SecretSanta2024_1_Easy_xolimono= An Artificer's Ascent

SecretSanta2024_1_Easy_xolimono_collabcredits=
Art: Spooooky, qtpi, anilmky_juno, 
Butcherberries, ABuffZucchini, Bissy,
Tortoise, tobyaaa
Gameplay Help: butcherberries
Code: SunsetQuasar, Lyra, Leppa
Skinmod Help: kuksa, Spooooky, qtpi
Cutscene Help: qtpi, Fonda151
Playtesting: butcherberries, orchid, tear, Kazt, 
rads, NoahCrawfish, citrea
Music: Matt Sexton

ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA= {# ffce8a}Sarsaparilla{#}
ssc2024_xolimono_MUGS={# 30fff3}Mugs{#}
ssc2024_xolimono_GALE= {# d8ff7e}GALE{#}

SecretSanta2024_1_Easy_xolimono_titleA= The Fragmented Forest
SecretSanta2024_1_Easy_xolimono_subtitleA= Chapter 1:

SecretSanta2024_1_Easy_xolimono_titleB= Library of the Artificers
SecretSanta2024_1_Easy_xolimono_subtitleB= Chapter 2:

SecretSanta2024_1_Easy_xolimono_titleC= The Ascent
SecretSanta2024_1_Easy_xolimono_subtitleC= Chapter 3:

SkinModHelper_Player__sarsaparilla= Sarsaparilla


ssc2024_xolimono_intro=
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
Well then, looks like {+ssc2024_xolimono_MUGS} went ahead early.
[SARSAPARILLA left annoyed]
I can't even blame him, he gets so excited...

[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
Ah well, I'm an artificer. I can figure this {~}elytra thing{/~} out on my own.
[SARSAPARILLA left lookleft]
Just breathe, {+ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA}. You can do this.

ssc2024_xolimono_intro_grave=
[None]
A gravestone lies amongst the trees.
You can't make out the name... but the date is fairly recent.
[SARSAPARILLA right annoyed]
...
What a positive note to start the day off on.

ssc2024_xolimono_intro_graveB=
[None]
On closer inspection, you can make out the rest of the text...
Rest in peace, {# 2044ff}Butcher B. Berries.{#}
Your efforts in mapping out the fragmented forests will not be forgotten.

ssc2024_xolimono_intro_elytra=
[SARSAPARILLA left thinking]
Alright, now about that elytra...

[SARSAPARILLA left closedeyesworried]
What was it that {+ssc2024_xolimono_MUGS}'s book said?

[None]
The {~}elytra{/~} is a gadget which allows you to glide long distances through the air. You can activate your elytra by pressing the elytra key while in midair. 
You can set the elytra key by going to Communal Helper's mod options. 
It's highly recommended you change it to something that's not already bound to another input. In other words, make sure it isn't the same as your grab, jump, or dash inputs.

[SARSAPARILLA left annoyed]
What does that even mean? I just have to open the wings, right?
[SARSAPARILLA left annoyedLeft]
It can't be that complex...

[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
Oh well, I'll figure it out.


ssc2024_xolimono_intro_elytra_b=
[SARSAPARILLA left thinking]
There were a couple other things the book said I should probably keep in mind...

[None]
Like the dash spell, the elytra can only be used once before it needs to be refilled. 
The refilling process occurs either when you touch the ground, or a refill crystal.
It's also important that you know how to swoop when flying with the elytra, as it's one of the most common maneuvers you will perform.
To perform a swoop, activate the elytra while falling in midair, and hold upwards diagonally.
By doing this, you can cross larger gaps and regain height at the same time.

ssc2024_xolimono_intro_elytra_c=
[SARSAPARILLA left normal]
Oh, these things. I think the book called them {# 56cccc}boost rings{#}? 

[SARSAPARILLA left thinking]
It said something about a huge boost with the elytra, but I don't quite remember the rest.
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
This looks like this is the only way forward, so I guess I'll just figure it out as I go.


ssc2024_xolimono_confetti=
[SARSAPARILLA left annoyedLeft]
...
Okay.


ssc2024_xolimono_HEYA=
{+ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA}! Hey!


ssc2024_xolimono_HEYB=
[SARSAPARILLA left normal]
{+ssc2024_xolimono_MUGS}!

ssc2024_xolimono_hi=
[MUGS right excited]
Look who’s finally up and at ‘em!
Seems like you’ve figured out the elytra, huh?

