Roggy_and_the_Beast-v1.5

<html> EXT. CLIFFSIDE SHACK - HIGH NOON </html>\s\nYou move towards the shack.\n\nThe man on the porch wears a blue coat. He leans forward to spit into a pail between his feet. And repeats. You watch him pick up the pail and gulp down the contents. You wince, only to see him start the process all over again.\n\nA pulsing red Maliwan rifle leans against a post beside him. An assemblage of scrap vaguely resembling a vehicle slumps behind the shack, and a selection of pickaxes lie in a jagged clump beside the door.\n\nYour hand drops instinctively to the grip of your Dahl revolver, but you're out of ammo.\n\nHis blue coat is painted with angular white symbols. Over the shins of his desert-camo pants rise a pair of oxblood boots sporting heavy metal plating at the toes.\n\nRed-tinted, silver-framed goggles hug his forehead in preparation for a sudden sandstorm, and a grey-blonde mohawk rises up from his scalp, seemingly held aloft by its own grime.\n\nYou're close enough to speak now, but the man still hasn't taken any interest in you.\n\n[["Hel-- hello. Can you help me?"|Meet_pleaseHelp][$opinion += 2]]\n[["What the hell are you doing?"|Meet_wth][$opinion -= 1]]\n[[-- Go sit next to him in the shade. --|Meet_goSit][$opinion -= 1]]\n[[...|Meet_silence]]

You spring toward the door, firing pot shots in the Collector's general direction. Reginald has taken off to his left, leaping off the porch to make a wide circle around her.\n\nYour hand grasps the doorhandle.\n\nA white-hot pillar of agony drives up through your ribs and into your lung, eviscerating its fragile walls with bone shards and shrapnel. You stagger back.\n\nYou're gasping.\n\nYou fall flat on your back.\n\nThe sound of Reginald cracking the Collector with the butt of his rifle is a distant awareness, as if it were happening on an underpowered radio.\n\nBreath is shallow. The air is shattered glass in your chest.\n\nYour vision spins and tunnels away.\n\n''YOU ARE DEAD.''<<logdead>>\n\n''Please use your browser's Back button to try another way.''

Reginald stares at you expectantly.\n\nHe raises his brows at you.\n\n<html> Reginald \n Can't even tell you how much I hate it when you do that, ya mute bastard. \n (beat) \nFine. Be that way, then. But gimme back that pistol right quick </html>\s\nWith some hesitation, you hand it back.\n\n<<display ReginalDragsCollector>>\n\n[[-- Follow him inside. --|InsideAfterKO]]

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You shout because your ears are still ringing.\n\n<html> You \n What a mess. \n\n Reginald \n What!? \n\n You exaggerate the shape of the words in your mouth. \n\n You \n I said: What, a, mess. \n Reginald smiles knowingly with a squint in his eyes. He nods. \n\n You lower your voice. \n\n You \n It's your turn. \n\n Reginald \n What!? </html>\s\nHe turns his head to the side and cups a hand against his ear. \n\nYou lay the barrel gently into his cupped hand, and fire.\n<<set $regsDead = true>>\s\n\n<<display WhyKillReginald>>\n\n<<if $maudeOpinion gte 1>>\s\n<<RideOffEnding "And made the world a less lunatic-infested place in the process.">>\n\n<<else>>\s\n<<set $maudeOpinion -= 10>>\s\nMaude flashes her teeth and lunges. Before you can even vocalize, she's taken you to the ground beneath her. The concrete slams hard into your back and your breath leaves you.\n\nYou wrestle to hold her snapping jaws back from the lifelines of your throat. You wheeze and struggle toward a breath.\n\n<html> You \n Please... don't make me do this. \n\n Throwing your weight, you manage to flip the fight over You have Maude pinned down by the neck with your forearm. \n\n You (CONT'D) \n Damnit, Maude! I'll take you with me. Just calm down! </html>\s\nYou struggle to realize that there's no use. She's out for blood and there's nothing you can do to stop her.\n\nWith a painful resignation, you slide your revolver from its holster. At least you can make it quick, merciful. You squeeze the trigger and your eyes go wet at the corners.\n\nEven through your renewed deafness, Maude's explosive yelp breaks your heart.\n<<set $maudeDead = true>>\s\n\n<<RideOffEnding "And made the world a less lunatic-infested place in the process. You wish you could have saved Maude though.">>\n<<endif>>\s\n\n[[The end.|Stats]]

<html> You \n You know, something other than... that. \n He laughs at you. \n\n Reginald \n You think drinks come easy round these parts? I don't care if you's the queen of the desert. We earn ours out here. \n\n You \n Okay. What do I need to do? </html>\s\nYou can't take the heat anymore, so you walk toward the shade of the porch.\n\n<<display HereComesMaude>>\n\n<<if $opinion lte 0>>\s\n<html> Reginald \n I gotta say, stranger, you ain't exactly inspiring confidence in me and Maude here. Let's get a name for starters. \n\n You \n Okay! Okay! It's Unger. Just call off your monster. \n\n Reginald \n \n (to Maude) \nNow don't you listen to that mean man for one moment, Maude. You're the most beautifulest thing I ever saw. \n (to you) \nThis desert rat shitstain, on the other hand...</html>\s\nMaude snaps at you. A flash of teeth and a cracking sound like a hyena breaking bones.\n\n<<set $maudeOpinion -= 1>>\s\n[["Holy sh-- Nice doggie. Niice doggie."|MeetMaude_a][$opinion += 1; $maudeOpinion += 2]]\n[[-- Try to pet the ... dog? --|MeetMaude_b][$maudeOpinion += 4]]\n[[-- Throw your canteen at it! --|MeetMaude_c][$opinion -= 1; $maudeOpinion -= 2]]\n[[...|MeetMaude_d]]\n<<else>>\s\n<html> Reginald \n Ah, he don't seem so bad. Does he, Maude? \n\n Maude seems to calm down. \n\n Reginald (CONT'D) \n What's yer name, then? Go on. </html>\s\n<<set $maudeOpinion += 3>>\s\n[["Nice to meet you."|IntroduceNoMaude][$opinion += 2]]\n[["Fine. Sure. Whatever."|IntroduceNoMaude][$opinion -= 1]]\n[[-- Introduce yourself so he stops yapping about it. --|IntroduceNoMaude]]\n<<endif>>

And it is a //revelation//. It is cool and clear and deliciously tasteless. The chill of refreshment spreads through your chest, root-like and penetrating.\n\nWhen you finally take a breath, you leave your eyes closed for an extra moment, savoring.

With a puckered frown, he throws you a hard stare.\n\n<<display ReginaldInstructions>>\s\n[["I'm going to give you one chance to stop this. Right now."|FeedMaude_threaten][$turncoat = true; $opinion -= 3; $oxferdOpinion += 3]]\n[["Oh, is that all? You got it, Reg."|FeedMaude_enthusiastic][$oxferdOpinion -= 10]]\n[["No." -- Draw your revolver. --|FeedMaude_draw][$opinion -= 5; $maudeOpinion -= 2; $oxferdOpinion += 5]]\n<<if previous() neq "FeedMaude_silence">>\s\n[[...|FeedMaude_silence][$opinion -= 2]]\n<<endif>>\s\n

<<set $meriOpinion += 15>>\s\n<<set $oxferdOpinion += 17>>\s\nYou examine the chain Oxferd hangs on, but there doesn't seem to be an easy release. You'll have to do it the hard way. \n\nReaching up with both hands, you grab him around the upper-thigh.\n\n<html> You \n Alright now. This is going to real unpleasant for you, but I'm gonna need your help with this. \n\n Oxferd \n Oh, sweet skag of mercy, thank you. \n\n You \n Yeah, yeah. Now grab the chain above you and pull yourself up off the hook while I push from down here. </html>\s\nIt's a clumsy operation, and Oxferd whimpers more than a little, but he's liberated from the hook just as his strength fails him. He falls atop you like a side of beef and you both crash down to the floor. His now-gaping wound ruins your shirt before you manage to roll him over onto the floor. Your face pulls up into a snarling frown.\n\n<<if $shotAtCollector eq true>>\s\n<html> Meri \n Get us patched up. Then, and only then, will we be square. </html>\s\n <<if $earShot eq true>>\s\n<html> You \n No. You got a chunk of my ear, and I saved you both from a horrible, torturous death. If anything, you already owe me. You got that? </html>\s\n <<else>>\s\n<html> You \n Beggin' your pardon, missy, but if I'm not mistaken, I've already saved you both from a horrible, torturous death. Or does that kind of thing not come at a premium 'round here? </html>\s\n <<endif>>\s\nYou both scowl at each other, then you get back to Oxferd.\n<<else>>\s\n<html> Meri \n We can't thank you enough, man. I don't know how you ended up with this loony sonuvabitch, but I'm glad you were here. </html>\s\nYou nod at Meri, then turn back to Oxferd.\n<<endif>>\s\n\n<html> You \n This is pretty bad. I'm gonna find some rags to bandage him with. Probably the best I can do right now. </html>\s\n<<if $maudeDead eq false>>\s\n<<display SadMaude>>\n\n<<endif>>\s\nYou head toward the living room.\n\nAfter rummaging around in the many piles, you've found a few not-entirely-filthy pieces of clothing, and a pair of scissors.\n\nWhen you return, you find that the Collectors have dragged themselves together and are lip-locked with gusto. Hard to blame them after what they just went through. But still, you cough politely to inform them of your return.\n\nNo response.\n\nYou cough louder. With an uncharacteristically girlish smile, Meri glances up at you.\n\n<html> You \n Right, well: There will be plenty of time for that after you're patched up. \n\n You move briskly about the room to collect and secure any remaining firearms. \n\n You (CONT'D) \n And... After I've wrung you both for information, of course. \n (beat) \nYeah, that's right, kiddos. I didn't do this out of the kindness of my heart -- well, not entirely. And my heart do runneth over with kindness, if I'm being honest. But that's beside the point. The point is: You both have information that I need, and I am going to get it. \n\n Oxferd \n Come on, man! You gotta be shittin' me. We escape the clutches of one lunatic only to land in another's? \n\n You \n No, no. Nothing like that. I'm not into torture. Not my thing. But then again, I also won't hesitate to take away this second chance which I have so graciously given to each of you. Far be it from me to part such lovey lovebirds, so just answer my questions, and you both get to live. Easy peasy, lovey squeezy. Got it? \n\n You throw Meri a few rags so she can start tying up Oxferd's midsection. \n You (CONT'D) \n Let's begin: Where is the Collector camp? </html>\s\n[[The end.|Stats]]\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Beginning of passages rather than on link click

He looks longingly at the gun in your hand. With a glance over at Reginald, you re-holster it before he notices. You're sure Reginald wouldn't want you to ruin his... "fun."\n\nHe speaks quietly.\n\n<html> Oxferd \n I'll tell you everything, man. Just... \n He jerks his head meaningfully in the direction of Reginald. \n\n Oxferd \n I'll scratch your back, man. Just-- \n\n Reginald spins toward you looking irritated. \n\n Reginald \n What in the everloving gypsy queen are you two Nancies talkin about back here? \n\n He reaches for the chainsaw. \n\n Reginald \n Gott damn, Unger. It ain't that hard. Here, I'll do it myself. </html>\s\nReginald turns away from you, giving you an open shot.\n\n[[-- Shoot Reginald. Get information. --|Oxferd_killReginald][$oxferdOpinion += 7; $turncoat = true]]\n[["Last chance, Oxy." -- Take aim at Oxferd. --|Oxferd_takeAim]]

