg:#2e2115))

(if: $Well is true)[(go-to: "lean over")](if: $Well is false)[The path to the well is a hike, but not a terribly difficult one. There is a deer path that leads to a clearing, a beautiful opening in the trees with soft grass and tiny flowers encircling the well in the middle. The well itself is marked with age, its stone base crumpling and its wooden roof sunken in. The bucket has long since fallen from its rope, which itself is threadborn and stringy, into the [[deep abyss]]. (set: $Well to true) ]

The well was once a great resource for the town before the Foraged Legend Water Company's large-scale piping project. After that, it was all but abandoned until a young girl named Ethel went missing. The other children swore she fell into the well while playing, but her body was never recovered. Since then, children have been found wandering off trails to visit the well, as if being called by an invisible force. [[Return|map]] (enchant:?page,(bg:#424242))

{(if: $numLeft < 1)[ You've collected 3 cryptids. It's time to [[turn them in|endpassage]] for evaluation. ] }(if: $numLeft > 0)[ This legendary town becons you to explore its borders. In your research at the local library, you learn the history of [[Alderidge Acres]], [[Mile Marker 313]], [[Cedar Creek Bridge|bridgedesc]], [[Limestone Cave|cavedesc]], [[Bowfin Lake|lakedesc]] and [[Ethel's Wishing Well|welldesc]]. (text-style:"bold")[Where will you search?] {{(if: $LakeCapture is false)[ [[Bowfin Lake]] ]} {(if: $CaveCapture is false)[ [[Limestone Cave]] ]} {(if: $ForestCapture is false)[ [[Mile Marker 313|2D]] ]} {(if: $BarnCapture is false)[ [[Aldredge Acres|terrifying beast]] ]} {(if: $BridgeCapture is false)[ [[Cedar Creek Bridge]] ]} {(if: $WellCapture is false)[ [[Ethel's Wishing Well]] ]} --- [[Guidebook|MapGuidebook]]} [[Notebook]] ]

As you take your first step inside the dark passage, the wooden beams groan, and the ground beneath you shakes. Through a gap in the floor, you can see the rocky streambed far below. You look up suddenly at the sound of hooves trotting followed by a screeching neigh that pierces your ears. A silhouette skitters in front of the opening—an animal on all fours. [[The horse]].

(align:"=><=")[ [[Observe|observe bridge]] [[Take photo|photo bridge]] [[Look at guide|Guidebookbridge]] [[Take notes|Notebookbridge]] [[Capture|capture bridge]] [[Leave|leave bridge]] ] You have $numLeft (if: $numLeft is 1)[cryptid](else:)[cryptids] left to capture. Could this be one of the legendary ones? If you're uncertain, you can always leave and return later.

(display: "MasterGuide") [[Accept Offer|map]]

(input-box:2bind $Notes,"X",5) [[Return|map]] (enchant:?page,(text-colour:white)+(bg:black))

(display: "MasterGuide") [[Return|cavehub]]

(display: "MasterGuide") [[Return|act now]]

(input-box:2bind $Notes,"X",5) [[Return|act now]] (enchant:?page,(text-colour:white)+(bg:black))

(text-style:"bold")+(text-size: 1.25)[Property of Foraged Legend:]{ (enchant:?page,(bg:#707051)) (if: $Guidebook is 1)[(display: "1")] (if: $Guidebook is 2)[(display: "2")] (if: $Guidebook is 3)[(display: "3")] (if: $Guidebook is 4)[(display: "4")] (if: $Guidebook is 5)[(display: "5")] (if: $Guidebook is 6)[(display: "6")] (if: $Guidebook is 7)[(display: "7")] (if: $Guidebook is 8)[(display: "8")] (if: $Guidebook is 9)[(display: "9")] (if: $Guidebook is 10)[(display: "10")] (if: $Guidebook is 11)[(display: "11")] (if: $Guidebook is 12)[(display: "12")] (if: $Guidebook is 13)[(display: "13")] (if: $Guidebook is 14)[(display: "14")] (if: $Guidebook is 15)[(display: "15")] (if: $Guidebook is 16)[(display: "16")] (if: $Guidebook is 17)[(display: "17")] (if: $Guidebook is 18)[(display: "18")] (if: $Guidebook is 19)[(display: "19")] (if: $Guidebook is 20)[(display: "20")]}