[SARSAPARILLA left thinking]
I think so. I’m still getting used to it, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.
[SARSAPARILLA left normal]
What’s our plan here?

[MUGS right worried]
Well, about that… we’ve hit a bit of a barrier. Literally.
The tunnels are boarded up pretty good. I tried dashing through them, but they wouldn’t budge even a bit.

[SARSAPARILLA left thinking]
Couldn’t we just… fly around this island?

[MUGS right worried]
Maybe, but I haven’t heard any good things about those who try. Apparently the wind gets pretty bad, or something.
To be honest, I don't think we should try it.

[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
What else can we do?
[SARSAPARILLA left thinking]
There has to be {~}some{/~} way through into the tunnels, right?

[MUGS right embarrassed]
Well, it’s a bit of a stretch, but while I was scouting out the nearby forests, I did find a couple of keys just lying around in the grass…
[MUGS right normal]
Maybe they’re the keys to these gates? I don’t know what else they’d be for, anyways. It’s worth a shot.

[SARSAPARILLA left thinking]
Hm… well, I’m willing to go look around and see what I can find.
[SARSAPARILLA left normal]
It’d double as elytra practice, anyways. I’ll need as much of that as I can get before heading east.

[MUGS right excited]
Well, if you’re feeling ready, there’s a gate on top of that hill to the left. It’s a straight shot to the forest.
[MUGS right normal]
I’ll try and let you know if I find any other way around. But for now, stay safe out there, alright?

[SARSAPARILLA left normal]
I’ll do my best. See you around, {+ssc2024_xolimono_MUGS}.


ssc2024_xolimono_hi_old=
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
Why'd you run off ahead? Is everything alright?

[MUGS right embarrassed]
Oh, right! I was meant to show you how to use the elytra, wasn't I?
[MUGS right closedEyes]
I'm so sorry, {+ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA}! I got all jittery sitting around, so I thought I'd just scout ahead. 
[MUGS right excited]
I didn't expect to see you awake so early!

[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
Eh, it's fine. I think I've got this elytra thing down, anyways.
[SARSAPARILLA left normal]
What's the plan here? 

[MUGS right worried]
Well, about that... we might need to take a {~}slight{/~} detour.
My map says that we're supposed to go through the tunnels up ahead, but they're all boarded up.

[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
Well, there's got to be another way around right? 
If this is the only safe path, we could just break through the boards.

[MUGS right embarrassed]
I actually tried dashing through them myself, but they wouldn't budge.

[SARSAPARILLA left thinking]
Well, maybe I could look around and find something to smash it open?
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
There has to be {~}something{/~} we can use to get past.

[MUGS right normal]
Well, if you're comfortable enough with your elytra, there's a forested island nearby that ought to have something.
[MUGS right closedEyes]
On that outcrop to our left, there's a gate that'll guide you there. Just follow it and it'll take you where you need to be.

[SARSAPARILLA left normal]
Alright, I’ll head out that way and see what I can find.
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
What about you, though?

[MUGS right normal]
I'll stick around here and see if there's any other paths we could take.

[SARSAPARILLA left annoyed]
...Alright. See you around, {+ssc2024_xolimono_MUGS}.

[MUGS right excited]
Stay safe out there! I'll catch up with you if I find anything.


ssc2024_xolimono_galeintro=
[GALE left normal]
Why, hello there.
[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
Oh, hi.

[GALE left normal]
Have you come here to do some fishing? It’s a rather lovely day for it.

[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
Uh, I’m just looking around, but thanks for the offer.
[SARSAPARILLA right normal]
Mind if I rest here for a minute?

[GALE left normal]
Go ahead, I don't mind.

ssc2024_xolimono_galeintro2=
[GALE left normal]
Pardon me asking, but what is it that you're looking around for?

[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
Huh? Oh, well, I’m trying to find something I can use to get into the tunnels going east. 

[GALE left apathetic]
Oh, right. Those tunnels were boarded up ages ago.
I'm not sure how much I can help you out. I don't bother with such... stressful things, these days.
[GALE left normal]
I wish you well on your quest, though.

[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
Thanks, I guess. I'll need it.