Reginald growls audibly.\n\nIn the space of a blink, his Tediore is barrel-first against your forehead.\n\n<html> Reginald \n Alright, shitstain, here's the deal: You do exactly as I say, or you join them on the hooks. I believe I've made myself clear. </html>\s\nIn his frustration, Reginald turns and pistol-whips Oxferd in his remaining knee cap, sending him into an erratic spin. Oxferd moans against the pain of the movement.\n\nReginald slowly breathes himself into a calmer state, and finally re-holsters the pistol.\n\n<<if visited("FeedMaude_hesitant") eq 0>>\s\n<<display ReginaldInstructions>>\s\n<<else>>\s\n<html> Reginald \n Now, you know what you gotta do. Get to the choppin', bubba. And quick-like, a'fore I lose my temper again.</html>\s\n<<endif>>\s\n<<if $shotAtCollector eq true>>\s\nIn your peripheral vision, Meri's eyes flutter for a moment. Staying inconspicuous, you gloss your eyes over the room until you're looking in her direction.\n\nHer eyes flit open again, looking toward Oxferd. Their eyes lock and his go wide. \n\n[[...|LetOxferdHelpMeri][$turncoat = true; $oxferdOpinion += 3; $meriOpinion += 1]]\n<<else>>\s\nIn your peripheral vision, Meri's eyes flutter for a moment. Staying inconspicuous, you gloss your eyes over the room until you're looking in her direction.\n\nHer eyes flit open again. She looks at you, then winks.\n\n[[-- Subtle nod. --|HelpMeri][$turncoat = true; $oxferdOpinion += 3; $meriOpinion += 5]]\n<<endif>>\s\n[["Hey, she's awake!"|WarnReginald][$turncoat = false; $opinion += 2; $meriOpinion -= 5; $oxferdOpinion -= 5]]\n[["Watch it!" -- Pin her down. --|SaveReginald][$turncoat = false; $opinion += 2; $meriOpinion -= 5; $oxferdOpinion -= 5]]

You fling yourself to the right, barely avoiding the lunge. Maude's fur scrapes across your arm as you dive. Her bulk knocks the gun out of your hand.\n\nShe slams into the metal wall and yelps as you hit the stone floor. It's unforgiving. You land hard.\n\nYou look up to find Reginald standing over you, about to whip down with a length of hefty chain. \n\nA thump. Reginald's head snaps to the side under the sudden impact of a black boot. His eyes go glassy for a moment. Meri must have woken up.\n\nYou hear Maude coming at you again.\n\n[[-- Get to your feet! --|FightMaude_getToFeet]]\n<<if $maudeOpinion gte 0>>\s\n[[-- Convince her to stop! --|FightMaude_pleadSucceed]]\n<<else>>\s\n[[-- Beg Maude to stop! --|FightMaude_pleadFail]]\n<<endif>>\s\n[[-- Kick! --|FightMuade_kickFromGround][$maudeOpinion -= 4]]\n\n

Roggy and the Beast

<<ReginaldAndTheCollectorTalk_pt2 "You hear a shush of sand under Reginald's boots as he hops off the porch." "You hear a wet, sickening thwack.">> Maude is visibly agitated.\n\n[[-- Go check it out. --|LookAfterKO]]\n[[-- I don't want to see that. --|KeepHidingAfterKO]]

The air shatters with the sound of the bullet, and everything slows down around you.\n\nYour forehead splinters like a china plate, the shards rip through you.\n\nYou suffer an agony you can't comprehend -- but only for an instant.

<html> Reginald \n I'm Reginald, by the way, thanks fer askin'. As to stealing some of my hard-earned shade? Well, 'fraid that ain't up to me. You'll have to make yer case to Maude. \n(yelling)\nHey, Maude! Git on out here, girl! </html>

It's a woman wearing roughspun scraps of clothing and scavenged materials strapped and lashed together. You're not sure if it's supposed to be intimidating, or if it's all she could find. \n\nHer hair is black and greasy with feathers and strings woven in. It's braided in places and dreadlocked in others. There are designs painted across her face and neck in blood -- or something alike in color -- giving her the apperance of some barbarian Gaul.\n\nYou startle at the insignia on her sleeve. You know that mark: A skag skull impaled on a spear. She's with those people that left you to die of thirst and hyperthermia. And that is an awful way to go -- they didn't even have the decency to kill you proper-like.

Something just moved off to your right. You feel it more than you hear it. With the subtlest of head tilts, your eyes slide in that direction.\n\nMeri is lying on her side with her revolver drawn. She's got you dead in her sights.

It's no use.\n\nYou can't know when she woke up, or how much she heard. But it doesn't matter anymore anyway.\n\n<<display ShotByMeri>>\n\n''YOU ARE DEAD.''<<logdead>>\n\n''Please use your browser's Back button to try another way.''\n

You collapse under the weight of the lunging Maude. \n\nShe's clearly trained to kill. You're pinned down. Her jaws snap toward your neck in rapid flashes. Your hands are planted at the base of her neck. All you can do is try to hold back the onslaught.\n\nThere's a faint smell of home cooked meal -- the sand is searing the skin at the back of your neck.\n\nSomeone's whimpering. \n\nIt's you.\n\n<<display HereComesTheCollector>> Maude drives you further into the ground as she leaps back toward the shack.\n\n<html> Reginald (CONT'D) \n You too, Unger. I gots some business that needs attending, and I don't need you complicatin' matters. Go inside. Shut up. Then stay shut up. You grok me? </html>\s\n\n[[-- Do as you're told, go inside. --|HideFromCollector][$opinion += 2]]\n[["Why should I?"|QuestionHideFromCollector]]\n[["With the monster that nearly killed me? Hell no."|DontHideFromCollector][$opinion -= 2]]

<html> You \n You know what? Screw you, Reginald. I'm not even going to stop her. I could, but I'm not going to.</html>\s\nHe glares at you, his eyes bugging out.\n\n<html> You \n Yeah, man. This whole torture dungeon thing you've got set up? It's real off-putting. Sayonara, sucker. </html>\s\nHis hands shoot out toward you, but you quickstep back. The strength in his arms slowly fades, they droop and go limp. Then his eyelids fall.\n<<set $regsDead = true>>\s\n\n<html> You \n Well then. </html>\s\n[[-- Help him down. --|HelpCollectors]]\n[[-- Kill them all. --|KillThemAll]]\n[[-- Walk away. --|WalkAway]]

You're both shouting over the ringing in your ears.\n<html> Meri \n One good reason, punk. I defy you to give me one. \n\n You \n I'm the only one left to help you. How're you going to get Oxferd down without me? \n\n Meri \n I'll figure it out. \n\n You \n I doubt it. But you don't have to. Just let me help you. But you have to give me the gun. \n\n Meri \n Why the hell would I do that? \n\n You \n Because you know as well as I do that you can't get him down by yourself with that busted leg. And I've got no guarantee that you don't shoot me in the back as soon as he's down. </html>\s\nShe curses inaudibly, and throws down the gun.\n\n[[-- Help him down. --|HelpCollectors]]\n[[-- Kill them all. --|KillThemAll]]\n[[-- Walk away. --|WalkAway]]

<html> INT. FILTHY SHACK - AFTERNOON </html>\s\nYou scurry into the shack: a brief respite from the oppressive heat. You press your back against the wall beside the door and sigh lovingly at the slight reduction in temperature. \n\n<<if $maudeOpinion gt 0>>\s\nMaude sniffs at you and licks your hand.\n<<else>>\s\nMaude crouches down a few paces away and drops her head. She glares at you with a low grumbling in her throat.\n<<endif>>\s\n\n<<display DescribeShackInterior>>\n\nYou hear a heavy metal machine screech and skid to a halt out front.\n\n[[-- Peek. --|PeekOut]]\n[[-- Stay hidden and listen. --|JustListen]]

<<display ReginaldsDoom_pt1>>\n<html> Oxferd \n Hey, Roggy! \n\n Reginald doesn't bother turning around. \n\n Reginald \n Shut the fuck up, Oxferd. \n\n Oxferd \n Hey, Roggy! Hey, Roggy! Hey, Roggy-woggy-babba-labba-ding-dong. \n\n Reginald spins and draws his Tediore to threaten Oxferd. \n\n Oxferd \n Dip doop, whaddya boop, avast ye, bar of soap, jean jacket, rat-ta-tat, blat blat. \n\n Reginald \n I said shut the fu-- </html>\s\n<<ReginaldsDoom_pt2 "Oxferd is">>\n<<set $regsDead = true>>/% $shotAtCollector is always true here %/\s\n\nWithout hesitation, Meri turns the revolver on you. There's a pallor of icy glass in her stare.\n\n<html> You \n First of all, it's empty. Second, I could have stopped you just now, but I didn't. You're welcome. \n With a grunt of frustration, she chucks the gun at you. You put a hand up to block it, and it clatters to the floor. \n\n Meri \n \n (sarcastic) \nWell thank you so bloody much, Mr. Hero. Remind me: Was that before or after you shot me ? \n\n You \n I did that before I'd seen any of this. All I knew was that I would die alone in the desert if he turned me away. \n\n Meri scowls. \n\n Meri \n Get him down from there, then patch up my leg. Then maybe we'll call it square. </html>\s\n\n[[-- Help him down. --|HelpCollectors]]\n[[-- Kill them all. --|KillThemAll]]\n[[-- Walk away. --|WalkAway]]

<<if previous() neq "PeekOut">>\s\n<html> EXT. CLIFFSIDE SHACK - HIGH NOON </html>\s\n<<display DescribeTheCollector>>\n\n<<endif>>\s\nReginald stands over her on the porch while she writhes on the ground. She clutches her leg -- it's bloody and broken between the teeth of a wicked bear trap.\n\n<<ReginaldAndTheCollectorTalk_pt2 "Reginald hops off the porch and paces around Meri." "Reginald bashes her in the head with a wet, sickening thwack.">>\n\nYou're too stunned to say anything.\n\n[[-- Keep watching. --|KeepLookingAfterKO]]

<<if previous() neq "RegReCollectorWhatDo" and previous() neq "RegReCollectorWhy" >>\s\n<<display ReginaldDropsBody>>\n<<endif>>\n<html>\n Reginald \n Go ahead and be a non-commital pansy if'n you want. Long as you don't interfere, we're square. \n</html>\s\n<<display ReginaldResumesDragging>>\n\n[[-- Look for weapons, ammo. --|SearchTheShack]]

A sound like a chainsaw shudders over the landscape: a vehicle in the distance. Someone is tearing across the desert in a hurry.\n\nReginald pulls the red-tinted goggles off his forehead and down onto his eyes. Through the lenses, you see his gaze narrow and his eyebrows drop.\n\n<html> Reginald \n (muttering to self) Bout time you showed up, you sonuva-- (aloud) Maude, git on back in the house! </html>

You turn tail.\n\nYou're sprinting blindly with the sound of a cerberus on your heels.\n\nThere's a rock formation ahead. You jump, scramble, and claw your way up to a small ledge. Gripping the sun-cooked rock twelve feet off the ground, you're not sure how long you can hold.\n\nMaude is quickstepping at the base of the stone. She jumps and snaps.\n\nReginald is laughing hysterically.\n\n<<display "HereComesTheCollector">>Maude scampers off.\n\n<html> Reginald \n You too, bubba. Come on over here and get yourself hid. There's a mean man on approach, and I got designs on 'im.</html>\s\n[[-- Do as you're told, go inside. --|HideFromCollector][$opinion += 1]]\n[["Why should I?"|QuestionHideFromCollector]]\n[["With the monster that nearly killed me? Hell no."|DontHideFromCollector][$opinion -= 2]]

Reg max : 5 ?\nMaude max : 4 ?\n\nReg min : -3 ?\nMaude min : -5 ?

a cinematic adventure

You hold steady with nerves of steel.\n\nMaude licks your hand and rubs her head against it. You smile, and pet her with increasing enthusiasm.\n<<set $maudeOpinion += 2>>\s\n<<set $opinion += 1>><html> Reginald \n You must be somethin' special there, bubba. Maude don't usually take so kindly to newfolk. \n You \n I guess she's not as ferocious as she looks. \n Reginald \n Ehh. Not quite, son. You'd be dead faster'n a vulture shits if I gave the right word. \n You \n Exactly how fast does a vulture shi--</html>\s\n<<display HereComesTheCollector>><html> You \n What? What's going on? \n Reginald \n Just get inside and plug your ears, Unger. This ain't gonna be pleasant. </html>\s\n[[-- Do as you're told, go inside. --|HideFromCollector][$opinion += 1]]\n[["I could help you."|QuestionHideFromCollector]]\n[["If there's violence afoot, I'm not going to miss out."|DontHideFromCollector][$opinion -= 1]]