Actually determining the lake from its banks is harder than you thought. The lake is filmed over with dense, slimy algae matching the muddied moss that you've been schlepping through. Pieces of trash float around the sides of the dock. Thankfully the dock gives your legs a break from the treacherous marshlands. A wildlife preservation sign has been cracked in half. The wood is splintered and soft with rot, but it's all you have to [[hold onto]].

As you step onto the dock, the algae film shifts. Just a slight displacement of the gunk, but enough to seem monumental in the otherwise deathly still lake. With a turn of your head, you discover a dark form poking above the surface of the water. If you weren’t looking for strange creatures, you would have missed it. It is too dark to make out anything but a bulbous shape casting shadow on the [[murky water]]. (set: $lakePhoto to false)

(align:"=><=")[ [[Observe|observe lake]] [[Take photo|photo lake]] [[Look at guide|Guidebooklake]] [[Take notes|Notebooklake]] [[Capture|capture lake]] [[Leave|leave lake]] ] You have $numLeft (if: $numLeft is 1)[cryptid](else:)[cryptids] left to capture. Could this be one of the legendary ones? If you're uncertain, you can always leave and return later.

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(transition: "fade") + (transition-time: 0.5s) [ <img src="images/lake.png" width = "600px" height = "444px"> ]] (transition-delay: 1s) [The creature utters a wet, gurgling sound that penetrates the thick quiet of the lake surrounding you. Its amorphous form springs out several slimy tenticles, sending perfectly circular waves rippling across the lake. They collide with the whirlpools, shifting their direction to collect nearby trash.] [[Return|murky water]]

(display: "MasterGuide") [[Return|murky water]]

(input-box:2bind $Notes,"X",5) [[Return|murky water]] (enchant:?page,(text-colour:white)+(bg:black))

Slowly, you pull the pack from your shoulder, keeping your eyes locked to the creature. With equal caution, you pull the net from your bag. Now, the creature seems to catch on. The lake itself seems to shift as the gunk pushes in patterns across its surface leaving a huge whirlpool in its wake. The creature flops toward you with the speed of water itself. As it rises, you can make out more of its shape, though details are obscured by its coat of slime. You [[toss the net]]. {(set: $LakeCapture to true)(set: $numLeft to it - 1)(if: $Guidebook is 6 or 12 or 16 or 11 or 15 or 5 or 2 or 8 or 14 or 19)[(set: $numWrong to it + 1)]}

You trek your way back through the lake’s hold of the woods. Your legs are well fatigued, but solid ground is a welcomed relief. You unfurl your [[map]] once again.

It is a dripping mass of conjured lake-product watching you with large, attentive eyes that reflect the moonlight. The copious limbs on its amorphous body are constantly shifting. You notice where the algae once was, small swirling spirals have formed in the lake. [[Return|murky water]]

The rope snaps from your hand! You lose sight of the monster and the net in the splash made in the dark, accompanied by a retching gurgle. As the water stills again, however, the net rises, with the creature tangled up inside. Removed from the gunk, its size diminishes to a feeble shriveled blob. [[Leave|leave lake]]

You shine your flashlight into its depths, but it’s as if the well eats the beams. A sound reverberates from deep within the well. At first it's just a muffled voice, but it gains an [[uncanny clarity]].

“Make a wish!” (set: $wellPhoto to false) It is the voice of a child. Almost. You can see a form shifting in the darkness, like a dark cloud moving across a moonless night sky. You [[lean over]] the edge to get a better look.