[GALE left normal]
If you want to stay and chat a little longer before heading on, I'm all ears.

ssc2024_xolimono_galeask1=
[SARSAPARILLA right normal]
What's your name?

ssc2024_xolimono_galeask2=
[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
Do you know anything about the library?

ssc2024_xolimono_galeask3=
[SARSAPARILLA right thinking]
How'd you take up fishing?

ssc2024_xolimono_galeconvo1=
[SARSAPARILLA right normal]
If you don't mind me asking, what's your name?

[GALE left normal]
Oh, my name’s Gale. I'm just an 'ole fisher.
The fragmented forest has always been my home. Not many people come here, though.

[SARSAPARILLA right normal]
It's nice to meet you.
[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
Doesn't it get lonely, living here?

[GALE left normal]
Not really. I can handle things on my own.
It does sort of feel like this part of the world really has been forgotten, but I'm okay with that.
As nice as it is to meet adventurers such as yourself, I guess I prefer the quiet.
Not to say I don't enjoy conversation, of course.


ssc2024_xolimono_galeconvo2=
[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
Is there anything you know about the library?

[GALE left apathetic]
To put it rather bluntly, it's a dreary place. I've seen it from a distance, a couple of times.
It's always raining around there. Not to mention it's been abandoned for decades.
The buildings were still intact when I last saw them, but they probably haven't lasted.

[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
It's sad to hear such an important place was just left behind like that.

[GALE left apathetic]
The artificers made it no secret they were in a hurry to leave.
You've probably seen the ruins of their village in the forests. With how they gated it off and left, you'd think they just wanted to forget that it existed.

[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
...

[GALE left apathetic]
Forgive me for my attitude. I've never enjoyed talking about the place.


ssc2024_xolimono_galeconvo3=
[SARSAPARILLA right thinking]
How'd you take up fishing?

[GALE left normal]
I was introduced to it when I was a child. I wasn't too fond of it at first, but with time I realized my passion for it.
You see, with all the little ponds throughout the fragmented forest, there's lots of different fish you can find.
I've been trying to catch all of them. There's so many different fish, though... it's not an easy task.

[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
That's nice. I mean, to have a goal like that. 
[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
I sort of wish I could be a bit more grounded, like you are...

[GALE left apathetic]
You have the goal of visiting the library, don't you? Even if it's a pretty risky goal, its still {~}something{/~}.
[GALE left normal]
For me, though, in this place has already toughened me up. Fishing has given me peace. I don't feel the need to take more risks.
You'll find that peace, too. Sometimes you have to do something drastic to get there.

[SARSAPARILLA right thinking]
I guess.
[SARSAPARILLA right normal]
Well, I'm glad you've found peace here. It is a really beautiful place.

[GALE left normal]
It is. I'm lucky to have it.
And hey, if you're ever in the area again, I have an extra fishing rod lying around. I could always use some help.

ssc2024_xolimono_gale_endask=
[SARSAPARILLA right lookleft]
I should probably get going.

ssc2024_xolimono_gale_end=
[SARSAPARILLA right normal]
I should probably get going. Good luck with the fishing.

[GALE left normal]
Thank you. Stay safe out there!

SecretSanta2024_1_Easy_xolimono_postcard=
This map contains a {# b00000}custom skinmod{#}. It's {~}highly recommended{/~} that you disable any existing skin features in order to experience the mod as originally intended.

ssc2024_xolimono_cavesecret=
A few old books lie here. Printed on their covers is the old symbol of the Artificers. You flip open one of the smaller books...
You can't make out much, but each page seems to be describing some sort of landscape in excessive detail.

ssc2024_xolimono_dashhelper=
Having trouble seeing how many dash or elytra uses you have at once? Try using "{# ffce8a}{~}Display Dash Count!{/~}{#}"
In the pause menu, go to {# ffce8a}Extended Variants{#} -> {# ffce8a}Visual{#}, and it should be there right there as the fifth or so option.
It's a bit ugly looking, so it's not immediately recommended...
....but if you're truly struggling with knowing your dash or elytra count, it should help out!

ssc2024_xolimono_key_get=
[SARSAPARILLA left thinking]
Hm, what's a key doing here?
[SARSAPARILLA left lookleft]
I might as well bring it along with me...

ssc2024_xolimono_goodbyemugsOld=
[MUGS right excited]
Ah, {+ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA}, there you are.
[MUGS right normal]
I suppose you found a way to break through into the tunnel?

[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
Yeah. I actually found some old keys just lying around that fit right through the locks.
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
How'd you get here, though?