<<if $opinion lte 0>>\s\n<html> Reginald \n You stubborn sonuvabitch. I oughta perforate your bull-headed ass right now, a'fore you cause me any more trouble. \n\n He's got you in the sights of his pulsing Maliwan, and even if you could knock it out of his hands, he's still got a blue Tediore pistol on his belt. \n\n Reginald (CONT'D) \n One false step here, stranger, and you'll be higher on my shit list than this oncomin' asshole. And whatever you do: Don't kill 'em. These 'Collectors' have fucked with me long enough. It's my turn. </html> <<else>>\s\n<html> He snatches up the pulsing red Maliwan from where it leaned against the shack. He also has a blue Tediore pistol at his hip. \n\n Reginald \n You're lucky I like you, kid. I've killed for less. Now listen here: My house, my rules. You follow my lead and don't you dare kill the bastard. These 'Collectors' have fucked with me long enough. It's my turn. </html>\n<<endif>>\s\n<html> Reginald grumbles to himself and checks his rifle clip, chamber, and barrel.\n\n Reginald (CONT'D) \n Maude, git on in the house. \n The beastly canine scampers away with a drooping head, looking dejected. \n\n Reginald (CONT'D)\n And you: I know that thing is empty. </html>\s\nYou look longingly at the revolver at your hip, not much more than a pretty hunk of metal without ammo. After a long stare, Reginald pulls the Tediore from its holster and hands it to you.\n\nThe poorly-oiled jackhammer of an engine is getting louder. You spot a vehicle-esque scrap heap careening over the dunes.\n\nYou check the pistol, and prepare for whatever madness is about to unfold.\n\nCresting the final ridge, the sand-runner slides to a stop twenty paces off the porch. One lone figure hops out with a heavy Jakobs revolver drawn and raised.\n\n<<display DescribeTheCollector>>\n\n[[-- Stay the course. --|DontHideFromCollector2]]

<html> Reginald \n Or what, Unger? Huh? What'cha gonna do about it with an empty cannon? \n\n You \n No one deserves this, man. And listen: This is coming from a guy who has killed a "lot" of people. Like, a whole lot. \n\n Reginald \n Is that so? Then tell me: What's got your tighty whities all twisted up on that sudden conscience boner you're sporting? Huh? This ain't your house, Unger. You don't make the rules. I do! </html>\s\n[["If you want to kill 'em, just fucking kill 'em already!"|ReginaldLosesIt][$opinion -= 4]]\n[["It's not empty." -- Draw your gun.--|FeedMaude_draw][$opinion -= 10]]

Reginald groans into a squat, hooks his arms back under Meri's and continues dragging her down the hall. Her wound leaves a sizable red puddle where she was dropped.\n\nMaude laps at the puddle and prances around excitedly.

You place the barrel of your revolver against Meri's forehead.\n\nMeri looks up at you from her place on the gurney. She snarls and wrenches down once more on Reginald's throat before letting him go. He slides down to the floor like a liquid. He coughs and wheezes while Maude desperately licks and nuzzles his face.\n\nYou're looking down at Reginald when Meri whips like a snake. Before you know what's happened, she's pulled the gun from your hand and flipped up onto her knees, threatening you with your own revolver\n\n<<if $maudeOpinion gte 1>>\s\nA dark blur streaks through the air. Meri collapses under Maude. Canines sink into the Collector's forearm, and the arc of the jump takes them both down over the other side of the gurney.\n\n<<FreezerGunshot>>\n\nThere's a splash of red in your peripheral vision as the ricocheting bullet strikes Oxferd in the crook of the neck.\n\nMeri thrashes against Maude on the floor between the gurney and the wall. Reginald jumps up and grabs a meat tenderizer the size of a war hammer. He kicks the gurney out of the way then swings the bludgeon down onto the blur of limbs beneath Maude.\n\nOxferd jerks, strains, then goes still.\n\nIt all feels oddly distant from behind the veil of deafening tone in your ears.\n\nReginald stands up, panting and victorious. He reaches down to pet Maude behind the ears and say something to her, his mouth moves with a smile.\n<<else>>/% Maude doesn't like you %/\s\nYour breath sticks in a half-exhale. There's a shuffling to your left but you can't take your eyes off Meri.\n\n<html> Reginald \n Put it down, darlin'. </html>\s\nYou and Meri both turn to find Reginald standing with his Tediore pointed straight at Oxferd's head.\n\nMeri's eyes flit back and forth between you, Reginald, and Oxferd. She vocalizes a grumbling exhale, and slowly places the revolver down in front of her.\n\nHer hand leaves the grip. <<FreezerGunshot "Oxferd jerks, strains, then goes still.">> \n\nMeri's hand snaps down. You rush forward and the two of you tumble off the back of the gurney onto the cold concrete floor. The revolver clatters to the ground a few feet away.\n\nYou're on your back wrestling with Meri. She punches and scratches and tries to bite, but she's at a disadvantage with her ruined leg.\n\n<html> Reginald \n Maude! Sycamore! </html>\nIn a rush of Maude's black fur, Meri is torn away. You turn to find Maude rapidly jerking her head with Meri's neck firmly between her jaws.\n<<endif>>\n\nThe Collectors are dead.\n<<set $meriDead = true>>\s\n<<set $oxferdDead = true>>\s\n\nReginald offers you his hand to help you up. You reach over and grab your revolver before you take the hand and get back on your feet.\n\n[["So, about that drink..."|BefriendReginald][$opinion += 6]]\n[["I'm taking her ride."|LeaveReginald]]\n[[-- Kill Reginald. --|KillReginald][$maudeOpinion -= 3]]\n\n

A couple paces out from the porch, her foot comes down onto a sudden eruption of sand. A rusty bear-trap clanks out of its hiding place and snaps down on her leg halfway up the calf. The gun falls out of her hand.\n\nShe screams and wails, equal parts rage and pain.

Reginald's nostrils flare, his head bows and he glares at you out the top of his eyes. His lips part over clenched teeth, and he snarls.\n\nHe drops his rifle, then spits at your feet.\n\n<<display ThreatenReg_talkInc>>\s\n<<display TrapCatchesCollector>>\n\n<<ReginaldAndTheCollectorTalk_pt2 "Reginald looks positively overjoyed. He throws you a knowing smile and a wink. He thinks this was all part of your plan. You play along." "Reginald bashes her in the head with a wet, sickening thwack.">> \s\n<html> Reginald \n Enough of that snuffin' yer muffin' over there, help me get her out of this thing. </html> \s\n[["Sure thing, buddy."|KOCollector_help][$opinion += 1]]\n[[...|KOCollector_silence][$opinion -= 1]]

You tried. You really did, but there was just no spark there. You and Reginald were never going to be friends. Also he was kind of an unstable psychopath. You really prefer the company of stable psychopaths -- they're far more interesting conversation partners, for one thing.

<html> Reginald \n Hey Maude! Maybe you can loosen this boy's tongue.</html>\s\n<<display HereComesMaude>><html> Reginald \n Now I'd highly recommend you at least give me a name. 'Least that way, if Maude tears your throat out I got somethin' to carve on yer pisspoor tombstone.\n\n You look incredulous. You don't believe this man would actually take the time to bury you, much less erect a stone to your memory. \n\n Reginald (CONT'D) \n What can I say? We're civilized like that 'round here. \n\n You \n It's Unger. \n\n Reginald \n Good. Now was 'at so hard? </html>\s\n[[-- Try to pet the ... dog? --|MeetMaude_b][$maudeOpinion += 4]]\n[[-- Throw your canteen at it! --|MeetMaude_c][$opinion -= 1; $maudeOpinion -= 2]]\n[[...|MeetMaude_d]]

<html> INT. FILTHY SHACK - AFTERNOON </html>\s\n<<display DescribeShackInterior>>\n\n[["What are you going to do to her?"|RegReCollectorWhatDo]]\n[["Wait. Why? Tell me why you're doing this."|RegReCollectorWhy][$opinion -= 1]]\n[["Tell me why you're doing this. Right now!"|RegReCollectorWhy][$opinion -= 2]]\n[[-- Thumbs up. --|RegReCollectorAgree][$opinion += 2]]\n[[-- Thumbs up. -- (lie)|RegReCollectorPretendAgree][$opinion += 2; $turncoat = true]]\n[[...|RegReCollectorSilence]]

jquery:off\nmodernizr:off\nbookmark:off\nobfuscatekey:jmcyfkusdxvwigozbeplrahnqt\nundo:on\nobfuscate:off\n

<<display DescribeTheCollector>>\n\nShe's got Reginald in the sights of her heavy Jakobs revolver.\n\n<<ReginaldAndTheCollectorTalk_pt1>> \n\nFeet shuffle. Shots are fired. \n\n[[-- Keep watching. --|LookAfterScream]]

You lie the butt of the pistol in your offhand and aim squarely between his eyes.\n\n<<display MeriDraws>>\n\nThe chainsaw in Reginald's hands splutters to life and the room fills with its rumbling moan.\n\nYou spin to take a shot at her, but you're too slow.\n\n<<display ShotByMeri>>\n\n''YOU ARE DEAD.''<<logdead>>\n\n''Please use your browser's Back button to try another way.''

Meri's arms relax a hint at your suggestion. Her eyes, though, are filled with fire. They swing back and forth between you and red-goggled Reginald.\n\n<html> Reginald \n This don't seem fair at all, now does it? Tell you what, little lady, howsabout we relinquish our cannons and settle this like hardass adults? \n\n She looks uncertain and eyes your suspiciously. \n\n Reginald makes a show of laying down his rifle, then raises his open hands, big and theatrical. He waves at you to lower your weapon, so you do. \n\n Reginald \n Well? What'cha waitin fer, Meri? Come and get it, if you think you can take me down. \n\n You see it in the way her body pulses, every accentuated breath speaks to it: There is a primal, animal rage in her veins. It's in the way she shows her teeth: Meri wants blood. She doesn't want to gun him down, no. She wants to tear the biological machinery from his throat with her bare hands. \n\n The Collector bolts forward, revolver still in hand. Reginald settles back into a fighting stance up on the porch. \n\n Reginald \n That's right. Come on, then! </html>\s <<display TrapCatchesCollector>>\n\n<<ReginaldAndTheCollectorTalk_pt2>>\n<html> Reginald \n 'Ay, Unger. Wanna quit spankin' your spud and give me a damn hand over here? </html>\s\n[["Sure thing, buddy."|KOCollector_help][$opinion += 1]]\n[[...|KOCollector_silence][$opinion -= 1]]\n\n

The shack is an absolute mess. It's also larger than it looked from the outside since it tunnels back into the abutting cliff face. Down a hallway through the filth-coated kitchen, you can see the back rooms are chiseled out of the stone.\n\nAn old, crusty trail of blood streaks in through the front door and down the length of the hallway where it takes a left and disappears behind a corner.\n\nThe living room area bubbles with piles of clothing in varying states of uncleanliness. In the kitchen, flimsy shelves heft dusty cans and boxes, and a mountain of dishes drowns in a horse-trough of soapy water with a rainbow sheen. \n\nYou lick the inside of your mouth with sad desperation. You're almost thirsty enough to take a swig from the trough.\n\nMismatched and filthy scraps of wallpaper plaster the walls at crazy angles. There are no glass panes in the windows, they're covered instead with irregular slabs of thick screening nailed directly into the wall.

You spin to take a shot at her, but you're too slow.\n\n<html> Oxferd \n Baby, no! Stop! </html>\s\n\n<<display ShotByMeri>>\n\n''YOU ARE DEAD.''<<logdead>>\n\n''Please use your browser's Back button to try another way.''

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You hear scampering feet inside, then the sound of something crashing down. The shack's wood-framed screen door slams back against the wall under the impact of a monstrous four legged creature. It explodes out of the shack and charges directly at you.\n\nIt has the bulk of an African mastiff with coloring like a Doberman. A razorback stripe of long, mangy hair runs the length of its spine.\n\nThe beast skids to a stop at the edge of the porch, greeting you with raised hackles and bared teeth.