(align:"=><=")[ [[Observe|observe well]] [[Drop coin]] [[Take photo|photo well]] [[Look at guide|Guidebookwell]] [[Take notes|Notebookwell]] [[Capture|capture well]] [[Leave|leave well]] ] You have $numLeft (if: $numLeft is 1)[cryptid](else:)[cryptids] left to capture. Could this be one of the legendary ones? If you're uncertain, you can always leave and return later.

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(transition: "fade") + (transition-time: 0.5s) [ <img src="images/well.png" width = "600px" height = "444px"> ]] (transition-delay: 1s) [The flash of your camera illuminates a harrowing lanky figure with glowing eyes.] [[Return|lean over]]

You light a match and drop it down the well. It illuminates the well's stone bricks, and you think you are able to see a face looking up at you. It glistens with slime like the mold coating the well. It smiles wide with a skeletal face with a few missing teeth, overy long limbs contorted around its torso unnaturally to squeeze itself in the hole. Its eyes catch the light, glowing an intense green. [[Return|lean over]]

(display: "MasterGuide") [[Return|lean over]]

(input-box:2bind $Notes,"X",5) [[Return|lean over]] (enchant:?page,(text-colour:white)+(bg:black))

You take a handful of coins and toss them into the well. You don’t hear them reach the bottom. [["You didn’t make a wish!"]] {(set: $WellCapture to true)(set: $numLeft to it - 1)(if: $Guidebook is 6 or 17 or 16 or 9 or 15 or 1 or 4 or 8 or 18 or 20)[(set: $numWrong to it + 1)]}

It’s somehow a more difficult walk getting back to town than it was getting to the well. Roots seem to have grown over the path. Once back on the main trail, you pull out your [[map]].

To your front is an old barn, and to the side is a tall grain silo. Using your flashlight, you scan the barn's outside. Besides natural wear and tear, you notice more unusual signs of destruction. Similarly to the front sign, you spot more corroded and melted areas. As you're about to open the front doors, you feel a strong gust of wind, and hear a "KRRAAAHHHH" coming from the [[Silo]].

You begin to climb the ladder. Looking up, you can see some of the rings are missing, bent, or completely melted off. Eventually you reach a melted gap too large to bridge. That's when you hear it. "KRAAAYAAH." Another screech, and with it a powerful gust of wind that threatens to knock you off the ladder. Luckily, [[you're a professional]].

You pull a rope out of your pack, calculate distance and wind speed, and throw the hook end of your rope. (set: $siloPhoto to false) It lands with skillful precision. You pull yourself up and peek your head carefully above the silo's entrance. [[Something shifts|silohub]] in the piles of grain.

(align:"=><=")[ [[Observe|Observe Dino]]{ (if: $siloPhoto is false) + (if: $observedDino is true)[ [[Take photo|Photo Dino]]] (if: $siloPhoto is true)[ [[Photo|There!]]]} [[Look at guide|Guidebooksilo]] [[Take notes|Notebooksilo]] [[Capture|Capture Dino]] [[Leave|map]] ] You have $numLeft (if: $numLeft is 1)[cryptid](else:)[cryptids] left to capture. Could this be one of the legendary ones? If you're uncertain, you can always leave and return later.

(display: "MasterGuide") [[Return|silohub]]

(input-box:2bind $Notes,"X",5) [[Return|silohub]] (enchant:?page,(text-colour:white)+(bg:black))

(input-box:2bind $Notes,"X",5) [[Return|whitehub]] (enchant:?page,(text-colour:white)+(bg:black))

(align:"=><=")[ [[Observe|OutlineObserve]]{ (if: $observeOutline is true)[ [[Take photo|OutlinePhoto]]]} [[Look at guide|OutlineGuide]] [[Take notes|OutlineNotes]] [[Capture|OutlineCapture]] [[Leave|map]] ] You have $numLeft (if: $numLeft is 1)[cryptid](else:)[cryptids] left to capture. Could this be one of the legendary ones? If you're uncertain, you can always leave and return later.