[MUGS right normal]
Oh, there was an unblocked entrance just around the corner.
[MUGS right embarrassed]
...Er, maybe I should have come and told about you that.

[SARSAPARILLA left annoyedLeft]
...
[SARSAPARILLA left annoyed]
Well, anyways...

[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
This is it, huh? The {# 9c8cff}{~}Library of the Artificers{/~}{#}.

[MUGS right worried]
Looks like it to me. Though that also means this is where we'll have to part ways. 
To my understanding, only artificers are permitted to enter the ruins, right?

[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
Oh, right. I guess I'll be going in there alone, won't I...
Well, before I go, I just have to say thank you for helping get me all the way out here.
[SARSAPARILLA left closedeyes]
Giving me this elytra, and everything.

[MUGS right normal]
Of course. Just stay safe in there, okay?
[MUGS right closedEyes]
I'll see you back at the campsite tonight. Good luck, {+ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA}.

[SARSAPARILLA left normal]
Thanks, {+ssc2024_xolimono_MUGS}. I'll see you soon.


ssc2024_xolimono_cavenightmare=
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
. . .


ssc2024_xolimono_goodbyemugs=
[MUGS right normal]
Ah, {+ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA}! There you are! 
It’s been a while... You didn’t get lost in those tunnels, did you now?

[SARSAPARILLA left annoyed]
I don’t know that I’d call them tunnels, {+ssc2024_xolimono_MUGS}.
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
Either way, this looks like the right place. The {# ccf4ff}{~}Library of the Artificers{/~}{#} shouldn't be far away.
...this is where we’ll be parting ways, isn't it?

[MUGS right embarrassed]
Sure is, I don’t think my old wings could carry me through all this rain...
[MUGS right normal]
Before I head back, is there anything you need from me?

[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
…
If I’m being completely honest, I’m not sure I’m ready for this.

[MUGS right normal]
What do you mean? Of course you’re ready!

[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
You know that reoccuring dream I’ve told you about?
Coming through the tunnels, I had… some kind of vision. For a moment, the tunnels turned into that same place from my dreams.
[SARSAPARILLA left thinking]
In the middle of it all, there was a mirror, and in the reflection... it wasn't me.

[MUGS right worried]
Hm. I’m not going to deny how strange that is, but…
[MUGS right normal]
You’re not going to let some {~}weird visions{/~} hold you back, are you?

[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
I don’t know. I can’t shake the feeling that it's connected to this journey somehow.
[SARSAPARILLA left closedeyes]
What if I go in there, and… it’s too much for me? What if I can’t get back?
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
I guess what I'm saying is... maybe someone else should have come here to do this. Not me.

[MUGS right worried]
...
Listen, {+ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA}. You’re the toughest adventurer I’ve met in years.
[MUGS right normal]
With what I’ve seen from you, nothing can hold you back. You can do this!

[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
We have been through a lot, haven't we...
[SARSAPARILLA left thinking]
Well, I guess I might as well give this a shot. We're already here anyways, it'd be a shame to turn back now...
[SARSAPARILLA left lookleft]
Okay, okay, you're right. I can do this.

[MUGS right excited]
Aye, that's the spirit!
[MUGS right normal]
You'll be okay, {+ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA}. I know you will be.

[SARSAPARILLA left lookleft]
Thanks, {+ssc2024_xolimono_MUGS}.
[SARSAPARILLA left normal]
...And hey, before you go… thanks for coming all the way out here with me.

[MUGS right normal]
Of course, anything for a friend. 
Good luck in there. I’ll see you back at the camp.

[SARSAPARILLA left normal]
Goodbye, {+ssc2024_xolimono_MUGS}. Travel safe.


ssc2024_xolimono_keys_needed=
[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
More locked doors, huh?
[SARSAPARILLA right thinking]
Well, there ought to be some keys {~}somewhere{/~} around here.

ssc2024_xolimono_MORE_KEYS=
[SARSAPARILLA left annoyed]
{~}More{/~} locked doors?
[SARSAPARILLA left annoyedLeft]
Why does a library need so many locked doors, anyways?

ssc2024_xolimono_artificerbook=
[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
There's a book here about the artificers.
[SARSAPARILLA right thinking]
Lets see what it says...