<<if previous() neq "RegReCollectorWhatDo" and previous() neq "RegReCollectorWhy" >>\s\n<<ReginaldDropsBody>>\n<<endif>>\s\n<html> You \n She's with the murderous bastards that left me to die in the desert. Screw her, and her boyfriend too. They're only getting what they have coming. \n\n Reginald \n Good. I'm glad yer on my side here. </html> <<display ReginaldResumesDragging>>\n\n[[-- Look for weapons and ammo while he's distracted. --|SearchTheShack]]

<<set $meriOpinion = -100>>\s\n<<set $oxferdOpinion = -100>>\s\nYou're a practical sort. Sure, you enjoy revenge as much as the next guy, but torture just isn't in your playbook. You can't suffer that kind of sadism.\n\nA quick bullet and a merciful kill is all the revenge you need.\n\nMeri and Oxferd may not be the ones who left you to die in the desert, but they're part of the group that did. That's enough for you. \n\nBesides, if you scavenge their outfits and take Meri's ride, you should be able to sneak into the heart of the Collector camp and exact your vengeance on those who really deserve it.\n\nYou place a finger in your ear, and lay the other down against your shoulder <<if previous() eq "MeriDraw_dive">>again.<<else>>to protect your ears.<<endif>>\n\nYou raise your gun.\n\n[[The end.|Stats]]

You rush forward to knock Meri's arms aside, but it gives her just enough time to pull the Tediore out of Reginald's holster and press it against his gut. \n\n<<FreezerGunshot "You realize it's too late for Reginald and stop short.">>\n\nShe fires again into Reginald's chest even as she raises the pistol to his head. His shocked expression is erased in a sprinkling of red mist. It trickles down around you like the gentlest rain.\n\nThen she turns the pistol on you.\n\n<<if $shotAtCollector>>\s\n[["Wait--!"|MerisRevenge]]\n<<else>>\s\n[["Whoa, wait! Don't!"|MerisHesitation]]\n<<endif>>

<<if previous() neq "RegReCollectorWhy">>\s\n<<ReginaldDropsBody "mad">>\n<<endif>>\n<html> Reginald \n What the fuck do you care? She ain't nothin to you. And not that it's any a' yer business, but I'm gonna meat-hook her right next to her darling prince so they can be together forever and ever and ever until I decide to let them bleed out. \n\n Maude is lapping the fresh blood from the dusty floor. \n\n Reginald \n Oh, and in the meanwhile, Maude gets a feast every day. Win-goddamn-win if you ask me. \n</html>\n\n<<if previous() neq "RegReCollectorWhy">>\s\n[["Why?|RegReCollectorWhy][$opinion -= 1]]\n<<endif>>\s\n[["Sounds like a solid plan"|RegReCollectorAgree][$opinion += 2]]\n[["Sounds like a solid plan." (lie)|RegReCollectorPretendAgree][$opinion += 2; $turncoat = true]]\n[[...|RegReCollectorSilence]]

Maudes hefty bulk crashes down atop you, pinning your upper body to the floor. You grab handfuls of her scruffy, oily hair and skin on either side of her neck. She snaps her ferocious, foul-smelling jaws at you. It takes all the strength you possess to hold her head back. Crack, crack, crack, the jaws clamp down inches, centimeters from the soft flesh of your face.\n\n<html> You \n Maude! It's me, stop it! Maude, please! Good girl, good girl! Nice doggie! </html> \s\n\nTo your right, you hear Meri and Reginald struggling against each other. Without thinking, you glance toward the noise. The momentary distraction weakens your grip just so.\n\nMaude's teeth tear into the side of your head around the crook of your jaw bone. You shriek and your strength leaves you in the shock. The world has shrunken to the size of Maude's jaw, there is nothing but the agony of your eviscerated flesh.\n\nThe teeth release, only to come down with better purchase on the arterial lifelines of your neck. Maude whips her head violently back and forth. With every rapid jerk, your mind fades a shade darker.\n\n''YOU ARE DEAD.''<<logdead>>\n\n''Please use your browser's Back button to try another way.''\n\n

<html> You \n My name is Unger. You? \n\n Reginald \n Well it's Reginald, proper-like. But my friends all call me Roggy-- Ah, I'm just kiddin. I don't have any friends. </html>\s\nReginald is laughing. Maude is now sitting calmly.\n\n[["I could be your friend."|MakeFriends][$opinion += 3]]\n[[-- Pet Maude --|MeetMaude_b][$opinion += 1; $maudeOpinion += 4]]\n[[...|MeetMaude_d][$opinion -= 1]]

by Connor Thomas Cleary

<<set $meriOpinion -= 20>>\s\n<<set $oxferdOpinion -= 20>>\s\nYou stare at the back wall of the meat locker with unfocused eyes. No: past the wall, and off into the far distance beyond.\n\nThe Collectors are shouting for your help, but you don't even hear them.\n\n<html> Oxferd \n You're the shit, man! I'll name my firstborn after you, I swear. Just get me the hell down from here! Please! Are you even listening to me? \n Meri \n All's forgiven if you just help me get him down. Please. We'll leave and never come back. You can have the house if you want! Take my ride! Anything. Just help us, please. </html>\s\nYou ease yourself into a turn, and your eyes remain focused on the invisible distance. None of this is your problem. None of it ever was.\n\n<<RideOffEnding "Meri and Oxferd seem like a resourceful pair anyway. You're sure they'll figure something out.">>\n\n[[The end.|Stats]]

He smiles. It's all sinkholes and yellow rot, but it's a smile.\n\n<html> Reginald \n Maybe so, Unger. Maybe so. </html>\s\n[[-- Pet Maude --|MeetMaude_b][$opinion += 1; $maudeOpinion += 4]]

postrender.getOpinion = function(p) {\n console.log('------------------');\n console.log('Passage: ' + this.title);\n console.log('Op: Reg : ' + state.history[0].variables['opinion']);\n console.log('Op: Maude : ' + state.history[0].variables['maudeOpinion']);\n console.log('Op: Oxferd : ' + state.history[0].variables['oxferdOpinion']);\n console.log('Op: Meri : ' + state.history[0].variables['meriOpinion']);\n}\n\ntry {\n version.extensions['textinput'] = { \n major:1, minor:0, revision:0 \n };\n macros['textinput'] = {\n handler: function(place, macroName, params, parser) {\n varName = params[0].replace("$","");\n var input = document.createElement('input');\n input.type = "text";\n id = varName + "TextInput";\n input.id = id;\n input.addEventListener('keyup', function() {\n state.history[0].variables[varName] = document.getElementById(id).value;\n });\n place.appendChild(input);\n }, \n init: function() { var varName; var id; }\n };\n} catch(e) {\n throwError(place,"textinput Setup Error: "+e.message); \n}\n\ntry {\n version.extensions['dropdown'] = { \n major:1, minor:0, revision:0 \n };\n macros['dropdown'] = {\n handler: function(place, macroName, params, parser) {\n console.log(params);\n varName = params[0].replace("$","");\n options = [];\n for (i = 1; i < params.length; i++) {\n options.push(params[i])\n }\n var select = document.createElement('select');\n id = varName + "Select";\n select.id = id;\n select.addEventListener('change', function() {\n state.history[0].variables[varName] = document.getElementById(id).value;\n });\n\n for (i = 0; i < options.length; i++) {\n var option = document.createElement('option');\n option.value = options[i];\n option.text = options[i];\n select.appendChild(option);\n }\n place.appendChild(select);\n }, \n init: function() { var varName; var options; var id; }\n };\n} catch(e) {\n throwError(place,"select Setup Error: " + e.message); \n}\n\n\ntry {\n version.extensions['textinput'] = { \n major:1, minor:0, revision:0 \n };\n macros['logdead'] = {\n handler: function() {\n console.log("------------------");\n console.log("------ DEAD ------");\n }, \n init: function() { \n }\n };\n} catch(e) {\n throwError(place,"logdead Setup Error: "+e.message); \n}

Reginald turns his back to the unconscious Meri and hisses a big, exasperated sigh through his teeth. He puts a hand on his forehead and drags it down across his face.\n\n<html> Reginald \n Unger, I swear to shit, man... if you keep giving me this silent treatment, I'm gonna cut your damn tongue out since you've apparently got no interest in using it anyways. </html>\s\nHe glares expectantly. His nostrils are flared and his mouth is a hard line.\n\n[[...|ReginaldLosesIt][$opinion -= 4]]\n<<if previous() neq "FeedMaude_hesitant">>\s\n[["... What do you want me to do?"|FeedMaude_hesitant]]\n<<endif>>\s\n[["I won't be a part of this." -- Draw your revolver. --|FeedMaude_draw][$opinion -= 5; $maudeOpinion -= 2; $oxferdOpinion += 5]]

<<ReginaldAndTheCollectorTalk_pt1 "The woman scowls and wrenches the hammer down on her revolver.">>\n\nThe woman grits her teeth, hisses an exhalation, and starts quaking with rage. Her arms tense up ever so slightly.\n\n[["Drop it, lady!" -- Raise your gun at the Collector. --|ConfrontCollector_threaten][$opinion += 2; meriOpinion -= 3]]\n[["Drop it, Reginald!" -- Raise your gun at Reginald. --|ConfrontCollector_threatenReginald][$opinion -= 4; $meriOpinion += 4; $turncoat = true]]\n[[-- Shoot her! --|ConfrontCollector_legshot][$opinion += 1; $shotAtCollector = true; $meriOpinion -= 10]]\n[[...|ConfrontCollector_silence]]

<<set $opinion = 0>>\s\n<<set $maudeOpinion = 0>>\s\n<<set $turncoat = false>>\s\n<<set $gunLoaded = false>>\s\n<<set $shotAtCollector = false>>\s\n<<set $meriOpinion = -2>>\s\n<<set $oxferdOpinion = -2>>\s\n<<set $deaths = 0>>\s\n<<set $earShot = false>>\s\n<html> EXT. DESERT - HIGH NOON </html>\s\nThe horizon wavers, roasting over the heat of the sand and stone beneath you. Wandering gusts conjure passing veils out of the Truxican desert floor.\n\nYour feet are heavy weights dragging wakes in the sand. Every breath is laborious. The hot, dry air is gritty, passing your parched throat with all the grace of sandpaper. You try your canteen again. Still empty.\n\nThe sun glares down like a sadistic prison guard.\n\nThere's a reflection in the distance. A glint of metal. The corrugated tin roof of a shack.\n\nYour eyes strain to draw the shack into focus. It squats in the shade of a rocky overhang with shoddy, patchwork walls of scavenged material.\n\nThere's a porch beneath the front eave. You haul your body forward in spite of its protestations. A human figure takes shape out of the heat distortion.\n\n[[-- Keep going. --|Start2]]\n\n\n\n<html>\n* This story is for entertainment purposes only, and not for commercial gain. It takes place in the universe of Borderlands™ -- Borderlands, Maliwan, Dahl, and Jakobs, are registered trademarks and/or intellectual property of Gearbox Software, LLC, and are used herein under Fair Use intellectual property law.\n</html>

While <<print parameter(0)>> keeping Reginald busy, in one swift motion Meri pulls her revolver from the waist of his pants, places it against the back of his skull, and fires.\n\n<<FreezerGunshot "Reginald's shocked expression is erased into a sprinkling of red mist. It trickles down around you like the gentlest rain.">>\n\nThrough your deafened haze, you hear a manic, victorious laughter erupting from Oxferd above you.

add opinion inc/decrement to _enthusiastic route\n\nAlso "WarnReginald" route -->\n\n\nAdd more maudeOpinion+s

<html> Reginald \n You double-crossing, no-good, rakk-bait sonuva bullymong. You're gonna pay for this, Unger. You, are going, to pay. \n\n You \n I don't think so, Reg. Hey, you. In the landfill costume. Come tie him up. \n\n Meri \n Gladly. \n\n The swagger in her step is palpable. She's terminally overconfident. \n\n Meri (CONT'D) \n I don't know who you are, new guy, but I'm gonna take good care of you when we get back to camp. As for you, Roggy, I am going to tie you to the back of my ride and drag your sorry-- </html>