The dexmedetomidine concoction was designed to be airborne. Even though it missed its target, the syringe exploded behind the creature. As it spreads rapidly into the creature's lungs, it lets out one final shriek, and coughs up corrosive liquid as a defense mechanism. You quickly return to the vehicle and gather your containment equipment to safely capture the beast. [[Leave|map]]

The most bizarre part is telling exactly where it is in space. It looks like a reflection, a projection, or a drawing. //"Where is its mass? Is it underground or in the sky?" // It begins to [[rise]].

Getting out, you are immediately hit by a stuffy, damp heat that perspirates every part of your skin. As you push into the forest, the humidity seems to intensify with every step. [[Press Forward]]

The bog reaches your waist, and a fog shrouds the trees. The heat has been replaced with an overwhelming chill. A pleasant, intensely sweet aroma fills the air. You quickly pull out an electrostatic field detector and see the lights begin to flash. "This has to be [[it]]."

You find ruins of discarded power generators. Some of them seem to be covered in a dry blue residue. Your thoughts are quickly interrupted when you hear a low buzzing sound and see something white out of the corner of your eye quickly flash across tree roots. Your eyes dart around but can't make out anything solid. The buzzing hum grows louder. The white flash moves along the ground and stops in the middle of an [[open dirt area->whitehub]].

(display: "MasterGuide") [[Return|whitehub]]

The buzzing sound turns to a moan as the silhouette tries to shift itself away from the device. It trembles and flickers, trying to escape into the shadows. But the bar on the side of the cube begins to fill, and the white outline [[fades from view]].

All that remains is a thick blue puddle where the outline once showed. The pungent aroma makes you gag as you collect the device, as if the entity is putting up one last act of defense to resist capture. [[Leave|map]]

The steep road winds along the side of the mountain. Through the tree tops you see the estate perched at its summit. The building is non-descript, made entirely out of natural stone, as if it had been carved out. When you reach a large metal gate, it opens automatically. You pass by a fleet of helicopters, limousines, and private jets parked in neat rows. Eventually you reach the [[loading dock]].

A worker wearing a black apron retrieves a crate of exotic fruit from a truck. Another carries a bucket with live tentacles sloshing around inside. A man wearing a chef’s hat and carrying a clipboard approaches you. “You’re just in time. I’ll just need a moment to inspect your cargo, then you’ll receive your payment as promised.” [[Show Cryptids]]

(if: $numWrong is 0)[(go-to: "ending")] (if: $numWrong is 1)[(go-to: "Fail with 2")] (if: $numWrong is 2)[(go-to: "Fail with 1")] (if: $numWrong is 3)[(go-to: "Fail")

You put the truck in reverse and slam on the gas pedal. The chef jumps back in surprise, dropping his clip board. “Wait! Our guests! They must be fed! They must not go hungry!” On your way out, you slam right through the gates. After the long drive back down the mountain, the forest is bathed in moonlight. With the darkness, the creatures in the back of your truck seem to grow restless. You pull off into the grass. Now…what to do about them? [[Set them free]] [[Study them]]

You press a button on your dashboard, and the back doors open. You feel the truck jostle as the cryptids disembark, and you catch glimpses of their shadows in your side mirror as they disappear into the trees. They seem to be heading in the direction of where you found them—back to their natural habitats. But, you’ll never (link: "know for sure")[(reload:)].

There are still so many unanswered questions about these specimens. About their origins, their physical characteristics, their sentience. Maybe you don’t need a fancy lab to study them. You have your truck, and thanks to the trillionaires you have a load of traps and a camouflage suit. Something tells you there are more out there to find. At least, that’s your (link: "hypothesis")[(reload:)].

As you enter the dark passage again, you hear hooves clomping across wooden planks, followed by a screeching neigh that pierces your ears. A silhouette skitters in front of the opening—an animal on all fours. [[The horse|act now]].