[None]
The artificers began centuries ago as a humble group of tinkerers and mages experimented together with creating magic-based technology.
As word spread and their numbers grew, a library was built to document the artificers' discoveries and inventions. With time, their work became a well-respected craft across the land.
The practices of artificers have long been controversial. Tinkering with magic can be extremely dangerous, as a simple mistake could lead to a swift and painful death.
Nonetheless, the craft has lived on, with technological and magical innovations still being made to this day.

ssc2024_xolimono_dashbook=
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
There's a book here on the art of dashing. It looks like an awfully old one, though.
[SARSAPARILLA left thinking]
Lets just flip to a random page...

[None]
...the invention of dashing led to further discoveries, especially within the realm of fast travel.
For example, one group of artificers found a method of moving quickly by simply dashing diagonally at the ground and jumping.
To this day, there are still developments being made in the field of dashing. Unfortunately, few have proven to have any serious use cases.

[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
Yeah, that hasn't aged well.

ssc2024_xolimono_realitybook=
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
It's a bit dark, but there's another book here...
[SARSAPARILLA left thinking]
It's a book on alternate realities. I should probably take a look at this one...

[None]
Since the earliest days of the artificers, some have pondered whether or not magic could be used to manipulate reality.
Back in the early days, such an idea was often scoffed at and ignored. However, some powerful artificers eventually succeeded in creating pocket dimensions which contained altered forms of reality.
Unfortunately, those pocket dimensions were highly unstable, and most disintegrated within hours of opening up. Nonetheless, it has been proven that such a feat is possible.
Perhaps one day, the field of reality manipulation will be further explored. Until then, though, the work that goes towards such a feat isn't worth the trouble for most artificers.


ssc2024_xolimono_diary=
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
There's a diary here... it looks like it belonged to one of the artificers who worked in this library.
Let's have a look...

[None]
We did it! On this very day, we have succeeded in opening a door to an alternate reality.
Using a heart-shaped crystal as a container for the spell, we were able to travel from our own reality to an entirely new one.
What a surreal place it was! Just as the artificers before us had theorized, it was like our own little library in this reality, but... oh, how can I even describe it?
For one, we found that many forms of matter were turned to an ancient stone. Plants in particular had turned into what seemed like thick, semi-solidified oil paint.
There was a red glow throughout the place, much like the glow of a winter sunset. I must admit it was rather eerie... but it was also quite beautiful.
We explored for what felt like hours, finding structures that uncannily resembled ones we were already familiar with. Unfortunately, the reality eventually began to destabilize, and our expedition was cut short.
We've made sure to keep the remaining magic trapped within the crystal for further experimentation, though with the state we left the reality in, I'm not sure if we'll be able to do much with it.
Even if our time was cut short, I can't say I'm not ecstatic. So many people said that we couldn't do it, but... here we are!

ssc2024_xolimono_ending=
[SARSAPARILLA left thinking]
Alright, this is it, I guess.
The spell's probably somewhere around here.
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
...
I still don't know if I'm ready for this.
[SARSAPARILLA left closedeyesworried]
Disabling an entire reality spell? Why did I sign up for this? I-
...
[SARSAPARILLA left annoyed]
No, I've got to stop talking like that. 
[SARSAPARILLA left lookleft]
I've made it up to here. I can do this.

ssc2024_xolimono_riftA=
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
Well, this is it.
It's... just like the dreams I've been having.
...
[SARSAPARILLA left annoyed]
Okay, I don’t have time to reflect on this. I need to get to work and get out of here.
[SARSAPARILLA left annoyedLeft]
...

ssc2024_xolimono_madeline=
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
Hello?
...

maddy_entranceA=
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
H-hello?

maddy_entranceB=
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
Wait! Come back!

maddy_entranceC=
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
Wait, w-was that the girl I saw in my vision?
[SARSAPARILLA left thinking]
What’s she doing here? How did she even…
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
...
I should probably speak to her. She can’t be in this place when I disable the spell.
I’ll have to catch up with her, though...
[SARSAPARILLA left lookleft]
Just… just breath. There can’t be that much left here. 

ssc2024_xolimono_realending=
[MADELINE left sad]
Oh, hi there. 
You look lost.

[SARSAPARILLA right scared]
...
Where am I? Who are {~}you?{/~}

[MADELINE left sad]
Hey, calm down. It's alright.
To answer your question, I'm {+MADELINE}. I don't have a name for this place, but...
I reckon the crystal heart took you here?