You raise your revolver toward the lunging heap of muscle and raw murderous instinct, but before you can get her in your sights, her teeth tear your wrist to shreds.\n\nThe gun clatters to the floor and Maude's weight hurls you back and down into the metal wall.\n\nYour skull connects with a jutting bolt. It drives into your temple. A white flash of snow and a sear of pain radiate from the point of impact.\n\nThen darkness.\n\n''YOU ARE DEAD.''<<logdead>>\n\n''Please use your browser's Back button to try another way.''\n\n

<html> EXT. CLIFFSIDE SHACK - HIGH NOON </html>\s\nYou finally decide to go look.\n\n<<display DescribeTheCollector>>\n\n<<display ReginalDragsCollector>>\n\nYou move out of the doorway, and Reginald trudges along, the bleeding Collector squelches across the floorboards in tow.\n\nHe starts toward the hallway where the other bloody trail disappears around the corner.\n\n[["What are you going to do to her?"|RegReCollectorWhatDo]]\n[["Wait. Why? Tell me why you did this."|RegReCollectorWhy][$opinion -= 1]]\n[["Tell me why you did this. Right now!"|RegReCollectorWhy][$opinion -= 2]]\n[[-- Thumbs up. --|RegReCollectorAgree][$opinion += 2]]\n[[-- Thumbs up. -- (lie)|RegReCollectorPretendAgree][$opinion += 2; $turncoat = true]]\n[[...|RegReCollectorSilence]]

You start toward the porch.\n\nThe shade. It's right there. Oh, mercy, you can almost feel it.\n\n<html> Reginald \n Whoa there, fella! Who the hell d'ya think you are chargin' up on me like that?</html>\s\n<<display HereComesMaude>>\n<html> Reginald \n Now if I were you. I'd get to introducin' myself a'fore I decide you're Maude's next meal. </html>\s\n[["Sure. Yes. Of course, um, sir"|IntroduceNoMaude][$opinion += 2]]\n[["Okay, you goddamn lunatic! Call off the hound."|IntroduceNoMaude][$opinion -= 1; $maudeOpinion -= 1]]\n[[...|IntroduceStoic][$opinion -= 1]]

Reginald turns back toward Meri on the table.\n\nYou see Meri's revolver still tucked into the back of his pants.\n

You fall back on the manners your Momma taught you. Maybe that'll convince him you're not a complete bastard.\n\n<html> You \n My name is Unger. And I'd be much obliged if I could just sit in the shade for a spell. </html>\s\n<<if $opinion gte 0>><html> Reginald \n Sure nice to meet you, I'm Reginald. As to tasting a sweet piece of my shade? Well, 'fraid that ain't up to me. You'll have to make yer case to Maude. \n(yelling)\nHey, Maude! Git on out here, girl!\n</html>\s\n<<else>>\s\n<<display ReginaldIntroDislike>>\n<<endif>>\s\n<<display HereComesMaude>>\n\n[["Holy sh-- Nice doggie. Niice doggie."|MeetMaude_a][$opinion -= 1; $maudeOpinion += 1]]\n[[-- Try to pet the ... dog? --|MeetMaude_b][$maudeOpinion += 1]]\n[[-- Throw your canteen at it! --|MeetMaude_c][$opinion -= 1; $maudeOpinion -= 2]]\n[[...|MeetMaude_d]]

You didn't care about the Collectors, you didn't care about Reginald. All you wanted to do was not die, and you've accomplished that. <<if parameter(0)>><<print parameter(0)>><<endif>>\s\n\n<<if $maudeDead eq false>>\s\n<<display SadMaude>>\n\n<html> You \n Come on then, you little monster. Let's get out of here. </html>\s\n<<set $maudeOpinion += 5>>\s\n<<endif>>\s\n\n<html> EXT. CLIFFSIDE SHACK - AFTERNOON </html>\s\nAfter scavenging everything useful out of the kitchen and living room, you're positively distraught: you still haven't found anything to drink. You load up Meri's vehicle and strap the Maliwan across your back.\n\nYou're about to jump into the desert-runner when something catches your eye: sweet merciful Molly, it's a heavy iron water pump jutting out of the sand beside the shack.\n\nForgetting everything else, you sprint for the pump. Joyful tears wet the corners of your eyes. You grab a bucket lying alongside the pump and place it beneath the spout. You haul up on the pump's lever and slam it down, then repeat again and again. Ypu pump with a clarity of purpose you've never felt in your life.\n\nThe splash of water into the pail is the most beautiful sound you've ever heard. Raising the bucket to your face, you get almost as much water on you as in you.\n\n<<display FirstDrink>>\n<<if $maudeDead eq false>>\s \nYou call Maude over and give her a bucketfull of water a well. She seems appreciative.\n\n<<endif>>\nAfter you've sated yourself, you fill your canteen, load up into the runner, and prepare for the journey ahead of you.\n\nYou know which direction Meri came from. It's a start, and it's good enough for you. The engine revs at your touch.\n\n<<if $maudeDead eq false>>\s \nMaude sits panting behind you with her eyes half-shut against the breeze, and a lolling pink tongue tinted red.\n\n<<endif>>\s\nTime to get moving.

/% $maudeOpinion is always gte 0 here %/\nIn the hallway, you find Maude slinking around the corner with sad eyes and a heavy head. You reach down and scratch her behind the ears, she brightens, but almost imperceptibly. \n\nMaude follows at your heels.

You use the Collector's positioning against her. Sprinting to the right makes it hard for her to keep you in her sights. Meri tries to roll onto her belly and to keep a line on you.\n\nTwo. Three. Four shots sting the air behind you.\n\nYou know it's a six-shooter. You keep sprinting.\n\nFive. Your head snaps down instinctively before you even recognize the whining of the bullet through the air. It clips a chunk out of your ear.\n<<set $earShot = true>>\s\n\nThen silence.\n\nYou look up to find Reginald standing over her holding his rifle, butt-down. Meri is unconscious.\n\n<html> Reginald \n What in the Samuel Hillock is wrong with you, boy? I had it under control. </html>\s\nYou wince and clamp down on your ear to slow the bleeding.\n\n[["She was going to shoot you."|ShotCollector_explainNice][$opinion += 1]]\n[["Sorry for saving your life, you fucking ingrate."|ShotCollector_explainMean][$opinion -= 2]]

Reginald struggles against the bear trap, trying to release the teeth. He stomps down on the spring until they wrench open just enough that Meri's leg slides free. The trap chomps back down, catching the Collector's bloody shoelace.\n\nReginald picks her up by the armpits and walks backwards, hunching over to keep his grip. He hauls her clumsily up onto the porch and toward the door.\n\nA streak of blood traces out the path behind him.

Oxferd's eyes go white at the edges. He raiss his remaining hand and shouts over the growl of the chainsaw.\n\n<html> Oxferd \n Stop! Stop! Okay, man! I'll help you. Just: please don't. \n\n You tamp down and let the chainsaw rumble back to a stop. \n\n Reginald \n What in the name of the high holy dung beetle are you two piss-wits talkin' about back here? \n\n Reginald points at Oxferd and glares at you with a red face. \n\n Reginald \n You got to the count of "asshole" to shave a piece offa this worthless piece or you're gonna be Maude's next meal. You get me, boy? </html>\s\nThe man is exasperating. With a sigh, you glance at Oxferd. He nods with hurried insistence.\n\nYou don't care about any of this. All you really want is revenge on the assholes who tried to kill you.\n\nAnd there's only one way you're getting the information you need.\n\nThen again, Reginald has a score to settle with the Collectors too, he could make a terrifying ally.\n\n[[-- Kill Reginald. Get information. --|Oxferd_killReginald][$oxferdOpinion += 7; $turncoat = true]]\n[[-- Consider siding with Reginald. --|Oxferd_hesitate][$turncoat = false]]

He eyes you for a while. An uncomfortably long while. \n\nIt's like he's daring you to speak. But you remain firm in your muteness.\n\n<html> Reginald \n Stoic type, eh? Don't much care for stoic types. Quiet enough as it is out here. But suit yourself I s'pose. </html>\s\n<<display HereComesTheCollector>> <html> He turns to you with a severe look. \n Reginald (CONT'D)\n Unger, I'ma need you to go on inside and stay mousey. That there's the sound'a some imminent trouble.</html>\s\n[[-- Do as you're told, go inside. --|HideFromCollector][$opinion += 1]]\n[["Why should I?"|QuestionHideFromCollector]]\n[["If there's violence afoot, I'm not going to miss out."|DontHideFromCollector][$opinion -= 1]]

In a panic, you hurl your canteen at the bear-sized beast. There's a guttural rumbling for half a breath, then Maude leaps off the porch at you--\n\n[[-- Fight! --|FightMaude][$maudeOpinion += 4]]\n[[-- Flight! --|FleeMaude][$maudeOpinion -= 3]]

You very... very slowly reach your hand toward Maude's mangy head. She tracks your every movement.\n\nHer snout darts forward--\n\n[[-- Don't move. --|PetMaude][$opinion += 2; $maudeOpinion += 5]]\n[[-- Throw your canteen at it! --|MeetMaude_c][$opinion -= 1; $maudeOpinion -= 2]]\n[[-- Run away! --|FleeMaude]]

<html> You \n Ohh, crap. Nice doggie. I'm a good guy, please don't eat me. I'm really not a bad-- \n\n Reginald spits. It tings against the pail. \n\n Reginald \n Can't stand the sight of groveling. Would'ja shut up already? Maude, sit. This pansy ain't gonna be no trouble. \n\n Maude seemed to enjoy your groveling though.</html>\s\n<<display HereComesTheCollector>><html>\n You \n What? What's going on? \n\n Reginald \n Nothin 'at concerns you. Just go on inside and don't come out. Even if-- No: Especially if you hear screamin.\n\n A wicked smirk splits Reginald's cheek. </html>\s\n[[-- Do as you're told, go inside. --|HideFromCollector][$opinion += 1]]\n[["Why should I?"|QuestionHideFromCollector]]\n[["If there's violence afoot, I'm not going to miss out."|DontHideFromCollector][$opinion -= 1]]\n

You heft the chainsaw and throw Oxferd a big toothty grin as you haul back on the starter cord. The noise is unbearably loud as it bounces off the metal walls of the small meat locker.\n\nYou tamp down the chain brake and the saw rumbles to a stop. You twist a finger in your ear theatrically.\n\n<html> You \n Hoo, boy, is that loud or what? So, Oxy. Is it okay if I call you Oxy? 'Cause I'm gonna. \n\n Oxferd \n Fuck you, man. You're just as twisted as this sick bastard. Hope you're proud of yourself. \n\n You \n Anyway, Oxy. I have a few questions for you. \n\n Oxferd spits at you, then groans in pain. \n\n Reginald \n The hell you doin, Unger? I said feed my lady, not chat up yours. \n\n You \n I'm getting to it. Maude'll survive another minute. \n\n Maude whines as if to say she doesn't believe she will, in fact, survive another minute. \n\n You (CONT'D)\n So: Where's home, chief? Where do you and your Collector buddies pile up for a snuggle puddle every night? \n\n Oxferd \n Pfft. Why would I tell you? \n You bring the chainsaw up a little higher, and stroke along the length of the bar. \n\n You \n Well, you heard Reginald. The lady of the house is positively ravenous. And the way I see it: I can either make this fast, or real, real slow for you. </html>\s\nYou give him the most manic grin you can manage.\n\nHe averts his eyes and ignores you.\n\n[["Alright. Slow it is, then." -- Rev the chainsaw. --|Oxferd_threatenSlow][$oxferdOpinion -= 5; $meriOpinion -= 5; $opinion += 4]]\n[["I said: I can make it fast." -- Hold up your gun. --|Oxferd_offerBullet]]

A gunshot concusses the air in the small metal freezer. Your ears sing with pain. <<if parameter(0)>><<print parameter(0)>><<endif>>\n\nEverything is muted. The meat locker is coated in a high pitched monotone.