You take out a coin from your back pocket and drop it down the well. After a long silence, you hear an echoing splash, followed by a playful giggle. "More!" [[Return|lean over]]

Fragments of abandoned rusted tools and broken helmets scatter the cave floor, each engraved with the letters FL. You break apart cobwebs to push through a narrow gap, scuffling on your hands and knees until finally you make it to an [[open cavern]]. (set: $Cave to true)

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Hides in plain sight - Luminous eyes - Slimy texture", "- Elemental manipulation - Visible teeth - Muscular flesh", "- Two ways of moving - Elongated - Hungry"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legBarn to true)(set: $legLake to true)(set: $legCave to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Slimy texture - Luminous eyes - Elongated", "- Near water - Two ways of moving - No eyes", "- Secretes chemical - Hides in plain sight - Elemental manipulation"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legForest to true)(set: $legBridge to true)(set: $legWell to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Hungry - Secretes chemical - Shrieking sound", "- Slimy texture - Visible teeth - Elongated", "- Hides in plain sight - Near water - Excessive appendages"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legBarn to true)(set: $legLake to true)(set: $legWell to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Near water - Luminous eyes - Elemental manipulation", "- Shrieking sound - Two ways of moving - Muscular flesh", "- Slimy texture - Hides in plain sight - Excessive appendages"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legForest to true)(set: $legBridge to true)(set: $legLake to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Muscular flesh - Shrieking sound - Elemental manipulation", "- Two ways of moving - No eyes - Excessive appendages", "- Luminous eyes - Elongated - Slimy texture"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legBarn to true)(set: $legWell to true)(set: $legCave to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Elongated - Muscular flesh - Shrieking sound", "- Two ways of moving - Elemental manipulation - Near water", "- Secretes chemical - Visible teeth - Hungry"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legBarn to true)(set: $legForest to true)(set: $legBridge to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Visible teeth - Near water - Slimy texture", "- Elongated - No eyes - Hungry", "- Elemental manipulation - Excessive appendages - Hiding in plain sight"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legLake to true)(set: $legWell to true)(set: $legCave to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Secretes chemical - Near water - Luminous eyes", "- Muscular flesh - Shrieking sound - No eyes", "- Hungry - Excessive appendages - Elongated"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legForest to true)(set: $legBridge to true)(set: $legCave to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Shrieking sound - Elongated - Two ways of moving", "- Near water - Hides in plain sight - Excessive appendages", "- Visible teeth - Hungry - Muscular flesh"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legBarn to true)(set: $legBridge to true)(set: $legLake to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Visible teeth - Luminous eyes - Near water", "- Hides in plain sight - Elemental manipulation - Excessive appendages", "- Two ways of moving - Secretes chemical - Elongated"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legForest to true)(set: $legLake to true)(set: $legWell to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