[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
If you mean the alternate reality spell, yes, that's the one.
I'm {+ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA}. I'm an artificer.
I was sent here to disable this unstable reality, but...
[SARSAPARILLA right closedeyesworried]
I didn't realize there would be other people here...

[MADELINE left distracted]
That name, {+ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA}...
My friend {+THEO}... his grandfather had a story he told about someone with that name.
{+ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA} had a friend named {+ssc2024_xolimono_MUGS}. He liked naming characters after root beer, I guess.

[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
...
I don't know what to say about this.
[SARSAPARILLA right scared]
None of this makes sense.
My reality... it's just based on some {~}story?{/~}

[MADELINE left distracted]
Well, to be fair... the story wasn't one that ever really ended.
As far as I'm aware, he just kept adding on and on to it.
[MADELINE left normal]
If your reality is based on {~}some story,{/~} then that story isn't ending any time soon.

[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
...Well, that's somewhat reassuring, I guess.
[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
I don't think I'll be disabling this reality, like I was supposed to...

[MADELINE left normal]
The reality has to do with the crystal heart, doesn't it?
Just leave that to me. I know how to handle these things.

[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
I appreciate that, but...
Either way, I don't even know how to leave this place.

[MADELINE left normal]
Oh, that's super easy. It's sort of like waking from a lucid dream.
Just close your eyes, imagine yourself flying... and then realize that you're doing something impossible.

[SARSAPARILLA right annoyed]
...Well, that should be easy enough.
[SARSAPARILLA right normal]
Thank you, {+MADELINE}.

[MADELINE left distracted]
Of course. Just take care of yourself, alright?
Maybe we'll meet again someday. We'll just have to see what happens.
[MADELINE left normal]
For now, goodbye, {+ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA}.

ssc2024_xolimono_maddyB=
[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
How did you say I can leave this place, again?
[MADELINE left distracted]
Just close your eyes and imagine you're flying.
I mean, there's a ledge right there if you want to take a more literal approach.
[SARSAPARILLA right annoyed]
Of course. Sure.
[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
Thanks again,{+MADELINE}.


SSC2024_maddyendingA=
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
H-hello?

SSC2024_maddyendingB=
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
W-who are you?
[MADELINE right sad]
Huh? 
Oh, uh, hi. I'm {+MADELINE}, I guess?

SSC2024_maddyendingB2=
[MADELINE right sad]
Sorry, I wasn’t expecting to see anyone else in this place. How'd you get here?

[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
I was going to ask you the same. Do you even know what this place is?
You need to leave, we can’t stay here…
[SARSAPARILLA left scared]
…
I-I’m sorry… just…

[MADELINE right sad]
Hey, calm down, ok? 
Whatever you're worried about, just take a second. 

SSC2024_maddyendingB3=
[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
You're right, I’m sorry. Let me introduce myself.
My name’s {+ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA}. I’ve come here to disable the spell that forms this reality.

[MADELINE right distracted]
It's uh... nice to meet you.
...
[MADELINE right sad]
I know I don't know you, and maybe I shouldn't pry, but...
Is there something bothering you, {+ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA}? 
I mean... other than the fact we're in this... {~}weird place.{/~}

[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
...
It’s just… 

SSC2024_maddyendingC=
[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
As an artificer, there’s this expectation you need to do something big. You need to have a mark on the world.
With the adventures I’ve gone on… they haven’t felt like enough. One day, I just felt this need to do something beyond my own abilities.
This was my chance to do that, to... prove myself, I guess. But being here now, seeing this place, meeting another person...

SSC2024_maddyendingD=
[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
I'm starting to think I should have never come. Maybe this journey was a mistake.

[MADELINE left sad]
...
Okay, I know I don't really know you, nor do I know what's going on with this artificer and reality stuff, but...
[MADELINE left distracted]
I think I get how you're feeling.
It can be so easy to doubt yourself when you're under a lot of pressure.
[MADELINE left normal]
But I mean, you've come so far, right?

[SARSAPARILLA right thinking]
...Well, you're right. I've come pretty far to get here.
Still, though, I don't feel like I'm ready for this somehow.

[MADELINE left sad]
Sometimes you'll never feel ready.
But you've got to keep going. It's the best you can do.

[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
I- I guess.
Well then, I...
...
I'll keep going. I'll finish this.
Honestly, just...{.7} thanks for letting me talk with you. I do feel a bit better about all this.