Like a gunslinger at high noon, you quickdraw and fire from the hip.\n\n<<FreezerGunshot "">>\n\nMeri's hand goes slack around the pistol and it falls back into its holster. There's a sad awareness in her eyes and a furious rage in her gritted teeth.\n\n<html> Meri \n Ox... </html>\s\nHer strength fails, her eyes fall, and her limp form tumbles down off the gurney.\n\nReginald is standing pale-faced and still as bone. Maude is at his feet, pawing at his leg.\n\n<html> Reginald \n That thing was loaded? </html>\s\nYou casually blow smoke off the tip of the barrel.\n\n[["So, about that drink..."|BefriendReginald][$opinion += 6]]\n[["I'm taking her ride."|LeaveReginald]]\n[[-- Kill Reginald. --|KillReginald][$maudeOpinion -= 3]]

You've upset him.\n<html> Reginald \n What the hell'sit look like? Making myself a drink. I'm thirsty. </html>\s\nReginald throws you a look of disgust, then angles away from you and continues his spitting.\n\n[["Very clever."|Introduce][$opinion += 2]]\n[["But that's not going to-- Okay. Sure. Why not."|Introduce][$opinion += 1]]\n[["Look, could I just get something to drink?"|AskForDrink][$opinion -= 1]]\n[["I'm dying here. Give me a fucking drink already."|AskForDrink][$opinion -= 2]]

She glances a dagger at you and hesitates.\n\nReginald sports a sadistic grin and theatrically throws down his rifle.\n\nMeri looks confused. Reginald drops into a fighting stance and throws her a come-hither motion.\n\nShe's enraged enough to fall for it. Meri charges forward to take him hand-to-hand.\n\n<<display TrapCatchesCollector>>\n\n<<ReginaldAndTheCollectorTalk_pt2 " " "Reginald bashes her in the head with a wet, sickening thwack.">><html> Reginald \n 'Ay, Unger. Wanna quit spankin' your spud and give me a damn hand over here? </html>\n[["Sure thing, buddy."|KOCollector_help][$opinion += 1]]\n[[...|KOCollector_silence][$opinion -= 1]]\n\n\n

You pad carefully behind Reginald, trying to avoid the bloody smear Meri's leaving behind. Maude is doing no such thing. She leaves tracks across the floor that might've been cute if it were paint.\n\nReginald turns the corner and pauses outside a heavy steel door sporting a hatch wheel. He holds Meri up with one hand and draws a massive metal key from his pocket.\n\nHe impales the door with the key and you hear chunky metal reverberations as the lock disengages. \n\nThat's when you hear it.\n\nIt's muffled at first. You can't make out the words, it just sounds like shrieking incoherent babble.\n\nReginald spins the lock and kicks his heel against the door. It creaks into the room. A blast of icy air sluices past you out of the freezer, accompanied by a slurry of screaming and barely intelligible profanity.\n\n[[-- Follow Reginald into the meat locker. --|IntoTheFreezer]]

Maude snaps at your right foot.\n\nYou barely escape the gnashing teeth. Using the momentum, you cock your leg back, then snap: Your heel crashes hard into Maude's eye.\n\nThere's a commotion above you but you can't make sense of it over the desperate fight for your life.\n\nShe's driven back a step, dazed. You fling your weight to the right and roll into another kick. It lands behind her jaw.\n\n[[-- Choke her out! --|FightMaude_choke]]\n[[-- Run! --|FightMaude_flee][$maudeOpinion -= 2]]\n\n

<<set $regsDead = false>>\s\n<<set $maudeDead = false>>\s\n<<set $oxferdDead = false>>\s\n<<set $meriDead = false>>\s\n<html> INT. SMALL MEAT LOCKER\n\n This room is the stuff of nightmares. The walls are lined with chains and hooks, and magenetic strips where various metal implements are hung. The number of stained, blackened knives is enough to make you uneasy on its own. As if that weren't enough though, piles of red-caked bones of indistinct origin lay in piles around the room. \n\n Oxferd \n By the five-and-a-quarter hells, Reginald, when my brothers find out about this, you're going to--! (beat) Oh god, Meri! What the hell did you do to my Meri, you monster?! \n\n Oxferd is covered in tattoos. That is: What's left of him. He's hanging from the ceiling by a long chain and a meathook impaled through his torso, just beneath the rib cage. His left leg has been hacked off at the knee, and his left arm at the elbow. The weight imbalance leaves him dangling at a wild angle. About three feet above the floor, his remaining foot could kick you in the solar plexus if he cared to. \n\n He wears tatters and rags not unlike Meri's ridiculous outfit. His hair was buzzed into a tri-hawk at some point, but has grown out a bit since then. \n\n Behind Oxferd, you notice a few sides of beef and pork. Your stomach roils a bit at the juxtaposition. \n\n Reginald drags Meri into the room and slumps her up onto a kind of gurney with her head pointed toward the door behind you. \n\n Reginald \n Quit yer bitchin', Oxferd. You sorry sack. I'm doing you a favor here.\n(beat)\nLook at it this way: You get to spend your last precious moments with your horrible twat of a ladyfriend here. I'm sure all this torment and hardship will do nothing if not bring you two closer together. \n\n Oxferd \n Well that's mighty fucking saintly of you. (groans in pain) Hey, Roggy. Did I mention how I'm going to eat your goddamn eyeballs when I get out of here?\n\n Reginald \n A'course you are, tough guy. \n\n Reginald turns to you and winks with a terrifying, toothy grin. \n\n Reginald \n\n (whispering \nHeh, heh. I pump him full of speed so he can't sleep or pass out from the pain. And just between you and me, I think all his mouthin' off is high-larious.\n (normal speaking voice) \nUnger, while I'm gettin this bitch ready for a hook, wouldja do me a favor and give Maude her lunch? \n\n At the word lunch, Maude starts prancing around the room and slavering disconcertingly. In her excitement, she snatches up a bone and shakes it like she's trying to kill a rabbit. \n\n Oxferd \n (to you) \n Come on, man. you gotta help us. This dude's crazy. We didn't do nothing to deserve this-- \n (groans) \nPlease, man. Please help-- \n\n Reginald throws a haymaker at Oxferd's leg wound. He screams. \n\n Reginald \n C'mon, Unger. The fuck you waitin for? My girl's hungry. </html>\s\nAs a general rule, you're pretty anti-torture. But on the other hand, these people //are// with the gang of thugs that left you for dead, and revenge might be just the thing... Then again, Reginald is clearly a dangerous lunatic.\n\n[["No." -- Draw your revolver. --|FeedMaude_draw][$opinion -= 5; $maudeOpinion -= 2; $oxferdOpinion += 5; $turncoat = true]]\n[["I'm going to give you one chance to stop this. Right now."|FeedMaude_threaten][$opinion -= 2; $oxferdOpinion += 2]]\n[["Sure thing, buddy. A piece of this guy?"|FeedMaude_enthusiastic][$opinion += 2; $maudeOpinion += 3; $oxferdOpinion -= 10]]\n[["Oh, jaysus... What do you want me to do?"|FeedMaude_hesitant][$opinion -= 1]]\n[[...|FeedMaude_silence][$opinion -= 2]]\n\n

<<display ReginaldsDoom_pt1>>\n<html> You \n Hey, Reginald. \n He turns around with so much irritation that his face has gone red. \n Reginald \n What? What the hell is it? \n You \n Well, I was just thinking... It's like-- You know how when you're, um-- </html>\s\n<<ReginaldsDoom_pt2 "you're">>\n<<set $regsDead = true>>\s\n\n[[-- Help him down. --|HelpCollectors]]\n[[-- Kill them all. --|KillThemAll]]\n[[-- Walk away. --|WalkAway]]

<<if previous() neq "RegReCollectorWhatDo">>\s\n<<ReginaldDropsBody "mad">>\n<<endif>>\s\n<html>\n Reginald \n Now I'm not sure what kind of fancy schoolin' you may or may not've had, but do you know what the word "exploited" means?\n\n You nod. \n\n Reginald \n Good. And you see this fancy house? You see how I live like a damn king out here? \n\n You... nod. \n\n Reginald \n Well I ain't got no fancy booksmarts. I earned this place by the sweat of my ass, and by hefting a damn pickaxe every waking moment lookin' for Gennicite veins. \n\n He paces around the kitchen. \n\n Reginald \n Was makin a good living too. Real good. Maliwan reps would stop in and buy a load biweekly. \n\n You \n Is that twice a week or every two weeks? \n\n Reginald \n Every two weeks, ya idjit. So as I was sayin: I was makin a good living at it. Then the Collectors moved in, laid claim, and the whole neighborhood went to shit. They ran off the Maliwan reps and started payin' pennies on the dollar to what I were makin before. Said they were taking "protection money" outta my pay. \n (spits) \nBastards. </html>\s\n<<if previous() neq "RegReCollectorWhatDo">>\s\n[["What are you going to do to her?"|RegReCollectorWhatDo]]\n<<endif>>\s\n[["Fair enough. How can I help?"|RegReCollectorAgree][$opinion += 3]]\n[["Fair enough. How can I help?" (lie)|RegReCollectorPretendAgree][$opinion += 3; $turncoat = true]]\n[[...|RegReCollectorSilence]]

<html> You \n Maude, stop! It's me! Come on, girl, it's Uncle Unger! \n\n Her jaws snap and rear and snap again. \n\n You \n Good girl, Maude. Be a good girl and calm down! </html>\s\nHer movements slow. She gazes out through a kind of fog. Heavy, wet, panting breaths billow out across your chest.\n\n<<FreezerGunshot "Maude startles, leaps for the door, and disappears down the hall.">>\n\nYou turn to find Meri straddled atop Reginald, pressing his own blue Tediore down against his now less-than-intact skull.\n<<set $regsDead = true>>\s\n<<if $shotAtCollector>>\s\nAs you watch Meri, she tries to swing the barrel over towards you, but she's unsteady. You suspect it's from blood loss. Her eyelids flicker. The gun falls from her hand and she topples back over Reginald.\n\n<<else>>\nAs you watch Meri, her eyes roll and she topples down over Reginald's body. You suspect it's from blood loss.\n\n<<endif>>\s\nYou're vaguely aware of a voice, dull through your near-deafness. Oxferd is shouting at you and motioning frantically with his hand. He winces against his own movements.\n\n[[-- Help him down. --|HelpCollectors]]\n[[-- Kill them all. --|KillThemAll]]\n[[-- Walk away. --|WalkAway]]\n

<html> You \n It's Unger. Now listen: I've been slogging across hell's hotplate here for more hours than I care to count. Least you could do is offer me a spot of shade.</html><<display ReginaldIntroDislike>> <<display HereComesMaude>>\n\n[["Holy sh-- Nice doggie. Niice doggie."|MeetMaude_a][$opinion -= 1; $maudeOpinion += 2]]\n[[-- Try to pet the ... dog? --|MeetMaude_b][$maudeOpinion += 4]]\n[[-- Throw your canteen at it! --|MeetMaude_c][$opinion -= 1; $maudeOpinion -= 2]]\n[[...|MeetMaude_d]]

<html> Oxferd \n Baby, no! Stop! </html>\s\n<<if $shotAtCollector eq true>>\nYou hurtle to the ground and the shot whistles past your ear so close that you shiver.\n<<else>>\s\nYou hurtle to the ground and the shot takes a chunk out of your ear. Wincing, you clamp down on your ear to slow the bleeding.\n<<set $earShot = true>>\s\n<<endif>>\nYour nostrils are flared and your eyes are damn near burning as you pull yourself back to your feet.\n\nYou're glaring at Meri. Her revolver clicks once, twice. Empty. You knew it would be.\n\nOxferd pleads. You don't bother to look at him.\n\n<html> Oxferd \n Come on, man. She didn't mean it. Go easy on her. I'll tell you everything you want to know, just don't hurt her! Just get me down from here and we all live to fuck another day, Right, pal? </html>\s\nThe chainsaw, apparently out of gas or overheated, hisses to a stop.\n\n[[-- Help him down. --|HelpCollectors]]\n[[-- Kill them all. --|KillThemAll]]\n[[-- Walk away. --|WalkAway]]\n