(set: $Guidebook to (random: 1,20)) (if: $Guidebook is 1)[(display: "1")] (if: $Guidebook is 2)[(display: "2")] (if: $Guidebook is 3)[(display: "3")] (if: $Guidebook is 4)[(display: "4")] (if: $Guidebook is 5)[(display: "5")] (if: $Guidebook is 6)[(display: "6")] (if: $Guidebook is 7)[(display: "7")] (if: $Guidebook is 8)[(display: "8")] (if: $Guidebook is 9)[(display: "9")] (if: $Guidebook is 10)[(display: "10")] (if: $Guidebook is 11)[(display: "11")] (if: $Guidebook is 12)[(display: "12")] (if: $Guidebook is 13)[(display: "13")] (if: $Guidebook is 14)[(display: "14")] (if: $Guidebook is 15)[(display: "15")] (if: $Guidebook is 16)[(display: "16")] (if: $Guidebook is 17)[(display: "17")] (if: $Guidebook is 18)[(display: "18")] (if: $Guidebook is 19)[(display: "19")] (if: $Guidebook is 20)[(display: "20")]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- No eyes - Shrieking sound - Two ways of moving", "- Secretes chemical - Elemental manipulation - Hungry", "- Near water - Visible teeth - Elongated"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legBarn to true)(set: $legBridge to true)(set: $legWell to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Hides in plain sight - Near water - Elongated", "- Slimy texture - Luminous eyes - Visible teeth", "- Muscular flesh - Elemental manipulation - Hungry"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legBarn to true)(set: $legForest to true)(set: $legWell to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Slimy texture - Visible teeth - Near water", "- Excessive appendages - Hiding in plain sight - Luminous eyes", "- Two ways of moving - Shrieking sound - Elongated"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legBridge to true)(set: $legLake to true)(set: $legWell to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Visible teeth - Luminous eyes - Near water", "- Hungry - Two ways of moving - Elongated", "- Hides in plain sight - Secretes chemical - Elemental manipulation"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legForest to true)(set: $legWell to true)(set: $legCave to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Elongated - Hungry - Excessive appendages", "- Two ways of moving - Muscular flesh - Near water", "- Shrieking sound - Secretes chemical - Elemental manipulation"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legBarn to true)(set: $legBridge to true)(set: $legCave to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Excessive appendages - Elongated - No eyes", "- Hides in plain sight - Two ways of moving - Luminous eyes", "- Elemental manipulation - Muscular flesh - Visible teeth"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legBarn to true)(set: $legForest to true)(set: $legCave to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Elemental manipulation - Near water - Elongated", "- Slimy texture - Hides in plain sight - Excessive appendages", "- Shrieking sound - Secretes chemical - Muscular flesh"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legBarn to true)(set: $legForest to true)(set: $legLake to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Secretes chemical - Luminous eyes - Near water", "- Slimy texture - Hides in plain sight - Elemental manipulation", "- Elongated - Hungry - No eyes"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legForest to true)(set: $legLake to true)(set: $legCave to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Elongated - Near water - Muscular flesh", "- Hungry - Two ways of moving - Excessive appendages", "- Slimy texture - Luminous eyes - Visible teeth"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legBridge to true)(set: $legWell to true)(set: $legCave to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

{(if: not $has_shuffled)[(set: $has_shuffled to true)(set: $sentences to (shuffled: "- Near water - Shrieking sound - Elongated", "- Excessive appendages - Hungry - Two ways of moving", "- Elemental manipulation - Hides in plain sight - Slimy texture"))] (set: $order to 1)(set: $legBridge to true)(set: $legLake to true)(set: $legCave to true)} (for: each _sentence, ...$sentences)[ ''Cryptid #$order'' _sentence (set: $order to it +1)]

The cone-shaped speaker emits a feedback loop, reverberating the creature's own voices back to itself. It stumbles backward, cowering at the overwhelming noise, and collapses to the ground. Its humanoid shimmering eyes never close. [[Leave|leave well]]

(display: "MasterGuide") [[Return|map]]

This time, the words are pieced together as if each one was taken from a different voice. You barely have time to comprehend them, however, as the creature begins to scale the walls, its body dripping with ooze. You jump back as it reaches the top. Its limbs bend to cling to the edges of the well, and its skull bursts through the awning. It lunges toward you, and you have just enough time to pull out your [[frequency interference device]].

“That’s right. We serve only the rarest creatures on earth. Your collections are going to make an exquisite main dish tonight.” [[“You...eat cryptids?”]]

“The trillionaire diet is hard to satisfy. Gotta get their kicks off somehow.” He shrugs. You glance in your rear view mirror at the legendary cryptids in the back. In your careful research and observation, you hadn’t really considered their fate, or why you’d been ordered to capture them alive. You thought they might be kept in a lab, or for some strange zoo, but…eaten? [[Accept Payment]] [[Leave with Cryptids]]

The head section squirms around, then curls up into a ball, allowing you to easily fit the creature into a cage. Just before you leave, you notice the tail section has begun to move, pulled backwards through the tunnel by the pairs of legs, until it disappears into the darkness. It appears to be capable of independent locomotion, but whether it can regenerate is another story. You wonder if it will [[survive|leave cave]].