[MADELINE left normal]
I'm always happy to help.
And by the way, about this reality-closing stuff... I'll be alright. I'll figure it out.

SSC2024_maddyendingE=
[MADELINE left distracted]
Oh, before you head off, so your name is {+ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA}, right?
[MADELINE left normal]
Do you, by any chance, have a friend named {+ssc2024_xolimono_MUGS}?

[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
...yes? Wait, how do you know that?

[MADELINE left distracted]
I just think I've heard of the two of you somewhere before, that's all.
[MADELINE left distracted]
{# 5c5c5c}...just like how it's written in the book, huh...{#}

SSC2024_maddyendingF=
[MADELINE left normal]
...
Well, take care, {+ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA}.
[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
Thank you for your help, {+MADELINE}.


ssc2024_xolimono_realendingforreal=

[MUGS left embarrassed]
{+ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA}! You're back!

[SARSAPARILLA right normal]
Oh, {+ssc2024_xolimono_MUGS}, I'm so glad to see you right now.

[MUGS left excited]
How'd it go? Did you contain the spell?

[SARSAPARILLA right normal]
It wasn't easy, but I did.
[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
It was... {~}so{/~} much stranger than I thought it would be.

[MUGS left worried]
How do you mean?

[SARSAPARILLA right thinking]
...I met someone else while I was in in there. This red-haired girl named {+MADELINE}.
[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
I think I've seen her a couple times in my dreams, but... she was there.
We started speaking and... well, I guess I realized how much I was doubting myself. But she helped me through it.

[MUGS left embarrassed]
That's, uh... fascinating?

[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
We only spoke for a bit, but she really helped me out.

[MUGS left embarrassed]
Hm, well...
With what I've heard of these spells, I guess anything's possible in these places. I'm just glad you had {~}someone{/~} to help you out, when you needed it.
Even if it was some {~}weird alternate reality person.{/~}

[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
I don't really know how to say this with a straight face, but she reminded me a lot of myself.
[SARSAPARILLA right annoyed]
I'm trying not to overthink it too much.
[SARSAPARILLA right worried]
You know, I hope she's okay. She seemed confident she knew her way out of there.
And with all this alternate reality stuff...
...

[MUGS left embarrassed]
I mean... er, there's a possibility that...
...
I'm sure she found a way out. As I said- anything's possible with these spells.

[SARSAPARILLA right normal]
...
You know, I'm realizing that... despite everything, {.4} I disabled the spell. I actually did it.

[MUGS left excited]
You did! I knew you could!
Honestly, though, I'm just glad that you made it back. I was really worried about you.

[SARSAPARILLA right normal]
I'm happy to be here with you again, {+ssc2024_xolimono_MUGS}. Thanks for everything.
Anyways, I probably ought to get some sleep. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.

[MUGS left embarrassed]
Aw, alright. 

ssc2024_xolimono_goodnight=
[MUGS left normal]
Good night, {+ssc2024_xolimono_SARSAPARILLA}.

[SARSAPARILLA right normal]
G'night, {+ssc2024_xolimono_MUGS}.

ssc2024_xolimono_the_end=
The End



ssc2024_xolimono_dialogueTest=
[SARSAPARILLA left normal]
Hello, my name is Sarsaparilla. I would like to show you some tricks. I hope you like them.
...
She sells seashells on a seashore

[SARSAPARILLA left lookleft]
But the value of these shells will fall

[SARSAPARILLA left worried]
Due to the laws of supply and demand

[SARSAPARILLA left closedeyes]
No one wants to buy shells 'cause there's loads on the sand

[SARSAPARILLA left thinking]
Step 1: you must create a sense of scarcity

[SARSAPARILLA left annoyed]
Shells will sell much better if the people think they're rare, you see

[SARSAPARILLA left annoyedLeft]
Bare with me, take as many shells as you can find and hide 'em

[SARSAPARILLA left scared]
on an island stockpile 'em high until they're rarer than a diamond

[MUGS right normal]
Step 2: you gotta make the people think that they want 'em

[MUGS right excited]
Really want 'em, really fuckin want 'em, hit 'em like Bronson

[MUGS right embarrassed]
Influencers, product placement, featured prime time entertainment

[MUGS right worried]
If you haven't got a shell then you're just a fucking waste man

[MUGS right closedeyes]
oh man... we rapping about economics 101