<<set $gunLoaded = true>>/% obsolete, leaving here just in case%/\s\n<html> You \n There is no way I'm going into that torture dungeon unarmed. </html>\s\nYou sneak off to the living room while Reginald is busy with the Collector. For a moment, you consider grabbing the Maliwan on the porch, but decide that would be too conspicuous.\n\nYou forage around in the living room, rifling through the piles of clothes until finally, out of the very last pile pops a single revolver clip with six shots.\n\nYou crack open the swing out cylinder and pop in the six pack of bullets. You were hoping to find something to drink while you were at it, but no such luck. With your trusty Dahl loaded, you head back toward the hallway.\n\n[[-- Catch up with Reginald. --|FollowReginaldDownHall]]

You dash forward and hold Meri down before she and Oxferd can do anything.\n\nReginald throws you a puzzled look.\n\n<html> Reginald \n Well thank you mighty kindly for saving me from this most dangerous, and might I add: unconscious, lady right here. \n\n You \n She's awake, man. And she was about to try something. \n\n He looks amused, then leans his face right down over Meri's. You lean back and cross your arms, irritated. \n\n Reginald \n 'Zat true, darlin'? You up and at'em? \n\n After a moment, there's no response. Reginald looks up at you with mock surprise. He proceeds to knock on her forehead like a door. \n\n Reginald \n Hellooo. Anybody home--? </html>\s\nIn a flash, Meri grabs Reginald's arm and yanks it to the side. Reginald spins as his arm is pulled out from under him, and lands atop Meri, face-up. She locks him down with a chokehold, and Reginald squelches in a pathetic attempt to speak. He flails his arms and worms like a toddler who doesn't want to be held.\n\nMaude is agitated and growling furiously. She grabs a mouthful of Reginald's pants and tries to pull him out of Meri's grip.\n\n<html> Oxferd \n That's my girl, yeah! Kill that asshole! </html>\s\n[["Let. Him. Go." -- Draw your gun. --|SaveReginald2][$turncoat = false; $meriOpinion -= 5; $oxferdOpinion -= 7; $opinion += 6; $maudeOpinion += 1]]\n[[-- Let the asshole die. --|MerisRevenge_choke][$turncoat = true; $opinion = -100; $oxferdOpinion += 5; $meriOpinion += 3]]\n

<html> You \n I gotta go. But thank you for all your... \n (beat) \nhospitality? </html>\s\n<<if $opinion gte 1>>\s\n<html> Reginald \n You're... leaving? \n\n Reginald is uncharacteristically distraught. It might even be endearing if he weren't a terrifying, sadistic murderer. \n\n Reginald (CONT'D) \n But. But I thought we might... \n He fakes a cough and swallows hard to collect himself. \n\n Reginald (CONT'D) \n Well, you know. Do what'cha gotta do, bubba. I ain't gonna stop ya. </html>\s\nHe turns away from you and starts picking up the meat locker. That whole dustup really did a number on the place.\n\nReginald takes up the chainsaw and reaches for the pull-cord. Just before the space fills with its aggressive rumbling, you're almost certain you hear a sniffle.\n\n<<else>>\s\n<html> Reginald \n Well fine then. Get lost, ya wastrel. Never wanted you here in the first place. And keep your grubby goddamn mitts off my stuff on your way out! </html>\s\nHe turns away from you and starts picking up the meat locker. That whole dustup really did a number on the place.\n\nReginald takes up the chainsaw and hauls back on the pull-cord. The engine's aggressive rumbling drowns out any hope of further conversation.\n\n<<endif>>\s\nMaude prances around again, knowing that the sound means it's meal time.\n\nYou reach down and scratch her once more behind the ears, but she's too enraptured with the imminent offering of manflesh to really notice you.\n<<set $maudeOpinion += 1>>\s\n\n\n<html> INT. FILTHY SHACK - AFTERNOON </html>\s\nThis whole sidetrack has been quite a ride, but it's time to get back on the rails. There's sweet, sweet vengeance just over the horizon, and it's time for you to go get it.\n\nYou pocket a couple cans of hopefully-still-good food on your way through the kitchen.\n\n\n<html> EXT. CLIFFSIDE SHACK - AFTERNOON </html>\s\nMeri's vehicle squats patiently on chunky tires, just waiting for you to take up the wheel and tear off into the sunset.\n\n[[The end.|Stats]]\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The man holds up a hand.\n\n<html> Reginald \n Stop right there. Is you a dervish? \n\n You \n I don't know. What's a dervish? \n\n Reginald \n Don't rightly know, n'fact. Think they got something to do with deserts and trickery. Hm. Might be them da-jinnis I'm thinking of. \n\n The man goes back to spitting in his pail.</html>\s\n[["What the hell are you doing?"|Meet_wth]]\n[["Do you have anything to drink? Please?"|AskForDrink][$opinion += 1]]\n[["I'm dying here. Give me a fucking drink already."|AskForDrink][$opinion -= 2]]\n[[...|Meet_silence]]

Maude splutters and wheezes.\n\nYou hurtle to your feet and make for the door.\n\n<<FreezerGunshot "Barely audible above the ringing, you hear a sudden, squawking cry.">>\n\nYou turn around slowly, hands raised.\n\nMeri is sitting upright on the floor atop Reginald. She is still bleeding profusely, and wielding Reginald's blue Tediore in her swaying hands. Reginald is face-down beneath her.\n\nShe's aiming at your feet. You look down to find Maude motionless beneath you.\n<<set $regsDead = true>>\s\n<<set $maudeDead = true>>\s\n<<if $shotAtCollector>>\s\nAs your eyes cast back to Meri, she tries to swing the barrel up towards you, but she's unsteady. You suspect it's from blood loss. Her eyelids flicker. The gun falls from her hand and she topples back over Reginald.\n\n<<else>>\nAs your eyes cast back to Meri, her eyes roll and she topples back over Reginald's body. You suspect it's from blood loss.\n\n<<endif>>\s\nYou're vaguely aware of a voice, dull through your near-deafness. Oxferd is shouting at you and motioning frantically with his remaining hand. He winces against his own movements.\n\nMeri shifts and begins to rouse. She shakes her head to clear it.\n\n[[-- Help him down. --|HelpCollectors]]\n[[-- Kill them all. --|KillThemAll]]\n[[-- Walk away. --|WalkAway]]

<html> Reginald \n Alright. I'd say you earned it. I got some good stuff stashed away in a safe spot. </html>\s\nReginald's smile is wide and sincere. He motions with a hand as if to say, "hang on a sec."\n\nHe walks toward the back of the meat locker, and reaches a hand up into a side of beef. It reminds you of a minor childhood trauma when you saw Jerem, the Veterinarian, with his arm shoulder deep in a horse. You cringe.\n\nAfter a bit of fiddling, out comes the arm, along with a gallon-sized water jug. Little red rivulets snake down the side of the container. You continue to cringe.\n\nReginald happily offers you his secret stash.\n\nYour curse your parched throat and sandpapery tongue. With more then a little unease, you uncork the jug, wipe at the lip with your sleeve, close your eyes, and take a drink.\n\n<<display FirstDrink>>\n\n<html> Reginald \n Yeah. It's some pretty good shit, huh? \n\n You \n You have no idea. \n\n You take a moment to survey the carnage. The idea dawns on you slowly. \n\n You \n Roggy, do you know where the Collectors roost? \n\n Reginald \n Yeah, why? \n\n You \n Because I think, between the two of us, we could murder the lot of them and make this world a better place. \n\n Reginald \n Betterin' the world through murder? Pretty sure I could get behind that. When do we start? \n\n You \n We already have. </html>\s\nYou take another swig.\n\n[[The end.|Stats]]\n\n\n\n\n

<<if parameter(0) eq "mad">>\s\nReginald scowls and drops the body unceremoniously. He pulls his goggles back up onto his forehead, and stands upright to growl at you.\n<<else>>\s\nReginald sighs and drops the body unceremoniously. He pulls his goggles back up onto his forehead, and stands up to talk at you.\n<<endif>>

<html> Reginald \n Well, if it ain't Meri. And here I thought they'd be sendin' along their biggest and meanest. </html><<if parameter(0)>><<print parameter(0)>>\n\n<<endif>>\s\n<html> Meri \n I may not be the biggest, cowboy, but you better goddamn believe that I will do unspeakably horrible things to you if you've got my man in there. \n\n Reginald \n Your manfriend's got a mouth on him. You know that? Yeahh. Came 'round here, talkin all this scat.\n (beat) \nNow I ain't sayin he's tied up and bleeding to death in my shack there. I ain't sayin that-- What I am saying is: \n (beat, voice drops a register) \nI'm feedin' him to my fuckin' dog piece by piece. </html> Reginald erupts in a sickening cackle.

<<if parameter(0) and parameter(0) neq " ">><<print parameter(0)>>\n\n<<endif>>\s\n<html> Meri \n\n(screaming)\nWhat the-- Gah! You psycho! Oh god. My leg, my leg. My fucking leg! I am going to rip your balls off! \n\n Reginald \n Oops. Looks like you dropped your pistol there. Lemme just go ahead and grab that.\n (laughing) \nYou know what the best part is? I got your boy with the same damn trap! Really! I only have the one. Y'all bandits sure is predictable. \n\n Meri \n What is wrong with you? All we ever did was keep you safe! Even after what you did. This is how you repay us? \n\n Reginald \n Keep me safe? Darlin', what in the seven and a half hells were you keeping me safe from? Only thing out here to be scared of is you and your pack a' ornery sadistic mongrels. \n\n The Collector growls through her teeth. \n\n Meri \n My brethren are going to make you suffer, Roggy. You are going to pay for what you've done -- \n\n Reginald \n (interrupting) \nQuit yer yappin already. </html>\s\n<<if parameter(1)>><<print parameter(1)>> \n\n<<endif>>\s\nSilence.

You're sure she's about to fire on Reginald, so you take the shot before she has a chance.\n\nThe round flies true, splintering her shin bone below the knee. Meri shrieks and falls onto her side.\n\nHer furious eyes flash your way. Still on the ground, she raises the revolver at you and starts firing wildly.\n\n[[-- Juke right. Away from the shack. --|ShotCollector_right]]\n[[-- Juke left. Make for the shack's door. --|ShotCollector_left]]

<<ReginaldAndTheCollectorTalk_pt1 "A woman's voice shouts back.">> \n\nFeet shuffle. Shots are fired. \n\nA metal clank. Meri is screaming. Whether it's in pain or rage, you're not sure. Maybe both.\n\n[[-- Go look! --|LookAfterScream]]\n[[-- Keep hiding. --|KeepHidingAfterScream]]

<html> Reginald \n Go on and take up that chainsaw. Then carve a piece off this worthless ass. \n He motions toward Oxferd with a thumb. \n Reginald \n Not too big though, she had a big breakfast. Didn't you, punkin? Yes you sure did. \n Maude looks like a child waiting to open her presents on Christmas morning: eyes wide, feet dancing in place, squirming with excitement. </html>

Reginald hunches down, grabs Meri by the armpits and drags her over the sand toward the porch.\n\nHe flops her indelicately up onto the porch, then hops up himself. A red trail follows behind as they both disappear into the shack.

Reginald grunts a bit, you hear metal grind, then clank.\n\nMaude is pacing excitedly.\n\nYou hear Reginald dragging the body up onto the porch. Toward the door. He wrestles the door open and backs into the shack.\n\n<<display DescribeTheCollector>>\n\nHer leg is mangled, and a trickle of blood curls down the side of her face. \n\nReginald smiles up at you. His chin pops up in a casual "Hey there," and he continues to drag Meri down the hall.\n\n[["What are you going to do to her?"|RegReCollectorWhatDo]]\n[["Wait. Why? Tell me why you did this."|RegReCollectorWhy][$opinion -= 1]]\n[["Tell me why you did this. Right now!"|RegReCollectorWhy][$opinion -= 2]]\n[[-- Thumbs up. --|RegReCollectorAgree][$opinion += 2]]\n[[-- Thumbs up. -- (lie)|RegReCollectorPretendAgree][$opinion += 2; $turncoat = true]]\n[[...|RegReCollectorSilence]]\n

<<display ReginalDragsCollector>>\n\nYou step out of his way as he comes inside.\n\nReginald smiles up at you. His chin pops up in a casual "Hey there," and he continues to drag her down the hall.\n\n[["What are you going to do to her?"|RegReCollectorWhatDo]]\n[["Wait. Why? Tell me why you did this."|RegReCollectorWhy][$opinion -= 1]]\n[["Tell me why you did this. Right now!"|RegReCollectorWhy][$opinion -= 2]]\n[[-- Thumbs up. --|RegReCollectorAgree][$opinion += 2]]\n[[-- Thumbs up. -- (lie)|RegReCollectorPretendAgree][$opinion += 2; $turncoat = true]]\n[[...|RegReCollectorSilence]]

Reginald glares with wide, incredulous eyes.\n<html> Meri \n Well, well, Roggy. Looks like your squire's a bit of a turncoat, eh? \n\n The Collector laughs. She is lapping this up like a thirsty coyote. \n\n Reginald \n (loud whisper) \nWhat the blazing shitstain are you doing, Unger? </html>\s\n[[-- Wink. --|FakeThreaten][$opinion += 1; $turncoat = false]]\n[[...|StoicThreaten][$opinion -= 3]]

<html> Reginald \n Great, I'll stomp this one. Go ahead'n put all your weight down on that flat bit there. \n\n With your combined weights, the trap yawns open. You keep your distance from the teeth. \n\n Reginald \n Alright now, help me up onto the porch with her. I got it from there. </html>\s\nYou do your best to avoid the downpour from the wounded leg as you help Reginald haul her weight up onto the porch.\n\nHe pauses and looks down at you with one squinted eye.\n\n<html> Reginald \n Here, gimme back that pistol right quick </html> \s\nWith some hesitation, you hand it back.\n\nHe walks backward into the shack, dragging her along the floor behind him.\n\n[[-- Follow Reginald inside. --|InsideAfterKO]]

You don't like this at all, but you're going to bide your time until you see an opportunity to stop it. Even if Meri is with the group that left you to die, you're sure that no one deserves whatever sort of torture awaits at the end of that hallway.\n\n<<if previous() neq "InsideAfterKO">>\s\n<<display ReginaldResumesDragging>>\n<<else>>\s\nReginald continues dragging the unconscious Collector down the hall.\n<<endif>>\n\n[[-- Look for weapons and ammo while he's distracted. --|SearchTheShack]]

Reginald sighs with exasperation.\n\n<html> Reginald \n Guess I can't be too mad at you for that. But believe you, me: I had that situation under control. She weren't gonna shoot me.\n (beat) \nI know Meri too well for that. She wanted blood on her hands, not on her bullets. Speaking of bullets: You won't be needin' that pistol no more. Give it here. </html> \s\nWith some hesitation, you hand it back.\n\n<<display ShotCollector_explainInc>>\n\n[[-- Follow Reginald inside. --|InsideAfterKO]]

<html> The man squints an eye at you and sneers. \n\n Reginald \n Y'know iss not polite to stare. Did them Collectors take out your tongue or somethin, bubba? \n\n He raises an eyebrow at you. </html>\s\n[["I'm just so thirsty. Is there anything to drink?"|AskForDrink]]\n[["Sorry. I should introduce myself."|Introduce][$opinion += 1]]\n[["My name's not Bubba, you bumpkin."|IntroduceBastardly][$opinion -= 1]]\n[[...|IntroduceStoic]]

<-----------------------------

Maude snaps at your feet. You scramble back in a frantic crab walk and press yourself against the wall trying to get back upright.\n\nMaude lunches and her teeth shred the soft viscera of your throat. It's pain beyond what you thought possible. But only for an instant.\n\nYou shake.\n\nCold sweat.\n\nYou fall into shock and everything goes black.\n\n''YOU ARE DEAD.''<<logdead>>\n\n''Please use your browser's Back button to try another way.''\n

<<if $shotAtCollector eq true>>\s\nIn your peripheral vision, Meri's eyes flutter for a moment. Staying inconspicuous, you gloss your eyes over the room until you're looking in her direction.\n\nHer eyes flit open again toward Oxferd. He sees her open eyes and his go wide. \n\n[[...|LetOxferdHelpMeri][$turncoat = true; $oxferdOpinion += 3; $meriOpinion += 1]]\n<<else>>\s\nIn your peripheral vision, Meri's eyes flutter for a moment. Staying inconspicuous, you gloss your eyes over the room until you're looking in her direction.\n\nHer eyes flit open again. She looks at you, then winks.\n\n[[-- Subtle nod. --|HelpMeri][$turncoat = true; $oxferdOpinion += 3; $meriOpinion += 5]]\n<<endif>>\s\n[["Hey, she's awake!"|WarnReginald][$turncoat = false; $meriOpinion -= 5; $oxferdOpinion -= 5]]\n[["Watch it!" -- Pin her down. --|SaveReginald][$turncoat = false; $meriOpinion -= 5; $oxferdOpinion -= 5]]

Reginald suppresses a sly grin. He's still mad that you took point, but at least he knows you're still on his team.\n\nHe throws his rifle down, then puts his hands up.\n\n<<display ThreatenReg_talkInc>>\s\n<<display TrapCatchesCollector>>\n<<ReginaldAndTheCollectorTalk_pt2 "Now Reginald is the one with the confident swagger." "Reginald bashes her in the head with a wet, sickening thwack.">> <html> Reginald \n Hey. Quit snoggin' yer noggin' and give me a hand with this. </html>\s\n[["Sure thing, buddy."|KOCollector_help][$opinion += 3]]\n[[...|KOCollector_silence][$opinion -= 2]]\n

It's too late for that.\n\nMeri fires three times into your chest. Your lungs fill with hot liquid and your mind goes blank against the pain.\n\nYou try to scream, but that only makes it hurt more.\n\nMeri says something, but you can't hear it over the ringing in your ears.\n\nShe raises the pistol and fires again.\n\n''YOU ARE DEAD.''<<logdead>>\n\n''Please use your browser's Back button to try another way.''

<<display WhyKillReginald>>\n\n<<if previous() eq "Oxferd_offerBullet">>\s\nYou take aim. \n\nReginald revs up the chainsaw. Its grumbling reverberations saturate the air.\n\nYou place a finger in your ear, and press the other down into your shoulder. And you squeeze the trigger.\n\nThe gunshot concusses the air in the small metal freezer. Reginald drops like a sack. You're certain you'd be half deaf if you hand't covered your ears.\n\n<<else>>\s\nAlmost unintentionally, your face scrunches up on one side in some semblance of "I'm sorry." Reginald's face contorts into an unspoken question.\n\nWith a jerk of your arms, you bury the hungry chainsaw in the side of his neck. The room is splattered with the mess.\n\nReginald goes down suddenly, pulling the machine from your grip.\n\n<<endif>>\s\n<<set $regsDead = true>>\s\nThe chainsaw falls to the floor with an incredible ruckus, and Maude bolts out of the room as if fired from a cannon. The blurring chain sparks off the concrete floor. It jumps and skids. Then the whole devices starts spinning wildly in place while the chain glances off the floor.\n\nYou start to feel the rush of a deal well made, and your mouth sneaks toward a smile.\n\n<<display MeriDraws>>\n\n[["Wait--!"|MeriDraw_wait]]\n[[-- Dive! --|MeriDraw_dive]]\n[[-- Shoot! -- |MeriDraw_shoot]]

<html> Reginald \n You are far mistaken if you think this idjit's got what it takes to kill me. You didn't save nothin'. I told you to follow my lead. But nahh, you had to go playin cowboy, didn'cha? </html>\nReginal snatches up Meri's revolver and sticks it in the waist of his pants behind him. He holds out a hand in your direction.\n\n<html> Reginald \n Fight's over, I'll take back that there pistol if'n ya please. Or even if'n you don't. \n</html>\s\nWith some hesitation, you hand it back.\n<<display ShotCollector_explainInc>>\n\n[[-- Follow Reginald inside. --|InsideAfterKO]]

<html> Reginald \n What?! </html>\s\nReginald turns back to Meri and reaches for his pistol. Oxferd throws his weight and swings out, catching Reginald with a boot to the back of the head.\n\nMeri reaches for the Tediore on Reginald's belt.\n\n[[-- Shoot her! --|WarnReginald_saveHim][$opinion += 4]]\n[[-- Stop her! --|WarnReginald_failToSave]]

Reginald picks up his Maliwan rifle and leans it over his shoulder. He beams a smile your way, but it's the smile of a used car salesman, not a friend.\n\n<<if $opinion lte 0>>\s\n<html> Reginald \n Now, I'ma gonna give you one last chance to get in the house. If you should choose to refuse, you got two options: Follow my lead. Or play catch with my Bessie.</html>\s\nHis rifle -- presumably Bessie -- pops off his shoulder and drops to his hip pointing your way.\n\n<<if $maudeOpinion lte 0>>\s\nMaude grumbles at you like a water heater in Hades.\n<<else>>\s\nMaude looks to you, then Reginald, and back again seemingly trying to get a read on the situation.\n<<endif>>\s\n\n[["Fine. Have it your way." -- Go inside. --|HideFromCollector][$opinion += 1]]\n[["Okay. You're calling the shots, but I'm staying right here."|DontHideFromCollector][$opinion += 1]]\n[["I choose: Fuck you." -- Fight Reginald. --|FightReginald]]\n[[...|DontHideFromCollector][$opinion -= 1]]\n<<else>>\s\n<html> Reginald \n Listen. There's about to be some real non-contextualized violence round here. Our acquaintance being so freshly forged and all, I'm afeard it might harm our budding friendship. You might get the wrong idea about me. \n\n You \n What's about to happen? \n\n The engine draws closer. \n\n Reginald squints through his red lenses, and takes an over-dramatic pause. \n\n Reginald \n Comeuppance. </html>\s\n[["Fine. I'll go inside and leave you to it."|HideFromCollector][$opinion += 1]]\n[["You're clearly insane, and I don't want to watch this. I'm going inside."|HideFromCollector][$opinion -= 2]]\n[["I'll help you."|DontHideFromCollector][$opinion += 1]]\n[[...|DontHideFromCollector][$opinion -= 1]]\n<<endif>>

Taking advantage of the opening, you hurl yourself toward Maude hoping to pin her down with your arm in her throat.\n\nShe reacts quickly and flails as you try to get a hold of her. She wriggles and thrashes, and her fur is oily and slick.\n\nIn her flailing, she lucks into driving the point of her skull up into your nose. Crackling pain jolts through your sinuses, your vision fades into shadow and off-black stars.\n\nYou're pinned down by powerful paws, vision still black.\n\nHot saliva drips down over your neck for a flash.\n\nThen your windpipe breaks and your throat is shredded, you try to scream but hear only a gargle before everything goes--\n\n''YOU ARE DEAD.''<<logdead>>\n\n''Please use your browser's Back button to try another way.''\n

<<if $maudeOpinion gte 0>>\s\nMaude looks uneasy. She spins to look at each of you in turn, whining pitiably.\n\n<<else>>\s\nMaude bares her teeth and it almost looks like a grin, as if she's been waiting for this moment.\n\n<<endif>>\s\nReginald scowls at you like you've never seen a man scowl before. The frown lines drip down past his jaw. He opens his mouth with palapable disgust, and speaks with a bitter, icy calm.\n\n<html> Reginald \n Maude. \n (beat) \nSycamore. </html>\s\nThe beast hurtles through the air like Reginald just pulled a trigger.\n\n[[-- Dodge! --|FightMaude_dodge]]\n[[-- Shoot! --|FightMaude_shootOne]]